It's a good day when......

1. The laundry is mostly caught up

2. The check book is balanced

3. The girls are getting along and enjoying being with each other

4. I have a coke chilling in the fridge

5. The heater is on when it's below 20 degrees outside

6. My birthday is less than 2 weeks away

7. Santa has checked his list and the gifts are waiting (thanks to black Friday)

8. Tom has a job, even though he is working hour 13 right now with no end in sight

9. We get Christmas cards in the mail from family and friends

10. I have an episode of Greys Anatomy to watch on Tivo when the girls go to bed.

Time Flies

I can't believe that we are already almost halfway through November and waaaaaayyyy too close to Thanksgiving. I am excited for the holidays but this year more than any I feel very unprepared. I was going to play blog-catch-up (Halloween, fall, Grandma Jeans 80th birthday, a trip to Portland, etc.) but that makes me cringe a bit. But hey, you never know I may surprise myself.

I do know I am ready to have my husband back, his work schedule sucks right now! It hasn't been too long and I appreciate that he is employed but I would like to spend some time with him. I am glad to be healthy again - swine flu is a crappy thing to have- and I know that the girls are too. They were excited to have me go to work tonight. Not because they wanted me out of the house but because things are finally more normal and me going to work is normal. I am excited to see my sis and her cute family over Thanksgiving. The time they spend with us is never long enough. I am ready to start the holiday baking, I know that I have a cupcake day coming up. Baking is a love of mine and to do it with a good friend is even better! I have a fun idea for my Christmas cards and can't wait to start crafting. (If you didn't get a card last year, or you have moved in the last 12 months, leave your address, I'll mail a card)

I guess as fast as the year is coming to an end. I have many things to look forward to. Here's to the holidays!!

School Days Again!

Yep, it's September. I can't hardly believe it is here.

 Jaidyn has been in school for a week now and is loving it. Her 4th grade class is "so fun mom" and they have real pet turtles in her classroom. What could be better than that? For me, the best part about this new year is that we are done with 3rd grade. (I had issues with 3rd grade, I am sure I have mentioned it way more than anyone wants or cares.) It is fun to watch Jaidyn grow up. This summer while shopping for school clothes she was so careful to pick out just the right outfits. She even has a pull toward the brand name items. Not too extreme, but I was a little surprised to see it. She cares a little more about what she looks like and is aware of what the kids around her say about her clothes. I don't know if it is a good or bad thing but it is something she hasn't seemed to notice in the past.  She is 9 going on 13 most days and I have to laugh.

Madisyn is starting kindergarten tomorrow. HOLY CRAP! I can't believe I will not have any kids at home for half of the day. It is "very exciting mom" that "I get to ride the bus to school". (Side note- Jaidyn is beyond worried about her little sister riding the bus. Tears have been shed on her part for her sisters well being.  She is not so sure that the bus will return her to our home in one piece or at all.) She got to go to build a bear and help build the class pet (a dog, but we don't remember his name). That was an excited event that her dad got to be part of because I had to work. Also, she gets to wear her favorite shirt to school tomorrow, this is her first assignment, and she can't wait to show it off and tell the kids about it.  I can't wait to hear all about the first day.

Buttered Popcorn!

I am in love with buttered popcorn!!

I love a good homemade batch with real butter and lots of salt. I also can't pass up a bucket-o-corn with a good movie at the theater.

And since my more than gracious sister in law brought me a whole pound of buttered-popcorn flavored salt water taffy, I can't pass that up either.  (Thanks Lori!!) Have you had it? It is FAB U LOUS, we get ours at the Candy Barrel. And if that wasn't enough, Jelly Belly makes a great buttered-popcorn flavored jelly bean. Also, delicous.

It's a ........................VASE!!!

****Content may not be suitable for young children****

Alright, here is the funniest thing Madisyn has ever made for me. I just about peed myself when she brought it to me. She was drawing pictures for me, just doing the kid thing. She has gotten pretty good at using the scissors and was pretty excited when I told her she could use them without my supervision.

So she brings me this piece of paper and says,"Mom, I made this for you all by myself. I even cut it out" 

I, trying not to laugh and cause her to think that I am not appreciative, ask "Oh, you made this. What is it?"

