Fall and Halloween--Hooray!

Well, all I have is pictures. Not much to say, but hopefully the pics can speak for themselves. We had a great holiday, but can't wait for the next one. We are really looking forward to coming back to PHX to be with family and friends. I am loving the fall, as long as the snow stays away. The leaves are beautiful, but are finally clearing out of the trees, getting ready for winter. Anyway, Brenda, this post is for you. Let me know if there are pictures that you want me to send to you. More are posted on facebook, so have a look. We love you!

New Ventures

Look appetizing? Lets hope so. For those of you I haven't told, I'm starting up something of a business. I've had so many ideas in the past, but this is my favorite, and possibly down the road, I can add a few more things to my repertoire. So, if any of you know anyone looking for corporate gifts, could you please pass along my name? Thanks to family, I already have a couple orders in, but I would like to see how far this can go. Wish me luck! Thanks!

Mort things to make you laugh

More videos, still!

Posts for Neil

These videos are a little on the unexciting side, but I'm putting it up for Neil. We're separated until our house gets built, seeing each other on weekends. Since he misses most of what goes on up here in Idaho, I'm posting it all here. Lily is sure growing up fast. It seems that even in the last week, she has grown extraordinarily. She is now eating more, moving more, and just a whole lot of fun.

Here's to Friday! Love you!

One expensive penny

I haven't been very good at keeping up to date with this thing, but I keep waiting for funny stories to happen. I think my time has come, although it may not be so funny once the bill comes.

Last night I put the girls to bed and went to get into the shower. While getting ready, this conversation goes on between Isabel and my mom. "Grandma, I'm going to put this penny in my mouth, all right?" "No, Isabel, pennies don't go in mouths" "Okay". From the bathroom I start hearing choking and vomiting. I throw on a towel and run in. Isabel is out of breath and I asked what happened. "I ate a penny, mom". I asked her if she threw it up, and she says, no. Around the vomit is a bunch of pennies, so how am I supposed to know if one of those was the ones that was in her mouth? I call up my ENT bro-in law and he tells me to take her into the ER. Honestly, I was just hoping for him to tell me that she would just poop it out, but since she sounded a little horse, I wasn't going to take my chances. While getting to the car, Isabel is bragging to everyone that she gets to go to the hospital. Yeah, ha ha, so funny. We get there, and she gets a couple of x-rays. Guess what? No penny. The tech guy say, well thats a relief. No, not really. We go back to the room, and Isabel needs to go potty. I send her in, and I hear her talking, so I go in, and she tells me she was talking to Grandma Nina. Right next to the toilet they have the string to call for help from the Nurse. I hope Isabel could have at least made her night. In comes the Dr. and he says he has good news, that there was no penny. Again, this isn't the best news I've heard. If I am going to spend $300+ on a penny, I want to see the stupid thing!!!! I think a penny will be easier to swallow than the bill we'll be getting in the mail.

Hope you all had a good night!!

"I have a tiny head?"

I know it is so cliche, but I really can't believe how fast time has gone. It seems so mean that the nine months pregnant can go by so slow, but the months after the baby is born go so fast. For one like Isabel, those months going by quickly isn't so terrible (she was a crier), but with Lily, it really is bittersweet. She is the sweetest baby I have ever known. For those of you without infants in your home, beware, do not come and hold her! She will make you so baby hungry. She makes me want another one even. But alas, years have made me wise. Well, having Abby and Isabel close together has made me wise. Back to the baby at hand....I took her in to the Dr. yesterday and got her stats. She is in the 75% for both height and weight, but only in the 20% for head size. This is all kind of funny to me right now, mostly because I don't see any harm in it right now. Looking at her from head to toe, she just looks proportional to me. I think most babies heads look too big for their body, which apparently is normal. One complaint I have about this child, is that she is getting a bit "handsy". Feeding times have gotten a bit difficult due to the pain she causes by her unclenching pinches. In its own realm, like having a crocodile smash down with its jaws, trying to get out of Lily's hold is nearly impossible. The harder you try to pry her fingers open, they just clench down harder. My only saving grace would be having a good pair of baby clippers. Right now, I just feel lucky that she is still nursing. Abby was such a lazy eater (still to this day has a hard time chewing meat), she much preferred a bottle to drip down her throat. Isabel was too upset to eat from me, so with both girls I had to give up nursing early due to lack of milk, but I feel pretty good about this one. Let me know if you need a copy of this classic picture.

