Jonas Blog

Marketer's Cruise 2012

2012-01-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

We just got home from a Western Caribbean cruise with about 400 other Internet marketers. Big HOLLA to my mom who watched my 4 children for 10 days. In those 10 days, Bailey, my mom and dad all got the pukes and Lila got her very first ear infection (tears on the cruise ship from this sad mom!) Luckily my mom is a better mom than me, so I knew everyone was well taken care of.

Our first stop was in Cozumel, where we went scuba diving. The real highlight of the day was lunch though; real Mexican food with a (virgin) pina colada.

Top the day off with a little shopping before getting back on the ship and I am one happy gal.


Formal evening

Here we are in the back of a bus in Costa Rica (stop 2) on our way to white water raft. This was my fav!

We took the scenic route back and got a view of our ship

The lovely city of Limon, CR and our ship

Stop 3 was Panama. We visited the canal and had lunch. Not too exciting but a nice break from the boat.

The brave men tried frog legs at dinner one night. The report was that they taste like chicken. I will take their word for it.

Chocolate melting cake was my dessert every single night!

Then ice cream, of course.

The chocolate chip cookies were heaven too and I learned I could order them room service by the plateful!

(would you believe me if I told you that I actually lost 1/2 a pound on the trip? It's the truth! I did!)


I'd like you to meet Russell and Collette. They are our new BFFs. We stayed up way too late playing games nearly every night!

Not pictured is dancing at the club a couple times (I think we lasted about 4 songs), some really cheesy shows, laying out, sitting in the hot tub, working out, and too much karaoke for my taste.

It's always fun to get away and it's always fun to come home!

Christmas 2011: In One Long Post

2012-01-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

So, I thought about setting a new years resolution to blog every single day of 2012, but that's just not realistic for me...but I really want to be better!
Let me sum up our December for you. After heading up our ward Christmas party AND ward Christmas service project (which were both a complete joy to do...really!), we held up a life-long tradition and went to see "Scrooge"
Dinner before at Pizza Factory

I guess we bored the big boys

Classic girl picture (where's Cara?)

Oh! I love Todd and Lexi

This is seriously the best family picture we got

Always good times when I get to sit next to this man

The week before Christmas, between the older 3, there was some kind performance every single day...from dance to school sings...It started with Bailey's dance recital. Then my camera died and I kept forgetting to charge it (like all great mom's do) and only got pics of this cutie

Christmas Eve was a HOOT! After dinner we had a "variety show" (not enough talent in this family to call it a "talent show"). My camera was up and running, but everything was videoed, so pictures are few.

Todd and Lexi did a Bollywood dance from the Wii


Cami, Cara, and I did a silly little lip sync to "Sisters" from White Christmas

Not pictured (but maybe we will get a video montage up here one day) was a lip sync by CarAndrew, Feliz Navidad by Tim, Shel and the chocolate babies, a game by Gma Juju, reading by the Hansen boys, and the nativity by the Jonas children. Check out the youngest Jonas...

...Gah...this girl...

Christmas morning was truly perfect. Since Christmas was on Sunday this year, we got up and went to church! Not only did it set the tone for the day, but we all looked so cute in our Christmas morning pictures. We came home, got back in jammies and dove into presents, with peanut butter cups from our stockings for breakfast- first breakfast, that is.

Angry Birds!

Harry Potter!

This lady made my Christmas season so special!

I decided since my girls were wearing swim robes from 2 years ago, this would be a great gift

with matching slippers!

Alrighy, I am counting this as being officially caught up! Stick around, we're going on a cruise next week and you won't want to miss pictures of me in a bathing suit. Plus I want to throw in a couple other update posts.

Blessing Day

2011-12-08T09:18:00.002-07:00

Although this happened on Oct. 8, it's too special to forget...

What a great day when a mother gets to watch her husband give her new baby a name and a blessing! It's always such a spiritual high for me (which is a good pick-me-up when you hit that 6 week mark and the sleepless nights are starting to pull you down)

What proud parents!
This is a few of the men that were in the circleAnd the whole group
How thankful I am for husband who is a worthy priesthood holder!

Arches

2011-11-10T22:03:00.001-07:00

We spent Fall Break in Arches National Park, near Moab Utah.

The weather was perfect.

The children hiked like champs.

The baby slept soundly on the mama

And the grandparents came along

(How cute are they? Hiking holding hands- Do you love it Tim and Shel?)

Smiles all around

With a little silliness

Perfect quick trip!

Carmel Apples

2011-11-08T21:52:00.001-07:00

One of the traditions I'm trying to create for the ladies of the family is a carmel apple afternoon. We made an assembly line of washing, inserting sticks, dipping (first in carmel, then in chocolate- HELLO!), decorating, and bagging. Not only is it a blast to be with my sisters (and when I say sisters, can you all just know that includes my mom and sister-in-law. I won't even tell you who's who in the picture because they are all sisters to me)

It's also so invigorating to create something

(I find that using twigs instead of popsicle sticks makes them much more halloweeny. Keep your eyes open around town and you will find an empty lot with a fallen tree or a neighbor trimming one back and take all the twigs you can get!)

And at the end of the day we have yummy treats for our families and neighbors

(a hole punch and some ribbon transformed my boring paper plate into something much more fun to give. My homemade tag topped it off nicely, right?)

Another tradition I'd like to keep is the glitter pumpkins. Not pictured this year, but it did happen and I learned that glitter still makes me happy.

Oh so happy!

Moving Forward, Looking Back:Starting with Halloween

2011-11-03T22:37:00.001-06:00

I'm seriously going to catch up on my blog and become a regular again. So I've decided to start with the most recent and move back.

Happy Halloween!

This year was my very favorite Halloween of all time!
Check out my very own cast of WIZARD OF OZ:

Adeline as The Wicked Witch of the West (or Elphaba)

Bailey as Glinda the Good Witch (so popular!)

Lila as Dorothy

Complete with ruby slippers

Austin wouldn't play along with our theme, but was so thrilled to be a BYU football player with REAL football pads

Even the newlyweds got dressed up!

BEST. HALLOWEEN. EVER!

Oh Pintrest!

2011-10-14T22:35:00.001-06:00

How I love you, but how you keep me from blogging when the house is quiet at last. But I so like to look at craft and recipe ideas I will probably never make. I also like to have those ideas safely tucked away in my very own cyberspace.

The wonderful glory of my life really should be blogged because it really is wonderful and glorious! My baby is heaven on earth, literally. Not figuratively, LITERALLY! She sleeps up to 13 hours at night (I'm talking consecutive hours here!), naps 3 times a day and spends her awake time smiling and laughing. HEAVEN, I tell you!

I had a harder week with the older 3. They think it's fun to make mom ask so many times it turns to a yell. Then I feel like a bad mom because I yell. Then I feel like a bad mom because I haven't raised my children well enough to obey quickly and nicely. Then I feel like a bad mom because I'm down on myself and I desperately want my children to have high self-esteem- teach by example!

In the weeks that followed the birth of my first child, I realized I had found my true calling in life. I GET IT! This is why I'm here- to be a mother. And how I love to be a mother! Oh! I love it.

Then I feel like a bad mom because I can't even be good at what I love so much...

Back to Pintrest. I found this there tonight and HAD to share because it echoes my prayers day and night

(if you can't read it, it says)
Oh give me patience when wee hands tug at me with their small demands.
And give me gentle and smiling eyes
Keep my lips from hasty replies
And let not weariness, confusion or noise obscure my vision of life's fleeting joys
So when, in years to come, my house is still-
No bitter memories its room may fill.

I feel their young lives slipping through my fingers so quickly. Will my house really be still one day? Tell me NO! Let me keep them.

Thanks Pintrest for bringing me back to earth- or should I say, HEAVEN!

Let Me Finish

2011-09-22T10:50:00.000-06:00

As a last HURRAH of summer, we met up with all of John's family in Las Vegas for a little reunion. John's dad rented a home for everyone. It was so fun to reconnect.
We swam (Amie and I got to judge a cannonball contest) and ate pretty much all weekend. My kind of vacation!

The home was right across the street from the temple

Where we did some family pictures

Grandpa Jonas with ALL of his grandchildren!

The next week John took Austin backpacking in the Uintas

They had such STRONG bonding time!

They even found snow!

Finally, school started again! I LOVE having my kids home in the summer, but I also love routine and order.
Austin Michael as a 3rd grader

Adeline April as a first grader

Riding the bus together!

(Have I already posted these back-to-school pictures? I seriously can't remember!)

And that was our summer! This doesn't mean I'm caught up, but I'll get there...

Driving My Parents MAD!

2011-09-09T21:00:00.000-06:00

I have been trying for years to send my parents to the nuthouse. I tried especially hard through most of the 90's. They are fighters, I tell ya!
This summer we decided to make it a team effort. I started by bringing this cutie into the world.

Don't let those chubby cheeks fool you! You may want to kiss them all day, but she is at the bottom of a long line of needy children who love to play at Grandma Juju's. And the mother of these children doesn't like to cook or clean when every possible body part is leaking something, so said Grandma runs the household for a while. But really, don't you want to kiss those cheeks all day?

Next it was this family's turn to give it a go. They put in a good effort. Just 3 weeks after kissy cheeks was born, they moved...

Here... (Just 2 miles from me!) And you have never seen people work until you watch Jonn and Judy (AKA mom and dad or Papa and Juju or Presidente y Hermana (that last one is what they usually make us all call them))!

They somehow passed both those tests, so we had to pull out the BIG guns! This one was in the making for many months and darn near did the trick. Just 1 week after the move and 4 weeks after the baby, this couple tied the knot! (that's my little sister, Cara and her new husband Andrew. We affectionately call them Carandrew.) I know what you're thinking "How rude of Kim's sister to get married just a month after she gave birth!" I know, right? I tried to talk her into waiting until Christmas so I could have my pregnancy weight off, but she wouldn't hear of it. She's so selfish!

