McAllisters

FaMiLY nIghT @ tHE pOoL!

2009-03-02T14:56:00.006-07:00

Being the end of February, we were all starting to get a little cabin fever. Not to mention, #1 had started giving us some serious attitude and there was not much by way of harmony in the McAllister home.
Solution: Family night at the pool, of course!
Why we don't visit the city pool more often is beyond me. It's a perfect temperature and has two separate pools...one with a very shallow beach-like entrance and it's own little slide, the other deeper, larger pool with a big slide and diving board. Not to mention, on Monday nights it's only $1 per person for two whole hours of chlorine filled euphoria!
I think #4 was a fish in her first life because there is no where on earth she is happier than in a swimming pool!

Hubby has quite an affinity with a diving board. He really should have been an Olympic diver. Here's a shot of him doing a very boring dive.

A blurry shot of #1 doing a cannon ball.

Another blurry shot of #2 doing a 360 off the board.

All smiles, all night long.

#1 and 2, with #1's miraculous return to normalcy.

Daddy with #3 and 4.

And last, but not least, a little video of the boys going off the diving board...including #3's first time. Be patient...it takes him half an hour to finally shuffle to the end of the board! (and if you listen closely, you can hear #4 whimpering beside me)

Sluffing at Thanksgiving Point

2009-03-02T14:24:00.009-07:00

While Hubby and the rest of his football staff headed to Vegas for their annual coaching clinic (or so I'm told!), the kids and I decided to take a mini-vacation of our own. Since Fridays are only half-days at our elementary school, we left Thursday night and headed to my parents house in order to be able to take full advantage of the day on Friday.
We did several things, including lunch with Grandma at the kids' favorite...IHOP; but the highlight was the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. The kids thoroughly enjoyed walking through the exhibits, playing in the water and digging for bones. We even got to see a 3D movie about Ocean Life. It was a great (and educational) way to sluff school!

I think this will be the look we go for with school pictures next year.

3D glasses flatter everyone, wouldn't you say?

My family of flies.

The boys right before the were swallowed up by a giant shark, of which #4 wanted NOTHING to do with.

Again you'll notice #4's absence. While she eventually warmed up to the exhibits and quit trembling, she still refused to pose with anything with teeth.

#2 running from the bronze doggie.

#3 going for a "TKO"

Digging in the sand was probably their favorite part of the day. I had a hard time prying them from this exhibit. They made dams, rivers, islands and caves, just to knock them all down again.

#4 really enjoyed the exhibits BEHIND glass safety cages.

This was one of the first pictures of the day. Can you just see #4 trembling in fear?

Still trembling, though trying to be brave.

All in all, it was a great way to play hooky. I can't wait till we can do it again!

Harlem Globetrotters

2009-03-02T14:11:00.004-07:00

Way back when, on our 13th Anniversary, we took the kids to the Harlem Globetrotters. We were excited to have them come to our local events center and had to take advantage of the fun opportunity. All of the kids' friends (or a great deal of them, anyway) were there and since it wasn't very crowded, they were able to move seats and sit together. Here we have Yates (far end on the left), his brother Rowdee, their sister Hayzen, #4, Brodee, #2 and #3.
Is there any wonder why I love this man?

#1 and his friend Kycen decided to use their own money and buy tickets on the floor. They were hoping to get pulled into the show, although they had no such luck. Taylor, Kycen's brother sitting to the right of #1 did get pulled onto the court.

Happy Birth Day Noah!

2009-02-10T16:36:00.002-07:00

I had the privilege of working yesterday and assisting with Kristen's C-Section. How great is that? Little David Noah was born at 7:26 in the morning and weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces. Josh couldn't be any prouder of his "man cub".

Kristen did awesome...that girl has got tremendous pain tolerance. She was up and at 'em in no time.
Hubby and I had to laugh because at different times, unbeknownst to each other, we both mentioned how much little Noah looked like our boys when they were born; particularly #3. Which isn't a surprise since he looks just like my dad and a whole lot like Josh when he was born. Aren't families awesome??

Congrats on becoming a family of four you guys! I am one PROUD and HAPPY aunt!
Stay tuned for more pics with the whole family!

a giRLy PoST!

2009-02-02T13:28:00.004-07:00

After a year of regrowing #4's hair, we decided it was finally time to get an official "Catch Up" haircut and try to blend in all the damage done by #3 last winter. #4's primary teacher just happens to do hair so we made an appointment to see Kami at the salon.

She was so excited to be a "BIG GIRL" and get a REAL "hairtut".

And she couldn't be happier with the results. We spent the next two days posing and showing off the AWESOME new do!

Later that week #4 got to perform at half-time of the boys basketball game with the mini-cheerleaders. Every year the high school cheerleaders put on a week long clinic teaching the girls cheers and a short dance to perform at a game. Given #4's performance history, I wasn't sure she would do it but she surprised us all!

Give the girl a set of pom-poms and she goes crazy.

In spite of all the drama and tears, there are days when we just LOVE having a little girl!
Love ya Sis!

Some of our favorite people

2009-02-02T13:15:00.005-07:00

Some of our favorite people came to stay for the weekend. It was one of those rare weekends where I don't work and it just so happened they had a wrestling tournament in Richfield. With some 'not-so-hard-twisting-of-the-arms' we convinced them to stay with us.

#4 and Emmry are only 5 days apart and two peas in a pod. They had a blast playing together and putting on their own version of "Bad Girl Rock Concerts" for us.

I wish these two could get together more often. They had a blast!

These two had a blast, too! We tried to play "Bad Girl Rock Stars" like our girls but we weren't nearly as Baaad.

The boys had just as much fun. Sumer's oldest, Austin, was busy wrestling all weekend but Braycen and Gage spent all their free time with us. #1 and 2 loved it. Here's Braycen dunking the ball while the two posers do their thang.

#4 wasn't in the best mood by the end of the long playdate and wasn't about to smile for our final photo-op. Typical.

Thanks Sum and RL for staying! We had a GREAT time and wish we could see more of you guys!
Check out some video below. The first is of the "band" and the second is #4's Drill Team moves. We've seen one too many half-time shows!

Bad Backs and League Champs

2009-01-10T11:58:00.006-07:00

A couple of months ago, Grandpa McAllister woke up and couldn't get out of bed. Turns out he'd ruptured a disc. Everyone who's seen Grandpa knows he hasn't been able to walk standing upright or without the use of a crutch. When pain pills and rest didn't help, he decided to take action. Friday night he had surgery, hoping and praying he'd wake up without the constant pain in his legs. At first, the pain was worse than when he'd gone in and he was pretty discouraged thinking he'd gone through all of that for nothing.
We headed to Cedar City for our Friday Family Date Night to see him. We had dinner at our favorite place to eat in Cedar...the original Pizza/Pasta Factory. Yum! (Disclaimer: Brad's is probably the true favorite but I wasn't in the mood for burgers!) Then we drove around showing the kids the various apartments we lived in while we were there and the college their dad graduated from. They were all soooo impressed! Those were some good times...
We arrived at the hospital just as Grandpa was wheeled to his room.

A few hours and several doses of Morphine later, a light at the end of the tunnel appears! The pain in Grandpa's leg is nearly gone and the pain from the incision site in his back is dull and manageable.

This was Grandpa's first surgery and he's thinking he just might like the attention and ice chip service. We left him in pretty good spirits and got a phone call this morning to let us know he's on his way home! The doctor told him to plan on a couple of days in the hospital MINIMUM but since he was doing so well he got early discharge papers. We love you Grandpa - HAPPY HEELING!

The morning was #1's last regular season Jr. Jazz Basketball game. His team has had a great season and with their win today were crowned League Champs! WaHOo! The tournament starts next week and we get a bye the first day. Hopefully the time off won't hurt us! Congrats, guys!

"The Nets"

Some various shots from the game today. #1 wears #31 and is the Point Guard.

Final score of the final regular season game. It wasn't the highest scoring game of the year!

Christmas to New Years to Tonsils...oh my!

2009-01-02T23:08:00.026-07:00

I've decided I blog about as well as I kept a diary in high school...which is not good at all. I apologize in advance for the jumbled post. There is no rhyme or reason to the order of the photos...nor is there an end in sight. It might be the single longest post ever.

