Mischief and Mayhem

Birthday Week 2011

2011-06-14T13:17:00.001-07:00

Okay, so the kids had a birthday in, oh that's right, FEBRUARY. It's only taken me a few months to blog about it. We opted for the easy Chuck E Cheese route. Addie brought her friend Gavin and the kids had a blast!

I ♥ Couponing

2011-03-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

I have a new hobby that I'd thought I'd share. That's right, I've turned into one of those crazy coupon ladies and I love it. I've been couponing for a year now and don't know how I shopped before this. I still feel like I'm not super extreme. Like, I don't have a binder or have multiple newspaper subscriptions, but trust me, both are tempting. My favorite stores are Walgreens, Smiths, and Walmart. Now that I have a pretty good handle on those, I may look into adding a few new store this coming year. I keep wondering, if Bobby wasn't in school and our budget SO tight, if I'd still coupon. I think I would. This is just a nice outlet for my shopaholic tendencies, and no remorse afterward!

My latest Walgreens run:
Grand total, $5.14

Some Random Christmasness

2010-12-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

We've had a very quiet and non-stressful Christmas in Utah this year. I hated not being near extended family, but tried to enjoy all the time we had to spend together, just the four of us! Here are some random Christmas pictures for ya!

We made "Ranc" and "Carter" Christmas cookies this year. Maybe next year we'll do the "Reuel" cookies. Wouldn't want them to die out.

This was her best decorating year so far. Very precise.

Nothing quite says Christmas like a BYU basketball game.

Addie is VERY into taking pictures with our camera. This is one of her favs.

Our reenactment of the Nativity story needed a few more bodies but was AWESOME!

And well, the children we spoiled like usual!

Things Rachelle forgot to bring her camera to: our Christmas riverboat ride and the Thanksgiving Point light festival. Way to go me.

Temple Square

2010-12-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the lights at Temple Square! We had such a fun time as a family enjoying these lights. They do such an incredible job and I love how Christ centered everything is. This was the kid's and Bobby's first time, which always makes it better.

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!!!

First Big Snow Day of 2010

2010-12-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

His new name is Ralphie

What can I say? The kids LOVE the snow and I'm still not a fan.

A Little Ballet

2010-12-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post a little ballet video. Boy does that girl like to spin.

One of these things is not like the other...

2010-11-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

One of these things just doesn't belong.

If anyone has any suggestions for keeping children out of my shelves, just let me know.

What do you do when your washer shakes the whole house in the spin cycle? Make it into a fun ride for the kids. They love doing the laundry.

Just for kicks.

BYU Homecoming

2010-10-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

We've had a BYU centered day. Started with the BYU pancake breakfast. Walked down the street for free blue chocolate chip pancakes. Next, the BYU Homecoming Parade. Lots of candy and balloons for the kiddos (Loved that Shawna joined up at the end!). Now on to the Football game! Go BYU!

Soccer

2010-10-06T15:06:00.001-07:00

So did I mention that Addie played soccer this year. She had a great time and loves showing off her "Gold Medal". I have to admit that she is HORRIBLE! I mean really, truly awful. The poor girl is clueless on the field and we are just way too excited if she even remotely kicks it in the right direction. She's more excited about snack time and playing with her team or dogs on the sideline. I love my Addie!!

Bangs

2010-10-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

As cute as Addie's new bangs are, they weren't by choice. I have a scissor happy four year old. It could have been a lot worse! Bangs were the easy fix.

Cuddles

2010-09-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Carter dropped a large rock on his toes this morning. Guess who he wanted cuddles from? Not Mom or Dad, he kept crying for Addie cuddles. Too cute! I'm glad they like each other, most of the time.

(Yes, Addie had been crying recently. That's why her eyes are all red!)

Swim Party

2010-06-13T17:12:00.001-07:00

Addie had a wonderful time this last year with our little joy school group. We were both sad to see it end. Addie and Carter both loved the end of the year swim party!

Jack, Sadie, Addie and Carter

Addie always has to strike some pose.
Sadie, Addie, Trevor, Emma

Carter thinks he's old enough for school. I wish...

Sadie and Addie. Two dominant personalities.

Sadie, Addie, Trevor and Emma

BYU

2010-04-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

I realized today how behind I am on a bunch of blog worthy events. One of those being how EXCITED we are to be staying in Utah for another two years. Bobby got into BYU's MPA program and starts this Fall. For those of you that are like me and wondering what MPA stands for, that would be Masters in Public Administration. Basically, Bobby wants to work in local city government (City Manager someday). I'm super proud of him and of all the hard work he's put in to get here. Keep it up Bobby!

Here's a fun little clip of us pestering Carter to say BYU. I LOVE how he says it. Wado Wado.

We're Still Alive...

2010-04-06T15:45:00.001-07:00

I promise we're still alive and doing well. To prove it, here's a few random pictures of the kiddos.

My kids LOVE taking baths in the sink. They think I'm the "best Mom ever" when I let them. To easy.

We now have two choristers for all the songs for Family Home Evening. Batons make every kid want to sing.

I have way to many pictures that prove that Carter has an older sister.

The poor kid just wants to do what Addie does and enjoys dressing up.

More blog posts on the way!

Addie is Four!!

2010-02-07T08:43:00.001-08:00

So my Addie girl is four now. She was one lucky little girl and basically had two birthday parties.

One with her joy school at Jumping Jacks, and another with her best friend, that lives across the street, at Chuck E Cheese. So spoiled.

This is her party with her joy school group.

(Sadie, Carter, Emma, Jack, Addie, Gavin)

She had a Tinkerbell cake.

Carter seriously thinks he's old enough to be part of the joy school crowd.

Present time.

They all had a BLAST at Jumping Jacks. I couldn't get them to stand still for a picture, so slide shots are all I got.

