Comments, Comments Where are You??

Right now I am totally obsessed with comments on my blog.

If you comment on my blog by Monday night I will send you a Christmas card! Just leave me your email or some type of hint on how to find your address & you will get a card from

The Messer's

complete with a photo of the family.

Come to think of it - this may not be reason enough for anyone to comment so... How about one lucky winner will also get a box of chocolates!

Leave a comment, any comment , well not any comment...

This is a family blog you know.

Patsy's Great Gift Idea #4

See's Chocolates...does it get any better than this?

Last year I sent all of my siblings a 1 lb. box of nuts & chews. Every year since I can remember we've sent a small box to Brett's sweet aunt in Virginia. This is the easiest gift to give & send. Just a few clicks & it's off. They have just about any price range too. This is my absolute favorite chocolate in the whole world. I don't care what anyone says... there's just no other like it. It is so great. Everytime I buy chocolates from somewhere else (which isn't very often) I am dissapointed. Not enough like See's.

I have a lot of fond memories of See's. Which by the way, you can't get back east. My sister Debbie used to always get me a piece when we went shopping at South Center mall growing up. It seems like it was a lot, but I was young so maybe it was just once. Either way the memory is stuck in my mind and it's a good one. I also remember one year someone sent what seemed at the time a huge box to our family when I was young. It was so exciting. I remember sitting on the top bunk playing a game with my other older sister Johnna & we had the box of chocolate up there with us.

It's so fun to bite into a piece and see what you've got. I personally like the nuts & chews. Also their bridge mix is like nothing you've ever tried- trust me. My favorite piece... well, the scotch mallow, or the chocolate covered walnut, or the rectangle one with the carmel & almonds then half way dipped in milk chocolate, the victorian toffee, or maybe the key lime pie truffle, the blueberry truffle... you get the idea.

Order See's Chocolate's Here

*have you ever had See's Chocolate?

* what's your favorite piece?

Patsy's Great Gift Idea #3

Children's Museum Yearly/Six Month Pass

Several years back my sweet sister in law Beth gave our family one of the best gifts ever. A pass to the children's museum in Seattle. Of course, we lived in the area then. (It wouldn't be much good here in Utah now would it?)

The kids absolutely loved it. We only got to go a couple of times before we moved to Denver & when we got there we bought one there. It was such a great thing for our kids!

Why do I love it? You can go anytime! It's air conditioned in the summer, heated in the winter, & endless fun for the whole family. When we came to Utah 10 years ago the Salt Lake children's museum was extremely lacking. But good news for us... the new one at the Gateway just opened last year & it is state of the art - fantastic! It is pricey but worth it. We didn't get one right off the bat because I was so silly thinking we needed one for 8 people. Like Megan, Brian, jack or even Hailey are going to want to go?! (Downsizing my family has been difficult for me.)

So for Christmas we are getting a pass that will be for Brett & I, Chloe, Trent & a friend. That way they can bring someone with them or on the off chance one of the older kids want to go we are prepared. (hey a gal can dream can't she?)

Check out the Salt Lake City Gateway Children's Discovery Museum here.

*have you ever been to a children's museum?

Fussy Peanut

This morning after getting the kids off to school, a package off to the missionary, taking some Sally foster papers & visiting with Wende I drove to my sister's house to help with the fussy peanut. Oh my goodness.

Don't let this cute picture below fool you... I didn't get many photos because I was trying to help her pick up a little or holding the fussy guy (screaming constantly.) He has been doing a little better on a hypo allergenic formula. The doctor wanted my sister to try soy so she gave him a bottle of that just before I got there.

Not good.

Luckily she had a little more of the super sensitive stuff left & I fed him a bottle of that a couple of miserable hours later. Even though he was still fussy the change is almost immediate. Poor little guy. He's just a sensitive guy, what can he say?As you can see he's all tuckered out from the fussies! Too bad he only sleeps for 30-40 minutes at a time before he starts up again. I don't know how my sister is keeping sane. The doctor also prescribed some reflux RX. You can tell he has an upset stomach, it's so obvious. Hopefully when that kicks in (two days) that will help too.

I went with her to the store just before I left to buy some of this.
Doesn't he look better already?
All she had was the samples the doctor had given her. We just about passed when we saw the price- even though we knew it was gonna be big bucks - but come on people $27.00 for the little can. They don't even sell it in the big can. I thought my sister was gonna get fussy and cry herself. It's worth it if it helps him even a little!

Driving home I am feeling overwhelmed for her. She is a good mom. It's a tough job.

$27.00 a can formula- let's hope it works!!!

*have you ever had a really fussy baby?

Patsy's Great Gift Idea #2

I absolutely love to go to the symphony.

I think it was all the years of violin lessons - which I gave up for cheer leading- which is definitely on my top five stupidest things I've done in my life list (which will not be posted anytime soon.)

