BunsRus

2009-07-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Oh, it has been waaay too long since we have posted to our blog so here is a little about what the Bundrocks have been up to. A lot of the family got together for the 4th. JJ & Shalantie and Danette and her girls came to visit We missed Jeff and Shelley's family & Andy.
The first day we all got together we went to the zoo.

We had a lot of fun for the 4th of July. Of course we did the Freedom festival parade and fireworks and go to spend time with Uncles, Aunts, cousins, & Grandpa & Grandma.

ARRR favorite float was the pirates (who would've guessed?)

I always get a tear in my eye when I see the service men and women, the Scotttish bagpipers and the missionaries.

Branson got to help fire a cannon. Truly a highlight of his day!

That's our girl!

2009-03-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

EMMA

Well, it's been a while since I have written anything new on my blog, mostly because I haven't found the time to do so- this is my busy time of year with birthdays. So I am dedicating this post to my little Emma.

What can I say? She is just the epitome of cuteness. I don't know how else to say it. I love this age-when they are full of jabber and you can only catch a few words in the big ol' paragraph, but the twinkle in her eye says it all. (You should hear her prayers).

Emma LOVES to talk. Her favorite thing to do is get my attention over and over again. She'll say., "mom, mom, and then she'll skip(dragging one leg behind her)across the room. The other kids will do something and she will follow. The other day she said, "mom, mom, watch" and tipped herself over into a somersault. Pleased with herself she did it again and again. She loves to spin and get dizzy , read stories, pick her fingernails off (she say's I do it) play outside no matter how cold it is, and will try to put her shoes on so we can go "bye bye".

Emma has the most adorable, contagious laugh and loves to be tickled. She's always happy and smiling. Obviously, She keeps us laughing too. (Love the boots,) She is the BEST big sister to Cambry. She always strokes her hir gives her a kiss on her head and say's "ooh tamri's tute". She let's me know when Cambry's crying- only it sounds like she's saying "Cambry's dying."
She is wrapped around Daddy's and Branson's little finger. She and Branson have a special bond and will allow only him help her. Emma has picked up on a little Italian, so she always waves to Bill and says "ciao ciao". Any time she hears the garage door open she gets a big ol' surprised look on her face, exclaimes Daddy" and runs to give him a big hug and "tiss".
About 2 weeks before she turned two she potty trained. She's so funny she just say's over and over again. "I pee", "I poop" and says, "candy" She knows she has done a good thing, now pay up. But bless her heart she is satisfied with a few chocolate chips. She is very easy to please, and is such a sweet little girl. We are all so blessed to have her in our family. We love you Emma!

Reminiscing

2009-02-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

I love Sundays because It is just a time for our family to be together with out all the pressures of everyday life. This Sunday Bill and I just started reminiscing about how far we've come from the endless days of working 2 jobs and going to school full time . When we were crammed into our tiny little 600 sq ft apt (behind the bar no less) with sweltering heat night and day because we couldn't afford to turn on the a.c. We reminisced about all our good times with our friends and neighbors. Damon and Sybrina-remember the 4th of July party & your star croutons, Branson's pirate party and his 1st birthday party when my face somehow landed in his cake. For that matter pretty much all of our kids' birthday parties. There are still a lot of memories you will have to help refresh. Liz and Patrick Maravilla, You guys were some of the best neighbors we will have. Too bad I can't find you anywhere. Loved all the cooking classes from Liz and home decorating tips from Patrick. There were of course the Best home teachers we have had. Bill and I were talking about the time that Mike Simmon's came over and Bill was outside in the middle of winter in his...pretending to swim. we'll just leave it at that. And the time that We hosted a "How to host a murder" party for our friends The Simmons, Kochs, Maravillas, and the McCleans." We turned our whole house into a 1920's speaks easy and I taught myself what scallopine was. I've been making it ever since. We remembered when we were invited to the Kochs Caesar how to host a murder party with the Rudds and also the Knights Japanese one. We had so much fun with all of you!
We talked about the winter that we were invited to the McCleans cabin & hung out with you and the Simmon's we had such a great time. All the Halloween parties and the BEST Bishop & family ever. (Maw's you know who you are- we just hope you know how much you mean to us!) That's where Darlene and I met-I will never forget how you were like 8 months pregnant with Mattie and you were climbing 3 flights of stairs trying to fill up a kiddie pool one bucket of water a time. I think I offered to help ( I might have even had a hose) and we sat up on the top of the stairs and chatted...we've been friends ever since. And we just wish Doug and Emily still lived closer. We might as well have been "Lucy and Ethel". I'll never forget the time that Katie Palmer came over when I got so sick I thought I was going to die and you brought me over a tea bag full of herbs and made me a hot bath and took care of my kids for me and When Emily did the same thing. There is just something to be said about the years of poverty & sacrifice that you go through when you are first married. There are always trials in their own way whether it's financial or starting a family or whatever it is, and I think it's how you handle it that draws you closer together.
I attribute a lot of mine and Bill's wonderful relationship to those years of pulling together, lifting each other up. To putting aside selfishness and supporting each other through everything. It's how you learn to rely on each other and especially the Lord. I never thought I would see the end of the tunnel when we were going through school, but in retrospect, I would never change those years for anything- we gained some of the best friends and we became the Best of friends and eternal partners.

by the way, this was just reminiscing, we have many more family & friends and this post would have been even longer we are constantly surrounded by wonderful neighbors friends and family & looking back in 10 years we'll remember these memories too. We love you all past & present!

What???

