The Planetarium

We has so much fun at the Clark Planetarium.

 My brother & sister in law gave us a year long membership for Christmas so we headed downtown a couple weekends ago to check it out. The family membership was up to five people so I was able to get Ashleigh's best friend, Kylee on our membership. 

We watched the move, Black Holes, in the dome theater. Unlike a regular movie theater, the screen is actually on the ceiling. The graphics were amazing, although three of us ended up with headaches. As the stars and universe kept rotating, I got dizzy and had to close my eyes a few times.

We decided the dome theater was pretty cool, but we will only see the movies that we really, really, want to see. Otherwise, we will stick to the regular big screen theater they have.

 

After the movie, we looked at all the exhibits (which are great) and had a blast taking pictures in the Mars and the Moon scenes. Of course we wanted to try astronaut food so we got Neapolitan and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Surprisingly, it tasted exactly like the real thing, just with a very odd texture. 

Giant static ball

astronaut ice cream

Zero gravity on the moon!

Super strength on Mars!

  Trying to save Ashleigh from floating out into space... and Rusty laughing at us

I think we are going to go again this weekend.

Thankful Thursday

Of the many blessings I have, here are a few on my mind today:

• The people I work with. Due to red tape/rules/laws/regulations, I found out a few days ago, that I did not have a job to go back to after my leave of absence. I qualified for short term disability the entire eight weeks I was home. But when I got the call that my boss told me to expect, from our HR department, with the date I was returning to work, I was told I no longer had a position instead. To make a long story short, I applied online, had a phone interview, and was hired for my same position the very next day and went back to work the following day. People pulled a lot of strings for me and I feel very appreciated.
• iTunes U. A new application I found (on the computer & my ipad). It is a digital library filled with educational content from leading universities and other schools. I am currently learning courses from both Duke and Yale.
• Taxes. I love tax time! My federal taxes are done and filed. Bathroom remodel here we come!
• Grants. Since my taxes are done, I was able to file for a Federal Pell Grant with hopes of going back to school this Summer.
• Humane Society of Utah. Inexpensive vaccines for Copper & a bunch of super nice people.
• My new exercise room. (pictures coming soon)
• Food Dehydrator. We've never eaten so much kale in this house before! Kale chips and Zucchini are my new favorite snack.
• Lint roller. We have a dog now... need I say more?
• Square Trade. A warranty company. We bought a used washer from an appliance store that came with a free five month warranty. We bought it on our Discover Card so we are able to get a two year warranty for less than $75 (and cash back bonus haha). I'm still loving my new/old washer, it's so much better than all the bran new ones with the government restrictions.
• Charter Schools. Better than the average public school without the tuition fees of a private school. Keep your fingers crossed and keep us in your prayers that my kids get into the charter school we applied for next year. It's going to be the luck of the draw since applications are chosen by lottery.

Winter Swimming

What a fun night! Yesterday, the four of us spent the evening at the recreation center. (My mom gave us some passes to the Oquirrh Park Fitness Center for Christmas) The indoor pools have a fun play area, big whirlpool, diving boards, water basketball and even a water slide! We spent hours playing in the pool.

Rusty and I relaxed in the hot tub for a bit while the kids made a few more runs down the water slide before heading to the showers. Squeaky clean and chlorine free, we headed to the basketball courts. Rusty and Jackson played for a bit before Ashleigh and I joined in for a game of boys vs. girls. The girls lost... horribly, but it was super fun.

We stopped at Baskin Robbins on our way home for ice cream. We splurged and all got waffle cones. All this on a Friday night, so we still have the entire weekend to enjoy. What a great way to start it off.

Dehydrated Fruits & Veggies

I've had my mom's food dehydrator on loan for years with the hopes of using it often. Since these pictures show my first attempt at dehydrating, I'd say my plan failed...badly. Never the less, I am using it now. Sunflower Market had some great sales on fruit this week. Since we try not to buy snacks like chips, cookies, etc. anymore, I still wanted to have snacks around the house and to take to work. I used a few different  recipes I found online and put my own spin on them.

Bananas - soaked in a mixture of juice from one large lemon and agave nectar

Strawberries - just sliced

Kale - mixed with olive oil and a little sea salt

Apples - simply dusted with cinnamon

Zucchini - mixed with olive oil then garlic powder and sea salt

Fruit leather - couple handfuls  of strawberries, few slices of pineapple, orange and six blackberries in the blender with agave nectar to sweeten

I didn't measure anything just added things to taste. Everything turned out well. I was surprised that I actually liked the Kale chips. The zucchini turned out pretty oily so I spread them out on a paper towel for the night to soak up the extra olive oil and they were much better in the morning. I'm making another batch today so I tweaked things just a bit. I sprinkled the strawberries with just a little bit of sugar and added some Parmesan cheese to one tray of kale. Hopefully I will use it often now and keep trying new things. Ashleigh's taste is similar to mine so she will eat it, the trick is getting the boys on board too!

