Utah boy California Girl

Spring time!

2011-04-27T23:48:00.000-06:00

It's been a crazy spring...and after planting over 250 tulips last fall, I can honestly say I hate the deer. They have massacred the tulips despite my best efforts to ward them off with my nasty smelling stuff. It worked so well with my scant tulips last year so I go for the gold and what do you know? It fails! Oh well, they are just flowers, I hope you enjoyed them deer!!

We got back from CA for spring break, the kids had an absolute blast with Gma and Gpa and Mom and Dad had some fun too. I faced my fears and went on the scariest ride I could think of at Magic Mountain which was Superman- and I loved every second (of which there were like 6)- It was AWESOME!!

Here are some pics because you all know that my other blog is where I do all my blabbing and here is where I get to show off the babies.

Cayden our track star! He rocked it out to the finals that were today actually. He did really well and we couldn't be more proud!

We are freezing at one of his track meets- Spring has not been the warmest!

I am so happy...I'm at the beeecch!

The kids played for hours in the tide and collected shells- the best entertainment there is.

Magic Mountain- 3 minutes from my parents home- doesn't get better than that!

They discovered "Tital Wave"- several times

Buccaneer with Brady

Swings with Mamma

Somebody loves her some Spaghetti

Giving Grandpa lovin'

Our last supper

Best friends (and sisters forever)

The family on Easter Sunday...as the flowers finally decide to stop being shy.

Happy Spring!

Happy Birthday Eliza and other important stuff

2011-04-01T10:53:00.000-06:00

All Eliza wanted for her birthday was a PINK car seat and squinkies as well as a date night out

with Mom and Dad (which is tradition every other year between parties). We surprised her with a very pink carseat and headed to The Mayan- her pick...not ours.

She's so ecstatic she can't contain herself!

Staying in the snake seems a better option than going home.

Not a whole lot has been going on at the Ottley's. Eliza had a couple of other celebrations: one at our house and one at the Ottley's with all the cousins and fam. She got a pink Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Strawberry herself on top (Cord has the pic and I'm too lazy to grab it from him- another post) and it was yummy!

I headed to Vegas with Cord for a long weekend at the end of February which was fun (but of course with no third person, we have no pictures except the two that were taken at dinners that you pay 25$ for). I went down again a couple of weeks later with friends (and no pics again for which I have no excuse but that we were having fun and shopping- too busy to take pictures).

Spring break is coming up and we are very much looking forward to that as well as General Conference this weekend. I have been loving the weather, it's been gorg. And that's my exit que, when you start to talk about the weather, it's time to end the post.

the 10 commandments

2011-02-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was inspired by a lesson that was taught in church about taking the extra time to teach our children to memorize special things that perhaps I had not thought of previously such as the 12 tribes of Israel, the 39 books of the Old Testament, and The 10 Commandments, among other things. I thought The 10 Commandments would be a good first challenge to bring on. We work on memorizing scriptures and songs, but I had not taken it to "this level" yet.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only were all my kids excited (ages 5-13) but they all had them memorized by the end of FHE (Family Home Evening) except for the youngest, and she was eager to follow and had them down pat by the following night.

I wanted to take the time to upload these visuals and the tricks we used to help our kids memorize the commandments:

THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME (THIS ONE'S PRETTY SELF EXPLANATORY)

THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE (2-TWO ZOO- ZOO'S HAVE STATUES, STATUES CAN BE IDOLS, DON'T WORSHIP IDOLS- THIS WORKED FOR ALL OUR KIDS).

THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN (LIPS- SPEAK THE NAME OF THE LORD IN VAIN)

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY (4 AND THE EXTRA STICK= H FOR HOLY)

HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER: THAT THY DAYS MAY BE LONG UPON THE LAND WHICH THE LORD THY GOD GIVETH THEE (BEEHIVE=BEHAVE)

THOU SHALT NOT KILL (SIX STICKS- STICKS HURT OR KILL)

THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY (SEVEN CAN'T GET TO HEAVEN IF YOU COMMIT ADULTERY)

THOU SHALT NOT STEAL (HANDCUFFS- STEAL...GET IT?)

THOU SHALT NOT BARE FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR (NINE STOP LYING-THE STOP SIGN LOOKS LIKE A 9)

THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE....(YOU CAN READ THE REST)- WHEN MY KIDS SEE THIS BEFORE THEY MEMORIZED IT, THEY SHOUTED OUT "DON'T COVET"

I hope these are helpful and fun. I had a really good time putting these together and I think that after making full page laminates, I would now make half page flash card type things so my kids can take them with us- as I come up with other fun tricks to learn other things, I will try and remember to pass them along on the blog (good intentions always, just like the recipes, but you can always email me- I cook, I just forget to put them up here)!

The Fall review...

2010-11-28T23:00:00.001-07:00

I'm become so bad at updating my blog...and I'm probably not going to do it more often, but at least my photos tell a story and those are never lacking.

Here is Cayden on his first day of Jr. High. He's grown 3 inches in a little over 6 months. He's 5' 3" and weighs 10lbs less than me. His feet are officially bigger than mine and He's a teenager inside and out. We are enjoying it (most of the time). Just as you stop worrying if they are going to make it out of their childhood years, you start worrying if they're going to make to their adult years!

Eliza has been in Jazz, Combo class, and has now announced that she wants to take Gym class with her little bestie. She loves to try new things and is as sharp as a tac. She Is reading every sign on the side of the road, every title on the TV screen, and every little book she can get her hands on. Eliza even "reads" the scriptures at night (she repeats all the words after I read them like she has read them herself. We still call her the baby and everyone goes along with it because they know it's really hard for me to watch her grow up. She started Kindergarten this September and I enjoy every morning with her and miss her every afternoon when she is gone.

We've never had our burning bushes turn red in the seven years we've lived here, so when they turned red this November, I had to document it as a momentous occasion as red is one of my most favorite colors. I loved planting over 200 tulip bulbs that weekend and kept looking up at the bushes and how vivid the colors were. That evening the sunset was amazing as well. It was the last beautiful weekend we had before the snow and bitter cold hit us.

The girls on their first day of Fifth (Hannah) and Third (Madelyn) grade.

Hannah (Sandy from Grease), Eliza (Leopard Kitty), and Madelyn (Girly Pirate) for Halloween.

Hannah Knee boarding in Bear Lake

Hannah's Birthday- 9(?) girls had their hair done and we went for a limo ride to dinner- it was a blast!

For my birthday Cord took me to a John Mayer concert. This pic was taken by Cayden (future pro photog) just before we left. Great concert!

Madelyn loves ballet- she just had her recital (pics to come in my Christmas update)- She can't wait to take in the spring because "they are dancing with Mexican fans" she says.

That's our fall update. Not all that we've done (by a long shot) but some of the highlights of the last couple of months.

We bought a couple of cars. Poor Cord, He bought me a Nissan Armada and after a couple of weeks and a carpool with a few football boys and all my girls, I realized it was too small, so he bought me another Yukon XL that fit my family much better. So no more Bob the Tamale. The kids named the new car Kirby. I have no idea why. We had a bout of Strep throat run through our family, that was fun. I think that about sums it up. We are looking forward to December and the cute plays, programs, and parties. I am almost done decorating the house as of this week and am most grateful to have the opportunity to reflect on the reason that we celebrate this time of year.

Happy Holidays!

Bob- the Tamale

2010-08-11T07:52:00.000-06:00

Monday started as a great day. I got things cleaned up in the house, fed the kids, cleaned up some more, and fed the kids again. Then it was time to take Hannah to camp in Salt Lake. We got in the car (Eliza, Hannah, and I) and headed out. About 10 minutes from our destination, my car kicked into a lower gear (it's an automatic) and a whole bunch of errors started lighting up. I pressed my ever-so-handy OnStar button and the magic person came on asking how he could assist me. I told him my car had freaked out and to HELP! He did his nifty diagnostic thing and after telling me that there were three errors with the car, he said he'd start with the least serious. Are you crazy? Give me the worst news first, since I'm going full-speed (plus 10) on the freeway! My worst error was that my transmission could be failing and he suggested that I get off the freeway immediately and that he would call for a tow- That's my trusty OnStar guy! I made it to the off ramp, which happened to be where we were headed in the first place, and I came to a stop at a left-hand turn lane. Once I tried to accelerate again, my car was acting like it was a manual and wasn't sure which gear it was in. Oh boy- on go the hazards. I gingerly accelerated until I moved forward and made it into the parking lot (which thankfully had a bookstore, clothes shopping, AND a frozen yogurt shop)-I turned my car off. After the tow truck came and we made it to the dealer, we were given a rental and sent on our way (btw- Cord appeared within 20 minutes- my knight in silver armor).

