The Rice Family

Summer Plans

2010-06-04T09:36:00.000-06:00

I am grateful for creative friends that inspire the creativity in my I sometimes forget I have... Case in point, a friend from high school took the 7 days of The Creation and used each day to inspire an activity and chore around the house during Spring Break. I thought what a great way to get into the scriptures with my kids, (which I am not good at doing), but also to inspire ideas of how to keep us busy this summer. I am going to take it a bit further and spread each Day out over a few days or possible a week. Afterall, God didn't do it all in one day. :)

So we started this week with Day 1, Genesis 1:1-5.

1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

This one was a bit difficult, but we did a few things. We enjoyed Day 1 by spending the afternoon at the park.

And enjoyed the Night by sleeping in a tent. Cleaning was the light switches and checking bulbs.

Random catch up...

2010-06-03T10:57:00.001-06:00

We've had a few baths...

Madalyn had a Daddy Daughter Date,

complete with a corsage and dinner...

Landon got ahold of the camera...

And we welcomed summer!

Mary Poppins

2010-03-07T21:33:00.010-07:00

Alright... don't fall out of your chair, hell isn't freezing over (last time I checked) and don't think there is something wrong with your computer or your vision. I actually am doing a blog post!!! Ebb and flow, you know? I will try to do better, if not for my kids (as I don't keep a journal).

I was able to take the kids the other night downtown to see Mary Poppins. If given the opportunity, you should JUMP ON IT!! It is playing here until April 4th. Needless to say, WE LOVED IT!! Unfortunately, Steve wasn't able to go with us. When we booked the tickets, he wasn't working on Thursdays. But now he is. Bummer! But thank you for working so hard so we can enjoy these great things!

So we took Madalyn's sweet friend Brooke. That is the cute blonde in the pictures. Dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory and an evening of musical magic and we were happy campers! Madalyn's favorite part was Burt walking up the walls and tap dancing on the ceiling. Landon's favorite song was "Spoon Full of Sugar". He has been singing it ever since. Maybe it will actually encourage him to take his medicine when necessary. :)

He is listening...

2009-09-07T13:18:00.002-06:00

Last night we were at the park with grandma. Steve and Landon were playing under the slide, where they had one of those store counter things... and this was the conversation.

"I would like a hot dog" Steve said.

"We don't have hot dogs" replied Landon.

"Do you have ice cream?"

"Yes, I have ice cream."

"Then I will take a vanilla ice cream, please"

"Sorry, you have to have dinner before you can have ice cream!"

Bedrooms

2009-08-02T16:25:00.002-06:00

After Madalyn's new bed, Landon keeps asking when I am going to paint his room red. Little does he know, I am not. :) And he has been asking for a CARS bed. He came up from downstairs today and asked if he could look on my computer.

" I need to log onto carsbed.com" he said.

Oh boy! I am so in trouble! Anyone know how to make a full size bed look like a car? Because I refuse to paint the room red... maybe a car or two, but no red walls for this crazy boy!

2009-06-21T17:01:00.001-06:00

If I Had to Live My Life Over

“… I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. … I would have sat on the lawn with my kids, even if it meant grass stains.”

~Erma Bombeck

Dance Recital

2009-05-31T12:25:00.004-06:00

Bubbles

2009-05-29T13:36:00.004-06:00

We are back...

2009-05-29T12:45:00.012-06:00

I guess while I am layed up, I have no excuse to not post. I am not going to go back, but go forward from here...

Madalyn had her kindergarten graduation on Tuesday. I can hardly believe it! I now have a first grader and she couldn't be more excited. We feel so fortunate to have had such a great kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Jones, you rock! She is everything you want a kindergarten teacher to be. I still remember a lot about my teacher, Mrs. Maughn. I loved her! And I am sure Madalyn will look back and have just as many fond memories of Mrs. Jones as I do of Mrs. Maughn.

Madalyn has learned so much and grown so much this year. She is a very smart girl who has worked very hard and truly loves school. (note: she did not get this from her parents) She loves everyone and has many friends. I just hope her excitement for school continues...

Madalyn and Maggie

Madalyn & Mrs. Jones

Ms. Sowell, Madalyn & Mrs. Jones

MIA

2009-01-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

I know... it has been awhile... I will be back. Hopefully sooner than later...

Ta-Da!

2008-12-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving weekend...

2008-12-15T14:18:00.006-07:00

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend... lots of sleepovers, food, family and fun!

Mer, Kia & Landy Madalyn, Daddy & Chel

Cody & Michele Ashlee & Brandon

Sis at the park Best friends, Ellie & Sis

Kia & Ellie Playing at the park

BYU/Airforce weekend

2008-12-15T13:42:00.010-07:00

We had great seats in the warm sun! We also got to sit by our old bishop from Alpine, Bishop Mendenhall, yes it's Bronco's dad...

Mom and Aunt Shelly!!!

Me and Aunt Shelly! LOVE YOU!!!

Dinner at Bambas

Two cuties!

Sis & Grandma Halley. Oh, how we love her!

With lots of love...

2008-11-30T23:44:00.004-07:00

Jason Halley Dean, Age 30, lost his battle to drug addiction surrounded by his loving family, on November 28, 2008. He was born on March 3, 1978 to Steven and Shelly Dean. Jason was raised in Spanish Fork, Utah. He loved children and was adored by his nieces and nephews. His true love is his beautiful daughter Brooklyn. Jason enjoyed hunting, camping, snowboarding, sports, riding motorcycles, hard work, and making everyone happy. He was a big man with a tender, kind heart. He would do anything he could to help someone.

He is survived by his loving parents; his daughter Brooklyn Mary Dean; his siblings: Cammee (Jonathon) Baum, Kyle (Laura) Dean, Megan (Ben) Wood, and Kassidy Dean; his nieces and nephews: Halley, Bridger and Gage Baum; Kolton and Kelley Dean; Ashton, Skyler and Kaisley Wood; Grandparents: Niles and Vivian Halley and Mary Dean; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Awaiting his arrival in heaven was his sister Mindy, his grandfather Owen Dean and his cousin Becky Uluave.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday , December 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spanish Fork West Stake Center located at 360 North 650 West, Spanish Fork. Family and friends may call on Monday evening, December 1, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 187 S Main Street, Spanish Fork, or on Tuesday morning at the church from 9:45- 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be at American Fork Cemetery.

We would like to thank the Mountain View Hospital ICU for their compassionate care they provided for Jason and our family in this difficult time.

He understands EVERYTHING!

2008-11-25T22:47:00.002-07:00

So Steve and I were sitting downstairs at the computer tonight (along with Landon on Steve's lap) looking at some of the black Friday ads. He was telling me I couldn't go with him this year. Whatever!!! Another story for another post...

Anyways, we were talking why I wasn't allowed to go this year. I told him I needed to go shopping for the kids. Landon kind of looked at me funny. Steve said he could get whatever I needed for the kids while he was out. Landy looked at him and said,

"For me? Cars stuff? for me dad? for me dad?"
And then he did his little happy dance where he points his fingers in the air and moves them up and down and wiggles his bottom, and kept saying,

"Yah baby! Yah baby! Yah baby!"

Seriously? He is 2! I am so in trouble!!!

Wizard?

2008-11-23T00:20:00.002-07:00

Apparently, I need to re-tell the Christmas Story to Madalyn. I was putting out the nativity set today and she picked up one of the wise men and said,
"I know who this is, mom. This is the wizard. Why did Jesus need a wizard?"

We really did celebrate Halloween

2008-11-04T13:02:00.009-07:00

Funny Faces at the Pumpkin Patch

Having fun on the Hay Slides

Pumpkin patch wagon ride... not a good idea for mom! It hurt!

Digging in the corn sandbox. It was really cool!

