Classic Fun Center

My girls are sportin' some new do's! Kennedy was adamant about bangs. Cassidee wanted more layers. She really knows how to pose.

We went to Classic with a friend in Sandy.

Sicily doesn't let me do her hair AT ALL anymore. I am going crazy. Anyway, she got her haircut as well. She really did great on her Scooter too. Then she put on Kennedy's skates and made me skate around a bunch of times. My back was breaking.

I love my girls so much! Happy New Year!

My Girls

Life with three girls can be an adventure. We went and saw Bed Time Stories and out to eat. It was fun and the movie was cute...I'm a sucker for Adam Sandler (and Jim Carrey). We had a sleepover with some friends. The girls love their new Wii games they got for Christmas. Can you tell?

Cassidee and Sloan

Movie time!!!

Kennedy and Mia

So much FUN! I was laughing so hard!

Christmas

Christmas was good. The girls all got scooters and have been riding around the house. Only a few minor crashes. Also, Joe got us new pots and pans and a Magic Bullet. That thing is so awesome. He also got Lasik on Monday...so good Christmas. Now, the tree is put away and my house is somewhat back to normal. I like it.

Annual Lee Christmas Party

Every year my mom and dad have a party for their kids. My dad had five kids with his first marriage and my mom had one with her first marriage. Then they hooked up and had me and then my brother Jon. This party is the one time I see some of my half siblings. I think my mom and dad are awesome. These are some of my bros. Mike is a bishop, Bryce is a Ute alum, and Jon...well...is Jon. Just kidding! He is my homey and fellow Ute alum.

Family pictures...always a treasure.

Joseph grabbed my phone and put the BYU game on it. My nephew, Nelson, and nephew-in-law, Mitch pretended to gaze and the beautiful poinsettia. I don't think they fooled anybody.

Cassidee loves her picture taken. We posed for a shot.

Kennedy's Gingerbread House

Every year the first graders get to make gingerbread houses. It is such a fun project, it makes me miss teaching this grade level.

Anyway, Kennedy is probably my biggest stinker. She is sneaky. We'll tell her to go to bed and then find her behind the couch. She also hates vegtables. I always tell her, "You're always sick because all you want is carbs. You don't eat fruit, vegtables, or protein." But whenever it's dinner time, she yells, "I hate it! I hate it!" about the healthy food. She taught that to Sicily too...stinker! That is why she loved this project so dang much. Man, she is cute.

Then on the way to pick up Sicily, sugar rush gone...crash!

A Secret

Most of you know Joseph and I well enough to know that our relationship is like Frank and Marie on "Everybody Loves Raymond"...They argue, insult each other, and always have to be right. That sums us up perfectly. However, secretly, I LOVE him. (Don't tell him because I don't want his head to swell.)

This week has proven to me why I love him.

• He missed two days of work just to stay home with my sick girls while I worked.
• He doesn't have a problem when I go to the gym for 2 hours on Saturday morning and he has to take care of the girls.
• We went Christmas shopping for hours on Saturday and he didn't complain even once. (I did feel bad after rows and rows of girl toys, when he went down the boy isle and played with some of the boy toys...SAD!)
• After all that, he encouraged me to go to a friends' party down in Salt Lake and he would stay home with the girls. It was so dang fun. I got home so late, and he was so nice!
• On Sunday night, he text me while I was driving down to Salt Lake for rehearsal, telling me to let him know when I got there. (He says it was because he wants to cash in on life insurance, but I don't believe it.)
• Now, he is watching Desperate Housewives with me and we are almost all caught up.
• Tomorrow, he is going to the girls' gymnastics shows and filming them since I have a performance.

Am I right? What a guy!

This weekend was a blast. We had a great time because of all the fantastic events. We always have to go to the Festival of Trees because my mom is on the board. She works really hard and always does a bunch of trees. She is also in charge of all the treats and stuff. Kim and I volunteered in the Sweet Shoppe on Wednesday and had a good time. Then Joseph and I took the girls down this weekend to soak in all the happiness. We met up with the Dalls. Our kids just get along really well...almost too well! They're like cousins when they are together.

