2007 is almost over....

I'm posting this at work, so I don't have my camera to upload pictures of the scrapping I did this weekend, so hopefully I'll post pictures later when I get home, or when I wake up tomorrow at noon. Yeah right!

So anyhoo, I need to catch up from my last post.

Last Thursday I had to go back to work. I really didn't want to do this, since it's a holiday week, I knew it would be majorly boring. And it was! Yuck! Friday was just as boring, but I knew I had something to look forward to!

I went to Dennyse's house on Friday night to check out her Christmas present. Her sister bought her a Cricut machine and we were up til Midnight checking it out. Very cool. I'll post the layouts I did using stuff she cut out. It was really neat.

Saturday I hung out in bed and watched movies, straightened up the house (which we had to do 5 more times that weekend, I should just leave it dirty!) and played with the kids. Dennyse called me that evening and we went to Michael's to drool over the expensive cartridges her machine takes. I picked up a cross stitch kit to do for Tammy's new little guy (although he may be and adult before I finish it *sigh*) and some ink and then headed home. I finished a book I had been reading about Histories Craziest King and Queens. It was pretty interesting. Perhaps I'll pick on a week and tell you about them. Everyone needs a little history in their lives! After that, James and I stayed up with Joey and watched movies until we crashed.

Sunday I was feeling yucky and accidentally fell asleep before it was time to go to church and by the time James woke me up (everyone was sleepy) it was too late. I'm a horrible ditcher! But, I did have this horrible sinus headache and it was nice to just relax. Don't worry, I am feeling extremely guilty.. I did do a layout that night when the kids were taking their 50th bath of the weekend. Every time I turned around they were filthy. We watched the Sound of Music and then went to bed.

And now....I'm at work. We have some family parties to go to tonight. All on my hubbie's side, except my cuz is having a house warming party but it looks like that one might me to crazy for my blood! Mostly because I'll have the kids. I really don't mind though. I enjoy spending time with them, and I'll have a date on Tuesday for my birthday! Yeah! I get to go the movies with James, just the two of us. I haven't picked the movie yet, but he doesn't want to see Sweeney Todd, because it's a musical. Hello Mr. Watch the Sound of Music last night! Oh well, I'll find something else and see that one with my brother.

Well, TTFN, I'll try to post the pictures soon!

It's all over...

I can't believe Christmas is over already. It's so strange that we stress and go crazy for one day. Oh, well! Christmas Eve was crazy. We went over to my grandma's house, Memere's house. My cousin Wanda was there with her family. We haven't seen each other in a while, so it was really nice. My grandma made Abby some pajamas, got Joey a metal detector and Sophie a couple of outfits. We got some sheets, James got some ties and I got a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble with an adorable frog (thanks, Rob and Nora!). I got some great candy and my yearly fix of Nora's Christmas cookies. Yum!

When we got home, the kids got into bed. Abby and Sophie hit the hay, but Joey tossed and turned, moved out under the tree. You name it. It was 2:30am before Santa could deliver the gifts. Frustrating! But, under threat, Joey finally went to sleep. Until, Abby woke everyone up at 7:30am for presents.
Later that day it was time to go to Martina's house. She got the kids outfits, me a great shirt, and James some shirts. Then it was time to go to my mother's house.
Where we got wonderful things from my family, including: >
And movie tickets and lot's of other wonderful things! The kids were totally psyched, they got so many great things. It was a wonderful day. We went home, crashed and then woke up for my day off on Wednesday. So, I made these:

Christmas Eve

Well, here we are, it's Christmas Eve. I believe I am now ready for Christmas. Well, exept the wrapping. But, I'm always leaving the wrapping until the last minute. And I haven't blogged in awhile, so here's a little catch up...



Last Wednesday we had Scouts. We went Christmas caroling with the youth. It was really a blast. We followed the youth (they were riding on a trailer, ala hayride style) in our cars. The kids loved the fast stop, the run, the singing and the running back to the car to go to the next stop. When we were all done, we went back to the church for cookies and cocoa. Yum!



Thursday night we hosted the missionaries for dinner. James made some great carne and tortillas. Boy can those guys eat! Their appointments for that night were cancelled, so they ended up playing games with the kids until they had to leave. That night I went out and grabbed some Christmas presents for the ladies at work, since Friday was going to be our Christmas Lunch.



Friday morning was hectic. James forgot to set the alarm, so I woke up at 7:00 and had to run. Luckily he was able to take the girl's to Amie's house before heading off to work. I got to work on time and had a crazy day, but a nice lunch. It was really hard to work. I did some Christmas shopping on the way home that night. The kids are now done! Then I got home and James said we had to go out to buy my Christmas present.



I know many of you are shocked, but this is the norm in my house. If he bought it that year on his own, I get it before Christmas. He just can't wait. I'm used to it by now. It's okay though because I need to use my gift before then. He got me this:

So, now I can put videos on my blog too. Yeah!

Saturday was a sad day. We took James' 17 year old cat to the Humane Society to be put to sleep. It was hard to do, but it needed to be done. She really couldn't control her urine, feces or puke. Seriously, it was getting gross. That cat was very jealous of me and used to jump on my head in the middle of the night because I was in "her spot." So, Bon voyage, Stella.

Church was fantastic yesterday. Our choir performance was great. We have a small choir, but I was told it sounded like a hundred people. My aunt came to church with my folks to hear my solo. I sang "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." James said that he won't tell me that I did a good job because my head is too big already. I did get alot of wonderful compliments, so thank you everyone, again! After that I got to teach the Christmas lesson to two classes, not a problem they were all such great kids. But, perhaps it was the cookies...Anyhoo. After that the Primary presidency had planned a really special program. First, the Flemings did a miny Nativity with the kids participating while Bro. Fleming read from the bible. The children were so quiet. You could just feel the spirit in the room. After that the kids were divided into 4 groups and each group had several battery operated candles. They all then went into the Cultural Hall, where the lights were out except for in each corner of the room, except for one, soft lights were glowing. The other corner had a Christmas Light star and lights. Each group went to a corner, then the rotated. One corner had Mary, one Joseph, one the Three Wiseman, and the last shepherds. When they rotated, the pianist played. At each stop they got something for their bags, like a star, a magnet and such. The children were wonderful. I know they felt the spirit. They were so good and so quiet. When they were done they all sang "Picture a Christmas" and then went outside where Bro. Housari burnt Frankenscense for them. They all got Cracker Jacks and then it was time to go. It was really a special day.

Tonight is a Christmas party with my mom's side of the family. I'll take some video.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

An easy way to blog...

Okay, I've been lazy. It's all this stuff I gotta do at this thing called work and these little creatures that follow me around and demand attention, which I am more than willing to give. I really need to get better at this!

So, here's my easy blog...

A Christmas Quiz!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? fake, but I love it!

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the day after Thanksgiving, but we were at Disneyland, so this year the week after.

4. When do you take the tree down? After 3 King's Day (look it up guys, it exists!)

5. Do you like egg nog? Gross!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? my new flute

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, all year long. I need to get you one, Mom.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Memere

9. Easiest person to buy for? Sophie

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? some of each

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a coffee cup warmer that was broken so I couldn't even re-gift!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas

3. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Today, just kidding, last week of November.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Nora's Christmas cookies!! Whoo-Hoo!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? The colored one's permanently on the tree :)

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Family

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixon. Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, but do you recall..the most famous reindeer of all..Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I totally had to sing that one!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? crowds

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? all the one's my babies made me :)

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Tamales (ditto, Mom!)

25. What do you want most for Christmas this year? Everyone safe and healthy

Tag, I'm it!

Tagged by confusion, Tee-hee, but here it is....

A- Attached or single: Attached, forever baby!

B- Best Friends: James, Mom, Cheryl, Dennyse, Tammy

C- Cake or Pie: Are they chocolate? If not, Cake without frosting (I should be put away, I know)

D- Day of choice: Sunday, I have a whole day with James and when I cry, no one wants to know what's the matter. It's just the Spirit :)

E- Essential Item: ipod (I have the scriptures on my ipod, so I'm covered)

F- Favorite Color: purple!

