Day Number 365!

This is my 365th day of blogging. Tomorrow will be my one year mark. My blogiversary is January 29th. I went back and looked at my old posts, and thoughts. Like Em, and Lei, I am doing a highlight for each month. I enjoyed going back and reading things, seeing things I had forgotten about. It makes me happy I started this, I have so many memories recorded and all sorts of Random Lee Thoughts!

January
Is it over yet.. (My very first post!)

February there are a couple...
Finding Joy in our Kids!
Getting Bucked Off (it just makes me giggle!)

March
The Commitment.. well I failed.. time to get back on it.
It all Matters

April
OW!

May
In Memory

June
Tender Mercies

July
Hug Your Mom!!
Fun at the River

August
Eww, Gross!!!
But it doesn't match!

September
Answered Prayers
All Grown UP!!!

October
Staples??
Time Out!

November
So Proud! Who wouldn't be!!

December
Lost Tooth
Birthday Fun!

And January 2007
You gotta look!

Thanks for reminiscing on the past year with me!

Dear Clothing Companies...

Dear Clothing Companies of the World,

As I sit here tonight in my lovely pajamas that are a little too short they are almost capri's and almost 3/4 length.. but still a little long for both. I received these for my Christmas Eve gift and they fit great, until I washed them. Don't you get that people buy clothes not wanting them to shrink 3 inches in length. I don't like looking like I am waiting for a flood in my jammies. It is winter, it is cold!! Don't you know that my wrists and ankles get cold too? I know I am tall, but people don't really think to make tall jammies unless they want to charge you $60-80 for a set. And while it would be great to have some that long, that is a lot for jammies. No one really sees you in them so it seems like an awful lot of money to waste on something you can't wear to the mall. This is my plea, make me some tall jammies, don't make them so expensive though. I know it takes more fabric, but not twice as much fabric!! Please don't make me embarrass myself one night as I am running my kid to the ER or somewhere and realize that I look like I am waiting for a flood or like I put on my kids jammies. They are big enough around, but the length it leaves little to be desired.

Sincerely,
Lee (Is it too much to ask for jammies to fit me? Everyone else gets them, why not me?)

My kiddos.

My kids are such great sports and agree to do whatever I convince them is a great idea. Today it was going out to play in 37-38 degree weather. It looked gorgeous out, and well I have my new camera and I wanted to play with it. 180 shots later.. yes I was camera happy. I got several I love!! But these two I thought were super cute! There are a few more on my other blog. By the time we were done I could no longer feel my fingers, but it is always fun to get my kids out playing. I thought after our 19-22 degree highs that this wouldn't feel THAT bad today. I can't wait for Spring!

Pictures!

It has been brought to my attention I haven't posted any pictures taken with my new camera here. I have posted them, but they are on my other blog. But in case you aren't interested in clicking over, I know it can be time consuming, here are a few! I put new pictures on my other blog daily, so feel free to check it out anytime, and as always leave a comment!

Thanks Dear

My husband, the great and wonderful man that he is decided to suprise me with a gift. Thank you Randy for being so kind and generous. I am so excited and thrilled beyond belief.

Here it is, my new Canon Rebel XTi. I have the best husband in the world!

100 Things About Yours Truly!

Here are 100 things about me. Everyone has been dying to read it. I meant to do this on my 100th post, but I passed that a while ago. Then my friend Alli did it so I finally decided I could too.

