#512 - Price is Right - watch today!

1st - love this Price is Right Costume.  It would be a pretty easy costume to make for Halloween.  Foam board, poster board, name tag that you could easily make with a manila folder and sharpie; wire and black foam for the microphone; and string to put around your neck...easy peisy!  oh, and your favorite college sweatshirt...


2nd - watch the Price is Right today!  My brother's fiance is going to be on it.  She's at the end of the show...can't wait to see it!  Go Taylor!

*post edit - i've been MIA on this blog, but i just discovered an old unpublished comment from 2011.  Ben, who is the man in this picture, posted that it was him, so to give credit where credit is long deserved, here's a link to his original costume....one of the coolest costumes out there.

#400 - Happy Mother's Day! ~ a post for mom

OK, so I'm doing one better, I'm not just tweeting or facebooking, but I'm blogging about my mom on Mother's Day.

In fact, it's a blog from all of us (kids and grandkids.)

Why We Love You Mom ~

I love how you are always positive. - Brian aka BT

You befriend anyone no matter who they are. - Karli aka Kar

I love your positive attitude through all of life's roller coasters. - Casi

You are a strong, independent woman and you stand up for what you believe in. - me aka tvmom

We love that you are a giver. You always have something to give everybody. It makes us realize that you are always thinking of us. - Jordan and Rachael.

I also really love that you treat others with so much respect and kindness, that has been a great example to me of how to live my life. - Brian

You are a great example to look to. - Casi

I love how you are always thoughtful and thinking of others. - me

You send me postcards in the mail, play puzzles with me and skype with me. - Baby O

Memories Growing Up With You As Our Mom

When growing up I would remember riding the bus home, but I LOVED the days when I would see the blue suburban parked on the street because I knew mom was there to pick us up. Happy days. Love you Mom!!! - Casi

I remember mom would always get the end of a pen and tickle my face when I was younger. I also remember we put our bikes in the trunk and go on bike rides to the trail that goes along Highway 95. I also remember she would take me to go roller skating all the time when I was younger. - Karli

I remember (and still love) the back rubs, the tickling...just feeling relaxed and taken care of. - me

After Mae was born, Mom came down and stayed with Rachael and me for a week. She made dinner for us, she cleaned for us, and she watched Mae for us so we could get some sleep. Rachael and I were both so appreciative of her willing to sacrifice for us. I am very grateful for Mom and the example she is to me. -Jordan

We love you!
Casi, Jordan, Brian, Karli, Baby O, Mae, Pepe, Rachael, Pedro and me

#380 - flying baby

happy Sunday
this picture above reminds me of this
picture taken by my lovely sister, Kar

#377 - Obama poster in DC

Last summer when my sister was here, she found the coolest Obama poster, but never was able to take a picture of it (it's really not a great neighborhood.) Well, Kar and BT are visiting and guess what one of their first photos was? Yep, this poster. Seriously, if you go to this location to see the poster, you'll get it.

View Larger Map
And for the tech savvy folks, here's a interactive map to view this location.

*Note - no political statement here, just like the coolness of this photo and the location it is in...(keepin it neutral for the new baby coming.)

#324 - Day late

Ok, these Valentines are a day and a dollar late, but thought I would send them (via my blog) anyway.

Dear Mom and Dad,
I hope we didn't stress you out too much while you were stuck with us. I love you!via

Dear Brian & Karli,
Glad you had fun at the Olympics...jealous that you got to see Wayne Gretzky. Here's some hockey soap, since you were stuck in the car for over 1,800 miles. Only 400 more miles and you could have made it here. Love you!

via

Dear Jordan, Rachael & Mae,
Happy V Day and Chinese New Year! Love you!

via

Dear Casi and Pedro,
Here's a map to make it seem like we live closer. Love you!
via


Dear Pepe,
I thought about making you this, but think this is nicer. I love you!
via

Dear Baby O,
Seriously, I let you get away with too much, but you are so darn cute! I love you!
And to everyone else, hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day!

#220 - Unsolicited Advice - College

see #17a below

Inspired by this, and the fact that today is my sister and brother's first day back to college, I decided to make my own list of unsolicited advice for college. Really, this advice is for my kids someday, cause I know my siblings already know much more than I ever did going to college. I can't take credit for all of this advice, I took some from the comments here.

