Peek-a-Boo Stuff

These say it all

2010-04-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

When you know it's really bad, but you want it anyway.

Power Day.

Sad Strength

It's Okay

Loving my new Workout

2009-10-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

I started the new workout, Insanity, about 4 weeks ago.

It is the best thing I've done yet, even better than marathon training.
I feel like I almost have my "pre marriage" body back

You got to try Insanity!

Craptastic Friday Part II

2009-10-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Finished my shutters on the last nice day of the year!

Before- White Shutters

After- Black Shutters
1 Can of Black Gloss Spray Paint per Shutter
Took me about 4 hours total,
that includes taping all the newspaper up around it.
yes, still need to do the ones on top,
but you can't tell from the pictures.

Do you think it's better, would you do the frame around the front door windows, black as well?

Craptastic Friday Part I

2009-10-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the best example of a Craptastic Friday.
It's beautiful, cozy, fun for the kids, warm by the fire,
perfectly CRAPtastic SNOW DAY!

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

7:30AM

GOT TO LOVE CHEYENNE, WYOMING!

Gotta Love Conference Weekend!

2009-10-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

We just lounged around in our PJ's.
The kids and I made these Gospel ABC Books.

Craptastic Fridays- Night Stand before and after

2009-10-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Before

Spray painted it Dark Brown
then used a Dark Stain, only 1 coat,
probably should've done 2 but, I was impatient.

Tip: Use gloves, purchase mineral oil before
you start. You'll need it to clean the brushes and your
wedding ring, (if you forget to wear gloves), oops!

AFTER!
Still want to paint the hardware,
I'll just spray paint it silver.

P.S. Still working on the shutters on my house,
hopefully I'll have that up by the weekend.

My Garage Before and after 20 cans of spray paint

2009-09-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Craptastic Fridays!!!
My neighbor and I are doing project Fridays. This is what we did yesterday.

Then: Gross Yellow Garage Door

Now: Gross White Garage Door- much better. And only $20

Lovin' Cheyenne

2009-09-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Who would've thought I would end up in Cheyenne?!

Ends up it's my own "Little House on the Prairie" Life.

Here is my rascles eating their pancakes watching their 'toonies.'

And my cute house before I paint the garage and shutters today.

Also, my garden at full grown. I'm picking things as fast as I can before we get the first freeze.
Can't wait until next year to do it even better.

We are happy and healthy, and life is Good in Ol' Cheyenne.

My Ballerina!

2009-08-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

She was wonderful at her recital!

McKenna and her Best Friend Ella

30 BEFORE 30

2009-08-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

30 BEFORE 30

1. Create a Company- COMPLETE
2. Pay off Company Debt
3. Run a Marathon- COMPLETE
4. Read the Book of Mormon this year
5. Read 5 Books
6. Read 3 Religious Books
7. Teach McKenna to Read
8. Sing in front of People
9. Take a Dance Class
10. Run the Ragnar Relay- COMPLETE
11. Remodel all 3 bathrooms
12. Weigh 115
13. Have a 6 pack
14. Have a blog that produces an income
15. give regular coupon classes
16. Have savings for house remodels
17. Have savings for vacation
18. Learn Spanish
19. Prepare all B-Day Cards for 2010
20. Plant a Garden -Complete
21. Potty Train Grant
22. Do the Splits
23. Have a complete 1 year Food Storage
24. Complete the Preschool Curriculum with McKenna
25. No Bread or Red Meat in 2009
26. No Treats in 2010
28. Have a neighborhood party
29. Make a blanket
30. Take showers more often

McKenna's 1st Ballet Recital

2009-06-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

She's on the very left

My Big Boy!

Kenna and her Best Friend Ella

Kenna and her cute Dad!

Presenting....The New Hair Cut!

2009-06-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

Uuuhhhggg! Too Too Long!!! It was fun while it lasted!

Now someone else can enjoy it. Donated 12 inches.

The new "me"

Survived the Ragnar Relay!!!! AAaaaahhh Yeah!

2009-06-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wannna join the team for next year? You know you want to!!!

Cheep Cheep Dates

2009-05-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about my new venture.

Check it out, if you like it, please share it with your friends.

Enjoy the P.F. Changs FREE Lettuce wraps!

