Bryan and Christine Auernig and Kids

New Blog Layout

2011-03-30T02:37:00.002-06:00

I updated my page look on my other blog today.

What do you think?

You can check out the whole thing here.

Nice Try

2011-01-31T21:47:00.003-07:00

Whoever dropped off the carb-laden donut temptation tray on our porch tonight, in an effort to sabotage our month long carb-free lifestyle, I just want to say to you "NICE FREAKING TRY". You are going to have to do better than that to break our spirit.

Our sugar free -fat free pudding was all the dessert we needed tonight.

So better luck next time.

Peace out!!!

P.S. If anyone recognizes that striped paper plate, please let me know. There are definitely paybacks coming......

P.S.S. In case you notice there are donuts missing, they were only eaten by super-fit Cameron.

P.S.S.S. I have a new post at Yellow Dog Design. Check it out.

Valentine's Decorations

2011-01-24T22:09:00.010-07:00

I spent the afternoon folding little strips of paper over and over and over.

Why, you might ask?

I was trying to make those cute crafty papery decorations you see all over.
The problem is, to make the paper look all cute and foldy.....

you really have to fold it like 5,000 times, and then put a gallon of hot glue in the center to try and hold it all together.

I'm not sure if my end product was worth all the effort.

Especially considering the rest of my house looks like a federal disaster area.

Oh well.

Happy Valentines Day!

Lucy's Special Day

2011-01-18T22:01:00.004-07:00

Come on over to my other blog Yellow Dog Design to get a whole run down of Lucy's Baptism. It took place in October (I know I am ridiculously behind)....... but two of our favorite friends were baptised a little over a week ago, and it had me thinking about Lucy's big day.

I am trying to slowly phase out this two blog thing. I find that rather than blogging twice as much, I just end up feeling behind, and so I don't blog at all. If you are a follower on this blog, please sign up to follow Yellow Dog Design, and that is where I will eventually be blogging exclusively. (Well lets be honest, there is nothing really exclusive about anything I do). Let's just say that is where you will find me.

Cheers! Christine

Happy Summer

2010-06-27T00:26:00.004-06:00

I couldn't stand looking at that "Red Hot Chili Pepper" post any longer. I just wanted to share the one and only photo I took of the kiddos while at Lake Powell the first week of June, and to wish everyone "Happy Summer!"

Also, I just posted a new post at Yellow Dog Design (my design blog). So jump on over to see all the latest projects.

Have a great one!

Red Hot Chili Pepper

2010-01-23T23:20:00.005-07:00

It is with great sadness that I find myself writing yet another blog about what an idiot I am. I should have titled this post, "When will I learn?"

This past Tuesday, I went for an innocent run at the gym, and being a little blue about the lack of sunshine, I wandered into the gym's tanning salon. "Just a few minutes of sun" might be just the thing to kick my winter blues, I thought. A few minutes later I found myself listening intently to the tan 17 year-old that was knowingly explaining to me the benefits of the burn/browning rays of the "Red Hot Chili Pepper Bed". At hearing the name of this tanning wonderbed, and yes that is the real name, you would think that I would have turned and ran to the nearest exit. I am a college graduate. I am the mother of three children. I am gainfully employed as a tax analyst. I am quite a reasonable person. Not to mention, an extremely pale and pasty skinned person.

So, what did I do? I shelled out my ten dollars so that I too could be subjected to four of the most uncomfortable, red, painful, blistering, and itchy days of my life.

Yes, there are pictures. No, you will never see them.

Vegas Baby

2010-01-19T23:39:00.003-07:00

We took a couples trip to Vegas this past weekend. I mostly forgot to take my camera every where we went, but at least I did get these few shots so we can remember who made it on the trip. It was short but sweet. Perfect for a little adult R&R.

Heather & John Stark

Bryant & Angie Romney

Christine & Bryan Auernig

Star Power

2010-01-11T18:10:00.002-07:00

Lucy takes dance at Dance Impressions in Bountiful. It is the same studio where Sabra Johnson danced (the 2007 winner of So You Think You Can Dance). These are photos taken at her winter dance concert in December.
We are expecting big things Lucy!!!

Doesn't Lucy look like a star? (She is second from the left in case you couldn't tell).

Lucy and Tinny in a "post-performance" and "rare" hugging moment.

Rock of Love

2010-01-11T18:01:00.002-07:00

We got all "Rock of Love" happy this Halloween when Cameron dressed as Bret Michaels (from the rock group Poison, in case you are not between the ages of 32-42). The only things we were missing were a tour bus, booze, and a bunch of trashy women.

Lucy as "Hannah Montana", and Princess Avery.

