Look What I Did!

This is the before. And the after!

So here you go!

Happy Valentine's Day!

MY LIFE MONDAY!!!! Someone I Love!

Monday again! WOO HOO! Thanks Rachelle for doing this! I love it!

This week we are supposed to blog about someone we love in honor of Valentine's Day this week I am choosing Randy. The Love of My Life!

In a couple of weeks it will be eight years ago that Randy and I started dating. But I have known him for eight years now, just barely. I remember the first time I met him, I was at a fireside with a guy I was kinda dating and Randy was talking to this guys friend. I kept wishing he would introduce me, and finally they did. I was thrilled. After the fireside was over we were out in the hall talking and he thought I was 20 or 21 at least. I was 18 at the time so I took that as a great compliment, especially from a hot RM! Woo Hoo!

I saw him at institute that week and he invited me to his class and I went. He was hot and I was interested. We chatted and then I found out he had asked my good friend out on a date. *Gasp* Not like I was dating someone else at the time, but still. A few weeks later we went to a fireside together and that night he kissed me. That was it. I went in my house, went straight to my room, and thought wow I could marry a guy like that.

Yesterday in Sunday School I was asked what attracted me to my husband. I thought and quickly said his honesty, sense of humor, the way things were black and white. He makes me feel like I am a million dollars and the most important thing in the world to him. He is hardworking and so willing to sacrifice for our family. I love the Father he is to our kids. I love the husband he is to me. He treats me like a queen. He is wonderful. I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Something you might not know...

I will admit I totally think Tyra Banks is awesome. She has been my favorite Super Model for a long time. She is gorgeous and just seems so real. I even DVR her show, daily. Some I watch and some I delete. Last week I was at the grocery store and saw the People Magazine with Tyra on the cover speaking out about being called fat so I bought it. I was like what, she isn't fat, and why would anyone call her FAT? Then right after that I saw the Tyra Show with her on it talking about this issue. Here is a clip, watch it. I totally applaud her. I have been told I am fat in my life and I wish I had her confidence to just say kiss my butt. I am working on it. It is a goal. I want my daughter to say who cares. I don't want her to feel she has to be a certain size to be beautiful. She doesn't have to starve herself to be pretty she can be normal healthy and be a knock out.

So there.. you learned something new. It is my guilty pleasure. What's yours?

Thursday 13!

Thirteen Things about Lee



1. I love my new camera, it is the best thing in the world.2. Ice Cream is my favorite food, especially if it is Black Licorice Ice Cream.3. Chocolate is okay, but give me skittles or starburst any day!4. I thought I would have at least 4 kids, I have two they keep me busy!!5. Dill pickles with parmesan cheese a great snack.6. I am a klutz.7. I am addicted to sugar.. I have been trying to cut back a lot.8. Shopping helps me to alleviate stress at times.9. My laundry hose that drains the water fell out of the drain and flooded my laundry room today. My Dad graciously came over and helped me. 10. Weird things never happen when my husband is in town, always when he is gone.11. I want to play the violin again but I don't seem to make any time for it.. I have all of these other great ideas to keep me busy.12. I am planning a Lupus Walk and trying to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row.13. Laughing until my cheeks hurt is one of the best feelings in the world.


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. QTPies
2. Debbie

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Sleep Already!!!

Randy is out of town on business and Little Man thinks it is a good idea to sleep with Mom when that happens. In the past I haven't minded. It was nice he would sleep in later and would cuddle in the morning and it was fun.

The last two nights I don't think I have had more than 5 hours of sleep. I am tired. The first night I think he woke up every hour and would get up walk around then lay down. Drove me crazy. Last night he woke up at 5AM to go potty and didn't go back to sleep. I don't do well on that little of sleep two nights in a row. But Little Man does even worse. He is ornery. Thankfully today is a preschool day, and tomorrow night Randy will be home. Hopefully tonight we will get a decent nights rest.

I just want him to sleep, he is 5 it shouldn't be this hard.

My Life Monday: Pet Peeves!