2009-02-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

For family home evening a couple of weeks ago, I was wondering what we were going to do. That's when Bill winks and shoots me one of those "I've got it all taken care of" smiles. I just smile back and wait for whatever lies in wait. This time....when the kids ask what we are going to do dad just says, "just wait." One of them must have asked will mom like it because all I remember is him saying mom will like part of it and some of it she won't like.
He proceeds to have us all gather around the table...draws a big circle on the sliding glass door with shoe polish and has us all name temptations that we encounter in our lives and labels them all with their first letter of the word. We have a great list and of course the middle of our target is Satan. So far so good... great lesson we'll probably use darts to stick to the window right?

WRONG! This is when Bill pulls out hollow pens and sticks little wads of paper in his mouth and shows our children the art of spit wads. GROSS! funny, effective... but Gross! I'm assuming this is the part that mom probably won't like.

However, even I all got into the action; once or twice. There is just something about sopping paper with my spit that makes me want to GAG! It probably brings back grade-school trauma
when boys used to spit spit wads in your general direction when the teacher wasn't looking. Just something about someone else's spit whizzing by my ear makes me cringe with disgust. Like I said ...effective- these are the lessons I hope our kids will remember when faced with a temptation from Satan.=)
By the way, we threatened our kids with their lives if they EVER tried this in school.

I am so in love!

2009-01-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

There is just nothing more precious to me than the smell of a newborn, with her soft little head all nuzzled in your neck...that is just one of my favorite things!

Here are some pictures of Cambry's first bath

Look at all my little helpers!

Okay, so we are all in love!

Who wouldn't be!

Our Christmas present...unwrapped!

2009-01-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

Our little gift from heaven is finally here! Thank you to everyone for everything that you have so generously given us throughout her pregnancy and birth. We love and appreciate everyone and feel so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

P.S. For obvious rsv reasons we aren't taking her to church for a while, but If you are not sick and would like to come take a peek at her we'd love to have you come visit.

Our Little Ballerina...performing!

2008-12-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

The recital was so cute! I tried to take a few pics but when I realized they weren't turning out all that great, I decided to just sit back and take in the show and enjoy the moment. I don't know if it's because I am pregnant or just a proud momma, but I cried watching her. Then I shot a look across to Bill (who was filming it) and he was a little teary eyed too. (Shh... don't tell him I told you that) So, it was just a proud parent moment for both of us! Maegan did so well. I can't wait to watch it again. The Stewarts were sweet to come and support her. Thanks guys! I guess we will keep her in it she loves it so much!

Our Little Ballerina

2008-12-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

For the past 2 months we decided to let Maegan take ballet. Her recital is on Saturday at Spanish Oaks Elementary at 5 pm. I was hoping that I would make it to her recital and wasn't in the hospital having our baby and so far so good. For all of our friends & family that would like to attend you are more than welcome to come. Attendance is free! Give me a call and I'll give you directions.

2008 Holiday Cards!

2008-12-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

Get your Christmas cards now!
Look at my new designs at http://chiquedesign.blogspot.com/

2008-11-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

45 ODD THINGS ABOUT ME! My friend passed this on to me so I thought I'd just post it on my blog so I don't have to forward it to everyone.

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? every now & then and only a little

2. Have you ever smoked heroin? I didn't know you could smoke heroin

3. Do you own a gun? I plead the 5th

4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop? yeah, whatever. I LOVED frozen hot chocolates when they were selling them @ Dairy Queen.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? These days- yeah.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? quick and easy meal:)

7. Favorite Christmas song? I love all Christmas music.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? milk

9. Can you do push ups? Are you kidding? Have you seen my pregnant stomach these days?

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring. I NEVER take it off unless I am kneading dough.

11. Favorite hobby? Designing something new

12. Do you have A.D.H.D? Nope

13. What's one trait that you dislike about yourself? Right now, my nasty veins

14. Middle name? Laurel

15. Name 3 thoughts right now. Crud, I already have to make lunch!, Go put that carrot in the kitchen and I've got to to get Maegan soon.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? There's only 2 water and milk

17. The friend you had the longest ? My mom

18. Current dislike right now? No offense to anyone, but pregnancy, my back hurts, contractions, veins, irritable, heart burn, shot stomach muscles the list goes on and on.

19. Favorite place to be? home

20. How did you bring in the New Year? Spent it with Bill and the kids

21. Do you like to travel? depends on how I get there. Right now NO!!

22. Name three people who will complete this?
23. Do you own slippers? no

24. What color shirt are you wearing? blue

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Too hot

26. Can you whistle? of course

27. Favorite color? pink

28. Would you be a pirate for Halloween? yes

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually I give Emma a shower with me and I love to listen to her sing. It's priceless!

30. Favorite girl's name? Maegan & Emma and we're looking for another one-any suggestions?

31. Favorite boy's name? Branson and Britton

32. What's in your pocket right now? nothing

33. What is the last thing that made you laugh? The blonde joke email my friend just sent me.

34. Best bed sheets as a child? Don't know

35. Worst injury you've ever had. I was hit as a pedestrian

36. Do you love where you live? I'm happy wherever I am.

37. How many TVs do you have in your house? only 1 Thank goodness!

38. Who is your loudest friend? Bill- not decibels..we both love to voice our opinions.

39. How many pets do you have? NONE! I think 4 3/4 kids is enough to handle don't you?

40. Does someone have a crush on you? His name is Bill

41. What is your favorite book? Book of Mormon

42. What is your favorite candy? Choc. mint truffles-mmmm!

43. Favorite Sports Team? Don't really watch sports a whole lot, but Any time Branson is playing soccer it automatically becomes my favorite team. Go figure.

44. What were you doing before starting this survey? Helping out at Maegan's Kindergarten class.

45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? I've got to hurry.

Empower ME!!!

2008-10-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I have held my tongue as long as I can- and for those of you who know me well know that is next to impossible for me so I am going to exercise my freedom of speech while I still have it.