The past 2 months

2009-03-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday McKenna Dawn! She wanted to turn 6, but 4 will have to do for now.
I made the cake and was so proud of it! Easy homemade fondant on www.allrecipes.com

We remodeled 3 of the bedrooms. This is Grant's room.
I refinished the dresser that was purchased at a garage sale for $5!!!
And found the blinds on clearance for $30 at WalMart.

Grant is all BOY BOY BOY! He is obsessed with Basketball almost as much as his Dad.
He walked all the way across the field with his ball so he could "shoot hoops".

Chocolate Disasters!

His Daily drumming session in the pots and pan cupboard.

Girls Night Out!

Kenna and her amazing Dad.

Shopping Brag- All this, plus a pair of Pajamas for $5!!!
(The Budweiser box in the background was just from the moving boxes we got from someone else..... I promise)

I'm back- kind of

2009-03-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Since my last post.....

Moved
Remodeled
Computer crashed
went to new York
Licensed Peek-a-Boo Stuff
started home preschool

Now, I'm still working on unpacking.

Pictures will be coming

Just too Cute

2009-01-29T07:49:00.001-08:00

"WHO'S THE CUTEST?!"

This is my pathetic attempt at photography with a camera phone.

Where is my Husband?

2009-01-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

Here are 5 things you can do to make your wife think crazy things:

5. Have a hot secretary= Wife visiting office more often looking her best
4. Have more girls than guys as friends on Facebook= Wife starts internet monitoring
3. Wear Cologne to a "Guys night out"= You will be followed
2. Tell your wife about dreaming of her best friend= Wife hating her best friend and mad at you all day.
And the #1 WAY TO MAKE YOUR WIFE THINK CRAZY THINGS........
1. Leave on a business trip with sick kids, no heat, snow and ice, and DON'T CALL SINCE NOON and DON'T ANSWER YOUR PHONE!= Is he dead?!!

Low Carb Meal Plan

2009-01-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

Meal Plan for Low Carb Day

Many of you have been asking me what I eat on my Low Carb Days, so here it is:

Meal 1 Pre Workout- Protein Pancakes
Meal 2 Post Workout- Protein Shake with 1/2C. Oatmeal
Meal 3 5oz. Ground Turkey (Taco Style) over shredded lettuce
with Salsa and 1/4 C. LowFat Cottage Cheese
Meal 4 5oz. Grilled Chicken Breast w/ chopped veggies+ 10 Almonds
Meal 5 5 oz. Chicken w/ salad and steamed veggies+ 10 Almonds
Meal 6 5oz. Fish (Frozen Mahi Mahi filet)
cooked with Lemon Pepper on a pan+ 10 Almonds

Family- My family loves the ground turkey made with Taco Seasoning
They love the Grilled Chicken, and I'll make potatoes, rice,
baked beans, or chips for an extra side.

Crazy for Coupons!

2009-01-26T12:53:00.001-08:00

It was Double Coupon Week at KMart a week ago.
I got all this for $3.33!

Sick- Snow- No Heat- No Husband!

2009-01-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

So ridiculous! We have all been so sick all week. Hacking coughs, stuffy noses, fevers, puke, pink eye, GROSS, GROSS, GROSS. Then Sunday night it got even better! The furnace went out and it started snowing. The temperature outside was 0 and inside it dropped below 50. John left for a work conference at 3am and I was left with 2 kids coughing under a heated blanket with the humidifier running and sick myself. Isn't life so much fun sometimes!?

Just Random Pics

Grant love the "Ruby Cube" just like his Dad.

Our Christmas.

Our "Grandpa Jack"

2008-12-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

I was told by the previous tenants that he was a grumpy old man. Just to take what he said with a grain of salt and don't be offended. He called himself a "Jack Mormon". So, I was advised to not bring up the church with him.

We passed by each other the first few times, until one day we were getting into our cars at the same time and he introduced himself. McKenna got out of the car and walked right up to him, reached out her arms to give him a hug, he picked her up and that was the beginning of "Grandpa Jack."

He kept us inline on our watering schedule. He gave me a hard time when he noticed I didn't get to the gym first thing in the morning. In the Summer he would be out doing yard work when I got back from the gym at 7am. He gave us a handwritten list of all the new Blue Ray movies he had, so we would come over to borrow them. Every time he got a new movie he would update us. I would never here him knock on the door, so he would finally just open it and come in.

One night Grant and I went over to borrow a movie and we hung out in his movie room for a while. He played the opening ceremony of the Olympics and talked about his high tech movie/TV gadgets.