Abby During Dentist

Alright, so I know most of you are very disappointed to see that I don't have video. I was very sad myself when this was going on. I'm sure 90% of you saw the youtube of David after dentist, and in mine own opinion this was so much more funny to witness. I'm going to try and use some discriptive words so you all can have wonderful imagery of Abby getting cavities filled (by the way, parents, floss your children's teeth!)

I think the dental assistant went a little heavy on the nitros today. I brought her in, and since my children are overly emotional and dramatic, I was expecting the worst. I thought I would be holding down my child while they numbed her. It started out as expected, when she felt the poke, she screamed and cried and even snorted at the doctor. He told her to breathe through her nose, that the gas would help her feel better. Well, she did just that and within seconds, she started humming. I was thinking she was trying to coax herself, but then she started getting goofy. The dentist left to let the numbing set in, and Abby started laughing outright, and kicking her legs up in the air. In between laughing, she would sing, but not any song in particular. When they were finishing up on her, she kept her singsong attitude and kept crossing and uncrossing her legs. The assistant mentioned how relaxed she seemed, and I had to mention that I think the gas must be on high. I can't say that I'm too happy to have put Abby in a drunken state, but at least she was happy during an uncomfortable time. "Why is this happening to me?" "Will I stay like this forever?"

I will never ever ever be a Utah resident!

Okay, maybe not never. We've just made it official (fingers crossed the bank approves us). We just signed our lives away once again, but this time for a home in Utah county. Below are pictures taken at the model home and from our soon to be neighborhood. I'm happy to say we got an amazing deal, one that was too hard to pass up. For those that know the area, it is off the Highland exit (but we will actually have a Draper address), up off the SR 92. It has a rural feel, but close to everything.
This is the view from above the neighborhood looking at the Utah lake and beautiful green mountains.

This is the Master bedroom, of course ours won't look this great, but we'll try. I could sure use some artistic opinions. They do need to be kid proof.

This is the living area, but I'm not sure how flattering this is. It is part of a great room with the kitchen. I didn't think you wanted to see all my pictures, so I'm sparing you with my picks.

Here is our lot. We have a good view of our van down at the bottom. I'm sad that these pictures aren't doing it justice. You can see the western mountains and Utah Lake underneath. Looking up the other way you see green mountains. We are so lucky to have a pretty secluded area. There are probably less than two hundred houses in our immediate area (Neil says less than 150), so it is quite remote. Anyway, I'm excited. Looking forward to having all of you come and stay with us once it gets built!

P.S. I have another post below this one. And will probably have more. I've just unloaded my pics from the camera's, so I have more to show off.

New family pics

We had these taken a couple of weeks ago, and I wanted to share. I think I have a pretty cute family, I hope you think so too. Not much to say about them, so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

What defines OCD?

