The Marty's

We did not miss our TRAIN!

2010-03-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

It's funny, I can hear a song 100 times on the radio and as great of a song as it may be it seems to blend with all of the other songs that play endlessly on my radio, until I get the chance to hear them live. It is as if I can feel the artists heart beating through their music. My favorite musicians have a gift of somehow being able paint a picture of their world and and invite me in to celebrate for few minutes of their spiritual journey. Jason called me one day from a meeting at a Utah radio station and asked if I wanted to come over and hear "Train" play a live broadcast. It was so cool to be in a small room with about 25 people eating catered lunch and having "Train" perform their top hits. Hayden came with me and was so good. He sat quiet through the whole thing. Wow! Afterward we got to meet the lead singer and band personally. They all gave Hayden a high five and the lead singer Pat Monahan wrote "Hayden is the coolest" next to his autograph. I didn't think to bring my camera.....oh well..... It is fun to have a husband in media....there all always fun surprises like this.

2009-09-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I forgot to post these pictures from our journey to Minnesota cross country. We went to "The Mall of America" in Minneapolis and they have the coolest aquarium there. You stand on a conveyer belt as it slowly takes you on an underwater tunnel experience with sharks, sea turtles, manta rays swimming overhead and all around you. We loved it!

Salt Lake REAL

2009-09-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

We got VIP side-line tickets to the Salt Lake REAL game through Jason's job. (Utah's professional soccer team.) We had a catered dinner, fold out camping chairs that we got to take home, and posters for the boys! It was a fun night. Pro soccer players are almost graceful when they move. It looks like really athletic ballet to me so it was so cool to see them upclose on the field.

Haydens 1st day of Pre-school

2009-09-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hayden started his first day of pre-school last Thursday. He is so ready, but it was kind of sad and happy at the same time. He was a little apprehensive, but after having been at home for almost two weeks with Roman being at school and not having his brother to play with he was very eager to go. When he got home I asked him what he liked about it and he said, "Igot to play at the sand table."

Swimming Lessons

2009-09-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

After a few rounds a swimming lessons Roman has mastered the back stroke across the length of the 25 meter pool. He did it there and back! Hayden has also come a long way in his efforts to learn how to swim. I am super proud of them! (Thanks Dad for teaching me how to swim.)

First Day of School

2009-09-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

I found the best idea in "Family Fun" magazine. I wanted to make Roman's first day of first grade special so I made him a welcome home banner and posted it for him to see with the pictures I took of him that morning at school. He really liked it. Roman is in the Chinese dual Immersion program and for the 1st three hours of school his teacher speaks nothing but chinese. Roman has wanted to learn chinese since he was 3 years old so, when the dual Immersion class started this year he was very excited to be a part of it.

Hogle Zoo! We Love it!

2009-09-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

Comcast hosted a family night at Hogle Zoo, so we got to go as a family. I will always have fond memories of taking the kids here. It really is such a great place to go. Very peaceful when it is not too crowded. There was face painting, catered dinner and free carousel rides. What more could you ask for?

Our Cross Country trip to Minnesota via RV

2009-09-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

The grand Finale of our trip was through Yellowstone National Park. I have been through it before, but never camped there, so it was super exciting especially because it was BEAR SEASON! What a way to end our trip. It was beautiful.

The way Home

2009-09-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

On the way back we went through Montana to visit some long time friends of Jason. Montana is gorgeous in its own right. We stopped to feed the horses some carrots. We were so flattered to find that our friends had named their Moose endearingly after Jason "Marty Moose" which is Jason's nickname by those who know him best. "Moose"

Minnesota 10,000 Lakes (Our Roots)

2009-09-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

We stayed in an RV park while we were there. I loved the feel of this small Minnesota town. Boats and life jackets left for anyone to use. If any of you have seen "New in Town" with Renee Zelweger and Harry Conick Jr. you will know what I mean about Minnesota. We felt so welcome there. If you haven't seen it you really should rent it. I promise you will like it.

Five Generation Photo

2009-09-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

We got a five generation picture which is priceless and worth the whole trip.

Great Great Grandma Daisy Jacob

2009-09-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

Our next stop was Minnesota where Jasons' roots are. I was so excited to meet the boys great great grandmother. My own grandparents aren't even alive for crying out loud, let alone Great Great. I had to meet this woman. She is truly amazing and looks wonderful for 100 years old.

Flinstone Land

2009-09-08T11:15:00.001-07:00

These ice- creams were the small! The kids in front of us had a large and I am not quit sure how he balanced his.

Mount Rushmore!

2009-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to take a cross country RV trip, so when the chance came to go to Minnesota for Great Great Grandma Daisy's 100th Birthday I was very excited to go. We first set off for South Dakota and who knew South Dakota was so cool! We went to Jewel Cave which is awesome! Then we went to Mount Rushmore which I highly recommend. It is only a 10 hour drive from Salt Lake. Along the way there are all sorts of touristy stops including Flinstone Land! We also got sneak preview of the new sculpture they are carving in the side of the Black Hills.

Joel McHale (Totally obnoxious!)

