Madsen Madness

Photo Blog

2011-02-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all....not really blogging on here anymore...photography, mommy duties and teaching voice lessons all keep me pretty busy! Follow me on the photo blog HERE if you like - you'll catch a glimpse of my beautiful family now and then!

Maya's First Addiction

2010-10-15T21:06:00.001-07:00

Milk? No.
The binky? Not even close.
Her blankie? Nope, not that either.

It's ELMO. Don't even TRY to get her attention when he comes on. Elmo is her drug. She is mesmerized!

Sing it with me! "La la la la, la la la la..Elmo's world!"

Big Fat Dose of Reality

2010-09-21T22:11:00.001-07:00

SERIOUSLY?!?!

2010-09-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

What is WRONG with these folks??

Like a car wreck - you don't want to see, but you just HAVE to look. It's gonna be hard to resist putting this on the dvr.

Talk me out of it! Please!

Maya Meets the Cooper Cousins

2010-09-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

We made our annual trip to Southern Utah in August - it was an interesting trip...I'll do another post about my parent's house being destroyed by a flash flood soon (*heavy sigh*). Despite all the loss at my folk's home, we Cooper girls still manage to enjoy being together!

One of the perks of the week was for Dylan - ANOTHER birthday party! Hey, any excuse for cake is a good one. He was most excited about the gigantic 9 candle, but was a little disappointed when he discovered that it was not edible. Can't win 'em all, buddy.

Sammy loved playing with Maya, and as you can see, Maya loved spending time with Sammy! Doesn't she look like one of those little troll dolls here? You know, the kind that you spin and their hair sticks up? Ha! Crazy baby...

Zack and Ivy. Best cousin-buds from day 1. Still going strong.

Dylan and Sammy. They had a great time playing together!

Mia is happy to be playing with Maya, but Sadie seems less than thrilled...

This "who the heck are you" face is the look that Taylor gave me for about the first entire day I was there - then I finally got a smile out of her!

Saved the best for last. My sweet Grandpa, Dana Pratt - age 90...with his newest great-granddaughter Maya. This is the best photo I have EVER taken. Love them both to pieces!

Happy Birthday Dylan!

2010-08-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hey, remember my OTHER kids not named Maya? Me too. Dylan turned the big 9 in August - and we had a pool party to celebrate his momentous arrival into the world. A good time was had by all.

Here is the D-man getting ready to blow out his candle on the cupcakes...

This is me, overacheiving again. Here are the cupcakes! For his POOL party. Get it? Get it?

Here are the goodies that all the party goers took home with them. A beach towel and a sucker with a thank you note from Dylan. Before you think I splurged too much, Old Navy had a wicked good sale on beach towels! I simply could NOT resist.

The gaggle of BOYS!! What a bunch! Dylan is the nutty one at the head of the table. (Like our new patio table? Me too!)

Here they all are by our pool - they somewhat willingly obliged me and got out of the pool for about 2 seconds so I could snap this shot. Ten boys in a pool is crazy!

Dylan had a great time - and I survived! That's the most a mother can really ask for, right?

Cause You Just Never Know Who Might Be Baking Your Pie

2010-08-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

When we recently traveled to Utah to visit my family, we drove over Cedar Mountain and through Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah - where apparently, all the pies there are made by Ho's.

Awesome.

(Yes, Matt pulled over JUST so I could take this picture. I was giggling like a schoolgirl, while Dylan said, "what's so funny? What's a Ho?")

As Soon As Summer is Over...

2010-07-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

...and the kids are back in school, I'm comin' back, blog-world.

Fear me, if you dare.

Meanwhile, check out my cute baby girl! She is already 6 months old!

Oh, and I have two boys, too...remember them? I think they are around here SOMEWHERE...

Oh, Yes I Am!

2010-05-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me.

I'm Busy!!

2010-04-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Here's what I have been up to:

http://photographybynicolemadsen.blogspot.com/

Those Who Matter Most. Period.

2010-04-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

To Blog or Not to Blog, That is the Question.

2010-04-12T12:27:00.001-07:00

NOOO this post is not about me quitting blogging! Something is on my mind, and I am looking for some feedback. Humor me.

Here we go - I recently ran across a blog post of someone I only sort-of know. A friend of a friend of a cousin of a friend kind of thing. She had a couple of really long blog posts where she was recounting entire conversations with her ex-husband, and basically slamming him, big time. Now I do grant that the guy seems totally slam-worthy, but still. I was cringing a bit as I read it, and not because of the content, but because it seemed completely inappropriate for the web. Private, only-tell-your-mom-and-your-best-girlfriend stuff. Eat a crate of Cadbury Creme Eggs and get over it kind of stuff.

My question here is this: Is it OK to spill your entire life on a blog? Might that come back to bite you in the future? It just doesn't seem very smart to me, but hey - I am open to opinions.

Your thoughts?

Hello, I am the World's WORST Blogger. Nice to Meet You.

2010-03-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

I will (?) get back to blogging eventually, but life is SOO very busy! Getting lots of photography (for other people!) done, teaching singing and taking care of the fam are taking all my time. But life is good!

This photo of Zack made me laugh :) Thought I would post it for the 3 1/2 of you who may still check this blog occasionally...

Happy Spring Break!

Maya - 6 Weeks Old.

2010-03-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

I know I am a slacker of a blogger lately, but can you blame me? I get to spend nearly ALL my time with this precious baby girl. She is an incredibly good baby. So very blessed! Her brothers love her too, the lucky little girl!

The Lost Review - The Lighthouse

2010-02-25T12:13:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness, I actually have a little time today to do a LOST review...not sure if anyone reading this might care, but it is a good release for me! Ugh - I still can't believe its the last season. What will I LIVE for??

So here goes the show, from beginning to end, episode "The Lighthouse" with comments from me here and there...

Jack doesn't remember having his appendix out. Weird

Jack has a son that looks just like him.

"I could eat." -- Hurley. Really?

Jacob says someone is coming to the Island. Goody!

Jack and his son don't seem to have a good relationship. Who is the mom of Jack's son? Someone we know?

Claire seems totally normal except for the fact she doesn't wash her hair and is now a carbon copy of Rousseau.

Best line of the night...from Hurley. "He's dead, turns up wherever he wants ... like Obi-Wan Kenobi."

So Claire is nutso, and she thinks The Others have Aaron.

"I'm not by myself." - Claire. I was thinking this was Christian, but no!

If a crazy woman with an axe asks you if you are still her friend, you always say YES. Jin is no dummy.

Jack and Hurley found Shannon's inhaler and the caves. Are we going to see Shannon again?

"What if these skeletons are us?" - Hurley. My thoughts exactly, Hurley. I'll bet they ARE. Been thinking that since season one.

Jack is surprised they've never seen the lighthouse before -- AND SO AM I. Can they really just throw in a huge tall structure and expect us to think it has always been there? Come ON. But OK, I'm a fan and I will roll with it. For now.

