Halloween Low-Down.

Our Halloween was supposed to be very low-key this year. However, I think it's just supposed to be hectic, no matter what. We started early, as I had to fix Riley's hair and make-up. From there, she was taken care of and at school, and then we got Cole ready. After both kids were at school, I took a much-needed nap. Jeff got to pick them up at 3:15, after they'd attended their annual school Halloween party and had been feasting on sugar for the previous two hours. I woke up an hour or so after they got home, and while I showered and got ready, they carved the pumpkin...and it was a project that none of them could agree on, so Jeff took the initiative and made it look like an angry sphincter.


We set out a bowl of candy on our porch and headed off to my dad's place, our first stop of the night. The kids trick or treated there, and then Jeff took them to a couple of homes in the neighborhood--one of which had the audacity to hand out apples. Riley took hers graciously, while Cole, when he saw what the booty was, loudly proclaimed, "NO THANKS", and walked away. As a parent, it was a little on the embarrassing side, however, the general rule is that you just don't hand out any food item anymore that isn't pre-packaged, no matter what. I'm sure there were only pure intentions of health, but still....you just can't take that chance now days. Sorry, but true. Also, it's freaking Halloween...apples? That guy's lucky his house wasn't egged.


We stopped by Kelli and Kyle's house afterwards. I had previously made arrangements with Kelli for an hour later than we actually showed up...so they weren't home. I guess I had envisioned more visiting with my Dad and Stepmom than was necessary. So we missed them, but hopefully they had a fun night without us gracing them with our presence.


From there, we went to my sister Muff and brother in law Chris's house. (Cole got a power nap in along the way). They were already entertaining company, Brandi and her son, Lukas. Cole loves little kids. He thinks it's completely great when they listen to what he says, and they enjoy being with him. Yet another reason he'll be a great big brother. Cole and Lukas played together while Muff and Chris fed us snickers cake, and nachos and seven layer dip, and cookie bars. Seriously worth the stop. Also, we got to see their all their decorations. These two totally get into the decor part of Halloween. They have two tables of villages that are just a beacon for little boys and their hands. However, they are impressive.




We then visited Bob and Maida. And it was really nice. The kids went through their candy at their kitchen table and Jeff and I got to chat with them.


Our final stop was Kory and Amy's. As soon as we got inside, Riley mentioned that she wanted to play Rockband, and Jeff seconded it. So they were kind enough to re-arrange their living room and set everything up for us. The amazing thing is that we ended up staying there for over two hours, and so I'm hoping that they weren't shocked at our lack of late night tact.
A quick stop at McDonald's....and we were on our way home. Anyway, for those of you that wanted to know, that was our Halloween. We hope you had a good one, as well.

two tags.

8 things tag

Okay, so I've been tagged by two different people--Kass and Brandi. But, because I'm double awesome, I'm going to do both tags in one. My answers will be red. Jeff was tagged as well by Keri, AND, for those of you that are in love with my husband (meaning: loves to hear Jeff's opinions and what not, and blah, blah, blah...something that I'm totally NOT bitter about), his answers will be in blue. So that's how it's all gonna go down. Also, somehow, I didn't get a picture of Shauna's family, or the younger Stevenson kids. So when someone posts them, I'll need to steal them...meaning, someone PLEASE post them. Also, I was going to post my photo of Maida, but Jeff told me she'd get really mad....so I chickened out.

8 favorite t.v. shows

1) Buffy Vampire Slayer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

2) Angel, Dexter

3) Firefly (I'm also waiting for Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. It will be fabulous, like all his stuff is)., It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

4) The Office, Angel

5)Dexter, Firefly

6)It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Futurama

7) Lost, Lost

8)Fringe (I'm really liking it, even though it's new, AND it has Pacey, from Dawson's Creek in it)., Veronica Mars

8 favorite restaurants

1)Bajio Grill, Bajio Grill

2)Red Lobster, Panda Express

3) China Wok, Zubs

4) Del Taco (I'm high class like that)., Papa Murphy's (Not a restaurant, I know, but I like the food).

