The Gregorys

The Holidays

2012-01-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

It was a wild few weeks for us, with moving, celebrating our fifth! anniversary, and then all the fun of Christmas and New Year's. But we've had a great time. We're settled in our new place and love it. We still have boxes in nearly every room, but what can you do?

(unpack, maybe. But you can only do so much of that at a time)

This year for Christmas Eve we went up to Rusty's parent's house. Each year we do a white elephant gift exchange, so we spend most of the year looking for some ~~crappy~~ amazing thing to bring. This is what Rusty brought:

Why yes, that is some art he did back when he was at school in Columbus. (BYU would never have undrapped models) I brought our old vacuum that still mostly works but smells like fire whenever you turn it on.

This is what we won:

Why yes, it is a "romantic dinner for two" and a (very heavy) 80's microwave. It now lives at the DI. We also won some glamor shots of Rusty's brother and sister in law. I don't know what happened to those.

But we had a great time, good food, and way too many sweets. Asher loves going to Grandma & Grandpa's house.

Christmas day my mom came down to our new place and had dinner with us. It's the first time she's had Christmas off in 7 years! We had a lot of fun with her, too.

New Year's Eve we took Asher to his first movie (at least, as a not-baby) and he did so good! Then we all went to bed at the normal time. It was nice. Hope everybody had great holidays!

Moving

2011-12-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

makes for a messy house. But starting tomorrow many of these will be at our new place. Saturday is the big moving day. We're very excited.

Asher's enjoyed taking some self-portraits.

And making/eating muddy buddies.

Hope your December is going well! (and not as messy)

In Which I Make an Announcement

2011-12-02T09:54:00.001-07:00

Given our history, I'm sure a few people have wondered when I'd make an announcement like this. So, here's the deal.

We're moving!

(What? Did you think I was going to say something else?) After the upstairs neighbor's toilet overflowed into Asher's room for the fifth time, we decided we needed a new place to live.
We were very lucky and found a nice townhouse for rent, about 20 blocks away from where we live now. We're sad to leave our ward, but not really our current apartment. I'm not sure if we'll keep the same number, but if you're interested in our address/contact info feel free to email me. We're moving in a couple weeks, but we'll be cleaning/stopping by our current place for most of the month.

Just thought you'd like to know. And now, here's a cute picture of our family. Apparently I took no pictures in November. We did have a nice Thanksgiving, though. Hope you did too.

Someone Had a Birthday

2011-11-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Rusty had a big birthday. Everyone at his work thought he was turning 25 or 26. Um, not exactly.

That's not what he wore, but it is the most recent picture I've got of him right now. (How did I not take any pictures of Rusty yesterday?)

He celebrated with presents, lots of yummy food, and the world-famous (or at least famous in my house growing up) brownie cake. I may have ordered the frosting online because it doesn't really exist in stores anymore.

Asher helped wrap a couple of presents. He was very proud of himself. It was a fun day. We're so lucky to have our Rusty.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T21:46:00.000-06:00

I think he likes his costume.

So, the family theme this year was sort of Jurassic Park-y. Rusty and I are/were paleontologists. (And I now know how to spell that word.) Rusty didn't get any pictures of himself, but here's Asher holding his dinosaur egg before the ward party. And another picture of he & I coloring (well, mostly me coloring).

Cast Free!

2011-10-11T10:28:00.002-06:00

Asher got his cast off last week! I think it was a long five weeks for everyone involved, but Asher took it so well. He really learned to hobble around. He actually was getting around better with the cast than he is without it. But that's totally normal. His little leg needs to get used to bending again. So we're spending some time in the tub, on the couch, watching movies, coloring, and all that.

Here are some pictures of his little cast, after five weeks of wear. Why yes, that is a hole in the heel, and it was coming apart at his toes. His foot was so gross when the cast came off. But a long bath fixed that pretty quick.

He's relearning to walk, and we're trying to keep him from hurting it again. Lately he's figured out he's tall enough to turn the light switches on and off, so his new favorite thing is to hobble around turning on and off lights.

The blue one.

2011-08-29T20:56:00.003-06:00

He even got a little boot/shoe to wear on the cast. As you can see with a smile like that, he is doing much better.

Asher's Sad Story

2011-08-28T22:19:00.000-06:00

Guess who broke his leg yesterday? This poor little guy. He's sporting the splint he got at the urgent care in this picture (and the sticker), and he'll get a cast tomorrow. They think he'll have to wear it for four weeks. I guess it's a good thing the summer is mostly over with.

He's been such a trooper, though. We were talking to various family members today and Asher kept telling them "I broke my knee" and "I broken my leg." (it's his tibia that broke, not his knee. Thankfully). If you're curious, he broke it playing at a certain trampoline-filled play place around here. It's a semi-long story. But the short version is a kid bumped into him and knocked him down. And the fall broke his leg.

Lots of Pictures

2011-08-24T19:47:00.000-06:00

With all the writing I do for my book blog, I'm usually worded out when it comes time to post on this family one. So, picture time!

We met up with Rusty's family for a night of camping in the Uinta mountains over the Pioneer Day weekend, but forgot our camera. Imagine pictures of Asher not wanting to sleep, a huge bonfire, four wheelers, & a jeep/four wheeler baby-mobile. Asher was in heaven with his cousins & all the fun mobiles he got to ride on. He even totally feel asleep when Rusty took us off-roading.

Asher & I went to the Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point last week. He had to go all out with his cowboy hat. He seriously wears that thing everywhere right now. It's so cute.

lounging on the cow bench. He ran to that as soon as we got into the farm area.

little boy & a big horse

when he's especially terrible two-y, I wish we had this in a home version.

can you tell he has a city mom & a country dad?

Enjoying the ice cream at the end of our farm adventure.

One of Asher's other favorite past-times is digging & getting dirty. We have a huge dirt area behind our house, so Asher & the kid from upstairs use that as their playground.

Yes, he's digging with a big spoon.

This one, & the one above, are from 4th of July weekend. Provo had a big party around the Court House with sand pits, bounce houses, jugglers, face painting, & a bunch of other stuff.
The skull was Rusty's idea.

Asher loves washing the car with Rusty. Or maybe he just likes getting wet.

Here are the splash fountains over at the Riverwoods. I think we go there weekly, since it's free & hot outside. Asher reallys likes those, too.

Some Happenings

2011-07-18T12:10:00.001-06:00

You guys, the dreaded scout camp is over for another year! Last week Rusty spent a few days on a houseboat in Lake Powell with the scouts and had a good time. I had a slightly less good time, but he's home again and Asher and I are both very happy about it.

For the Fourth of July weekend we hung out and watched Stadium of Fire. Asher tried to catch a ride in Rusty's backpack.

We made a trip to the Church History museum in Salt Lake. They have a new kids' exhibit that Asher really liked.

learning some sweet dance moves

Asher's other favorite hobby lately is riding the scooter. He asks to do that every day,

We're having a really fun summer. Rusty's back to working hard, I'm still teaching Sunday School, and Asher is as wild and adventurous as ever. He loves the fountains at the Riverwoods, so that's become our free pool of sorts. I need to bring the camera there sometime. He also loves his toy guitar. It's almost scary how fast he picks up the words to songs and then goes around with his guitar trying to sing them. Silly kid.


That New York cowboy has nothing on this kid.

San Francisco Trip

2011-06-11T13:35:00.000-06:00

Rusty and I were in San Francisco last week to check out a grad school and do touristy things. It was a lot of fun. We liked the school, for the most part, but didn't take any pictures of it. So you'll have to look at these pictures instead.

