The Wolffs

DO YOU BELIEVE?!

2011-12-22T11:40:00.035-05:00

So Ethan has been saying for the past month that he knows who Santa is. Really?! For some reason, given my memory has been awful lately, I think I still believed there was a Santa at age 9. No amount of Christmas movies or Christmas discussions has been able to sway or change his mind until this...

A friend of mine told me about this great website where you enter your child's information in and out pops a video of santa speaking directly to your child by name, which is pretty impressive in itself. Santa mentions where you live, mentions and shows pictures of what you have done this past year, mentions what you want most this year for Christmas and finally mentions if you've been naughty or nice. Well, Edyn's was easy. She was on the nice list. But for Ethan, we decided to try out the naughty list and see what his reaction would be. That's what you get for not believing, right?!

After school one day I picked up the kids and we headed to the hairdresser so Ethan could get a haircut. I mentioned to the kids that I had received an email for them from Santa. Since Ethan rolled his eyes I decided Edyn would get to watch hers first. Talk about a moment that melts your heart. Anyway, onto Ethan. I clicked on his email and as he watched he was a little puzzled that Santa had called him by name and had opened up his book with a picture of Ethan in it. How could this be?! Was I sensing a start of belief here? I hoped so. As Santa explained that he knew Ethan had taken a trip to Canada this past year and that he was an important part to his green zebra team Ethan was amazed that Santa even knew these things. Then a light bulb went off. Ethan started to ask me if I had found a website and had entered in all his information. What the heck, how does this kid know these things. Why can't he just BELIEVE!!! I denied it all, of course, and tried to convince him that the email was from Santa. As he continued to watch he remarked quietly "I don't know, maybe there is a Santa." Oh, oh, oh...is this working?! Then it came to the part where the elves put Ethan's report into a machine to see if he has been naughty or nice. All of a sudden the siren's go off and the elves frown. Santa reports that Ethan has been naughty this year. Ethan was not a happy camper and couldn't believe that Santa would say such a thing.

We sat in the car as he ate his burger and waited for his hair appointment. The car had been pretty silent. After about 10 minutes, Ethan threw his burger wrapper down and angrily said "I CAN'T believe I'm on the naughty list!". I immediately started laughing as I realized that for the last 10 minutes all this boy was mulling over in his head was how could he be on the naughty list. Poor boy, and I repeat, serves him right for not believing! I guess it is what it is...Ethan is growing up. Now I need to focus on damage control and make sure he doesn't ruin it for Edyn. Wish me luck!

If you are interested in seeing the kids' videos here is how you get there.

Log into the home page: www.portablenorthpole.tv/home
(sorry, I couldn't get the link to work)

EDYN'S LETTER
username: familyof4wolffs@gmail.com
pin: 9y1w

ETHAN'S LETTER
username: familyof4wolffs@gmail.com
pin: 278t

MAMA SO PROUD!!!

2011-09-10T22:13:00.019-04:00

Mama so proud . . . Ethan scored his first touchdown today! Pretty impressive when he's one of the smallest on the team. The ball was pitched to him and the little guy just plowed over and through anything that stood in his way of the end zone. TOUCHDOWN!!! So proud of my #20!

Last April we signed Ethan up for tackle football not realizing what we were really signing ourselves up for. We were invited to the parent meeting to meet the coaches and the other boys on the team in August and WOWZERS! This team of 9 year olds practice four nights a week for two hours and then a game on Saturdays. They are worked over and over and drilled to the bone by the coaches until they get it right. We had no clue just how intense this football program was. Chad said that Ethan's team was learning plays that he didn't even learn until he was in high school where we grew up in Canada.

Ethan was pretty funny when after a week of practice he flexed his bicep and asked me if his muscles were getting bigger. Yes, Ethan may be small but he sure packs a punch when it comes to tackling. One night we showed up 30 minutes before practice ended and Coach Dean was having the boys practice their tackling skills. Each time Ethan would mow his teammate down with no problem. One particular tackle Ethan did it with such force that the poor kid running the ball had no chance. Coach pulled Ethan to the side and bent down to Ethan's height. Uh-oh, I thought Ethan was soon to get a scolding but no, the coach broke out into a yell "WHO HITS HARD?!" and Ethan echoed back "I HIT HARD" while pounding his chest with his fists. This went on for a good 20 seconds them going back and forth "WHO HITS HARD?!", "I HIT HARD!". It was pretty cute. I sure wish I had it on video. Today was game 2 for the Green Zebras and they are 2 and 0. We're on a winning streak and we hope it lasts all season!

Happy Holidays to You!

2010-12-21T16:21:00.007-05:00

This year was exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time as Chad opened the doors of Bright Smiles, Brilliant Dental Care in February. We are so excited for him! His office looks amazing and he has wonderful staff. It still seems so weird to us to not be students anymore. That was such a long road that we thought would never end and we keep finding ourselves pinching each other just to make sure that we aren’t dreaming.

We have really enjoyed living in a small town. It definitely is a complete opposite of what we were used to in New Jersey. We love having a back yard, a neighborhood that the kids can play in all day without Naomi constantly worrying or checking up on them, and most of all a garage! No more street cleaning tickets or cleaning snow off the car! The weather has been wonderful. Summer was hot and dry and winter was mild. Perfect!

In April, Naomi headed up to Canada with the kids for her Grandma Belle Smith’s funeral. The funeral was beautiful and it was great to be with family and be able to celebrate her grandma's life. There is just so much comfort in replaying a loved one's life and remembering all the wonderful things they did and said that touched yours. We will miss you Grandma Belle!

In June, Ethan and Edyn both had birthdays. Ethan turned 8 and Edyn turned 6. It was a special birthday for Ethan as our family headed up to Canada where Ethan was baptized in a small river at the Wolff cabin. What an experience that was. Even though it was cold that day he was quite the trooper when he waded out into the freezing water. We are so proud of him and very thankful for all our family and their support for him on such a neat day. It was definately a day that will be remembered fondly.

This time of year is always my favorite as we spend a lot of time reflecting on family, friends and most of all, our Savior. What a blessing to know that He lives and loves us. We only hope that we can be better at following in His footsteps in the year to come. We love you all and are so blessed to have you be a part of our lives in one way or another. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

* * * SNOW DAY * * *

2010-12-01T19:52:00.010-05:00

My morning started out lovely with an automated phone call at 5:45am letting me know that school had been canceled for the day due to a lovely snow storm. I wasn't too happy about the early phone call but I knew my kids would be. Up they were at 7:30 in the morning and ready and raring to go play in the snow. Honestly, it was still dark outside! I had to laugh as I'm pretty sure I was the same way when I was that age. Ethan has seriously been outside all day. He left the house at 9am and has been playing with the neighbors building snowmen and forts and shoveling driveways. Ate a quick lunch and then right back out to play and here it is 6pm and he's still going strong out there. I think he's going to be pretty sad that it's off to school tomorrow. Here's some photos of us playing and working in the snow today.

Oh Tooth Fairy! Where are you?!

2010-12-01T19:36:00.005-05:00

Edyn lost her 1st tooth yesterday! Well, really it's her second but this one is her first tooth that came out on it's own. Her actual first was extracted so it really doesn't count. I hope that makes sense?

This tooth had been loose for about a week now and yesterday when she came home from school she came running in the door with excitement telling me that the tooth fairy was going to be coming to our house that night. Off to bed she went that night with tooth secured snugly under her pillow, and believe me it was pretty snug under there! When she woke up to find $3 under pillow she was pretty upset because she didn't get $5. What?! If I remember correctly, I think I only got a dollar. I'm pretty sure inflation hasn't gone up that much. Anyway, I realized why she was so upset was because a toy she has been wanting is $5 from Hobby Lobby and she quickly figured it out that she didn't have enough to get it. After explaining to her that mommy had a coupon, yes-I actually said coupon, and after using it the toy would only cost $3. We now have a happy Edyn again. Ugghhhh, when I was that little, was my life as much consumed with toys as Edyn's is?!

Halloween for the Wolffs

2010-11-01T01:05:00.009-04:00

I can't believe Halloween has come and gone! October just flew by! I didn't ever think I'd say this but I'm kind of glad it's over. It's all this past week's fault! Really, after 2 Halloween parties, carving pumpkins, making Halloween treats with the cub scouts, 2 different school harvest parties, a trip to the corn maze, a birthday party, trunk or treating, and finally the finale of trick-or-treating; all within the last week sure makes one tired! Actually, tired just isn't a strong enough word. How about exhausted?! Yup, that word is so much better. But did we have fun?! Absolutely! So here are some pictures for you to enjoy of all our different costume changes through out the week.

Family Photo Shoot

2010-10-20T08:49:00.001-04:00

I can't even remember the last time we had family photos done. I think it was when Edyn was one. Here she is 6 years old and we finally decided it was time! When we were in Utah at my sister's, Shaneen, we talked them into taking our photos and we would take theirs. Not a bad exchange I would say.

Here's a few that we came up with. I really need to take a photoshop class or something as my photo-shopping skills are NOT that good. But they did turn out better than the original photo . . . well, at least I think so. I'm so happy that I won't be stressed at Christmas time trying to search for a family photo for our Christmas cards that usually doesn't even exist!

A Visit to Utah

2010-10-18T19:05:00.001-04:00

It seems like the last few trips we've taken to Utah have been pretty short trips. The day we drive there, the day we spend there, and the day we drive back. That doesn't leave too much time to do very much. This last trip we went because it was my temple square mission reunion, held every 5 years, and the last one I had been to was right after I had gotten home from the mission and don't even think I'm going to tell you when that was! We thought since we were going to that we might as well stick around and try and get into the conference center for General Conference. That was a huge fail but we still were able to go to the old Tabernacle and sit on the front row and be able to watch conference on the big screen. Even though we weren't in the big conference center it was still special and we really enjoyed it. We might even make it an annual occurrence.

Church stuff aside, we were able to spend some time with Shaneen and Bryn and the kids. We headed over to Gardner Village to check out all the Halloween decorations and all the cute shops. Oh, how I would love to have a little shop over there. So here is some pictures of our little adventure with the witches!

School Pictures - A Success!

2010-10-18T15:31:00.006-04:00

Let's admit it, school pictures are usually not the greatest when it comes to taking a nice photo of our kids. One year Ethan came home with his school photos only to find food was stuck in his teeth for his lovely smile. Another year, Ethan's teacher had buttoned up his shirt but had skipped a button so his shirt was bunched up. Edyn, well, she was a bawling mess in hers - blood shot eyes and a tear streaked face. I don't know why it is so hard for my kids to take a good school picture but it just is.

This year brings good news! I think the bad school photo plague has been broken! I couldn't have been happier with my kids photos this year (well, except for Edyn looks a little freaky in the eyes, but I'm not going to push it). Let's just hope that this trend doesn't stop short any time soon.

A Handy Hubby

2010-10-18T12:32:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I got a phone call from Chad asking if he could pick out his birthday present early. After telling me he found an amazing deal on a saw (as if I would even know if it was a deal or not!) I hummed and hawed and then told him to go ahead and purchase it while secretly I was jumping up and down because I didn't have to figure out what to get the old boy for his birthday! Oh, how I love these kind of gifts.

Well, the birthday gift came home and didn't sit still for long. Chad immediately set up shop in one of the garages and already started on building a coffin that would hold Ethan for our Halloween cemetery set up in the front yard. I don't know how he does it but this man of mine just happened to figure out the dimensions and measurements by just staring at a blank piece of paper, happened to get right to work, and just happened to make the most amazing Halloween coffin ever! Here it is a week later and he mentions to me he's got the itch to build something else. Well, my dear, let me just go and grab my list! Have I mentioned how much I love my Handy Hubby! Go ahead, tell me you aren't drooling over this coffin!

Ethan's Flag Football Season

2010-10-16T00:42:00.010-04:00

I'm sad to report that Ethan's last flag football game was last Thursday night. Going into it I wasn't too sure how Ethan would like it as he really hadn't ever played anything like it before and I wasn't too sure how fast he would catch on to the rules, etc. Well, as it turned out, I really had nothing to worry about. He absolutely loved it! Last night he scored a touchdown and was so cute doing it. He was well ahead of everyone and yards before his touchdown you could see his HUGE grin start creeping from ear to ear. It was like he was thinking "I'm going to make a touchdown, nobody can touch me, I'm the man!" Now if that isn't adorable I don't know what is.

The video Chad captured of Ethan playing was a few games ago and Ethan was playing really good and pretty aggressive that the opposing team had put a couple of boys on him to try and stop him and get him all flustered. I thought it was pretty funny how chippy these little boys were starting to get with each other. I'm actually pretty excited for this sport to become a part of this family. Really, who doesn't want to be a football mom?!

I Just Don't Understand

2010-10-05T11:40:00.006-04:00

So here goes my little RANT for the day . . . We signed Ethan up for a flag football league that our little town decided to start up this year. He has absolutely loved it. In fact, the majority of the community seems to have enjoyed it as they have had quite a great response in those wanting to participate. Because our little town does not have a football field or sports arena, practices and games have been held in a small subdivision that has a large and well kept grass area that has been perfect for these young boys.

Two nights a week for one hour we all cheer on our boys as they learn a great sport and get some exercise. This lasted about a month before we were informed that the location was changing due to complaints from the Home Owner's Association for the subdivision. REALLY?! What do you have to complain about? Yes, the sides of the road are full during football but only two nights a week for ONE hour! Oh, and since when do you need to park on the side of the road . . . you have a garage or two! Too loud? It's hardly any louder than the kids next door playing in their backyard! For a community that cries that there is nothing for their youth to do in our small town to keep them out of trouble, why do you feel the need to cry and complain when something has been provided?! Seriously, I just DON'T understand.

HALLOWEEN is almost here!

2010-09-23T03:18:00.006-04:00

HALLOWEEN is almost here! One of my favorite times of the year! I don't know what it is about this time of year but I can only describe it as one of those moments when you stop and take a big breath in and then let it all out while a smile creeps along your face. You know one of those moments when you are completely satisfied?! It might be the cooler air (which we haven't experienced yet and I'm totally okay with), the changing of the leaves, soups returning to our evening meals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, Halloween goodies spread throughout the stores, decorating sugar cookies, and the long awaited Halloween party that we throw every year (one of my very favorite events in the Wolff household)! I really can't pick just one but I get all tingly when it comes to thinking about fall.

I've been wanting to decorate for Halloween since the beginning of September. Waaaaaaay to early in my husband's book and he probably is right. So I've been really trying to reign myself in and wait. Oh dear has the waiting been really long and unbearable. Well, not really, but it's like being a little kid at Christmas who is beside themself with giddiness the night before Christmas morning. Sooooo, do I or don't I pull out my Halloween decorations today?! It may be some sort of crazy but I've been battling with this dilemma for a few weeks now. Oh, and another dilemma, what to transform myself into this year for Halloween! Funny thing is, I'll probably resort right back to the few costumes I've seemed to rotate through for the past few years. Not a big deal in my books. However, the big deal is that I'll actually dress up! I was never one who dressed up as a teen or as a young adult. Never wanted to embarrass myself, too shy or was it that I was just too cool to do that kind of nonsense. I have no clue. But now...you can't hold me back! Weird how your perception changes and I'm glad it has as I can now fully experience the season with my children as it should be experienced. So here's to seeing if I can wait one more week before I head into the garage and start hauling in my Halloween decorations!

