Another Day In Paradise

My awesome Sister, Jess

2011-04-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my sister's first youtube video about protein shakes. She really knows a lot of stuff about fitness and nutrition. Visit her website at www.fitnessrevolutionaz.com.

So Funny

2011-03-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, no real reason why I put this on. Just because it was so stinkin' cute.

So Funny

2011-02-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you really love the BBC. I love British produced stuff. I also love the clean stuff of Saturday Night Live. Here is a mixture of the two. I couldn't stop laughing for about 5 minutes.

My top 10 favorite books

2011-02-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hello. For want of something to blog about, I thought I'd list my 10 favorite books of all time (so far). This is a difficult task, however. So many good books exist and so many lists as well. Well, here goes. These are not in any order, by the way.

Pride and Prejudice
A Tale of Two Cities
Gone With The Wind
Jane Eyre
To Kill A Mockingbird
Persuasion
The Book Thief
The Gadfly
The Little Prince
1984

Check out Old Acoustic

2011-01-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hey, Geoff started a blog called Old Acoustic. It is so fun. He's blogging about his music, his expertise and ideas about music, music making and studio stuff. It's really great. Go there now and you can hear our family singing a Christmas song and Geoff singing an awesome acoustic version of ABBA's Dancing Queen.

Fun in the snow

2011-01-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Cute Eira Rose hamming it up for the camera.

Our dog loves the snow. She'll make a little snow bed and rest there.

We are trying to teach Tasha "mush." She really isn't catching on.

Yeah, Yeah, I know it's been a long time. A really long time. So, I've decided to get back on the blogging horse and blog more often. I'm even working on a whole new look. We'll see.

Mockingjay

2010-09-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

Hey! I know, I know, it has been like, well, a really long time. And this is going to be a really short blog but here goes. I just found this really cool site for all of those Hunger Games junkies. It's thehoborg.blogspot.com. And right now, they are doing a cool giveaway for a stamped copy of Mockingjay. Go check it out and if you're lucky, you could win the book. Good luck, and "may the odds be ever in your favor."

Meet Natasha

2010-07-22T14:59:00.001-07:00

Meet our new addition. She is such a sweet, gentle girl. She is Husky and German Shepard mix. We got her at the shelter through an owner release, if you can believe it. MUCH to our gain. We look forward to getting to know her. There are so many things we want to teach her and play with her. We already have BIG plans for her for the winter:) Mush, Tasha, Mush. . .

Scandanavian Days

2010-06-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Every year, over the Memorial Day weekend, our family heads down to Ephraim, Ut to the Scandanavian Days Festival. Geoff has played there with a blue grass band for over 12 years. It is now a family tradition. Great music, fun booths and the best Swedish meatballs in the world! Here is a photo of Geoff's main band, Lincoln Highway. We love, em:)
Love this video. You get to hear some of Geoff's music and see the girls dance. Can't get any better than that. Who is the cute bass player:)?

Yeah baby

2010-05-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Fitness Revolution

2010-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hey, my sister just launched her new website fitnessrevolutionaz.com. It is really worth checking out. She talks fitness, nutrition, workouts, Q&A and more. She is so good at what she does. If you are in the Mesa area, she has an awesome Boot Camp for way cheaper than anywhere else. I got her to do a Boot Camp with a few of my friends when she was last it town and it kicked my butt! Go check it out. Really, go right now:)

Jason is at bootcamp

2010-04-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

My little brother, Jason, went to boot camp about two weeks ago. He just felt it was right for him and his family. I admire him and hope all goes well for him. He does admit that they shout is his face A LOT. After boot camp, he then goes to Arizona for some advanced training. In all, he'll be away from his family for about 7 months. Good luck, Jay. Love ya.

Arbor Day

2010-04-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

We planted trees this weekend. Well, not on the actual Arbor Day which is April 30th. We are really trying to beautify our home. And to us, that means planting trees. If you jump on Arborday.org, they will send you 10 trees for $10. You type in your zip code and they will sell you trees that are best for you area. So sweet.

Soccer

2010-04-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hey! Who was the wise guy who came up with Spring Soccer in Utah??! It is still so cold! Just last week, Mandy played in the rain and hail. All the parents were demanding the game to be called and all the kids just kept playing. Here are some great shots of my girls playing.