"It's a vase, you know, those bottles that you put flowers in." She responds.

"Of course it is" I say while turning my head and covering my mouth with the blanket that I am wrapped in. "Put it on the table so I can show it to your dad."

"Okay, I know he will like it too!" she adds.

At this point I take pictures with my cell phone and send it to my sister and my parents. 

Each of them sends a text back and is afraid to ask what it is. 

When Tom gets home from work and go to get the vase, to show him, I can't find it. I ask Madi where it is. She tells me that she showed it to Jaidyn and Jaidyn drew a picture on it. Madi goes and gets it. Tom sees it and laughs, not as hard as me but pretty close. 

So here it is, a little pornographic, but not intended to be......    :-)

Preschool Graduation

Madi officially ended her preschool year back in May but her mom is a blog slacker and is just getting around to blogging about it.  

Advanced Preschool had their graduation ceremony on May 28, 2009. Madi got her preschool diploma and her class put on a little program in the park. She was so excited to be moving on to the BIG school and will get to ride the bus. 

Great job Madisyn. We love you!! It's off to kindergarten for you......

Summer is here!

We made our first official 2009 camping trip this last weekend. It was a great to get out. We headed to Smith and Morehouse. I had no idead there was that many campsites up there. We were lucky enough to only have a couple of other people around us, Josh and Lori being one. The weather wasn't great, it rained quite a bit, but all in all it was a fun trip. The trailer did the job and we stayed warm and dry The girls and I caught a bunch of fish. Tom wasn't so lucky, he caught a couple but spent most of his time making sure that our lines had bait and taking hooks out of the fish that we caught. He is such a good dad! Nothing too exciting happened, just a lot of low-key acitivities. Just the way we like it.

Keep Reading

I have entered a few posts so keep reading. Maybe even into the older posts. Happy reading

Their World and Ours

I finally did it. I made the trip. The girls and I, along with my mom and dad drove the 14ish hours to Tucson, Arizona to see my sis and her family. We had a great time.
I was really excited to see her new home and my cute nieces.
Can I tell you, I LOVE a good road trip. I really do. I think the driving is just as much fun as the rest of the trip. I drove Toms truck and my mom and dad helped take care of the girls. My dad was in charge of the movies and keeping the girls comfy. My mom passed the drinks and snacks around to make sure that we all stayed hunger free. Dad plugged in his ipod and we listened to his "motorcycle music" on the way down. He had quite a few good songs and some I hadn't heard since my childhood........ahhhhh the memories. My mom and I tried to listen to our music but Chuck doesn't always do so well with the tunes we put on. It was a good time.
The Alfrey girls were waiting in the driveway for our arrival. There was a lot of screaming from our car and at their house when we rounded the corner to the house. Madi and Jaidyn just couldn't believe what Arizona looked like. According to Jaidyn, the brick roads she imagined just weren't there. ??? They both just kept saying, "so this is what Arizona looks like?"
We spent lots of time at the Alfrey home just hanging out. But we did venture out a few times. We went to the Wildlife Museum. Lots of animals......dead, stuffed animals, but animals all the same. The girls thought is was pretty cool.
We made a trip downtown to the Filipino fast food place for some Filipino food. And had an Eegees for the first time. I am glad they don't have those here. I would probably make way to many stops. Went to dinner at Boston's - another first - not too bad either.
We went to church at Steph and E's ward. They were all very nice and welcoming. The girls were excited to hear that they sing the same songs that we do here. And then after church we had a Filipino feast. There is a missionary in Stephs ward that will be leaving for the Philippines in September so of course, Steph and my dad had to give him a taste of the PI. (My dad served his mission there back in the early 70's). The food was good. I think I could eat curry until my teeth fell out.
Steph and her family were very accommodating and we were glad she let us invade her home for the weekend. THANKS TO THEM FOR HAVING US. Other than a few minor melt downs, the trip was a success.
The car ride home went pretty smoothly too. The girls watched a marathon of movies and we made pretty good time. Just about 30 minutes before we were home, Madi wanted to know if we could still visit with Grandma and Lolo when we got back in our world. I told her another day. I guess in the eyes of a 4 year old. Arizona is a different world. I am glad to be back in our world with Tom but we still talk every day about our trip to Arizona.

