Not-so-Blands

Short Cut

2011-01-29T08:57:00.006-07:00

I've found the best way to quickly rekindle interest in your 'look' is to change your hairstyle. The right hairstyle will bring out aspects of your facial features and hair color you never noticed before. However, a bad haircut will cause you to question if whether God may have made a few minor mistakes that he corrected when he made Heidi Klum.

When I was younger, the thought of color and cut was very intimidating...what if??? That 'what if'' was so scary that I always ended up with an inch shorter of the very same thing. But when you get home, it doesn't light up in the car mirrors, nor in the mirror when you get home. I regularly admired how others could pull off hairstyles that were very unique and dare I say, sassy. Over the years, I accepted that I am simply too scared to be anything BUT boring.

Then I turned 30, and now I'm scared of being boring! So my hair adventures are almost a monthly occurrence. Blonde one month...considering extensions...to completely hacking it all off and coloring it a dark rich brunette. Wha??? So while this may not be my favorite haircut so far--it's just one step closer to really knowing myself. And it sounds shallow to suggest that a haircut matters this much--it doesn't, but it is a short-cut to finding out who you are, your beauty, your limitations and loving yourself even if you have bad hair. Besides, hair will always grow back :) Loving yourself and realizing your beauty inside and out is worth a few good and bad haircuts.

FALL PHOTOS FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT

2010-11-15T11:14:00.002-07:00

Drum Roll Please....

2010-10-11T12:17:00.004-06:00

I wish I had thought to take a 'before' picture...oh well...just picture brown chairs with fabric so soiled and stinky--you could smell it while eating your breakfast. That's a bit exaggerated--but it was almost that bad. After removing a thousand staples, and inhaling black paint from a spray-can---I have finally achieved a masterpiece (this may be delusional spray-paint talk)! Well, I think it's at least 'cute'.

TADA!

Olivia's Bland's not-so-bland Blanket!

2010-07-30T10:04:00.005-06:00

So I've finally finished this thing...after awhile you forget what you're making. I started this project a little over a year ago--and it's so simple, but I have a tendency to begin projects and never finish them. So I was bound and determined to get it done. It always helps when your daughter knows you are making something for her, and asks you on occasion when her blanket will be done. After I had finished a large portion of the work, I took some pictures:

Olivia's face would light up like tobacco everytime I pulled it out, 'is it done yet, mom???" I often had to stave off her excitement with a promise to finish 'very soon'. Then we moved to TN, and the project sat in a small white laundry basket collecting dust in my garage. A few weeks ago, I persisted. I made several trips to the sewing store, watched countless self-help videos on youtube about thread tension, made a phone call or two to my mother, and dranke more than a few liters of Diet Coke. I mounted this task like a naive muscle-head on a mechanical bull. Taking pictures of the completed project seem to mitigate all of my fears about being a qualified homemaker!

Well, sort of-- It took me awhile to coax Olivia into her room after I painstakingly assembled the finished product. She walked in bobbing her head in annoyance all the way across the house and into the room. My messy-haired daughter looked at her new duvet cover uninterested, "I don't like it", and then proceeded to list all of the reasons why...issues that could not be fixed AT THIS POINT IN THE PROCESS!!!!!!!!!!!

Alas, three-year-old vanquishes tired mother, again.

Weight-Loss Update

2010-06-18T11:30:00.004-06:00

I am 155 pounds today...I updated the other information on the bottom of the page if you want specific measurements--but I'm convinced the ratio calculations on the excel thing I've been using aren't accurate in terms of body fat percentage etc. I do know that I've made progress since the last update--because my jeans feel different! Here are some fitness achievements this year

1. Ran for a full hour! YIKES! That's big for me. averaged a 10-minute mile.
2. about 30 pounds away from doing a pull-up! That is closer than the 140 pounds away!
3. I hardly miss a day---work out every morning 7 a.m. sharp...I recommend a work-out buddy! That has made a huge difference in some of my fitness achievements.

Overall, I feel like this is really just the beginning for me. I've finally taken my life back and feel great. I still have many goals I want to achieve--and many improvements I need to make. Sorry I haven't updated this in awhile--not sure how many of you actually keep track of me anymore!

Sammy and the Kids on Sunday

2010-06-15T18:38:00.002-06:00

amateur du jour

2010-06-15T18:23:00.002-06:00

Why does rust, worn paint and cement look so good in photographs, but trashy in person?