Addie is already asking to go back to Jumping Jacks.

My climbing king was in heaven!

Kimiko was kind enough to bring Carter's girlfriend, Mayumi, along for the fun.

We couldn't get these two to sit next to each other for a picture, without giving them something to get into. This was the best I could do.

Addie was thrilled to get a big girl bike of her very own. Thankfully, there was no snow to hamper her playtime! I'm loving our mild winter!!!

I definitely forgot my camera for Chuck E Cheese. I'm just a horrible Mom like that. Needless to say, she loved it. Now that she knows it exists, I think she'll want to go for every birthday.

I'm glad birthday week is over and I have a year to gear up for the next go round. Having both kid's birthdays a day apart is just craziness.

Carter is Two!!

2010-02-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby is two. He had a great Birthday and I thought I'd share some photos.

We took him to Toys R Us for a little shopping spree.

I love his sweet grin!
(Yes, Addie had been crying. She was having a really hard time all day with the fact that it was Carter's Birthday and not hers!)

Took him a while to figure out how to blow out the candles.

This was as good of a George cake as I could do. Artistic abilities don't come easily to me and trying to copy George's face seriously took me almost two hours!

Loving his pick from Toys R US!!

So much fun stuff in the pockets.

Never too young to start playing with military toys.

Mermaid Nightgown

2010-01-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Addie has been begging me to make her something with this flannel mermaid fabric that Tutu sent. I finally got aroung to making her a winter nightgown. She is one happy girl. It's a little short, but that was all the fabric I had. Addie's just too tall! I'll add a pink ruffle later.

Super goofy smile.

Carter demanded to get in on the picture taking.

First Day of Primary

2010-01-03T16:50:00.001-08:00

I can't tell you how excited Addie was for her first day of Primary today. Too cute.

She was concerned that Carter was now going to be all alone in Nursery. What a great big sister.

They are growing up too fast!

2009-12-14T14:52:00.001-08:00

Bring on the Snow

2009-12-09T11:06:00.001-08:00

We now have snow, and lots of it. My kids aren't very familiar with it and had a great time with our first snow day.

She wanted to see if the big-wheel could take it.

Carter was slightly perturbed that his car didn't work as well in the snow.

Addie ate more snow then I'd like to admit. Notice the one glove factor. We've been working on keeping the gloves on. It's an uphill battle.

Unless he was in his car, Carter wouldn't stay still long enough for a picture. What a little man.

2009-12-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We stayed home this year and had a nice laid back and relaxing Thanksgiving. We were glad that "Aunt" Alissa could come join us too. Thanks for watching the kiddos so that Bobby and I could go brave early morning Black Friday.

Addie and Carter wouldn't leave Alissa alone the whole day. It was AWESOME for Bobby and me, a welcome break!

I'm not sure if Carter actually ate any of his food, but he sure loved playing with the mashed potatoes.

Bath Time

Addie uses this poor kid as her life sized dress up doll. She basically forces him into her clothes. He's such a good sport.

Pillow Pet

2009-11-24T20:31:00.000-08:00

I swear we give our daughter a pillow at night.

Ever seen the commercials for the "Pillow Pet", I think Addie has. (Most unoriginal jingle ever. "It's a pillow... it's a pet... it's a pillow pet".)

Yep Mandy, that's the stuffed turtle you gave baby Addie because she looked like a turtle.

Easy To Please

2009-11-10T11:58:00.001-08:00

I asked her if she'd rather have Halloween candy or hard boiled eggs. She didn't even have to think about it. If you want to make this girl happy, make her some eggs.

She only had 4 eggs and 1/2 an egg salad sandwich today.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Another great Halloween. Kids had tons of fun!

My very own little unicorn and dragon.

Thank you for the nice, warm, free costumes Kim and Jenni! Almost looks like I planned their costumes to match! Glad it worked out!

Happy Kids

2009-10-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Kids

Happy when Mom bakes

Happy to make a mess

Happy to make noise
(Addie calls it "parade" time)

Happy to give Mom a headache

Nap Time

2009-10-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

So this has become Addie's new daily nap time. She spends it "building houses" for all her stuffed animals. Hey, if it means that she's quietly in her room everyday... build on Addie, build on.

Monkey Boy

2009-10-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Carter has always loved to climb. When we got bunk beds, I decided not to put up the ladder for obvious reasons. I should have figured that he'd watch how his older sister goes up and follow. I'm trying to not be the overprotective Mom, but this just makes me nervous. What to do now? Trust that he won't fall or take the bunk beds apart?

What a Waste.

2009-09-29T09:06:00.001-07:00

What a waste of perfectly gorgeous eyelashes.

Why is it that the boys always get the long ones?

I wish I had an awesome camera that could do these eyelashes justice. I'm seriously jealous.

I thought I'd just let you know that I'm a sucker for this kid.

Addie even thinks that he is pretty cool. She'll even read him books.

Dad's been a goner ever since he learned he was having a son. Carter has him wrapped around his little finger.

He is one happy little man... with perfect eyelashes.

I had such high hopes...

2009-09-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally took the kiddos to the Dentist for the first time (I know I get the super Mom award for waiting almost 4 years). I really had high hopes that it would be an easy outing. Addie was SO excited. I mean, check out this face below. This was before any work was done.

The place was pimped out with flat screens of cartoons and dolphins swimming on the ceiling. What kid wouldn't like that...

Mine. She totally freaked out and threw a massive tantrum. Yesterday, they finished everything they couldn't get done, when they put her out to fill a cavity. And don't count cute, little Carter out. He screamed like someone was killing him and all they did was brush his teeth.

I can't wait to take them back again...

maybe in another four years.