G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Bears, you can bite of their heads or make them dance. Good times for all.

H- Hometown: Hard one, I've lived in several places, but I'll say Peoria that's where I lived when I got married.

I- Indulgence(s): Frappacinos (they make a double chocolate chip one!)

J- January or July: January! My birthday is the 1st, so of course!

K- Kids: Joseph Paul 9, Abigail Renee 5, Sophie Christine 1 ( I wasn't smart enought to do the months, Amie-except Sophie, that's 14)

L- Life is Incomplete Without: church, family, books

M- Marriage Date: 9/2/00

N- Number of Siblings: 1 brother (you beat me Amie!) Which is probably why my mom is shocked I want a big family.

O- Oranges or Apples: Are they chocolate? Apples, oranges have a weird texture (I'm strange, I know)

P- Phobias or Fears: something happening to my kids (I had a dream last night that a huge lizard was after us-please don't put me away until after my birthday-at least I was dreaming!)

Q- Quotes: "Cuz you so fancy and crap" (I really couldn't think of another one, and that one made me laugh!)

R- Reason To Smile: Sophie doing a dance when I walk in the door because she's so happy to see me, Joey's latest drawing, Abby's hugs.

S- Season: Season 2 of The Office, oh, a time of year? Tee-hee I don't have one

T- Tag Three: Mom, Dennyse, Tammy (you can email me since you don't blog-copy and paste!)

U- Unknown Fact About Me: I broke the window of a store with a shopping cart when I was little

W- Worst Habit: cussing. That's right! I said it! Notice though, without cussing!

X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds. I've only had those for good reasons!

Y- Your Favorite Food: How can I pick one? Food is such a good friend of mine, it would be disappointed if I picked only one part of it :)

Z- Zodiac: Capricorn. I'm a goat!

I got to go on a date!

On Friday night, thanks to the Clarks (woo-hoo! Thanks Tammy, Heather, and Callie!) I got to go on a date with my hubbie. It was so nice to spend time with him, just the two of us. I can't even think of the last time we got to do that. It might be before Sophie was born. My Mom could probably tell me, since she usually watches my kiddos. Thanks Mom! Anyhoo, we went to Maui Grill. A little pricey, but like I was telling Amie, I felt fancy (said like a hillbilly). After dinner, he took me to Kohl's to purchase ornaments like Tammy and Heather brought to Enrichment night. One is a pretty snowman, the bulb has little styrofoam balls that look light snow. The other a cow in a tu-tu. Too cute! He also bought me two sweaters. Very nice! Then we picked the kids up. They didn't want to leave. They had so much fun that they all had baths. But, then my children are a bit unusual and being covered in mud or cat water usually would constitute a bath :) Tee-hee. Anytime the Clarks want my kids for a couple of hours, they are welcome to them. My kids wouldn't need any persuasion.

Saturday was a really busy day for us. We didn't have an errands to run. It was time for Spring Cleaning. As I've said before, I'm lazy, so our Spring cleaning was about 9 months late. Hey! At least it got done! We cleaned, we moved, we threw away. I know how Dennyse feels, even Joey said it, it felt like we were moving into a new house! In the end (probably 7 1/2 hours later) we were done. I will never have a house like Tammy or Amie or Sis. Stover, but I've come to realize I love my house and it's weirdness. I finally got my Families are forever sign up. In the Family room/Playroom/computer room, James moved a hutch in for, and I quote "for your scrapbooking stuff." That was just so sweet. Then my brother called to see if James was ordering the fight (boxing). Good thing we cleaned :) So, he and his wife and son came over for pizza and boxing.

Sunday was nice. I wasn't in Primary (though I will be next week) and James watched Sophie during 3rd hour so I got to go to Relief Society. It was a really nice lesson. That evening wrapped up with choir practice. Interesting, to say the least. Erin Hooley is such a saint for being our director. I do get to do a solo for the Christmas Program, so I'm excited. But, I think I got pumped up from singing really high notes, so I had trouble going to sleep last night. I think it was a 12:30 or 1:00 night. I tried not to look. Eventually I went to sleep, and unfortunately had to wake up early to go to work. At least Sophie went to bed way before that, but she probably conked out early as usual, that lucky girl :)

Well, I suppose I should get back to work now. TTFN!

Last night

Last night was Enrichment Night for my ward. We went to the beautiful home of Sis. Stover (wow, I only wish I could have a home like her's). We had dinner (ham, potatoes, salad, great desserts) then did the old "White Elephant" gift exchange stealing game. I really do hate that game. Only because I don't like to steal or be stolen from :) But, I did have a good time. I was nice, choose from the pile of gifts and got pretty votive candle holders. They were called The Night Before Christmas and had a little pattern with a house and Santa and the reindeer on them. There was alot of really cute stuff. We were laughing that it was truely a Mormon party because they were fighting over the Testaments movie and baking stuff. Funny!

When I got home I read Abby a book that I got her called "Who will guide my sleigh tonight." Santa can't figure out what to use to pull his sleigh, uses all kinds of animals and eventually settles on reindeer. Who knew? She loved it, and it was really cute. Joey was excited because he cleaned his room and found money. He says he's going to clean more often. It was from his birthday, he put it away for safe keeping, then forgot about it!

Oh, on a final note about the gift exchange. We all were laughing and remembering that Office episode when Michael bought the Ipod. Boy, I love that show!

Well, that's all for now..

Your Elf Name Is...

Twinkles Mince Meat

What's Your Elf Name?

Thanks Christine for the cute elf name generator.

I've finally returned from the dead. I went home sick on Tuesday and was out sick on Wednesday. I so love Amie for being there for me so when I am sick, I can actually rest without the kiddos. Amie, if there is a time I can do that for you, you just let me know!

I am pleased to say that a major chunk of my Christmas shopping is done. I always take care of the kids first, just in case of cash flow problems, I want to make sure my babies have a delivery from Santa.

Which generates my question for you...Do your children still believe in Santa, when did they stop, did they ever? Or if you don't have kids, when did you stop believing? Come on out there, I need some comments. I guess I'll have to consider some blog candy...hmmm...So, give me a shout out and tell me about your Santa belief, if any.

Just another Monday....

Wow, was that rain nice! Friday we got together with my folks since we hadn't had much time because we were out of town. James made chili and corn bread and we just hung out. Watched Singles Ward. It was nice. I was kicking myself that I missed the crop though. *Sigh* I did two layouts this weekend and made up for it.

I got an entire Saturday with my hubbie! Woo-hoo! We cleaned up the house and then got the tree up. Then I kicked myself for not taking any pictures. Oh, well. I'll take pictures of them taking it down, then put them in reverse. Hee-hee. We went to the Golden Corral on Saturday night and stuffed ourselves silly.

Sunday I taught the Valiant 10 class since Dennyse isn't in our ward anymore (Pause for weeping, tissue). Then all of the ladies got to go to Relief Society for the 3rd hour for a special Christmas Program. I sang "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." My throat was starting to bother me on Sunday, but I knew I would be fine for my solo. I told Bethany H. that I think Heavenly Father always gives me a pass when I have to sing at church. No matter how I feel, when it comes time to sing, my voice sounds fine. Last night we spend a little time with my MIL watching her put up Christmas lights with her "friend." Then watched what I could of the Christmas Devotional on BYU. At bed time I couldn't sleep, so I listened to the Ipod until I finally fell asleep.

This morning I sound terrible! I've been sneezing, non-stop. My throat is scratchy, I feel light headed. My shoulders and neck hurt. Yuck! I will never understand how a human can produce this much snot! Okay, sorry that was a little too much, but it's true!

And, to top it all off, I haven't got any Christmas shopping done! Everyone I know is done, or practically done! Dennyse will probably give everyone PartyLite just from her garage (hee-hee!). I have to get going, but I'm not looking forward to the bill at the end :) Well, TTFN!

It's Raining....

