Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my garden. I know that no matter how hectic or hard my day has been that my garden will be at home waiting for me to tend to it. I get to water and weed and care. It needs me. I nurture it and it doesn't talk back, it just gives. I never know what new surprise will be there for me to discover! A new tomato or pepper, peas ready to harvest, corn growing taller than the kids, herbs to add to our families dinner!

Here are some new pictures of my little haven!

And she goes on and on and on

Okay, I'm back at it with the official shoe count for Irma.


I am the proud owner of 54 pairs of shoes. Out that 54 only two are tennis shoes.


Wait 55. I forgot to count my steel toe shoes.


A bunch of those are flip flops but most of them are heels. I love a 4"heel. I love to come home after wearing my steel toed shoes all day long and just throwing on some "girl" shoes to go to the grocery store, or flip flops, who knows. You have to share the love between all of your shoes to keep them all happy....


As for my favorite pair, I have two right now! Check these ladies out!





Yes, I wear both pairs to church, even though my husband wonders about the pink ones going there.

Aren't those great?!? Hey if any of you guys out there wear a size huge (9-10) let me know maybe we can work out some crazy shoe swap. Yeah right, like I could let my babies out of my sight....

Okay on to the more questions:

Last book that I read was thrown out a couple times.

I usually can't remember the last book I read but This time I can, no author, I'll have to add that one later but the title is Sweetest Dreams, Yeah, I didn't really like it all but I have this thing about how once I start a book I have to finish it no matter how dull it is or how little I get in to it. I just can't give up. I suffered through it and was so glad I was done once it was over.

If you were to ask me in three or four days what the last book I read was, it would be a whole new answer. I LOVE TO READ!!!!!! It's how I escape, relax, unwind, get away. At night I can't go to sleep unless I read, whether it's for five minutes of an hour it just helps me end my day. I love to run away to the bath room and jump in the tub and just hide for an hour of so and read, ahhhh..........just thinking of it feels good. books are my friends, I keep myself surrounded by them. There is always a pile in my bathroom, another by my bed, and one more on my dresser. Usually Ben just moves them down to the basement. I can't wait until I have shelves for all my books. I dream of a library in my house someday, a room just stuffed full of books, a big comfy chair, and maybe a lounge, a window and a blanket. Someday, someday.......



Miakatia asked a few let's start with these for now:


What game show past or present would you like to be on?


Let's make a Deal! Hands down. have you seen my purse?!? I'm golden!


What does your favorite color smell like?


What? Wow, Ive never thought like that before. Good question! I know my favorite smell but what does my favorite color smell like...geez....give me a minute......

I love purple and the smell that keeps coming to mind is the thick, clean, misty smell that you get here in Washington on an early summer morning and Eucalyptus, hmmm maybe my sense of smell is color blind cause you would think those would be green colors but nope, when I think purple it's a deep comforting rich purple, like the woods that you grow up in and know like the back of your hand. Does any of that make sense? Nah, I knew I was weird.


What song reminds you of you husband of what is your song?


So easy, I Knew I Loved You, by Savage Garden.

Come on does it get any better than this?


"I Knew I Loved You"

Maybe it's intuition
But some things you just don't question
Like in your eyes
I see my future in an instant
and there it goes
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than
a little crazy but I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life

There's just no rhyme or reason
only this sense of completion
and in your eyes
I see the missing pieces
I'm searching for
I think I found my way home
I know that it might sound more than
a little crazy but I believe

(more chorus)

A thousand angels dance around you
I am complete now that I found you

(more chorus)

Really? Does it get better than that? Now you guys all wish that could be your song too, I know, it's okay, I can share.


What songs do you want played at your funeral?


I have an older brother who died at two (he was three years older than me, never got to meet him here on earth....) and his favorite song was I Am A Child Of God so that is the first one. After that how about:

Because I Have Been Given Much~That's sorta the way I feel about life.
Put Your Shoulder To The Wheel~Another good mantra.
The Spirit Of God~ That is always a good one to end something on.....


Name a famous person you would like to meet.


I would love to meet the Prophet. Is he famous? I would love to feel the spirit that surrounds him and the love that I know he is inside of him and just radiating out for every one to enjoy.

After that note, here are two more:

Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie. They are just hot!




Okay, Mia had a few more for me and there are still a couple other people I have yet to answer, no need to fret those answers will be coming along shortly....

And the Survey Says.......

Okay well maybe it's not the Survey but it's me with answers to your questions.

