Zach is 3...

pssstt..


-I look JUST like my dad and I love him, especially when we play tigers
-I LOVE cars. I line them up all over the house, I really love the ones from the movie "cars".
-I love Target (I know he's my dream child) mostly because I get a red slushee
-I love the park and would play for hours if my mom would let me
-I love nursery (but just barely)
-I love my sister
-I love my mom because she is awesome
-I always have skinned knees from running down the hill with my wagon, chasing the neighborhood kids
-I love to wrestle
-I love to play with anyone and everyone
-My favorite line is "are you happy?" he wants to make sure that everyone is happy and not mad
-My second favorite line is "I'm sorry". I say it even before I do something wrong. It's always easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

Zach we love you. You are our rainbow baby and you have brought lots of sunshine to our little family. Happy Birthday, and have fun on your new Toy Story scooter.

School it up...

I love that school doesn't start here until AFTER Labor day..which is when they all should start. It's right when the leaves are changing, there is a crispness to the air, and you can actually wear the cute fall clothes like boots and sweaters.
It's when summer finally feels about done, and time for a new and different season.
This season Ella starts 2nd grade. She is very excited..she has a great friend that she loves, so it makes life more fun and not so lonely. We are finally starting to feel like this is home, where we actually know people that we see at school.
I'm not so ready for the rain, but I do live in Portland so it's hard to avoid.
Good luck Ella--I hope 2nd grade for you is as fun, and great as it was for me and your daddy.
ps. Zach misses you already so we are off for our walk and then Target. Time to start up our routine.






AND she is OUT! She apparently was over pictures.. ;)

It was a good day...

It started out just like any other day...and THEN this from my 2 year old as I was going to get in the shower..

Zach: Hey mom, can I push your wiggly, jiggly bum?

Mom: Gee thanks Zach, you made my day.

Zach: You're welcome

Mom: Sigh

Ella's 17 wishes...

So the Disney Channel had a movie on that was called "16 wishes" the other day...so while Ella was playing with her good friend I hear her say "let's write OUR wishes but let's do 17 instead..." so off they went and here is what she left behind.
Ella's Wish List (she only got to 9, but after looking at it, I believe that is lucky)

1.A light blue slug bug convertible
2. A charge account (no seriously)
3.Be a movie star
4. Be popular (this is starting waaaay too early)
5.Have the best clothes at school (please, got it covered girl,haha)
6. Have the best 17th birthday part ever (okay, that buys me 10 years)
7. To be best friends with a movie star
8. Travel all over the world
9. Have a pool/spa party every day

So Nate and I were really proud that she focused on such spiritual items...HAHAHA. Apparently, I have a bit of more work to do. Crap. I'm still hoping to get ME a charge account.

Priscilla and the SPLISH SPLASH surprise...

If you haven't read the children's book series "Priscilla" by Joceyln Hobbie you are missing out.
While reading one of my favorites to Ella last night about the rain, we laughed at how it sounded just like our new life.

I shall leave you with a small snipet to enjoy on this rainy Friday in JUNE.

"As we all know, the sky above us is blue.
But wait just a minute. That's not always true.
Sometimes I've noticed, I'm sure you have too,
the sky turns a purple, green brownish gray hue.
And that's just how things were looking today
on that planet of Priscilla's not so far away.

For Priscilla in fact, there'd been no blue for days.
It started last week with a yellowish haze.
Each day the sky darkened. It thickened like soup.
Finally, the whole sky just seemed to droop.

The first raindrop fell.

Then the second

AND THIRD.

Then the clouds opened up and rain was the word.

It came down in buckets. IT CAME DOWN IN SHEETS.
Rain flowed like rivers through backyards and street.

The fish thought it grand and the frong sang with glee
and the ducks' kooky quacking seemed quite to agree.

WELL, Priscilla is neither a fish nor a duck.
By her way of thinking, this rain was BAD LUCK.
But bad luck aside, Priscilla's no poop.
She belongs to the do-what-you-gotta-do group..."

So that is where I will end, but the book does go on..maybe next Friday I'll sing the same song. (sorry, I had to rhyme the end right?)

