Here it is Kara...2009 Questionairre

1. What is your occupation right now? On our tax return it says "homemaker" as my occupation. But, I'm a former real estate investor/property manager running a business with my best friend, Jeffrey, a former Human Resources Manager (glad to not be doing that in this economy), former Bookkeeper, former Office Manager, and former Sales Associate at clothing stores ZCMI and Vanity. Not to sound cheesy, but being a mom is the best job I've ever hard--definitely the hardest too!

2. What color are your socks right now? black
3. What are you listening to right now? nothing, it's wonderfully quiet right now.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? banana bread is baking right now, I had a little taste of the batter. I am so looking forward to eating the actual banana bread.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? heck ya, I learned to drive on one (trusty 1984 Toyota Corolla). It's been a while since I drove a stick shift though.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Jeff
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? For sure! Kara's the greatest!!!
8. How old are you today? 30, but only for a few more weeks.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? BYU football all the way!
10. What is your favorite drink? milk, Fresca, and rootbeer hits the spot with pizza.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Too many times to count. My natural color is so blah! A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

12. Favorite food? pizza and Cafe Rio salads

13. What is the last movie you watched? Father of the Bride for a few minutes on Sunday.

14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas
15. How do you vent anger? By making a grunting noise and of course venting to anyone who will listen and side with me :)
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Any doll whose hair could be styled. A doll that had unstyleable hair was worthless. I always wanted a doll that had hair that could grow. I still would like one if they still make them. I still think I would love doing hair. All growing up I wanted to be a hair stylist so bad. Now my 4 boys have their own personal stylist that cuts their hair for free. Lucky. Wish I could get mine done for free.
17. What is your favorite season? Fall and Spring -- it's a tie.

18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries for sure.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Yes, or put it on your blogs too!
20. Who is the most likely to respond? I don't know, but Kara better!
21. Who is least likely to respond? President Obama
22. Living arrangements? It's me and my four boys. I wouldn't have it any other way.
23. When was the last time you cried? Not sure.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoe rack with shoes on it.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Kara

26. What did you do last night? Ate dinner, did dishes, put the kids to bed, watched t.v., and felt disappointed that The Office was not on. I love that show!

27. What are you most afraid of? Monsters of course.

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese

29. Favorite dog breed? yellow labs (as puppies especially)
30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
31. How many states have you lived in? 3

32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
33. What is your favorite flower? Standard answer I know, but I love roses. My second favorite would probably be lilacs (I'm lucky enough to have lilac bushes in my own back yard).

Public Service Announcement

Upon finish a conversation on your cell phone, make sure it's turned off ALL the way! Lately JP is a little paranoid about turning his phone off all the way either after concluding a conversation with someone or after leaving a voice mail. He's nervous for good reason, he has had a lot of people think they had hung up but really hadn't, and then end up saying stupid things they think he doesn't hear. For example, he was talking to a handy-man about getting a bid to do some work on our house. After talking to the guy, he determined that this probably was not someone we would want to do business with--the guy seemed like an idiot. So, the idiot guy calls him back the next day and leaves a message on JP's voicemail - he was checking back with us to see if he could do the work for us or not. He left a brief message, then hung up or so he thought. He ended up leaving a 4 minute voicemail in which he was explaining the phone call to his buddy. He said stupid things like how he could make a killing on this job because the "guy" JP would probably be gullable enough to go for his ridiculous bid (wrong on that one buddy) and explaining to his friend how he didn't really have experience with what we were having him bid on (installing exterior french doors), but that he could probably wing it, etc., etc., etc., Anyways, he has had similar things happen and it has made us think about the things we say right when we get off the phone with someone. Sometimes it's just hearing the background noises like when his boss left him a 5 minute voice mail without knowing it on Monday night. JP could hear him talking to his kids and household noises in the background. I hate calling businesses where I have to go through an automated system. Boy if they could hear me while I'm being tossed about through their fancy little phone system for what feels like hours on end, they'd probably make a few comments. Or, sometimes Jeff will get off the phone with someone and comment on what a "talker"they are and how they wouldn't let him get off the phone. You get the picture. Anyways, just a reminder to make sure you hang up all the way and also just in case be careful what you say right after you get off the phone.

Silly Braeden

More updates on Braeden...just some funny things I don't want to forget.

Lately he's on a kick of saying he wants to be a "toilet fixer" when he grows up. He laughs like an immature boy thinking that he's so funny. He doesn't really want to be a plumber I don't think. He just thinks it's sooooo funny to say that. Unfortunately he's into "potty humor" lately--literally. I think "poop" is one of his favorite words. We're trying to fix his "potty mouth" quickly because he's teaching these things to Carter.

