Oh Christmas Trees

Audrey had some fun playing in leaves at grandma's house last week. We also continued the tradition of hiking in the mountains and choosing a tree (9 month pregnant Heather missed out last year, but we were all here this time). It was cold and fun. Atlas got some exercise, too.

family pic 08

Thanks to Jenny & Chris for your help! We'd never be looking in the same place or all smiling at the same time if it wasn't for you. Thanks!

the joys of motherhood

We tried to shoot some family pics up Logan canyon last month. I'll just say it was a challenge to get everyone looking at the camera without me or Doug behind it.. but that's another story. Doug shot this - yes, un-posed, if you couldn't tell :) and I thought it was pretty funny. Audrey is trying to pull out my earring and Bethany is trying her best to get her finger up my nose (a favorite pastime of hers). We've spent too much of this last month out of town; Doug working everywhere but near and I've spent my share behind my camera or in front of the computer (ugh!) or getting my A.B. fix (that's Alton brown, for anyone who's not cool enough to know what to watch.) Thanksgiving was spent at my (Heather's) mom's, where I got to do some fun cooking, pleanty of eating, and enjoying my girls.

Spruces

Here is a slideshow from the Audrey, Doug and family camping trip back in September... hey, it's better than never.

Yo ho, yo ho!

Happy Halloween!

So... we were going to post all of these photos.. of a camping trip and other adventures...but more pressing things have taken priority. We'll post some soon, but before another month has past, we thought we'd commemorate our favorite holiday with a few classics. A few more photos are on their way for all you land-lovers! Happy Halloween!

Seed Storage

I (Heather) thought it would be a good idea to include some seeds for our food storage. We figure it would be a bit nicer to have some fresh veggies to complement all the other stuff, so I started working on this little project a few months ago and have now finally finished it. I'm posting this so the families I did this for will have an idea of what's inside. There are 25 numbered, sealed Mylar bags, corresponding list of seeds and short gardening notes compiled for the specific varieties. A basic idea of types of seeds: bean, beet, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, corn, cucumber, kale, buttercrunch lettuce, romaine, honeydew, cantelope, onion, pea, snap pea, bell pepper, pumpkin, spinach, zucchini, butternut, spaghetti, 3 varieties of tomatoes (1 cherry) and watermelon. All of the seeds are USU recommended, many AAS listed, and non-hybrid (well, all but the corn because they were out) so that, theoretically, you can sustain your seed storage forever. These should last a while... from the research I've done, it should be at least 4 or 5 years or so.. the lettuce being the first to significantly drop in germination rate. So, you should take your cans and put them in a ziploc or other plastic bag and freeze them for the longest storage, or at least in a dry, cool, place in your basement. Oh, and when I started this.. I had no idea of what 1/2 pound of lettuce/any other seed looked like, so I GUARANTEE there are more seeds than your wildest dreams. Any other questions, or if you want the document or pdf, just call me.

Baby, All I Need(ed) is a Shot in the Arm

I often find myself flipping through the CD's at the library. Its a habbit that rarely reaps rewards. One day, however, I found a CD entitled "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" by Wilco. The name Wilco sounded vaguely familiar, and so, I decided to check it out and give it a listen. Move forward 2 years. I am now an obsessed Wilco fan. I think they are the best active American band. I can't stop listening. They are often referred to as the "American Radiohead," which, in my opinion is only true in that the are both extremely talented and not afraid of taking sonic adventures. I heard one person describe it like this. "Radiohead gets you in the head, Wilco gets you in the heart." I have to agree.

When I find a great band, I have a tendency to get up on a soap box, and begin to proselytize . So, when I found out Wilco was coming to Salt Lake, I went into missionary mode with vigor. Mix CD's were burned, DVD viewing of live performances were forced down various throats, and various bribery was used to organize a group to go see Wilco. My efforts were successful. I had convinced Andrea, Gary, and Scott to attend with me. Ah, the glee. Then, they sold out before the tickets were available to the public. I pouted. I moaned. I groaned. I complained. Then, I found out they were playing Boise, and to my surprise, found my concert going group willing to make the journey, even at $4.11 a gallon for gas.