Picking out baby pumpkins

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater...

Playing in the tunnel

My Lightening Mcqueen

Halloween night

Halloween at Southlands...

Is it too early?

2008-10-31T20:31:00.002-06:00

I am having a Discovery Toys party on Thursday at my home. I was thinking about getting my Christmas decorations out and up before. But I am undecided... and keep going back and forth. On one hand, I could get it all up and out and not have to worry about it. And I would also have it done before another round of injections... (late next week) and not mess them up.

But on the other hand, it is only the first week of November. What do you think? Is it too early?

I also have a cuter home at Christmas, than I do for Thanksgiving... which for me, is something to consider. (What else did you expect from an Interior Designer?)

I voted!

2008-10-30T16:53:00.000-06:00

Football

2008-10-26T16:15:00.005-06:00

Last Sunday I HAD to get out of the house. My back was really hurting so I didn't go to church, but I couldn't stay in bed any longer. And it was such a beautiful day. My kids needed to get outside. So we went over to Sue's and I parked myself on her couch all afternoon. Landon had such fun playing football with the Sam and Ben...

Thanks for wearing him out guys!

Another Lost Tooth

2008-10-26T15:54:00.009-06:00

She lost her 2nd tooth on Wednesday! This one has been loose for a few weeks. I had been bugging her to let me pull it out that morning, but she wouldn't let me. We went and had lunch at our favorite mexican restaurant, Bamba's, with out friends Sue and Mary. The girls had THE WORST case of the giggles. That is when she lost her tooth. She actually swallowed it. It freaked her out a bit, but in the end, it was fine...

This is the letter from the tooth fairy... (clickable)

Importance of Food Storage

2008-10-18T16:10:00.002-06:00

I received this email this week from our ward food storage specialists. Although we don't live in hurricane country, we still have weather and storms that can knock us out for days... especially during the winter. How is your food storage looking for the upcoming season?

I hope you enjoy...

This is a story I received from my cousin who has a friend in Texas
living in the after-math of "Ike." What a testimony for preparedness.

"Dear Friends:

We have a 6'x6' hole in our roof, no electricity or running water, Trees
down everywhere. However, because we listened to the counsel of our
Prophet we are prepared. In fact it seems to me that it's only the
members of the church who seem to be calm, prepared, and helping one
another with trees in roofs, flooding, etc.

There is a POD or Point of Distribution in Tomball where we live. There
you get water and ice IF you have enough fuel to wait in the 3-hour
lines. We don't have to do that because we have 3 full water barrels, 75
juice bottles filled with water, and our pool, which is dirty, but we
use it to flush.

It is very difficult to get gas. Police guard the stations when fuel is
delivered and you might wait half a day to get up to the pump just to
have them say, 'Too bad, we are out'. I am grateful that we have a
generator. We run it 4 hours a day to keep our fridge and light. I am
grateful that we have had fuel for it. You can't even by gas containers
as they are rationed. We can only by bread once a week and limited to 2
loaves at a time. Water is rationed by the case at the grocery store - 3
cases per family.

The ATM machines do not have power. For the past 6 months I have stashed
small bills away because I have had such a feeling of foreboding. We
have cash because of that. LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT. Get cash in small bills
because the stores can't make change and credit and debit cards often
don't work. I had to pay 5 dollars more for an item because they
couldn't make change for me. And . . . PHONES ONLY WORK OCCASIONALLY.

Believe it or not...I have not had a bath in 4 days, Today was the first
day I got to wash my hair with pool water. I haven't fixed my hair in a
week!!! It just doesn't matter anymore. We cannot do laundry because we
don't have water. So, we wear our clothes until they are literally
disgusting. When we do finally get water we will have to boil it since
it is contaminated.

I am grateful for my parents. When we got low on generator fuel they
drove 45 minutes to help us. They filled up their cans and brought us 10
gallons of fuel, which kept us going until this morning at 6:00, am when
we finally found some gas.

A prepared Family and a loving extended family is the key to survival
and making it through right now. I know that my parents would drive to
the end of the earth to help me and it's nice knowing they are there. I
know that I would do the same for my children.

I want all of you to know that I have such a testimony of following the
counsel of our living prophet. There really is safety and peace in your
heart if you are prepared. Please get your generators, 5 gas cans full
of gas, canned goods, baby items, baby wipes to bathe, and all the water
you can store...even if you have to trip on it in your home. Have your
lanterns, crank flashlights, tarps, rope, etc. ready to go because you
never know when it will be your turn to endure the test. It's
overwhelming, but it's going to be OK eventually. I have a home, I have
food, and I have water, because I listened to the counsel of the
prophet. Please make sure you do the same. It's time to have your life
in order. Tomorrow may be too late."

Injections Update

2008-10-17T16:59:00.005-06:00

So, we went in for the injections yesterday. And I was nervous. It was at the Lowery Surgery Center. Everyone was very kind, and it was a nice facility. We first had a meeting with the dr. before going in. The doctor was great. His name is Dr. Floyd Ring. Steve and I both really liked him. He has been practicing for 35 years. He was extremely thorough and had wonderful bedside manner. Steve has never been to one of my dr. visits with me, so it was very interesting for him to see what was going on, and see how the disease has progressed.

Ok, let me back up just a bit. When I went in to my regular D.O., he didn't actually see the films from the MRI's. He only read the report. So when he said it was only a bulging disk, I was a little skeptical that that was the only problem, but went with it. Not because he isn't a good dr. I actually really like him and think he does an EXCELLENT job. I just wish the hospital had sent the films over as well so he could see for himself what is going on.

So back to Dr. Ring. He asked a lot of questions about the pain, how long it had gone on, what might have caused it, etc... he wants to treat the patient, not the MRI. During the course of the discussion, I had told him I had the pain since I was 12, and at the time, the surgeon told me I had the back of a 40 year old. I don't think he believed me. Until he looked at the MRI himself. Needless to say, he was not pleased with the report from the hospital or the condition of my spine. The report was not very thorough at all, and doesn't tell the whole story. Besides the bulging disk (which is what the report said was causing the pain), I have 2 disks that have degenerated 90% which means I have less than 10% of the disk left. These are between L5 and S1, and L4 and L5. It is pretty much bone on bone, which is causing a lot of the pain. NOT GOOD. And the 2 disks above it have degenerated to about 50%. Right now, there is a disk replacement surgery, but you have to have more than 50% of your disk, so I don't qualify. The other option is disk fusion. Which neither the doc or I want to do. It compounds the problem, putting more stress on the disks above it. So in 10 years or so, I would have to have more fusion done, further up the spine.

There were 2 options with the shots. He was hoping to go straight in and try to get around the bone, but wasn't sure if he would be able to do that. The other option was to go in on the side, which is a bit trickier. The shots work for 6o% of people that come in, but most are no where near as severe as my case is. They drugged me up, but not quite enough. I now understand why they call it an amnesia drug. I don't remember nearly as much today as I did yesterday. I felt much more than I would have wanted to (yes, it was very painful), but don't remember much about it now. The injections were done in about 20 minutes and then it was back to recovery. He was able to go straight in, which he was happy about. He said I will feel great for the first 3 days, but it is just the local wearing off. We will know the full effects in about a week. If the injections work, I can have 3 in a 6 month period. And I can continue them for as long as they work. That is about our only option for now. Putting me in a back brace would feel good temporarily, but only make things worse in the long run, by further weakening the muscles around the spine and decreasing the support to the spine. Medication to help control the pain can work, but then I get to be in a medicine haze all the time. Which I don't want to do, either. So we are really hoping the shots provide some relief. The dr. said he would be happy if it took away 50% of the pain. I am hoping... If the pain goes away enough to be able to do physical therapy, we will do that, trying to strengthen my core muscles, to help supprt my spine.

