Brandon's first love, and his new love

I am sure you are all thinking that I was Brandon's first love. Grievoulsy, I have to tell you that I was not (sigh). Brandon first fell in love with a girl who was born in 1979, yes one year younger than me. She was a tough and sweet little thing. Not everyone would say she was beautiful, but Brandon would say she was stunning. He loved taking her to new heights and taking her on new adventures, many of which I have heard about with some jealousy and admittedly, a little fear. He always took good care of her and I know that she really appreciated him. I am sure she appreciated him as much as I appreciate how well he takes care of me now. She was one lucky gal. But, he had to end that relationship shortly after we got married, it just wasn't working out anymore. It was just getting to be too much and things were getting a little complicated. And we were moving across the country and he knew the relationship would rust if he couldn't care for her everyday. And the expense was too much for us.

He recently had a a chance to rekindle the old flame with a newer version of this true love. She was born in 1997 (I guess he likes them young now, I can't say that I blame him). I didn't have a problem with her at first, but after him being gone for hours and hours with her I started to get REALLY frustrated. Then she started having all these problems and some of her physical aspects needed improving. So Brandon was gone often trying to fix her problems and improve her self esteem. It was almost the end of us-until I saw the new and approved version of her. I felt much better and I knew all his efforts and time were worth it, and I could tell that he was happy too! And that made me happy. She stands taller now, in fact she is quite a bit taller than Brandon. She is comfortable, constant, stable and reliable now, and she is gorgeous!! Who couldn't be with a man such as Brandon, working so hard and taking such care? I have come to appreciate her too, and in some strange way she has brought our little family together. I think a lot of you probably know her or one of her sisters. They surely get around (if you know what I am sayin', wink, wink). Let me just give you a hint...


Wow! Just that small glimpse might set Brandon's heart a flutter!! Okay, one more hint...


I think you might have guessed it!


Yes, her name is Toyota Land Cruiser. (We have yet to give her a nickname.)

Isn't she a beauty? This isn't even with all the improvements.
She has brought our family together (more thoughts on that to come). Although she did take a lot Brandon's time and caused a lot of stress in the beginning, it was worth it. I know Brandon isn't done with all improvements, but I am glad he has found her.
(I hope everyone understands that I am being totally dramatic, except for the part about it taking too much of Brandon's time, ha, ha.)

Our Valentines

This is how we started out our Valentine's this morning with a little holiday inspired breakfast, heart pancakes, heart strawberries, eggs and ham. YUM!!

Brandon ate by candlelight and dined with music (provided by Nash). Sorry about the pictures, I was too lazy to set up my tripod.

Then the boys got their treats from us.

We will spend the rest of the day being lazy, going to church and then eating a Valentine's dinner at Grandpa and Grandma Weeks' house with all the cousins. Yeah! Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!

Alibis for my Absence

Besides raising 4 kids, this is what I have been doing besides NOT blogging.

1. Keeping up with this cute thing. She is now crawling and needs her mommy more these days.


2. Trying to keep both of these kids occupied and entertained during the day.

I might also add that my afternoon alone time is now limited due to Coleman laying in his bed for an hour and not falling asleep for nap-time (6 days out of the week). I am sure he is done with naps, which is really sad because for the last 6 months or so he was taking one almost every day. We will see what this month holds, although it isn't looking good.

3. Reading The Mortal Instruments trilogy (which I loved).




I am finding that I really love fantasy books, they are so entertaining. They are making the first one into a movie and I can't wait!


4. Swimming, running, and biking 5 days a week.





My training for a Mini Triathlon I am doing in St. George in April. I have wanted to do one for a long time. It is a really short one- a good place for me to start. I am really excited!

5. Washing, folding, hauling and putting away this every week. It seems to be growing more each week. I had to mention it because it is a HUGE part of my day.

6. Attending Nash's basketball games and practices.

7. Planning and attending scouting activities each week. Including the Pinewood Derby (pictures to come). Yes, I am a leader of the Wolf pack, and I really like it.

8. Decorating and trying to at least complete one room in the house. I am almost finished with Nash and Canyon's room.



A big step up from their purple room -2 years in the making. My boys wanted a "camo" room, so it was their idea. I thought of the pattern, and my sister-in-law was the one who helped me pick the colors and helped me lay it all out. I couldn't have done it without her. I think it turned out so fun! Next I need to complete the finishing touches on Paige's room.

9. Researching and shopping for healthier foods. We are trying to get in better shape around here. It has taken a lot of my time surfing the web and a lot of time at the store reading food labels. I am going to miss you white pasta, white rice, white flour and white bread. I am going to miss you Peanut Butter Crunch and Fruity Pebbles. I am NOT going to miss you chocolate because there is no way I would give you up-I just might not eat you as often (maybe).

I am also trying to come up with a different dinner menu. We are so tired of our spagetti, taco, lasagna, stroganoff, and BBQ chicken and rice menu. Anyone have any recipes they love? I would love any ideas in this area.

10. Playing Super Mario Bros. Wii with my boys. I love that game, it takes me back to the good old days.




11. Going on fun little outings with my little family. Here we are in Park City...

we stayed at Brandon's uncles condo. It was a nice relaxing weekend of sitting in the hot tub, eating yummy food, sledding and taking walks. We stopped in Midway to see the ice sculptures and eat at a local Mexican restaurant. Good times.

Hopefully I will make blogging more of a priority while continuing to do all the necessary things.