To start, we have #2's Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy which took place on Monday. This is the first surgery for any of our kids and was a little nerve-wrecking for mom, even though I help surgerize patients for a living. #2, on the other hand, was giddy with excitement to have his tonsils "pulled" out. After a sweet father's blessing, the kid and I headed to my place of employment for a little early morning cautery. Here's #2 in his oh-so-embarrassing "I see you" (ICU) gown. He held the backside shut and walked backwards everywhere to guard his little bum.

My stud and I waiting for his turn to go under the knife.
Coloring intently while waiting for the Versed (sleepy medicine) to kick in.
Attention! The Versed has kicked in.
My little trooper in the recovery room. He never cried once, even when coming around out of the anesthesia, which is where most kids get to howling. He's downed 44 popsicles in the last two days and asked when he'd be "recovered" so he can start eating real food again. Today he asked if he could go back to school tomorrow, to which I replied,

"Sure, but you'll have a note saying no recess this week."

To which he replied,

"Never mind then. There's no point."

I'm so proud of this little guy and so grateful that it all went so well!

Now to the next logical synopsis...the bath after the Shelton family Christmas gathering. Duh! Here we have #4, #3, baby Leah and #2 taking aim in Grandma's tub Christmas night. Christmas night we traveled up to Lindon to see my side of the fam. We had an INCREDIBLE dinner prepared by my incapable-of-smiling-brother-in-law. The dude's got a knack in the kitchen, even if he can't flex his lips. Here's a random group shot at Lisa's.
Bro-in-law Chris and my dad in the background, totally enthralled; my sister Lisa in the foreground, equally enthralled...
Another random group shot...
Then, back at the homefront (we'll get to Christmas morning sometime here) Hubby played good dad and helped #4 apply her new "Naiwl Powish", a favorite gift from Aunt Lisa. And yes, she's in a swimsuit just for the heck of it.
Showing off Daddy's artwork. He may have a future in nail design.
And before we ever made it home to paint the nails, we spent an evening in Salt Lake at Temple Square with my parents and brother's family. This is my favorite shot of the kids gazing up at the Christus.
The reason for the season.
Because it was our first trip to Temple Square in several years, it happened to snow that night and hit record low temps. AND only a fraction of the lights were on this year. #1 was not impressed with the evening's chilly activities. Either that or his face just froze into a frown...
Yep...must be a frozen face. Anyway, here they all are with little Leah in front of a miraculously unfrozen fountain.
Our frozen family.
Josh, Kristen, Leah and unnamed baby in womb.
My dad with Leah the red-nosed niece. It was sooo cold!
#1's face thawed but #4's froze in it's place.
Seeing this at Christmas time makes the frost bite worth it.
Mom and Dad Kristen and Leah Beah.
Now on to warmer times. #3 asked for a dinosaur for Christmas. And he got one...but not this one. This is the dinosaur we traded for when #3 woke up Christmas morning and realized Santa brought the WRONG dinosaur. After gazing down from the top of the stairs, he went back to bed crying that he wanted "The one that eats the weaves!". Stupid Santa. As luck would have it, the wrong dinosaur didn't even work (adding to the Christmas morning nostalgia) and we had to return it the next day. We happened to find this "weave" eating dino on clearance at Target for $200 less that it was being sold for the day BEFORE Christmas. Bingo! Happy kid at last.
Last Saturday Josh, Kristen, Leah and our clan headed to Fillmore to soak in the natural hot springs. My kids were so excited to get to go swimming in the middle of a 17 degree day. The water temperature was PERFECT and I couldn't believe how clear it was. You can see my pasty white legs underwater from the street. This was #1 and 2's second time here. Uncle Josh brought them last year, too. Josh is sooo cool. At first #3 and 4 weren't sure it was safe. The dog ate #3's life jacket at the end of the summer so he didn't have the confidence his brothers had. It didn't take long for everyone to "warm" up though. A few of us (by us I mean the people in the group that aren't scared of drowning which doesn't include me) tried diving to the bottom but the pressure on their ears was too much. It's approximately 30 feet to the bottom. By the time we were ready to leave it was getting pretty crowded. Everyone else in the pool was from out of town, just driving through. Who knew a pond in the middle of a field in Fillmore, Utah would be so popular?Group shot Oh yeah...this was going to be about Christmas! Here's the kids in their Sunday best the Sunday before Christmas.

If you look closely, you'll notice #4 says "Cheeeeeese" every time a camera is pointed her direction. Every year we have one set of parents over for Christmas Eve/Christmas morning festivities. This year was Hubby's parent's turn. I love, love, love having the family over for Christmas. We always open Christmas jammies and new ornaments on Christmas Eve.

Here's #4 checking out the goods. She was pretty disappointed that PJ's were the only thing she got her hands on that night.

#3 was quite pleased with his pajamas. Of course, this was before the big Dino Disappointment.

I just thought this was a great shot of me with my eyes closed. Oh, and #2 checking out the goods.

#1 with his ipod-wearing-snowman ornament. Cool.

Grandpa and Grandma admiring their new ornaments.

#4 with her Cinderella ornament...a titch disappointed that it didn't play songs like #1 and 2's.

And now...drum roll please...CHRISTMAS MORNING! It was a wonderful Christmas, and even with the Dino Drama, I think everyone was pleased. #1 got a Loving Family doll house with all the trimmings, a Pet Shop something or another, a Rose Petal Cottage and a puppet theater, along with other odds and ends. She's such a fun age where everything is super exciting, especially the candy in the stockings!

Grandpa in his new jammies, enjoying the excitment of the morning.

Once #3 got over the initial disappointment, he enjoyed everything about the morning...especially his Tag body spray at the bottom of his stocking.

The boys got a Wii and all the widgets, gadgets and games we could afford (including Wii fit for me!) They didn't even ask for it so it was the biggest surprise of the morning. They got Guitar Hero World Tour (the Rockband equivalent), racing games, football games, baseball games, snowboarding games, golf games, etc. It was the first year they didn't want to leave for Grandma's when it was time to go, even knowing there were more presents waiting for them there!

More fun...

and more...

#3 has the cutest smile when he's giddy about things. I love this shot of my boys!

Grandma gave #4 a birthstone ring that fit perfectly on her middle finger!

Grandma also made the boys new quilts for their rooms...one of their favorite gifts. #1 got a Boston Redsox quilt, #2 got a SS Rams quilt and #3 got a Dale Earnhardt Jr. quilt. Here's #1 wrapped up in his.

And #3 showing off his. He's always been a blankie boy!

#1 showing off his new LT jersey. #3 and his new Earnhardt Jr. race car.

#2 was SUPER excited about his Reggie Bush jersey. Both boys got Reggie Bush Fatheads for their rooms, too.

I don't know who likes the Wii more...the hubby or the kids. There have been many a night that I've worked since Christmas where he's stayed up WAY past his bedtime playing Tiger Woods golf. He thinks he's a pretty sweet drummer, too (although looking at his mom's face in the background you might guess otherwise!).

And lastly, we get some more shots from Lisa's house. (I told you there was no rhyme or reason to the order of the pics!)

A tradition that my own grandpa started when I was about my boys' ages was to give us money for Christmas. Last year my parents started the same tradition with my older two. It is truly a highlight of Christmas for them. We took them shopping the day after Christmas and they were able to pick out whatever they wanted. They both bought a pair of new shoes, #1 bought a couple of shirts and a hoodie from Aeropostale and #2 bought an ipod, among other things. And amazingly, they both still have some money leftover, saving up for a rainy day!

#3 and 4 opening up some exciting treasures.

#4 with her prized "Naiwl Powish" kit.

PHEW! If you made it, all I can say is congratulations and maybe you need a new hobby or two. You have a LOT of time on your hands!

Dancin' Shenanigans

2008-12-17T06:15:00.004-07:00

Months of dance lessons: Expensive.

Stage fright right before first show: Aggravating.

Puppy dog eyes when Mom tells you to be a big girl and dance: Heartbreaking.

Pretending to be excited for second performance after refusing to go on stage during first performace: Endearing.

Knocking our socks off with the cutest little performance ever: Exhilarating.

Shaking your tail feather with twelve other 3 year olds: Entertaining.

Big smiles with your best friend after a performance of a lifetime: Priceless.

Weekend Getaway and Piano Recital!

2008-12-09T10:41:00.003-07:00

Last weekend we had our annual trip to Mesquite with our very favorite people, Mike and Cath. Mike is also a football coach and it has been our tradition to take off once football season ends. The boys sit around the sports book all day watching games and the girls catch as many movies as possible, throwing in a little shopping here and there.
This year the four of us saw "Four Christmases" together and Cath and I spent most of our time laughing at our guys. They cracked up through the whole movie.
Then the two of us hit "Australia" (second time for Cath) and "Twilight" (second time for me). We both THOROUGHLY enjoyed ourselves. I just wish we lived closer so days like these weren't so few and far between!

