Big Hair Blog

2011-09-30T21:59:00.001-06:00

Jack has been banned from Smiths.

Happy Birthday Tex, TR, Tex Arcana, Smooches

2011-03-31T20:27:00.007-06:00

Four years of fun and it looks like it's not ending anytime soon. We hope your life is as fun and diverse as all your nicknames. Thanks for being such a ray of sunshine in our lives. We love you and can't wait to see all the things you'll do in life...including your dream of becoming a garbage man.

Happy Birthday Jack Sparrow

2011-03-15T08:33:00.003-06:00

Twelve months later and the drama still never ends. Thanks for a year of hugs, kisses, meltdowns, smiles, trouble, and best of all, entertainment. You're the sunshine in our life and we love you.

Top Ten

2011-02-11T07:32:00.003-07:00

I've made a goal for this year. My top ten favorites, compiled together. What top ten specifically? Recipe's, of course. Not the most popular, or even the prettiest. Just my favorite top ten. For those of you who know the details...please make me accountable. December will be here before I know it.

Feliz Aniversario, Patron

2011-01-21T10:06:00.005-07:00

There is no place for bells and whistles, nor parade or fanfare needed; for a union anchored in the comfort and security of a marriage that not only enjoys the company of one another, but it's agreement to wage the wars-of-life, famine and strife, hand in hand. The strongest and most secure partnerships are built on a foundation of commitment to endure the good, the bad, the happy, the sad; and still rise from the ashes not as a beautiful refined swan-but as the silently confident Phoenix.

THANKS FOR ELEVEN YEARS STRONG. WE STILL HAVE A GREAT THING GOING. PATRONA

Birthday Surprise

2011-01-15T08:21:00.002-07:00

I woke up on the morning of my birthday to find this all time favorite deliciousness on my front porch, inside a basket of other goodies that included; greek-roasted red peppers, fresh homemade buffalo mozzarella, authentic Italian San-Marzano tomatoes, a signed-limited edition cutting board, white truffle oil, and a cornucopia of other culinary delights. My BF really does know me well. Nothing makes this sister happier than food...nothing! Thanks for thinking of me PL. 3TTG

Tis' The Season

2010-12-23T13:16:00.007-07:00

http://sheryll-lynne.com/blog/
http://julieophotography.blogspot.com/

Ruby Rollins

2010-12-18T11:46:00.003-07:00

Nobody gives looks like Rubix. That's why we love her. She has the most expressive faces of all the babies. Isn't she perfect.

Babies, Babies, Babies

2010-07-25T15:10:00.002-06:00

Five babies in one year.

Brooklyn is having a party with our resident showgirl, Ruby Rollins.
Livvy is thankful for her gentle giant, Crew Carlile.
Chal is getting a run for her money with Jack Sparrow.
Nic has a new sheriff in town, Bridger Mangum.
Amb finally has a dolly of her own, Francesca Johnson.

Coco is having the time of her life but is worn out. We don't blame her.
Vegas thinks we are all born to breed. We think someone should slap him.

And Nat will welcome Baby Sophie, November 2010

These are good times.

Captain Jack Sparrow. Finally.

2010-07-03T18:44:00.004-06:00

Remington Brooks Wilde
3/15/2010
7.8 oz
20"
6:00pm
Delivered by Dr. Jeff Quinn & Dr. Robert Merrill

Two Mini Bandits Are Better Than One.
Welcome to the world, Jack!

XO,
Patron, Mommo, and Tex

Tex and Cache Have Their First Big Boy Sleepover

2010-02-13T21:59:00.002-07:00

The boys had so much fun feeling like big wheels together. They flooded the bathroom, fought over their toys and beat one another up only once. Other than that, they had a great time together, sleeping on the floor. I think more than anything they love the freedom of not having to be locked down in their cribs. It's so fun watching them grow from babies to big shots. I wonder what they will do when the next two boys roll into town in three weeks?

Tex Goes To Alta View For Surgery

2010-01-31T11:54:00.002-07:00

Tex had to go back and have his ears done again, due to some very pesky ear infections that just wont go away. He thought this was quite the experience. It's been almost two years since he had them done, and this time it was much more entertaining. He thought the fuzzy little no-slip socks were quite interesting, and more than anything he loved being spoiled with loads of toys from the hospital staff. He was the only child they had scheduled for surgery that day, and they were making the most of their experience with him. Everything went well and best of all, Ben and I had fun time watching him react to the anesthesia. It was hilarious!

Potty Training Open and Shut

2009-11-23T22:03:00.003-07:00

Everyone told me I would fail at potty training Tex.

I think my success is a lock!

What Goes Around, Comes Around

2009-11-08T10:43:00.003-07:00

On September 15, Liv and I loaded up our gear, the boat, and the babies, into Bens truck to set off for a week of fun in the sun in Lake Powell.

Ben's final words to us went something like this..."please try not to wreck or damage the boat, my truck, or the houseboat this week while i'm gone. (Deep down inside I know he's cringing at the thought of us two girls and our babies hauling all this stuff down there, by ourselves. We aren't exactly know for our light feet on the road!) Try not to lose anything, and don't do anything I wouldn't do...". Basically the same thing he says to me everytime I go anywhere.

Well, we made through the week, all equipment in tact, smiling that we had made it through another long boating season without any major damage or losses. Or so we thought. Somewhere near Kanab, the front of the boat cover kept snapping off the front of the boat. (In my defense, it does this a lot and i've made repeated requests for it to get repaired.) After having heaved up my McDonald's more than once, I lost my patience with the cover and finally decided to tuck it back into the boat and continue the rest of the drive home sans a front bow cover. No big deal...until the next day when Ben went to clean and prep the boat for winter storage and the bow cover was no where to be found...to make a long story short it had blown out somewhere between a polygamous planatation is southern Utah, and Copper Lane. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEkkkkkkk????????? I had tried to hard to make this a seamless trip of damages and losses. In my mind, I was thinking I did pretty good at only losing a $300 boat cover. At least I didn't burn down the houseboat or wreck the truck...right????? Not the right answer in this economy.

But luck would have my fate when Ben called Unlimited Covers and they mentioned that some lady had found one of their covers alongside a road in southern utah, a few weeks back. What are the chances it could be ours...well, see for yourself. All I have to say, is I hope that what goes around comes around. This lady just redeemed me! Please read the following:

Ben,

I am in Mesa, (Phoenix area) Arizona, and was on a GREAT trip with my 86 yr old mother, on our way to Bryce and Zion Nat'l Parks, for Mama to view for the first time, and we didn't realize that we went right by Lake Powell, which we had a large family reunion, celebrating their 50th Anniversary 17 yrs ago. We drove up that gravel road to the top of it, overlooking the lake, so I could get some pictures. Taking my cell phone out first, I took a picture of Mama first, so immediately sent to Papa's email address (who was home), then I laid my cell phone on top of the trunk open (so when I got back in the car I could send the photo of Mama) while I got out my camera attached to the tripod from the back seat of the car, to take some "auto timed" pictures of the both of us. (Sending this photo to you) Then I replaced the Camera/tripod in the rear seat, and drove on to Page, LEAVING my cell phone on the trunk!!! Naturally it fell off, I am sure driving back down that gravel road, and I didn't miss it until we checked into a motel in Page! I had Mama call my cell phone from her cell phone, so I could FIND it, then thinking back, realized what had happened to it! DUH! It was on my return trip to Lake Powell to see if I could find it, or see if someone had turned it in, when I spotted your tarp, and flipped a "U" to go back and pick it up. I was VERY adamant about trying to find the owner, and with the tags on it, was excited to arrive back home and contact the manufacturer! I took several pictures of it and with a tape measure laid on top, so they could see the demensions of it. It has taken so long for them to do so that I was sure they were just going to disregard my message. (I think I found your tarp on Sept. 22, and I feel quite certain that you had lost it shortly before I found it, on that day!) I did not find my phone, but it was turned into the Police department, in Page, 2 weeks after I lost it, and 30 minutes after I ordered a new one, (which I cancelled) and after I had finally conceeded that I would never see it again, They put it in the mail and sent it back after I gave them my Credit Card number for the shipping fees, but when it arrived, it was without a battery, and was in sad shape being run over, so I reordered my "cancelled new phone". Of course I LOVED that phone, and they discontinued that type of phone.

If you will give me your mailing address I will ship it to you. If you choose to reimburse me for the shipping costs, that would be great. I will put my return address on it as well as the shipping costs right under my address, just in case the Mailing company does not stamp it clearly on it.

So glad I found you in the end. It was very worth the try....

You're The Best, Bobby!

2009-10-06T07:39:00.003-06:00

I've posted this pic mostly because it's a classic picture of Patron, but also because he deserves a little credit every now again. We haven't seen much of him lately because just as we were walking out the door to Lake Powell, he received a phone call from an account he has been trying to land for months. When he hung up he had to tell me he couldn't come with Tex and I and had to stay behind because he had to be to work first thing in the morning for this new account. This was a huge answer to our prayers, but a small disappointment at the same time because Lake Powell is our most favorite place to be together and something we had been looking forward to all year. Going without our Captain just wouldn't be the same. But my forever-sweet and trusting husband finished loading me, Tex, the boat and the truck and kissed us goodbye and begged us not to wreck the truck, boat or houseboat...which luckily we didn't. He spent the next week working 60 hours while we sunned ourselves in beautiful southern Utah.

His unselfish labor of love for our family and future continues constantly and most often it goes unappreciated. Just this week and Ben and his best friend were getting ready to go to priesthood and dinner, one of their favorite traditions; when he received a frantic phone call from a friend trapped up in the mountains several hours away, in desperate need of their help. Casey and Ben didn't hesitate to throw their packs and gear on and go rescue Bens friend and his wife. Neither of them returned to their beds until later the next day after hiking through freezing cold water and a steep mountain of snow. Casey made it back just in time for the birth of his fourth child, and poor Patron made it back just to turn around and have dinner and some Rook time with my family. I'm sure he would have preferred to go to sleep after having been awake and hiking for 48 hours, but he helped me make all the food, load the car...and cooked the steaks in the rain for everyone!

I often forget and take for granted the sacarafices that Bobby makes to provide for our family and care for those he loves. He is truly is Good Timber.

Company Party

2009-09-15T07:07:00.002-06:00

LETTER FROM AN EXCELLENT BOSS Dear Employees:

As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barrack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way. To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. But since we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead. This has really been bothering me since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go.

So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem. They voted for change...... I gave it to them.

I will see the rest of you at the annual company picnic.

