Snips and Snails

2011 Wrap up

2011-12-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, we still are alive. I have not been good at blogging at all. That's one of my new year's resolutions. That and start a scripture journal. And lose weight. And do more family history. Anyway, here' a recap of what has been going on these last months:
We celebrated Halloween:
Yes, we did even though I hate the holiday. Zach and Parker were the Knights who saved Princess Alivia from the Evil Dragon Cooper:

Yeah, REAL Scary!!

We spent Thanksgiving at Mamoo's and Papa's in Rigby. I didn't take pictures of that one, but I usually don't take pictures of us after we have gorged ourselves with good food. We did start one thing that I would like to use as tradition: we did our Black Friday shopping in our jammies, online, while drinking hot chocolate and eating popcorn. So much better!

Parker celebrated his 6th birthday! Wow he went from this to this in like two seconds!!

He got to have his first friend party at Outer Limits. He had a blast with his cousins and friends. His birthday cake was a lego construction sight. Complete with a dump truck and bulldozer. It was really fun to make.

Zach got to play basketball this winter. His team was the Orange Crush. Truley the other teams always crushed them, but they were so fun to watch!! I love when it's not such a big deal to be the best. They just play to have fun. (He totally posed for this picture. He 'acted' surprised that I got him!)

Just before Christmas, GUS PASSED HIS FNP BOARDS!!!! After 2 years of hard work and 4 times taking the test, he finally passed. He is a legite Family Nurse Practitioner. I am so proud of him! I know that there was a lot of help from Heavenly Father!! There is a saying "Trust in the Lord means trust in His timing" that keeps going through my head. This really was one of those times! It all happened when it was supposed to and we did learn a great deal of patience and faith from this. Many prayers were answered. Thank you to all of you who remembered him!

Christmas came and went in a blink!! The kids opened their presents, we went to Sacrament meeting (I love Christmas on Sundays) and then we went to help serve lunch at the Salvation Army. That was a good experience! It was slow and it seemed like the people didn't really want to talk a whole bunch, but it was good to get out of our little comfort zone and help others.

So as I look back on this year, I see that the Lord's hand is in all things. I am so truly blessed with my wonderful family and friends. I am so grateful for my Savior and all that He has done for me. I love the Lord and know that through Him all things are possible!

Happy 2012!!

You are my chocolate!

2011-09-27T12:01:00.000-06:00

A lot of things have been on my mind lately. We are in a transition in life and it seems like it is taking forever for the changes to happen. We've put our house up for sale because we've found a house with more room, but things aren't moving very fast. Gus finished school, but has yet to jump that last hurdle and pass his boards test. A lot of things are on the verge of changing, but nothing has happened.
On Saturday, I watched the General Relief Society meeting. The last speaker was President Uchtdorf. I love listening to him speak. It always seem like something is meant just for me. He talked about forgetting not. He compared them to the 5 petals of a forget-me-not flower. The one that stuck out to me the most was #3-Forget not to be happy now.

President Uchtdorf related the story of one of my most favorite children's book and movie of all time Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the movie with Gene Wilder, not Johnny Depp, although that one stayed truer to the book). Anyway, he recalled how everyone wanted a Golden Ticket. Everyone wanted it so bad, that they forgot the chocolate bar that they still had. President Uchtdorf then talked about being happy now and not waiting for your Golden Ticket in life. Be happy with what you have now.

So, I have been thinking a lot about my chocolate. I've been waiting for a Golden Ticket and I need to focus on my chocolate (not literally, but I wish it were!). So here is my chocolate:

Summer 2011

2011-09-06T14:47:00.004-06:00

So I promise that we did have a summer this year! Here is a top 10 list of things we did this summer:

1- Had a baby (and a very cute one, may I say!)

2- Celebrated the 4th of July. (Pocatello is not my favorite place to go, nor will we stay here again. The parade was awful, but the fireworks were all right.)

3- Spent some time in Island Park with the Jones' and some really big ANTS!

4-Parker and Alivia took swim lessons.

5- Played in the water- a lot!

6- Had the Blad reunion at Steadman's in Raft River.

7- Played with cousins.

8- Blessed the cute baby.

9- Visited the Dinosaur Park in Ogden.

10- Visited Temple Square.

I know that sounds like a pretty lame summer, but we didn't have the funds to go somewhere extravagant. I have to admit that this summer has been very stressful. Gus is waiting to take his boards again after he didn't pass. He is studying like mad!! Money has also been tight because we had that cute baby. My hospital bill was $6000! Thank goodness for insurance and thank goodness my husband works at the hospital. I am very grateful for his job. All in all, the kids didn't let anything deter them from entertaining themselves. Oh, to be a kid again!

Cooper's Blessing

2011-09-06T14:07:00.004-06:00

Oh, how time flies when you are super busy! I'm finally getting around to posting about our summer. Cooper was blessed on August 14, 2011, by his father. He was blessed in the Alameda 9th Ward in Pocatello, ID.

We are so very fortunate that we have family and friends that live so close and can come share our special days with us. Cooper is such a great little guy and we are so blessed to have him in our family!

Welcome Cooper!

2011-06-27T14:40:00.006-06:00

Cooper Allan Blad made his entrance to this world on June 23, 2011 at 2:10 p.m. He weighed 7lbs 12oz and was 21" long. Everyone keeps asking me who he looks like, and I really can't tell! I thought he looked like Alivia at first, but then I can see Parker and Zach in him too!

I had to be induced with Cooper because my blood pressure was too high. After they broke my water, I really started feeling contractions and got my epidural. Not 5 minutes later, I knew it was time to go! His heart rate dropped and I don't remember much after that. Things got a little scary. They threw oxygen on me and started telling me to push. He came down so fast and was turned the wrong way so the doctor had to use forceps. It happened all so fast and I don't remember much, but I am so grateful that I had a very attentive staff and a wonderful doctor! I'm grateful for Gus, and his willingness to be there by my side for everything. And I am very grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending us another beautiful baby boy and that he arrived here safely.

The kids got to see him before they left with Grandma and Grandpa to a reunion. Alivia said "Oh, he's so cute! Can we keep him?" Zach and Parker were fun to see with him.

We are so happy to finally have Cooper here. We decided to name him Cooper Allan after his grandpa, Merlin Allan. So far, everything looks good and he is a great little baby. Welcome to the world Cooper!!

Alivia is 3

2011-06-22T13:43:00.006-06:00

Alivia had her 3rd birthday on June 6. It's hard to believe how fast time flies! She was 7lbs. 13oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. She was also 3 days late, which shows her little personality! She will do things when she's ready!

Again, we just had a quiet get together with friends and family. She loves the movie Tangled, so I attemped to make a tower cake with the characters from the movie on it. It was cute, even though it was leaning and falling apart!! She loved it.

We are so glad Alivia is part of our family. She loves playing with her brothers, but also is such a girl! Her favorite color is purple and her favorite food is Mac and Cheese. She loves to talk to people (I wonder where she gets that from!) and loves to sing. We love you Alivia!!

Happy 9th Zach!

2011-06-02T10:01:00.011-06:00

It's really hard to believe that 9 years ago we brought home this little guy:I remember Zach was born with lots of hair. The nurses in the hospital combed it over and loved it. His red hair has been a favorite of a lot of people-especially old people. They love to touch it and remember their brother or uncle or dad with red hair. We love his red hair too! It fits his personality.

We kept his birthday pretty low key for this year. I didn't feel much like having a huge party while I'm 9 months pregnant! He had to go to school, but it was his last day so they got to go roller skating and watch movies. Gus took in ice cream sandwiches to his class and then took him out to lunch to Bamboo Gardens.

That night we had our friends over for cake and ice cream. He wanted a skateboard cake. After researching options this is what we came up with:
He got a new bike, shirts, Legos, a water gun, and a new hamster. We wrapped up the cage and put a fake hamster in it so he could go later and pick out his own. It was funny to see his face when he unwrapped it. He has been wanting a pet forever and we finally decided on a hamster. Partly because we got the cage and everything from Laura (thanks Laura!). We'll see how he takes care of it. Then we might move to something bigger!

Happy Birthday Zach! We love you and the spirit that you bring into our family. I'm so glad that you were born first to help take care of the rest of us!!

Preschool Graduate

2011-06-01T12:23:00.004-06:00

It seems that we have had a lot of graduating going on this year! Parker finished preschool and we had his graduation last week. Here he is with some of his classmates.

Parker loves school and loves learning. His teachers called him the smart, quiet type. He identified all his letters, numbers, colors and shapes and can count past twenty (he gets mixed up after 40). His favorite thing about preschool this year was learning all about dinosaurs. We love you and are proud of you Parker!!

Graduation!!!

2011-05-21T13:04:00.004-06:00

I am so proud of this man: (Don't mind the fat preggo lady)

Seriously, he is one hard worker. He knows what he wants and he goes after it and NEVER gives up. That is one thing that I absolutely love about him. After he graduated with his Bachelor's he knew that he wanted to go back to get his Master's. All I thought was "Crap! More school???" Two years ago he started back to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. School hasn't always been easy for him. He learns best by doing and not by reading. That's what makes him a great nurse. There were times that he struggles with the program, but he came out on top. I must admit that this last semester was HORRIBLE! He was gone all of the time either doing clinicals or working and it was hard to be a single parent! I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished.

So what does this mean for our little family?

I don't quite know yet! Gus has to take his Boards before he can apply for any job-which will be within the next month or so. He has some options rolling around for a job. I'm just glad that he can diagnose and treat our kids when they get sick! We'll see what the future holds and I am just going to pray that he doesn't want to get a Doctorate now!!!

Wickedly fun!!

2011-05-06T15:33:00.005-06:00

So for each anniversary we have, we like to get gifts or do something that goes with that year. The 10th anniversary is tin/aluminum. I thought it was a perfect fit that this was coming to Boise this year, and even on the week of our anniversary:

For those who don't know the story, it is about the witches of Oz before Dorothy came. So of coarse in it you will find:

The tin man!! It was so awesome! We went over to Boise and stayed the night. We were able to go to a session at the Boise temple. Then we ate at Tucano's. The next day we shopped a little and went to see Wicked. I'm lucky to have great in-law's who took our kids for the night and let us get away. All in all it was a great little jaunt over to Boise and I'm glad we went.

