My Menagerie

So different than last year!

2010-12-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

The past couple weeks the one thing running through my head is how opposite this year is from last year. Ben and I have been talking a lot about how weird it is this year knowing that last year this time I was already sick with the flu... BTW I'm going to apologize now for the tears you can't see that are going to happen while I put this together, they're starting already.....

I don't remember much of Christmas last year. I remember feeling like crap for a few weeks before. I remember feeling SO tired. I remember thinking everyday that "It can't get any worse than it already is." It did. Everyday.

Yesterday Mad asked in the car if anyone remembered Grandma Penny's Christmas tree last year. I said I didn't. But I then did remember putting the lights on it. That has always been my job, I enjoy it. I didn't last year, but I got it done.

Actually, I think saying "I didn't enjoy it, but I got it done" covers most of lat year's holiday season for me. Which sucks because Christmas truly is my favorite time of the year. I love the spirit it brings out in everyone. I'm one of those cheesy people that wishes it could be that way year round.

This time last year I was already staying home from work because all the guys I work with were looking at me like I was crazy sitting at my desk and hacking away. I had no idea what my body had in store for me.

Even now When Ben and I talk about it we both tear up. Ben was catching up on Deadliest Catch a couple weeks ago, it was the episode where one of the Captains was in the hospital and you already knew he wasn't going to make it. We were laying in bed holding hands and I was crying away. He was squeezing my hand.

Back to last year.....

I remember doing the salad with marinated steak for the ward's Relief Society progressive dinner. I don't remember what day it was, I didn't go, but I got it done. Then I went home and slept.

I remember laying on my bathroom floor on the rug that Ben vacuums every Saturday morning as I'm lounging in bed. I remember at that point being grateful that I had a nice clean, soft rug to lay on. I spent a lot of time there. I had my cup of ice chips and my phone. And the toilet. And after every ice chip, I was glad I was within crawling distance of that toilet.

I remember not eating anything for a week and a half. Except for the ice chips that would then revisit me.

I remember going to the emergency room on Christmas Eve day and apologizing to Ben, feeling bad that we were dropping money for the ER knowing that we had just spent our funds on Christmas and now we had to drop more money on me. I didn't know then that we would be back in 12 hours.

Late on Christmas Eve I remember sitting on my bedroom floor being SO mad at Ben that I was wrapping all those "extra" presents that hadn't been seen under the tree yet and he was laying in bed fast asleep! Once that was done, I got in bed and said to him "I'm not wrapping my own presents!"

The next morning I got up and made the cinnamon rolls, courtesy of Pillsbury, that are the minimum required on Christmas morning. My parents and grandparents came over, the kids came running downstairs. And I laid in a puddle on the floor. Later at my parents house I sat in a puddle in a chair, slightly away from the group, so that I didn't get anyone else sick. And again later at my grandma's house I remember once again laying in a puddle in the corner. The big moment of that day was that I ate. And kept it down. Prime rib, mashed potatoes, and thick homemade chicken noodle, gravy style, no broth, hopefully you know what I mean. If you don't than you've really missed out and should come over to my grandma's house some time.

Then next day, we were supposed to go to Ben's parents house. I didn't. I don't remember that day AT ALL. I'm pretty sure I laid in bed, out cold, all day.

The next morning was the 27th. Ben took me into Urgent care. Once again, I remember that I couldn't even walk back to x-ray, they busted out the wheel chair. I remember hanging from the x-ray machine, it was only thing keeping me from going back to my favorite status as puddle on the floor. I remember the nurse telling me to calm down and breathe, and me thinking calm? I don't have enough energy to be anything but calm! I remember the EMTs coming in and thinking one was cute. I remember getting in the ambulance.

I don't remember getting to the hospital. it was only an 8 mile ride. In an ambulance. It couldn't have taken that long, but I was done.

Once I was at the hospital I remember Ben giving me a blessing. In it he said I would get worse before I got better. I remember asking if we could get a second opinion. Looking back I'm amazed at the faith that it took for him to be able to utter those words. I'm humbled that I could have a husband who could trust to Lord enough to know that those were that words he was meant to say.

It was true. I got SO much worse.

My family went through 12 days of torture. Not knowing where I was on a seemlessly endless slipping scale. Some times I would slip up, only to be followed by a gigantic slide down. There were surgeries. Lots of different drugs. Blood transfusions. And many questions and unknowns. there were happy moments and there were bad days. Really bad days.

I still ask Ben questions about when I was in the hospital. It is still emotional for us to talk about...

After that I don't remember anything until I woke up in the ICU, intubated, in pain, and scared. I had no idea what was going on. I saw my dad, my mom, and Ben. They were looking at me with those eyes that are worried, relieved, and happy all at the same time.

I remember where I thought I was. In Hawaii, at the airport, laying on the exposed aggregate with the ticket counter in front of me. I was trying to figure out how I had gotten to Hawaii and not remembered. Did my parents surprise us with a trip for Christmas? How could I have forgotten packing and getting there? I was so confused.

I remember the first thing I said. I looked at my mom and said "What happened to me?" Do you know how hard that is to do intubated? I knew something had gone wrong. It hurt to breathe. It hurt to move. But I had no clue. People kept coming to visit me. And I continued my "vacation".

After Hawaii I thought I was in Utah Valley Medical, which apparently is a real hospital, that I have now actually been to. Unfortunately, it was not a happy place for me for my "visit". The nurses were learning and driving me crazy. My bed had bizarre spider like features and I thought it was going to literally flip me out of it.

After that, the next stop on my trip was at some hospital in California. When a friend stopped by to visit me I thought it was weird and sweet that they would take time out of their Disney vacation to come see me in the hospital. There was a nurse who took the time to rid me of my extremely 80's ponytail on the top of my head and comb my hair and put in a new, more current, ponytail. I think her name was Jess. She left the next day to go skiing. No really, that part happened, the next day she went skiing so I didn't see her again. I really liked her.

Next came my favorite hospital. It was in a VERY small town in Oregon on the coast. I had a window in my room, I could see the grass and walkway leading to the hospital doors. And the beach. I could see the beach. The hospital was also a lighthouse. But they didn't have an ice machine. They had to go get ice from the coffee shop on the side of the hospital.

I remember Betsy sitting by my side the whole night that fist night that I was awake in the ICU. It was her job to stay awake with me so that Ben could get a night's sleep in the two chairs on the other side of the room. Not an easy feat for him considering that the nurses were coming in all night and the pumps administering my meds had alarms that went off frequently.

Side note-- after being in the ICU with pneumonia and an empyema getting out and googling what you had is a slightly intimidating thing to go through. Knowing what you survived and by what margins, is extremely humbling.

I also remember that night and how horrible it was. I didn't sleep. AT ALL. I was in pain, serious pain. They had put in some chest tubes while I was out. From some of my basic "research" typically chest tubes are made of flexible plastic tubing. Mine were copper. Hard, metal copper. No bending or flexing. It felt like I had rebar going through my body. It hurt to move. It hurt to be moved. It hurt to breathe.

I had a little button that I could push to give me a boost of pain meds. I could push it every 8 minutes. Do you know how long 8 minutes can last? Even with pain meds layered on pain meds, I couldn't think. Literally. Betsy helped through that night so much. There were times that I hurt so bad I forgot to breathe. The beauty of that being it didn't hurt as much when I wasn't breathing. I remember thinking that night that if I could just make it through that one night, then I could make it through the whole deal. There were times I questioned if I could make it through..... Fortunately I had Betsy there. And I'm assuming she would see my oxygen level dropping and then remind me I needed to breathe. I don't remember how many times she had to remind me to breathe, and to push the button.

I didn't sleep that night. I was supposed to. I think I may have nodded off for a few minutes, but not long enough to actually count as sleep. I didn't sleep for the next 48 hours. I spent the night hugging my two ice packs. And asking for more ice. For me to hug, and to chew on. Oh, and asking for more pain meds. I had to wait for the doctor to show up in the morning for that.

That morning when the doctor came in he said to me "I heard you got hit by a truck and the truck lost." My response was "That's not what it feels like." I told him how badly I hurt and he was the guy that made my day by adjusting my prescription. I still felt the pain, but it was slightly more bearable.

I had made it through the night. I was still miserable but for me it was a turning point.

The day seemed abnormally long. Like two days worth of time crammed into one LONG day. Eventually I was moved up out of the ICU to a shared room. More visitors, more chaos.

We had some members of the Bishopric stop by. While they were there Ben gave me another blessing. This one was much different than the last. I was medicated. I was in pain. I was anxious.

The following is one of the most special moments I've ever been through. It was amazing to experience at the moment, and even now I hold it dear to my heart.

The moment that Ben laid his hands on my head I saw in my head a small stained glass globe. I was inside it. The glass was shades of ivory that you couldn't see through. At first it was just a tiny little sphere, it seemed like a hollow marble. As Ben spoke the sphere started to grow. I could hear Ben but all around me all I saw was the gorgeous stained glass. Ben said that "through my faith, and the faith of others, I would be healed." That I would have no lingering effects from my illness. That I would be as I had been before. That I would be comforted. For the duration of the blessing I was overcome with a sense of peace. For the first time since waking up my head was clear. I had thoughts that weren't muddled by drugs. I wasn't "seeing" in big bold billboards every time I shut my eyes. Just the ivory sphere that continued to grow for the duration of the blessing. Not only did I feel peace, but I didn't feel pain or fear. I could breathe with ease. By the time the blessing was wrapping up the small ivory sphere had expanded to a huge cavernous space. The opaque, ivory, stained glass space was filled with warmth and light. It was a moment that I never want to forget.

Once the blessing ended, reality set back in. The nausea. The pain. The anxiety. But believe me, I held on to that beautiful experience. I still do. It is a wonderful memory to have.

Shortly after that I was moved to a private room. It had a great view. The landing pad for the medivac helicopter was outside my window. As they were rolling me into my room there was a copter taking off.

That night I slept for the first time since I had woken up in the ICU. Now I was on the recovery floor, on the mend. Finally getting better which was a huge relief for my family.

I had wonderful visitors. During that time I had amazing people bring me YUMMY food. Kalua pork, rice and mac salad. If that's not recovery food I don't know what is. I also learned that there were people that brought my family meals and love and comfort while I was "out of it". I am so grateful to all of the people who showed love and support for my family when I wasn't able to.

The time came when to remove my chest tubes. Let me just say, that I can be pretty tough but when it comes to literally yanking something from my body, I'd rather be unconscious. I wasn't that lucky this time. It wasn't as bad as I had worked it up to be, it was done pretty quickly, but I still freaked. Although I did have my daddy standing there holding my hand.

The next day I was released. 15 days of being in the hospital was enough for me. Even though I had only been aware of two days. My family was so excited for me to get out. I cried as Ben pulled the car up to the curb. Going home was an amazing experience!

Now to this year. Everyday for the past week I have been thinking about how I felt this time last year. About how I had no idea what was coming my way.

I think about how I am back to playing soccer, while I still can't run the whole field the whole game yet, I'm getting closer. And soon I wont be playing soccer for a while....

This year at Christmas, instead of of almost losing my life, I am building a whole new person inside me. We are going to have a new family member to love and cherish. Instead of scrambling to save a life we are preparing to welcome a brand new one to this world.

It really hits me hard. Almost daily. How things can make a 180. How even though things can make a seemingly instant turn for the worst, they can also go from horrible to glorious. That road may make be slower, it may be a steeper climb. But every step of the way is worth it.

In all reality, we were actually wanting a baby last year this time, and were frustrated that it hadn't happened yet. Knowing now what was to come it seems a blessing in disguise. There is no way that a tiny baby just starting to grow and be nourished would have survived through the hospital stay with me. But now that I have recovered I have a perspective I never would have had before. Not only me, but my whole family and many friends know how precious life is. I am truly blessed. To still be here. But also to have the opportunity to bring another life into this world. Another child to wrap my arms around and snuggle. To cherish.

I'm baaack....

2010-11-13T11:17:00.001-08:00

At least I'm pretty sure I'm back. I've been feeling immensely guilty and thinking to myself...I really should catch up with my blogging..... So here I go. It's been a long year. I guess it's probably easiest to start with the freshest stuff first. But I should have a wealth of things to share for a while so I guess there is an upside for taking forever to get back in the habit.

Ben, the kids, and my parents made a trip down to Florida for a little Disneyworld action for a week. Then we went on a Caribbean cruise. More about all that another time.....but the best part about the vacation...We brought home one of the best souvenirs ever!

Sometime in early July we are expecting a new member to join our family! Which is slightly crazy since Ty will be turning 9 the month after this new one shows up. Ben and I are officially crazy! We are starting ALL over again. But this time, we will have a built in sitter, or two :) The one and only down side.....we have NO baby stuff left over from the first two. But i guess that's where we really get to benefit from being LDS and the constant flow of babies in our ward....I already have a crib lined up from a friend of mine. Thanks Jenae!

So let me say that even though I had wanted a baby for years and years and years, after everything that our family went through with me being in the hospital I learned that I needed to appreciate what I already had. I was good with the two health happy kids running through our house. I WAS DONE. I had come to peace with no more babies for our house. Then Ben had to go and stir the pot. He brought up the idea. I wasn't sure about it. It took me a whole three days to jump on the bandwagon...

We are so excited! The baby is all I think about. Day in and day out. Names, stuff we need to get our hands on, and all the amazing things our family has to look forward too! Fortunately pregnancies are fairly kind to me. I don't get too sick, however the nine AM hour is not my best friend. And the indigestion has started. I'm six weeks along, so there's plenty of time for queasiness, exhaustion, and dizziness thrown in for a little fun. I don't make it till nine at night very often seeing as how my last alarm of the morning goes off dark and early at 5:00 and I start work at 6. Right now I live for the weekends and sleeping in, and if I get the chance a five hour nap in the middle of the day is SO nice!

Drumming my fingers, twiddling my thumbs

2010-01-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to go stir crazy. I think I might send Ben home and have him get my scrapbooking stuff. I'm ready to make a good mess. Paper scraps everywhere. At least I would feel like I was getting something done.

My dad asked me when I was going to go back to work. I told him as soon as him and Ben let me. I love that they are so protective of me. I have always thought of myself as a capable, strong woman, but it's very comforting to know that I have two stronger, opinionated men looking out for me. It was awesome watching the two of them grilling the doctors while I was in the hospital. I loved seeing my dad pull the doc to the side and ask questions and expect answers. If they didn't get their answer, they kept at it until they did. It made me feel so loved, but it also made me feel SO safe.

