Tidwells

Time Marches On

2012-01-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving & Christmas have come and gone and frankly I don't have the time or energy to go back and chronicle those--maybe pics later but no words. At least we're alive & happy and will keep posting future events. I'm finding that whether I blog or not, the clock keeps ticking so here's a little summary. Jason is 5 turning 6 in April. He's missing 2 teeth and each day he comes up with a new idea for his birthday party--pirates digging for buried treasure, cowboys at a rodeo, he wants to go ice skating, bowling, to chuck e cheese, and even wants a pokemon party. At least we have a few months! Ryan is 4 1/2 and loving school--bus bus picks him up each morning, he bops off not a care in the world, and bops back a couple hours later. His bus driver is a loud black lady who cracks up every time she sees him--and greets him with a "honey, climb on up here and give me some sugar" which pretty much interprets to a high five or little hug before they take off! Collin is every day of 18 months, is cute as possibly imaginable, and has a streak to him that could scare off the toughest bully! Don't let his smile fool you, he is always planning his next move--just waiting till you let your guard down before he grabs a step stool, scoots it over to the counter and dumps the Costco sized tub of nestle chocolate powder all over himself--just to give you an example! Life wouldn't be the same without them (not by a long shot i.e. lots more money, freedom, less stress & definitely less mess :-) but we can't complain!

I'll just end with a favorite quote as of late: Sometimes courage is that little voice at the end of the day that says 'I'll try again tomorrow'. Thomas S. Monson

I think that pretty much sums it up for us in this phase of life. Do the best you can today and try to get better tomorrow. xoxo--Nats

Ten Thousand Hours

2011-10-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

When writing his latest book The Outliers, Malcom Gladwell developed something he likes to call the "ten thousand hour" principle. The whole book discusses ridiculously successful individuals i.e. Bill Gates, Bill Joy, The Beatles etc. He delves into what attributing factors have influenced their success aside from natural talent and sheer interest. It is an intriguing book and I LOVED every second of it--please read it. Your perspective on talents/success/hard work/heritage etc will completely change! As he studied these people he found that by the time they had achieved their most renowned work, they had "practiced" whatever their craft was for at least 10,000 hours. Bill Gates/Bill Joy had been programming for at least 10,000 hours by the time they developed software that became worldwide successes. The Beatles best albums came after over 10,000 hours of playing live together and so on.

As I read this book, I began feeling slightly mediocre, realizing that I had become a jack of all trades, master of none. A little piano here, some ballroom dance there, some baking and cake decorating on one side, a little writing on another but nothing that truly defined me. An in-tune soul at book club a few nights later pointed out (as my same sentiment was shared among most of us "house wives") that if we added up the hours invested into our families, we accumulated WELL OVER 10,000 hours in a much faster time than all those other uber successful individuals in Gladwell's book. We women are investing time into what is most important and with that said, I suddenly felt more at peace with having many small talents and one major success--my family. Hopefully when this life is all said and done, I'll have wiped enough tears, hugged plenty of little bodies, told enough scripture stories and clocked enough hours that my most "successful" work of art will be my children. Women, when you are tired, lacking patience, feeling overlooked and outdated, just remember that the most important work you are doing will add up, minute by minute, hour by hour and the real people--the most important people--appreciate and understand the value of your "10,000 hours"!

The Cake

2011-10-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Matt asked me to make their wedding cake. It was a TON of work but so worth it. I think everyone liked it and more importantly, I achieved my main goal of it NOT tasting like an ordinary wedding cake but more of a gourmet bakery product. I'm a firm believer that wedding desserts & specifically cakes, can and should be a unique gourmet experience that reflect the tastes and personalities of the bride and groom--not some generic pulled out of the freezer, from a box concoction that so many cake decorators pass off as wonderful because of a nicely decorated exterior. (ok, I won't rant anymore!)

The bottom tier (14") and weighing in at 47.5 lb (yes I weighed it on my sis-in-law's scale before hauling it to the reception center) was made of dark chocolate cake with a dark chocolate orange ganache between the three layers. The middle tier (10") and around 28lb was a moist pumpkin coconut with a whipped cream cheese filling. And last, but definitely not least, was the top 6" tier--three layers of lemon poppy seed pound cake with a lemon cream filling. Although I'm a chocolate lover at heart, the pumpkin was my favorite. Lets just say I buy cream cheese in bulk at Costco and any occasion to add cream cheese to ANYTHING is fine by me! The icing was a white chocolate butter cream. For you cake connoisseurs out there, it was a basic Swiss mmeringue butter cream with added Guittard white chocolate for a better, less greasy, less buttery flavor. It also helped stabalize the butter so that even in a warmer indoor climate, there wasn't a risk of the frosting softening and falling.

Moral of the story--cakes take a lot of time--especially with kids and trying to make half of it in Las Vegas and transport it to Utah to finish it up for the reception AHHHH. The hubby was a single dad for about 4 days and is glad I don't have another sister getting married anytime soon :-) I'm hoping it will be like labor and delivery--where you remember it not being pleasant but the specifics are dulled enough that you are willing to do it again and again (for his sake).

My Sister is Married!

2011-10-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

So Scott and I have spent almost 8 of our almost 10 years of marriage as the ONLY marrieds in my family. I am the oldest, got married young (20) and waited nearly 7 years before my brother David and AMAZING wife Summer joined the club. I have been praying for this, crossing my fingers and jumping up and down, biting my tongue in dissension or approval at the various dates who've come and gone and now my little sister Lisa just married Matt in the SLC Temple and we have added yet another sibling to our wonderful little clan. I can't wait to begin doing married things together, trips or retreats, date nights etc. I can't wait for them all to be married, to hurry up and have kids so mine can have cousins and for us to have reunions--you know, the kind where we all dump our kids on Grandma and Grandpa and head to Hawaii......those kind!

The whole weekend was wonderful. Matt's family is gracious and kind and fits Lisa perfectly. She was the most beautiful bride--gorgeous dress, brilliant smile, patient as can be. She let us all be involved as little or as much as we wanted, which meant a lot! We had a family dinner Friday night in Provo--so fun to spend some "catch up" time a little more intimately before the throngs of excited family, friends and kiddos descended upon the occasion. I even met one of Matt's sister-in-laws named Natalie who is completely adorable, loves to write and even has a brand new baby boy that I held for a few minutes and now I want another of my own (Scott you can blame it all on her!) We headed to the SLC temple Saturday afternoon for the ceremony and it was perfect. I love being in the temple with my family--I especially enjoy seeing the joy my parents get during occasions like this--gives me so much to work toward and look forward to. That evening we went to a beautiful reception at the Highland Gardens in AF. Lisa let me make her wedding cake and I LOVED the opportunity. Scott was amazingly supportive and pretty much flew solo the whole week so I could work on the big project. It turned out better than I imagined and was totally worth the long hours and late nights. The happy couple are now living it up in Hawaii for a few days--lucky stinkers--and I expect a full report, pictures, pineapple and all when they return.

Congrats little sister, I'm so excited for you! xoxoxo

Cha Cha Cha Changes

2011-09-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

My little boy isn't so little anymore. I'm sure that is a phrase uttered by millions of parents, millions of times over the span of millions of years. And whatever occasion that brought about those few little words is backed up by weeks, months, even years of little tiny moments, growths, differences that went overlooked until one day WHAM--your five year old looses his first tooth. Suddenly you realize it is September, he has started Kindergarten, is so tall he needs all new pants and is MISSING HIS FRONT TOOTH with another one loose and on it's way out. Where oh where did time go? On top of it all Ryan just turned four and is now going to preschool. He bops down the stairs, happy as can be, gobbles down his breakfast, throws on his backpack and bolts for the sidewalk where he waits excitedly for "bus bus" to come. His teachers love him and the bus drivers love him even more. Last but not least Collin is one, his 4 molars are coming in at the same time, he's walking everywhere and I just gave him his first real hair cut. The strawberry golden curls are gone and along with them go my three little boys.

And yet....yes there is an "and yet" to this story. And yet the same time that takes away the golden curls brings other "firsts" for my little boys. Firsts--like first day of school, first loose tooth, first part in a primary program and so much more. So I guess as time changes one thing and I feel the loss of little boy smiles & scrapes it also brings big boy events for me to look forward to. Because as we all know, moms can do a great deal but we can't stop time!

Busy Summer--playing catch up...

2011-07-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Seems like I'm never as on top of this blogging thing as I'd like to be. Here's what we've been up to lately--in no particular order because I can't keep track of what's coming up let alone what has already happened!

1. Headed to Idaho for my Grandmother's funeral --nice to be with family and celebrate a life well lived!

2. Jason & Ryan had their first session of Swim Lessons--EVER. They loved it. Ryan of course struggled with staying on task and following directions. Jason is a total fish and can't wait for the next session in August.

3. Headed back to Idaho for my Ahlstrom Family Reunion--which was a BLAST. Lots of golf, swimming, food, a bouncy house for the kiddos, an old west dinner & show, 4th of July parade and LOTS AND LOTS of family (I have 60 first cousins and there are 90+ Great Grand kids already--to put in in perspective)

4. Got a visit from our best friends from Kingman--who now live in Kansas so we LOVED having them stop over on their way from the Vegas airport to St. George where she is from.

5. We hit up our friend's cabin in BEAUTIFUL Duck Creek. We go a couple times a year with 3 other families--besties from our old Fort Apache Ward! It is a perfect place to get out doors, let the kids run around, eat TONS of good food and catch up on each other's lives. If not for this group of friends, I couldn't have survived Vegas as long as I have! They are the type where years could go by and I know we'd pick right up where we left off. They are amazing friends--we'd do just about anything for each other!

6. We hiked Cathedral Rock with the kids (a scenic peak that's part of Mt. Charleston about 45 min from our house) It was beautiful, not too hot, and great for teaching your kids to finish something tough! I still can't believe that my 3 year old Ryan busted out that 2 mile hike (never once being carried) when some of Scott's Scouts quite less than half way up. Nanner nanner to you big 12-18 year old sissies!

7. Celebrated Collin's first birthday--we were at the cabin on his big day so we had a combined celebration with our friend's son Isaac who turned 8 and will be getting baptised next month. So much fun!

I know there's stuff I've missed & pictures will follow (don't worry Grandparents, I'll get 'em posted!) Now on to the Tidwell reunion, more swim lessons, karate class, gymnastics, birthdays and on and on...

...having been born of goodly grandparents...

2011-07-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Some would say I'm lucky, others sheltered, I say I'm blessed--undeservedly so. I "happened" into an amazing family and my life is so much better for it! My Grandmother Betty Ahlstrom--my Mom's Mom--passed away in June and I've had many opportunities to reflect on her life and how much my Grandparents (on both sides of my family) have molded and shaped the person I am. I'll let them claim the good things and won't hold the terrible parts over their heads for too long :-) Grandma had 10 kids--my mom was the 9th/10th (a twin no less)--and those 10 children resulted in 60 grandchildren. I think I'm somewhere in the 30's. So far, 3/4 of us are married and over 90 great-grandchildren have joined us. It sounds like a lot, I know, but it is normal for me. And we aren't just a bunch of strangers that see each other every 10 years. I know my cousins well, I know their spouses, their children, and in a few short years, their children's children and I wouldn't have it any other way! We would do just about anything for each other. We each have had our struggles, some significantly more trying than others, but every single one of us is married in the temple, active in the church and are working hard to raise good families that will continue to do the same.

I've wondered what made my Grandparents so special--mine were story book Grandparents (always glad to have a house FULL of kids, Grandma always had homemade cookies ready and Grandpa would sneak us treats from his study.) I think the bottom line is that they got IT--they understand that life is all about family and that as long as their family was around them, they were happy. And they passed that sense of family unity on to my parents and now on to me and my children. There is a lot I want out of life but it all boils down to doing what is best for my little family--both temporally and spiritually. So thank you Grandma and Grandpa Ahlstrom, for setting such great examples, raising wonderful children and sacrificing so much for your family!

The 2 photos are their engagement picture in 1941 and Grandpa's Army photo (isn't he dreamy :-)

I Couldn't Be More Proud

2011-06-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

While hitting up the Bath & Bodyworks semi-annual sale yesterday :-) and using Jason as my giant bag carrier while I pushed the other two creatures in the massive double stroller, Jason struck up a conversation with another poor male soul who got roped into being a bag holder for his own mother. The conversation went like this:
Jason: I got to see Kungfu Panda 2
Other Boy: Well I'm going to see Mr. Popper's Penguins
Jason: Ohhh that's so cool
O.B.: I'm 6 years old
Jason: I'm five
O.B.: I have a swimming pool at my house
Jason: I wish I had a swimming pool at my house
O.B.: I have a four wheeler I can drive on the road
Jason: Wow, I just have a bike. But it's new, I got it for my birthday.
O.B.: I just got a BRAND NEW XBOX
Jason: Well I have my very own LIBRARY CARD!
O.B.: No way, my mom says I'm too little, AWESOME!

I could have jumped up and down and done the Rocky Balboa cheer---hands above my head and everything--right there in the middle of the store. We had just finished at the library (ALWAYS a stressfull time trying to use our "inside" voices) and stopped by B&BW on the way home. Nice to know something is working! Chalk one up for momma, the library, and a house full of reading time not video time!
Mom: 1
Mushy-Video-Game-Little-Boy-Brain: 0

Hello Santa, It's Me, Natalie

2011-05-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Santa,
You may think this is a little premature considering it is only May or even strange since I am a 29 year old mother of three writing a letter to you. However, I have exhausted all options. I really really really really (ok you get the picture) would like something but no one is listening to me and I am desperate and have nowhere else to turn. I'm writing early because my birthday is in August and I'm hoping that in order to make your holiday less stressful, you could just give me my gift for my birthday instead. I'm not asking for anything too tough; not world peace, not my "pre-baby" body back, not even kids who magically clean up after themselves and potty train themselves as well. I am asking for one teensy tiny, itty bitty, magic machine found at any JoAnne’s, Michael’s or even Ebay (soooo much less expensive on Ebay!) I would like a (drum roll please.....) CRICUT CAKE MACHINE! I have drooling over this thing for a year and a half; I have been a very good girl and promise to be a very good girl FOREVER if I could just have one for my birthday.

My husband says it is totally unnecessary and says "it'll never happen". But I thought his golf clubs, shoes, nice golf bag, golf clothes, constant golf outings with friends, lost balls/broken tees and buying replacements for all of the above seem UNNESSECARY and yet he still owns them, still plays, still replaces and does all of this generally unhindered and supported by yours truly! Now that I think about it, he went golfing Wednesday night and is going again for 5 hours Saturday morning! So if the world of golf can eat hundreds of dollars a year for my dear sweet supportive husband to have a relaxing, enjoyable, usually peaceful hobby which I totally support, I would think that I could have one little $150 Cricut Cake Machine that will make all my wildest dreams come true. That's just five or six golf outings--certainly fair under the current circumstances right? I promise to decorate cakes and cupcakes for the poor and needy—you can even stop by for your birthday and I’ll make a cake just for you!

Thank you for granting me this one small, insignificant birthday/early Christmas wish that will benefit those around me for years to come. And just in case you are REALLY busy and forget, I'll be sure to have all my friends and family remind you the closer it gets to my birthday...August 15th...I'll be 30...I'll be really good I promise......Thanks!

Mothers Never Sleep

2011-05-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have to attribute this adaptation to my cousin but it was too perfect not to pass along. I love my mother and grandmothers--all women to aspire to be like (clean homes included :-)

You may be familiar with President J. Reuben Clark’s notable quote on how interest on debt never sleeps. I believe that there is a parallel with Motherhood:

"Motherhood never sleeps nor sickens nor dies; it never goes to the hospital; it works on Sundays and holidays; it never takes a vacation; it never fails to visit or travel to you; it is never laid off work or discharged from employment; it never works on reduced hours. [. . .] Motherhood is your companion every minute of the day and night; children cannot shun it or slip away from it; they cannot dismiss it; it yields to polite entreaties, but not to demands or orders; and whenever you get in your Mom’s way or cross her course or fail to meet her demands, she crushes you with love."

Motherhood may not yield monetary rewards. But like the compounding power of interest, one day moms will turn around to see what their children have become. Sister Hinckley said that:

"Being a mother at any age is a blessing, but as we age and our children become interesting and productive adults we really begin to savor the joys of the harvest, the fruit of our labors. How could we have known when they were young and the demands so constant that we would ever have the luxury of simply enjoying their loving companionship?"

I loved this Mother's Day most of all--I think it will continue like that, each one better than the last as my children learn to create, serve and express their love for family. Thanks to the preschool and Primary teachers to went above and beyond, helping them make adorable cards, taking pictures and printing them and teaching cute songs to sing to me. Thanks to a great husband who is appreciative, gives me flowers, cooks me bacon just the way I like it and knows that the way to my heart is through gourmet food!

Noteworthy: "Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps"

2011-04-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

I read this one and think it speaks volumes. Read it & pass it on--women everywhere (mothers in particular) need to see this!

Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps
Grand Rapids, Michigan (CNN) -- I saw someone at the airport the other day who really caught my eye.

Her beautiful, long blond hair was braided back a la Bo Derek in the movie "10" (or for the younger set, Christina Aguilera during her "Xtina" phase). Her lips were pink and shiny from the gloss, and her earrings dangled playfully from her lobes.

You can tell she had been vacationing somewhere warm, because you could see her deep tan around her midriff thanks to the halter top and the tight sweatpants that rested just a little low on her waist. The icing on the cake? The word "Juicy" was written on her backside.

Yeah, that 8-year-old girl was something to see all right. ... I hope her parents are proud. Their daughter was the sexiest girl in the terminal, and she's not even in middle school yet.

Abercrombie & Fitch came under fire this spring for introducing the "Ashley," a push-up bra for girls who normally are too young to have anything to push up. Originally it was marketed for girls as young as 7, but after public outcry, it raised its intended audience to the wise old age of 12. I wonder how do people initiate a conversation in the office about the undeveloped chest of elementary school girls without someone nearby thinking they're pedophiles?