Despite all the evidence, Claire still whacked that guy in the stomach with an ax. So, yep ... she's crazy.

Jack's kid can really play the piano - do we know of any woman he may have inherited that from?

I paused the TV as Hurley made the mirrors move around, and there are names crossed out at each space. "Linus" is one of them, and it appears "Wallace" is at 108 -- but that's crossed out too.

Jack found his name on the wheel and is turning the lighthouse to that number. "It's the house I grew up in ... He's been watching us the whole time." If you want answers, try not breaking the magic mirrors. Just saying.

Jacob - "I had to get you and Jack as far away from that temple as I could ... because someone is coming there. Someone bad."

Now Jin has decided the correct course of action is to lie to a crazy person. I do not think this is a wise choice.

"Am I interrupting?" Not Locke aka Man in Black aka Smokey. This must be the bad man headed to the temple.

"That's not John, this is my friend." -Claire

Not a lot of answered questions, but this episode really feels like a bridge to another one. Let's hope so! I've said ot before and I will say it again...I want to know more about LIBBY! And who is Jack's baby mama?

Thoughts? How did you (any LOST fans out there?) Enjoy the episode?

More Photos of Beautiful Maya

2010-01-24T09:02:00.001-08:00

My friend Gwen took these photos of Maya for us - it was nice just being the mommy and not the photographer too! Simply beautiful. We are LOVING her! Thank you Gwen, for these precious memories!

She's HERE!

2010-01-20T16:52:00.001-08:00

Say hello to our newest family member, Maya Angie Madsen. ( Angie is for my Grandmother, who passed away 7 years ago to the day that Maya came to our home.)

6 lbs. 11 oz, 20 1/2 inches, born Jan. 17, 2010 to a woman who has selflessly given her to us so she can become part of our eternal family.

Perfection. God's work at its finest. We love her already.

A Bike, a Book and the Boy is a Basket-baller

2010-01-17T12:47:00.001-08:00

Just a little update on our goings-on of late...

Zack got a sweet new bike for Christmas, and has been doing a lot of riding on it. Yes, WITH a helmet. This is the obligatory pose-on-the-new-bike picture for mom.
(and yes, our neighbor has an El Camino, Deal with it.)

I caught Dylan sitting at the kitchen table the other day, reading like this. Totally at home. Notice he is reading a book about the presidents. Just ask him how tall James Madison was. He knows!

(FYI - James Madison was only 5'4". Can you say "little man syndrome?" And yes, those are the Halloween candy bags sitting there, with some candy STILL in them. Matt finally put them away the other day.)

And lo and behold, Dylan has started playing basketball! He's the kid with the gigantic arrow above his head. I posted this picture to illustrate his height. Notice he is taller than ALL the other 2nd graders. Oh yea! Hello, Cooper genes!
(he's also the cutest kid there, but that should be obvious.)

And check out his defensive skills! GO DYLAN! He was counting down the days until basketball started. We put a hoop up outside yesterday. Poppi told him he has to shoot 100 times a day. I am ALL for that!

And so our 2010 begins.

Mine.

2010-01-04T15:22:00.001-08:00

I mean, I know they're MINE and all, but I'm pretty sure that even if they WEREN'T, I would still think they were pretty darn adorable.

Little Known Fact

2009-12-25T08:44:00.001-08:00

Wise men, shepherds and a drummer boy weren't the ONLY ones there.

(You'd think that one of my kids would have placed Godzilla in the Nativity, right? Nope. It was my hubby. Yet another reason why I truly LOVE this man.)

Merry Christmas!

Respect, A Christmas (I Mean Winter) Concert, and a Little Adam Sandler

2009-12-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

Zack was chosen to be student of the month! His teacher chose him from all of his classmates because he exemplifies the pillar of RESPECT. Makes a mother proud.

He, along with the other three kids who were chosen from his grade, got to sit on the stage after having their names called and have their lunch, along with an ice cream treat, in front of the entire 5th and 6th grade. (I am still debating in my head whether that is a good reward or not. My "head" jury is still out on that one. Zack seemed to like it.) He also came home with a lotta loot in the form of gift certificates. Matt is a coupon kind of guy, so that went over pretty well at our house.

Hooray for Zack, the respectful one! He also gets props for calling me up on the stage to sit with him. One of the other moms came up to see her son and he told her NOT to sit down with him, he was too embarassed! Shame on that boy.

No, it's not a CHRISTMAS concert, folks! Say it with me...WIN-TER CON-CERT. The second graders put on a great concert singing their WINTER songs for us. Dylan especially liked the Hanukkah song. (Not the Adam Sandler version - the one where they count down the eight days. Though the Adam Sandler version would have been truly awesome.)

Look at him singing his heart out! What form! Nice open mouth! Focusing on the director! Do you think his mom is a voice teacher? Anyway, on the right are his two church buddies Jackie and Brynley. I love that they got to be next to one another.

Here's the whole 2nd grade. Dylan is smack in the middle with the big black arrow pointing at his head. I love Elementary concerts! Truly!

And just for fun, here's Adam Sandler's newest version of the Hanukkah song.

Now THAT'S Honesty.

2009-12-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

He didn't even ASK for anything.

Wait, wait...so does this mean we don't have to buy anything?

Sun Maid Girls Gets Implants

2009-12-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Betty Crocker gets a makeover? Fine. Aunt Jemima's look is updated? That's ok. I wasn't a fan of the bandana look anyway. But mess with the Sun Maid girl? Alright, now you've just gone

too far.

wholesome, sweet Sun Maid raisin girl

Sun maid girl after her visit to Dr. Rey

What is this world coming to? Before you know it, Little Debbie will be sporting fishnets and thick black eyeliner.

Stop the madness!

Creativity Rules.

2009-12-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

ThE HaPpIeSt PlAcE oN eArTh

2009-11-30T20:14:00.000-08:00

Hooray for Disneyland! Matt and I decided to take the kiddos plus Zack's best bud Ryan to Disneyland last week for two days of memory-making. Mission accomplished.

Here they are, waiting in line to get into the park. They are a TAD bit excited, in case you can't tell. Even Matt!

All the boys, just after going on our first ride, Pirates of the Caribbean. I loved how they added Jack Sparrow to everything. He looked so real that it was slightly freaky.

Z and D at California Adventure near the enormous ferris wheel. I like this picture. Pure HAPPINESS.

Dylan was chosen for Jedi Training! Awesome! He was TOTALLY into it and VERY serious about learning all the moves and fighting Darth Maul. Such a cool show!

Graduate of the Jedi Academy. Happy.

Dylan, Zack and Ryan waiting in line to go on the Toy Story ride in California Adventure. It was WAY better than I expected! Loved it!

Dad and Dyl waiting in line for Grizzly Rapids. We got SOAKED.

Dylan saw this on the trash can and said to me, "Why does it say waste please? They want us to WASTE? You're not supposed to waste. Wasting is bad!"

Proof that I was there.

We survived!

Does This Make Me Famous By Association?

