THE CHILCOTE'S

Dear Liz,

2011-02-14T13:34:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to write you back publicly, and say you got me back ten fold. Kudos to you. Here is my ultimatum....If you want this friendship to continue you will take the pic of me on your blog off and replace it with one that looks more like me. (See the pic below for example.) You have exactly 24 hrs or I will announce to everyone how old you really are, and I will also tell them how you spend your time knitting, crocheting, and putting together jigsaw puzzles secretly while your kids are at school. Thank you for your immediate attention to this problem.

Your friend (for now)

Whittney

The Arrival of Chico

2010-11-08T09:59:00.004-07:00

Our little guy "Cheeks" is here. We did give him a real name which is
Campbell Garn Chilcote
Born October 29 at 7:55am he was 7lbs 9oz and 20.5 inches long.

I know...I know...I know....

2010-09-29T19:24:00.005-06:00

You all are dying to see a picture of me, and I have decided it is time to unveil what I look like in my 9th month of pregnancy. Keep in mind that my job is such that I sit a lot, I had surgery so I missed quite a bit of my workouts, and lets face it...pregnancy makes ya hungry and makes me wanna eat more. Try not to judge, and please try not to be jealous. Oh yeah, btw, for those of you whom I have sucked at keeping in touch with (which would be any of you who I don't happen to run into around town)....the baby is a boy. Without further ado...I present, a portrait of myself....

by Abigail Chilcote

By Livy Chilcote

Cooler Than Me....

2010-07-18T21:11:00.013-06:00

So I have been doing some catching up on blogs lately, and I realized the majority of people are cooler than me....You know who you are. So instead of writing a blog about what I have been doing I thought I would let you all in on a few things We/I didn't do:

For instance:
I did finally make it to Long Beach, but I didn't put any sunscreen on anyone, (it wasn't hot)! I did receive an award for Mother of The Year, though it wasn't an official award, but I could see it in people's eyes that they wanted to nominate me.

Easter did come and go but we didn't make, buy, or even attempt to have any Easter attire this year...We didn't meet Obama, hear his speech and shake his hand, but we did pass this guy on the street and take his picture...
I didn't take Abi to Preschool one time this year, but thanks to a wonderful Grandma and cousin she still graduated with honors. Thank you, thank you....
I didn't miss the first school performance Olivia has ever actually engaged in....

We did make it to the Chilcote Family vacation, but we didn't all fit in our tent....

We didn't go to stadium of fire, or the Rodeo, or even a block party....but we did see these:
For all of you who are feeling better about your lives after reading this post, just know this....I have truly in under a year mastered the art of "simplifying". Goal accomplished. If you don't do anything, nothing is complicated and everything becomes simple. Peace out.

Riddle Me This....

2010-04-04T07:56:00.003-06:00

Wish I was there....

2010-03-09T17:00:00.002-07:00

Jason said my last post was too depressing so I need to spice it up...Well its not that life is depressing, but I just don't have time for many thoughts right now.

So I thought I would give you a peek into my thoughts...:

*When I get to go on my next vacation

*When my next day off from work is

*What and How to decorate Parker's wedding

*Livy is turning 8 on Tuesday, and all my big plans for it are suddenly vanishing

*How to get to Long Beach, walk the beach, feel the sun, and get back in time to work my amazing job.

I know I am not very deep...Crap now I am depressed...Sorry I'll think of something better...

To Be Continued....

Simplify...Follow up

2010-02-03T18:28:00.002-07:00

sim⋅pli⋅fy

[sim-pluh-fahy] Show IPA

–verb (used with object), -fied, -fy⋅ing.

to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.

So I guess you wouldn't really say that is something that I have done..at all. So I say simplifying is for the birds....
My steps to simplifying were simple. Fail proof, I thought. My life was about to become so crazily simple everyone would ask me how I did it, and I would give lessons. I would become an idol. :)

Well my life is anything but simple right now. A few people asked why we were doing it, and quite a few people looked at me like I had gone crazy. Moving away from friends I love, a school my daughter loved, moving from a job I loved, and a house we loved. But I wanted to do it because I felt my life spinning out of control, I felt so crazy busy, I wasn't enjoying life. I was living, but not living. I spent my days waiting for the next to come and go so I could say I made it through one more week, month or year. I wanted to take my life to a level where I could feel a semblance of control. We moved closer to Jason's work so his long hours wouldn't be quite as long, we cut our bills significantly (or so we thought we were), we moved to a smaller home where I don't feel I have to clean every *!@#$day!, I got rid of anything I hadn't used or think I would use in the immediate future, I weeded through toys, books, decorations, cooking stuff, and memories. I definitely feel a little calmer, but the change hasn't gone exactly as planned. I actually have more to worry about and less time to worry about it. But here is the crazy thing about this whole experience. I have learned, and grown more than I ever have. Since we made this change there have been days I have been on the floor weeping, not knowing how I could possibly make it one more day, wondering why I made a choice that seemed so easy and brilliant at the time, but had turned out to be so brutally hard and painful. But I will tell you what...I realized how much I took for granted, I realized I made myself busy, and I made myself not enjoy life. The pieces were there, but I didn't use them. I didn't take time to enjoy the "simple" parts of life.

So the moral of the story is: In making my life more complicated by simplifying, I am finally grateful for the simple pleasures of life.
The End...Lesson learned.

O' Christmas Tree....

2009-12-10T09:24:00.003-07:00

So all growing up we would go to tree lot, after tree lot, after tree lot. So as I have grown up I totally thought it just always had to be like that. However, every year we go we go to less and less lots before finding the perfect tree. In fact this year we went to one...And not only that but we only went down one aisle before finding it. We walked down the others just to make us not feel ripped off of that fun Christmas tree scouting experience. My conclusion is not that I am less picky than my mother, or that the tree lots only get good trees...My conclusion is this: No one buys real tree's anymore. And to that I say you are missing out...For sure.

For instance here are the top 10 things you have missed that we have not:

#1. The last two years I have had a spider egg in the tree and lots of little baby spiders bless our house within a couple of weeks. And they bring lots of decoration (spider webs) so pretty, so shiny, and my favorite part is they are thrown in free!

#2. Getting sap all over your hands from putting the lights on the tree, and don't forget you get to take them off at the end of the holiday celebration. FUN!!!

#3. Maneuvering under the branches to pour water into the little hole available in the stand only to realize you spilled most of it on the floor, and all just to make sure it dies slower than it already is.

#4. Already mentioned in the above paragraph, but...the family hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree. The freezing night, the fires in the garbage cans, the reindeer at the christmas lot, the nice guys who cut the bottom off, and charge you $ for a tree they cut down for free. (jk)

#5. The Christmas tree smell in your house that 1st day when you bring it home.

#6. Strapping it to the top of your car to bring it home, and praying that the ropes don't break and it goes crashing into the car behind you. (So it makes you have to be spiritual at this time of year since there aren't many other reasons)

#7. Finding a way to make it straight, and position the uneven spots so they are not visible to everyone right away.

#8. Having people ask you if it's real, touch it when you answer yes, and look at you like you are a tree murderer.

#9. Vacuuming up pine needles all month long.

#10. And the most important thing you miss out on is....Being able to say its real..When was anything better fake? Fake diamonds, no thanks...Fake snow, not a chance....Fake people, no way...Fake fireplaces, no need...Fake wood flooring, everyone knows its not wood...Fake boobs...Ok so you got me there, but a fake christmas tree? No one wants a perfect, pre-lit, easy to put together tree you don't have to water. It's just not right!!!

