The simagna family

{ asian basketball tournament }

2009-05-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

In April Marcus and I went to Utah for the Asian Basketball Tournament. He's been on the team, ISO for a few years now. This year all 5 Simagna boys played for ISO. They lost on the Play-offs but it was so fun to get away with out the boys and spend time with family and friends.

{ fav }

2009-05-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite blog. Ever. Click
HERE Seriously. Go through ALL the pages.

{ my baby }

2009-04-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Five years ago I experienced a labor and delivery that I wish the first two could of been like....

...only after 20 minutes in the hospital...

...surrounded by friends, family, and my midwife, Tanner was born into a relaxing, warm, and calming birthing tub. It was absolutely amazing! After such a gentle calming experience, I ended up with this...

...an incredibly loud and passionate little boy.

After 5 years, not much has changed. Happy Birthday, Tanner!

{ wall quote }

2009-04-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

{ i ♥ her }

2009-04-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

While I was in Utah for Marcus' basketball tournament, Ava, my adorable niece, turned THREE! She's seriously the cutest three year old ever! She has so much personality and she changes her outfit 400 times a day. No joke. I went to her dance studio and watched her dance. They made a pouty face and waved their finger in their routine, it was sooo funny! Here we are trying to do it...

I just love this girl!

{ jam session }

2009-04-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

I should of posted this awhile ago, but last time we were in Utah we were able to set up a jam session for Caleb and La. La is Marcus' long time friend who is an amazing musician. The boys and I hung out with La's awesome wife, Jen, and their ADORABLE little boy Talon, who is seriously the coolest kid. Caleb learned a ton from La, and we are super excited they hooked up! Caleb even bought the guitar he is pictured with from him. Thanks La, Jen and Talon for hanging out!

{ easter egg hunt }

2009-04-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

{ kiara's first birthday }

2009-04-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

My best friend's little girl turned one on Easter Sunday. They day before she had a party with an easter egg hunt. The boys had a blast! Kiara is so darn cute! I bought a plain brown tank and ruffle skirt from Target and appliqued a K on the front, added some buttons and flower, and made a matching headband. It was so easy and came out totally cute. I even made one for Ava for her 3rd b-day.

{ easter cake pops }

2009-04-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

{ easter eggs }

2009-04-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

My boys love projects. The messier the better! We used a pin to make little holes in our eggs and blew out the yolk (Daddy made an omelete with the yolks!). Out of a dozen eggs, 8 turned out to be beautifully dyed easter eggs. Not too bad, eh?

{ 59...woah. }

2009-04-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my awesome, amazing, incredible, DAD! I was going to post 59 cool/weird facts about him, but I thought for now I'll leave you wth just one:
1. Every year he poses with a cow at the Fryeburg Fair. Weird, huh?

Oh, wait. I do too. (And the cow ate my hair.)

My dad loves Needhams. I never realized they were a Maine Potato Candy. Did you?My cousin Peggy makes the best so I called her for the recipe. The recipes online are very similar. They are so easy! And they call for mashed potato, weird huh? So last night Tanner and I snuck over to my parents and left some on the seat of his truck with a pile of Tanner's artwork for the birthday boy.
I am so blessed to be a daughter of this remarkable man! I love you Dad, Happy Birthday!

{ 6 years ago }

2009-03-22T20:13:00.001-07:00

It's taken me so long to post this but my very special boy turned 6 on Valentine's Day! Out of the three of my boys, Jordan is the most like me. Here are 6 reasons why:

1. We are both the middle child in our families.

2. We are always hungry.

3. We both always want to help others and make them happy.

4. We both can become very anxious and apprehensive at times.

5. We love babies!

6. We are both incredibly cute! :-)

{ mon petit salon }

2009-03-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

No, that's not the name of my salon. It just means 'my little salon' in French. But it would make a cute name, eh? So what started as a little project turned into a huge overhaul. I found this gorgeous damask fabric at Joanne's that I had to use somewhere:
So I made a little curtain to hang under to my station to hide my trash can and wax warmer. With the left over fabric I covered my bench cushion. Then the curtains weren't working with the damask pattern. So I went back to Joanne's and got more fabric and did the windows. Above my mirror I had a pink swag on a rod, and it turned into a complete eyesore after all these changes! So I made a valance out of wood from my dad's shed and covered it with the damask and added christmas lights to the inside. Okay, so now it looks like the damask fairy threw up all over my salon! It's a little much. I need help. Actually, I needed an intervention! So how can I incorporate something else in here?

Oh! I almost forgot...Pedicure chair is up and running. A parafin foot dip is included with a pedicure. Call me to make an appointment, or got to the YW/YM Auction tomorrow night to bid on one!

{ st. patty's }

2009-03-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is the first year my boys actually enjoyed Sant Patrick's day. We've never been able to celebrate it before. Here's why....