Have I dragged out this post long enough? I guess all I really need to say is this. We went to Wilco. They were incredible. Everyone enjoyed themselves. The band played for 2 and a half hours, thanks to a second encore entitled the "longcore." Scott became a bigger fan, Scott's buddy Jeff became a bigger fan, Andrea and Gary survived the more "experimental" elements of their music, and at a minimum became more interested in listening. Oh, and by the way, I became a bigger fan, which I thought was impossible. As a live act, they showed more richness and depth than I thought they had. Thanks Wilco, your great.


*since posting this, Andrea and Gary have called to report that they are fans, and need access to more Wilco ASAP. All in a days work.

Jalapenos, Anyone?

I've decided I really enjoy gardening, despite my gardens best efforts to frustrate me. The spinach quickly bolted, the peas were attacked by weevil, the potatoes have scab, the soy grew to a grand 3 inches and halted, some of the beets have issues (see photo below...we'll let you guess who had a hand in creating him), and we're guessing all of our squash plants bit it when someone sprayed round-up. I pulled out the beautiful carrots just to find they had gone to seed as well. However, our little jalapeno plant is thriving. So...I made jalapeno jelly for Doug this week. My estimation of what was needed in the recipe was a little off; I think I still have about 1/2 - 3/4 of a pound. We'd like them not to go to waste, so anyone who could use them and would like to come pick them up, give us a call.

One tool I used to Trick Heather into Marrying me.

Listen to me attempt to show Heather my love Here. I love you, Heather.

All because of Asthma and a Stolen Car

Today Doug and I have been married for five years. I have a difficult time believing how fast it has all happened. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell Doug I love him and tell him how happy I am. I also thought we'd share "the story of us" for some of our family who requested it. Our friends are welcome to read as well, it's just a bit lengthy, that's all. Also, I thought I'd post a couple of old photos (thanks for the idea, Kenzie) of our "younger years" :) Well, here it goes for those who want a long story...

.....................
In the fall of 1999, Heather enrolls at the local college. Her plans of attending SUU had been altered by a stolen and dismantled vehicle.....was this fate? Also that fall, Doug signs up for a subsequent semester of college.

Doug gets asked to run as VP of public relations with some friends in student government. He accepts and life gets hectic running for office and storing 3,000 pounds of bananas in his garage. Trying to gain the favor of students for the upcoming election, Doug and his team volunteer to help at a DEX (marketing association) event. Heather, who is involved with the club, happens to be helping also. While helping run the event, they meet each other briefly. Doug sees a cute girl he might like to get a date with someday and later asks a mutual friend who is there to identify the mystery girl as Heather Pierson, and to potentially set up a date . . . which never happened.

Heather, while working out with a guy friend at the LAC (gym) spots a campaign poster capturing Doug Moore and his teammates. She exclaims, “that guy is cute” which was followed by a “and what are you going to do about it” from her friend. She states that she WILL find a way to get a date with that handsome fellow . . . someday.

Doug and the “One Party” (Bricannie Towers, Jake Packard, Todd Barnett, Crista Anxiety, and Tim Dennis) win the election. The school year progresses, with notes, papers, and finals. In a math class in spring of 2000, Heather meets Todd (T.B.) Barnett, who convinces her to check out the student government fine arts board.

Heather joins the fine arts board. Doug immediately recognizes the elusive Heather when she begins to spend time in the student government office. They enjoy spending some time together such as the night they hiked the St. George narrows with a group of students. They are both definitely interested in one another.

Soon after, Doug and Heather begin going on dates, which include a fun night hike up a Salt Lake canyon, and Doug’s unsuccessful attempt to kiss Heather at the top of the mountain. (Some say that Doug blabbered uselessly trying to get up the nerve while Heather got frustrated with the whole escapade).

In early September, Heather went with her fine arts group to San Jose. Sindee, a friend of Doug’s, admitted he was a bit discouraged because he had attempted to take Heather on several dates in which Heather had claimed to be SO busy (some say she may actually have been busy). Doug thought Heather didn’t want to date him and that he should give up and move on (she was probably out of his league, anyway). Heather had a feeling that, although she felt he was out of her league, she needed to keep him in her life, so she asks him on a date. They go out to eat at the Olive Garden, listen to a Copland tribute concert by the Utah Symphony, and watch “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” This date re-ignites Doug’s hopes and determination.

