Yee-Haw Cowboy!

My kids absolutely love rocking horses, springy horses any type of horse. They come by that honestly. They managed to break our rocking horse, who we fondly called rocking dog, (it was weird looking) and we had to dispose of him. So we just have Springy Horse left. The two decided they could ride double today.
They were having a grand time, laughing and playing. Notice my sons blue mouth, that would be from the Kool-Aid. We are out of milk, juice, and everything else but Kool-Aid and water. So I figured what the heck? They need more energy right? I mean they are so mellow all of the time. Anyways.. they were having a grand time, so I ran and got my camera to get some cute shots.
The riding got a little wild, and the horse was flying, and the kids were laughing and having a terrific time, and the next thing I know the kids were screaming and falling. The horse bucked them right off. Well not quite all the way, but close enough. And like a good Mommy I was right there taking pictures before helping them. That is what we are supposed to do right?
Sorry it is a little blurry, they were falling, and it was the quickest I could do it. They are okay just got a little freaked out. But the two climbed back on and are going to ride off into the sunset. Yee-Haw!!!!!

Eight Years

Eight years ago today my Grandmother passed away. It was the first grandparent I had lost, and little did I know that in three short years I would only have one left, it was the beginning.
I love my Grandma so much, and I miss her. I remember she had fallen and had hurt herself so we went to visit her, she was 89. We saw her and she was just going down hill so fast. It was my senior year of high school, but my parents knew she probably wouldn't last much longer so we spent a few days with her. I remember getting ready to leave and kissing her on her forehead and having an overwhelming feeling that I wouldn't see her again in this Earthly life. She was so alert and had a such a strong voice before she passed away. We left the hospital and I asked my Dad should we really leave? I knew in my heart I had said goodbye, but I didn't want. We left and drove home, and that night about 2:00Am we received a call that my Grandmother had passed away peacefully to return to live with her Father. It was her time, we all knew it, but I miss her greatly.
My Grandma was so kind and loving. She made each of us afghans for when we got married.. well that is except for me. It was too hard for her to crochet and knit by the time she was supposed to make mine. She was 72 when I was born so after doing all of the other grandkids she gave me a special one that she had made long before I was ever thought of. I love it! I have my Grandmother's wedding dress it is something I treasure. I have such terrific memories of her and my Grandfather. I miss being a little kid and going to visit them and knowing they loved me so much. I hope that my children feel the same about their grandparents.
When my Grandma was in her late 80's a few years before she died she always wanted to talk to me and make me feel important. She would always comment on my crazy socks and say I should get me some like those. And my shoes that were so not for her, she would tell me how much she loved them, and she wanted a pair. It was so nice to know she noticed and she cared. I could play the piano for her and she loved it.
Grandma loved the gospel, and she loved the Lord. What a great example she was to me of a righteous woman. She endured to the end. She knew it was true and she lived it.
Grandma I love you!

Izzy!

We got Izzy yesterday!!! We are so excited. I know I am a little obsessive about my dogs, but they are so much fun for me. I took Sage all the way through Advanced Obedience, and I she will be getting her Canine Good Citizen soon so she can go to hospitals, in schools, and could even be a therapy dog. We plan on doing the same with Izzy, but Izzy we also plan on breeding. We got her from RockCreekLabs. I am going to be working with them over the next couple of years getting her to championship status, and then start a breeding program, being mentored by Tina. I am so excited about this. Izzy has the blood lines and the conformation to be a champion. I know it isn't something that everyone enjoys, but I do. I absolutely love Labradors. They are an amazing breed and it is something I get to do that is mine. I am so excited for the opportunity to raise them, and help to better the breed, and raise champions.
My kids are in heaven. They love animals just like I do. We didn't tell them yesterday when we went to get her where we were going and they were so surprised! She is fitting right in with the family. We took her to the vet today and just a couple of days she of eight weeks she is 14lb 10oz. That is a good size puppy!
She is supposed to be my husbands girl, and we'll see if that lasts. We got Sage last May and she was supposed to be his, and well, she is my girl! Sage is enjoying having a play mate and she loves having someone to wrestle with.
So as you can see Izzy is a welcome addition to our family, and our last dog for a long time. Two is good, plenty busy and way too much poop, but totally worth it!