Slacking or not?

2010-01-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Okay maybe it was a little of both.

For those of you who maybe aren't so local or haven't heard my body has been waging quite the battle against me. My mom started a blog when I got sick and the chronicles can be found here.

I was admitted to the hospital on the 27th of Dec.

Basically I got sick, tried to tough it out and ended up with double pneumonia which then turned into a gummy, gooey mess on one side. There were, ventilators, surgeries, tears, and prayers. Then I woke up from my sedation. It's a little fuzzy for me, some where around the 6th of January is where my memories actually start. So I really only know about the last five days of my hospital stay and the first couple of those I was still heavily drugged, and was having some very.....creative, yeah , that's the word, creative thoughts.

I'm getting a little better every day.

I got out of the hospital yesterday and am looking forward to recovery and getting back to normal life.

I miss running. I miss soccer.

I miss my muscle. It's gone, ALL gone. It's amazing how laying in a bed for 15 days completely destroys your body. I feel like this isn't even mine, some one switched it out with a weaker, less healthy version. Stairs SUCK.

I miss breathing deep, those lung muscles of mine are also missing. I guess it was the ventilator days on end there....

I've made it through the hard part. For a couple days they didn't know if I would actually survive. I guess at one point they told Ben to think of what he would want the kid's last memories of me to be. I feel horrible for that. I know I didn't wish myself sick, but I feel so bad that my family (husband, parents, brother, grandparents, friends) had to go through all of that. I don't remember a shred of it but I'm sure they will never forget.

Hopefully you will be hearing from me a little more frequently, I even have a few hospital pictures thanks to my dad, I'll work on getting those from him.

Justice

2009-12-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

There are times when the human race completely lets me down. When I am brought to tears because of the heinous acts of others.

On Sunday, in a town near Seattle, four police officers were killed. Was it something flashy like a bank robbery, or possibly a drug bust gone awry? No. They were simply sitting in a coffee shop planning their work day, when a man walked in an started shooting the officers, no one else was targeted. The officers did their best to react, but all were lost there, trying to protect themselves and their community.

The person, or possibly better stated, the thing, that did this was injured in the onslaught but still escaped.

Of course there was a massive surge of help in the search, many police departments from around the area coming to defend their fallen sister and brothers.

This morning there was resolution. A police officer was making a "routine" traffic check. He discovered the car he was cecking was stolen and then spotted movement outside of the car. The shooter was there, shots were fired, the suspect was killed. He had one the guns from one of the slain officers with him.

Would I have loved to have seen him arrested and tried, Sure. Am I heart broken that it ended this way, Not at all. Do I feel like there has been justice, Yes.

Part of me is happy he didn't end up in prison. Cast in with deviants who would revere him for having been cold-blooded and heartless, for having harmed those who serve us daily and keep our towns safe. He may have ended up with the death sentence but he would have been a king among those who are confined to prison.

Bring On The Rain

2009-10-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Apparently the inner writer in me has been waiting for a little watering. It seems as soon as the rains came back so did the ideas. Most of you know that here in Washington we get our share of rain, and most of your share too. That's okay I'll take it. Without the rain we wouldn't have all of these amazing trees that I'm so in love with.

The other day we were riding along in the car. It was raining. And I happened to hear the kids. As I was listening I smiled, hearing them talk to each other always brings back memories of when I was a kid. Me and my little bro are 28 months apart--Mad and Ty are 22 months apart. It amazes me how often their conversations mimic the ones Jon and I had.

There was a pretty good rain going on, were zipping down the road, they kids were quietly chatting and laughing. As I started really listening I heard them involved in some competition. they were racing rain drops. As the beads of water gathered on the window they would each pick one, and then wait for it to start making it's journey across the pane, gathering momentum as it absorbs the other drops around them. Eventually the drops went faster and faster and finished their journey. Then the race would start all over.

I still find myself watching raindrops on the window, usually I do it while someone else is driving but every once in awhile I MIGHT get distracted while driving.

And I kept driving...

2009-10-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

I left town last week. I had work in Spokane. It's about five hours away by car. I was looking forward to the drive. I had my iPod. I was going to rock whatever my heart desired, as loud as I wanted. It was going to be a good day.

Both of my kids were sick. My mom, who had broken both collar bones the week before was watching them for us. My dad had just left town for a work trip.

I went to the Seahawks game. They lost--BAD.

Then I hit the road.

Water bottle-check
Gum-check
Tunes cranked loud-check
Seatbelt-check

On my way out of town I tried to call my Grandma to let her know that I had gotten started an hour earlier than I had thought I would.

I tried her house, no answer, slightly odd.....So I tried her cell, no answer, VERY weird.

An hour later I got a call from my Grandpa. He had taken my grandma to the emergency room. She was having severe pain in her abdomen, and she was puking. She had just had surgery the week before and he wanted to make sure everything was okay. I told him that Ty had woken up with a 104.5 degree temp. (they had been sharing a water bottle the day before) I asked him to let me know what was going on, keep me updated.

And I kept driving. In the opposite direction. Away from my sick kids, my broken mom, and my grandma who was in this horrible state of limbo.

Running through my head was-- This is what I do for my family. I work. This is my job and this is just what I have to do.

Every mile as I worried about my grandma it got harder and harder to keep the car heading east.

I finally called my mom, okay it seemed like forever but it was probably only a few minutes. But it had been long enough to get all sorts of things running through my head.

My mom hadn't heard about my grandma yet so I filled her in. I managed to get to the end of the story before I started crying. Then the thing that started the tears, I told my mom that the only reason I was still driving was because I KNEW she would call me if I needed to come home. I said a few times. I needed her to tell me it was okay to keep driving.

I drove, but I cried for miles and miles.

I'm very protective of my family, I hold them very close to my heart. Don't mess with my family.

I kept going. heading away from my family when all I really wanted to do was go home and scoop them all in to my arms, kids, mom , and grandma, and protect them. Comfort them. tell them everything was going to be okay.

This is what I do. I work. It takes me away from my family at the most inopportune times. Sometimes I hate that I work. Sometimes it the hardest thing I do. But it's what I do for my family.

I'm home now, my kids are healthy, my dad is back in town, my mom is still broken but mending, and my grandma--not sure what was wrong with her, but she is off an adventure in China right now.

Everyone survived the week that I was gone.

A "Got to Share!"

2009-09-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

A little while ago Kami had this little treat on her Friday Favorites. I had to re-share it with all of you. Katie is truly inspired, fun loving, quirky, and one of the most creative people I've "met" in the bloggerhood. That, or she REALLY needs to share.

She makes me smile. And I think she makes the world a better place. A happier world. A joyful world. A place I want to be a part of. I just want to give her

A BIG THANK YOU!!!!!

I would love to stumble across some of her projects!

I would LOVE to have her take my picture! (although Tiffany is quite talented as well)

Apparently, I'm not the only one who does dishes this way!

Seriously folks, this is one that you don't want to miss out on. It will surely brighten your day!

Two weeks ago.....again

2009-09-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

So this two weeks ago is the week after last week's two weeks ago. If I would have started this last week it would have been titled "last week...." But now this two weeks ago is actually....

Dang , now I'm lost and confused....

Oh well, here it is. I guess if you have to be lost and confused Laguna Beach is the place to do it...

After a week of relaxing and a wedding I went a little further south. The best part, it was paid for and I got paid to be there. It was training for work.

The training was actually in Irvine, CA but I scored a sweet hotel right on the beach and it was so worth the whopping 15 minute drive.

La Casa Del Camino

The rooms aren't the largest things in the world. I stood at the corner of my bed and my hip touched the sink, but hey, I was right on the beach.

But there was the rooftop lounge. We hung out there lots. It was a great place to enjoy the sunset with an appetizer and your choice of refreshment. People may have been packed in like sardines but it sure was one happy tin of fish.

And the restaurant downstairs, WOW. So they serve "petite" sized portions. For petite prices. The best part, that means you can get portions of ALL the things that sound good on the menu. A $3 appetizer or three, shared between two people. A couple $10 entrees, and a $4 dessert. I was in Heaven. We ate there multiple times. It was GOOD! REALLY GOOD. If you and I were to roll in to town together I would take you there. My treat. Standing offer.

I had to sit in a classroom from 8-5 daily but as soon as we were out of class, happy bliss set in......There was the street to stroll down and shops and art galleries to stop and peek into. There were restaurants to discover. And there was the beach.

I played in the ocean. I raced the waves, dashing around the rocks. I ate some amazing food. I enjoyed the sunshine. I had a week, with no stress......

I watched this EVERY night--

On our last day we cruised on up to newport before heading to the airport and found my next house! There was this row of houses on a deep water channel with yacht after yacht tied up to a personal dock that led to patios, with amazing houses attached to the patios...these were not your standard bayliners, these were some NICE boats.

Someday....... Yeah, someday maybe I'll talk my Daddy into buying one.....House, boat, either on works for me.

Two weeks ago...

2009-08-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

My family, Ben and the kids, along with the entire half of Ben's family--and once again, when I say Ben's family I mean the other half of MY family-- went down to the coast in Oregon for the wedding of Andy, Ben's twin, and Lindsay. Yea guys! Congrats!

But before the wedding came there was playing, and sleeping, and playing, and playing. Oh and shopping too.

Those are my dogs in the background. They did a GREAT job on the drive down. And they LOVED the beach. They ran and ran and ran and ran. And fetched and fetched and fetched and fetched. In the water and on the beach.

It all happened in Yachats, OR. Just south of Newport, OR. Don't ask me how you say it, I still don't think I have it down.... pretty sure its along the lines or "yaa-hots"

We flew kites, played in the sand, had fish and chips, and spent LOTS of time in a couple different glass blowing shops. We actually took a glass blowing lesson and the kids and I got to blow our own glass--Ben was off on a "Bachelor Day" so he missed out on the awesome fun. While Ben was off riding quads in the sand dunes and surfing, then off to a BBQ me and the kids picked out colors, put on safety glasses, and stepped in the "hot zone". The guy teaching us was amazing! He was so patient with the kids, he answered all of their questions. He let them get down and dirty putting the glass in the kiln and turning it. The kids got to help him roll in the color. Ty even got to use the big shears, pinching and twisting the hot mass, to put swirls in the glass. The guy even let Ty start blowing the glass, I got to finish it! It was one of the coolest things I've ever done. Right up there with skydiving. Really.

Madison did a great job of taking pictures, If I ever get them off my camera I'll have to share them with you.....

Then came the real reason for the trip........

The amazing union of Andy and Lindsay. Which actually happened at Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Congrats you two! I can't wait to see how cute your guy's kids are when they roll around!

Lindsay was beautiful, Andy was charming...It was a sunny, cool, chilly breeze kind of day. A gorgeous day on the Oregon coast. Pretty much picture perfect. Fairytale. A

great way to start a Happily Ever After.

Then the party started. There was food, there was cake, there was dancing. Really good food. Really good cake.

And I even had a dancing partner!!!!!!!!! (Ben only slow dances.) Me and Ty rocked the night away. Hopefully he dances with me for years to come.

And I got my once every 9-10 year dance with Ben. Okay, it's not that few or far between, but I pretty much have to wait for someone to get married. Ty couldn't resist the chance to grab some snuggle time with the two of us.

So Frustrating!

2009-08-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Why is it that I always think up the bestest posts ever while I'm no where near a computer to put it all down? How come I don't write this stuff down? For a while I had a notepad in my purse so I could write down ideas I had. I'm not the most organized person in the world. That didn't last very long.

Ugh!

I promise if I remember it later, I'll share.

By the way, I'm back. I know, I know, two weeks away. It was a long break but don't worry, it wasn't you, it was me.

Give away-not mine, but worthy

2009-08-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Kami has a giveaway going that was to scrumptious to pass up! Sam, I SO thought of you when I saw this one! 75 buck-a-roonies for Saaa-weet clothes. Hurry, you have till Monday the 24th at midnight.

C lick the pic to go check out the giveaway!

Going MIA

2009-08-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, not that I haven't been already, but now I'm going to have a reason to be MIA.

I'm heading out for two weeks of Beaches.

Week 1:

Just down the road a bit along the central Oregon coast.

There will be a wedding.

There will be surfing.

Hopefully no sharks. No offense Tib, but free swimming with great whites MIGHT be a little much for me.

There will be fun.

There will be girl time. I'm bringing the glitter.

Week 2:

Then there will be training for work a little further south in Cali.

And more Beaches.

And more fun.

And I'm sure I will find an amazing restaurant or two!

Oh, and SHOPPING!!!!! Laguna Beach style. Maybe I'll be able to afford a ponytail holder or two..........maybe some gum..........Or I could splurge on a bottle of water.

there may even be a spontaneous post or two, no promises.

My life according to Nickelback

2009-08-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

So I saw this one over at Tiburon's and thought it was way too much fun to resisit!

**Knowing that this is Nickelback, it should go without saying this is my censored version**

My Life According to...

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist:
Nickelback

Describe yourself:
I’d Come For You

How do you feel:
Not Leaving Yet

Describe where you currently live:
Far Away

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Hollywood

Your favorite form of transportation:
Sea Groove

Your best friend:
Someone That You’re With

You and your best friend are:
Diggin’ This

What's the weather like:
Feelin’ Way Too Damn Good

Favorite time of day:
This Afternoon

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Where Do I Hide

What is life to you:
Gotta Be Somebody

Your relationship:
Never Gonna Be Alone

Your fear:
Fight For All The Wrong Reasons

What is the best advice you have to give:
If Everyone Cared

Thought for the Day:
If Today Was Your Last Day

How I would like to die:
Old Enough

My soul's present condition:
Deep

My motto:
Learn The Hard Way

I knew they spoke too me. Who knew they spoke for me so well...

The Battle of the Oak

2009-08-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Last night on the menu for dinner:

Roast with gravy, from Costco

Baked Mac n' Cheese, from Target

Green Beans, picked 30 minutes prior form the garden and steamed

Then there was this boy:

And a table:

(this one is more along the lines of my *next* table)

And 3.5 hours!!!

The boy would not eat his green beans. He went back for seconds on meat. He wasn't full, just picky. That doesn't fly at my house. There were tears. There were pleas.

It didn't work.

He sat. Until the beans were gone.

It took him 5 minutes to eat those beans once I leaned against the wall and started the out loud mantra of "Put one in your mouth." "Put one in your mouth." "Put one in your mouth."

