Raising the Bar

Darren reached two milestones in his law career over the weekend. First, we travelled to Vancouver, BC were he was sworn in as a member of the Bar in that province. We took all the kids with us - we thought it would be good for them to get a little insight into what their Dad actually does for work. Darren wore his legal robes to the ceremony - just like all the other lawyers. The girls were saying - dad's wearing a dress today. They sat very patiently through the ceremony and when it was time to clap - Chelsea joined in and started cheering - "Dad won! He won!" It was a very formal ceremony - he had to bow to the judge whom they call "My Lord" here in Canada, take an oath and sign something. (I'm sure this has a name but you'll have to google if you really want to know it) Then we went back to the hotel so Darren and the girls could change out of their dresses. Darren was checking his email and found out that back in Calgary - he's been invited to be a partner at the law firm he works for. Even Darren was excited. Vancouver was great - it's good to be home to get ready for Christmas. We'd been home about and hour when Cala started asking - "What are we going to do fun today." Ummmm - we did it.

Photo review

Darren and I went on a date. The firm Christmas party. It was the best one we've been to - most of them are pure torture for the non-lawyers. (sorry honey but the inside jokes are lost on me) I was laughing at myself becaues I got ready in 25 minutes flat. I'm pretty sure it used to take me 1 1/2 hours to get ready for a big event like a HS dance or something. anyway, we cleaned up good and had fun.



Then on Sunday night Grandma Byram came for a visit and we spent the next few days having fun and Christmas shopping. She brought the girls their Christmas dresses... which CC was beginning to worry about. As I pulled out decorations she would as me where her dress was. Here's how cute they're going to look for the family photo we have GOT to take.(sorry rotation thing doesn't work on the mac.)



On Wed. Grandma left (she was too cold) and it warmed up enought for the girls to try out the new snow. the took the sleds to the back yard where we have a little hill and spent the next hour sledding. You'll notice the mud - at least it was frozen. I'm glad they had a good time considering it takes 15 minutes to get dressed to go sledding. I laughed and laughed watching them from the window. Sturggling to get up the hill, keeping the sled from zooming down without any passengers, and of course wearing the snow right on the hillside - it all kept me in stitches.



Um... ran out of snow.



Connor stayed warm watching from a distance. He's teething so he had his chewing to focus on.

Funny Kids

CC has been a little attached to me these days. She doesn't want to go to her friends house, have anyone over or actually leave the house. We've never had a clingy kid. I asked her if she wanted to go with mye and a few of my friends to lunch last week to celebrate my b-day. She said, "Will there be rice?" Ummmm, where did that come from? I assured her there probably would be rice - so she agreed. How random is that?

Cala is forever debating me about the nutritional value of lunchables. They are just about the worst thing a kid could eat - loaded with preservatives, fat, salt - you name it - it's artery clogging and probably stunts growth. She says, everyone in her class has had one for lunch at least once - and I mean every kid. I told her I care more about here than the other kids. She burst into tears and said, "the only thing you care about is my health." Like that's a bad thing.

Tonight while putting the girls to bed I was reminding them that Santa is going to start checking to see if they're good or bad. I explained they have to be good all the time or Santa won't give them a present. CC said, "Well, how about I be a lot good and just a little bit bad." It's hard not to laugh when they're so serious about what they've just said.


CC had her last day of gymtastics today. (Thankfully, I'm sick of driving) Darren left work and Grandma Marilyn even came. We had fun playing on all the equiptment and watching CC show us her stuff. The teacher was reminding the class about the slide safety rules. She said, "Class what do we slide down on?" Everyone says, "You're bum." But, CC said, "The slide." She's so blonde and adorable.



Connor 5 months stats. This is how he spends most of his time - putting anything reachable in his mouth. The poor kid is teething again - he's got his 2 bottom and now, 2 of his side top teeth have poked through. I hate that my kids start teething at birth. We've already been through one bottle of Tylenol and have one perscription for codine on hand in case things get really bad. He's now just over 5 months. He laughs, rolls over (it's quite the sight considering his stature) He's 21.5 pounds, in the big kid car seat, and in the 110th percentile for everything. They don't get bigger than this folks. He also is now in a size 18 - 24 months, but it has to be a baggy fit. He also has his mother wrapped perfectly around his little fat finger.

