Happy Birthday...

to my Mom!

Pictures from Grandma's 80th birthday.

My birthday

I had a very wonderful birthday this year! The best I remember in a long time. I was woken at 6:45a.m. to a SURPRISE from Jace, and a bowl of captain crunch from Jaren. Along with 3 cards from him. I had a wonderful blog post from my husband, and lots of comments from the blog, and facebook. The rest of the morning was pretty hum drum. I worked on some photography stuff. Then started to get ready to go out. My sister babysat for my birthday, and Richard and I went to the temple with the Mortenson's and the Kobel's. It was a real treat to have two of my best friends there, and dinner afterwards was fun. It felt like old times.

Lori's Birthday

Today is Lori's birthday. She is turning 25 for the fourth time. In celebration, I've created this blog post in her honor. Please enjoy responsibly...

28. You can't spell. It's okay though. Even though I may pretend otherwise, it makes me feel important when you ask me how to spell things.

27. You are a fan of food. All kinds. In fact, the only thing I ever recall you saying you don't like is American Cheese. I'm pretty sure this makes you a Communist, but I would flee to Cuba with you if necessary. I like Cuban Food anyway...

26. Also, you love plain pan fried pork chops. Skillet and pork chop only. That's just silly...

25. Your head bobbles when you're thinking about something. I noticed this for the first time when I used to watch you walk to your car after class before we had even formally met. It wasn't until later that I connected this with when you were immersed in deep thoughts. Now, I know not to ask you what you're thinking about when your head is bobbling unless I have some time.

24. You used to make me pink chicken when we were first together.

23. Now, you are an excellent cook. You make absolutely amazing meals.

22. Despite that last one, you love to eat at restaurants. However, it's very hard to sway you from cooking at home. I have to take the extraordinary step of suggesting that we eat out.

21. Since I've met you, here are the jobs you have wanted: Teacher, Cosmetologist, Nurse, Actress.

20. You can't stand surprises. You've already read this post even though I delayed it until your actual birthday.

19. You love taking Facebook quizzes and are according to the Facebook "experts" a) 97% Black and b) most compatible with Robert Pattinson (although you admittedly rigged the last one to come out this way).

18. You drove a Geo Prism when we met. I still have to hear about the fact that I demolished it every time I bring this up.

17. You like cheesy girl books designed for the teenage crowd (*cough* Twilight...).

16. You made me go through the Taco Bell drive-thru on the way home from our wedding reception.

15. In said drive-thru, you sneezed on our wedding cake rendering it useless for the 1 year anniversary eating gross old frozen cake ritual. I'm actually kind of thankful for that one.

14. You love tulips, especially pink ones, but will settle for calla lilies.

13. Your favorite movie before Twilight was Hope Floats. When I'm not at home for the night, you like to sit and watch girly movies.

12. You once cried at a ProActiv commercial while pregnant.

11. You have what I call "Lori-isms" fairly frequently. Examples: "If I was alone, who would I be with?" "If you went that way, it would be on your way."

10. You are really blossoming as a photographer. You still make me look at all your favorite pictures, and don't get mad when I give my "honest" opinion.

9. You are much smarter than you think. All you've ever needed was a little determination and push.

8. You have to be the most tolerant person in the world. You'd have to be to stick with me for this long.

7. Along the same lines, you have this gift of being able to befriend just about anyone.

6. You are a stellar mom. Our kids are very spoiled and privileged to have you.

5. You smell good. Seriously, sniff her next time you see her.

4. You are a closet singer. You like to belt out random songs at opportune moments.

3. You like to ask me questions that I could never legitimately answer with a "No." For example, "Am I a good singer?" Absolutely...

2. While you insist that you don't like video-games, I once came home and caught you playing Halo for 4 hours...

1. You are singularly the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I love you.

Happy Birthday!