5 Minutes! After waiting for 3.5 hours!

Maybe we need to work on math skills.

(p.s. I so won.)

Thankful Thursday

2009-07-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

This week there are a couple things to be thankful for that are kicking and screaming and jumping out at me.

This WAS my background on my work computer for a long while......

This is my back ground right now. It's where I met up with Ben last time he was on a trip to San Diego. I had two amazing weeks in Coronado with my husband and kids!

Thankful#1--- In August I am heading to Cali for some training. I'm staying in Laguna Beach, my hotel is right by the ocean, they take chairs down to the beach for you. I'm going surfing. I am SO california dreamin' right now. Sometimes I just sit and stare at my computer, nothing up, just the picture, waiting to be there again.

Thankful#2--- In December I have some more training to attend. Also going is Tiffany!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This time it's off to San Diego. I CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE MY FAVORITE PARTS OF SAN DIEGO WITH HER!!! One of my best friends, one of the best towns, and some of the best mexican food you can get. Does it get any better? Oh yeah it does! It's paid for! SAA-WEET! Hold on for a wild ride Tiff. :)

Passion

2009-07-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

My passion of late..... Iced Passion! I am so grooving on unsweetened iced tea. Herbal and fruity and wonderful. There are a few flavors that I like, but the Passion is rocking my world!

And I don't think it's any coincidence that my favorite tea is also purple. Pretty sure they did that just for me.

Why I've been absent....

2009-07-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Between the pain that I feel right before popping these babies and the shakes that I get afterwards I haven't had it in me to think too much. Yup you heard me shakes. From the 65 mg X the 4 pills that I pop at a time. How sad is it that a tiny amount of caffeine......wait tiny amount let me check........ So 8ozs of Mountain Dew has 36mg of caffeine and everyone knows that no one drinks 8ozs of anything at a time. (thankyou pepsi) A double shot mocha, regardless of size, can land you somewhere around 144mg. (thank you energyfeind.com) Hmmmm, I guess I would have to be double fisting 20oz mochas to keep up with my double dosage of Excedrin. Maybe that explains the dizziness. :)

If only two worked than I would have no prob cutting back a little, but sadly even with my fail safe, glory drug, Midol, I have to resort to 4 pills at once--60 mgs of caffeine a pop there. Stinkin' headaches and cramps!

And while I'm at it........
This stuff, has the EXACT SAME STUFF as the migraine formula.......see:

From the Excedrin Website itself.....

EXCEDRIN® Migraine Product Information
Drug Facts
Active ingredients (in each tablet) Purposes
Acetaminophen 250 mg …………………………………………………………Pain reliever
Aspirin 250 mg ……………………………………………………………………Pain reliever
Caffeine 65 mg ………………………………………………………………………Pain reliever aid
Uses
• treats migraine

And then......

Excedrin® Extra Strength Product Information
Drug Facts
Active ingredients (in each tablet) Purposes
Acetaminophen 250 mg …………………………………………………………Pain reliever
Aspirin 250 mg (NSAID)* ………………………………………………………Pain reliever
Caffeine 65 mg ………………………………………………………………………Pain reliever aid
*nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Uses
• temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to:
• headache
• a cold
•arthritis
• muscular aches
• sinusitis
• toothache
• premenstrual & menstrual cramps

And when I went to the Walgreen's site and looked up the 100 count gel-tabs forboth varieties, the migraine style costs 50 cents more. Why? is it because if you have a migraine your that much more desperate? But the poor, poor people with the cramps, muscle aches, arthritis, colds and headaches aren't?

I was trying to explain this to Ben last night. His words....."I don't care what the ingredients say, the migraine works better."

Really? You think so?

If I just handed you a handful of pills would you really know the difference.

(I might. Being the connoisseur of medication that I am. )

But Ben, let's face it, he takes what I buy. I think I see an experiment coming up.

2009-07-14T17:21:00.001-07:00

Why is it I can never get a speeding ticket when I desperately want one? You know, like right after I have a not so mild disagreement with my husband.

Mmm Breakfast

2009-07-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal with chocolate chips in it. Yum! I just felt right this morning. It came to me as I was walking up the stairs.

It was pretty yummy when I first put the chips in and they instantly got nice and gooey. But now at the end after some scooping and stirring......It's all chocolaty everywhere! I think I need another helping.

Except maybe just a slightly bigger helping of chocolate this time....... :)

Trying to get motivated

2009-07-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Ty's room looked like this. The walls were Tiffany blue. And I had this great idea to give him a whole new look. A zebra room. Ty LOVES zebras. I bought the paint, the room is now white. But darn it, it's still missing it's stripes. I HATE white rooms. White walls are the bane of my existence! There are no plain white walls in my house. Near white, but not white.

I think that today I may have stumbled across the kick in the butt that I needed. These are some pictures of Ty's room in our first house. I got adventurous, I had fun. I'm not quite to Brit's level yet...... Maybe some day.

For the leaves on the trees.......a feater duster comes in handy

Now I just need to get home find my paint brush and give that poor naked zebra room it's stripes!

This Weekend

2009-07-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend was an amaaaaaaaazing sun-filled weekend, of which I have no pictures to prove there was no rain. Not that I didn't take pictures. I started to. My camera died. I think I died a little when it happened. Maybe a lot.

We piled everything into the car and of course had to make a stop or two on our way out of town. At one I basically ripped my finger nail off my poor little pinkie. Back on the road Ben and I had fun pointing at things out the window that the kids couldn't see since we had a cooler and pillows and sleeping bags piled high. I might have laughed inside a little every time they said "where?" Okay maybe that was just me and not so much Ben, but he did a lot of pointing to not enjoy it a little....

It being a holiday weekend we were ready to drive from campground to campground looking for a decent, open spot. The spot right next to the pit toilet and dumpster, not so perfect. As we pull into Staircase all of the on the river pull in spots were taken, we drove around the loop and then went to check out the walk in sites. So there it was, the best spot ever! Right on the river with a great little "beach" on the river bend. We moved in. I wish we were still there.

Ben unloaded the bikes and the kids were off while the two of us set up camp. Once everything was out and put away we were out and about. We took the kids down trail for a little peek at the future days and then back to camp to start dinner. Later after dinner Ty and Ben were throwing a football. I went over to take pictures and then set down my camera to throw a bit with them. And then out of nowhere comes this pissed off random hornet (I'm guessing since I never saw it) flies on up to me and stings me on the leg. What the heck!!!!!!

Smores. Oh the smores that the we devoured. Marshmallows and fudge stripe cookies. SO the way to go! Ben and I were MMMMMing all weekend long over that one!

The next day we went on a mile in-mile out hike. The kids did great! There were so many things to look at and take pictures of, which I did, Until my camera died. I was clicking away happily then went to go take more pictures then it happened. I tried to turn on my camera and nothing. It's dead. So dead. So completely dead. So utterly, completely, never going to breathe again dead. Thank goodness for the American Express Well, at least I could put it away and sort of enjoy may camera free hike. Who am I kidding. I'm still going through the grieving process. I won't quite be the same until I get mine back or the replacement check.......

Oh yeah, the hike. Madison and Ty rocked it! Then it was back to camp for a lazy, lazy after noon filled with lounging, sunshine, and reading, at least for me. The kids played for hours on the side and in the river. Ben made lunch and even roasted my hot dogs for me and brought them to me on the river edge. Oh the sunshine I baked in. The glorious tan that I worked on. Ben's parents came on up for a visit and had dinner with us. Then we had to make his Dad a smore or two.

The next day, we were off for another hike. With sandwiches packed we planed on having an adventure. All you Land Before Time fanatics join in with me now.......it's time to go adventuring, adventuring, adventuring, I want to go adventuring, adventuring with you! Yes, I sang it out loud and in my head as we were climbing over logs. It was a long, fun, sunshiny hike. It even included a few river crossings including me and Ty going for an unintentional dip in the river.

It was nice to get back to camp and relax and settle in for some steak and potatoes. It was pretty yummy after the trek we had been on. Then we went to a presentation by one of the rangers. He was actually pretty good. More sitting around the fire followed. I love fires. Not so much the smoke which seems to love me.

The next morning, sadly it was time to go home. Once again the kids were off enjoying some bike time while Ben and I broke camp.

It was an awesome way to spend our Fourth of July weekend. Family, fire, trees, hiking, food, fun, and good times and memories.

I can't wait for the next camping weekend!

Maybe someday I'll have pictures to show for all of our fun......

Warning--NOT FOR BOYS.....

2009-07-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

No really, I meant it. Guys do yourself a favor and stop here.

Okay Ladies, they had their chance.

So the question running through my head a while ago........

Do you use the same pads/tampons as your mom?

Sorry, now you know the craziness that runs through my head.

A Forever Love

2009-07-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

I love this man with all I have. I've loved this man since the moment I met him. Today you get to hear our cheesy, corny, cliche story, as crazy as it is...... or at least my version of it.

Saturday July 31st, 1999-- Second Best Day Ever

I met Ben at a stake dance (church dance). I saw him there that night. A guy I had never laid eyes on before. I thought he was GORGEOUS! I was dancing with a guy friend of mine and I pointed out Ben to him and I said "I'm gonna dance with him tonight." *I found out later that Ben had the same reaction when seeing me through the windows when walking up to the building* I went up to the group that he was standing in as a song was starting. I stood right in front of him and asked if anyone wanted to dance....He jumped at the chance.

And then I was dancing with the coolest guy ever! He was talking and I was soaking it up. All of it. He played baseball. I love baseball. He surfed. How cool is that?!? He loved camping. I loved camping. There was just so much that we had to talk about. I have no idea what song was playing....who cares, I had a pretty promising guy captive for the duration.

He hates this picture. I love it!

So every month after the dance there would be a gathering at my house. Stocked pantry, loaded fridge, surround sound, MASSIVE collection of movies. I told Ben that I had some friends coming over after the dance and asked him if he wanted to come along.......He said yes and I think I started floating a little bit. I knew I couldn't just let him disappear in a trail of exhaust. The next thought that ran through my head--"Crap, my parents are out of town and I haven't talked to any of my friends yet!!!!!!" The song ended and I tried to run off to ensure that I wouldn't be at my house, alone, with some guy I just me and his friend. He wanted to talk some more. I obliged. Then I ran off and told my friends they HAD HAD HAD HAD HAD to come over because I had just invited a boy over and once again, my parents were out of the state.

He came over. We watched a movie. He positioned himself near me. I put my hand right next to his and then......He didn't go for the kill. I swear, if his hand would have just brushed mine I would have taken the lead but nothing, nada, zilch! He didn't hold my hand! What the?!? I put it right there for the taking and he didn't go for it.... I was confused but still sublimely happy that he was there.

I got a phone number. I gave him mine. He left my house and I told my friend Brit that he was mine. I knew it. She was spending the night--trust me that plays into the story shortly....

Eventually we went to sleep.

Sunday August 1st, 1999

Me and Brit woke up and I decided it would be a great idea to give Ben a call. Yup, I called the next day, it hadn't even been twelve hours. I called, someone answered. I asked for Ben. We talked. He was on his way to church. His parents had an unplanned road trip to attend to that day.

We got off the phone and I turned to Brit and said "Lets go find him!" I grew up in Poulsbo, WA he was in Port Orchard, WA. A whole 22.5 miles apart. I had NEVER been in PO. This simple route....Not the one we took.
Brit knew where one of the chapels was in PO so we went there. I saw a lady in the foyer and started describing Ben to her. She told me he was at "the other building" and started spouting off road names and ways to turn. Yeah, I was gonna remember that. Good thing we had a quarter. I drove, Brit flipped the quarter every time we came to a crossroad. We kept on stopping at gas stations and getting more directions. Eventually we found the church. You know what....that quarter was NEVER wrong!!!!!

Once again I went up to an unsuspecting stranger in the parking lot and described Ben to him. he knew Ben, he was in Ben's class. His name was also Ben. He took me to the door and asked if I wanted to go in.....Yeah right, I'm not THAT crazy. Me and Brit waited in the foyer.

I can still remember exactly what he looked like as he walked down the hall towards me. He was wearing cargo khakis, he had his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows and he had on this tie with a yellow background and golf bags. (I think he stole that one from his dad) I'm pretty sure I heard a heavenly chorus. Yeah, there were definitely angels singing.

He smiled said hello and then took me to Young Womens. What? You mean I still have to go to class?!? Hello I just tracked you down and you're sending me to class? Okay. After church we went to his house for dinner.

Ben has a BIG family! NINE kids. Way more than the two I grew up with. A few of them were there that night. Plus me and Brit and Ben's friend Ryan. It was quite a gathering. There was turkey, and stuffing. We all gathered around the table and then Ben asked me to say the blessing on dinner. WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it! I had never met these people before in my life!!!! So what do I do? I pray. We eat. And then we settle on to the couch for another movie.

Apparently Ben's parents learned a thing or two raising nine kids, Ben and his twin being the youngest, Their couch was so narrow there was no way that two people can lay next to each other on that thing. Not that we tried that day, that was like two weeks down the road. (okay, more than that, I think.) Anyway, Ben was laying on the couch one way and I was laying on the section square to that. We were watching Last of the Mohicans, one of Ben's favorites. At one point, I couldn't take it anymore. The boy wouldn't make the move to hold my hand. So I tickled him. And he grabbed my hand to stop me. And I held his.

We talked on the phone multiple times daily. By Wednesday I had sent him an email asking where we were going with this and what he felt our "status" was. On Saturday we had our first real date. And our first KISS!!! It was sweet. We were down on the water at this place called Prospect Point. It was sunset and there was this amaaaaazing double red rainbow. He kissed me. Just a peck. No intimidating, suffocating tonsil mangling, just a sweet simple peck. BEST KISS EVER!

We have been together ever since.

We were married July 1, 2000. Best Day Ever! It has been an amazing, intriguing, roller coaster thrill for nine years of marriage(10 of togetherness). I can't wait for the next one or the next 50!

I love you Ben. Thank you for being an amazing partner, friend, lover, companion, snuggle buddy, personal torturer, alarm clock, taste tester, house cleaner, repairer, father of our children, dish washer, and mechanic. Hopefully I can pay you back for all that someday!

You are my destiny!

Summer Fun

2009-06-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

I love fire.I love hot dogs.I love summer.I love sunshine.I love family.

I love the way a hot dog tastes when it's been cooked over an open fire. Nothing like it. Nothing better. Except maybe a second one. Or a third.

