Fun with Water!

One of my Mommy friends told me about a fun park in South Ogden that just opened a Splash Pad. Donny loves water so we thought today would be a great day to check it out. First we got him a hair cut at Great Clips. No. More. Mullet!

We were wandering all around a residential neighborhood looking for it and found a Monastery. We gave some thought to dropping Donny off to become a monk but decided to give him one more chance. Click here for a beautiful photo slide show of the Mount Benedict Monastery

Finally we found it.

The Splash Park!


Donny & Marie were sooo excited to get to the water!



Donny didn't care for the water spraying him in the face....



But Marie loved every bit of the water!!



But then they got cold and we decided to play at the playground.




How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?



Donny met a dog name Sunny and tried to feed him some wood chips. Sunny tried to come home with us.



All in all this was a fabulous weekend! We visited THREE different parks and had awesome pizza!

LIving in IKEA!

Remember last week when I said I wanted to move to IKEA?

It never fails, someone always has the great ideas before I do.

My new friend Katy just told me that a guy DID live in an IKEA. Crazy right! I am so jealous of him! Here is the footage....



And here is a crazy IKEA commercial that I'm guessing doesn't play in the US. This is also what I imagine is going on at my parents house now that my sister has moved out and gotten her own place.

Come What May....

What I'm Thankful For....

I'm reading the book The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule and am slowly adding her ideas into our daily lives. Some of the ideas will have to wait until the kids are older but I know that I will be referring to this book for many years. One of the ideas I'm most excited about so far is gratitude.

As this week is wrapping up I want to focus on what I am grateful for.

That my children are safe and healthy, that there are laws in place to protect their lives.
Sunny Days after the rain.
My husband's job...for now.
Reality Television
Sleeping in for an hour.
Friendship.
IKEA
Cream in black coffee.
Pots de Creme.....


What are you grateful for this week?

Anger Management!

Alex has started do this thing when he is mad.

He throws down whatever he is holding and spits out his pacifier if he has it in his mouth, his face loses all expression, his body goes limp and he closes his eyes. This means I am mad at you...don't talk to me. He does this for about 15-20 seconds and then he is fine, picks up his stuff and moves on.


We were in the car, on our way to Salt Lake this weekend when Steve announced that he had forgotten his iPhone and we had to go back home. I decided to be funny and do what Alex does and shut my eyes and went limp. And it came to me.


He is counting to 10!


My little man is using anger management techniques!


Now...if he can just teach Mallory!

I'm Moving to IKEA!

Have you been to this place? IKEA? It is the coolest place and I can't believe that Utah has one. This should really be a lesson to us that we need to venture beyond our comfort zone because we had never been further than the middle of Salt Lake and that was just for a quick trip to buy a crib for Mallory. We thought south Salt Lake was too far.

We discovered that Draper is the promised land*. It is new and fresh and has a huge mall and other shopping. Shopping as far as the eye can see. We drove through with our faces pressed up against the window! And then we got to IKEA...it is such a pretty blue color. We looked at all kinds of things and found some great stuff for the kids. An art easel and some other toys. I found the bed that I want to get for Alex in a few months when he is ready to move to a big boy bed. There is just so much to see!! I can't wait to go back.

We decided to try a new sushi restaurant that I had read about. It is called Tsunami. It is wonderful!! They had all of the fish that we love and they had quail egg. Everything tasted great including the bento box of teriyaki chicken and veggies that we got for the kids. If you have the chance to go...try the Tsunami Martini, it is amazing. The Manager signed us up for the VIP club so we are going to be regulars now. We can't wait to go back.

While we were looking for the restaurant...we found Utah's first Whole Foods Store. I was so excited that I almost peed my pants. We drove past the store on our way out of the area just to make sure it was real and I felt something I haven't felt in Utah since we have been here. I felt just a little bit happy to be here. Steve thinks it was the Martini.

I-80 is undergoing major construction and we couldn't figure out how to get back on the highway so we decided to go a different way. Using the goggle map on the iPhone...I found a street that went to I-15. I am so glad for this detour because we made a fabulous discovery.

Liberty Park!

Some say Liberty Park is the Central Park of Salt Lake. There is a pond, ducks, an amusement park, an all-abilities playground and The Seven Canyons Fountain with a children's wading pool and canyons for them to explore.