This is my mom in the parade. They have these really neat bagpipes that always make me want to cry. It is times like these that I am really proud to be her daughter.

This is one of my mom's numerous projects. As you know, her dad passed away last July. She misses him a lot. My Grams is a trooper too. She helps my mom like nothing else. Her and Cassidee have a special bond.

We also did a train gingerbread project. The girls loved it so much. Half of it is already gone!

We went to Joseph's work party. This is his boss. I really think he is the best boss ever. He does, after all, put up with Joe. Thanks Kim, for watching the girls!

P.S. A funny story...So a few weeks ago my mom and dad were on 33rd South running some errands. A young mad approached them with a broken key and explained to them that he had just purchased a motorcycle and the key had broken in the ignition. He went on to say that he only had 8 bucks and had to pay a locksmith or whatever in cash. He asked my kind parents if they could help him out. They willingly lent him money and gave him their business card because he offered to pay them back. They didn't even think twice about it.

Last night, my dad was at the Festival of Trees when a young man approached him with a broken key. This young man continued to explain that he had just purchased a motorcycle and the key had broken in the ignition...Wait a minute...does this sound redundant? That is because it is! Same guy, same story. My dad calmly let him continue about his sob story and then kindly reminded the gentleman of the exact time and exact address of the last time he hit him up. He then continued to tell the young man that he was taking advantage of kind and generous people who are at the Festival to contribute to the aid of the patients of Primary Children's Hospital. Way to go DAD! What a jerk!

Things to be Thankful For...Edition 2008

1. Road trips in a big car (so worth it)
2. Car DVD players
3. iPods and really big headphones to block out any unwanted sound
4. Joseph's Grandma, Yolanda, and her amazing cooking abilities
5. Joseph's sister Vicki and her family
6. Swimming three nights in a row
7. Clean hotels with showers
8. Joseph's past family...they came from Italy and Portugal
9. The beach!!!
10. Cassidee learning to play cards
11. Kennedy teaching modern technology to an 91-year-old
12. Joe's new video camera
13. Sicily making life a constant adventure

Saturday was awesome!

Joseph bought the girls Ute shirts. He is a dedicated fan. By the way, I was a Ute before him. I have had so many people ask me if I cheer for them because of him...No Way! I don't love everything he loves...Xbox, Lakers, golf, stupid television, loud music with too much bass, The Raiders. I could go on, but will spare my fingers from typing non stop for the night. I sure do love those girls though. We had a great day at Barnes and Noble. It is so hard not to buy so many books. Let me tell you what a nice person I am: A friend called ME and asked ME if I wanted two Ute tickets. Of course I said, "heck ya!". Then I discovered that I couldn't find a babysitter. So do you know how nice I am? I told Joseph to take my little brother. I'm sure glad they had fun.
I guess you could say that we had a blast too. The girls kept running in when they heard my sister-in-law, Kim Lee, and my teacher friend, Kim Wood screaming at the top of our lungs. We love Max Hall.

If you look close, you can see all the way down my throat. Wow, cameras capture so much!

I really had low expectations for "Twilight". I am really not a fan of gushy love stories. But when some ladies were going I decided I could concur my fear of public movie theaters and head to the movies. I was pleasantly surprised. All the characters matched exactly what I pictured from reading the novels. I really like this film and hope the other don't disappoint.

My girls are brainwashed

Let me start this post by telling you that I have had the past three days off of work and no car to do anything with. As I have said before, I am the world's worst driver and my new car is getting fixed. As most of you know, I also am in the house with two babies for a good chunk of the day. I'm starting to go just a wee bit crazy.

Anyway, I have never been a hater! I have always shown appreciation for others views and beliefs....Are you wondering where this is going?

So, yesterday Peri came over to play the Wii with Kennedy. She took one look of Joseph's Lakers stuff and said, "You like the Lakers? The Lakers suck." To which Kennedy replied, "No, the Jazz suck. We like the Lakers." I thought that was hilarious.

