Tagged - Mommy Tag

Lindsey, thanks for a good idea to give my blog one last finishing touch before the new year. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!! I hope you all get a big smooch from your cutie tonight.

1. How long have you been a Mom?
2 1/2 years. I feel like I've always had the mommy in me though. I think it goes for every Sorensen woman.
2. How many kids call you mommy?
One calls me mommy, but two will eventually and maybe even more down the road.
3. When you were pregnant did you know what you were having?
Yes, I like to open my presents early. Before the ultrasound, I thought they would both be boys so don't ask my instinct.
4. How old were you when you became a mom?
26
5. How long were you in labor?
First time 13 hours, second about the same maybe a little shorter but I pushed for a lot longer on my second. Go figure.
6. What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
All the fun words and things that Haley says. I love having those little arms wrap around my neck.
7. What’s your least favorite thing?
My house is always a mess and my laundry is never done.
8. Do you want more kids?
Yes. Maybe 1 or 2 somewhere down the road.
9. Have you ever taken your kid(s) on a trip?
Yes. We just got back from a trip to see Grandma and Grandpa in California. There's nothing like a 11 hour trip with 2 hudlums.
10. How many times have you been peed on?
Peed? I can't remember. It usually happens to Matt.
11. How many times have you been barfed on?
Okay, now these questions are getting pretty silly.
12. Are your kids named after someone?
Haley Elena was a name I've always loved but Elena was my sister in-law that passed away about 9 years ago. She was such a fun sister in-law and I thought it would be neat to name Haley after her. Maya Claire is just another name I have always loved, but we had to move away from our old ward to be able to use it.
13. When is the last time you had a sitter?
Oh, if my mother in-law is a sitter, last Thursday, but before that a week from Friday the cute neighbor girl came over.
14. When your kid gets in trouble, who is the bad guy?
Matt and I are both equally bad guys.
15. What is the longest you have been away from your kid(s)?
2 full days maybe with Haley. Maya maybe 3 - 4 hours. The joy of breastfeeding babies.
16. Are your toes painted?
No...random
17. Last movie you saw in theater?
Oh good gracious, I can't even remember. I think it's been a year or so.
18. One thing you will not give up just because you’re a mom:
Shopping, eating out, having fun with my friends.
19. One thing you did give up now that you’re a mom?
lots of money
20. Favorite Cartoon:
Super Why. It's really cute and it's one cartoon Haley really watches.
21. Favorite Snack:
Chips and salsa, chocolate
22. When the kid(s) are napping, you are:
I try to nap if it's a day I worked. If not the normal laundry, vacuuming, cooking, reading other's blogs and making baby headbands and bows consumes a lot of my time.
23. Where is/are your kid(s) now?
Haley is taking care of her babies in her new doll house and Maya is in the "boucey heap" with her new book from Christmas in her mouth.
24. If I could do it over, I’d do this differently:
Not buy every single little thing for the baby before she was born. Wait and see if I really need it. After all, they have so much crap you can buy and waste tons of money on and most of it,, I hardly ever used or will never use.
25. What is a lesson you’ve learned as a parent?
I'm with Lindsey on this one. Touching every part of the toilet in the Barstow gas station bathroom isn't the end of the world. Doing blowfishes on the McDonalds playland slide, isn't going to kill them. It may be gross, but they will survive just fine. I have learned to close my eyes and just laugh in amazement that I lived through it all too.

I tag whoever want to give this a stab.

Dry Skin???

Lara got me thinking of the winter and how dry your skin can get.

I took Haley into the doctor last week to check out her hands because they were really sore and I thought it was a rash. It seemed like the ever so popular Bath and Body lotion wasn't doing the trick. The doctor suggested, Cetephil cream. Okay, has anyone used this? Am I the last to find out about it? It is the best stuff I have ever used. It's not greasy like all the others and it leaves your hands so soft.

The bad part is the expense and it doesn't have a fruity smell like the bath and body stuff. I think I paid $8 for a 3 oz bottle. Oh well, now the whole family is enjoying the doc's recommendation.

Save All Original Receipts

Well, here I thought I was being a good girl and getting gift receipts for all my holiday gifts but come to find out this week, a gift receipt is like having no receipt.