Yesterday my car was ready and as I went to pick it up, Eliza Jane asked, "mom, are we going to get the tamale?" I don't think I could ever correct her- of course Hannah promptly piped up and said, "it's a DENALI"- Thanks Hannah! I think that was her last baby word, and she stole it.

Since picking up our car, we have decided to affectionately name it "Bob", first because it's shorter than saying "the black car" and second because after what it went through and the fact that it made it to a safe place for our family, it deserves a name. I dub thee "Bob, the tamale"- hopefully minus the transmission problems!

Girly rockin' out!

2010-06-17T16:41:00.000-06:00

Fwimmin...

2010-06-01T22:24:00.001-06:00

Until about a year ago- "fwimmin" is what Eliza called swimming- I will cherish that forever!

whew!

2010-06-01T22:07:00.006-06:00

So much to say...so little room (and desire to ramble...)- LOVE ing Summer vacation so far- we're all tan and rolling out of bed swimming every day.

Here are some highlights from the last post until now:

towers spontaneously appear in our front hall- this is the tallest yet (cylindrical)

Grandma has been up to visit twice in the last month- we love having her!
Happy Easter!

She loves to lock herself in Nellie's cage...hmmm
Rolling down the hill at Thanksgiving Point
Awww

The "red" room is now gray- just waiting for Cord to install the new chandelier
Grandpa came to visit too- catch on a beautiful spring day
...and a movie
Preschool graduation- all four kids went to Miss Molly- we LOVE you

Women's conference- so awesome every year
Christina's bridal shower- hugs and loves- you da best!
lunch with Gpa
Snow in late May- latest recorded snow fall in SLC ever (accumulated)
Mommy buys shoes, baby buys shoes in mommy's size...

I love my life!

Studio 5, here I come!

2010-03-15T17:19:00.000-06:00

I will be on Utah's local morning show-Studio 5- this Thursday, March 18th at 11am. The producer asked me to come on and speak about Facebook etiquette and I'm so excited! At this time, I am truly grateful for technology that makes it possible for me to share the video of my appearance with my blogger buddies only hours after I appear. But I still wish you were all here in Utah just for this one day.

yummo!

2010-03-13T14:32:00.002-07:00

Last night we not only loved the company we kept- but the food! We ate at Terra Mia in Orem. The pizza was pretty authentic italian with lots of choices and the service was quick- and Zazá- the gelato place within Terra Mia- was amazing. We enjoyed Pistachio and banana as well as lemon with strawberry- amazing! I highly recommend these two places (if you're not on a diet that particular night)!

I'm loving...

2010-02-24T13:12:00.004-07:00

My Roku players (they are little digital players that allows the kids to watch channels like Netflix instant watch selections and other internet channels as they become available) this is the way of the future (not necessarily this box- but the idea)!

You can order the jewelry here- the most adorable jewelry ever!

Test drove one this weekend- I think I'm in love- the kids are begging!

Next tropical vacay for sure (Bora Bora)

Mahalo!

2010-02-01T21:08:00.003-07:00

What a relaxing week. Thanks mom for flying up- there wasn't a better person to take care of my kids for the eight days we were in paradise.

We just got back from Maui and I'm already planning our next trip back...

Warren and Annabelle's is a must for anyone who's looking to laugh all night! Cord and I were put in the hot seat and it was so much fun.
Snorkeling couldn't have been more perfect- although I could see down 15 feet or more without a mask, just on my board floating on the water.
This was my view while lying on the beach- not bad, eh?
Near Wailea...some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. Possibly a new favorite vacay spot (although Carmel is hard to beat).
I heart Jodi
the view from our room
snorkeling and whale watching (sans seasickness)
The best souvenir we brought back was Nellie's (my shorkie) shirt that says "Mahalo for a tummy rub"- precious!

So much work...so little time!

2010-01-04T12:59:00.005-07:00

Wow- I can't believe the new year is here. I'm happy to say goodbye to you 2009, although we've had fun, there were some times that I didn't love so much and I'm embracing the change for 2010. The one thing I don't want to embrace is all these decorations! We're going to have to build a new shelf in the garage just for the Christmas stuff.

We're busy beavers over here, I've been remodeling my bathrooms and laundry room as well as a portion of the basement (I will post soon) so I have vowed not to take down these decorations until I have a place to put them (which will hopefully be soon). It's been wonderful to feel so great that I could put up three big trees (with a fourth ready to go in the basement next year when the construction is finished), and three little trees for the kids. It's been a fun holiday but now I'm looking forward to tropical vacations and springtime!

Tree in the "red room" or living room. I used my basement decorations for this tree this year because my mom in law got to come over and see my upper floor and I wanted her to see my "white" tree- normally this 12 footer is filled with formal red and green decorations- but I like how it turned out.

This is our family room tree. I love the black and white incorporated here. it's a funky "Santa" tree filled with different kinds of Santa's among other things.

This is our breakfast area- I have had this snow village for years (1997) but my kids want me to do a big village next year, we'll see how the storage room feels about that!

This is my candy tree. I had the most fun with this tree- everything would be edible if it were real.

My table- lots of fun stuff!

Sofa table- the favorite was the cherry candy canes- that jar is pretty big, although that's hard to see- my kids loved those things!

my favorite part about this is the advent calendar on the left side of the fireplace. We bought it in Carmel this year and we filled it with fun things to do to help remember Christ this Christmas season. It was so much fun to do with our kids- a new found tradition.

This Jim Shore Santa is also from Carmel- there is a Christmas store there that I had to go into our last trip and they shipped everything for me- so much fun- he's holding a partridge in a pear tree.

My "tree" in our room. I love my pussy willows and decided to decorate them with these cut glass snowflakes. I love the way they turned out and since they are "winterish" I'm leaving them up til valentines day!

if it weren't for iphoto!

2009-12-30T11:17:00.004-07:00

Thank goodness iphoto keeps track of the dates my photos were taken or I'd have no chance of keeping up on dates of events. Yes, I have slacked big time on my blogs, but it's been a crazy fall/winter. We've had five birthdays (out of six), one baptism, three major holidays, several vacations, and a partridge in a pear tree! I will briefly summarize the last three months with photos and then try to do better at not using Facebook to micro-blog (even though that's really what I've been doing) in the future.

We picked Nellie up from the airport and were so excited to bring her home- she is a lovely furry addition to our family.

Cayden turned 12 along with three other boys in our neighborhood. We threw them a birthday bash they will never forget. We rented out the BYU practice facility and sixty of the boys friends came and had a blast!
My baby brother got married in Virginia at a beautiful vineyard, the only bummer is that it was Freeeezing that day and so the wedding was moved inside, but it was gorgeous nonetheless, and that was a momentous occasion.

Halloween was fun this year, It was a little crazy since Cayden's party was on the same day, but what would life be if not busy. The little girls were so cute in their hot pink leotards.
Maddy turned eight and was baptized by her daddy. We are so proud of her for making that special choice. I know every baptism is special but that day was so tender.
We did the annual Ottley family Christmas party and everyone participated. I feel that I now have blackmail material on Cayden when he gets older.
We spent Christmas in LA with my family and enjoyed the warmer weather. We saw Mary Poppins the musical at the Ahmanson and had a fantastic dinner at the Biltmore hotel after. It was lovely not having to make dinner, a welcomed reprieve.
The line up Christmas morning...even Nellie got a stocking, which she proceeded to attack- it was a singing moose.
My mom and I cooked side by side Christmas day and had so much fun. I feel like a little kid in a candy store at her house with all her china and crystal. She has enough place settings and variety to seat 80 for Christmas alone and it's always so fun to come home and see all the new and fun things she has purchased for the season.