Dance Recitals

2010-03-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, another year, another great dance recital. Mandy and Lucy did such a great job. They were so darling and I cried through both of their dances. Not only did I cry because they did such a great job but I cried because they are so beautiful, and because I remember when they were first born, and because time goes by so fast and they are growing up, and because I wonder if I've been a good mother to them and. . . Anyway, you get the picture. I love them so much.

Trees and Gingerbread

2009-12-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

Enough said.

Going to school in the snow

2009-12-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

Well, we ride the bus now and the girls have to walk to the end of our street to get to the bus. Here are the girls walking to the bus on the second day of the big storm. And playing in the snow.

Birthdays

2009-12-15T12:20:00.001-08:00

Lucy is now 6 and Eira is now 2. Enjoy these photos. This is Lucy's birthday party that we had one week before her actual birthday which happened to be moving day.

On moving day, we surprised Lu with balloons and presents and then went out to eat.

We had a little family party for Eira. One with grandma on her birthday and then another one the day after since her actual birthday seemed to be a little much for her. Eira loves to wear either one of Lucy's dresses over her clothes or one of her sister's swimsuits. Here she is wearing one of Lucy's dresses.

Yup, here is a swimsuit. She has been wearing a swimsuit since, oh, August.

Thanksgiving

2009-12-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

We had Thanksgiving at Mom Groberg's house with an interesting guest list consisting of my brother Jason and his cute family, my dad (who is here on a mission) and Geoff's siblings. These pics are of the girls helping Grandpa Giles with the Thanksgiving punch and other various Thanksgiving chores. Mom has the girls make these cute turkey decorations filled with M&Ms.

I had Amanda and Lucy each prepare a relish plate for Thanksgiving. Both artistic, both fun. Amanda's is on the left and Lucy's on the right.

Moving

2009-12-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

So many people showed up to help us move, thank goodness. If you were one of those people, thank you so much. Too bad our moving truck showed up a half hour late and everyone ended up moving our stuff twice! From our house to the garage and then from the garage to the truck. You are all lifesavers.

This is a picture from our new kitchen. Yup, there are still boxes in places there shouldn't be boxes.

So much has happened

2009-12-15T12:05:00.001-08:00

Okay, so now we are in our house and SOOOO much has happened in the past two and a half weeks. I'll try to spare you all of the pics but we've moved, Lucy and Eira had birthdays, Thanksgiving, decorating for the holidays and one of the biggest snow storms I've seen will be in the next few posts. Bare with me:)

Moving Day

2009-11-25T12:51:00.000-08:00

Yup, it's so here! We move on Saturday!! We've waited for 2 1/2 months for this house. We so look forward to living there.

New Moon Girls' Night

2009-11-25T12:37:00.001-08:00

Okay, this will be the last Twilight post for another six months( when Eclipse comes out). I had so much fun with Sara, Lisa, Mary and Georgianna. Even though it was so midnight (I'm getting too old for this) it was worth hanging out with these girls. Even moms need crazy nights out. Thanks, girls!

The Burning Question

2009-11-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

I was going to post a review of the new Twilight saga installment New Moon but instead decided to answer a particular burning question. WHAT THE HECK IS THE DEAL WITH TWILIGHT? Now, before you non Twilighters start gagging and leaving my blog, hear me out. This is a two part essay so bare with me. First, why the heck do we see thirty something moms (me included) flocking to the bookstores and/or movie theaters to partake of this vampire romance faster than the targeted audience tweeners can sigh over the overly perfect Edward Cullen? Here's my take. It's not about hoping that an Edward type character will save us from our provincial life with his sculpted cheekbones and century old knowledge of what makes a girl swoon. It's not even about trying to live vicariously through a bunch of mystical teenagers who are beautiful beyond belief. I think it's about love. It's about obsession. It's about remembering the passion from our own lives and letting it wash over us one more time. We were all teenagers once. I don't know about you but I've had my heart stomped on so bad that I thought I would pass out of existence, or at least I hoped I would. And I also found a love that made me look forward to an everlasting existence.
Which brings me to part two of my burning question essay. Team Jacob or Team Edward? I am Team Jacob all the way. I believe I married my Jacob. Let me explain before you think I mean that I settled for second best (If you are even remotely familiar with the books, you know what I mean). Edward and Bella have this sweeping love affair. Well, as sweeping of a love affair that teenagers can muster. They love each other, overlooking each others flaws, clinging to passion and outright infatuation. They are drawn to each other, both to each other's outward appearance and scent. They can't live without each other. Edward treats her like a glass doll protective and sheltering. He omits information from their lives to save her from pain and worry. She is constantly questioning how it is possible for such a gorgeous creature to love one such as her while he is all the while professing his undying (no pun intended) love. Then we have Jake. He sees Bella's flaws yet loves her anyway. He tells Bella how things are, not pulling any punches. He wants her to know what is going on around her. He is her sun, the brightness in her life that outshines the darkness. He is equal parts tender and intense, devoted and realistic. Between them there is an intensity that smolders and grows, a lasting, deep fire of friendship, companionship, love. Do I need to continue or do you get it already? Yup, I'm kinda making a mountain out of a molehill by comparing such deep concepts with characters in a fictitious book. But, maybe it gives insight into what the heck is up with Twilight. Oh, by the way, the movie was pretty good:)

