Thank you

Here is a big THANK YOU to Aunt Chellie, Uncle Damien, Cousin Ryker, Cousin Jaxon, and new Baby Girl to arrive shortly, Aunt Chelie & Uncle Michael, Nana & Granddad and Grandma & Grandpa for helping us earn money for our preschool.

Mikayla was a little afraid of the big crowd there to cheer her on. Her teacher patiently walked all the laps with her holding her hand.

Amelia rode for so long that she was the last one off her bike (really). She even missed her time in the jumpy thing and only got about two minutes in there. I really appreciate all of your support. It was fun to tell the kids that their family was helping them and was proud of them.

Grateful

Today I'm grateful for neighbors that stayed up all night to buy Killers concert tickets for last Sunday night. THEY ROCKED. Okay, so I'm old, and probably too old to go to a concert on a school night, but it was totally worth it. The Killers are great, but why do I love them 1.My husband idolizes them 2.They have Utah roots and are out of Vegas. 3. They're good 4. They appeal to about everyone.

I'm also grateful to the family that supported my kids in their Trike-a-Thon. Amelia was the first one on her bike and the last one off. She even missed half the time in her jumpy thing to ride her bike around and around. She's awesome. I'll post pictures and thank yous later to all of you who donated, for now I only have pictures of Mikayla, whose teacher had to walk with her around the circle 10 times, holding her hand, while she rode (and that one isn't as fun to post).

I'm grateful for neighbors. I might say that too much, but I'll say it again. I'm grateful for Jeff and Candace who invited four women and five kids over to their house last night for dinner, knowing that all of our husbands are out of town (Dave on business in Ohio, Doug and Jerry at Taledega for the races and Glen at Biloxi in a golf tournament). I'm grateful for Miki who just got home from the hospital with her new baby Max. Man, a new baby just makes you remember how much we love these little ones. I'm grateful to Marla who bought Amelia a new razor scooter today for her birthday, which isn't until July, but she wanted one now. I'm grateful to Jen and Eric who came and hung out tonight, even though Jen is newly pregnant and sick and tired. I'm grateful to Cheryl who stayed and talked to Dave and me about something very important that only a teacher would truly understand, and I'm grateful to Steph who loves my kids almost as much as her own.

I'm grateful for lazy Saturdays when the house is clean and the yardwork is done and the only thing that needs to be done is some scooter riding and a trip up to Helen, Georgia to visit the candy store and eat good food.

I'm grateful for my feisty Mikayla who tells us every day that she's FOUR now and totally not a baby and I'm grateful for my spicy Amelia who thinks the meaning of fashion is wearing camo pants and a striped blue and light blue polo and a gold sequin belt and turquoise flip flops THREE days in a row is total fashion.

I'm grateful for Dave and the fact that every time he gets home from a business trip I am reminded how much he does do around here and how much I miss him and love him.

I'm grateful for warm weather and my Hi-Lo sweatshirt from 1992 that keeps me warm when it does get chilly at night.

What are you grateful for?

Happy Birthday Mikayla Mae

My Baby turns four tomorrow.
Man, I never thought it was possible to love someone so much.

Even when she's sassy.

I love you Mikayla! Happy Birthday Baby!

And before I sign off, here are some recent sayings, because after all, she says it better than I do:

• “Mom, I want you to have another baby and I want it to be a girl baby and I want you to name her Aunt D!”
• (yelling as she’s coming down the stairs) “MOM, THIS IS A PWOBWEM! MOM, THIS IS A WEAL PWOBWEM!” Me (trying not to laugh): “What’s a problem Honey?” Mikayla: “Dad does not know how to do buns.”
• (at the dinner table): “Mom, my tummy is full of this food, but it is NOT FULL OF ICE CREAM YET
• After we called Nana to sing “Happy Birthday” Mikayla said: “OK, now let’s sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!”
• “I didn’t wike being a wise man because them aw daddies, and I a guhl.”
• (more on why she didn’t want to be a wise man) “I don’t want to be a wise man because I have to be with Bryce and Joshua and I don’t like the name Joshua.” I said, “Mikayla, that’s Uncle Joshy’s name.” “NO IT’S NOT, HE’S JOSHY AND I ONLY WIKE THAT NAME!”
• “Ding Bell” That’s what she says when she pretends to ring the doorbell!”
• “I’m growling.” (Said whenever she is hungry….all of the time)
• “I want my ears peered!”
• “Mom, you don’t have to wear shoes when it’s sunny outside.
• “Why is Amelia’s hair pretty in the morning and mine is CRAZY????”
• “I really just like Di-Co-Cup.” (Diet Coke in a cup)
• “I want allotter!” Me: “You want water?” Mikayla: “No, I want A LOT ‘ER spaghetti, not just a little.”
• “Mom, I want to give half my Easter eggs that I find tomorrow to Kristen.” (She is the sweet little girl in Mikayla’s class that was just diagnosed with Leukemia.)
• After I scolded her for coloring on her belly, she replied, "Mom, it's not coloring, it's a BELLY RING!"
• She loves everything to be ranked….like, do you like oranges, apples or peanut butter better? This is usually not a big deal until at the Braves game she loudly questioned Dave, “DADDY, WHAT MAN HERE DO YOU LOVE THE MOST?????”
• Said tonight at dinner “Actua-wee, I can do any-fing I wanna do tomowoe, ‘cuz it’s my birthday!”