Todd & Bryan both got the "Hair-band" memo. They look like roadies.
Quentin borrowed his bat costume from Cidne. He had his eye on that bat
costume in Eric & Cidne's dress-up box for about six months.

Embarassing

2010-01-11T17:45:00.005-07:00

Embarrassing
Yes, it is very embarrassing that I have not posted since the 27th of September. We have officially moved into our new home, survived the holidays, and I started a new job all in that 3+ months. Look at my design blog, http://yellowdogdesign.blogspot.com/, for more of our house photos coming soon.....I will also have photos from a couple of recent design jobs, and the house across the street we are renovating. Cheers!

October, 2009, Pumpkin Patch Visit
We visited a pumpkin patch this fall with Sam and Nicholas. Cameron is noticeably absent from these photos because at 10 years old, he deemed himself too cool for the pumpkin patch.

It's That Time of Year

2009-09-27T16:52:00.005-06:00

It's that time of year again. The warm weather ends, the kids go back to school, and according to Bryan, the only good thing to happen at this time of year.....football season starts. Go Utes!

Ryan Anderson, Bryan Auernig

Michael Anderson, Cameron Auernig

Amelia

Billy, Michelle, & Lincoln Porter

I Gotta Feelin'

2009-09-25T09:44:00.001-06:00

I gotta feelin,
That tonight's gonna be a good night.....

Lucy's friends partied the night away for her 7th birthday. We had a "late-over" slumber party with movies, breakfast, presents, and lots of dancing. Thanks girls.....it was a blast!

P.S. Thank you Cousin Maegan

Lucy's Birthday

2009-09-19T23:45:00.007-06:00

My Lucy is the love of my heart. She is crazy, and fun, super smart, and sometimes sweet! There is never a dull moment when she is around, and I couldn't live without her.
Thanks for being my Lucy!!!

Happy 7th Birthday!

Old Friends

2009-09-19T22:24:00.004-06:00

My oldest, and one of my most dear friends, Audrey Wood, was married today. Audrey & I have been friends since literally before I can remember. We were only toddlers when we first met, and went on to be friends and neighbors throughout childhood; danced on high school drill team together; were roommates in college; and always friends. She is one of the kindest, smartest, greatest people I know. Her new husband Rob is lucky to have her. He seems like a really great guy too, and Bryan & I wish them all the best!

I can't remember if it was Audrey, or our friend Bethany that gave me a copy of this poem years ago, but it seems appropriate today.

New Friends and Old Friends

Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test -
Time and change - are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray,
Friendship never knows decay.
For 'mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we our youth renew.
But old friends, alas! may die,
New friends must their place supply.
Cherish friendship in your breast-
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.

By Joseph Parry

Last Days of Summer

2009-08-25T08:59:00.000-06:00

Since I didn't buy season Lagoon passes this year, I promised the kids all summer we would go at least one day. We went with Eric & Cidne and the boys for "Stake Lagoon Day", and Todd & Lara's family were there for a family reunion with Lara's family. We saw Todd's kids throughout the day, but unfortunately I didn't get any photos. Duane & Julie came by after work to have dinner with us. It was a super fun day!

Back to School

2009-08-24T09:29:00.003-06:00

OK, so I seriously cannot believe school is starting today. That has to be one of the shortest summers on record. Anyway, it has only been 45 minutes since I dropped off Lucy & Cameron at school, but it already seems incredibly quiet here. Quinny & I are going to have to think of something fun to do today.

Lucy worked off her pre-first grade nervousness by doing some Buddhist style meditation in the center of the room last night while we were trying to watch tv. When she was done meditating she then began practicing her karate moves.

Even though Cameron had three "first day of schools" last year, (with all our moving around), he was still a bit quiet and anxious. He had a hard time eating any french toast this morning, but he seemed to be a little more relaxed once we got to the school. I think he is going to be an awesome fifth-grader!

Summer Vacation

2009-08-21T16:14:00.010-06:00

So what did you do on your summer vacation? Here are some of the highlights from ours.

We hung out at some castles.....

we rocked with U2 (Glasgow, Scotland).....

we looked at really cool architecture (Edinburgh, Scotland).....

we visited the Irish countryside.....

we partied hard at Bryan's "President's Club" (Dublin).....

we rode lots of public transportation.....

we took over the Guinness Storehouse.....

we checked out Big Ben (London).....

and we remembered how much we like each other.

Thank you so much to our family members who made our trip possible. Without you guys we never could have taken this trip. We honestly never worried about the kids the whole time we were gone, because we knew they were with people who loved them. Some of their highlights included, camping out in Todd & Lara's yard, movies & arcade games with Eric & Cidne, being spoiled by Grandma & Grandpa Auernig, & going to a play with Grandma & Grandpa Orchard (Cameron said there was even a be-heading in the play.....cool).

