Thursday, July 31, 2008
Collections
Enter the American Girl Dolls.
The stories were fun and the dolls adorable. I chose Kirsten as my favorite and began collecting all of her outfits and accessories. I would get an outfit or accessory for my birthday and another for Christmas every year. I loved the detail in each of the outfits and couldn’t wait for the day that I owned the entire set.
When I was in college and still getting an one outfit or accessory from Santa each year, I realized that I may never have everything. At that time I decided to stop collecting for a while and wait until I could spend a little more money to get some of the bigger things.
I was reminded of my precious doll while listening to This American Life at work and got on their website to see what I still needed to collect.
Sadly, they have stopped carrying a few of the accessories that were my favorite and I will never own them. I guess I will have to settle with what I can get my hands on now and just forget about the rest.
Is it strange that I STILL have a very strong urge to complete my collection? Please don’t tell me that I am too old for dolls.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Let's just make this memory week--shall we?
When I was younger, summer seemed to last for a really long time. (As opposed to now, when it flies by). I spent almost every day with my neighbors. There were twin girls who were two years older than me (and always hung out with me—even though I was younger and dorky) and their sister who was my sister’s age. It was a great arrangement.
We did lots of different things, roller skating in the driveway to Paula Abdul, dress ups, Barbies, and cards. At that time two game shows were fairly popular (at least popular with us): Shop ‘Til You Drop and Supermarket Sweep.
One lazy summer afternoon we decided to play Supermarket Sweep. We convinced the twin’s older brother to be the host and set out to get everything ready to go. Since we didn’t have an abundance of food items (and our mother’s would have killed us if we messed up their food storage), we adapted the game to what we could get our hands on. We had a “book” isle, a “Barbie” isle, a play “food” isle, a “game” isle and a “clothes” isle. This elaborate set took two days to finish. It required toting items from my house as well as organizing and categorizing everything. As we organized, we talked excitedly about new ideas and how much fun this was going to be.
We then had our “host” come up with questions that required us to retrieve certain items. Luckily each of our families owned a play mini-shopping cart that we wheeled around the isles (created on the back deck) in search of the correct item. We finally got everything ready.
And proceeded to play one round that lasted for about 30 minutes.
And then decided we were done—and began to put everything away.
I find it funny that the anticipation and planning of this particular activity was the best part of the whole thing. Barbies were the exact same way for me. I loved getting my “house” all ready and dividing up all of the clothes and shoes, but once that was done, I was ready to put the Barbies away.
Did you actually “play” Barbies, or anything else for that matter? And be honest—did you have a special Barbie voice?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Rodeo!
He really liked the view from Grandpa's arms. Grandpa likes to think that he is the favorite, but Easton just knows that he has glasses to grab, a hat to chew on and a pen in his pocket. Three toys for the price of hanging out with the old guy.



I am an excellent fisherman
In addition to Carrie being my friend, her family was friends with my family. During the summer months our families would camp together. These trips were always full of fun. S’mores, stories, hikes, mud, and of course, fishing.
On this particular trip Carrie and I were 10 years old. One morning we decided to go fishing in the creek about ½ mile away from camp. We gathered our fishing equipment and headed out. While we should have noticed that the creek was less than two feet deep and there were no fish in sight, we did not and continued to cast and reel, cast and reel, cast and reel.
Soon, I realized that I needed to go to the bathroom. I HATE to go to the bathroom in the woods. Mainly because it is messy and I always stress about peeing on my clothing, but this was quickly turning into an emergency so I had no choice. Next to me on the bank, was a clump of willows with a rock that seemed to be placed for just this purpose. I set my pole down, pulled down my pants and sat on the rock (yes, my bare, 10 year old bum was actually on the rock—this was the only way at the time that I knew I could definitely keep my pants dry). When I finished, I stood up to pull up my pants and ran into a “snag” of sorts.
I had sat on my own fish hook.
I’ll say that again, a fish hook was hooked in my bum. My bare bum.
(This is the point when those of you who actually know me are thinking, “Only KaLee, this could only happen to KaLee”).
So there I am, standing in the middle of a group of willows, unable to pull my pants up all of the
way, and unable to get the hook out, because I couldn’t see it. Mortified, I didn’t really know the next step to take, so I carefully pulled my pants up so that I was modest and called Carrie over. I explained the situation and after she stopped laughing, she decided that she would try to get the hook out. (Oh, what a brave friend she was!)She was unsuccessful.
We then determined that this problem was going to require parental assistance so we headed back to camp the only way that seemed logical at the time. I walked in front and Carrie held the fishing pole and walked behind (why we didn’t think to break the line, I’ll never know). As we marched into camp, it quickly became obvious that no one was there and I became even more mortified (as if that was possible) at the thought of being stuck this way for any amount of time. Carried dropped me off in my parents’ trailer and then went searching.
This story does have a happy ending. My mom was not far from camp and successfully removed the hook.
And now, I always, ALWAYS know where the hook on the end of my fishing pole is. Lesson learned.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Let me introduce you to my old friend, Carrie
Actually, her name wasn’t (and isn’t) Carrie at all, but she has to be called something on the blog and this is the best I can do.
So anyway. Carrie.
There are some people that come into your life that create memory after memory after memory, and others that you can remember being friends with but not much beyond that. Carrie falls into the former category.
She is fun-loving and constantly entertains herself in non-traditional ways. Let’s review a few experiences, shall we?
1. My mom gave Carrie and me a ride to school each morning during junior high. Carrie would wait on the corner for my mom to pull up. This corner also housed the street sign. One freezing, Wyoming winter day, Carrie decided to see if your tongue really does get stuck to a frozen pole. She quickly learned that yes, it does. Just then my mom pulled up to the corner and not wanting to look stupid she RIPPED her tongue off the pole and jumped in the car. It was then she realized that her tongue was bleeding (pretty badly). Her tongue was not the same for weeks.