Push-up bikini controversy

What kind of PowerPoint presentation was shown to the Abercrombie executives that persuaded them to green light such a product?

That there was a demand to make little girls hot?

I mean, that is the purpose of a push-up bra, right? To enhance sex appeal by lifting up, pushing together and basically showcasing the wearer's breasts. Now, thanks to AF Kids, girls don't have to wait until high school to feel self-conscious about their, uhm, girls. They can start almost as soon as they're potty trained. Maybe this fall the retailer should consider keeping a plastic surgeon on site for free consultations.

We've been here with Abercrombie before -- if you recall, about 10 years ago they sold thongs for 10-year-olds -- but they're hardly alone in pitching inappropriate clothing to young girls. Four years ago the popular "Bratz" franchise introduced padded bras called "bralettes" for girls as young as six. That was also around the time the good folks at Wal-Mart rolled out a pair of pink panties in its junior department with the phrase "Who Needs Credit Cards" printed on the front.

I guess I've been out-of-the-loop and didn't realize there's been an ongoing stampede of 10-year-old girls driving to the mall with their tiny fists full of cash demanding sexier apparel.

What's that you say? Ten-year-olds can't drive? They don't have money, either? Well, how else are they getting ahold of these push-up bras and whore-friendly panties?

Their parents?

Noooo, couldn't be.

What adult who wants a daughter to grow up with high self-esteem would even consider purchasing such items? What parent is looking at their sweet, little girl thinking, "She would be perfect if she just had a little bit more up top."

And then I remember the little girl at the airport. And the girls we've all seen at the mall. And the kiddie beauty pageants.

And then I realize as creepy as it is to think a store like Abercrombie is offering something like the "Ashley", the fact remains that sex only sells because people are buying it. No successful retailer would consider introducing an item like a padded bikini top for kindergartners if they didn't think people would buy it.

If they didn't think parents would buy it, which raises the question: What in the hell is wrong with us?

It's easy to blast companies for introducing the sexy wear, but our ire really should be directed at the parents who think low rise jeans for a second grader is cute. They are the ones who are spending the money to fuel this budding trend. They are the ones who are suppose to decide what's appropriate for their young children to wear, not executives looking to brew up controversy or turn a profit.

I get it, Rihanna's really popular. But that's a pretty weak reason for someone to dress their little girl like her.

I don't care how popular Lil' Wayne is, my son knows I would break both of his legs long before I would allow him to walk out of the house with his pants falling off his butt. Such a stance doesn't always makes me popular -- and the house does get tense from time to time -- but I'm his father, not his friend.

Friends bow to peer pressure. Parents say, "No, and that's the end of it."

The way I see it, my son can go to therapy later if my strict rules have scarred him. But I have peace knowing he'll be able to afford therapy as an adult because I didn't allow him to wear or do whatever he wanted as a kid.

Maybe I'm a Tiger Dad.

Maybe I should mind my own business.

Or maybe I'm just a concerned parent worried about little girls like the one I saw at the airport.

In 2007, the American Psychological Association's Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls issued a report linking early sexualization with three of the most common mental-health problems of girls and women: eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression. There's nothing inherently wrong with parents wanting to appease their daughters by buying them the latest fashions. But is getting cool points today worth the harm dressing little girls like prostitutes could cause tomorrow?

A line needs to be drawn, but not by Abercrombie. Not by Britney Spears. And not by these little girls who don't know better and desperately need their parents to be parents and not 40-year-old BFFs.

Catch me if you can...life I mean!

2011-04-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

It seems like catching up on church, cleaning, laundry, blogging, (or catching RYAN as he runs barefoot and pants-less through Home Depot today for example) is all I ever do--I'm a consistent ball of "crazy mommy" playing catch up on life! So simply for posterity's sake, here is me playing catch up on our last few months...

1. Made a cake for a friend's parent's anniversary...this was a tastey one!

2. Hosted dinner at our home for a few of Scott's Priests and their dates for the 7 stake annual formal dance. Made prime rib, Abuala J's sugar rolls, chocolate raspberry souffles for dessert, yummm!

3. Weather started getting warmer--middle of March and yes, that is a photo of my naked boys playing outside with the hose--creating a slip 'n slide on the tramp. Are boys just born with a chip that tells them to do things like this?

4. Tried to turn back time because my little C-man is growing up toooo fast...try to tell me you've ever seen a kid this cute?
5. We moved...and yes, for those of you counting, that makes 4 times in 4 1/2 years. This was not a planned move, our land lord put our house up for sale and after finding a new place and three straight days of realtors camped out on my doorstep, we bailed. Our new place is still in the ward, owned by friends from our ward who moved a couple months ago. Turned out to be an awesome set up!

6. Made cinnamon rolls--Jenkins fam tradition--for General Conference Saturday morning and delivered them to the families that helped us move.
7. My drunk neighbor--whom I'd never really met before, aside from me knocking on his door at midnight asking him to turn down his BLARRING ghetto music--showed up on my door, pounding so hard he cracked & dented it. He persisted--pounding, screaming profanities, rattling the windows, waking up the kids--and since Scott was out of town, I grabbed the phone, called 911 and they hauled his sorry intoxicated hiney off to jail at 1am. It took 4 officers to wrestle him into handcuffs and then into the squad car, all while his poster-child-for-Corona-of-a-wife stands in the middle of the road yelling at him for embarrassing her and yelling at the cops for laying their hands "on her MAN" (finger snapping, head bobbing, hands on hips--I know you can see it in your mind). I felt like a guest celebrity on Jerry Springer.

Things have calmed down since (we really do live in a nice neighborhood, I think this guy just had a few too many and thought he lived on D-street, not Aliante!) Bring on the 90 degree weather (where did my Spring go?) family reunions, Scout Campouts, and even more days of finding Ryan running around the backyard--playing in the kiddie pool--stark naked. My neighbors think he's an exobitionist--I just think we've lived in "the Vegas" for WAY TOO LONG!

Smells Like Poop!

2011-03-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

So I'm sitting in Sacrament Mtg.--Scott is passing the Sacrament because there aren't enough Deacons--we are in the middle of the opening hymn and Jason loudly states "It smells like POOP!" I already have my hands full because Ryan doesn't have any volume other than EXTRA LOUD, Collin wants to stand up and screeches any time I set him down, and Jason is sniffing something suspicious. I start sniffing as well--sniffing Collin, nope, sniffing Ryan, nope, sniffing Jason, better not be him he's totally potty trained. I tell Jason he's crazy but he insists something is STINKY. Pretty soon he is turned in his seat, facing backward right in the older couple's faces sitting behind us. He sniffs loudly several times and -- while looking straight at the couple -- says "I'm right Mom, it smells like POOP. Their breath stinks, they need to brush their teeth right Mom?" He stands up, walks to the opposite end of the bench and plants it there instead of in front of the poor couple--all the while plugging his nose. Bishop sees me wrestling with the boys, red faced, ready to grab them and the diaper bag and high tail it out of there before the Sacrament has even been passed and what does he do? Invites me to bare my testimony before turning the meeting over to the rest of the congregation. When I hear it, my head whips up fast--like someone had YANKED the back of my hair--type of fast--he's still chuckling and I'm vowing to toilet paper his house for family night. I start with something like "Bishop was watching me from the pulpit and figured if he didn't get me out of my seat and away from my children they might not make it through the rest of the meeting alive." Thank you life, thank you so much!

Elder Jenkins Returns

2011-02-14T09:36:00.001-08:00

My youngest brother, Scott, just finished serving his mission in San Fernando, CA! From the minute he opened his call, we've been plotting to go pick him up & take the kiddos to Disneyland. He finished up the end of January and off we went. Actually my parents met him at the mission home, picked him up and toured the mission visiting some families and then met us in Anaheim. It was great to see him again! You always wonder what the returned missionary is going to be like? Will they have difficulty adjusting, how different will they be--for better or worse :-) Scotty stayed true to himself--his personality was exactly the same as I remembered and it is great to have him back. The boys were thrilled--especially Jason who remembered him the most--and our little hotel room immediately became a boy's "frat house" with wrestling, eating, teasing, laughing and the "occasional" bodily noise!

As for Disneyland, it couldn't have been easier with several sets of extra hands to wrangle our kiddos. Auntie Weesa (my sister Lisa) flew to Vegas and drove to CA with us. It was AWESOME to have her along--she is a huge help but mostly, we don't get to spend much time together and it was great to catch up. Besides, she totally spoiled the boys and they'd love to have her around anytime!
I think our favorite "kid" ride was Peter Pan's Flight--so cool. And my favorite "adult" ride had to be Indiana Jones. We polished off the last night by walking back to the hotel devouring roasted turkey legs. You know it's going to be good when you first bite into it and juice literally squirts five feet in the air. Oh how I wish a truck would deliver one to me once a week

On the way home from CA, we stopped at Cafe Rio before dropping Lisa off at the airport. Collin was gnawing on the table, bit down hard, jerked his head back and ripped his tooth out of the socket. He had blood gushing down his chin, I was completely freaked out, turned to my little sis and said what do I do???? Being the dental hygienist that she is, she calmly took a look and told me to pop it back in and then called our dad who is a dentist. I don't know what I would have done without her. We'll know it 6-8 weeks if the tooth is ok--if it starts to discolor, I have to yank it out. My poor little boy might have a huge gap until his permanent teeth grow in!

Aside from the tooth incident of 2011, the trip was perfect. We're glad the last of the Jenkins' boys are home from missions--we can finally take a family photo, have Thanksgiving and not feel like someone is missing all the time. So viva Mickey Mouse and welcome back brother!

Last few photos

2011-01-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

Our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party--this was a Kingman tradition that stuck around!

Kids kids kids since that is what our life is all about now!

Taking the kiddos sledding--6 hours of work for 20 minutes of fun--& Christmas Eve turkey dinner w/friends, out to a movie with the fam--how Ryan got that much chocolate on his face in a movie theater, I'll never know!

Christmas Day

Aniversary Flowers--thank you dear!

A Few Holiday Photos...

2011-01-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

These are from Thanksgiving. Of course there must be documentation of the food!
If you ever wondered if Collin got enough love, think again!

The people & the fun. Some how the monkey mask kept creeping into photos.

I Warn You Now...

2011-01-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

...this is a long post--mostly for the sake of documenting our semi-interesting lives on a semi-consistent basis. This Christmas season was a new experience for us with many firsts. Our first Christmas not home in Idaho which was great not traveling 24 hours round trip but we definitely missed all the family and found it strangely "quiet" sometimes. However, the boys made up for the rare moments of silence with all out wars using their semi-auto dart guns that dad bought for everyone! We kept a lot of the same traditions like taking poppy seed bread to many friends & neighbors, doing a Christmas "service" for a family in need, going to see a movie on Christmas Eve Day (Tangled--a new favorite of mine!) and eating WAY too much food. We added a few new ones like eating El Salvadorian (is that a word?) & German food with friends on Christmas Eve, hosting a "Polar Express" party for several families in our ward with hot chocolate, cookies, pjs, bells and even the kid's very own ticket which we punched when they walked in the door. We even upheld a tradition from Kingman--surprising I know--an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. The outfits were atrocious--as expected--and set a pretty high standard for next year. We did a few things which we hope will NEVER become tradition--like being in charge of the food for the Ward Christmas Party--or taking our kids sledding with a 45 min drive to and from for only 20 minutes of tolerable snow time. Jason even got angry that there was snow in his show so he chucked it a good 10 yards away where it sunk and we never could find it. He left Mount Charleston wet, cold and shoeless. We are learning to simplify and decide when our family needs to be a priority over our demanding work/church/social schedules. But aside from the business of the season and realising that life is going to feel out of control for the next 20 years, we enjoyed ourselves. We witnessed outpourings of service, love and faith. We gave and received and were left feeling very grateful; grateful to be employed, grateful to be healthy, grateful for friends and family who open their homes to us when we feel so far from ours. Especially grateful for a knowledge and testimony of our Savior, the blessings of the temple, and the ability to live together as a family for eternity. It has been a great start to our New Year--gym memberships, healthy cookbooks etc :-) Hopefully this year will prove to be as abundant and memorable as the last!

A little catch up...

2010-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Just playing catch up--mostly for the grandparents :-) Here's what we've been up to lately...

Scott's parents came for a visit. We hit up Los Tacos--THE BEST authentic Mexican grill in town--as in, you are the ONLY white people there and it helps if you can order in Spanish--I'm salivating just thinking about it. We all went with the kids to see MEGAMIND--pretty funny but not one of the greats from times gone by. Am I getting old like my parents when I think things like, "I wish my kids would just enjoy the good ole' Disney classics like Sleeping Beauty, Bambi, Pinochio etc like I did when I was a kid"? All this fancy whitty repotoire, famous A-list voices, massively complicated technology, 3-D Imax blah blah blah doesn't make up for great-classic-timeless storylines and fantastic music (Beauty & the Beast to name one).

ANYWAY--we also paid a visit to the new bridge over Hoover Dam. We drove to and from Kingman (too many times to count) for the last 18 months, watching it grow, column by column and now that it is finally done we are in AWE. It cuts a good 1/2 hour drive time out and is flat out AMAZING to look at. You can walk across, take pictures etc and staring straight down into churning water makes you very aware of your own mortality. You literally are a tiny spec that wouldn't make a splash if you took a nose dive from that high up! The kids had a great time with "Big" Pappa and Grammy Jean--we are lucky to have our parents be so involved with our children!

Up next...Turkey Day with MY WHOLE FAMILY! I can't wait--the decor might not be as nice, but this will be a feast that puts Martha Stewart to shame! Yummm...

A Kooky Spooky Halloween

2010-11-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Ryan really well knows he LOVES the PBS show Word World--especially their Halloween special "kooky spooky Halloween". He runs around yelling (because LOUD is the only volume he knows) AKOOKY ESPOOKY AHALLOWEEEEEN (phonetic spelling added for effect :-) The boys couldn't get enough of this fun holiday--what kid doesn't enjoy playing dress up, scarring people and eating a boat load of sugar? I even decided--instead of the well intentioned "candy rationing" that I naturally lean towards--to just give them their buckets from sun up to sun down for about 2 days straight and let them devour every last piece as quickly as possible. There was no long drawn out begging for more, it was five pieces at once, chocolate drooling, sugar coma causing bliss--hence the four sucker sticks poking out of Ryan's mouth all at the same time.

Funny how this holiday has made me grateful for our friends--in all my whining about living in Las Vegas, we've been extremely blessed & one of those blessings has been fabulous friends. First we headed to an "FHE" party where the kids got to "hunt" for treats in a dark back yard, eat monster pizzas & bone bread sticks and then pile into the backs of trucks (adult supervision was provided--don't worry grandmas) and take goodie plates to fellow neighbors & friends. The kids all had masks and LOVED ringing the door bells, screaming trick or treat and then running back to the trucks only to do it 8 more times that night!

We also headed to a party with family "L" and their adorable munchkins Gman and Lulu. It was a PJ party where we donned our jammies, ate chili & sloppy joes (slop sloppy joes, navy beans navey beans hoggies and grinders--ok I digress) sipped apple cider, sang Halloween carols (spoofs on Christmas carols) and watched an outdoor projector screen movie of the old animated Ichabod Crane & the Headless Horseman. The kids even put on those glow stick bracelets and boogied down in the backyard--just streaks of color running to Halloween music in the dark. It was fantastic--if we can't be with family, there are no better friends I would have asked for here!

We hit up the ward carnival and trunk or treat. Ryan was "plagued" by our friendly ward clown who consistently jumped out from between cars at little children, Ry guy in particular. Each time he would yell "ohhhh a spooky ghoooost". The clown would laugh getting a rise out of the poor kid and Ryan grew to love the clown. When he saw him at church the next day Chris said "Ryan, do you remember me?" Ry replied "ahhh it's the ghoooosssttt" which made Chris's day!

Last, since pumpkin day fell on a Sunday, we decided to have some friends to our house this time and cook "Dinner in a Pumpkin". This will be a long lived tradition in our home that started last year with our best friends in Kingman. They invited us over for the same dinner and it was AMAZING. We've since moved back to Vegas and they are now in Kansas but that didn't keep me from getting the recipe from Morgan and whipping it up on my own. It wasn't as good as it would have been if they were here but it was still pretty tasty (can you tell I'm missing you guys "W" fam??) You could tell all the hubbies were wary of the meal but after eating a few bites, a few went back for THIRDS (not Scott--other guys :-) The company was great and we're enjoying making more friends in our ward. The kids had a great time playing & handing out candy, wearing their Halloween pj's and I'm proud of them for not complaining that they weren't out knocking doors--with all the festivities that week, I don't think they missed it one bit. You may ask where Collin was during all the festivities...he pretty much slept in his car seat the whole time. He is the most mellow AWESOME baby in the world. His personalitiy ensures we'll at least have one more :-)

All in all, we are pretty lucky to live in such a great ward and have amazing friends like we do. Life wouldn't be the same and Vegas wouldn't be tolerable without you all. Thanks!

Holiday Food

2010-10-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Last call for Alison's Pantry orders to be delivered before Christmas (Nov. 29th). Check out this month's catalog and order by Saturday 5pm. Alison's Pantry is full of delicious soups, breads, pastas, mixes--tons of meal ideas to make "mom's" life a little easier around the holidays. I'm looking forward to detoxing after Christmas with my favorite Baked Potato Chowder w/bacon & sour cream soup. Also, take a look at my personal favorites for holiday treats & gifts. This stuff is perfect for having "homemade" quality treats without all the mess. Email or call by Saturday if you'd like to order!

How Pumpkin Pies Are Made...

2010-10-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't help myself. Thanks Dad & Happy Halloween--they will never taste the same again!

GUITTARD CHOCOLATE & NUTS--in bulk!

