hick town

Catch up with photos

2011-07-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

Camden played soccer this spring. He is getting really good and is still a fast runner.

Mitch foolin around at the movie theater.

Camden got 2nd place in the Mathews reunion fun run (bike category)

Cam on his bike, waiting for the start.

On the Hayride, Uncle Gordon drove around Mathews corner and back to the Columbia Basin Church Building.

2011-07-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Cam at Cubscout day camp. He loved the BB shooting.

Fathers day. (in pasco)

Cubscout day camp. Camden was super good at Archery and fishing.

If this was us, we'd be rich!!!

2011-06-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of my sisters! (except Only about 3 can really sing) Each one has a personality and each is different, but yet they are all cohesive! I love my sisters.

check out these girls on youtube.

2011-06-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

I got a new calling the other day: YW president for Cheney 2nd ward. I am overwhelmed for sure. The amount of pressure, and thoughts that go through my head is crazy. I can definitely feel the mantle of this calling. Ever since I was called to do it my mind races all day long, and its funny that I don't have any more time or desire to watch my favorite TV shows or movies. Guess who is teaching me a lesson...
The boys are good. Jack is still obsessed with the DS and asks me all day long when "Brady is going to take a nap" because thats the time designated for him to play. Cam still has 4 more days of school....uggggghhhh. I would like him home to entertain his brothers! This summer we will go to some free movies, and now that Tiffany got an apartment in a complex with a pool, we will be permanent residents there also.
Mitch got a job with furniture row outlet, but promptly quit when another came up that was closer to Cheney. He works for the recycle dept on campus and loves it. Its kinda chill, but also gets to drive around campus in a big truck being dirty. So its perfect.
The house we wanted to rent, kinda fell through so we will stay here in the trailer until something Awesome pops up. But until then, we WILL be happy living on top of each other...right?
New phone number for me is: 509-440-1803

2011-05-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Jack's joke for the day:
Why did the popsicle be quiet?
Because popsicles don't talk.

this week is a busy one, especially the weekend. We have soccer for cam, pack meeting, mutual, girls camp meetings, EQ mechanics party, and I have work. I'm a demonstrator for a dog food company and set up a table once a week at Petsmart demo'ing the dogfood. Hopefully it's easy. I'm not so much a salesman. But guarenteed hours and money is great. Mitch has an interview with Furniture Row today. That would be great if we got that too. So many things I want to buy lately, with the spring weather, makes me want to paint some furniture!

2011-05-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a ward party to raise money for the yw in my ward for girls camp. I was the head of this event (as the first counselor) and it went awesome. I was so proud of the way the girls did with their desserts to be auctioned, authentic Mexican food (i even learned how to cook it), and the decor (mom's awesome flag idea) I'll post some pictures. Happy Mothers day to me. I'm taking it easy and doing nothing.

Cam had another soccer game this morn and he is becoming so aggressive. Whats also funny is he is actually understanding and comprehending the guidance Mitch and I and his coach give him. That's the cool part. Still a loss though.

After the game we came home and had a little birthday party for Brady. Dollar store toys and some cupcakes. It was good. I don't know what he wished for, but I wished him to have a not so naughty year.

We went to the house we will be house sitting for. Its a old big "chalet" type house and sits on a ton of acreage. We are so pumped. It'll be nice (after I move all her crap into a closet). I hope to be there by the end of the month. Allemans will have our Christmas there this winter. And I promise at least 3 feet of snow.

2011-05-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

*Camden is playing soccer this spring and is doing really well. His team keeps losing but he seems to enjoy it. He is playing pretty aggressive, but the coaches (young EWU students) want to confuse the kids with too much offensive/defensive stuff. Then in a game they are scared to go over the center line because that's not their position. Brady is on the sidelines kicking extra balls all over the place, that kid is gonna be good at sports!

*Jack is still sweet Jack. He has become really good at playing some computer games. He always asks over breakfast "when Brady takes a nap, can i play games on the computer?" Oh maaaan he's going to be hard to reign in.

*Brady is a terror! His birthday is Saturday (7th) and he will be 2. Sundays are the hardest. This Sunday he screamed "DRINK, DRINK, DRINK..." all the way out of the chapel. And all we packed in the diaper bag is markers. Perfect. We will have a small family birthday party on Saturday and his ideal party would be at the candy isle of the dollar store and a bike ride (he thinks he is big enough to ride Cams bike-and begs to everyday).

*Many of you heard, Boone passed away. He was just plain tired. He was a good dog and Mitch and i have been remembering some of the good times with Boone and trying to forget all the annoying. Thanks to mom and dad for putting him up for the last 8 months and giving him a couch to sleep on.

*Mitch is busy with Elders Quorum. He is planning a activity coming up: a ward mechanics workshop. They'll have all the guys come with things to fix on their cars and they all learn. The men are excited to "talk shop".

*I'm busy with YW. I'm in charge of getting our girls to CAMP and the registrations and i just completed that last night. And this weekend I'm chairing the ward Girls Camp dessert auction. We feed authentic Mexican food for donations and then girls bring desserts to auction off. I guess it does really well for covering their costs to camp and it should be a fun time. Just getting to the end and stressing about a few things.

*We fasted for the opportunity to live in this lady's house "house sitting" while she is in Seattle, and she called this morning and wants to meet us and show us the house. So we are being blessed big time! It will be such a great deal for us, and its BIG, and out in the trees (country) so the boys will have a blast running all over.

love you all.
-Nan

some more picts

2011-01-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Cam at the Pinewood Derby
Grandma Jackie gave cam breakfast in bed and his birthday party there too. Thanks Grandma.

Impromptu puppet show

My baby is 8

2011-01-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow, I'm getting old.
My firstborn is 8 today. He is such a good boy, and I'm so proud of the kiddo he is becoming. Just a few pictures to help me remember what a good baby he was too. Cam is athletic, has the body of a wiry gymnast and was named after Camden Yards (baseball park in Baltimore). He loves the outdoors, he knows just about every species of bird and loves to shoot his BB gun he got for Christmas. He is very kind and makes friends easily. He is my red-haired boy and looks exactly like my cousin Kyle. Cam will be baptized in Hermiston on Feb 19th at 11am. Mitch and I are super proud of him and are thankful he chose to be in our family. We love you Cam.

2011-01-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Got to church on time.
Sat in our little row.
Mitch sat up on stand (He was asked to speak.)
Brady acting up...or should i say screaming.
Took him out, left boys sitting there by themselves.
hung out in the hall. had sacrament out there.
Went back in.
things were good for 2 speakers, then brady hits his head.
Go out in hall with brady again.
Mitch starts his talk.
Go back in to listen.
I smell gross smell. Jack had accident on pew.
Camden out to bathroom with jack.
try to mop it up with clean diaper. (doesn't really

work)

Boys come in.
Brady want to escape again.
Cam out in the hall with brady.
talk finished. sac meeting over.
Mitch home with jack to change his clothes.
Bathroom with brady (pooped all up his back)
makeshift bath for brady (luckily he was wearing a shirt and a sweater)
naked baby to nursery.
Nan off to sub for primary.
Jack was "highlighted" in primary (he wasn't there!)

best thing: dinner ready after church (crockpot)!
Soooooo hows that for busy sunday.

I hate:

2011-01-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Judge shows on TV.

UUGGGGGGHHHHH!

In Spokane area Judge Judy is on at 4pm, that's when I'm in the mood for Ellen. I've missed watching her dance (its like a train wreck, I can't look away!)