I couldn't find it on their web site but for several years we bought our family the lollipops series ticket. It's a great deal 3 kid friendly Saturday matinee symphonies that run 45 minutes and are very interactive. The last time I bought a ticket it was $65.00 for the whole family- for all three concerts!! That's a steal and cheaper than going to the movies. Amazing. They even have a great Christmas concert along with that. You can go early & see the best Santa Claus you've ever seen in your life. I think he may even be the real guy!

Now, I know you are asking yourself, "If this is so great why haven't you bought a pass for the last two years." Well, I have really wanted to. I even debated just buying myself & some neighbor kids or just some kids off the streets some tickets. But you see, I have Trent. Whom I love- don't get me wrong. But when he started screaming, "concerts are for girls, scouts is for boys!!" I knew we had to take a break. Call me a wimp but the embarrassment on the entire family just got to me. So guess what we are going to do next year! We are going back. Now that he is a couple of years older I won't miss a year again.

So if anyone out there wants to buy me tickets... I'm taking.

To get to the Utah Symphony web site click here.

*does your city have a symphony?

*do they offer a children's series of concerts?

Today was one of those great days. I got a ton done (not enough, but a ton.) I went to breakfast with friends, finished my Pink Christmas project, sent two good mail packages & a letter to the missionary!Check out this post office! Can you believe it. My post office is almost never crowded- but empty? Our post office has the friendliest people on earth working there too. They said I missed the crowd from earlier. Amazing.I was so excited I took a picture of me & my crooked nose in the car. I was too embarrassed to take of picture of myself & the empty post office. (blogging pictures of myself is not helping my self esteem)I volunteered in Trent's class then minutes after I came home I had to get out the winter clothes because we finally need them. Here it is... the first snow of the season.
Isn't it pretty?
It's freezing here. Literally the highs are only going to be in the 30's for the rest of the week. brrrrr.

* what did you do today?

Patsy's Great Gift Idea #1

In honor of Design Mom- Gabrielle Blair & her sister Jordan I am posting what I think are several great Christmas gift ideas every day this week.

Gift Idea #1

This one is fantastic. It's a twist on the great computer game

Mahjong.

(click above to go to the website)

Except it's your own family addition!

Maybe you have played mahjong before? Instead of the patterned tiles the game usually comes with, you submit YOUR OWN FAMILY PHOTOS and make your own family addition. How great is that? Once you pay for the original addition you can send it to whomever you want. It's such a great idea. My family lives far apart & it's a great way for the kids to get to know- recognize the people they hear about all the time but only see a couple of times a year. Even if you all lived on the same block- I love this game idea.

My family will be playing the Messer addition soon!

Won't we look good with our little faces on tiles? Who knows maybe you'll be there!

*did you check out the game's website?

*what do you think?

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Wende. If you don't know what "tagged" is check it out here.

Six facts or habits about me.

1. I am a night owl. I think I always have been. My husband is a morning person & I used to regret being a night owl thinking we both needed to be the same for true marital bliss- but it has worked out perfectly for our family. Since we have six children in six different phases I take the night shift & he has the morning. I know that sounds silly but I can't be up early & late - neither can he so this works out great. He reads scriptures, exercises in the morning & helps with Trent- the way to early riser. I finish up the night time chores... picking up, etc., keep the teenagers in tow, read, lock up etc. at night. It works great for us.

2. I check the weather everyday. Actually multiple times in multiple places. Online, the paper, the local & national news. For my birthday one year Brett got me a little weather station. I love it. I don't know why the fascination with weather. I just feel like I need to know- for some weird reason.

3. I laugh a lot. I love jokes- clean ones- and funny stories. I sometimes feel like my life is a funny story. I love to laugh at myself & my family. I sometimes laugh at the wrong times & that is not cool- I can't help it. I used to wet my pants at school or walking home from school from laughing too much. I can remember my mom telling me that we don't believe in loud laughter growing up. I think she was trying to calm the sillies.

Sometimes I am silly because I don't know what else to do in a difficult situation. Once my 13 year old son got a note from a girl that I found doing the laundry saying he was so sexy. It went on & on. It was so ridiculous I just taped it up on the microwave for everyone to see. The whole family had a good laugh. He was so embarrassed and realized how silly it sounded. He couldn't like that girl after that- he realized it was ridiculous- he laughed with us. You should have heard us when she brought him a Christmas present right during dinner that same year. ("Bod spray for Ripped abs") we still joke about it. It was the best way to diffuse the situation.

Sometimes in church when people get up to sing or bear their testimonies I just get up & walk out. I know I will start laughing so I have to leave. I know that sounds awful but you have no idea- I have some great funny sacrament stories that I am trying to forget. But hey, I know God has a sense of humor he created a lot of funny things.

