Browning Buzz

We Needed a Miracle Today

2012-02-01T20:05:00.002-07:00

Our family needed a miracle today. It didn't happen. I had never prayed so hard in my life for this miracle to actually go through and fall into place. I am very disappointed and frustrated because of it. Actually, I am quite disqusted with the whole situation. Here's hoping you had a better day than our family.

Best Friend Brothers

2012-01-16T11:49:00.002-07:00

Homemade Thin Mint Cookies

2012-01-13T09:12:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but my favorite Girl Scout Cookies are the thin mints. Girl Scout cookies will be available in Feb. (I already got my order in), but sometimes you just can't wait.

You need two ingredients (that's it):

Andes Chopped Mints (comes in a bag like a chocolate chip bag)

+ Ritz Crackers

Directions:

Melt 1 bag of mints for 1 minute in microwave, stir.

Drop Ritz cracker in chocolate, flip over with fork.

Lay on wax paper (tin foil works too).

Makes about 45 cookies.

Cannon's First Day...

2012-01-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

as a sunbeam in primary at church.

Wishing you all a blessed, joyful 2012!

The Coat

2011-12-26T15:53:00.001-07:00

This is a great message! Charity can be demonstrated any time of the year! My boys asked to watch it over and over! Carter even gave me a hug at the same time Pres. Grant gave his mom a hug. :)
Click on the title, The Coat, to watch. :)

"Special" Cookies

2011-12-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

I am a horrible mom. I got these Christmas cookies for the boys (from Babe's Bakery - the yummiest place, anyway...) - for a special Christmas treat, you know. While the boys were sleeping, I couldn't resist. I HAD to try a little bit of the sugar cookie Santa and gingerbread boy. Now they really are "special" cookies. ;)

Love Christmas Cards

2011-12-13T11:10:00.004-07:00

I love everything about Christmas! I love what Christmas represents - our Savior's birth. I also love the lights, trees, decorations, the spirit of giving, family traditions, the goodies, wreaths, Christmas books (which I collect, and read a different story under the tree each night), Christmas music, wrapping gifts (yes, I enjoy doing that), stockings, candy canes, doing the 12 days of Christmas for a family secretly, etc., etc...

I love all of the above, but I especially love walking to the mailbox in hopes of Christmas cards. I love to see how everyone's family has changed over the last year...and the cute/pretty cards that are out there! I put them around our windows by our Christmas tree...and always have a hard time taking them down after Christmas.

Temple Square + Little America for Dinner = New Browning Christmas Tradition

2011-12-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

The boyz were in awe! At Christmas, Temple Square is so magical!

Cannon a little intimidated by the fake Santa.

Romantic Tree

2011-12-05T16:23:00.004-07:00

Curtis put up this Christmas tree in our bedroom. Romantic...don'tcha think?

;)

A Christmas Quote to Remember...

2011-12-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments" (Howard W. Hunter, "The Real Christmas," Ensign, Dec 2005, 22–25).

Christmas Music Requests

2011-11-25T17:54:00.001-07:00

Last year I posted a link to some of Curtis' Christmas music. People have asked for it again. Curtis sings with the group in all of the songs, but has solos for the songs:

#1 Jingle Bell Rock
#8 When All is Said and Done
#10 Homeless

Enjoy! I know I do! It's entertaining!

Click the above title, "Christmas Music Requests" (with green font) to listen. :)

Four Years of Marriage

2011-11-23T12:34:00.001-07:00

November 24th, 2007 Curtis and I got married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. I wanted to wish Curtis a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Anniversary this year (since they are on the same day)!!! He is a good man to put up with me!;)

Four facts that make Curtis so AWESOME:

1) He gets up with the boys at night - I haven't had to for a LONG time. Even when they were newborns he got up with them. I know, I'm spoiled!

2) He has a cute, little laugh that he does a lot that he doesn't even realize. ;)

3) He helps so much - mops the floors, gets the boys ready for bed, does the dishes if I make dinner, etc. I don't even have to ask.

4) He has a strong testimony! Makes sure he teaches our boys how to pray, listen to scriptures, etc. He is humble, and always tries to make others feel comfortable and at ease while around him.

Family Pictures 2011

2011-11-16T13:34:00.001-07:00

Click the link below to see some photos from our family session. The barn where we took the pics is so close to our house. That's why I picked the spot. ;)

http://kellystewartphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/b-family-idaho-falls-family.html

Christmas traditions

2011-11-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

We are starting to get excited and ready for Christmas around here! We have a few Christmas traditions, but would like to start more. I would love for you to leave a comment letting me know what your family does each Christmas that makes it memorable.

My Heart Skipped a Beat

2011-11-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

I was walking through the store, when I came across these, Cadbury Christmas Mini-balls. They are red, green and white. My heart skipped a beat...oh, how I love them so much!! Usually March is the happy time with the Cadbury Mini-Eggs. I am so glad Cadbury puts them out at Christmas time too! I won't tell you how many bags I bought. I had to stock up...these things go fast!!! ;)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with Icing

2011-11-07T16:29:00.002-07:00

I made these cookies today. And let me tell you...they were well worth it for two reasons. Reason #1 - They taste soooo good! Reason #2 - After Cannon and Carter had one they both came up to me and said, "Thanks mom, for making these pumpkin cookies! You are the best mom ever!" Then gave me a hug. Okay, so Cannon said it, and Carter copied right after. Here's the recipe:

1 cup canned pumpkin (15 oz.)
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. milk
1 TBS. vanilla
2 cups chocolate chips (These are optional. I made a dozen without choc. chips and 2 dozen with.)

Combine pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg. Mix well. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve baking soda with milk and stir in. Add vanilla and chocolate chips. Mix well.
Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet and bake @ 350 degrees for about 10 mins. Makes about 3 dozen.

Frosting:
1/2 pkg. cream cheese softened
1/2 cup butter softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

These cookies are DELISH with or without frosting! Enjoy! Happy Fall Y'all! :)

Count Your Blessings

2011-11-02T11:38:00.000-06:00

I have a calendar. A large, dry-erase calendar. On the last day of each month, I erase the month that just ended, and fill in the calendar for the new month. There is extra space on the side where I write (with input from the three boys) words that pertain to the month...so Cannon and Carter will look at it and learn to read the words. For the month of November I asked them what they are grateful for. Here is the list:

-family
-books
-penguins (Carter came up with that one out of no where)
-music
-sun
-preschool
-Bobbin (our cat)
-seasons
-hoses (nice one, Cannon)
-Jesus
-gospel
-bed
-horses
-home
-food
-Mickey Mouse
-technology
-scriptures

What do you count as a blessing in your life???

Happy 2011 Halloween from The Browning's!

2011-10-31T07:37:00.003-06:00

Cannon wanted Carter to be Buzz...but we couldn't find a costume. Carter got to choose from what we had at home: hamburger, tiger, or pirate. He chose what Cannon was last year. Carter always gets the leftovers. ;)

Boo at the Zoo

Excited for treats!

Happy Haunting!

Reaching Those in Need

2011-10-24T09:02:00.000-06:00

"Reach out in love to those who need our strength. There are many among us who lie alone in pain. Medicine helps, but kind words can bring to pass miracles. There are many who walk in frightening circumstances, fearful, and unable to cope. There are good bishops and Relief Society officers who are available to help, but these cannot do it all. Each of us can and must be anxiously engaged."

-President Gordon B. Hinckley

Happy, Happy SECOND Birthday to CARTER today!

2011-10-22T06:47:00.000-06:00

Cute Chubby-Cheeked Carter

Loved playing in the water this summer

Sometimes gives dirty looks and scowls like no other

Happy Birthday to our now 2 year-old!
Two things about "Carter Boy":

*He likes to bounce, hop, skip, run, and jump. Pretty active little guy!

