It's Monday!

...so as promised, a few more details.  :)  Sorry to make you all wait - got back from Rexburg and had to run off to swim team pictures...my children are screaming for attention and food, so this will be quick.

You can check out their awesomeness HERE. 

We got a job with Rocky Mountain Power (Thank you for the lead, Tim!!), as a meter reader...totally not the reason we went and got a master's degree, but we'll take it!  We are really excited for the much better income and stability, and a daddy that won't have to work Black Fridays, and during holidays, and from 5 am till 2 am every.single.day.  Tanner is already looking at 'for sale' signs in front of homes and making suggestions as to what we can and cannot afford.  (Somebody has big ears...probably got them from his mom.) Ryan will commute to Rexburg while we continue to save (at a much quicker rate, thankfully!) and look for a home between Idaho Falls and St. Anthony.  Somewhere on the outskirts of town, we're thinking.  But really, we have time on our side, and aren't in a hurry.  (if you know of any 3+ bdrm, 2 bth. 1 garage and between 1-3 acres in a reasonable price range, let us know!)

Regardless of Ryan's meeting today, we don't know much more than we did last Thursday.  Today, me and the boys helped wash windows and play at Grandma's house, while Ryan went and did some paperwork, went in for a drug screening, and had to have a background check.  When all of that goodness comes back proving that Ryan is a capable, drug-free and felon-free individual, he will have a start date.  We are praying within the next week we'll have that date and can put in two-weeks notice at our other jobs.  Sweetness! 

Knowing there's an end in sight and a brighter future within our reach is such a good feeling.  I've always known it's not going to stay like 'this', but just knowing that I can almost touch it is such a relief!  

So there you have it! Off to fix dinner, then bathe babies and throw a couple of Halloween Costumes together!!! 

the {bag}

Projects like THIS one (my sister's senior pictures) and THIS one (graduation announcements) have been on my bucket list, and are checked off.  I think we finally finished my sister's grad announcement, which isn't pictured in the group I linked to....it's a surprise, since I know our aunties and cousins read this.  *wink, wink*

Oh yeah...this is supposed to be about the {bag}. I LOVE how my bag turned out! I loved sewing it; simple, fast, and I did it while watching my friends' kids last week...well, they watched a movie during nap time while I sewed.  I didn't really follow any directions, but instead dreamed about it for three months, how I would put it together, and wouldn't you know it, it went together JUST LIKE A DREAM!

Finally got pictures of it today...

Yes.  That's my breakfast sitting on the table, still.  I had Turtle Cake, complements of a very dear friend.  Thank you Becky!  Ryan said to me as I was taking this picture, "That is an AWFUL background!"  Uh...  I have since washed the floor (and cupboards and walls) and done the dishes.  And I do agree with him...it's just hard to take a picture of yourself holding a bag, and I feel dumb asking him to take one...especially since I was still in my bathrobe when I took this.  *sigh*

I really need to work on my lighting skills...they kinda stink, but here you can see the fun make-up of the bag. I totally ditched the ruffles I had in mind.  I like it's geometric simplicity, which is what its designer, Renske, had in mind.   Afterall, she calls it the minimalist tote bag.  But nothing about me is minimalist...hence the lovely print!  (If you know anything about fabric, you'd appreciate that it was printed ON GRAIN!  You'd also be disgusted to find that after I washed it, I discovered it was cut OFF GRAIN by about 5 inches on each side=wasting 8 inches of good fabric. *sigh*)

Just because I'm in LOVE with the leather strap.  Thanks dad, for the scrap!  I think it might have been intended for the straps on my mom's new chaps, but it was 'cut wrong' so he let me use it.

Here the {bag} is, with the pocket for my trusty new-to-me cell phone, since I washed the old crappy one in the washer.  I SWEAR it was a mistake.  On my honor.  I forgot it was in the back pocket.  And I don't check pockets unless I'm looking for spare change. 

And here's the cool hardware my dad helped me to set.  Okay.  He put it on, I just told him how I wanted it.  Don't you LOVE the grommets, and the star-split rivet backs?  Yeah.  Me, too.