Also at this park is Tracy Aviary, a bird sanctuary with over 400 birds from 135 different species. Alex loves both birds and water so we can't wait to take him back to this park!

Here is a picture of Alex and Steve dressed alike. They are Rebel Rousers!! Go ARMY! Steve graduated from West Point 23 years ago this weekend!




* promised land = A longed-for place where complete satisfaction and happiness will be achieved.

We're Going To IKEA!!

Oh me, oh my....oh me, oh my!!

We're going to IKEA!

Hubby wanted to ride the new light rail train downtown and go to the children's museum and then go to have sushi but we can't do both and I'm nervous about riding the train and I don't want to ride the stupid Utah train that doesn't run on Sundays. And we can't do both because the museum doesn't open until 10am and I'm not paying $40 for an hour and a half of Griswold family fun.

So....I found another sushi place to try from the Best of SLC list and it is close to the IKEA.

OoOOOOOOoooOOOOOoooOOOOooo I am so excited!

I am going to buy potties for the kids and all kinds of other swedish crap!

Maybe some swedish meatballs!

Rain, Rain....Go Away!

Rain, Rain...Go Away
Alex wants to go out and play.

He can't believe his toys are wet.
Watching the wind blow has caused him to fret.



I baked some cookies to help him cope.
They worked for minute but now he mopes.



Come back sun and warmer weather!
Alex and Mallory want to play together!

Playing Is Hard Work!

We had a great playdate with the Mom's Group this morning even though two bus loads of children were dropped off from a preschool while we were there! And this week, Monica and her little one's Arthur and Juliet came and Margo's 7 year old twins Pryce and Chandler joined us! We had three Mommies and 7 kiddos! We were also accident free! Whoo Hoo!

What I can't figure out....is how Mom's are supposed to watch their kids and talk to each other at the same time. I guess it takes practice.

Both Alex and Mallory got to swing and Alex went down the big kids slide and it looked like he had been shot out of a cannon! It looked so funny!

Margo announced that she is pregnant with her 6th baby!! I am so jealous. Maybe her baby dust will rub off on me!

Again. Mallory fell asleep in the car on the way home but this time she didn't wake up when we got out of the car.

I think this is the sign of a great playdate!



She missed out on a fabulous lunch from Taco Bell! I enjoyed a Mango Strawberry Frutista Freeze and it was amazing!! You must get one. TODAY! Do not delay! There is a coupon for a FREE one on their website. Check here. Then click on the strawberry.

Wanna see the sleeping angel again? I thought you did.

Who Stole My Cheese?

You know those Handi Snack Cheese and Cracker packs? When I was a kid, there was a little compartment of plastic cheese, some crackers and a little red stick for spreading your cheese onto your cracker. Well, now they make them with little bread sticks and I thought they would be perfect for Alex since he lives on cheese (and bananas and cereal).

He didn't like it.

So...I decided to try one. Relive my childhood with a little snack. When the monkey stole it from me.

That is applesauce in his hair. He and Mal had applesauce facials for lunch!

By the way, Hubby says that he didn't like these as a child and he had to acquire the taste for plastic cheese. He also hates with a passion those orange cheese and peanut butter crackers and has nightmares that he is the last man on earth and finds a vending machine that only contains these crackers.

See, See My Playmate!

See, See my playmate,
Come out and play with me
And bring your dollies three
Climb up my apple tree

Slide down my rain barrel
Into my cellar door
And we'll be jolly friends
Forever more!!


Since Mom's Club didn't want me...I decided to form my own club and put an ad for Mommy Friend's Wanted on Meetup.com. Here is what it says.

Hi! I'm a married mom of two brilliant children looking for people to chat and eat delicious, preferably chocolate desserts with. The ideal friends will have passion for parenting and a great sense of humor. A love of reality television and a willingness to get out of your pajamas and go to the park with the kids is a must. I'm a Mom's Club Reject that is fairly new to Utah and needs some adult conversation. I like hanging out with my husband but I need some real friends!

I have a 2-year old boy and a 1-year old girl and they would like to meet some like-minded children to play and eat cookies with. We are looking forward to a fun summer of going to the pool, parks and other fun activities!

