Ring of Fire

We were able to witness something pretty cool tonight.  

In fact...it was something that hasn't happened in the continental USA since May 10, 1994.

I was 11.

I was in Ms. Evensen's fifth grade class...fondly nicknamed Ms. Evilsen.

She was a real gem.

Anyway...we had an entire month where we learned about the upcoming solar eclipse.  We drew pictures, played games, did experiments, and made these really nifty glasses that would let us look at the sun from the field outside the school.

No way in heck those glasses would ever pass any type of standards to look at an eclipse nowadays :)

I remember going out as a class to stand on the hill behind our school and looking up at the sky as the moon covered the sun.  As an 11 year old...I thought it was pretty much the coolest thing I had ever seen.

As a 29 year old...I still thought it was pretty much amazing .

Sadly we didn't have any nifty glasses like the ones I made in elementary school back in the day to be able to look up at the sun without burning our retinas.

We had something better!

Much better :)

 Those of you who know my father know he is a collector and lover of all things old, rusty, and falling apart.  

His passion in life came in handy tonight when he pulled out an ancient pair of welding goggles that belonged to my grandfather way back when and an awesome welding mask.

 Not only were we able to look at the eclipse. 

We were able to do it in style :)

As I stood there looking at this amazing site...I couldn't help but think of the words to one of my favorite 80's classics...

Luckily for you...the video is even better :)

Enjoy!

The Newest Superhero On The Block

No need to worry.

The streets of Salt Lake City are safe once more.  

At least until bedtime.  

Which is strictly at 8:30 p.m.

Because even Superhero's have to sleep :)

15 Minutes

You know the saying:

Good moms have sticky floors

messy kitchens,

laundry piles,

dirty ovens,

and happy kids

So...because I like to have a clean home that makes me a bad mom?

And Emmy and Jack are depressed?

Really?

As a mom...and let's be honest...as a human being...I've always been a really super clean person.  If there's a mess, it really stresses me out.  You can ask Tim.  He'll tell you I turn into this crazy-not-so-nice person when there's a mess.  I just do better when my house is clean.  I feel better when my house is clean.  I'm happier when my house is clean.  

I realize that somedays...especially now that I have two little ones...it's a bit harder to keep everything neat and tidy.  So...I've made a habit of cleaning everything up at night after the kids have gone to bed.  It works for me.  My house stays clean.  Mommy stays happy.

Here's a couple pictures of my kitchen this afternoon at 12:30...

Here's a few pictures of my kitchen at 12:45 this afternoon...

It's amazing the difference 15 minutes, simultaneous lunch and dinner preparation, and two screaming children can make.

So...instead of relaxing on my couch this afternoon and reading one of my books that's been calling to me all day during naptime...I cleaned my kitchen.

I wanna make sure I'm a happy Mommy when Emmy wakes up.

Because even though some saying says otherwise...I'm a good Mommy.

Most of the time :)

Look-a-Like Babies

When Jackson was born, everytime I looked at him I saw Emmy.  From the eyes, to the lips, to the untrumpable Goodrich nose, he looked so much like my first baby.

Their ears are even the same.  

The only difference?  Emmy's hair was on top of her head.  Jackson's hair is everywhere else :)

I must say...Tim and I make beautiful babies.
But when you have parents as good looking as us...the only possible outcome is gorgeous children.

That's just my opinion...which is generally correct.
Pretty much always :)

Our Little Princess...Kinda :)

Ever heard of a ragamuffin? 

Sometimes I think I'm raising one...

Other times I think she may be part caveman...

Either way, she's really cute in my book :)

Our Handsome Little Man...

March 30th, 2012 was a good day for our family...

We got to meet this little guy :)

Jackson Rollans Tappana

8 pounds 1 ounce

20 inches long

I look at him and I see Emmy which makes my heart smile.

My heart is expanding even further than I thought it ever could. It's amazing how that happens.

I am one happy Momma :)

A Delicious Bit of Heaven Mixed With Contractions...

My dear sister-in-law informed me today via Facebook that I need to have my baby already.

I'm working on it...

But for now, here's a delicious little tid bit that I discovered on my friend Brandy's blog about a year ago. In truth, my friend Rachel discovered it first, made it, and then kindly let me partake of the heavenly dessert. However...Brandy was the first to inspire us both :)

Since then, I have made it several times and I've never been disappointed. Hope you enjoy it as well!

Buttery Cream Cheese Bars

The ingredients are fairly simple:

Crust:

1 package yellow cake mix

1 stick butter (melted)

1 egg

Mix together and press into a greased and floured 9x13 baking dish.

Topping:

1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

2 eggs

2 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Beat together until smooth with mixer. Pour over crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 or until golden brown.

Here's a picture of the finished product. As you can see...we like to add strawberries and a dollop of cool whip, which of course, makes everything taste better :). I may be making some of this again tonight...and I'm not promising I won't eat the entire 9x13 pan all by myself either.

No judging. I'm pregnant. :)