McKenna and I helped him bring in some grocery's a week before Christmas, his tree was beautiful. We kept trying to bring him some Christmas goodies the week of Christmas but, never found him home.

Last night, his car was parked out front, so I went over to drop off his Christmas goodies. I was saddened, and shocked to learn that he had passed away on December 26th, after spending 10 days in the hospital.

We truly loved our Grandpa Jack. He will be greatly missed.

Santa and Sushi

2008-12-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

We went to Sushi last night with our friends, Nicole and Tony.
I LOVE SUSHI!

Kenna's idea of dressing for snow:
Ballet skirt, panties, boots, gloves, hat, and silky shirt.

Classic Santa at the Mall

This season has been wonderful!
A real Tree, packages from Grandma's,
Cards from friends, Santa at the Mall,
Christmas movies everyday. Christmas crafts with friends,
lots of Parties and of course too many sweets.

I only have 4 more days to go until I can have CHOCOLATE!
If you happen to have any extra from your stocking send it my way, I will be trying to catch up from my 1 year off of chocolate. I DID IT! (but, HIGHLY, do not recommend it)

Thank you Grandma's!!!

2008-12-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

Grandma Pratt made these cute hats for all of us!

Kenna loves her new boots from Grandma Lisa.

So cute in their new clothes!

We love you Grandma Lisa, and Great Grandma Pratt!

HermanO

2008-11-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

They have a few new songs. I can't wait for them to post them on their page so you can here them. But, don't they look great!

Hiking with the Family

2008-11-24T08:58:00.001-08:00

We went hiking with the Family after Stake Conference last weekend.
It was so great! A little scary in some parts. But, we survived!

Addicted to Saving Money!

2008-11-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

I'm completely addicted to Money Saving Methods
It started with the coupon craze, and now has become so much more.
There are so many things out there that will easily cut your spending more than 1/2.
It's just a matter of doing it, or just even signing up for the right programs.

Check out Money Saving Methods

This could change your entire financial situation.

Most of us are full-time 'Home-Makers'. What better thing to be doing than learning how to make/save so much money! This definitely beats getting a job!

Things I've done:
*Applied for the Chase CC to get 3% Cash back on all my purchases
*Registered for Money Exchange Revolution to get $5 back on $50 purchases
*And registered for the $50 Bonus on Sharebuilder
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO????

Coupon Deals:
Thanksgiving weekend Walgreens has Colgate for $3.49 but get $3.49 Q back for your next purchase -FREE! But, if you have any Colgate Coupons, then you will make money!
I have $4.50 in Q's. I will initially spend 12.95, but get back $17.45 in coupons off my next purchase! Collect your Colgate q's!!!

Kiddos

2008-11-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

My Grant Grant is getting too big. I thought he would be my baby boy forever. Now he'll be 1 on the 30th. It's exciting to watch them learn and grow, but sad to know that life is short.

A little late for Halloween Pics, but this is all I got, so cute!

Kids at the mall. I came prepared with juice.

Little Kitty Cats.

TP Mummies and TP Brides (Cheap activity)

Morning Cartoons with our friends.

Free Santa Letters

2008-11-09T20:04:00.001-08:00

Does your kid make you watch all the commercials during cartoons right now?
All morning I hear, "Mom I want this, mom look at this, I want the whole thing, mom we should get this for Dad but he will let me play with it" and on and on.

Have your kid write a letter to Santa and they will get a letter back FREE!

SANTA'S LETTER

$60 grocery trip for $5!!!

2008-11-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

I've been going crazy with coupons lately. Learning how to cut my grocery budget in half or more!

Albertson's is having a "Buy $30 of participating products, get $15 off your next purchase"

So, this is what I got:

$60 worth of groceries for $5!!!

A cool trick I found:
Load coupons on your grocery card:
Shortcuts,
P&G Esavers
Upromise

If you also have a clipped coupon or a printed coupon you can use that on the same item.

Want to try?
Check your local Albertson's ad here to make sure they are having the same sale.

Here is a transaction for you: Total: $4.41!!!

Buy This Take these Coupons

6 cans Progresso Soup- 2 Coupons $1/3

3 Green Giant Steamers- 3 Coupons $1/1

4 GG Boxed Veggies- 2 Coupons $1/2

3 Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes- 3 Coupons $.75/1

2 Macaroni Grill Frozen Entrees- 2 Coupons $1/1

Register Total: $30.66

After Coupons: $19.41 - you will pay this.

