Our Life

Picture fun!

2011-09-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

Instead of writing too much, I'm just going to post my favorite pictures from my favorite moments this summer!

Introducing Baby Elena!

2011-08-05T21:46:00.001-07:00

Born July 31st @ 12:25 pm, weighing in at 7 lbs 5 oz and 19 1/2 inches long! The kids and us just can't stop staring at her! More deets to come as this story progresses.....

Jaakson's Kindergarten Graduation....

2011-05-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Jaakson's last day of school isn't until June 3rd but they already had the kindergarten graduation. Here are some of the pix and videos we took. My baby boy is getting so big!!! I'm so proud of all the hard work he has put in with his teachers this year! Jaakson knows how to read, write, spell, and do basic math! Jaakson's teacher is a very patient and dedicated teacher. We are so grateful for Mrs. Williams! As I watched the graduation ceremony, I was so proud of the little man Klint and I have raised. Jaakson is a special boy and we love him so much!They sang several songs but these 2 were our favorites!

I peed a little bit when I watched this...

2011-04-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

http://scoop.today.com/_news/2011/04/22/6512486-britney-spears-huge-in-afghanistan

Had to share!

If you love your kids, help make a difference for someone else's kid in need!

2011-04-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

I first met this family a couple months ago when they came into my salon for haircuts. A young couple with a handsome 2-year old son walked into the salon, pushing him gently in a stroller. I noticed their son had a helmet on and occasionally would scream unless his father continually kept the stroller moving. I overheard the mother tell my co-worker their story: that their son suffered from seizures caused by epilepsy. Through different medication and etc. They had made the seizures decrease signifigantly but, if I remember correctly, he still has about 20-25 seizures a day and his development is stalled at about an 11-month old child's.
Tonight I cut the father's hair at my salon, not recognizing him at first without his wife and son. As we talked, I asked him if he had children and he said he had a 2 1/2 year old son. I asked if his son was active and wanting to go outside a lot, because today was so sunny and nice. He said that his son doesn't really understand that yet because he has seizures and a form of epilepsy. It clicked and I made the connection, remembering his sweet son and let him know I had seen them in the salon before and knew their story. I asked how he was doing and if the doctors had figured out a better way to help their son. The father said they had just taken him recently to specialists in Cleveland because Primary Children's couldn't figure out what exactly they could do to improve their son's situation. The doctors in Cleveland found that their son needs brain surgery because he has a malformation in his brain. I inquired about how they were going to go about doing that and he let me know they it is really expensive to fly back and forth to Cleveland so much and so they are having a bake sale this Saturday morning in Orem at the old Albertson's/Ridley market parking lot! I asked if he had a website or etc that I could check out and pass on, which they do!

www.beatingepilepsy.blogspot.com

*Please, please check out this site and donate anything you can. Even a little, from a lot of us could help this sweet family! Go to the bake sale and buy something if you live in this area!!! This family's humble story touched my heart and I just know that when my children have had the flu or croup how heartbroken I was for them and how frustrated I was that I couldn't take their pain away. Let's do what we can for them!

"To whom much is given, much is required."

Most of us have generally, very-healthy children. We are very blessed and should help bless others in any way we can.

Thanks for reading, my friends!

Baby #3!

2011-03-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

5 1/2 months pic! This pregnancy has been a litle more exhausting! Running around after a 5 and 3 year-old will do that. Plus, I'm also hitting 30 this summer!

Leggings? Appropriate or not? I can't decide...

2011-01-04T23:28:00.000-08:00

What are your thoughts? So, I'm almost 30. I don't have the perfect body but I like to layer leggings with a long blouse/tunic. A sweet co-worker of mine (who is 10 years younger than me) admitted that leggings are for teenagers and that's it. I love her honesty. But I also like leggings. And my other concern is, are leggings too revealing? Too "Naughty Sandy" from Grease? Do tell.

GREAT NEWS!

2010-11-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

My most favorite Zumba instructor, Allison, is offering classes now in addition to her gym classes! I've been to a lot of Zumba classes with different instructors and I can easily say Allison is my all-time fave! QUALITY, all the way!!! Best music, dancing, workout, personality, and energy!!!! You definetely get your workout and your money's worth! Check her out and let me know if you want to go with me! Her blog also shows her schedule, at Gold's Gym and 24 Hour Fitness.

http://zumbaforever.blogspot.com/

Some of my favorite things right now.....

2010-11-10T22:01:00.001-08:00

Now that it's fall and winter is around the corner, my hobbies are more of the indoor, hibernating kind. I love this time of year! So, as one of my favorite actresses Julie Andrews sang, "..these are a few of my favorite things!
I'm a total GEEK for the Broadway show, "Wicked!" As much as I've been listening to the soundtrack w/the original Broadway cast you would think I was sick of it. I'm not; I love it more and more everytime I listen to it! If you love musicals/Broadway and you haven't checked it out yet, I URGE you to check it out.

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I have Netflix (LOVE it!) and I just started watching "Pushing Daisies." The perfect way to describe it is that it's a mix of Edward Scissorhands and Dr. Seuss flavors. Very fun and clever! Check it out if you need a good laugh.

Klint and I LOVE fall! The colors, the air, everything! We tried our best to take cute family pictures and although they aren't traditional, I love them! Here are a few of our favorites from our little photo shoot last month...

It's official. Halloween is our family's favorite holiday. We had such a fun time this Halloween! It was raining cats and dogs, too! This was the first year Jaakson wanted to stay out later to go door-to-door! He was a trooper! They all looked so cute. And by "they" I also mean Klint. Klint LOVES Halloween.

I love candles. My sister brought SoHo Living candles to my attention. Vanilla Flower and Vanilla Truffle are amazing! AND they last forever...

Reading! What would I do without reading late into the night?! It's the only time it's quiet and I get my "Me" time. I finished a few easy read my Mom lent to me but now I have nothing left! Suggestions please! The last good novel I read was "Rebekah" from the Women of Genesis series and "Enchantment," both by Orson Scott Card.

Amish Friendship Bread. Amazing!!! I finally got a starter bag from my friend a month ago and begged my sister to give me one of her starter bags. It's that good! Here's a link to a good recipe for the starter: http://www.food.com/recipe/amish-friendship-bread-and-starter-153 *NOTE: instead of a bowl, use Ziploc gallon bags! Stick to the 10 days!!! It's worth it!

Bigfishgames.com. I'm a TOTAL PC nerd during this time of year. I'm borderline Hermit. This site has fun, cheap games that range from easy to challenging. PLUS, you can play any game for an hour before you buy it. This is another thing I do if I don't have a good book to read at the end of the day.

Oh! How Fall, how I love thee! I could go on and on but I'll spare you. What are you looking forward to this fall/winter?

Long time, no talkey!

2010-09-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Procrastinator extraordinaire! Life has been really good to us this summer! We went to the pool a few times, a couple parades, camping twice, rodeo in Nephi, salsa dancing in SLC, 2 buck Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point, the drive-inn theater off Redwood Road (our favorite!), the movie theater, lots of trips to the parks, a few great dates, fishing, lots of playdates, and etc. Now we move onto Jaakson starting kindergarten ("Bye Mommy!") and Shae becoming fully potty-trained ("Don't potty on the Princess on your undies, Shae!). So sad summer's over but the best is yet to come! We love fall and the holidays that follow!

Whomever invented arm floaties is a genius!!!

2010-07-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Oh! and I love the Dollar Store for selling them there! Once I put those floaties on Shae, she was happy as a clam! If I even tried to steer her around or keep her from bobbing too much she's grunt and try to wobble away in the water! But I had so much fun watching her enjoy her newfound freedom! Jaakson loved his Toy Story ring from the Dollar Store, too. Klint recently taught Jaakson how to go underwater, too!... my kids are getting so big! *sniff*

Early birthday present...

2010-06-23T09:40:00.001-07:00

A couple posts down you may have read about my unfortunate situation with a family member. I just wanted to share with you the good news of the events that have transpired since I made that post! All of your comments were so thoughtful and encouraging! I just wanted you to know that a couple weekends ago on my birthday, against all believable odds, this person showed up at my apartment to give me a birthday card and gift certificate! I was seriously shocked but SO happy! It easily made my birthday a far better celebration! My sister was visiting from out of town and we'd stayed up talking the night before, including my husband. I had mentioned that if this person would even show me the smallest act of good faith or any proof that she was sorry I would welcome it with open arms! After a long talk, tears, a few laughs, and a lot of hugs we understood each other a lot better and I learned that it's more important to show those you love how you feel, rather than just tell them. Words aren't enough- especially when we all have insecurities to overcome. I know how much God wants us to love each other and help each other. This experience has helped me know that once we do all we can that it is possible for the Lord to help sort out the rest. So, the plan is we're starting fresh and are committed to having better communication and honesty in our friendship! Wish us luck! Thanks again for all your kind words of encouragement!