Ha. We found a way to keep them still for a minute or two!

Just ketchup please.....

And then the masterpiece. The crown jewel~ Dill Relish. No sweet pickles please.

Doctor Dolittle

2009-06-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

.......THE MAN WHO WALKS WITH THE ANIMALS - TALKS WITH THE ANIMALS - GRUNTS AND SQUEALS AND SQUAWKS WITH THE ANIMALS........

This dog was fascinated with Ty. The feeling was mutual.

Who wouldn't be fascinated with this kid? Obviously I am.

Jeans

2009-06-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

So I work on the fourth floor of my building.

There are no offices above the fourth floor.

There are many places that I have to visit on all the floors below me.

I make LOTS of trips to other places in the building.

Our elevator is broken right now.

I don't take the elevator often but it's a nice break once in a while.

Four flights of stairs SUCK at 6:00am.

My jeans are getting tighter in the thighs.

These are jeans that have been worn more than once since that last washing and are nice and stretched out. --But not filthy. Sorry Tiffany.

Did I mention that they are getting tighter in the thighs and not the waist, hips or tush? Sweet.

Broken elevators SUCK.

Road trip

2009-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went visited Mount Rainier National Park. I LOVE Mt. Rainier. Really love Mt. Rainier. I was so happy to share my favorite mountain wiht my kids. I have so many memories from growing up of time spent with my family hiking, swimming, and camping up on that big pile of rocks.

Yes summer has officially begun but there is still 10 feet of snow at Paradise, our destination for the day. Not that we thought about that one as Ben and I were getting dressed that morning. The kids had pants, shoes, and jackets. Ben and I however.......

It was a little cold for him in the snow with the flip-flops I suggested. Ooops. But hey, who doesn't wear flip-flops in the snow, that's normal right? Or is that just me? Okay, my toes got a little chilled too but the sun was shining and the pavement was nice and toasty :)

So there are waterfalls EVERYWHERE. It is a mountain. And I couldn't help but take a million pictures of them. I even included the family in some of my pictures.

And then there is always the selfportrait photo opp. Snuggle up hon. Cheese!

Hey Tiff, how come Ben didn't smile like that for our photo shoot?

Then there is always the time you have to take to throw rocks. You MUST stop and throw rocks in the water when given the chance.

Loved this waterfall. Love the boy by the waterfall even more though!

After running around all day why not stop and play on a climbing wall too? We actaully had to wake the kids up to get them out of the car.

Have I mentioned that Madison has a fear of heights? I'm not really sure I understand her fasination with climbing but she loves it. It's just the coming down that makes her nervous.

We had a great trip and are planning on going back. Soon. Maybe for a night or two this next time. I'm thinking I have a four day weekend coming up in a bit. Sweet. Pack the bags honey. Wait, that's my job.

Any Ideas?

2009-06-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

So Tyler is ready for his new redneck name.

Do you have any ideas?

The Unveiling

2009-06-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

So to the one that I promised this to over a week ago. SO SORRY. Here it is. Let me present to you Our New Deck! Let the BBQs begin--Dates to be announced in the future.

So a year ago our house looked like this~

And then there was the work to be done in the hot, hot, hot sun...

But in the end it was SOOOOOOOO worth it! Did I mention that it was Ben and I doing all of this work.
Oh man, the number of screws that I put in. I wish I could have kept count but I'm pretty sure I can't count that high. Lets just estimate it at over 2500. I think that's pretty fair(and probably a little low).

Did I mention the aching muscles? and the sore back? The plus side? Working in the sunshine wearing my sunbathing attire! If you have to sweat you might as well get a tan while your at it :)

I can't wait for the hours and hours to be spent out there. Last night after Ben and the kids had been wrestling for a while we took some of our floor pillows and a few blankets outside and laid out there. We listened to frogs. Madison and Ty danced for us. The dogs came and visited and lounged with us.

I dreamt of patio furniture last night. Ben's alarm went off this morning. He said it was time to get up. I told him I was dreaming of shopping, give me five more minutes.

Do you think there is a patio furniture fairy that will magically leave a set or two of couches/tables/chairs for us?

B-day card...

2009-06-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

So I got the bestest birthday card a girl could ever want. It's sitting right here in an envelope on my desk and if you ask me that is such an injustice. I'm dying to take it out and hide it in the corner so that I can take a peek whenever I feel the fancy....

Who could blame me? Look>>>>>>>>>>

I might have peeked a few times. Okay maybe four times.

And on the back>>>>>>>>>>(who looks at the back of a card? me. SO worth it)

Somebody got a barn?!? I need one now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He can stay in my barn ANYTIME! Where did I put that barn..........

Who needs a stinking kitten. They make me itch. And sneeze.

Love you too Tiffany! Have I mentioned how much you rock?

Five times.

Six.

It might be a long slow day at my desk :)

is it wrong to pet the card?

Keep it coming!

2009-06-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

And the day just gets better and better! I had lunch today at Noah's with Misty and Tiffany!

It was so stinkin' yummy. The meatball sandwich with provolone and pepperoncinis. And a Chocolate Milkshake only the way Noah's can do it!

It's a good day! :)

Happy Birthday to ME!!

2009-06-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

Yes this is a shameless post to get all of you to stop for 15 seconds and wish me a Happy Birthday.

Or none of you.

Either way it's a great day for me!

This morning the first thing my husband said as he turned off his alarm, turned on his side, and then did my oh so favorite~~putting his arm around me and pulling me towards him for some morning snuggling, was "Happy Birthday". At 5:00 in the morning, he remembered how much I love my birthday!

(Did I mention HOW MUCH i LOVE when he throws his arm over me and pulls me close. I wait for it every morning when I hear him rustling over on his side of the bed! )

Here's to a day filled with smiles and love and fun!

I like it!

2009-06-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was introduced to a newer employee in the building. After the name exchange she said "You're the friendly one."

I like that.

You're Fired!

2009-06-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I tasked Ben with what I thought was a seemingly simple task. Pick up some Toilet paper. WE ARE OUT!!! O.U.T. of one the most absolutest necessities. Pleas honey, just grab some while you are getting the few other things on the list.

Apparently I either 1-Need to be more specific when I say buy some toilet paper. or 2-Just fire him from any sort of paper product purchasing.

This is what he brought home:

It might have been packaged a little more like this:

SAME THING! Obviously HE doesn't have to wipe every time he goes. If he did then maybe he would be slightly more considerate when purchasing the most important form of paper. Maybe to teach him a lesson I should hide said tp and only leave in sight some other options......

Maybe a nice cheery bowl of holly leaves?

Nothing like baby porcupines, hey they're even washable, good for the environment, bonus!

Maybe pieces of shark jaw, those never ending teeth might come in handy....

Ughhh. All of those might be better options than the industrial size package of cheesy toilet paper I now have hiding in my closet!

Teaching our Kids

2009-06-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

This morning as I was driving into work, listening to the radio instead of rocking out to my iPod since Ben needed my car after work, the guys on the radio were talking about patriotism. They were discussing whether it was genetic or learned. Yeah I was sorta scratching my head at that one too. Can you really be genetically patriotic?

Then I had the thought, I love that Ben is teaching my kids to love our country. I work for the government. So do my parents, always have. My husband as well. We all work at a Naval base. Both of my Grandpas were in the military. Navy for one Air Force for the other. One spent Vietnam on a ship helping fix those who were injured. The other rescued people who were in need from a helicopter, until he was lost, for a long time. They both came home. Neither of them talk about it much. They were both career service members. No three, five ten years in and then out. They both spent decades of their lives serving our country. Giving time with their families up to protect our rights and privileges and way of life as we know it today.

I grew up living next to a submarine base. A few times a year a local group that headquarters right down the road from that base protests. They protest the nuclear weapons that are stored and ready if our country every needs them to protect our freedom, rights, and happiness. So if you haven't figured it out, I'm all for our country having the arsenal required to deter anyone from ever pushing us that far. The day that someone would have to make the call to actually launch a nuclear weapon would be a sad one and I know that it's not something our leaders would take lightly. But I also know that I appreciate that our country has been blessed by the ability to develop technologies above those of countries and organizations that would love to see us fall. As I see those people standing in the road handing out their fliers and using their rights to protest the very organizations that helped them receive those rights sorta breaks my heart a little. And I think to myself, "If you don't like it, why don't you live somewhere else?"

Obviously I have a pretty wide red, white, and blue streak running through me. There are days that I cry when I hear our anthem played. One of our favorite songs is "I'm proud to be An American". That one can make me cry too. I love that Ben teaches our children who our leaders are, even if we may not agree with their policies. I love how strict and expectant of the kids he is when the Anthem is played. I'm so glad that I can see him teaching our children to love and respect this amazing country that we all live in.

Tyler has already told me that he wants to be in the military when he grows up. I'm sure that he doesn't fully understand all of the risks and trials that come with that. And he may very well change his mind many times over the next 12 or so years. But it really warmed my heart to see that my son had a love for his country, a desire to serve. And I can honestly say that if either of my children ever decide to join our country's military I would be so proud. Scared and praying, but proud.

What are you teaching your kids?

One other bonus of living here: We get a day dedicated to playing with fire and blowing things up! Love the 4th of July!

Yeah, Right.

2009-06-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Days I wish I was a teacher....

Love kid art!

Yeah, mommy works at Home Depot, nice try. Not falling for it.

My Ty

2009-06-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Not to be confused with a Mai Tai, although he can make you just as delirious and give you just as much of a hangover :) His favorite color is RED. He is ALL boy. He is my boy. My Baby Boy. He's told me that I can call him that forever. -Just not in front of his friends-

Ty has a never ending love affair with Dinosaurs. We have had four dino birthday parties out of six.

Not only does he love extinct giants. He loves all living, moving, breathing things. It doesn't matter if they crawl, hop, have ears, 20 legs, dig, hoot, or live a million miles from him, he LOVES them.

Big or Small, He is fascinated.

He will sit down and read books about animals. He will watch Discovery or Animal Planet snuggled up next to me for hours.

He even likes animals that aren't real.

He still thinks he can fly.

He takes time to stop and enjoy the really little things in life.

He is a lover and along with that comes his sensitive side. He is a sweet BOY who relishes the seconds, minutes, hours, days that he can torture his sister. But he also can be crushed. When he is sad I think any one who knows him would give him the world just to see that radiant smile of his again. It does wonders for you, trust me.

He loves to be silly. He is such a goof.

He is always getting into something. Every barrier is a challenge for him to overcome!

He's got spirit that for sure, and tons of determination.

He is my boy. I love him dearly. Yes some days he is whiny, or sneaking food from the pantry-okay that one is a constant-, sometimes he's just doing his best to be under foot. Other days he's helpful and wants to do any thing he can to help. He loves to make things. Drawings, pasted pictures, random things out of even more random STUFF found around the house. And after all of that to make it even better.....

He dances with me.

I love all the sides that Ty has to offer because each one of them makes him who he is. I can't imagine how my world would be with out him and I am so blessed to have him for Eternity!

Thankful Thursday

2009-06-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for the whole bunch of this that we have been getting:

Just so you know, I'm pretty sure sun burns fat!

I put my sunning attire on as soon as I get home and work on whatever it is outside that needs to be done. You know, like my deck or my book and tan......

Growing Pains

2009-06-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

No I'm not talking about how sad I feel when i see my baby turning into a big boy.

It's more along the lines of the pain that Ty is feeling that has him laying on our bedroom floor whining for hours at night. Our kids wake up pretty early in the morning, 5:30, to get to the babysitter's house. For the past two days Ty has been reduced to tears. Actual tears rolling down his cheeks from his legs being sore. This morning he was so sore I had to carry him into the house, okay maybe I didn't HAVE to but I felt so bad for the boy..... I gave him some Advil and he was working on going back to sleep when I left. The little corners of his mouth turned down in agony and sadness as I was getting to leave him was heartbreaking this morning. I just wanted to sit next to him on the couch and comfort him until the Advil kicked in or the pain just magically went away. Where was my happy, smiling boy? :(

Apparently Ben doesn't remember growing pains. I DO!!!!! They were horrible for me. I remember being just miserable! Madison has also had some pretty good bouts as well.

Am I the one that cursed my kids with intense growing pains? I have heard that they are genetic as far as intensity and frequency go. Poor things. What other plagues have I passed on to my poor unsuspecting children?

**Everything I have read lately says that growing pains are gone by morning. That doesn't seem to be the case for my kids. And it wasn't for me. Maybe that's because our mornings come so early. Mine did when I was a kids as well, I was off to daycare with my parents on their way to work. Do "they" just mean late morning then, and us early risers are out of luck and plagued with ugly, ugly, painful wake ups?

Word Problems

2009-06-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

Best Answer Ever!

(click to enlarge)

HELP!

2009-06-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

Does anyone have chocolate?

I'm running out. And I can't stop eating it .

I NEED IT!!!!

One brownie down, two Nutty Bars to go. And I think the M&Ms are next....

After that, I'm in trouble!

Please send all contributions straight to my desk for easy consumption!

Early Birthdays Rock!

2009-06-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

This year I guess I wasn't the only one excited for my Birthday to arrive. Ben decided that it should happen early! He knew what I was wanting so we all went out buying together.

The kids got me this:

And they are already breaking it in for me :)

And Ben got me this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No, it's not an iPhone, but I didn't need one of those.

I LOVE my iTouch!!!!!!!!!!!

The kids are already enjoying playing the few games I have already downloaded. And when I say kids, I mean only when Ben lets go of it long enough for them to touch it. And even Ben has to wait for me to get tired of playing with it before he gets a chance.....I love that he drives everywhere, it gives me lots of opportunity to enjoy my new toy!

Thankful Thursday

2009-05-28T09:23:00.001-07:00

Today I am SO thankful for this guy:

Who won't be doing much of that until our new deck gets done! He is amazing when it comes to tools and building stuff. We've been in our house for almost three years and are so looking forward to getting our deck!

Then there will be endless days of rest once again.

Thank you Ben! You just rocked my world! Love you!

hey, hey, hey, hey!

2009-05-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

~~I got a deck, I got a deck, I got a deck, hey, hey, hey, hey!!!!!~~

(Think Little Rascals)

So that peppy little tune keeps running through my head and has been since about 9:30 last night as we were walking out of Lowes. It's been three years in the making but it's time for:

~ outdoor eating

~sleeping under the stars

~watching the bats fly at dusk

~planters full of flowers

~no more filling small propane tanks--I have a hook up on my deck to a BIG tank

~786 more square feet to live in! errr..OUT!!!!

