Ready or Not -- A chance to get to know me.

Okay so I thought this would be fun to do, the number one reason being --- it's questions that someone else wanted to ask me and get the answers to. Shimmy Mom did this over on her blog, and I thought I'd give it a try.
So here's a few questions that will help you get to know me a little better.


1. How long have you lived in Utah? Where else have you lived?

Well, my husband and I moved to Utah back in July 1993 1999. We were lucky to have my husband's sister live in an apartment complex and they got word that the apartment above them was coming up on a vacancy. So before we even moved down Chris's two sisters and one brother ( who at the time were all unmarried) shared the two bedroom apartment until we could move down. (Thanks Guys) We moved in July of 1999 and had a little 3 1/2 month baby with us. We didn't have nearly the "JUNK" we have now, and I don't even want to try and imagine what moving today would mean. We lived in that apartment till March of 2001 when we bought our house and have been in this place ever since. When we moved out of the apartment we had two little girls, and since we've moved into our house, we've added three more. To make a grand total (so far) of 5. But I grew up in California. Where? A little town just near Death Valley called Trona. Never heard of it -- Why not?? Well because not many people have -- and you aren't missing much. I was born there well not in Trona but a half hour away in Ridgecrest, my family moved to Wyoming for a few years and then we moved back to California. I graduated high school and off to Rexburg, Idaho I went for about 3 years. (Where I met my husband)

2. What would you consider the BEST part of Motherhood? What is the Worst part of Motherhood?

Best part of motherhood would have to be watching my angelic and perfect children learn and grow, and acquire new skills. Seeing their funny little moments, see their excitement when events come, their birthdays. My kids get animated!! Seeing them get along well with each other and for the most part with Chris and I. The times when they come up and give me a hug, without being told to do so. It just melts my heart.

Now the worst part would be a toss up between the LAUNDRY, DISHES etc.... or you could say that I worry for my kids, I worry whether I'm teaching them enough of the right and good things to help keep them safe when situations arise. I worry for their safety when they are away from me. I know that I worry a lot, but how can I help it? Doesn't it just mean you really love your kids. I also hate having to try and "discipline" and having it fit the crime. (I'm not very creative)




3. What is the hardest thing you've ever had to do?

This might not sound like something really hard, and now it isn't but at one time -- it was a difficult experience. My first Christmas away from my family also happened to be the first Christmas I spent with my husband and his family. It was hard for me because I hadn't ever been away from them for Christmas, and I was only 20. I guess I didn't realize how much I felt a connection to them, despite how relationships were -- they were all I knew up till I got married, and adjusting to being married was hard enough. But it was just a "stepping stone" into my relationship with my husband. He helped me get through it, and just loved me despite how "emotional" I was at that time. Oh yeah, did I mention that I was also pregnant with my first at the same time. Well, I was and the pregnancy wasn't easy either. I was sick for 3 months straight, throwing up all the time, (probably should have been on an IV a few times for dehydration, but it never happened) So being pregnant away from my "childhood" family and not knowing his family very well yet made things really hard. But since then, things have changed. I haven't spent very many Christmas's with my family since I've been married but I have grown to know and love my in laws. And it's always fun to meet up with them and be crazy.

4. What is your favorite hobby or past time?

Well depending on when you would have asked this of me the answers would vary. Back before I had kids, playing sports and "working out" at the gym were some of my favorite things to do. But since I've had kids, that isn't very practical anymore (although I still love it) so now, I really enjoy reading, that has to be my favorite hobby. It's relaxing, and gives me a chance to escape reality for just a moment. Of course, it has to be a good book, otherwise .... well I don't finish the book, and on to a new one I go. But I also have an interest in digital scrapbooking, and am anxiously awaiting a new computer (like in a dozen years) and new software. But with kids I don't seem to have enough time as it is, maybe when they get older.