So let's recap. In 1 month, in our family, we had a baby, a move and a wedding! You'd really think that, at the very least, ONE of them would've given in, but NO! Not even a nervous tick! These people are STELLAR and I love them dearly.

PS Doesn't that picture of them bring tears to your eyes?

PPS After all was said and done, these 2 hopped in the car and just drove whichever direction the wind was blowing. It's so unlike them and we thought they finally cracked, but then we worried they'd come back with matching tattoos, so we've decided to lay off for a few months.

PPPS You do know that 95% of this post is sarcastic, right? Of course not the part about kissy cheeks- that was all truth!

Celebrating Summer

2011-09-08T22:52:00.002-06:00

I'm still playing catch up with my summer blogging. But here I am, keeping my promise and getting it done. Here's a 3-in-1 for you...

Camps!
Austin got to do 2 weeks of golf camp (not pictured)

The girls did 2 weeks of Princess Camp

Just days after the birth, in an attempt to not waste the summer indoors, we pulled out the slip-n-slide.
Austin was so cute and would hold the girls hands while they warmed up to the slide.

Taking a break to help mom feed baby

Even BIG Mama braved the sunshine to get some fresh air.

Loving this tiny thing!

2 of the 3 (Addie is on the other side of the camera)

A week or so later, I had major cabin fever and just had to get out. John took us all on a hike up American Fork Canyon. Can you believe this beauty is just 15 min from my home!

L.O.V.E. this picture of my Addie girl!

Excuse the scary, postpartum Kim-chubby cheeks, greasy hair and bagged eyes! I don't even care because all that means I have a sweet baby for my arms. Can't tell you enough how fond I am of this baby.

That's not even the end of our summer! Still got a ways to go.

Stick around.

Happy Fourth!

2011-08-29T23:08:00.011-06:00

(2 months ago!)
Keeping my promise and continuing to blog our summer. Well, here's our 4th of July.
The 4th here in Utah rocks!
We start with the Freedom Festival Parade:
DonutsWeird friends
flags
Anticipation
Cousins

Dancing to the marching bands

Lots of princesses

Although it's humiliating to post this picture, I just have to share. John desperately wanted me to deliver the baby on July 4th. He thought it would be such an awesome birthday. My good friend had taught him some pressure points to induce labor, so he busted them out during the parade (It didn't take until the next night)
Provo, Utah missionaries
BYU cheerleaders

In another attempt to induce labor, we went boating in the afternoon with our good friends, the Marx. I wouldn't let the camera get in the boat with me while I was in a bathing suit.

In the evening we hit up the "Cul-De-Sac of Fire." My parent's neighbors put on a great BBQ and firework show and we crash it each year.

Even though I went into the labor the next night, we still filled our summer...More to come!

Saint George

2011-08-28T22:13:00.015-06:00

As promised, here comes what we did this summer!

It started with Claybaugh family vacation in St. George. You know those vacations where you have so much fun you don't get pictures of half the stuff you do? This was one of those. With that said, you may be surprised about how many pictures are in this post. That means we did A LOT!
The week started with Cafe Rio and Nielson's Custard poolside. Then progressed to a hike at "The Crack"
Papa lead the wayHere's said Crack. I was 8 months pregnant and didn't even try to fit!
Everyone at the top

Exploring
Check out that blue sky

On another day we went to a splash pad. This is the only picture we got.
And played at the park. Papa leading the way again
We visited a ghost town with an old Wells Fargo building
And something else old
And an old mine
We hiked
And swam

And jumped off rocks

Then slid down natural slides

We missed Jonny (the only family member not there- good reason- serving The Lord in Bolivia)
Here's the whole group
I love my family! Such a great week. I can't even list all we did, but I will tell you that after the kids went to bed, the adults got in trouble by hotel workers who had complaints!

More summer adventures to come...

The Theme

2011-08-27T11:06:00.003-06:00

Each year our family has a theme for the school year. If you remember, last year we focused on forming good habits with the important things needing to be done EVERYDAY!

This year's theme came from much thought and prayer. It is something that I have gained a strong testimony of through slight trail and error. I think it's important to learn early in life that:

OBEDIENCE
BRINGS
HAPPINESS

We have revised affirmations for this year too. Affirmations are said every morning before school. I think hard about truths I want my children to learn and personal things our family can work on, that's how I come up with them. Here are this years:

I am happy when I obey
I love to serve family
I think of others first
I am kind and share with my family and friends
I am smart, healthy, and clean
I love to go to school to learn and work hard
I don’t complain about my hair or clothes
I always talk politely
I have good manners
I love to read, reading is fun
I chose friends who are kind and good
I can do hard things
I always choose the right
I am a child of Godm a child of God

Here's to a great school year!

First Day Back

2011-08-24T22:03:00.003-06:00

Here we go again! My first grader, Adeline. I have had major anxiety about this gal going to school all day. Thank goodness I have dropped trying to make her look cute and just let her wear what she wants or my head may have exploded!

But she's still so cute!

Austin is my 3rd grader. He's such an easy kid even though he thinks I'm a bad mom because I make him brush his teeth, comb his hair and wear clothes that fit.

It's so sad to have them gone all day now, but I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine.

On a side note- Bailey starts pre-school in 2 weeks. Lila is such a sweet little baby and still adored by all. I am getting back to exercising and feeling like a real person again!

On another side note- You probably think all we did this summer is have a baby, but it's not! I'm going to start posting about it soon...

real soon

Picture Overload of Little Lila

2011-07-26T21:36:00.009-06:00

When Lila was 10 days old I had professional pictures taken. I'm thrilled with how they turned out.

Enjoy

Welcome Back!

2011-07-16T22:24:00.003-06:00

Here is a list of things I'd like to welcome back into my life since having my baby doll 14 days ago...

Sleeping on my stomach

Watching the scale go down

Bending over

My ankles

My nose (for real! it's back!)

Brushing my teeth without puking

My world no longer revolving around food

I hate to admit that I'm just not the happiest, prettiest or nicest pregnant lady, so for it to come to an end is a pretty happy thing. Not to mention, it ends with this...

Home With Lila

2011-07-11T22:03:00.008-06:00

We brought our Lila Eve home last Friday, much to the delight of our older 3 We are really loving on this baby girl! She is just what you want from a newborn- great eater, pooper and sleeper!

How we adore her

Enjoy some pictures of her first few days at home...

Her Name

2011-07-07T22:35:00.002-06:00

Lila Eve

Am I right when I say naming babies is hard?

Like most, I have some specifications. Nothing too much, like sticking to one letter, but a few small things I like to factor in like popularity and how it sounds with our last name.

In my marriage, the naming process goes like this: I talk names to death with my sisters and girlfriends. We come up with a list. I take that list home to John. He puts a line through each and every name on the list. I go back to talking names to death with my sisters and girlfriends. And so on...

Lila seemed to keep popping up on lists (sometimes even spelt Lyla) and John stopped crossing it off. WHOA! Big deal!

This name seemed to be everything I was looking for. It's unique but not uncommon. It's feminine and soft. And, I know this is weird, but it has a botanical feel about it. I've spent the last few years researching plants and flowers for landscaping my yard. I wanted something that would reflect this time in my life, but I didn't want it to be something too obvious like Daisy or Rose (although both are really pretty names.)
The final kicker for me was when I associated Lila with Lilac, not only did it concrete the spelling AND offer the allusive floral sense, but it gave me a color to work with. Being the mother of 2 girls already, I'm very drawn to pink. If I have a choice of colors to dress or accessorize my girls in, I always choose pink. This gives me a chance to break that pattern and go with "lilac."

How crazy am I sounding? Did I over think this or what?

Another thing that really attached me to this name was the way it sounded with the middle name I wanted. I love the name Eve, again because it's unique and feminine, but also because it's the name of the first mother on this earth. I've spent many quiet moments pondering on what Eve must've been like...sweet and strong, righteous and smart, loving and hard working, kind and loyal, a true partner to her husband. So many things I want to be! For no particular reason, I didn't want to use it as a first name, but definitely wanted a daughter of mine to carry the name. I dream of a quiet night when I will lay in bed with a bigger version of my little Lila and tell her what I think Eve was like and explain what is expected of her as a Latter Day Saint woman. I think she will respond well to this.

So there you have it...my little girl who will grow to be unique, feminine, strong, smart, kind and good.

And always dressed in lilac!

Jonas Party of 6

2011-07-07T18:15:00.005-06:00

After a heavenly shower and a light layer of make up, I was ready for our first family picture All FOUR of my children

I could not be happier!

Finally got a pic of Adeline with Lila

Can't get enough Today we unwrapped our bundle for the kids to check out her tiny body This little piggy

My little Lila is a text book baby. She eats, poops and sleeps on cue. She nurses like a champ AND takes a bottle and a binky. All her test scores are coming back normal. She cries when she has a need and stops when that need is met. Let's hope these next few months go as smoothly as the last 2 days because...

In the morning we go home!

The Arrival...

2011-07-06T22:12:00.005-06:00

Of my PERFECT baby girl happened at 4:39 on Wednesday morning July 6, 2011. Labor and delivery could not have gone better (unless it was during the day), but everything else was ideal.

Welcome!

LILA EVE JONAS

7 lb. 14 oz.

19 1/2 in.

She is my biggest baby by over a pound! Around the nursery they call her LGA (large for gestational age). I call her fat and happy.

