Here, I like this one better...

This photo is way more true to life than the one we had printed. Allison hanging on little Nathan, and don't you just love Nate's look?

42 great things about grandkids

1. Allison
2. Nathan
3. Amanda
4. Jacob
5. Adeline
6. Landon
7. Coming in June
8. Coming in September.
9. They love their Grandpa and Grandma.
10. They are smarter than their parents were at this stage of their lives.
11. They are great photo opportunities--especially when eating.
12. There is always a hint that they were in our home after they leave.
13. They think the simplest things are funny.
14. They do not seem to mind if I stare at them from a distance.
15. Even a dork can make them something and they appreciate it.
16. You can make any of them laugh if you act stupid enough.
17. The stupider you act, the more they seem to enjoy it.
18. They love roasting marshmallows.
19. They are attracted to all sorts of interesting things.
20. If they do not like all the candy you give them, they will give it back.
21. If they fail to say thanks for something, they will happily do so when reminded.
22. If you ever need a bookcase unloaded right now, I could get a crew ready in a very short order.
23. They accept gifts unconditionally.
24. If you are a lousy singer, they accept you as a great singer.
25. Every now and again, Grandpa will get one to lay their head on his shoulder.
26. Sooner or later, all of them will accept instructions from me and I may not even know what I am doing, but they will overlook that.
27. They like kites.
28. They love the beach.
29. They like bikes.
30. They like zoos.
31. They like books.
32. They like pirates.
33. They all learn to pray from their parents and don't have a problem with it.
34. If it was a hot day and you needed to wash the car, they would all hold the hose for you.
35. You may not want to be sprayed with a hose, but they will do it anyway.
36. They will usually not want to work, but if you put in the context of helping, they rarely turn you down.
37. They all have the sweetest smiles.
38. They will not pre-judge you.
39. If you need your phone lost, any one of them might step forward and help you lose it.
40. With regards to eyeglasses: fudgy fingerprints.
41. They will all watch their favorite movies with you--just about anytime.
42. They will take walks with you about anytime and let you carry them when they grow tired.

Last minute free stuff

I have 4 sponsor passes to the LPGA tournament for today (includes food, snacks, drinks and box seats). We went last year and it was really fun. If anyone can go, come pick up these tickets!

School Newzzzzz

Just wanted to share our latest - Nick and I went to a meeting last night for the new school Allison will be attending this fall - VISTA TRADITIONAL SCHOOL (VTS). She'll wear a school uniform, go to school 9am - 4pm every day, and be taught in the Spalding method, but still have PE, art and music instruction. (If I knew how to make that "Spalding" into a link, I would) We are SO excited about this new opportunity. In fact, we will be taking our house off the market for now in order to fully give this a chance. If it turns out to be a good deal, and a good fit for Allison, then I'm afraid y'all will keep having to drive out to the South side when you come see us, as we won't be moving to Tempe.
Colman - they're hiring teachers as we speak - are you sure you don't want to teach elementary school??? Ha!

Another lil' limerick

'Twas the day right after St. Pat's
Downstairs, that's where we were ats
When atop the TV
The pics we did see
That told news of a new little rugrat.

Nathan and Jacob will learn to share
With a brother or sister, they really don't care
But oh, if it happens to be a girl
Cameron's head will be in a whirl
But Robyn will finally get to do a girl's hair!


Congrats Cam and Robyn! Love you!

St. Patrick's Day Limerick

Such wonderful things are these goggles.
When I see them, how my mind boggles.
We would ask them to share.
But I really don't dare.
They"ll say NO, those darned little hoggles!

Let the competition begin!

Need a new post to look at

Sunday, Sunday!

Hey....how about we all pitch in and bring something to dinner on Sunday night, so that my dad doesn't eat a sandwich like he eats every other night! (Dad, you know it's true.)

Besides, I am hankering to try this new salad dressing recipe I have, and for Shellie, Sundays are for making desserts....

Anyone else?

Everybody's doing it, so why shouldn't I?