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Ghost

2009-08-03T08:24:00.002-06:00

We had dinner at some friends house last night. They are not really new friends, but because we have been gone for a few years, Quinny doesn't remember them, so it was pretty much his first encounter with these people. We overheard him talking to their six-year-old. It went something like this:

Quinny: Why don't you like me?

J.D.: I like you. I don't even know you. I don't even know your name.

Quinny: Oh. Well, my real name is Quentin, but my other name is Tinny, except when I wasn't born yet, and then I was Ghost.

Touchdown

2009-07-30T09:37:00.003-06:00

Quentin, (QB for short), making the sign for touchdown.....while sleeping.....and wearing his football pjs.

House Update

2009-07-29T16:10:00.003-06:00

The opening between the old house and addition was completed this weekend.

The first sign of an opening. We let the kids take the first swings.

During.

After.

The old view from the living room.

The living room view now.

Pirates

2009-07-29T15:36:00.003-06:00

I only have this one lonely picture from our Lake Powell trip the first week of July. The pirate ship was not exactly sea-worthy, but the boys had fun on it.

Bryan's computer has more pics, so I will post those when I get them.

Two Front Teeth

2009-07-26T15:49:00.004-06:00

We were keeping Sammy & Pickle a few weeks ago while their parents were away for their anniversary. Sammy's 2nd front tooth spontaneiously fell out. I got this great shot of a "toothless" Sammy. I thought I would share.

Things I Hate

2009-07-06T09:54:00.003-06:00

Counting Calories

Guilt

Swim Suits

Exercise

The Scale

My Metabolism

Skinny People
(except for all of my friends who by some strange coincidence happen to be skinny people)

Father's Day

2009-06-22T10:45:00.005-06:00

What is the best thing about Bryan as a dad? I asked the kids, and this is what they said:

Cameron: "You are the best dad anyone could have. I like how you help me with baseball. You are the best basketball coach ever.....not just because of the donuts. Thank you for being my dad."

Lucy: "Sometimes he lays by me and helps me fall asleep. He gives me hugs. He tickles me. I am happy he taked me to Disneyland. He takes us to do fun things."

Tinny: "I love to get donuts on Saturday's with my dad. I like him to hug me. Video games, and I like watching movies with him that are scary."

What do I like best about Bryan? I love laughing till we cry, complaining about people, making plans, working on our house, riding bikes (which we should do more), and Diet Coke runs (which we should do less). He tolerates my house obsessions, he's a fun dad with our kids, he's a manly man, he has an amazing ability to fix ANYTHING, he has great people skills, and he's an awesome provider. I love his sarcasm, I love it when he makes fun of me (most of the time), and mostly I just love being together. I like doing anything better when Bryan is there.

Thanks for everything Briny! We are so lucky to have you.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T21:48:00.007-06:00

Thank you Dad's!!! We hope you know how much we love you. And although many people think their Dad's are the best....we know it is true.

And yes, even though Quinny looks like a blueberry in the picture with Bryan, we are happy to say he pulled through.

Cidne's Yummy Fruit Dip

2009-06-19T12:48:00.003-06:00

Cidne's Yummy Fruit Dip

3 T. cornstarch
1 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
juice from one lemon
juice from one orange

You will also need:
1 pint heavy cream

Combine the list first list of ingredients in a small pan. Cook over medium heat until boiling and thickened. Refrigerate until cool.

Whip the cream, and fold into fruit-juice mixture. Serve.

This recipe is always a hit! You will want to eat it with a spoon.

Old Lady Yoga

2009-06-17T21:11:00.007-06:00

I was asked to teach a mini-class tonight for Enrichment Night. The topic was "How to Be an 8 Cow Woman". When they first asked me to teach they told me my portion of the lesson was about physical beauty and hygiene. Yikes! I thought I was going to have to give a lecture on adult acne and mustache waxing. Thank heavens they changed up the topic and gave me "emotional and mental health".

I showed my sis-in-law Cidne my outline for what I was teaching, and she was like, "Oh boo-hoo....Do we really need another self-esteem class for grown women? Why don't you get someone to come teach them Old Lady Yoga." Well, I'm not sure the church has insurance coverage for something like that, so I just stuck with my outline. Oh, and thanks for your support.

Bryan, the kids, and the dog had a fun night going on a hike in the canyon, eating at Arctic Circle, and then having a soak in the hot tub. Bryan is going to kill me for posting this picture.

I am posting my outline (sorry, please indulge me....this blog is my only journal).

Make Yourself A Priority
Eight Steps to Feeling like an “8 Cow Woman”

In the event of a drop of cabin pressure on an airplane, parents are given these instructions: “Secure your own masks first, before putting a mask on your child.” It seems obvious that we cannot care properly for our children, or others, if our own well runs dry.