DISCLAIMER - these pictures are bad (ie: distorted) because i didn't have a scanner, but you can click on them to see them better. Also, this post is very long, so now you've been warned.

1. Call home/family (ie: your sister) at least once a week. I had to buy calling cards when I was in college and write letters. Wow, how I wish I would have had a cell phone and easily accessible email.my brother jordan and me 2001 (see #17b below)

2. Take lots of pictures/video.
3. Get a bike. I used my bike so much to go to class, store, anywhere. Plus, it is great exercise . . . I loved my bike.
4. Don't take a class before 10am (11am is even better).
5. If it rains or snows, go and play outside in it. (This is life advice.)
6. Don't sign up for free credit cards, accounts on campus, not worth the free t-shirt, or whatever else you get. It could wreck your credit in the future.
7. Eat lunch on campus, even if you bring it from home. I have some great memories of eating on campus and studying.
8. If you get a job, get a cool one. Don't waste your time cleaning bathrooms (no offense to anyone who has done this). Get a job you could only have in college or will help you with your future. I had some of the best jobs in college: student mentor, film tutor, camera operator/producer for KBYU, taking tickets for sporting events (got to see the game for free).
9. Go to concerts, art exihibts, museums, and free films on campus.
10. Do internships. I'm a huge believer in doing as many internships as you can. You'll be able to travel to new places and network like crazy. That's how I got my current job. If you get an amazing opportunity, don't think that college is the be-all, end-all, it's ok to take a couple days off or even a semester.

11. Make good friends and learn to network. Studying is important, but honestly, you'll be able to have so many more job opportunities if you make good friends and network with classmates, teachers and future employers (see #10). Or take an entrepreneur class.my roommate mel and me (i think 2001)

12. Friday Night Dance Party. Once a week turn on the music really loud and dance with your roommates for 15 minutes (or lay on the ground and mediate to the loud music.) Or take it up a notch: invite people, have a theme and dress up.
13. Take a Real Estate Class. If your college offers it, take it. Buying a home will probably be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, so get the real estate education cheaply while you are at college.
14. If you can, take a skiing class and a swimming class. Even though I had been skiing and swimming my whole life, I learned some new stuff and it was a great break from regular class.
15. If you have a class you are dreading, take the class at night. Usually the classes are smaller and it's only one night a week. Just make sure you have someone to walk with you home afterwards.

16. If at all possible, try to schedule classes so that you can have Fridays off or Tuesdays/Thursdays off.my sister casi displaying some of the yard sale items (see below) it was late at night

17a. Make fun friends. Make friends that will be spontaneous (go on road trips, have dance parties (see #10), go do free stuff (see #9), dress up crazy and walk around campus, go do random stuff, play safe pranks (ie: set up a garage sale on your friends front yard (see above)) Join lots of groups/clubs on campus, you'll probably make some awesome friends there. Don't waste your time on people that are Debbie Downers and don't want to enjoy college. Be nice to them, but don't hang around them.Some of my cousins and me (i think in 2002)

17b. Hang out with your family members if they go to the same college as you or live close. I loved meeting up with my brother, Jordan, every day in the music library or playing pranks with my sister Casi. Also, I loved living with my cousins (horseshoe included), pumping them on my bike, or getting together with them for a picnic.
18. Take a photography class and/or film class that is hands on and you actually get to shoot stuff. It will give you a good basis for shooting pictures and filming video of your kids/family some day. (better yet, take a Photoshop and AfterEffects class, also another big money saver.)

19. If you don’t like the teacher or TA, drop the class or change to another teacher. Don't be afraid to offend them, your paying for your education.My last day at college (with roommates, cousin and sister) June 1, 2003

20. Don’t be afraid to move apartments if you don’t like where you are living or your roommates. See #17.(i got lucky, i loved 95% of my roommates.)
21. Take an art class, even if it is not your major, like painting, pottery, upholstery (I really wish I would have taken this), flower decorating, cake decorating, sculpture, etc.
22. If you can swing it (and I really think it is a must), study abroad. You'll learn so much more by traveling abroad.
23. Find hidden places on campus to hang out, study in the music library, take tests in the music section of the testing center.
24. Eat weird food combinations. Why not?
25a. MOST IMPORTANT - Always follow your gut and instincts. If you ever feel unsafe, then get out of that situation quickly!
25b. Wear sunscreen. Your skin will thank you in 10 years.

