Little Miss Fancy Pants

2008-12-30T17:20:00.005-07:00

So... I decided to go private. I know, how annoying. I tried my best to invite everyone, but if there was an over site or I don't have your email address or if you are just now finding this, please don't be shy. Leave me a comment with your email address and I'll promptly add you. Don't worry, the comments are not published on this blog. I hope to hear from you soon.
My new blog address is : http://www.littlemissfancy.blogspot.com/ - come on over.

An Update

2008-12-16T18:47:00.002-07:00

To all of you who have been sitting on the edge of your seats and waiting with baited breath and to the rest of you who really couldn't care less but will read on anyways, a quick update...

We've had 3 different offers on the house but unfortunately they've all been contingent on the buyers selling their house first (yeah, good luck with that!) We were under contract with a family that wanted to buy our house and possibly rent their house to family but as we got closer to closing date it looked as though that ideal scenario wasn't going to work so Thanksgiving week we ended the contract. We go in spurts with people wanting to see the house but we've decided we wouldn't go under contract again with any contingencies - we're snobby like that:) My new goal is to have the house sold by my birthday (March) so we're hunkering down for the winter. I'm good with everything so far. Darren travels about every other week and as long as the kids are in school it's okay. They were off track for 4 (that's FOUR!!!!) weeks during November so the traveling took a tole on me and the kids. Darren was out of town for 2 of the 4 weeks that the kids were off track and by Thurs. night of the last week when Darren came back into town he came home to a wife rocking in the corner of the bathroom with the lights off and door locked...think Carrie meets Edward Scissor Hands - seriously! I'm happy to report that the kids are back in school and Darren is home for a little while so life is good. Life is VERY good. Other then that not much else has happened. I'm REALLY excited for Christmas (I'll tell you why later) and enjoying what is most likely our last Utah winter. Thanks for sticking with me friends, more posts to follow, promise:)

It's Beginning To Sound A Lot Like Christmas...

2008-12-16T18:36:00.002-07:00

Evan was coloring during church and drawing various Christmas pictures. He had already drawn a Christmas tree, a Santa, a star and a present when he asked Darren what else he could draw for Christmas....

Darren: "How 'bout you draw baby Jesus and Mary?"

Evan: "No Dad! I want only Christmas things!"

(Nice. You can guess what our FHE lesson was on the following night)

Our ward had a Christmas party this past Saturday "Breakfast with Santa". Before Santa made his appearance the MC was talking about gifts and asking what gifts we might give to the Savior to celebrate His birthday. Ryann was quick to respond "gift cards".

Just spreading the Christmas love:)

2008-11-21T09:21:00.002-07:00

1 Word
1. Where is your cell phone? Charging
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair? blah!
4. Your mother? nervous
5. Your father? business
6. Your favorite thing? laughing
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your goal? patience
9. The room you're in? 2nd kitchen
10. Your fear? evil
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Ireland (40th b-day baby)
12. Where were you last night? home
13. What you're not? fake
14. Muffins? Cranberry orange
15. One of your wish list items? blackberry
16. Where you grew up? Irvine
17. The last thing you did? cleaned
18. What are you wearing? pajamas
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? disaster
21. Your computer? frustrating
22. Your life? busy
23. Your mood? happy
24. Missing someone? family
25. Your car? clean
26. Something you're not wearing? Make-up
27. Your summer? LONG
28. Love someone? always
29. Your favorite color? red
30. When is the last time you laughed? Heidi
31. Last time you cried? awhileago

I {HEART} Shady Bard

2008-11-10T11:35:00.010-07:00

I love music, you know I love music, so when I hear something I like - I mean REALLY like - I feel a deep need to pass it on. Allow me to introduce...

Shady Bard

My new favorite song: Torch Song (Wendy - you know how many times I've listened to this already:) Check them out and let me know what you think. Enjoy.

What A Day

2008-11-07T08:52:00.005-07:00

Yesterday started off like any other day...wait, let me start again. Yesterday was going to be a very good day. It was the last full day before the kids went off track for the next 4 weeks so I was going to make the most of the day. I had planned a trip to Gardner Village, lunch at Archibald's and a stop by a few home decorating stores...yeah, a very good day in my book. I was just about to get in the shower when Ryann comes in and tells me it's "dripping water in the hallway but she'll fix it." Okay, thanks....WAIT, what?! I go to see that the smoke detector in the hallway has a steady drip. Of course this happens when Darren is out of town. I call him and he tells me to leave it and he'll check it out tomorrow when he gets home. "Are you sure?" I put the bowl under the drip and immediately another drip starts from my bedroom door. 5 different leaks later I'm on the phone with our home warranty dept. and they say it's a roof leak and it's nothing they can help me with. "But it's yellow - YELLOW water people!" The bowls are quickly filling so I get the number of the plumber and he tells me it's probably the roof. Again I tell him the water is YELLOW - it looks as though I'm collecting pee samples in my bedroom - do you sense the urgency?! He "assures" me it's plain water that's seeping through my insulation thus becoming yellow... yeah, whatever. I'm getting no where fast with this route so I call my home insurance and they schedule a team to come out that afternoon - meanwhile elephants are peeing in my attic! I keep an eye on the rising levels of water and dump and switch as needed. The team comes a little early (yea!) but I'm still in pajama's, no bra and skipped brushing my teeth (dude!) but I didn't care. One look at the mess and he tells me it's the swamp cooler. "Did you winterize it?" DUDE!!! We know nothing about swamp coolers other then it was going to be the first thing to go. I swear you could hear crickets chirping as I stood and stared at him with the word idiot across my forehead. The two guys head up to the attic (first we had to find the access, again idiot) and they find that it was in fact the water line to the swamp cooler but it wasn't because we were idiots, the pipe was damaged and it would've happened eventually. (preferably after we sold the house...I did not just say that!) We got the water shut off, after another fun game of hide and seek, and then the clean-up began. They started ripping out piles of insulation in the attic and tearing out baseboards in the hallway and master bedroom so they could set up industrial fans to blow air into the walls the dry out the drywall. The guy said that normally the water is concentrated in one spot but in this case it seemed to take a little water in a lot of different directions. "You don't see that too often." Of course not, allow me to introduce myself. If it's going to happen to anyone, anywhere...well, you get the picture. 5 hours, 3 men, 1 destroyed house later I am now living with 15, count them 15!!!, industrial fans and 2 dehumidifiers in my house going 24 hours a day for 3-5 days! They are so loud it sounds like you're on the tarmac at the airport. You can't hear anything else within 10 feet of them and when you have them surrounding the bedrooms both upstairs and downstairs it makes for a very noisy home.

(the carpet is ripped up and some of the padding was taken out, the baseboards were ripped out and some of the door casings...LOVE IT!)

(my babies)

Anyways, I'm not thinking I'll show the house for a while... Oh, and don't think I didn't notice that the very week Darren starts his new job this happens... it seems to be my luck.

(p.s. I have another 2 guys here this morning, 8a.m. ugh, and he tells me it looks as though some parts of the ceiling might have to be taken down...N.I.C.E.

A Very BIG Thank You

2008-11-01T22:56:00.000-06:00

To my family and friends in California fighting to protect marriage with Proposition 8…Thank you. Thank you for standing against opposition, holding your ground in this battle, for I know it is a battle you’re fighting down there. I’ve heard stories of attacks, egging and vandalism and I can’t imagine the courage it takes for you to push forward.
The Apostle Paul prophesied of “perilous times” in the last days (2 Tim. 3:1), and he warned, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
From early on we knew this day would come, this day when we must set ourselves apart and stand as disciples of Christ against evil in very public ways.
“I am one who believes that the situation is far from hopeless. I am satisfied that there is no need to stand still and let the filth and violence overwhelm us or to run in despair. The tide, high and menacing as it is, can be turned back if enough…will add their strength to the strength of the few who are now effectively working. I believe the challenge to oppose this evil is one from which members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as citizens, cannot shrink.” President Hinckley
You are not alone in this fight. The Lord knows of this struggle and He will guide and protect you. My heart is filled with gratitude and admiration for your courage and faith. To my sister Wendy, know that I am so proud of you. I know you are out there literally pounding the pavement trying to get the word out any way you can and I am cheering you on up here. I know the hours you have spent on this and I can’t tell you how often I get choked up thinking about you and your courage. Your girls will know what you did and what you stood up for and that even when times got hard you choose the Lord – there is no greater lesson that you can teach them. To the rest of my friends and family, I pray that you will have peace in your heart and that the Lord will sustain you through these troubling times. Thank you for your example.
Isaiah promised, “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee” (Isa. 54:14).
The Lord Himself encouraged, “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come” (D&C 68:6).

Blogging Funk

2008-10-29T19:15:00.003-06:00

So, as many of you have probably noticed (and some of you have made sure to let me know just how much you've noticed:) I haven't posted much in the past 6 weeks or so. I can't really put a finger on way exactly but to sum it up I just haven't been in the mood. Don't get me wrong - I'm reading your posts as soon as you post them but that's as far as the blogging goes. It's kind of funny, I blog inside my head ALL THE TIME. For as long as I can remember I've had an ongoing narration inside my head, so it probably explains why blogging comes so naturally for me. What you see on the screen is literally the narration from inside my head. Does anyone else do this? Am I crazy? I go through my life with a narrator inside my head - sometimes it's in my voice but sometimes it's that voice from all the movie trailers...that one that makes every movie seem like it's the best movie ever made. Yeah, that one. Anyways, this is normal for me and I'm putting it out there, taking into consideration that you may never look at me the same way again, but trying to explain that to me I've never stopped blogging. This would be fine except for the fact that the 2 reasons I take the time to do this is 1)to stay connected to my family and friends and 2)to keep some sort of record of my crazy life so keeping this in mind this whole blogging in my head thing isn't doing the job. now that I've completely confused you and rambled on a little too much about my "inner commentary" I'll move on...
Here's a little peek into what I've been up to this past month (Reader's Digest version)
-I am tired (with a capital T) of having my house on the market. It's always on the craziest days that someone wants to come see the house. It's never been the day when I haven't had anything to do but clean the house and make it look like something from a magazine. If I leave in a hurry without making my bed or cleaning the kitchen then you better believe I'm going to get a call that someone wants to come see the house. I guess I shouldn't complain, at least people are coming - but whatever, I'm venting - my next post will be all rainbows and butterflies
-I cried in the car the other day while listening to Dr. Laura. When I say cry I don't mean a little tear trickling down my cheek - I mean full out pull over to the side of the road ugly cry. A lady wrote in about her daughter's 13 year old best friend. His parents told the kids they were getting a divorce and his reaction was to hang himself in the hopes of bringing his parents back together for the sake of the other siblings. I think divorce affects kids more then we'll ever know and this poor boy couldn't handle it. This story hit home in so many ways - my heart still hurts just typing about it. I can't think about it right now.
-I have been obsessed with this election. Every night Darren gets a run down of what I've learned that day and my many opinions on the matter. I've listened to Rush and Glenn more in the past 2 months then I have in the past two years. I've always been strongly patriotic but never before have I been so aggressive in my research and reading. I voted today and made Darren go vote with me (first time ever!!!). I'm trying not to have it encompass my life right now but it's all I can think about and I think I'm going to have to go to bed early Tues. night because my nerves will be shot and my stomach in knots.
-We got the news that Jacob was placed in an accelerated reading and math program and Reilly was named student of the month both on the same day. Also a post card came in the mail from Reilly's teacher about how well she's doing in class - again, same day. It was a very good day. Darren and I are so proud of our kids and we hope this is only a sample of the great things to come from them.
-I was sick with the flu a week ago Sunday and the bishopric asked Darren if we would speak the following Sunday. I felt like absolute crap but couldn't think of a good enough excuse to get out of it. Unfortunately with all our moving this year we have had ample opportunity to speak in different wards - can't wait for Texas! Anyways, I thought I would go tanning since my skin was resembling something in a petri dish. Even though I was still under the weather Tues. night I decided I'd still go, after all, I'm just going to lay there the whole time, right? I get totally burned (we're talking lobster red) and the next morning I wake to something forming on my lip. Seriously?! I look up fever blisters and the top 3 causes are 1. sun 2. illness 3. stress!!!! Dude, I did everything but specifically sign up for the thing. Perfect timing, of course. It's now over a week later a despite the very expensive topical cream and the pills that are the size of a Chiclet I still have this monstrosity on my face!!! People are barely looking me in the eye again.

Okay, so if you're still reading this then you must either be a glutton for punishment or else you really love me. This post was too much venting so my next post will be better/lighter. Maybe I'll post about what happened on the first showing of my house a couple weeks ago...remind me. I have to be in the mood to write about it but I think it rivals my underwear story, maybe...
Thanks for hanging in there with me and hopefully soon I will pull out of this funk - maybe Nov. 5 will do it for me...maybe not. There's so much at stake - ahh, feeling nauseous, stomach hurts!!Here's to keeping my fingers crossed.

2008-10-01T08:54:00.003-06:00

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

~Thomas Campbell, "Hallowed Ground"

David Marshall Springer

David Marshall Springer 6/5/1985 ~ 9/28/2008 On Sunday, September 28th, David left this life and returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Although his passing will leave a big void in the lives of his family and friends, we know he has left the pain of this life behind and gone to a much better place. Nevertheless, it will be hard to replace his ever-present smile and caring love for those he held dear. But this winter when the snow flies, and in subsequent winters, all who knew him will smile and know he is happy that the powder is deep and the slopes will be well groomed. He is survived by his father, David Springer; mother, Julia White; grandmother, Carol Springer; Grandma Pat; aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will held on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 at the LDS Chapel on 2150 North Point Meadow Drive, Lehi, Utah at 5 p.m.

I love and miss you Davey - I will remember you always.

Better Late Then Never

2008-09-24T15:35:00.004-06:00

Well our house is on the market and for now they are using the pictures from before so I thought I'd post them so you guys can see the house. My kids still don't know and I asked our realtor not to put a sign out front until next week so that we could have the weekend to tell our neighbors. Here's what I fell in love with:
This kitchen was the selling point for me - love it, love it, love it!

We had 2.5" blinds put in so it looks even better now:) Oh, I had so many ideas. I wanted to paint the cabinets a cream color, stain them and add bronze knobs and pulls. We also wanted to replace the new tile with hand scrapped wood floors and replace the 2 light fixtures with large plantation fans. (Reilly and Jacob couldn't understand why we didn't like the brass and glass chandelier...)
This is the front room and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with the fireplace - either take rock all the way up or else build a huge mantle (this one was too narrow to place much of anything on, that simply won't do). I wanted to bulid bookshelves on both sides and I already bought the chocolate brown silk fabric for long curtains.

This is the 2nd kitchen right off the main one (apartment kitchen) and I love keeping all my overstock in here - totally beats heading to the basement for a can of cream of chicken soup.

Oh the endless possibilities for this property . Everyday Darren would come up with a new idea for our backyard: full size football field, bring in mounds of dirt for a 4 wheelin' obstacle course, orchard of fruit trees, etc. So glad we don't have to debate the football field because he seemed serious and excited about that one.