Thankful Thursday

Of the many blessings I have, here are few things I am thankful for today:

• The teachers in my kid's schools that love to teach, rather than the teachers that are just there for a paycheck
• Sunflower Market. Fruits & Veggies at great prices
• Carpet cleaner. I redesigned the game room after taking down the trampoline. I  didn't think it was possible for that carpet to get as clean as it did.
• Cambozola. A new cheese I discovered while at Sunflower Market, it is the most delicious cheese I've ever had...and I'm a sucker for good cheese.
• Heater. I'm remembering waking up to a freezing house when our furnace was broken last year.
• Random hugs, kisses and I love you's from my kids everyday
• Redbox. Love movie nights in front of the fireplace on these cold evenings. Movies for free or just a buck are great.
• Garage. I am designated chauffeur for the house and it sure is nice that I never have to scrape frost off my windows in the morning.
• Time. Looking at the clock and it's not as late as I thought it was.

Good morning

Cold winter morning,

fire in the fireplace,

music playing,

scented candle burning,

laundry washing,

dinner in the crockpot,

all before breakfast

I could get used to this.

Ashleigh's Birthday

My baby girl is 14! With a huge party last year when she officially became a teenager, this year was a more low key family celebration at home. Rusty and I filled Ashleigh's bedroom with balloons after she went to sleep the night before her birthday. We covered the floor and tossed some onto the canopy over her bed. I was worried she would wake up in the middle of the night and get scared of some ominous shapes looming overhead but all worked well and it was a fun surprise to wake up to on her birthday!

She got to open one gift in the morning before school (a set of earnings). She didn't ask for a single thing for her birthday since she got what she really wanted a couple weeks ago for Christmas. (a keyboard and a pair of boots she had her eye on for months)

Without thinking about it, I had cooked one of her favorite meals the night before (I should have waited for her birthday dinner) so for dinner that night we did fast food. Boy oh boy did we do fast food. She listed quite a few things, from different restaurants that sounded good. With it being her birthday and all, I mean, a girl only turns 14 once, I told her we could stop at all of them!

1 chili cheese dog from Wienerschnitzel

1 crispy bean burrito from Tacotime

1 order of fries, animal style, from In-N-Out burger

1 large drink, horchata, from Betos

She opened the rest of her gifts when we got home.  She got t-shirts, scarves, makeup, hair accessories and jewelry. Surely things that a 14 year old fashion conscience girl can't get enough of.

We finished the birthday celebration with strawberry cake, chocolate frosting & sparkler candles. Yum.

 I hope you have a fantastic year sweetheart.

Thankful Thursday

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I count my blessings, both large and small, everyday and I have a lot to be thankful for.  Here are just a few things on my mind today:

• Washing Machine - Ours had been broken for over a month. I've never been so happy to do laundry in my life. 
• Downy - The best fabric softener ever. The scent of freshly laundered clothes & linens is blissful 
• Crock pot - Easy to prepare, easy to clean up, delicious and different meals for days with a little creativity.
• Salt - It melts ice and keeps us from breaking our neck when everything is frozen.
• Puppy Love - I've never had a puppy before Copper.  There is something magical about a sweet little four legged creature curling up on your lap to sleep.
• Fast Food - As big of an advocate as I am for healthy eating, my family has eaten out quite a bit this last month. Cheep and no effort. Good thing I am feeling better and back in the kitchen again.
•  Knit hat - Cute, keeps my head warm and hides the fact that most mornings over this last month I just slipped on shoes a coat and did not do my hair in the mornings while chauffeuring people to school & work.
• Whipped Cream - Turns a regular cup of hot chocolate or coffee into something really special. Especially sprinkled with cinnamon or drizzled with a little chocolate syrup.
• Ipad - Ultra convenient mini personal computer. Read books, watch movies, take pictures or videos, etc.
• Humidifier - Loving the awesome one I got last month, adding moisture to our super dry winter air. 

Back to the grind.

Work. I am dreading going back on Monday. I have been on short term disability since the first of December with a wicked case of pneumonia. Six weeks at home. I am thrilled to be feeling better. Let me repeat that... THRILLED that I am feeling better. Even though I have been home recovering and not a whirlwind of productivity it has been nice to be home.

The company I work for is fantastic. The department I work in is the toughest in the entire company. It can be stressful but I am good at what I do and it can be very rewarding. It is not a bad job. I have been there for over five years now. But, with that said... I am dreading going back to work. I am feeling jealous of all the Mommies that get to say home everyday. I know quite a few. I know I deserve it just as much. I hate feeling jealous. HATE IT.

I made myself some inspirational notes to put up in my cubicle. Think it will help? I need an attitude change. I need to take a big girl pill and get over it.

Mr. & Mrs. Jerrick Gober

My little brother Jerrick married his sweetheart Sierra back in December. They are adorable together, and have some great adventures. We absolutely love her and I'm happy to have her as my sister!

The decor was beautiful. A winter wonderland that was warm and cozy. Sierra was breathtaking. I cried when I saw the look on my brother's face as his bride walked down the isle. I was teary eyed the entire ceremony. 

 

 

The food was delicious, I was craving more for days. The toast by the best man was perfect and one I will never forget. It was a total party and we danced the night away. All eyes were on Jackson throughout the night as he busted out dance moves I didn't even know he had.