Register Reward: $15.00 off your next purchase

Total: $4.41!

You could get the rest of your grocery’s, and buy them on your second transaction and use the $15.00 you just got.

Print your coupons here:

www.coupons.com

www.pillsbury.com

www.bettycrocker.com

http://www.restaurantfavoritesathome.com/ (click on the frozen meal, and there will be a $1 coupon) you can print it twice.

Happy Shopping!

Bath Time!

2008-11-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks to one of my AMAZING sisters, Sharon, who took these fantastic pictures at Grandma Lisa's house. Check out more of her work by clicking here.

On a FATTER note.

2008-10-19T17:29:00.001-07:00

So, I've been in Utah at my Mom's for the past week, meal plan went out the window.

Here is a great giveaway that will support yummy FREE DAYS, or weeks, (naughty).

High Protein Meals for Busy Moms

2008-10-14T21:57:00.001-07:00

I eat 6 meals a day every 2-3 hours apart.
Every meal contains 25grams of protein.

Low Carb Day
Pre Workout- protein and oatmeal
Post Workout- quick protein and simple carb
Meal 3,4,5,6- protein and veggies (no carbs)

Turkey Wraps
Prep 2-3 servings in baggies

5- 1oz. slices of turkey
Green/Red pepper (could use cucumber)
Spray Ranch Dressing

Omelet and Bacon
I get a little fancier for Dinner

Turkey Bacon (could chop it up and put it in the omelet)
Saute green pepper, onion, and mushrooms
4 egg whites
1/4 cup FF cottage cheese- put it inside while on the pan and let it melt a bit.

This is what I use to marinate my chicken.
I buy Sam's Club chicken ($2.20/lb) thaw the whole bag
I pick 2-3 marinades and do 4-5 breasts in each.
Marinade overnight.
Then stick them on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven.
350 degrees for 1 hour.

I chop them up, measure out 5oz portions, baggy all of it,
stick half in the freezer and half in my designated drawer in the fridge.

I find that when I fail to stay on my meal plan it's because I'm not prepared.

Workout at Home

2008-10-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

I've been putting together a few short circuits for a quick "at home" workout in the evening.

Here is a great video I found that shows some good exercises you can do at home, even while watching TV!- The guy isn't too bad to watch either- If you like tan, buff guys.

You can do these exercises without DB's (dumbbells).
Start with however many reps you can, but set a number so you push yourself to the point where you can hardly get through the last one.

If you don't have the equipment to do all the exercises just pick the ones you can and go with it!

300 Spartan Workout - Home Version 2 - Watch more funny videos here

For something even more basic start with doing jumping jacks, or the split squat jumps during commercials. If you do those every commercial break during a 1 hour show, you will burn 300 CALORIES!!! (Tip from Biggest Loser)

Body Building- Mom Style

2008-10-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Since this is such a big part of my life right now, I thought I would share.
I am training for a Figure/Fitness Competition. Originally it was planned for November, but I will be doing the competition in Boulder, Colorado in April 2009.
So, this is some of what I eat.

Pre-Workout Meal at 5am- I prep about 3 days worth so I don't have to make pancakes every morning.
Protein Crepes- (25 Grams of Protein, 30 Grams of Carbs)
6 egg whites and 1/2 cup oatmeal, Splenda to taste, cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla.
Blend in blender, pour in pan, flip, and serve.
EXTRAS: Berries, Sugar Free Syrup

Post Workout- Replace energy quickly
25 Grams Protein- 30 Grams Simple Carbs
Whey Protein is best, could use juice, soda, fruit, etc., for simple carb. (No fat)

Meal 3- 11am- Picking up kids from PreSchool
Yummy Chicken Breast out of a Bag
I prep about 8 Chicken Breasts- Marinate and Bake/Grill
Cut, measure 5oz portions, baggy them and you're off!

Yes, I'm driving, eating, and taking a picture with my phone.
I'm DANGEROUS!

Okay, Okay, I'm a slacker.

2008-10-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted for a bit, so here's my attempt at catching you up.
John and I went to the Rockies game with the Young Men. It's always a great romantic date with 12 year old boys belching in the back seat.

McKenna is loving Preschool, this is her friend Shelby

She got a bike! ($3 at a yard sale) She loves her BFF Ella.