Mindi wanted to know:



How long have you been playing soccer?


Let's see my first indoor game was on June sixth of this year. That's it for indoor but I did play my sophomore year in high school, ten years ago. And then there was that time when I first moved to Washington at the ripe old age of eight, yup one whole season back then. But I see many, many, many, many years in my future!


Favorite band or song of all time?

Okay here it is. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always had this picture of my favorite song/music video playing over and over in my head.

I Got My Mind Set On You by George Harrison.


Let me refresh your memories. There is this cute boy in an arcade and then there is the claw machine. Inside the claw machine we see this beautiful ballerina. the boy sees this beautiful ballerina and knows, just knows, that he has to have her.


I got my mind set on you!
But it's gonna take money,
A whole lot of spending money.
It's gonna take plenty of money,
To do it right, child.
It's gonna take time,
A whole lot of precious time.
It's gonna take patience and time,
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it,
To do it right!


Yeah he gets her. BTW look at him now!


Hmm...thinking about I wonder if that's where I get my stalkerish tendencies from? Just ask my husband about how we met sometime. Or my mom, she'll tell you.

Favorite vacay of all time?

We went on a two weeker last year: one week at Disney World and then one week on a cruise ship going through the Caribbean. Yea, we can't wait to do that one again...maybe with out kids this time......





Devri asked:





How many children do you want to have?

I don't think she knew how loaded this question was or what type of answer she would be getting. I have two, a girl and a boy. I'm out of diapers my youngest is in first grade next year. Family vacations are getting so much easier as far as travel and the lids being able to go on all the rides, well, almost all the rides, it won't be long now.....

Why would I want to mess with that? I always wanted more but I think we have decided that we are done. I know sad day. However, if he came to me today and said "I want to have a baby" I would cry. And we would get busy. No really, I would do it in an instant! I'd go back to diapers, teething, long nights, horrible coughs, stuffy noses and steamy bathrooms, endless laundry, nursing pads and bottles all in a fraction of a heartbeat!

Who was my first........kiss that is and what age was it?

Andy Cawley. I was 15. At the stake center. After a service project. During Youth Conference. And I was shocked. It wasn't just a peck on the lips.....I went with it.



For any of you who knew him back in the day, yes I say all this with a grimace on my face and my head slightly lowered. After we had been "together" for a couple weeks we went on a youth trip sledding. On the way home when he was mesmerized by the lakes and the possibilities of ducks at each one the the point where he had to stare and point, I new then that I had to move on.....way on and far away.....



What is the worst experience I had playing truth or dare growing up?

Honestly, apparently I had great friends cause 1-they already knew everything about me and 2-they never got really mean with dares. Actually, I've never been in a really risky game of ToD. I guess we were sorta tame......Does any actually believe that? (it's true)


Irma's inquiry:



I want to know which pair of shoes is your favorite and what is the most you have ever spent for a pair of shoes? (She also threw in how many pairs do I have)

The most I have ever spent, honestly, with tax right about $120. They weren't on sale, I saw them, loved them, had to have them, so I bought them. Lets just say that when my hubby saw the shoes he wasn't worried about how much they cost, of course he wasn't to focused on the shoes right then.


There was this one pair. I was in San Diego. I was in Nordstrom's. They were the perfect pair of RED HEELS. I held them. I caressed them. I left them there.


Now let me state: If I were single those would be in my closet right now. I would own them, love them, use them, always. I have a husband. If I spent 325 dollars on a pair of shoes right now he would flip! I almost did it. I was thinking of how to beg for forgiveness. Sanity kicked back in and I set the shoe down and walked away.


Some day I will have a killer collection. I dream of custom shelving*think Overboard*. I dream of Manolos and Jimmy Choos. I dream of custom made sexiness....I HAVE A SHOE PROBLEM!!!!!!!!! (AND I LOVE IT!)


As for favorite shoes, I have a few pairs I'm in love with. I'll post pictures of the tomorrow.

I love flip-flops. I wear them almost everyday at some point. Even when it's snowy out. Ask Tiffany and Sam. My favorite brand are Tevas! I love Tevas, I love how they're cushiony and comfy. I can stomp around Disney World for a week and my tootsies will feel no pain!







These are the ones I really want right now. If any one is feeling giving, they are $22 from the Teva website and I wear a size 10!


And for count, tonight I have to go home and finish. You'll have the grand total tomorrow, along with the pics of my favorites!