5. Who has inspired you the most in your life?

I don't know that I can really narrow that down to one thing, or person. I grew up in a town where I had "standards" that were different from most of the others around, so I didn't do too many things with them. But I did have some great church leaders that helped inspire me. They took time to show interest, and let me know that they cared. But better yet, when I went on to college and met my room mates from my first year, and got to know them, and find out their struggles, and their joys --- they became my best friends and really helped inspire me to do better and achieve more. And since I was at Ricks College (now called BYU Idaho) when President David A Bednar was called to be the President -- he had a way with words and making me feel hopeful, and that with God all things could be possible. So I savor his words even more now, because he is one of the Apostles for the Lord Jesus Christ here on earth.


Do you want to play along and get interviewed too?
Here's the directions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Friday Ramblings.....

Time for a Friday Ramblings post again,



Facebook -- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!! I'm able to be in touch with so many "past" friends that it's just amazing. And I'm really quite shocked when I find that so and so here knows this other so and so -- that I thought didn't know each other at all. Really it is a SMALL, SMALL World. If you don't do facebook, you SHOULD!!!



Meal Planning --- It has made this last weeks worth of eating food, go so much better. I haven't at all stood around wondering what I was going to whip up for dinner at the last minute. This plan is working quite well, some days I make changes but that's what we need to remember. Be flexible. And now that I have the plan set out for the next few weeks, and then it'll just rotate for the rest of the year (until it's summer, and I start doing more "summertime" salads in the mix) it'll be easy to make the shopping list and have it ready almost instantly. Theoretically. At least.



Bedtime --- I've been instigating a ritual lately that focuses around the time the clock says. It all begins in the afternoon when it's time to make dinner. If I get behind on getting dinner on the table the whole rest of the night is a disaster. But on the other hand, if I get dinner on the table at the right time, then the evening goes smoothly. At 7pm I tell the kids to start cleaning up and to get teeth brushed and pj's on. Then at 7:30 they are to go to their rooms, and they can have reading time until 8pm when the lights go off. But they don't go to sleep right away they go to sleep a few hours later. But at least they stay in their rooms, and are mostly quiet. So I can have some ME time once again. (It's been a few months since I've been able to have some "me" time)

FRIENDS --- Can't ever have too many !!! But it is nice to have a handful or two that you can really "CONFIDE" in and do things with. They seem to understand me, and are there to support me. So a BIG THANKS to those who play that role for me. *** You know who you are ****

Music --- CAN'T Live WITHOUT IT!!!

HOLY COW!!! January is already over. (Okay so one more day ... but it's already gone) Is it just me or does the time just FLY by anymore. I never seem to have enough time in any given day to accomplish all my tasks. SAD!!! Something needs to change. Less sleep maybe?? NOT --- Maybe reducing the task list. Maybe.

Thursday Memories .....

Typical of my kids: While we wait for the Dr. to come in, they think they can hide under this "desk" and he won't know they are there. My kids sure know how to be silly, and entertain themselves when needed. Mostly.

What's for dinner?

Ever wonder what's for dinner?? So do I. I've tried to do a menu thing in the past but never seemed to find a system that quite worked for me. So now, I'm plugging away at a new system and will see how this works for us. Granted I know things will change, and that's okay -- I take change well. Sometimes. But here is my plan.

I got this idea from my friend who in turn got it from this lady. Where has this been my whole life??? I'm finding myself starting to get an actual routine going, whereas before I didn't really have one. My kids are starting to get to bed at 8pm instead of just starting at 10pm because of whatever REASON!!! They aren't snacking as much because I am being more aware and actually have "scheduled" snacks in addition to mealtimes. I've been doing a lot of baking lately. So all the "bread" items listed below I make by hand, and from scratch. I've finally mastered a roll recipe that I LOVE!!!

My kids love it, my husband loves it,

and everybody cries for more!!

