The monthly post

That title sounds more like a newspaper then it does a blog post. Anyway, due to the state of the economy we have had to cut back on our blog posts......I have yet to find any correlation between the two, but I'll leave that to you. It's amazing what you can blame on the economy these days. I didn't shower because of the economy, I didn't study because of the economy, I dropped my cell phone into a can of paint because of the economy. It's great! Well......on to the update.

We shall start with Erin since I always try to put her first. Except when it comes to picking teams for badminton. But that is another story. Erin is looking to start a dress alteration business. She would like to attend classes, but doesn't know who teaches. She was given a sleeveless prom dress last Saturday that she put sleeves on. She made it look really elegant. Her friend was happy with the outcome. Erin has also lost 3 dress sizes on her diet. She is stuck eating about the same food day in and day out. She is so bored, but her success is pushing her on.

Emma now uses the potty consistently. We have a problem with the "number 2" portion of that. Every time she needs to poo she puts on a diaper and does it that way. Weird. She has taken to remembering the things that Erin laughs at and she says them over and over. We talked about having a pet skunk named Coco. For some weird reason Erin really thought the phrase "Come here Coco" was really funny. Well, Emma says it all the time! It is really cute. She has taken her mom's habit of "reading" to herself before bed. She has her little light that she keeps on while she looks at her picture books. Part of me wants to be the "GET TO BED" kind of dad, but the other part says that her relationship with books is a good thing. She also loves to color more. She is trying to be more precise with her crayons. It isn't a jumbled mess anymore.

Matthew just gets cuter everyday. He is starting to say Go, Dad, and Mom. He is now cleared for stair climbing as well. He hasn't gotten used to the size of his head though. It's not big, but he hits it on everything. He doesn't remember that the top of his head isn't at eye level. He is getting bruised, but something inside me says that this is a good thing.

That leaves me. Well......I have to say.......and it gives me no pleasure.....but we bought the Twilight movie and I actually didn't mind it. I was really looking forward to making fun of it for the next 3 months, but I can't. As far as films go, it was decent. Please don't judge me to harshly. Erin said that the Edward in the movie seems more like a caveman rather then an intelligent being. I think that his longest line was 10 words? I have lost 20 lbs total since Christmas on the no sugar diet. That is my big news. It wasn't fun, but I like the results. I saw picture of me that made me look like some wife beater wearing thug. I didn't like it. Now I look better.

Erin's brother Nathan is returning home April 3rd. Most of our time has been spent getting ready for him. His room has been painted, his carpet is new, his colleges are applied for, and we already have some food in the freezer for him. We are all excited to see him soon. Leaving your mission is not an easy task, and we hope to help him out as much as we can.

Well, that is my post. I hope that you have a good evening. Always remember to.....um.......eat pork? My sense of humor has been killed by engineering. I apologize.

Matthew's First Birthday

Wow I can't believe he's a year old! I know everyone says that, but it's always true. The past year has just gone by so fast.






We had a great time yesterday, watching Matthew open presents, and visiting with family, but I think the best part was watching him eat his cake. He was so cute about it!

Once he was done, we knew it!

Get me out of here!

And this is what Matthew looked like after his first sugar rush!

All Clean!!!

He is such a sweet boy, and always happy. We have loved every moment of this last year, even if we were sleep-deprived for most of it. He has been a true gift to our little family. We love you Matthew!

My little "Flour"

So this morning I was baking Matthew's birthday cake for his party tomorrow. I greased the pan, floured it, poured in the batter and put it in the oven. After setting the timer, I went to check my email.

At odd intervals, I kept hearing shrieking giggling, always a bad sign. Not wanting to be distracted from what I was doing (I always regret giving in to that feeling later...) I went into the kitchen and this is what I saw:

I kind of sat there in shock for a second, watching Emma fling a handful at a time down on to the floor. Then before anything else could happen, I grabbed the camera and said smile! It was another moment before I realized she was wearing her new shirt from her Grandma Woods. It says, "GROUNDED FOREVER". So of course I had to have a close up of that too!