I love the rain. I would love to be curled up on the couch or my bed reading a book. Raining days are great. I love them even more, because usually James doesn't have to work, so we get to spend time with him. If it keeps raining tomorrow, I get a whole Saturday with my hubbie. But, it does stink that Dennyse is trying to move and the rain does make that a little harder. But, my evil plan of creating rain to make her move difficult so she will feel bad about moving has worked! EVIL LAUGHING!!!

Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to decorate for Christmas. I have more up at work than at home. Home will be interesting. Perhaps I'll put Santa hats on James' skull collection. I know it sounds weird, but he decided to collect skulls and we also have a 6ft tall Zombie cowboy in the living room. But, we really do enjoy Halloween, so sometimes our Christmas decorations are a little Nightmare Before Christmas. My 3ft tall Jack Skellington looks out over my living room. But, don't worry will still have a picture of Jesus Christ and the Prophet in our home, so we aren't completely warped, we just have interesting taste. On a Jack Skellington note, I am now carrying the Jack purse I got at Disney and I have a bracelet I've been wearing to accompany my tattoo. Boy, I am strange!

On a nice note, Sophie discovered that Mommy's Ipod plays music not just lights up, so she was sitting this morning holding the buds in her ears. Way cute! Abby held out her hand to take on of the buds to listen to the music with her and Sophie pushed her away with a grunt. Abby says she needs a baby Ipod! Sophie cracks me up because now she doesn't have to have music to dance. You just tell her "And, Dancing, and dancing, and dancing" over and over and she starts to spin around and do her spinning dance. Too cute!!!

Sleepin' Soph

Thank you Amie for sending me pictures of my sweet-pea at work. It makes me want to run over there and hug her, instead of being here at work.

*Sigh*

I think I'm coming down with something. I'm getting that scratchy throat and sore feeling in my body. Oh well. Sophie has a runny nose. Poor dear. Soon she'll be running away as soon as she sees me coming with a tissue.

This week we had Pack Meeting with Cub Scouts. It was pretty fun. It was a bum that it was Dennyse's last Pack Meeting with us. My whole run of Scouts has been with her, and it will be so weird not seeing her there on Wednesday Nights. Thank goodness she still will live in Surprise and I will be bugging her often.

Abby has a loose tooth. She was up pratically all night messing with it. First time around must be pretty weird. Her cousin, Johnathen, thinks her loose tooth is nothing since he lost both front teeth this week. Just in time for Christmas!

Last night was pretty crazy with the kids both having homework to do. Abby freaks out when she does homework, so it's a huge event to color two boxes. She is paranoid that she's going to do something wrong. Even though you tell her it's okay, she doesn't want to fail. Joey just has to have someone sit next to him the whole time so he actually does it. After homework was done, we sat back and watched last week's Ugly Betty, since I missed everything else last night. At 9 James and I watched "Life." That's a really interesting show. I like the guy that stars in it, he was in Band of Brothers. Awesome mini series! I find it so interesting when British guys play Americans. House is like that too. Well, they do say we are the ones that have accents!

Can't wait until Friday! I need to be done with work! Hopefully I'll be feeling up to going to Amie's crop. Well, TTFN!

Back from the Happiest Place on Earth....

Well, I survived my California Adventure! We had a ton of fun. Thursday we got up early and loaded the car for the long drive. We were in pretty good spirits. I watched "Singles Ward" on my DVD player. Way cute movie. Then we stopped at the Dinosaurs and took some pictures, before heading back to the highway for the remainder of our trip. We got through Riverside, then James got lost. Luckily we only had about a billion mile side track that landed us close to San Bernadino, and with some directions obtained from a AMPM, we quickly arrived in Anaheim.

After hotel check in, we decided to head to the Knott's Berry Farm area and get something to eat and do some shopping. I love Snoopy stuff. We got some fudge and some Carrow's for dinner and then headed to CVS so my MIL could get some film. I can't believe she still uses film! James found a DVD player in the CVS for $20 (and we needed another at home too) so he got it and we hooked it up and watched a scary movie (the kids were asleep) until we couldn't keep our eyes open for another second. So, off to sleep, with visions of Mickey dancing in our heads.

I woke us all up the next morning so we could get to Disney early. We grabbed some Continental breakfast courtesy of the Ramada, then went to Disneyland. James heard someone honk while we were in the parking garage (Daisy parking) so he started honking, then soon everyone was honking, people were so excited.

First thing we did was get our picture with Mickey (the one with me is unfortunately on my MIL's camera, I was getting a locker at the time the one below was taken). Then we went to the Enchanted Tiki Room. Sophie really loved that one! My MIL liked it alot too. And her BF just called everything Suave the whole weekend (he only speaks Spanish). We say Aladdin and Jasmine, did the Haunted Mansion (whoa-hoo, Jack Skellington!) all the fun stuff. The new Finding Nemo ride was wonderful. Sophie loved it and kept her face pressed right up against the glass to see. We stayed at Disney until they cancelled the fireworks (due to high winds) and the kids were really too tired to stay much longer. They were tired all day because they complained pretty much non stop. So by this time, I was sure I made a mistake coming all the way to Cali.

The next day, back to Disneyland to hit Space Mountain (the day before they had run out of Fast Passes at like 3:00, so we didn't want to wait 60 min) and check out the Jedi Training Academy. Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Storm Troopers, the works! Joey really liked that, but was sad he didn't get picked to become a Padawan. Then we head to California Adventure. BTW, the whole day Tammy and I were text messaging where we were in the Park because they had come up on Saturday and we kept missing each other. We had some great hamburgers, soared over California, then decided to do the Grizzly Mountain. Abby, James and I got soaked. My MIL, her BF and Joey went on before we did (while we watched Sophie) and they only had a couple sprinkles. I had to get an another shirt, it soaked me to my shoes! The geyser! And, those of you that know, that extra layer underneath didn't help the drying off quickly factor. I did the Tower of Terror twice in a row. We did Playhouse Disney for the kiddos. We did meet up with the Clark's that night and did California Screamin' twice in a row. Then we headed back to Disney to take in the fireworks. They started them, then had to stop because the high winds were to strong. Bummer! It did snow and Abby and Joey enjoyed that (Sophie was asleep). Pirates one more time, shopping then back to the hotel. I was so sore!

We slept in a little on Sunday, then headed home. I was so happy to be home and to sleep in my bed! Overall, a great trip! It will stay with me for a long time, mostly the pain in my legs from all that walking!

Twas the night before...Turkey Day!

Thought I'd pop in to do a short blog before my vacation starts. Technically I only get two days off of work, but that's good enough for me!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving,so here are a few things I'm thankful for...

1. My Heavenly Father, without him, nothing is possible and he provides me with so many blessings.

2. Jesus Christ, without his suffering and his sacrifice, I would be unable to be sealed to my husband and children for time and all eternity, because I would never be able to repent for my sins. I will someday be able to live with my Heavenly Father again because he died for all of us.

3. My hubbie, James. He's a little crazy, it's that affectionite, but he's perfect to me and I love him!

4. My babies. Joey, Abby and little Sophie. They bring me joy, they bring me pain (specifically in my rear) but they are such blessings!

5. My parents. They are always there to help and just love me, no matter what. The greatest grandparents in the world!

6. My friends, my shoulders to cry on

7. Everything else that I can't put into words, but appreciate!

I love you all! Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and remember to thank Heavenly Father everyday for your blessings, not just every November!

Friday at 3:00...

It is really hard to work on a Friday afternoon. It's extra hard when you know you have a vacation coming up. I feel like I need one of those counters that shows how many days, hours and minutes until we are in the Magic Kingdom! Woo-hoo!

I was telling Dennyse the other day that I always get stressed out when I go on a trip. I would get canker-sores in my mouth before we went on vacation when I was a kid. I don't know why, but I am the biggest worry-wart. I was thinking about it last night, but this trip is the first one I've really done on my own. All the other times I've been out of town (Disneyland, etc.) my parents were there. Even when we went to Mexico. So, this has been strange for me to be the one to make the hotel reservations and all that. I can't believe at 28 years old with 3 kids, I don't feel grown-up enough to go on vacation without my folks. I do have to say that I will miss them terribly! I enjoy doing things with them, but I guess I finally have to grow up and do things on my own. Besides, they didn't want to go, so really have no choice, tee-hee!