I'm being a good sport and posting this picture of all 4 Jonas girls together for the first time. I am only hours post-partum, swollen from fluids and tired eyed from laboring through the night, but, BOY do I love my girls!

I didn't even get a picture of Adeline with her because her attention span didn't last, but Bailey could've cuddled that babe all day.

I'm not exaggerating by one bit when I say "BEST big brother in all the world"

Dad getting a little cuddle/nap time with our little Lila. He is such a sucker!

Profile

How jealous are you that I get to kiss these cheeks all day and night!

We could not be more thrilled to add this beautiful child to our family. I mean, she really is just stunning!

36 Week Update

2011-06-27T16:22:00.002-06:00

(Beware (Todd): This is MY blog and I will say what I want)

I am 36 weeks pregnant today.

Did you know I have never carried past 37 weeks? So I am on the count down!

I went to the doctor today and got "checked." I am dilated to a 4 and 50% effaced.

Then he stripped my membranes (I warned you). It didn't hurt and it didn't make anything happen, which is a happy thing. I'd like to keep this babe in for at least a few more days. I'd like to ensure she does not enter the NICU. (you hanging in there Todd?)

(My bro Todd is a total wimp and told me this post almost made him lose his lunch)

I am feeling large and in charge, but still pretty good.

Sometimes people like to remind me that I am looking HUGE or uncomfortable or swollen or ready to pop. I appreciate those reminders because every step on swollen feet, every trip to the bathroom and every walk past a mirror just isn't reminder enough.

But today I was loading a small amount of wal mart bags into my mini van and the nicest middle-aged lady came and helped. She asked when I was due and I said "the next week or two" and do you know what she said to me? "Well don't you just look so beautiful!"

I should've hugged her!

Keep ya posted!

May in Review

2011-06-13T20:54:00.010-06:00

How sorry am I that I have to blog a whole month in one post!

At least you're getting it, so here we go...

At the beginning of the month, we went to the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival with the Hansens.
My 3 Amigos
Silly Sisters
The tulips did not disappoint this yearAdeline has become my poserHansens and JonasesCamryn enjoying the beauty
Austin finished a great soccer season with the Purple Lightening

His coach asked him to play on a competition team next year. Any thoughts on that? I'm thinking he's too young to start competition soccer.

Austin's 2nd grade class was so great this year. His teacher, Mr. Felt, is a fun, passionate teacher. His class pet is a bearded dragon named Dale. Thank goodness it wasn't the kind of class pet that the students take home for the weekend.
Mr. Felt (who is now going to be Austin's guitar teacher)
The whole class
This pic was too cute to leave out

The school's Dance Festival always delivers.

The 2nd graders did Thriller
The kindergartners did The Chicken Dance
We're so impressed that Adeline will perform all out!

Thanks May!

June 12

2011-06-12T22:19:00.005-06:00

2001. Sealed in the Costa Rica, San Jose Temple.

Would you believe me if I told you that I almost called it off the night before?

It's true!

But John assured me that he would work to be the very best husband and The Spirit reminded of past confirmations that I was doing what was right.
And we went through with it. And John kept his promise. And I've never regretted it for a single second in the past 10 years

2011...
The world tells me I should be in a bikini on a remote beach sipping pina coladas with my man.

But I'm 8 months pregnant with child #4.

And The Spirit speaks to me again to tell me that I'm still doing what's right.

And I've never been so happy!

Year End Dance Recital

2011-05-27T12:59:00.004-06:00

My girls are to die for! We are so proud of how well they did. It was a highlight for them to wear mom's make-up!

I know no one really cares to watch the performances, so these are mainly for the grandparents. (if you do watch one though, watch this first one of Addie- She rocks!)

Expecting a Girl...

2011-05-23T15:51:00.003-06:00

Today I am 31 weeks pregnant.

I'm not going to post a picture because I'm not lying when I tell you that I have gained weight in every possible place in my body. First it goes to the behind. Second to the chin. It's now spread to fingers, soles of feet and even my nose. Yes it's true! I think my nose is bigger. There's no way I'm taking a picture. I don't want to remember and I'm a little worried the circus might call and ask me to join the freakshow.

But more importantly, I'm 31 weeks. If we assume I'm having this baby girl around 37 weeks (which I do) then I only have 6 weeks left. I think I can do 6 more weeks, especially since I've taken a turn for the better the last few days...

Sleeping really great without medicine
Not too achy
Heart burn controllable
Nausea subsided
Blood pressure great
Glucose normal
No contractions
Lots of baby movement

Can't ask for much more.

When I found out I was growing another girl, I was a little over whelmed. I mean, 3 girls! I slowly came to grips. A week later, I sat on the beach in Florida and watched Austin build a sand castle while Adeline and Bailey searched for seashells to decorate said castle. Now that's something I can get on board with. I get it. Making things beautiful is just what we females do.

Yesterday (after several other experiences like the one above) I walked into church with Bailey's hand in mine. I looked at her curly, platinum hair and squeezed her little hand. Then I leaned to John and whispered that I always wanted to walk into church holding hands with a little lady in a floral dress.

And everything in the world seemed right...

If you want your children to be smart...

2011-05-16T22:08:00.004-06:00

I heard this quote recently (can't remember where and I may slaughter it), but it went something like this "If you want your children to be smart, read to them for 20 minutes a day. If you want your children to be geniuses, read to them for 40 minutes a day." I think it was Einstein.
I did not mean to make myself look like a bad mom in my last post. It was brought to my attention that I made it sound like I don't read to my 8 year old anymore.
That could not be further from the truth! We LOVE to read in our home. I sit and do Austin's school reading with him almost everyday. At night, the children scramble to get through teeth brushing, scriptures and prayers to be read to. We have been through all 40 something Magic Treehouse, almost any classic that has been abridged for children (Adeline LOVES Les Mis and cried at the end!), or any other "chapter book" that is age appropriate.
I only meant I don't get quiet mornings of reading Dr. Seuss to my toddler boy anymore...TEAR!
Thanks for the info Tirzah! I always love to know more about reading to your children as sometimes I need extra motivation for it!

Fancy Nancy Vs. Pinkalicious

2011-05-09T19:24:00.004-06:00

Call me picky, but when I read a book to my children, I want a lesson to be learned. It doesn't always have to be a "stand for the right" or "I am special," but a "be nice to your sister," "eat healthy," or "use your imagination" will do.
I spend many mornings reading book after book to my 6 and 4 year old girls. These are precious times to me, as I have already said adios to those days with my big 8 year old.
We are in love with Fancy Nancy. Yes, she's a little drama queen, but so are my girls! I feel like it shows them how to handle their emotions in appropriate ways. She is always sweet to her sister. She is considerate to her parents and her parents are kind to her (I think children should expect adults to be kind to them). She is inventive, imaginative, open minded, and thoughtful. She loves things to be beautiful and feminine. She is always teaching new and "fancier" words to use. The over-kill girliness of it may sicken some, but I find it refreshing in a world where gender is in question. I'm more than happy to teach my girls that they are girls and that is worth celebrating by accentuating their femininity. Fancy Nancy gets 2 thumbs up in our house and with baby girl #3 set to make an appearance in the next couple months, Nancy will remain a staple in our children's library. Since I'm always looking for new, fun books to read to my little ladies, I picked up a few Pinkalicious books at the school book fair earlier this school year. I have NOT been impressed. I do love that she uses her imagination, but think that sometimes she takes it too far. She is rude to her brother and sassy to her parents. In one book, she is challenged by a bully at school to see if she can make up a funny joke. She accepts the challenge and says "what was I supposed to do? EVERYONE was watching." Nice. When she takes the problem home, and is offered solutions by her family, she blows them off and stays up all night to come up with her own. Here and there I see glimpses of goodness in her, but overall I find her to be self-absorbed and disrespectful. I avoid reading these books to my girls and they will probably go bye-bye during my next clean out (nesting...)

I'd love any suggestions for other great, girly reads!

Four

2011-05-04T21:00:00.005-06:00

In keeping some consistency on my blog, I'm posting about Bailey's birthday a little late- AWWW WELL!
This pretty lady turned 4 on April 27th
She arrived on a Spring evening while my mom was in the elevator on her way to see the delivery. She had dark curly hair and was simply stunning. I know it's cliche, but I truly could not believe she was mine.
She is sweet and charming. We call her our "LOVER" because she will cuddle with anyone that will give her the time of day. And one cuddle with Bailey will have you smitten for good! Thanks for being part of our family Boo Boo!

Easters

2011-04-25T15:46:00.008-06:00

Saturday:
I love to host our annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Saturday before Easter because my yard offers so many good hiding places.
Here we go! Little kids got a headstart and Miss B wasted NO time

She's a natural

The men were very creative and anxious to not only wear the kids out, but keep them occupied for as long as possible

I love this pic of Koby because he's already opening up an egg to eat the treat inside! Atta Boy!

Little Camryn (with 3 big brothers) will NOT be left out!

The hiding places were never ending

And progressively harder

Baby Gavin got in on the action too, but he was not thrilled with the drizzle

Sunday:

I LOVE new Easter dresses! It's my favorite thing about having little girls. Can't wait to buy 3 next year! And matching ties for the boys is fun too

How sweet. Who's jealous of me? You totally should be

The Jonas family. Check out John's scruff he's growing for hockey play-offs.

My mom hosted a beautiful Sunday dinner for us to perfect the holiday!

Six (Teen?)

2011-04-07T21:51:00.011-06:00

Nope, Just 6! My girl Adeline April turned 6 on March 27th and these days, I'd be a horrible mother if I didn't blog it. Blogging was unheard of when this beautiful girl was forced into this world 5 weeks early, so I will recap the story for those of you out of the loop... Easter Sunday 2005, Pre-eclampsia, emergency induction, lots of pitocin, no action, broken water, 45 minutes later (sans epidural) perfect baby girl arrived weighing in at 5 lb. 14 oz. Even though she was 5 weeks premature, she never went to the NICU! I took her home with me. She was the PERFECT baby doll.