Can I tell you how happy I am that Rachelle brought back My Life Monday. I know she brought it back a couple of weeks ago, I am just slow!

My Pet Peeves..

1. My name.. I like my name, but I hate when it is spelled wrong, drives me bonkers. Lee Ann, seriously spelled simply the correct way, and it is two words. Really not hard. And then there are the telemarketers that call and call me Mr. Lee Blahblah, really Lee is not just a boys name, and no HE DOESN'T LIVE HERE! Thanks!

2. People waiting for my parking space when I am just barely walking to the car. I am all for waiting if someone is in their car starting to back up, or at least the reverse lights are on. Saturday at Costco I took Little Miss out while Randy and Little Man were taking care of business, as soon as I got to the van I SUV stopped and waited.. and waited.. and waited. I was getting things loaded into the van and getting the cart put away and waiting for Randy and Little Man. I think I was out there for 6+ minutes and finally Randy came, the lady in the SUV looked irritated but I didn't tell her to wait for our family to be done with all of our business, it was her choice. Don't give me dirty looks because I am not fast enough for you!

3. There are more I am sure, but currently this is all I can think of. You know the standard falling in the toilet because the toilet seat was left up, especially when you were a little kid, hello cold! I don't know anyone who likes that!

I am sure I will think of more as the day goes one, like sunglasses on while indoors, really is it that bright? Or do you think you look that cool?

So those are a few.. what are yours?

A Brave Princess!

Little Miss has been talking about getting her ears pierced for a while. She loves my pretty earrings I wear all of the time. I told her it would hurt, but whenever she wanted them she could have them. Today she decided was the day. I wasn't sure how I felt about it.. I wanted her to be sure. We went to the Mall and watched at least four other little girls get their ears pierced and they all cried and she still wanted it. I figure if she can watch it and still be okay with it then let's go. It helped that Randy was quite supportive, as was Little Man. Little man being the good big brother that he is informed her that big girls don't cry when they do this, and they are brave. She said she was a big girl and wouldn't cry. She sat on Randy's lap while I captured the moment.. (A Security Officer at the mall informed me no photography in the mall.. but whatever.. where was he in December when I was snapping 100's of pictures in the mall.) This is the before.

Just finishing.

Feeling her new earrings.

Looking at the pretty earrings for the first time, deciding it is okay. She didn't cry at all!!!!

She made sure I got a shot of each side! Pretty pink earrings!!

Basketball Anyone?

I had the opportunity to ref two of the Young Women basketball games tonight. It was great fun and I nice little workout.. always nice to run up and down the court.

One of the girls wanted to play me one on one.. Umm.. yeah. Back in the day.. I might have been good. Now I am huffing and puffing getting down the gym. I thought I was in decent shape, I see now that girls 11 years younger than me are in better. Holy cow do I feel old! I think I need to get back into playing some serious ball.

I realized it has been at least six years since I had really played.. bare minimum, but probably longer. If anyone wants to get in shape and is up for a challenge, let's go play ball!

Game on Baby!

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!

New Year's Are You Ready?

2007! I remember when there was all the hype about Y2K. Remember that? I worked at US Bank at the time and people were taking TONS of money out so the bank wouldn't lose it since our computers would go back to 1900 not 2000. But we made it without a glitch. And here we are 7 years later.

I remember in 4th grade being asked by my teacher what the year 2000 would be like.. and I thought and pondered and remembered the JETSON'S, and I figured that was what life would be like ten years later. Boy was I wrong.

2007, it just doesn't seem like we really should be there already.

I think of 2006 and it seems like my year was a whirlwind. We had our house for sale for the first couple of months, and then moved in with my parents and then to our new house we are in. There has been a lot of change. I feel like we are finally really getting settled after a year of chaos, so I am looking forward to 2007 and hoping we will still be in this house in a year without any plans of moving anytime soon.

I think about my friends I left behind when I moved and the new ones I have made. All the MOF's that I have, some I don't hear from as often anymore, (or at all) and some I have gotten to know better. But all of them I think are great! I love having so many diverse friends, they all offer such great things and have such different strengths and weaknesses that it is great to be able to call them my friends!!