I bought a few things as Christmas gifts at Walmart but later decided to do something else instead. I had kept the gift receipt but put the real receipt in a drawer with many other receipts and instead of finding it really quick, I figured I would just use the gift receipt knowing I would just get a gift card in return for the returned items.

When I went to return it, they offered me the sale price in the store as opposed to the actual price I payed for the item. So I went and searched for the original receipt to find out that I paid the full price. When I tried to confront them concerning this and get the rest of my money back, they said I couldn't do that. I told them I would go buy the items again at the sale price now and return them with the original receipt. They proceeded to tell me I couldn't do that either. That's when all hell broke loose.

Anyway, to save any of you the long drawn out hassle of returns after or during the holiday, don't hassle with the gift receipt. Give the original receipt with the price blacked out. After all, these stores want every penny they can get and don't want you to know about it.

10 Hard Years

Well here it is, my offical 10 year anniversary working for Nabisco. I started 10 years ago yesterday. Just before the big Christmas holiday rush I was put out there to find out what the world of selling and stocking cookies and crackers was all about. Just like any job, I have had many ups and downs. I think the thing that has kept me going is the fact that I have been treated really well by the many people I have worked for. I have been able to have 12 weeks maternity leave each time I have had each of my children at full pay. I have been able to work early hours so I can be home early so I can still be a mother during the day. I have gotten oodles of free product. I have had many laughs as I have had the chance to work with various Nabisco employees.

It is hard to leave a company that has treated me so well and has allowed me to work around what life has brought my way.

At my 5 year anniversary I got a gold plated Kraft clock...I'm hoping for something a little better for the 10 year because the clock ended up at the last yard sale.

What is your favorite Nabisco product? And no Fudge Shoppe is not Nabisco.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Well I can't say how old my daddy turned today because I can't keep track of how old I am, but he is another year older and another year cuter. This is a picture of his new retirement toy he just got earlier this year. Dad, this posts for you.

10 Fun Memories About My Dad

1. My dad let us curl his hair with a curling iron when we were little.
2. My dad would take Mark and I to the church when he would do his clerk work and we would get a candy bar after. (I use this bribe with Haley)
3. Recently the tractor, the cowboy hat, the too short overalls. Enough said. Oh, he's so cute.
4. My dad took 5 kids without my mom camping and fishing. I wouldn't even want to attempt this one.
5. Fixing our big yellow Ford van on the way to Utah. We always had a couple jugs of water on board knowing the overheat was bound to happen.
6. Have you seen my cute console tables and armore in my house? My dad's amazing...he made them.
7. My dad would tell us to clean up and if we didn't, here came the rake and the big leather belt he wore to church.
8. My dad was my biggest fan on the bleachers during my high school basketball games.
9. Whenever we had a sliver in our skin or a tooth dangling ready to come out or we needed batteries, down to dad's office. Out came the pliers for the tooth and sliver and minimal surgery was given.
10. I remember any time there was a spider or the toilet needed plunging, dad was called.
Oh I forgot one...he is a proud owner of 1 if not 2 metal detectors.

Thanks for being the best dad ever. Happy Birthday.

5 Months Yesterday, The Flu and A Speeding Ticket

Yep all in a couple days. I usually like to post on the 10th to give an update on my kiddos but it's the 11th this month because mom called in sick yesterday. I had the flu. Then to top things off, today I got a speeding ticket for going 10 over. The cop tried to smooth it over by saying I could go to traffic school. Don't you just love what punks they are? Luckily traffic school in Utah is 3 hours instead of the 8 hours you spend at traffic school in California.

Well, here is my 5 month old feeding herself rice cereal.

Christmas Lists

Well, here we are again celebrating another year. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday for many reasons. Of course one of my favorite reasons is the giving and getting part. Every year my family picks names for Christmas amongst the sisters and brothers. Some years we have done two names, but most years just one.

Every year we all write a Christmas list, just as we did when we were little. This way we get others exactly what they want but with a list of many items, it is still a surprise. I want to share a few lists I get to buy for this year. This is why it can get kind of interesting around here.