Last night #2 had his first official piano recital. He was super nervous about it, even though he's already played in front of the entire ward! He said this was much harder because people could actually see him at the recital, whereas during church he was pretty well hidden by the piano.

Here he is, front right, with the rest of Mrs. Peterson's students. He's her youngest and newest.

They each had to say their name and the numbers they'd be playing - this is what he was the most nervous about! He had both of his songs memorized and did fantastic!

We were tickled to have Grandpa and Grandma Shelton come down (through a blizzard) and Josh, Kristen and little Leah. Thanks for supporting him!

The Faith of A Child

2008-12-04T01:10:00.001-07:00

I've been meaning to write this down for a week now. It's actually been nagging at me. It's just one of those experiences you learn so much from that you don't want to let go of one single detail.
A week ago, #1 was having a sleepover with his best friend. For whatever reason, he went to look for his secret stash of money and couldn't find it. It was a significant amount of money, especially for an eleven year old, and he'd been saving it for the better part of 2008. He and his friend turned his room upside down looking for it before he came upstairs to tell me about the missing envelope. I questioned him in detail, all the while having the distinct impression to tell him to pray about it. He said he specifically remembered replacing the envelope on Sunday afternoon, right after retrieving some money for his tithing. It was Tuesday evening and he hadn't touched the envelope since. After helping him look in some of the less obvious places, I finally suggested he pray for help. He agreed that he would and then returned to the basement to finish his sleepover.
I, however, panicked. I knew the amount of money was more than I could just replace for him, especially at Christmastime. I worried that the sticky fingers of #3 and #4 might have mysteriously come across the loaded envelope and dispersed the loot among themselves. After #1 and friend retired for the night, I scoured his room, the toy room and all the drawers, closests, nooks and crannies in #2, 3 and 4's bedrooms. I looked EVERYWHERE.
Exhausted, I finally got on my own knees right before bed and essentially begged my Heavenly Father to help my son find his envelope of money. I sheepishly explained to Him that it would be such a faith builder for my child and his young friend, as if He wasn't aware of all the implications entirely. I wrapped up my prayer with the resolve to corner the other kids first thing in the morning and find out where they'd hidden the cash.
#1 and his friend were upstairs playing when the little kids got up and I immediatley started my interrogation. Not five minutes had passed and my sweet son came downstairs and nonchalantly announced he'd found the envelope.
What?
I turned to him and asked where it was. He went on to tell me that after he'd prayed he had the feeling to completely remove the drawer where he'd last seen the money and sure enough, there it was, tucked in the back of the dresser.
Then with a sheepish little smile he added, "Weird, huh?"
I told him he should probably go downstairs and thank his Heavenly Father for the help, which he did without question. Then I returned to my bedroom and did the same.
How silly of me to think the Lord needed my suggestion to teach my child about faith and prayer. Even sillier that I thought the lesson would be just for him.
I am so grateful for the pure faith of my child and a loving and LISTENING Father in Heaven who is very aware of even the most minute concerns in our family. I'm grateful for His insight and His ability to teach me while teaching my child.

McAllister Family Photos

2008-11-26T18:03:00.014-07:00

We were lucky enough to have the whole family together a week ago and took advantage of the day by having some long overdue family photos taken.
I'm super happy with the results and thought I'd share.
I have to say, that uploading all of these and seeing the wonderful family we've been blessed with is very humbling. The fact that I'm doing it on Thanksgiving Eve probably intensifies the feeling. I'm so grateful for my amazing husband and all he does for me and our family. There's no one in the world I'd rather spend my life with. I'm grateful for my wonderful in-laws and how much easier (and funnier) they make my life. I'm grateful that we're all (relatively) healthy and fortunate to live where we live, when we live. We're all blessed beyond measure.
And even though these pictures don't include my side of the family, I'm equally thankful for them. I have the greatest parents, brother and sister that anyone could ask for. I feel so blessed to live close to my brother and his family. It's such a treat for me. And being a short drive from the entire family is a blessing most don't enjoy. I hope to never take for granted the miracle that we ended up where we did.
Lastly, I'm grateful for my beautiful, happy, kind children. They take care of each other and bring a happiness into my life that I didn't know existed before they came along.

Grandpa and Grandma McAllister and all the kiddos

Cutest cousins...one of my very favorite pictures of the day.

Hubby's sister and her cute, cute family

Good lookin' grandparents!

Feel free to visit the link for Real Life...Captured to see more of Shannon and Jalee's work.

Weekend Synopsis

2008-11-24T10:16:00.002-07:00

Well, the much anticipated Twilight Premier was this last weekend. I took #3 and 4 up to my parents' house in Provo and spent the night with my sister, Lisa. We went to Thanksgiving Point with her friends Kim and Heather where Heather's friend had rented out the entire theater for the 5pm showing. They had door prizes, cookies shaped like apples and drinks and popcorn for everyone.

Here's Lisa and I right before the movie. We both agree that movie theater lighting is NOT very flattering!

Me, Lisa, Kim (and baby #5) and Heather

The much anticipated moment...

A bunch from our group right after the movie. Most of us liked it, agreeing that there were some definite "cheesy" scenes - but hey - we're talking vampires and werewolves here. There's bound to be some cheese. To be honest, I can't wait to see it again!
After the movie, Lisa, Heather, Heather's mom, Kim and I went to Macaroni Grill for dinner.

In the meantime, #1 and 2 spent the day with Hubby up at the U of U for the 3, 4, and 5A State Football games. They hung out with their VERY best friends Payton and Cade and even got to have a sleepover at the Bowrings that night. #1 and Payton have been friends literally since the day Payton was born. #1 was 15 months old and I tended Payt for a few months that first year of his life. They haven't lived in the same town for six years now but you wouldn't know it when they get together. #2 and Cade are honestly just friends by default since we had already moved from Monticello by the time Cade came along but they are just as close as their brothers. They had a great weekend...Thanks Bowrings!!

Saturday morning we got up early, picked up the older kids from their sleepover and booked it home to get #1 to his Jr. Jazz game. After THREE overtimes, our little team was handed their first loss of the season, only going down by ONE POINT! It was intense!

From the game we headed home to finish putting up Christmas and start the lights on the house. I went to get my new tree out of the box only to discover that it was missing a section! UGGHHH! And since it was purchased at Tai Pan 2 hours away, it's not like I could hurry and exchange it. Double UGGHHH! I called Tai Pan, threw a little fit, and came away with a gift card to make it all better. Hubby will have to exchange it for me over Thanksgiving break while I'm at work. He's super excited to do it, too!

We wrapped up the day with a BYU-Utah party with a few friends and family. We tried to be impartial, having red AND blue plates, cups and bowls since my brother Josh is a DIE HARD Y Fan but it didn't help much. The poor guy was terribly outnumbered. Even his wife, who tried to support him, is a U alum (she cheered there for crying out loud!) and secretly wanted the red to prevail. Needless to say, he left quite frustrated and we can't wait to see what bowl game the Utes end up at.

Nerdy dudes, Tuesday 'Tudes and watercolors

2008-11-19T21:39:00.004-07:00

My little Picassos have been burning through paper like crazy lately. They are both obsessed with painting, drawing and coloring. Unfortunately, this is the only time in the last week that it's been an activity isolated to paper.

My little arteests have been decorating their doors, walls and headboards with "washable" markers every time I turn around. Which is where my late Tuesday 'Tude comes in.
This week, I am grateful for Magic Erasers since "Washable" markers really aren't so washable once the ink dries.

Bless my little #1's heart, today we had a follow up appointment at the orthodontist. He was hoping for braces (little does he know...) but came away with HEAD GEAR for the next 6 months until all of his molars come in. Luckily, he only has to wear it 12-16 hours a day which means he's off the hook anytime he has to go out in public!

He agreed to let me take this picture after I promised it wouldn't end up on the blog. Mwah-hah-ha.

This last treat is yet another surprise that showed up on the camera when I downloaded the pictures. It's a dandy taken by #4 (aka Ansel Adamsita). In #4's defense, #2 told her to take it so he could show off his post-shower-slicked-back-mafia-hair-do.

It's only fair. If I torture one, I must torture them all.