I'll also try to tackle more of your questions tomorrow. If you have any new ones from the fresh ammo I've given you or if there was something else you wanted to add to my already existing list of question, feel free, I'm loving this!

Football and a six pack! Yes!!!!

Saturday was a great day!

I did have to wake up and go to work, but that's just a minor detail.

After I got of work the fun began! The first thing I did was stop and register my son for his first year of.............wait for it...............wait for it.............FOOTBALL!!!!! It's flag, no hitting yet, but I'm so excited! I grew up helping out at one of the local Pee Wee teams, my little brother played, my dad coached, I worked in the concession stand(the year after a was a cheerleader, at 10 or so), and my mom, well she helped set up and clean up the field like we all did. I walked into the club house, which also doubles as the meeting room during games with a chalk board and benches and coaches and kids and chaos and I LOVE IT ALL!!!! I can't wait for practices to start and just the routine and drama that is football. They said they needed a coach still for Ty's team and my ears perked. When Ty was little I asked my dad if he would come out of football coaching retirement to catch Ty's team and he said yes. This year he is building a house and can't do it but I know he would love to do it next year, if he's not still building the house :) J/K mom, I'm sure you'll be done way before then. ~That was me assuming that my mom reads my blog, I'm actually pretty sure she doesn't~ Anyway back to my story. The one thought running around in my head is---Are moms allowed to coach football? I know that there isn't any rule that says no but you just really don't see that often, I never have. But in my head I just know that if my dad pointed me in the right direction I could do great! Or at least limp along and just be a body until he was available the next year.

So this is not my kid's but his team will actually have these colors! I grew up playing in North Kitsap Pee Wees whose colors were red and black. Chico is who my son is going to play for and they are red and white. It's the field we always used to call the dust bowl or the gavel pit because it's dirt, all dirt. I can see all the socks and dirt now.....and oh yeah, we live in Washington, mud, everywhere!!!!

Okay so the next awesome thing that happened Saturday....It was my Grandpa Heywood's 75th birthday!!!!!! AMAZING 75 years old and he's just the busiest guy I've ever seen, I know he's got me beat. He makes me look pretty bad and that is OKAY with me! Yea Grandpa! We went to one of my Grandpa's favorite restaurants, our local Mongolian BBQ. You know it, big bowls of meat and veggies piled high and then sauces drizzled over and then, yes, the sizzle of someone cooking it up right in front of you. Mmmmm, beef, pork, shrimp, crunchy noodles, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger sauce, garlic sauce, and lemon water. Twice. with some white rice thrown in at the table and a little of the chili sauce on the side. TWICE!!! I ate so much and it was great goodness. My hubby doesn't take me there very often and Chinese is tied with Pasta as my all time favorite! I ate it up Saturday, literally, all of it! And then we got to go back to my Grandparent's house to celebrate Grandpa's birthday with cake and ice cream and cards. Since I am his favorite granddaughter(the oldest of the three girl grand kids with a total of 26 grand kids, AND the only gran child to have given him great-grand babies) I had to get him his favorite breakfast! Cinnabon! I got him a six pack for his birthday and a gift card loaded with a second pack once that one is done. Yeah, the perfect present, I know.

It was a great Saturday. Football, Chinese, and a birthday, oh and sunshine too! :)

Why does everyone else think of it first?

So I was just checking out the place that my Bro.-in-law Andy chose to get married, or did Lindsay choose..., anyway, I was checking out their site when I saw they had a blog. Of course I had to go look! As I'm scrolling down I find this entry. You can arrange with the Director of Catering to rent digital cameras, yes a slew of them, to be at the wedding site for the duration, a day, the weekend, whatever. Then when the event is done the cameras are shipped back to the company and they put together a website with all the pictures so anyone can order. Seriously? Why didn't I think of that?

Actually, here's an idea. I think that my next Godsey Family vacation I just rent a few of these babies take them with and we all just pass them around! But then we wouldn't have the pleasure of calling and emailing and reminding the others that we were still waiting for pictures. Oh. Wait. Is it just me that everyone is always calling cause they're still waiting on me? All someone would have to do is go to the website and find that perfect photo for Grandma and Papa's next Christams present!

Hey here's another idea! Lindsay, it's just another expense for your wedding! Hey I found a way to contribute, just put me under the heading of Nicole-Official wedding spender. I can help you find ways to spend all sorts of money on things you don't really need. Like camera rental.