Whew! Now I'm caught up until our next event. That's a glimpse into our life for the last three months- just the facts. It's been three months filled with fun and craziness...but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope that everyone has had a fantastic holiday season so far!

September Recap

2009-09-27T15:17:00.005-06:00

My parents walked into my bathroom I started screaming...I had no idea that they had flown in to surprise me for my birthday (so they did a good job)- that was a fantastic weekend! My dad played football with Cayden and taught him some new moves...

Daddy and Eliza grew a 24 lb watermelon...actually five of them...WOW! They were so proud (and we loved eating them).
Cord and I had a great time going out over and over again for my birthday- I was totally spoiled- I had Kenzi take a picture of us before we left so I'd have a snapshot of the two of us.
I'm wearing ALL of my birthday presents...at once. I think my favorite is my reclaimed leather handbag- so cool!
I liked my happy birthday sign...as in, it was cute- but I don't know that I love advertising that I'm getting another year older~
Eliza's first day of preschool....
Zander even saved a place for her.
Hannah's birthday at school- her real birthday present comes this Tuesday when we go to the Miley Cyrus concert and then stay in SLC for the night- she is soooo excited
We had to do a "take two" because the bakery shorted me a dozen cupcakes so we did ice cream sandwiches...gotta roll with the punches.
ahh! I hate decisions. I had to choose which dress to wear for my brother's wedding (I'm in the wedding). I came up with three good choices and had cord take pictures so I could see what they really looked like- once this first one gets altered, it will be the winner!

Eliza's first field trip was to Wheeler Farms this past week. She loved chasing the geese who were as big as she is. They were not afraid of her in the least and she can't wait to go back and feed them again.

I love Shirl!

2009-09-06T23:58:00.003-06:00

From the moment I met the Ottley's and sat on Linda's bed that night, I knew I was going to fit into Cord's family without too much difficulty. Not too long after we were engaged, my spring contract was over and I needed a place to live until the wedding. Instead of renting an apartment clear in Provo (Cord lived in Highland 1/2 mile from where we live now), Cord's Grandma Shirl invited me to live in her basement which was completely empty and set up like an apartment. I accepted and lived with her for about a month. During this month, I quickly fell in love with Cord's Grandma the way I had fallen in love with him. She was charismatic, charming, loving, intelligent, funny, and full of life. She was a night owl just like I had always aspired to be (but my parents always wanted to go to bed at 9pm).

Shirl now lives in St. George with Cord's Grandpa Milt, whom we love and adore. She has written several books geared toward teenagers and young adults- but her messages are relevant for all ages.

In church two Sundays ago, there was a discussion about moral decline. I found it so interesting that this is exactly what Shirl had blogged about maybe three days prior? She has a true gift and I hope you enjoy reading her blog and I believe she will talk about her books.

I got pinned!

2009-08-31T11:21:00.005-06:00

Last night was Cayden's court of honor. He received his Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class last night. He's well on his way to being able to drive now. Our goal is actually help Cayden get his Eagle by the time he is 14, so here we go!

He got these awards with many of his good friends...such good boys!

Just before the event started, his leader asked him to recite the scout oath or motto...Cayden did both from memory, then Brother Bruschke asked him to add turning the light bulbs with each character trait, and that messed Cayden up a bit...Britt to the rescue!!! Here is Cayden reciting the oath (i think) and Britton the motto (i think) or vice versa.

The comic relief of the evening was the color guard. I had gone to the back of the culteral hall because Eliza was being so naughty. I decided to do something useful so I started to cut the cake during the slideshow. At the very end, during the color guard retreat, Cayden was in charge of the flag and his friend Daxton was calling things out. Cayden got to the flag and Dax was at the front and they both froze. Cayden felt like he should say something so instead of just walking down with the flag, he said, "ready, begin..." and led the audience in the pledge of allegiance again. Cord said he was laughing so hard that he literally could not recite the pledge. Cord said later he said he felt a little disrespectful (but that he wasn't the only one laughing that hard!). I couldn't see Cayden from the back but I could hear what was going on. When they got to the back I just gave Cayd the thumbs up...what are you gonna do right? at least the pledge was said twice and not at all I guess....ha! I love that when we got home Cayden was laughing just as hard at himself as we all were!

Bully!

2009-08-31T10:41:00.005-06:00

Cayden is playing football this year like I've talked about and we're all enjoying the experience. It's challenging and exciting and he's working hard to make his coaches proud. Cord and I are not aficionados so we're not taking him home from practice talking about plays and how he could improve them and sometimes I feel like I have let him down...maybe I need to take a football class- do they have those for moms???

This is Stockton- Cayden's closest friend. He's also the coaches son and our neighbor. Stockton spends his time telling Cayden about all the positive things he's doing in football and maybe what he could do to improve a few things as well. He also spends his time entertaining us with a little R & B dancing now and then...we love this kid!

Isn't he handsome?

First day at practice, he didn't have a jersey yet and this one obviously didn't fit him.

The rest of football season has been spent blowing up bottles with The Works toilet bowl cleaner and having boy/girl parties at our house (which I lost my camera for...my mom was dying). We've had such a blast these last few weeks and I wouldn't trade this time for anything in the world. He has the sweetest friends who obviously have great families- they come up to me on Sunday and thank me for having them over the Friday before. It's a party at the Ottleys.

Yummy Stew

2009-08-23T10:19:00.003-06:00

As promised! Here is my first recipe. It's easy, and I'm sure that a lot of you have similar recipes, but it's so good that if even one of you makes this as a new recipe for your family it will be worth it.

My Slow Cooker Stew

Serves 8:

2 lbs stew meat

6 potatoes, roughly diced

1 lb baby carrots or 4-6 large carrots, roughly diced

1 onion sliced thinly (optional to taste)

1 (10 3/4 oz can) Cream of Mushroom soup

2 packages brown gravy mix (dry)

2 packages onion soup mix (dry)

8 cups water

In my nifty slow cooker, I brown my meat in my insert, but since most slow cookers are not stovetop worthy, brown your meat in a pan, then transfer to the cooker (and I do think this makes a difference in your stew). Add potatoes, carrots, and onions on top of meat. mix remaining ingredients together in separate bowl and pour over vegetables and meat. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6. Sometimes I cheat and leave it longer on high. This doesn't hurt the stew, it just makes my meat really really tender, which is never a bad thing in my opinion. This stew makes my entire house smell so good! I love this recipe, especially on a day like today (here in Utah, even though it's warm(ish), it's overcast. Enjoy!

Football Crockpot Series

2009-08-19T04:33:00.007-06:00

About three days into football practice, Cord started to get really sad because he was missing out on home-cooked meals. The "sadness" with a little whining got to be a little much for me at the end of week one. To be honest, I welcomed the week of no cooking, although I understood where he was coming from...dinner at 8:30 was crazy and then a party at our house afterwards with the entire neighborhood (although so fun) was getting to be too much for my melancholy husband to take. I decided to take control. I made a compromise that if I would make dinner, we could still have the neighborhood over to make toilet bowl cleaner bombs if he had homemade stew first?!?! He agreed! My sanguine personality was satisfied!

Thus, with a little inspiration from Cindy, a fellow football mom going through the same anguish, I have decided to post some recipes that I love in hopes that you will enjoy these this fall...or any time of year. Some of these recipes will undoubtedly come from crockpot365.blogspot.com as I love Stephanie's innovative ideas...and others will come from my little "Mormon" collection, because I love three-five ingredients dumped. Others still come from trial and error in my own kitchen...so I guess you'll have a variety to choose from, but they will all have been eaten by our family first*.

I hope you enjoy reading and tasting these as much as I enjoy posting these for you!

*My kids are NOT picky eaters so watch out!

Oh what joys we find on Google! (long post)

2009-08-08T07:59:00.004-06:00

By raise of hands, who's seen Confessions of a Shopaholic? Well I've been compared to Rebecca Greenwood more than once...by friends and family. I don't take that as a compliment by the way. I am working hard on controlling my spending habits and have done much better in the last couple of years thank you very much!