2009-09-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Jason got front row tickets to Joel Mchale at Abravanal Hall through his position at Comcast as the Local Video on Demand Dir. I was so excited to see what awesome seats we had, until Joel McHale flipped me off when I took a picture of him with my flash. Jason warned me that sitting in the front row of a comedy show could be great or you could get totally picked on. I thought "oh it will be fun!" I couldn't decide whether to be flattered or offended. His stand up proved to be just as funny as his talk soup delivery, but he was totally obnoxious!

Hayden loves animals

2009-09-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

My 3 year old loves anything that is creepy or crawly. He catches grasshoppers, snails and rolly pollies. He has even managed to catch a baby quail that waddled quickly through our yard, so when our neighbor brought out her parakeet he wasn't shy at all.

Young Women

2009-09-08T10:46:00.001-07:00

I have worked in the young womens program in my church for over three years now and I really enjoy working with youth. They are bright young girls with such different personalities and talents and it is a priveledge to be a mentor in their lives and help them achieve their goals. My boys love the attention they get from them and I enjoy having babysitters to call on when I need it. They came over to my house to make cookies for some widows in our neighborhood for a service project. Then we drove them around to deliver them. Our next project is a youth film festival that we are going to video tonight

My Childs Artwork

2009-05-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

You could only imagine my surprise when I walked in Roman and Hayden's room to see this disturbing artwork on the wall. I saw Hayden (my 3 year old) running around with a red marker earlier that day, but was too distracted with trying to get the kitchen clean in order to stop him from his usual 3 year old endeavors. I can't bring myself to wipe it off of the wall with the magic eraser because it makes me laugh every time I see it. I was so relieved when Hayden told me "it's a T-Rex with sharp teeth" and not what I was afraid he would say ..."That's you when you are mad mommy" Jason thinks it would make a great rock band album cover.

My Birthday!

2009-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

Happy 29th Birthday to me! Just Kidding 30, Just kidding 32, Just Kidding 34. Just Kidding, Just Kidding. (It's an SNL skit.) Jason and I went out to dinner and "Benjamin Buttons". The weekend of, my friend Cami and I went out for dinner and pedicures, also my friend Bonnie treated us to facials, so I really enjoyed my birthday this year. Jason's parents sent a nice check for Christmas , so I bought a Kitchen-Aid and opted to make my own cake. Jason picked out a ganache frosting and helped me make it and it was awesome!

Christmas Traditions

2009-01-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

Since Jason and I have been married in 2000, we have made a Gingerbread house together every Christmas, so it has become our family tradition. Thanks to my mom and sisters who have generously put together gingerbread house kits as gifts, we get to enjoy this hard to resist from nibbling treat every year and believe me, it is mutilated before Christmas even arrives. (Darn it, next year I will have to include a "before" and "after" picture.

Disneyland!

2009-01-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

Disneyland during the holidays is amazing. It is so decked out in Christmas decor so the magic is multiplied with Christmas X's Disneyland, however, no one ever told me how exhausting 3 days straight at disneyland is. Every night when we came back to the hotel, Jason and I had plans to put the kids to bed and have his parents watch them and hit the rides by ourselves until the park closed, but every night without fail I fell asleep next to the kids with aching feet and a spinning head from all of the rides. (OH NO! I sound like I'm getting old!) Also, while we were there we were on pins and needles waiting for a call from Comcast to see if Jason got the job as the "Video on Demand Coordinator". We were very excited to find out he got the job when we got home. The kids were in heaven. Roman loves his cousin Lexi and having her to go on the rides with him was more than he could ask for. Hayden couldn't get enough of small world (4 times) and the Winnie the Pooh ride (5 times) . We have always wanted to eat at the "Pirates of the Carribean Cafe" so we did. California Dreamin' is by far the best ride for young and old. It shows breathtaking views of where I grew up near the Napa Valley vineyards and the coastline. You really feel like you are in a hanglider coasting over it all. 5 stars! Overall it was fun and memorable.

Sisters

2008-12-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to spend a few days with all of my sisters down in sunny Fresno,CA. For Christina's 40th birthday, her very generous husband Arron flew us all out as a surprise with dinner at "Ruth's Chris" and pedicures. It was a very relaxing weekend with "the girls". It ended up not being a surprise (she found the credit card bill) It is very difficult to get anything past a wise 40 year old woman. Thanks Arron and Happy Birthday Chris!

2008-11-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

My friend Natalie and I took our kids to Wheeler Farm for a playdate and the scenery was wonderful as ususal epecially during this fall season. The lighting was crisp and the colors were vibrant. Natalie has a degree in photography from BYU and now does it as a business. I personally love her work. She was very generous to take some photographs of my kids. If you want to look at more of her photos go to www.nhsphoto.com.

Halloweeeeeeeen!

2008-11-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

My kids don't even know who Raggedy Ann is. She is a lost icon of the past, but I just couldn't resist. I got out my old Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls that were packed away in the garage and explained to my boys that they were my favorite dolls. I made my own dress by buying an old night gown and Land Ends skirt from DI and modified them by adding eyelet and making an apron. Roman was very excited to be a Power Ranger and Hayden requested to be a pirate. He looked like a mini Jack Sparrow. Halloween is such a fun and simple holliday. We were invited to a few Halloween parties this year. A neighbor in our ward invited us to his party where he had his band come over and play for the crowd, they featured "Pop Goes My heart" from the movie "Music and Lyrics" it took me a minute to figure out where I had heard that song because it really does sound so authentically 80's.