Punishment

I am being punished. I decided to start Christmas decorating since I don't have American Thanksgiving as a starting point for Christmas - why not enjoy the decorations a little longer. I have never broken this cardinal rule of sacred American worship and decided I could live with the guilt. I have spent the last 2 days buing Wal-Mart (a store I hate) out of replacement light bulbs. We had some sort of random power surge that toasted every single light on my pre-lit tree. So far, I have replaced 250 individual light bulbs - covering only the bottom portion of a 3 tier tree. Even all those aren't working but, I could live with that. Replacing the bulbs is a detailed process. First, you have to remove the bulb with the base from the tree, then you have to remove the bulb from the base, next you have to thread the new bulb through the base - and finally, put it back on the tree. When Darren came home last night at 9 pm he started helping me. That lasted 5 minutes and he was immediatly on the computer shopping for another tree. I have now devleoped a sick addiction to this process and am not willing to give up on my tree. I'm hoping to return to Wal-Mart where they have hopefully restocked the replacement bulbs. (I bought them out) and spend a few more days replacing the bulbs. I think I can get it to work. Next year, I might not be so anxious to get my Christmas tree up.

We have a 4 year-old

Happy Birthday Chelsea Colleen. We had a fun day in constant ceebration. Chelsea got to open a present at breakfast then had to wait until 11 am for her birthday party where she greeted the guests asking, "Did you bring me a present?" we had to constantly tell her that present time came at the end and to try and enjoy the party. She made her pizza in 3 seconds and asked,"Do I get to open my presents now?" We moved the group to the great room for games and then she asked, "Are we opening presents now?" The guests didn't like the game and preferred to just go downstairs and play in the toy room. (we gave up after making them all come back upstairs to the party 4 times) Everyone just played and then we called them upstairs to eat, blow out the candles and yes, open presents. The party wrapped up around 1 and we spent the rest of the day letting CC play with her new toys. At one point during the day she said, "I didn't get that Emma doll I asked for." Luckily, we saved one present until bedtime. And what do you think it was, yup. The Emma doll.


This is our 4 year-old after a very fun day... sleeping with her Emma doll.

Here they are on Halloween. I think it's pretty obvious what they each are. I was happy to have a break from the princess theme this year. The traditional Halloween costume was a good break. We took them to under 20 houses and they were in bed by 8:30 pm. I'm sure this is the last year we'll be able to pull that one over on them. The treats they were most excited about - chips. Who knew.

Here's Cala. Our most serious Halloweener.

Our cool cat - CC. Who's been sick all week but pulled it together for the occasion.

And Connor. It was touch and go weather or not his costume would fit. The girls both wore this when they were babies. Keep in mind Cala was 9 months old - CC 1 year old. He's 5 months in a week. It was a size 18 months. Seriously - no candy for him.

Okay - the full body shot is more flattering.

Award winning pumpkin

Tonight Darren and the kids tackled the task of carving our pumpkin. I am impressed. Darren opted for a carving theme this year and free handed a cat. I knew something was up when they started asking for pipe cleaners. End result - pretty good. Major points for creativity and way to go Cala and CC for getting your hands right into it. They did a great job of cleaning out the pumpkin. The girls were very excited about pumpkin carving and harrassed me for days to do it. We made the misteak of doing it too early last year and it went rotten. Hopefully holding off a few days will work this year. Happy Halloween.

Cool CC

I'm pretty sure my almost 4 year-old is just too cool for me. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday today and when she didn't answer I asked again. She said, "Mom you have to be patient, I'm just thinking." Oh, sorry. She also spent the better part of the day wishing she was a baby because "Babies are important and they need lost of tension." (attention) Oh, sorry again. We also made a paper chain today to count down the 10 days until her birthday. If you look at the paper chain tonight, there's actually only 7 days until her birthday. We're working on that concept. And I'll continue to wait until she has thought of something I can give her for her birthday. It's okay, I'm patient.

CC is also quite the cool kid at school. Her teacher says she has lots of friends. I'm not surprised, we've had 9 year-olds give us their phone numbers so CC can play with them. Everytime we go to McDonals, we make a new friend. Anyway, we were walking to the car after school today and this little girl was following us - yelling something. Finally I clued in she was talking to us... er, I mean CC. She just wanted to say good-bye officially. Chelsea looked at her and said a very unemotional good-bye. Apparently, friends grow on trees for some of us.