I now find myself trying to schedule the afternoon part of my day so that I can have dinner ready and on the table by 5pm (okay so sometimes it's more like 5:30) so that we can eat and the kids can help with chores, or finish homework, or PLAY if they get LUCKY!!! My main goal for this year is to become ORGANIZED. I was okay before I had a husband, and then the kids!! So now I'm trying to handle this whole household on my lacking knowledge and we've been suffering. But -- what I'm looking for is a MIRACLE by the end of this year. And it's more prudent now, because of the loss of hours which means less money. So I'll have to see if I can even work this plan on the limited funds that we'll get now. But .... at least this is a start.

So I know that a lot of my friends actually have themselves on top of everything, how do you "decide" what's for dinner. What works for you???

News updates.....

So my big excitement for today --- get ready for this ---- Little Guy went PEE in the POTTY, guess how many times??? TWICE!!!! I set him on the toilet and splashed some water on him, and within seconds he was going into the potty!!! I'm so way stoked about this. He may be difficult in other areas regarding life, but if in just this ONE area if he's EASY!!! I'll be so HAPPY!!! He won't be two until APRIL 10th, so if he keeps this practice up --- he'll be way potty trained before he turns 2!!! That will be a first!!! So I think, I need to get serious now, and keep at it so that I don't have to do any more diapers during the day. (I still use nighttime pullups for a couple of the kids..... but shh don't tell anyone.







The other exciting news........ I'm not pregnant. Well, I was feeling like I could be but, I have an IUD in and it's a form of birth control, so I was secretly hoping it would have been positive, but I am really glad now that it was NEGATIVE. I'm still wondering about my SIL??? hm --- if you're reading this you better let me know one way or the other. I wouldn't mind having baby #6 but right now isn't the time. This is actually the first time, my current baby is turning 2 and I'm not already pregnant. CRAZY!!! I love being around those cute cuddly babies, so I'm glad I can hold and interact with them, when I need a "Baby fix".



And other blessings that have been counted this week ....



Chris still has a job. So what if his hours have been cut back, along with everyone else that works there too. (Darn recession)



The car was only a $250.ooish expense. We had to replace the antifreeze/coolant reserve tank. It's made out of PLASTIC and they cost a lot to replace. HELLO!!!! But hey, at least it was just a couple hundred dollars instead of needing to buy a new car. (We're excited because we paid of the van in Nov. so we currently don't have a car payment. But don't tell anyone else, we're still working on trying to get out of our DEBT!!! --- credit card!!! Now that hours have been cut back, getting on the fast pace to get rid of it, just got zapped out. Well at least until he can have regular hours back)



The Little Guy is learning he has to go to sleep at night because I put a hook and eye lock on the one door that doesn't latch and just shut the other door that does latch. So he screams for a little while, but hey he is almost 2!! So it isn't like leaving a newborn crying and screaming for A WHILE!! The first few nights he cried for nearly an hour or more before he exhausted himself, and went to his bed and went to sleep. Now he only cries for 10 - 20 minutes. It's getting better.



And the PEEP testing came back with results saying that Little Guy qualifies for their program but only the area of Expressive Language so we'll be setting that up next week.



Prayers are really starting to be answered!! It doesn't feel like it but it does.



I mean heck, I even prayed and said that I needed HELP!! Only next time, I think I'll not voice it out loud if it comes in the form of my husband getting his hours cut back. But at least he's been motivated to workout in that extra hour before dinner, and he also helped make dinner a few nights this last week. So I guess it is just proof that you really need to be careful for what you pray for. ((Just kidding, I really do enjoy having him home, it's just the not getting paid for work thing that is going to STINK))



Sleeping Beauty finished her third book report for this school year *she's in 4th grade* --- but now we have to do a SCIENCE PROJECT. But she amazingly liked the idea that I suggested. I'm telling you THAT NEVER HAPPENS. She's always one to whine and complain about anything I suggest. But she liked it. We'll post pictures and outcomes and everything when we actually do the project. I'm interested to know the outcomes myself. HINT: TIDE VS. SUN that's all you get. Any clues???



I've been able to sleep all night a few times this week, but I still feel so sluggish during the day... wonder if I should get that checked out??? But at least, I feel relatively well. (I think) Some days are better than others, and some days just aren't doing it for me. But at least I have a warm bed to sleep in every night.