I can't stand idly by anymore and watch this country slip into bondage-because let's face it, that's what we are headed for. At the very least I can let my voice be heard, not just at the polls but here too.

I can't help but draw parallels between here and the war in heaven. Remember, for those of you who know the story. There was 2 plans one where everything was to be easy and we wouldn't have the freedom to choose or to make mistakes, grow and therefore, reach our full potential. But we would be ensured a place back in Heaven...incidently from someone who couldn't even make that promise.

Then there was another plan of Christ who was more interested in us developing our God given talents, and allowing us to choose for ourselves right from wrong and in the process letting us fall, make mistakes and learn for ourselves the lessons that can only be learned from experience.

I think of my own children, If I jumped in and rescued them every time they made a mistake or had it hard, instead of ending up empowered they would end up crippled in this society. Certainly, that is NOT what any of us want for our children, so why in the world would we want that or accept that for ourselves? Yet that is exactly what this nation is slowly being led into.

What ever happened to taking responsibility for our own actions, health, education and finances? What happened to teaching a man to fish so that he can eat for a life time instead of feeding him for a day. We have become too dependent on the government to "jump in & save us" that we have forgotten how to be self reliant & use the genius that God has given us to figure a way to better our own situation. Is it easy? No, I for one can say that it hasn't been the easiest road but we are better people and more independent because of it. My friend Leslie said it best,"It isn't the governments job to make sure I have one. It isn't up to them to pass initiatives that make me feel better about my errant choices. Their role is to throw down the murderous, evil influences that threaten our ability to reach our own greatest potential. It is their job to provide us with as much freedom as possible."

I feel like we are being blindly led down a primrose path that promises an easier way and ultimately a government that will take care of our every need. Then when this nation finally comes to their senses and realizes we have given all our power to the government it will be too late! I don't need an "easier" way because then you take away the faith, hardship, ingenuity and the freedom that made this country what it is!
While I am on the subject, While I don't think that one person should be paid 90 million dollars over 6 years to run a financial institution, where would most of us be with out the people who are entrepreneurs and take a risk to create a business. Most of us wouldn't even have a job. Why should they be punished because of their ambition? "Spread the wealth" and you are going to discourage those that create opportunity from doing so.

I remember my 8th grade history teacher. Oh he was passionate alright! But If there is one thing I remember from him it is, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"
Doesn't it scare you that our government is falling into the hands of one party. Be it republican or democrat? Isn't that what this country was founded on- checks and balances so that not one single tier of the government has all the power? What is going to happen when a democratic president appoints a democratic supreme court judge and we are subject to laws based on democratic opinion and there is no one to question or fight for another way. That's not my voice being heard! who is going to stand up for me and thousands of other people like me when we have a one sided partisanship? Maybe this is what the prophet Joseph Smith said when he stated, 'The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread."

I know there are several different candidates for presidency and if you want you can even "write one in", but we all know that it comes down to the two at hand. No one else is going to win this election. And for me it comes down to preserving the freedom that so many lost their lives for. It's about hanging on to the heaven inspired constitution that our God-fearing forefathers designed. I believe we all have within us the capability to reach our greatest potential but we won't do it under suppression. It's about having the freedom to choose-whether we succeed or fail- but at least give me the option. After all, isn't that what God did? Who are we to think that we can create a better system than by the divine creator himself.

Enjoy the Journey!

2008-10-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I think some of the wisest counsel ever uttered came from our dear prophet and the church leaders who spoke at General Conference this past weekend. I felt uplifted and inspired to be a better mother, wife and member of this church. A few things really hit home for me, One was simplify your life... I think I need some improvement in that area. So there are a few things that I am doing to do that. I'll keep you posted.

Then, who can mistake the message of enduring in faith. I felt the sweet assurances of the Lord urging me to keep moving forward and be believing and all the promises of the Lord will be ours in this life and in the life to come. I felt the peace of having faith and even though the world is deteriorating around us, that as we draw closer to the Savior we have nothing to fear!

Also, the beautiful counsel of President Monson who encouraged us to "enjoy the journey". Bill and I did just that; Normally, our children are in bed by 8-8:15. I've usually "had enough" by then and can't wait for my solitude. But last night was different. After our nightly routine, our children started playing "house" It was priceless! We watched little Emma haul a baby doll which was about as big as her into a stroller and struggle to get it to stay on a chair. Branson and Maegan were cooking dinner and setting the table. Britton was asking Bill if he wanted chicken for dinner and bringing him fake food, and then I lost it laughing when I heard Branson say to Maegan about Sumo our stuffed German Shepherd, "Make sure you take Sumo out for a walk and make sure he goes pee and poo". Maegan was looking for a jump rope leash and before you know it Britton goes, "Maegan you better hurry, He already started to poop!" Bill and I cracked up. Their imaginations just run wild! We love it. I'm sure that is what the prophet means by taking time to enjoy the journey.

Fill your bucket!