I wanted to add a few of Abby's funny moments. Whereas Isabel is bipolar, I think Abby is a bit OCD (unless it comes to her room). She loves to help me clean up, again, with the one exception of cleaning her own room by herself. When it comes to making my bed, cleaning the kitchen, she loves to do it. I noticed it would take her awhile to pick up the diapers, and put them back in the cabinet, and wondered what she was doing. Come to find out, that just putting them away was not good enough for her. When I looked at the diapers, they were all in separate piles. One Elmo pile, one Big Bird pile, Zoe pile and so on. This is how she likes to clean up. Also, in that same weekend, I took her shopping. She had to "fix" all of the clothes and shoe racks as we passed. They all had to be even. If some of the shirts stuck out a little further, she had to fix it by pushing it back, or even moving them to a rack that was less full. We couldn't move on until she had done this.
Abby has also been preparing for Kindergarten, and I think she has been doing pretty well, but after a phone call from Tia (doing a project for her Early Ed. Class) I realized that I hadn't been working with opposites with Abby. So this morning I asked her a couple of opposites questions. My last one was "If you aren't sleeping you are?" And what did she respond? "In trouble". So true! But it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
Last I have one of my favorite recent pictures that she drew for me. I was going to ask when I need to discuss "appropriate", but I think it is more my mind that needs to get the "appropriatness" adjustment. So, if you are having problems like me, it is an elephant....and a lion. Anyway, for those of you that don't know Abby, you should. She is a whole lot of fun!

Officially a Soccer Mom

Here are some pictures of Abby's first Soccer game. She ended up scoring 2 goals (well, one may have been for the other team).

Abby was by far the most aggressive kid on the field. She would play around with the other kids, even giving shoulder massages, but the second the ball was put in play, it was all business. She would shove and use her elbows like a seasoned pro, anything to get to the ball.

Here is her first goal.

Here is a picture showing her second goal. You can see the coach pointing in the other direction.

I need a vacation!!

We have had a pretty crazy busy week, but it all ended well. I guess. I'm not sure what order these pictures are coming up, so I'll just give the run down. We started with a trip to Idaho, and came back in time for Grandma Sharp to come for a visit. With her came a wonderful yet awful snow storm, but that only lasted a couple hours. We then took the girls to see the new monsters movie, and caught the Easter Bunny as we were leaving. By the way, Shannon, I'm amazed my girls still want to believe in the Easter Bunny with how scary this guy looks. Yikes! Lily turned one month old, and Isabel turned three. She was definately the Princess of the weekend. Between grandma's and mom, she got everything princess, and a bike. Abby started soccer, and according to dad, she liked to kick the ball, all the way out of bounds, and keep on going. Then came the dying of the Easter eggs, and yes, my girls are basically naked. I'm not a fan of having stained clothing. I still have more to come, I just need to find my camera charger. We still did Lily's blessing which was of course on Easter.

Anyone Going to Keep Score?

Special Note: This was suppose to post on Neil's blog (Sharpreport.blogpspot.com) but I didn't realize I was logged in on this one. But since it already posted, Read at your own Risk.

I guess my title question is a little silly. With liberal/PC agendas being enforced all over America, of course no one will keep score, someone's feelings may get hurt. But I ask the question, at what point will Americans stop giving praise that "at least he aint dubbya" and start holding President Obama accountable for his actions?

I can make a firm pledge," he said in Dover, N.H., on Sept. 12. "Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes.

...Drum roll please...

Now in office, Obama signed a law raising the tobacco tax nearly 62 cents on a pack of cigarettes, to $1.01. Other tobacco products saw similarly steep increases.

I wonder if there is a provision in this law that if you prove to the Circle K clerk that you make less than $250,000 a year, you will not pay this tax increase? Or is he just going to do his sideways finger point and tell us that this is a result of the previous administration?

Of course he also submitted his budget plan and you'll never guess what his chief is now saying. Middle Class tax cuts may not survive the Democrats on Capital Hill. You remember the "Tax cuts for 95% of Americans". But that can't be right it has to happen, he promised. And if you followed what he asked you to do during the last days of the campaign, YOU promised your neighbor also. So, I'm sure it's coming. Right? Oh, wait, I can see the it now "It's not my fault, I tried, but the Democrats...I mean...those evil Capitalists...I mean... those big meany Republicans that want to steal your money and give to the CEO's of banks, wouldn't let me cut your taxes." Of course with the patented Obama Finger Point.

