oh what a day

...or two it has been. I'm not one to really be vocally dependant. I like to (or pretend to) be able to do things on my own. However, I realize that I'm really only kidding myself. I've been having trouble the last couple days taking care of myself. Especially when it comes to my car. Yesterday, while pulling into the lot where I've finally found some recycle bins, I turned a little too sharp and high centered my car on a snow bank. At least I think that's what happened. The driver's side tires were on flat ground, and the passenger side was...well:

I couldn't go backwards or forwards. Trust me. I tried. And tried, and tried and tried.... Finally, I got a hold of my dear friend Erica, who I knew was heading my direction soon. She kindly brought me a shovel to dig myself out. "Happy Birthday, Erica! Come save me from myself, PLEASE!!" After we both tried digging, with no luck, someone finally pulled over to help us. He and Erica pushed and the car came right out. What a mess. The only good thing that came of it was that we got to hang out with the Grovers, Christiansens and Spjuts that day. {Sigh} of frustration! This is what we left behind:
If only my story could end there...no such luck! Today, we went to the library and to the mall for our usual diversions. The parking lot at the mall was pretty much ice and slush. Safe, enough right? NOPE! I left the mall only to notice that my car was making a funny noise and pulling to the right. I pulled off the road as soon as I could and got out to inspect the problem. I thought maybe I'd left the back open or something. Again....no such luck! I had a FLAT TIRE! Actually, it wasn't quite flat yet. As I crouched down to attempt the jack, I could hear the air hissing out. I looked over and this is what I discovered:

Joy, eh? I was very uncertain about the jack so I kept re-adjusting. Luckily some VERY kind heater-fix-it guys pulled over and changed my tire for me. I drove home looking lovely like this:
To my relief, Jon was home when I got there (he never comes home at this time on Wednesdays!). So I could go get the tire fixed right then. Still, I have no luck. The hole was too big to repair and the tire store didn't have the tire I needed. So...wait for a new tire, or buy two new ones. Grr. Needless to say: we'll be staying home as much as possible for the next few days as we wait for the special ordered tire to come in. So, I've decided I have the worst luck in the world with tires. This is a story that I'll save for another time. May my car troubles continue to be fairly shallow and if I'm really lucky (haha) cease!

just for fun ;)

change

Warning: This post is incredibly odd and pointless. It's the late night meanderings of someone to gets overly emotional for weird things. Please feel free to pass this post, and don't feel obligated to comment. It more likely than not will be deleted in the morning. Good thing it's the weekend.

It's funny how we recognize change. We see the same people every day and suddenly they seem different to us. This happens with my kids especially. Mason walks along everything now. If he can walk along stuff, he does. He even dives for something else if it's close enough to just barely reach it. He will walk just holding one hand (albeit not very steadily). When did he grow up? I have no idea. I have progressively older pictures of him and I remember the days, but somehow, it happened in the blink of an eye. Brooklyn is Case Study #2. 2 1/2 years ago when we left UT, she was barely walking. She jabbered all the time and absolutely adored Elmo. Now, she is mothering her babies, making tea, dressing like a princess, and crying b/c so-and-so hurt her feelings. It seems we just left and here we are ready to leave again. Ready to send her off to preschool and, one short year later, to kindergarten. Next time I blink, she'll be getting her drivers' license. Why is this all hitting me now? Who knows. I think it comes on when something significant changes in my life. Mason walking, for instance, is a major milestone. It seems like it shouldn't be too big a thing. I mean, I have been here everyday since his birth. But maybe that's why it is. The more kids I have, the more emotional I get; some of these primetime dramas get me going. What happens when I miss something? I know the answer. Life goes on. Other things happen to notice. No biggie. But still....I hope I don't miss a minute. And in the same breath of that wish, I know I will. But the important things still remain. It's important that we are a family and everything that that encompasses. It's important that they grow up to be good people. And, it's important that I don't lose my sanity thinking about things TOO much! These are the days that I just need to go to bed and let the mind rest. Tomorrow is another day, and who knows what it will bring with it! Who knew someone could love so much? Oh that's right, He did. :)

it happened

Sorry folks. Got another "spam" comment. Thus, the word verification has to go up! I don't much care for it myself, but I'd rather have distorted letters in my comment box than spam. ...The freedoms we must give up to be free... Thanks for understanding!
Yours,
The Management

tuesday

Due to some unexpected events at the Christiansen's, we got to play with Gage last night after dinner. I'm pleased to note that the kids played awesome together, despite the nearness of bedtime and Gage's apparent missing of dinner. The game that took up the most time was the trying on of shoes. Brooklyn got a bag full of dress up shoes from her grandma and they had a blast. Somehow, Brooklyn ended up in her church shoes and I think Gage tried on every single pair of the dress-ups. He'd put on a pair, run down to my bedroom, run back, and change pairs. It was hilarious! Every time I took a picture, though, he was in these purple beauties with the silver buckle. They must've been a fav. I couldn't stop giggling about it.