5) Zubs, Arby's

6) Good Wood, McDonald's

7) Ruby Tuesday, Taco Bell

8)Pizza Factory, home

8 things that happened yesterday

1)Kelli's Halloween Party, Kelli's Halloween Party

2)Hung with my sister Muff and my Brother in law, Chris at said party, Yelled as loud as I could to help Kory win the costume contest.

3)Cole was afraid of Kory's costume, even though it was similar to his, Unwrapped all Cole's contest candy, because his lobster pincers got in the way.

4)Riley felt like a beautiful sprite, Wore Riley's sprite wings when they were bugging her.

5)Ate my first McDonald's Big Mac in five years. (a Craving), Had a migraine, couldn't eat my McDonald's Cheeseburgers. So Rainey ate them.

6)Read two-thirds of Belly Laughs, by Jenny McCarthy (Thanks Kass), Took a bath with the lights off. (For migraine relief).

7) I was afraid Sydney would rip her way out of my Uterus, Watched Rainey's belly squirm around like it would burst open.

8) Watched some episodes of Scrubs, Watched some Scrubs.

8 Things I am looking forward to:

1)Sydney's Birth, Sydney's birth

2) Story's Birth, Movie Tuesday with Brandon

3) My dinner at Bajio Grill this Saturday. (I'm already deciding on what I'll eat), Racquetball on Wednesday

4) Halloween, Seeing my poster at the OURS concert.

5) Thanksgiving with Muff and Chris and DATS with Muff and possibly Kelli....Boom., Winter coming

6) Christmas, Christmas

7) Seeing my mom, my aunt Sharon, and my sister Lora over Christmas, Having more time off in a row than I've ever had in my life, for the Holidays.

8)Having Jeff stay home with me for a while after I have Sydney and over the holidays, Seeing Riley and Cole meet Sydney.

Four things tag:

4 jobs that I’ve had:

1. Ice cream parlor/mini golf course money taker. (Good times, eh Moriah? Also the reason for my mini golf aversion), General Contractor sidekick.

2. Future Shop--my first introduction to the Anderson family, and the meeting of Jeff, Music and Movie section of Future Shop.

3. Photo Department person at Fred Meyer--where I learned that people take pictures of EVERYTHING, Baker at Kneaders and Walmart.

4. Shoe seller, where I developed a very unhealthy shoe fetish, Graphic Designer/Illustrator, (where I was meant to be, Thanks to Rainey).

4 Movies I have watched more than once:

1. ELF (even in the summer), Fight Club

2. Beautiful Girls (Does anyone know where I can get it on DVD)?, Hellboy

3. Blades of Glory, Memento

4. Shawn of The Dead, Constantine

4 TV Shows I Watch:

See above answers

4 People who email me regularly:

1. My sister Muff, Brandon

2. Kass, Kolob Third Ward for program announcements

3. My mom, My freelance clients

4. Lately, my sisters Lora and Kelli, Co-worker Steve

4 Favorite Foods:

1. Mexican, Pasta

2. Chinease, Sandwiches

3. Italian, Chocolate

4. Thai, Juice

4 Things I'm looking forward to in the next year:

see above answers

4 Places I want to visit:

1. Ireland, Ireland

2. Maine, New Zealand

3. San Juan Islands, Seattle

4. St. John's (One day Moriah, one day....), Some tropical Island. (one of those good ones).

4 Things I love about my husband/Wife

1. He's my best friend, She's beautiful 24/7 no matter what she's wearing or doing.

2. He's the best father I've ever seen, I can be myself with her because she is my best friend.

3. He's super hot, Despite all her doubts she is an amazing mother.

4. He tries to understand me. And I know that's difficult, She has a light inside her that everyone loves her for (me more than anyone).