10 Years!!

2011-05-03T12:48:00.008-06:00

10 years ago I married this handsome stud: I know! He looks so young, doesn't he?? I can't believe that it has been 10 years already. Since this is kinda like my journal (that everyone can read) I thought that each year I should start sharing some of my memories of our wedding day. Then when I get old and senile I can read all about them.

Here is a funny memory ( I apologize for the quality of theses pictures. Digital photography was not used back then!)

We are cutting our lovely cake. I warned him that he better not try anything funny with shoving the cake in my face. I trusted him and let him go first:Totally shoved it!

So I had to shove it back. He knew what was coming (notice the napkin).

Typical wedding cake eating scenario until....

If you really know Gus, you know that he has to have the last whatever...last word, last laugh, last anything, so he couldn't be outdone. He kisses me with a mouth full of cake and actually regurgitates it back into my mouth. If you notice, my look is of disgust in this picture. It was nasty!

Looking back on these last 10 years we have been through a lot. He has always been there for me no matter what. We have had some wonderful memories and also some very challenging ones, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. He has loved me no matter what. Through very trying pregnancies and a very emotional miscarriage. He has given me 3 beautiful children and another on the way. He has taught me patience and love and service. I can't imagine my life without him. He is my best friend and I didn't think it was possible, but I love him more now than I did on that day 10 years ago. When I don't think it's possible to love him anymore, I can't wait to see how I feel in 10 more years!! I love you Gus!! Happy Anniversary!!

Pinewood Derby, Baby!

2011-03-24T11:13:00.006-06:00

Zach had his first Pinewood Derby on Tuesday. Boy was he excited! He wanted a skateboard for his racecar. I think that was all Zach contributed! He did get to spray paint it and help a little with the construction. Coming from a family of all girls, I never experienced the Pinewood Derby. I guess it's a big deal! I would have just given Zach the car and let his whittle it out of wood and slap some paint on it!!! I'm sure glad that he had his dad to help him!

He won his first race. It actually sped down the track. Then he lost his 2nd race and raced one more time. He loved it, but was sad he won. He takes losing hard. I guess that's something we have to work on. In the end, it was fun and he is thinking about his car for next year!

Sheep

2011-02-18T09:34:00.007-07:00

Dear Diary (blog),

I have to admit that last night was one of my WORST ever nights as a parent. Lately I have been so tired and last night was no different. It has been sooooo hard with Gus gone all the time to clinics/work/or doing church stuff. He doesn't make it home until 10 on the nights he has clinicals and 8 if he is working, which leaves me pretty much as a single parent. I have to admit that it is hard especially when I am pregnant.

Last night my kids were being complete hellions. I had one throwing fits over everything I asked him to do, one making messes everywhere she went, one completely defying me in every way. Well, one thing led to another and after I had one in time-out for the 3rd time in 2 hours, I lost it. Too much at one time! I let out a yell and slammed my door shut and started sobbing. I have never felt so incapable of doing something as I had right then. I wondered why I ever wanted to be a parent and even worse why I was bringing another one into this world. I have been struggling lately with my self worth. I feel like a glorified babysitter. I miss teaching so much and feel that I really don't do much while I'm at home. At least while I was teaching I felt some sort of accomplishment with my days. I wasn't throwing up, cleaning up, vacuuming, cooking dinner, picking up Legos, and yelling every 5 minutes.

I knew I had to say a prayer. The words of a song started coming to my mind. I heard this song one Sunday and it sent me into tears. I have to remind myself of its message constantly. Here are the words:

I have a little flock of sheep,

And they are mine to tend and keep.

I must guard them every day,

For little lambs when left alone, will loose their way.

So many voices say to me,

A sheepfold is no place to be.

Your time in there is dull and slow,

And lambs leave very little room for you to grow.

For if I ever start to stray,

Deceived of thoughts of greener pastures,

Remind me Lord that keeping sheep

Will lead to happier ever afters.

Oh surely there will come a day

When all the lambs have left my side

And I am free to roam and about

And go exploring other meadows green and wide.

Yet something whispers in my heart

That when my sheep have left this pen

I'll long to stroke their little heads

To draw them close to me and have them young again.

So while they still are in my care

I pray that I will clearly see,

These little lambs within my folds

Are tender gifts the master shepherd has given me.

After I had calmed down, I called each one of them in my room and we all cried. I explained that I get upset when Dad isn't home and I am tired and they won't listen. I apologized for getting mad. They were really good after that. I was so embarrassed for the way I acted around them. I do love them all so much and I am so blessed to have good kids. I do have to be thankful that I am here every day for them. I get to kiss the boo-boos, snuggle with them, read them stories, and listen to them laugh. I get to share in their ups and downs, their silly jokes, their smiles and kisses. I'm so blessed that Heavenly Father sent them to me. So they are my lovely sheep and I am happy being Little Bo Peep!!

Love,

Melanie

It's a Boy!!!

2011-02-07T13:36:00.003-07:00

Yeah! It's another boy! Today we went in for our ultrasound and were way surprised! Gus was sure that this was another girl, and so did I because I have been so sick, but secretly wanted another boy. Everyone else thought it was a girl too. This little one is so active. My other babies weren't this busy during the ultrasound. The tech actually had a hard time getting some pictures because the baby kept moving! He kept flashing his boy parts, so there is no doubt this is a little boy! He is about 12 oz. and my due date has moved to June 28! I think I will go with that date from now on!

I am so excited! I would have loved another girl, but boys are so much easier! I do feel bad that Alivia doesn't get to have a sister, but she will be able to hold her own! We gave the kids each a blue sucker and had them guess what we were having. Zach is really excited. Parker is okay with it and Alivia is kinda oblivious at what is going on. She just liked the sugar. We are super excited and blessed to welcome another little one into our home.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T16:39:00.002-07:00

This year we had a easy going Christmas. Nothing too fancy. At our Blad Christmas party, Santa came to give the kids their gifts from their cousins. On Christmas morning, Zach woke up Parker and Alivia at 4:30!! After I went out and told them to go back to bed, they were restless. Zach was 'starving' and wanted breakfast. After I offered him some go-gurts, he didn't want any saying "That's all we get for breakfast?" I told him it wasn't time for breakfast. They finally went back to sleep until 7:30, but I was not in a good mood!! Next year, they will not be able to get out of bed until 7:00!!

We have a tradition that came from Gus' childhood days. The kids write a note to Santa telling him where to leave their presents. After we took turns and opened all of our presents, the boys played with all of their toys and Alivia fell back asleep. We went and saw The Voyage of the Dawn Treader with Grandma & Grandpa and Brian & Laura. Then we went up to Brian's for dinner. It was a great day!

Parker is 5!

2010-12-30T16:04:00.004-07:00

Okay so Parker turned 5 the beginning of this month. I really wanted to post this before the end of the year. I'm just working on extra slow time.

I can't believe it has been 5 years since I brought home this little guy:

He really wasn't all that little-coming in at 8lbs 3oz. He has been a great blessing to our family.

For his birthday this year he wanted a dinosaur cake. I planted a couple of cakes together and let him cover it with dinosaurs. Then we made a volcano with lava flowing out of it. He loved it. He chose honey chicken for his dinner and then we had cake and ice cream. Very simple, but it was his special day. We love you Parker!

Yes, It's True

2010-11-18T12:29:00.004-07:00

I'm sure you've been hearing rumors! It's true. I am pregnant. I'm due July 1.

"But you said you were done," you must be thinking. I was. Someone with higher powers had something else in mind for me. I hate being pregnant and wish away these 9 months and I did not want to go through this misery again. I'm a mean, selfish person when I'm pregnant and I hate it. After I swore off being pregnant again, I started having these 'feelings'. I wasn't done and I knew it. I tried to talk myself out of it. I tried to ignore those promptings, but they didn't go away. I decided that I was going to give it 3 months-no more- and if it was supposed to happen, then it would. It happened. It's like having something to do and you really don't want to do it, but you know you have to do it anyway. Yeah, that's my life. Don't get me wrong. I want more kids, but getting them here is sooooo hard.

We really wanted to wait to tell people. After I had my miscarriage, I found it was hard spreading the word and then being really disappointed. I have been really sick lately, which I know is a good sign. I'm sorry if I have been mean lately. I'm sorry that my house isn't the best right now. And, I'm sorry that my kids are spending WAY too much time in front of the TV, but I am in survival mode right now. I promise I will get better in about 7 months!! Until then, don't expect much!!! I'm just sayin'.....

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T17:00:00.004-06:00

I convinced the kids to match this Halloween. Since Alivia loves Tinkerbell, I talked Zach and Parker to go along. We watched lots of Peter Pan to get them excited!

We never seem to stray much from our Halloween activities. We went to our church for some Trunk or Treating. Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa trunk or treat. Can I just say candy overload?? All in all, I'm glad that Halloween is over for another 11 months!

Gus turns 31!

2010-10-04T12:33:00.006-06:00

Gus had his birthday last week. We celebrated with his family on Sunday, the on Monday we went with his parents and some friends up to Scout Mountain and had a hot dog roast. I made him a Brazilian flag cake for his birthday. He's 31, I know so old! He is the best dad and husband in the world!!

Family Pics

2010-09-23T16:52:00.005-06:00

We had our pictures taken last week by Gus' amazing sister Elaine. I love her pictures!
I have cute kids--what can I say?

I craft my pants!!

2010-09-20T15:26:00.004-06:00

Ha, I really didn't come up with that title all by myself. There is a blog called Oops, I craft my pants, so I just said that. I'm kinda that way...I take ideas and copy them all of the time! Like lately, I have had the crafty bug soooo bad! I am really into doing Halloween things right now. I loose my mind when I go into a craft store because I am so overwhelmed with things!!

Anyway, we had a craft day on Saturday at my mom's house. My Cricut was cutting a hundred miles an hour, but it was so much fun. We had soup and fresh scones and the kids played and played.

This is what I have finished so far:
I love the purple and lime green together. The saying really is true about my sister! Heidi, I really miss you!!

