'Tis the Season...

to capture every germ possible!

I don't know what's up with my little family. We've had all sorts of sicknesses over the last 2 1/2 weeks now. Reese started it with a fever for several days that topped out at about 102.5 then she got the worst yeast rash all over her bum. That took a doctor's visit, a prescription cream, and a week full of screams while changing her to go away. Then of course the Friday after Thanksgiving Reese and I were sick with the flu. Then Saturday night Tom got the flu. Then Reese threw up again on Monday. Now this week I have had a head cold and now PINK EYE...or eyes I should say. I woke up this morning and both eyes were sealed shut! That was a weird and kind of panicky feeling as I stumbled to the bathroom sink to try and wash them out so I could open them. They're huge and puffy and just plain gross. I've never had it so I'm being kind of a baby about it. I just hope Reese doesn't get it. Or Tom. He's been in Chicago all week for work. Welcome home Tom to your Quazimoto, germ infested wife.

I don't know the point of this post other than to say, feel sorry for me AND WASH THOSE HANDS!

I'll cuten (good word huh?) this post up with a picture of my silly little lady.

The other day she was being such a little stinker and wouldn't stop crying so I put her in her new winter coat, mittens, and boots and she walked around the house like this for a good half hour as happy as could be. She's always liked being bundled up.

Thanksgiving

First off, thanks for voting on my little look-alike poll. It was fun to see a little variety and not 100% "tom with pig-tails" like I was expecting. And especially thank you to the 3 of you who voted for "mini-Rachel" and "mostly Rachel." It made me smile and gave me a good chuckle at the very least.

Next, I'd like to give a shout out to my brother-in-law Taylor for giving me the hot tip of some super amazing last minute cheap flights to Vegas. When I say cheap, I'm talking $21 to get there and $59 to get back. And when I say last minute I mean only a week before Thanksgiving. Crazy I tell you. Being from a popular travelling destination certainly has it's perks!

Getting ready to go. Every time we go out of town Reese climbs in and out of the suitcases while we're packing. Hmmm...she won't be flying for free anymore in 10 months. Maybe she's on to something.

"Helping" in the kitchen. I helped, but let's be honest, cooking just isn't my thing. Chef Boy-R-Tom (a popular nickname given to him by many) tore it up in the kitchen along side my mom though.

A very natural shot of the guys doing the dishes during meal preparation time---an even more novel idea than the 10 minute soak after dinner.

Dadoo Richard took the two littlest grandkids out for a swing on the hammock before dinner. He really has a soft spot for the grandkids.

Mealtime

My mom is an amazing cook! It was delicious! Unfortunately Reese and I didn't have much of an appetite though. The next day we found out it was because we had the beginning of the flu bug. (It looks like Audrey might have had it too. :) )

What Reese and I didn't eat, Tom made up for with 4 plates of food. He and my brothers kept egging each other on to eat more.

And now for the part of Thanksgiving I hate most...the football!!!

While they watched sports I went outside with the kiddies and pushed them around in the wagon. Reese loves to go really fast and squeal "weeee."

I didn't get any more pictures of the weekend because I was pretty much sick the rest of the time. The morning before the flu kicked in I did have my first ever "Black Friday" shopping experience with my mom and Nora. If you have some super expensive electronic in mind the lines and crowds are probably worth it. Other than that, I'm not sure I would do it again.

All in all we had a great time. And hey, I even lost a little weight in the end. And to my family, you are very welcome for the jump start to a weight loss program. I will be available for all major holidays for those interested. Ha! No, I really am sorry to everybody I got sick!

Oh, and one last thing, this last Sunday I was sustained to be the 2nd counselor in the Primary Presidency in my ward. Call me crazy, but I am actually really excited! People were offering us their condolences after sacrament meeting and I think that's ridiculous! I LOVE little kids and I am so excited to serve them. I have always loved listening to the sweet little things kids say regarding the gospel. I think it will only strengthen my testimony to be with them and get back to the basics of why I know this gospel is true!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is from a month or so ago, but I felt it deserved to be posted again in honor of Thanksgiving! Happy Turkey Day, from my little turkey!

"The most dramatic rose ceremony ever"...for real this time!

I know us "Bachelor" watchers are a dying breed, but I am absolutely dying over the results! I'm not mad at him for not choosing to marry either, I'm just frustrated with his explanations tonight on the "after the final rose" thingy. Being a girl who's come from a few serious relationships I 100% know that you need closure to move on. I don't think he gave either of them good enough explanations to why he just ended it. I don't know if anybody even still watches this show other than the two people I talked to earlier today, so if nobody comments I'll just assume that really nobody else watches it. Ahhh, I'm just so frustrated!

Look-alike Meter

If Reese had not physically come out of me I don't know if we would have been certain she was mine since most everybody says she's a little Tom with pig-tails. But since this is a completely official look-a-like meter I guess not everybody was right. :) What do you think? You can vote on the side column.

So Easily Entertained

And I don't even mean Reese. You always hear people say that it's the simplest things that bring kids joy, but I think that that is actually more true for adults when it comes to their children. She really does make us laugh every day!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

1. Disappearing act on the chair.
2. She kept throwing her baby over the railing then wanting me to throw it back. Then another disappearing act.
3. That shreak at the beginning is her saying "Reese".
4. Tom playing "I'm gonna get you."
5. I took the covers off our couches to wash them and she played on the cushions for at least 15 minutes. She kept falling on her head and laughing about it.
6. Telling me something very important.

Family Pictures

A How To Guide for the Soaker

I have thoroughly enjoyed all your comments regarding soaking; some defending, some empathizing. I do need to clarify that I am not opposed to soaking in and of itself, I just believe that all soaking items should be cleaned out before leaving the kitchen. Tom's out playing Risk with the fellas tonight so I've got a little time on my hands to give a little instructional guide for avoiding the overnight soak.

Let's Begin:

Dirty pan= remains from broiled salmon

Step 1: Before doing the other dinner dishes, fill dirty pan with super HOT water...

and soap.

Step 2: Set pan aside and wash the other non-soakable dishes...

and put them in the dishwasher!

Step 3: Approximately 10 minutes have gone by. (If you are done with the non-soakables sooner than that, you should clean the counters and other left-over kitchen duties.) 10 minutes is the only soaking time needed before you can start washing out the pan.

This tool is key in cleaning off crusted on dishes. It's a little hard plastic scraper made to get your stubborn foods off.

Step 4: Rinse and dry.

Voila! Clean pan without an hour/2 hour/overnight soak.

Just remember soakers...

Happy Wife=Happy Life!!!