They could be sisters! This is them making "Strawberry Pie"

My "Big" boy! He is a month older then these "bigger" boys.
Grants in the middle, if you didn't know.

Lounging and eating, just like a Man.

Fixing the vacuum, such a Man.

Being a Dare Devil, definitely a Boy.

I have so many more pics, so I'll be playing catch up this week, so stay 'posted' for daily posts!

What would you do?

2008-09-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

If I had a little extra $ I would...

1. Send cute presents to all my friends. (of course, because I love you all!)

2. Decorate my house with 'non-college room mate' decor.

3. Get John a new suit, so he doesn't have to keep wearing his mission suit.

4. Use pampers cruisers for Grant instead of the generic Sam's Club kind.

5. Get individual Sunny D juice bottles instead of the big huge one.

6. Have all the zip lock bags I want, I hate running out!!!

7. Take a Sunday drive without fretting about the cost of gas! (remember when you would do this as a little girl? I don't remember hearing my parents complain about it costing too much)

8. Use Clorox wipes instead of a wash cloth, gross.

9. Get my car washed instead of waiting for it to rain.

10. Not check my bank account every time I need some groceries.

What would you do?

No matter what happens today just remember...

2008-09-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you,igottab!

I'm FAMOUS!

2008-09-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not quite famous....yet. A big THANK YOU to the girl behind Seriously So Blessed for hooking me up with KSL.

CNBC here I come!

Monday Madness

2008-09-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Thought I would catch you up on the family.
This was Me and Kenna's response to TT's idea.

I cherished a quiet moment in the middle of they day by getting in the shower and getting dressed. What a reward!

Grant loves to help with the dishes.

This is what gives him the energy to do the dishes.

They are getting too big.

Yes, this is Pizza. That I can't have!!!
I got to have tuna and broccoli instead. Jerks!

He will stand against the wall, but too wimpy to do it by himself yet.

Get them to Eat

2008-08-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a great idea to get your kids to eat more
than just chicken nuggets and hot dogs.
Muffin Tin Mommies: Muses of Megret The Family McG mommamania A Bit of This and A Bit of That Junior Mints and Reese Hornacek Family

Fish Bone Slivers

2008-08-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

A word of caution while eating fish...

One night as I was doing story time before bed and eating Meal #6-Talipia with seasoning salt- I suddenly felt a sharp poking sensation in the very back of my throat. I mean way back there, past the dangly thing. Every time I tried to talk something would jab my tongue as it went back. Oh my goodness!!! I have a fish bone stuck in my throat. Well that sounds normal, but this wasn't just stuck this was like a sliver, it was in the skin. I could stick my finger back and it would poke the end of my finger.
So, naturally I got my emergency preparedness book out and read the rules for getting a fish bone sliver out of the back of your throat.
1- gurgle water- doesn't work
2- keep sticking your finger back there and gagging for 20 minutes- doesn't work
3- If number 2 didn't work have your husband try- hillarious, but didn't work either
4-Tweezers- it was too far back
5-Wait it out- hurt too bad, I couldn't even turn my head, it would jab me.
5-scrape the back of your throat with your finger nail, while gagging, until you get it out. Finally SUCCESS!
After an hour of thinking I would pathetically have to go to the ER for a fish bone sliver, I was relieved of pain and had escaped a pretty embarrassing moment at the ER.
Word to the wise, chew your fish carefully!

What was I Thinking!?!?!?

2008-08-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I want a six pack. Eat healthy, workout, eventually you'll get there, is what I had told myself. Boy, was I wrong!

I now have a new respect for anyone with a six pack.
Six Pack=
1) eating 16 chicken breasts/weekly.
2) 20 cans of tuna a day
3) Fish at 9pm (and then staying up til midnight digging a fish bone out of the back of your throat, a story for another day).
4) 8 hours of cardio every day.
5) You're not allowed to get dressed, you have to live in your smelly gym clothes that are a reminder of how gross you still are, and have a long way to go.
6) 18 egg whites at 5am with dry oatmeal and a splash of vinegar for some flavor (mine as well, that's how gross it is)!
7) Choke down protein powder after a workout.
8) Lift weights until you can't move, but if you're not crying yet, keep going!

And then do it all again tomorrow!