And this is next on the docket:

I can't wait!  Pillows.  For the couch.  I am getting really tired of the brown, brown, and brown furniture. I found the solid at Home Fabrics for CHEAP!!!  ($2 a yard) and plan to do some very FUN fabric folding with it...and the sweet Fleur-de-lis-ish pattern on the left will be plain-ole square pillows.

I told you.  I just can't help myself.  Plus, I'm looking forward to some color in my life.  We got another four inches of snow this morning.  It's kinda-sorta melting, but I was really looking forward to a fun day of bike riding ... I've already put away all the snow clothes.


Speaking of color; I had two sweet surprises last night.  Ryan came home with a beautiful bouquet of the most gorgeous salmon (not peach, not pink) roses, and then my sweet and thoughtful friend Becky brought us by that yummy Turtle cake and some gorgeous red roses to finish off our interesting anniversary day.  (Between the ER visit, skipping out on preschool and not having swim practice and having sick kids and feeling like a zombie, it was just a really odd day.)

I think they complement each other very nicely.  Just pretend with me that those curtains are adding in some gorgeous back-lighting to my even more gorgeous subjects.

In unrelated {bag} news, we were able to finish off the night with some chocolate covered strawberries, more freezer jam and an early bed time.  We were wiped out.  I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow.

*breath*

And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get started on my bread, so I can then clean my bathroom, so I can take a shower, so I can go to the mall, so I can buy a new bra that will do what it's supposed to do.  

Toodles. 

Gluten-Free Bread Success

finally.

Well, it's not perfect, but it will do.

Gluten Free Bread

Bought a "Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Bread Mix" for Ryan, 

and while it doesn't taste bad, it just looks so sad!

When Bob says to pour batter into a 9x5" bread pan, don't fool him with an 8x4".  It won't turn out so pretty.

***note to self:  Go ahead and use an 8x4" pan...just use TWO of them.  :)  

Needless to say, it's a good thing Ryan takes his lunch to work in a brown paper bag.  I'd wear one, too, if I looked like this.

Thirty-five, and still young

...Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

For his big day, the boys and I made a Cherry Cream Pie.  His favorite.  We had to do something great, since he worked from 3-10am and again from 1-10pm.  

You are admired by many, yet nobody loves you more than we do! 

screen print of photo used without permission from photographybydeita.com

Happy 35th Birthday, babe!  Let's celebrate by getting some much needed sleep tonight and a kiss under the mistletoe.  :) 

The BEST Wife Award

Fifteen minutes ago, Ryan was getting dressed for work, and his only work pants (and only khaki pants) that he has were in the washing machine.

He had 15 minutes until he had to clock in, and it takes 10 minutes to get there...so his pants dried for a total of 4.5 minutes.

He just walked out the door with hot, dripping wet pants.  Looks like I am no longer in the running for the Best Wife Award.  Good luck to the rest of you!

{Congratulations, Graduate!}

This weekend, we attended two graduation ceremonies for Ryan.  As I was starting to grumble during the second ceremony on Saturday, I realized that these events were a significant part to this wonderful accomplishment. 

We had sitters for our boys for both ceremonies, and in hindsight, wish we would have brought them to at least one...so they could see their daddy walk...but then again, it was really nice to not have to worry about them being too loud our antsy...I somehow think nobody would have survived either experience.  *chuckle*

Friday, May 7th:  Ryan was hooded as a Master in Training and Development in Idaho State University's College of Technology with the Degree of Human Resource Training and Development.  A mouthful, I know. The ceremony was relatively short, and considerably comfortable at the Stephen's Performing Art's Center...they had padded seats, and I had Ryan's iTouch to keep me busy.  :)  Really though, it was a nice one and a half hour ceremony. 

I was even a good wife and brought a towel and my iron to press his gown, given to him an hour before the ceremony....can you tell I like things neat and orderly?  He was the only one there who didn't have creases in his gown and hood.  He was also with the few who wore suits.  He looked very handsome and professional!

pictured above:  Dr. Tom Jackson, Graduate School Dean, Ryan, Dr. Robert Croker, department chair, Dr. Rita Kalody, who pretty much spent all of April spending time with Ryan to perfect his Research Project paper and Defense.  She's a saint in my book. 