2010-10-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested--I have access to ordering bulk Guittard chocolate and nuts. Scott's boss & wife organize this each year--this is the second year I've ordered and LOVE it. The prices beat the grocery store and this is fantastic chocolate--especially for holiday treats. I burned through my order last year and will probably get double this year. It keeps GREAT in the freezer too. Here's whats available this year:

Raw whole almonds - 25lb box
Raw walnut halves & pieces - 25 lb box
Pecan halves - 30lb box
Roasted & Salted Natural Pistachios - 25lb box

Semi-sweet regular chocolate chips - 25lb box
Mini chocolate chips - 25lb box
Milk chocolate regular chips - 25lb box
Old dutch cocoa - 40lb drum
Old dutch chocolate slabs (dipping chocolate) 50lb box (5-10 pound slabs)

I'm willing to orchestrate splitting boxes if you don't want whole boxes for yourself. If you can find others to share with, that is great too. I MUST have the orders and $$$ to me by Oct. 19th. The order will arrive Nov. 1st. I will have it available at my home sometime that afternoon. CALL or EMAIL if you are interested and I'll get you pricing info. Anyone you know is welcome to contact me to order--tell your friends/family/neighbors, the more the better!

Alison's Pantry October Catalog

2010-10-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

The Alison's Pantry catalog #12 is here! It is full of great holiday treats & gifts as well as wonderful seasonal items like homemade soups & breads. Contact me for a catalog or view it here. Also anyone who refers a friend in the month of October who places an order will receive $5.00 off their order--PER FRIEND! Place your order by October 27th to receive your items in time for Thanksgiving!

Brand New Record

2010-09-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I blogged about ice cream at 8:30am---well today I have it beat. A flooded garage due to a blown water heater, which means no water until the property management company fixes it (and we all know how on top of things those companies are) warrents a WHOLE BAG OF CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS before 8am. I'm lovin' life today!

Ice Cream O'Clock

2010-09-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

For all you Harry Potter fans...remember Mrs. Weasley's magic clock that told her the mortal peril status of all her family members? Well, I have a magic clock too--you are jealous, I know! It is internal but that is neither here nor there. This wonderful, magical clock of mine tells me when it is time to have a bowl of ice cream in order to maintain motherhood sanity! Some days it chimes around 8pm when I've had a long but fulfilling day. I'm ready to put my feet up, watch my favorite tivo'd shows and dig into something light and refreshing like Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream.

Other days it chimes a little earlier--around 2pm--when I've put the boys down for a nap (who don't normally take naps but go to sleep in order to stay in the world of the living for another day!) The rascals--mostly Ryan but Jason is turning into quite the button pusher--have given me a headache. I need peace and quiet for at least an hour otherwise--in the words of Madagascar's King Julienne "i'm going to freak on them"! I pull out something a bit more potent from the freezer like Cookies 'n Cream. I eat a few hearty scoops, watch some Grey's Anatomy reruns and feel ready to face the rest of my day.

Every once in a while, that glorious magic clock chimes first thing in the morning--like earlier this week when Ryan decided that our digital camera needed a BATH! That's right folks, I was stuck on the couch feeding Collin when Jason comes running in with a dripping camera--Ryan following closely, wailing about "BATHTUB TIME" and angry that Jason ruined his fun. This was around 8:30am, so what did I do--instead of exploding I put the boys upstairs watching Toy Story and I pulled out something potent, lethal & completely necessary--Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl. It is chocolaty, fudgey, creamy with thick ribbons of real peanut butter running through it. I thought about a bowl and spoon but threw that notion out the window. I simply grabbed the carton, plopped on the sofa beside my drooling camera and dug in with the ice cream scoop shaped like a pig!

Thank you magic ice cream clock for saving me from throttling my children--you can chime at me anytime! Now all I need is a magic exercise clock that chimes right after my ice cream clock and saves my ever expanding backside!

Alison's Pantry

2010-09-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

I came across a great company when I lived in AZ. They offered me an opportunity to work with them when I got back to Vegas and now that Collin is here, I finally took them up on their offer. Alison's Pantry is based in Utah--I'm one of two people working for them in the Vegas area. Their specialty is FOOD--which you all know is right up my alley--even if that simply means eating it all the time. Actually Alison's Pantry is simply another "purchase" point (like grocery stores) for manufacturers to market their products. They sell everything from gourmet baking mixes, holiday treats, desserts, cookie-bread-roll doughs, frozen meats, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, pre-made soups and even bulk items like Costco or Sams. They even have a section for emergency preparedness, offering items like dried milk, oats, cocoa powder, canning supplies, containers, kitchenware, emergency supplies/kits and so much more. Each month Alison's Pantry puts out a new catalog (click here). They carry consistent items, again much like Costco, but each month they offer specials based on holidays and what manufacturers want marketed so the catalog is always changing and offering something new. Each month I'll be hosting a "catalog & tasting" party so that people who would like to learn more about A.P. can come, ask questions, place orders and sample their delicious products. I even have an email list where I send out specials, product updates, recipes and party information. If you're in the Vegas area and would like to join the list, leave your email address in the comments section and I'll add you. I even have a blog focusing on A.P., their great products, recipes and various specials they'll be offering. Feel free to check it out (A.P. blog). I'm excited about getting started with them, love their products and hope you do too!

Revival

2010-09-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

*I posted this last year, about this same time--I tried coming up with new material but nothing else would do it justice!

It is drawing closer, I can sense it--the way you can feel someone watching you from behind. Each day I grow more anxious as the knots in my stomach move closer to the base of my throat. It is this time of year, late summer, which brings on an antsy-itch I can't scratch-time is dragging, sort of feeling. What might be the cause of this unusual behavior you ask?

It is COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON! It is that time of year when grown men cry and sweet old ladies punch other sweet old ladies sitting next to them for wearing the wrong color or cheering for the wrong team. You may think I'm crazy--one too many sleepless nights, a few too many chocolate brownies for breakfast. But let's be honest, who can ignore the feeling you get watching throngs of excited fans walk into a college stadium during a fall afternoon? The best is when the sun is just beginning to lower in the sky and the autumn leaves are shinning in the dull light. The air is crisp and so electric that the hair on your arms stand up, you almost can't help but run to your seat--even though you are an hour early--because you just can't wait to see the green of the field. The smell of grilling burgers hangs sweet and heavy in the late afternoon air and you feel the swell of pride as the band beats out your fight song. Complete strangers stand in unison, chanting as your team screams confidently out of the tunnel. It is a religious experience.

I've teared up a few times when the fight song is sung or an incredible, unbelievable, almost impossible catch is made. The best is watching the shear, uninhabited joy that grown men get from seeing messes of pads and helmets crunch together with jarring force. There is something to be said of the effort athletes give to their craft, the sacrifice, energy and soul with which they work and the simple pleasure derived from doing it well. Kids rightfully worship 18-25 year olds like they were war heroes and to those kids, watching those men exert every ounce of strength left on that field of battle, they are! College football is every metaphor, every cliche, every emotion, every everything. If you have never been to a game, a college game played not for money or endorsements but for the sheer glory of the fight--REPENT NOW--go, cheer, let loose, eat great food, be inspired. It is an experience all it's own!

You can sense it can't you...it is coming and you will never be the same again!

The rabbit & the fish

2010-08-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, over 12 years ago a farm boy met a city girl he couldn't resist. In his attempt to win her heart and impress her family with his self reliance and manliness he sought to bring the girl a gift for her birthday. He searched high and low, near and far, asking all his friends what would be a deserving gift for the beautiful maiden. Finally he found the perfect thing, wrapped it carefully, lovingly and set off to her home. As the girl unwrapped the gift, trembling with excitement, she let out a squeal and yelled loudly "what the *&%$"???

OK OK enough fairy tales--scott went hunting the weekend of my 16th birthday (2 weeks after we first met) and brought home Thumper the bunny rabbit. That's right folks, he killed, skinned, froze, wrapped and presented the bloody cold lump of meat to me for my sweet 16. It was wrapped with duct tape in a Toasted Oats cereal box and in a gift bag that had a barn, cow and sunflower on it--probably "recycled" from some other occasion. So what did I do you might ask? I found out his birthday was a mere 11 days later, bummed a 2 foot long steal head fish off my young woman's leader & her husband. I wrapped it in a box (on a bed of ice cubes) surrounded by colored Swedish fish and put a mini baseball hat on the fish's head & gave that to him for his 18th birthday.

And you wonder why we are a match made in heaven. Happy birthday dear--I love you and am glad this fair maiden got her man!

Vogue...

2010-08-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

Collin had his first real "photo shoot" a few weeks ago. A friend in our ward has a great set up at her home and offered to take the pictures for us. They turned out great--Thanks Valarie!

Soft & cuddly...& saving Ryan???

2010-07-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

We are coming up on the three week mark of having baby Collin in our lives. There have been good nights, there have been bad ones--generally because of Ryan, not Collin, who wakes up thirsty or hungry or wet and does it incredibly grumpy so as to wake Jason, Collin & myself along with him. There have been good days which include fun trips to birthday parties, sprinklers on trampolines and sacred nap time but there have been bad ones, like getting escorted from Michael's Craft Store because of Ryan's tantrums or being asked 3 times at the grocery store if I "need some assistance" AGAIN because of Ryan's tantrums or better yet, him head-butting me in the face, giving me a bloody lip in front of my friend's bishop (thus saving Ryan's short little life but also being an extremely embarrassing incident)! Why he did this you ask? Just another tantrum!

And so we find that having three kids isn't all that tough--having Ryan is tough! I don't think I've prayed for patience more in my life. I find myself asking for clarity on how to handle this kid at 3am 20 times in one week. And so amidst it all, I addictively sniff Collin's head (that sweet new baby smell) and mutter "serenity now" while donning earplugs to drown out the ensuing war raging around me. I cuddle the baby because it keeps my hands busy (so I can't do permanent damage to my "strong willed" 2 year old). And I pray while changing diapers that this phase passes quickly--that it is a phase and not a personality trait--and that he makes it to his 3rd birthday (in September) because the time is ticking rapidly on his short little clock of chance after chance after chance. Collin is already the salve for all the bad, frustrating, out of control things in my life because even at 4am he is snuggly & smells good & makes everything all better. Thank goodness for new babies (if only they could stay like that A LOT LONGER than a few months!) There would be a lot more peace on this earth if they did :)

There & Back Again by Bilbo Baggins...

2010-07-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

What a week! Collin Tidwell arrived Thursday evening (7/8/10)--he weighed 8lb 12oz and was 22" long with tons of dark hair and beautiful skin--lets hope it lasts! He is the perfect little boy, sleeps/eats/poops, rarely cries (I think I've heard him twice) and just slept from 2am until almost 7am this morning!

Getting him here was quite the adventure--hence the title of this post. We had a missed epidural stick, another attempt that poked through causing a "not quite numb in the right places" result & spinal headaches after. Then the first solution for the incapacitating headaches didn't take so I was back in the hospital less than 24 hours after discharge trying the blood patch procedure again--needless to say 4 epidurals in 4 days wasn't my idea of "feeling better after the baby was born". However...we have felt very blessed in many other ways. Our friends, family & ward have been incredibly helpful, the recovery process has been amazingly quick with almost no "post baby hormone" issues, grandma is here taking care of us all--what more could we ask for? The Lord has truly inspired those around us to help when we needed it most and Collin is healthy and happy. I'm sure more photos will come in the next week but here are a few quick shots to satisfy the grandmas/grandpas and out of towners DYING to see the little guy.

What about...

2010-06-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

ok, I'm being neurotic I know but I hate not having names narrowed down this close to d-day. What about Evan or Jake? Or anything else remotely good since we still have no feeling one way or the other?

Catch Up...

2010-06-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

There is A LOT to post about but I have no time for that right now. First we have to figure out what to name baby boy #3--I refuse to be calling him "baby" for the next several months because his father & I can't think of anything good. We are pretty traditional, we want something that isn't too trendy & will fit with the other two kiddos (jason & ryan). The middle name will most likely be Jack, Joseph, or Paul after our grandfathers. Take the poll, leave comments...help us PLEASE!

Psychiatric Help--5 cents!

2010-05-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

So Ryan has been going through what I HOPE is a phase! He won't stop hitting, whether playful, powerful or on purpose he just won't stop. I have mentioned before that this is one stubborn child and what took Jason seconds to learn, seems to take Ryan months. We have tried time out, sitting in the corner, the "naughty" stool (super nanny), taking away toys and eventually spanking and he just isn't letting up. It has become embarrassing taking him to nursery/friend's houses etc.

He has always been a very physical boy--loves hard, plays hard (nothing from hugs to punches/kicks are ever soft)--and it seems like he can't DO or communicate anything without some aspect of physicality. He has to constantly touch you, usually by hitting, anytime he wants your attention/emphasizes a point/gets frustrated/even playing has to be accompanied by some element of hitting. I'm not sure what to do anymore--I'm ready to lock him in a dark room and walk away for a few days! Any advice??

"Lake Lyndsay"

2010-05-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we were invited to go hang out, swim, fish, bbq etc with a subcontracter Scott works with and his family. Turns out this guy used to be a pitcher for the BYU baseball team, married a local girl whose family owns a TON of land with cabins, fishing/swimming pond, horses, and sooo much more--about an hour outside of town. It all started as her father's dream and now each of his kids has their own cabin, they grow their own alfalfa, have their own well that supplies hundreds of acres with water plus all their work equipment for the dad's business is located there. It was so great to see a father who worked hard to have his family have a "getaway" outside of Vegas where now, all the kids and grandkids come stay almost every weekend and it is their own little "resort". Someday...to own a piece of "country" heaven with animals, cabins, water--away from the rest of the world. I'd take that over a fancy timeshare anyday!
They were great to hang out with and it was just what we needed! Hopefully we'll be doing it again soon. Thanks Jeff and fam!

Amidst the Crazy...

2010-05-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

I've been in a funk the last few days--just ask the ladies from "girls night out" when I sat and stared off into space for 3 hours straight. They couldn't figure out what my deal was. This morning was the final straw--nothing major had occurred, just little things building up over weeks and months and years and pounds until I took a hot shower, bawled like a baby and let the drain wash all the snot and hormones away. I made it out of the shower and then gave up again, plopping down on my closet floor hating my maternity clothes and the really cute shoes and wedding ring that don't fit right now. Looking back, I looked pretty funny with Ryan standing next to me, squishing my cheeks in between his chubby little hands saying, "ok mom, ok mom" checking up on my hysteria and wondering what in the world was wrong with his crazy mother.

Yet amidst it all, there were things to be thankful for:

1. Jason who decided to "clean" Ryan's room aka the toy room from HE*L where carpet had not been seen for days, drawers hung open with clothes hanging all over and bags of unpacked who-knows-what had been stashed during the move. He came to say he had a surprise, grabbed my hand & lead me down the hall, insisting that my eyes stay closed. Of course his gift brought a fresh wave of tears for my boy that knows just what to do to make me feel better and even a bought of laughter at all the toys "cleaned" by shoving them under Ryan's bed, in the play kitchen oven and even in the dresser where I have no intention of digging them out--they can rot there for all I care!
2. For squirt guns and lawn chairs that allowed me to sit and take pot shots at the pigeons that keep landing on our freshly planted grass, eating all the seeds. I even wondered how many birds I could take out at close range with Scott's shot gun. Don't worry, I stuck to my water pistol for today but if the crazies get worse, you never know!
3. And at the end of the day for a husband who walks in the door, doesn't ask questions, loads up the family and off to Cafe Rio we go. Oh coconut shrimp tacos with mango dressing, how I love you right now.
4. Last but not least, the quiet happy hours I am currently experiencing as boys sleep peaceful and I get ready for a foot rub and Glee.

So much to be grateful for...just keep reminding me over the next few months!

Jason is 4!

2010-04-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Jason's 4th birthday---we often look at friends who have kids a few years older than ours and think that it is a long way off, not so! It comes quicker than we realize. Then when you start saying things like, "in 4 more years he'll get baptized" or "10 more years and he'll be going to dances"--then you really get panicky and old, fast!

This year was even better than the last--it is great to see their little personalities come out the older they get. He gave us each birthday hats and got angry every time we took them off. He even sang himself Happy Birthday--while looking in a mirror--several times that day, called Scott to find out when he would be home for his party and LOVED it when his grandma, papa and mimi called to talk to him on his special day. He requested chicken nuggets, capri sun, colored marshmallows, and watermelon for dinner--quite the combo, I know. He followed it up with Popsicles and cake for dessert. He actually wanted to do the cake himself so he cracked eggs, stirred, baked, frosted, sprinkled and blew out candles all by himself--hopefully he'll be a great chef someday! After eating our stomach ache on a plate for dinner, came present time. Scott and I totally understand how some kids turn into spoiled rotten little munchkins...it is the parent's fault. It is so stinkin' fun to see your kids face light up when they see "just what they always wanted" underneath all that wrapping paper and tape. I just have to tell myself to refrain from giving him everything he wants just because it makes ME feel good!
(gift from grandparents...like I said, spoiled rotten :)

After much screaming, jumping around surrounded by CARS, Thomas the Train & Buzz Lightyear paraphernalia, bath time was instigated--mostly for Ryan's Popsicle covered sake, bed time came and birthday ended. I sat and looked at old photos of birthdays gone by, especially when he was born and didn't get nostalgic, just excited for year after year of excitement, chicken nuggets and homemade birthday cake!

Weekend Warriors

2010-04-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

After getting our feet beneath us--barely--and totally identifying with the scene from Incredible's when the wife calls the husband celebrating that they were finally moved in because the last box was unpacked, although it was over a year later...we headed to Utah. We couldn't help but admire the red rocks and rich burnt colored dirt of the St. George area and then salivate as everything slowly grew more and more green. We even drove the freeway with our windows rolled down for a bit just to smell the farm fields and even the cows--they just look and smell better surrounded by lush green farmland! Yeah...you could say we miss that landscape--Vegas isn't the prettiest place to live that's for sure! All that pining aside, we hit Provo right in time to meet up with my siblings Lisa, Dave & Summer and cousin Carrie for a trip to PF Chang's. How my tummy LOVES that place. I don't think you can go wrong there but the Shrimp w/Candied Walnuts IS THE BEST!!! I think I want that to be my last meal on Earth--or just bury me with it--either way it will get into my system! We had a short but great time with them and then headed down the road to SLC for our Nephew John's wedding the next morning.