Girls Night Out

2011-01-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

When I went home for Christmas vacation, the girls planned Natalie and I our birthday dinner. We ate at 9 Degrees, a new (Delish) burger joint. It was sooo good and we had a blast. This is our birthday tee-shirt that is passed around each time one of us celebrates another year. Natalie's turn. I'm so thankful for great friends who take time to spend with me, and are so thoughtful!
(enjoy those pictures, Nat)

Goals

2011-01-03T09:01:00.001-08:00

I'm not a writer- those of you who read this blog know that. Last year was a challenge to say the least, and I didn't really sit down and set some goals, however I did learn some valuable lessons. So for this January I'm writing some lists, resoulutions, and goals. I'm going to document my progress (in my journal) and try to grow spiritually, as a mother, friend, servant of the gospel, and wife. I hope at the end of this year I will feel more like I accomplished some things, while treading water and staying afloat. Maybe if I write it down I'll feel more accountable.

Last 3 weeks or so...

2010-11-29T12:34:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving: watching the boys play Madden

Thanksgiving: My first tiling job ever. Only a few "waves". It turned out really cute. Good thing dad was there to do the cuts.

Brady Helping Grammy Tami do dishes after Uncle Gordon's 80th BD party.

Brady after helping Grammy with the dishes. He was soaked.

Cam outside our trailer after the first snow. We have so much more now! Cam spends his afternoons on top of giant snow burms in our parkinglot.

Darc and Mitch after shopping in Downtown Spokane.

Hollie hiding the turkey underneith her shirt...Just kidding. She is due in a week. We can't wait to meet the new baby girl.

Red Robin after shopping in Spokane.

Dinner at an Irish Pub in Seattle.

Me near our Hotel in Downtown Seattle.

more picts to come.

good weekend

2010-11-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

My Mom/Dad/Darcie came to Cheney for a couple days. It was good to hang out, and I even enjoyed entertaining here in our "cozy" trailer house. We ate good food and shopped all day Thursday. So thankful for mom and dad coming and seeing me here at my home, and all the help they were with my kids. Its so nice to get a break.
Then they left Friday morning and Leon and Tami came up here on Saturday morn and stayed till Sunday evening. We toured the Spokane area looking at homes in N. Spokane, and eating out. It was super fun driving around and enjoying family. The boys had their primary program and they did so good. They had memorized their parts to say, but when they got up to the podium they noticed the paper there and read it off the script...darn paper! Jack was so cute he sang and mostly wanted to stand in front of everyone and smile. Thanks to my In-laws for surviving church with us and having a trailer house Sunday dining experience.
I am a home-girl and miss family when I don't see them for a while. However, this trailer feels like home now and (plug your ears mom,) I do kinda like Cheney now. The weather is a different story though, its freezing here and we actually got an inch of snow the other day. I gotta buy some boots for my boys fast! I'm glad the holidays are coming up and I'll get to spend time with my sisters and other family.

Darcie's State playoff Games

2010-11-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

Dersh played some awesome volleyball this year. They made it to the second round of state playoffs and finally lost. She did well, and I loved coming home to watch. It's sad that the Alleman family had their last round of spectating this fall, and now we won't have a sister/cousin playing anymore. Now we're just Legacy. (just kidding). Good job BOP.

Annual Apple Juicing

2010-11-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Our Halloween

2010-11-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of dressing up my kids for halloween, so the job is given to someone else every year. This year my mother in law and sister were gullible enough to do the job.

Thanks, Tami and Hol.
I also hate the gross costumes that kids want to be, how do you not let your kids be something totally gross and scary for halloween? This year Cam wouldn't be something cute. He wanted gross. And you know what I didn't end up caring, Tami did his costume, and he loved it. So Scary it up! I'll Take the "whatever you want" approach and it's stress free.

Easy Halloween = Happy mom.

Mostly for my HERMISTON fans...

2010-10-26T13:00:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law has a super ear for good music. And has recently got this celebrity to sing in Pasco. This event will be the party of the year and would be a great girls night out! Buy your tickets here NOW. She is almost sold out!

http://passionistapresents.eventbrite.com/

park outing

2010-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Darcie Alleman senior night.

Last home game in the DAWG HOUSE. Bittersweet.

See the ref with a huge mop of red hair? Yeah she hates Hermiston with a passion and she isn't ashamed to show it. The last girl of the Alleman legacy to have to listen to her rotten calls and see her giant booty up on that stand.

RIP RED.

We love you bop. Good job sticking with it all four years.

You are a super Athlete.

EWU football game

2010-10-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

We saw Eastern play Northern Arizona. We whooped up on em.

Mitch and I got a babysitter, and pretended to be young college students. Our favorite part was eating at a little hole in the wall italian joint in spokane afterward. They have the BEST stuffed mushrooms I've ever had!

A regular day

2010-10-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is what our neighborhood looks like on these fall days. Couple of boys riding bikes and brady chillin' on the porch. He hated it at first but has now settled into his fate of being penned up. It is clear at night making no cloud cover and frost is showing up on the grass. Last night it got down to 30. Brrrrrrrr. Will I survive here this winter?

2010-10-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to the EWU volleyball game. I got in free (because I am officially a student here now. yay for me). I got a piece of free pizza for coming to the game (poor attendance), and found a spot to sit. I remember my dad taking me to boys bb games when I was young and sitting with my friends as far up in the stadium seating as we could go. It brought back some good memories. Later the arena got more and more packed and I realized I was sitting in the "student" section. I didn't mean to do that and I felt MEGA SUPER old. I was almost embarrassed that I was lone-ing it trying to fit in. I moved to a different seat and enjoyed watching the girls play. During "half-time", they had students come down to the court and serve. Whatever prize they hit on the other side they got to keep. I was in. I love free stuff.

So I stepped up to the line...and missed my serve. I know, kill me now huh?

My second serve was like old times and I actually hit a pizza box and won a coupon for a free pizza (too bad it's really gross pizza).

I felt cool.

Mitch stayed home with the boys and let me have a night off.

It was a super time-out for mom.

2010-09-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

Things are going good here in the Eastern side of the state. Mitch and I have new callings in our ward. He is the webelos leader and I'm the Scout Committee Chairman (whatever that is?). These are both new callings for us, but Im reassured that with my ward planning parties, that i'll be doing the same thing but just for the Pack meeting each month. It'll be great. At least i'll have something to do.
We've enjoyed getting to know one of Mitch's younger cousins lately too. She is in her 2nd year up here and is one of the coolest girls I know. She babysits in exchange for food too (what a good deal for us!). Tiff and I even walk in the mornings for an hour together.
The boys are doing good. Cam talks about kids that are his "friends" at school, so I know he is liking it. He rides the bus home after school and has made friends with a special needs boy 2 houses down. He has a social worker who comes over everyday to work with him and I ended up in a conversation with him. He is from Mozambique AND went to BYU in provo. He is a member of the church? crazy small world. He said that Braxton has been taking leaps and bounds socially since Cam and him hang. Camden doesn't even know he is doing his missionary work. Jack and Brady are still my buddies at home. Since my life has slowed down, we take naps every afternoon and love it. We went to the park today and Camden met a Russian family. And its funny how camden always convinces the kids to play "chase" and Camden is never it.
I sent the signed papers in to close on the sale of our house. Bittersweet.
Things are good!

Best Date Ever

2010-09-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Mitch and I drove to Pullman to see Brian Regan. It was a BLAST. He was so funny! He did new jokes and then in the encore he took requests. We happened to buy our tickets like 2 seconds earlier than Mitch's cousins and ended up sitting next to them at the show. What are the odds? Huge auditorium sold out and all of Mitch's cousins are sitting behind us! Crazy.
We also stopped over in Moscow for a quick tour of the law school there. Mitch met some really good people and got some great information. We are narrowing our list of schools to apply to and now the prayers start. He will start applying next week as soon as he writes a personal statement. And boy it better be good! We'll keep you updated.
Thanks to Tami for driving up and watching the boys in our little trailer so we could go.