1. My eyes are blue-green, really cool when I cry.
2. I am 6' on a good day 5'11" 1/2 on a bad day.
3. I have big feet 11
4. I can palm a guys basketball no problem
5. My hair is naturally curly
6. I love the piano
7. I have had nine surgeries since Randy and were married 7 1/2 years ago
8. I have one son
9. I have one daughter
10. I have a gortex patch in my lung
11. I like Red
12. I laugh at inappropriate times
13. I love basketball
14. I am not a girly girl
15. I still think I am quite a tomboy that likes to look cute
16. I like that I am strong
17. I love being tall
18. I made out with my husband before I went on a date with him
19. I graduated in a class of 33
20. I am a member of the FFA Alumni
21. I showed steers in FFA
22. I also won Grand Champion doing that
23. I have a big belt buckle
24. I own wranglers
25. I own cowboy boots
26. I prefer Gap style though, with a Buckle, AE twist
27. I like that my feet are big and have never been embarrassed by that
28. My socks have holes in them a lot and I don't care
29. My husband is my best friend
30. I am married to the best man in the world
31. My Mom is the best Mom in the world
32. I have a sister that is 10
33. Laughing makes me feel good
34. Crying hurts my head
35. I like to talk and do it a lot
36. I love taking pictures
37. I used to be an Art and Visual Communications Major
38. I only went to one quarter of school
39. I love art
40. I like cars
41. I love animals
42. I have two yellow labs, Sage and Izzy
43. I have a cat, Cinderella
44. I had a horse when I was a kid, Gypsy
45. I still miss her
46. I love farm life
47. I am a country girl at heart, I just love the modern fashion
48. I wear a ponytail at least 50% of the time
49. Two kids keep me busy
50. I really like my minivan
51. I think it is cool and don't feel like a dork driving it
52. I am 26
53. My kids are 5 and 3 1/2
54. I have only lived in 1 state
55. I have moved more since getting married than I ever had before
56. I love athletics
57. I like weight training
58. I think cardio is torture, I always have
59. I like buying running shoes when I can find my size
60. My basketball shoes are men's and have never been worn outside
61. I think more women should play basketball
62. I used to play violin.. and I want to play it now
63. I love real antiques
64. I like to sleep in
65. I am a night owl
66. I love being a Mom
67. I love being a Wife
68. I feel very blessed I can stay home with my kiddos
69. I want to cry when I think of my kids going to school everyday
70. I regret not getting pictures taken of me more often when I was pregnant
71. I am working on my body image and self esteem, better late than never
72. I want to be charitable, and to have Charity.. working on it
73. I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ
74. I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with all my heart
75. I pray daily I am raising my kids righteously
76. Being a Mother is the best thing in the world
77. It is also the hardest job I have ever had
78. It is the most rewarding job
79. I appreciate my own Mom much more for all she has done for me she is amazing
80. Randy is the man of my dreams and then some
81. I love to garden
82. I love to cook, and I am told I am a pretty darn good one
83. I love to be outside
84. I have to take allergy medicine first
85. I went to the temple today
86. I like who I am
87. I like that my kids laugh a lot
88. I love ice cream
89. I like black licorice
90. Chocolate is just okay
91. I love tomato sandwiches
92. I like pickles
93. I love my life
94. I almost puke when I change a diaper of any child other than my own
95. I don't do diapers anymore both of my kids are potty trained and have been for over a year
96. I don't miss diapers
97. I do miss the smell and touch and everything about a newborn
98. I think people are too serious sometimes, it is better to laugh than to worry
99. I have a photo blog.
100. I have brown hair.

Therapy, at times it is much needed.

This morning Little Man was more worried about playing his Leapster and being all pokey. Pre-School starts at 9:30 and well at 9:29 he was still in his pajamas with me saying it is time to get moving child. I was less than thrilled with his behavior and the fact that his ears were "broken". Finally he agreed to get the clothes on I had out for him and get ready, and he realized he wouldn't be the first one there! *Gasp* I had told him that a few times but suddenly when he looked at the clock he got it. Quickly we rush to the van.. and off to Pre-School!! I drop him off give him a quick hug and kiss, and gladly drive away. Have fun on your field trip while Little Miss and I have fun on ours. I was in need of some therapy. Seriously ready to wring his neck this morning!!

Off to therapy (the mall), what better place to get therapy? A little retail therapy always seems to do the trick. And today, the sales seemed to be even better. With Gymbucks I happily went to Gymboree and did something I normally don't do, I bought for next fall and winter. Great deals, I bought tons of stuff for my kiddos! Then on the Gap, which anyone who knows me knows that I love Gap. Seriously. Love it. Did you know they had their down coats for $19.99 today, regularly $98.00. Smokin' deal. Who wouldn't feel better finding deals like that. Needless to say I came home with a new down coat, along with a new one for Randy. I got a few killer deals on stuff for the kids and I felt sufficiently relaxed, and decided the damage I had done was plenty and I was ready to go get Little Man from Pre-School and enjoy a nice day together.

I picked up Little Man and so far so good. He is happier and more willing to use those great ears on his head. Realizing that Mom does know what she is talking about. And my little trip to the mall left me more relaxed and less stressed. A little more ready to just chill. Retail therapy.. I think I might be addicted.

Don't Touch That!!

If only you could have been a fly on the wall. I wish I knew what the other people were thinking that were listening.

I hate taking my kids into public women's bathrooms. Seriously cannot stand it. I always try to get Randy to take them, so I don't have to go into them with my kids. It isn't that I hate wiping their tushies, or anything else. It is that you go into a women's bathroom and there in the stall right at the perfect grabbing level for busy hands is the box. We all not what it is, the disposal for sanitary napkins. Uh.. did you ever think about that name people? Sanitary.. I don't think so! Who came up with that name? There is nothing sanitary about that. And napkins.. yeah right like they are anything like any napkin I ever used for dinner.