Last year I had every intention to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. A week or so before March 17th I was expalining to the boys about the holiday; rainbows, pot o' gold, the color green and how leprechauns sneak into the homes and leave treats into children's shoes. They were fascinated about the whole leprechaun idea. They kept asking questions about them. Where do they live? What do they eat? What do they look like? So I told them we'd google them and find a picture of what they look like. So they gathered excitedly around the laptop and I googled "leprechaun", clicked images and, I'm not kidding, this popped up on the screen:

Oh my gosh. The boys FREAKED out. They wanted NOTHING to do with Saint Patrick's Day from that point on. At night before bed for the next two weeks they sobbed, "Are the leprechauns coming tonight?" So needless to say, we skipped St. Patty's.
This year, however, was different. They've completely forgot about the horrible picture and were totally excited. When they woke up the followed the "lepercorn" tracks to their shoes filled with treats. Tanner HAD to wear green today even though he was just hanging out with me and running errands. He dumped all his drawers searching for something green. I wouldn't let him wear shorts today so he came downstairs like this:He's such a crazy kid.

{ cheesecake factory }

2009-03-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

On our last night in Utah we we out to eat with Marcus' cousins. Let me tell you, my boys have the most beautiful aunties! It was so fun to hang out with them while we were there. Can't wait to see them in April!

Our family and my handsome nephew Hunter!

Danny, Auntie Ack, Vu, and Marcus

Auntie En, Jordan, Tanner, and Auntie Tape.

{ enrichment night }

2009-03-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

I forgot my camera last nigt! So here are a few I took with my phone. We had a fun enrichment night. We made cards, altered clothespins, cake pops, and those Martha Stewart pom pom things. Thanks to all who came!

{ cake pops }

2009-03-09T20:18:00.001-07:00

I love my calling at church. I'm the Enrichment Leader, which is a basically a quarterly party planner (with classes)! This month we are celebrating Relief Society's 166th Birthday. I handed out cake pops yesterday to remind people to come on Wednesday. If you haven't heard about the cake pop craze, it all started here! Not only are they the cutest things...they are so yummy! We are going to make them at Enrichment. They are super easy! You basically make a cake (any flavor). Let it cool. Crumble up cake in a big bowl. Add a container of cream cheese frosting. Mix it up. Roll in balls and add lollipop sticks. Place on wax paper and freeze for 15 min.Melt some candy melts in the microwave, and dip! You'll need a piece of foam to stick them in to set.

Ta-Da!

{ new post }

2009-02-22T22:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's time for a new post. The flu has swept through my house causing massive amounts of damages. Actually...it didn't even "sweep through". It lingered for FIVE days. I didn't leave my bed for 3 whole days. Luckily Caleb and Marcus got it during the beginning of the week, so they were are HUGE help to me and the little boys who just laid in my bed and moaned, sweat and laughed at their fever-induced hallucinations (no joke. ) I'm so so so glad that's over!

Did you watch the Academy Awards?! I LOVED the movie Slumdog Millionaire. I was so happy to see it get so many awards!

I still have a ton of pictures from our Utah trip, so here's one for now because blogger is being slow:

Tanner, Jordan, and Uncle Everick

{ utah part 3 }

2009-02-15T17:29:00.004-08:00

We got to meet Sareya, Caleb's half sister, for the very first time! Jeremy and Vanessa brought the kiddos to Chuck E. Cheese in Sandy to meet us (Thank-you!!)! Marcus' brother Keith and his wife Cherilyn brought their two adorable girls Brittny and Carissa. It was a fun, crazy, and LOUD night at Chuck E. Cheese.

Sareya, Vanessa her beautiful mommy, and Me.

Cousins: Brittney and Tanner (They look alike, huh?)

Keith, Carissa, and Brittney

Caleb and his little sister.

Jordan and Sareya

{ utah part 2 }

2009-02-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

While we were in Utah we were able to attend the Draper Temple open house. Before they dedicate the temple and start the temple work they allow the public to tour the inside. It's a beautiful temple located at the base of the mountains. Because of parking issues at the temple we took a shuttle to get there and the boys ears were popping. We are so used to sea level!

{ utah part 1 }

2009-02-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

We just returned from a busy week in Utah. Last Wednesday we got a phone call that Pa, Marcus' father, passed away. It was completely unexpected. Pa was at work when he suffered a heart attack. By the time his co workers found him he was already gone. We never thought his call to return to Heavenly Father would come so soon. It still doesn't seem real. Pa was an amazing man. To say he loved the gospel would be an understatement. He lived and breathed the the gospel. If only we all were that diligent! Here are a few pictures of my handsome father-in-law.

The family in a refugee camp in Thailand (Marcus is the one with the huge head)

Pa with his head shaved for a Buddhist traditon

Pa in a recent trip to Laos

Ma and Pa in Maine with Jordan

{ chopped }

2009-01-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

{ Dongjun }

2009-01-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

I'm so late posting this! For the past 2 weeks we've had the pleasure of having a house guest from Korea. His name is Dongjun, but we call him Jun (pronounced "June"). He's 18 (19 in Korea) and will only be staying with us for another 2 weeks. It's only a short stay but we have had a lot of fun with Jun here. We have a very active and crazy house and Jun has adapted very well! He even will pacify the boys and play PS3 with them over and over! The boys love him! It must be because he's one of 3 brothers also! I trust that the Simagna House will be an American experience he will never forget!