I gotta-do what I gotta do...Happy Friday.

Aunties and Allyson's...

Rarely do I share videos or even watch them..but I did watch this and just LOVED it.
I think that if we could get our daughters to feel this way each day, life would be just about perfect.
In fact, I should get up on the bathroom sink and start this myself.

An Almost Happy Birthday....

It is the night before my daughter Kate would have been 4 years old. And for the most part life has gone on, we have moved on, and we did get our rainbow baby about 18 months after she died. (Although for anyone that knows Zach, rainbow may not quite be the term I'd use!:)
But sometimes, just sometimes, like on Easter morning when things get really quiet and still, I think of that Easter morning four years ago when I gave birth to a beautiful little baby, still warm from her mommy, with her chubby cheeks and her eyes shut tight..everything was so still and quiet. But sadly her spirit was no longer in that sweet, perfect little body.
I really try not to think of the what if's..but in a weak moment and during new adventures I miss her in our family. I am really blessed. Life is good and full of hope...and until we meet again. I do have my pictures...my memories, and I'm trying really hard not to think of the what if's.
Happy Birthday Baby.

This video is a short reminder of the love and kindness that saved me during my grief. I think about these amazing acts almost daily, and still can't talk about it without crying.

Coming up and Moving out...

I am officially in Oregon. Yippee! I have lots of picture to post and some very cool senior shots...all in good time my friends (aka when my kids are asleep).

I feel like I need to do some cool pictures here, but I don't know anyone! Does ANYONE know ANYONE is Portland, OR that maybe wants free senior pictures, or maybe a few kids pictures?

Did I say FREE? Yes, I did. You can nominate someone on my blog...must be within 20 miles of Tigard, OR or willing to travel. Some limitations apply. (i always wanted to say that).

Sadly, I think most of my peeps are Utah/California but you NEVER know. Spread the word, spread the love.

I AM thankful..

So many things to post...but one funny story should sum up my life the past months.
In August we went to California and Arizona. We decided to drive my trusty ol' Pathfinder, but a few weeks before it started to show it's age. (I KNOW JENN, I SHOULD BUY A MINI-VAN!) But this has been the greatest car EVER..we have never had to do a thing in the 7 years she's been in the family.
But of course right before the trip she started to cough...so we take her in and basically have to rebuild her poor engine. She was purring like a dream and after 2500.00 I planned to have her in the family a LOOOONG time...but of course she started to cough again and had to go in the shop.
I decided to take my parents car down to California and then when my car was done, my parents would drive down to AZ and meet us with my car. We'd switch, and drive off into the beautiful 117 degree Arizona sunset.
Here's what happened..
Car gets fixed, parents drive to Arizona in my car, car starts making funny noise, we think it's a simple fan belt, so we don't worry.
We take the car in to see what's wrong and it's the WHOLE air-conditioning system. It's done, buuu-bye. But wait, it's only another 1700.00..what's the big deal right? Well, i'm pretty sure my car isn't worth 1700.00, so we decide we will drive back to Utah REEEEEEAAAAAALLLLY early like 4am because it's a million degrees, and just get it fixed there.
SUCH
A
BAD
IDEA!
Seriously, here's a bit of what happened...(and you thought it wouldn't ge worse).
-WE get up at 4am it's already 75 degrees. We put Zach in his car seat half asleep, and as I'm strapping him in, the UGLIEST cat rubs my legs, so i kick my legs and the cat runs off.
-I shut the door to my kid to get in the front seat, and my son lets off the most AWFUL/LOUDEST/CRAZY scream ever. I throw open the car door and there's the dang cat. He's probably eaten my kids toes, and now he pounces up on his face to get in the back seat away from the crazy screaming lady. Zach is trapped in his seat hysterical, and Nate comes running to help get the cat out.
-Now we've got a poor kid who won't put put his feet down in the car saying "OOHHH KITTY, OOOOH KITTY". He's crying, and scared some weird hairless cat is going to attack him..(did I mention it was the cat from Austin Powers? NO HAIR).
-I mean think about it..it's 4am you get strapped in your seat, and some ugly crazy cat starts to rub your feet? FREAK ME OUT.
-5am we start to drive 82 degrees
-7am car starts smoking NO AIR CONDITIONING
-8am-stuck in Maverick Flagstaff trying to cool the car down, and wondering what the heck we are going to do...Zach still won't put his feet down.
-8:30am-car stops smoking, we decide to chance it and turn off the air system completely.
9am-call the car place in AZ where they looked at the air-conditioning belt...says we have to cut the belt or it's "gonna blow".
10am-car starts smoking again in the MIDDLE of NOWHERE land...pull over and try to find something to CUT the air conditioning belt with..decide my little grooming clippers will have to work.
-10:15am Nate getting burned when trying to cut the belt (Does anyone know my hubby, not his forte!) HAHAHAH
Here are a few images of my time there.
Zach looking for that stupid cat