Sacrament Success

2008-11-17T11:43:00.004-07:00

After I opened my big mouth, we were asked to speak as a family for the first time since we've moved into our current ward...nearly three years! While some wards won't allow children younger than 12 to speak, our entire family was included on the soiree. We had nearly a month to prepare and decided that #3 and 4 would do a tag team effort with pictures and a few lines, #2 would play a duet on the piano with me to avoid speaking and #1 would be brave and give a real talk.
Two days before the event, #3 announced he would have nothing to do with any speaking parts, he was only going to hold the pictures and #2 decided that playing the piano in front of the ENTIRE WARD wasn't terrifying enough, he wanted a talk, too.
After a few last minute adjustments, we were able to put together a relatively nice program (in my own humble opinion!). #3 refused to hold the pictures come show time and after #4 said her first line into the microphone and scared the daylights out of herself, she refused to say the rest of her lines. I got to stand there, pictures, quivering children and all and give the first talk of the day.
#2 and #1 gave STELLAR talks (written by yours truly) without even the slightest hint of nerves between the two of them. AND THEN...#2 and I got behind the piano and performed "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" together. #2 didn't miss a SINGLE note, despite the fact that it was his first ever public performance and only the 4th week that he's actually been playing piano! I, on the other hand was shaking so badly I missed quite a few notes but managed to keep up with my little Mozart. (Might I add that I haven't played the piano in front of people for over a decade??? Yeah, I know.)
We ended the program with me and Hubby, who gave an incredible talk himself. He always impresses me when it comes to these things because it's a side he doesn't show very often. He brought me (and most of the congregation) to tears.
All in all, we survived and hopefully get another 3 years before our next showing!

The four munchins pre-sacrament. #4 is trying quite hard to get #3, who was not in a posing mood, to smile.

And then...almost a smile there...

School Pics and Commenting Tutorial

2008-11-09T19:43:00.005-07:00

We are pleased to present this year's school pictures. Yay! No retakes necessary. Even the little preschoolers get to participate.

We begin with #4. She is 3 1/2 and enjoys dancing, singing and princesses. Her favorite thing to do during any given day is play house with her brother and dress up in 73 different outfits. She loves getting her hair done and yanking it out again. She loves animals as long as they don't make a move in her direction. Her favorite foods are candy, broccoli and anything on Mom's plate. Her best friend is Hayzen (when Mom's not around). She hasn't let her brother cut her hair at all in 2008, for which we are sooo proud. She's fond of Kung Fu (panda style) and loves to be read to. She can often be seen in mom's heels and jewelry and still loves to take naps. She has a quick wit and an even quicker temper. We don't know what we'd do without her!

Next is #3. He turned 5 in mid-June and got a ticket to pre-school for the third year in a row. This handsome little devil loves cars, especially the Lightning McQueen and NASCAR variety. He's a great big brother and spends many days indulging little sis with her "House" shenanigans. He loves to run football plays and can often be seen with a football tucked under his arm as he commentates his own quick slants and touch down passes. His best friends are Carter and Keegan and his dad. He loves to draw and is always surprising us with special family portraits. He still tickles us with his lisp and enjoys his favorite candy of "Nodes" (Nerds) every chance he gets. His other favorite foods include pancakes and pickles and he recently quit sucking his thumb! We love our little man!

#2 remains the family comic, break dancin', rap-singing fool that we all know and love. Having turned 8 in April, he's enjoying third grade, especially since two of his best friends Brodee and Kamree are in his class. He's picking up on the piano much faster than any of us anticipated and is excited to perform his duet with mom in Sacrament meeting on Sunday (sort of). His favorite foods are donuts, cookies and Mountain Dew. He is still known as one of the best athletes in his grade and lives for sports. He is also becoming quite the little artist and enjoys drawing footballs and field goals. He is a conscientious big brother, making sure his little siblings are always included and is the first to give a hug to anyone in the family. Our life would be quite boring without this little homey.

Last but not least is #1. 11 years old came pretty fast and he's enjoying being among the oldest of the elementary. Next year brings middle school and he can't wait (though the rest of us can). He recently started up his guitar lessons again, having taken a few months off. He's currently enjoying learning a Green Day and John Mayer song. His favorite foods include anything his friend's moms make and we're grateful for them since he wouldn't eat much otherwise. His best friends are Dyson and Payton (even though he only sees Payton a few times a year) and he's quite fond of several cute little blondes in the fifth grade. His taste in music makes me feel old and he is rarely without his beloved iPod. He's started tending his siblings for me from time to time and is saving his money for an iPhone (heaven help us all). He is super responsible, very helpful and becoming more of a friend to me all the time. We love this kid!

Now a quick tutorial for all of you sweet things that read my blog everyday and have yet to comment. You know who you are (Mom, Dad, Diane, Heather, Kenzie, Haley, Krista, and countless others who tell me ALL the time you read my blog...)! I would like to instruct you in the ways of blog commenting.

First of all, you need an account. You do NOT need a blog. Obtaining an account is simple and painless. You can set one up right now (as soon as you finish reading this post).

Simply click the link at the bottom of this post that says "Awesome people said". This is where you comment. It will ask you to SIGN IN at which point you will click the "Sign up here" link. From here, all you need is a valid email address (which I know ALL of you have). You can choose your display name, which is the name that will come up with your comments. You choose a password and VOILA! You can leave your comment. I hope you will all practice on this very post and leave many enlightening comments on all the posts to come.

Oh, and thanks for reading...I really do LOVE you all!!!

Addendum to previous post...

2008-11-04T15:37:00.004-07:00

Apparently while I was busy writing the last post, the rain turned to this...

And the kids came home from school looking like this, totally unimpressed that I hadn't bothered to come pick them up. Oops. The rest of this post is written by #1.I think she is a big idiot, a crapy mom, and i think she sucks. And she thinks its funny. But we don't at all.

(blah, blah, blah...Throw a big gold star on my forehead, huh? So much for Tuesday 'Tudes!)

Tuesday 'Tudes and Halloween Dudes

2008-11-04T14:21:00.010-07:00

Well it's that time again. Tuesdays sure come around quickly!
Today's gratitude is an easy one. This morning I had the opportunity to vote in this year's election and while I'm not sure the outcome will be what I'm hoping for, I am grateful for the opportunity and the right.
I am grateful to live in a country where everyone has a chance to influence government, regardless of affluence.
I am grateful for military personnel all over the world defending that right even as I sit comfortably at my computer to write this.

Today, I'm also grateful for Kassie, my hair girl, and her thinning shears. We took off an entire tumble weed today.
I'm also grateful that it is still only raining and NOT snowing. I'm just not ready.

Now for HAlLoWEeN!
I once again uploaded all my pictures backwards so pardon me as I work in reverse.
Josh and Kristin brought Leah over to trick or treat with us. She was dressed super cute as a cuddly kitty and spent most of her time at the back door trying to bond with the doggy.

#2 was...SURPRISE...a football player!

After a yummy taco soup dinner courtesy of Kristen, we announced it was time to get ready for trick or treating. Hubby found #4 a few minutes later with her "makeup" on...

We had a hard time getting the three kids looking at the camera all at once. Leah was quite concerned with our pirate.

While #4 looks like an evil vamptress, we were actually going for a black fairy look. #3 took his role as pirate very seriously. I don't have a single picture of him smiling!

Devil Granny with the pirate and fairy just before hitting the streets.

At the first door of the night, our neighbors', the Morgans. #1 and 2 are MUCH too cool to trick or treat with us anymore. They had a great time with Dyson and Treven on their own.

Leah was so excited that people kept wanting to give her candy!

The day started with #4 dressed as Cinderella. While we were at Disneyland this summer, I bought her her idol's dress, assuming we would wear it for Halloween. Well, when it came time to start discussing costumes, #4 really wanted to pick something new and exciting. She surprised me when she settled on a black fairy costume but she was super excited about it. Until...Halloween morning. Then she announced she really wanted to be Cinderella after all. UGH! So, she was Cinderella for the Elementary School festivities and a fairy after dark.

Yes, #3 is intentionally crusting me off in this picture. He wasn't in the mood. Guess it got him in character early.

Sadly (and embarrassingly), this is the ONLY pic I got of #1 on Halloween. He dressed as a rival High School's football player that had been "slaughtered" by our team, the Rams. This is him parading through #2's classroom on Halloween morning.

Reggie Bush (I mean, #2) joining the parade as it made it's way through his classroom.

One of the activities we had the kids do during #2's class party was go on a scavenger hunt to find a costume for their teacher. Mr. Heath was a great sport and did Robyn's prom dress proud!

