3 Muskateers, Laffs and Duds

Trashy? Not anymore!

2011-10-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

I'm far from crafty but I admit I am one of the millions that are getting hooked on pinterest. I found an idea the other day that SCREAMED my name. Why? Because it was super simple and it would actually improve things in my pantry.

Ya see...these bad boys were taking over the floor of the pantry.

The solution? Take one of these. (empty of course)

Take off the label. Cut a hole in the lid. Wash the can real good, and with the help of a little spray paint you have laying around in the garage, and some stickers you have laying around the house. (heaven knows why I had sparkly stickers) You end up with this.

Welcome home grocery bags. Welcome home.

Eye'm watching you!

2011-10-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

I usually have a bowl of candy corn laying around from about October 1st to Thanksgiving. Believe it or not, I'm kinda getting tired of the candy corn. NO NO NO! Don't freak out! I'm not getting tired of EATING it. I LOVE it and for those that know me well, candy corn is pretty much my 5th food group during these 2 months. I was just a little tired of the candy corn look, so I used the 2nd most delicious fall time candy ***drum roooooollll please*** SUGAR BABIES! I added the little eyeball touch so I can keep on eye on the little fingers (or big fingers) that sneak way too many treats before dinner. The great thing about this is Dixon will totally believe that the eyeballs are watching him.

HAPPY FALL YA'LL

WIN $1,000,000.00!!!!!!

2011-09-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Now that I've got your attention...

I owe you an apology. Why you ask? Maybe for a million reasons but we'll try and cut it down to 10.

You have not won money by clicking on this blog.

You will not win money by reading this blog.

I won something and you might be jealous.

It wasn't money, so let's clear that up right now.

It DID taste like a million bucks though.

There isn't any left to share. Again. I'm sorry!

I'm not actually going to post the recipe here.

But, I will post the recipe.

Here.

I will completely understand and forgive you for not calling me to come and enjoy these with you. It's only fair.

HOLY CRAP SHE UPDATED THE BLOG!

2011-08-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

Gershwin wrote "Summertime and the livin' is easy." I have to agree for the most part. It's been pretty fantastic with very little drama from the kiddo around here. I'm pretty certain though, that Gershwin only wrote those words because he in fact didn't have children. I'm blessed to have a darn good one most days.
On the off days, it's not that D is having a 'terrible, horrible, no good very bad day'. It's just that he gets B.O.R.E.D!
Last year, we did the boredom box. Uh ya. FAIL! I was NOT going to go through that again. Brilliant idea? Yes. Did it work for our family? Not even a little.
D simply loves routine and when he is out of his routine, he is BORED! When I say he loves routine I mean he really REALLY loves routine. He's the kid that before he even goes to the bathroom in the morning, he makes his bed. He's the kid that before he even ASKS to get breakfast, his chores are done. He's the kid that WANTS to do math and reading homework during the summer!
D was taken out of his routine for 11 days this summer when he went to Cedar City to spend time with Gma and Gpa Fonnesbeck while I went to girls camp. I'd say he handled the change rather well, enjoying: Fishing, swimming, The Music Man, car shows, a pancake breakfast, parades, more fishing, movies, shopping, (he came home with 5 new t shirts) golfing with Grandpa, arcade games, mini golf, go-karts, Chuck O Rama (or as I like to call it...UPCHUCK A RAMA,) bike rides, and paddle boats.
He has also enjoyed at home with myself and Dustin, Lagoon, Aquatic Center, many movies, day camp, Sports Academy, parades, friends, late nights, fireworks, Oliver, and baseball games. I think we are ready for summer vacay to end. We only have one family reunion and one family campout to go and we're ready for school to start. Minus the fact that he's going into 5th grade, but ya...BRING IT!

Recipes

2011-07-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

I've posted a few new recipes here.

from blog to BLAH-g

2011-06-21T09:11:00.001-07:00

I mucho dislike my blog, BUT...I can't delete it until I get it printed. Ya see, there are alot of posts here about Dixon. His triumphs! His funny one liners! His lost sticks-Hey! They meant alot to him so...the post stays.

I suprised D the other day and so I of course have to blog about it before this mucho sad blog get's the boot. The only thing I wrote on the calendar on June 15th was "Suprise." It pretty much drove him nuts and when the day finally arrived, he was ready for his suprise. I think it caught him off guard not getting a wrapped gift or something handed to him. I just told him to get his bed made, get dressed and the usual grooming techniques done. He was then REALLLY confused when he saw me packing a picnic.
Off we went. He kept saying, "Are we there yet?" or "How much longer til we get there?"
SUPRISE! We ended up at LAGOON. Just he and I. Dustin wasn't able to get his vacation day approved but he was all for us going and having a good time-and we DID!

Don't those eyes just scream excitement?

Go Karts. He's never been tall enough to drive before so he was STOKED!

Ya just gotta play in the fountain. NUMEROUS times!

'THE ROCKET'

Checkin' out said ROCKET!

Finished off the day at The Training Table.

And the winner is...

2011-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

SARAH DOCKSTADER!

Sarah was the only one who guessed correctly on the shoes I would actually wear. Well, that's not really true. I had my husband take a peek at the contest and he knew right away which ones I'd choose. He however, didn't want any flip flops. He just wanted me to save him some water balloons for a good ol' water balloon fight with the neighbor kids!

CONGRATS SARAH! Your flip flops are on the way! Your feet should be feeling happier any day now!

Let's have a contest

2011-05-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

Go here. Take a looksy at all the CA-RAY-ZEE shoes and tell me which pair you think I would actually wear because yes, there is one pair that I am head over HEELS for! Get it...shoes, heels. Anyway, if you guess correctly then I will be sending you a pair of these. Handmade by MUWAH!
Contest ends Friday, May 13th. Go ahead and make it YOUR lucky day!

Comment on this post with the description of shoe and of course, your flip flop size, ya know...just in case you win. Winners will be notified via somehow and I will get your address at that point.

Ready? GO!

Who Am I?

2011-05-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

You can find out here

If wishes were fishes

2011-03-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

For the last several weeks Dixon has been writing a list in Sacrament Meeting of all the things he wished he had. I caught a glimpse of the list and thought to my self, "Self, this is a keeper." I guess I can't delete this blog now because I'll miss all the little gems like this one that I've posted or have yet to post on here. I especially like the wishes in orange.

A list of things I wish I had

by Dixon Fonnesbeck

1. superpowers

2. dirt bike

3. hockey stick

4. electric scooter

5. a Phoenix suns jersey

6. moon shoes

7. shaquille oneil jersey

8. my own kitchen

9. bouncy castle

10. pingpong table

11. a dog

12. a facebook

13. a cat

14. a star to wish upon

15. ipad touch

16. ipad

17. a car

18. my own couch

19. a trampoline

20. a paul milsap jersey

21.(apparently he couldn't think of anything he wanted at the moment. This line was blank.)

22. a bike ramp

23.wish to read minds

24. a million dollars

25. a pillow pet

26. alot of homework

27. my own house keys

28. to know how to fly

29. a jet pack

30. a cupcake maker for my mom

31. a car

32. To be on a hockey team

33. know how to play piano

34. a rocket

35. to make jerseys

36. football jerseys

And for your reading pleasure:

He wanted more homework so to get him to sit quiet I gave him an assignment. Write a 25 word essay about "Why I love my Mom" and receive 1 M&M. Write 50 words and get 1 M&M and a piece of gum. Write 75 words or more and get 1 M&M, a piece of gum and a brownie after lunch. Guess how many words he wrote? Again, I love the part in orange!

Why I love my Mom by Dixon Fonnesbeck

"I love my mom because she is nice. to me. and i like it When my mom takes me shopping. and i like it when i get a surprise from my dear old mother. and I Like it when my mom takes me to the park. I also like it when my mom gives me food and i like it when she makes muffins for breakfast i like it when my mom helps us around the house The end.

To blog or not to blog

2011-03-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

been blogging here and thinking about dissolving this blog all together.

Now what?

2011-02-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

So Dixon was super duper excited to go to his first Jazz game coming up during spring break this year, mostly because he got a Deron Williams jersey for Christmas and was looking forward ta sportin' it at the game. Well...guess what? THAT's what!

Five Hundred-Twenty Five Thousand- Six Hundred minutes

2011-01-28T13:14:00.001-08:00

Seems like I spend ALL 525, 600 minutes of my year worrying. I worry that the dishes don't always get done before going to bed. I worry that the bank deposits won't get made. I worry that my son will get bullied at school. I worry that my husband works too much. I worry that my car will break down on the freeway. I worry that I won't make a difference in the life of a child. I worry that someone will notice I don't always wear matching socks. I worry that I don't always know what to make for dinner. I worry that I'll get a serious illness. I worry that I'll run into someone I know when I'm in my grubbies. I worry that if don't quit worrying, I won't have anything to worry about.

That's it...no more worrying for me!

Except.... I worry I won't be able to help it!

What's cookin'?

2010-12-29T13:19:00.001-08:00

I started a new blog in hopes that soon I will be able to make it into a book here. My thinking process is that this book will be given to Dixon since he often says I am the bestest cook ever. (Poor boy needs to get out more) He's going to want some of these recipes and let's face it, the kid hasn't stopped growing which means, he's pretty much half way done (8 more years-ish)with living at home. OH HOW SAD! Anywho he is getting less and less picky and will actually eat something other than bread and cold cereal, so this is dedicated to "Butter"
Breadandjamforbutter

Isn't it about...time?

2010-12-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

Can you even believe that Christmas is almost here? I have a bunch of stuff still to do and no desire to do it.

I should be:
Wrapping gifts
Baking treats
Cleaning house
Sending cards
Packing for vacation, among many other things

But instead I am:
Reading Christmas stories
Listening to Christmas music
Watching Christmas movies
and sipping hot cocoa

But while I am thinking about it...one of the many things that I'd like to get done, is to wish you all a very VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I can't speak for everyone but I know my life would be so different, and very empty if I did not have my friend, brother and Savior, Jesus Christ in it. May we all find the time this season to thank our Heavenly Father for the greatest gift he sent to us, his son, our Savior. May we ALSO find time to then thank our Savior for the ultimate sacrifice and greatest gift he gave to us!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Veggies off limits!

2010-11-22T23:00:00.000-08:00

That's it!

Only growth stumping foods permitted. Not sure really what those are, but this little dude is only allowed to eat them and nothing else! It's hard to believe that Dixon is T-E-N!

GOSH!!!

Seems just like yesterday I was bawling my eyes out cause I was so scared to be, (and didn't know HOW to be) a Mommy! I still haven't figured the whole thing out, but I'm sure glad that Dixon let's me keep trying day after day! Happy Birthday "Butter!" I love you to the end of the numbers, and back again!