2009-11-11T08:28:00.001-08:00

Hey, are you a fan, too? You can totally get a chance to win the soundtrack if you go to www.twilightmoms.com. It is a fun fan site for us moms who like the franchise. Good luck:) Oh, yeah, who else has midnight tickets?

Amanda's new hair

2009-11-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

Mandy (and especially her mother) was getting sick of her long hair so she wanted it cut. But only if she could donate it, which she was able to do. She donated 11 inches to Locks Of Love, something she's wanted to do for some time now. Aren't our kids amazing?:)

Halloween

2009-11-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I'm quite glad that Halloween is over. It was fun and horrible all at the same time. My girls are so dang cute. Amanda was two different things a glam vam (or glamorous vampire or, for all of you Twilight fans, Alice Cullen kind of) and Cinderella which she decided to do 5 minutes before we left to go Trick-or-Treating. Lucy is a darling Mermaid and Eira is our sweet and simple Cinderella. Now, on to Christmas. Oh yeah, and Thanksgiving. Oh yeah, and moving. YEAH!!!!

100 Days of holiday cookies

2009-11-01T12:32:00.001-08:00

Need some holiday cookie ideas? Here are some great ones. I'm so excited for Christmas:)

Our Zoo trip

2009-09-29T12:51:00.001-07:00

We had a day off of school so we decided to go to the Zoo! We hadn't been for a while and had a great time. Actually, the zoo is a bitter sweet trip, don't you think? Nothing so majestic as a large tiger, orange and black, sleek and impressive, pacing in his too small "environment", in front of a glass barrier separating him from the gawking humans. A bit too real? Nonetheless, we had a good time watching our girls. Oh yeah, did I mention the baby elephant? Oh my. I couldn't stop looking at her she was so darling and small, as far as pachyderms go.

Jabez is back!

2009-09-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

My little brother is back from Iraq! He surprised everyone and came home a month early! In Iraq, he received the Bronze Star for bravery. We are so proud of him and what he has done. Jabe, we are so glad you are back, and back safe.

This could be our new house!

2009-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hey, all. This is it! Our new future home in Elk Ridge. Okay, so we are just under contract and still the inspection may prove it unfit for us but it seems that all will go fine and we will be in it by the end of October. HOORAY!!

Lu's first day

2009-09-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Lucy is officially a kindergartner! "Will you stay for a while on the first day of school or will you kiss me and say good-bye?" Lucy asked me. Sensing her trepidation, I said "I'll do anything you want. What do you want me to do?" In true Lucy form she says,"I want you to kiss me and say good-bye." I guess it was me who was nervous.

Miss Manda

2009-07-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Amanda was baptized on July the 3rd. We were so blessed to have had so much family in town for the fourth that could then come to Amanda's baptism. Mandy is indeed a special spirit, sometimes so much older than her 8 years. We are grateful for her and for her decision to become a member of the church.

Pretty

2009-06-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know, I'm a little intense sometimes but look at this! It is so pretty. Rainbows do fascinate me.

Can you believe it?

2009-06-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here is our cute house. . .FOR SALE! The time has finally come to move into a house with more room. We have been here for 8 1/2 years so the move will be tough but we also look forward to our next adventure. We won't be going far. We aren't quite sure where we are going but we know we will probably stay in Utah county.

Lucy's graduation

2009-05-22T13:06:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that Lucy is finished with Pre-school. Her class had a cute graduation program on Wednesday. They each had cute little parts but Lucy's was the best:) We love you, Lu Bird. You are really growing up, sweetie.

