Hogle Zoo's Zoo Lights

We decided to brave the cold and go to Hogle Zoo's Zoo Lights last night. I have to admit that I wasn't overly thrilled to go out into the cold, but I was curious to see what they had done up there. So we bundled the whole family up and off we went. It was a lot of fun and the decorations were so fun. They had a lot of animal ones and a lot of traditional ones with Santa and such. Brad took a lot of pictures and I'm adding a couple here to hopefully give you a taste of how cool it was. What was fun about the lights is that they made it look like they were animated. One of my favorites made it look like a bear was chasing a skunk, only to get sprayed. They were really well done. The zoo also had heaters set up at different points in the zoo, so that helped along the way. The one thing is you didn't really see any real animals. We say the tiger and that was about it (the reptile house was open, but we didn't want to unload the kids to go in).
We put the kids in Zach's wagon and piled blankets on them. They seemed to do really well in the cold. Zach got really into the lights too. Both of the kid's face just beamed at times as they looked at things. Of course, Brad and I were enjoying ourselves too. I had stopped and bought a fried smore and hot chocolate. The fried smore is good, but I would have enjoyed it better under different circumstanced (out of the cold). The hot chocolate was a lot of fun because I bought it in a mug that lights up, looking like the lights are circling around it. We all had a lot of fun with that. Plus the hot chocolate helped a lot while staying out in the cold.

We had a lot of fun and I would really encourage anyone who wants to go see some really beautiful lights with a cool theme to go up there. I know they are doing it though the end of the month at least. Just make sure to really bundle up, I won't mislead you there. It was really cold up there. And I recommend getting the hot chocolate, it did help to stay warm. I know, we are some zoo freaks at this house, but we all love going there. This just made it all the funner to go.

Things That Make Your Day

I was having a couple of weeks where things were frustrating me. I'm not saying they were valid frustrations, but that is what was happening. Frustration seems to me to be something that will bring you down. I was lucky in that something came along yesterday that totally made my day. I had a friend from long ago contact me through Facebook. Nina used to live across the street from me and in the summer of 1986 I would say our group of friends were inseparable. We had a lot of fun. Nina moved while we were in junior high and I only have seen her once since then and that was a little less than 15 years ago. I was actually thinking of Nina just a couple of days ago when something sparked a memory from that time. I tried to look her up on Facebook when I joined a couple of months ago, along with any other long lost friends I could think of. I was so thrilled that she joined and looked for me too. We had a good email conversation yesterday and it really made my day. I know I probably look too much in the past in my life, maybe that's the part of me that loves history too. But something I tend to regret is that I've never been good at staying in contact with my friends. I'm not the type to make a lot of friends, but the friends I do make I consider to be very good friends. I don't know why, if these friendships are so important to me, that I allow them to slip away over time. Maybe we're all like that, I guess my friends have let me slip away too. At least I've been given a chance at redemption. Now if only all of my other friends from eras past would sign up on Facebook.

Here's a picture of the group, minus me (I'm taking the picture).

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

I know most of you already know this, but I cut my hair again. I'm pretty lazy about hair cuts and eventually my hair is long again. Not too long, but long enough I think about a hair cut. But if I'm patient and wait a few months more, I know I'll have enough to donate it. So, this is the third time I've done it. It is so much fun because it is such a dramatic change, not just the taking of a few inches off. It takes 10 inches to donate and while I never really know how long it is (I never measure), I know it's at least that. Plus, I love the thought that something so simple to me as my hair can help a child who is in need because of cancer or whatever. My sister-in-law Kristi introduced me to Locks of Love, an organization that helps provide wigs to children in need, due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions. They either will use your hair to make wigs or sell it to offset any costs. It makes me feel really good that something that comes so easy to me with growing my hair can do something for others.