So for now, we just wait. We will know more next week. We are praying the shots will provide some temporary relief, but again being cautiously optimistic. We will keep you posted. Thank you for thoughts and prayers. And thank you Tina, for the yummy dinner. I want the recipe for all of it...

Injections tomorrow

2008-10-15T16:41:00.004-06:00

I go in for the injections tomorrow at 1:00. We should be there most of the afternoon. Thanks for your well wishes. I hope it goes as well as the doctors say it could...

Handbag Planet

2008-10-14T10:41:00.002-06:00

I am entering to win a handbag on www.handbagplanet.com. They have some darling bags! Check them out...

Michelle Mayer

2008-10-12T15:09:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, a dear friend of mine passed away. This was a friend I had never met and she had never met me. We never communicated. But I felt like I knew her well. I found her several months ago, and have been following her blog daily. She has reminded me about what is most important in life.

I am happy to know she is finally free from pain, though my heart aches for her family. Especially her young children.

Thank you Michelle for sharing your life. May you finally be free from the pain. I am a better person for knowing you.

If you would like to learn some of the great lessons I have learned, here is her blog. Start at the beginning...

http://diaryofadyingmom.blogspot.com/

My thoughts, actually someone elses...

2008-10-11T21:24:00.006-06:00

I stumbled across this blog while blog hopping. I know that posting this will probably make me an outcast in my family (as 99.9% of you are republican and LDS) and with my friends (since 99.9% of you are also republican and LDS). (I have never quite fit the mold, and probably never will) I am usually very quiet about my political opinions, but I really liked a lot of what this woman had to say and how she said it. I still love you all and hope the feelings are mutual... even if we disagree politically.

The following excerpts were found at http://madefromtickytacky.blogspot.com/2008/10/post.html.

I've been hesitant to voice my opinion on political matters in this forum and in social forums lately because I've been nervous about the response I would get. Even though it all still bothers me a bit, it's time for me to suck it up and hope that the people who disagree with me know that it is only my opinion - it doesn't change who I am as a person. That being said, there are a couple of points I would like to make...

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of election day. It's time for change in this country, time for real change. I'm hoping that with this election, people will wisen up.

1)I don't think religion and politics go together. I am a young, Christian woman but I base my political decisions on who I align with more on the issues. The best example I can give to support this is in the issue of abortion. Do I agree with abortion? Not necessarily. Do I feel like it should be up to me to decide what is best for someone else? No, not at all. Do I feel like abortion is the main issue in this country that we need to resolve? Absolutely not. I don't think how I feel religiously should affect how I see a person who is running for office. I look at the person, what they want to do if elected, how it will effect me and my family. Religion is not a factor in balancing budgets, taxes, housing crisis', health care...

2) For me, healthcare is up there on the list of important issues. I want someone who at the very least, will attempt to change the dismal face of what is going on here. So many of us can't afford gas or even food right now, what makes you think we can afford healthcare? Not even good healthcare either. Overpriced and unfair healthcare. Healthcare is the most important issue to me (though the economy is probably tying it right about now) and I don't know why it isn't more important to other people. There are people who need medicine and can't afford it, people whose kids are not properly immunized or well checked. There are people stressing out because they can't afford antibiotics, can't have life-saving surgeries. This is not how we should be living. People shouldn't be turned away from hospitals due to the type of insurance they have or for not having insurance. I don't know what the best way to fix the healthcare crisis is.But here's what I do know. Giving a $5000 tax credit is not it.

3)Sarah Palin. Of course, I want to address this.

Of course I have to say something regarding this issue.

I want more than anything for a woman to take a high ranking political position. I think it would be such a progression and step away from the past. It would be wonderful to have a woman as VP.

But not this woman.

This is not the woman we want to be second in command of the free world.

But you know, I think what bothers me most is the fact that there are people out there who actually think they are being forward-thinking, liberal, and partly feminist by endorsing her.

This woman is a political pawn. We all know that she was not John McCain's first choice, does anyone really believe that she was? Choosing her was a strategic move to gain votes from Hilary's supporters.

This woman has no clue how to run this country and it's evident every time she opens her mouth. I don't know if I've even heard a straight answer come out of her mouth. It's all talking around the subject, off the subject but never actually about the subject. She even stated that she wouldn't be answering all of the questions the moderator gave her last night. HELLO?!?!?!?!?!

Her foreign policy experience comes from the fact that Russia is near Alaska. I know we all had to see that interview and if that didn't slap you in the face, please, allow me.

I could probably go on and on about this subject matter for days on end. I'm praying for change. I'm praying that Americans will wake up and realize that we have been going in the wrong direction for the last 8 years and it's time turn and go the other way. We definitely don't need to continue down the same path that we have been heading. And if anyone really, truly believes that the last 8 years have not been some of the most shameful and awful years in this country's history...

Look around. We're in crisis mode. Financial crisis, healthcare crisis, work force crisis, gas crisis ... and I for one, cannot take it any longer.I don't expect people to agree with me. I don't expect people to think anything except what they already do. I hope that the people out there who don't agree with me understand that these are only my opinions. Just as I understand that their opinions are that as well.

Tomato, Tomahto.

Thanks!

2008-10-10T07:58:00.005-06:00

Thanks to all of you that have inquired about my back and how I am feeling. For those of you who don't know, I have what is called Degenerative Disk Disease. It is in my low back. I was diagnosed with it when I was 13. At the time, the x-rays showed I had the spine (in the lower section) of a 30 or 40 year old. It is extremely painful, and is sometimes debilitating for me.

The MRI showed that right now I have bulging disks that are pinching nerves. The plan is to try some epidural steroid injections, as early as next week. It will be done in a surgery center, same day. The hope is that by injecting the steriods directly into my spine, they will be able to shrink bulging disks (if I understand it correctly) and eliminate the pain. For some, the injections lasts a few days, others a few months and even others a few years. The dr. said I could be pain free. I am CAUTIOUSLY optimistic about this. I have lived with the pain daily for almost 20 years. I can't imagine a life without pain. They currently have me on a drug called Lyrica. It is suppsed to help control some of the pain and allow me to get some better sleep. He warned me that it was supposed to make me extremely drowsy and dizzy, but that it would help. Also, not to take it during the daytime because I would not be able to take care of the kids... After 3 days of taking the drug, no such luck. No better sleep, no pain relief, no drowsyness or dizzyness. I know that at some point, it is going to require surgery. This is not something I am looking forward to.

So please send positive thoughts our direction in hopes that the shots work.... I will keep let you know how it goes.

Halloween

2008-10-09T00:27:00.007-06:00

Ok, halloween at our house isn't scary... My parents TOTALLY ruined halloween for me as a child. They LOVED halloween. It was their favorite holiday. They loved the scary aspects of it and scared their kids EVERY chance they had. I know you're sorry, mom. But I will never understand how you could enjoy scaring your kids...or haunted houses, barns, cemetaries (ironic), scary movies, etc...

We had huge spook alleys in our barn growing up that people loved to come to. I admit, my parents were great at it! BUT I WILL NEVER DO THAT TO MY CHILDREN!!! To this day, I don't like my aunt's basement or old barns...

So halloween for us is fun. Maybe a little bit spooky, but nothing scary. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and Hocus Pocus (love that movie!) are as scary as we go. But I do enjoy dressing up. I even have a custom made Sleeping Beauty costume I wore when I was teaching pre-school. (see... nothing scary!) The halloween costumes were ordered today. The kids are excited, as am I. It has been a few years since I dressed up.

