Date Night

Well, Chris and I got out for a date night. We are actually getting a little better at that lately, and that isn't just counting our "dates" to the grocery store for stuff.

Last weekend, while the girls were still at their Grandparents, we were able to go out & not worry about rushing home for the sitter. You see, I am the kind of person who thinks about $$ signs in my head. So for example, a dinner date = the cost of dinner + the $4 per hour for the sitter. It all adds up, you know? So, you tend to rush things - well, I do. So our date last weekend went so well. We went out to dinner & spent at lest 2 hours there. Can you believe that? 2 HOURS!!! Then we just walked around the Gateway mall until my feet were about to fall off. (I wore a cute pair of shoes that look really nice, but are a killer to walk more than 5 minutes in straight. Plus, I had worn these at conference so my feet were still hurting from that.) But it was very relaxing, not to be on any schedule!

Back to tonight: Chris had scored a screening pass for a new movie that was tonight. Swing Vote: anyone heard of it? Well, it was pretty good - I laughed, I cried, it moved me. BUT - there was a ton of language. So, for me it was a once & I am good for life - kind of movie. Before the movie started, the sponsor of the screening gave out prizes. I actually won something! WAHOO! We got 4 passes to the Motor Raceway for Saturday & a t-shirt. Not too bad for a free movie, right? (I am actually going to try to sell them online so wish me luck. We would use them, but Chris will be at Scout Camp on Saturday. I have a backup plan of inviting Chris's brother to come with us.) Anyway, after the movie we took our time getting home. It looks like I might be getting the hang of trying to just take the time to enjoy being out with the honey and not worrying too much about "ca-ching."

Nothing

"Hey girls, what are you doing?" (This is normally after you either hear a very loud banging sound, or unusual silence.)
"Hon, what's that?"
"What are you up to?"
"Whatcha looking at?"

To all these questions and more, I have gotten the same response, "nothing." About a month or so ago, Chris had been looking through some papers and made some kind of noise...it had a thinking/ "oh, that's interesting" sound to it, so I asked him what he was reading - only to get that "nothing" response. So, I thought about it - alot actually. What does "nothing" really mean? I did a little digging and came up with this:

• In no respect; to no degree; "he looks nothing like his father"
• A quantity of no importance; "it looked like nothing I had ever seen before"
• Nothing is commonly understood as the lack or absence of anything at all. Colloquially, the term is often used to indicate the lack of anything relevant or significant, or to describe a particularly unimpressive thing, event, or object.

Take note of that last one..."it is often used to indicate the lack of anything relevant or significant, or to describe a particularly unimpressive thing, event, or object." So, when you hear and then question that loud bang, or that interesting noise - is the appropriate response "nothing?" Maybe we should work on honesty here & say..."That noise was Christianna. I just kicked her off my bed & she fell on the floor. Then she got mad and threw the snow globe at me & it smashed off the wall and broke all over the place. Then I stepped on it & I am bleeding all over the carpet."

Hmmm...maybe I would rather the "nothing" response here. Could it just be a way for my family to protect me from losing my mind over these things? You be the judge, how is it used in your home?

P.S. In case you were wondering, that scenario with the girls has not played out, in it's entirety....yet.

May I use your Zip Line?

Yes, they bombarded my Mom & Dad's neighbor to try this out. The girls had a preview the night before. I was there for a Pampered Chef show & the girls had to hang out with my host's kids until my parents got home. They were having such an awesome time that Christianna practically cried when my Dad come to get them. Even though, the first time down it, she smacked right into the end post! (Bummed that I missed that one.)

Then on Wednesday evening, they went over again and played with the kids and used their zip line. (Christianna still asks what it is called since she can not remember.) They were there until it was practically dark out. Just so you know how badly Christianna wanted to go over - get this! Just before they headed out, I went outside to get a few pictures of my Dad's new bike. He had just finished taking the girls for rides, so it was a little.....HOT. Christianna came over & leaned against the bike - right on the muffler! She burned the area right above both of her knees. My Dad rushed her in the house to put cool rags & ice on them, and do you know what she was most upset about? You would think that she was crying about the burns, NO - she was more upset about not being able to go play! So after about the longest 5 minutes ever, I took her over. I must admit, it was awesome. I think my parents need to put one up at their house.