Just Because....

It's about time I do a grateful post! I'm grateful for:

• Two little girls that keep me running, and laughing.
• The warm sun on hot days (please come back to Georgia!)
• A husband who works hard so I don't have to (but doesn't mind if I do).
• Great friends.
• My friend Kerri, who takes great photos, including the one above (I know you're so surprised it wasn't me who took it.)
• Surprise Parties (I didn't even blog about the party Dave planned for me. I was so surprised and it was the best birthday I've ever had).
• Healthy kids.
• My upbringing and my childhood.
• My neighborhood, my house and my neighbors.
• 12 little preschool kids that I love dearly.
• That Mikayla's friend with Leukemia is doing GREAT!
• Second Chances.
• DisneyWorld and time to spend with the family.
• Utah and time to spend with the people I love most.
• Poker.
• Dots.
• Diet Coke

That's it for today! I hope you enjoyed my list! Thanks for giving me the grateful idea Chellie...I hadn't done it in way too long, and it felt good!

We are So Happy!

I know, I should be blogging about Easter and all of the fun things we did, and I will. BUT first I have to blog about this: I GOT MY NEW LUCKY-BABY sling in the mail. For an almost four-year-old you ask? Yep. When you have a little one who wants to be held and loves her mommy excessively so, it's the greatest thing in the world. Buy them for everyone...every new baby, every new mom, and every kid who wants to be held all the time! Check out my link to Lucky-Baby for your own. Meanwhile, check out my photo with my happy "baby"...or LUCKY BABY!

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Mikayla Mae

How is it possible

that a little girl

who looks so much like Daddy

is such a

MOMMY'S GIRL????????

She always has been, but this particular phase is even worse. She won't let me leave her sight. She does fine for a few minutes (at school or at the gym or whatever), but when she sees me, she cries and cries until I hold her. I am LOSING IT. It's a good thing I love her so much!

Irritable

Sometimes I'm just irritated with everything. I know it's brought on my feeling overwhelmed or feeling bored, but I think mostly it's brought on by hormones. Seriously, if this kid in my preschool class says, "EXCUSE ME" any louder, while he's actually interrupting and poking me in the hip with his little finger over and over again, I think I'm going to scream.

If my kids keep fighting, I lose it. If I get to the gym late for spin and have to ride the old bike, if I am too tired to give Dave the attention I want to, if I am craving sweets but can't find Dots, if my kids require all my attention too often in the day, I LOSE IT. Some days I just feel irritated with everything.

On another note, I spent a very enjoyable evening last night. I went to pick Amelia up at a school friend's house about 20 minutes away. I recognized the Hummer in the driveway and pulled up to the $700K house and wasn't sure what to expect. I was greated by the sweetest, most down-to-earth mom in the world. Her other little girl is almost one. When she was seven months pregnant with her, she found a lump in her breast and within one week, found out she had cancer, was induced and had a 3 lb. baby girl who had to stay in the hospital. She had a double masectomy, a hysterectomy, started chemo, gained 30 lbs. and lost all her hair...and she's 37. But, she had a beautiful baby and she's healthy now. It kind of puts things in perspective. When she's having a bad day, her four year old tells her, "Mom, at least it's not a treatment day."

So, I guess when I feel irritated, I can remind myself that I'm healthy. My family is healthy and we hare happy. Some days are harder than others, but man, people have been through so much worse. I need to try not to get so irritated!

Shopping

I love to shop...for other people. I mean, I love to shop for me too, sometimes, but it is so much fun to shop for other people. I went to the outlet mall this morning and picked up 15 knitted hats regularly 6.50 for .99 for the girls to give their friends next Christmas. I also bought the girls clothes at CP super cheap and me a couple of things at the Gap.

When I picked up Amelia we went to the mall and went to PB Kids for Miki's baby shower. I had so much fun off her registry that I bought stuff for my friends to give her too (reimbursed, of course). I went to Disney to buy for Kaitlyn and Ava's birthdays. I went to PB to buy Natasha a wedding gift. Then I went to Bath and Body Works for Miki's birthday, the Kaitlyn that I tutor and Hillary, our best babysitter. Anyway, it was just fun to have so many people to buy for.

Why am I blogging about this? I have no idea.

My Dad

My dad is the greatest. Because it's his birthday (in two days), I wanted to share some thoughts about him. Reading the book "Why a daughter Needs a Dad" reminded me of just how much I love him.

A daughter needs a dad to learn that when he says it will be okay soon, it will. My dad always put things in perspective for me.

A daughter needs a dad who will make sacrifices so she will not have to sacrifice. I can't even begin to describe the sacrifices my dad made on my behalf. He is one of the most unselfish people I have ever known.

A daughter needs a dad to teach her that her value as a person is more than the way she looks. My dad always focused on brains. I did well in school because of him. He made me wonder about the world and was NEVER too busy to engage in serious talks about everything from boys to God.

A daughter needs a dad who will never think she is too old to need him. I can't let a week go by without talking to my dad. Sometimes I have nothing to say, but I just need to hear his voice.

A daughter needs a dad to make the family whole and complete. This could not be more true in my family's situation.

A daughter needs a dad to be the standard against which she will judge all men. I measured every boy I dated to my dad. Dave is the only one that made the cut. :)

A daughter needs a dad who will influence her life even when he isn't with her. My dad influences my life every day.