Well there you go, there's our house. I had so many ideas and didn't even get to start decorating. I'll survive though. Here's a couple of houses we're looking at in Texas

I guess it's true what they say about Texas - GO BIG OR GO HOME! (I think I'm going to like it there:)

Lessons Learned

2008-09-22T09:23:00.002-06:00

So it seems my little game has taught me a few things:
1. Darren has a big mouth. You only had to call him and within about 30 seconds time somehow the conversation would "turn in that direction" and you would have all the info...nice.
2. I have one of the most impatient families out there. I got a lot of "this is lame", "just tell me already" and "you suck". They had to wait exactly 1.5 days (some even shorter because they don't read my blog) and they acted as if the time was going to do them in. Oh sisters, you make me laugh even when you are threatening me from afar.
3. I also have some pretty impatient friends...texting, calling Darren's phone, emailing me propositions... glad to know that if I do decide to join polygamy that I already have a few sister wives in waiting:)
Okay, enough waiting...the BIG news for the Springer family is that we are moving. Yep, after all the home searching, offer putting, boxes packing/unpacking, deal making we are putting our home on the market once again seeing as Darren just accepted a job in Texas. All unpacking came to a halt last Monday when the offer was made and we knew we had a lot to think about. Darren warned me about a week before that this might be a possibility and I told him no way and kept unpacking. I like it here and it was going to take a lot of convincing otherwise to get me to move again (pine box, feet first sound familiar?). After a lot of prayer, weighing the pros and cons and even going to the temple we've decided to go ahead and put our house on the market. I was so confused as to why I felt so strong about this house and then a few days later the thought came to me that it was because this house would be so easy to sell and we wouldn't loose any money on it. Any other house would be subject to this hard real estate market but this house was such a find and we got such a good deal on it (our realtor still talks about it) that we think it should sell within the next month or so. An overwhelming feeling of peace came through me and I know that despite all these changes there was a plan for us all along. Darren and I figure that by the time we actually sell (again) and move (again) we would have been in some state of limbo for over a year - not an easy thing to do. I know nothing about Texas and I am anxious to learn where the good, family friendly cities are. The one friend I have down in the Dallas area is moving back up here next week so there goes any connections I may have. My cousin Jared and his family live in the San Antonio area so his wife Anne Marie is great about answering any questions I might have - hello property taxes! Anyways, more to come on our big move - thanks so much for playing my game, I really do have the best friends out there:)

Note To Self

2008-09-20T14:58:00.003-06:00

Dear Self,
It has become apparent that you must teach your kids to not bring friends back into your room without your knowing (especially right after you shower). Must everyone in Utah see you in next to nothing before you learn?...for the love! I just hope you didn't scare/scar the girl next door. She looked as shocked as you did when you screamed, dove to the ground and peeked over the bed to tell her you weren't dressed. (just a side note: she could probably tell already because crossing your legs and two hands don't tend to cover that much!) Now you have to go talk to her mother - welcome to the freakin' neighborhood.

Dropping The BOMB

2008-09-20T11:52:00.002-06:00

Okay, this is big, this is really BIG!!! Our family has a big change coming up and no one - I mean NO ONE knows anything about it so I thought what better way to announce it then on my blog. But I can't come right out and say it - what fun is that? - so instead I'll give you 3 choices and you have to guess. This is big for our family and we haven't even told our kids yet so I guess between now and Mon. (the real announcement) we'll have to break the news to them. This is exciting, scary, nerve racking and a huge leap of faith for us but in the end it should all work out. Okay, enough rambling - here's the choices:

1. We're moving...AGAIN! We've loved lugging boxes around so much we can't wait for the chance to do it again! No actually, with all the hype surrounding my blog my family has no privacy. I am constantly hearing "Is that Miss Fancy Pants of THE Little Miss Fancy Pants?" and "dang, I can't believe I am finally meeting you, I've admired you from afar for so long..." etc. So to protect my family we must move and I will start blogging under a different name and give my kids cute nicknames so as to not attract any more attention. Love the fans, hate the haters!

2. We're having a baby!!! Darren finally won and I agreed that there was yet another little Springer waiting to join our crazy family. Of course we just gave away EVERYTHING baby before we moved so I'm going to register at a couple stores and expect a few baby showers. Not to sound bratty and presumptuous but come on people, I can't be expected to buy all that stuff again. Anyone, anyone? If no one volunteers I'm going to have to nominate you - it will be an honor, promise.(Heidi- I really want Ashly's old crib bedding, just tell your friend that your favorite friend comes first:)

3. Since being out here and surrounded by several polygamist families we've learned to appreciate the life style and have decided to form our own sect. Darren has promised me that I will always be "wife #1" and my job will be to scrapbook the family life. We thought we'd probably need about 4 other women for other various jobs around the house but I tap-tapped the fun stuff. I just don't do cooking, cleaning, child rearing etc. as good as they probably do. I'm already scouting out different women I see and I think with our new way of thinking I can easily find some willing to convert. I mean the old style of dressing is so 1800's. It's time to make handbags and sassy shoes part of the overall dress. No more long hair in braids, no make up, long sleeves and long skirts. This wife #1 is shaking things up a bit and the Springer clan is going to lead the revolution into 2009. Jewelery is not evil people, lipstick is not of the devil...oh I can just see my (I mean Darren's) sermons now. People will look to us as an example and we in turn will show them that the Lord's work can be done while looking pretty and sassy, and there's certainly nothing wrong with a little metro in the man. It will be good, it will be very good.

So...what's your guess? and you better guess or else I will die. I will shrivel up and die because no one will play my game. Then how would you feel? Hmmm, just guess so we don't even have to go there.

Wha-What!?!?

2008-09-11T10:34:00.002-06:00

Two posts in two days, we'll I never...yeah, yeah - I'm a rock star, enough already. I was down in the basement putting things away when I heard Ryann upstairs screaming. I drop what's in my hands (literally, drop the boxes to the floor) and run upstairs. I find her in my bedroom watching Dora - not crying, but laughing HYSTERICALLY. She finally takes a breath long enough to tell me they said "underwear" on Dora! She sees my expression and that I'm breathing heavily (sad that 1 flight of stairs will do that to me) and asks "You okay Mom?"...
Oh, to be 4 again.

Alright, alright, alright...

2008-09-10T12:38:00.002-06:00

...here's the latest. We've been in the house for about a week and a half and so far so good. There's much to learn about country livin' and minus the flies, spiders, mice and snakes I LOVE it. For the first week we had an invasion of flies - they were everywhere, and by everywhere I mean EVERYWHERE!!! Reilly and I killed about 50 in the kitchen one afternoon (it was a blood bath and we didn't take any prisoners) and that barely made a dent. I finally got so fed up I bought the fly strips and hung 2 in the kitchen. I venture to bet that it doesn't get any more white trash then that my friends. We found 2 black widows in one day and 2 of the gnarliest looking hairy spiders I've ever seen just hanging out in the kitchen. Even Darren was freaked up a bit but he maned up and vacuumed those suckers up, it totally pays to have a man around:) I called pest control and had them out the next day...Darren wanted to know what it was going to cost, ummmm hello?! It doesn't matter, it was either the spiders leave or I do and I'm sure a few nights in the Best Western would cost more. He agreed. The bug guy had the audacity to explain that these little critters where here first...yeah, he doesn't know me - I simply don't care. Moving on... here's the highlights (and a little low lights) of the past 10 days:
1. we wake to natures alarm clock, or make that "I" wake - Darren sleeps through everything. We have 4 roosters next door to us and whoever says they start at the crack of dawn is sorely mistaking - there's no crack of anything and freakin' 4 in the morning
2. we all love the neighborhood. I had about 10 kids over at my house on Mon. Each of my kids have about 3 other kids their age on the street. I think I might have the smallest family out here... fun for all:) The women I've met so far are all around my age and they all seem really nice. I told Darren I was so worried that I was going to be the only one with all my teeth on the street but alas, it is not so. I can tell already that I'm gonna like this place.
3. I think the 13 year old boy down the street has a little crush on me (coo coo cachoo, Mrs. Robinson...) I'll keep you posted on this one. I'm sure once he sees me without my makeup it will be a whole nother story. Better to prep the lad for the future - watch out buddy, gravity takes over at 30!
4. I will never again have a clean car - the dirt road will see to that one
5. Even in the country there's gossip, infidelity and drama. I moved into the house termed by the neighbors as Melrose Place...LOVELY. Loved the show - didn't want to be in it though. More to come on this story as well.
6. Gas in the country is about $.25 a gallon cheaper - HALLELUJAH! I can actually afford to drive places again.
7. The kids really love their school (now that they're finally going) We have year round out here and we missed the first rotation and had to wait until Sept. 8 to finally go. We were all pretty sick of each other by then (and I mean that in the nicest, most loving Mommy way) Year round school sounds pretty good, but ask me again when my kids are off again for 4 weeks at Thanksgiving!
8. I told Darren that the next time I move it will be in a pine box, feet first! (thanks Grandpa Bob) I HATE, HATE, HATE moving and my family hates that I'm a Nazi about unpacking.
9. Cable is good, cable is very good. Yeah, I'm in the country surrounded by goats, sheep, horses, chickens, freakin roosters, and lama's and we still need our cable. Glad to have you back baby.
10. We're going to the demolition derby this weekend. I already purchased my first pair of Wranglers and I'm going to bedazzle them later. I may be country folk now but I still love my sparkle.
There you have it. To sum it up: Country life good, moving bad. As soon as I've cleared out the boxes and put things where I want I'll take some before pictures. This is going to be fun!

Title Schmitle

2008-08-26T22:27:00.002-06:00

Whilst starting to pack tonight - yes, talk about procrastination to the nth degree - I was gathering the many piles of books I had around the house that have helped me get through this summer of transition. I got a little ferclempt...this was my summer and I loved every minute of it (the book reading that is, the fighting/whining/begging I could do without). I slipped into many a worlds and even had several different accents in my head for a while all while pouring through these books.I read by the pool/in the pool, in bed at night (with a flashlight propped against my pillow!), on the stair master and everywhere in between. I was talking to my cousin Janan today and we both just have a love for the stories and even the books that contain them. I have a hard time borrowing books - it's as though I won't enjoy them as much unless I own them...totally weird and a little OCD, I know! Anyways, here's to my books of summer 2008 ( not to mention the 6 audio books I listened to as well)...and the late nights I spent curled up with the Mag lite reading until my eyes couldn't focus another second:)
and here's to my list of recommended reads from Janan. You know as soon as I'm settled into my new house I'm getting started on these...maybe even sooner!

The Haps Around Here

2008-08-24T17:49:00.002-06:00

Well - it's official...we found a house!!!!! And not just any house - just about the best house ever! Well, it's a diamond in the rough and I couldn't be happier. I tried to find the pictures on the MLS to post but I guess the guy took the listing down. Here's the highlights:
1. it's on about 1.2 acres - Darren and the kids love it
2. it has 7, that's right - 7 bedrooms!!!!!
3. the kitchen is fabulous - love, love , love the layout
4. it still has about 1,000 sq feet unfinished - the possibilities are endless (I'm picturing my very own design/crafting center filled with all of the latest and greatest things - but I'm thinking the rest of the family will have other ideas...)
5. it's basically a blank slate - not much to look at, but then again, not much to tear down... it's kinda the glass half full way of thinking
there's definitely some eyesores - ummm, the master bath is....well, it's a disaster but aside from that the rest of the house is totally livable. I'll take some before and after pics of our progress for sure. We are so excited and can't wait to start this new adventure. Oh yeah, did I mention it's off a dirt road. We're going country folks - giddy up!

My Story Can So Beat Up Your Story...

2008-08-20T16:57:00.003-06:00

You know those times when everything has to happen in just such a way and the moons align in just such an order and Murphy writes a new law just special for you just to make the perfect moment - one for the books (or blog for that matter!)? I always say that I've had enough embarrassing moments to last a lifetime, but apparently there's plenty more in store. So sit back and take a peek into my life - because I know you're laughing with me, totally not at me!
A while back I started up a pretty intense exercise regimen and discovered in the first week that the few pairs of old underwear I had weren't going to cut it. I headed out to my nearest Target to purchase some basic, comfortable, nothing too exciting - just something to get the job done - packs of underwear. (the fact that they come in packs should have been enough of a description, but whatever) I had my two younger kids with me - wrestling in the aisles and whining for treats - and was talking to my sister on the phone as I browsed the underwear section. I just wanted something basic - no thongs, no low riders - just basic, but I did have my standards. After checking out the charts on the back (so not a good thing for the self esteem!) I knew the size I wanted and finally found the style that looked reasonable. I threw a few other items in my cart (because you can never leave Target without spending less then $100) and headed on my merry way. The next day I headed out to the gym and without looking at anything too closely I opened the packaged underwear and threw a pair in. When I got to the gym I started to change and unrolled my brand-spankin-new undies. (yes, that's unroll - like I said, BASIC!) only to discover that, by mistake, I bought the biggest granny panties I have ever seen - not the cute boy cut I was eyeing, but big, rise to your chest, balloon out to the legs granny panties. What was I supposed to do? I kept arguing with myself that it was silly, no one would see them and not to be so vain - besides, I already bought them and I didn't want to waste any more money on another package. I went with it and was somewhat proud of myself for not letting vanity win (well how proud can you be sporting a parachute under your pants?) Months have passed and although I still can't stand even the sight of them and cringe when I'm doing laundry, they've worked for me so I've moved on...in a sense.
I always change at the gym after my workout and the only privacy for changing they have is what I would call an over sized cupboard - with no locks. Since there is no way I'm changing in full view (oh, please) I always use the cupboard and have almost mastered the quick change from gym clothes to towel. I've also determined that I'd rather be caught "butt-naked" then in my granny panties - so they are ALWAYS the first to come off. I don't even take my shorts off separately - it's all one motion. I even take my shoes off before I go into the cupboard (for lack of space) just to make the quick change more efficient. Now here comes the whole moons align, Murphy's law part of the story...
The changing room is packed- mostly women coming in from the pool. I grab my bag from my locker and head into the cupboard wondering if there will be any showers available. I'm totally distracted as I hear a lot of commotion just outside the cupboard. Not paying any attention to my routine I start to undress - from the top down!!!! I get to my shorts and have them down to my ankles and realize my shoes are still on...CRAP! I hurry and shimmy out of my shorts and think better then to try and get my grannies over my shoes. I'm halfway done taking off my shoes and socks- one shoe off and one shoe on - when the cupboard door flies open to about 6 teenage girls. There I am in granny panties and one tennis shoe standing in utter shock staring at 6 teenagers with horror stricken faces!!!! Another girl - not the one holding the door open - hurries over to shut the door. My worst nightmare EVER just came true! I hear total silence out there and then comes the snickering and whispering. What am I supposed to do - wait it out? They're teenagers - they're going to take forever to get ready!!! I have to face them sooner or later. I finish undressing - not much left - and wrap the towel so tight around me and slowly open the door. One has her head in the locker right above mine and as I approach her friend calls out "Holly move - she's coming through." "She's coming through"?! No need to even explain who "she" is apparently- they all back up to give me room and I throw my gym clothes back in my locker. I wanted to turn around and say so many things...
- explain to them about the underwear - would they even believe me?
- tell them that I used to be young and cute at one time - would they even care?
- explain that this is what happens to your body when you have 4 kids - scary, I know!
- usually I'm A LOT more stylish, but I was trying not to be vain...yada, yada, yada
- lecture about the whole "knocking before you open" thing - too late now!
So instead I just headed off to the showers hoping that if I stayed in there long enough they would be gone by the time I came out. I did not ever want to see their horrified faces again. i finished showering, they were gone and I survived. I'm totally heading out to Target tonight - no talking on the phone this time. (I'm checking and double checking - and just for good measure, triple checking before this package even goes in the bag!) I'm running back to vanity with open arms and promising to never ever think that I'm better then it - totally sucks for the moral of the story, but whoever said there always had to be one?

Oh Ryann

2008-08-11T09:16:00.007-06:00

Me: Ryann, why did you change your clothes again? (3rd time in 3 hours)
Ryann: Because I oopsie doopsie spilled water on me, okay Mom?

How can you stay annoyed at that answer?

