Eventful Day

I didn't mention what my snazzy new gear was. But here it is. Overnight from Amazon. My heart is fluttering, I am in love.
My mail bomb as Randy calls it. I say it is the UPS bomb, I was ripping open the packaging, plugging batteries, and waiting to play! My girl. Seriously she is just the sweetest thing!
Chilling on the front steps.. just being herself.

Little Man with a handsome grin!
My kiddos looking like the happy siblings they are!! YAY!I was thrilled to get to play with my camera. And then I was able to play some more.. and run. scream. hide.

We had a storm.. with lightning. Thunder. Wind. Tornado Watches. All sorts of fun things. (This never happened in WA!!)

A lightning flash

See how dark it was with out the lightning.



Sorry for the blur, it scared me. Really it did. I have never been around stuff like this before.

And more of our neighbors backyard.


Needless to say, last night was eventful and a little crazy.

Photo Shoots in Washington

As many of my friends know, I am coming back from the 18-25th of June. I will have a few days that I am able to schedule photo shoots. Please leave me a comment or email me if you are interested, and I will send you a price list. This is a first come first serve basis. I have had several inquiries so I am just putting it out there for everyone.

Can't wait to see you, we are now under three weeks until we are there. Can't wait!!!!
And I will have my snazzy new gear. I am excited!

I Cleared the Memory Card

Normally I clear my memory card daily. Lately.. I am totally slacking. These go all the way back to May 10th. Seriously what is wrong with me. I guess I have just been preoccupied with all my stuff around home. And other hobbies.

First they had a Kindy-500 Race.. The INDY 500 is huge here. Personally I am so not interested in it, but whatever. I was totally giggling at the fact that this was such a huge thing at the school, and they even studied it. See the boy next to Little Man, nice little card. Now do you see the BIG UPS truck made out of one of our wardrobe boxes.. yep that is Little Man's. He totally did it all by himself.
He ran his heart out and did a great job!! Even if his car was 3 times his size.
And because this is funny.. his look for Mom when I take pictures. This was just this past Friday, he loved every minute of it.. and I just sat there giggling.. we are from Washington, we so don't get this.

And then we had the Beach Bash at the school. It was tons of fun for both of the kids. They played, won prizes and just enjoyed every minute of it! They even got to climb a rock wall. Here they are all harnessed up.
Little Miss did her best, and enjoyed every minute. Little Man had a harder wall, but he did great!

All the way back to May 10th we did the Zoo. The kids went on the 8th.. remember the bucketing. I promised we would go back when it was warm.. it was nice two days later so here are some of my favorite Zoo pics. I totally giggle at the farm animals there, and the sign that says they will Bite, Kick or Butt.
The big Grizzly Bear. Looks so sweet chewing on his nice bone.. some poor sucker jumped in there.
I love the flamingos. I thought they were just awesome!
And the butterflies.. Not as many as at the Science Center, but it was still cool.

This is Little Man's common pose when I get out the camera. I am not sure why. Seriously pull one leg up jump up and down and think it is just awesome. Whatever dude.. you are cute and I love the memories.. they always make me smile.

The seals sun bathing.. they were just awesome to watch!
Randy and the kids before the Dolphin Show And we had to get one of me, to prove I am actually there!


The Giraffe's were so cool. You can feed them but the line was so long, I figured we would go another day. And the Zebra. I totally dig Zebra's.
So with tons of pictures here are a few things we have been doing this month. We had cousins to visit and I have those pictures, from when we went to the Speedway.. (overrated IMO) and I need to put those up.. maybe if I get around to it. I should.. but we'll see. Have fun with the picture overload.

70.69

That is how much it cost me to fill my van with gas today. Does that even seem right? I remember back when Randy and I were married in 1999 it was 98 cents a gallon. Now it is $.3.93 today and going up. When gas hit $2.00 I thought it was ridiculous. And hearing that it will go over $5 this summer is just crazy. Thankfully not everything has increased by 400% in the past 9 years. But I do know that I am definitely watching how much I drive and trying to conserve as much as possible. One good thing about not living by family or really having friends I pretty much stay home all the time and just hang out in my house. I drive less. Since moving here I have now filled up twice. Not too shabby.
What about you? How much was your last fill up? And what are you doing about it?

Tagged!

I was tagged by April!! Finally.. I am doing this. I think I might have done it a while ago.. but whatever.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. Getting ready to graduate High School!!
2. Getting diagnosed with Lupus.
3. Getting ready to see Shania Twain in concert.
4. Getting ready to move.. something that has become quite a pattern for me.
5. Enjoying being a kid.

5 things on my to do list:

1. Clear my memory card.. I should upload and show off some pictures.
2. Get working on a Logo.
3. Practice Piano.
4. Finish the Host.
5. Get all my workouts in this week.