Those who came to support me and my sweet husband included: 

My brother Reed (poor kid was sick, though), my mom (my dad was in charge of and in attendance at the 2010 Scout Jamboral in Blackfoot...don't know what is worse:  freezing with a bunch of scouts or sweating in a room full of graduates) and myself.  Sorry for the gomer picture dear - Your mom only took one, and this was it.  :)

Ryan's parents, Ken & Edytha, his brother Mitch (who inspired Ryan to obtain his Master's...Ryan and Mitch are they only two in their family to earn Master's degrees) and his two daughters Rylee and Savannah, and his brother Gary.  Not pictured is Gary's wife, Valerie, who came later with her son Seth. 

(Now that I see myself in these pictures, I see why that woman at work a few days ago thought I was going to have a baby right then and there...I have put on SO much baby weight!  *sigh*)

Significance behind the hooding:  In the 13th century, one who became a master in his discipline was presented before a council to have his head shaved, then hooded to keep warm.  This particular costuming, the hood and robe, are representative of this age old tradition, of distinguishing between students, teachers, and so on...you'll notice his professors in the previous hooding picture have velvet stripes on their sleeves...this is because they have their doctorate degrees, and are qualified to teach the teacher.  

Thank heavens they didn't have the cosmetology graduates (or anyone, for that matter) shave all the Master Students' heads!  Each college is represented by a different color, so on Saturday it was fun to see all the many colored hoods and tassels.

Saturday, May 8th:  Ryan was given his diploma (okay, just the cover) during the university-wide commencement exercises at ISU's Holt Arena.  Sitting in hard chairs for three hours is not a good idea for a pregnant woman who will deliver her baby in 9 weeks.  (Especially when the individuals from other graduates' families were climbing over and around her for those three hours...I counted two teenage girls climbing out of their seats seven times.  sheesh!) 

We were there early to get seats and for Ryan to get in respective line...we took the opportunity to get pictures BEFORE the event...

My mother-in-law was surprised that they didn't have an opening prayer...I just chuckled and told her we weren't at BYU-Idaho any more.  :)  They did sing the national anthem, though, and it was pretty neat to hear all the graduates and their families singing in honor of our country, and our freedom. 

Ryan was presented with his diploma within the first hour...then we patiently and respectfully sat through the next hour and a half, visiting quietly and clapping for those we knew (Tanner's Primary Teacher, another sister in our ward, and two cousins of Ryan's also graduated with various degrees). 

I sent the following message via text to Ryan shortly after he walked (10:30 am), "Baby's coming.  Let's go eat."  We debated on using that excuse for the next hour, but thought better of it, and stayed...and sat...and got climbed over...and watched mindlessly as 2,232 (no kidding) graduates walked across the stage...I have no pictures of Ryan actually walking, unless you can count blurs of black and orange...we were so far back in the stadium, that I couldn't see his face even. 

As it neared lunch time, and as I got antsy and my mom and mother- and father-in-law grew antsy, we debated on leaving early.  A series of texts back and forth between Ryan and I confirmed that we were just as awful as those leaving early...we made a break for it.   

We enjoyed a very un-crowded dinner at Texas Roadhouse with our parents, and as we were leaving around 1:30 pm, we saw quite a few families of graduates walking in to get their lunch.  Poor souls...had to endure a full three hours of commencement exercises.  Mwahahah!

All in all, it was a fabulous two days worth of celebrations...and a long discussion on the way home about how long Ryan had to wait to start on his Doctorate Degree.  And if I would like to or want to earn my Masters...and what was next...and how the job market is...and what our future holds...I could go on and on...

Thank you, mom and dad, and to Ryan's parents, to siblings, to baby sitters, to friends, to family, to teachers, and to our loving Heavenly Father for support and encouraging words.  :)  We couldn't have done it without you all.

Congratulations, Graduate.  

You Did It!!!  

And we couldn't be more proud of you.  

♥ XOXO ♥

Time Flies

Last night I was laying in a heap on the couch with a fever of 101 F, half conscious, with my boys watching Dora the Explorer, while visiting with my mom on the phone.  She asked how my day was (a question I'm sure she didn't realize what she was in for when she asked) and what my plans were for tomorrow (today).  I mentioned that it was Ryan and I's six year anniversary, and how he had some great things planned, but we were going to have to rearrange and she commented "You're right up there with us!".  "Too funny, mom," I said, "You and dad have been married for 28 years!  I think Ryan and I have a ways to go."  But then I started thinking,Time Flies!