2008-09-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

So the other day I had "one of those days". I don't know if you can relate, but it was one of those -after cleaning up the cereal off the baby, rushing kids out the door for school, then walking to go get one, and coming back to make lunch, cleaning up the living room, finish my second..or third( I lost count) load of laundry, only to come home make dinner for an hour and then kick everyone out the door for soccer @5:30, then coming home to an even messier house and trying to get homework done before bed, Is this all I do? - days. Sounds like everyday huh! Well I had had it! It meaning EVERYTHING! I wanted to check out. I'm so exhausted I could cry!
I realized I hadn't done anything that I enjoyed for a while. I needed to create something! Something that would stay together in one piece for more than 5 mins--or could I wish it.... indefinitely! I needed to let my creative juices flow and rejuvenate myself once again so that I didn't lose my sanity forever. So yesterday I gave myself that "gift". My mother in law calls it "good self care". Ah yes, (sigh) good self care. Sometimes the pendulum swings too far the other way and we get off balance -easy to do when you take care of so many other people. I have decided I am happiest when I can do all my responsibilities and do something that I enjoy. The guilt isn't there because in a way I know I have "earned" my fun. Plus Newsflash! I am so much less irritable when I don't look at my life and say, "Is this all I do all day"? You gotta have something to look forward to. Anyway, I found my bliss designing my blog yesterday/last night. It was so wonderful! and somehow my house managed to stay clean, It was part of the rejuvenation I needed as a wife and mother.
So... If you are reading this and feel like you need a break from the normal routine, give yourself a break and find what makes your heart sing and do it. It's not about being selfish-It's good self care and after all, even though we've all heard it a hundred times, you can't fill anothers' bucket until you have something to give! It's so true. And I submit that the more you fill your bucket constantly the more you can give constantly. There won't be the big drought season until you are thirsting so bad you are gagging (and crying). And your family won't be left out in the desert to wander either.
So I want to hear your comments, what do you do for yourself, what are you passionate about and then go do it and let me know your experience.
Stephanie

Our Christmas present!

2008-09-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I have been known to eat my words before, and this time I ate a mouthful! Most of you already know this but for those of you who don't, We kept it pretty quiet for some time...See you have to go back about 6 months ago when we had our dog "Jacks". I sincerely didn't know how much work a dog would be and I joked saying, "Hey, If I wanted another kid right now I would be pregnant" Well, little did we know that we were. We didn't find out until about 2 months later. Still trying to get over the initial shock we still hadn't announced our joy for quite a while. But we are all very excited to welcome our new baby (girl) due on (Christmas Day). I put girl in parentheses because I could have sworn that we were having a boy. I still need to see to be convinced. I put Christmas Day in parentheses because if you know me, this baby will probably come about 2 weeks early. I don't know, she could surprise us and go full term like Britton but I doubt it. This pregnancy has been no cake walk that's for sure! Even though I didn't know that I was pregnant for the first 2 months, I had an uncontrollable itch that about drove me mad. It did drive me to tears a few times. Thankfully, through the grace of God it subsided and it doesn't bother me anymore. My varicose veins are something to behold! You know it's bad when little kids come up to you and tell you that you have dirt on your feet or ask you why your feet are purple. (Warning! graphic image) Even worse than that are the 5 or so blood clots that I have developed in the past few months and I just discovered a new one yesterday. They sting to the touch and are pretty dang painful. I have been really blessed though that they are superficial and not in the veins that can move to your lungs or heart and kill you in a matter of hours or days. I also have been blessed not to have any morning sickness-although I have been on Unisom for the past 4 months and tried to get off of it the other day and discovered that was a bad idea. There's no way I can be sick and be a mom to 4 other kids. There is just not enough time in the day, or money in the world to eat out every night if I were sick. So I'm just groggy in the morning and next month I will try and get off the medication again. Anyway, I could go on but I won't bore anyone with anymore details, as long as our baby is healthy and happy so are we. We all feel very blessed and are excited to have another little one in our home.

Yes I CAN!

2008-09-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Oh the second go-round was so much more fun! It was about 11:00 pm. I stress that because the kids were in BED! Love it! and I knew I had to finish my marmalade before it started to go rotten. I don't know what I was thinking when I ended up starting my marmalade with out my pears. Anyway, long story short, It took me a few days to get it bottled. So on Sat night after Bill kicked my bum in Rumikub twice, I told him I had better bottle my stuff. So there we were at midnight, he turning over the boiling hot bottles for me to fill them and then he would put the lids on and secure them with rings that we robbed from the freezer jam. It was great fun and some good bonding time. We made a great team and it was so satisfying to see the 14 bottles of Orange Marmalade sitting there on the counter, Bill thought so too. I'm sure that I will have ample opportunity to teach my children how to can, but while they are so young , I so much prefer canning like this!

"Can" I really do this?

2008-09-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my heck! My legs (esp. one) hurts, my back and hips hurt and I just don't know what I was thinking going grocery shopping and canning salsa and marmalade in one afternoon. It's only 9:55 pm, and it feels like about 12:55 (am that is). I've got mascara stained eyes from dicing onions (even with a food processor)and burnt jalepeno hands and anywhere else I've touched ...But hey I got some food storage out of my garden so I am pleased! It brings me back to the good ol' days canning with my mom. Funny though, my kids were no help unless you count Britton spilling monopoly money all over and Emma pulling out wipes...amongst other things and throwing them into the toilet. Maegan was somewhat helpful with making hotdogs for the kids but then she informed me that she was bored and didn't want to help anymore. Oh the joys of home canning!

Thanks for the swimming lessons Grammy!

2008-08-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 summers Grammy has given swimming lessons to the kids for their birthdays.
Branson and Maegan just finished with swimming lessons last week. Although it was fun I am kinda glad it's over. As soon as breakfast was over every morning I was pushing 4 kids out the door saying, "did you get your towel", "hurry get your seat belt on we are going to be late"...and "Maegan move your bike out of the way so I don't smash it". Then trying to keep Britton & Emma out of the pool the entire time and keeping them from crushing "Cheesetz" all over the ground not to mention some of the conversations that I had and sitting in the hot sun I came home from the pool utterly exhausted by 11 am. But they both learned a lot and Branson advanced to level 4 and they had a great time so it was all worth it!

Poor Bubu would ask me everyday, "am I bigger today ?" He wanted to get in the pool and swim so bad. I would tell him, "yeah you are bigger today but still not big enough to take swimming lessons until next year." Bless his heart he still kept a big smile on his face and was really good.

Girls Night Out!