 

I've never seen men fight over the garter toss like they did at the wedding! It was hysterical and I caught the bouquet!

 

Jerrick & Sierra had a sparkler send off, it was magical.

After the wedding & reception Rusty, Ashleigh, Jackson and I headed back to our hotel room. It was close to midnight so we stopped for some snacks to take back with us. I had been struggling with pneumonia and was so thankful I was able to keep from coughing during the ceremony,  dance and really enjoy myself all night. I was ready to crash when we got to the hotel but Rusty and the kids wanted to continue the festivities!

They hit the pool for over an hour. I just relaxed in the hot tub. 

I over did it, I was up coughing the entire night but it sure was a fantastic day. The next morning we met my mom down in the lobby for a delicious breakfast before Rusty and the kids got in one more swim.

Ashleigh at 14

How old are you? 14


What is your favorite color? Purple


What is your favorite animal? Unicorn


What is your favorite food? Sushi


What do you want to be when you grow up? Actress


What is your favorite book? Micheal Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 (by Richard Paul Evens)


What is your favorite song? "I don't really have a favorite song, I like lots of songs"


What is your favorite TV show? Glee


What was your biggest accomplishment this last year? I made the school play


What is your favorite season? Summer Why? "Summer is great, there is no school & get to go swimming"


Where would you most like to go for a vacation? Hawaii

What is your favorite thing to do? "Make out with boys. Haha Just kidding. Hanging out with friends"

Where do you like to go for dinner? Simply Sushi

Who is your best friend? Kylee


Click here to see her answers from last year.

Goodbye 2011...Hello 2012

2011 was a great year. I hope that every year just keeps getting better.  My personal theme for the year was forgiveness and I am proud to say that I was actually able to forgive a certain person after struggling with it for years. This year has been very eye opening for me. I've watched countless documentaries and researched all sorts of topics and it has really broadened my horizons. 


Jackson is doing great in both school and karate. He is still very much a mamma's boy although refuses to even hold hands with me in public. Ashleigh is quite the fashionista and is beautiful beyond her years. I am thankful that she is so trustworthy and I've enjoyed watching her first teenage year unfold. Probably the biggest change of the year was Russell moving out to Utah with us which has been great. We have tons of fun together.


2012 is a leap year. This will be my theme. My goal is to "leap" into this new year wholeheartedly; mind, body and soul, to better myself and the world around me. I'm not making any new year's resolutions... at least I'm not calling it that. Rather, just continuing to change my life for the better.


Don't get me wrong; I by no means, have a bad life. In fact, I am very blessed. My family and I have a great life but I am on the quest for something more. Something within. Enlightenment, if you will. I have a bucket list of things I've been wanting to do. Some things I have (slowly) started but others, for some reason, never have. What is holding me back? Fear of the unknown,  fear of failure, the worry of what people might think, the untrue belief that a single person cannot make a difference?


This is a personal leap but I do want to leap outward as well. I want to leap into bigger and better ways to pay it forward. I donate clothing and household items throughout the year to various organizations. I can give stuff with no problems. Yet, I am embarrassed to admit, I don't donate myself, my time. Why have I never donated blood? Why have I never volunteered a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter or animal shelter? I have wanted to for years but never have. What's stopping me? ...only myself.


I will continue to leap into better health. I will leap into enriching my family & my relationships. I will leap down the path to my own personal enlightenment.

...and it will be amazing.

Christmas

 

"And the angel said to them,

 “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy

 that will be for all the people.

 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

 who is Christ the Lord."  -Luke 2:10-11

 

 

On Christmas eve, Mom, Rusty and I stopped at my Aunt Glory & Uncle Don's to drop off gifts and visit for a bit before heading to a wonderful candlelight service together at our church. The kids were at their Dad's for Christmas Eve this year and it was so hard to wait until 2 P.M. on Christmas to see them.

I was so anxious for Christmas this year, for days I felt like a little kid and it couldn't get here fast enough. I had some pretty big Christmas secrets I was able to pull off. Without being able to get out and shop, I must admit I am very grateful for online shopping!

We had a house full of family and more food than we could possibly eat. While we didn't have a white Christmas is was warm and cozy inside with the fireplace lit, twinkling lights & yummy scented candles. It was a casual lazy day enjoying each other's company. 


This video of the kids first look at what Santa brought, might very well be the only time I have seen Jackson completely speechless!

After the initial shock wore off and the we looked though our stockings,  Jackson said he wanted to give the first gift. He ran over to the tree and handed me the gift from him. I think both kids were just as excited as I was for everyone to open their gifts.

Puppy kisses!

Ashleigh got the boots she really wanted from Rusty

The puppy was 'helping' with the unwrapping

Opening presents is a tough job. Nap time.

Jackson liked wearing Rusty's fedora all the time,
so Ashleigh bought him one of his own

Pillow pet from Grandma

Ashleigh & Rusty putting on the puppy's sweater

Ashleigh wanted a keyboard as much as Jackson wanted a dog. I love her little happy dance at the end of the video.

Merry Christmas!