It looks a little some thing like this......

Well, it's going to look something like that. Mostly like that except our railings are going to be WAY MORE AWESOMER! sorta like this....

Ben can't wait to get started! He asked me this morning to call and see if Lowes could deliver whatever they have in stock NOW and we could pick up the rest later. I'm so excited, I've been doing a little happy bounce in my seat. I'm getting weird looks. I'm grinning my face off!

The best part.......DECK PARTY!!!!!!!

maybe for my Birthday (in 25 days) Or maybe later....either way!

Or EvErY dAY!!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

^me grinning me face off^

Phhwwuucckkkkkkk!!!!!!

2009-05-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

So I was eating some pork rinds this morning and having a conversation with Tiffany about how from here on out I claim all of her portions of pork rinds for the rest of her life. Believe me when I say she is more that willing to hand those beautiful babies of crispy goodness over to me. Crazy right?

Well as I was munching on the pork rinds someone had put on my desk I absentmindedly put my pendant in my mouth. I play with it alot, if it's not my pendant it's my pen, or a straw, or my nails......

You wouldn't believe the shock when I found out that this morning I had gotten some of this on my necklace.....(still not sure how I pulled that one off)

combined with:

Phhwwuucckkkkkkk!!!!!!

At least I'm pretty sure that's the sound I made.....

My Family, by Tiffany

2009-05-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

My dear, dear Tiffany is starting a photography business. This weekend she met up with me and my rascals, all 3 of them for a family photo session. The sun was out, we were on the beach, and Tiff is AMAZING!!!!!!!

There are are more photos on her blog, as well as on the one for her blooming business.....

Good luck Tiff.

Thank you for the memories!

(I had no clue I looked like that! It must be her camera...)

Mindi told me....

2009-05-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

According to Mindi's words here, I am a good mom. A REALLY good mom.

This is MY camera and yes, that's MY lens. It's my third baby! Just to share, the camera is a Canon Rebel XTi and the lens is the 75-300mm.

Of course I tote it around to fastpitch, t-ball, soccer, and football games.

Of course it goes on vacay with us.

It pretty much stays in my car so I can take a picture when ever I get the urge! And I get so mad when it's not in my car and I see "the perfect shot"!

And yes, I took all of these pictures with it :) I love the range that my second lens gives me. Someday I'll get a few more to add to my collection.....hint, hint.... honey my Bday is in 33 days!!!!!!

Today I Cried

2009-05-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

I did. I cried. I was promoted and left the job I had known and loved on Oct. 26, 2008. Today is the first time I have truly missed it. Today it HURT. My new job is great. I have a desk. I provide engineering support. I'm supposed to be one of the smart ones.

Today I just want my tool bag back.

I want to climb down in to one of these:

And work on some of these:

I want to use one of these:

To fix some of these:
Obviously this one is broken since it's on in the middle of a sunshiny day....It needs me!

I think it all started this morning when I saw this and thought....

....I'll never get to climb that again. All 315' of it....
I always liked that day, it was one of my favorites.

From there I just got worse. I L.O.V.E.D. what I did. Leaving my old job was scary but I knew I was moving on to greater things. I know my new job is awesome and I am so thankful to have it!

But today I am pathetically reduced to tears over dirt, sweat, cuts, blisters, mud, allen wrenches, grease, oil, rain, howling wind, meggers, beating sun, aching muscles, working at 2 in the morning, stains, wrenches, rat poop, cleaning rags, vacuum cleaners, cable cutters, hy-pot machines, 409, light bulbs, nuts and bolts, screw drivers, testing relays, box knives, fire, dirty coveralls, holes from batteries in my jeans.....

The list could go for a while. Today all of that hurts. A lot.

I figured if I was going to miss it it would happened before I hit the six month mark. Don't get me wrong, the new job is going great. It keeps me busy learning lots of new things, working in higher areas on newer projects, and helping others learn too....

But today, I miss finishing a job and looking like this:

And that's not even a really dirty day....

Some days Mike Rowe had nothing on me! And I loved it!

I'm going home and eating. Everything. That might help.

Does anyone need any electrical work done? That might help too....

I went to Bed with Scratches all over my Body!

2009-05-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Calm down ladies, it's not what you think.

Nothing that exciting--no I didn't go wrestle me some cacti, or Ben.

(sorry family for that picture but hey, we are married, we have kids, it happens)

I was itchy. So itchy I was using everything I could get my hands on to scratch with. Just so you know, even though the zipper on your hoody may feel good, it may leave a mark or two or six that your husband might look at and wonder what exactly was all over your neck....

I lived off this stuff when I was pregnant.

It worked great but there is never enough in one package.

I haven't had any packages of it in my house for oh, about six years now. Don't know why, it's some of the best stuff ever. I was going crazy last night. I got desperate.

I had the BEST IDEA EVER!!!!!

HEAVEN!!!!!!!

What have I been thinking buying tiny little packages at the store. Last night I ground up four, five, six handfuls, I have BIG hands, of oatmeal and put it in a baggie.

Then I put a few handfuls of oatmeal dust in my tub and settled in for a good soak with a book. My skin LOVES me today! NO itchy, No scratchy, No more funny looks from Ben.

I might do it again tonight. I was SO nice!

Wedgies are like Yawns

2009-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

I swear they are contagious.....

Every week when I'm out playing soccer I'll watch someone else pick their wedgie and then I'll think, "Dang, me too." I pick mine. And then the next gal picks her's.... They funny part is that your sitting there on an indoor field and the walls are plexiglas and there is a landing above with people watching from all angles. So the only really safe place to pick a wedgie is the side line. And who wants to be there?

Good and Better

2009-05-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I had the opportunity to have a teaching moment with miss Madison. It was that time for achievement days again and I had dropped her off and after chatting for a bit I ran to the grocery store for some mayo and milk. When I got back and was done killing time reading in the car I walk into the church to look for her. I found another friend and we started talking while I was waiting for Madison to be done. apparently she already was. As I was in the gym I see her tear through there and fly on out following a group of girls. I talked with my friend a bit more and then we went our separate ways. I went off in search for my girl. I walked around the church, twice. I poked my head back in the gym, four times. I couldn't find Madison. I heard a ruckus coming form the chapel and knew that couldn't be my girl, she wouldn't be so loud in that reserved space. Still, all my other options inside the church were taken. I peek my head in and who do I see. Madison. She knew she was busted. I handed her things to her and we went to that car.

Then the conversation started. I told her there were more than just two types of choices. In my opinion there is Good, Bad, and Better. I know that it's not always good vs. evil. Sometimes it's good vs. good and that is the time that we have to choose the "Better" of the two choices. I told her that I wasn't mad at her just disappointed. Then I defined disappointed for her. I told her that I never thought that my daughter would be the one squealing and gallivanting up on the stand in the chapel. I asked her where the right place in the church was to be rowdy. She knew, the gym. I asked her if she thought is everyone was rowdy in the chapel like we can be in the gym if the chapel would be a pretty and preserved as it is. She replied no. I knew that she knew what the right choice had been. I knew she had gotten caught up in playing with her girlfriends. I pointed out to her that the choice she had made hadn't been horrible but it also hadn't been the best choice and we need to try to make the best choices possible.

After all the "discussing" was done, I hear a "Hey mom."

"Yes Madison?"

"Did you know the organ has keys on the floor? That is so cool."

Hey, maybe she learned more than one thing yesterday....good vs. better and organs are cool.

Really?

2009-05-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

To the lady who gets completely silent as I walk into the bathroom:

Do you really think that by being completely silent I won't know that you are there or what you were doing? Or *gasp* what you might start doing once I leave? Do you realize that by being totally silent you're only making it awkward for yourself? Guess what, everyone poops. Yes, even me. And your mom. ALL WOMEN POOP. But, hey, I guess you like to poop in private, sorry that I interrupt you. Maybe in the future you could hang something on the door knob, a sock, a jacket, or perhaps just a sign that says "Pooping in Progress". Until then, I look forward to our awkward bathroom rendezvous.

P.S. How did you know I was coming? I heard the courtesy flush from out in the hall.

Play Ball!

2009-05-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time for bat bags, ball caps, cleats, belts and socks. Time for sunshine, bleachers, folding chairs, finding new fields and sunflower seeds. I love sunflower seeds! Time for laundering dirty jerseys and pants twice a week. Time for cheering and proud "That's my kid!" moments. Time for "Can I eat my snack in the car?" NO.

I love baseball!

I love this time of year!

Did I mention today's games are rained out?

This is Madison's first year playing fastpitch. It's still coach pitch and occasionally she still needs the tee but she has already improved so much! She had played tee-ball for two years but took last year off. This year she was ready. And I'm so glad, she is having fun and learning how to play different positions. She is also learning how to swing the bat, it's quite entertaining :) I love when she connects with the ball and sends it ripping through the infield!

Ty is in his second year of tee-ball and desperately want to play "real baseball". We had to tell him that the second year of tee-ball is part of his job in getting ready for "real baseball". I think we were pretty right on considering this is how he plays right now:

Yes, that is a guy standing on third base. Yeah, I can't blame him. Tee-ball isn't the most exciting game ever...

We are working on playing attention to the rest of the field. Ty does have a great arm and can throw long distances pretty accurately. AND he's a switch hitter. He does pretty darn well on either side of the plate and will switch from one side to the other as the game moves along. He's really comfortable with a bat in his hands or a glove out in the field. Any one jumping in line to be his agent yet? He has learned not to run all over the field and jump into a pile to get the ball. He is rather patient in waiting for the ball to come his way, and in tee-ball unless your the pitcher, it doesn't happen very often, but when it does it's usually a zinger.

Overheard a T-ball game

2009-04-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

From the father on the side of the field to the son standing on third base.

Hey, when you're out there you always pay attention to where the ball is. You watch the ball, you watch the bat. All the time. You hear me?