Facebook Face Off

2008-08-11T09:16:00.006-06:00

So these past couple of days I've been obsessed with Facebook. If you're anything like me then until now you might have heard a little something about it but didn't really give it much thought. I blog and can barely keep up with that as it is, so forget adding something new to the mix. A few days ago my sister Tracy told me that one of my old friends from Irvine High (Hi Steph)contacted her and wanted to her to pass along her contact info to me so we could get in touch. Just when I think I'm getting all computer/internet savey I discover something new that totally blows me away. She introduces me to Facebook and all the possibilities of it. I just set up an account that's private (and only visible to me and others I accept) and from there I'm free to search out my long lost friends. I have had so much fun reaching out to so many others that over time I've lost track of. These past few days I've been emailing friends from up to 18+ years ago, catching up and remembering fun stories from the past. It has been an absolute blast seeing pictures of them and their families and passing along info on others. I feel really old now thinking that it's been so long since I left Cali. and there is so much I miss, but this has been good for me. I'm so glad that everyone has been so accepting and just as eager to catch up as me. I'm trying to get Darren into it as well, but so far he has NO INTEREST. Whatever, I set up an account for him already and if he's lucky I'll let him know who he is now in contact with again. It's all good and a whole lotta fun!

It's All In The Name

2008-08-11T09:16:00.005-06:00

For quite some time now Darren has been affectionately calling the boys "Big Chief". They love it and it makes them smile so it's all good. Now I'm always a big nick-namer, as you all probably have been subject to my impulse/compulsion (sorry, but I do try to use restrain, honestly - I do!), and they almost always are weird and rhyming - definitely not mushy gushy. I'm the first to admit that I'm not into all those cute names that couples call each other (gag reflex just stimulated!) - not counting the ones you use, of course:) "Honey" is about all I can handle - it works - we're good. Darren and I have used it from almost day one...until recently. Apparently he noticed what a hit "Big Chief' was with the boys, so then came to the obvious conclusion that I would most definitely respond the same way. Ummmm...... no thanks (insert serious eye rolling here). As much as I should be honored by this declaration of adoration, all I can picture is...

Not exactly the image that goes along with "you are the love of my life and I will cherish you forever...yada, yada, yada". Darren doesn't quite get my aversion to his little pet name and I try DESPERATELY not to respond when he uses this, but unfortunately habits die hard and I almost always respond when he's talking tome then start cursing aloud (at myself for responding and him for using it in the first place) while he doubles over laughing. I'm sure anyone within ear shot of our conversation must immediately turn to their significant other and whisper " I'm so glad we're NOTHING like them, Babe!" (ugh!)

Proud To Be An American

2008-08-11T09:16:00.004-06:00

The BEST thing on TV in a long time.

I was literally on the edge of my bed shouting and screaming at 10:30 at night watching the men's 4x100 freestyle relay. This will definitely go down in Olympic history as one of the most amazing races ever. (I'm getting chills just thinking about it:) Way to go boys!!!! Yes, I still have a crush on Mike Phelps-but it doesn't feel as creepy now that he's not a teenager.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

2008-08-08T08:49:00.007-06:00

Okay, I'm back... back to taking care of my house, my kids and my husband. I took longer to read this one because I didn't want it to end. It was funny though - I was reading it by the pool and then looked down the line of recliners and noticed 5 other women equally engrossed in the book. I'm sure husbands all over the world are anxiously awaiting their wives return from Forks.

Oh, For The Love

2008-08-08T08:49:00.003-06:00

Today I tried posting a comment on my friend's blog and after 3 attempts of trying to figure out the various word verifications. I had my eyes squinted and 6 inches away from the screen typing each letter with my one finger. Add another 2 attempts before I realized that my log in name was missing a letter and I finally got it posted. I literally threw my hands in the air in victory...I need a life!

It's Almost Here, It's Almost Here...

2008-07-31T08:18:00.007-06:00

...it's almost here!!!! I've been watching the days slowly tick away on my little side bar for about 4 months now and this time tomorrow night I'll be down in Provo with some friends waiting for the official release at midnight. I can't wait. I just reread Eclipse to refresh my memory, and would have reread Twilight too if it wasn't packed away in storage. I feel in love all over again. Oh, Edward...if only I wasn't a married woman and you weren't a fictitious, 17 year old vampire.

Back To Life, Back To Reality

2008-07-31T08:18:00.006-06:00

Well, as most of you know our house hunt was put on hold while we waited to hear about a job that could possibly take us out of state. Because school is starting soon and no decisions have been made we decided to go ahead and find a house here in Utah - yea!!! Our first night back we looked at several houses and ended up putting offers in on two of them. Because they are both short sales we won't hear back for a little while so we're moving ahead. We told our agent that we were in full speed ahead mode and so two days later we looked at a few more houses and put an offer on 1 more. For those of you that are keeping track - that's 3 offers in 3 days!!! Darren emailed our agent with more listings and we'll probably go out looking again today and tomorrow - we aren't messing around. My hope is that with enough offers out there we should at least have a contract in the works before school starts. It's all I'm doing at the present moment so I'll let you know what happens, and it better happen soon:)

Around The World In 7 Days

2008-07-31T08:18:00.003-06:00

Okay, so it really wasn't "around the world" - but it felt kinda like it. We took off for Wyoming Sunday evening and overnighted in Logan, Utah at Darren's sister's house so we could get an early start Mon. morning. The drive was okay - I slept most of the way - and we arrived in Alpine, Wyoming at around lunch time. Come to find out, about half the U.S. population decided that would also be a great week to camp along the Snake River, okay not half - but a lot! we finally found 3 camping sites together in an "okay" location - meaning we weren't turning around to go home so anyplace that had a port-o-pot and some sort of level ground. I was a little uneasy about all the grizzly bear signs and the steel boxes at the campsites to keep any and all food in to prevent attracting bears. You better believe we picked up every dropped scrap of food before we went to bed - cleanest campsite EVER!
It was incredibly hot while we unpacked and set up camp so despite my wanting to ride the river first before Evan and Ryann went down - we all headed out. "It looks fine", "I'm too hot to stay back", "We'll just hold on to them really good" - ahhh, the proud parent moments we have. we geared up and headed out... yee-haw!
As soon as we hit the water the clouds and rain came in and it ended up being the coldest run EVER! Evan was sitting up front with me and we were getting soaked by the rain and the river. the poor kid has absolutely no body fat and was literally turning blue and shivering non stop. The other 3 kids were all pretty miserable themselves and kept saying through jittering teeth "It's really fun fun when it's warm, promise...blah, blah, blah". We ended the 8 mile stretch with Evan and Ryann saying they never wanted to go again. Dang, this wasn't starting off too good.
Darren and Dennis (brother) wanted to go again and to take Dennis' wife, Julie down for the first time. So they went and apparently it wasn't as cold so it was a lot better, dang - missed out on a good ride, oh well, there's always tomorrow.
We started off early, right after breakfast, and luckily all 4 kids were ready to try it again. Yeah! this next run was fabulous...

Reilly and Jacob wanted to ride at the front of the boat and even stood holding the ropes, "raft surfing", during some of the more mild rapids.
Evan and Ryann were glued to my hip, which was fine by all. Evan kept shouting out "Fire in the hole" and "Oh, my tenders!" - dude, where does he get this stuff?!
Here's a photo of most of the group

We headed out Wed. morning and were home by Wed. night in order to get cleaned up and packed again for Darren and my trip to Monterey, CA. Darren's sister Diane offered to watch the kids in Logan while we were in Monterey so after we spent the day unpacking, doing laundry, going to see Kung Fu Panda (that's where Evan got the term "my tenders from") we packed again and Darren drove the kids back up to Logan to spend the weekend with their cousins. He made it back in record time (ummm, 1.5 hours) and we hit a late showing of the new Batman movie. For someone who doesn't see a lot of movies, this was a record for us. (are you so proud Janan?) We left for Monterey early, early, what were we thinking staying up so late, early Friday morning and were loving the 65 degree weather in beautiful Monterey. As I've said before, it is definitely one of my most favorite places to go and this trip just reinforced my love of the city. We strolled Fisherman's Wharf and had authentic fish tacos overlooking the water and listening to the sounds of the sea lions, attended a company BBQ that night and watched Baby Mama on PPV - not as funny as I thought it would be, oh well. The next day Darren had some early meetings so I walked to a near by cafe for breakfast and brought my book in tow. I read for about and hour then met up with Darren again and we headed out to try something new and terrifying for me - kayaking in the ocean. I don't like being in the ocean, nothing to do with the water or swimming, I just am terrified of sharks and other animals that could possibly even touch me. (it's amazing how someone throwing you in the dark pool at night and yelling there's a black octopus in there and laughing while you swam for your life, several times, could affect you 20+ years later, hmmmm...) Well we suited up and took off for the great unknown, okay, the bay, but it felt like I might not be coming back in one piece - if at all! It was amazing being so close to the sea lions - some would even swim along side you and incredibly there were a dolphin mom and baby in the bay showing off for everyone - WOW! We, and by we I mean Darren with a little help from me, paddled by sea otters and waded through the largest kelp forest in the world, literally. I was a little leery when large bubbles kept surfacing all around our kayak - obviously something was down there I wanted to get out of there before what ever it was came up, yeah it was time to leave.

kind of a dorky picture, but whatever - at least I posted one of me

this guy just seemed to be posing for us, so we had to take his picture

That night we had a company dinner at Stillwater, located on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach. I'm not much of a golf fan, oh, how are we kidding - I'm not much of any sport fan, but even I was impressed by this famous course. The view was spectacular and the food was probably close to the best I've had. It was an amazing night and a weekend I won't ever forget. Thanks again Darren for letting me tag along.

2008-07-18T08:47:00.002-06:00

We're taking off to ride the snake this weekend...

No, not that snake silly! This one...

The Snake River in Wyoming. We haven't done any of this...

in almost 10 years. We white water rafted every summer with various groups of family and friends and we always had such a fun time. We haven't been back since Reilly was a baby and now, 10 years later we're ready to ride the rapids - with 4 kids in tow!!!! I'm a little nervous about taking any of my kids down the river, it gets pretty rough at some points, hello Lunch Counter!, but I'm going to wait until I actually see the water run before I decide who's going down. I am bringing life jackets for all 4 of them though, so who knows. All I do know is that whether it's the older 2 only or all 4, they will all be tucked down deep inside and maybe even tied to my wrist. Like I said, it's all still a maybe - but you know what's NOT a maybe? all the fun we're going to have with Darren's sister and brother and their families. (I think it's going to be about 20 people total?!)

Closing Out The Birthday Celebrations

2008-07-07T19:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Bud! I know it's so hard for you to wait through the rest of the birthday celebrations - but you did it:) There's just something about your sweet side that's contagious and simply hard to resist. You sure know how to turn on the charm and that smile just melts my heart. You love anything and everything to do with football - and that just melts your dad's heart too. When you're excited about something there's just no stopping you, and you get excited about A LOT of things: wii, camping, football, food - huh, think you remind me of someone else I know...
Like father, like son...no doubt about it. Hey, let's not forget about all those little girls who are starting to notice what a cutie you are too. I'll never forget those girls following us around the pool just to be by you, you'll like it one day - promise! For your birthday you really wanted all your favorites for a special dinner. As per your request Dad came home early from work and made: ribs, shrimp, cheesy potatoes, corn on the cob with root beer to wash it all down. For dessert I made your favorite - Texas sheet cake (with ice cream on the side)! It was probably one of the best meals we've had and Grandma Springer was sure excited to share it with us. I love you dude, you sure add a lot to our family, A LOT!
Jacob's birthday dinner

The birthday boy enjoying his feast (that haircut was against Mom's wishes, whatever)

I {heart} America

2008-07-05T15:40:00.000-06:00

Fourth of July was an absolute BLAST! It's always been one of my favorite holidays for so many reasons: pride in my country, love for the many men and women who protect it, and a chance to celebrate the freedom we all love. We kicked off the day with a pancake breakfast with my parents ward (I know, it's my ward too, for now) and then packed a lunch and headed out to the lake with our good friends the Vassel's. We spent the day boating and swimming and having just a good time. The water was great and I even ventured in for a little swim. Anyone that knows me knows of my fear of swimming in anything larger then a pool, so this was a big deal. Not even Darren can get me to go in, but I guess Heidi can. Heidi and I even rode the "hot dog" together - I've never laughed so hard in my life. The guys were being gentle with us, thanks to many threats and pleas before we started the ride. Darren took about 10 pictures of us but the ounce of pride I still have wont allow me to post them - hello, I was riding in the front! Reilly and Jacob absolutely loved being pulled on the tube along with Alexis and Bruno. We had a hard time trying to fit in adult rides in between the kids. Ryann warmed up to the boat after a little while and I guess laughed her head off at me on the hot dog. All I remember was a lot of screaming and laughing and Heidi behind me screaming/warning me that if I fell to fall to the side and not back on her. Despite all the sunscreen we all ended up on the pink side, but no injuries so it's all good.
We went back to Vassel's for a BBQ and then headed to Jordan High for the Sandy fireworks display. I was wiped out from the Dramamine still so I missed half the show but the kids were troopers and didn't show any signs of fatigue until the car ride home. It truly was a memorable day and I'm so glad to have spent it with our friends...love you guys!
Reilly and the birthday girl - Happy Birthday Ryann! All these celebrations are just for you:)
Despite the 90+ temperature, Jacob insisted on cuddling up inside a blanket, whatever.
Evan really enjoyed himself today. I think his smile really says it all.

Happy Bithday My Baby

2008-07-04T15:40:00.000-06:00

Four years?! Has it really been that long? I feel so spoiled to have you. Everyday you make me smile and I cherish you completely. You are a teenager in a little body and I wouldn't have it any other way. What other 4 year old asks for an i pod and a computer for their birthday? True, you did want a "Barbie i pod" and a "princess or pony computer" but still. I think my favorite thing is to watch you swim, for some reason it just makes my heart melt - you in your little life jacket and goggles kicking those little legs as fast as they can go - pure heaven. I hope you stay little for just a little while longer while I soak in the fact that you are my last. You mean the world to me and I will forever have you in my heart, my little princess.

A quick look at Ryann:

favorite color: pink and purple and anything princess, okay Mom!

favorite food: "chinen yugges" (chicken nuggets)

favorite show: Dora!

favorite hobby: computer and guitar hero - I know, I know.

favorite saying: "seriously, Mom, seriously?!"

favorite possession: baby blanket that Mom made

favorite gesture: EXTREME eye roll (seriously...already?)

New Summer Faves

2008-06-25T08:35:00.002-06:00

Should I be embarrassed that my list of summer favorites consist only of foods? Yeah, but I'll get over it...

Artichokes?! Now this delicious delicacy may be old news to many of you, well probably most of you, but I have to finally admit that although I love artichoke hearts, and have since high school, I've never ventured to try the whole thing. It always seemed like so much effort for such a little payoff when I could buy a whole jar of hearts (aren't they the best part anyways?) and not have to work an ounce to eat them - well unless you count lifting fork to mouth as working. In my renewed quest to eat healthier, and my need to expand my menu options I decided not being able to pound down your meal in 2 minutes flat might be a good thing. And the best part is - it was good! I felt a little foolish having to keep kicking Evan off the computer so I could see how to prep it, then how to cook it, then embarrassingly enough - how to eat it. You read that right folks, I found a website that had step by step instructions ( along with pictures!) on how to eat an artichoke. I'll probably regret announcing that I needed help with everything from which end of the petal goes in my mouth to what part of the thing I was actually supposed to eat. (unfortunately, the trial and error thing was not working for me - nasty) Anyways, I'm now the artichoke pro and can answer any and all questions regarding the proper way tho eat an artichoke - my certificate is in the mail.
While down in Cali. this past week I had the chance to try fish tacos for the first time. Again, probably not anything new to most of you, but for me-seeing how I just recently entered the world of fish eaters- I've never had them before. Let me just say, HEAVEN ON EARTH. I love them and now I'm sad that I'll have a hard time finding a good place for fish tacos in Utah to meet the demand of my new daily cravings for them. Anyone know of a good place, please let me know...we can go together even, it'll be fun! Last, but certainly not least, strawberry shakes from Carl's Jr. Now these are something new to everyone, seeing as how they're new to Carl's Jr. - so there. I'm not a huge fan of ice cream but I'll take one of these anytime (this is going to be a problem). Other places have strawberry shakes, but do they put the perfect amount of whip cream on with a little maraschino cherry on top? I don't think so. It's the perfect summer treat and starting to crave it as I'm typing about it - dude, this really is going to be a problem.

