I HEART CONAN!

MY NEW POST

So, I got up this morning and started checking my usual blogs. Some of them said that I had updated my blog. ... I haven't. My sweet husband stayed up late putting together a Halloween pod cast. When he posted it, he accidentally posted to my blog instead of his. He quickly changed it, so if you want some pretty spooky Halloween music, click his link!

Hope Kids

This foundation has meant alot to some dear friends. (They are dear to many of you as well) They are putting together a team for the fundraising walk for HopeKids. If you would like to donate and you are able to, you can here.

HopeKids Overview from C. R. Oldham on Vimeo.

DODGE BALL

This makes me laugh... hard!

What moms eat for lunch...

Today is the first day of school. Bailey is in fifth grade and Isaac is in second. Next year Reagan will be in Kindergarten and a four short years from now, my youngest will be starting school. I am ten and a half years into this whole motherhood thing. It's who I am. It's what I do. Four years away from having all my kids in school just doesn't seem like that long...cuz I'm old and the years go by in a flash!!! So, as I eat lunch with my two little ones, it has me thinking "What will I eat for lunch?" These days, as it has been for the last nine years or so, my lunch consists of the standard kid things... pb&js, chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, ramen noodles, hot dogs and hopefully I can sneak in some fruit and maybe some cottage cheese.. you know kid stuff. So now I'm just wondering what do moms eat for lunch that don't have kids home to feed? Will I figure out how to make enough dinner to have just enough for a left over lunch for my self? Will I figure out how to make dinner at all for that matter? Will I still eat kid stuff because it's easy and it's a habit? I sure hope not! Maybe I will have so much free time that I will be at the mall or the latest boutique that I will grab lunch on the run. Not likely, but that would be fun! maybe I'll work or go to school outside of the home. Right now, I kind of am anxious to have them all in school, but I know that when the time comes, I will miss them. Even right now, I am counting down the last hour until the bell rings. I hope they had a good day. I hope they ate their home lunch. I hope they know I love them... they are my life. Good thing I still have four more years until Gracie goes!!!

I THINK I MIGHT BE PSYCHOTIC

Last night I was riding in a car with two friends. The conversation ranged from blood type to scouts. The friend in the back informed us that she thinks she is getting a canker sore. We discussed how yucky they are, my favorite canker medicine, her father-in-law's theory on cankers, how I haven't had one for quite a while and how one of us mostly got cankers from her braces. So, guess what! Yup, you guessed it, I feel like I am getting not one, but two cankers. And no, we didn't share a drink or anything else!!! I think I am just psychotic!!!!

Train Them Young

Brandon has been working four tens this week. When he works a normal schedule, most of us are up and about when he leaves. This morning I rolled out of bed at 9:15. Very unusual due to the fact that I have four kids with the youngest being 13 months. Well, I think I have found the answer to sleeping in!
Today I woke up hearing Reagan go into Gracie's room. This normally makes me furious, because she is normally waking up her baby sister. So I hear Reagan say, "What cha watching Gracie?"
Yes, we have tv in Gracie's room. I have always had a tv in my babies rooms to help keep me awake during those late night feedings. (and to entertain me all the other feedings and rocking to sleep) No, the tv was not left on after she went to bed last night. Gracie had taken the remote (which we commonly sit just between the slits of her crib, next to the rocker) and turned on the tv. I'm pretty sure she just pushed buttons until it turned on....I hope she doesn't already know which button to push!!!
"Ohhh, are you wachin a baby show?" Reagan delightfully squills.
At this point I quickly rolled over and grabbed the phone. I told Brandon the story and we both just started laughing... hard! I quickly ran to the bathroom, like I said I hadn't yet been out of bed, and then walked into Gracie's bedroom. Just like I had heard from the other room, the tv was on and it was on channel 7. A PBS kid show was on. Brandon is pretty sure he turned the tv off on channel 4 last night, so Gracie must have pushed buttons until she found something she liked. So now we are trying to figure out if we have trained her way to young and we have a huge problem on our hands, if she just completely lucked out (the most obvious choice), or if she is quite simply a genius baby. One thing is for sure, if it means I get to sleep in I don't think I mind!

oops! missed one

So I had this on my list on the post below, but some how it didn't make it to the final copy! It is probably the highlight of our summer!
*DISNEYWORLD* Wonderful, amazing, magical, tiring trip with the entire Jensen clan! (8 adults and 9 kids) Deserves it's own post (or 3) but it's not even 9am and I do believe that I have reached my 2 posts every few months quota. Crap! Today is a new month... maybe later, or tomorrow!

SUMMER TIME

With the first official school clothes bought and Brandon holding his first fall soccer practice for Isaac's team in the morning, I feel summer quickly coming to a close. What a summer it has been!!! We commonly refer to summer '08 as the summer we missed, summer '09 will be the summer of fun. Here are a bunch of highlights and maybe just a few low lights.