So you get a cute halloween background and a bit of "spooky" halloween music for the month of October. There it is... Halloween, Rice Family Style... (now if I could only convince my husband to dress up)

Parker Family Fair

2008-10-08T13:04:00.017-06:00

This year we went to the Parker Family Fair. It was great! The kids had a great time, as did I. I was actually in heaven. It was an entire day dedicated to preparedness!!! There were great things for the kids to do. They did a cake walk, jumped in bouncy houses, did rock climbing walls,ring tosses, fishing, bean bag tosses... you get the idea! They also got to peel apples with a peeler/corer. I am so getting one of those to do the 40 lbs of apples that are coming at the end of October. I think I will even have some help getting them ready, the kids enjoyed it so much. And I am proud to say, that after the festival, I came home and finished my 72 hr kits.

The Rice Family Could Live Out Of Their Backpacks For 3-5 days!!!

The red one is the Costco one for the entire family. It has the basics. We could live on it if we had to. Then everyone has their own. Those contain change of clothes, blankets, food, more water, etc. They are the "comforts" if there is such a thing in 72 hr kits.

I have had them almost done for 3 years, but now they are done!!! And it feels great!!!

Fishin

I tried to pay Steve to climb it. He wouldn't. I guess he thought
I wasn't good for the money...

My future Fire Fighter

I had never seen the inside of an ambulance
Knock on wood...

Udate

2008-10-08T12:51:00.004-06:00

I have been horrible about posting. Even though I have been busy, I kept thinking I have nothing to blog about. So here goes the catch-up. (for you Meranda)

I love to can. There is something about taking food and being able to prepare it so you can use it and feed your family for a long time. I haven't done much with it, basically fruit and salsa. This season I prepared and bottled 100 lbs of peaches. Only 50 were mine. Cody and Michele had to go cut wood when the peaches were ready, (This is their only source of heat) so I did theirs. Then Michele came up and together we did about 20 pints of peach/pineapple, MY VERY FAVORITE. My grandma used to make it when I was little. We also did plain peach jam. I bottled mine and Michele did freezer jam. A couple of weeks later, my friend Abby came up and we made about 40 lbs (of peaches) worth of peach/pineapple jam and also peach/strawberry. Yummy! I have also done 4 pints of raspberry and I am working on strawberry today. If we could only live on jam alone, we would be set. (and I would be in heaven!)

Look what's coming to Denver in 2009!

2008-09-23T11:09:00.019-06:00

I can hardly wait! What a great theater season!

October 7 - November 15 February 25 - March 22

May 8 - 10

July 23 - 26 May 13 - 17

January 7 - 18 February 3 - 8

June 9 - 14

Celebrate

2008-09-22T14:42:00.007-06:00

I want to wish my fabulous aunt Shelly a Happy Birthday today. One of my favorite memories of my Aunt Shelly is spending the nights with her at the hospital when I was young. She is a NICU nurse and has been for as long as I can remember. One night inparticular, she knew quads were going to be born. So Cammee and I got to go stay the night and see the babies after they were born. And then she took us shopping in the morning. I remember Shelly being a great shopper! She is also a fantastic cook!!! Love you Shell!

And a Happy Anniverary to my grandparents who are celebrating 57 years today! What an accomplishment! They have 5 wonderful kids, (I truely love all my aunts and uncles, and am grateful I got to grow up near them.) 22 grandkids (21 living) + 18 spouses who consider them grandparents and 36 great-grandkids with 2 (I think, or that I know of) on the way. They also served 2 missions to Nigeria, Africa. Love you guys and are so proud of what you have accomplished in your life!

Sorry about the pictures, guys. They are the most recent ones I have. I will try to do better next time.

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-09-22T09:38:00.003-06:00

Sept 22 1954 - Dec 22 1990

I am having a difficult time gathering my thoughs today. You would think

after 18 years it would get easier, but it doesn't.

We had a visitor

2008-09-18T22:38:00.003-06:00

(click to enlarge and read)

I started this last week and so far, it is working!

Colors

2008-09-11T10:07:00.006-06:00

Last night the kids were playing with Landon's blocks. Madalyn said "These are church colors Dad. I learned about them at school today in art."

YEAH!!!!

2008-09-10T16:24:00.003-06:00

IKEA IS COMING TO DENVER!!!

Truely, I think I had a minor heart attack when Steve sent me the email this morning just after 9News posted the info... This ALMOST comes close to trumping the new range I received today (mine bit the dust) but not quite. I have been an IKEA fan for years!!! My sisters in Utah will be so glad they don't have to do IKEA runs for me anymore... and my mother-in-law will be glad we don't have to go there whenever we go to Cali to see her.

What a great day!!! Yeah for IKEA and yeah to my husband for the new range! It is beautiful!

Warning!

2008-09-09T22:48:00.002-06:00

If you are trying to loose (AGAIN) the 12+ pounds you lost in June and put back on in July and August, (which you have tried to start taking off 2x in the last 30 days) and are trying to get back on and stay on the South Beach diet, then DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT make your grandma's recipe of your favorite peach/pineapple jam. It is counter-productive to everything you are trying to do. And do not make 4 batches of it either... 4 LARGE ones, at that!

The Lost Tooth

2008-09-08T23:03:00.006-06:00

It finally happened. Madalyn has been waiting for this for a long time. It seems like every week for the last year she has been asking me when she was going to have a loose tooth. She jumped into my car on Tuesday after school more excited than usual.

Her newfriend Shelby had said to her when she smiled that it looked like she had her first loose tooth. So she wiggled it, and sure enough... I came home and started looking around online for something special for her to put her tooth in. I didn't find anything that I was in love with, and that I could get quickly enough. So I decided to make her something. On Wednesday we ran to Hobby Lobby after school and she picked out some fabric. Thursday I whipped out a tooth fairy pillow with pockets, and just in time I might add, because she lost the tooth on Friday.

That morning, it was getting really wiggly. She twisted it and it started to bleed, which sent her over the edge. She didn't want a loose tooth anymore. She wouldn't let me pull it out. So I sent her to school and told her to be careful. That afternoon she came out to get in the car with a big smile and a cute little hole in her mouth...

The pictures are from the morning after the tooth fairy came. She brought candy (and some to share with Landy) , a silver tooth charm with the date on it, and silver coins...

The calm after the storm

2008-08-25T12:42:00.006-06:00

This is what came about after our tornado warning, which scared me much more than I would like to admit. It was fairly close. Nothing like watching a tornado to put a stick of dynamite under you to get your emergency preparedness done!

Bedtime or not

2008-08-23T21:51:00.005-06:00

This is our kids, at midnight on Friday! Steve and I were out late and they had gone to the Kinnie's house to play. I picked them up at 11 and thought they would be passed out. Do they look like they are ready to go to sleep???

Emergency Preparedness

2008-08-18T16:27:00.003-06:00

With winter around the corner, (and also having a husband whose job is tied with FEMA this season) I have decided to make September emergency preparedness month. I have started my 72 hr. kits but need to finish them. I am also going to continue working on food storage, prepare my grab and go box, stock our cars as needed and also try to have some family night lessons on safety. I feel like I have been lucky so far, but am not willing to put it all on luck any more. I am going to "Be prepared." If any of you would like to join me in getting ready, I would love the company! It is always more fun to do it with someone! (plus September is a great time to buy backpacks since they are going on clearance now!) Or, if there are some of you who have finished yours, I would LOVE some tips! What worked for you? What didn't? What would you do differently?

Madalyn's Special Day

2008-08-13T21:56:00.004-06:00

We made it through the day, much better than I thought I would. I had decided last night that I wasn't going to put any kind of a damper on her day. So I gave it my best effort, and did surprisingly well. She woke up this morning so exicted about her special day. She ran downstairs to find a new backpack, a lunch bag (to take her snack in) and a new water bottle.

It seems like every five minutes she was saying today is my lucky day because I get to go to kindergarten. She picked out her dress to wear, we got ready and headed out.