So, thanks for the shout-out from Christine, yes, Disneyland is my favorite place too! Last time I was there I was pregnant with Sophie, so I didn't get to go on anything. It's going to be hard with the baby, but my MIL will be there so we can do lot's of trade offs. But, I think Sophie is going to enjoy it. She's really getting into music now (does she dance when you play the piano, Amie?) and dances all the time. It's funny, she'll go around and around in a circle during her dances until she gets to dizzy and falls. It's hilarious!

I'm excited for tonight, my first "crop." I don't even have a cute tote to bring my stuff in, boy am I new at this. Hopefully all of the pros won't laugh at me! We all started somewhere ladies :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Vets & My Weekend...

I feel so bad that I let Veteran's Day go by without saying anything. So, I definitely need to catch up. Sometimes I think my blog is just me apologizing for not posting. Anyhoo...

For those of you that don't know, I work at the Arizona State Veteran's Home a long term care center (aka Nursing Home) for Veterans and their spouses (or surviving spouses). I have the privilege of maintaining Human Resources for the Department of Nursing, whose responsibility is to provide daily care to these Heroes. We have Veterans that served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. We have ladies that have outlived their husbands that served in these wars, living out their last days in our home. (It's kind of interesting that staff here call death the "celestial journey." I've always found that interesting, a little morbid, but interesting). Every morning, at 9:00a.m. the Pledge of Allegiance is broadcast over the intercom. It is followed by a moment of silence. Although I'm teased that the only reason we have this is because it is a Veteran's Home, I'm proud that my morning still begins with the Pledge, just like in school. So, to say the least, I have Veterans always on my mind :)

On Friday, we had a Veteran's Day Celebration. Our Agency Director, Brigadier General Maxon spoke and bagpipes played and we honored all the Veterans living here at the home. But, the best part for me was when my friend and I noticed the resident's were getting hot. We saw that they had no water, so she ran and got water pitchers and cups and we went out and served the Veterans water. This was very special to me. My friend turned to me and said something about others not thinking, and I told her "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17) and that is why she always thinks of others because she wants to serve her Heavenly Father. I think that may have touched her. (Most likely she was trying to figure out where that quote was in the bible :) ) But, I do have to say that I was touched by that act of service that we did for the Veterans. It was small, but they were thankful. I left work that day in a wonderful mood.

So, on a final note about Veterans....Thank you Dad! Also, thank you all those who served, those who are serving and those who will serve for keeping my family safe!

So, Saturday I took Joey to the Faith in God activity at the Stake center, cleaned up and then, yup, started a little scrap booking. I got a few things done then I started to feel lousy. I knew my cold was coming on and it hit me hard Saturday night! I was sick all Sunday, with hardly any voice. The baby felt yucky too, she was really fussy. So, we had a drugged Sunday (she just had baby Tylenol and I had some yucky tasting syrup) of sleeping and feeling guilty for missing church. I think my whole house was under the weather, everyone just laying around all day. By Monday afternoon I was feeling a little better and by Monday night I had to get out of the house! I made a quick run to Target for some items and a quick stop at Barnes and Noble for a couple books. I have to say, and this is weird, but I only go into Barnes and Noble with a full bladder. I do that so I hurry with a selection and get out. Otherwise, I'd stay there forever and have to pay a bazillion dollars for all of the books I want! I do love watching my collection of books grow. My next project, book plates so when I lend them out, I hopefully get them back :) I'm strange, but I love to read books over and over again! (I'm noticing my extreme use of exclamation points in this post, I had to go back and take some out...wow)

On to another week.....next week...Disneyland! (ah, another exclamation point)

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're" Esme Cullen - Your maternal instinct to take care of people and be kind draw people towards you. You're compassionate and loving, yet firm when you need to be. You appreciate hard work and value the beautiful results of your dedication to any project.
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Let's play catch-up!

Wow! Last week was a busy week! It started out on Tuesday when I got to go to the Get Motivated! Conference. It was really interesting. Colin Powell was wonderful as well as Michael Eisner (formally Disney). I mentioned this to Amie and my mom, but I found it interesting that most of the speakers had all been married for more than 30+ years. It goes to show you that you have to be successful in your personal life to trully be a success all around! These guys were bizillionaires!

Next, Wednesday, my favorite day Halloween!!! It's like Christmas for me the night before I can never sleep. Anyway, I dressed up as a witch (see my pretty picture) all day including work. By the time I got home that night my feet were killing! I had boots on, very authentic! The kids were so cute trick-0r-treating. I can't find my cord to my camera to put the pictures on my computer. Very frustrating. Anyhoo, we got home late, but that was okay since I had Thursday and Friday off for my bro's wedding.

Thursday was not a fun day. I had to go to an appointment for Joey to check out his behavior issues. I'm not going to go into it, but those of you I already talked to know how I felt after. And those who want to know, let me know. Anyhoo, after that I picked up the babies and went home. I had to go get my nails done for the wedding. I like them, but I have such crappy cuticles, I always get knicked no matter what, so they hurt the next couple days. That's also why I am typing so stinky! After that, the Wedding Rehearsal!

So, we drove out to Timbuktu, or Cave Creek as it is normally known, to the Satisfied Frog. James calls it something else in Spanish, that is pretty funny, but not appropriate :) I met Camille's parents for the first time (and they have been dating more than 2 years!) first time for my parent too. It was a good rehearsal, we all seemed really. It was getting scary, the next day was the wedding! After driving the long road home, we stumbled into bed.

On W Day, I took the my two oldest to school the next day and kept my Soph home with me for some bonding. I did a little shopping for some shoes and wedding bribes for Abby (if she did her flower girl duties) it was too important not to bribe. After a little house cleaning (BTW it was messed up the very next day to the point it looks like I didn't touch it) it was time to pick up the kiddos from school so Abby, my mom and I could get out hair done. I really liked all of our hair, Becky did a great job. Weird thing is, she bought her house from Amie's brother! Strange isn't it? Small world. Anyhoo, we ran to my mom's house and I did her make-up and mine then we raced home.

Then, I lost the vows. Yup, couldn't find them anywhere. My mom had to print another copy after I went freak-a-zoid. We finally gathered everything up and got in the car for another billion years trip to Cave Creek. We got there, everyone was rushing around, going crazy. We got dressed and people started to arrive. I was really nervous. It was time. Abby freaked out a little and wouldn't go down by herself, so she walked with the bride and her parents until she calmed down and did her flower girl gig. I did okay doing the ceremony until I got to "kiss the bride" then I got choked up. It was emotional. I got through, it was beautiful and it was over! We did it! Dinner was great big steaks or chicken and mashed potatoes and veggies. Very good. Abby got over her shyness and danced the whole night! I got to see my cousins and it was a great time.

Saturday was as follows: Zzzzzz......throw-up....Zzzz....trip to the toliet......Zzzzzz ...and repeat. Not fun!

Sunday was nice, we got to see the Carter's baby blessed. Very nice, James got to stand in the circle. I think it meant alot to him. After that visiting with the family, talking about the wedding and eating Mexican spagetti (not much of a difference). It was a good way to end a busy week. Nothing like Family!!!!!

So, I think that catches us up! TTFN!

I was tagged!

I was tagged so I have to own up and post 6 things about myself...this will be hard!

1. I love Halloween! Like crazy, my house is practically decorated all year for it!

2. I have 5 tattoos. My hubbie did them all for me.

3. My house is always a mess. Like crazy gross messy. I'm so ashamed that I sometimes say I am to busy for people to visit because of it.

4. By virtue of my laziness do I have a messy house. I am extremely lazy! So, I also procrastinate. Yup, I even put off doing this post because I was a lazy procrasinator!

5. I performed my brother's marriage ceremony, that's a weird one :)

6. And last but not least....I have a dirty mind. That's right, most of the stuff that came to my head when I was typing this was not things you want to know. I can't help it though, I come from a long line of dirty minds! Specifically my Memere! (my grandma) She is one dirty bird! Oh, well and least I can stop my self from saying things that come to mind...most of the time!

