Watching "Cacane"

Max and Mark took a nice Sunday afternoon nap downstairs in the big chair while I was upstairs. Soon afterwards, Max came upstairs looking for me.

Mom: What is daddy doing, watching football?

Max: No, he's watching Cacane

Mom: What? He's watching what?

Max: Cacane

Mom: Do you mean, John McCain?

Max: Yes ... John McCain.

Mom: Do you remember who John McCain is?

Max: No ... he's watching Cacane.

Needless to say we still need to work on John McCain who is running for President of the United States. At least he did not say he is a prophet in the Book of Mormon!

Spiciest Chili - We Have a Winner!

Well, Mark was able to accomplish his goal ... that was to win the spiciest chili at our wards Chili Cookoff! I tasted his chili before the habanero pepper paste was added and liked it very much. However, I do not care for chili that is even on the verge of being spicy so I declined any additional tastes. Some friends were over on Friday night just after the peppers were added and Darren did give the spiciest chili a try. He agreed with Mark, it should win! After some milk and oreo ice cream cake both Mark and Darren were feeling a little better from the chili!

The chili cookoff came off between heavy down pours of rain today. We had rain yesterday as well which has been great. Although it puts a damper on the golfers, I don't mind a little free water to keep our yard looking nice!

Tonight we hosted the Relief Society sisters here to watch the broadcast from Salt Lake City. All the messages were great and President Uchtdorf concluded the meeting with an excellent talk. Be sure to read it in the Ensign if you were not able to hear it tonight. What a great leader he is.

Survivor Premiere

Ok all you Survivor Fans .... did you watch last night? Did you love seeing all those great photo's from Africa? I was so excited that it was two hours and two tribal councils! I would say this along with American Idol are two of my favorite shows to watch all year.

My current favorite is Bob ... the oldest man on the tribe that has been winning the challenges. In the photo above he is far right in a bow tie. (And I'm not picking him because of the bow tie - although Mark and I did note it last night) Of course every year they find beautiful women, handsome men, a gay guy, an athlete, a doctor and then of course some "older" contestants. We'll see how this plays out but, I'm holding strong for Bob right now.

Just admit it ... deep down you know you want to be a cool Survivor fan! Come join the club!

First Poison Scare ...

Last night Mark and I were out spraying our azalea's with a bug killer. According to one of our neighbors who has the same problem, mites have moved in - well at least to our azaleas! They have turned a light green color and on the underside of the leaves we have little brown spots. So, I found the bug killer spray that you just hook up to your hose and spray away. Do it twice within 14 days and hopefully next spring we still have beautiful azaleas.

Mark had to leave for an Elders Quorum meeting and so I finished up the side and front plants. Of course my number one helper was right there the whole time. I was so careful to keep the bottle away from him and up high enough that he could not reach. Safe, right?

Well, we wind up the hose in the front and then we go around back where the hose was completely pulled out. As I am winding up the hose, Max was around the corner supposedly pulling the hose from the garden so that we do not "hose destroy" are fragile, mite ridden azaleas! I'm calling for him, no answer so I go around the corner to see what is going on. What did I find? Max with the hose end that was recently attached to the bug killer where? Well, of course his mouth! Immediately I scream NOO NOOO NOOOOO! What are you doing? NOOOOO ..... I scoop him up, run him into the house - bumping his head along the way on the edge of the door (yes I panicked) now he is crying and saying, "Mom are you sad?" I get some water in a cup and I am now telling him to rinse and spit - like brushing your teeth! Do NOT swallow!??!! A concept that Max is still learning. I'm afraid that this is not working, so I grab papertowels put them under water and now I am swabbing out his mouth? Have not one clue if this is even right. All the while I am looking at the bottle for "In case this is bug killer is put in your 2 year olds mouth .... do this....!" After a few minutes of extreme panic, I decided not to call Mark, Max is still breathing, not swelling up, not throwing up and now calming down from the bump on his head. I think I must of asked him 50 times before he fell asleep last night, are you feeling ok? The whole I night I kept thinking, should I be taking him in to the emergency room?

Ughh ... what a crazy night. Thankfully, he is fine and I did tell Mark when he got home from his meeting. Max was up and playing in no time but, literally, just when you think you are being safe Max seems to remind me that there is always something to worry about!

Other than, this little scare .... I've been working quite a bit and helping out with upcoming RS Super Saturday. When I have the energy and time, I do enjoy making things from scratch.

Today, I helped provide some food for a funeral in our ward. I was so excited to make the famous green bean caserole with french onions as I made them with my very own canned green beans! I felt very smart that I had learned to can beans this summer and have them available at a moments notice! Everyone should experience some sort of canning in their life. You really can be prepared if you are willing to learn and make a little investment! To date, I have canned tomatoes, green beans, salsa and peaches. My tomatoes are still coming on and I even did more this week.