This morning Cordy and I were up way before the sun and we were lying in bed chatting about canning, school time for the kids, work, and started talking about Linked In. He mentioned that his profile was not showing up even though he had just gone to the trouble of creating it (and it IS trouble for him because he doesn't do social media). I told him I'd check Google and see what came up and so I did. I laughed as his Amazon wish list popped up as did his Facebook profile (which he's never on). Then I saw something I've never seen before (although I've never googled his name); I saw an article in the Des News and I clicked and found something that made both of us giggle and thought I'd share it (mostly for journaling's sake as we use this blog for some of our family memories).

"Magnets, Phones, Pots star at Show"

by Kersten Swinyerd

Janine and Cordale Ottley went to the Deseret News Home Improvement, Remodeling & Decorating Show looking for silver polish. They left with nearly $500 in merchandise — and no silver polish. That $500 represented a little of everything: CD-ROM games for their 3-year-old son, Cayden, a new set of cookware for Janine and a Halloween candle for the whole family. While mom and dad (and grandpa, Doug Hansen, who was visiting from California) browsed through displays on windows, vacuum cleaners, floor tile and pots, Cayden and his 1-year-old sister, Hannah, were occupied by the free candy and food samples from salespeople trying to entice the family to buy, buy, buy.Well, it worked. Janine was taken in by a display of the "Greater Grater," and Cordale muttered good-naturedly that "she'll stop for any kitchen utensil — we don't get out of a home show without at least one kitchen utensil.

They also looked at displays that featured closet organizers, ink-jet cartridges, concrete styling techniques, cellular phones, vinyl fencing, mattresses, food storage, gas fireplaces, magnets, shoe polish and cookbooks. "We have about 30 cookbooks at home," Cordale said. That's probably why a cookbook didn't make it into the back of their stroller.

At the end of their day, they had as many pamphlets and business cards from home-improvement companies as they could ever want — but they also had the ideas they needed to get a start on their house.

Just goes to show, you never know what you'll find out there and what's more, Cord and I have no recollection of her ever following us or writing an article about our shopping habits at the home show. This was a good laugh for both of us.

Caydens Braces

2009-07-30T10:41:00.002-06:00

One last hurrah!

2009-07-30T10:34:00.005-06:00

It was so fun to enjoy our family time together for a week or so. We slept in, watched movies, swam until our ears were full of water and the kids even taught me how to play marco polo (wink wink), ate way too much great food, and took fabulous pictures. But most of all, we squeezed every moment of sheer joy out of each other and it was a great close to summer.

Fun in the fading days of summer

2009-07-20T22:09:00.006-06:00

I have a difficult time believing that summer is coming to a close. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that it was something like 97˚ today...or maybe it's that time has gone too fast, yet again! My babies are growing too quickly and I'm trying to bargain with time, but it seems to speed up every time I turn around.

Cayden is turning 12 in two months or so, Hannah is turning 10 in a little less than that, my Madelyn will be baptized at the end of this year, and Eliza Jane can't stop reminding me that she will be "this many" as she holds up her proud five fingers (in February)..."the seventh"...she even knows the day. But on to less sappy things...sniff sniff.

Eliza and Maddy are so proud of the harvests from the garden- and with good reason: they planted almost everything out there, with some help. Eliza shouted just Saturday from the kitchen door, "Daaaaaaddyyyyy??? Do you have any seeeeeeeeeds for me to plant????" to which Cord replied, "sure, come on out!" and the girls when out with glee and grabbed their shovels to help in the garden like they were going to a party!

We have wild kingdom and Animal Planet at our house...who needs the zoo? We caught some grasshoppers and watched George and Clarence (Cayden's sugar gliders) devour them and rip them to shreds. Now I love most living creatures, but this was fascinating to watch and I love our gliders and knowing that they were getting that much enjoyment (and protein) made it bearable.
The final swimming lessons. We loved swimming at the Stewarts. I loved watching my kids excel at their skills and bonding with their Aunt Missy and friends and they loved having Aunt Missy teach them and playing after with their friends and especially their cousins! Red Cross is for sure the way to go and I'm so proud of them for learning to be such champs in the pool! Eliza is the only one who I would even put a life jacket on in the pool and with that she can (and does) do anything- that's pretty impressive for a four-year-old in my book...and without it she can swim by herself- but after a little while she's tired, so I'd rather she be in her little safe jacket after those few minutes of braving it! Yay kids!
SAY CHEESE!
YES!!!
LOOK MOM, MISSY'S NOT HOLDING ME!

A special Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-28T15:04:00.003-06:00

We had a fun weekend with our extended family...there were a lot of them. over 400 people would have been there had the attendance been at 100% but I was impressed at the 220 plus who were able to make it and braved the rain in the middle of June. We enjoyed hearing all the wonderful things our ancestors did and I feel blessed to have such wonderful heritage. I met many wonderful relatives who live right here in Alpine, Draper, Highland, whom I didn't even know I was related to. It was a true delight. Thank you to the foundation for making the weekend possible! This is my Father's family www.jacksonflint.org

Here is Maddy proudly sporting her Lakers hat that Grandpa Doug brought up for her on the way up to Midway!

Here we are at one of the dinners enjoying our family. I can't believe we all fit in that room even though it was large!

Just keep swimming swimming swimming

2009-06-28T15:01:00.002-06:00

The girls had such a great time taking swimming lessons from their Aunt Missy. They're ready for round two starting Monday adding Cayden to the mix this time so he can refine his mad skills!

My trip to DC

2009-06-13T19:33:00.002-06:00

Let me first of all say that I so enjoyed jetting across the country on Virgin America? They rock! I loved every moment of my flight and I can't wait to fly with them again (can they hurry and come to Salt Lake already?).

I went with my mother to DC for my sister-in-law-to-be in support of her bridal shower. Alissa is adorable and I loved meeting her family and especially loved spending time with Jeff (my brother). It was a great weekend and here I am with Alissa in the middle and Merideth (Alissa's sister) on the right.

Busy beavers!

2009-06-13T19:16:00.003-06:00

I'm a bit behind in the blogging department...and sadly, my pink teapot blog takes priority! We've had preschool graduation, dance festival, end of school festivities, birthday parties, and all kinds of craziness. Of course I got a monster cold right in the middle of it all! Better late than never, here are the pictures of some of our happenings.

Eliza got "most polite" in her preschool class. I thought that was so adorable. Miss Molly talked about our family and she got emotional when she talked about how she had taught all of our children. We love you Miss Molly!
Cayden didn't look so pleased in this picture. Perhaps a glimpse of the fact that he once WAS in preschool was just too much for my little man!
Eliza loved her last field trip to the Zoo! The elephants and giraffes were her favorite.
Zander (Zan) Eliza's cousin is one of her bestest friends! She loves him!

Dance the day away

2009-06-13T19:14:00.000-06:00

Cayden was under-thrilled as usual to be performing a dance in public. He tried his hardest to keep the scowl on his face (although I caught him on camera being his happy, sweet self). Cayd is growing into a man so quickly, it boggles my mind...shhh, don't tell, but I even get a whiff of cologne (thanks to Rachel and Gordon for taking him to Macy's and letting him have samples)-wherever he goes- I'm a proud mamma!

Hannah is all about dancing and performing; she had a blast! She was so excited to be right up front and I don't think she looked away from the camera for more than two seconds put together. My little hammy!

Dance festival is always talked about for weeks before the actual event. I get personal performances (from the girls-Cayden is too manly) and this year, it was hilarious as Madelyn warned us that the lyrics to her song were a bit racy. "Kiss, love, baby" I believe were the words she said were in the song and that made it "gross". She was slightly displeased that her partner was several inches shorter than she was, that was an intense topic of conversation! Oh, and the song? Yeah, "Singing in the rain"...a version she perhaps didn't recognize, but harmless in our eyes although she was abhorred.

My favorite version of Gone with the Wind-a must see!

2009-05-25T08:37:00.004-06:00

Now I'm a fan of the classic with Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable of Gone with the Wind...but this little webisode version was too hilarious to pass up! It's a little on the edgy side for me, but I laughed so hard when I saw it that I had to share it with all of you. What a clever way to advertise, it's exactly the way that ads are going (webisodes) because at the end, although the"commercial" is cheesy, I wanted that ice cream; it was effective! Bravo Breyers!

