Conference Sunday

Coming home to the kids was a sweet reunion. Cade had his ultra-mega parental sensors on and woke up when we got back to Melody's Saturday evening. Secretly I was thrilled. He was so cute! I snuggled him to bed again and a few moments after laying next to him he said, "Mommy, can you go take a nap on the couch?" So I did.

Sunday morning I awoke to Melody whipping up some breakfast yummy-ness in the kitchen. The fam arrived and we were soon eating delicious food and watching conference. Cade was even taking notes...

Frisco!

The morning after Gramma Berry and Gramma Hunter left we headed to the airport for San Fransico--business for Kyle, pleasure for me! We had a layover in Salt Lake, allowing for dear sister Melody to pick up the kids and watch them (again!) while we headed to the Bay.

The hubbies worked hard and the wives shopped San Fransisco until we dropped. It was fun to be back in the city we used to live by and reminisce. Nina and Nicole were great shopping companions. Addelin, Nicole's daughter, was such a trooper to come with us on every outing. She's such a mellow and great baby! (Cute, too!) I got a Mac makeover and after 9 years of wearing make-up, was taught the correct way to apply eye shadow. By a man. Thank you Victor. I tried on more clothes in the two days I was there than I have in my entire life! I managed to fit my purchases in the same suitcase as when we arrived. Mom, you'd be proud. Kyle and I shared a suitcase!

The flight back was nothing short of a nightmare. As soon as I stepped on the plane I whispered to Kyle, "It smells like a stinky armpit in here!" It really did. If I was pregnant, I would have been puking the entire trip back to Salt Lake. Here's how Brent spent most of the plane ride home (until the ink from the magazine melted onto his face...):

A Wicked Good Time!

We've finally done it! After living in the 'burbs of Chicago for 18 months we made the pilgrimmage out to the beautiful city to do what everyone has been raving about ever since we moved here. Our motivation? Kyle's mom and Grandma are in town and we knew we ought to do something fun in the city, so we got tickets to see Wicked. It was definitely everything I hoped for. I am not a music critic by any means, but I really enjoyed the absolutely beautiful voices of Glenda and Elfeba. They were clear, pure and angelic! Watching the performance made me want to slip on a poofy gown and start dancing with the witches myself. Two thumbs up for a fabulous performance!

Ingenious Product of the Week: Resealable Oreo Cookie Package

(Michelle here) Many are aware of my affinity towards Oreo cookies. Some may even call it an addiction. Well, this addiction just got even easier to feed. The whizzes at Nabisco improved the packaging for the incredible Oreo cookies. It now opens and reseals at the top of the cookie package! The resealable packaging makes it easier for mass cookie consumers like myself to open, close, then open again with minimal noise and effort, the cookie package! Incredible. It comes in handy when I want to sneak a few without getting spotted in the pantry by Cade. And it comes in handy when I am very tired, and don't want to fuss with getting the package open without yanking too hard, causing a tear, which in turn would cause the cookies to go stale faster. (Though sometimes that provides a reasonable excuse for consuming the entire package in one sitting). In any case, I'd like to publicly thank the packaging geniuses at Nabisco for adding some sunshine to my life!

Experiment

I shared an experiment I conducted yesterday with Kyle and he got a kick out of it. I hesitate to share this with the rest of the world, in fear of Cade being mortified that his mother would so publicly share such personal information about him. I'm going to take my chances that in the years to come he will find this as funny as Daddy did.

Cade started preschool this month. Each day he goes outside for a little recess during preschool. Those of you who know Cade also know that he is a very active boy. I noticed the last few times I've picked him up that he has been sporting the active boy smell. Ewww. This was not the first time he has sported the smell, though. He goes outside every day and runs around and comes in the house smelling. I suppose my heightened sense of awareness to this smell is because he is around lots of other kids who probably smell the same "active" way. It really made me feel bad for the teachers. I can only imagine how classrooms smell when the much older kids come in from recess.

So I decided yesterday morning to try an experiment. Just before I loaded the kids in the car to take Cade to preschool I ran to the bathroom and grabbed this:

Cade was really confused and thought I was trying to tickle him under his arm with this silly thing while I was trying to apply it.

The result: I picked up Cade, who was still sweet smelling after recess! It worked. I'm a fan. There is no age requirement for antiperspirant.

Comfy

I was heading downstairs and I peeked in Cade's room to check on him before I turned in for the night myself. This is what I found:

Cade is just like his dad--- he can fall asleep in quite nearly any position, as long as it isn't standing up.

