Personal Stylist

For Christmas my sister Laura gave me a one hour consultation with a personal stylist. Since I'm always complaining that I feel like I have no sense of style, this was the perfect gift. I've been saving it to use for my birthday and today I finally did. Let me just say that I loved it!!!!
I've told so many people about it and many have said they wanted to know more about it.
So here's the run down.
The company is called www.totalstylesolutions.com. If you're here in Utah there are a few different companies that offer this kind of thing. I know someone who went with the "chic on a shoe string" lady from Good Things Utah and they really liked her. But since I had the free hour I went with total style solutions. They offer many different services. (Check their web site for everything). I chose to do the wardrobe planning. It was great. She came to my house and we spent time going over what colors were best for my skin tone, what style of clothes I should wear and most importantly we went through my closet. This was great. I had so many questions. Mostly about jeans. I've never felt that I wore the right jeans for my body type, so this part was especially helpful for me. We talked about shoes and shirt and shirt length. We also talked about accessorizing. Something else I'm not that good at.
By the end of our time I had a pile of clothes to get rid of and about 5 new outfits. Keep in mind I never went shopping! She was able to help me with stuff I hadn't been wearing and how to match it with other things and make it look cute.
One of the biggest reasons I loved this was because it was a complete stranger being brutally honest. I know I have a closet full of clothes, yet I'm only wearing the same 8-10 pieces. I also knew that there were things I needed to get rid of because they didn't fit right or were just plain out of style.
With the help of the stylist I feel like I'm ready to go shopping. She even said if I questioned anything I could call or send her a picture of what I'm looking at and she'll help me. I'm so excited! I have a day full of shopping planned for tomorrow. Oh and did I mention...NO KIDS!!!! (Thanks Marianne). Hooray!!!! I might actually get something accomplished.

If you're interested call Tressa at 801-755-0925.

Who's that knocking at my door?

It's the big 3-0!!!! That's right I'm turning 30 in a matter of days. I really don't mind. In fact I'll let everyone in on a little secret.
For the past 5 years, give or take, I've been saying I'm 30.
You're probably thinking, who would do that? Me, that's who!
Someone who has never looked her age. I can't tell you the number of times people have been baffled by my real age. They always guess much younger. We're talking high school age. Most people would take this as a compliment. Let me tell you, it is not. Especially when you've graduated from college, working with teenagers and pregnant. And people think you're the teen mom not the counselor.
Or when you're buying something at the makeup counter and the stupid sales person helps someone else, even though you were there first, and she says "oh sweetie, I'll be with you in a minute". Grrrr.
Actually a few months ago I was working on a shoot where I got to bring Bella and Claire. At least 5 different people had to comment that they couldn't believe I was the mother of these 2. I couldn't possibly be over 19.
Here is a conversation between Seth and one of the young men from youth conference last summer:
YM: You're on facebook?
Seth: Yeah
YM: I didn't know old guys were on facebook.
Seth: What? How old do you think I am?
YM: I don't know, 40?
Seth: 40! Well, how old do you think my wife is?
YM: I don't know 20?
As much as all these so called "compliments" annoy me, they will one day be nice. Which is why for the next 5 years I'll contuine saying I'm 30. If you read my confessions post, you know I lie. I just might be the only person to be 30 for 10 years.

Pass this along...

I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't pass this along.

http://365daysofcrockpot.blogspot.com

A lady in my sister in laws ward started this and it's pretty impressive. Kind of reminds me of Julie & Julia.
Anyway if you're looking for some new recipes it's a good site to check out.
My sister in law made this. Yum!! I highly recommend it!

MPJ Reunion

Has it really been 17 years since I was in jr high, at good old Mueller Park? Yes, it's true. I'm an old lady, as my daughter says.
Today a few of us got together to catch up with one of our favorite people from jr high...Liz Packer. Liz and I were roommates at Ricks, but even that was 11 years ago.
If you remember Liz, you know she had great taste in music, was so funny and just plain fun to be around. I'm happy to report that none of those things have changed. She just went to see Cold Play in concert a few months ago and yes, she still has that love for Eddie Vedder. Ok, so it's probably not the same love she had for him when we were younger.
Liz was a great sport to meet us since she's due with #4 pretty soon.
It was so much fun to share stories about the old days, and feel like kids again.
We missed those of you who couldn't come, but we'll see you next time.