RED

Red, it has been a favorite color of mine forever. It is bold, and vibrant. It makes a statement. My friend Ubercyl issued a challenge to write about our favorite color as a kid.
I got a new bike when I was little, and I couldn't have a girls bike with the streamers, and the basket because my Dad thought they were junk, but I could get a nice boys BMX bike, so I got my Red Univega. It freaking rocked! I had the matching pads on it and white tires, and an awesome red seat. It was a bold color and it stood out among all the other girlie bikes, and the boys BMX bikes that were dark colors. I could do it all. Red has always been a color I could put on and feel like I could do it, it gives me confidence. I am wearing red in my prom pictures, my senior pictures, and many other pictures. Once I get moved I plan on painting the walls in my kitchen red. Red is empowering for me. I think another reason I really like red is it looks good on me. Every time I wear it I am complimented on it. It works great with my coloring, so what is not to love?
It is amazing what one color will do, I really like all colors, especially bold ones, they draw attention and make a statement about who you are. I love painting, and I am always drawn to put some sort of red in for a statement. It is vivacious and alive. I think it describes me, bold and willing to just be, and say what I want. I haven't always been like this, I used to worry more about what others thought and if they liked me, and if I was okay. I found the Red in me and embraced it, and let it take over, that may seem kind of weird, but red fits me.
What color brings back memories for you? What color are you?

Imagine Annie singing okay. Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I'll see Him tomorrow, it's only a day away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So in honor of Valentine's Day, (a little late, I know) I am writing about my eternal sweetheart.
I met the most amazing man seven years ago, and I was smitten. He was handsome, charming, and just lots of fun. The first night he kissed me, we weren't dating yet and I came home got into bed, and thought, wow I think I could marry him. YIKES!! I never think like that, so off to dreamland I went, and woke up the next day still thinking about him. Little did I know that we would make out daily for a week and then go on our first 'official' date. I enjoyed every minute I spent with him. After just six months I married him!
Now fast forward seven years later I love him more than ever. He has been gone for the past few weeks in training for his new job. Everyday he is gone I am not complete. He is my better half. He is the light of my life, and brings me joy! I am the luckiest girl in the world to be married to such a sweet and terrific guy who treats me like a queen, and chose me to be with for eternity! I miss him.
Randy, I love you! I am so glad you chose me! I couldn't imagine anyone better to be my eternal sweetheart. No one knows me the way you do. I feel like a million dollars when I am with you, without you I am not whole.
This brings me back to my song, Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I'll see you Tomorrow. It's only a day away..

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

1. Nope never been sky-diving, I would totally love to, even though I am terrified of heights. It would scare the crap out of me, and I would probably enjoy every minute of it, but nope not true.
2. Sorry girls, I am so not pregnant. Doubt that one will ever happen again.
3. Only engaged to Randy, never anyone else.
4. True! I absolutely love white water rafting and have done it for years. It is so much fun. The Salmon River is my favorite river I have done. I took my friends and we needed another adult in raft so I threw in my friends Dad, and so we had the adult, be he had never been down the river so I got to guide it. It was so much fun! I can't wait until my kids are big enough to take them!
5. Umm, never even dreamed of trying out.. it is that bad.

So now you know something new about me!! Good job Shelah, and Misty you were close! And to all who wished it was number 2, thanks, so do I, but it's not in going to happen.

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

I have been tagged by EmLouisa. She wants me to lie, I don't do that very well, so it is a good thing you can't see my face. I totally give it away.

I've been instructed to do the following:

Write five things about yourself with only ONE of them being true. The other four are fiction, and everyone else gets to guess which one is not fiction.

1. I love sky diving. I got my husband to try it once, it is quite exhilarating. He wasn't as keen on it as he gets severe motion sickness.
2. IUD's aren't 100%. Turns out if you are late, then spot, the test it will be positive. Now to get the blasted thing removed and hope it all goes well.
3. I was engaged twice before I met my husband. I was 18 when I got engaged to him.
4. I love white water rafting. I even took a group of friends and was able to guide them down the Salmon River. I grew up rafting.
5. I tried out for American Idol, I was ridiculed for my singing, and told do something else, and they made me swear to never sing again. It was wretched.

Take a guess, which one do you think is true? I will reveal in 24 hours.