2008-07-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

We've been talking about it FOREVER and NEEDING it forever...we finally just did it, Me, Sarah Darlene and Sybrina left the kids with our wonderful hubbies and went for a girls night out. It was so refreshing to laugh our heads off (I'll never tell), and have great conversation over Cold Stone ice cream. Afterwards we went to the Emma Smith My Story. It was touching with hundreds of amazing quotes and to catch a glimpse of the incredible hardships and sacrifice of both Emma and Joseph. My testimony and appreciation of them grew as I watched her lose child after child. When she was recalling the incidents' of her life to her daughter Julia, Julia asked Emma if she could change anything what would she change and her reply..."me, I would change me". I thought that was profound and I can't agree with her more. The other thing she said as she endured so many challenges is, "Strength isn't something you have, It's something God helps you find". And though my challenges aren't even in the same arena as Emma's, the principles of faith and sacrifice and endurance are. Life isn't easy at times but as Emma said, "The Lord is your friend and he has your best interest in mind." It was comforting to be reminded of that once again.
Thanks girls for a great evening!

"Crappy trash crappy trash"

2008-07-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Monday for FHE Bill announced to me that we were going to go to the park and pick up trash. Of course we didn't tell the kids so we wouldn't have to hear their complaints until we were actually there. We tried to have the kids guess where we were going as we looked for the messiest park or school yard. As we got there with gloves and trash bags in hand, Branson goes, " oh man, we're gonna pick up trash". Bill said, "no, we're going to sit on our trash bags and hear a story".
so we sat on our trash bags and Bill begins his story. He starts by saying there was this guy named Mr.McGrue or whatever his name was. Before he could continue Branson says, "you're making this up!" Bill turns his head laughing. Boy, Branson knows his dad too well! So he started again, "Okay this guys real name was WIM" Branson has another skeptical look on his face. " It stands for Waste Incident Management doesn't it Stephanie" I nodded in agreement to add validity to his story. He said something about WIM started picking up garbage and soon he made a business out of it and that's who comes to pick up our garbage every week. And if no one helped him who would pick up the garbage- no one. Well, that story made the kids all excited to help WIM out so we picked up trash along the fence and playground.Bill said before we go though, we need to have a cheer. Before I knew it we were all chanting Bill's made-up cheer, "Crappy trash, crappy trash go away, help WIM pick up trash today" Bill and I were laughing so hard! (Even this morning at breakfast Britton was singing our little theme song.) Bill has a talent of making the most boring tasks fun!

Here is Maegan very emphatically saying "I am NOT going to pick up the cigarette butts with my bare hands!"

After we helped WIM we treated ourselves to the Hawaiian Ice on the corner.

"Become as little children"

2008-06-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Bill had another week long business trip last week so I held down the fort while he was gone. I thought it was so cute how the kids all helped with Family Home Evening. We always have an introduction with dad speaking Italian. The kids have heard it so many times that even Britton chimed in with "Buen Venuti tuti a questa serata familia ata" then Bill says a bunch of other Italian words which finally lead up to" but we are going to speak in English and then he points to the kids and they all scream in unison, " so mom can understand"! They did pretty good even though the leader of the pack wasn't here.

Here is Maegan leading the music with her pop-sickle stick.

I was especially impressed with Branson. He has never volunteered to give the lesson until he was thumbing through the "Friend" magazine and found a great lesson.
He had everyone cutting out paper figurines and taping them to pop-sickle sticks-even little
Emma helped.

Then as I read the story of Nephi getting the plates they all performed a little puppet show.

Branson's ingenious way of getting the puppets
to stand up.

The great thing about letting kids teach is they actually retain the lesson a little better!

A great time was had by all!

2008-06-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well, we figured it was about time for a visit to Grandpa and Grandma's house and Bill had to take a day off or he would lose it so there was no better time than now. It was just so nice and relaxing! I love getting away from the same routine sometimes. We kind of just sat around and chatted, ate and chatted some more- two of my favorite things! The kids had fun playing with "Sumo" and having Uncle Reuben take them on motorcycle rides.
Saturday night we went to the lake with some of mom & dad's friends, roasted hot dogs and s'mores and let the kids play in the disgusting water. ( We definitely get pickier as we get older.) But it was a lot of fun.

Sunday we went to church and then had a delicious dinner with fresh asparagus, Orange chicken and mom's fabulous baked beans...

And we all just enjoyed each other's company.

Just call us the Griswolds!

2008-06-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Is that Bill...or cousin Eddy?

I'm laughing my head off taking the pictures and now I am laughing my head off looking at these pictures. I mean seriously, if you have seen Lampoon's Christmas vacation there is one scene where "Sparky" is watching cousin Eddy standing out in the yard emptying his r.v.'s waste products into the storm drain because the (clear your throat)... toilet was full. I showed this to Bill and we both had a laugh.
Complete with the cruddy lawn mower inherited from a neighbor..(but hey we're grateful! One less thing we have to buy) and our patch of grass -really we do have a front lawn-but it looks like this is all we own...Bill looks like he is mowing down the vacant lot ...and the kids' little "hut" they made, one could mistake us for the Griswolds!

Did I mention the Sombrero and goggles to boot? Just a classic day of mowing the lawn.
Bill has to keep his mouth shut and goggles on because the grass flies up and he gets a face full of turf.
I just keep telling myself...These are the good ol' days

The Last Hoorah!

2008-05-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

Branson celebrated his 7th Birthday Transformer style But the only thing that was transformers was the cake and the invitations. Bill "transformed" the party to "Jumpin' Jacks" a big bouncy toy fun center. Hey, it works for me. I was starting to stress a little about coming up with transformer games for 7 yr olds. So he relieved my stress and I didn't have to do anything! Loved it!

