Where's My Mommy?

Makayla decided that she wanted Dad to do her hair. So of course Evan thought it was a great idea too. I didn't care only because I knew we weren't going anywhere. Makayla's hair was created by Wes awkwardly twisting her hair into a braid, while Evan curls were just brushed into a fro. What can I say...Wes has a hard enough time combing his own hair. Makayla's only comment on her hair was, "Well mom, it doesn't really matter how my hair looks because I am still cuter than Evan. That's because I am a girl, and girls are always a little bit cuter than boys!"

California...The new Hawiaii

This past week my parents, Megan, and Jarom have been in Hawaii. I like to call it their partial family vacation. Instead of enjoying the beauty of Hawaii, they left us, Bryan, Ashley, and Caden here to "house sit". Too bad for them because we have just been partying it up California style. Who needs the white sandy beaches of Hawaii when we have a private beach right here. So what if most people refer to it as a sandbox. Our private beach features a removable lid that keeps the sand at the perfect temperature, and we don't have to share it with half tourists in Speedos. Now our waterfront view may not be of the Pacific Ocean, but who really likes all that salty water anyway. We may not have tropical fish and the relaxing sounds of the waves, but we do have a pretty sweet diving board...need I say more. While there were no actual whales...Uncle Bryan did a pretty good impersonation of one. Evan got the best dressed at our beach party. He picked out his complete outfit paring it with his Uggs...the perfect beach shoe. And of course what would a Hawaiian vacation be without a Luau at sunset. It was pretty much the perfect vacation. Don't be too sad Mom and Dad...maybe we will invite you next year.

...And Then Comes Marriage...

I have been doing flowers for the funeral home for just about a year. I love it. So I thought, if I love creating casket sprays, think how much fun a wedding would be. Too bad for me I didn't really know anyone who was getting married. So finally when my cousin got engaged, I jumped at the chance to do her wedding. It was so stressful, but it was so much fun. Everything has to be timed right, the flowers have to stay fresh and beautiful all day (even if the reception is outside and it is 106 degrees), and the colors have to be the perfect shade of whatever. It was a crazy day. Thankfully I had Wes to help with Evan (Makayla is usually my assistant). Even with all the stress I learned so much and would do it again in a heartbeat. Here are a few pictures....

Here is the bouquet (modeled by Josie). This is the first one I ever made. Now most brides who be freaked out by that fact, but luckily Olivia didn't seem to care. I put it off until the end because I was so nervous, but after much prayer, I loved how it turned out. Not to shabby!

This arrangement was for the food table. It was my favorite to make. I love the colors and the limes mixed in with the flowers.

This topiary went on the sign in table. Simple, but cute. The last picture is another arrangement that was on the food table. It's hard to go wrong with roses.

Decisions...Decisions

Makayla starts kindergarten in less than a month. I can't believe it. She is so excited (me, not so much). We just got her a new backpack. She was so funny picking it out. It took her forever. She studied the colors, the size, the pockets, and the designs. There were butterfly, heart, flower, Barbie (which I tried to hide) and of course, princess backpacks. I thought for sure we would be coming home with a princess backpack. However, after weighing all her options, she finally picked the one with blue polka dots. I was a little surprised. When I asked her why that was her favorite, she simply replied, "Well, I love teal, and the dark blue will hide all the dirt. That way it looks pretty longer." Where did this kid come from? That's our Makayla.... always practical.

I've Been Tagged!!!

I have been tagged, which means I have been accepted by the blogging world....Thank you Ashley!!!

Favorite Person (outside of family..sorry Ashley, I thought you had it in the bag)? My little Canadian, Teresa Mendenhall. I can call her little because I am a half inch taller than her. She is one of those friends that even if I haven't seen her in awhile, when I do it feels like we were never apart. Oh, and she did introduce me to my husband.

Favorite Food? Snow cones, raspberries, and Coke Freeze...yes those all count as food.

Quirks about you? In a can I prefer diet Pepsi, but from the soda fountain I like diet Coke more. I also love banana snow cones and popsicles, but I hate the actual fruit.

