Merry Christmas, Mama's Nightmare

Christmas came early this year for Gavin, by way of our friend Russ giving him a Go Kart. I was fine after being assured that Chad would be driving it with him, then I came outside on day two of the Go Kart to see this...

Key the Heart attack.

{Just so you all know Chad taught him how to drive and he only rides in our cul-de-sac}

Happy campers

I have never been that much of a camper, and this year my family decided that our family reunion was going to be just that.

We had a great time aside from the rain {why of all days in the summer does it rain on the one weekend you go camping}

We hiked Cascade Springs and I had to get a picture by this burnt up Tree, it is huge.

Celeste and Milo were pretty happy that there was a break in the rain.

Milo wore this headband one whole night, we couldn't get him to take it off.

The four of us slept in a two man tent. We are not close just for the picture this is how we slept{or tried to sleep rather} all night.

Fishing in your pajamas what could honestly be better?

Born in the Gravy

After much anticipation and going to check the list only about 8 times they finally posted the Kindergarten class lists, and boy was he relieved to see that he made it {I didn't have the heart to tell him that everyone makes it into Kindergarten, it isn't a tryout.}

But what made him throw his hands in the air was the name directly below his, it was his best friend Carson, I have been preparing him all summer that they probably would not end up in the same class, shows you how much I know.

Ultrasound confirmed yesterday that this baby number three is most definitely endowed with the boy parts. We are both super excited and couldn't be happier, Gavin on the other hand wanted a sister REALLY bad, but I am sure he will come around.

Oh the things you can think

Months and months ago I found these darling crocheted doilies at IKEA. I put some on clips for my hair, a friend put some on headbands, and another friend but them on t-shirts for her daughter. It seems the possibilities are endless for these little notions. So I still have some left and I want some more ideas. So feel free to leave me a post and let me know what I should do. Or better yet go buy some at IKEA {they are in the fabric section downstairs} and do something fun with them.

IKEA put them on pillows

My random man

Milo is very distinctive on how he likes things. I have always said that I want to teach my kids to be independent and original. I am learning that Milo marches to the beat of his own drum and it isn't because of anything I have taught him, he just came that way. My latest examples...

#1 Milo always wants a cookie, but for some reason he won't eat the cookie unless he can hold the entire package of cookies. He only eats the one cookie but while he is doing it he carries the package around with him.

#2 The first thing Milo asks for in the morning is usually a peanut butter sandwich. Every time I make it he then asks me for a plate, and once he has the plate he asks for a fork and then eats the sandwich with the fork.

#3 I made my weekly DI trip the other day and I told the boys that if they were good they could pick out a toy. Gavin picked a yo-yo and Milo went to the kitchen isle and picked out four pieces of silverware. We tried the rest of the time to get him to change his mind to something more kid friendly but he wouldn't have it, he wanted the silverware. He played with them all day, I was amazed how many ways you could play with a knife, fork and spoon.

Aug 20th don't miss it

I have missed all of the Twilight Concert Series this summer. And I am determined not to miss the last one. There are only three left and the next two I am glad to pass on {not really in the mood to see Q-tip, or some reggae band.} But the last one will be good, it is Iron + Wine {a favorite on my iTunes rotation} I am posting about this now in case there are those like me who have let the summer pass them by need a little reminder to get out and do something good. Check back to see the post after I go.

No this is not Jesus, it's Sam Beam a.k.a Iron and Wine

Finally

MY VINYL CUTTER IS FIXED!!!!!

I do vinyl lettering and wall art as a side business and for the past month I have had to refer out orders due to the fact that my little machine decided it was done working. But I am happy to report that I have found a way back into her heart and she is working for me again. YEAH!!!! So to all of you who have asked for things and I have told you to wait while I get her fixed. SHE IS!!!!!

back to school, back to school

I forget how much I like this time of year. I remember when I was little and school clothes shopping was the highlight of the end of summer. My Mom and Grandma would take me and my sisters up to Salt Lake and we would shop all day long. We would buy our shoes at what I thought was a very fancy shoe store {fancy because a man came and measured your foot then went into the back to get the shoe you had selected.} we would eat lunch at the deli in the basement of ZCMI. It was always a magical day with of course a final stop at everyone's favorite VF Factory outlet with more jeans than the eye can see. Now I am finding that I love this time of year even more than when I was little because I get to take my own kids school clothes shopping. Here is a taste of what Gavin and I will be deciding on... {and yes gavin and I discuss each piece of clothing, he has quite the distinctive taste.}

I have been a fan of the button up cardigan for a while now but I love how this one is very casual and everyday.