(I was going through some random things on Monday and found this picture...our Engagement picture...we were SO young!  It made me giggle at how much hair we had...the lack of dark circles under our eyes, not to mention how 'skinny' we were.)

I sometimes let opportunities to let my sweet heart know just how much I appreciate him pass me by...After I got home form work yesterday, he graciously (and without complaining) let me take an hour bath, and while I slept in the warm water to try to easy my body's achiness; he took care of and fed our boys.  Last night he took time from helping a young man in our ward with his Eagle Project and playing basketball with his buddies to drive across town to get me a Jamba Juice, then came home and put the boys in bed.  Each day he lovingly cares for our boys (okay, there are moments of contention, but what family doesn't have that!) while I go to work or a doctor's appointment, or take time for myself.  (And believe me, with his recent GRADUATION, we're both looking forward to a 'role reversal'....and a switch back to normalcy.)

The past year has been but a roller coaster.  We've merely been surviving.  Mentally & emotionally.  He's been feverishly working on schoolwork to be able to graduate next week.  I've been pluggin' along at work so we can pay the bills.  This pregnancy has done a number to my body...and Ryan has been such a great help when I'm just too exhausted to do anything.  It's been a while since we've actually taken time for EACH OTHER and we're looking forward to the many years to come, creating memories and adventures we'll never forget.  Time Flies.

My Ryan is one of the most un-selfish people I know.  I am so thankful that we chose to be together for Eternity, because there's no one else I'd rather have by my side when I'm having body chills, puking my guts out, birthing our children, having a bad hair day, burning dinner, and trying to be the best for him.  I could go on, but I think you get my drift.  He's simply wonderful, and I adore my sweet husband.  I suppose I should slow down a bit and NOT let time fly...by enjoying every moment, high or low. 

Love you, Babe!

Luck...

...has nuthin' to do with it.  Simply put, I'm blessed.

I love these boys. 

 So much.

And all their goofyness.

I pray for you every day, and every day I pray that I can be the best mother God meant me to be to you.

__________

On Tuesdays after YM/YW (the youth activities in our church which Ryan is a leader for) Ryan will stay and play basketball with 'the guys'.  In getting ready, he had on basketball shorts and a T-shirt and his gym shoes.  I have scouts at the same time that Ryan had YM/YW so we take the boys with us to the church.  They love being with the big boys and the cute girls.

As we were getting ready to leave, Ryan threw on a baseball cap, and Tanner put on another one of daddy's hat.  Taylor felt left out, so I found the hats in the top of the closet, and both boys wanted to look just like daddy.  Have I mentioned yet that I am thrilled and so excited to have another boy?  I know.  Call me crazy, but I could get used to this.  

The boys were obliged to let me snap a few silly shots of them, unscripted, unposed, and just being...silly.  They even waited for me to put new batteries in the camera.  What loving, patient, energetic, and passionate-about-life boys I have. 

On the way over to the church I explained to Tanner that his hat needs to be removed when we enter a building, especially the church.  I had to break it down for him and make him pinky-promise he would remove his hat...and as a trooper, he did.  Teach 'em while they're young!!! 

On a side note:  Tonight as we were waiting for daddy to come home, Tanner and I had the most interesting conversations.  I wish I could play them back in my mind, because this boy is so funny, so clever, and so smart!  The poor kid can't count to ten (that's right, it's one of the many things we haven't taught him, but are trying), but he comes up with the most deep and confounded things to talk to me about!  Wow.  Someday, I'll take notes and share them with you, so you can laugh with me!

Weekend Getaway

Because daddy needed some quiet time to finish up some work on his Research Project, I decided the boys and I needed a weekend getaway. 

I didn't have any plans in mind, but decided a day or two at my parent's home would do the trick.

We showed up Friday around noon with a day bag, our swim suits, and snow clothes.

The afternoon was spent playing in the snow, on the snow machine, and on the flyer sled.