If they ever want to redo the movie Psycho (again) they could do it at this hotel. (We only stayed one night)

I attempt to rock the Young Women's camp braids for day two of driving.

Chinatown

Yep, it's a chocolate fortune cookie. And it was good.

making faces on the bus tour

San Francisco has lots of hills

The Golden Gate bridge is really tall.

And it's not red. It's "international orange."

We were behind this truck for a long time. I still can't decide if that first letter is a k, or b, or something else.

Driving across the Bay Bridge.

The check engine light was on for over 1,300 miles. Yikes!

Fisherman's Wharf

From the store Chocolate Heaven

These sea lions are not dead, like I supposed.

~~Peeta's bakery~~. I mean, some bread store.

It was really rainy and cold during the bus tour.

I don't remember what this building is, but it's landmarky.


"Everywhere you look, everywhere you look..." The Full House houses

Did I mention it rained a lot?

The Oakland temple, before we headed back home.

Asher' souvenir from Chinatown. He was happy to have us home.

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T15:18:00.000-06:00

Rusty and I have this unfortunate tradition of someone always being sick on Memorial Day. But not today! We went to Jump On It, which is basically just a warehouse with a bunch of trampolines. It was so fun.

Take the family shot before you jump. I'll remember that for next time.

Rusty climbing the rock wall. The white blob is his shirt.

You'll just have to believe me on that one.

Asher in action. They have a 4 feet and under section just for the little guys.

We're trying to help Asher stop sucking his thumb. It's all red and swollen right now, so he's sporting a little wrap.

These are from yesterday. Asher and Rusty "getting ready" for church.

Yay for Rusty!

2011-05-09T17:15:00.002-06:00

Happy Belated Mother's Day! I had a great day, being able to sleep in, and then getting to be a mom to Asher and a sick Rusty. I told him about a week ago that every day is Mother's Day around here because he does so much to help and take care of me. (I was sick for nearly two weeks and he pretty much single -handedly kept everything going.)

But a couple days before we celebrated Mother's Day we got to celebrate Rusty taking second place in the Utah County Art Gallery Spring Show. They accepted 90 pieces. I'm so proud of Rusty for being awarded second!

Here's the happy guy and the winning piece.

Both paintings are Rusty's; the oranges won.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T22:43:00.003-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures of our Easter boy! He is growing up so fast.

I Got Highlights/It's Hard to Take a Good Picture

2011-04-14T20:34:00.001-06:00

It's been nearly a year and a half since I donated my hair, so it was time to do something different again.

Also, it's nearly impossible to take a good picture, so don't judge us too much. :)

you can actually see the color in this one

And a couple of Rusty and me. He hated all of the pictures we
took but I'm going with these two.

Did you know I wear glasses with
little kid frames? They fit better.

Joke's On Me

2011-04-05T20:02:00.000-06:00

Rusty and I aren't big April Foolers, but apparently we didn't pass that on to our little boy! On Friday Asher decided he wanted scrambled eggs, so he took out the baby gate and got a pan and some eggs. When I got out of the bathroom this is what I found.

look at those little feet

He cracked the eggs against the walls, and then threw 2 out of 3 shells in the trash.

While I cleaned that up he decided vaseline would make a better meal. (I promise I feed him; he just likes to do things himself)

Yep, he's covered in it.

After I called poison control he smashed a sleeve of crackers into the carpet. This all happened in a half hour period. Yesterday he went to Wyoming with Rusty - who was doing school visits - and managed to lock Grandma out of her house and pull out all the dryer sheets from a box in the laundry room.

It's a good thing he's so cute! Asher can be a handful sometimes but we sure love him to bits. Here's a video of his cuteness.

Going Green and Stuff

2011-03-27T18:23:00.001-06:00

I guess I should put up our St. Patrick's Day post while it's still March.

Green eggs & pancakes make Asher laugh

Also in March....
Rusty made a bet with me that the magic eraser couldn't clean up all this ~~crayon~~ Asher artwork.

I didn't have to do dishes all week. Never bet against a magic eraser.

Asher got a haircut. But we gave him a mohawk first.

Asher has also become adept at running away (he escaped from the mall play place just this week), giving hugs and kisses, and saying "ahh-mehh!" throughout Sacrament Meeting. And he's just as attached as ever to his blanket.

A boy and his "b"

Library Jimmer Session | Movies...in the library?

2011-03-22T11:30:00.001-06:00

March Madness is really making some people crazy around here.

Long Time No Post

2011-03-14T12:18:00.001-06:00

I haven't posted much lately because we haven't really been doing anything too out of the ordinary. I teach Sunday School every other week, Rusty works a lot, and Asher is cute and occasionally terrible two-y. But I must record something for posterity that happened this weekend.

I totally kicked Rusty's behind in bowling. This is a big deal because generally I can't bowl to save my life. At least two or three (or several) gutter balls a game. But this Saturday I got three strikes in a row. And then a couple tries later I got another one. It was a great way to celebrate the fifth anniversary of our first date. (I have no idea how that was five years ago. I remember when five years felt like a lot of time)

Also, Rusty has some art up at a gallery in Bountiful (the Bountiful Davis Art Center) They accepted less than half of all the entries, so it's exciting that they took two of Rusty's paintings.

Rusty and I both (finally) got on Facebook. Maybe someday we'll even get cellphones.

I started a book blog: readthisinstead.blogspot.com Last year I read over 60 books, so I figure a separate blog is better than filling the family one with book reviews. This year I've finished 17 already so I'll be posting lots more reviews soon.

Things We've Done the Last Couple of Weekends

2011-01-30T20:31:00.009-07:00

So, I haven't been the best about blogging. I could go back to document our Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's (I was in the bathroom) but I think I'll just start with the present.
We've had a couple of really good weekends which I took no pictures of. Last weekend we took Asher to the mall play place, did a little shopping, and ate at Burger Supreme. It was amazingly good. Rusty even said my veggie burger was better than his guacamole & beef one. Asher ate a corn dog like there was no tomorrow. All in all it was just a really fun family date.

This past weekend was more low key (as we're still slightly sick.... bleh) but we went to a pot luck with some of Rusty's friends from work. It's really fun to be social with other adults! I had almost forgotten. None of them had kids (some were even that rare specimen of people that don't exist in my mommy world - single adults!) and Asher was the star of the night. At least I won't let anyone tell me differently. :)

It's nice to do things out of the ordinary. I'm hoping to do more of that this year. And on that note, here are some non-ordinary pictures from the last couple of months.

We made Christmas cookies. These are Rusty's handiwork.

My sister-in-law Heidi was the big winner of this year's Christmas white elephant gift exchange. That chair is seriously huge.

Asher likes to play in the snow

and wear Rusty's boots.

Here's hoping for a fun, adventurous, out of the ordinary 2011.

Merry Christmas from our Potty to Yours.

2010-12-29T21:38:00.003-07:00

We love a good Christmas Potty.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T10:49:00.004-07:00

from the Gregory's

Provo Tabernacle on Fire

2010-12-17T11:48:00.001-07:00

This makes me really sad:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=13693318

I have a lot of nice memories of things from the Provo Tabernacle.

Spider Man on Saturday Morning

2010-12-14T18:31:00.003-07:00

This is was Spider Man sports in the morning while he takes a little joy ride.

El Nino!

2010-12-14T18:14:00.003-07:00

Most know of El Nino as being a very powerful storm. He frequently visits our apartment to show his wrath and raw power. I think God made kids really cute so we would be able to forgive them so quickly...and frequently. Unfortunately the cow ornament did not survive the storm. Don't worry we had a nice service for him.