I have a lot of great friends!!! I just wish they realized it!!! Realize what?? That they are my friend. I was once told that in high school nobody really liked me because they thought I was STUCK UP!!??? Huh? I just thought nobody liked me, and that I was not their type. I had no idea that I was stuck up till several years later. But of course, that can be left up to interpretation. I mostly just stuck to myself, for personal reasons, but I dare say that is grounds for being labeled stuck up. At any rate --- you know you are great if you interact with me everyday. So don't be shy!!! Give me a call or stop by.

Type of MOM.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION + EARLY MORNING + 5 KIDS + Yearbook co-chair + VT COordinator + Sister and (SIL) = ONE TIRED CRAZY FULLY STRETCHED JACK OF ALL, MASTER OF NONE type of MOM!!!


I swear I have LOTS of things that I like to do or be involved in but like with my house, I can't seem to stay focused on any one given task very well. AT ALL. I get lots of distractions, mostly from the kids. So this week I'm going to try and account for all my minutes during the day. Just to see if it really is the kids, or if ( it might just be me) there is some other underlying problem.

I start washing dishes and BAM !! a few minutes into starting them, the DISTRACTIONS start. Or I switch loads of luandry with the intents of folding it right up, well here I am 5 days LATER and the same clothes and more are needing to be folded. I get so easily distracted. I've noticed this for awhile, and know that I really need to CHANGE!! So now with a new week upon me, I'm going to keep tabs and see what's going on.

I did this one day a few weeks ago, and was surprised that I kept fairly busy doing the "MOMMY" kinds of things, even though that meant that not much "picking up, or tidying" really got done. Oh well. I don't want to miss my kids while they are at this fun stage where I'm at the center of their UNIVERSE. It's the time to put the most time into them, and create these memories that they can fall back on when they are older.

So here is to NEW HABITS, and NEW MEMORIES.

What are some habits that you want to develop or change??

I REMEMBER (Randomness all the way) pt 1

Okay so lately I've had ample moments to remember the good times I had back in college, and while digging through some old papers came across a letter that kind of "sums" up some of the fun things that happened my first year. It's long, and may not mean a lot to any of you --- but to those mentioned it'll be priceless .... so if you want to find out about my crazy first year of college read on (and it's long) but if you don't have time just leave and I won't be offended. I wrote this myself and started it while still at college but had to finish it up once I reached California again. I thought about just scanning in but the original size of the font would make it impossible to read. So I'm going to type it up AGAIN. Here goes: *** I was writing this about a month and half after the posted date, so my memories were sketchy and not in order at all. It's basically complete randomness.

April 9th, 1997

I REMEMBER

As the year draws to a close, I believe that it's time to tell you what's going on in the lives of the people I've grown to love and appreciate throughout the years. At Ricks, we've built many friendships and have had dreams and made memories that I will carry with me all of my life. From all the friends I"ve met and made my roommates the ladies of 184 have made an impact and have influenced my life for good. Annette Meikle, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Amy Stephenson, Mt. Airy, Maryland; Elspeth Mann, Enumclaw, Washington; Sheri Greenhalgh, Springville, Utah; Sarah Barlow(Byrd) very shortly, Orem, Utah; Wendy Hill (Me) Trona, California.

I've learned so many lessons from these people and have made a lot of memories. I remember way back when, when we had our opening ward social and actually met our FHE brothers, who were way different then, than they are now. Boy how things have changed. I remember an FHE we had when Monte Hudson, Darroll Young, Josh Storer, Adrien Orme, Scott Hamblin, Carsen Woolley, and all six of us sat in our front room and asked personal questions, so we could get to know each other. Darroll Young asked Monte Hudson, who in our room he would like to kiss? Guess who --- that's right he said Annette and we all laughed. Now the two are seriously dating and have talked about marriage but, Annette firmly believes that she is going on a "mission" -- may be her mission is to get married and have a family. --- Who knows?