Just because you don't need it doesn't mean you won't love it! ~my life motto :)

Thankful Thursday

Yea! I love sunshine! I just got back from a work picnic and I feel great. There was food, a visit with my childhood/preteen Bishop/quasi-parent, chatting with people, acquiring a baby to hold ~she was six months old and such a content baby~, and just enjoying the sunshine.

I'm thankful for all of that stuff! And more:

Ummm, Soccer, you knew that was coming. When thankful day falls on game day........well can you blame me?

Windows in the bedroom(and bathroom). It's been getting pretty warm in the afternoon in my house and we don't have central cooling or AC, we have windows. And the breeze that comes of the gorgeous Hood Canal. It has felt so nice just to leave the windows open and let the breeze run through the house.

How about my BBQ. I love to grill. I'm the griller in the house not my hubby. Nothing better than coming home throwing some meat on the grill and scrounging up a side.

Well maybe grilling on a sunny, breezy day with the windows open when it happens to be game day!! :)

So, what do you want to know?

Okay here I go.

If you have a question that you want me to answer, if there is something that you've been dying to know, if there is a burning desire for me to share something with you.......ASK ME!!!!!!

I'll do my best to reply to any thought provoking questions or just odd randomness you have to throw at me. Don't be to harsh.......please...............

Now I know that this is all of you, just ready and waiting, chomping at the bit even!

~Sidenote~

Apparently I CAN spell every once in a while. I'm sure most of you have seen some interesting spelling on your comments but just now when I checked, not one misspelled word! Sometimes my fingers just move to fast for my brain...Not this morning baby,Yea me!

Trifecta of Trouble?!?

Yeah that's probably a great description... Apparently, I am apart of an award winning trifecta!


Mia, she is too cute, decided that Tiffany, Sam, and I are part of a trifecta. And, one full of trouble. And, we are award worthy. That really does some us right up.

I would have a whole acceptance speech but I'm afraid I wouldn't be nearly as "witty or cleverish" as Tiffany, so I'm just letting everyone know how much I LOVE Mia for thinking I'm deserving of an award *or she was just running out of people to hand them too :) * Either way, I love her and I will proudly post my award for the world to see!

This award has rules...

1. Please put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. You must nominate 7 fellow bloggers for this award.

4. Add links to the recipients.

5. Leave a comment so the recipients know they have received an award.





So let's see......Who can I have the pleasure of sharing this one with...........



First off, I could just go down the line and give it to all my family members (Don't you just love big Mormon families?) and all of my best friends-I call them my big Mormon family as well- But then that would take away all their easy picks as well so in doing them a favor I'll try to spread the wealth.



How about ~



1. Andy- You never know what you are going to get when you go check out The Flapdoodling of Andy , he's hilarious, at least I think he is. And he's my hubby's twin brother so I have to love him a little anyway.



2. Misty- Just the 3 of Us is where I go to catch up with my friend who lives just a thirty minute stones throw away.....



3. Kari- It's so much fun to see whether it will be a blast from the past or maybe the latest and greatest of happenings over at Every day's a new day...



Gee four more to go still, this award giving job is pretty strenuous!



4. Irma- Irma's Front Porch is loaded full with sweet, funny, and charming tid bits. Sometimes she just makes me want to cry, in a good way.



5. Paije- This one is easy, She talks about our soccer games, which she also plays in.... and she's just too cute. I hope to have that much energy some day! Yeah, and I just wanted to type Paije, I love that name!!



6. Brit- If only I could read The Adventures of Rust and Brit every time I peeked over it would make my week for sure! Brit is sorta like another Andy, you never know what you're going to get you know you're going to like it!!!!



7. Devri- I love how her comments can brighten my day and make me laugh so hard milk comes out of my nose, at least it would if I was drinking milk while reading blogs but I always thought that would be dangerous....



There you have it. I tried to spread the wealth as best I could.



Andy, if you really don't want to carry this on, I guess you don't have to, but I knew you at least deserved the recognition!

MMMMmmmm...chocolate!

Here is an amazing giveaway! CHOCOLATE! (Sorry Misty, you can enter and if you win I promise to eat all of it for you!)


Head on over to Omgirl and look for this post for your chance to win this enticing game! But be ready to "Pay-it-forward!" Hey, you only have until the 23rd of July to play, hurry!

Thankful Thursday

It's Thankful Thursday again and today I have a few things to be thankful for:

Our Soldiers! They do such a great job keeping our country safe and helping us preserve our freedom that allows us to do so many of the things we take for granted! And their families! Without the love and support of their families it would be so much harder for those soldiers to do what they do!

