Fashion Show.

When I was a kid, my niece and I used to put on "back to school fashion shows" for our parents and grandparents...much to their delight, I'm sure.
Anyway, when I mentioned this to the kids, they were all over it. What hams. I wonder where they get it from?
So, in lieu of the new school year (which started today for Carter) I give you the first annual Brendle Back To School Fashion Show.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Nerds in Love

Boy


Girl


Boy and Girl...together.


Today...is my twelfth anniversary. For more than a decade now, I have lived my life in marital bliss...blur...err, I mean bliss.
It all began thirteen years ago, in gospel doctrine class. There he was, lookin' all intellectual in his freakishly huge glasses. And there I was, lookin' all sassy in my chunky sandals and prarie skirt. For that is where Chad and I first laid eyes on each other. It wasn't love at first sight...or second or third, for either of us. Perhaps it was his goggles. Perhaps it was my attire...my homage to Little House on the Prarie. But, somewhere down the line, stars aligned or planets shifted and we fell head over chunky heels in love with each other.
After our first date...a discussion on the human genome project...we were inseparable; like Han and Leia, Wash and Zoe, Mulder and Sculley.
To you Chad, I say, happy anniversary. Never again will either of us have to wander, alone, in nerd-dom, for we have each other...forever, and ever and ever...whether we like it or not.
I love you babe, gargantuan glasses and all.

Happy Birthday Quinn!

Today is Quinn's 8th birthday. Shhh, don't tell her though. Her dad is out of town until tonight so we've decided to postpone festivities until tomorrow. She already got her new birthday bike, Hannah Montana of course, so I don't feel like quite as big a schmuck for deliberating ignoring her special day.
Approximately eight years and two and a half hours ago our first baby girl joined our family...three weeks earlier than expected (consequently, life with Quinn has resulted in many other surprises). She was perfect and beautiful and tiny...still is. But, we had no idea the obstacles that lay ahead of her.
I cannot explain how much love and respect I have for this special little girl. She has taught me what it means to love unconditionally, she has taught me that a persons shortcomings do not define who they are or what they can do, she has taught me patience...she has tried my patience.
It's hard to imagine life without Quinn...a little quieter, maybe. She has been such an asset and blessing to our family. She has taught us so much and we continue to grow and learn from her. I am proud and priviledged to be her mother.
Pin-a-loo-who, happy, happy birthday. We all love you soooo much.

Homecoming.

We're back...and in one piece. Phew.
I know you are all just dying to hear how the trip went. I will begin by saying that it didn't take twelve hours to get to our destination...it took thirteen and a half. But who's counting?
The first ten minutes of the trip went reasonably smoothly...mainly because the kids were distracted by buckling up and getting themselves situated...and then the shenanigans began.
To be perfectly honest, the kids were actually fairly well-behaved in the car. Avery had a four hour whining spell, but she eventually snapped out of it. Other than that there's nothing really significant to report. Sorry to disappoint.
The camp site was somewhere an hour outside of Bend, Oregon. It was very picturesque, surrounded by trees and bordering a beautiful mountain lake. Being in that environment I found myself able to reclaim part of my old self and was actually able to enjoy being in the great outdoors more than I'd expected. We were able go kayaking and canoeing on the lake and the kids enjoyed exploring in the trees. One incident worth noting: Carter and a few of his cousins took the canoe out one evening without permission and by the time we figured out where they were they were nearly out of sight. The wind had picked up and was too strong for them to row against, back toward our site. Chad's brother-in-law was able to follow along the shore and eventually catch up. It was a little scary. None of them were wearing life-jackets. Grrrrr.
The only complaint I have about the trip was the mosquito issue. We were attacked non-stop. We burned citronella candles, we were constantly "deeting" ourselves, but nothing stopped those aggressive, little @#$*'s. WEST NILE kept flashing in my head like a bright neon sign. Riddle me this: how does one acquire a bite on the underside of one's foot...it's the eighth world wonder?
Everyone had a good time; the food was good and the company was better, but we were all relieved to pack it in. Refer to mosquitos.
The drive home was, surprisingly, non-eventful . Apparently, heat stroke AND West Nile virus equal a peaceful and quiet journey home. So, now you know my trick for an unbearably long road trip.
To the fam in the northwest, thank you for a good time. It was fun to see all of you. I hope you are all well and recovering from your countless bug bites. We still have Caladryl on the bedstand. Just curious, but did any of you find it as amusing as I did, driving home, all the while scratching non-stop. I found it humorous watching Chad try to drive and scratch simultaneously...or maybe that's just the West Nile talking.
Anywho, until next time.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Addendum

It has been brought to my attention that the fam up in the northwest was not amused by my last post.
To you I address this post.
May I begin by saying, sorry. I hope that you, my family, realize it was all written in jest. I do look forward to seeing you...very much as a matter of fact...even if it is in an environment conducive to all sorts of creepy crawlies, critters and man eating bears. Once upon a blue moon, I was at one with the great outdoors. However, in my old age (I have a ten year old) I have become a woman of comfort. But, this does not mean that I won't have fun or make the best of my stay in the wilds of Oregon. I don't want you to think for a moment that you are going to have a moaning Myrtle on your hands. I will not complain...very much. And if I, perchance, utter any objection please know it will most likely have something to do with the little dears, not you or the location in which we celebrate.
I was not kidding about the drive with the kiddos, let me be honest about that. My feelings on the matter I did not embellish in any way, shape or form. But, because you are all parents I know you can understand my trepidation.
This trip will be fun, because we will be together. The fact that I am not a "camper" will not change that. We are gonna party like it's 1999. Just please, leave all chunky boots, flannel shirts and ill-fitting jeans at home. Thank you...and see you all soon.