I am tagging Sarah and Shauna...and Moriah. However, if any of you refuse to do it, you won't be hurting my feelings. Also, Jeff reminds Kyle that he hasn't responded to his previous tag; Sucka.

As of Late...

We, like I'm sure you all, have been busy. Sometimes I'm reminded of the movie, About a Boy...where his life is measured in units. Units being things that take up time. When I'm waiting for something, say like, a baby, the units pass more slowly. However, now that school, and fall and Halloween and the elections, (yeah, even though I HATE all the crap that leads up to it, I always feel compelled to vote...that way I'll have a lot to complain about the next time around), Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and bi-monthly doctor's appointments, and all physical and dental exams before the new year are coming due...it seems like each day flies. And I'm wondering where it went, and how to make up for all my time wasted as I sit with my feet up, or "rest". Before it was relaxing, as those exercises "just killed the last hour", or "now there are only thirty minutes before the kids get home." Not anymore. I'm feeling the impending end of this countdown. And though I've waited for what seems like forever, now I'm kind of panicky.
Meanwhile, in copying Shauna, my children got their school pictures and I'm posting them, too. I've talked to a lot of parents that have an aversion to school pictures, and I know why, as it's pretty obvious. Just the smile and click method makes a lot of kids look frumpy, even after the hours on the hair, and de-boogering, and making sure that they've bathed recently enough that their faces will stay as clean as possible. (And totally not counting the effort it takes to find the perfect outfit that will compliment their eyes, and not show stains from breakfast, or their first recess). But, it's an exciting process for me, too. It's nostalgic, and that's one thing from my childhood that I can totally relate to, despite all the changes that have occurred, since. Next year, my sister Muff, bless her, will take Riley and Cole's school pictures for them. This way I'll know that I will have a quality product and not have to worry about blinking or what I like to refer to as the "stoned look", which both kids have a tendency to do. (It's totally a genetic defect they've inherited from me, sorry to say). But as for now, I really liked what came back this year. I think they both are showing their personalities quite perfectly.
Jeff did some stuff this weekend. He didn't have projects due, so he finally got around to the stuff that I just save for him, as I have no sewing coordination, and even my children have lost their faith in my ability to make repairs look nice. Cole's blue blanket, that is no longer blue, or could be considered an actual blanket, was completely redone by Jeff. He went and got some new batting, and essentially put an entirely new blanket inside Cole's old one, as we needed to still keep the "salties" on the outside of it. What salties are, we aren't too sure, but they are necessary for Cole to rub and feel. Yes, there were tears, and a lot of coaxing from Jeff, Riley, and myself ensuring Cole that his blanket would make it. Honestly though, I was a little bit skeptical as well. His entire blanket was falling apart. This is what the surface looked like, everywhere. If you put any pressure on it whatsoever, it would separate beneath your fingers. Every time we washed it, I would hold my breath, and then have to dig the batting out of the dryer that had balled up in little areas, and squeezed their way out of all the holes. This is the finished product, however, it keeps all the batting in, and the salties are still in tact. So all is well.
Jeff also sewed Cole's Halloween costume. I won't post the picture yet, because I'll take some at Kelli's Halloween party, and when he's actually wearing it. However, you will be amazed at Jeff's artistic ability, and my insight. We kind of have a system. Each year, after Halloween, the kids and I will find stuff on sale that will compliment their costumes for the next year. We decide what they'll wear--and what they're excited for. Then Jeff gets the hard part at the beginning of the next October. I ask/tell him what we need him to do in order to get the perfect costume, and he makes time for it. He's seriously the best guy ever. (Riley's was easy--she'll be beautiful and graceful at the same time, you'll see).
Anyway, that was our weekend, and it's carried on until now. Hopefully we'll be ready for all the ongoings this weekend, and make it through. I guess you'll all find out later. I'm sure you'll all be waiting.