While I've got this picture posted I am drawn to Cade's night stand (Sidenote: I purchased it at Goodwill for 6 bucks. It used to be teal and have gold hardware. This is probably the only time I started and finished a project within 48 hours of the purchase). I was rearranging some of the accessories in the home and I just couldn't find a spot anywhere else in the house for that plant so I put it there. I wonder if it makes him less of a boy to have that--- in addition to a floral patterned rug under his bed. Oh my. It used to be in Savannah's room but I was constantly running the steam vac over it. Her room is the play room and dirt kept dirtying it. I suppose the one in her room now still gets the same amount of dirt tracked in, I just can't see it. Ewww. Good thing I am obsessive compulsive when it comes to vaccuuming. And good thing my home is 90% wood and ceramic flooring. Cade's former rug had traces of the stomach flu that refused (ok, I admit, I didn't try multiple times)to come out.... so this is what he has. Lucky him. I guess he really isn't in his room much. Just to sleep and make his three or four times daily wardrobe change.

Having moved so many times, and this being our first home that we've lived in and will have to sell some time in the future I am always thinking of the resale factor. (Yeah, maybe my apple green kitchen isn't so re-sale friendly) I suppose along the way of doing his room I figured this was more neutral than anything.... more like a guest room color scheme I'd like in our next home.... he'll get some bold blues and deep reds next time. For now it's flowers. Poor kid. Maybe I can put the pot in the downstairs bathroom....

When I grow up I wanna be like....

Introducing Melody, the A-D-E goddess:

I've been saving up a collection of photos to illustrate the amazing (and cooky!) ways of my older sister, Melody. Don't worry, I am saving pictures of my other siblings, too. Don't think I am playing favorites here or anything.

The inspiration comes from a recently returned vacation.

Lake Powell. Enough said?

For those of you unfamiliar with the near-paradise state of Lake Powell let me paint a picture for you -- with words. Kyle's camera has all the good pictures and I am too lazy to download them right now....

Red rock cliffs. Perfectly refreshing water. Food. Sea Doos. Cliff jumping (the very safe kind of course). Wakeboarding. Friends. Kyle. Reading Twilight. Sunbathing. Running on the beach. Waterslides. Relaxing. Laughing. Tubing with friends. Sleeping. Talking. Games. Boat rides. Oreos and milk. Sunsets.

What??? Where are Savannah and Cade in this picture? That's right, folks. I enjoyed a 4 day, 3 night vacation with all of the above without my children. Yes, I missed them desperately, but oh how nice it was to get away. Thanks to Eclipse Marketing, Kyle and I got to join the company and their employees on an unforgettable, heavenly vacation.

And all of this made possible because of my sister, Melody the athletic-domestic-eccentric goddess, watched my children.

So what exactly makes her the ADE goddess?

She bakes her own bread and cinnamon rolls. (see above)

She races in triathalons for fun: (that's kind of eccentric in an athletic sort of way)


She runs like the wind and wins:


She serves as our family's pro-bono dental care provider: She plans a trip to Zion's National Park for her birthday and has no issues bringing her son Tyler along,though hiking and driving long distances are involved.

She adds two children to her daily (and nightly) routine for 4 DAYS and does it as if she were a mother of triplets! She even ventured out in public with the 3 children, ages 3 1/2, 15 mos, and 8 mos.

She has all their laundry folded and has their bags ready to go upon my return.

She feeds people on a moments notice and plans parties like a regular event planner.

Yes, she is crazy and it gets worse.

She joins me on my 12-mile run upon my return from Lake Powell. I am training for a marathon. She is not. Yet she can just go out and run 12 miles at the drop of a hat as well as I can down a row of Oreos and milk during Cade's naptime. (I eat a lot of Oreos).

Thank you, Melody!!! I am so glad you are so crazy. You are the BEST! Thank you Jon, for watching my kids and allowing my sister to be the crazy girl that she is!

Denial

I have been slacking on reporting the exciting milestones Savannah is rounding and my excuse is simple.

I am in complete denial.

My little princess is aging by leaps and bounds and I hate it! She rolled over way too soon. She started crawling well before Cade even thought about rolling as an effecient mode of transportation. At 8 months her latest thrill is pulling herself up on furniture and attempting to walk.

Exhibit A:

Where did my sweet little immobile bundle of sugar go?

She is still sweet, don't get me wrong. Immobile is what I miss. She is a very happy baby and as long as she's got room to roam, she is content. She loves jumping and is extremely hyper during her waking hours. While she does smile a lot, it is nearly impossible to capture on camera. I usually end up snapping one of her many funny faces instead of her gorgeous grin.

For example:

This one, taken last May is hilarious:

I did capture a bit of a grin yesterday afternoon --- but it still looks more like a funny face... oh well!

Savvy is definitely a go-getter and I love how cute and kissable she is! I just better not blink or she might hop in Cade's Jeep and drive to the coast.

Begging for punishment

I have a funny story to share. There is usually one every day to tell, but I have been so bad about blogging. I thought I better start now and share this one.

I dropped Cade off at Kyle's office this afternoon so I could join some ladies in the ward for lunch and do some grocery shopping. Things like that seem so much easier if I can lighten the load by one child.

For Cade, going to Daddy's office is a special treat. We packed a lunch (yogurt, veggies, string cheese) and goodies to keep him happy---fruit snacks, a capri sun, and cookie stix that dip in chocolate frosting(why weren't those around when I was growing up!?). We also brought two movies. What could be better than hanging out at the office with Daddy AND watching movies?