THE BOSS

Julie and Julia

2009-08-06T22:00:00.004-06:00

Sometimes on my way home from work, I like to fall from the radar and sneak into Barnes and Noble for a little time away from the rest of my world. I never tell anyone I am going, nor that I have been...I chuck my cell phone into the bottom of purse, where it will later take me an hour to retrieve, but this assures that I will not be tempted by useless texting or Facebook updates. After a warm carmel apple cider, even in the summer, I gather more books than I can carry or will bother to look at, and then I find the softest and cosiest chair that happens to be the furthest away from the childrens section, and settle in for an hour or two.

For the past year or I have been devouring the cooking section in conjuction with my new little culinary adventure. Amongst all the cookbooks was Julie and Julia, a sassy novel about a girls journey for happiness in life via Julia Child and Mastering The Art of French Cooking. I purchased it and ended up adoring it. I passed it on to my dearest reading buddy, Amy Dalley, who also laughed as hard as I did when she read it.

After finishing the book, I decided it was time to get serious about this culinary school business and to stop talking and start taking action. A year later Snooty and I are cutting up crustaceans (I was sooo sad to learn that they don't really squeal when you add them to a pot of boiling water!) and learning how to whip up all sorts of things, some that are disasters and some that are culinary delights! Chef Bucvher thinks we really are two crazy birds, but he likes that we want to add butter, cream, parmesan and booze to just about everything we concoct and are not interested in doing anything low-fat or low-carb.

While I usually have the policy of never seeing a movie that is made from a favorite book of mine, I made the exception for this one and played a little hooky after a theater friend scored me a seat to a private screening at the last minute. I figured since Julie inspired me, just as Julia inspired her, it would be worth it, and it was! Meryl Streep does an amazing job as portraying Julia Child and steals the show.

While it wasn't exactly the same as the book, because it never is, the movie was still fun and light-hearted and I very much enjoyed my alone time in the theater, just like I do at Barnes and Noble. Hopefully, you will get the chance to see this film and enjoy it as much as I did.
If not, pick up the book. You'll love it more than the movie.

Bon Appetit!

Armanie Michelle and Cecily Marchae Turn Three!

2009-07-08T07:16:00.002-06:00

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Watch our for the twinners
Because they're no longer 2!

It's Back...

2009-06-29T23:19:00.004-06:00

In an attempt to avoid being black-listed by the one "not for profit" insurance conglomerate here in Zion, I decided it would be best to plunk down a couple of bills for Tex' pneumonia medicine at none other than the ghetto-fabulous Wal Mart, so as not to leave a trail of evidence.

I normally avoid frequenting the above mentioned establishment, because I am proud to be an American. I drive an American car. I invest in American companies. I fly an American flag on American holidays. I buy American-grown produce, from my local farmers market. I proudly stand and cross my heart for the American Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem. And so will my children. I try to travel within America to support the communities that depend on tourism. (IE. Lake Powell and The Res. They were here first.)
I avoid leaving America, because whenever I do, all I want is to come back as quickly as possible. (In all fairness, I do have to take full credit for the camel fiasco in Cairo and the botched sex-trafficking abduction in Turkey with my fellow Donna.)

But most importantly I vote, I'm a small business owner, and I pay taxes for not only my family, but for every Rodriguez brother I employ that sends his money back to The Motherland. So no, I do not generally patronize the shining star of Bentonville, Arkansas; because I do not feel at home when I shop there. And because they supposedly make little children in china slave away for their meager bowl of rice, especially the girls...

But supposedly, Wal Mart is rolling back their prices, one smile at a time, supposedly saving us a couple of coins. That said, I thought I would do my part to help pull our country out of it's economic blood bath by putting some money, (that I don't have because it's all going to taxes in an effort to support our up and coming socialized agenda and it's benefactors), back into the community while my prescription was being filled. I thought I would pick up a few things to pass the time and to avoid feeding my FB addiction.

It was all going well enough until I came to the "ethnic" aisle. That is when I forced to pay a $1.74 more for name brand soy sauce, because Wal Mart is trying to roll back the savings and is no longer stocking "lite" soy sauce in either Great Value or Kikkomans. I hade to spring for the knock-off Jap-crap the was undoubtedly manufactured south of the border and then plastered with an "authentic" label. Normally this wouldn't have been that big of a deal, right? $1.74 certainly isn't my most guilty splurge...

But it was the final straw after I went to find some Herdez Salsa Verde...and the entire Mexican section of the "ethnic" aisle had been wiped out clean of almost everything but some nasty processed Taco Bell queso dip. Eeeewww!

At that point my day went from bad, to "Alexander And The No Good, Very Bad, Horrible Day". I looked to my left, and then to my right, and then I left my cart filled with necessities right in the middle of Juanita's Childcare Service and strolled out of Wally World (one that actually is NOT located in the ghet-toe), to my local west-side Food King.

Smiths has never seemed so patriotic to me.

Happy Belated Fathers Day....

2009-06-22T14:45:00.024-06:00

Dear Daddy,

Thanks for being my best friend and taking me to work with you! I love it when you let me have candy before breakfast and snacks before dinner, even though Mom disapproves.

Even bigger thanks for letting me sometimes have fast food for lunch when i'm at work with you, even though Mom HATES for me to eat fast food. Thanks for letting sometimes eat the Frosty first, and then the nuggets, because you understand my cravings for sweets, a trait I inherited from you.

I love it when you let me help you mow the lawn, fix your jeep, wash the boat, clean the garage, and all the others things I get to tag along for. I love you more for this because I know that when I am doing these things with you I make more messes than I help clean up, but you do this because you want me to learn the value of hard work, just as you have.

I love the mornings when I wake up and Mom is gone and it's just you and me. I love how you let me snuggle in bed with you and my milk until I'm completely awake and not crabby anymore. I love how you let me eat my waffles WITH syrup and the occasional shot of whip cream, even though I make a sticky mess everywhere and you don't like messes. I love when we get to be lazy and watch the history and military channel, Speed TV, ESPN, and best of all, TruTV, because these are WAY better than constantly having to watch the Food Network and MSNBC with Mom.

I love riding in your truck with you. I love how you care about my safety so much that you make sure Mom always put's me in the car seat, even when she thinks your not looking (and when you don't make me sit in it on the way to church). Thanks for letting me watch Einsteins and Bob the Builder while we are driving, even though I know you think they are super annoying and you would much rather be listening to Rush or Michael Buble.

Thank you for providing for me and all my needs. I know you work hard everyday and that it doesn't stop when you come home. I know your example is teaching me to appreciate what I have and to work hard for what I want.

Lastly, thanks for always taking me to Cabelas to see the animals. It's still my favorite and always will be. Especially when you let me have my favorite lunch when we are done.

-Your Monkey, Tex

Hey Vegas,

It looks like you still here with us, telling us what to do with our lives. There was a time when none of us wanted to hear it from you, but I think this year i'll let you share your masters-and-PhD-know-all (Gag!!!), with all of us. Only because we know you haven' t become an old coyote for nothing. So here is why the Donnas and I will be listening this year.

Because we are all still a little bit afraid of you and your boots, and we know that suffering through one of your discourses in life is not nearly as bad as picking up pinecones and lifting sawd rolls that are bigger than our own body weight.

Speaking of body weight, we haven't forgotten, "Out of the pop, Chubby!". And because of your obssession with your own vanity and ours, we will try and shuck a few extra pounds this year, in a pathetic attempt to please you. We will also pretend that you do not have a Zorro scar, that you didn't get your hip replaced, and that you didn't get your hand shot off in an effort to eliminate some of your pesky outdoor friends. We will just plain out forget that you are getting old. And just in case we forget, we know you will remind us that you are still wearing the same size pants as when you were 18, and that we are not.

We will let you earn your grandparenting priviledges back; despite your inconsistent use of our car seats and lifejackets; your inability to adhere to our children's dietary habits, your neglect of Cache and his tendency to roam, your teaching Tex to "go like the big boys" outside in the yard, and your general theory that you raised all 8 of us without any of us dying and we all turned out just fine.

At the end of the day Vegas, all us girls know how much you love your grandbabies, (even though you like to drive around the yard with the babies on the 4-wheeler, telling us to get back to work) and however much you lack the ability to be up to speed on safety standards for grandparenting, we know there is no place they would rather be than with "Pappa Dave".

Here's to teaching us the importance of working like slaves, the lessons of shadiness in life-that grey is your reality and that black and white do not exist, but that the color of happiness is whatever color we choose to make it, and that you'll disown us if we ever cut our Texas BQ hair too short again.

Thanks for tending to the Holy Land, even though you have to mow from sunrise to sunset and that there is always a "gusher" somewhere on the compound. We know how magical and enchanting it is for the babies to come and play with you and Coco up there, and that some of the greatest lessons in life that they will ever learn, they will learn from the two of you. Maybe not in the most traditional of ways, but the "Wright" way.

Thanks for ALWAYS having the music on, even at 5:00am when we are camping! However annoying you might find our love for "Let's Get Rocked" and "Dangerous", you have only yourself to blame for all the years we had to listen to all the girls you, Willie and Julio have loved before. You created the Uptown Girls, now you have to maintain them.

Thanks for marrying our amazing mother and for supporting her in her efforts to raise us with a sense of independence and appreciation for doing things right, the first time around. If you hadn't been away on business working hard to support our family, Coco might not have had the resources to teach us everything that she did. Because of her we have learned to become amazing domestic advisors, chefs, business consultants, contractors, lawyers, seamstresses, financial advisors, landscape architects, interior designers, and most importantly-mothers and fathers.

Thanks for hanging in there with one another, through the really good and the really bad, and for putting your personal desires aside for our happiness. A family that works and plays together, stays together.

Here's to "anyways anyways..."

-Bitty, The Uptown Girls, Coney Baloney, and The Mexican

Hey Cam,

Do you remember way back when we were in high school together, I was a junior and you were a senior, long before we had to grow up and become responsible adults? Oh to be so young again!

I'll never forget the night I was in the mood to go water skiing, and being the in-tune brother that you are, you went and hitched up the old Carina at 1:00am, and we drove down to Utah lake and slept in the Jeep until sunrise, just so we could have the nice glass of the early morning. Do you remember how when we arrived at the lake it was closed off and we couldn't get through the gate or pass the tire-rippers and the state attendant didn't arrive until 9:00am? I haven't forgotten us somehow figuring out how to open the gate, and how you and I carefully placed a random 2 x 10 over the tire-rippers so that we could sneak in, praying that our little maneuver wouldn't fail us and leave us in a state of disaster. After all that work we finally made it onto the water only to have me drive you through the lillypads. We were quite a team!