A daughter needs a dad to tuck her in at night. My dad is the reason I love books. He read until we fell asleep. But he not only read to us, I have memories of crying because my legs hurt so bad from growing pains, and he would sit with me until it didn't hurt anymore.

A daughter needs a dad to protect her when she is not wise enough to protect herself. Dixie College, enough said.

A daughter needs a dad to help her take the risks that will build her confidence. From sports, to college, to marriage, he helped me weigh the risks, and then go for it.

A daughter needs a dad to teach her that a man's strength is not the force of his hand or his voice, but the kindness of his heart. My dad didn't have to say much, I always knew if he would be disappointed, and I never wanted to let him down.

A daughter needs a dad to help her try again whenever she fails. From high school cheerleader failure, to succeeding at college dance team...I dared try again.

A daughter needs a dad to give her the gentle pushes that help her grow. He even coached softball, just so I'd give it a try.

A daughter needs a dad to show her how to fix things for herself. I am independent and can fix anything, from crazy emotions to a broken toy...not to mention small repairs around the house, because of my dad.

A daughter needs a dad because without him she will have less in her life than she deserves.

Thanks Dad! Happy Dir-Bay, Leprechaun, Easter, Christmas!

Random Thoughts

I think I have a touch of ADD...maybe even ADHD. I hear it's hereditary (thanks mom and dad), but I see it in my kids too. Anyway, I tried to keep track of my thoughts while I was getting ready for bed last night (15 minutes). Here is a sampling:

I wonder if Eric knows how lucky he is to have a wife (D) who wears the same shirt every day and doesn't spend a fortune on clothes.

I forgot to give Baylor his goody bag from the Tooth Fairy from when he was absent on Monday, don't forget on Friday.

I really want to go to Disney World. Why didn't the AAA travel lady call back today to let me know about deals in May?

Did the moms in preschool know how much I appreciated them today taking the class so Steph and I could have an hour to go to a luncheon?

Did Marla get the heating pad out of her mailbox for Doug's back and did Kaitlyn's fever go down?

How did I forget pajama night at AWANA for Amelia? (Thank goodness Terah called to remind me.)

Don't forget the hula hoop for school Friday.

Why in the world is it okay for everyone to make comments about "staying at home" or spending the work day "locked up in an office out of the sunshine." I just want to reply, "My husband doesn't have a job like yours (athletic director) because he makes sacrifices so that I can raise my kids. I'm sure he'd like to have his only stress be which basketball court to have Pee Wee tennis on so that it doesn't interfere with gymnastics, but I don't have to send my kids to day care." That would be incredibly rude for me to say, but isn't it rude to insinuate that my husband works too hard or has a "lame office job out of the sunshine" and doesn't spend enough time with our kids?

It's going to rain tomorrow. Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to put away winter clothes.

I should sell those soccer shoes at the consignment store.

Should I really put Amelia in cheerleading? Didn't I say I would never do that? Why does she want to do it so bad?

Amelia didn't get a good dinner tonight. I wish I wouldn't have forgotten the pajamas...I had to run home to get them and she didn't get to eat much because we were running late.

I don't know if I can do Girls Night Out tomorrow. It seems like too much stress because Dave won't be home in time for me to go on time. Should I get a babysitter from 6:30 until when he gets home?

Should I work out in the morning or just go to the gym in the afternoon?

I have wrinkles. I don't think Mary Kay is working as well as it used to.

I need to go tanning. My spider veins show up a lot more when I'm not tan.

I think I pulled a muscle in my inner thigh.

Is it too late to drink a Diet Coke?

And that's a sampling of my thought process last night....random thoughts from me.

A Great Weekend!

I just spent a fabulous weekend at Tugaloo State Park at a scrapbook retreat. I am caught up on my albums, and most of all, I just had fun and a great break from my little ones. I did wake up to leave the cabin and head home before anyone else was out of bed because I missed my family, but while I was there, I had a great time. By the way, my friend that organizes the retreats puts one cabin in charge of one meal, so we eat great food and only cook and clean ONE TIME the entire weekend. Anyway, this is me on cheesecake night...I know, the picture is so becoming.

Caught in a Lie

Oh, okay, maybe it wasn't a lie, but it was definitely quite an imagination.

Last week, my girls found their way into the home of our new retired neighbors. They were sitting at their kitchen table eating soup and kneeling over the table stealing the avacados and cherry tomatoes out of the couple's salads when I entered through the back door looking for them. (We talked about manners later.)


Since this was our FIRST meeting (no, I hadn't met them before my children sat at the table), I introduced myself as the mother to the children eating at their table. This conversation followed:

Her: You look so young to have three children.

Me: Oh, I just have these two.

Her: What about your son?

Me: Oh, I don't have a son, just the two girls.

Her: Your son Justin? Amelia's twin?

Me: HUH?

Her: The one that is home sick in bed? The one that was sitting next to his friend at school who was really sick so he caught it and is now sick in bed? You know, Amelia's five-year-old twin?

Me: Um, it looks like Amelia was using her imagination. I'm sorry, um, I just have the two girls.



Meanwhile, Amelia looked a little embarrassed but then continued eating the avacado out of the neighbor's salad.



So, that's the story of my perfectly mannered, masters in stranger-danger, always-telling-the-truth children. I'm so proud. I'm for sure winning mother of the year now.