100 Things About Shellie

1. I am a soccer mom with 2.7 kids and an SUV.
2. I love to clean and organize other people's houses, but tend to procrastinate working on my own.
3. I have a weakness for homemade cookies - the ones from the store can stay there.
4.I am the youngest of five children in my family. There are 17 years between my oldest brother and me. Mom once called me an "oops", and I'll never let her forget it.
5. I have been an aunt since I was 8 years old.
6. I refuse to buy expensive sunglasses. Or shoes, for that matter.
7. I was hit by a car when I was a teenager. I still remember how everything slowed down before it happened.
8. Ice cream needs to be crunchy. It definitely always needs nuts in it. As does peanut butter.
9. I love being in charge of things and making decisions, but hate being the center of attention.
10.I used to be a pretty good tennis player. The last time I played was when Nick and I were engaged. I won. I haven't played since.
11. I like who I am when I'm with my college friends.
12. I like simple meals, but NOT those that come from a box.
13. I wish I were a more patient mother.
14. I really like my toes. They're perfectly sized and shaped.
15. I have a very strong aversion to animals. I never want to have a pet.
16.I graduated with honors from Arizona State University with a journalism degree. At the time I was scared to enter the "real" world and have to find a "real"job.
17. My husband thinks his degree is better than mine because his says "Bachelor of Science" and mine says "Bachelor of Arts".
18.I have the tendency to get anxiety attacks in salt water. I'm not a snorkeler, and I'm not so comfortable with boogie boarding. I'll try again this summer, though.
19. If I could be in the Olympics, I would want to be a trampolinist.
20.I've always wanted to sing a Dixie Chicks song in public, even though I can'treally sing. It's odd, really, because I don't like groups of people looking at me.
21. My favorite movie of all time is Singin' in the Rain.
22. I would rather have pie or cheesecake than regular cake any day.
23. I really do think my husband is the funniest one in his family.
24. I rarely rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. I think it's a waste of time, energy, and especially water.
25. People who use bad grammar make me crazy. And another thing: Sisters-in-law. Holes-in-one. Get it right.
26.One of the reasons I look forward to traveling is because I usually get to eat at McDonald's for breakfast. I love sausage, egg and cheese biscuits. Seriously.
27. As much as I imagine I'd like one, I think I'd feel guilty for hiring a cleaning lady.
28. It makes me mad when my husband tries to scare me for fun.
29. I would love to be a carpenter.
30. People who can tap dance absolutely fascinate me.
31. Sundays, besides attending church, are for making desserts.
32. I have lived in a total of 2 states (Arizona and Maryland) and 10 homes in my life. I have owned four of those homes.
33.I have owned a total of 5 vehicles in my life. I think I would get a brand new version of my current one, a red Ford Explorer, the next time I bought a vehicle.
34. My dad has always had a garden, but I never liked tomatoes until halfway through college. I missed out on many, many years of fresh, homegrown tomatoes.
35. I love doing projects with my dad. I still learn something new from him every time he visits me, or when I visit him.
36. I am a better handyman than my husband.
37. Nick is a better painter than I am.
38. I used to be a big fan of roller coasters and "drop" type amusement park rides. Now they kind of make me sick.
39.I hyper-extended my elbow doing cartwheels down a hill when I was little. We were waiting for a play to begin, and my mom still made me sit through the performance (she must have thought I was bluffing since I didn't want to see it). I woke up the next morning and my whole arm was about 3 times its regular size from the swelling.
40. I'm a really good pumpkin carver.
41. I do not like taking a lot of risks.
42. If I were to move to another country, I'd want it to be Australia just so I could pick up the accent, mate.
43. I'm generally a very good speller.
44. I used to fall asleep in sacrament meeting all the time, until I had kids.
45. Many times if I see a sign or logo, I can tell you what font it's printed in.
46.I had back surgery to correct scoliosis the summer between my junior and senior years of high school. I wore a brace for three months. It was the skinniest I've ever been.
47. I hate running out of things, and generally have a very well-stocked pantry. Need 20 cans of evaporated milk? I'm your girl.
48. I covet the legs of all the Rockettes.
49. My throat does this strange clicking sound when I'm laughing uncontrollably.
50. I miss the roller blading and country dancing from my college days.
51. I honestly think my girls are the most beautiful children that ever lived.
52. I think our wedding pictures and albums are awesome. We were gorgeous that day.