Some other thought I can remember are of FHE nights when we would have a thought and actually play football, with some "semi-tackling" taking place. That was so much fun! I also remember our late night "parties". Pizza would be ordered by the Pizza Queen -- MOI -- Wendy and then the Music Queen -- Amy --- would play the songs which would soon become our infamous apartment songs -- Celine Dion's It's All Coming Back, and Donna Lewis ' I love You Always Forever. Having those playing while screaming at the top of our non-existent voices and standing on the furniture and dancing - in other words acting out the song -- especially Celine's. Staying up till 1:00 - 1:30 in the morning. And building the friendships that would last forever. I remember Taralynn, wanting some pizza and asking the peron who bought it -- which was usually me -- if she could give a quarter for the piece. It was always fun to dance on the couches and chairs and scream, the loudest we could the words of the song, and just look at the lookds we got from our neighbors. But it was just funny because we would scream louder and dance funnier. Oh -- WHAT FUN!!! I remember Taralynn , who hated country music, the night we converted her and played Country Crazy by Little Texas and WOW the place was a rockin then. I also remember ZAC !! (Sheri correct me if I am wrong!) This boy was persistent from Day 1. The very first Sunday he happened to see an empty seat where all of us were sitting and asked if the seat next to Sheri was taken she said, No so he sat down from that day forward he was so persistent and we kept telling her that he wants her. Well, Sheri didn't want anything to happen or anything to do with boys and Zac had her on his mind and on the 10th of September they went on their first date and slowly but surely they fell in love and let "it" happen, after always denying before that "it" wasn't going to happen. So guess what it happened.

Some ofther things I remember are in the beginning Brad Cook!!! had his eyes on Amy and they spent some time together -- she even ditched an FHE just to see him. And not to mention we thougth that it was just SICK AND WRONG because she had a boyfriend back at home!! But nothing ever happened, we got excited over nothing. (BJ if you ever read this don't worry Amy is a great gal!!!) I also think that everyone went through a phase where they liked Brad. Oh what a time that was.

Speaking of Brad -- Elspeth come into the picture. Don't worry Elspeth, it isn't all that bad, remember ladies she went to Preference in the fall with Brad one night and Kyle the next night --- while all of us sat at home and did nothing. At least right now it seems as though we did nothing. But my, my , my --- what a time!! You know what I am trying to do this off from the top of my head right now because I am right now because I am too lazy to walk back into my bedroom and get the notes. So I'll see how far I get. And just a reminder this stuff isn't in chronological order. Speaking of Elspeth, she always and I think still says this, but last semester in the fall she always said, " I HATE YOU" and "DIE!DIE! DIE" and she doesn't love anyone. Remember that !

We always said how crazy she was for saying that and I am not really telling you this next part because I am using telepathy or telekinesis to do this next sentence or so --- Elspeth go ahead and skip a few lines.

Hey you other I am no t really supposed to tell you this but Elspeth emailed me one time and said not to tell anyone but guess what she said???

That is right she said I LOVE YOU and along with the rest of you. a;ldkfjalsdkjfla;sdjfl;sadjf

Okay it really is me AGAIN !!!

The computer put me in a trance or something and it was weird but now I am alive again and can really focus on what is being said. Well, at any rate I haven't had any free time lately but I am back for a few minutes because I want this done by Amy's birthday. And I have just a week.

I also remember Elspeth and my computer. She always wanted to play mahjongg. Sheri, can more than likely acocunt for that. She had the obsession with Saturday's Warrior soundtrack, and I can't remember for the life of me the other CD that she always played, the second half. -------------

More to come in a few more days. So what are some of your funny and best college memories. And where and when did you go?? Yes this might give away your age slightly but ... WHO CARES!!! Just tell me anyway.

In the WORKS!!

Okay so Today is T-man's birthday. I can't believe he is already 4!! One more year home and he starts Kindergarten -- how scarry is that??? Okay maybe not that scarry but it means my little boy is growing up and someday will be a MAN -- now that is SCARRY!!!