Overheard Today

"Mom, if it's sunny outside, you don't have to wear shoes."

"I think God is sad when we litter, because it makes the world that He made not-so-pretty."

Some February Happenings

Daddy Daughter Dance

Our annual trip to Build-a-Bear:

Amelia named hers "Hello Kitty Chocolate Bear Cub"

Mikayla named her bear "Layla Brittney"

AND, last but not least:

Mikayla got her ears pierced!

We were riding the carousel and eating fries when Mikayla said, "Mom, I want to get my 'ears peered.'" Anyway, I actually tried to put it off until later, but she wanted it. It hurt, and she cried a little, but man, she is brave! She is so proud! Amelia is going to wait a little while!

Tonight

I'm going on a date....really, a real date, tonight. Miki offered to take the girls overnight tonight for a sleepover! Dave and I both have colds, but we're going on a date, a real date. What should I wear? Should I take a nap so I am refreshed? Should I leave my cell phone at home, on "accident?" I don't even know what to do with myself. I'm going on a date.

Rugrats

Amelia can tie her shoes! We think she might be a genius.

Mikayla models everything she wears, in this photo it is a one-of-a-kind Grandma Sue Sweater. We think she might be America's Next Top Model.

Have a great day! :)

Sweet Dreams

Okay, this is hilarious, after I posted this one, Nana sent in a picture of her babies....does it look familiar?

When Mikayla was tiny and in her crib, we would frequently wake up to find Amelia sound asleep in Mikayla's crib holding her little sister. We soon just started putting them both to bed in the crib.

When we got rid of the crib a couple of years ago, we bought bunk beds. They both slept on the bottom bed together. Finally about six months ago, Amelia moved to the top. Well, Mikayla has started crying a little bit at night, and I wondered why she would suddenly stop, but I never went in to check. It turns out Amelia has been climbing down from the top and snuggling with her and tickling her back until she's happy. Or she will wake up her sister and get her to come up to her bed. Now, once again, they just go to sleep together. We don't even try to put them in separate beds. They love each other!

Here is the bed that never gets slept in!

I Cried Today

Okay, so I have PMS, I left my house at 8AM, taught 12 darling preschoolers, went straight to teach 18 Pee Wee Tennis Players, went straight to meet a friend and her kids for dinner and went straight to take Amelia to Cubbies, returning tonight at 7:00. My husband has been gone...again. His flight was cancelled to come home tonight (damn weather) and I'm tired, so maybe that has something to do with it...but I cried today. I mean, I had tears streaming, gulped-in-air cried. Why you ask? Because of all of the above? NO!!!!!

It was another Publix commercial. For my bloggy friends that don't see these commercials in your neck of the woods, let me summarize: A little boy about 10 years, comes home from school and tells his mom he wants to make a cake for someone that he really likes. His mom smiles knowingly and starts to get out all the ingredients (from Publix, of course). She asks him if the girl knows that he likes her and he replies, "Ya, I guess." Well, they are having a blast together making the cake and she shows him how to cut it into a heart and then asks if he wants to put the girl's name on the top of the cake. He says, "No, that's okay." The next day the mom is dropping him off at school and as he leaves, she yells, "HEY, YOU FORGOT YOUR CAKE!" He turns around and smiles at his mom and turns back around and goes into the school. THE CAKE WAS FOR HIS MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean seriously, how cute is that? Yep, I cried.

Loaded Questions

This is a new one from Jessi. Enjoy!

Loaded Questions

Favorite kind of cereal: Oatmeal --fruit and cream
What animal or insect disgusts you the most? grasshoppers, that's just the first that came to mind
What do you need more of right now? time
What is the hardest thing for you to do? right now??? the spin class I just went to
Deodorant brand: Degree
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? If I wash my hair, 40 minutes, if I don't -20 minutes
What is your most prized object? my scrapbooks
What are you thankful you're not doing now? listening to kids (can I say that?)
If you talked in your sleep, what would you say? how much longer can I sleep before the alarm goes off??????
What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke
Favorite way to eat potatoes? McDonald's french fries
If you could be a character in any novel, who would you be? Ramona Quimby....just kidding, I don't know...all of their lives seem so complex...that's what makes it a novel I guess.
Favorite ice cream toppings: Snickers, Butterfinger
Where do you want to spend the rest of your life? with my family
What do you bring most to a friendship? loyalty
On a scale of 1-10, how hip are you? 7.5
What kind of music makes you want to get up and sing? sing? Um, 80's hair bands
What are you an expert in? teaching
What have you tried and simply were not good at? singing, sewing, painting
Favorite movie line? "Can I have some 'tots?" :)
What is your "theme song"? Chariots of Fire
What is your most annoying habit? biting my nails
If fat, calories, etc. weren't an issue, what food would you feast on? ice cream
How much can you bench press? 105
What fictional character would you like to meet? I don't know
What is the ultimate vacation? a cruise, with Dave
What is the best thing about your job? my kids
What is the worst thing about your job? the need to ALWAYS have energy and be patient
Whose ideas totally conflict with yours? I don't know
What cosmetic surgery would you like? None, not worth it!
What is the last movie that made your eyes tear up? I don't know but the Publix commercial where the baker makes the wedding cake to match the bride's veil made me cry, weird, I know.
What super-power would you like? be able to stop time
What would you change about your high school years? worrying so much about friends
What would you change about your appearance? my thighs
Would you rather be smart, rich, or beautiful? rich (Jessi, I love your answer)
If you named your home, what would you name it? Our Haven
What room do you want to add to your home? a sun room with a pool table
What advice would you give to the President? pray
What character attribute do you admire most? integrity, absolutely
Where do you usually buy your clothes? Old Navy
What song describes your present relationship? I Will Always Love You
What is the nicest thing you have ever bought somebody? A mountain bike for Dave
How would you spend $1000? Disney World
What do you want to change about your life? the constant feeling that I have things that need to be done
Who is your best friend? Dave
What would you like to accomplish this year? Be better than I was last year!
What book has had the greatest impact on your life? The Book of Mormon
What do you do everyday? love
What food do you refuse to eat? creamed corn
What one word would you use to describe your current relationship? eternal
What is the best purchase you have made? golf car
What one word describes your life? happy
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!!!