*He has a cute, raspy voice along with a lisp...and a cute smile! Enjoys playing with cars, trains, things with wheels.

Happy Birthday, Carter!!! We sure love having you in our family!!! You bring lots of smiles to our faces!!! :)

Happy, Happy, Happy THIRD Birthday to CANNON today!

2011-10-21T06:46:00.001-06:00

Celebrating Cannon's birthday at preschool with Ms. Deana, his teacher!

Cannon got the neighbor cat, Scrappy to sit in the stroller. Cannon even talked me into stopping what I was doing to take them for a walk. He's smooth like that - or I'm a pushover. ;)

Cheezin it at Reed's Dairy.

THREE tidbits about the Birthday Boy:

*He is a sponge! He remembers everything - especially the little details! He loves to read and be read to. He is constantly having me spell words.

*He is a sensitive, little guy. He likes to give hugs and kisses to me, his dad, and brother. Sometimes when he is crying he will say in a sad voice, "I'm crying!" :(

*He is independent, curious, energetic, and has his own agenda. Enough said. ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Were glad you are a part of our team (family) :)!!! You are turning into a little boy right before our eyes!!! We are excited to see what the future has in store for you!!!

Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2011-10-16T14:43:00.000-06:00

I have made MANY, MANY chocolate chip cookies in my day. I have tried various recipes too. My ULTIMATE, FAVORITE chocolate chip cookie recipe is below:

1 cup of butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 bag of chocolate chips (not just any chips, but the BIG milk chocolate chips made by Guittard (in a silver bag)...only to be found at WinCo. I ALWAYS use milk chocolate).

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes (depends on your oven...for ours it is 10 minutes, and I let them sit on the baking sheet for a while after I take them out of the oven). Makes about 3 dozen.

I make these cookies a lot on Sundays, and make them for new neighbors who move into our neighborhood.

Betcha can't eat just one! ;)

The Stars of the Show...

2011-10-10T20:48:00.000-06:00

Here is Cannon as Woody! He sure loves this costume...and would wear it all day every.single.day. if I would let him.

My boys sure have a thing for Toy Story 1, Toy Story 2, and Toy Story 3 - they pretty much have all three movies memorized. They are constantly "roping" Curtis into playing Bullseye. Curtis gets a workout taking those two around the house all the time. I think Cannon is saying in this pic, "Yeehaw, cowboy!" The boys have everyone's Halloween costumes all figured out...they want me to be Jessi, Curtis to be Bullseye (of course), Cannon to be Woody, and they still haven't decided if Carter should be Buzz or Stinky Pete. ;) Stay tuned...

Forget-Me-Not

2011-09-25T08:04:00.001-06:00

I attended the General Relief Society Broadcast with my mom, niece, and sister last night. All the talks were great, but the one that really stood out was President Uchtdorf's. Here's a recap (according to my notes):

There are FIVE pedals on a forget-me-not flower so here are FIVE important things to remember:
1) Forget Not to be patient with yourself.
-Don't compare yourself with others.
2) Forget Not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
-Ask yourself if you are committing your time to what matters most.?.
3) Forget Not to be HAPPY now!
Your golden ticket is NOW!
4) Forget Not the "why" of the gospel.
-Gospel is a light! The gospel is joy when we understand the why!
5) Forget Not that the Lord loves you!
-You are not forgotten!

Favorite quote from the entire talk: Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf- "Sisters, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love."

Today at Lowe's.

2011-09-10T14:53:00.001-06:00

Today I went to Lowe's with Curtis and the boys. While there, I saw a girl I recognized...Ashley Sullenger. I told Curtis I was going to go talk to her. He didn't want me to go bug her, but he knew I was going to anyway. People don't believe it when I say I was shy when I was younger. I was. I hardly ever raised my hand at school...I didn't like the attention on me. I still don't, I just like to talk to people (maybe because I am home with a 2 year-old and 1 year-old all day). So I walked up to Ashley and told her I look at her blog all the time. We talked about teaching for a little bit and our kids. She is a cute, cute girl and really nice! I told her she is wise beyond her years from reading all of her posts. Her little guy, Ledger is darling. I don't know why I asked for a picture, but I did. Go to: http://patrickandashley.blogspot.com/ to see her and her family's story.

*Picture taken from my iphone - that's why it is so small.

Cannon's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-08T08:22:00.000-06:00

Cannon's first day of Preschool was September 6, 2011. I was grateful the teacher let him in her class - especially since the deadline was Sept. 1st, and he won't be three until Oct. 21st. The main reason I want Cannon to go to school is for the social aspect of it, and so he can learn to sit. I also want to give Carter more one-on-one time too while Cannon is at school.

A few weeks before school started, the teacher sent us a ladybug to decorate and turn in on the first day. I had Cannon color it with markers, and I strategically added a few stickers to it and bendable straws for antennas - you know I had to decorate it a little more. When the teacher called Cannon's name to take up his ladybug to put it on the bulletin board, he said to his teacher, "My mom did this ladybug." GRRRRR! He told on me. ;) All the other moms started to laugh. I didn't do it all, I just did a little of it. :)

YoU ArE mY cHiLd

2011-09-04T14:09:00.000-06:00

Our trip to the ER

2011-08-26T17:10:00.000-06:00

Today hasn't been the best day. This morning I took the boys to my parents' home. I was chatting with my parents, and couldn't hear the boys. Silence. Mom's usually know if it is quiet, something is going on. I went to look for the boys. I found both of them in the master bathroom. Cannon was licking his lips while holding a bottle of blue gel cap Sleep Aid pills. Not good. I asked him if he ate any. He said he had four over and over again. My mom said quite a pills were missing from the bottle (about four or five 50 mgs). I called my sister who is an ER Pediatric nurse in Atlanta. She told me to call Poison Control and gave me their number. I called and the lady on the phone seemed VERY concerned! She told me to take him to the ER immediately. I left Carter with my parents (later my sister went and got him from them), and called Curtis to have him meet me at the ER. We got right in because poison control told EIRMC we were coming. I thought Cannon would go to sleep, but children react the opposite with Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) in them. He was HYPER and GRUMPY!!! The staff watched him and his heart. Luckily they didn't have to pump his stomach. I usually don't mind hospitals...but it is totally different when it is your child there!! Scary!! I can think of many other ways I'd rather spend three or four hours of my day. I can also think of many other ways I'd rather spend my money (and yes, we do have insurance...I just hate paying for stuff that's not fun). ;)

Josh Groban Concert

2011-08-17T10:56:00.002-06:00

*Be sure to PAUSE my playlist at the bottom of this blog so you can hear Josh sing, "You are Loved".

Back in March, I heard that Josh Groban was going to be in Salt Lake City at the Energy Solutions Center on Aug. 13th. I told Curtis about it. Curtis had already been to a Josh Groban concert a few years back with a date...so I told him it was my turn.:) Luckily, Curtis wanted to go again...since he likes Josh's music. We went and had a GREAT time! The majority of the crowd consisted of single girls (hoping and dreaming that Josh would one day date them or marry them) and older couples. There is just something that girls love about guys that can sing...and sing well. In all reality, if you have a significant other that sings - he doesn't write songs about you and sing love songs to you all day. I married a guy like that...he doesn't really sing that much around me. Humph! Go figure!

We went to the concert and left the boys with Curtis's sister, Becky and her family. Those boys loved hanging out with their cousins! :) Thanks you Becky and Dan!!! It is nice to have a date every once in a while! Everyone needs to do it!

The concert was SUPER good! Josh G. is a smart guy - you can tell by his vocabulary. Also, he is SO musically talented!!! Not only did he sing with that amazing voice of his, but he played the piano and the drums!!! It isn't fair that one person got so much talent! Next time Josh Groban is in your area...I would recommend going to his concert!!! Also, he sounds the same in person as he does on his CD's...which is rare these days with artists (and the digitized stuff with technology).