A decade or so later, you and I are still having fun with one another, but now we get to not only be each others better-business-half, we are raising our children together. And just like that summer night years ago, you are just as in-tune with your parenting as you were with me way back then. I have no doubt that your four remaining children know how much you love and care for them, despite the mountains your climbing to provide for them. You have done a great job with all four of your kids and I am proud of you. Kylie is sweet and sensitive, Bronson knows the importance of standing up for what you believe in, that little stinker Cecily Marchae continues to be on a constant mission much like her namesake, and little Miss Armanie has more love to give than she knows what to do with, especially for her Daddy.

On this special day i'm sure you will remember,
Good timber does not grow with ease
The stronger wind, the stronger the trees
The further the sky the greater the length
The more the storm; the more the strength
By sun and cold, by rain and snow
In trees and men, good timbers grow.

Happy Fathers Day Cam

To: Greg

From: Your bossiest, know-it-all SIL

Thanks for letting me steal your title as reigning croquet king. I'm feeling all sorts of warm and fuzzy in my newfound glory, knowing that you have been defeated and that it absolutely is just killing you. I'm sure you would like to blame it on the fact that you've been re-roofing Vegas and Coco's roof and you were too physically exhausted to be on your "A" game, but let's be honest; I have some pretty amazing skills you just can't trump! And that's saying a lot, given my golfing abilities. Just ask Brock...

But one thing is for sure Gaston, you are pretty much golden when it comes to being a father. Tex loves when you run with him around and throw him in the air and spend time with him, just as I know Marky Mark and little Brown Bear do. Thanks for sharing your energy and enthusiasm for life with all of our children, even if it makes Tootie and her grocery budget nuts.

And rest assured Gaston, you are always welcome to listen to 311 around me and Patron. In fact, Patron wont' tell you to turn it off, he will tell you to turn it up. I'll just tell you to get back to work. Happy Fathers Day, we all love you!

Elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, wrist,,,said Barb!

2009-06-18T12:33:00.003-06:00

...At least that's what Barb Jones told me when I was little. While Barb knew and taught me a lot, what she didn't know was that I never wanted to be a pageant princess. (Except for those rodeo princesses that get to ride around the arena on fancy horses, with glittery tops and tragic hair. But mostly because I loved their blingy earrings and wanted to ride like them.)

While I never had the need to master the skill of waiving, I have had tons of fun helping these women get ready for all their glamour and glitz! From tiaras and tears; lipstick, lipgloss, and laughter; doing on makeup on these talented girls is quite entertaining. It's amazing all the work they go to in preparation for their "parade" so to speak.

So congratulations and good luck to all you pageant princesses, I hope you find yourselves doing a little karaoke to Kelly Clarkson's, ...A Moment Like This. Just be sure to blot and not wipe, and don't forget to do a lipstick check before smiling!

Why Wright Chicks Don't Hire Nannies

2009-06-16T00:43:00.002-06:00

A few weekends ago when a lot of our family was in town, Liv and I had to run into Sams Club really quickly so we could get back to feed Vegas and his workers. Instead of battling Boots and Booty all through the store, they found their own entertainment and we could shop twice as fast. However, it wasn't so easy going when it came time to leave...I think Sams was tired of babysitting for us, and were happy to see our ragamuffin children leave the store!

Coming Soon-The Donna Diaries

2009-06-10T15:55:00.008-06:00

It's more often than not that us girls find ourselves laughing hysterically at social outings, which have quickly turned into adventures. Adventures of The Donnas. Olivia, Chal, Hannie, Kammie and Brooklyn. So many times we have wished that we had a video camera with us to record all the funny things that happen to us when we are together. We have the uncanny ability to turn lemons into lemonade, and make the best of any situation. One moment we will bite one anothers heads off, but then we are giggling like school girls moments later.

So we have decided to journal, unedited and unfiltered, about our little mishaps and mayhem at www.ourdonnadiaries.blogspot.com, so that we can always have something to look back and laugh about. There is no rhyme or reason to our adventures, but we have found the best ones are those that are unplanned. Most of it will seem useless and a waste of time to much of the world, but to us, these are the experiences that make the best memories of a friendship, true sisterhood. Here is to our ability to laugh at ourselves and one another, and still be friends the next day.

Kammie and Brooklyn. Do you remember that one time that Brooklyn called Kammie and told her that Huffy the Honda wouldn't start and that she needed to send a mechanic asap, only to have the mechanic find that the car was not in park...and start Huffy right up!

One of the many infamous drives to AZ. This time being Olivia's grand idea to leave at 1:00am so the babies would sleep through the night and Chal could sit in the back for 10 hours (because she has the smallest hips!), next to two oversized carseats. They cried the first six, and only slept for two of the ten. Also the same adventure in which Brooklyn insisted that we could not use the DVD player in her car because she claimed her vehicle only had one outlet, and that it did not work and we would have to do the 20 hour drive without any entertainment for the babies. Also the same vehicle in which Brooklyn claimed to know the ins and outs of, but also the same ride that Chal found a second outlet in. And naturally, the same trip in which they couldn't take Chals car, because it was still in the body shop from the last Donna Diary Adventure-Bear Lake.

Another one of Olivia's great ideas to visit Buckoos the day after Christmas. They only had one dressing room, (of which Olivia is in during the picture), so Hannie, Brooklyn and Chal decided to avoid the chaos and change in the aisle.

The AZ trip where we hit a deer at 2:00am in the freezing cold, just outside of Kanab, with a car filled with kids and luggage and our crabby old Dad. Also the same trip where the highway patrolman wanted to arrest Chal for leaving the scene of an accident, (apparantly moving my car 1/8 mile down the road to stay out of harms way qualifies as leaving the scene), causing her to burst into tears out because she was overtired and scared; making the patrolman think she was under the influence and needed a breathalizer. Also, the same adventure in which we all slept for five hours in the sleaziest motel room ever, where Tex and Vegas had to sleep in the closet and the shower was in the same room next to the bed. The same adventure in which Vegas said he would pay for everything if we would just go, and in reality he paid for nothing, including Chal's collision deductible. Thanks Dad for the great trip. We can't wait to do it again.

Another infamous Donna adventure in which we (Chal and Brooklyn. Olivia would like to note that she advised against this. However, she also thought we could take her car all the way to Prescott with a set of four slicks as tires!) thought we were smart enough to make it all the way to the cabin at the top of the mountain in Bear Lake, in a zillion feet of snow. Also the same adventure in which we thought we would snowmobile all our kids and gear in by ourselves, until we buried Chals on the edge of a cliff...at sunset. Nothing a little smile and charm couldn't fix to get the tow truck drivers to haul our tons of gear up for us...after they stopped gut laughing at our attempt to make it to the top of the mountain... The three of us and the babies made it in and settled down for the night, all by ourselves. That was shortly before the trip home where we hit black ice...

Time Out

2009-06-09T01:53:00.001-06:00

Someone decided to get a little sassy and refused to eat his dinner, so he had to go in time out until he could get his mind right. It obviously didn't go over so well.

Adios Flying Tube and Toy

2009-06-08T21:13:00.002-06:00

Last week Ben decided to put our flying tube up for sale on KSL, much to my dismay. He thinks it's too much of a liability (paranoid), and hates how big it is and how long it takes to blow up. Tex however, is very sad to see it go. It has become his favorite new toy to play on. Apparently, it sold while we were in Lake Powell to some punk kids on their way to Bear Lake to party all weekend. Tex was so sad to see it gone, but Patron was thrilled to have the cash in hand after having to replace a boat tire in Fillmore for triple the price. Highway robbery! We should have charged more for Tex's play toy.

Happy Birthday Hermie!!!

2009-05-12T12:49:00.002-06:00

Dear Donna,

We miss you terribly up here on The Holy Land, but we know that you are having the time of your life in Mexico City. For your birthday I'm sending you wishes that you will enjoy lots of tacos al pastor. And that you don't get the swine flu.

Time has gone by so quickly, and this next year will go even quicker. Meanwhile, I'll continue to perfect my sweet fish taco skills, so that you and I can have a throw down when you return. You can do tacos al pastor, my new favorite. Tex sends his smootchies!

Your Favorite Sissy,
Chal

MAC Training in Portland

2009-03-31T17:11:00.003-06:00

A fountain made by the owner of the farm. It's freezing there! I couldn't wait to comeback to the cold in Utah that has SUN.

Always finding something to laugh about.

Blow glass talents are very abundant in Forest Grove

We think this house looks like something off of House On Haunted Hill

Hannie and I ventured to Portland, OR this past weekend to do some ongoing training with MAC cosmetics. While there we were able to go visit a city of Forest Grove that is a rural community specializing in organic farming and wine making. We saw stained glass talents, beautiful vineyards, dwarfing bison and a bunch of darling Mom-and Pop farms. Hannie was able to get an education in wine making, and I was able to see all the steps in the growth of organic produce and it's uses in gourmet kitchens. Between Hannie and her vineyards, and me and my farms, we were in absolute heaven. We almost forgot that we were there for some ongoing makeup education for Private Design.

It's amazing how serious they are about being organic and eco-friendly up there. While I am a proponent of organic produce and believe in recycling, I was in for an education. I knew that Oregonians are environmentally aware people, but nothing could prepare me for how much it is a way of life for them. It made me realize how wasteful I am. Though, I must admit that most of it seemed really over the top to me. Hannie and I stuck out like sore thumbs with our makeup and heels. I wore cowboy boots 90% of the time with a sweater and people still looked at me like I have twelve heads. Even at our MAC classes, everyone wore all black. This is common for our profession, but sometimes the rules change in a more relaxed atmoshphere. But even then we were out of place with our blingy earrings and bright clothing. Truthfully, it was probably just our big hair. We should have gone to Texas instead.

We had a great time and we were fortunate to have the hospitality of our good friends Steph and Justing Hunt. They allowed us to stay in their home while they are out of the country in Denmark. However, due to the strain on our economics, we took a train everywhere to make everything as inexpensive as possible. I'm sure it was such a sight to see these two women walking down the street in high heels, with a million suitcases in tow. While sometimes I wished people in Utah would be more friendly, I realized how friendly we really are. Men here tend to be somewhat chivalrous in the attitudes to women. However, in Oregon they could use some help. Not once did a gentleman ever offer to help us lift our bags on and off the train. This would never happen in Utah. Maybe we were such a sight that didn't have enough time to react. Picture Confessions of a Shopoholic with luggage intead of shopping bags. I never thought I would say this, but I couldn't wait to get back to Utah. I didn't tell Ben that, however. I just told him that if this were Texas, I wouldn't have been two steps off the gangway in the airport before a gentleman would have offered assistance.

He just laughed and said, "Just pack less and stick to Oregon".

Austin, TX-here comes the girls from Private Design!

I'm out.