A trial endured

2009-05-20T18:43:00.002-06:00

I was reading one of my newly found favorite blogs (thanks Jenn) and I was so surprised to read that she talked about chronic pain being one of the worst trials (I think she called it the worst) to endure. Of course all things are relative to our experience but I was so struck by that comment. I have had some say in the past (who don't deal with chronic pain) that it's something they could handle. In my opinion this is a statement I would be careful not to make until you've walked a mile so-to-speak. I don't deal with what Stephanie from nienie dialogues does by any stretch of the imagination but it really made me think and made me grateful that someone else understands what it's like to hurt a lot. I had another friend a couple of weeks ago say how she just takes for granted that she can get up in the morning feeling great and ready for the day, it's true, I know I used to...not anymore. Now when I have a day when I feel well, I'm so happy, pleasantly surprised, and then I jam pack it full of things so that I can make the most of it (probably not the best idea, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?)

Fibromyalgia just doesn't "cut it" for a diagnosis where I'm concerned as my Drs agree, my situation is just too complex, but having a name gives me hope that one day I'll find an answer; we need that as human beings...answers.

I am grateful, that's what gets me through. I'm grateful for my loving and patient husband who still looks at me as though I was the most amazing person on the earth (which clearly I am NOT) and constantly tells me why he loves me (don't deserve him...I won the eternal lotto), I am grateful for children who pray every day that mommy will feel better and are loving and caring and healthy. I am grateful for a Savior who knows what I go through, because clearly, some people do not, and I pray that their lack of understanding will be replaced with compassion and kindness toward others. I am grateful for my trial of pain and health problems, because without them, I wouldn't understand what others go through, and now I am blessed with that compassion, instead of an attitude of "get over it". I am grateful for the people who come into my home every week, several times a week, etc whom I pay to help me, because without them, I'd be lost. I am grateful for my Mom and the family who does support me, as well as caring and kind friends who are truly there, not threatened, not flaky, just there, and happy and confident with who they are.

I guess that's the answer to that sadness that I feel when I'm throwing up from a kidney infection or ischemic colitis, or a migraine.....gratitude...I have so much to be grateful for.

Happy (belated) Mother's day

2009-05-12T14:39:00.002-06:00

This was my tribute to my Mother that I wrote for Vintage Hem. I have been inspired by my mom throughout my life but especially as a woman. She is my best friend, I love you mom!

Carmel-by-the-sea

2009-04-28T08:59:00.008-06:00

Probably my most favorite vacation spot in the whole world! I have many font memories of Carmel and I do consider it a second home. We recently returned from a little trip there and we had a wonderful time. I went into stores that I had never gone into before. I also was sad to see some institutions go...Thom Gregg Jewelers...my parents personal jeweler for years, how many mom? has closed his doors, but is still doing pieces from his home he told my parents. Howard Portnoy, a close friend who owned a successful art gallery, passed away suddenly from lung cancer but had never smoked a day in his life, he will be missed and is responsible for many of the masterpieces hanging in my parent's home. It was sad to see those things, among others, gone...but things change. I've never been a huge fan of the "chain" stores in Carmel. I like the Carmel Pharmacy that's been there for 35+ years (a gallery next to the pharmacy had this picture...it's the spitting image of my Madelyn!!)

Neilsens market, etc, Carmel institutions, but I decided that I'd visit some different stores. I walked into a Coach store on Ocean, which turned out to be an outlet, which surprised me. I was pleasantly surprised however (thanks Megan) because instead of paying retail for bags, they were way discounted! That was fun! We visited our friend Roger Budney's gallery...where I fell in love with a little piece called "The Visitor" that will be on my wall soon...it evoked such emotion as to bring tears to my eyes, which, for anyone who knows me, knows that's not too difficult a task. We dined at the French Poodle, a Carmel institution, finishing with Floating Island dessert, I nearly licked the plate clean! My favorite NEW experience though was The Carmel Hat Company. I met Mary San Marçon, who I adore! She makes the most incredible hats....I had to have five!

She talked of learning to pray as she made the hats because she realized that the people who were purchasing the hats often were sick with cancer and needed her prayers....what a sweet spirit she is!

Carmel-by-the-sea is truly magical and though I always hesitate talking about my little secret because I like keeping it a secret, it's like the Gospel, how can you keep something so wonderful a secret when it brings such joy and happiness?

Lunch with my peeps

2009-04-23T21:10:00.003-06:00

It doesn't get much better than going to lunch with my sistas! I love you! It was Rachel and Lizzie's birthday (respectively since they're minutes apart)...and so we celebrated at the new Zupas in American Fork that just opened. We even shared a few Million Dollar Bars...yummy! Although, they should rename them Million calorie bars!

Time

2009-04-14T22:40:00.002-06:00

Time is priceless, yet it costs us nothing.

You can do anything you want with it, but you can't own it.

You can spend it, but you can't keep it....

and once you've lost it, there's no getting it back...it's just gone.

All growed up

2009-04-13T08:30:00.002-06:00

So yesterday as Cayden was ready for church, he whisked into our bedroom and the faint but distinct smell of cologne (or body spray from B & B works really) followed him. It hit me at that moment that my little boy has left. A series of events including adventures with his friends to the market, late nights playing night games, and "boy/girl parties" have led me to understand that my little Cayden who was just a moment ago my "angel baby boy" (what I used to call him) is now growing up every second and every day before my eyes. I realized that he'll be on his mission in 7 1/2 years. He'll be entering college in less than 6 (if he doesn't do something crazy like graduate early and I wouldn't put that past him). I'm so proud of the man he's becoming and the integrity that he has. He's intelligent, honest to a fault, sincere, friendly, knowledgeable about the Gospel, and loving. I love you Cayden and I know that not only am I proud of you, but so is your Dad, and so is your Father in Heaven.

Vintage Hem...amazing spring line

2009-04-08T23:30:00.005-06:00

I was like a kid in a candy store...so excited to get my "Spring Tea collection". I managed to turn a 21$ target dress into this with Effie's Dessert, which we're giving away on our blog. Simply go to our blog and leave a comment on how you've heard about us!

Spring has sprung!

2009-04-08T23:26:00.004-06:00

Despite waking up sick, the "farm" comes first! I treked it down to IFA and picked up baby chicks. Our chickens have been so much fun, but they just go on strike every winter now because they're getting older. We have good friends who are going to take them, and we get to enjoy raising a whole new group!

This is Eliza's kindred friend, Lucy. They had so much fun looking at, talking to, and holding the baby chicks!

When we're helping we're happy...

2009-04-08T23:22:00.003-06:00

We've helped Madelyn learn how to empty the dishwasher and put everything in it's place...and Eliza is eager to follow in her footsteps!

Our green dinner!

2009-04-08T23:08:00.005-06:00

We had everything green for St. Patty's day dinner...although our main dish was less than traditional for our family. Fårikål (for-e-cole) is a traditional Norwegian dish. They use lamb, but I'm not a big fan, so we used pork, then you add a TON of cabbage and peppercorns, etc., cook in the slow cooker (my favorite household friend) and voila! a yummy main dish. We dyed the lemonade green, the milk green...even for cereal, green rolls, green salad, and green donuts...we had a blast!

Letting go is bliss...

2009-04-03T10:29:00.004-06:00

So I'll get into these introspective moods and I have to throw it somewhere. I'm a big believer that when we learn a lesson or when we finally "get" something, we emanate that "energy" (at the risk of sounding odd)...but we give that vibe off...whether it's "I've got what I need, stay away" or "I like you, let's be friends" or "You need help? Let me fix it for you" whatever. Over the years and through many experiences, some good-some bad, I've felt all of those things.

As I was sitting in the car yesterday, I was overcome with gratitude that my attitude had shifted to one of, "I'm great and so are you" toward everyone...truly. I'm not trying to say I'm perfect here, far from it, but an overwhelming calm and peace came over me and I just felt that I had come to a place where the things that had bothered me (which were my fault, not others), didn't bother me anymore; the things that I had faulted others for, I didn't fault them for any longer. I had a genuine love for all.