They were so cute and he did awesome while Debbi and Wade were away. These events are what remind how nice it is to live in a complex and have people so close. It's one of the few perks of apartment living. Not that I want to continue to live in apartments, mind you. Just appreciate them for a minute or two :).

the weekend rundown

Ok, So I didn't get these up yesterday. But, better late than never, right? Here we go. A basic rundown of the Wonderful Weekend with the Braggs :) You know there's love when someone will drive 12hrs to spend 2 days with you!

This is the crowd at the capital. Jon, B, Me and M, Parker, Sara, and Zach

Jon and Mason checking it out. Mason was pretty funny looking up to the dome, but kept looking down just as the pic was snapped.

Chris and Sara. Aren't they cute??!!

Mason loved Chris. Fun for them both! This is how a good portion of the weekend was spent. Chris is a computer genius and helped Jon with his laptop!

The good old Science Center...Brooklyn had a blast!

So did Chris :)

Parker and Zach checking out their heartbeats. This particular display caused us to wonder if Jon has a murmur...or the contraption was having trouble! (we're really hoping for the second!)

Yet again, the science center. Chris blinked, but I didn't think he'd appreciate me putting on the other picture i took :)

It was a fabulous weekend and I feel safe to say, Fun was had by all! Thanks guys! You are the best!

WARNING!

Dear All HibshmanHouse Blog Readers:

Some unknown dork has been leaving comments on my posts that say "see Here" and the here is a link. DO NOT CLICK ON THEM! Do not even click on the person's name. It is SPAM of sorts and I have no idea what they will do to your computer. As I see them, I delete them; but if you happen to beat me to one, DON'T FALL FOR IT!
And, if you happen to be the person doing it....STOP! There's no way that I'm letting my incredible readers fall into your stupid trap! It's stupid of you to take advantage of people that way. Blogs are for enjoyment, venting and passing of information. Not your gain!

Thanks,
Management

swaps

Oh, how I love swaps! I got my awesome pacakge from Melia yesterday. Perfect timing, if I do say so! She sent me this VERY cute candle, an ADORABLE heart-shaped wreath, valentine's cupcakes, and candy. What a doll! Thanks, Melia, I love them! Swapping is so fun! I hope my package made it on time!
And, what would a post from me be w/o a crazy sleeping position. Brooklyn hates to go to bed at night, but is impossible to get up in the morning. This was her attempt to stay asleep this morning. What a goofball!

{Heart} Day

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone!

I hope everyone has a Valentine to love them today. I know it's kind of a lame holiday to some, but I say, any excuse to tell someone you love them is a good holiday indeed! Happy {Heart} Day!

ramblings

*I was discussing with my friend, Erica, the other day how I have been lacking posts as of late. Jokingly she said, "yeah, but when you do post, they're long. I scroll down and think, oh, it keeps going. Keeps going, keeps going..." In honor of her observation, I'm going to do just that. I've had pics to post for a while, but no desire to sit down and do it. So, here I am. Sitting down to post. Hopefully, soon, I'll get back into the groove of posting when I get pics. :) Hopefully...

First and foremost.... My Literacy Swap Package:

Laken had my name and she did A*W*E*S*O*M*E! I got scrapbooking mags, that I've been eyeing and a Dan Brown book (which I've read, but still love!) Thanks, Laken! You are the best!

Last Tuesday we had a mini-snowstorm and some things got cancelled. Jon's school was only delayed, but DMU closed. Wade was home so they invited us to their backyard for a little sledding. It was way fun! Mason's not such a fan of the snow (it's too cold, I think :)), but Brooklyn loved it! She and Gage had a ball. Then we went inside for hot chocolate, what a great afternoon! Thanks guys!

We recently discovered that Mason is a fan of apples....oh and potatoes:
He saw the potatoe on the counter and leaned over to pick it up. I wanted to see what he was going to do, I so I let him. He picked it up and put it straight in his mouth and took a bite (yes, I'd washed it....). It was hilarious! He pulled away and thought for a minute, then went in for another bite. Jon and I were cracking up. He let me take it away, though so Jon handed him the apple. He like that too. It was pretty funny!

Have I told anyone, recently, that I LOVE my America's Test Kitchen cookbook?? Last week I made Stuffed French Toast. It was divine! The recipe had me dry out the bread so it would absorb more liquid, and the filling was mostly cream cheese! AH, the memory is still fresh :). Definitley doing that one again!

A tradition that my Dad does, I can't remember when it started....On Valentine's Day, he buys each girl in our family (I think, anyway...I always get one :) ) a box of Idle Isle chocolates. It's this little chocolate shop/restaurant in Brigham City that I LOVE! Their caramels are to DIE for and they have this yummy maple, nut ball that I could eat all day. It's the best and such a great reminder of how much he loves me! I thought I'd start missing out on the tradition when we left UT, but I guess he still loves me; even in Iowa :).

Some days, having church at 1 p.m. is rough. The morning drags and then when you come home, the day is over. My kids, however, have no trouble whatsoever entertaining themselves. Mason's favorite pastime is to pull the books off the shelf and "read" them. Oh and empty any toys that happen to be put away...Brooklyn likes to help. At least they're having a good time, right?