Chicago Trip & Halloween

2010-11-14T13:49:00.010-07:00

A couple weeks ago Asher and I met up with my family in Chicago to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday. She actually won't be 90 for a couple more weeks, but the end of October was the time that worked out best for everyone.

leading the singing

Grandma, her three kids, three grandkids, and three great grandkids

3 is a magic number

Asher loved seeing his cousins and meeting my brother Mike and sister in law Amber. Too bad he had some SERIOUS mommy attachment issues. He cried and cried any time I left the room (to go to the bathroom, to take a shower). Poor little guy. He still hasn't recovered from that. He won't go to nursery anymore. But that's a story for another time.

Since we were in Chicago for Halloween we didn't really do anything to celebrate it. But here are some cute pictures of Asher dressing up anyway.

cougar fan

bashful rockstar

mini-Peeta

skeleton man

male model

budding photographer

Mick and Amber channel American Gothic

scary grandma

The only time my dad has made it on the blog

partial group shot

Evening Reverence - Provo Temple

2010-10-31T22:01:00.003-06:00

I love the temple. The light was so beautiful tonight. I am so glad I grabbed my camera and headed outside.

Busy Bee Book Signing

2010-10-28T06:17:00.000-06:00

Come join in the book signing for Marsipity a Moonbeam 2010 Award Winning Halloween book at the Busy Bee in Mountain View, WY. There will be amazing pumpkin rolls and some tasty witch fingers!

Nursery Man!

2010-10-17T21:04:00.004-06:00

Today Asher went the whole time in nursery during church without mom or dad. Our little boy is growing up. Sunday school was so nice today. He lasted about 5 min. during sacrament meeting until the screaming to run around alarm started. Nursery is definitely good for him.

New Toy Drive - In memory of Karli

2010-10-10T23:00:00.001-06:00

My sister Shelby Shaw's 10 year old cousin in-law Karli past away on Sunday the 3rd from Cancer. We are helping her family with a New Toy Drive for Karli's cancer ward in the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. If you would like to donate please contact me, rustyjgregory@gmail.com.

Rusty's Art Show

2010-09-29T11:18:00.003-06:00

Opens this Friday. We'd love it if you could make it to the reception.
Friday, October 1 at 6:30

Marsipity is also on sale online now.

A New Post

2010-09-17T11:41:00.006-06:00

As much as I love me some Hunger Games, it's time for something else to grace the top spot on the blog. We don't have a ton going on these days, other than that Rusty has another scout activity this weekend (that starts at 1 AM Ugh!), I'm thinking of signing Asher up for a little guy swim class, and I might sign up to try to be an extra for the Church's New Testament movies

So here are some lovely pictures, some more recent than others.

Asher sure loves to try to feed himself.

I swear he is the spitting image of Rusty.

Rusty had a book signing the last Saturday in August. It was fun.

the booth before the fun began

Look how happy we are not to be lost on the way to Tooele anymore! (it was so windy out)

Our garden did ok this year. We have lots and lots of zucchini.

Mockingjay Review

2010-08-31T11:14:00.005-06:00

I haven't done a book review in awhile, so here's one on the book I was most looking forward to reading this summer. Ever since Rusty and I finished the first two Hunger Games books, I have been singing their praises to anyone who would listen. I had some small reservations, just because the books have a fair amount of violence (kids forced to fight to the death usually isn't my style). But the books were so suspenseful, interesting, and full of social commentary that I couldn't resist.

So I had some expectations for the final book. I thought I knew how it would play out, who would die, who would kill who, etc. I won't be spoilery and say if I was right or not. I'll just give a disclaimer. Mockingjay is not a happy book. You'll feel like you've been through the war and back after you finish it. The tone is dark. The violence is ridiculous, nearly constant, and completely over the top. By the end, Rusty had mixed feelings. This is his least favorite of the series.

But I really liked it. The violence was hard for me. The book made me cry at multiple parts. But the themes and messages were so powerful. Don't trust the media. Why we have wars. What they do to the people who have to fight them. How far should you go in fighting, and what does it do to you to go there? Is all fair in love and war? What does it really mean to love someone? What is romantic love based on? How do you deal with the hard things that happen to you or people you love? How do you deal with losing the people you love? How do you know what is real?

So I'm still recommending the series, but with the warning that the last one is a tough, tough read. Has anyone else finished the book?

August Happenings

2010-08-21T19:45:00.004-06:00

To remind me that this summer has been more than being sick, having stuff stolen, and other less cool things....

We have done a lot of fun stuff in the last week or so. Our camera is out of batteries, which is a silly excuse, but one that has prevented us from taking pictures just the same. So this will be lots of text.

Anyway, last Saturday we celebrated a very late Father's Day. Asher and I made Rusty breakfast and then we all had fun going shopping for some fatherly things (like dress pants for Rusty. He's still wearing the suit from his mission. He adds "it is in great shape"). And a new car battery. Nothing says manly like car repair. :)

On ($2) Tuesday I went to Thanksgiving Point with my old roommie Melissa. She has a pretty sweet minivan, complete with a DVD player that made Asher very happy. We played around in the gigantic children's garden. I'd never been before but it was so much fun. Asher's favorite thing was a little stream he splashed and splashed in. I didn't have him in a swim diaper and I think he took half the stream with him.... Too bad I was camera-less but maybe I will steal some pictures from Melissa if she gets a chance to post some. I love doing stuff with her. We can cover the spectrum of topics from healthcare reform to HOA fees to books. She's been a great friend to me for a long time.
This is Noah's arc that kids can splash around in at the children's garden.

Friday was my post-surgery follow up with my doctor. I was kind of dreading it, and it was kind of tough. I thought I had a handle on everything and an understanding of what had happened (at least physically) but I got more information and more to think about, I guess. Sometimes knowing more doesn't really help when there's nothing you can do about it.
But, Friday was made a little sweeter because a website leaked the first chapter of a book I have so been wanting to read that won't officially come out until next week. (yes, it's Hunger Games 3). So, so good. Rusty and I both got to listen to it before it got yanked. Can it just be Tuesday already? :)

Today Rusty and I celebrated our 44-month-a-versary. Ok, so we don't honestly celebrate each month, but it did cross my mind that it was the 21st. Our stake threw an emergency preparedness fair, with dutch oven food and lots of ideas for 72 hour kits and emergency equipment. And hot dogs and snow cones. Asher really liked that. Then we headed to the Provo library for their Mockingjay book release party. It was all kinds of fun. We got to do nerf archery, some face painting, cupcake decorating, and Rusty did a rock climbing wall. I'm happy we live down here where there is so much free or cheap stuff to do.

If anyone is curious, I shot a 300 in archery and Rusty got a 600.

The Lounger

2010-08-12T20:26:00.001-06:00

Asher has discovered the rocking chair in his room and likes to lounge.

We're Doing Ok

2010-08-09T14:49:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to update and let you guys know that we are doing ok. The surgery went well, and I feel a lot better. I won't say that I'll never be sad about losing the baby again, but I really am feeling ok about everything. And I'm ok with talking about whatever so no one should be afraid to talk about babies or people who are pregnant or anything else. Thank you for all your comments. They really meant a lot.

Sad News, and Thoughts on Women Doctors

2010-08-05T14:47:00.003-06:00

This will be a long post, and I have a tendency to make a long story even longer, so for my cut to the chase readers, here's the short version:
I found out we lost the baby. I'll be going in for a D&C sometime tomorrow or over the weekend.

And now for the longer, Kathy-esq version. I got an email this morning from an old roommate, Reija. She's in medical school, all the way across the country from her husband (who is also working on an advanced degree). I can't imagine the toll that takes. I can't imagine, either, how conflicting it must be to be an LDS woman, who wants to be a doctor, and also wants to have a family. So I'll quote her, because she made me think, and because when you have a miscarriage you can get away with stuff like quoting your friends without asking them first....