As we pulled into the school, Landon looked at me funny. I told him we were going to take sis to school and come back in a bit and get her. He totally lost it! He was so sad. And that was when Madalyn got sad. So we sat in the car for a minute and pulled ourselves together. She had been really excited up to that point. We walked in and she seemed a bit hesitant, but said her good-byes and was just fine. Of course Landy and I cried all the way back to the car, but then we were done. I decided I didn't want to go home, so we went and saw Mamma Mia with Michele. That was a good decision on my part. We had a great time and got my mind on something else. Landon was dancing the entire time.

We went to pick her up and she climbed in the car and said "That was a blast! The whole thing was a blast!" They read a story about the night before kindergarten and that the moms and dads were crying because they didn't want their little babies to grow up. She loved the story, snack time and playing outside. As we were sitting at dinner tonight she told Steve and I that some boy wanted to hold her hand!!! Is she kidding? I am so not ready for her to grow up!!!

Feelings of today...

2008-08-12T12:48:00.002-06:00

I hope my friend Abby doesn't mind. I found this poem on her blog this morning, and it so eloquently describes how I am feeling today and how I have felt this last few months waiting for tomorrow to come. We went to meet and greet last night. I was not in a great mood. I am sure it had something to do with tomorrow is coming and there is nothing I can do about it! But Madalyn is so excited!! Ok, I will just quit so you can read. I don't think I could have worded my feelings any better. We are headed to the pool this afternoon, trying to get my mind on something else for awhile...

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside her
In the Kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside
the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred by hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be
A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore --
She's in Kindergarten today.

Happy Birthday Meranda!

2008-08-10T21:59:00.004-06:00

Sorry Mer! It is the only picture I could find with you and the kids. I guess we should take them more often. We just wanted to wish our aunt Mer a Happy Birthday today! Our top 5 faves about Merand are:

1. She is a good cooker and lets me help her. (Madalyn)

2. She plays toot toot with me. (Landon)

3. She likes to kiss my face off (Madalyn)

4. She has a very kind and sweet spirit. And I don't think she has ever done anything bad in her life.

5. She loves everyone.

We love you very much Meranda and are glad you are out here to be with us for awhile! Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Suz!

2008-08-09T00:12:00.002-06:00

August is a busy month for birthdays for us. Today is my "dear old" friend Suzanne's birthday. We have been friends forever!! She was there for many of my dumb decisions, and I was there for hers... We are definitely different, (polar opposites in some cases) but I think that is what has helped us remain close. When I moved from Utah to Colorado after high school, she moved here with me. Her thought was why not? What else is there to do? (one of the ways we are very different. I had no desire to move here) Now what kind of friend does that? She was a part of my family and still is. Madalyn loves her "aunt Suzie" and thinks her girls are the best. Time has made us more like sisters than friends. So Happy Birthday Suz! I love you and miss you!!

Happy Birthday Sue!

2008-08-08T23:58:00.004-06:00

Technically, it is still her birthday. As it is not yet midnight. I have been with her since 9:00 this morning, so I haven't had a chance to do this. I am so glad we found each other. She is such a kind and caring person. One memory I have of her is when I was pregnant with Landon I was having a really bad/sick day and couldn't find anyone to help with Madalyn. It was late in the day and I was a mess. Steve came home and I was just laying on the couch crying. A minute or so later the doorbell rang and he answered it. It was her. She had gone and got Chipotle for dinner for us. She wasn't sure what we liked, so she got a few things. I remember I just started bawling! It was so thoughtful! She does kind things like that on a regular basis for everyone. She has been by my side through some recent tough times and done what ever she could to support me and still continues to do so. I love you lots! And am grateful we have eachother. I wish you a year of more joy and happiness than you have known. You deserve it!!! We love you!! (all of us)

Congratulations!!

2008-08-07T11:08:00.003-06:00

Yeah Cammee! (and Jonathon, Halley, Bridger & Gage) We are so excited for the new arrival!! If you click on Baum on the right hand side under Family and Friends, you will see their beautiful family. Their kids are all so stinkin cute! They make darling babies! And we can't wait to see what the next one will look like. We love you!! And are so happy for you!!! (And also a bit jealous. Well, I am. I am sure Steve is glad it is not us.)

Rice version of camping

2008-08-07T10:52:00.004-06:00

So this is our version of camping... Not to say that I don't enjoy going camping, because I do. Most of my extended family is going to the annual Labor Day Spirit Lake weekend and we are not going, which makes me sad. But we don't do tents... we don't enjoy roughing it. So last night Madalyn wanted to go camping where there were no bears...

And Landon "camping" out in our room on the air mattress in his new Cars bedding...

(notice the white walls? our room is the only room in the house not painted... most have been painted twice :) )

A favorite summer past time...

2008-08-07T10:03:00.007-06:00

One thing my kids absolutely love to do in the summer is go to what Madalyn has named "kid's world" aka Southlands Mall. The reason she calls it kids world is there are a few kids stores right together and there are fountains for kids to play in. I have to admit, I also love going to kids world. It is one of my favorite places to go shopping.It is so charming, both day and night with flowers everywhere and white twinkle lights at night. I won't go to a regular mall, unless is it absolutely necessary. Besides this fountain, they have a set of large umbrellas that have "rain" coming off of them that the kids love to play under. They enjoy this both day and night...

And if we don't have our bathing suits, we just make do... we went at night while Ellie was here and we had a great time. Especially watching grandma Nila with Landy...

Notice my daughter is the one soaked! She likes jumping in "head first", unlike her mom. This child has no reservations, EVER!!

Growing Up

2008-08-04T12:37:00.004-06:00

It is official! We are a "binki free" house as of this last weekend! And Landon has turned into quite the chatter box! I have mixed emotions about this. No, to be totally honest, I am sad. No more easy ways to get him to stop crying, quit yelling, or just be quiet. And it also means my little boy is growing up, which I am so not happy about!
It went really easy. Steve woke up Saturday morning and said lets be done with them. I told him as long as he was around to help with it, that was fine. So we did it. And that was it. No problems. He has asked for it once, but we just told him we didn't know where his binki's were. No tears, no nothing. So now he gets a surprise for being a big boy. He wants a Cars bedding for his bed. It doesn't quite go with his "whale" inspired room. But if it will get him out of our bed and staying in his bed all night, then I will do it. Wait! I have mixed feelings about that, too! Why can't they just stay little forever! No more binkis, sleeping in his big boy bed, wanting to wear his big boy under-roos, Madalyn going to kindergarten... way too much for this mom to handle in such a short time.

So, if you call and all you hear is sobbing on the other end, you will understand... I am so not ready for this!!!

Happy "late" 5th Birthday Ellie!

2008-07-29T23:49:00.003-06:00

Things have been crazy, and I have a lot to post about. I will catch up on this in the next few days. But most important, I forgot to post my niece's birthday. I hope she will forgive us! (But we didn't forget to call and sing.) We did celebrate with her for 2 weeks... there were more presents (even for Madalyn and Landon... thanks Helen!), birthday songs and birthday cakes/desserts than I have ever seen. But she shared her dessert with us every time :) We really enjoyed having her and Aunt Ash out here for 2 weeks. So on to our birthday girl...

My favorite things about Ellie

by Madalyn

1. She shares her toys with me and I share mine with her.

2. Sleepovers. And she is a great colorer!

3. She is our Ellie Belly-Button, and our EllaBell.

4. I miss her. (When the day came for them to leave, I was asking Madalyn if she knew they were leaving today. She said yes, but I don't want to talk about it. It makes me too sad!!)

5. She is a super-duper-cleaner-upper. (From Aunt Steph... I wish this would rub off on Madalyn!)

There are a ton of other things we love about our Ellie, but we had to limit the number to 5. We love you so much EllieBell, and are glad you are a part of our family!!! We wish you were closer so we could be together more often. Lots of love!! Uncle Steve, Aunt Steph, Madalyn & Landon.

ps Kia, we hope you are feeling better... we sure missed you this trip!!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Paigie!!!