By the way, at this point, I do think President Obama could qualify for bowling in the Special Olympics. It would be nice to see him and Bush in a 10 frame bowl off for the gold. (See President Obama appearance on "The Tonight Show" if you don't get this joke)

Quotes from the AP: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D979POSG0&show_article=1
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Economy/Story?id=7166810&page=1

New pictures

Isabel and Abby were playing Fairy Godmother and the princess.

Abby and Lily

This picture is hilarious, if you know the backstory. I was having a frustrating evening, so after dinner, I wasn't going to do the dishes, so I told the girls that they had to clean the kitchen. Thinking it would be like asking them to clean their room, I thought nothing would come of the request. When I next came down the stairs, I found them cleaning out the refridgerator. They've seen Neil and I clean the fridge, but I don't know if they understood what was involved in cleaning the fridge, other than emptying it out. But that is what they are doing; emptying out the fridge onto the counter.

A little late....but Happy Anniversary nontheless

Six years and three kids later....Yikes! I wanted to get a picture of the two of us from Phil's wedding, but I forgot. I also don't know how to put the pictures in the order that I want. Oh well. Neil, I still love you and think you are great. The girls adore you. Thanks for a happy six years. I'm glad I have someone to eat my unwanted jelly belly's. Love you!

I've already posted this to my facebook page, but wanted to share with those that don't have it. I thought this was too funny. The rocket was a gift from my mom, and Neil was excited to try it out. These are two of Sonya's, and then mine, of course. The weirdo running through is Tia's husband Dan. Just kidding, Dan, we love you! The part Neil didn't get on video is when all the kids had to take a turn picking up the soda bottle and taking a drink. Isabel would pick it up anytime she thought she could get away with it. They all thought it tasted just like soda.

Lillian (Lily) Jean

SHE'S HERE!

Lily was born at exactly 11:00 am Sunday March 1, 2009. She was 8lbs 7oz and 19" long. She is healthy and strong. She is very calm and doesn't even cry when poked with needles.

Here are the first of 1000's of pictures.

Kids are GROSS!!!

This is just a quick note that I wanted to mention. I thought it was funny, if not revolting, but it might make you smile to know that at least it isn't your child.
We have been struggling to teach Isabel about using the toilet. She refuses to use it, even with bribery or other "fun" potty antics. Now that she knows she is supposed to use the bathroom for peeing and pooping, she is doesn't want to admit when she does something in her diaper, especially poops. Today she brought me a nice gift when I got home from (my final) a doctor's appt. I come in the door, as she was coming down the stairs, in nothing but a diaper, with a couple rolling balls following her. When she got to the bottom, she bent down to pick one of those rolling balls up. I didn't notice what it was exactly, but I did notice her attempt to put that ball back into her diaper. GROSS!!! At least she knew it didn't belong on the floor, right?
Hopefully, I gave you all a really good image that will stay with you for a very long time.

They're baaack!