2009-11-25T09:10:00.001-08:00

My sister (#34) is on the cover of the sports page in a newspaper in Utah.

You're jealous, I know.

(She CLEARLY got the tip.)

Basketball season begins! Go, Savannah!!

Edward or Jacob? Hmmm...

2009-11-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

If you "get" this shirt, and it made you laugh, then we need to be friends.

The Chosen One

2009-11-18T16:00:00.001-08:00

So, ever wonder how teachers choose which parents go on field trips when there are many who volunteer? You thought they draw out of a hat, right?

Nope.

Dylan's teacher told me that she peeks to see who she is choosing. She likes me. She pulled my name on purpose. I got to go. Yay!

Dylan's class went to the Botanical Gardens this week. Good times for all. It's close enough that we walked from the school to the garden.

This is bark from a tree that feels like paper. Very cool.

Lots of neat stuff to touch...Dylan loved showing it all to me! I knew what this was yesterday and thought I would remember. No such luck. I could make something up...hmm....this is the Seedus Fresnous! (I love this picture!)

On our way from the school to the Botanical Gardens - the trek begins!

Dylan sat down on a bench then noticed that it said "Sanger" on it. Hey! That's where Dad works! He asked me to take a picture of it.

Sack lunch time! Dylan asked me to draw a star and a football on his lunch bag. Dig my art skills.

Corn seeds!

Dylan and his "very best buddy ever," James. Two peas in a pod.

Any day spent hanging with Dylan is a good day in my book!

Zacks Latest Milestone...

2009-11-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Metal mouth, brace face, train tracks...whatever you want to call it, Zack's got...

Sounds like a good reason to drink a milk shake to me.

Step Aside Everyone, and Just Hand Me the Mom of the Year Award NOW.

2009-10-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

My kiddos loved these!

First, take canned biscuits or crescent rolls and cut into thin strips like this:
Then, wrap the strips around the hot dog like THIS:

Bake as directed on the biscuit or crescent roll can. Use mustard or ketchup for dots for the eyes, and viola! A mummy!!

Happy Halloween to all!

I Dare You Not to Laugh at This

2009-10-29T07:59:00.001-07:00

Soccer for One. WHAT??

2009-10-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'll admit - it's a little odd to just have one kid playing soccer this year.

Only one game to attend every Saturday.

No "divide and conquer" so kids can get to different games on different sides of town at the same time.

Weekly practices for ONE kid, two nights a week, instead of two kids usually on separate days, basically taking over our lives.

Less crock pot cooking during the week.

In other words, I kinda LIKE this! Thanks for deciding NOT to play this year, Dylan! He will make it up to us by playing basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring.

Here's Zack, playing forward, a member of the Destroyers, at a game where they actually destroyed the other team. Nice.

There they are. Don't they look like a bunch of Destroyers to you? And can you tell which one is mine? Hmm?

Go Destroyers!

Scary!

2009-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

There are ZOMBIES living in my house.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Come to Mama

2009-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Jelly beans and bacon all rolled into one. Two of my favorite things. Now THIS I've gotta try.

You're welcome.

Run Run as Fast as You Can...

2009-10-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's jog-a-thon time! Each year our elementary school holds a jog-a-thon as a very successful fundraiser for the school. It is always fun to go and cheer the boys on as they go round and round the track.

Zack, like his mama, is not a big fan of running. He walked (briskly!) most of the way, but managed a slow trot when he went past me and my camera on the sidelines. Doesn't he look HAPPY?

Just the opposite, Dylan LOVES to run. Just look at the joy on his face. He speeds past many kids and gets LOTS of laps in. (This is why I pledged a flat fee this year, instead of a per-lap donation. This kid would BREAK me with all his laps.)

Simply Glorious.

2009-10-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Kristin Chenoweth, I love you.

Perfect.

2009-09-29T16:57:00.001-07:00

Dylan was baptized on Saturday. He was practically jumping out of his skin with excitement. All went just as planned.

It was pretty near perfect.

Dylan and his Dad in their whites...

Dylan and one of his Primary teachers. He loves her!

Z and D with Aunt Sarah, who made the trip for the baptism all the way from Las Vegas. We love you, Sarah!

Mantels, Musings, Marriage and a Marvelous New Ward

2009-09-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

A post about this-n-that...

Up until a few weeks ago, we were members of the Dry Creek ward (of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.) It was an unbelievably huge ward - I was the Primary President (the head kid-wrangler) and we had 180 kids in Primary. Huge! The powers that be created a new ward - the Shepherd ward. Now, I am not a member of this ward (I am now in the Orchard View ward due to boundary changes and our new house), but my good friend Monique just so happened to be made the RS President (the head lady-wrangler) of this new ward - lucky girl! So she asked me to take this ward photo.

Entitle this photo "new beginnings", or "how many Mormons can you fit in one picture in the blazing heat?"

(Yet another reason I love Photoshop - a young girl threw up just before this photo was taken. Right in front. Click - click - vomit gone!! Love it.)

My friend and co-worker Kelley is getting married in November. She had a Hawaiian themed bridal shower. I caught this picture. Happiness!

The obligatory first-day-of-school picture. This was not taken in front of our house. This was taken in front of some random person's house near the school when I realized I forgot to TAKE the obligatory first-day-of-school picture. My apologies to the random person whose license plate I now have on internet display because I am too lazy to blur it out. Is that illegal? Hmm...

Zack - 6th grade, Dylan - 2nd grade

Dylan started Cub Scouts! Salute!

And finally, here is how the mantel in my family room turned out. Cute, don't you think?

Monday Madness: Every. Single. Time.

2009-09-21T10:49:00.001-07:00

I suppose I would lose my reason for living if someone ELSE changed the roll once in a while.

Most likely.

Oh, They Grow Up So Fast...

2009-09-16T09:22:00.001-07:00

It's hard for this mom to believe, but my not-so-little-anymore boy is actually old enough to be baptized.

Weirdness at the VMA's

2009-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Matt and I sat down and watched the MTV VMA's last night after the kids were tucked safely in their beds. It is usually fairly entertaining and even though I haven't seen any of the videos (hey, remember when MTV used to play videos??), we usually like the performances.

Wow, what a show we got.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Taylor Swift won the award for best female video, and that Kanye West felt the need to come up and INTERRUPT her speech to voice his opinion that Beyonce had the best video, causing me to promptly erase Stronger as my ringtone.

Shame on you, Kanye.

And then there was Lady Gaga and her outfits. I guess I should give her props for being so 'out there.' I dunno. I guess the car-pooling, Mormon mom is me is just way beyond this kind of nuttiness.

Pink and Beyonce both gave great performances, and I just loved the Michael Jackson tribute. They did a great job with that. Too bad Kanye and his antics completely overshadowed it. I'm not really a Taylor Swift fan (she's off key a LOT), but I'm definitely with her on this one.

And while we're on the subject - hey MTV - play some videos once in a while!