I almost prefer Halloween over Christmas just because there is no expectations for grandiosity and if all you get is some fun size m&m's or candy corn everyone is usually pretty satisfied.

Old Faithful Jackson Hole & Yellowstone

2008-11-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to one of Jason's friends who has a condo time share at Snow King in Jackson Hole, Wyoming we got to see the wonders of Yellowstone with our kids and our friends Sam and Megan Brown. I lived in Jackson Hole for 8 months be fore I left on my mission to France, so it was like visiting an old home, but being able to go back with my husband and children was like seeing it again through new eyes. We had a scary buffalo experience. While viewing the mudpots a herd of about 30 buffalo had migrated to the parking lot blocking the only pathway on both sides back to our car. It's not like we could just push through them, so after waiting for about a half an hour for them to disperse we quietly walked past them stroller and all, they were very lively and a few started to trott in our direction and I got a little nervous and called out Jason's name. Roman could sense my fear and started to cry. Whoops, I guess that is a lesson learned for me to put on a strong front for my kids. Later we went to the national museum of wildlife art and dined at the ever famous "Bubbas" barbeque. It was fun to have our friends with us too. It was like a little party at the 2 story condo with kitchen and two bathrooms, pool and hotub. We will always remember it. Thanks Clark.

My project

2008-09-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

I found this entry table at a garage sale for $5. I have wanted one for a while, but just can't bring myself to pay over $200.00 for one. I sanded it down, primed, painted it and redid the hardware at the bottom so that I could place a shelf down there for books and other things. (Storage space is the key) I still have not painted the bottom shelf because I had to buy the piece of wood at Home Depot and cut it to size and sand it, but I just couldn't wait to show it off. I found the matching lamp bases at D.I and found perfect lamp shades for them at ROSS. I already had the mirror and probably should paint the frame too, but when I look in pottery barn magazine they are always mixing and matching wood colors, so maybe I won't. If anyone has any decorating advice on the wood colors let me know.

2008-09-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Haydens 3rd Birthday!

2008-09-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like my kids paparazzi because I am often following them with a camera. Yesterday was Hayden's 3rd Birthday. Happy Birthday Hayden! He requested a Dinosaur cake. We brought up the bounce house from the basement and it was a hit! Hayden was a bit overwhelmed at times, but overall he had a great time. We missed cousin Lexi this year because she has moved to California and Nana Diane and Papa Robert who are in the Ukraine working in orphanages, but Aunt Timi and Hannah came along with Simona, Maddie and Cami. It was fun to have them here.

Jack in the Box

2008-09-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

The only request Hayden had for a present was a "Jack in the box". Where do you get one of those anymore? I thought the best place to look would be a thrift store because they don't sell them in Toys R Us. Call it luck or providence, but the very first thrift store I went to had a collectors edition (Still in the original box) like new "Schylling" jack in the box. We went online to see how much it retailed for and it was much more than I paid for it. He loved it!

Yeah Roman!

2008-09-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

Roman learned to ride his bike this summer! I am so proud of him. He has some bruises and a scraped knee from falling a few times, but always got back on and tried again and now he is a pro.

End of summer camping

2008-09-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

We took the boys camping with our friends Sam and Megan for the last weekend in August. The boys had a blast and we all enjoyed being outdoors. Sam made a delicious Dutch oven breakfast in the morning and Roman and I went for a bike ride together. Later we went fishing and the boys caught a fish. It is so nice to live so close to the canyons. The campsite was in Big Cottonwood Canyon which is a 25 minute drive from our home . The highlight was spying a Mommy and baby moose in the trees.

Raising Boys

2008-08-22T12:43:00.001-07:00

Yard sales are great except sometimes I buy things that are cool, but we don't really need like a child size real golf club. I believe it is a driver and I keep it up high for obvious reasons. In the hands of a 3 or 5 year old, that thing could do some serious damage. Hayden begged and begged for me to get it down because he had found a golf ball in the back yard and wanted to "play golf" with it. I explained that he had to be very careful and against my better judgement went inside, when all of the sudden I hear that familiar smack and crack noise. I ran outside to find the glass window of our covered porch totally cracked and Hayden hiding in fetal position under the lawn chair. I put him in time out in his room and later when I went to get him apparently the "HULK" and "Darth Vader" had a baby and there he was growling at me when I opened the door. He said he was trying to smack a fly....?

Mon Jardin!

2008-08-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

There is something about planting a garden and watching it grow when it is given three simple things; soil, water, and light. All I have to do is facilitate the circumstances. The sun rises every morning and does it's job. The soil is always there, but the water has to be harnessed and given correctly. My neighbor who is a WWII hero will be 90 this weekend and is an amazing gardener. He has taught me everything I know, including the importance of furrows that correctly channel the water around the base of the plant. I had two zuchini plants that were given identical circumstances except one was flourishing and the other was scrawny and not growing any zuchinis. When I asked my neighbor why, he pointed out that the scrawny plants' furrow had eroded and was being flooded by water every time I watered, so it did not have to grow strong deep roots in search of water. Both plants were given the same amounts of water, but one was being given water too easily and did not have to work for it. I got a little choked up when he explained why because I was not planning on getting a life lesson at that moment, but it was so poignant. The message seemed very applicable to my life and also to raising my children. I hope I can find the balance in giving my kids what they need but also facilitating opportunity for growth throughout their formative years. I have a feeling it is going to be tricky.