My family! My husband last living grandparent, Grandmother Lindblom, came over for dinner and we spent an amazing evening showing her our house, our yard, and eating a great dinner. We talked and laughed and I loved listening to her stories and her bits of advice. She had great tips for my garden! She has been around and seen so much. She has so much wisdom and heart. I can't wait to go down and visit the rest of my husband's expansive family in Arizona!

(Am I allowed to say I'm thankful for soccer again)

My sisters! I grew up an older sister to a little brother. Need I say more? I always wanted a sister and now I have six!!!!! And I didn't even have to grow up with them and get in to the sister arguments: those are my shoes, makeup, clothes, friends........ Now I just get to have the fun grown up sister moments. talking about everything, pregnancies, deliveries, nursing stuff, annoying hubbies, crazy kids, school, sleep, lack of sleep, food secrets, and so many other things I couldn't possibly put them all down! This weekend they are coming over. They start arriving Friday and aren't leaving until Sunday! And the best part, we are kicking Ben and the kids out! Mom's only, no kids! A weekend getaway at my place. PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am planning on sewing (Tiffany, don't you think it's time I finished that blanket?) and sewing some more, and maybe scrap booking, and oh yeah, my favorite, tending to my garden! I can't wait!

Our Poor Soldiers!!!!

This came from Devri, I thought it was something so very worthy of our time. We have soldiers giving so much of their time, their hearts, and sometimes their lives. It doesn't take much for us to help them and in the amazing World of Blog we can make great things happen like helping someone win a shopping spree, or starting up a business, I don't see why we can't help our country take care of the troops who give so much so willingly for so many people. How many of you have had a family member in the military? A father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandpa, even grandma...You know that if it were your family member over there working with out your love and support and basic comfort of other back up you'd be raging fury to the point that it's spewing out of your ears!!!! So take some time to help out your family, the blogging family, our country's family..............

Read on


My cousins husband is serving for our country and she emailed me this today, my jaw about hit the floor. I am copying her email, so there will be nothing left out

-Sheralan wrote-

Steve, my husband, and the other soldiers at FOB Terwa (Tarwah) need your help. Please call and/or write your congressman, any and all who will listen and act on behalf of soldiers and their families. You can go to www.congress.org and there will be a place to enter your zip code to find all your congressmen/women and their contact information. Below is the explanation.

**** Less than three miles from the Pakistan border in Afghanistan, there is a small FOB called Tarwah (Terwa). Tarwah is isolated and far from any American support, but the 20 soldier who maintain and defend it have in the past been able to take comfort in knowing help was only a call for air support away. They always felt oddly reassured when a bird would arrive to bring mail from home, or pick up a soldier to go on leave, like they, in the seeming middle of nowhere, were still connected the their brethren in arms.

Well, they haven't had a single parcel of mail delivered in three weeks and that assurance is gone, that precious connection with home is severed. They have soldiers who should be on R and R right now, who should be enjoying a brief reprieve from war and spending time with their families, but they are instead stranded at Tarwah because the Bagram Air Force Base that is supposed to provide them with air support has refused to do so anymore. There are also soldiers who have left on leave and cannot return to Tarwah, knowing that they are desperately needed but can’t return to serve at Tarwah because Bagram AFB won't transport them. The total lack of support from Bagram AFB has left the soldiers at the FOB even more isolated and vulnerable than they already were.

Bagram AFB says Tarwah is too far and the soldiers should drive the 8 hours to get to the base to go on leave. Driving just one soldier to go on R and R endangers all of our brave men at Tarwah. At least 12 soldiers need to go to man the vehicles and weapons, plus the one trying to get home obviously has to go, which leaves only 7 men to guard the FOB. After what recently occurred with a FOB being infiltrated and attacked in Afghanistan and having soldiers killed and injured, I am infuriated that my husband and all who serve with him at the small FOB right along the Pakistan border are being set up to suffer the same tragedy. Being denied mail is bad enough for morale, but being denied air support is essentially abandoning them.

My husband and all the soldiers at Tarwah have lived without comforts we take for granted, like plumbing, without complaining, but allowing them to be stripped of air support is like cutting off their limbs and leaving them to fend for themselves.

This cannot be allowed any longer.Please help the soldiers of the 101st ABN DIV, 4th BCT, 1-61 CAV, B-Troop, 3rd PLT at FOB Tarwah know that just because they are few in numbers doesn't mean we will let them be forgotten or discarded. Please folks, lets use this amazing blogging community to bring these Hero's home SAFELY.

