Merry Christmas!

I know, I know...a blog is a cop-out way of getting Christmas cards out. But I do have a good excuse this year, I just haven't thought of what it is yet. :)
In following tradition, our Christmas letter is written in homage to the poetic styling of "Private Eyes." And, once again, for those of you who haven't seen this movie, this poem will seem confusing and, well...lame. But thanks for reading it anyway! Here goes:

I'm looking back over 2009
and trying to remember
what I did with my time.
How could it be
The year flew by so fast?
It seems each year moves
More quickly into the anterior.

Here is an update
of each family member.
Growing and learning
From Jan. to Dec.
I'll start off with Christian,
He's 11 and bright.
He loves the 5th grade,
and he does what is correct.

He swims on the white team
with the OTAC.
A geologist or scientist
he hopes someday to be.
He plays the piano
and is a wonderful scout.
He'll pass me up in height soon,
of that there's no question.

Now onto Zach,
The poor middle child.
He puts up with brothers
so crazy and wild!
He's also a swimmer,
and is fantastic at art!
Hearing loss or not,
this kids VERY intelligent!

He turns 8 next April,
and will be baptized as well.
He'll be a cub scout
which he thinks is so swell.
He's such a great kid
with a fun sense of humor.
Also, a ladies man,
so says the latest gossip.

As for our Marchus,
the youngest "big" boy.
He is so super funny,
and brings so much joy.
He turns 5 in Jan.
and is loving pre-school.
He still snuggles with me,
which I find really awesome!

He loves his big brothers
and thinks they're the best
When they get home from school,
he lets them have no rest.
He's loving and helpful,
He's tender and sweet.
Being his mommy is a wonderful experience!

Let's move on to Pete,
My awesome, big hubby.
Who tells me I'm beautiful
Even when I feel chubby.
He still works at Zyto,
Filming and editing his tasks.
He caters still too,
whenever anyone inquires.

His cooking is amazing,
and so is his wife,
What more could he ask for
in all of his life?
He takes on each day
determined and true.
Though his trials are many
I know he'll get past them.


As for me, well, what's new?
I don't know what to say.
My job as a mommy
takes all of my day.
I started a book club
because I love reading.
we meet every month
for a discussion and chow.

Teaching voice lessons
is rewarding and fun.
My students are awesome,
I love them a ton!
My favoritest thing
In the world though, is this:
Being a wife and a mom to great boys,
such is felicity.

We've been through a lot,

this year has been rough.

But, looking back now,

it's what's made us tough.

I'm grateful for hard times,

that pull us together.

That help shift our focus,

from now to eternity!

We love all of you,
our loved ones so dear.
May you find peace
in a coming new year.
God bless, and best wishes,
and a Merry Christmas too.
May your troubles be small,
and worries be infrequent!

Merry Christmas!
Love,
The Cook Family

A weekend of Firsts!!

Last Friday and Saturday (Oct. 16 &17) Christian had the opportunity to swim in his first swim meet!! It started at 4pm and, being new to the swimming world, we had no idea that the fact he was swimming in the 24th event meant we had to wait through all 23 events before his. So, after sitting there for a couple hours we decided to go eat and come back. We made it back just in time for him to swim...at 7:40pm. It was a long night for him, but he did great! He swam the 50 yard backstroke in 1:48.

Saturday morning, Christian swam the 50 yard freestyle in 1:21:09. We are so happy for him and proud of his hard work and determination. He gets a little bummed that he's not as fast as most the other kids, but he has a great attitude and he never lets it get him down!! He is such a remarkable young man who is caring and tender to all he meets! I am so lucky to be his mom!! I love you Christian!

Also, we got to pick up Brittani from her foster home in Orem and take her with us to the meet. It was our first time having her with us as a family outside of an ARTEC visit. Brittani got to stay with us over night on Saturday! We had a great time getting to know her better!! She is very sweet and helpful with the boys. She is a beautiful girl with a fun personality! I am in awe of all she is going through and yet she does her best continue to improve herself and communicate openly! We are hopeful that she will be transitioned into our home near or around Thanksgiving time.

