Spooked much?

Okay, it's Halloween. The pictures are too cute. I'm out of my funk, for the moment!

I bring you the ever-spooky kitty cat...

And yes, I've bought into the cuteness of fish-nets (however, when older than 14 you only wear them to skank up your costume). Carly wouldn't even look at another costume after finding this in our Halloween box. Ashlyn wore it when she was 18 months so my fabulous mom took it to the sewing machine to do it up right.

And introducing the latest and greatest in pop culture, Miss Hannah Montana...

After searching for a H.M. costume and finding only crap that cost $40, we again turned to Grandma's talents and Ashlyn couldn't have been happier. And I couldn't have been happier at the final cost. Dollars, I tell you. She made the jacket, all according to Miss Ashlyn's specifications, and the belt. You can't tell very well, but this girl was sparkling with sequins. So cute! We couldn't wipe the grin off of Ashlyn's face. There was a wig involved for the first few days, but today she decided that she had the right kind of "look" to pull it off herself.

Happy Haunting!

I have lots and lots to blog about.....but I'm totally, totally bored with it! I'll see ya when I see ya!

Birthdays and Traitors

Happy Birthday to Shane! He turned 33 years old yesterday and we have been partying for several days!

We tried to surprise him with a couple of gifts, and even got him a birthday pie {apple is his favorite} because he's not a big fan of cake. The girls were very excited about the whole thing. Carly told me we had to have balloons so we did. And although he doesn't get overly excited about anything other than sports {yes, including birthdays--it's a different breed I tell ya} we did manage to get a smile for the picture.

So I considered the birthday to be a success. And then this happened...

My own mother, I'm ashamed to say, shows up at the door with this gift for Shane. I felt like throwing up a little bit. Because I expect more from my family members. Especially when they claim to be Ute fans. Because real Utes don't support or buy Team Down South merchandise. While I'm happy that my mom tried very hard to please her son-in-law and make him giggle on his birthday, I have to say that I'm very, very disappointed.

The Ties that Bind

Those who know me well are aware of my love for all things warm and fuzzy. Especially blankets. If I were being honest, I'd have to tell you that I have a slight obsession with them. You should also know that it's a rare, rare occassion that I feel like sharing my blankets. Because I like to cuddle them. And it's really hard to nestle your face next to a blanket that may have recently been cuddling somebody else's feet.

While I was browsing the aisle's at Wal-Mart a couple of months ago, something caught my eye. I thought to myself, "could that really be what I think it is". True story. So I made my way over to the fabric department, and it was for real. Honestly. Two of my favorite things combined into one. Flannel and my Utes. I couldn't resist so I bought enough to make a big, new fall cuddly. I even stepped up my game a notch by getting black flannel for the back. See, that would make a double-sided treasure to have and to hold 'til death do us part.

Now that the weather has gotten a bit cooler, I felt like it was time to break out the surprise. I spent last Saturday watching football, and working on my new comfort tool.

Shane tried really hard to act like he didn't like it. But he was totally jealous. I could tell. And by the end of the afternoon he was "trying" it out. Which is fine by me. I'll convert him to my team with subtle ways and baby steps.

So here's to spending future Saturdays wrapped up in comfort. I will love it. And if you want to cheer for my team, I might let you try it out. Actually, I probably won't. But I might make you one of your own. If you're a true fan. And if I like you. Alot.

Tomorrow night's game is HUGE! Oregon State is coming to town and it's going to be awesome. 6-0 here we come! Go....

We had the Primary Program at church today. And I was nervous about it all weekend. It was my last opportunity to serve as the Primary Chorister. Even though this was going to be my 3rd program, I was worried about it turning out just right. We had a practice on Friday, but anybody who has been to a pre-program Primary practice knows that they are a nightmare. So I was just sure {the same as every year} that it would be a disaster and that I was going out with a bang. And not a good one.

But, those little ones always surprise me. Although I got to church feeling like I was going to throw up, we made it. And it was so wonderful. And although I got a little teary-eyed a few times, I felt so great when the final song was sung and I had held my composure fairly well. And then the closing prayer was said, and for some reason I just lost it. And when I say that I lost it, I mean I was sobbing. Uncontrollably. And somewhat embarassingly. It was a weird feeling because I love being in Young Women's. But I'm so going to miss Primary. I love those little people. And even when I don't like them sometimes, I still love them always. And it has been such a growing experience for me. And I'm a better person for having done it and for that I will miss it. I will miss being the "singing teacher" that all the kids love to see.

I also have to say how proud I am of my girls. Ashlyn was terrified when the Primary Presidency asked her to give a talk in the program. She didn't want to do it at all and when she stood up I could tell she was so nervous, but once she got to the microphone she was fabulous. And I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom--okay, maybe that's a little part of it, but, really, she was great and I'm so glad that she stepped out of her comfort zone to do it. Carly was a hit for being so cute. She didn't have a speaking part, but she really took to heart the instructions to smile while singing. Actually, she was trying so hard to keep smiling that she forgot to sing.

So I'm feeling a little lighter, tonight, now being down to a single calling in the church. It's been a while since I've been there, and I'm excited to focus on the Young Women. But I may just have to sneak into the Primary every once in a while to visit my friends. {And it might be a good excuse to get out of Gospel Doctrine. I went in there today for the first time since we moved here 2 1/2 years ago. I'm telling you, I don't know if I can handle that.}

Big whoop! A Campout!