I got ta thinkin'

2010-11-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thinkin about stuff, that is. I am surrounded by stuff. What got me thinkin' was a sad thing really. Ya see, a hometown neighbors home caught fire yesterday and I got sad. Sad thinking about the holidays that are right around the corner and they won't have a home to celebrate in. Sad thinking about the loss of many possesions. REALLY sad about the time that was spent and memories made in their home, and now, it's gone.
I wish I could bring it back. I wish that I had the ability to make it all better, but I don't. I do have, however, a few free minutes of time to sit and ponder and list all the many things I have to be thankful for. And then, I challenge you to do the same. For 2 minutes, yes...just 2 (set your timer if you have to) just list the things you are grateful for. I'd need 200 years to list it all, but I don't have that much free time lying around lately.

home
family
faith
Savior
church
husband
son
blankets
pillows
milk
bread
chocolate
bathtubs
pictures
take out
washing machines
a job
pizza
internet
animals
education
laughter
smiles
tears
trials
atonement
friends
family
hand sanitizer
clothing
beds
toothpaste
toothbrushes
tv
calculators
icecream
tortillas
flowers

2 minutes is up. Now you try.

?

2010-11-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have a whole heckuvalot to say.
Sometimes I don't.
The End.

You could WIN!

2010-10-09T09:48:00.001-07:00

So, go check out the amazing talent of my cousin, CHELSIE BROWN! She is generously giving away one of her temple pics. GO. HURRY! ENTER.

G.O.A.L.S.

2010-10-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

I have so many people surrounding me that just SCREAM inspiration. I wanna be like these people. I wanna be the one that is up before 6 and by 7 a.m. I have exercised for the day. I wanna be the one that has organized tupperware cupboards. I wanna be the one that chooses real steamed veggies for dinner instead of deep fat fried potatoes. I wanna be the one that looks in the mirror and says, "Way to go self, you done did good today." I wanna, and I'm gonna. And I'm on my way.

I set myself a goal. My goal was/is to exercise for a certain number of days. I came up with this because of ONE of the people that inspire me, which happens to be my own Mother. Ya see....my Mother rocks my socks! She decided almost 2 years ago to get healthier and she has not missed a day of exercise in (brace yourselves) 660 days! HOLY SCHMOLY! She mostly walks. She has a 2, 3 and 4 mile route. Depending on the day, is how far she will go. Most weekends she goes 4. On days that she has to start at 4 a.m. she does 2. This summer, she walked from her house to my Grandpas house...almost 8 miles. I called my mom a few weeks ago and asked her how many days she had gone without missing exercise, cause I knew it was alot. On that day, I made a couple GOALS. My first was to walk 5% of the amount of her days, IN A ROW! That equaled 32 days. Even on the sabbath. The 2nd goal was to have a good attitude about it.

Today, I am proud to say I am on day 22. 6:29 a.m. and I am the person finished with their exercise before 7. My cupboards have yet to be organized, and who eats veggies for breakfast? But I've started to:

Get

Out

And

Live

I demand a re-write!

2010-09-25T15:03:00.001-07:00

Did you know that the word "blah" is actually listed in the dictionary? Webster defines it as "a feeling of dullness, boredom, lethargy, likened to a winters day."

That right there is sort of a problem for me, mostly because I REALLY HEART WINTER!!!!

How dare you Mr. Webster! (I'd demand a re-write but I dont' see it happening)

Do any these reasons scream blah to you?

Hot Chocolate, several times a day

Oh...and Mittens! XOXO--COZY!!!

The Hoody. I have several.

Holidays. I can smell 'em already!

And of course...

Snow capped mountains.

I CAN'T WAIT!

Week one success

2010-09-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

School has been back in session for a full week (+ 1 day) and Dixon seems to really like his class. He is already doing so well. Vocabulary has never been his strongest subject but I am so happy to report that after practicing his first batch of vocab words this week, he earned a very impressive 11/11 on his first test! Those extra 5 minutes we practice STRICTLY on vocab is defiantly paying off! HOORAY for 4 years of vocab PERSEVERANCE!
As for the classroom I am working in, two words: LOVE IT!
I feel so blessed for the opportunity to be working at North Park again. And as much as I love my job I have to admit, I am looking forward to a day off on Monday.
HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Isn't she cute?!

2010-08-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, I don't know if this link will work. I guess you will have to try it out and then leave me a comment back here so I know if I have to upload the pics here too. I really hope it works cause I'm plum tired. Why am I tired? I dunno. I didn't do 99.9% of the work, but the deck is DONE! So, check out the link, look at the pics (or try to) then come back and leave me a comment and let me know if it worked. Kthanksbye!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=73485&id=1275094952

Back To School

2010-08-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe summer vacation came and went. We definitely stayed busy this summer with baseball, karate, church callings, family outings, summer school, and other things. What is even harder to believe is that Dixon is now in the 4th grade! Oh how I hope I can understand 4th grade homework!!! It's honestly my biggest concern this year.

Dixon was very clear in stating that he did NOT want me to pick him up from school today. He wanted to walk home alone. I secretly love that he wants to be a bit more independent. The school is only 4 tenths of a mile from the house so it's not like he is walking up hill both ways in the snow with no shoes or socks. He's growing up. Fast I might add.
After going through the "what did you do today" talk, he turned and looked at me and said "OH, I HAD A BLAST!" That made my heart happy! It is a bit hard to get details from Dixon. It's one thing I miss about he and I not attending the same school. I miss the one on one conversations I got to have with his teacher. On the other hand, I think it's best being at different schools! The kid needs a little more independence. Don't worry. I'm not going to ship him off to the big city on his own. Heck. I won't even let him ride the city bus alone. (YES...there are 8,9,10 year olds that do.) I guess for now I am going to enjoy the fact that I still have an elementary aged child. Which keeps me young, right? At heart anyway!

So let raise our rootbeers and "Cheers" to Dixon! May your 4th grade year be full of laughter, learning, friendships and FUN!

Just. Plain. Weird.

2010-08-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Most of the time it's my child that gets me speechless but not this morning. I was looking ahead at the next lesson I need to prepare for the young women, 'Laws of the Land'. I said to myself, "Self, how I can I make this not sa borin?" Then...like a frisbee coming out of nowhere, getting bigger & bigger and BIGGER, it just hit me! Why not look for "strange" laws that we MIGHT have in the great state of Utah that could possibly (if we have any) be an attention grabber or something. JUST LOOK WHAT I FOUND!
Oh this is gonna be GOOD!

http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/utah

Pictures of the deck...

2010-08-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

And let me tell ya, I am sooo excited. I can't even sleep at night. I have so many people to thank for making this all possible. Yes. JUST like the academy awards. So in no particular order, and before I am cut off and we get sent to commercial...

THANK YOU...
Mel
Linda
Anthony
Dad Bodily
Mom M
Pops M
Dustin
Neighbor kids who keep Dixon entertained
Cousins who keep Dixon entertained
Cheryl for letting me have Anthony for so many nights
Lowes
Home Depot when Lowes won't do
Jimmy Johns for QUICK meals
Arby's for late meals
Rancheritos for 24 hour drive thru's
Top Stop for keeping us hydrated
And if I have forgotten anyone, it's because, you guessed it, I got cut off and we got sent to commercial.
ThAnKs to ALL who have been a part of this in ANY way!!!

Beautiful reminder

2010-08-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

This morning while I was logged on to facebook, I found it intresting that several of my friends had posted pictures of last nights sunset. What's the intresting part of that? Well, they all looked sooo diffrent! While one friend was posting from the north, others were posting from the south, east and west. The sunsets were all beautiful and unique. Each one looking a little bit different. I honestly couldn't pick a favorite if I had to.

The thing is, these sunsets all reminded me of how we are ALL children of God. We are all a little bit different from the next person. We are unique in our own rights and yet, created through the same image. Even at my old age, I need to remember that my Heavenly Father loves me, and the simple gift of a beautiful sunset, will hopefully help me remember!

Role play

2010-07-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

I love being a Mom! It's pretty much one of my better accomplishments. Today however, my son is at daycamp and the Mom duties have been put on hold for a couple hours. There are sooo many things I could be doing, but more things that I SHOULD be doing. Guess what? I don't want to. I got to thinking. There are MANY nights when I really don't want to cook, but silly thing is, my family needs to eat. (It's what us good Mom's do, ya know, feed our kids and all.) So, to get out of the "I don't wanna cook" funk I find myself in, I PRETEND. That's right. Suddenly I am not just a mom stirring up a casserole. I am THE NEXT IRON CHEF! I slice and dice and cooking actually becomes fun again.

If this works for me then, why can't I PRETEND while I need to do my housework. All of a sudden, I feel the need to get all "Mrs. Garret" on my good self! Heaven knows I'm NO June Cleaver so we ain't EVEN gonna go there!

Wish me luck!

Myself as a deck and the progression

2010-07-20T10:59:00.001-07:00

As I start each morning, I look at myself in the mirror and tell myself "Self, today I will be the best me that I can be." I try. I really do. Sometimes, I fail. Sometimes I get half way through my day and think to myself, "Self, you've really got to do better.

Last week we tore down our deck. It was an unsturdy mess. It needed help. It had fallen off the track so to speak. There was no rod to hold on to if ya get my drift.

Much like my life sometimes, I become, unstable and need that extra push to get back on track. I NEED the rod! Thank heaven for the gospel, and my family! I have the instruction manual for life. It was written many moons ago and it's as true today as it's ever been. That little instruction manual is the guide I need to stay on track. My family also helps me. My poor husband listens to me go off on all sorts of stuff. Bless him for sticking with me! If it wasn't for the gospel and my family, who knows what or where I would be.
Like our poor deck, that had fallen and was unstable, we have the instruction manual on how to fix it too. And even though some things can be repaired, other times, we need to just start from scratch. So after we tore down the old structure, we had to make a sturdy foundation. We needed the correct tools. We need to make sure that the supplies we get will be strong through the stormy weather. We also needed to look at EACH step in the process as we rebuild, making sure that nothing is left out, or the poor little deck will fall again.
After we fall, isn't it nice to know that we have the tools that can lift us back up? We don't need to be perfect, but it's nice to know that we are trying to be the best, we can be! It was President Hinckley that said, "Try a little harder, to be a little better." I see that quote every time I go down my stairs as it's right in the entry way of my home. I LOVE IT! Another quote I like and I'm sorry I don't know who to credit it to, is: "Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self confident and more and more successful."

I don't WANT to be perfect. Too boring for me. I DO however, want to be strong during the storms of life. Like my deck!

(And speaking of family, I want to give a special thank you to my brother and Dad that have the "know how" to accomplish such a task!)

Firm foundation

Anchors

Helping hands along the way

Progression

Oh what do you do in the summertime...