Ok, so what's your advice? I'd love to hear it!

#165 - Part 2 (of 3) Chocolate World

Yep, on my day off this week, our second stop was Hershey's Chocolate World. (first stop here.) Loads of fun and it was free.

There's a free ride that takes you on a chocolate tour. Think Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland Ride meets Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The ride has this super loud music with lyrics like, "eat chocolate, it's the best chocolate in the world, chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate...yum, yum, eat, eat" or something like that (brainwashing). They even spray chocolate smell into the air.

After the ride, they let you out into a massive store of chocolate and candy. Yikes! Here's a couple more photos:

Kar, my sister took this cool photo.

And part 3 of our adventure is coming soon, here's a hint:

#162 - Part 1 (of 3)- Intercourse, PA

No, this is not a 3 part post on where babies come from . . .. . . rather, I took a last minute day off from work and jammed 3 big trips into one day. Here's the first part of the trip with my sister, my brother, his wife (pregnant with Baby O's first cousin on my side of the family) and Baby O.

We went to Intercourse, PA, yes, that is the name of the city.
It's a small Amish town.

We went to Intercourse Pretzel Factory, got a free tour and learned how to make pretzels.

Next, we went to Kitchen Kettle Village. My favorite store was the Jam kitchen, they had over 80 jams you could sample. I ended up buying rhubarb jam, low sugar raspberry jam and these cute cookie cutters.

stay tuned for part 2 of our trip . . . here's a hint:

#153 - Georgetown in the Rain

I took this photo when we were in Georgetown a week or so ago.

#144 - Me, a crafter?

I'm not really that good at crafts (my cousin, Michelle is, you can check out her crafty blog here), but tonight I had the help of my sister to make a cute Mother's Day present for my mom. Since my mom reads my blog, I can't give you the details until next week. But here are some hints:

2 purchased items from Michael's (both on sale)
30 wet wipes
1 sleeping baby
2 sisters making a mess
1 brother making commentary

I can't wait to show you all. The picture above is a sneak peak.

#132 - the sibs

I love my brother and sisters!

#109 - Cupcakes

my cute niece at her birthday last year

My brother said that I talk too much about food on this blog (sorry), but after reading this blog, I really want to go to Georgetown Cupcake or make these at home.

Speaking of cupcakes, my favorite cupcake I have ever had was this past Valentines. Pepe and I shared a pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosty from Cake Love.

I also had some great mini-cupcakes from Dots in California when I was out there on a business trip last year.

And speaking of California, I'm going to be there in a few weeks and if I get some free time, maybe I'll try this tour here.

Tell me, do you like cupcakes? What's your favorite flavor?

here's another fun cupcake blog

#31 - 2 fros and a bald baby

These two are the best baby-sitters. I think Baby O is hoping he'll get some of their hair someday. We had so much fun with them.

#29 - Five Guys

We've gone here twice over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Once with my sibs, Kar Bucket & BT and today with Lauren and Matt (my cousins).

Today's order:
grilled cheese with pickles, tomatoes, fried onions, sauteed mushrooms and green peppers

large fry (shared between the 4 of us), today's fries were from Sugar City, ID

cup for water

#27 - Visiting Family

Written by my brother BT

I am so very honored to guest blog for my sisters blog tonight. Last night me and my younger sister were blessed to be able to fly out to my sisters house for thanksgiving break. It has been such a joy to be able to take a break from school and be with my family. I already feel like I could return to school and have the energy to finish this semester strong. We arrived late last night, and spent a few hours just talking and catching up. Today we went to church, and then spent the rest of the day relaxing. As is traditional in this blog, the food has been excellent, we have enjoyed some tasty quesadilla's, and some exceptional seasonal egg nog. These past two days have already been the highlight of my entire semester of school thus far, and It has also been fun to see our new nephew Baby O. He is so animated and so joyful all the time. I could only pray to have such well mannered and behaved children. As Thanksgiving holiday soon approaches, I feel inclined to say that I am thankful for such an awesome older sister who has given me such a great path to follow in.