Webcam Fun

Can I have a pair of these-but for real?? 

Char's folks recently left to go on an 18 month mission to the Dominican Republic. Their main focus will be assisting youth and young adults in gaining an education, not just to go to school, but to get higher education, be it just completing high school, getting into a trade program, or really going off to college. 

That moment you realize the Webcam's been on-for a long time

They can still call us every Sunday, but instead of the phone we use Skype. Apparently we can add hair, hats, masks, glasses, ect on the webcam and take digital pictures. 

Here are some funny webcam photos we took of Heidi Anne while we were trying to get everything ready for the Skype.

This one was her favorite

 Which then became a funny digital photo-shot session vs. learning about Skype.

Hehe! We made it rain INSIDE!!

Mac N' Cheese Musings

Okay, it's not the real Kraft Marconi when I say "Mac N' Cheese Musings" , it's the Kroger / Western' Family version, not that fancy Kraft kind. 

Anyways, as you may have guessed things are a little tight right now. Char works leaving around 8:00 am and then goes to school, coming home around 11:30 pm. I work and then go to school a few times a week mostly gone from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, with Heidi Anne now my constant companion. For the first time in nearly 7 years I don't have my best friend around to help me. I can't just look across the room and tell him whatever thoughts come across my mind. Heidi Anne doesn't have her Daddad just a call away to come look at what she drew. 

Have you ever had a moment when it seemed like everything in your world changed? Like going through a revolving door, your just walking a few steps and BAM-somewhere else.
As Heidi Anne and I were walking to our car after picking her up from Suesue's, she gave me a big hug, looks up at me and says "Momma, I love having you to myself. You know magic words, you read to me a lot more, and you make me happy when I miss Daddad.  I love you." 
See-Revolving door. 

I realized for the first time since all of this craziness started she was right. Even if we've been living of Mac N' Cheese, sandwiches, top ramen (which I have learned tonight she has been loving this whole time, even if we're getting a little tired of it). She is watching her parents work insane hours, but still joke together and try our hardest to see each other, no matter how little sleep they've had. She sees us pray-the little prayer before I drive asking to not get in an accident with her in the car. I never noticed I did it until 2 weeks ago as I looked up in to the rear-view mirror to adjust it I saw her say "Amen". 
When I need a break, Candyland and Guess Who are the perfect games to play. All I have to do is count to 2 and identify the right color-honestly after hours of studying she has an unfair advantage. 

Hate the Pink Cards-Means I have to hunt for my spot...

Why am I posting this? Well, we have another 10 to 18 months left of this hectic schedule  Then who knows what after that. But the door keeps revolving and I have a little girl looking up to me even if I don't see it, she is always watching us. 
And to remind myself years down the road why is it I can only tolerate the Kraft Mac N' Cheese. 
Hint to future me - because sometimes name brand is just better and Kraft comes in fun shapes, who can bet that? 

Do You Believe in Magic? Heidi Anne Does...

Getting Ready for a Tea Party

I got the idea from how much she loved the Elf of the Shelf at Suesue’s. Every morning in December the Elf on the Shelf would be in different places throughout the house. Every night she would tell us what the silly Elf did and tried to guess where he would be the next day.

A few nights ago Heidi Anne forgot to bring Caroline, Ana Rose, and My Molly Dolly to bed with her. (Yes, Char got me my own Molly doll for my birthday so I can play “right” with Heidi Anne). So I placed all the dolls beside her. When she woke up, she was excited. Why? Because her dolls are magical-just like Jessie in Toy Story or the Elf on the Shelf.

Magic Tea Party

Over the next few nights, she’s been going to sleep with her dolls. When she awakes they are in different clothing, in a different place in the house. One new thing her dolls have started to do is play with Heidi Anne’s toys at night. From having a little picnic with Caroline’s apples or working on a puzzle Heidi Anne left out overnight.