This weekend is our wards annual chili cookoff .... Mark's FAVORITE activity of the whole year! He is looking to take back his title of "Hotest Chili" with his habanero peppers!

I'll be sure to update this weekend!

Cousin Kiley's Visit Update

Today I took the disk I had in my camera when it died to Costco to see if I could get any pictures off of it. And, happily I was able to get 30 pictures. Hooray! Here are some of the highlights of our days in DC.



Kiley waiting in line for our tickets to the capitol. We had to wait about 90 minutes for them. But luckily Kiley had her phone to text her friends with and her ipod to keep her spirits up!

Max waiting patiently and eating teddy grahams.

Washington Capitol Summer 2008

View from Capitol - Our house is 85 miles West - do you see it in the horizon?

Hooray - no more waiting in line!

The Rotunda's ceiling inside the Capitol.

Max wondering ... how much longer in the heat?

Max giving up a final scream, Kiley enduring to the end. I liked this shot because of the flag in the background. At this point, I had to leave the tour and Kiley finished on her own. We had to park on a meter when we were waiting for our tickets and I was sure that we would be ticketed and towed if I was not back within the 3 hour limit. Kiley kept saying to me, I'm sure it will be ok we'll only be 15 minutes late. But, I decided that I knew the DC Metro better than she and decided to make a run for it. Afterall, who wants to be stuck in DC with no car, a 2 year old who had to throw away all his snacks and water prior to entering the Capitol and who had to wake up at 5:30 am in order for us to get downtown to stand in line along with a niece who would not have enjoyed going to find the blackhole in DC where cars are towed to? Luckily, I made it back to the car to put more money in the meter, find a bathroom for both Max & I and purchase a much needed Diet Coke for myself and juice for the kids.

This same day, after recovering from my 2 mile jog back to the car with Max and the stroller(which produced blisters even with sneakers on) we were able to see The Holocaust Museum and the Jefferson Memorial. We ended up putting the car in a garage and we walked and walked and walked ... but it was all worth it! Kiley enjoyed seeing the sights and hopefully she'll come visit us again soon!

Dad's Little Helper

Summer 2008 Winchester, Virginia

Whenever Mark is going to cut the lawn ... Max no doubt wants to help. Hopefully, he will still want to help in about 10 years!

Here are some photo's of our lawn getting cut and Max being dad's big helper! Mark keeps our lawn perfectly manicured each week. Our property line is to the fence. We are hoping the owner of the 5.8 acres and motorhome behind the fence does not sell anytime soon!

Backyard toward Frank & Sharon Wrights property. Our property line goes to where the grass goes a shade lighter!

Our New Movie Watcher

Max has never been a tv watcher or a movie watcher until.... this past week. Mark bought him Walt Disney's move "The Nightmare Before Christmas" by Tim Burton. Max watched the movie with some interest the first time but, still managed to play with toys or books. BUT, he has become so addicted to this movie, it is hardly all he talks about. He wakes up in the morning and asks first thing, "Can we watch my new movie?" He's not even out of bed when he is asking? "After my nap, can I watch my new movie?" With the exception of yesterday, he has watched this movie at least 3 times each day! It truly amazes me! On one hand, we do not want him to become a movie junkie but, I will admit I certainly can get quite a bit done while he sits in his little chair and stares at the movie! "Jack Skellington, the "Pumpkin King of Halloween Town" sure does keep our 2 1/2 year old entertained for a little over an hour!

Saturday Night Live Video Clips

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/

If you have not seen the clip from last Saturday Night Live's Palin / Hillary discussion ... click on the link above! It will be the best 5 minutes you have today for laughs.

PS - It takes a minute to load and you may see one commercial.

In Come the Spiders!

Yesterday morning I was working here at the computer and of course Max is crawling all over me, the chair, the desk, etc. The next thing he says to me, "Are we going to get the big big spider?" Of course this gets my attention. So I said, "what spider?" Less than a foot from my feet and my chair sits a big old juicy nasty looking spider! Yuck! So, I tell Max "don't move!" I'm going to get a book to kill it with. Of course, after I kill it and remove it ... I then have to go find the Resolve for the carpet. Yuck... I hate spiders. Then we hear a cricket just chirping away. Max says, "what's that sound mommy?" So, then we end up pulling the couch and chairs away from the wall, kill the cricket, vacuum up more whispy little spiders along with chips and crumbs from who knows what ... and we hope we got them at least for this week! I am completely amazed at how many spiders turn up each spring and fall. While fall is really my favorite time of the year, I do not care for the little creatures that decide to join our family each year. Thankfully most of them can get vacuumed up quite easily!!