Lost Pictures

2009-08-28T15:21:00.001-07:00

Happy day. I thought that we had deleted some of our pictures by mistake, but here they are. Think back to over a month ago for these. We attended the open house for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. So beautiful and the kids actually behaved themselves pretty well.

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple

See. Don't they look all sweetness?

I just love these pics!

We were also very excited to be able to celebrate Pioneer Day in Utah. It's just not the same anywhere else. We ventured into Salt Lake for the big parade and had a great (super HOT) time with the kids. Bobby was determined to see his first Apostle in person and got his wish when President Eyring came by.

Addie was mesmerized with the floats. Carter's attention span was that of a normal 18 month old.

Addie thought all the girls on the floats were "princesses" and waved like crazy to them all.

President Henry B Eyring. He's the one smiling and waving in the cowboy hat. Too sweet a man.

$2 Tuesdays

2009-08-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

I sure wish that every Tuesday was $2 Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point. The kids LOVED it. Farm country, pony rides, dinosaur museum... what's not to love!

Ride 'em cowgirl!

Bobby just doesn't want to step in poop.

Who knew dinosaur bones could be so exciting?

Carter could hardly sit still for a pic.

Random pic of Cascade Springs... too pretty.

Can you tell that we are trying to jam pack everything fun in before Daddy starts school and work on Monday??? Boo to non-existent husbands.

Hiking

2009-08-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons that we love living in Utah is the hiking. I am a hiking enthusiast, and luckily Rachelle is willing to do it. We have kind of eased the kids into it to see how they would do, and it has gone surprisingly well! After a few strolls down the walkway at Bridal Veil Falls we decided to step it up to Rock Canyon. Addie is really clutsy so she came home with a lot of bruises from all the spills she took, but we had a good time. This past Friday we stepped it up to Little Cottonwood Canyon. We drove up to Alta and hiked the Catherine Pass up to Lake Catherine. It was 1.5 miles both ways and Addie hiked about half of it, spending the other half on my shoulders. The way up was pretty steep, and I was impressed with ourselves for pulling it off with the kids. Now that we know the kids like it we will be doing a lot more hiking from now on!

Carter giving a tip of the cap at Bridal Veil Falls

Too Pretty!

True to her fearless nature Addie immediately wanted to climb up the falls

Carter wanted in on the action too

Addie wasn't super enthusiastic when we started up the Catherine Pass

Little Cottonwood Canyon is beautiful, so are my girls!

We made it to the top!

Addie and Carter had fun feeding crackers to the chipmunks

Lake Catherine is worth the long hike up

By the time we started back down Addie was having a blast, we had a hard time keeping her in sight!

Carter is an awesome little hiker, he wanted no part of staying in the baby backpack!

Mammoth Lakes California

2009-08-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

What can I say? We had an awesome time in Mammoth this year. It was a bit of a mad house with all the grand-kids under one roof, but oh so fun. Thanks to everyone for such a great trip!!!

You can't drive to Mammoth without stopping in Independence to play.

I had to let Carter get his feet wet. Very cold water!

I don't know what to say. Love this pic.

Two smiling babies, it's a miracle. Papa just knows how to treat them right.

Addie and Carter love Tutu.

The fam at Convict Lake. One of my favorites.

We are glad that Dad was able to make it for a few days!

A little bit of snow around the lakes.

Auntie Kim is the greatest for watching the two twerps.

Addie's first fishing experience.

Mom needs to share the fishing pole with Addie a bit more.

Carter loved the trolley around the city.

I think she picked every wild flower in our front yard.

A little bit of beautiful golfing.

Down time at the lodge.

Everybody get Uncle Bobby.

Mommy's Little Girl

2009-08-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

My Mom just sent this picture of me as a little girl. Wow... maybe there's a lot more of me in Addie then I ever realized. And here I've been blaming Bobby all along.

Job First

2009-07-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a little conversation I had with Addie over cereal this morning:

Addie: Mom, are you growin a baby in your tummy?

Mom: What? No. Not right now.

Addie: When, in two weeks?

Mom: No, more like two years.

Addie: (Pause) Dad needs a job first, huh.

Mom: Wow, you are one smart girl.

Home

2009-07-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

So I've had a bunch of requests to see where we are now living. I LOVE our place here.

It suits us perfectly and I feel entirely spoiled and blessed to live here as a "poor" college family!

Top four reasons I love this place:

1. HELLO double garage.

I never knew what I was missing.

2. A glorious basement/ toy room/ guest room

3. The greatest backyard ever. Love those mountains.

4. A great sized kitchen and pantry.

Picture doesn't do it justice.

We LOVE visitors... Come and see us anytime!

To The Quilting Club...

2009-07-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd let you know that I did acutally...finally...completely...finish my friendship quilt. BY HAND. I love it, but... never again by hand. I've come to love my sewing machine too much.

I wasn't trying to be fancy by piecing the back... just cheap. I used every last scrap of these fabrics on the back and binding.

I miss you guys!!

Old McDonald had a farm

2009-06-23T14:32:00.001-07:00

Little did I know that in the middle of a residential neighborhood, someone had a full blown farm in their back yard. They sell fresh eggs but also welcome anyone who wants to look at the animals. As much as I'd love fresh eggs, at $3.50 a dozen, I think I'll stick with my free WIC eggs from Walmart. Thanks Kimiko for letting us come along. Needless to say, Addie already wants to go back to Old McDonalds farm.

With an oink, oink here...

and a ? ? there (what sound does a peacock make?)

If you ask Addie how a turkey goes, she says "wacka wacka".

Surprisingly the cats were her favorite.

As a side note. I was reminded of growing up in San Marcos and Mom having Eric and I go get fresh eggs down the street. We'd take the wagon and definitely ride on top of them together down the hill on the way home. How we never broke any of those eggs is a miracle.

A New Cut

2009-06-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Forget using scissors. The buzz is where it's at these days.