Chris is the sweetest!!

I returned home from Chicago around 9 pm. I hustled my butt to terminal 2 to get Cinnabon's for Chris. (Long story short: There used to be one @ the mall in Salt Lake, but with the remodeling, it was closed...so the airport is where he can get them. I will have to post a funny story about when his parents flew in...it's a goodie...maybe in a couple days.)

Alright, can I just tell you how sweet Chris can be? He met me at the airport with these beautiful flowers.

On our way home, we were actually able to converse with each other, without the funny questions the girls add to the mix. Then, when we were home, he had another surprise for me. I had to close my eyes and everything. Then he brought me into our room, where I beheld a beautiful arrangement of roses!

I asked him why he got them. Not that I wasn't appreciative...but I wanted to know. He told me about going to the flower shop. He didn't just go & grab a prearranged bunch either...thought went into it. He asked for roses to represent our friendship & love. Then he added the purple flowers, instead of the traditional babies breath, to add more color & then all the greenery!

It makes it even more sweet to know what the motivation is behind them. When he told me this, I got choked up - again! (I told you I was emotional this week.) I am actually at my parents house right now & looking at these pictures makes me smile. He is such a wonderful man! Since the girls were at Grandma & Grandpa's house, Chris and I had a couple days to just be together. It was perfect.

FYI: the girls spent the week at my parents and I came down Sunday night to spend a couple days here before we all go back home. Grandparents are fabulous! Thank you Mom, Dad & Patrick for taking the girls. I really appreciated it!

Last day in Chicago

Well, Thursday was a lazy day. Conference was over & we had the day to sleep in & sight see! Mostly everyone left by the morning, so Donna & I headed down to Navy Pier. I had found gifts the first day, but I wanted to check out other things before I decided on them. I came across a shirt for Chris...hmm, I should have taken a picture of it...it had a Chicago P.D. badge on it & the words:

HOMICIDE

OUR DAY BEGINS WHEN YOURS ENDS

Nice, huh? I just had to get it for him. I actually found the best shirt, but they didn't have my size, or a size even close to fit me. That I did take a picture of.

After the necessary purchases, we headed to lunch. We ate at Bubba Gump's Restaurant. It was so much fun! I had the best salad. It was a pear & berry & chicken salad with raspberry vinaigrette. Wonderful - just thinking about it makes me hungry. I took a few pictures there..but didn't want to bore you with too many.

While at Navy Pier, we also walked through a Stained Glass Museum. They were amazing! This was one of my favorite windows. It was called "Hollywood Angel."

Enjoy the rest of the pics! I will at least put a caption on them.

(A picture of Navy Pier.)

A building we walked by between our hotel & Navy Pier.

Who can resist a picture of a lighthouse?
...and a sailboat....
...and the Sears Tower.

Day 3: Directors ROCK!

The last day of conference was the most awesome for me this year. This was the day that I got all the recognition as a new Director. Here we are: L-R: Todd, Mary Kae, Me & Rachael. We all share the same Exec. Director. YAY! The day started off with a special breakfast. Now, I didn't know how special it really was....let me explain. Before I even left for Chicago, I received a call from Pampered Chef. They told me that I would have a special card to for reserved seating at this breakfast. Once I was there, I was told that I would be at the table with Jean Jonas! Remember, the VP??
So it may be lame to you - but this was my place card for breakfast.
It was so awesome at her table. Jean told us the reason for being at her table. You know why? Out of the new directors, we were the top ones in sales and recruiting!! Now if that isn't a pat on the back, I don't know what is! We all talked about our dreams - what we really want our business to do. I had been pretty emotional this whole week, so needless to say, I had the tears flowing as I shared mine. Are you curious?

The main reason I do Pampered Chef is this: Many of you know that Chris & I were married when we were young and had the girls. I don't have a college education (yet) and if something was ever to happen with Chris, especially in his line of work, I have something in place to support my girls that I love to do.