One of my favorite blogs!!

2011-08-17T07:45:00.002-06:00

My in-laws have a business called Fin Fun Mermaid tails (I mentioned this a while back explaining how they were featured as one of NieNie's favorite summer items). Anyway... I am my in-laws marketing person. I was THRILLED when one of my favorite blogs agreed to do a post and giveaway! Click on the link below to go and enter the mermaid tail giveaway!!!

www.71toes.blogspot.com

Summer 2011

2011-08-04T11:57:00.001-06:00

Cannon and Carter at Funland on the airplane.

The plane and train were a toss-up for 1st place. They loved them both equally!

We have spent many days at this little park.

Cannon and Curtis on the 4-wheeler at the Browning Reunion.

Carter just goin along for the ride!

Cannon enjoying the pond at the Browning Reunion by Heise Hot Springs.

Cousin Jake and Cannon would constantly cruise around on grandma's jazzy (due to Jake's broken leg).

Wrestle time!

A BIG brother hug!

I Can't Stop Thinking About It!!!

2011-07-31T19:35:00.000-06:00

This past Friday we went to Nielsen's Frozen Custard (and I'm still thinking about it two days later). I have heard ALL of the ranting and raving about this place, but inside didn't know if I'd really like it because I am not really a HUGE ice cream or frozen yogurt lover (despite my love for sweets)! When I had my first bite of that custard...I seriously thought I was in heaven! It was like eating pure cream!!! No comparison - this is WAY better than ice cream or frozen yogurt (in my opinion of course, and no, I am not getting paid for typing this on my blog. I recognize it is free advertising/marketing for Nielsen's, but the stuff is GOOD)! I have a feeling I am going to be making a few jaunts to "The Burg" just to taste more of that custard! Five stars! Two thumbs up! A gold star! That's how I rate it!

Today I turned 33

2011-07-15T22:57:00.001-06:00

Today is my birthday. I am now 33. It has been a fabulous day!

Thanks to all those who made it so great! I feel so loved!

This is a picture of me and Curtis after he took me to dinner.

I picked a turkey dinner...like a Thanksgiving dinner from Jaker's.

It was delicious!

I had turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes, and rolls.

It's what sounded good at the time.

I guess I am another year older...I don't know about the wiser too, though. :)

My in-laws business was featured on Stephanie Nielson's (NieNie's) blog

2011-07-13T16:19:00.013-06:00

My in-laws started a business about a year ago called Fin Fun. My mother-in-law sews up mermaid and mermen tails and sells them on ebay. My father-in-law's job is to package them up and send out the orders to the post office. These tails are selling like hotcakes! Click the above logo "fin fun" to go and order one. A few months ago (like in March) I had a marketing idea for them...to make two tails and send them to Stephanie Nielson (the burn victim/plane crash survivor). I guessed NieNie's daughters' sizes and the colors of mermaid tails I thought they would like. I told my M-I-L and she sent the tails along with a letter to NieNie. We didn't hear anything from Stephanie...until today. Today was different. I checked NieNie's blog (like I do everyday), and saw that Fin Fun tails were featured as one of NieNie's favorite summer items. The girls in the picture are our nieces (Curtis's siblings' kids). See Nienie's July 13, 2011 post.

http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Charlotte's Web

2011-07-12T16:40:00.003-06:00

I am not a garage sale person, but if I am driving and see one, I will stop and look for one and one thing only - childrens' books. I want my boys to develop a love for learning, and reading is a great way learn! Plus, I want my kids to be smart...what parent doesn't want their kids to be smart.?. Reading aloud is one of the best things you can do with a child. Also, they love the attention and one-on-one. I started reading to Cannon when he was two months old. He loves for me to read and he can read really well for a two year-old. Carter likes books too. Back to garage sales...I found the book, Charlotte's Web a few weeks ago. I wondered if the boys were too little to listen to a chapter book. Carter wasn't too interested because there are no pictures, but I will give him a break since he is only 20 months . ;) However, Cannon loved it! So at night after Carter goes to bed, I will read chapters at a time to Cannon. As I read he tries to pick out words he knows and recognizes. Rewarding...very rewarding!

family festivities for the fourth

2011-07-06T16:22:00.002-06:00

This was the first time my whole family had been together since 2001 - at my grandma's funeral. All of my siblings and their spouses and children got together in Idaho Falls for the parade, my nephew Ben's baptism, a BBQ, and fireworks. It was great to be with everyone...we need to get together more often! Here are shots of the festivites in no particular order.

Getting ready for the parade to begin.

Nice pic except for the phone right in front of Cannon's face. He is addicted to my iphone. See Carter trying to catch a glimpse too?

Ryan, Camille, Gabrielle, Andrew, and Max

All of us kids: Dad, Becky, Me, Douglas, Alison, Camille, Mom

The whole gang - with us looking every which way. Sad to say, best photo on my camera with all of us.

Bruce, Alison, Austin, Zach, Madeline, Katie, and Ben from Georgia

Jeff, Becky, Brendon, Ashlyn, Hailey, Michaela, Lauren, and Chase from Colorado

Our little family

Curtis rockin' a red, white, and blue mohawk!

Bye-Bye

2011-07-04T19:45:00.001-06:00

Bye-bye diapers for Cannon.

Bye-bye pacifiers for Carter.

The process for both started last Thursday, June 30th. Overall, it was easier than I thought it would be. Might as well, "kill two birds with one stone", right?

Requests

2011-06-27T14:46:00.003-06:00

I know, I know - this may seem silly or even a bit weird, but go ahead and request one of your current favorite songs and the artist. I realize there are probably only three or four people who even look at this blog (and rumor has it, that some of you even listen specifically to my playlist throughout the day from your computer and/or phone - who knows if that is truth or just a kind statement to make me feel good.?.). :) Or better yet, request a song that reminds you of a past memory -preferrably a happy, fond memory. Not one of those songs that reminds you of a breakup or an ex boyfriend/girlfriend (although I'm sure there are a few of those). ;)

Here's my request: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. When I played varsity volleyball and basketball, we had a tape (yes, you read that right - cassette tape and I graduated from high school in 1996) that we would warm up to before games. Hey, my high school mascot was a tiger, so that song was PERFECT!!! That song really got us "pumped" and ready to compete! Boy, does that song bring back some memories.

Don't be shy...go ahead, request away...and include the memory, if you dare.

Wise Advice

2011-06-24T20:27:00.000-06:00

"Create meaningful family bonds that give your children an identity stronger than what they can find with their peer group or at school or anyplace else. This can be done through family traditions for birthdays, for holidays, for dinnertime, and for Sundays. It can also be done through family policies and rules with natural and well-understood consequences. Have a simple family economy where children have specific chores or household duties and receive praise or other rewards commensurate to how well they do. Teach them the importance of avoiding debt and of earning, saving, and wisely spending money. Help them learn responsibility for their own temporal and spiritual self-reliance." - Elder Russell M. Nelson from his October 2005 Conference Talk titled, "What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest".

Nine Words Women Use

2011-06-23T11:57:00.002-06:00

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to be quiet.

2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the football before helping around the house.

3. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

4. A Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer quickly to No 9 for the meaning of nothing.)

5. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

6. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot', which is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' - that will bring on No. 7).

7. Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying, "FORGET YOU!"

8. Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to No. 4.

9. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in "Fine".

4th of July

2011-06-21T11:58:00.006-06:00

The fourth of July is almost here...it is one of my favorite holidays.

Some traditons:

*parade

*BBQ

*fireworks

*flag displayed outside of house

*flags in all of my flower pots

What are some of your 4th traditions??