Molly Dolly

She loves her magic dolls. She is also very happy that I have my own doll so I can play with her and Caroline and Ana Rose “The Right Way.” Now I just need to get back to making or getting some more doll clothes. Can you imagine the look on her face when she wakes up and Caroline is wearing a new dress? It would be priceless!

Do I look pretty?

I Love Quilting

Here are some of the quilts I've been working on over the last few months. Since I am back in school I don't seem to have as much free time for some reason. 

This lovely quilt is a disappearing nine patch jean quilt. I made a similar quilt for my sister for Christmas. It's heavy and very warm. 

This is the top part of a memory quilt I am making for Heidi Anne. All of the fabric came from her old receiving blankets and crib sheets. The back of the quilt is a work in progress. It's a memory quilt from some  of my old skirts, some of Char's old shirts, and some outfits she wore that have some sentimental value. The dress she wore when she came home from the hospital, the shirt she wore when she took her first steps. Those little milestones captured in a quilt.

This was an experiment with left over scrapes it's called a charm quilt. It looks a lot prettier up close. I think this may be replacing the quilt below, once I finish it. 

Heidi Anne helped me pick the fabric for this quilt. Just a little something to hide the electric panel. 

Odd Things to Do When It's -12 F

Freezing Fog from 20 Yards

Yes, you read that correctly. It has been getting super freezing this winter. It recently got to -12 F (yes 12 BELOW 0)-it was so cold they closed a local elementary school, since they couldn't keep the schools warm enough. 
While it's been colder than Alaska we've found some odd things to do when it's this cold.

 

Close up of fog

1. Freezing Fog : I have mentioned this weird phenomena a few years back. Freezing Fog only happens when fog contains supercooled water which freezes upon contact with objects it encounters, forming a perfect layer of thin ice on any and every surface. For this to even happen if has to be at least 14 degrees. It is absolutely beautiful to see. 

2. Snowing = Warm: Yes, I now love it when it snows, purely because that means it's warm enough to snow. I use to HATE, HATE, HATE it when it would snow, now I look at snow storm and think "Bring on the warmth and clear out this air!"

Glass Bubbles

3. Glass Bubbles:  This is super fun. Once it gets cold enough (below 0 works best) you get a bottle of bubbles, quickly blow one, and then watch is turn to ice before your eyes. You can just hold your glass bubble in your hands or have fun watching it shatter. As you can guess I think watching them break is more fun. 

4. Disappearing Water: Again, this only works if it's colder then Alaska. You take a cup of boiling water outside, toss out the boiling hot water AWAY from you (just in case it doesn't work) and the water will evaporate before it even hits the ground. 

If anyone knows of any other activities you can do during this once in a lifetime ice age like freezing snap let me know. Do I know how to have a fun winters' night or what? 

It's CHRISTMAS!! It's CHRISTMAS!!

It's Christmas! It's Christmas!!

Have you never noticed how Christmas Morning kids wake up very, very early with unlimited energy? Normally, we have to drag Heidi Anne out of bed. Well at 6:00 AM we were awoken by this little girl whispering "Wake up, it's Christmas." Our feelings are, if we woke up our parents on Christmas Day, then chances are, she will wake us early as well. Since we were spending the night at his parent's home, we kept her occupied by playing "What do you think Santa left for you?"

I hear people downstairs! Let's Go!!!

At 6:30 AM she couldn't wait anymore. We went to check and see if anyone else was awake. She happily reported to us "PopPop and Grandma are awake! Do you think Aunt Sarah is, too?" So with Heidi Anne being the line leader flew down the stairs chanting "It's Christmas! It's Christmas!" 

She got hugs from her Aunt Sarah, Grandma, and Poppa. With some french toast. 

Ana Rose with her new sister Caroline

 One of the things Heidi Anne has been wanting for a while now is Caroline (one of the new AG dolls). She loves Caroline because she has pretty curled hair, blue eye, and she likes to play outside but still does sewing. Yes, I do read these books to her, so she really likes Caroline.