Two dustpan-fuls of flour later, Emma had her time-out while I tried to get little flour footprints out of the carpet. I must be a strange mother for looking forward to these moments. Instead of feeling angry, I feel like this is what makes my life fun and interesting. Of course no one knows that but me, and now you. Shh! Don't tell Emma!!

New Pics!

Hello everyone. Since Emma is turning three and Matthew is turning one, we decided to have their pictures done. We have usually used JC Penny for these services, but had a difficult time with them the last two times. We got referred to Sears and went there. Not only were the pictures higher in quality, we got the time we needed to get the right ones. Sears also gave us the license to the pictures which is awesome! All in all, a good time was had. Here are the pictures for you to judge for yourself. Let us know what you think!

Of course, 25 random things... the famous thing going around on Facebook. Here is mine, here by popular request (Mike, who else?) so enjoy.

1. My passion is reading, one of my favorite websites is www.bookmooch.com. It's a great way to get new books, and if I don't like them, send them on their way... but I haven't picked out too many books I've put down easily.

2. One of my true weaknesses is Jane Austen books and movies. I didn't discover them until a couple of years ago, but one introduction and I was hooked. I made Mike read them too (poor sap) and he was a good sport. He'll even sit and watch the 5 hour Pride and Prejudice with me if I'm sick! What a guy.

3. I have a secret love of shoes. If I could spend money on anything, I would buy pairs and pairs of cute shoes, boots, sandals... someday!

4. When I was single, I somehow picked up the nickname Fran. No one calls me that anymore, but once I was special.

5. I love designing things. When we lived in Herriman, I wanted a swingset for Emma, but it just wasn't in the budget. So one night I had this dream of a swing set made out of 2x4's, and I drew it out for Mike. He put in all the math stuff that was needed and built it for me. I painted it red and hung a Wal-mart swing from it. I felt cool.

6. I have always felt that I have beautiful ears. It's been on the down low, but I guess my streak of vanity is now out in the open.7. If I could have any snack of choice, I would eat orange bell peppers dipped in Italian dressing. Mmmmmm.

8. My most embarressing moment: Just days after I was engaged to Mike, his parents took us out to eat at the East Canyon resort restaurant. I had only met them briefly a couple of times, so this was basically the "meet the parents" dinner. We went for a walk afterwards, and I was really enjoying myself, so I loosened up and unfortunately acted like myself. I was walking along this balance beam with Mike holding my hand, when I got this bright idea to do the karate kid crane kick, you know both arms raised and one knee lifted. Yes, while on this balance beam I jumped, kicked and landed flat on my butt on the ground. I have never lived that moment down.

9. Another favorite passtime is sewing. Yeah I know, yucky crafty. What can I say, I have a lot of fun designing things to make. I have designed three shirts for me, made several outfits for my kids, a Hawaiian shirt for Mike that he actually wears (it's pretty flamboyant). Lately I have been designing bed sets for barbie beds. It is a major stress relief and a serious self-esteem boost when something actually turns out. :D Someday I hope to take pattern design classes and really get into it.

10. An all-time favorite movie: Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. I always cry.

11. A woman I look up to: Emma Hale Smith. I have read several books about her, and feel a bond. I wanted to name my daughter Emma before I ever met Mike. I hope I can be half as amazing a woman as she is.

12. One of my favorite stories about my daugher: I was checking on her late at night, probably six months ago. I kissed her forehead and said, "I love you". Just then she stretched, yelled, "CAAAAKE...." and rolled over. I couldn't stop laughing.

13. I love love love mineral make-up. I was never a make-uppy girl, but I took this class last year and learned the "correct" ways to apply and use it, and I just fell in love with the mineral kind. I love to play with make-up!

14. I love to waterski! I rarely get the chance, but I've had some of the best times of my life skiing.

15. I have a bottomless appetite for homegrown tomatoes. With lots of pepper. I could spend hours in the garden, even just weeding. I love anything homegrown and fresh from the garden.

16. Getting mail is one of my favorite passtimes. Sometimes I will order a book from Amazon or Half just to get something in the mail soon.