THE DIRTY DASH

2010-09-20T23:29:00.038-04:00

This has got to be one of the funnest races I've done yet! Who wouldn't think that running a 10K through obstacles on a long ski hill, that went on for eternity I might add, and finishing off with a dip in the mud wouldn't be a fun time?! Well, to be honest, I did have my doubts. On our car ride up to Bogus Basin I was all nerves! I seriously had a pit in my stomach the size of a basketball.

At 10:10 our wave took off! We ran until we hit our first obstacle, the gigantic hay bails. Jumping up and scooting our bare legs over them was a piece of cake! OUCH! Then came more running until we hit the tunnels. Not bad, but not pleasant either. At least I got to stay on my feet for that one. Next up was a massive hill. Well, at the time it definately felt massive to me. It just went on and on and on and on and on, well, you get the point. Oh, and why not throw in a million tires to jump through while we are running up a hill! That sounds great! I hope you can hear my sarcasm right about now. LOL. Actually it wasn't too bad. At the end of the tires we got to take a small pit stop to drink some water and then off to run up more hill. Next came the walls to climb up and over. I really wished I was taller! It backed us up quite a bit since only a couple of people could go at a time but it was fun watching others conquer and others struggle.

Off for more running and next was the beer/rootbeer chug. Ummmmmm, we passed on that. I can't even imagine anything worse to drink, let alone chug, than soda while you are in the middle of running. Just the thought of it made my stomach clench up. So on we went with more running until we hit the slip n' slide! Loved it! I think more so because I knew that not too much further and we would be at the finish line. But wait, that meant the lovely mud pit! Hmmmmm, was I ready for that yet?! We got to the tip of the mud pit and all I thought was "well, this is why we are here!" and realizing that turning back was not an option, I dipped one foot in and then all of a sudden I'm completely immersed! Now how did that happen?! Thanks to awesome friends a roll in the mud couldn't have been any funner! I seriously laughed so hard I thought I was going to die! Definately going to do this next year! Hope you enjoy the photos! Thanks DIRTY DASH! Don't forget to click on the photos for a better view!

Grandma Belle

2010-07-20T01:00:00.008-04:00

I've been wanting to do this post for some time now and not too sure why I've been putting it off. It might just be that I didn't think I could express on paper (well, computer) just how I really feel. So here I am giving it a try.

On April 21, 2010, at 7:30am I received a phone call from my mom letting me know that my grandma Belle Forsyth Smith had passed away at the age of 96. Yes, we all knew it was going to come but no matter, the news still rattled my heart.

I remember while living in New Jersey I secretly wished she would still hang on with each breath so that when Chad had graduated from NYU and it was time for us to head back to Canada that she would be around so I could spend some time with her. When we arrived back home last summer, we had a family event out at the ranch where I grew up and where my grandma and Aunts were now living. It had been over 3 years since I had spent any time with my grandma and I was very anxious to see her. As my aunts led me into her bedroom they had mentioned how her health had really declined and that she would most likely be asleep. As I entered the bedroom my heart stopped. As I looked over the bedrail at my frail grandma Belle tears began to drop as I realized just how bad of shape she was in. I had never seen her in such a helpless state before. Immediately my secret wish had changed from a life for my grandma to a different life where she would feel no pain.

Days before the funeral, my sister and I, husbandless, decided to drive the 12 hours up to Canada together with our kids so that we could make it to the funeral. It was a long drive but in the end it was worth every hour. It was great to be with family and to really celebrate my grandma's life. There is just so much comfort in replaying a loved one's life and remembering all the wonderful things they did and said that touched your's.

I can't remember if it was a day or if it was two before the funeral but I got a phone call from my aunts who had a special request. It was definately one I didn't see coming. A request that when immediately spoken had brought tears to my eyes. My aunts had asked if my sister, Shaneen, and I would be willing to be pallbearers with my brothers, my dad and uncles. Wow, that was a tough one to swallow. I was very hesitant as I knew that it would be a very emotional thing to do and I'm pretty sure I would have a tough time holding it together. After, a moment or two of silence, I hesitantly agreed.

The funeral was beautiful and couldn't have been more perfect but when it was time to carry the casket my nerves were shot. Thankgoodness for a father who knew when it was time to put his arm around a daughter's shoulder. One, two, three . . . we hoisted the casket up and yes, I lost it. I don't know who's blubbering noises were louder, mine or my sister's, but we did it. Even though I was a mess, what an honour that was to be able to perform such an act. It is truly one that I will never forget.

I don't know why I've been thinking so much about my grandma this week and missing her like crazy but one thing I know is that I am so blessed to have been able to have had her be such a big part of my life. I miss her smile, I miss her peanut butter and honey sandwiches, I miss shelling peas in the back yard with her, I miss driving by her home and seeing her playing in her garden in her red puff jacket, I just miss her!

Before I wrap this entry up, I just wanted to thank two very special people. My Aunt Susan and Aunt Marcheta. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a pallbearer. It was emotionally challenging but an experience I will treasure forever. But more importantly, thank you for the years of hours and hours that were spent taking care of grandma. I'm sure it wasn't easy and that there were a million other things you could have been doing but instead you put your lives on hold. I'm positive a nice reward in heaven awaits you both for the selfless sacrifices you made daily for the mother you loved dearly. You are both amazing women and I only hope that I can follow your examples and in doing so become a better person. Thank you again, I love you!

Edyn Turns SIX!

2010-07-14T00:47:00.004-04:00

I'm sooooo behind on posting that it's ridiculous! Oh well, I guess it's better late than never. Edyn's birthday was June 25th and again she wanted a Hello Kitty party which we didn't have until the 28th. On her actual birthday we decided to have a Edyn day and do whatever she wanted. So we went to Pizza Hut for lunch (her favorite), she got her nails painted at Velvet Touch (a cosmetology school right beside Chad's office), and then Toy Story 3 to end the evening. She was so cute getting her toenails painted. After the lady was done painting her flowers on her big toes, Edyn exclaimed in her cute girly voice "They are just perfect!".

For her actual birthday party we decided to do a party at our subdivision's clubhouse at the swimming pool and have pizza delivered and cake and icecream. It was the easiest party I've ever done and it came with no stress. I didn't have to worry about cleaning my house, which would be destroyed in 10 minutes after the guests arrived anyway, and I didn't have to worry about making all kinds of different things for dinner, and didn't have to think up any games to keep the girls busy. The girls swam for 3 hours and I think they could have swam for three more. They had so much fun and I loved just sitting in the sun and being the referee between the girls and Ethan and his friend. Oh, was he such a pest! I really think Ethan thought it was his job to reak havoc. I guess that is what a big brother is for. LOL. Good thing the girls were pretty good at dishing it out too. Anyway, I think Edyn had a really good time and she's so funny when she sees people now. She always has to announce that she is now 6. Here it is 3 weeks later and she is still doing it. I sure love my little girl! Hope you had a great birthday Edyn.

Sorry for the bad quality of the picture above of Edyn getting her toes done. My silly phone just doesn't compare to our Nikon.

Oh, how I love photoshop and making my own invitations. This one was especially easy since I took the one from two years ago and just tweaked it a bit with a swimming hello kitty and added those cute little paw prints. I think the only thing that stayed the same was the poem and the pink background. Not to shabby, I think.

Ethan's Baptism Invitation

2010-07-14T00:38:00.006-04:00

For the past few years when there is ever a need for invitations I've really enjoyed using photoshop and creating something a little more personal. Especially love that when I'm all done I can upload it to Costco from my home computer and then pick it up an hour later. Now that is service!

Anyway, I got this idea online somewhere of putting faded words in the background of a primary song and so I decided to play around with it and see where it took me. So here is the end result, what do you think? I think I really like the old photo of Ethan! Don't you think it reaks of Ethaness?!

Ethan's Baptism

2010-07-12T14:26:00.009-04:00

We made the 11 hour trip up to Canada so that we could visit family and have Ethan baptized out at the Wolff family cabin in a little creek. He was pretty excited but I think more so to see his cousins and grandparents. That is one disadvantage of living in Idaho but I guess 11 hours isn't so bad. Ethan was baptized on Sunday, July 4th and oooooeeeeee was it cold! He was quite the trooper stepping out into the freezing water, I think I would have chickened out. It sure was a special moment--one that warms my heart just thinking about it. The support of family was truly amazing and Ethan and his tender heart were a joy to watch! I love my boy.

2 1/2 months gone and NO posts!

2010-06-09T10:57:00.013-04:00

I know, I know, I'm really sorry! I think I just got a little burned out there with trying to think of posts or maybe it was just actually sitting down to do it. So hopefully this summer will be full of things to do that we can blog about.

That is one thing that has been different in our lives here in Idaho compared to New Jersey. New York just seemed to be full of things to do where here in Star it's been completely opposite. Well, I'm sure there is lots to do but because we are so new we just don't know about it yet.

We did go to an airshow last weekend in Caldwell which was really cool and we were so happy that the rain decided to go away for once! One item on Chad's bucket list is that he wants to get a pilot's license and be able to fly. I don't know what to think of this but you could tell at the airshow that his desire seemed to get even stronger. The more I think about it the more I like being able to jump in a small plane and get to our destination in half the time, or less, than driving a car. So we'll see if that ever happens--Chad tells me there is NO doubt. So here's a few pictures Chad took of some of the planes putting on a show and some of the military vehicles that were on display. (Don't forget to click on the pictures to enlarge them!)

This is Absolutely Shocking to Me!

2010-03-18T10:41:00.016-04:00

Yes, I'm sorry that this is another post about my couponing but I think this is the best one yet! It consisted of 4 different Albertson's stores, 7 different trips through checkout, 16 separate payments of $0.36, a whole lotta cereal and doubler coupons, and 3 hours of my Wednesday morning! The result:
80 BOXES OF POST CEREAL FOR $5.76!
And the total cost wasn't even for the boxes of cereal. It was to pay for tax. That's right, all these boxes of cereal for our family were FREE! And the the TOTAL dollar savings (according to the receipts) was $376.80!

I can hardly believe it myself. Right now I have them all thrown on the floor in the living room trying to figure out where to put them all so every time Chad comes in the front door it's followed by a laugh because he is still shocked by the mounds of cereal we got for nothing! All I have to say is if you have an Albertson's close to you, head over there before Saturday is through for the Post Cereal sale. Even without coupons it's still a really good deal. Fabulessly Frugal tells you how it's done! The best thing about this is that I don't have to buy cereal for at least a year! Now that is some thrifty living right there!

*** UPDATE ***
So, I found a place to put it all!

Who says I can't store cereal in our entertainment center in our bedroom?! It has doors that can close so when it needs to look neat and tidy, wallah--I shut the doors! Oh, and I love how I can see all the expiration dates for each box. Now tell me you wouldn't want to walk into your bedroom and open up those green doors and shop for cereal?!

P.S. - I sure hope Chad doesn't want to buy a tv for our bedroom anytime soon!

Tea Time Anyone?

2010-03-08T22:57:00.012-05:00

We took a very quick trip to Utah this past weekend for Chad's Implant course which meant only two full days of visiting with my sister, Shaneen, and her family. On our way home we had to pick up some things for Chad's office from Ikea and found the cutest play tea set for Edyn. Of course, I had to get it for her! All she talked about the entire way home was her tea set and the tea party she was going to have and who she was going to invite. I thought it was pretty cute. So, for Family Home Evening tonight we started off with a game of Ticket to Ride. It's ridiculous how addicted I've become to playing this game and what's more ridiculous is that I think it's all about trying to beat Chad. So far I've only done it once. Really sad if you ask me! Since it was FHE and the game is a little too hard for Edyn to grasp we let her put our trains on the board to help her feel a part of it. After a disappointing and HUGE loss for me I thought it was time for a little pick me up--SUGAR!

Edyn pulled out her tea set and poured everyone some chocolate milk and handed out the cupcakes. Then she proceeded to tell us a story about two puppies as we pretended to sip our tea with our pinky's pointed outward (very important) and making sure that we were polite with our please and thank you's. My heart just melted as I watched how happy Edyn was with her new toy. Even more adorable was when I put her to bed, I found her tea set all set up for her stuffed animals for the night. How very thoughtful of her!

Falling in LOVE with Albertsons

2010-03-02T10:59:00.019-05:00

I'll be honest. Before couponing I really never shopped at Albertsons. Let's just say I was a Walmart/Target/Sam's Club kinda girl. Then I learned about Albertson's and their doublers and coupon stacking and not to forget register rewards at Walgreens! At first I was a little lost and I think my first coupon shopping trip took me a good two hours for 1/2 a cart load. I don't even think it was that full! LOL. And now, here I am 4 months later and still trying to get the hang of it but I am getting to be a lot faster and better at hoarding and organizing coupons. If it wasn't for these two websites, A Thrifty Mom and Fabulessly Frugal, I think I would have given up. They really are awesome as they give great tips and how-to's and they do all the hard work for you. They literally get the flyers and match coupons to things that are on sale and tell you where to find those specific coupons. I know, right?! So go ahead, I dare you to check them out. Who knows, maybe you'll catch the couponing bug too!

So, yesterday was a pretty big day of couponing for me. It took me most the evening to sort my coupons and figure out how many times I needed to go through the register but it was soooooo worth it! Six trips through the register, and what should have cost $217.12 (if I paid full regular price for each item) only cost me $47.96 for everything you see below! That's right people! I saved $169.16! This has been so much fun to see our storage grow and my pantry has literally become my own personal grocery store. It's even been fun trying new things that we wouldn't normally buy since we can get them for pennies or even FREE. Anytime I need anything, I shop from my pantry!

3-Shampoo, 3-Conditioner, 5-Frosting, 18-Dannon Yogurt, 2-Frz. Bagel Bites, 5-Smart Ones Frz. Meals, 1-Hairspray, 3-Toothpaste, 5-Cookie Pouches, 2-Frz. Mashed Potatoes, 1-Icecream, 1-Crackers, 2-Healthy Choice Frz. Meals, 4-Healthy Choice Frz. Cafe Steamers, 2-Cereal, 4-Progresso Soup, 3-Muffin Mixes, 3-Fiber One Bars, 2-Betty Crocker Warm Delights, 10-Frz. Cranberry Juice, 2-boxes of Popsicles

HEAVEN - A Weekend of Hockey

2010-03-01T12:10:00.010-05:00

I know most of you won't agree with us but this weekend was one of the best weekends we have had in a long time. Saturday night our little family went to the IDAHO STEELHEADS hockey game thanks to a gift from a friend. Ethan was loving every minute of it. Edyn, well, after she got over the inital shock of how loud it could be in the ice arena she warmed up to the game. You would even find her clapping her hands and in her quiet voice yelling "Go boys! WIN!". At one point I heard her yell "Shoot the puck or I'll spank your butt!". You can't get any cuter than that! Honestly, where does she come up with that? Hmmmmm, one guess . . . Ethan! LOL.