Richard

Beth's birthday party

Friday night we had a fun time playing pokeno at the Beth's house for her birthday! It was super fun! Mostly because I was the big winner with 4 or 5. I can't remember. Funny thing is. I took Abby's card after she won twice. She gave it up and I quickly stole it. I was very happy to get back the gift I brought. I had invested way to much time in picking it out, and was completely attached to it. If you haven't ever played pokeno it is a bingo/ face card game. Everybody brings a themed gift (ours was jewelry), and the best part is everybody gets to leave with a gift.It was so fun in fact. I think I might do this for my birthday? We enjoyed lots of yummy food. I'm pretty sure the coolest person at the party brought the salad and the cake?!?! We had pizza too, supplied by the birthday girl and her husband. There were lots of yummy snacks! My favorite (so sad I didn't take a picture) was the smore's mix. Hello, yum! If you haven't had it before you HAVE to go make some, right now! Yes, right now!Okay it can wait until your done reading this post. It is golden grahams with marshmallows and chocolate chips. I don't know the ratio. Maybe Abby would be so kind as to leave it in the comments for us? But I don't really think it matters. Go put some golden grahams in a bowl mix in as much or as little of both marshmallows and chocolate chips. Then watch it disappear. Like, instantly. My kids loved it! Words of advice, don't take it on a picnic or let your kids hold it in their hands during sacrament meeting! It is chocolate. We do live in Arizona. Sheesh, I would think you should know this by now. Anyways, here is a group shot.I didn't get very many pictures of us playing. I had to concentrate! But I did get this smashing picture of Denise telling me not to take a picture!
I will be holding it for ransom until you update your blog, or Beth starts one. What ever comes first! You have one hour;)

California missed us so much

it quaked when we left. Ha! I just crack myself up sometimes. Not really. We took the kids to California for their birthdays this weekend. In case any of you weren't aware. Jaren and Jace are two years, and one day apart. This was very beneficial for the first time. Since Disneyland was having the get in free on your birthday. I think they were surprised even though I slipped a couple of times. The most bummer of all things happened when we were there. I left my camera battery in my camera bag. In the car. Which is a problem since it takes over 30 minutes to get to the car. Which means I would have had to spend an hour retrieving it, maybe more since I would have had to tow along Tate. Needless to say I didn't. So the only picture I have, was taken with my cell phone. Even though I am getting very behind on my scrapping (father & sons, end of the year program, and so forth). I decided to do this one quick.
***for memory sake*** We let each of the boys pick out there own birthday present. They were aloud one each, and had to wait so they could see everything before they decided. Jace ended up with a pirate sword. Jaren picked out a Star wars action figure set. They all got pirates of the Caribbean sweat shirts since Mommy forgot to pack jackets, and it was so cold at night. I only bring this up because when my parents took us when we were little. The same thing happened.

We had flip flopped quite a bit on weather we were going to stay for both days. One, because of money. Two, because we knew it would be exhausting.We were very glad when we asked Jace what he would rather do on his birthday, and his answer was the beach. I have lots, and lots of pictures from our fun day at Hunnington beach.

***update***My only picture of Tate. He was a handful when we were there. He didn't sleep much. His favorite ride was the Nemo submarine ride.

p.s. See that white blanket in the top right hand corner. It was the blanket all of my kids were blessed with. So naturally we lost it when we were there. I think it fell out when we folded up the stroller for that stupid (yes, I said it) tram ride back to the parking lot. (In my mom voice) "This is why we don't take stuff like this out of the car, or house for that matter."

Happy Birthday Jace!

This guy keeps us on our toes. We wouldn't have it any other way, we love him so much!
!

Happy Birthday Jaren!

This kid is special, I'll tell you what! He is such a joy, and we love him SO much.

"I'm setting booty traps!"

" You mean booby traps?"

" THAT'S WHAT I SAID! BOOBY TRAPS!"

What movie, anybody?




For Richards birthday his team decorated his office very...creatively.

The set a "booty trap" which didn't work. They tissue papered all of the things on his desk, and filled his office window with packing peanuts. The last picture is the real kicker. Richard thought it was hilarious! I guess they came by over the weekend to finally put blinds on the window in his office, and it was filled with packing peanuts. Just read it!

Monday night for dinner I cooked a yummy steak dinner with twice baked potatoes, and sweet corn. Richard requested a peach cobbler for his birthday which I'm guessing turned out good since no one complained and every one ate all of it. I don't personally ever remember having cobbler (all though that seems strange, even to me)so I don't have much to go off of. The recipe is simple, and I'll leave it at the bottom of this post in case anybody is interested. So you all might be wondering what I got Richard for his birthday. I finally agreed to let him do this to my wall.
Which is only a big deal because when we moved into our house it was already painted this color, and we were left nothing to match the paint. Finished product to be posted soon.

Best peach cobbler ever/Cooks.com

1 stick butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup flower
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 milk
1 can 30oz sliced peaches in corn syrup
1 tbs cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350F. Melt butter in 9x13 casserole dish. Separate half cup sugar and all cinnamon. Separate peaches from corn syrup (reserving syrup).

Mix 1 cup sugar and all other dry ingredients together in a bowl to form batter.

Stir in milk, and corn syrup. Put peaches in casserole dish with melted butter. Pour batter over the top of peaches. Mix together cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar, sprinkle over top of mixture.