Thanks

Here I go...

I just entered one of my posts for Scribbit's July Write-Away Contest. It was this one about my role in life. Not sure why I'm suddenly nervous but I am. I guess I haven't had someone judging my writing since....ever. Grading in high school (and a little in college), but that is different from judging.

Nicole who?

So here it is how good is your memory, how far back can you go, or how funny is your memory, what crazy things have we done together, or hey do you even remember me? All good questions. Come on play along. I know that there are some doosies out there. Who will bring it?

1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

He beat me to it! (Good Thing!!!!)

Come on girls, you know that we all have thought about it in some form...... Those RMs (Returned Missionaries for those outside of the LDS world), there is just something about them... They are HOT! maybe not now that we are *cough, cough* older, but at one point in time we were all sitting in Sacrament waiting to see what the new missionary in the ward would look like.


(Un)fortunately someone took it one step further. Putting those hunks of meat on a calendar for all those girls to enjoy! Too bad now he has to pay the price. I guess I do understand the Church's side, not exactly what an RM should be focusing on, taking off your shirt to show the world your righteous abs and pecs. Probably not such a righteous thing to do. But, dang, I'm interested in seeing the calender, is that wrong?

Free stuff for everyone!

Today if you haven't noticed is 7-11 and in honor of today 7-11 is giving away free 7.11oz Slurpees! Thanks Tiburon for enlightening me!

Where's My Rabbit 'Cause I Got A Hat Trick Goin' On!

Apparently I know how to play soccer! Who knew? At least that's what my Three goals said last night. *Otherwise known as a Hat Trick* I had a hat trick going for me last night! Does anyone know how cool it is to be able to see that?!? Oh, and for the record, my hubby missed my game again last night, too bad for him. He would have seen his wife out there tearing it up! It was the best ending to my awesome day. Oh, one thing I learned while playing last night, I suck at defense! I'm all about the offense. I'm working on my D but for now I know where my strengths lie. And I would like to be honest. I have no idea how I scored three goals last night. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I guess it's all about trying to move into the open area and placement and all of those things you hear all the time when you grow up playing sports... Oh the other one I was really trying to work on was looking up and trying to see where the open pass was, that and trying to be in the open spot for the pass. It was an absolutely amazing night!!!!!

We actually were giving the other team a run for there money last night, at least for the first half of the game and then we did pretty well the second. but for being the, uh, how do I put this nicely, the crappiest team in our division, we did really well last night. If we would have had a few more of our players there it might have been a whole different game.

And to the poor lady who shin I think will never be the same after the kick I put on it last night, I really am sorry! I didn't mean to do it! I felt really bad, but you have to keep playing right? AND that's why we wear shin guards..... If it had been the ball I had gotten, it would have been a pretty impressive shot on goal... I had some great power there and full extension going for me, it would have been a hot one! (But really I do feel bad for that bruise she might be waking up with)

I can't wait for my game next week! I think both of my legs would have to be broken to keep me off the field, but I'd still be there!

Toot! Toot!

Yes this is me tooting my own horn ! Check out this picture!

So on the right we have my shop's Superintendent and there on the left looking amazingly trim if I do say so my self(which I just did) is ME! And right there in the middle, the little piece of paper, happens to be an award! Since you can't read it let me tell you what it says:

"In recognition of your outstanding service and support for
Public Works Shops in the performance Construction Coordinator. Your
communication skills and knowledge has resulted in favorable reviews from customers and co-workers. Thanks for a job well done!"

Yes, they put the exclamation point at the end not me. And it is signed by my Superintendent. And it might have come with a monetary award as well.... :)

Yea for me. Toot Toot! I had to share my fun morning with the world I felt it worthy.

Who needs a HERO? Anyone?

So Erin over at Plum Pear Apple Designs is starting up her new bussines with a bang! She makes capes for kids. and they are AMAZING! I love all the colors, and I know that I have tied a blanket or towel around Ty's neck more than a few times! She is celebrating her Grand Opening by giving away a cape, but entries need to be in by the 15 of July so hurry! Who wouldn't want one for their little dreamer!

Can I Survive?

Maybe, just maybe I might need some help on this whole survival thing, you know day to day stuff, just making through the day seems pretty challenging lately. Fortunately, Devri has a handy surviaval kit that she is giving away. So pop on over and sign yourself up. I'm always up for a little competion, so the more of you that sign up, the better I'll feel when I win! :)

P.S. ~ It's her first give away, lets make it interesting for her.....