Then came Sunday. OH, Sunday! We were so excited for the Canadian/USA hockey game and found out that it started the same time we had church. So we got everything set up to record and made sure to let others know at church that if they knew the score we DIDN'T want to know! Well, we made it through church without anyone spilling the beans and decided to eat dinner first so that in case we turned on the TV the game may be still going on and we would see the score. We even turned off our phones so no-one could call or text us the result of the BIG game. So I headed over to the crockpot only to realize that I had turned it on but hadn't plugged it in! Geez, looks like worrying about our hockey game was way more important than our bellies! I still can't believe I did that!

We finally got sat down to watch the game and WOWZERS, that third period was intense! And OT was even worse. I can't remember being that nervous. So Canada, we love you and knew you could do it! Thanks for an exciting game! Man, are we really sad that the Olympics are over!

Well, I hadn't had quite enough hockey yet so here is a hockey spoof that I hope you enjoy. I sure did and I am still laughing about it!

Does Time Really Heal the Heart?

2010-02-10T10:50:00.012-05:00

It's been over 15 years but my heart still aches when I think of my friend, Danica, and the terrible accident we were in that took her life. It's weird how even though most things that have happened in my life I've forgotten over time but for some reason everything about that day is still as clear as a bell and can be relived minute by minute in my head. Why am I writing about this? Well, today is her birthday and even though she isn't here with us anymore, in my mind, she still deserves a birthday wish. Ugggghhhh, I knew I wouldn't be able to type anything without tears surfacing.

At the time we were a funny pair. We both weren't a big fan of girls and found ourselves hanging out with guys all the time. Less drama I guess. We pretty much spent every second together, even working hours, and would often find ourselves thinking the same thing and even finishing each other's sentences. I had never really had a best friend like that before. I completely loved her family and they were always so welcoming to me as if I was one of their own. I remember clearly driving home with my parents from Dillon, MT, the day after the accident and my mom telling me that we were going to stop at Danica's house to see her family. I remember the panic and fear setting in immediately as I thought of how upset they may have been at me for surviving and their daughter not and how angry they must be that I had the nerve to show up at their house. As we approached the driveway Danica's parents were waiting and as I walked up the steps they completely embraced me erasing all fears I had of any anger that they may have been feeling. Unconditional love is all they showed. They are an amazing family that I love dearly and always will. Time and distance has somewhat made us drift apart but to me they will always be a huge part of my life. I really need to be better at keeping in touch, I'm so awful at that. To this day I still wonder why her and not me. It's human to do so I think. And it's still human to think "If I had only done this, or this, or this" which I still find myself doing today.

One thing I do know is how grateful I am for Heavenly Father and his love for us. Without that knowledge I'm pretty sure Danica's death would have been unbearable to bear. And how grateful I am to my Father in Heaven for sending her to me at that perfect time in my life and that I was able to experience her friendship even though it was taken sooner than I would have liked. The hymn "Each Life that Touches ours for Good" is always a tear jerker for me. Not only because it stirs up feelings of the loss of a friend but also because it reminds me of all those who have played a part and who do play a part in my life and who have blessed me greatly. I am definately a better person because of your friendships. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Danica! I miss you.

If you would like to learn more about Danica and the scholarship that her parents set up for her visit the website Angels Among Us.

NEEDIN' A BREAK FROM MY KITCHEN

2010-02-08T19:37:00.017-05:00

Seriously, the past few days have been NOT so good when it comes to baking in my kitchen! First, my chocolate chip oatmeal cookies came out of the oven flat as pancakes. Well, actually, they were a heck of a lot flatter. So maybe I should refer to it more as paper thin! Oh well, good thing they tasted good but then again if they look like hud who's gonna want to even pick them up to try them. So guess what I did, packaged them up on plates and took them to the neighbors and ran! LOL. Well, kinda! I did take them over with a warning that they weren't pretty and if they didn't want me to make them cookies anymore that they could return the cookies and leave them on my front doorstep and the message would be loud and clear! Then I ran! We really didn't want to pork out on 4 dozen cookies!

Today ended up not being much different! I was making dinner for a friend of mine who had surgery and decided I'd make use of my very ripe bananas and make banana chocolate chip bread. When I first started mixing the dry ingredients I quickly figured out that I hadn't been paying attention to my teaspoons and put way too much of the spices in and ended up throwing that in the garbage and starting over. When I finally finished mixing it the right way I threw it in the oven and everything seemed like it was now running smoothly. When it was time to pull it out of the oven it definately did not look normal! So I pulled out the recipe to check if I had missed anything and good golly, I left the baking soda out! Well, now I know why baking soda is so important! As a result, I was left with no more time to whip up something else and quickly raced to the store and picked up some klondike bars. Who doesn't like icecream, right?! Now that, I don't think I could mess up. Actually, this week, don't put it past me! LOL.

I would have posted pictures but then that would mean I would have had to put an "R" rating on my blog due to disturbing images! Ugggghhhhh, I think I'm putting my spatula to rest for a couple of days until my brain is no longer scattered! This baker needs to pull it together and fast! Valentine's is just around the corner!

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

2010-01-22T20:39:00.019-05:00

You know your getting old when you start forgetting the littlest things. Uggghhhh, I am now closer to 40 than I am 30! Yikes!!!!! Anyhoo, I was looking for recent photos I saved about a week ago on our computer so that I could do a little catch up on our blog and I can't find them! I honestly can't remember where I put them. And I bet it was one of those "I'll save it here because it will be easy to find!". Hmmmmmm, apparently, NOT so easy! LOL. Oh well, as a result of my searching I came across photos of my kids when they were smaller. It was so fun to reminisce and so sad to realize my babies are no longer babies any more. They have grown up so much and so fast! So here's a few of my favorites I found.

The above picture I love because Ethan wanted so badly to ride in the bumper cars with the big kids. Obviously, he is way to small and trying his darndest to take a peek. The following picture, don't you think it just reeks of Ethan's personality?! Awwww, he was such a little stinker back then.

These Boots Were Made 4 Walkin ...

2010-01-22T00:23:00.012-05:00

I've been wanting a pair of boots for sooooooo long but just haven't found the right pair. All I could find were ones where the heel was too high (good luck walking in those) or to gaudy or wouldn't fit over my calves (that's frustrating), and last of all how crazy expensive they seemed to be. But now that I've lost weight and have smaller calves I couldn't believe how much easier it was for boots to fit. So yayyyyyy for me, the search for the perfect boot has resumed! Just after Christmas I took a stroll into Macy's just to check it out and staring at me were the cutest boots ever! Well, I thought so anyway. Chad not so much. But then again, do you remember this post I did back in March 2009? So, his opinion on footwear doesn't count anymore! Sorry hon, but it's true! LOL.

I was so happy when these $120 boots were on sale for $59.95. But very sad when they didn't have my size! Uggghhhhh, hate it when that happens! Days went by and I just didn't have the time to check out the other Macy's in Boise until a couple of weeks later. The kids had Martin Luther King day off so we decided to head over to the mall and see if they had my size. The only way they agreed to go and behave themselves was for me to promise a trip to Chuck E. Cheese afterwards. Hmmmmm, I really should have thought that one through a little better!

We made it to Macy's and I found the same boot but there was no SALE price on them. So I asked the helper guy if they were on sale for the $59.95 as they had been a couple of weeks ago at the Nampa Macy's. He turned the boot over and seeing the $120 price tag highly doubted that they would be on sale for that much as it would make them 50% off. But being that we were not in Jersey he was more than happy to go and check. All you Jersey friends you know what I'm talking about, don't you?! LOL. After he rang them up he looked at me kind of weird and I couldn't help but ask "So are they on sale?" He just grinned and said, "They are much better than that?" You'll never guess what they rang up for? $29.95! And . . . they had my size!!!!! I was one happy customer and nothing was going to ruin my day! Not even Chuck E. Cheese!

CHRISTMAS IN CANADA

2010-01-13T00:34:00.028-05:00

For Christmas we decided to drive the 11 hours to Canada to visit both sets of parents. The drive was actually pretty smooth until we crossed the border and found this!

I'd forgotten just how much snow Southern Alberta can get! On the other hand, Ethan was in heaven! He did a lot of this:

and a lot of this:

Actually, I have a funny story about Ethan and the picture of him in his bathrobe. So, grandpa Wolff had Christmas music playing outside his house and I was in the living room and noticed through the open blinds that Ethan was out on the front sidewalk dancing away in his robe and shooting off his gun to the beat of the music not having a care in the world. I thought it was hilarious. It was kind of "Christmas Vacation" like. Anyhoo, you had to be there to see it. It was pretty funny. Wish we had it on camera. It was sure nice to go home and spend time with family since it had been 4 years since we had been there for the Christmas holidays. We were taken really good care of and it was really sad to say bye at the end of the week. I will add that it wasn't sad to say goodbye to all that snow! Here's some other pictures of our Christmas holiday for you to check out.

*** CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO ENLARGE ***

EDYN'S FIRST DANCE RECITAL

2010-01-13T00:32:00.008-05:00

This is mostly for the grandparents since my mom was begging me awhile back to make sure that I recorded Edyn's dance at the Festival of Trees and post it on here. Since Edyn did a much better job for her actual recital, that was this past Saturday, that's the one I'm going to post. So here's the cutest tap dancer ever! Well, at least her mother thinks so.

After the recital was finished all the kids were up on the stage and the parents were asked to walk up there and get their children.

Edyn was so cute when we handed her her flowers and she kept saying "These are for me? These are for me?!". I love that she loves her dance class and her teacher, Ms. Amber, is amazing!

She is so good with the kids and goes way beyond what you would expect a dance teacher to do. Thank you Ms. Amber, the show was fabulous!

Here's a couple of pictures I took of Edyn today after her dance class and the first one she just wouldn't stand still for and the second picture I just love. Wish I had a cooler background for it instead of our kitchen. LOL.

I'm a Couponer! Is that even a word?!

2010-01-12T18:44:00.029-05:00

Thanks to a Relief Society meeting a couple of months ago I had no idea that this even existed! Couponing! I thought it was even funny that it had it's own title. Some great info was shared and at first I was a little timid and very slow at it but here I am three months later and I absolutely love flyers and coupons and finding the next deal! Another funny thing is that whenever we visited my sister she always had coupons pinned up on her cork board and Chad and I were relentless in making fun of her and all her coupons. Anytime anyone made a suggestion of something to do Chad and I were right there to add "Do you have a coupon for it?!". I know, we were cruel! LOL. So to Shaneen, I apologize! I finally see the light!

So without going into too much of all the details of how I do it, because that would probably take all day, I'll just show you a few of my deals that I picked up today at Albertsons. My trip to Albertsons today consisted of three trips to the cashier. Here is my first purchase.

Any guesses to what I paid for it?!

$35.44! What should have been $103.19 only cost me $35.44. I saved $67.75! And the best thing about this purchase was I bought the required items to receive $10 to spend on my next purchase. And your not seeing things, that is 11 boxes of cereal on that table! I love it when I save more than I spend! So of course, I used that $10 on this next purchase.

Any guesses to what I paid for this one?!

$5.63! What should have been $36.48 only cost me $5.63. I saved $30.85! And again, the best thing about this purchase was I bought the required items to receive $10 to spend on my next purchase. And finally, here is what I bought for the third purchase.

(Ooooops - Forgot to include in this picture
the 2 big packages with 24 bottled water each!)

$12.28! What should have been $53.67 only cost me $12.28. I saved $41.39!

So my GRAND TOTAL spent for the day for all of these items was $53.35.
TOTAL SAVINGS = $139.99!
Now, I know I didn't go too much into detail about how I go about this but I do have to say that I spent a good few hours last night making a plan and going back through piles of flyers from the past few months and websites to get the right coupons to stack to get the most for my dollar. But after shopping today and seeing what I brought home it was well worth it! Anyone wanna come over for breakfast tomorrow morning?! Cereal is on the menu! LOL.

Oh Ethan, you are soooo funny!

2009-11-16T23:40:00.004-05:00

After Ethan got home from school he and I headed out for some errands. At his latest book fair at school we picked up the book "Diary of a Wimpy kid" which had been highly recommended by one of his good friends. So we decided to try it out. Anyhoo, today while we were out he was talking about it and kept referring to it as "Diarrhea of a Wimpy kid". After he repeated it a couple of times I realized what he was actually saying. So, of course I asked him "Are you saying Diarrhea?". And he looked at me a little puzzled and said "Yes." I tried to correct him and after completely failing numerous times I gave up. It was pretty funny watching Ethan try to assure me that it was in fact "Diarrhea of a Wimpy kid". I wonder if when he has finished the book he'll be upset that diarrhea was never mentioned?! LOL.

Halloween has come and gone!

2009-11-02T19:45:00.025-05:00

It wouldn't quite be Halloween if there wasn't a party at the Wolffs! Even though we are very new to the area and only know a handful of people at church, somehow we ended up with a full house. Chad dressed up as Dr. Dreamy, myself as a lady bug, Edyn as a kitty kat and Ethan a zombie. This was for Friday night as Saturday brought a completely different lineup.

We had such a great time that I was glad we had decided to throw one even though we didn't think there would be anyone showing up. We played halloween jeopardy, Halloween sound bites, and pumpkin bowling in the garage just to name a few. Oh, and the food! So yummmmmmy! The food you see was only the half of it! Uggghhhhh, time to hit the gym hard core again.

On Saturday we had a baptism for Ethan's friend in the early afternoon after which we raced home to change into our costumes for trunk-or-treat at the church. Chad was Al Capone (he left his tommy gun in the car), myself as his little sidekick, Ethan a soldier, and Edyn was back into her bumblebee costume. Hmmmmm, I look really weird with a short black bob of a haircut. Thank goodness it's only a wig!

After trunk-or-treat we headed out to the the neighborhood for some good ole' fashioned trick-or-treating and did my kids ever load up! In total they ended up with 12 pounds of candy, and we really weighed it! What am I going to do with 12 pounds of candy?! This morning I hid it but apparently I didn't hide it good enough as it only took seconds for my children to find it. Actually, I'm not really too worried about them, it's me I'm worried about! Hope everyone had a fun Halloween!

The following picture was taken just before we left to go to our ward trunk-or-treat. Edyn had first put on her witch costume and after I had finished her makeup she looked in the mirror and tears started to appear. She kept saying "I'm not cute!". Chad took her outside to take some pictures of her and she just wasn't a happy camper. We took her back inside where she changed into her bumblebee costume and the tears disappeared. I don't know, as I look at this picture she couldn't have been more wrong about her appearance. But then again, I'm a biased mommy.

Experiencing the Fall season in Idaho

2009-10-27T14:42:00.020-04:00

We sure have been a busy family this past month making sure we make the most of the fall and Halloween season. Two weekends in a row we made sugar cookies, carved pumpkins and made caramel apples. It was great fun but waaaaayyyyy too much sugar for my family to consume. LOL.

