Wicked Fun

Seth and I were lucky enough to see Wicked a few nights ago. It was a great night thanks to my mom. She took me to see it about 3 years ago when we were in New York and when she heard Seth had never seen it she offered us her season tickets. We had a nice night to ourselves. No kids, free dinner(we used a gift card we've been saving since Christmas), free show and I stayed awake past 9:00pm. Pretty amazing!

Happy Easter

The girls in their Easter dresses. Thanks to grandma Pam. She knows I wouldn't buy them so she did. Bella's came earlier this week and she has been so excited to wear it to church. It's a perfect day, I wish it was just a little warmer outside.

Oh Crap! She Did It Again!

Dang that Oprah! Here I go again blogging about my love/hate relationship with her.
The only reason I decided to blog about this, is that a couple of you actually asked if I had watched a recent episode and what my thoughts were. First off, thanks for even caring what I have to say. That's nice.
The episode people were talking about was the one about talking to your kids about sex. If you haven't seen it. All I can say is.... WOW!
Some things I really loved, and some things made me really uncomfortable. I actually watched the whole thing and then made Seth watch it with me again.
I tried to find a clip on youtube, of my favorite quote from the show, but I couldn't find the one I wanted. Anyway I found it really profound. This woman who is the editor of seventeen magazine was talking about a recent study that had been done about teenagers and sex and talking with their parents. Here is what she said:
"It's clear that these girls (in jr.high) are doing and talking about very advanced sexual things and what they really want their mothers to talk about with them, is the emotional side. They want their mothers to talk to them about, how do I know if this boy is just using me? How do I know if I'm ready for it? That's the part where mothers play a huge role that the internet and their friends just can't do."
I really liked that, because it's a great reminder that a mothers role is so important (more than friends and more than the internet) and we shouldn't overlook how important a role it is.
Another thing I really liked, was when the they talked about not freaking out when your kid tells you something you don't want to hear. The best way to get them to stop talking to you in the future is to make a big deal about something they are trying to be honest with you about. I liked that because it reminded me of some advice my good friend Carolyn K gave me. Those of you who know her would agree she's a great mom and from personal experience if you ever need advice I would go to her.
I hate that we live in a world where we have to talk to our kids about sex when they are still in elementary. We all want our kids to stay young and innocent but the bottom line is it's 2009 and things aren't the same as when we grew up. The show was trying to address the point that the more we talk about things with our kids the more they will feel comfortable and not feel like everything is taboo and bad. I do agree with that part.
That said, as I watched the show I had to remind myself that our church and the teens in our church are not like the rest of the world. Of course they hear and know about things.... but giving your teenage girl a vibrator? Really? Yes, that's what they were saying to do.
As always, after I watch Oprah I'm right back where I started. She bugs me and a lot of what she said bugged me, but I still watched it. When will I learn?

My thoughts exactly

Bella: Mom, when is it going to be summer? Winter is taking sooooo long!

Hmm...Opinions

I've been watching this story about Madonna adopting another baby and for some reason I can't stop thinking about it. Weird, since I could care less about her. I guess it's got me thinking because so many people have an opinion about what she's doing. Some people think she is not a good role model and mother, and therefore should not be able to adopt more kids. Other people think it's great that she's adopting a baby from such a poor country, because she has the money and means to take care of a child. I can't decide what I think. I guess it really doesn't matter what I think, since it's none of my business. But I'm just curious what everyone else thinks.

All hail to my great husband!!!

Last night Seth woke up to Bella crying in a daze in the bathroom. He went in to find her covered in throw up. We're talking all over her PJ's, caked in her hair and all over the bed.
He quickly gave her a bath and washed it all out of her hair, cleaned up the mess in her room, got her new jammies, threw all the bedding in the washer and here's the best part...let me sleep through the whole thing!! I'm feeling pretty blessed. I usually don't do posts praising him, because he gets embarrassed, but this needed to be in our journal. Sorry honey. The story had to be told.

Are You Kidding Me #18

I've been doing these "are you kidding me" posts for awhile now and nothing fits the title more than what I'm about to tell everyone.
About 3 1/2 weeks ago Seth and I learned that I'm pregnant with identical twins!! All I could say was "are you kidding me?". I can't have twins, I can't carry twins and then a few swear words might have come out of my mouth at that time.
I mean seriously if you had asked me one thing that I thought would never happen to me, it's having twins! But they're here and everything looks good. So we are expanding our family from 2 to 4 in one fell swoop!
Of course we're a little nervous, scared, happy, excited you name it and we've felt it.
I'm sure you have questions or comments and I'd love to hear them all but let me just make one request. Please refrain from telling me any "horror" stories about someone you know or something you've heard. I promise I've already had every negative thought and I really don't need to hear any bad stories. We need all the positive energy we can get! If you want more details call me, I'd love to talk.
Opps! Forgot one thing. I'm 12 weeks.

Oh and that cute poem is how we told our family the big news, with a pack of double mint gum attached, of course.

Help me read!

I guess I worded that wrong. I know how to read. What I need are some book suggestions. I want to read the kind of book you can't put down and ignore all other responsibilities because the book is so good. You know the kind, right? So I thought I would ask everyone for some ideas. I'm up for anything.

Seth's weekend trip

This last weekend Seth, his BFF Joe, and his brother Joel took a trip to Vegas to see the Utes play in the basketball championship tournament. They had a great time. They ate at 2 of his favorite places, The Pink Taco and In & Out Burger. He was only gone for 2 days but we missed him like crazy. I think it's because he does so much around here, that when he's gone I realize how hard it is. I'm pretty lucky. We're glad you're home and can't wait to put you back to work around here.

