Twisted Farm Food

Next time your in Vegas pop in to Hash House A Go Go for some excellent 'Twisted Farm Food'. I suggest you share a plate.

Too Many Hats...

Women wear a lot of hats. While this may be literally true for some of us I'm speaking in symbolic terms today. Some of us work, some of us stay home with the kids, and some of us do both. Add to those duties the role of spouse, housekeeper, friend, Doctor, Teacher, Woman, Chef, Trapeze Artist, Handy Repair Woman, Laundress, Stylist... oh the list goes on.

I'm willing to bet that given the time (and energy) to focus your efforts in just one of these categories at a time you would be a professional. However, we as women are not given that luxury. We get push the envelope and take it all on.

This morning I found myself practicing the art of trapeze as I navigated over the pile of my son's toys that were conveniently placed right at the bottom of the stairs. Had I not been holding my 25 lb. child in one hand and a heaping laundry basket in the other I probably would have noticed the remote control car containing the laughing chimpanzee and thus would not have performed a serious juggling act to keep myself, small child, and laundry from landing in a heap with the rest of the toys.

But alas, we get the exciting job of achieving the impossible everyday. We take fairly normal tasks that most can do with a bit of instruction but we manage to do them all at once! The problem with this incredible feat is... we don't give ourselves enough credit for it. I'm sure we can all think of at least 10 times in the recent past that you have been accomplishing more household tasks then you can count on fingers and toes all in the same moment.

Sigh. It's quite amazing what we can accomplish

Every now and again I find myself getting frustrated with doing everything mediocre. Today I was an ok mom, my house looks ok, I at least got a shower so I look ok too... the problem is I can be an excellent mom, an exquisite house keeper, and I'd like to think I clean up nice. When balancing all tasks at once sometimes it's just too much to be amazing at everything and when you think about it, doing everything even half way is amazing in and of itself (let's not forget that).

This is my tribute to say women are truly amazing. Give yourself the credit you deserve; especially on those days when it feels like everything is only half done. Be a glass half full kind of gal and remember when wearing all your hats at one time it's impossible to show each of them off in their finest glory.

Food for Thought

Self Feeding

We've been practicing some self feeding... need I say more.

Barber Shop

It would be cool if I was on the ball enough to take a picture of the kids 1st haircut... or even his 2nd for that matter. But as the old saying goes 'better late than never'. Third haircut is equally as significant right?

The little man does surprisingly well every time!

If Only I knew How To Get Them Out...

Damon found his favorite Puff snacks in his diaper bag. Somehow he managed to get the lid off but couldn't quite figure out how to fit his face in the opening. So funny!

Happy Birthday Darren

Darren just had a birthday and boy was I a terrible wife. All we did throughout the day was run errands (how boring). I did my best to make it up to him by making a delicious chocolate cake the next day. Let's be honest... those fun candles helped a bit too :)

Even Cool In His Sleep

Our 1st (and probably only) House!

We did it! We finally made the plunge and bought a house. Here is the picture of our new place, Escalade not included:)

Aside from hating the actual act of moving the whole process has been quite fun. I love having a place to put everything and not feeling like we're living on top of ourselves.

I'll be sure to post fun before and after pictures as I get everything all decorated :)

Damon's 1st Jazz Game

Darren was able to arrange for his team at work to all go to a Jazz game together with their Spouses. We all had a blast... oh... aside from when the crowd cheered and Damon SCREEMED! I guess a room full of thousands of people shouting was just a bit to intense for a baby... odd.

Why do we buy toys anyway?

I work from home and thus have to get creative at keeping the little man occupied and entertained. Lucky enough he's not too hard to please. The green bucket and box of electronics Damon found have provided hours of entertainment.

As Seen On TV!

Vary rarely do you open your fast food bag to find the hamburgurs looking the same as they do on TV! Let's just say our first Utah In-N-Out experience was not dissapointing. And yes... Darren managed to eat all of that. How else do you suppose he keeps up his husky figure.

This Kid Knows How To Party!

I live the boys home for New Years and look what happens. :) At least he's sharing the bubbly with his Monkey!

I'm a sucker for a good ol' fashioned shirt & tie

Thanks to cousin Cooper for loaning Damon your fancy tie

Damon's 1st Christmas

We all had a great Christmas... or should I say Christmas'. We were able to spend two days with each family and it was so nice!

Christmas with the Haub's in Idaho!

(don't mind the thunder thighs)

Christmas in Cedar first with the Hatch family then with the Granny and Gramp Smith.

You can't help but love the little man!

Old St. Nick

Thanks to Granny Smith Damon got to have an official visit with Santa! :)

One Cute Bunch of Cousins

Just before Christmas we were able to go visit Darren's family in Idaho and as usual had a great time. It's tradition that we make Darren's dad dance to this silly Christmas soldier song every year. This time turned it back on us and got a little pay back... after his performance he blasted 'Christmas in Hollis' by Run D.M.C and made all of us dance to it. We might have to make it a new tradition because it was loads of fun.

Damon and his sweet little cousin who's obviously in a lower weight class than him even though she's got a good two months on him ;)

It's fun that the 'big kids' are so cute and love hanging out with little 'D'.

The Real Beef Stroganoff

When Darren and I were first married he suggested we make Beef Stroganoff for dinner. To which I replied "we can't, we don't have any hamburger". He quickly informed me that 'Hamburger Helper' is not beef stroganoff. In fact, there is the real home made kind that is actually quite a delight to eat.

Now almost three years later we were making the real beef stroganoff (which isn't a quick meal). We were both in a state of near starvation by the time it was finished. Unfortunately my hunger got the best of me and as I tried to quickly whip it out of the oven it all slipped right out of the baking dish :(

Sad day... the real beef stroganoff and no one to enjoy it but the oven.

Uncle Rory Comes to Town

My brother Rory is in the Marines and just finished a tour in Afganistan. We were so excited he was able to break away from his home in North Carolina to come out and visit for a couple weeks! He and Damon are buddies already. :)