See how he keeps his feet up?





Well, we made it home 14 hours later in 104 degree weather. I didn't want to talk to anyone for a while, my 2 year old really hates kitty-cats, my hubby's burns have healed, and YES, the Pathfinder is still in the family...because hey, it's basically free, and ever since we cut the belt, it runs like a dream..at least until we need the air conditioning again.
So, what am i thankful for? My kids,cat fears and all, (where was Ella in this? She rode home with my parents in the air-conditioned car a day later), my hubby who takes care of me, thinks I'm a little nuts, but thinks I'm funny. My parents who are still letting us live in their house 8 months later because their picky daughter can't find a house. My trusty cars, and yes, I'll admit it..air conditioning. Today, I'm just really thankful. Funny, how you take those little things for granted until they go away.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Some family pics..

My friend Julie asked our little family to model for her photography workshop...I KNEW how excited that Nate would be so I said YES! We'd love to have 8 photographers take our pictures, stand in 95 degree weather, have me pick out fall outfits (because it was way cuter), and watch Zach scream at someone other than us.
Sounds familiar? Oh yeah, that's my job too..so TRUST me. When I take all of your pictures I TOTALLY know how you feel!
My favorite line of the day came from my husband while gritting his teeth and smiling
"Do you think next time you could put us in something besides sweaters?" HAHAHA.
Here are a few of my favorite..you can check her out here at Elizabeth Taylor Frandsen



This is my very favorite...

This is what I see on Facebook today....

No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick.

Really?

How about "i shouldn't go broke paying for everyone in this country here illegally, and the socialist health care policy sucks."

just saying.

Photos on KSL website...

I was asked by Linda Isom to do some photos for her great organizing business, "Clearing Space By Design".

You can check out her spot on "Studio Five" on KSL, and click here to see my photos.

She does a great job, and I was excited to take some cute, funky photos for her.

Check out her blog here!

Happy July 4th...

The weather was perfect and not too hot...in the morning the kids had a bake sale, and I'm proud to say made $16.00 to split, later we went to the park for some food and whiffle-ball (if that's spelled wrong my hubby will not let me live it down), and then to top it off a round of wonderful fireworks, under the sky at Davis High School. We are back to family traditions in Utah. We had a great time, as you can tell by the pictures, I just couldn't pick one.. but the whole gang was there and the kids loved it.
Happy July 4th to our amazing country, and to the wonderful men and women who keep us safe and free. We were lucky to have Nate's brother Spencer come home from some training in Georgia with the ROTC...someday soon he may be one who is fighting for our freedoms.
Thanks!

Little Laker Cheer Camp...

Ella had the chance to participate in Bonneville High School's "Little Laker Cheer Camp" this past week.
She had a great time and the best part was that they all got to march in the South Ogden Days Parade.
Unfortunately, it was the only day that has hit in the 90's so everyone was a little red by the end of the 2 mile route.
I haven't been to a parade in YEARS. It was so fun and I like the small town feel...especially when everyone throws candy, and all the kids run into the streets to pick it up. They are seriously like a pack of swarming bees....zzzzzz, CANDY! (The kids, I learned, all bring grocery sacks to pick up the loot).
So needless to say ZACH had a great time watching the fire trucks and police cars, and then running to grab candy from the street. Usually he only got 1 piece to everyone's 8...but he didn't seem to mind.
It was a good day! Nothing like letting your kid eat candy from the street, and watching little cheerleaders do their thing down the street.