In December, Doug takes Heather out to dinner, a dance, and then they watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Doug gets his first (yet small) kiss. The day before Heather’s birthday, Doug takes her out to eat at Chili’s and they color in a coloring book. This unique date impresses her (finally, a date that doesn’t just consist of dinner and a movie).

During the summer of 2001, Doug and Heather both leave the state and head in different directions (Heather to California and “fat camp”, Doug to Denver and home security sales). Doug calls Heather the day after he gets home, and is very happy to find that she has returned and is available for an evening together. Another date leads to The Iceberg for shakes to be enjoyed on a “dessert picnic” on the grass in front of the business building. Doug is finally convinced that Heather can give nice big kisses (some say that she is finally willing to).

In September of 2001, much to Doug’s dismay, Heather departs and spends the fall and winter in Florida working for the Disney Corporation (who some say are trying to take over the world). Doug makes occasional lengthy phone calls that require dialing 39 digits before being allowed to speak with Heather.

January 19^th, 2002 (you may want to remember the January 19^th part of this story) Heather and Doug go on their first date upon Heather’s return from Florida. When Doug picks her up, he feels a few goose bumps and a little excitement as she opens the door. They spend the evening with friends, snow tubing near Park City and eating dinner and playing games at the home of Bricannie Towers. During this date Doug realizes that maybe dating Heather is more than just a fun adventure.

Stupid Cupid is February 8^th, and although Doug and Heather arrive with different friends, they manage to find each other and actually get married by Mr. Elvis Presley (would have been a sissy without Johnny Cash) that night! Doug gets a kiss in the parking lot (a first since Heather’s return from Florida). For his birthday, Heather cooks Doug an enchilada dinner at her grandma’s house and they watch the Jade Scorpion. By March Heather and Doug are together all the time. They go to plays, the arts festival, concerts, and other things. To prove their adventurous natures, Doug and Heather decide to spend a week in California. With a few phone calls and preparation, they pack their bags and load themselves and a cooler full of food into Heather’s car. They drive down the I-15 with books of CD’s and building excitement for the time to come. The first stop is Las Vegas. Doug and Heather spend an evening walking “the strip” and searching for Elvis Presley. They visit a couple of wedding chapels and send letters to their families on wedding chapel stationary. In California they stay with Cheryl and Scott Toland (Heather’s cousin and her husband) and Doug’s Grandparents. They spend a day in Tijuana, managing to never give in to the temptation to purchase “a cigar for your Grandpa.” They enjoy a day of boogie boarding at the beach in Carlsbad, and another day spent at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Other favorite moments include a trip to the pier and a wonderful dinner at Fish House Vera Cruz in Oceanside. On their return trip they stay in St. George with Tammy and Brent Low, and experience the exciting sport of “Geocaching.”

As they attend school together (now at the University of Utah), their love for each other seems to grow stronger. Doug finds himself desperately searching for moments to spend with Heather, and even attends her ballroom dance class for some time (and keeps his eyes on all the other boys).

When Christmas break arrives, Doug and Heather find themselves driving to the sprawling metropolis of Alton, Utah for the Bastian Family Reunion and a lot of fun in the snow. While in Alton, Doug begins to realize that he wants to do something big, soon.

On January 4^th, 2003, Doug is driving to his weekly stop at the plasma bank, when he decides to stop and look at rings in the mall. He discovers the perfect ring for Heather, and decides the waiting is over. When Doug comes home with a shiny ring, he begins to formulate a plan.

On January 19^th, Heather and Doug attend church together. Doug intends to sneak out of church to complete a few “chores,” but unfortunately classes are held together that day. Doug sneaks out for a “drink” and calls home to ask his sister, Leslie Johnson, to finish his “chores.” When Heather and Doug leave the church that day, Doug decides to blindfold Heather on the drive home. Heather thinks Doug is up to his usual silly antics. When Heather’s blindfold is removed, she sees a romantic dinner prepared and two dozen roses on the table with a message tied to each stem. The room is filled with nearly 100 glowing candles. Heather gives Doug a hug of appreciation and love, and discovers that for some reason, Doug is acting a little strange. He kneels down before her and asks “Heather will you marry me”? He then slips a ring onto her finger. Heather kneels down facing Doug and says, “I couldn’t be happier marrying you.”

In preparation for this event, Doug went to Village Inn with Claudia and Steven Pierson to ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage. This experience, according to Doug, was more traumatic than asking Heather to marry him. However, it turned out to be a great experience in which Heather’s parents expressed their great love for her, and excitement for their future together.