1. SET YOUR PRIORITIES – figure out what really matters to YOU in life.

2. SPEND THE MAJORITY OF YOUR TIME SUPPORTING YOUR PRIORITIES. - drop unnecessary activities, learn to say NO, and set goals to accomplish the things you really want to do.

3. MAKE YOURSELF A PRIORITY – spend time EACH DAY attending to your own physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. Exercise is a lifesaver. Make sure you budget time and money for your own personal needs. Sticking within a budget will also help you avoid guilt.

4. DISCOVER YOUR PASSIONS – spend your creative energy on projects and goals you are truly passionate about.

5. PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL TIME – turn off your cell phone, get help with your kids, and avoid distractions. Your husband is not the President of the United States. Chances are, he too can turn off his cell phone for a few hours in the evening.

6. LEARN TO ACCEPT (and ask) FOR HELP - allow yourself to rely on your partner, family members, or friends -- while you focus on other top priorities. Try trading childcare with friends, and when possible hire & pay for a babysitter.

7. PLAN FUN & RELAXATION – schedule fun into your calendar like any other appointment. You are more likely to stick with it!

8. GET MOVING – there is no time like the present. Even little efforts make a difference.

2009-06-11T10:13:00.000-06:00

Protection

2009-06-11T10:05:00.003-06:00

So....we got robbed last week at out new house. Obviously it was an easy target since no one is living there yet. We foolishly stored a lot of our valuable possessions there thinking that was safer than the storage unit. The slimeballs took flatscreen TV's, my new bike trailer, ALL of Bryan's tools, Bryan's clothes and shoes, and even the flowers off my front porch.

In order to protect oursevles, and our belongings, we have enlisted the help of this little monster. Don't be fooled. In just a few months he will be able to eat the throat out of any "Would-BE" burglars.

p.s. Julie (my mom) is going to kill me.

p.s.s If you have any good name ideas leave me a comment.

Bun Basket Style Creamy Broccoli Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe

2009-06-05T17:28:00.002-06:00

One of my VERY fave places to eat is "The Bun Basket" in Fruit Heights. They have the best soup, cookies, cinnamon rolls, etc., on the planet. This soup recipe is my attempt to recreate my favorite soup there. I will work on a recipe for their "Oatmeal Sugar Cookies" sometime soon. Enjoy!

Bun Basket Style Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Soup

• ½ C diced onion
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 T butter
• ½ C butter
• ½ C flour
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• 4 C milk
• 2 C broccoli (cooked)
• 2 C chicken broth
• 1 can chicken breast (13 oz) drained and shredded
• 1 C long grain brown rice (cooked)
• About 1 C shredded cheddar cheese

(I usually start the rice cooking in a separate pot first, since it takes about 45 minutes to cook. By the time the rest of the dinner is prepared, the rice is ready to add to the soup.)

Sauté onion in the 1 T butter over med. heat, in a large soup pot, until onion starts to become transparent. Add garlic. One minute later add the ½ C butter. Melt. Add the
flour. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously. When mixture becomes thick and bubbly, cook and stir for one minute more. Add milk all at once. Stir until combined. Let simmer until slightly bubbly. Do not overcook! Add cooked broccoli, chicken, and chicken broth. Break up any large broccoli or chicken chunks with a spoon. Cook until heated through. Turn stove down to low. Add extra milk to get desired consistency. Stir in rice and cheese. Serve. Makes 10-12 servings.

The Graduate

2009-06-04T22:07:00.003-06:00

She did it! Lucy has graduated from kindergarten. We are so grateful she won't have to attend night school.
Good job Lucy.

This IS the Place

2009-06-03T16:21:00.005-06:00

On Monday, I got to chaperone Cameron's fourth grade field trip to Heritage Park, AKA "This is the Place" monument. It was the place!!! The day started out with an old-fashioned elementary style team-picking. The fourth graders in Mrs. Smith's class drew straws, for a chance to pick which chaperone (and their student), they were going to be assigned to. This activity had DODGEBALL written all over it. I'll admit I was a little nervous I was going to get picked last. (Cameron told me later that he was nervous too). Our fears were in vain however, when we were picked first. I high-fived the other loser parents…..just kidding. Anyway, our group filled up quickly, and I had a hilarious all-boy group that called themselves the VIP’S. In the picture with the monument the boys are left to right: Cameron, Hunter, Easton, Kenny, and Zack.