Branson is so smart and really funny! He is turning out to be quite the actor and comedian. It's really fun to see his personality come out and see what he is going to be like as an adult.

He is also really sweet and has a tender heart. He still comes and crawls up on my lap for a hug. He always says as he is walking out the door for school..."and I can't forget the most important thing of the day" and gives me a hug and kiss. Don't get me wrong, Branson is feisty and is extremely independent, spirited and might I add, downright stubborn at times but he is kind and loving too. He and Emma have a really special bond and he is a great big brother.

Maegan's 5th Birthday

2008-04-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

So what is worse than having all 4 kids b-days 2 weeks apart? Well, I'll tell you. Having to celebrate them twice. Try as I might I have still ended up doing just that. Bill has been out of town for 3 weeks out of the last 5 and home on the weekends (Thank goodness he was here for our anniversary which is sandwiched in between the birthdays)- BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE DADDY HERE so we celebrate when he is home and then their birthdays have conveniently fallen on a weekday so that's when I throw the friend party.

Princess Maegan's Party

Maegan's birthday was on the 7th of April. We invited a few other princesses over to help celebrate. I thought it would be kind of fun to tell a little about her. Notice her beautiful ensemble she is wearing? Well, I practically begged her to wear some other clothes- at least matching ones- since she is the "belle of the ball" after a few tears and "just let me wear what I want", I decided to pick my battles and grant her birthday wish.

Don't you just love the bright pink skirt and the burnt orange shirt! Not to mention the way she had to wear her crown. She is definitely asserting her independence.
Maegan's favorite color is yellow because her favorite princess is Belle so I made her a beautiful "Belle" cake. She loved it. (Thanks, Sybrina for everything!) Of course, every Princess needs her jewelry so we let the girls bead their own bracelets. That is one of Maegan's favorite things to do. She LOVES to do crafts. Every other day we are making a craft. I used to go to great lengths to find a craft and then do it with her and it took a lot of time and energy and I even found myself thinking . "oh man, another craft I don't really want to do this". but I have realized it is just the mom time that she wants and as long as she has glitter glue she is a happy girl.

JACKS!

2008-04-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

We have a new member of the Bundrock household. (No, I am not pregnant!) But, after much contemplation we have decided to get a dog. We found the sweetest little beagle on Sat. He is soooo good with the kids and just LOVES Bill and Branson! When either one of them leaves he will start whining a little bit and look out the window. Luckily, he gets over it and will play with me and the other kids but he definitely has his preferences. "Jacks" is such a smart dog. The other night he came and got Bill up at 2:30 in the morning to go outside. Sure enough, he did his business, came back inside and went right back to sleep. Good doggy!

Against all my upbringing, we actually keep him in the house (GASP!) (I know, I know, my family is saying, What! YOU have a dog in your house? This is from someone who won't allow anyone to step foot in our house with shoes on...Hey I'm here to tell you, we wipe his paws, he doesn't stink and he doesn't shed all over. Although, I have found that he does shed a little. All the more reason to vacuum more frequently=)

But really have you ever seen happier kids!

Britton goes in his little accent, "Mom, I just love my dog, He's ma boy!"

San Francisco

2008-04-02T11:31:00.001-07:00

City By The Sea!

2008-03-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

So Bill was telling me that he has to go to Oakland for a business trip and he hadn't had a chance to tell me the details. So during a conversation with JJ and Shalantie they asked him how long he would be gone for and that's when he gave me "the look. You know the look that say's "honey I am sorry that I haven't told you but I am going to be gone for a week and can you hold the fort down and I'll make it up to you later" look. Then I shot the "dream on don't you dare leave me alone with the kids for a week" look. ( I Know, I shouldn't complain, because there are a lot of other women who have it a lot worse than I do, but when you aren't used to it it doesn't make for a very pleasant surprise). A few days later Bill called me from work and said, "You have to come with me" I said, "What! there's no way I can come with you... Who will watch the kids? blah blah blah...but being a big proponent of investing in marriage I decided to bite the big one and go with him. After all his company was paying for most of it and there would be no way we could go for this price again and I was definitely getting "burned out" w/ the monotony of the same thing day in & day out.
I left on Thursday and I wouldn't bore you with the details of this day except that It was just hellish and if you have ever been a mom you can probably relate to this! Emma has had a terrible rash for the last few days and I just thought that it was eczema but I'd rather be safe than sorry so I had our home teacher come over early in the morning to give her a blessing. He told me the signs of eczema and said that that didn't look like eczema. So I got her an emergency Dr's. appt. You know how that is. That took a good 3 hrs. I ran out of the house w/no makeup on & practically in my pj's. At Walmart I even joked with this older guy (while waiting for my prescription for her terrible rash and unexpected ear infection.) "would you believe that I have a plane to catch in 3 hrs." He just laughed. ( This is the point where I probably should have been driving to the airport). But I still had to wait for Branson to come home from school, pack and get ready myself. So I am getting a shower and decide to confirm somethings and ended up having to rearrange my babysitter for one day. No I'm not a little stressed at this point. I just have to not only pack myself but pack for my kids now. So by the time I am actually hit the road it is like 4:00. My plane leaves at 5:20 and I am still 45 min away!
I get to the airport and there is a nice old man that offers me his luggage cart (that was a blessing the Lord knew I needed) so I accepted it and I am so glad I did. I finally get through the awful line to get my boarding pass and the and the guy slaps on a big ol' LATE sticker on my bags & informs me that because I am so late he wouldn't even guarantee that they would be there on my plane when I got to Oakland followed by the news that he wouldn't give me my boarding pass because he said "according to this you aren't going to catch your plane". Ya think? Maybe if you would give me my boarding pass I would have a better chance at catching my plane! So of course I am frantically trying to get through security, dumping out my BABY"S WATER from her bottle and juggling unzipping my boots and explaining that "really, It's just baby food in my bag". Fortunately, a few people in line let me go ahead and that is the extra minute that I needed to catch my plane. At this point I had 10 min to get to my terminal and BONUS pick up my boarding pass. Could my terminal be at the front of the airport? No that would be too easy! It was at the very End of the airport- B-13! So I am bookin' it-my sick little Emma in one arm and my carry-on on my back, pant legs tucked into my unzipped boots- and I found out how out of shape I really am cuz when I got to B-5 I started hyperventilating and crying because my legs couldn't carry me any faster and I was so out of breath! I finally reached the escalator and I still had another 4 -5 terminals to go, but I knew I was going out! My eyes started going blurry and everything started to spin. I am still running but It felt like I was in slow motion. I'm crying and saying over and over again in between breaths, "I'm going to miss my plane, I'm going to miss my plane." I just about fainted when a guy came over to me and asked me if he could help. He offered to take my bag but I think that's when Emma started slipping out of my arms and he grabbed her instead. I just kept saying I gotta get to B-13. That's when another guy grabbed my back pack and I finally got there and slapped my cards down on the counter and said here, what do you need? "Well, Ma'm you need a boarding pass you are going to have to get one over there"...see I told you my boarding pass would have come in handy! I stumble over to the other counter and I hear the man ask them if they can take one more. I thought that he was just meaning ...Can you take one more before you go on break or something. It wasn't till I was on the plane that I realized he meant can you take one more PASSENGER to GET ON THE PLANE. I just stood there thinking that I could board the plane after all these other people get on cuz they were here 1st. (I wondered why no one was moving and looking at me weird.) I didn't realize that I was the reason they hadn't taken off yet. That is how out of it I was. Needless to say I tried to recover for the duration of the flight and to be honest I am still dizzy. Maybe a good week's worth of sleep will help. Ha ha dream on!
Well, I finally made it to