*breath*

Look at me, smile. *taking picture*

~~~~~~

It was so hard not to stare at the guy in disbelief and shake my head at him. And we wonder why kids get confused.

Watch out Provo, Here I come!!!

2009-04-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

The quick count down has begun! I fly out on Wednesday! I will be there for almost five days of CHILD-FREE, women only, laughing till you pee, staying up late, eating great food, and oh yeah, uplifting days. Women's Conference here I come!

I haven't found a babysitter to stand in for tho one getting on the plane with me, who's grandma's house we are staying at. Thanks Jenae.

I haven't even thought about packing, let alone doing laundry so I have clothes to pack.

I have never had a fun trip away from the family with girls. EVER.

I have been talking to my cousins who attend BYU and planning on getting together.

I haven't been this excited in a long time.

I have been perusing the course catalog but not really reading anything.

I have been slightly flighty and distracted lately. Wait, lately.....?

I have been pretty sick lately.

I haven't been eating a whole lot.

I have been losing weight. :)

I haven't been able to fathom the wealth of new places to eat. Any ideas?

I have four days till freedom from "Mommy..........." starts!!!!!!!!!

Hey Tib, you wouldn't happen to have a free day comming up would you? you know, just to make Tiff serriously, insanely jealous? Although she did tell me if I came back with an autograph she'd be happy, happy, happy.

***Fair warning. I do not have a rental car and am staying st someone's house. That does not mean I'm homebound, I just might have to get creative. And I may or may not have a problem riding in a car with strangers, it all depends on how creepy they look....***

Hello....Traci.....Hello....

2009-04-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Is this what it is going to take? I know you are out there... You told me that you are. You come, you look, you never say hello. You mention that you too have a blog, and you ask to put me on your side bar, yet I see no evidence of said blog, or of my new found status on your list....

I am calling you out. Send me an email, leave a comment, anything!!!!

Help me find you.

Don't make me start posting phone numbers, addresses, and vacation schedules or any thing else that unfriendly stalkers would want.....you know, since I have SO many.

Don't make me come find you, this is your first and last warning......

Happy Birthday Tiffany!

2009-04-16T06:39:00.001-07:00

She's a special woman.

She's one of those sisters that wasn't actually delivered by my mother.

She's a great Mom. She's an amazing example to me.

She's a loving, kind, giving person.

She loves me even with all my flaws and doesn't judge me.

She enjoys the little things in life.

She builds people up, and helps them love themselves.

When it comes to her family, don't mess with a momma bear.

She is my Tiffany.

My life is better for having her in it.

Love you. Happy Birthday!

Wearing my Heart on my Sleeve

2009-04-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Literally. Did I tell you guys I love this sweatshirt?

From the Mouth of Ty #2

2009-03-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

I was on the phone talking to Ben and Ty had just run into the bathroom when I hear:

Ty: Mom....

Me: Yes Ty.

Ty: Did you know there are more germs on the phone than there are on the toilet seat?

Me: Where did you learn that?

Ty: School.

Good to know that my kid is getting a quality education. It's also good to know that my son thinks along the same lines I do, random, random thoughts. Love that kid!

To Smooch, or not to Smooch....

2009-03-26T15:09:00.001-07:00

Click for a closer view, he makes me all warm and fuzzy inside....

Kisses anyone?

Heather who?

2009-03-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering who this Heather is. Apparently she knows the same people I do and they often look right at me and call me by her name. I have multiple people who know me, and my name, and they will say, "Hello Heather" and "Bye Heather". I thought it was pretty funny when the same person did it multiple times. The most recent when I was getting coco at work. He said his customary ...Hello Heather... poured his coffee and then turned to me with this look of horror on his face and said, "Nicole, sorry..." Yesterday I went to get my nails done. I go every two weeks for a fill. The same ladies have worked at the salon ever since I started going. As I was leaving, one of the ones I chat with often said ....Bye Heather....

Heather, who are you and when are you going to stop following me around?

Big day Saturday!!!!

2009-03-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Madison is getting baptized on Saturday. 10:00 @ Mullenix.

The date has been made, the program has been set, and the players have all sworn to show up! If you don't, I know where all of you live! :)

After, we get to gather for lunch at Ben's parents.

I can't wait to show all of you (okay all 2 of you) pictures of Madison's big day!

I can't wait to give her the scriptures that I ordered for her. It's been hard, I'm horrible at waiting for presents! She's going to love them!

From the mouth of Ty

2009-03-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

*This is the first official instalment of "From the mouth of Ty". I'm sure there will be many more since he never ceases to amaze and astound me. When your six-year old stops you dead in your tracks with words and you don't have a comeback, it's too good to go unshared.*

The players: All of us! :) It WAS family home evening......

The setting: Family living room playing the Wii version of Battleship, Boys vs. Girls. Me and Madison were wining.

Me: If me and Madison win, we get to be president.

Tyler: Yeah, of LOSERVILLE!!!!!

Me: Sweet!

I laughed and hi-fived him. How could I not? It was a pretty quick zinger from my six year old boy. Man I'm in trouble down the road.

Nicole can't...

2009-03-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

So Carolyn, the Purple Diva, got this from a friend, who got it from....Well, you know how it works.

I've been feeling a little kleptomania kicking in so I stole it, after she told me too.

Go to Google and type in your name, follow that with can't, make sure it's all in quotation marks-- "Nicole can't" and hit enter.

I just laughed at the stuff that came up:

"Nicole can't act."~~There go my dreams of being a starlett.
"Nicole can't frakking focus on one thing at a time today."~~Hey, how did they know?
"Nicole can't put in contacts"~~Yeah, so, some mornings it's hard, today-just fine.
"Nicole can't get enough of the PDA these days."~~Like I'm really going to stop my Hubby from nuzzling on me...
"Nicole can't find her pants."~~Hmmm, working on that one....
"Nicole can’t hide her bump forever."~~I had already decided last night that my diet starts today, not fair!
"Nicole can’t snake it."~~So wrong. Never met I toilet I couldn't get the best of.
"Nicole can't keep a secret!"~~That one is only true half the time, I can, if I really try!

And my favorite.....

"Nicole can’t flash her crotch."~~ I'm trying really hard not to, but it's sorta difficult not to when you don't have pants.......

My first giveaway!

2009-03-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice.
For YOU!

I saw (Copied and pasted, literally, From Randi) this on a friends blog and I thought, "humm, in my attempt at being a better person, why not do a little service for friends and loved ones." This is going to be fun and I can't wait to start some new projects. It must be something to do with spring because once the sun comes out I all of the sudden get this huge urge to take on tons of new projects.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year. Hopefully sooner than later.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be sewn, painted, written, scrapbooky, or be something totally random that I come up with on a whim. I may even bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. Let's spread some love! So, the first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they are doing it too win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! (I know...that could either be cool or scary) Who knows! :)

Be sure to post pictures of what you won when you recieve it! :) You better hurry!

5 Senses

2009-03-06T06:14:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Mia. Which is great because I have been wondering where I was getting my next post from. Yea, a great idea comes forth!

Omgirl made up this great tag. She got to thinking about things she loves to smell and taste and touch and put it into a post. And figured why not... so she made it into a tag.

This is a really fun one, there are so many different things to think about. I hope you play along!

Here are the rules:5 Senses TagList 4 things you love, and one thing you hate, for each category. Then tag 5 people; leave them a note on their blog so they know.Also, let the person who tagged you know when you post yours.

Smell:
1: I love the smell of Shoyu Chicken cooking, lots of garlic and ginger-it's sorta like a teriyaki chicken, I'll have to share the recipe. Growing up I would always love being in my room and smelling it all the way from the kitchen.

2: Paint, fresh, wet paint. My daddy is a painter and I hear my mom painted when she was nine months prego with me, maybe that's why I get the painting itch every few months.

3: Pinesol and Windex. They remind me of being at my Grandma Jones' house growing up and helping her clean.

4: A hot glue gun and Eucalyptus. They remind me of my Grandma Heywood's house. She was always crafting, painting, arranging flowers.

5: I hate 409! I had to use it at work when I was pregnant with my son. It seemed like every day I had a bottle in my hand. Can't stand the stuff.

Taste:
1: Plain short grain rice. otherwise known as sticky rice. I grew up on it, I can eat it every day and be content.

2: Milk. I drink it by the tanker full, really, my favorite cups hold a quart of milk in them. Whole, 2%, 1%, or Skim, it doesn't matter as long as it says MILK.

3: Peanut butter and chocolate. Give me a spoon, a jar of peanut butter, and a bag of semi-sweet chips and I'm in heaven. Can be substituted for reese's miniature cups.

4: Apple cider. It reminds me of Christmastime at my fav. tree farm with my family, getting ready to cut down our Christmas tree.

5: Sweet Pickles. One word-Yuck.

Sound:
1: The swish that I hear as I'm turning on the ski slopes. The snow sluffing around sound is the coolest.

2: Women singing in Relief Society meetings. It's like the angels are singing. My son loved this sound as a baby too. He would sit still and just listen, as soon as the singing stopped he was off and busy again.

3: The sound of the wind coming through the evergreen trees before it actually gets to you. I just love standing out side on a breezy day.

4: The sounds of my husband playing with my children. The laughing, the wrestling, the squealing with delight. It makes me so proud of Ben, he always has time to play with our children.

5: The whine! The high pitched squeal, the screech, the sing-songy plea, the very first sound of protest or tattle. DRIVES ME CRAZY!

Touch:
1: Bare feet, I hate shoes. Flip flops are my socially acceptable form of footwear, but I prefer nothing.

2: My bathtub as I settle in for a nice long soak with a good book and the previously mentioned tanker.

3: Sand under those bare feet of mine. Or sitting on it. Or just running my hands through it. I have a collection at home. Some from Guam, Cozumel, and my favorite beach in Hawaii in different containers. Every once in a while I just have to touch it.

4: Sunshine. I just love the way the sun warms me and I can't help but smile when feel those beams fall on my head.

5: Cold. I hate being cold. Don't like cold floors, cold air, or cold soda pop cans touching suddenly my skin.

Sight:
1: Blue skies, that usually means that whole sunshine thing I like is on it's way. I also crave another skydiving trip when ever I see a clear blue sky.

2: My Christmas tree covered in hundreds of white lights. I love Christmas, to me it means love, family, and strangers being nice to each other.

3: Waves on a beach. It reminds me of my first kiss with my husband, hours spent playing as a kid with my parents on the beach, my mom and dad teaching me how to boogie board and body surf, playing with my kids on the beach, and surfing with my husband.

4: My kids on a swing. There is nothing better than the smile on Madison and Ty's faces than when they are soaring through the air on the swing their dad put up for them in our yard.

5: This one is weird, just letting you know. I H.A.T.E. seeing a lone child's shoe or toy lying on the side of the road. It makes me so sad to think that there is a little girl somewhere missing her shoe. Or that some poor boy lost his favorite stuffed animal. It breaks my heart instantly.

Now lets see, who to tag....How about:

Devri
Rachel
Betsy
Parri
Stef

Have fun ladies! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Things I'm Not Allowed to Blog About #1

2009-03-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

Things said by kids in the bathroom....

Trust me. It was good, really good.

Yet another celibration!

2009-03-03T06:13:00.000-08:00

Amy has reached her one year Blogiversary! And she is celebrating......go check it out.

You only have until Friday night at 12:00....

Par-tay!

2009-03-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Anyone looking for two AMAZING party planners?

Saturday was a great day! Me and Tiffany got to throw this beautiful lady...

Yea Justine! A Baby Shower! For her and her beautiful boy Rhomel! (I have already seen his pictures, watch out world, here he comes!)

There was cake and confetti....

And candies, made by Tiff.....

And balloons....

And plenty of family, friends, and co-workers to celebrate Justine and her big leap into motherhood!

Get ready for laundry, diapers, long nights, and puke! Oh, along with cuddling, snuggling, cooing, smiling, laughing, quiet time, naps together, bath time, little hands and feet, a world of discovery-for you and him, seeing your husband hold your son, and many, many great moments!

AND LOTS AND LOTS OF JOY!!!

BTW--Did you see the sweet cakes I made? It was my first time playing with fondant. Even my hubby joined in. He was at the table helping me roll out frosting at the end of a really long day to help me get ready for the next really long day! Thanks Ben!

Thank you Tiff, for doing all the invites and thank you cards. And for all the other little pick ups! Where would we be with out your tablecloths, ribbon, tape and pens!

The Hardest Thing I Never Did

2009-02-27T05:23:00.000-08:00

...Was stand up for myself.

I always liked to think of myself as a strong person. Someone who didn't hold back, someone who was proactive.

My first job ever was as a Work Study in the Shipyard. Basically, I worked the summer between my Junior and Senior year. I got paid and also had the privileges of a full time job, health benefits and paid leave. After the summer, I went to school for the first semester of my Senior year and then for the second semester I went back the shipyard and got paid as well as school credit. I walked in the gate at 16, two days before my 17th birthday. There were twelve of us and I was the only girl. It is a very industrial world inside the shipyard. We maintain and repair nuclear Navy ships. Various types of trades are involved in this effort and as a work study I rotated through to a few of those different shops. I ran across a few "old fashioned" people who thought I was "taking a man's job". I had no problem telling them that "those men" had applied for the same job as me, took the same tests, and had the same interviews. Had they been better than me they would have had the job, but they didn't, so it's my job not theirs. I won the position, I earned the position.

I worked in the shipyard for two years until I got into the High Voltage Electrician Apprenticeship. Let me just say, I L.O.V.E. the job. Let me also say that it is a trade in the Shipyard, and also around the country that not many women are in. In the history of our shop there have only been six women. It's hard, dirty, good, smart work. If I didn't do it here, I would do it some where else. I have a passion for being an electrician. That being said, the past eight years have not been the easiest. I have had to work really hard to get to the point that I am at. I have had to endure a lot. There have been after hour emergencies when work starts going down a list and calling to see if people can come in and help. I always did. There are often times when we can only shut things off in the middle of the night to work on our equipment. I have been there. There were days that I had to haul around cables that takes five people great coordinated effort to move. I have ached. There have been miserable, dirty, wet, cold days spent in manholes splicing cables. I not so secretly LOVE that part.

The only thing that I didn't love was that no matter how hard I tried I was never equal, not in the eyes of my boss, or my co-workers. Now maybe it was because I wasn't going out drinking with "the boys". Or maybe it was because I didn't help all "the boys" every time one of them had to move furniture. Perhaps it was because I didn't go play with "the boys" when they went out and about. Yeah, I think that that stuff was apart of it, but the big push behind not being fully accepted was that I wasn't a boy.

That was really hard for me. There were days I went home in tears. Lots of days. There was one day in particular that I couldn't hold off the tears until after work. I broke down right in front of the stupid boys that I worked so hard to be accepted by. They poked and poked until I couldn't take it any more. Do you think there was any compassion after? Nope. There were times that people who had technically been there longer that weren't as skilled in some areas as I was went off to training as I was passed over. I never stopped trying, I tried to take it in stride and keep pushing on. I was strong, remember? I started taking on a lead role on the crew. I would plan and start jobs, but not get to finish them. I was always proud of the work I did and in my heart I knew that was what really mattered. I knew I did a good job but still.... Every time I was passed over there was always a reason, other than the fact I was a girl. If there wasn't that would be illegal, right? There were some pretty lame reasons, but always a reason.

Let me say that my efforts did not always fall on blind eyes. Apparently some of our management noticed me, and how I performed. A few months ago I got a promotion. A promotion I couldn't believe. I am an Engineering Technician. I no longer work with "the boys". The boss that I have now is as opposite as you can be from my last. The guys that I work with, I am once again the only girl, are great. They are helpful when I have questions and want me to succeed. I am happy when I leave work. And I am also the first female Engineering Tech ever in my shop. I once again have the ability to break ground and show everyone what I'm capable of.