Chart Topper

This is what a baby in the 98th percentile looks like in the buff. There are a couple of extra requirements that go along with a baby of this size. First, hygene. He needs a bath every day - but that bath must include a thorough cleaning in between all the rolls. There are a lot of them and you really have to scrub. Second, eating. He does not like to miss a meal, get a meal late, or get short changed a few ounces. Finally, clothing. Not only do clothes have to be in the 12 month size, they cannot be a slender cut... baggy cut works best - they slide up the thighs a bit easier. Socks cannot have an elastic top and shirts have to be cut wide in the arms - if they taper in, it will cut of circulation. Another item to note. I went to buy Connor a bumbo chair and he didn't fit in it. His legs were too fat and it was cutting off the circulation - he looked very uncomfortable. He's a good baby and a lot of fun! Fat and fun. He's 18 lbs and 27" long.

Back to the Blog

Okay... a little break never hurt anyone right. Here's a brief update of what I've been doing to keep me away from updating the blob. Laundry, dishes, more laundry, cleaning, driving to preschool, writing a chruch talk, putting on a baby shower, more laundry, cooking, and cleaning, volunteering at Cala's school, swimming lessons (not me but the kids) gymtastics, more laundry and cleaning. There, all caught up. I'll be posting on the kids as soon as they do something truly blog worthy.

Quebec Trip (Ka-beck not Qu-wa-bec.)

In Quebec City- a view from the wall - looking at the Chateau Frontonac












In the Quebec countryside - sooo beautiful.













I can't believe we did this... more or less - admit that we did this.. but we rode in a carriage through Old Montreal. Say cheese.










In Old Montreal - dating from 1600 - 1900

Travel Log

We are now on day #4 of our trip to Montreal and Quebec City. We've spent the last few days romping around Montreal. We've been shopping, site-seeing, shopping, eating out and just simply enjoying being together. All this couple time together is really great. It makes you remember that oh ya, I really like this person and more than anyone, I want to see and do new things with this person. Of course we're married and I love my husband but, this trip has reminded me that Darren and I are good friends. Just simply having fun being, seeing and doing together has been such bliss. Mostly because, we are alone. No kids - not even our infant - my sweet Connor - fat boy. (how did I leave?) We've said over and over, not having the entourage has made this trip. Not that we haven't missed them - but, we wouldn't have been able to have this kind of vacation with them. Enough sap. (ironic because we're in Quebec - the sap/maple syrup capitol of the world.)

This place is truly amazing. Montreal is a world class city and is now on my list of world class shopping cities. Seriously, we westerners don't really get it sometimes... and this place is up there with New York. Old Montreal is more like Paris than some parts of Paris. It helps having a husband who speaks French. I just pretend I know what they're saying and chime in on the merci and bonjour part. Montreal is amazingly bilingual. I stand out a bit - being blonde so they must see my ignorance with the language comming. Every other person you walk by is speaking French or English. Sometimes they switch mid sentence just to mix it up I suppose. The food is unbelievable and dining is an art. We took 3 hours to eat dinner last night. Really soaking it all in.

Today we spent most of the day in the car - meandering through the countryside on our way to Quebec City. We're traveled throught the Northern tip of the Appalacian Mountain range. It was so quaint and picturesque, it didn't feel real. (For you Americans we're above, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont.) We arrived in Quebec City tonight and walked a bit through the old town. QC is the oldest fortified city in North America. English isn't as common here - so it was a quiet night for me. I keep telling Darren I feel like we're in Euroupe. The lifestyle, articture, ambiance is either very French or very British. Tomorrow we'll spend most of the day in QC and then spend another night here before we make our way back to Montreal. Today was a calmer day for us. We've walked 10-12 miles a day since we got here... just trying to see it all. But today, we (okay, mostly me) really started to miss the kids. I just want to hug, kiss, hold, tickle, smell and make them laugh... then I could continue on the trip. Not possible I know. But now that we're half way through, I thinking about them more and miss them more. I'll be ready to see them - but we'll be busy the rest of the trip and we plan to keep on enjoing our alone time. (Thank goodness for trustworthy grandparents who are willing to step in and be the parents for a while. And for good friends who agree to take on an infant who still gets up at night!)Anyway, pictures to follow.

