Oops...

I just lit a tortilla on fire in the oven. I mean full fledged flames. The best part is when I saw the billowing smoke coming out of the oven, I opened it up and saw the flames and just stared like...what do I do now? Then, my brain started working and I grabbed it with a pair of tongs and threw it in the sink. No harm done...other than the whole downstairs has that hazy smoke everywhere and it smells like campfire. Oh well...

Folks, it's time to ban together...

Hey everybody...as you are all aware, Kristin is involved in a custody battle for Mackenzie. The results of this battle will affect Kristin and Mackenzie's life in a very real way. I think all of us have a soft place in our hearts for Mackenzie because in a way, we have all helped raise her, or at least contributed to her care. We all love her and I personally would hate to see her forced to live with her dad any more than absolutely necessary. Mackenzie won't have a say in court since she is under 12. The outcome also directly affects Kristin's ability to get married and move to Arizona and start her life with Steven. Under normal circumstances, the first year of marriage is challenging. When you're trying to blend a family the road may be a little rougher still. Having to be apart from each other, or having to let Mackenzie go for weeks at a time would be very difficult on everybody. Most of all, we know that Mackenzie's dad doesn't share our values. So, I'm hoping you all will join me and my little family fasting for Mackenzie and Kristin's welfare and those who are representing Kristin. The Lord is on her side. He wants Mackenzie to have a stable family life where she will be able to develop her own testimony and be protected from the influence of the world.

I am speaking for myself, but I believe that Kristin has earned some happiness. She has done a great job raising Mackenzie. She has found someone to make her and Mackenzie happy. I have seen them together and I support their decision to get married and move to Arizona 100%. So, please join me this fast Sunday in fasting for them. The next 6 weeks are going to be difficult for them...One thing we do well is pull together when we need it, so let's do that now. Any time you think of them, say a silent prayer. Maybe if we all pray enough, this will be an easy battle. One thing's for sure...no amount of praying is too much. Thanks for being supportive...I know Kristin appreciates it. We may be far away, but we're a strong force anyway...

Thanks everybody...

Happy Birthday Bella!!!

Bella turned 5 today. She is so very excited about her birthday. Bella is such a great kid. She always provides plenty of blogworthy comments for me. She absolutely loves the spotlight. The more people watching and adoring her, the better. She takes good care of Malia. They play all sorts of games together. She takes lots of crap from her older brothers which is to be expected, and she's a strong little girl because of it. She loves princesses of all sorts, dancing, and singing songs she has composed herself. Nana and Mackenzie surprised her by coming up to spend the day. So, here's to Bella...for five years of unexpected moments, lots and lots of hugs, and and lots more to come...Happy Birthday Bella!!!

EXTRA EXTRA, Read all about it!

We're goin' to the BIG D and I mean Dallas! Justin called me this morning and was so bubbly that he didn't even have to tell me the news, I just knew. We don't have a lot of other details, like salary and start date, trifles really.

We are very excited, and now I have an overwhelming and scary amount of work to do so if you want any more info call and I will fill you in on my headset while I try to get my house in a state fit for selling.

You would cry too if it happened to you, Part II

Remember a few posts back when I told you about Brandon and his lego racecar that has like a million tiny pieces that he finally finished putting together? You know, the one that makes tears of joy come out of his eyes? (Those are his words.) Welp, here it is... here's Brandon's proud moment!!! Here is the famous legocar all decked out in it's glory... stickers and all! Even the trunk opens and the top of the car opens up! He was so proud of his work and wouldn't even let me touch it from fear of me breaking it into a million tiny little pieces. He was so proud!

Welp.... here it is now after Brooke got a hold of it.

This isn't nearly as bad as it was before I took this picture. This is after Brandon has been working diligently to rebuild his masterpiece. Yep, I came in the room a few days ago to find Brooke taking pieces off the car and throwing them across the room. By the time I found her doing that, she had already taken apart about half the car. Keep in mind, there's even an engine and EVERYTHING that you'd find inside a real car that had to be built on this one. Yep, once again... this car made tears come out of Brandon's eyes, but I wouldn't say tears of joy. Being a kid is hard!!! Especially being a big brother to two curious and highly destructive three year olds!