Dancing Monkeys

I was having a weekend where everything was driving me crazy. I was trying so hard to keep it under control, but I felt like I was heading towards a nervous breakdown. Just one of those things. I had the best thing happen to me though . . . a good laugh. We were driving to visit family Sunday evening and stopped at a stoplight next to a giant electronic sign. One of those full color ones with all the animation. A couple of fully feathered, beautiful turkeys pop up and I get Zach to look at it - "Zach, look at the turkeys!" He looks just as the sign changes to line of about five or so "dead" turkeys - you know, just how they look cooked. Plus, they are dancing. I'm thinking "Oh no, how am I going to explain this one to Zach?" Bless his heart, Zach says "Look, dancing monkeys." I know it wasn't that funny, but I couldn't stop laughing for a good couple of minutes. I'd just have to say "dancing monkeys" to get myself laughing again. I think Brad was considering committing me though at one point. Oh, but it was the best medicine for a cranky weekend.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Happy Halloween

I hope everyone had a great Halloween. We sure have had a great time so far. We took Zach and Sarah out for about an hour earlier in the evening. It took Zach a little while to get the hang of it and not be so shy, but as soon as he understood that if he went to the door and said "Trick or Treat" he would get some candy, he was all for it. Both Brad and I went, since we really don't get trick or treaters on our tiny street (we did get some about 10 minutes ago, a big group from the family who lives in the cul-de-sac behind us, I was so excited). We took our sit and stand double stroller with both kids in it and went to a long cul-de-sac street about a block away. I kept Sarah in the stroller while Brad took Zach up to each house. It was so fun to watch Zach get into it. Sarah still doesn't get it, but she had a good time getting out for awhile. Brad and I really enjoyed it, we love seeing our little boy grow up and enjoy all the things of childhood.

Early Voting

I went today to take advantage of the early voting that is going on here in Utah. It turned out great. There were a bunch of locations to go to and I chose one one in South Jordan. I went in, filled out a form with a small amount of my info, and handed it to one of the workers with my ID. He gave me a card that looked a lot like a hotel car key which I put into one of the new touch-screen computer systems they are using. I did have to wait in a couple of lines for a few minutes, but it went really fast. The new system was so easy to use and I think it is much better than the old punch card system. It then lets you verify everything and you're done voting. I strongly encourage anyone to go tomorrow (Oct. 31) if you get a chance to vote early. They are only open until 5:00 PM though tomorrow and I do wonder how busy it is going to be on the last day. I just recommend it because I have no idea if they are using the touch-screens on Election Day and I really loved them. I believe every county in Utah is doing early voting, so look it up on your county website if you're interested.
Brad and I are wondering if it will make the lines any shorter at the polls on Election Day. We've decided that we are going to go on a walk up on Election Day to the place we'd normally vote at to see if the lines are shorter.
Oh, and if you are wondering who I voted for, I'm not going to talk about it. I guess I've just seen too many people be judgemental of others' choices. So. . . go vote and vote for who you think will do the best job. That's what makes this country so great is that we all have a voice.

Sleepover Parties

We hosted our first sleepover last Thursday night with Zach's cousin Paden (who is the same age as Zach). I was a little nervous about it because I thought Paden might get homesick at some point. He never did and the boys had a great time. Even Sarah loved having Paden over. She kept trying to keep up with the boys with her newly acquired walking skills. At one point they were playing stay away from Sarah, which is where this picture came from. Later, when the boys were supposed to be going to sleep, we would hear talking and giggling coming from Zach's room. I went in to tuck them in again and caught them sitting up with blankets on their heads just laughing at each other. All went well that night and in the morning. Zach was so upset when Paden left.

We then had our second sleepover party with Zach's other cousins Chase, Aspen, and Megan on Saturday. We started out the day at the zoo, went to the park, and ended up the night playing with toys (for the little ones), the guitar, and Disney Charades. I had a lot of fun with them here.

Retro Fashion

I was looking at the latest Target ad and noticed a page for tights. Not a big deal, except for the stirrup tights - I thought they were a little odd. But on the same page they had leg warmers. Are those coming back in style? That is one eighties style I would have bet would never come back into fashion. I about died of shock. I guess we'll have to see if they actually become popular again. It seems that all fashions seem to repeat themselves. What's next? I'll probably die if I start seeing tapered jeans again with the zippers at the bottom - oh, and they'll have to be acid wash too.

