Merry Christmas!

Daddy's girl for sure!
My cute Family

Callie runs the show around here.

And she knows it....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

LOVE THE TALBOTS

"7" Tag

I got tagged with this one and it looked so easy. It made me think and that is never good. So answers may be caused by lack of sleep....

7 things I can do...
1- Hair (color,cut,rat,curl,)
2- cook like I was Italian
3- Bargain shop
4- splits
5- whistle loud (like New Yorkers getting a cab)
6- lay tile
7- make my husband laugh

7 things I can't do...
1- play my guitar
2- go to bed before 10
3- drive slow
4- remember anyones birthday
5- remember... a lot
6- grocery shop without a list
7- ride in the backseat

7 things I always say...
1- Are you listening?
2- "awesome"
3- No big deal
4- Sweet!
5- I said wii
6- sweep the leg
7- no one cries alone

7 things I always eat...
1- swiss cheese
2- wheat thins
3- Diet Mountain Dew
4- Nuts
5- apples
6- carmel apple candy corns
7- PB&J

7 people I tag...
1- Ash
2- Natalie
3- Brittanny
4- Holly
5- Barb
6- Melanie
7- Anyone?

We had Barb for dinner?

That sounds kinda funny. Everyone in the fam is bloggin about having interesting lunch dates so I had one to boast about.
I came home to my cute mother-in-law trying to take a much needed nap on my couch and pay attention while the kids showed her how "good" they are at the wii. She had a pretty rough day and so i convinced her to stay and have a rowdy dinner with me and my kids.
Not that it relaxed her with Callie throwing all her taco on the floor and Carson telling me for the 99th time that he doesn't like what is on his plate. I am so glad that she seems to like being in my home even when it is crazyville. But she didn't have to cook, and we enjoyed having her for dinner, as a guest, not as dessert!

In Secure

So I just need to use my space to talk through this big security issue in the blog world. Every time the news runs a story about info being stolen off of a blog, everyone panics and slams the door shut. I am not saying you can't, I just wish it didn't make me feel like I got locked out of the fun party room. I like to read up on neighbors, friends, family and ward friends. I don't always comment so they might not even know I exist. But it is a way for me to get to know them and feel connected by seeing fun posts. I have had issues with the blog world from the beginning, just because it feels like voyeurism. You don't know who is looking at your world unless they comment. I feel like I should have been invited to the blog, but now that I am there I don't want to ask to stay. It is very weird to me. I just hope we all try to use some of the safe tips and keep our blogs smart instead of closed.
1. Don't give full names
2. Keep home and address out of view
3. Keep vacations secret until you come home
4. Code names for children are helpful to protect them

Happy Halloween

This year for Halloween even Chet got into the costume closet. He usually goes as a dad or a carpenter or even a Jazz Fan.

This year he went as Lt. Dangle from Reno 911 (tv show).

I went as the reformed Lady of the Night, Dep Clementime.

Chet made a great entrance at our friends house. He "cop knocked" and yelled "sheriffs' department!" He then carried his fresh made rolls and stretched out his handsome legs for everyone to enjoy.

Codie was a devil and got to go to a dance party, friend party, her school parade and our trunk-r-treat. Lots of miles for a cute costume.

Carson was Jack Sparrow and he kept asking for a weapon to go with the costume. It's funny how they get something on the brain and obsess over it.

Callie was a bee. She was irritated as one everytime we tried to put the hood on. Se we let her run around and eat some candy (her first candy ever) and she did just fine

We had fun at our parties and now are gearing up for the Holidays!!!

Sand Dune Trip

We found out the hard way that going to the sand dunes on Conference weekend is not what the Lord wants us to do.

The weather didn't look too bad until the session started and then it rained so much that we all had to stay inside the trailer and listen like good little mollys. We had fun though.

The Hanfts came prepared with games and good attitudes and we all came home still friends.
We had some major quality time together and might even try it again.

The two Callies had a fun time together.