53. I want to own a ski boat someday, and spend Saturdays going to lakes with my family. I love waterskiing.
54.I have to have something hot for breakfast every day. Cold cereal, a bagel, yogurt, a banana - - they just don't cut it by themselves. Has to be an egg, oatmeal, even hot cocoa and toast will do. Actually, I hate yogurt.
55.I rarely ever print a picture I haven't fixed up in Photoshop first. I can whiten your teeth and make you thin and blemish-free too.
56. After Allison was born, I sent Nick to go get me dinner at Taco Bell. I hadn't eaten all day, and it's all I wanted.
57. I threw up Taco Bell while in labor at the hospital with Amanda. Hmmm...
58. I still eat at Taco Bell about once a week. Both of my girls love it.
59.If I want something to be functional, I shop at Walmart. If I want something more stylish or want to get a gift, I shop at Target. Functional things are always cheaper at Walmart. Walmart Supercenters are a one-stop dream.
60. I loathe debt. I haven't had a car payment in almost 3 years.
61. Once you go prime rib, you don't go back to other cuts of steak. I love prime rib.
62. I realize I'm writing a lot of things about food. It's lunchtime, and I'm hungry.
63. Nick made fun of me for mispronouncing "Potomac" when we first moved to Maryland.
64.I am not a mall shopper. Somehow you always leave with things that you never thought you needed or intended to buy before you went there.
65. I really like talk radio.
66. I miss snow. It makes everything look so clean and peaceful.
67.I like to live in cities with all of the available stores and restaurants, yet I can't stand crowds or traffic. If only there were a compromise...
68.Football on TV - I'm completely baffled as to how they get that first down line to appear, and how the players run over it, and are not covered by it.It's not on the field, it's not on the screen - - ?? I just don't get it.
69.I try to avoid using the word "stupid". Besides my 3-year-old latching on to it, I think it makes the person saying it sound completely uneducated.
70. I would love it if my girls got into cheerleading.
71. I got straight As in high school. All four years.
72.I scored a 99 percent on my achievement tests one year in elementary school.I was proud. My mother asked me where the other percentage point was.
73. Not really a fan of classical music. It actually makes me nervous.
74. I plucked out all of my eyelashes at one point when I was a kid. Not sure why.
75.I really like the Harry Potter series of books. I'm absolutely irresponsible when I read, though. I don't really shower, take care of my kids, eat or sleep if I'm into a book.
76. I wish I could feel the same way about my scriptures.
77. I hate the look of oak furniture.
78. I've probably only been to 5 or 6 concerts in my life. 3 of them, U2. A band I'd see again? U2.
79.Left-brained or right-brained? I'm not really sure. I think I'm completely equal. I'm not ultra-creative, nor am I ultra-logical.
80. I try to do at least one load of laundry a day in order not to get behind.
81.I'm not a fan of tile roofs and stucco. I miss the brick and siding from Maryland, fall leaves and especially grass that grows on its own.
82.I have scars on my shins and knees from shaving the very first time. I will teach my girls the wonders of an epilady before they get such ideas in their heads.
83. I love flip flops. I was made to live in Arizona where I can wear them year-round.
84. I'm completely freaked out by scorpions. Probably because my mom has been stung several times.
85. I like to sleep pretty much on my stomach. Which makes pregnancy sleep really inconvenient.
86. I like to whistle.
87. My husband and I make each other laugh by purposefully whistling off-tune.
88. My mom makes really, really good green chili. I have not mastered that skill.
89. I'm all about lounge clothes. You'll never catch me in a dress and pantyhose much past 1/2 hour after church on Sundays.
90.Yes, I still think it's most appropriate to wear pantyhose to church. It bothers me when I see women wear flip-flops to church on Sundays.
91. I like watching decorating and remodeling shows on TV. My favorite drama right now is Heroes.
92. The thought of Hillary as president makes me shudder.
93. Scrapbooking is my passion.
94.I think I've struck a good balance in my scrapbook albums between artistry and maintaining the focus on my photos and the story behind them.
94. Re-reading this list makes me realize I use a lot of adverbs.
95. I didn't used to be girly. Now my favorite color is pink and I can't imagine not having painted toenails.
96. Not into a lot of jewelry, but I love that my husband knows what he's doing when he picks out diamonds.
97. I'm a snorer. I think it's become much worse since I've been pregnant. Nick wakes me all the time to tell me so.
98. I handle all the finances in our house.
99. I think my husband is hot.
100. Hugs and kisses from my girls are the best.