17. Someday I want one of those water wall things. A piece of stone with water running down it. I think they are so cool.

18. When moving, I prefer real packing paper to newspaper. Mike's sister gave us a bunch last time we moved, and I scoffed at it and told Mike what a waste of money it is to buy packing paper when you could just use newspaper! As soon as I started using it, I admitted my error and was converted. Maybe someday we'll unpack our dishes again.

19. I like to read about traveling, or pretend like I'm planning a trip. There are so many fascinating places in the world. I'd just like to wander around meeting random people and ask them questions about where they live. Maybe I'd get locked away though.

20. I like kitchens to have ivy and growing plants. Well the whole house actually. I'm just not the best at watering. Maybe when I'm wealthy I will hire a plant company.

21. In my life, I have had very few plane rides. Each time I am so enthralled with looking out the window that I haven't paid attention anything else. I always wondered what I would look like from the outside of the plane, with my face squashed in the window, and my eyes bugging out.

22. Another secret passion: Whipped cream. The real kind, not the cool whip stuff. It's becoming common at the in-laws hosue for at least one person to ask if I'd like some pie with my whipped cream. But seriously, if I don't get it that often, can you blame me??

23. Secret wish: If I could get over my fear of it, I would love to try scuba diving. Maybe some day I will grow up.

24. I have a horrible curse where my best time of day is actually night. Once the kids are in bed, I begin accomplishing things, and my mood improves. I've actually always been that way so I can't blame it on the kids. But I'd really like to be that way during the DAY!

25. I could always think of things that I want, or wish for or whatever, but when it really comes down to it, I don't think I could ask for anything that would make me happier than I am right now.

25 random things about mike

There has been this thing going around facebook where you list 25 random things about yourself. I thought it would be a good idea if I were to do it here to. For all those who care, I now give you 25 things about Mike presented in all of its original glory!

1. I can't eat cantaloupe. I can eat all sort of food like item such as raw fish. I have never been able to not put down a certain food item. This was really useful on my mission, and when Erin was learning to cook. I can't get a piece of cantaloupe past my tongue. It almost puts me in convulsions.

2. Foosball is the greatest thing that has ever been invented. I didn't like it much at first, but that was only because I didn't understand the internal workings of the fooooos.

3. I wrote most of a book. It was called Ian the Average and it was supposed to be along the lines of Harry Potter, but the point was to tell kids that you don't need magic to be cool. I got rave reviews......from the 3 people that saw it......someday I will finish.

4. I read all of the Anne of Green Gables series up to and including Anne's House of Dreams. This might not seem to odd, but I liked it. I like stories with heart.

5. I am studying Chemical Engineering, but hate Chemistry. This is a matter of faith with me. I feel like this is my field, and I am doing it. If it was my choice, I would probably be a food scientist and make everything taste like cheesecake.

6. Unlike most men, I don't like shoot um up games. I like a game that makes me think. "World of Goo" is and excellent example. Physics, Engineering, and a supply of living Goo balls. Nothings gets better!

7. I can quote most of the 5 hour long version of Pride and Prejudice. I do enjoy a story with heart.

8. Out of our entire movie collection, I can only claim two movies as mine. "Saints and Soldiers" and "Second Hand Lions". The rest are Erin's movies. I don't particularly mind this arrangement either. Erin's movies are awesome.

9. My current favorite restaurant is Tucano's in Orem. It's Brazilian (not authentic I hear) where they bring parts of different animals to you on a stick! Nothing says awesome like a steaming hot cow chunk on a sword.

10. Erin and I didn't date for almost a year and a half because we thought we would get married. Ha, I guess that proves us wrong.....wait......

11. I enjoy baking and have been perfecting the chocolate chip cookie. It's a fluffy cookie made with butter and vanilla pudding. I'm getting the chemistry right at the moment so I can have maximum fluff without removing the much desired butter. Shortening is for biscuits, not cookies!

12. I can't stand to sit and watch sports. I would rather play. Snow football is the best, although ultimate hammer was fun to play (It's like ultimate Frisbee, but with a hammer. We also tried ultimate saw blade which didn't turn out so well).

