The Koji Clan

My Weekend Away

2010-03-15T15:46:00.004-06:00

For Christmas, Steve and Debbie gave Shawn and I a weekend getaway to the Zermatt Resort. If you ever have the chance to purchase or use The Gift of Giving Certificate, please do so. This had to be one of the best presents ever. Especially since they took the kids so we could have a weekend alone. We decided to go during Shawn's spring break since he would be back in summer semester during our actual anniversary.

We got to the hotel about 6:30 and dropped off our stuff in the room and went to dinner. While we were standing outside our room, we noticed a smoky smell coming from the room next door. We didn't think anything of it other than it sucked to be next to a smoking room. We went to dinner at Mattie's Bistro and that was great; we got an appetizer, Shawn had steak and I had a brat, Cokes and then chocolate cake for dessert. Dinner was a whopping 7 dollars! We ran to Wal-Mart in Park City to get a DVD Player 'cause there wasn't one in the room and we brought movies to watch. Then we went back up to our room. As I was standing there waiting for Shawn to get our door opened, the smell from the other room was getting really strong and it was really starting to not smell like cigarette smoke.

Just then the door opened and a guy stumbled out, knocking the Do Not Disturb sign off of their door. He is giggling as he tries to get the sign back on the door and then kind of stumbles off down the hall. We get into our room and I can hear the other room talking. Not just mumbles, but actual words that they are saying. I am starting to get uncomfortable and so we go down to the front desk to complain. The front desk tells us that he will call the manager and let her know about the room, but that is pretty much all they can do. So, we go back up to our room and see the manager standing down the hall. When we get about 5 doors away from our room you can smell the smoky sweet smell of pot along with incense burning. When we get into our room, you can smell it everywhere. So off I go to the manager to tell her that it's not cigarette smoke and she offers to find us another room. Thank heavens that we hadn't unpacked yet!

We get up to our new room, which is one floor up and kitty corner to the other room and when we looked out the window, we could see that they had their windows open and they were fanning trying to get the smoke out!!

Next morning, we wake up and have breakfast, which was FREE, and we went walking around the grounds looking at the Ice Castles that they had built.

Then it was time for my Massage, which was great. After that we went into Heber and got some BBQ and brought it back up to the room. At 2:30 Shawn left to go to the reception for Mitt Romney with Brian.

I hung around the room and watched 2012, read and ate more BBQ. At 6:30 I went down to the spa and had my pedicure which felt really good. Then I went back up to the room and read and channel surfed until Shawn got back at 10:30. Then we munched and went to bed.

Check out was at 11:00 (actually 10, stupid daylight savings) and so we put our bags into the car and headed over to Schneitter's for their Sunday Brunch. Which was HUGE. Then we went over to the outlets to see if we could find Shawn some shoes, which we didn't and then we headed home.

It was really great to get away and to spend some alone time with Shawn, but I really missed my kids.

Conversations with Kirra

2010-03-15T15:08:00.003-06:00

Shawn had just taken the garbage out and put in a new bag when he noticed that Kirra was tugging on the bag.

Shawn: What are you doing?
Kirra: Just checking.
Shawn: Just checking what?
Kirra: To make sure it's a Glad Forceflex bag.
Shawn: How do you know that?
Kirra: I saw it on a commercial.

(Please just know that Kirra does not watch that much TV, we are pretty sure she has a photographic memory and can recall just about everything she sees. She still talks about things that we did before she turned 2.)

Kirra

2010-02-16T16:11:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I am at Sam's Club with Kirra. We are in the pet isle getting rawhides for Toby and I am turning the cart around. Here is our conversation:

Me: Looks like we don't need anything else from this isle.
Kirra: We don't need cat food anymore do we?
Me: Nope, we don't
Kirra: 'Cause we ran all out of Kitty huh mom.

I love how her little mind thinks.

Oscar

2010-02-01T22:16:00.004-07:00

So, there is no easy way to put this. Oscar is gone. He was fine last night. I caught him curled up on Kirra's bed fast asleep. He was the inspiration for all her bedtime stories (Oscar was secretly an Astronaut and had wonderful adventures to Mars).

Shawn found him this morning creeping out of the hole in the side of the couch (whole other story there, I will have to post about it later) acting lethargic and whining. We kind of brushed it off thinking that he must have picked up some of the crap that has been floating around our house this past week. Well, around 1:30 I get a call from Shawn saying that he was taking Oscar to the vet. I really didn't think anything of it, he's only 10, which in the way of cat's is relatively young. 2:30 Shawn calls me and says that they have found a bloody mass on the inside of his thigh and they had just done some blood work and were going to do a biopsy on the mass. 3:00 Shawn calls and says that I have to get down to the vet's office. I rush down and there is my wonderful cat curled up in the corner not moving. He cries out as I pick him up to pet him. He doesn't even purr. He settles down and just lets me pet him as we listen to the vet lay out our options, which pretty much meant putting him in more pain just so we could have 6 more months to a full lifetime. At that point, I am thinking, okay we could have YEARS more with him, but then he tries to stand and his back legs collapse under him. That's when I realize that I can't make him live like that.

So, here is to my wonderful cat, who even though he drove me nuts and made me do more laundry that I would have liked. Who would crawl under the covers to cuddle and purr (the vibrations from him would make your chest rattle), who loved being held like a baby and was my comfort. I will miss you dearly, but I am glad that you are with your friend Andy.