1 2

6I adore this child. She is my sassy spitfire that I wouldn't trade for meatball pockets (sorry, inside joke). So glad you're part of this family my Addie Girl!

New Orleans

2011-04-05T21:52:00.005-06:00

Only a day after getting home from Florida, John and I hopped a plane to New Orleans to see BYU in the Sweet 16. Eating at LUKE on our way to the game Slurping oysters- YUM!

So sad to see BYU lose:(

The next day we had beignets at Cafe Du Mond for breakfast

This is city is a party non-stop. We saw several parades goings by at any given time of day on any old street and bands blocking traffic to perform

Then we took the trolley to the Garden District to check out the old, swanky homes and a wander a cemetery. All the crypts are above ground because of the water level in New Orleans. Super cool

Our last day I put together a walking tour of the French Quarter that including seeing the home where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, the home of the most famous New Orleans architect, a walk through the French Market, and a visit to the Voodoo Museum

That afternoon we went to the Elite 8 game, even though it wasn't BYU (we still had tickets to it) and after dinner we hurried home before dark to miss the partying that was sure to turn ugly! We must be old and boring! It was a great trip and a fun city to check off my list.

Our Last Week in Boca

2011-03-28T22:48:00.006-06:00

We were graced with the presence of my PARENTS! Bailey counted down for weeks for the day they came. And it was so great to have them here and see them relax... Actually, my mom doesn't really relax. She rocked and did everything!

Addie's Beauty Salon (call for appointment) services offered:

Manis Pedis and lipgloss

Best part of the week was spending hours across the street...at the beach...

Bailey and Gram cuddling in the sun. Such a sweet moment I had to capture it Life sized game of candyland. Melt. My. Heart.

Treasure hunting in the tide pools

Lovers on the beach Bailey wins the prize for best swimmer

She could charm anyone away from their book in the sunshine and into the cool waves

Adeline wins the prize for best "teenager"

All she wanted to do was pose in the sand, lay out, and maybe touch her toes to the water

This is my dad...and how I will always picture him..."swim trunks" on, mask and snorkel in hand, walking into the ocean

Of course, my mom and I got a little shopping in too!

A perfect week to end the perfect trip. Love you Boca. Miss you.

The Intracoastal

2011-03-20T21:26:00.006-06:00

A close business asscosiate of John's lives here in South Florida and offered to take us for a ride through the intracoastal (a canal system that weaves by homes offering easy boat access to the ocean).
We went from his home in Hollywood, Fl to downtown Miami. Chris was a great captain! He even let the little kids drive

Downtown Miami from the water

The whole trip took about 4 hours. I parked it on a cozy chair and didn't move much. It was perfectly relaxing. I reluctantly got up for a group shot.

Side note: Sorry this trip has not been blogged like last years to the Philippines. It's been pretty unintersting. Just lazy days full of golden sunshine, glassy pool and crystal beach. I didn't say boring, I just said uninteresting!

Fan Boat

2011-03-16T20:12:00.000-06:00

The day after we said sad good byes to our dear Jolleys, we said a happy hello to the wonderful Thatchers.
On a day that seemed a little stormy, we decided to head out to the Everglades and take a fan boat ride through the swamps to check out the crocs.
Bailey found herself a big feather that she is pretty proud of As we waited for the boat, we wandered this little "museum" on site

Austin is funny

and brave

The boat

How we love the Thatchers! Not pictured: their 6 month old Finn. We found out just before getting on that he wasn't aloud, so I stayed off with him. (Steve, Tate, Charis)

Croc sitings

And beautiful scenery Check out the storm that came in. Glad we weren't at the beach!

Such a fun time for all!

Gumbo Limbo

2011-03-15T10:20:00.006-06:00

Why am I so behind on blogging? I have all the time, just none of the giddy up. Lazy begats lazy and I AM LAAAAZY these days. Not to mention, it's a pain uploading pictures to blogger. Anyone have answers to that?

Anyhow, just down the street from us is a sea life rescue spot where you can check out who and what they are saving these days. I don't know why, but it's called Gumbo Limbo.

Austin and Michael were highly interested in what the guides had to say and tested their knowledge with some pretty good questions.TurtleAfter the aqariums, we wondered a butterfly gardenBailey was being grumpy and wouldn't say cheese, but the frown is super cute too.At the end we got to play on plastic sea life. I had to throw this pic in there because not one of the peeps I'm trying to picture is looking at me

Miss Thang striking a pose

Thank goodness this place was free. It was fun, but did not knock our socks off.

I will try to catch up on my blogging- If there's nothing good on HGTV

The Keys

2011-03-02T06:09:00.009-07:00

Earlier last week when it was a little windy in Boca, we decided to make the 2 hour drive to check out The Keys. The northern most Key is Key Largo. We had high hopes mainly because it's the first of many tropical places named in a famous Beach Boys song (you're welcome, you will now sing it all day).
It was LAME-O! The beaches (which were few and far between) were small and rocky and the water was mucky. We only lasted about an hour at the first location. (The highlight was playing on this cannon)

We moved on to Islamorada (the next Key) which offered a fun place to feed fish and birds

Even Miss Mckinnley was brave enough to fist a fish and throw it out

These fish were MASSIVE!

And the pelicans were tame enough to pet
That turned out to be the redeeming feature of the day. I asked a gal working at a souvineer stand about beaches on that Key. She refered me to a "great" beach that was "big" and "sandy"

In this picture, I am standing on one side of the "big" beach and you can see the parking lot on the other side. It was more sandy than the Key Largo beach, but not much better.

It was nice that you could walk out 200 yards and the water wouldn't touch your waist

The kids still had fun playing in the shallow sand

And we got a little pose from Addie and Maddi just as the sun went down

We stopped at a yummy Mexican restaurant before making the trek back home. Fun day, but not anxious to get back to the Keys. (Although we have heard that it gets better the further south you go)

Sunday on the Beach

2011-03-01T11:24:00.006-07:00

We took a break from the water and sun for the sabbath. Church, card games and bar-b-ques kept us busy until it cooled off a bit at dusk, then we headed to the sand to release some wiggles.
The wind has brought jelly fish to the shore. We don't appreciate it, but they are beautiful.

As any "Nemo" lover knows, "the tops don't sting you."

I don't know if I've mentioned, our good friends, the Jolleys, drove down from NC to join us for a week. Mama and baby (Michelle and Mckinnley)

A football game for the boys

And kites for the girls

And digging in the sand (love those curls blowing in the wind)

All before the sunset (at least the east coast sunset- which I'm still getting used to)

Happy Birthday to the Man

2011-02-24T18:50:00.002-07:00

Who rocks my world EVERYDAY!

Hello Sunshine!

2011-02-24T18:12:00.005-07:00

Here we are in Boca Raton, Florida for the month. Happy we have wonderful family staying in our home. Happier to leave the snow.
Mr. Mature into a book (Captain Underpants) on the airplane. We made it! And we are in love!

The last 2 days we have gone between the pool and the beach

Awwwww....

(no beach pics yet, but I'm sure we'll get plenty of those)

Dinner between the pool and the intracoastal

Mmmmmmm...vacation

Think Pink

2011-02-21T23:53:00.002-07:00

Baby #4 is going to be a healthy GIRL!

K-Town

2011-02-20T23:12:00.008-07:00

Last weekend we (everyone, minus John) made a quick (too quick) trip to Kanab, UT. We met up with my brother and his family (who moved to Arizona earlier this year) for a joint birthday party. My SIL, Shelbie, sure knows how to throw a party...COWBOY STYLE!
She had these darling party favors for each of the kidsholsters with a bandanna, gun, sheriff badge, and other little toys. Plus hats hanging on the backs of their chairs

and fun games...
Target practice
There's a snake in my boot!
Of course, the big boys organized a shoot off (you cannot get a better backdrop than the red rocks of Kanab)It was so fun to get all the kids together (and SO sad to say goodbye)
Our 3 amigos
The 3 amigos, Jr.
Birthday boy Todd
Big birthday boy Lex turning 1!
And not thrilled with his cupcake...What the?
Thanks for the perfect mini get away T&S! We miss you DESPERATELY!!!

And the count down BEGINS!

2011-02-10T10:08:00.002-07:00

TOMORROW (2/11)...

I leave for Kanab to spend the weekend with all my favorite family members (minus my VERY favorite- John- who will be snow camping with the scouts)(something that can send you straight to heaven-possibly prematurely, but at least you're gettin' there, right?)

SUNDAY(2/13)...

When I get home from K-Town, one of my BFFs Charis will be here with her baby boy.

MONDAY(2/14)...

Valentine's Day! Not my fav holiday, but I will spend the day getting a couples massage (with Charis), out to lunch, maybe a little shopping, and a love themed family dinner.

MONDAY(2/21)...

Ultra-Sound- finding out the gender of my #4!

TUESDAY(2/22)...

Getting on an airplane that will take this Jonas family to Boca Raton, Florida (where it is 82 as I type this- as opposed to the 23 it is here) to spend a whole month on the beach.

You better believe I am counting the HOURS until each of these events. I might explode!

Killer Bread

2011-02-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

I sampled this at Costco a few weeks and it has been just what the doctor ordered. I'm telling you, this is my midday Zofran (and mid-morning and and late evening)! I've gone through 2 loaves a week all by myself.
If you like a crunchy bread (hello 21 grains!), you will be in heaven! And while you're waiting for it to toast, read the story behind it on the package. Pretty interesting.