Then, I was on Facebook today (of course) and one of my friends had this You Tube video about BYU being the "Lord's School". He didn't create it, he just put it on as a "What the heck is this about?" I couldn't agree with him more. That is why is was so funny, just minutes later, I heard Sicily in the other room while I was putting away laundry. She was doing this all on her own, until of course I got the camera. I'm putting another one on Facebook...I am a Ute and proud to be! My parents are Utes, my brothers are Utes, my husband has finally become a (Californian) Ute!

We went to Southern California to visit Joseph's sister and her new baby this weekend. It was so fun! Here is a play by play...if you're interested :)

Friday-We hung out with Mike and Sue. Mike has been Joseph's friend since they were eight. I wasn't sure we were going to do anything because I was so tired from working all day. But after resting in the hotel for a bit, we went to dinner and dancing at an "Asian Night" club. Some drunk guy told me I was hot. It made my night.

Saturday-We finally got to meet Jackson. He was sososo little! I went with Darci to a baby shower then we shopped and organized baby stuff. Saturday night, Joseph went to play with his friends and I hung out in the hotel...all by myself...it was heaven!

Sunday-Swimming in November. I must move to LA! We visited Paul and Shirley's grave site too. All the times we'd been there, I had no idea there was this awesome historical mural and other ancient artifacts. It was amazing! Then, lunch with Greg and Krista and meeting their little baby boy too.

So much fun!

Dearest Stringham,

Forgiveness is a funny thing
I really think I can do
We've been through so much
So much, me and you

I will forever be in your debt
To your kindness and your time
Getting me Desperate Housewives
Really sounds divine

The time you stomped on Joe's white hat
Will forever be erased
And calling our boat "small"?
Well, fretting about it, such a waste

You and me are like peas and carrots
BFFs we will be
The good times will take over
And happy I will be

Thank you Stringham!

Christmas Already

I love Chelsi to death. To death I tell ya. It was bugging her that my header didn't match my background so she made me a new one...a Christmas one. "Ba Hum Bug" is what I say. But I couldn't not USE the new header because it is so super cute so I had to update my background as well. However, I refuse to do the Christmas music until December. I love my friends!

My Issues for the Day

First of all, this is my new baby nephew. His name is Jackson Hamilton Wilson. He has been in the NICU for a week. I can't wait to hold this little guy! Darci is a trooper. She had so many complications with her first pregnancy and still pulled through. Way to go Darci!
WE LOVE YOU! And second...Please don't judge me!

I am a total Desperate Housewives junkie!

It all started last year. When you have three kids and it is winter time, there isn't a whole lot to do. Joseph put "Grey's Anatomy" on our Q because we were having a "lack of movies to watch" problem. I absolutely fell in love with this show. The characters, the relationships of the patients, the hot guys :)

Anyway, when we got all caught up, I was going through withdrawals so Joseph put Desperate Housewives on. At first I thought, "No way! That show is total trash!" but we started to watch anyway. It took me some time to actually like it but now I love it too! It is so scandalous. (I still think it is a teensy trashy...don't tell the bishop I watch it!)

My problem is this...I am currently watching last season on disk. I recorded all of this season to watch when I am finished but accidentally deleted ALL 7 episodes last night. When I told Joe, who has been in bed for three days (get him outta here!), he lacked any kind of sympathy and said, "It's your fault for being so anal and always wanting to delete things." I went online and they only have episodes 4-7 to watch. But I can't even watch those until I finish last season and by the time I get done with last season, even more will be taken off the Internet! What am I going to do????? I am having anxiety just typing about it.

I guess I am asking...does anyone have these episodes? I am probably the only person in Utah (besides my dear BFF, Kim) who watches this show.

What a dumb post...except Jackson!