Haley, Kenzie and I dressed as Sweet 80's Chicks for the class party. Here's Haley explaining the rules of the scavenger hunt. My big regret of the day is not getting a group picture of the three of us. We were so totally rad.

Another game for the kids was the donut eating contest. They had to eat the donuts using only their mouths, without letting the donut hit the floor. I thought I would pee my pants laughing at some of these kids. Here's good friends Kamree (white dress), Brodee (rodeo cowboy), #2 and Carter (Bronco's player) giving it their best shot.

Brodee trying to use his knees to get his donut to his mouth.

This is the only pic I got of my bodacious self, courtesy of the new family photographer, #3. While I was getting ready the morning of the party, #2 came up the stairs with a horrified look on his face and asked,
"What ARE you?"
"Totally cool 80's Rocker Chick, Dude."
A few minutes later the following conversation was overheard...
#1: "What IS Mom?"
#2: "An old lady from the 80's."

And yes, I DID go to our Quarter Final Football game in my costume except I changed out of my sweet skirt and leggings into some jeans. And no, I'm afraid about half of our crowd did NOT know it was a costume.

Goulish Grub and a Renegade Photo Shoot

2008-10-30T19:05:00.014-06:00

On Monday after family night, we decorated some putrid looking cookies. I was going to take some pictures of them but the cookies were eaten as fast as they were decorated.

Licking frosting while simultaneously pouring sprinkles takes big time concentration.

I really should have done the bath and jammies after the cookie escapade. At least she had sweet dreams!

Even 11 year olds dig a cookie decorating date once in awhile.

Hubby giving us all a clinic on proper frosting techniques. The ratio of frosting to cookie must be no less than 100:1.

Tonight, thanks to a great idea from awesome Super Mom Kelli, I decided to start a new tradition of a Frightful Feast at Halloween. Unfortunately, tomorrow is the official Hallowed Eve and we have our State Quarter Final Football game at 3pm, followed by a cRAzY night of small town trick-or-treating. I knew it would never get done. So tonight, on Hallowed Eve's Eve, we celebrated with some creepy cuisine!

We started with a "bone chilling" appetizer...

We followed it with some "monster finger" foods...

We "wrapped up" the meal with our mummy pizzas...

And hydrated ourselves with some "gutsy" bug juice!

#1 wasn't so sure any of this grub was edible.

#2 couldn't wait to dig in. (And no, I do not let my children wear Under Armor's version of the wife beater and chains around their necks in public. This is his "chillin" outfit.)

#3 never could be convinced that any of it was kosher.

#4 (also in her "chillin" outfit which consists of ripping apart a super cute hairdo and throwing on a too-small tank top) tried a bite of everything just so she could get to the good part...

"Brainy" cupcakes. Yummmm.

While I was uploading our dELiciOuS photos, I came upon the following. Apparently #3 and #4 got a hold of the camera and took turns playing "diva" while their sibling worked the lens. I left these photos in the order they were taken.

"Superstar"

Nothing says "STUD" quite like an oversized pair of spider man snow boots.

"Express yourself"

"I'm coming for YOU!"

Watch out world, this chic's got some killer Kung Fu Panda moves.

A final shot with the boys...

...and girls.

All in all, not bad for a renegade photo shoot!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Tuesday 'Tudes

2008-10-28T16:48:00.005-06:00

Last week we were asked to speak in sacrament meeting in November. We were given the topic of "Expressing Gratitude" and at first I thought,
"Oh, easy. Thanksgiving...gratitude...say thanks."
Of course, once I got home and really started trying to come up with a concrete direction to work in, I realized it is such a broad topic. I've already found dozens and dozens of pages of talks and quotes and ideas.
One thing that has come up over and over in LDS and Non-LDS corners alike is a
Gratitude Journal.
I know I'm probably the last person on the planet to start one of these but there's no time like the present!
So from now on...(which in my life means most of the time but not all of the time but I'll try my best) I will try to jot down some gratitude attitudes every Tuesday. Hence, my first
Tuesday 'Tude:

Today I am grateful that I get a total of 4 1/2 hours every Tuesday without each of my kids during some point of the day. Today I was able to gather 3 large garbage bags of all the toys they CANNOT live without and stick them in the dumpster before they had a chance to beg and plead and cry about me throwing away their favorite (never touched since they came in the McDonald's happy meal) toys.
I am also grateful that Tuesday is trash day and my dumpster was empty and therefore large enough to hold said garbage bags so that my kids don't see their favorite toys through the white plastic bags.
Lastly, I'm grateful that I get a few days off in a row in which to attack my house once in awhile. If anyone is interested, come by and see my clean (ish) house. Come quick though, it's sure to disappear as fast as it came. (kind of like an eclipse)

10 Things I Can't Live Without

2008-10-20T20:44:00.010-06:00

Tagged by Tasha...now for the 10 things I can't live without!!!

(Please understand that these are not necessarily in order of importance. My computer at work isn't cooperating and letting me rearrange the pictures. Although the first two are where they belong, the others make me look a little superficial. It's a tag, people...don't get too carried away.)

Kids and Hubby are of course intertwined here. I've had to try and live without Hubby from time to time and I'm no good at it! He's my best friend and the best dad ever.

And of course, as much as I gripe about the kiddos, I'd be lost without them. They are the reason I laugh and cry all day long.

I do EVERYTHING on my mac. It's my email, my bill pay, my picture storage, my music holder, my direction finder, my blog provider, and holds the 300+ pages of the book I hope to someday finish writing!

This is water to me. No other explanation needed.

The Manti Temple is one of my favorite places to go. It's a reminder, a reprieve and the only place on earth I feel totally at ease.

This is the greatest set of books ever! The more I read, the more I enjoy. I take them everywhere and when I start to think I can't do it anymore, I open them up and realize I can!

My tub. It's almost as peaceful as the temple, depending on who's on the other side of the bathroom door and what they're screaming, beating up on or decimating.

My Chi. OK, maybe I could live without it if I had to, but it wouldn't be pretty. I'd look like a white Tina Turner.

Duh. Who can live without one of these nowadays? I'd like to think I could but I know I couldn't. And I wouldn't even want to try.

And of course, my BMW (Big Mormon Wagon). This is where I spend 90% of my waking hours. It's big enough for the whole fam, the dog, a Costco and Tai Pan run all at once. Someday I'll downsize but in the meantime, I really like knowing that if you run into me, chances are I'm going to win.

Now, I tag Kelly, Lisa, Boo, Cam, Summer, the other Amy, Tamber, Nanette, Nicole and Debbie (and anyone else who wants to play!)

Warm Weekend and Josh's Pics

2008-10-20T17:50:00.004-06:00

This weekend we got to go down to Kanab for Fall Break. Hubby and #1 and #2 spent all day Friday cleaning up Great Grandma's old yard for the new buyers. The boys worked so hard and made $50 each! The weather was warm and it was A LOT of work so I wasn't sure if they would do well but they surprised us. Nothing like a little cash motivation! I had my camera in my purse all weekend and still forgot to get any good pictures!

On Saturday we went to St. George to help Brooke and Dustin finish moving into the new place. I had the really hard job of shopping at Tai Pan for cute stuff to decorate the basement wall. Bummer.

Grandpa and Grandma took the kids back to Kanab for us and Hubby and I were able to do a little shopping at the mall and grab dinner at my fave...Cafe Rio...before heading back to Kanab ourselves.

Sunday we got to visit with Great Grandpa and Grandma Leach for a little while before heading to church to make faces at Grandpa McAllister up on the stand.

The weather was beautiful all weekend and even though Hubby didn't get much of a vacation, we had a good time and it was good to go south for a bit.

Josh and Kristen spent their long weekend at Zion's while Grandma and Grandpa Shelton tended little Leah. Josh sent me a few of the incredible pictures he took. I had to brag and post them here. He's got a knack.

DRUG FREE Wannabes and fRIdaY (wEdNEsdAy) NiGHt LIgHts!

2008-10-16T12:10:00.007-06:00

Wednesday was Drug Free Day at school and they had a contest to see who could wear the most red. The McAllister boys took the challenge seriously. They donned their finest (PWT) red gear along with their red face paint and hair spray. They even duck taped their shoes red.

Mr. Stewart, #1's teacher, asked the class if anyone thought they could challenge #1 in the "Wear Red" day. One girl stood up and Mr. Stewart laughed and said, "Sit down...not even close." Then Mr. Heath, #2's teacher, held a vote between the top three red wearers. Apparently the other two didn't receive a single vote but #2 garnered every last hand in the class. It makes a Momma proud!