By the light of the full moon....

Yesterday was the weirdest day ever! People at work were yelling at eachother, some guy sent in a resume that consisted of 15 pages of a poem that talked mostly about female body parts (and using very nasty terms for them), people crying and finally to top everything off my cell phone incident.

At work they put out a list of everyone's extensions and cell phone numbers. Apparently this week they released the latest and greatest edition of said list. Well, one of my coworkers needed to get ahold of me, so she pulled up the list. "Oh, how nice, her cell phone number is listed, "she thought. "I will contact her that way." Unfortunately, I don't have a cell phone for work. I have a my personal one, but that's it. So, when she called my "number," she got a message from a "Devon" telling everyone she might return your call, but she's too busy taking a (I cleaned this up) a poo. Also unfortunate, the lady that called it first initially thought it was me and thought it was very "Un-Christian of me." Other coworkers quickly told her it obviously wasn't me, but some weird Devon. Weird thing is, the lady who put out the list doesn't know where the number came from and there are no Devons working here. So, as a result, and a weird one at that, everyone decided I need a cell phone for work. Yuck! It's such a lease! They better understand that I don't answer it after hours because my family is way more important than work!

Another thing with work this week. We have this important case that HR has been working on. My involvement is pretty minimal, except, I have to be the crying post (get it Mom?) for the lady in charge of it. Whine, whine! Stress, stress! We understand it's important, but relax! Take a serious chill pill...in fact some of the nurses have volunteered to sneak me some Zanax for her (of course they would never do it, but the offer was there). I try to separate work and home, when I leave, I leave it behind. This lady calls my boss on Saturday night because she thought of something. My boss gets so mad! It's great that she is so thorough, but we are not perfect and sometimes stuff isn't going to work out, and it's okay! Okay, enough on work.....

I've missed T.V. this week. I think I got to watch some T.V. on Monday and that was it. I've been busy all week. Including last night. I got home late and then looked at my house and silently screamed. Gross! So, I cleaned as James and the kids watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Yes, that's right OOTP! Thank you movie lady! Oh, wait, I have no idea who she is and I have never purchased anything from her trunk. Hee, hee. At least this one doesn't have some guy standing in front of the screen (like our copy of Hairspray). But, anyway, I saw 1/2 of ER last night and got totally confused. I've got all of the episodes on my DVR but haven't had time to watch them. Missed The Office and My Name is Earl, and I can't sit and watch them on Saturday because I have to go to Wickenburg! AAAHHHH!

Seriously, we have an absolutely beautiful Stake building right here in Surprise and no one really needed to go camp out before a training day. Come on! I love my Scouts, but I love my babies more and now I have to drop them off at 6:30am with my poor, poor mother who works too hard already, to attend a training, in uniform, outside. I know I will learn lots of things and I will benefit and so will the boys, but I can still protest, since it is my legal right as a citizen of these great United States. So, I go, with a heavy heart (it will lighten immediately, but hey I can complain, since it is my blog).

On a final note, this week I had the opportunity to do rounds on the Alzheimer's Unit here at my work. Unusual for me since I have no healthcare experience, but I get to help out. What a terrible, terrible disease. I love those residents and I'm so glad I get to visit them everyday! My heart is too full to write anymore. So, on that note...TTFN!

Another boring day in the neighborhood...would you be my neighbor?

Well, I had a meltdown at work today. Too much to do and too little time=me crying and everyone trying to figure out what's wrong. I'm better now. I believe...at least for now.

I'd love to get some sleep, but for some reason I just toss and turn. Or, I have such vivid dreams that it feels like I was up all night. At least one night was spent in Disneyland (I love those dreams!). I may have to breakdown and take some Tylenol PM tonight. Only bad thing is the Primary Program rehearsal is tomorrow, so I can't sleep in (well sleep in until 8am when Sophie wakes up like an alarm clock went off-like clock work, 8am on the weekends!)

The other thing that doesn't help is that my work is so incredibly boring today. Making files...ugh! It's hard to stay focused on files when Ebay keeps calling....I really have to stop! Yesterday I got some clothes for Sophie, today a sweater for Abby. I'm not spending alot of money, just alot of time!

I talked with my crazy brother today. He finally did all the paperwork so I can perform his wedding ceremony. Yes, I am the presiding authority at my brother's wedding. Strange I know, but that's what he wanted. Arizona is a strange state. Anyone can pretty much perform your wedding ceremony, no one really cares. I even checked the Arizona Revised Statutes. It can be someone you "deem worthy" to perform the ceremony. I guess he deems me worthy! But, I have to admit it feels weird to me. I really wish he would have asked a Bishop to do it. He's been on a "I'm not Mormon" kick for the last 10 years or so. I said that I saw him baptized, so he can't deny it. One day, I hope, he will understand why the gospel is so important.

Well that's all, TTFN!

A quiz....

MOUTHOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
Italian, but honestly I don't like salads all that much way too healthy :)

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
Japan Express, I'm on a Sushi kick! (not the gross stuff!)

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Hmmm.....Claim Jumpers? That's a hard one...

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
Usually a pretty good one, I used to be a waitress, so I know how important a tip can be.

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Right now, California rolls (if I wasn't low carb! so apparently cheese....)

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Bacon and veggies on thin crust (James thinks it's a waste, he said I should just get a tortilla)

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
Peanut, peanut butter and jelly! I love that song! Actually usually some sort of jam (easier to spread) but right now no toast low carbing! *sigh*

TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A picture of Sophie on her blessing day

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
Don't be shocked......5

BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
4 wisdom teeth, 2 tonsils, some adnoids and (very good answer) 3 kids

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
It's been awhile, but I have to go to the dentist soon and who knows, with my luck...

Q: What was the last time you lifted something heavy?
That's what James is for :)

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Nope

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
No, too creepy

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I like my name, but always wanted to be called Kat (like in Taming of the Shrew, strange I know)

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
green

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
Not that I know of, but they say when you are asleep, *shiver*

Q. Have you ever saved someone's life?
I think I did by helping James join the church....but no I have never lifted a car off someone or anything.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
Heavenly Father and Jesus

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for$200,000?
No, but my little toe, hmmmm......again, that's what James is for (JK!)

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
Where do I sign up? I'm better at reading them :)

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
How hot and am I allowed to throw up?

Q. Would you give up tv for a year for $1000?
Try a million!

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?
Eww, a crumpled tissue!

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
Yes! Gosh! Do the chickens have large talons?

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
Carpet and the fake tile stuff (some day!)

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
Stand, except when I was pregnant with Abby we had a cool shower in our apartment with a seat. If I stood up to long in the shower I would get dizzy, so I sat.

Q: Could you live with roommates?
No

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Right now, *sniff-sniff* on one

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
Never, they scare me, well jail scares me

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
when I was younger, a broadway star! Now mom, wife and someday a teacher

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8?
My myspace? James

LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
Book club gals

Q: Last person who called you?
James

FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
I don't have one

Q: Season?
Sumautumn (that what we currently are experiencing her in AZ, a combination of summer and autumn)

CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
My kids...everyday at work!

Q: Mood?
Besides my headache.....calm

Q: Listening to?
Overhead pages at work...."Mark Laney, please call extension 6879." All day guys

Q: Watching?
The clock (I'm at work so nothing)

Q: Worrying about?
Money, what to do with the kids when they are on winter break, if I'll be allowed to go to a conference so work, if my package has arrived, will I lose more weight....Yes! I worry alot!

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
Sorry to be gross, I had to go potty!

Q: What can you not wait to do?
Retire from the State and do what I want to do, come on age 50! But now, I'm such a kid, Halloween!

Q: What's the last movie you saw?
At home I watched Dark Crystal with the kids.. Gelfling!

Q: Do you smile often?
Yes, it's a Customer Service must!

Q: Are you a friendly person?
I have heard that I am.

I've been lazy!

I admit, I've been lazy on posting. Sorry out there! To Becky, as soon as I get my camara arrangement fixed (complicated story) I'll get pictures up there! BTW, your kids are beautiful!