Gavin loves to wear button ups with rolled up sleeves on a daily basis, and this one is perfect.

This Military Jacket is a must and already on its way to my house.

Gavin's favorite thing is a vest he adds them to EVERY outfit.

These boots are great for boys because they can wear them to school and then on Sunday to church.

Good Humor

You are in the middle of something very important and then out of nowhere you hear it, the one sound that seems to complete the very essence of Summer... the ice cream truck.

The only problem is after you grab your money and run down the street to find said truck you only become more confused as to where the music is coming from. This is what happened to Gavin. After about 15 mins of running up and down the neighborhood looking for the elusive summer icon, my little 6 year old was left to settle for Otter Pops in the fridge.

It's okay we will get him next time.

A Wedding

I want to say Congrats to Sharlene and Paul for the nuptials on the 16th. It is so comforting to see someone find true happiness . Welcome to the family Paul.

We just returned from Lake Powell...

We had a blast and it won't be too soon if I never see a raven or hear Hot and Cold by Katy Perry ever again.

Right after we got back it was time for me to celebrate turning 26!

What better way to celebrate than the Zoo

No trip to the Zoo is complete without the train ride

Or one of these pics

The cougar and I share the same birthday coincidence? I think not.





Then cake and ice cream
How do you gracefully bow out candles?




The watching Gidget on the projector.

Two things

I don't know how many of you do a garden but I have to say that every year I get a total thrill when the plants become fruit. I have no green thumb whatsoever but I still love it. This year has been a struggle but I was so excited when I went out today and found these waiting for me.

To date we have received from our garden as follows

6 Strawberries

1 Bell Pepper

4 carrots

8 Radishes

I know that on a scale of plentiful gardens ours is on the lame side. But I am still proud, also I still have one tomato plant that has to do something.

Next

Tomorrow is Chick-fil-a's annual dress like a cow and get a free meal day. I know that this sounds so stupid, but Tiff and I did it last year and I was a lot of laughs and worth the two minutes of feeling kinda idiotic to get a free meal, also you can dress the kids up too and they get a free meal as well. It isn't hard we drew black circles on post-it's and stuck them to ourselves and then took them off as soon as we ordered. You can go to Chick-fil-a's website here to print templates of cow masks to wear. So call up your girlfriends and go get a free lunch on Chick-fil-a.

Sundance Part two

Just a little note. Due to the fact that Mother Nature literally rained on our parade, make sure to check out Motley Handmade goods at the Sundance Harvest Market.

typhoon

Why is it that every time Motley Handmade {aka Emily and I} have decided to do a show it ends up very crazy and always memorable. Long story short the rain gods were in full force Saturday morning, causing the Sundance Children's Festival to close or blow away rather. We had fun for the two hours we were up there.

our poor little business cards we had to save either them or the merchandise, sorry cards.

Playing Catch Up

It has been WAY too long and I know that there is no way of catching up unless I do this post. here is a list of things that have happened in the past month or so...

- Chad had a birthday Yeah 29!
- I started my summer vacation.
- My mom turned 49, love you mom.
-My sister in law Nikki had here first little boy...Welcome to the world Madden.
- Gavin started break dancing class...pictures to come later
- We had a hot dog roast and blew up a soda can
- I did my first ever triathlon
- We did our annual Maypole.
- My mother in law got engaged...Welcome to the family Paul.
- We attempted three times to go camping failing each time...it is my summer goal.
- We saw UP!
- Motley Handmade did its first ever special order for a wedding... it is kinda scary making something that will be in wedding pictures.
- I have been getting ready for BIJOU MARKET! which you all better be there for.
-My brother in law Casey also celebrated a birthday, then the next day Tristan and Saige did as well.
-And last but not least I have been fighting off Morning Sickness because yes that's right...We are having baby number 3! One trimester over and two to go.

Well there you have it in a nutshell, I know I have left a bunch of things out, but that is the best you are getting. I do promise not to let the Johansson home go without Internet service that long again. I know you have all been on the edge of your seats waiting my return. You can breathe a little easier now.