Loving my life

Right now I'm sitting on my bed with all 4 girls watching the Disney channel. Bella is holding Bre and Claire is takling to Syd. Both babies are cooing and happy. I love my life!!!

A few pictures of Claire

In need of a family picture

We're going to have a family picture in the next few months and I'm curious what photographers people use. I would prefer not to sell a child to pay for it.
If you have any recommendations and their web sites, please let me know.

Good times

Hi, I'm Amy and I'm addicted to American Idol.

It's true. I can't get enough!

I love it!

In fact I just downloaded a song from one of the contestants from last year. Brooke White. Remember her? She was the Mormon from Arizona. Anyway she did this amazing version of Jolene and I just had to have it. I don't even like country music that much.

Last week I laughed out loud when the general sang his "Pants on the Ground" song. Seth just rolls his eyes, because he thinks he's just another William Hung. He may be right, but I don't care.

So just a warning, over the next few months I'm sure I'll be blogging about my favorites and least favorites. Please give your two cents if you get as wrapped up in this show as much as I do.
I am getting a little worried about the shows fate, though. I never cared much for Paula's dumb comments but I loved the banter between she and Simon.

And I LOVE Ellen! She's so funny. But as a judge? Hmmm..not sure yet what I think. Then there's the issue of Simon leaving after this season. I can't think of anyone who will do as good a job as he does. His judgements are usually spot on and he's so funny!

So bring it on American Idol! I can't wait to see what this season holds!

*Oh and for anyone who guessed on my last post it was Sydney on the left and Breanna on the right

Are you Kidding me #23

Just the other day I was saying to Seth, "I wish the girls looked more identical". So tonight Bella and I tried an experiment. We put them in the same clothes and covered their hair. The hair is usually how people tell them apart.
Well I should be more careful about what I wish for.
I sent out a text asking people if they could tell them apart and everyone who responded got it wrong. That made me second guess if I was right. I wasn't smart enough to check after I sent the text.
So any guesses?

Everything Comes Full Circle

This is picture from a birthday party Bella went to last week. I usually don't post pictures of her at parties, but this party was different. The b-day girl in the middle is Jaci and the other little girl is Ivy. These girls belong to two very good friends of mine. Friends I've had since jr. high!
As I was watching these girls play, before we left, I started talking to my friends mom (Cindo) and we both kept saying how crazy it is that Lindsay and I have kids. When did we get old enough to have kids who play together?
The girls had so much fun and I love that they all play together!

hApPy BiRtHdAy ClaiRe!!

Dear Claire,
What a year you're had. You've grown up into such a curious little girl. Always trying to figure out how things work. I love the way your mind works. I wish I could be inside your head for just one minute. Then maybe I'd understand why you colored on the walls, wiped poop on the walls and your crib, and used my favorite Mac makeup to color yourself and my room. I can laugh at these thing now. I think it's because of your sweet little attitude. Everyone who meets you loves you instantly. Your smile and laugh is contagious.
You make our family that much better.
We all love you so much!!
Love,
Mom, Dad and sisters!

Last night we had both sides of our family over for cake and ice cream. Claire loved her 2 cakes. Yes that's right. She had 2 cakes!! Kim must sure love her to make 2 cakes.
Then this morning Claire opened presents and had breakfast in bed. Breakfast being a lose term, since it was a cupcake. Bella reminded me that she didn't get to wear the birthday crown this year. Sorry Bella. Maybe one day she'll understand that my head is barley screwed on these days, and she's lucky I remember half the things I do.
To top off the birthday celebrations, we're going swimming at the rec center tonight. Can't wait!

The proud parents!

The 2 cakes!

A few things I'm going to try a little harder to do this year....

• Not lose my patience as much. (Shocking, I know. how could I possibly lose my patience with 4 kids under 5?)
• Get to know the twins as individuals and not just as "twins"
• Appreciate my husband more
• Do something about my flabby arms (I'm shooting for Jennifer Aniston arms, even though I can't stand her. Her arms are amazing!)
• Study, not just read the scriptures
• Continue to stay current on blogging and scrapbooking
• Stick to the budget and save more
• Make more time for family (parents, siblings & in-laws)
• Read more books
• Do more than one push up without dropping dead (Thanks BJ Blaser for reminding me of that this past Christmas)
• Spend more one on one time with each child
• Learn how to dress myself (I stink at this, as many of you know. I'm saving my time with the personal stylist, that I got for Christmas from Laura, for my b-day)

I know I've been a mom for a long time when....