Haven't We All?

Now I have this feeling of things being unfinished until I finish off my list of 150 things. Don't worry (because I know you are), I will blog about the interesting ones in detail. But these are the things I think we've all done, but I'll post about it anyway:

Eaten Fried Green Tomatoes: Yep, I moved to Georgia, and yep my neighbor is an 85 WWII vet that loves to garden and brings over green tomatoes! (He actually just moved, and we miss him...and his vegies.)

Touched a Cockroach: Yep, I live in Georgia; I mean, I didn't want to touch it, but I picked it up thinking it was a toy of some kind. I've also stepped on a few.

Had Your Picture in the Newspaper: Not for anything really cool, but for dancing (mainly Super Steppers) and PTA (when my mom was the president or something and I was holding a Snoopy fundraiser sign), and for a 5th grade "Wooden Shoes" performance, and when I won "Hope for America" and when my NAL team took district....I don't know what else, maybe a couple other times.

Eaten Sushi: Love me some California rolls and pretty much any other roll, not big into anything else.

Ridden a Horse: My dad was a bull-rider and my mom was a former rodeo queen, enough said.

Fired a Gun: Yep, my dad was a bull-rider and a little bit of a red-neck. (love ya, dad) He taught me how to fire a .22 when I was about eight.

Broken a Bone: My collar bone (bicycle when I was five), thumb (about age 14 on the trampoline), fractured wrist (in a drill team competition in 11th grade), cracked growth plate in my ankle (9th grade volleyball). I think that's it.

Broken Someone's Heart: Yep, I did that too. Mine was broken too though, by Eric Brenchley...don't laugh Jayme and Chell.

Sung Loudly in the Car and Didn't Stop When Someone was Looking: Every day, my girls too

Raised Children: Well, I am in the process.

Performed in Rocky Horror: I grew up in a college town...we went to campus a few times to do that....overrated.

Been on a Cruise Ship: When I was 20 I went with a bunch of Rebelette friends...fun! I want to go with Dave now though, bad.

Bought a House: Yep. I had one weekend to find a house in a state I had never visited that was clear across the country. God was looking out for me on this one...talk about a leap of faith.

Kissed on a First Date: Yep.

Eaten Shark: I'll try anything, once.

Recorded Music: My orchestra recorded a CD at the Mt. Hood Orchestra Festival. I also made a cassette with friends (Jayme, you were there) in some little booth. That totally counts.

Been to Las Vegas: Many times, Dixie was 1 1/2 hours away. My favorite visit there was my honeymoon though.

Performed on Stage: Many times....talent shows, dancing, violin, musicals, I don't know, but lots more.

Rafted the Snake River: Many times...Jayme, remember our trips and the time that Jeff fell in on purpose and then froze? I went every year with Girls' Camp and then went with friends and then took Dave....love it!

Won First Prize in a Costume Contest: This was a very proud moment...last Halloween Dave was Napoleon and I was "Napoleon's girlfriend." We totally won. BTW, did I spell Napoleon right, and if not, how do I run a spell check on my post?

Made Cookies from Scratch: Hardly ever, but I have.

Crashed a Party: Yep, a few times.

Gotten Married: Yep.

Toured Ancient Sites: Lots of Native American sites...I guess that's ancient. I was fascinated by hieroglyphics.

Fallen in Love and Not Had Your Heart Broken: Dave, I love you.

Gone to a Drive-In Theater: Not until I met Dave. We were cheap. I would hide in the backseat with lots of sleeping bags covering me up and Dave would only have to pay for himself.

Played in the Rain, Played in the Mud, Kissed in the Rain: All at the same time.

Played Touch Football: Yep.

Lounged Around in Bed All Day: When I had the flu, before kids, of course.

Sung Karoke: I'm so good at singing "Material Girl" that the song might be retired.

Pretended to be a SuperHero: Every day.

Alphabetized my CD's: And DVD's, and books and photo albums, and cookbooks, and coloring books, and CD Roms and pretty much anything else that can be alphabetized.

In a Restaurant, Sat at a Stranger's Table and had dinner with them: I lived in the dorms and we had to eat at a cafeteria. That totally counts.

Taken a Midnight Walk on a Beach: I loved Cabo. (Thanks D)

Gone Rock Climbing: Love it...haven't done it in years though.

Taken a Road Trip: Too many times to count. The craziest was the 24 hour drive to Dallas from SLC....I was delirious.