Life is good, isn't it?

We love visiting St. Jorge!!!

2010-05-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

My sister and brother (Katherine & Daniel) graduated with their Associates from Dixie State College last weekend! I am so proud of them! They are both working towards their Bachelor's degree now; Katherine in English and Daniel in Criminal Justice.
We went to Washington's city celebration for Cotton Days. My sis-in-law Angela dances in a group that teaches Hula dancing and they were performing so we went and watched her dance. I was SOOO impressed, I got goosebumps! It was so beautiful to watch. I've never seen my sis-in-law Hula before and she is so graceful and beautiful! You can tell that she had authentic training back in Molokai. My nieces and Shae were shaking their hips the rest of the day, it was so cute! Haha!

We had fun at the fair, too! I had to add the second pic because of Klint and Shae's faces....classic! Hahaaa!

Sister's night out! We went to a grill/poolhall/club in Cedar by SUU called Toadz, I think? It was fun to get out with my sisters and shake a tailfeather! We had a blast!
Last but not least, I got to spend some time with my Mom! I am so grateful for my Mother for showing me how to laugh! I'm thankful she fostered in me a great love for art- in the forms of books and music. My mother has gone through a lot in her childhood and adult life but she continues to amaze me everyday because I see now, as a Mother myself, how many sacrifice she willingly endured to raise 7 kids. I love my Mom SOOOO much! Thanks Mom!

"Splendor in the Grass"

2010-04-29T15:24:00.001-07:00

Aww! I just have to say how much I LOVE this movie. Although it may be controversial even today, I still love the truth in it and Natalie Wood's performance. Natalie Wood is absolutely stunning and I was brought to tears on more than one occasion. I find myself understanding this movie more and more the older I get; the last time I watched this movie I was 19 or 20..? If you haven't seen it and you enjoy classic movies, check it out!

"...What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;..."

-William Wordsworth

What are your favorite classic movies? I've been really into older movies lately and am running out of good ones. I'm a sucker for romance and drama!

Sunshine, you rescue me once again!

2010-04-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to be totally self-absorbed right now just to get it out of my system. So cliche, but here goes....you've been forewarned.

Have you ever been in a funk before? Like, a FUNKY funk where you kind of "check out" for a while? I knew I was in a signifigant funk when I was listening to Etta James everyday and turning down friend's invitations to a Girl's Night Out....and when I didn't want to do anything but watch movies or read books. Any of you who really know me, knows that I am social and positive most of the time. I knew something was off. I now know what it was but didn't want to admit it, because then I would be succumbing to "it."

I've come to realize how strongly I have valued other's opinions of me throughout my life. It's unhealthy, really. Most of all, those whom I've come to consider close family and friends. So after 8 years trying to earn the love and respect of someone close to me and my family told me that she thinks I'm a horrible mother and wife I was surprised. I was hurt. I like to think I'm a fairly confident person with good self-esteem...but I remembered visibly flinching when she told me I was an ungrateful and disrespectful bitch, as well....my heart sunk a little when she told me that the reason my kids get sick is because my house is so dirty there is mold growing on my dishes.

See, I had been under the impression that my hard work throughout the years had paid off and this person and I had built a solid relationship of genuine respect and love for one another. I was actually pretty crushed over it. I was suprised this person had such a strong influence over me. Where did all of the animosity come from? How did I miss it? I had glimpes of these feelings but passed them off as my insecurities getting the best of me. I had always given her the benefit of the doubt.

I found myself criticizing everything I did everyday thereafter.

Little by little, I felt I was slipping down into a hole of despair and shame. Four months have gone by since that conversation and I'm finally on the other side of it. I haven't spoken to this person since January and it's all been via e-mail; she has never answered my phone calls.

After a lot of soul-searching, conversations with my husband, and personal prayer I've come to the conclusion that I am, in fact, a good person. I am a good person because I truly try my best in my life. Maybe it's because I have too much pride or maybe because my parents gave me confidence from an early age but I want to meet my full potential someday. I try my best to continue learning how I can be a better person. More than anything, I have come to know I've become a decent person because I still love this person regardless of the damaging doubts she planted in my mind. I would and have forgiven her. She will likely never ask for forgiveness but I will go on living my life to the best of my ability.

My conclusion: so what if I don't win "Mother of the Year?" Or clean my apartment obsessively every day? So what if my weight is never where I want it? What if I'm not perfect? My children know I love them. My husband knows I value and love him. My family and friends know I love them. I am in good health. I like myself. I contribute to society on a daily basis. The weather has been miraculously beautiful and warm for the past 5 days! I feel as though God has smiled on me! I look at all of my daily blessings and how can I question my worth? Life is good! My kids are healthy and happy! I get to go to the temple on Friday! I've cleaned out my fish tank, too and so now my fish are happy, haha! Even though everything in my life isn't perfect, even though there will always be people who will criticize and devalue me throughout my life, I will continue to press forward and endure to the end...with a smile on my face!

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

- Dr. Seuss

"When you wish upon a star..."

2010-03-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

We took a vaca to CA & Disneyland a few weekends ago and I have to say, I wish we would have had another week away! Haha! I wish they were still doing the "Disney Give a Day, Get a Day" program- that's how we saved over $100 on our tickets. We suprised the kids and didn't tell them where we were going until we were strolling up to the entrace @ Disneyland- their faces were so cute! They were so excited, we couldn't get on the rides fast enough! They behaved so well and we made some great family memories. It was so nice to make memories w/just the 4 of us and get away from everything and everyone. Here are some of our favorite pix!

Day 1 in CA: Newport Beach @ sunset

*Klint found a white seal out on the rocks! The kids (including us) were fascinated.

Day 2: Disneyland!

Day 3: Leaving CA :( ...Newport Beach in the A.M.

My Personal Manifesto....

2010-03-21T18:06:00.001-07:00

-To be true to myself; to have no need for the approval or validation of other people.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson

-To let my kids constantly know how valued and loved they are.

-To not take things personally; what others say and do is a projection of their own reality.

-To constantly let the many good people in my life know how grateful I am for them.

-To serve others every day, be it small acts of kindness or big.

-To see mistakes as feedback, to adjust my aim, and to try again.

-To make my home a peaceful place where one can come in from out of the world.

-To make healthy lifestyle choices.

-To always remember and accomplish my goals throughout life.

-To make everyday an adventure.

-To remember the best things in life aren't "things."

-To look at everyone as someone's child, sibling, spouse, parent; a child of God.

-To laugh instead of cry.

-To remember that I cannot change the way I feel inside by changing the outside.

-To persevere.

Preschool is the best!

2010-02-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of Jaakson! He has learned SOOO much from his preschool class he goes to MOn-Friday. Jaakson can now spell his first and last name, recognize all of his upper-case letters, most of his lower case letters , and he knows all of his numbers! His teacher, Mrs. Scholle, is such a patient and kind teacher. Here are some pictures of his class during Show & Tell last month. He had to take something educational so he took our camera! His classmates are so cute!

To play catch-up from December, here is a cute picture from Shae's birthday!(procrastinator extraoridinaire) Shae turned 2 and loves all things girly and having to do with babydolls.

"I don't like tro'en, Mommy..."

2009-12-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

Klint's sister, KayCee, married a cowboy (Brandon) this summer! They are the cutest couple! A couple weeks ago they invited us down to their place to ride their horses! We had so much fun. Shae LOVED it and is still talking about the "horseys." Jaakson on the other hand liked it but was pretty nervous at first. Jaakson and I were on Brandon's horse, Kid in the beginning- Kid was so cute! The horses were all so obedient but Kid would get sidetracked easily so we'd end up behind most of the time. I'd have to get Kid to trot to catch up and Jaakson would start whimpering and say, "No! I don't like tro'en!" (trotting) I thought it was so cute how he says it. Here are some pix of our adventure...

KayCee & Shae on Kid

Klint & Shae on Scooter, Jaakson & I on Kid

Kid & I lagging behind, haha! (He was so cute.)

Need your hair did?!

2009-11-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

I've had 3 slots open up in my clientele! Contact me if you need a color, cut, updo/style, extensions, and etc! You name it, I can do it.

Before Cut

After Cut

Color

Updo/Style

Extensions

*I can also make custom clip-in extensions!

Cornrows/Dreadlocks/Braid Extensions

Favorite Halloween movies?

2009-10-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Since we've been stuck inside for the past 5 days, we're burning through movies and games. What are some of your favorite Halloween movies? For kids AND/OR adults? I LOVE Scooby Doo cartoons but you can only watch cable for so long!

Sickies!

2009-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

We all have been sick in one form or another for the past 3 weeks! We're just getting over our sicknesses and just in time for Halloween! Can't wait!

In the meantime, I'm posting this mash-up vid of "New Moon." I'm really excited about it! I found out last night that just like last year, the Chop Shop is paying for me and Klint to go to dinner and the movie on November 21st.