{ snow }

2009-01-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we took the snowmobile over to Mimi's hill for some snowboarding, snowskating, and sledding. Of course we all couldn't fit on one snowmobile so Tanner, Jordan and I pulled Charlie and Caleb in the sled. Let me tell you, sledding is so much more fun and easier with a snomobile! You don't have to walk up the big hill!

{ happy 2009 }

2009-01-03T22:26:00.001-08:00

We had a nice quiet New Year's Eve. Marcus, I and the boys (and Charlie, Caleb's best friend) had our own little party to bring in 2009. First we all wrote down out 2009 resolutions. Jordan's had a very interesting illustration. Then we played Imaginif..? and drank sparkling cider and ate. At midnight we counted down and watch the ball drop in Times Square, NYC. The boys all blew their horns and screamed. It was a fun night. The pictures are not that great because I took them on my iphone.

{ family newsetter }

2009-01-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

Here's the family newsletter my mom sends out. I had to simplify it for her. She always wants to write a book on each family member. I told her, "Mom, no one cares that Jon published a book, Jerry moved in, Laura goes to Harvard, or that Dad has a bulging disc in his back. They just want to see how old and fat we are."

{ christmas day }

2008-12-31T23:04:00.001-08:00

{ for santa }

2008-12-31T21:25:00.001-08:00

Only in the Simagna house does Santa get egg rolls and a diet coke. It was the boys idea, of course. I did add carrots for the reindeer and some cookies and milk for traditions sake.

{ kalle }

2008-12-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

My awesome spades pahtnah headed back to Utah. We'll miss you (especially the boys!)

{ first snow }

2008-12-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

I am a little late posting this, but we had our first snowfall a few weeks back. There was barely an inch on the ground and the boys rushed outside to make this......a very little snowman held together with toothpicks.

{ early christmas }

2008-12-17T17:46:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we celebrated an early Christmas (with no power!) We decided to have an early mini-Christmas because my brother Jon and sister-in-law Laura will be in Lithuania during Christmas. My little brother Erik flew in from Salt Lake to celebrate with us. It was a little empty because my sister Karinne and her family aren't coming to Maine this year. :-( But it was still fun! Thanks goodness my parents have a generator! Unfortunately we don't. But my cousin Bobby got power before us and loaned us their generator! THANK YOU Bobby and Peggy! P.S. Our power was restored Saturday night. We only lost it for 2 days.

Tanner with Uncle Erik and Uncle Jon.

Jon got Laura a chihuahua puppy for Christmas. She was so excited! She's been wanting a puppy for a long time, but Jon would really prefer a BABY! Maybe now she'll compromise :-) She named the puppy "Nulis" which means zero in Lithuanian. I'm pretty sure he can speak fluent Lithuanian by now....Or at least, understand fluent Lithuanian. He's such a cute puppy!

{ ice storm }

2008-12-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

Last night we were hit with an ice storm. Basically you wake up and everything is completely covered with ice! The powerlines were covered and weighed down to the point of snapping so half of southern Maine is without power. Luckily, my parents are running a generator so we are hanging out here for awhile. I hope it's nothing like the 1998 Ice Storm, we didn't have power for 11 days! It's only been 14 hours and I'm going crazy!!!!

{ christmas cards }

2008-12-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here I am again...trying out Christmas cards design ideas. What do you think?

{ jordan's kindergarten artwork }

2008-12-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

I love the first one. It's so typical of our family. Tanner is naked... The second one is of my Dad. He's a plumber. Look at the detail in Jordan's work! The faucet, the wrench... Jordan is such a cutie. He is LOVING Kindergarten!

{ test }

2008-12-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

{ twilight }

2008-12-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

My niece Sam and I went to the midnight showing of Twilight on Nov. 21st. We had been looking forward to it for a long time! We were NOT disappointed! We had a great time, but were very tired the next day!

{ white trash bridal shower }

2008-12-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

My friend Marcie got married this past Friday so a few weeks ago I threw her a bridal shower. Let me tell you, a white trash themed bridal shower is the most fun and easiest to prepare bridal shower ever! Everyone came dressed in their best white trash attire. It was so funny! Just imagine...camouflage & Nascar shirts,missing teeth, tattoos, bruises, big hair, multiples piercings, etc. I brought in all my patio furniture from outside for seating, served ding dongs, pork rinds, beer (root), cheetos, cheese whiz and crackers, served out of reused cool whip containers. We played games like "Who's the most White Trash?" and the prizes were slim jims, pregnancy tests, beef jerky, nascar dvds, dolphin shaped car air freshners, twinkies, and press on nails all from the Dollar Tree of course!