Deep thoughts by Carter...

Carter (wearing his silky blue blankie like super man) said, "Mom, it would be cool if we all had our birthdays on the same day because then, we would all get so sick."

Me...what?

What's for dinner?

Tonight at the Edwardson's, it was lasagna night. Not your typical lasagna...the bottom layer was spaghetti sauce with "veggie crumbles" (a meat substitute). The middle layer was tofu and spinach and the top layer was more of the spaghetti with veggie crumbles topped with mozarella. So, normally my kids give very candid responses about what they think about dinner. Bella's comment was something like, "It isn't good mom, but I'm just going to eat it." Carter's comment was...what's this mom? (Pointing to the tofu and spinach layer). I told him it was spinach and he said yum! This is so good. I about fell over. Seriously. The kid won't eat regular style tacos but he likes the veggie crumble/tofu/spinach lasagna. Who knew? What did everybody else have for dinner tonight?

The light at the end of the tunnel

I'm not sure I thought this day would ever come, but I have good news today. FIRST of all, after seven solid weeks of waiting, Justin finally heard about his third and most massive test of the CPA. He passed of course, with a solid 82%. We have one more section that he takes next Thursday, and it could all be over. This is big news in a couple ways. For one, Justin has been going to school and working full time ever since we got married, almost nine years. After all that time, when his CPA is done, I'm cutting him off and he is banned from any further educational achievements. Secondly, this was a BIG achievement. We are talking thousands of dollars of investment, not to mention study time every evening and Saturdays. Also, and Justin will back me up with the details here, only a small percentage of people pass all four exams on the first try, which means Justin is an exceptional person, which of course I already knew. The only reason I may have momentarily doubted is because I thought it just might never end.

And, the second tidbit of news is that out of ten applicants for the big job in Dallas Mr. Lisonbee was one of few chosen to fly to Dallas for a second interview. Did I mention that he had the least amount of experience out of all ten, by two years? What a guy. Feel free to applaud.

Highlights DVD

I'm making a DVD of Jake's basketball highlights this year for my Mom, since she isn't able to see the games. I can make extra copies if anyone wants one. Serious requests only please - I don't want to make 15 copies just because a bunch of you Lisonbeekers wanted to be nice.

P.S. - Jon, who I've become good friends with, helpfully suggested that if you want one, just post a comment with your full name, address, phone number, social security number and one major credit card (don't forget security code and expiration date).

You would cry too if it happened to you.

Brandon: "Mommy, that lego car (a lego racecar that has like a million tiny pieces that he finished building) is probably the best present Santa gave me."

Me: "Oh yeah? How come?"

Brandon: "Yeah, because it makes tears of joy come out of my eyes when I look at it."

(A few minutes later...)Brandon: "Actually it doesn't really make tears of joy come out of my eyes... but it makes me smile."

Don't click on "Jon's comment" under Kristin's wedding

Enough said. Who is that guy? No idea. Just don't click on it....I can't figure out how to delete it.

Kristin's wedding

Folks...you all know I like to be the straight up talker kind of girl, so here goes. The weekend of Kristin's wedding, the padres' house is going to be CRAMPED. Kristin's bedroom is not going to be free as she will still be there as will Mackenzie. Brett's room is also occupied. As such, there is one free bedroom and I think it should go to someone who's bringing a baby. We'll all be happy if the baby can be in a room where the door can be shut so he/she can sleep. But since nobody cares what I think...could we all not stress mom out and just know that we're going to be camping out on the floor somewhere? I mean really, we're one big hap, hap, happy family right? And, we want to be close as we can get, right Clark? So, please don't stress mom and dad out by reserving a bed ahead of time because THERE JUST AREN'T ANY EXTRAS. So, get a hotel, or plan on the couch! Okay? (I am including myself in this grand plan, although we may end up at Elise's house...also on the floor). It's only two nights or three or four or five, but IT WON'T KILL ANY OF US! Right! Let's enjoy each other's company and make Kristin's wedding as happy as possible. We can all catch up on sleep when we're home again. That's all I have to say about that...

Guess what came in the mail this weekend?