We just got new bunkbeds for Braeden and Carter. I'll have to take and post pictures, I really like them. Anyways, Jeff was telling Braeden that maybe someday his kids would get to have these bunkbeds when he's grown-up and is a daddy. Braeden thought that was an interesting idea. So, I explained to him that the bed he's been sleeping on since he turned two was my bed when I was a little girl. So, after that little conversation, Jeff and I went downstairs. Soon after, Braeden was calling down to us saying "Then who's gonna be the mom?" We just looked at each other and laughed. We told him that when he's bigger he gets to pick who he wants to be his kid's mom. After that, it wasn't so funny because he got all emotional worrying that he would have to leave his mom someday and always wanting to be with his mom. Sweet and sad at the same time I guess. I'm glad the kid likes me.

"A little help please" said after Braeden fell flat on his face and couldn't get up while sledding with Jeff.

Today we drove by the Capitol building and he asked if it's the temple. I told him that it wasn't. he said, "hm, that building would sure look better if they painted it." Then, he proceeded to tell me that Jesus doesn't want us to paint temples because he learned that in Sharing Time, so it's a good thing that place isn't a temple because it would sure look better if they painted it.

He's such a silly, smart boy.

Braeden's first ski trip

Recently, we took Braeden skiing for the first time. He had been begging to go skiing insisting that he is "ready". I was seriously so excited. Afterall, what could be cuter than a bundled up four year old on skis. He did really good with his main complaint being that Jeff wasn't going fast enough. We borrowed a friends harness/leash thingy which worked great. I was sooo nervous for Braeden to go on the chair lift. We went up on one that only carries two people. So, Jeff took Braeden and I went in front of them. I could tell Braeden was a little nervous at first, but soon relaxed a bit. I had an embarrassing/frustrating moment on the chair lift though. I dropped one of my poles. I am always so careful about that because I'm afraid of that very thing happening. Oh well, fortunately someone recovered it for me and turned it in to ski patrol. We had a fun day with Braeden. He had so much fun he didn't want to leave. We stayed as long as we could. Jeff is looking forward to taking him again sometime--hopefully this season. We really hope to be able to have an active and outdoorsey family. So, we're glad Braeden liked his first ski trip and hope to have many more fun memories like this. I forgot my camera, so no pictures to share. Ugh! I was so mad. All week I had been trying to figure out how I was going to bring my big DSLR camera skiing with us because for me it's all about having fun and getting some good pictures to remember all the fun we had. I am obsessed with taking pictures. Anyways, I had decided that I would just a few pictures of Braeden looking good on his skis and then just run the camera back to the car. Oh well, we'll have to get some pictures next time.

Mini Vacation

Part of my gift to Jeff was a mini vacation...okay it was a one night vacation. But, that was great--it's hard to leave our little ones for too long. We went skiing and had a blast. It was only my third time skiing and so I was super nervous. Jeff wouldn't let me practice on the bunny hill first insisting that I was good enough and didn't need to do that. I was glad he made me head up the hill and just go for it. I did so much better than I did the last time I went some 8 years ago. We had a good time. We had a nice dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Cafe Rio. Okay, I know it's not fancy or anything, but it doesn't get much better than that--seriously. Then, we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast that is an old castle-looking building. We had a nice time and enjoyed a little peace and quiet. We could actually talk without Braeden interupting us and without Carter freaking out about something. Even though it was nice to get a break from the little people, we still missed them and found ourselves thinking about them a lot. My mom was sooooooooooo nice to watch the kiddos for us.

New church callings

Right before Christmas Jeff and I both received new church callings. Jeff was released as the Ward Mission Leader after serving for 2 1/2 years in that calling. He is loving his new calling as Asst. Deacon's Quorum Advisor/Asst. Scoutmaster. He works with some awesome guys that keep things fun. In two weeks he is doing the craziest thing ever...taking some 15 twelve and thirteen year old boys (along with three other leaders) and winter camping. I think it sounds crazy and freezing. Good luck to you Jeff. A lot of his Christmas gifts centered around camping gear. Fortunately the other leaders are not afraid of being called whimpy campers and all have nice cots and a portable space heater for their tent. Jeff has no problem trying to stay comfortable while he camps. I got him ear plugs for Christmas too--I've been to Girl's Camp enough times to know he'll need them if he wants any sleep. Anyways, he is really excited about this neat opportunity. He is already learning valuable lessons that I think will help him raise our three boys.