I don't want to bore you, so skim through and you can still find some good wanted items.

Matt’s Christmas List
(From most expensive to least expensive) (Shirt size Large) (Waist size 36) (Shoe size 10 1/2 or 11)
1. A pair of Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
2. Sony PS3
3. Nixon (The Banks) Watch
4. A 500GB External Hard Drive (preferably with Firewire 400/800 and USB 2.0)
5. Dynastar AUTODRIVE SPEED 63 SX 186cm Skis (These are olds skis from when I used to work at a ski resort but there is a seller on eBay selling a brand new pair for $100)
6. Merrell Oracle shoes (color: cherry wood)
7. Adobe Illustrator CS3 Classroom in a Book (Paperback)(Reference Book)
8. The Adobe Illustrator CS3 Wow! Book (Paperback)(Reference Book)
9. Adobe Illustrator CS3 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques (Paperback)(Reference Book)
10. Exploring Illustrator CS3 (Paperback)(Reference Book)
11. Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book (Paperback)(Reference Book)
12. Adobe Photoshop CS3 One-On-One (Paperback)(Reference Book)
13. Mastering Photoshop CS3 for Print Design and Production (Paperback)(Reference Book)
14. Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills (Paperback)(Reference Book)
15. A 32 oz. Nalgene big mouth water bottle
16. Any solid color polo type shirt (made by a surf or skate company) It’s cool of it has horizontal stripes
17. Wood boxes from Ikea for holding CD’s (they have two drawers side-by-side with a little notch at the top for your finger)
18. Transformers DVD (Widescreen)
19. An all white belt (leather or canvas)(no spikes or studs) with a chrome or silver metal buckle
20. An Apple Gift Card (Not necessarily for the iTunes Store or Music, but more for buying other Apple products)
21. Any of the following CD’s:
a. Tiësto - Parade of the Athletes
b. Tiësto - In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 4: Latin America
c. Tiësto - In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 3: Panama
d. Tiësto - In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 2
e. Tiësto - In Search of Sunrise
f. Tiësto - Magik, Vol. 7: Live in Los Angeles
g. Nada Surf – Let Go
h. Nada Surf – The Weight Is A Gift
i. Nada Surf – High/Low
j. Nada Surf – The Proximity Effect
k. Nada Surf – Karmic
l. Jack’s Mannequin – Everything In Transit (Import if it is not too expensive)

This is a list that was given by the wife of the person whose name I have with some suggestions...

Chris's Christmas List
As for my husband get him the dorkiest boxers you can find, j.k. I suggest gift cards, tennis shoes size 11, writeable DVD's, Guitar tablature (sp) music books

Then there's my mom's list which has everything it had on it last year and the year before that(average price $10)

brown flats for wearing with my work suits
one of the new big bag purses
DVD player
cardigan sweater
Salt City Candle
wallet
flowers for my outside pots
necklaces and/or earrings
gloves and goggles to wear when I ride my 4 wheeler
robe or mumu for wearing after I shower
plastic everyday drinking glasses

Then there's my dad's list which usually we get pictures but this year not. His list requires a bit of knowledge of Harbor Freight and Home Depot.

DAD’S CHRISTMAS LIST

1 each 29 pc. split point titanium nitride drill bit set Item
no. 32926-6yya 19.99 per set
4 each 4 pc. Tarp clips item no. 91858-1yya 1.99 per set
1 each Dovetail Machine item no. 34102-8yya 39.99
1 set Halogen driving lights item no. 37349-1yya 15.99
1 set Magnetic trailer alignment kit item no. 95684-0yya 14.99
Open/Box end wrenches in the following sizes:11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, and 1 inch.
I have the other smaller sizes
6 inch crecent wrench
12 inch crecent wrench
9" paint rollers.
18 inch pipe wrench, not Aluminum.
Book of Mormon on CD
Docterine and Covenants on CD
White Costco Tennis shoes (the $13 ones) Size 10
Music CDs
Oak Ridge Boys: Gold (2 CD)
20th Century Masters
Dino: The Essential Dean Martin
Jim Nabors: It is No Secret
16 Most Requested Songs
Sinatra Reprise: The Very Good Years
Charlie Daniels Band: Decade of Hits
Dolly Parton: 16 biggest Hits
Halos and Horns
Johnny Cash: Great Lost Performances
16 Biggest Hits
Kellie Pickler: Small Town Girl
White socks
Black plastic pots like they put the plants and trees in at the nursery. 4 gallon and 7 gallon.