Organization....

2009-09-24T11:20:00.001-07:00

As of late, I've been a little obsessed with organizing EVERYTHING in my house. It's not only good for my brain but my family. Everything flows a lot smoother in our household when everything has a organized space. I'm finding this is not so easy w/two curious kids and one husband who has zero time to help out around the house this semester. With all of the world's many distractions, I find myself wasting time, space, energy. I was wondering if my lovely blogging friends could give me their best organizational tips? I would SOOO appreciate it! For example, what are some good ways to organize your food pantry, your children's closet (toys, clothes, etc), and etc. using limited space? Basically, what are the best ways you've found helpful in organizing your life?

Here's to catching up on Blogger...

2009-08-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

My hair has been thru one, too-many changes the past two months....

....I'm done for a while!!!!

We got a new car! We've been putting it off for quite some time and I'm SOO excited to have a car where I can sit side by side w/Klint and the kids can sit safely in their carseats!

During the month of August, Thanksgiving Point had "Two Buck Tuesdays" and every venue was on $2! We took the kids to the dinosaur museum for only $6!!! Sooo fun! I only could catch Jaakson for a couple shots, he was ALL over the place! he LOVED it! Shae really had a great time, too! The gardens there were beautiful and their gourmet fudge was only $2 as well, YUM!

Jaakson started preschool last Thursday! He was so excited the day of, until it was time for me to leave him alone w/his class and new teacher. There were tears. When I came to pick him up, he told me his teacher was "mean" and "made (him) sad." After talking to the teacher, she said he was a little defiant. (Big suprise, haha!) As soon as we got home from his first day, I made him a behavior chart and he's done great ever since!

Last Wednesday Klint took me on a twilight, airplane ride in a small Kitana airplane!!! I was a little worried and practically posted my will on Facebook but it was one of the best dates ever we've had! Everyone keeps freaking me out about small airplanes and everything but after I saw how professional and thorough Klint is as a pilot, I was quickly comfortable and had a great time!!! Sooo romantic, it was like a scene out of Pearl Harbor....

This is Klint's face before takeoff:

This is my face while we were taxiing onto the runway..

Ahh, beeeeeeautiful....

Major points, Klint...my husband rocks!!!

We had two big weddings this month. Klint's little sister, KayCee, and my best friend, Jamie-they both looked gorgeous! Congratulations KayCee & Brandon, you two are so cute together! Congrats Jamie & Glen, you're in for an adventure!

Camping, Jaakson's B-day, Jillian & Ed, SYTYCD...

2009-07-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Uhh, I don't know what happened but I guess just the pix posted originally on this blog! Haha! Anywho, in short, I LOVE Ed and Jillian and hope that their love is real! I wish them the best. SYTYCD, Jeanine was defintetely my favorite! So glad she won! Yay!

Last minute family pictures at the park!

2009-07-13T00:55:00.001-07:00

Today as I sat watching "Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban" on TV, I look up at the pictures hung up throughout my front room. The family picture I have hanging is missing something.......Shae! Oops! I meant to do official family pictures in the spring and never got around to it (suprise, suprise)! Soooo we wisked the kids to the park and snapped a couple pix. I need to hang one of them up as a stand-in until I can get some professional photos done. Be a dear and tell me which one you think is best?
I think this one is the best one, what do you think?

*BTW, Shae ALWAYS takes her bows and hair clips out. How do you ladies get your girls to keep them in?!

For KayCee!

2009-07-09T09:01:00.001-07:00

Moving sale today!

2009-07-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Jamie, is having a moving sale today! 2159 S Dakota Ave in Provo! Furniture, appliances, tools, clothing, home decor- everything must go! She's got some quality stuff for killer prices cuz she's moving to Australia in September!!!! Check it out and pass it on!

Happy Independence Day to you all! A heartfelt Thank You to all the veterans, men and women that are serving our country to keep it the home of the free!

"..but, and there is a butt....."

2009-06-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

I LOVE this show! I missed it last night so I just got caught up online today! I only had a couple favorite routines from last night. Randi and Evan are fast becoming my favorite couple! I LOVED this routine! It's so cooky and I love Mia Michaels choreography, she's a genius. In case you missed it, here's the routine:

I also liked Melissa & Ade's routine....

3 in 1....

2009-06-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was my birthday and I'm just getting around to updating! Look at the cute cake Klint got for me! (It was delicious, too. I'm still working off the extra LBs from that...) We went to Hill Air Force Base's open house! SO FUN!!! Everyone needs to go at least once in their lifetime... Shae pointing. There was a lot of that last weekend. The stunt planes were one of my favorite parts of the shows... It was so cool because during the whole show we were sitting right next to all these jets, helicopters, etc. Very cool. I was a little nervous to let Jaakson walk around these jets because although I'm sure they took every precaution to make sure spectators couldn't cause any harm to the jets, I wasn't entirely sure Jaakson couldn't find SOME way to inflict damage on them... Make sure your volume isn't up too high when you watch this fly-by vid...

After the airshow, we went to Red Robin because I had been CRAVING it! It was delicious! Here are the kids by the fountain in the mall..

10-inch donation to Locks of Love. Long hair is overrated! I love it!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST....Klint is now an official Private Pilot! He took his test w/the FAA today and passed w/flying colors! Congratulations, Klint! We are so proud of your hard work and dedication! One down, four more to go...

Selling my car! For parts or "As Is," best offer!

2009-06-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

Follow this link:

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=6743181&cat=103

What we do at my house during a sleepover....

2009-06-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

World Premiere of Glam Girls "Glamorous!"

2009-06-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Twilight Saga: New Moon 'Trailer'

2009-06-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

Weeee!

The Twilight Saga: New Moon 'Trailer'

It's my favorite time of year on Fox!!!!

2009-05-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, SEASON 5!!!!

Here are a couple of my favorite auditions I've seen so far...

*Fastforward to 4:20

*Fastforward to 7:25

Funny things kids have said this past week...

2009-05-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Jaakson calling cookies "beautiful."
Jaakson telling me how his cousin "got-fer" her lunchbox at our house.
Jaakson saying he needs to put his seatbelt on or the "occifer" will pull him over.
Shae saying, "Peese!" and "Tanku."
Jaakson snuggling up to me and whispering, "I like it when you're nice, Mommy."
Shae pointing to a loud plane and yelling, "Birdie!"
Jaakson telling me that he's gonna play baseball when he grows up and "kick Scott's butt." (A tyrant on our co-ed team that has a really bad temper.)
"Don't you do that to my sister!" when another kid pushed Shae. "Goggy!" when Shae saw/heard a dog on our walk.

Yesterday we hooked a microphone up to the kid's CD player. Hours of entertainment follow. Here's Jaakson freestyling and Shae lookin' like Tom Hanks in "Castaway."

The Flu....

2009-05-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

We've been a little antisocial the last week or so. The kids got the flu. Not just a 24-hour thing either! They just got A LOT better as of yesterday and the onset started Wednesday morning for Shae and late Wed/early Thursday morning for Jaakson. Wow, That was the longest stretch of vomit, diarrhea, laundry, and Pedialyte I've ever experienced. Luckily for Jaakson he only threw up twice this whole time while Shae got the worst of it! I took Shae into the Dr. Friday and he says she looks great just needed more time to get over the rest of it. No Swine Flu, don't worry! I was still super cautious and we haven't gone to the gym, church, or etc. Little girl still has some STANKY diarrhea but at least it's becoming more solid today. YUCK!
The things that helped me thru this crazy-ill week:

and..
(Thanks Milissa & Mom!)

...and I've reached a new level of Nerdom...
...mock me if you must! ;)
The kids were DYING to go outside so Friday they played on our neighbor's Power Wheel together, it was so cute! (The quality isn't the greates at this size cuz it's from my phone).

Last weekend when I got home from work I took the kids off Klint's hands so he could finish some homework (and recooperate). We went to Nickelcade and brought Jaakson's friend along! (Maybe that's where the kids picked up the flu, that place is always packed....) It was superfun, nonetheless!

...trying to get the kids to stop moving at this place was next to impossible hence the blurry pix...

Warning! The video below shows the kids playing and I'm one of those really obnoxious, annoying moms that is more excited than her kids....

THE END

P.Y.T!

2009-04-22T15:10:00.001-07:00

I don't usually watch follow DWTS very closely but this season has me hooked!

I LOVED this routine! I thought it was so cute! I've watched it like 5x...

My favorites are Shawn Johnson and Ty Murray, he is so adorable!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that....a.k.a. Massive Picture/Video Post

2009-04-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

April has been a busy month! We've had a lot of fun though! I've thoroughly enjoyed my hair vacation, thank you! ;) Yesterday I took my kids and 2 of my nieces to the park around the corner even though it was cloudy and going to rain. They were going crazy in my house so I gave in. Kids loved taking pix while swinging...