And just the right angle will turn a corny tree ornament into a treasure.

NEW HOUSE!!!

2010-02-01T12:11:00.006-07:00

Parable of the New Paws

2009-10-23T22:40:00.004-06:00

I hate fake nails, I don't know why I ever convince myself into getting them...

They look really nice at first...but when they start to grow out, they look worn--and awkward...THEN they start to crack and come off---leaving my nail bed layers cracked and depleted. They look much worse than they did before I got my nails done...If I could have been grateful for simple nails instead of 'HOPING' for nice, shiny 'CHANGE'.

I finally purged myself of the fake-ness---except I can't quite get one of them off my finger. Ironically, it's my middle finger...just taunting me.

I will eventually conquer, you fake, acrylic waste of my money and confidence!

Olivia's Blanket Project

2009-10-14T11:45:00.006-06:00

I began this project a couple of months ago when I spotted this adorable fabric at Walmart. Olivia needs a new blanket when we upgrade her bed to a twin from toddler. So this right of passage will be marked with her mothers FIRST attempt at a blanket by herself...using her sewing machine!

Now back to the first person. I still have a border to sew to what I already have. I chose salmon...the color (let me just preempt that one right away). And what would a blanket for my little girl be without some adorable buttons?? I'm not sold on the red one, I do like the traditional look in tandem with 80's mod---BUT, the red button is simply not big enough. I need it UBER-sized...even bigger than the beige one. Speaking of beige, that will be coupled with the white squares. With the yellow squares, the brown will go.

Angels in Heaven...Dancing

2009-10-14T11:24:00.002-06:00

A Tale of Two Blessings

2009-10-01T12:29:00.006-06:00

This week has been a very blessed week for us. I tend to have a silly tone to my entries, but I must witness in my own small way the miracles, however small, God brings to pass in our lives. I know this might seem a bit materialistic at first, but considering our needs and even our desires...God has given us a field of lilies.

Last week, the university called Aaron to notify him of a tuition refund check needing to be picked up. We were eager to oblige their request! Of course we were assuming the sum total would be close to $7.28. You can imagine our surprise to find $1300 dollars waiting for us! We were excited to have some money to put away for our move to Tennessee. Well, the very next day, our air conditioning went out---AND a motor in our door that moves the window up and down went out of commission. So there was no heat, and our window had retreated into the door! Just in time for Fall weather! But what a blessing to have our needs taken care of before we even knew our needs!

Our second miracle occurred just yesterday. Aaron won a brand new laptop computer! He returned it to the store for a smaller computer--and found a jewelry dealership to get him a great deal on a ring for me. We have been needing a laptop for Aaron as his broke a few months ago--and he'll be entering grad school soon. The ring was just an added bonus from our Heavenly Father. The reason this was so special is because my ring was stolen a mere month into our marriage. I was so upset about this because I would never have the ring he proposed to me with...I could care less about the diamonds. So why was this ring such a great deal? It is exactly like the one I lost---AND we got it for 60% off the original price!!!!! Needless to say, this gift brought me to tears...and later we realized it was 5 years, almost to the day, that Aaron had proposed to me!

The Lord truly knows what is tender to us, and shows us His love through small and simple things!!

Want to Comment on the Blog?

2009-09-24T13:00:00.003-06:00

Many have expressed confusion over how to comment on my blog. It took me awhile to figure this out as well after installing intense debate...and uninstalling it removed comments entirely--so I reverted back to the previous installation.

If you want to comment, just click on the title to minimize to that particular entry--then you will see the comment field at the bottom of the post!

Eastern Idaho State Fair

2009-09-23T16:49:00.002-06:00

The kids and I were able to go with Grandma Davis to the fair a couple of weeks ago. It was a lot of fun... Olivia was a bit melancholy in her stroller. Anna walked the entire time, and had a few one-liners that had us cracking up--Lucas was happy--and 'mom' (that's me) had an encounter with a few scary ladies who all looked related, apparently upset that I was stopping the flow of traffic. I had to stand in line for a scone! WHATEVER! Grandma paid for everything...which makes just about any trip worthwhile!

Belated Body Update

2009-09-22T10:33:00.003-06:00

(sorry for glare---check out my P90X pose! I'm practically a superhero, I know)

Sorry, but with the commencement of our LAST SEMESTER in undergrad--things have been a little crazy...but I'm happy to report some improvements!