10-0 is way cool

I'm not sure but I think this may be my new crush. I realize he is a little young for me; and oh yeah, I'm married but how cool is this guy? Very cool. Karen, I won't be checking out your hottie anymore! I think Joseph has the coolest boss in town! DeWaal was so much fun to hang out with.

The blackout was really cool. I like the black attire and especially rushing the field!

This guy, well, I guess, um.....he's PREtty cool too!

You're Gonna Die, Santa!

Yes, we got the Santa in our yard. We were so excited (sarcasm implied). The girls and I sorta wanted to fight him. He was an easy target.











Sicily didn't even want to be 10 feet from Santa. When I told her "hug Santa", she would run as fast as her little legs could carry her!





Jack got a bit closer, but this was just about it.










This afternoon, I thought our cat was outside, so I opened the door to let her in. The babies bolted for the open door, so I ran inside to get my shoes. It took me maybe 15 seconds. When I came back to the front yard, they were gone. I found them in the back. They had gotten on the tramp all by themselves and were singing "Ring Around the Rosie's".

Deep Thoughts...by Rachel Banks

Last night, I dreamt that I had a cricket in my hair. It was just sitting there right at the top and it was very disturbing. I think it stems from Stefanie's blog and her "deep fear" of crickets. I don't share in her fear, but I hated that dream!

I also wonder why everybody is having a baby boy. Why didn't I get that baby boy? Joseph's sister just had a baby boy and named him Jackson. I can't wait to meet him. All my neighbors seem to be having boys as well. Even Bethany is getting another boy. Is one boy too much to ask? Don't get me wrong-we are done and I am grateful for each and every one of those girls. However, Joseph is the last Banks in the family so I guess the Banks are going down!

Halloween Weekend

My better half. If you know Joseph, you know why I call Bethany my better half :) So bad, but a little funny.

Joseph just being crazy. He does that too well.

High School Musical: Mia, Kennedy, Sloan, Cassidee, and Jeni. (We love Troy!!!)

Don't be alarmed: Mike D, Ad Roc, and MCA are in the house. (Or is it Jon on drums, Jenn with vocals, and Joe rocking the guitar.)

P.S. New slides at the bottom :)

I've Been Tagged

I really don't know if there is anything weird or funny about myself but I'll give it a shot... 1. I despise spiders. When I see one, my heart pounds really hard and I get sweaty. It's gross.

2. I used to sing in high school...like a lot. I was in just about every music class that was offered, including guitar.

3. I never wanted to have kids. Is that rude? Accidents happen! Then after you have one, you have to keep going. Luckily, I love my girls!

4. I love to be needed. When people call me for help, it makes me happy. I guess that is why I'm a teacher.

5. When I was a teenager, I was scared of the Bear Lake Monster...and sharks...in Bear Lake.

6. One time, I sliced my head open all the way to the skull and I looked at it. I had a plastic surgeon repair the scar.

7. When I was 24, I hit a parked car. A parked car in front of an elementary school! Oh, the good ol' days! I am still probably the world's worst driver. Please keep your kids off the streets...and sidewalks.

The people I tag are...Kim Lee,Charlene Wilhelmsen, Crystal Howe, Sean Hennefer, Stefanie, Alison Lucas, and Angie Pitts

I love Sicily

Fall Carnival

Last night, the girls and I went to our school's Fall Carnival. The ladies that put this together are simply amazing. They come into the school day in and day out, volunteering. I'm so grateful to them for providing a night full of fun!

Sicily wasn't doing very well by the end of the night. She felt really warm, and well, was laying on the floor. Luckily, I had some friends take Cassidee and Kennedy for the last little bit so I could sit with Sicily. SO SAD!

Spouse to the Rescue!

I so appreciate everybody's words of incouragement. I love my friends, family, and neighbors. I couldn't ask for more!

Yahoo! Joseph is home and killed the really fat spider that was in my kitchen. He is such a man! I'm glad he is home.