And the next 5 people are tagged:
Amber
Misty
Rachelle
Becky
ShelahBooksIt

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

I have a confession, I love mirrors, reflective surfaces, anything I can see myself in. I am the girl walking around at the mall glancing at herself every chance she gets. I have done it my whole life. I was just getting myself dinner, caffeine free Diet Pepsi, and some pudding, (healthy, eh?) and was looking the my windows and mirrors downstairs. And I wondered do other people do this? Or is it just me?
I am not doing it thinking Wow look at me, I am so hot. I tend to do little poses, different expressions, and try to figure out how to get my upper lip to look a little big bigger. Randy pointed out to me when we were dating it is a little thin when I smile, 7 years later I am still trying to 'fix' this. I am also checking to make sure there are no boogers, dirt, kid goo, or anything else that shouldn't be there on me.
My husband and I have a mirror in our bedroom that is on the wall that our bed faces, so in bed at night we lay there and talk and make faces. New expressions, all sorts of different things. My kids do it too. They love to see themselves everywhere they go, if they catch a glimpse of themselves they are excited. They come by it honestly. It is a total crack up for me to watch, and I wonder do people notice me doing this? I must look like a vain idiot! But I can't stop.
Do you do this? If you do, do you think others notice? Do you notice people doing this?

Joy in Our Posterity

We should have Joy in Our Posterity, do you? This is something I have been thinking about. I went to bed thinking about it, and decided to come type it out. My kids are Princess 2 1/2 and Lil' Man 4, they are 18 months apart, so they keep me moving. They are very busy children always into something new. My sister-in-laws all tell me that mine never quit. I visited my In-Laws recently and was told I am just so tired watching you. My own parents say they are just like me. Sorry Mommy!!
Lately I think I haven't had Joy, I have had grumblings, and murmurings towards these sweet angels. That really isn't fair to them. I know that, and I know that my Heavenly Father knows it. I have been playing Mom and Dad for the last two weeks, and well, I am tired. All of you single Moms out there, I applaud you and admire you. This is hardwork alone. I don't know how you do it and stay sane day in and day out. I am in awe of you.
A couple of Sundays ago we had a lesson about parenting and how our children are blackboards and everything we say and do to them is written upon it for them to read and help them decide who they are. What kind of message am I sending my children? I hope it is that they are wonderful, smart, righteous, obedient, terrific, confident, beautiful, talented and so forth children. I hope it isn't do this faster, do it better, that was bad, and negative things. And lately I think I am guilty of the latter. I have been guilty of looking at what bad happens, and focusing on that, instead of the great that makes up 90+% of the day. I have been to worried about having a spotless home, one that people could stop in anytime of the day, and it would be tidy, and have people ooh and ahh over. People would leave saying wow Lee's house looks like it could be a model home. (not really that good, but I can hope right?) But really what does that matter? Maybe it matters a little since I am selling my house right now, but people know that toys laying out don't come with the house. My kids don't care, they only care that Mommy plays with them and has fun with them. I have these two precious little Spirits I get to mold, and shape and help them realize their full potential.
I am committing here, and now that I am going to try harder, do better, find Joy in my posterity. I know kids go through hard stages, but if I focus on the good and not the negative it will be so much easier! I am committing to be the type of Mom I know I am, and that I have been, to not stress over the small stuff, it really doesn't matter if Hot Wheels are all over, and My Little Pony is strung from one end of the house to the other, it only takes like five minutes and it is all cleaned up. My children do bring me joy, I don't want anyone to think I don't. I am just trying to do better to find more joy. To ignore the craziness of life. My kids are my life, they are wonderful!
My little Princess is a strong willed, determined little girl. She has the smile, and the blue eyes that melts your heart. She has love and compassion, and a hilarious sense of humor. She is a light a blessing an angel in our home.
My Lil' Man is full of imagination, and curiosity. He has compassion for all those around him, he wants to make sure everyone feels loved. He is kind and gentle and willing to help with anything needed. He fills our home with life and love.
I am so proud to be a Mom, and couldn't imagine any better kids than these. I feel honored to be their Mommy.