Dylan's Latest Obsession

2009-09-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

The Gloved One. Dylan has discovered Michael Jackson's music and LOVES it. He now knows all the words to Beat It, Bad and Thriller. Working on Smooth Criminal.

See what I found when I pushed aside the shower curtain the other day?

See what I mean? Obsessed.

(In Dylan's defense, he DOES know how to spell his name. We only have one of each letter so he did his best with what he had.)

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

As we commemorate the eighth anniversary of one of the most tragic events in American history, I urge everyone to take a moment to reflect on how we were changed by Sept. 11, 2001.
When the towers fell, so did some of our nation’s innocence. We lost too many Americans who were simply going about their daily lives. We saw the collapse of two icons in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon ablaze and devastation across a field in Pennsylvania.

We lost much, but we also gained much. New appreciation for the bravery and self-sacrifice of individuals. A greater resolve to stand together. A stronger capacity for compassion and consideration for our fellow beings. A deeper appreciation for our way of life that celebrates diversity, understanding and tolerance.

I believe we also gained a better understanding of who we are as a people and a family.

We’ll never know what contributions those we lost would have made in creating a better world, but we can keep alive the memory of who they were and what they meant to us and our nation.

Flags at Fresno State are flying at half-staff today.

The Late, Great Home Improvement Post

2009-09-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

I do believe this will officially be the longest photo-post ever in the history of Madsen Madness. I've been so very absent lately, I thought that the three of you who read my blog on a semi-regular basis might like to know what I've been up to...so here ya go. My new house, in all its glory.

Casa de Madsen! Though this house was not a foreclosure, it was a short sale, so it had been empty for about six months. A lot can decay in six months, let me tell ya. We've mowed the yard, but that's about it so far for work on the outside of the house. We need to trim up and yank out a few more bushes. It's on the very long to-do list.

Do you dig the old carpet and carpet padding on the front porch. We are classy people.

I have always wanted a yellow laundry room! We had a yellow laundry room when I was a kid in Moab, Utah. Hey siblings, do any of you remember that? It was HUGE! Mine is little, but it is lovely in all its antique yellow glory.

The pool. I could kick myself for not getting a 'before' picture of this. Let me paint a picture for you...it was green and mossy and at one time had a dead mouse floating in it. This is a BIG improvement.

This is the living room BEFORE we got a hold of it. I hired a guy to paint it and scrape and re-texture the popcorn/cottage cheese ceilings. It was SPONGE painted. Now, I think sponge painting definitely had its day, and I'm sorry if I offfend any sponge paint lovers out there, but it is just NOT my thing. The carpet was old and very stained and dirty.

The living room AFTER. Ta-da! Painted a lovely shade called 'cup of cocoa' and hardwood laminate floors installed by my darling Matt and our friends for LIFE, Kurt, Skyler and Anthony. I haven't done much decorating, but I love it already! It's a great room for voice lessons - nice acoustics!

This is still a work in progress - the baby room. For the baby we are patiently waiting to get. Lucky baby!!

Also a work in progress. The game room. This is one of the five bedrooms upstairs. We'll have a spare bed for visitors (hint hint!) and a TV with all the video game systems here. Otherwise known as boy heaven.

Yes, this is Dylan's room. It was ALREADY PAINTED PURPLE. He actually likes it! My friend Sue and I have grand plans to turn this into a black and white room. Most likely in the next month or so.

Zack's room! He loves this room, and I do too. The striping was quite time consuming, but totally worth it. The horizontal stripe goes all around the room and there are vertical stripes like these on each wall. So cool!

Where all the magic happens, baby. Sue and I painted this room as well. The entire room use to be that gold color you see on the top. I love how it looks with the bedding.

This is the BEFORE picture of the living room. Not bad. Just wanted to warm up the colors a little bit.

After! This is still a work in progress, but we love it so far. The color we used is called "whispering wheat." It makes me happy.

Here are the kitchen cabinets before we started painting the kitchen. Now, I know they weren't hideous or anything, but I really didn't like the kitchen much at all. Til we painted it...

Black!! And now I love it! It's very retro looking.

Here is our very high tech painting process. Spray paint, baby. We were high on paint fumes for days.

Fuel for painting. Sonic made a lot of money off me.

Here is the hutch that I bought off of Craigslist for $120.00. It had been quite neglected. Sue, Monique and I plopped it into the back yard in the old house and got to spraying it.

Here is what it looked like before. Not pretty.

Here is what it looks like now. Pretty! And great storage, too! We had planned on installing more cabinets here, which would have cost us about $800.00 to do ourselves. This cost us $120.00 and six cans of spray paint. Much better. We painted the wall red, too.

One of my favorite features. The lovely toilet seat in the downstairs half-bath. I bought a new one, and so far it is sitting there right next to this one, waiting for Matt to install it. I just can't bring myself to take this one off. For some reason it freaks me out. Dylan says he thinks the creatures on here just might be real. I think he might be right.

And there you have it! I have been a busy girl. More home improvement posts will be coming. Now I've gotta go paint something!

Really, I'll Be Back!

2009-09-06T23:12:00.001-07:00

It's taking me a while to get things together - new house, new voice students, new ward, new church calling (YW Secretary!), lots of irons in the fire. Blogging has taken a back seat. I will be back soon with all kinds of fun before and after photos of everything we are doing in our house!

Also, still waiting on adoption - could be any time now!

Stay tuned...

Fashion Smashion: SERIOUSLY?!?!

2009-08-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

I surf, so you don't have to. Seriously folks - these items are FOR SALE on a couple of different websites. I am NOT naming them, lest you lose your sanity for a moment and actually order something. I won't be held responsible for that kind of nonsense.

Pink. With zippers. Nice.

Ugh. Well, I suppose Lady Gaga has to shop, too...

For those days when you just don't want to leave anything to the imagination...MESH shorts. Classy.

Online Fun Finds

2009-08-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

Oh this is just sad - I was going to call this post "Fun Friday Online Finds" until I realized...uh....it's only Tuesday. So you get a little insight to where my head is lately...

So here we have some fun pig bookends by Roost. If you know me very well, you know I like my piggies! A little trait I picked up from my Auntie Mace. With all the books we have around our place, these definitely deserve a home with me!

And because I secretly believe dogs can read...

Happy Friday....um....I mean TUESDAY, everyone!

The Madsen Family Invades Newport Beach or Family Vacation 2009

2009-08-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

Ahh, the fun of a family vacation!! We all descended upon Newport Beach, and Newport Beach survived. Good times. We had a lovely stay at the Marriott Newport Coast Resort (highly recommended!) and the eight day getaway was over all too quickly.

Some of the Madsen boys, playing in the waves. We went to the beach for 6 days in a row, and it NEVER got old. Never.

This is one of my favortie shots. Dylan pondering the waves. Deep thoughts, I'm sure.

Matt's brothers, Rick and Josh. Still competitive after all these years!

My little family. I like this shot! Check out my spectacular tan. I swear it makes me look 10 pounds thinner. I fell off the 'no tan from anything but a bottle' wagon in a big way. The tanning gods welcomed me back with open arms. Welcome home, Nicole the mighty sun worshipper...welcome home. Ahh, it felt good to be back.