At the end of the field trip we had a few minutes of free time. So what did the VIP’S want to do? They wanted ice cream cones, which were clearly against the rules, and a definite risk for a card change. (Well, all the boys wanted ice cream cones except for Kenny who didn’t want to break the rules……good job Kenny.) Anyway, am I a sucker for the approval of a bunch of 10 year olds? You betcha. I did risk reprimand by a fourth grade teacher, but it was well worth it when I climbed into the hot, and oh-so-stinky yellow school bus, to the unison chants of the VIP’S: “We got the cool mom…We got the cool mom…..We got the cool mom”.

Thank you Cameron. One of my best days ever!

And don’t worry boys. The only evidence of the ice cream cones is this photo.

SoCAL

2009-05-20T21:36:00.008-06:00

Southern California was so much fun. We spent most of the week visiting and playing at AnneMichelle's house in San Diego. We also spent one day at Disneyland, and a day at California Adventure. It was a really great break, and a fun chance to spend time with our California Cousins.

AnneMichelle,
I didn't get to say goodbye! When I realized you guys had left the park without us seeing you, I was so sad. I told Lucy and Cameron that I was sad to have missed you, and Lucy said, "I know she is the only nice person I know". I replied "yeah, she is nice", and Lucy goes, "No, I'm serious she is the ONLY nicest person I know." So Emma, just so you know, Lucy gives you her highest recommendation. And thanks again for a super fun week. We miss you guys and sunny San Diego already!

Lucy the Great

2009-05-14T10:45:00.004-06:00

Lucy had her "un-birthday" celebration at school this week, and it just reminded me of how special she really is. We knew she was a unique individual, when as a baby she earned the nickname "Baby Bobcat". If you ever tried to snuggle, or cuddle with Lucy, she would have scratched your eye out in about 12 seconds.

We have also come to realize that she is very bright. When I picked her up from her end-of-level testing, the teacher told me that she had gotten all the questions right. When I asked "All the questions right?" the teacher replied, "Yes, literally she got every single question right." We are so proud of you Lucy!

The Bad Idea

2009-04-26T23:43:00.004-06:00

These lovely platinum gladiator sandals are what I shall now and forever refer to as "The Bad Idea". I have made fashion mistakes in the past, and heaven knows I have worn the wrong shoes at the wrong time more than once. (How are you suppose to break them in if you don't wear them anyway?) I don't know why I thought the outcome would be any different this time. It's an important life lesson to learn ladies: Don't eat chili on a first date, and don't wear brand new strappy heals to a Jazz Game.

We got invited to go to the Jazz playoff game with our friends Ryan & Christin Anderson. They are friends from Colorado, but have lived in SLC before, and have decided to move back. Yippee! Anyway....since it is the playoffs, I decided I needed to step-up my game attire. How could I resist wearing my brand new heels since I had somewhere fun and exciting to wear them to?

About 10 yards away from the safety of the car, I had twisted not one, but both ankles. I COULD NOT EVEN STAND UP, let alone walk in these bad boys. Bryan had to reach out and grab me at one point because I was wobbling so badly on both legs he thought I was going to fall down in the street. After taking a minute to steady myself we finally made it across the street the the Delta Center. (Pardon me, the Energy Solutions Arena, and NO THANK YOU we do not need your toxic waste in our backyard). When I realized our seats were a good 700 steps up into the upper bowl I thought I might have a panic attack. I should have asked the usher if I could sit in the special ADA approved section that was lower down, since I was now indeed disabled. I purposely drank only two sips of soda so that I could avoid any mid-game bathroom breaks. When the game was over my husband kindly sat in his seat while the stadium emptied so that I could once again clutch his arm and creep my way back to safety. I will leave you with these parting words of wisdom that Bryan gave to me, "Maybe next time it would be better if you wore shoes instead of stilts."

Happy Easter

2009-04-19T20:37:00.006-06:00

Editorial

2009-04-02T21:26:00.003-06:00

Hey Heather, I also put this in the comments section of the vampire post. I was asked by my "editors" to re-work the post and take out items that some thought offensive. I will work on it and put it back up tomorrow. And by the way, you are a crazy vampire lover without a reasonable explanation. Happy B-Day again! Christine

Accidental Spine Loss

2009-04-02T21:16:00.004-06:00

Some of you may know that I have been attempting to get into shape. After my workout today with Kathi (my friend/personal trainer) I felt as if my back could not support itself. It was like unless I was really concentrating, my head would either flop over completely to the front, or flop backwards and hit me in the butt. It reminded me of the SpongeBob episode where Patrick and SpongeBob end up with accidental spine loss from riding the new roller coaster at Glove World called the Firey Fist O' Pain. A warning sign informs the riders, "this ride may cause crying, screaming, projectable vomiting, amnesia, spine loss, embarrasing accidents, uncontrollable gas, and explosive diarrea."

Yeah, I can relate.