Kim

Emily and Erin

Marcie and her 12 year old daughter, Shelby

Shakira and ME! Aren't we Smokin' HOT!

{ mary's reception }

2008-11-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Yay to Mary and John! They got married in Utah last week and then came to Maine for a fun reception at the Italian Heritage Center. Doesn't her hair look great!? *wink* Oh, and doesn't Gail and Laura's hair look great too?! *wink* *wink*!I'm so excited for Mary and John...Aren't they a GORGEOUS couple??

{ pumpkin carving }

2008-10-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

{ love this. }

2008-10-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yay! My new necklace from Queen Bee Designs by Amanda came in the mail today! It's sooo cute! It's hard to see in this picture (I took it on my macbook so it's reversed too!) but my boys names are on the silver discs. Caleb on the biggest disc, Jordan on the middle, and Tanner on the little disc.
p.s. Karinne, do you like it? 'Cuz I got you one for Christmas! But with your kiddos names instead, duh!

{ oh baby. }

2008-10-26T19:08:00.001-07:00

Last night (and tonight!) we went to visit my friend Beccie who just had her fourth baby!! Arihanna is soooo precious...and tiny! Jordan and Tanner were fighting who got to hold her next. Every time she moved or sqeaked Jordan would say, "Awwwww". When we got home Tanner asked me if I could go to the hospital and get a baby taken out. If only it was that easy!

{ halloween party }

2008-10-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Every year we throw a big bonfire/halloween party and every year Caleb wants it scarier and scarier! This year I decided to throw two seperate ones so the little boys wouldn't be so scared. So Saturday we had a party for Jordan and Tanner and their friends. It was during the day and we had games, decorated pumpkins, went on a hayride, and had a pinata! Tanner really wanted to be a "John Deere driver" so I made a John deere tractor out of a box (cheapest halloween costume ever)! Jordan is very shy and didn't want to dress up, he told his friends he was a "breakdancer" (haha! another cheap costume!) It was a very fun day!

{ mgm grand }

2008-09-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

We had a FABULOUS weekend at the MGM Grand in Foxwoods, Conn. Grammie got Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) VIP tickets for the kiddos. They had a blast! Caleb got pictures of the concert on his phone, but I haven't imported them yet. It was so fun to go down there and relax and spend time with family. For some weird reason I can't upload any more pictures. Arggh. I'll try to post more tomorrow.

{ shy boy }

2008-09-24T03:50:00.000-07:00

Jordan got off the bus today with only one shoe. I had Jessica our babysitter get him off the bus today because I went out to lunch with Shakira (Costa Vida, YuMMm!). When I asked him what happened to his shoe he told me he accidently kicked it off while he was sitting on the bus and he was too scared to get off his seat to get it from under the seat in front of him. "Seat to seat, rear to rear. Remember, Mom?" He told me. (That's what the teachers say to get the kids to stay in their seats.)

Last week the bus flew right past the bus stop. I started freaking out and cal

led the Bus Garage. They contacted the driver and he said he didn't even know Jordan was on the bus and Jordan hadn't spoken up when he pa

ssed the house. My poor child was terrified! I had to chase the bus because they can't turn around!

Anywho, here's a picture of Shakira, baby Kiara, and me at lunch...

{ phone's on! }

2008-09-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

I got my number back! Yay! Call me on my regular number!

{ kristin's big 34! }

2008-09-21T17:10:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated Kristin's birthday! Not only is she my sister... she's my best friend! I LOVE u Kristin!

{ birthday girl }

2008-09-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st birthday, Sareya!!

Even with a grumpy face you're still the cutest little girl! We love you!

{ temporary cell number }

2008-09-18T13:47:00.003-07:00

I'm in the process of getting a new cell phone if you need to get a hold of me please call my temporary cell phone. Click the comment on the bottom of this post and the new number will be the first comment. I know it's an inconvenience, but some of my clients check my blog and only had my old cell number! Sorry!

{ so sweet. }

2008-09-18T13:47:00.002-07:00

I've had a really rough week, and have been really down. Cindy came and picked up Tanner and took him shopping and he came back with these beautiful flowers! When he walked in the door he shouted, "To Cheer You Up!!" He's sooooo cute! I am so blessed to have amazing friends and family! Isn't it funny how children can make you crazy but at the same time they keep you sane?

{ i won! }

2008-09-18T13:47:00.001-07:00

I am a frequent reader of the Blissfully Domestic Blog (Click link above to check it out). They were having a White Trash Mom Handbook giveaway, I thought it sounded funny so I entered...and I won! Yay me!

{ so sad. }

2008-09-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so sad. My camera broke. I don't think it's worth it to get it fixed...So I really have my eye on this:
Well, maybe not the D80. I reallllly want the D40 (Sweetie, are you reading this?)

{ fishing }

2008-09-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

{ 7th grade }

2008-09-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

{ kindergarten }

2008-09-05T07:33:00.001-07:00

{ abduction }

2008-08-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Last night Jordan was abducted and replaced with this child...