But I'm working on his birthday cake today, and am trying to come up with something cute and fun for a 4 year old little boy. So it's in the works to make a TOW MATER CAKE --- stay tuned for pictures hopefully tomorrow. I love this creative part of life. And the memories that my kids will have of ME ... got that... ME making the coolest cakes EVER!!

The reason that matters so much to me, because I'm a complete AMATEUR and get an idea and GO with it. Hopefully he likes what I've got in store. Time to finish up with the cake --- now go and do something .... where you can be creative. It really is a quality of our Heavenly Father .... because it starts .... in the beggining God created all things.... okay so I paraphrased it but you get the point. Go be creative.

What has inspired you to be creative lately and what have you created???

Hm???

UPDATE

***Apparently I checked out Snopes.com on this very issue and this is what they had to say.



So while reading a friends blog she asked "What do you think about this?"


I was a little shocked about the whole thing myself. Because I'm a second-hander and really don't know why this is going to go into place at all. What's your take on it. And if your like me, you haven't even heard of it, so now I bring it to your attention. Go read the article. Then come back and tell me and others what you think. Spread the word.

Get Together !!!

I found out that one of my old roommates were in town from Washington state, and I knew some conspiring was going to be taking place. Why?? Well A) this roommate didn't have our numbers. (Our = Mine, or the other roomie that lives in Utah) so she couldn't call us. B) She didn't have a car so she couldn't really go anywhere. C) Because a "Big Fat Ugly Bird" told "Us" that she was in town, and wanted to make sure we saw her.

So of course, I set to action right away. I instigated the whole thing so I'm GUILTY and proud of it. We managed to line up an afternoon lunch together, and we didn't have our kids with us. My husband watched my kids, Amy's husband watched her kids, and Annette's mother in law watched her two kids. It was FUN, AMAZING and MUCH NEEDED!!! We were roommates once a upon a time back at Ricks College -- now called BYU-Idaho. This was back in Winter Semester 1997 (Jan - April sometime) This is us over a decade later. Still friends, still stay in touch, and manage to gather from the ends of the earth to reunite and be reconnected. Thanks for such a great time that day. I really appreciated it. (too bad the colts lost in their game later that same night.)

There are more photos over at facebook that Amy posted. Man oh man have I had a flood of memories rush into me, and now I'm just totally remembering my younger days.

Crazy 8's

My sister in law tagged me with this like a month ago, and I just saw the tag. Wow, am I observant or WHAT???? I'd say more like CRAZY!! But what's the diff?? So I hate to admit you'll find out how lame I really am now. Sorry!!

8 Favorite TV Shows

1. American Idol
2. Heroes
3. Law and Order SVU
4. MASH
5. Little House on the Prairie
6. Gilligan's Island --- when it was on, (does it still come on?)
7. ????
8. ????

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Garcia's in Idaho Falls ( We ate there a few times while living in Rexburg. We celebrated our first Anniversary by eating dinner there, and then our 10th just this last summer)
2. Souper Salad ( If you like SALAD this is the place for you. I'm so bummed though, because the one that was close by in Orem shut down, and now the closest one is in Sandy, UT. Like 45 minutes away instead of 10 minutes. BUMMER!)
3. Fortune Chinese -- My kids love it too. ENOUGH SAID !!! It's a Chinese buffet.
4. Wendy's ( so what, I know it's fast food. But its good!!)
5. Los Hermanos --- I love Mexican but don't get to go there very often because of KIDS!! Anyone want to babysit???
6. Sizzler ( I love the all you can eat shrimp with the salad bar. This is usually where I like to go for my birthday every year. There again babysitters??? )
7. SUBWAY --- Hands down the best sandwiches!!! Plus my husband used to work there when we were first married, until we moved to Utah. Of course, this was in Rexburg.
8. hm..... ( I guess I don't get out much)