If only I had the counter space!

I was shopping around online for non plastic tupperware because of the whole cancer when you microwave them thing, and came across these. Doesnt this look like fun? I love cereal and my kids would love this!

Someone likes olives

Apparently Jacob really likes olives, I think he associates them with grapes. Can you guess how many olives are in his mouth?

Let the democratic process begin...

Since it's been a slow week on the blog, I'm posting my decorating dilemma. I've been wrestling over which baby bedding to make or buy for several weeks now. What I really want just doesn't exist, so I'm compromising... I'd like to do a space - rocket - alien theme, but incorporate a chocolate brown as well. I know, I'm difficult. No cute novelty fabrics to be found. With either set, I will probably have some artwork painted that matches, and paint the walls a light blue, and have light blue crib sheets. Here are the top two choices: the first is called "spa", the second is "zen". Vote as you will, but please justify your motivations behind the vote.

Sign of the Times

I was at the Walmart and as I was returning to my truck, I could not help but notice the white minivan parked next to me. I saw a few rainbow flag stickers (which isn't a rarity), but then I noticed one of those family stickers that some people apply to the back of their cars' window.

Here is what I saw...

The prettiest blossoms in our yard

A Minor Distraction.

Sometimes Addie gets distracted when we try to take her picture. Here she was looking at the camera, but became more intrigued by the words being typed.

Hey, Len! Where you been?

I got a nice post card from an old friend the other day. Len Tuckwillow is doing well up on the Oregon coast where he goes out each day, collects some sand-sanded pieces of driftwood and makes them into small baskets. They are actually available from a number of catalogs--and we seem to get a lot of them. I am thinking of making a catalog basket and sending it to Len. If you are interested, leave me out of it. Please.

Valentine's Day Secrets

So I decided that it would be fun to take Nathan (not big nathan) along with me to go and get Robyn a Valentine... Tuesday morning, I asked Nathan to come with me to get her gift. We set out for See's Candies in downtown Scottsdale, and I explained that we were going to the "chocolate store" to get her a box of chocolates. Nathan was great, even though the store was both packed and understaffed, undermining my hopes of getting in and out quickly. We ultimately selected the perfect heart-shaped box of chocolates for Robyn, ate some free samples, and even bought a bag of chocolate gold coins (treasure) that Nathan had spent the entire time in the store hiding and finding in the hood of his rain jacket.

On the way home, I emphasized how important it would be to keep the gift a secret because we would not give her the chocolates until the morning of Valentine's Day. Nathan agreed and promised not to tell mom about the present. Here is the discussion that took place later that afternoon:

Robyn (to the boys): Let's all go to the store and get Daddy a Valentine's Day Gift!

Nathan: Are we going to the chocolate store?

Volvo be gone!

We sadly, but happily announce the sale of the old Volvo. It was time. It took a week or so and we are fans of Craig's List as a way to unload all kinds of stuff. No more nifty turning radius, no more wondering if it will run another few miles. No more insurance! Hey, this is not all that bad after all.

Go in peace. To Tucson with you! Go!

I guess I will save this for another day....

The Donald shares his secrets

I received four of these in the mail yesterday so I officially have 8, count 'em, 8 passes to this conference. Early bird gets the chance to learn The Donald's secrets. If that's not enough of a lure, they're giving you a free lunch and a free book if mine eyes don't deceive me. If it wasn't on a Wednesday, I'd go just to meet George.

Location: Pointe South Mountain Resort, Phoenix - 7777 S. Pointe Parkway

Date: Wednesday, March 7

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This was also my test on our new color scanner. Now I can post scans instead of blurry pictures taken by my cell phone.

Slaying the Dragon

Good thing our little knight Nathan has slain that dragon - he looks pretty scary! Seriously, such a cute idea and treasure map!

Click HERE...believe me.