5 favorite snacks/food:

1. Ice Cream.
2. Skittles.
3. Starburst.
4. Chips and Salsa.
5. Smoothies.

5 things I would do if I was a billionaire:

1. Pay off our house.
2. Invest.
3. Go on a cool vacation.
4. Donate to a charity I believe in.
5. Serve several missions for our Church with my husband.

5 bad habits:

1. Talking short in my tone, when I don't mean to.
2. Procrastination.
3. Shopping for therapy.. Bad habit.. but I love it!
4. Chewing Gum.
5. Not finishing my thoughts.

5 Places I have lived:

1. Washington State
2. Washington State
3. Washington State
4. Washington State
5. Indiana

5 People I tag:

1. Jackie!
2. Misty
3. Tiff
4. Alli
5. Marilyn

Peer Pressure

I finally succumbed to peer pressure. For a year I have been told I should read the Twilight series. I have resisted, I didn't want to read about Vampires, not my cup of tea. And finally some one handed me the first book to read. I took it resistant sure that it was going to be BORING. I am sure you can see where this is going...
I finally after having it for a few days started to read it. And then I kept reading it, and it was just awesome. And then I ran to Wal-Mart.. okay I drove and bought Book 2 and ordered number 3 from Amazon, and also ordered the Host. They arrive today! I finished book 2 last night and I am anxious to read the next book. They are great and taking all of my free time.
If you are fighting reading them, just give up. Read it, join in the obsession. I am glad I waited until now.. Book 4 is out in August. I can't wait!

28

I have officially been 28 for a day. It's not too bad. I feel the same as I did two days ago when I was still 27. The perks so far, after 9 years of celebrating birthdays I finally got what I have always asked for. I got to go shopping. And Randy chose all sorts of wonderful clothing items for me and it was just awesome. Thanks dear! Seriously what could be any better! And then this morning I see a sweet post from my best friend for the past what... 5 years Tiffany, wishing me a Happy Birthday. It was totally sweet and just made my day. Thanks girl. I had calls from those I love, and cards in the mail, and flowers from a sweet sister-in-law, and just a great day. So far 28 rocks.

Dude..

Our house is now under contract back home... I guess where I live is home now.. but that feels like 'home' anyway. I am giddy it is sold!!

And a quick shout out to my twin Dr. Kelli! Hope your birthday was awesome!! And how are you liking 28! Sadly I don't think she blogs.. if she does she hasn't let me in on her secret. We have been friends for 20 years now. Dude.. we are so old. Happy Birthday Girl!

Proving my Immaturity

I never profess to be like totally mature. Because like, I am so not.

Here in Indiana I have seen the names of two medical facilities that makes me go.. really you couldn't come up with a better name? And then I giggle. First the Colon and Rectal Care Center. Guess what they do? The other one is even better Hemorrhoid Center Plus. I pretty much bust up every time I see the sign, and it still shocks me. You can't help but see it driving along the freeway. Seriously is that the best name they could come up with? Hemorrhoid Center Plus.. plus what? What else do they do? They have no problem telling there main problem they deal with. Think the plus means they do pediatrics? Geriatrics? At least you won't stumble in there or the Colon and Rectal Care Center and get any surprises. The names lays it all out there for you. No questions at all.

And hey it give me a great laugh every time I see it. My kids are going to be like so mature too.

Kool-Aid

My wonderful Sister-in-Law was visiting just recently and I had just purchased Kool-Aid, because it was only 10 cents each, and dude I can hoard a lot of that, for just a little dough. I was on cloud 9 buying all of this yummy Kool-Aid. Okay.. back to the point.

The kiddos were thrilled that I had bought Kool-Aid and they helped me pick out the hundreds of packets we bought. And then they chose the flavor we were going to make that day to enjoy. I can't even remember what kind it was.. it was red so who knows?? The kids were in heaven, my husband was happy, my nephews were digging it, it was good. Then Julie had to go and get some, take a drink and was like YUCK! This is just nasty, way too sugary sweet and not worth the calories. Whatever. Too sweet? Who has heard of too sweet? Seriously who thinks things are too sweet? Not me. I pretty much like sugar in all shapes and forms. If it is sweet sign me up baby. And really Kool-Aid can't be that bad for you can it? We all need some Red dye in us, it helps keep our blood red.. right?

But now I do think twice before I have a big glass.. is it worth the calories?? Dang you Julie! I have to think before enjoying my sugary goodness. And how do you think that being married into my sugar-addicted family. At least I will have something totally good and sweet when everyone runs out of food. And I have the sugar to make it. Thank you new hobby.

My Hobby

I have a hobby that I am just realizing I have. And I think it might be an obsession. My hobby which is manifesting itself even more now. I hoard food. Who knew? Who knew it was a hobby? Evidently it is something I really really enjoy.