Girlfriends

Girlfriends, they get us through life, and help us to stay sane. They are our breath of fresh air when our kids are bouncing off the walls. They understand the days you just feel fat. It is okay that sometimes you need to cry, and you really aren't sure why, they will even cry with you. They are our support system when we go through a tragedy. When we are having a hard time we can lean on them, they will pitch in with the kids, help you clean, and even bring you a meal if you need it! What would we do without them?
I have my best girl Tiffany, and we talk daily, and she is the most fun girl! We used to be neighbors, backyard neighbors until last November. I met her when her and her husband were looking at their house while it was being built, I went over and met them. I was so excited to have a young neighbor!! We had kids the same age. I miss her!! I have enjoyed the daily chats since I have moved away. It is great fun to have someone you can call up in the morning and say, "Are you as tired as I am?" Or the, "Are your kids on one too?" It is so great to have someone who I can totally relate to and who I can talk to for hours and it is never dull. We are the anti-clique girls, that despise "groups" you know how refreshing that is to find someone like that? With her what you see is what you get. She is blunt and lays it all out. She is a true friend.
I have a lot of girlfriends, some are really close, and some aren't as much. But they all play an intricate roll in my life. From the ones who are close, to MOF. They all touch my life so much. I would love to go through and tell all about them each, but I swear I would forget someone, and it would go on, and on, and on, so I won't! Just know if you are my friend I love ya! And thanks for putting up with a crazy kid like me, I know it isn't easy.

Aracnaphobia

Aracnaphobia, I have it, and I have it really bad. Last night after making sure all the doors were locked before going to bed, I also made sure each drain in my house was plugged with their stopper. Why would I do something like this? Yesterday morning I went into my bathroom to find a BIG UGLY spider in my sink. I am talking really big, it seriously freaked me out. I turned on the water got a cup and got it to wash down the sink. It was a tough spider and did not want to go. I turned it on hot and let it run for about five minutes. You would think he was gone right?
Nope, about thirty minutes later I go back in there and see the spider coming out of my drain.. I freak. I am screaming and seriously freaking over this. How can this be happening? How did he live? So I turn the hot water on again and get him to go back down, and then I see this little piece of web on the side of the sink and it is going down the drain so I get rid of that, maybe that is how he got back up? I leave the hot water on for thirty plus minutes, assuming that had to kill him or at least flush him out of my house right? Then I plug my drain. It is still plugged, and I am not sure when I will leave it unplugged. I unplug it to brush my teeth wash my hands or anything that I need to do, but I plug it right back up before I do anything else.
Last night I knew I had to make sure every drain was plugged in my house, so way was creepy spider coming back again through the pipes! Maybe I will start to feel better in a few days, but as for now, the drains are staying plugged, gotta protect myself!!

Puppy Love

It is such a great thing isn't it? I am talking about true blue puppy love. I love my puppy Sage, she is the absolute best girl in the world. She may not look like a puppy to you, but I promise she still is, she is almost eleven months old, but she is a sweet puppy. I consider her one of my babies! So currently in my household, there are two skin kids, and one fur baby.
Some people do not understand the love I have for my girl, but I promise, meet her once and you will be in love to. She is big, like 75lbs big, she will hit close to 100 by the time she is done growing, which won't really be until 2! She is all love though. It cracks me up to watch her run and play, think of Pluto, that is my girl, Sage. I haven't really loved a dog like this since I was a kid. It is so fun for me, and my kids adore her.
When we got Sage, she was supposed to be my husband's dog, I was totally against a lab. You see when I was a kid I was bitten by a black dog. What kind? I have no idea, but I have always assumed it was a lab. Now that I have one, and I am totally smitten by her, I say NO WAY was it a lab!! I am in love with the breed, they are so awesome! She totally lives to just be loved, and to make you happy. So my poor husband has a lab that loves me, and is mine.
Want to see what we are doing to fix that? Meet Izzy, she is six weeks old, and coming to our home in a little over two weeks. She is supposed to be my husbands girl, but we will see how that goes. Isn't she adorable?? We are so excited and anxious to welcome another fur baby. Sage and Izzy are nine months apart, and from totally different pedigree's.
Some people think we are totally nuts getting two large dogs, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Dogs are pack animals, they like to be with you, and with other dogs. They need that. Sage loves wrestling with other dogs so we are excited for her to get a fun little friend. We have yet to actually meet Izzy, she is about five hours away, and we have done all corresponding through email and phone with the breeder, so we are anxious for the time to come that we can meet her, and the kids can love on her. We have enjoyed pictures since her birth, and the first phone call we got the 29th of December letting us know the puppies were here! What a fun time!
I love all my babies, and I am so thrilled we are getting a new addition! I will update as we get closer to adoption day!!