Last night we went to an outdoor Halloween party put on by one our ward members and I must say . . . WOW!!! And that would be an understatement. We showed up at 6pm and not a minute sooner we found ourselves the target of Halloween candy. A small private plane flew over us three times and let a downpour of candy and chocolate fall like rain from the sky. The kids went crazy! How could you not, it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. Inside one of the barns they had a huge screen set up to play a movie for anyone who would like to sit and watch along with face and pumpkin painting. This sweet little old man was in the corner popping popcorn for anyone who wanted any. I tell ya, they didn't pay him enough for all the droves of people who waited in line for it. Now when I say droves of people I really mean it. There had to have been close to 250 people there. Brave, brave family! Down the road a bit they had a haunted house set up for ones who wanted scary and for those who didn't. Ethan loved it and Chad admitted that Ethan (because Ethan never would) got a little jumpy. Wished I could have been there but Edyn would have nothing to do with it. The weather was nice when we had first arrived but by an hour and a half later the rain and wind came in like a hurricane which cut the party a little short. They ended up canceling the haunted hayride and a few other outdoor games. Unfortunate, but what we were able to do we had a lot of fun. I remember saying that it would be hard to top a Hoboken, New Jersey, Halloween but this is coming pretty darn close. Thanx Palmer Family we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Here's a few pictures of pumpkins that were carved, cookies that were iced and of course the candy plane.

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

Birthday Boy turns 34!

2009-10-26T00:05:00.009-04:00

Dang he's getting old! And of course, Chad would just say "Look who's talking." Still, it's nice to know I'm not alone! Ha, ha. When Chad came home from work on Friday he was greeted by two very excited children who were beside themselves waiting to wish him a Happy Birthday. It was pretty cute to watch how impatient they were. Edyn even spent a half hour making a card for him in which she didn't let go of until daddy got home. We then headed out for dinner which ended up being the longest dining experience ever and realized eating at home probably would have been just as nice. Oh well, maybe we'll rethink that one next year. I tried making this Nutella cake that I had found on one of the baking blogs I follow and it actually turned out really yummy. I always hate it when I try something new to serve to others and it doesn't taste so well. So thank goodness this one worked! So here's a picture of our family while Chad is embracing his age!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD!
We love and adore you to pieces!

Here's to Half Marathon Number Two!

2009-10-24T19:39:00.014-04:00

Chad and I were silly enough to get out of bed bright and early Saturday morning to go for a run! A long one at that. Really, who does that?! The whole drive to our Prison Break Half Marathon (10K for Chad) we kept saying all the things that we would rather be doing at that moment. Funny how running wasn't one of them. LOL. We were tired, it was dark, and really cold (which actually turned out to be in our favor).

Opening ceremony started at 9am and it was pretty darn cool. It started at the Idaho State Correctional Institution with a flyover of an old British WWII spitfire plane followed by a riot squad lining up just short of the start line to make sure they could control all of us escapees and to begin the race the prison's escape siren roared in the air. Then we were off! Chad and I ran together for just a short while and I then I looked at him and waved and started to take off faster. I wanted to hit that finish line and the sooner the better.

During the beginning of the race we were told to run off side the road while a convoy of army trucks drove by and I really wished Ethan was there to see it. He would have loved it. By mile 11 I was graced by the presence of uniformed soldiers handing me gatorade. I actually thought that was pretty cool. I asked a couple of them if they wanted to carry me the rest of the way and they said they would love to but noone picked me up! Their words meant nothing! Geesh. LOL.

The remaining 2.1 miles went really well except for the huge arse hill just off of the finish line. I ended up walking it when I realized that walking was about the same pace as my attempted run up the hill so why waste the energy. Pretty sad. But once I got past that I was moving pretty good and I think Chad was a little surprised when I saw him at the finish line taking pictures and he asked how I was doing and I smiled and told him "pretty good" as I ran past him. Actually, I surprised myself by that response. But boy oh boy once I stopped and started walking around the soreness hit like a ton of bricks! Nothing that won't be gone in a few days! I think Chad did awesome for his first race. He told me he felt kinda sheepish that all these older women kept passing him but I say who cares! He finished and he rocks!

I've Led a Sheltered Life!

2009-10-23T16:24:00.011-04:00

Here's the latest project that Chad and I have been working on. Since we moved to Star I've been looking for an antique iron bed for Edyn's bedroom (very hard to find an inexpensive one). All I have to say is I love my CRAIGSLIST!

Shortly after moving here a lady had posted an old iron bed and luckily by time I called her it was still available. We went to take a look and it wasn't in the greatest shape. It was full of rust, painted bright orange on the rails, gold on parts of the bed and the iron slats on the headpiece were bent out of shape. But for $40 I couldn't just walk away. Now that I think about it, I really wish I had taken a "before" picture to show you the difference. Anyhoo, while looking at the bed trying to decide whether we were going to take it or not the lady asked us if we wanted to know where the bed came from. Well sure, we were up for a good story. She went on to tell us that this old bed came from Reno, NV and came from a Brothel. I felt a little dumb as I had no idea what a brothel was. So of course I just replied "Really!". Then Chad spoke up and said with the hugest grin ever "I guess we know it's been well used." And all I could think of was "Well, yeah dummy! It's an antique!". We loaded up the bed on top of the van and when we got in I quickly asked Chad "What's a Brothel?". He just looked at me and chuckled (I think because he couldn't believe that I had no idea) and then laid it all out on the line and dropped the bombshell. I was horrified!

After a good laugh we headed home and got to work on it. I must say, it turned out better than I thought it would and it's become one of my favorite pieces in our home with quite the story to go with it. A special shout out to my sister, Shaneen, for helping with the glaze! Thank you!

Mammy's Mercantile has a BLOG!

2009-10-09T17:24:00.025-04:00

For those of you who would like
to be the first to know when . . .

new items have been added to our website
when we have HANDMADE items available
dates & times of OPEN HOUSES & CRAFT SHOWS
when Mammy's is having a SALE
or just to get some new ideas on decorating

Please make sure to visit our
--- MAMMY'S MERCANTILE BLOG ---

Here's the Skinny!

2009-10-07T15:57:00.017-04:00

How about that?! I went from reporting my exercise routine and weight loss constantly to not at all! I didn't think anything of it until I've had a handful of readers ask me how I've been doing and if I'm still losing weight. So why not make a post about it?

I'm happy to report that after my 1/2 marathon in April I did not revert back to my old ways. Yes, believe it or not, I kept on running. It really has become an addiction for me. Throughout the summer I was running 5 miles a day, 5 times a week. Now, you'd think I'd lose a ton of weight but I pretty much just maintained it. When you don't have a regular schedule, your camping, your hoteling it, your not living at home, and there is so much family stuff going on, I pretty much ate everything and anything. I'm sure if I watched what I ate, said NO to desserts, Canadian candy bars and licorice then maybe I'd be down to my goal weight (10 more lbs. to go!). All in all I was happy that I was at least maintaining and not gaining any of it back.

A couple of weeks ago I participated in the St. Luke's Women's Fitness 5K. What an amazing event! Yes, it was only 5K but to be a part of it was amazing. I took a shuttle to downtown Boise to the start line and WOW! There were thousands of women everywhere. Women in wheelchairs, women over their 70's, women with babies in strollers, women, women, women! The first wave, the wheelchair competitive timed, was very emotional as we watched them take off. After a couple of waves it was my turn. I was in the red wave which was a timed running wave. I came in 220/864. And for my age group I was 40/131. Not bad for only beginning running this year and this being my second race. Next year I hope to better my time. And now here I am training for another 1/2 marathon, the Prison Break 1/2 Marathon, which is October 24th. I'm really excited and nervous about this one as I don't have Kaycee to run beside me like I did for my first one. It's all me. Well, I did talk Chad into running the 10K for the same event while I run the half. Still not the same though but really excited for him to experience a race. So stay tuned for pictures and results.

Well, enough about my running. Here's what you've been waiting for--it's time for weight and inch loss results as of October 1st.

TOTAL WEIGHT & INCH LOSS
WEIGHT – 30 lbs.
ARMS – 2.25 inches each
HIPS – 6 inches
WAIST – 9 inches
THIGHS – 3 inches each

NYU College of Dentistry Graduation

2009-10-06T10:45:00.020-04:00

May 26th, 2009, seems soooooo long ago. Just over 4 months ago . . . so I guess it kind of was. I can't even describe the overwhelming feeling we had realizing that Chad was finally done school and thoughts of NOW WHAT?!. We have been married for just over 11 years and 9 of it Chad has been in school. So, I'm pretty sure you can imagine how excited we were!

The ceremony took place at Madison Square Garden and it was so nice to have Chad's parents their to support him on this special day for him.

After the long ceremony (which my kids sat through amazingly well, shocker!) we decided to walk down to Carmine's for some dinner. Chad and I had always wanted to try it out but every time we went the line up was over an hour and a half long. I guess that's what we get for thinking we could get in before a Broadway show. Well, today we knew it would be our only chance to try again as we would be leaving Manhattan in a few days. Thank goodness it was mid day as we got right in and oh boy--it was so yummy! So it was a nice ending to an eventful day! Really what could be better than NO more school and DELICIOUS food!

Our friends for the past four years!
At School AKA "The Mormons".

Where to Begin . . . . . . . .

2009-09-30T18:21:00.012-04:00

Seriously, have we been away from our blog for that long! I'm ashamed of myself. This is unacceptable!!! LOL. Well, I do have a good excuse, I think? It all started on June 1st as we packed up our family and got into our lovely minivan and started heading away from (one second, let me wipe a tear) Manhattan! A very sad day for us as we left everything we had known and which had become common place for us for the last four years. On a positive note Chad was finally finished school and he was no longer a student!

To make a long story short, for the next month we drove from one end of the country to the other and absolutely loved it! We visited a few church sites, got caught in the worst rain storm in Kansas where we actually had to pull off to the side of the road, a two week stay with my sister in Utah (thank you for being so kind to us, love you!), a first trip to Lake Powell, for me and the kids anyway, with the Hafen family (Ethan loved trying to catch the lizards and sleeping under the stars), stayed at "The Nugget" in Reno where Chad came in second in a poker tournament which paid for our very expensive seafood buffet--YUMM!, drove through the Redwoods in Northern California which was one of the highlights of our trip and then drove up the Oregon Coast which was soooo breathtaking! To conclude our expedition we spent the 4th of July in Seattle. When we had all the fun that we could possibly take we headed home to Canada.

Ethan and Edyn were in love! They had so much fun spending time with their cousins and having a backyard to play in that Chad and I realized we definately had to settle down closer to home. So, after interviews in Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Arizona we actually have ended up in Star, Idaho (Boise area). Which is kinda funny as Idaho wasn't even on our list of places we wanted to end up living. Chad just got a great opportunity and after checking it out as well as the area and seeing how close to home it was, we were sold. We've been here almost a month now and loving it! We live in a home all to ourselves and pay almost half the rent we paid in Jersey to share a house. We now have a backyard and our next door neighbors have a boy Ethan's age who play non-stop. When his friend is away he goes into major depression. LOL. It's also just so nice to have Chad come home at a decent time everyday and for the kids to be able to spend time with him now.

I guess what I'm trying to say is we are really happy and excited to start our new life. We still really miss Manhattan and I think we will always. How could you not?! But going from the craziness of the city to living in a small town of less than 2000 people has actually been really nice. Well, so much for keeping it short. We have soooooo many photos so I'll have to break them up into smaller posts and stretch it out so I don't overwhelm everybody, especially myself! LOL. Anyhoo, it's good to be back on our blog and hopefully I can keep it up. A shout out to all our friends in Jersey - WE MISS YOU!!!!

UTAH Readers - I have a question for you!

2009-05-07T09:36:00.006-04:00

So I'll be in Utah for a couple of weeks in June and started looking for marathons that might be going on in the area. I found a couple of 5K's that I might like to run (there was a full-marathon but nowhere near ready for anything like that!). One starts in Eagle Mountain on June 6th and the other starts and ends at the Provo Town Centre Mall on June 13th. Anyone want to join me if I decide to do one of them or both? A 5K is only 3.125 miles so you know you can totally handle this! Let me know when you get a chance, I'd love to have a running partner. Debbie, Shaneen, Mistie, Katie, Rachelle, and others . . . I'm talking to you! LOL.

Crash AND Burn . . . In a BIG Way!

2009-05-04T22:21:00.003-04:00

So much for eating healthy today! What is wrong with me?! Well, I'll tell you! "That time of the month" just started today and all I've eaten today is CRAP!!! I've been so good for months and then all of a sudden today I was craving warm homemade choc. chip cookies with icecream and I caved! Not only once, but twice! Later came a full bowl of Captain Crunch, harvest chedder sun chips, more cookies, guzzled Chad's Orangina that has been sitting in the fridge (sorry hon!) and I'm still thinking what else is in this house that I can get my hands on! To make matters worse I had no desire to exercise today and so I didn't! Yuck! Yuck, yuck, yuck! Dang, if this happens tomorrow I'm going to have to find the duct tape and tape my mouth shut! So if you happen to try and call me tomorrow and I'm not answering my phone it's cause I can't get the stinkin' tape off! LOL.

Aunt Flo = 1 vs. Self-Control = 0

"Wicked" is WICKED!

2009-04-27T13:38:00.006-04:00

I know I've seen it once already but who could pass up the chance to go again?! My mom came to visit for a couple of weeks and on her to-do list before she headed back home was to go and see "Wicked" the broadway show. Hmmmmm, I wasn't about to object. However, getting tickets was going to be quite a challenge since shows are usually sold out and tickets are soooooo expensive. But I have to tell you, craigslist is the bomb!! A day before the showing someone had something come up and they weren't able to attend the Wednesday matinee and listed their tickets on craigslist just below face value. And, to make the deal even sweeter they were dead center six rows back! I loved every minute of it and I believe my mom did too since she couldn't stop talking about it. For those of you who have seen it I'd have to say my favorite part is the "Defying Gravity" scene and I can't hold back the tears when Elphaba and Glinda sing "For Good". Seriously, if you haven't seen it make sure you add it to your bucketlist! It's a must! THANX MOM!

Quite a Retro Hotel

2009-04-27T13:09:00.004-04:00

So I forgot to post the retroness of our hotel we stayed in before my half marathon. It was a pretty cool hotel that was right across from the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ. It was an old brick hotel but it had been renovated with retro limes and browns. My mom absolutely loved it and so did the kids!

Lookie what we found outside our house!

2009-04-27T12:45:00.011-04:00

It was actually really disgusting but of course I couldn't help taking a picture. Really, who finds possums outside their house? It looked pretty tattered and almost sick but we couldn't get over how it wasn't scared of any of us and didn't even run away from the dog that was a couple of feet away from it. Hope he doesn't show up again as I'm pretty sure he was full of all kinds of disease. Just watching him eat the plastic bag you knew something wasn't right. Oh, and sorry for the quality of pictures. I zoomed in as much as I could as I wasn't about to get too close to that thing! LOL.

Are you wondering if I survived?