Baby Phat

I took Connor to the pediatrician where he was tested for sterroids. He weighs a "healthy" 17 pounds and is 25 1/2" long.... making our car seat illegal. Our doctor runs the child obesity clinic here in Calgary and assured me his growth rate is fine - he's just on the bigger side of things. I tried to make a fat joke but he didn't think it was too funny. I hate it when people don't get me. Anyway, all is well but we're hoping the growth rate slows down a bit. It would sure be nice if he could wear the same clothes longer than 3 weeks. I probably should not let him wear a shirt that says "Mammoth" on it. Oh and remember, the camera adds 10 lbs.

Piano Lessons

It was a big day for the girls - they started piano lessons. Their teacher is Mr. Don Simmons and he comes to our house. (this should be the #1 new qualification for all piano teachers) I can't say enough about how great it's going to be not to drive them both somewhere - especially with Connor in tow.

Cala has a 15 minute lesson and CC a 5 minute lesson. He'll even take me on when Connor gets a bit older. I stay for the lesson and I felt like he's going to be great. Cala has 3 songs to work on and CC has to learn middle C. They were both very excited. I even got CC to take a nap so she would be "fresh" for her lesson. I can't believe we're in this phase of things now - seems like just yesterday I was telling them to quit banging on the piano... wait, that was yesterday.

I've been tagged...

My friend Tiffany tagged me... the request - tell us about your marriage. (this is something under no circumstances would my husband ever do... so I'm glad for the chance to at least self analyze with my friends.

1. How did you meet your husband? At BYU (original I know) My last semester - I had a roommate in law school with him... named Laurie Davis. Jessica Sherrill (also roommate) and I had a plan to snag a lawyer. We talked Lori into choosing the smartest, best looking law students and we would make dinner for them. Clam Chowder was the decided meal... I was no help in this.. Jess and Laurie did it all while I stood there saying I don't cook. (not the case anymore) Darren was on of the "chosen" guys and lucky for me he showed up. Darren now refers to this meeting as "The Viewing" becasue he says it was soooo obvious what we were doing. The girl to guy ration was a little off. So when the crowed died off... all that were left was Darren, Steve, Jessica, Erika and another guy named Steve. Jessica and I were both on full cuteness mode that night - we were charming - flirty enough - jeans tight - but not too tight.. you know, played it cool. After the door closed - Jessica, Laurie and I went into full analyzing mode. Jessica mentioned something about Darren and I was like... oh no, we can't both like the same one. So, (Jessica, this is probably news to you) later that night, I cornered Laurie and said, I was the one who needed to go out with Darren - so put in an extra good word for me. Laurie may have directed him my way (she was nice and never actually told me he may have been more into Jessica b/c seriously, even I would have been more into Jessica - she's a good time) Anyway, Darren asked me out a few days later - our first date was on Halloween. We went to Applebee's and q-ball or q-room... that place on State Street in Orem where you could play air hockey and stuff. (I'm pretty sure we haven't played air hockey since that night) We held hands while walking out of q-ball.... (after some major flirting on my part) The night ended with a perfect little kiss at the front door.

2. First thing I said: Umm actually the first time I met Darren he came to pick up my roommate Laurie to go to a Rodeo in SLC. I made so much fun of her for going to a rodeo. I opened the door and said - oh, come in, I'll get Laurie for you. After that, I probably made fun of his cowboy boots to Jessica.

3. When was your first kiss - see first date.

4. Length of courtship/engagement? 10 months... met and married. I knew I had a good thing going and I didn't want him to have time to change his mind.

5. Where did you get engaged? Murry City Park. I've always thought that was random. We'd never been there and haven't been back. Plus, I knew it was coming (no matter what Darren says) but after I had the ring - we went to like 4 peoples houses to show them and no one was home.

6. What was your reception like? A blur and I'm still bitter about it. We stood in line for over 3 hours greeting 800 guests and then bolted as soon as we could. Our legs totally ached. I loved my dress and everything but looking back, I seriously felt ridiculious the entire time - I was nervous at the ceremony - just felt out of place all day. I've often said to Darren, when Cala and Chelsea get married - I'll enjoy it more - have the wedding I wanted. Quiet and calm. ps: the music was great - my super talented bff Tiffany Stoker Madsen did background music. I would have just rather listened to that all night, looked at my dress while eating the wedding cake. Oh ya, Darren can sit by me and share the cake.