I want to know how your family does Christmas gifts/exchanges. What kinds of things do you get to buy this year for others?

Saturday Snow, Just in time for Polar Express

Haley and Matt shoveling with Spencer's snow shovel Saturday morning

Maya got a little too much love on the train

Our seat was right next to where they were doing to hot chocolate and cookies

Haley decided to just run up to Santa. We can't understand why because usually Santa gets the stare down from her but we did a lot of prepping about Santa before we went

This is where she said she wanted a pink present for Christmas

Happy Birthday Regina

Regina is another year older today. See ya later today for a present for me too...shopping with NO KIDS!!!
Happy Birthday Mrs. Campbell. Your 28.

The Best Christmas Present Yet

Well for 2 weeks, I have been able to enjoy the best Christmas gift any mother could ever want. My 2 year old has finally decided to do the pee pee in the potty. I'm not saying these last couple of weeks have been easy but boy am I glad we only have 1 in diapers now.

Here are some things I'm already missing about her still being in diapers:

-Her diet now consists of potty treats, potty treats and more potty treats.
-The trip to the bathroom in the middle of your quick grocery store errand.
-The changing of underwear several times a day. Oh just another load of laundry.
-The 10 times we go in a hour. I've heard this gets better. Let's hope.
-The looooooong time it takes to go potty. Much faster to just change the diaper myself.
-The choice of what potty to use.(our 3 or her 1)
-Oops did I get some pee pee on my shirt that made its way to the potty water.
-The constant pee pee on the seat.
-I think every part of the potty gets touched when we go. Gross!!!
-Did I mention, "Where's my potty treat, mommy?"

Ohh the fun never ends around here.

I Am Psycho

Okay, so this was my first experience of waiting in line for an hour to save a few bucks. I decided at 4 a.m., when I wasn't sleeping Friday morning, I had it in me. I stood in the chilling 15 degree weather with my hoodie sweatshirt as I waited for Target to open their doors. What was I after? Nothing too exciting but this was more of an experience then any other year.

Kyra ended up meeting me there and when those doors opened at 6. We were off. She to electronics and me to toys. You should have seen our cart. The two power wheel quads taking up the whole cart and all the other things laying and heaping over the top. The best part...the guy from the Daily Herald stopped me and wanted my picture with my overflowing cart. I hoped to make the front page but the lady with the 13 guitar hero's beat me.

And when all was said and done I saved maybe $50. I'm definitely doing it again next year. That was exciting.

I want to hear if anybody else got in on the Black Friday fun?

Breakfast Casserole

Here's to the few that have been requesting this recipe...
I got this one from my mom so of course no measurements just ingredients.

frozen potatoes (shredded)
onion(cooked until clear with butter over stove top)
green bell pepper(cooked with onion)
red bell pepper(cooked with onion)
scrambled eggs
cooked ground sausage
lots of cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Mix it all together. Bake in a greased pan at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour. It's good with a little salsa.

Huggies...the less expensive choice

Okay, so am I the last one to realize that the Huggies diapers at Costco are less then their own Kirkland brand? Well, I don't know why but this time the generic is the more expensive choice. Huggies were 16 cents a diaper and Kirkland 17 cents. Who knew?

Just a tip for those that still buy diapers.

A Reason to Smile

Well...since my post office trips have become more frequent lately, I decided there has to be an easier way. I asked the gal at the counter if there was a scale and a pre-paid stamp I could buy. She told me of the, "Click and Ship" program. Another way that computers are making our lives a little bit more simple. I bought a postal scale for $39.95 that will weigh any package under 10 lbs., then I just follow the directions on www.usps.com to use the, "Click and Ship" program. Never do I have to stand in the long line with my 2 hullagins the day after Vetern's Day. I just take a small walk to my mailbox for my mail lady to take my already postmarked and weighed packages to be picked up.