The Good Old Days

As I've gotten older, I find I keep thinking about the "Good Old Days" when I was a kid. I'm totally a 70's/80's kid and I get a real kick out of any of those emails that go around talking about things from that era. Things have changed for the better though. I can't imagine being without my cell phone or DVR among probably a thousand other things if I really sat and thought about it. But there are some things you just kind of miss. For instance (and what really started me thinking about it again) are board games. Have any of you seen the new Candy Land? It is nothing like what I had as a kid. It doesn't mean it's worse, it's just different and I miss what I had. I actually found a "retro" version of Candy Land a long time ago (long before I had kids) and bought it just because it was the same game board I remembered from when I was a kid. I've played both versions with Zach lately and they are both good. It just makes me feel good to see that familiar board from years ago.
Brad and I have talked about it lately and it does seem that as you get older, the more you feel like times were better when you were a kid. The question is if they really were. Probably not. I'm sure it's that things were simpler when we were kids and we didn't have all the responsibilities and worries we gain as adults. That's life though. I'm sure 30 years from now my kids will be thinking about the "Good Old Days."

Update on Sarah

Sarah's fever finally broke yesterday afternoon, but this morning she had very small reddish spots on her face, chest, and back. So here I was back to freaking out about what is wrong with her and trying to decide on whether I needed to call the doctor's office again. I decided they already think I'm paranoid with my kids, so I called. They said it's too hard to try to diagnose a rash over the phone, so I made an appointment to see one of their nurse practitioners. Anyway, it ends up she has roseola (which the nurse said was in the measles family, which isn't something I liked hearing but I know that doesn't translate to measles and that it's different). I didn't ask if it had anything to do with the flu booster she got, but I figure I'll let myself feel better believing it doesn't because I was beating myself up for having her get that shot. I know Sarah and I went shopping earlier in the week and she was in shopping carts where I am wondering if that might be where she got it from (and stupid me, I forgot the nice cover we have for shopping carts). The nurse said she was contagious while she had the fever, so those of you we saw on Tuesday should be fine. It's something I was told we'll just have to ride it out and she should get over the rash soon. I feel so much better we went in, at least I know what it was even if there isn't anything we really can do about it.

Just a Therapy Post

I finally have 5 minutes to myself and I need to take some time for some writing therapy. Last week was a busy week, which included taking Sarah in for a booster for her flu shot. I had reservations about doing it, but since the doctor said to get her a booster, I did it. Maybe it didn't cause problems, but starting Friday (the day after her shot) Sarah developed a fever. Luckily, no other symptoms. Of course I called the doctor's office on Friday (you all know I would, I swear they know me all too well at that office). They said it was just the shot and to ride it out basically. Here we are on Monday and she still has a slight fever. I call again this morning and basically was told the same thing, except to bring her in tomorrow if she still has a fever. Poor thing, you can tell she feels sick, which includes lots of whining and crying at times. I was so glad to have had Brad helping me over the weekend, today by myself has been a little difficult. I feel so bad for Zach, he hasn't gotten much attention from me. He's a great kid though and tries so hard to help.
To add to my fun is that we had our fist practice for the Primary Program yesterday, which I'm basically in charge of because of my calling. Preparing and practicing for the Primary Program is enough stress on it's own without having a sick kid you are worrying about.
Anyway, there's my therapy. As with everything else that has come along in my life to cause me stress and worry, this will pass. Hopefully I'll be able to look back on it and laugh a little.

What Zach Says

Zach can say some of the cutest things and I wish I wasn't busy half the time he says something because I really need to write them down. I loved one from today. We were out driving and he saw a Frito Lay delivery truck that had potato chips (the actual chips, not the bags) painted all over it. He said to me "Mommy, there's the chip truck." I just thought it was so cute how he put that together from looking at it and said it like it was what it was actually called. It was like a chip truck was as common as any other vehicle on the road. I guess it might be something that only a mother would think is the cutest, but it's because of that I just had to share it with the world.