If you would like to meet up for some summer fun and make some friends, please contact me! If you have been rejected by Mom's Club you are welcome here! Come to a Moms Meetup to share experiences, find advice, give support and make new friends. All moms are welcome!

So we met up with Margo and her baby girl Elle today at the park and we had a great time. Mallory wasn't too sure what to do with Elle because she was running all over greeting all of the other children and trying to hug them. Mallory just wanted to sit and relax, drink her juice and enjoy being outside. She finally got up and organized some wood chips, being careful not to dirty her pretty Gymboree outfit.

You should have heard the squeal that came out of Alex's mouth when we turned into the parking lot of the park. He was so excited!! Here he is just after he and Elle greeted each other. I think he was jealous of the size of her pacifier!


Alex pulled me over to the swings and I put him on one of the big kid swings and told him to hang on tight!! He did great! Then when we were walking back to the group...he broke free and ran back...running right in front of a kid that was swinging. I can still see it happening if I close my eyes. The swinging kid's Dad and I were both running to Alex but neither of us could get to him in time. BAM. Alex was hit and knocked to the ground. Good thing little kids are made of rubber!! He is fine Nana....just has a mark on the side of his head. An expired juice box and some yogurt covered raisins and he was all better!

It's 73 degrees and sunny in Dallas today!

Only 22 more days until Grandma and Grandpa come to visit!!

Coloring and More Presents!

I have been practicing using my new camera and got some shots of the the kids coloring yesterday. Well, Alex was coloring. Alex was having a crayon snack.


I just can't get that girl to stop eating crayons! She would like to share this green crayon with you...don't mind the slobber.




Alex opened his present from Grandma and Grandpa last week. I brought it home with me from Texas. He got a box of Chocolate Covered Cherries, a $2 bill and Jean Coveralls that are a family tradition. My Great Grandpa Hagen used to give this gift to all of the boys for their birthday and my Dad is continuing the tradition. He also got a real Flight Jacket for next fall and a super cute Dallas Maverick's Outfit that matches his eyes perfectly and will come in handy when we move to Texas.

Boarding Preschools & Margaritas

My first couple days back from Texas were hard for me and the kids. I was used to doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and so where they.

Before I left, Alex had started this darling habit of taking his pants and diaper off all the time. I understand that he doesn't like being wet and I told him to let me know when he is wet and I will change his diaper but he likes taking it off himself and then streaking through the family room or sitting on Tickle Me Elmo which I find very disturbing.

Anyway, this particular day, he took his diaper off when he was in his crib for a nap. I didn't go up to him when he woke up right away because I was busy eating bon-bons and watching The Hills but when I did, I immediately knew something was terribly wrong because of the stench! There was poop. And it was everywhere. I think he will make a great finger painter when I decide to let him make that big of a mess.

I cleaned him and his room up and got him dressed in a new outfit. He was playing quietly in the family room so I decided to run outside to get the mail like I always do around 3:42pm. I go out the front door because if I have a package the mailman leaves it there. It is not very far to the mailbox...just to the end of the driveway and I have very long legs and am not one to dawdle. I returned to my front door and it would not open.

I ran around to the garage which Hubby often leaves unlocked (but not anymore) and came in through the side door and found my darling little 2 year old boy in the kitchen with his arms into a drawer that he is not supposed to be in.

He looked extremely surprised to see me. I went over to the front door to see why it wouldn't open and the lock had been turned just a little bit. Just enough to keep the door from opening.

My little darling, sweet 2 year old boy had locked me out of the house so he could get into the silverware drawer.

I ordered his sweet little butt downstairs and he shook his head violently and yelled NO! I put him in a time out and did an internet search for Boarding Preschools. I think we will need an alternative to Juvy!!


****************************

A few days later....Alex comes to me all smiles and says CRAP. I asked him if he needed a diaper change? He tells me No. I asked if he has poop? He says No. Big Smile. I then look across the family room floor to see that he had pulled the poop out of this diaper and left it for Mallory to play with.

And this is why I have graduated from Wine to Margaritas!!

Why I haven't written!