Our Garden

2009-05-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Yup! We tried planting a garden this year. Last year we only did a flower garden. This year we tried planting tomatoes, cantaloupe, squash, carrots, pumpkins and watermelon. So far, nothing has popped up. We are getting a little nervous since we planted nearly two weeks ago. Okay, the tomatoes are up, being as we planted plants:) If things don't get growing soon, I'm going to go buy some veggie plants. I will have fresh produce this year.

Amanda learned to ride her bike!

2009-05-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

First, Amanda learned riding the itty bitty bike. Her and her dad had been working on it for a few days. When she was feeling more confident, she got on her regular bike. She loves it. We told her she would but she had her doubts.

SOCCER!

2009-04-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Mandy played soccer for the first time (on a team) yesterday! She was awesome! She was put in as goalie twice and played full back, too. (is that a position?) She was timid at first in the goalie box, but then she was all over it. She would run out of the box and grab that ball. Man, she was fearless. It was so fun to watch. She plays twice a week until the second week of May. Here are some fun pictures her dad took.

Eira and Lucy had fun, too. They can't wait to play.

Happy Birthday, Geoff!

2009-04-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

We had a fun family party for Geoff on his 36th birthday. We had a "restaurant" where the girls are the hostess and the waitress at the restaurant in our home. The cool thing about this restaurant is that the chef cooks according to exactly what you like and want:) The girls and I also made a cool banjo cake for Geoff. We had a few small gifts (that the girls picked out) and played a few birthday games. We have so much fun together.

Recitals went well

2009-04-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Lucy and Mandy did so well with their dance recitals! They smiled and remembered their dance and, best of all, had a great time:) I think they will both dance again next year. Lucy did a Clockwork Mice routine and Mandy was a Ragdoll. The theme of the show was toys so every dance was a different toy. It was really fun.

Dance recitals are here!

2009-03-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yup, it's that time of year again when Lucy and Amanda dance with Children's Visions dance studio. They just had the elementary school performance yesterday but the big one is March 28th at the Covey Arts Center. Here are some cute photos of them yesterday. They did such a great job. They love to do this and we love to watch them.

Lance's visit

2009-03-19T12:24:00.001-07:00

We were so happy to see my brother Lance last Saturday. He came down to visit all the sibs. He just hung out with us (Geoff had to work) for a few hours and experienced a day in the life of the Groberg girls. We love ya uncle, Lance:)

Sweet Eira

2009-03-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

She's taking her sweet time about it but Eira is walking more and more everyday. Now, if we could just get her to say some words, I'm sure we'd have less screaming in the house:)

Where do your kids live?

2009-02-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

I don't know about your kids, but my kids live in quite an intricate fantasy world. I know my memory is bad, but I don't even remotely remember coming up with half of the stuff my kids do for entertainment. Actually, this said entertainment borders on reality for my kids. For instance, at this moment, I have three possible dragon eggs cradled in many a pillow case and jacket in the girls room. Mandy and Lucy had looked to the Dragonology book for insight and guidance as to what to do with these possible eggs and as to what kind of dragon will emerge. I also have a fairy queen (Lucy) in my home who is only the fairy queen at night when she visits Fairyland. "If I'm tired in the mornings, mom, it's because I've been in Fairyland all night." says our precious queen. We have had many a conversation about where the Tooth Fairy lives and how she lives her life. We have spoken many a time about where Pegasuses live and why we don't see dragons. One last one for you. A few months ago, we translated a spell from dragon into English about how to summon a dragon (curse you Dragonology. It will take me years to deprogram what it took minutes for you to install). But since we did not have Unicorn spittle or a feather from a Phoenix, my girls improvised. Yes, they spit in a cup, cut feathers off of a school project, and used a hole in our basement as a makeshift "cave" to use to spread the concoction about. I can't describe to you the disappointment my girls experienced when a dragon did not appear. I admire my children for the things they come up with. They are truly a delight. Now, I need to just find a way to make money off of all of the stories they come up with:)

What have you done?