Edward

2009-04-01T09:21:00.006-06:00

It is my good friend Heather’s birthday today. She is one of those crazy “Twilight” fans. She was one of the mass of housewives that lined up at midnight last week to get her very own DVD copy of the vampire movie. (Not counting the pirated version she has owned since practically the day the movie hit theaters). So since it is her birthday today, I will simply say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER!"

Dream Kitchen

2009-03-26T15:19:00.003-06:00

I have wanted to do an all white kitchen for several years now. There is something very familiar and comfortable about a kitchen like this, that reminds you of grandma's house when you were growing up. In our new house, we are moving the kitchen into an 800 square foot addition that the previous owner had built, but never finished. The floor plan is really very similar to the one shown here. I was already planning the flat panel white cabinets, the double islands, and the dark counters, but I stumbled upon this picture, and I decided to borrow a few ideas. I really like the white hood, (I originally thought I would do stainless steel). I love the single drum-shade light fixture over the center island, and I love the cozy eating area off to the side. Now, I am not claiming that my new kitchen will be in the league of this one, but this is just a good jumping off point.

ADDICTION

2009-03-25T16:57:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to say that I am one & a half days in, on my road to recovery. I'm going to be like an AA member, and the first thing I will say when I meet you is "Hi I'm Christine, and I'm 39 days sober". This is not the first time I have quit drinking "the juice", and I am pretty sure it won't be the last. But, I begin personal training tomorrow with my very tough, very strong, personal trainer friend, and I am fearing for my life right now. I decided that it would be difficult to get in shape with the intravenous tube that I currently have connecting me to the fountain machine at the closest convenience store. My hope is that by professing my sobriety here, I will be more likely to stick with it. Wish me luck.

P.S. Bryan if I die, go ahead and find a new wife......love you, Stine

Design Inspiration

2009-03-23T15:14:00.002-06:00

My mind doesn't work like everyone else's does. I have always been attracted to the wrong type of house. I guess that is better than being attracted to the wrong type of man. You see, the one with the worst look, biggest mess, most dated features, shaggiest carpet, and the smokiest, is the one I will always pick. I am speaking of houses of course, not men. For while in my mind I see this......

the truth is, the rest of the world sees this..........

Weekend

2009-03-22T21:24:00.006-06:00

We had a fun-filled weekend of remodeling, along with fun lunches with Grandma Julie, visits and help from Kurt & Carlyn, the Williams, Matt Black, and Creed & Lacey Naylor. Friday we worked on the house pretty late, and even finished our new deck! We went to see "Duplicity" at the late show while Grandma Julie watched the kids. Bryan thought it was a bad choice for a movie starting at 10:00 pm. WAAAYYY too much dialogue. He only lasted about 20 minutes before starting a rather uncomfortable nap in the theater seats. On Saturday Matt and Bryan were up to their old tricks, tearing apart things. Guys seem to be incredibly good at DEMO, hopefully we will be equally as good at putting it all back together. We had dinner Saturday night at "The SIZZ" with the Porters and Matt.

At church today we had a great time being back with our friends in our old ward. It almost feels like we never left. I had to take Tinny out during Sacrament Meeting because he wouldn't stop his LOUD talking. While out in the lobby, (with about a dozen other people) he says to me, "Dad says I have to keep that guy tucked in." So I answered back, "What guy?" to which he loudly replied, "My private". Indeed Tinny. You do need to keep that guy tucked in.

Progress

2009-03-22T21:08:00.005-06:00

Our deck is finished! So, even though the rest of the house is completely torn apart, it really feels great to have one thing finished and beautiful. It gives me hope. Just in case you forgot.....

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

New School

2009-03-19T09:30:00.003-06:00

Cameron started in his 3rd fourth grade class today. I am hoping it will be a positive experience for him. His teacher seems very organized, and particular, which he probably needs. Lucy started kindergarten yesterday, in a class with about eight girls she was friends with from before. I don't envy that teacher. Even though it is hard to have been in three schools in one year, it feels good to be making positive steps towards stability.

Goth Family

2009-03-16T23:26:00.002-06:00

Oh, thank you Todd, this is a classic. I really love this picture. This is the Orchard family, probably circa 1988. I wonder who's idea it was to pose like this. I expect Matt Foley to come in and give us a motivational speech any minute. Todd is obviously really good at pulling off the goth look. I look like I haven't seen in the sun in eight years, and Eric is about to burst into laughter....the flared nostrils are a dead giveaway. Duane and Michael look pretty much exactly the same as they do now, and Julie is gorgeous! Did I already say how much I love this picture?