I brought my camera to school yesterday to take a picture of our "Drug Free" door for my teacher blog. I think it turned out really cute. I love those third graders. Kennedy's first grade teacher is my really good friend. She sent her over to my classroom dressed like a witch. The best is when she sings the song "I'm a Mean Old Witch". Kennedy has the best cackle.

My Adventures of Being Spouseless

I guess I need to vent tonight. I'm used to Joseph being gone and it really doesn't bother me. He is up in Oregon this week and I guess I am tired. I will try to create a vivid description of my week so far...only half way through.


Mondays are always awesome for some reason.


Tuesday started well. On the days that I have to be to school by 8:00 a.m., Joseph takes Sicily to East Layton and I take the older girls to school with me. This is what we did on Tuesday morning.

Then I got to school, had a meeting, heard "Puedo ir el bano, por favor?" about a thousand times, had ANOTHER meeting, and left by 4:30. Then it was off to get Sicily from my job share's house (thanks Bethany!) and over to get Cassidee and the carpool kids from gymnastics. I stopped for dinner-thanks to Subway-took the friends home and rushed us home. By this time, it is close to 6:00. I hurried and changed, get the girls fed and off to the gym for one of my favorite classes at 6:50.

On the way home=drama. Sicily is poopey, Kennedy is screaming at the top of her lungs because of the smell. Our Amarda didn't seem that big anymore. Cassidee lets Sicily out of her car seat and madness occurs. Poor Kim just wants to get home to her sweet angel babies! When we get home, I get called a lot of names. For instance, "promise breaker". Kennedy is mad because I can't get the computer to work and I told her she could play on Club Penguin. JEEZ! I can't wait until 9:00.


Today...I have the day off. But I'm changing diapers, doing laundry, dishes, getting groceries, and trying to get the stupid computer to work. Then, Joseph calls. I get a little cranky when he talks about his day. "Well, I didn't get to that Rachel. I was really busy. We were out to eat last night and I was golfing with clients all day. I'm just heading to go out right now." What?????


But then everything turns all worth it. Cassidee just told me that I am a great mom and that she loves me, Kennedy spent five minutes jumping up and down because I got her Cinnamon Toast Crunch at the store, and Sicily is snug in her bed. I love my girls and I love my job. I'm also grateful for all the friends I have that get me through the day! That is enough venting for the night! Whew, thanks for listening.

To Blog or not to Blog

I was going to write about this last night, but it was 1 a.m. and I had an artichoke cooking. I decided to eat my artichoke (yummy!) and finish blogging later.

But then I got to thinking...after my "friend's" comment, am I supposed to blog? Is anyone really interested in what I have to say? Or is this self therapy to guide me through my constant thoughts and insecurities. He says, "You have fans." Is he making fun of me? Do I have fans? Or is this his polite way of saying, "Seriously stop. Nobody cares."

Just FYI, I have a thing about broken things. Even garbage cans.

Well, I figure I have come this far, and if I was up until 1 in the morning working on a new slide show and adding some pictures, I might as well continue on my journey through the blogging world...which I love by the way. Thanks Chelsi.

Wow, where did that come from?

We went to the Dall's house for a little Halloween celebration. I'm always down for that, since the girls only get to wear their costume once or twice during the month.

This is Cassidee. This costume was from last year. My mom made it for Cassidee's oral book report. She read the fourth Harry Potter book and was Hermione. Since I was a bad mom this year, she just used this costume and switched it into to Queen Elizabeth-younger years. I think she looks fabulous. Kennedy was a fairy last year. This year, same costume (minus the wings) only Princess Diana. I was puzzled, but didn't say anything after looking at the cutest grin on the planet.
I really like this costume. Chelsi let us borrow it, because of the whole bad mom thing, I didn't get Sicily a costume this year. We think this is "Friendship Bear". Anyone know?
Since the Utes are 8-0, Chelsi and I are right on the Ute bandwagon. We are the hottest cheerleaders ever!
This picture is my little brother and his wife. They went to another party, but I stole this from their blog, because they look so awesome. I think maybe they were born during the wrong decade because seriously...they look too groovy baby!