Baby ABC Book

2010-09-06T12:25:00.010-06:00

So I got it in my head to do a baby book for the kids for Christmas. I found a great deal at Costco where they print out a hardback book full of pictures for $25. I've wanted to do this for awhile now and I hope the kids will love it! I have finished Zach's and sent it in to be printed. The book is an ABC book of their first year. Since we call Zach our little turtle, I found a really cute scrapbooking kit with turtles. Parker is going to be full of monkey and Alivia's will be some sort of bugs (she's our June Bug). Here are some of my favorite pages from Zach's book:

Summer Fun

2010-08-28T11:43:00.007-06:00

It always seems like I am a day late and a dollar short! We had our Blad family reunion last Saturday. We met at Steadmans in Raft River. They have taken their land, built super water slides and a zip line, and share it others. It was so much fun. There was something there for everyone. We had almost every Blad there, which is amazing! Here is Parker and Gus going down the slide taken by Bonnie:Gus and I also went down the zip line. It was surprisingly fun. I almost backed out when I saw how high, but it doesn't go as fast as you think. I just had to work on my landings!

They had a candy cannon that shot candy in the air and the kids all scrambled to get it. That was fun to watch. I love spending time with family. I'm glad that I am a part of such a fun loving group!!

Endless Days of Summer

2010-07-29T12:34:00.004-06:00

I was just wondering where summer goes all the time. There really is no endless days of summer--it goes by way too quickly! August is almost here and we haven't even gone swimming once as a family yet!

Our camera broke at the beginning of the summer and I have had to resort to using our old one so we didn't take that many pictures. This week we finally broke down and bought one at Costco. It is waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof and shatterproof. I asked Gus how many more 'proofs' could it get, and he said it wasn't childproof. Anyway, I snapped a few pictures at Gus' last softball game. His team really stunk this year. One win. The games were boring. This one was no different. They played at 10:00 at night and it was trying to rain, but I didn't care because my camera was waterproof!!

We also spent the whole week last week up in Island Park at the cabin at Scout Camp with our ward. It was a blast! I sooo wish we had a camera there! Boys are so much fun. The kids had a blast with all the other kids. We also our family reunion for the Fisher/Parker side which turned out really nice (way to go Mom). Zach played his first season of Tiger Ball and did great! It was coach-pitch. He loved it. Now we are trying to enjoy the last month before school starts again!

Heritage Blocks

2010-07-13T16:30:00.006-06:00

I had to show off my contribution for our family reunion this month. As I was blog surfing one day, I found this post on Someday Crafts. I knew it was what I had to do for our raffle for a family reunion this month. These are Heritage blocks. All you do is make copies of pictures and modge-podge them onto blocks of wood. Then they become strong enough to with stand kids and other things. Here are mine for our Fisher/Parker family reunion (my maternal grandmother's side):
The back of each one has information about the people in the picture. Here is a tidbit of history. My great-great grandpa Fisher was a Pony Express rider. My grandma found a magazine with an advertisement for riders in it and I put it on the back. On the Parker line, there was an outlaw from Utah. I know, cool name!!! It turned out so cute! I have a passion for doing family history work and I love things like this.

Alivia Turns 2!!

2010-06-09T08:55:00.003-06:00

Last week was a busy one! Alivia celebrated her 2nd birthday on Sunday. I can't believe my baby is 2! We had dinner here at our house and then cake and ice cream. She really didn't know what was going on, but she loved digging into her presents. She also had lots of pink icing!! Just like her mom. We love you Alivia! You have such a cute personality and your brothers just love you. We are so glad that you are a part of our family!

It's Great to be 8!

2010-06-07T08:32:00.002-06:00

Zach had his 8th birthday on Tuesday. He got spoiled all day and loved it! I made dinner of his choice--orange chicken and rice and had a small party with family. His cake is a racetrack because he is really into Hot Wheels right now. He got his big party on Saturday when he got baptized!! He had a special day on Saturday because he got to be baptized with his cousin Laralyn. We love you Zach and are proud that you are making the right decisions in life. We are proud that you are striving to choose the right and be a good person. Thanks for bringing joy into our lives. We love you Zachy!!!

Until We Meet Again

2010-05-18T08:36:00.007-06:00

This weekend we drove down to Central Utah to attend the funeral of Gus's grandpa, Carl Blad. It was amazing to see how many descendants came from him!! This is a 4 generation picture of Great-grandpa, Merlin, Gus and Parker taken in 2006. It was good to see family and celebrate the life of this man. Great-Grandpa was 92 years old and lived a happy and fulfilling life. Here is an excerpt from his obituary:

Carl Blad
November 1, 1917 - May 7, 2010

Kanosh: Carl Hamblin Blad 92, passed away on May 7, 2010 in Fillmore, UT. Born Nov. 1, 1917 in Panaca, NV to Carl Levi & Addie Minerva Hamblin Blad. He married Loueda Allan on June 8, 1938 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He is a WWII Veteran having served in the US Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet during 1944-1945. He was an active member of the LDS Church, serving and teaching in leadership positions in various organizations including bishopric counselor, missionary with his sweetheart Loueda at Cove Fort, UT and in the Charlotte, NC Mission. He had a beautiful tenor voice, singing at countless family, community and church events throughout his life. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping, especially with his family. He loved participating and being a spectator in all types of sporting events and was recognized as an outstanding athlete on high school, college (BYU) and community teams. His affectionate, humorous and cheerful personality will be missed. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest love was his family and loved ones. His greatest achievement in life is his eternal influence on his family and loved ones. Survived by Blaine L. (Virginia) Blad, Kanosh, UT; Carl DeVon (Pauline) Blad, Enumclaw, WA; Merlin Allan ( Lois) Blad, Pocatello, ID; Rinda Joy (Ray) Christensen, Lehi, UT; Phillip Angus (Sharon) Blad, Kanosh, UT; Dale Lynn (Denine) Blad, Hyrum, UT; Paul Levi (Carolyn) Blad, Kanosh, UT; Kent Dean (Ann) Blad, Riverton, UT; siblings, Jack Blad, Caliente, NV; Theda Bowler, Enterprise, UT; L. Dean Lee, Salem, UT. 52 grand children, 118 great grandchildren & 5 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, spouse, daughter, Carla Jean Blad; daughter-in-law, Janell Knott Blad; sister, Jean (Blad) Robinson; brother, Rollin Blad; sisters, Genevieve (Blad)Lee, Phyllis (Blad) Lee; Elaine (Blad) Harmer. Funeral Service is Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in the Kanosh LDS Chapel Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the church in Kanosh. Interment in the Kanosh Town Cemetery. "The Family would like to thank those angels who have watched over and given such loving care to our dear Dad: Blaine and Virginia, Phil and Sharon, Paul and Carolyn, Donna, Pam, Carol, Rose and all of the wonderful nurses and Doctors at Fillmore Hospital."

Happy 9th, Babe

2010-05-03T13:37:00.005-06:00

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary. Really, 9 years!! Where does the time go? We like to celebrate using the traditional gift ideas. This year it was pottery and willow. Last year it was pottery and bronze, so we painted ceramic pottery last year. We really didn't want to do that again so we had to use our imaginations!
For the pottery part, I decided that pottery was made from minerals. And a great way to enjoy minerals is to go soak in the mineral pools at Lava. It was so great and very relaxing! We then went to an amazing Thai food place there in Lava. I've only had Thai food one other time, but this was definitely a place that we are going to go back to. Then we watched the movie "Willow" for the willow part--you know that corny 80's flick with the baby. Anyway time sure flies by! I am so grateful that I married Gus. He truly is my best friend. I love him more now then I did 9 years ago, and I can't wait until we're married 50 years to see how our love has grown!! I am so grateful for all he does for me. I love you Gus!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2010-04-14T09:33:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I decided that I got too full of myself. I was too proud that I got Alivia's hair into ponytails. Yesterday while we were doing preschool, she grabbed some scissors and cut off her bangs! If you look closely at her picture, you can see the hack marks at the top. Oh well, I guess... we'll just start all over!

Amazing Deal

2010-04-10T13:58:00.003-06:00

I don't usually get excited over vegetables, but this is such a great deal! My friend Melanie told me about Bountiful Baskets. You get fresh fruits and veggies delivered to a site in your town and you take your own basket to fill. The basket is $15, plus you can add on other options each week. This week one of the add-on choices was 12 lbs of strawberries for an extra $8! There actually ended up being 16 lbs! The stuff on the bottom of the picture is what came in the basket: mangoes, bananas, apples, tomatoes, those little squash thingies, lettuce, celery, little oranges, and there were 4 artichokes, but I gave them to Melanie because I don't like them! Anyway, such a great deal and amazing produce! I'm making jam. Check out the website here for instructions and drop off sites!

Big Accomplishment

2010-04-06T10:25:00.005-06:00

I know that there are so many other things to get excited over, but I am really proud to announce that I got Alivia's hair into 2 complete ponytails this morning. If you know her, you know that she has struggled with little hair ever since she was born. I think I had more of a problem with it than she did! Now, she's almost 2 and it coming in. Yeah!

Merry Christmas in February!

2010-02-19T18:39:00.009-07:00

Do you ever feel like life gets so busy that you just have to take one day at a time to try to get by? Yeah, that's how I have felt these last couple of months! Crazy that February is half over and I am just posting Christmas pictures. We had a great Christmas. It's fun still when the kids get into it.

We've had a crazy last couple of months. Gus got called to be the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. That was a complete surprise. I guess it's not really--if you know Gus. That's what I get for marrying a goody-goody. (I'm really just kidding about that). That keeps him busy and me busy during Sacrament meeting!

All in all, we are still alive and doing well. We are making the rounds for being sick now, but we are doing well. I promise to try to stay updated!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-20T16:43:00.003-07:00

Here is our 2009 Christmas card for all those who I missed!

‘Twas the days before Christmas,
And all through the year
The Blads have been busy
Having family cheer.
The kids keep on growing
And getting so big.
Zach is now 7
And a 1st grade big-wig.
Parker turned four
Has a mind of his own.
Alivia is 1
And has really quite grown.
Gus went back to school,
To follow a hunch.
And Melanie is still
Taking care of this bunch.
This year has been busy
We traveled a bit.
Took a plane ride to Seattle
And saw the Mariners get licked.
So with the kids all nestled
Snug in their beds
With visions of Transformers
Dancing in their heads,
We remember our family
And our friends so dear
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year!