Anyways, some food for thought (sorry, I had to) - let me know what you think.

2008-06-12T08:35:00.001-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! my sweet, beautiful, compassionate, wonderful girl. I love you so much and am so proud of the young woman that you are becoming. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for allowing me to be a part of your life. I'm a little sad thinking that each year that passes is another year closer to you leaving and finding your own path, but mostly I'm excited to see who you become and what you make of all the talents you've been gifted. You make my heart happy, forever and always.

You're Still The One

2008-06-09T08:35:00.005-06:00

Wow! Fourteen years...I'm almost at a loss for words, almost. We've learned, we've grown and we've been together through it all. I have so much fun when I'm with you and you always make me laugh (even when you're not trying - which is all the more funny:) I have to admit, at times we've been put through the "ringer," but it's those sweet, little everyday moments that make it so clear to me that this is right - always, forever, no matter what. We've created such a beautiful family and I couldn't ask for anything more. You'll always be the one for me, look how far we've come. Thanks for everything, Honey. I love you!

(Darren, now it's your turn to say something, and you better make it cheesy

-'cause I know you don't do mushy!)

I Live, Therefor I Blog...

2008-06-08T08:07:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday was just about perfect. It started off with a 9a.m. appointment at this new spa, La Villa for a day of pampering and relaxing.For Mother's Day Darren and the kids gave me a gift certificate for a 60 minute massage, a facial and a pedicure - talk about the works. I was there all morning indulging in the sauna, listening to Enya (the music choice of every spa) and just being pampered overall. I did a little shopping afterwards, hello Father's Day!, got a quick bite to eat and came home to a clean house. Since our anniversary was just 2 days away and Darren was going to be out of town we got all dressed up, picked up the sitter and headed to Salt Lake to my absolute most favorite restaurant ever - Flemings Steak House. The food is to die for, you can cut your fillet with a fork, and the atmosphere is fabulous. We walked around the outdoor shops for a little while afterwards and then caught a late night flick. It was so much fun and the day definitely made up for Darren having to be gone for our actual anniversary - 14 years baby! For the first 30+ years of my life I never indulged in any spa treatments/massages or anything remotely close to that for fear that it was wasting money on frivolous things. It's kind of scary how well I've adjusted to this new mind set though, and it's totally worth every penny.

The Drive Home From School

2008-05-30T08:32:00.008-06:00

Me: (to Ryann and Evan) Hey, you guys want to go swimming with Ashley and Bruno?
Ryann and Evan: YES!!!!!!
Evan: Where are we swimming?
Me: at Heidi's pool
Evan: Hey, they don't have a pool. Are you trickin' us?
Me: No, it's by their house.
Me: (to Reilly who just got in the car) Hey, you want to go swimming with Lexi?
Reilly: YES! Where?
Me: At Vassel's
Reilly: Vassel's have a pool?
Me: No, it's by their house.
Ryann: Oh, it's at Shyloh's (next door) house?
Me: No, it's a little farther away.
Evan: Then why did you say is was by her then and who's Bassel's?
Me: It is by her house, not right next door - and it's Vassel with a V not Bassel - and I was just using their last name, it's all the same people.
Ryann: I thought you said we were swimming with Heidi! Mom, why do you call her Heidi? I want to swim with Ashley!
Evan: It's cause she's big!
Ryann: Mom, do you like Heidi?
Me: Okay, enough. Time for the quiet game...
Ryann: (after a few minutes) Mom, I like you when you take me swimming.
Me: Uhh, thanks, I think.

All this in literally the first 5 minutes of summer break. You know how much I'm looking forward to the next 3 months of summer...oh, the humanity!

2008-05-30T08:32:00.004-06:00

*Warning: This post contains adult content, strong language, and some expertly-used symbols in place of profanity -- other words just won't do it justice. Proceed at your own risk.

Drink from hell meet my friends,

Friends, meet my drink from hell!

(Ingredients: crap, crap, and just for extra added flavor, more CRAP. Sprinkle in some shimmery copper shavings so the schmucks who actually pay major $$ for this stuff actually think it's something healthy.)

Unfortunately the pictures don't capture the swamp-like green color of this drink; or that if you let it sit for longer than 5 minutes, you need a spoon to finish it. Yep folks, you read that right, it actually hardens as it sits. What the . . .?! This nasty concoction supposedly cleans out my 34 year-old colon. I want to know what on earth they think I've been doing to my body that only this #@*% could effectively clean it. Heidi calls it the cardboard drink but I would like to most respectively disagree. To me cardboard would taste, well, bland. Nothing good tasting but, in turn, nothing bad tasting. Well, unless they now make cardboard out of #@*%, this is nothing like how I would imagine a cardboard drink to taste. And then they tell me to drink it twice daily. Ahh, seriously? Ummm, they don't know me very well. I tend to stay away from stuff that makes me dry heave to think about it or see. So here's to a colon lined with crap because I'd much rather be lined with it than drink it! (Side note: I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth just talking about this nastiness.)

2008-05-27T22:30:00.006-06:00

Okay, so I really, really want this...

so that someday I can look like this...

yes I know this wii game wont give me these results, but it does make working out look fun - finally.

100 Things

2008-05-27T22:30:00.005-06:00

I thought it would be fun to try and come up with 100 different/random things about me. Was there even 100 things? Would I be exposing too much about myself? Would this even be interesting? I tried it and here are the results:

1.I don’t swear (not since high school anyways) and I still get teased about it at 34…seriously?!
2.I love to read. I probably average 3 books a month but have to alternate between hardcopy and audio just so I can get things done.
3.I love to quilt. I’ve been quilting since high school and have lost track of how many quilts I’ve made. I’m in the middle of 3 right now.
4.I can’t stand fake people. Mean people – whatever, I’ll try to be on their good side, if not I avoid them. Fake people? I’ve decided they just aren’t worth the effort. Sorry.
5.I love music. Anyone that knows me knows that I love love love music. I have everything from Beethoven and Phantom to ACDC and Eminem on my ipod.
6.I love the rain. Nothing better then being inside reading a book on a rainy day.
7.I just had fish for the first time at 34 – and I survived. Darren is still in shock!
8.I still don’t like onions. I’ve tried them and just don’t like them.
9.I love to laugh and I love to be around people that make me laugh.
10.I love scary movies – but I really shouldn’t watch them. I still won’t sleep with any part of my body for fear that something will grab me from under the bed.
11.I have an addictive personality – nothing in moderation.
12.I love to see my kids laugh – it brings tears to my eyes almost all the time.
13.I’m deathly afraid of heights
14.I analyze way too much – I know, I know.
15.I am not spontaneous (much to Darren’s dismay)
16.I love to be organized. Everything has a place and that place probably has a label.
17.I have a fear of tight spaces. I can remember when I was a kid and the cartoon dog would chase the cartoon cat through a junk yard and the cat would slip through a long pipe and the dog would chase after it and get stuck inside the pipe. I remember it like it was yesterday -still makes me queasy.
18.I usually don’t like to see a movie twice – been there, done that, let’s move on.
19.It’s pretty easy for me to make friends. I love to get to know people and can always find something to talk about.
20.I am a loyal friend.
21.I love Chinese food.
22.If I could go anywhere in the world I’d travel around Ireland. I think I must have been Irish in another life.
23.I was the black sheep in my family growing up and I married to golden child of his family – go figure
24.I can’t sing – but I sooooo wish I could. I would trade my talent for scrapbooking for the ability to sing in a heart beat.
25.I love to scrapbook, nothing new.
26.I tend to eat only one food group at a time. If I have a b and c on a plate then I’ll eat all of a, turn the plate and eat all of b…and so on. Weird, I know.
27.I don’t like the sound of my voice.
28.I have conversations inside my head, is this normal?
29.I love doughnuts.
30.I love action movies. I think I’ve seen every Schwarzenegger film out there.
31.I love to learn new things. Someday I’ll go back to college.
32.I taught myself how to cross stitch.
33.I kicked my addiction to Diet Coke – yee haw!
34.I can’t stand karaoke (see fact 24)
35.I pretty much always wear earrings. I feel naked without them.
36.I miss my long hair.
37.I’m good at making up stories for my kids.
38.I’m handy with a pair of scissors. I thought it was normal but I started to notice how others cut…yikes!
39.I say Seriously? a lot. I never noticed it until my 4 year old started to say it to me all the time. Dude!
40.Oh yeah, I say dude a lot too!
41.I don’t mind doing laundry. Good thing since I have 4 kids.
42.I’m always double checking my spelling. I have it in my head that I’m a bad speller and I’m learning that I’m not that bad. I think reading has helped a lot.
43.I’m sensitive. It has both its good points and its bad.
44.I vacuum almost daily. It never looks clean until it’s vacuumed.
45.I’m a HUGE drinker. Combine that with my addictive personality and it’s a good thing I don’t drink alcohol.
46.I would love to be on the Amazing Race. I think the biggest challenge would be flying by the seat of my pants.
47.I have a high tolerance for pain – probably because I’ve lived with it for over 20 years.
48.I liked high school, I hated junior high.
49.I care too much what other people think.
50.I love jewelry.
51.I don’t like to drive just to drive. Darren loves to go for a drive – no thanks.
52.I like to listen to my music way to loud – way to loud.
53.I’ve never been on a cruise – but we are going next year for Darren’s 40th birthday.
54.I’m a perfectionist and it’s kind of a pain.
55.I yell too much.
56.I miss my friend Jenni – we laughed A Lot! (Hi Jenni)
57.I love to wear the color black, I’ll NEVER wear the color purple.
58.I always have way too many projects going on at one time.
59.I’ve had to learn to stand up for myself over the years – and it’s about time. I’m still learning thanks to my sisters and their examples.
60.I secretly want a tattoo.
61.Whenever I play games I always want to be red.
62.I’m jealous of people who are close with their in-laws.
63.I really like facial hair on guys – not just a mustache though, except if you’re Magnum P.I.
64.Cooking is a chore for me still, sorry Darren.
65.I’ve never been close to a pet. I can’t relate to those that are.
66.I think I’m younger and hipper than I actually am. I’m embarrassed when people find my CD’s – I just tell them their Reilly’s now.
67.I love to drive fast. Some of my favorite movie scenes are car chases.
68.I’m still hoping someday I can work for the FBI or CIA – even if it’s just making copies at Quantico.
69.I can’t stand jewelry on men – except for their wedding rings of course.
70.I waste too much time on the computer, case in point.
71.I don’t watch rated R movies, haven’t for years. I don’t judge those that do either. To each their own.
72.I can keep a secret – it’s vaulted.
73.I don’t like to share my drinks – just ask Darren.
74.I always order the same thing at my two favorite restaurants: Spicy Cashew Chicken at Cheesecake Factory and Grilled Steak salad at Café Rio – and probably always will. Why mess with a good thing?
75.I’m a list maker…obviously. It doesn’t get done if it’s not on the list.
76.I’m awful at returning phone calls, sorry guys.
77.If I didn’t know better I’d think my friend Heidi and I were separated at birth. Love Ya Heidi!
78.I stay up way too late and hate getting up in the morning.
79.I absolutely love The Office – it just makes me happy.
80.I like to tease my kids – something I got from my mom.
81.I wrestle with Darren and the kids all the time. They always end up ganging up on me though.
82.I have way too many embarrassing moments for just one person – some I still don’t even share.
83.I take FOREVER to get ready. I don’t know why, I just get distracted. I hate the whole process.
84.I never dated anyone younger then me and I think I only dated 2 guys with blonde hair. I liked them dark and I like them old I guess.
85.I don’t judge people. I’ve been judged and been judged wrong way too many times.
86.I can talk to anybody. My brother-in-law always asks if I’m writing a book. Yes Dennis, yes I am.
87.My mother-in-law cried when Darren and I got engaged. Oh the wows of marrying a golden child/baby of the family/mamma’s boy.
88.I hope that I can have the relationship with Reilly that Darren has with her now. I love her so much, but we are so different right now. She’s actually just like how I was when I was her age though. Someday it will come.
89.I’m not as high maintenance as people may think.
90.I can quote movie lines, a lot of movie lines. I’m a little like Rain Man in that regard.
91.I can’t do any kind of accent what-so-ever. I wish I could though.
92.I love to shop – it’s like a high for me. Again, sorry Darren.
93.I suck at sports. I don’t like to watch them either. Darren has tried for years to get me to enjoy watching sports but I think he’s resigned to the fact that it just ain’t gonna happen!
94.I have a fetish for purses and shoes. You can never have too many.
95.I absolutely love to travel with Darren. We always have such a good time. I’m hoping to go to Monterey with him next month, fingers crossed.
96.I love “big” things – big cars, big rings/jewelry, big purses, big furniture, big everything.
97.I used to hate my name until I was about 25. I was so embarrassed to put my name on my wedding announcement – I didn’t want Darren’s old friends finding out he was marrying someone by the name of Emily. I used to tell people it wasn’t my real name, I actually had them going for a while. I’m okay with the name now though.
98.I’d rather be cold then hot. There’s nothing worse then sweating in stifling heat and nothing you can do about it. Yuck.
99.I’m cheap when it comes to utilities. I’d rather spend money on almost anything else so I limit the a/c, dishwasher etc. Surprised? Yeah, I thought so.
100. One day, when I’m old and grey, I hope to look back on my life and be proud. Proud of what I’ve overcome, proud of how I lived my life, proud of the family I created, proud of the person I’ve become. I hope that I will not be remembered for the things I made, but rather for the way I made people feel. I hope my legacy is more then my scrapbooks and quilts. I hope that others will see that there was so much more to me.

So, any surprises? I know I'm pretty much an open book anyways, but this was good for me. Man I have a lot of things I want/need to work on. Thanks for putting up with me anyways.

Here Comes Santa...

2008-05-22T15:58:00.005-06:00

We were out to dinner with the kids (minus Reilly) the other night and Darren comes back from taking Evan and Jacob to the bathroom only to tell me that Santa is dinning at this very restaurant. I ask the boys if he saw him and they both were all smiles. Darren wanted me to go take a look, but there was no way I was getting up from the table to seek out this supposed Santa. Jacob can't resist and has to go take another look. I'm thinking that this guy must just have a white beard and maybe on the large size - whatever, been there done that. I play it up for the kids and answer questions like: "Why is he eating here?" (Santa needs a vacation like everybody else I suppose), "How did he get here?" (I'm sure he can only use the sleigh when there is snow, so he probably drove his really cool red convertible) - you get the picture. It made for a fun night of lots of made up answers on my part (I can get pretty creative for the right audience) and just as we were finishing up I look up to see...

My jaw literally fell open. Not only did he have the whites beard I've ever seen, he had the gold glasses, the rosy cheeks and the bowl-full-of-jelly belly. He and his wife (white curly hair wearing a red coat with white fur trim, seriously - I couldn't make this stuff up!) come up to our table asking the kids if their good for Mom and Dad, if their good in school, what they want for Christmas... and then to top it all off she pulls out jingle bells attached to a Rudolph tag for each of the kids. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was even starting to believe they were the real thing. Talk about playing up what ya got. They totally made our night and turned this Grinch into a believer. Thanks for the kindness Santa and Mrs. Claus, I know you're out there spreading smiles to kids and parents alike (even on your off time:)

I Won...I Mean - He Won!