So next year when you pull your fake tree out of storage, and you have it up before Thanksgiving because you can. Think of my family and all we get to experience that you don't, and then pat yourself on the back because for heaven sakes..It's a lot easier, and you just saved another tree's life.

Ten Years Later...

2009-12-10T07:28:00.007-07:00

These pictures taken by Livy are in the Empire room where our reception was ten years ago!!!!

The Photographer so happy to be there :)

Wow!!! Thats all I can say about that. Ten years have flown by. For our ten year I had big plans, but with moving and getting everything situated I had no energy and a lack of funds for these big plans. Jason's brother's family wasn't having that, so they took our kids, sent us packing up to Park City for a quiet weekend with each other (and a yummy gift basket with treats). It was very thoughtful, and very much appreciated. It was a fun weekend to reminisce about the last ten years, and figure out what we want to accomplish in the next ten together. One thing we both realized was that we both have kind of let the last ten years happen, took what came our way, the bad, the unexpected, the unwanted, the joys, and of course all the good. So we made some goals, and are excited for what the next ten bring us if we are so lucky :).

*And yes this was the first song we danced to as a married couple, cheesy yes, but it was the song in 1999.

My little brother, Parker, got engaged over the Thanksgiving weekend, and I am so anxious to see what life brings to them. Congratulations!!! We are all so happy for the two of you.

My New Job...Professional Photography!!!!

2009-11-18T15:53:00.005-07:00

For those of you who can't read sarcasm in that sentence...You should. I have quite a few friends who take pictures, and are amazing at it. I like to tell myself it is something that just comes naturally for these people, and if I so chose, I too could do it as well with a little practice. Well here is what I get when I try to be artistic, and get the "natural candid shots of life". I kind of blame my kids because they aren't very cute so it is probably just hard to get a good picture of them :).In my photographer eye she was just sitting on the pumpkin pondering, but now it looks as though she really needed to go to the bathroom. That is candid, right?
In my amazing photographer eye, she was staring at the beautiful pumpkin patch...But this is what I actually captured...
So my thought is this....How do you all take pictures that look like you aren't there, but you are really there? Photos that look staged, but aren't really staged. Or...deep thought...Maybe this is how I am suppose to remember my kids....Goofy, and able to hold themselves for long periods of time. These pictures say...we are thankful for fall, pumpkin patches, and Grandma's and Grandpa's who take us because our dead beat parents were too busy "simplifying" to do something that simple.

Just for the Record....

2009-09-20T21:17:00.003-06:00

We are moving. We are excited. We think this is the best thing for our family. We love our neighbors, friends, and ward. We are not getting kicked out of our home. We are not destitute. We are not crazy. We do not have round worm. We are simply on a mission to simplify. I will keep you posted from time to time on how well I do at simplifying. Right now it seems like cake, but right now I haven't done much to simplify so...ask me in a month.

I can't even say the word simplify without laughing because I went to that blog: Seriously, So Blessed that really mocks our culture, and it dawned on me that I am this "culture". I was reading several sections, and was dying laughing, and then I would read a section, and be like that wasn't that funny. (because it pertained to something I do.)