2009-04-19T21:12:00.021-04:00

Ladies and Gents I am proud to announce that I am alive and kicking! Well, barely with the kicking part. LOL. I still can't believe that I actually survived a Half Marathon! Do you remember when I started, when running wasn't my thing and I could barely run a mile? Well guess what?! I just ran 13.14 miles straight! Yup, just like that! Well, ok the honest truth was I did pretty good up until 13.1 miles. The finish line was right there in front of me and all of a sudden, like a ton of bricks had just hit me, I felt like I was going to pass out. It was incredibly hot that day and to run in that for over 2 hours was insane. So here Kaycee and I are almost at the finish line when I feel that pass-out tingle (which I know very well - that's another story) and I just blurted out to Kaycee as I was veering off to a bench "I've gotta sit down, I'm going to pass out!" And all I have to say to Kaycee is THANKYOU! She immediately grabbed my elbow and in a very stern voice said "Oh, no you don't! The finish line is right there!" She talked me into slowing it down a bit and staying focused and in one more minute we were across the finish line! I can't even begin to tell you how amazing finishing felt. I honestly have never seen myself as a runner and had never even thought that any type of marathon/race was even an option for me. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm feeling pretty good about my accomplishment. I think my favorite part of the whole thing was when we were a few minutes away from the finish line and out of the blue Kaycee and I hear "Mommy, mommy!" and there is Edyn and Kaycee's little boy, Carson, cheering us on! Just typing that moment brings tears to my eyes. It was definately a sweet moment. Chad wasn't able to be there which made me a little sad but my mom flew out to be here so that was really nice to have her there for support and to cheer us on. The race itself was pretty cool. We ran 6.5 miles out along the ocean on the boardwalk and then the same back. It was absolutely beautiful. I think the view really helped with ignoring the pains of the race. I really think my legs turned to stone half-way thru. They are definately feeling it today. So all in all who knows if I'll ever do a half marathon again in my lifetime. But what I do know is that I COULD DEFINATELY DO IT!

TOTAL LOSS AFTER 12 WEEKS
WEIGHT – 20 lbs.
ARMS – 2 inches each
HIPS – 4 ½ inches
WAIST – 8 inches
THIGHS – 2 1/4 inches each
BUST – 3.5 inches

A Celebrity Siting in NYC

2009-04-13T13:47:00.007-04:00

This has got to be one of my favorite things about New York that I will miss. They don't happen very often but when they do it's pretty fun when you are actually seeing someone famous, in person, with your very own eyes. So a couple of weeks ago Chad had Friday off so we drove into the city in the morning to get some things from his locker that he didn't want to haul home on the train. After that was done we weren't about to head home until we had some good eats. So we had some yummy Thai food (ThaiNY is amazing for those of you who live in the area) and to finish it off we had Pinkberry. When walking back to our car we were walking behind a blonde girl and really at the time I didn't think anything of it until a girl who was standing off to the side of the sidewalk talking on her phone kept staring at this girl until she was out of sight. I thought that was weird, why don't you take a picture it will last longer! LOL. Well, we got into our car and started to drive away when we rounded the corner past this blonde girl and all of a sudden it made sense. We were walking behind Julia Stiles!

I bet that girl on the phone sure wish that she would have taken a picture! LOL. So we tried to follow her for awhile but between traffic and lovely cabs that stop all of a sudden and you are unable to get around them, we lost her. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted and for a second we felt like the paparrazzi!

Half Marathon - WEEK TEN in Review

2009-04-08T16:16:00.010-04:00

So the coolest thing that I think Kaycee and I did for training was where we ran our long run. We decided that since we planned on camping Easter weekend and the following weekend after that was our marathon that our long run for week 10 would be the only chance we had to run in Central Park. It was a really tough run for us, which I think is a major understatement, but we loved it. The view was awesome and now we can say we ran the entire central park and then some! It really was a nice run even though I know I looked like an 80 year old when running uphill! Seriously, if you walked at a fast rate beside me, we would have been at the same pace. Geeesh, you'd think I could run anything by now! LOL.

I know this is supposed to be a RESULTS week but since it is "that time of month" I decided that measuring my bloated self this week was not going to be a good idea. So I'm sorry to disappoint but you'll have to wait another week. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I was at target the other day and trying on some cargo capri pants for the summer and guess what?! I fit into a single digit pant!!!!! I couldn't believe it. I can't even remember the last time I wasn't a double digit. So yay me!

MONDAY
Step Aerobics Workout – 55 minutes
Treadmill – 5 Miles
Arm Strength - 15 minutes
Leg Strength - 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Turbo Jam Workout - 45 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 7

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout - 50 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Leg Strength - 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

THURSDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Bootcamp Workout – 60 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Leg Strength - 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 10

FRIDAY
DAY OFF

SATURDAY
Outside Run – 9.1 Miles
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) – 6

Fashion can be bought - Style one must posess.

2009-03-29T16:29:00.004-04:00

Now, I'm in no means saying that I'm stylish. Actually, I probably could do with a lot of help in that department. The title just happens to be perfect in describing a lesson I learned last Friday. So for quite some time Chad has hated ALL my shoes. He often reminds me that when it comes time to pack up our belongings for our move at the end of May that "I hope you know that those shoes aren't coming with us!" Repeated numerous times for pretty much every shoe I own. So I started doubting myself and wondering why we had such a difference of opinion in my shoe department. Did I really have ugly shoes? Why is my husband the only one to have been brave enough to tell me? Should I dare even leave the house now?! Well, Friday came along and we headed to TJ Max to find some running pants for a better price than the sports stores sell them for and we found ourselves in women's shoes. I started trying on shoes that I liked and then Chad started picking up a couple and asking what I thought of them. WELL, you have never seen my jaw drop so far to the ground as it had just then. It wasn't me at all!!! It was Chad! They were THE UGLIEST shoes I had ever seen! Not only one or two pairs he had picked up but three! It wasn't my style that needed serious help, it WAS his! OH HAPPY DAY!!! He still claims that my footwear is ugly but you know what? It doesn't even bother me anymore. I do have to say though that when it comes to clothing he is pretty spot on of what looks good and what doesn't so he isn't totally inept when it comes to fashion. Just when it comes to SHOES! Can't you tell, I'm loving this new found revelation!

Half Marathon - WEEK NINE in Review

2009-03-29T15:19:00.007-04:00

Can you believe it’s only three weeks until this ½ Marathon! I know, it’s crazy! I’m nervous but excited at the same time. I think it’s starting to consume me as on Saturday I woke up to a nightmare (at least it seemed that way to me) that was all about the morning of the marathon. I’ll do a complete post on it so you can see how this marathon is affecting me! LOL. Well here it is once again – my workouts for the last week.

MONDAY
Step Aerobics Workout – 55 minutes
Outside Run – 5 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

TUESDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Outside Run – 5 Miles
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 9

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout - 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 10

THURSDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Bootcamp Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 10

FRIDAY
DAY OFF

SATURDAY
Outside Run – 8 Miles
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) – 7

Half Marathon - WEEK EIGHT in Review

2009-03-26T13:17:00.006-04:00

So sorry! I’m really late in posting this. Our lovely internet has been acting up a lot this week and I’m so ready to give it a good kick! But then again, I better be nice as I have no idea what I would do without it! I don’t have too much to say except for the long run this week, EIGHT STINKIN’ MILES, was harsh! That has got to be one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in a very long time. Not only did I have to do it myself but I had no music, nothing! So I found myself saying with every step, “You can do this! You can do this!” Well, that got old really fast but I am proud to announce that I DID IT! So after that run it leads me to think, am I really ready for 13.1 miles? Only time will tell I guess. But one crucial thing I did learn on my long run day. Don’t stop, no matter what!!!! When I finished my legs could barely move. Hmmmm, what have I got myself into?! Anyhoo, it’s a RESULTS Week! It looks like I’ve hit a plateau as far as losing inches around the waist and hips but holy bust! Looks like my body decided it all needed to come from there this time around! I actually don’t mind it but on the other hand, Chad not so much! LOL.

MONDAY
DAY OFF

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 4.5 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 2 Miles
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 7

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout - 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

THURSDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Cardio Challenge Workout – 50 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 9

FRIDAY
Treadmill – 4.5 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 2.5 Miles
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

SATURDAY
Outside Run – 8 Miles
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) - 6

TOTAL LOSS AFTER EIGHT WEEKS
WEIGHT – 15 lbs.
ARMS – 1 ½ inches each
HIPS – 3 ½ inches
WAIST – 6 inches
THIGHS – 1 ¾ inches each
BUST – 3 inches

Our Canadian Friends - Aneca Photography!

2009-03-23T16:28:00.008-04:00

Last weekend we had some friends from Canada, Steve and Terra Jayne Aneca, come and visit for a quick two day trip. So of course, we tried to pack everything NYC in as best we could. We had tons of fun and just to throw a plug in there for TJ she owns Aneca Photography. She does awesome work and here is what she did with our kids when we were in Central Park.

Aneca Photography Blog - Ethan & Edyn
When I first saw the photos she took I tried to hold back tears as I couldn't believe how beautiful my children are. Is that bad to be so prideful? Anyhoo, check out her website and the rest of her blog. She does some amazing work! Oh, and for anyone who knows my daughter, can you believe that she actually posed and smiled?! I still can't!

I Welcome McDonalds with Open Arms

2009-03-20T14:09:00.013-04:00

My kids love McDonalds. Really, what kid doesn't? Lately with my living healthier kick I've been scared to even drive by McDonalds knowing that my kids will start chanting "Let's eat at McDonalds! Let's eat at McDonalds!" and usually I end up caving. It's just easier if I avoid the place at all cost to keep my healthy eating on track. Once I walk in those doors and smell the french fries and then I'm bombarded with the choice of which greasy burger do I want today, well, it's just too tempting! So the reason for this post is that about a month ago I decided to try one of their salads.

I ordered their grilled chicken Southwest Salad and let me tell you I am definately opening my arms to McDonalds again! This salad is so yummy, tasty and guilt-free. I am no longer frowning when my kids are chanting for their McDonalds. Instead I find myself joining in with them! Silly post I know. Just wanted to give a plug for McDonald's since I just had their salad for lunch today and would have it again in a heartbeat for dinner.

Just Not Right!

2009-03-20T13:53:00.005-04:00

There is seriously something wrong with this picture! Yesterday I head to Sam's Club with the kids and what do we find? WATERMELON! Ethan was so excited that we just had to buy one. Well, today we wake up and head to the window and guess what?! It's snowing! Ummmmmm, Mother Nature . . . do I need to remind you that watermelon and snow DON'T go together! We'll keep the watermelon and you can take the snow! Really, I insist! Oh well, I'll drown my sorrows in watermelon and vanilla yogurt! Yummy!

Half Marathon - WEEK SEVEN in Review

2009-03-18T20:45:00.005-04:00

Since my post is a little late and I’m sure some of you are getting bored of my reports, I’ll keep it short and just list off what I accomplished this past week. It may sound weird but doing this has really helped me to stick with it. Knowing that I will be reporting it on our blog pushes me to make sure I better have something to report! LOL.

MONDAY
Treadmill – 4.5 Miles
Step Aerobics Workout – 55 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 6

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 4.25 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 1.5 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout - 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 15 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 10

THURSDAY
Treadmill Full Incline – 3 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

FRIDAY
DAY OFF

SATURDAY
Outside Run – 7 Miles
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) - 7

And Off To HONDURAS He Goes!

2009-03-11T16:54:00.006-04:00

Yup, you read it right. Chad is off to Honduras in mid April for a week. He had applied for a Dental Outreach Program in Honduras and found out last night that he was accepted. I'm really excited for him to go and I think it will be a great experience for him. One that I don't think would ever present itself again nor would Chad be in a position where he could just pack up and leave. So, yay Chad!

Half Marathon - WEEK SIX in Review

2009-03-11T15:45:00.008-04:00

Exercising has officially become a HABIT! Yayyyyyyyy! I’m feeling so much better about myself and loving my soft skin (thanks to all the gallons of water I’m drinking! LOL.) This past weekend was a little interesting as we had to skip town and head to Boston so Chad could take his Canadian Board Exams. I was a little worried about being able to finish my training for the week but thank goodness the hotel had an awesome health spa so I didn’t have an excuse not to run. Oh, and for a gross story of the week (stop reading now if you have a weak stomach)! In the middle of the week I was doing a night run on the treadmill after the kids had gone to bed and there I was totally in my running zone when this guy beside me after about every 5 minutes kept blowing his snots into the inside of his shirt! GROSSSSSSS! To stop myself from dry heaving each time I just kept telling myself “Think Happy Thoughts!”, “Think Happy Thoughts!” Seriously, it was really disgusting! On a better note, this is a RESULTS post! So enjoy the number loss. I know I am! LOL.

MONDAY
DAY OFF

TUESDAY
Turbo Jam Workout – 20 minutes
Taebo Bootcamp Workout – 30 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 6

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 4 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 5

THURSDAY
Treadmill – 4 Miles
Cardio Challenge Workout – 50 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 9

FRIDAY
Treadmill – 2 Miles
Sports Challenge Workout – 20 minutes
Kickbox Bootcamp Workout – 20 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

SATURDAY
Treadmill – 6 Miles
Treadmill Full Incline – 1 Mile
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

TOTAL LOSS AFTER SIX WEEKS
WEIGHT – 14 lbs.
ARMS – 1 1/2 inches each
HIPS – 3 inches
WAIST – 6 inches
THIGHS – 1 3/4 inches each
BUST – 1 ½ inches

Half Marathon - WEEK FIVE in Review

2009-03-01T13:46:00.005-05:00

Not much to say for week 5 except that I accomplished quite a bit as far as exercising goes. Maybe a little too much. Is that possible? I’ve been really enjoying the cardio/step classes I’ve been taking at the gym. I have this one instructor for the cardio challenge and fusion class that if you aren’t getting those knees high enough she comes around and makes you get them higher. If you’re not going fast enough she’s yelling. She’s a trip and I really enjoy her because she really helps me to push myself where at home I don’t think I’d get the same results with my dvd’s (nobody’s watching so why would I? LOL.). I’ve always enjoyed aerobics classes but I don’t think I’ve been to one since I was in college. Pretty sad, I know. But no need to dwell on the past, right?! While at Ricks College I had signed up for a Dance Aerobics class for some easy credits and I absolutely ended up loving the class. So really, it isn’t any surprise to me that I’m loving the extra classes at the gym along side weekly runs. Well, here goes. This is what I have been up to this past week. And yes, you are more than welcome to comment on how insane I am! Ha, ha.

MONDAY
Treadmill A.M. – 2.25 Miles
Step Aerobics – 55 minutes
Treadmill P.M. – 4 Miles
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 9

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 2 Miles
Cardio Challenge Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 4 Miles
Cardio Fusion Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 7

THURSDAY
DAY OFF

FRIDAY
Treadmill – 6 Miles
Cardio Step Workout – 55 minutes
Arm Strength – 10 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 10

SATURDAY
Treadmill – 2 Miles
Reactive Cycling Class – 60 minutes
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8oz. glasses) - 9

Today is a GOOD Day!

2009-02-24T16:04:00.009-05:00

Picked up the mail today and Chad's National Board Exam results arrived! Hmmmmm, should I wait or should I open them? Really, did I even have to ask?! LOL.

I ripped that baby open and Chad PASSED! Seriously, I am so proud of my husband. He's been looking so ragged and stressed lately with everything that he needs to do before graduating (clinic requirements, National Boards, WREB Boards, Canadian Boards, and so on). I'm actually surprised he's even standing sometimes. I'm pretty sure I don't tell him often enough how much I appreciate all his hard work for our family. Honestly, nine years of school would be enough to make any person go crazy. So Chad, we love you and think you are awesome! You are definately A+ in our books. I know, total cheese right there!