I'm finally getting around to pictures of our last summer hoorah! We went camping at Flaming Gorge with my family in August. I was skeptical of the whole camping thing--Shane isn't much of a camper, but we had a great time! The girls keep asking when we can go again. It's always fun to spend time with family that we don't get to see much. We really missed Norm and Rachael--we are always lacking in the sarcasm department in the Partridge family and we found ourselves missing the king and queen.

There was plenty of boating, sun, wind, kiddie crafts, tabloid reading/discussing, treats, Yahtzee and good old R and R. And nobody killed anybody else. Or even yelled, stomped or rolled their eyes. There wasn't even any drama that I can remember. And that's always a bonus after any family outing.

Trophy Wives

Last weekend our good friends, the Fernley's, came to visit. Although we didn't take any pictures of our fun-filled weekend, I found this one of way back in the day when we were full-time baseball wives {also included are Ms. Carson and Ms. King}, who had just watched the boys win the Mountain West Championship--aka "trophy wives".

Over the weekend, Dara and I had a great time shopping the day away. It was great to have a friend to tag along with--especially one who knows her home decor.

We had a good time remembering the old days. Dara and I are probably more alike now, doing the mommy thing and having 10 years of marriage experience behind us.

It was humorous, at times, to realize that although we don't see each other much, we have many of the same problems, complaints and joys about being stay at home moms and wives. What was humorous for like a second, and seriously not more than that, was the fact that our husbands don't seem to have changed much at all. They picked up right where they left off at the age of 23, and it wasn't funny. At all. I was so glad to at least have Dara there with me. Otherwise, I don't think I'd have lasted the weekend.

So, Dara, when you feel like escaping Long Beach again, let's get together. Those trips we were talking about, I'm still in. I just think we should go back to the way of the wives club and leave the little boys at home.

My Preschool Princess

I said a couple of weeks ago that Carly had started preschool. It couldn't be going any better and I thought I'd share her first day pictures. Since I always take Ashlyn's picture on the first day of school, in front of the same tree, Carly was ready and prepared to pose. It's never been easier to get her to stop for a picture.
After that, however, it was all business. She couldn't walk fast enough. She was a girl ready to be on her own.
It's quite possible that we have found the best pre-school teacher {Mrs. Weber} ever! Carly loves her and can't leave without giving her a big hug everyday.

As for me, it was quite the opposite experience from when I first took Ashlyn to preschool. She cried, and I cried, and it took several weeks before I could get her to walk in by herself. Not so with this one. She was ready and excited for weeks and there was no looking back. Everyday she gives me hugs and kisses goodbye, but there is no regret about having me leave. And I didn't cry on the first day. I was a little surprised that the day had snuck up on me--I mean, my baby is 4 and going to school. But it was a little bit exciting, knowing that my days are now free! I'm expect that when I get to my last child, someday, that I will cry. But for now, let's do lunch!

Peanuts and Crackerjacks

When I met Shane, 12 years ago, his dream was to play professional baseball. In fact, he was sure that it would happen. So I played along--and actually believed that he could do whatever he set his sights on. Then the years went by, and we had lots of fun while he played in college. And great friendships and memories were made. But the dream didn't work out. And, actually, we were more than okay with it. But I think Shane secretly wondered "what if" more than once.

So, you can imagine my surprise when Shane came home this summer with an Orem Owlz uniform. 8 years post-baseball, he was signed. I was in shock, to say the least. Where did this come from? What made them think that Shane could still play? What made Shane think he could still play? And how were we going to survive on a minor-league salary?

But, being the overly-supportive wife that I am, I decided to go to his first game and cheer. And take some pictures. Because I didn't know how long this would last. And Shane played the game of his life. He was diving, jumping, sliding and throwing like nobody's business. You never would have known that this MVP was 32 years old! I was very proud.

And they WON! High fives all around!

And as I watched them walk off of the field after a stellar performance, I got a little teary-eyed thinking about how the dream had finally come true. Little did I know that he was walking towards the end, for when he got to locker room he was asked to turn in his uniform and he was released. Oh well, all good things come to an end sometime, right?

{Okay, you got me. Shane didn't actually sign to play baseball. But he did get paid to wear an Owlz uniform, do some stunts, and let them take pictures. They wanted some good shots for advertisements. I know what you're thinking--why didn't they just use real Orem Owlz players? I was thinking the same thing. And I still don't know the answer. I also wondered who the genius was that thought they should use 30-somethings who hadn't played for years. And I still don't know the answer to that, either. What I do know, is that Shane thought it was so much fun--and he got paid, which is what made it fun for me! And for those of you wondering, the other two guys are Mike Wirrick and Josh Roberts...}

Missing Those Piggies

Carly started pre-school this past week. And I've been feeling all sorts of things. But mostly, I miss her. She has been my little friend, one on one, for a while now. And I've just kind of gotten used to her being by my side. So it's a little bit strange watching her head off to school. And not showing the slightest sign of missing me. Oh, well.
So, I found these pictures for Flashback Friday. Granted, we're only flashing back to last February, but this is the kind of thing that we used to do. Ashlyn would leave for school and Carly would say "Mom, let's paint my nails". We had lots of fun doing nothing, and she loved the extra attention, once upon a time.