Anyway there was an entry about simplifying....About how she was going to simplify:

~~~SiMpLiFy!~~~

This is my darling new slogan and I am putting it EVERYWHERE: ginormous glittery wood letters in dinning room, vinyl in kitchen, stickers on clocks, scrapbooked pitcher frames in living room, handpainted on the damask upstairs, seriously, EVERYWHERE. Made JJWT, Alivyiah & Tridger binders with color-coded simplicity instructions for every day of the week {with a complicated reward system} and then called all the people in my home biz donwline & invited them to buy wood letters that say SIMPLIFY for a 30% discount if they color code there closets and binders the same way! Also I brain-storm'd some rules to help me.
My goals for being more SIMPLIFY:

1. be way less materialistic
2. own a buttload of shoes
3. grow my hair way past my boobs
4. put everything in this font

That isn't my exact list, but she was pretty close. :)

A New Addition...

2009-09-08T16:34:00.007-06:00

I have been waiting for this new little bundle for like 9 months now. I am tired of waiting, and really I guess I will have to wait some more for the excitement to wear off because as you can see I am not in the pictures holding little Preston. My sister's kids are a little too excited. This is so not about them. The sooner they get that the better. So I am waiting for him to throw up on them, poop, and cry a little too much. Then they will be begging for me to take him. Hallelujah! I will be waiting...

Life is Beautiful-

2009-07-23T17:10:00.018-06:00

The Chilcote Weekend was great...Life really never ceases to surprise me. I really thought it would be an awful, boring weekend, but it turned out to be quite fun, and relaxing. (Just joking good grief laugh a little)
Well that was what this weekend was a bunch of laughs. (mostly at my expense)

Top 10 things I enjoyed were...

#10. I know it's not nice to pick favorites, but I really enjoyed Sam. I think it is because he hates me, and hardly is ever nice to me. So I love that he had no choice but to be around me. :)#9. Finding out there is no such things as 300lb raccoons that have razor sharp teeth that can bite into your cooler. Enjoying the fact that Jason's family loves me enough to lie to me about what really got my food. And it wasn't these little fella's:
#8. Watching the girls spend time with their older girl cousins, and knowing what great examples they have to follow.#7. Giving my daughter Benadryl before a hike and wondering why she can't stay awake to walk..
#6. The Scenery...Yup I am a sucker. I love the mountains, I love streams, and I love big tall trees.#5. Playing games...I know I get to play games constantly at home because Jason loves playing games*, but I am still a sucker for a good game of cards with the whole family.
*not true just in case you don't know how much he doesn't like games, and you aren't sensing the sarcasm...
#4. Watching Abi get so excited to fish, and feed the chipmunks...(I can't believe I don't have any pictures of her with the chipmunks seeing as that is how she spent the majority of her time) So Lane you better send me some.
#3. The Talent Show...America may have talent, but I don't think we will ever be on that show with these acts :)#2. The family...The hosts...The cousins...The friends....Good Company...

*We Missed you AJ, and Rylee....

#1. But the number one thing that I enjoyed the most was making fun of this old, old man....and him not taking any of it, and hitting back hard....

Twilight Hike....

2009-07-23T16:36:00.008-06:00

We went up Big Cottonwood Canyon with some of Jason's friends for a twilight hike. We went to bed at 11pm and woke up at 1:00 to be there to start hiking by 2am. My Dad graciously let the girls sleep over while we hiked. Here are the reasons I am a big fan of hiking in the dark.
#1. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold...Just perfect...
#2. I love the smells of the outdoors, and with it being dark I think it was even easier to take them all in because I couldn't see everything around me so I focused on the smells.

#3. Watching the sunrise is amazing. To sit there and watch it come up, and think about how many times I have missed the sunrise makes me sad. Dawn you are right...Sleeping is for lazy people. jk...(Jason apparently got lonely waiting for the sun to rise so he asked a dude to marry him? I have always had my doubts, but seriously to do it in front of his wife...weird...)

The pictures don't do it justice at how pretty it was...It was sooo green, and just beautiful...

Sorry Blame It On Me

2009-07-10T13:53:00.007-06:00

"I would like to take this timeout to apologize for the things I have done and for things that haven't occurred yet"...that way I can do whatever I want for the rest of my life, and you have to accept my apology...JK....But really this is a formal apology for everyone who has left me a message on my home phone over the last year and a half. I constantly get people telling me they left me messages, and I am sure they think I am lying when I tell them I never got it. I would go home check my caller id, and check my messages on my machine, and nothing. Quite honestly I thought it really was an excuse for people to just to say they did because they know of my phone issues....Well recently I disconnected my phone to find that apparently I have 150+ digital voicemail messages I didn't even know existed. I am not sure how the phone decided whether to send people to my machine or the digital machine, but apparently it did it quite a bit. I was a little overwhelmed by how many messages so I did not listen to them. So I apologize if you were one of the people who left a message and I never returned your call. So please accept this sincere apology. And no lying that you were on there....Whitt

Happy Happy Birthday

2009-06-29T16:35:00.005-06:00

D-Doesn't probe*
A-Awesome and Amazing
W-Wise beyond her years (even though she is now pretty old....)
N-Not at all like Satan*

Happy Birthday back at you....To one of my favorite people in the world...

*Inside Jokes...

IF TODAY WAS YOUR LAST DAY....

2009-06-12T15:17:00.004-06:00

I would love to live like today was my last day. However, if I did...I wouldn't do any housework, I would eat whatever I wanted (I would for sure try one of those Peach shakes at Chik-fil-a), I wouldn't worry about the Laundry that was piling up, I wouldn't pay any bills, I would drive my car fast without a seatbelt, I would write a whole bunch of Thank you notes to everyone who has touched my life, I wouldn't yell at all, I would play with my kids all day, I would for sure make time to talk to my hubby before we fell asleep. If today was your last day...what would you do?

India

2009-05-21T15:56:00.007-06:00

A lady Jason works with brought the girls some dresses from India, and now my girls think they are Indian when they wear them. (Please don't tell them they are white) Abi puts hers on and says look I am India. I am pretty sure she does not understand India is not a person, but a country. Livy thinks we should move there, and then she could have lots of pretty dresses. Thanks Shrute.

Easter...I know it was like a month ago...

2009-04-28T14:03:00.003-06:00

Just an update for ya...Elder Despain..and if you are lucky I have written ya, by now....

"It's Hot and It's Cold"

2009-03-26T16:05:00.022-06:00

What is with this weather you ask? We had been asking ourselves
that for a while and decided it was time while Liv's was off track to go on a warm Vacation.....
We started off in Vegas at my Brother's house, we did the Hoover Dam Half which I sucked at, but what is new. (Jared rocked it) I just freak myself out on the actual race. Maybe I should always just train and never actually do a real race. I think I am missing a couple of genes that make you not give up at the end. ....Oh well. We then went on the Dam tour. It was fabulous except that I smelled and looked bad.
Then on Sunday we celebrated Olivia's birthday with Grandpa and Grandma Despain and my Brother's fam.

(Yes, those are curlers in Kelli's hair, and no she is not a grandma yet.) jk

We went to the park after dinner and some cheesecake, and played on the cool playground by their house. (Notice it is like 6pm and we are not even wearing coats)

This is my little Oliver with the cutest cheeks in the world.
Thanks Jared, Kelli and Fam you are very hospitable. And thanks for all the perks and helps for our vacation!!!!

Then starting Monday we did the Disneyland thing for the next couple of days, (All I can say is corn dogs, cotton candy, and lots of churro's)

Abi's face is priceless on all the rides. Not to mention usually messy
from all the treats...

The girls were worn out by the end of the night Abi would always fall asleep, but Olivia would get a second wind so the last night we let her choose the last ride, and she chose the rockets....It was probably the longest line we waited in the whole time, but she got her Dad to go with her so she was in heaven.

Next up Seaworld (thanks for coming Mrs. Weenig we loved it!!!!)

Abi going Shamu!!! Shamu!!! Once she realized we
were not in the splash zone.
Proof that I have a friend
Then we did a day at Universal Studio's lucky for you our camera went dead so we only have one picture here

We finished our trip off with a day at the beach
(which we should have done more of).

This is one of my favorite pictures below because it was on the last day and Olivia was like "Here let me take a picture of You, Dad and Abi. I have been in all the pictures."
This is your car when you get home Elder Despain
And here is where we Say Good-bye to our beach day. :(

We enjoyed every minute (except the Hoover Dam Half.) jk
We tried to find ways to stay on vacation for at least another month, realized it wasn't practical, and drove home to the freezing cold, and an inch of snow in March. I know there are people out there that probably miss the snow (Katelyn), but that is only because you are nuts. Jk...