Don't forget your supplements:
Branch Chain Amino Acids
Multi Vitamin
Crack Cocaine
Red Bull
Vitamin E
Joint Support
Beta Carotene Carb blocking fat burning hunger indusing capsules

Dang it! I always forget water. You must strap a Camelback on you at all time, even during sleep and drink constantly, you must consume as many gallons as pounds you weigh. I have set up a bed in my bathroom, it's not so bad considering I get home from the gym at midnight and am back there at 5am.

I can't wait for my 6 pack! Got to go eat some fish before bed! Fish and B.O. are a major turn on in the bedroom, by the way!

Bed Wars!

2008-08-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Last night going to bed: "I'll get up at 5 am and get a full 2 hours in at the gym. Come home shower, clean, answer e-mails, and be ready to go when the kids get up".

5 AM-beep, beep, beep!!! Snooze, 5 minutes later, beep, beep beep!!! Snooze.
This continues for an hour. I'm thinking, GET UP! GET UP! My bed is saying, "But you haven't got a good night's sleep for 4 nights, your neck is a little soar and plus you can go during John's lunch". Last snooze at 6:15, 'Ope too late to go to the gym anyway, and I turn it off'.
Grant wakes up 15 minutes later and my plan for sleeping in is destroyed. I suddenly feel defeated by the warm, snuggly, inviting bed. It has once again deceived me into missing out on a great morning. I hate you, BED!!!
Hope you have had your perfect morning.

Dream Crushing Tuna

2008-08-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I am training for a Body Building Figure Competition. I have to eat a rediculous amount of protein. Last night as I forced myself to open a can of tuna I was disappointed to find that there was only a third of the normal portion that a can of tuna should contain.

This was my letter to Starkist Tuna:

I recently purchased Chunk Light Tuna from a local Albertson's. Tuna is a necessary staple in my diet for a body building figure competition. Tonight as I forced myself to consume my last portion of protein (1 can of Tuna) I was greatly discouraged when I opened the can to find less than half the tuna that the label claims to contain. I measured it and sure enough it was only 1/4 cup tuna. The label clearly states that 1 can contains 2.5 1/4cup servings. I rely on starkist tuna to help me achieve my goals. Now I'm discouraged feeling that I should have measured the contents of the past several cans of tuna. Not consuming the right amount of protein is a large detriment to my success. I am working harder than ever before to obtain this goal and Starkist has let me down. I feel I should be compensated considering now I have to go back to the store and get another can of Tuna to complete my protein consumption. 1 can of Tuna normally isn't a big deal at all but, when it takes everything you've got to make yourself consume it and to find out that all along it may not have even been enough is crushing. I hope you will understand and choose to support me in my journey to success.

This was my best attempt at midnight trying to be dramatically funny.

Camping Rookies

2008-08-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

Shooting 22's, I loved it!
I actually could shoot what I was aiming at.

McKenna's first time shooting a gun.
I didn't shoot a gun until I was 24.

Quite the Daddy Daughter moment!

Hiking like the Indians.

Hiking like a good Dad with HUGE muscles.

Muscles got tired.

We went with two other families.
Kenna thinks she should be 7 years old on her next birthday.

Codee didn't want to leave. She was in Heaven!

Grant, as usual, just went with the flow.

I have more pics coming! Stay tuned.

Dinosaur Day

2008-07-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

We had a Dinosaur Day a few weeks ago.
Thanks to the $1 flash cards from Target.

36 Dinosuars, most I've never heard of.

Then we worked on the letter 'Dd' for Dinosaur

We talked about fossils and played in the sandbox.

This is our screeching Pterodactyl!
(he really does screech like a dinosaur all the time)

I also found a great link for online Dino Games
-----------------------------------------------------

Summer is flying by. I'm not at all looking forward to winter.
This has been the best summer of our marriage. Probably one of the best summers of my life.
Who would've thought I'd be so happy in Cheyenne Wyoming?! ( I still consider myself a big city girl, and crave the busyness of New York City) But you can't beat the the fresh air, sunny mornings, rolling hills, cowboy hats, horses, thunderstorms, bunnies, squirrels, no traffic, and no shopping (saves me money).

Frontier Days

2008-07-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

Roxanne and Talon came to play during Frontier Days!

First we went to the Parade.

Then we went to the Thunderbirds Air Show.

It was really loud.

And really bright.

I remember going with my Dad when I was little.
Hope McKenna will remember going with her Mom.