Halloween time is here....almost

Pumpkins, ghouls, ghosts and vampires...it's everywhere. Halloween is upon us...almost. :)
I don't know what happened, but in our several moves over the last few years, I have lost all but a few items from my Halloween decor collection. Somehow though, one Halloween item has managed to escape the black hole that exists when moving (I also assume most of my kids socks end up in the same place with these items). That item is a sign that says "A Real Witch Lives Here." I marvel at the irony here: That this sign is the one to have survived! :)
So...that is what is on my porch. Along with two stuffed pumpkins that say "Boo" and "Trick-or-Treat." My kids are feeling gypped! So, my goal is to figure out how to spook-ify my house before Halloween comes in a way as to satisfy their creepy craving.
Truth be told...Halloween is my least favorite holiday (if you can call it a holiday. Isn't the word "holiday" supposed to invoke a feeling of excitement and merriment?)!! I don't mind the dressing up, but walking around in the cold, dark of night so that my kids can accumulate a horrifying amount of candy, that ultimately gets eaten within 24 hours and causes such a dramatic sugar rush that I want to pull my hair out, leaves much to be desired for me!! Then, somehow, when all the candy seems to be gone, I start to find it hidden in the deep crevices that exist in my kids rooms!! In the underwear drawer, the bottom of the toy box and even inside SHOES!!
My other most FAVORITE part of Halloween, is getting to wait, and in all my hopeful anticipation, long to hear the doorbell ring again, and again, and again, and again.....and again, and again....and hear "Trick-or-treat" again, and again, and again....and again!!
Doesn't this go against what we've tried to teach our children? About strangers, candy FROM strangers, and begging for food??? This year, something makes me want to scare the expensive little costumes off the little beggars!! Make them jump out of their skin...Booooowwwwahahahaha! Oh NO!! I AM A REAL WITCH!!!!! :)
So, in celebration of this 'holiday', I found some fitting poems to share. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!

TRICK OR TREAT
When the little boys and girls
Knock at my door for candy
I must give them what they want
“Or else” is their modus operandi
So with a false smile I comply
But under my breath I pray
That by the time Christmas comes
They’ll all have tooth decay

ALL HALLOWS EVE
I hide behind the sofa quivering in fear
Now the witching hour is near
The curtains are drawn tight
And I’ve turned off the lights
The TV volume is way down low
I sit and cower in its feeble glow
Then comes the knock upon the door
And I curl up quivering on the floor
My heart is pounding my breath is shallow
My mouth is dry it’s hard to swallow
On all hallows eve I live in mortal dread
But not of monsters or the un-dead
The fear that turns my heart to stone
Is Trick or Treaters knowing I’m home

THE COSTUMED ARMY
by Paul Curtis

It’s here again
That day we all dread
When once more
We fear the rise of the dead

But fear not
Our salvation is at hand
We shall be saved
By an unlikely Band

So be assured
When the time is near
Ghosts and ghouls
Will all quake in fear

When night falls
All the undead will cower
Trembling in awe
Come the witching hour

As armed with sacks
Our great costumed army
Will roam the streets
To drive the evil spirits barmy

So to protect yourselves
Keep a proper payment handy
When the costumed army
Come knocking for some candy

Onward and upward!

A little while back, we took our first fall family hike up the in Orem Foothills. The boys were especially excited and looking forward to the adventure!
It was a fun hike for me because it brought back a lot of great memories!
When Pete and I were dating, one of our favorite things to do, was take his jeep up in these same foothills and we'd listen to "Ground Zero" (a syndicated talk show about the paranormal), look at the stars and talk about our future together. This mountain is also where Peter proposed to me!

I hadn't thought much about those fun, meaningful talks and experiences until we were back up there on the hill, in the same spot, and I looked around at what where we are in our lives...What they have become...at our boys, and couldn't help thinking that it was so different from what we had planned. It is better!!

I never thought-as I know most mother's feel the same-that my role as a wife and mother would be so hard. So discouraging at times, and even disappointing. But, it's through all the chaos, the hard times and the disappointments that we have become stronger...and much closer!