7 weird things about Jeff

So, this is Jeff. Highjacking Rainey's blog so that I can respond to Shauna tagging me. First of all let me say that I'm sure all of you are thinking "What isn't weird about Jeff?". From my perspective the answer is nothing. So I tried to think of the many times when I've explained something about myself and the response I get is "That's so weird!". I came up with a few and I let my family fill in the rest.

1. Eating. I have many hang-ups when it comes to eating. I can't eat before noon and usually don't until 3, 4 or 5 in the evening. I don't like to eat at restaurants or other peoples houses, in fact I don't like eating anywhere but home. I get grossed out very easily when it comes to food. If I see a spot of mold on something, that's it! I don't eat that particular item for a long time, if ever again. I like to eat the same thing, every day, for every meal. Until that one day when all of the sudden I'm sick of it and move on to the next thing (usually right when Rainey buys a months supply thinking I will be eating this for a long time to come) I can't control when it happens, but it's always sudden.

2. I have been a practitioner of "Manscaping" since I was a young teenager. I don't like being hairy and I take the necessary measures to keep everything at optimal length.

3. I sit when I go to the bathroom and choose a bath over a shower (if time permits). Why stand when you can sit and relax.

4. I can, and have, gone days without speaking. In fact I was thinking just today that I kinda wish I was deaf, that way I could use sign language to do all my communicating. I find it painful sometimes even making the smallest amount of speech. I can fake it with the best of them but I was definitely meant for the digital age. I can text and email all my communications and I can say things I never would have in a live conversation.

The next three are courtesy of my family. I asked my wife and kids "What's weird about me?" and this was there response.

5. COLE: "You draw weird stuff..." then he added "but also cool stuff and pretty stuff, but mostly weird stuff."

6. RILEY: "You say "Ribbit" every time you burp."

7. RAINEY: "You are very accepting of people's opinions, except when it comes to movies. You will fight tooth and nail to get your view across, and then be pissed when others don't necessarily agree."

As I am reading these I realize they are pretty boring. The more interesting ones I can think of probably should stay in my head. If anyone else can think of better ones go for it!

Oh and Rainey has informed me that I have to tag someone now, so I tag my brotha' from anotha' motha', Kyle!

In the Meantime....

Ah, Fall. Just the smell of it in the air beckons me, my friends...wakes me up. Makes me anticipate lighting my pumpkin pie and cinnamon candles, just to add to my favorite time of year's ambiance. I'm truly ready for the year to begin. For me, this is when it does.
So, this day has been one of reflection, but in a positive way. There are times when I can't think of truly positive things about my childhood, yet, today, I remembered a few gems.
As I was mopping the floor in my kitchen, (probably my most HATED household chore), I was listening to my ipod. I set it on random, because if I take the time to think of who I want to listen to, I waste time. Also, I always end up listening to my old standbys--even though I have tons of other good stuff to choose from. So random it is. Anyway, as I mopped, I heard the beginnings of a song that I haven't heard in quite a while. Now, for some reflection.
As a kid, I can remember being driven about in my Dad's '85 robin's egg blue Ford Bronco. He loved that car. I loved that car--if there is anyway I can empathize with Jeff's fascination with his now gone Isuzu Amigo, it's for me to remember my father's Bronco. In high school, even though it was ten years old, when I got to drive it, I always felt cool.
So, when I was quite young, and my dad would drive to various places, we'd always listen to the radio. His favorite station was the only one within listening range that wasn't country. It basically played adult contemporary with a few oldies on the side, and sometimes when one of these songs would play, my dad's face would completely change. It was odd to see this. A boilermaker, my father was a "tough guy". He usually looked pissed--a look I have not only inherited, but even improved. Anyway, all of a sudden, the music would start, and he'd suddenly look years younger-actually glow-and grin a big, boyish smile, that I just never saw outside of this situation. He'd tell me "Man, this takes me back". And then I'd listen as he'd belt the words to "Bony Marony", or "Cherokee People".
I liked seeing him that way. For a few moments life wasn't stressful or scary. I always wondered what that would be like, to have music take you away for a time, where things were happier and just better. At like, nine or ten years old, I hadn't had that time or love of music under my belt. So I just couldn't really understand that phenomenon. At thirty, I've actually had quite a few of those moments-- when I'm in my car listening to the radio and "Todd's Nineties at Noon" comes on. I can only handle so much of it, but every once in a while, a song plays that I'd forgotten about. As I listen, I can still remember a certain situation of my teen life that was either good or bad, but just the clarity of the memory, reminds me that I wasn't always who I am now. It's kind of a pleasant experience.
Anyway, as I mopped, the song, "In the Meantime", by Spacehog came on. In spring of 95, Moriah Love and I went on a road trip and of all places to go, came here. Actually, it was Orem. My cousins lived here--they were happy childhood memories, too. Anyway, Moriah and I didn't really have anything in mind as far as coming here went, we just wanted to get out of Buffalo, WY. And for those of you that have been there, the reason for that is more than obvious. Honestly, I had planned on getting a tattoo here, and I did. The giant, greater than hand-sized fairy on my stomach is still a wonder to me, sometimes. (For those of you that are slightly curious, it's normally the size of a golf ball...and yes, thankfully, always goes back). The why I got it and the reason behind the where I put it, is pretty much forgotten. But it's here, and in my eighth month of pregnancy tummy, it's ginormous. Obviously I wasn't thinking ahead or coherently--so essentially it is a great example of a teenage moment.
So, in lieu of this post, I recommend that each of us pick a time in our lives, whether it be good or embarrassing or exceedingly bad...and remember it. See it again by the smell in the air, or the song on the radio. Somehow, it will bring that carefree grin to your face, just to think about how far you've come from that point in time. Sometimes we need a break from the everyday life we deal with...like cleaning house, paying bills, or the mutilation that is my tattooed belly.
Happy Monday, suckas.