2010-09-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Things here are good.
A little on the boring side though. Not having a job and two callings make for a slow day. Cam goes to school and Jack, Brady and I pick up the house and watch cartoons for a hour or so. Then lunch, naps, play outside, nightly walk to a park, then bed. We mix in lots of trips to the library and dollarstore. Hopefully things pick up once we get settled into a schedule again. Mitch starts school next Wednesday and then we will be busy applying to law schools. When we went to Pullman last weekend, we drove over to Moscow, ID and checked out UofI's law program. It looked good, and Mitch got lots of info to help guide him. I wanted to watch the girls season home opener volleyball against Montana. I think that'll be the most fun this winter is watching college sports again. When I was a kid living here, I remember my dad taking us to the ewu boys basketball games. It was super fun and got us out of the house, I hope to take in some ball games.
Our new ward was small. Many people i recognize from before and most of those people remembered my parents and asked about our family. Bishop came over and visited after church and asked about our "strengths". So i expect a calling soon. Thats good, because I could use some meetings, Im having withdrawl.
We are still super blessed and things are going well.

New baby

2010-09-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Not mine!
My lil sis had her baby last night. Dan got to skype thru the whole thing, and mom and baby are doing great!
Afton Kate Hochhalter
7lbs 15 oz
22 inches long!

Yay katie.

2010-09-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

My Camden had his first day at school yesterday. He is in Mrs. VanHorn's class and sits by a boy named Romeo. He walked home from school by himself already. When the weather gets bad we will end up driving but he loves feeling like a big kid. Mrs. VanHorn said he is her 26th student and they will have to ship some kids to another elem. school. I kinda had to laugh because we come from Psd where the limit to a classroom was like 35 or something.
Jack dressed up like he was going to school too. He was so excited to walk cam to class but then we had to go home and he was kinda bummed. We'll be doing lots of preschool printouts and library visits, that's for sure.

2010-08-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

Our trailer is turning out to be just great. It cleans SO fast. The boys are sharing a bedroom and they are getting used to that. Brady is starting to sleep thru every train that drives by too (like 8 a night). Our storage space is so LIMITED, and I've even packed up things to put back into storage in Pasco. My couponing has to be on hold too, there is NO space to put 12 boxes of trix I got on sale.

Cam starts school tomorrow at my old elem school. It'll be weird to walk down those halls again. I went to Salnave 4th through 6th grade (and 7th at the Jr. High). I even found out a good friend of mine teaches there. We sat down tonight and set up schedules, chore lists, prayer charts and got fathers blessings.
We are going to dive into the Cheney Parks and Rec program and the library is my best friend already. They have an after school classes once a month for cam and once a week for jack and Brady. We even have a coop preschool thru parks and rec. It's waaaaayyyy cheaper than the school one and I can sign Brady up and he can participate too.
Every night we try to take a walk. If the boys get out of the trailer then they fall asleep faster after they are worn out and this place is a little too small to do our regular nightly wrestling matches. We are gonna check out the college sports facilities soon. Hopefully we can swim and play some evenings before bed too.

I look forward to meeting some friends and families at church and finding some good babysitters .

Heavenly father blesses us. We see that everyday.
Love you all.
Nan

Cheney

2010-08-30T20:57:00.001-07:00

Shush. I don't wanna hear it. I know I've been horrible with blogs. But thats the way it is. Get over it. I plan to be much better from here on out. Promise.

Quick update:

We moved to Cheney and even though it is only 2 hours away from Pasco, it is 10 degrees colder, and the town is tiny. I did spend 4 years here as a kid, and the town seemed so much bigger! Anywho, I thought I'd show some pictures of our home in our new chapter of life we like to call "trailer livin'"

(keep in mind, these were taken a day after we moved in.)

Our summer so far

2010-07-13T22:50:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy having "mini-reunions" since Katie and the kids have been home. It's been a blast. Swimming, eating, yardsales, eating, and swimming.
Loving it so far!

New England Trip: Day 2

2010-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

After waking up the day after Newport RI, we loaded up and drove to NYC (actually somewhere in CT and caught a train and subway) into Times Square. We stayed in the Hilton in Times Square and got a screamin' deal. We were total TOURISTS! Taking pictures everywhere, and eating everything. Loved the noise and smells! We ate a super meal at Bobby Flay's restaraunt Mesa Grill, had great seats for Phantom of the Opera, saw ground zero, Statue of Liberty, and stayed up late out on the streets!

Freedom

2010-06-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

This has meant a little more this past year as my brother-in-law is in the Air force and has learned he will be deploying tomorrow (Tues) for Iraq. I just wanted him to know we love him and appreciate his service for our country. He is an EXPERT air traffic control "guy" and America should be so grateful for a guy like him. We will keep his family loved, busy, and entertained while he is gone and will return them safe when he comes home.

Thanks Dan.

Serve strong, good, and fast.

Go here to read more.

New England Trip

2010-06-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

To sum it all up: I had a BLAST.
My roommates from Ricks and I met for a week on the East coast. We did so much and had so much fun. We reverted back to our 18 year old self and played like giddy school girls. We remembered old inside jokes and even talked in our own language. Thanks to Manda for arranging and packing our week with non-stop fun. Also thanks to all the husbands, kids, and careers that were put on hold so we could do this fabulous trip.

Day 1: Newport RI. Tour of the mansions on the coast. These picts are of the "Breakers". This is where the Vanderbilts summered. What a life huh? It was a beautiful home, but you couldn't take pictures inside. It was crazy to see the rooms used to have lavish parties and even the special hallways where servants would restock closets.

Then off to the beach. It was windy and only about 70 degrees but that didn't stop us from experiencing the Atlantic Ocean. People looked at us like we were crazy. We pretty much are. We bought some grubbin lobster, had it steamed, and ate in our super nice hotel room. It was sooooooo good. We ate it without the proper utinsils though. So we had lobster juice squirting all over the place, trying not to hit ash (she's allergic- swells up like Hitch). No trips to ER thank heavens.

stay tuned....

Im back

2010-06-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

WE HAD A BLAST in New England.

Now back to reality!

Picts to come soon...

EAST COAST

2010-05-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today I'm leaving on southwest flight to Hartford CT. It's our annual Ricks chicks get-away. This year we all turn 30 so it's our birthday bash too! We are taking the east coast by storm.

Highlights:

Manhattan Temple session

Beach

30 ROCK

Bobby Flay's restaruant

Eating

hotel in Times Square

biking in Central park

the MET

Sharon, VERMONT

MEGA BIG Canopy Tour Zip Line (like over canyons and stuff)

MY girls

CANT WAIT!

staple-puller

2010-05-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night Cam and I yanked his staples. It was awesome. I got the wire cutters from the garage, snipped those little staples and then he pulled them out. Yay! no sitting in the ER waiting for 4 hours to have 2 little staples pulled. Cam said it didn't even hurt. After that we shaved his head. Man! he needed a haircut BAAAAAAAD. A little hillbilly doctoring never hurt anyone. right?

ps- did you notice my awesome layout and header on my blog? My sister Katie figured it all out and hooked me up! Isn't it cute.

bringing home the bacon

2010-05-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

I am now painting furniture for money. Shameful I know, but why not. If you have something you want done, just bring the paint and the piece. I'll get 'er done. These are just a few pieces I've done lately.

Head Wound

2010-05-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

Cam really was being good at church and entertaining the baby for me when he lost his balance and hit his head just right on the pew. Split it clean open. 2 staples later, and some tylenol. Good as new.

In the ER he was more interested in how the bed worked than what happened to him.

Funny energetic little boys.

2010-05-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my BABY.