Hopeless Romantic

2011-02-02T21:20:00.003-07:00

Ok, Ok, so my husband isn't the most sentimental guy out there. As a matter of fact, he hates Valentine's Day, but humors me and will turn on a little charm each February 14th. (Don't tell him I find him charming all year long because I appreciate the effort).
So this Christmas gift came as a huge (and pleasant) surprise...
FLOWERS EVERY MONTH FOR A WHOLE YEAR
He arranged with a local florist to deliver flowers to our home each month. He may not be romantic, but he is very smart!
February's flowers are especially beautiful and uplifting this dreary time of year
Hydrangeas are my VERY favorite! (of course John doesn't know that, he just lucked out)

Makin' Good

2011-01-27T22:11:00.008-07:00

I'm making good on my promise to get more into cross country skiing this winter. John and I are able to go each tue and thur afternoon when the kids are all in school, but we, of course, have to drag the kids along too. We can be to the trails within 10 minutes of our house.

Here we gooooo....This is how Bailey got around the first time
John found some cheap skis in Addie's size. Look at her go

(we're still in search of some for Austin)
Then we got snowshoes for the kids
How cute is this chica?
Then John found a sled with a seat and a custom cover for super cheap, so we tried that out.
Big daddy pulling the girls
Addie hitched a ride when she got tired
Playing in the snow after the work out

(melt my heart!)
The parents brave enough to do this crazy stuff with 3 little kids
It's been heaven for me to get out of my house and into the fresh air. It's the only cure I have for preggie nausea (and over-eating)

Christmas 2010

2011-01-18T21:13:00.008-07:00

FINALLY! I know. Here's what happened-
I got a new camera for Christmas, so half of our Christmas trip is on our old camera and half is on the new one. When I unpacked from our trip I never came across my old camera, which is full of pictures from Christmas morning and Seaworld. I keep waiting for it to turn before I made this post, but it just hasn't- SO SAD (and weird), but here you have it...

We drove to California to be at my Grandma Marilynn's house. It was a much needed break from the cold and my house where I had been throwing up for a month! Grandma's house is heaven; yummy food, fun games, soft beds, ice cream, and a hot tub.
There was rain, but there was also sunshine and who can complain about feeding the ducks and running in the park at the end of December?
I love to feed the ducks and am so proud that Bailey shares my love. She's a tough little chica too. Those geese got pushy and Bailey got kicky.

Cuddling on Gma's couch to watch a little Dora.
Insert pictures of Christmas morning and Seaworld here!

Then we went from the OC to LA to see John's Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob has a mini farm and some horrible spoiling habits- makes for paradise for my kiddos.
The girls did almost nothing but cuddling dogs for 4 days straight.

Addie put on a hat fashion show and spent a whole day running a hat store from the pool table

When the sun came out, the horses did too.

Don't let that white hair fool you...Bob is about as mature as Austin. And his wife Dawn is my fav, so I pretty much cried when we had to go home.
Like I said before- One of the best Christmases EVER!!!

Add Ons

2011-01-13T21:25:00.004-07:00

I'm adding a few things to my list of things I'm loving this winter. I'll also add a little more info about some of the things in my original post.

SUDOKU is the perfect non-committal, pre-bed relaxation technique. I just don't have the time or the self control to be into a good book right now (I tend to sluff off my responsibilities to read when I'm into a great book). I can do a puzzle (or 2) in the bath before bed then put it down and not think about it again until the next night. So perfect for me right now!I have a confession to make- I am a grocery store make up kind of gal, but I think I might be converting to the expensive stuff (don't tell John!) My conversion started when the seasons changed and I lost my pretty, sun kissed face and realized my grocery store foundation was the wrong color so my face looked like it was August and my neck looked like it was March. I decided to suck it up and go to the make up counter at Macy's. I have never done this before. I seriously grabbed the first girl I saw and made her match my skin tone to a foundation. I ended up with Estee Lauder foundation. It cost me almost $50 for one bottle (Ouch!) but, if I can't looked I've spent the summer in Hawaii, I want to look like a porcelain doll. It pretty much rocks.

And to help with that crystal clear look (and clear up my wacky preggy break outs) I've found this Clean and Clear Spot Treatment to be helpful.
Here's how else to be cool like me:

I get my Yoga pants at Old Navy
The best Mango smoothies are at Roxberry because you can get it with 100% fruit and it's only 100 calories for a 16 oz. (not like I'm counting calories)
I love Downeast Basics long sleeved tees, but I also have some from Shade and I like them too
I think I got my nude fish nets at Target. They are tough suckers too. I catch them on all kinds of things and they're still kickin'

Ode to 2010

2011-01-10T22:26:00.012-07:00

JANUARY was survival mode!
FEBRUARY kept my husband 2 years older than me and was mostly spent preparing for March.
MARCH was only for sand and sunshine in The PhilippinesAPRIL made me 30
MAY married John's sister, Annie, to Carl in Virgina Beach
JUNE was for Girls Camp. What a hoot!
JULY found us in California for this...
AUGUST sent my children back to school
Austin 2nd grade
Adeline kindergarten
Bailey pre-school

SEPTEMBER took us to Paris and London. And you better believe I'm posting that kissing picture again!
In OCTOBER not only did I spend a weekend in North Carolina with one of my closest friends, I spent a week in St. Paul with another close friend AND we had family pictures taken.
NOVEMBER turned my oldest child 8 and he was baptized a member of our church
I know I haven't blogged about Christmas yet, but trust me when I tell you that in DECEMBER Christmas happened for the Jonas family and it was one of my very favorite Christmases of my life! The picture says it all...We had fun in the sun.Here's to a great 2011!

(new baby and whatever else comes our way)

Getting Through the Winter

2011-01-09T21:21:00.005-07:00

I'm not gonna lie...

It's been a rough winter.

Let me share with you some things that will help me survive (and maybe you too!)

If you live in a snowy climate, you HAVE to pick up a winter sport if you want to keep your sanity. I'd like to do a little more cross-country skiingand snow shoeing (I just went for the first time over the weekend). It gets me out of my house and my blood flowing, great cure for cabin fever!
Yoga pants are a staple for me as I go through that "too fat for normal clothes, but not quite into maternity clothes" phase. I have 2 pairs and it's not enough.
Mango smoothies. MMMMMMMM. Who's body doesn't yearn for fresh fruit when there's snow on the ground? A smoothie always hits the spot for me.
Long sleeved tee in every color of the rainbow. What better to pair with your yoga pants while you cook dinner, have under a cardigan or down vest or use as a base layer during winter sports? I wear one every day.
Hounds tooth scarf. I got myself this in Paris because the hotel where we stayed had hounds tooth carpet and it was a fun way for me to bring that home. I've found that I love it. It's simple over a red long sleeved tee or dressed up with my white P coat. You don't have to do hounds tooth, I think any black and white scarf will do.
Flower hair accessories. Perfect way to dress up a ponytail (and you better believe I'm going to be sportin' a ponytail plenty over the next 6 months)
Gray cardigan. I can't stop buying them. I think I have 4 now in different shades, weights and sleeve lengths. I love them (again) over any color long sleeved tee, on top of a short sleeved dress or tee that can go from summer to winter wear or even with a white collared shirt. The last thing I am is any kind of fashion expert, but I am loving gray with every color this winter. I feel fun in toned down, wintery sort of way.
Fruity tootsie rolls. Much to my sister's dismay, I am no longer a chocolate girl (GASP). Seriously, if you know me, you may have just fallen off your chair. Pregnancy makes me crazy and this is part of it. Eat on!
Nude fishnets. I wear these to church almost every single Sunday of the winter. I hate it when my knees are the only skin showing between my boots and my dress. Let's be honest, knees are ugly. And extra white, unshaven knees that may or may not look like they're oozing out of my boots just don't need to be available to the eye. BUT (and this is where the crazy comes in), I don't like to wear the same color tights as boots because I don't want them to mesh together and look like I'm wearing leggings (I do NOT have the hips for leggings). Nude fishnets are the perfect fix to cover my chubby knees while not making me look monochromatic.

Better With You. This is my new favorite sitcom. It's on ABC on Wednesday nights. It's hysterical and clean!! The premise is how these 3 couples react differently to the same situation due to their different stages in their relationships. It's darling and totally worthy of the DVRTo all of you who struggle through these months with me...

I've got nothing else!

Good Luck

Returning With Honor

2011-01-03T19:56:00.002-07:00

As I make a come back to my blog after nearly a month, I'd like to do it with a little dignity...

By way of a really BIG post!!

The Jonas family would like to announce that we are...

excitedly

expecting

BABY #4

Due in

JULY

Baptism Day

2010-12-09T22:30:00.002-07:00

My sweet Austin chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.It was a such a special day for our family. It's always tender as a mom to watch the man you love in these special rolls as father and worthy priesthood holder.
It's always tender as a mom to watch your son take these big steps in life. Steps you know will lead him to happiness and eternal life.
This is part one of what we are working towards with our little family here.
I may become a crier after all as these parts continue to unfold.

How Have I Never Seen This?

2010-12-02T20:18:00.002-07:00

(Another thing I can blame on my mom...)

I can't believe I have never seen this classic Christmas movieI watched it tonight with my kids and it is my new favorite Christmas movie. It's such a darling story about how Santa Claus became Santa Claus.

It is a MUST SEE this Christmas
(and every Christmas from now on!)