1939 Marital Rating Scale

2009-12-16T16:19:00.003-07:00

So, I found this HERE. I thought it was pretty funny.

Marital Rating Scale
Wife’s Chart
George W. Crane, Ph. D., M.D.
(Copyright 1939)
In computing the score, check the various items under DEMERITS which fit the wife, and add the total. Each item counts one point unless specifically weighted as in the parentheses. Then check the items under MERITS which apply; now subtract the DEMERIT score from the MERIT score. The result is the wife’s raw score. Interpret it according to this table:
Raw Scores Interpretation
0-24……………Very Poor
25-41…………..Poor
42-58…………..Average
59-75…………..Superior
76 and up……….Very Superior

DEMERITS
1. Slow in coming to bed — delays till husband is almost asleep.
2. Doesn’t like children. (5)
3. Fails to sew on buttons or darn socks regularly.
4. Wears soiled or ragged dresses and aprons around the house.
5. Wears red nail polish.
6. Often late for appointments. (5)
7. Seams in hose often crooked.
8. Goes to bed with curlers on her hair or much face cream.
9. Puts her cold feet on husband at night to warm them.
10. Is a backseat driver.
11. Flirts with other men at parties or restaurants. (5)
12. Is suspicious and jealous. (5)
13. Uses slang or profanity. (5)
14. Smokes, drinks, gambles, or uses dope. (5)
15. Talks about former boy friends or first husband.
16. Squeezes tooth paste at the top.
17. Reminds husband it is her money they are living on. (5)
18. Tells family affairs to casual acquaintances, too talkative.
19. A chronic borrower–doesn’t keep stocked up.
20. Slows up card game with chatter and gossip.
21. Opens husband’s personal mail.
22. Frequently exceeds her allowance or family budget. (5)
23. Eats onions, radishes, or garlic before a date or going to bed.
24. Tells risque or vulgar stories. (5)
25. Wears pajamas while cooking.
26. Talks during movie, play or concert.
27. Is more than 15 pounds overweight.
28. Often whining or complaining.
29. Discourteous to sales clerks and hired help.
30. Shoulder straps hang over arms or slip is uneven and shows.
31. Fails to wash top of milk bottle before opening it.
32. Corrects husband’s speech or actions before others. (5)
33. Saves punishment of children for father at night. (5)
34. Serves dinner but fails to sit down till meal is half over–then wants husband to wait for her.
35. Wears pajamas instead of nightgown.
36. Fails to bathe or brush teeth often enough. (5)
37. Puts stockings to soak in wash basin.
38. Serves too much from tin cans or the delicatessen store.
39. Visits mother too often–a spoiled child.
40. Is snobbish or too much concerned in “keeping up with the Jones.”
41. Dislikes husband’s hobbies as fishing, baseball, etc.
42. Tells lies–not dependable. (5)
43. Doesn’t want to get up to prepare breakfast.
44. Insists on driving the car when husband is along.
45. Smokes in bed or has cigarette stained fingers.
46. Cries, sulks or pouts too much.
47. Makes evening engagements without consulting her husband.
48. Talks too long on the phone.
49. Is a gossip.
50. Walks around house in stocking feet.

MERITS
1. A good hostess–even to unexpected guests.
2. Has meals on time.
3. Can carry on an interesting conversation.
4. Can play a musical instrument, as piano, violin, etc.
5. Dresses for breakfast.
6. Neat housekeeper–tidy and clean.
7. Personally puts children to bed.
8. Never goes to bed angry, always makes up first. (5)
9. Asks husband’s opinions regarding important decisions and purchases.
10. Good sense of humor–jolly and gay.
11. Religious–sends children to church or Sunday school and goes herself.
12. Lets husband sleep late on Sunday and holidays.
13. Encourages thrifty–economical. (5)
14. Laughs at husband’s jokes and his clowning.
15. Ambitious for her family–urges higher attainment.
16. Belongs to parent-teacher club, or child study group.
17. A good cook–serves balanced meals. (5)
18. Tries to become acquainted with husband’s business or trade.
19. Greets husband at night with a smile.
20. Has a pleasant disposition in the morning–not crabby.
21. Keeps snacks in refrigerator for late eating.
22. Likes educational and cultural things.
23. Reacts with pleasure and delight to marital congress. (10)
24. Faithful and true to husband. (10)
25. Has pleasant voice–not strident.
26. Has spunk–will defend her ideals and religion.
27. Praises husband in public.
28. Writes often and lovingly when away from husband.
29. Writes to husband’s parents regularly.
30. Willing to assist husband at office or shop.
31. Sympathetic–likes children and unfortunates. (5)
32. Keeps hair neatly combed or shampooed and waved.
33. Often comments on husband’s strength and masculinity.
34. Good seamstress–can make her own clothes or the children’s clothes.
35. Gives husband shampoo or manicure.
36. Keeps husband’s clothes clean and presses.
37. Bravely carries on during financial depression.
38. Healthy or courageous and uncomplaining.
39. Keeps self dainty, perfumed and feminine.
40. Is of same religion as her husband. (5)
41. Has minor children to care for. (5 points per child)
42. On friendly terms with neighbors.
43. Fair and just in settling the children’s quarrels with others.
44. Likes to vacation with husband.
45. An active member of some women’s organization.
46. Often tells husband she loves him. (5)
47. Polite and mannerly even when alone with husband.
48. Willing to get a job to help support the home.
49. Praises marriage before young women contemplating it.
50. Is unselfish and kind-hearted.