I take Little Miss into the bathroom at Barnes and Noble and she is oh so curious about everything in there, and she just has to touch EVERYTHING.

Now I am not one of those germ-a-phobia Mom's, I will let my kids eat off the floor at home, and I know dirt isn't going to hurt them. My kids would drop their binkies I would quickly pop it in my mouth and back in theirs. But the women's bathroom just is gross. Little Miss sees the fancy silver box and is like Oh.. Momma.. what is that? And being the Mom that I am, I respond with, that is GROSS! You do not want to touch that you could get very very sick and have to go to the hospital. She looks at me wide eyed and says oh.. it Yucky? Umm.. yes honey it is yucky.. very very yucky. Then while she is on the toilet she starts to want to touch every part of the seat. She started ripping the seat protector to see the toilet seat. Come on kid, it is a toilet seat we have three of them at home, they aren't that cool there, and they aren't that great here either. And who knows what germs are on them!! It is a busy day at Barnes and Noble!! So finally she finishes her business and then it is my turn. Yes I had to go too.

I tell her she cannot go out while Mommy is on the potty. She smiles sweetly and replies, Oh the floor is dirty too huh Momma? Me can't crawl under? Me get sick? Too which I have to say That is right sweety, don't crawl under the garbage is overflowing and there are people waiting and yeah you'll get sick. So I finish up and she looks at me sweetly and says Momma, me wipe you? Umm gee kid, thanks for the offer but I don't think so. She happily says okay, let's go and while I am getting everything pulled up decides now is the right time to open the door. No Little Miss Don't touch that!! I quickly get zipped and buttoned and go out relieved that no one is at the sink, there is soap and we can quickly leave and I pray that we are done with public bathrooms for a while. And next time Randy is taking her. The Men's doesn't have a sanitary napkin disposal, he can send her out to me while he goes pee, I don't mind one bit.

De-lurk. Leave a comment!

It is national de-lurking week. Yeah so I am late on this bandwagon. But if you are here stop, post a comment and then go on with your merry day. So make my day, leave me a comment!

I know.. I should be a gymnast.

Be prepared to be jealous by watching this video. You will be envious of my talent.

I want to thank my talented friends Emily, and Alicia for the support coaching, and great video skills. You can see me again in the 2008 Olympics.

English Please.

I hate calling the 1-800-blahblah numbers for Customer Service. Seriously.

You either get the thing where you have to push buttons a million times, they ask you to verify your account number every step of the way. Or you get the automated service where they can't ever understand me. Maybe they can other people, but I think I talk to fast. So then I slow down and they still don't get it. By then I am so irritated I am yelling at the automated thing, often wondering is there someone there laughing at me?? Because I would be. So then I just start pushing every button until I get a REAL LIVE PERSON!! And then guess what? They can barely speak English, and I get to verify my account number again and each of the 5 times I say it they get it wrong, and it is no where near close! The sixth time, thankfully they got it.

All I wanted to do was change my address. After verifying my name and account number they asked what I needed and the lady said, oh I need your account number and name to verify. Umm.. hello, did you not just participate in this ever annoying converstation where it took every ounce of my being to not tell you that you need to get me someone who speaks english. Not only can you not understand me, I cannot understand you. It is a serious communication barrier.

I have no issue with people not speaking my language, but why would you hire someone to speak to English speaking people when they are barely managing to say any of it themself? Heck I am not going to go apply for a Spanish speaking job, yeah I took Spanish in High School.. but dude.. I suck at it. I am sure they would be yelling all sorts of profanities at me.

I think I need to pray for patience.. it isn't just that they couldn't understand me, or that I couldn't understand them, it is all the automated crap I had to get through just to have them ask me the same thing over. Seriously I think they want us to all get so frusterated we hang up on them, or we go postal.

My Fitness Resolution

I want to be in better shape this year than I have been in previous years. I am feeling better than I have, so I am starting this plan, and praying I can stick to it. If you are needing a plan or wanting to feel motivated go jump on this one!

Sometimes it hurts.

In July, I had my surgery. I had my tubes tied, made it official we were done having kids. It wasn't because I didn't want more, it is because honestly my body can't handle the pregnancies. It was a hard decision. And 95% of the time I am completely okay with it.. okay maybe not completely.. but close. But there are those days where it sucks.... royally. Today is one of those.