Things have been just a wee bit crazy around here. I have been home for two weeks and it has taken this long to get back into our routine. I left a detailed list of instructions for Hubby when I left for Rehab and when I asked him how it went...at first he said nothing. And then he said that his Mom got on his case for not sticking to the routine. I'm well aware that my husband isn't fond of routine and on the weekends I loosen up the reins and try to be more flexible but there really is a reason for my madness.

Anyway, we were on our way to getting readjusted when the sickness came. Again, Daddy didn't follow Mommy's rules and hands were not cleaned after going to the park and touching all of the surfaces that other kids dirty, nasty little hands have touched and Alex got sick. Vomit. Everywhere. I knew it was just a matter of time before poor little Mallory and her preemie immune system got it.

Mother's Day. Mallory woke up with a 101.3 fever and Alex had a relapse...vomit. This time in my bed and on Sam!! Sam desperately needed a bath so I snuck him away long enough to send him through the washer & dryer. Luckily, Mallory never threw up but she felt badly and her nose is still running. We have a play date on Friday so I hope her nose is cleared up by then.

And now...I have the man-child in bed sick. He has a Man Cold. Please click on Man Cold. This is my husband...just not british. You see, I have taken care of all of these sick people and yet.

I'm. Not. Sick.

And do you know why? Because if I get sick. Who is there to take care of me? I think that is why God gives Mother's super human strength and immunity systems. Because if we get sick we are screwed.

So...I am almost caught back up and Thank Cards are going out today.

Ka Ching!

Fox News, with their fair and balanced reporting has the best headline I have ever seen!

Stay-At-Home Mom Worth Nearly $117,000 a year!!

Pretty Good for not having a job huh?

Ka Ching!!

Vacation or Rehab?

va·ca·tion

a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation

re·hab, re·ha·bil·i·tate

to restore to a former capacity

Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer.
Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz)

I'm still amazed that there are some people in the world that think that staying home with my children is not a job. That I don't work. And since I don't have a job, I certainly didn't deserve a vacation. So I decided to call it REHAB! I was in desperate need of rehab, since I had worked for 732 days without a day off. On call 24 hours a day. And I don't just take care of two small children....I have a husband that needs me too. It is beyond a full time job.

Rehab was great! I did a lot of shopping, finding many great outfits and a cute pair of shoes. I had my make up done by a super cute gay man at Sephora at the Northpark Mall. I told him that I needed something to make my eyes pop because I am a SAHM and I am blending into the couch. He did not disappoint and I am now the proud owner of Lancome Mascara, Fresh Eyeshadow in Corazon Del Mar and a Make Up Forever Black Eyeliner!

We saw a couple movies and throughly embarrassed the concession stand guy (Josh) who had some difficulty completing our order because of me and Bobbi's hotness. He was so flustered! We went to see Baby Mama, it was great! Very funny and it made me want anover baba weally bad. And it provided a new use for Pam kitchen spray!

The next day we went to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Mainly because we heard that there was full frontal MALE nudity. There was PEEPEE and we loved it. It was so freakin funny and we got our new life mantra from it. When life gives you lemons...@&$% the lemons and Bail!! Also...The weather outside is weather! LOL!


I met my internet friends Kristen and Aimee and we enjoyed some fabulous Margarita's together and made fun of a man in a white linen suit. I also insulted a bell hop. But in my defense, what I said came out wrong. We were having a fabulous time and then Texas weather hit and we had to leave quickly to escape a Twister! I suppose it is just as well. Two Top Shelf Margs and I was drunk dialing my husband and singing Milli Vanilli songs to him. GIRL...you know it's true! **a note about the picture. In Utah, it is very dry. Imagine a parched sponge. Take that sponge to Texas, add 95% humidity and tequila. I don't think I am that large in real life. I think I was bloated.

Back in the day, when I lived in the big city. I used to enjoy going to the theater and having fabulous sushi. I decided that I wanted to share this with my family so I got tickets to The Wedding Singer Musical. It was great! I just love live singing and dancing! The Music hall at Fair Park is a great venue. A note to people that go to the theater. DRESS UP!!
Business casual for a matinée does not mean jeans. And please, no flip flops!