I hope this New Year 2007 I can be kinder to others. And that I can work on being a better Mother and Wife. I want to enjoy each day with my kids, because frankly it is going too quickly. I want to be a better listener, and take time to enjoy the simple things in life. I want to not judge as quickly and be a better friend. I want to get better at photography and also at my music.

2006 is rapidly coming to an end. I hope you have a Happy New Year and enjoy all that you have been blessed with this year! I know I am grateful for this year, for the Faith building trials, and for the chance I have had to see the Lord's hand in my life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

On this Christmas Eve, I hope you all enjoy a Merry Christmas.

Included for your viewing pleasure a picture of each of my kiddos telling Santa what they want in a very detailed description.

Merry Christmas!

Girls Night!

Everyone needs a girls night once in a while. I moved into the most fantastic ward in April. I didn't know what a jackpot I had found. I have the best girlfriends in the world. Seriously. They are just great. We had Girls Night last night, (no pictures, sorry!) And we talked until midnight and just laughed our heads off. I told them some very embarrassing stories about me, and guess what? They still like me! WOO HOO! It has been a long time since I have had a group of great friends who I can be 100% real with and it is okay. I have had some great MOF's but not the IRL ones. The later we were up the stranger and funnier the conversations went. I am getting over a sinus infection and my ears are plugged so I heard lots of things that weren't really said. I was like who did what?? It was fun.

It is a much needed break to have some girl time to eat, and to laugh and just feel loved and accepted by your friends. They are such a great dynamic group of women, check out two of their blogs.. Kimi, and Alli... the others haven't jumped on the band wagon... yet! We should be able to show them the light in time.. bring them over from the dark side.

I forgot how much fun it was to hang out with your girls and just have fun. Talk about having kids, giving birth, nursing, (and me saying I could nurse forever) I am working on the filter and explaining what I really mean!! And I realized I talk with my hands, a lot. It was fun! I haven't been with a group of girls that have made me feel so relaxed and okay with me in a long time! I love them!!!

So go out and have a girls night!!

Live in Idaho? Meet your new Friend!

My best girlfriend for the past few years is moving away. I am sad!! We used to be neighbors, then I moved away, but still close enough for a visit at least monthly and we had our daily phone conversations still. And in April I moved back! And now in less than 10 days she is moving. But she is moving to IDAHO!!! And she is going to be much farther away, at least eight hours minimum drive.. (I have never been there so I know that is the minimum.. could be a little longer??) We will still have our fun phone calls, where we tell each other the weirdest things we do and the strange things our kids do. But our play dates and times to just hangout will change from weekly to maybe every six months.. or even yearly. *sigh* I am going to miss our time to just hang out and chat. So Tiff.. I am going to miss ya! I have been trying to not think about it, but when I realized it was so soon I burst into tears! You're my sister! Not just a friend. Rarely does a friend come along that you can speak your mind to, tell them all the dumb things you do and they still love you.

This past weekend she had me do her family pictures and I just have to share, because I think they are cute, and I love some of the shots I was able to capture!!

I had to include this one, it totally shows the kids! Made me laugh!

So if you are in Idaho, and you see this family get to know them, you will love them as much as we do!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday Little Man!! You are 5!! These last five years have flown past so quickly! I cannot believe that you are 5.

Little Man was born five years ago at 5:08AM. I was induced the morning of the 5th three weeks early due to pre-eclampsia. They gave me a pill that morning, it didn't work right so they gave me another one a while later. Then that night my dr broke my water. Then the pain began, and when I was at a 2, (I lied to the anthesiologist, the nurse told me to!) I got my epidural, my body relaxed and I progressed. And after 2 1/2 hours of pushing my baby was born, 7lbs 7oz, 20 1/2 inches long. I don't have any pictures of him brand new on the computer, sorry!

I remember staring into his eyes and they were so familiar. I knew I had known him before, I knew he belonged to me, he was mine. I became a mother five years ago today. Growing up I never had any idea how special my birthday was to my Mom. My kids birthdays are so special to me. I think of all the great things I have been blessed with since they were born. The day that each of my kids were born are days I cherish.