It's only taken 16 months...

2009-06-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Finally.

A Budding Artist

2009-06-07T17:08:00.001-07:00

Welcome to toddlerhood Carter. Let's try to enjoy the ride.

Camping and the Beach

2009-06-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

I found myself really wanting to go camping this last Memorial Day, but alas, we have no tent. Is it too soon to start a Christmas list, because that would be numero uno. This last week here has been beautiful and I was really missing the beach as well. Put those two together and I realized I never posted our awesome camping trip to Hunting Island, South Carolina. We went at the end of March and it was still a little too chilly to swim. Wish I was there now!!!

It was supposed to rain the whole time, but we are lucky and just got clouds during the day and some sprinkles at night. Perfect.

Thanks for letting us use the Taj, (tent) Fowers!

I LOVED camping in the Palmetto forest!! So beautiful!

Pure joy on this face.

Joy on this face too.

In our element.

Addie's favorite part... marshmallows.

Ha! The smoke was killing her eyes and she's all hopped up on mallow.

If the kid would just walk, he would have been allowed out of his cage, I mean, pack 'n' play. He was a big fan of the Doritos, as you can see.

What's for dinner?

2009-05-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

I just asked Addie what she wanted for dinner. Her reply? "Meat". She is her father's daughter. I then asked what type of meat and she said, "bread meat". Good to know I'm in there somewhere!

Addie and Dad made me a great cake for my birthday.

I LOVE this picture of Carter.

It should be a crime to wake a baby this deep in sleep.

Go West

2009-05-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

So I realize that we have not been keeping up on our blog at all. So sorry. Life has been busy, to put it mildly. I have so many pictures that I feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of trying to catch up. So I'm just going to put up the pictures and hope you have fun looking through them all.

We just had a crazy moving road trip from Georgia to Utah with this monster of a moving truck. THANK YOU Mom and Dad for helping us with this move. We couldn't have done it with out you!!! We stopped at some church history sites along the way. Enjoy!

Tutu and Papa moving company

By the end we were just throwing things in.

Liberty Jail Missouri

Addie reaching in the "window" to the jail

Far West Temple site, Missouri

Addie loves lady bugs

The Valley of Adam-ondi-ahman

Adam-ondi-ahman

Preacher rock, Adam-ondi-ahman

Winter Quarters Temple, Nebraska

Winter Quarters monument for the unknown pioneer graves

Winter Quarters Nebraska Visitor's Center

Pull that handcart!

Pioneer Carter

Pioneer Addie and hand cart

What the ship bunks were like.

Carter was SO tired he was ready to call it his bed.

More later!!!

A Crafty Thanks

2009-04-01T13:42:00.001-07:00

As I was packing up my crafty items today, I realized that I have a lot of people to thank for supporting my new found hobby.

I send a big thanks out to Grama for her box of vintage fabric. I was like a kid in a candy store and can't wait to make some awesome purses with the trendy prints. I loved this grey wool she sent. Thanks Kimmie for the original top that this is a copy of!

Thank you Mom for parting with a bunch of your fabric stores to the new hoarder of the family. I couldn't have made Grama's Christmas place mats without it. I've had some fun with little projects like the gift recipe bag above. I'm trying to think of cheap gifts and who doesn't want a bag of my favorite recipes, huh?

This baby blanket deserves the thanks of Andrea. Thanks for letting me use your awesome sewing machine to quilt it. If you ever find your machine missing, it's because I stole it! You saved me tons of time, thanks.

Congrats to Lexy and Robert on their new little baby boy, Deacon!!!

I threw in this picture for kicks. My super climber Carter is just loving all the piles of boxes from packing for Utah. It's his own personal jungle gym around here!

Don't Drive Thoughtless in South Carolina!

2009-03-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

Rachelle and I took the kids camping at Hunting Island, SC last week. It was just an overnight trip but we had a ton of fun and Hunting Island is beautiful (pictures from the trip will be forthcoming). On the way home I was stopped by a police officer in a tiny town called Ehrhardt, SC. The guy didn't even look like a cop. He was wearing a bleach stained polo shirt with an embroidered badge on it. He said that I was speeding, which I truly wasn't (Rachelle will vouch for me, and she would blow the whistle if I was lying). What happened next can only properly be explained by simply recounting the conversation:

Police Officer: Do you know why I pulled you over sir?

Me: No sir.

Police Officer: You were just doing 47 in a 30 and 70 in a 55.

Me: I was just looking at my speedometer before you pulled me over sir and it was only reading 58.

Police Officer: Well then you need to get a new speedometer.

Me: Ok.

Police Officer: May I see your license, registration, and proof of insurance?

At this point I hand him what he needs and he goes back to his cruiser to write the ticket. Rachelle and I are livid because we know that we weren't speeding and that he is just picking on us because we are from out of state. We decide that we will ask to see his radar when he gets back with the ticket.

Police Officer: Here is your ticket sir.

Me: Ok. May I please have a look at your radar sir?

Police Officer: (Surprised and clearly very annoyed) Sure.

(He goes to the cruiser and brings back the radar gun.)

Police Officer: Here you go. It was callibrated last month.

Me: The gun is blank sir. Do you have my speed punched into the memory?

Police Officer: (Laughing sarcastically now) That is not how it works. I'll tell you what I am going to do. I wrote you a no point ticket. But now I am going to head back and write you an even bigger ticket.

Me: Ok.

He heads back to his cruiser with my license and I watch him in my rear view mirror. He stands outside his cruiser for about 20 seconds and then heads back to our car. I look over at Rachelle and tell her he isn't doing anything.

Police Officer: (Very angry now) Do you know that in South Carolina you can be put in jail for speeding?

Me: Ok.