Tanner loved riding with Clay, despite his crankiness.   Clay also had to show off his sledding skills, but I 'missed' the good shot when he got over 5 feet of air.  I guess I was too busy laughing with my sisters about some dog poop we found.  LOL!  Don't worry, I'm not going to post the pictures Katelyn took of that. 

I trippled up with Taylor and Desi.  Because I'm so out of shape, and so huge, I just took it easy...and almost got us stuck in only a foot of snow in a meadow.  Guess I'm gonna need some more practice!  LOL!

The boys had a blast being pulled on the sled...and it brought back some good memories of my siblings and I having races on the hill at our old house in Springville by the silage pit...we always wanted to stay clear of those stinky silage puddles!

Katelyn felt the need to document how ridiculous I looked in my sweet snowmachine pants...I had to undo the zipper in front and BOTH sides to accomodate my growing belly.  My mom suggested I just wear my dad's get-up, but I didn't want to make him feel bad by actually fitting into them.  :)  This is probably the ONLY side shot you'll see of me pregnant.  I HATE having my picture taken when I'm pregnant.  Every time I bent over or sat down or chased my kids or MOVED the top button popped open.  Guess it's a good thing that spring is just around the corner!

Afterward we went from layers of cold and wet clothes to dry swimsuits and jumped in a pool with too much cholorine...my mom warned us that it needed more muriatic acid, and we begged to get in, she warned us again, and we jumped right in.  :)  I think my skin is still itching!

Reed and Stephanie and her roommate, Katie, showed up later in the evening.  Us girls had some moments during our 'fashion revue' for Katelyn's Jr. Miss interview outfit.  It's so funny to be in a tiny room with four girls critiquing what one should wear for an interview...especially when it's late at night!

Bedtime went well...(and I'm totally thrilled, because I'm usually so tired that one of my sisters ends up putting my kids to bed; Ryan does it at home) Tanner and Taylor both went to bed promptly, and slept in Clay's bedroom, in the same bed, without waking each other up all night.  It was fabulous to get some sleep!

The first thing we did after breakfast Saturday morning was to put on our cold and damp swimsuits (brings back too many memories of three-day swim meets!) and went swimming.  Mom fixed the chemicals in the pool after we got out the previous night, and we had so much fun! Tanner was loving it, and Taylor is a fish.  I was thrilled that Taylor was doing so well and jumping in and turning to his back and finding the wall...Tanner still hates me for trying swim lesson with him when he was one year old.  I'm starting to think moving to a warmer climate with more pools would be advantageous.

We had a lot of fun surprising Deseret for her Birthday, and even had a lot of fun with her birthday present from us!  Klutz books ROCK!  (I'm sad I have no pictures of this...Deseret and I spent literally two hours making shrink-a-dink jewelery, and then Katelyn joined us for another hour of colored-plastic-fun!)

We ended the trip by attending my parents' ward party.  They have a ward party every other month, and it's funny that we are coincidentally there for about four out of the six parties!  Despite my mom dragging me and encouraging me to go, I just didn't want to, for personal reasons...but I'm really glad I did.  It was a 'snowball' party, where they had a snowball toss (made ice cream with the rocksalt and ice in bags), had indoor skiing (boards with ropes where three people have to successfully walk a course and back) and built a snowman (wrapped a person with toilet paper and decorated them in teams).  They of course fed us dinner before the games and activities.  And earlier in the day I made 2 dozen un-frosted sugar cookies for my mom's refreshment assignment.  It was a really nice evening, and we all had a great time.

By the time we left, it was close to 9pm, so I knew it'd be a quiet ride home.  Boy, was I wrong!  My two darling boys were chit-chatting the ENTIRE ride!  I think Tanner finally fell asleep 20 minutes from home, and Taylor finally dozed off as I got off I-15 at 10:50pm.  I suppose it was a good thing they were awake and talking and asking me questions; it was a blessing in disguise!  If they hadn't had talked my ear off, I probably would have fallen asleep.  I hate driving long distances.  Even as a relief driver for Ryan, he can only get a 10 minute nap, because I can easily fall asleep...sun up or down. 

Anyhoo, it was a great weekend getaway, and we can't wait till our next weekend getaway...Hogle Zoo and a Wedding Reception.  :)

March 18th

...can't come soon enough for me, and may come too soon for Ryan.