2010-07-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

when the boredom box won't do? Do you sit in your room, crying sad little tunes, and give in so your kid won't cry? Is that what you do? SO DO I!

I know. Pathetic little tune but this is a pathetic little post so it seemed fitting. Dixon has been utterly bored this summer. After going to the trouble to make the boredom box for him, It's just not working. He doesn't complain about it, he just isn't satisfied. The fact is, Dixon needs structure. He would be perfectly content going to school year round. He is sort of going to school though. He gets to tag along with me while I teach summer school. He's actually quite a good little peer tutor. The kids sometimes become, shall we say, defiant? Dixon has been able on a couple occasions, to calm the kids down and redirect them to what they are supposed to be doing. It's amazing what an invite to "go down the slide" or "play hopscotch with me" will do to a kid. Anywho...this pathetic post is getting lengthy. I basically wanted to invite everyone to take a minute and visit Dixon's newest passion which in turn is helping with his boredom-ness, creative writting AND keyboarding skills. BLOGGING! That's right folks. He has decided he wants to have a blog (or as he puts it...a website.) So, if you have a minute, and could stop by http://www.dixonchad.blogspot.com/ you would really make a kids day!!! He just started it today and he would LOVE a comment or 20.

Before anyone dies...

2010-07-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

or gets seriously injured, and thanks to Dustin's parents, my talented Brother and Dad(s)...we are removing the old "deck" if that's what you want to call it and building a new one. My brother, (we don't call him thonythegr8 for nothing) has designed a plan. First part of the plan? Tear down the existing "structure." Notice the bare hands and a single hammer. Ya! It was THAT sturdy!!!

Stay tuned.

Sometimes

2010-06-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes: Life is unpredictable.
Sometimes: Things change.
Sometimes: It rains
Sometimes: It snows
Sometimes: It's hotter than...
Sometimes: We have to give more than we take
Sometimes: We lose
Sometimes: We win
Sometimes: We sacrifice
Sometimes: We feel alone
Sometimes: We "take one for the team"
Sometimes: We feel beaten
Sometimes: We feel better if we can get up and shake it off
Sometimes: I hate baseball season
Sometimes I want someone else to feel the burden
Sometimes: I don't wanna be the coaches wife
Sometimes: You need to remember...
When winning is your only goal you are doomed for dissapointment and failure. But when the goal is to TRY to win, when your goal is on PREPERATION, SACRIFICE, and EFFORT, instead of on numbers on the scoreboard, then you can NEVER LOSE!

And Sometimes: I just need to vent.

A Book review, sorta...

2010-06-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

What book am I reviewing?

Facebook! I'm trying to decide if it's really worth it. It hates me lately. I mean, really hates me! Ya see, I have this little page for Aztec Baseball, which is Dustin's team. It's a place to update players on the "When's, Where's and What's of the team along with an occasional inspirational thought, some highlights and of course, pictures. This is where I seem to get the most frustrated. Ya see, I posted about 40 pictures when the page was set up and it was great. The other day, I got on the page to load some MORE pics from the previous weeks game and whoosh...previously loaded pics were GONE! G to the O to the N to the E! Soooooooo....me being the patient soul that I am, reloaded all the pics and everything seemed to be Jim dandy. Last night the A's played. I took pictures. They were awesome so of course I wanted to put them on the baseball page. Guess what? No really, GUESS! YUP. The pics I had loaded, that had disappeard once and then got RE-LOADED were...say it all together now...GONE! A-GAIN! *This is where I roll my eyes, and maybe, cuss a little.* BOO! Do I really need to put up with this? I think NAY! Sad thing is, I probably will. Why? Because I enjoy Facebook. Where else am I going to find out about engagements, babies, household chore status', and birthdays? OR... who ate what for dinner, became a fan of a random item, which in turn I become a fan of. OR..see pictures, give condolences, pillow fight, recieve virtual flowers, hugs and chocolate, play family fued, and of course, post a little randomeness myself. I also really enjoy catching up with long lost friends, not so long lost friends, sharing in success, and sending out a virtual hug or two during those rough patches we find along the path of life. Basically, this really long post
is to inform you, I'm sticking around. For a while. Because I "like" you!

空手道小子！

2010-06-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

or for those that need translation..."KARATE KID!"
Dixon has been so excited for the new Karate Kid to come to theatres. It came out on Friday but I wasn't able to take him to see it because I was actually on my way to Denver. He doesn't understand that a movie is going to be in town for a while and he doesn't HAVE to see it on opening day, PLUS he was going to Dino-snore in Lehi with Grandma that night so he was really kinda worried about never being able to see it. Luckily he has an awesome Dad. Dustin took him on opening day to the early show before he had to leave for Dino land.

(**HIGH FIVE DAD)
I got home from CO on Sunday night, and the first thing Dixon said to me (after the "I missed you's" of course) was, "Would you like me to take you to see the Karate Kid?" Even though he had already seen it with Dad, he really wanted to see it again with me. I agreed. So...this morning we went on a little "date."

I'm not a big fan of movie theatre popcorn, but Dixon likes it, so the kid combo is PERFECT! He get's popcorn, and I sneek in my diet dew in my purse. I thought the movie kinda drug on in some parts but I actually teared up a few times. The fact that I was/am tired from Colorado may have had something to do with the tears. Also, having Dixon involved in Karate for the last 6 months, I have come to understand it's "COOLNESS" so the whole, jacket on jacket off (wax on wax off) scene was pretty awesome!

And what a better way to end but with some yummy chinese food for lunch. It just wouldn't feel FENG SHUI without it.

KnOcK KnOcK!!

2010-06-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Who's there?

We are.

We are Who?

We are people who have nothing new going on other than Baseball, Karate, cleaning, and an occasional unicycle ride. Stay tuned. I'm sure before too long there'll be something that will REALLY bore your socks off!

As the curtain is drawn...

2010-05-26T07:59:00.001-07:00

Act 1 Scene 1:

A timid new 3rd grader sits, bouncing at his desk, as he looks around nervously. He is then handed a spelling sheet and the teacher asks him to do the best he can at filling in the correct answers. The boy is not one to test well, and is heart broken when the teacher announces that it is now time to hand in the test, for he did not finish.

Act 1 Scene 2:

The teacher grades the tests while the children wait anxiously for the results. As the tests are handed back to the students, the boy realizes he received the lowest score in the class. The rest of his day, his head was held in shame.

Act 2 Scene 1:

A confident 3rd grader sits quietly and respectfully at his desk as he listens to all instruction given. He is handed a spelling sheet, identical to the one he saw at the beginning of his school year. The boy is getting much better at testing and with confidence, he gets to work. The boy quietly puts down his pencil as he waits for his other classmates to finish their tests. The teacher then collects them.

Act 2 Scene 2:

The teacher grades the tests while the children read silently to themselves. As the tests are handed back to the students, the boy receives the HIGHEST score in the class. The rest of his day, his shoulders were back, his head held high and his smile could light the world!

Final Scene:

Mom is crying. Boy is looking at Mom funny. Mom says, "I am so proud of you Dixon!"

Mom would like to say more, but simply cannot speak through the sobs!

The curtain closes and 3rd grade, is over.

If only I had the $$$

2010-05-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am not one of the crazy coupon ladies with 3 or more grocery carts every Saturday morning. I am jealous of their savings however. I just wish someone would do it for me. I AM one of those that will stand in a line for 30 minutes or more to save a few bucks. Case in point, Old Navy!

Old Navy is having their one day only $1.00 flip flops sale. Of course having the kid I have, I didn't dare miss it. Dixon ended up choosing 4 pair. You could get 5. I didn't see a color I didn't already have and Dustin doesn't wear flip flops so there ya have it, 4 pair it is. Money spent...$4.26 Money saved $6.38. Not too shabby.

I found a pretty awesome sale at Shoe Carnival yesterday. What? MORE SHOES? Dixon got a pair of LA Gear sneakers for 15 bucks and I hope he wears the crap out of them this summer. (reg. price $40) and of course I had to take advantage of the BOGO 1/2 sale so I found me some cute little sketchers. (Regular price $35 also on sale for $15 but got them for $7.50) That's 51 bucks of savings!!! FIFTY-ONE I TELL YA!

Next stop...Jensen Family Books. They are a little book store back behind the scrapbook outlet at the south end of town. You can fill a bag of books with the only stipulation being you have to be able to hold onto the handles, and you've got yourself a bunch of summer reading for $7.44 HOLY MOSES PEOPLE! We came home, unloaded the books and figured out how much they'd have cost through the scholastic catalog. Hold on to your britches...$115.50 A HUGE savings of $108.06 and that .06 is pretty darn important!!

If only I had the $165 saved as cash in my pocket. Now THAT would make an awesome post!!!

It's that time of year again

2010-05-21T18:55:00.001-07:00

The time of year where we dig deep down to find our crafty sides. (Now that I am in young womens I better be getting myself a new shovel cause I'm gonna be digging ALOT!) This evenings craft? Another teacher appreciation. Dixon had a rough start to third grade. By about Christmas time he decided it didn't totally suck, of which I am grateful. You may remember this from last year. I still don't know if Mr. B knew those were edible rocks.

I found this cute little jar at Hobby Lobby. We filled it with some yummy flavored jelly beans and attached the note saying:

"It has 'BEAN' a great year. Thanks for lighting my way."

Ahhh..now isn't that special:)

I'm taking a Gamble at publishing this post...

2010-05-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

To Gamble: To take a risk for a favorable outcome.

Pay for a haircut?

Not so favorable sometimes. Gamble.

Go out to dinner?

Another Gamble

Take in a movie?

This one was DEFINATLEY NOT favorable

I wake up each morning. Sometimes my day isn't quite so favorable. Each day then, you guessed it...A GAMBLE.

Oh...and on the 1st Thursday of each month...

Is that Justified enough for ya?

If life was fair...

2010-05-18T09:20:00.001-07:00

THIS...

Would taste as good as...

ALL OF THIS!!!

Boredom Box

2010-05-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

I have to give props to my cousin Audrie! She posted this idea and I just had to steal it. Let's face it. Summer vacation is a grand thing and it's approaching us quick. I love it! A big fan in fact...for about 2 weeks. After that, Dixon just needs the structure and consistency of school and I am going a little stir crazy as well.

So what's the idea you ask? A boredom box. A boredom box doesn't even have to be a box. It can be a bag, or a bucket, or heck...an old stained spaghetti Tupperware would work wonderful. You just need a container of sorts to put strips of paper in. What's on these strips of paper? It can be anything you want it to be, but when your kid(s) say those dreaded words "I'm booooooorrrrrred" or "There's nothing to doooooooo" this is when you let them choose from the box. Some things are fun and some are not so fun. The deal is, whatever is on the paper, is what they "get" to do! Dixon is actually, really excited to...be...bored:) We went and he chose his box tonight. Here's the list I have come up with.

