Chelsea or bust!

 

 Conversation from last night:

Amy: Hey Scotty it says that Chelsea Clinton was up at the U yesterday campaigning for her Mom.

Scotty:  Yeah, I know.

Amy:  You do? How?

Scotty: I saw her.

Amy:  (surprised) What? Where?

Scotty: In the Union with two big guys in black suits.

Amy:  What did you do?

Scotty:  I left!

We're All About the Funny

Just for laughs!

The Record Has Been Broken!

You know when you use a store's bathroom in the way back and you can tell it's not meant for customers?  And they have that sign that says: Consecutive days with no accidents: 79.

Well, I had a mental sign like that

Consecutive days with no child cutting their hair: 9 years 69 days and counting.

And then it was over.

I went to my Tri class this morning, then ran and got a cake for Asher's friends party.  I made a quick call home encouraging everyone to be dressed, teeth brushed, and pick a chore or two.  

Aidan really took that to heart.  

Dressed: check

Teeth brushed: check

Hair fixed: Hmm?  

And that is when he decided it was time for a new do, a new Aidan, a makeover.  He cut his "bangs" to the scalp.  You know that cute little flip I do in the front of his hair?  No more of that.  Ah well, at least he's a boy and it's not too terrible.   

Chloe is RAD

So Chloe is in a program @ school called RadKids.  They teach the children self-defense and protecting yourself/defending yourself etc.  Tonight was her graduation.  Unfortunately, I did not have my camera there so when we got home she showed me what she has learned.  At the graduation they had to run from a stranger who did not know the password, attack a dummy in the eyes, and then this guy dressed in a heavily padded suit (especially in some areas) grabbed them.  Some kids he even picked up.  So the kids went about kicking his shins, his groin, poking his eyes (helmet w/shield) head-butting him.  All the parents cheered and yelled- Hit him, Kick him!  It was hilarious.  Especially these teeny little timid girls.  Chloe did it and I was impressed.  

So Cole loved the presentation and is excited to use it on his brothers.  I've also included his practice runs.  However, I don't think they'll allow weapons in RadKids?  By the way, this first video of him reminds me of this time recently when a cute old lady @ Scott's therapy that asked Cole  how old he was.  Cole looked at her and made some shooting noises and karate chops and ran off.  That's my boy.

 

Enjoy

Amy

Asher Scott Browning 1.24.00

He's 8!  We had a little present opening party quite early this morning.  Asher was most pleased with his new scout uniform and book.  

I have to reflect....

I went into labor in the middle of the night.  My Mom came and watched Chloe (she was 14 months old).  We went to Orem Community Hospital.  After a couple hours it was time to have a baby.  The DR. arrived.  I politely asked Scotty if he'd like to turn of the Price Is Right for the arrival of his son.  

He obliged.

After 2 pushes there was our Asher.  It was like a dream it was so easy.  He was so sweet and what a big mouth he had.  Although he didn't sleep through the night until he was a year old (gassy little fellow) he was a happy baby.  And Asher does mean happy.  And now it's already been 8 years!

So, I nearly missed my good Mom opportunity.  I arrived at the school with just 10 minutes left in the school day today.  I brought donuts and Cole brought the balloons.  Asher's teacher let me read a little information about him that I had typed up.  I told them how he loved to hold his little brothers when they were newborns and we have many pictures of Asher sleeping holding a sleeping baby, and I told them one of my favorite Asher stories:

*Asher was 3 or 4

Asher was trying to spell words to me in the car.

I told him he wasn't spelling any words right.

He became very frustrated and said, "Fine, just tell me how to spell fungus then!"

It was fun to watch Asher bursting with pride as he handed out the napkins and I told his class how great he is.  

Anyhow, Happy Birthday to Asher.  Love your Mom.

Buns of Steel or Buns of Cinnamon

My buns hurt.  Is that appropriate blogging material?  Let's just say I don't do the weight circuit very often and so I am in a bit of pain.  Also, it feels awesome when you're benching THE BAR and it makes you grunt.  Ah well, we all must start somewhere, and frankly I'm not looking to get beefed up, just want to look less like a marshmallow.  

And now I have something to admit.....after I  got home from the gym I went back to bed...in my sweaty clothes...on Scott's side of the bed. 

I feel better now.  

Chloe has become the Queen of the Snow.  Every day after school she is in a rush to head out to play in the snow with whatever friend she can get a hold of who will be willing to stay out in the cold with her and create something.  She has created a nativity scene, 

and began an igloo today.  I don't think her boots have dried out yet this week.  I'm glad she's enjoying it.  I just don't remember being tough enough to stay outside for 2-4 hours at a time in the freezing cold like she does.  