I VOTED

Did you? Are you going to? I feel like you have to vote in order to complain. If you don't take a stand and vote, then you have no business telling everyone else what is wrong. I will be honest, it scared me when Hillary was still in the race, but now.....either way it is not going to be a big change. There is a big mess for someone to clean up and they both have good and bad ways to deal with everything. So go vote for someone and take a snack to eat because the lines are long!!!

Looking Good!

We are looking for a fun photographer to take our holiday picture. We will never step foot into a mall type place again so don't say they are good. We don't need to spend our children's inheritance either. Come on Ladies, I have seen some of your blogs and you have some great photos. Please share!

Hindsite is 20/20

Do you ever find yourself in the middle of chaos and think,"I can't wait to look back on this and see that it wasn't that bad". No pity story here, just when the highs of life seem out of reach we miss them so much. But then we would not appreciate those happy, high times.
It's a very cheesy solution but I could list some great things that happen on a daily basis.
Chet text me with his Joey from Friends-"How you doin'?" It makes me laugh every time.
Codie running in the door and showing me her splits were flat at dance tonight. Very excited.
Carson saying "Tarter sauce" when I tell him to clean up or come inside. He is going to curse like an old farmer I swear.
Callie shrugging her shoulders to the music and giving me the eyebrow. So cute.

See, within my life there is always little pieces of sunshine, and that is why I wake up and do it all over again tomorrow.

Mindy's Birthday Extravaganza

First of all that is what my husband refers to my birthday as, not me. My birthday usually gets celebrated over the course of an entire week. Not my fault I like to go to lunch with anyone who offers. Then I have some pretty great friends who are always up for a fun time. Finally my family always has to get sugar loaded with enough cake to feed a small country. We always have carrot cake. Chet had the best joke as he walked in with the cake he said "Mindy, I brought you a 14 carrot..... cake!" Haha He kills me. I really just like having a big party and being around fun people. The gifts are nice but not neccesary. Anyways it was a fun week and I won't say why but I actually got asked to show I.D. and was flattered. Then I slipped when asked how old I am and said "23 er, uh 33!" Maybe I have aging issues that slip out when I don't think about it. What a fun week.

My Birthday

Sneaking out...

Sometimes I talk myself right out of having a little fun. I covince myself that my family will be sad or no one will want to or that I need to get things done. When did I turn into such a lame-O? Well the other night I wanted to go out and see a movie and i called a few friends in my "hood" and presto we had a party. We left for the movie at 10 pm (i know, totally past bedtime) and then after we got home around midnight (waaaaay late) my neighbor Britt and I stood in my driveway for a looooong time just chattin'. It was nice to let myself off the hook for a few hours and relax. We even took pictures to document our rebel ways. The preggers on the bike...she is so brave because we do not know the owner of the sweet hog she is straddling. The other pic is us getting our hug on. Thanks for making my night Amanda, Brittanny and Natalie. Such little things make suburban housewives happy!

Baptism Day!

Saturday September 6th was Codie's Baptism. She was very calm about the whole thing. We had talked about it a lot. When her cousin Rylee was here visiting from Germany, she was baptized and Codie got to see everything for herself. Codie is a very faithful little girl. She goes to church with a blind faith. I mean that she does not challenge what we do to show our faith. She goes because she knows she is doing what is asked. By us and by Heavenly Father. It is overwhelming to see a child who seems to have more faith then a lot of adults do. I hope that this strength that she has now will help her through the next ten or so years.


The day was beautiful and Codie was supported by so much family. We had on my side, Grandma Myrna and Grandpa Tom, Rita, Lara & Marina. On Chet's side, Grandma Barb and Grandpa Doyle, Ashley, Matt, Eli & Alice (who made the drive from Oregon to be here, thank you very much), Jared, Holly & Mallory and Emily. We also had a few close friends who popped in to say Congratulations! It was a special day and Codie seemed very happy about it all.