12 Ways of Christmas

2009-12-16T18:13:00.002-07:00

I know I should have posted this a while ago, since 5 days has already gone by! There is an amazing lady, Andi, who has an amazing blog called LDS Creativity Corner. For the 12 days of Christmas, she is doing the 12 'ways' of Christmas. Each day different bloggers have come up with ideas, inspirations, lessons, scriptures, and stories to help us draw closer to Christ this Christmas. She invited me to present a day, day 7, through my other blog LDS Handouts! I am super excited to be part of this wonderful thing. I have been posting all the days on my other blog. You can go here to see the amazing stuff that these ladies have come up with. Have fun and remember to be sure to check out Day 7 from yours truly!

Parker turns 4!

2009-12-05T19:09:00.007-07:00

Where does the time go? I was just looking at Parker the other day and thought 'he looks so big'. Now he is 4! I can't believe it! Four years ago I took a nice slip on the ice and I swear that's what sent me into labor that night. Easiest labor so far.

Here is the little munchkin with his cake. It's Optimus Prime if you can't tell! We live and breath Transformers around here these days. Gotta love that smile! I think he was trying to make himself smile. Oh well, that's Parker! We had family and friends over for cake and ice cream. Mamoo, Papa, Grandma, Grandpa, the Manglesons and the Reinholts were all here to celebrate Parker's special day. We are so grateful that Parker is part of our family. He is a very unique and special little boy and we love him greatly!

Halloween

2009-11-05T08:15:00.008-07:00

I have to admit that Halloween is my least favorite holiday. I think teaching absolutely ruined it for me. Anyway, Gus tells me I have to forget myself and do it for the kids. We carved pumpkin out at Grandpa and Grandma's this year. Zach designed and cut his own, which was a vampire.

Parker (Gus mostly) made a Transformers Autobot head. Surprise, surprise.

Alivia didn't like the inside of a pumpkin, so she just hung out!

On Halloween we went to our Trunk or Treat. I was just getting over bronchitis and did not feel well. Then we went out for Chinese. It's a tradition we have. We then made it back here for doughnuts and cider. Wow, what a sugar rush!! Zach was Megatron this year, Parker was Bumblebee and Alivia was Dorothy with pink slippers instead of red! I'm glad we had decent weather and not snow!

Girls Night Fun

2009-10-13T18:24:00.012-06:00

Last weekend we had our semi-annual girls night. Yes, this just so happens to coincide with the semi-annual General Conference, but that's just the way it is! The Blad girls get together and have some fun! It has been a tradition since the beginning of time (at least 39 years-inside joke). We used to go to Ladies' Night at Deseret Book and dinner while the guys were at priesthood session, but that got too crazy finding babysitters for more and more kids. This year we went out on Friday night to dinner while the guys watched the kids (we missed you Janet and Darlyn). Then on Saturday we CRAFTED!!! Yay! Bonnie rented a Cricut and that thing never stopped cutting!!! The guys cut us blocks of wood to make fun decorations. Here is some things that I made:

A cute Halloween sign:

A Harvest sign for fall:

Vinyl saying for Alivia's room:

And some blocks of the Young Women values: (I thought this would make a cute centerpiece for YW)

We had so much fun that we all want a Cricut! The possibilities are endless! I have some very talented and crafty sis-in-laws! Until April!

Gus Turns 30!

2009-09-30T07:55:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I forgot to grab the memory card for my camera this weekend. Of all the lousy things to forget! Gus turned 30 on Sunday. We spent the weekend in Island Park with my family. It was nice and relaxing and probably the last nice weekend we'll have of weather!! We went to West Yellowstone and also played in the river by Big Springs. The kids had fun and it was nice to get away. Gus is so old now!(As old as me) Happy Birthday Gus!

LDS Handouts

2009-09-16T17:39:00.003-06:00

In all of my spare time (haha) I decided to start a new blog. Yeah, I like blogging and wish I had more time. No, this blog is where I am just posting my handouts that I have made for Young Women lessons on Photoshop. I wanted to share them because our girls love them. We have Sunday Journals and these handouts that I've made fit nicely inside. I like to have them printed as a picture at Walgreens but you can also put them into a Word document and print them off at home. Anyway, for any of you that are interested the blog is LDS Handouts. If I don't have something posted that you would like, just let me know!

Seattle

2009-08-19T08:24:00.016-06:00

It seems lately that I have only been blogging about trips lately, but in reality our normal life is actually kinda boring. Last week we took a much needed vacation to Seattle. We haven't been on a real vacation for a long time. We had this planned back in March. Gus' mom and dad went with us. They are so much fun to go on vacation with. (This will probably be a long post, so if you want to skip all my journaling, then you can just look at the pictures).

Monday we flew out of Boise. We got great prices on tickets and figured that it would beat spending the time fighting the little ones in the car for 12 hours or so. Zach was so excited to be on a plane; Parker not so much. He sat next to Gus and gripped the armrests. Gus asked him if he wanted to look out the window. No. Gus asked him if he wanted to see the tires. No. Gus asked him if he wanted to let got of the arm rests. No. It was quite comical. He didn't like the turbulence that much either. Alivia fell asleep with Grandma.

We arrived safely in Seattle and had most of the day to do what we wanted. We went to the Space Needle. This became Parker's favorite attraction in Seattle. Everywhere we went he had to spot it. Here we are on top. Sorry the picture's bad and you can't see the city.

After that we had to get food. We were staying in a condo and figured that we could get food for breakfast and snacks at a grocery store. Finding a grocery store in downtown Seattle is not an easy task! Driving in downtown Seattle is a nightmare. My advice to anyone wanting to drive in downtown Seattle is to buy a good map with one ways on it! We eventually came to a Safeway...but not just any Safeway...a Safeway with a parking lot in a parking garage. We had to go up the elevator and back down with our cart full of food. I've decided that I take our nice spreading landscape for granted!

Tuesday we got to go to the Museum of Flight. This is a way cool museum filled with all kinds of airplanes, space stuff, helicopters and pretty much anything that flies. The kids loved it. Well, Alivia spent most of her time strapped in a stroller and it wasn't much fun for her. She was a trooper though.

After that we had to take in a Mariner's baseball game. They played the Chicago White Sox and lost. We had really good seats, thanks to Gus. We were right down by the field. Zach and Parker had a blast. They really got into it. Zach loved the game and Parker loved all the snacks!

Wednesday we went to Pike's Market and on a harbor tour of Seattle. The tour guide was talking about Safeco Field and said that they have to heat the grass during the winter with heaters that run under the ground. So crazy. I wish that I could go to Pike's Market every day and get a bunch of fresh flowers for my house. They are only $5 a bunch and so pretty. I love the smell. You can walk along and smell beautiful flowers, then the next thing you smell is fish from all the fresh fish they bring there. It's pretty amazing.

Thursday we visited the Science Museum. This place is amazing. Five buildings that are dedicated to science all for kids. We visited dinosaurs, a butterfly garden, watched stars in the planetarium, and watched a 3D movie about the oceans. The most interesting exhibit was called Grossology--the study of gross things. The kids learned all about gross things from their body and from animals. They learned what different animal's poop looks like. Pretty cool. I bought the book. All gross things so if you ever want to know anything gross, just contact me! I won't post the picture of the fake poop in the toilet! This picture is in the butterfly gardens with butterflies on the plate eating the juices of a fruit. I promise that's what it is!

Thursday night we were hooked up with awesome tickets for the Mariners vs. Yankees ball game. We were in the All-Star club suite. This allowed us to watch the game in a suite and have service to a fully stocked buffet. It was amazing. The seats had a table in front of them where you could watch the game and eat. The service was awesome. They took good care of the kids and kept them entertained and fed.

Friday we toured Safeco field and they got to stand on the field and sit in the dugout. Then we went to the Seattle Aquarium that was on the pier. The boys loved the octopus and Alivia loved watching all the fish. We saw otters and sea lions and sharks. So much fun.

It was so sad to leave. I love Seattle and I loved spending time with my family. We had so much fun and were so busy all the time that I kinda feel like I have nothing to do now! This will be our last major vacation for awhile. Gus is starting his Master's program so we will be broke for 2 years!! Oh well. One of our very favorite vacation sites for sure!!

Spontaneity

2009-07-21T21:12:00.009-06:00

Last week I was drinking a beloved Dr. Pepper when I happened to read the back. On it was a coupon to get a free ticket for Hogle Zoo in Utah. I quickly drank up another (against my will, I'm sure) and we headed down to Utah the next day with little prior thought. Besides, we got two free tickets.

As many of you know, I absolutely adore Utah (I don't know how you can get sarcasm into type), but we wanted just to get away. We spent the morning wandering around the zoo. I really do love that zoo--no sarcasm this time. The animals are great and the kids were excited and also well behaved. We then went to Hobby Lobby, my new favorite store. It is amazing. Then dinner at Olive Garden. It was a great day and I love spontaneity!! Here are some pics from the zoo:

4th of July fun

2009-07-05T22:22:00.003-06:00

I realized that I take the same pictures for the 4th of July every year. The only difference is that my kids get older. We spent the day in Menan for some good old fashioned fun. I love the small town atmosphere. We went to the parade, the park and the fireworks. Gus got some new sunglasses, that's why he's pointing to them in the picture. The kids were hot and tired at the end of the day, but it was fun. I'm so grateful that we live in this country. I'm grateful for our freedom and the choices that we have to make. I'm grateful for my family and the opportunity to have my kids grow up here. We are blessed!

Alivia turns 1!

2009-06-08T15:41:00.006-06:00

Alivia turned one on Saturday.Where did this year go?? It just seems like yesterday that I was so miserable being pregnant! She is such a great addition to our family. She loves her older brothers and is such a girl. We love having her in our family. She is walking all around and wants to be involved in everything. She really hasn't said her official first word yet, but I'm really thinking that it is going to be 'mama' for sure!!

While I was at my mom's, I found this picture of me in the yellow dress when I was 8 months old. Does it look familiar??