Everyday life.

First of all, this isn't a set up for a debate on Immunizations: Should my children get them, or not? This is just me reflecting. I am in the middle of two very opposite opinions, and in no way has coming to the decision I've come to, been simple, as some say it should be. (Yes, I read the booklet that's continually circulated).
Riley and Cole both have gotten their immunizations. Not before age two, like the saying goes, but they get them the year they start kindergarten. Jeff and I, after much deliberation and thought, decided it would be best for our children to do this however, we wait until they are older, because as infants, there are so many things that are unknown. They can't tell you WHY they aren't feeling well. Whether it's end-of-the-world pain or gas, it's the same sort of scream. (Perhaps in infant hood they are one in the same? I don't know, and that's my point). For instance, yesterday Cole told me after getting four shots (yet, the equivalent of seven separate immunizations), the previous day in his rear, "Mom, my stomach doesn't feel so good, and my butt really hurts". I took that as he's feeling queasy, and that I should give him some pain reliever, because his bony bum is probably achy. It's also easier for my children to be prepared with a bribe--"yes, this will hurt a lot, yes you will cry." But they are told that if they are as brave as they can possibly be, they will get to pick a toy out at the very end. You want to know how well this system works? FABULOUSLY. Both of my children have inherited my acceptance of bribery, and though that may not be an issue of bragging quality to pass to your little ones, it makes life a lot easier.
It's hard though, to willingly put your children in pain's way. Holding Cole while he clenched every muscle in his body and hearing him cry out every time he was jabbed, almost made me cry. My Doctor's nurse, whom I love, felt so bad about it afterwards that she offered Cole two treats and said she was sorry. Through tears Cole said, "That's okay". The nurse got a little teary-eyed and said that this was definitely a crappy part of her job.
Luckily after we drove out of the parking lot, Cole was in a chipper mood, knowing that the entire store of Target awaited his toy-picking decision.
I've previously mentioned "bedtime points". And yesterday, Cole stayed home because of his aches, and some puking. Both things that Jeff and I, through Riley, have found is on the normal side. When I woke Riley up for school today, she told me her throat was, "dry". I told her that happens, and to get her clothes on. (Another thing Riley has picked up from me? My faking-sick go-to excuse). She wasn't the least bit impressed with my lack of sympathy, got pretty ticked, and in a clipped tone reminded me that Cole stayed home from school yesterday, and as our rules state, he should NOT be able to sleep in the living room, with free range of fridge and treats this Friday night. (Little does she know that Jeff and I instated this clause simply because of her solution to make the school week shorter: Fake sick a couple of days. It was easier to tell her that going to school all week was required in order to have the Bedtime points privilege, than it was arguing that in fact, she wasn't really sick...even if she pulled out the fake cough).
I told her that Cole was really sick, he threw up and everything, and that got her out of bed with a sour expression and a roll of her eyes. Later, after texting Jeff the situation, he responded back to me that in reality, she skipped school on Tuesday, too, because I didn't have anyone that would be there to pick her up while Cole had his appointment. So, using her logic, she wouldn't get to sleep downstairs, either. I relayed the message as she ate breakfast, she stopped chewing, and her rather big eyes got bigger as she said, "I'm not saying anything more about it". She's also a quick learner. So that's our week so far. Oh yeah, I wanted to mention a happy moment from yesterday. I went to give my sister-in-law that's due about the same time as I am, her baby gift and also look at her home, which she and her husband have been renovating. (It's fabulous, just so you know). But she came out and gave me one of Riley's old onesies....it's pink and tye-dyed. I guess somehow after I gave Riley's baby clothes away, it got recirculated back to her, and she thought I'd like to have it back. Which is so true, because I'd been thinking about it lately, and wondered what I had done with it. Sometimes little things can make you so happy...and that was one of them. So, thanks Kass!
That's all for now.
Oh, and I've stopped watching True Blood. Sadly, it was ruining the books for me, with all the "creative direction" they've taken. Just FYI.