Codie's big birthday extravaganza

My little girl is getting so old. The big 8. She has just snuck past those little stages so fast. She is very mature and helpful. She is very smart and I am not bragging,( her teachers brag for me). Codie loves her family and sharing her room with Callie. It gives her more chance to play"mommy". She really does startle me at how wise she already is at such a young age.

So here are a few pictures of her on her birthday.

Bowling and Pizza.

Pretty cool Party

We had so much fun that Codie forgot to open her presents until we were home. I was so embarrassed. But the party was so fun that all the kids forgot too. We hurried and opened them and then took her friends home. I guess she isn't all about the shwag. (goodies)

Ketchup

Here is just a blog to ketchup on what my crazy family and I have been up to.



We have been to Lagoon so many times that my children don't even complain when it is time to go home! Those season passes are a steal of a deal when you go a couple of times per week. I almost feel bad for the amount of times we went. When we averaged it out, it was like spending 3 dollars each time to go. Like I said, I almost felt guilty. We did have a lot of fun and the season is not completly over. FRIGHTMARES is starting soon!!



We enjoyed going to Roy aquatic center a few times. I would love to have a pool in our yard but that pool makes it worth the drive. Little ceasars pizza is on the way so 5 bucks for lunch and if i was really running late coming home 5 bucks for dinner. The fun of summer and not wanting to cook. Carson was very brave this season and would venture all over the place. Down slides and into the different pools. Codie learned to jump off the diving board and scare her mother. Callie just wanted to walk anywhere but where I could sit and relax. AHHHH.



Soccer has quickly consumed us all. Carson and Codie play city league and of course they don't play the same days or times. Chet really has done way more driving this time. Go soccer dad. Both kids like it but I think the treat thing has gotten way out of control. Whatever happened to orange slices and gatorade?



Finally, school has started. I didn't want to be that mom that wanted to get rid of her kids, but they were ready to go back. Codie started 3rd grade like a pro. She didn't want me to walk her in on the first day or even fix her breakfast for that matter. Big girl. Carson went to preschool a week later and I should have put him in the afternoon class. He gets so bored waiting for all of his friends to get home from school. And you know he doesn't want to play with Callie and me.



So now we are all caught up and happy. Codie turned 8 last Saturday and will be baptised this Saturday. So I will post that later. For now I just hope to get back to a little bit of a schedule and settle in for fall.

Scrapblog

Click on the link to see our vacation.

http://www.slide.com/r/6D6CsOF42D-AmAOVRggXn56-vuGVmtQt?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Back to the Real World

We had a great vacation and I have been slowly adjusting getting back to "normal". We drove to Seattle and stayed at Chet's family cottage. It is so fun to just let the kids play there with cousins and think how history is replaying in a younger generation.

We went to Seattle for Seafair parade and ran into people we knew from Layton High. Small world. We went out to the tide flats and found some little crabs and gooeyducks. They are gross. We went to my sister-in-laws house in Silverton, Oregon on the way home. We went on a really great hike/walk to see a couple of waterfalls. We even got to see the sun. HaHaHa. We had treats galore and walked all of it off before driving home. We had so much fun and we still like everyone we were with, maybe even more than before!

Parade Rest!

Parades are fantabulous! I love them and I seek them out all summer long. The thrill of finding a good spot facing the shady way. Eating breakfast/lunch/dinner on the sidewalk on a main street. Letting your children literally play in traffic in the middle of the street to take candy from strangers! God bless America! I really do love this time of year and now when we see the flag and hear all the sirens, I cry like a betsy wetsy doll. I just get very emotional about those that are fighting to keep people safe and using their own lives to do it with.
On a lighter side my husband and his crazy band of friends have decided that parades are like walking ads and they need more fun. So see if you can find him.......( ARRRRGGGG!!!)

memory tag

This is a fun tag that is running rampant throughout my bloggy blog world. I want to hear from ALL Y'ALL...even if you have never commented before!
Here are the rules.1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends, write about a post that is most memorable. If you don't have a blog and don't know how to sign in, please comment as anonymous.
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you... either on your blog, in my comment box, or I will email you back!
3. If the memory happens to involve my husband, please include him!
4. If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all ☺Okay, let's see what you've got!