I got tagged

Thanks for tagging me Shelah.. lol

Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.

1. ScienceWoman

2. ProfessorMe

3. MusicalMom

4. SheBooksIt

5. Lee

Next select five people to tag:

1. Lisa

2. Becky

3. Ubercyl

4. DoulaBean

5. Sara

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten Years ago I was 15, and just started dating Bill. He was pretty hot, and was a great basketball player. He was also a lot taller than me, so that was quite nice. We had just moved to a new town where I was a Sophmore in High School, so that was a big adjustment for me. I wasn't getting along with my Dad at all and it was a really hard time for me. My Mom also announced that she was pregnant with my little sister. I had been the baby before that so it was a little shocking, and weird. My parents still did that. YUCK!

What were you doing 1 year ago?

One year ago, we were trying to get our house closed so we could move into it from the horrible little duplex we were in. It was a chaotic time.

Five snacks you enjoy:

1. Chips and Salsa

2. Skittles

3. Ice Cream

4. Pickles

5. Wheat Thins

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:

1. Someday (Linkin Park)

2. One Week (BNL)

3. Trees (Marty from INXS Competition)

4. All the Small Things (Blink 182)

5. When I'm Gone (3 Doors Down)

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:

1. Buy an acerage

2. Have my husband his own private fishing pond.

3. Make sure IL's and Parents have nice retirement home.

4. Breed Labs

5. Go on lots of vacations.

Five bad habits:

1. Talking too much.

2. Worrying what others think.

3. Eating too much junk.

4. Stressing about one pound.

5. Being too prideful to ask for help when I desperatley need it.

Five things you like doing:

1. Excercising

2. Working with Sage (the Lab)

3. Being Mom

4. Painting

5. Shopping!

Five things you would never wear again:

1. Overalls.. YUCK!

2. Stretch Pants

3. Acid Wash Jeans

4. High Waisted Pants

5. Denim Jumper

Five favorite toys:

1. Car

2. Computer

3. Camera

4. Cell Phone

5. Smoothie Machine

A Shopper's High!

I totally have a shopper's high. I know certain things really get people in a terrific mood. For some it is running, I do that only to look good, not for the 'fun' of it. For me shopping just does it. I am so happy after I go and buy something, it is just silly.
Today, I didn't actually buy anything, but I got the stuff I ordered from http://www.gap.com and I still got that same great feeling! Have I mentioned I am a walking Gap ad? The store I frequent most offers me a job quite often. At times that discount is so tempting but, I prefer to be at home with my little Munchkins!
Is it normal to get this giddy excited feeling every time you buy something new? Even if it is just a pair of socks, or undies for the kids I am all giddy, maybe I need help!! Today of all the things I ordered half are going back, they just aren't what I pictured them being. Like these cute green shoes, they weren't an 11, more like a 9, I can wear a lot of 10's. So sadly they are going back.
Nonetheless I was still super elated and thrilled and giddy over my new arrival! What bliss!
What give you your giddy wonderful high? For me it isn't just Gap, it is just about anywhere I shop. Especially for clothes, whether for me or my wonderful husband, or my sweet sweet kiddos. I think I have a problem!!

Mommy's Rock!

Mommy's totally rock!! I am not talking about myself here either. I am talking about the most wonderful woman in the world, my Mommy! I have been blessed to spend the last 48+ hours with her. I seriously believe my Mom is the best in the whole world.
My Mommy is Wonder Woman, seriously, she even looks just like her. It is so great to have a helping hand with my crazy munchkins. It made the last couple of days a lot easier. Aside from my wonderful husband, who else knows when you just need help, and how to help?
My Mommy is my best girlfriend. Who else likes to laugh about some of the silly stuff that we laugh at. I can do whatever and it is okay, even if I *gasp* FART!! We laugh and just have fun.
My Mom also spoils me, which I have to admit, I still totally love! I can tell her everything that is going on, that no one else really cares about but me, and she acts like it is important! Like how much I love my Lab, Sage. She is seriously the best dog. She gets all excited that we are getting Izzy soon also. (She is five weeks old today, another lab.) When some people think I am nuts for loving them so much.
My Mommy just left, and it made me a little sad, I am a total Mommy's girl, and I am proud of it. I hope when my sweet baby girl is my age, we have a good fun relationship, like I have with my Mom.