Gross! First off, I know this is an awful picture, but I had to show it off anyway. My wonderful body likes to do this when I get pregnant. At least it isn't as bad as when I had Abby. Now, I can still touch my feet and leave an imprint, but before it was much worse. You could hardly see my toes because they were so swollen. I've never been classified as toxemic just because my blood pressure hasn't really been affected, just swelling of the everywhere. That brings me to how my dad has great timing! He hired someone to come and clean my house for me. Wow! Thanks, dad, I truly appreciate it. It honestly couldn't have come at a better time. I have been thinking of Marge Simpson, since he told me, though. (More and more of her lines seem more relevent to me each day, I think) There is an episode where she wins something, and her prize is to have someone come and clean her house. She is so worried about what other people think, that she has to deep clean her house before they get there. I have that odd sensation to do that. My house isn't too terrible, but I am an awful organizer, so I have more clutter than necessary in my house. I just have to keep telling myself that I don't have to worry about cleaning prior to the cleaning. Whatever. My days of swollen feet, uncomfortable nights, and not being able to bend over are almost done.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Would you all like to know what a sweet husband I have? This is the breakfast that he made for me. If the picture isn't clear, everything was cut into hearts. The strawberries are specifically impressive. I'm sure most of you are thinking, "Oh, how sweet!" If not for the fact that he is making fun of me when doing this. He loves to watch me squirm. Don't get me wrong, the breakfast was really nice, and the other pictures will show that he really is a great guy, but the above pic is just him thinking he is funny. In mine own opinion, Valentine's Day is incredibly insincere. If you think Christmas is too commercialized, then what is this? At least at Christmas, people want to give gifts for good reasons. V-Day just seems to play on women's whims of the impractical. For those of you reading that actually like Valentine's Day, please don't get offended. Like I said, it is only my opinion, and really, what does that matter to anyone? Dislike of the holiday doesn't however mean I am a total romantic loss; my idea of romance is just a little more spontaneous. To me, there is nothing more romantic than a surprise gift or show of affection. I will suffer to celebrate the day for my girls. I think they enjoy any chance to celebrate any holiday. We will often decorate sugar cookies for the day, but I think more because I like to put red hots on my cookies, and this just seems to be the perfect time of year to do so.
That being said, and off my chest, here is how the rest of our day went. This is the meal that Neil made (yes, he made breakfast AND dinner!), and I'm not sure if it was just to be nice or maybe I am depriving him of celebrating a favorite holiday, so this is how he repays me. It was awesome! Neil really is a good cook, and knows how to take care of me. This is a kabob spin-off, with roasted veggies, grilled steak, chicken, sausage, and pineapple. Yum! It was a total feast. If you think this is impressive, you should have seen the spread that he made for the superbowl.

Here, we have the strawberries that I dipped. Now, don't let their ordinary appearances fool you. Before being dipped in chocolate, I stuffed them with whipped cream and cream cheese. Very, very good. I've been experimenting with my baking, trying to find new things that I like. Maybe someday I can make money doing something I like.

This picture made me laugh. Neil took Abby to the movie Coraline today. Apparently she liked the movie. It was in 3-D, and that is the story behind the glasses. She is frowning only because she didn't want her picture taken, and she was honestly mad about it. That is our day, hope yours was good, too.

Funny kids

I wanted to write this out so I didn't forget it, but Isabel is learning all about naughty words at our house. Abby learned "God" and taught it to Isabel, so we've been having the naughty word conversation. They also like to say "na na na na na", you know, that teasing sing-song thing? Well, that is forbidden at my house. The girls are only being mean when they do it, so it isn't allowed. They will both try new phrases of that, so it isn't exactly the same, but anyone listening will still know what they are doing. They also love to tattle on each other. That's new for siblings isn't it? To put it shortly; they are learning how to get around naughty words.

This is what is funny, though. Isabel in trying to learn ways around getting in trouble, she will ask, "Well, can I say ________?" She will commonly ask, "Well, can I say Holy Cow?" I will answer yes, to that she will say "Holy Cow! Holy Cow! Holy Cow!" She just asked me a great one; "Mom, can I say, What?" (yes, what) I tell her yes, and then she says "Yay! What! What! What!" So, if Isabel ever says "What" to you, she could be cussing you out, and you wouldn't even know.

New pictures from the new camera

We replaced the lost camera this week. Sigh....Oh well. Pregnant women should not be in charge of anything. I completely lose my mind all together. This is Neil's photoshoot to try it out. He had to figure out all of the settings and such, and the girls wanted to try out their new dresses. They are so excited to wear them, but know they aren't supposed to until Uncle Phil and Mandy's wedding. I have a couple of cheesy girls.

This one is my favorite. There is a special setting that will accent colors.

Here is another accented one. If you can't tell, the everything but the girls is in black and white.

Isabel trying on the dress by herself. The top button was done up just so it could accomodate the hanger, so Isabel stuck her head behind it.