Later that afternoon the little people and I made the 4 hour drive down to San Juan for the last regular season football game. We stopped in Monticello to see my two favorite families there. We stopped at Alisa's first where #3 made fast friends with cute Ellie.

Alise and I only had an hour or so but it was worth the four hour trip to see her and meet Kooper for the first time!

Loren (#1's first love) and baby Kooper. #1 was pretty excited to see a pic of his toddler crush all grown up!

Here's #4, Jade (who's only two months older than #4), #3 and Ellie (who is two months older than #3). My kids can't wait till we can go back for another visit with their new friends.

After the quick recap session, we headed down to the game where Sumer and fam met up with us. Emmry and #4 are both the youngest and only girls with three older brothers. Look at their poses...they are two peas in a pod!! (and only 4 days apart)

Sumer with Emmry, Brayson, Austin and Gage. Austin was mortified that I would stand in front of a football crowd for a picture...all in the name of blogging, baby!

#1 and 2 were the water boys for the game. They didn't change out of their sweet red gear but did a great job keeping our team hydrated! We lost the game but because of the way other games in the region played out, we took second place in region! GO RAMS!! We get a bye this week then it's State Football. This is our best season yet...congrats, boys!

Alise and Sum- I miss living close. It was a highlight to see you and your families. We need another girls trip soon. Any good concerts headed to Chicago? Love ya!

Labor Dayin', Piano Playin', Pumpkin Weighin' Kids

2008-10-15T10:54:00.010-06:00

Once again my pics are all backwards! I'm too lazy to mess with rearranging them once I upload them! Some of these are a little late but you know what they say...

For family night a couple of weeks ago, my brother Josh and his wife Kristen joined us with their cute little Leah at the pumpkin patch. We all took a hayride through the field and then picked the biggest pumpkins we could carry. After the hayride, the kids rode around in the kiddie train.

#3 guarding his treasures from any unforseen pumpkin bandits.

The worst picture on the post of #3 and 4 riding in the train after the sun went down.

Goofy, I mean, #1 showing off his indian corn.

Why I love this little girl...

#2 and his big ole' squash.

#1 and 2 at the corn field.

Kristen and Leah on her first trip to the patch.

Pumpkin Heaven!!!

Leah Lou Hoo hoards her gourds.

Dorkus and Leah

Josh, Kristen, Leah, #2, #3 and Hubby on the hayride.

Yummy indian corn!

"If I try hard enough, I KNOW I can unscrew this cob!"

Leah Lou Hoo with her pick.

The McAllister clan after a successful pumpkin spree.
(Check out #4...pretty proud of herself!)

For Labor Day this year, my parents came down and we all went on a hike up Bullion Canyon in Marysvale to to this awesome waterfall. Thank heavens we have Josh to tell us about all this cool stuff around here! Even granny Shelley made the treacherous hike without falling and tearing, breaking or bruising anything. We were so proud. The only bummer was missing Lisa and her family. We'll have to do it again sometime...

The little fam at the falls. It was a great day!

And last but DEFINITELY not least, #2 started piano lessons against his will last week. It's hard to get in with any local teachers and since #1 is back in guitar, #2 got the only spot. He told me on the way he wanted to quit piano. I told him you can't quit something you don't even start. After I picked him up, he was all grins telling me how awesome it was. He's even practiced every day without being asked. I'm so proud of ya, Jarr!

Flag Football

2008-10-07T22:20:00.004-06:00

The 2008 flag football season came to an end last week. Hubby, the football coach, won't let them play tackle yet (even though the only one who could is #1, but that's his rule) so they live for flag.

#2 trying to avoid any flag handlers.

#2 throwing down field.

#1 running the ball. Notice the tongue pushing against his cheek. He gets that from his dad.

#1 trying to decide his next move.

This is a less than ideal picture taken with my phone (Guess who forgot her camera...again!). #1's team ended up champs in their age division. #2's age doesn't do a tournament but they took 2nd overall. It was a pretty fun season! Thanks to the great coaches, Jamen and Jed who took the time out to coach these boys!!

Capitol Reef Field Trip

2008-10-07T21:53:00.003-06:00

Every year the fifth graders take a day trip to Capitol Reef. This year there are so many 5th graders that parents were informed that while they were welcome to come, they would have to drive themselves as there was no room on the bus. I asked #1 if he wanted me to go and he said, "Nah. It's no big deal."
The night before, as I was getting ready to work my night shift, he asked if I would PLEASE go. Luckily, the girls at work helped me out and I was able to get home by 3am and to the elementary by 6:45am.
I was a little worried about driving the hour and a half alone on so little sleep but Kelly offered to drive us both. I have to say, that was a blessing. I had the BEST time riding with her, laughing the whole way there and back. Not to mention, she is the sole reason I am back to blogging. She reminded me of all the wonderful reasons we blog, even though it does take up some time. Thanks, Kell, for a great day, great inspiration, and lots of laughs. (Oh, and thanks for the pictures I stole off your blog since I forgot my camera...AGAIN!)

Kycen, Koy and #1 deciding it's probably not very cool to do the polka. Kelly, being the good friend that she is, didn't get a picture of me doing my rendition of the polka, embarrassing the snot out of these three boys. (Well, maybe she did get a picture but she was kind enough not to post it on her blog!)

Mr. Stewart's class sitting in the first school house in Fruita. The kids were able to go to several workshops and learn various things about early life in Utah. Oddly enough, there was a ceramics class taught by none other than Mr. Andy Watson, my high school ceramics and jewelry teacher.

In an attempt to completely plagiarize Kelly's blog, I want to thank Braxton for letting me come. There won't be many more field trips that I'm invited on and I thoroughly enjoy hanging out with him and his friends. He has the greatest group of friends that crack me up - and luckily - still don't get too embarrassed by my dance moves.

Gooseberry, baby!

2008-10-07T21:25:00.004-06:00

For those of you who aren't fortunate enough to live in our area, let me explain Gooseberry (pronounced goooz-berry). Every year the third graders load a bus and head up the canyon to the Gooseberry camp ground for an overnighter. The fact that there aren't rules or laws against this in this day and age is a miracle in itself. The fact that every third grader makes it home alive the next morning is another. Parents are invited (begged) to attend and chaparone their child and a small group of parentless kids (hoodlums).

Here we have Lucas (left), Brodee and #2. They're showing how tough and prepared they are to take on Annie Bangs. Annie Bangs is the ghost of a young girl that died at Gooseberry in the 40's who comes to the third grade camp every year, scaring the holy crap out of the kids. No lie - teenagers come and dress in a red dress and long blonde wig and streak through the camp after the kids all sing songs about her. Right before bed. Again, how this is legal is beyond me. But I pray they never change it. It is HILARIOUS to watch these tough kids hide behind their moms and dads when Annie dashes through the forest. It's a rite of passage that every third grader in the district looks forward to. They get back to school the next day and start scaring the living daylights out of the second graders that will get to go next year.

#2 and I sitting at an ATV class. The majority of the two days at Gooseberry are spent at classes like Stream Ecology, Forestry, ATV Safety, Mapping, Fire Safety, etc. They really learn a lot in two days.

#2 and I lucked out this year. All of the boys usually sleep in a giant rec hall with all the dads. All the girls get smaller cabins they share with their moms. Since moms can't stay with boys in the rec hall, and boys can't sleep with the girls in the cabins, #2 and I stayed with Haley and Brodee in their trailer. We had a blast! The boys zonked at around 10pm and Haley and I stayed up talking. Around 1am #2 sat up and asked,
"Are you two ever gonna shut up?"
At which point Brodee woke up and said,
"Jar, that's why you never go camping with girls!"
At least we're providing good morals at an early age!

As luck would have it, we got rained on almost the entire first day. Add cool mountain temps and you get pretty nippy! Haley, Kenzie, Kamree and I all huddled close to stay warm.

After a successful Annie Bangs encounter, the boys once again show what they're made of in Haley's tub.
Thanks for letting me come, Jar. I had a blast...rain and all!

FiRst dAy oF PrEschOoL!

2008-10-07T21:08:00.004-06:00

So technically, this is #3's first day of preschool for the third year in a row. Because he is a summer birthday, we decided to hold him back a year. He's with a new teacher though and enjoying it every bit as much as the first time around. And truthfully...the difference in what he's grasping this year is already drastic. Don't tell Hubby, but I'm glad we held him!