March 18th is the day my sweet husband defends his Graduate Research Project, better known as a thesis (but I'm told they're two totally different things, yet the same.  hmmmm...)

If I'm going to be proofing this beast, I'm going to tackle it with ammunition on my hips.

Ryan has worked incredibly hard, putting in long hours, early mornings, late nights, and countless trips to a library, campus, or Barns & Nobel in search of references.  He's coordinated multiple mediation sessions (not to be confused with meditation sessions) and even mediated several cases himself.  That's just the tip of the iceberg though.  He's done so much work, and learned so many new things, over the past two years.

I'm so proud of my sweetheart, and soon-to-be graduate of graduate school.  Oh, I am so excited for him to be done and begin the undaunting task of looking for, finding, applying for, and accepting {the perfect job}.  I think I'm looking forward to being a stay-at-home mom even more than that though.

I have no idea what the title of this paper is, and to my knowledge, he and his professor haven't even decided on one yet.  It's not THAT important, right?!  When he's all done, he'll have earned his Master's in Human Resource Training and Development.  (He also has his Associates in Business Management, and Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.)  As far as careers and life-long dreams go, we're not sure where we're headed.  Sounds like a plan, huh?  Careers within the government spectrum are likely, and he enjoys training, putting together those types of events and coordinating programs, as well as developing new programs.  We haven't seen many opportunities within individual companies to do this, (and by we, I mean, WE, because I've been anxious and looking for prospective jobs for him, too), but are confident that faith, obedience, diligence, and our hard work will pull us through.

While I'd like him to have a job already lined up and to start working on March 19th, I've come to the conclusion and peace of mind that this whole 'job thing' will happen on the Lord's timetable.  I've had to really rely on my Father and Heaven and have faith in His plan for us.  It's been quite a learning and growing experience for me...and I know it's not over yet.  

That said, if you'll say a little prayer for us, it'll certainly be appreciated.  Already, we're feeling the prayers of those around us, including loving family members, and for that we thank you publicly.

Snow Day

For the past two years, Ryan's parents have been snowbirds...they live in Rexburg in the cool months from April-October, and live in St. George in the freezing months, from November-March.  It's a fun time for them, and us!

While they're garage sale-ing, working at the St. George Temple, golfing and enjoying sunshine, we occasionally check on the cat, Tink, shovel some snow, or take mail from the wet mailbox into the kitchen counter.  Usually we're really good about going up weekly, but since they have a tenant living in their basement apartment, we've gone up, oh, three times this winter.

We made an appointment with our accountant (yeah, it's just easier and worth the money to pay the guy to do it right the first time) for Saturday morning and planned to stay and play in a yard covered in 20 inches of snow.  I kid you not.  I can't fit into my snowpants, so just wore my snowboots, and had snow inside them.  It was DEEP!

It took intensive labor on Ryan's part to make a path for us to walk back up the hill in the back yard.

We forgot our sleds, so we used the kiddie pools to have some fun.  Pools aren't only for summer pool parties, you know!

Afterward we got REALLY ambitious and made a path for the mailman through the snow (as seen on the Left of the picture) and built a friendly snowman that lasted until the moment a four-year-old boy found the avalanche shovel and took the poor snowman's knees out from under him.

Another curious two-year-old found too much fun at the bottom of the driveway in a puddle of slush.  He examined the two foot puddle over the course of 20 minutes and enjoyed every moment of it!  Needless to say, he was soaked.  And I was soaked after hauling him into the house to change.  The boy was drip. ping. And that is a mouth full of spring run-off, if you will, in our son's mouth.  Yeah. 

I've really enjoyed this winter and all the fun snow days we've had.  Our boys are at such a fun age.  It's not too much hassle to get them dressed up and shoved out the door to have some fun.  And the joy I see on their faces is priceless.  They make me laugh.  They fill my heart with gratitude.  They are little boys, and I never want them to grow up.  Well, some days I do.  But days like this make me want to keep them little forever.

Daddy and his A-Game

Ryan has a game he likes to play.  Not just any game but a ball game.  More specifically, CHURCH BALL.

Tonight after rushing home from work and a quick dinner, daddy hurried to the stake center for warm-ups, and we followed shortly, but not without a bit of a surprise.