He turned 1 last week. Here are some cute things he does:

-he loves his daddy much more than me.

-he started walking a couple of weeks before his birthday and he "practices" much more than my other boys.

-he sleeps like his mom, SO light.

-Is tiny for his age.

-Adores his brothers and often thinks he is the same age and can do the same things.

-Gets on top of the train table and throws the tracks off which makes Jack SCREAM.

-he learned how to shake his head no.

-he shares his birthday with his Aunt Marilyn.

He is a super smart little boy and we sure love him.

Another Show

2010-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

VINTAGE BARN SHOW

Here's one I'm for SURE gonna hit.

It'll be a new one for me though. The way it looks I'll find lots of great STUFF!

Coming UP!

2010-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite events of the year!

FARM CHICKS SHOW

go here for more info.

backyard farmer

2010-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

I WOULD LOVE THIS IN MY BACKYARD. But with our current state of "up-in-the-air-ness" with our lives, this will have to be on hold. Still its okay to dream right?...

(Its a chicken coop for your backyard. It's super cute and clean looking. Go here for details.)

TOFW

2010-04-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Time out for Women

I will be here this weekend. Soaking it all in, and a few stops at our favorite 2nd hand stores, right mom?

Finally, I know.

2010-04-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

FORGIVE ME. I've been so BAD at blogging. I think its having to actually type something on here, and I just never am in the mood to do it. I like just posting some pictures on here because its easy. Besides, I would rather be outside in the garage painting and sanding!

These are just a few of some pieces I've been working on. The blue ones are going in my bedroom to actually be a "bedroom set" for Mitch and I since we've never really had one. And the white dresser is Cam and Jack's. It needed a white wash after a couple years of markers, and stickers (naughty little boys).

I love my paint sprayer. FO SHO!

for katie

2010-04-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Just some picts of my living spaces in my home. I don't think we'll be living here much longer as we are trying to sell our home to start a new adventure with Mitch in College. If you know anyone who is looking to buy a SUPER home in the Pasco area, please email me: nanciemathews79@yahoo.com

Kate: I hope they work.

utah trip

2010-04-01T11:52:00.001-07:00

Jack and Vince at Boodocks
Mitch hittinga homerun

Liberty park

Racecar drivers

Cam at Ikea, getting a boost by uncle Dave

Dersh

Older sis Jen, and hubby Dave

Kate (baby too) and Dan

2010-03-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Confession: I never take "professional" pictures of my kids...even at Walmart. Yup I'm super lame. I just always see the trouble of it instead of the GREAT payoff after they're done. But I finally got them into a friend of ours who owns his own photography business.

Dang, my kids are cute.

Shameless advertising pitch: Call Damon Fairchild Photography! He does a great job with kids and families (and its that time for your high schooler's senior portraits). His studio is close by, on Gway in Richland and has a number of cool backgrounds, or does beautiful outside shots too! I also heard he is running a sale, 30% off in the month of March. Call him TODAY: 509-727-3671.

Definitely Worth It!

SPY party

2010-03-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Camden turned 7 at the end of January. I wanted to post this and show how talented my mom and sister are. Mom and Hollie did a "SPY" birthday for Cam and he loved it. Kids showed up to a spy training facility and did activities that had anything to do with spying. They made these cute brief cases out of pizza boxes and the kids took home their loot inside them. The boys took fingerprints, drew chalk bodies on the driveway, searched for lost jewels, tracked animal prints, and a treasure hunt.

It was a success! The kids loved it and especially Cam.
That party he will remember for sure. And he might even remember that his own mom made it up, I might get the credit for that one. Ha ha.

Mi muy bonita hermana

2010-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

( I realized I don't have very many pictures of Katie when she was growing up because I'm 7 years older than her and wasn't really around then. But in spite of that Katie is still one of my closest sisters.)

KAT is 23!

Happy Birthday to my little sis. I made little list of talents that Katie has been blessed with and that I covet. I love her and is a genuinely great girl who I want to be just like when I grow up.

*PURE.
*an awesome DECORATOR. She knows the newest trends and can throw things together and paint a piece of furniture, put it in a room and bang! instant beautification.
*an awesome THRIFTY DIGGER: She has regular haunts where she visits and she finds the BEST stuff EVER. It helps that she lives in a super big town where everyone buys "new"....(send some stuff my way Kate.)
*a super great FRIEND. Always worries if she has said anything to offend anyone and always has positive things to say even if everyone else doesn't.
*a GREAT LISTENER- you always feel that she heard everything you said and adds some kind of comment or advice to let you know she has.
*has CUTE FASHION. I always wanted to see stuff through her eyes. She has a LOVE for the neutrals and always looks classic!
*such a awesome LEADER- In high school she was "regional/state/president of everything FFA" and she had to put together a Leadership Retreat. I went to help with the food because I wanted to be associated with the RAD activity she put on. It turned out so good. Its still LEGEND in Hermiston.
*BRAIN POWER- She can memorize like nobody's business. She did the FFA creed in record time and was in a couple school plays where she was the STAR!
*A super great TESTIMONY, and she's not afraid to share it. Baptized and brought many to the gospel during her short years in HS and after. I am always jealous she can talk so freely and people can feel the spirit so easily. Katie was KNOWN for her awesome youth talks at church. She can totally take any gospel principle and make a random analogy for it. Again: LEGENDARY. (Ask her about "pig and the Oreck vacuum")
*so WISE. (see above)
*A GREAT MOM- she lives far away from her family and can't rely on family like I do and she's still survives (imagine that). She loves to do family outings with her boys and is patient and kind. I learn from her example.
*She is BRAVE- when Dan went to boot camp they were apart for 6 months, and then moved to Buloxi, MS to be close to him while he was in training for another 6 months. He couldn't sleep at home during that time, she was a single mom in a strange place and she survived that too. Soon Dan will be deployed to Iraq and again she will show bravery by loaning her husband to serve our country in the war.
* a good ATHLETE- I don't care what you say Kate: you did good in all the sports you played. She had Heart, which is hard to come by these days. Besides she had my thighs, and she couldn't be the best at everything...right?
*PENMANSHIP- Kate has honestly the best handwriting in the world. Also, she would draw these cute little stick figure people families- even BEFORE it was cool to stick em on the back of your expensive SUV. I know she came up with it first. I still have a few pictures, framed that she drew of my little family and I still LOVE them.
*PREPAREDNESS- she has a ton of food storage and if something happens I'm headed to phoenix to drink her water and eat her food. She will save my life. Good girl Kate.
*POPULAR- for lack of a better word, she always attracts a crowd and her and Dan were the life of the party in their Boise college ward. They loved their time there and have many friends to show for it.
*Makes CUTE BABIES- what? they are, even if they weigh close to a cinder block when they are born.
*STRONG- (see above) she packs those boys around for the first months of life and thats NOT easy.
*WELL ROUNDED- as mom would say. Fits her to a "T".

I love you Kate. Happy Birthday.

click here for her blog.

Year in Pictures.

2010-01-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

New Years resolution: no more lame posts.
so here are some pictures of some things that happened this year. We have been busy!
(Darn blogger makes them out of order)

Me and Kate in Phoenix at some fiiiine shopping in September.
Jacks dirty face in December.

Brady bathing at seven months.

Levenworth trip in October.

Dan and Nan admiring some cacti on Mesa Temple grounds.

Halloween

Cam at pumpkin patch.

My Ricks pals at Education Week in August. (Ashleigh, and Amanda)

Fall Volleyball, sister Darc BLOCKIN'.

4th of July parade (auntie Jen and uncle Dave came)

Blessing of baby Brady.

Brady at his first dust devils baseball game (grandpa holding).

Poolside with aunt Marilyn, and Denise.