2008-05-22T07:30:00.003-06:00

I literally threw my hands up in the air when they announced his name (in a room full of Archuleta fans)- you would have thought it was me that won! Yea, a rocker finally won, I guess it makes up for Daughtry. Now I'll keep watching:)

2008-05-19T18:13:00.006-06:00

My cousin Jared's wife, Anne Marie, just posted probably one of my favorite posts in a long time. It reminded me that I needed to lighten up on myself...check it out.
Never, Always and Every
...there, now don't you feel better already:)

2008-05-19T18:13:00.005-06:00

Two more layouts on the website...

...I'm having fun, can you tell?

What A Fabulous Mother's Day...

2008-05-19T18:13:00.002-06:00

One of these days I'd like to not have to start my post off with the obligatory "I know I haven't posted in a while", or "let me play catch up..." but today isn't one of those days and seeing as how my kids start their summer vacation in a few weeks (I'm scared!) it's not likely to happen anytime soon, so sit back and enjoy the rewind.

Mother's Day weekend (yes, it's a weekend as opposed to my birthday week:) started off with a girl's weekend getaway with my friend Heidi and her in-law's. for years her mother-in-law rents a cabin and her daughters/daughter-in-laws come to town towing friends, projects or both. This time it was a huge cabin in Heber where we had a beautiful view of the rolling hills right off the back deck (where the hot tub was of course). Our friend Shyloh was able to sneak away for the day and joined us on our little excursion. We had so much fun shopping at the Park City outlets (even picking up matching Guess "girlfriend" handbags), dining at the local $50 a plate "barn" and staying up way too late talking, whispering and giggling. Since every room only slept a maximum of two people and Shyloh didn't want to miss out on any of the fun she opted to sleep in the small crib that was already set up in our room...what the?! Now don't get me wrong, if any of my friends could sleep in a baby's crib, it most definitely would be Shyloh (all 100 lbs. of her) but seriously - THE FUNNIEST THING I EVER SAW!!! She curled up and covered up with the baby blanket and in minutes was fast asleep (so much for the not wanting to miss out on the girl talk). Nothing like having a half naked grown woman sleep in a crib right next to you and kicking her legs out of the crib in her sleep to stretch out - it goes beyond the weird factor. (still waiting for that picture Heidi) Anyways, Darren and the kids had been busy while I was gone - cleaning the house, shopping and making cards. I came home to a clean house, lots of home made cards and wonderful gifts of all my favorite things. They really outdid themselves and it made for a perfect Mother's Day. Reilly made an ABC book for me with each letter of the alphabet spelling out something she loves about me as her mom and picked out some great summer clothes for me, Jacob specifically wanted to buy me a book, and Darren got me a day at the spa and spending money - these are all definitely some of my favorite things:) All in all it was a fabulous weekend and I was a little sad that the day had to come to an end - back to reality and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Thanks to my beautiful family for such the wonderful day - I am truly blessed to be a part of your lives, there is no greater gift.

Random Acts

2008-05-13T09:18:00.002-06:00

So, we get back from Arizona late Friday night and early Saturday morning I head off to the local insta-care for my throbbing ear. I'm going to take Darren's car, because the Suburban is still packed, and I notice splattered eggs around the street and on his NEW car - dried, nasty, who knows how long they've been there, eggs. As soon as I get home from the doctor's he's off to the car wash. We'll chalk this up to stupid teenage pranks...whatever. The next morning, Sunday, we wake to find that these punks have been back and this time with a bat! The smashed up my side mirror and scratched/dented Darren's door and window - along with about a half a dozen other neighbors on the street. Are you freakin' kidding me?! What part of the ghetto did my parents move to? (actually it's a very nice area, I just like to tease them...mean I know, but dang!)

The police were called out about 4 in the morning - thanks to a neighbor's car alarm, and talked with my Dad, just coming home from St. George. Monday we find out from our insurance that even though it was the same incident, in order to fix our cars we had to fork out TWO separate deductibles. Yep, that's $1000 for about 3 seconds of some punks jollies...NICE. We soooo need to find a house, garage and all.

Latest iTunes Downloads

2008-05-09T07:49:00.002-06:00

I'm always wanting to know some of the great songs that others are listening to, so I'll share some of my latest downloads...

1. Bleeding Love. Leona Lewis (Wendy, you know how many times I've listened to this already)

2. How Many Words. Blake Lewis (man I loved him on AI)

3. 4 Minutes. Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland (not a big Madonna fan, but a HUGE JT and Timbaland fan)

4. Anything, Anything. Dramarama (just heard this for the first time in years on the radio,

always loved it in high school)

5. Stop and Stare. OneRebublic (love so many of their songs)

Oh, how I love iTunes (yes, I think I might even marry it)

Arizona Or Bust

2008-05-07T21:30:00.002-06:00

Darren had a business trip to Arizona a few weeks ago and when I found out it was over spring break I thought it would be fun for all of us to tag along...notice I said "I". (kidding) We packed up the car and headed down to Phoenix for a one week stay at a resort located by the Butte mountain range. As we drove we watched the thermostat in the car slowly rise the closer we got to Arizona...we were in for a hot one! The kids were excited for the pools and hot tubs but most important was the water slide...CLOSED for repairs! We made the best of it anyways and spent A LOT of time at the pool. Ryann and Evan usually swim with life jackets on and we forgot them so I was worried about how the week might go. I can't have two bodies hanging on me constantly and I didn't trust them outside my reach. I found some cheap water wings and was amazed at how well the two of them did. By the end of the week Reilly had taught Ryann how to kick her legs and actually swim with the wings on. She was swimming the whole length of the pool - no problem. I am this close to being able to take my kids to the pool and read a book instead of be the human diving board in the pool...yea! We were also able to sneak in a trip to the HUGE outlet mall and a catch a movie in between all the swimming. It wasn't until the very last day there that I found the nice parts of town. For the first 3 days we would go out exploring in what must have been the ghetto and I couldn't get out of there fast enough. The kids and I loved Horton Hears A Who, Ryann and Evan are still quoting their favorite lines, but most of all we had a great time getting away as a family and soaking up the Arizona sun. We wanted to break up the trip heading back so we stayed overnight in Vegas. Unfortunately when we arrived the pool was closing in 15 minutes so we decided to walk around and we would swim all day tomorrow. The kids were a little disappointed but when we told them about the fun water slides they were willing to wait. The next morning we packed up and headed out to the pool and wouldn't you know...the water slide was freakin' closed for cleaning!!!! You just don't get our kind of luck...it's earned. The kids still had fun but I had an ear infection coming on that was getting worse by the day, so I had to sit out while Darren had a turn swimming with the kids:) In all my years growing up in California, practically living at our neighborhood pool in the summer, the swim suits that people wear still never ceases to amaze me. Apparently you can be 200 pounds over weight and think it's okay to wear a tiny bikini when children are around - or my favorite, the man in a speedo two sizes too small - Ryann actually thought he was naked, DUDE! What ever your selling...NO ONE is interested.

Gas to and from Arizona: $350
Pina coladas by the pool: $8
Visit to instacare for a major ear infection: $30

Road trip with the family: Priceless

My Latest Project

2008-05-02T15:56:00.005-06:00

My friend Heidi and I joined forces - here's our latest. I'm so glad she lowered her standards and collaborated with me:) (mine is the top one)

2008-05-02T15:56:00.002-06:00

I got my hair cut...

...and cut and cut and cut. It's actually a lot lighter then it was before - the pics look exactly opposite. I actually thought it was shorter until I saw this picture - yea!

Just A Side Note...

2008-05-02T09:31:00.009-06:00

I went down to the tanning salon where I was spray painted and I had the girl at the desk on the phone with the manager within minutes. She was describing my skin to her and there was a lot of "It's bad", "I'm looking at it right now" and "I can't believe it" in the conversation. I guess I was a first...of course.

Lagging

2008-05-02T09:31:00.005-06:00

I've been putting in a lot of hours with my friends busniess lately - I don't think I've gone to bed before 1 a.m. this whole week - so I'm pretty much a walking zombie. I'm starting to get behind in my posts again - nothing new, I know. It's been a very busy, very fun, very tiring last couple of weeks.
To start off, my two sisters came up from Cali for their spring break. We had a total of nine grand kids in the house and 7 of them were 6 and under...you know I think someone was either crying or in trouble pretty much all the time, but it was a lot of fun. We had a lot of late nights with guitar hero-ing, Bachelor and Office watching, Friends trivia playing, lots of belly laughing, cousin visiting and end up with me throw up-ing. I just have so much fun with them and enjoy spending time with them. When you grow up in a family of 5 girls (and 1 boy) it's hard to imagine that one day you won't fight over clothes, cry over not getting to use the bathroom or ever not mind them coming into your room without permission. Now that we're older it's a good feeling to know that they're there and that someone will always have your back. I can't tell you the times my sisters have rallied around when someone is in need - you can always count on it, ALWAYS. I love you guys and I'm grateful you're in my life, especially when I beat you in Friends trivia:)

Global Warming?

2008-05-01T10:22:00.004-06:00

I think Big Al {Gore} needs to venture on over to this side of the country...

Seriously?! Snow on the rooftops, heater/seat warmers on in the car, winter coats and gloves at last nights soccer game? Someone needs to send a memo to mother nature that we are entering May now and this crazy weather needs to go. Let's enjoy a little spring before we break out the sunblock and crank the ac - dude!

2008-04-26T20:46:00.002-06:00

Welcome back McDreamy...welcome back.

It Just Keeps Gettin' Better

2008-04-22T17:04:00.003-06:00

I went spray tanning for the first time today...

... any questions?

My New Friend Penelope

2008-04-21T19:30:00.002-06:00

So it always seems to happen - every time we travel I breakout in the worst ways. I don't know if it's the countless hours in the car, eating food I normally try to avoid or just the plain stress of long car rides with 4 young kids - but whatever the reason, my face just can't catch a break. Well this trip was no exception! I've been "blessed" with the biggest, hurtiest zit I've ever had. This thing is a separate entity that's attached itself to my face. I feel as though I must name it, be friends with it and love it - for it goes with me EVERYWHERE. My kids can't stop talking about it, and to it for that matter. I can't tell you how often their eyes start drifting down to my chin when they're talking to me and Evan has informed me that he can't kiss me until my "wart" is gone - DUDE! And you know Darren's having a hay day with all his jokes and "funny" comments. What's sad is that this isn't even the worst part. I had to take Ryann to the doctor today so he could examine her skin condition. He was describing a process and compared it to "popping a zit" and then said "I don't know if you know the feeling..." looks up at me and looses his train of thought. His face goes red and he hurry and looks away. Are you freakin' kidding me?! I want to run home and into my room and not come out until this thing is gone, but I can't. Life must go on. Of course I have to teach this week and I'm getting my hair done tomorrow and Reilly has 3 soccer games this week... you get the picture. I'll hold my head high, smile at others and try to ignore the pure horror I see spreading across their faces. Yes people, it is possible, they can be this big, and no it's not contagious. Me and Penelope are attached at the hip, or should I say chin, for the better part of this week and you better get used to it!

So Gettin' Ready For Summer

2008-04-19T19:11:00.002-06:00

Okay, so it's been a while since I last posted. I did the 10 posts in 10 days thing and right after got into the battle of posts with my sister Jessica (which I think I won hands down by the way) so I was on blog burn out for a while. My sisters Jessica and Wendy came up from Cali for their spring break 2 weeks ago and this past week the fam and I tagged along with Darren to AZ for our own spring break. So much to say, so I'll break it up into individual posts so you can read at your liking. (I'll be posting in reverse to make it a little less confusing) Glad to be back to normal for at least little while... lets get it on.

And In This Corner...

2008-04-19T18:11:00.000-06:00

Jess and I both agreed we were over the little blogging war we had going on - it was fun while it lasted but it was time to move on and post other stuff. I had to laugh at some of the comments I got from our friends though...
1. no, we're not really mad at each other
2. no, I really am not an alcoholic
3. yes, I do fight dirty and you should be afraid to mess with me
4. yes, Jessica is available for photo shoots - anytime, anywhere is her motto
Hope you all enjoyed a little Sorensen love, imagine what it was like growing up in our house!

A Few Of My Favorite Things...

2008-04-19T17:11:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about blog-hopping is discovering new products, books and music that others love. I can't tell you how often someone has recommended a great read or fabulous site and I'm pleasantly surprised at the new find. Here's some random things (some old, some new) that I absolutely love - let me know what you think.

Wen by Chaz Dean
I'm in LOVE with this hair care system. It's not often that I'm blown away by a product after the first time I use it but this stuff is definitely worth the $$.
Bare Minerals
I've been a fan of this stuff for almost 3 years now and was so excited to find that I can buy it at Nordstrom now - I literally made a sound of glee when I saw the counter - now how often does that happen? The best makeup on the market and I've already converted many, are you next?
I'm obsessed with this color at the moment. I wasn't a fan 2 years ago when my sister Tracy had this for one of her wedding colors but who new...she was so ahead of the times:) I'm still on the lookout for more so if you spot anything in this color (especially shoes or jewelery) call me!

Best protein drink mix I've ever had - and I've tried a lot. (I'm throwing up a little just thinking about some of them now!) Thanks to the sistas for turning me on to this "if you're going to diet it might as well taste good" drink - lip smackin' good.

For years I saw Joy Mangano peddle these on TV. I thought they looked good, but not good enough to spend $50 on 100 or so. I found these little gems at Target and felt like I could start off with a 5 pack. These are the best hangers - nothing falls off of them - NOTHING! I love that my wide neck shirts stay put. Totally worth the $5 I spent.

So how's that for totally random things that I love and wanted to spread the word about? You'll have to let me know if you ever try any of this stuff - oh, and share some of your faves on your blog, you know I'll be checking:)

Go Shyloh - You Super Star You!

2008-04-19T16:11:00.000-06:00

Check out my friend Shyloh on Studio 5 and Good Things Utah. This is her website that I've been so busy designing for...I'm so proud! I am in awe of how far she's come in such a short amount of time - she only thought of this in February! It's so fun to work with her and my friend Heidi, we really do have way to much fun together (as our husbands will confirm). I've designed about 12 layouts so far so check back when she's had a chance to put them up on the website. She wants to space out the postings and I guess my layouts are selling pretty well - yea, i was so nervous that I'd be the pity designer that she doesn't have the heart to turn away. I'm starting to feel so official now:) Hopefully soon I can figure out how to post my classes on here so you can really get an idea of what I like to do. The pages are more simple to keep costs down, but my classes are where I really have fun.

No Picture This Time Folks...

2008-04-04T16:09:00.005-06:00

...just a really, really good story.

A few years ago, my Dad was in Texas on business and had dinner at a really nice steak house. He couldn't finish his steak, so he asked the waitress to wrap it up for him and explained he wanted to bring it home for his dog. The waitress, being an animal lover herself, not only wrapped up my dad's leftover steak but went the extra mile and put in leftovers from other patrons that night. My dad ending up leaving the restaurant with quite the hefty bag-o-beef. He flew home the next day warm meat and all; and between him and my mom, they fed their dog Lucy a daily "treat" of Texas steak. It had been a few days with Lucy loving her treats when, all of a sudden, the bag disappeared! They tore the fridge apart trying to find this beef bag when Jessica comes downstairs. Apparently she got home hungry late the night before, so she ate the rest of the leftovers - "hope that's okay?" My parents didn't know what to tell her. For one, she's the hypochondriac in the family and they didn't want her to start imagining major illnesses. Two, how the @%#* do you tell someone they ate week-old leftovers from strangers' plates? (My mom was telling me this over the phone and I kept begging her to let me be the one to tell her!!!) DANG, I get sick just thinking about it. Anyway, here's to you Sis - the stomach of steel!