Everyone loves a chocolate festival.

This weekend is the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. It's just one more reason to be a fan of SRP, who presents and sponsors it. Has anyone been to it? It sounds really fun.

I'd like to see this "largest chocolate Valentine's heart" they're going to have. Plus "Families with children will enjoy a myriad of activities, including hands-on arts and crafts, face-painting and a rock-climbing wall. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available throughout the weekend to take couples or families on a scenic, charming ride through the historic Catlin Court district."

More info can be found here. I'll be there with chocolate bells on.

It's a Boy!!!

Baby Names

Shellie, I found a great site with the meaning of names....you should consider some for the little Joshua's middle name.

P.S. Don't the blog colors change tonight at midnight?

Woot off

Not that I want to draw more attention to it, but there is a woot off today on woot.com Good luck!

More Free Stuff

I have two tickets to the FBR Open today if anyone could use them - they're VIP passes and come with complimentary food & drink.

The absolute worst!

I was touched by the Ding-Dong story referred to in Aubrey's blog and my mind wandered back to the 1950's when Grandpa had an entire barrell of these

awful little morsels in his store. I tried to like these things but they are about as nasty as a candy as ever crossed the Little Colorado River and into our town. The memory still haunts me. Years later, we took the kids to SLC and took a tour of Brigham Young's home and they offered horehound drops to the tourists as a "treat from the past." I put on my game face and slipped one into my mouth. The taste had not improved in over 40 years. I ran outside and spit it into a place where about a hundred tourists had just spit theirs. NOBODY likes them. Why make them? It seems to be a good waste of stuff if they still produced. They would, however, be good as "trick candy". Hey, it worked on me. By the way, we still have the barrell!

Jesterz Freebie

For those of you who haven't seen the Jesterz, they're a comedy troupe at Theater 168, an improv/comedy club owned by an LDS couple, located at Scottsdale Rd. & McDowell. It's a really fun, clean comedy show and if any of you can attend, there is a free student showcase this Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

This is the info that was in the email they sent me:

Student Showcase
Thursday - January 25 - 7:30
Student Showcase - Improv 201 - advanced students in the jester'z "Performance Prep" class, are putting on a showcase and we need an audience. This is the 1st of 4 showcases that this class will perform in over the next 12 weeks.
Come enjoy 60 minutes of hilarity with the up & comers of Theater 168. No reservations are necessary. We begin seating at 7:20. Theater 168 is located at 7117 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale 85257
Admission for ALL ages: FREE

Look what I found...

and yes...Little Nathan is sleeping in the closet.

Marshmallow Gun Montage

**The author of this post is Nick, and not Robyn**

I can't take credit for the title of this post. Shellie brilliantly coined the phrase while sending me these pictures. I am a little disturbed by these seemingly harmless toys. If we are supplying our children with these sugary confection propellants at age four, then what values are we reinforcing? And just exactly what are the li'l Nathan's next descending steps into the dark abyss?

Age 6 - potato launcher
Age 8 - BB gun
Age 12 - .22 rifle (after competing firearm safety training, of course)
Age 14 - 30-30 rifle
Age 15 - The severed, stuffed head of Bambi's father mounted on Cam & Robyn's living room wall!
Age 16 - Card carrying member of the NRA!
Age 17 - Seen milling aimlessly wearing camouflage at the AZ fair grounds! (aka the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and The Madhouse on McDowell)!


What disturbs me even are the examples set by his parents and least favourite uncle (big Nathan). They cavalierly brandished the guns on Christmas morning and did not exercise any restraint in shooting unsuspecting onlookers. I myself was struck in the face - the cheek, which I calmly turned as to expose the other, if they desired it for a target! I suggest we "Change the Play", as recommended by Pope Benedict XVI. If we don't, then we shall reap what we sow! Watch out for that first step, it's a slippery slope!

Scenes from Christmas 2006

We finally had our pictures developed, and we came across a few choice shots that captured the excitement of Christmas morning at the SoPho Carter house.

Nick, get ready to open your energy gates!