Farm Chicks Antique show in Spokane (coming up soon!)

Swimming at Grami's pool.

Annual Memorial Day at the Hermiston Cemetery.

Grandkids at Papas Ranch in Ione, OR.

Cams 6th birthday (Jan 21)

Cam holding a yukky reptile

Brand new baby in May

boys at the last day of kindergarden.

A New Year

2010-01-08T10:40:00.001-08:00

Yup its that time again. The bain of my existence, the thing that makes me want to punch myself in the neck, drum roll please....

TAXES

Man, most people are excited to start a new year and make great resolutions- lose weight, be more organized, more patience. I could use all of these qualities to keep sane during this horrid time of year. Sorting through stacks of files for each month and receipts, oh the receipts! Every year I vow to keep up on it. Every year I fail.

But this year is different. Without Greyhound and UPS it should be easier right? This coming year will prove to be a NEW challenge learning what is a write off while you have a husband in college. So pray for me and call every once in a while to see if my kids are fed and I'm not dead underneath my fallen filing cabinet.

Happy New Tax Year.

I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus

2009-12-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(this picture was not staged...Seriously. Thanks Amy.)

Tis the Season...

2009-12-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

My Camden at Grammy's house last week.

What we've got going and coming....

*Tiled new kitchen backsplash (finally)

*Nutcracker with extended fam

*Dinner at Aunt Phyllis' (we bought at auction last summer, it'll be AWESOME)

*put door on master bathroom (finally)

*Jack G. came over and fixed an electrical problem- what would we do without good friends!

*Cute cousin's baptism

*patched a nice hole in my livingroom wall

*new dishwasher- mine died 3 days ago and my kitchen is a WRECK!

*quick trip to Portland to pick up my brother for a visit

*cleaning appointments every morning (so grateful!!!)

*quick trip to Cheney for DVR meeting

*mutual

*Ward Dinner

*Visit teaching

*painting furniture (wait till you see!)
*birthday lunch with my girlfriends

Is Christmas coming? You'd never know with all the running we are doing around here.

Maybe I can do a little shopping this weekend. We'll see.

Merry Christmas.

Look Who's Thirty

2009-11-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

My Birthday was on Saturday. I don't feel any different.

Besides 30 is the new 20, right?

Thanks to all the fun and generous gifts I recieved.

I'm gonna go shopping all for me, muhahahaha.

(Nat made a special gift to go on my van. Guess who's gonna take it off....)

FOR SALE:

2009-11-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

Just a few things for sale from our office.

(NOT the baby- he's MINE.)

Finished.

2009-11-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

GREYHOUND IS DONE.
Yup, finally. I'm sad to see the money go (little as it was the last couple of months), but the stress I won't miss. Especially since the Holidays are coming up, and with that you get:
"the passes are closed?! So the bus won't go?!"
"whaddya mean you can't refund a non-refundable ticket?"
"I don't have any money, can I borrow your cell phone to call my dad in Arkansas to tell him to send me some cash?"
"I've been on the bus for 2 days and I wanna know where the nearest bar is."

Greyhound broke their contract with me and gave me 30 days (which ended yesterday). It's due to the economy- a bad excuse to cut commissions for the 3rd time this year and get rid of some agents and give those ticket counters to another agent for a lower rate. At first I was angry and upset, but now I've made peace with that horrible company and I'm ready to move on.

We cleaned out our office and realized we have acquired a ton of office equipment. If you are reading this and need ANY thing for an office. Email me and tell me. Chances are I have it sitting in my garage and will make a quick sale. Anything from desks, 4-in-1 printers, and filing trays- you want it, I got it.

So, I'll be embarking on a new venture: Cleaning homes. I will clean just about anything, and I also have gift certificates for that hard to buy for person this christmas. Spread the word, and I'll be eternally grateful.

Vaya Con Dios.

My new adventure:

2009-10-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm going to do me some cleaning. If you're interested send me an email. I'd love to rustle up some business.

Post note: Mitch made this postcard for me using his SUWEEEEET Photoshopping abilities. Isn't he super talented!

Deal makers

2009-10-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm getting pretty freaking good at couponing. I wish i took a picture so you could see all the great deals I'm getting. I'll do that next time. Went to Albie's last night to spend coupons: got 101.00 worth of food, spent 32.00. Yup pretty awesome.
Last weekend we had a birthday party for my grandma at the Hermiston Bowling alley (pretty HICKTOWN huh?) It was GREAT. We paid 10 bucks a head and we got a huge conference room complete with all you can eat salad bar, pizza, and bowling for 3 hours. It was great fun. All the old people could visit and all the cousins aunts and uncles teamed up and had a little competition. The kids played in the arcade room too. I recommend using it if you got a little reunion or indoor party you need to throw. Maybe bowling alleys in TC have similar deals.
My bowling score stunk!

Playing Catch-up

2009-10-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Playing Catch-up with blogger. 2 weekends ago I got to go to AZ for a fun quick trip to visit Kate and her family and shop. So much fun! Thanks Kate.
Last weekend, we had our annual family apple juicing party. We made close to 80 gal of juice. Love it!

Jack sitting in the apple bin.

Wash bin and chopper

BIL Beau at the "squisher"

Free ride from Grandpa

Dershie

Me and Brady

Twins shopping in AZ

Cool bro-in-law doing his job. Protecting our country.

Me and Vince at Mesa Temple

Busy weekends, and it's nice to be home. We have the cold around here and now are fighting it off. But we should be up and around soon!

ps- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY TALENTED SIS JEN. ALWAYS BEEN ABOVE AND BEYOND AMAZING. CHECK HERE FOR HER BLOG.

Phoenix Trip

2009-09-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just got back from visiting my sister in Phoenix. I loved it. It was so much fun. Here's a few picts of some stuff we did. She decorates her cute little house so well and is super talented. Thanks Katie and Dan for letting me come and steal your weekend, guestbed, time, and food. I love ya. Want some inspiration go here:
http://vinylvineyard.blogspot.com/

EDIT NOTE: My blogger is messed up and I cant post pictures. I'll try later so check back!

Need a little laugh?

2009-09-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

Today I'm stalking my favorite blogs and it seems everyone is having a hard day. I just thought a pick me up would be in order. Watch this gal she's funny.

click here

(I was referred here by a special roommate who holla's from Sunny San Diego. Yay Ash!)

more to come

2009-09-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight is our ward Luau. Its gonna be a doozy too. Survivor themed and great food. That and other things I'm in charge of are making it so I can't blog. Stay tuned, Monday I'll give an update of all the fun stuff.
In the mean time check out some of my fav blogs
Peace out.

My little sis
The Pioneer woman
The best music blog on the planet
Woman eating for 3
PTO Prez
Super mom
Coupon City
Funny cousin

First Day

2009-09-01T12:10:00.001-07:00

Cam's first day of First Grade:
Fun
Recess
Name Tag
New Lego/Star Wars Teeshirt
Hot Lunch
Mrs. Wright
Flagpole
Crossing Guard
Reading
Color Crayons
He had a blast, ready for the rest of the year!

Yay for Schedules

2009-08-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

This summer has cruised by. I had a baby at the beginning of it so that made it go super fast as I've been preocupied with him. I am sad to see summer go, but SOOOOOO looking forward to schedules again. Camden will be at school all day and I'm we will have regular nap times again. YIPPEE. Can't wait.

This was the one thing I painted this summer. Sad I know. I refinished it for the family auction and I think it turned out pretty cute.

FULL WEEKEND>

2009-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Mathews family reunion. We love this weekend every other year, we have so much fun and eat such good food. We did lots of activities: Fun run 3 mile race, swimming, kayaking, bread making class, Amazing race, Auction, newlywed game, temple sessions, ice-blocking, and much more. We were constantly going and had such a blast. Thanks to those who worked so hard! We are sure proud to be Mathews.
Go here for a more detailed version

Yes, It do.