9/22/2009
Weight: unknown (kids broke scale)
Chest: 37
Waist: 29 1/2
Hips: 38 1/2
Estimated Lean Body Weight: 117.19 ?
Est. Body Fat Weight: 41.81 ?
Est. Body Fat Percentage: 26.30 ?
Est. BMI: 25 2/7 ?

The kids broke the scale, so I have no idea how much I weigh right now--so I calculated based on the last weigh-in. Having lost inches in my waist, I figured that was a safe number. Eat your heart out! Er, exercise your heart out?

Some Phun Photos Phrom Summer

2009-08-28T09:44:00.005-06:00

Random trip to Mom and Dad's cabin at Henry's Lake...Anna in the wildflowers--and Olivia cowering in the corner--not wanting her picture taken--but I took it anyway! The last three pictures are of the kids on the RV--heading to the Sorensen Reunion!

Weight Loss War Update...poo

2009-08-28T09:17:00.004-06:00

So I have some bad news--and good news. Bad news first:

I gained 5 pounds on my trip--it appears.

The good news is what that weight represents--it really only represents about 2 pounds of fat--which isn't good--but 3 pounds of muscle! How is this possible?

When I first started losing weight, I had quite a bit of muscle mass due to all the weight I had to carry around. So by losing the fat, I also lost some muscle mass. After I lost a lot of the weight, I was able to engage in more physical activities, including an intense workout program: P90X. When I was fat, I could barely get out of bed, let alone do any crunches etc. This has resulted in the apparent gain in muscle mass that I had lost the first few months of losing weight. I'm bummed about the two pounds, but with the muscle gains, I should burn that off pretty easily...

Weight 164
Chest 37
Waist 31
Hips 39
Est. Lean Body Weight 120.49
Est. Body Fat Weight 43.51
Est. Body Fat % 26.53
Est. BMI 26

I'm not gonna let this get me down, folks! I'm gonna really push it this week--I don't wanna let you guys down! But I'll be honest, I'm really doing this for a pair of fabulous boots my father promised to buy me:

I'm gonna 'kick' butt this week!

26.53

Weight Loss Update---FINALLY!

2009-07-22T10:59:00.009-06:00

Weight Loss War (monthly update--sort of)
(click to see first weight loss entry)

Weight: 162
Chest: 37 1/2
Waist: 30 3/4
Hips: 39
Estimated Lean Body Weight 119.07
Estimated Body Fat: 42.93
Estimated Body Fat %: 26.50
Body Mass Index: 25 3/4

CHEESE!

2009-07-22T10:29:00.002-06:00

Lucas 1st B-DAY

2009-06-07T19:10:00.002-06:00

Bland, Beethoven and Marc Antony

2009-05-25T18:55:00.003-06:00

May McMorsels

2009-05-25T18:07:00.004-06:00

Here is a collection of some short home videos we made recently

Toddlers Gone Wild (...it's a circus!)

2009-04-30T19:44:00.003-06:00

Weight Loss War---Monthly Update

2009-04-17T06:56:00.007-06:00

(I know, it's touching...forgive me for going overboard--but I just updated my windows movie maker and I couldn't help but play with all of the gadgets and subsequently thrust it upon you)

Easter Weekend Gems

2009-04-12T17:47:00.006-06:00

With guitar in hand, Olivia is prepared to rock out Nashville style...

And the best for last: this year's Easter Egg Hunt :)

Our Savior, Jesus Christ

2009-04-11T13:04:00.001-06:00

Here is a beautiful video about Christ that my aunt Linda shared with me today...just in time for the Easter season.

Hope Through Discipleship

2009-04-11T08:19:00.002-06:00

Parched Puckers

2009-04-09T13:42:00.011-06:00

Have you ever tried to smile and your lips crack in like 5 places? Yeah, that is one of the many benefits of living in the cold tundra of southeast Idaho. I could stick my lips in the toilet and they'd absorb all of the water, but that would be wrong for other reasons that have little to do with this topic.

So how do you ease the stretchy pain of scaly lips when your toddlers have confiscated every tube of lip balm and eaten the contents?

Being a bit OCD is a wonder around my house when it comes to chores, but when it comes to lip care, not so much. I can't help but mercilessly tug on my lips in the hopes that will make a difference. Not so much.

To all of you suffering from parched puckers, my lips go out to you...hopefully you don't have little scavengers with an appetite for flavored wax.