2008-07-20T09:35:00.003-06:00

Happy 21 Birthday Paige!!! I can hardly believe you are 21! I still remember the day very clearly that you were born. We were playing outside when mom came home from the Alpine market and said she was in labor. We went to grandma Halley's house and waited. I remember when grandma came in and told us that you were here, I went outside and yelled! I was so excited!!! We have done a lot of yelling since then, whether it be out of anger or for joy. But we love you so very much and are proud of what you have accomplished!

So here is the Rice family list of 21 things we love/remember about you (after 21, the list goes to being the Top 5, so enjoy...)

1. She is beautiful, whether she believes it or not! Just look at her.
2. She has a great heart.
3. She is stubborn as a mule.
4. She has beautiful eyes.
5. She loves our kids.
6. She is silly. (Madalyn)
7. She is more protective of our kids than we are. She hates to see them even fall down.
8. She loves to sleep and snuggle with me. (Madalyn)
9. She lived with us and gave me a run for my money! But she and I do get along the best!
10. She has great songs on her phone. (Madalyn)
11. She loves to shop, and has great taste.
12. Me and Paigie like to sneak food. (Madalyn)
13. She was the Maid of Honor at our wedding.
14. I like to do silly faces with her. (Madalyn)
15. When she was sick, she used to love to watch kid movies, even in high school.
16. She used to say she was allergic to celery so she wouldn't have to eat it.
17. She does what she wants, when shen wants, on her time. There is no pushing her!
18. She will argue with you until you walk away. She is great at it! She should go to law school.
19. She loves Harry Potter books.
20. She took me to see Dane Cook with her. He is her favorite. Then I took her to my favorite Italian restaurant, Johnny Carino's. We had a great sisters night!
21. Last but not least, we love her no matter what! She has come along way and we are so proud of her! Keep working hard and you will go places! We love you so much!!!

Mommy Tag

2008-07-17T09:32:00.006-06:00

My kids (Madalyn answered) were tagged by Bridger...

1. What is something mom always says to you? No
2. What makes mom happy? When I get my baby brother a diaper
3. What makes mom sad? When I don't listen
4. How does mom make you laugh? Doing a silly face
5. What was mom like as a child? To play
6. How old is your mom? 20
7. How tall is your mom? Big
8. What is your mom's favorite thing to do? doing stuff for us
9. What does your mom do then you're not around? work
10. If your mom becomes famous, what would it be from? Doing the computer
11. What is your mom really good at? Making breakfast
12. What is your mom not very good at? Coloring
13. What does your mom do for her job? I don't know
14. What is your mom's favorite food? pickles
15. What makes you proud of your mom? playing with me
16. If your mom was a cartoon character, who would she be? Sleeping Beauty
17. What do you and your mom do together? Do the laundry
18. How are you and your mom the same? the same hair and eyes
19. How are you and your mom different? we don't have the same clothes
20. How do you know your mom loves you? give kisses

She was extremely uninterested (and a little grumpy) about doing this. The first answer for most things was "doing stuff". Her mind was obviously elsewhere...

We tag the Kaison and Aspyn, Parker Tingey, Paige, The Forrest kids, and if their moms would get on it with their blogs Mary, Haylee and Breanna, Kia and Ellie, Haynes and Harlee, Brennan and Karlie, and anyone else who reads this that I don't know about.

Grammie and Grandpa's Visit

2008-07-09T15:13:00.018-06:00

It has been a very crazy, busy, fun week for us. Grammie and grandpa came to visit us on July 2nd and stayed for 8 days. We were very excited, especially the kids. They REALLY look forward to a visit from grammie and grandpa. A quick run down of what we did. On Thursday, we went to our FAVORITE seafood restaurant for dinner. If you are looking for something other than Red Lobster, this is the place. It is called Cherry Crest Market (I believe). Steve and I go there every chance we get. We sat out on the patio and had some deliciously fresh halibut and swordfish. It is so worth the drive over there!!!

Friday, daddy had the day off and we had a 4th of July party at our home with grammie and grandpa, Cody and Michele, grandma, Auntie Mer and Sue. We had all kinds of delicious food to go with the yummy kabobs grandma and auntie mer made. We had our traditional "America" drinks, which we love!!

After the BBQ, we piled in the cars and headed down to the Denver Outlaws professional lacrosse game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium. We had fabulous seats, 16 rows up from the field. Madalyn and Michele enjoyed their cotton candy and dippin dots. But the highight has to be the fire. They were lighting some of the fireworks from the top of the stadium. Not 5 minutes into the fireworks display, there was a fire. You could see the flames coming up near the bronco on the top. It took about 20 minutes to put it out and the fireworks display went on. But they continued to struggle to keep it moving along with the music and photography presentation that went along with it. Oh well, it is definately something we won't forget...

We did a bit of eating out while grammie and grandpa were here. They make it so easy on me... Here are some pictures of us at White Fence Farm. (Another great place worth the drive)

On Tuesday, the kids and I, along with grammie went downtown to a theater production while grandpa went to the train store. It is something I have done every year since Madalyn was born. It is simple, with very basic props and 3-4 actors playing various characters. There is not a production we haven't loved, and this year was no exception. The play was called Gretel and Hansel, a new twist on an old tale. For those who live in Denver, go to http://www.denvercenter.org/ and check it out. It is only $6.00 per person and who doesn't love to spend the day in downtown Denver? (One of my favorite places to be in Colorado)

After the play, we went to a little Greek cafe on Broadway and enjoyed some gyros. The day ended with a wonderful massage for me. Hollie, the sister of my friend Kellie, came to my house and gave me a "hurts real good" massage. I am extremely sore today, but will definitely be calling her again very soon! If you would like "the best" massage, let me know and I will put you in contact with her. What could be better than a massage at your own home?!

Grammie and grandpa left this afternoon after a VERY tearful good-bye at the airport. Like I said, my kids love spending time with their grandparents... Mom and Merrill, we had a wonderful time with you both and look forward to seeing you again soon. And you really are easy house guests... We love you!!!

Fantastic Friday came early this week...

2008-06-27T08:49:00.011-06:00

For those of you who don't know, we started something last year called "Fantastic Friday". It started as a way to get out of the house one day a week and focus solely on playing with my kids. Anything goes. We can go to lunch at Madalyn's favorite place which is Bamba's, go to the park, go bowling, or any other special activity that we can come up with. The kids have input on what we do.

This week we had Fantastic Friday on Thursday. We took sis to get started on uniform shopping and then got to go to a taping of the Food Network Challenge. (Thanks for telling us about it Meranda!) It was SO COOL! Food Network Challenge is on Sunday nights at 6:00 pm on the Food Network. They have different kinds of challenges, pitting (is that a word?) chefs from around the country, against each other in all kinds of things ranging from Italian feasts to birthday cakes and wedding cakes to fruit carvings. They were taping a "Chocolate Masterpieces" challenge. It was 4 chocolatiers re-creating four of the worlds best sculptures, entirely our of cholocate, competing for $10,000.

Apparently they do this regularly, and you just have to know someone who knows about it (thanks again Meranda!). It pays in more ways than one to have a little sister that is a chef!

There were 4 competitors creating 4 masterpieces.

1. Naomi Gallego ~ Austin, TX ~ Statue: Ballet Dancer

2. Jove Hubbard ~ Chicago, IL ~ Statue: Neptune at Trevi Fountain

3. Omar Martinez ~ Chicago, IL ~ Statue: Lion of Florence

4. Vincent Pilon ~ Las Vegas, NV ~ Statue: The Thinker

And the emcee was none other than Keegan Gerhard who happens to be from Denver.