Kindergarten Step Up Day

Story time with Mrs. Friend

First time on a bus.

A smile!

There is no other way to explain it.

{ help! }

2008-08-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

(this picture was taken back in June. He put the bus necklace on on the way home.)

I keep reading blogs of moms who have been sending their kindergartners off to school for the first time and the kids wave and say "See ya, Mom!" and off they go to their classrooms. This is NOT one of those blogs. In June I took Jordan to his Kindergarten screening. It didn't go so well. I literally forced him into the car, and took him to the school while he was kicking, screaming, and spitting. Yes, spitting. I carried him into the school with no shoes (he kicked them off). He wasn't crying anymore at this point, just shaking uncontrollably and covering his face. It was really sad actually. Jordan is a really sweet boy and he doesn't throw temper tantrums...he's just terrified. Especially of going to school. Needless to say, we didn't finish the screening and I was told to bring him back at the end of summer. Today was the dreaded day.
Last night Jordan was given a blessing to help him (us) out today. I was pretty optimistic. I've been hyping up this day all summer, I even told him I'd postpone his last immunization booster if he'd do this. I actually thought he was going to surprise me and toughen up. Wishful thinking. It pretty much started the same as last time (yep, the shoes were even kicked off again) except he never stopped crying. I had to literally hold him because he kept trying to run for the door. Everyone was looking at me and my out of control child. A sweet teacher's aid asked me if it'd be okay if she just took Jordan and maybe he'd calm down if he was away from me. It took 2 teachers to hold Jordan while I crept off to the library for the orientation. My eyes were swelling with tears as I heard his screams get further down the hall. Fifteen minutes went by and I hadn't heard anything. Could he really be calmed down cooperating? I was almost feeling the sweet sense of relief when I felt a tap on the shoulder. The sweet teacher's aid was crouched behind me. "You should come out....He's not doing very well." I walked out to find Jordan sitting on a bench his eyes swollen from crying and hiccuping little silent sobs.
Later that day his teacher called me. She asked me if I'd like to bring Jordan back in to visit while there were no kids there. After bribing him with a new pair of shoes and a promise to play on the playground, Marcus, Tanner and I went to the school. Tanner LOVED the school. He wanted to start that very day! He didn't want to leave. This made Jordan feel a little more comfortable and he even perked up a little bit.
So tomorrow is Step Up day. I'm supposed to ride the bus with him and go to school with him. Why am I torturing him/me!? If I hold him back he'll start school with Tanner and I don't want to do that to him. Wish me luck!

{ he's ready }

2008-08-25T18:06:00.001-07:00

Here's Caleb modeling his first-day-of-school outfit, and Tanner being Tanner. Crazy kids.

{ jackman, maine }

2008-08-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

My dad has a ~~creepy shack~~ quaint little camp up in Jackman, Maine. It's seriously in the middle of nowhere. First you drive 4 hours north until you are completely void of any human civilization, then turn right onto a dirt logging road. Then you drive 15 MILES on these logging roads taking lefts and rights and every which way until you run into this little camp in the middle of the woods. Jordan and Tanner were so excited to go fishing with Grampa until we pulled up next to this camp. Jordan started sobbing. When I explained to him that it was too far to go back home he begged me to sleep in the truck with him. He cried to whole night. Luckily on the way back from the the 2 hour trip to the general store he fell asleep and I was able to sneak him to the camp. I couldn't sleep at at all. I was so worried my dad would die in his sleep and I wouldn't know how to get out of that place. And the fact that a mouse was stuck in a drawer above my head trying to escape was a little unsettling as well. Oh and the bear claw marks on the side of the camp didn't help. All I can say is......thank goodness for xanax.
The next day was actually really fun. My dad and I took the boys fishing with their new poles. They each learned how to cast and they were casting and pulling in fish left and right. They loved it!

{ spring point harbor }

2008-08-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

We went with Marcus to return his books to the campus store. The campus is beautiful. We took the boys down to the lighthouse and let them play around and took pictures.The boys liked watching the lobster boats.

{ come on down...}

2008-08-15T16:21:00.001-07:00

For Enrichment Meeting at church on Wednesday night we had "The Price Is Right for Food Storage". It was so fun!! I was "Betty Barker", Marcie was "Rhonda Roddy", and Marjorie, our R.S President was the "beauty". We had the actual music, games, and prizes! We even had little commercials during the games to talk about Food Storage and ways to save. It was so funny to walk the girls "Come on down!" Especially Kim and Heather! Oh, and by the way, Marcie brought the money with my FACE on it! It was a riot!

{ camp reunion }

2008-08-14T12:42:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we had our annual family reunion at camp on Crescent Lake. Like always, we had lobsters, clams, Tina's macaroni salad (yum!), lots of desserts, and of course Dad's fireworks! This year Cindy's oldest son , Travis, was visiting from Colorado and my little bro, Erik, was visiting from Utah. I wish my sister, Karinne, and her fam could've been there (boo.) But it was still a good time!