Squeezing into our Genes

2009-04-03T09:39:00.004-06:00

For any stranger observing my children at play, they would never suspect relation. Anna is rather skinny with long, straight brown hair, and Olivia is rather 'full' with short, curly blonde hair! The only thing they have in common is their height. I'm guessing that many assume Anna gets her physical characteristics from her father (who is skinny with brown hair) and Olivia gets her looks from me ('full', usually blonde hair). I have always maintained that Aaron's side of the family is responsible, regardless of my usually 'full' appearance these days! Both Aaron's mother and sister are over 6 feet tall--Aaron's brother is almost 7 feet tall! But it appears that even I was indirectly wrong to who the real culprit was: Aaron HIMSELF! As a courtesy to my recent revelation, I have posted this picture of Aaron who is probably 2-3 years of age (same as Olivia). Everytime we ask her who is in the picture, she promptly responds, "me"...duh! And anyone who has seen Olivia asleep in a stroller or chair would probably be conviced as well. The entire picture, however, is the only thing that made Aaron and I sure that it wasn't her---I photoshopped a young Rose Bland (Aaron's grandmother in Florida) out of the picture. FEAST YOUR HEART OUT! I thank God for wonderful pictures like these that bring so much joy into our family, not to mention fodder to taunt my husband!

One Too Many Trips to the Closet

2009-03-30T16:09:00.006-06:00

Personality Profiling

2009-03-24T22:24:00.001-06:00

Here's my personality profile...do you think it's accurate? HAHA, looks like I could work on a few things..namely numero 3!

Cattell's 16 Factor Test Results

Warmth	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Intellect	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	74%
Emotional Stability	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	34%
Aggressiveness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	78%
Liveliness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	34%
Dutifulness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	74%
Social Assertiveness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	90%
Sensitivity	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	46%
Paranoia	\|\|\|\|\|\|	18%
Abstractness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	46%
Introversion	\|\|\|\|\|\|	14%
Anxiety	\|\|\|	10%
Openmindedness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	66%
Independence	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	70%
Perfectionism	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	70%
Tension	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	58%

Take Cattell 16 Factor Test (similar to 16pf)
personality tests by similarminds.com

2009-03-13T09:22:00.002-06:00

Weight Loss War-Monthly Update

Weight 174
Chest 49
Waist 34
Hips 41.5
Est. Lean Body Weight 126.93
Est. Body Fat Weight 47.07
Est. Body Fat Percentage 27.05%
BMI 27 2/3

No picture today! I have clearly hit a fitness plateau. There could be a number of reasons for this...I have a hunch that perhaps I am not eating enough, which in turn has decreased my metabolic rate. I am also concerned that perhaps I am not doing enough to build muscle mass--which would also help my metabolic rate. So my mission is two fold--eat more often during the day and become even more vigilant in my food choices; and increase core exercise and other muscle-building exercises with minimal cardio (I'm going to vastly inrease cardio when I lose another 15 pounds--to avoid wear and tear on my joints).

2009-02-27T21:38:00.002-07:00

ANNA MONTANA!!

We are all guilty of what Anna does in this video--I don't want to spoil it...watch and you will see what I mean! HAHA.

2009-02-27T21:16:00.002-07:00

A mother's tender morsels...

Lucas is close to crawling. Anna will not wear anything else but a pink dress her aunt Rachel bought her for their wedding, and Olivia sleeps with a mountain of books by her pillow...can it get any better than this?

2009-02-13T10:27:00.006-07:00

Weight Loss War- Monthly Progress Report

1/13/09

weight: 179.6
chest: 40.5
waist: 35.5
Hips: 43.75

Estimated Body Fat Percentage: 27.37
estimated BMI: 28 4/9

2009-01-19T13:13:00.004-07:00

A weight loss war, waged on myself.

I wanted to chronicle my weight loss so all of you can see this transformation as slowly as I see it- instead of all at once when you see me in person (which could be months from now). Who knows maybe some of you want to take this journey with me, although I can't think of a soul who reads this blog who is as overweight as I am.

My Goal is 50 pounds by the end of the Summer of '09. This Friday will mark the first week. Here is my health information when I began...