I love being the Mom. It is all I have ever wanted to be. There are days where it is hard, where I am not sure if I am coming or going. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It is the only thing I have ever done day in and day out that I have loved with all my heart. I have learned about love, about the feeling of knowing you would give your life for someone.

Little Man, thank you for teaching me about love, kindess, having faith, forgiveness, unconditional love. You are an example to me in so many ways. I have watched you grow and develop. You are a great little boy. I admire your desire to do right and all the hardwork you do. I am so proud of you, and all that you do. I love you buddy! Happy Birthday!

He did it!!!

It only took one week from the time he found his loose tooth to pulling it out. He is growing up too quickly. Sadly I didn't get to pull it, but his Daddy did, so that is ok! He was really excited and said it didn't hurt it only tickled! What a brave kid! I can't believe it happened before he is 5. Granted only two days before his birthday. (He lost it yesterday!)

Congrats Little Man! You are becoming a very big boy!

P.S. The tooth fairy brought $1.11 so he can give .11 for tithing and still have $1.00 left for him.

Blogger issues.

I hate it when I have to post multiple post for blogger to get all my pictures, but here they are. Misty did a great job! We love them. There are a ton more we love that I didn't post but here are a few!!! THANK YOU MISTY!!!

Our Family Pictures

Photo Fun!

Last weekend I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with the wonderful and talented Misty and her family. We had a great time visiting at my house, and I was also lucky enough to take advantage of her talent I she took our family pictures. They turned out wonderful. I love them all!! And since I have told her I am interested in photography and learning more and doing it, I got to use her camera, and yes I am coveting it.. and I took her family pictures. So fun! I love it!!! So here they are!! First her cute family.. I think they turned out great. Thanks Misty for the lesson and for the opportunity to be like you. I am in awe of your talent and hope I can develop mine more!!

A Loose Tooth

Little Man is growing up. While eating eggs this morning he told me his tooth hurt. I looked in his mouth with a hope that his tooth was loose, and much to my pleasure it is quite loose. I gave him an apple in hopes that this will speed up the process. It is wiggling in all directions and I think we should have it out before his 5th Birthday next week. Woo Hoo!!! I love pulling teeth so it is taking all my restrain to not just reach in his mouth and rip it out. Pictures will come when it is out.

I did it!

I made a Turkey. And I have to say it was really good. Do you see the size of this bird? 26lbs! Seriously big turkey.

I was pretty worried I would botch Thanksgiving dinner, and after doing it I was stressed about nothing. I think I did a great job if I do say so myself. My favorite part was the stuffing I made, it was pretty and so good. I didn't get a picture of it, but it was delicious!

Thanksgiving was great! I am so grateful for my wonderful husband and all of his help with making dinner such a success. Thanks babe!

Strangely enough I wouldn't mind doing it all again, it was fun!

Update

We have been busy! The main highlights of my life!

• Today Little Miss had her last day of Pre-School, it was such an exciting day for her! She hugged her little friends good-bye and is happy that three year old Pre-School is over! She is looking forward to gymnastics starting in January.
• I am making Thanksgiving dinner for 17 people at my house. I am so excited, yet slightly scared. I have all sorts of stuff ready for it and it will be a success!!
• Little Man's birthday is in two weeks, we are getting things in order for his birthday party, we are having a lot of kids over but it is going to be great!
• I am busy on the piano playing the Hallelujah Chorus, and many other Christmas songs for multiple Church functions. It is busy, but I really love it.
• Randy has gotten some of the Christmas lights on the house, it isn't done yet to our standards, though others would think it was great. Think Griswold's, that is what we like.
• Black Friday is only 3 days away, but who is counting? Ha!
• For a month now I have been feeling better than I have in YEARS. Yes years. It has been a very pleasant and much needed change in my life. I am being consistent with my meds, much better than in the past when I feel good and quit, and I am hoping that things are going to continue this way. I am feeling especially grateful to my Heavenly Father right now.
• My husband he is just wonderful! He has been very supportive and understanding of all of my music endeavors and has picked up on some of the slack from my absence and devotion to my piano who seems to be getting more attention than him lately. He supports my love for music and that is one of the greatest gifts to me.