"It's funny how just since I've gotten married all of my female classmates have started talking to me about how much they want children, whereas before they didn't really. Maybe because I'm married they think I'm a safe person to confide in? It's actually kind of comforting to know that there are other women out there really seriously considering the doctor/family balance"

I'm a big fan of women doctors. I think I'll go to midwives anytime the need arises again, and even my regular doctors are usually women. Sometimes I think they just get it in a way that some male doctors don't. (Not all male doctors.) This probably says more about me than it does about doctors, but it almost reminded me of President Hinckley's quote about sister missionaries "We need some young women. They perform a remarkable work. They can get in homes where the elders cannot." I think women doctors can help some patients in a way that male doctors cannot.

So I'm happy I was with a midwife today to hear the sad news. She couldn't find a heartbeat so she did an ultrasound. I knew right away the baby was too little. I should have also realized it wasn't moving. She said she'd have them try with the high tech ultrasound, but I asked her if the baby was too small to be about 15 weeks and she said yeah. So I knew. I think that made it easier on the ultrasound tech. I can't imagine trying to tell someone their baby was gone.

Everyone is really nice to you when you have a miscarriage. I think they were all waiting for me to lose it, and at least women don't look at you uncomfortably when you finally do. I had the option to either take some medicine that would help my body remove the baby, or to have a D&C. I seriously thought about going the medicine route, but I don't know what I would have done with the baby when it did come out. So I'll have a D&C.

So that's my story. And having typed out this novel, I don't really want to talk about it anymore. I mean, comments are fine, but next time you see me I'd rather you didn't bring it up. If that changes I'll let people know.

Does Anybody Know....

2010-08-03T16:17:00.002-06:00

what happens when your tithing check bounces? Maybe someone('s spouse) was a clerk and knows this sort of thing?

And, yep, you guessed it.... we're still trying to get our little banking mix up sorted out.

This Makes Me Laugh

2010-08-02T14:43:00.000-06:00

It's the new commercial for the BYU Library, a la the Old Spice Superbowl commercial

This Is Why You Should Always Balance Your Checkbook

2010-07-27T16:03:00.002-06:00

Allow me a moment to pontificate....

I used to work for a bank (one that went under, but I'm sure this would be true at any bank). I was shocked by how often people had no idea how much money they had in their account. Usually it was far less than they were expecting. Occasionally that was because some of it had been stolen. That was always really sad.

So I'm balancing the checkbook today, and lo and behold!, someone has tried to steal a lot of money out of our account. Several calls to the bank and the police later, all I can say is GRRRRR. I know it will get fixed... but these things just take forever.

So please, please, please check your accounts regularly. Even if you are safe with your sensitive information. A lot of people don't realize they have overdraft coverage on their accounts, sometimes up to $1000. That means the bad guys can take all your money, and then another thousand on top of that. That really sucks.

I wish I could say "you're going down, bad guys!" but the truth is that most of the time the thieves aren't caught. You still get your money back, and I'm not sure if it's the place they buy stuff from or the credit card company that takes the loss, but it's not the bad guys. Thankfully it won't be us, either. Don't let it be you.

Ok, end of rant.

Lake Hardy and Thunder Mountain

2010-07-25T22:22:00.009-06:00

Over looking Lehi ect. from Thunder Mountain

A View of downtown Salt Lake City from Thunder

around 11,000 feet on Thunder Mountain

The snow felt so good on my feet

A view of Lake Hardy through the brush from my chair

Meadow below Hardy (just one more hill)

On the trail above Alpine

Lake Hardy - (Hard with a spice of Thunder) was the last scout outing about a week ago. The hike up was great, not too terribly hard going up. Leave your fishing poles at home because there are no sticken fish in that lake (I'm over it). It was a lot of fun to hike to the top of Thunder Mountain for the scout On Target. It is somewhere between 10 and 11,000 feet in all. The hike wasn't too long but it was a vertical mile UP. Like I said the going up wasn't too bad but the coming down was a killer! It was a one night trip filled with plenty of sun, jerky, some rock tossing, summer snow angels, a wicked view, and a leg burning time. Seriously my legs were so tired when we reached the truck.

Trepidation

2010-07-16T15:25:00.002-06:00

So, update time. Announcing Gregory #2, making an appearance late January/early February.
So why the trepidation? Because I've gotten some scary reactions from people about the news. They seem to go one of two ways (basically from people at the doctor's office). It's either, wow, your kids will be pretty close together. Or, oh, you guys were right on schedule to have another one.
Really?
Who decides what's too close? Or when "right on schedule" is?
Sorry to rant. Just thought I'd share the news and give my "excuse" for being so flaky lately. Sorry if I haven't called/emailed back, or visit taught you, or shown up for your party/event/fill in the blank. We're thinking this one is probably a girl, since pregnancy sickness has hit me hard. Then I got a sinus infection. Yuck. Rusty is actually at a scout campout this weekend so my in-laws picked up Asher. It makes me sad that I'm having a hard time taking care of my own little boy, but I guess I'm just grateful for people who want to help. Hopefully in a few more weeks I'll be feeling like myself again. :)

In other news, Rusty's book is finally out! We actually have a few copies now so that's been really exciting. He may be doing a sort of launch party in Orem as it gets closer to Halloween (since it's a Halloween book). I'll have to post more about it as it gets closer.

Heavy Drinking & Fishing

2010-06-30T22:49:00.008-06:00

Asher has rediscovered drinking his breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, snack, dinner, and snack. It's heavy.

Rusty and the scouts have discovered fish at Strawberry. Too bad the leaders were the only ones who made this discovery.

Weekend Fun

2010-06-06T16:41:00.006-06:00

We have introduced the toothbrush to Asher who is a big drooling fan.

We went to Wyoming for part of Memorial Day weekend. It snowed on the way up. Asher really liked the dogs. He nearly pulled all the hair out of smokey's tail. I think he had a lot of fun with his cousins too.

Asher and Race.

We went to my mom's for actual Memorial Day and grilled portabello mushrooms. They were amazing. Rusty is a great grill master. For some reason I had taken Asher's change of clothes out of the diaper bag, so we had to improvise a bit when he had a little blow out.
Aloha Asher! He enjoyed sporting his new pillow case lava lava.

Yesterday was free fishing day and we actually went fishing! It was a lot of fun. Rusty caught a fish and Asher just laughed and laughed at it. I wish I had gotten a picture of it. Here's Asher in the car on the ride home.

He really likes bbq sauce.

In recent events Asher has tried to start is own counterfit ring here at the house using the scanner. The only problem he has right now is we are out of colored ink to print out the fake blue and red coins. I don't know what we will do when he discovers Monopoly cash!---This just in, Asher has now tried counterfitting the yellow and orange coins too. He'll make millions.

If only they were stars

2010-06-03T22:56:00.002-06:00

Asher loves to play with his food. What a puppy dog look. "I sorry Ma ma ma ma mummm".

My Niece Rocks

2010-05-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

Book Review Roundup

2010-05-18T10:03:00.001-06:00

Rusty and I have read quite a few books (again) and eventually we'll get around to reviewing them. Here's the rundown....

The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

This may sound like a cutesy little girl book, but was actually really good. It won the Newbery Honor award.

The Great and Terrible series by Chris Stewart (Rusty did these)

The parts I did read from these were a little over the top for me, so I didn't read much. Rusty really liked them, but I think he was disappointed with the ending.

Fablehaven 5 by Brandon Mull
Maybe not the very best of the series, but still good.