2009-03-06T01:46:00.004-07:00

Yes Dad, I know you're laughing all the way to the cash in your mattress.
I've learned my lesson and i'm going back to playing blackjack. Stick with what you know.

I have to because Obama continues to double down on my retirement, split on my child's college funds, and hit on my econonomic stability and employment. (I'm starting to think that my next four years as a moderate could very well be looking down. Oh dear.) At this rate maybe we'll meet in person at Gamblers Anonymous.

See you at GA, Obama.

Until then, i'm off the blogosphere until the DOW hits a solid 11,000. At which point, I'll be hyper-ventilating every other day. When Citigroup recovers, so will this ailment of anxiety that I have now fallen victim too. (A condition in which I should recieve a "tax-credit" for all my pain and suffering. But I wont. Because I actually "give" to the community, therefore rendering my eligibility to be null and void of any government assistance, no matter how ghetto-poor I now am.) In the meantime, i'm going to snuggle up to a Xanax and my edgie-wedgie. Sweet dreams.

Viva Mexico, Only 12 Hours To Go

2009-01-22T21:17:00.002-07:00

To The Blue Dolphin. This trip is dedicated to you.

I'll be thinking of you as i'm sunning, and all the memories.

My FIRST and LAST visit.

2009-01-22T21:10:00.003-07:00

I read somewhere that Ikea has great nylon bags that are very useful to carry my snorkel gear in. So I decided to finally see what all the hype was about.

My .59 nylon bag was not worth the savings. The bags are neon yellow.

I now have a headache.

Because everyone keeps asking...

2009-01-05T20:44:00.001-07:00

Go Longhorns. You are beloved.

I Am...

2008-12-15T23:02:00.008-07:00

I am proud of my country, The United States of America. I am thankful to be an American, because:

I can vote without risking my life to do so.

I am a mother, sister, daughter, and female business owner in my own right. I can dress the way I like, and wear my hair how I chose to.

I am allowed to raise my children in a way that I believe to be in their best interests. I do not have to worry that my sons will have to join the military before they are teenagers; and I do not have to worry, that my daughters will be sold to sex trafficers, for simply being girls.

I am thankful for the ability to defend my family from harm and danger. The US is one of the few countries that allows it's citizens to own guns and have the right to protect themselves. I proudly support the NRA and gun education.

I am able to own my own home, without the help of anyone, including my government.

Even though I may not always be able to afford it, I have access to some of the best medical and dental care in the world. I do not have to travel hours to recieve emergent care.

I can practice any religion and not lose my life to do so.

I believe in the american dream. Being an citizen allows me to be a business owner and gives me an opportunity to create a future for me and my family.

I am married to my husband, because I chose to do so.

I have the right to my own expression and freedom of speech.

I can travel out of the country, and know that I can always come HOME.

I have freedom, something not everyone in the world has.

I am proud of our President, while he is not the popular choice, he has kept me free from terrorist attacks for the last five years. I still can remember 9/11 in perfect detail, and there is something to be said for not repeating that same day of history. I am still proud of the courage that he gave our nation on that tragic day. And I continue to stand by my belief, that no matter how much we may or may not like our current war, everyone would have been outraged had he NOT gone to war, right after the 9/11 attacks. It was unfortunately, a difficult situation, and I do not believe that anyone could forsee what the future would bring.

I am proud of our President-elect. While he is not always popular either, he is a sign of America's progress forward. I believe that no matter what ones political beliefs are, the President of our country deserves a certain level of respect. One would never dare to speak ill or negative of the leader of their religion, and I would hope that we would all extend the same level of decency to the leader of our country.

As a liberal republican/conservative democrat, or more fondly; independent, I have learned to be flexible in my political beliefs. While I have always been in favor of Romney and Hillary (An oxymoron, I know. But I'm big on the economy and healthcare, not on the war and socialism.), and I have faith in the future of our country and its economic stability. It may not get better right away, but we are America, and if we have made it this far, will make it even further.

I am proud to be a resident of Utah. It's quirky differences make us that much more unique, and I would say that the good outweighs the bad. (I'm still not giving up on Texas.) I think our land of milk and "honeys", is important on a national level, and I do believe that my vote counts.

This month I purchased to stock in the "Big 3". Many people think i'm crazy, but I figure you can only go up from here! I proudly drive an american car, and try my best to purchase goods that are domestically manufactured and not imported. I believe in supporting your locals, and contributing to the small business owner that supports our country. I think if we all could take the time to stop and realize, despite our economic hardships, how fortunate we all are to live, work and most importantly, play in America, we could restore a little more faith into our country's economy.

For those of you who have forgotten, the people who first came to join the Indians here in America, were infact, escaping religious persecution and wanted the freedom to practice their chosen religion. Being here was a lot better than being there and worrying that you were going to have your head chopped off! So if you are thinking of writing your senator or contacting the ACLU, because you feel your rights are being violated when I say " Merry Christmas" or you would prefer your children not to say the "Pledge of Allegiance", i'm sorry, but get over it. There are a lot worse things that could happen to you and what I call, "CIVIL FREEDOMS".

It's time to start focusing on all the positives of living in The United States of America. Let's start by being proud to be an American, and show other countries, why we are the land of opportunity, and "the home of the brave, and the land of the free".

Lake Powell

2008-11-03T20:33:00.003-07:00

Maximus and Tex, the Tornado Twins
Amberlee and Maximus

Cam and Vegas skiing together. Note Vegas not wearing a life jacket. He thinks he's such a hot shot and that no one can surpass his shore-start skills (It took his 61 year old chicken legs five tries before staying up.). I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Cam did it on his second try. With a life jacket.

Tex, chocolate, and nail clippers. My father, the irresponsible babysitter.

Everyone splashing around. The weather in September is beautiful. The air is still warm without it being so miserably hot that you can't sleep, yet the water is warm enough for this kiddies to play in.

Post Wedding Party in Lake Powell

2008-11-03T20:20:00.006-07:00

Sadie, our little fishy. She never gets out of the water.
The Donnas-Cameron, Greg, and Xstina, our newest brother in law. By new I mean 72 hours new. Any guy that is willing to come with his in-laws to Lake Powell is a keeper!

Captain TEX ARCANA

Yeah....let me know how that works out.

This picture is for Arlene Carlile.

This is what Tex had to say when Aunt Olivia told him he needed to wear a lifejacket.

All they need now are some otter pops!

24-7 entertainment. The tornado triplets love to just mess around together.

Marker Parker.

Whatever entertains them...

Our little brown bear, Chache. I just want to eat him up! He is so cute. He loves to be in the water and is happy to just splash around.

Opening Night Tickets & Tailgate Party for Twilight, The Movie

2008-09-30T22:48:00.004-06:00

Thursday

Novemeber 20

At Dark

$15.00

That's right, Ladies! The girls at Private Design have rented out Jordan Commons Movie Theater for opening night, and we are ready to party! There will be lots of drawings and gift baskets and prizes for everyone. Thanksgiving Point and The District have completely sold out, and our Jordan Commons tickets are going fast.

So get a babysitter if you need one, and grab your girlfriends, because we are going to have a late-night blast! To get your Twilight Tailgate Tickets and be the first to see Bella bit by Edward, contact:

Hannie

801-898-2390

Chalyce

801-706-4572

Olivia

801-755-8385

or email

privatedesignartistry@yahoo.com

or stop by

8734 South 700 East

Sandy

The Knot

2008-09-26T12:45:00.002-06:00

Many of you have been asking for pictures of my sisters Brooklyn's wedding. This one is my personal favorite.

The peacock feathers and big hair make for a close match, but it's not the real deal. I'll be back with legitimate pics of the wedding and Lake Powell. Thanks Wicket!

Two Of My Greatest Loves

2008-08-28T21:26:00.003-06:00

There are many things I dearly love in this lifetime. My bed, the smell of books; especially old ones, the food network, the first day of school (post soon to come), my sisters, etc. But more than any of those, except my sissies, I love music. Growing up in our home, my parents were kind enough to always have music on as they worked us in their concentration camp. We enjoyed tunes to the likes of Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Elton John, Mel Tillis, The Police and many others.

From this we all grew to love a variety of music, but for my sister Nicole and I, there is a special connection to the 80's...and a little country. Both of which my husband constantly complains about. (During his younger years he was a drummer in a band, but then he had to sell them to pay for his mission. Consequently he worships bands like Rush and Styx. This makes me want to drink Green Kool Aid everytime I hear Tom Sawyer or Limelight.) I don't know if it's the big hair of the eighties, or the monster ballads, maybe it's the tight leather pants, but my all time favorite, is Def Leppard. Actually they tie with The Outfield, but for blogging sake, they rank number one. I think my sister loves The Police the most, but I know that her naughty side just loves, "Pour Some Sugar On Me", because well, we all do.

But, DL has stepped it up a notch to duo with Tim McGraw. Another fave of mine, and everyone else. Undoubtedly because he has sung something or another, that we can all relate to. And no that does not include his dog or truck. I didn't think it could get better than Nelly and TM, but it has. Now DL and TM have, "Nine Lives".

Wicket, my music mania partner, this duo is for you. Enjoy. (And Amy D., change out your Back in Black, for some Let's Get Rocked, in anticipation of September13.)

http://www.cmt.com/videos/def-leppard/225816/nine-lives.jhtml?extcmp=SEO_SSP_Y

Now and Then, From One Month to One Year Older & Wiser Too

2008-07-29T00:13:00.004-06:00

Tex, at one month old, was the easiest baby to take out and about, especially to the lake. Starting on March 31 when Tex was born, Ben and I began counting the days until we got the offical go ahead, that it was okay for us to hit the water. A month later the water was still quite chilly, but we were itching to get in and ended up having a great time. We would dip Tex' little toes in the water and found it terribly amusing when he would beging to squeal. Oh how easy it all seemed. Most of the time we would put him in his car seat, and the boat would rock him to sleep for hours at a time. We almost forgot he was there...and then this summer came along....

...and our little Tex Arkana grew up. Now, at 16 months, he thinks HE is the boss of the boat!

I miss those days!

A Family That Works Together And Plays Together, Stays Together

2008-07-28T23:22:00.006-06:00

Finally, Patron and I were able to get in a good amount of quality time absorbing cancerous sun rays and having a party at the lake, this past weekend. We have been patiently waiting for summer to get it's act togerther, so we could enjoy some relaxation at our favorite reservoir, Echo. Patron doesn't usually take time off of work during the week, but the past few months have been exceptionally busy, and while we felt like we had to take advantage of the market throwing us a bone, we also felt like a time out was well deserved. Luckily for Ben and I, our engineers were eager to start the weekend early themselves, and we were able to pack up and haul out by early morning, making for a long weekend.