Kathi Lee

2009-03-13T10:13:00.004-06:00

I have a sneaking suspicion that I am turning into Kathi Lee Gifford. Not that I am going to sign up to sing on a cruise ship any time soon, but the part where all she talks about are her husband and kids. When did this happen to me? I think I used to be funny, or at least a little bit interesting. I was just coming to terms with the fact that my “cute” is gone. I don’t think I can take it if my “interesting” is gone also.
My hunch began a few weeks ago while I was getting my hair cut by my straight, yet slightly metro, male hairdresser. (I love you Dave). Anyway, I am always telling him stories about my kids, to which he gives a small chuckle, or an “oh, that’s funny”. I figured the lack of response was simply because he was busy concentrating on my hair. Last time I was there, he told me he couldn’t talk because it made him too slow while he was working. However, a few minutes later when a new client came in, (an outdoorsy, REI shopping kind of guy) he suddenly became very chatty. I was under the foils so I couldn’t see everything that was going on, but I know I heard loud talking, laughing, and even boisterous chuckles. What has become of me if I can’t even keep an audience of one middle-aged slightly gay hairdresser?
I think I need some new material…..If they could see me now, out on a fun ship cruise.

Demolition Derby

2009-03-13T09:40:00.004-06:00

Now you see it.

Now you don't.

The remodelers.

Brad's handiwork.

The Porters stopped by and said they are afraid we are going to keep remodeling for the rest of our lives. They are worried that in 30 years they are going to see Duane, riding around in a "Jazzy" with a bag of tools strapped to the front, still helping me remodel.

Rest in Peace

2009-03-10T23:20:00.005-06:00

This death-trap on the back of our "new" house is one of the first things to go. A contractor is coming tomorrow to begin demolition. You literally felt like you were taking your life into your hands when you shimmied across the 30 year old rotted boards, that were once the only connection from the old part of the house to the addition. These boards have far outlived their life expectancy, and it is time for them to find a final resting spot in a landfill somewhere. Lucy will have to find another way to take out her aggression besides kicking in the old rails.

Duane (my dad), pulled down ALL these cabinets today. If anyone needs any 1970's looking, slightly strange cabinets of any kind, (they would be ok in a garage or storage room), please let me know. I'm totally serious. They will be going to the dump if I don't get any takers.

The Birds

2009-03-09T09:15:00.005-06:00

Did you know that birds are on Daylight Savings time? I'm serious. They set back their litttle watches too. For the past several months we have grown accustom to the sound of a very loud typewriter at promptly 8:00 am. The sound is not a typewriter, but rather a bird, or group of birds, prancing up and down our dryer vent tube. Well this morning the birds showed up right at 7:00 am. (Maybe the daylight savings theory isn't perfected yet.) Anyway, one might ask, "Why don't you just put a grate over the vent?" That is a nice idea, but the opening is two stories tall. Plus, if I put some kind of block over the opening, would I be able to hear the beautiful song of a bird right inside my house as I am doing right now? I think not.

And So It Begins

2009-03-05T20:20:00.003-07:00

In case any of you haven’t heard, we just bought a house from the estate of a sweet little old lady named Iralynn. Bryan doesn’t want me to go into great detail, (or post any pictures), but I politely disagree. I think this is a great way to keep track of our progress. I will simply say that Iralynn suffered from a hoarding condition. And even though this is going to be a monumental project, the house is perfect for us because it is on our old street, surrounded by people we love. Not to mention the fact that my Dad, (Duane), lives just around the corner, and he has lots of tools!
P.S. Thank you April!!!
P.S.S. In case you haven’t heard of hoarding, it can also be described as saving, storing, amassing, stockpiling, accumulating, collecting, gathering, putting aside, hiding, or squirreling away. An antonym would be “to throw away”.

Friend Pictures

2009-03-05T20:09:00.003-07:00

Sadie, Lucy, Avery, Owen, Tinny, Cameron, Evan & Quin

Only a few short hours after this picture was taken, Tinny burst out, "I LOVE YOU OWEN".

Tinny also said, "Owen you are my friend, but my best friend is Pickle". (Meaning his cousin Nicholas, that we call Pickle). Owen replied "Yah, my best friend is chocolate."

Come Back Soon!

2009-03-05T13:29:00.002-07:00

Our great friends the Williams said goodbye to us today. We are so sad to see them go. We had so much fun, we went to the temple open house, had sleeping bag races down the stairs, rescued trapped birds, and Quinny declared his undying love for Owen. I will try to post some pictures later, but we just wanted to tell them how happy we are that they visited, and we hope to see them again really soon.

Love you,
The Auernigs

10 Things I Love About My 10 Year-Old

2009-03-02T23:02:00.006-07:00

10. Cameron's teachers always say they wish they had a whole classroom full of kids just like him.
9. Cameron is always kind and very concerned about the feelings of others.
8. He cleaned the kitchen last week without being asked.
7. Hoodies.
6. Movie-Star good looks.
5. He always tries to "Choose the Right".
4. He is a great big brother.
3. The silly giggle he gets when he is with his friends, or when Tinny cracks him up.
2. The look on his face when he is happy about something, but tries not to smile.
1. Quiet Confidence.