Later, after the wonderful breakfast, lunch and a class - we had the last general session. We walked across the stage as new Directors! It was so exciting. I was so nervous. I am a clutz. Seriously, I was keeping track of the times I tripped over my feet - while in Chicago & I got to 10, plus I almost fell down an escalator. Nice huh?

Well, I didn't trip. I walked out to the sound of loud cheers and I was so overwhelmed. I had the biggest smile and was trying not to completely sob! You know what? I did it. I have made it this far and I know that I can continue to grow my business and be successful. That is so HUGE to me. I was so proud of myself. The only thing that would have made this day better, would have been to have Chris there to share it with me.

To top off this fabulous day, Debbie took me to see "Wicked." It was her gift to me for promoting & it was the best show! I am unsure if it tops Les Mis...but it is right up there with my favorites. I am even more excited because it is coming to Salt Lake in April!! My goal is to take Chris & the girls with my Pampered Chef spoils.

After all that, there was more. Pauleen had a special Director's training/dinner-party at her hotel suite. She ordered Chicago style pizza. Have you ever had it? Wow! I tell you what, wow! This is a hugely stuffed pizza - seems like they use an entire block of mozzarella per pizza! Seriously, this thing had almost an inch layer of cheese! It was delicious, but less is more people. So, if you are ever in the Windy City, try a slice...and just 1 slice, trust me.

Day 2: My Favorite Things

OK...I said that I would share some of my favorite things... It is always fun to see what is coming and I am excited for the new things. They announced some price changes coming....shipping, etc. But how could they not? Everything is rising these days, right. So, to all my customers, shipping is going to be .25 more. (You thought it would be more, didn't you?) There were some products that are going for good too: the Chillzanne stuff. Apparently the vendor was going to raise their prices $20 per piece! Can you believe that? So, Pampered Chef is cutting them from the catalog, still trying to provide great products at reasonable prices. Don't you love that?

So, these are the new stemware glasses to match the dots dishes. Super love them! I know I am not really a drinker, but wouldn't a raspberry sipper be fabulous in these?

My very favorite thing was the bamboo knife block that they are coming out with. It will house all the forged cutlery, which is great, since mine are all in my kitchen drawer. Then there are the new bamboo square bowls. (I earned 2 of those babies FREE.)

(Pictured above: L-R: Me, Carlos, Debbie, Pauleen, Stephanie, & Donna.)

After all the classes and sessions on Day 2, Carlos & I headed down Michigan Ave. to check out H&M - a clothing store. I ended up not finding anything this time so we headed back to get ready for the dinner. We actually ran into Jean Jonas, the V.P. of Pampered Chef & the one over Sales. Well, I thought it was an awesome thing!
We had a special banquet with our Exec. Director, Pauleen. Carlos & I were a little late for it, since we had that shopping excursion, but we still were able to be there in time to eat. (Because, you know that is what I am all about.) We had to get ready - that face painting takes time, you know. We had an "All-American" theme.

Pauleen always has some kind of activity, & I got there in time to represent our table by leading a cheer.

Ready? OK!

When I say Pampered, you say Chef - Pampered - Chef, Pampered-Chef

(I am sure you get the idea, right? Wasn't the hair appropriate for it? Too bad that I didn't have tons of ribbons in my hair. Funny that I had no idea I would have been leading the cheer. It brought me back to when I used to be one. he, he)

Day one: Pampered Chef National Conference

Hello all! I am finally able to catch you up on my fabulous week in Chicago. Technically, I got there on Sunday, but I didn't take my camera with me as we visited Navy Pier. So, I am starting with Monday. The day started off great with a special Directors & above training in the morning. It was based on personalities and how you can work with each type. I was in the socializer group - surprised? That was followed by a great lunch. The dessert was wonderful - hence the picture. Doesn't that look yummy? In addition to the food, we got gifts!

Then we had the general opening session, where the mass of Pampered Chefers gather together for fun & frivolities. They announced the new products coming in the fall. (I will only share a few of my favorites, you will have to wait until the catalog comes out to see the rest, or just schedule a show & you can see then firsthand - wink, wink.)