2009-02-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, Mendy often inspires me. Hope you don't mind if I copy, Mendy. This was so fun! I want to read everyone's. The ones I have done are bright white.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in Movie
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Talked your way out of a ticket

25 random things tag

2009-02-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Yup, I got tagged to tell about 25 random things about me. Man this was harder than I thought it would be. Well, here goes. . .
1. I played bongo drums with street musicians in Amsterdam.
2. I've ridden sheep in a rodeo. Yeah, I was only 5 or 6 but I did it!
3. I was once a bartender:(
4. I'm an enormous book snob. Meaning, I turn my nose up at things that aren't fine literature. And, yes, I get to decide what
find literature is.
5. I'm very possessive of pens. If I find a pen I like to write with, it's mine and if anyone uses it, I grit me teeth until they are
done with MY pen.
6. I love kung-fu movies.
7. I read Tolstoy's War and Peace during my last semester of BYU. Why? I still don't know.
8. I want to learn to juggle.
9. My favorite movie of all time is Dances With Wolves. That is, if I had to pinpoint one singular favorite movie.
10. I waste time playing games on yahoo.
11. I think I know more about horses than I really do. I'd like to think that owning horses for only a matter of months and
being thrown from a horse over a dozen times constitutes me as a horse connoisseur. It is in my blood though.
12, I love to wear pink. It makes me feel so girly.
13. I ask for lotions and potions from Bath & Body Works for Christmas every year.
14. I use the name Jammin' online because my first mission comp from the MTC nicknamed me that and I loved it. Go Sister
Sechrist:)
15. I still consider myself a softball player even though I haven't played real softball in over a decade.
16. In all the jobs I ever had (which I've had dozens) my favorite was working at the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce and
my least favorite was working as an after school day care provider. Yikes!
17. Throw up doesn't bother me. Okay, my own kids throw up doesn't bother me.
18. I'm obsessed with time. On my mission, my comps threatened to take my watch away because I was always looking at it.
One comp actually took my watch.
19. I food poisoned myself during my last semester of BYU. I drank bad milk out of desperation. I even had to attend finals in
my sickened state. I passed my final, though.
20. In my first year of marriage I visited Mexico, England, Indonesia, San Diego, Washington State, and Arizona. And I thought
I wouldn't travel once I got married.
21. I wish I were a blond but I lost my nerve to dye my hair.
22. I have such a passion for reading that I cried when I purchased a brand new, unscathed version of Great Expectations.
23. I truly believe that my husband is a genius. His mind is unlike anyone's I've ever met. He is amazing.
24. I thank the Lord everyday for my children. I know I don't deserve them, but I'm doing the best I can with them.
25. I think that Global Warming is a myth.
There you have it. That was fun and stressful. What about you?

Book influence

2009-01-22T09:32:00.000-08:00

What are the books that have changed you? Besides the Book of Mormon and the Bible, those go without saying. What have you read that with the closing words you look in the mirror to see the changes wrought? But with the inspection you find the same lines, the same color, the same you in your reflection. The changes must have happened inside your sinews, in your blood, in your very organs. There is a warmth that wasn't there before. It is real yet invisible from the outside. A few books have done this to me, for me. I think you change when you recognize truth or beauty or ideals, even love. Here are my changing books.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book is about the astounding attributes of the human spirit, the magnitude of harmful intent, and the power of self sacrifice and love. Wow. This book should be on every reading list there is.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
The power of that one action that truly defines your character! This book explores courage and how we use the many facets thereof. Dickens is a genius and I am better for it.

1984 by George Orwell
What an astounding force is the kindness of man, or the implications of the hardhearted world. This book takes on the difficult task of painting a world without compassion and the consequences of hate. One soft light in the din of darkness makes a difference somewhere.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Timid countenances do not equate weak character. Jane's example of honesty and forthrightness is inspiring. We can rise above that which we have been giving in this life. We can rise above and soar.

I may have to have a part II to this entry. This is just too much fun:)

Signs of sickness

2009-01-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Like a loving family should, my children have shared the love, if you will, and passed on their sickey germs to me. I'm not quite as sick as they were but I've come up with a few tell tale signs to let me know that I'm sick.
1. I have slurred speech and dizzy spells and I haven't taken any drugs yet
2. I'm hungry but my stomach vetoes every thing I want to put in my mouth
3. When my mouth and stomach finally agreed on some simple breakfast cereal and I went to put the stuff away, I put the box
of cereal in the fridge and put the milk on the counter.
4. My kids were still asking me 45 minutes later to get them some hot tea. I kept forgetting.
5. I just want to watch junk t.v. and snuggle up in a blankie.
If you have any of these tell tale signs yourself, let me tell you, YES, you are sick. If time and naps permit, snuggle up with a nice blankie until the kids come home from school or your little ones wake up from their nap. Because, as you know, we don't really get sick days. But I wouldn't trade this job for anything else, nonetheless.