Cameron's 10th Birthday

2009-03-02T15:44:00.004-07:00

This is Cameron's Happy Birthday Breakfast. This is a really fun day, made even more special by the fact that our buddies the Williams are here visiting from Colorado. It is truly shocking to me that Cameron is already ten years old. He is so much a better person than I deserve, or can take credit for.

"And as the mother held her baby she sang,
I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living my baby you'll be"

Happy Birthday Cameron

Utah/BYU Game

2009-03-02T15:27:00.005-07:00

Okay, so you know there is only one reason Bryan will enter the bubble. That's right.....a Utah/BYU game.

What the ???!!!???

Don't worry, we made the "Dirty Cougars" ride in the back seat on the way to the game.

It was really fun even though the Utes lost. We totally enjoyed our dipping dots, and caffeine-free Diet Coke.

Utah Game

2009-02-27T10:03:00.005-07:00

GO UTES!!!
Bryan's co-worker gave us tickets to the Utah/UNLV game this week. (Thanks Christine!) We met up at Hires for a pre-game dinner with the Starks.

I like the smoking jacket Hef!

Just for the record, I have only gone to Hires once this week.........although I can't speak for anyone else.

Lucy & Ellie were the after-dinner entertainment!

Bryan and I went to the Utah game alone, but ran into Arron & Lisa Echols at the game! How great is that? We sat with them the whole time, and talked and laughed.

"Something's dripping on me!?!"

Dutch Baby Pancakes

2009-02-25T11:32:00.003-07:00

This one's for you Heather!

Martha Stewart was making these this morning on the Today Show. The recipe was very similar to the Auernig's Houtenanie Pancakes so I thought I would try it. This recipe is smaller, and perfect for only a few people. It was really quick too!

Dutch Baby Pancakes
Martha Stewart
Serves 4; Prep time: 5 min; Total time: 25 min

INGREDIENTS
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425°. In a medium cast-iron or ovenproof nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium; set aside. In a blender, combine eggs, milk, flour, salt, vanilla and 1/4 cup sugar. Blend until foamy, about 1 minute. Pour batter into skillet; bake until pancake is puffed and lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes. Working quickly, dot pancake with 1 tablespoon butter, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar* and lemon juice. Slice into wedges, and serve immediately.
*(I used powdered sugar on top & no lemon juice)

Cameron Playing Basketball

2009-02-24T15:03:00.003-07:00

Cameron is on a basketball team in Saratoga Springs. Bryan is his coach. We have had lots of fun watching his games this year. Besides a few sluggish players (who shall not be named), the team has a really cute group of kids. Cam has made huge improvements in his playing this year. He even made a kid bleed last week while playing tough defense. The coach was so proud. These are pictures from the "Shoot-Out" challenge this past Saturday.

Orchard Family Bowling

2009-02-24T14:57:00.004-07:00

Christmas

2009-02-24T14:12:00.003-07:00

I'm not sure there are enough presents!

Denver Zoo

2009-02-24T14:03:00.006-07:00

The kids and I went to the Denver Zoo the week before we moved back to Utah. Yes.... the week before we left. We had talked about going ever since we had been in Colorado, but it took us until the week we left to actually make it. We ran into our good friends the Knudsens which was an added bonus!

We had lunch at an old diner in Bonnie Brae, which was a Denver favorite!

Halloween 2008

2009-02-24T13:43:00.005-07:00

Halloween pictures from Parker, Colorado, 2008. Cameron is wearing his Uncle Brad's old favortie costume "Alf". Lucy is wearing AnneMichelle's genie costume. Both are masterpieces created by Grandma Carlyn. We went trick-or-treating with the Williams and Andersons. By the way, the Janet Reno look works well on Ryan Anderson.

Welcome

2009-02-24T11:45:00.001-07:00

Welcome! This is the first entry for our family blog. Starting a blog is a necessary step for me since I don't scrapbook or keep a journal. I am hoping this site will accomplish both. It seems like time is rushing by so fast, and I truly hope that preserving these day to day memories will let me feel joy about my little buddies growing and developing, rather than angst that they are growing up too fast. I want my children to know that they are the reason I am alive. I love you guys! Hopefully you never think I am a "Meano-Doddo". Thanks for the good word Tinny. These are photos taken in early December 2008, by my brilliant brother Todd Orchard. http://www.toddorchard.com/ . Cameron is nine, Lucy six, Quentin just turned three.