Wild and Crazy Moms

2008-08-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Jack Johnson concert I went to last night was the perfect concert. His message is peace, and love and his tunes are totally singable. My friends and I let down our hair and got crazy at the Usana Amphitheater. I made two new friends and got to bond closer to Charity, one of my fellow "golden girls". (We have decided that if we become old widowed ladies we are going to get our old lady friends together and live in a condo near a beach somewhere.) Since I have had children it has felt like I have said goodbye to the days of hanging with my girlfriends, but last night made me feel like a teenager again and I loved it. Hopefully there will be more girls night outs to come!

2008-08-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

My kids have grown up so much this summer. They both seem like they have grown at least a few inches. Roman will be going to Kindergarden this Fall. Hayden misses the deadline for pre-school by 25 days this year. If Obama is elected I would love to see him iniatiate the early childhood education program that he has talked about.

This summer we have been enjoying public pools, Hogle Zoo (my favorite is the bird show, if you have not had a chance to go this summer, It really is awesome.) the library, parks and museums with our fun friends. Roman has been learning to ride his bike and has almost got it. Also, thanks to Aunt Tiffany & Uncle Gerrit we can take him riding with us on the ride along.

The other day Hayden offered me a lick of his sucker and said, " Mommy do you want to taste my sucker, It is just so yummy and lolly poppy." (He makes me laugh.) . I feel like these summer days are so fleeting.

I want to ride my bicycle

2008-08-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sawyer Brown came to town

2008-08-02T00:24:00.000-07:00

Sawyer Brown came to town so Jason and I invited our friends Charity and Jeremy to go with us to the concert because Charity is a Sawyer Brown fan. It was fun to go together and hang out. We got VIP parking and free tickets even though they were completely sold out, Mark took care of us. It was an interesting evening. Jason asked Mark's advice on trying to break into the music business (on the business end) and Mark told Jason that it's a crap shoot and he would advise betting elsewhere. Jason has always kept his day job, but has always tried to make something from his conections. Who wouldn't? Anyway we had a great evening and fun with our friends. Mark puts on a great show. He is truly an entertainer. It was fun to get Charity a picture with Mark by the tour bus. Jason and I always go to his concerts and have fun when he comes to town, but I was excited to take my friend this time who is a fan.

Snips and Snails

2008-08-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

The little poem "snips and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of", is no joke. Hayden and Roman are always bringing me little treasures from the outback of our house. Rolly pollies, snails, pincher bugs, rocks that are renamed "jojerbaggers" and I am told they are very powerful. I keep a little collection on the kitchen window of all of their amazing treasures and I love it.

This Killed Me

2008-08-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Tiffany and I were on our way to Portland to pick up Gerrit because he had done the STP (Seattle to Portland bikeride) which I want to do next year, so I have started bike riding. Anyway we saw this in someone's backyard overlooking the road and we were cracking up. Apparently in Tacoma Big Foot is "pack'n heat".

Grandpa

2008-08-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Roman, Hayden and Grandpa Tom at the restored Nut Tree park in Vacaville, CA. On July4th the boys went swimming with Grandpa.

Jelly Belly Flop?

2008-08-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

The Jelly Belly factory is in my very own home town of Fairfield,CA. and it was fun to take my boys there which is the only place that Jelly Belly Flops can be purchased. I actually prefer the "flops" because they are all stuck together in the same flavor and usually have too much sugar coating on them, so they are delicious. We had a tour and got free Jelly Bellies! At the end there was a game where you were given a jelly Bean that could either be Blackberry or black pepper, coconut or babywipe flavor, or licorice or skunk. We had fun tasting the disgusting trick jelly beans. There is an artist from SanFran who does mosaics with Jelly Bellies because of their bright colors. This one is of George Clooney. We still have a lot of these flops, so if you want some we are more than happy to share!

Baby Baluga

2008-08-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Baby Baluga. It's almost fun to say. I got a nice little mommy break and went to visit my sister in Bellingham, WA. It was a great visit. We went kayaking next to the University of WA. I am not sure what that body of water is, but it was fun. We also went to Vancouver B.C. and walked around Stanley Park where there is an aquarium with a baby baluga whale nursery where she is under close surveillance and study. Stanley Park reminded me very much of SanFransisco except much cleaner and less. crowded.

Viva Las Vegas

2008-05-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Jason had some business in Vegas this weekend and a very generous friend who lets us stay in his beautiful Vacation home on Lake Las Vegas when we go, so we decided to make a family trip out of it. I called my sister Chris from Clovis, CA. to ask if they could meet us there since it is equadistant for both of us. Turns out they were able to cancel a few plans and come and hang out together in the desert. I was so happy they could come. We had so much fun with them. My favorite place to go is the Bellagio Hotel. I love the garden there as well as the water ballet spectacle. Also the "Parisian is about as close to Paris as I am going to get for now. We also like taking the kids to the "Secret Garden" at the Mirage where you can get upclose with the Dolphins and Tigers. Roman and Hayden were so excited to spend some time with their cousins. Austin brought his Wii so we had fun at the vacation home as well. My sister and I were joking that going to Vegas is like playing hot potato because you never know when God is going to send a very large tornado to wipe it out. "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?"