Last night I had a dream, I was pregnant and in labor. I was trying to get to the hospital but I had this sweet little boy at home. And then we went to the temple to get him sealed to us. Weird huh? But he was perfect, and I held he and loved him and knew he was mine. It was perfect. Then I woke up.. and realized it was all a dream. It made me so sad. I wished he was mine, and it was true.

We went to Church today and I watched some of the women with their babies, and I hugged mine tighter and remembered that sweet time I had with my kids at that age. And my heart ached to have another. The days where I long for another child are filled with tears. I am more solemn and quiet, I tell everyone I am tired, because I am lost in my thoughts, and not everyone wants to hear about it.

Something magical happens when you become a Mother. It is the biggest joy in your life. Your heart grows you learn to love someone so much more than you ever knew possible. I cannot imagine my life without my two wonderful children. They are busy and crazy at times, but they are fun, they make my life complete. If life would have went my way number four would be here or would be making an arrival soon. I have friends who have kids the same age as mine and have went on to have a third.. sometimes I think why not me? Aren't I good mother too? And people asked today when number three was coming, and I had to reply never unless it is an act of God.

Most days I have peace and I am okay. I have to be okay, I made a decision and there is no going back. I am so very grateful for my two wonderful children, they are wonderful. They are my everything, there are the days I am so tired and worn out, but at the end of the day I am so thrilled with my life, the kids I have. But today.. today is in the 5% category. Tomorrow will be better.. and in time it will become less. But today.. I mourn for the kids I wanted and rejoice in those that I have.

Wish You Were Here!!

What a great week, I can't believe it is already FRIDAY! It has flown by! Even with Randy returning to work, and going out of town. I got to spend sometime with my friends this week! Are you all ready to be jealous? First Misty, of My Inner Aria and her family helped us to ring in the new year. It was great. If you haven't met Misty, you really should! Not only is she a great photographer, she is just all around fun! I seriously enjoy just getting a chance to hang out and chat with her. And her kids are great! We enjoyed staying up until after 2AM and eating some good food. How was that cheesecake?? My husband renamed hers Tiger Monkey, so that is how he is referred to in our house now. We are trying to start a trend. They went home on New Year's but we sure enjoyed their company!

Monday night Little Man was puking and I feared my fun might be over for the week. Real life was back and if we were sick it would put a damper on all of my plans. Thankfully my prayers were answered and we were on track for a fun week. Randy flew to Boise on Wednesday and Alicia of Growing Spuds--No Small Potatoes and Emily of Emlouisa and their kids came to my house, and just left today! We had a chance to party! While Randy was gone there were 9 of us here.. then he came home and 10, so a houseful! If you get a chance to meet these girls do it! We laughed and laughed.. they saw me do a cartwheel/round off, heck Emily I need to post that on my blog.. she has it on video. We did a little lemon/lime dance for Alicia while she was on the phone. Use your imagination people! The poor girls though, their kids weren't too fond of the idea of sleeping at my house. They thought it was better to just take naps at my house and get up at 4AM. YIKES! Poor Emily.. she was so tired!! Hopefully they will get some decent rest tonight. We enjoyed some good food if I do say so myself. I think they got some funny pictures. Our kids all got along so great it was wonderful! And their kids are the cutest kids!! I seriously loved it all! It made having my husband gone not bad at all. I was sad to have them leave! I loved every minute of having them here.

I know there is so much more I should share about both of the visits!! But my brain doesn't work that well!!!!

This week was fun! The kids loved the company too and they are sad all of their friends have left. It has definitely made the week fly by. Time to sit back and recover for a few days.. and hopefully I will be able to pay these great ladies an overnight visit sometime in the new future! We'll see who all I can load up in my van!

"Real Life"

I don't want to go back to "Real Life", I want to enjoy 10 more days of my husband home. We had such a great Christmas, New Year's, and days in between I am not ready for it to be over. I enjoyed every minute of having our family together and just enjoying one another's company, especially having Randy with me so much! He is truly my best friend and my better half. I am sad he is going back to work tomorrow and we are going back to real life. Little Man goes back to Preschool, and on Wednesday Randy flies out for a business trip, thankfully it is just one night, but still!! I have been totally spoiled having him home so much.

I know some people go crazy being together that much, but the more I am around him the more I love him. It is times like these that make me anxious for us to grow old and retire and just have time together for eternity. To have someone who gets me, and as he says "knows me better than I know me." One day that will be my real life. But until then, I will enjoy the real life I have. But I will also enjoy the moments we have to just enjoy each other and to enjoy our family!