A GR-8 dad!!!

2011-06-19T13:55:00.012-06:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Love: Cannon and Carter :)
*Sorry the pic is a year old! As you know, we are so much bigger than this now!
This is what we love about you:
-you wrestle with us
-you push us around the neighborhood in our stroller
-you make us food...all.the.time.
-you blow bubbles with us
-you get us ready for bed most nights
-you read to us
-you make us get in the bathtub, and we love bath time!
-you watch movies with us
-you take us to McDonald's
-you take us to the park
-you comfort us when we wake up in the night...scared of the dark/monsters (Cannon)
-you give us the best hugs
-you call us your "buds"
-you throw us up in the air

-you sing with us
-you jump on the trampoline with us
-you give us candy and pop (skittles and root beer - our favorites!)
-you do computer time with us

-you change our icky diapers

-you help us say our prayers

-you love us and we know it, because love is spelled T-I-M-E!

We love you, dad!

Please PRAY for The Williams Family

2011-06-13T17:49:00.005-06:00

Please PRAY for this family...talk about trials in life!

This is my cousin's wife's sister's daughter (Eliza) and husband (Callahan) who are going through so much!

Click on the title to view their blog.

3 Ingredient Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2011-06-13T11:44:00.005-06:00

Food must be on my mind...I have been blogging about recipes a lot lately. Hmmmm...

This is what is in the crockpot for dinner tonight:

1 (2 lb.) pork tenderloin
1 (12 oz.) can of root beer (I always use A&W...have you had a can recently of the stuff? It tastes like the chilled mugs. Frothy and delicious! Yes, seriously that good!)
1 (18oz.) bottle of barbeque sauce (I use honey BBQ sauce...I am all about the sweetness.)

Place all three ingredients in the crockpot for 6 hours. When done, shred meat with a fork and put on hamburger buns. YUMMY!!!

No Bake Cookies

2011-06-06T07:27:00.007-06:00

Everyone has made no bakes a time or two in their life. I have tried a few different recipes, however is my favorite no bake recipe! Nice to make in the summer.. you don't have to turn on the oven!

No Bake Cookies
1/2 cup milk
1 cube butter
1 Tbs. cocoa powder (or 2 Tbs.)
2 cups sugar

Bring to boil for 1 minute. Take off heat and add:

3 cups oatmeal
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash of salt
3/4 cup of peanut butter

Stir mixture until it loses its gloss (stiff to stir).
Drop by teaspoons onto foil on pan.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen.

Cannon's comments

2011-06-03T10:30:00.000-06:00

If you read a few posts back titled, "Mean Girls" you saw how Cannon responded to some 5 year-old girls when they wouldn't let him go down the slide. He says some things that are blog worthy. Well, last night Curtis, Cannon, and I were playing the Word Game. It is a game Cannon likes to play when Carter is asleep...cause he likes the extra attention. Anyway, we pick a letter and take turns saying words that start with that particular letter. Cannon can read 40 sight words and some simple sentences. He loves to read and sound out words. The game is pretty easy for him. Back to the game...the letter we picked was the letter "P". Curtis started by saying, pudding. I said, popcorn. I thought Cannon might say something like pink or purple. Nope! His word was, possible.

Sillies

2011-06-03T09:58:00.001-06:00

Carter and his silly teeth. We are a ~~lot~~ little concerned about his teeth. Look at them. He always has a "paci" in his mouth or a finger or something! Look at his hands inching towards his mouth in this picture. He usually carries around at least two pacis and has them hidden all throughout the house.

I just liked the facial expression Carter had in this picture.

These sillies like to eat lunch outside at their picnic table when the weather is nice and warm. Cannon always orders turkey on wheat with mayo and mustard. Carter always orders pb&j on white.

Enjoying a little R&R time.

Cute Father's Day Gift Idea

2011-05-28T18:01:00.003-06:00

I saw this cute idea for Father's Day, and thought I just might try it (along with giving Curtis another, bigger gift)! Afterall, Father's Day is June 19th. It will be here before we know it! Today Curtis and I went to the Bodies Exhibit at the Museum of Idaho. There was a poster that said something to the effect that people are born with either a preference for salty foods or sugary foods. Curtis and I decided we both definitely lean towards the SWEETS!

What is your favorite candy that you would pick that would fit in the bottles??

Two last notes:
1) Hopefully Curtis doesn't check this blog or else there goes the surprise!
2) I will have to secretly drink six Stewart's key lime soda bottles (what a pity) in the closet without him seeing. ;)

I've Got A Dream...but still trying to figure it out

2011-05-26T12:01:00.001-06:00

If you have seen the Disney movie, Tangled then you know what I am talking about - dreams/wishes/desires of things you long to do or have someday in your life.

A while ago, one of Curtis's brothers, Jared, and his family were at our home visiting. I am not sure how the topic was brought up, but we were discussing dreams. Jared's dream was/is to one day conduct and lead The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We asked Curtis what his dream was/is and he said to be on Broadway. They asked me...I had NO CLUE!!! I've got to figure out what my dream is! What is your dream - silly or serious, realistic or unrealistic, major or minor????

Mean Girls

2011-05-25T20:47:00.001-06:00

Tonight the four of us were at a neighborhood park. Some ~~mean~~ girls were hogging the slide and blocking it. They said to Cannon, "You have to be 5 or older to go down this slide. How old are you?" Cannon was trying to get down the slide and responded by saying he was 2. They still wouldn't let him go down. Curtis and I were just observing to see how Cannon would react. The next thing we heard Cannon say was, "I am 6." ;)

Use this recipe if you don't have anything planned...

2011-05-24T10:34:00.009-06:00

for dinner or lunch or breakfast or if you need a snack. :)
Have you ever looked at the clock and it is 4:30P.M. and you don't have a clue as to what you are going to make for dinner? This happens to me...quite often. When this is the case, I usually make breakfast for dinner. Why? Because I typically have all of the staple ingredients in the fridge or pantry. We love to eat German Pancakes or Pop-eye Pancakes (whichever you choose to call them) at our home. Yes, they are kindof fattening, but don't let that stop you from making them. You HAVE to ENJOY life!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (we use Vitamin D...the really fattening kind)
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a medium baking dish (cake pan).
In a medium bowl, mix flour, milk, eggs, and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake on center rack in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 mins. until golden brown.
Serves 6.
Pour syrup and/or powdered sugar on your individual piece.
Eat up!

Our house is built on an old Indian burial site...

2011-05-19T10:22:00.000-06:00

or at least that's what Curtis says and thinks. Ever since we have moved into our new house a little over a year ago, ailments have plagued us. Well, not MAJOR ailments - just little, annoying sicknesses/problems. For example: I have had the stomach flu four times or more and at least five or more colds in the past year. Our boys are always sick too. Curtis has been ill here and there also. Curtis and I always say that we have been sick more times the past year than we have our whole lives...and that's NO JOKE! Strange...since I was a school teacher and around germs all day...and NEVER got sick when I taught at a public school. Then just recently I had a root canal and A LOT of pain for a week...where I told Curtis I would have rather been in labor. Luckily, I am now starting to feel better and can open my mouth somewhat to eat and talk. Last night I found a hangnail that is infected, but don't get that confused with my other finger, my pinky nail that was bent off. See back a few posts. The other day, one of Curtis's co-workers out-of-the-blue starting talking about the house built right next to ours...and how weird things kept happening when it was being built. Construction workers kept getting hurt/injured, lots of fights between co-workers, personal relationship issues happened during the construction. Coicidence? Possibly. Or maybe the land we are on is CURSED...and someone is trying to get us off or away from their territory.?. ;)

A Homecoming

2011-05-17T14:48:00.004-06:00

I was lucky enough to get to go to my nephew's homecoming (in Denver) from the L.A. Spanish-speaking mission. Curtis was so good to stay home with the boys for THREE days without complaint!!! Wow! What a guy! He deserves a vacation!!! Taking our two boys through the airport would have been a nightmare...driving 10+ hours would have also been torture, so Curtis just let me go. I wish Curtis could have come...so he could have talked to Brendon in depth about the mission. Curtis served in L.A. too. Brendon (my nephew) definitely has turned from a boy into a man. He is so mature, doesn't fight with his siblings anymore, helps and doesn't complain. He said the people were so humble, and didn't have much. Most of the people he taught had immigrated from Mexico. Brendon's homecoming talk was FANTASTIC!! I could tell he really loved the people he served in L.A.