This test represents the composite opinions of 600 husbands who were asked to list chief merits and demerits of their wives. They talked frankly. I have summarized the most frequently voiced flaws and virtues and have weighted those items which, in my judgment as a psychologist and physician, are especially important in marriage. I commend this test to the attention of all intelligent women who aspire to make their marriages both permanent and happy. Young women contemplating matrimony might very profitably use this test as a practical guide.
Dr George W. Crane

So, wives, where do you stand? Please let me know what you think about the standards of housewifery (is that a word?) then and now. Do we have it easier, harder?

Meeting Santa

2009-12-14T09:36:00.002-07:00

Saturday was my office's Kids Christmas Party. I am so lucky to work for a company who takes care of their employees the was that Founders Title does. Not only do we have the regular Christmas Party, but they make a special day with cookie decorating and treats and they have Santa and Mrs. Claus come and visit for the kids. How cool is that? Shawn decided to stay at home since we can't leave the puppy alone for too long, so my in laws met us at the office. Deb helped Kirra decorate a cookie for everyone and Steve kept Collin entertained.

10 am and Santa is here. Steve puts Kirra on his shoulders so she can see over everyone and it's Collin's turn on Santa's lap. I walk him up and hand him over and he just sits there staring at this strange man. Doesn't cry, doesn't fuss. Take the picture and he's looking happy as can be.

I take him back by the grandparents while we wait for Kirra's turn. Deb says that Kirra just sat there "Oh, look it's my Collin, look Grandma it's my Collin being so good!"

Now on to Kirra's turn, I carry her up 'cause there are so many people I don't want her to get lost, she sees Santa, she tenses up, she starts to tear up when she realizes that I am going to put her in this strange man's lap. I promise her that I am not going to just leave her there with him. I put her on his lap and have to keep my hands on her the whole time. She's trying really hard not to cry, but she wont look at him and when he asks what she wants for Christmas, she wont speak. Take the picture and she's all red faced looking ready to bolt.

Back to the Grandparents and she's back to her normal self. She said that his beard scared her. But the whole way home she chatted up what a great time she had and that Santa was really nice.

The pictures were taken with a Poloried Camera, so hopefully soon I will scan the pictures in of the kids meeting Santa.

The Christmas Spirit

2009-12-10T11:14:00.004-07:00

Okay, so I was having an email conversation with a friend of mine who has older children that are starting to question the existence of Santa Claus. She was thinking that maybe she should start emphasizing the importance of the Christmas Spirit instead of Santa and the presents. So me and my smart mouth came up with this:

"Well, if we want to take Santa into account, he can be the perfect example of giving. Here is a man that has to take care of a wife, who knows how many elves and 9 reindeer. Yet he still finds time to make toys and deliver them to every child in the world. All for nothing and doesn't expect anything in return. So, while we might not want to focus on the toys, at least we can use him for an example of selfless giving."

I so just made it up, but it makes sense. We all want to teach our children that it is better to give than to receive, but how do you start the conversation, especially if you have small kids who still believe?

What are your thoughts?

Update

2009-12-09T21:38:00.005-07:00

Okay, so I was going back thru all my old posts, tagging everything so it would be organized and I realized that I really suck at this posting thing. Thanks to all who have stuck by my side as I muddled my way thru the past two years.

So, best news first. Shawn has finished the semester and if all goes according to plan, he will graduate with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice next December! The end is in site!

Thanksgiving was spent a little differently. Due to scheduling difficulties on my part, we were not able to spend it together. The kids and I flew to my parents house while Shawn stayed home with his family. I forgot the camera, so as soon as I can get my parents and my sister to send me pictures I will post them. We got their a couple of days before everyone else, so the kids got some great time alone with their grandparents. Kirra has decided that she is going to marry Grandpa B because he's such a good husband to Grandma B "'cause he gives her lots of sparkles and I like sparkles."

The kids were able to meet their cousins for the first time since my older sister and her family drove up. Their oldest is Magnolia (7), Donovan (2), Juniper (9 mo.). Kirra and Magnolia hit it off right away and the only time we could get them to leave eachother alone was at bed time. Since Juniper and Collin are only two months apart, they played really well together until Juniper decided that she wanted Collin's Binky (which was usually in his mouth), then he would get mad and wander away. Poor Donovan went between the two groups. He would try to hang out with the older girls, but when they were sick of him, he would come and play with the babies.

At the first of November, our beloved dog Andrew passed away. This was really hard on us, since we had had him for so long. I bought him for Shawn for our First Anniversary, and he has been a wonderful addition to our family. He was a wonderful protector and cuddler.

Since Andy was the only dog that Kirra has had, she took his death really hard. It still makes her tear up when she talks about him dying, so now she has come up with a way to deal with his death. She has decided that he just faded away. She will tell people that her Andrew was old and he just faded away. Since we feel that it is necessary for all children to have a pet, we got another dog less than a week after his passing. THIS WAS NOT MY IDEA. I wanted to wait and greave, but Shawn and Kirra were lost without a dog.