Then we went to The Blue Fish on Greenville. It was awesome! I have had what I consider very good sushi and I have had sushi in Utah so I think I know great sushi when I see it. If you ever have the pleasure of eating here you have to have the Ahi Tower It is a Tuna tartar, snow crab, avocado salad, rice tower with wasabi sauce that is to die for!! It come out in this pretty stack and then the server smashes it all up for you and you gobble it up! We had a Caterpillar roll (eel & cucumber, topped with avocado, served with eel sauce) and Unagi Nigiri Roll and then I wanted my Dad to experience my favorite sushi roll.

Ikura with Quail Egg!



Isn't it beautiful? My Dad said he felt like he was on Fear Factor! And if you like Sake...try the Sho Chiku Bai. See if you can sit at Somalin's table! She is a great server!

If you know me very well, you know that I love Target. It pains me that I do not live closer to a Target and that the Target's here in Utah are missing a key ingredient that makes them wonderful. They do not have Starbucks. Well, I'm about to tell you something that will make you squeal with glee. I'm getting all sweaty and warm just thinking about it. What I'm about to tell you has replaced my sexual fantasy of doing it with Henry from Ugly Betty. Are you ready?

They sell Wine at Target!

I know, right! Isn't that freaking awesome? Starbucks AND Wine, IN Target!

I did lots of sleeping, reading and visiting with my family! It was really nice to get away but I missed my husband and kids so much. They were so happy to see me when I returned home and I think they appreciate what I do a little more.


Here is a picture Bobbi took of me with her phone before the theater. If you look in the mirror...you can see her. She flattened my hair for me. Oh and see...I'm not as puffy. LOL!

Happy 2nd Birthday Alex!! *updated*

Alex's Birthday was April 20th....we had a great weekend with him celebrating his birthday. His Uncle Robert flew in from Denver and brought a beautiful yummy cake from our favorite bakery! It was awesome and Akex didn't want any of it so I helped Daddy eat his piece.

We took Alex to the Ogden Treehouse Children's Museum where both kids had a great time! Alex ran from activity to activity and we discovered some new things for him to play with. Blocks, drums, bells and a chess set!

Then we went to Roosters for lunch and Alex was too tired to eat. I have never seen this kid reject pizza....EVER!



Alex had a great time opening his presents and helping Daddy put together his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!





Alex's 2 year Stats!!

Weight: 31.8 lbs 80 th percentile
Height: 35.5 inches 75th percentile
Head: 48 cm 25th percentile

I think he is going to be a big football player with a little head.

***all pictures were taken with the iPhone. Our camera broke and our new one had not arrived yet. I'm so excited about the new camera!!

Things we love....

Cuddling with Daddy on the couch....



Warmer weather so we can start wearing our 26 outfits....




A warm spring day....


Look at Erick doing the funky chicken in the background!


Watching Sesame Street with your Best Friend!



Things we don't love.

Missing Daddy before he leaves for his business trip!




We Miss You DADDY!!

A Clean Bill Of Health!

As you guys know, my husband has been to the ER several times for purported heart problems, each time they have found nothing wrong with him. His Cardiologist has been unable to verify that he has a problem and has decided to just assume that he does and put him on medication to prevent 'future problems'. Keith was convinced that he has a heart problem and was going to have a heart attack and die.

I think he is experiencing pain from a serious car accident that he had over 10 years ago and that he is having anxiety from stress at work. I think his heart is fine.

Keith is leaving for Alabama this afternoon so I scheduled an appointment for him this morning in Salt Lake City for a Full Body Scan so that we could get to the bottom of this once and for all.

The full body scan, the most comprehensive screening procedure, includes the heart and lung scans and examines the abdomen for life-threatening diseases such as cancer of the major organs, lymphoma and aneurysms. It can also detect benign conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and kidney and gall stones. Ideal For: Current and former smokers. Those that have a family history of cancer or heart disease or who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

He just got finished and this is what he found out:

His heart is perfect! In fact, the plaque that the Cardiologist claims to have seen...is not there! The Angioplasty he wanted Keith to have...NOT NECESSARY! The ligaments in his chest are INFLAMED from being damaged during his car accident. His lungs are perfect. He has no signs of cancer and all of his organs look great! He is in perfect health.

All he needs is a 10 day course of Ibuprofen! Not a life-time of prescription heart medication and he can stop carrying around those damn nitro pills like a freakin old man! And now, we can get life insurance because he won't be classified as UNINSURABLE!