I'm being pretty general here and that's okay, but my point is that I think that we need to come to a reckoning with ourselves. I have thought much about judgement and how sometimes I justify my actions as righteous judgement or thinking, "well, I was judged first..." shame on me. That's not my job. My job is to love others unconditionally and to NOT judge them.

Now I'm not sitting here writing this thinking that I've arrived to some moral high ground, on the contrary, I've felt truly humbled and asked for forgiveness for all the harshness that I've passed, even unknowingly.

For those of you whom I may not talk to, for those of you who I may not have a chance to call and apologize but by some chance may read this, I ask for your forgiveness; I offer my sincerest apologies. When I thought I was walking around loving others and all, I was really walking around feeling badly that this or that wasn't happening in my life when that was my fault, not the fault of others. It's too bad it's taken me 31 years to realize this, but I'm glad that no more time will be spent wasted on this negativity...because it's probably made me physically ill.

we reap what we sow...I'm planting a great garden this spring...it's a new beginning, a re-birth!

Time alone

2009-03-11T00:33:00.003-06:00

We had fun eating at the Social House at TI...I had lots of great suggestions...this one was the closest to our hotel with great reviews...a good compromise and ended up being yummy!

Lovely picture of us...we took it ourselves on our way to the spa...we stopped to listen to/watch the fountains at the Bellagio...so different for Vegas right?

Tired but happy to go home....and had a blast in Vegas! We Saw Kevin James and Ray Romano, Laughed so hard, caught up on a couple of movies we missed in the theaters, ate yummy food, went shopping, went to Qua-Caesar's Palace spa (I highly recommend it-they have an arctic room where snow falls from the ceiling), and somehow still came home tired...what?!

Girls Weekend!

2009-03-10T10:45:00.006-06:00

I think I'm a little mixed up on posting about trips, so before I post about Vegas (I only have three pictures anyway) I thought I'd show you some pictures of my trip to LA with Rachel, my sister (...in law technically)...I LOVER HER! I adore all of Cord's sisters, they're fantastic and I'm so blessed to have them in my life! Above are my parents so excited to eat a bowl of Matzo Ball Soup from Juniors (an LA institution)!

And here Rachel and I are eating ours...Rachel had a lot of "firsts" on this trip...including Matzo Ball Soup...which she loved and has since craved!

That night we went to dinner with my parent's friends and it was crystal clear over the San Fernando Valley (I know, right?) so we decided to document this rarity with a photo!

We had fun, this is a favorite group of mine!

Had to take Rach for a ride in the 'stang...I think she was a little afraid...I think we went from zero to ninety in like 5 seconds...giddy up!

We were running some errands for my parents and got silly with the RX glasses...

way too silly...

Brunch at the Vines...yummy...and it couldn't have been a more perfect weekend! It was like 76˚ and then we left and my mom said we took the warm weather with us!

Me and my dad

We took a long walk that afternoon, in my parent's development they have "paseos" which are naturally preserved walkways that are amazing, this picture was in front of a heritage oak...probably 150 years old...and the picture below is not photoshoped, the sky was that blue.

The "scary" tunnel as I call it. Every time I check in by myself it seems, I'm in the wrong place and have to walk down this creepy tunnel and I'm always alone! This time there was a lady with us and she said she'd take our picture to document the "scary tunnel"...it seriously goes on forever under the airport.

We were sad to go home, but these were the happy faces we mustered up. Thanks Rach for indulging me and playing with me for the weekend. My favorite was shopping on Rodeo drive and having you take pictures out the car window! I also loved driving with the top down with the sun on our faces...but mostly loved hanging out with my sister.

Beautification?

2009-03-04T09:50:00.005-07:00

So the other day I came home from a myriad of "beauty" treatments and I was immediately tackled by my children with questions, "what's wrong with your eyebrows mom?", "Is your hair okay mom?"...etc. I was feeling just a little put off until Cayden said, "Mom, when are your eyebrows going back to normal?" then I was a lot put off!

Cord later said, "you know you don't have to do any of 'this' for me, I think you're beautiful when you wake up in the morning just the way you are". What a sweet husband I have. Of course, I said, I knew that I didn't need to do that and I know who I am and how I feel about myself regardless of my drab blonde hair color or how blonde my eyebrows are. But we did have a good discussion that there was a certain amount of "maintenance" that I felt I liked to "do" on myself and that made me feel good...and I thought that was okay. (My pride was making me start to feel like this was an intervention from my family...I'm not off getting cologen or botox injections...or any plastic surgery...or even regular facials...I just wanna see my eyebrows for goodness sakes and blondes don't always want to be blonde! Then I had to just calm down and be more humble, this is not what he was trying to say.

The point I think I'm trying to get to here, is that my sweet husband was reminding me that beauty exudes from within and that he hoped that I remembered that. "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh on the heart" 1 Samuel 16:7

What can I say, I have a saint for a husband, it's always good to have reminders and I needed a good reminder from Cord that the beatification that is most important comes from within, not from without and that without that inner beauty, it doesn't matter how much you spend on your hair...

Exhausted...but happy!

2009-02-27T09:43:00.003-07:00

We got to the park early Thursday morning and actually had my dad there for a few hours...so we got a picture of our entire family at Disneyland (that made two total I think!). Cord refused to let the employees take a picture of us because he insisted that their wireless method of transporting the files was so quick that their resolution must be very low, like 2 megapixels...photographic elitist! "The Wharf" made me feel like I was in Carmel or on the bay in Monterey...I have been telling Cord we're going to Carmel in April...I'm making plans this week...we enjoyed a little time here for lunch two days in a row! That's my dad on the right for those of you who haven't had the privelage of meeting him...love him to death!

Love you all! Cordy kept taking pictures of me, so I decided to shock him a bit and pay attention and blow him a kiss...it got a smile.

She sure knows how to have fun!
You could tell that we were at the end of a long trip and a long day...everyone was trying to be excited about the teacups, but we were so tired! Goodbye Disneyland...until next time...give me at least six months to recover!

Day two-ramping up, ramping down

2009-02-22T22:27:00.002-07:00

Grizzly River Rapids is (was) Cayden's favorite ride until we went on California Screamin' (he went at least five times-pictures to come...or video I think). We used the child switch pass since Eliza missed the height requirement by two inches...so our family went in two groups.

Hannah and I didn't get too wet!

While Cayden, Hannah, and I waited in line for California Screamin', Cord took this adorable picture of our future hero!

Here we are at the highlight of our day...bugs life experience! My glasses were the best part...Cord looks pretty adorable in them, don'tcha think?
We had our ups and downs on day two-filming in the middle of main street, Eliza being harrassed by the ride attendants about her height, and short lines with fun rides and my adorable family...I had a love/hate relationship with Dland by the end of that day!

The Happiest place on earth...for at least the first day!

2009-02-21T22:43:00.005-07:00

We have had a blast on our vacation to Disneyland and are still traveling home as I write this. I have so enjoyed my family and watching how big they all are and their interactions with each other. It warms my heart to see them love each other (even though they also want to kill each other sometimes) and we had the time of our lives...but Cord and I are getting old...by the end of day three, we were so excited when Eliza asked, "Can we go again?" to the attendant on Pirates of the Caribbean because Cord and I were enjoying lying on each other and closing our eyes.

Here are some tidbits of the first day...more to come soon:After a very rainy start to our day, we decided to go on splash mountain, for which there was no wait, the ride attendants kept asking us to go again and again...we finally had to tell them no thank you and get out, we were soaked!

After a couple of hours, the weather cleared up and it was a beautiful day in Disneyland, we enjoyed the sun...but especially enjoyed no lines!

Hannah was way into her clam chowder which she had at various places in both parks all three days...and it's all over her mouth...she was really enjoying herself.

We had the most hilarious Jungle Cruise driver...he made us all laugh...there weren't many pictures of our entire family of course because one of us was always behind the camera!

But here was one precious picture of our entire family...the other one is coming...from our last day that we had my dad take (he came for part of our third day to hang out). The ride attendant on Matterhorn was kind enough to offer to take our picture amid lines (although the lines were small)...now that's service!