So, meet Toby.

I found him on the KSL ads. He was with a family in American Fork, who due to health issues couldn't take care of him. He's 6 months old and 60 lbs. already. He is one of the most cuddly dogs I have ever met and he really doesn't act like a puppy (to much of the time!).

Okay, I think that's enough for this post.

Collin's Birthday

2009-12-09T15:11:00.008-07:00

Monday was Collin's Birthday. I can't believe that it's been a year already. It always amazes me how much they change.

Here is Collin the day he was born.

All ready for his blessing.

His First Haircut.

Digging into his First Birthday Cake.

All nice and clean and ready for bed.

Happy Birthday Little Man! We love you and can't imagine our lives without you!

The past week

2009-09-10T09:35:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday morning as we were getting the kids ready for school, Kirra started to complain that her legs were hurting. Since she's been eating like a horse, I just chalked it up to growing pains and gave her a dose of Tylenol. I guess it got progressively worse though out the day, since when I went to pick them up, Kirra wouldn't even come up the stairs and was sobbing. Teresa said that Kirra wouldn't play unless she could do it sitting or laying down and really hadn't moved all day. She cried as we carried her out to the car 'cause she couldn't even walk. By that night, she would cry in pain if a blanket touched her legs. On Friday, she was a little better if I kept up with the Tylenol/Motrin every 4 hours, but even then she could only hobble around and it got worse at night (as every illness does!).

On Saturday, I finally took her into Urgent Care to see what was wrong, and the doc said that it was an upper respiratory infection that was causing the leg pain. Gave her a shot of antibiotics to clear it up and she said that she felt better that afternoon, but she still wouldn't walk around. So, now it's Sunday and 24 hours after the antibiotics and she STILL isn't better, so I finally cave in and we take her down to Primary Children's Emergency Room. I have to carry her in 'cause she still wont walk, but she's being really good. It's only 20 minutes or so before they get us into a room and Kirra's sitting on the bed with me reading stories, while Shawn and his dad sit in the chairs.

About 20 minutes or so after we get into the room, Kirra starts crawling on the bed, then the nurse practitioner comes in and checks her out and does all sorts of contortionist moves with Kirra's legs and she just lays there. The legs aren't really hurting now mommy. After the NP leaves to go get the doctor, Kirra decides she wants to try standing, since she really hasn't done much of it the past few days. So I stand her up in between my legs for support and she decides to walk to Shawn and Grandpa. After she goes between us a couple of times, she discovers that her slippers slide on the tile floor. "Look mom, I can ice skate!!" Right as the doctor walks into the room. Can I tell you how hard it is to tell a doctor that your child has been crying in pain from her legs while said child is 'ice skating' across the floor?

Needless to say, she got all better in the Emergency Room. Why do they wait until you are in the Emergency Room to get all better?

Now Shawn has what ever virus Kirra had and has been sitting in pain in the bathtub and on the bed. He gets to go to the doctor tomorrow 'cause now the pain is in his arms, so we will see if this is even the same thing.

Shelf Reliance

2009-06-16T10:09:00.003-06:00

Okay, I so want one. It would make me feel so accomplished on this path to food storage bliss. I know some of you out there have them and I secretly hate you for it! Shelf Reliance is doing a give away for their big Harvest 72". It would look so pretty in my basement! So if you want a chance for your own, head on over to here and take a gander, but you only have until June 26th!

Conversations with Kirra

2009-06-15T10:09:00.004-06:00

Mom: It's time for bed, don't you have an off switch?
Kirra: No, (Sigh) Heavenly Father didn't give me one. I only have ON. He ran out, so I went to the switch store and tooked him more switches.

A couple of weeks ago:

Kirra: Mom, Jesus made the sun.
Mom: Yes he did. Do you know why?
Kirra: He looked out his front door and it was dark so he made the sun so he could see, huh mom.

Over Due

2009-05-01T13:50:00.004-06:00

Okay, I know that this post is long over due, we have been really sick at our house and I just haven't felt up to posting or doing much of anything.

So, I have started using coupons for grocery's. In light of everything that is happening with the economy and what not, I feel that it is time for me to step up and get my food storage in order. Now that I have put my mind to it, I am amazed at how fast it's coming along. I have to get more shelving units to put everything in! So I discovered this site The Obsessive Shopper, that is teaching me how to do this. I have also been using the Everyday Food Storage to teach me how to use food storage, especially wheat.

On to my Grocery Shopping. I went to Albertson's, on my lunch break and was in and done in less than an hour. Granted, everything does go faster when you don't have kiddies with you.

Shawn didn't want me to take a picture (he hates stuff on the counter, even for a few minutes), but here's the list:

2 Cans Tomato Soup
5 Boxes Popcorn
3 Boxes Crackers
3 Boxes Golden Grahams
3 Boxes Trix
3 Boxes Kix
6 Tubs Frosting
4 Cookie Mixes
6 Boxes Muffin Mix
4 Bottles Ketchup
6 Cans Rotel
6 Cans Pork n' Beans
2 Bottles BBQ Sauce
5 Bottles Kraft Dressing
5 Boxes of Pudding
2 Egg Beaters
10 Heathy Choice Dinners

Paid $76.04
Savings $132.82
Saved 64%

Shawn was really sceptical of me getting all the coupons and accused me of just hoarding them all, but when I came home with all of this, he was okay with it all. I just saved enough to pay for my newspapers for the rest of the year and then some!