{ scouts }

2008-08-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Marcus is at school on Tuesday nights so the boys go to cubscouts with me ( I'm the wolf and bear den leader, even though Caleb is in Boy Scouts now!). Jordan and Tanner have so much fun at scouts! They want to be official scouts but they have to wait until they are 8. I guess they could be indepedent Tiger Scouts...but that's too much work! Here are some pictures from our annual Bottle Rocket Pack Meeting.

{ midsummer night's dream party }

2008-08-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

My friend, Valerie, hosted a cute and fun Midsummer Night's Dream themed party. She had the most adorable make-and-takes for us! Maybe I can talk her into having a midfall night's dream and maybe even a midwinter's night dream party, eh?

{ thanks, peggy! }

2008-08-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

This is what we did, while Peggy and her family were off camping last week!

Yup. We bombarded her pool (with permission of course!) And when we were all done we drove through the field (yes. we really did) and went home!

{ kiara's blessing }

2008-08-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Shakira, and her hubby Tommy had their beautiful little girl blessed last Sunday. It was such a special day and Kiara was sooo adorable!

{ the peterson fam }

2008-07-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

Our friends, the Petersons, are visiting from Utah. They have a lake house up here so it's so fun to see them every summer! Saturday we had wonderful dinner at Cindy's to celebrate my mother's birthday. The little boys had so much fun together and the big boys (and girls) played a competetive game of ultimate frisbee!

{ frames }

2008-07-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

I love making these frames! I made the first one for my MIL, Amara, for her birthday...and the second one for my adorable niece, Brinley. I'll put pictures in, I just have to find the perfect ones!

{ pedicures }

2008-07-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

The other night Marcus was at class and Caleb and Jordan slept over Grammie's so Tanner and I were home alone! And look what we did...

{ ordained }

2008-07-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Caleb was sustained and ordained a deacon today! In our church, when a boy turns twelve he graduates from primary and is officially part of the Young Men. A deacon is the first step in YM. This means he will be able to pass the sacrament and he now holds the Aaronic Priesthood. I can't believe he's 12! I am so proud of him.

Happy Birthday, Cindy!!

2008-07-22T19:36:00.001-07:00

Can you believe you're the big 4-0!? I hope I looks as good as you when I'm FOURTY!

{ mama mia }

2008-07-18T20:22:00.001-07:00

Tonight we went to see this movie for Girl's Night Out. I've never been an Abba fan (I felt like I was the only one in the theater not singing along...and I'm totally okay with that), but I really loved the music and comedy in this movie! The actors did and incredible job. I loved it! I can't wait to finish downloading the soundtrack.

{ scouting }

2008-07-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Caleb spent the the week during his brithday at Scout Camp. He had a much better week than last year! On the night of his birthday we went and brought him treats and I made these cute cupcakes I found on this blog. He completed 3 merit badges at camp and he officially moved up to First Class last Tuesday at the Court of Honor! Yay Caleb!

{ papa mo }

2008-07-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Caleb's dad, Mo, is in town visiting from Salt Lake City. I kept it a secret from Caleb that he was coming over and he was so surpried to see him! The little boys were excited too. For some strange reason they call him "Papa Mo". Tanner was chasing him around all night screaming "Papa Mo!" We haven't seen him since last summer so it's great to see him again.

{ the host }

2008-07-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

I was so not looking forward to reading this book. It looked so lame. Aliens, Claw Beasts, Souls, "Flower Planet", Seekers, "Rides with Bears"??? L-A-M-E. My mom read it first and told me she stayed up all night to read it. So I gave it a go. First off let me say, it was WEIRD. But it was soooo good. I swear, Stephenie Meyers could write a book about POOP and I would still love it. And the best part....? They are making a movie about it.

{ a wicked cool gift. }

2008-07-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

My sister Kristin, and her family (Dan, Sam, and Alicia) got Caleb such a cool gift for his 12th birthday! First of all, he loves Jones soda. They ordered him a case of his favorite flavor with a picture of him and the girls on it and it even has a personalized note on the back! Too cute! (Click the picture to enlarge.)

A week late...

2008-07-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

We had a great Independence Day! Hope you did too!

Catch Up...