Okay, I have to admit an addiction.

Hello, I'm Christine and I'm addicted to Ebay....(this is where you say "Hello, Christine" like good 12-Step program people-well what I've seen on T.V.) Anyhoo, I can't stop myself from going on there! I've bought 4 things in October and it's only the 16th! Ahh!! It's totally like the commerical they are running for Ebay, comparing it to an English Fox Hunt. Ah, the thrill of the hunt. It really is addicting and I will probably soon have to have an intervention. But, in the meantime I will enjoy my Halloween costume and Sophie's Halloween costume and the shoes and outfits I got for her too. (Not including anything I'm currently bidding on)

Lastly,
I've shared my frustrations with Joey and after much contemplation, prayer, crying, arguing, pleading, bribing, promising, rewarding, yelling and grounding (in the last week alone) I've made an appointment to have him checked out for behavioral issues. This was really hard because no mother wants to admit anything is wrong with their child. But, I want to help him and I will do anything I can to help him succeed. It's hard to express this because I know people at church that don't believe that such issues exist. Well, all I can say is they have been blessed with children without behavioral issues. Heavenly Father made my baby this way and has given us the means to correct these problems through faith as well as science. And that's all I'll say about it because I get too emotional even writing this. Don't even get me started :) Right Tammy and Dennyse?

So anyway, I have an appointment to talk about issues (without Joey) on November 1st. We'll see how it goes. The appointment is the day before my brother gets married. That is going to be a busy week!

Well, there's my latest update. I guess I'd post more if I wasn't on Ebay :)

Before I drop....

I'm tired today. Mostly tired of work. HR is not a fun job! Anyhoo, we have an extra long weekend, and I'm excited! We have a birthday party (they really never end, when your husband has 24 first cousins, you pretty much have them every weekend) and Conference is on.

I really hope to get to watch conference. At least I do have a DVR, so I will be taping it also.

On a side note, my DVR is really, really full. James said I have to spend this weekend watching all of the shows that are clogging it up so we'll have room to tape. There are just so many shows on this year! We have a ton of new shows we have been watching, and honestly I haven't been disappointed.

Anyone else notice the amount of Mormons have increased on T.V. because of good ol'Mitt? Seriously, the media must be freaking out trying to figure out how to include us in everything. Let's point out the guy on House the other night...even a CTR ring. Wow. I just hope we are showed in a positive light and none of the "Utah: Pick a wife, or two" attitude. That is actually a T-shirt. Crazy, I know. And I'm not even going into the Gay Mormon Flight Attendant on Survivor. That's a strange one. The last time they had a gay Mormon on the show you didn't find out that he was Mormon until the show was almost over. Interesting isn't it?

Now, don't forget to comment after reading my blog...so many of you keep telling me that you're reading it, but not a comment...even the guy from India posted one time. But, thank you Amie, I appreciate that you read my blog and I enjoy reading your's. Thanks for introducing me to blogging and extra special thanks for watching my Sophie, you are great!!!!!

Sophie is 1!

Wow, what a weekend! Saturday was a special day because it was Sophie's 1st birthday. It was also a psycho busy day. Joey had Cub Scout day camp in the morning, Abby had a birthday party and then Joey had a birthday party to go to. We ended up the hectic day with the "Joint" birthday party at my brother in law's house.

Here's the run down....

First, my BIL offered to host this joint adventure. In fact, insisted that we do it and that it would be his pleasure. That's when he showed up at our door requesting to be provided with $120 to sponsor the buying of meat for the party. Apparently we had to have an entire cow or other large animal. James gave him $80 *scream* much to my BIL's shock. I thought he was renting a bouncy house. No, he needed additional funds to rent tables. *Sigh* how many people was he expecting? An entire cow and rented tables? So, the day arrives and James receives multiple calls requesting forks, spoons, plates, cups and candy for the pinatas. Mind you, HIS WIFE WORKS AT WAL-MART AND RECEIVES A DISCOUNT!!!! Hello, aren't they cheaper for you? So, we finally arrive after picking up the much desired plastic products. There is no one there that we know! In fact the whole night there was only 4 total family members (besides my BIL, SIL and kids). So, we provided money for a cow to feed complete strangers. And, not that she needs anything and it's really not what counts, but my daughter didn't receive one stinking gift! Not even from my BIL....nothing, or nada as that side would say. So, basically we gave him money to have his kids birthdays. NEVER AGAIN!!!! All I had to look forward to was her real party on Sunday.

I knew my mom was going to have a wonderful party for her, and it was. She put up pink streamers and a 1st birthday table cloth. She had a beautiful cake and my brother and his future bride bought her a mini cake from Wal-mart for Sophie to ceremoniously tear apart. Our great friends Dennyse, Auggie and Chris were there and we ate pizza. My Memere (grandma) was there and her husband Bob. Sophie opened up all of her presents (which means I did) and was instantly drawn to a pretend cell phone my mom bought her. She screamed when we tried to give her something else and screamed when her Papa took it from her just to remove it from the box so she could play with it. She sat on the table on her table cloth to eat her cake...(pictures coming soon!) and did well for awhile until she had a look on her face that Auggie described as the "Mom, I don't feel so good" look. We gave her a bath and put on her new jammies and she played with her new toys (and boxes) until it was time to go. She fell asleep in the car on the way home and was sound asleep for the rest of the night. I couldn't get her to wake up this morning, I think it was a sugar-hangover!

That party completely wiped out the horrid feelings my BIL's party brought on. Sophie is such a special girl and I can't believe it's been a year already. She goes to a doctor's appointment on Wednesday (9:50, Amie, she'll be in right after) and it will be interesting to see where she's at on the charts, my tiny one!

And, now for the last amazing thing that happened this weekend. Those of you with kids have probably experienced the amazing "one time only word or phrase." It's when your kid says something when they are learning to talk but never repeats it and you almost question whether or not it actually happened. I had a witness for this one. Sophie and Abby were getting their hair washed on Sunday. Abby and I were singing "Happy Birthday" to Sophie. Sophie usually hums along or "ahh's" trying to sing. We stopped for a second and Sophie said, "Hap-py bird a." Abby was so shocked she looked at me with her mouth open. We got her to say Happy again, but birthday, alas, was never heard again.

Another Monday....

I finished ready the Marie Antoinette book Saturday night. I must say that I had a weepy weekend because I cried for the last 3 chapters and then most of Sunday (we have a great teacher in Relief Society, Beth Wagnher (sp?) she teaches High School and is so talented! I love when she teaches a lesson, you can't help but feel the spirit). It didn't help that she lost 2 of her children (the first one was her baby named Sophie!) and knew she was leaving 2 more as she headed to our to lose her head. It was a interesting book, if this author was correct, she was swept away by rumors and only rumors, nothing was true. I guess we'll only know when we depart this world. I think I'll have many questions to ask the powers that be when I die.

Which reminds me, our lesson was about the importance of prayer. I have to say I have been really lacking in this area. So, I'm going to challenge myself and really try to get better at this. I'm trying to think of a way to make sure I remember, so any suggestions, I'll take them.

Joey did two things so opposite of one another this weekend, sometimes I wonder about him. I was asked to help lead the girls in Primary during the "Love is Spoken Here" song. There are hardly any girls in Senior Primary, so the Primary Chorister needs to focus on the boys. After we went through the song, they went on to the next, "This is My Beloved Son." I love this song! Joey has a solo on the 3rd verse, the Joseph saw to glorious beings, verse. So, I stayed to listen to him sing his part, since the Primary Chorister says that he is really rocking the verse and he sounds good. She was right! He did! It was gorgeous! He has such a clear, cute little boys voice. I don't get to hear it at home, because he is usually goofing around. It moved me to tears and I had to turn around while he was singing so I wouldn't make those sobbing noises. Very sweet! Just so pure...

Then, his opposite side, gone is the pure sweet spiritual boy, on comes the "of course I did all of my homework." Oh, I hate that he lies to me. I checked his stuff as he went along, but I can't keep up completely and I trusted him. I didn't know that I couldn't until recently and this drove the stake in the heart. Wow, it hurts to think he'll lie about homework. I hope that I can cure him of this habit before it involves more important things.