I am getting better at this and I will try and keep you guys posted on everything!

Brian

2009-03-19T12:24:00.002-06:00

My brother-in-law Brian is one of the funniest people I know. I have spent hours laughing as he taped a message for the answering machine, or laughing as he did one of his funny jigs, which many didn't see due to their "poor situational awareness". Another thing that Brian did was to send out a daily email to his friends called 'daily remarks'. What he didn't know was that I saved all of them to keep for a rainy day when I needed a laugh. Here is a taste from November 7, 2006:

-I hope everyone will vote today. If it were my sole choice of who to be in the Congress I would definitely pick either Snoop Dog or that one guy from the movies, ya know for some flava.. and bling. For Senate probably my dog; Loyal, Caring, Courageous, Patient Listener and of course Furry all over.

-I mix Rice Crispy and Luck Charms, I like the rhythm.

- I think if the Drive Thru went the other way the world would be a better place.

-My nasal's were all clogged last night.

-He lives long that lives well; and time misspent is not lived but lost.
Thomas Fuller

-I like my daily remark.

He also has a blog. To visit, go here.

Big Girls

2009-03-17T16:44:00.004-06:00

As Kirra was doing her usual dragging of her feet to get into bed, I tell her that she needs to sleep so she can grow up to be a big girl. This comment has her dissolving into tears and when I finally get her calm enough to talk she tells me "I don't want to grow up" and when I ask her why, she says "'cause then I wont be your little girl anymore".

How do you tell a 3 year old that no matter how big they are, they will always be your little girl?

Collin's Blessing

2009-03-04T15:33:00.004-07:00

We had Collin's Blessing this past Sunday. Here are some pictures that we took.

Collin Update

2009-02-23T22:02:00.005-07:00

Here is Collin with his Grandpa Steve, who watches the kids for us 3 days a week. At Collin's 2 month appointment he was 13 pounds 7 ounces and 23.5 inches long. He can sit for a minute if his legs are supported and he loves to hold your fingers and stand. He hates to lay down, he has to see all that is going on. He loves to laugh at his sister, who obliges him with silly sounds and dances.

Kirra's Birthday

2009-02-23T21:47:00.006-07:00

So, Kirra's Birthday was on Saturday the 21st. She is now 3 years old!! I can't believe that 3 years have passed. We couldn't imagine our lives without our funny girl. Here are some pictures of the weekend. We had to do it that way since family couldn't make it on Saturday, so Kirra got to have a birthday weekend.

So proud of being 3!

Getting to blow out the candles.

Good Party!

Andrew

2009-02-02T14:32:00.004-07:00

Here is a picture of Andrew. Doesn't he look like such a nice dog?

Until he smells steak.

Then you can't get him away from your plate.

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-02-02T14:23:00.003-07:00

The above picture is my first attempt at homemade cinnamon rolls. I got the recipe here.

They were really good.

Kirra

2009-01-17T19:47:00.005-07:00

So, I have been going through old pictures, trying to get everthing as organized as I can. I found this picture of me..

Then we have this picture of Kirra. Do you think she's mine?

Collin Update

2009-01-17T19:38:00.003-07:00

I have been really bad, I know. So here are pictures. Collin is now one month old and is 22.5 inches and just over 11 pounds. He smiled for the first time on the 6th. Of course it's to his big sister.

First Bath

2008-12-18T15:56:00.003-07:00

Here are some pictures of the First Bath. I really don't think they need any explanation.

Collin James

2008-12-11T09:41:00.005-07:00

Okay, so here he is!! He made his debut Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. after 27+ hours of labor. I made them take him C-Section after I started to run a fever and his heart rate was dropping. He was 8 pounds 14 ounces and 21.5 inches long (and if he hadn't peed right before they weighed him, he would have been 9).

We are all at home resting well. Kirra is really enjoying her role as big sister and when we have to drive anywhere, she holds Collin's hand and gets right in there with the baby talk if he starts fussing.

Sorry for the picture. Of course our camera didn't make it down to the hospital with us, so all of his brand new baby pictures are all on other people's camera's. I am working on getting them all collected.

I will make sure to keep everyone posted!

The end is near!

2008-12-04T09:18:00.003-07:00

Went to the doctor yesterday and was told that if the baby doesn't come by Monday, she is going to induce!! Wahoo! There is an end in site.

Thanks to all of my friends who have given me their love and support, I know that I have been a pain through out this pregnancy. I promise that I will update as soon as he gets here!

The day my heart stopped

2008-12-01T08:31:00.004-07:00

So, yesterday Shawn and I survived every parents worst nightmare. Kirra disappeared and we couldn't find her.

I was standing at the door to the garage telling Shawn something when I realized that Kirra was being way to quiet, which we all know means that they are doing something that they shouldn't be. Then I hear a door open and shut, so I start doing the search of all the favorite places to hide. Ten minutes later, I still can't find her and I realize that the front door is unlocked. Then your heart stops. Is this the door I heard open and shut? I run out to the garage to tell Shawn that I can't find her. Shawn runs in and we do another search of the house and then he takes off in the car to see if she is taking a walk around the block. Which leaves me to make the hardest phone call, calling the police to tell them that my child is missing.