Stolen a Sign: I was almost arrested; actually it was a flashing barricade. Jayme, you totally remember that one.

Danced with a Stranger in a Foreign Country: I loved Cabo; actually Cabo Wabo.

Had Amazing Friends: Still do.

Take care of Someone who was Drunk: Unfortunately

Had two hard drives for your computer: Unfortunately; damn those neighbor boys who brought over disks with viruses.

Actually felt Happy about Your Life: Quite often

Danced Like a Fool and Not Cared who was looking: Every time I dance.

Hit a Home Run: Never when it was important.

Ridden a Roller Coaster: Not until I was 19 and went to Lagoon with Jayme and two Mtn. Crest boys and was too shy to say I was scared.

Held a Lamb: A few times

Screamed as Loudly as You Can: A few times

Had a Snowball Fight: Man, I miss the snow sometimes.

Asked out a Stranger: Nothing weird; aren't they all strangers in the beginning?

Had a Food Fight: Yep.

Looked at the Night Sky through a telescope: Beautiful

Given More than you can afford to charity: Fast Offerings were rough

Watched a Meteor Shower: Beautiful

Changed a Baby's Diaper: Hmmmm, for four years straight.

Slept Under the Stars: Many times

Grown and Eaten your own vegetables: not recently

Gone to an Olympics game: Canada and Russia Women's Hockey...too cool for words. So fun!

Stayed up all night and seen the sun rise: Lots of times

Hugged a Tree: yep, weird though.

Said "I love you" and Meant It: every day

Taken a candlelit bath with someone: Gotta love big tubs

Held a Tarantula: I grew up in Bloomington and I had crazy cousins. I also held a snake and a scorpion with those same cousins.

Climbed a Mountain: Lots of times; one time I fell asleep on the hike and Lisa's dad pulled me up to Mt. Logan.

Well, there you have it in detail. I saved a few for future posts!

Killed and Prepared an Animal for Eating

This was a gross one. I was never too much of a squeamish girl, but even with Girls' Camp, I had never touched a dead animal. Well, when I was about 20, I went fishing with Dave and his dad. When we were going through our catch of the day, Dave's dad just handed me the fish (you know, how they hang on to them through the gills). I wanted to cry, throw up and run away all at the same time. Instead, I grabbed a hold. He was my future father-in-law, after all. Then he proceded to show me how to gut it and clean it...gross. I did it, but I won't do it again. I wonder if I impressed him. I wonder if it was some sort of test. I wonder if I passed.

I've Thought to Myself, "I'm Living My Dream"

I'm continuing with Alli's list of 150 things. The next in line is: I've thought to myself I'm living my dream.

Am I living my dream? Sometimes the chaos is overwhelming. I woke up an hour-and-a half earlier than when I need to wake the girls only to hear the pitter patter of four feet 10 minutes into my workout. I had to brave the weather to start my icy car that I have to park outside because I was the one who wanted the golf car that now takes my spot in the garage. I had to wait in carpool line to drop off my five-year-old in the ice. Then, I had to drag my three-year-old to my OB/GYN appoinment. As I was spread-eagle in all my glory, she was tossing a balloon back and forth to the doctor. I braved an ice storm to retrieve a pink cowboy boot that had fallen off a foot while running to car. I wrestled a chicken nugget out of my child's hand after she tried to eat it off the Burger King floor. I sat in carpool line again that barely inched forward because of the weather. At home, I sat and played restaurant in the playroom on a chair that fit half my rear and watched my five-year-old try to do a Benihana performance with a play-knife, rolling pin and a hamburger bun...and pretend to enjoy it. I sat on the phone with the Dish Network lady for an hour trying to figure out why the satellite doesn't work upstairs while putting on my three-year-old's bathing suit one-handed that she insists on wearing, even in 40 degree weather and while yelling at my 5 yr. old to not wipe her Cheetos hands on the couch, but still wanting to be loving because I missed her all morning. I refereed about six dozen fights today because the girls are stuck indoors. I made three dozen cookies with the girls because Dave is going to Amelia's class tomorrow to talk about Argentina and wants the kids to learn how to say "cookie" in Spanish. I let the girls help, so I cleaned up half the batter off the table, and their hands and faces and prepared dinner at the same time, which is why the first batch burned competely. I have six loads of laundry sitting up on my bed, but I'm sitting here blogging even though I'll have to fold them so we can sleep.

BUT, when all is said and done, yep, I'm livin' my dream. I am married to the man of my dreams. I'm married to the one who would rather hang out with his family, even if that means spending three hours on his day off at my eye doctor appointment, just so we could all be together. He chooses us over football, friends or even a golf game. He works hard so I don't have to, but supports me when I choose to work. He loves me just the way I am.

I have two healthy, spunky girls that keep me laughing and keep me young. I have a dream job where I get to play with 12 of the cutest three-year-olds you've ever seen and be there with my kids. I have an okay tennis job that pays a nice amount of money that provides me with extras--like going to Utah to see the fam. I have a house that is perfect for my family. It is comfortable and lived in and everyone is always welcome. I have neighbors (adults and kids) that love to come and hang out. I have friends I can count on. I have family I love.