Wheeler Historic Farm

2008-05-13T15:15:00.001-07:00

Today was Roman's preschool fieldtrip to Wheeler Historic Farm. It is one of my favorite places to go at the change of the seasons. It is so peaceful there at the foot of the mountains and I feel like I have stepped back in time. There are tractor rides, tours of the old Victorian home and even camp sites. Not to mention my kids love to see the farm animals.

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hayden Corrected me for the first time yesterday when I called him "my baby". He said "I am not a baby mom, I am bigger now." He also reprimanded me for killing a spider the other day with the broom in our kitchen because he wanted to do it. "Fine with me" I said. I guess he is growing up. These moments are so fleeting, blogging is my my way of putting them in a bottle. Happy Mothers Day.

Team Lightning

2008-05-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Team Lightning is the perfect name for Roman's Neon yellow team. It matches his neon yellow hair in the sun. This is his first season in soccer, so we are working on ball control and assertiveness. He likes going to the games and making friends with the other kids. We get out in the sun on Saturday and both my kids sleep so well after a game. GO ROMAN!

Break the Rules!

2008-04-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

(Click on Debussy in the Music Library )

Ah, the relief of being done with finals! I had my last final today which was a personal interview with my professer and was divided into four parts. The last part of the final was a 5 minute presentation that I prepared in advance and I chose to expound on Debussy who was part of the Symboliste movement in music during the 19th century. His music is so relaxing, it's almost like a dream. Light and airy with flute and harp. There is no predictable melody. He breaks all the rules like the Impressionistes. Ever notice that all the "Greats" were the rule breakers? Those who threw convention to the wind and found their own brilliance. In fact yesterday I was making cookies and just on a whim I added an extra pinch of salt and they were delicious. Like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do something every day that scares you." Break Free. Live. Put that extra salt in your cookies! Ha Ha Ha.

Annie

2008-04-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid I loved the musical "Annie" (just like every other little girl in America) and I was in the play twice, so when the traveling Broadway theater came to Kingsbury Hall at the U, I snatched two student priced tickets and took Roman with me as my date for the evening. (I figured he would appreciate it more than Jason.) We sat 6 th row and center, and it was fun to show Roman the Orchestra pit and the set design was amazing. (Don't worry, we have him in soccer this season so he is well balanced.) Anyway, it was interesting to see it as an adult because of all of the post 1st world war references to Herbert Hoover and the depression. Also, I never noticed as a child that "Annie" was a comment on "optimism" especially during that time in history. "The sun will come out tomorrow." It also reminded me of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" in the theory that personal character is more important than one's origin. It's strange, but it almost seems like this is creeping up in our society again in a way that we have not known for a while. It seems that materialism and greed is at an all time high and maybe I am just noticing because I am an adult now, but with the housing scandals and the so called "war on the middle class" it just seems that business affairs are going unfettered with our "laissez-faire" policy which I somewhat agree with, but I wish there was a way to have more checks and balances . Sorry to get political, but after seeing that play I couldn't help but think about current events.

Spring

2008-04-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

I have never known the joy of Perennials like I do here in Utah. The climate permits these beautiful flowers once planted to pop up dutifully every spring and give way to an ultra-slow motion fireworks show of color, beginning with yellow daffodils in April, followed by red tulips and ending with a grand finale of purple irises and then orange tiger lillies in mid summer. I did not plant these bulbs, but I definately reep the rewards of someone else's botanical choreography every spring and I love it.

Happy Easter

2008-03-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! This is the first time I have dressed the boys alike. It was fun to watch their excitement on Easter morning. Jason cracks me up sometimes. He has reservations about teaching the boys about the Easter Bunny, so after the egg hunt he was explaining that the Easter Bunny is only a metaphor. Whatever!!! We had fun staging the scene with little pieces of leftover eggshell that the Easter Bunny left and a note written on the sidewalk with egg sidewalk chalks. Ah, the magic of childhood.

Boy Scouts

2008-03-25T09:50:00.001-07:00

We went to my nephew Dustin's Eagle Scout court of honor last Sunday and in the middle of some one speaking at the podium Hayden said louldy for everyone to hear, "Am I a boy scout mommy?" I said "Yes, you are baby." One of the moms put up this great display so Hayden and Roman had fun pretending they were camping. The ambiance was set with dim lighting and the sound of crickets chirping in the background. Jason got to sit in the Eagle nest because he is an Eagle Scout as well. It was pretty cool. Congrats Dustin on your accomplishment and your journey into the United States Airforce.

Happy Birthday Jason...This Is Your Life

2008-03-20T17:41:00.001-07:00

I realized that I recognized everyone's birthday in our family on our blog but not Jason's, so this is a little late, but I hope you like it. Jennifer found some of these pictures at your parents house. Love, Tara

Art History

2008-03-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

I went to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts yesterday with my French History class and I was so impressed. I was also a little embarrased that we live so close to it and I actually attend there and have never taken the opportunity to go before. It has famous artwork from as early as the 16th and 17th century. I thought that I would have to go to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. to find such amazing historical artwork. I remember them reconstructing the museum during the Olympics, but I had not been in since that time. It was especially fun to go with my class and discuss in French and differentiate between Baroque, Renaissance, Rococco and Neo-Classic artwork. (All of which originals are there.) The museum also holds historical artwork from all over the world as well as modern works.

