Going to the Paris; detour at the Bellagio!

Micah saves the day!

We had to laugh so hard when; on our way out one night; her SUV ran out of gas! OOPS! We found out the hard way that a vehicle is often not joking when on the E! Luckily, her husband Micah came to the rescue!

The Longest Legs Ever

My friend Shauna has always had the best body ever! She played volleyball at BYU and still has that awesome fit body! I loved this pic of her. Doesn't she look like she has the longest legs in the whole world? Maybe in my next life I will have her body!!! She happens to be holding her youngest of three; Dalton!

Weekend in Vegas

Yes, I have the husband of the year!!! He was kind enough to let me go visit Shauna for a weekend; leaving him with the five kids!!! Brandon is a great man. Shauna has come to visit me and help me numerous times in my moments of need; and it was definately long overdue that I return that favor! The main purpose of the trip was to help in sorting/cleaning her office! I am happy to say; it was almost accomplished. I left her with some remaining tasks; but we got sooo much accomplished! We had a great time---we are like sisters; so we had a great time chatting it up! I just love Miss Sha-Sha! Some of our adventures included running out of gas and eating at the buffet at the Paris. Anyone who goes to Vegas needs to go to that buffet. There is nothing like it!!! Here are some pics of us in Vegas!

It's all about the boots!

My little sweet Benjamin just loves shoes and already has a shoe fetish. Like mother, like son! It is critical for this little boy to put shoes on every day; first thing. His latest fave--is the bright yellow boots. No matter what he is wearing, he must have on the boots. He even took a nap with them on today. Anyway, little children and their whims. I definately have to choose my battles; and the boots are not one of the battles I am going to engage in. So, for the time being, we get to enjoy some bright yellow on a daily basis. I definately didn't want you to miss out on this funny stage!

Our little pianist

Why do all little children love pounding on the piano? I had this strong feeling that every home needs a piano to have the sound of music flowing throughout. What a romantic notion. Not the reality. Since I got a digital piano; the kids know how to turn on the "automatic songs"; so I get to hear the same annoying songs over and over. With five children, I also get the luxury of listening to them pound on it at different times throughout the day. Hopefully in future years, I will enjoy the sound of flowing music. Until then, I will try to enjoy the pounding chords ringing in my ears!

The Dylan Smile

A KISS FROM GRANDMA


















Dylan's smile is enough to make us all just melt. The lengths we go to on a daily basis to see this precious smile!!!! The smile also demonstrates his cute little dimple! He is an angel; and as I have said before; it is like little Benjamin ALL OVER AGAIN!

Irish Twins

Benjamin trying on Maddie's Brain Squeezer!





Happy Meals!!!!













Benjamin singing with his KIDZ BOP! (Thanks Aunt Diane and Uncle Dan)


















FUNNY EXPRESSIONS ON A SUNDAY!!!!
Little Maddie and Benjamin are ten and a half months apart. Now that they are 15 months and 25 months; they are starting to really behave more like twins; getting in trouble together, playing together, chasing each other, and then Benjamin sometimes feels the need to discipline little Maddie as he is so much older and mature!!! Some days he decides to help her turn on the bathtub faucets, unload the dish detergent, dump out cereal, etc., then other days, he is pointing his finger and telling her no; shutting the cabinet door on her hand as she attempts to unload dish detergent. It is quite amusing watching these two. They have such exuberant personalities; they have great spirit and demonstrate it on a daily basis. It is especially funny to watch Maddie trying to hide. She has obviously watched the other kids playing hide and seek; she just tries to hide and plays more of a peek a boo. Very cute and funny. Here are some pics of my precious Irish twins! I am so grateful for these two precious children in my life!

Cafeteria Style!!!

Little Brandon had a Grandparent lunch at school. Both Grandma, Grandpa and Dad made little B's day special by showing up for the event and enjoying the cafeteria lunch with little Brandon!!! These moments may seem small and uneventful, but for children, I think it means the world!!! Grandma and Grandpa got to meet Brandon's new teacher; Mrs. Ward. Brandon had fun showing his grandparents off to his classmates and teachers. Grandma took a pic of little Brandon with his Daddy at the lunch! A great time was had by all!!

Ethan's Valentine Cookies--A Date with Grandma

eThe Beautiful Cookies Made By Ethan and Grandma!


Ethan with friend Aiden!

Ethan had a great time with Grandma. While I was at work on Monday; Ethan had a date with my Mom. It was very exciting for him to have some time alone with his Grandma. They made these beautiful Valentine cookies; which Ethan made for some friends and for his family! It was very sweet to see his excitement at making something with Grandma, and being able to give them away! So thanks for the fun Grandma!!!

Valentine's Day

No Valentine's Day is complete without being in range of an ice sculpture!

The Temple

The Ice Sculpture

The Brandon!

Well, it is the first Valentine's Day in years, that we have actually celebrated on Valentine's Day. We usually celebrate on the weekend before or after. I suddenly realized the great importance of celebrating Valentine's Day on the actual day. The people watching was the best ever!!! Talk about amusement after amusement. We went to "the Roof" and were VERY pleasantly surprised by the great food (which included over 30 deserts), ambience, and romantic atmosphere (including the "love" ice sculpture as seen above).