Being in the SL Temple has got to be a highlight for us--so many memories, like the lady who fainted right in front of us before we got married--talk about jitters! Anyway, it was great to be with family, especially in that setting...aside from being the fat prego Aunt forever immortalized in family wedding photos. I tried hiding but somehow managed to stick out like one giant polka dot nonetheless! (Wylie, I think you were hiding out in CO--just wait, your turn will come:-) Thanks to David & Roma for such a wonderful time, luncheon, & family--you done good! And thanks to the ever present Archibald clan who fed us a great breakfast and let us all use their home (once again) as Utah base camp when we are in town. We loved seeing everyone and can't wait till the next gathering!

We Made It!

2010-04-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

One of Scott's coworkers asked me today, "so are you all moved in?" It took me a bit but finally I responded, "the boxes are in, they just aren't unpacked yet!" After haggling with utilities companies, finding out the dryer was completely broken and hanging our wet clothes in front of the fireplace, realizing we have NO cell phone service in our house and having to sign up for a home phone, trying to lock the front door only to discover that the house key provided by the property management company didn't fit (among many other things) we just wanted to say, we are here & we are alive. By the way, we get text messages but the cells don't ring when they should and messages often show up hours after they are left so if you want our home number, text or email--those 2 technologies are atleast still reliable!

After all the craziness dies down, I find I'm grateful for little things---like Jason who willingly runs up the stairs to get what I need so I don't have to waddle my way up there or Ryan who is sleeping through the night better (thanks to Scott's "tough" love methods) as well as a 1 hour nap each day (oh how I love "quiet" time). I'm thankful for a nice calm neighborhood and backyard that will soon have growing grass! I love that there are decent Chinese restaurants that DELIVER! But most importantly, I LOVE my icemaker--that's right folks, we finally have a fridge with water despenser/icemaker that chops my icecubes into tiny little chunks for me to chew on AS OFTEN AS I WANT. No more trips to Sonic just for a cup of ice, it is right at my fingertips! Anyway, life is good, we are adjusting and miss you all mucho--Tidwells

Lasts

2010-03-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

I find myself wanting to cram in all those "last" things before we move--restaurants to visit, friends to hang out with, places to go...so for this "last" my friend and I packed up the kids and headed to Lake Havasu. It's only an hour away, the temps are AWESOME in the spring and CRAZY hot during the summer but for being completely desert everywhere, it really is a pretty lake. It is huge and the city has done tons to make it really family friendly--great parks, beaches, golf, picnic areas etc. So aside from being a fatty prego lady, I still enjoyed myself since we were the ONLY people within 200 yards on the beach. The kids had a blast and it is a place I will miss heading to when ever the weather suites us! Bye bye Havasu!
(Of course I forgot the camera so I owe all the great shots to Morgan--even the one of Ryan flashing a little skin!)

To quote a friend...

2010-03-25T15:01:00.001-07:00

"So they just passed a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he didn't understand it, passed by a Congress that exempts themselves from it, signed by a president who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese,... and best yet it is to be financed by a country that's broke...hmmmm???"

My One True Love!

2010-03-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

The day started out sluggish and slow. I felt drained already and it was only 9am. It dragged on, hour by hour, occupied by minimal housework, avoiding packing and trying to keep the boys entertained. By 5pm it felt like 10pm and I just wanted to go back to sleep. I still had 2 1/2 hours to kill before the kiddos went to bed--I could hear the clock tick slower and slower as every second DRAGGED on. Enough was enough! We threw on shoes and jackets, grabbed the keys and headed out the door for a walk to the mailbox. It was only around the block but if I let them get distracted I might actually be able to burn a half hour! We get to the box, put the key in and what do I find..."wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles"...a package. A box sent from my sister Lisa. The boys are excited, "a present for me," cries Jason! Ryan jumps up and down and babbles something about Lightening McQueen??? All time burning is forgotten. We rush back around the block, excited to get our glorious package opened and discover the wondrous contents inside. The kids clamour on chairs around the table, chanting "open, open, open". My hand shakes a little with anticipation as I cut through the packaging tape, open the top flaps and remove the bubble wrap from inside. My heart stops for a moment, literally halts, as I realize what the priceless treasure is....GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!!! My loving, thoughtful, beautiful sister sent me GIRL SCOUT COOKIES.
She knew I had missed the boat here in Kingman, Provo was still selling them and she came through for me. I don't know that I have ever enjoyed checking the mail so much in my life. 5 minutes after opening, our hands and faces were covered in chocolate--ok just the boys but still! My tummy was full of thin minty goodness followed by a cold glass of milk. Oh my sister--and Girl Scout Cookies--you have been a much needed relief to a long and droning day. How I will cherish you forever--who am I kidding--I'm lucky if they'll last a week but it will be the most tasty week of my life!

9 vs 12 month school year--feedback PLEASE!

2010-03-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Ok Dear Void,

Here is the question at hand: 9 month school or 12 month school?

The areas we are looking to buy a house are ALL year-round school zones and I have mixed feelings. I myself (and Scott) always attended the traditional 9 month system--there was no other option where we grew up and I find myself preferring that for my kids too. I'm not sure I like the idea of "no summer break" and have heard stories about kids being placed on differing "tracks" making family vacations difficult. I also think about things like Scout camps, sports camps, sports in general and wonder how a 12 month zone will effect all that. I'm concerned about the quality of education and wonder if there are downsides to either system (9 vs 12 month)? I'm wondering if my desire for a 9 month zone is valid enough to let it determine the area in which we buy a house or if I am letting it carry "too much weight" in our living decisions? I never thought I'd have to deal with this decision but winding up in Vegas has left hardly any other option open--btw--I am not cut out for homeschooling and want my kids in a public/charter system so that isn't an option.

I don't care who you are or what your background is; educator, parent, child, grandparent etc but I want your "educated" opinion on the question at hand, "How concerned should I be about living in a year round school zone?" I want to know the positives, negatives and everything in between. I have several friends, family members etc that are teachers, have kids in year round, were in year round themselves etc and I want you ALL to weigh in--send me an email if you don't feel like there is enough room to write everything in the comments section: sntidwell@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Playing Catch Up

2010-03-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy couple weeks--between all our trips to Vegas doing much needed house hunting, trying not to get run off the road by people who have never seen snow before, or having a family "Mary Poppins" day at the park, life has been fun! We move in three weeks--new address...not sure yet! But I'm packing a little each day, stocking up on paper plates and pizza coupons for that final week when you have to pack EVERYTHING, and the boys--well let's say they watch a lot of pbs--word world, curious george etc (I try kidding myself that it's not so bad as long as they are "learning" shows). All in all, we are alive and I am getting FATTER--gotta love life!

Kingman "CALL GIRL" career day? say that 5 times fast!

2010-03-07T17:43:00.001-08:00

So for the last year I've taught the 8-12 year olds in Primary and have loved it. I always let them go around the circle and tell me one cool thing they got to do the previous week--gets the chatter out so hopefully they listen better (sometimes it works)! So today a little girl in class (I'll call her "sugar" to protect the innocent) said "last week I got to dress up like a call girl for school". No joke--I was stunned--especially when another girl in her same grade but different class whispers "she was a prostitute for career day?" So wanting to figure out whose idea this was (her parents, crazy teacher, her, some unknown role model etc) I ask, "Really? What did you wear?". She responds, "a cowboy hat, boots and vest." I'm thinking, oh I hope there was more to it than that, this kid is only 8! And yet, as dumbfounded as I was, I wasn't as surprised as I should have been, I mean this is Kingman. Land of the Sunday "great deal" yard sale advertised in Relief Society, the 80 year old granny I saw in a motorized shopping cart with a pistol on her belt--what other surprises could there be? As I ask more questions it becomes clear--she dressed up like a COWGIRL not CALL GIRL--she just got her W and LL's mixed up. Gideyup! Another adventurous day at church in good 'ole Kingman, AZ! I think I might miss this place--or at least my blog will!

Ode to Kingman...(hum my country tis of thee while reading)

2010-03-04T15:42:00.001-08:00

My Kingman 'tis of thee
all of this dirt I see,
to thee we sing!
Land of Walmart's shopping pride
with all your auto rides (senior citizen shopping carts:)
home to your double wides, to thee we sing!

Oh sage brush covered hills,
and trucks with gun racks filled
my heart cries out...
No more desert landscaping
or stoplight nosepicking
or bluehaired gun-slinging--please SET ME FREE!

Oh friends we'll miss you most,
our sanity to thee we owe.
Don't ever change!

The late night games we played,
culture--we never strayed!
great food we always ate,
come and visit soon!

(stop humming or the rest won't make sense:-)

So we are off to Vegas in a few short weeks--Scott's project is wrapping up here and we are headed back to start another. Although my "ode" doesn't state it (I couldn't come up with the right rhymes) we really will miss this place and the people here. It will be nice to get back to civilization but this was a great adventure while it lasted (Sunday "testimony" auctions, yard sale underoos and all!)

And the verdict is...drumrole please...

2010-02-25T18:10:00.001-08:00

I was laying by Ryan today while he dozed off for his nap (before my ultrasound apt.) noticing his chubby hands, where he still has dimples on his knuckles and was remembering the outfit he wore home from the hospital. I started freaking out. I don't think I want a girl...changing a girl's diaper would be SOOO weird, I wanted another boy to wrestle with, chase and throw around. I know how to do boys, I don't think I could do teenage girls, I'm not a girly girl, I don't do slumber parties and Hannah Montana crap.

Needless to say, the Lord needed me to freak out for a moment so that I could be over the moon that #3 is another little boy. The ultrasound was VERY clear--just like Jason and Ryan's (showoffs). And to top it off, he stretched and put both his hands up behind his head, the same way Jason and Ryan liked to sleep when they were babies--it was perfect! The due date is still July 26 but the tech said she thinks it will be closer to the 21st with how we are measuring...big--but what's new? I can't wait and of course Scott is thrilled and said he secretly had his fingers crossed for a boy anyway! So frat house here we come--if I'm ever begging for a girl's night out, you know why!

Tender Mercies...

2010-02-25T13:01:00.001-08:00

I find every time I'm pregnant I am much more sensitive to other's sufferings. I find myself bawling watching news features or tearing up reading articles or stories that wouldn't normally affect me. I find it easier to sympathize with friend's and family's struggles and I'm much more reflective on the blessings in my life. I've tried to be more service oriented, more patient and long suffering (I know--you can't tell from my 5 Stages and Vomit posts, but I really am trying :). So you can imagine how touched I was when I checked the mail box a couple weeks ago and found a package from my Aunt that I haven't chatted with in forever. She said she read my blog, could totally identify with my-life-as-I-know-it and thought I might need a pick me up; warm feety socks, lotion, a little crafty, and best of all--CHOCOLATE! I couldn't believe how something as simple as a note and some thoughtful treats could make my day--lets be honest, my week. Soooo thanks Aunt Julie and hopefully I'm reminded to do little things like this for those I care about more often! Oh yeah, I totally scarfed all the chocolate before Scott was home from work--come on, I'm not that selfless!

White Chocolate & Raspberries!

2010-02-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

I was asked to make a cake for a friend's daughter's birthday. They didn't have many requests or ideas for it except that she likes "funfetti" cakes--too funny since she was turning 21--and that they wanted it to have "white" frosting and raspberry filling. Sooo I decided to make a white chocolate cream cheese frosting with the top layer being her "funfetti" request. The bottom layer--surrounded by the pirouette cookie sticks--is a simple butter vanilla bean cake. Both have layers of a raspberry cream cheese filling in between. Outside, on top of the frosting are white chocolate curls and tons of fresh raspberries. The cake was only supposed to serve about 8 people, but they wanted it to be 2 layers. When I showed up with this I simply told them I don't know how to bake "small"! I think they enjoyed themselves! I'll post the recipes a bit later if you want them!

Block Walls & Vomit???

2010-02-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

The last 48 hours has had me throwing my hands up in the air yelling "Really life, seriously?" But at least it had me laughing in the end. It all started with a lazy Saturday afternoon of meandering through a few mattress stores--salivating over pillow top king sized bundles of goodness. Every time I'm pregnant we wish we had a king size bed, this time we might actually do something about it! Back to the story--Ryan takes off running down the sidewalk, Jason yells "I'll get him" and begins to chase down his little brother. I walk quickly behind, making sure they are ok. Ryan turns to make sure someone is in pursuit, I yell at him to "come back right now!" He giggles and rounds the corner at top speed--it is a dead end so no where for him to go. I slow down, he sees me and of course, speeds up, tripping just in time to land head first into a cinder block wall. There was no catching himself with his hands, no slowing down, just full speed ramming his little forehead into the concrete. I fully expected gushing blood based on the sick thumping sound he made on contact. Instead, when I got to him 10 seconds later there was a 2 inch lump forming on his forehead, swollen and blue under the surface where are the blood was building up. I think I stood there for a full 30 seconds debating on rushing him home or to the hospital--it looked that bad! Scott had his head on better than I, snagged some ice from the Circle K next door and began applying pressure. Long story short, we got him home, iced him every half hour and waited for the swelling to go down. He woke up looking much better Sunday morning but he is beginning to turn an excellent shade of blue, green and brown all over his forehead.

Now where does the vomiting come in you may be wondering? During one of his icing sessions Ry got particularly worked up. Now you have to know Ryan, he is a fighter--he fights anything and everything for no real reason at all. He is also an easy gagger & massive puker. When he gets worked up he begins to gag and if it continues he then throws up (I sometimes think he does this at will knowing we will let him get whatever he wants because we are afraid he'll gag & puke) This time, to have a reason (thumping head and really cold ice pack) he fought even harder resulting in Scott holding his head still in one hand, ice in the other and me pinning his body down to control the rapid thrashing. He then started gagging, we tried to sooth but eventually let him stand up to calm down for a second. What happened, he vomited chocolate milk and pb&j all over the carpet. I caught some with my nearby jacket, Scott grabbed him at arms length and relocated him to the tile to finish the job. I closed my eyes trying to focus on flowers and sunshine and breathing through my mouth instead of what was happening a few feet away. Did the flowers and sunshine help you wonder? NOPE! 30 seconds later, still on my knees from helping Ryan, but at least on the tile instead of the carpet, I COMPLETELY lose it all over the floor. Scott gave himself whiplash wondering who to help first, the mom or the boy. Instead he bee-lines for the camera, laughing and shaking his head in amazement/disgust. After a few quick shots and humorous jabs about his dynamic duo of puking son and wife, he got Ry guy stripped down, in the tub as I finished my business, got stripped down and hosed off. Scott moped, I scrubbed carpet. We were quite the team. We even finished with 5 min. to spare before our company showed up for treats that night. At least I was laughing when all was said and done, it could have been worse!

icing his head

totally self explanitory!

Chocolate Frosting

2010-01-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

I am in a generous mood and thought I should share a little piece of heaven with the known blogging world. Here is the recipe for my FAVORITE chocolate frosting of all time. Wash your hands because you are gonna want to stick your fingers in the bowl for a taste!

1 pkg cream cheese (8oz)
1/3 c butter, softened
1/2 c cocoa
3 c pwd sugar
4 oz melted chocolate (I prefer semi sweet or unsweetened for that rich chocolate color--the type of flavor is up to you)
whipping cream

Mix butter & cream cheese well. Add cocoa and melted chocolate. Slowly add powdered sugar until smooth. Add a tbs or two of whipping cream if frosting becomes too thick for your use. Enjoy!

A nice distraction!

2010-01-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

I was asked to make a cake for a friend's baby shower Saturday night. I got to spend Friday and Saturday "playing" with all my fun tools & recipes--just what the dr. ordered to take my mind (and tummy) off of life-as-I-know-it. The photo isn't that great and the cake wasn't perfect but I had a great time and it sure tasted GOOD!

I used one of my favorite chocolate buttercream recipes--I'm not a huge fan of how fondant tastes even though the final product is much smoother. I personally prefer buttercreams--thus the "not so smooth" look of the cake, but rich creamy frosting was worth it. The decorations were made out of modeling chocolate--one of my favorite things to play with. It has the consistency of a tootsie roll but can be molded, cut out, shaped etc just like fondant--and again, tastes much better! Last but not least, underneath all the fluff was chocolate fudge cake with a raspberry cream filling. Delish!

My 5 Stages...