The architecture is very modern and makes you feel like you are in a very reputable museum. I want to go back on a date with Jason, I think it would be uplifting. I highly recomend it!

The following is an explanation from the website of the artist who painted the picture above. I find it interesting that it was a woman, especially during that time period in history.

"Vigée le Brun was one of the most remarkable painters of eighteenth-century France. She mastered a virtuoso neo-classic style, became favored painter to Queen Marie Antoinette. Vigée le Brun fled Paris as members of her once-powerful social circle met with the guillotine during the French Revolution. For the next twelve years she worked in Italy, Austria and Russia, where both the UMFA's portraits were painted."

Jungle Jim's Playland

2008-02-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

Roman just had the perfect 5 year old birthday party. Friends, pizza, cake, balloons. This to me is one of the many awesome parts about having kids. I planned his birthday at "Jungle Jim's Playland" and on a Saturday it was definately a jungle, but Roman and Hayden loved it and so did their friends. He wanted "Transformers" to be the theme this year. It was so nice to have the set up, cake, clean up, etc. all taken care of, so there was no birthday stress for me this year. I was able to sit back, mingle with our friends and watch my kids have a good time. It seems like the older they get, the more fun parenting becomes.

2 points of perspective

2008-02-23T17:16:00.001-08:00

I love my art class. I am learning to draw by using vanishing points. I feel like I have learned a secret magic trick to be able to draw anything that I want. I was intimidated at first to even attempt it, but I just picked up my pencil and started drawing. The assignment was to draw an object from two different points of perspective, so while watching a movie called "Sunshine" with Jason one night I found it convenient to draw our T.V. and hutch.

I need a vacation!

2008-02-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

I need a vacation so bad! I have to admit the constant snow is really starting to get to me and I find myself having fantasies of lazing on a warm sunny beach with a pineapple drink in my hand. Especially with the recent confrontation with a neighbor after trying to establish playtime boundries with our children. (Whoops, did I forget to say virgin pina colada?) (J/K)

I will have to wait until this summer because of school to go anywhere vacationish. I am really enjoying my French History class however and the boys are enjoying preschool. We just have to make it through this blustery winter and then we will be able to reap the benefits of a beautiful Utah Spring.

2008-02-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's

I have never made chicken pot pie before, but with this snowy weather it sounded so yummy and cozy. The hearts of course are for Valentine's Day. The Recipe was surprisingly quick and simple.

President Hinckley

2008-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

Prophetic Passing

I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,

Yes, running, not waving his cane.

I see him embracing his father and mother

While they keep repeating his name.

I see him now meeting his forebears,

Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.

Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service

That only such noble men share.
I see him embraced by the Savior

While Father says, "Good and well done.

So faithful in stalwart endurance,
I welcome My noble, most excellent son.

" I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,

But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two

Since there's no need to waste any time.

I can hear his clear voice in the stillness

At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,

Have faith and move forward there's work to be done.

President Hinckley would want it that way.

Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008

Sundance

2008-01-31T16:10:00.001-08:00

The last few weeks have been an exciting diversion from my usual day to day activities of McDonalds Playland and laundry. This year for the annual ever so near Sundance film festival in Park City, Jason and I to our own surprise did not see one film. (With the exception of a few most are not worth seeing). However, we spent a lot of time there. Jason has plans to actually submit a documentary next year. He recently received a phone call from Kenny Chesney's manager giving him the go ahead to tell Andy Gibson's story, so we were out and about making connections with some friends from L.A. Thanks to them we got into some of the gifting suites where I scored Oakley sunglasses, Frye boots, Brazillian sandals and lots of make-up and spa certificates to some of Park City's finest. We also got to see Josh Groban live at a private charity auction to which Tommy Davidson (pictured above) from "In Living Color"was the M.C , who referred to Jason as a "Soprano". Brittany Murphy (she really is tinkerbell) just happened to be in one of the same gifting suites that we got into.

Later in the week Jason got some contact information from Rachael Dratch from SNL and Danny Glover as well. There are lots of people there hoping to meet the right person and get that one connection they need to make their project happen. You never know who you are going to run into. Including the self proclaimed "gay mormon" from Provo that just won last seasons "Survivor". In fact I ran into an old High School friend who travels with the film festivals doing exhibition. I hardly recognized him with his artistic look of beard and long hair.

French History

2008-01-31T14:44:00.000-08:00

I decided to keep my classes at the U afterall. I went in to the child care center at the Univ. the Friday before school began and there was sawdust and rolled up carpet everywhere. I asked the director of the preschool where the kids would go on Monday because of the obvious safety hazards of buzz saws and hammers lying around. She said, "Oh, they will be done by tomorrow." I remember thinking specificaly that there was no way they would be done by Monday. On the first day of school, sure enough just after dropping Roman off at my friend Hillary's house (both of our boys go to the same preschool) and heading in the car to drop off Hayden Jason calls me on my cell phone to ask me if I got the e-mail informing us that the preschool was still under construction, so "no kids today, sorry for the inconvenience", etc. "Well", I thought "Hayden is going to class with me today".