After I hang up, I fall to the floor, I just can't stand up any more and I sobbed and I prayed and I prayed. About five minutes later, I hear the light in the stairwell being turned off and on, I look down the stairs and there is Kirra playing with the light switch. I run down and grab her and call the police to let them know that I found her and she's okay. Shawn of course didn't take his cell phone with him as he's driving around the neighborhood, so I just sat there and held Kirra tight until he came home.

We probably looked like some cliche out of a movie, but we both just sat on the floor and hugged her and cried. She's looking at us like we are crazy and then asks why we are sad. She thought that we were mad at her and so she hid really good huh? She still wont tell us where she was hiding.

All that and I STILL didn't go into labor! Shawn said that was his second thought after I told him I couldn't find Kirra. "Please don't let my wife go into labor while our daughter is missing."

Monkey

2008-11-19T16:38:00.006-07:00

So, on Saturday, my SIL and MIL and I decided to take Kirra to climb a rock wall 'cause she has now discovered how to climb up the refrigerator and sit on top of it. Let me tell you what a shock it is to see your extremely proud Two and a half year old sitting on the fridge. So, at this really cool place called Momentum, they strapped Kirra in a harness and let her go at it on a 40 foot wall. She got to about 15 feet by herself before I think she got a little freaked out by the height.

So, here she is with her Aunt Kim after she's all strapped in ready to go.

Here's Grandma helping her get her footing.

This is about the highest that she got.

So, for Christmas this year, we are building an 8 foot rock wall in the basement to give my little monkey something to climb on without having to drive all the way to Sandy to do it. Shawn is building it with commercial grade stuff, so as she grows, we can make a bigger wall. I think the plan is to eventually clean out the 3rd bay in the garage and put the rock wall up the one side. That would give her at least 20 feet.

Halloween

2008-11-07T12:26:00.004-07:00

I know it's a little late, but here are some pictures from Halloween. Kirra was Minnie Mouse and called it "tricker tower". She loves watching Mickey Mouse and they have an episode called "Trick-or-Treat Tower", so she just shortened it.

You can almost see how big my stomach is in the last picture. I will try and post some more as soon as I get more pictures!

First joke

2008-10-28T16:59:00.003-06:00

So, we were driving around trying to get Kirra to go to sleep when she lets out a really loud burp. I turn around and say "What do we say when we burp?", she looks at me and says "Excuse the pig!"

I know that this is something that Shawn and I haven't taught her. I have a strange feeling that her Uncle B had something to do with it. Like he did when she started picking her nose. I'm just waiting for him to have kids so I can return the favors.

Kirra

2008-10-04T15:47:00.004-06:00

So, I got to do some updating today due to the fact that Kirra is taking a marrathon nap. She has now been asleep for 4 hours!! I got the basement partially cleaned out, my car loaded with stuff to take to the DI, the baby's room cleaned out a little bit more and a couple loads of laundry done.

Also, we think we have a name for the baby. It's the only name that Kirra hasn't vetoed even though she insists that she still will call him brothery. She keeps wanting to know when he's going to come out and play with her. She says she needs to know so she can "teach" him.

Baby Update

2008-10-04T15:44:00.003-06:00

So, went to the doctor and this kid is already 4 - 4.5 pounds!! Doc figures that at this rate that if he goes full term, we are looking at close, if not over 9 pounds. 9 Pounds people!! Maybe that's why I have been contracting so much this time around, my body doesn't WANT to carry a 9 pounder. Guess we will have to wait and see.

Baby Update

2008-09-06T20:42:00.003-06:00

Okay, so at the last appointment on Tuesday, doc said that at this point the contractions aren't doing anything even though they are 15 minutes apart, so I just need to keep it easy and to see her again next Friday. So here's hopin' that by next Friday things will be the same and we can keep this baby in for a couple more weeks if not months!

I am just thankful that I have the job that I do and that I work for the company that I do and that I work with some of the best people. They have been really understanding and have done everything that they can to help make this easier on me.

Update

2008-08-30T12:43:00.003-06:00

So, here is what has been going on with us. I have been placed on temporary bed rest due to contractions and cramping. Kirra has been really good about this and will "read" stories to her brother and tells him he has to stay in and get big and strong. Poor Shawn has been working overtime to get the latest project done and has been working 14-16 hour days this week. We are hoping that after a week of bed rest, I will be able to resume some of my normal mommie duties. I am allowed to get up and get some food and water, go to the bathroom and shower, other than that, it's laying on a side. So if anyone has any ideas to help stave off bordom, I would appreciate it.

The Royal???

2008-08-22T13:27:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I took this picture last month, but then I couldn't find the camera. It is now found, so here it is...

Shawn, Kirra and I had taken a drive and were coming back down the canyon, when suddenly, there it was. And on scafolding no less. We don't know why, but we had to follow it all the way down.

Summer Party

2008-08-18T08:57:00.004-06:00

So Saturday was our company summer party. It was up Big Cottonwood Canyon and it just gives us a chance to meet everyone in our 3 other offices. We were up at the Spruces Campground, which was new for us this year. But the biggest news was that Shawn came with me. This is my 5th summer party for the company and only the 2nd time Shawn has come. This might have been because of the promise of fire this year. There was a fireplace at our little spot and Shawn and Brian were in charge of keeping the fire going.