The whole crew! Believe me, it was NO small feat getting everyone together and (mostly) smiling for this picture. Whew! Pretty cute bunch, eh?

Easing Back Into Blogging...

2009-08-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it has been nearly a MONTH since my last blog post! To be honest, it has really been a wonderful little break. Stepping away from the blog-world has been a good thing. I have to remember to pay a little more attention to the real-life small people who scatter past as I type away on the computer.

And so -I'm easing my way back into blogging. We just returned from a lovely 8-day trip to Newport Beach with the entire the Madsen clan, and I will be posting many beautiful beach and cousin pictures later this week. Tons o' fun.

Meanwhile, a little something for the shopaholics...the Barn has come up with another must-have home decor item for me. I love these keys, don't you?

They are going to look great on the picture wall in our new house! (Did I mention we bought a house? Moving in two weeks...details to come.) I think I might have to order these babies...

Ahh, it's good to be back!

Godzilla is an American and a Really Great Recipe

2009-07-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

A few days before Independence Day, I started noticed good 'ol Godzilla appearing here and there. Now, this is not an abnormal occurrence, but what WAS strange was that he was carrying an American flag everywhere.

So, in our house, Godzilla is NOT Japanese, but an American. Who knew?

Here's a picture of Dylan and his fake smile before the fireworks started. This is the only smile I got all evening. Poor kid was seriously stressed out. I am DONE DONE DONE with taking him to see the fireworks and ending up having to watch them from the bathroom. He's lucky I love him, that's all I can say about that.

And thanks to Talli Poulsen, I cannot seem to get enough of this yummy pasta salad. The perfect summer salad.

Salt Lake Tortellini Salad

8 oz cheese filled tortellini
1 c broccoli florets
4 oz fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 can quartered artichoke hearts
1 can black olives, drained and halved
1 can garbanzo beans, washed and drained
1 can kidney beans, washed and drained
1/2 red onion thinly sliced
1/4 lb. salami, cut into small strips
1 (16 oz) bottle Bernsteins Cheese and Garlic dressing
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 avocado

Cook tortellini in boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain well, rinse with cold water, place in large salad bowl. Add remaining ingredients, except tomatoes and avocado. Toss in half the dressing. Refrigerate for several hours. Just before serving add remaining dressing, as desired, and top with tomatoes and avocado.

Seriously - yum. Enjoy.

David Archuleta attends Fresno California Temple

2009-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

I was just speaking with my sister, and she informed me that David Archuleta attended the Fresno Temple today to participate in some ordinance work.

He was in town yesterday for a huge concert at the Save Mart Center.
He attended with the Heritage Ward (consisting of single adults ages 18 - 30)

I thought that was pretty cool. Proud to be a Mormon Boy!

The Great Beet Experiment

2009-07-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

I've made no secret of my imagined hatred of BEETS. I've never eaten one, and never planned on eating one. They just did not appeal to me.

Until Zack recently challenged me to eat one. "Mom," he said, "You always tell me I have to try something at least ONCE."

Darn that boy. I think I liked him better when all he could say was "mama" and "yummmm," and thought everything I did was perfect.

So I tried a pickled beet today. It actually wasn't that bad.

Turns out I was making a big ol deal over a whole lotta nothin.'

Again - - - darn that boy.

I'm Blog-Weary

2009-06-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Forgive me. I love blogging, and I love reading your blogs. But I am fresh outta creativity lately. Blogging will be sporadic throughout the summer. Please don't give up on me, and continue to check back! Matt will contribute to the blog as well, which is always a treat. I'm sure I'll be back, fresh and fabulous, soon.

Plannin' on spending a little less time on the computer, and a little more time lovin' up on my husband.

Nothing wrong with that.

I can see clearly now!

2009-06-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

Summer time brings the heat in the central valley. To beat the heat we frequent the water park or go to the relatives that live nearby to go swimming. The boys love to swim, and we try to go a couple of times a week.

A couple of years ago, Z figured out how cool it is to see underwater using a diving mask. He has a mask, snorkel and flippers that he uses to explore around the pool. He has not discovered the true adventure of snorkeling in the ocean and seeing fish and other sea creatures. In due time.

D kept resisting the use of a mask or goggles in the pool. He didn't like how it covered his nose. This summer he said he was going to use his goggles (mask) when he went swimming. After trying it he threw them on the pool deck and was frustrated. I said "Fine, don't use them then, we'll give them to one of your cousins to use at their pool." We went on swimming and the next thing I know he is swimming around with his mask on. He said, "Wow! Everything is closer to me when I look under water." He was excited. He wants to take them swimming all of the time now. Hurray for summertime.

Mom's Weekend Away

2009-06-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I took a little road trip over to good 'ol St. George, Utah...better known as "Utah's Dixie." Some old college friends and I had planned to spend the weekend talking and laughing, and that's just what we did! Some of us had not seen each other for (*gasp*) over 19 years, so it was beyond wonderful for everyone to reconnect again.

We're planning on doing it up bigger and better next year, and I was elected (yay) to be the planner for an unofficial Dixie College Music and Theatre reunion for folks who went there for 1987-1990-ish. I am already looking forward to seeing these friends and even more next year!

The gaggle of girls! Top L to R: Lisa, Me, Shelly, Marlo and Heidi
Bottom L to R: Erin and Lanette. I love these ladies!!

The Fine Arts building. I LIVED here, and loved every minute of it.

Shelly and Erin, ready to re-create the re-creation of the falling down the hill scene from The Princess Bride. "Oh my sweet Westley...what have I done!!" Ahh, good times. Good times.

We got lovely matching pedicures. Any guesses as to which foot it mine? Hmm?

We visited the Dixie College campus. Ahh, the fountain! This is Lisa and her sweet little one, Isabella, taking a stroll.

The Wedge! We had to visit the old E-1 apartment, where all the (*ahem*) magic happened. Oh, if these walls could talk! Well...perhaps it's better if they DON'T. (Matt and I had our first kiss in this apartment, way back in 1990. It was delicious. And still is, thank you very much.) The owner of the apartments, who also happens to be Matt's cousin, happened by and let us in to see the old place. Not much had changed. They DID paint over all the stars in Lisa and Erin's room, which is probably a good thing.

Out to lunch at the Pasta Factory!

I am already looking forward to next year! It can't come fast enough! I had a great time, and I am eternally grateful to Matt for still loving me even though I completely abandoned him for Fathers Day to have a get-away. Now THAT'S a good man!

In Memory of The Gloved One

2009-06-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

"There are two kinds of people in this world: Michael Jackson fans and losers." - - Seth Green

Cousin Fun

2009-06-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

It's summer - which means lots of fun with the cousins! Kade and Dallin are here for the week from Las Vegas, and we've had a blast playing with them so far this week.