Police Officer: (Almost yelling now) I got you doing 47 in a 30 and then 70 in a 55 and that is why you are getting this ticket!

Me: So you got me on radar doing 70 as well? (I was wondering if his ghetto cruiser had some sort of new warp speed function I have never heard of that allowed him to get ahead of me again and clock me twice.)

Police Officer: (Still near a yell) No, I got you doing 47 on radar and then I got you doing 70 by pacing you.

Me: (Now I know that he is making this stuff up as he goes along) Yes sir, when you say that you were pacing me how does that work?

Police Officer: (Talking to Rachelle now) Ma'm do you have your license with you?

Rachelle: I think so. Why do you need to see my license?

Police Officer: Because I can't leave you and the kids on the side of the road.

Rachelle: I don't understand.

Police Officer: Because he is coming with me!

Me: You're arresting me?!?!

Police Officer: Yep!

Me: On what charge?!?!

Police Officer: Speeding.

Me: Sir, I am simply trying to get all of the circumstances regarding this ticket. That is all.

Police Officer: And the time to argue a ticket is in court.

Me: I am not trying to argue. I am just trying to get all of the facts concerning this ticket.

Police Officer: What is your job?!?!

Me: (Confused what this question has to do with the price of rice in China) I just got out of the military. We are moving soon.

Police Officer: What branch of the military? (Still yelling)

Me: The Air Force

Police Officer: What was your rank? (Still yelling)

Me: (Still confused and getting very annoyed) E-4.

Police Officer: Well I was in the Army!

Me: Ok?

Police Officer: I am just trying to do my job and the time to argue a ticket is in court!

Me: I respect your job sir. I am not trying to argue. I am just trying to get all of the facts regarding my ticket.

Police Officer: (Hands me the original ticket) I suggest you move along now!

So I drive away, confused and really angry. As we are driving Rachelle looks at the ticket and sure enough, it is not even a speeding ticket. The guy was flat out lying and never had us on speeding. He was just trying to get some money for his podunk town. The violation was honestly "Thoughtless". I asked my buddy who is a lawyer if he has ever heard of this law in South Carolina. He spent about 30 minutes searching for it and he couldn't find anything. He said it is probably some municipal ordinance, and that South Carolina is seriously the most backwards state in the country when it comes to law enforcement. On top of all of it the fine is $230! I was fined $230 for driving "thoughtless". Awesome! So the moral of the story is not to drive thoughtless in South Carolina!

Trip to the Georgia Aquarium

2009-03-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

So thanks to Mom and Dad Reuel we finally went to the Georgia Aquarium yesterday. It is the largest aquarium in the world, which I find surprising considering Atlanta is at least 5 hours away from the coast. Rachelle was like a kid at Christmas the entire time, and Addie absolutely loved it. The biggest surprise was Carter. He went nuts (in a good way) the entire time. He was so animated and was just beaming throughout the whole day. Besides getting a flat tire on the drive home it was just about a perfect day!

Gotta love Carter with just one shoe on. Classic!

Two very happy girls!

Addie's favorite was by far the whale shark. It was huge!

Watching Carter's reactions was one of the cutest things I have ever seen!

Rachelle is thrilled that she has two kids who love the aquarium! That bug scab on Carter's nose is from falling down the back porch steps while spending the afternoon with me watching him. I win Dad of the year!

Addie was apparently very concerned about the fish above her in this one!

The underwater tube was pretty awesome!

Two happy kids! Thanks Tutu and Papa!!!

VICTORY!!!

2009-03-12T14:51:00.001-07:00

Today is a BIG day in the Ranc Family... A day I've been looking forward to for 3 years and 1 month...

That's right, she did poops in the potty. Victory is ours!

She drove a hard bargain. It only took the promise of Lollipops, a trip to the toy store, and ice cream. She knows her Mommy is a sucker. We are going to be broke by the end of the week. Well worth it!

Oreos

2009-03-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

No Mom, we did not get into the Oreos.

(Seriously, she honestly tried to deny that she got into the Oreos. Brilliant.)

I definitly didn't eat any Oreos.

I'm just a baby. I eat what Addie gives me.

I wonder why we have so much energy?

(P.S. Somebody once told me lying is a sign of intelligence. If that is true then Addie will win the Nobel Peace Prize.)

Last Day in the Building

2009-02-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was the day that I have been waiting 4 long years for...it was my last day in the building!!! I no longer have access to Back Hall, and it feels great! No more dealing with the khaki mafia (those are the evil Navy Chiefs I worked with), no more shift work, no more windowless offices. As most of you know I am an avid fan of The Office, and there was an epsiode during season 3 in which Dwight made a speech that I promised myself I would repeat on my last day in the building. So at long last here it is....

Although I love this company more than almost anything in the world, I have decided to step down from my post and spend more time with my family. I do not fear the unknown. I will meet my new challenges head-on, and I will succeed, and I will laugh in the faces of those who doubt me. It's been a pleasure working with some of you, and I will not forget those of you soon. But remember, while today it is me, we all shall fall. In other words, I'm quitting.

And that in a nutshell is exactly how I felt when I was escorted (that's right, they escort you) out of the building. Well, besides the loving the company more than almost anything in the world part, but you all get the point. Now all that is left is finishing my out-processing with the Air Force. Come this time next week I will be a civilian again!

A Late Birthday Post

2009-02-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

Addie had a fantastic "baby doll" birthday this year. She helped me put it all together, so let me tell you that it was all I heard about for weeks prior to and after the event! Wow, this was one girly event. When I asked Addie who she wanted to invite, only three boys made the cut. Curran, Zekers, and Luke. Seeing that none of them live nearby, the girly birthday was okay! We played musical chairs, took a walk with our strollers, and played pin the pacifier on the baby.