As we continued up the face of the mountain, I had the thought that our family life IS a hike. While constantly trying to move upward and progress, we need to stay together, on the same path. We may run into spots where the path is narrow, and maybe we don't all fit through together. We have to stop and wait for each other and help each other along. And maybe sometimes the path is wide and we are all walking at the same pace and speed. This makes it nice and easy.

Sometimes, my boys want to take a different path. One that I don't feel is safe. I try to keep them with me, on the safe path so we can get to our destination unharmed and TOGETHER! I don't want to be alone when I get to top of the hill and enjoy the blessings and beauty of Heavenly Father's earth alone. I want us all there!!

No matter the difficulty of life's path, I am looking forward to the learning and growing that can only take place through our struggles. I know that as a family, will enjoy the destination so much more when it's reached as we stick close together, hold on to each other and stay on the correct path through those struggles!

Onward and upward!!!

Marchus goes to PRE-SCHOOL!

Marchus started his first day of pre-school today! He was SO excited and didn't even want me to walk him to the classroom.
His pre-school is located just kiddie-corner across the street from our home. I love how close it is! But, if it were up to Marchus, he'd enroll out of state somewhere. He's so anxious to be a big boy!!
I came home from dropping him off, and I sat down and ate my lunch. It was eerily quiet and I started thinking back to the last time I had sat down to have lunch on my own...by myself. It's been well over 10 years! No wonder it felt so foreign!
It's such an interesting place to be in after so many years. He'll only gone for six hours a week, but it feels weird to me. He's been almost a constant companion to me since he was born 4.5 years ago. He's my little buddy and partner in crime!

When he got home I asked him how it went and he said, "I didn't trip once!"

It was funny since he never voiced any concern that he might "trip" at school. What a silly boy!

The thing that strikes me the most, is remembering how fast the time seemed to fly by once Christian and Zach started pre-school. It went CRAZY fast once they started to go...even just a couple days a week.
So, Marchus has hit a mile stone in his cute little life, and I have hit one in mine! Soon, I will be home alone most the day...and that's a whole other blog post!

Horntail Wasp NIGHTMARE!

While at the local Maverick gas station here in Orem, I had a HORRIFYING experience with an insect. Not just ANY insect, a HORNTAIL WASP (pictured at the left). As if that wasn't bad enough, I completely humiliated myself in front of total strangers.
Here's what happened:
I was helping Marchus out of the car so we could go in and buy a slushy. As I turned around to walk toward the front of the building a small bird flew straight at me, and with a loud, angry sounding buzz, landed on the front of my t-shirt! Then, much to my surprise, I realized it wasn't a bird...its was a BEE! THE BIGGEST BEE I'VE EVER SEEN.
While trying not to hyperventilate, I gently and slowly pulled the shirt away from the front of my body. Mosty because I was SO scared it would sting my....chest area!
As I pulled the shirt away, it started to CRAWL UP MY SHIRT, towards my neck. Now it's positioned directly on top of my left breast! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?
Marchus, at this point is watching all of this unfold and is horrified at the size of the insect on my body. He starts to shout "mom...mom...get it off, get it off!!!"
The enemy now starts to flap it's wings at me as I try to gently shake my shirt. It's getting mad now...and I'm ready to wet myself!!
Oh yeah...this is happening...
Just as I'm ready to pass out or start screaming my head off, a very nice gentleman (probably the same age as me) starts walking toward the front of the building and can see that there is a small comotion going on at my car. He yells over the car in between us, "Are we havin' some trouble?" He couldn't see the evil, giant crazed insect living on the front of me.
I was so scared, I couldn't even say anything. I just mumble something like.." huuhhh...I just...can you...I don't....huhhh."
He walks over closer to me and I see his eyes getting wider and wider underneath his sunglasses. He was as intimidated by the stupid thing as I was!
"What IS THAT?" he asks in awe.
"I don't...ahh...can you get it off of me...please....uuhhhh...." At this point, he can finally understand that I'm needin his help, and he can see the beads of sweat on my face!
There's just one small problem: The location of the bug. It's still perched on top of my left breast. And he's looking at me like I'm crazy!
Now he stutters, "uhh...do you...uhh...are you sure?"
No sir, I'd rather you leave me here to DIE!!
Yes I'm sure!!
I just nod my head and walk closer to him. He instinctively backs up a little bit, then politely asks my permission again.
"Are you sure you want me to....get it?"
"Yes...hurry!"
He walks over to me, and hesitates for a minute, before he reaches out to brush it off of me.
Surprisingly, the insect was stubborn, and didn't want to move, so he is picking at it now and I'm ready to DIE! I'm going to die! Either from embarrassment, or a sting!!
But, just as I'm about to lose it, my hero, the stranger, finally picks it up off me and throws it!!
I was shaking so bad, it was beyond embarrassing!! I think I said thank you more than 10 times.
He kinda chuckled and said "I've never seen a bug like that before. It didn't want to move."
I gave a weak chuckle and tried to ignore the fact that my face was red hot from my humiliation.
He walked away and I nearly ran into the store with Marchus, for fear it would return for revenge!
When I got home, I immediately googled wasps until I found a picture that looked like the one that attacked me. I found this picture that I posted and nearly fell over after reading up on it.
Apparently, it lives in bark and the adult Horntail Wasps are quite "intimidating, due to their enormous size." And...surprisingly, they DON'T STING! Yeah....I'm sorta wishing I knew that before I asked a total stranger to do the unthinkable! Gaaagghh!
If I ever see that wasp again.....