*Sorry, I know you probably are all like wow please show us a few more pictures of your vacation, but this is really for my brother who is on a mission so he can see what he is missing out on. :)

My Life Would Suck Without You Part 2

2009-02-25T13:31:00.003-07:00

I don't think I can run without my shuffle, at all. When it dies when I am on a run, I stop running because my purpose is gone. I love Music. The End...

My Life Would Suck Without You

2009-02-23T16:16:00.004-07:00

So for this week I am going to be putting something on my blog every day that my life would suck without.

Today I am going to have to say since it is my cleaning day....

My life would suck without my dyson, or maybe it makes my life suck....I don't know either way I like it. Alot. My old vacuum didn't work, and made my life suck free and very dirty.

Halloween-Abi's Birthday

2009-01-09T13:46:00.006-07:00

I missed a few posts so....In order to catch you all up on my very wonderful life Here is Halloween. We got a zoo pass this year, and decided it would be a good idea to go to Boo at the Zoo. I say boo, to boo at the zoo. The kids loved it, but after being married to Jason for so long I hate crowds. It was so crazy. We had our cute nephew Brayden with us, and I think he said it was the best day of his life so far. :)Some other very important things happened in between these times, but due to the fact my camera broke again.....I do not have pics, however, Abi's birthday came, and my old, old camera worked...Sort of....We had a polka dot party. We
(My Fabulous little Brother Garrett and I) painted the floor in the basement and rollerskated, played games, with polka dots everywhere. She loved her party, and thinks it is still her birthday everyday.

Greatness.....

2009-01-04T16:39:00.008-07:00

"Whatever you do will be insignificant,
but it is very important that you do it."
Mahatma Gandhi
Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 - 1948)

As I start a new year, I usually look at my goals from the last one and realize how many I didn't accomplish. I often think what is the purpose of this life? Not in a depressing, I want to die sort of way, just in a "what am I suppose to be doing here way?" I know I have my kids, and my family. I get, and appreciate what I have been given. I definitely feel as though I have been given more than I deserve.
However, I don't feel Great. I don't know that anyone besides my family will remember me. I don't know that I have done things that would make others think, I am a better person for associating with her. I honestly don't write this for "oh but you are so nice" comments. I really want to know what your thoughts are on this subject. I have been reading a few books lately that have made me ponder whether or not we get too choose if we are great or if it is assigned. I wonder if people are great because they don't know that they are, and that is what makes them great? Or if they know they need to be, and that is what makes them great? Have you ever read a book, and been tired just from reading about their lives and all they accomplished? Not in a way of they had everything, and did everything the right way, and always made the best choices, but in a great influential kind of way. One of the book's I read was about Emma Smith. In an effort to be honest this year, I will tell you I got a little down reading this book because she was amazing. She went through so much, had incredible faith, I think easily one of the strongest women I have read about, and still made dinner and hosted people at her home, constantly. I barely made it through the holidays, and took 3 days off after to do nothing (but read about how great other people are.) Obviously, as it was a biography of her life, everyone said nice complimentary things about her, but she was indeed Great. Everyone in and out of the church alike, think she was an amazing lady. The second book I am now reading is about a leader in India who was amazing, he worked and lived his life with such conviction. He was obviously Great. He will be remembered by millions. I am sure he didn't do the things in his life so that he will be remembered as this great man. I know he did things because he believed in them. So my question I pose to all 5 of you that might be reading this blog: What does it mean to you to be great? And do you truly believe that each of us have the potential to be great? And if you want/need to answer one more question have you found the thing that is important for you to do in your life to be great? (That one you can answer in your head if you want)...

Oh and P.S. Happy New Year...... :)

Nine Blissfully Insane Beautifully Crazy Years....

2008-11-06T16:33:00.014-07:00

Today is our 9th anniversary, and boy it really has gone fast. Not to say that it was easy or forgetful, it just went by fast...I wanted to share a glimpse of how it all began....

Boy asks girl out on date. They date.

Girl makes boy go to high school dances even though he is graduated (what losers go to dances after they graduate? jk I forced him) because she had to go because it was part of her grade for being an officer.

Girl and boy walk down aisle.....

at her sister, and his brother's wedding.

Boy saves money buys fancy sports car.

Girl graduates from highschool.

Boy sells fancy sports car, and buys ring. Asks Girl to marry him.

Boy and Girl get married at 12...no kidding I was 18, and he was 21.

Boy and Girl buy jeep, go four wheeling, spend every dime on eating out, playing and having what seems to be fun.

Boy gets girl pregnant. They have their first kid.

2 years 9 months later they do it again.

9 years, 2 kids, 5 moves, 7 jobs, 1 degree (you decide who got it), 7 cars, 4,025 fights, 975 hugs, 2500 kisses (we aren't pda people) later. We are still together....

If you have time to spare and want to read this little story my Dad wrote it is very dear to my heart.

Jason...This year in pictures....

2008-11-06T15:57:00.009-07:00

So, Jason turned 30 on Wednesday of last week. When we met he set a whole bunch of goals that he would reach by the time he was 30 such as: being a millionaire, owning a ferrari, being his own boss, traveling all around the world, being involved in politics....Needless to say he failed. Miserably. The only million he sees is the millions in other peoples accounts, the ferrari is not a ferrari but a very cool Black Acura 3.5RL, he is as far from being his own boss as you could possibly imagine (like he has to ask to go to the bathroom), and although he has gone many places since we've married: China, Mexico, Boston..... I wouldn't really call him a world traveler. Last but not least...He isn't a politician, but.....

So here's to Jason for almost hitting all of his goals by 30! We love you....You have accomplished so many things so far. So here is to 30 more years...
*a special thanks to Landon for photographing all these amazing events....

My Sister...

2008-10-31T17:39:00.000-06:00

Dani, did a post on a poem that I made her when I was younger. I pretty much worshipped her, and she usually threw everything away I ever gave her. So she wanted me to see that she had saved it. Well do I have a surprise for you...She is just as talented of a poem writer, and she knows I save everything so here goes...(So maybe that is where Livy gets it from: I call her pack rat because she wants to keep everything)

Jason's BIG 30th....

2008-10-30T16:47:00.000-06:00

My Heroes....

2008-10-02T19:12:00.010-06:00

In these crazy times of war, economic collapse, sickness, heartache, deceit, and anything else that might be going on in mine and your lives. I wanted to make this post for all of you who inspire me everyday, and influence my life in a wonderful way. So this is for:
1. The woman in my life who gets down on her hands and knees to be a mom, plays pretend, and anything else her kids and their friends might want her to do...
2. The man in my life who is excited to be home and play with his kids everyday...
3. The woman in my life who over thinks every scenario so she won't hurt feelings....
4. The woman in my life who I can spout off to, and she never seems to judge me (if you know who you are and you do judge me at least I don't know you do :) ), who reminds me that being yourself is awesome and you don't need to change who you are for anyone...
5. The woman and man in my life who would do anything for my family. Are always thinking and doing things that help me in more ways than they will ever know......
6. The boy in my life who reminds me every time I am around him that it is okay to have confidence, and know that you are great....
7. The woman in my life who serves constantly, and is always thanking me for insignificant things that I do....
8. The man in my life who went to the very bottom and didn't give up, but persevered and is steadily climbing his way back up....
9. The woman in my life who is fighting for everything I take for granted, but yet is so positive, and even laughs about it....
10. The man in my life who even though he is brash and blunt, calls to make sure I know he still loves me and my family....
My point is I know I have so much abundance in my life, and through all the doom and gloom I keeping joking about, I am so happy to have you in my life. You might not know how or when you are influencing and even that you helped lift me a little higher, but you did. I could have kept going on and on...You are my heroes. Thank you.

The Fun Run...

2008-10-02T18:55:00.003-06:00