We even read some books by authors who aren't LDS (unlike the last three)

The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Pretty much the funniest books I've read all year.

Right now I'm alternating between reading The Sugar Solution and The Candy Shop War. They actually have nothing in common... the first is about better managing your blood sugar and the second is another kid novel by Brandon Mull. Rusty is listening to Dracula, which is apparently kind of gross.

What are you reading now?

"Camping" Trip

2010-05-16T20:32:00.004-06:00

What exactly makes "camping" camping? Is it sleeping in a tent? Is it sleeping in the outdoors? Is sleeping really a necessary part of it?
I'm not sure, but we sure gave "camping" our best shot Friday night. It was originally the scout's father & sons campout (which meant another weekend of Rusty being gone) but it magically evolved into a ward campout. So Asher and I decided to give it a go. Sometimes it gets pretty lonely with Rusty having a scout campout every four weekends or so. Since March. And through August.

Who needs to camp that much?

But anyway, we packed 72 hours worth of stuff for an overnighter and headed out to the Sand Dunes. It was really pretty. We tried to get Asher to go down around 9 so that he'd be good and tired. And he walked and crawled around the tent, and pretty much wouldn't lay down. Eventually we just took him for a drive so he'd fall asleep. Then we were treated to the sounds of the Young Men and Young Women attempting to flirt until around 1:30 when Asher woke up screaming. So we went for another car ride. Asher fell asleep and I wasn't going to move him. He and I hung out in the car where he slept like an angel, I took 20-30 minute naps in the front seat, and Rusty froze in the tent.

The tent was more for decoration.

So maybe sleep isn't essential after all.
The next morning we climbed around the Dunes, which was actually really fun. Asher ate his weight in sand.
I think he had a great time. We managed to stay awake long enough to drive home, and then all crashed. Several loads of laundry and naps later, I think we're finally recovering. :)

In light of these events, Rusty is already planning the June campout/fishing trip.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T14:26:00.003-06:00

to all the women I know! It's been a good day in the Gregory house. I woke up to breakfast in bed from my two favoritest guys in the world.
don't mind me... I just woke up
Asher thinks we're so silly

We had a great day yesterday, too. Rusty took Asher in the morning to help with the boy scout's yard sale so I could go for a run (and to the library - I love that place) I helped out too when I got back, and then we spent some time weeding in the community garden that we're part of this year. It was hard work! Asher loved it. I've never seen a kid try to eat so many rocks and dirt clods. Too bad we forgot the camera. But, needless to say, it was bathtime after that.

Here are a few pictures of our recent adventures. Asher walks now. He started 2 or 3 (or 4?) weeks ago. We try to spend as much time outside as we can these days, which makes everyone happy.
wanting to go out and play.
our recent trip to Temple Square
we'd never been to the Beehive House. It was cool.
Asher got this car for his birthday and loves it.
He really does wear clothes most of the time.

Semi Pro Bro - Asher's first football game

2010-05-01T21:55:00.003-06:00

Asher's first football game. It was a lot of fun even if it rained a little.

the boss

2010-04-30T23:00:00.003-06:00

Our little boss has been teething like a shark lately. He had his first taste of BBQ Chipotle hamburger the other day and loved it. He is a good little eater...when he wants. These pictures were taken a little over a week ago while at a park before sundown. There was a group of single adults having a closing social that caused our little dapper to give the googly eye when ever the ladies walked by.

Asher's Birthday Bash

2010-04-07T07:31:00.006-06:00

He didn't get too messy, but I think he liked it. :)

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T18:19:00.003-06:00

Conference Bingo. I totally won.

Happy Ash-Day!

2010-04-01T23:05:00.002-06:00

It's the BIG ONE!

I Met NieNie at Target Today

2010-03-25T13:06:00.004-06:00

I don't read nie nie. (I don't think they make buttons for that, either) Not because of some reason not to, just because I've never really taken the opportunity. But I know plenty of people who do, and I've frequented the blogs enough to have a vague idea of who she is. She and her family went through some kind of terrible accident, she was badly burned, she is grateful to be alive, she writes an inspiring blog. I hope that doesn't sound condescending - that's really all I know. And at some point I must have seen a picture of her.

So anyway, I'm in Target today trying to find a few things for Asher's birthday party. And a lady with a very full cart walks past, and I think she looks like nie nie. I wanted to look again but then I figure it would be pretty rude to take another look at a lady who has obviously been burned pretty badly, and that she probably gets tired of people staring, no matter who she is.
So I keep on shopping and run into her again several minutes later. We make a couple comments about big carts and small aisles while I try to find some things. I noticed the skin colored glove she was wearing, which seemed to indicate that she hadn't just been burned on her face. I almost asked her if she was the lady who "wrote that blog" but again I think that's a pretty dumb idea, because either she is, and I actually know absolutely nothing about her, or she's not, and I will feature prominently in her idiot of the day story.
That gets me thinking about the time I ran into one of Rusty's old roommates a few weeks after I had Asher and he asked me how much longer until I had the baby. I think he became my idiot of the month last May.
So I finish shopping, thinking about other idiot stories and check out. And, of course, in the lane next to mine is this same lady also checking out. Except that now old ladies are coming up and hugging her and saying who knows what. And I think, wow, she just looks really tired. Maybe they should just leave her alone. We finish up at the check stands at the same time. And that's just awkward to keep running into the same person multiple times in a store, especially when they are somewhat of a local celebrity.
Her cart was still very full and she still looked tired, so I asked her if she needed any help with her stuff. Except she didn't hear me at first. So she puts on a big smile and says hello and I wondered how many times she's had to do that for all the random people who come up to her. So I just repeat my question and she points to an upcoming Target guy and says she's good.
I think I'm grateful that when I go to Target no one knows me and I can just shop in peace.

10 & 11 Month Posts

2010-03-14T12:40:00.005-06:00

Since Asher is just a few short weeks from his first birthday, I better get these posts going! He is such a fun little boy - smiling, dozing into us, being a speed demon crawler, babbling up a storm, saying da da da daaa da dee to Rusty (and various household objects).
At about 11-ish months he made the transition to formula. He likes it well enough to drink it, so we're happy. I quit pumping for my half birthday. It was great. I don't miss it.
He cruises all over the house and does this funny one footed, one kneed crawl. He loves to crawl up our porch steps (and eat the leaves he finds) He'll even stand on his own for a few seconds before falling on his bum.
In February he got teeth 2 and 3. I suspect #4 will break through any day now.
can you see them?
We love him.
at 10 months (still loving the computer)
with his cousin for Valentine's
Guess which favorite bathtime duck sprung a leak?
About 11 months. Our camera is out of batteries so we haven't taken many pictures lately.

Woo Hoo!

2010-03-08T20:47:00.007-07:00

Rusty's book is available for pre-order on Amazon:

Check it out!

It's pretty cool to see his name online, especially since we weren't the ones to do it (and it doesn't say "don't accept checks from" in front of it)

Firsts I'd Rather Forget

2010-03-01T13:55:00.002-07:00

I have a feeling today is going to be "one of those" days....

Earlier Asher had his first face-plant injury. He thinks he can stand, but his legs say otherwise. The poor guy fell down and came up with blood coming out of his mouth. His little teeth are so sharp I'm not sure what he bit, but he wouldn't let me look in his mouth. He was crying hard and I was pretty close. Then his nose started running and I had the pleasure of cleaning both blood and baby boogies off my little boy.