Weird Science

2009-02-14T11:57:00.004-07:00

Cayden entered the Science fair this year with a project that was way beyond my comprehension, in fact, when he told me about it a year ago, I told him, "magnets can't float Cayden, we're not doing that". He is so smart! He ended up winning the award for the most advanced science project in the school, that was pretty cool! Superconductors are technology of the future...google them, it's pretty cool stuff. His cousin Zander was very proud of him too! I am also very pleased that Cayden did the entire project with his partner Brittain and we didn't help him with anything but the video burning...he did absolutely everything by himself...you can tell by the sign!!! Yay Cayden!

One of many...

2009-02-11T08:15:00.005-07:00

Eliza, being our last, has it good...and bad sometimes! She is having like three birthday parties, but not all of them occurred on her birthday, that's the downfall. She keeps asking me, "Is it STILL my birthday?" I try and explain that we're going to have a party for her this weekend at The Ottley's and then again in California at Disneyland next week. That's much too far away for her...she just understands the immediate. Here is her preschool celebration yesterday, one of many celebrations...I think actually by the time we're done, she will have had: one at home on her birthday, one at preschool, one at Cord's parents, one at my parents, and one at Ariel's Grotto in D land...plenty for one four year old...that's all to make up for the fact that I was in CA during her actual big day because my mom was having her hip replaced...a whole other story.

The next installment to the story is the "Ottley family party" at which she received a pink tutu with a pink hair bow to match from Apricot Smiles...so adorable and fluffy! We ended with a princess cake at Grandma Penny's house after three days at Disneyland of people wishing her "happy birthday" every five seconds which she loved! She really knows she's four now!

I wish they all could be California girls...

2009-02-02T09:57:00.003-07:00

We had to pretend it wasn't winter and enjoy some good old fashioned California stuff: Red convertable mustang, two cute blondies, and some crazy driving!!! Brings back great memories!

Success!

2009-01-29T13:59:00.005-07:00

I am determined to find the perfect hot cereal recipe for the kids in the morning and I tweaked the original oatmeal recipe and I have found sweet success! It was a huge hit, my kids couldn't get enough.

1 c Red Mill 5 grain cereal or other mixed grains
5 c Water-not milk- you can add milk later
1/3 c Brown sugar or maple syrup
1/4 t Salt
1 T Butter, melted
apples, sliced and diced (optional)
1/2 t nutmeg
1/2 t Cinnamon

mix all ingredients together and place in the slow cooker on low overnight (8-10 hours) I want to hear if this even works out for you all, let me know.

bits and pieces...

2009-01-25T19:02:00.008-07:00

Here is Heather Wilson (our model) and me with Brooke and Darrin, the hosts of Studio 5, we had a blast and they were so kind and gracious, along with the rest of the production staff! I'm grateful for a business partner who finds things for a crazy person (me) to do, thanks Jenn!

I wore my new boots around Dallas...oh boy! My feet hurt so bad that if they weren't so cute, they'd be in my closet permanently! I am told that I can have them stretched if they don't stretch out in the next few wears...but look how cute (they're not purple, they're brown...color is off).

I've had fun in Dallas...I came down to support Vintage Hem in the apparel market show at the Dallas international market. This place was amazing, suffice it to say....gigantic! It's something like fifteen floors...We had a good time and it was fun to continue with the Vintage Hem momentum since we were on Studio 5 on Thursday. I literally went to the airport a few hours after I got home from KSL and all flights were delayed or canceled because of fog! My sweet husband actually came back up to get me, we waited around for two hours, found out that they were not going to let me get my bag because it was on the plane already...and since all the slips (incuding our new Effie's Dessert) were in there, I was not going home and having my bag go to Dallas! After countless hours...we finally took off in the morning and I made it to Dallas.

My only regret is that there is no picture to show y'all of the karaoke that I did last night...not that a picture would help you get a firm grasp on how I sounded, but it was a blast! It's been so long since I've done karaoke (no I don't count my birthday) and it was fun!

Go VH!

2009-01-15T07:35:00.005-07:00

Vintage Hem is one of the top three finalists for "The Next Big Thing" which is a huge honor and contest which would continue to help our business grow. We're excited to find out on Saturday if we won! On Wednesday we're on Fox 13 in the morning (early-like 7) where Hannah, Rachel (Jenn's sweet girl) and I will be showing off our new spring collection. Make sure and check that out. Send good thoughts our way during this weekend, we're excited, keep everything crossed (well, ya know) and I hope it all goes well! Our press release can be found on our blog.

oh boy!

2009-01-12T20:40:00.002-07:00

I found a blog that I'm pretty excited about. I realize that I strayed from out topic of conversation for the week, the slow cooker, but I've re-commited myself! check this out! A year of crockpotting she's got some fantastic looking recipes and I'm convinced I'm not using my oven again until at least next week!

My hubby my hero

2009-01-11T23:53:00.002-07:00

So Cord got creative tonight and thought he'd make it a little easier for everyone to navigate through my blog...look on the bottom right-hand corner and you'll find two arrows. the "down" arrow will take you to my music so you can turn it off or pause it, or simply change the song; the "up" arrow will take you to the top of my blog again. Wow!!! Isn't he amazing? Swoon!

The Ottley family

2009-01-11T23:02:00.002-07:00

So here is Cord's family...we finally got this picture converted from RAW (don't ask me what that stands for, it's photo talk) and I'm excited that we finally have it!

ask and ye shall receive...

2009-01-10T22:44:00.005-07:00

so...no heads on the chopping block for this one;SLoW CooKEr OaTmeAL it's a work in progress, but it's yummy, healthy, and hot in the morning without having to do anything except scoop it out! I made this recipe up so here it goes...(like my yummy stock photo by the way?)

5 cups skim milk (yes you can use rice or soy)
1 cup rolled (not quick) oats. If you have the "church issue" make sure they're rolled, otherwise, put some in a 1 gallon zip lock bag and go over them with a rolling pin a few times.
1/4 to 1/3 c brown sugar (to taste) you can also use xylotol, stevia, or honey, but honey will get sticky
1 T butter, melted
1/2 t cinnamon
splash of nutmeg (if you're a fan)
1/4 t salt
1 apple sliced and peeled if you wish

mix all together and set slow cooker on low and let 'er rip for 8-9 hours! serve with extra milk if needed and/or brown sugar for taste. Good luck! There are also some great health food whole grain cereal mixes I've recently come upon that you can successfully cook in the slow cooker....a great way to start the day! I think this might be my theme for the week (or month depending on how busy I am).

a new friend

2009-01-07T16:58:00.002-07:00

So I got this little baby a few weeks before Thanksgiving and I have to say I absolutely love it! I bought it at Williams Sonoma and here are a few reasons why it is the best slow cooker in my opinion. It has a non-stick surface on the insert that everything just slides right out of, including a rice concoction that I left too long in the slow cooker. I enjoy the 20 hour low function that it has, so I could essentially do a roast all night and all day for ultimate tenderness. My favorite feature (besides the easy cleanup and sleek look) is that the insert is aluminum with cast iron baked on so I can sear my roasts or cook my sofrito (onions, celery, carrots) before I put them into my dish without dirtying another pan! I was telling a friend this morning how much I love my slow cooker and promising her that I don't get a percentage of sales from this product nor do I own Williams Sonoma stock (although I should with how much I shop there!). I love to incorporate at least two slow cooker meals into my weekly menu and I have friends who are much more creative with their slow cookers than I but anyway, just a little sharing...from me to you! Happy cooking!

So long christmas decorations??

2009-01-05T16:21:00.003-07:00

I'm sad that it's time already to take down the Christmas decor. It adds an ambiance (said with a french accent) that simply disappears after it's gone. I think we should vote in a Valentines Day tree or something! I know my family would love to re-decorate the tree with monthly themes... anyone, anyone? Anyway, that's what I'm doing today, taking down the magic. I guess the blessing in all of it is that we can carry the spirit of Christmas and Christ-like love and charity all year long without a Christmas tree in our family rooms. No pictures, it's too depressing...so I posted the cute video of Rachy sledding so we can all be cheered up by that after reading this post!