Opening presents

Anyways, you should have seen her face when she opened a present and there was a Caroline doll looking sweetly back at her. Priceless She was so excited when she opened some of her other gifts, which turned out to be some clothing and accessories for Caroline. Char has 4 sisters, when they were little girls that had at least 1 American Girl Doll (if not two). So Grandma knew how important it is for a little girl with a special doll like that needs some accessories. 

A dress for Caroline

Opening her gift very carefully

After we finished exchanging presents at Grandma's house we started to head home. We made one stop on our way. We went to exchange gifts with my sister's family. It was there that Heidi Anne was given her very first barbie doll-EVER! It was Barbie Cinderella and Prince Charming. Kailah was jumping up and down just waiting to see Heidi Anne open the Barbie doll. She loves it!

One of the gifts was a cute decoration for them, it reads "Cram Fam" (short for family). I've been working hard to make a jean quilt for them as well. They do car camping and outdoor activities  I figured that would like this quilt. It was a labor of love. I had received news recently that my sister's husband, Rhett, has pretty much commandeered it. I think I will make a special quilt just for her. 

The top of the Quilt

The front and back of my masterpiece

Fast forward two hours later. We were home and began opening our presents. Since there wasn't much to open Char wrapped EVERY, SINGLE gift in bubble wrap. We were lucky to get a picture of her face when she opened her first bubble wrapped property. Even though there wasn't much to open, it took quite some time to open those gifts. Another trick we did was to wrap each item in it's own package  So a pair of pajamas had the shirt in 1 box and the pants in another. It was one of the best Christmas' we've had. Family, friends, actvities, presents, and bubble wrap. What more could a 4 and a half year old want.

There is Bubble Wrap!!

Playing with the wrap and the present isn't even fully unwrapped

Christmas Eve-Char's Side

After we had fun with my family we went to go have Christmas Eve night with Char's side. (Not to mention how freaking COLD it was getting outside at City Creek!). 

Playing with Nutcrackers like Clara does in the ballet

Char's family have a lot of traditions for Christmas Eve night. His folks are planning on going on a mission, so we figured we would spend the night at their place so we could participate in all the activities without worrying about the 2 hour drive that night. 

One of the first things they do is make mini pizzas. Back in the day they would make bagel bite type pizzas. Now they use the Pillsbury biscuits and flatten them. It's fun to see the little kids love the idea that they get their very own little pizza with their choose of toppings. No compromise necessary. 

Keeping the girls busy while the pizza's bake

Almost time to eat!

After everyone is feed it's phase two of Christmas Eve. They re-enact the story of the Nativity in an improve sort of way. For example, Heidi Anne was Mary (note the pretty lacy tablecloth), Heidi Anne had her doll Ana Rose play the role of Baby Jesus. Alice was cast as Joseph (with walking stick). Heidi Anne wanted Millie to be the horsey. The look on Millie's face is really a smile, I just had a bad angle. Someone tried to get the guys to be the Angels. Heidi Anne said "No! Only girls can be Angels. The boys are shepherds." So the girls were Angels, the boys were shepherds / wise men, and the dogs were the sheep. It was the cutest pageant ever. 

I guess we were laughing so much and having so much fun-the little girls got to watch a quick little movie version of what we had just done. 

Next everyone shouts up the chimney and tells Santa what they want for Christmas. She told Santa she wanted a Caroline Doll with a purple dress and a Barbie Airplane. Well the Barbie airplane came way out of left field. My best guess is one of her friends had said that's what they wanted for Christmas and Heidi Anne thought "Hey, that sounds fun."

 Later we played a white elephant game. It's a new addition to the traditions so there are a few kinks to be worked out. It was late and we spent the night. Heidi Anne loved to get to spend the night in her Daddad's room he had as a kid. 

Christmas Eve Afternoon-My Family

The original plan had been for everyone to meet at Tucanos, take the Trax train to the new City Creek Mall, and then go see the lights. This is what actually happened.