Addie, I love you so much! You have made the last three years of my life truly eventful. There is never a dull moment with you or a day that you don't make me laugh. Having you for a daughter has made my life 1000 times more meaningful!

As each of her friends arrived she promptly asked them, "Where's my present?" We're all about manners over here.

I didn't know how many of the girls would have a baby stroller. I guess it's just one of those necessities for every little girl. (Hee hee... one of these babies is not like the others... Way to be multi-cultural JJ!)

I was so excited that it was a fluke nice warm winter day. Perfect for a walk around the neighborhood.

Trying to get them to stay to one side was like herding cattle.

Chocolate on chocolate birthday cake. And, of course, some strawberries for my strawberry girl. (My first attempt at a homemade "fancy" birthday cake)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T08:14:00.001-08:00

I Love You Bobby! Happy Valentine's Day!

Carter is 1!

2009-02-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

We had a fun week of birthdays recently. I've decided that having children a day apart was probably not the smartest thing I've ever done. Like I really have that much say in the matter! Anyhow, I'm in love with my little baby boy and thoroughly enjoyed watching him eat his cake.

Carter has no problems giving me big smiles for the camera.

This is probably the most fun he's had in his whole year of life.

Mommy is so mean! I thought I'd show him how I'd do it if given the chance.

A Walk in Progress

2009-02-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

Carter figured out the walker today. It was too cute to pass up. I fear my days of Carter's babyhood are quickly coming to a close! :(

California Christmas

2009-01-19T17:13:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much I LOVED being with my family in California this Christmas. You guys are all awesome. Thanks for the great trip!

A small miracle to get the Reuels, Orlandos, Kennedys and Rancs together!

You won't find a lot of starfish on Christmas trees here in Georgia, but it's perfect for California.

Thanks for hosting Christmas Eve Kennedys!

Beautiful table spread. Way to go Tiffany and Eric.

Eric, Kimberly, Tiffany and Rachelle. The siblings... just missing Jonathan!

Carter's first Christmas. He had no idea what was going on!

Bobby's favorite picture. Keep loving that football!

Yippee, Santa came. Thank you Orlandos for letting us crash your Christmas morning.

Pretty, pretty princess.

It was Cheesy Christmas Sweaters for Grama and Pa. If you were curious, yes I am wearing a tree skirt as a poncho. Styling!

If you ask me, either Chris or Tiffany should have won first prize. I dig the vest.

Elmer Carter with his namesake Carter.

Pa and Grama (Addie calls her Mima) with the kids

What a great Christmas trip. Let's do it again next year!

Sea World

2009-01-12T10:18:00.001-08:00

We had such a wonderful trip this Christmas and New Years that I don't quite know where to start. It was way too nice to see lots of family and long time friends. Our first adventure was a family day at Sea World and what a wet adventure it was! The kids had a blast (at least Addie did) and the rest of us just got drenched and cold. Thank you Bobby for being a military hero and getting us in free!

Doesn't this look like fun in the sun?

Please notice that I'm the only adult in the splash zone with the kids. Aren't we all wet anyways?

All the cousins together for the first time

Carter and Dane meet for the first time. Aren't they too cute!!

Worn out and passed out, my favorite.

Christmas all month long

2008-12-16T07:23:00.000-08:00

Addie is one lucky Christmas girl. She's already had more gifts this month then she'll have on Christmas morning. All I can say is thank you secret Santa. Wow!

We let Addie open up her baby high chair this morning and it was a hit! Thank you Tutu and Papa, you made her day.

Caged Addie

2008-12-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome trip to Ohio for Thanksgiving. The traffic was CRAZY both on the way up and on the way back, but it was totally worth being with the family for the holiday. It was pretty busy so we didn't get much of a chance to take as many pictures as we wanted to, but the night before we left we hung out at Mandy and Kirk's house and got some good pictures. Addie decided that she wanted to hang out in the dog's cage, and we were only too happy to get that crazy girl behind bars, haha. In all seriousness we had a great time and it was awesome to get to see everybody at Thanksgiving.

Carter wanted in on the action

Lovin' Uncle Sean

Addie and Aunt DeeDee

Carter having fun with Uncle Josh

Addie and Uncle Chris

Lexie got jealous

Rachelle and I were only too happy to let everybody else watch the kids!

Pain in the morning

2008-12-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

Addie hasn't been having the greatest morning, to say the least. I lovingly informed her that she was being a pain (I know... I'm going to win the mother of the year award). Her reply?

"Yes mom, I'm a pain. I need to go doctor."

If only it was that easy!

Favorites

2008-11-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

Addie has turned into quite the little girl lately and I'm loving it. One of her favorite toys of the week is definitely her Disney Princess tea set. She even has to take it in the bath. Her favorite thing to serve... water and raisin soup.

Other current Addie favorites include: her baby dolls (of course), coloring books, play dough, getting the mail, making Carter laugh, and reading "berry" books (meaning library).

Carter's favorite spot of the week is in the toy basket.

So darn cute to see him do a swan dive right in.

I remember Addie doing the same exact thing (see picture below). They really are brother and sister.

Carter's other current favorites include: following anyone around, cars, the mini-blinds, computer cords, and garbage cans. I think we may be starting the mischievous stage.

Do Addie and Carter look alike?

42-7

2008-11-23T10:40:00.001-08:00

Another year, another win for Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes. I must admit it is a good time to be an Ohio State fan. After growing up watching John Cooper go 1-8-1 versus that team up north, this is just sweet, sweet redemption. Tressel is now 7-1 against that team up north, the Buckeyes have their first ever 5 game winning streak against them, and 42-7 is the biggest margin of victory since 1968. It was a beautiful day. On a side note, a buddy of mine told me a joke the other day that I thought was good. People were worried about Michigan making it down to Columbus because they couldn't get past Toledo. Priceless.