Rick and I are going to need this when we go on our five day cruise in April. We are celebrating our 10th anniversary. My, time flies when you're having fun. Yippee...I can't wait to be out on the open seas with no kiddies!!!! Thanks mom and Mackenzie for watching the kids for us!

Pancaked Parking Sign

The evening of February 13th an annonymous member of the Lisonbee family who resides in Provo was driving home from the gym. As usual the weather conditions were dreadful, nearly a blizzard I'd say. Taking extra caution, she drove extremely slow the entire way home until the turn into her complex. A car was coming towards her and she wanted to get out in plenty of time, which she did, but unfortunately her brakes and steering wheel simultaneously decided to stop working mid turn. Her car went onto the curb, pancaked the complex's parking sign, and strait down off the curb. Thankfully as soon as she returned to the pavement her car was fully functioning again and so instead of hitting the cars ahead she turned and parked. I bet you're wondering how the car is doing... You'll all be relieved to know she drives a Lumina which is just about the equivilant of a yacht (in style and comfort as well as strength) and therefore came out of the whole ordeal entirely uneffected. I would have provided you will documentation of this whole event sooner but that same stormy night the sign got covered in snow and wasn't unveiled till this sunny morning.

All I have to say is that sign deserved it after all the parking hell it put me...i mean her...through.

Something wonderful is happening....

Today Sarah is taking a nap...in her crib...in her own room. Really, seriously, it's a miracle. I even just went to check on her because her nap is almost a record TWO HOURS. I know, I know, you're thinking what I'm thinking - why should it be so strange for a baby to take a two hour nap in her own crib? I DON'T KNOW EITHER. But our little girl has been a power napper - sometimes thinking that 20 minutes will do enough for her. She has also found it strangely difficult to sleep without being held, rounced or swung. I've tried so many different things - including the letting her cry theory, but most of all I've just been patient and waited for the day she developed some new habits. I really hope that today is the day. This is nap number 3, in the last two days, so I'm hopeful. I don't even know what to do without her in my arms! (Blog, obviously.) I feel like I have gotten more done today than in a looong, looong, time. Let's hope this sticks.....

And who can talk about a baby without posting pictures?? Here's she is...

I blame Katie...

So once upon a time when Justin, Katie and Tammy were all mere college students, Katie introduced Tammy to an Easter treat called Cadbury Mini Eggs. They are sold milk chocolate with a crunchy candy shell (Sorry, I could only find a picture of the dark chocolate kind but you'll want to put your hands on the milk chocolate kind.) Anyway, from the first time I tasted them, they have been an obsession. You don't understand. I get excited about Valentine's Day because I know it's just one holiday closer to these little beauties being on the market again.

Well, I blame at least 10 of my extra pounds to Cadbury Mini Eggs....and I'll likely gain 10 more this Easter! Kate, back me up...these things are addictive! You can't stop yourself once you've tried them! I think I'm going to need to enter rehab! Anybody got any other favorite Easter treats? I've already got one addiction but I'm not above finding another one. Hook a sister up!

New videos posted

Hey! Brooke had her first private class today. I posted a few videos of it on my blog. I would post them on here as well except that it takes FOREVER to post video. Anyway, check it out!

I've been tagged....

1. What is his name? Richard Edwardson
2. How long have you been together? 10 years in June
3. Who eats more? Him. Definitely.
4. Who said I love you first? He did...but only after I asked where this relationship was going...
5. Who is taller? Him by almost a foot. Our kids have a shot at being tall!
6. Who sings better? Toss up...probably him.
7. Who is smarter? Toss up again...
8. Who does the laundry? Me. 10 loads but only once a week.
9. Who does the dishes? Me. I think we should change that though.
10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Him.
11. Who pays the bills? I do sort of...mostly they're all automatic. Who has time for that garbage?
12. Who mows the lawn? Him. I might let the lawnmower run amuck down the street or something. Not to mention the small children who are always following me around that might get their toes clipped.
13. Who cooks dinner? I do. But, he never knows what to expect. After 10 years, we don't really have too many "regular" meals...
14. Who drives when you are together? Mostly me. I get car sick so it's just easier to drive.
15. Who is more stubborn? Um...me. And our children are following close behind.
16. Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? I'm never wrong, so I wouldn't know.
17. Whose parents do you see the most? Both about equal. One trip to Valencia and we see them both.
18. Who kissed whom first? He kissed me first.
19. Who proposed? Him...on a whim. He wasn't even planning on doing it and then he just did. To celebrate we went out to "Teriyaki Bowl" a really cheap restaurant in Provo.
20. Who is more sensitive? Me.
21. Who has more friends? Me. Friends are a must for me to make it through the day.
22. Who has more siblings? Me...5+3, him 3 + 2
23. Who wears the pants in the family? Hard to say actually. If one of us feels strongly about something, the other will defer...