And a little shout out to Sister Landrum.  Britney headed to the MTC today.  It seems just yesterday that I took some roommates there, or that Johnny was dropped off there with much tears.  I'm sure it's been an emotional day for her family.  I'm proud of her strong convictions, and I'm sure I'll be one of her best writers as that is what I do best.  

And for good measure...

Jen-

Thanks for coming.  It is always so much fun to have you.  I miss you already.  Here's to the good times.  

Love ya,

amelia

Asher is turning 8 on Thursday, and will be getting baptized on Feb.2.  So, we took a little "baptism photo shoot" today.  We got him this little suit and it is so cute on him.  He looks really grown up.  The pictures turned out great and this is one of my favorites.  I'm planning on sending out some kind of an invitation whether it be e-mail or letter, but just f.y.i. His baptism will be on Feb.2 at the Stake Center at 12:00.  

Hello from Chloe

This is a message to Paige, Anna, and Z.  

From Chloe

Whatever Happened to Just Laying Around?

As I am talking to Jen on the phone today mentioning all my brilliant ideas concerning what we could do on her visit (ie. snow-shoeing, sledding, ice skating, swimming) she blurts out, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO JUST LAYING AROUND?"  HA!   We decided that would be a great quote for motherhood.  So I guess we'll just be laying on my couch doing tradesies, eating Ben & Jerry's, and laughing our butts off (since we won't be working them off!)  Ah well, I like laying around as much as the next guy, but I think it's fun to have experiences too.  

Anyhow, now I need to call out all the lurkers (JOHN).  I use to be a lurker and frankly, it's creepy. So I am calling you out to start commenting-even start your own blog.  How fun would that be?  

And in other news:   I forgot to pick my husband up after school last night.  That's right.  I was suppose to pick him up at 5:30, at 5:15 he calls the house and asks me what I'm doing.  Oh I'm helping Asher w/ a school project and....oh crap!  I forgot to pick you up.  So it turns out the building he's hanging out in closes at 5:30 and he gets pushed out into the freezing Utah winter in his manual wheelchair.  As I pulled up the security guard says,

You his wife?

I think I still am.

It's going to be really cold tomorrow maam.  

Okie dokie.  Feeling like a million bucks.

It's a good thing Scott's patient with me and forgiving.  He was just like, "it's o.k. Hi guys how are ya?"  But today, he did wear an actual winter coat instead of 2 jackets.  I guess that's good.  

So that's it for me.  I've got to go down to the bike and have me a little workout.  

Countdown to Jen 27 hours and counting.  It should be a fun weekend, or at least one to remember. Having a hard time getting motivated to go to thy gym.  Any suggestions (both of you).  I think I'm going to sign up for a photography class instead of just saying I'm going to.  Alright then, lame post today, but that's it for me.  

The Simple Life!

O.k. I'm not talking Paris Hilton's The Simple Life.  I was just thinking.  The things that really make me the happiest are the simple things like happy kids playing well with each other, the smell of dinner cooking, watching my children learn a gospel truth, etc.  This pic of Cole reminds me of that.  This was recently when he wanted to go outside and I told him it was too cold.  He put on this scarf and thought he was ready to go.  I just love the boyish-ness (not a word) of this picture; dirty face, injury to face, serious look on face, ready to go!  

Get Well Anna

Dear Anna,

We hope you are feeling well following your tonsilectomy.  Did you get to keep those tonsils?  Dipped in gold? If not it's probably a good idea, because your Daddy may accidentally mistake them for a meat treat!  

SNOW!

Snow! 

 I think I may be to blame for this big storm.  You see a couple days ago I said, "I'm sick of all these weak little storms that bring a skiff of snow.  If it's going to snow it should just dump on us."  

And the heaven's opened.  

So when I got up to head to the pool this morning the streets were scary, but scarier still is arriving at the pool and seeing some young men you know.  I hate seeing people (of the male variety) at the pool.  I was super scary spice today because I had my eyebrows waxed yesterday and as an added bonus she also removed the top layer of skin.  Also, I wear my goggles uber-tight so as to not allow any water into my contacts and so I have really puffy eyes and deep lines around my eyes.  That's beautiful.  Oh, and my eyes look like I've been on a 3 day bender because my contacts are old and cause much redness.  So there's a pretty picture for you.  

UPDATE ON WHEELCHAIR BATTERIES:

long story short

After a morning of arranging a new medical company to deliver and install the batteries in Scott's wheelchair I gave up @ 4:00ish and headed out with Scott and picked up the batteries myself.  It went something like this:

Hi, I'm here to pick up some batteries.

(Spanish accent:) Who will be helping you?

No one.  Are they heavy?