8 Things That Happened Yesterday

1. I got to meet up with two of my former roommates AMY and ANNETTE and have lunch. Heck we didn't have our kids with us either. Because if we had --- I'm talking 12 KIDS that would have been!!! So I'm glad that we were able to each get someone to watch our kids so we could have a nice afternoon visiting. (And thanks to Monte too!!)
2. I came home from the afternoon out, and my husband and kids had cleaned up the kitchen floor and the laundry room floor. Thanks Guys!! Too bad, I still have to do the DISHES!! Ugh.
3. I hugged Little Monster really tight and he hugged back, and that went back and forth for a few minutes. He sure does give good hugs.
4. I folded up a few loads of laundry that were DUMPED onto my bed while I was gone for the afternoon.
5. While folding that in my bedroom, I was watching Jumanji -- I never realized that Kirsten Dunst was the girl in that movie. WOW!!
6. My in laws took our family out to dinner, which was really nice and the funny thing is (it was the exact same place I met up with my friends earlier in the day) They didn't know that but they read my blog and I'm sure they'll know now. But it's okay. When the food is good, no one minds going back for more. Right?
7. Watched my children open up their last Christmas Presents from the same set of Grandparents that took us out for dinner.
8. I made sure that I told my family members how much I loved them and kissed them all goodnight.

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To

1. Sleeping Beauty and Smartie Pants being old enough to babysit so Big Daddy and I can go out on regular dates.
2. Little E Monster talking. And starting to have less mood swings. And getting him potty trained so that I can be DONE with diapers.
3. Being out of DEBT!! And Acquiring a years supply of food and other needs.
4. Seeing my newest niece and nephew once they are born. (Feb and Mar 2009) and we'll go out sometime shortly thereafter.
5. The next time I get to do a "girls night out".
6. My next date with my husband ---- there again a babysitting issue. Who in the world wants to watch 5 kids??? I know I don't.
7. When the boys both are able to start school. T-man will start school August 2010 and then Little Monster will start a few years later. (I can't do the math right now long days do that to a person)
8. My children all graduating from High School, then college, serving their missions, and getting married and having families of their own. I can hardly wait to be a GRANDMA!!! Okay just kidding I CAN WAIT!!! But then it will be fun, because I can send them back to my kids to deal with. YEAH!!!

8 Things On My Wish List

1. A Vacuum Cleaner
2. A New Phone
3. Dining Table and Chairs
4. A bigger house, or just upgrade this one.
5. Maybe a baby #6 (Still not sure about this one, though)
6. For my mom and/or grandma to live close by.
7. To have my house ORGANIZED and CLEAN and TIDY -- all at the same time. (and that goes for all the rooms in my house)
8. To be neighbors with my closest friends and (AMY & RICHARD) so when I wanted to visit I could easily walk over. To constantly have someone close by to play games with, or just someone to confide in when I needed it. My friends really have a way of ENERGIZING me.

8 People I'm Tagging

1. How about You
2. Her
3. Him
4. You
5. yOu
6. yoU
7. Them
8. YOU!!! TAG YOUR IT!!!

Be sure to let me know if you're going to do this or not.

TWILIGHT FINALLY!!!

So for Christmas my husband gave me this (So this is from a previous post)

For Christmas he surprised me with a "GIRLS NIGHT OUT KIT" a few envelopes
sealed one inside the other. There was two "made up" movie tickets to go see
TWILIGHT -- because I still haven't been able to see it YET!!! And there were
two "DINNER PASSES" -- good anywhere cash is accepted. So he included $40.00 to
go take care of this Girls Night Out!! So he prearranged this with my sister in
law coming up from Arizona and we're going to go see this movie and grab dinner.
Now I wonder if I could talk Amy into coming as well so that we could all go and
do this. I love hanging out with these TWO AMAZING AND FANTASTIC LADIES!!!

Well on the 27th the four of us met up at my house, and we went to go watch the movie. Shantil and myself actually read the books, but the other two hadn't. It was a really nice movie, and I was liking it. After the movie we went to THE CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN and had dinner. It was a nice night away from the regular stuff. And I really enjoy hanging out with these ladies. It was really nice to hang out with a lot of family the week after Christmas.