Mama Manifesto: Talk Back: The perfect date in the perfect dress

2009-02-23T12:25:00.004-05:00

This was a contest I wasn't going to miss. There's a dress I've been keeping my eye on at Shabby Apple as a reward if I'm able to lose 30 lbs. before Chad graduates. It's the A Sunday Afternoon dress. My dream place to wear it would actually be Chad's graduation! Just because we'll have finally made it! So go and check it out and see if you can win yourself a dress! Contest ends this evening!

Mama Manifesto: Talk Back: The perfect date in the perfect dress

Grosgrain: Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-23T12:01:00.003-05:00

Seriously soooooo cute! If you have a little girl you definately want to head over to this giveaway and enter!

Grosgrain: Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Marathon - WEEK FOUR in Review

2009-02-22T21:41:00.006-05:00

WHAT?!!!! I actually finished a month of training! Oh, but wait a minute, that means the marathon is a month closer! CRAP! LOL. Even though I’ve noticed my endurance for running lasting longer as each week goes by it still doesn’t change the fact that I’m scared spitless of running a marathon and being able to finish. I mean, what if I’m not capable of finishing? How embarrassing! Ok, I know, I must think positive. I’ll try. Well, all in all, I’m very happy with the results of my weight and inch loss for only a month. It has been a lot of work and I’m sure liking the reward! Thanx again everyone for being in my corner and for being on my cheering squad!

MONDAY
Treadmill – 3.5 Miles
Step Aerobics – 60 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 3.5 Miles
Cardio Challenge Workout – 50 minutes
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3.5 Miles
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 8

THURSDAY
Treadmill – 5 Miles
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 6

FRIDAY
DAY OFF

SATURDAY
SICK DAY

TOTAL LOSS AFTER FOUR WEEKS
WEIGHT – 10 lbs.
ARMS – 1 inch each
HIPS – 2 ½ inches
WAIST – 4 inches
THIGHS – 1 ½ inches
BUST – 1 ½ inches

Marathon - WEEK THREE in Review

2009-02-15T18:04:00.013-05:00

All this week I had been dreading my long-run day. For someone who started out hating running and really having never done it before, I really thought 5 miles was impossible. To my surprise I not only completed the required 5 miles for my long-run training this week but I completely ran the whole thing! No stopping to walk and catch my breath! I know! I can’t believe it either. What else I can’t believe is this Reactive Cycling class that Kaycee and I took on Saturday. It was INSANE! We had heard it was a tough class but I guess our pride got in the way and we totally thought we had it in the bag. Whatever! I have never sweated so hard in my entire life. My tee-shirt was entirely drenched by time we were done. Throughout the class we kept looking at each other as if we were going to fall off our bikes and die! But again, we endured and conqured! Who cares that my legs were jello afterwards and it really took some concentration to walk down the stairs to my car because I sweat half my weight away! Well, not really but it sure felt like it. So buh bye WEEK 3 and bring on WEEK 4!

MONDAY
Treadmill – 3.75 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 7

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 3.75 Miles
Taebo Bootcamp Cardio Workout – 30 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 2.25 Miles
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 6

THURSDAY
Treadmill – 5 Miles
Taebo Bootcamp Cardio Workout – 30 minutes
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 20 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 10

FRIDAY
DAY OFF

SATURDAY
Treadmill – 2.25 Miles
Reactive Cycling Class – 60 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 10

***Stay Tuned***
I’ll post weight and inch loss results
again at the end of week 4.

Oh, I love keeping you all in suspense! LOL.

Guess who I saw the other day!

2009-02-12T10:32:00.008-05:00

So yesterday I took Ethan in to the dentist at NYU for a couple of cavities to be filled and on our way back home while walking to the train we passed through Madison Square Park (my second favorite park in Manhattan) and Ethan wanted to sit down for a rest. It was such a beautiful day so I completely agreed it would be nice to take the warm weather in. Well, guess who we sat by?! If you don't watch Project Runway you won't know who this is but when I saw him I knew it was him. There was no mistaking Chris March's face, voice or laughter. I couldn't believe I was right next to him and he wasn't inside a TV! LOL. All he was doing was sitting with a friend and eating his lunch. How normal! I love celebrity sitings and when I go into NYC I find myself constantly looking at everyone to see if I can find my next celeb. Silly, I know, but it sure is fun when you spot one!

I'm Feeling Generous!

2009-02-12T07:47:00.008-05:00

This was on a friends blog. I made one of the 5. So I figured that I had better add it. It is always nice getting things. And it will be fun to make something for someone else.

The first 5 people to respond to this post will receive something made by me to you....my choice...made especially for you.

Of course there are some restrictions and limitations:

1 I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2 What I create will be just for you.
3 It will be done sometime this year.
4 You have no clue what it will be... it may be a story; it may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something; I may bake something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure.
5 I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

No catch, well except that in your comment you need to mention someone you love and why it is that you love them (this must be done in order to claim your prize). You know, Valentine's Day is just around the corner so let's feel the love people!! The first 5 people to do this and leave a comment will win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!!

***Kaycee and Amy, I hope it was okay to copy you word for word.

Marathon - WEEK TWO in Review

2009-02-08T18:20:00.009-05:00

WOW! I’ve made it through two weeks! So hopefully after a couple more it will officially become a habit. I have noticed the last couple of days that I find myself craving running. Yup, you heard me right, I can hardly believe I said it myself. I definitely have seen a huge difference in energy as well as feeling good about myself and have found that when I workout in the morning I eat so much better during the day since I don’t want to waste the hard-earned exercise for that day. When I plan on working out at night I find myself saying “Oh, I’ll just work it off tonight”. That is so bad. So that is an awful habit I have to break. Anyhoo, enough of my jabbering on. So in summary, well, I’ll just pat myself on the back because I’m really surprising myself at how much I’m doing.

MONDAY
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 45 minutes.
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) - 6

THURSDAY
Treadmill – 2.4 Miles
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Volleyball – 2 hours
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 6

FRIDAY
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 45 minutes.
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 6

SATURDAY
Treadmill – 4 Miles
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 20 minutes.
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 9

Thanx again everyone for checking in on me and for all your support! Oh, and this is probably what you’ve been waiting for . . . RESULTS! So here is weight and inch loss after only TWO weeks. Drum roll please . . .

WEIGHT - 5 lbs.
ARMS - 1/2 inch each
HIPS - 1 1/2 inches
WAIST - 2 1/2 inches
THIGHS - 1/2 inch each
BUST - 1/2 inch

Marathon - WEEK ONE in Review

2009-02-02T10:44:00.005-05:00

All in all I think I did pretty well for a first week. So for those of you who are interested I’ll probably post a week in review every Sunday/Monday. So if you notice that I haven’t posted my marathon training efforts I better be getting emails scolding me! If they are missing it is probably because I’m not doing them. So in conclusion I’d say I’m off to a pretty good start besides being very sore. A good sore. In a couple of weeks I’ll start posting weight and inch loss as it gets discouraging if I check it often. Thanks again everyone for your encouraging words and support! It means more to me than you’ll ever know.

MONDAY
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 20 minutes.
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 6

TUESDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 45 minutes.
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 10

WEDNESDAY
Treadmill – 2 Miles
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 45 minutes.
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 10

THURSDAY
Treadmill – 3 Miles
Arm Strength – 5 minutes
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 11

FRIDAY
Turbo Jam Cardio Workout – 45 minutes.
Water Consumed (8 oz. glasses) – 8

Another Rant for Jersey Drivers!

2009-01-29T09:03:00.005-05:00

Uggggghhhhhh! Driver's here in Jersey City are so frustrating! Yes, I know, I rant about this often but it is well deserved! So today I drop my kids off at school and am driving home and pedestrians are wanting to cross (well, they are practically already half-way out into the road. If you live in Jersey you know what I mean.) So I stop my car and let them cross. And guess what?! The guy behind me is driving so close that he has to slam on his brakes. He then starts honking, shaking his fist and I'm sure saying some really nice words. I really don't get it? Am I missing something here? Am I supposed to hit the pedestrians because I don't remember reading that when I studied for my driver's test!

Half Marathon, Here I Come!

2009-01-27T10:09:00.014-05:00

Surprised by the title? You should be if you remember this post I did last November, saying "I should never touch a marathon as long as I live." What happened?! I honestly don't know. One minute I'm completely AGAINST running it and then give me a week and I'm telling you that I'm thinking about it. After hearing this, Kaycee immediately saw an opening and **BOOM** she was messing with my head and convincing me that I could do this! That I really could finish a half marathon. I am such a weak person - I caved and now here I am training for a marathon. So why am I telling you all about this? Well, I figure that the more people I tell and that account me for it the more reason I have not to back out. It would be pretty embarrassing. Oh, and losing the pounds is certainly a great bonus (you can see my progress at the bottom of our blog as I go along). I think that above all, what I'm most excited about is the possiblity of crossing the finish line and saying "I DID IT! I REALLY DID IT!".

Apparently, My Decorating Sucks

2009-01-22T16:52:00.006-05:00

I know I'm not the best decorator in the world but I didn't think I was that bad. So I get this email today that, well, let's just say made me think that maybe I really don't know what I'm doing. Anyhoo, really I don't care but I thought it was kind of funny that this lady took the time (and it looks like it might have been an all day project for her) to show me how it is done even though she might have not been as tactful as I would have liked. Hope you enjoy! LOL.

Hi, your house is nice but needs some color on the walls. Just to white. The three bowls in the hutch should be in the middle. Looks to empty and you have everything on one shelf inside and out. Also I think a few rugs would warm it up a little. Get a black and tan piece of material and make a square tablecloth along with the bowl and maybe put a candle on the table with it put an old book on the desk with some old glasses. Hang the board that you have on that black cupboard on the wall. Put the firkin buckets on the floor. They are to cool. Put a candle in the white ladle thing you have in there also and put that on the table. Take that ladder out of there and make your own or buy one that you put throws on. Or you could put different color material pieces folded and put on the ladder. Put that throw on your couch and get a few pillows. Put the lantern on one side of the white shelf where that little candle is, move the candle over and put one of the jars on the shelf, put closer to the back of it. Get a grungy doll to put on the chair and hang a wreath or star from the top. Get some mini blinds and valance. Get rid of those ugly curtains or open them up and put a wreath in the window. That entertainment center is god awful. Paint the whole thing cottage red and sand the edges and get some material, rip the pieces to fit about 3 inches small then the shelves. Ripping it will give it a little fringe look. Put the shutter where that awful ladder is and put the grapevine wreath on it and the star where the wreath is move the shelf down so it is eye level and put the sign about 4 inches higher than the wooden spindles. You could put that basket on that chair for now and put the jar that is on that shelf by the doll next to the red garden cart thing, put the jar on one side and the red carrier on the other side. Well, these are just a few things that I think would add a little to your house. Hope you don't mind the input. I love to decorate. Have a good one.
Sandy

Oh, if you are wondering how this lady knew what my apartment even looked like, I have pictures of our place on my website to give customers ideas on what to do with some of the items I sell. Looks like I have some rearranging to do! LOL.

Distinguished OR Just Plain Ugly?!

2009-01-20T21:52:00.016-05:00

Seriously Chad, it's not working for you! LOL. So my wonderful hubby, after Christmas morning was said and done, he meandered off to the bathroom and decided it was time for a shave. Well, as you can see by the photos he thought it best that a "stache" should remain. Really?! Honestly, really?! Immediately Chad could feel the non-approval of his wife but no matter, he thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. No matter how much I protested, and believe me it was often, he kept it for a few days. Well honey, since you thought it was the coolest thing ever i'm plastering it on our blog for all to see!

*** ATTENTION TO All ***
Dr. William Chad Wolff, DDS
Will soon be open for business. Ha, ha!
(Oh, and get this. He actually wants to use one of the many moustache photos we took for his graduation picture.
Ummmm, this is really getting out of hand!)

Ooops, forgot to post Ethan's School Concert

2009-01-15T12:21:00.005-05:00

Ethan had been practicing for months with his school choir for their Christmas program. For the months of November and December you could count on Ethan coming home from school and singing all kinds of Christmas and Hanukkah songs until he was blue in the face. I'd even find myself waking up in the middle of the night with the silly songs on my mind. Well, his Christmas program came and he was so cute with his little santa hat and no front teeth. He sang really well and we were so proud of him. Edyn on the other hand was sitting a few rows beside and in front of us and the whole time had no idea that we were even there. It was fun to see her interact with her little preschool friends and not even know that mommy and daddy were watching.

Christmas in Massachussetts

2009-01-15T11:21:00.014-05:00

Because plane tickets were so insanely expensive to head home to Canada for Christmas we decided to spend Christmas with our friends the Leishman's and Hafen's at a Time Share in Massachussetts for a week. It was a lot of fun with night after night of staying up waaaayyyyy too late, snow for sledding and fort building, swimming, yummy food and treats all around.

Here's the snowfort that was built the first day we were there. Ethan was so excited to finally have snow to play in that he stayed out until he really couldn't move anymore.

Here's Edyn loving the snow and she lasted much longer than I thought she would. When she came in she had the pinkest legs ever. No wonder why she lasted so long. She couldn't feel her legs anymore!

Everyone had a blast sledding. Chad had gone to a few stores in the area and every one of them were completely sold out of sleds. So the next best thing . . . a shovel and Ethan's body boards for swimming. They actually worked out really well for them. Almost a little too well! LOL.

Rudolph visits the Wolffs

2009-01-14T19:02:00.009-05:00

I was flipping through a magazine at the doctor's office while Edyn was waiting for her shots (yup, this poor girl just isn't getting any breaks lately) and found this cute recipe for Rudolph cookies. We decided to make a bunch and the kids could take them to their friends at school before Christmas break. I think they turned out pretty cute and by the sounds of it all the school kids polished them off. Cookie making couldn't be any easier!

I'm not sure if Edyn enjoyed helping make the cookies or eating the treats more. Hmmmm, pictures say a thousand words! LOL.
Oh, and we were ever so blessed to have the presence of a Star Wars Storm Trooper in case things got out of hand.

Brooklyn's Christmas Lights

2009-01-14T17:42:00.016-05:00

WOW! I am so behind on posting it's ridiculous! I know it's no longer the season but this really does deserve mention. Around the middle of December, Chad had called us from school and told us that his last patient cancelled and that he'd be done at 6pm. So he had the idea of heading into Brooklyn (Dyker Heights) and checking out the famous "Miracle Mile" Christmas lights for FHE.

