...Did This Week?

We had the First Annual Fawsonberger Tournament of Candies!!!!!

Short Synopsis - 32 varieties of candy go head to head in a March Madness style bracket to find out which is the supreme candy of all.
My buddy Cassandra and I were the primary judges and our husbands were the tiebreakers (because we all know they can't hold their sugar, and wouldn't be able to handle the long haul).
For more details, the entire event will be covered on Cassandra's blog. Don't think I'm copping out on this one. She was the hostess, the picture taker, and the voice of encouragement when the sugar rush was almost too much to bear. (and she is a way more dedicated blogger...)
Be sure to stay with us as this is event unfolds. There were many unexpected upsets and a Cinderella story or two...

...Think Is Hilarious?

This post. I have no idea whose this blog belongs to, but I stumbled upon this post and commenced the cyber-stalking. Seriously I was at work, laughing so hard, but in that under your breath way that the people around you can't hear you (it probably sounds much like someone with a deviated septum and an asthma attack) and the laughing tears started to come, and I just had to share, cause my favorite slacking off share buddy is on a major vay-cay. Enter Cassandra.
Anyway, I think this girl could be my training partner...
Prepare to enter the Hilarity Zone...in 3...2...1...

http://www.here-in-idaho.com/2008/08/01/narrative-of-a-not-quite-triathloner/

....Want Really, Really Bad?

Superpowers.
If you know me at all, or have even held a conversation with me for more than a few minutes, you would already know this. I want it more than most things in life and I'm not picky. I would take any power, although I admit that some are more desirable than others. Some of the less desirable, but still useful powers could be...

1. The Power of The Lobster
Power includes bullet proof shell, extremely strong claws, and great reception on antennas.



















2. The Power of Sand

This power includes ability to control the sand (it bows to your every command), including the ability to become one with the sand and evade all evil-doers.














3. The Power of  The Reptile

Aside from the obvious things that come with this power (extended time under water, long sticky tongue, ability to blend in with surroundings, etc) it also brings the ability to regenerate any limb after it has been pulled off.














4. The Power of the Diaperface
I know this is a stretch, but think about it. Your head would be super absorbent, have stretchy leak guards (too keep all your super knowledge in), and would be able to swell to ten times its normal size when immersed in water.

So as you can see, I have given this a lot of thought, and I think that I am up to the challenge of having a superpower.  If you ever run across a vat of toxic waste, or a radioactive spider, (well any radioactive thing that could bite and transfer amazing powers to me), let me know. I promise to use my powers for good: to fight crime and save the world from all evil.

...Would Like To Introduce You To?

The newest member of our family. He joined us on July 7, 2008. He weighs 2856 lbs 4 oz and is 171.1 inches long. He's got tons of carbon grey metallic paint and is a spitting image of his father.
It has only been a week since he joined our family, but we couldn't imagine life without him. Big brother Grant loves "Mick" and can't wait to hold him all by himself in about 15 years.

...Think is an Amazing Invention?

The All-Edges Brownie Pan.

I can imagine it. Some housewife is perplexed because when she makes her fabulous homemade brownies, everyone fights over the edges!! She wonders...How can I achieve happiness in my homemaking when the middle of the brownies are never being eaten?!?!? Then it hits her. She gets a handy brother-in-law (her husband works all the time in a thankless job) to make her an all edges prototype, and bam! One patent pending symbol later... royalties that will bless generations to come. Brilliant. I personally love the corners and edges of brownies. You get the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy. Oh no, now I'm craving brownies, and that's one craving that never leaves until satisfied.
P.S. Anyone wondering what to get me for my birthday...?

...Want to Brag About?

My Wonderful Husband David. Since we are currently celebrating Davey-gras (pro in the Hulsberg household, (defined as the week up to, including and after June 10th, Dave's birthday) I would like to take a brief moment to brag on him. First of all, Dave is so successful. If he puts his mind to something, he will do it and do it well. Including looking awesome in pictures.

Second of all, Dave is the most smartest. In May he received is Masters of Architecture from the University of Utah. He's such a hard worker and is so talented. He spent so many sleepless nights and days making the very most of his education and he was very successful in doing so.

Third of all, Dave is an amazing father. Grant is a big daddy's boy. His little face lights up any time he sees Dave. He is so interested in everything Dave is doing and mimics his every move. The cutest is when they play the Wii together. Grant waves that controller around just like his daddy.

Fourth of all, Dave is the love of my life. He is the perfect match for me. We are so alike and so different all at the same time. I am so grateful to have Dave in my life. We've had 5 wonderful years together and I look forward to many more. I am excited to face the future with him, whatever may come our way.

... Heard Today?

"Boiling water makes eggs hard and carrots soft... which one are you?" It was in reference to life's tough times and challenges. All of us are going to hit some boiling water along the way, but what are we going to let it do to us?

(Don't get this fable confused with the frog that doesn't jump out of the pot warm water that slowly heats to boiling. That's more about not letting evil things creep up on you. Plus eggs don't jump (except that amazing egg on Garfield and Friends) and I've heard that frog legs get pretty crispy.)

...Am Ready For?

Springtime!
Seriously, I don't think spring has ever taken this long to arrive. Maybe I only notice now because I have a toddler that loves the outdoors and screams every time he has to go inside even with his frozen fingers, bright red cheeks, and a runny nose. "In like a lion out like a lamb," was my mantra throughout March. But that month was all feline. Now it is, "April showers bring May flowers..." but as I trudged through several inches of snow and slush to drop Grant off and get to work this morning, I had serious doubts that these are the kind of showers that the month-weather-rhymers were talking about. Here are a few things that I am excited for spring to bring:

1. flip flops
2. driving with the windows down
   
3. slurpees and snowcones
   
4. fun on the playground with a cute little blond boy in tank tops and shorts
   
5. playing catch (without frozen fingers)
6. bar-b-ques
   
7. that great feeling when the sunshine makes your hair warm to the touch...
   