Last night we went to the Fresno Grizzlies game. It was a great night. The Grizzlies beat the River Cats, and there was a fair amount of excitement chasing foul balls. We had GREAT seats, as you can see, and it was a fun family night for all. Pictured here: all the cousins except for Zack, who is now cool enough (just barely) to hang with the adults.

After the game I made a somewhat impatient (Really! He was almost rude!) Parker the mascot wait so I could take a picture with the Zack, Dylan and Dallin. He is a funny mascot and quite entertaining, but I wonder...is all the pelvic thrusting while dancing really necessary?

Dinner together at Poppi and Gigi's is always a treat. This dinner was followed by ice cream cones! Kade was certainly enjoying his, with a lovely vanilla flavored goatee. The height of summer fashion.

Dallin is a ham. His freckles are adorable, and his smile is completely infectious. He kept saying "Aunt Nicole! Take a picture of this! Aunt Nicole! Take a picture of me NOW!" So funny.
(See, Rick and Marci! We're taking good care of them!)

And here they are in all their glory. L to R: McKay, Dylan the Statue of Liberty, Kade, Loie the lone girl, Keenan pulling a silly face in the back row, Dallin, and Zack, a.k.a. "He Who Tolerates Them All."

Good times. And summer is just beginning.

Etsy Find: Roadside Photographs

2009-06-15T17:39:00.001-07:00

Maybe I am a little late, but I've just discovered Etsy lately, and I am LOVIN' it. My latest favorite are the Roadside photographs by photographer Jen Zahigian. They are nostalgic and fun. I think I might have to buy one! (Click on her name above to check it out.)

Some of my favs:

I Had WAY Too Much Fun Making These...

2009-06-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

As previously documented, I am a fan of cupcakes. Making them, eating them, buying them. I love cupcakes. My friend Sue gave me a great book for my birthday with all kinds of fun cupcake designs. I tried out my first cupcakes from the book today.

Can you tell what all the little pieces are that I used to make them?

I sense MANY more fun cupcake posts on the horizon...

Kathi's Blog - Check it Out...Right Now!

2009-06-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Cousin and homemaker extraordinaire Kathi has finally (finally! finally! FINALLY!!) made her blog public. Go check it out HERE, and tell her I sent you! It's the first blog I check, every single day.

You won't be sorry, I promise! Lots of good recipes, beautiful photos and happy, funny stuff.

A Definite Must-See

2009-06-12T12:05:00.001-07:00

I've been into old black and white movies lately. Matt looks at our list of DVR'd shows an just rolls his eyes on a daily basis. (OK, I'll admit that I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang was pretty lame...) Most of the movies I have watched, courtesy of the Turner Classic Movies channel, have been just OK. This one is a GEM.

The Women. Fantastic, funny, heartwarming, silly, and a totally film classic. It was a GREAT success in its day. (They tried to remake it back in 2008 and I heard it wasn't very good.) The classic stars Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer. Rent or DVR it and watch with your friends!

I'm Classy.

2009-06-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

These are my sunglasses:

I love them. I've never been bothered by the fact that I totally buy CHEAP sunglasses. When I saw these at Target for a mere $12.99, I snapped them right up. I wear them every day. When I bought them, I loved the little bit o' bling, and I thought they looked pretty classy.

UNTIL...

I was stopped at a stoplight the other day and a raging, scary looking crack ho was crossing the street in front of me...wearing the EXACT. SAME. SUNGLASSES. AS. ME.

Hmm. Perhaps I need to re-think this whole cheap sunglasses thing. And did you know that crack ho's also shop at Target?

Go figure.

I Heart Zack Morris

2009-06-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

Fabulous.

A Little Bit of Crazy to Start Your Day

2009-06-09T07:41:00.001-07:00

Because this is definitely how I would spend an extra $12,000.00, wouldn't you?

Fashion Smashion: How a Sheet Became a Wedding Dress

2009-06-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Brilliant.

Do we really need to spend thousands on a wedding gown? I don't think so.

The Process:

Lovely.

Found it all HERE

Me Lately

2009-06-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a long few days.

Dr. V yanked my wisdom teeth out on Thursday (under anesthesia, thank goodness) and Matt has proved to be a great caretaker. He laughed at me and my still-groggy-loopiness all the way home from the oral surgeon, and has been right there with a frozen bag of peas for my jaw, yogurt to eat, and salt water to rinse whenever I have needed him. He is a good man.

I thought about posting pics of my wisdom teeth, but they're pretty nasty looking. You don't really want to see that, do you? Nah, I didn't think so.

I can honestly say that I am sick of mashed potatoes, which is something I really thought I would NEVER, EVER say.

And thanks to my friend Sue mentioning that she loved this show, I have now been sitting around for a few days developing a new addiction.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey. My new guilty pleasure. As if I needed another one.

On the healing front, my mouth still hurts, but it's getting better.

And now I only have 2 1/2 pain pills left, and I am contemplating as to whether Dr. V will think I am an addict or not if I call up to ask for just a few more...

S.O.S.

2009-06-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Wisdom teeth being pulled Thursday. All of 'em.

Can't WAIT.

Don't worry - I don't plan on letting the pain meds wear off for at least a week.

**UPDATE** 5:30 pm on Thursday: All is well. Surgery went as expected. Anesthesia is good. Oxycontin (when used as directed ONLY) is great. Now can someone please tell me why there are little happy, winged piggies flying all around my head?

They are really quite lovely.

Beautiful Seconds.

2009-06-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

Spotted these frames on etsy tonight - love them! They are made from salvaged wood from homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

They are a little pricey, but aren't they just beautiful?

He Survived 1st Grade

2009-06-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

If you are a long-time reader of my blog, (Hi, Mom!) then you know that Dylan did not have a particularly good start of the school year. I've haven't said much about it, but it definitely got a lot better after the first couple of weeks in the big, big, scary world of 1st grade. A couple of weeks ago the school held their end of the year open house. D's teacher has focused a lot on different artists through the year. Dylan has come home all year long talking about Monet, Van Gogh, Georgia O' Keefe and many others. I love it!

Dylan with his FANTASTIC teacher, Mrs. E.

As you can see, his favorite is Van Gogh. He is fascinated with the whole debated chopping-off-of-the-ear thing. What boy wouldn't be? Plus, he really likes the painting Starry Night. The kid has taste.

He wrote "Vincent" a letter.

We're working on the handwriting, but we're getting there!

My son, the budding artist.

A big thrill: the Chick-fil-a cow! Dylan was super-excited. Mooooo.

Now we're eagerly anticipating summer. I am definitely ready for a homework break myself. One can only take so many lessons on "take away," lemme tell ya.

Dylan asks me several times every day if summer is here yet. Bring it on.

If I Didn't Love Her, I'd Definitely Hate Her

2009-06-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

My friend Rebecca and I embarked upon a journey this weekend. Pregnancy photos. I thought it would be fun to take them, and she just so happens to be really beautiful, really photogenic and really pregnant. Check, check, check. (I looked like a cow when I was pregnant. Seriously. I mean it.) I also managed to take a few cute pictures of her adorable family along the way.