Yesterday, Justine, my friend/co-worker who is currently an Apprentice did what I was never able to do. She actually stood up for herself and did something about it. I saw it with my own two eyes. She was being completely skipped over for some training that was coming up and knew there was no good reason. She went to her boss, my old boss, and gave him one chance to explain his decision. Then she did what I had always dreamed of. She went to our Superintendent. I was there when she did, I just happened to be in his office when she came to the door. He was so amazing and understanding. I knew he would be. It was the other half that I had always feared. The fall out. What would happen once you did say something. She didn't care, she knew what was happening was wrong and she stood up for herself. I am SO proud of her. Way to go Justine!

3 Nights Running

2009-02-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

Yup that has been dinner at our place for the last three nights, Kraft style. The first night it was a split decision between two easy to cook things, and I am not typically one to make more than one meal but the choices were saimen (top ramen) and mac 'n cheese. The next night the request from Ben was Macaroni and Cheese. I was tired and not hungry, fine, macaroni and cheese it was. Last night as I was helping Ty with a school project while at the same time working on decorations for a baby shower this weekend. Ben had done dishes and worked on laundry earlier, but when he asked me what I was making for dinner he was in the process of playing tennis on the Wii. REALLY? I'm helping a kid with homework, you're playing and you want me to stop and make dinner? Whatever. So I asked him what he wanted and he said smartly, "Macaroni and Cheese". Fine mac 'n cheese it is. So I start making dinner when he asks me what I am cooking. I replied, "Macaroni and Cheese, you asked for it, you got it."

Do you think he learned a lesson?

Mess well done!

2009-02-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

No really, the kid sitting in this high chair was wearing a bib....And no he didn't "get sick", that is uneaten spaghetti on the floor. Man I wish I had a camera with a flash on me that night so you could see under the table....

I did wait until the father and two children left before I snapped the picture, my husband made me. When we were being seated it was actually by one of the managers of our favorite restaurant and he said to my kids, "I bet you can't make a mess that big." Silly man, have you met my kids. They could make Ripley's in a heartbeat when it comes to messes. I told him so.

Tyler tried, his full cup of ginger ale? It ended up in my lap as well as Madison's.

My Sad Winning Story.

2009-02-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

I went to go check out Tib today. Let me just state that I am SO JEALOUS! She's running off to yet another concert. I so wish I was going with her, or to any random concert in general.....

The following is the story of how I ended up at my one and only concert ever.

The year, 2001, I was married with a baby. There was a radio contest. It was a date night contest. The catch, they were looking for the most pathetic person to give the prize to. I called, I was desperate. I needed a night out with my hubby and I didn't care where it was or who I had to beg. So I told them my story.

I was 19 and had never been to a concert. When I was living at home, my parents never would have let me run of to some arena with thousands of rocking people having a good time. Then I got married and pregnant, wait, it was the other way around but who's keeping track? So being the loving protective man that he was, there was no way Ben was going to swoop me and his unborn child of to some place where people were jumping, dancing, singing, laughing, and having a good time listening to music blasting loud enough to give an unborn baby hearing problems for the rest of it's life. Then Madison was born. And we were broke. I was working full time and he was working part time and going to school, when he wasn't working full time and going to school. We had money but not for concert tickets. Our money was headed more in the direction of bills and diapers and wipes and formula (when I stopped nursing). So there I was a sad mom who just wanted to go out with her husband, child free, for one rocking night.

I gave the station my number so they could call me back on the slim chance I might have the saddest, most pathetic story in the world, and waited, and waited, and waited. They said they would call at 10 if I had won. 10 o'clock came and went, no ringing phone in our house. Then 11:30 rolled around and I was still up watching Xena, The Warrior Princess sitting in our water bed with my baby sleeping by my side when the phone rang! I KNEW IT! I knew that I was the saddest, lamest, most boring person they had ever heard of! SWEET! I answered the phone and all of my dreams had come true, at least for that night.

I had won the date night!

It was a two part package. The first sweet deal was two tickets to see the Barenaked Ladies at The Gorge.

After that came a $100 gift card for dinner at Restaurant 67 at the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle!

The concert was amazing and the food at the Edgewater was incredible! Nothing better ever came from telling the world just how sad your poor little life can be everyone in a while!

I Have A Problem....

2009-02-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

.....With Numbers. A big problem. Yeah I know every one remembers phone numbers......

But my mom doesn't need a phone book. She calls me. She says a name and the number pops right into my head. It can be a number I haven't thought of for 15 years, it's still there. So I have people's home numbers stuck in my head, big deal. The other day I got a call on my cell phone, I saw the number it looked familiar, so I answered. It was Victoria's Secret calling to let me know I had a coupon in the store waiting for me, great news for me.... The reason the number looked familiar, my sis-in-law worked there for a bit but it's not like I called her daily. I also have my mom's, dad's, mom-in-law, hubby, friend1, friend2, friend3, and friend4 work numbers up there....plus a few more that I frequently call. And now we get to cell phones, is the world trying to drive me crazy?!? Like I really need even more numbers floating around in my head. Can I stop it, nope. Can I help it, nope. I give in of course..... How many of you have your old Jr. High gym locker combo still rolling around in your head?

24-2-12, yup too bad you didn't have that 12 years ago, you could have stolen my stinky gym clothes that I hadn't taken home in a couple weeks.....

I LOVE my odometer! It gives me amazing numbers all the time! In the beginning it was 1001 and 6789. Then it was more along the lines of 17171 and 22322. Now I'm trying to patiently wait for 24680! The suspense is killing me. If Ben is driving my car when that one rolls by I'll have to hurt him!

I get to see this one alot! It happens twice a day! Along with 3:33, 5:43 and 10:01.

The summer night when we were driving home and I had my dual climate set to 77 degrees on both sides and I looked at my outside temp and it was 77 as well, I almost did cartwheels while driving!!!!

Oh and on our cruise a year ago when our cabin number turned out to be the same number as the PO Box my parents had all through my childhood, and still do..... I was so excited, I had to point it out to my mom, she rolled her eyes......

Yeah I know all scraps of coolness just went out the window for me at warp speed. Oh well, maybe someday I'll have to share my fascination with atlases, maps, and globes (it's worse than my number problem)

Happy Day!

2009-02-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today I did more shopping but it was bigger than boots. It was better than dessert, and maybe even better than dessert with girlfriends. It was more exciting than a roller coaster. It made me happier than a kid in Disneyland, but not happier than Kim in Disneyland, that is really hard to beat. I know, you're all dying to know what I bought.

These:

Madison is eight. She has been since October, but Ben hasn't been home since then. He's back and my baby is getting BAPTIZED!!! Today I bought her first set of scriptures. I went all out. I got the leather in blue and had her name out on them in script. I can't wait the two weeks until they get here. I know how much I love the scriptures I had through seminary.....If only I could find them.....I'm pretty sure they're in my grandpa's attic....where I put everything when Ben and I moved into our first home(his extra building). Anyway, I'm so excited to give her her first set of scriptures on her baptism day! When I get the date firmed up I'll have to let everyone know when and where to show up! Think March 14th at Mullenix. I need to get it okayed by the Bishop still.

For those of you who have know me forever~can you believe she's already eight and getting baptized! Yup, ladies, time stops for no one!

Oh, by the way, I cheated and bought Ty's today for future distribution. I also bought a set for myself since I haven't seen the set that I bought that had my married name on them in over two years. No clue where those puppies ended up.

BEN IS HOME!!!!

2009-02-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

My husband is home! I love it when he comes home. Here are some of the great things that go hand in hand with Ben being back in town:

1~ My house is sparkly clean again.
2~ We were on time to church.
3~ Ben is dropping the kids at the babysitter's.
4~ I got to sleep for an extra hour this morning, because of #3.

I love that man!

I've always loved Flip Flops, but who knew?

2009-02-12T15:44:00.001-08:00

You Are Flip Flops

You are laid back and very friendly.

Cheery and sunny in disposition, you usually have something to smile about.

Style is important to you, as long as you can stay casual.

It takes a lot to get you to dress up!

You are a loyal and true person, though you can be a bit of a flake.

You tend to "play hooky" and blow off responsibilities a lot more than most people.

You should live: By the beach

You should work: At a casual up and coming company

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Can I just add that at times it's scary how right on random quizes can be?

What to do...

2009-02-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

So the doc benched me for a week. It's been a week, but my head still hurts. This headache sucks. To play or not to play? I want to play--I've got a serious itch for some soccer, Ben(who is finally home!!!!!!) thinks that because my head still hurts, I should stay on the side lines...... There is a game tonight, I'll let you know how that works out.

What just happened?

2009-02-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like this? I have, last Thursday. My dear, sweet, kind friend Misty was simply trying to get the ball up the field and away from our goal during our game last week when my face decided to get in the way. I saw Misty kick the ball and then I saw the lights up on the ceiling as I was laying flat on my back. The ball had picked me up off the ground and laid me out! It felt like I had been decked by the strong man at the circus! I got back up, shook my head, checked for a bloody nose, and kept on playing. I so wish someone would have caught that on video. I would LOVE to see it, over and over and over again. I'm still laughing about it! I went home, went to sleep, woke up in the morning, went to work, and then came home. I laid in bed all day long with the biggest headache ever, and I've had migraines for years! It hurt while I was I bed, but as soon as I sat up or got out of bed the pain multiplied even more. So Friday night I finally go to the doctor, and he tells me I have a concussion, gee, couldn't figure that one out on my own........ And gives me a shot for the pain and percocet to help more later. I love that guy! Here it is, four days later and my head is still killing me. There is an upside: it doesn't hurt to chew on the left side of my mouth any more.

Holy Boots Batman!

2009-02-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

I went Shopping! I haven't bought shoes in for ever. Well Macy's is having an amazing sale and just so every one knows, if you wear red to the store or put WEARRED as the promo code for online purchases you get at least an additional 20% off your purchase today and tomorrow! For those of you who don't own any red, there is a $2 pin you can purchase at the store that will get you in on the action. Okay, back to MY shopping. I have never had a brown pair of boots, and I have two pairs of black boots but one pair I don't love and the other pair is only for pants (Have you seen an extra pointy toe in a size 10?). Well, I fell in love last night. Twice. With these.

In Brown: Marc Fisher Sonora2

In Black: Steve Madden Tribune

Okay so the brown pair was originally $130 and the black ones were $170. After all the sales and discounts were taken I paid $105 and change! The only thing better than shoe shopping is when it's more like stealing!

Oh and I found the PERFECT RED lipstick yesterday too! I have never worn red before. I always thought it just didn't fit me but now that I found the right one I LOVE IT!!! I put it on when I got home and put on a red shirt just to check it out and VA VA VA VOOM! I couldn't stop smiling! It was amazing! If only I had the guts to wear it to work! maybe I'll start small with sparkly lip gloss and work my way up to blow your socks of RED!

The color, Dubonnet. It's a great crimson! And yes I bought lip liner to go with it. And primer for my lashes, and mascara, and eye liner. I wore the eye stuff today. I love mascara, I've been out for a while and feeling quite naked. Now I'm better. Although I've typically been a mascara and chapstick kind of girl I' ready to grow up....

FAB! FAB! FAB!

2009-02-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

I want it! I need it! But all of you should go enter as well. Suzanne has created more magic for her monthly give away! I love her bags, I have two, I need this one, but there are many others I'm thinking of buying. One lucky person gets this one for free! That's how I got my first fabulous one and I'm hooked.....

Look. See. Don't you want it?!?

Told you it was amazing! hurry it's only open for entry 'till midnight on Sunday Feb 8th!

My Life Motto

2009-02-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

Motto, mantra, adage, precept, axiom, war cry, saying....All of those work.

I heard this somewhere during Jr. High, or High School, and have never forgotten it. I LOVE IT!!! It actually got me started on this whole Emily Dickinson kick, loved that to. So few words, such great points. Simple, yet strong.

I've seen it two different ways, both are perfect!

They might not need me; but they might.

I'll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity.

(Courtesy of Brainy Quote)

-and-

They might not need me —

yet they might —

I'll let my Heart be just in sight —

A smile so small as mine might be

Precisely their necessity —

(Wikisource)

I've always been a smiley kind of person, even before hearing that. But after, it put a whole new meaning into being happy. I've gotten various monikers over the years, one that has been repeated in different circles from completely different people is "Smiley". People ask me why I'm always smiling and my constant reply, "Why not?"

I've had a couple bizarre days at church when someone came up to me and said, "Hey, I just wanted to tell you, I love your smile! It brightens my day when I see it." For the record, the lady that said that one radiated joy herself, I couldn't look at her and not smile, just seeing her made me happy! :)

One thing that I have found. When you smile others do to. Why not spread it around a little? It's so simple and doesn't anything at all. And since when has smiling made you feel worse? (When you're already angry and forced to smile doesn't count)

She does it with flair!

2009-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

So I asked Madison to go put the toilet paper we had just brought home in the various bathrooms. This is what I got in mine, I wonder what she did in hers....

Yes that is a glass bowl sitting proud at the peak of the t.p. pyramid.

Bring it!

2009-01-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

Serriously, all ya' all, I can take you, as long as you're not over 48" tall.

26

Ty's New Pets

2009-01-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

The boy seriously loves animals. He loves to color pictures of animals, collect stuffed animals, and he can just sit and watch animals for hours. Trips to the zoo can last a long time, he still runs everywhere but once he gets where he's going dragging him away from the exhibit that he's at can seem impossible. Ty has been begging us for a pet of "his own". Apparently the two labs and the bunny we have aren't enough to please him. In his own words: "I want one that I take care of." We all know how that usually turns out. Did I mention he's had hamsters before....... let me remind with this and this...ahh the early days of my blog....okay back to today, or yesterday actually. Well, he's been asking for a lizard, or a bird, or a snake, or a spider. I told him straight up that there was NO WAY that DAD would let him have a snake or a spider, I would actually be fine with that. Ben ruled out the bird, twice the mess of the hamsters and a 100 times the noise. He said that Ty could have a lizard and I asked him if he knew how much work lizards really were.

Finally, Ty and I decided on fish. He was so excited. We grabbed a 10 gallon tank starter kit. Then we went crazy. Rocks for the bottom of course. Toys for the fish to swim in and around including a bubbling Volcano, Ty wanted the 12" version, I talked him into the 6". Along with the Volcano came the air pump, which is really quiet until you put the air hose on there. Then there were the live plants for the fish to hide in and nibble on. And also food for Ty to sprinkle twice daily. Then came the fish. Two algae eaters, three yellow guppies, and two mollies later, one white the other black with white speckles, we were ready to roll.

We got home and I proceeded to set up the tank like the fish pro that I am. No really, I've had fish a few times before. The lady at Petsmart wanted to hire me when I started telling Ty that the fish he was pointing at would eat the fish he had already picked out. About an hour and a half later with lots of kid help, we had the fish swimming happily in their new tank. Ty fed them and went to bed. He later came downstairs to tell me that he took a picture of "Snowy" with my camera....picture coming later. And all of the fish have names, I'll have to write them down.

This morning when I went to wake him he popped right out of bed ready to feed his fish again.

We did set some ground rules:

No touching fish.
No putting hands in the tank.
No putting toys in the tank.
Leave the fish in the tank.
No feeding without mommy there to help until show her you have learned the right amount of food to dole out. (I didn't use the word "dole" with my six year old)
Leave the lid on the tank. (I had a jumping, suicidal goldfish who never actually died but we found on the floor after being out of the water for an undetermined amount of time, but long enough to stop flopping)

I know, I took all of the fun out of it.

It was nice just sitting with him on the floor of his room this morning watching the fish eat and snuggling with my boy for a few minutes. Did I mention that's where we put the tank? CRAZY, I know. We'll probably get more of that in this afternoon. And a few pictures to bring with me tomorrow. :)

Need this....

2009-01-26T10:12:00.001-08:00

So last night I decided I was tired of being lonely, I think it's time to invest......