I think I mentioned that I was released from the YW Presidency a little while ago. I was pretty sad at first, but quickly adapted as I realized that I would have Weds. nights back, not have to worry about meetings, and not have to prepare lessons every other week. I miss the interaction with the girls and the awesome leaders I served with, but felt okay about moving on. My new calling (Activity Day Girls) is a great alternative to young womens. I work with the 10 and 11 year old girls. It's just an activity every other week and no lessons to worry about. I think I'll really like this calling.

Idaho

I didn't get any pictures in Idaho, but it's still worth mentioning. We were planning on going up to Idaho to my parent's "vacation home" (they are still trying to sell their house so we call it their vacation home since they don't live there full time) the Sunday after Christmas and stay through New Year's Day. But, with sick kids we had to postpone it until Tuesday. Even then Carter and Jeff got sick with the stomach flu while we were there. It was still fun though. Doug and Jessica were there and Carl and my parent's of course. Braeden got to stay there until Saturday and came home with my parents. He said he didn't miss us (ouch). Anyways, he had a great time playing video games and soaking up all the attention he could.

Christmas Eve with cousins

We had Jeff's sister Tana and her cute family over for an early dinner on Christmas Eve. We had Chinese food, which is my family's tradition. Tana made an awesome apple pie for dessert and we let the kids decorate sugar cookies for Santa. After dinner, we tried to get the kids to dress up and act out the nativity. The three oldest kids (Braeden, Hallie, and Bronson) were cooperate, but the others wanted nothing to do with big bathrobes and towels. Even though it was really noisy and crazy as we were trying to get these young kids to cooperate, it was still memorable and we know the kids got something out of it. We had a really nice time.

Christmas Eve

We all got new pj's on Christmas Eve. Braeden and Carter were thrilled to get Lighting McQueen pajamas.

Christmas morning part 2

The kids were all happy with their gifts. Braeden's main gift was GeoTrax (which he so desperately wanted), Carter's was contstruction LEGOS, and Tanner got a bath boat with a fishing pole and fish. He loves to take baths. He stands by the side of the tub and just squeels with excitement as he waiting to get in the tub.

Christmas morning

Christmas day was awesome. We had such a nice, cozy Christmas. Carter woke up early at 6:45. He didn't even realize or remember that it was Christmas so I just let him watch Diego and I got back in bed. Finally at 8:00 I told Carter to go wake Braeden up and tell him it's Christmas morning and that Santa came. It took Braeden a minute to get going, but he was excited when he realized Christmas morning was finally here. He wanted to take a shower before opening presents, but I wouldn't let him. I guess I was too excited. We went downstairs and the boys got to check their stockings. Braeden and Carter were excited to get candy and zip ties (they always want to use Jeff's, so now they have their own to hook their cars, trucks, bikes, etc. together as their little hearts desire), and they got scotch tape to use as they like as well (sick of them always wanting to waste tape. Then we opening presents. We were very proud of Braeden through the whole present opening process--he seemed appreciate and calm. We were worried that he'd act like some out-of-control kid and act hyper and selfish. He was very good about waiting turns to open presents. We take turns opening presents and get to watch everyone else as they open their presents and Santa wraps our gifts so that adds to the excitement too. Tanner had fun playing with the wrapping paper--what a one year old. After presents, we have french toast with strawberries and whipped cream with bacon on the side. I make the kids Santa Claus french toast with cherries. They were so excited about this breakfast. It was so good.

HO HO HO

I couldn't help but try and get some cute pictures of Tanner in his Santa hat. He was very uncooperative as I tried to get the perfect picture. I think he looks pretty cute though. He had an ear infection at the beginning of December that followed a 2 week cold. After 10 days on antiobiotics and a whole lot of diarhea from the antiobiotics, he didn't seem better all the way. He then came down with the stomach flu that went through our family. At that time, we determined that it was probably more than just the stomach flu. So, I took him to the doctors (where he threw up on me in the waiting room--fun I know). He had ear infections in both ears on top of a yucky stomach flu. The stomach flu started with Braeden the day after Christmas (at least he wasn't sick on Christmas day). Tanner pooped while I was bathing him and Jeff called to me in an urgent tone as I was cleaning poop out of the bathtub (T.M.I.--I know) to tell me that Braeden had just thrown up. I know, I know, I have such a glamorous life. Anyways, the fun began after that. I'm sure you can all imagine.

Sorry it's been so long...

Here we are. I think I'm back to blogging now. Hopefully I can catch you up on our happenings. Between the holidays, sick kids, and everything else, it's seemed impossible to have the time or concentration to do something like update the blog. We hope you all had a happy holiday season.