I sat Hayden down next to me in the theater style push down seat with collapsable mini table with some crackers and hoped for the best. He did great until about mid-way through when he started to get restless. I started to sneak out the back door when my professor said, "it is okay if you stay unless someone complains, your fine." when I tried to go back to my seat Hayden exclaimed loudly "I want to go home!" the entire auditorium awed in unison and luckily my very understanding professor quipped "And he's not even a grad student!" everyone laughed.

The following class day the child care center was up and running, but for the first time in months coincidentally my children were not. Hayden had a raging fever and Roman had an upset tummy. Neither were able to go to school that day, therefore neither did I. I was not off to a good start because they were still sick two days later for the third class. I really struggled about whether I should just drop my classes, but I had been keeping up with the reading and I was really enjoying my French history class. This country that I had spent so much time in, was only fragmented in my mind with small bits of Gaule here and Joan of Arc there, but nothing was cohesive, until now that I am opening my history book and reading. The textbook is all in French as well as class dicussion, but I love it. Staying home with children and watching Sesame Street and Telle-Tubbies for months on end with constant demands for sippy cups and fishy crackers does something to you. It is a priviledge to me to be a stay at home mom, but it has made me crave intellectual stimulation and realize that having the time to study and even think is a priviledge.

I stuck with it although I did trade out my World Lit class for an evening art class, which also gives me an excuse to request that my husband be home by 6:00 that night, so I can go and draw for a few hours and he gets to put them to bed. (smile). It has also forced me to be more organized with my time and to my surprise things actually run a lot smoother.

In all honesty I wish that I had had the opportunity to finish school before I had children, but I only have 30 credits left and maybe it's a bit OCD, but I just can't let it go now. I have to finish even if it is bit by bit.

2008-01-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken at the end of summer, but I had to post it. Buddies

Painting

2008-01-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

News Year's Day I woke up and decided that I wanted to tackle painting the basement computer room. Picking a paint color and actually having it look like I imagine in the lighting of the particular room that I am painting in, must be more difficult than astrophysics. Sometimes I wish that Ty Pennington would knock on my door with a big megaphone and decorate my house for me, but in the mean time I will rely on our local heroes at the Home Depot paint counter. They were actually really nice and tinted a few of the "mess up" paint cans for me to get close to the color that I wanted. After all it is only the basement and at this point anything will look better than what it was before. Roman and Hayden were my side kicks while Jason moved furniture. It got a little messy, but my boys have never been the type to sit back and watch. Like most kids they want to be involved in everything. When we were done we all hopped in the car to hurry and catch the next showing of "The Water Horse".

Indoor Skydiving

2008-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

Jason is awesome. He planned a surprise for my birthday and took me indoor skydiving. I think that I have only wet my appetite though. I would love to go again now that I have the hang of it. If you watch the end of the video, the guy who is a professional was showing off and he literally was spiderman. I want to do it like that!

2007-12-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

"Out with the old in with the new" (Just call me the queen of cliché) I have found so much relief in just getting rid of "stuff". I seem to hoard things forever and then realize that I have not used it in years and finally it feels so liberating to just get rid of "Stuff". Kids toys, kitchen gadgets, old clothes from our drawers and closets. It always helps me to keep a few of my favorite things especially the boys stuff because it all reminds me of them. I finally got rid of all of the old toys that the boys have outgrown and put the ones in storage that Hayden can grow into. And we bought this ridiculous Bounce House, that fits perfectly in the basement, but seriously it is "Merry Christmas" to me as well because they play for hours in this thing and they can be as wild as they want to be in it! Thank you Santa!

2007-12-22T10:45:00.001-08:00

I heard the best quote the other day. It said, "The only thing that is consistent in this life is change." And thank goodness. Life has a way of keeeping us on our toes. It is a bittersweet experience. Watching Roman sound out words from Dr. Seuss and hearing Hayden clearly sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is elating, but when I came across a photo last week of Hayden when he was 6 months old my heart pined for that baby who is now a distant memory.

Jason works for a great company right now and enjoys what he does and who he works with. I have declared a French major and will be attending school part-time at the Univ. of Utah starting January. Hayden is excited to go to school like his brother at the U of U's pre-school.

My Mom and her husband Robert are leaving for the Ukraine this monday to serve as missionaries. They will be gone for a 18 months. We will be able to keep in touch through Skype. Thank goodness for free internet communication. I have to admit I have mixed feelings about it, but we hope they have a great experience and get the chance to make good relationships with people there.

2007-12-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

We are actually enjoying the snow this year. I am determined to get Roman up on the slopes. We live in the best snow on earth, so I will enjoy it while I am here. Roman and Hayden love it and I am glad that they do. Roman was so excited for the snow this year and is out romping in it every day with his boots, coat, gloves and hat. Jason and I have had a hard time acclamating to it. We pine for the coast and sunny weather, but I have to admit the white blanket that covers the ground after the first snow is beautiful. Here is a video of the first snow this year. It was a big one!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Roman has been so helpful lately and has been doing his chores of setting the table and helping mom with dishes. I complimented him the other day and told him how proud I was that he has been so willing to help mom lately and how nice it has been for me. He looked up at me with his four year old eyes and said, "Santa will bring presents".

We have Season Passes to Alta Ski Resort this year through Jason's work so I plan on using them often. It has been a few seasons since we have been on the slopes, so I am very excited!