Our adventure started with snow. Lots and lots of snow. We started to drive down to SLC to meet with my family at Tucanos. The snow was falling fast (at least 4 inches had fallen before noon) with big snowflakes all around. We started to go through the pass in nearly white out conditions. Just as we entered the canyon we saw the warning sign "Sever winter weather--Snow chains or 4 x 4 Wheels Required". We had neither. We had plans and family to see that we didn't want to miss. Slowly we entered canyon, surrounded by thick fog and whirling snow.Nearly 40 white knuckle minutes later we made it through the canyon. Once we were out the drive was fairly nice, compared to what we went through. To everyone else, I am sure it was just as nerve racking.

We meet my family at Tucanos Brazilian Grill (nearly 30 minutes later than planned but we made it!). We'd never been to a Brazilian grill before; in case you haven't either let me explain it to you. Every few minutes the waiters bring different barbecued meats, fruits  and veggies to every table. 

You then just pick what you want. There is an additional buffet with some American and Brazilian favorites, some of  my favorites that we tired were the barbecued pineapple, barbecued chicken, hearts of palm, fresh mozzarella balls. Heidi Anne LOVED the quail eggs, some sort of corn, the cheese rolls and the shrimp. My brother in law Rhett tried a roasted chicken heart, he said it was a little chewy. 

When we finished eating it was still snowing and cold outside and no one was sure on the Trax scheduled or cost, So everyone deiced to just meet up at City Creek. 

This was the first time any of us had ever been to City Creek. It spans nearly 2 blocks with mixed used dwellings. and a retractable ceiling, just like the ones found at football stadiums. It has a Tiffany's ! A huge Apple store, which was so packed because of Christmas Eve. 

We underestimated how big this place was. Naturally we got separated from each other. Char, Heidi Anne, and I just wandered around into different little stores window shopping until we found my sister's family. Heidi Anne found them first, she saw Kailah's coat by the water fountain from the other side of the street. The water fountain was synced to the music and would do a water and light show. It was fun to watch. At this point 8 of us were wandering around looking for the remaining 5 others. 

Trying to find 5 people in a 4 block radius during Christmas Eve is the ultimate wild goose chase. Sadly we never meet up with them. It was getting colder, darker, and the snow was falling faster and thicker. We walked around to see the lights. It got to cold and to slick. So we headed to have Christmas Eve Night

Pretty Pictures of Heidi Anne

My sister in law, Emily, gave us these pictures of Heidi Anne and Alice for Christmas. They are so sweet and elegant. I love these pics so much I had to share them.

Heidi Anne-In First Position

Alice and Heidi Anne 

I love her beautiful, long, dark, eyelashes and that little-dimpled  grin

My Little Lady 

Alice and Heidi Anne having fun

Kabuki Fun

Christmas Eve started out with me getting to go to lunch with 2 of my best friends Cori and Stacy. We took Stacy to Kabuki for her birthday because what says Happy Birthday more then a hibachi grill? We attempted to get her to eat sushi but she wouldn't take the bait. Lame I know. Bad puns aside it was awesome!! If you get the chance you have to go there! The sushi is tasty, the grill is entertaining to watch, and they offer a they have a whole host of other options in case sushi isn't your thing. 

Heidi Anne Highlights

Heidi Anne always says exactly what's on her mind-and there is at least something daily she says that is just off the wall. So I am going to start saving the Heidi Anne Highlights.

Friday:
This morning we were asking Heidi what daddy's name was and she said "Charles, because he is in charge."

Saturday:
Me to Char: I think if she's good she can have S-P-R-I-T-E (spelled it out) 
Heidi Anne: I want Sprite, I'm good, I'm good. Can I have Sprite please? 
Having a smart kid can have it's drawbacks.

Sunday:

There are always 3 people watching you; God, Santa, and the Elf on the Shelf.

Monday:
I honestly can't remember anything from Monday.

Tuesday:
I love to play with play dough. I tell my friends "Susu says you can make it look like food, but you can't eat it. See Momma, I can share so nicely." (Insert cute little grin and slight turn of the chin).