Proud Papa

2008-11-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

So lately Carter has been making very happy because when I watch football he will sit there and watch it with me (or at least stare in the direction of the TV). He will usually sit for like 20 minutes at a time, which for a 9 month old must feel like an eternity. I like to think that he is quietly soaking up an immense amount of football knowledge that he will one day apply to a stellar career. My favorite part of the whole thing is that he likes to hold the remote while he watches, like father like son. I am stoked to get to introduce him this Saturday to what will hopefully be a life long passion: The Ohio State-Michigan game!

O-H-I-O!!!

2008-11-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

It is the most important and exciting week of the year: Ohio State-Michigan!!! Even though Michigan sucks this year and old Rich Rod has taken them to the most losses in their pathetic history, it will still be glorious to watch Beanie, Pryor, and Tressell beat them for the 5th consecutive year! Some may be surprised to learn that Ohio State-Michigan is something of a civil war in the Ranc home. Unfortunately for them, my Mom's side of the family comes from Michigan. My mom still roots for Michigan (though thankfully that loyalty seems to be waning), my sister may still root for Michigan (I am sure Kirk will fix that), and my brother Jamie still roots for Michigan (See the picture below. I think he suffers from some yet undiagnosed mental disorder!) Anyway, come Saturday at high noon the Shoe will be rockin! Go Bucks!

I know that Jamie and Chris are ready!

My fingers hurt

2008-11-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

A new found hobby of mine is definitely now quilting. All the thanks for this joy has to go to my little quilting group here in Augusta (you guys rock!). I have to say that I didn't know what I was getting myself into. We started a friendship quilt and I'm thinking that it may take me till I leave Augusta to finish it. I'm doing this whole thing by hand because I don't own one of those fancy machines that gives me any other option. Needless to say, my fingers really do hurt. Yes Mom, I am forming some very handy callouses. I think that I finally understand the phrase "she who dies with the most fabric wins". Keep sending me your scraps Mom.

Addie saw me working on it the other day (I don't do it around her because Addie + needles = disaster) and she came running up to me saying "Oh Mommy, it perfect. It all done and it perfect". She is my sweetheart! Oh how I wish both were true.

Nana nana nana nana...

2008-11-02T16:02:00.001-08:00

...Batman!!

We had an awesome Halloween with our two cute kiddos. They were lucky kids to get to dress up twice. Once for our church's "Trunk or Treat" and again for Halloween night, of course. You'll see a difference in the pictures. For the trunk or treat, I actually colored Addie's hair black. I thought she made the perfect snow white with her porcelain white skin.

Still trying to avoid looking at the camera at all costs

Here's the reason I didn't dye her hair again for Halloween night. Yummy black water.

Halloween Night

Just enjoying a little down time in the bat cave

Carter's New Trick

2008-10-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

So Carter learned a new trick the other day. I don't know how it happened, he was just looking at me and started clapping. Probably because I am so awesome and it was his way of saying "Wow Dad, you are the greatest ever! Here, I will clap for you!" (Slash Rachelle worked on it with him and then had me film it. But I like my story better!)

Joy in sleeplessness

2008-10-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

Before you read this, please keep in mind that I've been up since 3:30 am. It was just one of those nights. All you mothers know what I mean. I hear my little guy screaming (not like him at all) at 3:30 and go in to find his arm stuck in the crib and of course he was wide awake. Did I mind? Getting my body out of bed was tough but the sweet cuddles I received were priceless. He's so wiggly now a days, that I cherish each good snuggle session. I get him back to sleep a little after four. My eyes had barely closed when I heard screaming from the other room in the form of "Mommy!". I go into Addie's room and see her visibly shaking in bed (it was cold). She just kept saying "Mommy, I wet. I want mommy cuddles." I lift up her blankets to find her naked and very wet underneath. She must have stripped down after we put her to bed. Silly girl. I get some clothes on her and take her to bed with me. I'm way to lazy to fix her bed at 4:30 in the morning. Again, did I mind? Not really, the cuddles that I got totally made up for the interuption in sleep. After a little over an hour of having to scratch her back, she wanted her juice, bear and bed. I fixed it all up and then tried to catch some sleep until Carter woke up for his bottle and was loud enough to wake Addie up too. And now here I am.

Sure I'm tired and I'm probably not going to have a Super-Mom day. But I had a joyful night. For as much as I blog about the crazy things my kids may be doing, I hope that they and everyone knows how much I love and ADORE my kids. They are my life and bring me happiness like I've never known. Snuggles from them are like gold to me. Ever since Addie came into my life I have been an all around happier person (well once I got past post-pardom of course), and Carter just added to that. I sure wish that I lived around family so that you all could share in the happiness that they bring. Well I'm off to try to put Carter down for his morning nap. You better believe that I'm going to try to nap on the couch while Addie watches cartoons. Aren't I a great mom!

Hay is for Pumpkins

2008-10-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

So we had a nice little FHE this last Monday picking out our pumpkins for Halloween. I thought I'd share a few pictures. We tried all the tricks in the book to get them both to look at the camera but to no avail. Candy didn't even work, crazy. Addie was too busy throwing hay. I've got to admit that pumpkin shopping is much more fun with kids!

Wow Mommy, what is this stuff?

Hay was made for throwing on Carter.

Once she realized we wanted her to look at the camera, it was all over.

Laundry helpers wanted

2008-10-14T11:05:00.001-07:00

I know that some of you will be jealous of the two laundry assistants I have in my keeping. If I don't say so myself, they are pretty cute. Somehow though, it seems to take me twice as long with their "help". I can't complain. Addie used to push the baskets for me until she found that it is much more fun to ride in them. I remember many a laundry basket rides growing up.

One more time around the house please!