Baby? Check! Diaper Bag? check! Princess shoes? Check! Now all you need is jewelry. Why or why is it buried under the puzzles?

Well, that's our recent life in a nutshell. I do have some videos I've been wanting to post, but I don't want to overwhelm....Maybe later this afternoon or tomorrow. My sis is coming to town this weekend (SHOUT HOORAH!!) I'm so excited, and I'm not planning on being on the computer much..(nothing new, I know I know..). Until next time....TTFN!

P.S. Was that long enough for everyone? Keep scrolling, people! It ends eventually :)

feeling the vibes

I've been getting some grandma vibes that there haven't been many pictures lately. So here's some randomness to satisfy this need :).
The first picture is the logic of a three-year-old. Who knows? You know those boxes you get at Build-a-bear? Well, Brooklyn decided the other day that it might be a good place to sit. Jon and I were in the kitchen and I hear, "Help, I'm stuck in the bear box!" Not completely understanding, I asked, "what's the matter?" I go into the kids' room to find this. It was too funny not to take a picture. Let's just say this box is well loved!

This picture was just too fun to pass up. I am fascinated with the way my kids sleep. I could probably make a whole scrapbook of them sleeping! It's pretty entertaining! Mason was totally out with his feet up on the wall. Speaking of, we had to rearrange their room a little recently (thanks to Debbi's Brilliant idea!) ! If you can see it picture #1 (drawn beautifully by yours truly) Mason's crib was by the door. During a fun adventure by Jon, he learned what light switches do and LOVES playing with them. Unfortunately with this knowledge came a lovely distraction for those days when you just don't want to go to sleep! He would play with the light and then open the door to see what we were doing (ah the joys of living in a handicap accessible apt. Lever door handles). So, due to the brilliant idea, we moved his bed into the corner and the dresser by the door (see pic #2). It worked out great! Then, we had to unplug the lamp from the plug connected to the light switch (Stupid apts!) so Brooklyn would stop turning the light on while Mason was asleep at night and she wanted to read! Silly Girl! Bedtime has been an adventure lately, if you can't tell. So, now, Brooklyn has to ask for help turning the light on. Annoying? a little, but worth it!

And, the crazy sleep positions aren't Mason's alone. This is one girl who will fight sleep with the best of them! This particular night, she didn't even have enough room to roll over. I don't know how she got to sleep! She was comfy though, so who's to argue? What you can't see in the pic is all the books spread across the floor. (sigh) what to do with this one, I just don't know. It's definitely an adventure! That's for sure! Sometimes I wish the adventures were less about sleep time, but then I don't want to think about what they might involve if they weren't!

happy valentine's day

happy valentine's day! thanks to cutestblogontheblock!

7 things

I've been tagged....again. Hopefully I can come up with 7 new things. Here we go:

1. In high school, I never once attended a boy's choice dance. No sweethearts, no prom, no nothing. Most people think this is rather shocking, but if you'd known me back then....it wouldn't be. I did go to a few girls' choice, but even then there were only a couple. Good thing Jon loves me! :).

2. Most people aren't aware, but I do know how to play the flute. I am VERY rusty, and I wouldn't play for anyone right at the moment. I did, however, bust my flute out the other day and for the most part, I can still do it! (gonna have to work on that....)

3. I considered, once, running for "Dairy Princess" in my home county. Those plans were scarce, due to the fact that my roomate was getting married the night of the competition and I helped her plan her wedding. Looking back, I'm glad she spoiled those plans. I got enough ridicule for thinking about it, let alone if it would've happened! (I do congratualte those who have been successful at doing it, though. It's a lot of work and I'm certain the prize is worth it! I think it's a scholarship.)

4. Some people don't know that I grew up on a farm. In doing so, I became rather skilled at driving large machinery. I am no expert, but I spent many summer hours driving all over a hay field in a 2-ton truck, hauling 1-ton bales from the field (8 bales in a load). Dumped a few, successful with more...but the older I get, the fonder those memories become.

5. When I turned sixteen, I rushed out to get a job the following summer (avoiding milking cows). In doing so, I got a car. The first day of school that I drove my car (the following fall), I left school grounds to get lunch. Just b/c I could. No more than 3 blocks from the school, I got a speeding ticket. Oops! Not only did I get a ticket, I did not tell my parents. I paid it and thought they'd be none the wiser. I was wrong. When they got a letter some time later, they were not pleased. Oopsies! Lesson learned.

6. I remember paying 99 cents a gallon for gas. Ah, those were the days...

7. Finally; I don't much care to clean my house. Once I do it, I love how fresh and clean it feels; but, I can put it off for days at a time. Even then, I usually only do it b/c I think Jon will go nuts if I don't. I love it when it's clean, but I HATE cleaning it! I also am more motivated to clean when it's nice and sunny outside. For some reason, dark and cloudy means cuddle up and don't do anything! I guess that's something else I should work on, eh?

Well, there you have it! I won't tag anyone due to the fact that this is my 3rd try. You guys better stop tagging me! I'm running out of things to write! Somehow this one turned into a flashback tag. Oh well. Enjoy anyway!