2 Ready or not here we come

Since my blog is private, I'm not afraid to announce I'm leaving town this week. Most of you know already, but I'm headed to Rexburg to spend a week with my family. My sister Abby has the opportunity to accompany her husband on a business trip in sunny Cali, so I'm taking her girls with me. That means I'll be chaffering a crew of girls ages 4, 3, 2, & 1!!! Heaven help me. I'll let you know if I make it alive.

1 Movie Review

Last night the rain stopped long enough for our family BBQ celebrating my in-law's 49th wedding anniversary. Thank you Eldon & JoAnne for having and raising such a great group of boys. { I'm especially greatful you kept on having boys, since Nate is the youngest of SIX BOYS! } Thanks you for all you do for us and our girls!

Towards the end of the evening my sister-in-law Maho expressed interest in seeing the New Indiana Jones movie. Of course I enabled her, calling it girls-night-out, and we invited the other women. I feel bad since this is a show Nate REALLY wants to see, having grown up with the series and I haven't seen any of the old ones in their entirety. BUT I don't feel too bad for him; the men are going golfing all afternoon today.

UPDATE: Nate got to go to the show the next night with some friends while I stayed home with the girls.

My Review: 4 of 5 stars
This was definitely an action packed 2 hours filled with great special effects! At times I did get the feeling I would get more out of certain parts if I'd seem more than just bits and pieces of the original series. I won't give away, but I will say I was a bit disappointed with the direction the film took towards the end. If you've seen this film, let me know what you though...no spoilers please.

5 I wish I had a picture!

Nate has been playing in softball leagues as long as I've known him. Some years he plays on 2 or 3 teams. Some years they struggle, but mostly they do very well. They've taken the championship a few times.

When we were engaged, 5 of the Schwartz brothers were on the same team. Lets just say there were some pretty heated arguments on the field. "Catch that ball, Pat." (Pat is the generic name used when instruction is being barked) I'm sure that nobody would have been surprised if punches flew. In fact that summer another wife I didn't know leaded back during one such conflict and said, "ah, I know who you are. You're with one of the brothers that fight all the time." Yeah, that would be me. No, the brothers all love each other and love being together even though it might not appear so to an outsider. No matter how heated an exchange gets, once its over - it's over. They are laughing and joking the next minute. It took me quite awhile to get used to all of that after growing up in a home of all girls. Boys are weird! This summer Nate is playing Thursday nights with a core group guys that have been playing together for years (some since high school), but only including one of his brothers, Layne.

Now to my story. Last night they were short a guy...well actual two. One broke his ankle at last week's game and had surgery earlier this week. Anyway, somehow I got volunteered to fill-in despite only wearing FLIP FLOPS and having NEVER played any sports in my life! Ha,ha!! They put me in as catcher. Aunt Julie and cousins Maddie & Kaity took care of my girls. {They did say that Allie kept reassuring them that I was going to come back. I guess she was trying to convince herself.} When cousin Jordyn showed up in the 2nd inning they put her in, too. She was a much better choice, having played in school & wearing tennis shoes, plus she snagged a fly ball in the field. Go Jordy!

Catching wasn't that bad, but I'm sure I looked like a nerd crouching behind the plate. Most of the not-hit pitches went right past me and I had to scramble around to get them. Good thing most of the guys swing and hit most pitches! I'm fairly sure that I even closed my eyes a few times when the ball came at me, sorry Nate. He is the pitcher, so at least I was throwing the balls back to him. The umpire kept saying how surprised he was the I hadn't played softball in high school the way I threw underhand. HA, HA! He seemed serious, but I'm sure he must have been joking. When it was my turn up to bat I went barefoot and got a WALK! My second time up I even HIT the ball and beat the throw to 1st base!!! I was more surprised then any of the players or the spectators. Both times I got a substitute runner to take over for me since I was barefoot. It was actually fun and the mood was light since we were up the entire game and won 8 to 5. {This season's record is now 3:1}

There was one scary moment when one of our fielders bobbled a fly ball and the other team's runner on 3rd raced towards home in the delay. The 3rd baseman, a serious player with a wicked arm, caught the ball and wound up to steam it into home to beat the runner. Thankfully he processed that it was ME at home and pulled up JUST before taking my head off with the ball. The runner scored, but I lived. Thanks Dunn!

Even though I had a good time and the outcome was great, I don't think I'll be taking up softball any time soon. I'm just greatful that I survived and the team came out with a win, something that probably wouldn't have happened against any other team in the league. Next week I'll gladly take my place on a blanket beyond the outfield fence.