Sarah is On the Move

Sarah started walking the other day. She'd been trying a few steps here and there, but she is actually trying to make that her primary mode of transportation. I did take a video on my camera last night of her walking. Just ignore all the other things going on (messy house, TV on, Sarah in boy PJs, her hair out of control, and such).

Don't Bring Up Politics

Politics is a subject I usually avoid, since it is such a touchy thing. I couldn't leave this one alone though. I need everyone to understand, I'm not supporting any side, so I just bring this up because it is so darn funny. Brad told me yesterday about an interview Katie Couric did with Sarah Palin that Saturday Night Live parodied almost word for word. I looked it up on You Tube and it really was. Sarah Palin was asked a question relating to the economy and the proposed bailout and her answer was just some babbling about health care and increasing jobs. I couldn't believe it, I would have thought in her position she'd have a lot of people coaching her on what to say. And the economy is a hot topic right now, they should have known it'd come up in the interview. Then you see the parody on Saturday Night Live and they didn't have to change a word. Tina Fey does a great impression of Sarah Palin too (but I love Tina Fey, so I'd love her impression anyway). If you haven't seen the original interview or the Saturday Night Live sketch, go to You Tube and check it out. It is very interesting.

Sarah Knows No Fear

Last Sunday Sarah was following her cousins around and having a great time at Grandma Judy's house. I noticed she'd left our view, so I went to check on her. I found that she had climbed up almost half way up the stairs. I didn't even know she knew how to do stairs. I've seen her do a couple of stairs, but not half a flight. It scared me to death. Brad took her downstairs yesterday and let her do the stairs on her own. He said she did the whole thing by herself, only slightly slipping a couple of times. Sarah isn't afraid of anything which is a new concept for us. I think she is going to continue to surprise us.

My Cutie Sarah

Last night Sarah and I went to a "bow party" as I've been calling it. It was a lot of fun since they had a lot of fun hair items for sale for girls. As all of you know, I really have struggled with the idea of doing girl's hair, I don't even do anything fantastic with my own hair. I really like clips because of how easy they are to use, so I was glad to find some last night that I loved. Actually I liked a lot, but had a small budget (I used some money we received for Sarah from my Aunt Beverly and Uncle Bill for her belated birth/1st birthday). I did get her a cute beanie hat, a set of clips, and a holder for hair clips. They are all so cute. Here are some pictures of Sarah modeling her new stuff.

The girls that sell these have a website, I put it on my favorite websites section under their name "The Pretty Petal." I just had to share how cute Sarah looks in these.

Thank Heaven for DVR

Last night was the start of the new season of The Office. There are a few shows I like to watch, but I have to say The Office is the one I love to watch. I didn't realize how much I missed new episodes and the surprises that the show keeps throwing out. If you haven't watched your recording of it, do it soon. I won't say anything else, just in case. But give me a few days and I'll have a lot to say.

Zach Knows What He's Talking About

Yesterday I was trying to find a toy of Sarah's, but couldn't find it anyway. I was in Zach's room looking for it (a lot of her toys migrate there) and he was watching what I was doing with interest. So I asked him, not expecting anything really, if he knew where this specific toy was. He said to me "Maybe downstairs." I went down there and couldn't find it. When Brad got home from work, I started to tell him the story because I thought it was cute. Before I could tell him what Zach said in response to my question, Brad tells me "I think it's downstairs." After two people independently telling me that, I figured it had to be there. Brad went downstairs and found it, proving Zach was right. I was just surprised he knew that, I haven't seen that toy for a long time. I guess I need to keep listening to Zach, he knows what he is talking about.

Loosing It

I am officially losing it. I went to the store yesterday evening and put all my groceries in the trunk except for a dozen eggs, which I put in the back seat so they wouldn't get crushed by accident. Well, that worked great except for the fact I forgot to bring them in with the other groceries. I didn't realize what I had done until after 9 o'clock this morning and by then, Brad was at work . . . with the car. I had to call him this morning to warn him of a possible surprise in his backseat. What a waste, especially where we are really trying to pinch our pennies. It's not the end of the world though, there are much worse things to happen. I just feel stupid for doing it.