I am happy to say we are happy, we are good and life is good.

I have a big fat bum!

My kids lately do not want to be referred to as little, small, baby or anything of the likeness. They are big, they are huge, they are not little.

I told Little Miss (she would debate that and say she was BIG Miss) that she had a cute little bum, she quickly replied, nope Mama, I have a BIG BUM!!! And since then she has proceeded to turn around and stick her bum at people and say look, my big bum!

Little Man jumped on the band wagon today when he was sitting with his cousin playing games on the computer and told him to scoot over. He has a big fat bum and needs some room. He informed his cousin his was small and didn't need much room at all. They preceded to argue as to who has the biggest bum.

Never thought I would hear my kids insisting they had big bums, and being proud of it! They crack me up!

Did you know?

Randy has a blog? My husband decided late last night that he should join in the blogging. So he now has his own blog.
Go check him out!

New Look

Hey I changed my blog around a little, what do you think?
I am trying something new, but sadly I lost all my codes for the side, so I am slowly working on fixing that.

Count Down

I am starting the count down. 13 more days until Black Friday!! I can't wait. I love getting up at 4AM to go stand in line to get the best deals at the stores. I have already begun scouting the ads, and looking for the best deals. 13 more days!!!

Proud Mommy!!

I am so excited tonight. Little Miss has been going to a PreSchool for the developmentally delayed. She has had a severe speech delay. When she was evaluated by the preschool in June of this year she was below the charts. You have to be under the 2nd percentile to even qualify, so that tells you how far behind she was. At 3 she was 1 year 4 months delayed. That is quite significant. Right after the evaluation we started with a private speech therapist while we waited for school to start this fall. She improved slowly.

Recently things have really picked up. Her speech therapist at school and her teacher both thought it was time to retest her, so today it was finished. I am proud to say that she no longer qualifies for her preschool. She has excelled very quickly and is doing great. She is now in the 79th Percentile and is at a 3 year 10 month speech development. (she is only 3 years 4 months) I am thrilled beyond belief. I knew her private therapist we were using was FANTASTIC, but this exceeded all of our expectations. Needless to say she tested herself right out of preschool and out of her speech therapy too. Her articulation needs a little help so we are finishing out the year with her private therapist, but I am just so proud of my baby!! It has been so great to see her accomplish so much! Great Job Little Miss!!!

Guess What?!?

I made a trip to Idaho this weekend, my niece was being baptized so we went for that. It was nice to see family and get to witness such a great occasion. All 16 cousins on my husbands side of the family were there. I will post of picture of that another day, had to use real film (gasp!) so it isn't developed yet. I had fun visiting with Randy's sisters and all my nieces and nephews. It was a great time!

Another great thing I got to do was to meet up with some bloggers and ladies I know!! Woo Hoo!!! Here they are from left to right.

Jenn, Katy, Em, Jami, Me, The Gardner, and Meshelle. What a fantastic group of women. I was in awe of the diversity and the strength they have. They have such great life experiences have seriously impacted my life in more ways than they could ever realize. After I left I kept telling Randy what awesome women they all were and how I was so impressed with these great women. He has heard so many times how much I am in awe of their strength and courage. Seriously fantastic ladies!! We had a great time, and enjoyed some time just hanging out! Our kids were running wild and mine kept crying, and people saw how accident prone my little miss really is. All in all it was great! I hope I get to see them again soon! They don't live THAT far away. I think I might have to do another road trip!! Thanks for such a fun lunch!!

Dance!

Do you ever find yourself rocking out in your car, dancing and getting your groove on? I do. I was driving down the road the other day rocking out and realizing that people were looking at me. It totally made me laugh. But it didn't stop me. I don't get the chance to go out dancing much anymore so I have made it a practice to dance in the car. My kids think it is so cool, and they are picking up on the practice.