What is a home without children? Quiet. ~Henny Youngman

Ok...so the first day back was not as organized as I would have liked, but everyone survived and tomorrow is a new day! :)
I was thinking about how fast the years are going by and got a little depressed thinking that next year Marchus will be gone too.
I know...there is part of me that is longing for the freedom that will come when I'll be able to go grocery shopping without finding extra things in the cart at checkout. When I can go to the bathroom...alone. When the room I just cleaned stays that way for more than 1/2 hour.
Then, there's the other part of me that knows as soon as this happens, I'll be secretly missing the little voice in the store. The knocking on the bathroom door and the superhero action figures in their landing postions on the living room floor.
I love being a mom!!

I am so grateful that the boys were able to get blessings from Pete the night before school started! I remember the peace that those school blessings always gave me, and it was so neat to see that they gave the boys that same peace. Even Marchus got a blessing and the next day he kept telling people he saw, "my daddy put his hands on my head and it's making my foot better!"
I love his testimony and gentle spirit!
I am so grateful for Pete! He is a marvelous father and is always finding ways to encourage and teach the boys! He is a great example of a worthy priesthood holder to them as well, and that will do more for them in their lives than either of us can comprehend!

I found these fun quotes about children and thought I'd share some! Enjoy!! :)

Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they're going to catch you in next. ~Franklin P. Jones

Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said. ~Author Unknown

While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about.~Angela Schwindt

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. ~Frederick Douglass

The real menace in dealing with a five-year-old is that in no time at all you begin to sound like a five-year-old. ~Joan Kerr, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, 1957

A characteristic of the normal child is he doesn't act that way very often. ~Author Unknown