Mommy's good helpers

Words of a Prophet

2008-10-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

With the current financial and housing crisis as a backdrop, I was just searching lds.org for a talk that I had been told that President Hinckley gave concerning the Old Testament story of Joseph's interpretation of the Pharaoh's dream. Joseph told the Pharaoh that he needed to prepare because there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. In a talk given at the October 1998 Priesthood session President Hinckley read the scriptural account of Joseph and the Pharaoh and then said this....

Now, brethren, I want to make it very clear that I am not prophesying, that I am not predicting years of famine in the future. But I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order. So many of our people are living on the very edge of their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings.

We have witnessed in recent weeks wide and fearsome swings in the markets of the world. The economy is a fragile thing. A stumble in the economy in Jakarta or Moscow can immediately affect the entire world. It can eventually reach down to each of us as individuals. There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed.

I repeat, I hope we will never again see such a depression. But I am troubled by the huge consumer installment debt which hangs over the people of the nation, including our own people. In March 1997 that debt totaled $1.2 trillion, which represented a 7 percent increase over the previous year.

In December of 1997, 55 to 60 million households in the United States carried credit card balances. These balances averaged more than $7,000 and cost $1,000 per year in interest and fees. Consumer debt as a percentage of disposable income rose from 16.3 percent in 1993 to 19.3 percent in 1996.

Everyone knows that every dollar borrowed carries with it the penalty of paying interest. When money cannot be repaid, then bankruptcy follows. There were 1,350,118 bankruptcies in the United States last year. This represented a 50 percent increase from 1992. In the second quarter of this year, nearly 362,000 persons filed for bankruptcy, a record number for a three-month period.

We are beguiled by seductive advertising. Television carries the enticing invitation to borrow up to 125 percent of the value of one’s home. But no mention is made of interest. I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.

These were probably not popular words back in 1998. The economy was booming and credit was incredibly easy to come by. But President Hinckley was a Prophet of God, and he knew what was coming. Now luckily as bad as things are we are not under famine conditions. Most people still have the resources to support themselves and their families. But what a different situation this world would be in today if people would heed the words of the prophets.

Why get a dog when you can just have a baby?

2008-10-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

So really, why get a dog when you can just have a baby. They are just as loyal and help keep the floors clean. Personally, I think they are a lot cuter too. Carter is definitely one big pet to Addie. I rounded the corner today and caught her dropping bits of corn dog on the floor for him. No wonder he's always following her around these days. I'd find it more cute if I wasn't appalled that my 8 month old is eating corn dog off the floor.

Take a Bow!

2008-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Lately Addie has loved singing her ABC's. I thought that I'd pick up the camera and let her perform for you all. She surprised me by taking a bow in all directions to her pretend audience at the end of her song. This is something I never taught her and must have been picked up from cartoons somehow. She cracks me up.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-09-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom! We miss you and we love you so much!

T-Minus 4 Days To The Office!

2008-09-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

So since Rachelle and I got married our life has become much more sedintary. Whereas I used to look forward to hiking over the weekend, I now worry about just how many hours I can spend watching football on Saturday. Random teams, I watched Baylor vs UConn the other night, I am just that lazy. So since we have become such TV addicts it is very big news that The Office starts this Thurday. I have been missing Dwight for almost 4 months and he is finally back. Question: Is there a better show than The Office on TV right now? Answer: There was no reason for TV to exist until The Office started. We can't wait.......that's what she said!

Messy Carter

2008-09-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

So I figure that it is time that I contribute to our blog. Rachelle has done such a good job getting this started, and as usual now that all the difficult leg work is done I will just hop on board. Addie has been getting a lot of the blog posts lately, probably because she is more animated (read crazy) and does more stuff. But the other night we decided to give Carter some mashed potatoes and let him go to town. Lately he has been staring longingly at us every time we eat. I think that he is starting to realize that life is more than formula and nasty baby food. It was really cute to watch him eat, and I think that he may be a cleaner eater than Addie!

Contemplating Life's Mysteries

I Think He Felt I Was Patronizing Him

The Aftermath

Time Out Baby!

2008-09-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

So I think that Addie is a very normal toddler with her love for her baby dolls. She does all the normal things like feeding, burping, changing, and napping. But her favorite is to punish her babies on the time out stool because that is where she spends most of her day. She always has a reason, one of the many that she has been put in time out for, and makes the baby say sorry. I've got to tell you that it is something that I love to watch and usually makes me laugh. Hey, at least it shows that she listens to me and knows what she's not supposed to be doing. She just does it all anyway.

Setting the timer for baby's time out.

He's poopy.

Open wide.

Typical time out.

Random Acts of Biting

2008-09-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

This is a vent post for all those who may have ever had a child with a mouth fetish. My precious Addie is one of those. From the moment of her discovery that she can put things in her mouth, she's been chewing ever since. I've had many comforters assuring me that she'll "grow out of it" but have yet to see the light at the end of that tunnel. This picture is just this morning while she's watching her cartoons. Her favorite chew toys are books (anything paper), shoes, and fake plants. Sounds like a dog, how sad! If you don't believe me, I've captured just a few of the things around my home with her mark. If you have any suggestions I'll gladly take them!

The Worm

2008-09-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Okay so here's another trial run. I wanted to see if I could get video to work with our blog. I'm still learning here. This is just a bit of Carter crawling, or what we like to call the worm. He's awfully close to the real thing though!

Zoo

2008-09-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

We decided (after multiple suggestions) to join the blogging world. No promises as to how often we'll keep it updated, but we're willing to give it a shot. Hopefully through this process you can see a little more of our lives here in Georgia, with all the mischief and mayhem.

We took the kids to the Columbia, SC Zoo for the first time on Monday and thought you'd enjoy the pictures. Addie was in heaven. Honestly I think her favorite thing was the little kids train.