48 Years and Still Going Strong!

Yesterday was a BIG day for my parents Karl and Marie Tippets. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and have been through many years of joy, triumph, trials and success. I guess you could say they did have a great "blind date" that has now lead to the following history.

Dad was released from the Army just after they were married and continued his education at the University of Wyoming. They have lived in Wyoming, Washington, Utah, New York, Virginia, Delaware and now bounce between Utah and Wyoming. Dad has been a cowboy at heart and has supported his family with his hard work and commitment in the field of Mechanical Engineering. Mom received her diploma from LDS Business College and has used her business and general accounting experience throughout her adult life. Mom has supported our family and has been a wonderful example of service, kindness and a great cook!

I am the youngest of three. I have two older brothers Mike and Scott who served faithful missions and were happily married in the Manti Temple and Washington DC temple respectively. Mike & Angie have 5 children and Scott & Angela have 3 children. Mark and I have two children.

Mom and Dad served a full time mission in Sydney, Australia working as the Directors of the Member Locator program for all of Australia. They also served in the temple while they were there. While in Australia, mom and dad were able to see much of the great land down under and met some wonderful people. Friends that they now consider life long friends. Dad learned how to weave on his mission and continues this hobby today. Both mom and dad learned how to drive on "the other side of the road" although dad did most of the driving!

Since returning back to the states, they also served in the Washington DC temple as full time temple workers. They studied and learned by the Spirit in the Washington temple and loved serving the Lord in the temple. They worked the early morning shift which generally started at 6 am each morning with the exception of Sunday. On Friday's they lead a shift to make sure that all the appropriate temple workers were in place and helped make the temple run smoothly.

Mom and dad have served throughout their entire lives in the church. Dad served a full time mission in the Northern States Territory when he was 19 years of age. He has also served as a high council man, a bishopric counselor, a bishop, along with various other priesthood callings. Mom has served as a primary president, a counselor in the Stake Relief Society, the Relief Society president, the ward organist along with many other callings throughout her life. I remember distinctly many years of service that both mom and dad have given while growing up. They have taught us all to have a prayer in our heart and to give willingly to help others.

Both mom and dad are very active and enjoy many outdoor hobbies. Gardening has always been a passion for dad and he loves to figure out how to keep natures animals out of his garden! Each of them enjoy riding bikes and have traveled 1000's of miles by bike throughout Utah and Wyoming. Dad has competed in the Senior Olympics in St. George completing a mini-triathalon. Even with his flat feet he was able to do the running! Mom has an incredible talent for cross stitching and crocheting. She can cross stitch like no other woman I know. If you ever want to see some of her art, stop by any of our homes. She has helped create beautiful art in each of our homes that we will treasure forever. She has also created beautiful baby blankets for every new baby in our family. So it is true, I have artist for a mother and athlete for a dad!

I know that if their parents were here today to see and know them personally, they would be so happy and proud of them. And although they are no longer here on Earth, they are happily smiling down on them and send their blessings to not only them but to all of us.

I am grateful tonight for my parents. For the love, service, endurance, support, guidance, intuition, education and example I am forever grateful. Happy Anniversary and we love you very very much.

Growing Up So Fast

While we are still without a digital camera .... I thought I would share some photo's from the past 2 1/2 years that I currently have saved on my laptop. Both Max and Justin have definitely done some growing up! Enjoy!

Max & Grandma Tippets in Wyoming

(I think his first trip there May 06)

Bath time is still so much fun! Just more toys and no chair!

The first haircut was quite traumatic!

Just before his 1st birthday we said goodbye to the long curls!

A little ham... this was down at Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Christmas 2006 Winchester, Virginia.

Max learning patty-cake with Grandpa Tippets

Max and Aunt Jenny (about 5 months)



Max with his first Elmo.

First hayride for Max - October 2006

Boys enjoying some football and looks like chocolate - no doubt!

Max & Justin Fall of 2007



Max's first Halloween - October 2006

Max and Dad have a first ... swimming at the pool.

A favorite - My handsome boys ready for church!

Justin working on becoming a great quarterback!

Hershey Park June 2008.

Well that should provide a little history on our family over the past couple of years. Someday, I'll get all of the best photo's in a scrapbook. But for today, I am grateful for a healthy and strong set of men in my life.

Bronco's Opening Game... Tonight - VICTORY!

Well, football is in full swing and so Mark is more than happy! Joyous is almost the perfect word for him. Did you know that football is on Sunday, Monday and Thursday's? Mark likes to tell me that football season is really only three or four months long - so we really need to soak as much up as possible. I must disagree with him with the following arguement:

1. Preseason starts in August
2. Full swing of football in September, October, November, December
3. Playoffs in January
4. Superbowl in February
5. Probowl - February / March
6. Draft - midway between seasons
7. Watching all the games that we did not see originally April, May, June
8. Watch all the previous superbowls from the past including anything that John Elway played in. July
9. So, there you have it - August pre-season starts up. . . .