Left to Right: Ashlyn, Me, Michaela, Brendon, Lauren, Camille, Hailey
BRENDON SURROUNDED BY A BUNCH OF GIRLS - HIS SISTERS AND TWO AUNTS!!! P.S. He wouldn't mind a girlfriend...so if you know of a GREAT girl, let me know. Brendon and Ashlyn will be at BYU-I in the fall.

Left to Right: Mom, Dad, Chase, Becky, Me, Hailey

Becky treated us to pedicures! Thanks Becky!!! P.S. Nevermind my pasty white legs...we need some sunshine in IDAHO!!!

Pedi Posse with Glitter toes - as my sister Camille called us. Me - toes outside of flipflops with just the white paper around them, Becky - silver flipflops, Ashlyn pink flipflops - who just graduated from high school and seminary. We got to go listen to her speak at her Seminary graduation!!! She is wise beyond her years!!! Camille - purple flipflops. I caved. I got something other than my typical french pedicure. All the sisters (Me, Becky, and Camille) got really glittery toenails. :) Had a SPLENDID weekend!!!

P.S. One last note, I read 5 Spiritual Solutions while on the plane - you know, the book I won.?. I recommend it to ALL parents!!!

I won, I won - I really, really won!!!

2011-05-09T08:51:00.016-06:00

I won (along with nine other people out of 583 entries) a book!!! Here is the scoop. A few weeks ago, Curtis and I and the boys were at Deseret Book. I was skimming the book, 5 Spiritual Solutions because we all know I need parenting help for my two little, ~~WILD~~ energetic boys. I was going to buy the book when the boys started acting up and running around the store (imagine that). We had to leave promptly...and I never purchased the book. Everyday I read Shawni's blog. Shawni just amazes me. Anyway, so I saw one day that she was doing a giveaway. I never enter giveaways...but I did this one because I wanted that book! To make a long story short, I won and can't wait to read,
5 Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges! I was ecstatic when I saw my name on her blog as one of the winners! Oh, and I am grateful just that one time that the boys acted up in the store. :)

Check it out (I entered under the name Adriana):

http://71toes.blogspot.com/2011/05/ten-winners.html

Caution: Somewhat graphic image

2011-05-05T09:41:00.002-06:00

This is NOT a picture of my fingernail...however, my right pinky looked very similar to this last week. You see, Carter was trying to get out of the trampoline, and I could tell he was going to fall out...so I reached for him. While in the process of trying to save him from doing a face plant, my fingernail was bent back in half. Blood instantly came out and I didn't feel the pain for quite some time...I must have been in shock or something.?. I have been wearing a band-aid around my pinky to "save" the nail. Today the nail came off. Awesome(not really). I have since clipped the rest of my nails so they are shorter.

ABC's of Adie & Curtis

2011-05-01T16:59:00.009-06:00

A - Age: Adie: 32...turning 33 in July. Yikes! I am that much closer to 40!;) Heck, I could already pass for 40 with all the gray hair I have! ;)
Curtis: 33

B - Bed size: Adie: Queen, but I wish it was a California King
Curtis: Queen, but I wish it were a full (Yikes, that would be tight!)

C - Chore you hate: Adie: cleaning closets and drawers
Curtis: Sweeping and mopping every Saturday

D - Dogs' names: Adie: Sorry, I don't have a dog...and never will!
Curtis: Scraps was my dirty, ratty dog when I was younger.

E - Essential start your day item: Adie: A quick sip of a sweet drink - like juice or pop.
Curtis: A swig of water

F - Favorite color: Adie: Black
Curtis: Blue or red...I don't know

G - Gold or Silver: Adie: White Gold
Curtis: Silver

H - Height: Adie: 5ft 10 1/2 inches
Curtis: 6 feet 1 inch

I - Instruments you play(ed): Adie: violin (I got all the musical talent as you can tell.)
Curtis: guitar, drums, trombone, piano, harmonica, bugle, sing, beatbox

J - Job title: Adie: Stay-at-home mom (used to be 6th grade teacher)
Curtis: Marketing Account Executive

K - Kid(s): Three (if you count our cat, Bobbin)- Same for both of us

L - Living arrangements: House - Same for both of us

M - Mom's name: Adie: Jan Lorraine
Curtis: Karen Sue

N - Nicknames: Adie: Adie, Anna, Aid, A.D.D.
Curtis: Turtis, Curty
Both: Curtie and Adus

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Adie: No, just when I had Cannon and Carter. Day surgery when I had my gall bladder out.
Curtis: Nope - nothin!

P - Pet Peeve: Adie: Hair in my food and really slow drivers that I am stuck behind.
Curtis: When I am home with the boys and Carter falls down the stairs and blatant rudeness

Q - Quote from a movie: Adie: "I've had diarrheas since Easter!" from the movie, Nacho Libre
Curtis: "They don't think I know a butt load of crap about the gospel, but I DOOOOO...." also from the movie, Nacho Libre

R - Right or left handed: Adie: Right
Curtis: Right

S - Siblings: Adie: 3 sisters and 1 brother - I am #4 of 5
Curtis: 3 sisters and 3 brothers - I am #7 of 7

T - Time you wake up: Adie: Between 6:30 and 8:00 a.m.
Curtis: Between 6:30 and 7 a.m.

U- Underwear: Yes I wear them - same for both of us

V - Vegetable you dislike: Adie: Avocados - eww, sick! I am gagging right now!
Curtis: Brussel Sprouts

W - Ways you run late: Adie: I am usually on time.
Curtis: I am usually late because I have poor time management skills. ;)

X - X-rays you've had: Adie: Back, lungs, that's about it.
Curtis: Nada

Y - Yummy food you make: Adie: chocolate chip cookies
Curtis: boxed cake and crockpot roast beef with potatoes and carrots

Z - Zoo favorite: Adie: Monkeys
Curtis: Monkeys

We tag anyone else who wants to do this on his/her blog too.

Did you learn anything new about us that you didn't already know? ;)

Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum

2011-04-24T09:07:00.004-06:00

First off...hope you had a Happy Easter! Warning: this post is somewhat random and the picture quality is poor...do your best to keep up. I can never seem to get a good picture of the boys together. Oh well...here they are in their Easter attire. Today, April 24th is Carter's first "official" day of nursery at church because he is now 18 months. He actually has been going to nursery the past 3 months already because I am the nursery leader...but now it's truly legit! These two sure like their new trampoline. It is just the right size for them - short enough that they can get into and out of it themselves. Carter with his "hat" on and Spiderman Cannon in timeout...lately Curtis and I have been calling these two, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. ;)

Girls Getaway

2011-04-16T18:05:00.019-06:00

Left to Right: Camille, Becky, Me

Tiffany (our cousin) in the middle of running the race. Not sure where we are looking.?.

Jeff almost to the finish line after 26.2 miles...this wasn't his first marathon either. I couldn't imagine running that far and for that long! Way to go Jeff!!