The studio was smaller than I thought. But the smell of chocolate was in the air! The pictures don't begin to do it justice!! I wished I had my camera with the better zoom. Oh well, I know for next time. The only Masterpiece I didn't get a good picture of was the Ballet Dancer. They were on the other end of the studio, and we couldn't get down there.

We will let you know when this is airing. I know it is not showing before November. We were on the back row, so I don't know if we will be visible, but it is still so fabulous that we even got to be there!

The Lion of Florence used 1200 lbs. of chocolate.

Keegan quizing the audience. Meranda got called on to answer one of the questions, and of course got it right. She won an egg timer that says Food Network on it.

A close up on the tv screen of The Thinker. The detail on the leaves was unbelievable!

Neptune at Trevi Fountain. When he moved this to the judging table, he put it on a water fountain. It was beautiful! It was also the only sculputre done entirely of white chocolate.

The Lion was sculpted out of chocolate, then spray pained with white chocolate with an autobody spray painting gun. After, the artist went in with white chocolate tinted blue to age the statue.

The picture on the tv screen is the best shot we could get of the Ballet Dancer, which is too bad! It does not even begin to do it justice. It was covered in hand sculpted chocolate flowers with such color and detail!! The dancer herself turned as a dancer on a music box once she was put on her table in front of the judges.

Moving the Neptune at Trevi Fountain to his water fountain.

The Thinker

Enjoying our afternoon at the Food Network studios. I am not sure who had more fun, me or the kids...

It took 12 people and 2 takes to move this 1200 lbs. of beautiful chocolate!!!

Summer is upon us

2008-06-27T08:13:00.007-06:00

Gone are the comfortable days of spring. Which happens to be my favorite time of the year. Not too hot, not too cool. There is nothing better than spring time in Denver. It is one of the things that makes me love Colorado. And almost gone is my VERY FAVORITE smell ever! The smell of wild Russian Sage trees which are so prevelent in the area. They are extremely fragrant in the spring time. I asked the landscaper what I can do to get that tree in my yard. Absolutely nothing! They are illegal to plant in Colorado. I guess they are extremely thirsty trees and take way too much water out of the ground. So our next house will have to closer to some wild ones. But truely, the smell of them is intoxicating to me! It can very easily put me in a coma!

So on to the dog days of summer. The days are getting longer. And on to projects... (you know the saying, the cobblers kids are the last ones to have shoes... so goes the home of the interior designer) I have been repainting my kitchen and dining room. And if that isn't enough, I have decided I am tired of the wood stain in our home and am working on painting it all white. I have started, and I have to say I am in love with the outcome!!! It makes everything so bright! This house is going to look like it belongs on the coast if it kills me. (Even if for now, we can't be.)

Here are some pictures of what the kids have been up to while I have been painting. They seem to be enjoying summer much more than their mom does...

Madalyn and Mary having a tea party. I got a few pictures when they didn't think I was looking...

Madalyn and Landon having a great time running in the sprinklers...

Hair Cuts!

2008-06-26T09:41:00.009-06:00

Yesterday was hair cut day. For Landon, this comes once a month. His hair grows so fast. He sits up there in the chair all by himself. As long as I hold his hand,he does great. Madalyn was looking forward to it also. She has been telling me she wants to cut her hair really short above her ears. I am not willing to do that!! She has such beautiful hair! So this was our compromise. I told her as long as it was long enough to put in piggy tails,she could cut it off. Needless to say, she loves it!!

What princess are you?

2008-06-18T12:36:00.007-06:00

(click on title to take the quiz)

You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)

Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.

And a bit...

Esmerelda!
Mysterious and passionate. You are a survivor. Even though life has swung you some difficult situations you have a strong intuition that gets you through. Also, you have the capacity to sympathize and relate to a variety of different people.

Yes, I can see both of them...

Fathers Day

2008-06-15T22:12:00.016-06:00

This day always brings so many mixed emotions for me. Lots of happiness, but also sadness. I don't even know where to start. So I will start with the father of my children. He is so patient and kind. He loves his kids more than anything. Whether it is playing on the beach or sitting at home watching sports, he is doing it with his kids. I don't know too many little girls who enjoy watching hockey, basket ball, football, baseball or even NASCAR as much as Madalyn does. As long as she is with her dad. And at the end of the day, as soon as Landon hears the garage door open, he is booking it for the door waiting to jump on his daddy and give him a big squeeze. I love you babe! And we are so lucky to have you!

It seems after this day is over, I usually sit quitely in my bed and have my own memory/moment for my dad. This usually involves many tears. You would think after 18 years, it would get easier. But it never does. I am so greatful for my dad. He was such a kind and generous man. Everyone he came in contact with loved him. He would do anything for anyone and could usually remember everything about everyone. He had a genuine interest in people, and it showed. He too, was a dad who loved his girls more than anything. I remember him hating for us to have sleep overs because he hated for us to be away. I totally understand that now, and am the same way with my own children. If only my kids could have been fortunate enough to have him be a part of their lives! He was such a great role model for me and I strive to be the kind of person that he was.

I am also very fortunate to have a few men in my life who have stepped in to be a father figure... the first being my Grandpa Halley. I love him so much and am so grateful he has been such an intricate part of my life. I have fond memories of him from as early as I can remember! Whether it was riding horses, playing in the irrigation ditch while he watered the lawn, playing cards or going camping, I always had a wonderful time with my grandpa. Thanks for always taking such great care of me grandpa and showing me that family is what's most important! I love you!!

There is also papa Jim as he is known to my children. Jim has been around for as long as I can remember, and even longer. He was a friend of my dads, way before I was ever even thought of. He, along with my grandpa, gave me away at my wedding. Even though we don't see him as nearly as much as we would like, he holds a vey special place in my heart, and always will.

I don't want to forget about Steve's dad, David. We don't see him very often at all, but I am thankful to him for the wonderful son that he helped raise!!

And last but definately not least is grandpa Merrill. Although we may not be a part of his biological family, you would never know it by the way he treats us. He is so good to both Steve and I, and such a wonderful grandpa to Madalyn and Landon. And he is very willing to help me (like a dad would) with projects around the house on their yearly summer trip out to visit us. He loves to tell silly jokes with Madalyn. And he takes such great care of Steve's mom. I/we love him dearly and are looking forward to seeing he and grammie next month!

Beautiful Butterfly

2008-06-09T20:20:00.004-06:00

(Click on the pictures to enlarge and see the detail)

Madalyn went to a darling birthday party this last weekend. They had a clown come (cute one, not a scary, totally made up one). She did a magic show and pulled a live dove out of an egg and pulled a HUGE rabbit out of a box. We had such a great time. It was nice to see what she does, as I have tried to get this clown for Madalyn for the last 2 years. We will definately get her for a future birthday. The best part was the face painting... I also got a butterfly. Not quite as elaborate as Madalyn's, as I was going out with Steve that evening, but beautiful none the less...

What we have been told all along

2008-06-03T00:03:00.018-06:00

(Click on the title to get article)

I ran across this article tonight. This is something, that as you can tell by the time of night it is, that can keep me up all hours of the night. I have been working on this, but have had the feelings again lately that I need to get on the ball and finish! IT NEEDS TO BE DONE!!! It is not only coming from the Church, but from our own government. My "feelings", come in the form of a dream, and it is /always has been a fire. I need to finish my 72 hr kits, which Costco has an excellent one that I have started with. I need to do my house inventory, get my grab and go box together along with a safety deposit box and send copies from both to out of state contacts. Then I can continue working on my food storage. My other goal to complete this month is to fill my 55 gallon water drum that is in my basement. I just have to get over the whole "snakes in the backyard" thing so I can get to the hose...