1/16/08 (Aaron's B-day)

weight: 190.0
chest: 43.5
waist: 37.5
Hips: 45.0
Wrist: 6.5
Forearm: 10.0

Estimated lean Body weight: 137.82
Estimated Body Fat weight: 52.78
Estimated Body Fat Percentage: 27.69%
estimated BMI: 30.5

These can be scary numbers. But I feel that if I equip myself with reality, I have a better chance of succeeding. After all, weight loss is math. No more lies!

(picture taken by Anna- she did a good job!)

ANNA LEE PhotagraphEE

2009-01-17T15:00:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

2009-01-17T14:46:00.004-07:00

Here is a video for your enjoyment/bored-ment.

AMANDA SINGS BACKGROUNDS FOR STEVEN TYLER!!!

2009-01-12T11:57:00.004-07:00

I found this on Youtube today!! CRAZY! I had a hunch someone had uploaded it. I'm singing backgrounds in this-- you can see me on 3:03- maybe other times, but that time for sure. I'm Blonde with a black shirt on. SO CRAZY. Now I can prove just how cool I am! haha.

My Vocal Coach at Berklee

2009-01-12T11:43:00.003-07:00

Last I heard, Berklee was trying to book my vocal coach Donna McElroy and the piano departments vice chair, Jetro Da Silva, at Obama's Inauguration. I guess we'll see if they made it happen--this is truly a piece of art...

2008-12-30T20:00:00.005-07:00

Lucas' First Foods (older video)

2008-12-30T19:49:00.003-07:00

...okay, maybe he was just tired.

WATCH THIS!

2008-12-07T18:10:00.002-07:00

This video was posted on my cousin's blog and I had to share it with you all.

Utah Jazz Mountain Jam Contest

2008-11-24T15:24:00.003-07:00

So...I entered a contest. This contest is for the Utah Jazz Theme song and the winner wins 5 grand. It was worth a shot, right?

Nothing special...let me know what you think

Twilight: Thumbs up or Down?

2008-11-22T22:24:00.005-07:00

Drum roll please...Rat a tat tat

I hate do disappoint you folks, but all over the globe, fans are giving the movie a big thumbs down. Even Achmandidyourjob has seen the movie (don't tell Mohammad), and found the end to really lack luster...you know, the kind of luster that a mushroom cloud over Israel might have. The book itself didn't have much of a plot, but you fell in love with the characters. The movie however seemed to rush all of those moments in the book that made female teenagers all over the globe remember to "suck in" during science class, and practice kissing their mirrors.

Fans are starting to organize in cities like San Francisco and New York City to protest in front of the Mormon temples and church buildings. One protester, Richard, said, "Equal Rights for Vampires and Humans to marry!"- while opposing organizers yelled, "Separation of Vampires and Clumsy teenage girls!" Overall, there is discontent. No matter what side of the issue you are on, we all agree, "Ditch the screenwriters, and spank the director!"

Nephew Number Five

2008-11-16T12:55:00.002-07:00

Liam Vance Davis
November 14, 2008

Born on my first daughter's birthday, Anna...Aaron and Jessica welcome their first child as well! He is a delightsome little fellow. I was able to help the little family home and was so proud of them for the people they are and how they will take care of my little nephew! Love you guys, fo sho.

What Do These Images Have In Common?

2008-11-16T12:21:00.002-07:00

They're both booking photos?
no.
They both have the same hairdresser?
no.
They're both wearing boxer shorts?
inconclusive.
Are they both heroes?

YES!!!

Aaron, two evenings ago, was at a high school basketball practice, where he volunteers. During the practice a young man had a seizure and swallowed his tongue making it impossible for him to breath. He became unconscious and blue. Aaron valiantly ran to his side, removed his tongue from his throat and performed CPR. This revived the young boy. The paramedics said he would likely be dead if it weren't for Aaron's quick thinking. I am ever so happy that this young boy is still alive. We are grateful to God for this miracle- and Amanda is even more attracted to her husband than ever before (if that is possible!)

Tube or Toilet, Maddam?

2008-11-16T12:09:00.004-07:00

I decided to post a picture of our peeing perpetrator. Yes, it is true my friends (do I have to cite John McCain for that one?), Anna peed on our television.

Aaron called me to tell me what Anna had peed on, driving home from my day off. At first, for only a microsecond I was discouraged but could not help laughing out loud soon after -and if I am to be very honest, I was proud. I should recalibrate my values, I know. Luckily, Father Davis was able to give us some words of comfort, "maybe when the pee dries, the television will work". And sure enough, later that evening when I arrived home, all was back to normal (well, the television was working). The real tragedy would have been having to convince my husband that we couldn't afford a new TV- I'm so grateful that urine is a fairly benign agent.