Olivia's school did a fun run to raise money for the school this year. Which I prefer, over the lame selling of over-priced candy and wrapping paper. My "good buddy" Liz volunteered me to do the slide show so I didn't run with Olivia, but I ended up with over 1000 pictures of all the kids at the fun run, and after going through them I ended up with 2 of Liv's. Which are pretty cute so I forgive you Liz. jk Thanks to Angie for letting Liv's run with your family. I heard Liv's took 1st place in her age, and they are looking at her for the olympics....

SEW FUN...

2008-09-10T16:39:00.005-06:00

I am sew clever. jk....Livy's best friend's mom, Somer, is a very talented woman. She has decided to take me on as a sewing student. (Please don't tell her I am hopeless) Our first project were these cute little portrait nightgowns. The kids look sew cute (there that pun is again) in their new pj's. Thanks Somer for your guidance and patience and for not laughing when I screwed up even the easy parts.

Friendships....

2008-09-07T15:52:00.003-06:00

"I would rather you hate me for who I am, than love me for who I'm not"

Here is a disclaimer for all of you who have considered having me as a "friend" just in case you love me for someone I am not:

#1. I will probably forget your birthday.
#2. I will probably not answer my phone when you call. (I do not like the phone)
#3. I will probably at least once, but most likely more than once, say something so extremely stupid and out of line that you will wonder if it really came out of my mouth.
#4. I will say or maybe even do things that are offensive without even knowing it.
#5. I will forget to show up for your surprise birthday party, then not say happy birthday, and then not bring you your gift, and then remember 6 months later after you have given me a birthday gift, that I still never gave you your gift, and that I didn't go to your surprise birthday party.
#6. I am not a puffer*
* A person who tells you how great you are all the time, and tells you all of your attributes.

After you have read it over, and decided if you still want to be my friend. Please sign a disclaimer stating that you will acknowledge that I warned you. j/k
Thanks too all who put up with me, and still claim me as a "friend".

Old Friends...

2008-09-02T21:12:00.005-06:00

It is so good to see old friends. We were lucky to get a visit from some good friends from Manassa, Colorado. They were some of our favorite friends from the "condo days" as we refer to them. Liv's was stoked that not only did she get to see Emma, but that they have the same dress. We love ya, and thanks for the visit. Next time we want to see Shane too.

Livy starts 1st Grade.........

2008-08-04T09:14:00.004-06:00

Well if you didn't guess from the slide show, I am sad. My Little Livy is in 1st Grade. Are you serious that I am old enough to have a kid in school all day? I can't believe that for the next 12 grades she will not be home the majority of the day that we are awake. Don't get me wrong I am not even close to considering home school for several reasons, but the top two being #1. I want her to be smart, and if I am being honest with myself #2. I love having time for just Abigail and all by myself when Abi is taking a nap. She is like a completely different kid one on one. I think it is a hard adjustment, but also a great thing for all parties involved. Her teacher is fabulous, and she loves eating lunch with her friends in the lunch room, and her best friend ended up being in her class. What more could I ask for?

I am going to miss this......

2008-07-30T16:49:00.001-06:00

If you are looking for a pick me up....

2008-07-01T17:24:00.007-06:00

Have you ever had someone call you unique? It is a comment I get quite a bit: "Your wedding ring is very unique", "the way you sell is very unique", "you have a very unique face", "you are very unique". So, my mom sent me this email that made me realize it is not a compliment. Thanks mom.

27 Moments

2008-06-26T08:38:00.002-06:00

I recently turned 27 and was thinking about the last 27 years, and thought I should document the top 27 most defining moments of my life so far....
(In no particular order of importance)
#1. Being born, I still remember coming through the birth canal, and how traumatic it was. Not really, but since it is why I am here on this earth I think it counts as a significant event.
#2. Getting my 6th toe cut off. I remember being scared, and I remember bringing my doll with me and we both got casts.
#3. Being Baptized. I can't say I remember the day perfectly, but I do remember it.
#4. Moving to Canyon Cove, and starting a new school, and wanting to play soccer at recess, and 2 girls pulled my hair the first day and said I couldn't play that it was only them and the boys who were allowed to play.
#5. Going to camp that summer and becoming best friends with the girl who pulled my hair, and was now allowed to play soccer the next year. *Lesson learned: people are not always what they seem. (P.S. I was only in 4th grade and the camp was co-ed. Does that still fly these days, or am I just a prude now that I have kids?)
#6. Which brings me to my first "boyfriend" whom I met at camp, and he asked me out. He gave me a yellow walkman, and I pecked him on the cheek at the 7-11 after dodging his kiss and making him feel dumb in front of all his friends. And that was about it (I am pretty sure we stopped talking after he asked me to be his girlfriend because I was too embarrassed)
#7. Standing in line for foursquare and a girl said something really rude, and I took it out on her when we started playing, and then got in trouble because I knocked the wind out of her with the ball (who knew foursquare was so dangerous?)
#8. I would have to say my parents divorce with no disrespect to them, but it was definitely a defining moment in my life. My siblings and I really became close and took care of each other and grew up a lot through this.
#9. Jr. High as a whole would definitely be a big moment. Realizing that you need to make choices and they might not be choices that make you popular, and at that time it seems like the end of the world.
#10. Running for class office in 7th grade and losing to Chad....(he gave out sugar daddies, I couldn't compete)jk But seriously can't believe I still remember that. It obviously bugged me, and gave me a reason to not feel as bad.
#11. (Not one I am proud of, but nonetheless defining) Met a group of girls that I had never laughed so hard in my life with. We hung out all the time, and were truly best friends. We really didn't gossip about each other, but we decided being thieves was a good rush (don't worry we all got caught eventually and paid our penance) Lesson learned: You can't get something for nothing, and my Dad made it very clear that stealing was the lowest of the low, and that I was actually taking food off of other families tables for a little thrill, and stuff I didn't want enough to buy.
#12. Getting asked to "Promotion" and then ditched that night, and went to dinner with my friends who hadn't been asked, and realizing they were happy I was ditched. Lesson learned: Friends sometimes want to see other friends suffer.
Lesson learned for the boy who ditched me: Don't ditch Whittney or she will make you regret it with the worst toilet papering ever (and perhaps it wasn't just toilet paper)
#13. Sophomore year.
#14. Driver's Ed...I am not sure why Katelyn and I passed, we really kind of sucked.
#15. My first real boyfriend, kiss, rumors, and heart break. (or so you thought when you were that age)
#16. Getting a wristband for the U2 concert, and didn't know who they were when I got it, and miraculously got a lot of friends who called a lot.
#17. My first real job: Sierra West Jewelers. Lesson learned: When they think you won't be good if you work harder you can convince them. My manager Trudy thought I was too young, and couldn't believe they hired me. So I had to work extra hard and eventually won her over. (Funny side note one of the owners one night saw me putting stuff away like we did every night, and wasn't too sure about me and asked like 4 people to come and make sure I wasn't stealing
and every single one of them laughed and told me why they were there. I guess he didn't know I had already learned my lesson like 5 defining moments ago)
#18. Turning 16 and meeting Jason like 3 months later.
#19. First date with Jason...Dinner in Park City, Bowling, and talking all night. Couldn't stop looking at him, and was instantly smitten.
#20. Sconecutter Sr. Year....: Let me tell you why this is always something I will remember. I had broken up with Jason to "date", but I didn't really date anyone and was depressed. One night me and some friends went to Sconecutter, and Jason was there with a friend and another group of girls I used to hang out with. Their was one girl hanging on him, and I wasn't jealous because he was looking at me the whole night. When we left my friend Katelyn said: "I know you will marry him." I remember thinking I know it too.
#20. Graduation Day....Couldn't wait to graduate, had big plans, and thought being an adult sounded fun....
#21. Engagement/Wedding....Talk about a life changer. Thought I was old enough to
get married, and said yes. I believe, looking back that is the last date we went on which is significant in itself. (jk)
#22. Honeymoon, and not for the reason you think sicko's. It was the first time I realized that this is the man I chose to spend forever with, and found out he was really quite funny and made me laugh which turned out to be a bonus. (he was pretty serious when we dated)
#23. Pregnancy, is significant not only because something is growing in you, but suddenly you rethink and doubt any decision you have ever made, and hope beyond anything you can help this little person become better, and stronger than you are. (which is hard when you are as great as me, where do you go from here?jk) Not to mention all the sudden I grew an organ that made me worry about things I never thought twice about before having kids.