Football is available for the entire year ... am I making a case for a 2nd tv in our house? Mark did tell me while we were dating that he was a football fan and that I should be aware that when football is on ... life will be great... especially if the Bronco's are winning. :)

The Rains Came Down and the Waters Came Up ...

Today we had quite a bit of rain pass through our area. I was glad it was only rain and not hurricane winds! Several hurricanes are making their way up the East coast and we certainly pray for the families that have been effected.

Last night I successfully canned 6 pints of salsa from our garden. I was able to use our own tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. The recipe called for 3 cups of jalapeno's which was great because we have soooo many peppers. Next year, I think I will only plant one jalapeno pepper plant vs. three!

Max turned 2 1/2 this past week and I'm not kidding when I say this but, I really think a little button turned on in his brain that started his defiance mode! My patience has been short, I know, but his ability to look me or Mark straight in the eyes and say "NO" is getting old. Somedays I feel as though I say to him 80% of the time "do this or that otherwise you can go to timeout"! I really do not want Max to spend 80% of his life in timeout . . . perhaps I should be the one going to timeout but, he has definitely been more challenging. It really is a good thing that Mark is here. Mark was great last night and today to take Max with him on our errands for the weekend and to take him to the park last night. It really gave me a much needed break. And of course, Max loves to go for rides in the truck with dad!

Sarah Palin, VP Nominee

Well, after watching last nights speeches, I must say I am a Palin fan! I really like the idea of someone who can help keep McCain on track, down to Earth and remind him about the average family here in America! I think Sarah has the energy, drive and experience that will help Washington get a few things straightened out. I like the idea that she questions the status quo and is not afraid to ask why things are done a certain way to the old beltway club. I love that she declined the private jet, the personal chef (which would be a nice perk and hard to give up) along with the personal driver! Good for her and good for the state of Alaska!

I also loved hearing from Mitt, Mike and Rudy and to hear their comments on the ticket. I think they are truly a class act on coming out to support McCain & Palin.

I'm looking forward to tonight's speeches and to hear how John McCain will take on other initiatives besides keeping us on the offense with the war.

What are your thoughts?

RNC

Most you know that Freeman, the company I work for, produces the Republican National Convention every four years. In 2000, I spent 2 1/2 months working on the RNC in Philadelphia. It was some of the longest days & weeks I have ever spent working in my life. In fact, the week of the convention, I logged 108 hours . . . really ridiculous! But, I enjoyed being in the thick of it, working with great people, the secret service and of course meeting a lot of politicians and media people.

Our company produces what you see on TV and what you don't see on TV. Including the stage, rigging, electrical, all the media booths that you don't see out side, even the bathrooms that Laura Bush and her parents used to get ready in prior to coming on the stage! Locker rooms in the stadium have been converted to offices for the secret service and media. Tunnels have been created for secured entrances. Huge banners have been created to hang on the outside of the buildings. Curbs have most likely been taken out for buses to get people in to the facility. Rows of chairs have been removed along with walls and glass for the media rooms. It really is quite an amazing accomplishment to see this come together. If you ever want to see pictures from Philly, just let me know!

I have been anticipating the RNC and was excited that I got to watch a great deal of it last night. I know not all of you are supporting the Republican ticket out there but, I was excited to hear the speakers last night. I really enjoyed Fred Thompson's speech! I'm excited at the thought of a female Vice President and one that even represents the great state of Alaska where Mark grew up!

For those who may be interested in seeing a week of "set-up" at the convention hall, check out the following video I found. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qzsfpBLN3A

For those who would like to keep updated on the GOP convention floor check out www.gopconvention2008.com.

I certainly hope you will take time to learn about the candidates and think carefully about who we elect as our next President and Vice President!

Painting Complete

Tonight I am happy to report that our painting project was completed by 4:30 pm today. Both rooms have even been put back together again with all the window treatments and furniture in its right place. With the bribery of lollipops for Max for being a good listener and helper ... along with going to the park, we were able to keep the paint splattering to a minimum! Mark and I really love the rooms and we are glad they are done. Hopefully we can get some pictures of them up soon. So much for resting on "Labor Day".

Just an update on what you may hear Max saying these days....

Getting in to the car - Mom: Max get in your car seat
Max: No, I want to drive and go find a snake
Mom: What? No we are not going to go find a snake - get in your seat!

Sleeping - Mom: Max go back to your bed, its 1:30 in the morning
Max: No, I want to sleep in Kiley's bed (guest bedroom-Kiley was our last guest)
Mom: I give up . . . I'll help you sleep in Kiley's bed . . . .ughh