I'm firing Keith's Cardiologist! I am so disappointed in the Health Care in Utah. We have had one issue after another. I'm convinced that this is an insurance racket and the doctor gets a kick back for taking a healthy 44 year old man and making a heart patient out of him. Lot's of money in co-pays, prescriptions and unnecessary surgeries. Our Doctor back in Colorado would have NEVER done this. We miss you Dr Gilman!

Now...I just wish I would have paid the extra $350 to have Keith's head examined.

***Disclaimer***
Chest pains are very serious and should always be checked out. However, there can be more causes than just heart disease or clogged arteries. Sometimes, Doctors do not have your best interests in mind and are just in it for the money and you should seek out another opinion. I am in now way advocating that chest pains be ignored. Please seek out the advice of a qualified physician in any state except Utah if you or a family member are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or any of the other heart attach symptoms.

I need an iPhone!

You know those iPhone commercials. The ones where the people talk about how their iPhone came in handy and they would have been lost without it. That guy who was about to meet his girlfriend's boss and his fiance. And they couldn't remember her name so they looked it up on the iPhone on the couple's wedding website. And then there is the guy that no longer has to carry his man purse because now every thing he needs is in one handy little gadget.

I needed an iPhone today. You see....I'm late. If you are a chick, you know what this means and you will totally understand the rest of this story. If you are a man, your palms are now sweaty and you are not sure you want to read the rest of this.

I have a group of Mommies that I belong to a message board with that are my best friends. I share everything with them. The good, the bad and the hey guys, I'm two days late what do you think I should do. We are all avid POAS* pushers. We love to examine the lines and some of us have even found ourselves purchasing tests (16) from the internet, then buying 4 more at the store and peeing on them as early as 10 days before said time of the month is due to arrive. I don't know who this person is...but I heard about it once.

You should know that I am NOT trying to get pregnant. There was a time, a very short time ago, that I wanted another baby but I think I'm over it now. I still have bouts of baby fever but I usually just drink myself silly until the feeling goes away. If you watch The Young & The Restless, then you know that condoms are only 98% effective. Just ask Lily Winters. She'll tell ya.

Anyway....my girlfriends were pushing me to POAS* and I was going out shopping today anyway so I decided to pick up some tests. First I went to Starbucks. Then I went to Target and while there...I suddenly had to pee. So...I consulted with my head girlfriend and she instructed me to purchase a test as quickly as possible and run to the bathroom and pee on it.

I got some in my cart but then got distracted by the pretty shoes and Amber started texting me...instructing me to hurry the hell up.

I got to the stall and got into position. Then the restroom started to fill with people. I sat there for the longest 4 minutes of my life while Amber texted me over and over with updates of how much time was left. I was trying to take pictures of the test with my phone to send to Amber so that the group could analyze it but my phone has had one too many trips into the toilet (thanks Erick) and the camera doesn't work! I wonder what the person in the next stall thought was going on with all of the texting and picture taking going on. And it wasn't just a text sound...for some reason my text alert tone is CRAZY by Patsy Cline. Maybe my phone is trying to tell me something.

All of this would have been so much easier with the iPhone. I could have had instant access to my message board and been live blogging while POAS*. And then I could have taken a high quality photo of the test, emailed it to Amber who could have uploaded to the message board. It would have been great!!!

Finally, the four minutes were over and the test was negative. I bought my monthly visitor some wine, maxi pads and some really good chocolate hoping she will show up. I just really hope that she isn't waiting to go on Vacation with me. Because she is NOT invited!!!

Do you think Apple would make a commercial out of my story? I'm going to pitch it to them. I think it will sell a TON of iPhones to women.

*POAS...Pee On A Stick

No Fishing in Utah!

What in the Crap is this!!!!!!

Shhh...sleepy boy!

Scenes From A Mall!

Last Saturday, was a little dreary....so I went to Home Depot and bought some mulch for my flower beds in the hopes that I will get to use it pretty soon and was really surprised to discover that there weren't that many people there. I got what I needed, got right through to a cashier and then to my car in a matter of about 20 minutes. Hubby was surprised to see me home so soon so he decided we should all jump in the car and do something.