There...I tag anyone who feels like enlightening us all!

Brandon's audition results...

Remember Mike Teavee from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.... the spoiled little kid who loves guns and watches too much tv? Here's the Mike character from the original movie:


Welp, Brandon had his auditions for the play that his school is putting on and he found out that he's going to be playing Mike's character! We are proud of him for doing so well in his auditions and can't wait to see his first play which will be happening April 14th!!! Should be fun!Here's the Mike character from the new movie which is actually the one that the play is from:


Also, I posted a couple new videos of the girls from Gymnastics Class #8 on my blog. So check it out! I'll be posting videos each week from their classes on my blog. They have their classes every Thursday and Brooke will be starting private lessons tomorrow, so watch for videos! :)

Toddler Talk

Ash: Mom, our driver is black.
Me (after a confused pause): You mean our driveway?
Ash: Yeah. Black is not my favorite. How about blue? How about blue next year?


Justin: Ashley, what kind of eggs do you want?
Ash: PINK!

Ash: I hate eyes! 'Cause it hurts when I get the crust out.

Apparently it's a girl and her name is Emily.

I know these pictures aren't that great but here's your future niece/ nephew in all its glory, anticipated to arrive on August 12. If you squint really hard at the photo and tilt your head a bit, you can see it doing the robot in the picture. Proud day for me and my family. Anyway, thanks everyone for being so excited for us. If anyone has advice they'd like to pass along, feel free. I'll take all I can get. And if anybody has maternity clothes they haven't already burned, given away or otherwise gotten rid of, you can just send them right over too. In the meantime, we'll get Casa Braun all ready for the visits in late summer/ early fall. Plenty of towels, plenty of everything. Quit being so darned polite.

Meanwhile, here's the penguin who broke the news to Adam, just so he'd have no doubt who put me up to it. His belly says "Baby's First Christmas." The kid is half Lazerbeam, after all, so who better to announce it's arrival than the Penguin, right?

Oh, and the Emily thing...Bella told me the baby is a girl and I should name her Emily. Judy would be so proud. Yay for new babies!

Some days are just good...

Today is a good day to be in Cali. The weather is absolutely fabulous. Sunny, about 70 degrees or so...it is nice. And, since my husband works for good old Uncle Sam, he has today off because it's Lincoln (or Washignton's) birthday. The kids are in school...so we got a friend to take Malia and went to see a movie at 11:00 on a Tuesday. As a bonus, Tuesdays at our theater are $5 day so our tickets were super cheap. Lucky for us, there were only 10 other people in the theater so we got our choice of seats and didn't have to get there early. Rick just left to pick up Bella from speech and the boys from school and Malia passed out on the couch. It's quiet, my laundry is done and put away, I have no chemistry homework...so I'm playing on the computer. Ahhhh....too bad this will end in about 10 minutes when the kiddies come screeching through the door. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted...