Trials of Motherhood

2009-01-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

I have received many blessings since becoming a mother. Like, even though I feel like fainting when I see my children's blood, I realize that I'm the only one who can help so the Lord helps me to stay on my feet and clean wounds. Or I have almost mastered the art of pretending like I'm listening to sweet unimportant chatter while I'm really doing something else. Or, take last night, for instance. Before being a mother, seeing someone throw up would instantly trigger my gag reflex and I would be in danger of throwing up myself. But last night, as Eira, my one year old, proceeded to throw up on my lap, my neck, my arms and my hair my only thought was of her. It didn't bother me that I had to change three times or that before each change I had to sit in sweet Eira's recently upchucked dinner for approximately a half hour. My point is, before you have to stifle your own gag reflex, is that I am truly blessed in the motherhood arena. I have wonderful children and the Lord has blessed me with great tools. Now, I'm off to have some lunch:)

"Ringing in" the New Year

2009-01-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas activity

2009-01-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, we got the girls' each a K'Nex amusement park ride to assemble and play with. This particular ride took them over two hours to build. Geoff said that you'd have to be an engineer to put it together. Good thing he is quite brilliant. We had a great time with this.

Blog Day

2009-01-08T09:57:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's that time of week where I will attempt to blog. The bad part about sharing this info, about Thursday now being the official day for me to blog, is that I still may not blog on Thursday sometimes and now you'll know. I guess I'll just have to take that chance.

Santa

2008-12-16T09:54:00.001-08:00

Speaking with Santa is always a bitter sweet event. Bitter in that, man, is he much scarier in person. Sweet in that you just gotta tell him what you want so you'll get it.

Eira's first birthday

2008-12-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Yup, she made it to her first. From being born in our living room to now thriving and playing there, we have had a fantastic year. We love, adore, dote on our sweet Eira.

Decorating for Christmas

2008-12-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Isn't Christmas wonderful? For me, as I get older the season's feeling seems to dim. But with my children, all the colors restore themselves and seem ever more vibrant, more alive, even better than my earliest memories have sustained.

Lucy's birthday

2008-12-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

Lucy and Amanda are filling Lucy's pinata. Lucy loves these things and has had one for the last two years.

Lucy wanted a butterfly theme to her party. She is more colorful than the most beautiful butterfly.

We love fairies at our house

2008-11-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

Amanda and Lucy at our local Library's Fairy Frolic event to celebrate Tinkerbell's new movie.

Halloween

2008-11-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween season. How could we not with such fun, darling girls? This year we went as a butterfly, flower and dragon. The early Christmas present to me was that I didn't have to sew a single costume this year. YEAH! Geoff was Evil Kanivel (how the heck do you spell that?) and I was a doctor. Fun, fun but I'm glad it's over. Now, for Christmas. . .

So funny.

2008-10-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to laugh at the whole thing.

Get the facts, people.

2008-10-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

This election is so crucial this year. I guess it is every year but so much seems to be riding on this next election. To be honest, I'm still not sure who I'm voting for. But I'll tell you what, I've been looking up facts like crazy. Here are some great non-partisian sites to check out if the statements and claims that the candidates say are true or not; politifacts.com and factcheck .org.

My sister rocks!

2008-10-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

My favorite sister is now a second degree blackbelt in Kajukenbo. She has worked so hard and prepared so well and the hard work has paid off. Just a little hats off to her because she is truly my hero. And, I'm really glad to have her on my side in a fight:) Jess, you are awesome.

My Harley ride

2008-09-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my oldest brother rented a Harley for 24 hours for his birthday. I was so lucky to be able to ride for about an hour with him up American Fork canyon. It was a blast! When we were young and living in Pleasant Grove eons ago, we all loved to ride dirt bikes. I even almost bought a motorcycle after my mission. Anywho. Motorcycles are cool.

Twilight Trailer Spoof

2008-08-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm just as excited as the next 30 something mom about the upcoming movie, Twilight (Yes, I've read all of the Twilight saga. Yes, my laundry and dishes suffered for it). If you've seen the trailer, you'll love this hilarious spoof. I laughed so hard. Enjoy.