When I was just a little widget, my parents used to pack up all their children and go to the lake every weekend, and often times Lake Powell, with their friends and kids. As children we would run around in soggy diapers and sunscreen, rinsing our tootsie pops off in the water and sleeping in our swimsuits for days on end. I still remember my Mom and Aunt Lynn chucking us girls a bottle of shampoo while we floated around off the back of the housboat, and tell us to wash our dirty and grimy hair. Even the infamous "Out of the pop, Chubby!", originated from one of these summer vacations.

So naturally, when I met Patron, and learned of his love for boating, we made for a great lake-rat match. Some people save for years and years to take their children to Hawaii, Mexico, and other exotic places. But for us, we're just thrilled at the idea of sharing our favorite childhood experiences with our own kids. While Ben believes that a family that works together, stays together, I believe that a family that plays together, stays together. I'm lucky to have a husband who is supportive of my belief that playing is the only that really matters in life. Luckily, playing at the lake is something we can share with everyone.

The newest thing for all the guys to do is to surf. Ben spent all of last summer figuring out how to make the perfect wake for this activity, and it is now a hit among all the boys. I think they just love that it doesn't require near the amount of physical effort that wakeboarding, let along waterskiing, requires.

Hannie, or Mini Me, is our little engine that could! We call he Mini Me, because she is so Mini. So when she strapped on my board, which is way too big for her, and took control of it, I was so proud. Now if we can just get Ryan to work on his skills...

Teeny refuses to wear a life jacket, because evertime he falls over, he can't get back up. He kinda reminds us of Spongebob Squarepants when he actually has it on, which is rare. I know that a lot of you are dying in disbelief that I am letting my child be the boss on this one, but I assure you, that some fights are not worth fighting. And I believe in fighting the fights you can win! Most of the time he is pretty good about letting me hold him when we are going fast. But generally he wants to drive or be the boss of the boat. Luckily we had Uncle Ryan with us this time. They are two peas in a pod, and when Ryan is the Captain, his little skipper Tex, is almost always at his side.

This is what happens when I leave my child with my Dad while we're out on the water. No fries, just fry sauce. Rest assured that his sippy cup was filled with soda-pop, Mtn. Dew of course. I can't say anthing however, because my Dad loves to remind us that he raised all seven of us kids in the most irresponsible of fashions, and we all turned out just fine. I love when my child wakes at six in the morning, has no nap, and falls asleep at 10:00 at night. Thanks Dad.

Viva Mexico City East Mission

2008-07-22T21:46:00.004-06:00

I'm heartbroken. In a strangely good and happy kind of way. My dirty-donna, little brother Brock, entered the Provo Palace & Prison this month. He's off to share his heart and message with the people of Mexico City, Mexico. While my two younger sisters and I couldn't wait to get him off the Holy Land, we now miss him terribly. I've never been more proud of him than when he walked out the one door, and we went out the other, knowing we weren't going to see each other for two years, and then he turned back one last time and smiled at us.

Just the other day, Brooklyn and I heard Katy Parry sing all about how she kissed a girl and really loved the taste of her cherry Chapstick. We both burst into tears and laughed at the same time, in memory of our little brother Hermie. I'm suprised how much I miss him. I miss his constant efforts to reform me into a a radical republican and conservative. I miss his teasing and taunting and pinching my chubiness. I miss his lectures and constant beratement to straighten up my language and his repeated requests to "filter" my personality when posting to my blog. I miss his endless line of girlfriends, and I miss hating them when they're around and loving them when he's moved on to the next lovely lady. I miss his tender side and sincerety. I miss his too-perfect smile. I miss his crazy one-liners, and movie quoting. I miss the important element that he adds, making our family complete.

The other day I saw his truck cruising down 500 So., without his beloved Sasha in the back. I winced when I realized it was just my father cruising, grand theft auto style, to the city dump. I wanted to call the Bountiful police, just for fun, and report his truck as stolen. Then it dawned on me, that my father has been watering their compound 24/7 for the last month, leaving Bountiful City in a draught, and that perhaps a run in with the local authorities, might not be the best timing. But it would have made a good story for Brock to practice his spanish with.

Tomorrow I am going golfing with my clubs that were last used by Brock, and they're no doubt, coated with fragments of lawn from Eaglewood's golf course. While I am happy to have them back, i'm sure my #7 is covered in dirt, the driver is out of whack from his 230 lb. swing, and the putter has most likely been swapped out for a more favorable choice. But I will look forward to using my used and abused clubs with the eager anticipation of a box of wrapped chocolates. I never know what i'm going to get, but i'll use each one, however tarnished and dirty they may be, with love and sentiment for my baby brother and missionary. Every little nick and ding will be a reminder of the joy he found in using them, and mostly, the joy in his life has brought to mine.

And for now, please enjoy a little Katy Perry on behalf of my little Hermie down in Provo. However, I am sick of her and her cherry chapstick. I've always like Dr. Pepper flavor, better. So how about a remake on an old classic, "Use Your Love". Enjoy.

Can I Get A Shout Out For My Baby Sister That's...

2008-07-22T20:11:00.005-06:00

Let The Big Mamma Drama Begin

I don't know if 22 could qualify as "underage", but she is engaged and I am so flippin' exited! My little sissy, also known as Brooklyn, Caboose, Huffy, Hips, Llama and just drama in general, is tying the knot in October, to the love of her life, Mr. Chrisian Rollins.

Those of you who know our family, know we love a party...and a Wright wedding translates into a big time bash. It's ridiculous, the amount of fun we have, without even the aid recreational substances or spirits. I think it's just in our blood to laugh, eat, and have a good time.

However, all new beginnings in our family, begin in splendid-soap opera fashion. My parents have yet...to like a potential son-in-law, at the point of engagement. Now I know that this may seem odd, seeing as most people would think that any guy willing to marry a "Wright" chick, must be a saint. But much to all the son-in-laws dismay, they are not usually welcomed with open arms. Why, you ask? Because my Father is a "Wright", and naturally, it doesn't matter how educated; good looking, hard working, and well providing, these men are, they could never be good enough for one of his precious beauty queens. Ten years ago, my poor sister Nicole and her husband Brett, paved the way for the long and difficult journey of engagement. Lucky for them they were able to run off to dental school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. But their hard work laid the cornerstone, for the next four of us.

But....a few years older and wiser too, my old coyote parents, in all their aging wisdom, have recently informed us children, that they would prefer to keep their "in-laws", and get rid of us nasty little children. While they tried so hard to rear us with strong voices and spirits, they have now decided that too many cheifs and not enough indians, is not working out so well. They've grown weary of their offspring always telling them what to do. And now they prefer the company of their only sweet daughter-in-law, and four saintly son-in-laws, to their always "Wright" and never wrong children.

So, maybe Chris has a chance, I sure hope he does, because I think he's quite a catch....but for now, he's marrying Bingo Casino's baby girl. So let's hope no one from the homeless shelter is looking for work with Pappa Dave, because sign out front of Wright Circle might read:

We'll tell him not to take it personally.

On Behalf Of The 8 Wright Chicks

2008-06-28T15:39:00.005-06:00

Just in case anyone needs reminding of where they stand on the homefront...

This is the mantra and logo for our 2 brothers, 1 father, and 5 brother-in-laws, who think they have it sooooo rough, being married to a "Wright" chick. They love to hate what they love about us. I have to give a shout out to all my sisters, SIL's, and Mom who made this past weekend (my baby brother's mission farewell), a success. We barked orders and demands, one after another. But that which they love to hate, is why they married us. Were a bunch a hard workin' hussies, who know how to get things done. Sometimes we cant be all peaches and cream and sometimes we just need to make it happen.

Happy Fathers Day Dad

2008-06-17T22:39:00.005-06:00

Dear Father,

Oh holiest of holy's, please know on this most sacred of days, how much I appreciate the valuable lessons you have taught me in life.

My heart warms with fond memories of you dragging me around the Holy Land, to pick up pinecones, that you never paid me for. It has taught me to always be in the service of my fellow Father, and not in the service of myself. Thank you for making me ride in the back of your pickup, for hours at a time, in the blistering heat and freezing cold, because you didn't want to listen to all eight of your children, say "Are We There Yet?" It has taught me perseverence. Thank you making me eat endless amounts of tomato and cheese sandwiches, because you were to lazy to get me a kids meal from Ronald's party pad. It has taught me to have gratitude. Thank you for always commenting on my weight, and for your infamous line, "Out of the pop, Chubby." This has taught me to own my junk-in-the-trunk, and have a positive self esteem. Thank you for making me care for my smaller siblings, while you and Coco ventured to Israel for a month, without leaving us any money. This has taught me responsibility and the importance of being frugal. Thank you for making Tootie and I carry roll after roll of sod, as a small child. This has taught me to work well with others. Thank you for having pedophiles and illegal immigrants pick me up from school. This taught me to be friendly to people of all races and cultures. Thank you kicking me in the ass with your cowboy boot, and then turn around and tell me to pull them off your feet. This taught me to respect my elders. Thank you for whipping me with a belt, on my bare, chubby little bum, when I was eight and you caught Tootie and I stealing water balloons from the DI. It's kept me out jail. Thank you for making me drive four-wheelers and snowmobiles when I was only five, and then berating me for crashing into the trampoline. It's taught me defensive driving. Thank you for being vain and overly concerned about your looks. It has taught me not to be one of those lazy ass women who sit home all day in sweats, watching Oprah and drinking Diet Coke. It has taught me good grooming habits.

But more than anything, thank you for teaching me the value of hard work. It has made me smart, confident, and a polygamous like worker. You have taught me to earn everything I have, and because of this, you have created a Diva and not a Princess. Thank you for raising me on your compound, The Holy Land. And mostly, thank you being an uncouth misfit. I kind of dig your radical, fundamentalist, extremism. It made for such a unique childhood. I thinks it's time to be out with "Vegas" and in with "Warren". Or for short, WJ.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-17T22:31:00.002-06:00

Here is shout out to Pappa Patron, for being Father of the year, to our Petite Patron.

Daddo, thanks for letting me pound the pop when Mom's not around. I love you.
Happy Father's Day to my rockstar Husband. Thanks for teaching Tex how to do all the things he's not supposed to do, and laughing all the way.

Ticked-Off Tuesday and Private Blogs

2008-06-03T21:35:00.006-06:00

WARNING-PROCEED WITH CAUTION. DO NOT READ IF

YOU CAN"T FINISH THE WHOLE POST. AND IF YOU DON"T

KNOW ME WELL ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND MY TONE, BACK AWAY.

I CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
EMOTIONAL DEVASTATION THIS MAY BRING TO YOU.