4. I love being a mom & I love little kids. Kids crack me up. I miss having little ones around terribly. Today I was in church talking to a new mom with a 3 year old & baby. I practically begged her to let me bbsit sometime so she could get a break. I may have freaked her out.

I just love kids. I love being around them. I love how they laugh & believe the stories I tell them. Not that I am making up stories - it's just that adults & teens always seem suspicious or critical or something. I remember being a kid, I think I can relate with kids better than adults.

5. I feel responsible to help in the community & at my children's schools. I enjoy being involved in local issues. I realize I can't change the world- but I can make it better & I guess that is changing the world. My volunteer work- which has been very little this year, since I am balancing send a missionary out, etc. - is very important to me.

6. I love disco music. The Bee Gee's, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang. I can't get enough of it. When you hear music like that you just have to be happy, sing along, and dance in the kitchen.

*are you a night/morning person?

*do you check the weather a lot?

*have you ever wet your pants from laughing too much?

*do you dance in the kitchen?

I am now tagging Aimee & Brittany my adorable neices!

Holy War!- it's on

Today's the big day for this...

Wow are we excited around here!

http://www.versus.com/cfb

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If you have never checked out Mique's blog before you have to see this! She has three --one personal, one recipes, & one on 30 days of creative things - it's amazing & I love it. She must have put in hours of work on it & I am so glad. You have to see it.

Just click here!

Sisters

Ruthie & the kids are here today. I spent the night with the peanut. It was tiring but so much fun. He is growing & growing- over 9lbs. now. Brett did the black Friday shopping this morning for me since I was wiped out- my allergies are bugging me too- sheesh. We've been shopping at Costco & hanging out all day.

Chloe & Sarah are pretending to be spies or inspectors or whatever. They're nuts it's freezing outside! They are great friends. oops Trent hates the flash-

Trent & Conner are playing in the basement getting into chips from the food storage room. Naughty, naughty boys. Aren't they cute?!! Even if they do get into the treats.

Don't let the cuteness fool you... this peanut is a fussy one. He's cute just fussy.

Fuss, fuss, fuss... he's so sweet though!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tonight we took two ticked off teens, an eight year old who hates to go to movies, & chloe to a movie. It didn't start off too hot but ended great. It ended up being really fun & we were glad we went. I remember being a teen and not wanting to go do anything with my family too. Not for any particular reason just moody- same as these two. They weren't angry just unmotivated to do anything.

Well I wanted to see this- or this but the kids voted on this.

We all watched these same trailers and voted during our early dinner.

We loved it! It was darling- a great family movie. I haven't been to a movie in a year & this last week I've been to two. Amazing. I'm definately not qualified to be a movie critic, but I loved them both anyhow.

Hey bright flash! Do you go to movies?

Putting Up The Lights

Brett & Trent are putting up the lights! Brett is great at getting the lights up every year. Honestly I think he likes to do it. I love having Christmas lights on my house I will show you the finished product soon!

*do you put up Christmas lights?

SPT~ my shadow, can you see it?

I'm thankful...

(not in order of importance)

1. that there is no lead in my dishes- story below

2. for my wonderful husband

3. healthy kids and family!

4. my missionary

5. my faith

6. education

7. my home

8. my friends

9. my kid's friends

10. We already had our Thanksgiving!

Now we can just relax

Lead it's on the toys...now the dishes???

Today I got an early start. I left when the kids left for school & sent this package off to the missionary. Then drove to SLC to the health department to have my plates checked for lead.

I'm sure you are wondering...

What the heck- checking dishes for lead?

Last week there was a local news story about a woman whose breast fed baby had been sick. They couldn't figure out what was wrong, then tested the babies blood and he had lead poisoning. They tested the family's dishes and there was lead in them. So the lead went from the mother to the baby through the breast milk. Anyhow, the reporter set up a time at the station and started testing dishes. You can read more about it here. It was so popular that they had another testing day today at the health department. I went and I am happy to say my dishes were negative - except for this set of bowls which were marginal- so they are now scheduled to be used on Thanksgiving day for BBshooting target practice.

Can you believe there could be lead in the dishes we eat on?

I love my lead free fiesta ware even more now.

Great Night

brett & patsy - seattle skyline july 2007

Last night Brett & I went to a see Dan In Real Life then to dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurants Rio Grande downtown.

It was just what I needed. It was so much fun. The movie was great, the food- always fantastic, and the company my ultimate favorite. Years ago at a church activity I was sitting eating dinner with a bunch of ladies and we were all talking about our husbands. One of the women commented on her husband and her recent pregnancy - it was not complimentary. I told a story about how wonderful my husband was during all of my pregnancies etc. She then said - I know whose husband I will try to steal if I ever get divorced.