7. Where did you get married? The Idaho Falls temple. It was the worst flood in 200 years and so there were sandbags all along the river.

8. Honeymoon - this made up for it all. We went to Hawaii for 12 days - hit the beach - slept in- drove around - relaxed. I also got a massive sunburn and wanted to check myself into the hospital. I'll probably get skin cancer one day because of it. I had blisters and was purple. I shed dead skin for one year - no kidding. We took the kids back to Hawaii 2 years ago... it wasn't quite the same trip.

So there you go Tiff! Thanks for the tag. Darren and I basically have nothing in common. He likes to do things I have absolutly no desire to even try. But, I'm a good sport and take an intrest in things he finds important. I've even learned how to tolerate the horses and will talk to them when I go outside. Darren likes a lot of the same things I like - he's more well rounded and not as shallow. My likes all involve selfish things and he's a good sport. He even knows the ins and outs of whatever handbag/fashion find I'm drooling over at the moment and puts up with the money I wast on People magazine. Although, just to make him sound normal... I just got a new chruch calling. Ward music chairman - and I have to lead the music for sacrament meeting... I've been practicing b/c I never learned how to lead... he just made fun of me the entire time... said I looked like a robot. Thanks honey. Jokes on you - one Sunday I'm just going to sit on the stand the entire time while you fight it out with the kids.

Classroom Manager

A big day for Cala today... she's the "Classroom Manager." She gets to help the teacher and take a show and tell. She wanted to take Connor but I decided it wasn't a good idea since he had some shots today. She settled for some sea shells instead. I can't wait to hear how it went. She looked so cute today.

Matching Moment

We left for church on Sunday as Darren commented - you're all matching. Did you plan that? Okay, normally I don't try and dress like my kids. But, you would be surprised how many times we are all have the same theme going. Also today, Cala was complaining about her shoes hurting her feet. I had some wise words of advice. I said, look at my shoes. (black high heels, peep toe) Do they look comfortable? They're not, in fact I can't feel a few of my toes and the rest are being pinched so hard I want to cry. I'll probably be bleeding after church. But, they look good. I love these shoes, Angelina Jolie has a pair like them and I can sure stand them for 3 hours and so can you. That's just part of dressing nice. She decided she would tough it out in the name of fashion. Not before she told me how uncomfortable nylons were though. Gotta learn young.

Bedtime

Bedtime... sound peaceful and simple... right. And it can be both of those, depending on the night. However, here's the drill of tonights routine. Cala: started at 6 pm asking, "Can I stay up later than Chelsea?" Chelsea, "Can I watch TV, because I didn't watch any today and I really want to watch Ariel.... there's this part, um where the seagull is... " Mom cuts Chelsea off b/c this could seriously go on all night. She loves to talk. Connor, enjoying a bottle on my bed. He's laying on a pillow and has his bottle propped up with another one it's okay b/c it's just multi tasking.... 2 things at once. Bedtime approaches, I promise Chelsea a foot tickle while I finish feeding Connor... she agrees and we head into her room and which point she starts asking me what were're going to do tomorrow. (this should have been a red flag... it will just keep CC talking and not sleeping) I tell her that it's going to rain and get really cold.. she inturupts telling me that for Family Home Weaving she wants to have a pajama party, pop popcorn and watch Aurthor and the Invisibles. Mom: "Yes Chelsea, that's a good idea, maybe on the weekend." Chelsea: "No tonight, for Family Home Weaving." Mom, gets her back on track - we're going to bed. Now, I threaten, if you're not quiet then no foot tickle. She stops talking long enough for me to get my hand on her foot. Then she starts to laugh because it is a foot tickle after all. I know decide I'm hindering and not helping the process and remove myself from the room which starts the screaming crying fit - which I close the door and ignore with these wise words. "Chelsea, you're being mean and you're not a mean girl so I know you're tired." More crying but she stays in bed for the moment. Then, I decide Connor will just have to go in his crib while I deal with his sisters. Chelsea comes out of her room with more questions about what we're doing tomorrow, demands a snack, demans and drink and I put her back to bed - do the chin grab (this is where I grab a chin and get right in the offenders face - explain to them what the problem is and then make them repeat back what I just said - promissing not to do it again) Now, I threaten to take her stuffy away. In the background Connor starts crying, I decide he'll have to take a backseat and he's okay to cry for 20 minutes while I play a promised game of phase ten whith Cala. Cala and I get through the first phase - Chelsea joins us - Chelsea get's put back in bed - crying. Connor - still crying - but the 20 minute time has not gone off. I've also warned Cala that when the timer goes off - it's her bedtime. She again asks if she can stay up a bit later - and then has a look on her face of sheer surprise when I say no. Hello - she's the one who told me she fell asleep in school - a later bedtime- I don't think so. We finish 2 more phases, Connor still crying. Chelsea calm and now sleeping. Cala and I go get her clothes ready for tomorrow and while in process - Connor stops crying and falls asleep. Cala asks again if she can stay up just a few more minutes. (It's now 7:37 and 7 minutes past betime) Sorry, still the same answer. Cala goes into her room (the girls share) and I start folding laundry. 5 minutes later Cala comes out and says she can't go to sleep. Ummm, you're eyes are bloodshot - just lay there - I don't care if you don't fall asleep right away but trust me, you will. 9 pm - Chelsea wakes up screaming, demanding food, water and world peace. She gets a drink, pat on the back and plopped back on her pillow. Cala, now realizing the unjusitce too demands a drink. Dad gives her one - and now everyone is quiet. So tonight, Connor get's the best bedtime award. It might have something to do with the fact that he can't physically get out of bed. Maybe I'll put the other two back in a crib. Don't let the photo trick you - they look like angles - but they'll give you a run for your money!