My new obsession

2008-08-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all you'll know I have obsessions. Reading is my constant obsession while movies come and go. Here's the movie of the month, North and South. Such a great story from the book by Elizabeth Gaskell. So well done, gorgeous and well written, I'd recommend this to anyone. It's hard for me to believe that such restrained passion existed simply because of decorum. It drives me crazy to watch two people fight against the feelings they have for one another. Then again, my favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. Go watch this then weigh in.

Mom's visit

2008-08-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad came to visit for my nephew's farewell. We had a really great visit. The two things we have to do when they come is get pizza at Two Jack's Pizza and bowl. These are our bowling photos. Noah and Maddie Giles got to come with us. Yeah! Thanks for the great visit, Mom.

24th of July children's parade

2008-08-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know, I'm a bit behind. Our summer has been just too fun, I haven't even had time to do much updating. Anywho, In Spanish Fork the 24th of July is our big holiday. Every year there is a children's parade, carnival and activities over the 24th. When I was in the primary presidency, I got to march in the parade with my girls. This year, Eira was sick so I didn't even get to see the parade! But Geoff got some cute photos. The theme was "Children around the world." Our ward tried to dress like children from the countries of Japan, Mexico, the Marshall Islands and Iceland. I had some soroungs from Bali, Indonesia and dressed my girls in those.

Cool to blog

2008-08-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

I just have to say quickly just how cool blogging has been for me. I love to be able to connect to relatives who live far away. And, let me just say, I'm blown away by the people who have found my blog as of late! Such a cool perk of blogging to reconnect to people that I've not seen for years! Sunshine and Shellee. Thank you so much for commenting. And all of those others who may stalk this blog, don't hesitate to comment. I think that is what blogging is about, connecting. Kay, I'm done now:)

My gorgeous girls

2008-07-10T14:58:00.001-07:00

I may be biased, but I think my girls are gorgeous. Here is proof. But, like I tell them, it's good to be beautiful on the outside but it's more important to be beautiful on the inside. And they are.

Part three

2008-07-10T14:53:00.001-07:00

The last part of our vacation, we stayed with Mom Groberg and took fun day trips. Lagoon, the Eccles dinosaur park and the zoo. Here is evidence thereof.

More vacation

2008-07-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

We rode bikes in West Yellowstone. Geoff rode the rickshaw with Mandy and Lucy and I had Eira in a trailer behind a bike.

You've got to roast stuff when you stay at the cabin. So, we did. Hot dogs and s'mores. Geoff showed the girls how to make an awesome fire, too.
And here is my family floating down the river in a canoe. Eira and I stayed back at the cabin and took a nap. Well, she napped, I called my sister and talked books:)

Summer Vacation in three parts

2008-07-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hello again, after so long:) We had a really great vacation. We spent some time in Island Park, Idaho and in Centerville staying with Geoff's mom and doing things from her house. Here are our shots from horseback riding. Yup, I had Eira in the hotsling. Amanda has been riding her own horse since she was four. We had a great time.

The Cake

2008-06-20T14:49:00.001-07:00

Okay, here is the cake. For some reason it wouldn't load the other day. Isn't it magnificent? Yeah, I think so, too.

Happy Birthday Mandy!

2008-06-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Mandy had a great 7th birthday party! I can't believe she is already 7. I remember bringing her home from the hospital, knowing for sure I would break her. At 6lbs 6oz I couldn't imagine anything smaller I'd ever had to care for before. Today, Mandy is so bright, so polite, so creative, so tender hearted. I didn't realize how much I missed her this last school year until she was home all day for the summer! She is so fun. This year, she wanted a Dragon birthday party. Here is the cake and the game the kids are playing is Dragon tag. We had a great day.

Eira trying new things

2008-06-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here is our Eira eating rice cereal for the first time. She hasn't eaten cereal for a while since she has been sick. We'll get right back on it soon. Who knows, we may even give her some bananas, too. That's us, living on the edge.

Sick of being sick

2008-06-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated much because we have been sick at our house for two weeks now! When I say sick I mean, Eira has been sick for two weeks now. Something yucky started with Lucy and then filtered through the whole family landing heavily on the baby. I got a little something towards the end, too. Now, Eira has ear infections. We are so hoping to get everyone well so we'll be well for our cabin trip. Anyone who knows us know of the infamous cabin curse. We hope to avoid it. I'll post about Mandy's birthday a little later.