Wash the car

Clean your closet

Draw with sidewalk chalk

Finger paint with pudding

Write a letter to Grandma/Grandpa (I've got slips for all Gmas and Gpas)

Read for 20 minutes

Go for a bike ride

Clean a toilet

Play with play dough

Clean the baseboards

Organize the pantry

Sort through clothes and donate "too smalls" to DI

Climb trees at the park

Go to the zoo

Play Frisbee

Make a candy necklace

Navigate a walk around the neighborhood

Do a load of laundry

Watch a movie

Go to the library

Water Color

Make water balloons

Bake cookies

Write a letter to Dad

Go for a picnic

Sort through toys and donate unwanted to DI

Play UN-O

Play a board game of choice

Make Jell-O

Go to the bookstore

Sort shoes

Go to Bear Lake

Play Rock Band

Take a nap

Do a word search puzzle

Go bowling

Play Basketball

Ride your scooter

Organize cupboards in bathroom

Draw with shaving cream

Clean the garage

Mow the lawn

Run through the sprinklers

Play at the park

Go to a movie at the cheap theatre

Make homemade Popsicles

Go get ice cream

Go on a hike

Have a water balloon fight

Go miniature golfing

Make snow cones

Play with the garden hose

Blow bubbles

Make indoor smore's

Feed the ducks

Have an indoor picnic

Stay up late and star gaze

Cloud watch

Pillow fights

Bring a trash bag to the park and clean it up

Pop popcorn

Go swimming

Clean bathroom mirrors

Vacuum

Clean counter tops and kitchen sink

Mop entry way

Unload dishwasher and put dishes away

well isn't that intresting...

2010-05-04T09:02:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid, I would LOVE to go to the convenient store with my re-fill mug. It not only made me feel important to have my own mug, but it was fun to see just how AWFUL of a flavor I could come up with as I mix soda flavors together. And while still awful, I found it even more pleasurable to drink the stuff. For instance, Root beer and Fruit punch are similar in flavor to what some might call an iron port. Coke, Dr. Pepper and Sprite basically taste alot like, well, Coke. My favorite mixture of all time (and yes I still do this on occasion) is 50% Diet Dr. Pepper 25% regular Dr. Pepper and 25% Orange. I LOVE IT! Why this post Fonz, you ask. Well, because while I was deciding what to make myself for breakfast this morning, I came across something that made me go hmmmm. It was called 4 boxes of almost empty cereal. WHAT? REALLY? It did surprise me because cereal in our house is the number one after school/work/church/anytime snack. I decided to re-live my child hood, sorta, and the mixologist in me began.

First, we had frosted flakes. The bottom of the box of frosted flakes by the way, is mostly frosted and not alot of flakes. Next we had Crunchy Corn Bran. It's from Quaker. I like it. Don't mock me. Thirdly, we had some cooooooooookie crisp. This usually is eaten without milk, but I threw him in the pool. And lastly the remainder of the honey bunches of oats. Guess what? No surprise here...

I LIKED IT!

Back When

2010-04-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

I grew up in the country. I miss the country. Mostly, I miss the simplicity of the country. I know I don't live in a crazy busy city and I DO LOVE where I live, but sometimes life just seems to be whooshing by way to fast and I have to stop and think of "back when." Some of my fondest memories of "back when" are the bus stop, kick the can, playing catch in the middle of the road, parades put on by me of course. I even miss the sound of the tractor at 4 in the morning accompanied by the smell of fresh cut hay!

Country music artist Tim Mcgraw says it best in one of his songs "Back When."
..."Back when a hoe was a hoe, a coke was a coke, and cracks what you were doing when you were cracking jokes...back when a screw was a screw, the wind was all that blew, and when you said I'm down with that it meant you had the flu, I miss back when, I miss back when."

I remember when THIS:

was THIS:

And when THIS:

was THIS:

I miss back when.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

2010-04-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

I love conversations with Dixon. I know I have said this before and since this is my blog, I get to say it again. It took me 4 years to get words come out of that boys mouth, so when he speaks, I listen and I love it!

Earlier we were having a little conversation. It went a little something like this:

Me speaking to Dixon: "I love you more than chocolate cake!"

Dixon: "I love you more than Brain Surge." (which btw is a game show on Nickelodeon)
Me: "I love you more than coconut m&m's."

Dixon: "I love you more than 'The Singing Bee'."

Me: "I love you more than bunko night!"

Dixon:__________________.....

Seriously. He had NOTHING to say! He was awe struck! SPEECHLESS! I think he was impressed that I actually allowed myself to love ANYTHING more than bunko night. I was kinda proud of myself too but just in case he ever reads this here blog thing...it's TRUE Dixon. Mom LOVES you!

To infinity and beyond!

Ba-da-ba-ba ba....We're lovin' it!

2010-04-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

No! Not McDonalds, but the fact that spring is here and summer will be here shortly. What does this mean for the Fonnesbeck family...

A: Apple Blossoms

B: Baseball, Bear Lake, BBQ's

C: Car windows down

D: Days are longer

E: Excited for school to be out

F: Flowers, Fireworks, Firstaid kits

G: GOOD TIMES!

H: Hopscotch

I: Ice cream trucks

J: Jumping on the tramp

K:Kites

L: Lounging in lawnchairs with Limeaides

M: Misquitoes

N: No School

O: OFF Repellant

P: Pool, Parades

Q: Quiet nights sitting on the porch

R: Road trips

S: Southern Utah, Sunburns...

T: Tans

U: Unicycle

V: Vacation

W: Water fights

X: X-tra sunlight

Y: Yummy food (that my husband will grill)

Z:zzzzzzz

And just for giggles...

2010-04-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Let's just add to the list of firsts here, shall we?

Filed a claim

Firsts

2010-04-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

So, it seems I am experiencing a lot of "Firsts" this year and we've not quite hit the halfway mark. Not BIG things, but for an ol geezer like me, it can be kinda exciting.

I had my FIRST broken bone in January.
I had my FIRST experience with The Cheesecake Factory and yes, that is VERY important in life.
I had my FIRST taste of maple syrup. YES EVER! And it was...sorta good. SORTA

aaaaannnnnd....

I felt my FIRST EARTHQUAKE!

Yep. you didn't read this wrong. I mean, when I was a kid I had apparently been in an earthquake but didn't feel it. I did see a jumping cat go across the road once and apparently THAT was due to the childhood earthquake (I didn't feel.) But here, in my little bubble of a universe in North Logan Utah, I FELT AN EARTHQUAKE! I got dizzy, the porch was moving and Dustin was sitting in the chair in the house wondering if a seizure was coming on. He then noticed the kitchen sway and rattle. I guess it was just the aftershocks of an earthquake in Weber County, but I don't care. I'm still counting it!

So come on life...Bring on more firsts. It's kinda exciting:)

Fun in the California sun

2010-04-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Just a peek of our Spring Break!

This slide was on the roof of the 3rd floor of our hotel. Dixon LOVED it!
What a stud! And the kid's not half bad either

Goofy! You decide who I'm talking about!

OH BOY!

Ferris Wheel in California Adventure

Ha! For some reason I thought Mother in law would never see this pic!
She knows I love her!

Even Sea Lions like a suntan every now and then

ROCK ON! (On the "Screamer" Roller Coaster)

CUTE!

YUMMY!

What a GOOF!

A list of sorts

2010-03-17T16:57:00.001-07:00

There comes a time when quite honestly I have myself a little pitty party. I am pretty much a happy soul, but there are some THINGS that I wouldn't mind getting my pudgy little paws on, if ya know what I mean. I present to you my list of "gosh this would be nice" in no particular order.
1. New windows for the house
2. New Deck. Ya know the kind that needs no staining, sanding, etc.
3. A vinyl fence
4. New Carpet in the basement
5. An ooey gooey cheesy quesadilla. Maybe mid May. Silly diet!
6. A truck. A BIG, BAD, truck.
7. Nickelodeon to disappear.
8. My brothers ipod touch. Not my own...my brothers!
9. A banana. *See #5
10. My hip to get better
11. No more dental bills
12. Decent health insurance
13. What list would be complete without World Peace?
14. Vacation. I can smell it. It's so close
15. 9 o'clock church
16. Coconut M&M's in bulk.
17. Endless flow of $.
18. Season tickets to USU basketball games.
19. A day hanging out with Ed
20. Forget items 1-4...how about an Extreme Home Makeover??
21. Concert tickets to any event anytime we want them. OK...ya, I said WE. I decided I should let my husband and my child get SOMETHING.
22. Free stuff
23. More free stuff
24. Happiness to ALL and that means YOU...
25. And perhaps, a good and uninterrupted nights sleep.

She's evil...

2010-03-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

And THAT, my friends, is why I am sooo terribly bummed that one of my LEAST favorite people is going on one of my VERY favorite shows. I simply don't know if I'll be able to handle it. Who really denies their child a drink, and then...drinks in front of them. OH WAIT...KATE does, simply because the precious little Olive Garden cups haven't arrived yet? Oh my ever lovin. I will just sign off now. My bishops wife may very well read this.

http://gosselinswithoutpity.blogspot.com/2009/06/kate-denies-water-to-mady.html

Oh, and if you watch dancing with the stars, or even if you don't...tune in and watch simply so you know which number NOT to call to give the psycho lady the votes. Ba-bye Kate!

Done.

The End.

OY!

Up and runnin!

2010-03-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

Well, with the internet that is. I didn't want you all to think I was actually RUNNING cuz let's face it. RUNNING SUCKS!

Does your home have any Athletic Supporters?

2010-02-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

MINE DOES!!!

I am so excited for the olympics to start I can barely hold in my excitement! (Cue the olympic fan fare now...)

Ba da ba ba dada ba da ba da ba da da da! (POW) Ba da ba ba dada ba da ba da ba da da da! (BIGGER POW!) Ba ba ba ba BAAAAAA Ba ba ba!!!!!!!!!

GO TEAM

Bye, Bye Birdie

2010-02-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

How weird is it that since having a broken finger I haven't been able to change any diapers at work and I feel extremely guilty about that...AND, I wish I could help out. I KNOW RIGHT!? Totally weird.

I am so dang excited to go to the doc tomorrow and HOPEFULLY get this dang thing off my finger. Here's hoping my finger is healing correctly AND...while I'm there at the office, why not get "more for my money" so I'm getting a cortizone shot in my hip! I still think when I see one of those first graders become Americas Next Top Model I will totally say "Ya, I tore my hip teaching her how to strut her stuff doing the model walk!" I'll totally get some royalties out of the deal, I JUST KNOW IT!

Giving up so soon?