Aren't they so proud?!

Something Fun

2008-08-07T16:29:00.002-06:00

So, I have been a little lazy at work and so I did some blog snooping. Found this great site off of a MSN article. I was laughing hard at the article and especially the comments. The Simpsons crack me up! But it goes along with what we have all been trying to do which is eating healthier while spending less money on our grocery bills.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

I've been Tagged

2008-08-05T13:08:00.004-06:00

Tiffany tagged me, and so here it goes!

4 Places I Visit Over and Over:
1. The Jensen Nature Preserve
2. Dad's House
3. In-Laws House (sucks to have them down in Salt Lake now)
4. Umm... That's it, we are really boring!

4 People who call/text/email me regularly:
1. Tiffany
2. Dad
3. Christina
4. Work Related

4 Favorite Foods:
1. Subway Sandwiches (one of the few things I can still hold down)
2. Pizza (one of the few things Kirra will eat!)
3. Spicy food
4. Rainbow Sherbert

4 Places I'd Rather Be:
1. Home
2. Hawaii
3. Dad's House
4. Ireland

4 Movies I'd Watch Over and Over:
1. Princess Bride
2. Day After Tomorrow
3. The National Treasure Movies
4. Finding Nemo (Kirra's current favorite)

4 Bands/Groups I love to listen to: (I only get to pick four?)
1. Five Star Iris
2. Bare Naked Ladies
3. Rob Thomas
4. Blue October

4 People I'm tagging:
1. Dez
2. Chris
3. Amy
4. Kenna

Good News!!

2008-07-28T09:00:00.003-06:00

Kirra is Potty Trained!! Woohoo!! No more diapers! She only took 3 days and we have been accident free since Friday morning. We did have one accident on Saturday, but I don't count that as we were in the bathroom taking off her panties when it happened. We just didn't do it quick enough. She is so proud of her self and cheers after evertime. It's so cute!

Baby Names

2008-07-16T17:10:00.003-06:00

Okay, so we have been having an interesting time thinking up boy names. We still have quite a bit of time, so we aren't stressing yet. But, I found this great website that makes fun of a bunch of names and says all the things that you always wish you could say, but don't 'cause your nice.

Let me know if you have any ideas for us!

Memories

2008-07-15T09:11:00.001-06:00

This seemed like a really fun thing to do... it was on my friend Tiffany's blog. It will only be fun if people play along. So thanks in advance! :) Here's how you do it-

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

The Baby

2008-07-10T08:53:00.002-06:00

Okay, so we had our ultrasound yesterday and… IT’S A BOY!! Everything looked really good and right where it should be. Ten Fingers, Ten Toes, and One, well, you know… He’s about 8 ounces right now and the size of a hot dog bun. So, as of right now we are still on track for a Thanksgiving delivery, unless I can convince my doctor otherwise!

I have pictures, but they aren't digital, so I am working on a way to scan them. We have a really cute picture of him crossing his legs, he wasn't sure if he wanted to let us know what he was. But, with the tech's prodding, she got the legs to move and after that, he wasn't shy!

Shawn's Project

2008-06-24T11:50:00.005-06:00

So, with the market being the way that it is, Shawn still hasn't found a job. He has decided to start a little side business of selling radios and not the kind for your car. But I guess you can put one in it, Shawn has. They are hand held radios called GMRS. I don't know all the technical babble, but I do know that when Shawn and Brian go hiking on the island, I can use the radio at home to talk to them on the island and it works great since cell phones don't really work out there! So, if you are interested in learning a little more or purchasing, go to Shawn's new WEBSITE!

Sleeping

2008-06-19T12:53:00.005-06:00

Last night, I kept Kirra up a little late. Shawn was supposed to be home by nine and he hadn't seen her all day. Well, he called and said he was going to be late, so I got Kirra to bed an hour late. She climbed out of bed and brought her pillow to me and wanted to cuddle. We went back to her room and cuddled on the rocking chair for a few minutes and then she went back to bed. I could hear her talking to herself, but nothing unusual. Then Shawn comes home at about 10:15 and asks why Kirra is asleep under the table. What?! That's not where I left her! She must not have wanted to stay in her bed because she crawled out of bed with her pillow and three blankets and made a bed under the coffee table in the front room and crashed.

47 odd things about me

2008-06-17T15:45:00.004-06:00

So, a friend emailed this to me and it was different than the other "getting to know you" type things. Maybe you will learn something new about me!