Do you think I should ASK her, before I splash her lovely, smooth pregnant belly all over the internet??

Nah. I'm sure she'll forgive me if everyone makes really nice, sincere comments :)

(See? I told you she was beautiful :)

Friday Funnies or Why I Love Paul Rudd

2009-05-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Need a lift? Watch this:

Oddly enough, I know guys who use to dance like this. Hopefully they don't anymore.

Have a good weekend :)

Happy Birthday To Me

2009-05-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, May 28th, I turn 39 years old.

No, seriously.

Me and my "Mork" suspenders in 1980 or 81. (If you don't know who "Mork" is, you are too young to ready my blog. Thanks for stopping by.)

I know that 39 is one of those ages people "say" they are, but I will really be in my very last year of my 30's. Kind of hard to believe, actually. I know it sounds like a total cliche, but 39 sounds a lot older than I actually feel.

It's been an interesting life so far. Three marriages, two divorces, more moves that I can count, church callings, up and down dress sizes, two pregnancies, two births, and the journey continues. I can't complain. It's certainly been interesting so far.

Me in 1986 in Fiddler on the Roof as "Hodel." I was 16 years old and thought I was pretty darn fantastic.

Me in 1987 in the Miss Kane County pageant. I am #8. I didn't win but had a great time showing my stuff. Lots of poofy dresses and big hair. Ahh, the 80's.

My boys in 2004. Love being their mom more than anything in the world.

That's me in the center - back in my corporate ladder climbing, hot single mom with blonde hair, art exhibit planning days.

Me and my prince charming in 2005

Happy birthday to me. Should I do anything exciting to mark my FINAL year in the 30's?

Fashion Smashion: I Could Never Pull This Off

2009-05-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

...but I wish I could. I am loving these incredible necklaces! Although I am afraid that if I went grocery shopping or to the park with the kids with one of THESE babies on, I might get a few awkward glances...

In Praise of Matt: How I Know He REALLY Loves Me

2009-05-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Does he buy me flowers?

Mmmm - only once in a while.

Does he buy me chocolates?

Nope. Not often.

Does he buy me expensive perfume?

Well yes, but that's not how I know he really, really, REALLY loves me.

Did he buy me 4 collectible Star Trek glasses from Burger King for $6.99?

OH YES HE DID.

He loves me, and better than that, he totally 'gets' me.

Priceless.

I Laughed, I Cried, I Love This New Show

2009-05-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

GLEE. It'll be back in the fall. Watch it!!

Funnies on Friday: The First Celebrity Swine Flu Victim

2009-05-22T07:31:00.001-07:00

Poor, Poor Kermit. Darn that Miss Piggy.

Happiness Is...

2009-05-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

A great big push on the swing from Dad,

(Matt and Dylan at the park in Kanab)

Having a Grami who lets you wear her great big sunglasses,

(Cousins Loie and Chloe at Grami's on Easter)

Showing off a great pair of Sketchers,

(niece Mia on the Crosby swing in Kanab - again, being pushed by Matt!)

A good project,

(Zack - excavating a dinosaur!)

And the feel of the sun on your face.

(Zack with Aunt Savannah and Aunt Emily at the Sand Dunes in Kanab)

Happy Friday! (It's already Friday...in my head :)

Why My Husband is Better Than Yours

2009-05-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Because last night he took me out for some of this:

Then he surprised me with tickets to see THIS BAND that I love:
(Paramore)

And even better, THIS BAND that I really love:

(No Doubt!!)

And because he arranged for the babysitter ALL BY HIMSELF.

Awesome night of unexpected fun.

He rocks.

The end.

Who is YOUR American Idol?

2009-05-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Adam or Kris?

I like them both (Adam) and I think they are both great singers (Adam). I have not decided (Adam) who I am going to vote for yet (Adam). I will decide (Adam) after I watch the final show (Adam) later tonight.

Beacuse I'm fair that way (Adam).

The Incredible Adam Lambert

The Other Guy

UPDATE: Props to Kris for winning! (Yes, I DO know his name and acknowledge his talent, people!) He is great and I will certainly buy his record.

I am not a BIT worried about my Adam's career - he will be just fine :)

My Mother Taught Me Better Than This

2009-05-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am a poor, poor thank-you note writer.

My mom is amazing at it. She writes thank you notes to everyone. She'll send a thank-you note for a thank-you note. She made us all sit at the kitchen table, the day after Christmas, and write thank you notes to all of our relatives for our Christmas gifts. All the while we moaned and groaned about it. (Dear _________, thank you for the _____________. I really like it. I am going to use it for ____________. Love, Nicole. Next note: Dear _____________, thank you for the __________________ ... you get the idea.)

I should have been paying closer attention, cause the minute I moved out, the note writing STOPPED. My sister Jess is great at writing thank you notes, but as far as I know, she is the only one who got the thankful gene. (Sisters, please correct me if I am wrong.) It's not that I am not thankful for all the wonderful things I receive...I am just bad at expressing it in writing, sealing it in an envelope, addressing it and putting a stamp on it.

Lately, I have gotten a few thank you notes. Two from my dearest Auntie Mace. I love her with all my heart. She sent me notes thanking ME for sending cards to her here and there, just cause I love her (I am good at random expressions of love, not really something you would consider as a 'thank-you note' in my book.)

And just this week, I have gotten two unexpected thank you notes. This silly one was a doorbell ditch from two of my voice students, Bria and Jamie:
(It says "thank you for being awesome" on the back. I have never had a note thanking me for being awesome. It feels pretty...well...awesome.)

And this one from Brooke, one of my Primary kids. Sweet and wonderful.

I love to receive them, but I need to be better at WRITING them.

My mother would be so proud.

The Mother of Bad Ideas

2009-05-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Seriously??

A 66-year old woman in Britain is 8 months pregnant, through IVF treatments she got in the Ukraine. (Shame on you, Ukraine!)

To read more, go HERE.

This poor kid will have an 84-year old mother when she/he graduates high school.

While I totally understand the desire to be a mother...66 years old?? Come ON. Selfish. This makes me feel kinda sick.

Fashion Smashion: You Could Not PAY Me to Wear These

2009-05-15T19:19:00.001-07:00

(Well, maybe you could pay me, but it'd have to be a LOT, man. A WHOLE LOT.)

File this under "what the heck was she thinking??"

Love Jennifer Hudson, hate these unflattering, zippered harem pants she wore on the Today show.

Yes, Please.

2009-05-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Me likey. I already bought a cute green bag, but I like this one even more.

I have a fixation with all things GREEN lately. Shoes, shirts, house decor, everything. Care to analyze?

Who IS That Masked Man?

2009-05-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

I love this boy.

Totally Irrational Fear

2009-05-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

I am irrationally afraid of the dentist.