That's right! And if you have a private blog, feel free to sit down and "chillax" as I tick you off, this Tuesday. I love to stalk you. I love to stalk your children. I love to see them grow and turn into the punk's and prima donnas that you said you would never have. I love to listen to your music. I love to listen to you brag about how much money you spend and all your fabulous vacations. I love to read how neurotic you are. I love you watch your kids blow out their birthday candles. I love to keep in touch, even though we never see each other. I love to stalk your friends that you so maliciously gossip about. I love to silently support you. I love to leave comments that totally dial you up, even though you know that 50% of the time i'm joking and just trying to get a rise out of you. I love those of you that i've never even met. I just love you. And when you go private and shut me out, i'm not allowed to love you anymore, and it really hurts me.

Some of you are paranoid. Your afraid someone is going to see a picture of your child and pull an Elizabeth Smart on you. Your afraid you might actually post a picture with your house number on it, and come visit you. Your afraid your visiting teachers will see how much time you spend blogging, and then realize that they can come visit you unannounced, without treats. Your afraid someone might see the residual of your Closet-Christmas-Candy-Hoarding. Your afraid your life might not look perfect.

But seriously, I don't care if it's perfect. No one is. Me especially. And I think the more real more disfunctional you are, the more I like you. But if it's a paranoia issue, it's time to have a come-to-Jesus. My personal feelings are that if someone goes to all the effort of pulling every single detail of my life, from my blog, and can put the puzzle together...then damn! Come and get me. I want to meet someone that good. I want to know what exactly was the final piece that led them to my home, through my door, down my hallway, and right into the barrel of Patrons S & W 500. I will be waiting with fascination.

So my graduating class from high school has a blog that alumni can link their personal blog to. This has allowed me to totally stalk all the donna's that were mean to me at BHS. (I'm have no doubt that there are many gals who feel the same way about me and i'm still racked with guilt if you were a victim. I am Lindsay Lohan-Mean Girls sorry. ) Being the shallow gal that I am, I love to stalk all the skinny girls that were on drill and cheerleading with me. I was always the stunter, and never the flyer. Me and my junk-in-the-trunk always seemed to make a nice foundation for the Tinkerbell's we tossed around. Ten years later however, things have changed. While I'd like to think my junk is still definitely packed into a nice little two-seater european roadster trunk, many of these girls are packin' Suburbans and 18 wheelers. So a little lurking on their blogs, seems to so often soften the painful memories of the past.

This unhealthy behavior, has naturally, led me to the "Ex". Everyone has one from high school, or college, and everyone ALWAYS wants to know what they're up to. Even if their doing a nickel in the tank, it's human nature to find it fascinating. Hell, Garth Brooks even wrote a song about it. My last communicado with the "Ex" was at my wedding, some 40 years ago. He gave me the polite, "I'm soooo happy for you. We'll always be friends", the whole time thinking, "You Whore! You chuck me later and marry this guy two seconds later? I give it a year, if he's lucky!" So when I stumbled upon his blog, I found it to be uber fascinating as I watched the gestation of his offspring, the calfing of their infant, and then, the sleepless child rearing. It was really too delightful to watch. Then, the next thing I know, "SHE", has posted that they've heard some scary things about blogging, and so she's going to go private. She doesn't want anyone to come kidnap her precious bundle. And then, I was shut out. I emailed her and asked if she would sign my recommend to come in, but she declined my request. I promised her that no, I was not trying to lure her husband away, and that we are mature adults that should be able to handle the occaisional blog stalk. No Sir, No Way, No How. She threw me to the curb! My previous stalking of her blog, had taught me that she had to chase the "Ex" for a long time, and had to beg him to get on bended knee, so can understand her hesitation. But spare me! If she had never have gone private I could still be stalking her and her Dyson vacuum.

So unless you have been a legitimate victime of a crime, have a creepy ex, or are posting your family calendar or labor and delivery pics, spare me with the lockout. It really ticks me off when I can't love you.

And no, do not ask me to contact the blog administrator for a recommend signature. My fragile self-esteem really can't handle the rejection.

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-28T14:15:00.004-06:00

I'm thankful for my mortgage. That's right. My mortgage. I know a lot of you are thinking, "wtf?" I'm not sure if it's even appropriate to blog about this, but as I've never really been a person who follows the rules, i'm not starting now.

Eight years ago, when Patron and I were in engaged, he drug me out to the middle of nowhere. I was hoping for some kind of scandalous behavior, seeing as we were in the middle of Dodge. But no, you know Patron. Always a rule follower. I was soooo disappointed. Anyhow, he pulles into this random subdivision and proceeds to tell me that we should build a house there. That's when I said, "yeah, not so much?". This is like 45 minutes away from The Holy Land (my parents home in Bountiful), and WAY to close to his parents. However, I was basically a juvenile at the time, and was currently shelted in student housing in Provo. So really, who was I to say where we should live? It's not like I had really ever lived anywhere fabulous, so I kept my mouth shut.

Eight years later, we're still here. And much to my parents disappointment and my husbands amusement, we're not going anywhere. Why? Because if we did want to move, we would be totally house poor and then I would really have to curb my irresponsible spending habits. Fortunately for us, we our home before the housing market really took off. Two years into our pad, we scoffed at what our friends paid for their homes. Eight years later, we are past the point of being shocked, and are now just grateful to have a mortgage that is less than most people's rent.

While there have been many times I have questioned my husband's judgement, I'm now thankful for it. Because at the end of the day, who really cares how big and fabulous and new your house is? No one but you. So i'm glad Patron and I live where we do. We may not have granite counter tops and stain grade crown molding, but we do have beverages in the fridge and junk in our trunk, and for that we're lucky. We want people to feel relaxed and welcome in our home. We want their kids to run and jump and climb our walls, not feel regimented. I know my mother dies everytime she comes over, but that's okay. The wear and tear on our home shows the good times we've had, and the more to come. If we had a bigger party palace, we couldn't afford our parties, and people wouldn't feel comfortable.

And of course, always remember, that if our house is a rockin', don't bother knockin', just come on in! Pull up a chair, kick up your feet, and bust open a frosty one.

For All You People That Listen To Your Pediatrician...

2008-05-27T20:15:00.005-06:00

Time to get real. While your pediatrician certainly knows a lot, they don't know everything, as wise as they may be. Sometimes I think a little bit of old school child rearing is good. I swear the reasons kids have all sorts of "issues", in this day and age, is beacuse parents only parents by the book, and not by instinct. Really, how do you think the pioneers did it? I know many of you consider me to an irresponsible mother because I do all sorts of things like feed my baby ice cream at two months, put him front facing in his care seat, never rinse or sanitize his bottles or pacifiers, and I let my child run around the boat without a life jacket. With that being said...I take into consideration what my Pedi says, but ultimately people have been raising children for hundreds of years, and most of them survived. So generally, I don't take what the authorities of children say, as gold. I take it with a grain of salt.

I think the best advice I got was from Amy Jones or Georgia Jarret, telling me to give my baby some rum on his gums when Tex was teething, and a little hot todie to cut the phlem with a cold. The old school way of child raising. Thank goodness that rum and vodka comes in all sorts of flavors...because my pedi didn't disagree. He's totally old school, that's why I dig him. So out I ventured on my first trip to the liquor store. And that's why Tex loves Lemon flavored Smirnoff. Cheers to listening to the authorities on child rearing! This one is for all you Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi lovers, enjoy the sugar rush....

2008-05-23T16:58:00.001-06:00

2008-05-23T16:51:00.003-06:00

Tex not quite sure whether or not he should try out the gate...

Ben showing off his sexy sunburn. He never listens!

Party in Lake Powell

2008-05-23T16:37:00.003-06:00

Hannie is so OBSESSED with having smooth legs, that she will shave anywhere!
Ryan-Captain and Babysitter. Poor guy, Tex would not leave him alone the whole trip! It was actually nice for Ben and I, because Hannie and Ryan were so good about watching Tex. We almost felt lazy, because everytime we turned around, one of them would be playing with him. I think he especially liked Ryan because he would always give Tex some of his Diet Pepsi...until Tex picked up his Bud Light, then he wasn't so sure about it. I'm hoping he doesn't prefer that to my Mr. Pibb.
Lazy boys just chillin in the marina. We were having so much fun watching everyone, we didn't want to leave the slip. We wished we could have stayed to watch all the drunks on Memorial Day, but we had to get back. The boys had a really great time fishing, and H and I were in heaven on the sun deck with Tex.

Curt and Sue go to Market with The Wildes

2008-05-23T16:19:00.004-06:00

Patron and I went to dinner with the Landgraf's to celebrate Mother's Day. While Sue isn't my bioligical mother, she is what I call, my mother of wisdom. She is the smartest person I know, and if we were catholic, she would for sure be Texs' godmother. Since we aren't, she's kinda his unofficial godmother, you could say. She is always coaching me on the dramatics of life, and always makes sure that I don't make screwy choices that I'll hate myself for later. I know i've posted on her before, as my business mentor, but I just have to give a shout out for all of her wisdom. Ben, Tex and I always have a great time with Curt and Sue, and this wasn't an exception.

The next morning Patron had put post-it notes all over the house, telling me why he loves me. Any of you who know Patron, know how extremely private he is, and what a big deal it must've been for him to do this. When he asked me what I wanted for mother's day, I said I wanted a first class trip to Tahiti, with a cute cabana boy to feed me fruity drinks and rub lotion all over my junk in the trunk. He just rolled his eyes and walked away...(I didn't really mean this, but I knew I could ask for it because of last year's Mother's Day Mamma Dramma.) Anyhow, much to my suprise, he did even better. Now I know some of you are thinking, "what the heck? Tahiti vs. Post-It's, and you pick the paper? WTF?" But trust me, Ben would WAY rather send me off to foreign country, regardless of price, rather than do anything remotely mushy or romantic. Sensi stuff totally freaks him out, and I know he really put himself out there to do this. So, i'm happy to say, that the post-it's were a hit. I didn't care that he didn't do a card or a gift, or that we had to go to his Mothers.....just a reminder of all the b.s. I give him, and that he still loves me, was good enough. Until next year....

Noelle signs on, or rather, dips down, for the big B!

2008-05-23T16:12:00.002-06:00

My sweet little niece, Noelle, was just baptized. I was so proud of her. My favorite part, being as I am a very shallow person, was that she wore her mother's baptizm dress. I think that is so special. I just hope my sister will share it with me someday. Seeing as I was baptized in Matt Beynon's jumpsuit....The middle child always gets jacked!
The two evil aunts and their naughty offspring....