Then we went to the Indian Village

We had so much fun. Thanks for coming Roxanne and Talon!

Fun in the Sun!

2008-07-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

All the Shumways were invited to a Ranch for a BBQ last Saturday. We got to float down the river, play Volley Ball, eat food and had a great time!

The Cousins catching some raize.

Daniel loves hamburgers!

Kenna and Sammy

Kinsee "CHEESE"!

Want some chips and Dip?

Kenna and Dad in the River

Big Sam and Little Sam in the River.

Kinsee and Aunt Marcella

Coming to the finish line!

NUMBER DAY!

2008-07-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

Target's $1 section is all PreSchool stuff right now, so I spent $10 and got a few things like Dinosaur, Space, and Insect flash cards. Also a few puzzles, cute pencils, pens, and markers. And of course a Hannah Montana pencil bag.

She didn't want to do the puzzle, but later that day she sat down and figured it all out herself.

This only took less than 2 minutes. I always invision a 30 minute "Preschool session" with a song, activity, snack and more learning. But, it usually lasts about 5 minutes from start to finish.

Hop Scotch! Just need chalk or watered down washable paint. I tried to get her to copy my numbers, she did it once. I thought we would have a bonding moment while teaching her Hop Scotch but we got to number 3 and then she got a "good idea" to have me push her on the swings. That was the end of Number Day.

This is what Baby Grant did while we played outside.

I don't have a plan for tomorrow yet, but I'm thinking maybe a BUG day.
I have left over tiny plastic ants from Halloween sitting in my junk drawer, maybe they'll have to join us for breakfast to kick off our BUG DAY!

Growing, Growing, Growing

2008-07-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Did you know you should Prune your Tomatoes?

I'm going to try to grow my zucchini on trellises. Wish me luck!

These are hopefully going to be Snap Peas. They were doing great until I gave them support and now they are looking a little sad. But, I'm going to have tomatoes coming out of my ears!

COLOR DAY!

2008-07-10T20:38:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to do more learning activities with the kids. Basically, I'm competing to be the best mom of the year! Do you ever get a really great idea for an activity with your kids? You spend the money and time preparing and getting all the right stuff; "Construction paper,check. Stickers, check. Paint, check. Brushes, empty pop bottles, beans, macaroni, string, oh, and don't forget the glue." Then before you know it your "Great Idea" is all over the floor with the dog eating it and your kids are screaming while in time out. You find yourself sitting at thier tiny table making your own craft that you had envisioned the entire week. If you couldn't tell, I've been there several times. So I decided, with the help of my genius friend Shellie, that I would do "fly by the seat of your pants" activities that don't take prep or money. We'll see how it goes.

Here is my latest idea:

Color day is when you teach colors with anything you have.
Color Pancakes:
Pancake Mix
Sprinkles
-Mix and follow Pancake instructions. Mmmmm delicious
So delicious McKenna at a record 6 small pancakes!!!
And Grant had his first Pancake ever!

Then things got interesting. Learning what happens when you combine colors!
Needed: Water, Food Coloring, Clear glasses.
Mix the colors and see what happens. Can you make the color Purple?

4TH OF JULY

2008-07-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

LETS HEAR IT FOR "HERMAN O"!!!!!!!
John and his brother's finally performing in thier band.
Check out their songs on MYSPACE:
http://www.myspace.com/hermanoband

A dream come true.

They had the largest crowd out of all the shows that day! People came from miles away!

We arrived at the Park at 9am for the kids Sunshine Generation Show.
The band did two shows, by the second the kids were having a blast!

THE SUNSHINE SHOW! McKenna stood backwards during the first song, but got into it by the finalee.

MMMMMmmmm Ice Cream!

Resting on Grandma Susan's bed after a long day at the Park.

SHELLIE CAME TO STAY! WE LOVE YOU!

After all that, we headed back to Cheyenne and Shellie's and our kids fell asleep. So, no fireworks for us. Sad, but it was a great day!

Missing McKenna

2008-07-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Kenna has been at Grandma Susan's all week for Sunshine Camp with all the cousins. I'm getting a lot done, but I miss her.
I miss:
1. Listening to "Hard Knock Life" 10,000 times a day
2. Watching Grant get flipped upside down, tackled and still laughing at Kenna.
3. "Get me Hot Chocolate Right Now"
4. Playing 'water slide' on the playset (with her stuffed animals)
5. Watching her new Indiana Jones tricks on the swing
6. "Seriously, mom"
7. Spending 30 minutes looking for shoes so the ants don't get her.
8. Being nice to the bugs, because they are now her friends.
9. Reading her Ragedy Ann Stories before bed.
10.Seeing her rock with her dad before bed.