We had a table overlooking the Salt Lake Temple (as you can see); which was beautiful. I generally don't enjoy piano music as much as I did last night. He played all types of romantic songs; including Green Day's "when September ends." I dared Brandon to request Nelly's song--"it's getting hot in here---" but he didn't take me up on my bet! darnit! I thought it would be great to hear the classical piano version. However, I was not afforded the opportunity! Maybe next time.

We had the fabulous opportunity of watching a couple get engaged. They were at the table kitty-corner from us---and I was enjoying my meal. All of a sudden, the guy (within two arm lengths) is on his knees. What does one do in that moment---try to let them have their moment? or stare and intrude. Clearly, I chose the latter option. I was facing them so I saw the whole thing. I kept trying to subtley let Brandon know he needed to take a peek behind him. As you know we are really subtle people. So, of course Brandon had to tell the guy, Good job Man! It was pretty funny and amusing to be in the middle of someone's special moment.

I loved watching all the couples in different segments of the love spectrum. Lovestruck young adults, middle-aged comfy love, old tender love, and then we saw the occasional same-gender couples. There was even a couple that had to have matching buttons pinned on themselves. "Great lover" and "Great lovee". Yes, I agree, it was very classy! The only suggestion I had for the newly engaged couple, is that he could have left the "hearts motif" tie at home. Who knows? That may have convinced her to say yes. Seeing all these couples, made me very grateful for the love of my life. I immediately thanked him for not wearing a "hearts" tie the night we got engaged.

Brandon and I enjoyed reminiscing of ten years ago; and our ride in the carriage around Salt Lake; him on bended knee. One of my favorite things was that he brought three romantic cards to give me; he couldn't decide on the right one. I thought that was tender and sweet. He remembers me telling him we couldn't be officially engaged until I had a ring. (Which was being made at the jeweler's) (Can you blame me? Being a BYU student, I had seen many of these engagements quickly dim and be cancelled. I had to have some collateral so if he changed his mind, it wouldn't be a complete loss---I mean I did grow up in NY after all; and we had been dating only 5 weeks)---but he was such a stud then and is such a stud now, and I knew a good thing when I saw it and didn't want to let him get away. I am so grateful for that fabulous moment in my life; and my marriage to him. Anyway, I will post more pics from the Roof as it was a most amusing, romantic, and fun night!!!!! I love Valentine's Day! (sorry the pics aren't too clear, the camera phone is not the best!)

With Arms Wide Open

Here is my little Valentine baby girl! I just love her in pink!!!

Benjamin Jr. and Benjamin

Dylan (a.k.a. Benjamin Jr.; 3 months) and Benjamin (2 years old)

Aren't they so cute? We call Dylan; Benjamin jr. as he looks so much like his older brother! I just love those big brown eyes! It is great to see the interaction and relationships between siblings. I only had one brother; so I am not used to all the interactions between five children. Their love and kindness for one another is so precious----and makes all the work worthwhile!

Buca di Beppo

Having moved to a new location in the last six months, I am trying to find new favorites in a new area. So, I had to hop on some websites and find restaurant suggestions in the area. I finally came upon "Buca di Beppo" which definately came highly suggested. So, we got reservations (a must) and went. I was very pleased; we were whisked right in. I immediately thought of my friend Traci, upon arriving, as everything is family-style and meant to be shared! We really enjoyed the atmosphere; very gaudy, Catholic-Italian decor. Big crosses, old photos of fat italian women and children, etc. Anyway, we really enjoyed it. It is right next door to P.F. Chang's downtown. The Caeser salad was OK, the garlic bread with mozarella a MUST, the Manicotti was good, the Cheesecake---to die for (and I am REALLY picky about cheesecake). We decided the Fettucini Alfredo is not their forte; they do better with anything with red sauce. It was a fun, new experience---much different than your "Olive Garden"; boring night dinner. Although, I did find out that this is also a chain; but everything tastes homemade and tasty. The decor; definately unique!!! We also are excited to venture out with a couple of our kids and take them there next time we are in the area. Due to the family style, we could get a lot of mileage out of an order of spaghetti and enjoy sharing a bunch of great food! So, if you need a fun, new experience, you will have to try it!

Superbowl Ads

OK, I admit, I totally hate football. I really can't get too thrilled seeing people run across a field; it's just not my thing. However, I sure do enjoy the ads. I really enjoyed the Oprah/David Letterman, Kevin Federline, and the Doritos ads! Those were worth watching a couple hours of aimless television; and also a great excuse to enjoy Salt & Vinegar chips and enjoy far too much of cheese and crackers. You just gotta' loves some good cheddar and pepper-jack cheese. Sorry, I always find way too much pleasure than should be humanly possible with food! Good thing I don't drink alcohol; I think I could really be quite the lush! At least that's what Brandon tells me! I more than make up for my lack of alcohol in food consumption!