Pappa Dave and The Grandbabies

2008-05-23T15:57:00.004-06:00

Pappa with Tex Arcana and Rockwell
Baby Rockwell, who is apparently, popped collar cool, in his purple Penguin shirt!
Pappa Dave, or Vegas, as some of you know him, has totally been in his element of late. He has been able to spend so much time with his grandbabies lately. He went down to Prescott for Noelle's baptism and was able to feed babies all the soda pop he wanted. At around eleven at night Tex was still running circles through the room because my dad let him have all the carmel corn and Coke that he could possible fit in his chubby cheeks. They all messed around and had a good time with Bingo Casino.

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-15T08:46:00.002-06:00

That's right, people! They are back! New Kids On The Block, that is. They've lost their big hair, acne, and Hammer pants, and their new song, "Summertime", is rockstar fabulous. I know Amy D and Mindy secretly love it. So ladies, chuck ya later on "The Host", and download their new album. It's a blast from the past. Eat your heart out Justin Timberlake, be prepared to step down.

Stephanie Meyer Fans, Do Not Proceed

2008-05-13T21:50:00.004-06:00

Since there isn't a day dedicated to pet peeves, I have decided that "Ticked-Off Tuesday" is a suitable replacement. This uber pet peeve of this week:

"The Host", by Stephanie Meyer

Yes, I know that some of you are flipping out right now. For one of two reasons. Or both. First, because you TOTALLY adore Edward and his steamy eyes. And, you are so TOTALLY amped up about the movie, that you are contemplating planning a girls trip up to Forks, Oregon. You are, in fact, obsessed with this sad piece of literature. Or...you are freaking out that I would ever even dare to list this as a pet peeve, considering that this is, "like totally, the best book you and your mommy blogging friends have ever read". That's right people. I hate all of the books from this series. Not because it is very repetitive and juvenile, or because every Norman Mormon and their dog has read it. Not it is my pet peeve becuase enough already!

Edward either needs to bite her or ........ her.

And we all know that is never going to happen, because if Stephanie Meyer ever decided to take it to that level, outside of the bonds of marriage, her entire audience and book sales would completely die off. Forget Miley Cyrus and her scandal. This will be the new Hannah Montana drama of the Mormon decade. And should they actually marry, it would be just a twisted version of a Provo love story.

Come on people, get real.

And the same goes for all you Jack Johnson lovers. He needs to go too. You only like him because your friend has him on her blog and that is the cool thing to do. Stop pretending that you love him for his harmonious talent, because you don't. You only love him because it's the trendy thing to do. Just like Colbie Colaitt and her freaking "bubbly"! Oh, and Sara Barielles, and her damn "Love Song". She needs to write a new one.

Baby Batali, Iron Chef

2008-05-12T20:30:00.005-06:00

Tex totally thinks he is the next Iron Chef, and frankly, I do to. Everyday, while I'm hastily cooking, he tries to help. Or at least think he is helping. He drags everything out of the cupboards and then tries to give it to me.

I personally believe that most kids these days are just a bunch of little punks and hussies, who frankly, need a good kick in the ass, by their in-denial parents. So, I encourage him to have fun making messes, in hopes that he will not only learn the value of hard work, but will grow to appreciate the fun and excitement that comes from being with your family in the kitchen. I know this sounds so very Mormon cliche, but those of you who know me, know I DESPISE, such cliche's, but every once in a while, I make exceptions. And eating dinner together, every night, as a family is one of them.

My parents raised some of the hardest workers I know. Not just because they treated us like polygamist children and migrant workers, but because regardless of dance, soccer, piano, and picking up pinecones, we always ate dinner together.

My mother stood next to us in the kitchen every night and taught all us girls, not only how to make beautiful and great tasting dinners, but she taught us the rules of good dining etiquette, quality clean-up, and the keys to being a fabulous hostess. (Those who know me, know my greatest pet peeve in this life, is bad hosting. I could dedicate an entire post to this.) Unfortunately, we are all food whores because of her, but, to this day, none of us would EVER DARE, wipe off a counter with a sponge, take a dish to a party in the bowl we made it in, or ever, under any circumstance, serve COOL WHIP. I wouldn't even serve my dog Cool Whip, if I had one.

So i'm going to let Tex pull down all the cans out of the pantry, throw my produce, chip my casserole dishes, (see above picture), and unload the knives out of the dishwasher as many times as he wants. That way, even if he doesn't know his animal sounds, he'll know the ins and outs of Iron Stadium on Copper Lane. And hopefully, when he becomes a teenager, he will want to be home with us, and not out with his "Homies" (See second picture. Sometimes I get worried.), letting his pants hang below his ass. If he does, i'll send him to work on the rock pile with my Dad. And should Pappa Dave take one look at him and see his boxers showing, he'll hopefully, give him a Lincoln Log whippin' he won't forget. I still remember mine.

2008-05-08T21:59:00.000-06:00

Thankful Thursday for Professionals

2008-04-28T15:49:00.011-06:00

I have decided to mix Thankful Thursday up a bit. Today I am thankful for all the working professionals that contribute to the benefit of Rock Solid Contracting and Private Design. Without them, our crap would be in the street. Those of you who know me, know I only like doing business with people who are dynamic, outgoing professionals, who are very good at what they do and always are watching out for me. I also feel a personal obligation to plug these people and their business, because they all seem to bail me out from time to time. These guys and gals are the best of the best in what they do, and if you are looking for a recommendation-try them out! You won't be sorry you did.

1. Jeremy Eveland of Eveland and Associates Law Firm

Having to deal with attorneys on a regular basis, I have developed strong opinions about these "doubled edge swords". My favorite attorney of ours is Jeremy, for several reasons. First, because he does not charge exorbitant amounts of money to shoot the bull about mine or his personal life. He is very reasonable. Second, because he is a go getter! Jeremy really knows how to get stuff done and knows how to do it without you spending a small fortune. He is also really good at returning your phone calls in a timely manner. Unlike my other, very pretentious and ridiculously priced attorneys, he has no problem calling me on his cell phone at any time of the day, to make sure he is meeting all of my needs. Third, because Jeremy knows his stuff. You name it, he knows it, and he knows how to get around it! He also keeps ex-employees who like to voluntarily terminate themselves, from suing me for the most ridiculous and absurd things, and he always makes sure that those who don't pay their bills with us, pay up!

2. Travis Mehn-Executive V.P. of Private Banking for Bank of The West

We met Travis years ago when we banked with that wannabe financial institution, Zions Bank. (Yes, if you are banking at Zions, you are in the wrong place!) When he told us he was leaving to go to BOTW, I totally flipped out and didn't know what to do. I thought being at Zions was a good place to be but little did I know. After making some big promises to us, all of which he followed through with, we moved over to BOTW. And let me tell you, this was the best business decision we ever made. Since then, everyone else that I have sent over to him, has been more than pleased with the quality of service he provides. Travis not only makes sure that we are getting the most bang for our buck,(4.75% on our refi last month! That's right baby!), he makes sure we never incur fees, can get loans done lickity fast, picks up our deposits and brings us our withdrawls. He's even babysat Tex on occaision, and picked up lunch for us! When I say he's your go-to guy, he is. One last note. Travis is now single and on the market! If any of you know any sharp, good looking girls in their mid to late twenties, send them his way! (No emotionally high-maintenance females, please.) I assure you, they'll not be disappointed. Not only is he one sharp cat! He is very understanding and compassionate, tons of fun, and loves kids.

3. Pam Rassmussen-Accountant for Quality Fire and Overall Mangaer

While Pam is the know-all of managing and maintaining employees, she is even more so the diplomat of dealing with a boss and managing money. She has taught me everything I know about assets and liabilities, equipment financing, and the best ways to keep the IRS away, legally! She knows how to lay down the law and is an excellent events planner as well. Best of all, she has taught me how the best handle those pesky vendors, and even more pesky employees. She is always a bucket of laughs and is by far, one of the most real and down to earth people I know.

4. Laurie Hewitt-THE Executive Officer of Hewitt Energy Group

Ms. Hewitt is not only a total domestic diva advisor, she is the ultimate business consultant. Everything I have learned in life about business protocols, policy and procedure, and general business practices, I have learned from Laurie. But even more importantly, from her I have learned how to best work for my boss, as his domestic advisor. Laurie works hand in hand, with her husband, Doug Sr., in their very successful oil and gas business. Anyone who knows that industry (think my favorite show, DALLAS), knows that it is a hard one. Together the two of them have built an empire of their own, without all the JR Ewing corruption. And rest assured it's not the kind of relationship where Doug comes home and talks about his day over the dinner table. From the very beginning Laurie, in all of her glamour, has worked in the office every day, making critical business decisions and running their HR division. She did this all way raising three wonderful children and building a very successful marriage. She is also uber conservative and a loud voice for the Republican party. Beware of a debate with this gal, she knows her stuff! Finally, the best part of Laurie is that she is real. She knows adversity and struggle, and is the ultimate survivor. She believes in capitalism, (my kind of gal), and has very strong moral values, and business ethics. She is a great role model.

5. Jared Davidson of Universal Business Insurance

Jared is the answer to all of your insurance needs. He has worked in the industry for so long, he really has a good understanding of the way things go down. He supplies all of our liability and auto insurance. (Dina Palmer, in his office, handles our health insurance. She is a saint.) He is uber friendly and is an advocate for his clients. Not only does he makes sure I always have enough coverage, (think Mexicans), he makes sure it's affordable, and it's the best! Most importantly, he negotiates with Workers Comp! Anyone who ever deals with this, knows what a nightmare they are. I just have Jared deal with it, and voila! It's handled and all goes away. He is the man! Best of all, he's a talker, so he's always entertaining. Not only is he a great rep, he's a great dad and husband.

6. Susan Landgraf-HR Director for Challenger Schools

I have one acronym for everyone. INS, my worst nightmare! And Susan, is the solutional for all these kind of problems in my life. Susan is the ultimate human resources advisor. Have you ever met someone who knows everything, about everything? This would be her. She knows all the legalities of immigration and employee termination, to what really went down in the 70's and 80's. She's lived it and she knows it. She even knows the meaning behind all of Elton John's coked-out lyrics and James Taylor's epic sagas. She is the source for much of the wisdom I have learned in life, both professionally and personally. She alwas keeps me grounded and doesn't let me make mountains out of molehills. She is the "QUEEN", of dimplomacy.