Bake at 350, for 45min-1hour or until top crust in golden brown.

Happy Birthday Honey!

Today is Richards birthday. So since the 25 random tag is going around. I decided to one for him. Except there's 28. I'm sure you can all figure out why.


1. You get your haircut every pay day.



2. You always order your Chinese food without mushrooms.



3. You do not like to hang your towels on the towel rack.



4. You have very little tolerance for lazy people.



5. You are very shy.



6. You are a very hard worker.



7. You love to play flag football. You have since I met you.



8. You love watching Auburn football.



9. When we first met. You had pimped out speakers in your car.



10. You also worked at Finish Line in the mall.



11. You have come a long way since that last one.



12. Whenever you assemble something there are always "spare parts".



13. You love to read.



14. You love to play video games.



15. You had a 3.9 GPA when you finished your Masters.



16. A 3.82 with your Bachelors.



17. If you couldn't tell by the last four. You are a closet nerd.



18. You are extremely competative.



19. You remember EVERYTHING!



20. When you leave the room you always turn the tv to food network for me.



21. You hate crowded places, and driving.



22. Your favorite Holiday is Thanksgiving.



23. You love jalapeno beef jerkey.



24. & Peach knee-hi.



25. You love to eat at new restaurants with me.



26. But insist on driving 30 minutes to eat at Lenny's at least once a month.



27. You give very thoughtfull gifts.



28. I love you more than you will ever know.

Catchin up on some scrappin!

Tate's first birthday!

Last Saturday we went to the park to have a waterballon fight. I was trying to get some pictures for an assignment. They didn't turn out exactly how I was hoping. But it didn't matter the kids had so much fun, and I still got some good ones!

Richards graduation party. Better late than never!

Michelle

Michelle is Richards little sister. She turned 14 in early February. We had planned on doing her pictures for her birthday. But just got around to it this weekend. It was fun chatting while we did her hair and makeup. She is extremely smart, she's in all advanced classes. She was also voted most likely to succeed by her 8th grade class. She want's to be a writer when she grows up. Here are my 3 favs

Happy Birthday Tate!

Happy Birthday Jordon

I can't believe how big and beautiful my baby sister is. She turned 15 on Sunday. I remember the day she was born. Yes, I was there. On Monday we took pictures for her birthday they turned out fab-u-lous! This one is my absolute favorite. I think it's hip, and funky. Her eyes are gorgeous. My sister is as cool as it gets. She live, breaths, sleeps, and eats volleyball. Although she just made the softball team at school. She is still playing club. Happy birthday Jo we love ya! To see the rest click here.

Happy Birthday DAD! I LOVE YOU!

My dad doesn’t need another cheesy father’s gift. Nor can we get him anything he doesn’t already have. So for his 45th birthday this year I decided I would write him a letter. A very cheesy letter! I think more than anything on his birthday, I just want him to know how much I love him.

Dear Dad,
Our family didn’t start out the traditional way. I like to think of our family as extraordinary. You met our mother when I was 5. You took us all in. Even as bratty as I was, you adopted me when I was nine. Looking back I remember how scared I was. After all I was only nine. It turned out this would be the first of many wonderful memories I have of you. I will cherish it forever. Yes, I remember the day very clearly.
You have been at every important turning event in my life, baptisms, sporting events, graduation, etc. I have many wonderful memories growing up. The Daddy Daughter Date, where we played games, had dinner, and even danced. I still have the souvenir. The bean bag Mom made for us to take. Every time my kids are playing with it. A huge smile comes across my face. It just makes me happy! You made are childhood a happy one.
You were our little league coach, and you really enjoyed being there. You love being around your family even still today. You always want us all there, even the grandkids. Especially the grandkids! They love their Papa, and our so lucky to have you.
You always make us laugh no matter the circumstances. Even when you are the butt of the joke. You don’t mind, so long as everyone is laughing. “Remember that time dad fell off the bed at Disneyland”. Honestly, I don’t think I remember anything else about that vacation.
You are a very hard worker, and always have been. We always had a roof over our head, and plenty to eat. Even in the hardest times, you and mom always provided for us. We were always safe, and that in itself is irreplaceable. I really consider myself one of the luckiest people alive, for this simple fact alone. “Dang, we are so not dysfunctional.”
Lastly, but honestly the greatest thing you have ever given all three of us was to Love our mother unconditionally. What more could a daughter ask for. No marriage is perfect, no marriage is easy. This we don’t learn until we are in one. But you love our mother, we could never deny that. Thank you, I love you.