A few of our favorite things

2008-06-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

These are some of the things we like to do at our house.

Goede Dag

2008-05-19T13:50:00.001-07:00

Our friends from the Netherlands are finally here!! Nanne and Joep came to visit us from Haarlem. They came Sunday for dinner and ice cream sundaes. In the time they were here, we tried to show them everything we'd done in the last four years:) Photos and videos and stories. We had a great time. Notice my awesome orange Holland t-shirt. I'll be wearing it for the next week. I'll probably sleep in it, too. If you are wondering.

Joep with the girls. Eira was a hit, of course. But Nanne and Joep couldn't get over how awesome Mandy and Lucy were. I can't either.

Amanda's 1st grade program

2008-05-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Amanda had her 1st grade program last Thursday. All the first graders sang together and then each individual class took a fairy tale and performed that. Mandy was the Red Hen narrator for her class tale, "The Little Red Hen." She read so clearly and audible. We are so proud of her.

Our Secret Garden

2008-05-19T13:27:00.001-07:00

The girls and I have planted some cool things in our garden. Marionberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries. The girls also wanted a "Secret Garden" (You know, after the book and movie). So they choose some flowers and where in the garden space they wanted to plant. Then, we planted 12' Sunflowers to block the view. Therefore, our secret garden. Get it? We are so excited to see how things turn out.

Dad helped us make a box for our Strawberries. We hear they like to spread all over the garden.

Super Baby!

2008-05-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

A small child was attacked by a killer whale over the weekend while her sister looked on. The baby, Eira Rose Groberg, is not much over five months yet she held off the killer whale in an amazing feat of strength. With no teeth and not even able to hold herself up, Eira gummed at the creature until it gave up and went away. All are hailing this event as a miracle. The people in the town are calling her a super baby.

Disney's Lands dance recital

2008-04-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

This show was about DisneyLand. Lucy danced to a cute song called "Perfect Princess Tea." Here she is with Snow White.

The dads of the 3 and 4 year olds were asked to come to the show every night. At one point in the show when the song "I'm Waiting For My Prince" comes on, all of the dads lined up against the wall, with their princely banners on, and picked their little girls up as they ran offstage. It was such a sweet sight.

Amanda's dance was Pinocchio, "I've Got No Strings." She was a little french puppet to her partner, a Pinocchio. She was so cute. Their dance started with the girls looking like puppets with their hands in strings that came down from the ceiling. It was so cute. Here she is playing Uno with her dad and others in the greenroom.

Eira-Boo

2008-04-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

We love to hear Eira coo and talk. She is quite vocal and loves to talk to people.

Happy Birthday Geoff

2008-03-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

We planned a surprise birthday party for Geoff this last week. The band and their families were there. Instead of presents, I asked the guests to bring gag gifts. Here is Geoff dressed in one said gift. He is 35 years young. He just gets better and better.

Easter

2008-03-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

We had kind of a low key Easter this year. We did color eggs and had an Easter egg scavenger hunt at Grandma Groberg's house. The girls really love to pick out pretty new spring dresses for Easter, too. Mostly, we got to explain the true meaning of Easter which is always an incredible experience. Talking to kids about spiritual things, I mean. They just get it, without needing too much explaining. Oh, if we could be so accepting.

Our Lucy

2008-03-28T13:18:00.001-07:00

Lucy and I get to spend a lot of time at home together. Here she is doing two of her most favorite things; reading and hamming it up. We love our Lu Bird.

Our Amanda

2008-03-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Mandy (she has requested we call her that. She changed her name in school because there was another Amanda in her class. Now, she asks us to call her that at home, too. It seems much too grown up.) has lost her two front teeth! She is such a gorgeous girl. Even with no front teeth. Here she is practicing the guitar. Eira likes a song she does called "Tom & Jerry." We love to have our home filled with music.

Lucy dancing on UTube

2008-03-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Fancy Nancy

2008-03-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

Mandy and Lucy went to a Fancy Nancy party at the library. Don't they look lovely? Everyone dressed up. We had a fashion show, made crowns and then afterword, we made parfaits. Fancy Nancy is a cute children's book character. We love to be princesses at our house!!

Look What I Did!

2008-03-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hey, I've been inspired by Jess to make my own blog. I hope to use this blog for the forces of good. Oh, and to also tell you about what's going on with our family. We do live in a Groberg paradise. Here are a few cute pictures of my kids to get started.