This is #4's very first year of leaving the nest. Many of you cried on your last child's first day of school. Not me. I threw a party. A big, loud, crazy party for one. I LOVE this little girl more than anything but I really LIKE her more the older she gets.

A couple of big deals

#4 informed me as I was getting ready to leave her that she would be walking home...alone...when her day was over.
"Hunny, it's a long ways away. You don't know the way."
"Yes I do, Mommy. I watting home. Awone."
"OK, sweety. See ya after school."
"Otay, Mommy. See ya."
Needless to say, I was waiting with all the other mommies when it was over. She was so excited to tell me about her day she didn't even noticed she hadn't walked home.

And yes, #1 and 2 also had a first day of school but being the AWESOME mommy that I am, I didn't get any photographic evidence.

Capitol Reef Mud Studs

2008-10-07T18:55:00.004-06:00

Uncle Josh is a better Uncle than I am mother. He takes the boys to do all of the cool stuff. This August he took them swimming at Capitol Reef. He had been there the week before and the water was crystal clear and warm. By the time the boys got there, it had stormed and they got to swim at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

The Mud Studs

Thank heavens for life jackets. If he'd sunk he wouldn't have been found for months.

Chocolate Bombs Away!

Judging by the look on his face, it doesn't taste like chocolate.

Right before they took the plunge. They all look a little apprehensive, don't they?

Uncle Josh is a big rock climber and he's instilling these values in the boys early.

New York, New York!

2008-10-07T16:51:00.011-06:00

Excuse this post...the pictures are in reverse order...they start with the end and work their way to the beginning of our stay in New York.

A highlight of any McAllister family vacation is always bronzed weenies

Sitting in front of the fountain at Central Park.

The Manhattan Temple

Grandma with Biff from Letterman. I'll give you three guesses on who was more excited for this picture...

Checking out the weird "Central Park Bugs" with their new CSI Magnifying Glass

Checking out the super cool "New York City Sewer System" with same magnifying glass

Hubby with Rupert

Grandpa getting his groove on in Times Square (wish it wasn't blurry!)

All of us in Times Square at night. #2's by far the coolest in the crew

The boys busting up the Brooklyn Bridge

This is #3's cool new trick that he discovered on the New York City Subway. He would inhale through his nose as hard as he could until his nostrils stuck to his face. For some reason, having the little buck teeth protruding helps with suction. Everyone on our subway train was laughing until they cried.

Three little monkeys in front of the Statue of Liberty. No, #3 doesn't need to use the bathroom.

#3 running "routes" on the Statue of Liberty lawn.

Granpa and Gramma with the boys

On the ferry to S of L

This is the inside of the Ladder 10 Fire Station across from the World Trade Center site. Notice the six plaques on the wall. Those are the six men from this engine that died when the WTC came down on 9/11.

This is John, our new hero. He was in the WTC when it came down and got out untouched. He was so gracious to tell us about his experience that day. (And couldn't he play himself in a movie??)

#1 with the foul ball that the beer guy handed him at Yankee Stadium

Hubby and Grandpa before the Yankee Game. And no, we are NOT Yankee fans. Grandpa was sure that if we all showed up in NYC with Boston hats on we'd be mugged and left for dead in a dark subway corner so they all bought $5 Yankee hats on a street corner the minute we hit the city.

All of us outside the future Yankee Stadium

The stadium that is no more. I'm so glad we got to take our baseball fanatic family to see this baseball shrine before it came down!

2008-10-07T16:32:00.007-06:00

This was Manny Ramirez's second to last game as a Red Sox...he hit a homer just for us!

"Big Papi" is #3's very favorite player (maybe because it's the only name he can say!)

Anchor's Away!

All my boys outside of Fenway before the big game

The whole gang in front of Paul Revere's house

All of us in front of Paul Revere's grave

Me in the coolest cemetery I've ever been in. Those of you who know me know I'm fascinated (borderline obsessed) with old cemeteries. Call me creepy.

Just a cute pic of a stinking cute kid with the cutest pot gut ever!

Finishing up Boston/NY

2008-10-07T15:25:00.003-06:00

So I finally caved and got the internet at home again...I wasn't as tough as I thought I was. Oh well.

I will try to catch up our summer and then move on...The boys standing in the Providence Center overlooking Boston (note Fenway right behind #3)

Hubby driving the Duck Boat down the Charles River (For those of you wondering, the Duck Boat is a remnant from World War II. It can travel on land and sea. We took a tour through Boston and down this river on a purple relic.)

#2 taking his turn driving

#3 concentrating very hard on steering the boat. I think this was the single most stressful part of his vacation!

Another long day ends with a public nap!

2008-09-25T05:00:00.002-06:00

More Boston...

Sitting at a reflection pool in front of the oldest Cathedral in Boston.

The kids and Grandpa posing in Downtown Boston...Grandma almost made it before the click of the camera!

All that post-hopping downtown wore Gran out! She's out for the count.

Grandma wasn't the only pooped member of our party...we're waiting for our turn at a famous seafood restaurant.

All of us in front of Mr. Harvard on the campus of Harvard. It's a beautiful campus, but I hope my kids decide to educate themselves a little closer (and cheaper) to home!

2008-09-25T04:11:00.002-06:00

First of MANY Boston/New York trip pics

We had to start at the Museum of Science since they had the Major League Baseball exhibit!

#2 was selected out of the crowd when we stopped to watch a group of street dancers. He was so excited!

They used him as a human jump rope...I don't know who was more nervous...him or me!

You can barely make out one of the dancers flipping backwards over #2. We he got done, I asked him why he thought he was picked out of the crowd.
"Was it because you're so cute?"
"Nah...it's cuz I got skillz."

Next step was the original site of Cheers. Would a trip to Boston be complete without it? Hubby and his dad were pumped about this stop.

2008-09-25T03:25:00.002-06:00

3 on 3 Basketball#1 getting his game on at the 24th of July 3 on 3 basketball tourny

#1 with teammates Dyson, Koy and Porter. They didn't take first this year but they were the youngest in their age group and did very well anyway.

#2 hitting a jump shot at 3 on 3

Teammates Brodee, Kaleb and Treven with #2. These guys took first in their age division...WAY TO GO GUYS!

Pics, pics and more pics...finally!

2008-09-25T00:11:00.002-06:00

24th of July Parade Pictures

#3 shooting his water gun at innocent bystanders

#4 rummaging through candy with friends Kamree and Carter

#3 and 4 on the float

#2 riding on the All-Star Baseball Float

Quick Update

2008-08-24T04:05:00.002-06:00

So, I don't have the internet at home anymore...it was sucking too much time out of my days so I axed it... Anyway, I only get on the internet now at work. And seeing as how my pictures are all on my home computer, I haven't posted anything in a couple of months because pictureless posts are sooo boring.

But, this is all about the journaling isn't it? So, here's my quick update.

Since the last post, we've had a fantastic camping trip at Fairview with my fam...check out Lisa's blog for some great pics (I'm cheating, I know). I froze my tush off every night but survived the second night by shacking up in the back of Chris and Lisa's toyhauler and keeping Josh and Kristen's neoprene bottle full of boiling hot water at my feet. THANK YOU! I don't do well in 40 degree weather. The kids stayed toasty and the older boys even stayed in their own tent the first night...alone! (They won't sleep in the basement without 30 lights on and the dog guarding their rooms but they'll sleep on a bear infested mountain with nothing but the stars to light the night...go figure!) Anyway, it was a blast and we need to do it more...such an inexpensive vacation.

We had a rockin' 24th of July celebration shortly after the camping trip. We small town inhabitants know how to kick it on Pioneer Day, I tell ya. All four kids got to ride on various floats amongst giant tractors, llamas and 14 different city, county and rodeo princesses. #4 has never had more fun than the day she got to toss candy (illegally) off the hospital float. She was in heaven. #3 also rode the hospital float with a high powered water gun in hand that didn't get anyone but me wet. #1 and 2 got to ride their All-Star baseball floats with all their friends and also enjoyed themselves. The only one who wasn't involved was Hubby...he was stuck at the end taking all the pictures that I can no longer post. Bummer.