"Every year the residents of the largely Italian-American Dyker Heights, in the southwest corner of Brooklyn, convert their front porches and yards into extravagant Christmas light displays. The "miracle mile" of outer borough Christmas lights can be found on 84th Street between 10th and 12th Avenues. Each year, as many as 100,000 visitors trek along to the Heights to see everything from large-scale Disney balloons to neon-lit manger scenes to mall Santas to a monumental Santa and toy soldiers."
The kids and I jumped into the car and headed into the city to pick up Chad. Thank you GPS!! (You made my drive into NYC a little less stressful.) We picked Chad up at Washington Square Park, right in front of Will Smith's home in the movie "I am Legend" then drove over to Brooklyn. Now I do have to admit, that I never in a million years expected to see what we saw! Let's just say that Brooklyn has taken Christmas Decorating to a whole other level. It was insane. When we arrived we found this bus trying to drive it's sight-seeing passengers around the neighborhood and had found itself completely high centered. The second to last set of tires were totally off of the ground and had scraped up the road pretty bad. That bus was going nowhere. Other than that, there were just lights and lights and more lights. When we were all finished we headed into Manhattan to the famous LOMBARDI'S for dinner and then capped the night off with yummy PINKBERRY. I'd say Family Home Evening was a success!

Go and Check Out TheBlogFrog!

2008-12-14T10:52:00.003-05:00

Why? Well, one of the many reasons is they are giving away $200 to Target!

Go and check TheBlogFrog out right away as a winner will be announced December 17th!

Wrap Frock & Dinner Party Frock Giveaway

2008-12-10T19:47:00.004-05:00

Enter for a chance to win! Soooooo cute!

WRAP FROCK GIVEAWAY
DINNER PARTY FROCK GIVEAWAY

I'm Still Giggling!

2008-12-03T18:36:00.004-05:00

So today my children had a lovely day at the dentist. I have a feeling that they would completely argue that! Edyn went first and didn't have a happy time at all! Last week she did ok when they filled two cavities but for some reason today was much different. She jumped every time the drill was turned on and tears immediately started flowing. I think last week's visit was still very fresh in her mind. I don't blame her, I can't even stand going to the dentist myself so I felt so sorry for her. Too bad we have to go again next week for her. So who's going to tell her?! LOL.

After she was done it was Ethan's turn. Chad was able to assist the pediatric specialist for Ethan's procedure and DANG they were in there a long time. Edyn and I waited patiently in the waiting room and I kept wanting to walk back into the clinic and make sure everything was ok and that he was still alive. After what seemed like forever Ethan popped out and walked over to me with his swollen and rosy cheeks and gave me the cutest, toothless, 1/2 smile ever and this is what he said. "Mom, they totally beat me up in there!". I still replay it in my mind and can't stop giggling.

Rhode Island

2008-11-03T12:52:00.012-05:00

The weekend after our trip to Vermont we were invited to join our friends the Leishman's on a road trip to Rhode Island where Taylor was participating in a marathon in Newport. Rhode Island was on our bucketlist of things to do before we leave the East coast so of course we were up for it. I had been pretty sick and almost cancelled the trip but decided that if worse came to worse I could just sleep in the back of the van while traveling and hang out at the hotel if I wasn't feeling up to doing anything. I just knew if we didn't take this chance to go now we probably wouldn't have the time or opportunity to go again. So after dragging myself to packing our belongings, loading the kids in the car, picking up Chad and after an awful 6 hour trip, which was supposed to be 4, our hotel bed was a pleasant sight and the best thing that had happened to me all day. We woke in the morning and got ready to see if we could find Taylor in his race and cheer him on. I learned a bit about marathons and how they work and how you qualify and I think the biggest thing I learned after seeing Taylor finish was I should never touch a marathon as long as I live! Really, what is fun about running for 4 hours or more and barely walking when you are done?! Ha ha, I think I'm just saying that to make myself feel better cause I'm pretty sure I could never do it. Kuddos to Taylor for training for so long and finishing it. Hmmm, maybe Kaycee might be able to talk me into it some day, but don't hold your breath! Tee Hee!

After the marathon we checked out Newport a little and then got something to eat. We then headed back to the hotel to have some naps and regroup which was very much needed for everyone. Afterwards we decided to walk on a pathway called "Cliff Walk" along the coast and check out some of the famed gilded age mansions. Holy Moly! They were absolutely huge and never in my life have I seen anything like them. It started to get dark so we decided to pack it in and make sure that we took a tour of one of the mansions the next day. We picked "The Breakers" mansion. It is the grandest of the Newport mansions. This summer retreat for the Vanderbilt family was a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style house, completed in 1895. Sits on a 13-acre estate overlooking a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean, where the waves crashing on the rocks below gave the house its name. The only pictures we have are of the outside as picture taking inside was strongly prohibited. All I know is that I absolutley loved it! I couldn't get over that this was just their summer home. Oh, and the children's playhouse was so ridiculous because it really could have been someone's home. We were so intrigued that as soon as we got home Chad wanted to find out more about the Vanderbilt family and the history of Newport. Rhode Island was amazing. I loved how it was surrounded by the ocean and it was so breathtaking and charming. I informed Chad that if he was to tell me that he was going to move our family to Rhode Island so he could set up practice there, I'd drop everything and leave immediately. I loved it that much! Too bad he's taking the wrong boards. The boards he is taking doesn't include the east coast to practice dentistry. Yeah, not really sure why we did that. After our mansion tour we decided to take one last drive along the coast in Newport and then head home. It was a really fun trip and I'm sure I would have enjoyed it even more if I had been feeling better.

Fall Foliage in Vermont

2008-11-03T12:25:00.005-05:00

We've been up to so much that I'm really behind on posting where we have been travelling as of late. During the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving we heard that it was the perfect time to check out the Fall Foliage in Vermont. So we decided to make the trip and we are sure glad we did! It was absolutely beautiful.

One week prior I had tried to book a hotel and to my surprise every hotel was completely full for that weekend. I guess it is a popular time for all tourists. So we decided to drive half way on Friday and stay in Connecticut and got ourselves a 3-star hotel for $50 a night (thank you hotwire!). The next morning we headed out bright and early for the two hour drive to Sharon Vermont, the birth place of Joseph Smith. The drive was breathtaking as we watched tree after tree in bright hues of red, brown, green, orange and yellow. We arrived at the visitor's center of Joseph Smith's birthplace and had a wonderful tour by a senior couple. The Elder was so full of knowledge and history and Chad just gobbled it all up. We then went out to view the granite monument which stands 38 1/2 feet tall (representing each year of Joseph's life) and weighs 40 tons. It was dedicated on the 100th anniversary of Joseph's birth. The shaft was sculpted from a single granite block quarried in Barre, Vermont, and is one of the largest polished shafts in the world. It was an interesting granite monument in that when the sun hit it just right it had quite the reflection.

When we were all done we decided to take the return two hour trip to our hotel through the backroads and see what we would find. We ended up finding this adorable little town called Woodstock and it was packed with tourists. We hit it late afternoon and wished we had known about it before so we could have been their earlier to check things out. I've completely fallen in love with this part of the East coast. I love all the millions of trees, the history, and especially the colonial style homes that New England provides. It really is a beautiful place and well worth a visit. Here's some pictures of our Vermont adventure.

The Start of Many Lasts

2008-11-01T22:31:00.005-04:00

It's so weird to think that Chad will be done in less than 7 months. We really never thought it would ever get here and now that it is, we are soooooo not ready! It started out on Friday with Halloween being our LAST Halloween in Hoboken. And today was our last trip to the New Jersey Six Flags since this was the closing weekend of the season.

It really is sad realizing that we are now experiencing our LAST of things. I hope that makes sense. Anyhoo, here's some pictures of mostly the kids enjoying their day. Six Flags was still decorated for Fright Fest so it was pretty awesome and we got there right when it opened so the guys had their go on roller coaster after roller coaster before the crowds came. One coaster, El Toro--said to be the best wooden coaster in the world, they went on four times in a row. As we were leaving and walking to our car in the parking lot Chad and I both looked behind us at the amusement park as Chad said "say goodbye to six flags for the last time". And it hit me, I'm not sure if I like this LAST kind of stuff!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T12:18:00.021-04:00

Finally . . . Halloween arrived! This is by far one of my most favorite days of the year. Halloween Eve was quite a chore trying to get two little kids to bed who were way too excited for Halloween in the morning. Edyn was so cute when I pulled out a couple of costumes for her to decide on for school and watched as she couldn't control her giddy emotions. It was truly a "kid in a candy store" moment and I really wish I had it on video. Ethan couldn't make up his mind so he picked one for school and wore the other one to bed. He really did! So Friday morning was probably the best morning ever for getting ready and getting to school on time. Total cooperation! So what did they end up being . . .

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Edyn was, I think, the cutest witch ever and Ethan was a zombie. After they finshed school we headed down to our favorite spot for halloween, Hoboken, for the Ragamuffin parade. The kids scored tons of candy just walking past the little shoppes and then we wasted some time going out to eat while we waited for people to get back home for the REAL trick-or-treating to begin. Now this is my favorite part! I love how this town decorates their brown-stone walkups and love how the majority of them wait on their stoops to hand out their candy and even some of the families take their little halloween parties out to the sidewalks. Decorations were faaaabulous this year and there were some really adorable carved pumpkins. Hoboken did not disappoint this year! Oh, and being 60 degrees today was awesome (since it's been so wretched cold lately)! So here are some pictures of our Halloween Adventure this year. It will be really sad not to be here for it next year. So glad we made the most of our last one in Hoboken! Thank you Hoboken for 4 years of awesome Halloweens!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy ChAd!

2008-10-23T10:05:00.009-04:00

And the hubster turns 33 today! Hope you have a wonderful birthday today! Your little boy woke up this morning and asked where you were and after I told him that you had already left for school he pouted and said "I really wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday today!" I thought it was so cute that he had remembered and that it was the first thing he thought of as soon as he had got up this morning. We love you more than anything and are so thankful for all the things you do for us!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

My Hubby the Nerd!

2008-10-21T17:33:00.005-04:00

Couldn't resist! A couple of weeks ago Chad was doing some of his dental lab work for school and I just had to take a picture. I tried to do it secretly but as soon as he heard the click he looked up and asked "Your going to put that on your blog, aren't you?". Ummmmm, OF COURSE!

Oh, and thank you to everyone for your well wishes for getting better. I'm feeling better but still not my normal self. I guess I had a viral infection that turned into Reactive Airway Disease. So my lungs and body sure took a hit! So still trying not to do too much so a full recovery will come faster.

My brother is doing much better. He was transferred from ICU to the trauma unit in Calgary and then just a couple of days ago he was good enough to be transferred by ambulance from Calgary to Lethbridge so he could be closer to home. Thanks again everyone for your comments, phone calls, and acts of kindness! We really appreciated them!

Mommy's Aren't Supposed to get Sick!

2008-10-13T17:32:00.009-04:00

I can't remember the last time I actually felt so crappy that I ended up in bed all day. Yup, did't get out of bed until about 3pm (well, except of course for a little bit around breakfast and lunchtime to feed the kids but as soon as I was done I headed right back to what felt like my deathzone). The best way to describe it is it really felt like someone had taken a sledge hammer and gave me a good whack upside the head. Oh, and then the dreadful dry cough I couldn't keep under control and the constant cold sweats - I hate those! My poor kids! Ethan was actually really cute and understanding as he would come in and check on me quite often and ask if I was ok and then say he was sorry that I felt so sick followed by a hug. All in all they were pretty well behaved and I think it was all due to me having no objection to them destroying the house today. That kept them pretty busy! LOL.

But I do have to say that I really have nothing to complain about. I found out early this morning that my brother, Ethan, took a fall last night and is currently in ICU. He was working on his house that he's building and I guess he fell a storey into the basement. He broke the T12 in his back, has internal bleeding in his brain and three fractures at the bottom of his skull (not the first time he's broken his back, and if you know my brother he's been through quite a lot in his life and he's really lucky to still be walking let alone still be with us). My SIL told me that he knows who people are but is still a little phased and doesn't make sense a lot of the time. They are waiting for another CT scan this evening to determine if the internal bleeding is still there or if it has subsided. I guess why I'm writing this is for all of those who know our family, especially Big Ethan, and those of you who don't, please keep him in your prayers. I'm just beside myself since I'm so far away from home and all I can do is wait patiently by the phone for updates. I just wish I could be there to show my support or just be there to help out in anyway that I can! Candace and especially Ethan we LOVE you and are definately praying for you! And darn it, quit doing this to us! **Said lovingly**

A Chance to Win a FREE Handbag!

2008-10-13T17:05:00.005-04:00

As part of the launch of Handbag Planet's website they are giving away 24 handbags in 24 hours on October 15th! Head on over there and enter to win! Time is running out!

Handbag Planet Contest

Not Sure if it is Deserved, but Whatever! LOL.

2008-10-01T21:02:00.009-04:00

Thanks Erica for this very prestigous award, I'm so flattered! Tee Hee. So here goes nothing:

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others.

Here are the questions:
1. Where is your cell phone? KITCHEN
2. Where is your significant other? NYU
3. Your hair color? BROWN
4. Your mother? LOVING
5. Your father? KIND
6. Your favorite thing? PINKBERRY
7. Your dream last night? FORGOT
8. Your dream/goal? SLIMMER
9. The room you're in? OFFICE
10. Your hobby? SEWING
11. Your fear? ELEPHANTMAN
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? DEBTLESS
13. Where were you last night? BED
14. What you're not? SWIFT
15. One of your wish-list items? HUMMER
16. Where you grew up? CANADA
17. The last thing you did? GOODNIGHTKISS
18. What are you wearing? SWEATS
19. Your TV? UGLY
20. Your pet? NEVER
21. Your computer? STUPID
22. Your mood? TIRED
23. Missing someone? FAMILY
24. Your car? ANNOYING
25. Something you're not wearing? SOCKS
26. Favorite store? FABRIC
27. Your summer? BUSY
28. Love someone? FAMILY
29. Your favorite color? RED
30. When is the last time you laughed? AFTERNOON
31. Last time you cried? CHURCH

I pass the award on to:
Rachelle
Maile
Mistie
Emily
Amy H.
Kaycee
Breanna

Lion King was Incredible!

2008-09-18T10:03:00.011-04:00

All I have to say is AMAZING! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect Lion King to be as awesome as it was! The minute the curtain came up and the animals started to flood the stage my heart was pounding. I can't explain how but the show just immediately grabs you and pretty much doesn't let you go until the end. Well, even then you are still somewhat caught up in it as you mull over the magnificent things your eyes have beheld. For starters the costumes were insane! When the giraffes came out onto the stage for the first scene I swear my jaw dropped all the way to the floor and then it only got better from there. Besides the costumes the songs and voices were soooooo powerful! Seriously, I wanted to get up and start dancing and singing! LOL. Nathaniel Stampley was Mufasa and boy oh boy did he have an incredible voice! It was so powerful, which I guess is required for Mufasa, the role of a great King. He didn't disappoint! Derek Smith played the role of Scar and he was so amazingly nasty and was just so perfect for the part. He made you cringe every time he spoke as he plotted his way to ruling Pride Rock. But out of all the characters in the play my favorite was the role of Rafiki played by Tshidi Manye. If I would have been allowed I would have taken Rafiki home with me. Ethan loved her! He was so cute the way he giggled as a result of her presence on stage. We had a fabulous time and I think dates with just Ethan and I should be more often. Especially if it's broadway shows! Here's a few pics I took of Ethan before we headed into the show.

This picture was hilarious. I was waiting to take a picture of Ethan when all of a sudden this lady runs up to him right when I click to take the picture and his face was priceless. She scared him silly but he had a good laugh as she ran away.