Halloween's BEST Halloweeners and Candy Eaters

2008-11-04T09:11:00.004-07:00

Halloween is a hallowed time where mother can justify eating all of her children's candy bags hollow (because their teeth will rot, right?). I am ever so willing. My children were the best little trick-or-treaters and I was the best eater of the trick-or-treater's treasures. Say THAT five times fast. As you can see from the picture, Olivia was able to sneak in at least one candy bar that we know of.

These are my little personalities. Some like to document the cute photos making the world believe their children are photo-op prepared at all times (maybe they are, I don't know because they only post the cute ones)...I like to show the world my children how they really are, most of the time. They are crazy little chicas whom I love so much!

Celebrating the Upcoming Release of Twilight- the movie

2008-11-02T16:32:00.002-07:00

If I were a teenager, I'd find this spoof even more funny than I already do.

Phall Fotos

2008-10-27T14:22:00.002-06:00

Photobucket Album

Daily Grind

2008-10-23T10:56:00.004-06:00

I wonder how many of you can relate...

I decided to document the daily "no fail" chores I find myself doing over and over again. I use to think that if I did something, then it would be done. But the world of motherhood and housewifery has shown that the more you do things, the more you have to do them. I'm not sure how that works- there must be some scientific law out there predicating this sort of thing.

1. I like to make the bed every morning because it helps me get my day going and I just feel so much, I don't know, cleaner? Like I don't even need a shower. And everytime I make the bed, Aaron's corner always has the same dismayed and disarrayed situation. The sheets are always pulled off like they are one size too small...and I have to gather all my wifery might to pull it back on the corner with the kids jumping on the bed. CHORE 1, CHECK!

2. Next, and this never fails, I pick up Aaron's pairs of shoes. Now, it's amazing that no matter how many shoes I picked up the day before and placed neatly in his closet, those same shoes find themselves on the same adventure they took the day before. Funny, I don't even remember my husband using all of those shoes! CHORE 2, CHECK!

3. Juice. Juice. Juice. Whenever I sit down comfortably to accomplish all of my "wouldn't it be nice to get this done" kind of chore, like taking a shower, the frantic call for "JUICE!" comes from one of my daughters who, apparently, just returned from a near death experience in the desert- and needs emergency sustenance. And since this is usually a desperate situation (even though it's the 10th time they have returned from the desert that day), I find myself climbing those stairs again from the basement to the kitchen one more time for apple juice. CHORE 3, CHECK!

4. Poo. Poo. Poo. I can hardly delve into anymore detail here, you can thank me later. CHORE 4, still not done--this happens several more times, because of chore number 3.

5. Vacuuming the basement. I do this because of the endless supply of goldfish crackers that manage to crumble themselves all over the carpet in the morning when my husband is so kind to get up with the kids! I can usually tell from the carpet what the kids ate for breakfast...and I can tell you that I've never found oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon, or anything else commonly eaten for breakfast. I should be grateful because common breakfast items are not easly vacuumed. CHORE 5, CHECK!

CHORE SIX---For fear that this list might end up being a chore in itself, I'll leave it at that :)

Divine Calling

2008-10-19T20:14:00.006-06:00

Today I'm feeling inspired. Not with words, just with the love I have for my children. I know that we are kind of silly on this blog, but today I just feel completely grateful for my family. I laugh with friends and family about the daily nitty-gritties of being a mother and hardly mention the overwhelming joy I have found in being a mother and a wife. I love baking for them, kissing them, laughing with them and most of all, teaching them the gospel I love so much. Nothing in this life even compares to the joy I find at home.

Tinkle Tinkle, Hmm Hmm ...Star?

2008-10-17T16:44:00.004-06:00

LYRICS so that you all can sing along!

Twinkle Twinkle wittle star, how I want to what you are, hhmmmhmmmhmm -like a hmm hmmm in the sky twiknle twinkle twinkle star, now my mom my something er other, tinkle tinkle!

Twin Cousins

2008-10-13T17:58:00.007-06:00

YOU DECIDE '08

I swear Lucas and Asher are twins. It blows my mind every time I see new pictures of him. So how many of you can guess which one is my Lucas, and which one is my nephew, Asher? Isn't the resemblance uncanny???