2009-08-09T21:18:00.001-07:00

This is Jack's new favorite saying now. When him and Cam get into arguments it's so cute to hear his side: "Yes, it do."

Where does the time go? I'm sitting down to post now or I'll never get it updated. I've gotten to do some pretty cool stuff lately and I need to brag. Here's what we've been up to:
*Trip to Rexburg- Ambassador Alumni Training, and Ed week. I also meet some of my roommates there every year and we act like no time has passed at all. This year Amanda (Granby, CT) and Ashleigh (SanDiego, CA) came to play. We missed you Bean, and Jillie.

Roomies chillin at Ricks. Yes Manda, I'm better at the "hold-your-own-camera" thing.

Mom and me at "new" Craigo's. We have the same eating face.

Me, dreaming I played, in the Hart Gym.

Amanda and Me at the Rexburg Temple.

Quick weekend to Leavenworth, WA for cousin Levi's wedding. Thanks mom, for watching the boys so we could go. I'd never been and its a cute little Bavarian town to tour. Mitch even had a Bratworst. How could he not.

Mitch loving on the Goat. Across from our hotel at Leavenworth, WA

Sorry for the Pit shot.

Riiiiiiiicollaaaaaaa
Dapper young men at Levi's wedding (Mitch, Damon, Rich)

We got another busy week. Family reunion (mathews), Katie comes into town for quick weekend, and Umatilla County Fair week. Will post more picts later!
WORD.

HOT, HOT, HOT

2009-07-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

LBT (Little Big Town, cuz we're tight) is AWESOME. It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. They played all my favorites and in the encore they even played "Life in a Northern Town". We sat 2nd row middle, and I could watch the singers mouth move as they rocked hardcore. They are a really chill band and they even sound GOOD live (ya know how some bands really don't?). We had a great time and spent the night with one of my roommates from college Jill and her family. The only thing was the weather was so stinkin' hot that night that me and Brady and Mitch sweated like pigs and that's why I'm not posting a picture of me standing in front of the stage. I'm wet up and down the front of me-but thankgoodness for MOBEs. It kept Brady close and asleep all night.
We drove home the next morning and set up for the ward party-which was a success too!
I'm looking forward to this weekend and Ricks Education week with some of my hometown gals. See ya on the flipside.
peace.

busy week

2009-07-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Cam and Brady

This week will be CRAZY! Seriously.

Tuesday: BYU-Idaho Picnic Party at the Mathews house (my in laws) Hosted by me! I guess there are close to 80 people showing up. Its gonna be awesome!

Thursday: Mitch and I are making a short trip to Caldwell Idaho for the county fair there. Yes we love fairs but really just to see my favorite country band LITTLE BIG TOWN. Then hang with one of my favorite Gal overnight.

Friday: 24th of July Ward Party. One word: Busy.

Saturday: Birthday parties for peeps we know.

Have a good week- this one is going to go by FAST!

last weekend

2009-07-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Quick note and pictures:
-We blessed Brady in church on Sunday. Mitch did wonderful. Always so neat to hear what he blesses each boy with.
-Afterward had a super good dinner! It was great to have both sides of our family hanging out together.
-lots of activities over the fourth. But we are so exhausted at the end of the day, that Cam and mom are the only ones who made it to the backyard to watch the fireworks.
We definitely had a great fourth of July!

(I'll be at my mom's girls camp this week helping out with food. see y'all when I get back.)

8 Weeks

2009-07-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Brady is 8 weeks old. Here he is being a trooper at the Dust Devils game we went to over the weekend (I don't know what happened to my camera). We are blessing the B-Boy on Sunday, and most of our family will be in town. I can't wait.

Have a great 4th of July!

Fresh Summer

2009-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Locals go
here
for some great info on
UPICK Blueberries

We love em around here!

My Civic Duty

2009-06-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'm going to cut to the chase...

I do NOT want Planned Parenthood in my neighborhood, and 60 feet away from my children's elementary school.

This was the issue last night at the city hall planning committee meeting. Kim and I went to support those against it. But I didn't realize it was going to be such a HOT issue.

Please hop over to KIMS blog to read all about it.

However I did something I thought I'd NEVER do and that is raise my hand and voice my opinion. I walked calmly up to the podium (Brady in my arms), state my name and address for the record, and with my voice quivering told everyone how I felt. For me that was the scariest thing I've done EVER. Scarier than getting on my 2 year old unbroke arabian horse for the first time. Scarrier than bearing your testimony in stake conference. Scarrier than having an emergency c-section. I kept to the point: that my children attend the elementary school and I was already worried about the saftey of them walking across Court street, and I didn't want the added danger of a conterversial business being right next door. I also said there are plenty of buildings in Pasco to utilize and they didn't need to be in the one next to this school and my neighborhood. I urged the council to vote against the permit and said thank you and sat down.

Mom you would've been proud.

Afterward I felt so empowered! I was on a high, I wanted to go fight some more fights, run a million miles, or scream from the top of my lungs! Kim and I settled for a diet Dr. Pepper at my house venting to Mitch. It was a great night.
As for the permit. We won't know for another month. I'll keep you updated. Pray for us, that this horrible "non-profit" business will not win over the hearts of the people who make these important decisions.

June update

2009-06-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone go out and buy a surge protector!

Every time the electricity goes out (and its been a lot in my neighborhood lately), our router shuts down and Internet goes off. Mitch doesn't have time to power it back up and so my blogs are neglected for a week or more. Finally its back on and my life can continue.

A few updates for y'all:

Couple of weekends ago us girls made a trip to the Farm Chicks Antique show in Spokane. We had a ball and bought too much stuff. So much that the back of the van was packed and I sat on the floor on the way home. Good finds though!

Cam graduated from Kindergarten this past month. He is sure glad to be done, not that he hates school, he just loves to play and swim in the pool with his cousins and summer couldn't come fast enough.

Some of my close friends were pregnant this year too and we got the babies together and have a little mommy brunch. Its so crazy how fast they grow. Brady is in the middle. He is 6 weeks old on Thursday.

Brady with his cousin Elyse.

Jack is getting so big. He has learned how to count numbers, recognize some letters, sing, and tease Cam to get what he wants. We can't believe how smart he is- and he always has a dirty face. ALWAYS.

And this summer we have been "re-vamping" the yard. Mitch has been bringing home plants and trees like crazy. He has learned that it is hard work to do shrub beds and plant them. So if you drive by our house and see a bunch of plants still in their pots sitting along the house, squint your eyes and pretend they are already planted. Now our yard looks great doesn't it?

Mitch and Darcie say "Hi".

Have a good summer!

Summertime!

2009-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Yay for sunshine, and pools.

Stalking

2009-06-03T07:48:00.001-07:00

Our Internet has been cranky lately. It is deciding to work and not to work some days. So it's been a while since I posted and surfed. I've also been blank on what to post and talk about, all the usual around here, so I thought I'd let you in on my Internet stalking habits. When my Internet comes back after its short sabbaticals these are some of the blogs and websites I rush to check.
(in no particular order...)

Pioneer woman
Passionista
vinyl vineyard
Dandee
Mi Vida Loca
The Dodson Tales
Craigslist
Jens Jots
The Corners of my Mind
The Reign of the Movie Queen
Life According to the PRP
The Ostler Fam
Positively Undecided
If you give a blog a cookie
walmart-free samples page
BYU-I (alumni page)
Hermiston Herald (hometown paper)

Brady is 2 weeks old

2009-05-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

Brady is my most alert baby at this stage. He loves the sound of his brothers voices and you can just see the wheels turn in his head. He definitely remembers their sound. He eats pretty good but we still are trying to establish some kind of a schedule. He is a go baby. Doesn't mind running errands and doing greyhound work. Brady is happy most of the time but when he cries he is stinking loud. We love him and sure think he's a keeper.