Garage Sale

2008-06-02T15:00:00.013-06:00

So we had our yearly garage sale on Saturday. Madalyn really looks forward to this because she gets to wear an apron, help sell her stuff and take money. She is great about selling her own things i.e. toys we don't play with anymore, clothes, etc. She is quite the go-getter and a great sales person! She is saying hi and asking if she can help someone the minute they get out of their car.

This year we had some unwanted grasshoppers. So she drew this picture. She said she was going to show this to the grasshoppers so they wouldn't get on her stuff...

Dance Recital

2008-06-02T14:25:00.014-06:00

Madalyn had her dance recital on Friday. It was darling! Her teacher did such a good job with it. The theme was "Wild About Dance". Her songs were "Hakunamatata" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Her costume was a take on a leopard. As soon as I can figure out how to upload video, I will add her dances as well... She had a great time and we are so proud of her!!! She has learned a lot thisyear and is really making some progress! Way to go sis!!!

(What you can't see in this picture unless you look really close is the swollen lip. She fell off the swings the day before and got a little banged up. The make-up did a pretty good job of covering it)

Madalyn and her best friend Mary before the recital...

The final curtsie!!

Bob the Builder

2008-05-28T09:56:00.002-06:00

I was laying in bed with the kids this weekend watching a Strawberry Shortcake movie. Steve came in and saw Landy was laying there watching it with us. He made the comment that we needed some boy movies in this house so Landon could watch more than Princesses and Strawberry Shortcake. This came about after Landon wanted his toes painted. Again. I did this once to him after painting Madalyn and my toes. He was so sad his weren't painted. So I did it, and he loved it. Steve was not impressed. So I went out and bought a boy costume this weekend. And he hasn't taken it off since... What can I say? It's a start. I have to learn how to be a mom to a little boy and remember it is not all about princesses...

Change of Plans

2008-05-21T07:43:00.015-06:00

For Landon's birthday, I had really wanted to get him a sand/water table. I ran out of time, and decided I would wait a bit and just get it for the kids for summer. I was really excited. I have been looking around and reading reviews. I had decided which one I wanted. The one problem was where to put it. I had wanted to tear up a small part of the backyard and lay pavers, since we don't have a deck (yet). After talking with Cody, we had decided to get rid of the thorny weeds along the fence, and just put the table on the rocks already there. I was ready to go purchase this weekend.

The kids and I went out to the backyard yesterday to gather the planters to do our garden transplant. And what did we find? A LOVELY SNAKE!!!! I HATE SNAKES!!! It doesn't matter what kind it is, how non-poisonous it is, how helpful they are with mice, etc... I DON'T CARE! I HATE THEM!! Out of the corner of my eye, I thought it was a mouse. I just saw a blur, and thought it was running. Now I don't like mice, either. But I could deal with a mouse outside better than a snake. I looked again to see where it was, and realized it was not what I thought it was. I totally lost it!! I grabbed Landon while screaming and threw him inside. Which scared Madalyn. I threw Landon inside and went back to grab sis. She was like what's wrong mom? I told her there was a snake, and she started freaking out. I told her where to run and to move NOW!!! And she did. I think it was more my reaction that scared her than the thought of the snake itself, because when we got inside she asked if it was an Anaconda. Because she likes Anacondas and thinks they are great! If she only knew about Anacondas... thanks to Dora & Diego, she loves them!

Needless to say, there will be no sand table this year. There will be no playing in our poor, dead grass, overrun with weeds, snake sun bathing back yard until we have a deck and snakes are not invited!!! So we will be the house with the kids playing in the front yard and on the driveway because their mom will not let them play where the snakes hang out. And now I have to figure out where in the front yard to put my planters, because I had wanted to put them in the back yard on the rocks...

Steve is totally amused and thinks it is rather funny!!!

Gardening

2008-05-19T19:34:00.015-06:00

Now I have tried my hand at container gardening numerous times, and have failed miserably each time. I just don't have the green thumb my grandparents do. But Madalyn has had a lot of energy on this, so I said we would attempt it again. I thought I would start things inside this time and see if we get different results.We are trying some herbs and vegetables, and Madalyn REALLY wanted sunflowers. And not the small ones, mind you. She wanted the GIANT ones that would grow to be taller than her. This is how things are progressing...

April 30, 2008

Planting day while enjoying our favorite popcorn

from the local popcorn shop

May 12, 2008
Our first check...

Sunflowers are taking off nicely

No watermelon yet, but there is one wild spaghetti squash in the back

We have some basil,thyme and a bit of dill

Today May 19, 2008

Who gave them Miracle Grow?

The sunflowers are getting HUGE!! And we have squash,zucchini and pumpkin!

And we have 1 little watermelon in the front and a couple of spaghetti squash in the back.

The oregano and rosemary have yet to sprout, but everything else is doing great!

It looks like we will be doing some transplanting outside this weekend. Lets hope they survive this! And where am I going to put those sunflowers...?

Aye there, me hardy

2008-05-17T18:14:00.004-06:00

"Mom. Landon is the Captain and I am the Looker!"

What a couple of lookers!!

And the day finally came...

2008-05-16T11:01:00.027-06:00

Madalyn graduated from pre-school yesterday. And for me, this is a big deal! Not because I thought she wouldn't do well, because she did FABULOUS! She learned so much! She is reading and writing, all before kindergarten. I can hardly believe it! As her teacher was giving remarks about each of the kids, she said that her favorite thing about Madalyn is that everyone wants to be her friend. (I am so grateful she was blessed with such a sweet spirit!)

The hard part is what comes next. I am so not ready for kindergarten. This is probably what that first day will look like...

"Are you sure you want to go?"

"Yes, mom. I want to go."

"I will give you what ever you want if you will stay five and not get 1 day older. And not go to kindergarten"

"Nope! I want to be six and go to school and keep getting bigger"

"Are you sure you don't want to stay home and play with Landy and I all day? We can go to the zoo..."

"Nope. I want to go"

"Ok. Are you sure?"

"Yes"

"Ok then. Have a good day. Be a good friend and make good choices! And always remember how much we love you!"

"I will. Mom, why are you crying... ?"

Madalyn, we are so proud of the wonderful little girl you are becoming. You are so smart, such a kind person to your friends and such a GREAT big sister to your little brother! Continue to work hard and learn lots. And don't forget to enjoy life along the way. It all goes way too fast...

The Rice Family

Summer Plans

Random catch up...

Mary Poppins

He is listening...

Bedrooms

Dance Recital

Bubbles

We are back...

M*I*A

Ta-Da!

Thanksgiving weekend...

BYU/Airforce weekend

With lots of love...

He understands EVERYTHING!

Wizard?

We really did celebrate Halloween

Is it too early?

I voted!

Football

Another Lost Tooth

Importance of Food Storage

Injections Update

Injections tomorrow

Handbag Planet

Michelle Mayer

My thoughts, actually someone elses...

Thanks!

Halloween

Parker Family Fair

Udate

Look what's coming to Denver in 2009!

Celebrate

Happy Birthday Dad

We had a visitor

Colors

YEAH!!!!

Warning!

The Lost Tooth

The calm after the storm

Bedtime or not

Emergency Preparedness

Madalyn's Special Day

Feelings of today...

Happy Birthday Meranda!

Happy Birthday Suz!

Happy Birthday Sue!

Congratulations!!

Rice version of camping

A favorite summer past time...

Growing Up

Happy "late" 5th Birthday Ellie!

Happy Birthday Aunt Paigie!!!

Mommy Tag

Grammie and Grandpa's Visit

Fantastic Friday came early this week...

Summer is upon us

Hair Cuts!

What princess are you?

Fathers Day

Beautiful Butterfly

What we have been told all along

Garage Sale

Dance Recital

Bob the Builder

Change of Plans

Gardening

Aye there, me hardy

And the day finally came...

MIA