We got about an hour reprieve before our first call to poison control. Asher found some diaper rash cream and had himself a little snack. I was just waiting for the poison control lady to ask me what kind of parent leaves bum paste out where a baby can get it, but she was very nice. Apparently the stuff is bad only in very large quantities. But I get to keep Asher up for another half an hour or so until she calls us back to make sure he's ok.

The number for poison control is 1-800-222-1222 in case you were curious.

Actual Book Reviews

2010-02-25T09:07:00.005-07:00

In response to a few comments on my last post, here's a little more on the books I read.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Summary:
"Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most."

How I heard about it:
Rusty, and my visiting teaching companion, April

Are there more of them?
Yep. 5 books, with the last one coming out at the end of March.

What I liked:
The characters are fun, even the bad guys; the pacing is good (after the first book); the theme that things (and people) aren't always what they seem; and the unexpected plot twists.

Watch out for:
Nothing really objectionable. Some fighting, some not listening to adults that leads to trouble.

Overall:
I've enjoyed these. I wouldn't judge the series by the first book; I think it's the weakest and has a slower start. I was frustrated with Seth multiple times and had some trouble suspending my disbelief - it was a little hard to buy that untrained kids could pull off things that more experienced adults couldn't. But each book gets increasing better, and I was sucked into them. There's a good cliffhanger at the end of the fourth book, so you might want to wait until the fifth is out to read them.

2010-02-25T08:41:00.001-07:00

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Summary:
"It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options. Yet even as suspicious neighbors stockpile food in anticipation of a looming winter without heat or electricity, Miranda knows that that her future is still hers to decide even if life as she knew it is over."

How I heard about it:
An online review for Hunger Games reviewed this book in the same article.

Are there more of them?
Yes, with a but. There are 3 (with the third coming out this summer, I think) but they tell the story of the moon messing up life from unrelated perspectives. Each of them can stand alone.

What I liked:
There's a great scene in the first part of the book at a grocery store. It will make you think you don't have nearly enough food storage.

Watch out for:
Language, some underage drinking, general bad attitudes, a girl who is sent away by her family with some old guy

Overall:
The book starts out interestingly, but then ran out of gas for me. I finished it to finish it, but didn't really enjoy much past the first third or so. Also the language was disappointing. It's certainly cleaner than a lot of things I had to read in high school, but was more profane than I like my books.

2010-02-25T08:40:00.002-07:00

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summary:
"In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place."

How I heard about it:
Rusty, who heard about it from a girl he worked with

Are there more of them?
3 book series, with the third coming out in August

What I liked:
The characters are well developed - there are good guys and bad guys, but I think my favorites are some of the in between-ers (Katniss, Haymitch, Finnick, Johanna); the plot has lots of unexpected twists and turns; the fast pacing (although the cliff hanger at the end of nearly every chapter did get a little old); the layers of meaning in the story.

Watch out for:
Violence, violence, violence. For the most part it's not gory or graphic, but there is one death near the end of Hunger Games that was really bad. Also a few uses of the "h" word, a scene of underage drinking, and a few literal uses of the phrase "sleeping together" (but no euphemistic ones)

Overall:
I've really enjoyed this series. When Rusty first told me about a book where poor, starving teenagers are forced to fight to the death for food, I wasn't exactly interested. But the characters are easy to relate to (even if their situation isn't), the tone is dark but sarcastically funny, and I felt like I had to find out what would happen next. I also think the books are heavy on symbolism, including Christian imagery.

Why it's the best thing I've read this year:
These books made me think. Sure they're entertaining, and have a lot of action and a nice little love triangle. But what are they really about? A girl who has a tough life and has to fight against some really brutal circumstances, all while trying to decide between two compelling boys? Hmmmm...
Or is it a critique of our obsession with (completely fabricated) "reality" TV, or violent media? Or a rebuke of how Americans are blissfully unaware not only of the poverty in the rest of the world, but also our role in exploiting other countries? Or is it about the roles we play in our lives, whether we want to or not (and how we create roles for the people around us)? Or is it about trying to do the right thing, not always knowing what that is, and being torn between the "natural man" and the more selfless route? (maybe that's why some people so badly want Katniss to pick Peeta in the end)
That's the long answer for why I liked the books so much. Whether or not those themes are really the point of the book (or are really even in the book), I've had fun chewing on them since I read it. It made me feel like I was in school again, using those very dusty critical thinking skills. :)

Where Have I Been Lately?

2010-02-24T09:57:00.003-07:00

I feel like I've been MIA in blogging lately. Here's what's occupying my time...

potty-mouth Asher. That boy can't get enough of the bathroom; the tub, trying to kiss the toilet, making streamers out of the toilet paper. This morning he got mad when I wouldn't let him play with the toilet brush. That silly boy. He's also cruising all over the place. I think he'll be walking soon.

reading, reading, reading. I sure love reading. I listened to the book "Life As We Knew It" (about a meteor hitting the moon and messing up the world. It may sound interesting, but it's not worth your time), and read the four Fablehaven books (they're like the early Harry Potter books. Not quite as good/deep, but still very entertaining.) I also read the last Percy Jackson (of recently released movie fame) book aloud to Rusty, since he had finished the first four. Now I'm on the waiting list at the library for the first book in that series.

So six books since I last wrote about reading. It's nice to read and reminisce on a time when I used to look at books critically and felt somewhat smart. :) I'm looking forward to the last Fablehaven book that comes out next month, but not quite like I'm looking forward to Mockingjay (the last Hunger Games book) that comes out this summer. That is still the best thing I've read this year, by far.

zumba. I'm taking a community aerobics class twice a week that I absolutely love. Zumba is mix of aerobics and Latin dance, which makes it a great work out. It's nice to (finally) start dropping the last of the baby weight!

other odds and ends: our upstairs neighbors' toilet overflowed (again) so we got to shampoo the carpets , Rusty unfortunately got a basketball injury (again), we switched Asher to formula and I've just about completely quit pumping (happy day!). I had to get a root canal. I don't know why that has the stigma of being crazy painful. It didn't hurt at all. (But, ok, the lead up to it was pretty rough)

So that's that. I'll have another Asher-centric post soon.

All Gussied in our Sunday best!

2010-02-21T14:37:00.004-07:00

Asher now fits into his 12 month suit. He is a little short in the pants but fills out the shirt nicely.

What do you get when...?

2010-02-21T14:32:00.004-07:00

What do you get when you combine Church ball, high school heros, and a good foul?

If you guessed a finger that bends in the wrong direction you're correct!

Asher's Words of Wisdom

2010-02-10T15:15:00.002-07:00

a ...M ,,9KLO09PO ≥

M,M. lmmmmmml
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0045120 0

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One of Asher's favorite new "toys" is the keyboard. 10 month post coming soon, maybe when the little man relinquishes the computer.

Asher Was Here

2010-02-05T10:25:00.005-07:00

Why yes, those are baby wipes with bite marks taken out of them. Bonus if you can find the socks in there.

Forget pants on the ground. How about a whole basket of clothes!

Guess who picked out his outfit this morning. I think the red vest really completes the ensemble.

Family Resemblance

2010-02-02T10:00:00.006-07:00

I think I see it.

Asher makes the exact same face I did, I just can't get a great picture of it.

Super Calzones!

2010-01-28T08:45:00.002-07:00

Last night Rusty taught his scouts how to make calzones. (The other week he asked them what they wanted to do and they said cooking.) These happen to be a specialty at the Gregory house, and are actually really easy. So I thought I'd share how we do it.

This is my favorite recipe for the dough. I got it from a girl I knew in Wymount.

Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

1 T yeast

1 C warm water

1 t sugar

2 T oil

2 ½ C flour

1 t salt

Directions:

Mix yeast, sugar, and water. Let sit for 5 min

Add remaining ingredients

Beat 20 strokes and let rise for 5-10 min

Bake at 425° until done (10-12 minutes)

It's great because it's fast, only requires stuff we normally have around the house, and is pretty fool proof. We usually make our own pizza sauce, but you can always pick some up at the store. Then we top them with cheese, pineapple, pepperoni, etc. If we're making calzones instead of pizza I just roll the dough into a circle, put toppings on half of it, pull up the other half of the dough on top of it, and then fold the perimeter of the bottom dough over the top to seal it off. Sometimes it even looks pretty.

Anyway, it was so easy that even the 14 year old boys did a great job. And Rusty got to bring home some leftovers. I know what I'm having for lunch today!

Up, Up, and Away

2010-01-26T13:08:00.006-07:00

In the last month Asher has gone from just learning to army crawl, to crawling, to pulling up to everything!

ok, we may have put him up there

king of the cushions

Here's a video we caught of him climbing up the couch

And I just threw this one in because I think it's cute. Asher loves to splash in the bath, and he loves that duck!

The Pop Culture Bandwagon

2010-01-20T14:26:00.004-07:00

I feel like I'm often late to the party on things, but here I go again...

In the last week Rusty and I tackled both "The Hunger Games" and "Catching Fire." So good. Has anyone else read these? I guess we didn't actually read them... we listened to the CD's, thus enabling us to finish them both and still do (a few) other things.

Rusty said he wasn't sure if we made a point not to be trendy, or were just behind the times. Either way I'm just excited for August when the next book comes out.

Reverse Tooth Fairy

2010-01-18T16:10:00.001-07:00

Asher (finally) got a visit from the reverse tooth fairy. He won't let us get a picture but I'll post one when I can.

Sunday Best Vest

2010-01-17T16:29:00.003-07:00

This is a vest that one of our nephews wore when Rusty and I got married. He's (obviously) grown out of it now, so Asher gets to wear it.

I Love Saturdays

2010-01-16T07:59:00.002-07:00

It's the one day of the week when I don't feel guilty at all for taking a nap when Asher does. :)

Car Seat Recommendations

2010-01-15T08:14:00.003-07:00

Rusty and I are starting to look into forward-facing car seats for Asher, since it will be that time in a couple months. Any recommendations? Did you go for a convertible car seat or one that just faces forward? I'm not sure which to buy.

Right now is the big 50-75% off clearance on baby (and toy) stuff at Target so I think we'll be picking one up soon.

Bountiful/Davis Art Center Show

2010-01-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

I have three illustrations in the show. It is very exciting. Check it out up in Bountiful. Click on the flyer if you need the address.

A Post A Day: Asher at 9 Months

2010-01-13T08:20:00.004-07:00

I think the biggest developments this past month with Asher were:
how do you open this thing?
army crawling! His present to mom and dad on Christmas Day. It is so cute. Now he does a mix of regular crawling, bear crawling and army crawling. That kid is fast!
being hogtied... I mean, getting ready for church
sleeping in until 7 (and sometimes 7:30). This is another great present he's given to us, starting a couple days after Christmas.
He loves it when we read to him (and then he chews on the books)
still no teeth. But I can feel seven in his mouth right now. And I think he could feel them too last night. Yikes.

He tips the scales at a little over 19 lbs (30%) and is 29 inches long (about 80%). He wears 12 month size clothes for everything but pants, so he's got his mom's torso but not his dad's legs (yet).
the suit's still a little too big
He still loves bath time, running away when we try to change him or get him dressed, babbling (wa wa and da da da deee are his current favorites), eating, being in the bathroom, the carbon monoxide detector (and the light on it), and anything and everything he's not supposed to get into.
He's getting away!
We sure love him.
Asher at 9 months

A Post A Day Challenge

2010-01-12T08:27:00.002-07:00

I've had some friends and family try to write on their blog once a day for a certain amount of time and I thought I'd give it a go. I'm going to make it one of the things on my birthday "to do" list.

So for today, here's a bit about the list I've alluded to a few times.
I first made a birthday to do list when I turned 23. I used to be kind of sad when my birthday came around - feeling unaccomplished for my years. So I decided to make a list of things I wanted to do and then when I hit 24 I would feel good about what I had accomplished.

So I did 23 things, ranging from driving a pick up truck for the first time, to reading the Old Testament, to getting a master's degree. And I did feel good when I turned 24.

I decided to do it again this year for a few different reasons. But a big one is that a lot of what I do as a stay at home mom doesn't really stay done. The dishes/laundry/diaper changes all need to be done again and again, food needs to be made multiple times a day, etc. So I wanted some goals that would stay done when I finished them. :)

To me, the goals are not like New Year's resolutions. My resolutions were always things I knew I should be doing, but didn't want to. (maybe that's just me) My birthday list is full of things I want to do but haven't gotten around to yet. I think they're fun. I'm excited about them.

So that's the story. I'm not going to post my list. Some goals are more personal, and the list is pretty fluid. Maybe I'll do a recap of what I did for my next birthday.

Christmas and New Year's

2010-01-08T10:49:00.001-07:00

were a lot of fun. But they also feel like they were a long time ago now. I had half a post finished when the internet went weird, so here are a few pictures and some brief commentary.

hot cocoa bar. So delicious.
Christmas scripture reading list. And a hidden Asher.
Christmas goodies for our neighbors.
Getting ready to deliver the goodies.

Asher likes it when we put that duck on our heads. Rusty got new pj pants.
The (in)famous white elephant gift exchange.
Tuckered out.
Helping daddy work in their new pj's.
New Year's Day at my mom's

2009 Highlights
Asher joining our family
Rusty finishing his first children's book (happy day!)
Not moving during the year, for the first time in our marriage.

Asher's First Haircut

2010-01-03T19:09:00.003-07:00

Before
During
After

We're bringing short back in the Gregory house.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T11:08:00.002-07:00

Time Flies

2009-12-21T15:02:00.004-07:00

when you're having fun. Happy 3 years!

The Tonight Show's Song for Mormon's

2009-12-19T19:48:00.002-07:00

This is a funny clip.

Caught Red Handed

2009-12-17T11:14:00.003-07:00

Busted!

No pictures please

Trying to hide the evidence under the chair

If you take it away mommy I'll just pull it over to me

Since it was a first offense I let him off easy.

Guestures, Anyone?

2009-12-11T10:01:00.003-07:00

So, I've lost my voice. As I can't remember making any deals with the sea witch recently I'm not sure how it happened. Is this the sort of thing you go to a doctor for? (I would call and ask, but that's not really any option now)

Asher and Rusty had a good time this morning while I tried to act out different things I was trying to tell them. I could have just written it down, but where's the fun in that?

Oh well, at least I have my legs. And a husband.

sleeping boy

2009-12-10T20:03:00.002-07:00

Here is our little man sleeping like normal...with his hands behind his head. What a ham.

Asher at 8 Months

2009-12-06T10:43:00.005-07:00

Likes...

chewing on the remote
bath time
sucking on his bottom lip or thumb
saying things that sound like "mom" or "da da da" or "dad-eee"
trying to escape when we change him/get him dressed
solid foods
rolling all over the floor
to stand! That is his favorite way to be

I wish I were standing now

Doesn't like....

being changed or dressed
sleeping past 6:30 lately
when the food/milk runs out

at 28 inches he towers over his puppy

Had....

his first Thanksgiving (we forgot to take pictures)
his first hair trim

Doesn't.....

have any teeth
crawl (but will push himself backwards)

This month one (or all) of us spent a good amount of time being sick, so we've been a little behind in doing stuff like blogging. We just put up our tree yesterday!