2010-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

So a little insight into me--I love the tv show SCRUBS. I think it is hilarious, a completely unrealistic, realistic show allowing characters to say and do what I feeling like doing but would be socially outcast if I did. So last night we were watching a rerun about dealing with the 5 stages of grief and I decided that I am smack in the middle of the 5 stages of "dealing-with-my-life-as-I-currently-know-it" and the lack of control I have over ANYTHING! The first few stages are easy to come by: I have been angry--A LOT--when Ryan wakes up for no reason at night, multiple times, and I am getting less sleep now than when he was a new born! I have thrown tantrums at 1pm when he refuses to take naps but have pulled my hair out at 4am when he decides he is up and ready for the day. What 2 year old does that? I have been in denial about my ever expanding belly, hips, thighs (among other things!) even going as far as to purposefully wear clothing that would simply help me look "chubby" instead of pregnant so as to avoid conversation about it. (yes this child was planned and we are very happy for he/she to join us but believe me people, talking about and going through #3 is much different than the thrill of child #1 or even #2--not bad, just different.) I just want to SCREAM at the cosmos that I have paid my 9 month "dues" with Jason and Ryan and haven't I earned the right to just be handed #3 and not have to deal with all this other CRAP? Which leads perfectly into the bargaining stage--it pretty much sounds like I'm willing to make just about any kind of deal in order to get out of the next 6 months of life! Now, depression is an interesting one. I don't really do the depression thing--unless something incredibly tragic happens, I just don't see it coming--I'm much more prone to the anger/denial/bargaining stages, they come so naturally to me-ha ha (I think that should worry me but it doesn't, I fully embrace it!). And so, last but certainly not least brings me to where I am at now, acceptance. I cannot control where we will be living in the next 2 months--here in Kingman or Las Vegas. I cannot control that I'd REALLY like to buy a house where ever it is that we land but I don't know where that is, when that will happen, not to mention the fact that settling down for the next several years in either of those 2 locations was never in my game plan. But, AGAIN, I have NO CONTROL and I am accepting that. Also, I accept the fact that I don't do my makeup everyday like I used to--I'm lucky to get in 2 days a week--Sundays and the other day I brave life outside my house to run necessary errands. I accept the fact that I only have 2 pair of pants that fit me: 1-my favorite fleece lounge pants that look more like pjs than something I should be wearing to the supermarket and 2-the pair of jeans I bought after Ryan was born that were 3 sizes too big but I refused to wear maternity pants when I was no longer pregnant--and they don't zip up anymore! I accept the fact that my house is a disaster and I'm constantly fighting to chase after my kids (especially Ryan who is the ANGEL OF DESTRUCTION) in order to maintain any semblance of organization at all. And last but not least, I accept that Scott has not eaten a hot breakfast in nearly 3 months, is living off a steady diet of apples, granola bars and slim fast shakes because the thought of getting out of bed and facing the day before 7:30am makes me want to bury my head in the ever abundant DIRT of Kingman, Arizona!

Wow--although there is so much more...I'll spare you and just say that if you hear from me, see me, get a text in the next 6 months--feel lucky because that is more than most will be able to say. I accept my non-controllable-life-as-I-know-it and simply say bring it on. I can't guarantee that I'll do anything about what comes, but I accept it nonetheless. AHHHH!

Reason for the Slacking!

2009-12-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

Twas 2 months before Christmas
and all through our house
every person was busy,
even the spouse!

Between Halloween & Thanksgiving
our schedule was crazy.
It got even worse
when Natalie started getting spacey!

Things got neglected,
traditions shoved aside.
All her family and friends could do
was shake their heads with a sigh.

An explanation was needed-
that much was clear,
and why were her clothes getting tighter this year?

Yes everybody, it's hard to believe
that nausea is the source
of my nonexistent holiday energy!

Time to kiss our relaxing summer goodbye,
since Tidwell #3 is due in July!

OK, enough of the rhyming--I'm getting a headache. I feel terrible for not posting all about our latest adventures so in the spirit of busy months past--I'll get it all down in a very massive but condensed way.

1. Jenkins family came for Thanksgiving--an old British bag who couldn't figure out how to drive on the right side of the road hit my car on the way back from the airport--nothing major just added to the "festivities" when I got out and screamed profanities at her, forgetting all about mom and dad in the front seat listening to every word. What should I say, mom taught me everything I know :)

2. Took the kids to Williams, AZ to ride the "Polar Express" train. We came, we drank hot cho, kids cheered, got bells, dreams live on, a new tradition was formed!

3. Were invited to an "ugly Christmas sweater" party. Never laughed so hard in my life--people went all out--who actually designs these things. Everything from cats wearing stocking hats, vintage "relief society president" frumpiness, wives dressing husbands in mock sweater vests and so much more. The food was great, the people were awesome and the photos will go down in history. Can't wait till next year!

4. Hit up the ward Christmas party--here it is tradition to do a Mexican potluck. Was surprisingly good since I kept it simple eating only chips, beans, and that awful but was-what-I-was-craving gas station nacho cheese sauce! Again, saw Santa--Jason was taught by his little friend that this wasn't the real Santa, just a helper while the real one finishes his presents in Paris. He now insists that Santa lives in France!

5. Headed to Vegas for an annual Christmas party--which was fabulous (thanks again Lower fam!). Scott surprised me the night before with dinner at a swanky Asian restaurant (he ate octopus--augh!) and then tickets to Phantom of the Opera. It was fantastic and I'd love love love to go again!

6. Currently cleaning house and packing for a week in Idaho--gotta have Christmas with snow right? Hope the puking subsides long enough to gorge myself on holiday goodness. Until next time, Merry Christmas everyone!

To Tax or Not To Tax???

2009-11-04T12:57:00.001-08:00

So, in checking out all my friend's & family's Halloween blogs and chatting w/other parents post trick or treat time, I found that there is a fascinating discussion about "stealing" candy from your children's buckets. SERIOUSLY, are we really having these disgussions? Several parents think that it is wrong, unjust, selfish, childish, irresponsible (and on and on and on--you get the picture). Other's (like myself) think that it is one of the perks of being a parent--especially when your 2 & 3 year olds rack in more candy at the tri-ward trunk or treat than you actually gave out to others that night! I'm talking about 4 lbs worth of tooth decaying goodness--we had to empty their buckets half way through because they were too heavy to carry. But I digress....Essentially it comes back to economics: socialist or capitalist? To tax or not to tax? I bought the costumes, the decorations, the candy to give out, the buckets to put it in, put in all the time, money & effort for the crazy holiday. You better believe I'm taxing you in the form of Baby Ruths! ok, tootsie rolls too (but not the square ones, only the long rolls--the chewy factor is different and I'm strictly a traditionalist!) I distinctly remember forking over some of the best stuff to my parents each Halloween, but those were the rules if I wanted to play the game. Let's go back to the day when parents respect their kids but are still parents--we say no, they listen, they whine--we DON'T give them what they want, they help out around the house and DON'T necessarily need an allowance to do so--they are getting food, room and board etc. Take the stinking candy, don't feel guilty, don't apologize and if your kids are anything like ours (at least for now at this age) sharing w/mom & dad is fun--especially since Jason likes the colored tootsies (AHHHGH) and not the chocolate ones--those all come to me!

A long rant, I know but chocolate makes me do and say crazy things!

Football, Family, Friends, Fall

2009-10-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Like the title shows, life couldn't be better for our little family. We've been busy the last few weeks--here's a run down:
1. Making caramel apples with friends--the missionaries dropped by and joined us for a bit (every little mormon kid's heros!) The boys couldn't stay out of the fridge--constantly checking to make sure the apples were still there. Ryan was the instigator, sticking his fingers in the caramel or picking the mini m&ms and sprinkles off. I caught him (on MORE than one occasion) running through the house with an apple in his hands, caramel and chocolate all over his face--I think he loved it more than me!

2. We headed to Utah for the Tidwell Tailgate 2009 (say that 5 times fast)! Scott's family reunion was hosted by his sister Wendy & her family in P town this year. We played at Rock Canyon Park--I had forgotten how beautiful those fall colors are in Utah. We all carved pumpkins, took family pictures in our matching BYU shirts, had a family "talent" show, decorated sugar cookies (and yes, I made Grandma's recipe so as not to shame myself for generations to come).

We hit up the bookstore and got everyone outfitted with sweatshirts for the game--Jason kept calling the little cougar on his shirt a jaguar. People were looking around like "who's kid is this?" He even managed to steal some flavored chap stick--he got hooked on Aunt Missy's-- but we caught him about 10 yard out of the store and Scott "helped" him take it back. We had a big bbq/tailgate before the game, watched the cougars flop on their own turf, but enjoyed being part of the electric atmosphere in that stadium. Even the boys loved getting bundled up and cheering for the team! After we headed to Aunt Lisa's place w/Summer & Dave & other family for a great visit and hot chocolate. Lisa brought us back some really nice gifts from her trip to China--Scott a tie, me a table runner and silk hand bag. The boys got some really cool chopsticks--Jason calls them his drumsticks and takes them EVERYWHERE--bathtub included! The boys loved getting in a little run around time before heading back to crash at our hotel. Jason's favorite part of all was the hotel breakfast--he thinks there is something special about the cereal that comes out of the plastic dispensers. He wanted to bring them home with us!

3. The Monday after we got home we headed to our great friends for a traditional Halloween dinner. She did dinner in a pumpkin and it was sooo good--just like I remembered mom making when we were kids. I made "bone" bread sticks and we ate jello out of little pumpkins. It was great. The kiddos even dressed up in their costumes for a "trial" run and LOVED it. We can't wait for the real deal--such an easy way for mom and dad to rack in some great treats--all because their kids are cute :)

Scott's pumpkin from the reunion!

YOU BLOCKHEAD!

2009-10-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today was a milestone. Today I became my parents! Today I bought my children a movie that I grew up with, hoping they would love it as much as me. I felt like a cheap salesman, talking Jason into picking Charlie Brown and The Great Pumpkin instead of some pixar film he wanted. But, just like my parents, today was a victory. HE LOVES IT! We have been listening to the Peanuts theme song nonstop for almost 24 hours, the kid is obsessed and that makes me so very happy! I want my kids to grow up with the old Disney's and other cartoons that I had. There is something classic and nostalgic about them. And so today, The Great Pumpkin is alive and well. In the words of my favorite little Peanut, Happy Halloween You BlockHead!

Ode To Grandma, Frosting & Halloween!

2009-10-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

Some of the greatest recipes I have I owe to my Grandmothers! Every once in a while I get this crazy thought in my head to stray from the tried and true! I did just that when making sugar cookies for the kiddos to decorate while the menfolk were at the priesthood session of General Conference. Actually, I attribute the insane moment of straying to a great coupon and needing to save a little time. I ended up BUYING sugar cookie dough from the store instead of making Grandma Ahlstrom's infamous cream cookies. I know, I know, I can hear generations of Ahlstrom women screaming at me in shame. "Garbage, filth, refuse..." like the crazy bag lady from Princess Bride! Let me tell you, lesson learned--never again will I buy cookie dough. IT WAS AWFUL! Not only did it taste like poo--you know that is the truth when even your "sugar-running-through-his-veins" 3 year old won't eat the cookies right? But they didn't roll out like they should have, got all gummy and stuck to my counters. Ended up having to use waxed paper to bake them on cuz I couldn't transfer them to a cookie sheet without everything falling to a mushy, sticky mess. I pretty much hate you Pil****ury company sugar cookies! Regardless, my friends frosting and our combined candy corn, tons of sprinkles and noninvasive mothering helped the kids have a great time anyway. We topped it off with a little pizza and oreo cookie ice cream. Come on, are you surprised--you know I do dessert first! HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE. It is fall and I'm loving it! and ps. grams i'm sooo sorry, i'll never do your recipes injustice again--promise!

Enjoying some halloween pjs from Grammy Jean

Loving sweater weather

Last Day of Summer

2009-10-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we headed to Lake Havasu where Scott had a work meeting. When we left Kingman it was 91 degrees at noon, when we arrived in Havasu it was 106--the joy that is Arizona weather. The boys and I "hung out" at Michael's Craft Store (can you guess who that was for:)? I had a great time doing a little shopping and then we met up with Scott after for some water adventures. There is a great movie theater/shopping complex with a fun kiddie fountain & play area. The boys were a little hesitant at first but after about 5 minutes they were soaked and loving it. Good timing too since we woke up this morning and it was 67 in our house. Jason put on jeans, a turtle neck, a hooded sweatshirt and still told me it was "chilly". My poor boys who have never known anything other than Las Vegas & Kingman, AZ weather. However, it has changed and I'm sooo ready for fall, hot chocolate & sweaters. Yehaw!

Did I really just do that?

2009-09-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I have had quite the enlightening experience living here in Kingman! Most of the time things happen that make me laugh till I cry, once in a while I've simply cried, well this last weekend--I coughed! Cough you say? That's right people-our little family went to a drag race! We saw the downtown streets all blocked off and were curious enough about all the old cars that we headed on in for a look. Turns out Kingman hosts an annual drag race, tire burn-out competition and massive car show. I sat in those bleachers watching muscle cars burn rubber on the road in front of us pondering the conundrum that is "wife-beater" tank tops, daisy dukes, mullets and cold beverages. I would panic slightly and wonder if you take the girl out of Kingman, will you ever be able to take Kingman out of the girl? Much to my surprise--and chagrin--I actually enjoyed myself. The custom built cars that they raced were pretty impressive and the boys (all three of them:) loved every minute. Scott kept me happy with snow cones and kettle corn! All in all it was a fun afternoon--don't worry I won't be headed to see anything Nascar related and I do still have a full head of teeth! but I enjoyed the old cars a lot (made me feel like I was the star in CARS sitting in my own little Radiator Springs city. I did find myself wanting to go home and listen to some opera just in case I needed to balance out the "culture" levels in my life :) As always, Kingman continues to ewww and ahhh me--in good ways--but if any of you send me tickets to La Boheme I won't argue with that either!

Welcome Fall!

2009-09-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

"You can travel fifty thousand miles in America without once tasting a piece of good bread." Henry Miller

I once shared your perspective Henry. There was a three month period in my life where I lived to walk the streets of Ecuador with fresh, warm bread in one hand, fresh fruit in another, and the thought in my head "how can I go back to the States and leave this culinary perfection behind?" And yet, home I went and a baker I became! Oh Henry, to have lived so long but not long enough to try this moist, spice-filled bit of heaven! Close your eyes, open your mouth, taste the nutmeg, cinnamon, clove--usher in the fall season. It is almost impossible to imagine eating this delectable, savory pumpkin manna without a fireplace, sweater, good book and some rich, creamy hot cocoa--falling leaves outside the front window would simply be a bonus.

Food is life, it is love, I am inadequate at describing it and without it I would be empty. Welcome fall, welcome crisp mornings and evenings filled with pumpkin bread!

*I started an all-things-food-related blog--I post recipes, tips, projects etc on there if anyone is interested :) Just visit An Edible Life!

Game Day Fun

2009-09-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

(yes another football post!) get used to it people, it is that time of year :) Saturday we hung out with our good friends eating some fantastic food, watching BYU smoke Tulane and letting the kids pretty much run wild for a solid 4 hours. Every parents dream right? I can still taste the mozzerella sticks, wings, brownies, chips n' dip--totally all fat free--ha ha! Just thought I'd include a few photos to document the day. Enjoy!

Jason sporting Uncle BJ's hat that got left here during his visit. I know I'm biased but that is one cute kid!

Ryan taking a half time break--don't ask me why behind the sofa. The kid has a mind of his own!

Nothing special about this one except to show you that Scott has TV envy and I wouldn't be surprised if one of those 52" beasts found it's way to our house by Thanksgiving!

Jason with his friends Gracie and Emily--two of the cutest girls we know!

Short story: Ryan has a knack for finding the one potential mess in a thirty mile radius that you don't want him to find. This time it was a partially empty kiddie pool. Of course he jumped in fully clothed during the 1st quarter. Sooo what is a mom to do (when she refuses to miss the game to take care of her nutty 2 year old)? She strips him down, lays his clothes out in the sun and lets him "air" dry. I don't think he minded do you?

Ryan is 2!

2009-09-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ryan turned two. It is fun celebrating milestones with your children. I think I tend to get more excited than they do--at least at this age. The day was spent at the park for play group, shopping the "case lot sale" at Smiths, decorating cupcakes, opening presents, cleaning up from cupcakes and reading stories (thanks to the GREAT gifts from Grandma Judy!)

And now, a moment for the traditional birthday blog reminiscing....

Ryan was born at 7:19 pm in Las Vegas. I was only in labor for about 8 hours (I say only because it was 26 with Jason--blah!) My water broke just as we were walking out the door to head to the hospital--some say it is just a little trickle, but not me. We're talking Niagara Falls bursting! Then after a few short hours, he was here. Even while pregnant I could tell he was going to be very different from his brother--always calm, not a ton of movement--as opposed to Jason who was nuts--when I would go for ultrasounds they always asked if I had been shooting up caffeine! Ryan is my snuggler--he is often content to just sit on my lap, read stories, give his stuffed animals hugs etc. But he turns on a dime and can be the most adventurous, rambunctious, "no-fear", STUBBORN child I have ever crossed paths with. We love Ryan and the "diversity" he brings to our family :) Glad he is here!

DIY & other things!

2009-09-03T08:50:00.001-07:00

Just as a quick preface, I fully recognize my football background as being completely over the top however, I just couldn't help myself! This week was a fun one. We are trying to be more "active" as a family. That is a nice way for saying I'm gaining weight because of all the baking I do and when a handicapped boy at church asked me when I was due, I decided something needed to be done! Sooo....I got new running shoes for my bday and Scott got a tennis racket and soccer ball for his--we have been outdoors much more! We are terrible tennis players but that suites our purpose since we spend most of our time chasing the balls around the court--makes for some great cardio! The boys love it and I am sore in places where I didn't realize muscles existed. Jason was my little worker elf one afternoon as I refinished a set of dressers for the boys room. Ryan managed to completely destroy the cheap hand-me-down they had so it was time for something a little more "sturdy". Jason was given a stern lecture about where paint does and does not belong. He did pretty well for a three year old boy in mess heaven. He was sooo excited when Scott came home from work and he could show him what he did. We even found some great sports wall stickers that he put everywhere. Finally, a very "boy" bedroom for the kiddos! Last but not least, my favorite part of the week: when I was little I had a Sesame Street book featuring the blue little monster Grover. It was called "Monster at the End of the Book" and is all about Grover being afraid of the monster. He nails pages together, tries to tie the book closed, builds brick walls etc only to have the reader continually turning pages. Finally he throws his hands in the air and screams "YOU TURNED ANOTHER PAGE". I LOVED it and my mother, being the wonderfully inspired woman that she is, gave the same book to the boys last time she was here. Jason enjoys it too, usually it is the first book chosen for story time and it is generally read more than once. The other day I peeked in Ryan's room where he is notorious for hiding out and playing for hours at a time. There he was, flipping pages in this infamous book. He gets to the page where Grover becomes frustrated and suddenly Ryan throws his hands in the air, face turns beet red and he screams "THE PAGE" which as the afternoon wears on evolves into "OH NO, THE PAGE". He has been obsessed ever since. He lays in his bed at night and we can hear him muttering "oh no, the page" for at least a half hour. I finally caught it on camera--for posterity's sake :) enjoy!