2010-01-29T15:16:00.000-08:00

I know I used to post on this here blog thing quite often. That was til I went private then I didn't post at all haha. NOW... I's not private anymore so I thought I'd let ya know I haven't totally thrown in the blogging towel. What HAVE I been doing?

Hunting bunnies!!

I'm going nuts!

2010-01-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet not cause I've nothin' to say (as if) but because I've only got an index finger and thumb on my left hand that are operating correctly. (Enter the 'going nuts' part) Saturday we had a little sledding party for Dixon, and I stress the word little, cause it was only our little family and Gma, Gpa and uncle Chad that were there. That was actually a blessing because we were honestly baffled at the injuries we saw while sledding, and we would have been so sick if one or more of our friends had been among the injured. Oh, and we will most likely NEVER go back to old main hill to sled. Ya know the tv type shows like... "I can't believe I survived this", and/or "Craziest stunt survival stories?" Some of the things we saw (crashing...no...whipping/thrashing into cars) were icky and soooo easily could be on the next episode. They were really REALLY icky. Lucky me, I only managed to break my finger while trying to stop my tube so I wasn't on the next episode of such show with my head in the grill of my mother in laws car. (Run on sentence. Whatever!)
I guess what I am trying to say is I love my fingers. I take my body for granted. 6 weeks and the docs think I'll be good to go. MMMMMMwah!

Hiiiiii-YAH!

2010-01-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

Can I just say that after Dixon's very first karate lesson, I am already a huge fan!

Wanna know what the first 3 rules are to get a white belt? I'll tell ya.

Rule #1 Obey your parents
Rule #2 No fighting

Rule #3 Keep your room clean

Dixon had his first lesson tonight and has already told me he is going to make his bed when he wakes up in the morning. Ok, ok, so he's pretty good anyway about doing that, but still, if he'll make his bed without being reminded to, then my thought is he can keep doing karate til the cows come home!

The instructor was super awesome! (From Bobby Lawrence Karate) I didn't catch his name but he was so dang good and patient with Dixon AND he kept D's attention which in itself is uber amazing! I really think this karate thing is going to not only be good for Dixon's self esteem, but his focus as well. It takes alot of concentration not to fall on your, shall we say buttocks while kicking so high and hard your groin muscles are spaz'n!

I had to capture the moment and all I had was my cell phone. I don't know about you, but the blurriness kinda ads to the action aspect, eh?! Ya, I meant to do that!

Ah. Laughter. Still the best medicine!

2010-01-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

As you may know from my previous post, we lost our family pet, Hopscotch today. I am still very sad about it. My eyes have yet to quit leaking. I never thought something so little could make such a huge hole in your heart. I miss him/her, (we never did figure out what "it" was,) VERY MUCH!!!! We don't know how he died. I feel weird writting about our deceased cat, but no one is making you read this. I guess writting about it helps me get the "how" and "when" and "why" off my mind.

Dixon LOVED Hopscotch! He sobbed, then quietly cried, then just plain got quiet, and THEN... asked questions. Those that know Dixon well, know that he gets long winded when he asks questions. He asked if Dustin and I had ever had a pet die. I hadn't, Dustin had. He then asked if Hopscotch was paralyzed. I told him he was happy and in cat heaven. He then proceeded to tell me that he "wants to get another pet but not a cat because cats just die to easily." Pretty much since then, he has been ok. He likes to come to the computer and look at the pictures we have of him and the cat together but that's about it. Now it seems he is ready to move on. He wants to talk about what kind of pet he can get now. Dustin and I are thinking otherwise. Dixon's pet of choice? I know you are just aching to know. Of all things...

An OSTRICH!

Sad Faces...

2010-01-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

And broken hearts.

RIP Hopscotch.

There will never be another YOU!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Silly Wabbit...

2010-01-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

Heels are for girls. AND...they hurt. I hate them. I think the highest pair of "heels" I own MIGHT be a half inch heel. MIGHT!

Dixon however, has NEVER met a pair of shoes he hasn't A) tried on and B) disliked. He loves shoes. He wants to MARRY shoes. He wanted to BE a shoe for halloween a couple years ago. His last birtday cake? A shoe. He got 3 pair for Christmas and with the Christmas money he got, he put it all together and went and bought??? Yep. Another pair of shoes. As of today, the boy has 24 pair. That doesn't not include his 2 pairs of slippers. Do we need to have an intervention? Perhaps. I guess this facination is a bit less creepy than his other, which is cemetaries. We'll leave that for another post.

I don't need privacy. I'ma gonna let it all hang out!!!

2010-01-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

I'm back. Some told me I wouldn't be able to keep my blog private and they were right. Not that I have a whole heckuvalot to say anyway but it feels goooood to be back. I'll try and make it as painless as possible by only blogging about the really cool stuff. Ya know, like blood and guts and gore. Cuz I can. So forget that privacy thing. Come and let it all hang out with me!

Dust bunnies beware!

2009-10-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put it out there on the world wide web that I've dusted off the Bob and Jillian DVD. My goal which I consider pretty darn realistic is 20 lbs off by Christmas and if its more than that...AWESOME!!!!

Cheer me on, and keep askin how I'm doin'.

Drink Your Cereal!

2009-09-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on the Betty Crocker website. We tried it with captain crunch because that's what kind of cereal we had on hand. It was tasty...but a little sweet for my liking. I understand now why Lucky Charms is the cereal of choice for this recipe since it's obviously not as sweet as the cap'n. Thanks Betty Crocker.
1 container (6 oz) Yoplait 99% Fat Free raspberry or strawberry yogurt
3/4 cup Lucky Charms cereal
1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1 cup fat free (skim) milk
1/2 banana, sliced
1. In blender, place ingredients. Cover; blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth, stopping blender once to scrape sides.
2. Pour into 2 glasses. Serve immediately.
Did You Know? The riper the banana, the sweeter the smoothie.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving:
Calories 160
Total Fat 2g
Dietary Fiber 3g

Time to draw the curtain

2009-09-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would do this but I haven't been getting squishy feelings from this here blog lately and I feel like it's time to draw the curtain and get a little privacy. So...I'M GOING PRIVATE! Who'da thunk I feel better already just sayin' it. Wanna keep reading our insanely boring posts? Just shoot me your email address and hope for the squishy feeling.
Private party starts 9-19-09

For my pal Marcy!

2009-09-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

PEANUT BUTTER STUFFED BROWNIES

1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
36 miniature peanut butter cup candies

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 350°F (if using dark or nonstick pan, heat oven to 325°F). Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or spray with cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, beat brown sugar, butter, peanut butter, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon, until well blended. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut 12 of the candies into fourths (about 3/4 cup). Stir cut-up candies and chocolate chips into batter. Spread in pan.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately press remaining 24 candies in brownies in 4 even rows of 6 candies each. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.

For brownies, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

Aggie Family Fun Day

2009-08-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

was just that. FUN!

We survived the heat and a small dose of whine-iteis but once Dix got his ~~cheese~~ nachos (to go with his "whine")...things started looking up.
Aggie Family Fun Day is a day where the community can watch the Utah State Aggie football team scrimmage. Wanna know what I liked best about it? It was FREE!!! It was kinda fun. The Aggies have a new head coach this year. GOOD LUCK AGGIES!!! Before the scrimmage started, there were activities for the kids to do, such as inflatable bouncy houses, games, balloons and more. Dustin played jeopardy and entered the watermelon eating contest and won! (Both jeopardy AND the contest!) What did he win??...Well, it is sponsored by Macey's so he just won some candy but Dixon enjoyed cheering him on and I enjoyed eating the treat! After the scrimmage was over, they let everyone down on the field (which feels weird by the way, the turf and all) for meeting the players for autographs, playing catch on the field with the players, and other activities. Dixon had a go at kicking a field goal (close) and he also threw the ball through a target and made it TWICE!!! Not a bad way to "spend" a day with family.

I'm sorry...

2009-08-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

I don't recall giving you the authorization. Do I need to tell you EVERYTHING??

STOP GROWING ALREADY!!!!

Nada, Zip, Zilch

2009-08-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

No really. I got NOTHIN'.

It's just been a while since I posted here on the blog, so I thought I'd try and come up with something. As you can tell, it's not working to purty good.

School starts in 9 days and I CAN'T wait. I just hope Dixon's teacher will be patient. I am going to be honest, I am EXTREMELY nervous for this school year. We have been spoiled with awesome teachers and faculty at North Park so the fact that Dixon is heading on to GREEN-er-VILLE pastures this year, (oh for the love, I am getting teary just typing it) and neither one of us know squat about it, could have a little to do with it.

Baseball ends tonight for the LOGAN CUBS. I have experienced every single emotion known to man during this baseball season. I am grateful for the guys who stuck it out with Dustin this year, regardless. It was not easy. Not even a little, but words can never express my gratitude towards them. I can't say I will miss the games but I WILL miss the people. I have met some great people and have LOVED socializing with some of the players, their wives and families. I will miss that. HOWEVER...I will be very excited to see the equipment retire on it's shelf for a good 7 months.

Dixon and I will be leaving town (sadly again without Dustin, he has to work) for 3 days. We are going on one last adventure before school starts and it will be "in-tents" Where there's a tent, there's bound to be fire, and where there's a fire, there's bound to be smore's.

I hope you all have had a great summer! It seems this year we haven't been able to much as a family so I am looking forward to fall, football season, and family time. Mostly, I am looking forward to getting structure and routine back into our lives. Call it boring, I call it staying out of the insane asylum for one more year.

Literally speaking

2009-08-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

One of the characteristics of asperger syndrome is the literal thinking of things. For example...

"I laughed my head off."

Dixon will wonder where your head went and how you got it back on.

"You're going to kill me"

He doesn't understand that I am not really going to die when Dustin tells me he forgot to do something. He reminds us often, "It's not nice to kill, right Mom?"

"Are your ears painted on?"
He looks at me dazed and confused and says "Are these (touching his ears) painted on, or am I really real?"

"Did the cat get your tongue?"
This is even more confusing now that we actually have a cat.

Some others... "Cut it out", "Knock it off" and "Watch the horseplay."

What's Happenin'?

2009-07-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Not a whole heckuva lot!

3 nights of baseball games

1 trip to insta care

The traditional pioneer day parade in good ol' Weston Idaho

Some fireworks

A spontanious trip to Chuck E Cheese's

and a Raptors baseball game

Stay tuned for more uneventful stuff coming soon, cuz "that's how we roll."

I'm no photographer...

2009-07-17T23:21:00.001-07:00

in fact, these were all taken with my cell phone. The pics I took with my actual camera won't upload to blogger. *angry face*

No matter where we go there is bound to be a trip to Walmart involved. Dixon was not amused! He was Done. D-O-N-E, done!

Lavender Fields. Mmmmm. Pretty

Swimming at SUU's pool. Too early for me (we woke up at 6:15) but Dixon loved it!