This weekend I got to go to SLC with my sister, Camille, so she could run The Salt Lake City half-marathon. We also went to watch/cheer on our brother-in-law, Jeff, who ran the full marathon. Our oldest sister, Becky is married to Jeff. They drove all the way from Denver. Jeff and Becky stayed at The Grand America (Beautiful). Camille and I stayed at our cousin, Tiffany's place. Tiffany ran the half-marathon...and beat her goal time by 14 minutes. Awesome! It was so inspiring to watch and cheer on the three runners...and all the other runners. Thanks Tiffany for letting us stay at your nice, nice place!!So fun to get away for a little bit. Oh, and a huge thanks to Curtis so I could go...and be at peace knowing the boys were in good hands.

P.S. Camille is really going to love the pic I picked... ;)

Elder Richard G. Scott

2011-04-04T16:51:00.002-06:00

All of the April 2011 General Conference talks were inspiring. However, this was one of my favorites. Take the time to listen to it...no matter how many times I do, I don't get sick of it. Remember to go to the bottom of my blog and pause my playlist.

YUMMO!

2011-03-26T18:52:00.010-06:00

Made this salad for a side dish for dinner tonight(while Curtis grilled burgers on the grill. What can I say...we crave warm summer nights). Anyway, can you say, YUMMO!!! I am not a salad lover, but I could eat this everyday!!! And the extra bonus...it has hardly any ingredients and is easy to make!!! Now we're talkin - even better!!!

Someone sneaking the bowl closer so he can eat more!!! No names will be mentioned.
Let's just say the culprit is definitely NOT a veggie lover! Neither is his little brother, ;) but they begged for more.

Tomato & Cucumber Salad
3 to 4 tomatoes chopped or cherry tomatoes
1 to 2 cucumbers chopped
1 to 2 stalks of celery chopped
2 TBS. white vinegar
1 TBS. white sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Chop veggies. Combine the rest of ingredients and toss.

P.S. Leave a comment if you plan on making this salad sometime soon...be honest! :)

A Quote

2011-03-22T09:10:00.005-06:00

Years ago...probably five years ago, I was reading the Ensign and came upon this quote. It really left an impression on me, so I cut it out and taped it above my light switch in my bedroom. I don't have it taped on the wall anymore, but on my dresser. I refer to it often.

"God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if YOU don't believe."
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

General Conference is coming up...and I love it!!!

Proof

2011-03-19T14:22:00.007-06:00

See, I have proof that Cannon really does smile (since he usually won't for the camera. Nevermind that it was Christmas Eve. What kid wouldn't smile then...on that special night, right?). :)

Can't leave Carter out...here is a pic of Guy Smiley. :)

Cleaning Schedule

2011-03-17T11:34:00.002-06:00

For the most part, I don't mind cleaning. I have a schedule that keeps me pretty motivated...because I do a little bit at a time, a little bit each day. I don't feel overwhelmed when it comes to cleaning because I stick to my schedule and all is well. I am a much better person when I have structure. I realize that with more kids, some of these chores might have to be done more often than what I do - i.e. bathrooms, laundry, etc. Here is my weekly cleaning schedule:

Monday - Laundry & Vacuum
Tuesday - Bathrooms
Wednesday - Dust & Grocery Store (My least favorite day...I hate dusting the most!)
Thursday - Vacuum
Friday - Laundry
Saturday - Change bed sheets & Scrub Floors (Actually I have never done this since we moved into our new house...Curtis does it every Saturday. Great man, I know!)When the weather starts getting warmer - Outside projects will be done on Saturdays.

*Of course everyday I do the usual upkeep such as dishes, sweeping, wiping off counters, picking up toys, making beds, etc.

Why?

2011-03-10T21:24:00.004-07:00

Why do I think I am entitled to eat handfuls of these each day??? I don't get it.
P.S. You know it's a real problem when your two year-old is constantly asking for "yellow, pink, and blue eggs". Then again...I can get him to do anything for those things! :)

These two...

2011-03-03T09:14:00.008-07:00

boys are so different, yet so much the same. This picture was taken quite a few months ago...obviously because they were wearing shorts. We long for those warm days to come back! We have a serious case of cabin fever. Carter still is the smiley one. It is like pulling teeth to get Cannon to smile for the camera...even though he says, "smile" when I get the camera out. Carter likes trains, trucks, Mickey Mouse, cell phones, and balls. Cannon likes books, dvd's, math, reading, and playing in the water. Cannon is more of a loner and "wants to go home" while Carter doesn't want to "miss out on the party" and enjoys being with others. Carter is a little more sensitive and gets sad tears if I say "no" just a little too loud. Cannon could care less if I say "no". Cannon gives the best hugs and is really good about saying thank you. Carter is good at giving wet kisses. Cannon likes to help dad build things or put things together, while Carter would rather have mom hold him (of course while standing up & not sitting down).They both do love to go swimming, go outside and stomp around in the snow, be curious, and eat candy/treats - anything sweet like it's going out of style (gee, I wonder who they inherited that from?). They both are obsessed with Toy Story 2, and Toy Story 3. It's funny when Cannon quotes the lines and acts out the scene. It's cute when Carter says, "Big Baby". We often refer to him as "Big Baby." ;) These two are starting to fight a little more over toys...despite our FHE lesson on sharing. ;) Luckily, they don't bite each other or pull hair or push each other. It's fun to witness Carter copy Cannon and mimic him. They are becoming best of buds more and more each day!!!!

Improvement

2011-02-26T23:58:00.007-07:00

This video has been out for a while, but it is always a good reminder to "Continue in Patience". Every. single. day. I pray to have patience. I tend to get a "bee in my bonnet" and want things done/accomplished immediately! I don't necessarily want "things", but sometimes I want tasks done, and done to my satisfaction. Sounds bratty and crazy, I know. ;)Patience is truly a virtue...that offers hope for peace. This is a virtue I constantly have to work on and remind myself of daily. Improvement in all areas of my life is what I am striving for on a continual basis.

What do you have to remind yourself to do daily???

Be sure to pause my playlist so you can listen to this mormon message.

Starting 1/1/11...for life.

2010-12-31T21:24:00.008-07:00

1. Eat less...especially sweets.

2.Serve more.

3. Love more.

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

2010-12-27T19:54:00.004-07:00

Carter not too fond of Santa. Love Santa's face!
*Photo: Courtesy of Rebecca Billat (my oldest sister) while visiting from Denver.

FAVORITE Christmas Music

2010-12-05T20:03:00.004-07:00

Ok...so my husband sings and he's good. He's REALLY good. Curtis was in a few "boy bands" back in the day when he was at Utah State. Funny...since I wasn't into that sort of thing, and I know of lots of girls who were. Anyway, he did an acapella Christmas cd back in 2003 with some friends. Click on the above title "FAVORITE CHRISTMAS Music" to listen to the cd(, but the pictures of the guys aren't accurate...plus it was like seven years ago. ;) ). Curtis's solos are the following songs:

#1 Jingle Bell Rock
#8 When All is Said and Done
#10 Homeless

In fact, I like his "Homeless" better than the one on "The Forgotten Carols" cd. Maybe I'm biased. You be the judge.

P.S.Curtis would be really embarrassed if he knew I was doing this...he's humble. I guess I love great talent!

P.P.S. My all-time favorite Christmas song is "O Holy Night". Curtis is right now practicing a Josh Groban version of it for an upcoming church event.
Love, love, love it!

Snow is falling all around

2010-11-20T12:37:00.003-07:00

Snow is falling all around, on the housetops on the ground. Snow is falling on my nose, on my head, and hands and toes.

I love the falling snow!

I just don't like driving in it!

Pride and the Priesthood

2010-11-10T09:38:00.005-07:00

Read an INCREDIBLE talk from this past October's General Conference Priesthood Session(actually, all the talks are pretty amazing). It was given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Read it by clicking on the title above, "Pride and the Priesthood". I'd love to know what your thoughts were after reading it.