Hey Jessica - Got Beef?

A Big Thank You

2008-04-04T16:09:00.002-06:00

Today is national "Thank Your Plastic Surgeon Day" and on behalf of the whole Sorensen family I wanted to thank Dr. Rhino for the fabulous job he did in giving my sister hope for a better life. All growing up she would hide herself away from the outside world and missed out on so much. Our family scrimped and saved for so many years so that Jessica would be able to have the life she always dreamed of - and it was totally worth it. She was beautiful before but she feels more beautiful now.

Kudos to you Dr. Rhino

(you've always been beautiful to us Jessica)

She's Out of Control!!!!!

2008-04-03T15:47:00.004-06:00

I wanted to relish in my last post a little longer but something has been brought to my attention that needs to be addressed. A friend of mine was looking through an old magazine and in the back was an advertisement for a personal ad website. She thought it would be funny to check it out and much to her surprise she found this and called me right away.
(and here's what the ad said)

I like eating mayonnaise and peanut butter sandwiches in the rain, watching MacGyver reruns, peeing on birds in the park and licking strangers on the subway. I sweat freely so you must be okay with that. My friends often refer to my constant gas passing as "sonic booms,” so be prepared for a good time. If you’re a shy, ugly man, fond of extended periods of self-pity, middle-age, flatulent, overweight, and constantly seeking the impossible then I’m the one for you. Call or email me at your earliest convenience. -JZ

What is my sister thinking??? She's married with three kids, she can't do this. This just isn't like her and I'm worried something is REALLY wrong with her. All this just when her modeling career was starting to take off (see previous post). I think I need to organize some type of intervention to help save her and her lovely family. I'm only looking out for her and her best interests. Please, if there's anything you can do - let me know. My heart is just breaking.

You Mess With The Bull, You Get...

2008-04-02T12:09:00.000-06:00

We just got a sneak peek at the upcoming Swimsuit Edition for Sports Illustrated that my sister Jessica worked on for weeks. It was so hush - hush, the location, the photographer...everything. I'm so proud of all her hard work. How she manages to be a mom to three kids and model on the side is just beyond me. She has a great balance and does everything with such grace. I'm so proud of you, Sis - keep up the good work.

You Wanna Play? Let's Play...

2008-04-01T19:09:00.002-06:00

Men – cover your ears. Women – hide your children. Be on the lookout! No timing is sacred to this no-good impersonater, not even during a ward prayer. Reports put this yellow-bellied criminal at various chapel microphones across the country interrupting prayers, belting out songs like Get Into The Groove and other songs of the devil. She’s a bad one folks! Don’t let those thin lips fool you – they pack a punch. She’s all about the smack talk but she’ll run and hide as soon as you recognize this out-of-tune Madonna wannabe over the sound system.

Reward: Many will pay top dollar to have this songstress taken off the streets!

I'm Bringing Sexy Back!!!

2008-03-29T19:46:00.010-06:00

Sorry Jess, I know you posted but I got this from an "anonymous" source so I couldn't resist. I had to put it on my blog though so you couldn't erase it. Love ya Sista!

(lost? read here to get the scoop. Ahhh, sisterly love!)

Funniest Story Update

2008-03-29T19:46:00.008-06:00

I emailed my friend Jen the link to the post I did about her story and this was the email I got back:

Did I ever tell you this one? We were doing a game for girls camp about the leaders and this is the one I gave:

A business colleague and I were out on a sales call; he was driving. We went to pick up a customer to take to lunch, and when we got back out to the car, I offered to sit in the back. I opened the passenger side door and tried really hard to get the seat to fold up so I could climb in the back but I couldn't. So I just gathered up my dress and dove over the seat. Then one of them said, "Wouldn't it have just been easier to use the back door?"
{this is, by the way, documented in Reader's Digest and I got paid $350 for my dopiness...}

I bow down to the Queen of Blunders... she should start doing parties.

No Autographs, Please...

2008-03-29T19:46:00.007-06:00

So unless you've been hiding under a rock lately then you've heard of Guitar Hero and probably even played it. This past Christmas Santa surprised our family with the Nintendo Wii with the sole purpose of one day being able to somehow acquire the ever illusive Guitar Hero III. While out to dinner for my birthday at the beginning of March we were finally able to get out hands on this addicting, arthritic inducing, grandparent annoying game. I wasn't a huge fan at first simply because I don't play video games and my only attempt at trying my hands on this was met with the ever delightful comment from my 15 year old nephew "Wow, I didn't think anyone could get boo-ed out so fast!" Thank you, I try. After nights of listening to Darren, Reilly and Jacob play away and me sit on the "side lines" I had to take another stab at it. I waited 'til the kids were at school and Darren was at work and I started practicing. Ryann and Evan would sit next to me and all together we'd rock to songs from Poison, Gun's N Roses (my fave), Aerosmith and others. I would sometime play until my fingers would start to cramp (unfortunately that's only about 5 songs, thank you arthritis) but slowly I started passing songs and moving down the list. I can now say I play a pretty mean guitar (Wii speaking) although I never think I'll even come close to touching Reilly and Darren's records (hello 534 streak and 5 gold stars!)
Even Ryann and Evan like to get in on the action playing guitars in the sleep mode (they don't know the difference). I'm a little scared of their choice in songs though - Ryann absolutely LOVES Barracuda by Heart (with daily/hourly requests) and Evan prefers Alice Cooper's School's Out and Lay Down by Priestess. Dang, what kids can say that??? I still don't know how I feel about this. When Ryann sits down to play she shouts "Let's rock and roll Mom" then high five's me! Well, after all is said and done and despite the head banging music, it's a game we all enjoy doing together as a family. Rock On!

Funniest Story EVER!

2008-03-29T19:46:00.006-06:00

So my friend Jen and I were having a discussion recently on who sticks their foot in their mouth more and how bad. We kept going back and forth with horrible stories, each time trying to one up the other. Between the two of us it is amazing how many people we've each offended over the years ,not by being malicious, but by pure stupidity. I told her about my first visiting teaching experience in my Orem ward, with my new companion. Wanna hear it, hear it goes.
My companion and I met up at our first appointment and the lady was showing us how she was making over her kitchen. She had done a lot and had just a few more things to do and she was really excited about the results so far. We were both oohhing and ahhing over all her hard work when I pointed to the turquoise window frame above her kitchen sink and started laughing saying " I bet you'll be glad to get that thing painted". Turns out she had just painted it and was trying to pull the tiny turquoise flower color out from her newly pasted wall paper border. Dude, I tried to cover, but I'm sure she saw through me. The rest of the appointment was, shall we say...awkward. My companion and I then headed to our next appointment where we were to visit a lady who was less active. We sat for a while talking about our various home projects and I mentioned to her that I was "ragging" my nursery. (It's called faux painting now, but 10 years ago it was just ragging.) I was telling her how I had done two other rooms and even helped some friends do rooms in their house (remember your yellow bathroom Kaylene?) and she mentioned she just tried it in her boys room. She was saying what techniques she liked and didn't and for some reason I decide to go on a rant about people sponging dark colors over white walls. She sits there smiling and then says quietly "Oh, that's what I did". Are you kidding me? Twice in one day, in front of the same woman!! I was choking down both feet by this time.
My friend Jen then proceeds to tell me of her vacation to a southern plantation where they had Civil War reenactments and the staff walked around in clothes representing life in the south back then. They were having so much fun and participating in everything. The staff was great and made you feel like you were really a part of the past. During one of the reenactments she turned to the family standing beside her and noticed they were African-American. She immediately gets excited and asks "Oh, are you slaves?" thinking that they were participating in the show. When the man looks shocked she realizes he's a visitor as well and immediately starts to explain that she's really not prejudice, doesn't believe in slaves...yada, yada, yada. What more can she say? I laughed so hard I was crying, literally.

Yeah... she won!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?

2008-03-28T19:46:00.001-06:00

So I've been feeling a little Cousin It-ish lately and I'm trying to decide what to do about it. my hair is probably the longest it's been since we've been married (down to the middle of my back) and I'm worried that I'm going to be mistaken for a polygamist soon. I'm thinking if I could get my hair to somewhat resemble this... then I'd be okay with the length and I wouldn't have to worry about anyone trying to take me on as their 3rd wife. But I'm thinking that since I don't have a team of stylists and a trendy LA salon to constantly work on my do then the chances of my hair even remotely come close to this is slim. I'm thinking of donating about 8" of hair to locks of love again so I'm starting to look for shorter hair styles that I like. Here are a few I've found:

This looks more simple and easy up keep but do I really want "Saved by The Bell" and "90210" hair, probably since I watched them both religiously.

I love this style but I might have to loose about 60 IQ points to pull it off and start dressing really slutty.

This is also a top fave for me and I'm hoping if I go with this then I can get the body that comes with it, or maybe I'll just settle for the accent.

Let me know, comments are always appreciated on a decision of this magnitude.

Just A Few Questions...

2008-03-27T19:30:00.000-06:00

After participating in the blogging world for about 9 months now I have a few questions.

1. Why do women refer to their kids by their first initial? Is this the new trend? Is it supposed to sound cool, chic or sophisticated? I can't tell you how many people are doing it. It sounds silly to me, but whatever. -E

2. Why are some women constantly posting about how hot, sexy and hansome their "hubby" is? Again, you sound ridiculous and if you have to keep stating it then who are you trying to convince?

3. Is the blog just another form of a popularity contest for some people? I think most of you have someone in mind after you read this, right?!

4. Is it crazy and unimaginable to leave comments on someone's blog who you love to read, even if they don't know you? You know you have your favorite blogs you stalk much...I know I do.

5. Is it the new way to tell someone they've offended you by taking them off your "blogging friends" list? Again, heard way too many stories for this to be a rare thing. I mean, come on people, junior high is so in the past.

I'm not pointing any fingers, well maybe I am. I certinally am not trying to offend anyone though. Just some observations I've made that I couldn't resist commenting about.

2008-03-26T19:30:00.002-06:00

So, what do you do when you are homeless, searching for a house, raising 4 kids, keeping up with the husband and already teaching scrapbook classes monthly? You take on another project, of course. My good friend Shyloh started a scrapbooking website and has assembled some of the best scrapbook designers (at least I think so) to design, design, design. I think I've lost count of how many layouts I've designed so far (she doesn't have them all posted yet, including most of my favorites) but I seem to be working on layouts nonstop lately. The website is up and running now and the response has been amazing. I've been scrapbooking for nearly 11 years now and started teaching almost 3 years ago and this is the first time I've seen anything like this on this level. I'm excited to be entering on the ground level and with Shyloh's business mind behind this thing I think it's going to be big. I wasn't sure if I wanted my name on the website at first simply because I was worried about a conflict of interest (with the other store I teach at) but then I realized that I never signed any "exclusive" only contracts so I was excited to see my name amongst so many other fabulous designers. So far it's be a lot of fun - I think it helps working with some of my closest friends though... and it's great to get paid for something you love to do!

(The signature page is all messed up so don't judge me on this one!:)

A Day In The Life

2008-03-25T15:32:00.005-06:00

Dear Blog,

Today I did a lot of ...

and also a lot of ...

and ate way too much...all while trying to find a new...

I wish I did more...

and I really needed to do more...

and I didn't even get to...

Yikes! I wanted to make...

now I'll probably just make...

some days I really feel like...

Maybe tomorrow will be better.

A Very "Hoppy" Easter

2008-03-24T23:06:00.000-06:00

We had a fun Easter weekend here at the Springer house. We went miniature golfing with the kids on Saturday - and I have to say that thanks to Wii I'm a pretty good golfer. Evan especially loves miniature golf so it was so much fun to watch him (Jacob had a fit and ended up throwing his club across the "green", but this is a happy-happy post so I'll leave that story for another time "...when there's love at home...") I told Darren for days that I wanted to be ready for Easter and not do any late night "prepping", but of course I was sitting at the computer late at night writing clues for our scavenger hunt.
I was so excited that I was finally able to find matching outfits for my kids, not just for Easter but for the pictures I want to have taken of them in a few weeks. It was hard to find matching dresses for both Reilly and Ryann and then to find something that would coordinate for the boys. I found these great dresses for the girls and perfect polo's for the boys with the ever so suddle pink stripes across a brown shirt. Of course it's the first thing Jacob notices - PINK!!! - and if it wasn't for Uncle Joe telling him it was a "cool" shirt it would have been a long and frustrating morning. (Thanks again Joe!) The Easter Bunny came while we were at church and the kids had a lot of fun hunting for eggs and then the scavenger hunt with rhyming clues and all. We had a yummy Easter dinner with my parents, Joe and Tracy, and my MIL Carol. I volunteered to sit at the kid table with Reilly and Jacob and I was SOOOO glad that I did. It was like I was given temporary access to their world and I loved every minute of it. I got the scoop on who had crushes on them, who they had crushes on (WHAT?!) and all the latest insider news at their school. I knew this pass would soon be revoked and that I would have to go back to being their mom and not their comrade, but for the 30 minutes we were at the table I really loved it - thanks kids:) We ended the night with the new movie from the Easter Bunny - Enchanted. It looks really cute and of course I'm going to watch it when I get a few minutes, hello it has McDreamy in it! After all is said and done it was a good Easter because I really had the chance to spend some quality time with my kids. (As you've probably noticed, I haven't posted any Easter pics of the kids, or any pics of them lately for that matter. My computer isn't accepting my memory card so I can't upload any pictures. Hopefully I can get it fixed soon - my memory card is full!)

Budding Actors

2008-03-23T23:06:00.000-06:00

Back in December I got word that the kids' school would be performing Snow White for their winter play. Auditions would be in a few days and I casually mentioned this to Reilly and Jacob. Much to my surprise they both wanted to try out! They had to memorize a poem or limerick in order to try out, which they both did with ease. After months of after school play practice (twice a week) they finally had their two performances (for the school and parents) this past Thurs. I had the opportunity to be at their dress rehearsal on Tues. (yikes!) and went to the school assembly on Thurs. to take pictures and show support. Reilly looked beautiful as one of 6 narrators and Jacob made an adorable dwarf. I was expecting your typical elementary school play, and all the forgotten lines that come with it, but it didn't turn out so great. They had a 7th grader in charge of the sound system and between missing the cues, forgetting the song order, and all together not having any of the kids mikes on it was a mess. The kid would start the dwarf song, signaling the dwarfs to come on stage right as Snow White comes on from the other direction singing her big part. AHHHH! The director even came out on stage at one point and flat out asked him if he needed help with the mikes. "Are they even on?" she calls from center stage. It wouldn't have been so bad, but so many of the kids in the cast were so upset after their performance because the whole school was there to see all the mistakes. Reilly didn't want to see her class after that. We came home and I told them how proud I was of them - I would have had a hard time even getting up on that stage when I was their age and I knew they had worked really hard on their parts. They had a performance for the parents later that night and I stayed home with Evan while Darren, Ryann and my parents went. Reilly and Jacob came home later so excited. They said everything was perfect, the microphones worked and they even had spotlights for the stage. Iwas so glad that they had a chance to redeem what was such a fiasco earlier, and ended their play on such a high note. Both of them said that they wanted to try out for the next play (and everyone after that). All in all it was a good learning experience for them, and for me, and I'm so glad that they want to do it again. No scarring with this ride - woo hoo!

I {heart} Evan!