I dream about Dora! (yes, that really happened last night)

A moment of silence please....

Our beautiful, amazing, envy to all of our friends and family, HoT tUb has died! I knew it could happen I just wasn't prepared for it so soon.
It was here when we bought the house so who knows how it old it really was.
We had a good 3 years.
Hot tub may you rest in peace.
PS
If anyone knows how to remove this extremely heavy piece of equipment, or knows what we should do with it, please let me know.

Traditions

This is our first year that we will be staying home with just our little family on Christmas Eve. In years past we've always had somewhere to go.
I'm actually really excited about staying home and starting some traditions of our own. The only problem is.......I don't know what we should do.
Seth and I have been trying to think of things we could do with the kids and traditions we could start to make our own, but we can't think of any.
So I thought I would ask people what they do. If you don't mind sharing and don't mind if we steal your idea, then please share it.

Merry Christmas! Love, The Browns

Blog Etiquette

I feel I need to blog about this subject because of a conversation I had last night with my parents. We were out to dinner and they started talking about something that was on my blog. Well, this was a surprise to me because they never leave comments, so I had no idea they even read it. Apparently, they read it regularly. Thank you, by the way.
I think I speak for anyone who has a blog, when I say one of the best things about it, is reading the comments.
I can't count the number of times Seth has said to me "so and so loves your blog and reads it all the time". Again, this is a surprise to me because they NEVER leave comments.
You know who I'm talking to people. (the person at church today who will remain nameless, who said they liked something on my blog, but admitted they didn't leave a comment).
I understand that not everything on my blog is comment worthy. But if you like something I've said I would LOVE to know about it. I in turn will be better about commenting on your blogs.
Thanks for letting me vent. (another great thing about blogs)

Santa Claus

Taking 4 small children to see Santa is serious business. I had to call for reinforcement (thanks dad). But it was totally worth it.
This is the first year that Bella has really gotten into Santa. She's been asking all sorts of questions that I have no idea how to answer. Like, is it Santa at the mall or one of his helpers? How can he watch everyone? What's it like on the North Pole? Do other people live there?
It's so fun to watch her as she thinks about everything and gets so excited.
Of course I want her to remember what's most important about Christmas, but watching her eyes light up as she thinks about Santa is so fun!!

Lets Talk Tiger

I know we're all sick of hearing about this, but it doesn't seem to be going away so I'm going to put my two cents in. This is what I would want to say/ask Tiger if I could:

• Why did you get married? Seriously, you have money, looks, talent and you could have any woman you want. So if you want them all, then why get married?
• I don't feel bad for you. Not one bit. I've been hearing some reporters saying you deserve privacy. I totally disagree. For 2 reasons. 1- You're a celebrity/sports figure and that comes with it. 2- You picked trashy women to be with who want to be in the spotlight. Your fault. Although I do feel for your wife. She deserves privacy.
• I think it's fair if some of your sponsors have dropped you. At first I wasn't so sure. After all you're a sports figure and we all know that's how you guys are. But the more I hear about this story and after I heard the voice messages and text messages, I'm totally disgusted. After all it's one thing to assume that all of you are like this, but hearing the voice messages and seeing the trashy girls is another thing. I know you're an amazing golfer, but now when I see your face all I will think about is what a scum bag you are.

Okay I've judged him enough for one day.

hApPy BiRtHdAy BeLLa!!!!

Dear Bella,
I can't believe you're 5 years old today! Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday you were 8 weeks old and we moved into Laura's basement. Even in my darkest days, when you were a tiny baby, I would hold you and know that everything was going to be ok.
I am so thankful for you more every day. You teach me so much. Just the other day you told me you knew what the word testimony means, because you have a testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus. Nothing could make me prouder of you!
Your family loves you so much!
Love, mommy & daddy Breakfast and presents in bed per tradition

*Wish me luck in the next few days. Tonight we are taking all the kids to CPK for dinner and tomorrow Bella is having a birthday party with 11 kids in the gym at the church. I'm really nervous about that for many reasons. The biggest reason is because I really have no idea what the kids are going to do besides a pinata and cake and gift bags we made. So if you have any ideas for 5 year old party (boys are invited too) please let me know.