I've been saving this until the whole deal was a little more solid - I wouldn't want anyone to be disappointed if they thought they were going to get some life force energy classes, and then found out it was not to be. But it looks like Nick is in luck! This guy came into our office and said he teaches classes exclusively to SRP employees but may be able to branch out if we're interested.

Here's his card:

Nick, you'll have to let us know if we should contact him.

A Day at the Zoo

Last month there was a family caravan to the zoo. Allison & Amanda really liked the 'mingos, because "they are pink, Daddy!"

As you can see, Allison was not afraid of the giraffes. However, she refused to touch its tongue and elected to feed him from a safe distance.

Next Blog? Here You Go

Do you have a staring problem as well?

Only a few things in life cause a person to stop dead in their pursuit of looking for the next breath more than a beautiful oceanic scene, a campfire about two-thirds burned down where the coals are hot-like and you can see images in the glowing embers as the heat presses into your face, or even watching a young grandchild try to be reverent in church. A good hard rain at the cabin watched comfortably from the front porch in that rocking chair certainly competes. I guess the one that stops me cold is that perfect moment when I reach into the fridge and take that ice cold swig of fresh milk and my wife catches me and says, "for crying out loud, will you use a glass?" Oh yeah, that makes me stare--right into the big spoon drawer where I had already used a big spoon to take a big old heaping mouthful of ice cream.

There is no real point to this except that I have done or seen all these things except one. Guess which one I have NOT experienced.

YYYYYYYIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE!

Back to the beach! Happy First Birthday Landon on July 31st!

You can see the MLS listing here.

On the MLS

REALTOR® Remarks: **''SCRAPPY'' THE WEINER DOG MAY BE GATED IN DOWNSTAIRS POWDER RM* PLZ DON'T PET, NOT USED TO STRANGERS & MIGHT NOT BE PREDICTABLE

M. A. Pollack

This guy is all over the place in the valley. If you haven't seen him check out this website.

I recently heard a rumor that he lived in the middle of a lake in Chandler. There are a few variations of this rumor, one claiming that the only way to and from his house is by helicopter. I decided to investigate. I pulled up Google Maps and browsed through the city of Chandler. I searched for all of the lakes... after all how many lakes can there be in Chandler (a lot). Then I found it. At least I think I found it. This has got to be it... that place is huge!

Check it out here.
Be sure to click on the satellite image.

From what I can tell the helicopter story is not true but it does look like there is some sort of drawbridge.

National Geographic for little ones

Maybe all of you parents who have toddlers already knew this, but National Geographic is now printing a magazine for "little kids". I got a sample one in the mail yesterday and I think the kids would really like it. It has pictures, stories, activities and perforated cards that can be ripped out, too. I took it to Carl & Brooke's and there it waits for anyone who wants to check it out.

Moo Shoo

Check this out!! ( you have to scroll down to #13)

I thought this song from veggie tales was kinda funny. Nathan has no idea what they are talking about but he still laughs every time they say "chicken"

If this doesn't make you want to watch Happy Feet, nothing will.

To the chopper--quick!

This is not exactly what I had in mind when I sprang for the remote control helicopter. I was thinking more of sitting in my nice leather chair (the one in which Colman and Nathan often sit in when I am not at home) and directing the flying unit to go get stuff for me....the remote to the telly, a Butterfinger, a drink of cool beverage or something like that. Unfortunately, I allowed another person to figure this out and it had so many hard landings that we had to get out the bacon-strip band-aids to mend it.

I do not know if it works now or not. I am afraid to even tweak with it--knowing that I can fly this wounded bird into an object that would drain it of what life remains in it. I just may retire it like some of the othe choppers that I have replaced--courtesy my dentist.

So, for all you RC enthusiasts in the making, be very careful. It is like taking a couple of hard-earned twenties off that roll and tossing them carelessly in the air with that devil-may-care attitude and have someone rip you the heck off!

Oh, well, it was fun to watch them fly for a little while. Here pretty bird, come here and I will mend your wings and place you on a perch of honor to survey all that is good and noble in our little twisted world.

Cold Stone Jumpery

Okay we tried it! We made ice cream in our soccer ball ice cream maker the other day - it worked great, although I should have opened it earlier to stir it up - it was frozen hard around the outside of the canister and still milky in the middle. Yummy though!