Your favorite daughter,

Lori

My dad, Me (around 8 or 9 I'm guessing),My sister Janet. Sorry Jo you weren't born yet. I remember Dad was usually the one to take us tricker treating. I think that's why I always shirk this responsibility to Richard.

Happy Birthday...

to my blog?!?! You all know I love blogging way to much. When I first started it I had absolutely no idea how much I would enjoy it. I just wanted a cute blog to keep are family and friends updated. Blogging is something I do more for me now. I love the memories! I also love all that I've learned. I love checking in on people. Especially the ones I don't get to see that much anymore. Leaving, and getting comments is probably one of my favorite parts. Who am I kidding I love it all!

No, I don't actually check in on all of you several times a day. I have google reader that lets me know when someone has an update. You have to put everyone one in initially, then it will tell you every time they update. I usually check it a couple of times a day. Mostly when I should be doing something else. Like cleaning, bleck!!! Or I'm probably doing a silly post offering way to much information about myself.

I have 162 post. Yikes! In honor of my blogs birthday I will update you on our family. To check on our progress in the last year click here for my first post.

• Richard still works for the University of Phoenix. He works very hard, and is doing very well. He finishes his masters on Nov 4th. This will be the 5th most happiest day of our lives! He loves to golf, be with his wife, and spend time with his kids. I added the last two, but I'm sure that is what he would say;)
• Lori is still dragging her feet on applying for nursing school. Mostly because she is afraid of the unknown. She loves her j.o.b., and blogging. She also loves spending time with her family & friends, and then blogging about it. She is trying to better herself as a photographer (although she doesn't consider herself one) so we will see how that goes.
• Jaren has started kindergarten, and is doing very well! He loves P.E., and has lots of friends. Mommy has finally adjusted to school life as well. Jaren plays flag football, and is becoming better every time he plays. Last Saturday he pulled his first flag during a game. Well his first flag from the opposing team. He loves to play rock band, and is surprisingly good for a 5 year old. He loves anything star wars, and wants to be Anakin for Halloween.
• Jace is always full of energy, stubborn, and fun to be around. He loves his Mommy, and she loves all the time she gets to spend with him. Jace has grown up so much. He is definitely not a toddler anymore. He has his own vocabulary which includes things like, witchya (my favorite), and ola bar (granola bar). He always needs a drink. Especially right before bed. Or any other time it may be convenient. He love classic cartoons like Tom & Jeremy (aka Tom & Jerry), and his new favorite Aladdin. He loves The Incredibles, and is going to be incredaboy (Mr. Incredible) for Halloween
• Tate has brought so much joy, and happiness to our home. He is always a delight to be around. He has started to army crawl this week! He pulls himself around quit nicely. He loves to be in his walker. He follows everyone around, then lets them know by smashing their tows. He loves attention, and Mommy thinks it's the cutest when he plays with his brothers. He is going to be a monkey for Halloween.

Well here's to many more!!! Happy blogging!

My berry bestest friend and birthday twin!

Last Thursday I picked my best friend Amy, and her family up from the airport. I love when I get to see them it feels like things have never changed. Since then it seems like it has been non stop fun. Saturday night we had them over. With Mia and her family too. We watched the UFC fight and had some yummy food! Kind of. I don't know what it is, but when we have people over I always manage to either under or over cook the food:( We all ate anyways, and nobody complained. Here are some pictures! Amy with Jaren & Chase. You can't tell, but Jaren was cracking Chase up with the puppet!Bryan, Mia, and Daniel. They obviously didn't know I was taking the picture. But they really did have a good time. I think?Amy, Mia, & LoriChase was showing us what he is made of.Jace. I'm not really sure what he was doing. But I am sure it was naughty.Tate trying to hold his bottle.

Not pictured were Isaiah, and Richard. I'm not sure why? Jaren had so much fun playing with Isaiah. He kept asking if he could come back over on Tuesday. Kind of random. Why a Tuesday you ask? Sundays are for church, and Monday was the first day of kindergarten.

Happy Birthday!!!

It's not for me, sort of. This Birthday post is actually for my best friend of (can you believe this) 18 years! Happy Birthday Amy! Our birthdays just happen to be on the same day, same year too. It gets even weirder. We were born in the same hospital. I am older, and wiser:) thank you very much. Six hours wiser to be exact. Our mothers didn't know each other, and we didn't meet until we were 9. We live on opposite sides of the country now. But when we get together, or talk on the phone we pick right back up where we left off. It is like we still live down the street from each other. Here is a picture of us at her baby shower. A little over a year ago.

Jace's Birthday Party

We had a blast at Jace's birthday party today! Here are the pics.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook