I'm a Triathlete!!...kind of.

Friday, May 8th, Pat and I drove up to St. George UT to compete in my first sprint triathlon (Pat's 3rd). We stayed with the Hoopes, our really good friends in Phoenix originally from SG (in the pic below). Friday night we saw comedian Brian Regan at the Tuacahn (sp?) Theatre. Pat's Dad, brother Jared, Jared's wife Jami and their two kids met us for an early dinner at the Pasta Factory before the show. They came down from the Salt Lake area to see Regan the night before. It was refreshing to see them and to catch up.

The race was planned to start at 8:03 but because of hard winds, they continued to push it back to make sure the swimming conditions were safe. We waited for about an hour for them to announce the swim portion of the Tri would be cancelled. That was a bitter-sweet moment. I worried most about the swim but I also trained the hardest for it out of the three events. I really wanted to know if I could do it. Another half hour later we began the race. Pat was to go first with the men in his age group but decided instead to wait 20 minutes to begin the race with me and the other 50 girls in my group :) He felt a little silly.
They decided to replace the swim portion of the race with another 5k. So it went: Run (3.1 miles), Bike (12 miles), Run (3.1 miles).

After analysing the race many-a-time, we have come to the common consensus that he pulled me through ride and I pulled him through the runs. We did great!! I am looking forward to the next one, to see how I do with the swim, the ride alone and to improve my running time.

The most important thing for us was to have fun, and that we did! No doubt about it. I'm so glad we did it together and with friends!!




I took 15th out of about 40-50 in my age group. I know I can do better if I train more on the bike and swim. I'm hooked!! I could go on and on about this weekend but it's time to get back to home life!! Though it wasn't an actual triathlon without the swim...with all the training I think I can still say I did it!
Thanks Babe for the support and getting me into the sport! Thanks Bandera (Pat's workmates) for converting our family!! We both feel so much more balanced with this being a part of our lives! Life is Good! Man, I could go on and on.....

So, way back in February we went to Disneyland! The kids did great and we had fun. Got to go...kid throwing a fit :) enjoy... gotta add, i just noticed camden is not smiling in any of these pictures but he really did have fun :)

We went on one ride and waited in line for 1/2 hour. It was soooo worth it :)

He talked about seeing Mickey the entire time. Then, when he finally did, this is what happened. We weren't surprised. When he left the visiting area he yelled over Pat's shoulder "BYE MICKEY!" totally crying. He tried so hard to hold himself together, sweetheart.

Easter Dress

This is my latest sewing project and I'm thoroughly pleased. Surprisingly, the get-up wasn't as difficult as I had imagined (If anyone wants the McCall's Pattern #, let me know). The dress is reversible and the hat could be but I just lined it with white. Isn't the fabric to die for?! LOVE IT! I know it's a little early to be posting an Easter Dress but I just couldn't wait! I'll be making Pat and Camden ties out of the fabric too so I'll post pictures then too! Hope you are all enjoying Spring as much as we are!! Mmmmm, my favorite time of year! PS...My next blog will be all pictures of Camden. His father is giving me a hard time about it. :)

Don't forget: LIFE IS GOOD!

10 Months..8 teeth...2 steps and happy.

Happy Birthday to WHO?

I want these!! They are called Frilly Lilly's (love the name) and they're bath soaps!! Are they not sooo cute? Would they not be the cutest baby shower or bridal shower gifties to give guests? I'm pretty darn tempted to have a party for my girl friends to swap amazing recipes and soak our feet or something and then gives these to go!!

I don't know if I would actually put it in my bath (though I am completely a bath relaxer). They are too cute. They would dress up a bathroom on a little pedestal though! My sister just got them in her boutique and I'm totally getting some. If you butter me up enough, I may send one your way on your BIRTHDAY :)

Is it just me or is this not a cool and clever idea?

Ellie's First PONY!!

...TAIL! So cute! I finally remembered to get little rubber bands at Target so that I could do this. This is one of the many moments I've been anticipating since we found out I was pregnant with a girl! LoVe It!! Sunday I'm going to attempt piggy tails.

She gave me a heck of a time when I put it in but, by the look on her face, I'd say she's quite pleased with the look! :)

Love this girl! such a hoot.

It's Snot Funny

Last week both kids were down with a bug: snotty faces, nasty cough...the same cold going around in many of your families, friends families and nursery classes I'm sure:). We stayed inside most of the week which drove us all a little bonkers (Thanks again Kathryn for inviting me and my two snot faces to walk with you guys, considering the risk :). On one of many occasions, I asked Camden to get me some tissue so I could wipe Ellie's nose (one of my favorite perks to having a child who can walk and understand without realizing I'm asking because I'm lazy). I was sitting on the couch in the loft with my back turned to the bathroom door. Camden came back with toilet paper in hand but he never tore off the piece so there was a trail from the bathroom of TP. I wish I had taken a picture, he was so proud for being so helpful! :)

I just finished putting Camden down for bed. We brushed teeth, read books, sang songs, turned on the fan and gave good night kisses. The usual. As I was leaving, Camden sat up in his bed and said "PRAYERS!". Woops, I forgot. One of my first (of many to come, I'm sure) experiences being put in my place by my child. I'm so grateful for moments like these...they put life back into proper perspective. Children are amazing and they certainly come from a loving Heavenly Father to teach us "forgetful" adults (and test us :).

Headline News:
Ellie is now going from sitting to tummy and back up to sitting again as of today. She is also standing alone for like 10 seconds and is COMPLETELY impressed with herself. She is still obsessed with Camden even though He Kung Fu Panda kicks her in the head, etc. (that movie is in time out for a very long time...if you are reading this and Camden is ever at your home and wants to watch a movie; PLEASE don't pop Kung Fu Panda in! Thanks :) Ellie still isn't crawling...forward that is. She's got reverse down perfectly. It drives her NUTS! She loves food! Any food. She;s ONE OF A KIND, that's for sure.

The Girl in the Yellow Dress

Well here it is! This post is mainly for my Mom but I'm sure the rest of you wouldn't mind hearing about this sewing adventure too:
This dress was suppose to be 1) done in a day. 2) reversible and 3) did I mention done in a day? So it took us two Sewing Wednesdays and a late Wednesday night to finish these suckers (Katie's dress for Effie is stunning black and white with yellow frill). I still haven't finished the bloomers for it, nor the fastens to keep it wrapped. That should only take a few minutes (which translates to 2 hours for me). We always underestimate the time it's going to take us but for very good reasons I must say in our defense.
Reasons include:
-It's difficult to follow a pattern...especially when 2 two year-olds are chasing each other around the house chanting "mine, mine, mine, mine".
-Ellie always knows when it's Sewing Wednesday and she let's me know by not napping for longer than 30 minutes at a time. (Though that very likely could be due to the 2 two year-olds running and yelling through the house).
-Our sewing table is also the apple slices and fishy cracker table.
-We try to follow the pattern and add our own little thrills (like making this pattern a reversible dress...not even possible)
-We both like to tell stories and philosophy about life. That may slow us down a little.
-Neither of us have ever made a dress before but we find ourselves assuming we can do anything for the first time as fast as an expert.
The list could go on. Katie, I hope you're cool with this list...maybe I should speak for myself :) The dresses turned out great and we learned a lot. Especially about making sleeves.
This week we'll be making baby shower gifts! I'm looking forward to the mayhem!
This is Camden...my Stud. He's getting so big. Day before last he even initiated going potty in the toilet!!! ...after he went #1 successfully in the potty, He led me to his room where he had successfully gone #2 on the carpet :) I love you Camden!!

Red Carpet Event

Last week, the women of my church (The Relief Society) got together to celebrate all that we had accomplished over the past year. The activities committee did a fabulous job creating "a night on the red carpet" atmosphere. T'liese and I are visiting teaching companions. She is the BEST ever!! I couldn't have asked for a better friend to team up with! One of the girls we visit is Heather...the adorable blond on the right. She is so fun and down to earth. We all get along so well! I'm so grateful for good friends.
T'liese and I bought these dresses and accessories together at the thrift store. My dress alone cost 6 dollars...clutch: 69 cents. Worth every penny...the 'aloha goddess' get up made the entire night 100 times more fun to get ready for and attend.




























This last picture is of Ellie in the new dress I made her last Week. Katie and I are trying to finish a sewing project every Wednesday. More pictures of the girl in the yellow dress to come. (Isn't Ellie the sweetest thing?)

This is an amazing photo my sister Ari took of our family while we were in Cali. Isn't she sc good? check out her stuff at ariphotography.blogspot.com

What a crazy month! Sorry I haven't posted for six weeks. We seriously have been out of town for almost 3 weeks of December. It's been so much fun, especially with Pat being home for a good portion of it! The first week of December we went to Utah for one of my best friends' wedding. It was the most beautiful ceremony I've attended thus far. What a great couple, I can't wait to get to know Bre's hubby, Mark better. During that trip we drove up to Idaho to visit Pat's sister Jodi and her adorable family. Then we drove all the way back to Arizona. We were only home for a week before we packed up the Tahoe again and headed to California. By far, my best visit back home yet. Such a fun vacation...packed with great beachy, California things to do. We stayed in the Hunter's Beach House for 3 days, that included Christmas, and then drove down to San Diego. We ventured out to Sea World, went on a bike ride, I got a facial...it was so fun. But seriously, the best part about it was just being with my Mom and brothers and sisters. I love my family! Thanks for such a memorable Christmas guys!

For New Years we put the kids down and had some of our favorite people over (T'liese and Joe) to eat yummy hawaiian pork stew (that T'liese made) and played speed scrabble. It was perfect, couldn't have asked for a better end-of-the-year hoorah! :)

This Morning I got so much done. I love being "on a roll". I organized the kids toys...that was a fat project to get out of the way. Now, this 2009, every toy will have it's place. I wish I could say the same for my office/craft stuff...and clothes, and toiletries...and stuff in the pantry.

New Beginnings are so important. It's always good to feel you can start over, clean your slate, try again. I'm grateful for everything the Lord blessed me with in 2008 (especially Ellie Baby)and I anticipate what's in store for us this new year. I'm sure a whole bunch of craziness and unexpected change. I say "bring it on, 0-nine".