We had cake and ice cream at the Blads on Sunday and, of coarse, we had to do the cake thing. Alivia really didn't get as messy as the boys did. She just dipped her finger in the icing and licked it clean. Her brother and cousins were trying harder to get her dirty! She had a great day. We love you Alivia!

Oh to be 7!

2009-06-01T16:24:00.003-06:00

Zachary is seven today! Holy cow, where did that time go?? This is one of the few digital baby pictures that I have of Zach before we got our camera. Crazy to think that we didn't have digital cameras back then!

Seven years ago Zach was born at Bannock Regional with a full head of red hair. The nurses combed a part down the middle and smoothed it over. It was so cute! He was such an easy baby kinda like he is today.

Zach got to have a friends party this year at Outer Limits. He didn't get one last year because I was just praying that Alivia wouldn't be born on his birthday! He invited friends from school and friends from our ward. They played and played and had a blast. It was fun. Here is the little cheeseball now (he's red from playing):

We love you Zach. Happy birthday!

Memorial Day

2009-05-27T17:18:00.010-06:00

This weekend we got to go up to the Blads cabin in Island Park. I'm not much of an outdoor-sy girl, but we had fun. We went into Yellowstone Park on Monday and saw lots of buffalo and elk. The boys loved it! We saw Old Faithful (which wasn't as big as I remember it) and spent lots of time with cousins. Zach earned his 'Junior Ranger' badge by completing activities throughout the park. We hiked around the Paint Pots. Then we called it a day. We were tired and sunburned, but we had fun. It's nice to get away and spend time with family and just relax, but sometimes
relaxing just makes you more tired!

First steps

2009-05-21T18:46:00.002-06:00

Well, it's official. Alivia is walking. Kinda crazy! I can't believe that she is old enough to walk! She looks so little toddling around. She is in to everything and is about driving me crazy. She's learned how to go down the stairs, which is great. No more tumbles. She's so much fun and we love having her here!

Life

2009-05-14T13:07:00.005-06:00

Well, life is finally getting back to normal. We are still in a mess downstairs since we got our carpet. I haven't made my way through everything yet. I got my computer back so I can finally post pictures, and I am done teaching Kindergarten. I did have a blast doing that. I miss teaching, but I love staying home with my little ones. It's hard working and keeping up with housework, callings and everything else.

So, here is my Mother's Day present:

I was so impressed with Gus. He hasn't been the best Mother's Day giver before (he has totally not gotten anything for me from the kids before), but I forgave him for his mistakes. I woke up and saw these cute pots on the table. The poem reads:

For Our Mother

In these pots you can see

Is some dirt and a seed like me.

So feed it, nourish it, and care for the seed in here,

And soon you will see the potential that lives in there.

So protect it from insects, bugs and bees,

So it can bloom where it is planted, just like me.

Gus had each little one paint a pot and then put their handprint on it. Gus said he then planted a whole pack of seeds in each one. They are so cute. The first thing I asked him was what blog he got the idea from! He totally wrote the poem himself (with a little help from his mom). I am so proud. The kids still talk about painting their pots. So cute! I'm so proud to be their mom!

Happy Anniversary Gus! (and me I guess)

2009-05-03T15:45:00.007-06:00

Today marks our 8th anniversary. People say that if you make it past 7 years, that you are lucky! So I feel lucky. We like to do presents to tie in the theme of whatever year it is. The 8th year is pottery/bronze. Gus took me to a ceramic shop here and we had the brilliant idea to do a bronze finish on our projects. I chose to do a frog, of coarse. Gus did a little nativity set because we collect them and this is one with a great memory behind it! I think they look like real metal!

I'm so lucky to be married to Gus. He is an awesome father and husband and I couldn't have asked for anyone better. I love him more today than I did 8 years ago. We've had good and bad times, but I wouldn't change them for anything in the world. I love you Gus!!

Thanks Uncle Sam!

2009-05-02T16:15:00.009-06:00

Yay! We have new carpet!
Okay, so I haven't been blogging for a while for two reasons: 1)we really have been busy with school and projects and life and 2) my computer crashed and we have to use our old computer and it won't read my memory card. I'm using my mother-in-law's to blog real fast.

This year with our tax return we decided to get new carpet. Well, I guess it really was my choice. I said since we got extra money for having the baby this year, I got to get what I wanted. Anyway, we got it throughout the whole upstairs. It's so nice to have the same throughout. The carpet in the bedrooms have never been changed since the house was built. The pad was so thin and worn that it was disintegrating and it was so bad. Here's pictures of the kids' rooms before and after. I'm so happy not to have blue carpet in Alivia's room anymore! So, thank you Uncle Sam!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-13T11:57:00.006-06:00

This weekend went by way too fast! We were so busy doing the Easter things, but it was so much fun. The kiddos got to do 2 egg hunts-one Saturday at the Blads and one yesterday at my parents. They had candy, sugar, candy, and sugar and went crazy! They loved spending time with their cousins.

This year I really felt rushed and didn't focus on what Easter really means. Things were so crazy and busy. I am so grateful for the true meaning of Easter. I love my Savior and am eternally grateful for His sacrifice that He made for us. Because of the sacrifice and the Resurrection, I can live with my family forever, and that is the greatest of all gifts. I love my family very much and love spending time with them!

Thoughts of a cart

2009-04-01T16:57:00.005-06:00

Here I sit all alone.

Not knowing where is my home.

I started at a grocery store,

Then rolled up a hill, then down one more.

Ended up on Eastridge and Hyde,

Cars would have to turn real wide.

Someone put me on the sidewalk,

Then Gus moved me by the rock.

I've been rained on,

Snowed on,

Hailed on, and more.

How am I going to get back to the store??

Where has March gone??

2009-03-30T21:11:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that there is only one more day left in March! Where did it go? I can't even remember if it came in like a lion or a lamb! I'm losing it. That is one bit of information that is really important!! I haven't had time to blog. We are still alive and kicking! I know this is way late, but on St. Patty's Day I actually did Alivia's hair:

I meant to post this earlier, but didn't get around to it. (It's a little shamrock in her hair.) We've been so busy with kids, church callings and sickness, that time just has slipped away! It's not going to slow down either. On Wednesday, I'm going to start subbing. Zach's teacher is having a baby and I am going to take her class for her maternity leave. I am so excited! I have really been missing teaching and it is only for 6 weeks and only in the mornings. My mother-in-law is going to watch the little two munchkins when Gus has to work. I think it will give me just the little taste of teaching that I have been craving! I've not done Kindergarten before; preschool, but not Kindergarten, so wish me luck!

9 months!

2009-03-06T16:24:00.004-07:00

Don't you just love it when your 6-year-old and the neighbor bring a dead bird INTO the house to show you?? Of course they said they didn't touch it, but scooped it onto a rock to carry it into the house. Please tell me this is normal and I don't have a son who is obsessed! It's in the garbage now and I keep wanting to gag. Gus will have to take that one out.

Anyway, Alivia had her 9 month check up today. She is 17 pounds and still in the 50th percentile for height. I had to make her 1 year check up for next time and I am quite sad! She can't be a year! Honestly, time flies and I am grateful for each moment I have with these munchkins!

Dogsitting

2009-02-28T10:26:00.006-07:00

I am forcing myself to post today. Yes, forcing. I spent all day yesterday reading an awesome book called Magyk and I soooo want to start the next book in the series. I checked out all three at the library. I haven't been this excited about a book since Fablehaven. I had to post because I actually had some cute stuff and I want everyone to know that I am not dead or really depressed because of my gray hair!

We got to dog sit my in-laws dog Cowboy while they went down to Utah for the last couple of days. My kids were in heaven. Cowboy is a great dog and so well behaved around kids. Here's some of their activities. They put him down for a nap because he was cold:

Last night they made crowns and put them on. Cowboy's wouldn't stay on his head so they made him a belt crown. I don't think he really liked it on, but he didn't complain. (Don't mind the dirty kitchen behind my kids-you're not supposed to be looking at that anyway).

Alivia's favorite part about having Cowboy here was all the extra food we just had lying around:

She ate more than her fair share. Gross I know, but my older sister once ate dog food and she was all right, right?

I found a gray hair today

2009-02-20T11:27:00.001-07:00

If this is what happens when you're 30, I'm going back to 29. I have nothing more to say!

2009-02-19T10:11:00.003-07:00

Do you have weeks where everything just flies by? That seems like this week. On top of it, I don't feel good and Alivia was puking last night. I long for the nights where I can sleep without being waken up 3 or 4 times!

Anyway, we got to spend the weekend in Island Park with our friends Spencer and Melanie. We got there on Saturday and left Monday. It was so nice to get away, but I didn't get to take a nap! That's the one thing on my list that didn't happen :( I only took one picture the whole time. I can't even believe it--only one! It's a good one though! We had a great time but wished that we could stay longer. Isn't that the way it always goes?

Strange..but true

2009-02-05T18:20:00.003-07:00

I know that every one's kids say the darnest things, but mine are sooooo weird! My kids have been sick with cough and runny noses. Parker doesn't like to see boogers on anyone or he starts to gag. Zach had some on his nose and Parker started to gag. Here's our conversation:

Parker: Mom(gag), Zach(choke) has(gurgle) boogers!
Mom: Zach, blow your nose.
Zach: Why, you eat your boogers, Parker.
Parker: Yeah, but not your boogers.

Here's an example of what kids' minds really pick up. We were practicing Zach's spelling words:

Mom: 'We'...We are the Blads.
Zach: w-i-i (in all seriousness)
Mom: WHAT???!!

I hope all school children don't spell we like the video game! Help us all!

Set of 3

2009-01-29T10:25:00.002-07:00

My sister dubbed me the queen of tags. Here's another one. My sis-in-law sent this one to me via email and I am adapting it to the blogging world. I hope this gets some new posts on my favorite blogs to read!

Three Names I go by
1. Mel
2. Mom
3. Suey (lovingly given by Gus)

Three Jobs I have had in my life
1. Pizza Maker Extraordinaire
2. Teacher
3. Mom

Three Places I have lived
1. Rigby
2. Rexburg
3. Pocatello

Three TV Shows that I watch
1. Psych
2. Monk
3. My Name Is Earl

Three places I have been
1. Alaska
2. Nauvoo
3. Disneyland

Three of my favorite foods
1. Chicken Parmigana
2. Costco cupcakes
3. Fish

Three things I am looking forward to
1. Vacation somewhere
2. Summer
3. Gus finally being done with school

Okay, I tag all who read this and I will be checking your blogs to see if you have done my tag!!!