Last night, my good friend Jamie and I indulged our guilty pleasure and went to the Britney Spears concert! Hahaaa! It was a blast! We felt like we were 18 years old again! You can say what you want, homegirl knows how to put on a show!!!!

The Pussycat Dolls opened and were fabulous! Those girls sang live and sounded great! So fun! Jamie and I took mental notes on their dancing skillz....haha!

On Easter we invited Klint's Grandma Gerri (Klint's Dad's side) over for dinner! I absolutely love this lady! She is such a sweetheart! Shae fell in LOVE with her during this visit! It was really cute to watch....it was also fun to watch Grandma play MarioKart on the Wii! She kept telling Jaakson to drive on the right side of the road.
This is Nicholas, Jaakson, Klint, and Shae after the Easter hunt. I did what my parents always did: hide the eggs outside then come inside and said, "What's that outside?! I think I saw the Easter bunny!" They were so funny!
These pix are from conference weekend in St. Jorge (George)! We had a blast being there with family! My family is the best! In order below: Kaimana/ Jarod & Jaakson watching the races/ Daniel being special/ Todd, Angela, Annie, Daniel,& Klint/Katherine's hot, new haircolor/Grandma Nadine, Mom, & me @ "Inkheart" with kids and Milissa/Sammi, Cameron, Kendall, Colby (Milissa was getting popcorn)/Grandma, Me, & Shae w/Mom @ Applebee's/Jaakson @ the Fillmore stop.

...it's been a fun month after such stressful times w/school and work! We are so blessed. :)

REFLECTIONS OF CHRIST
In case you missed this special from conference weekend, follow this link! It's only a couple minutes long but SO moving. Watch it where you can have a good cry. ;) *BTW, I am currently taking donations from anyone who wants to help me buy all the artwork from this photographer.

And so it begins....

2009-04-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's so dark on the video....Although it is very cute and I'm proud of my kid's abilities, this was one of my least favorite stages Jaakson went through as well....climbing out of the crib and trying to get them to stay in bed. My kids are early walkers and climbers. Shae is only 15 months and climbing out of her bed! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooo! Jaakson took forever to get to stay in bed; many long nights. I'm currently taking advice and parenting tips on how to make your toddler stay in bed? Jaakson does well but it took a long time and he still climbs into bed with us in the middle of the night or early in the morning half the time. Advice, please! I apologize ahead of time to my neighbors (Millers)!

Hair Vacation

2009-03-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Just so everyone knows, I'm taking a little vacation. I'm not doing ANY hair whatsoever as of this Monday until April 15th.....or I possibly might, very easily go absolutely mental. I'm not even joking. But I'd LOVE to do it April 15th or after!!! :) Much love to everyone!

Fun pics of the kids!

2009-03-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law, Pat, always wants to have pictures done of her grandkids together and it never happens when the grandkids (Damon & Destiny) from Vegas are in town so I took the kids out today and just did it myself! I think they turned out pretty cute, considering my camera has a scratch on the lense. (We don't have good luck w/cameras...) It was actually a really fast and fun shoot! Less than 15 minutes! Here are my favorites of the bunch:

I was tickling them in this one, can you tell? ;)

My eternal family....

2009-03-08T01:14:00.000-08:00

I've been achingly missing my family in Southern Utah for the past month. We were planning on coming down next weekend but due to school and work, we will have to wait until conference weekend. I hope we get to see you then! I just wanted all of you to know I love you more than you'll ever know and I miss you! See you soon!

Mom is the best pillow there is...

2009-03-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

I remember loving to fall asleep in my mom's lap, she was always so soft and comfy! I remember her always joking, "I'm not a pillow!" Even now when I visit, I love snuggling with my Mom and I don't get to do it often enough. Looks like Jaakson feels the same....he definetely found the most padded spot, didn't he?

"Cuz I'm thrifty!!!"

2009-03-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

I am a sucker for good deals! Like, REALLY good deals! Not, "they're having a really good sale at Pottery Barn!" I'm talking KSL, Savers, Ross, Craig's List, Ebay, Amazon, etc. It almost makes the item even more VALUABLE because I got it for such a good deal! I've been looking for a cute dresser that's bigger with more room so I can fit both Jaakson AND Shae's clothes in it. I found this adorable, huge dresser in great condition on ksl.com for $30! It'd only been online for an hour, lucky me!

I've been trying to organize my house room by room. Last week I went to Ross to find some type of deep baskets to put in their dresser nook as well as in their closet. I found 6 sturdy, fabric-lined brown baskets for $30. Now their room is completely organized!

Two days ago, I was bored from being at home with my 2 sick kids and they were dying to get out so we went to the Dollar Tree in Orem. I usually only drop by there to get candy for the theatre or batteries for my kid's toys. But this time I walked around the entire store, thru every aisle and was so suprised at the things I found! I bought a Universal Remote for my TV and VCR (usually $5-9), it works great! I bought Robitussin (usually $4)for the kids, (Jaakson's allergist wanted me to start giving it to him). Works great! I bought press-on lights for our closets, $1/each! I bought a pack of different colored Playdough (usually $3), HUGE bottle of bubbles, 8-pack of AA batteries (over $3), Chex snackbars ($2.50 or more), spring "Welcome" wire wreath, cleaning wipes ($3-4), mulitple cans/jars of fruit, and the list goes on. I ended up spending $30 for $30 items! Not too bad for a shopping/grocery spree!

At Savers a week or so ago, they were having their semi-annual 1/2 off EVERYTHING sale! I don't like D.I. very much but I like Savers for the kids clothes and lil' things like movies, books, etc. because the quality and condition always seems better plus their racks are organized better so you don't have to look as hard.

I LOVE saving money on things so if anyone has any tips that have helped them, let me know!

Looking for some kindred spirits....

2009-03-04T23:44:00.000-08:00

I love softball. I've played on organized teams from 5th grade thru my senior year. Last year was the first year since I moved up here in 2001 that I was able to play again. I wasn't in night school anymore and finally knew enough people to get a co-ed team together. I am DYING to find some girls that know how to play and can hang with the boys!!! Can anyone help me out? I am having the hardest time finding girls! :( The only reason I'm being picky about who plays with us is that it's not a recreational league, it's a competetive co-ed league. And any of you that have played with competetive men know how much they hate to lose and it's usually the girls that can make or break a team in co-ed. If any of you played ball in school or college or have played in co-ed leagues and can HANG, PLEASE PLEASE give me a call or email?! I'm looking for 1 or 2 more girls. If you don't play, maybe you have family or friends that do? I would be SOOO appreciative! The league starts on April and is every Thursday night in the evenings for one hour. OH, and it's SLOW-PITCH (a.k.a. super easy and fun to hit off of). Holla atcha girl! ;)

P.S. That's my Dad, the coach! He was the best! I loved playing on this team, we had so much fun. Guess which awkward tween is me......

Are the weekends cursed or something?!

2009-03-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

EVERYTIME my kids get really sick it's on a weekend! What is going on here?! I don't like my kids to get sick at all, be it weekday or weekend, but I have been seeing a pattern in the past few years since I've had kids....when they get REALLY sick, beyond the seasonal cold, it always falls on a weekend; whether we're out of town or sitting at home. Why is this? Is it a fluke or is there a factual reason why this happens? The most frustrating thing about the weekends is that the Dr offices are closed and the on-call doctors aren't always available. If it's really serious, I end up taking them to Urgent Care or the ER, which are both a little more expensive than the general pracitioner. I'm sure you've already figured out that this entry is coming off of a long weekend. Jaakson was up until 5 am on Saturday morning, did better Sunday morning, and then late last night/EARLY this morning with a really bad cough/breathing problems. For those of you that don't know, Jaakson is HIGHLY allergic to cats/dogs or any pets with dander. *Note: your pet has dander no matter how much hair they do/don't have. Jaakson's allergic reactions are so bad that he could possibly die from it because his breathing is affected so severely. This weekend was particluarly bad because in addition to him having an allergic reaction, he already was JUST getting over a cold. His allergic reactions are even worse if he already has any type of illness that affects his respiration, cold/flu/cough/etc. I feel so bad for him because I can't make him better without using medicine or going to a doctor. I feel bad because he loves dogs and cats, as do Klint and I. Anyone who really knows me knows that my family has had a German Shepard our whole life. When I moved out of my parent's house I took a cat home to my apartment where I wasn't supposed to have pets much to my roommats suprise(*Sorry Nat and Jaycee, haha!). In the past, I would gauge a person's character partly on whether they liked dogs and animals. One friend stated she hated dogs and I almost disowned her as my friend. (Not really, but I considered it for a SECOND....or two). I feel bad because anyone who even has DANDER on their CLOTHES can cause Jaakson to have a severe allergic reaction. Sometimes I have to pass on playdates, visits from friends/family, family occasions, and etc. I feel bad because many get offended or hurt when I tell them they can't come over or we can't go to their house because of Jaakson's allergies, no matter how much we'd LOVE to see them. Many of you may say, you can give him allergy medicine before you go somewhere with cat/dogs so he won't have a reaction. Sometimes the medicine doesn't always work and some dander is worse than others and I have no way of knowing which times will be worse. The more I expose Jaakson to his allergic triggers, the worse his reactions will get. NOT BETTER. Jaakson's allergist has stressed to me that if I don't want to put Jaakson thru misery, I shouldn't gamble his health/life for a visit with loved ones and if our loved ones VALUED Jaakson's health/life, then they would respect and understand that and take his allergies seriously. So if you have pets and I tell you we can't come over or vice versa because of Jaakson's allergies PLEASE don't get offended and take it personally because I don't want him to be up coughing/throwing up until 5 am and possibly having to be hospitalized, okay? It has nothing to do with you or your cute pets. It has to do with my son being healthy and happy.