CC first day

okay... not to forget the middle child or anything. But, she started school yesterday. I took her inside and the teacher said mom's are welcome to stay today so the kids can get used to it. Ummmm, I care about my kid and all but thanks, I want my money's worth. I'll just come back in an hour. CC didn't want me to stay anyway. When I picked her up she said, "Thank you thank you, I love preschool and I love Miss Wellwood my teacher." I asked her what was her favourite part about preschool and she said "Getting a book order." Such a big girl. (coudl someone tell me how to rotate this picture.)

Connor latest

Talk to the hand! Connor has found is hands and spends every waking moment looking at them. We try and distract him - but that's just impossible. I'm sure glad we spend money on all the toys around here... because we sure are getting a lot of bang for our buck. In his defence - we wouldn't want him playing with all the girl toys around here anyway. Hands, hands, hands.




We are going for our first doctors visit in a week and I'm pretty sure he'll test Connor for dopping. I'm estimating he's around 16 pounds and that's on the light side. He's only 13 weeks old. Are their sterroids in Nestle Good Start formula? I better read the label closer.

School Day

Cala had her first day of first grade... er I mean Grade One (Canadian talk) today. The bus picked her up at 8 am and I followed her to school so I could find out who her teacher was and help her get all settled. Okay... so I just wanted to go and spy on her and take some photos. She had a good day, likes her teacher and told me I packed her too much lunch.

My 8 seater SUV actually holds 10.

Whew... I am glad to be home and finished with all the summer vacationing. School starts for us on
Thursday and I'm looking forward to the routine it brings. I'm a bit sad to see the nice weather go so quickly. When we got back to Calgary (Sunday at 2 am!) I could feel fall in the air. Seriously, I hate that about this country - 8 weeks of summer - 4 of them good. Anyway, we had fun with family in Idaho and a good time with the Randalls at Tie Lake and here in Calgary.

We did have a little excitement before we left. I noticed the Kleenex box in the car was a bit chewed up the sides as I was driving home one day. It didn't take me long to figure out what it was... a mouse! Seriously, I drove home so fast I was probably nearly flying. A further investigation revealed that mouse crap was everywhere and my car being sooooo clean all the time and all - well it took a while for me to actually notice. Long story short - we didn't have a mouse.... we had two. Someone could have paid me 5 bucks and I would have given them the car. Darren came home and completly disinfected it - set 6 traps two different nights and bingo... The worst thing about it... I know one was in there at least 2 weeks. The kids got a huge lecture about leaving the car doors open and food in the car. Disgusting. I chose to drive Darren's one ton diesel truck the remainder of the week... you know, the kind of truck you have to get a special license to drive. But, I was thrilled to be driving it. I can't believe I didn' roll the car. And lets face it - the mice hit the jackpot when they discovered the car... and endless supply of food... uguuhhhhhh. Hope no one has to endure what I had to... it still haunts me and I'm always making lots of noise when I drive.. in case word spread in the mouse kingdome about the paradise that is my car. yuck!!!

so, back to school and back to schedules - should be a killer transistion for us all.