I was stunned, shocked, but mostly silenced. Ever since that day I think twice when bragging about what a wonderful man I am married to. No, I don't think he would leave me or cheat or whatever. I was just put in my place. So I don't do that anymore, brag about him to insignificant people in my life- just to family like my kids, mother in law, and especially him.

Last night I was reminded of how much I love him. How much we love to be together. Why we started a life & family together in the first place. I love all of my children but in my quest for balance I don't want the part of my life that includes him to be out of balance. My children will grow up and leave me. That is what I ultimately want, for them to be happy. My husband- he and I - that is what I am thankful for today.

Can you tell I was a little flustered when I took this picture of Brian's package before I sealed it up and sent it? I thought I was all organized but somehow I was just a mess.

I was so excited~ I called a local store that has an MTC same day delivery service (only in Utah, I know.) Well I was thrilled you can drop of a package or a letter and for a small fee they deliver it THAT day by noon.


So, I got some of these & a bunch of other stuff & wrapped it in a box all cute with a bright note saying WE LOVE YOU- YOUR FAMILY!
Then I paid - and the guy behind the counter says- okay it'll be there Monday.
WHAT THE *&%$#@?

The service only runs Monday - Friday.
I started to cry.
That poor guy behind the counter.
Luckily I came home to this...




(Brett & trent working on a ramp for his skate board)
And our first letter from the missionary.
He sounded a little nervous, but good. He sent it Thursday and hadn't gotten any of our letters yet so I could tell that was not good. I am sure he got something Friday & today. I know now he will get some goodies & two day old stale maple bars on Monday so that's good. Sheeeesh! He'll be thrilled for sure.

Well, there's nothing like a trip to Costco the Saturday before Thanksgiving to cheer us up, right? Hopefully tonight we are gonna go see this


* have you ever started crying in the store before?
(I'm really not even a crier- this whole experience has been crazy for me)
*have you seen this movie?

This Is How I Am Feeling Today

I will post something better soon ~ I really will ~

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Guess What I Stopped Doing

Not mine anymore... That's right people I have stopped.

Cold turkey, no more diet coke for me.

I only had 3 or 4 a week (well maybe more) but still, the love affair it's over.

I am turning over a new leaf.

WATER

my new best friend.

*can you relate?

Day at the MTC

The sweetest thing happened first thing in the morning yesterday. My sweet friend Wende dropped off two survival kits on the porch. This one for Brian

And this one for me.

Can you believe how thoughtful? I am amazed! It was the most thoughtful thing ever, and it was perfect. She is the great photographer who took our amazing family pictures which I haven't gotten around to ordering yet so she included some pictures too.

Look at these! Mini Ritter Sports- these are so cute- we were all dying over how cute they are. I have to get more.

Here we are on the way down in the car, laughing it up...We listened to classical music and laughed the whole way to Provo. Trent kept calling up from the back- are we in Provo yet? Here we are walking in...Everyone got a picture with the missionary after he got his name tag. Putting on the name tag-that is when I lost it. I looked around there were tons of missionaries coming in - 700 in one day! (All throughout the day- not at one time.) No one else was crying- no one- I looked around and wanted to scream - do you people have ice in your veins? This is it you dumbies! Luckily I contained myself- they may have kicked my rear outta there.
Brothers!
(Don't tell Brian- Jack has already rearranged the bedroom.)

Hailey & Brian.
She got his cell phone. On the way home in the car Trent told Jack that when he goes on his mission he's taking his cell phone & when he (Trent) goes on a mission Jack gets nothin.

This guy bawled his eyes out. That was tough.

The sweet Chloe just wanted to get in a couple more hugs.

Megan she's the one who got the least amount of time with him lately.

Doesn't he look proud. He is so excited.

Father & son. Dad of course, handled it better than anyone else.

After these pictures we went into the chapel, no pictures. I don't know why it's just a big room where they have a song Called to Serve, a prayer, some talks a movie. Then the families go out one door the missionaries another. Wow, hard stuff. It's kind of like pulling off a band aid- faster is better, so they say. We each made the hug rounds - twice. Then, he was off.

Here we are outside. Just before we went in.

I love this picture!

I am so proud of this kid.

Okay I bawled my eyes out and cried at least every 10 minutes the whole day & night. I thought I was going to do better, I really did. Luckily I told him the night before, I am excited for you, don't let the crying send you the wrong message.

The best thing happened last night. Brett & the older kids went to their church activities, me and the younger two were doing homework. It was so boring. So everyday, blah, blah, blah... there is nothing here for him. He would be leaving for college anyway. This is the best thing for him. He knows what he wants to do and he is doing it. This is his grand adventure. This is his time before the real responsibilities of being a man fall upon his shoulders. He is prepared, he is ready, being a mom... it's harder than it looks.