Also, it was the first time that all of our families could come and watch something that our kids are in...we are getting used to inviting everyone and loving the support. We love that Nate's grandparents and Uncle Brent drove an hour just to see Ella walk by. Grandma Davies was tickled pink and clapped and shouted for Ella Rosie. And Ella's cousins were so excited to see her...well maybe they were more excited to see the bigger cheerleader! :)

Those are the things that we will really love and enjoy in the next years. The chance to have our families get to know the kids and support us...it's great to have our own cheering section!

Pretty Bird....

It's summer time (which you would never know with the amount of rain we are getting). School is out and the neighborhood kids are just ITCHING to get into trouble. I went on a walk with Zach and left Ella to play with the kids a few houses down...when I came back it was like the Mormon criquetts had been invading. There were at least 50 seagulls flying around, which is strange seeing that we don't live close to the beach, but it is the state bird, so there they were.
The kids decided to throw rotten Easter eggs (yes, i said Easter, as in April) into the road. And who would have guessed that it would have attracted the gulls.
It was all fun and games until the neighborhood watchdog told them that because it was a state bird, if they hurt one they would be thrown into jail (no really).
Well, it seemed fun while it lasted, and for about 20 minutes the neighborhood kids were loving the summer.

Sadly, I didn't get the great shot of all 40 birds in the road, but I did catch the stragglers on the roof. :)

Kindergarten Graduation...

Today was Ella's last day of Kindergarten. Her graduation ceremony was on Wends. May 27th. She completed all the requirements to move into the first grade, and got perfect marks on her report card. She absolutely LOVED her new teacher at Uintah elementary in Ogden. She was the exact teacher that I would have wanted for Ella...it's too bad she didn't get her the whole year. She was so patient and kind and with six kids of her own, the PERFECT fit.
She made a cute little friend named Maggie, and really loved going to just 3 hours of school per day. What a relief, and just the right amount of time for those kids.

Here are some highlights....

Ella and the girls with Mrs. Arnow


Ella and Maggie last day of school


Ella and Maggie and graduation


Ella getting her diploma


Way to go Ella---we are so proud of you! xoxox

Photo Website! IT'S HERE!!!!

My website FINALLY went live today! It's been a little bit in the making, but I will say that after all the hard work, I think it shows exactly the "personality" I wanted it to have.
I really wanted to carry through with the bright, simple, fun, "life in full BLOOM!" theme.

Thanks EVERYONE for all the help, advice, business, beautiful families etc. If you look around you just might see one of you! :)

www.allysonrandlephotography.com

Gum Surgery...THE UPDATE

JUST SAY NO! It's so not worth the 10 pounds.

Gum Surgery...

disclosure: no gums where harmed in the making of this blog, and NO that is not my mouth!

Yes, you heard me right. At 9am MST I go in for gum surgery and grafting.

What's the problem you ask? My gums have receded all the way down to the root on all 4 bottom teeth. Quite painful really, and not much fun to eat/drink/swallow anything hot, cold, sweet or sour.

How do they fix it? Well, they cut a large piece off the roof of my mouth and then sew it onto my bottom teeth and whamo, new gums! Who knew?

How could this possibly happen? So, there are a few differnt causes but one that stuck out was eating or drinking acidic drinks (DIET COKE! SHAME ON YOU!)

I get to wear this nifty little mouth guard that covers the top of my mouth where the LARGE piece of cut-out gums used to be...I think of it like this. It's not like I'm losing the top of my mouth, it just wanted to move into a new neighborhood.

On the up side...liquid diet for 7 days. I hear it's awfully painful to get food stuck in that hole...so I should be at my goal weight by summer.

What kind of a mother are you?

Because apparently I'm the kind to ignore my kid until he finally falls asleep playing with the barn on the COLD, HARD wood floor.

And the only reason I know this is because Ella yelled "hey mom, come look at Zach, he dropped dead on the floor"!





Sorry Zachy!