2. Carrie and I decided to perform in our ward Christmas talent show. I can’t remember what we did (but as 15 year olds, I’m sure it was plenty embarrassing). She wore a red shirt and I wore a green shirt (we were oh, so clever). As she was getting ready at home, she decided that she wanted to add a Rudolph nose to the mix. Unfortunately, she did not own a clown nose, so she had to improvise. She found a red pompom (those crafty ones) and decided to hot glue it to her nose. The pompom didn’t last long, but her nose was red nonetheless.
3. I’m sure you all remember junior high. Oh, the chapstick you used. I think my greatest joy was finding my favorite flavor and every trip to the store buying a new kind to try. (I wouldn’t want to be unfair and declare a favorite without trying every single one available). During lunch, Carried leaned over and offered me her new chapstick. It was vanilla flavored—delicious. I applied liberally and continued chatting with the table, until I noticed that they were all trying not to look at me, and snickering. That seemingly harmless white colored chapstick was a joke stick and had turned my lips shockingly bright neon pink. I spent forever in the bathroom trying to scrub it off (Have you ever scrubbed your lips with soap? Not pleasant). A few days later, I was back to normal.
4. In 7th grade, it was all the rage to call people on the phone and ask them to go out with you. What did this mean, you ask? It meant that you would look away from them in the hall, would blush if they said hi, and that the rumors circulated that you were together. That is all. One night the phone rang and I answered. A slightly deep, slightly high pitched voice asked for KaLee. The teenage-boy voice continued, introducing himself as Brian (who went to the prep school in town—hence why I didn’t know who he was) and proceeded to “ask me out” on behalf of James (we’ll call him James). I was confused, but answered yes. The next day—as I am describing this bizarre experience to a friend, she calls James over and asks about it. He denies that he even knows a Brian, and I am left feeling stupid. It was FOUR years later that I learned the “Brian” was actually Carrie—being her usually, crazy self.
You may now be at the point where you are wondering why I am sharing this collection of memories with you. The answer? I remembered the Rudolph nose story randomly the other day and suddenly I was flooded with memories of Carrie. She’s spunky, and funny, and a riot, and I’m not in contact with her anymore. {must remember to locate her}
Please tell me that you have had a Carrie in your life, because you really, really need one.
Selfishness or How My Husband Knows Me a Little Too Well
KaLee: did the phones get here?
Ronnie: yeah, which one do you want?
KaLee: the better one
Ronnie: i figured
Post Script: Sadly, Ronnie's phone actually does have a weird echo thing--mine is working just fine.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
It's great to have talented friends
Easton, me and Bethany
We also learned that Easton hates the grass.
Really, REALLY hates the grass.
Thanks Bethany! We loved seeing you and getting a few pics in the process.
[scroll down for the tag blanket winner!]
Tag Blanket Winner
Congrats Lindsay! Email me at justkalee (at) gmail (dot) com with your address and your prefered color scheme (boy, girl or neutral).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The way he moves
He begins by locking onto something he wants. (backwards, of course)
Monday, July 21, 2008
I'm a good mom
Yesterday I tried to make that chant a little more true.
Easton loves two things above all others:
Buttons
and Tags
So, to fulfill all of his wildest dreams, I created this:
A tag blanket with buttons sewn on. Buttons that he can chew and grab all he wants to (the best kind in Easton's opinion). I followed this tutorial and just made a few tweaks (the adding of the buttons and one side being cotton fabric).
And because I love all of you--it's time for a giveaway! I'll make you a tag blanket with buttons. One side minky and the other a suitable cotton fabric (in either a girly or boyish design--your choice). Perfect for your little one, or your next shower gift.
What do you have to do to win? Just leave a comment (any comment) before Wednesday, July 23rd at 11:59pm and I'll draw a winner via random.org.
Good luck!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Because I can't stop laughing
[Please excuse my shaky camera skills and annoying laugh]
I'm having a bit of trouble embedding the video. You can also go here to view it.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Easton's New Trick
He does this same thing when we practicing sitting on the floor. He gets tired of the position and throws himself backwards. I believe the video depicts his attempts to do the same thing--that darn high chair is just in the way.
When you need your mom's freezer
Plus you can totally say "I made that" when you have people over to your house--how cool will that be?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Running
[so tell me why, deep down, do I want to run a marathon someday?]
This summer I’ve been trying to get my butt back into shape. Some weight loss would be a nice perk—but I really just want to feel good. Okay, and fit into some old clothes.
I’m starting slow. On my parents elliptical machine and stationary bike (until I can locate a bike trailer for Easton). I strap on my ipod and away I go.
I have one problem though. My music choices are lacking. My ipod library looks something like this.
Pop stars from my high school days? Check.
Alternative music from college? Check.
Enrique? Double Check. I LOVE me some Enrique.
So much country you may start to call me a hick? Check.
Music great to run to? Not so much.
Back in the day, I had a few mixed rap/hip hop CDs that were my staple at the gym. Now, I would prefer something I little less rap-ish and a little cleaner, but I really, REALLY need a good beat to keep me going.
Please help. What music gets you moving?
Monday, July 14, 2008
To make you feel like you were at the pool
Easton was unsure what he thought at first and clung pretty tightly to Daddy.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Because you love to look at us








Of course we didn't think about pictures until the end of the night, when the babies had had ENOUGH! (Cheryl, Allie, Scott, Me, Easton, Ronnie)
Me, Easton, Cheryl and Allie.