2008-03-22T09:06:00.000-06:00

My sweet boy just turned 6 the other day and I couldn't pass up the chance to write about him. Besides the fact that we share the same birth month and initials (EJS) Evan and I have always had a special bond. He makes my heart happy and his smile/laugh is so infectious. I'm so proud of how far he's come - from the days when he showed signs of autism, to now...a well adjusted, intelligent and happy boy. He's been obsessed about his temper lately. Reilly and Jacob were telling jokes in the car the other day and he was laughing so hard he told them he was going to "loose his temper". What? The kids told him that it didn't make any sense, so later he asked me what his temper was. I tried explaining that it's a feeling we have when we get angry and mad. He immediately starts to cry and claims "But I get mad a lot of days. I don't want my temper to be lost." I was trying so hard not to laugh - he was so concerned. He wanted to know where his temper goes and wants to make sure it's not missing etc. For several mornings after he wakes up and asks if he still has his temper. "Yes Evan". "Oh good, I'm trying."
He is always keeping me entertained - wanting me to call him by new names like 53 (that's five-three, not fifty three) and Jinx - not your typical make believe names. He will sometimes tell me about his girlfriend Kylee (although I think they're seeing other people now) and he'll hold my hand in the car. I'm sad because he won't kiss me in front of the school anymore, even in the car when no one is around, but I am enjoying him everyday. Even though he's anti-PDA now, he will still cuddle with me at home and he's always a sucker for a back scratch. I love you so much my little man and I am blessed to call you mine, Evs the Wevs.

A Little Getaway

2008-03-21T09:06:00.004-06:00

Last week Darren and I had a chance to get away to one of my top 5 favorite places to go - Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He had some work business there so I caught a ride and spent a few days relaxing in our luxury condo. My parents agreed to watch the kids for me so I was able to really get away from it all. I've always loved Jackson Hole - we've been there so many times throughout our marriage , whether it was white water rafting down the Snake River or camping out in the condos - I LOVE Jackson Hole. I'd almost be tempted to move there if it wasn't for the million dollar price tags for a tiny apartment. I don't know if it's the great restaurants or the fun shopping but Jackson seems to have it all. Right in the middle of downtown is a park square and on either side is the Antler Arch - kinda creepy but it grows on you. I was glad we had Darren's new little Subaru with us. It seems like a requirement for living in this tree hugging, boot wearing, granola eating, liberal kinda town. I mean, there were 4 Subaru's to every 1 "other" car. I was soooo glad we didn't drive our ozone killing, gas guzzling, politically UNcorrect Suburban - DANG! Imagine the looks we would have gotten.The restaurants are FABULOUS! I could go on and on but then it sounds like that's all I do there... let's just say this - I've never had a bad meal there and 5 years later I still salivate when I think of the Spicy Lentil Bisque I had.
Thanks to all the meetings Darren had scheduled I was alone for most of the day so what did I do?...design some scrapbook layouts, take a nap, read a new book, watch a movie and, oh yeah - SHOP!!! I told Darren that aside from a spa facial (hello $200) I did everything that I love. my perfect vacation. It was short but sweet and I was so happy to find these little gems:

Before I start sounding too much like a travel brochure for Jackson I'll end with: if you've never been, it's worth the trip and if you've already been you know just what a great place this is. Thanks again for the little "nudge" Darren and Mom - you knew I would be glad I went. ( I have issues traveling without the kids...don't get me started!)

Throwing Down the Gauntlet

2008-03-21T09:06:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I've really been slacking in my posts lately (as I see some others have as well) so I decided I was going to challenge myself to do 10 posts in 10 days. I've done this before with other things and it works really well for me. I keep thinking to myself "Oh, I should blog this, but first I need to do this, clean that..."etc. So, the challenge is out there for all to see, no more excuses. I'm doing this more for me since this seems to be the only type of journaling I can do and I'm slacking. I'm hoping that this will also inspire those of you who are checking in to leave a comment, especially those who I don't know. Go ahead, I know you're out there (Chicago, Italy, Florida...) and chances are I've peeked at your blog too. Check back daily to keep me on my toes, if I miss a day I start over!

Hmm...What's new?

2008-03-16T22:08:00.002-06:00

I've been neglecting my blog for a while now, not because there's nothing new ...there's simply too much craziness going on in our family. I thought living at my parents house would be kind of like a little vacation from my hectic life but I'm finding not only do I not have extra time to catch up on all my projects, but my schedule is more hectic and crazy. The commute to the kids school 3 times a day means that Ryann and I basically live in the car and on Tuesday's and Thursday's with play practice and now spring soccer practice I pretty much take bathroom breaks only. We have a DVD player in the car so Ryann doesn't mind the driving around so much but because I can't find any of the kids' DVD's since the move we've been listening to Barbie's princess and the Pauper nonstop. Ryann loves it but the rest of us are about to go crazy.
I had my 34th birthday a couple of weeks ago and had a fabulous time celebrating with my friends Shyloh and Heidi. My brother Paul called to remind me that I have left my early thirties and am now in my mid-thirties...thanks:) I am starting to feel older now, something that's never bothered me in the past, but I'm accepting my age and fighting it at the same time. I'll take the wisdom. grace and understanding that comes with getting older, but no thanks to the wrinkles, gray hair and saggy skin. No luck on the home search as of yet, Darren is starting to realize that he has to lower his expectations just a little when looking for our next house. We're getting closer to being on the same page as far as what type of house we want next - so that's a step in the right direction. Life is good and I'm managing to keep pretty busy - what else is new?

Here's a quandary...

2008-03-07T11:51:00.002-07:00

What do you get when you throw your back out and can't shave your legs for 2 weeks...

What do you get when your toddler wants to shower with you as you try to shave said legs...

Any questions?

The Life Of An Excibitionist...

2008-03-05T20:20:00.003-07:00

Anyone that knows me knows what a freak I am about my privacy so when I found out that this fabulous huge home that my parents were building wouldn't have any kind of window coverings for the first little while I was a little uneasy. I mean they designed this house with the view in mind so the put huge windows in the front of the house to maximise the lookout. It only took a few days living here before I adjusted to the concept that if you don't see them then they probably aren't there, sounds good...right???? As long as Pervy McPerverson steered clear of the Cedar Hills area I was okay and there's not much to look at in here as it is. I was surprised at how comfortable I was becoming, or how much denial I was in until a few days ago I come walking out of the bathroom, just out of the shower and in my robe, heading to the kitchen when I pass the 3 huge windows in the family room only to find around 10 men standing just outside the windows pointing at the brick work. I had to do a double take because there is no way that my luck is that bad. Yep, count them 10 men all facing the windows as I walk by in my robe that barely covers all that it needs to ...what the @#$*! I give a little head nod , yeah this is normal, and almost trip over my feet trying to make to the bedrooms. DUDE!!!! To make matters worse later that day I'm changing clothes in my room and catch some movement from the corner of my eye. I look up just in time to see a measuring tape retracting and a guy getting up off the ground. It seems that he had to measure the window wells for the window grates my parents were getting. I think maybe I'll put a tip jar out front, cause hey, I might as well earn a buck or two for my efforts.

You Say It's My Birthday...

2008-03-04T09:01:00.006-07:00

This is Wendy high-jacking Emily's blog. It was her (A-hem) 34th birthday on Sunday. She's one of those people who don't tell you it's her birthday until it's way too late (if even then) and then you feel like a jerk for not saying something. So here's your chance to tell Emily how glad you are that she has touched your life and make it good cause I might get busted for doing this.

2008-02-27T21:27:00.002-07:00

Last night at dinner Reilly finished her food and claimed that she was still "starving". Before I knew it the whole "You don't know what starving is" speech started pouring out of my mouth. Seriously?! Did I really just say that. I'm having a conversation inside my head, screaming 'Stop it, stop it right now', but I couldn't. It's like one of those things that just takes on a life of it's own, like I had no power over it. I hated that speech when I was younger and I can't believe I'm giving it now. I'm getting disgusted with myself as each second passes but I somehow refuse to stop the commentary until I'm done. Am I really there already, doing so much of what I swore I'd never do? What's next, the "the door stays open 'til the room's clean" speech? (You really had to be a Sorensen to fully appreciate that one. Man, parenthood is really creeping up on me. I always thought I'd be such a cool mom, but as each year passes I realize it's just not going to happen. I guess there are worse things though, right?!

2008-02-27T21:18:00.002-07:00

Ohhhhhh.....I've been so sick. I caught the nasty flu that's been going around that turned into my first ever sinus infection and just when I felt well enough to get out of bed I threw my back out! Between sleeping with a box of tissues, the bed head and the gobs vapor rub under my nose you better believe I'm looking good. Watch out, this bug might be headed your direction next!

How Well Do You know Me?

2008-02-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

5 Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago

1. Just found out that I was having a girl!!!! (Reilly)
2. Trying the figure out where to put everything for baby in our 1 bedroom apartment
3. Hating Ogden, but loving our friends there
4. loving my new little black Honda Civic – smokin’ hot
5. Listening to police sirens nightly – did I mention I hated Ogden?

5 Things on My To-Do List Today

1. Clean up after kids – daily
2. work on my next scrapbook class
3. run to Walmart – again, daily
4. start to design Reilly and Ryann’s new bedding
5. laundry – daily, daily, I need to get a life, daily

5 Snacks I Enjoy

1. anything gummy – I could probably end here
2. Pirate Booty
3. Easter candy – only holiday candy that I like, hello sugar!
4. Oreo’s – I actually avoid buying them at all costs, oh the humanity
5. chips-n-salsa

5 Things I'd Do If I Were a Billionaire

1. buy a bigger house
2. Hire a chef – forget the maid, I hate to cook
3. Hire a maid – well if I’m a billionaire then I can have both
4. travel with Darren, travel with friends, travel with kids
5. spa days weekly – facial, massage and pedicures just to name a few
( do I really need to stop at 5? I could go on and on…)

3 Bad Habits

1. staying up way too late for no good reason
2. not saying goodbye to Darren and the kids when I leave the house – I think I need Dr. Phil’s help on that one, I have no idea why I do it and I can’t believe I just admitted it
3. Yelling – again, can’t believe I’m admitting it, but I do know why I do it, thanks

5 Jobs I've Had

1. Miller’s Outpost – is that even still around anymore?
2. Mountain America Credit Union
3. Macey’s grocery store (4 different ones) –it’s where Darren and I met
4. jewelry maker
5. scrapbook designer/teacher (current)

5 Things People Probably Don't Know About Me

1. People think I’m more confident then I actually am – is that good or bad?
2. I have a passion for organizing – some might even call it a little OCD
3. I have the need, the need for speed. I love love love to drive fast and one of these days I want to go to a racetrack and drive really, really fast in a car that’s really, really cool.(hmmmmm….maybe for my birthday coming up, Darren)
4. I am a Friends trivia nut. It’s a little scary just how much I know about that show. If I’m on your team for the trivia game, we’ll win.
5. I am the worst on the phone. Phone calls are hard for me for so many reasons, but never because of who’s on the other end. Don’t judge me by the phone calls, I’m bad and I admit it. I’m really trying to get better and maybe when my kids can actually behave while I’m on a call I might enjoy the phone once again.

Bad Week Update

2008-02-22T22:17:00.002-07:00

Thanks for the well wishes and support for a better week. Unfortunately the bad luck streak continues with a call for the title company with an "oops, we missed something...you need to pay $335" and another call for a little fender bender,during my move, that was my fault (forgot about that one!). Come on, for the love! It looks like the old adage "things happen in three's " doesn't hold true for us (of course, why should it!) Lesson learned : Don't make fun of something until your sure it's over...oh well:( here's to next week, right?! So here's two fists tap-tapping (Ross style) to this past 10 days.

No Way!!!!

2008-02-22T21:19:00.004-07:00

Okay, so we all have our fashion "favorites" from the past...you know those styles that we look back on and still can't believe we wore. I have quite a number of fashion mishaps from junior high through high school (hair tightly permed, earrings so big that even some tribes in Africa would be jealous, painted t-shirts with the buckle slide off to one side etc...). I have to say that one of my top fashion faves from the past, one that I look back on and think what was I doing?! would have to be my colorful heels. I had the same sweetheart styled pump in EVERY color, but my favorites were the bright fire engine red and the royal (not navy...ROYAL) blue. I wore each pair to a different dance and my friends were always impressed (ha ha) by how well my shoes matched my dresses, and I always felt like such the bomb! Whenever I see old dance pictures my eyes were immediately drawn to the shoes and I roll my eyes at these now infamous shoes - YUCK! Imagine my surprise when I'm shopping for boots at my local Dillard's and as I'm sitting there waiting for the lady to bring me the right size of these fabulous brown boots I want to try on I look up and sitting right in front of me is a whole display of these exact same brightly colored sweetheart pumps.
I couldn't believe my eyes - are these really making a comeback?! I couldn't help myself, I had to pick one up and make sure I wasn't dreaming the whole thing up. The lady comes bearing boxes of boots and immediately asks if I want to try the hot pink pump on that I'm holding in my hand. my first reaction was to trow the shoe down, embarrassed to be associated with the thing (what if she could tell I used to own about 5 pair, what if everyone there could tell???? ahhh!!!!) I could barely utter a "No Thanks" without laughing. Am I really getting that old? It was one thing when the 70's came back - I hardly knew what clothes were when it was popular the first time, the 80's comeback just made me laugh, but now the early 90's are making an appearance? Let me locate my Milli Vanilli tape and Lee Press-On nails and I'll be ready to go...like it or not.

R.I.P. ,You @$#!* Week!

2008-02-19T21:27:00.002-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah...so it's been a little while, alright a LONG while since my last post but I have a lot of good excuses, well not really, but I didn't have easy access to a computer for most the time during our almost 4 week stay at my sister-in-law's, and it turns out that makes a big difference. (That's got to be the longest run on sentence if I ever saw one!) Our 11 day stay at Donna's turned into a 4 week sleepover but we had so much fun. The Zimmerman's we so gracious and made us feel like we weren't the huge burdens that I'm sure we were for the entire 4 weeks we were there. I cringed when I had to tell her that my parents house wouldn't be done for another 2 weeks but they were great and said it was not a problem. Between the endless hours of Guitar Hero ( I'm actually getting better at it and like to play it now), couch critique-ing American Idol, laughing/teasing with the nieces it was all in all a good time and I had a lot of fun with them. Now, don't get me wrong, the title of my post has nothing to do with my in-laws. This past week has got to go down in history as one of our worst weeks and just when we thought it couldn't get any worse... you get the point. It started off Mon. with a letter from Lehi City (power,water, waste all around fun bill), well what I thought was a letter anyway. I opened it thinking maybe with the move and all the bills we payed we're getting a refund for overpayment. NOPE! It seems someone missed Math 101 over there and when calculating our equal pay they undercharged us by almost half - what the?! I get a bill for almost $850. I called thinking this had to be a mistake, there must be another Darren Springer family that doesn't pay their bills ontime and they got us mixed up, come on. The lady on the other end has nothing to say but a "you still gotta pay" speech and nothing I said made it any better, ahhhhh! Tuesday morning I wake up in such pain I can barely drive the kids to school and count the minutes down until my 10 :15 appointment with the chiropractor. It seems that with all the moving I did I royally messed up my neck/back area causing 2 ribs to dislocate and push on my left lung. If it wasn't so painful I might actually enjoy they way I manage to shock the doc every time I go in for an adjustment, but in the meantime I'm shelling out 40 bucks a pop (literally) once a week for him to take 5 minutes and put me back together again. In the last month my chiropractor bill has almost tripled! Wed. a freak snow storm hits and leaves Darren stranded a mere 5 minutes from home on the Alpine Hwy for over 41/2 hours. The snow is so bad that it was a complete white out and dozens of drivers were forced to "abandon" their cars and seek shelter in the nearest gas station. Lucky for Darren, Donna and her husband Mark were on a mission to rescue him and after several attempts and a lot of off road-ing they were successful and brought him home. Darren and Mark headed back there later that night to dig out his car but cops were blocking all access and telling everyone to go home. The next morning (Valentines Day) we headed over there and again were met by Lehi's finest and told all cars were being towed, no exception. We were given the phone numbers of 8 different towing companies and started calling trying to locate what is now the biggest-pain-in-the-butt-car-ever-made and found it only to discover the tow charge was $225 - NO EXCEPTIONS, oh and we'll charge an additional $15 every day it stays on the lot. We get to the tow place and Darren can't get the car started so he lifts up the hood and finds mounds of snow. You can't even see the enguine, just snow. Dig a little, more snow. Snow, snow and more freakin' snow! We get enough scraped away to get some jumper cables on it and the battery is shot. We had to push the dang car off the lot (to avoid any more charges) and pushed it down the street until we could figure out what we could do next. Darren borrows his mom's car for work the next day and I agree to take her to her hair appointment, sure why not? The kids are out of school and before I know it I'm running late and have to race to her house to pick her up. Wouldn't you know it, yet another of Lehi's finest is sitting pretty at the 4 way stop and sees me racing down the hill and barely pause before turning at the intersection and flips his lights sending my heart beat to almost fatal. Of course he's there, why wouldn't he be, this is after all the best week ever and it is my luck to be on my way to taking my mother in law to her hair appointment when I have on no makeup, my grubby clothes, no shower oh and no drivers license! Seat belt, what seat belt? He asks for my address and of course I can't give it to him, I'm freakin homeless. I almost want to get out and take a bow to the gods of bad luck and shout "You win!", but instead I manage a short, quivering explanation and he lets me off with a warning!!!! Can you believe it?! I drive off at about 5 mph using all my correct turn signals ( I almost rolled down my window and did the hand gestures but figured that might take it too far) praying that this week would soon be over. It is, I'm better, and now I can move on. If your still reading this then you must really love me and you know I love you back!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...

