Saturday, May 26, 2012

HOLY COW, UPDATE NEEDED!!

So Facebook has seriously changed my perspective on blogging. I feel like everyone knows whats going on in my life because of Facebook, but I forget how much more intimate and detailed I can be on my own blog. ALOT, has happened since I posted last. Paul got a new job with a law firm in Newport Beach, CA. His office overlooks the ocean and on a clear day he can see Catalina Island. It is truly beautiful. He mostly works from Utah and travels to California when he is needed in person. He spent all of July, 2 weeks in August, Sept, and Oct. It is sometimes hard to be home alone without Paul, but somehow it has made us really appreciate each other more. Hopefully we won't have to do the traveling much longer. We would like to make a permanent move to California after the holidays. Good-bye SNOW, hello SUN.


Tate is 4 and has started preschool 3 days a week. He has grown up so much in the last few months and is the funniest kid ever. He cracks me up on a daily basis. He loves to play with friends. It doesn't matter where we are, if he sees a kid he will run up to them, ask them their name, and start playing. Its all about having fun for Tate.

Later on...next year

Found this draft waiting to be finished and published but I never got around to it.  Well here it goes.  Yes we are still in Saratoga Springs!  A lot of our neighbors have moved away and things are much quieter on our street than they used to be.  Its been hard not having as many friends around, but I am reminded everyday how blessed we are to have a great job and healthy kids.  Paul is still with Call Jensen in California, but is working at home in the makeshift office/basement/playroom/storage area.  One day I promise to give him a beautifully peaceful office at home.  I saw a painting of Abraham Lincoln the other day and I really wanted to spend $5000 and get it for him, and then I snapped back to reality!  Someday.

Tate is now 5 and just graduated from Learning Dynamics Preschool where his teacher was Mrs. Smart.  He learned so much this year!  He can write all of his letters and knows their sounds.  He has started reading and even does a little math.  I can't believe his progress, I think he may be a little bored next year in Kindergarten.  His love of friends hasn't changed.  Everyone in his class loved him.  He amazes me at how effortless making friends is to him.  There is never any judgement from Tate.  If you are breathing, you can be Tate's best friend!  I love it.

Gweneth Elaine is now 2 years old and in august will be 3....seriously??  Wow.  I can't believe we ever functioned with out our little monkey.  She finds joy in EVERYTHING!!  From the day she was born, she had a smile on her face.  Gwen loves to play with Tate.  Her favorite things to eat are fruit snacks, yogurt with fresh berries, and hotcakes from McDonalds.  She is my little shadow and is perfectly content following me around the house helping with chores (folding laundry is her favorite).  She has the funniest high pitched voice that sounds like she has sucked helium.  She calls Tate (my Tate) and loves to talk to anyone who will listen, especially strangers at the grocery store.  She is 21 pounds of pure joy.  Whoever said "big things come in small packages," must have been talking about our Gwenie.

I love my children and husband, and try everyday to think of ways to make them happy.  Life is good.

(A friend commented on this photo saying, "that's what heaven must look like".  I would have to agree)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Tomato Macaroni AKA: the only things my kids eat in large quantities


We are at the peak of canning season and I just did a fresh batch of crushed tomatoes. I love using them in soups, stews, and anything else that calls for tomatoes. My neighbor Shasta told me her families favorite thing to eat is macaroni noodles with a bottle of tomatoes and cheese. So I tried a variation and my kids LOVED it and so did I. Totally simple, but with home bottled tomatoes it is amazing!


Tomato Macaroni:

1 pint crushed tomatoes (my kids are weird and don't like the seeds, so I strain them out)
2 Tbs Butter
2 Tbs Flour
salt and pepper to taste
cheddar cheese

In a small saucepan melt butter over med-high heat. Add flour and cook for 1 min. to make a rue for the tomatoes. Add pint of tomatoes and heat until thickened. Pour over cooked macaroni noodles and sprinkles with cheese.

ENJOY!

Monday, February 14, 2011

1st update 2011

My little boy turned 4 on Jan.18th. I can't believe it has been 4 years since we first brought him to our little home in Omaha. He was so tiny and I was instantly in love. He is the smart, clever, funny, loving, and so much fun to have around!

Birthday Breakfast
Grammy and Grandpa Maughan stopped by to give Tate some birthday wished
We had his party at the Flash game. The kids ate pizza, cake and played in the bounce house.
my birthday boy
Tate with Flash Fox and Little Fox





Winter Weather makes me crazy and I am always looking for ways to stay busy, without actually doing house work. So I decided to redo my bed and Tate's be. Tate was in a toddler bed and I figured it was time for a big boy bed. Here's how they turned out








And here are two crazy kids with some even crazzier bed head. They take after me.





Saturday, December 4, 2010

xmas card 2010

Modern Merry Squares Christmas Card
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Two REALLY cute people


I can't believe how fast time flies. Paul and I are constantly telling each other to enjoy these moments with our children, because soon they will be gone. Gwen is one year old and HILARIOUS. She is a ham and knows just how to make you laugh. Tate is the most imaginative 4 year-old I have ever known. He doesn't miss anything and remembers everything!! I love these 2 kids more than life it's self. They make me who I am and what I live for each day.