On the move

2009-01-27T13:30:00.008-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted for awhile. My laptop has a broken space bar and it is ever infuriating to try to type. So, for now, I am using the old laptop to type, and the other one to load pictures on. Enough about that. Here at the Blads, we haven't been up to much. The other day, the boys got to play with their cousins. For dinner they had pizza from Costco and Costco cupcakes for dessert. They thought they were in heaven! Here is them in the kitchen doing a cheer about Costco. It went something like this "Costco pizza is the best in the world" then they would break. It was funny. I should pitch the idea to the big-wigs at Costco and make millions.
In the meantime, Alivia has been VERY busy. She is now crawling. Actual hand/knee coordination and not just scooting. I have to keep the floor clean or everything goes in her mouth. She also is pulling herself up to everything. And, she cut her first tooth last week. I tried to get a picture, but it is still just poking out and she wouldn't hold still! Here she is on the move:

January Blues

2009-01-12T16:48:00.004-07:00

I've always disliked January. It is a long month. We get restless. We get bored. We get on each other's nerves. It's usually cold (although today has been nice). The boys entertain themselves with activities such as:

Alivia is their novelty toy. She's mine also. I like to try to pretend I can do her hair:

All in all we're just hanging out. Any fun suggestions?

More photoshopping

2009-01-07T14:19:00.005-07:00

Here are Zach and Parker's Christmas pictures that I goofed around with the ever-frustrating photoshop!

PSE

2009-01-05T17:32:00.002-07:00

Okay, I'm new at this, so just go along with me. About a month ago I got Photo Shop Elements as an early birthday present. It was on sale at Costco plus we had a $30 off coupon. I just have to say that it is a difficult and frustrating program to learn. I wanted it to do digital scrapbooking. It came with no manual or instructions. I found an awesome website called Shabby Princess. Fun site! Anyway, here is my first attempt at photoshopping. I would like put more journaling on the pages, but that will all come with time!

Christmas

2008-12-27T09:03:00.008-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Ours was snowy and warm! We opened presents and then later that afternoon we went and saw Bedtime Stories. It's a really cute movie! Here are some pictures of the kids. Parker was throwing a fit...but what else is new! After that he was fine and the kids did a great job of taking turns opening up presents. Zach got a Spiderman computer and a police dress up uniform. Parker got Diego train set and Alivia got diapers and clothes! Mom and Dad got a new fridge that's not here yet. At one point after all was said and done, Zach was playing with Parker's toy, Parker was playing with Alivia's toy and Alivia was chewing on paper. Crazy day!

6 monther

2008-12-17T14:07:00.004-07:00

Alivia is sadly 6 months old now. Seriously, where does the time go? She weighs 16 pounds exactly and is 25" long. She's in the 50th percentile for everything, so she's just normal. She is staring to scoot around everywhere and it's a job keeping little boys' little toys away from her. I am sad to report that she doesn't have any more hair and we still don't know if it will be red or not! She is really easy going and we love having her here!

There's 'snow' fun like sled fun

2008-12-15T08:00:00.009-07:00

Because we got the first taste of winter this weekend, my kids had to pull out their winter gear and go sledding. We got a new sled at Costco (love that store) that is really light weight. I guess we're kinda lucky to have our own hill in our backyard. Alivia really didn't like being outside and I don't blame her! Parker went tobogganing down the hill without the sled and Zach couldn't get enough. He stayed out until his cheeks were rosey.

Now, if you read my sister's nasty comment in my last post, I do have some news. I am NOT pregnant, as I think she might have led some to believe. No,not for a long time. Anyway, I got a new calling at church. I am the new Young Women's president. I am really out of my comfort zone with this one. Although I love new challenges, this one is really overwhelming! I'm just glad that I have my mother-in-law and sister-in-law who also have callings in YW to help me. I told our bishop that he just threw me in head first without getting me feet wet! I am excited and nervous and overwhelmed and apprehensive, but I know it will all work out!

Christmas Tag

2008-12-09T19:17:00.003-07:00

Okay, I know that I do a lot of tags, but I think they are fun. Here is a fun Christmas one. Come play along:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, who can beat a $15 after Christmas clearance!
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime after New Year's
5. Do you like eggnog? Absolutely
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie Dolls and all accessories
8. Easiest person to buy for? Zach
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes-our tree is done in nativities and I have ones in my curio cabinet
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Underwear
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story--that's a no brainer
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In November
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Pumpkin rolls
16. Lights on the tree? One billion white ones! My husband likes lights! They burn my eyes!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary Did You Know?
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open pajamas on Christmas Eve and everything else on Christmas morning.
22. Favorite Christmas Tradition? Getting cereal on Christmas morning
23. Favorite ornament, theme or color? Gus made an ornament with his Dremel the first Christmas we had Zach. It's way cute.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Ham and twice baked potatoes.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A new fridge

I now tag Jenn, Heidi, Becky, Jayne Ann, Melanie, Bonnie, Janet, Felicia and anyone else who wants to play!

Chicken's Heads

2008-12-01T11:48:00.006-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are a chicken running around with your head cut off? No direction? A million things to do? I guess a beheaded chicken really wouldn't have much to do, but that's beside the point! We've been busy this weekend. Here's a run down. We had a great Thanksgiving at my parent's house. It was so good to see Jenn and her family! Here is a pic of me and my sisters and parents:

We came home and I did go shopping at 5:00 on Black Friday. I went to Wal-Mart to get a Leapster for Parker. I picked up a few extras. It really wasn't bad and I got what I wanted so that's a good thing. It wasn't as fun going by myself though. Then we decorated for Christmas. Gus has to have a lot of lights on our Christmas tree. I think we put on at least 1200 lights. When we were decorating I had to turn off the lights because it seriously was burning my eyes!!

Yesterday we had a little party for Parker because he is turning 3 on Tuesday!!! I can hardly believe it! What a little ham! He had a Diego birthday cake. He got his own Leapster (the one I sacrificed my sleep f0r). He also got lots of fun toys and clothes. Here's some pictures (notice the glowing tree in the background? Does it hurt your eyes too??)

This week my friend Stacey and I are doing some craft fairs. Thursday and Friday we will be at the hospital and Saturday we will be at Hawthorne Jr. High in Pocatello. If you are around, come and check us out! We also have our ward party on Friday and since I am Activities Chairman, I have to get that all put together. So, do you see what I am saying about chickens? Crazy madness!

8 things tag

2008-11-18T11:47:00.005-07:00

Before my tag, I just want to say that it is Tuesday and so far so good, knock on wood!! I'm feeling good and things seem normal. Soooo...my sil Bonnie tagged me with the fun tag. I love tags because you learn so much about people.

"8 things" tag

8 favorite TV shows:
1- Psych
2-Monk
3-Pushing Daisies
4-My Name is Earl
5-Hereos
6-Anything on HGTV
7-Phineas and Ferb (yes, I watch cartoons)
8-Law and Order SVU

8 things I did yesterday
1-Went to water aerobics
2-Started laundry (it's still not done)
3-Went to Wal-Mart
4-Fed the baby, fed the baby, fed the baby
5-Dropped off car at mechanic
6-Made dinner
7-Refused to eat at McDonald's
8-Took a shower

8 things I'm looking forward to
1-Thanksgiving (I get to see my entire Jones side family!!)
2-Christmas
3-Parker turning 3!!
4-Sleeping through the night
5-Ward Christmas party being over
6-Black Friday
7-Craft fair
8-My 30th b-day (just kidding, I'm doing my 29th over again)

8 things on my wish list
1-New fridge
2-New stove
3-New carpet
4-Dropping 30 pounds
5-My baby will start sleeping through the night
6- They will make Dr. Pepper an IV drip
7-Eventually buying a house around the IF area
8-Peace on Earth, Good will to men (I couldn't think of anything else)

And now I tag Heidi, Jayne Ann, Becky, Melanie, Jennifer and the others Bonnie already tagged! Have fun

Tuesdays

2008-11-11T17:20:00.002-07:00

I have come to really dislike Tuesdays! It seems weird things happen. I got in a small accident on a Tuesday 2 months ago, I was sick with the stomach flu 2 weeks ago and today I am battling a bad bout of mastitis. Not very fun. Today my mind has been wandering in my hallucination state. I am so grateful for a lot of things! I know Thanksgiving is still awhile away, but I am so grateful for modern medicine. I could be dead if I wasn't on antibiotics! I don't want to be dead. I'm also so grateful for my wonderful husband who took over all the duties of mom and dad today. He is playing Monopoly Jr. with the boys. I know, he's starting them early! Gus loves Monopoly and has a collection! I'm also grateful for Egyptian cotton sheets because they make being in bed all day almost bearable! I know I'm rambling now, so I'll stop.

Kitchen

2008-11-04T10:29:00.014-07:00

Okay Heidi, you are the most impatient person I know...scratch that, the 2nd most impatient person I know (I'm the first). After a long time of planning and saving our tax return money, we finally redid our kitchen. It was actually out of necessity since my old sink faucet eroded and started leaking. We didn't go all out, but we did replace the counter tops, sink, floor and cabinet doors that were costume built by my brother-in-law, Jory. We added counter space on the other side of the fridge and got rid of our light pergo that showed everything! Here are some before and after shots:

I had to do a close-up of the doors. They are wonderful. My most favorite thing about my kitchen now is my new sink. I love it. It is so roomy and wonderful. We want a new fridge and stove, but that will have to wait until we have the money to replace the old ones. Thanks to everyone who made this possible (mostly Gus and Jory and Heidi for painting!!)

Oh, and DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

Halloween

2008-10-31T21:12:00.005-06:00

I'm so glad it's over! As we sit here with our bowl overfilling with candy, our stomachs are aching (except the kids, they're bouncing off the walls from the sugar) I am breathing a sigh of relief. Zach and Parker were hunters this year and Alivia was their duck. I have to post this pic, just because I think it is so stinking funny. Zach just had to have one with him pretending to shoot the duck. What makes it funny is that Alivia totally looks like she is playing dead (the sun was just in her eyes)!