I have my health. I've had a little scare lately and maybe it was to remind me that I am in fact living my dream. It's hard sometimes, and the days are long sometimes, and the work never ends and the house is never spotless, and the laundry is never all done, and the kids aren't always happy, but overall, I'm happy. I had a lot of dreams as a kid, this was one of them: happiness at home. And I think I've achieved it, even though I have to stop and realize it sometimes.

Had a Booth in a Street Fair

I think I have an entrepreneur spirit. I'm always looking for fun ways to make money...it started with selling hot pads and cross stitch ornaments when I was about ten. It continues today with tutoring and tennis. I love to make things too. Right now I've made about 10 pairs of furry flip flops, but I think that will be for goody bags for Amelia's summer birthday party.

About three years ago I was really into making hair bows. I made them with buttons and alligator clips on the back. I specialized in Hallween bows since it was September. Anyway, someone saw them and asked if I would sell them at the Fall Festival. I made a whole bunch of them and combined with my mom's incredible talent of beading little girls' bracelets and sold them all at a booth at the festival. My mom made most of the money, but it was fun...not fun enough to do it again though. I'll stick with tutoring, tennis and furry flip flops!

I've Dyed My Hair

I was 19 and to this point had never touched my hair color. My roommates thought it would be fun to try something on MY hair, so we went and bought a burgundy hair dye. It didn't work. So, we went back and bought another one, left it on for twice as long and tried it again. The result: PURPLE HAIR. It was horrible. (BTW, that is not a picture of me, but the color is not too far from what mine looked like...wish I had a picture!)

I did not dare touch my hair again until 10 years later when Sherrie (my awesome cousin) started adding nice little highlights. I loved them, but then we moved. I had to let someone else do it, and after four years of updating highlights, I no longer had chocolate brown hair...it was chocolate brown hair with blonde highlights! About a month ago, I got rid of all my highlights completely, and I'm back to my original chocolate brown. Call me boring, but I like my natural hair better!

The Day I Saved Someone's Life

After I completed Alli's list of 150 things, I thought I would tell the story behind some of the things I've done. This is the one I wanted to write about first:

I spent my first two years of college at Dixie. It was a junior college and I completed all of my required classes, but still needed more credits, so I loaded up my last year with fun classes: step aerobics, tennis, lifeguarding, weight training, first aid and CPR. I never thought any of these would be of much use, but it was sure fun.

Fast forward one year....I was then at the University of Utah and waiting tables at Marie Callender's. I had just served the turkey dinner to two white-haired little old ladies. We were required to check back within two minutes of serving a meal to make sure our customers were happy. It had been about 30 seconds, but I felt this overpowering need to check on these little ladies. I turned around and took one look at one of the ladies and knew there was trouble. It was just like a cartoon...the lady's face was turning purple right in front of my eyes, literally. She was choking and I knew what to do (thanks to First Aid at Dixie).

I was shaking and scared but I performed the Heimlich and saved her life. The piece of turkey lodged in her throat flew across two tables. The boss had called 911, but by the time the paramedics got there, they told me that they would have never made it and that I saved her life. The little lady took a five dollar bill and placed it in my apron and asked for boxes to take their dinners home.

As a side note, my manager later told me, "I'm glad it all worked out, but never do that again. It's not worth the law suit." I informed him about the Good Samaritan law, but he didn't care. I still felt good about it though.

Santa is Really Smart

What do you do with two little girls that spend 90 percent of their "home time" outside? BUY A TRAMPOLINE. Santa really knew what he was doing. My kids (and all the neighbors) are so happy!

Alli's List

Alli did this and it was fun to read. It's red if I've done it.

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swum with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Ridden in a Ferrari
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and seen the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to an Olympics game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on Dom Perignon
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone snorkeling in the Caribbean
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight (what is that????? am I dumb???)
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Appeared on television as a featured guest
83. Received flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sung loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Published one or more books
106. Lost 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

Overheard

So, Dave is out of town all week and I'm tired. Even if Dave is late coming home from work, he always lessens the load...bathing kids, reading stories, brushing teeth, whatever. So, when he's not here, I'm tired. Did I already say that?

I put the kids in the bath and I used the time to run downstairs and get the dishes done and lunches made and whatever. I hear screaming, so I flew up the stairs in about three seconds. I run in the bathroom to see blood streaming down Mikayla's face. As I start mopping it up, I notice that the wound is tiny, but deep and on her forehead so there was a lot of blood. Then I looked at the bathroom. WATER WAS EVERYWHERE. Apparently they wanted to see what would happen if they used the shower head and sprayed the bathroom. Or maybe they were seeing how far it would spray. Then Mikayla wanted to pretend she was ice skating, so she got out of the tub, slipped, and that's where I came in.

I wanted to cry, scream and yell, but controlled myself and said, "Girls, what would you do if you were the mom? What would you do if your girls did this to bathroom and then got hurt doing it???????" Amelia quietly responded, "I would be the mom who mopped up the bathroom so the kids could have lots of fun in the bathtub."

I'm tired.

Cheapskate

I'm all about saving money and looking for generic, "no-name" products that are cheaper but still high quality. Some things I just cannot find a good replacement for (Windex, Cascade, Hidden Valley Ranch, Diet Coke, and Bounce, for example). However some generic brands are great (Kroger Oatmeal, Kroger baby wipes, Kroger multi-grain waffles, and the "fake" Pledge, for example). I use Lysol and Clorox wipes all the time, depending on which is on sale the same time I have coupons, but then I decided to try these:

They are half the price of the other wipes on sale and they work GREAT! They are also thicker and wetter, so you don't use as many at a time. Just thought I'd let you know!