Since arriving in Indiana I now have two refrigerators. Seriously what did I do without two? I now can store over 20 pounds of chicken breast, 10 pounds or so of turkey bacon, 10 pounds of ground turkey, tons of frozen corn, beans, broccoli, strawberries, blueberries and so much more.

I am simply giddy to go to Costco and leave with my cart heaping and spilling over the edges with loads of food. Randy pointed out that we now have more food in our home than we ever have had. Very likely going past the three month standard rotation and into unchartered territory with the food. And that I am no longer storing my food, but I now hoard food.

So Hi, my name is Lee, and I hoard food. I have this need to have more food than I need for a long time so that we are prepared. Ironically, the other day I was asked what my hobbies were.. I said photography, and hoarding food. Nice huh? And then I giggled because I am sure they think I am a total nut job. But dude, at least I am prepared. When the rice and flour are all gone from the stores, I will be eating it for months to come.

So there you have it I am a food hoarder.. it is a hobby, obsession and it is slowly taking over my house one closet at a time. (Okay, not really but it sounds cool.)

And They Shall Call Me Wonderful..

and sing praises to my name. They will talk about their blessed Mother (Me) and rejoice in all of my wonderful doings...




Oh wait.. we are talking about me, and my real life, not the fake facade I am pretending is my life. Mother's Day was awesome. For a moment I was the perfect mother. And then I woke up. But my children appropriately told me I was the Best Mother, and the Sweetest Mother. They showered me with gifts. Little Man made me a new cookbook at school, full of sweet recipes. And Little Miss gave me new shoes. And then Randy gave me my new earrings. These beautiful silver beads from one of my favorite stores.

Randy was awesome and took over everything so I could have time to relax and just hang out. It was a much needed break. I was grateful for the break of cleaning, wiping, cooking, scraping, and running all over. I was blessed with snuggles, love, and everything I could possibly need to feel like I am Mother of the Freaking Year. It was awesome.

I hope you were sang praises to and treated like the Queen you are.

Happy Mother's Day

This one goes out to my Mom. This is the first Mother's Day I haven't spent with my Mom. And I miss her greatly.

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!
I love you because you are always there for me, and will talk when I just need to talk.
I love you for being the kind of Grandma I had growing up, and always making my kids feel like a million bucks!
I love you for loving my husband like he is your own son.
I love you for always having time for us no matter how busy you are.
I love you for being the best Mom anyone could ask for, and for the example that you have taught.
I love you for teaching me to look on the bright side of things. (Especially lately!)
I love you for being my Mom.
I love you for your patience and kindness you have always shown me.
I love you because I can giggle with you over silly things.
I love you for being not only my Mom, but an awesome friend.
I love you because even though this move has been hard you are always so supportive and encouraging.
I love you because you get teary eyed when you see my kids.
I love you for the quiet reassurances that I still need.
I love you for the prayers you offer in my behalf.
I love you for the quiet service you offer.
I love you for being the best Mom in the Universe.
I love you for teaching me to be a better Mom because of your example.

I love you Mommy. I hope your Mother's Day is wonderful and that someone makes you a wonderful dinner. I wish I was there to hug you and see you. You are one of the best people I know, and I can't wait to see you next month. Love you Mommy.

The Bucketing Has Ceased

I went to bed last night sure I would be running during the bucketing. I am happy to inform it has ceased, and the roads are dry.

Now back to your regularly scheduled day.

It's Raining, It's Pouring..

The old man is snoring...

Indiana gets a lot of rain.. at least that is what I had been told. And now I have experienced it. OH. MY. GOODNESS. It's not rain. Rain is light. This is like a bucket being poured on you. Hello, that isn't rain. That is something much different than anything I am used to.

Take yesterday for instance. Back home if it was sprinkling no big deal you could plant flowers and be fine. I decided to plant 6 dozen petunia's yesterday and it was sprinkling when I started. I kid you not 5 minutes later it was bucketing. Not raining, bucketing. In 1 minutes I was drenched. I am kind of a die hard. I don't like to stop mid project and since I was already drenched I might as well finish what I started. And right as I finished the it went back to raining, and the bucketing stopped. Nice huh? My neighbor came out and was curious why I stayed out through the rain. She had watched and was surprised to see me out there with my daughter digging away.. I guess I am stubborn.. determined.. strong-willed. One of those.. or maybe all 3.

The rain continued.. light and normal in a non-weird fashion. Then I went to basketball last night. Upon leaving the bucketing started again. And I am not sure it has stopped.