At some point during lunchtime Cade spilled his yogurt. Cade was clearly upset at what he did and while Kyle was cleaning it off the floor he said,

"Daddy, can I go to the corner?"

"No, Cade," Kyle answered.

"Daddy, can I take a cold shower?" he then asked.

"No, Cade," Kyle again answered.

Cade gave a third try, "Daddy, can I take a nap?"

Finally with big watery-eyes he said, "Daddy, I sad."

This was hilarious to Kyle-- Cade was trying to come up with some sort of punishment that Kyle would agree to for spilling the yogurt. Let 's hope he keeps this conscience clearing attitude up through the teenage years.

Backpacking Idaho

I just got back from backpacking in the Sawtooths in Idaho with my dad and a guy from church. It was incredible! We began the hike around Yellowbelly Lake and went 27 miles. My pack started out around 47lbs and ended around 39-40lbs. We gambled again this year and didn't bring a tent....of course it rained every single day! The fishing was great and we caught around 115 in 4 days. Here is a link to more of the pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/kyle.woodbury/Sawtooths2007

I was Tagged!

Months ago I was tagged by my friend Alicia and am finally getting around to it. This surprises me, because who DOESN'T like to talk about themselves? In any case, I shall proceed to share with you 7 things you might not know about me (or you do, but I am just willing to admit to them at last!)

1. I am a messy perfectionist. This means while I am deep cleaning and organizing one area of my home, I am using my supernatural powers to create a mess in another. I don't mean to, and this causes a great deal of frustration in my life. I daydream of the moment that every single room in my home is completely clean and clutter-free. I prefer cleaning to cooking and could clean and organize all day long. I always tell myself once my home is in perfect order, then I'll learn how to be a fantastic cook.

2. I am not artistic. I don't share this to beg pity upon myself. It's just one of those things I accept. I don't sing (to entertain others--just myself:-), play an instrument, sew, scrapbook, sculpt, or do any such creating with my hands. I really admire other people that can touch something and make it beautiful.

3. I am a night owl. This serves me well in the evening when the kiddies are asleep. I am geared up to finally begin my day at about 8pm. About 75% of my to-do list gets done between the hours of 9pm and midnight. Waking up? Not a talent of mine. My current place of employment (the home!) forces me to rise about 4 hours earlier than my internal clock would like to, but that's okay, because I've been dealing with this problem my entire life.

4. I would pay $10,000 for 2 more hours in the day, every day. Probably no need to elaborate on this one. I think most people feel like their days are way too short.

5. I love watching Cade drive his Jeep. This is a new hobby of mine. I am finally coming around to seeing some benefits of having so much land to take care of--- Cade can drive in our back yard forever!!! Watching him zoom through the woods and over the dirt is like living a childhood dream. I always wanted one of those things when I was younger. It's so fun to see him enjoy something I always wanted to do.

6. I love being alone. Maybe this is odd to some people, but I really do like being alone. It rarely happens anymore, so when I do get to have moments to myself, I couldn't be happier. And then the kids wake up. :-)

7. I have lived in in lots of places! (NC, SC, VA, MD, CA, UT, GA, and now IL!) Where we live now has been the longest "home" by several months. I love it!!! Though moving around isn't the worst thing in the world, either. It keeps us from acquiring too much junk and we get to see great parts of the country and make new friends!

How to assure you won't be recognized by friends and acquaintances . . .

... style your hair and apply make-up. I ran into a friend from the stake who didn't recognize me. Why? My hair was NOT in the typical pony tail and I was wearing make-up. It sure has been nice to really get ready every day. I am loving this newfound freedom! Yahoo!

How to fall in love with your husband all over again . . .

...Let him send you away for a week while he stays home and takes care of the kids. I have the greatest husband in the world!

High Adventure in Wisconsin

Whether or not my memories are somewhat exaggerated I remember high adventure as a young Boy Scout backpacking to Bernard Lake, Idaho with only a 20lb pack and not much food. We had to catch fish to have something to eat, and filter water from a seldom-found stream if we wanted water do drink. I remember wilderness survival camping eating cat tail roots and huge ants or canoeing down the Snake River, but that was Idaho.

Here in Chicago we had a different idea for high adventure....kicking back and taking it easy. We went to a ward members lake house and boated for 2 days, swam at America's largest water park--Noah's Ark, mountain biked Devil's Head ski resort, attended a Met's vs Brewer's ball game, stayed in a nice hotel, and then went charter salmon fishing on Lake Michigan.

And I have NO complaints. ( I think we ate at Wendy's four different times) Here are some pics:

Beach Baby!

Cade, Savannah and I went to a birthday party held at a local splash park earlier this week and thanks to some Moms there at the party, I finally have some cute shots of Savannah in her new swimsuit from my Aunt Jill. Isn't it darling?! I just love the ruffles. Savannah thoroughly enjoyed the park and had a a great time splashing around.