(Mom, you can come over and watch it. It's on my DVR)

Conversations with Adeline

2010-11-20T20:30:00.003-07:00

How I love my Addie Girl. She is 5 going on 16. Allow me to prove this point with a few stories...
(Waking her up on Saturday morning for dance dress rehearsal. She usually sleeps until 10am)
Me "Addie it's time to wake up"
A "No. I want to sleep longer"
Me "You need to go to your dance class"
A "What I need is more sleep!!" (and dramatically throwing her covers over her head)
My first thought was "How unfair that I am dealing with this now. I thought I had 10 more years"

Adeline can have quite the sassy mouth and is no stranger to soap in it. One day I was wandering the house cleaning up and she was on my heels, sassing every other word. I finally got tired of listening to it and turned on her
Me "Addie I'm sick of you acting like a snot. I'm sick of you saying mean things to your sister. I'm sick of you sassing. I'm sick of..."
(interrupting me with her hand on her hip and her eyes rolling)
"Well, I'm sick of you saying sick"

Recently I bought "The Sound of Music" and we watched it 3 times in 3 days. On the third day I walked in on her watching Liesl and Rolfe singing '16 going on 17' and she said to me longingly
"She's so lucky. She has a boyfriend"

Just getting home from kindergarten one day she says to me
"Mom, someone at my table at school is going to marry Taylor AAAND Sam."
Me "Really? Who?"
A "ME!!!"

Another day just home from school
A "Mom, you should've seen Taylor today. He was dressed soooo cute. I'm in love with him."

What's a mom supposed to do?

It's Great to be 8!

2010-11-14T10:03:00.003-07:00

My little dude, Austin turned 8 this past Friday Nov.12, 2010.

We had a BYU party! (Duh!)
Pizza
PresentsCake
Then we loaded all 10 kids into the car and went to the BYU basketball game
(the only girls braving the chaos)
Dad and birthday boy
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FIRST BORN!

(ps...Did anyone noticed that my Halloween decor is down and Christmas is up? I think my goal each year now is to have Christmas up by Austin's birthday. I don't even care if you think I'm crazy)

Have you ever...

2010-11-03T22:33:00.002-06:00

Used dish detergent in the washing machine? (it was just for my rugs, ok)
Made dinner. Thrown it out. Made dinner again. Had your husband try it. Took one look at his face, threw your arms in the air and called for everyone to get in the car? (Kid's eat free on Tuesdays at Denny's)
Laid down in bed mid-morning "just to warm up" and got woken up by the phone 30 minutes later? (in my defense, I ran 4 miles in the cold and my hot shower didn't quite do it for me)
Wondered how far into November you can keep your Halloween decorations up before being considered WT? (I really would like the answer to that)
Ignored your cell phone because it's new and you don't want to learn the system? (I miss my Iphone)
Spent a day running errands and visiting other public places, then catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and realized that you never put on make up?
Gotten up every 30 minutes through the night with a puking child?
Went the next morning to buy ginger ale and Toy Story 3 to honker down for the day?

WHAT A WEEK!

Kim's Award Winning Cheesy Corn Chili

2010-11-03T10:42:00.003-06:00

This recipe wins me every chili cook off I've ever entered. To really test it, I gave the recipe to my sister to take to her ward's chili cook off and guess what?

You got it!!

She won!!

booyah

And since I'm totally against "secret recipes," let me share the love

1 lb ground sausage
1 can tomato paste
2 cups water
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans chili beans
1 package chili seasoning
2 cups frozen corn or 2 cans of corn
16 oz Velveeta cheese
(pictured is Italian sausage because that's all I had, but you can use regular or hot or whatever is to your liking)

1. Brown sausage in skillet
2. While that's cooking, whisk tomato paste and water in a large pot until smooth on high heat
3. Add seasoning, beans (I like to leave them in their juices), and drained corn and tomatoes
4. Stir in browned sausage
5. Add Velveeta (I only use half of the block pictured)
6. Reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally

VOILA!
It's seriously the easiest thing on earth, so no need to be impressed.

If you really want to knock their socks off, serve with scones or corn bread and
Kim's Magical Honey Butter:
Honey
Butter (the real stuff)
Marshmallow cream (this should be a stable in your pantry from now on. Sound advice from an expert! It's really sweetens up fruit dips, frostings, cookies, fresh whipped cream, or anything else your sweet tooth craves)

Try it and let me know what you think. I'm open for improvement (ALWAYS)

St. Paul

2010-11-01T21:25:00.002-06:00

Bailey and I spent most of last week in St. Paul, MN. The weather was cold, but the company was warm. Charis has a cuddly 2 month old that I wanted to get my hands on and we needed to get a head start on a courtship between Bailey and Tate. I didn't take many pictures and didn't get any pictures of the new Thatcher boy, Finn, but he's a babe!
Among other things, we shopped, ate out, cooked, exercised, and took the kids on little adventures. Even though my camera was locked in my purse most of the week, I freed it when Charis and Tate did a little Karaoke at the children's museum.
The kids also got to paint their own faces

Bailey cuddled up with Mimi, Tate's cousins dog.
I love my friend Charis and was so privileged to be in her home. I'm also very fond of my 3rd child and loved our time, just the two of us.

I'm surrounded by angels!

This is Halloween

2010-10-30T22:28:00.009-06:00

We're going to pretend today that this is actually 5 different posts that you've seen over the past couple weeks.

We will also pretend, humor me please, that I am a photographer.

Post #1: Halloween Crafts for Adults
Sparkling pumpkins with my sisters (I've dropped the whole in-law thing with Lexi (and Shelbie) b/c I like them so much). It's about the easiest thing on earth and sparkles do something to my insides- it's euphoric!
Paint a pumpkin in sections with mod podge and shake a generous amount of fine glitter over the section. I find that if you have 2 paper plates to catch the glitter (alternating between the 2), it's helpful. I sparkled everything I could get my hands on. I'm already eying things I can sparkle for Christmas.

Post #2: Halloween Treats
I found twigs outside and used them as the sticks in my carmel apples. I didn't take a picture of every step (for real life step by step, check this out). I dipped in carmel, dipped in chocolate, rolled in nuts or toffee or whatever else sounded yummy, then wrapped them like this...

I got the smaller brown bags at a craft store, cut one down the corners the cut into strips, leaving the bottom intact. Then cut the top off another bag to shorten itPull up the sides and tie with yarn. Does it look like a witches broom to anyone? See how the stick in the apple is the handle for the broom? Tell me this is cute because it went to school teachers, visiting teachers, etc.
Post #3: Halloween Crafts for Kids
Foot Ghosts
Paint the bottom of your child's foot
Press onto paper
Wipe foot with wipe before letting them run around
Let it dry then have your child draw a mouth and eyes on the heel of their painted foot and you have yourself a ghost that you can keep for years to come and wonder why your children's feet just won't stop growing.
Paint or carve pumpkins (if you're as clever as I am- you paint pumpkins a week before Halloween then go out of town the week of and get grandma to the house to do the carving. BAH HA HA! I hate carving- Sorry mom!)
Paper doll of your child's Halloween costume (ok, fine, this was a school project), but still crafty

I also had my kids make their own trick or treat bags. I bought canvas bags at a craft store for $2 and let them go nuts with permanent markers.

Post #4 Halloween Decor
I wanted to take a picture of my very favorite Halloween decorations.
I bought these skull candle holders a few years ago at Big Lots (for real) and added a little glitter (duh), set them on top of black candle sticks and below orange candles and...

I'm so glad I took these pictures because 2 days later John was swinging a BYU flag around the house and I asked him to stop before he broke something, but he didn't stop and broke my favorite Big Lots candle holder. For those of you new to my blog, John is not my son. But he did glue it back together for me, so all is well in the Jonas home.

I have a hard time doing above my cabinets. I really needed Shelbie here.
But I liked my skull with the witch hat
and my symmetrical mantel

Post #5 Halloween Costumes
My lil sis Cara is NOT too old to dress up (and I have not lost my "bangs to heaven" skills)

This lady is quite a sassy little Angel (side note: my mom made THAT dress for me to wear when I was that age. I need to dig up that picture)
I bought Bailey a Sleeping Beauty dress, but on the day of she decided she wanted to be a lady bug (an older costume we already had) and since I'm trying to let go of some of my controlling tendencies, I allowed it.Even though it rained, we had a great Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

A Story Problem

2010-10-19T22:26:00.005-06:00

What do you get when you add 7 women (minus children) with 7 crafts, 1 beach house, 2 nights, endless sugar, and the beach?

Michelle's 30th birthday party!

My dearest friend Michelle Hemple Jolley turned 30 over the weekend and you better believe I would not miss the chance to watch the gal I shared a college room with turn into an old lady. So I flew into Charlotte, NC (where Michelle now lives) and we drove with a group of friends to Charleston, SC.
We started the weekend off right...with food We stayed in this darling beach house
Our fuel for a long night of crafts
Each of us had to bring a craft for the others to do. Allison brought T-shirts to cut up and sew into scarfs. We also got creative with the scraps.
Midnight snack
No words
I think this pic was taken sometime after 3am
The next "morning" (we slept until noon!) We slipped in a little more crafting before heading to the beach

Michelle and Tiffany were the only ones brave enough (or stupid enough) to get in the water

Dinner in downtown Charleston
And drooling over all the yummy treats thereWe talked about doing a ghost tour, which I'm glad didn't work out because I'm a super wimp, but we did see this cemetery on our way back to the car, so I looked up some SC ghost stories on my phone and read them in my scariest voice.
And back to get our craft on...This massive glue stick gave me the giggles somewhere around 2am

Sunday morn was the big day, so we bought and cake and did the candle thing, but I think we were all on sugar overload by that time the we didn't even eat it
The birthday girl and me

I sure love that lady!

(but my own bed at 10pm felt sooo good)

Go Cougs

2010-10-09T19:19:00.001-06:00

BYU 24. SDSU 21.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Calling All Grandmas

2010-10-06T18:01:00.002-06:00

2010 school pictures are in...