Spunky Monkey Discovers Hats

2008-04-28T15:41:00.002-06:00

Don't tell Papa Dave, but Tex is in love with hats. He will play with them for hours! My girlfriend Nikki Jacobsen gave him one for his birthday that reads "Rockstar", because our family uses the word so much. I had it on Tex when Papa Dave came to pick him up and go mess around. Bad idea. Anyone who knows my Dad, also knows that he attributes his lustrous locks to never wearing a hat. And to some ghetto Pantene Pro-V and Aqua Net hairspray. He thinks that wearing hats make people go bald. The fact that he was, at one time in his life, the greatest hair dresser in valley (so he says), makes him an authority on this. Needless to say we won't be putting Tex in hats around Papa, anytime soon.

"GIRLS! All I Really Want Is Girls!"

2008-04-28T15:26:00.004-06:00

Drama Diva Armanie
Party Princess Cecily

Not in the literal sense. In the Beastie Boys sense. "..girls to do my laundry, girls to clean up my room, girls..." Teeners just loves girls! Especially the tornado twins, Cecily and Armanie Wright. These two just love to tag team Tex. Most of the time they've done their destruction on him long before he has even clued into what is going on, but he loves them anyway. He always has so much fun when they're for entertainment. Susan Landgraf gave him his "Chick Magnet" shirt for his birthday. It seems so appropriate at times.

The Truth Comes Out

2008-04-23T20:40:00.003-06:00

Cam has asked that I retract my comments about him voting for Hillary. He wants to make gay marriage legal because he's a sympathizer, so he's voting for Obama, the uber-liberal Senator.

Spunky Turns 1!

2008-04-23T16:18:00.002-06:00

At first Tex didn't know what to think of the wanna-be cake and burning candle, but then Aunt Hannie and her impatience just handed him the whole thing and he went to town! For a while he just kind of sucked on it, (picture two), but when he realized that he could have all the fun he wanted, he was in heaven. The first party we had with Ben's family, I gave him a cupcake. It ended up in his eyes and then the whole thing ended up a disaster. What a birthday to remember. Thanks to everyone that came to support him on his big day. This will be one to look back and laugh at!

Spunky Monkey Goes Swimming

2008-04-23T15:50:00.004-06:00

With lake season quickly approaching, I decided that it was time for Tex and I to join the Sugarhouse Liberals for some Mom and Tot swim classes. Before I could even get into my swimsuit and fend off the onlooking tree huggers (I think they were shocked to see someone wearing lipgloss, sunglasses, and earrings to the pool!), Tex had made a beeline for the water!

He thinks that water rockets and dive rings are just fabulous, and generally prefers grabbing them off the steps rather than playing motor boat. He truly is a boy. He continues to scream and think i'm all sorts of mean and nasty when I want him to float on his back, but I figure that's nothing compared to the shock of cold water when we get to Echo next month. It'll toughen him right up!

A little side note for all you Mothers out there. This year in Utah, public pools will no longer allow babies and toddlers into their pools if they are wearing Pampers or Huggies swim diapers. They will now require you to use REAL swim diapers, as you see Tex wearing in the picture above. They are not fabulous to look at, but they really hold in any wandering oopsies and are in compliance with the new state regulations. This will hopefully help to cut down on all the illnesses we experienced last year. I found mine on Ebay, but you can also get them from Waterpals, at http://www.finisinc.com/.

For Penny Lover

2008-04-21T22:53:00.003-06:00

The only thing this needs is a blue dolphin and some Van Halen.

Cameron, Out Of The Closet For Hillary

2008-04-16T13:21:00.006-06:00

For the las two years or so, my brother Cameron has been an out of control RIGHT WING, BUSH LOVING, MITT ROMNEY, WAR SUPPORTING, GAS GUZZLING, ANTI-LIBERAL RADICAL. He has made it a point to let everyone adamantly know not only his political views, but how "right", (no pun intended), his beliefs are. Well, low and behold I drove by his home the other day and saw his beloved Duramax parked in his driveway with a major "Hillary For President" sticker on his rear window. I took several pictures of the evidence, just to be sure! My guess is that he purposely parked his truck on 500 South, in his efforts to help Senator Clinton and her campaign. What sparked this change of heart, I do not yet know, but I'm checking into it.

My personal opinion? I think he's quite fond of those lovely pantsuits that Hillary most often wears. He's always liked women who are in control.

The Landgrafs

2008-04-15T18:20:00.001-06:00

Thank you Curt and Susan for spoiling me! I miss you and can't wait to see you again. XOXO, Walker

Spunky Monkey and The Zoo

2008-04-15T18:08:00.003-06:00

I finally decided that it was time for me to take Tex to the zoo so he could see what a real "Spunky Monkey" looked like. Previously I felt like he was too young to care, or it was too cold. Now that it has warmed up I thought he might like seeing a live version of his namesake. Much to his disappointment, we couldn't get the monkey to wake up from his nap and "mess around" for us. Tex however, did find the tiger, black bears and flamingo looking birds, quite fascinating. He really could of cared less about the rest. As much as I tried to teach him about the different animals and the sounds they make, he wanted nothing more than to climb out of his stroller and get into trouble. So much for my sisters telling me that he should know his animal sounds... Next time we'll be going back for the train ride.

Redneck Radio Flyer

2008-04-15T18:04:00.002-06:00

Tex loves it when I push him up and down the hallway in the Pampers box. He just giggles hysterically, and acts so traumatized when we're done. It's not a real Radio Flyer Wagon, but

close enough!

Deal or No Deal

2008-04-15T17:32:00.002-06:00

So my crazy, fun-loving, Australian girlfriend Annette, pictured center, came up with this crazy idea of how to get to the front of the line at the recent Deal or No Deal auditions. She took a clip board and some fake papers and pretended to be a part of the staff. Not only did she bypass the 8-12 hour line, she did it 45 minutes! When she got to the front of the line, she told the producers what she did, they loved her so much they had her come for a final audition and mock taping. Mike, her husband, Hannie and I came along as her supporters. When asked in the interview how she knew us, she explained that Hannie is her "EX" sister-in-law, and then told the host that she picked me up in the lobby while I was trying to "solicit" people. They thought this was hilarious, even though they knew she was lying! They loved her so much, that when they told her they could only send 50 percent of the finalist tapings to NBC, they would be sending hers! Aussie, aussie, aussie, oie oie oie!

Amy Dalley-Fortune Teller

2008-04-15T16:57:00.005-06:00

My dear girlfriend Amy Dalley, pictured above, predicted that I would promptly be released my Activity Day's calling, due to the recent drama associated with the calling. (See previous post.) Her prediction stands partially true. While I have been released, I have not been made the YW's President. Doesn't she know they only put responsible people in those callings? I'm best used in callings of little or no substantial influence. Librarian perhaps? Not so much. Young Single Adults, here I come! My little black book of potential line-ups is burning a hole in my pocket. I wonder if she can predict how many eternal marriages I can put together? I don't think my Bishop knows what he's gotten our ward into! Thanks Sister Dalley, I hope your laughing all the way to Mexico!

Missionary Opportunity? Not So Much!

2008-04-04T11:27:00.002-06:00

This past Wednesday I had my Activity Days girl's over for a little creme brulee lesson. While I cleaned up the kitchen, they were all sitting in my front room finishing off the last bits of our creamy delights, waiting for their mothers to arrive. All of the sudden I hear one of my girls say to me, "Sister Wilde? Who are all those guys sitting on your lawn and in your driveway?" I look out to see about twelve of our employees just big chillin on their cars and on my lawn, making themselves right at home! Right then, the doorbell rings and the girls run to the doorway to hear Roberto, one of our foremen, tell the girls that he needs to talk to the Patrona about their paychecks. The girls turn to me as if they are going to be eaten by a giant monster. Right then, the bishop's daughter yells to the other girls, "These guys! They wont hurt you. They're just workers." Thanks Abi. I'm sure they needed to hear that. Next things I know about eight mini-vans pull in front of my house and start laying on their horns! You would've thought they were in a state of emergency. Normally the parents would walk up to the door and ask how things went. Not then! They couldn't get their daughters out of my house and off my property fast enough. Let's just say they couldn't paddle fast enough! I can only imagine what they thought when I let Tex toddle on out to my mexicans for a hug and a sip of their soda pop! I wonder how long until I get released from this calling?

Private Design Girls

2008-03-26T22:25:00.003-06:00

Olivia, Chalyce, Hannie, and Brooklyn

I ran across this old Private Design picture the other day. Wow, how time flies. We've lost a husband, gained a husaband, had a few prospective husbands, and had an offspring or two along the way. What's next girls?

Easter Weekend

2008-03-26T00:54:00.003-06:00

Tex picking on Cache
Cache. Who according to Mysterio, is a future hog calling champion.
A serious bump egg to the forehead. This is what happens when Tex tries to keep up with The Mini's-Cecily and Armanie
Tex opening his Easter gift. Sugar colored marshmallows which are usually a no-no at our house.
Oops.

Black Bear

2008-03-26T00:47:00.001-06:00

Bronson
Chal and Tex
Liv, Rockwell, Chris, and The Llama
Teeners loves the snow!
So excited!

2008-03-26T00:40:00.001-06:00

Almost sixty degrees outside!
Tex Arcana and Papa Dave
Maximus Johnson
Maximus, Papa Dave, and Tex doing a little tubing.

Easter Weekend in Durango Colorado

2008-03-26T00:32:00.004-06:00

Tex, Papa Dave, and Rockwell
The result of Tex falling down the stairs.
Baby Cache
Baby Rockwell
A tornado of trouble.

Armanie, Cecily, and Tex wishing they could be out in the snow with the big kids.

2008-03-26T00:24:00.002-06:00

Post Super Bowl

Chocolate and lots of attention at The Landgraf's. With Susan, Texs' Green Bay mentor.
Pre Super Bowl

2008-03-26T00:20:00.001-06:00

The little pea in the pod.

St. Patricks Day

2008-03-26T00:18:00.003-06:00

Rub my belly for good luck!

2008-03-26T00:15:00.000-06:00

We turned the jets on Tex for our own amusement. He thought it was hilarious!

2008-03-26T00:00:00.002-06:00

2008-03-25T23:57:00.001-06:00

2008-03-25T23:52:00.000-06:00

The results of Tex getting into the bubble bath.

2008-03-25T23:46:00.002-06:00

Teeners!

2008-03-25T23:44:00.001-06:00

Ben, reigning Tex in at the blessing. He was out of control!

2008-03-25T23:27:00.011-06:00

Chal and Baby S'abella at her blessing.

Her real name is Isabella, but do to the popularity of her name, Chal calls her Baby S'abella to distinguish her from the others.

2008-03-25T23:24:00.003-06:00

Tex with Curt on Christmas Eve. Twins!

2008-03-25T23:21:00.002-06:00

This is what happens when Patron leaves Tex unattended. He came back outside to find him in the drivers seat.

Walker Benjamin Wilde

2007-06-15T20:22:00.008-06:00