Wednesday:
Heidi-Anne started to head to bed but she then found out that we didn't have to go to bed yet. She happily came out into the living room and then ran back to her room arms out like Super Man saying "Don't worry blankie! I'll come rescue you!" She came back to the living room cuddling the blankie lovingly saying "I told you I'd save you."

Thursday:
Tonight Heidi Anne serenaded us to her own collection of Christmas songs. She got up on the coffee table, A.K.A Her stage then sang and danced for us. My personal favorites were:
Frosty the Girl Snowman 
Rudolf the Reindeer, who had a nose like a flashlight-(Daddad! Stop Singing!)
We Three Wise Guys 

Paging Doctor House...

If anyone knows how I can get in contact with a real life Doctor House, that would be wonderful. I will put up with his or hers terrible bedside manner. 

I thought I would give ya guys a quick update on me.

Monday-I was really stiff and unable to move, so I thought it was just a flare.

Tuesday-I couldn't talk and my whole right side stopped working. Char took me to the ER. Something was up with my breathing, I would start to fall asleep and alarms would go off. My heart rate and oxygen levels went to 7 beats and 70% for oxygen. They did an MRI and showed no signs of Stroke. Which they were really worried about. To be honest "stroke" didn't even cross my mind.

They gave me prednisone (in case it's autoimmune reaction) and and strong antibiotics (in case that caused it). They won't get the lab work until at least tomorrow, so they wanted to cover their bases by giving me both meds. They aren't sure what was up with the breathing thing. One idea they had was that my body is just super tried, so everything is just having a hard time moving.

Today-I can talk now and move more then yesterday. But still very, very, stiff and sleepy. I have a Doc appt on Friday.

We'll just have to wait until the labs and the doc appointment but the good news is I am at least improving. 

Snow Day Shorts

Yesterday her teacher told us a little story about Heidi Anne. Background story-Heidi Anne is a very active little girl. She loves to wear dresses and skirts-but she loves to climb up trees, play sports, and be an all around tom boy. So to balance that out, she wears pants or shorts under her dresses. I am normally on top of things with the weather, it's been so warm lately I've just been letting her put on shorts.

Well, as she went outside to go play on a bike at recess she looked down at the shorts she was wearing then the snow on the ground. (Oopps,some nameless mother missed the weather forecast for snow. Eekk) She then told the teacher, "Huh?? This isn't right! What was my mom thinking, short pants on a snow day!!" She shook her head as she pedaled away muttering to herself  "Silly, Momma." 

Momma Goal # 666 - End of the World Resoultions

I wanted to send a HUGE thanks to my Aunt Deb-she sent us 20 beanie babies, this made the grand total 35 beanie babies and 5 teddy bears-So 40 gifts for our soldiers to pay it forward. 

Well, since it's almost the end of the world-I thought I would go ahead and make some resolutions.  I guess these would be called "Apocalypse Resolutions" instead of "New Year Resolutions? Right now the main one I can think of is wanting to be more like my sister Rebekah, and my  friends; Valerie, Cori, and Stacy.


Rebekah is great Mom to Kayla and Rykken. I'm not sure how she does it, but she has the 2 sweetest kids I know. She's a working mom, but she still takes the time to play board games with her kids, limits what they watch or play on the computer, does kid crafts with them, does real Esty standard crafts, and did I mention a working mom? She's the peacemaker and point of contact in my family. She knows what's going on with everyone at all times. She's a very forgiving person as well. Like all families there  have been hurt feelings, but she forgives. 

I want to be more like Rebekah and work on becoming a more forgiving person. 