This one goes out to the one I love....

2009-02-18T23:39:00.001-08:00

This is somewhat of a random post but I just have to say, I really do have the best husband ever. He is my Darcy, my Willoughby, my Colonel Brandon, my Edward. He is my soft place to fall in this crazy, upside-down world. I owe Katherine BIG TIME for setting me up on my first ever blind date with her adorable co-worker back in 2001. ;) After watching Oprah and the segment about "Why Men Cheat," I was filled with relief and humility. It really helped me to put things into perspective. Everywhere I look I see divorce, people fighting over stupid THINGS, drugs alienating one spouse from the other, rampant infidelity, spouses murdering spouses, and I see selfish, selfish people putting their children last. Klint has risen far beyond so many of his life's trials and has become an exceptional husband and father whom I genuinely have the utmost respect and adoration for. His constant patience and love for me is remarkable and I know it can't be easy! Haha!

So Klint THANK YOU! and I LOVE YOU! Baby, you're the best! ;)

*Sidenote: AND Klint gave me cute babies....

You idiot!

2009-02-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

Haha! K, so maybe I'm being a little dramatic. Maybe not. I just watched last night's episode online this morning. Here's my take on The Bachelor with Jason this season on ABC: I think Jason is SO afraid to get hurt again that he picks the "safe" girls that proclaim their feelings. It seems to me he got rid of the only girl that was being genuine and real with him. Jillian. I think when it comes to matters of the heart, that you either fully give someone the benefit of the doubt and allow yourself to be in love with them or you don't ever fully commit to the relationship. I know that this is a "reality" show, so we're mostly talking hypothetically here. I know some of you watch this show, what are your thoughts on this season? Oh AND Melissa and Molly really bug me sometimes! They seem so fake to me!!!

I can't wait until next week's reunion show and the final episode!!! Deanna?! What?!

10 Great Part-time Jobs w/Benefits

2009-02-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Here's an article that was on yahoo.com today. I read over it and thought I'd post it!

*Contrary to popular belief, working a part-time job doesn't mean you have to forego those almighty benefits.
A number of part-time vocations come with subsidized health insurance coverage, paid vacation days, retirement matching, corporate discounts, and more. You just have to know where to look.

Often, part-time employees must work at least 20 to 30 hours a week to be eligible for company benefits. And some companies won't cough up the health-care and financial perks until you've been an employee for 3, 6, or 12 months. Still, a benefits package is a benefits package, no matter how you get it.

Whether you're a stay-at-home parent returning to the workforce, a college student in need of extra income, or an office worker who's grown weary of the 60-hour-a-week grind, there's probably a part-time job with benefits out there for you.

1. Package handler. Do you have a strong back and an aversion to offices? Then you might get a lot of mileage out of loading and unloading packages at a UPS warehouse in one of the 90 cities the shipping carrier serves. Part-timers must work a minimum of 15 hours a week and wait 12 months before being eligible for benefits. But the company fully funds your health insurance premiums and offers tuition reimbursement for part-timers who take harder-to-fill shifts. Median wage: $11 to $12 per hour.*

2. Barista. Pacific Northwest-based Tully's Coffee serves up some pretty rich perks to the part-time baristas who work in its Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Arizona retail locations. Employees who put in at least 17.5 hours are eligible for sick pay, a 401(k) savings plan, a limited health plan, dental insurance, legal services, and a slew of discounts. On top of those perks, baristas who work at least 24 hours a week are eligible for medical insurance (including PPO and HSA offerings), disability insurance, and holiday and vacation pay. Median wage: $8.45 per hour.

3. Test prep tutor. Do you enjoy working with students? If you have some teaching experience and know your way around standardized tests, working as a classroom instructor or private tutor can be a great way to parlay your skills into a part-time job with flexible hours and health benefits. Companies like Kaplan regularly hire instructors and tutors to guide teens and adults through the test preparation process -- from the SATs to grad school admissions testing to professional certification exams. Median wage: $12.22 per hour.

4. Customer service representative. If you're a people person who's good on the phone, working as a call center rep might be the gig for you. Not only do many of these jobs lend themselves to flexible, part-time shifts, more and more companies are hiring customer service reps to work from their own home. U-Haul hires telecommuting E-Hotline Agents who are eligible for health benefits their first day on the job. After 90 days, they're eligible for the company's 401(k) savings plan, and after a year, they're eligible for the employee stock purchase plan. Note: Home-based customer service reps must have a reliable computer and Internet connection. Median wage: $11.16 per hour.

5. Computer software test/quality assurance analyst. Are you the person everyone comes to when their latest software purchase has them stumped? Then why not put your tech savvy to work? Software companies -- notorious for their flexible schedules (including part-time hours) and generous benefits -- always need people to test their creations before they ship. Note: A two-year or four-year computing degree or prior programming experience likely will be required. Median wage: $18.84 per hour.

6. Sales clerk/cashier. If you think working for a grocery store takes you out of the running for subsidized health care, you're wrong. Employees of Whole Foods who work at least 30 hours a week and have put in at least 800 hours with the supermarket chain benefit from the company's fully funded health care plan. Plus, the longer they're with the company, the more paid days off employees receive for vacation, holidays, and personal time. And after a year with the company, part-time employees are eligible for a 401(k) plan and a 20 percent discount on all store items. Median wage: $8.16 per hour.

7. Bus driver. Don't want to work in an office or a retail location? With a valid driver's license and a squeaky-clean driving record, you can try your hand at driving a bus for a living. Not only are the schedules flexible, healthcare benefits and paid-time off are frequently included. In King County in Washington State, after completing a 26-day paid training program, drivers who work at least 12.5 hours a week are eligible for the county's healthcare package, paid vacation days, and sick leave. And after seven months on the job, part-time drivers are eligible for the county's retirement plan. Median wage: $12.80 per hour.

8. Medical assistant. Not only is health care one of the most recession-proof fields out there, it's known for offering more than its share of part-time employment options -- complete with health benefits and paid time off. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks medical assistants as one of the fastest growing careers today. Sixty-two percent of medical assistants work in doctor's offices, performing a variety of administrative tasks. While some medical assistants learn on the job, many come to the field with a one-year or two-year degree. Median wage: $11.26 per hour.

9. Domestic worker. Like the general public but don't like the hustle and bustle of public places? Then you might like working in a private home as a part-time nanny or house cleaner. In Seattle, the agency A Nanny for You places domestic workers with families, some of whom provide monthly health-care stipends that workers can apply to their own health insurance costs. Plus, the pet waste removal franchise DoodyCalls, which boasts 40 U.S. locations, offers health coverage to employees who have been with the company 30 days and work at least 30 hours a week scooping Fido's backyard droppings. Median wage: $13 to $17 per hour.**

10. Temporary office assistant. As companies struggle to operate with leaner budgets this year, they're more likely to hire temps to handle pressing projects than add another staff member to their payroll. And while you won't catch any company doling out benefits to its temps, the agencies that hire these project-based workers frequently offer such perks. Case in point: Express Employment Professionals, a temp agency with 600 offices in four countries that offers its administrative, industrial, and professional temps health coverage the moment they're placed on their first assignment. After working the requisite number of hours (varies from branch to branch), Express temps also are eligible for holiday pay, a 401(k) program, and computer and job skills training. Median wage: $10.50 per hour.

Yay! Tax returns!!!

2009-02-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! It's that time of year again! Tax returns! I just wanted to give my friends and extended family the chance to have an experienced agent file your tax returns. I've been using this agent for 12 years and have never had any errors and alway received my returns via automatic deposit to my bank account within 1-2 weeks of filing them! My agent, Craig Carpenter, retired from the Internal Revenue Service after over 30 years of service and he happens to be my amazing Dad. His prices are more than reasonable and you can rest with the peace of mind that your return was filed accurately and efficiently! If you would like to use his services this tax season, you can call or email me at kylenekelly@yahoo.com and I'll give you his contact information. Don't delay and get your tax returns fast if you haven't filed them already!

Much love to you all and happy tax refunding!!!!