A Time For Miracles

2009-09-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how another's struggle hits so close to home. Yesterday we found out that our friend's baby girl was born 3 months early. She was only a little under 2 lbs and was air evacuated to Phoenix right after birth. Little Sharon's parents are inspiringly optimistic. I know they are strangers to you but prayers are appreciated from any source right now and I sometimes think they are heard best when offered unselfishly on someone elses behalf. You are welcome to get to know them and follow their story: Ammon and Caitlin. As a mother I can't imagine many worse case scenarios. As a faith-filled believer in Christ I can't imagine a better opportunity to pray and believe in miracles!

"millions of peaches, peaches for me..."

2009-08-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

I think I'm dating myself with that title! Anywhoooo, I finished bottling my first set of peaches yesterday. I did the whole messy process:

1. Buy peaches & let them ripen because I live in Kingman where fresh, ripe, tasty produce is a foreign concept!
2. Blanch the little buggers, peel the skins off, slice and pit them--not so easily done when the peaches are a little on UNRIPE inside. Several turned to mush as I twisted and squeezed to get them open since they didn't want to let go of that stupid pit!
3. Pack them in warm sterile mason jars, fill with syrup water, wipe clean, put lids on & start up the ole steam caner (actually it is brand new, works like a charm and is tons faster to heat up than a water bath--LOVE it, thanks mom!)
4. 36 min later VOILA I have bottled peaches, a sticky kitchen floor, huge mess of skins and pits ALL OVER THE COUNTER--and thanks to Ryan all over my floor--and a vow to NEVER EVER EVER do this again!
5. Wake up this morning, realize all the lids sealed correctly and feel a little proud. Decide it wasn't THAT bad (like having a baby right?) and that I need to follow the prophets council on provident living, stop being a baby and find myself at the store buying more peaches so that I can repeat steps 1-5 tomorrow.

How ridiculous is that!

Go by Boat, by Plane, by Car...

2009-08-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been busy ones. First we headed to Utah making a quick stop to visit Scott's sister Wendy and her fam. They just bought an amazing house up in the hills east of Provo--amazing views of the valley! Then we drove north and hit up the Salt Lake County Fair. The boys loved the rides, I loved the food (you know me!) and Ryan did some serious bonding with the 4H sheep (lots of slobbery kisses :) After the fair, on to the Ahlstrom family reunion. Some of you may know that I have a rather LARGE family on my mother's side--large meaning mom had 10 kids in her family. Those 10 kids had 60 grand kids and about 2/3 of them are now married with over 80 great grand kids. Sooo needless to say we always have 100+ people at these things and it is always fantastic. You would think it would be hard to keep in touch and truly get to know everyone in a family that large but each time we get together it feels like time hasn't passed at all. Sure there are a few more kids or new people who have gotten married but we are a tight-knit family who LOVES spending time together. This year we all stayed at the same hotel, had swim parties, went to a water park, mini-golfed, did mass dinners together, had a major dance party--all around a ton of fun.

After that, my brother Bryan--who just got back from his mission in Houston, came back to hang out in good ole' Kingman for a few days. We took him to the beach in Havasu, ate some great food, had some serious movie marathons, and even dragged him to play group Wednesday morning. He was a good sport--he brought along his golf clubs and a few balls and taught the kids "proper" technique. The moms all thought he should come more often--we loved the free entertainment! You can visit anytime brother.

It is great spending time with family--sometimes it is a pretty big sacrifice of time and money but each time we get together it is completely worth it. Love you all, you can visit us anytime!

Life changing event!

2009-08-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

It is drawing closer, I can sense it--I can sense it the way you can sense someone watching you from behind. Each day I grow more anxious. I can feel the knots in my stomach moving closer to the base of my throat and I swallow loudly, even now, hoping to suppress the growing tightness in my chest. This time of year, late summer, always brings on this antsy, itch-I-can't-scratch, time is dragging on, sort of feeling. What might be the cause of this unusual behavior?

It is almost COLLEGE FOOTBALL TIME! It is that time of year when it is ok for grown men to cry and sweet old ladies to punch the lady next to them for wearing the wrong color or cheering for the wrong team. You may think I'm crazy--one too many sleepless nights, a few too many chocolate brownies for breakfast. But let's be honest, who can ignore the feeling you get watching throngs of excited fans walk into a college stadium during a fall afternoon. The best is when the sun is just beginning to lower in the sky and the autumn leaves are shinning in the dull light. The air is crisp and so electric that the hair on your arms stand up, you almost can't help but run to your seat--even though you are an hour early--because you just can't wait to see the green of the field. The smell of grilling burgers hangs sweet and heavy in the late afternoon air and you feel the swell of pride as the band beats out your fight song. Complete strangers stand in unison, chanting as your team screams confidently out of the tunnel. It is a religious experience.

I've teared up a few times when the fight song is sung or an incredible, unbelievable, almost impossible catch is made. The best is watching the shear, uninhabited joy that grown men get from seeing messes of pads and helmets crunch together with jarring force. There is something to be said of the effort athletes give to their craft, the sacrifice, energy and soul with which they work and the simple pleasure derived from doing it well. Kids rightfully worship 19-25 year olds like they were war heroes and to those kids, watching those men exert every once of strength left on that field of battle, they are! College football is every metaphor, every cliche, every emotion, every everything. If you have never been to a game, a college football game played not for money or endorsements but for the sheer glory of the fight--REPENT NOW--go, cheer, let loose, eat great food, be inspired, learn to truly feel. It is an experience all it's own!

You can sense it can't you...it is coming and you will never be the same again!

My Big Little Boy

2009-07-27T10:37:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, Ryan has decided to crank up his charm lately and not sleep through the night. About 2 months ago he realized he could climb out of his crib and refused to stay in it. We first realized this when I woke up one morning and the fridge door was open, the ketchup, soy sauce and an open Yoplait were sitting in the middle of the floor. He started waking up around 4am and just didn't want to sleep anymore. He would come in my room, I would take him back. He would come in again, I would change his diaper and take him back. He would come in AGAIN, I would get him a drink or food, some Benedryl and take him back. By the time this process was done it was 5:30 and he wasn't going to go back to sleep. We would both end up falling asleep to Baby Einstein around 6:45am. MISERABLE! I was trouble shooting everything from teething to hunger trying to figure out why he wouldn't sleep through the night. I tried being nice and rocking him to sleep, reading him a story, singing songs. When that didn't work, I was a little mean and "painted his back porch red" a few times. Nothing worked. The kid is as stubborn as can be--seriously--Scott and I have never seen anything like him before. Right as I was about ready to throw in the towel, declare I was never having anymore children, and was going to camp out on his floor just to keep him in line, we had a break through. Actually Grandma Judy came to our rescue. She told us how my little brother David used to constantly climb out of bed and they could never keep him in his room. Finally they tied his door closed (there wasn't a lock on it so they just tied it from the outside to the bathroom door across the hall.) She said it was rough for the first little while--they would find him asleep on the floor by the bottom of his door--having cried himself to sleep. Sooo, we started locking Ryan in his room. I put the monitor in there, locked the door after he fell asleep and let fate happen. We would find him playing with his toys at 6 am (probably had been awake for hours but at least he wasn't wandering the house by himself in the middle of the night). Then 3 nights ago I go to check on him before we went to bed and he was nowhere to be found. Not in his crib, not playing with his toys--NOWHERE! I FREAKED out for about 5 seconds, ready to check the window to see if someone had broke in and then Scott starts laughing. He had opened the sliding closet doors and there was Ryan, fast asleep on the floor INSIDE HIS CLOSET. The next day I took his crib apart and turned it into a toddler bed. What was the point of a crib when he wouldn't use it. "Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles" he sleeps through the night now. Apparently he just couldn't get back in after climbing out and that's why he would stay awake. Now he hops right in bed, goes to sleep and I don't hear a peep until 6:45am--even then he is totally content playing with his toys until Scott checks on him before heading to work. (we keep the door locked still just in case).

Moral of the story, when dealing with a STUBBORN boy who won't stay in his crib, do the exact opposite of what logically should work. Take away the crib and suddenly he wants to sleep. AHHHH!

Summer Days...

2009-07-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

My cousin just had a new baby and was writing about all "those" adventures. Her positive, grateful nature reminded me of a favorite quote. It is something I have always struggled with and am happy for the gentle nudges I get in this direction.

“The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.”

Playing Catch Up!

2009-07-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

We have had a few REALLY busy weeks so I'll summarize my favorite way...
1. Went to Beaver, UT for 4th of July.

2. Camped with friends for the weekend & LOVED it!
3. Tried to keep Ryan from eating anything wilderness related--he did manage to lick the grill of our friend's car. Don't ask me why he does this, we have no idea!
4. Ate, played games, went golfing, fished, made smores and lots of memories (Jason was stung by his first bee--he refuses to watch the "B" movie ever again and now refers to bees as "naughty guys"!
5. Scott went back to Kingman and the boys and I drove to Idaho to see my brother BJ get home from his mission last Wednesday.

6. Hugged & cried at the airport--he looks 2 inches taller and even skinnier (not possible right?)
7. Ate TONS of good food, went boating, swimming, shopping, even hit up Snow Shack (can't believe they don't have those in Vegas and AZ...what's the deal people?)

8. Visited Grammy Jean & Big Papa (Scott's parents)
9. Had an open house for BJ Saturday night--chatted with people I haven't seen in years--again, more good treats!
10. Played the piano so Missy could sing in church Sunday. BJ gave a great report. Ate the traditional mashed potatoes, gravy & roast beef for dinner & then drove to Provo w/Dave to crash at his place on our way back to AZ.
11. Kid-proofed Dave's apt in lightening speed--my kids make fast work out of destroying people's homes. Ryan's new & well deserved nickname is STEALTH. Gotta love that mental picture!
12. Visited Auntie Wendy & the new house Monday morning on our way out of town. The lady has a walk in refrigerater in the basement--oh how I COVET!!! Drove the rest of the way home & love having a bigger car to travel in, don't know how people make long trips without a dvd player, Ipod and chicken nuggets!
13. Gave Scott big hugs when we arrived (house was totally clean, laundry done, dishes put away :)I was so very impressed. Sooo happy to be in my own house again where I don't have to constantly chase Ryan around making sure he isn't licking the wrong thing, chewing up valuables, pounding on the baby grand etc. He keeps me on my toes!
14. Just really grateful for friends, family and all our great blessings lately. We have it pretty good.
15. Well done BJ--can't wait to hang out some more!

One of these things is not like the other...

2009-06-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

So what do these three pictures have in common? Well...my husband Scott is actually the key factor. You see, we've been craving sea food and seeing how we live in the middle of the DESERT, Joe's Crab Shack was about as good as we could find. We had never been before but COME ON, crab is good no matter what right? We go to order appetizers and he insists on calamari--I'm not a fan, ever since dad tried to tell me "it's just an onion ring, try it" when we were in Spain, I've never liked the chewy little buggers. The meal was delish! Crab galor: crab cakes, hot cheesy crab dip, crab legs, coconut shrimp...mmmmm good! We get home around 8pm and by midnight Scott is kissing the porcelain! That's right people, the calamari that I REFUSED to eat gave him food poisoning and he has been miserable for at least the past 12 hours.

Is it twisted that I want to call up Joe's and demand a gift certificate instead of a refund (Scott would never go again but I loved my food--might as well get more right?)

The moral of this story is not to avoid sea food or Joe's Crab Shack, JUST DON'T EAT CALAMARI! Hello, yuck!

My Nose Knows

2009-06-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning expecting our typical 90 degree weather but something was different. I opened the front door to walk Scott to the car, took a deep breath of cool, WET air and did a little jig in our driveway! The scents that hit my nose were vaguely familiar--a little dust, wet pavement, a damp musky blend that left me euphoric. You see, we don't get rain here--EVER--and this morning I opened all the windows wide as I could, inviting this welcomed smell to permeate the house and stick around as long as it pleases. And now I sit here, wishing I could capture the plinking sound of the tiny drops I hear tapping on my tiled roof, the water running down the rain gutters. It is refreshing and invigoratingly unique for us. Even Jason knew something was different as he crawled up on the couch watching and listening as our dusty little town is being given a much needed shower! I love the smell of rain!

Christmas in May???

2009-05-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard (I hadn't) there is a new Christmas movie coming out in November--Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It is created similar to Polar Express (has the same director)--and you all know what a huge Polar Express fan I am. Jason would watch it year round if I didn't show a little restraint. Back to Dickens--Jim Carrey plays Scrooge and many other characters the same way Tom Hanks played the conductor etc.

Sooo, Disney is hosting a "train tour" to advertise for the movie. It was totally free--here's a link to the tour web page (you'll probably have to copy/paste) http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/ They are stopping in OGDEN on June 16!

My friend Morgan knew about it, invited me and the boys and we headed out for an all day Christmas adventure--just what we needed in the middle of our 90 degree weather! The tour stop was in Williams, AZ at their Grand Canyon train depot which was completely decked out for Christmas--carolers, wreaths, big red bows--the whole shebang!

We got to tour a train that they had turned into a "rolling museum" all about how the movie was created with movie clips, costumes, figurines, scale model buildings etc. We even got to take our pictures and then morph them onto pictures of the characters (put our faces in place of the characters). Disney is having them printed and will email you when done so that you can pick them up at any Walmart! After the tour we headed on an actual 40 min. train ride. The kids were in heaven! We went up into the mountain--pine trees and all--we even saw deer. The conductor came around and took pictures with the kids. They let everyone roam around the train during the ride, we even could walk out the back door onto the platform and watch the tracks zoom behind us. Last they had a mini-theater set up in a hotel meeting room next door to the depot. The kids all got 3D glasses and watched a 15 min. intro & trailer for the movie. It looks like it will be great. We can't wait.

We wrapped everything up by letting the kids play under the fake snow machine--actually we moms realized it was just blowing clumps of suds into the air but the kids thought it was snow (it was meant to be snow) and so they all got their Christmas in May. Now I just need a cup of Stephen's Hot Chocolate (mint truffle please) and I'll be all ready to wait up for Santa and open presents in the morning.

Merry Christmas Everybody

Wedding Weekend Photos

2009-05-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos to document the weekend. There were so many I wanted to show--hope the collage style works out!

FAMILY & FRIENDS

AT THE TEMPLE

OTHER IDAHO FUN

Every Party Has A Pooper...

2009-05-26T08:08:00.001-07:00

This last week was an amazing one...my brother David was married on Thursday in the Timp Temple. It was such a fantastic weekend with family and friends, especially those we hadn't seen for so long. It was wonderful meeting Summer's family and learning first hand how uniquely talented & fantastic they are. Here are the order of events (since you don't want me to write them all down in paragraph format--trust me!)

1. Wednesday: mad rush to make our flight in Las Vegas to SLC--Scott forgot his wallet & phone in the car, had our ride turn around and bring it back to the airport (thanks Whitney). Got to our gate just in time to take Jason potty and board. Big sigh of relief!
2. Wednesday night: went to a prewedding dinner in American Fork--absolutely delicious. My cousins Steph & Noah watched the boys (found out Jason & Ryan knew how to operate the microwaves in the hotel room after Jason melted several plastic cups--they unplugged the machines until we got home!)
3. Wednesday LATE night: Dave sticks his keys, wallet & cell phone in the microwave thinking it is a safe hiding spot from the boys. We hear a ding and YES--Jason has officially fried Dave's phone, Summers key less entry clicker (which shorted the alarm on her car so that we couldn't get in without it screaming at us for HOURS--the car wouldn't start either.) This all resulted in various people working on it for hours before the wedding and a few after trying to turn off the alarm/start the car so the happy couple could actually get from place to place. Papa Jenkins finally figured it out, got it running and us on the road after the wedding. WHAT A DAY! (thanks Jason--this will be the wedding story remembered for years--everyone has one!)
4. WEDDING DAY: Thursday Dave & Summer were married by President Samuelson. It was a very spiritual and fulfilling afternoon. A few of us met for lunch at Little America afterward, Dave pulls out his wallet and sees that a few credit cards & his student ID have sever burn marks on them--now totally useless due to the previous night's microwave incident (we got a good laugh) as I shook my head and apologized for my child's behavior YET AGAIN FOR THE 2,000 TIME THAT TRIP) and then hit the road to Idaho. We got in around 11pm. I was just happy for a little sisterly bonding time in Lisa's car. At least Ryan (the only boy with us 3 sisters) didn't spoil the girl talk!
5. Spent lots of great time with Big Papa & Grammy Jean (Scott's parents) and the rest of the Tidwell clan. Jason got to ride four wheelers and the lawn mower with Big Papa. We had a family dinner at Scott's sister's house and it was great seeing everyone!
6. We went wake boarding with my fam on Friday (I know, I know--I watched, Lisa & Dad wake boarded but I still consider it participating lifting the orange flag when they wipe out!) We followed up with a BBQ and fire in the backyard--wrapping up the night roasting marshmallows and waiting up for the Judd's to roll into town.
7. Reception was Saturday night: absolutely beautiful, tasty food, lots of hugs and catching up with friends & family. We ended with some serious dancing by Judy Booty and then my Aunt Barb had an encore to Dancing Queen! They've still got it--if only someone had recorded it!
8. We finished the weekend with a last minute game of knock knock at my house, eating the traditional peanuts & M&M's. Myrna took us to the airport, we had plenty of time--you gotta love the non busy Boise airport! We flew home, got compliments on how "good" the boys were (hallelujah), were picked up by our great friend Phil and then headed to Kingman.