Thankful Thursday

It's Thursday which means I get to share with all of you the things that I'm thankful for today.

1~ Soccer. I have an indoor soccer game today! I was so bummed last week when we had a buy. This week I get to go, run my tush off (hopefully it helps at least), and get sweaty! I might even score again this week.

2~ Soccer. While I'm at my soccer game my hubby will be home cleaning the house. His Grandmother is coming into town for a day and his parents are bringing her to our place for dinner on Friday. So the mad dash to get out house spotless begins. (And I get to skip out to go play! SHHH don't tell Ben!) Another side note-- Ben will get the house spotless, he's a better cleaner than I am. But I do toilets.

3~ Sunshine! I am a sun worshiper. We have had an amazing couple of weeks. All sunshiny and happy. I'm feeling slightly bronzed, as much as I can for working full time. My garden is flourishing. And, my kids can play outside and drive all the local animals crazy instead of me!

I need a BROWNIE!!!!

I reall need a brownie. Right now. I KNOW that if I just had a nice warm, moist, slightly fudgy, chocolate brownie that everything would instantly get better. INSTANTLY!!!!! Yes, it's been that kind of couple of days!


And maybe a big, no, HUGE cup of, so cold it's almost frozen, Milk.


(hint, hint honey.....)

UUUGGGHHH!! Jean Shopping!

What is with shopping for jeans?!? Every time I do I just get so frustrated. I went to Macy's yesterday, I had a 20$ off coupon and a gift card on top of that, I was planning on buying jeans. Everything under 60 bucks had "stretch" on the tag. I just want a pair of real denim jeans with a straight leg and a decent cut. (one that doesn't make you tush look saggy) Don't get me wrong, stretch jeans are nice when you're going out with your husband or the girls and you're trying to vamp it up a little, but when I'm going to work I don't want the men, wait, BOYS, I work with seeing every curve from my hips to my knees!!!! I just don't think it's right. It is so annoying that no matter what store you go to, everything has the word stretch right there on the label. I figured sure, I'll give it a try. I grabbed a few different pairs and went to go try them on. Ben sat out in the waiting area and I came out and showed each pair to him. He thought they all looked good, and he was right, for the first time in many years I was HAPPY with the way all of the jeans looked on me. But not for work.

I had been working a pretty labor intensive job. I have a tool bag that probably weighs 40-50 pounds, depending on who has "borrowed" tools. I was jumping in manholes, getting dirty, moving around batteries, which contain acid, and getting it on my clothes occasionally. I would get into grease, paint, and grime in general. All of this would show on my jeans. I go through quite a few pairs, but I also didn't see the point in buying brand new jeans to just do more damage. So, I had holey jeans, really holey. And I would wear them all the time.

Now I am in a slightly more "white collar" position. I still go out to the manholes, I'm still around the dirt and grime except now I mostly watch other people do the work. Don't get the wrong idea, I still jump in and work because sometimes it's so annoying watching some one doing something the wrong way..... But, now there really isn't a need for me to be ready to destroy my clothing on any given day, it's just not expected any more. Even before I had this temporary (hopefully permanent) position, every time my Superintendent would see my holey jeans he would make some kind of comment. Now, I can see him checking. And if it happens to be one of those days where I don't have any good jeans clean and I wear one with holes in it, he will see them and say something. He's not trying to be mean, and I don't think that he's trying to make a point. One time I said to him that he always says that and he said "I've said it before?" So I really don't think he says it to be mean, he just voices what he observes.

Still, it's that horrid time again, time to go shopping for jeans. Maybe I'm just too critical. And my husband hates shopping. I guess I just need someone to come with. Any volunteers ??? :) I'll even buy lunch...

Awesome giveaway!

It's that time of month again, Suzanne is giving away one of her amazing totes! I am now the proud owner of her Purple Posies Tote! I LOVE IT! I take it everywhere! Work, the mall, softball games, the park, EVERYWHERE! If you jump on over to her blog you can you can enter to win her July creation, Subtly Patriotic. If you give her a shout out on your blog you get entered twice! It's something no one should pass up. I entered, even though I just one, I couldn't resist. If you're not the lucky one this month, she is now selling her totes. If you ask me they're a steal! The quality and love that goes into each one shows. I'm buying a second one, I just haven't decided which one yet......

Hurry on over before the the 7th that's when the winner will be announced! Entries are taken until Midnight Sunday the 6th of July!!