Wondering....

So lately I've been wondering a few things:

Like WHY does the Little E Monster fall asleep in my arms and then when he's SNORING, I put him into his bed, and he instantly WAKES up. Gets out of bed, usually SCREAMING, and comes to find ME again. WHY DOES HE DO THIS???? He needs sleep, and so do I !?

Like How come, my oldest two girls who are 8 and 9 scream like maniacs when I go to any store, they start kicking each other and act like they are being "MEAN" when in fact, they aren't trying to hurt each other they're just having fun. But for some reason it bothers ME!!

Like When is it time to make dinner??? Because this is one of my least favorite things, along with the laundry, making sure everyone gets baths or showers, sweeping the floor (carpet included) and the dishes. Okay so you got me. I'm not liking the whole thing a lot, so I am trying to find more ways to make it interesting, but feeling like the only person who does any of the cleaning is getting a bit TOO MUCH TO Handle. Time for a regular CHORE CHART of some kind. ( I guess that falls under getting organized this year)

Like why does my living room floor seem to get full of food crumbs and small "confetti" like papers when I don't have a vacuum cleaner to use. Mine broke a few months ago, and we haven't replaced it yet. Our home economy is a little slow at the moment too. So I've been "sweeping" with the broom. I can't tell you how much I hate sweeping now. But on the other hand when we do have a vacuum the floor doesn't seem to get very bad very fast. WHY???

I'm also wondering why on earth, no one can live peacefully with each other?? There is so much war and violence going on, it's sad. I feel so terribly bad for the innocent victims especially the children that get caught up in this. So seriously why can't we have WORLD PEACE!!!
(NOTE: If you want to watch the video clip, be sure and turn off the music player at the bottom first.)

Just like is said, on Miss Congeniality.I'm serious -- everyone all across the globe needs a big dose or MORE of WORLD PEACE. Quit being selfish, quit being brutal, and be more KIND, AND PEACEFUL. Enjoy these few clips.

I love this clip:.

It seriously makes me laugh every time I see it. (There are some choice words) so don't listen to carefully.

So I'm grateful that I have humor to fall back on when I get so stressed over the mundane, or not so mundane things that go on in life. So I guess I'm just really telling you that I'm a big SANDRA BULLOCK fan.

New Year 2009!!!

So once again it is a NEW YEAR!!! It's now 2009 !!! I remember being a senior in High School and about cried that New Years Eve when it finally turned to the year 1996!!! Seems so LONG ago.

And yes I know that I'm probably giving away my age, but duh, check my profile out and you might know how old I am from there. If not, just guess.

My point though is that now I'm going CRAZY, because my oldest will be 10 in just a few months. My oldest son will be four in less than a week. AGH. Things are going way too fast these days. So in an effort to get started on making some goals that hopefully will last longer than a few weeks I'm going to post them here again.

• Attend the temple at least once a month (More if time permits)
• Organize my home. (Which includes more than just "cleaning")
• Read my scriptures daily. ( I said last year by my birthday and that didn't happen)
• Be a better Mother. (Play with my kids, read to them more, and spend MORE time with them, and ejoy who they are now, because pretty soon they'll be a MOM or DAD too)
• Regular Scheduled Date with my husband. (Need something to keep the Romance ALIVE)
• Exercise to get myself Healthy (and if I can work it in, watch what I eat)
• Learn to play the Piano better.
• JUST TO GET MYSELF MORE ORGANIZED. That means set up meal plans, schedules for chores, the kids, etc....

Any more than this and I'll feel really bad if I can't stick to them.

I do have to say that I love my blog, because I can put down my thoughts, the frustrations, the joys, and things that I want to remember. I'm motivated to keep a "JOURNAL" sort of. I kept one faithfully my first year of college and have only done it sporadically the years following. So I do feel like I have accomplished this last year something great for my kids. Activities and Events that we did or attended, things they said or did that were cute or funny, times that we want to never forget. And my goal this year is to find a way to print it. I just need to DO IT.