No More!

2010-11-04T11:13:00.004-06:00

So...Cannon and Carter were on the bottle, but that is a thing of the past, and I can't tell you how happy I am about it!
We decided to take the bottles away the day after Carter's birthday...Oct. 23rd to be exact.
We knew we just had to do it.
I didn't even try to take Cannon off the bottle because I knew he would see his little brother's and just take it from him, so it was an all or nothing type of thing.
It was way easier than I thought it would be.
We just hid the bottles and they were "out of sight, out of mind".
Cannon in the past 12 days has only asked for the bottle twice.
We just ignore it and change the subject.
Curtis and I were so sick of washing those Dr. Brown bottles (the bottles with extra pieces-even though they are the best bottles in my opinion)...two years straight of it.

Now on to potty training Cannon and taking away Carter's pacifier.

Any tips or advice?

halloween twenty-ten

2010-10-31T07:18:00.004-06:00

*Curtis and I at the Ward Halloween party. He is a "Mail Model" a costume he made up himself. And that wig...no one recognized him with it on. When they finally figured out who he was, they thought he looked 23 yrs. old. Now he is seriously considering a hair transplant. ;)P.S. I am NOT a pregnant witch despite the puffiness look in my stomach area...I blame the dress.

Cannon on the left as a hamburger or "Donald's" as he would say, and Carter as a monkey on the right. Poor Carter gets the hand-me-down costumes from his brother every year. I guess I can keep doing that until he actually cares. This year for Halloween we went to our ward party which consisted of a trunk-or-treat, dinner, and carnival. We had to go...I am the head activities' committee chairperson (huge turnout...which was a good thing).:)Then we went trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. We went pretty early (5 P.M.) so we could be home to pass out candy. The weather was beautiful...couldn't have asked for a more perfect Halloween night. My favorite part was when Cannon would knock on the door if the people wouldn't answer the door fast enough for him (after we had already rang the doorbell). He caught on pretty quickly as to what we were doing...getting treats.
P.S. We CAN NOT get Cannon to smile for the camera. No he doesn't have a horrible childhood, and yes, he does smile at home all the time!

happy halloween

2010-10-26T09:08:00.004-06:00

What's your favorite or least favorite part about Halloween?
Is it the dressing up?
All the candy?
The many parties?
Fall weather?
Decorations?

A Piece of Cake

2010-10-23T12:19:00.009-06:00

We just celebrated Cannon and Carter's birthdays (since they were born 366 days apart - Oct. 21st '08 & Oct. 22nd '09). And I must admit...it is REALLY FUN (and easier) to have a two-day celebration!! It's like they both get two birthdays in a row!

Benefits:
- throw one party (at least while they are little)
- send out invitations once
- make two cakes at the same time
- decorate once
- go shopping all at once
- clean up after the party once
- put a TON of presents away once. Everyone was so generous...the boys love all their presents! Thank you!

Overall, the birthday stuff was "A piece of cake" (okay, kinda lame/cheesy, but I'm stickin' with it). Enjoy the picture overload!

Trying to get Carter to not touch the fire yet blow out the candle.;)

A party with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Thanks for coming! Carter screaming with his Happy 1st Birthday hat! Perfect!;)

A Mickey Mouse themed party (even though Cannon really wanted a Team Umizoomi Party. We went with Mickey because A) it is easier to find stuff with Mickey and B) not many people even know about Team Umizoomi. Can you tell he was like..."Get this off of me?"

A really quick snapshot with Mickey ears since neither of my boys will wear hats.

Cannon blowing out his candles with cousins close by coaching/cheering him on.

HaPPY BiRTHdaY to OUR FaVoRiTe OnE - yEaR oLd!

2010-10-22T08:11:00.009-06:00

Birthday pancake with morning bedhead!
Enjoying a day at the park.
Carter brand new! :)

Happy Birthday to Carter Everett Browning!! He such a little cutie!

Here are some fun facts about our Carter-Boy (A.K.A Squeaky):

*has chubby, soft, irresistable cheeks
*likes to wave
*knows the sounds to the letters: a,c, and s. When he does the "ssss" he has a little lisp. Very cute!
*follows his brother around
*loves music
*talks/jabbers a lot
*looks more like his dad than anyone
*sleeps through the night
*takes two naps a day
*always dances
*peek-a-boo is a favorite
*watches videos and TV (especially Dora and Diego)
*has an extremely high-pitched squeal when he is super excited
*loves food and wants to eat constantly
*chews you out with jabber talk if you don't give it to him fast enough
*likes balls and toys with wheels so he can spin them
*puts his right pointer finger in his mouth everytime we pick him up and hold him
*loves his pacifier
*enjoys going for walks
*has a cute toothy-grin

Carter is a joy to have in our family. It just keeps getting better and better!
Happy 1st Birthday Carter!!!!

HaPPy BiRTHdaY to OUR FaVoRiTe TwO - YeAr OLd

2010-10-21T08:41:00.012-06:00

Newborn Cannon
Cannon at age 1.

So...this picture portrays Cannon very well...he has a love for books and learning! We read EVERY, SINGLE, DAY (and sometimes the same books over and over and over)! The boy is a little sponge and just wants to absorb everything!

Here are some tidbits about Cannon at the age of two:

-pretty much wants pancakes every morning
-is really good with his younger brother (isn't mean to him, and tries to help him)
-still watches videos and TV quite a bit (current fav: Team Umizoomi)
-knows his colors, vowels, identifies the alphabet, animal sounds, can count by 2's up to 20 and can count normally from 1-20, likes to count backwards, can read some, knows his shapes really well including: triangle, square, rectangle, oval, circle, crescent, pentagon, octagon, semi-circle, etc.
-likes to look at the stars and moon outside at night
-likes to jump on trampolines
-loves music and likes to sing:"Twinkle, Twinkle", "If You're Happy", "Itsy-Bitsy Spider", "Follow the Prophet", etc.
-loves McDonald's
-is very obedient when it comes to staying on his chair for timeout (and gives the best hugs afterwards)
-eats anything that is sweet
-stays away from peanuts and peanut butter
-takes two naps a day
-likes animals
-has his favorite "blanket" he sleeps with
-likes to go to the park and go up and down the slide by himself
-loves strawberry milk
-isn't attached to me or Curtis...we can leave and he is fine (doesn't cry)
-likes to try and help mom mow the lawn and feels like a big boy while doing it
-loves the computer
-is a leader to his younger brother
-whenever he wants us to follow him he will say, "C,mon team!"
-loves the temple (always talks about how pretty and white it is and Angel Moroni - Cannon often wants to drive by the temple or stop and walk around the temple grounds)

We sure enjoy having Cannon in our family! He brightens our lives!!!
Happy 2nd Birthday Cannon Boy!!!

Oh, how I love these two boyz!

2010-09-28T21:06:00.006-06:00

Cannon is almost two and Carter is almost one. It's been a challenge raising these two boyz! They are so close in age...366 days apart, to be exact, and my patience has been tried and tested! They definitely have their own personalities and look totally different. Although most days I can barely "keep my head above water", I wouldn't trade being their mom for anything!
*Photo by Mark Hargis. Location: The lot next to our house.

2010-09-17T17:37:00.004-06:00

Can you tell what color Carter's eyes are, or what color they are going to be??? Cause I sure can't tell.

2010-08-29T15:26:00.003-06:00

JuSt 4 KiCkS & GiGgLeS

2010-08-25T16:22:00.005-06:00

Fun/Funny pictures of the boyz! I love that they are starting to truly play with each other and be best buddies! When Cannon wakes up in the morning he yells out, "Caw-ter...where are you???" :)

Monkey Boy

I'm innocent!

They love to play in Carter's crib together!