Your copies will be in the mail shortly.

And how jealous are the rest of you that these kiddos aren't yours?

Oh how I love them!

I am Full

2010-10-04T09:39:00.003-06:00

This past weekend I spent hours in front of the TV to feast on the word of God through our living prophet.What a feast it was! And I got to do it all in my jammies, cuddled with my husband on the couch and shushing my kids every 10 minutes.

General Conference is my favorite weekend. It reminds me that I have lots of work to do, but I am blessed for my efforts so far.

Things that touched me:

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf told me that slowing down and focusing on essentials (especially in hard times) will get me smoothly through life with joy.

Elder Quintin L. Cook reminded me to have hope that our world will eventually have light and freedom. Until then, our homes need to be shelters from evil and we need to be examples to our community.

Elder Larry R. Lawrence challenged me to be a courageous parent.

Elder M. Russell Ballard warned against Lucifer. He is unmerciful. He will not loosen his grasp on you. He is only trying to make you as miserable as he is.

And so much more!

Can't wait until can I reread these words- from God, to me- in the November Ensign.

Bob vs. Instep

2010-09-28T20:55:00.004-06:00

We are double jogger junkies in this house. It's a complete necessity to us and it's used almost daily. So you should consider this opinion completely and totally correct, as I always am:)

When my 2nd child was born, we were walkers and bought a Schwinn double jogger. It was a base model that fit our base budget at the time. NO bells or whistles, but it did the job.

5 years later I gave that stroller away and upgraded. Big time!

I bought the BOB...The Bob is the Cadillac of double joggers. So I thought. I thought this because it costs about as much as a Cadillac. I assumed a $600 stroller would be loaded with bells and whistles.
I pushed that stroller all summer long. Up huge hills, paths along the golf course, trails up the canyon, walkways in gardens, and even Disneyland. I spent all summer being disappointed. Let me tell you what I dislike about the Bob:
1. There's no locking mechanism for when it's closed. You're supposed to wrap the leash around the whole thing and velcro it. PAIN!
2. To close it there is a 2 step process- fold the top part down with one latch and pull another to collapse the rest of it (and every time I did step 2, I thought I was going to break it. It was so sketchy)
3. Because of the 2 step fold and no lock, you have to pick it up just right (and with 2 hands! If I have a DOUBLE stroller do you think I ever have 2 hands free?) or it will come back open
4. There's no "roller coaster bar" (named by me). You know that bar you hold onto when you ride a roller coaster? The one that lowers down to your lap and you look around to make sure yours isn't the only fat squishing out. Only me? Ok, so there's not that bar that goes over the lap of the rider, which I find unsafe. Plus, if you have a newborn in a carseat, you can't lock it onto the stoller (although you can buy one that is a pain to install and costs $80, which makes this a $680 stroller!)
5. You have to manually lock the front swivel wheel (which means climbing under the stroller and fiddling blindly with a latch, then ultimately making your riders climb out so you can flip the darn thing over to lock it. By then your heart rate has dropped and you don't want to run any more, so you have to unlock in the same way)
6. There's no cup holder for the pusher
7. The lower basket is small and hard to access
8. When going at top speeds (I'm a rockin' rollerblader), the Bob does NOT perform better than a less expensive stroller

In no way did I find the Bob superior to any other double stroller.

My sister has this Instep Safari Grand double jogger and has loved it, so I thought I'd give it a try. Let me tell you what I like about it so far:
1. Roller coaster bar is a tray and cup holder for riders
2. There's also a cup holder and tray for the pusher
3. Pushing bar adjusts for height and comfort
4. Lower basket is easily accessible and much bigger
5. Folds in one easy step
6. Locking mechanism keeps it closed when it's folded (one handed pick up- I AM WOMAN!)
7. A trigger on the push bar locks and unlocks the swivel front wheel
Thank goodness I was smart enough to buy the Bob from REI, who has a return policy like Costco, so they took it right back and refunded all my money. I pocketed $480 (yes, I bought the roller coaster bar) and spent $200 on the Instep. I feel much better about this purchase and will update you in a while on it's long term performance.

That's really how I feel about it.

The Widow's Mite

2010-09-24T15:15:00.000-06:00

"And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: And many that were rich cast in much.
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
And He called unto him his disciples and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in than all they that have cast into the treasury:
For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
I have always loved this short, yet meaningful story in the New Testament. Always. Since I first read it in high school.
I watched my parents play the role of the widow. I watched them "cast more into the treasury."
Not just in money, but in everything. They cast in all they had.
My teenage actions may not have reflected at the time, but a small fire ignited within me. I decided "Give Said the Little Stream" was my favorite primary song and I have never gotten through "Because I Have Been Given Much" with dry eyes.
I knew then I was blessed and it was my responsibility to make sure others lives are blessed too.

Even if it took my 2 mites.

My patriarchal blessing tells me "You will know the meaning of sacrifice in your life." It's the only part that I remember from when I actually received the blessing.
In high school, I would lay awake at night and run scenes through my mind of a small home, worn clothes and a mom awake late to sew dance costumes or can peaches and then write the tithing check...anything for my children and my Lord.

Even all my living.
I was sure I would raise a family on a very tight budget. I was well prepared.

Then I met John.

My future has not turned out like I thought (I say that with a smile), but the widow and her mites have still played their part.

I still lay in bed at night and think of her...old and crippled. Stooped and waddling to the treasury with a hand on her hunched back. Children off building their own lives. Husband in Heaven and terribly missed. And those thoughts turn to prayers "Help me be like her."

Then....
I saw this hanging in an art gallery. Painted by Liz Lemon Swindle. I stared. No hunched back. Not crippled or even old.

It was me. The woman I dreamed I could be when I was just a teenager. Giving all her living. Knowing the Lord would provide.

I stared longer. It was my mom, my sister, my grandma, all the women in my life who have exemplified this to me. The tears came slow and hot and I wiped them quickly. I gained composure and turned to John. "I want this"

And he bought it for me...
It's framed so perfectly with gold writing that says "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had."

My life is ever changing, but the widow is always there to remind me that I have been given much and I too must give.

Help me be like her.

Why AREN'T French Women Fat?

2010-09-17T20:20:00.004-06:00

This became a topic of conversation (husbands included) as we indulged in luscious French food. Everything was deep fried, baked with butter, made with white flour and sugar, smothered in mayo and topped with cheese. It was heavenly. And fatty. Before we went, I was worried about nightlife in Paris. On our first night we learned that night life is dinner. We ate dinner about 9pm every night and it was always an event, taking at least 2 hours. Fruits and vegetables were hard to come by. In fact, after a few days, when our bodies were craving something natural, we sat a restaurant with a menu item "veggie platter." Perfect for our cheese stuffed bodies! When Nicole placed her order our grumpy server asked what kind of vegetables she'd like. Goody! A choice! She asked "What are my options?"

His reply "Green beans, french fries, noodles, or rice."

She had the green beans. And we all suppressed giggles at the choices for "veggie platter."

Even at a food market that we wondered through, the fruit and veggie choices were slim.

I understand that their lifestyles are less sedentary than ours. As tourists, we walked about 10 miles a day. I would imagine they walk a lot too, but probably a little less than that. Even so, it's not consistent cardio exercise.

So what is it?

Why is it that my diet is at least half fruits and vegetables, I strictly moderate treats, and I work out an hour a day and I'm struggling to maintain a normal body weight?

One theory is the smoking. It seems like everyone there smokes. They probably do that instead of snack. I'll take my dried fruit and nuts over a cigarette any day.

Another theory is their serving sizes are smaller than ours. Maybe. Could that really be it?

Any other theories? I've never read the book, so please- enlighten me!

London: Day 4

2010-09-13T15:51:00.000-06:00

Today was so low key and enjoyable. My dear friend Dana, who lives 2 hours outside London, brought her whoel family in to spend the day with us.
Dana and I are forever bonded by sharing our first pregnancies and babies together. Our husbands are similar. When we realized that we didn't have to apologize for a rant or rave from a husband around each other, we knew we were friends for life.
Her husband Marc is in the army and based in England right now. Although we talk on the phone all the time, we have not seen each other for 3 years.
It was so so great to spend the day with them.
We ate lunch in a park and walked a bridge over the Thames. Then the boys went to see STOMP (rave reviews)

While the girls shopped

Thanks a million for coming Delucas! We love you.

THE END

I'm on my way home

London: Day 3

2010-09-12T15:41:00.003-06:00

This day is low on pictures and narrative as well. We went to the market and antique shops on Portobello Road. Somehow John and I became separated from Dan and Nicole in the hussel and bussel of getting out of the tube station and we never found each other! It turned out to be a nice day date for just John and me. We wandered the shops for hours and sampled way too much of the incredible food there. We shopped a little more on Bond Street after lunch, then decided to pass the afternoon with a nap.
We met back up with Dan and Nicole that evening at the hotel. Refreshed from our naps, we changed, had dinner and went to see....
WICKED!!!And loved every minute of it. Next time I see it, it's going to be from the front row! (although row 10 smack in the middle was great too)

London: Day 2

2010-09-11T16:16:00.007-06:00

We tried to watch the changing of the guard in the morning, but it was so crowded that we couldn't see anything, so we skipped out and went to Westminster Abby. Last year when we were here we didn't go in, so I really wanted to. I love these old cathedrals. I'm so glad I talked John into it. We, of course, couldn't take any pics inside, but the outside is beautiful too.