Chow time at the Edwardsons

Since Rick's sister Becky was diagnosed with Cancer for the second time in October of last year, she has done a lot of research on healthy eating and so on. So, she gave me a book for christmas which I have read and found very interseting. It inspired me to cut out a lot of foods that are in our diet. So, since my kids are young, they have no say in the matter. I got rid of anything processed...you know, pretzels, goldfish, crackers, anything store bought that is "snack-like." That includes cold cereal. I have replaced it with fresh fruit, vegetables, yogurt, string cheese and that's about it. It has definitely made more work for me...especially in the morning for breakfast. But, I now have them eating oatmeal, and whole wheat pancakes and/or waffles, and once in awhile, a healthy muffin that I have concocted. For snack, they don't have to nag me any more for fruit snacks, or crackers or anything else because they know they can have whatever they can find...which is only healthy stuff. Surprisingly, they have complained very little. Not once has one of them asked me when I'm going to buy fruit snacks or goldfish. I do splurge on Saturdays and buy them a box of cold cereal (so they'll leave us alone and we can sleep in) and on Sundays, I make a nice breakfast since our church isn't till 11:00. For an added treat on Sundays, I always make some kind of tasty something like chex mix or rice krispy treats or something so they don't feel deprived. They really look forward to the Sunday treat. It makes not having it all week long not too bad. Surprisingly, even my pickies eater (Carter) has started to enjoy fruits and vegetables a lot more. It's good too because I don't care how much they snack. No kids is going to get fat eating a bunch of fruits and vgetables. I just thought I'd share what we're doing...I really thought there would be more mutiny than there has been. It's been good for us. Of course next weekend when we're in Valencia, my kids will probably gorge themselves on anything tasty they can find....And, for you unbelievers out there...this was the kick in the pants I needed to drop the diet coke habit. Yes folks, I believe I have kicked it. I still drink it when we go out to dinner (like once a month) but other than that...I'm clean. Can you believe it? And, I'm still here to tell about it. Well, happy Sunday

You think your family is twisted...

This is the "happy family" that Bella drew in church...let's see...we have Bella, Aunt Carrie, Uncle Matty, Mackenzie, Aurora and Baby Sarah. What is wrong with this picture? Um, maybe that NONE OF THOSE PEOPLE (EXCEPT BELLA) LIVES IN OUR HOUSE...Seriously, what goes through kids' minds? I will never know.

Check out my girls!

Steph posted them on the blog.

Last highlights

Our short season's over. Here are the final highlights. Jake had a few good fast breaks, and really hustled on defense, hitting the floor a ton.

Time to celebrate...I think!

So, after five days of potty training, I believe she's got it! Malia comes to me and tells me when she "has to use the bafroom." She is dry at night. Folks, ARE YOU COMPREHENDING WHAT THIS MEANS? The Edwardsons ARE SAYING GOODBYE TO DIAPERS FOREVER! Is that beautiful or WHAT? I think we should go out this weekend and celebrate. That is quite an accomplishment. I have been changing diapers non-stop for nine years now. What will I do with myself? You'll find me hanging out in every public restroom because Malia wants to check them out and sitting by the toilet because she can't climb up herself (yet)...that's what I'll do.

In other news, Jake and Rick and Carter are going to a high school basketball game tonight. Jake's basketball "coaches" play for the high school team so it should be fun to watch. The girls are going to bed and I'm going to enjoy some peace and quiet. It is a holiday weekend for the kids...they get Monday off. Rick has to work but then he gets Tuesday off. That's kind of fun. A Tuesday off with the kids in school. On Friday we'll be heading to Valencia for the next holiday weekend. So, that's what we're up to. Have a good weekend!

This is what I think of Hil-Dawg.

The similarity is uncanny. I'm afraid. If you're not, you should be.

The cast is off...

Today was the day for Malia to get her cast off. I explained to her this morning that she was going to get it off and the first thing she said was, "Oh good, now I can suck my thumb." DANG IT. I thought we were breaking that whole thing. She had been sucking her other thumb but only when she went to bed. Just as soon as she got her cast off, the thumb went in the mouth and she gave me the "I'm in my happy place" look. Oh well...it could be worse. I am glad to have that cast off. It got in the way of baths and long sleeve shirts and hanging on the swingset. Oh yeah, and I won't be sad not to be knocked in the head with that thing at least twice a day.

Sup?

OK you lameslice nonposters, I have about 5 minutes a day now at work for non-work activities. While I appreciate your thoughtfulness in not over-posting so I don't know which post to spend 2 of my 5 minutes on, STOP BEING SO THOUGHTFUL AND POST SOMETHING. Seriously, I would if I had anything interesting to post, but stating my billable hour tally per day ain't that interesting. And, as Steph can attest, there is not much more to my last few weeks than billable hours. We do get to say hello and goodbye in the evening and morning, but that's about it. Steph's a trooper. I'm a slacker. So, that's what's new here. How about y'all?