1 Evening at the Farm

Tonight Nate made a trip out to the farm to dump some dirt that Nate had hauled in Grandpa Eldon's big dump truck. Dirk went to help him & I came a bit later with all the kids to pick up the men. While out there we checked on the pumpkins, but there is nothing to see yet. Well the view is spectacular! Allie, Lexi, & Ray liked watching the big truck dump the dirt. They are such cute friends.
The shed/shop is coming along nicely. Here's another pic for you Uncle Troy:

5 After the storm

Yesterday night we went back to my maternal Grandparent's home to hlep Nate haul off the last load of scrap/junk. It was so sad to see the yard overgrown and the house deserted. Grandpa Henry's shops were so hollow, purged of all the wonderful this-n-that that I grew up exploring. It just wasn't right.

The girls had a great time. Allie was actually a great help throwing junk on the trailer. She did find time to gather me a precious bouquet of gone-to-seed dandelions. Kylie was more into exploring. We had to remove the ramps to keep her from exploring right onto the trailer. In case you are wondering, no she isn't any closer to walking yet.

0 Great day to go to the pool, well not really

The forecast said sun, so my neighbor Teresa & I took out kids to the Logan aquatic center Tuesday. The dark clouds didn't scare us off, but maybe they should have. Instead of being mid-70's &sun it was 63 degrees & rain. Good thing the water was warm. I didn't get any picture of our 2 1/2 hr swim since it was too cold to get out.

We did learn there are bonuses to going to the pool on a rainy day. We practically had the entire place to ourselves so it was easy to keep track of the kids who didn't want to get out and run around.

My girls had a great time! Within about 5 seconds of getting to the pool Allie was going completely under the water, even opening her eyes...on purpose! What a welcome change from her anxiety last year. It was her idea to go on the waterslide, but I only let her go once...it was TOO COLD to climb the staircase, regardless of no line. Although she loved the slide, her favorite part was the 'mushroom' shower. What a water bug! Kylie also was crazy about the water. She kicked &splashed, giggled & grinned.

Oh, if you haven't heard, there is a new law in Utah in response to last years crypto outbreak. Children under 3 must wear not only a disposable swim diaper, but a reusable plastic waterproof swim pant such as these. Somehow I HADN'T heard this and wasn't prepared. The pool did have a FEW for sale, $8/piece, but I'd shop around if you plan on going to a pool with your young children.

1 I think his tractor's sexy

Nate has been very busy tilling gardens and lots this spring with his new tractor. He's also been mowing weeds with his flail chopper. We are hoping the wet weather we've been having will mean lots of work all summer long...not to mention full lakes to wakeboard in. While we are greatful for all the precipitation, its high time to see the sun!

2 a no picture post

Yesterday Allie insisted on pushing Kylie in the stroller the entire way to the neighborhood park. I'd repeatedly told her to stay on the sidewalk as she veered left & right. Despite her reckless driving, I stayed a few steps behind to avoid being yelled at to let her 'do it myself'. Then, just as we left the safety of the grassy yards TRAGEDY STRUCK! Allie got too close the the edge of the sidewalk & the front wheel dropped off the cement (the park doesn't have sod yet). The stroller tipped sideways and then toppled forward. Kylie screamed as she fell helplessly, buckled in the stroller, face first into the gravel. It was slowmotion for me; I just couldn't get there fast enough. Poor Kylie ended up with a little bloody nose, but in true Kylie fashion was over the scare in less than a minute and just wanted to ride in the swing.

5 Camp Crashers

Our neighbors, the Knights & Sorensens, went camping up Logan canyon together this weekend with their camper-trailers. They had invited us, but Nate's work schedule was booked solid all weekend. He surprised me by calling it quits at 8pm on Friday & we went up to sit around the campfire. The girls were having such a great time that when Nate left to go home, the girls & I stayed behind.

INPROMPTU OVERNIGHTER!

Luckily I had grabbed PJ's for the girls and had a few diapers in the car. Dirk & Hanne were more than happy to let us crash on their pull out bed (I had a couple 'park blankets' in the car) & they even had a playpen stored in the camper for Kylie. I had to sleep in my clothes, but hey -it was camping. The only thing I really missed was my toothbrush.

Allie & Ray had the time of their life gathering sticks for the fire. They would poke the long ones in the stream ("fishing") and then fry their catch in the fire. There was plenty of food (isn't there always when your camping), but all we really ate was smores & breakfast. Hanne made the best pancake batter from scratch and the bacon & sausage were divine. I am a complete breakfast fan, so it really hit the spot. I ate so much I don't think I ate again till 7pm that night! The girls on the other had were to busy taking it all in to eat.