*NYC* Brandon and I kicked off summer (really late spring) with our first real trip with just the two of us since Bailey was born. Brandon had to do some work, but we still managed to see a show, shop and sightsee. (Did I mention shopping?!?) What a great time! Thanks to our parents for taking care of our kids!


*SWIMMING* My kids can swim!!! We have been taking semi-private lessons (the only way to go) for Bailey, Isaac and Reagan (along with her cousin Aaron). They have all loved it! Bailey really took to it and will probably be trying out for the swim team sometime next week! We have practically lived at the Legacy Center and finally bought a pass. We have had so much fun with family and friends at the Legacy Center. If we didn't go with friends, the kids were sure to either find one they already new or make a new one. It was in the pool that Gracie decided to walk! What a goof ball! In addition to the Legacy Center, we have loved going swimming with neighborhood friends on Weds. Thanks Lisa!! ( This also resulted in my worst sunburn in years)

*SNOW CONES* Bailey used her own money to buy a snow cone machine. She has almost paid for it by having a snow cone stand. So fun for her!

*GRACIE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY* Holy cow she's one! That is a good year to have behind us! She is so fun and we celebrated with an amazing cake that my good friend Jenn made!


*REAGAN RIDES A 2 WHEELER* no more training wheels (at least not on her little bike, the new one is still a bit big)

*4th of JULY* As always, foot races and fun at the Manti City park, Grandpa Bob, cousins, playing in the lake, golf, and this year, visiting with my 95 year old grandma.


*FAMILY GUESTS* It's always fun when Grandpa (and Grandma) comes to stay! It's especially fun when it's Grandpa & Grandma Pfunder plus the Kevin Pfunder Pfamily! We were even lucky enough to have Lauren and Morgan stay with us for a few extra days. What wonderful nieces!

*REAGAN'S 4TH BIRTHDAY* A fun friend party at Discovery Gateway, a fun day with our family, and a Hello Kitty bike from G&G Jensen... what more could a four year old want? (how about screen printed cupcakes?)


*YULIYA* Our next door neighbors brought home there beautiful 12 year old adopted daughter from the Ukraine. Bailey has loved getting to know her new friend!
lowlights
-my sunburn
-summer movies (Gracie and Reagan have been AWFUL!)
-kids (not mine) pooping in the Legacy Center pool
-coming home from vacation and having quarterly payroll taxes due the next week
-school starting on a Thursday!!!! What's up with that?!?!
-the Reynolds moving... so sad.

Just under three weeks until school starts. I am sure there will be many more fantastic (pruney finger) days to come

Pfamous???

My in-laws were featured as yesterday's, May 27th, "Sexy People". If you haven't checked out "Sexy People", you should. It is hilarious !!!

Finding My Inner Stupid Human Trick

About fifteen and a half years ago, I went to NYC with my family.  We went mainly for the US Open, but we also saw a show and toured the city in about 5 hours Cathy Jensen style (trust me, it's intense).  It also happened to be the week that David Letterman made the move to CBS.  I really wanted to go, but I don't think I ever mentioned it to my parents and getting tickets would have been impossible.  When Brandon and I decided that I would be going to NY with him, we submitted online to get tickets to David Letterman.  Tonight Brandon's cell phone rang while next to me with a strange number.  Always one to want to pry into my husband's secret life, I answered it.  

me "Hello"

Strange man  "Hello, Julianne?" 

(It's for me?)

m "yes"

SM  "This is John with the Late Show with David Letterman"

The strange man asked when we were going to be in NY and if we could come to a taping the Monday we are there.  After I assured him that we are available and MUCH older than 18, the conversation became a little uncomfortable.

SM " do you watch the show regularly?"

m "Um... it's been a little while."

(We have four kids and a DVR.  It's the only way we get to watch the shows we want to.  So, no I haven't watched DL for quite some time.  At that time were watching something we have recorded or TLC or Discovery Channel or maybe even Ghost Hunters.  Sorry TMI.)

SM "Well you do need to answer a trivia question in order to win the tickets.  No help and you can't look it up."

(crap)

Well, the trivia question was  "What is the name of the place that Rupert G works at?"

I was so proud that I knew the right answer with out any hesitation.

WE'RE GOING TO THE LATE SHOW!!!

OK, I didn't tell him that we are rather disappointed that Conan is no longer in NY.(We are pretty big Conan fans)  And we were kind of excited about maybe seeing Jimmy Fallon, but we would have been sad we weren't there for free Snuggie night.

But, now we have our first actual plans for NY!  Can anyone think of any stupid human tricks we have?  WAIT, don't answer that!