Thank you Cala

My mother-in-law came over to see the kids today and I totally got sold out! (not that she is that kind of mother-in-law) Cala was being very helpful and doing some cleaning. She was dusting the piano and looked at her dust cloth and it was... well... filthy. She walks up to Marilyn and says - look how much dust was on our piano. I'm the only one that ever cleans it. Then a bit later when I was telling Marilyn how helpful Cala is - she chimed in and said, "I even hold Connor and take care of him while my mom sleeps in." Luckily my mother in law doesn't judge me... she just smiled and continued talking - or maybe she was just doing damage control. She did do my dishes before she left though... she's helpful and I'm completly fine with it. Really can't complain - she came to my rescue after Connor was born and pretty much just took over for 3 days. It was great. Too bad I can't convince her to do it again. I could really get a serious break.

I love this view. This is what we see when we look out our back windows. It is also the reason I spend as little time as possible in the city. When I have to leave it annoys me. It's like leaving your vacation early. Also, I buy like crazy when I'm at the grocery store so I don't have to go as often. Maybe the newness of this place will wear off but for now, I feel like we live in a storybook.


Darren has a new hobby! He spent the weekend mowing the pasture around our house. I would look out the window and he would be driving it with a big smile on his face. He also let the kids take turns riding with them.... we're such country folk now.

Connor made his debut at church today. He's 5 weeks old and I finally (after serious pressure) decided it was time to start going again. We got to church - on time but without Connors shoes and socks on him. Darren put his socks on and Connor smiled like crazy. This was his first time wearing socks and he seemed to like it... that or he has really tickelish feet. Sweet baby.




Connor at 5 weeks and 14 lbs. I'm actually going to talk to the doctor about his massive weight gain. I'm pretty sure we're not slipping sterroids in his formula.



Last but not least... crazy Chelsea. This is quite the dress up costume she put together. I think it was probably a little hot but she suffered through. She loves to play and keep us entertained. Today at church she asked when she was supposed to go up and sing for everyone. Ever since the primary Christmas program she thinks it's her job to perform every sunday for the ward. She would if we let her that's for sure.

or this one?

which one?

I need a diaper bag and I'm having a hard time making a decision.... here's a post of two baby bags as they are aparently now called... what are your thoughts. I've actually never had a diaper bag - it took baby #3... go figure. Both can be used as a travel tote when baby bag days are over... let's here it. Angelina Jolie has the one on the right. So does Torrie Spelling but who really cares. That girl is major.

Speaking of major

I know Ms. Betsy Ross likes the Hollywood gossip and let's just say I don't mind it myself, so since the title of this blog is major, I thought I'd add this picture. I'm fascinated with the Beckham family lately.

Not smart

Okay, still working out the kinks here. Betsy Ross aka Erika Taylor. This was the name I created to enter another blog and I have to keep it for this one. Betsy Ross - b/c I'm an American living in Canada. I thought it was clever but now 18 people got an email inviting them to join Betsy Ross's blog and they have no clue who she is. Also, I've titled the blog "This is major." Because I watched "Victoria Beckham is coming to America" and she said "This is major" or "It's major" a bunch of times and I thought it was clever. Also, I hate spelling and don't like to spell check so you'll all have to cope.

Latest update

Hi everyone. I'm now living in this decade and have decided to jump on the blog bandwagon and create my own instead of just publishing to everyone elses. Anyway, here is the very latest picture of Connor. He's now 5 weeks old and huge. I tell people how old he is and they don't believe me. Everyone thinks he's 3 months old. I published a photo of him when he was just a few days old as proof of his explosive growth over the last 5 weeks. He's nearly 14 lbs. My girls weighed that at like 6 months. He is a great baby and a lot of fun. As you can see, I have a lot of help from his two older sisters... too much help at times. We are all surviving... some days barely. I love being a mom, bedtime (mine and the kids'), a clean house, designer handbags, living in the country, Hollywood gossip (shallow I know but it's a good break), reading, playing cards, working out and the TV Drama - House. Oh ya, Hockey and American Idol... which hasn't been as good since Carrie Underwood. But there - you're caught up. Now let's get this thing going.