Kylie loved the experience as much as Allie, but she was a bigger mess. I tried to put her in the playpen outside, but she didn't agree and squealed constantly. Finally, I relented and let her crawl around in the dirt. (It sure will be nice when she finally decides to walk.) It is funny how the little things can make kids the happiest. She played mostly with sticks & rocks, or a discarded plastic cup. As soon as we got home I striped the girls at the door & put everything in the washer. Then it was straight to the tub.



Hint: if you click on the slide-show you can see the photos larger

I'm so glad that I had taken the time to write my summer goals earlier that day. My automatic answer to an invitation to camp with only the clothes on our backs, was NO! But since I had intentionally decided to relax & let the girls have a playful summer, I gave it a shot. Boy was I rewarded!!! I had forgotten how relaxing it is to sit around a campfire, just staring at the flames & telling old stories. Our walk through the forest was calming- we saw fish in the stream & a wild sheep in the campground. I am so greatful for such wonderful friends to put up with our camp crashing.

3 More free Exercise

The old adage says that the doctor's wife gets sick and the cobbler's wife is barefoot. Let me add that the tractor man's garden is the last on the block to get planted.

After weeks of asking Nate to till my garden, I took matters into my own hands. This weekend Nate left his smallest tiller & I figured out how to use it after mowing the lawn. It was so fun that I did my garden, the Knight's side of the garden, & Teresa's berm around a tree.

Other than the wonderful strawberries, I planted a salsa garden:

• tomatoes (cherry and regular)
• peppers (bell and jalapeño)
• onions (sweet yellow)

1 Allie's Strawberry Mermaid Stylin Hair-do

Allie is really into getting her hair done. She is very patient and almost never complains. She usually has ideas on how she wants here hair, although I can usually sway her.

Friday I experimented with Allie's hair. I was motivated by a darling "do" Sienna had, not that it turned out near as cute. Allie called this her "Strawberry mermaid stylin hair-do" and LOVED it so much we did it again today for church.

Once again, we walked up to the neighborhood park to play in the afternoon. I know I've said to before, but I absolutely LOVE having this park so close. Allie pushed Kylie in the stroller the whole way there and back.

Kylie giggles so cute in the swing and would stay there all day if kept pushing her. On this day there was a group of about a dozen 11-12 yr old girls hanging out on the playground equipment. Allie stood back & watched them quite a bit. She dug in the sand & went on the smaller slides, but mostly observed the older kids. It is interesting to see how she handles new situations.

3 School is out, so it's officially summer, RIGHT?

This summer, I will:

• have 0 weeds in my flowerbeds
• get 1 great tan
• be active/exercise 2 times a day
• use up 3 Logan aquatic center punch passes
• do 4 step class without missing a beat
• easily bike 5 miles w/ girls in the trailer
• land 6 full jump 180's across the wake
• make 7 batches of strawberry jam
• make 8 batches of bread
• go to 9 movies
  
• loose my last 10 pounds weight
• do at least 11 blog posts a month
  
• read 12 new books
  

This summer, I won't:

• work too many hours
• stress about boat gas $$
• try to keep shoes on my girls
• have dinner at a set time
  

This summers agenda:

• pressure cooker class
• reunion at my parent's home
• camping with the girls ?
• Nate's Thursday softball games
  
• wakeboarding every week
  
• trips to the zoo
• days at the park
• sprinklers in the backyard

In other news:
This morning I got up earlier than I have in months and went the a 6am STEP AROBICS class. It has been 5 years since I've done step arobics, but I was pleasantly surprised I didn't make a complete FOOL of myself...I was able to stay standing the whole time ;). No really, it felt pretty good to move my body! (the ENDORPHINES are still pumping) Kylie's birthday woke me up to the fact that I can't use the "I JUST HAD A BABY" excuse for ignoring my body anymore. Its hight time I respect myself enough to make an honest effort to get back in shape. Thanks MAREN for giving me a kick in the pants I needed. I might not be game for a half marathon, but something is better than nothing. Now I just have to decide if WEIGHT WATCHERS is part of my plan, too.


In case you were wondering:
Nate & Dirk just left an hour ago to go plant the PUMPKIN PATCH. Its a bit later in the month than usual, but the rain held us off. With any luck the recent moisture will help the seeds SPROUT. Last year was too dry and they really struggled. So, much as I hate to say it out loud, I hope we get a bit more RAIN over the weekend...Sunday would be perfect. LOL

UPDATE: I guess the farm got more rain last night than we did here in town. It was too wet, so planting pumpkins is postponed.