Done and DONE!!!!!

We are SOOOO glad to say that Tom is officially done with electrical schoool. After a career change at 30ish, he has finished all of his classes. YEAH!!!!!!! I don't know who is more excited me or him. He hasn't had too much time to enjoy it though. He is running a job with Copper Mountain Electric and working a ton of overtime. We don't get to spend nearly as much time with him as we thought that we would but the time he is home there is NO HOMEWORK!!!
Way to go TOM. We are so proud of you and all of the time and effort you put into school so that you can provide for us. Your girls love you and so do I!!!
So, here is my plug. If you need work done. He can do it. Give him a call. (Look, just out of school and I am trying to keep him busy!!)
Love you Tom.......CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Birthdays

Alright, its time to catch up. My computer refuses to hold any more pictures, so until I can fix that problem some posts will be without photos. Sorry.

However, April brought lots of cake and ice cream in our family. Jaidyn turned 9 and Tom turned 35. We also had my sisters birthday, my brothers birthday and my mom's birthday all in April. It is a busy month but we always get through it.

Tom made out with a bunch of new power tools. This year he bought his own gifts. It wasn't really fun for me. But he got what he wanted and that is what mattered. He got his usual cherry cheesecake to celebrate and lots of happy birthdays from family and friends.

Jaidyn's was the funniest birthday yet. I made some cute owl cupcakes and she had some family friends over to help enjoy them. She was all ready for gifts this year. Most knew ahead of time what she wanted and they came through like bandits. What? You want to know what she got? Oh yeah, this is the good part. A Nintendo DS, a coloring/doll kit, a new big bike......and here is where it gets good. What nine year old doesn't need or want.......SHAMWOW'S AND A SNUGGIE!!!!!!! Yep, right off the info-mercials. She was so excited. Things were good that day. One year closer to a double digit age and tons of fabulous gifts.

Jaidyn and her Snuggie (it came with the free booklight too)

Jaidyn & Emma

Happy 35th Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!!

Wow!!! What a milestone. I didn't get to say it back in March, so I am saying it now. Happy Anniversary to the best parents ever. My mom and dad celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on March 22. It is never hard for me to remember what anniversary they will celebrate because I was born 9 months and 1 day after they were married. Can you say honeymoon baby???? (If you are doing the math, I will be 35 this year)

I have learned a lot from my parents over the years. They raised me well (I must say) and it is because of them that I am the way I am. They raised my brother and sister and me in the gospel and taught us right from wrong. We took parenting styles from both of them and added our own twist. I can talk to my parents at any time, sometimes more than they like on certain occasions but they always listen. They give great advice and add a new perspective on dealing with all of issues that come my way.

My mom is stylish and quite a babe, my dad has the best sense of humor and is the rock of our family. I am happy that they are my parents and I can call them mom and dad. Way to go you two! I love you both! Just think, 40 isn't too far away!

I'm baaaaaack!

I must admit, I was in a bit of a funk over the last 6 weeks or so. I didn't really want to blog. Now I realize that I have much catching up to do. Plenty of things have happened and I am ready to share. I will post a few at a time......just to keep you interested. Plus, I have to have time to go through the pictures and get my thoughts organized. Anyway, read on thanks for being so patient.

Loved......and grateful to be.