Learning golf from Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa's dog, "Wiley"

We were in Cedar during the the Shakespear Festival. We saw "The Secret Garden."

All I will say is "STRANGE"

Fishing with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Forrest. Dixon got to drive the boat.

Patiently waiting for the fish to bite.

Here fishy fishy! Dixon had the first catch of the day (and the last)

Ok, so this is a real close up of the fish to make it look bigger. You caught me. Dixon named ALL 5 of his fish before "sending them back to their mama's". These fish are called "wiper". Uncle Forrest said they are cross bred from a white bass and a striped bass. All I can say is they may not be big but they are FIESTY!

Another catch.

Good times=Good memories=Goodbye Southern Utah=Good to be home!!

Watching and Waiting

2009-07-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

Someone, I can't remember who, told me these were the BOMBDIGGITY!! I am still waiting and watching for them to hit a store shelf near me. Now if someone knows where to find them and they are holding out on me, rest assured, I run a zero tolerance blog and some form of disciplinary action will be given. NOW.... I wouldn't object having some magically show up on my doorstep, windshield, mailbox...you get the drift. I should've been a candy taster tester outer. I'd have been WAY good at it!

Out of more than just words

2009-07-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

This summer was supposed to be filled with tons of fun things that I could ~~brag~~ blog about but it doesn't seem to be going that way. I'm out of words. My thoughts? Vanished. My ~~creative juices~~ way of thinking that everything I put on this blog is of intrest to someone? Lacking! So let's see. So far this summer we have:

Gone to Hill Air Force (No pictures)
Celebrated Father's Day (No pictures)
Oquirrh Mountain temple (No pictures)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor dreamcoat. (1 lonely picture that was taken from my phone and deleted so, no picture)
Had my niece and nephew come play for 3 days (pictures but to respect their privacy will not post them)
4th of July Parade (PICTURE) Singular, but still...

Cruise-in parade (Cell phone pictures and only if you really wanna see. Ok, thanks, here they are)

There has also been alot of 'no picture' taking of: baseball watching (LOTS of baseball watching,) sprinkler running, swimming pool going, bike riding, house cleaning, walmart tripping, grass mowing, garage cleaning, closet organizing, cupboard de junking and other daily routine crap, and there's bound to be MORE, 'no picture' pictures to come of: MORE baseball watching, opera attending, Cedar city traveling, pioneer daying, tooth surgery going, family campout camping, or Bear Lake playing among other things that wouldn't normally be documented by pictures anyway.

HOPE YOU ARE ALL ENJOYING YOUR SUMMER!

Freedom and other stuffs

2009-07-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a ~~little~~ drawn out post stating 'Reasons Why America Is Great'. With the ol' gals birthday coming up, I thought I'd share my edited version of the list. I'll do my own ~~explaining~~ rant about each topic if I may. Let's begin.

#11: BBQ When I hear the word BBQ one thing comes to mind. BOBBY FLAY! Nuff said

#10: Harley-Davidson Ok. ya. Harleys are cool but I'm a fan of the Tutles. Ya know...OCC/American Choppers!

#9: The Automobile Which means I don't ~~have~~ get to ride the city bus with the ~~crazy's~~ less fortunate in town AND (I liked this so I kept it)... in case you haven't noticed, the streets of your town are no longer covered with horse manure. You can thank Henry Ford for that.

#8: The Hamburger I'm not reffering to the "2 all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a seaseme seed bun." I'm talking, roll out your own patty, grill it in your back yard over the charcoal grill and let the juices run to your elbows, type of burger. Top it with swiss cheese, dill pickles or peppercinnis, ketchup, mustard, red onion...oh man my jaw is tingly. YUM

#7: Thanksgiving Every year I am more aware of each beautiful blessing that is bestowed upon me and my family. I am FULL-FILLED...if ya know what I mean.

#6: Wal-Mart I know some will disagree but I like knowing that if I need a can of spam or a spare tire, Sam can help me out.

#5: The Bottomless Glass I simply call this...the "free re-fill" on a $2.50 glass of soda. KEEP 'EM COMIN'!!!

#4: College Sports For me it's not so much the actual game, but the FANS!!! I go to the Utah State (Basketball) games to watch and listen to the fans. LOVE IT!

#3: Dr. Seuss Green eggs and Ham!!!

#2: Monopoly Monopoly gives me a headache, BUT Monopoly is the greatest board game ever devised by the mind of man AND my brother loves it! It is the perfect mixture of chance and skill. It was designed by one man, who produced it and sold it on his own after the committee at the game company turned down his idea. It is so great that it has versions for every major US city, many US colleges and universities, many foreign lands, and even some areas of special interest. Its premise is America's premise: Here are the rules, now do your best. Its rules and terminology have entered the vocabulary of every true American. We all know what "Do Not Pass Go" means, and why the hotel on Boardwalk is greatly to be coveted.

#1: Freedom America is great because America is free. Everything else that is great about America is a result of the freedoms that Americans enjoy.

I've fallen and I STILL get up!

2009-06-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

It was almost a year ago that this came into our lives. My mom works with a guy that is actually in the guiness book of world records for riding his unicycle 19 miles in one day. IMPRESSIVE right? Yes! He started his world record journey at Willow Park in Logan, then rode up to campus and down 700 North. I gave him a call and he agreed to teach Dixon how to ride. Heaven knows I can't help the kid in that area. Tonight was Dixon's first lesson. Things went really quite well. Darryl started with the basics, where to put the pedals, how to position your heel and toe and of course, balance. Although Dixon had to hold on to Darryls shoulder the entire time, he really started getting a feel for it. Dixon thought it was "AWESOME" when Darryl got on his own unicycle and rode a bit. We'll keep ya posted on how lessons go but for now...here's a few pics.

Dear Mr. President

2009-06-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

YOU ~~BORE~~ CONFUSE ME!!!!

Looking forward to the weekend

2009-06-18T09:45:00.001-07:00

It's going to be GREAT!! First on the agenda... We are going to the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house. THANKS THONY AND CHERYL FOR GETTING THE TICKETS and for letting us ride along!

Then, there may be time for rocket launching. One can hope.

We will be hungry, so it's off to one of my favorite eat out places.

Then it's off to the show. Break a leg Dad! (Pulled tendon's don't count)

And then of course...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

TO ALL THE MEN IN MY LIFE!!!!

Always learning

2009-06-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

I've fallen into the facebook trap. I like to log-in, read status updates, occasionally comment if I have something to say, ya know...stuff like that. I've also learned ALOT from facebook. Serious stuff that'll take me places and change my life! Things like...

*It's acceptable to "talk" in 3rd person

*Quizzes are dumb

*Farkel is not

*People I didn't know are funny; are really quite funny

* I have a strange resemblance to Renee Zellweger

*Old friends have become new again

*Twilight is everywhere

*I can become a fan to almost anything. Like...Walgreen's for instance. I'm a fan!

and last but certainly not least...DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is coming to LOGAN!!!!!

I have a happy face

2009-06-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

The other day on tv I heard someone saying that you should never buy anything on sale. Ummm, excuse me? I ALWAYS buy stuff on sale. The overpaid television personality was saying that you should never buy anything that was on sale if you weren't willing to pay full price for it in the first place.

I say to that person..."PHOOEY on U-EY!!!" I have always wanted a "Skookie" pan. I LOVE them. I love what COMES from them!! I however have not been willing to pay 22 dollars for a set. Uuuugggh. Today was my day. I've been livin' right! I found them (not telling where cuz I might want more hehehe) today for $9.97. Needless to say, I bought 3 sets. And guess what??? It gets better. I had a gift card so I only had to pay $3.05 Ask me if I am giddy. Ask me who is going to be in charge of FHE treats tonight?

Golly Gee Green Giant...

2009-06-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

You really are Jolly!! Thanks to you, Dixon and I can turn these...

Plain ol' empty veggie cans....

Into these....

FIREWORKS!!!!

What a BLAST!!!

Sticks are cheaper

2009-06-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember a certain stick collection of Dixon's. It was a stage he went through, collecting sticks. The stick thing is now over and done with for him. He says it's too boring and they all look the same and they are too hard to tell apart. Another collection of Dixon's however, he is NOT bored with. He LOVES shoes (even though sticks are cheaper) and he CAN tell them apart. He has a name for each pair. In fact...he can tell me WHERE every pair was bought. YIKES! So...let's play a game, shall we?

Pair 1. "Tuff tek" Walmart

Pair 2. "Slippers" Walmart

Pair 3. "Air Speed" Walmart
Pair 4. "Church Shoes" Payless

Pair 5. "Shoes from Dad" Payless

Pair 6. "Hang Ten" Ross

Pair 7. "Spider Man" Walmart
Pair 8. "Champion" Seattle
Pair 9. "Crocs" Walmart

Pair 10. "All Stars" Smith's Marketplace

Pair 11. "Heeleys" Shoe store by McDonalds

Pair 12. "World" Shoe Carnival

Pair 13. "Flip Flops" Walmart

Pair 14. "Ocean pacifics" Walmart

Pair 15. "Air Walk" Shopko

Pair 16. "Sneakers" Walmart

Pair 17. "Skeletons" Stacey

Pair 18. "Velcro Shoes" Shopko

Pair 19. "Tie Shoes" Walmart

Pair 20. "Snow Boots" Kings

Now...for scouts, he needs to (A) "Make a collection of anything you like. Start with 10 things. Put them away in a neat way." He puts them in a big rubbermade tote he has named "The shoe club." Needless to say, collection and stuff...check and check!! Then he needs to, (B) "Show and explain your collection to another person."

Anyone want to sign off on (B)???

Here they are for your viewing pleasure!

And yes, He wears them ALL!

*Note that "Tuff Teks" are not pictured. After I had taken the picture Dixon broke down into tears telling me they were not in the picture. They have since been found and accounted for.

Logan Cubs!

2009-06-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Horizons Sunday June 7, 2009

THE HERALD JOURNAL

When Dustin Fonnesbeck was a kid, his father took him to Los Angeles Dodgers home games, where he came to idolize popular manager Tommy Lasorda. "Most kids wanted to be a player," Fonnesbeck said. "I guess I've always wanted to be a coach."
Several years down the road, Fonnesbeck got his wish as he is an assistnt coach of the Logan Cubs, who recently started their first season as a member of the Northern Utah League, a local baseball league for adults.

Fonnesbeck was the driving force behind Logan forming a team and procuring the necessary funds to do so. As a result, the Cubs are now taking the field against the likes of fellow NUL clubs the Smithfield Blue Sox, Hyrum Hornets, Providence Woverines, Providence Aggies and Brigham Peaches.