1. Do you like blue cheese? NO!!!

2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No

3. Do you own a gun? Shawn does, does that count?

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? Cherry Lime Rickey

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not unless I really think there is something wrong.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I really like to have one with mustard and sauerkraut

7. Favorite Christmas movie? Christmas Story

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? a cup of water

9. Can you do push-ups? Not right now!

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring and a pearl necklace

11. Favorite hobby? Reading

12. Do you have A.D.D? No

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I talk to much

14. Middle name? Ann

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I wish I was home; I wish Shawn had a job; I wish it was Friday

16. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Lunch, Gas, Groceries

17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water; Pepsi; Milk

18. Current worry? If Shawn will ever get a job

19. Current hate right now? The Price of gas

20. Favorite place to be? At home with Kirra

21. How did you bring in the New Year? I don't remember

22. Where would you like to go? Somewhere cold, maybe Alaska

23. Name three people who mean the world to you? Shawn, Kirra and my Dad

24. Do you own slippers? Yes, fuzzy Pink ones!

25. What color shirt are you wearing? Purple

26. What year would you go back in time to? I don't know, that's hard...

27. Can you whistle? Yes, but not as well since I started playing the flute.

28. Favorite color? Blues

29. Would you be a pirate? Yes, swashbuckling sounds like fun!

30. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing, I am usually thinking of the things I should be doing instead of taking a shower.

31. Favorite girl's name? Kirra Ann

32. Favorite boy's name? hmmm... that's a tricky one, I'll let you know when I have narrowed it down!

33. What's in your pocket right now? A hair twisty

34. Last thing that made you laugh? I dropped two cans of Pepsi in the parking lot today and they exploded all over my legs. Nothing to do but laugh!

35. Best Halloween costume?
70's girl

36. Worst injury you've ever had? 3rd and 4th degree burns on my hands and stomach.

37. Do you love where you live? Yes

38. How many TVs do you have in your house? 5, but they don't all work

39. Who is your loudest friend? My mother

40. How many dogs do you have? One, Andrew

41. Does someone have a crush on you? If they do, they haven't said anything!

42. What is/are your favorite book(s)? Count of Monte Cristo and the Twilight Series

43. What is your favorite candy? Snickers

44. Favorite Sports Team? Missouri Tigers

45. Your favorite meal? Subway, it's the only thing I can keep down

46. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Rocking Kirra, she had a bad dream.

47. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Crap, it's going to be warm today!

New Templates!

2008-06-13T17:04:00.006-06:00

So, I found this website on a friends blog. It has really cute templates and they are really easy to use. She will even do custom headers and the like.

Kid's say the darndest things!

2008-06-06T11:44:00.005-06:00

The other night Shawn and I were sitting on the bed watching 'So you think you can Dance' and Kirra kept coming up to dance on the bed. She loves to just be in a diaper and tell us she is going to "shake her booty!" She makes us laugh so hard some times. So, anyway, I pulled her in front of me and I look her in the eye and tell her she is the light of our lives and she looks right back at me and says "Light is good, it's dark outside!"

So I am here at work thinking about it and it makes me laugh, but it also makes me think. We (adults) so often forget how close our little children are to their Heavenly Father. This world is so dark and sad sometimes that we forget to look at the light. I am amazed that it took a two year old in a diaper to remind me that "Light is good".

Not Much Going On

2008-05-16T09:38:00.003-06:00

So, I noticed that I haven't posted anything for a while and that is because there hasn't been anything new happening. I have started to feel better, I'm not sick everyday. The tummy is getting bigger. I am amazed at how much bigger I am with this one than I was with Kirra at this time. I didn't have to start wearing maternity clothes until I was almost 5 months along with her and I have been wearing maternity clothes since 8 weeks with this one.

Good News!

2008-04-28T10:26:00.005-06:00

So, as many of you know, Adam Aircraft shut it's doors in mid-January of this year. After a long and stressful search, Shawn has found another company to work for. As of May 5, 2008, Shawn will be working for Barnes Aerospace in Ogden. This is a great opportunity for Shawn as it keeps him in the industry that he loves, the family does not have to move, and the schedule will allow him to go to school. Many thanks to our family and friends who have supported us through these long months!

Morning Sickness

2008-04-17T09:06:00.004-06:00

Okay, so with this baby I am much more sick than I ever was with Kirra. I would welcome any and all suggestions of how to alleviate any symptoms. I have tried the preggie pops, peppermint tea, eating toast/crackers before getting out of bed, sipping Coke/Pepsi. The newest to be tested is the 1/2 Unisom and a B6 vitamin. So, please let me know if any of you have a different idea that worked for you!

Ohh... it's so bright!

2008-04-10T09:57:00.005-06:00

She woke up, looked outside and said, "Dad it's bright...I need sun glasses. Where are they? I don't know?" So after searching to find the glasses she is so happy go lucky!!

Check out the last picture, it looks like a drunken Paris Hilton mug shot or something! Ha, made me laugh!

Mittens

2008-04-09T09:59:00.006-06:00

She said her feet were cold, so I asked if she wanted some socks put on them? ...she said "no, I put mittens on feet...warm"

The Monkey

2008-04-08T13:17:00.005-06:00

So, Kirra this morning decided that she would climb up our furniture. Shawn had just gone to the bathroom and heard her doing something. When he came out, there she was, on top of our dresser as proud as she could be.

Then, Shawn followed her as she dragged the laundry basket into the kitchen to try and climb the kitchen cabinets.

It amazes me at all the things that this child will try to climb!

The Newest News!

2008-03-31T09:37:00.007-06:00

Okay, so Shawn and I have found out that we are expecting our second baby! We are due at the first of December. This came as a shock to us, we weren't trying to have another one.

The First

2008-03-26T13:04:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I have never done this before, but I see others and I think that this may be a great way to keep everyone updated about our little family. So, I promise to try and keep it updated!