Gus was taking them around for trunk-or-treating at the church. A dentist was handing out little tubes of toothpaste. Parker looked in his bucket, saw it, took it out, handed it back to him and said "I don't want this!" Gus took it for him and snuck it back in this bucket. Parker took it out and kept trying to give it away. What a ham! I've decided that we worked a lot harder for our candy when I was little. All in all, it was a good Halloween, and we actually had decent weather for once!

2008-10-27T13:44:00.004-06:00

Okay, I know, 2 posts in a day. I really have other things to do, but I'm not doing them!! Here is an ABC tag the my lovely sis Heidi tagged me with:

A-Attached or Single? Attached and happily married
B-Best Friend? Gus
C-Cake or Pie? Cake all the way, not a fan of pie crust
D-Day of Choice? Sunday, I really don't worry about doing anything but being with my family
E-Essential Item? Dr. Pepper, my baby's still not sleeping through the night
F-Favorite Color? Blue
G-Gummy Bears or Worms? Worms, it's cool biting off their little heads/or rear ends however you look at it!!
H-Hometown? Rigby
I-Indulgences? Ben & Jerry's Phish Food Ice Cream
J-January or July? January, it's my b-day
K-Kids? 3 little munchkins
L-Life Is Incomplete Without? My fam
M-Marriage Date? May 3, 2001
N-Number of Siblings? 3 sisters
O-Oranges or Apples? Apples
P-Phobias or Fears? I am afraid of mice and going blind!
Q-Quotes? "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured" -Gordon B. Hinckley
R-Reason to Smile? Hearing what comes out of my boy's mouths
S-Season? Fall
T-Tag 5 People? Bonnie, Felicia, Becky, Melanie, Janet (and Jenn, but Heidi already tagged you)
U-Unknown Fact? I can't bake- I always screw up cookies and things like that. Alton Brown once said that baking is a science and everything has to be perfect. I hate science!!
V-Very Favorite Store? Anywhere, if I have money
W-Worst Habit? Never finishing laundry, it's always in a basket
X-X-Ray or Ultrasound? X-Ray. Ultrasound means your probably pregnant and that is something I don't want to go back to!!
Y-Your Favorite Food? Fried halibut-fresh (my mouth is watering at the moment)
Z-Zodiac? Capricorn

Soccer Season

2008-10-27T11:44:00.006-06:00

I as thought about what to post, I realized that I had not posted any pictures of Zach playing soccer. His team was the Green Three-Headed Dragons. Sounds totally like 6 and 7 years made that name up! There were quite a few kids on this team this year. They actually learned how to play positions and weren't all running for the ball. It was great fun to watch.

Last week we were really busy. I am the activities chairman so I have to plan and prepare our ward party with my committee. We had dinner and a carnival. The kids loved it. Gus and Parker were also sick with some stomach stuff, so that wasn't fun. Tonight we are carving pumpkins. It just seems Halloween should be over by now!! It is not one of my favorite holidays. Teaching ruined it for me!

Bald babies and Bowling balls

2008-10-16T13:33:00.007-06:00

Alivia had her 4 month check up on Monday. Yes, Heidi, I know what you are thinking. I am behind on posting. Anyway, she weighs 15 lbs and 1 oz. She is almost 27 inches which makes her in the 90th percentile for height. We have no idea where that came from. She is so fun and developing her own little personality. And yes, she still is very much bald. I love bows and headbands to solve that problem. I have to admit that she has been my easiest baby. But, I guess she was my hardest pregnancy, so it all works out--for now anyway! We love you Livvy!

On Saturday we went out with our friends Spencer and Melanie and went bowling. I really am not good at bowling, but we had fun anyway. I beat Zach by only 2 pins--that tells you how good I am! I love watching the kids bowl because their ball slowly makes it to the end and slowly knocks over pins! I love the picture of Parker and his tighty whities showing!

Busy, busy

2008-10-08T19:05:00.003-06:00

Okay, sorry that I haven't posted for a while. Last week was extremly busy! My sil Felicia arranged that we paint the inside of my in-laws house for their Christmas present. It's hard to know what to get them, so we all jumped at the chance. We put in money and time and painted their living room, kitchen, and dining room. Gus and I went out Monday and Tuesday and helped take down wallpaper and wash walls. Then everyone came on Wednesday night, Thursday, and Friday to paint. Sometimes it was chaos, especially with up to 20 kids there at one time! Anyway, it turned out so good! It was a lot of work, but it was all worth it. I am so lucky to say that I have awesome in-laws and love spending time with them! View some pictures here.

Gus

2008-10-01T12:26:00.013-06:00

Gus had his 29th birthday on Saturday. I know..he is so old! Here is a top ten list of things that we love about Gus: (with help from Zach and Parker)

10- His sense of humor

9- His wallet (Parker's answer)

8- How he teaches the gospel. (Zach)

7- How he plays with us. (Zach & Parker)

6- He is a handy man (although plumbing is not his forte)

5- He loves to shop! (We fight about who gets to go out the day after Thanksgiving!)

4- He cleans my house and does laundry.

3- He always looks at the glass half full.

2- He tries new things.

1- He always puts his family first.

We love you, Gus!!

We got to spend the weekend in Island Park for his birthday. It was so beautiful there. My parents, in-laws, and sisters all got to be there with us. We had so much fun riding 4 wheelers and little dirt bikes. We also went to Big Springs and on a picnic at Red Rock. Thanks everyone for a fun time!!

She can't grow up!!

2008-09-24T10:21:00.007-06:00

I've decided that Alivia can't ever grow up. Partly because I love babies and partly because if she stays a baby, then I won't ever have to be pregnant again to get another baby! Anyway, Livvy started rolling over. The boys absolutely love watching her do it. It's like a novelty toy that does tricks!! Here's some pics:

We love her so much and glad that she is part of our family!

Premiers

2008-09-19T17:09:00.007-06:00

Okay, it's premier time on TV! Starting Monday, my DVR is full of shows to record! I am so excited. Gus and I watch our shows after the kids go to bed. They are coming just in time since Monk and Psych are done 'til January. Here are some of our faves:

Heroes had such a short-lived season last year because of the writer's strike. Hailey was the one who got us hooked on this show. It's great, and I am so excited about the new season!

This is our new favorite show. You really have to be in the white-trash frame of mind to watch it. For anyone who watches it regularly--I laugh every time I hear "Time After Time" and think of when Randy sang it in Spanish: "Spanish, spanish, spa-an-nish". I just about peed my pants!

I love watching this show because it gives me some motivation. I need all I can get right now! I love seeing people change for the better and there are some really good tips. I have to admit that I like the drama that come with it too!

Those are our favorites. We are also wanted to watch Pushing Daisies and Knight Rider. Do you have any shows that you think we should see?

Alaska

2008-09-15T11:33:00.006-06:00

Gus got to go up and spend last week fishing in Alaska with his dad. I guess it was his early b-day present! It was 10 years ago that he last went with his dad and that is when we met. Time flies. He was feeling pretty bad for leaving us for a week, but I absolutely LOVE fish. Then he was nervous that he wouldn't end up with any, but they came back with about 100 pounds of fish each. We have some halibut, some rockfish, and lots of salmon. I am sooooooo excited! If anyone has any great recipes for fish, please let me know. Gus hooked lots of shark and that is what the boys thought he was bringing back! We really missed him last week and sure are glad that he is back!

Fruits

2008-09-11T13:28:00.007-06:00

Okay, here are some "fruits" of my day.

Fruit of my labor:

In order to make room in my freezer for some fresh Alaskan fish (story to follow later) I had to empty out a 5-gallon bucket of frozen raspberries. My wonderful father had frozen these for me 2 summers ago. I had every intention of making jam then, but just forgot. Anyway, I made 6 batches of jam and there it is (minus the 2 that I gave to Laura). I don't want to put it back in my freezer because of the fish thing, so I guess I will start taking bids!!

Fruit of the Loom:

We went to Fred Meyer's the other day and bought official big boy underwear for Parker. He picked out Diego and Cars underwear (surprise, surprise). Here he is modeling it. Zach had to be in the picture too! He is about 80%-ish potty trained. We still have to use a Pull-up for naps and bedtime and it is always a battle to get him to go poop. Don't they have the cutest little Blad-bums??

Tender moments

2008-09-07T21:15:00.005-06:00

Today before church we were in the kitchen. We've got the really nasty 1:00 church. The boys were all dressed up in their suits and ties for church and I was making dessert (yes, I cooked a Sunday dinner complete with a really yummy lemon cheesecake). Anyway, I heard Zach tell Parker to lay down on the floor. He did and then Zach placed his hands on Parker's head and said "By the authority I bless you that you will do good in school. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I was trying so hard not to laugh. I don't know if that is sacrilegious or anything, but it was so cute. When Zach started school this year, Gus gave him a father's blessing. He blessed him that he would do well in school and learn what he needs to. I am so thankful that my husband is a worthy priesthood holder and honors it. I told Gus that he is a great role model! I love my boys!

Reality

2008-09-05T20:31:00.005-06:00

My sis Heidi tagged anyone who read her post to take pictures of their REALITY. Since I am an avid blogger now, I will accept this challenge! Well here is mine: (I really debated whether I wanted to post this pic of Parker)

I censored it for family viewing. My REALITY is that I hate potty training enough that I just let him run around outside naked! At least he is not peeing in his diaper. It even got bad enough that he was playing outside tonight with only his Pull-up on! Yes, in front of neighbors who drove by thinking that we are total white trash!! I finally did make him put clothes on when I finished nursing and dinner and everything else!! But the thing is that I let him outside in front of people like that!

My other REALITY is my room. I cannot keep the area around the TV clean:

This area is such a catch all and I am so embarrassed by it. I just don't do anything about it because no one can see it unless they enter my room and look behind them! My REALITY is that we have too much junk!!

I now tag anyone who reads this to post their REALITY. We are only human after all!!