Before & After, By The Numbers

2009-11-25T11:33:00.006-07:00

Number of inches cut: 12
Number of braids my hair was parted into: 4 (I have a lot of hair)
Number of hours the cut took: 2
Number of $ the cut cost: 0
Number of times the girl had cut hair for someone who was donating it: 0
Number of times during the cut that I wondered if I would regret it: a few
Number of times I have regretted getting it cut: 0
Number of times (now) that I've donated my hair to charity: 1
Number of little kids with cancer who will get a wig from my donated hair: about 0.125
Number of things accomplished from my birthday "to do" list: 3

Before (actually from a couple months ago)

After

The Power of Example

2009-11-23T11:33:00.003-07:00

Yesterday at church I had an opportunity to realize just how much we set examples for people, especially when we don't realize it.

One of the girls in our ward was holding Asher and he started to fuss. So she made a little buzzing sound in his ear to calm him down. I happen to do that fairly often when he fusses, but I never dreamed that anyone else noticed, let alone would try to replicate it. I've never had anyone so obviously imitate what I do. I was starting to scare myself wondering what else I do that other people pay attention to.

Thankfully I didn't have too much time to worry about it .... the girl's 12 year old brother leaned over to their older brother and started buzzing in his ear. The only thing I had to worry about then was not peeing my pants in the middle of Sacrament Meeting.
This onesie looked huge when I bought it last year on clearance. Oh well, at least he got to wear it once.

The Birthday Boy

2009-11-18T11:54:00.002-07:00

Rusty had a birthday this week. We may not have gotten any pictures, but we did have fun. We started out with some orange rolls for breakfast, then opened presents. Rusty even got a new drivers license to celebrate the big day (or because his old one expired). He sure takes a good picture. :)

My mom took us to dinner that night. We went to El Gallo in Provo, which I totally recommend. We ate cactus, among other things, and really liked it. Then my mom hung out at our house after we put Asher down so that Rusty and I could get some birthday Coldstone (love the free birthday club ice cream) and catch a movie (2012).

Happy birthday Rusty!

Oh Carrots

2009-11-13T10:20:00.003-07:00

Gregory Favorites

2009-11-12T07:38:00.005-07:00

Asher likes....

1. Feeding himself/stealing the spoon (AKA making a mess)

2. Whispering "tee tee tee tee"
3. Carrots (I had great pictures of this, but our camera ate them)
this was after rice cereal
4. Doing everything with his left hand
5. Rocking back and forth on his little bottom
Honorable mention goes to: the talking puppy

Rusty and Kathy like....

1. Sleeping through the night (it never gets old)
2. a certain song the puppy sings about a turkey that eats applesauce
3. Good deals
4. The Scout shooting activity (targets - not each other)
5. Dancing with the Stars

Ok... so really only Rusty likes #4 and only I like #5 but they still make the list.

7 months of Asher

2009-11-10T10:20:00.004-07:00

Asher's learned some new tricks this past month... like rolling to travel across the floor (when he wants to), loving the solid foods, unfastening his diaper (but thankfully not taking it off yet), playing in his exersaucer, and getting much better at sitting up. He still tips over after a while but he is getting better every day.

The other day Rusty heard Asher grunting and fussing in his bed, so he walked in the room to find Asher "wrestling" with his blanket. It was in his mouth, and he had his little arms and legs wrapped around it like he was a little tiger or something.

The Ashman is also a little whopper! I took him to the doctor a couple weeks ago because he had a really bad rash all over his legs, bum, and back (it was a virus) and he weighed 18 lbs!!! I think it's a combo of chowing down on applesauce, peas, and pears and not caring to be mobile. He is our chubby man right now.

Still no teeth, no interest in crawling, and really not a lot of moving around. Some days I worry that he should be trying to crawl or get around more. It seems like so many other babies about his age (or younger) are more mobile. But I guess he'll set his own pace.

Halloween

2009-11-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Aunt Meg for this costume. Asher wore it on the big day.

For the ward Halloween party the night before we went as the "Western Family"

How do you break a 30-day treat fast? M&M's

After a short break, I'm back on the no treats wagon again until a certain husband's birthday

Some Visitors

2009-10-30T13:54:00.005-06:00

My mom had one of those landmark birthdays recently, so we had some extended family come into town. It was good times. We went to the Hogle Zoo, the Museum of Art, Olive Garden, and just hung out.
I think one of my favorite memories is of my little Grandma. We were all playing Skipbo and she was sort of reteaching my mom to play. My mom was about to make a bad move, and the rest of us just watched, but my Grandma wouldn't have it! She started to cough/grunt to try to warn my mom, but she didn't get it. So Grandma finally had to say no and tell her what the better move was. It was pretty funny.
It was nice to see family that we hadn't seen in over a year. We miss you guys already! Especially Mickey and Amber. Hopefully we'll all get together soon.
family dinner
a bunch of girls & 1 baby boy
everybody
some cousins who met for the first time
one funny uncle
one great uncle
a great aunt
a great grandma
and a little boy who's learning to sit up
I just like this one

Ahhhh!

2009-10-27T10:33:00.001-06:00

It's snowing. Right now. In October.

Day 21

2009-10-20T13:55:00.002-06:00

Today is day 21 of my 30 days of no treats challenge. It's one of the things I decided to do when I wrote up my "things I want to do this year" list for my birthday (which I'll eventually post about). I'm feeling pretty good about it. :)

6 Months of Asher

2009-10-14T10:10:00.004-06:00

Well, Asher is cuter than ever these days. I can't believe he is six months already. Here are some of his highlights.

Asher is gaining weight! Happy day. He moved up to the 32 %-ile for weight and is at about the 75th for height. He's already outgrown a lot of his 6-9 month clothes.

He blows raspberries like a pro, and would rather roll on his back than be in tummy time. He still won't roll onto his tummy, but I think that's a motivation problem, not an ability problem.

He is learning to sit up. Right now he can tripod but is still pretty wobbly.

Asher chews on everything! Especially his own feet, especially in the bath.

(He is also our little "fountain" during bath time. Thankfully I'm pretty good at getting out of the line of fire)

He outgrew his baby swing and it was a little sad to take it down. We also lowered his little mattress.
I feel like my baby is growing up.

Asher is quite the social butterfly. He likes making friends, and is already a hit with the ladies (oh dear!)

He's not especially fond of solid foods. We've tried rice cereal (he actually likes that), squash (not as much),

banana (not at all), and chicken (he enjoyed wearing it more than eating it). He also likes to lick apples, so maybe we'll give applesauce a go soon.

Which reminds me... When you start to give babies solid foods, how often are you supposed to do it? Every day? A few times a week? A couple times a day? Should I give him a little less milk when I give him other foods?

provo temple

2009-10-12T13:20:00.006-06:00

The Provo Utah LDS Temple in the spring. A few weeks before I took this shot there was a ton of snow on the ground.

How To Keep It Interesting

2009-10-09T14:29:00.003-06:00

As a stay at home mom

Step 1 - Kill hobo spider crawling around on your favorite pumping chair
Step 2 - Notice a couple get into loud, fairly involved, swearing dispute in the middle of the street
Step 3 - Call cops on said couple
Step 4 - Watch them leave before cops arrive
Step 5 - Feel a bit embarrassed when patrol car arrives
Step 6 - Feel like complete moron when second patrol car arrives
Step 7 - Plan what to make for dinner tonight
Step 8 - Pick up spider traps

family picture

2009-09-28T21:48:00.004-06:00

For FHE we had a "Get'er Done" night. One of the items on our list was take some pictures. It was a lot of fun to get dolled up and play with the camera.