More snow fun

2009-01-05T16:12:00.005-07:00

So here is Rachel enjoying the snow...and I'm playing the part of sledding instructor! those round discs are slippery little things! WARNING- Stop my music while you watch, my sweet husband added some music to the video just for effect!

ooohhhh this might get addicting!

2008-12-30T00:11:00.003-07:00

I posted on The Pink Teapot blog the other day something very profound that my mom said to me and I'd love to share it with friends who don't necessarily look at my etiquette blog often if at all. Here is the link to what I said and I just can't get it off my mind. Cord and I are heading to Idaho for a funeral this weekend and these things are just in my heart. If these things make even one person think...and maybe that person is just me...then I guess it's all worth it right?

Have yourself a merry little christmas

2008-12-28T22:14:00.004-07:00

First of all, our thoughts and continued prayers go out to our dear friends who are hurting right now with sickness and sadness for different reasons in their lives. You know who you are.

That being said, we had a quiet and intimate Christmas at home and enjoyed every moment. Usually on Christmas eve, we go over the Christmas story from the Bible, but this year, I found a new book that uses direct quotes from the King James Version of the Bible and also hymns and other sacred Christmas songs with beautiful illustrations. We used this for our guide on Christmas eve after playing our traditional Christmas eve game that we open every year, which was Blokus this year...thank you to Steve and Sheri for your suggestion, this was a perfect and fun game for the whole family.
On Christmas morning, we lined everyone up as normal on the basement stairs and had them walk in while Cord video taped them with his new camera (Santa came early for Cordy). we do "Santa" first, then we just pick random presents and we watch each other one by one open presents...mom and dad always wait until very last. Our stockings are the very last things we open and we even had enough self control this year to take a small break to eat breakfast...muffins and breakfast casserole. After all the present commotion, we got all the kids suited up and Cord suited up as well, and they all went outside while I had a chance to video them and clean up a bit. We went to Cord's parents later that day for a while which is always so fun...and I can't remember what time I fell asleep on the love sac...I was a little tired!

We finished off our weekend by going sledding again, all of us, along with family and friends. It was so much fun. I've ended the weekend not feeling so well, I'll leave it at that...but it's been crazy...and now the kids are home for another week or more...it should be exciting! Have a wonderful new year!!

Santa Clause is comin' TO TOWN!!!

2008-12-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Stop. Hammertime!

2008-12-06T13:12:00.002-07:00

Cord is not going to appreciate the fact that I'm putting music on my blog simply because he doesn't like to listen to music while he reads. I, on the other hand, love to listen to music while reading, stirring dinner with the other hand, and singing to my babies all at the same time. I am truly from Generation X!

Our Christmas traditions

2008-12-06T00:08:00.002-07:00

Over the last twelve years, it's been so much fun to combine Christmas traditions and create our own. I thought I'd share our traditions with you!

Cord insists that we not decorate until the day after Thanksgiving, which is a holiday we both enjoy so fully, we don't want to distract ourselves from it (same with Christmas music, although I personally could listen to it all year long and put my tree up in October if he'd let me).
We try and make it to the Messiah sing in and then I proceed to sing the entire Messiah along with MoTab all month long!
We love to give neighbor gifts that mean something...some years we're more successful than others.
Christmas chain- we make a chain of strips of paper inter-linked and on each strip is written a blessing in our lives because of the gospel. Every day we take a few off and read them.
We love good Christmas movies that must be watched every year: Meet me in St. Louis, Miracle on 34th street, It's a wonderful life, The bishops wife, Christmas Vacation (a classic!), The Grinch who stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Clause is coming to town, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, and Home Alone....to name a few!
Candy cane countdown to Christmas.
We read a story about Christmas every night, either a book or one from my personal collection of inspirational stories.
Baking and gaining weight seem to have become a Christmas tradition...I'd like to avoid the latter this year!
We try to give back...
We eat dinner on Christmas eve, which is different from my family...it's a Norwegian tradition. We have prime rib and yorkshire pudding along with many traditional side dishes. We then open one present (always) pajamas, we read the Christmas story in the new testament...and we used to act it out, but Cayden is getting too cool for that so we're going to tweak that a bit this year.
We stay up late on Christmas eve...you know why!
On Christmas morning, I get up early and make breakfast casserole and orange julius. We line the kids up in the kitchen or on the stairs, youngest to oldest and then introduce them into "wonderland".
After we open presents (and get a good nap) we enjoy leftovers and play games and watch movies...we also go visit Grandma and Grandpa.
One more fun thing that we do after Christmas, we get out all our neighbor gifts that are edible and eat them on New Years Eve!

This probably isn't the complete list and I'm always looking for ways to make this time of year special and carry that feeling throughout the year...

Finally here!

2008-12-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

My brother in law is going to be SOOOO happy that I'm finally doing a family blog...this is for you Gordon! I thought this would be a great place to share the happenings in the Ottley household and then you all won't have to get that boring Christmas letter that I author every year...you can just check out our blog.

I want to thank Hannah Craner who also re-designed my other blog The Pink Teapot, she has done a wonderful job embracing a vision that was really hazy for both blogs. For this blog I told her that I loved yellow and red, with a touch of blue...and that I loved visiting Provence, France and those colors. She's done wonders, thanks again Hannah.

I hope this is fun and that I can keep it up, I'm excited to try.

Our year in review-January to April

2008-12-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

2008 has been full of adventure and surprise! Let's see if I can adequately re-cap the year.

January:
I took a trip to CA that we've done annually for the "Hansen" siblings. We went shopping a lot and ate tons of fantastic food...best two things to do in LA. We've gone to CA every year (this was the 2rd annual trip), we went to Carmel, CA our first year which also consisted of those two great things!

February:
I have never seen snow like this! Our entire backyard was covered, and I mean covered...with snow. Our six foot fence cowers beneath the weight of this white fluffy stuff. Cord had to trench out a walkway every morning and every night in order to feed the chickens. At one point we had literally 10 feet of snow piled up on our driveway with a small tunnel for our cars (there's a firepit, tramp, and lots of bushes where you see those trees sticking up).March:
What a fun-filled month! Some of you know we went on a cruise- for everyone who didn't know...we went on a cruise! It was a total blast, we took Holland America to the Mexican Riviera for a week and we went in style. We had our own concierge at our disposal 24/7 which was fabulous. Cord and I went alone, those are memories I will never forget.
April:
Lots of fun! We had a beautiful Easter, we traveled to CA for spring break and enjoyed rides in the limo, and Cayden placed 2nd for his den in the Pinewood Derby.

Our year in review-May to August

2008-12-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

May:
While Cord and Cayden went to a campout, the girls and I stayed home and had a slumber party! The kids all participated in the school dance festival, and Eliza fell in love with our friend Jeff during our Memorial Day party.

June:
I wanted to do something special for the girls while they were dressing up, so we played with our Halloween make up! The girls were in a children's chorus, and we loved hearing Hannah play the piano at her recital.

July:
We had so much fun in July. We got a brand new kitty, Annabelle, and the kids love her. We had house guests and enjoyed fireworks at the cul-de-sac of fire!

August:
We enjoyed the last of the warm weather and got ready for School. It was Madelyn's first day of "full day" school...first grade, she was so excited...Cayden...not so excited that day, but loves school now.

Our year in review-September-December

2008-12-05T06:36:00.018-07:00

September:
signifies the beginning of a birthday whirlwind! We start with Hannah's birthday two days after mine and the rest of our birthdays (except for Eliza) happen in the next two months! Eliza is the caboose in every way with a February birthday. October:
Cayden was sooo happy about his itunes gift card from Grandpa Doug! Halloween was a blast with all my girls rebelling against the princess look this year. Cayden chose who else but Albert Einstein for his biography book report and was so sad we couldn't find the white crazy wig to complete his look.

November:
We spent Thanksgiving in California and we were so busy enjoying ourselves, we didn't get one picture! November was a busy month, not many pictures to document our craziness!

December:
Eliza enjoys dressing for the winter, unfortunately she forgets the clothes! Merry Christmas to you all, we love you and are so grateful for our many blessings, most of all for the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May the choicest blessings be yours!