For the next seven months Doug and Heather plan for the big day. In May, Heather begins her last summer semester at the U of U to finish her bachelor’s degree. Doug and Heather continue working on the reception and design their own announcements. Heather finishes school the first week in August (whew!) and they move their stuff into an apartment where Heather stays until they get back from their honeymoon. On August 15^th, both Heather and Doug (who have actually slept fairly well) get up early. Heather drives to get her hair done and waits for her hairdresser who is 15 minutes late and takes a half-hour longer to do her hair! Frantically, she drives to Doug’s house to pick him up, and finds him relieved to know she hasn’t changed her mind, after all. They both race down the I-15 while Heather attempts to put on make-up, and decide they have a good excuse for speeding if they get pulled over. The room is filled with some close family members and they have a beautiful day.

After getting settled in, they truly enjoy a few months where life is simple. After an unsettling event in their apartment building, Heather announces her intention to buy a house and they both agree the time is right. They have a bit of a hectic time, and after they finally completely move in, they spend the next few months remodeling the interior. They also think it would be great to have an additional member of the family (other than their dog). At just about completion of the house (when they finally thought they could slow down for a bit), Doug’s work decides to move him to Logan. So, they finish and sell the house, live with Heather’s parents for a few months (while Heather is getting a bit bigger in the middle), and work with a builder to finish a home in Logan. From then up to the current time, time seems to fly by. In no particular order, Doug puts in a yard and landscaping, builds a deck, and Doug and Heather have two beautiful baby girls (whew!). Life continues to fly at warp speed but life is accompanied by ample joys of spending time as a family together.

Summer Happenings

Some more random photos...
Bethany and Audrey visited the zoo with "Auntie Em" (my beautiful sister Emily) and Grandma while Doug was away for business.

Audrey is sweet to her sister.


Audrey also loves to ride her trike.

August 14th Posting (4th of July)

Summer has gone by too fast. Here are a few photos from the 4th of July and a few pictures of fun with sparklers. We spent the morning of the 4th up Green Canyon (one of our favorite canyons) hiking and eating breakfast. Later that night we watched fireworks (Audrey: "wow, wow, wow") with some friends.

The Treehouse

So… my sisters-&-mother-in-law and I (Heather) took all of our kids down to Ogden to the Treehouse museum last Thursday. I usually don’t give out many recommendations, but this was positively the best kids museum for a diverse crowd I’ve visited. Beside books and dress-ups in EVERY area, they had a 2-story tree (with accompanying slide down the trunk), art and music areas, stage, and so many other fun places for kids to explore. Audrey’s favorite places (determined by the fact she spent more than 20 seconds before running to something else) were in the baby hospital and the tea-party area (see photo of her eyeing the deserts), and she is ALWAYS happy to spend time with her cousins.

Paul Bob and Alliouitious's Memorial Day

This memorial day found us in Vermillion, Utah, home of Doug's Grandpa, and general Bastian headquarters. Grandpa Bastian's 80th birthday was also being celebrated. Over 30 family members came to celebrate and enjoy time with Grandpa, one of Doug's greatest heroes. Everyone seemed to have a great time. We fried chicken, played games, visited Grandma Irelta Bastian's grave, played on the playground at Uncle Bevin's, defended Doug's bushy beard with great tenacity, but mostly talked and laughed and enjoyed everyone's company. Audrey ran around with great enthusiasm saying "hello cousins." She thoroughly enjoyed playing with her older cousins who were wonderfully patient and kind to her.

One of the highly entertaining parts of this trip started with Doug's cousin Shandie (hope I spelled that right) who approached Doug and said "you don't look like a Doug, you look like a Paul. From now I'm calling you Paul." Doug responded by saying "Whatever you say, Geneveve. " Soon fake names became all the rage, and not just first names. Many family members ended up with fake first middle and last names. We feel it is our moral obligation to document those names now for all posterity.