"Ive enjoyed it. It's been a challenge to do, but I'm glad to be part of this league," Fonnesbeck said. Fonnesbeck approached NUL President Richard Hansen, who's also the longtime manager of the Blue Sox, late last summer about the possiblity of putting together a team for the following season. With only five other teams in the league, Hansen has been hoping to expand its

membership for quite some time, so once he found out the Cubs had the financial means to compete he was all for it.

"If a team wanted to get in, we've never really turned them down if they had the finances," Hansen said. Hansen even helped the fledging team secure a place to practice and hold its home games, Fonnesbeck said. Logan now shares Max L. Johnson Memorial Field in Providence with the Wolverines and the Aggies. The Cubs started practicing last fall and now have 12 players on their roster. Most of the recruiting process was done by word of mouth, Fonnesbeck said, with

the help of captain Ajay Salvensen and with a little luck involved.

For example, Fonnesbeck ran into Kade Gardner, now the squad's No. 1 pitcher, in Smith's Marktplace and asked him to play. Gardner, like Salvensen used to play in the NUL for the Hornets. Salvensen and first baseman Josh Huff were the first two players to commit. Once enough players were rounded up, Fonnesbeck's next duties consisted of trying to find sponsors, figuring out practice times and trying to organize them and coming up with uniforms and equipment. Finding time for everyone to practice has been arguably the most difficult task. "It's tough because a lot of people work different hours and have other obligations with thir families," Fonnesbeck said. "...But all in all it's been good; people have been good to work with."
Fortunately for Fonnesbeck and the Cubs, they found a sponsor in the Pita Pit, and have been selling Pita Pit cards to raise money for the club. Thanks to these additional funds, Logan was able to limit team dues to $200 per player. The team dues are used to pay for uniforms, equipment, umpire and other related fees.

"It's amazing. We greatly appreciate their help and support for us to help raise money for our team, and we hope people continue to help them out in their business, as well," Salvensen said of The Pita Pit.

Inasmuch as Salvensen and Gardner are Logan's only players with experience in the NUL-coupled with the fact that all of the other athletes hadn't played together before this season-the Cubs have predictably experienced some growing pains. A wealth of errors severely hurt Logan's cause in an ugly 21-1 setback to Smithfield in the Cubs' season opener. However, Salvensen is confident the Cubs will be much more respectable when they get used to playing together. They already have great team unity, he asserted. "I don't think anyone else has ever played with each other (before), so the chemistry thing we're still trying to get down," Salvensen said. "The brotherhood part is already strong." Logan which is scheduled to play 24 regular season games, is currently managed by Richie Peterson, who has umpired Northern Utah League contests in the past and is a high school umpire.

So there ya have it folks. Baseball season is up and runnin! The Cubs need all the support they can get so anytime you are in town and can come to a game...PLEASE DO! We'll see ya "at the ol' ball game"!!!! Check out the ball schedule at the side of the blog.

I'll get over it, eventually

2009-06-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

You don't have to read this. I just need to ramble.

When Dixon turned 1, I sat down and wrote a poem. I won't bore you with the entire thing, but the last line or two says...

"The gifts are now open and family is leaving, all seem to be happy it's very relieving. And I'm no longer crying for now I'm just moaning, all for one tiny reason, my baby is growing."

Now I seem to be re-living it. I am really struggling with the fact that Dixon is moving on to 3rd grade, in a different school, with a whole new batch of teachers and I WON'T BE THERE!!! I'm staying back at N.P. working again in the life skills classroom (which I love by the way) but am SOOOOO SAD not to have "butter" there too. I am sure he'll be fine. I have 2 1/2 months of summer va-cay to prepare myself for it.

I think the thing that bothers me most, is that it's not bothering Dixon. He wants to grow up. He is eager to start a new chapter. I really should have been working on that magic potion that would have froze him at 2 years old. He wasn't talking back (actually, he wasn't talking, period so that part was a bit tough) and so stinkin' cute!!

O man it's getting close!!

2009-06-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

2 and 1/2 days to go. In school hours that would be 14 h and 40 m. In real time...64 hours and we are gonna PARTY ALL THE TIME like it's 1999 we're SO EXCITED! LIFE IS A HIGHWAY and we're on HOLIDAY! We may stay HOME, or find a CHARIOT! All I know is GIRLS (and boys) JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

Teacher Appreciation

2009-05-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am not a crafty person. I must have been in the buffet line in heaven when the crafty genes were being handed out cuz I missed them totally! Anyway, it's that time of year again when I attempt to be crafty so my dear child can take something to his teacher on the last day of school. It's a way to say "thanks, I enjoyed not going to the principals office and by the way...you're a GREAT teacher." I decided on something that his teacher could set on his desk. This is what I came up with.

This is filled with chocolate rocks!

Some people think we're crazy...

2009-05-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

And others know it! We are a silly family. We like to do silly things. Today happens to be one of those days as it's Dixon's un-birthday, which means he is 8 and 1/2 today. That's right. We celebrate it. Any excuse for a good time, right? Since Dixon was 6 months old we have celebrated the un (half) birthday. He even got cake up until he was 4 and 1/2. Now he knows that he only gets one suprise and an activity of choice. His suprise was a toy story blanket I made for him as he is, as I have said before, over the top in love with toy story! This will make it blanket #8 for his bed and yes, he uses them all.He likes, errr, loves blankets as much as he does shoes and that my fellow readers, is ALOT! He is choosing to go bowling tonight. He was a bit sad about the no cake deal we have going on. That was until he was actually invited to a "real" birthday party today and now...yep, He gets cake! Another one of Dixon's facinations is the mighty fire truck. He saw one as we were pulling into the gas station this morning and he mustered up the courage to ask the nice fireman if he could look in his truck. I have to say...FIREMEN ROCK!!! He even got to try on the "way heavy" firemans coat and helmet. He must be livin' right to get to enjoy all of lifes little pleasures. Happy un birthday Dixon. Hope 8 and 1/2 treats ya well.

And the prize goes to...

2009-05-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

C.B., who replied with: "I licked a birdbath in a hole because I was drinking tequila, again."
Seriously, I LOL. OUT LOUD I tell ya!! I don't know why this one made me laugh harder than all the other's but it did. Congrats and your prize will be on it's way soon! To the rest of the contestants, keep up the good work. You made me smile!

Yep. Totally worth it!

2009-05-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

As you know this blog is practically my journal. I write a lot about Dixon. I'm letting my readers know right now, that this post will pretty much end up being a brag session, A... 'way to go it was totally worth it after all' post. Keep on reading if you wish but believe me, it may get lengthy.

Dixon was diagnosed with having Asperger Syndrome in June of last year. What is Asperger Syndrome you ask? It is a developmental disorder on the "high functioning" end of the autism spectrum. Some of his "criteria" include lack of social skills; behavior that is patterned and repetitive; (that's alot of why you all get the same questions asked to you over and over again) and language delays, among others. We have really been focusing in on Dixon's lack of social skills. For the last 7 months, we have been doing weekly therapy sessions with Dixon up on campus. He has been learning skills for Interrupting, Relaxing, Knowing his feelings, Accepting No, Ignoring, Meeting new people, Following Directions and Dealing with Teasing. We've yet to master any one of these skills and if I'm being completely honest, we don't plan too cuz we ain't perfect people, people! We (he) have however come a LONG LONG way. Today I took Dixon with me grocery shopping. I admit I have left the grocery store in tears before, because Dixon had been totally over the top naughty, but today? Today I left the grocery store in tears for the exact opposite reason. There was a scene at the store today. A very dramatic scene between a mother and 2 children. There was yelling. Lots and lots of yelling. Dixon totally rocked it!! He said to me "Mom, I think I remember my ignoring skill and I think I better just look away." YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! His ignoring skill is...'What should I do if other kids around me are being naughty or annoying?' 1. Look away. He then is to think "what can I look at or what am I supposed to be looking at" (like if he's at church of school) 2. Close my ears and 3. Stay quiet. Don't talk to the naughty or annoying person. I was sooooo proud of him for the way he acted through the store. 40 long minutes of grocery shopping and he was AWESOME! Here's where the tears came into play. I was leaving the store and in the parking lot when a woman comes up to me, taps me on the shoulder and says "Excuse me mam" (For the record, I HATE being called mam) "I just wanted to thank your son for the way he acted in the grocery store". She goes on to say, "It is so nice to see young children treat their parents with respect and use manners towards others, so thank you." (This is where I scooped my mouth up off the concrete, and checked my pants for an accident) I don't have any idea if she witnessed the scene Dixon and I had saw, but still I appreciated the compliment towards my rock star of a son! Then I cried all the way to the car. The months we've been in therapy are totally paying off. And guess what? He graduated from therapy last week so it's double cool that even though he's finished, he still remembers and is using his tools. So to make this drawn out lengthy post just a tat more lengthy, Dixon, someday you will read this and when you do, I just want you to know how much I love you! To infinity and beyond!!!

200-th Post AND..."I had lunch on your car with a goat because I think I need some serious help"!!

2009-05-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

For my 200-th post I thought I'd do a give away. Now before you keep on reading, there are no all expense paid va-cays or anything like that. We're talking low budget here people. REAL LOW! Here's what you need to do to enter. Ya just gotta make me laugh! Type out the sentence you end up with and leave me a comment. Whoever's sentence makes me laugh out loud...the LOUDEST, WINS!!!

Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June---------- I danced with
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September---- I sang to
October-------I smelled
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a nun
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friend
10-------my neighbor
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a baseball bat
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19-------a Smurf
20-------a fireman
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a troll
26-------my sister
27-------my boss
28-------a homeless guy
29-------a surfer
30-------a football player
31-------a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:
1--------- in my car
2 -------- on a motorcycle
3 -------- in a hole
4 -------- under your bed
5 -------- on your car
6 -------- on a roof
7 -------- in an elevator
8--------- at the dinner table
9 -------- in line at the bank
0 -------- in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White--------because I'm cool like that
Black--------because I was drinking tequila, again.
Pink----------because I'm only in it for the good times.
Red----------because the voices told me to.
Blue---------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green-------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple-------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray---------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader..
Yellow-------because someone offered me 20 dollars .
Orange -----because I saw it on the Internet.
Brown-------because I can.
Other--------because it sounded like a good idea!

Now go ahead. Type out the sentence you made, and leave me a comment. Whoever makes me SNICKER the loudest WINS!!!!

The Power of Suggestion.

2009-05-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am waiting for something so fantastic to happen so I can share it with you all and sadly, I got nuttin! I got something, but the key word here is FANTASTIC. "What do ya have for me", you say as you read this lengthy, drawn out post? Well my dear readers...it's not purty. It's HIVES!! Not me but Dustin. He started with a bit of itchy-ness (oh my...I am itchy just typing this) on Tuesday, and then broke out in hives on Wedesday from his eyelids right down to his ankles. This was my clue to get him into insta-care. The doc seems to think he may have had an allergic reaction to mowing the lawn. WHAT? Seriously? Today Dustin is feeling pain in his throat and chest. He's got another appointment with our family doc today at 2:30. Don't tell me you are not even a little bit itchy just by reading this. **Shudder**

This is NOT Dustin's arm. I found this image online and this is pretty much what his break out looks like.