Tacky?

Can I leave my photo Christmas cards up ALL YEAR? I love to hang out in the sitting room and look up and see all my friends and family. Who cares if Christmas is over....I think I'll leave them up for a few months!

New Year Resolutions

I don't like resolutions...I do like goals or things to work toward though. Is that what a resolution is? If so, I guess they aren't so bad...maybe I just don't like the label "resolution." Anyway, here are some things I want to work on:

1. Be a better mom: listen more, play more, and be more patient.
2. Don't worry so much about having a clean house (I'm going to try this one, but it might make me more miserable to not have it clean...we'll see.)
3. Be healthy.
4. Be a better wife: have more energy for us, listen more, talk more, and play more.
5. Learn something new...I don't know what, but something that requires brains....mine is turning to mush and also learn something physical that I haven't done before. Any ideas?

I think that's enough for me to work on. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of my friends and family! What a wonderful time of year to reflect on all of our blessings. Most of all I am grateful for my girls and Dave. I am grateful to be at peace and I am grateful for my Savior. May peace be with all of you, especially my sweet sister. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things that we have to face. It is a reminder of how much we need to love and show love while we have the chance.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

A Little Fun!

Now, I am calling this "Just for Fun" for this reason: My entire research paper to get my degree was titled: "The Invalidity of IQ Tests." My argument was that IQ tests are biased, and therefore invalid. But I would like to think that I am a Regional Genius. BTW, what is that?????????? Thanks Candice and Audrey!

Little Monsters

No, they aren't really monsters. This is just a tribute to Aunt D:

Mikayla: Mom, where is Daddy again?

Amelia: Mikayla, Mom told you, He's in Paul's Mina Soda

Mikayla: Amelia, Daddy is not in a drink.

Me: Mikayla, Amelia said he's in St. Paul, Minnesota

Mikayla: I know, and he's not in a soda; he's on a trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They want me...I think!

I sat in a three hour interview yesterday...no exaggeration. You see, I heard that Horizon Christian Academy had a drama opening right now. It is for 6-12 grade, two classes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I am still desperately seeking a decent school for Amelia next year, so I jumped all over it. Anyway, I went in there feeling pretty good. I had no idea it would be so intense. His first question? So, why did you leave Cornerstone after working there three months? Um, ahh, umm, well....and then I rambled an answer. It did go uphill from there.

It will be a lot of shuffling around with the kids, but next year I can teach while the girls are in school and cover their tuition. When I left (after three hours) he informed me that he had interviewed two others and had one more to interview. They are all actors and have been in many productions. I am just a drama TEACHER. I'm not an actress. I was honest about that though and I also told him I was worried about my kids Tuesday and Thursday afternoons while I teach because neither one is in school at that time. I left the interview with an offer to teach ENGLISH next year (6th English, 7th English and 10th grade American Lit.) for just a couple of hours in the mornings. Amelia gets reduced tution and Mikayla can stay at Christ the King for Pre-K. It sounds good. It is a good school and I think it will work out. I will find out about Drama next Thursday, but I think I would rather just do the English next year and leave Drama to the more-qualified.

December Happenings (so far)

This is our fabulous entry into the annual Stout Family Gingerbread House contest. Check out D's blog for her entries. Personally, I think we won the colorful house award.

This is Mary (AKA Amelia) holding her baby, which happens to be the elf that has visited our house every night since December 1st doing random, crazy things each night. I guess he comes to life at night and then stands in for Baby Jesus by day. Last night he wrapped himself in toilet paper and left shreds all over the floor. The day before he built this:

By the way, Isn't Amelia's haircut cute? We both cut off 6 inches.

This was the clubhouse party. So far the list hasn't changed....Mikayla wants a big trampoline and Amelia wants lip gloss.

Okay, and last, Chel and Michael came to visit with Chayla. We got the girls dressed in last year's dresses that we never got their pictures in and decided to do our own. It was so fun and cute. It was nice to have family here. Chell, it's crazy to think that Jaxon is the same age as Chayla. I wish we could have celebrated his birthday with him.

Okay, that's all the December happenings for now. Hope you enjoyed!

Perspective

I've recently met a mom who I liked right from the beginning. Her little girl is in Amelia's class...the one the teacher is holding in this picture:

Anyway, her mom emailed me the following when I asked her about her sister that had recently passed away:

My sister? Well at 39, two days after she ran a Marathon, she was diagnosed with Liver cancer. She lived a painful 10 weeks, leaving Belle-4 and Oskar-1. She was my best friend and hero, it's been the most unbearable thing you can imagine.
She was one of those people that didn't smoke or do drugs, and barely drank, and still had more fun than anyone else at the party. She cheered from 3 until 25. She was soooo healthy, so we thought. Shawn called her earth mother. She was tiny and HYPER. She would wear you out. But you always wanted more. I miss her so much that it actually makes me stop breathing. My Dad is so mad at God, even though, we've tried to explain it's not his fault.

I have AMAZING friends that rallied around me and helped men get through it. Which of course, I will be the rest of my life. I guess it's why I really don't let things get to me that much, in the big scheme of life, nothing is that big of a deal when you get to keep raising your children.

Nothing is that big of a deal when you get to keep raising your children...