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. ~Franklin P. Jones

Bear Lake-Carlson Reunion 2009

We had such a great time this last week at the Carlson (Pete's mom's family) reunion up at Bear Lake. It was beautiful weather, great company and great food!!
We spent Monday night catching up with family we haven't seen in almost 7 years. Then, we listened to grandpa Carlson tell us the infamous story of 'Ole Ephrium. It's a family tradition and I am amazed at how much I enjoy it still every time I hear him tell it. It's fun to see the boys get into the story and watch their eyes light up when he cocks the old rifle (not loaded, of course) as he describes how the bear was hunted and finally killed.
Tuesday and Wednesday were spent either in the pool at the Bed and Breakfast we rented or on the beach. Zachary, in particular was in the water unless he was eating or sleeping. He is a total fish. Which, by the way, explains why he got more sunburned than anyone else despite my best efforts to keep him lathered with sunscreen!
We also got Le Beau's famous raspberry shakes both days and revelled in the creamy texture not created anywhere else. Mmmmm...my mouth is watering just typing this! :)
We had a family talent show on Wed. night and Christian stood up and took questions from the family on rocks...which happens to be his obsession and speciality! He loved the questions and surprised even me with his extensive knowledge. He wants to be a geologist when he grows up!
I feel so blessed and grateful to have married into such a marvelous family!!! They are so loving, accepting, generous, guileless and truly Christlike people...all of them. I am grateful for the relationships I have been able to benefit from in the Carlson family.
I look so forward to our Porter (my mom's side of the family) reunion in AZ this Dec. !!
These relationships and memories are so much of what we take with us when we leave our mortal bodies and move on. I am determined to create more of these memories in my life and with my own family!!

Our Aerospace Adventure

Last week I took the boys to the Hill Aerospace Museum. We had such a great time and it was amazing to see the many shapes, sizes and types of aircraft that have been used by our Air Force since the dawn of flight!
A funny thing happened though, on the way to the museum...
Silly Sara! I assumed that the museum was ON the air base. It's not. Just so you know...
I thought, "well, surely if I find the base I'll find the museum."...Nope.
As I pulled to the gate on base, I noticed the drivers from the two cars ahead of me handing the guard their identification. Wanting to be prepared, I fished my drivers license from my not-so-organized purse and pulled up to the check-in station. I smiled and handed the guard my license as I asked "Hi. How are you today?"
Without the crack or twitch of a hidden smile, he looks at me blankly and asks "what is this?"
"My drivers license." I answered. At this point, I'm so intimidated and feel like I've been asked a trick question. I'll tell him it's a discount gas card if that's what he wants to hear. He's scary.
"What's your business on base today mam?" Mam? Really? I'm his age...ugh.
"I'm here with my boys to see the museum today." I am confident he'll let me through now.
Nope.
He glares at me for a second, but it feels like an hour. "The museum is not on base, mam."
Mam again.
He directs me to pull up to the next "intersection" and turn around and head out the way I came. He then tells me that I can have my license back when I exit the base.
Ok. Fair enough, I guess.
I pull forward to the "intersection" which is more like a four way stop but only some cars are stopping and others and coming around me at random times. It's only after I flip around nearly hitting 2 cars that I realize there was a light system I totally overlooked and ignored. I ran a red light...flipping a U TURN!!
The only thing that makes this worse, is that the guard is now standing up ahead of me with his legs spead apart and his hands on his hips like he'd like to arrest me!!
I slow down and roll my window down to take my license and he slightly hesitates then says "everything ok?"
I babble like an idiot while trying to explain that I didn't see the light and I finally notice he is laughing at me.
I don't know what was more relieving: the fact that he actually had the ability to smile, or that he didn't arrest me. Feeling a little picked on I turned to Christian (who yes, was in the front seat witnessing ALL) and I said, "man, security is soooo tight around here." He gives me the same look the guard did and says "we are in the middle of a war mom."
Needless to say, we found the museum and all was well!
The boys had a great time and we all felt ready to enlist in the Air Force when we left. What amazing men and women they must all be who fly for the red, white and blue. And, in honor of the security guard at Hill Air Force Base, who did his job SO well, I added the air force song to my playlist!! :)

Marchus says the darndest things...

Yesterday, I was cleaning the house and heard Marchus go barrelling through the bathroom door in quite a hurry! As I walked closer to the door to make sure he was alright, I heard the following:
"Countdown...3...2...1...blastoff(trickle, trickle...steady stream, and sigh). Mission Completion!"
I nearly had to use the restroom myself, I was laughing so hard!

Today in the car on the way to the grocery store, Marchus proceeded to educate me on the plan of salvation. He has been sincerely concerned about dying and death. This was the end of our conversation, and it made my day:
Marchus: "Is Jesus going to come down and see us?"
Me: "Yes, someday."
Marchus: "Tomorrow?"
Me: "I don't think so buddy..."
Marchus: "I want to give Jesus a hug mom. And Heavenly Father. I love them so much!"