Are you kidding me #17

Today during Bella's quiet time she came to me and said she was hungry. I was in the mood for nachos so I asked her if she wanted some and said we could have a picnic. Her response was, "sure mom! but what are nachos?" Are you kidding me? I'm pathetic! Not too long ago I posted about how she didn't know what a slurpee was and now nachos! What kind of a mom am I? I mean seriously, chips and cheese are 2 of her favorite things. How could I have never made them for her?

I made the nachos, and she loved them! We even took a few pictures since it was a first.

Man, I've got to be better with teaching her the fundamental things in life, like good junk food. From here on out I'll be better!

Seth's other love

I know that myself and the girls are Seth's true love, but coming in second would have to be his love for Utah football. So today after work we headed to the bookstore where all the players and coaches were signing autographs and taking pictures. I waited in line while Seth looked around. After awhile he decided that the line was too long and not worth it. So we walked around for a little longer. It was just long enough for him to get a picture with Zane Taylor and one next to the championship trophy. He was a very happy guy.

Basketball Fun

On Saturday we went to see the Utes play their last game of the regular season. Since it was their last game all the seniors played and to attract more fans, tickets were only $1! You can't beat that. We met up with some friends and had a great time. Utah won and now it's off to Las Vegas for the finals. Seth is pretty excited to have a road trip with his BFF Joe. Thanks for meeting us friends, it was fun!

The Cranes came to support the Utes, even though the Aggies were playing that night

Bella & Tanner

Nora, Grace & Bella

Seth & Nate with their girls

Naps, naps where have you gone?

It's finally happened. My sweet little Bella, envy to all parents with no napping kids, has out grown her nap. She's made it to 4 years 3 months still taking naps.
I'm not going to lie to you, it's been heaven!! I myself being a napper, have enjoyed many afternoon naps cuddling with Bella.
But, those days are long gone. I know, I'm not going to get any sympathy form many of you. But seriously, this is a hard transition for me. I've been spoiled and now reality has hit me. So be patient with me. I might be a little grumpy for awhile.

Are you kidding me #16

I guess I'm a little behind, but I just heard the news about this new movie and I'm so excited!!
Seth this means we'll have to actually go to a theater. I know you won't mind for this.
If you were a fan then you'll be very happy. Check out this link and see what I'm talking about.
Bluths

Congratulations!

My sweet friend Marianne had her baby a few days ago. I couldn't be happier for her. Everyone who knows her would agree that she is one of the nicest people who would do anything for you. She already has 2 great girls and now a little boy. We're so happy for them. Congratulations!!!

Of course Marianne, you should know we will do our best to brain wash your child about which school to cheer for.

I can't help it! She's like crack to me!

I firmly believe that the first step to getting help is admitting there's a problem. Well here goes.

I have a love/hate relationship with Oprah. I say I can't stand her and I blog about how she bugs me, yet what am I watching every night? Yes, Oprah! I'm so annoyed with myself. I have the DVR set up to record it so every night I check who the guest was and decide if I want to watch it. The other day she had the octuplet woman's dad on. I was so annoyed with many things through out the interview. But, not once did I turn it off. Half way through watching it I realized I have a problem. I know I'm sick of Oprah yet I COULD NOT TURN THE TV OFF!! I know, I need help!

Enjoying the good weather with friends

Birthdays & St. George

Me and Bella in the pool

Seth & Bella taking a walk while we were visiting grandma & grandpa Rice

Me & Laura celebrating our birthdays last week

Claire and Bella on the slide

This last weekend we headed to St. George for a little R&R and pre-birthday fun. It was great! The weather was perfect. We had a great time swimming, playing, relaxing, visiting family and eating bad food. I totally fell of the wagon and ate horribly. But it was worth it. We celebrated valentines and my birthday with dinner at Red Lobster. I allow myself a special dinner loaded with a million calories once a year from that place and man was it good!!! Seth teases me that the only other people who like Red Lobster are the 70 and older crowd. But I don't care.

Now that we're back it's time to do what I do best......stretch my birthday out as long as possible. All I ask from my loving husband is that he goes along with everything I have planned. That includes, lunches with friends, shopping, a massage, and hanging out with my family. That's not to much to ask, is it?

A few mistakes I've made as a mom

1. Teaching Bella "I see London, I see France, I see Bella's underpants"
2. Introducing Bella to "Full House"
3. Leaving Claire in her high chair while I'm out of the room (I don't want to even say what she's done)
4. Taking the girls to Parsons Bakery every day (our friend Kim takes way too good care of us there)
5. Letting Bella take a toy and book to bed (It's now turned into every toy and book she can fit on her pillow)

Not to be too negative here are a few things I think I've done right
1. Showing my love of books and school
2. My love of Coke
3. Church attendance
4. Swimming lessons
5. Admitting when I'm wrong

What Bugs

Here's a list of just a few things that have been bugging me.
WARNING:
I'm feeling pretty grumpy so this might seem a little negative.

1. Flakiness: If you say you're going to do something then please follow through
2. Not Getting enough Sleep
3. Oprah & Jennifer Anitson
4. Being Sick
5. Park City during Sundance
6. Skinny Pregnant Women: Not Fair
7. Fast Drivers During a Snow Storm: We know your car is fast, but don't in danger me and my family so you show off (that was said to the stupid man in the big truck that almost pushed us off the road last week)
8. Bad Breath On Fast Sunday
9. People always running 30 minutes late or later
10.People getting worked up over politics when they don't know what they're talking about

What bugs you? Besides me and my list. Feel free to make your own. I found it very therapeutic to release my inner grumpy side.