Well...I don't do that.

I need to know in advance that we are doing something. I need to pack a diaper bag and mostly...I need make-up. But I decided to throw all caution to the wind and go as I was! We put shoes and jackets on the kids, threw some sippy cups in the diaper bag and we were off like dirty pair of panties! It was getting close to lunch time so we decided that we would go to the Ogden Mall. The drive there was rather pleasant,not much traffic. We found a good parking spot at the mall. Again, usual for a Saturday in Ogden.

We walked in the food court and it was practically empty. There were only five tables of people. Some body builders drinking smoothies, a family of smokers whose baby was crying from the obvious nicotine withdrawals that comes from breathing the fresh mall air. Some old people that got a pass out from the senior living home, some teenagers wearing some really inappropriate footwear and us.

We ate at the Food Court. I love Food Courts! Everyone gets what they want.  Mallory and I shared  Mongolian Chicken and Fried Rice, Alex had Subway and Daddy had Mexican Food. Alex sat in the chair without a booster seat like a big boy!

After lunch we decided to go down to the little play area and let the kids pick up some illnesses, I mean, play on the fun climby things. But on the way there...Daddy stopped off in Spencers and found a fun gift for the men in our life. It is called Stroke on a Rope. If you can't figure out what it is...call Calvin. He would love to splain it to you! I double dog dare you to call and ask him. LOL!

So...back to the story! On the way, we found a brand new arcade that had stuff for the little kids. It was great!! And there was no one there!! Here are the kids on their very first Merry Go Round!!


So we finally made it down to the play area and found some Mexican American kids playing there. And then I figured out what happened. The Rapture had come and taken all the Mormon's to heaven! Dang it!!! I knew we should have joined the freakin LDS church a few months ago when we had the chance! Damn Starbucks all to heck! We were going to hell!

All the way home...empty streets. We didn't have to sit through the arrow three times at each traffic light and we got home in record time. I just kept thinking...I just knew that when the rapture came, I would be shopping.

The next day...I ran to get the newspaper to see the headline. JESUS CAME BACK! But instead, I found out that the Mormon's were all at home watching TV. Saturday was their General Conference with their new President and it was televised.

Next year we're going to the Zoo during the General Conference!

The One About The Swim Wear!

I have been waiting with much anticipation for the day that I would get to use my Gymbucks!! My plan was to purchase the children's swim suits and possibly a few things for Alex. I would LOVE to buy more stuff for Mallory but at last count....she has 26 outfits. All she needs now are a few odds and ends and some shoes.

I was so excited this morning when I got the email from Gymboree that said today was the day that I could use my gymbuck. I was giddy with excitement!

Here is what the kids will be wearing this summer!

Alex will be sporting the Tropical Swim Trunks with matching hat. Popping with vibrant color, a graphic print fills brushed twill, while mock fly with grommets creates a lace up look in front. Elastic back makes dressing easy.







I also got him a matching shirt and leather sandals.







Mallory will be wearing the latest in swim fashion from the Cherry Baby Collection. She'll be swimming sweet in an appliqué cherry design. Embellished with pretty bows, this stretchy swimsuit is oh-so-fashionable with halter styling.




And she will finish the look with the matching 100% cotton canvas Sunhat. What's under her hat? Cheery cherries! Allover print in bold candy colors features a soft cotton canvas style, floppy brim and a sweet bow in back.

The One About Washing Dishes

We decided that it was time for Alex to start earning his keep. First Daddy taught him how to make Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and he did a great job. Then Daddy grossed Mommy out by making a Utahn Grilled Cheese....he slathered it in Fry Sauce. I hate Fry Sauce. That is how I know, deep down that I will never really fit in here....because I can not stand it! Gross. After lunch, Daddy showed Erick how to wash dishes!


Notice that Keith is so proud to belong to the GEEK dept!



Meanwhile....
Me and Mal were hanging out. She was sick....picked something while when we were playing at the Mall yesterday. Poor Baby. Isn't she precious??


Here she is pretending to interview me for Fabulous Mommy Magazine! I'm on gonna be on the May cover!!



Stay tuned for Scenes from THE MALL!! As soon as we get the photos off from Hubby's iPhone! We had so much fun!