On our way out the door, there was an extra poster on the table from my scout derby endeavors.  I thought I'd let the boys have a few minutes of spontaneous fun, and that, we did! Our results:

(I offered Aria to hold and color on the back of Taylor's poster, but she was content to watch from the chair.)  Can you tell I was once a cheerleader?  Too funny.

Here's the Rose Park Ward Elder's Quorum Basketball Team:

(There's a latecomer missing, but you get the idea.)

And one of my favorites...just like their daddy...needing a drink after a good run.

Come to find out, this little guy wasn't feeling too good, but I love this picture anyways.

The entertainment...as if watching their daddies play a good ole' game of church ball wasn't enough.

By the way, our daddy helped his team to WIN!  (It doesn't matter that the other team didn't have enough players to start, but in the end they did round up enough players and tied the game; 33-33.) 

{Cherry Cream Pie}

I promised Ryan I would make him some Cherry Cream Pie, just because he was craving some...and I know how cravings are...need it now, and not later!  Plus, he's been working REALLY hard on finishing up his thesis, so I thought he deserved a little sumpin' sumpin'. 


Well, later on in the week (today), he asked if he could have some of said pie, so I rushed to the store to buy a grahm cracker crust, because I lacked the motivation and energy to make a pie crust from scratch.  Pathetic, I know...

But it turned out just as good!

This is one of Ryan's all-time favorites.  The best thing?  It's easy-peasy-nice-and-cheesy. 

Filling:
1 pint of whipping cream
 - whip till it's not quite stiff...almost but not quite

1 8 oz. package cream cheese
1 Cup powdered sugar
 - cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar

 - combine whipping cream and cream cheese mixture
 - mix well

 - Pour into cooked and cooled pie crust OR pour into grahm cracker crust
 - carefully pour 1 can of cherry pie filling on top, and spread evenly over filling
 - refrigerate for at least 1 hour...longer is better

No need for a plate, just dig right in!

Happy Birthday to youuuu....

You live in a zooooooo!

Today marks many moons... it was my dear husband's birthday...and as usual, it sneek'ed up on us!  Because of the craziness all around us, we decided to just take it easy.

We headed to Rexburg to check on his parents' cat, because they're wintering in St. George, Utah.  This cat is on the verge of death, yet it just. wont. die.  We ended up buying a new heated water bowel so its water wouldn't freeze (don't worry, there are also kind neighbors checking up on Tink (yes, HIS name is Tinkerbell.  Don't ask.  I don't know.).

After errands, we thought we'd take the boys to Christmas Tree Lane up on campus, and lo and behold, all there was, were rows of undecorated pine trees.  Seemed pretty un-Christmas-Tree-Lane-like if you ask me.

Ended up getting blue cookie monster cupcakes (at like...geee...9:45 in the morning) and a cinnamon roll and spinach bagel.  We obviously enjoyed our treats.  We had also forgotten what the wind chill does to the already negative temperature up there...we parked almost three blocks away, and I thought I was going to have to drag dead children into the building to thaw.  We'd cut through buildings, and Tanner started breaking down as we left each building.  Yeah...it was that bitterly cold.  So glad we're done with school up there!

The new additions of campus were pretty nifty...they've done a lot in the last 4 years...wow!  We're getting old.

Anyways, back to Ryan's splendid day:  We got a sitter for the evening and were able to attend Ward Temple Night, and it was simply wonderful.  Even though our Christmas Tree tipped over while we were gone (no boys involved) and broke a few ornaments (next year I'm going cheap and buying the 'un-crushable' ornaments.  I hear they're...un-crushable.

And ended the night with the movie "Four Christmases".  Pretty dumb movie, but whatever.

So, here's to you, babe....

Maybe next year you'll have a bit of a better day, and maybe we'll have a bit of more money to budget for birthday fun.  :) 

____________

I love you for who you are and for the wonderful father you are to our children.  You are so patient, kind, and loving, and very hard working.  I know you want the best for our family, and finishing your master's program this spring will bring you one step closer to your dreams!  Thank you for having such a strong testimony of the gospel, and for standing for everything good and righteous.  I love you Ryan!  

XOXO, 

Me  ♥