Half full of half empty

Summer is in full swing and the other day someone said "Summer is half over next week". True to the calendar it might be, but come on. I like to think that since I personally don't have to go back to school this August then my summer is until September. As an adult, I can go to Pineview and play all day or the mall or the movies. Summer can last forever! Well not forever, but longer than three months. We wait all winter, through snow and cold and grey days of clouds to sweat it out. So yes the 4th of July might signal to some that the fall is coming but to me I will look at the glass as half full and make summer stay a little longer.

What are you doing with your glorious summer?

Father's Day

We took off and went to Bear Lake for Father's Day. We have a travel trailer but we got a little worried when they received SNOW on Wednesday. Two inches fell and we were a little worried but we decided to go for it and had a great time. Chet deserves a break from working and this way all he had to do was sit around and hang with us. We got him a new camping lounge chair and a new cooler with some treats inside and he was a "happy camper". We played on the beach for two days and Chet's parents and sister came and played too. We had so much fun. I always give credit to Chet for being the calm parent but he knows how to have fun and be silly and make his family have a great time too! Love you.

Father's Day

Callie is 1!

I need to get caught up on my photo blog. So much happens when the weather warms up and i lose track of it all if I don't take a picture of it. We had Callie's 1st birthday party here at our house. She had 33 people come to party. It was a fun time and I am so shocked at how time just slips away so quickly. I did go down memory lane a little as to where i was a year ago and how things have changed. It is good to assess your life a little bit every once in awhile. Usually that's when I find that things really are pretty good and not so much gloom and doom. Callie coming to our lives was a jump in parenting faith but we love her so much and now the other two have someone to blame for everything. Happy Birthday Baby!

Callie's Birthday

Sand Dune Saturday

We managed to get to the sand dunes the Saturday before Memorial Day. It felt sneaky because we still have a few things to finish in our yard, but Chet needed a day to play. We invited some neighbor/friends of ours and family too. We had great weather, too many cookies and plenty of dirt in our eyes. You can see by the smiles, everyone had a great time.

Check out my Slide Show!

Preschool Grad

He made it!

Carson had his last day of preschool and I want to know how that came so fast. He really liked "Mrs. Connie" and her rabbits and that she let him color with markers. (Mom never lets him use markers, hmmm I wonder why). He liked her cats too. Maybe I should put him in a petting zoo for the summer since he could only tell me about the animals everyday. She is a very patient teacher. Not only patient with the kids but with the mommies that stand out in her garage in blizzards and rain to get one last glimpse of their baby's face before the door closes. Not me! Carson loves to run up the stairs so fast that I gave up that whole clingy thing and let him be a big kid. He has done great and is so excited to hang with his friend James next year.

More Pics

Grandma Dorothy's 86th Birthday Party!!!

Sugar for the kids, snoozes for the birthday girl. It was so sweet to see all the kids gently hugging their great grandma and bringing
her cards they made.

Singing sweetly?!?! It was Maddie's birthday also so we had two cakes and lots of blowing out candles.

Audry and Callie found their own fun.

Way cute Mamas and sweet new babies!

We had such a fun time. Thanks for putting such a fun party together everyone.

A photo journey

Ok so that is my cheesiest title ever but if you watch "So you think you can dance" you giggle a little.

Chet got me a new camera for Mothers Day and I have so many fun shots to share. Here goes

This was on Mothers Day at my moms house. I was running around like a chicken with my head chopped off and he was taking care of the baby. He is such a good Daddy.

This is Codie, my neice Tawnee, her b-friend and my neice Melanie and her little girl Rylee is in the corner.

These are the flowers my cute husband brought me in front of my whole family when I was not expecting anything. Boy did he get bonus points from everyone in the room. He is very non-romantic but every once in a while he gets it right for a moment.

Isn't this what makes being a mom the greatest job in the world. Seeing my children sleep, stops my frantic mind with peace.

I love being a mom.