Heritage

I've really started to think about my heritage lately. My Aunt Beverlee had posted some information and pictures on her blog from her trip to Denver for her 55th high school reunion. I really enjoyed her stories. My dad had also sent me some scanned copies of some documents about my grandfather on my mom's side. He died when my mom was young, so I never did know him. I was fascinated by the information from the documents, especially the ones about his military service during World War II. It has me thinking how much I really don't know about my heritage and how much I would love to know about both my family and Brad's family. I know that I've heard a lot of stories from my parents and Brad's parents, but I'm not sure if any of it is written down. That might be one of my new projects . . . but we all know how some of my projects go. I think it needs to be recorded though, not only so I don't forget but so my children can have something years from now that reminds them of their heritage. I know, I'm probably the only one interested in these things, it's the historian in me. I guess I will have to motivate myself to do it.

Zach's Favorite Team?

We think Zach may have picked a favorite NFL team already and we're not sure where he got it from. A few weeks ago we had Monday Night Football on TV, but weren't rooting for anyone. All of a sudden, Zach starts cheering for one of the teams -- which happened to be the Denver Broncos. As they were running the ball, he's yelling "run, run, run" while he is jumping up and down. We laughed and thought it was just him having fun with what was on TV. However, he came home yesterday from church with a nicely colored paper handout from nursery. There were only two colors used on it -- blue and orange. Not any blue and orange, but very obvious Broncos blue and orange. I've already said I'd love my kids no matter what, so I guess I have to accept the fact I might be raising a Broncos fan. Football season is only about 6 months long anyway.

2008 Carmack Family Reunion Picture

Nostalgia

I was going through my old pictures a few weeks ago and I've decided that I want 80's big hair to come back in style. I know, it's controversial. I've never been good at hair styles though and I think I actually got the 80's hair down. This picture here was taken on my 16th birthday (and to get even weirder, it was on a Polaroid instant camera). See how high those bangs are? I think I was doing the 80's justice at the time. If 80's hair came back into style, I could probably live without the big bangs though. I don't know if the ozone layer could handle all the Aquanet hairspray needed to support the style. My argument would be for the spiral perm at least. How easy was that! I remember all I had to do was wash my hair and use a pick on it. Rock on!

Our Kangaroo

I finally broke down and did Sarah's hair the other day. I was pretty proud of it, as much as I dreaded doing it because I feared how much trauma it would cause or that it would look bad. It actually went OK. I still need a lot of practice though because I have the hardest time manuvering my fingers with those dang rubber bands.
After I had Sarah's hair done, Zach looked at her and said "Oh, a kangaroo." Here is a picture of Sarah and my first attempt at her hair. You be the judge if she looks like a kangaroo.

Supermarket Humor

OK, I don't know if this story will be too much information, but I had to share it. I don't know if anyone else has notice that grocery stores put a little tray/bin type thing hanging off the shelf that they usually put items in there that go with what is on the shelf. I've seen them before outside the freezer with ice cream with ice cream toppings in it or with Parmesan cheese off of where there is spaghetti sauce. On my last trip to the store, I noticed one of these "bins" off of the Kleenex shelf with DayQuil in it. Alright, that's pretty clever. Then I glanced across the aisle to see another "bin" next to the toilet paper with Pepto Bismal in it. I can only imagine the meeting to come up with that one.

Why Blog?

It seems like I've fought it for a long time, but I've finally decided to have a blog. I think it'll end up being different than the ones I've been looking at lately, but that's just me. I've been looking for an outlet for my thoughts and I think this will work. Not that I've ever considered myself a writer, but I do miss writing. That was one thing I loved about college. Well, that and the research. So, if you do stumble across my blog, don't expect much more than my personal rantings. I'm not sure what my posts will turn into, but I just hope to put in whatever my whim is for that day. It should be interesting.