Valerie is an awesome mom-with twin girls and a little boy she is easily outnumbered. But you can tell she loves her life. I once heard "The more you write down [in a journal  blog, diary, smoke signal] more things will happen around you". I have no idea where I heard it, but I did. 
Her blog is proof positive of this. What she writes is funny, honest, heartfelt, and has adventures galore. One of my favorite posts she does is when she shares her timeline of the whole day. If anyone is a stay at home mom or dad-you should do the same. Just reading about Valerie's day makes me exhausted-so print a copy of hers or better yet make your own, so if someone ever tells you how easy you have it being the stay at home parent-you can prove them wrong.
This blog started because I wanted to keep all my family and friends posted about what my new little bundle of joy was up to. Over the years it's really Heidi Anne's journal-something to read about as she gets older. She already loves to have me read to her old posts. 

Anyways-I want to be more like Valerie by being more proactive with my entries. I want to write at least 2 posts a week. (Even if it's just telling Heidi Anne what we did for 24 hours on a random day).


Cori is just awesome. She is fun to be around, she loves to write, read, be with her little boy, and smart. She is great to talk to, she calls a spade a spade. She always ready and willing to try things outside of her comfort zone with such ease (then again-it may not be as easy as she makes it look). Some great examples is her ability to try so many different foods-Indian food (the ones from India), Thai, Chuck-A-Rama, ect. Another example is the verity of books she reads or the ability to just go out there testing out different opportunities. 

I want to be more like Cori and keep going down the road less traveled-well in her case, creating the trail that will create a road less traveled. Keep pushing myself to get out of my little bubble-within reason. 


Stacy is the most patient, kind, caring, detailed person I know. Honestly, she is the MOST patient and understanding person I know. Our work can be extremely stressful at times but she doesn't take out her frustrations on other people. She lives on the other side of the country but she has such a close relationship with her family and friends you almost forget she's not down the road. She is a great friend, she is always there for everyone, either by giving emotional support or being there in person, and truly cares for people.  She's also a good cook and a very crafty (as in Pinterest crafty not villain crafty) person.  

I want to be more like Stacy and keep in better touch with family and friends.We live a few hours away, so I can't be there in person for a lot of events, but I can be there with more emotional support or utilizing skype, test, facebook, ect. I think I focus so much on the day to day-that it's 10 days before I've even talked with my sister. 

So those are my goals-Your Move, Mayan Calendar 

Call of Duty: Beanie Babies

Beanie Babies in Action

Call of Duty: Beanie Babies

This message is mainly to my fellow Loganities-or surrounding areas. In this holiday season we're all reminded to help others, to give to those in need, ect. This year it seems abnormally hard due to the economy. I know of a project almost anyone can help with. There is a team who is gathering items for soldiers. But their biggest request is for something most likely sitting on your computer, in your garage, or on a shelf. Beanie Babies.

This is a direct quote from the site http://www.anysoldier.com/WhatToSend.cfm#BeanieBabies regarding beanie babies--Don't buy new ones--:

“Send some in every package... as they are really easy for the Soldiers to carry with them and give to the local kids who love them. These are better then small plastic toys which will break easily and are not as easy to carry in a pack. There is NO more effective ambassador for our country than a Soldier helping the local folks. This is done far more often then the press shows, and quite probably the most important thing a Soldier will ever do.  You folks sent the toys this Marine is handing to the child."

I didn't want them to be donated to DI or other thrift store. I wanted to make sure someone would love it and cherish it. 

Now I am not suggesting you give away your beloved Princess Diane purple Teddy or Squirrel or anything beloved-like the super cute GiGi that you are saving for your little 4 year old. But I know there is at least a few you doubled up on some beanies as your genius plan to sell on e-bay (when you were 10). If you can-please bring your treasure to our office by December 10th-our boss will pay for the shipping-so bring whatever you have. Hey, you might find the baby dolphin you always wanted-go ahead, trade it out as a two for one. (You donate two-and get the 1 you want). 

This holiday season is tough-maybe you're not able to support a paper angel-but we all have it better than most of the world-and that little kid looks happier than anything I have seen in a long time.

The goal is 75--I will post daily how many there are. Currently we have 10--

Sharing IS Caring 

Ready. Set. GO!!!