Kylene

P.S. I forgot to add that her speaks Spanish fluently! *Thanks, Ang! ;)

Breakin!

2009-02-02T23:17:00.001-08:00

I love this group not only cuz they're girls but because they are amazing dancers! I'm living vicariously thru them cuz I've always wanted to learn to breakdance. :) Enjoy!

You can watch the Beat Freaks' performance here since YouTube took it down. It's at 10:45.

I LOVE Quest crew, too! They've got Hok and Dominic from SYTYCD!

Bowling Night, baby.....

2009-02-02T15:33:00.001-08:00

Get ready for some nice hiney shots....

Klint has a mean curveball, folks.

My good friend, Carrie, has got some serious bowling skills! I think we'll get on a women's league together ;)

Jaakson was so funny! He had the funniest stances! I wonder where he gets it from....

Here is Jaakson and his favorite friend, Nicholas! Check out Shae being sneaky in the background with my Blizzard! BTW, this is Nicholas' Batman face and Jaakson's "witch face."...?

Double-chin and Shae, what can we say? We like Blizzards! ;)

Daddy & Shae.... eating a nacho. Girlfriend reminds me of Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven, always eating something! Ha, ha!

Jaakson afer he got his first strike! He's a natural....

Haggard. That was a long night. I need a vacation.

We had such a fun night! *Thanks for the idea, Angela! ;)

A word of advice.....

2009-02-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

NEVER do service with Qwest. I was forewarned by many before I gave Qwest the benefit of the doubt. I was severely disappointed.

Consider yourselves warned!

"The natives are restless......"

2009-01-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Here's what Jaakson and Shae do lately to stay entertained.... As of late, Jaakson and Shae like to attack the vacuum anytime I start vacuuming. I think it's so funny! They look like little wild children attacking the beast that is threatening their village or something. *Warning: when you view the vid below you may want to turn down the volume.

Anybody ever seen "The Holiday" with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black? It's a goodie. Apparently it's one of Jaakson's favorites, too....

Still swollen....

2009-01-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

Klint had a molar pulled on Monday due to a drunk, crazy guy punching him on his mission in England. Klint's face is STILL huge 4 days later! Even worse because of Klint's work responsibilities and flight safety, he is not able to take any pain meds. What a trooper! I'm sure he'll love that I posted these pix...hee hee!

Here he is just home from work and flying and hadn't had a pain pill in over 24 hours! :(

West Lakeridge 7th Relief Society blog...

2009-01-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

If you haven't checked it out yet, you should! :) West side!

Does anyone have the East side's blog address?

Some ranting here....

2009-01-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

I just have to say, I think it is extremely arrogant and entertaining when "people" think they have the right to place final judgement on my child's worth based on their behavior in any particular instance. Especially when my children aren't even children yet; they are babies and toddlers. Especially when these "people" are still children themselves and have never had children of their own. Heaven forbid at the age of 1 and 3, my children aren't perfect soilders. I refuse to beat or spank them into submission. I would never want to break my children's spirits. I do not want my kids to mistake intimidation for respect because I know they will follow that example later in their lives. I refuse to lose respect for myself. I will not have my children obey me out of fear or intimidation but would rather have them understand the natural consequences to their decisions. I use "currency" with my children (toys), not corporal punishment. It may take longer to get the results I want but the quality of the lesson will be worth it.

I am not saying that anyone who spanks is a bad person. I have spanked my son before. What I am saying is that I don't use it as a general band-aid for discipline. I do not like spanking because I don't feel good about myself when I do and I don't get the results I want. I also choose not to venture into physically violent territory for fear of quite possibly losing my mind or overstepping my boundaries as a trusted parent and guardian. I am honest enough with myself to admit that I never spanked out of "love." When I have spanked, I was upset and frustrated. I know those of you who have children understand what I am talking about. ;)

In closing, I have been a mother long enough to know that I do not know it all and maybe never will. I know that I still have much to learn. When I was young and unmarried, I admit I had some naive opinions. I have since struggled with feeling inept as a mother. I have struggled with letting exhaustion and indecision overwhelm me. I have struggled with worrying about how other "people" esteem me. I am happy to say that I have moved past those trials. I know that I am a good mother because I am doing the best I can. I know that my children will grow up to be responsible and sympathetic adults. I know that my children know I love them and will protect them.

And that's all that matters to me. :)

Otis...

2009-01-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Otis Redding! He is one of my new favorites...where have I been, not listening to Otis my whole life?! K, I just had to share :)

Remember when the Duckman danced to this song in "Pretty In Pink?!"

Chris Brown doesn't do a bad version either...

Hahaaaaaaa! Thanks Jamie!

2009-01-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas Pix...

2009-01-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas at home and Klint's mom's house in Lehi this last year and had a great time! Unfortunately I left my camera at Pat's house on Christmas Eve, so Christmas morning I only have video of the kids opening their presents and it's on my old school video camera. :) Anywho, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is starting the New Year off right! Much love!

Is anyone else busy taking down Christmas decorations?

2009-01-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy 2 weeks! I'll have to post the pix in a couple more days... I'm still recovering from New Year's Eve!

2008-12-31T01:39:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas letter via the world-wide web...

2008-12-23T00:23:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings!

When I think of Christmas letters, I can't help but think of an episode I once saw of “Everybody Loves Raymond” where the nosy mother-in-law grossly over-exaggerates her family's lives to make them sound considerably more exciting than they are. If you haven't seen that episode, you need to; it's hilarious. Anyways I thought it would be fun to write a Christmas letter this year to share our year's favorite highlights with our friends and family since we haven't had the opportunity to catch up with many of you for a few months. I'll do my best not to pad it with too many exaggerations....

Shae probably had the most exciting year out of all of us! Shae has been an absolute delightful addition to our family! From headstands to walking, to solid foods and whole milk we can hardly believe she turned one year old last week! Girlfriend hardly touched her cake, too. Shae mimics everyone and almost always has a smile on her sweet face. Her first phrases were “Hi-ya!” and “Oh no!” As of late, she likes to grunt like a monkey and blow raspberries for laughs. She is a bright child with lots of love for everyone. We can't wait to see more of her personality emerge in 2009!

Jaakson turned 3 this year and continues to keep us on our toes! We have so much fun watching him learn and grow. He cracks us up on a daily basis with his funny commentaries and has a strong sense of self (to put it mildly). Jaakson loves having a little sister and can hardly wait for her to wake up in the mornings so he can play with her. We're preparing him (and ourselves) for his graduation from nursery to Sunbeams after the new year. We think he'll love it but are wondering whether his teachers will “love it,” too.

Klint has probably had the busiest year in our family. He attended UVU all year for a total of 29 completed credits. Klint's favorite class was Philosophy due to the enlightening reading material he was provided. How he managed to go to school full-time and be the yard foreman for Burton Lumber full-time and NOT have a meltdown, I don't know. But I was impressed. Klint somehow fit our co-ed softball games in once a week, too. His nickname on the team was “Van Dam” because he was pretty, dang flexible out on first base! In June, Klint had his first flight lesson on his 30th birthday. Klint said Davinci expressed it best when he said, “Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return.” In July, Klint and I put his long hair into dreadlocks. He was known as “the guy with dreadlocks” and “Bro. Marley” in our ward (lots of nicknames this year, huh?). Just a week ago, Klint cut his dread buddies off due to their high-maintenance demands. He kept one dreadlock as a momento. R.I.P.

As for me, I laid off the reality TV this year and found more productive things to do with my time. I lost over 20 pounds thanks to Turbo Jam and 24 Hour Fitness. Five pounds found their way back but I'll work them off after the new year....right? After 6 years of anticipation, I finally organized a co-ed softball team. As an added bonus, I finally got to play alongside Klint. (We first met on the softball field). Recipezaar.com helped me graduate from novice cook to a moderately good cook. (Now that explains the 5 pounds). In July we moved to a bigger, nicer apartment and are thoroughly enjoying the extra space! I'm also enjoying working part-time at both David Douglas and Great Clips salons. It's been a good experience at both to further build my speed and experience as well as my clientele and portfolio. Most recently, I was called as a second counselor in Relief Society and am so excited to serve in enrichment! I have a lot of ideas and am learning so much from the other sisters in my ward.

After writing this letter, we've realized how grateful we are for so many reasons. We are grateful for the knowledge that we are all children of God and that He loves us all so much. We are grateful for our health, our jobs, our everyday blessings, and a free country to live in. We are grateful for you, our friends and family. Thank you for your examples, love, and service.
We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Much Love to All of You!

Kylene, Klint, Jaakson, & Shae

Everybody Loves Raymond: Season's Greeting

"Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman..."

2008-12-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

It finally snowed enough to make a snowman! The kids and I had so much fun this afternoon sledding thru our yard and making snow angels and a snowman! Shae loved eating the snow, too. I can't believe Christmas is only 9 days away! I love this time of year!