Before Lion King started we were pretty early so we walked down the street and passed the theatre for "All My Sons". It was it's opening night and I guess Katie Holmes is in it. So I guess all the "Say NO to Scientology" freaks came out for the night to protest. I got a kick out of the sign "Free Katie, Keep Tom!". Honestly though, can't they think of a better way to spend their evening? Well, apparently not! But besides this and 4 half naked guys tryin to sell their calender (sorry I didn't get a pic for you! LOL.), New York City was pretty normal for the night. Awwww, we're going to miss this place when we move! Oh, and thank you NYU for your student discount tickets! We've sure appreciated you the last couple of weeks!

Never Will We Forget

2008-09-17T09:31:00.009-04:00

I'm pretty sure that no matter how much time goes by, whenever someone mentions the date September 11th, I'll always get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Even though we weren't there to live through it, my heart aches for that awful day! I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the terrorist attacks were announced throughout the world and I remember the first time approaching the world trade center when we first moved here as tears quickly surfaced as I imagined the chaos and destruction and lost lives of that day. I will never comprehend the hatred of those who felt this horrific act was necessary.

This September 11th Chad and I were able to go into the city for a date. When we came home to pick up the kids from our friends we were so glad that we had made the decision to ride the ferry instead of taking the train. On the Southern tip of Manhattan were two beams of light shooting all the way up into the sky acting as a reminder to us all of where the two towers once stood and of those who had lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. It was an amazing sight and we couldn't take our eyes off of it. When we got the kids, and even though it was close to midnight, we decided to race home and grab our camera and head down to the waterfront and take some pictures as we knew that this was our last time to take advantage of this moment. It was an incredible sight to see and one that left us with lots to reflect on. Here's some of the pictures that Chad was able to take from the waterfront in Jersey City.

I think we've been in NYC way too long!

2008-09-04T20:08:00.006-04:00

LOL. Not really but when you see these pictures of Edyn you'll agree with me that she sure knows how to get around in NYC and just how to look the part. I was removing pictures off of our camera and came across these two. I had totally forgotten that Chad had taken them. So here's our fashionable Edyn riding the train into Manhattan. Sunglasses and purse in hand are essential! Oh, and it cracks me up just how serious she is in this first one. I guess she's got places to go and things to see!

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY OVER!

2008-09-04T19:33:00.010-04:00

The day has arrived! Ethan and Edyn both started school today. With it being Edyn's first time to go to school full-time I found myself ancy most the day worrying about her and wondering if she was doing ok. I never thought I'd be one that cried when I dropped off a child for their first day but surprisingly it took everything in me to hold back a few tears as I left Edyn's classroom this morning. But really, I guess I had nothing to worry about. Her teacher mentioned that she did really well and cried just a tiny bit when they were asked to lay on their cots for a nap. She hasn't had a scheduled nap in forever so I really don't blame her, especially when there is toys in arms reach. LOL. When I picked both of them up they were completely drenched in sweat. No wonder! It was 90 degrees today, mixed with a ton of humidity, and there school has no air conditioning. Hmmmmm, summer doesn't really look like it's over! Oh well, they did look really cute in their uniforms, little beads of sweat on their noses and frazzled humid hair!

Tee Hee! One last thing . . . do you think I could fit Edyn in her Hello Kitty backpack? That thing is way too big!

Bah Bye Blankey!

2008-08-26T19:51:00.016-04:00

Oh HaPpY DaY! Edyn's blankey (or rather lack of) has finally been put to rest! This day has been a long time coming and finally we mustered up the courage to break her of this awful habit. It actually went really smooth leaving us to wonder why we hadn't tried a long time ago. We decided to go camping for a few days and we did take her mess of a blanket with us (for just in case) but decided that since she was out of her element and comfort zone that we would keep it from her and see how it went. She asked for it in the car on the way to our camp site and after hearing me say that it was gone she didn't ask for it again for the whole trip. I was shocked!

The first night I put her in her sleeping bag and laid beside her thinking that it was going to be an awful night with her crying for her blankey but no, she played with her hello kitty flashlight but while doing so I noticed that she couldn't get comfortable and was constantly moving and throwing her legs and arms all over. I think she was semi-aware that she was missing something but just couldn't figure it out. She did this for quite awhile so I yelled out to Chad, who was sitting by the fire, "I think this girl is going through withdrawals!". I guess you had to be there but I thought it was pretty funny. One other added bonus to taking her blanket away is she has drastically reduced the time she sucks on her thumb. I think I've only seen her do it a couple of times and that was when she was asleep. But whatever, her dental daddy is pretty happy about it. Awwww, I'm so proud of Edyn and so happy we got this taken care of before she heads off to preschool next week! Oh, and for amusement here is a picture of her blanket in it's entirety. Can you believe how much of it was left (see above picture) and that we actually let her out of the house with it?! I'm embarrassed!

An Amazing Woman We Will Miss

2008-08-08T17:07:00.021-04:00

Monday morning, August 4th, we got a call from Chad's mom informing us that his Grandma had passed away the night before. We knew this was coming, as she was just shy of her 94th birthday, but no matter how prepared you are for one's death it still is hard to take. So I just wanted to post a few things that I remember about her.

The first, and I'll never forget this, is when I was dating Chad I had gone over to the Wolff's home for dinner and grandma Dora was there also. After dinner she had heard that I wasn't feeling all that well and decided she needed to do something about it. So we were all gathered in the family room and on each hand she touched her index finger and thumb together (just like she was almost getting ready to meditate). She then started to tap the connected finger and thumb against the other finger and thumb and while doing so she started to name different kinds of herbs. When the two interlocked she then began to explain to me that this is the herb/medication I needed. She then did the same process again but this time she counted in numbers starting at one. When her fingers interlocked, the number she landed on was the dosage amount I needed to consume to feel better. Well, can you imagine my shock! I had never seen this kind of sorcery done before! But I must admit, I was a little intrigued and wanted to try out the given prescription to see if she was truly a witch doctor. I think the family got a good laugh out of me but no matter, that is one moment I will never forget about Grandma Wolff.

I will never forget the times that we dropped off grandma to her home and noticing that her lamp was on in the front window and with a smile on her face, she would lovingly comment "Oh, grandpa Ed must have been by." (He's been deceased for many years). Grandma Wolff is one who completely and wholeheartedly loved her family and you could see the joy on her face when they were in her presence. She loved every child, grandchild and great grandchild and was always interested in what everyone was up to. Not only was she a loving woman but she was a stubborn one! Her stubborness makes for great family stories that now just make me smile and remind me of just how much we are missing her. It literally broke our hearts that we weren't able to be there at the funeral with family to celebrate Grandma Dora's life. I'm pretty sure that Grandpa Ed is embracing Grandma right now, a reunion that has been long waited for and how blessed we have been to have had Grandma's influence in our lives for this long. She will be loved and missed dearly!

Ethan and Candace Smith

2008-08-08T16:53:00.005-04:00

My brother, Ethan, got married last Saturday without us! We were so sad that we weren't able to make it but sometimes that's just the way the cookie crumbles. That's one thing that's been hard for us since living out here in New Jersey is not being able to attend weddings, baby blessings, reunions, funerals and just some good ole' getting together. The first year was hard, second and third got a little easier and now it's back to hard again. Maybe because so much has happened lately that we've had to miss, I don't know. But we have sure come to appreciate our families and all they have done for us since we've been out here. So back to Ethan's wedding. My brother, Nathan who took their photos, posted these on our Smith Family blog and I thought they were so cute so I grabbed a couple to show them off here. So to Candace, Gage and Thailan . . . Welcome to the family! We love you and are so excited to have you be a part of our lives!

A Time to Laugh and a Time to Cry

2008-08-08T10:37:00.008-04:00

I can't stop being giddy over Joshua winning on "So You Think You Can Dance!" and at the same time completely saddened that SYTYCD is over until next summer. Yes, I'm a complete nerd when it comes to this show, as you can see by my "Do You Think I Can Dance" post, but seriously it was the best season yet! I was soooo rooting for Joshua and Katee all season long and here they are: Joshua the ultimate winner and Katee the top winner in the girls! The finale was awesome and quite a few of my favorites that I've posted in the past were some of the judges favorites that were danced last night so it was awesome to be able to see them again in good quality instead of youtube quality. However, I was so hoping that the judges would pick this dance so I could see it again but it wasn't picked. Even though it's not Joshua and Katee it is still my number one favorite dance of the whole season. I've posted it before but here it is again . . . Tim Burton's Wedding danced by Chelsie and Mark.

So to finish off this post and all "So You Think You Can Dance" posts by me until next year here's a dance by Katee and Joshua that I really liked and hadn't posted yet. But, really though, I don't think there was a dance that these two danced together that I didn't like and that's why they were my favorite couple that couldn't be beat!

I'm So Behind . . . Time To Catch Up!

2008-08-06T16:42:00.005-04:00

Well, now that I took my week off of recooperating from 4 weeks straight of family and friends (which we loved and had so much fun but you wore us out! LOL.) it is now time for me to show you all what we have been up to. Shaneen, Bryn and the kids (Drake and Tori) were the first to visit. I was so nervous for them. They were flying the redeye and none of them had ever flown before! They did great for first timers! So below you'll see a few pictures of us at 6 Flags, Staten Island Ferry (so that we could see the Statue of Liberty), and the Beach. We did so much more but I think I forgot my camera most of the time.

One thing we got to do with Shaneen and family and a bunch of friends was head on down to Washington DC for the 4th of July. We had so much fun. We headed out early so we could hit the parade and then look around at all the museums which were all free! Can't beat that. Lunch time arrived and somehow everyone seemed to split up. Shaneen and Bryn went and found food with friends of ours and we assumed that they would be together the whole time since Shaneen didn't have a phone nor did they know where anything was. It was about 4 hours later we get a call from the friends we had been hanging out with previously that there was no sight of Shaneen and Bryn and nobody knew where they were. I instantly went into PANIC mode. I knew we were never going to find them. There was hundreds of thousands of people but that still didn't stop me from looking for them. It really was going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. After awhile Chad saw how uneasy I was (well yeah! They didn't have a phone, they didn't know the town we were staying in and they had no idea how to get to the train to get back to the hotel!) So we split up on our way walking to the fireworks. The whole time I was praying that I'd find Bryn or he'd find me. After an extensive walk down "The Mall" Edyn and I got to the end and I just realized that we just weren't going to find them and started to head up to meet Chad for the fireworks. I looked up and guess who was walking right towards me! Bryn! I couldn't believe it I almost started to cry. We had last seen them at noon and here it was past 7pm. I was just so thankful that we had found each other. If you've ever been to DC at that time of year you'll know why this was a complete miracle. So here's some pics of our DC trip.

The rest of the pictures here are when Rachel and Cub Wolff visited followed by Kent and Kristi Wynder. It's been a busy summer so far but we've had lots of fun and it's been so nice to see everyone and spend time with them.

Won't Be Complaining Anymore!

2008-07-28T15:56:00.005-04:00

Geeeeesh, what a day! So it was time to get Edyn all updated on her shots as well as getting the required ones before she heads to school in the fall! It was kind of nice that she had no clue what we were doing as the last time she had shots was 3 years ago so she has no memory whatsoever. Anyway, we have no benefits because they are tooooooo expensive so we have been using our Canadian ones while we have lived here. Not the greatest way to do it as we have to pay for our visits with cash and then submit the claim to Canada and wait for a reimbursement. Now, since Canada's Heath program is very inexpensive they only cover the amount that it would cost to do the same thing in Canada. So a shot here in the US may cost $40 where in Canada it's $10. So we will only get $10 back. So needless to say . . . my kids don't go to the doctor very often. Well, we ended up being at the doctor's office for almost two hours (which is completely ridiculous with my active Ethan) and our lovely visit cost of $175. I was stunned! I've been so used to going to the doctor's office in Canada (which the wait time is probably the same) and when finished just walking out the door knowing that our Alberta Health plan (which is very cheap) will cover the services used. So it leads me to wonder why I ever complained about Alberta Health Care in the first place?! So the doctor had more shots on his list to give Edyn but didn't want to overwhelm her so he only gave her half of them. We have to go back in a month for the rest and wouldn't be surprised if it ends up costing the same. So about $400 later I might as well have bought her a plane ticket and shipped her off to Canada for free shots! It's kind of crazy if you think about it that way!

Edyn Says The Darndest Things

2008-07-27T17:50:00.004-04:00

This morning as we were getting ready for church, Edyn was in the bath tub and as I was washing her hair I asked her the question "Are you going to primary today?". Now the reason I posed this question was to somewhat prepare her for going today. The last month or so when Sacrament was over and it was time to head to classes she immediately started crying and saying "NO primary! NO primary!" and it ended up being quite the struggle. So today I decided to try and prepare her for it by talking about it and saying how much fun it was going to be. Well her response isn't exactly what I expected. So after asking "Are you going to primary today?" she started to shake her head and exclaimed "NO Jesus! NO Jesus!". All I could do was giggle. Not the best way to react when you are trying to teach something to your child but I'm sorry, it was waaaayyyyy too cute.

Crazy Love! Yup, another post for SYTYCD!

2008-07-25T10:50:00.005-04:00

With family and friends here the past month I've missed so much of my "So You Think You Can Dance"! Thank goodness I was able to see the results show so I could at least catch a few of the snippets of replays that they show of each of the dances. So that led me to youtube to see if I could find the entire dances. I saw a snippet of Katee and Twitch dancing contemporary on the results show and had to find it. Boy, was I NOT disappointed! I absolutely loved it! My favorite part is when the banging on the door stops for a moment and Twitch thinks Katee has left. He opens the door only to find her completely hanging onto it! I wouldn't be surprised if these two were still standing at the final 3 or 4!

Not 2 Celebrities BUT 4!

2008-07-15T17:46:00.023-04:00

Well, actually it would be 6 if you count Regis and Kelly. So my sister, Shaneen, and I had tickets to go and see "Live with Regis and Kelly" last week and it was really fun. We were able to see Kyra Sedgwick and Bernadette Peters.

During commercial breaks Regis and Kelly instead of just sitting in their chairs waiting for their que they would actually come up into the crowd and shake hands, tell jokes, and just have a conversation with us. I thought that was pretty cool that they did that. I couldn't believe just how tiny Kelly was and talk about ripped. I swear, she spends 5 hours at the gym each day. When the taping was finished Gellman announced that we were going to have a celebrity surprise. So really, what happened was that the next day was their High Heelathon and they would be spending most of their air time in Central park. Because of this they needed to pretape their celebrities and pretend that the next day they were actually speaking to them but really they were driving to Central park for the race. Heck, we didn't mind! That meant two more celebrities for us! So we got to see Brendan Fraser and Benjamin Bratt.

After that we then did a pretaping of the first 15 minutes of August 18th's show where they talk about things going on in the world and do their trivia and trip giveaway. They never did tell us why they did that. Anyhoo, we came home and the kids were so excited because they had seen us on tv! Here's a few pictures I took while we were there. Sorry if some are blurry. It was really hard to get a good picture when I zoomed in as much as I did.