After that, we visited the Dream Room. A fun little area that is a comfy place to sit and think of all the possibilities that Pampered Chef can provide. Here I am with Carlos & Debbie. We all had an awesome time. Poor Carlos, I think he found out way more about me than he thought was possible. (Did I mention how great it was to start my trip with an unexpected "visitor" a WEEK early?) So, things like that...sorry Carlos.

Debbie is the most fabulous Director EVER! She has been such a support as I have been trying to reach my goals.

Here is a picture of me and Todd, he is from Arizona. He also promoted to Director, so we walked the stage together on the 3rd day. WAHOO! This was in the dream room, where we found a picture of us from Leadership Conference in January.

We ended this day with a trip down Michigan Ave. to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. I was so stuffed from dinner, that I saved the cheesecake for the next day.

Chicago, here I come!

Well, it is that time of year again, when I - along with many other Pampered Chef Consultants - pilgrimage to Chicago. I am going to attend the Pampered Chef National Conference. It has always been an awesome experience for me & I am excited to go every year.

Today my family all left for Cedar City. Chris took the girls down to my parents house & is staying until Monday. The girls are going to be there for about a week and a half when all is said and done. It is so weird! I have been home for most of the day - alone. It is strange being in a quiet place for more than a few hours. I had to go for a bike ride to search out some bobby pins just to pass the time. (Yeah, that was an adventure & finally at the 4th store I stopped at, they had some.)

I already miss my family and look forward to seeing them again when I get back. Chris & I will actually have some couple time for a few days before I head down to get the girls & spend time with my parents. I figure that this is kind of a preparatory thing...Christianna heads to kindergarten this year & I will have quiet mornings.

Back to the conference - I need to be out of here just before 6 am! I should be sleeping right now. It is going to be fab, filled with all the new products coming out this September (I will see all the stuff I am getting for FREE) & all the great training classes I am taking. I will also be walking across the stage as a new Director and I am so very excited about that. I will catch you all up when I get back.

Oh DRAT: Olives!

Let me explain - a few days ago we noticed that something had spilled in our fridge...something in the very back. Well, I put it off for a couple days and it got nastier & started to smell a little. When I finally started rumaging around on the top shelf, I found the culprit. A stinkin' jar of green olives had tipped over and was slowly leaking all over the place. I thought that those jars were supposed to reseal - at least so they don't spill.

Someone reading this may think that it is sweet revenge....Jennie. Who knows, maybe it was. If indeed it had been the jar she gave me for my birthday, I definately would have reason to be suspicious, but I bought this jar.

For those thinking "what the heck?" I will explain. Many moons ago, when Jennie & I were younger, I was told to make our lunches for school the next day. Well, she was old enough to do it herself & I was a bit bugged that she didn't have to make her own. So to retaliate, I made her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Some of you might think that it was nice, I still made the lunch...but I wasn't so nice. I delicately placed a single green olive right smack dab in the center of it. Sweet revenge! Not only is that a wickedly nasty combo, but Jennie hates green olives. (I just found out recently that she went without a sandwich that day, as soon as she found it - she tossed the entire thing. Just in case there were more.) So, that explains the gift of a jar of olives for my birthday. She made up a cute gift bag for me. To celebrate turning 30 - she had 30 items in that bag representing various stories & also age jokes. What a jokester.

So back to the olive mess. I am heading out to Chicago for the most awesome Pampered Chef National Conference EVER and I wanted to have it all cleaned up before I leave Sunday. This evening I have been thoroughly cleaning our kitchen and, more importantly, the fridge. Doesn't it look great? I would have included the before picture - but lets face it, nobody wants to see that & I don't want any photographical evidence floating around out there. That would totally destroy my image of being all together all the time!

Look Ma! My first lost tooth!!

Christianna had a pretty eventful day - for a 5 year old. As some of you already know from a couple posts ago - she took a try at cutting her hair. Well, tonight, while we were at the park for fireworks, she hit another milestone.

Before we went to play at the park, she posed for a couple pics. Her tooth was so loose that it practically was laying flat. (Here is the before shot. Don't you love the leftover milk on her upper lip?)