Later that night....we went to our ward's Christmas party and Jaakson sat on Santa's lap for the first time ever! It was so cute! Jaakson jumped onto his lap and gave him a big hug! Then he proceeded to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas, "Speed Racer!" Jaakson was so darn cute cuz he was so excited and adamant about it! Hahaaaaaaaaa! I love my kids.

Shae tried out Santa's lap and started to get a little squeamish until he broke out the candy....

Happy Birthday, Shae!

2008-12-15T23:53:00.001-08:00

Surprise!

2008-12-10T22:12:00.000-08:00

I went by Klint's work today to say "hi" and was suprised to see Klint was de-dreaded! Klint LOVES surprising me by cutting all his hair off. It was hard for him but he felt it was time to say "good bye." :(

R.I.P. Dreadies.... we'll miss you.

I've honestly always thought Klint was hot no matter what hair style he's had. Here's the different styles Klint's tried out in the past....

Called me obsessed....

2008-12-10T00:50:00.000-08:00

I came across the Vanity Fair December 2008 issue with a spread of pics of the "Twilight" cast and had to share. I thought it was fun to see what they look like w/o all the bad vampire makeup and horrible clothes...Who says these people are ugly?!

Here's the link for the rest of them, Vanity Fair "Twilight" photo shoot.

O Christmas Tree!

2008-12-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is how our decorating of the tree went this year...

*Notice Jaakson's naked blur running around....

Klint does such a good job every year! I'm so grateful he puts up with my O.C.D. Christmas decorating. I wonder if he notices I rearrange the ornaments every year so they are evenly distributed? Does anyone else do that or just me?

*If you like the Christmas music on my blog, you'll LOVE the Christmas tunes at this link, kidschristmastunes2004. Hahaaaaaa! I love my family.

A poignant 3-year old's words....

2008-12-03T00:23:00.000-08:00

This morning I was suprised to find Jaakson had emptied an entire gallon of Kikoman soy sauce from the fridge ALL over our kitchen floor......and Shae was sitting in the middle of it all. I was REALLY upset, to say the least and yelled, "GO SIT IN THE TIME-OUT CHAIR, NOW!" I was furious. I was sick of cleaning up what feels like 20+ messes a day! (That kid really tests my patience on a daily basis). So, Jaakson is wailing in time-out and Shae is tottering around in a soggy, soy sauce-saturated diaper. Lovely start of the day, right? After all is mopped up and I'm finishing in the kitchen, Jaakson comes out of time-out and in a very uncharacterstic small voice says, "I just a little kid, Mommy." It absolutely melts my heart. I give him a hug and smile. Thanks for reminding me, Jaakson.

Cute babies...

2008-12-01T23:54:00.000-08:00

I just never get sick of cute pictures of my kids so here's another one. Shae and my friend, Kim's, litte boy Brooks....they're buddies now. ;)

I LOVED IT!

2008-11-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

I loved the movie "Twilight!" I'm able to say this because I've come to realize over the years that books will ALWAYS be better than the movies. I think the movie really catches the essence of "Twilight" and I think the actor and actresses were great! I was pleasantly suprised. And I think the lead actor and actress for Edward and Bella had great chemistry! 8 out of 10 for me! I can't wait to see the movies that follow!

Harrrrrrry!

2008-11-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

*I'm not gonna lie, I was a little more excited to see this than "Twilight" and was kind of annoyed when they pushed HP to next summer. Oh well, less than 24 hours!

Found some old pics I had to share.....hahaaaa!

2008-11-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks Oprah! Free 20-page 8x8 photo book!

2008-11-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

I didn't believe it but I was watching Peter's Clutter Crew on the Oprah show today and they said that all viewers for the next 48 hours can go to snapfish.com, upload your pictures, and get a free 20-page 8x8 photobook! They have adorable layouts, borders, fonts, and etc! Best of all, they do the work for you! All you have to do is upload your pictures and enter in the text you want, if you want any! I can't wait to get mine! I get so overwhelmed trying to scrapbook. I already put in my order and only had to pay for shipping which was $7! Definetely worth it. Check it out @ www.oprah.com and click on the link that says "Get your free gift from snapfish.com!"

Thank you to our Veterans....

2008-11-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

These pictures are from our visit to Washington D.C. in April 2006. We spent a lot of our time visiting the memorials that honor our many veterans. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit Washington D.C. in their lifetime. I love our country because I love the people in it. Especially those who have lost their lives or their loved ones to preserve our freedom. Thank you.

Bathtub mohawks.

2008-11-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

Obama or McCain?

2008-11-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

I was feeling a little conflicted this past week leading up to today. I decided all I could do was pray about it and go with my answer. I feel good about putting it in the Lord's hands. :) I know everyone's answers may be different but I wanted to share this funny experience:

So today while I was getting the kids ready to go with me to vote I asked Jaakson very casually, "Should Mommy vote for Obama or McCain?" Jaakson looked me in the eyes and after a couple seconds said, "McCain." I was just curious what he would say and didn't put much stock into it. Then a few seconds later, he said "Go McQueen!!!" OH! NOW I get it! In his 3-year old mind, he thought I was asking him to pick between something called Obama and Lightning McQueen.....of course McQueen, duh! I was telling Klint on the phone this story and how I thought he just said McCain because he thought it was the same as McQueen. So I asked Jaakson w/Klint on speakerphone, "McCain or McQueen?" Jaakson looked me in the eye again and very clearly said, "McCain." Hmmm, interesting! I didn't even tell Klint or anyone who I was voting for at this point! Coincidence?

Quirks? OCD?

2008-11-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

*Rosie, your list cracked me up! You're borderline neurotic, you know that? ;) Hahaaaaa! You're the best.

Here are the rules- List 6 of your quirks- Tag six other bloggers.

Quirks

1. I like to drink my milk VERY chilled. Sometimes I'll put ice in it.
2. I have a REALLY hard time when people don't use their words in the right context. Or when people say something like this, "I seen Joe down at the store the other day...." it takes EVERYTHING in me not to correct them.
3. It's torture for me to read a letter or blog if it hasn't been spellchecked and there are several misspelled words. I use dictionary.com. A lot.
4. I HATE wearing nail polish on my fingernails. It looks dirty to me after the first day because it chips so fast. Yet I almost always have nail polish on my toenails and it doesn't bother me if it's chipped.
5. I move my mouth when I write.
6. I'll rewrite an email or letter several times before finishing it. If it's handwritten, it has to look just right. (This post took me at least 20 minutes to write because I kept rechecking it.)

I thought this would be really hard to think of 6 things but I guess some of my quirky things I wrote are probably better classified as pet peeves. ???? I REALLY wish I was OCD in the cleaning department!

I tag Heather Stout, Annie, Jolee, Leslie DeSouza, Lacie, and Lindi. :)

Ward Halloween Party, Trick or Treat @ the Mall, and wierd, late-night pictures....

2008-11-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

We won 1st place for family costumes at our ward Halloween party....some people thought I was some random, pregnant pirate or something. Can you guess who I am?!
Arrrrrrrrrggggh! Captain Hook & Smee....

Peter Pan & Tinkerbell, friends for life! Awww!

One of Jaakson's FAVORITE friends, Nicholas!

Mom & Dad came into town that night....Love you guys! We had fun getting to hang out a little with you!

This is what happens when you watch too many scary movies late at night....that's my disturbing husband. I know. Weeeeeee! Fun weekend!

Photo Tag!

2008-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

I was tagged. Here are The Rules: Go to your photo folders, click on the 4th one. Choose the 4th photo. Tag 4 people

*Really random. This pic is from Independence Day 2007 @ the Provo parade. I think those are Clydesdale horses? That's Jaakson's finger pointing at the knight and horse. Rosie, your pic really kicks my pic's BUTT!

Beth, Kim, Angela, and Connie!

Halloween warm-up....

2008-10-30T00:35:00.000-07:00

Can you guess which one is Jaakson's? Mine? Klint's?

Jaakson's (*Mommy helped)

Klint's

Mine

Can you believe that they started rotting a couple days ago and I had to throw them out today? :( But I'm going to buy another one tomorrow so we can at least have one during Halloween.

Jason Mraz?.........Oh, I get it.

2008-10-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

I've heard of this guy for a few years but never really heard anything that really grabbed my attention. Then came "I'm Yours." I got interested. Then last night I heard "Lucky" featuring Colbie Caillat. So then I added a Jason Mraz station to my Pandora account and listened for a while.......... oh, NOW I get it.. Love this guy! (I've got Colbie's CD, too. Thanks to Haley :)

*If you want to give a listen, it's on my playlist below. :)

Does scary movie equal "R" rating?