I apparently suck at blogging. I have been delaying this post for a couple of weeks but have decided it is due. The last couple of months have been really hard on me. (By the way, this post is more for me than anyone, I get a little weepy, so don't feel like you have to continue.) I found out on the 10th of February that Tom and I were expecting child #3. I was so excited!!! I couldn't believe that it was happening again. We told the girls that we were having a baby and called all of the family and a few close friends. The excitement was muted a bit when I started feeling nauseous. You know, just feeling like crap all of the time. I knew it would pass, but this pregnancy is starting out a lot harder than the other two. This better be the boy we have wanted because we are not doing this again!!! Tom was really patient with me and helped around the house between homework, work, and school. My manager at work would let me leave early from work if it was slow, the neighbors and family offered to watch the girls if I needed rest, so many kind words and small acts of kindness.
Skip to March 2. My first appointment with the OB. Tom took work off early to come to the doctor with me. He is such a good husband, he hasn't made me go by myself for any prenatal visits to this day. We were excited to see the baby and hear the heart beat. I was going to get something to help me feel better and find out what our due date was. Well, the due date came early. The doctor couldn't see the baby or hear a heart beat. The lady that did the ultrasound found the baby, but still no heart beat. WHAT????? This is not happening to me! 2 more ultrasounds and still nothing. I was fine until the official word from the doctor. There is no heartbeat the baby has stopped growing, you have miscarried................and then all of the options on how to proceed.
Okay, I know that there are so many women out there that go through this but how do you deal with it???? I cry at almost anything (this is not new for me, it has just gotten worse).
Anyway, my point of this post is this. I felt so loved and supported through the whole ordeal. Tom has been a great support for me, I was extremely grateful that he was there with me at the doctor. He always takes good care of me. My dad gave me a blessing that night that gave me such comfort. I am so thankful for the priesthood and the men in my life that hold it. My mom let me cry and listened to me vent. My friends stopped by that week with gifts and flowers and made phone calls to say they were sorry. Again, so grateful!! My visiting teachers made dinner for the family. Ward leaders called to check on us. My mother-in-law watched Madi while I slept and recovered. My sister-in-law brought lunch and offered to watch the girls. My good friend Jessica watched the girls during the doctor appointment that lasted far longer than it was supposed to and then offered to let Madi play at her house while I mourned. The girls at work called to check on me, sent flowers and gave so many hugs. So, so, so, grateful for all you in my life. I truly am blessed, I couldn't have gotten through the last month without you!!!
I still continue to cry, so many things to remind me of where I thought I would be today. I feel like myself again but a part of me is missing. I dread the month of September, I can't imagine it will be an easy one. September 28th, will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Again, thanks to all of you. Know, that I know, I am loved and more than grateful to be.

12 years already????

February 7th is our anniversary. I can't believe it has been 12 years already. In some ways I can remember our wedding day like it was yesterday. In other ways it seems like it is hard to remember when I was single, just me and Tom, our family without the girls or the time before our little dog Zoe. It is hard to imagine life anything unlike what it is now. I can say it has been a great 12 years and I am lucky to have shared them with Tom! He is a wonderful husband and father and makes my life so much easier. I am so proud of his accomplishments and everything he does to support his girls, me included. So without getting too mushy, I'll save that for another day............Love you Tommy, here's to another 12+ years.

Do you have my keys?

While shopping at JoAnn's this morning, we lost the car keys. I probably don't have to remind anyone that JoAnn's is a GIANT store with TONS of shelves and even TONS more stuff on those shelves. I asked Jaidyn to hold the keys while I looked through a few things. Somewhere along the way they got away from her. Poor Jaidyn was so worried she couldn't stop crying. I was trying to be the calm mom and help her try and remember where she had them last. Needless to say it took us over 90 minutes to retrace our steps at least 6 to 8 times, much talking, moving merchandise, a quiet prayer at the end of an aisle, and 10 to 12 not so helpful employees to find them. Where you ask? In a $1 bin under a lot of stuff. I don't know what made us look there, divine guidance I'm sure because they weren't going to be happened upon by anyone not looking for them. Jaidyn swears she will never be responsible for the keys again. I felt so bad for her, she just kept apologizing and saying that it was all her fault. I knew it wasn't done on purpose, and in the end, all is well. After that kind of start to the day, staying at home sounded best.

The Bachelor

I am so happy it is January! I have become obsessed with The Bachelor over the last few seasons. I am truely happy that it is Jason's turn to pick from the ladies. I will say I was suprised by a number of his choices, but ready to see what the next few weeks have in store. So far, I am cheering for Lauren, and Melissa and the girl that Jason gave the first rose to (I can't remember her name). I think that Shannon, the stalker dental hygenist needs to go right now. I am also a bit bugged by the fact that DeAnna gets a chance AGAIN. She made her choice for Jessie last season and now she thinks that she made a mistake. At least that is what the teasers are saying. I'll wait and see what comes of that too.

