Good to the last drop

Today actually in a few minutes I will do it. Need I remind my readers of this blog. I will order my last drink today on my starbucks experiment card. I made 200 dollars go almost all the way into 2009. Given it was buying breakfast that last 3 months for me. We will see how much I add to get me thru the year-wth the eggnog latte limited time only coming that might blow everything!

The Picture of the week

I saw my sil Malin, posted the Picture of the week. And thought I would do the same. But I think I found the one taken on Saturday up in Big cottonwood canyon. We had a picnic with Lindens and it sprinkled, then full on rained for awhile. The kids really never complained. We made the best of it and the guys where true outdoorsmen and "made fire". That's a couple of Swedes for ya! Julia was cold and was all covered up-I just love her face!

Short and Sweet

Short and Sweet is the best description of the Lindens. They are actually just that! We had such a great time with them. The 10 of us...geez..that sounds like alot, had a really relaxing time. Probably a little unbelievable being 6 under the age of 6 right? Last time they visited we lived in a tiny apartment in Tulsa and didnt have room for them to stay at our place. This time the "Holm's Swede Home" opened up and enjoyed the company! The language barrier never was a real issue for the kids, I mean come on "ponies" and "Barbies" sound the same thing in English and Swedish so we are good right? Here are some highlights from their visit.Sorry the best part didnt get captured on camera, a pedicure and pumpkin cheesecake =(. Now that is relaxing!

We miss them already.

PS thanks for the load of Swedish candy and other fun stuff! Not to mention the killer vase! Come back soon!

Sometimes you wonder why you even try to get a group picture of the gang

At Wheeler Farm-Emma, Elsa, Selma, Julia, Erik

Frida

Pappa Daniel and Norah

Norah

Erik and I show you just how windy it was up there

Frida and I -right before the Snowbird Tram. She looks great for being so scared =)


Boys and thier toys

A bday with a little cow pie shower

My kids little buddy Mia had a party out at Wheeler Farm. Lots of good times a hay ride, pet some animals and feed the ducks. What trip wouldn't be complete without the 50 cent ticket to milk a cow. To the surprise of many who got the front pew to watch the event ole Bessy had diarrhea. Opps, sorry kids we gotta hose ya'll down now along with the floor. It was hilarious-because to my surprise most all the kids still wanted to get in there and do it after they had been covered in poop by this animal. Emma didn't want to , even though she knew (cough cough) how to milk a cow. "You grab his butt and squeeze it till the milk comes down" Hmm, well kind of??? I think she was just glad she walked away poop free from the event! Couldn't resist a few pics.I even restrained myself from alot of very questionable titles to this blog.

Is it not a wig, I promise

It's way different! People have not recognized me, my kids think it is "someone elses" hair, and the verdict is all good though. 30 is nearing ever to fast..is this a last grasp back into my twenties? It is ok, my 2yr old reassured me about 50 times in one day -Mommy you cute-really cute. Gotta love this Holm boys =)

My find Connie posted this. I am not sure what I want to do learn the words and preform it or just go get me a silk blue outfit??

A good laugh

A kind of typical ride into school with the girls yesterday. The don't look out my window...she touching me....she is staring at me ...she made a face started. So I do what my childhood taught me. Mom gently or not so gently give the brakes a slam and lays down a threat. This time it was not so successful, the 3rd time around of my "knock it off" "stop fighting" I say to Emma "get your coat on!!" "I have told you that 5 times this morning" Well she did. As I pull up to the drop off aisle the cars behind me were many. Julia jumps out first and the nice 8th grader greets her-Emma next. I turn to see Emma jump out. WITH HER JACKET ON UPSIDE DOWN??? She had tried her best in the car but got her arms in the holes and the neck was around her waist and the bottom flew about around her shoulders. I saw the look on the little 8th graders face at Emma as I was laughing so hard, She was on her way and what could I do then? I am sure one of the 20 cars behind got a nice chuckle too.

We are having some interesting talks Emma and I. The latest was the conversation about the run over cat on the side of the road. Emma wonders in her child like faith why can't Jesus make the cat come back to life again? I try not to giggle like her older sister did and say that people are the most important thing for Jesus and he might want to help some people instead. Thank goodness that was good enough for her. I am not ready for the "How are babies made?". It is bad enough Julia has her possible first crush! Come on she is 6. Still kinda cute!

My 1st

Yesterday I ordered with much joy my first hot coffee since maybe June! With a chill in the air and sunshine shining bright reminding me it is fall I rejoiced at the chalkboard of Starbucks this morning. Starbucks smell has even been repulsive for my pregnant taste buds and smell detectors! I drank it-decaf- it was good-the only bad part is I saw my balance on my starbucks card. 14.036 is left for the year. Remeber this post ??Yah never know I might just be able to sneak out 5 drinks on that. Let's be realistic all us Starbucks freaks-When that Eggnog latte hits the board the card will be dry and my tummy will be jolly =)

I just got the urge for my Josh Groban Christmas CD.......

All these 1st day of this and that I figured I would share mine!

Another 1st day

The first day of Preschool was yesterday for Emma. She did great was very excited to get to be a big girl now. With lunch pal in hand she was off with big sister to take her to her classroom! Mommy didnt even get to walk her in! Well not to worry today was a differnt story she was a little gun shy but managed great. She looks so grown up in her big girl clothes I gotta remind myself she is only 4. And below she shows you just how big she is-count um all 4 fingers! Proud of you Em!

Me,my belly and my baby boy at 20 weeks........

Pictures taken by hubby Peter-
(whos hair was to curly for any close ups =) Darn Humidity)

The best we've had in a long time

Our short but very sweet vacation to Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Made possible by great grandma and grandpa! It was fantastic. Walks, duck feeding, sand box playing, apple picking, ice cream eating and story telling. All in all we couldn't have gotten a better trip anywhere else!I only took 600 or so pics and video of the 3 day trip so it was hard to choose which to blog about. I felt like a child this weekend, remember all the summer trips to grandma's house and the memories each room in that house held. It was very special and my kids thought so too. I am glad they got to build that relationship or start one in some cases with great grandma and grandpa. They are really one of a kind people, fantastic in every way. I know you will never read this grandma and grandpa-but we love you and thank you for the trip. It was amazing.


Julia 6, Grandma, Emma 4- on Labor Day 2008


Erik 2 Great Grandpa's bday he is 89


The traditional picture of the family at church. We also did this every summer growing up =)


Cousins


Erik was the taste tester of all sand creations- sorry dude maybe you will learn?


Chef Julia made cakes


In the sand kitchen many yummy recipes were made-Chef Brandon shows off his


My grandparents- Bud and Mary Ellen


Every time we went to grandma's as a kid we did just this-fed the ducks. I think I relived a few childhood memories this day.


Is there anyone that can resist a ice cream shop that has that sign on it?


My favorite spot in the world-downtown Chagrin at the Falls


By Chagrin Falls

Under the Apple Tree