2008-10-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Klint and I LOOOOOVE scary movies so naturally October is our favorite time of year! We get to see a lot of scary movies that have been edited for TBS, TNT, AMC and etc. It's hard to find a truly scary/creepy movie sans boobs or vulgarity, right? Why do directors and etc insist on adding all that unnecessary nastiness? SO, I thought I'd post some of my favorite scary/Halloween movies:

Midnight Lace (1960) *Doris Day does a great job in this movie!
Wait Until Dark (1967) *Audrey Hepburn is always good :)
The Village (2004) * I LOVE M. Night Shyamalan.
Lady in the Water
The Sixth Sense
Unbreakable
Signs
The Ring 1 & 2
The Grudge 1 & 2
Shutter *Asian girls do scary well!
The Changeling (1980) *I saw this in middle school in choir class!
Lady in White
Hocus Pocus *This one still makes me laugh.

So, what are your favorites? I need some new stuff to watch for Halloween.

My favorite pics this month....

2008-10-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

This is Jaakson and his friend, Jocelyn! Her mom, Lacie, and I have been friends for a few years and we had them about a month apart so they've been buds since they were newborns. We didn't even tell them to hug each other for a pic! Awww!

P.S. The cute shirts Shae and Jaakson are wearing are from Baby Bumpkins! Love 'em!

Woo hoo!

2008-10-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

A Perfect Night.....

2008-10-13T23:15:00.001-07:00

Finally! An overnight date alone with Klint! Klint made reservations for our anniversary at a hotel and nice restaurant a week in advance. Major points for that. ;)

We stayed overnight in a JACUZZI suite in Salt Lake!!! More points. We had such a great time! We got dressed up and went out to a very quiet, late dinner at an Italian restaurant, Fresco.

Fresco is tucked away in a quaint neighborhood in Salt Lake. VERY romantic. More points, Klint.

It was also snowing lightly. Even though Klint didn't make this happen, points.

We could've gone to a movie or whatnot but we just wanted to head back to our jacuzzi with shakes from Denny's. It was the best night we've had together in a long time because it was JUST US. It was like we were in our own little world for a solid17 hours. Now, I know that may not seem very signifigant to some but ANYONE with kids will especially understand how great that is.

Ahhhh, it was a perfect night.

Ode to my Klint....

2008-10-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday, Klint and I have been married 6 YEARS!!! We have had two kids together and many, many memories together and yet, it seems we've only been together for a couple years.....why is that? "Time flies when you're having fun," I guess??? The picture at the top of the page is when Klint proposed to me out in Arizona while we were at a big campout July of 2002. I still get butterflies thinking of that historical moment of my life. My playlist is made up of songs that are special and reflect our journey together through the days of our courtship, engagement, newlywed days, and now. I just have to say, I am truly SO humble and grateful to have the opportunity to know Klint and to be his wife and best friend. Klint has taught me more than I thought possible about unconditional love, what it means to be truly genuine, and how to master my insecurities.
I love this man more than I can express with words. There are too many reasons I love and respect and adore Klint. I knew I was in for it from the beginning when he wrote and recorded a song for me for Valentine's Day after going on only 4 dates. I knew I didn't deserve him when he forgave me countless times for my confused state of mind early in our relationship. I knew I was lucky when he left me notes and presents at home and work often. I knew I was head over heels when I saw him perform in his band for the first time. I knew it was over and that I was in absolute love with him from the moment he mentioned "Sleepless in Seattle" was one of his favorites. And I knew we'd be together forever when I'd gained almost 35 pounds during my first pregnancy with Jaakson and he would tell me every day, unprovoked, that I was beautiful..... and meant it.

Girlfight?

2008-10-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

I had a friend bring Gina Carano to my attention and I have to say, I'm impressed! I have never liked watching women's boxing or wrestling before because the women always look and act just like men so I thought it defeats the whole concept. (And the boxing/wrestling matches were always pretty boring). BUT I am now a fan of mixed martial arts/Elite XC fighting! I watched several interviews and fights with Gina Carano and she maintains her femininity in and out of the ring. Finally! A woman who represents classy, athletic WOMEN! Instead of women who seem to wish they were men. Check it out....
Note: the first video is from a movie or documentary called "Ring Girls" and it's not Gina's in the voiceover.

Some Things I Loved This Past Week.....

2008-10-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

I LOVED General Conference. I feel like I'm reconverted every General Conference. Sister Silvia Allred's talk on Saturday really stood out in my mind as well as President Uchtdorf's. I also loved Elder Carlos Godoy's talk on Sunday.

WE all LOVED this recipe from recipezaar.com for a morning treat during the first session on Sunday...

1 (1/4 ounce) package dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup margarine
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
4 cups flour

FILLING
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/3 cup margarine, softened

ICING
8 tablespoons margarine
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1.For the rolls, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk in a large bowl.
2. Add sugar, margarine salt, eggs, and flour, mix well.
3. Knead the dough into a large ball, using your hands dusted lightly with flour.
4. Put in a bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, until it is approx 21 inches long by 16 inches wide.
6. It should be approx 1/4 thick.
7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
8. To make filling, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
9. Spread the softened margarine over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface.
10. Working carefully, from the long edge, roll the dough down to the bottom edge.
11. Cut the dough into 1 3/4 inch slices, and place in a lightly greased baking pan.
12. Bake for 10 minutes or until light golden brown.
13. While the rolls are baking combine the icing ingredients.
14. Beat well with an electric mixer until fluffy.
15. When the rolls are done, spread generously with icing.

I LOVED the mailman and eBay when I got the new $20 purse and $1.75 red high heels I won...

And Shae has put her two teeth to work as my personal can opener....

"I love you, too..."

2008-10-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

Jaakson can be hell-on-wheels but he has such a tender heart, too! His favorite saying lately melts my heart every time. Jaakson will get this really sappy look on his face while we're snuggling or rocking and he'll say, with his eyes closed, "I love you, too." It's so funny and sweet!

What's your favorite romantic movie?

2008-09-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

I've been in the mood for a good romance movie! I've watched my favorites a lot: P.S. I Love You, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mirror Has Two Faces, Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The King and I, and etc. I need some new material! Will someone give me some new ones I haven't seen yet? Thanks in advance! :)

Had to share.....

2008-09-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

This was even better than any trailers I saw! Enjoy! *Thanks, Amy. :)

Library Fun!

2008-09-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Library days are so fun! We love the Orem library. They have so many different levels of books and videos and CDs to choose from. I also love the way they've set up the main floor which is the picture/intermediate books level. There is a really cool Story Wing area where they do storytime and puppet shows! So fun!

Progress...

2008-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my weight-loss progress since I started Turbo Jam in May! I started out working out 3 days a week for a couple weeks than took it up to 5 days a week. Now I'm shooting for 6 days a week since I still have 10 more pounds to take off. I'll post more when I'm closer to that goal.
Now I know I probably won't have a super tight tummy since I've had 2 C-sections and will have more in the future but I'm actually pretty happy where I'm at! I feel good and my pre-baby clothes fit. I'm never going to shoot for a super hard body because honestly, I want to stay somewhat curvy and feminine. AND I don't want to become obsessed with working out and eating nothing but veggies just to get a lil' leaner! ;) The biggest challenge for me is to lay off the sweets and soda. It doesn't help that Klint wants to eat ice cream every night before we go to bed either. Ha! Anyways, thanks for the support and I'll post more in another month or so. The holidays are gonna be a killer!

April 2008

*We had just finished eating so my stomach is a lil' exaggerated but it's a good before! ;)

Today/September 2008

Cankle.

2008-09-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is the result of stopping a softball with your leg and not your glove. Try not to throw up...

SOOOO funny!

2008-09-17T12:39:00.001-07:00

Baby Bumpkins, genius!!!

2008-09-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

I found the CUTEST hair clippies for Shae! For Shae, I have never really liked the HUGE head flowers(no offense to anyone that does)so I was SOOO excited to have found out about this website! AND they make ADORABLE onesies and T-shirts, too! You'll have to see for yourselves! These are the type of clips and shirts your toddler and young children can wear, too! Love it! I'm getting Shae the Daschund onesie and some Fall clips! I can't wait!!!

http://www.babybumpkins.blogspot.com/ OR www.BabyBumpkins.etsy.com

*Oh AND they will do custom orders, too! How cool is that?

Random pics....

2008-09-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Craig came up during the week to help my brother move and Jaakson was more than enthused to see him!

Klint SWEARS I look exactly like my Mom! I think I resemble her in a lot of ways but I've always thought I looked mostly like my Dad, what do you guys think?

Jaakson has this new thing lately whenever we change his shirt we get it stuck on his head and he thinks it's so funny....it is! I said, "What's on your head?" And his reply was, "I'm a witch! Rar!" ...what? Random things kids say=priceless.

My first billboard!

2008-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Not bad for a last-minute, late-night, one hour shoot! ;) The billboard is located just off of BYU campus in Provo. Kinda fun! If I was single, I'd totally check it out for fun! It's in the Riverwoods next to David Douglas (coincidentally, my salon I booth rent from)!