Doug became Paul Bob Islanbratti Islanzatti
Shandie became Geneveve Rotorooter Plumber
Katelyn became Alberta Canada America
Mckenna became Esmerelda Meliphicent Joel
Kelsey became Diana Moody Meedy
Teresa became Fransisca Fransisco Fransiscall
Steve became Fargo Fancy Feast
Eric became Versatile Lavatry Camilleon Barnibus Shofarnigus Bill (or Barnibus Shofarnigus Bill for short)
Julie Became Mayflocker Crunchy Ada Macintosh
Heather became Allioutious Delicious Nutritious

We would also like to take a moment to share a few Audrey stories. While attending church, we sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic. When we came home from church, Audrey started singing "Glory Glory Hallelujah" but this soon turned into "Glory Glory How are you-a." If that weren't enough she soon changed it around and started saying "How are you, glory glory."

Last night, we were putting her to bed. Doug had read her a story and was about to sing her a song and put her to bed, when she requested a second book. Doug replied that we were going to sing a song. At this point Audrey smiled a big smile and said "how bout little engine that could, Dad's FAVORITE." Doug couldn't help grinning at this comment, and of course, gave in and read The little engine that could. Audrey is now sleeping in a bed, and has a tendency of climbing out of her bed, coming to the door, and yelling, "Momma, Daddy, Open the Door" or "Momma Daddy, what are you doing?" We usually ignore this, in hopes that she will crawl in bed. Last night, however, it continued until almost 10:00. Doug decided to go put her back in bed, and try to calm her down. When he went in, the room was pitch black (we don't use a nightlight) and Audrey wasn't making a peep. Doug couldn't find Audrey, so he asked where she was, and he heard a noise back by the door. He went back to the door, but still couldn't find her, so he turned on the light. To his surprise, she was sitting in the top bunk (which is pretty much full of storage boxes and toys at this point) grinning from ear to ear. We have no idea how she got up there. There is no ladder, and so getting up was no easy task. There is also no way for her to get down, especially in the dark. She was stuck. Who knows how long she was yelling our names because she needed help. I guess we won't be ignoring her yelling as much in the future.

Well, sorry this post has been so random. Perhaps it reflects the crazy fun nature of our lives these days.

Open Mouth, Insert Foot (or Hand or whatever you can reach)

I looked at the calendar yesterday and realized Bethany is now five months; boy, how time flies. She has started teething and soaks in minutes anything she is wearing. Watching her blow bubbles has been entertaining, too. I’d pledged I was going to try my best to take as many pictures of Bethany as I did of Audrey, but I’m far behind. You’d think I could just snap a few, but anyway… I’ve been looking for a bench for some time now for a photo prop and finally found the one. I decided it was due time I get into action and take a few before she grows up any more, and thought I’d show off my new bench as well (there are also a few more photos here one with different editing I’d love to hear your opinion on.).

Sing, Eat, & Be Happy

We celebrated Audrey's 2nd birthday a few weekends ago with close family. We sang (Happy birthday, of course), we danced, and we ate cake- (what else?!) Audrey enjoyed opening her presents much more this year and is still talking about all of the fun. I can't believe how fast this last year has gone and how much she has changed. Thank you to everyone who came. Here are a few pictures, some from the video camera- so they're a bit pixel-y.

Too Old

For the last month, a little voice has been shouting "Happy Birthday to you!" on an hourly basis. Audrey turned 2 on April 14th,it was so much fun. When asked how old she is, she responds by saying "two old"... hopefully no grandparents nearby get the wrong idea. She loves hats and rarely goes anywhere without one. Quite often she'll carry the bag of diapers over her shoulder and say "see ya later, goin' to work." Between the clothing and outfit changes that occur at regular intervals and dragging around Mom and Dad's shoes, it is inevitable you will find yourself tripping over stuff all day long. These days everything she wants begins with a question which she answers. for example, we will hear "Do you want to go the Park? Yes I do." Are you all done? Yes I am." etc, etc, etc, and at least one more etc. She is so sweet to her little sister. We often find extremely large toys balanced in Bethany's extremely small lap, all because of Audrey's desire to share. She often tilts her head to the side and says in the sweetest little voice "Bethany cute." She has become Quite daring of late with her trips to the park. She climbs everything in sight, goes down all the slides, and loves climbing the ladder. The other day, she slipped on the ladder. Dad caught her, and said, its okay. For the rest of the day every time she climbed the ladder, she would whisper over and over "its okay, its okay." We could go on and on about our little "sweetpea" as she likes to be called. the truth is, we are head over heels in love with her, and our so lucky to have her in our lives.