Now are ya itchy??

Not the best title, but I'll take it for the time being...

2009-04-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

I must have gotten one of those notes stuck to my back. Ya know the kind I'm talking about. The "Kick me I'm a slacker" kind. There are 168 hours in a week. 119 of those hours (roughly) I am awake or at least my eyes are opened. 15 to 18 of those awake hours, depending on the week I am at work. In addition to that, 2 hours a week I am at social skills therapy with my son, an hour and a half I am with the scouts for my church calling, I cheer at soccer games for 2 hours a week and attend church meetings 3 hours a week. Meals to prepare add up to... well, not alot. Maybe 9, 10 if I don't think about defrosting the chicken earlier. This is getting lengthy so I'll just stop there. You get the point. Why is it that these hours simply are not adding up? My yard should be immaculate my house spotless and heck we should all be speaking 3 different languages, EACH with the extra time I have on my plate, but NO! (Slap on Slacker note now) Well I now know why the hours don't jive and I'm not blaming myself any longer! I am good enuf, smart enuf and gully gee, people think I'm dandy. It's those darn Gillmore's from Stars Hollow's fault and by gully I LIKE IT! Season 3 here I come.

No TV week

2009-04-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

We just ended "no TV week" for school. The kids were challenged to go a week (Mon-Fri) without watching tv, movies, playing computer/video games or doing anything that included a monitor. Dixon did SO good at the challenge. HE MADE IT ALL 5 DAYS!!!! To make things not so boring around here cuz let's face it, tv and movies is quite the bail out for parents when their children are bored...we came up with some no tv projects for Dixon to do. He then took his nightly project to school the next day to share with his teacher.

Day 1: "Bubble art"

It’s "No TV week" at my school
and Mom helped me do something cool.
I’ll keep real busy, I'll have some fun
then share with you the things I’ve done.

Tonight we made some bubble art, it's to you from me.

This is what I did instead of watching our t.v.

Day 2: "Lollipops"

It's "No TV week" day # 2
Just look at what I made for you!
Tonight we made some lollipops
Then placed a baggie right on top.
They're made of jolly ranchers sweet
Hope you enjoy this yummy treat!

Day 3: "Crayons"

It's "No TV week" day # 3
Look how creative I can be!
I took my broken crayons
And then I broke them even more.
I put them in a mold and then I closed the oven door.
I made some brand new crayons
With different colors you will see.
This is what I did instead of watching our t.v.

Day 4: "Cookie Bouquet"

It's "No TV week" day # 4
I made you a garden of flowers galore!
A stick and some drops that are made out of spice
And these cookies turned flowers smelly really quite nice!
They won't give you allergies or make your eyes swell.
It seems no t.v. week is going quite well!

Day 5: Read-a-thon

It's Friday eve and my last night
with no tv, I've done alright!
Tonight we had a read-a-thon.
We read and read the whole night long!
When you read THIS book, think of me
and the week I didn't watch tv.

And now that "no tv week" is over, Dixon is throwing up, sick and all he wants to do is lay in my bed and watch movies. Good timing wouldn't ya say!

The time has come...

2009-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

I caved. Gave in. Crumbled like a week old stale peanut butter cookie. Dixon has a cat! Everyone, meet Hop scotch. No other name was even considered. The kid knows what he wants, when he wants it! Hop scotch is 7 weeks old and seems to be adjusting well. When Dixon saw the "FREE KITTIES" sign I knew I was in trouble. BIG TROUBLE! I really don't mind though. Although it's not even been 24 hours since the new addition arrived, Dixon seems to really be enjoying taking care of his little new friend. I hope he keeps it up.

What a BLAST!

2009-04-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the microwave is not only convenient, but it offers a lot of entertainment as well? Yesterday I had taken some red grapes to school for my lunch. Dixon's teacher saw them early in the morning and tells me that he learned a great red grape, shall I say, 'recipe'? This 'recipe' is DEFINITELY not for eating. He proceeds to tell me what to do. You take a grape and cut it down the middle, but don't cut it all the way through. You need to leave it somewhat attached, like on a hinge of grape skin. Get it? Then...you put the grape in the microwave for about 15 seconds. I know what you're thinking. Oh boy! How fun it must be to watch a grape melt into a gross gooey mess. As a flatter of mact...it was. We went into the teachers lounge and did a science experiment/teacher recess. FUN and EDUCATIONAL! We even tried it with a green grape.

This is the grape explosion! Ain't it cool??

And this is the aftermath. I told you ya wouldn't wanna eat it.

Here's the green grape. I always knew I liked red grapes better. Now I at least have a good reason. THEY EXPLODE!

Cereal just got sweeter!

2009-04-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

In school, Dixon's class was talking a bit about advertising and selling points and then the kids got to film and star in their own commercials. Cereal commercials to be exact! Apparently in Dixon's commercial he is playing a baby and is asking for cereal ("I wan see-ral, I wan see-ral" is what he says) My computer is so so SO stupid that I can't see the video on YouTube and now I have a SAD FACE! So... I am posting the link HERE for you to view. Now, you should go to it then COME BACK here and leave me a comment so I know how it is AND you need to vote for the contest. Maybe I'll invite myself over to my brothers house for a video viewing party cuz I'm really bummed I can't see it and since I'll be there, a quick game of Mario on the wii would be FAB and would probably turn my frown upside down! **wink wink

Spring break was fine in '09!

2009-04-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Our spring break started on Wednesday as we hit the road and headed as far as Cedar City. By time we arrived, thanks to buckets of traffic, we were tired but ready to start our mini va-cay! Thursday morning we headed further south to warmer weather. (Note: when we left Logan on Wednesday, we drove through rain, and hail most the way to Cedar). Dustin's Mom and Dad have a condo in Mesquite, so that is where we spent our spring break.

Day 1 Thurs: Lots of relaxing and we just took it easy. We did end up going to dinner at the Eureka... I have since renamed it the "EurICKa".

Day 2 Fri: We went to the arcade at the virgin river and Dixon had a blast!! We actually went there every day except Sunday. The boys went swimming, we rode go karts and enjoyed the sunshine. We even did a bit of yard work at the condo.

Day 3 Sat: Repeat Day 2 minus the go karts so we added a trip to wal-mart instead, which in my opinion is eventful!!

Day 4 Sun: HAPPY EASTER!! The Easter Bunny found Dixon in Mesquite. He was quite worried but I made sure to send the bunny an email letting him know where we would be. We had 2 easter egg hunts. One inside and one in the back yard and the bunny smothered the coffee table with lots of fun stuff! We finished off the vacation in mesquite with a quick 18 holes of mini-golf.

Spring break is over and we are pleased to say we had a great time! It's always nice to get away but it's nice to come home. The desert has some beautiful scenery, but we do love those snow capped wellsville mountains that we were able to come home too.

And where are the pictures you ask...well, they are coming soon.

It's twins!

2009-04-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

Dixon loves 7-up. Why? Mainly because it makes him burp really loud. I'm just telling it like it is. Dustin did a drink run for us tonight and it was Dixon's lucky day as 7-up was on sale, 2 for $1.00. As we were driving tonight, with 7-up in hand, Dixon suddenly starts talking to his drinks. (not surprising if you know him at all) "I think I'm going to name the two of you." He says. "You're Betsy" holding named drink a little higher than the other, "And you're Tim. Tim cause you're tall." That's how he could tell them apart you know. Betsy had been opened and sipped on a little, and Tim had not been. So of course...Tim was taller. As with anyone visiting our family, we like to make sure they feel welcome by showing them where to find the cups and the refrigerator. Welcome Home Bets and Tim. WELCOME HOME!

Oh what a beautiful morning!

2009-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

The sun was shining this weekend which makes me believe that spring hasn't totally given up on us. We also saw some ducks and if I saw right, I believe they were smiling! It could be because we fed them, but deep down I know they were also enjoying the sunshine. Dixon and I even chased our shadows, proof again that the big bright thing that lives in the sky still likes to visit every once in a while. We hope your weekend was as relaxing at your house as it was ours.

A Family First

2009-04-03T20:52:00.001-07:00

We have started off this conference weekend with a bang! We finished the Book of Mormon tonight (Fri.) as a family for the first time. Dustin and I had both read it individually before, but this was Dixon's first! It was so great to see the excitement Dixon showed towards reading the Book of Mormon. He was the one who kept us on track, reminding us of what we needed to do and should be doing. ~3 Nephi 18:7 And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you. We definitely are aware of the blessings that come from reading the Book of Mormon as they have POURED upon us this last month! AND...it seems no matter how often you read it, there are always new lessons to be learned.

~Doctrine and Covenants 88:118

Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom

Yep! It definitely was a...

2009-04-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

It seemed to be fitting that April fools day was on a Wednesday this year! Dixon decided he was going to wear a band-aid over his eye "just to be silly." Of course Mr. neverforgetanything remembered he wore a band-aid last year in his first grade class for April fools day and you know him...he must stay consistant! A few people asked him what happened to his eye and he BEAMED as he said "**giggle, giggle** APRIL FOOLS!"

As for myself I couldn't let him have all the fun so with some brain storming, I ended up tye-dying my hands and told the kids in school that everytime at this time of year, I start turning into the easter bunny. Seriously, FUNNY STUFF! The kids in our class are so innocent and I love being a kid with the rest of them. Occasionally as I was walking, I would let a hippity hop slip out, and the kids would all gasp and say..."Ms. Angie is starting to hop now too!" I am a bit nervous to go to school tomorrow and confess that this was all an April Fools joke and that their teachers aide is really NOT the easter bunny. Hope you all had a FUN FILLED DAY!!!

Racers, Start your engines

2009-03-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

The snowy weather we had on Wednesday did not stop the races from happening. The track was clear, and there's not much that would stop 8, 9 and 10 year old boys from competing in the annual PINEWOOD DERBY! This was Dixon's first derby. Now, besides the fact that Dixon was jacked up on hyper (partial thanks going out to Ronald McDonald and the assembly he provided at school earlier in the day) he had a GREAT time. Actually, while I am thinking about it, I think Dixon could have lit a small city with the energy seeping through his skin. I am sighing with relief that his car actually won a few races. (3) I wasn't in the mood for ANOTHER, 'it's okay not to win, it's all in fun', talk.

Just look at this face! Does it not SCREAM excitement??!!

He's placed his car on the track and is ready for his 1st race. WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!!

Here's his car.

Dixon won the "Safest Driver/Rookie of the year" award.