Fair Fun

2008-09-04T11:05:00.005-06:00

We went to the famous Eastern Idaho State Fair on Monday. It had just rained and it was wet and muddy, but the same ol' fair! We went through and saw the animals first. Parker didn't even want to get out of the stroller. He was mad because the guy at the gate gave him a stamp on his hand and he did not like that! Then we met up with Mom, Dad, Holly, Kris, and Kaiden and did the best thing at the fair--EAT! I love going with a lot of people then you can taste all different kinds of food and not eat the whole thing. We had foot long corn dogs, hamburgers, scone bites, tiger ears, funnel cakes, cotton candy, lemonade, carmel apples and my favorite--cinnamon glazed almonds. That sounds like a lot of food that is not good for me, but I only tasted from others (except that foot long corn dog was all mine) and it only comes once a year!

6 Quirks

2008-08-29T10:49:00.004-06:00

I've been tagged by my friend Becky to post 6 quirks about myself. I asked Gus last night to help me think of some and he wouldn't shut up, just kidding. Here are some things that you may or may not know about me.

1- I HATE my feet being touched and I hate people's feet touching me (not too much cuddling going on in my bed!) I think it all stems back to my big sis popping my toes when I was little. Yes Jen, I am blaming this one on you!

2- I have to have things symmetrical. From pictures on my wall to things on my counter, they all have to be balanced. I even tell people that 3 kids are good because it is symmetrical. One in the middle with one on each side!

3- My kitchen has to be clean before I go to bed. This one is from my mom. I was kinda bad at this when I was pregnant, but it has gotten better. I can't sleep knowing my kitchen is dirty.

4- I put salt on my ham fried rice. Yes, we can say so-di-um, but it is so much better than soy sauce and so tasty! Try it some time.

5- Everything of mine is one the right. I didn't realize this until I got married, but I am very 'right'. Haha. If you look at our bed, I sleep on the right. If you look at our closets, mine is on the right. My stuff is in the right side of the medicine cabinet. I pack things in the right side of a suitcase. Weird, huh?

6- I love the smell of dirt and even craved it when I was pregnant with Alivia. I love when they plow fields and I can smell the wet dirt. I think this goes back to my childhood when I did a little more than make mud pies!

Okay, now I tag Heidi, Jen, Holly(who needs her own blog), Bonnie, Melanie M., Lois, Janet, Laura, Darlyn, Felicia, Hailey and Elaine!

How to get help at Wal-mart

2008-08-26T16:44:00.004-06:00

From my experience today, here is a sure fire way to get employees to help a customer for a 5:1 ration.

1. Get a quart of paint--apple red to match my kitchen for touch up.
2. Have lady mix it, dry it and tap on the lid.
3. Put in cart in the child seat because it is empty (children are with dad at home, yea!)
4. Do some more shopping in fabric section.
5. Get some material cut.
6. Put material in cart and start to push.
7. Watch as the red paint slides through the leg hole of the child seat and watch it fall to the floor, spilling all of its contents as it lands upside down.
8. Silently curse under your breath and tell the lady it spilled.
9. Have lady call in help over the page system so everyone in Wal-Mart knows that there is a major spill in fabrics.
10. Blush with embarrassment as 5 employees quickly gather around to help. Help clean up the globs of paint.

Guaranteed to get employees around you in 3 minutes or less! Welcome to Wal-Mart!!!

Summer

2008-08-25T20:05:00.004-06:00

Since our summer is finally winding down (and it has been a very busy one), I thought it would be fun to show our summer in pictures. So, here you go, the Gus Blad family summer in 30 seconds (give or take a few).

Zach's First Day

2008-08-22T13:09:00.004-06:00

Okay, Heidi, here is a new post. So demanding! Have you noticed that since we've been blogging we haven't talked on the phone as much? We are turning into introverts and won't know how to communicate with people face to face!

Anyway, Zach started school today. Yesterday was the first day in the district, but Kindergartners had orientation. Zach was supposed to be going to Tendoy, but there were too many kids and so they had the overflow go to an afternoon session at Syringa. I honestly don't know how Zach was part of that overflow, but oh well. This district is messed up. Laura works at Syringa and pulled some strings to get us into a morning class. I am so glad she did! His teacher is Mrs. Swan and seems really cool.

We took him over today and when we left, Parker was crying. He wanted Zach to come with us. It was kinda hard leaving my oldest in the hands of strangers. I kept worrying about him. Would he find good friends? Would he be alone? Who would he play with? I shouldn't have worried because when we picked him up, he was saying good bye to his buddies in his class. He's just like Gus! I signed up for PTA and was put in charge of Teacher Appreciation. If anyone has ideas, let me know! I think it will be a good year for Zach and give me the chance to be involved in school again!

I Have Some Good News

2008-08-18T12:02:00.006-06:00

Last night Zach was laying on the couch at my in-law's while we were on the floor playing Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? on the computer (we are not smarter than a 5th grader), when Zach pops up and says "I have some good news!" We looked at him and blood is coming out of his mouth and he says "I lost a toof". He lost his front tooth! Now he really is talking funny. I didn't realize how true that song 'All I Want For Christmas' is until I heard him talk. He's funny.

My good news this week is that I don't live in a pink house anymore! Yeah!! I also haven't had to change a Parker poopy diaper in 3 days now. I don't know which one I am more excited about! Anyway, we painted our house last week. Gus really did a great job. He thought it would only take a day or two, but we will have touch-ups to do. Brian and Laura came and their kids came and helped on Monday night. If it weren't for them, we probably would still be painting! Thanks guys! Here is a before and after picture:

At one time there was white, pink and brown on the house and it totally looked like neapolatin ice cream! I'm just glad that our brown didn't turn pink. Thanks to the Columbia paint man for that one! It was a busy week.

Babies Don't Keep

2008-08-14T12:30:00.003-06:00

I found this way cute saying on one of my sister's friend's blog.

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,
For Babies grow up,
I've learned, to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs.
Dust, go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby,
and babies don't keep.

Alivia had her 2 month checkup yesterday. Can you believe it?? 2 months!! Time flies when you're not pregnant! She weighs 12 lbs 8 oz which is in the 90th percentile. Her height is also in the 90th percentile. I don't know where that came from! She is such a special baby. We love having her in our family.

Potty Training a Dog???

2008-08-12T20:48:00.004-06:00

Tonight I was sweeping my kitchen floor after dinner (okay, not really right after dinner; it was after I had gone to JoAnn Fabrics after dinner, found some cute stuff...but that's another story). Parker was playing with a stuffed dog, one of those Fur Real things, and he said that he peeed on him. He ran to the bathroom and I heard the toliet lid open. I grabbed my camera and snuck in on him. Here is what I found:

The little munchkin was making his dog go potty--even the right way. This is so frustrating to me because it has been an uphill battle trying to potty train him (Parker, not the dog). He is just not interested, but apparently he totally understands the whole poop and pee thing. I am just short of letting Parker run around naked so he will go in the toliet, but knowing him he will find a little corner and do his business and not do it in the toliet. ARGGGHHH!!! Any helpful hints will sure be appreciated! I guess I've successfully potty trained a stupid toy dog. Forget about the 2 year old!

Dr. Pepper Days

2008-08-08T13:30:00.004-06:00

I will be the first to admit that I love Dr. Pepper way too much. It's sad when I know who has the best (K&B on Hiline) and worst (Maverick on Poline) fountain drinks in town. I seem to have more of the wonderful nectar of life on stressful days. Yesterday was a big Dr. Pepper day. Parker was stressing me out to the max. He was fighting me on everything from breakfast to potty to shoes (can we say hormonal, or is this too early????) I went up to Rigby to see my family and pick raspberries. I got there and was locked out of my parent's house which added to my stress. I had four kids (I had my niece with us) in a hot car after traveling for an hour. Anyway, my sister Holly (who needs to start her own blog) got me a big 44 ouncer from Stop & Go and it really saved my life. Okay, not literally, but it probably saved my kids' lives! Thanks Holly (who needs to start her own blog)! Love ya sis'!

We miss Zach!

2008-08-06T10:29:00.003-06:00

Every year my in-laws do a cousins camp for the grandkids 5 years and older. Zach has been gone since Monday and let me tell you, I don't realize how much he helps me! Parker is even feeling the effects. Last night I was helping him say our family prayers. I said "Please bless Zach will be safe". Parker just grew really quiet, then you should have seen the look on his face. Yes I was peeking! He started to cry big crocodile tears and said "I miss Zach!" That was the end of our prayers. He didn't even stop crying for Zach until he went to sleep! We love Zach!!!

Reunions, reunions, and rubies

2008-08-05T16:33:00.007-06:00

Well, we kept very busy this weekend to say the least. We started out down by Logan for the Carl Blad reunion. That is Gus's grandpa. We represented the Merlin Blad family sporting our green shirts (thanks Janet, they were great!) There was lots of good food and good fun. Here is a picture of us who where there:

We then went to the Browning reunion. This is my grandmother's side. My grandma, June, and her sister Joylene are the only living children of my great-grandpa. It was great to see everyone there. Alivia got her middle name from my grandma. Here is a pic of them together:

Finally, last night we went out for my mom and dad's 40th wedding anniversary. The 40th anniversary is the ruby, so we met at Ruby River Steakhouse and ate. We were sealed together 9 years ago, so next year we will have to really do something fun!
Love ya' Mom and Dad!!

Give a 6 year old a camera....

2008-07-30T11:20:00.006-06:00

You know the old saying, catch a fish and feed a man for a day, teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime? Well, I learned this just doesn't have to do with food, but it applies to 6 year olds as well. Zach was playing around with our old camera this morning. Take a picture, have only one-teach him how, and have some fun (for about an hour, entertains little brothers too!) Here are some of his masterpieces...

Baby in Animals

Brownie in the Sun

Brother on counter

Copyrighted 2008, Zach Blad, Zach Blad Enterprises

I Did It!

2008-07-29T19:19:00.002-06:00

Well, I never thought that I would, but here it is--a inner view of my not-so-glamorous life. A word of warning to anyone reading this blog (most of you know me anyway) I won't pretend that everything is sugar and spice! Nope, snips and snails for us. With three kids, I could very well lose my mind. Although my doctor passed me off today for not being depressed at my six week appointment. Yeah! We take things one day at a time around here. Our success for the day- Parker pooped in the potty. Our stress-Alivia pooped all out her diaper. Glamorous, no, but ya gotta love it!