Today Little Man had a field trip to the Zoo. And Little Miss and I were meeting them there so we could join in the fun. We stopped at Target on our way and purchased the kids umbrella's.. something they have begged for forever, but never needed. Needless to say they are thrilled. I refused to buy myself one I couldn't justify spending over $40 on umbrella's in one day. I figure I can totally handle getting wet, it's just water. Little Miss and I stayed for few hours and then decided we were both soaked enough and came home. The bucketing just won't stop!! And while I am talking about the Zoo.. they have cows at the Zoo. And Horses. Since when are they at the Zoo? I giggled at it. Hello city-folk. When it is nice I will do a full Zoo post and take pictures to show off the fantastic Zoo we do have.

Back to this bucketing.. we are supposed to get even more tomorrow! I have heard we should get over 2" of water just today. Crazy huh? I keep meaning to get pictures, but I want a nice rain, not bucketing. Then I could have some fun with the kids.. Or I need warm weather and the bucketing would work.

And now for your new vocabulary word, Bucketing, when water falls from the sky like a bucket being poured on your head. It is similar to rain but in mass quantities freakishly strange and unnatural. Something that will drench you in under one minute and make you wonder what planet you are really on.

YAY!

I didn't puke this morning! I did my run and I didn't puke!!! Aren't you proud? I ate a piece of bread and drank a glass of water and I was off. My run felt good today, and I am totally looking forward to being able to run the whole time.. 6 more weeks and I should be there.

Coming unto Christ means walking away from the world

I was reading my friend Jenn's blog, and she was sharing some stuff from BYU Women's Conference.. and seriously I need to go to that. Anyway, I saw this quote. And it spoke to me, along with a million others. But this one was so true for me.

Coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. - Sheri Dew

This just rings so true for me. The things that really matter are not of the world. Does it matter what the latest fashion is? No. Does it matter about the celebrity gossip? No. Does it matter that we look like we did before we had babies, or the way Hollywood has decided is perfect by nipping and tuckng? No. Does it matter what the best show is on TV? No. Does it matter that I read scriptures with my kids? Yes. Does it matter that I have taught my kids to pray? Yes. Does it matter that my kids think they are the most special children of God, and that their Heavenly Father loves them so much? Absolutely. The things that really matter are simple. I learned them all in Primary. If I can do that, I will be a success. If I can get rid of the noise caused by the World I will succeed. My kids will be blessed if I can walk away from the world and Come unto Christ.

Accomplished

I am feeling accomplished so far today, and it has just begun. I got my butt out of bed the earliest ever here in Indiana! Go me! Guess what time? 7:30AM. Thank you very much. I just keep thinking back home that was 4:30AM, I am so rocking. I am totally patting myself on the back. I am slowly getting acclimated, and I was up before my kids and after Randy did his run. Then it was my turn. I am trying to get in shape to run a 5K and I am doing a training program. I started on Week 3, and it wasn't bad. I didn't want to start on Week 1, I can totally do the run 60 seconds, walk 90. I figure I am not in that bad of shape so I started Week 3 of a 9 Week program. I am hoping my knees can handle this, and time will tell. It was great! I love that it is pretty flat here, it made it doable.

I was right at 25 minutes done when I had this horrible feeling come over me. I hurried home and ended up with my full 30 minutes. I was praying that I would get to the porcelain throne, and not embarrass myself in front of all of my neighbors, no one wants to do that. I ran in the house up the stairs and made it to my toilet just in time to vomit. Nice Huh? But no one had to witness me getting sick.. and really, my workout shouldn't have made me sick. I think it because I got up so crazy early! I mean seriously it was like 4:30AM far far away. Hopefully Wednesday won't hold the same fate for me.

Check it Out.

My friend Les is having a give away. You really should check it out. She is super talented and giving away one of her pieces of art. Go sign up! And check out how awesome Les is!

The Internet

Remember back in the mid 90's when the Internet was new? No one had it in their homes. I remember my brother being at BYU and telling me to email him, and giving me an address with the dots and the com and the at. What the heck is this? I was so surprised and dial up rocked. It wasn't slow it was AMAZING! Now a little over 10 years later who can even tolerate dial up. We have much more important things to do than wait 1 minute for a page to load.

Some of the things I love about the Internet is I am able to shop from home in my grubbies whenever I want. Although I prefer the real stores, at times online is just better. I love that I can keep in touch with so many friends, and they can keep in touch with me. I totally need to redo my blog roll. I love that Jackie and I just found each other again after I don't know how long of not having contact. We were in the same ward from our Sophomore year on, and she is just one of the girls I know. She comes from an awesome family, and I just love her!!! She is one of the best examples to me in High School of how to be a great Daughter of God and an example to everyone. She rocks. Seriously it made my day to get a message from her on Facebook and to realize we aren't that far from each other.

Moving so far away from everyone I am able to email people and get instant responses. I love that I get offers on my home via email, hello, that is just terrific! Really the Internet has totally changed my life and how I communicate with others.

And Al Gore, you didn't invent the Internet.