2008-02-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Things I hate about being homeless...

not having my tivo
not having my own computer
sharing a room with Ryann
not having my own bathroom
living out of boxes
not knowing where things go
only keeping out 2 pairs of earrings and 3 rings...what was I thinking?
not having my routine, or any routine for that matter
not knowing where our next house is

Things I love about being homeless...

not having my tivo
sharing a room with Ryann
not having the truck load of responsibilities I had before
getting to know Darren's sister Donna and her family on a whole new level (and loving it)
cleaning up is a breeze with only 1/10th of our stuff
looking for our next house
a lot more time to read, shop and work on my scrapbook classes

Although it's not a life style that I can keep for too long, I'm really enjoying our time with the Zimmerman family. We've lived in the same city for over 5 years and hardly saw each other. I guess we are making up for lost time now. They have been so generous and wonderful to stay with that even when I have people ask in a whisper "No really, how is it?" I can smile and say it's great and I love it. Now how they feel is another question...

2008-01-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Ding Dong, our house is sold
Our house is sold, our house is sold.
Ding Dong, our Lehi house is sold!

Ding dong, our move is done
Our move is done, our move is done.
Ding Dong, our nasty move is done!!!!
(sung to the tune from Wizard of Oz)

This little diddy has been going through my head for the last couple of days. The move was back breaking, hard and at times brought a few tears to my eyes but thanks to some great friends and wonderful family we made it and it's on to the next chapter. Darren and I worked our butts off getting everything packed away and sorted for long term (stays in storage til we find a house), short term (stays in storage until my parents house is done), and immediate (over to Darren's sisters house, where we'll be for the next 2 weeks). We made soooo many trips to the storage unit that I can probably make the trip in my sleep - in fact I probably did a few times! Sunday was our last day in the house and it was really hard for me as I realized this wouldn't be my house anymore. We put so much into it and now we were walking away...really? It will be hard for a little bit, but I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead for us. Darren and I can't agree on what direction to go next but I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to talk him into buying a fixer-upper and letting me design a beautiful home for us. (He's wanting to buy a newer home, is that even a word?) Life should be a little less crazy for me now and I'm going to enjoy this time of little responsibility and worries...knock on wood.

It Was Bound To Happen...

2008-01-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

...sooner or later! Christmas break was fun, crazy, cold and busy so when Jan. 2 rolled around I wasn't thinking to clearly. The kids went to bed on time the night before and were accepting the sad truth that school was starting the next day. Darren woke them up bright and early at 6:30 a.m. and they were dressed and ready for school when I came downstairs a little later to make their lunches and drive them to school. It was about 17 degrees outside when we headed out to the car and off to school. The kids were excited to see their friends and I was really excited to get some serious packing done and have some peace and quiet around the house. I'm noticing that there is not the typical morning school traffic and chalk it up to everyone else must be running a little late. I pass the school cross walk and think - huh, I wonder where the crossing guard is? She must be a little late as well. Not me, I'm good, I'm on the ball, I'm hitting the ground running... so on and so on. I turn the corner heading straight for the school and that's when it really hits me that NO ONE is here. Did I look at the clock wrong? I couldn't have looked at the calender wrong...or could I have? I quickly turn around and head home to embarrassed to call anyone, they are all probably enjoying the last day of Christmas break and sleeping in. Reilly and Jacob are so bugged, not grateful they didn't have to go to school after all, but annoyed that they woke early for no reason (yeah, me too, get over it). We walk in the house and I turn on the computer to check the school calender...NO SCHOOL!!! Apparently I had Jan 2nd in my head thinking first day back and not last day of break. Reilly and Jacob immediately call Darren at work to make him aware of what according to them is the biggest mistake anyone has ever made in the history of the world!!!! I just head back upstairs, throw my body on the bed, pillow over my head and prep myself for 1 more day of I'm bored's and I'm hungry's...Happy freakin' New Year to me!

Ode to Christmas 2007

2007-12-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

The stockings are down
Though not put away
It's been a busy week
But a lot of fun I must say

We had a family party
On Friday the 21st
Between cousins, aunts and uncles
My house was about to burst!

Saturday was busy
A temple sealing for Darren's brother
That night we saw "Savior of the World"
The spirit was like no other

Sunday, well we rested
We had a quiet family dinner
We played a few card games
And yes...I was a winner!

Monday was Christmas Eve
Still a lot of shopping left to do
Hitting all the stores
But by 4 o'clock we were all through

Christmas morning we woke early
Down the stairs we did go
The kids loved to open presents
And our house was buried in snow

We headed to the movies
A favorite family treat
We picked Alvin and the Chipmunks
They had a rockin' beat

Wed. night we partied
With the Vassell's, our good friends
I made a yummy dinner
And played games to the bitter end

Thurs night we rematched
For food and games and more
We headed out to Draper
Vassell's wanted to settle the score

Now all the festivities are ended
There's only one job left to do
We sold our house...HOORAY!
It's non stop packing now, boo hoo.

We look forward to this new year
Where we are going, well who knows?
I hope it's somewhere close by
Otherwise, well...that blows!

Hope you all had a good one
Enjoyed your family and friends
Take in this spirit of Christmas
And pray the feeling never ends.

Teenagers Already?

2007-12-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

If this is any indication of what's in store for me, I'm in trouble.

I was in the car with Ryann and she was singing quietly to herself so I decided to join in thinking we'd have a fun sing-along...
Ryann: Mom, what are you doing?
Me: I'm singing with you.
Ryann: Stop Mom, you're freakin' me out.
...Nice.

Overheard today after school:
Ryann: Evan, look what I got. Evan look, look Evan!
Evan (hand raised, palm out): Okay, stop. You need to say it quiet in your head...geez!

While we were potty training Ryann she was often in a shirt and no underwear to make it easier for her to go on the potty. Apparently, not everyone was on board with this idea.
Evan: Ryann!!!! You don't have any underwear on!!!!
Ryann: I know Ev-annnn (annoyed eye roll and all)
Evan: Ryann, you need to put underwear on, you're creeping my out!
Ryann: Mom, Evan said I'm creeping!

I think all hope of sliding through the teenage years unscathed has vanished. Wish me luck!

Sometimes I Really Miss The 80's

2007-12-18T18:53:00.001-07:00

This has always been one of my absolute favorite Christmas songs! I tried listening to this while watching a video of kids in Africa - I made it about 30 seconds before I was literally sobbing. We truely are very blessed. Merry Christmas everyone. (Dude, Bono and Sting got better looking with age)

Open Wide...

2007-12-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

So, I guess it's a Sorensen trait to produce excess saliva. I didn't know it was something you could pass down, but since we all have it to some extent it must be hereditary. As far as my genes go it's not one I spend a lot of time thinking about. Sure there are the occasional "excited spits" and the "did I seriously leave that puddle on my pillow" episodes but all in all it hasn't been at the top of my "wish I could change this about myself" list. (There's simply no room for any more up there as it is!) I've been going to my dentist for well over 5 years now, he doesn't have the best bedside manners - one of my favorite responses:"Your guess is as good as mine." (Really???!!! Let's hope not, otherwise I want my money back.)He does have his good qualities though - coming in on Forth of July to perform a root canal for me - no extra charge, love his staff and he doesn't charge me for the small cavities ("You paid enough already"...thanks Doc.) All in all, not a bad guy, but... you would think after 5+ years of religious twice yearly attendance the guy would stop commenting on my excess saliva. "Wow, your a wet one", "This is really slippery" and "Boy your liquid-ey" (is that even a word?). I know, I know I should switch but like I said I love his staff and I only have to see him for about 5 minutes total so it's a fair payoff. Dr. Clark, I know I'm "liquid-ey", I can't do a dang thing about it, now let me pick what's left of my ego off the floor and I'll see you again in 6 months...slobber and all!

I Want, I Want, I Want...

2007-12-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

I love finding new places to shop rather then my old stand-bys. Don't get me wrong, the old stand-bys are great but there is nothing worse then finding a great shirt and 10 other people have made the same discovery. I should keep these new and great places all to myself but there is something inside me that literally compels me to share with others. Check out these fun online shops and let me know what you think...

I found this one a little while ago and keep hinting to Darren about how it would be a great gift for Christmas:

check out http://www.shabbyapple.com/ (these are my two fav's)

Love them, want them, don't quite NEED them (but it feels pretty close)...yet!

another fun web-store is http://twisted-silver.com/

way too much fun stuff to choose from, but here's some of my top picks:

i just love the style of this jewelery and can't wait to get my hands on some. A wise woman (my friend) told me that it's not coveting if you want everyone to enjoy what you're after and not just want it all to yourself. So here's to sharing some fabulous finds with some fabulous people.

A Bone To Pick...

2007-12-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

The kids brought their school class pictures home and I was finally going to be able to put some faces with all these names I hear. I do a lot of file work for Jacob's teacher and I've always wondered what these kids, whose names I'm so familiar with, look like (and their were a few in particular I was really interested in) So far, not much of a surprise - Yeager Johannessen, very cute blue-eyed boy. Morris Unutoa, cute Polynesian boy with a bright smile. Shaquel Remund - blond haired, blue-eyed girl!!!!! What the? Now I'm all for switching up the names - Reilly and Ryann are the names I chose for my own girls, but Shaquel for a girl - that's too much. Do they call her Shaq for short? What are some people thinking? I NEED to know! I don't know if I will be able to resist asking Shaq's mom her thoughts whenever I might meet her. I might suggest Abdul-Rahim for her next one!

Thanksgiving Week Recap

2007-12-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I keep putting off typing about the crazy fun week that was Thanksgiving because for some reason my computer isn't accepting my memory card and I wanted to be able to include some pictures with my post. Oh well, here goes...
My sister Jessica and her 3 kids flew in from CA to spend a few days with us before her husband John came to town and they headed over to his mom's house. It was nice, because although I've seen her a lot recently with the mud run in CA and the sister's weekend in UT all within the past month and a half, it was nice to visit one on one. We don't get to do that too often, so I enjoyed this time together. My older 3 kids were still in school so we packed up her 3 and Ryann (that's 4 kids 5 and under) and headed out to Cafe Rio (always my favorite) and some early Christmas shopping. After the kids got home from school we hit the movies (and met up with her sis-in-law). i had heard some good things about Bee Movie and that seemed to satisfy the age range of 12 to 3yrs. I think Jacob and Evan like going to the movies simply for the popcorn and soda because they finished their ration before the previews were even over and all I hear for the next 1 1/2 hours was "Please, just a little more." When can I have more?" "Are you going to get more?" Anyways, you get the picture...ahhh, I love them, I do....really, I do! The next day we wanted to do something fun and different so we headed over to a place called Jump On It. (Again, no pictures. still waiting for Jessica to email them. Remember..."you hold the baby, I'll take the pictures..." whatever!) Jump On It is just basically a huge warehouse with wall to wall trampolines, trampolines and oh yea, more trampolines. The kids had so much fun there. i was worried when I first walked into the place that we wouldn't be able to make it the full hour that we paid for but because we were waiting for John we ended up dragging the kids away after almost 2 hours. (Jessica and I didn't make any eye contact with the front desk..."What? oh, we didn't know our time was up...) John eventually got there and showed off some of his sweet moves using Owen (their 3 yr old) for protection when he fell - still can't get that image out of my head John, thanks for the belly laughs! Jessica headed to Orem that night and the next day I spent catching up on laundry, cleaning and shopping for Thanksgiving. We had my dad, Darren's mom Carol and my sister Tracy (with her husband Joe) all join us for an awesome Thanksgiving dinner. We pulled out all the stops but I think my favorite was the sweet potato casserole that I made (almost a dessert) and the pumpkin cheesecake that Tracy made. We had leftovers that lasted most the weekend. Darren took the kids on a 3-4 hour bike ride on Friday while I cleaned and relaxed. It was quiet and peaceful for me and the kids really enjoyed the time with Darren. I'm not sure how far they rode but I had to come rescue them because they simply were too tired to make it up the hill on the return trip. They're good troopers and looked cute in their matching BYU beanie caps. (again, cute picture...) All in all it was a fun week and it was the perfect start to a wonderful holiday season. Everyone had a great week, looking forward to Christmas all the more now.

Oh, yeah...

2007-12-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot! What else did I do on the day before Thanksgiving? I started potty training Ryann and would you believe it - she was trained in 1 day. You read that right - that's one day baby. I knew she was ready for a long time now but I couldn't get off my lazy butt to actually train her. I can almost hear the Hallelujah chorus as I type because I'm done, I'm done I'm done!!!! I've changed diapers for 10 1/2 years with no breaks and now I'm a free woman. It feels good and I want the whole world to know it. She did it, I did it and man does it feel good.

Wii Anyone?

2007-11-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we took the kids over to Darren's sisters house to try the ever so popular Wii. I can count on one hand (with fingers left over) how many times I have ever played any type of video game. I have to say I actually had A Lot of fun. The kids wanted to play Guitar Hero (the whole reason we went over) and Reilly and Jacob really rocked on "Hit Me With Your Best Shoot". I tried and was booed after about 30 seconds. Okay, I'm not a rock star - like I needed a video game to tell me that. Donna then pulled out the Wii "sports package". I bowled, played some mean tennis, fished and even did some serious cow racing...Dude! it was so much fun. I was laughing so hard tears were streaming down my eyes. I was even starting to feel the burn in my upper body after a few tennis matches. I bowled my first 100+ game EVER!, pathetic I know. This fabulous piece of technology is now at the top of my families wish list, let's just hope Santa has some luck locating this almost impossible to get game system.

Wii game system = $249

Guitar Hero = $89

Finding out you suck at sports a little less in the virtual world = PRICELESS!!!

THANK YOU

2007-11-21T12:43:00.001-07:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. "

Thank you to all of you have touched my life in so many ways. To my old friends and my new ones - thank you for making me smile and blessing my life so richly. I really do have the best friends out there. To my family, what can I say? I couldn't imagine going through life without any of you. We seem to always come back to the basics - a love and understanding without limits or conditions, and oh yeah, a whole lotta laughs in the middle. Enjoy this holiday season.