2008-07-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

My sister, Karinne, and her family came to visit last week from Utah. We did a ton of fun "Maine" things...
-We went on a Whale Watch on Boothbay Harbor
-Picked strawberries. Then made strawberry rhubarb jam with rhubarb from dad's garden.
-Went to the Children's Museum of Maine.
-Found crabs in the tide pools at Kettle Cove.
-Celebrated Windham Summerfest. 1787??
-Had lobster dinner at camp on Crescent Lake, complete with whoopie pies and fireworks!
-Had a barbeque at Kristin and Dan's, rode the four wheelers, saw his gun collection, and tried on his bear.
Not pictured: Daily Italians, late night Boggle/Rummikub tournaments, smeared fireflies, barbie/princess porch, Ava's whale watch head wound, garage sale at Mimi's, Caleb's rained-out Luau, Danny's tetnus shot, and a 1:00am visit from Officer Friendly...Oh okay, fine...Here's the picture of Officer Friendly:

{ father's day }

2008-06-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

What a stressful Father's Day! Marcus and I had to give talks in church today. I hate public speaking. Hate it. I haven't given a talk in 15 years. And to top it off, I had to speak about my dad, which is pretty easy because he's awesome, yet, I get all choked up because he's so special to me. Well, I did it. I didn't go that bad. I didn't hyperventilate, or dry heave, which I was totally expecting. And the best part? It's over! Cindy, my Aunt Janet, Kristin and the girls, my friend Kathy and her 2 kids all came to ~~make me more nervous and watch me make a fool of myself~~ hear me talk. And of course, Marcus did great. He's so calm and can stand up and talk about anything. Did I mention that he wasn't even asked to speak? I totally volunteered him so I didn't have to be up there alone. He's the best.
I'm so blessed to have amazing men in my family. My dad and brothers Jon, and Erik, are honest, funny, and nuturing. My brother in laws Dan and Danny, are amazing dads and are so good to my sisters. My father-in-law is a great example and very caring. Marcus's four brothers are so kind and they rock on the basketball court. And most important, my sweetie. He's an incredible father. I am so grateful for him and all his does for our family.

Drive-In

2008-06-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ever since Disney World, Jordan has had a fear of movie theaters. He thinks things are going to fly out at him and squirt/spray him like The Bug's Life 3D movie (bad, bad idea). While I was out in Utah, Marcus and my dad took the boys to see Iron Man and Jordan begged to go home the whole time.

We've been wanting to see Kung Fu Panda but we knew we couldn't get Jordan to go to a theater so we suggested the Drive-In. The boys loved it. We left the middle row of the van at home and took the 3rd row out when we got to the drive-in (ghetto style) and brought pillows/blankets/snacks and a cooler filled with diet coke. It was a blast! We'll definitely be going again soon.

Water Slide

2008-06-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

It's been very hot and humid lately. Thanks to Grammie, the boys (including Marcus...okay, and me too) have been keeping cool in this...

Stamping Night

2008-06-11T21:27:00.001-07:00

Apartment Update (For Erik)

2008-06-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Jay and Nara!

2008-06-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Our two exchange students, Jay and Nara, left this past week. We will miss them both very much but it's really nice having my little family back!

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

2008-06-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

For Erik...

2008-05-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Instead of emailing these, It's actually easier to post them. So here's some pictures of the apartment for jerry.

Bathroom on right, kitchen on left.

Two bedrooms.

Coming up the stairs. Closet on right.

Party

2008-05-28T07:00:00.001-07:00

Amara (Caleb's grammie) threw me a huge birthday party! It was so much FUN! The food was awesome, as always! And a ton of people came! I just feel so loved!

Camp Pictures

2008-05-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Another fun weekend at camp. Caleb was with his grammie, so it was just the boys. Grampa got them each pop guns from the new Cabela's that opened up. They loved them! Me? Not so much.

Tip for Karinne.

2008-05-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

When you are playing with Photo Booth late at night when everyone is alseep, make sure you delete the pictures.

Another clue...

2008-05-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't get the first one.

I'm mad at you.

2008-05-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Get your freakin' computer fixed already!! You know who you are...here's a clue:

Stake Mother/Son Activity

2008-05-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Daddy will be proud!

Aren't Heidi's boys so handsome!?

Saturday Jordan and Tanner (Caleb thought he was too "old") went to Topsham for a fun carnival! They got to play games and win prizes! I got to see my sweet friend Heidi and two of her beautiful little boys there (she has 3 boys like me)!
Heidi- We HAVE to get these boys together soon!

Preschool Graduation!

2008-05-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today was our Preschool Graduation. I made graduation caps for the kids and Tanner and Jordan have been wearing them since last night! They were so excited to "graduate"! We had a fun day today! All the moms (and a dad, grandma, and grandpa!) came over my house for the graduation then we had a lunch/party. I am so thankful for Valerie, Kathy, Daynon, Jennifer, and Suzy for inviting me into this preschool group. They are amazing and fun moms (and a grandma!) and have been amazing examples to me. Thanks girls!

I love this.

2008-05-16T21:02:00.001-07:00

Grease

2008-05-16T20:28:00.001-07:00

Nara is the pianist for the Grease musical at Cheverus High School. She did an amazing job! The musical was great! A whole bunch of us went. Cindy bought flowers for the boys to give to Nara after the show. So cute.

Smiling Hill Farm

2008-05-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from our recent Preschool Field Trip.

I Wish I Could Tell You, Mom...

2008-05-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

I wish I could tell you, Mom

how much you mean to me....

But there are no words to say

how much I admire you...

how much I appreciate you...

how much I thank you

for everything you've done.