Needless to say we are tired, already miss the Idaho, it's green landscape & beautiful farmland and our families, can't wait to go back, inspired to do better in life and just all-around-love-everybody (I think that is the Claritin & lack of sleep talking). There are photos to come--you'll just have to endure them cuz there are lots! :) Love you SUMMER & DAVE!

Nothing like a new puppy?

2009-05-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

Well...we didn't really get a puppy--but we did potty train Jason and I figure that is pretty much the same thing. He scratches at the door, whines, waggles his tail and I come running to open the door, let him out, and then check to make sure the deed is done. The first day was nuts--urine EVERYWHERE! So I gave up, took a 5 day sabbatical for sanity sake and when he started begging to have his big boy undies back we tried again. It totally clicked and has been a breeze ever since. Only one accident to speak of and that was because we were at the park and he was completely distracted--probably my fault. Oh well.

As for the last several weeks--we've had lots of visitors, which we love getting out here in nowhereville. First my parents & mimi came for a visit followed by Scott's parents. The kiddos were spoiled rotten, especially Jason with pre & post birthday surprises. We hit up lots of cool touristy things, especially the Grand Canyon and had a great time!

Last item--I met BJ's mission president's daughter. She lives here in Kingman with her husband and almost 2 year old little boy. What a small world. Ashley was kind enough to invite us over for a Cafe Rio dinner (pulled pork, lime rice & the works!) She headed out to Houston to visit her mom & dad and took some treats to BJ for me. Nice to have door to door service for that stuff sometimes.

Riverboat ride in Bullhead city

Papa and his shadow

Keepers of the WilD (wildlife refuge)

Grandpa's idea of babysitting (animal cage at the refuge)

Hualapai Mtn Park

Old Route 66

Lake Havasu Paddle Boat

Lake Havasu

Birthday shoes from Grammy Jean

Freezing at the Grand Canyon

more Grand Canyon

Riding a train at Ashley's house

B-day Photos

2009-04-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Jason had quite the birthday "weekend". That's right folks, as it worked out, he played with friends, opened presents and celebrated the day of his arrival from Friday evening until Monday night. Actually, there are still left over balloons floating around the house so technically, he still things life is one big party. Coming down off the sugar high is going to be FANTASTIC!

This year Jason got to decorate his own cake :-)
Ryan enjoying the festivities
Jason & his "best fwend" Garrett

2 of the cutest girls we know-Scott limits my exposure because I always leave our friend's house googly eyed wanting a baby girl!

Jason riding his new scooter.

birthday ice cream sundae from IHOP. He wanted bacon, pancakes & eggs and wound up with this as a bonus.

A mood for memories...

2009-04-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

It is late – too late and I find myself in the mood for remembering. It is timely and I’m able to focus my mind on a few memories in particular. Today was Jason’s birthday and the writer in me screams DOCUMENT IT! The mother wants to go to bed and clean up the large jar of spilled sprinkles, melted ice cream and chocolate frosting tomorrow. But tonight my mind wins and it is a good thing because I’ve never written down his entire story. I feel guilty.

It took a while to get pregnant with Jason. I think the Lord was helping me not take him for granted. I needed to struggle a little in order to appreciate what a blessing he would be. I was ravenously hungry all the time—as in, I gained 57lbs type of hungry! What a mental game that was for a girl with a great metabolism who wasn’t used to EVER eating breakfast. I didn’t experience much nausea and thought I was pretty lucky as pregnancies go. Until I hit month 6, had uncontrollable heart burn every night from 5pm on and pretty much puked my way through the last 4 months. Finally I woke up on April 19th around 2am with contractions and there was no apprehension at all. I couldn’t fall back asleep. I kept thinking of all the things I could do to get him here faster. I paced the halls, ran up and down the stairs, did jumping jacks and then tired out around 5am where Scott found me with a heating pad on my back, dozing in the rocker in Jason’s soon-to-be nursery. We headed to the hospital around noon where things were slow but at least we were there. 1am hit, I started pushing and then suddenly was being told to stop, hold still, lay back down, don’t even cough because the doctor was stuck in 2 emergency c-sections and I was going to have to wait. The only conversation I remember from the entire hospital experience occurred right at that moment. Scott: to the nurse “Are you kidding?” Natalie: totally glaring and ready to lose it “I just really need you to be positive right now. Be quiet.” And that was that. The lights went back off. He proceeded with his portable dvd of something manly which I don’t recall, and I sucked deep breathes through my oxygen mask and tried not to hyperventilate from claustrophobia (as it happens I don’t like things covering my face so the mask made for an interesting 10 hours). My epidural was wearing out but as luck would have it, the anesthesiologist was with the doctor so I was stuck.

Two and a half hours later the good doc rushes in, asks if we’re ready to have this baby (yes, I bit my tongue--after 26 hours of labor I was a little too tired to get feisty with the man who would be offering relief!) and about five minutes after that, there was Jason. I kept hollering for Scott to grab my glasses because I couldn’t see what he looked like. But everyone kept saying how “healthy” he was (8lbs 14oz, 21 1/2” long). And as the chaos of birth died down I was able to take a non-masked breath and be grateful that our lives had suddenly changed forever and I loved it. For a moment time stood still and everything was just a little clearer—at least for the three of us in that room at 4:19am.

Jason loves to laugh. I can never get enough of that sound. He is all boy, 100%, especially when it comes to sports. No one ever taught him about balls, cars, rocks or mud. He is ingrained with some male affinity for all things “manly” (except for his fear of instability i.e. swings, being swung, jumping on trampoline’s etc then he totally screams like a girl!) Jason loves to help me cook and I hope it is something I can pass on to him. Anytime he sees me getting out ingredients he scoots his chair up to the counter wanting to “mix with you”. The minute Ryan was born Jason became his father’s son. He and Scott were bonded for life. They go golfing together and one of his first full phrases was “dad, you’re my best friend,” enough to make any grown man melt into goo. Jason has piercing blue eyes. He is smart and intuitive beyond his age. Sometimes I wonder if he was placed here to help me grow up and teach me lessons. He wipes tears from my cheeks and says, “Mom, why are you sad? Don’t cry.” He is sassy, stubborn and knows his own mind (quite the combo for a three year old). He loves his brother and I find him telling Ryan how cute he is, good job, and clapping for him. And no matter how old he gets I think I’ll always be able to remember the feeling of the first outfit I dressed him in as we packed up to come home from the hospital. It had chunky baby blue stripes and was oh so soft—not like fleece but like shaggy, thick carpet that you squish your toes in. And I remember the way he smelled and how light he felt when I held him. I know someday he’ll be taller than me and smarter than me and all the things I never was. But hopefully, somewhere deep down he remembers what it was like to be wrapped in thick, squishy blue softness and be held oh so tight and know that everything is right in the world.

And now I know that no matter how much time goes by, I think I’ll always be in the mood for remembering if I have memories like these.

Alice in Wonderland...

2009-04-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

I had been wondering for days where to start and Lewis Carroll said it much better than I could. "Start at the beginning...and go till you come to the end; then stop!" Sooo I'll start at the beginning and stop when I'm done--this could be a long one!
Riding in the airborn tram from one end of the zoo to the other--walking was no longer desired :)
my "monkey" Jason and his friend Isaac hanging out at the gorilla exhibit
This is as close as we got to this beautiful temple. We were told ever since prop 8 took place, the church has had to lock the gates after hours and on Sunday/Monday when no one is there--too much vandalism risk. So sad!
Seaport Village is a great little place downtown to grab food, shop, see the harbor, visit a fantastic fudge shop, let the kids play etc.
I love this photo. This is taken at Balboa Park--some amazing Spanish & Mexican architecture, beautiful gardens, museums, fountains. So much fun to get away from the masses and take in a little culture.

Just another example of the amazing buildings there. They were all completed around 1918. That sounds to recent to reflect the design--I kept expecting to hear 1600's based on how ornate they were but had to remember, we haven't been around that long!
Kate, Isaac & Jason "Everybody was KungFo Fighting..."

I can never get enought of the huge whales. I'm am always blown away at their size and then how close they let us get, especially the trainers during the shows.
Completely describes Ryan's experience last weekend--he got sick and spent the "fun" four days conked out in his stroller.

We've had a busy few weeks. Chocolate Apron Catering just finished our latest wedding reception in Las Vegas. It was fantastic--brown and ivory with pink flowers everywhere, my favorite were the dogwood and cherry blossoms! The bride chose a "vintage romance" type theme and everything was very antique french; mini cream puffs, tarts, chocolate dipped shortbread cookies, gourmet cheeses, grapes, crostini etc. We did a pretty great job if I do say so myself.

Next, the Jenkins family met us in Vegas and then drove with us too Kingman to stay for several days. They had quite the driving experience--drove from Idaho to Utah, went to the temple with Summer (Dave's fiance)on Friday, drove to Saint George to stay the night, found out it was spring break and everything was booked, ended up sleeping in the truck for about 5 restless, long hours and then drove on to Vegas. We couldn't figure out why they had arrived at 7 am until we heard the whole story. The boys had a blast playing with their Papa, getting spoiled by Grandma and teased and tickled by Aunt Mimi (Missy). We visited every touristy place Kingman had to offer and then hit up the boat rides in Bullhead and the Keepers of the Wild (a wild life refuge full of tigers, lions, wolves and much more). Jason had some great lines during their stay but my favorite was when I was changing Ryan's diaper so we could head to the store because there was only ONE diaper left--the one I was putting on him (the vicious diaper cycle)and Ryan chose that opportune moment to URINATE all over the family room floor. Mom and I froze, not wanting to waste the last diaper and in total shock we simply stared at the stream. Jason watched the liquid rainbow flow through the air and then ran to my dad yelling "Papa, Papa, Ryan peeped. He peeped on the carpet, look!" We officially have adopted the word peeped now for all things bathroom related!

They hit the road Thursday and on Friday we jetted off for a weekend in SAN DIEGO. We met up with some great Vegas friends and one of Scott's brothers and his family, went to the zoo and Sea World and loved every minute. The kids couldn't get enough of the animals, shows, rides and friends and I loved all the great park treats. In the words of one of my favorite romantic comedies, "I only come for the food." We had a nice sit down dinner with our friends one evening, right on the San Diego harbor, and stuffed ourselves on fresh Ahi, Halibut, Lobster and Crab. It couldn't get much better than that. Each night when we would crash, absolutely exhausted, we would marvel at how our parents had so much energy and how they hid it so well, always taking our families for fun outings, vacations, sporting events etc. Scott reminisced about riding in the back seat with his two brothers, who forced him to lay on the floor boards, putting their feet on him, while they sprawled out on the seat (you boys know who you are :) Our kids don't realize how lucky they are riding around in the Pilot with their dvd player and cushy car seats! We watched the California sunset as we drove home Monday night and felt very blessed to be able to afford such a nice memory. While unpacking the car at 10pm I just kept thinking I need a vacation from our vacation!

And now that all this is over and done with, we just have to get through Scott's parent's visit, Jason's birthday, my brother's wedding and anything else we might be crazy enough to attempt--did I mention it is strawberry season and I need to make jam and you can't have fresh jam without baking homemade bread right? I am nuts. What was I thinking, I AM NOT one of those crazy multi tasking super women that I see all the time (Tina Upson:). I think I'll just go eat the rest of my strawberry shortcake from last night and drink some hot chocolate and call it a day :)

Springbreak Kingman Style

2009-03-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a spur of the moment day trip to Lake Havasu--about an hour away from us. We loaded up the kiddies and hit the road not realizing that yes, LUCKY US, it was "spring break" season at the lake. We obviously aren't locals yet and had no way of knowing that we would be surrounded by booze hounding, radio blasting, no-clothes-wearing, speed boating college students. (wow I sound like an adult) It really wasn't as bad as I make it sound--it just gave us Las Vegas-visits-to-the-strip flash backs and then (sadly to admit) a little bit of jealousy as I avoided eye contact with little twiglet college girls who looked a whole lot better than me trucking around my diaper bag, two kids, and obvious mom attire. Nonetheless, we had a great time enjoying the warm weather, water, good food and fresh air. Next time we'll look for the non-partly-nudey, alcohol free beach so as to avoid having Jason snicker "boobs" as he played soccer on the grass! I know, I know--they grow up so fast!

Can you say Happy Gilmore?

2009-03-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Scott woke up early this morning, packed up Jason and headed out for a little bonding time on the golf course. Jason had the time of his life--golf is the one constant for him. Since he was about 9 months old and started playing with Scott's clubs, it has been the only "toy" that he never looses interest in. Maybe that's a sign--Tiger Woods right?

Enough Said!

2009-03-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005

Quick Trip

2009-02-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

We decided to get out of Kingman for a few days and headed to Mesa to visit some family. It's a beautiful city--we can see why people enjoy living there (we think they have a few screws loose during the summer heat, but otherwise, we get it:) It is sooo much more green and colorful than Vegas was and with all the citrus trees where ever we went, it felt like a tropical oasis compared to Kingman. Thanks Reads and Ahlstroms for such a fun time!

Beautiful Mesa Temple--we took the boys Sunday morning & Jason kept asking where David & Summer were. He thought we were there for their wedding!

Riding kiddie four wheelers at the Ahlstrom's house. Jason was in HEAVEN!

Asleep at the hotel--it was a long night, even longer story...

Playing with Read cousins--the boys couldn't get enough!

Once there was a snowman...

2009-02-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Here we are in deserty Kingman, AZ where we never thought we would see another drop of precipitation again--as in, if it were possible to suck the last infintesimal signs of moisture from the dry, crackling air, that is exactly what should & would be happening. But suddenly, much to our dismay it poured buckets over the weekend--which to our delight--turned into snowing sheets for the last 2 days. Jason stared out the front window watching the huge flakes blanket the dusty world outside and no one could contain his excitement as the flakes got larger and thicker with each passing minute. Immediately nap time was forgotten, a mad dash was made to dig out winter clothes packed away in the garage, boys were bundled, shovels discovered and out the door we went. The boys played in, threw, laid in, rolled on, ate (yes, Ryan currently eats anything possible), and then got soaked by snow, snow, snow! We actually received over 4 inches in about 36 hours. People here are hunkering down like the end of the world is upon us (hell freezing over...?) and old people everywhere are ready to just pack it in and give up all together. After so many Idaho and Utah winters I am in my element and tend to forget why everyone is scrambling like mad crazy and driving with their E-Brake on! Regardless, it makes us feel truly at home and once again, Kingman has proved to be quite the delightful adventure!

Little Reminders...

2009-02-05T22:04:00.000-08:00

Just when I find myself in the mood to leave my pjs on all day, eat cookie dough straight from the bowl, chase it down with thick, calorie-loaded chocolate milk, and never take my kids in public again, I receive a great little reminder of why I should reconsider my initial instincts. Thanks Melody for the timely post--you are always so inspiring.

"I have a testimony gained from pondering and studying the scriptures of a plan of happiness given to us by our Father in Heaven. That plan has a part for His daughters. We have the female half to take care of, and if we don't do our part, no one else is going to do it for us. The half of our Father's plan that creates life, that nurtures souls, that promotes growth, that influences everything else was given to us. We can't delegate it. We can't pass it off to anyone. It's ours. We can refuse it, we can deny it, but it's still our part, and we're accountable for it. There will come a day when we will all remember what we knew before we were born. We will remember that we fought in a great conflict for this privilege. How do we meet this responsibility? We daily put our energies into the work that is uniquely ours to do." Julie B. Beck

Now if that doesn't make me feel guilty for slacking as a mommy, what will? And if it doesn't motivate me to have my every action benefit the eternal development of these unique, gifted souls with whom I have been blessed to spend lifetimes, nothing ever will! We are never "just" house wives, "just" moms, "just" women. We have divine potential to positively affect the eternities. God bless all you wonderful women in my life who inspire me to both personally and through my children, be more creative, spiritual, loving, patient, adventurous and just plain old survive! You'll never know how much I need you and learn from you. XOXO

Enya, the Sunday School Pres and sooo much more!

2009-02-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

So I wrote out a whole long descriptive blog about our first few days here but the computer erased it and now I'm out of time....

1. Learned ALWAYS HIRE MOVERS--they were awesome, I didn't lift a thing!
2. Next time, triple/quadrouple check up on the utilities companies to make sure everything is set up when you arrive. (had no water or gas i.e. no water or heat source wahoo!)
3. Love, love, love our new house--amazing how a nice house makes your furnishings seem even better than before!
4. Went to church, listened to the organist play Enya for postlude music. That's right folks, Enya is officially church worthy in Kingman.
5. Lady bore her testimony wearing a long dark dress, bright purple Harry Potter socks and buckskin slippers. Long live Voldemort!
6. Heard the Sunday School teacher say "well, sorry this is last minute, guess that's what I get for sleeping with the Sunday School President" followed by uncomfortable laughter and then "at least we were married this time!" WOW
7. Heard an analogy about a devil and a duck--I'll have to explain that later?!!
8. Watched the STEELERS win the Super Bowl!
9. Listened to a sister tell about finding an incredible garage sale and that everything on her body--right down to the underoos--came from it. She gave directions, told everyone to bring cash, and that it was still open until 4 that afternoon (shopping encouraged in Relief Society on Sunday, but only at garage sales & with cash & only if it is a rockin' deal??)
10. So much more but I'm out of time. Welcome to Kingman everybody!

Dum, Dum, Da Dum!

2009-01-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't my event but I just couldn't help myself. My little brother is engaged and I couldn't be more excited for him. His fiance is Summer, from Idaho as well, and he couldn't have picked a better girl. The minute we met her, we always knew that she was the type of person that would only help Dave be better! They are great complements to each other's lives. They are getting married the end of May (time to loose weight right?) in the Timp. temple. Congrats--love you both!

End of the year recap...