#24. Olivia: What a life change. What a sweet spirit that was brought into my life. I never knew I could love a child more than I already had. I love her, and still learn from her everyday. She has taught me to enjoy the small things in life, and she truly is grateful for everything she gets, and treasures any time we spend with her. (that is when I am not napping)
#25. Abigail: Another big moment and life change. One is a lot, but two that is a whole new world. I think the big man thought it would be a riot to give me Olivia first, and then throw the firecracker at me just when I thought Olivia was the way she was because of our parenting. Abi has a mind of her own since she was in the womb. I couldn't have asked for a more devoted sidekick. She always wants me, but still will go to others. Lately she talks a lot, and is so much fun. She truly is someone who makes me smile.
#26. Quitting my job to be an at home mom. When I go other places I don't have to be one just at home. What a year. I have never felt more fulfilled, frustrated, happy, content, maid like, satisfied, sad, depressed, and yet extremely lucky. I know it may sound like I am bipolar, and I might be. That could explain a lot, but I can honestly say I have felt all of these things, and yet still know I want to watch my kids grow up, and I want to be home for them, and am trying to cast spells on them that make them grow up a little slower. I know I can't have these years back, and hope I remember to be where today is, and not look for tomorrow.
#27. Turning 27, and looking back thinking what did I do the last 27 years? Finally getting comfortable in my own skin, and knowing who I am, and who these last 27 years made me. Looking forward to hopefully at least another 27, and hoping I will be a better/semi-smarter person than I am today. If you took the time to read all 27 thank you, but you probably need a life. jk...Love ya all Whittney

Feet Look Better Without Toenails....

2008-06-04T12:22:00.006-06:00

It all began in January after that terrible experience I had with the St. George Half Marathon. Not only did I gain weight training for it, I got really sick. So I saw a few girls out running the neighborhood, and joined them. They were training for the Ogden Marathon. I thought...Hey I should lose some weight training for a Marathon Right? I've seen the women on the front of the Runner's World they are hot....so I joined the ladies and started training. I have to say that I gained another 10lbs, and never have been more frustrated in my life, however, I can now say that I finished my first Marathon. Most people who knew me just said "Oh it is probably just muscle." Well not to make you feel sorry for me, but it is not. Oh well, I lost two toenails and I am sure that those weighed a few lbs each, so at least I have that. All in all it was a wonderful experience, and I actually want to do it again. Only next time I want to win...jk....I do want to be a little faster, and maybe at least beat Oprah. Next time hopefully I will be ready for mile 23 and it's mean little spirit that whispered in my ear "walking isn't so bad" "You could walk to the finish, no one will think you suck." But thanks to the funny and motivational signs during the last three miles that kept me at least jogging. Thanks to Jason for being so supportive and the girls, for my sister and my Dad and Jeanie for coming and cheering me on at mile 18, and for not making fun of the way I ran or hobbled through the finish line (oh wait you did), and to Jamba Juice for giving me the best tasting thing I could have imagined at the end. Of course I couldn't have done it without all the advice from my training partner, Dominique. Here's to not being able to wear sandals in the summer, and here's to the next one.....

Abi is in Soccer...Kind of....

2008-05-20T20:13:00.005-06:00

We have had terrible luck getting our kids involved in sports. They just really don't want to play once we get to the actual game. They cry, we get frustrated, they cry some more, and then we get embarrassed and take them home. When we put Olivia in soccer (which she asked us to do) she cried every game and ended up playing a total of 15 minutes. So by the 3rd game that she was absolutely out of control we pulled her out, and took her to the lake with Jason and made her run around it 2 times. Well it wasn't quite the punishment we hoped for because the next day she asked to go run it again with Jason. Needless to say I haven't signed her up for any more activities, but Abi did say she wanted to. A couple of her friends were signing up so we did it. I don't have to go into too much detail because you can just reread what Olivia did. So we have like two games left and she cries the whole day before the game, and during the game. We have seen a little progress, and do have some pictures from the good times.This is actually (as of the last game) what she does now instead of cry, she sits, eats, and watches her team play...Yeah Progress.....

Dad's Git Mad

2008-05-12T16:47:00.009-06:00

For those of you who hate blogs because they only talk about how funny their kid's are now is the time to not read this entry. Or my last 5 for that matter...Sorry, but this is what I've got that is funny to me....So a couple of Sunday's ago I had my sister's kids while she went on her 10 year anniversary trip. We took them to church with us, and I gave each of the kids a paper book with like 10 sheets in it and told them to write a story. I was busy setting up classrooms for primary so Jason had to keep all 5 kids under control before Sacrament. And apparently Olivia felt the need to express what happened in her point of view artistically...So anyway here is Olivia's story she wrote.....This is her with her "Shrinking Machine" that she is going to zap us with.

Her zapping us.
Her bigger than both of us....And the rest of the book she gets bigger and bigger. I thought it was a pretty clever story. Especially since I know she has never seen "Honey I shrunk the kids" or any movie like that. Will she be a world renowned story teller, or book writer? For now we can only wonder.....

Mother's Day

2008-05-12T16:08:00.011-06:00

Now I have no idea why any mom wouldn't be excited to celebrate Mother's Day. I have often heard it reminds you of what a crappy mom you are. Lucky for me I guess that I am not. I for one love it, and this year was reminded of how great of a mother I am. Jason made me dinner, and it was delicious. Abi gave me a beautiful card that was a flower. My friend Lisa gave me a box of chocolate covered strawberries from V's chocolate that were divine. Even my little brother Parker got me a mother's day gift, (I am still trying to decide if he has a mysterious bug and is dying or if he ruined something of mine...jk I love it Parker, and will use it all the time) But as if all that didn't make me feel like a great person and mother, Olivia made me a cute little emblem of her love...She made me a book that I am positive that her teacher at school and classmates must think I am Mother of the Year.
That is right...I am a professional sleeper. I am not sure what other kids wrote, but I am sure their mothers aren't near as fascinating. Ironically, I made a book for my mom this year with my siblings, and I think my pages are a little nicer and fitting. You be the judge...Who is the better daughter?...Olivia or me?...j/k

Jackson had a bad day...

2008-04-20T20:39:00.005-06:00

The day started with a call to my nephew: "Hey Jackson tell your mom to bring you to my house so we can play." "My Mom said no." "Hey Jackson if you come over I will make you cookies." "My Mom said no you are rude." So after a 20 minute conversation of Jackson shutting me down, my sister gets on the phone and invites us to come have a picnic in her neighbor's yard. So we do, and I am not sure if I have lived too long where I do because I can reach out and touch my neighbors house* (which I think is the only way to go, and if I were buying a house right now I would definitely buy mine because it is great.)* Or if their neighbor's yard was bigger than most amusement parks. So the kids played, we went home, and the kids played some more. Dani and I were in the house chatting when we hear 3 kids come in screaming that "Jackson has been hurt and his eye is bleeding!!!!" They were so hysterical and scared. So here is the story of how it happened: One of the neighborhood kids only had one ice cream treat to share, and so he set up a race, and the winner got the ice cream. Jackson was apparently very fast, maybe a little tooo fast because he tripped and hit a 1 1/2ft cinder block wall that surrounded his neighbors garden. Long story short he is okay, but it was terrifying. The blood was gushing so much the kids thought it was his eye, but really the cut was above his eye. Dani was calm and cool, and we rushed him to the Pediatrician's office. He was very good, and I happened to have my camera with me so we took some pictures. So here they are....

Then I came home and found out the water line from my fridge had been leaking all day, and that I had puddles in my basement.*

*If any of you reading this were going to buy my house it did not at all damage the integrity of it whatsoever, and I heard warped floor boards are totally "in" and all the good designers are putting them in all the new model homes.

Who woke up and thought this was a good idea?

2008-04-10T14:21:00.006-06:00

Is it just me, or are their Mormon's representing on every reality tv show out there? I am not the brightest person, but maybe....Just maybe if you are not representing things we really believe in, and don't live the standards...Maybe you shouldn't go around claiming you are a Mormon. I'm just saying...........I know what you might be thinking...Who watches that shmut? Well the answer is: I did. I don't tell the world because I am not proud. I have actually lost a little faith in humanity. So what am I going to do?....I am going to become Amish. Or at least to the point where I watch no shmut, which in turn means I won't be watching any tv. Who wants to join me on my crusade? Any one?