Check it out...it might be worth the $39.95 in your home.

Happy 4 Months Today & Lipscopee

Red little pigtails

I found a smile:) in the midst of lots of tears from her sister working her over.

Haley kissing Mac with her lipscopeed lips.

Yes...one lipscopee in each hand.

Pass-Series 63 Exam & IKEA

Well after another busy weekend, I'm happy to report the hard part of Matt's new job is done. Matt got some extra OT to take his last test on Saturday, so we made a day of it and I took my lil' hoo hoo and moo moo to IKEA while Matt took his test in Draper. Good news, it was a pass for the test. Bad news, everything I wanted at IKEA was over my $50 budget for the week. I guess I have to save for a few more months to get the bedroom set I want.

When all was said and done, we had a great lunch at Chili's after which was followed by the usual crazy trip Chuck E Cheese's.

Pumpkin Patch with Cousins

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Yeah...my first slide show!!! Now I just have to figure out how to get that sexy lady out of the way so you can see the pictures. That's for next time. Anyway, Matt got off early on Monday so he could study for his test, and so Matt's sisters and I decided to take all the kids to the pumpkin patch. As you can see from the pics, they had a great time.

PASS- SERIES 7 EXAM

Well, after 4 weeks of studying day and night, 500 pages of info he didn't know barley anything about, Matt passed the Series 7 exam today. We are all smiles around here!!!

"Hide and Go Poop"

I loved playing hide and go seek when I was young. I have a lot of funny memories playing it with my older siblings. Usually we played it as a family home evening activity. I think my sisters and brothers liked to play it so they could tease Mark and I.

Well now days I play "hide and go poop." Anytime Haley is missing, we know what's going on. The game begins. Lately we have been following the smell. Then when we get close, you can hear her say her famous two letter word, "NO." That's not when it's over though. Then you have to wait for her to come out of the hiding spot and say, "Change me." Well anyways I have some evidence about how exciting it can be around our house during our new exciting game.

Has anybody got to play this game before?

Eating... A Time Waster???

Matt and I decided to leave the kids and go to dinner last night with just us two. At dinner, Matt started to talk about how he wishes we didn't have to eat. That's when my ears opened a little wider. He went on to say how eating is such a time waster. It takes a while to cook, then to actually eat it, then to clean up. In our case last night, Matt got home from work at 6:00. We dropped the kids off and were at Los Hermanos at 7:30. We picked the kids up at 8:30 and well, there goes the rest of the night.

After all, Matt is totally right. The hard thing about it all is that some of the best conversations/fights come over a good meal. I think last night was the first night we have had to talk about the "Big Test," he has coming up on Tuesday. When I was growing up I remember all us Sorensen's sitting in our assigned seats at the dinner table eating and having a good meal with a good conversation. Hats off to my mom and dad for making us be home at 5:30 to eat dinner together.

Eating can be a time waster, but it is a good excuse to put our busy lives on hold and be social with family and friends.

What good conversations or maybe fights have you had over a meal?

Anybody Need a Band Aid?

I just love our kid's imaginations. They are so sensitive to everyone's needs. I can't believe how much I am loved by my 2 year old. One minute I'm crying about how frustrated she makes me and the next minute I'm crying that she is so sensitive to my needs.

Well in this incident, she got Wallace, Grommit and her baby taken care of and asked if mommy needed a Band Aid too. I'm so glad a box of Band Aids are only just over $1 because everyone gets very well taken care of here. All you need to do is get tossed out of her crib or cry.

Now my question is why Wallace got one on his ding @#*%?

Sunday Morning Snow

Winter is coming( I don't think I have ever taken a picture of our home)

Well here it is, Sunday morning and to our surprise, our first real snow for the year. This is what I saw as I looked out our window this morning. There is nothing exciting about living in the snow except when you know you don't have to run anywhere first thing in the morning. We live in such a beautiful world.