Hiatus.

Dearest Fellow Bloggers,

I feel inclined to share that I will be taking a brief hiatus from the 'ol blog. Oh, no, it's not you... my dear hubby has somehow brainwashed me into driving twelve, miserably long hours with the kids to Oregon.
Now, all you loved ones in the beautiful and lush, yet freakshily far northwest, don't be offended. It isn't that I don't want to see you, but really, would you be excited to drive twelve hours with four, unnaturally loud, uber active children? Thank you, I knew you'd understand.
Did I mention we are going camping? Oh yes, yes we will be spending the next week "roughing" it so to speak...living off the land, like our primitive ancestors...like,like some primordial, nomadic tribe...scavenging for berries and tubors...Okay, so we won't be foraging for food like the ancient hunter-gatherers, but still... In case you didn't gather, camping isn't really my gig.
All that said, any well-wishing and/or prayers will be gratefully accepted.
I shall be thinking of you and your graceful fingers caressing the keys of the computer keyboard as you post away in my absence. I look forward to coming home and catching up. Til then, adieu.

Erika

Happy Birthday Carter!

Today is my eldests birthday. It pains me to think that I am old enough to have a child who is ten years old and going into the fifth grade (it's even more painful to think that in two years he'll be in junior high). I can feel my face wrinkling even as I post. Pass me my Retin-A stat!
As old and saggy as it makes me feel, I would not trade the past ten years for anything. My journey into motherhood began with the birth of this wonderful boy and has been going full force ever since.
Life with Carter has been all about super heros, and Star Wars and light sabres and swords and guns...pretty much anything involving fighting and violence. I can't wait to see what he chooses as a profession.
But that said, Carter is also one of the sweetest, most kind-hearted little boys...I mean, young persons...that I've ever had the priviledge of knowing.
I look forward to the next decade and what it has in store for us...driving, dating, and mission...ummm, could someone please pass me a valium?
Anyway, happy birthday buddy! I love you mucho (a little somethin' Carter used to say when he was first learning to talk) sniffle, sniffle.

Mother of the Year Award

Doesn't this image just make you feel parched?

Well, I think I'm officially out of the running for Mother of the Year this year. At the risk of oversharing and, additionally, tarnishing the exceptional image you all have of me as a mother...uh hum...I will go against my better judgment and share anyway.
Today, I caught my cute little man ladleing water out of the toilet with a bathtub cup, only then to guzzle it down in an attempt to quench his intense thirst.
Listen, I know what you all are thinking...if you'd been a little more observant, a little more attentive, then maybe you'd have noticed your poor withered and dehydrated child and could have given him water from the tap, like a good mother.
But, in my defense, the child does not talk very clearly, okay...and furthermore, he has been taught the sign for water which he neglected to use...and the last time I'd seen him he didn't "look" thirsty.
I guess it's the natural progression...the poor kids been eating out of the garbage since he started walking.
Sadly, the toilet in question was no where near as clean as the one in the picture (I did make sure to clean it afterwards, however). Thankfully, the water was not blue from one of those drop-in cleaning tablets. Heaven forbid he should have to ingest toxic chemicals in addition to all the hellish bacteria, germs and microbes. I can't imagine the job their doing on the poor kids GI tract. I suppose I should prepare myself for the worlds worse case of the runs.
Oh, and if you all could stay mum about this little incident I'd appreciate it. The ol' man might be a little miffed if he knew I was training the kids to be bums.

4th Of July Follow-up

Just in case any of you were wondering, everyone survived the 4th of July holiday (by that I mean no little necks were wrung by my person). The morning started out pretty rough, but thankfully things got better as the day progressed. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the kiddies finally got fed. Just FYI, kids don't like taking pictures on empty stomachs, or first thing in the morning...apparently.
I am also happy to report that there were no casualties (and by this I mean, no burning of flesh, or loss of appendages). A few close calls, but nothing that won't grow back...but, there's always next year. Now, the moment you've all been waiting for...pics from the Brendle family 4th of July. Enjoy.

Back Row: Beckham, Conner, Carter, Spencer, Quinn and lil red, aka. Blake
Front Row: Avery and Sam


Check out those cheeks.




Hey these stink bombs really stink!




Hey, anyone seen Carter?


Quinn


...and Avery with their parachute guys. Frankly, this was the highlight of the fireworks for me...fountains, ehh...screamers, ehh...parachute spewing explosives, that's what I'm talkin' bout. Not only are they fun to watch but interactive too; after the boom you can chase after your free falling paratrooper.