Halloween Time!

2007-10-21T15:01:00.003-07:00

Halloween is soooo fun with kids! I think I enjoy it as much as they do. Last monday we went to the scarecrow festival at Thanksgiving Point. There was a haunted house (Roman takes after me he didn't like the Haunted House), trian rides, rock climbing and caramel apples.

On Friday night we went to "Magic in the dark" at the Red Butte Gardens. The kids had to follow the path of the garden and get their cards punched at each station in order to get a prize. On the way they had a maze, a magic show, and fun activities to do. I forgot Roman's Darth Vader mask as part of his costume, so he got upset when everyone thought he was Bat-man. (Ooops)

2007-10-21T15:01:00.001-07:00

Autumn

2007-10-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of these pumpkins because we grew them ourselves! It has been so educational for the boys to have a garden. To have them plant seeds, water them and watch them grow over the summer and into the fall. We have our very own "Wilson" who gives amazing gardening advice over the fence. He has taught me everything I know about gardening. At first we called it the "Garden of Evil" because tilling the soil and weeding it was quite a chore and was taking more time than we would have liked (and causing some contention) but we really enjoyed literally reaping the fruits of our labors. To my delight I had garden fresh tomatoes, summer squash and zuchinni as well as tomatilla's (which make delicious dressing) all summer long. We also have a huge "Golden Delicious" apple tree. The boys had healthy snacks at their fingertips this fall. I am really beginning to appreciate the 4 seasons here.

2007-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

So Roman Hayden and Lexi have started a band called "The Noisy Kids". Roman on the drums, Lexi on the Tambourine and Hayden on the Harmonica. They Rock!

Last Saturday Hannah watched the boys, so that I could go to the Temple with Evan and family to prepare for his mission. Jason had to work, but we are really happy that he has this new job with Da Vinci Advertising.

Sunday we celebrated Haydens' 2nd birthday as a family and he was so cute. Timi and Brian and the kids came, as well as Philip and Amy (The newlyweds). Papa and Nanna came too. We also invited a few kids from his nursery class to come over for cake and ice-cream. Joe came with lexi and Uncle Justin to celebrate!

Oh, yeah Justin brought his guitar to accompany me on the new song that I wrote. I will be sending it in to a contest on the CMT website.

Tara

2007-10-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

2007-09-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Haydens Birthday. Yeah 2! Pretty soon he will be graduating from college! We greeted him in his crib this morning with a glowing cupcake and bright balloons while singing Happy Birthday. He was a bit overwhelmed at first, but I could tell he was excited when he blew out the candles. Later, while I frosted cupcakes in the kitchen for playgroup Roman and Hayden took turns singing Happy Birthday and blew out candles while fighting over who got to hold the balloons.

Okay, so have any of you seen those GIANT green foam Hulk fists at "Toys R Us" that kids can wear like gloves? They make crashing and growling noises on contact. I bought them for Hayden's Birthday. When he puts them on they come clear up to his shoulders and they are hilarious, but I should have known they may be a recipe for disaster. (Amazingly even a two year old can transform into the Hulk with encouraging props and sound effects.) They are really padded, but even then we have had to create a "No punching in the face rule"

Jason has just started a new job with a local advertising agency. He is very excited to be able to use his creative skills and PR mojo. On the side he is working on starting a publishing company for country music. He has some excellent contacts and it looks promising.

Roman has started his second year of pre-school and really likes his teacher Miss Jamie. She is young and energetic, but also very even tempered. I like her as well. Every time I have come in his classroom his teacher has him working on a puzzle or something challenging. Thank goodness for great teachers.

I am tending my neighbors' 4 month old baby girl while she picks up our boys from pre-school, so I will sign off for now.

Tara

My First Blog Site

2007-07-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Stacy Harker. I have been introduced to a great Blog Site and am excited to share what is going on in our family with you.

(This is so cool!) The 4th of July was very fun this year. Hayden was blown away at his first sight of fire-works, we were pleasantly surprised that he wasn't scared. We made red, white, and blue cupcakes together and headed to Jason's parents to watch the fireworks in Bountiful with cousin Lexy. The next night we met up with Tami and Lou and the kids (They were visiting Utah from Cali.) at Timi's house and went to the fireworks show at the local high school. For some reason here in Utah we have 2 4th of July's, but I am not complaining. Who would balk at 2 night of amazing fireworks.

Monday, Mom met up with me and the boys and we headed to the newest water park in Bountiful, complete with a pirate ship and water guns! We had a blast. Roman and I went down the water slide together and we squeeled the entire way down. The older he gets the funner it gets. He has no fear to do that kind of stuff, so we make a good team. Nanna and Hayden coasted around the "Lazy River" together while Roman and I made our venture. It was a fun and exhausting afternoon, but we definately plan to return there again this summer.

After a week of being gone, the boys and I were excited to pick Jason up at the airport, but his flight was delayed in Chicago due to a lightning strike to the plane, so shucks darn for him he got to stay the night in Chicago which just happens to be where he served his mission. I thought that was pretty cool for him. I would love to revisit my mission in France one day. Even if it was only for a day. I must be going, Roman is at the neighbors house swimming and I am sure his sunblock has worn off by now.

Hope you enjoy our Blog!

Love,

The Marty's