Crazy, Messy, Climbing, Yelping, Cute Grant misses her too.

Where's Grant???

2008-06-24T14:59:00.001-07:00

He's crawling all over the place!!! It happened so fast I forget he can go places. This is where I found him the other day after being in my office for a few minutes, I came out and couldn't find him. Kenna saves him from the dog food a few times a day. She's really great at watching him. Today we learned that he loves pickles. He's working on throwing fits, and still giggles all the time.

We love our Baby Grant!

Crawling Cowboy Day

2008-06-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Cowboy Day. Free Games, Crafts, Shows, and Food. It was so nice to be all together. Grant has been crawling all over the place this past week and now he's starting to climb!

Lifes Too Short

2008-06-13T20:15:00.001-07:00

Travis Alexander was a friend from PrePaid Legal.
He was found dead this past monday. I hadn't been in contact with Travis since I stopped doing PPL, but his death has made me think a lot about life. I always think people will die when they've had a chance to figure things out; overcome their personal obstacles, and achieve most of what they want out of life. But, what if it was tomorrow. We're not promised 80 years or even 60 years. We are promised the opportunity to live on this earth and be the best we can be every moment that we are given. I hope you enjoy the blessing of today. Laugh with your kids more, kiss your husband extra, be silly, thank your Heavenly Father for your blessings, and spread your joy.

You can learn more about Travis and his death at: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/06/13/20080613mr-victim0614.html

I love you all!

New Water and my Garden

2008-06-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

The best thing I've ever drank! Even better than the Crystal Light packets.
Recipe for Cucumber Water:
Water
Cucumbers sliced
Lemons sliced

This is my garden. I planted; Beans, Snap Peas, Zuccini, Carrots, 6 tomato plants, jalapeno's, beets, green and red peppers. Can you see the tiny sprout? It's the first one up!
Hope you try the new water it's delish!

Puke and Panties

2008-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today McKenna found my "pretty panty" drawer and said, "Yay swimming suits, lets pretend to go to the pool", sooooo......we did!

Oh the shame! Thanks to blogging it made for a funny post.

Last night I McKenna called for me about 2am. When I walked in there was puke from her to the opposite end of the room. To get to her I had to walk through it. I didn't even know where to start. John took Kenna while I got to do the fun part of cleaning up while trying not to add to the problem with my own sickness. I think Kenna had a few too many of Grandma Susan's Cinnamon rolls. And then I gave her 2 things of chocolate milk before bed, I know I'm a bad mom.

Marcella

Eating Clean

2008-06-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

It seems like everyone around me is on a clean eating/fitness kick. Maybe it's summer, maybe its the "law of attraction" (from The Secret). Whatever the reason it's great!

Eating Clean is not a new concept its what everyone knows they should be doing.
Proteins- Egg whites, chicken, lean beef, turkey, and fish
Carbs- Oatmeal, brown rice, vegetables, whole wheat
Fat- You'll get all the fat you need by eating the lean proteins

1. Eat 6 small meals.
2. Only 2-3 clean carbs per day.
3. Lots of water!
4. Have protein at every meal.
General rule is 1/2 of your body weight is your daily grams of Protein.

Pretty simple. Just think clean clean clean.

My favorite thing to eat right now is:
5oz. of Ground Turkey with Taco seasoning mixed with 1/2 cup Brown rice and Salsa.

I'm having a challenge with my friend Shellie to see who can do 100% the longest.
Wish me luck!

Silly Sunday

2008-06-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I literally tickled Grant to sleep.

He loves to laugh!
He's sitting behind me right now in his
bouncy chair just laughing at nothing.

The site of McKenna makes him laugh.
Here is McKenna laughing with her
Great Grandma Pratt.

Here's McKenna trying to make you laugh.

John is out of town until Tuesday night we
miss him.

"I need my Dad to wock (rock) me",
McKenna says.

Happy Sunday!

Ahhh Blogging.

2008-06-07T11:38:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhh Blogging.
I'm determined to figure this out.
So, here is my new blogspot.

Enjoy!