Love, Sarah

Happy Birthday Marcus!

2008-05-09T10:32:00.001-07:00

Today is my sweetie's 32nd Birthday! Here are 32 about Mar-Mar!

1. He was born in Vientiene, Laos.

2. He escaped Laos across the Mekong River with his mother and 3 brothers into Thailand when he was 2.

3. They lived in a refugee camp in Laos until they were sponsered into the US when he was 4.

4. His real name is "Akhom", Laotian people call him "Tho", and American people call him "Marcus".

5. He is the middle child of 5 boys.

6. He is the one with the unusually large head in the family picture.

7. He grew up in West Valley City, Utah.

8. When he was little he told his mother he wanted to be a garbage man when he was older because they only work one day a week.

9. His first job was at Subway when he was 15.

10. He loves basketball.

11. We met in Murray Utah at the Olive Garden, were I was a server.

12. He shook my hand after our first date, and second date, and third date, and I think even fourth.

13. I'm pretty sure he fell in love with Caleb before he fell in love with me.

14. He doesn't eat sweets.

15. He won't eat a meal unless there is meat in it, preferably beef.

16. He once tripped in the Maine Mall holding and ice cream cone in one hand and Tanner on the other and land

ed flat on his face. Tanner wasn't hurt.

17. He grinds his teeth at night. Errghhh.

18. He cried when the boys were born. Okay, not cried. Sobbed.

19. He loves animals. He's been feeding a nasty stray cat for almost a year.

20. He's in school to become a pharmacist.

21. He's addicted to Apple products.

22. He collects basketball shoes. He has like 50 pairs.

23. He had a perm in high school.

24. Did you get that? He had a PERM in high school.

25. He won't use a wallet. Only a money clip.

26. He really wants a daughter.

27. He does the laundry.

28. He's sexy.

29. He can't grow a moustache.

30. He shaves once a month.

31. He's a great father...

32. and an even better husband.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie! I Love you!

Thanks, Hunter!

2008-05-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Whenever we see my nephew, Hunter, he always has hand-me-downs for the boys. I totally love this. The only problem is, he's a few years older than Jordan. I usually have to put the clothes away until they fit, but if Jordan sees them he'll immediately put them on (regardless of size) and wear them continually. Since we just saw Karinne not to long ago, Hunter managed to find a tie that was too small. Needless to say, Jordan has worn this tie since Monday night.

Utah

2008-05-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

You'll have to bear with me, this may be a very long post. I deleted my Photoshop Elements to upgrade to CS3, but I'm waiting for more memory so I have no Photoshop. Therefore, I'll post a few of my picture from myfabulous trip to Utah. I'll also list some highlights from my trip.

- I attended Women's Conference at BYU on Thursday and Friday.

- I heard the prophet speak for my very first time in person.

- I attended great sessions by Jon Bytheway and ohter speakers.

- Went shopping at some of my favorite sto

res (Rod Works, Tai Pan Trading, Downeast, Quilted Bear, etc.)

- Spent time with my adorable nieces and nephew.

- Ate Krispy Kreme everyday.

- Had a huge

Windham Reunion

at Tony's wedding with the Peterson's, DiFiore's, Williams, Lawson, Hansen's...

- Went to Church at the Thai/Laos Ward with Kristyn Stroud.

- Straightened my hair....Which I never do in Maine.

- Spent Sunday afternoon with my in-laws, and had Ma's yummy pho and eggrolls. (The pic is of Marcus's sweet grandmother.)

- Visited the Forebe's (friends from Maine who recently moved back to Utah.)

- Acted crazy with Brin, Hunter and Ava.

Laughed until I peed with Karinne.

- Hung out with my little brother.

- Brought home 2 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts.

- Had a "girl talk" night with Lori, Emily, Mary, Becky, Kristyn, Mary, Mom, and Karinne.

So, it was a very busy packed weekend. There was so many things I wanted to do and people I wanted to see that I wasn't able to. Hopefully it won't be too long before I can go again. I have a ton more pictures I'll post later in a collage format.

Tanner's Birthday

2008-04-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tanner turned four yesterday but we've been celebrating the whole weekend! The picture above is from when he was 1 year old. What a cutie.

Yesterday we had Cindy & Stuart, Jon, my parents, and a few friends over for dinner to celebrate. Tanner chose dinner- chicken broccoli casserole-his favorite!

I attempted to make a John Deere cake.

My brother Jon got Tanner this Boingo Zoingo, and Cin and Stu got him water guns -these kept the big kids entertained all day.

Yesterday the girls were in Florida so they came today with Kristin and Dan to celebrate again!

Kristin made a cake. Dan calls it the "Grand Canyon" cake.

Dan brought the 4-wheeler. Tanner and Jordan were so excited!!

They got Tanner a J.D. comforter! So cool!

Yummy Cake!

They even made Tanner his own little cake! So sweet. Phew! It's been a busy weekend.