Good-bye Narumi

When I moved into this neighborhood last year I had some random guy knock on my door and ask if I would ever be interested in hosting a foreign exchange student. I grew up doing a few different things like this, so I gave him my name and number. They called last year but just having a baby, and having my tonsils out, I passed on the experience. Then, they called again this year. I decided to talk Brett into giving it some consideration, which with a little miscommunication, it was decided that I would do it. We had Narumi this week and had so much fun. She is from Kobe, Japan. She played great with the kids, and had so much fun doing new things that we take for granted in America like jumping on a trampoline and going off the diving board at the swimming pool. I love the typical peace sign made in all of the pictures by every student. I even got a picture of a student who wasn't ready, and he was quite disappointed he wasn't making his sign. I laughed. She also had this great ability to fall asleep at anytime and I had to take advantage with a photo of her sleeping completely sideways in the front seat of my car. She taught us some origami and left us with all these fun little toys for the kids. I sent her off this morning, she teared up as I gave my final good-bye. I hope she had a good time, we are going to miss her!!!

Salt Lake City Temple

We went to temple square on Sunday and I got this great picture. I am thinking about quitting my day job to take up photography. I really would love to learn how to, I just need to take a class or two and get the right kind of camera, but until then, my little canon powershot SD 950 IS, will have to do. To the power of a picture.

Splash Park

These little splash parks are so much fun and I can't wait for the one to be open in our neighborhood next year. We hit this last week and the kids had a great time. The water was a little cold for kid 3's liking, but she loved the playground. She even managed to scream a few times at the little kid who managed to repeatedly push her while the mother was nowhere to be found. There were some older kids there (8.10) who kept on nicknaming the little babes. It was actually quite funny. My kids took to this and helped them chase "diaper dude" and "chubby dude" around all who were less than 2. Poor kids, they had no clue what had hit them. Dave, these swimsuit pics are per your request.

The KidBarn

We decided to try and escape the heat last week and headed to the KidBarn, twice. The only problem is we didn't escape it, but were embraced by it (they only have portable ac units). It is so much fun for the kids to go and bounce their way around in my parental attempt to "wear" them out. It never works, but they have fun. Kid 3 was busy, busy, busy and just loved it. Which made me have to love it as well, the giant slide was super fast. We had a great time and found great prices on utahrealdeals (something like that). Check it out for some great deals.

A Trendy Trinket

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am having a jewelry party at my house on Thursday, 7:00 p.m. I got out some invitations, but ran out, so just know that everyone is invited. If you got an invite, feel free to spread the word. It is a great opportunity to make your own stuff, or by handmade jewelry or make stuff for your little girly babies. I have been busy with a Japanese Exchange Student and hope to get it all on the computer soon.

The Day It All Began

I am so glad that my husband "peaked" (as he likes to say) on our wedding day. What a wonderful day it was, NINE years ago TODAY. I married such a great man, and as a result have a great family and life. Our little family of 2 has quickly grown to a "full-fledged" family of 5 (another Brettism, even marked more poignantly the day he drove the mini-van off the lot as a result of number 3). Thanks honey and Happy Anniversary. I don't really have a great shot that isn't scrap booked or professional of us together, so I tried to do my best. Brett is in Seattle for a few more days, not the first anniversary we have celebrated apart. Summers really are busy and I am learning that more and more. To the beginning of our life together, forever, I will always love you. (I know, a little sappy, especially for me)

Medusa, The American Gladiator

I used to have a great desire to be an American Gladiator. It wasn't that I would be a contestant on the show; I would actually be one of the "Gladiators". My name would be Medusa. While other girls were dreaming of being a dancer, or a princess, I was dreaming even bigger. I am embarrassed to actually admit this, because I think it shows a little more of my true character. I remember when I would be asked the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would put down an American Gladiator. I have family and friends who can vouch for this. I might even have some of the papers to prove it. As time went on, the show disappeared and my hopes and dreams were shattered. Until now. The show is back on with new Gladiators. I can't decide if I should start training now to be an American Gladiator or if I should start training now and be a contender. I can see it now, mother of 3, used to be athlete, fighting for the right to be crowned an American Gladiator. Battling for the title, I would probably get worked and just have to lie down and surrender. The dream is still there, I just don't know that the fire is. The 100,000 dollar prize money ought to be enough to push me though. Someday, maybe someday.