Another Cole story. (Because you so politely asked....sorry but no visuals were allowed...I already asked).

A week ago, or something, I posted about Cole's aversion to wearing underwear. We've had a few arguments lately, but for the most part, he's good about putting them on. Usually after being reminded. A few days ago I was lying in bed, reading. Cole had just gotten out of the bath and I yelled at him to hurry, because he had school in a half hour. He told me he already had his clothes on, and I made him model what he was wearing, which turned out to be too tight sweat pants, and one of Jeff's graphic T-shirts from his old job. I told him, kindly, that that attire wasn't acceptable for school, and that this time he was to put the clothes on that I had laid out on his bed. And to NOT forget to put the underwear on, as well.
A couple minutes later Cole came into my room sporting another look that was neither intended or recommended by me.
(Previously I had posted pictures where Cole had put on blue camouflage boxers and yanked them up to his ribcage. The end result being a type of onesie that for the most part covered his frontals and backside, however, looked very uncomfortable in the process. So uncomfortable, I have to admit, that I was panicked he'd injure a few vitals if he were to continue wearing his boxers in that manner. After reading the comments on my previous post, I asked him to look at what I'd so artfully arranged on my blog in draft form...just waiting to be given the go ahead. He saw it, said, "Mom, those pictures are me in my big underpants." I said, "I know, you just made me laugh so much that I wanted to share, and would that be okay?" His reply was, "Nope. Noooo it is not okay. Because underpants cover my privates." So there you all have it).
He was excited about the fact that these underwear were indeed an outfit in themselves. Not only was he wearing the required undergarments, but he also invented a new, easy outfit that covered all the questionable parts. After a few minutes of laughter, I explained to him that though it's a good idea in theory, it's against the rules to go to school solely in your underwear. Also, that is the kind of thing that a lot of my nightmares were about. I talked him into letting me take a few pictures to show his dad and he went to get into his regular clothing.
Though you can't really see it in these pictures, there were some areas that looked very, er, restricted by this high-wasted design. On the other hand, I am proud of my son and his desire to forgo comfort, in the name of groundbreaking fashion.