Happy Fourth of July!

I love the Fourth. Fireworks, blowing stuff up, and fire. Yes, I am a pyromaniac! I come across this trait honestly, whether it was learned or inherited I don't know, but I do know that I get it from my mom. Thank you Mom! I love fire!

My husband is a truly patriotic guy. He loves our National Anthem. He has taught the kids the Country's Bird as well as the names of the President and Vice President. He insists on respect while the National Anthem is played, even from a five year old. We both work at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, now know as Naval Base Kitasp. Every day at eight o'clock they play the national anthem. If you are outside of a building you are expected to stop and wait for the playing to be done, whether you are walking, working, driving, in a hurry, or going home. You stand, you wait, it's what's done. I see some people running to get inside buildings when revelry is played. I can't picture my husband doing this. When it's his turn to say prayer you can be sure he will thank our Heavenly Father for our freedom, and also ask for a blessing on all of the troops who are currently serving for our country, that they will be protected and come home safely.

I love that Ben has such a love for this country of ours and what it stands for. I find it inspiring, hopefully some of you will as well. Next time you have an opportunity to be somewhere the Anthem is played, the flag is honored, or even just seeing some of our country's service men, remember what went in to making this Land of the Free free. Remember the people who sacrificed all to get us where we are today and the people who continue to sacrifice. Not just the soldiers, but their families, and the people who support our military in their everyday lives at work as well.

Ben has traveled to the Middle East for work and relayed the following story to me:

He was in an airport in Dubai and there was a husband and wife. The wife was clearly distraught, He couldn't understand what she was saying but she had a cell phone in her hand and was pleading with her husband. He was berating her putting his hand in her face to block her comments and physically push her away from him. Ben was affected very strongly seeing this. He was told very pointedly before his trip that he was not to interfere in the lives of the local people. He could not stand seeing a man treat a woman this way. It made him angry. It hurt him to see that. When he came come and told me about it you could see and hear the effect it had on him.

We are truly blessed to live in a country where our daughters are able to attend school, speak their minds, and choose their own destiny. We are blessed to not have to worry about who will want to take over our town or village next. We are blessed that we don't have to be submissive and controlled by our husbands or be punished by the laws of the land. We are blessed that we can move anywhere around the country we see fit or necessary. We are blessed that our children don't have to be exposed to armed men patrolling the streets. We are blessed that we don't need to live in fear on a daily basis. We are blessed that every individual, whether that person is male or female, child adolescent, or adult, has rights that are inherited and protected. We are blessed that we live in a country that allows us to choose what schools our children will attend, how many children we want to have, what profession we would like to pursue, and where we would like to live.

We are blessed.

Happy Anniversary!!!

I LOVE YOU BENJAMIN SCOTT!!!!!!!

Today is the eighth anniversary of our wedding. I've been married to my Best Friend for eight whole years today! And Best Friend in this case takes on a whole new meaning than the other best friends, sorry girls.

This Best Friend puts up with me. And when I say puts up with me I mean ALL of me! The times I'm hormonal and cranky. The times I'm crying and weepy. My messiness, my laziness, my cooking experiments, and my "great ideas". He puts up with me hiding in the tub for extended periods of time. He puts up with me spending our hard earned money like it will expire if it isn't spent now. He watches chick flicks with me and doesn't tease me too much for crying, which I always do.

He loves me. Even with all of my flaws. I have learned this lesson more so this year than any other. I have pushed the envelope so far across the desk it landed on the floor. He picked it up, gave me a hug and told me that he loved me. I didn't realize that someone could love me as much as he does. I'm not his child, he didn't have to love me, but he chose to. He has this amazing, unconditional love for me. I'm not perfect and he embraces that and accepts it. He brings out the better sides of me. He makes want to be a better person. He makes me want to be worthy of the person I know he already is and the person I KNOW he will become.

I love you Benjamin Scott. I'm so glad that you haven't given up on me over these past few years. I know I haven't made it easy for you, but I'm working on that. I can't wait to spend Eternity with you! I'm looking forward to all of the rest of our adventures together. I know that together we can make everything amazing!!!!!!!!!

Bloomin' Tuesday

Well, since I forgot my latest and greatest pics at home, here are some shots I got on our last family vacation in Florida. Most of these blooms are courtesty of the amazing gardeners at Disney World and Universal Studios. You'll get a few today but the rest I have to save for winter when nothing is blossoming here in Washington....

Enjoy!

Visit Ms. Jean for more flowers from all over!