Easter's Come and Easter's Go....

2008-04-01T21:35:00.006-06:00

I honestly can tell you that I am old. I remember my parents telling me that when you get older time goes by soooo fast. I feel that way; therefore, I must be old. I cannot even believe how fast my kids grow....Just to prove it here are more pics from last year and this year. Every year we try and give the girls something related to church. This year we did (I meant the Easter Bunny) did church bags, to keep them entertained, and hopefully reverent during sacrament. So far it might work, kind of, sort of..... But at least they are cute. And if they don't work very long they got a cute purse. Did I mention they are reversible?

Anna this is for you......

2008-04-01T21:30:00.002-06:00

Young Chefs Academy

2008-03-23T20:30:00.003-06:00

Olivia's 6th birthday....Wow I have a six year old. I would like to say that I can remember when I was 6, but I am afraid I have blocked it out. Just kidding, I just have no memories any more. I must be getting old. Anyhoo we did a double party with our neighbor that lives behind us, and it was a riot... We went to the Young Chef's that another neighbor owns, and we were their very first party. The kids made their own pizza, and learned a little about cooking.
A few of my favorite moments were:
1. When they are talking about the dough they said it raises and grows just like you do, and my nephew raises his hand and says "I don't grow" (he is a little short for his age)
2. The lady who had a french accent who taught the class made me feel like I really was learning how to make dough for the first time, in France.
3. Watching 25 kids actually sit still, and listen for more than 2 minutes.
4. And last but not least the moment when we took all the kids home, and didn't have to clean up anything.
A big thanks to Young Chef's and Tauna and Wendi for all your work. It was amazing.

I have been tagged and told I need to respond.....

2008-03-02T11:42:00.002-07:00

THE RULES:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

7 people I am tagging:
Ben Dover
Eileen Dover
Bob Urhead
Britney Spears Mom
Barack Obama
Mitt Romney
Mr and Mrs. Lendmeahand

7 Random facts....
1. I was born with 6 toes on one foot, and the normal 5 on the other
2. Jason is only the 2nd guy I ever kissed, and dated.
3. I have kissed 25 guys since Jason*.
4. About 3 years ago I couldn't run on a treadmill for even 5 minutes, and now I am training for a Marathon.
5. We have 2 beautiful girls who are best friends, and hopefully that will continue as they grow up.
6. I really don't like eggs, pot pies, squash, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, but I love red meat...AHHH
7. I only have attended one semester of College, and yet, I still am smarter than Jason.**

*...(not really that was a lie)
**....(this is probably not a true fact)

Learning about Bodies

2008-02-27T20:26:00.004-07:00

So I took the kids to the Sesame Street exhibit at the Children's Museum. It was very educational, and I now know that I produce 1 cup of snot a day, and that when I eat, it goes in my mouth, to my stomach, and shockingly found out it comes out in the form of poop. I am pretty sure based on where the kids were most of the time the poop was their favorite part. And they learned a little song to go with it, and I am thrilled.

It is time for a new post.....

2008-02-27T19:53:00.004-07:00

I think I actually lost friends from the last two posts I put up so I thought I should redeem myself with some photos from the Prom. We have a Sweethearts dance here where we live. Only the hottest most popular people in the neighborhood get invited which is why we got to go. Apparently, no one else knew they were suppose to dress 80's style, and I am sure they must have felt really dumb and out of place. And as you can see from the picture of Jason at the very bottom, I am pretty sure it was the best night of his life so far.

So, Bad News....

2008-02-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

All the stomach problems were not the appendix. I know, I held my breath too, hoping it was. But no, he is once again in pain constantly after eating. I personally would just not eat. But he insists on it. He really could lose a few (you saw the pictures of his stomach it is a little pudgy.) I know this might be a shocking discovery, but I think he ruined his stomach by using Red Bull as a meal during 4 years of school, and work. Can you even believe its nutritional value isn't very high?

Jason's 1st Surgery

2008-02-02T09:02:00.001-07:00

SO...Jason has been complaining of stomach problems for like 4 years now. On Sunday I had, had it. We were with his family that night and he probably said 2 words the whole night. He said his stomach hurt. I very nicely and patiently told him he needs to go to a doctor because as much as I have loved hearing about it for all these years, I think others are tired of it. I would gladly have let it continue because that is what a great and sensitive wife I am. So Sunday night he slept like crap, and in turn I slept like crap. Monday he went to work at like 4:45am, and at 8 he was dying. So shockingly he called to make an appt. with the doctor. They said they couldn't get him in until next week (we thought it was his ulcers) but by 11am he was dying. So again shockingly he took himself to the hospital, and called me a little later saying they were going to do surgery and it was his appendix. The surgery went great, and a week later he is still in some pain, but getting better. So thanks to all those who helped: Garn with the blessing, My Dad and Jeannie and Garrett with the kids, Dani for the warm cookies you ate and said were for us, Jen and Liz for dinner, Schrader's for dinner (I know, I have good friends. Who makes dinner for people when there husband gets sick?), and all the calls of people being worried. I know you all want to see his pictures of his appendix....So here you go, a look inside of Jason.

Ode to Sammy

2008-01-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Just FYI Sam is my favorite nephew right now. I know you might think it is rude to play favorites, but he can say my name cuter than anyone I know. I LOVE YA, SAMMY. Even though your parents think you aren't very bright, and cry a lot. I love ya.

Playing with Cousins

2008-01-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of all the cousins on the Despain side. Parker, and Garrett when will you be adding to this little clan???? Just Kidding. Abi loves playing with Ashton and Sam, and Livy loves them all. Garrett loves his mom, Jared and Justin think they are Gangsters, and Abi and Ashton think they can jump really high. (don't tell them they can't)

The Race...

2008-01-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

So we decided that the St. George Half is a good Despain tradition. We also thought with the training going through the holidays it would really help with losing the holiday lbs. It didn't really work for me, but I can't imagine how much I would weigh without running everyday. Well race day came, and I felt good that morning from mile 6 on I started getting really sick. First I took out my hair to help the headache, and then I just looked like pure ugliness, and it went down hill from there. I gotta say I really didn't want to finish, but didn't want to feel like a loser when my brother and sister were at the finish line, and I drive up in the car all lame. So I pushed through, and hope on my next race to not get sick. Why I didn't get sick on training days I am not sure, but I never want to feel or look that crappy again in front of that many people. If you don't believe me I am putting up a really bad picture of me. The other pictures Jason took to show me who finished before me. He thought he was funny until he saw me, and then apologized. Thanks to my family for driving all the way to St. George to support me, and a shout out to my Dad who couldn't run because of Gall Bladder surgery. Way to go Jared who is the fastest guy I've ever met, and Dani who killed me. Love ya

Christmas Day

2008-01-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

Christmas was great. I loved it more this year than any year. Watching your kids open presents is the absolute best feeling in the world. I want them to stay young, and be this excited the rest of their lives. We love you all, and hope you had a wonderful year. I know I joke a lot about everything, this year was hard, but we grew so much, and learned more than we ever could have imagined. We are so grateful for all our friends and family and all the support we have received. Love ya all.

Christmas Eve

2008-01-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

The tooth fairy came on Christmas Eve, Eve. Livy was ecstatic. Her first lost tooth. It is a sad day for me though because before I know it she will be dating a dude with no ambition who lives on welfare, and has fathered several children.

Christmas Eve we spent with Jason's side of the family at the Mackay family home. It was a lot of fun. We read our favorite Christmas stories, and I am pretty sure Alex read the longest version of The Night Before Christmas, I have ever heard. j/k she did a good job, and I am just jealous that I can't read that good. In fact I think summer I will enroll in "the school for kids that can't read good. " We got our annual pj's and robes this year made by Grandma Chilcote.

December 07

2008-01-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