Looking so sweet and innocent playing with their cars, spinning the wheels!

Best buds 4 life! :)

No sugar-coating

2010-08-22T13:43:00.006-06:00

I am fascinated by this blog...
probably because this mom tries
so hard to be such a good mom,
but she says it like it is and
doesn't sugar-coat situations.
She gets frustrated, annoyed, etc.
despite looking like the perfect family.
Click the title to go to the blog.

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

2010-08-11T12:19:00.001-06:00

No words to describe...just powerful! Be sure to pause the music on my playlist before you push play on this video.

What's the last thing you want to do when you have the stomach flu?

2010-08-07T16:36:00.005-06:00

For me, it is change a STINKY diaper! Sorry, random but I had to share.

On a more positive note...our nine month-old Carter is pulling himself up the furniture. He is so proud that he can do it! What a BIG boy he is!! :)

Browning Reunion twenty ten

2010-07-31T18:22:00.009-06:00

Me and the boyzzzzzz!

Our little family on Browning Road

All three of the boyzzz!

Walking on the bridge over the creek

Cousins Preston and Macy - so funny those two...

Cousin "Prep" with Cannon

This year's Browning Reunion was in Island Park in a cabin on Browning Road. Here is what we did in no particular order:
-chased after Cannon
-witnessed an AWESOME talent show (I married into an amazingly talented group of performers!)
-went to the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone and watched "The Beauty and the Beast" which was VERY good! Ate the fudge...of course!
-chased after Carter crawling around
-went to Quake Lake
-chased Cannon some more since he is obsessed with water and there was a little creek behind the cabin (scary with a little boy so aware of it and wanting it!)
-ate food and more food
-enjoyed listening to the Browning's and their new business idea/venture they want to pursue
-ran after Carter again and again
-went for a walk down Browning Road
-Curtis scored some SAWEET new jeans from his sister Becky's husband...Thanks Becky!
-worked on the Curtis & Adie flag
-forgot my swimming suit so I couldn't get in the hot tub ;)

I've changed...for today anyway

2010-07-27T13:02:00.003-06:00

So I am the type of person who really doesn't like food...yes, you read that right. I don't particularly crave food, but I sure do love sweets! My diet pretty much consists of sweet drinks (pop,juices,etc.), candy, and desserts. I snack on sweets all day and don't really want a REAL meal. Pathetic...yes, I know. Today has been different though. I made steamed carrots for lunch and can't get enough of them (I hated any sort of cooked carrots when I was younger). I've changed...for today anyway. What veggies do you like to steam?

Preslee's Song...Buy it, you won't be disappointed you did! Click on this title.

2010-07-23T17:19:00.004-06:00

Hurried Child is a Stressed Child

2010-07-20T16:18:00.000-06:00

This video has a fantastic message...slow down - enjoy life and enjoy your children! It is also interesting that this is little Preslee who just passed away last week. Remember: Go down to my playlist (which is black) and turn the volume down before you push play on this youtube video.

Pray for Preslee

2010-07-13T20:43:00.001-06:00

Click on the above red title.

Date Night

2010-07-11T08:34:00.004-06:00

Curtis and I for date night (while the boyz were asleep) made a red velvet cake. We made it, and gave it away. It was fun...especially since Curtis cleaned up the kitchen.;)Also, it seems like in the last few pics of me on this blog I am wearing a hat...weird - I don't wear hats that often.

Pros & Cons

2010-07-07T17:33:00.022-06:00

I am definitely not in the running for the MOTHER of the YEAR contest/award/certificate/position/title(whatever you want to call it), but my kids can do a few other things that are positive. *Disclaimer - some of the pros are really cons.

Con: My boys watch A LOT of TV...not a good thing (hence the pic of them in their little blue chairs in front of the tube).
Pro: But... it has been beneficial because they are really learning so much! Cannon knows the alphabet, recognizes letters, knows his sounds, can read "Stop", "Best", etc. He can count to 20 and can count from 10 to 0 backwards.He can identify triangles, squares, circles and ovals. Pretty much knows all the animals and the sounds they make. Recognizes fruits and can say their names. He is working really hard on his colors. Not bad for a 20 month old! Talks about the toilet and flushing it, but I haven't really seen any signs of potty-training yet - darn! Carter can say,"Da-da".

Pro: Awwww!! Look at the baby who can help mommy out and put himself in the swing, put the tray down and turn the dials to actually make it swing!
Con: Still has a bottle - yep, that's right and he is 20 months! Oh well...but every time I give him one he says, "Thank you!"

Pro: We got to go out and go to the parade!!How fun and entertaining! ;)They are partially shaded...
Con: Shhhh! Don't turn me in, I never put sunscreen on them!!

Pro: He is actually wearing shoes! Big step for a boy who hates to wear shoes! I blame it on the Robeez he wore when he first learned to walk, now he hates to wear shoes (and I don't really enforce it).
Con: He is wearing dinosaur boots that are too big! He might trip and hurt himself! P.S. I know the cloth on the ends of the gate are really tacky by the staircase, but we don't want to ruin/scratch the new wood. Do you blame me?

Pro: Cannon is right now eating homemade chocolate chip cookies I just made and drinking "straw-milk" (strawberry milk)...such a good mom. ;)
Con: It is a little after 6 p.m. and he still hasn't eaten dinner.

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

2010-07-03T19:31:00.001-06:00

I think I need to watch this video every few days for a reminder.
Remember: scroll down to my playlist of music and turn the volume down before you click on play on this video.

My favorite summer flower is...

2010-06-29T07:39:00.003-06:00

a zinnia. I especially love a bunch of these in a row. I tried this in my backyard...I will show you a pic later in the summer when they are tall and full.

Business in front...Party in back

2010-06-23T21:06:00.006-06:00

Okay, so this post does NOT have anything to do with mullets...but I thought it might get your attention. Cannon loves the water!! His playing is serious business for him, yet a party of fun, fun, fun! He kept going from the front of the house to the back from sprinkler to sprinkler.

Notice the sagging shorts.

Cousin Andrew over playing with Cannon.

A cute pic of "The Little Guy" because I don't want him to feel left out. :)

http://www.elspark.com/

2010-06-15T20:33:00.006-06:00

This is the view out our front door. I love the reflection of the sunset on the water. The picture was taken by Mark (our neighbor). He is a photographer and does GREAT work. Check out his website and/or contact him if you would like a session by clicking on the title above (http://www.elspark.com/).

Teton Dam 5k

2010-06-12T15:17:00.008-06:00

Me, Shannon, and Jen after the race.

That granny in the purple was a little go-getter, but there was no way I was letting her beat me to the finish line!

The fam after the race.

Cannon loving the park as usual. He talks about the zoo and park all the time - "Zebras, monkeys, peacocks, camels, swings, slides, etc." Whenever he is throwing a tantrum, all I have to do is start talking to him about the zoo or park to distract him and he instantly stops crying...works like a charm everytime!

Can listen to this over and over again!

2010-06-11T16:40:00.000-06:00

Love listening to The Canadian Tenors! Mostly because their voices remind me so much of Curtis when he sings. Remember...scroll down to my music playlist and turn that down before you listen to this youtube video. Enjoy!

I used to call him...

2010-06-08T23:35:00.008-06:00

Cryin' Carter,
but now I call him
Crawlin' Carter.
This baby boy has a very sweet little personality!!

So sad for this family...

2010-05-29T11:41:00.004-06:00

For the past two years I have been drawn to this blog. It seems like this family has had challenge after challenge in their lives. They have had their fair share of heartache. Please say a little prayer for Ben and his family. See Ben's blog by clicking on the title of this post (So sad for this family...).

How I want to live my life

2010-05-12T20:14:00.005-06:00

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

Marjorie Pay Hinckley