Then later on, as they were playing at the playground, she came over - upset about something...for like the 3rd time - and sat down next to me. After she calmed a little, she just looked at me suddenly & said "My tooth is gone!" Sure enough, it was! It fell out & she didn't even realize it until she had 2 seconds to sit still. Then she valiantly searched the area for it. Can you imagine searching for a tooth approx. the size of the letter "U" on your keypad among the wood chips in a playground? Well, she tried with no success, but it was ok...she forgot about it until we ran into Chris again. Then she recapped everything & thought that maybe it fell out when she bit her sister. Oh yeah, she kinda forgot to mention that before - she bit Victoria for something that happened. Oi! But she sure was excited to loose her first tooth, can you blame her? She is always trying to be older and like her sister.

Happy Fourth of July!

Hello all. The girls and I went up to Sugarhouse Park for the fourth to see the fireworks. Normally I wouldn't venture to an event like that without Chris - with all the people there, the parking nightmare, etc. But it was ok - we met Chris there. He was manning the Mobile Command Center so he was able to get us in and park by him. I brought brownies with me in case I had any trouble getting in, but I didn't have to bribe anyone.

The girls played at the playground for awhile and I read my book. I was reading "River Secrets." Now, when I read, that is all I do - or so it seems. Once I start a book, it is really hard to put it down. They played & I read until I couldn't read anymore. Geez, it gets dark too quickly and I lost my light to read.

We took a little side-stop to see Chris again & then headed up the hill to watch the fireworks. They were awesome & I got some neat pics of them. Then we spent about a half hour in the car waiting to drive out and an additional half hour to get home. (Normally the ride takes about 20 min.) That first half hour was fine - I just read more. I hope you all had a good holiday!

Haircuts by Christianna, anyone?

Well our uneventful day turned into a not-so-uneventful day. Today Christianna decided that she wanted to cut her hair...herself. When asked "why?" her response was (as she shrugs her shoulders), "When I see scissors, I just have to cut my hair." Like that was the most normal thing! Thank goodness there is a lady in our ward who cuts hair. Luckily she was home today & was able to fix her hair. The thing about Christianna is, when she cuts her hair, it is always in the same spot. She cuts on the left side of her head, by her ear, and about cheek level - this normally takes out about 2" in towards her ear. NICE! I guess it could be worse - it could be her bangs right by the roots...

Anyway, we rode our bikes over to her house & she ended up cutting both of the girls hair. (Victoria had bangs in her eyes & it was pretty thick in the back.) They both love their haircuts and really like how lighter and cooler it makes them. Once we got home, they had a homemade lemonade popsicle. I am hoping that things are pretty blah for the rest of the afternoon. The scissors are up, so I think she will not have that urge to cut again...at least for a little while.

Thank you Kari! You are awesome!!

The Utah Hogle Zoo

I know we have been lacking in our regular posting, so I thought I would share our trip to the zoo. We actually head to the zoo often and come back with many pictures every time. This time Victoria brought her camera. (She got a little one for her birthday & loves taking all sorts of pictures.)

July 2nd: It was a very hot day. We arrived at 9:30 and there were already tons of people there. Each time we visit, Christianna insists on a map - even though we all have the layout memorized. The highlight for the girls was the opening of the newest attraction - the carousel. It is actually a pretty cool carousel. The animals are endangered species. So they got their tickets and took a ride. Victoria is on an anteater & Christianna is on a zebra. Let me tell you, it was not an easy decision for either of them! We then attended the bird show - which is awesome....even though the show is the same & the jokes are the same...the birds are fascinating.

(Christianna is actually saying "goodbye" to the Zebra that she rode. She even kissed him!)

We also got to see the tiger really well today. He normally hides up in the corner away from the people, but this time he was chilling out in the water hole. It is cool since the water pool shares a side with a plexiglas wall - so we can see right into it!

By the time noon rolled around, it was HOT, HOT, HOT! So I packed up the wee ones and headed home for lunch and the most awesome thing of all - air conditioning...aaahhhhhh.