2 I want to slurp my blog to blurp

At Nate's softball game tonight I chatted with an old friend & she told me about a website she has used to print her blog as a book, complete with digital scrapbook pages included! I came right home and check it out for myself. SO COOL!!!! Its called BLURB. Their software is free to download and use. Its available for Mac and PC, plus is works well is most blog services such as BLOGGER! It can "slurp" your blog (upload it into their program, complete with photos & text) and uses it as a first draft of your book. From there you can edit, remove, and add text & photos. Click HERE to go to there demo video. They aren't exactly what I'd call cheap, but they are reasonable and seem VERY high quality. My friend made a family "yearbook" and then is having several copies printed; one for her and one for each of her kids. I really like that idea. I figure if you include the price of photo printing, supplies, and an album cover, this is about the same cost as traditional scrapbooking. The really bonus comes in the amount of time it would save, especially doing duplicates! Now, I'm not ready to give up traditional scrap'n, but this definitely deserves a trial run.

0 From one extreme to another

The day has been a roller coaster weather-wise! We had quite a rain storm around 3am, but it turned into a bright sunny day. Here's a picture of some of the neighborhood kids on the Ballard's tramp. I love that they didn't assemble the tall part of the legs, so that it is just over ONE foot tall. The little kids can get on & off without any help. Plus, I don't have to worry about they falling off. Allie frequently helps Kylie on and the both have a blast. Even though Kylie isn't walking, she jumps with her right knee & left foot...always the same!
While the kids were down for naps the storm clouds rolled back in. It was downright chilly when
Daddy's 7pm softball game started. I bundled up the girls:
off came the shorts & tank tops,
on went the sweatshirts & pants.
We braved the raindrops to cheer our team on to victory.
The won 18-10 we Nate on the pitcher's mound.
GO TEAM!

(Allie didn't want her picture taken, but the rain coat was too cute)

1 Getting dirty

Today I planted annual flowers in my beds. Mostly I just got petunias, marigolds, & allysum, but I did try a few new things. Kylie enjoyed snacking on the rocks, dirt, & flowers.

I still need to find a perennial to climb the lattice under the girls' window. I'm thinking about a climbing rose.

Last year I transplanted a few strawberry plants as a boarder around the 2-level bed to the right of the sidewalk. Now they have completely taken over. I didn't have the heart to rip them out, so I guess I'll be making LOTS of jam this summer.

Note: the next morning my wrists (especially the right) are so sore from all that planting.

0 Neighborhood Park

Yesterday we took our first bike ride to the park. The girls LOVE to swing & I love to get out of the house.



Allie is starting to get the idea behind "pumping" on the swing, but for the most part she just wants "great big papa bear" pushes.




Kylie is all squeals in the swing. She jabbers & giggles. What a cute grin. Oh, that is a rock she is sucking on. She carried it around all evening & YES {cross my name off for'mother of the year'} I let her put that 'choking hazard' in her mouth.

0 Biking for Three

Now that the rain has finally stopped, I was able to get my bike down & hook up the trailer. Allie keeps telling me she really likes the bumps. I can really tell that the girls have grown over the winter...they are harder to pull. Between pulling the girls and mowing the lawn with a kid on my back, I am constantly reminded of how out-of-shape I am.

I better considering all of this FREE workouts.

0 Cut Lawn...check!

• Challenge: mow lawn while tending Kylie
• Solutions: strap Kylie to back

Walking around the yard for an hour in the sun with an extra 25 pounds sure makes me sweat, but on the bright side I'm getting a workout while keeping track of my crawling kid.
* Allie wanted to be just like mom...ah!

3 Twilight Feedback, please

Last night Aunt Rosie asked be why I like the Twilight books so much.
She said she'd looked at them but didn't think she could get into them.

So I am asking you why you like the Twilight Saga!
PLEASE leave me comments!!!

Here's what I've come up with so far:

As you all know, I am a binge reader & love to read just for the sake of reading, but I didn't read these books till long after the bandwagon was loaded. I really didn't think I could get into books about vampires (I tried a different vampire series years ago), so I kept putting them off myself. When I finally gave in & started reading I found that Stephanie hooked me with her well writing characters. Somehow the vampire stuff didn't seem that far fetched (LOL) in the first book. I will say that in the second & third books, New Moon & Eclipse, the fantasy aspect did get a bit more outlandish, but by then I captured by the characters & their relationships. I know that some of you did not enjoy Bella's struggle to choice between Edward & Jacob in the Eclipse, but I really related. So, I have to say that it is the characters that I love so much in this saga.

What about you?

3 Paid Day Off

Over the weekend & today (Memorial Day) I've worked on a few scrapbook layouts. Its been months since I scraped! It was so fun to play!!!