Fraudulent Follicles

2008-10-02T09:43:00.004-06:00

Okay, it seems as if I go through some kind of crisis of color every time I either get pregnant or give birth (basically when the hormones start to change). When I got home, the only feedback I could force out of my husband was, "I prefer blonds". This was upsetting to me, only because I was SURE this color was working for me. So I'm taking it to the blogosphere. Answer me "yea" or "nay"- and if there is no response to this post at all, I'll take that as a BIG "Naaaaay" (say out loud like a horse, and you'll get my joke).

Futhermore, has anyone noticed when they change hair color drastically, they have to completely change the entire pallet of their closet?

Back in the Blogging Saddle

2008-09-11T15:48:00.007-06:00

I apologize to all of those who depend on this blog for new pictures and fun stories about the Bland family- since many of you live so far away. I have been derelict in my duties, but take exception due to the demands this summer has placed on our family. A new baby, family in town, reunions and 50th wedding anniversary celebrations...we have been really busy.

What you have missed...

1. Lucas is almost 4 months old now, he is happy and only grumpy when tired and hungry. He is so easy to make smile. He is a little flirt, and talks quite a bit (in baby of course)
2. Olivia keeps surprising us with how much she has grown. Her hair keeps getting longer and curlier, and blonder. She is now successfully body-slamming her older sister.
3. Anna is POTTY TRAINED!!! Yay...only panties from here on out! We are so proud of her. She continues to keep us on our toes- and points out our bad behavior by mimicking us so often and so accurately!
4. Aaron is taking 18 credit hours this semester, and every semester till he graduates. We still have a year and a half left, THEN it's off to grad school.
5. Amanda is just busy with kids and house. She recently turned 28, and her husband treated her like a queen! She felt so special!

6. We recently attempted our first official (pay too much money for a teenager to play "professional") family photo at Sears. Unfortunately, I take up 85% of the picture (aren't those professionals suppose to fix weight problems? There has to be a certain angle only they know about...), and Aaron's eyes were closed. And that was the BEST photo we got. At least the kids look cute right? We will probably frame it in Walmart brand fake wood- to be hung in a dark corner of the house we might be able to afford someday.

That sums up the excitement! We love you all!

Dancin Family

2008-06-05T21:30:00.003-06:00

This video exhibits the skill and artistic interpretation only a mother (and wife) could love. These are the moments that make a woman truly proud!

This is Why We Had Children

2008-06-05T21:17:00.003-06:00

Please ignore some of the politically incorrect statements that are made by my husband- er...a male voice. (older video)

Lucas' First moments

2008-06-05T21:14:00.001-06:00

It's Green in Pocatello!

2008-06-05T21:08:00.003-06:00

Today, Aaron took Anna and his mother on a hiking trip. Anna hiked TWO MILES by herself! Then she fell asleep on daddy's shoulders and he had to carry her all the way back. She is such a trooper! She hasn't stopped mentioning the fact that she climbed the TALLEST MOUNTAIN!

LUCAS ARRIVES!

2008-06-05T09:43:00.004-06:00

i will spare you all the dilation stories and pushing tales and just show you the pictures of the real story, our first son! He arrived bright-eyed at 6:30 pm on May 29,2008. He was a mere 6 lbs 7 oz. and 19 3/4 in. long. (I highly recommend giving birth to smaller babies).

An Angel Among Us

2008-05-15T15:42:00.003-06:00

Little Isaac Brimley

I haven't had the privilege of holding Isaac, a privilege many haven't had, but we have been fortunate enough to see his handsome face via CarePages.com. We've received updates on his health ever since he was born a few months ago. He is now fighting the great fight of his life. He only has one operating lung, which is filling with liquid. There are many other complications that are making his recovery extremely difficult. Jessica and Paul (my cousins) are such wonderful, hopeful and loving parents. All of us care so deeply for them and their little family- we have all been praying daily for our little Isaac. We continue to hope for a miracle, and pray for the peace only our Savior, Jesus Christ can bring us. Any prayers on his behalf will be greatly appreciated.

Breech Boy

2008-05-08T10:46:00.005-06:00

This picture was obviously taken before the birth of Devan, but it's probably the only decent picture of me pregnant...the rest of the pictures have one common, unsightly theme: spandex.