Jes.  They weigh 50 or 60 lbs. each.

I"m a big girl I can do it. 

*blink*blink*blink*

O.k. why don't you tell me how to install them.

Will somebody be helping you install them?

Nope. Just me.

*blink*blink*blink* eyebrows raised

And with that Scotty and took the batteries and a tool kit up to campus installed the batteries in 30 minutes and were proud.  The wheelchair is working and so hopefully he'll have a better day.  So I hope everyone has a fabulous day.  Enjoy the snow!

Amy

ARGH!  It's a good thing my husband is a patient man. Turns out on Scotty's first day @ the U the battery of his power chair died.  When it's fully charged it only lasts for a few short minutes.  Thus he was able to get off Trax and make it to class, but then it died in an elevator!!!!  So he had a girl push him out of the elevator and to an outlet (chair= 400 lbs. + Scott= 190 lbs. +  perfect stranger pushing him out of an elevator= PRICELESS!) Then he got to his next class and plugged the chair in all during class.  Then the chair died in a hallway.  That is where he remained for 4 hours!!!!  He attempted once to make it to TRAX, but saw the battery was dying and headed back inside so he didn't freeze to death.  Anyhow,  I had my own fun chasing down batteries for the chair, Voc Rehab (VR) called ahead to ensure they had what I needed, I  drove from here to Timbuktu to retrieve them only to be told, no we don't have any and no we didn't tell you we did. If you think we're fraudulent shop elsewhere.  WHAT!!!????  I was steaming. 

Remember when you were a kid and your Mom had a bad customer service moment and she in no uncertain terms, let them know how unhappy she was while you attempted to hide your face behind her very large purse?  Well, I was that woman.  I said, "No, there must be a mistake we just called in and you said you pulled 2 off the shelf for me".  He return with a no.  I respond,"Are you serious?"  yes.  As I leave I let out a UGHHHHHH!!!  

Anyhow, I have called VR and asked them to deal with PETERSEN MEDICAL in OREM and have them deliver and install the battery if possible.  

So, now a shout out to my MOM.  She got up at 6:00 or earlier, and drove to Salt Lake today to drive Scotty to his classes and push him in his manual wheelchair so he didn't have to miss school.  What a woman!   

And to wrap up this blog- I ran on the treadmill for 50 minutes (there was some walking involved), and I am tired.  

Here's to a better day.

amy 

He's off! (&Ode to Jen)

Ok.  Scotty is off to school!  AHHHHH!  

He left @ 7:10 this morning.  It was quite strange.  I'm a bit nervous about him getting around in his power wheelchair (sidenote:  I called his powerchair an electric chair while visiting teaching yesterday and had everyone in stitches)  I asked him if he'd like me to just take him this morning instead of him riding the bus and he said, "No thanks Mom, I think I've got it!"  Point taken. Anyhow, he's a bit nervous about controlling his power chair.  It's quite sensitive and he took out a copy machine earlier this week.  I'm sure it will be an adventure and he'll have me cracking up tonight.  

And now......

an Ode to my sister Jen.

It seems she feels unrepresented on this here blog.

This is an Ode to Jen

You were born first, but I was quick to follow.

When you saw how I was adored, you had reason to wallow.

But wallow you didn't, you pulled up your boot straps.

Carried me on your back @ recess and ran 10 laps.

You confronted my friends (and enemies) if you felt I'd been wronged

We did lots together like Cheech and Chong (a stretch I know)

Although I raised you, you always went first.

Off to college, then married, and you definitely cursed first!

And now here we are with husbands and kids

Doing laundry and cleaning, finding missing lids.

The miles disappear when we talk on the phone.

And soon I don't feel quite so alone.

Oh Jen how I love you

Your silly and brave,

Now please quite complaining

It's time to behave.

Love, 

amy

New Picture

Ok I'm lame and couldn't figure out how to edit a blog I'd already posted so I'm just putting up a new one.  I just wanted to let you know that the new picture of my face on my page is a representation of what I look like after Tri class.  My face turns bright red and I get a double take from a lot of people.

TRI?

So the tri training class began this morning @ 7:00. I think it's going to be a good challenge for me. I really enjoyed it and our teacher knows what she's talking about so it should be good. We did a bit of all three things today. It's amazing how quickly your cardio endurance decreases, but as I recall it can pick up somewhat quickly.

I have arrived

Has anyone noticed how LARGE my pictures are on my blog? I'm not sure how to fix that along with many other things including belly fat, pee behind the toilet, and my really red right eye. I spent the day on the phone taking care of "business". I like and dislike these days. I stayed in my pajamas and if you look around it doesn't look like I got a lot done, BUT that list in my head shrank considerably. AH well.