Bill and I had such a great time. When we 1st got in Bill met us at the airport and then we went to a great place called "Scotts" for dinner. We had a beautiful room but the BEST part was the View! This was a picture from our balcony.
The next day Emma and I went on her 1st ferry ride to Fisherman's Warf in San Francisco. I had Emma in the baby bjorn and we walked around all day! 1st we went to of course Pier 39. That was fun! There is just a ton to see! We went to Ghiradelli Square, walked up and down street after street. There are so many art studios and little clothing boutiques not to mention all the vendors selling everything to sunglasses to ivory statues. It's amazing how much stuff is crammed onto one sidewalk!

So as you can see from the slide shows our highlights were the cities with in the city- China Town & the Italian district. We tried Dim sum. That was interesting. We still don't know what we ate. (some kind of meat, veggies & even peanuts in rice wontons). Bill clearly loved it! Then Bill made me try on a dress at a Chinese shop. The lady was so nice and really wanted me to buy it. I tried to let her down easy. We tried some pastries and had an Italian soda just like Bill used to do in Italy. Then Bill just wanted to try some pizza so we found a "hole in the wall" with people lined outside to get in. It was clearly San Francisco's best kept secret because that was the Absolute BEST pizza I have ever tasted!

We had a great time window shopping and going into stores that I have never been to. Like Tiffany's and Louis Vuitton. I tried on a leather jacket that was oh, $2,100 just for fun. Bill said, "No matter what they say just say you don't really like it!" They were very willing to alter anything. I know because I was looking at a white shirt and they didn't have my size but they offered to alter it for free. For a $500.00 shirt I would hope they would alter it for free! Boy after that Old Navy isn't looking so bad!

After that we happened upon "Castro Street" which is the gay capital of the US. Bill goes, "Well, you don't see that in Utah."

Then we went to Alamo Square that is where the famous Victorian houses are that you see in pictures. I think it suits us! There is a beautiful park in Alamo square so we pushed Emma in the swing over looking the city.

Thanks to my gracious brother and neighbor for taking care of our children, we had such a woooonderful time enjoying the sights and sounds of this eclectic city by the sea!
I have to laugh because Bill has to go back for another week. He said, "well, if we were made of money I would have you come back with me." That is one city that will break the bank in a hurry! Oh well. We were very blessed to go!

Easter Sunday

2008-03-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Easter was great at our house. The kids found their Easter baskets in the morning and among all the eggs in their baskets they had some numbered eggs. The kids thought it was a game, but it
was actually 12 eggs that had scriptures and symbols of the events leading up to the crucification and the resurrection of Christ. The number 12 egg had nothing in it-representing the empty tomb. I think our kids really understood what Easter really means. We also had our home teachers over and they shared a beautiful message. After church we had Uncle Dustin over for dinner and that's when we opened our 12 eggs and had a spiritual feast. It really was a special day to feel gratitude for the life, ministry, death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. It was so special the next night when we were saying family prayer with dad over the phone when Branson said, " And we are thankful for Jesus because with out him none of us would be here." I think these lessons are sticking!

It's Party Time

2008-03-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

So yeah, It's that time of year when all the holidays are over and just when we think we have a moment to breathe...Wham! Bam! Bang! Smack! we get hit with all 4 kids Birthdays one after another so I am taking a deep breath and before I know it April will be here...
But to kick off the festivities this year I had to announce to everyone that our little Emma turned ONE. I so can't believe that year has already gone by! Most moms spend hours making cakes and whatever but I got an idea in my head for her announcement (while I was in the shower...which is where most of my inspiration comes...probably because it's when I get the most solace=) and I couldn't let it go until I had it the way I wanted. Which led me to open a whole new can of worms (trying to figure out a bunch of things on Illustrator)until 2 am. All in all I learned a lot, got some "me time" and was quite pleased with the result. I had so much fun taking pictures of Emma the day before and "photoshopping" things in. She is such a delight and a joy in our home! I just can't get enough of her! And she can't get enough of me either. As anyone who visits will agree she is a mommas girl and don't you dare take her out of at least ear shot from me.