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

It's been a couple of weeks and both kids are down for naps so I had better get my blog on while I've got the chance! Hmmm, family update:

Ellison is almost 6 months old ALREADY! That means I'm 6 months behind on her first year scrapbook. She now has two teeth and knows how to use them, let me tell you! She eats anything we put in her mouth including our fingers (and occasionally Camdens toes. I know, disgusting. I didn't say I like it or permit it). Ellie is all smiles...and chubs. Doesn't get much better than that. Oh wait, it does; she also loves kisses and snuggling! (Still not as much as Camden did as a baby). She is usually super content with anything and everyone...unless she's tired. Then all she wants is peace and quiet. Ellie ADORES Camden and that's an understatement. It's crazy how aware she is of him. If he's in the room she has to watch his every move (which makes it difficult during feeding time). Camden is the only one I've seen really make her laugh. Ellie is my sunshine and biggest inspiration these days. I feel calmer around her.

Camden is officially 2. I feel like I've been calling him two for the past 5 months (Probably to avoid the comments about haveing two babies in under two years). Cam is smart as a whipper snapper. He loves Thomas the Train, Elmo and his ABC's. He's always pointing out letters to me in books, on signs, tee-shirts etc. Camden sleeps in a big boy bed and has us sing the same three songs to him every night: "You are my Sunshine", "I love to see the Temple" and "I am a Child of God". In that order. He has quite a few friends that he talks about all the time (not that I understand anything he's saying but their Names every now and then). He really needs a hair cut, but I don't want to clean up after it so it looks like he's growing it out :). Camden is really into saying Thank You which is a good thing but sometimes it gets a little annoying. Like when I'm on the phone and give him something he wanted and then he continues to say "Thank You Mommy!" over and over and over until I say "Your Welcome Camden". Sometimes he wont leave it at that, I have to look at him and say it...with feeling. What a sweetheart.

I've been having way too much fun lately and my dusty house proves it. My girl friend and I have been sewing little girly stuff and I've been completely sucked into the world of hand made craft. I can't get enough. I'm losing sleep over it. I didn't know there were so many blogs out there about the trade. My mind is racing with all of these adorable things I could do and make. I had to create another blog just to bridle my creative anxiety before the right side of my brain exploded. I post pictures of things that inspire me, things I want to make, things i've made...mainly to save time. I have to share everything I love with at least one other person and it takes a lot of time going back through websites and blogs to find what I'm trying to describe. My friend and I are doing it together and I love it! (Maybe someday we'll open it up to the public :).

I love being a Mom but sometime I feel so blah when that's all I see myself as. Rekindling this creative flame is really lifting me up and giving me ENERGY! I could go on and on...but I won't. Life is good!

Pat is doing his work thing, trying desperately to find balance and joy in what he does everyday. I'm proud of him for following his heart and trying honestly to have "joy in the journey". He still goes mountain biking with his buddies a couple times a week. He's either being more careful (less stupid) or getting better because I haven't seen broken skin for a few months. Way to go Pat!!

We are so so blessed and are so grateful for these good days!

So this is long. I'll never know if you decided to skip the blabber and just check out my cute kids. I've probably done it to you...more than once :)

Camden is TWO!!

Last Saturday Camden had his big 0-2 Birthday! He totally understood it was his day (I was afraid he'd continue to sing Happy Birthday to him self every day for the rest of the year!). We had a little party for him that afternoon and it was a hit. 5 of his buddies (ages 1 to almost 4) came over with their mommy's and daddy's for painting, munching, gifts and a choo-choo thomas cake!

The Dads helped the kids paint their masterpieces. Oh yeay!! Even Uncle Jared flew in for the Party all the way from Salt Lake! (Well, the party and a few work mtgs. THANKS UNCLE JARED!! Way to represent the family!).

Thanks again to all of the fun gifts and nice phone calls!!

Birthday Parties for my kids are a perk/happy moment of motherhood for me! It's so fun to celebrate my children!

Halloween 2008, part A and B

This year we were all Cowboys/girls. No pictures of Me...darn it. :)
We had some friends over for dinner and went to a few doors in our neighborhood. Effie, Camden's girl friend was a ladybug. They had a good time going trick-or-treating together.

Ellie was a Butterfly Fairy and Camden was Nemo (again) for the ward X-mas party. I was a Cowgirl and Pat a Mnt. Biker. The Party was a week before Halloween. Camden got some good practice treak-or-treating. Fun Fun.

Just doing our thing

So this is how I avoid using a double stroller. We bought this Car seat/Stroller set because it looked sturdy and easy to use. I've fully tested out it's durability and I still give it 2 thumbs up. This is us going to the Zoo. I know some of you readers have this same stroller but would never try this with your two year old but it works for us so I thought I'd share the idea. I've thought about creating a safety strap and something a little more comfortable for him to sit on but until then, this works just fine. I just keep a hand on him.

Is Ellie not just the cutest thing you've ever seen?! Don't you just want to squeeze her!!? Hal, thanks for this adorable outfit! Love the hat.