2009-01-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

1. Went to Idaho for Christmas--a white one!
2. Santa came--wahoo!
3. Kids racked in the mother load
4. Ate LOTS of food with no concern for consequences
5. Celebrated our 7th anniversary--yes, we are that old.
6. Brought in the New Year in typical Tidwell fashion e.i. food, football, fun!
7. Limped back to Vegas (car has been in the shop for the last week--long story)
8. Decided to move to Kingman, AZ and manage a project for Scott's company for a year
9. Visited Kingman and about changed my mind!
10. Currently packing house because the Lord made it clear that I shouldn't change my mind.
11. Eating, shopping, visiting all my favorite people, doing all my favorite things one last time for the next year since the only major store Kingman has is a SuperWalmart and even though I love Walmart I don't foresee myself buying any new clothes there any time soon. Ahhh. How I will miss my Ann Taylor outlet--well lets be honest--ALL the outlets, my restaurants, my business partner and good friends, my non-crazy windy, non-dusthole, non-doublewide lifestyle Las Vegas (never thought I'd say I would miss it here--wow).
12. Reminding myself that we will be only 2 hours from family and friends in Phoenix/Mesa, only 2 hours back to Vegas, temple, friends etc, 1/2 hour to the Grand Canyon, and 4 hours to the CA coast. Disneyland here we come!
What an adventure this will be!

Just a few photos from Christmas...

Jason building a snowman with my brother David and his girlfriend Summer (who I absolutely adore!)

Ryan and Papa

Jason and Papa after an afternoon of sledding near Lucky Peak

Our anniversary meal

Just some photos...

2008-12-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing major to say, just posting some pictures for all the family to see--easier
than emailing to a million different people. ~Merry Christmas~

*Jason and his best friend Garrett being shephards in the Nativity story...

Guitar playing "Joseph" serenades a hiding Mary-a little ad libbing never hurt right?

Jason proud of his gingerbread train...

Santa and Jas at the Ward Christmas Party

Jason and one of his best friends-Collin-playing under a table at the party...

Ryan with 2 chicken nuggets in his mouth and one in each hand-gotta love this kid!

Pendulum

2008-12-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been amazed at how easily my emotions are affected by outside elements. Anything from the weather, books, people and especially music have big influences on how I feel. I'm becoming more attuned to how those things affect me and try to use them for the positive! So when I looked outside a few days ago and saw huge white, soft, fluffy flakes drifting past my window, I took a deep breath and knew it was going to be a good day. I grabbed Jason and pulled him up next to me, sitting on my cedar chest under my bedroom window. And he sat for a half hour watching the flakes build momentum in the sky. He would point at each one like every flake was new to him. At one point he turned, excitement burning in his bright blue eyes and said "mom, it's so bootiful". I couldn't have agreed more!

I bundled up the kiddies-not even bothering to think about all the effort of coats, hats, gloves etc just to potentially turn around and take them off 15 minutes later. I didn't think about the runny noses or whining about being wet and cold. I jumped right into the moment knowing that this was probably a once in a life time memory for my boys living in Las Vegas. They got to play in the snow! Ryan tasted everything and I tried not to cringe as he picked up snow off the grass, stuffing it in his mouth. Once or twice I caught him shaking his head rigidly, shuddering as the snow touched his new front teeth. Jason was thoroughly engrossed in how the snow stuck together as he squished it between his gloved hands. We made a snowman-who lasted about as long as Ryan let him, after pulling the grape eyeballs and carrot nose off and eating those as well.

I found myself sad when they were ready to go inside, because little did they know how fragile that afternoon was. It couldn't be duplicated and wasn't likely to be repeated as long as we are living here. They would wake up tomorrow and the enchantment would all be gone and I knew how disheartened Jason would be. So I'll dream of a white Christmas in Idaho and hope that we have more afternoons just like that one! And I keep reminding myself, don't worry about the hassle, the work, the burden or cost of spur of the moment ideas. Be that mom who lets her kids run barefoot or play in the stream (or the sandbox in my case-which reminds me of a large litter box so I make the kids stay away from it!) because the memories are worth far more than the hassle.

"Fiddler on the Roof"...

2008-12-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

TRADITION....TRADITION! I feel like Tevye grasping at what few familiar family traditions I have left in my ever changing life. It's like you get married and the tide comes in, washing away most of your own footprints you managed to leave in the sand over the last 20 years, unless the prints were deep enough that the waves can never completely cause them to disappear--just reshape them a little--forcing them to fit better into the new mold that is married life. We continue to implement our favorite familial past times as our children grow older, finding ourselves full of nostalgia and wishful thinking this time of year. Oh to be a child again!

Back to Tevye--one of my favorite traditions has been for our family to head to Salt Lake City each Christmas and spend a weekend attending some Christmas concert (which has recently evolved to include college basketball games at the Delta Center), eating out at a favorite restaurant-usually the Lion House-and wrapping it up with a magical walk to see all the lights on Temple Square. It is always accompanied by evenings as a family sipping hot chocolate--to which I am totally & irrevocably addicted--and eating Mrs. Cavanaugh's Mindy Mints. (can't remember when those came into play but I can't remember a SLC Christmas weekend without them--little melt-in-your-mouth morsels of creamy mint chocolaty goodness, I'm drooling again already!) Ever since my brothers and sisters started college & serving missions, our Christmas weekend has not quite been the same. Someone is always missing and I subtly tear up a little looking around the dinner table or sitting around chatting at 2am, when I realize one of them is not there. I can't wait for the time when this busy part of life is over and we can all be back together again. This year we had two extras join us, my brother David's girlfriend Summer and my sister Lisa's boyfriend Spencer. It was refreshing to watch them interact, holding hands, opening doors for each other, not wanting to be apart for even a second. It made Scott and I a little more sensitive to how we treated each other--but we also wanted to shout "just give it 10 years and then we'll so who's more in love!" ha ha.

Nevertheless, to write the obvious, I love my family--enough to want to have 6 houses right next door to each other and one big fence around all of them. I want our kids to play in the yard together and eat meals together (actually, the others can fix the meals--I'll do dessert!) and not miss one more second of growing up without each other. That's what my heaven looks like, 6 houses, one big fence, lots of kids and Mindy Mints.

Dinner at the Lion House

Ryan--sick the whole weekend--poor boy!

Go Cougars!

Dave & Summer

Lisa & Spencer

Temple Square!

Gobble Gobble

2008-12-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Turkey Day was pretty basic around here this year--as basic as TIDWELL'S do Thanksgiving! Thursday we got together with a couple other families in our ward who have younger kids and had dinner with them. I made sugar rolls, pies and green been casserole. The feast was fantastic--so great in fact that when we all went to go home that afternoon, instead of splitting up the leftovers and heading our separate ways for the weekend, we were all invited back on Friday for "left-over" Thanksgiving dinner. The kids loved it and so did Scott--getting a four day weekend and time to play with his friends too was a real treat. We did lots of lounging, decorating for Christmas, Scott took Jason to see a movie Saturday night, and on Sunday we cooked our own turkey and had a feast all over again! I know, I know, you think I'm crazy but when you do joint dinner with friends, you don't have left overs of your own and turkey sandwiches for a week after Thanksgiving are almost important as the actual meal. So now I have a 17lb cooked turkey in my fridge and am trying to figure out what to do with it. Next step, Christmas!

Ryan...

Pies pies and more pies

Jason & Dad

Scott and his boys playing Halo (an old college fav!)

"Do as I'm Doing"...and other adventures

2008-11-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

When my father was very little (less than 4 the story goes) his mother-my Grandma-got a phone call from the neighbor who says "do you know where your son is?" Turns out Grandma thought he was just in the backyard playing when in reality he managed to shimmy his little behind up onto the roof and was running back and forth like the squirrels! So needless to say, when I walked out of the bathroom--and no I wasn't in there for 20 minutes, we're talking 45 seconds tops--and saw my little Ryan standing proudly on top of my piano I thought of my father and all of his stories and think I'm in for a long ride! (dad also lit the neighbors bushes on fire once, hopefully Ryan won't be doing anything to remind me of that).

On another note, one of Scott's projects wrapped up last week--a city park called Old Spanish Trails. It actually has great historical significance being a spot where the Morman Handcart Companies once walked. On Saturday they had a little press conference, a few speakers from the historical society and city officials and then fed everyone hotdogs and hamburgers while the kids played. Jason, being the self-aware poser that he is, managed to get his picture taken and published in the Review Journal article about the park. It is fun to drive around the city and see places that Scott's company built and know that he had a part in something that will hopefully be around for a long time and help make people's lives better. I'm proud of him. Now if the economy would just pick up so they could land a few more jobs and keep building things, well, that would be nice too! More to come in a few days...happy weekending!

They kept this rode unpaved since it was one of the Pioneer trails...

Jason's Paper Picture...

Jekyll or Hyde

2008-11-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

I try not to complain on this blog--and let's be honest, it isn't me trying to be good as much as it is me remembering all the pioneer journal entries that have been preached to me over the years. I'm basically pre-censoring and editing what my posterity will have to remember me by. I don't want to sound "too" terrible right--in print, permanently, forever and ever? (pioneers and their persevering attitudes-blah!) But here's the long and short of it (well, just long)if I don't get this all out, I'll explode. And we all know if mommy isn't around to clean up a mess, it just sits there till she gets to it right?

Anyway...I have a 2 year old and each morning when he wakes up, I never know who I'm going to get, Jason or Hyde! For example:
* he refuses to take normal naps now (constantly trying to escape until he passes out when ever where ever.
* i caught him with the foamy hand soap spread all over his bed, hair, body etc
* he took an orange highlighter out of the trash and colored the inside roof of the car as well as his whole body right before his dr. appointment!
* cracked 18 eggs all over the floor of the grocery store
* got into the Windex while I was in the shower and poured it all over my bed (i had just washed the sheets of course)
*tells me to stand in the corner, that I'm being nasty and in big trouble and can't play with my friends (sound familiar)
*last but not least, grabbed a gallon of water and dumped it on the floor of the living room because he wanted to go swimming (he was stripped down to his soggy diaper when I found him and he was working hard getting Ryan's clothes off too)

Aside from daily instances such as those, he's a real gem!

Halloween week brought me a whole ton of HYDE too. I catered 2 events back to back, a 16Th birthday party Thursday night and then made all the treats for a large Halloween bash Friday. Lucky for me, we were able to drop off all the food and not have to stay for the events. However, making hundreds of sugar cookies, mini quiche, meatballs, chocolate spiders, peanut butter eyeballs and the like left my house and life a disaster just in time for trunk or treat to begin. So we pulled off a half hearted attempt at Halloween this year. Jason wanted anything having to do with Lightning McQueen and Ryan was a little vampire. Actually he came down with croup (another fantastic addition to an already INSANE weekend) and kept crying and drooling so his makeup wouldn't stay on and his black hair dye got smeared everywhere. Jason was in a "mood" so we got one photo of him dressed up and it is basically him throwing a fit on the stairs of a friends house after taking all the kiddies around the neighborhood for trick or treating--and by the way, just to top it off--he thought it was funny to blow out the candles in the jack o lanterns and then try to kick them off the steps of the houses we went to. I found myself apologizing for his behavior more than I got to say thank you for the candy he was given. He picked up on the fact that if he was charming then he got treats--more if he stuck with his friend Garrett who has the cutest voice and strategically charmed the pants off any old lady with chocolate. They became a deadly duo getting 2 and 3 helpings at each door. It was only after the door closed that he tried squishing the life out of already wrinkled and withered pumpkins.

Last but not least, it is Sunday morning and Scott is with Jason at church. I am at home with Ryan who can't sleep longer than 15 minutes before coughing, crying, and usually puking because he gets so worked up. I just keep telling myself (while running on 2 hours of sleep the last 2 nights) someday I'll be rich, with a maid and my kids will be grown up with 2 year olds of their own and I'll be on a cruise somewhere warm with a surgically remastered body :) sipping frozen fruity drinks, reading a book of my choosing (or maybe even finding time to write one) without being interrupted by "mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy"--you get the picture! And now I get it, this is what my mother was doing and thinking and dreaming 25 years ago when I was 2. Shame on you mother...this is all your fault! WHY DIDN'T YOU WARN ME???

Jason with the purple bucket and Garrett the football player--Ryan in the way!

Ryan the not-so-scary vampire

Mr. Hyde on the stairs...

16th b-day cakes (there were 2 16 year olds both with names that started with M so this is what they wanted--M&M cakes--get it?)

The "bee" way of life...

2008-10-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jason has recently become obsessed with the Jerry Seinfeld "Bee Movie" and I find ourselves becoming more and more "busy as bees". Scott's parents came for a visit about 2 weeks ago. It was a quick trip but we always love seeing family. The kids loved having Grammy Jean and Big Pappa come to play. Jason got horsey rides all over the living room and Ryan got more kisses and snuggles than I've seen in a long time (except for just one week prior when my parents were in town--spoiled rotten my kids are!)

We also got to take them with us to the annual ward chili cook off. There were no prizes for chili this year but I did make a fun dessert.

After they left I kicked into high-catering-gear and wrapped up a huge wedding reception on Saturday. It was a crepe bar for 200 people and when I woke up Sunday morning every muscle and joint ached in a way they have never ached before (except when I was pregnant which of course has been twice in the last 3 years-ha ha!)
The bride's colors were brown, green, and blue--sounds interesting but turned out really cute!

When all was said and done, it turned out fabulously, the bride and family were very happy with everything, which makes us very happy with everything. I'm just glad that this business adventure of mine is a fun choice and not shear necessity. When I was done I got to come home to a clean house, bathed and sleeping boys and a great husband who was excited to hear all about everything. I got to sit on the sofa and eat a huge piece of chocolate wedding cake and get my feet rubbed. Not every woman is so lucky. I admire single and working mothers who do full time jobs and then come home to work their tails off there as well. You can't give 100% to every facet of your life. You only have a total of 100% and have to divide it amongst the things that matter most. Hopefully your kids and spouse never suffer because of personal ambition but can be blessed by having a woman in their lives that has learned to balance her time for her, for them, for church, for talents, for exercise, and on and on (easy right?)

When the boys woke up Sunday morning, Jason gave me a big hug and said "mom, you're back!" And there was a twinge of guilt for having been away from him all day and lots of pleasure that he missed me that much. I'm very blessed to get to stay home with my kids and frankly their lives are better for it! I wouldn't have it any other way (except for a live in maid and a person who specifically cleans up the kitchen after I have all the fun of cooking and messing it up!) Oh the dream!

Samson is no more...

2008-10-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

For the longest time people in our ward referred to Ryan as Samson because of his long hair. I loved the curls and didn't want to cut it, hence the nickname. Well, since his hair was so long he couldn't see when he walked and a sweet but drastically WRONG old lady mistook him for an adorable little girl at the mall the other day, I finally gave in. We went on the traditional family field trip to Cool Cuts for Kids and here are the photos from the traumatic experience (more for me than for him). I did keep a few curls in an envelope just to remind me how "pretty" they were. Hopefully my girls will be as lucky with their golden locks!

BEFORE...

TRAUMATIC FINISH...

MUCH HAPPIER...

The Big Visit

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

First and foremost, let me say--Nevada is a rip off! I am missing out on my favorite season of the year. That's right folks, I love the fall. I love everything about it, the smells, colors of changing leaves, hearty comfort foods right out of grandma's recipe book, but especially hot chocolate and sweater weather. Living here I GET NONE OF IT, AGGGHHHHH! So I've decided to rebel and wear a sweater, wool skirt and my favorite brown leather boots to church on Sunday. It may be 90 degrees outside, and I might sweat like a hog but it is the middle of October and I am done with summer so Las Vegas had better get with the program!

I guess to make up for the weather, we have begun making gourmet caramel apples for our business. They've been a big hit cuz I just made 16 for one person this week. General Conference was much needed and so fantastic! But even better than all of that--my family came to visit! Mom, Dad and Missy arrived Sunday evening and we have had a blast. We (the girls) hit up the Premium Outlets and I have a few new favorite stores there--Anne Klein & Anne Taylor--I never knew what I was missing! We've eaten out so much I want to explode and even had our traditional "pre" Thanksgiving dinner. Oh yes, you heard me right, turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie--you name it, we ate it. However, we did try out the Las Vegas Zoo...it turned out to be three tiny acres of pigeons running around, a few peacocks, LOTS of chickens and a stinky, smoked filled gift shop full of things from a previous century (including the cashier). Lucky for us, Jason didn't know the difference and had a great time feeding the big birds with Papa (currently his favorite person in the whole world). He loves sitting on his lap and driving Dad's big truck in our neighborhood.

Anyway, just wanted to say that grandparents (good ones--cuz not everyone has great ones like my kids and me) are angels. It is so great to have family in town and catch up with them. Mom and Dad took off this morning but we get to keep Missy until Tuesday. I wish I had 2 extra hands every day of my life!

IT IS OFFICIAL!

2008-10-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

My business website is officially online. It makes everything so real, so fast. Now all I have to do is a ton of marketing--that is the easy part right? ha ha! Check us out at www.chocolateaproncatering.com Hopefully it keeps you drooling for days! *A big thank you to my cousin Ben who designed the website. He is amazing and if anyone wants his contact info for web design, don't hesitate to ask!

Gotta Love My Jason!

2008-09-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

Between being a full time mommy (of boys!) and starting a business, and being a wifey, and trying to stay in shape, and be spiritual, and sane etc (you get the picture) sometimes our lives get a little hectic. I finally found time yesterday to clean the bathroom downstairs, scrubbed the floor, wiped the baseboards--the whole works! Jason walked into the bathroom last night to peek around--how 2 year olds always do--and he pokes his head out with the biggest grin, gives me a thumbs up and says "wow, looks good!" Sometimes it is nice to be appreciated (or maybe my bathroom was sooo dirty that even my 2 year old BOY noticed when it got cleaned--I'll stick with the "I just did an extra good job" theory)!

As a side note--check out this photo of my gorgeous sister Missy and her homecoming date! I can't believe how grown up she is--and tall too--good thing she wore flats! She and my parents are coming for a little visit after General Conference and I can't wait to see them all! Jason wakes up and asks at least three times a day "where papa"? He's pretty excited too.