So, it's a tradition in our home to let the babies on their 1st birthday to do what ever they want with their cake...just sit it right in front of them and let them go to town. I was reminiscing with Maegan telling her that I remembered when she turned one-she just poked her little index finger in and would just so delicately lick the cake off her finger and then she would do it again and again. Maegan just laughed when I told her that so we were curious to see what Emma would do. So 1st we sat her cake in front of her and LO and BEHOLD she sat there! I know.... I know.... whats the big deal about that? The big deal is that is the 1st time she has EVER sat up on her own. I commented to Bill, "Geeze that's all we needed to do was stick a cake in front of her and she would have sat up a long time ago." We were starting to get concerned because we didn't know if she just was being stubborn and didn't want to or if she couldn't. Turns out she was just being stubborn. Anyway, so after that great surprise we let her try and blow out her candle and she almost grabbed it so that was the end of the candle for her. But she did try and blow it out! It was so cute! Then she grabbed a little piece of the frosting and before even tasting it her self she fed it to Maegan, and then Britton and then Branson. It was too cute. She discovered that she didn't really like cake so she just kept feeding it to all the kids until they got their own.

Gumball blessings

2008-03-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

On Saturday a short time ago Bill decided to take the kids to Kmart and pass some time while I was away at a baby shower. After spending time in the toy department, the Bundrock clan grew tired of just looking and decided to leave and come pick me up. However, on their way out Branson and Maegan discovered a row of gumball machines and of course wanted to spend their hard earned money to enjoy the goodness contained within. After a reluctant approval from Bill, due to the knowledge that two gumalls and three children don't go well together, the salivating children put their money into the machine of their choice and turned the handle. Branson was duely rewarded; however, Maegan did not receive anything for her quarter. Not wanting to hear Maegan's moans and groans all the way home, Bill waited in line for 15 minutes to get a refund and try again. The second attempt would prove to be very successful because Maegan received two morsels of goodness instead of one. Bill was glad because he knew that meant all three children would have something to eat instead of just two. Branson, after seeing the extra piece fall out of the slot, turned to Bill and said; "Dad you know who did that?" Bill grinned and said what do you mean Branson? Branson with a smile of his own simply replied, "That was Jesus". From the mouth of babes. It is great to know that our children are coming to understand that all we are blessed with in life comes from our Saviour and our Heavenly Father. Branson's faith was strengthened and we are grateful that our Heavenly Father watches and blesses us even if we are only dealing with gumballs.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween from the Bundrocks. (Branson is helping me write this). i am lrning to do grafik desin. (Oh how cute! I left the computer for a while and came back and Branson had typed this on the computer) Yeah, we were fixing this photo for the blog.

So, this year Branson got to be silver surfer...ya know the silver guy on Fantastic 4 number II
I worked on his costume for week and life was crazy! I taught myself how to put in a zipper for the 1st time in my life and was pretty proud of myself. And after several phone calls to my mom and running back and forth to my neighbor Amy for pointers on how to get the sleeves right I finally got it all done and time ran out so we didn't get his surf board done and people thought he was the tin man! NO! HAVEN'T you seen my tin man costume...It's much different than silver surfer-Here this is our family as the Wizard of Oz a few okay about 5 years ago.

NOW THAT"S A TIN MAN!=)

Maegan was a beautiful princess for halloween. too bad you can't see her costume. As I put mascara and make up on Maegan it sure brought back sweet memories of when my mom dressed me up for Halloween. I remember her putting mascara on me and commenting on my long lashes. I can't believe I'm a mom doing the same thing with my daughter...where does the time go?

Emma was an adoreable lady bug. I made her a little dress and then glued felt black dots to her dress. We made her some adoreable little wings and a head band with antennas she was darling too. She didn't last too long at the trunk or treat because she unexpectedly vomited massive ammounts so we took her home and put her to bed. She didn't last but up the road before she was too cold and screaming. Oh well, It was fun while it lasted.

Britton wanted to be Shrek for Halloween. I had no idea how in the world I was going to "pull this off" but it actually ended up to be the easiest costume. He was SOOO cute too. He got so many compliments and had a great time at the "Trunk or Treat and stayed out with dad Branson and Maegan the whole night trick or treating. They all got way too much candy! We told Santa and he is thinking of stuffing their stockings with it!

We hope you had a Happy Halloween!

Love Silver, Sleeping Beauty, Shrek and lady bug

New Designs!

2007-11-14T16:00:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

Christmas cards- Order yours today!

2007-11-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

Okay so I still haven't gotten my website up yet, but I have had a lot of requests for my Christmas cards, so until I get them up on the web here they are on my blog.

All cards are printed on quality fuji photo paper and come with white envelopes.
Order 25 cards for $32.25 ($1.29 per card) + tax & shipping.
Order 50 cards for $58.00 ($1.16 per card) + tax & shipping (over 10% savings) .

If you tell at least 5 friends I will give you an extra 5% off your complete order!

Oops ! I'm addicted!

2007-11-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Of course, the minute that I started the blog I had to do my own header! so that's what I have been doing. Okay, the fun is over....until tomorrow that is. Friends, you're right! It's addictive. Of course graphic anything is addictive to me!

2007-11-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well, FUN!! I have had several friends recommend this fun activity & to be honest I thought, "when in my busy schedule would I find the time to "blog"? But as luck would have it I have 2 kids down for a nap, one at school and one playing with friends...so what do you know, I have an hour to myself... Probably should be doing something else-but hey...the house can wait. Talking about my family can't!