EASTER PFOTOS

Happy Easter!!!  We had a fabulous day!  I will post about that later .... maybe June, but first Easter pictures!!!!   I am posting these mostly for my mother-in-law (no offense mom).  Here's my reasoning.  Roxanne, my MIL, loves pictures.  They are everywhere in her home in Idaho.  She often asks for new pictures.  Eight of her grandkids pictures are always current and abundant, four are outdated and sparse.  Those four would be my kids.  Obviously, she must be playing favorites.  I'm afraid not.  You see, Brandon has two great brothers who have even better wives.  Jodi is amazingly talented.   She makes soap and paper, sews, decorates and is an incredible photographer.  You can look at her pics here .  Go ahead, go browse her blog.  I'll wait....... My MIL can see many pictures of the AZ Pfunder kids on a fairly regular basis.  Marolyn, my other SIL, lives in St. George and is nearly perfect, if not totally perfect.  Her house is always clean, remembers every one's birthday, and sends thank you cards frequently.  She also gives our MIL access to pictures often. (Now that I think about that, it is probably Kevin who gets her the pics. How did this responsibility fall in my lap anyway?  Maybe Brandon should send her pictures!:))  Roxanne has many darling pictures of Kevin and Marolyn's four perfectly groomed girls.   After little success asking for pics of my kids in person, Roxanne has resorted to asking for pics in comments on my blog and on facebook.  So as we took these pictures of the kids today, I was very excited to post them.  Of course Brandon had to play with them on photoshop first, so there are more to come.  Roxanne these are for you ..... whose the favorite daughter-in-law now?

The Gang

Children's Place ad?

Our sweet Gracie!!!

Roo was being so "cheesy" so we just played into it.

Ladies? Those teeth will come in one day, and after a few visits to the orthodontist.. stake your claim now, girls.

Bailey is growing up way too fast!

BTW, I had to use the Edit Html tab to move the pictures.  Aren't you impressed... anyone? anyone?

SIGH OF RELIEF

We received the results of Gracie's CT today.  Although her front plates of her skull are fused, due to her age she is in the realm of "normal" and surgery does not seem necessary at this time.  Upon hearing this a few things quickly came to mind :

1. Thank heavens! Literally, thank heavens!!!
2. What does it all mean for now and in the future?
3. Normal?  They did see the last name Pfunder, didn't they?

The neuro-surgeon still wants to have her come in for an appointment.  Hopefully we can get some more understanding of her condition then.  For now, we are grateful for all of your prayers and well wishes.  Thank you so much!!!  YYYYYEEEEAAAAHHH!!!!!!

PRAYERS REQUESTED

On March 5th, our sweet Gracie will have CT scan of her skull. She has some sort of malformation of the top front of her skull. As of now, surgery seems likely. We ask for your prayers and faith in her and our family's behalf. Thanks... we love you all!

LOSING A FRIEND

Today Larry miller passed away. I don't remember life with out Larry's name being spoken of at the dinner table. Not that he and I had a real personal relation, but he was a dear friend of my parents. When my dad first went out on his own, starting his CPA firm, Larry was one of his first clients. I was able to get to know his sweet wife, Gail, a little bit better, and have always admired her. Other Miller family members lived by my parents for a few years and I got to know them a little too. But mostly I know how Larry has impacted my life. As a huge Jazz fan, I am grateful for his involvement in Utah sports. I have heard of a small portions of his giving to the community. I have heard stories that tell of his testimony of the restored Gospel. I can indeed say that I am thankful that "after all, I knew this guy". He will be missed. You can read the press release here.

Radom thoughts to my family

Bailey - today it kind of freaked me out when you sat by me on the bench instead of playing with Reagan and Isaac in the play area at the mall. You are getting so big. I feel so bad that you spend energy being scared at night sometimes (just like I used to). I wish I could take it away!

Isaac - You can borrow my fingers anytime to do your math homework.

Reagan - I love how we determine how to do your hair by you telling me how many piggies you want. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

Gracie - I am mad you got so big overnight. But I love to feel that first tooth and sit you on the floor to play. You are so cute!!!

Brandon - you are amazing! Maybe one day I will be as good of wife as you are a husband.

Dad and Mom - I am sorry you are losing such a special friend. I am praying for you guys and his sweet family.

give oh give

my wonderful sister-in-law Jodi, posted this on her blog the other day and I decided to participate -- (and yes I did copy her word for word (even this part, I just changed the name and relation), so if that is any indication of my extreme level of laziness, you won't be getting this homemade gift within the next fortnight)
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations: 1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! 2. What I create will be just for you. 3. It'll be done this year. 4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a song. It may be a self portrait or maybe even some creation I haven't yet dreamed up. I may draw. I may bake you something and mail it to you. It may not be big or impressive. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure! But lets be honest here. This is me and I will likely do something amazing. =) So come on, sign up! 5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

ORANGE YOU GLAD...

My sister -in-law called yesterday to invite me to go shopping for Easter clothes for the kids. We planned on grabbing lunch at the mall today and then hitting the kid stores. Perfectly timed, my Children's Place ad and coupon came in the mail yesterday. I looked through it and then proceeded to go online. I wanted to be prepared. This is serious stuff and it is already mid-February. I showed Brandon some of the options we had, he definitely had his opinion. So after a fun lunch with my dad, brother,sister -in-law, two nephews, Reagan and Grace we made our way to Children's Place. The kids were crazy, but I managed to get the main components of my kids' Easter clothes.... in my husband's favorite color. Picture taken with my crappy phone camera.