Hey Beckham...look...bright, sparkly, ridiculously over-priced fireworks. Oh, you found some rocks to play with instead.


Carter and his BFF Spencer.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone. Hopefully your family awoke happier than mine (note the picture above). All I wanted is one picture...one...of my darling dears dressed all patriotic, waving their lil flags with pride. And this is what I get. Carter's smiling, but only after much negotiation and the threat of a time out (mama's pulling out every trick in her arsenal today. Don't mess!). Beckham and Quinn appear to be oblivious...frolicking in their own little worlds. And, Avery, well Avery looks like she just got booked into the county jail...and this was the best picture I took!?!?
So, this is what I'm up against today...four emotionally fragile, physically hostile children...I'm afeard.
Drama aside, I am happy for it to be the 4th. It's one of, if not the most, relaxing holiday. My dear friend "the colonel" usually provides the meal and the entertainment is already provided. Just the peace I need to balance out the madness.
Sincerely, I hope you all have a wonderful, safe 4th. What a great blessing to be an American; to enjoy all of the freedoms so many have lost their lives fighting for.
Happy 4th of July!!!

Yeah! Coldplay!!!

So, there really isn't a reason for this post except for that I can't contain my excitement. Saturday, Chad and I got tickets to see Coldplay. "Ahhhhhhhh!" (sung in my best angel voice). I'm loving their new album. These guys have been on my "top ten list of bands I'd love to see live" for awhile. Finally, that dream will come true. I know to some of you this may seem like a complete waste of perfectly good money, but you have to understand my obssesion with music and concerts (I'm obssesed with a lot lately...). Anyway, just a little somethin' somethin' to look forward to... in November. I can hardly wait. Here are a few top ten lists for those of you who care.

A Few Of My Favorite Concerts

1- No Doubt (Totally awesome concert. A little scary. People were passing out right and left because of the heat. Chad spent the better part of the concert scooping bodies off the ground and passing them off to security. Ugh, that sounds awful...but it was still a blast. FYI no one died, just passed out).

2- U2, Elevation Tour (My first time ever seeing U2 live. Mesmorizing).

3- U2, Vertigo Tour (Awesome, for how close we were to the stage...a couple feet maybe. Ohh, how I love the U2).

4- 311, (I don't what it is about the lead singer, but his voice melts me like butta).

5- DMB, (Never knew what "the doob" smelled like 'til DMB).

6- Keane, (One of my all time fave bands. One word, butta).

7- Bare Naked Ladies (All around funny and entertaining guys. Not a huge fan of their music, but they put on a good show. Plus, we caught a drum stick. Bonus!).

8- Howie Day (He was just an opener, but I love him. So buttery).

9- Indigo Girls (These guys are more Chad's style, but still really good live. It was also the first concert Chad and I went to together).

10- Coldplay (I know I haven't gone yet, but it's bound to be fahhhhreakin' awesome).

Top Ten Bands/Artists I'd Love To See Live

1- Weezer (I have loved these guys since high school).

2- Gavin Degraw (Ummmmm, butta).

3- Morrissey

4- Beastie Boys (Gotta give props to the homies).

5- The Killers

6- Faith No More (Are they even still togther?)

7- Joshua Radin (Please pass the butta).

8- Live

9- Justin Timberlake (Cause I love me some Sexy Back).

10- Madonna (I don't much care for her old stuff, but her new album sounds pretty rockin'...could be an entertaining concert. I might have to have an interview with the bishop after but...).

High School Musical

This may come as a shock to some of you, but I am secretly obssesed with High School Musical. I don't know what it is about teenage melodrama, intermingled with toe-tapping tunes, that totally gets me giddy, but I can't get enough of it. (I've provided my favorite scene from HSM 2 for your viewing pleasure. Who knew working at a ritzy resort with a bunch of uber hot teenagers could be so intense? Who cares? I love it. Troy reminds me of a modern day Ren McCormick, of Footloose fame, in the angst-driven, rail-road tunnel seen. You know the one I'm talking about. Teenage melodrama at its finest. I love it, love it, love it.)
Naturally, I was beyond excited when I found out my nephew, Alex, would be playing the role of Ryan Evans in St. George Community Theater's version of HSM. Chad and I took the kids down last week and saw the production. Everyone, including Chad, loved it. And, my nephew was the best. He totally captured the essence of Ryan. It was soooo cool to see him on stage doin' his thing.
Afterwords, the entire cast was waiting in the lobby of the auditorium. It was so fun to see all of the little kids asking them to sign their playbills. (I would have had them sign mine too, but I think it would have embarrased Chad). I did however manage to squeeze myself into several pictures with the cast. Note: these pictures are pre hair cut. More to come on that soon.
Watch for HSM 3 coming to theaters October 24, 2008. Oh, blessed day.

Me and Ryan (my nephew Alex). (Gasp!!! Are those my arms? Really? So long Junior Mints, hello hand weights.)

Quinn getting an autograph from Chad.

The fam with Ryan.

The fam with the main cast: Troy, Gabriella, Ryan, Sharpay, Taylor and Chad...and mois.