Tonight at dinner Marchus was complaining about what he saw in front of him on his plate. As his whining grew louder, I told him he would need to be excused if he couldn't stop whining, and he wouldn't be able to come back to the table until he was ready to be sweet and talk like a happy grateful boy. Without batting an eyelash or even the briefest pause he said to me in a very serious tone: "I'm going to report you to the officers!"

I can't wait to see what he comes up with tomorrow!
:)

Self demotivation...and all that fun stuff!

I have decided that I will no longer get down on myself!! It happens waaaaaay too often. I get down on myself and then I'm depressed and feeling unmotivated and unlovable!
I know I am not alone in this process. There are so many who feel this same way. Where does it come from? Why do I get so stinkin' hard on myself and feel like I'm worthless?
Late last night, I found my answer! I wanted to share it. I was reading a talk given by Russel M. Nelson, given back in 1989. Here are a few excerpts that opened my eyes:

"Of course, there are times when a woman’s ability to endure is taxed to the limit. A teacher may have had enough of childish pranks, or a mother might be heard to say she’s “ready to resign.” She could become discouraged, especially if comparing herself unrealistically to others or focusing on what she is to do instead of on what she is to be.
Her self-esteem cannot be based on physical features, possession or lack of a particular talent, or comparative quantities of anything. Her self-esteem is earned by individual righteousness and a close relationship with God. Her outward glow is generated by goodness within. And her patience is much more apparent than any imperfection. (See D&C 67:13.)
Sweet serenity is found in fervent prayer. Then, we forget ourselves and remember the reaching hands of the Savior, who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28.) As our burdens are shared with Him, they do become lighter.
Feelings of worth come when a woman follows the example of the Master. Her sense of infinite worth comes from her own Christlike yearning to reach out with love, as He does."

"Her saintly calling is opposed by Satan. He would shatter the family unit and demean the worth of woman. He would triumph if one man would offend or fail to honor her, or if one woman would deny her infinite worth and behave beneath her dignity. The vulgar portrayal of her beauty as an object of lust, the vile invasion of her private purity, should provoke righteous indignation from all caring people.
The gospel has been restored in these latter days so that the light of the Lord can prevail over efforts of the adversary. This day has long been prophesied. The Lord has promised worthy Saints of our time: “Upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” (Joel 2:29.)
A woman’s richest rewards will come as she rises to fulfill her destiny as a devoted daughter of God. To all faithful Saints He has promised thrones, kingdoms, principalities, glory, immortality, and eternal lives. (See Rom. 2:7; D&C 75:5; D&C 128:12, 23; D&C 132:19.) That is the potential for women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is exalting, everlasting, and divine."

When I read these words, I feel uplifted and grateful that I have this potential! In the past, I have chosen to allow the advasary to sway me and pull me down. Now, knowing that I have a choice, makes such a difference! I will choose to remember that I am a daughter of God who has divine worth!
I love having the opportunity and blessings of being a stay-at-home mom! Even though I am learning and growing everyday and I still fall short at times, I know that my Father in Heaven always has open arms for me to "come unto Him," become whole in spirit and know who I am in His sight!

School's out for SUMMER!!!

Yeah!!
Now what?
I am anxious to see what this summer will hold for our family! We have a lot of things we want to do, but not sure how to do them all!
We passed our final home study and are waiting for our license to come in the mail. It is strange to think that we may have foster kids by the end of the month...whoa! We are all still excited, but it still doesn't really seem real, in a way. Even after all the hoops we've jumped through to get to this point.
Christian is determined to go rock hunting all over Utah this summer. We are trying to plan a few inexpensive camping trips to accommodate his endeavors! :)
I myself will enjoy book club (my FAVORITE), laying out by the pool, summer date nights with my sweety and all the fun new movies that are coming out this summer.
Life is good! We are so blessed and lucky to live in such a beautiful world! Summer is AWESOME!!
I hope you all have a super-duper, fun-filled summer! :)