Maybe I need a few of them.

Come home Ben!

Just ONE......

2009-01-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

Last night I bought JUST ONE ticket for this:

To take me here:

So I can go to this:

With Jenae! No kids, just us, and her mom! Can you say Lady's Night three nights running?!? Woo Hoo!

Have fun at home Honey!

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-22T08:52:00.001-08:00

So here is a spin on my Thankful Thursday. A couple weeks ago on Sunday in Sacrament our Bishop took the opportunity to give us a few words of guidance. We have always been taught to keep journals. Well on Sunday Bishop asked us to keep Blessing Journals. Basically, instead of writing down everything that happens during your day, the good the bad and the ugly, why not write down at the end of the day at least one thing you are thankful for?

Think about it. When your great-great-grandchildren stumble across your journal tucked away in the attic and start reading. Do you really want the impression you leave to be along the lines of: "I'm so annoyed with Shelly, she took all my paper clips and never brought them back." or how about, "That stupid dog kept barking all night and as much as I yelled he just wouldn't shut-up!" or maybe even, "Our neighbors have got to be the most stubborn, annoying, picky people, who find the littlest things to complain about!" (none of these are complaints of mine)

Maybe the legacy you would rather leave might sound like this instead: "I'm so grateful that I have so many family members that live near us so that my children can be surrounded by love and support." or possibly, "My husband is a man of great courage, he is strong and willing to help, he loves his family and the church." oh, and how about, "I love the country that we live in, even though all of us may not agree with the leaders and their policies, we still have the opportunity to have freedom in all of our daily choices, from who to talk to, where to pick up groceries, sending our daughters to school, and what religion we choose to practice. We truly live in a blessed nation." I really love the thought of someone remembering me that way. That those words of mine live on forever to inspire others and hopefully remind others of the good in their lives.

Today I am thankful that I followed the council I received a few weeks ago. I look forward to that time every night that I have the opportunity to write something down that I am grateful to be blessed by. I haven't had the same entry twice. It really helps you notice all the good things surrounding you!

Oh yeah, I'm SO Thankful for Double Stuff Oreos, Nutter Butters, and a huge tanker of COLD milk!

I miss her!

2009-01-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

It' only been 37 hours but I miss her!

I miss the parking brake that I just have to press a second time to release.

I miss the key sensing handles that I just have to touch to unlock.

I miss the auto headlights.

I miss the push button start.

I miss the back up camera.

I miss the power rear door.

I miss the heated leather seats.

I miss the button on the handle that I press to lock all the doors.

I miss not having to dig through my purse.

I miss my young, peppy V-6.

I know I'm spoiled, but I miss her and I still have a week to go. But she is at the place where they will mend and fix the havok I caused to the poor girl. Then after that she gets to go in and have her oil changed......There are good days ahead.

Oh, yeah, they're going to give her a bath too. She'll be all dolled up and ready for a night on the town! Don't worry baby, you'll be back home soon!

San Diego Sightings

2009-01-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

On vacation I saw Tib and her kids! Who knew they were in not so sunny San Diego the same time I was?

Ben's least favorite picture of all time....the surfer in him looked at me in awe and said "Look at all those teeth!" as I watched chills run down his spine.

And from Ty- "Mommy, why is that camel eating marshmallows?"
Think like a dog....~Nobody's gonna take my MY boy's bike!!!~

Look at the glutes on that guy!
Is that a banana in his pocket....hmm...Apparently they have a sense of humor at Legoland.

I NEED the number to her hair and makeup guy!

Always wear sunscreen.....or bring one with you...

Me, right now....

2009-01-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

Can you do a potty dance while sitting down?

David Blaine, watch out!

2009-01-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

Just a little friendly competition for David Blaine and all other magicians who challenge the laws of gravity and physics!

The Rumble in the Jungle

2009-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

So we don't really live in the Jungle but we do have 5 acres. And there has been an on-going battle. To groom or not to groom. That is Madison's question. She had been having problems keeping her hair brushed and the girl has been cursed with my brother's wimpy scalp. All of that combined with long, fine hair added up to a rat's nest we just couldn't keep up with.

So Madison went from this:

And this: (not so sure what was heartbreaking at this particular moment, but it always happens during a hair brushing session)

To this:

The cut was her choice. Something she wanted to do. The length, the style, the timing. It's not my fault Ben wasn't here to stop it. He's still not sure what to think, all he saw was a picture from phone to phone. She loves it!

She kept asking me questions about short hair( her in the shower enjoying the bliss of washing short hair for the first time).

"Mommy have you ever had your hair this short?"

Me: "Shorter"

Madison with wide eyes: "Really? How short?"

Me: "Spiky in the back short."

Madison: "Wow. Have you ever had it like this?"

Me: "Nope, never."

*Big 'ol grins all around*

Houston....We have a problem!

2009-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Why do I tackle huge jobs while my hubby isn't here to help? I still haven't figured this one out. I also haven't figured out how many times I called him this weekend to tell him that he owes me, big time.

So Madison is now using the bunk beds that I had growing up. For a while we had the beds separated, one in each kid's room. Madison begged and begged for bunk beds so we made it happen. Which left Ty on the floor with a mattress and very upset that he had no bed. Apparently, if your mattress is just laying on the floor then it hurts your back but if it's in a bed it would feel better, at least that's how it works according to my six year old.

Ty had been waiting, and waiting, and waiting, not so patiently for his new bed, for a few months now. Well, Ben and I decided it was time. So I took Ty out to look at beds and Ben said to let him pick out whatever bed he wanted. I called up my grandma and asked her if she was up for a road trip~She always is, especially where there is furniture shopping to be done, she's always looking for something. I piled the kids into car, all two of them, went to pick up Grandma, and we were on our way! We made the hour drive to The Old Cannery Furniture Store where Ty proceeded to go into hyper-drive! He zipped to and from one Bunk bed to the next. Climbing up one and then the next. He took advantage of the high ceilings and jumped on every top bunk possible. I'm sure I got crazy looks form all the other parents but Ty was having a blast. And I did tell him not to, a few times, and he listened for a little while each time. He had a favorite. But we piled back in the car and made a trip to Ikea, of course. And after briefly looking at all the bunk beds there we quickly realized they were no designed with my boy in mind. So once again, back to the car for a drive back to the Cannery. Once we had bought everything we had to get it in my Highlander. We've all seen the Ikea commercial with the cars stacked thirty feet high, now cram all of that in my car with one box on top and you've got what my car looked like. Wish I would have taken a picture of that one. Five boxes of bed, one mattress, one chair box plus our Ikea purchases.....little trinkets, bedding, and a carpet. I still can't believe I got it all in. The guy waiting at the loading door next to me, oddly enough, had bought the exact same bed and had to make two trips with his truck. I rock! (You should have seen under my bed after I had cleaned my room growing up)

Once I got home is when it got a little more tricky....... Houston.... HELP!!! I need help! We have a problem! By the way, did you know that 43 kgms actually weigh about 5 tons?

Once I got all the boxes upstairs it looked a little more like this in Ty's room. Not that I was out of the dark yet. I open up the box with the head and foot boards and there is a part! Fortunately, it was for the lower bed that is on casters once you assemble it so that you can roll it around the room as needed, or wanted. And after calling the store to make sure I could just take back the broken part instead of the whole box, I started assembling again. ~Side note: Even if they had WANTED all of the boxes to return one broken part I was ready to tell them them there was NO WAY I was bringing everything back downstairs and back into my car again! AND WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!!!!! Finally, mission complete! Ty is so loving his new bed. He loves the desk and started breaking in that part of it as so soon as it got into his room! He was very helpful in handing me hardware and tools. He couldn't stay out of the room. He even held things in place for me when I needed that third hand that I just can't seem to grow..... Here's a tip. If you're by yourself putting together a bunk bed, which I don't recommend, instead of putting everything together and then lifting the bed up there. Do what I did and built it in place. It's not as comfy but it's much lighter work! :)

We have already set a few ground rules...... No jumping on the top bunk, I don't want holes in my ceiling. Ty is very hard headed. And no swinging/hanging like a monkey, a snake, or a sloth or any other tree animal from the bed....

Ty even got to have his cousin Jaden over to help him break in the new bed! Oops, no braking! Bad choice of words!

Every stinkin' time.....

2009-01-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

So, every morning I get out of bed and think of all the things I need to gather together before I leave the house. These are all things that I had thought of the night before and knew were coming down the pipe. The list running through my head this morning: kids clothes(already gathered and bagged last night), cell phone on charger, work keys and on bathroom counter, backpacks, lunch for me and friends in fridge, purse with everything in it, cd's the have all the pics needed for postings on the blog, and oh yeah, the kids. All of which are really important things....

So this morning, I thought I was golden, I got out of bed not too late for a bath, I hate showers, they leave me cold. I had the kids up and downstairs. I kept thinking to myself--don't forget the lunches, spaghetti with homemade meatballs, yummy!

Then at the last minute I asked the kids where their jackets were. Not on them, with them, or in their bags. So now that I have almost everything including the kids in the car I have to run inside and find jackets, of which they have plenty but they can never find any.... Let me remind you that all of this is happening from 5:00-5:20 in the morning and everyone knows I don't wake up until 8:30-9:00. So I run inside find jackets, put them in the bag and back my car with, no ice on it, out of the garage. I love parking in the garage! Once I'm three minutes down the road I remember that I forgot the lunches! There is always something....every stinkin' time!

So the kids are warm today and I have to wait a day for spaghetti, and let my friends know that I'm a space cadet.

Sorry Tiff, looks like it's Micky D's today.......................

What are the odds?

2009-01-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

I have a soccer game tonight. My sports bra and all of the right color t-shirts are still in the washing machine from the load I started last night.

What are the odds that a laundry fairy moved them to the dryer while I was at work today?

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've had a Thankful Thursday. I've been slacking, it's time to get back on track! Here's a clue as far as what I'm thankful for today. Any guesses?

Okay, for those of you not in the LDS world here's another clue:

Yup, you got it. Today I'm thankful for the scriptures. Particularly the Book of Mormon. In the past two months I've grown to appreciate the scriptures more than ever. All the studying that I did through seminary, all the teachings over my 26.5 years of growing up in the church and I've never known the scriptures like I do now. They have never been as much of a comfort in my life as they are now. They have never provided the insight like they do now. They have never been as meaningful as they are now. I have never turned to them as I do now. I had never read them daily as I do now. I have never loved them like I do now. I've always been a reader. I love to read in the bathtub. Usually the murder mystery, suspense, romance or a combination of all. I've found that the paperback I have sitting by my tub has been staying there. Part of me misses it. The bigger part of me keeps on picking up my Book of Mormon and reading that, in the bathtub, which in turn carries over to my bed snuggled up in my blanket. Where are the kids while I"m doing this you ask, running amok of course. No really, I usually try to get them to bed for my quiet time, I'm not always successful but I try....sometimes.

I've been reading sections of the Book of Mormon that I've read a hundred times and now they have meaning, in my everyday life, right now, today! It's amazing! I had heard about it happening but I had never experienced it. I have found myself pondering, re-reading, and crying too. I have been moved, touched, and comforted. I have realized that I was holding on to things that I should have been letting go, and it made it easier to do that. I have been calling my husband and reading him snippets that are so profound to me that I had surely skipped over so many times in the past.

At church we are taught that if we just read the scriptures, study the scriptures daily that we will be blessed. I can tell you that is so true! It has changed me, in a good way of course. I didn't take my scriptures with me to San Diego, and I missed them. I can tell you I never would have imagined the day that would happen but it did. I can tell you have developed a true love and desire for the scriptures, I turn to them every day and look forward to that time!

I had a Home Teacher prepare the following lesson once and share it with my family, I was about 16 but I have never forgotten it. (feel free to snag it and claim it for your own in your teaching endeavors)

He brought over some pieces of metal siding and some nails, enough for the four members of my family. He had us try to scratch in to the siding with the nails the most read scripture of the BoM. 1ts Nephi Ch1 Verse 1: "And I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents......" He had us substitute our own names for Nephi's. I tried really hard, barely made a dent in the piece of metal I had. Then he pointed out, if I went and buried that in my backyard, how long would it last before it started rusting away? How long would it be legible, probably not even a year...He then pointed out that the scriptures have been around for centuries, preserved for each and every one of us individually. If it had been that hard just scratching in that tiny bit, how hard must it have been for all of those prophets to put down verse after verse, and in most cases chapter after chapter? And then to keep them protected and in good shape? All of the effort put into the plates that held our church' s history, the teachings of Christ, the lessons to be learned. While the scriptures didn't always mean to me what they do know, I never forgot that lesson. It had a profound impact on me.

Okay enough preachy for one day, I'll let you all of the hook. And for those of you still with me after all that I have one more thing to be thankful for today:

Soccer. Get ready ladies, I'm ready to Run!

Breakfast

2009-01-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

I love breakfast. Especially when it looks like this:

And you know it was good when it looks like this ten minutes later.

That or you work with a bunch of guys.

Thank you Tiffany!

Where to start?

2009-01-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

How about with the airport. SeaTac for the locals, or The Seattle-Tacoma Airport for you foreigners was crazy for a few days before our departure date. There had been massive amounts of snow and many flights had been cancelled. On the news they were showing stories of families that had been camping out days trying to get somewhere for the holidays. While I was waiting in line at the customer service counter to make sure they added the miles to my newly created mileage plan the guy behind me asked, "So what's your story?" I told him I was trying to get San Diego to see my husband for a visit. He said that he was too and he had been waiting there for over a day. I couldn't bare to tell him that I had been there a whole two hours. Fortunately the snow stopped just for me and we were able to fly out with no problems. After take off, I got a whole new perspective of my cloudy home town. The view from above the clouds. I love how Mt. Rainier is just an island in the sea of clouds.

We went from this:

To this:

I know, I know, it's heart breaking isn't it. I was in Heaven! After having been huffing kids around in 25 degree weather I was more than happy to relax in 60 degrees with sunsets like that!

Well, I have to run for a kid free girls night out! I'll have to pick back up in San Diego later!

My Menagerie

So different than last year!

I'm baaack....

Drumming my fingers, twiddling my thumbs

Slacking or not?

Justice

Bring On The Rain

And I kept driving...

A "Got to Share!"

Two weeks ago.....again

Two weeks ago...

So Frustrating!

Give away-not mine, but worthy

Going MIA

My life according to Nickelback

The Battle of the Oak

Thankful Thursday

Passion

Why I've been absent....

Mmm Breakfast

Trying to get motivated

This Weekend

Warning--NOT FOR BOYS.....

A Forever Love

Summer Fun

Doctor Dolittle

Jeans

Road trip

Any Ideas?

The Unveiling

B-day card...

Keep it coming!

Happy Birthday to ME!!

I like it!

You're Fired!

Teaching our Kids

Yeah, Right.

My Ty

Thankful Thursday

Growing Pains

Word Problems

HELP!

Early Birthdays Rock!

Thankful Thursday

*****hey, hey, hey, hey!*****

Phhwwuucckkkkkkk!!!!!!

My Family, by Tiffany

Mindi told me....

Today I Cried

I went to Bed with Scratches all over my Body!

Wedgies are like Yawns

Good and Better

Really?

Play Ball!

Overheard a T-ball game

Watch out Provo, Here I come!!!

Hello....Traci.....Hello....

Happy Birthday Tiffany!

Wearing my Heart on my Sleeve

From the Mouth of Ty #2

To Smooch, or not to Smooch....

Heather who?

Big day Saturday!!!!

From the mouth of Ty

Nicole can't...

My first giveaway!

5 Senses

Things I'm Not Allowed to Blog About #1

Yet another celibration!

Par-tay!

The Hardest Thing I Never Did

3 Nights Running

Mess well done!

My Sad Winning Story.

I Have A Problem....

Happy Day!

BEN IS HOME!!!!

I've always loved Flip Flops, but who knew?

What to do...

What just happened?

hey, hey, hey, hey!