And now, to change the subject, since that one is bothering me. I'm getting ready for Sophie's birthday. Saturday, her actually birthday (the 29th) is such a busy day. Cub scout day camp, 2 birthday parties and then a birthday party that Sophie is sharing with her cousins. I'm very sad that her 1st birthday party isn't going to be just for her. But, her uncle wanted to host the party and I don't want to make waves and offend him. So, on Sunday, we'll have an official party for her at my mom's house. Right after I get out of church, which unfortunate, is 5:00. Next year we are the 8:00 ward, so from one extreme to the other. Anyhoo, she's too young to really know, and as long as she knows we love her and she gets some presents from me, I'm all set! And, of course, the cute shots of her getting cake all over herself!

Okay Amie, here's mine...but I do have to add Porn name (I know, but we did it in High School)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Brownie Freestyle

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Chubby Hubby Oreo (That's crazy!)

3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)C-Cav

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Purple Frog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Ellen Jacksonville

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)Cav-Ch (That is from another planet)

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put "The")
The Black Pomegranate Sprizter (I wonder what my superpower is)

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Willis Paul (or if I use one's nickname Bud Paul)

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy)
Happy Chocolate

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names )
Gayle Lynn

11. PORN NAME (first pet & first street name you lived on)
Brownie Puget (or now, with current pet and street) Shiloh Fletcher

My little guy

Well yesterday my baby boy turned 9 years old. Sometimes it takes me a second to fully realize that I have nutured and cared for another human being well enough that he has lived 9 years. Wow! Yeah me! He has survived unscathed! Well, except for the foot thing last year and when he biffed it on his bike, well realitively unscathed!

He had a birthday party on Saturday for his church/school friends and cousins. I kid you not he had 34 kids there! I know because I only had 34 goodie bags and they were all dispersed within seconds! Don't worry though, we didn't break the bank and we spent way less than we would have at home. Those parties were crazy!

Now on to the next birthday! Johnathen turns 6 years old on the 23rd. He just cracks me up everyday. On the way to a baseball game he and Joey were discussing the fact that Johnathen gets to be the ring bearer at his dad's wedding in November. Johnathen told Joey that he was not an animal and he was going to be a "Ring Guy" not a "Ring Bear!" Oh, too cute!

Then, to wrap up September, my little Sophie will turn 1! My mom is going to take her to have her picture done. Can you believe it, this is the first professional photo? Poor third child! Joey had his done like every month! Oh well, the digital camera is full of her gorgeous image. Don't worry about the party though, Sophie's will be small and intimate. As they can get!

Oops, she had homework?

I'm a terrible mom, I forgot that my kindergartener had homework. We finished it, but I have to say it's a dang good thing it's easy to do or we would have been in big trouble! Boy, times sure have changed, I don't remember having homework in Kindergarten. So, I decided to use a journal jar topic (refer to an earlier post on this one) to blog about today.

The Question is: How did you feel about school?

I loved school! Well, I loved highschool. Elementry school is almost a blur now. I remember certain friends and teachers. I remember the one girl in 4th grade that decided she hated me. This was the closest I have ever been to being in a fight. We were playing kickball and she was on 3rd base. I was at 2nd running to 3rd. I was going to be able to score a run, so as I rounded 3rd, she grabbed my high-on-my-head-80's-ponytail and pulled hard. I almost hit the ground. Well, I did the most un-Mormonlike thing I could do. I called her many names that I'm sure can be overheard being muttered by a drunken-sailor on shore leave. I'm not proud of it, but I did it. So later, she moved in for the fight. Confronted, I admit, I ran. I ran right to Mr. Farmer the music teacher. I did hard time for this fight. Detention during lunch recess.

Otherwise, besides the "pizza-face" comments I normally got, I remember having friends. I remember subject I really enjoyed. I loved music and art!

Art class was wonderful. I really enjoyed art, and I wasn't too bad at it. My drawings usually looked like they were supposed to. I was a little weird with my subject choices, for example I did a plaster cast of my foot instead of my hand like everyone else. I painted it black with eye balls on it. It could have sold for millions to some yuppie in New York. But, alas, my real love called me. Music!

My first choir experience was in 7th grade. I moved in too late in the 6th grade year to join, and my old school didn't have it, so I waited until 7th grade to try out. We had to audition with the classic tune "Happy Birthday." I surprised my teacher by being a soprano. I have a naturally deeper speaking voice, so people think it's weird to hear me talk then hit a high B or C (I have done it, but it's been awhile). But then, I just was a soprano. I made choir that year and the next. We had this crazy show choir that had a whole choreographed show. We always did popular music (go Whitney). It was fun! I didn't take choir freshman year of high school because I was taking Keyboarding 101, which by the way, landed me my job at the State (almost 10 years), so THANKS MOM!

Let's see....Oh! Kindergarten. I remember we had these books called Letter Books (creative!) Each week, a new letter and book. I liked them because they had pages with different smells. If you remember, the 80's enjoyed may different types of Scratch-In-Sniff, and the school district thought that learning the alphabet should also include scratching and sniffing. We also took the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. We sat a common tables in kindergarten, so they partitioned us off with those cardboard building blocks that looked like red bricks. I remember poking my pencil in the holes between blocks. We got a cup of trail mix to keep our energy up while we were tested. I picked out all the good stuff and left the raisins (I still do that!)

I also remember we wanted to be in class with this one girl (between 1st and 4th grade) because her mom always brought in the best gifts for the class for Halloween, Christmas and her birthday. Quality stuff, like Tinkerbell nailpolish that pealed off.

Halloween was Halloween when I was in school. It was a huge costume parade. Everyone was in costume. We had a great party and ate HOMEMADE treats. I only remember one group of people not participating, the Jehovah Witnesses (funny, but I didn't realize that was a religion when I was little, I just always felt sorry for the kid that couldn't have a birthday party). That's it! Halloween wasn't evil, it was pure fun!

Christmas was wonderful also. It was Christmas. We had gift exchange. We made paper angels and colored Santas and sang Christmas songs. All of them, including the ones with Jesus! Oh, back in the day (as Dane says, that was a Wednesday).

I can't say enough about how cool High School was for me. I always encourage everyone to be involved in High School. Join clubs! I still have friends from those clubs! And, if I needed to prove how much I liked High School. '96-'97 Yearbook, Most likely to Return to Every Homecoming. PHS! Who's House? Cat's House! (I know all the words to the Fight Song and the Alma Mater, I'm a real geek!)

Back From the Dead!

Well today I'm back to work. I've been mostly dead for the last 3 days. Don't you love Princess Bride? Anyhoo, I had this horrible stomach thingy with a fever. Today I feel like I'm walking under water, I'm slow and drained, but now I'm mostly alive.

I finished The Good Earth, The Nanny Diaries and The Honk and Holler Opening Soon. So, here's a short book review

The Good Earth-Boy life sucked in China! Mostly for women. There were times that it was horrible, but because it was written a billion years ago, it wasn't graphic. It was tasteful. If you've read the book, you understand what I'm talking about with the women, but if you haven't when a girl is born, they call it a slave from the start. They usually don't even name them, just call them a slave. Wow!

The Nanny Diaries-Wow, rich people suck! Just kidding, mostly I'm amazed that people have children that don't really want them. Instead they pay someone else to raise them and then criticize the way it is been done. It happens all the time. The Nanny Diaries give you look into the life of a nanny. Only a couple bad words, no graphic stuff.

The Honk and Holler Opening Soon-Things can go bad in someone's life, but there is always hope that something will get better for them. I liked this book. Some of the subject matter is a little out there, but it is written for adults and it has a happy ending. I liked it, it was written by the same person that wrote Where the Heart Is.

Sorry that they weren't very involved reviews, but hey, I've only been mostly alive for about 4 hours!

Ode to my performing side...

Thank goodness it's Friday! Woo-hoo! This week has been pretty tough. Many things are going on at work, lot's of stuff going on at home. Fun, fun, fun.