In the Mother-Hood

I've been thinking a lot about the Mother-Hood lately! I've always looked at the dirty laundry, sink full of dishes, fingerprints EVERYWHERE, muddy footprints and yes...even clogged, pee stained toilets and had sinking feelings of despair and frustration at what my life has become. That is, until of course, I feel the little arms of a little boy wrapped around my legs and then hear "I love you beary much mom!" I wouldn't that for anything! Not even the worlds cleanest toilet!!!!
I've set a new goal: To look at my Mother-Hood as a gift...a blessing that means my loved ones are home. Safe. Well. Living. Peeing....:)
I love my Mother-Hood!! :)

On a side note and to update you all:
We will have our home study for foster care this Thursday! (Tiff, Jami, any pointers?)
We are excited and hope everything goes well!!! The boys are really excited which has been a bit of a surprise, but a good surprise.

Life is great and we are taking life's challenges one at a time, like everyone else! We are excited to get our catering blog up. Check it out. It's still in the "works" but let me know what you all think! http://www.sandpcatering.blogspot.com/!

G. O. O. B.

I made "G.O.O.B." sticks for my boys to help them feel motivated to stay in bed and go to sleep on time! (btw-G. O. O. B. stands for Get Out Of Bed). We put wiggly eyes and a furry nose on them. They are pretty funny!!
The rules go like this:
They start with 4 "G.O.O.B."s each night before bed. If they choose to get out of bed after "lights out" then they have to give up a "G.O.O.B.!" Why is this bad?
Well, each "G.O.O.B." is good for one drawing out of the "G.O.O.B." jar. This jar is filled with fun treats or priveleges (ie. ice cream cone, trip to the library, trip to park of your choice...). So...no "G.O.O.B."s left in the morning=no drawing out of the jar.
I have also let the boys choose to put a cotton ball in our "Family Activity Jar" instead of drawing from the "G.O.O.B." jar. They like this a lot!! Once our "Family Activity Jar" is full of cotton balls, we get to do the family activiy decided on. Right now we're working on a trip to Seven Peaks Water Park. :)
So, last night Marchus only used 1 "G.O.O.B."!! I was amazed. We won't mention the other two boys...they have some work to do! :) Good thing we start over everyday!!!

Some resolve I have eyh?!

I hope you are all as amazed and proud of me as I am that I'm actually posting on my blog! :) Haha! I figured it out now...I think!
Anyway, here's a quick update...
We are now in Orem, and have been for 5 months. We love our home and our neighbors...and our ward!!
I am no longer doing real estate, as of right now anyway. Pete and I are focusing on a new business together: Catering!
While Pete does most the work, I am the one who sets everything up, organizes, takes orders, etc. I am the outgoing obnoxious coordinator! :) Pete is the quiet talent behind the awesome food!
We are having a blast!! It's fun for me to be able to work with Pete. Cheesy as it sounds, I love getting to hang out with my best friend and sample the delicious things he makes! He has been soooo loving and supportive to me with my cake decorating....what a guy!
We have actually been catering and doing cakes for a few years. We just didn't charge people for the time (and it takes TIME) and the setting up and taking down...So, we finally decided, we need to make a business out of this.
We are very excited to be doing our first paid job on May 8! Thanks to Katherine, my neice! :) But, we already have people asking about the summer! We're excited!
So...what else?
Oh...we are hoping to get our foster care license by the middle of May! We have been working on getting our license for 8 months now...so we're excited and anxious to actually DO foster care! :)
It wouldn't be truthful to say that we're not aprehensive and a little nervous for what's to come. But, we honestly feel like it's what we can do to help and we are willing to face whatever challenges to do so! I constantly get asked if we're crazy. The answer is most likely...YES, yes we are! :) But if crazy makes happy...I'm there! LOL!

Has it really been 4 months? ummm....that's lame Sara!

Like everyone else I know, I have made a resolution this year to keep up on my blog at least weekly. I'd be surprised if anyone actually notices since I have been "lame" for the last 4 months...
But, I'm resolved! So, once I get the whole blog thing figured out today...I'm hoping to post more pictures and stories. I hope you all will be patient with me! :)