If you walk from The Abby to Trafalgar Square, you get some great views of Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames

And you can make a phone call

I love this picture Nicole took

After lunch in Trafalgar Square we went to the National Library which houses documents such as the Magna Carta, original, hand written notes of Beethoven and Da Vinci and John Lenon (GASP), and a 2nd century manuscript of the Gospel of John. The greatest thing about the library is there is a "treasures" room, so you don't have to go tromping through the whole darn thing to see what you want. After a week of this, I really appreciated that. Especially since we had to get back to the hotel...

to get ready...

for the evening...

of.....

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!!!!

And here we are on the very front row. It was incredible. I felt like the whole performance was just for me and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

I had to sneak a little chocolate into the theatre (my mom taught me nothin' but class!)

I was just in Heaven the whole time. I didn't want it to end. This is my all time favorite. Maybe we will fly the cast into Versailles for the wedding receptions to give us our own private performance. And maybe Raoul will sing "All I ask of you" just to me.

Although, I quite like the man I got to sit next to. Isn't he cute?

Before heading back to the hotel we spent a couple minutes in Picadilly Circus (London's Times Square)

Then we ate chocolate cake and ice cream on the bed. Right before bed. My scale is going to hate me, but that's back in real life and I'm not.

London: Day 1

2010-09-11T03:28:00.003-06:00

I'm detoxing you from picture over-dose since not much was picture worthy on this day.

We took a train from Paris to London with just a small mishap. Our tickets said we arrive in London at 10:30, but we thought we left Paris at 10:30, so by the time we got to the train station, we'd missed our train. It wasn't a big deal. We just hopped on the next train. It actually worked out nicely because John had 30 Euros in his pocket that needed to be spent and I was put on that job. I found a chocolatier!

Once in London, I sent the group to the National Gallery (seen it) because laundry was my first priority. I found a laundromat just down the street from the hotel and had a classy lunch there while my undies washed.

We met back up with just enough time to cute-ify ourselves, grab a quick dinner and get to The Lion King. I saw Tarzan in New York a few years ago. It was cute. That's all. Just cute. I was totally expecting the same thing with this, but was totally blown away. It exceeded all my expectations! They followed the Disney movie almost exactly, but added a few songs and scenes that complimented and enhanced it so beautifully. Rafikki was flawless and hysterical. The costumes. props and scenery were pure perfection and totally amazing. This is a must see!

Paris: Day 5

2010-09-10T16:00:00.016-06:00

Versailles (SIGH)
This picture says just what I feel about this place

I'm changing things up on you...here's a pic of Dan and me in front of the Versailles Palace I read up on Marie Antoinette before the trip, so I had to get a pic with her

OK, this is the most under-rated part of Versailles. It is, in my opinion, the very best part of the whole property. Marie Antoinette wanted a place of refuge from palace life, so she had this "hamlet" built to replicate a common village. Complete with a dairy farm, vegetable gardens, animals and a pond. It's a place where she could kick up her heels and wear and do as she pleased. This is a place straight out of a fairy tale. It's quiet and quaint and beautiful. I think it's enchanted

Nicole snitching from the vegetable garden (yes, the small village is still kept functioning)

There's even a swan gliding on the pond. I'm ready to move in.

(does this picture make you embarrassed to be my friend?)

I HAD to stop and smell the roses. What else do you do in a place like this.

And, of course, an arch of grapevines.

If you go to Versailles (and you should), you canNOT miss The Hamlet. It was just beyond dreamy. Just looking at the pictures again makes me swoon. I can say things like "swoon" because I have been to MA's Hamlet.

So here's the real secret. John had this brilliant idea to hit the gardens first and then the palace. Since the line for the palace was probably 200 yards long, it was not hard to convince us. This left the gardens, hamlet, and other parts of the grounds slow and quiet.

And just plain LOVELY

I loved the gardens and the views they offered

including the backside of the palace

Sorry, we are as sick of taking lame pictures of us as much as you are of looking at them

This is me resisting the urge to take a picture of every single flower in the gardens and spend the rest of the trip on the internet researching each of them.

We finally made it inside the palace with no line and far fewer crowds. Here is the room where my girls will have their wedding receptions. I am planning it in my head...we will fly in 50 of our closest friends and family (and if you leave ONE mean comment about my greasy hair- you're out!) (I blew up my blow dryer)

We each got head sets for an audio tour
Oh wait! This room is much bigger and much more ornate. The receptions will happen HERE. I can up the number to 100 ( like *I* know that many people. I plan on my girls being very popular). There's plenty of room for all of us to stay in the palace. I call the hamlet.

When we were bored of our headsets, John did great narrations of Rick Steve's thoughts.

Back in "reality" we had dinner at a highly recommended restaurant.

It was such a perfect day that ended in tears because it was our last in Paris...for a time!

Paris: Day 4

2010-09-09T15:52:00.008-06:00

The Catacombs (scary music...)
In the 18th century (snoring) (no seriously this is cool) Paris was in crisis, with people living in such close quarters because land was slim, sanitary was undeveloped (that's another tour) and disease was rampant. The population realized that valuable real estate was being taken over by the dead in beautiful church courtyard cemeteries. So they dug up their dead and piled the bones in a spent limestone quarry below the city. 6 million bodies were moved here. I'm sure the task went from exciting to gross to dull, so they had to express creativity somehow, right? These are, for real, 250 year old bones. Talk about mayhem at the Resurrection!

There was miles of this stuff

AND...back to the real Paris with satisfied husbands (since they got to see dead people). After a quick curbside crepe, we wander through Luxembourg Gardens

I have been informed that I have reached my kiss picture quota, but he will take a hug from me

I could've spent more time in the gardens (and kind of wish we had), but there was more to see.

This is San Chapel. These walls are covered in stained glass depicting bible scenes

The husbands were tired and grumpy by the end of the church, so we sent them off to rest and we got ourselves some gelato which provided a second wind for shopping in the Latin Quarter

Once back with the husbands, we grabbed Gyros from a corner stand and boarded a ship for a sunset cruise of the Seine River

We started with a great view of Notre Dame. You cannot get this angle of the flying buttresses on land

There are dozens of bridges you pass under as you cruise along, each from a different century with a different story that I like to make up in my mind.

My fav from the Seine

and a close up (sorry about the blur)

We got to watch the sparkle of the tower from the boat this night. It's so magical. This is a Paris must.

Paris: Day 3

2010-09-06T15:50:00.010-06:00

Began, I'm not kidding, at a tour of the Paris sewer system. "No pictures?" you ask. Let me tell you again. A TOUR OF THE SEWER. It was stinky and nasty and uninteresting. Nicole and I speed walked through the whole tour (shirts over our noses) in about 15 minutes and decided to wait for our husbands up top, in the fresh air. And wait. And wait. 45 minutes later, they emerged bright eyed and passionate about what they had just witnessed. For the rest of the day John would stop at man holes and street grates to look down and tell us some "cool" fact he recalled from this tour. BLECK!
Then we moved on to Napolean's tomb. That is really truly where his body is laid! That outside coffin is one of 5, but his bod is in there. It's a beautiful building.

Behind my head is the tomb

We even got to see it from the lower level

Housed in the same building is the World War I and II museums, which are interesting and sad and informative and not stinky, but after an hour or so, the war and the heat wear on me (and Nicole) and we find ourselves running ahead to sit on a bench and wait for the husbands to catch up. At one point Nicole said to me "Why don't you go find another bench so I can lay down." That's when we decided we had to get out. We knew we were close to the Eiffel Tower (that was the next stop on the list) so we opted to go ahead of schedule.

We found a dreamy pastry shop on our way.
I got a cream puff the size of my head

And Nicole got a raspberry tart

Then we rested on the grass near the Eiffel Tower, sans shoes

and by rest, I mean took pictures of ourselves

Once back with the husbands, we climbed (in an elevator) the Tower

Maybe this is cliche, but this has been my very favorite part of Paris. The views were A-MA-ZING!

Then we went to the VERY top. Unbelievable!

So much so- Look what happened...

We stayed up there as the sun went down and got to watch the city light up

By the time we got back on solid ground, the Tower was twinkling. It made me feel like a little girl!

Doesn't this pic look like it was taken on a cruise ship or something and their faces superinposed?

It started to rain as we headed back to the hotel. It was all very romtaic movie-ish

See....

I told you...

Paris: Day 2

2010-09-05T16:19:00.006-06:00

Our day started at Notre Dame. I LOVED IT!!! It's truly spectacular.

Then we did a walking tour around that area. This internet is slow and spotty, so we are missing pictures of our walk. It ended with a snack by the Seine River

Then a nice walk back to the hotel (we didn't take the metro once today) to get ready for dinner

Which was fondue in the Latin District Which is a great place to spend the rest of the night

Paris: Day One

2010-09-04T15:32:00.010-06:00

September 3

8am Pull Addie off my arm with tears in both our eyes (Austin and Bailey are too excited to go to Gma Juju's to care). Leave for the airport

10am SLC to JFK (New york) with no bumps

7pm JFK to CDG (Paris). My mom slipped me an ambien before I left and I actually got a few hours in dreamland

8:30am (12:30 am to my body) Touch down in Paris, dump our bags at the hotel and head straight to the Lourve

Venus de MiloWinged Victory
Mona LisaYou should've seen her reaction to the frontside
After a few hours there, we all started to drag, so we checked into the hotel for afternoon naps.

Once napped and showered we visited Arc de TriomphWe teased Nicole about taking pictures with none of us in them, so she got in herself
View of Champs de Elysee (which I refer to as "the strip") from the top of Arc de Triomph
Eiffle Tower from the roof
After walking Champs de Elyees, we cut over to the Seine River for the rest of the (2 mile) walk home. (Metro? PAAASHAAA!) Effiel Tower from the Seine River

John is snoring next to me. I have got to get my sleep for more Metro ditching tomorrow.