13. I am scared of heights. I can't tell you how many times I've embarrassed myself on a rock wall. I can make it 6 feet! I couldn't make it to the top of Timpanogos because of the height.

14. I enjoy clay pigeon shooting. My shotgun and I are close buddies. I say "Shoot that clay!" and it usually doesn't. We are working on our relationship.

15. I enjoy shooting, but I have no desire to hunt or kill anything. This probably spawns from when my friends would go hunting in the cold wet mud and come home empty handed. If they do get something, then it's more work to gut it and cut it up. It's just too much work.

16. I am very critical on things that cost money including goods and services. Erin and I are broke most of the time. When we do spend money, it needs to be well spent. For example, I went to a new dentist yesterday. We have a discount plan though the school and no insurance. So yes costly but needed. The dentist and the hygienist never really said much of anything to me and did couldn't wait to shove me out the door. The office was left over from the 70's and I swear I saw a club that they use to knock you out before they drill. The results of my exam are not part of this blog entry.

17. I build and fix computers for friends and family. I have become quite adept at this and usually don't get any compensation from it (which is the way I want it). I have fun building and setting up computers for elderly folk. I almost thought about putting together a business plan, but the market is flooded with these services already.

18. Veggie Tales ROCKS! I haven't seen them all, but the ones that I have seen are funny. I enjoy the religious message in them.

19. Politics make me furious. I used to listen to Sean Hannity on the way home from work. It made me mad for the rest of the night. I vote, let them mess everything up and I'll deal with the issues when I personally face them. Grrrr........politics.........

20. I don't watch TV. Really, I don't. I don't even watch PBS. I just don't have time, or desire.

21. I enjoy building, designing, and putting things together. One day Erin handed me a pile of parts and said "This used to be the photo printer. Can you put it back together?" It took me a bit, but it was more fun to put together then any jigsaw.

22. I hate when the button hole part of the shirt gets all crinkly and doesn't lay flat. That just chaps my hide.

23. My family is the most important thing to me. I usually drop everything (like school, friends, free ice cream, flu shots) just to be with them. My kids are so much fun.

24. Erin and I can usually find a way to fix a car for much less then any shop will charge. This goes back to the fact that we are broke. Erin can find deals on parts that you wouldn't believe. I can usually put them in.

25. My favorite food is Pizza. I love a good pizza and Erin makes the best. Really, you should come over sometime and try it. When we had extra cash we used to order out, but not anymore. We have the perfect recipe. (Cooking is a bond for Erin and I. We love perfecting recipes together.)

There, I did it. I laugh at all the people who said it couldn't be done. HA HAAH AHAHA. I guess no one really did, but oh well I'll laugh anyway. I hope that this hasn't been too much for you. I would hate to have you go blind from sheer awesomeness. And here I take my leave of you. I hope that you have a great night and day and morning respectively. Bye.
......Grrr.....politics..........grrrrrr

The Christmas Post

Christmas 08

We had a very traditional Christmas this year. For the past 3 years we have spent the night at Erin's Parent's house on Christmas Eve. We promised ourselves that we wouldn't do that this year and have our own Christmas. Well......as we live with Erin's Parents now, we just stayed there again.

Setting up for Christmas was fun for Emma. She loved all the decorations, but loved the Christmas lights the best of all. When ever she saw some, she would yell "CHRISTMAS LIGHTS" again and again and again. It's one of those cute things that got to be a little too much after the 2,000 time.

And now, by the popular demand of a single person, the proof of our cute kids!

This is the traditional setting up of the fake Christmas tree.

This is the traditional explianation of the Christmas decorations from Grandpa. "Don't touch this, Don't touch that, Don't play with these...." and so on.

The no touch rule didn't last to long.

Oh the Chrimstas Cheer!

Emma got a leap frog

Erin got a cute new coat!

Matthew got a walker.

I got a book on Prophacies of the last days, and a cool jacket (cool jacket currently not appearing in this photo).

Further proof of our cute kids.

We enjoyed seeing our family and friends during this time of year. We hope that everyone had a great Christmas.