December, of course is a different story. Started with Abi's Big Bash. She is 3, and no she still doesn't go on the potty. She is honestly the funniest girl I have yet to meet. She is clumsy, and honestly repeats the same sentence over and over. Ex: "Can I have some candy?" "No.." "Can I have some candy?" "Abigail No." "Can I have some candy." "Abi NO." "Can I have some candy." "Abigail I said no." "Can I have some candy." "Ok in a minute." "Ok mom." And you can substitute the word "candy" with anything she wants at the time. She is exhausting, yet the way she talks she really is sooo cute. Anyway, enough gushing about how great she is. For her party we danced, decorated Gingerbread houses, and then the usual birthday stuff. I attempted to make her a barbie cake because she wanted one, but it looked hideous so I threw it away. I know, I know there is some little girl in Africa that would have died to have a hideous looking barbie cake, but nonetheless it's in the garbage.

November 07

2007-12-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

Nothing happened in November except that we made it to our 8th anniversary and began a whole new year. WOOOOHOOOO!!!! Oh and we potty trained Miss Abigail...oh wait she still wears a diaper. We did get a new camera so in December we have pictures. Yahoo. Olivia was off track in November, and to be honest I think we just woke up, cleaned the house, ate dinner, and went to bed. We had Thanksgiving at my Dad's, and Jared and Kelli came to visit. It was very fun to see them again.

October 07

2007-12-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

Halloween is fun, but I don't have any pictures of my kids on Halloween. My camera broke in Cabo. One of the many fun experiences I associate with that trip. I know that it is terrible so for all you grandparents who took pictures I need them. Abi was a witch and Livy was a pirate. But instead of looking at those pictures we are just going to show pictures that my good friend Jen took here in Daybreak of my girls. I am so excited about how these turned out. She decided after taking these pictures she is going to take photography a little more seriously, and invested in more equipment. I should mention my kids were horrible so I am not sure how any of these turned out. She is impressive.

September 07

2007-12-31T15:33:00.001-07:00

September was an eventful month....I quit my job of 11 years to stay home and be with my kids full time with no distractions. Jason and I had a great idea to go back to Mexico because we thought Cancun was so wonderful this time without kids to see if we could remember why we got married, and what life was like without just talking about our kids. We really needed it and I suggest it to anyone who has been married a long time, and forgot to talk the last year about their needs from each other. Also we hadn't been on a vacation alone with each other since our honeymoon 8 years earlier. We went to Cabo because we thought it would be similar enough, but cheaper. I suggest Cabo instead of Cancun to anyone who needs this type of vacation because there was nothing for us to do, but talk to each other. If you drink a lot however, I think you should go somewhere else because then you would be very busy. My favorite memory from the trip would have to be the very romantic night cruise we went on that actually turned out to be a "Booze Cruise". It is a perfect choice for those who don't drink because people stare and laugh at you when you ask for just water. (Luckily I made Jason ask so technically they were laughing at him) We both thought about jumping off the boat several times, but weren't sure we would make it to shore. A little piece of advice for you who travel...research stuff before you go. Your welcome, no charge.

August 07

2007-12-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Olivia finally learns to ride a bike. I would like to say thanks to me and Jason spending time teaching her, but it wasn't. Our neighbors next door all ride bikes and they were Olivia's favorite friends so she had to learn. Megan, the oldest out of all of them taught Olivia to ride her bike. Thanks Megan!!! Then shortly after that feat Olivia starts Kindergarten.... Yes that is Jason doing her hair on her first day. Hey, it doesn't mean he is feminine it might just mean that I am not that feminine. Her teacher is Mrs. Thayer, and she is wonderful. I can only hope we continue having great teachers throughout the rest of her years. She struggled at first, but has gotten into the classroom rhythm, and is doing very well. I go and help with centers once a week and have enjoyed watching her interact with classmates. The kids in her class are extremely cute. She is on year round so it has been fun having her home for 3 week intervals so she can babysit...
j/k I wouldn't really call it "babysitting" because then I would have to pay her.

July 07

2007-12-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp, Girls Camp, Girls Camp...I went to the craziest, pirateyist girls camp ever. Can you believe pirate babies drank Mountain Dew? I personally think it is wrong, but that is what pirates do. We were all pirate's the first day and everything went around the Pirate theme. We came up with great songs like VIRTUOUS to Fergie's glamorous, and Yo ho Yo ho a virtuous life for me. ( I have copies if any of you want to hear it. It sounded exactly like Fergie and her group.* We did lame skits that at the time we thought were funny, stayed up late, talked about aliens, had scripture study and devotionals every night, swam in a lake or swamp that probably had a lot of bacteria in it, made the girls hate us, made the girls tell us they liked us, and went home. We were exhausted by the time we got home, and I can honestly say I have never been that tired.

*song listed above did not actually sound like Fergie and her group

June 07

2007-12-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

Now it wouldn't be fair to give Parker, and Garrett April and May and not talk about myself for the June since I did celebrate the biggest birthday yet...The big 26...It really wasn't that great, I quite honestly expected a lot more. June has too many birthday's I guess when kids go back to school in September adults get busy making kids. Because I have to celebrate like 6 people's birthday in June before I even get to mine, and then half the time it lands on Father's Day which usually rains on my parade. So who doesn't have to make dinner and watch the kids on that day? I don't know you tell me because we can't decide which makes both of us do nothing which in turn means we go hungry and our kids are a mess by the end of the day. Then we are both mad because the day didn't go how we wanted it. Anyway, I am willing to bet that '08 will be better because that can't happen again...right? Really the main thing that happened is Olivia graduated from Preschool. She sang, and said her parts the graduation was so cute. I think she is going to be a performer one day...Oh wait that wasn't her she just sat there with a scowl on her face. So I guess if you ever need a performance of a shy, mean looking person she is your girl. We loved her preschool teacher, and were sad to say good-bye.

May 07

2007-12-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Now it wouldn't be fair to give Garrett the whole month of April and not give Parker May. So.... I should just say I don't remember doing anything crazy for Parker's Birthday, and actually looking back feel really bad about it. So for that...Parker you are my favorite brother and you are the best looking brother too. Thanks for being born in May. .....Other things that happened in May were Mother's Day. Oh how it is my favorite day of the year, I don't cook, clean, take care of kids...Well I really don't do that any other days either (as per Jason) so I guess it's like every day is Mother's Day.

April 07

2007-12-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

April was of course my brother Garrett's Birthday. This is a picture of the kids minus Claire (sorry) after we all went to lunch for his 18th birthday. We definitely didn't do anything else that meaningful in April. We went to lunch at the Macaroni Grill. Boy that was fun with all the kids and Garrett finally being an adult didn't get a kids meal!! The big 18...Wow so much changed he really grew up. He moved out, got a real job, got rid of the silly wagon he drove....Or maybe he still lives at home, got fired from a couple jobs, and bought a new silly wagon. Heck it is so hard to keep it straight.

March 07

2007-12-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Olivia's Birthday would be the highlight of March. Not to mention watching Dani's kids while she went to Hawaii... We had a blast the days we had them. Olivia did a whole St. Patty's day theme. She loves birthdays and has been planning her next one since last year.

The First of Many....

2007-12-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

What do you say on your very first post? I have been deliberating for a quite a while. Which is why there wasn't anything on my blog for so long. Do you only talk about things that are good? Do you only tell things that are funny? Do you air all of your dirty laundry? So my compromise is this...
I will do it all.
Here is a recap of the years events....
January 07
The second week of January I ran a Half Marathon in St. George with
my sister Dani. I kicked her trash. In all honesty she beat me, but hey its my blog so I should be able to say what I want.

We were lucky enough to have some friends take us to Cancun...Wow what a beautiful place. We really don't get out much so anything would impress us, but it was the most beautiful, and relaxing place I have ever been. Not to mention the people we went with were cool too. Thanks...

February 07
Nothing too exciting...Lots of working to make up for vacationing,
A Valentine's Dinner made by the Woodman's it was delicious I still remember.