Healing

2009-05-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all those of you who have brought dinners, brought gifts, visited, and sent well-wishes. We are in the process of healing. And mom and baby are doing well. Brady is gaining weight really fast and is getting into a good sleeping pattern already. We didn't plan a whole lot for the next two weeks and we are enjoying just chilling at home catching up on our talk shows and soaps.

(I just realized how little pictures I have of him.
I need to get the camera out and snap away. How fast they grow!)

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our new addition to our family came on May 7th 8:41am.
Brady Walker Mathews
7lbs. 9oz. 19.5 inches.
Such a good baby. Jack and Cam adore him and cant wait to teach him how to wrestle. We are at home recovering after a C-Section. It's gonna kill me to have to take my time healing and not be so anxious to get back into life.

I'm thankful for a Great Mom who teaches me how to be a mom everyday.
I'm thankful for family who sacrifice for me.
I'm thankful for good friends who are so thoughtful despite my faults.
I'm thankful for medical miracles and advances that let us have safe deliveries and bring such cute spirits into the world.
I'm thankful for Heavenly Father who allows me to have these spirits in my home.

Update:

2009-05-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Baby is still in my belly. I'm having weak contractions throughout the day though. They will induce me on Friday if there is no change (Hopefully Kadlec won't be full and turn me away-that makes for a MAD pregnant lady.) I'm gonna try to get my chores done and not think about it. Will that make the week go faster? I hope.

Until then...

NO baby yet...

2009-04-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you're all tired of hearing me complain....oh wait this is MY BLOG huh? Guess I can do what I want.
Dr put me on the books for Friday May 8th inducement if this baby doesn't want to come before then. And believe me he will. If I have to run a marathon to get him to come. I'm getting more and more uncomfortable at night and during the day. That reminds me, I need to pack a bag with some stuff I'll need at the hospital, and buy a bottle of Castor oil.
Last weekend Mitch planted some landscaping that has been sitting in our driveway for a couple of weeks. He also fixed some broken sprinklers and the yard is shaping up for spring. He mentioned that he likes watching a plant go from small to large in coming years. I wish it was full grown when we plant it that way everything is just DONE. But that's my impatient-ness coming through.
Cam is excited for school to end so he can just swim all day long. This last weekend the "bike-riding" thing finally clicked and he is riding like crazy! He has a few skinned knees and face to prove it.
Jack is fighting a cold with me and hopefully we are kicking this crud.
Planned for Today: A trip to Spokane to do some 2nd hand store shopping at some of the Alleman's favorite shops!
Have a good week.

PS- A special SHOUT OUT to my GAL Sarah. She had a Birthday yesterday! Hopefully Riley got her more than a cell phone charger this year.

2009-04-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

All the stress is over. I'm officially taking it easy the last 3 weeks of this pregnancy. All the parties and YW activities that I have to plan are over. I'm gonna get my hair done, my feet done, and go shopping. The next couple weeks are filled with track meets/practices and dr. appointments. Bring on the spring and this new baby, I'm ready!

(I've got to buy a small cheap camera. Our big one is broke and wouldn't you know the place we bought it went out of business and won't honor their warranty now.)

Horrible Mom ALERT

2009-04-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Cam's first tooth fell out yesterday and he was so excited to have the Tooth Fairy come last night. Guess who couldn't make it?

I know- Kill me now.

UPDATES ON THE HICKS

2009-04-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

Sorry It's been so long since I updated. We have had a busy two weeks. I'll try to give a little run down of whats been going on...

>Went to Salt Lake City, and enjoyed conference weekend. We hung out with family, played, shopped, and ate. We got to see Kate/Dan and the kids. The boys were pretty good driving down and Mitch and I actually got tickets to Sunday afternoon session. It was a cool experience. Jen came with us so we sat down where the hearing impaired sit (which is pretty dang close) and the talks were great. Thanks Jen/Dave for letting us invade your house! I also experienced Cafe Rio for the first time, that was SUPER GOOD too. Anyone got some capital I could borrow to open another restaurant up here?

>The night before we left Utah, 3 people in the house got the stomach flu. Cam and Jack got hives and Jack ended up throwing up for the next 4 days. He couldn't keep anything down. So all the way home and for the next week, he just wanted held. So we caught up on rental movies and tried to drink gatorade. He finally perked up last Friday and I think we're out of the woods. Thank Heavens that crud is gone. Now I can finally open up mail and clean my house.

>Mitch's 31st birthday was on April 8th. He really had a birthday week and was pretty much spoiled by his family and friends. He's had lunches and dinners out, and many gifts. He really deserves it, he has been working his guts out for the nursery and is still running most nights. He is also busy with YM in our ward and is a great father. I appreciate all he does for me and the boys. Happy Birthday Barg.

>Cam had his first Hurricane Track meet. We signed him up for the Javelin (don't worry they are spongey), the Long Jump, and a 50m sprint. We found out how many kids like the Long Jump (too many) and Cam decided all he wants to do is run in the next meet. No argument here! He wasn't even tired that night afterward. It wasn't really a track meet more like a stand-in-line-and-wait-your-turn-meet. So next week he is running: 100M, 200M, and 400M...We'll see how tired he is after that.

>Easter was good. I had to teach in YW and that pretty much stressed me out all week, but I think it went fine. We ate a super dinner at Tami's and the kids loved to see their cousins. Jack and Cam ate as much candy as they could get their little hands on.

>I'm pretty much on the backstretch (track lingo) with the pregnancy. I keep getting that comment "any day right?". Nope I got at least 3 weeks. The baby is on track size wise and I'm starting to feel huge and uncomfortable. My preg clothes no longer fit and that really bums me out. I still gotta get some "nesting" stuff done before this "no-name" baby comes. Yup, that's right- there is still no name agreed by both parties involved. Any input or ideas would be appreciated.

I'll try to do better on posting and keep the updates coming. Our million dollar camera broke and Circuit city won't fix it 'cause they went out of business...so that's why there are NO pictures lately. That's on my list too.

Love ya all- Peace out.

PS-if you are in my ward: don't forget about the baby shower at my house on Sat morning for those ladies who just had babies. It should be fun!

Out of Towners

2009-04-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

We are headed to Utah for our semiannual trip to my sisters house. We go (usually) every conference and visit. While we are there we take on many remodeling projects and hang out and thrift store shop. Its such a fun vacation, and this time we have some tickets for conference. I've never been. However, I hope the weather warms up and melts the inches of snow in Utah!

Hopefully this happens...

2009-03-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

When we are done with all we have planned this weekend!
Peace.
-Nan

WICKED AWESOME!

2009-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon I got the call from Sarah that her sister wouldn't be using her ticket to a long time planned Tovey women outing. She asked if i would like it and I said uh...sure! So I arranged for my kids and left for Portland on Saturday morning.
I was a Wicked Virgin - having never read the book, heard the music, or seen the show before. We met up with some Tovey family and sat in our designated seats. The show started with a bang. It was one of the best musicals I have ever seen. And growing up in a family of 5 girls- We know our musicals (how did we even miss this one?)! The story was clever, funny, entertaining and the score was awesome. I was so lucky to get to go, and the Tovey's treated me like family (I am anyway right?). Thanks so much to them.

And to those of you who are virgins too- get out there and experience it. LOVED IT.

