"Mom, Remember When I was a Kid?"

Gracie doesn't want "to grow up." At times, she gets almost panicked when she thinks about growing up. She tells me on a daily basis that it's just not going to happen. And right now, that's okay with me. I love her humorous commentary and honest responses. She is at a really fun stage, and I'm simply enjoying it.


As we rounded the corner into our neighborhood - home from a trip to the library - the other day, she says: "Mom, do you remember when I was a kid?" (long sigh)

I (holding back my laughter) reply: "Yes, I do."

"I just wish I was young again," She says.

Baahhaa! She is only four, and already she's wishing back the years. I mean...really?...What could be better than juice boxes, preschool parties and trips to the park?!? I think she may be over-thinking this. :)


Sienna, at 17 months, is such a sweetie. She loves stuffed animals.


She also wants to be just like her big sister. So first thing when she wakes up; she goes to find these Tinkerbell wings and then begs me to put them on her.


Sienna has proven to be a much more difficult baby - compared to Gracie. She is more needy, and she's already thrown some tantrums. I guess I will just have to drench her with some extra hugs and kisses!


These two are super cute when they play together. Sienna answers nearly every question with "Yah". So as we are driving around doing errands this is what I hear from the backseat....
(Gracie:) "Hey Sienna, Do you want to ride on a turkey?"
(Sienna:) "Yah."
(Both:) Laughing hysterically.
(Gracie:) "Hey Sienna, Do you like to eat tree leaves?"
(Sienna:) "Yah."
(Both:) More Laughter.

This is repeated over and over and over...

Murder Mystery Cruise

Jodes and I had SO much fun at our friend's Murder Mystery Party! Jody's character was Ethan Cruz, the charming and wealthy executive. And I was Phoebe Abuelos - the contestant eliminated from Top 5 on the Cruise Ship Pageant. As I was deciding what to wear to dress for my part, Jody kindly reminded me I have a gleaming pant suit that screams Send me to Emerald City in the back of my closet. Perfect. No looking needed. The pant suit was a hit. Jody adorned himself with lots of man jewelry - also a hit.



The Girls



The Boys


And this, by far, is my favorite picture of the night. Ben ran across the shot - as we all said Cheese!


I, and two others, solved the mystery. Phoebe was on her game that night!

Out and About...

I recently had the opportunity to speak with the Miss Orem Contestants about interview and public speaking skills. I always enjoy helping out, when I can, with the Miss Orem Pageant. I have so many fond memories from my days as a title-holder. I *loved* speaking to school children, during my year as Miss Orem, about the beauty of differences and celebrating our abilities.

And below is the story I filed on Saturday for 2News.

**Click Here to Watch - Top Story -

Thanks to Daylight Savings and Vernal being 3 1/2 hours away from Salt Lake City...I rolled into my driveway at 3:30 a.m. When I got home, all the lights were on. That's because poor Jody and Gracie had been throwing up the majority of the night. So sad! Little Gracie was so paranoid about throwing up in her bed (again) that when I went to check on her to see if she was asleep...she had a small plastic garbage can over her head! I should have taken a picture... but I didn't know whether to laugh or start crying for her!