So our son, "He who shall not be named" before we get to the hospital and my husband simply HAS to make a decision, has decided to remain breech. At this point, I'm not sure I want him to try turning. OUCH. But I can't help but be grateful for how wonderful it is to be kicked in the bladder, I already have a hard enough time with that, after 2 kids. I think I have peed my pants at most sporting events I go to...but that is hardly my fault if the refs need a little scolding, but I digress.

This post is really about how I'll more than likely be bringing my first son into this world via c-section. So keep us in your prayers, heaven forbid I contract MRSA (did you see that Dr. Phil episode??? AHHH- just kidding). I'm convinced it can't be worse than Pitocin. For all men who are still reading this post, I apologize. I should have warned you beforehand.

APRIL 22, 2008

2008-05-01T11:07:00.005-06:00

Aaron and I welcomed two new handsome nephews on the SAME DAY!

Just two hours apart

ASHER WILLIAM DAVIS
(Around 11 am)

Asher is too far away, but we look forward to seeing him at my little brothers wedding. My mother says he is absolutely adorable (as you can see in the picture)- with cute little dimples. Lady Killa!

DEVAN ARCHIE BARNES
(around 9)

I was actually there for Devan's birth- Saw him come out and everything..and had the privilege of taking all of those first moment pictures! He was such a peaceful baby, after he cried all the amniotic fluid out! AND SO MUCH HAIR!!! Skinny and long :) The nurse said, "He looks like a baller...do you guys know what a baller is?" HA HA, do Jamaal and Evelina know what a baller is? hmmmm...probably not!

Two Peas in a Laundry Basket

2008-04-15T12:06:00.004-06:00

These two are a great pair. They are so funny together. I will have to post some videos.

(Anna usually starts the day out in clothes, but soon they are cast aside as things of naught. Pretty soon, that's gonna change. People always ask, so I just had to clear that up.)

Christmas in Virginia, Olivia Turns ONE!

2008-03-16T18:33:00.002-06:00

Olivia's Climbing Stairs!

2007-12-04T20:24:00.001-07:00

Olivia --well, she's almost 12 months old and we can hardly believe how fast the time has gone! Climbing stairs and learning to walk!

SHE-nanigans

2007-12-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

Anna's a really busy little girl. Something about being two years of age makes these little ones capable of anything under the sun--well, anything under the roof of our home. Recently, these She-nanigans have involved a dryer, a permanent marker, a couple of walls, a couple of little legs, a tv screen and a coffee table. Nuff said.

Ms. Bumcrackle's Class

2007-11-25T18:10:00.002-07:00

We still hadn't cleaned up the party mess from Anna's b-day---so we decided to have a little make-believe fun.

Songwriter of the Year

2007-10-10T07:48:00.000-06:00

Well, honorable mention anyway. I entered one song into a songwriting contest for the month of August and received the status of "Suggested Artist", of which I am proud. More updates on this award later :)

The Girls at the New Place

2007-09-17T10:22:00.001-06:00

Aaron thinks that we are twins. I happen to think Olivia is much cuter- but OK, I guess he's right.

We have just moved into our new apartment/townhouse. It's a great neighborhood- and the kids have a yard to play in. My favorite part about this new place is the basement (where this cute picture was taken)--after the girls go down, I have a place to play and write music- I'm excited...now I just have to actually DO it.

Girls Debuting "When Daddy Comes Home"

2007-09-17T10:03:00.000-06:00

I try to teach the girls as many songs as I can muster, here is the latest:

THE BLANDS

2007-08-30T07:34:00.001-06:00

Our Beginnings Began:

Tennesee. We mEt oNlinE. We dAted. He joiNed the cHurCh. He pRopOsed. I sAid yEs. We gOt mArRied. We got PReGnant. We mOveD bAcK to iDahO. We gOt pRegNanT AGaIn.

Aaron is presently working towards a bachelors in physical education. I was lucky enough to finish my education in Boston before Aaron and I were married. We had kids right away, I'm not getting any younger! I stay at home with the girls and try to reinvent myself occasionally in order to avoid stagnation. So what do I do, you say? Well, I make lame videos on YouTube...I record just about every reality show known to man...I keep up to date with the latest gossip in the political sphere...and I read a plethora of genres, depending on how severe my mania is. My latest endeavor is Harry Potter (I'm a sucker for trends-jk)...but I usually have a few books going on at the same time. I recommend "You, on a diet" or "french women don't get fat". (and no, I am not an Oprah book club member, I actually loathe her).

We look forward to finishing school.