What I believe

2009-03-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Those of you who frequent CJane's Blog, you might have seen this already, so this is mainly for my family. This is a young Harvard student who expressed her religious beliefs so clearly. I have always wished that I could speak this way, but alas, I don't. I wanted to post this so those who have questions of what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is could hear this young woman's information and know what I'm all about.
(Sorry Jen, I couldn't find a link with captioning.
You probably surf better than me and can find one?)

Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

2009-03-11T14:33:00.001-07:00

Got my phone back. I am again connected to the world.
Give me a call.
-out

ET phone home...

2009-03-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

I don't have access to my cell phone today. Mitch sweated on his (go figure) and his broke. So he put his sim card in mine and is using it. If you are trying to get a hold of me, the best way is through my email. I'm planning to take the day off anyway, fold clothes and watch TV.

Have a good Tuesday.

2009-03-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Mitch and my Daddy worked on my house this last weekend. I have a new front window, granted it needs a new piece of glass, but it's there! I'm loving the cuteness of it too.

Thanks Dad, Mitch and Darcie (painted her guts out this weekend).

I owe you BIG!

pictures to post later.

2009-03-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

Secretly I am kinda in love with Jon Bon Jovi. I have been for a while.
Yes, I'm coming out.
Even my family didn't know. I think he is kinda sexy and the man can sing.
I know, hate me.

Last night He and Tina Fey were on Late night with Jimmy Fallon. Tina was so funny, and Jon was too. They let one girl out of the audience come up and karaoke "dead or alive" and she did okay. I couldn't help but feel so nervous as she stared at Jon singing his own song back to him. I was pitting out just watching it. Then he got up and sang with her. I would have peed my pants right there! Man but it made for good TV.

I would have posted a link but Im out of practice and don't have time. But just google it and watch. It's worth it!

Peace out.

School DAZE...

2009-03-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

Today is Wednesday. It's the day I help in Camden's kindergarten class. And I do mean HELP! I'm so glad I didn't go to school to be a teacher. Too much work for me. Those kids take a lot of energy that's for sure! That poor teacher-bless her heart- she really tries and there are good days and bad. However, so many kids have so many "problems" its hard to cater to each one. So I guess my challenge to you is to get involved with your kids' classrooms- even if it's only once a month. Those teachers need your help, and so does your child. Even if he is the most well behaved one there.

Off to the races....

AAARRGGGG!!!!

2009-03-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

GREAT START: I already locked my keys in my car this morning.

HAPPY MONDAY!

Happy Birthday Boy Boy.

2009-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

(Darcie, Hollie, Katie, Jen, and Nan)

Its My little sister Katie's birthday today. I'll tell you a little about her...

1. She is seven years younger than me but we are closer in friendship.
2. She is uber talented at her vinyl business!
3. She has ALWAYS had super cute handwriting
4. She is such a great public speaker: She rocked in all of her FFA competitions
5. What a phenom at leading. People often want to be just like her, including me.
6. She is a great mom. Always patient and consistent with raising her kids.
7. She is great at decorating her house. She mimics the "pottery barn" look and doesn't even spend half the money (THAT'S talent).
8. She has lived many different places and can survive. I would not fare very well away from my family like she does.
9. She is a good athlete.
10. She makes friends SOOOOO easily.
11. She loves her husband so openly.
12. She is close to the spirit all the time.
13. She has more determination, and will power than I will ever know. When she sets her mind to something she DOES it.

I love that little Kit Kat. Happy Birthday! Come home soon.
love,
Friar

Water DAMage

2009-02-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Sooooooo.....
Mitch and his mom have taken on a new business. A Wholesale Nursery, it has been a total blessing and Mitch has found he is really pretty good at it already. But this last month we tried "too hard" to please a customer he used my front living room as a greenhouse. He lugged some plants/shrubs and a heavy duty tarp into the room. The purpose: to get them to bud out before the home show this weekend. About 2 weeks later they lugged em back out and delivered them to the landscaper. He was pleased they budded out and looked fine for the show, but my carpet didn't fare so well.
The tarp leaked all over and water sat in my carpet and pad for 2 weeks. Now my whole house stinks like wet dirt and mildew.
Yup, so this morning i went down to good ole Pasco Rents and rented a heavy duty carpet cleaner, and Dehumidifier. I pulled trim off the walls, and pulled back my carpet. I then shoved as many plastic garbage cans under the wet carpet (which is mega heavy) by kicking them with my feet, and I have two box fans going as fast as they can to circulate some air between carpet and pad. Hopefully i can dry it all out and the smell will go away. Uh, I hope.
I'm sure my nosy neighbors were thinking "what the heck is that 7 months pregnant girl doing scooting under her carpet in her living room?" (They could see right into my living room, 'cause my door is wide open-the stench! but its only 45 degrees out.)
So pray that this works, and if you feel like coming over and checking out our refrigerator of a house, and stinky one at that. Please do. Nothing like mildew to open the sinuses.

Pictures to come later

A little Journaling

2009-02-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

I'm just getting back into the swing of blogging. Yes, Mitch finally figured out the problem with our internet and he fixed it. He is such a handy guy. He can pretty much fix anything that is broken: cars, furniture, and computers. I'm so grateful to have it back.

Since its peaceful here in my home tonight (the boys are in bed), I think I'll do a little journaling like what Sara started on her blog. Here goes,

Outside my window: Its dark, and cold.

What I am thinking: How good our ward conference was today. That there are such inspired men and women in our stake who are leading us, and helping us progress in our callings and in life. I enjoyed President M's talk to the youth today. Especially good.

What I am thankful for: My body. I have always been strong and healthy. I can carry babies safely and can continue to have good health while I do it. I like to complain sometimes though, I'm sure all of you know. Today I'm 28 weeks along. That's like 7 months! This baby kicks and moves all the time. I'm sure he is healthy too.

From the kitchen: I cooked some chunks of chicken and Mitch and I threw together a chicken salad for dinner. It was super good. Mitch is the cook around here, I just feed people. If you want something to taste fab, you have Mitch season it.

I am wearing: No bra (Yay!) . Red ugly sweatpants that fall off all the time because I have to leave them untied (big belly), and my Hermiston Volleyball T-shirt from 2007.

I am going: To make sure I be more consistent on my prayers and scripture reading at night before bed. It's one of the challenges to the youth this year, and I should practice what I preach huh?

I am reading: Well, I finished the March Ensign today after church. But at greyhound when its slow I'm reading The Smoke Jumper by Nicolas Evans. I like his books, they usually take place in Montana and have some kinda cowboy or farm references in them.

I am hoping: My tax season goes well. I AM FINISHED! yup you read it right. I finished those horrible things on Saturday, now i just gotta download some stuff, put it on a memory stick and deliver to accountant.

I am hearing: My washing machine. I'm finally getting some clothes washed. Last week was busy.

Around the house: Mitch put up blinds in the guest bedroom yesterday. Now our nosy neighbors can't see straight in our house at night.

One of my favorite things: My blackberry phone. I know, I know, I'm not a techie. But when we switched carriers recently Mitch said I would like it. I do, I can get email and internet on it and it has come in handy MANY times already!

Plans for the week: ugghhhh, work at greyhound in Stanfield, and then this weekend at Pasco. Pray that my new guy learns quick.

Peace Out.

Impatient!

2009-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

This is me punching my self in the face....

I haven't had Internet for the last week and a half. It's killing me.

Please forgive the NON existent posting lately, but don't give up on me!

We just won the bid for the Stanfield/OR Greyhound. So I'm training a new guy at Pasco and Training myself in "Stand-still". I'm planning to catch up on my stalking so I might have to call a few of you to catch up on the phone before my Internet finally gets fixed (Mitch is working hard).

So Howdy from HickTown and I'll be seein' ya soon.

Come out, Come out, wherever you are

2009-01-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

Everyone for the sun shining: Squint.

I know I definitely am ready!