10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME

I put about 3500-4000 boxes or bags of cookies and crackers on the shelf 3 days a week.
I'm a people watcher. I love to go places and sit on a bench and watch what people do.(I'm weird)
I don't like to run out of stuff. I hate the quick trip to the store.
I would rather play a game then watch a movie.
I don't iron...in fact I don't own anything that needs to be ironed.
I still buy Cover Girl and Mabeline makeup.
I just got a $370 cell phone bill. Ouch!
I very seldom wear my wedding ring because I want to keep it new.
I don't buy jackets or sweaters very often because they only come in size extra short.
I buy premium gas for my car.

Now I tag anyone who wants to give this a stab.

Equate Lasagna

Well here I am, reviewing another good choice. My friend Lindsey was telling us that she visited the local Walmart for some lasagna for dinner one night. They were out of the ever so popular Stouffer's lasagna so she tried the Walmart brand. Turns out, she liked it better then Stouffer's. So I wanted to put it to the test. Well, my $4 purchase didn't disappoint. I'm not saying Stouffer's isn't good, but I was very well pleased with the cheaper and tasty choice of Equate Lasagna.

3 Months Today & My Little Bag Lady

My baby is already 3 months today. Her 1st pony tail.

We call her "Bag Lady." I think yesterday's purse purchase made 8 all together.

WHAT WE DO FOR OUR KIDS

This is what I saw as I walked into Haley's room last night. Matt said he would snuggle with Haley in her bed, not his. Haley still wasn't happy about it. Maybe because her dad was taking up more then his half of her bed. Oh...what we do for our children.

Winder Dairy

I've never been one to be picky about my milk but yesterday was a day to catch a good sale out of me. I was at Kyra's house when the Winder sales man came over. Her offered us some cold milk. In the midst of our kids screaming and hitting each other, we listened to the guy tell us his little sales pitch. Well before we knew it, we had our credit cards out.

So if anyone has anything that they like from Winder Dairy, let me know and I'll give it a try. After all, Matt spends his money on computer stuff and mine goes to Winder Dairy...at least this month.

Just Another Package

I just have to vent a minute. Every day this week, either UPS, DHL, or the USPS has come by with a package to Matt Andersen. Yes here it is Thursday and I haven't heard the bell ring yet, but I'm awaiting. What next?

Well yesterday I was getting after him because about once a week something comes from Apple. Usually something we don't need and maybe will never use but we've got to have the latest. This time though Matt had me open it. Okay, and why would I want to open it? I ended up doing the normal rip job on the box to find a brand new pink iPod for me. This was make up for Matt putting mine through the wash. Well even though it comes from the same bank account it was a lot more exciting for me to get something from Apple when I was least expecting it.

I guess I get all fired up about his spendy habits but realize that I can't change him and after all sometimes he makes up for it.

More Recent Embarrassment

I feel like I can come to share some of my embarrassing moments here on my blog. Here is a good one that just happened on Thursday.

Well on Thursday I was on the phone with someone from HR to get my paycheck figured out. Matt was downstairs with the kids and you could hear Maya giving him a hard time so I knew it wouldn't be long before he was up here with her. Well as he was coming up the stairs (3 feet away from him), he yells,"Susan I hope there is a boob available for Maya." Okay so Michelle from HR heard the whole thing right into the phone. Well I guess I ended talking to Michelle rather quickly.

This isn't the first time Matt has embarrassed me. This one has been shared many times but I'll post it for some more good times.

Right after Matt and I got married, I was in the tub shaving and Matt comes in talking to me and before I could see he had my visiting teacher on the phone I said, "I'm in here shaving my kitty cat." By then I looked up and well still got something set up for the month. Well she could be described as the one maybe to never bring up kitty cats with.

I guess it's a good thing I don't get embarrassed easily and can laugh about kitty cats and boobs.

Fall Favorites

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups pancake or waffle mix
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 12-ounce evaporated milk
1 cup pumpkin
3 Tbsp veg. oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs

Mix all together and beat until smooth. Cook like regular pancakes.


(This is an awesome recipe to try with the pancakes. My aunt gave me this one and now it's the family favorite)

Buttermilk syrup

1 cup butter(not margarine)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix first 3 together until melted on stove top. Add baking soda and vanilla. It will foam so use a little bigger sauce pan to allow for that.



Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

1 pkg. ruffle or wheel pasta, cooked drained and cooled
1/2 cup red seedless grapes(cut in 4ths)
2 cups cooked chicken
1/3 cup red chopped onion
1 1/2 cup ranch out of the bottle dressing
1/4 cup honey
1 Tbsp poppy seed

Mix first 4 ingredients, set aside. Mix next 3 in another bowl and pour over pasta mixture. If you want to make it ahead, add a little extra ranch before serving. This makes quite a bit.

The Aquarium in Sandy

Since Matt has been off work, the kids and I have enjoyed doing some fun things together with him. Last week we took Haley to the Aquarium in Sandy. Matt and I have been to the Long Beach aquarium so I think I was expected a little more but as you can tell from the pictures, Haley loved it and we enjoy watching her have a good time more then anything. After all, it was well worth our $9 we paid to get in.

No More Tears

Okay so I admit, I watch Martha Stewart. Sometimes she has some helpful hints, so that's why I keep watching. A few months ago, she gave a helpful hint. She said to light a candle when you are cutting an onion. I thought I would put it to the test. The problem was...I remembered half way through the cutting. I had less tears though. I'm thinking if I do it before I start cutting next time, I might have no tears. Let me know how it goes for you. Let's see if Martha really is right!

Just Like My Mom

My mom spent the weekend at my house this weekend. Every time she comes, I'm so sad when she leaves. I realize how long it will be when I can see her again. It is amazing though to think how every day I find things that make me, "just like my mom," as Matt would say. I do things that she would do. Maybe some of these sound familiar.

Everything ends up in a zip loc...that is my new favorite. I don't deal much with tupperware.
When throwing a party, I like things done hours before and then sit an stew whether everything is ready.
We enjoy spending an extra dollar to do something fun
We both stress over little things
It bugs us when our house gets messy
Shopping the deals...I think all moms have to be deal shoppers
We pack our suit case well before our trip
We eat similar foods
We cook similar foods
We eat out at the same places
We are not SAVERS, everything gets tossed
We like games
We don't go to bed late
We get up early
Scott toilet paper, enough said
We both like to be places early


How are you more and more like your mom?

Maya's Blessing

Thanks everyone for coming and for your help...we had fun seeing ya'll!!!

My Scissors Have Legs

Okay, so first of all I hope my image isn't of some porn movie. I thought it fit appropriately with this post.

I don't know if you guys have anything with legs in your house. I for sure do. Every time I try to find stuff around the house, I can't. Here are some of the things I'm talking about. Am I the only one with these problems?

1. Scissors- I have like 3 or 4. At least one for every floor. Where are they?
2. Extention cords- no ideas where these are. I thought I just used them for Christmas lights.
3. Batteries- I swear I buy some every time I got to the store. Every time I need them, they are gone. Who knows what Matt uses them for?
4. Calculator- so I have bought 3 cheapos in the last 4 months and can't find one when I need to do my eBay math. We might have to blame that one on Haley. She uses them for cell phones.
5. Pens- I buy a pack of these about every few months. I haven't used a whole pen before. I mean when the ink runs out. Have you?
6. Infant Tylenol- I think I buy two of those $6 suckers every few months. I never can find the old ones. I hope someone in the house doesn't mistake it for juice.
7. Rubber Spatulas- Just when the brownie bowl is about the get scrapped into the pan, can't find another dumb spatula.

Am I missing anything?

My Best Kept Secret

So I decided my new favorite place to buy shoes is the BYU Bookstore. Who would have known, right? Well if you are around and the bookstore is open, you need to head over. The best part, very inexpensive. So if your like me, you need a new pair every month, no big deal. You don't spend a fortune on them. They also have way cute clothes for not too much either. The worst part, parking sucks when BYU is in session. Give it a try when you have a few minutes to spare in the Provo area. After all, maybe you can get some fudge too!

Haley Rockin' the Ipod and Maya's 2 Month Shots

This is all I got for her 2 month birthday. Tylenol seemed to work if only her mom would have figured that out hours ago.

Haley decided she wanted to listen to the iPod today. You can't tell by her face but she was listening to the Postal Service.