Last night I got to see Hairspray. Go fat girls! To bad we didn't do that show when I was in high school, I would totally have gotten that part. Now I'm old enough to play Tracey's mom. But, since it's funner with a guy, I would lose that part too. So, I've decided to write about roles I have played on stage and the dream roles I would love to play.

Roles I've played (with a little desired roles thrown in)

• Mrs. Paroo, The Music Man-My first "real" part. My Irish brogue won them over and I was a 14 year old mother of two :)
• Olga Katrina, You Can't Take It With You-I've played this role twice. Once in High School and once in college. Again, I guess it was the accent and my old lady body :)
• Hello, Dolly-I had a crappy part in this, but boy do I want to play Dolly! The good thing is she is an older part so I could actually still play her. Whenever I go down stairs, I sing in my mind "it's so nice to be back home where I belong."
• Dr. Strauss, Flowers For Algernon-I played a part that was written for a dude. I also had to wear Sally Jesse Raphael glasses. For those of you too young to know, she was a talk show host that had these big, red framed glasses.
• Lady Thiang, The King and I-I loved this part. I sang "Something Wonderful" for my auditions for the Thespian Society Scholarship. I was a finalist, but lost to a girl that had money and didn't really need it. Irony. This was also the part when my voice really started to develop. I had spent the whole summer and fall before singing Barbra Streisand songs. I think the practice helped.
• The Baker's Wife, Into the Woods-Darn my tonsils! I had them out and lost the part of the Witch. Someday it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine.
• Mabel, The Pajama Game-Always the heavy set side kick, *sigh* On a side note, I had to do a tap dance number in this show. If you don't know, I can't dance!
• Arthur's Mother, Silhouettes Against the Storm-this was a Stake musical. In Peoria. I can't really remember my character's name. I had only one scene. For those of you that know Pioneer Stories, I sang a song based on the story of the little boy that went missing in the snow and his father went out to find him with the mother's red shawl. When he found the boy he was supposed to wave the red shawl in the air so they could see it in the snow. Such a pretty song! BTW, they found him....
• Miss Tweed, Somethings Afoot-this one was fun. Again, an older lady, but a cute role. I died onstage. Cool.
• Ensemble, The Christmas Schooner-my first community theatre show. Theater Works. I hadn't done a show in years! Since right before I got pregnant with Abby. I decided to try out for a musical. This is a cool show, they do it ever year now at Theater Works (ours was the 1st year) and it has kids parts in it too, a family affair. It's about how German families brought the 1st Christmas trees to America, it's based on a true story. I have a book that they based the show on. It's really interesting if anyone wants to borrow it.
• Madame Ernestine Von Liebedich, Little Mary Sunshine-I really liked this show. I was Zoni nominate for this role. It also about killed me. I was pregnant with Sophie and was so nauseated I was miserable all the time. I also did Schooner right before this, two shows back to back, working full time, a mom and wife. Yeah, no wonder I have been ordered to take a break.

Roles I want to Play (Dream roles remember (some may be cheesy!), I may be too old, but they may do the show at the Senior Center and I'm in!)

• Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat-this role will one day be mine! I have the whole thing memorized. I'm still mad that they did it after I graduated.
• The Witch-as mentioned above
• Dolly Levi-as mentioned above
• Elphaba, Wicked-duh, I think everyone wants to do this one
• Maria, The Sound of Music
• Carlotta, Phantom of the Opera
• Queen Elizabeth-The Pirate Queen- I just love Queen Elizabeth and this new show has her in it! I have a book about this lady if anyone is curious
• Tracey-Hairspray
• Fanny Bryce, Funny Girl
• Eva, Evita

Well that's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure there are many, many more!

What's my ipod going to play?

I put my ipod on shuffle (I have a 30gig, video ipod-I love it and I'm addicted) and decided to see what were the first 4 songs it played and tell you a little about a memory I have of that song. Sort of weird, I guess, but I'm going for different....so....

1. Cowboy Take Me Away-Dixie Chicks-I love this song. I remember that I had a CD that I would plug a cassette adapter into my '93 Ford Escort and listen to this CD. I lucked out and got free tickets to see them when they were here in like 2000 or something. Before all of the controversy, when they still rocked-Don't believe everything you hear out there! Anyhoo, I would play this song on the way home from work and picking Joey up from Daycare. He was so cute, he would sing this song in his cute little baby voice. Adorable. Of course, he didn't realize he was singing about a guy....

2. One Day I'll Fly Away-Nicole Kidman-Moulin Rouge-I love this movie! Who doesn't love a guy that can sing and also kick butt with a light saber! Go Ewan!

3. November Rain-Guns N Roses-Whoa, let's get into the "Way back machine" I mostly remember this as a really long video.

4. Somewhere Over the Rainbow-by (ready for this) Israel Kamakawiwo'ole-I love this version. I first heard it in the movie 50 first dates. It was also used in commercials and stuff. It's really pretty. I love the ukulele in the background. If you haven't heard it, check it out it's beautiful. Anyway, another memory I have is James singing it to the girls when they are trying to fall asleep. James is a tenor, believe it or not, and can still hit some of those high notes!

As you can see, my ipod contains a strange mix. I love so many types of music, so I have a little bit of everything.

And Amie, you are right, blogging is addicting!

This is such a cute picture I had to put it on my blog. It reminds me of Abby. She would stand on top of our vents (our air conditioning vents are on the floor) and let the air blow her skirt.

The weekend is over...yuck!

I'm thoroughly bummed that my long weekend is now over and I'm sitting at my boring desk doing boring work. Seriously, whoever invented work stinks!

My weekend started out pretty good. I decided to hit the bookstore and pick up some books that went unpicked at the last book club meeting. A friend of mine is lending me the chosen book, Marley and Me. I decided to buy myself an anniversary present, since I knew James wouldn't get around to buying me anything or figure out what I actually wanted. Sunday, Sept. 2nd was our 7th anniversary. Only 7 married, 10 together and 3 months sealed. I have 3 anniversaries. But, I digress. So, I bought myself a Barnes and Noble membership. I know I'll get use out of it since I do prefer to buy my books in hopes that I can read them again or pass them on (and since I owe money at the library). I came home and told James how much I appreciated his present. So I picked up The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, by Billie Letts and for fun, The Nanny Diaries. I always like to read the book before the movie. Like The Devil Wears Prada, that was a great book! The movie was okay, but the book, fantastic! So, I'll be using my card to purchase more in the future. If anyone wants to borrow anything after I've read it, let me know!

I also got some things at Target, mostly for Sophie. I just love to get her things. She is so funny! James taped that Yo Gabba Gabba show for her and she loves it. It is very weird and the guy that hosts the show is the skinniest man I have ever seen! But, she loves it and dances to the music. Here's the website, just so you know what I'm talking about http://www.nickjr.com/shows/yo-gabba-gabba/index.jhtml Here's a picture for easy reference.
So, anyway, about my anniversary. It really wasn't anything special. I baked some oatmeal chocolate chip and regular chocolate chip cookies. Not from scratch, but from the handy little pre-cut circles the Doughboy has so lovingly made me. They were very good and after dieting all this time, they were exceptionally good. We did eat out several times and most of the weekend I felt bloated from all of the food! I'm back to dieting today, though. But, we didn't have any special dinner out by ourselves or anything. We spent it with the kids and it was good enough for me.

Labor day consisted of spending time at my brother in laws house. I'm not going to get stared here, but boy does he aggravate me. Can't we have one get together without consuming mass quantities of beer? He gets louder than usual, so picture a drunken Mexican dude, with a pot-belly yelling in a voice that sounds like Sylvester Stalone in Rocky. "Adrian!" On a side note, my sister in law looks terrible. She has been diagnosed with MS, and although I'm not a fan of hers, she has lost like 20lbs and she is looking a little like Skeletor (He-Man reference). She says it's from working. She just needs to take care of herself.

Tonight I'm going to the Diamondbacks games with my folks, my brother and my Joey. It should be fun. Joey is really excited. I'm considering it one of his birthday presents. He's almost 9!