...Recommend?

Google Reader. It's the perfect way to keep up on all your blogs, and find new and interesting ones to read. You set up your Google Reader to subscribe to all your most important blogs and whenever you visit, it will show you who has added a new post. You can even read the posts from that same page. In the beginning, I went from blog to blog try to find someone who had posted new wisdom or pictures. Now I've got a one-stop shop.

...Bought My Hubby Last Night?

Well, I'll give you a hint, I'm typing on it right now and one a day will keep the doctor away. That's right, an Apple Mac Book Pro. Dave is the happiest boy in the world.  We went to the Apple store last night and thought we going to give some lucky guy his sale of the night. The exact opposite happened. As we stood there waiting for a free salesperson, we saw 4 full Mac computers sell. It was probably 10,000 dollars in about 20 minutes, and we were only in one little corner of the store. And it was just an ordinary Thursday night in February in the Apple store. 

...Read For the Best Reviews Around?

These are the Bitches of Judgment, Maggie (pictured with Grant) and Sammi.
They are stay-at-home dogs, and they fill their time with reviews about movies, TV shows, books, and politics. Now, there are some skeptics out there that question their ability to type, but Sammi still has her dew claws so I believe that she's the one who publishes the posts. This is a must read blog; read it and you're barking up the right tree.
http://dooduns.blogspot.com/

...Think Is a Great Movie?

I Am David.

You've got to check it out. I won't say much because I love watching movies before I know too much about them. The movie follows a young boy that was raised in a concentration camp, and manages to escape. The tag line: Believe in the power to change your destiny.

...Did Last Weekend?

Dave, Grant, and I hosted an unofficial President's Day Tolman sibling reunion! It was so fun. It started on Friday night as the troops arrived. First Maddie rolled in from Rexburg, ID, then Morgan, Raf, Jocelyn (3), and Mallory (2) arrived from Rangely, CO, and finally Joey and her 4 kids (Damon (7), Keely (5), Kameron (2), and Brit (5 mo) luckily arrived safely after battling the treacherous roads of I-80 across southern Wyoming. She definitely wins the prize of worst weather and longest drive. Rock, Jen and Rhett (2 mo) represent the Provo branch of our family, and we didn't see them until Saturday. That's right, 16 of the 18 Tolman's (sorry Mom and Dad!) in one 1100 square foot condo. Here are some lessons learned from the weekend:

1. Bunk beds are worth their weight in gold. Our full/twin bunk bed set from IKEA (love it!) has been one of the best purchases we have ever made. It sleeps three adults comfortably at night and entertains 6 rowdy kids during the day, while the other 2 babies keep the adults entertained.


2. Raf's movie fetish has paid off. If he had never went to go see Rambo, we would have never known that Rock and Jen's car was being towed, and they would have been ready to leave and blamed our crazy neighbors for grand theft auto. Word to the wise: Just because it is a gray curb and there are no No Parking signs anywhere, doesn't mean that some random tow truck won't drive by and decide to tow your car.


3. There seems to be a one-way portal for cardboard between the back of Dave's Civic and the trunk of my Camry. One minute you're asking your brother to shove a bunch of cardboard into the civie and the next your standing at Costco with with cases of things you can't live with out and no where to put them.
   
4. Always wear plenty of rings if you are going to play up-chickens. It is a fact that 6 kids can sleep through 6 adults slamming their hands down on a table for an hour.
   
5. Grant gets the award for the crappiest sleeping arrangement (his pack and play shoved in our bathroom.)


6. Kameron sounds a lot like Barry White when he gets a cough. I've never seen something floor a two-year old like that (he was literally lying on the floor several times throughout the weekend.


7. Never, never, never tell your niece to lick her mom's ear. Even if she is completely willing. Both of you will get in trouble.

As you can see, there were a lot of lessons learned. There were so many poopy diapers, sinks full of dishes, piles of toys, bodies everywhere and laughter like you wouldn't believe. It was a great weekend, and I'd definitely do it again.

...Wish There Was More Of?

So there I was. (All good stories start that way.) I had just finished pumping iron at the club house and went to go check the mail. I put the key the slot, opened the tiny door and peered inside. Amongst the ads and junk mail, I saw it. An envelope with actual handwriting on it! And not just any handwriting, my mommy's! The letter wasn't addressed to me, it was for Grant; (that's what happens when you have babies), a Happy Valentine's Day card (which he loved by the way, he read it like a book for about 5 minutes, an eternity for a 1 year old) but still it had me smiling and skipping all the way home. I can't explain it, but getting personalized mail is the best. So that's what I wish there was more of, handwritten cards and letters. Everyone I have ever talked to about this agrees, but life gets busy and e-cards are so much easier to send on the day of someone's birthday. Consider this a challenge, nay, a dare. I dare you to send a handwritten card or letter to someone this week. If you can't think of anyone to send one to, I know the cutest boy in the world who loves to get mail. P.S. Mom, you're off the hook!

...Want To Do?

Start a blog! I've slowly seen those I admire and adore join the blogging revolution, and of course I don't want to be left out. The voyeur in me has really enjoyed taking a peek into other people's minds. As I have debated over having a blog or not, I have written entries in my head and thought what an amazing collection of thoughts it would be and how the people in my life might appreciate them. I would like to use this blog as a place to remember old memories, review books, movies, restaurants or whatever, and reflect on the wonders of life (aka Grant). I only hope that this won't become that blog that only gets a few entries and then sits broken down and abandoned on the side of the information superhighway. Wish me luck!