I have absolutely NO REASON to be afraid of the dentist. I have never had any major dental work done. No braces, only 4 teeny tiny cavities, no root canals - nothing. I have never had a bad dental experience. I have many friends who are dentists. My current dentist is a friend of mine. I have been on double dates with him and his wife. He's a nice guy. I like him. I teach three of his kids voice lessons, for heavens sake.

What is my problem?

Every time I have to go, I get jumpy. My stomach is upset. I watch the clock obsessively until it's time to go. I brush my teeth four times. I don't eat (which is not necessarily a bad thing...).

So last week when my tooth started to hurt, I imagined the worst. Root canal! Infection! All my teeth are falling out! Adult braces! There's going to be pain! I found out this week that I have to have my wisdom teeth pulled. They have come in, and do not fit together right, so I am basically chomping on my gums when I eat (which is another reason NOT to eat, but alas...I continue to eat quite well, thankyouverymuch.)

My dentist said he'd pull them out for me. Again, he's a good guy. He's a great dentist. I totally trust him. But I like him so much, I rather not throw up on him from fear of actually having to have TEETH PULLED, so I scheduled an appointment next week with an oral surgeon. He'll put me to sleep, and I'll wake when it's all over.

Oh, how I love anesthesia. Do you think they'd give it to me when I get my teeth cleaned, too?

So tell me - are YOU afraid of the dentist?

Do you have any irrational fears?
How am I going to HIDE this fear from my children? Is it hereditary??

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

(Thanks for the laugh, Mindi. You always find the best stuff!)

Playin' Hooky

2009-05-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

OK - let me start off by saying that I usually do NOT do stuff like this. I am a stickler for the kids going to school - not missing a day, even if they are 'kinda' sick. They stay home when they are really sick, but not just with a runny nose sort of thing. And I certainly never keep them out of school for a fun day!

Until last Thursday.

My sister Ali is here visiting, so we just HAD to take advantage of this beautiful weather and take the day off. We drove to Avila Beach and spent the day frolicking in the waves. And a lovely day it was. We played on the beach, took a long walk down a long pier, ate lunch on the boardwalk and really enjoyed our day. As it turned out, a Thursday in May was a GREAT day to choose - very few people there.

Forget the boys always having perfect attendance on every report card - I am totally going to do this every year!

Fun Foto Friday

2009-05-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Look out, world. They're armed...and they're related.

Anybody else getting a Lord of the Flies vibe here?

Lettin' My Freak Flag Fly...High and Proud

2009-05-07T18:03:00.001-07:00

That's right. I am going tonight with a group of trek-lovin' friends (and my poor sister Ali who is being dragged along) to see the new Star Trek movie on opening day.

No, I have never been to a Trek convention (but I totally want to go).

No, I do not have any memorabilia (other than a Christmas tree Riker ornament and some original crew Pez dispensers. I'm not kidding. Both were gifts.)

No, I am not dressing up and wearing pointy ears (only cause I don't have any).

I know you secretly wish you were as secure in your geek-dom as me.

I am SO excited, I almost want to cry.

Live long and prosper.

Fashion Smashion: Buyers Must Think We Are All Idiots

2009-05-05T08:32:00.001-07:00

Seriously??

And you can have these bad boys for the low, low price of only $282.00.

OR - - you can send me $50.00 and I can MAKE you some with a pair of $29.99 Old Navy jeans and a bottle of bleach.

Your choice.

Who Needs a Daughter When I Have Such Cute Nieces?

2009-05-04T17:19:00.001-07:00

I have LOTS of nieces - here are a few pics of just two of them. I had a fun photos shoot with Mia and Kelly while I was in Utah over spring break. They were both good sports!

We were taking pictures at the Heritage House in Kanab. Mia decided that she wanted a flower, and when she saw this tulip she yanked it right out of the ground! (Forgive us, Heritage House people.) She wanted it in EVERY picture.

This picture of Mia just makes me giggle. She is SO funny!

I like the above shot of Kelly. It looks very natural. Notice her eyes - one blue and one brown! She's an original!

Such a pretty girl! She looks waaaaay too grown up in this shot...

Sweet Baby Taylor

2009-05-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Love this girl.

Graduation and Braggin' a Little About My Sister

2009-05-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is my younger sister Ali. Ali just graduated from Dixie State College, and is moving on to USU for her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She is amazing. Beautiful, smart, talented and funny. And I love her.

Ali is coming here tomorrow to spend a week with us. When we go places together, I am sure people think she's my daughter. After all, I am 19 years older than her. I was actually attending Dixie when she was born. I am old enough to be her (young) mom.

If she were a rotten kid, people thinking she was mine might bother me.

But since she's pretty great, I'm totally OK with that.

Just Like Poppi

2009-04-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

We've got a lot of very cute Madsen cowboys running around in this family.
Madsen cousins L to R: Dallin, Dylan, Kade and Keenan
(Yes, mine is the cowboy in SHORTS. We haven't perfected the look quite yet. But he IS wearing boots. And a hat. Occasionally, he also wears a CAPE. And I love it.)

Where in the world do they GET this cowboy-thing, you might wonder?

Cause their Poppi is a cowboy. And they all worship him. From the top of his cowboy hat, right down to the tips of his boots.

I'm Domestic.

2009-04-30T08:39:00.001-07:00

That's right, I made it myself. Three batches so far.

Fear me, if you dare.

It's Good to be Oblivious.

2009-04-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Conversation with Zack (as related to me by Aunt Tishele)...

Zack (from the other room): Mom.

Mom: (no response)

Zack (still from the other room): MOM!

Mom: (still no response)

Zack(STILL from the other room): MOM!

Mom: (No response. Totally oblivious.)

Zack, turning to Tishele to say with a sigh: Hang on a second. She only hears me when I touch her.

Zack, now touching mom lightly on the shoulder: Mom?

Mom: What, Zack?
*****************************
Ladies and gentlemen, I have now perfected the art of totally and completely tuning out my children.

This Makes Me Happy

2009-04-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Vocal students, take note! Audra MacDonald is amazing. Amazing. Period.

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T08:57:00.001-07:00

Let's take good care of her, shall we?

I Think I Had a Heart Attack Just from READING This...

2009-04-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

THE ALL-TIME WORST DRIVE-THRU MEAL IN AMERICA, according to a study by Mens Health Magazine is...

Carl's Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger with Medium Natural cut Fries and 32 oz Coke
2,618 Calories
144 g fat (51.5 g saturated fat)
2892 mg sodium

Of all the gut-growing, heart-stopping, life-threatening burgers in the fast food world, there is none whose damage to your general well-being is as catastrophic as this. Consider these heart-stopping comparisons: This meal has the caloric equivalent of 13 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts; the saturated fat equivalent of 52 strips of bacon; and the salt equivalent of seven and a half large orders of McDonald's French fries!

For a complete list of the best and worst drive-thru foods in America, go HERE.

Ugh. I am gonna go eat a salad.

Ahh, Summer.

2009-04-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Summer 1977. Playing in the ditch in front of Grandma and Grandpa Pratt's house, and eating otter pops.

What reminds you of summer?