Regrets in life? Not learning to play a musical instrument.

Favorite Blog recently? I love every one's blog, but would have to say Bryan's Counterpiont is always good for a laugh.

Something you can't get enough of? Watching my kids sleep.

Worst Job you've ever had? Is there a good kind? jk...I would have to say Discover Card (collections)..there is nothing like having people cuss, yell, and hang up on you.

Guilty Pleasure? High School Musical (I'm not ashamed), and the Twilight series.

Got any confessions? Come on, I just said I love High School Musical.

If you had $1000 dollars to spend on yourself how would you spend it? I would love to get some really nice family portraits.

Favorite thing about your house? That we not only have walls, but that they are almost all painted!

Least favorite thing about your house? That we have no toilet or shower...it's a serious deal breaker.

One thing you are bad at? Whistling...I can't do it

One thing you are good at? Finding bargains. My best find...my brand new (undamaged) Pottery Barn changing table for $50...having Evan pee all over it and me...priceless.

If you could change one thing about your circumstances, what would it be? Again, back to not having a toilet. No, really there isn't any big thing would change. I may not have a working toilet or shower, but once we are done remodeling I will have a beautiful home in a great place. I have a wonderful family that is so supportive. (and they let us live in there house where there is running water)

What makes you feel sexy. I don't know if sexy is the right word, but cute shoes always make me feel good.

Who is your real life hero? My parents. Having kids makes me appreciate and see all that they do for me.

What is the hardest part of your job? Having to defend it. I love being a mom, not because I couldn't do anything else with my life, but because there is nothing else I would rather do. I feel very blessed to be able to stay home with my kids.

When are you most relaxed? When Evan is napping and I don't have to worry if he is hanging from a light, climbing up my Mom's China cabinet, or eating dog food.

What can you not live without? My minivan...don't laugh...once you try one, you can never go back...automatic doors, need I say more.

Why do you blog? Because everyone is doing it...jk. I think it is a great why to journal and keep in touch with family and friends.

Who are you tagging? Mel, Megan, Teresa, and Janelle

Hello Terrible Two

Today is Evan's birthday, and while he reminds me daily that he knows what being a two year old is all about, I still can't believe it. When Makayla was two she seemed all grown up to me, I couldn't wait for her to move on to the the next stage, but with Evan, I just want to slow time down...keep him little as long as I can. I always tell my family that little boys are so sweet because you know what they grow up to be...Men. It makes all the cute baby things they do so much more sweet. So here are my ten of my favorite things about my little boy....


1.) His chubby cheeks. I love that they still jiggle when he runs.
2.) His hair...when he wakes up in the morning, it is silky and smooth, but the curls multiply with each hour that passes and by the end of the day it turns into what Wes refers to as sheep hair.
3.) His kisses. When I ask him for a kiss, he turns his cheek "allowing" me to kiss him.
4.) His style. He is only two, but he loves to pick out his clothes, especially his shoes. He definitely got the Phipps pretty boy gene.
5.) His dirty looks. They put teenagers to shame.
6.) His big brown eyes. They always give away exactly how he feels.
7.) His love of all things pink. He loves pink because he loves Makayla. Most of the pink things we have belong to her, and her stuff if his favorite kind of stuff.
8.) How he smells after his bath...once we wash the little boy smell off of him. It may only last a few minutes, but I love that clean smell.
9.) His tender heart. He still breaks down when I tell him (or Makayla) no.
10.) When he reaches for me. There is nothing better then picking him up and having him wrap his little arms around me.

It was so fun to have Jarom home for Evan's birthday. They are kindred spirits. When Jarom came home from his mission last week, Evan ran up to him and wrapped his arms around his legs. My mom says that Evan is a mini Jarom. If that is true, I'll count my blessing, Jarom is an awesome person. Even though he is my younger brother, he is still a good example to me. It is great to have him home!

Blog Envy

So whenever Wes is on the computer, all he does is look other people's blog and then complain to me about how lame our's is. So I am taking over. I am not saying that it is going to be cool, but at least it will be updated!