I never thought I would be into TV this much, I blame it all on DVR! I love to chat about the latest episodes. So, if you follow any of the following I would love to know what you think. Here is my DVR list ---- Grey's Anatomy, Top Chef, The Bachelor, LA Ink, American Idol, Project Runway and Ugly Betty. Now that Private Practice will be on after Grey's I may have to watch that too. Anyway, what shows do you follow? Here's to great new episodes, now that the holidays are over!

December, in a nut shell!

Happy New Year!! I am looking forward to this year, I have a feeling there is a lot in store for the Moser family. I am glad to see that I am not the only one that pretty much took a break from blogging in December. It was such a busy month, there was a lot happening. I do want to recap on a few events. I guess that the info is more for me, but feel free to keep reading.
On the 4th of December, my maternal grandpa turned 90!! He really is an amazing man. I am really amazed at all of the things he has accomplished in his life. He has helped to raise 13ish kids, ran multiple rental properties, got up way too early to deliver milk for Winder Dairy, served two LDS missions, chopped more wood than anyone I know, survived colon cancer, works in the Jordan River Temple on a weekly basis (still), and has more energy than I do on most given days. He can fall asleep in the middle of a conversation, but who wouldn't with a to do list as long as his. Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA WEST!! My mom and her siblings had a great party for him and it was great to see all of the old pictures and some of the items that he cherishes on display.
I also had a birthday this month on the 23rd. I always get asked if that is a crappy day to have a birthday. I must admit, I love my birthday!!!! My mom and dad are the ones responsible for this, in more than one way. It is their fault that I have this birthday in the first place, but they have and continue to make it a very special day for me. Tom and the girls have continued the tradition that my parents started. My birthday is just as good as anyone elses, if not better. I am lucky that I don't get the Christmas/Birthday combo presents. I get to celebrate and celebrate big!!! So, you ask, what did I do to celebrate? I chose to see dead people! Yep, what better than a bunch of bodies and body parts to celebrate my special day. Tom, Jaidyn, Madi, my Mom and Dad and I went to see the Body Worlds 3 exhibit. If you haven't heard anything about it, they are a bunch of bodies that have gone through plastination. I was fascinated! If you say that there is no God, you are crazy, there is no way that we evolved from anything tadpole or ape. I also, know that if you saw the smoker lungs, you may think twice about the habit. Also, I wanted to go home and exercise 23 out of 24 hours in a day after seeing the cross section of an obese person. I also felt a weird urge to touch some of the plastinates. ( I didn't but wanted to a few times.) If you haven't gone, you should. I even took the girls, they didn't know that they were real, I left that part out, but they really liked it. Madi said that they were "totally awesome bodies". Jaidyn took notes the whole entire tour, which made it easier to keep her interested. It was a good birthday, Tom had the day off, which I told him he needs to do every year, I loved having him home.
We also had the annual Querry Christmas party at my aunt Connie's house. She throws a good party and the food was good too. We always do a white elephant exchange. Tom was looking for good ideas several weeks in advance. He couldn't wait to see who got our gifts. We took live goldfish, and a his and hers KY massage oil. My cousins girlfriend got the fish, she looked shocked at first but then fought to get them back when someone stole them from her. The KY was a hit, who would have thought? It was stolen more times than the good DVD's and dinner gift certificates. I love to see the disgust on some faces when items like this are presented. It does make some uncomfortable, but still fun, none the less. My newly married cousin and her husband, went home with it, much to the dismay of some. It was a party to remember. The gift challenge is on for next year, if you have any ideas, let me know.
And then there was Christmas. The girls got up at 5am, Tom and I sent them back to bed, or at least to the room until 7am. They were so excited, this year Jaidyn could hardly wait. It was fun to see her anticipation. Madi was excited too. Hers was on a daily basis when she got to open the next chocolate in the advent calendar. After gifts at our house, it was off to my mom and dad's. Santa and my parents are way too nice to us each year, we get a lot of nice things. After the paper is done flying there, we all eat breakfast. I look forward to this part, just being able to sit and talk about the day. The scones and bacon were really good too. Then, off to grandma and papa's house for more gifts and eats. We had a great Christmas and a fun New Years Eve get together with family and friends. Lots of junk food and cards until 3am.
What a month! I am making my first resolution. I will be better at blogging this year. Hopefully more posts more often. To all of you, Happy New Year!!!