Music Playlist

Hey everybody! I'm going to temporarily set my family's blog to public for a few days, so if you get a chance during that time, go here and check out the music playlist on the very bottom of the blog page... there's a couple songs on there that my dad wrote and recorded and sings/plays guitar on. It should automatically start playing the first song and the other song is the third one down from the top. (You'll see his name, Mike Cochran.) Anyway, thought I'd spread the word! :)

Potty training, round II

So, I decided it was time to try potty training...again. Mainly, I'm sick of diapers and she'll be 3 in May...it's time to try again. So, day one...six accidents before Rick finally put a diaper on her. Day two...going better. But, in the middle of the day, Bella decided to dress Malia up in this dress. A fluffy, lots of layers kind of dress complete with bloomers. DO YOU PEOPLE HAVE ANY IDEA HOW HARD IT IS TO GET THAT THING OUT OF THE WAY WHEN I'M TRYING TO TAKE HER TO THE BATHROOM? It's crazy. I tried talking her out of wearing the dress, but no luck. So, potty training with the fluffiest dress and one arm in a cast. I must be a glutton for punishment...

Hey!

Hey everybody! The new blog is up and running now... if ya get a chance, swing by and check it out. I posted a youtube video that you have GOT to check out... it's awesome.

Happy Birthday Basher

Ash turned 3 yesterday, and I can't believe how big she is. She keeps us all laughing.

New blog!

Michelle, thanks for posting the link to the cochran family blog. Dale didn't know that the blog was set on private a few days ago temporarily and that was probably the same time you tried to add the link. Here's a new one, though, to take it's place. I've been having fun with digital scrapbooks and playing around with different styles so I decided to create another blog, one for Dale and I and the kids. I'll be putting the cochran blog on private for good now that Dale and I have one since my brother has been wanting it on private, but our personal blog won't be. Have a great day everyone! I'm off to take Brando to school - he has auditions today for Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and will be auditioning for the main character, so wish him luck!

Saturday's Hightlights

Here is some video from yesterday's game. There aren't many highlights, as the game was quite the hack-fest. The referee swollowed his whistle and let the other team wrestle in lieu of play defense. So the video shows Jake's only score (there were only a few baskets all game), a little of his tenatious D, and an example of the other team's hackfense.

President Hinckley

So it has been about a week since our prophet passed away. I could not believe it when I heard it. He just seemed like he was going to live forever. Part of me was definitely sad, but it is good to know that he can be with his wife again. I am sure those were some tough years for him after his wife passed away, but he always seemed to be so happy and positive. I thought this might be a good opportunity to remember him for what a great man that he was. I have had lots of memories go through my head in the last week about this amazing man. What a great example he was to all of us. So the memory that I wanted to share with you guys was a pretty recent one. About a year and a half ago, he came to the Sacramento area. The Sacramento Temple was being dedicated. Also, the youth from all of the stakes in the Sacramento Area had put together a temple celebration. It was held in the Arco Arena and it was packed. At the beginning of the meeting, we were all sitting down listening to prelude music waiting for him to enter. As he started to enter, we all stood up. Then, all of the sudden, a group of the youth that were seated down on the floor right by the stage all started cheering really loudly. They all started screaming and yelling like you would for your favorite basketball team. I felt really awkward and uncomfortable all of the sudden. I was wondering what he was going to do or what he would say. I guess I don’t really know what I expected, but I was thinking he might ask them to be quiet, or remind them to be reverent, or remind them that this was a church meeting, but he did not do any of that. He came to the front of the stage and started waving his cane high in the air to thank them for their greeting. He was smiling and laughing. It was just another reminder of how amazing he is. He knows how to make the best out of any situation, whether it is losing his wife, knighting President Eyring or greeting those kids. He is just such a great man with an incredible sense of humor and optimism. One of the amazing men in my lifetime. Anyways, if any of you guys want to share any thoughts or memories, I think it would be a nice way to remember this great man.

Matt

New Pics

Hey everybody! I posted a new pic of the girls on my blog, so check it out! I'm too lazy to post it twice. Hope all is well.