The next day all of us except #4 flew to Boston with Hubby's parents and sister, Brooke for a Boston/NYC baseball trip. (Yes, the whole point of the trip was baseball.) We spent four days in Boston, saw all there was to see and hit Manny Ramirez's last game as a RedSox. Hubby and the boys were even lucky enough to get a home run ball during batting practice when it ricocheted off of #3's leg and hubby recovered it. Good job, honey! We did the Freedom Trail and got to see Paul Revere's house, Boston Commons, a couple of very cool cemetaries with the likes of Ben Franklin, John Adams and Mr. Revere himself's gravestones and even stopped by Cheers! Then we took a train to New York and spent 3 days cramming in everything we could, including a game at Yankee Stadium (the final season). And as luck would have it, we got another ball! A foul ball came soaring all the way up to our nose bleed seats and the beer man caught it with one hand (other hand securing the beer tray on his head). After his little dance was shown on ESPN, he turned and handed the ball to #1. Highlight of the trip. We also managed to hit the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Times Square at night, the Hello Deli (where we met Rupert AND Biff from Dave Letterman), the Manhattan Temple, and Ground Zero. At Ground Zero we were able to meet John, one of the first responders on 9/11. He was actually in the WTC when it came down and got out untouched, though he lost 6 of his men. It was the highlight of my trip. We got a picture with him and tried to impress on the boys that they had met a REAL hero...they were very excited. It was a great trip and #4 did well with Grandpa and Grandma, although I really missed her.

The night we flew home I was able to catch my cousin's wedding reception and see some of my favorite people for the first time in YEARS - loved seeing you all! To top it off I had a night cap with Cam and Kent. I wish we lived closer...a couple of hours every year just doesn't cut the mustard!

School started a couple of weeks after we got home and life is calming down again. #1 started fifth grade and he's feeling really important being the king of the elementary. (Middle school next year...holy cow!) #2 is loving 3rd grade because his best friend and long time crush are both in his class (two separate people, btw) and life doesn't get much better. The 3rd graders all take a camping trip overnight and that's coming in a couple of weeks...he's so excited. (Me, too...nothing like camping with 100 8 year olds!)

Anyway, I know it's boring without the pics...I will post soon with all the exciting photos for those of you who care!

And congrats to Hubby for the big win last night! We had our first football game of the season and won 28-10! Go Rams!

Sum-Sum-Summatime

2008-06-18T11:42:00.010-06:00

I'm so excited it's finally getting warm. I can't remember the last time we had cabin fever in June. The kids were getting tired of all the jobs I was making them do when they came to me with their "I'm bored" and "There's nothing to do"'s. Finally we have something to do!

We set up the WTP yesterday. Our climate really doesn't justify the real deal so we have the white trash version...and we LOVE it! It's such a summer saver. We haven't been able to set it up the last couple of years for various reasons. Last summer we had no yard and visions of a mud swamp convinced us otherwise. The year before, we were in a rental knowing we would be moving mid-summer, therefore not making the hassle worth it. (And with the threat of June snow showers a couple of weeks ago, we weren't convinced this year would be the grand-reopening either.) But alas, with the 90 degree days this week, the WTP came out. And it fits. It's nestled nicely in the white trash corner of our yard. While our front yard is looking beautiful (thank you, honey) our backyard continues to be a work in progress thanks to the basement excavation project earlier this spring. Bless his little heart, Hubby works day and night on it and it should be gorgeous by fall.

Back to the WTP, it takes HOURS to fill up and #3 and #4 could hardly stand it. They got their little inner-tubes out and waddled around in the 12 inch 20 degree water until their toes turned purple and rigid. Now that it's full this morning, they won't go near it. It's going to take another week or so of these 90 degree days to get it a tolerable temperature.

#1 and 2 had a sleepover last night and played a little midnight baseball by the full moon. I LOVE summer! This morning they couldn't wait to be the first in the full pool...until...their little toes touched the icy surface and they started shivering. They all took turns jumping in, hoping against hope that they would warm up once submerged. No such luck. They hardly dared let their arms touch the water! We'll be getting that solar cover on it today and hopefully get to actually USE the stupid thing now that it's set up!

Once they gave up on the idea of chillin' in the pool (no pun intended) they donned headbands and jerseys for an old skool game of hoops. My guess is it won't be long before they're back in the swim trunks and ready for a dive.

Ahhh....summertime.

I love XM

2008-06-17T02:23:00.002-06:00

I'd like to meet the chap that thought up XM radio. Seriously. What a cool dude. Granted, he was probably just out for a little extra cash but for those of us living in "lesser populated" corners of the world (aka "the sticks"), having endless musical options is truly a gift.

Case in point:
This evening, on my way to work, I was flipping through all of Hubby's presets in his truck. I paused for a minute on a Daughtry song on the Hitlist channel, singing a little line, then flipped through and air-guitarred with Bon Jovi on the 80's channel before coming to a screeching halt on the 90's channel and Bobbie Brown. Oh baby! I haven't heard a Bobbie Brown song since, like...oh my gosh, the 90's! I didn't even realize I was such a Bobbie fan until I started singing along to "Good Enough" and realized I knew every word. I had a serious 90's throw back jam session all alone in my truck and got to work in the best mood ever. I'm actually contemplating downloading a little BB for the ipod. If it can get me that excited on the way to work, it could do wonders for me on the treadmill!

So, thank you XM and the brilliant creator behind it...thank you Bobbie. You all made my night! (Now please enjoy a little "Good Enough" for yourself!)

Sunday Synopsis

2008-06-16T04:07:00.005-06:00

Yes, I know the date says Monday. But in the world of night shifts, it's not officially Monday until I go to bed later this morning. Therefore, this is my Sunday Synopsis.

Friday we finally had #3's birthday party. He was so excited! At five, it was officially his first friend party and he was feeling pretty big time. I have to say, it was the easiest party ever. I gave him all the typical options of the bowling alley, swimming pool, park, etc. I threw out the movie as a last minute option and that was the winner. We took the group to Kung Fu Panda (which I thoroughly enjoyed, by the way) and a good time was had by all. He invited five little friends, two cousins and three siblings (mandatory invites). All but one friend came and I'm sure there are a handful of moms out there thanking me for the new karate chopping moves their kids are sporting by now (I know #4 is impressed with her new skills).

blowing out the candles on the Dale Oonhauwt Doonier cake #1, cousin Leah, friend Keegan, #2, cousin Lindsay, #3, cousin Austin, friend Carson, friend Janessa, friend Carter (#3 refused to be in the group photo so she gets her own...spoiled little devil)

(Yep, she's sporting a tat...nope, she didn't get the idea from me...)

Immediately after dropping all the kiddos off after the movie, we headed to the ballpark for the Coke Classic Allstar Tournament. #1 plays on the 10-11 year old team and #2 plays on the 9 and under team. Our 10-11 team has struggled to field kids at appropriate positions so #1 tried his hand at catcher the first day. He did okay, considering he usually plays 3rd. We played until nearly 11:30pm the first night and he was ready to quit squatting by the end of the night. He was quite happy to get back to 3rd on Saturday morning. He had some solid hits and enjoyed himself. Stealing home

right before a big hit...

#2 thoroughly enjoyed himself all weekend. As a barely-8-year-old, the fact that he was chosen for the team was a pretty big deal...the fact that he plays is HUGE. He was fully prepared to be a bench warmer and takes his role very seriously now that he's realized he's actually going to play. He started the tournament in centerfield and ended it at shortstop. He's a solid little player and did really well in the field. He struggled hitting a little and I had to include the last picture of him walking off the field after one at bat. His body language has frustration written all over it. It's so classic. (thanks to uncle Josh for the great game pics...but no, I'm still not buying you that lense!)A little late on the swing...

a little less than pleased with his performance

To wrap up the weekend we got to spend Father's day with our great dad/hubby. He does so much for our family and we're truly blessed to have him. There's nothing he'd rather do than spend time with his family - a trait I'm discovering is rarer than I thought. Anyone that knows me knows he's something special...you'd have to be to put up with me for 13 years! (and not have your bags packed by now!!) I've tributed him on here before but had to emphasize what he means to me again today. He's my best friend, the love of my life (and everything here after) and the best dad four little kids could ask for. We love you, Happy Father's Day!

Happy Birthday "CoCo"!

2008-06-12T06:34:00.004-06:00

I know I'm a day late posting this but I can't miss this chance to tribute my youngest son!

Yesterday you turned five and as I was looking back through pictures for this post, I couldn't believe how fast the time has flown by! I never thought I'd use cliche's like this but I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday! We were scheduled to be induced on the 10th of June but got bumped due to a busy day at Cottonwood Hospital. I remember being so stressed about it that I got a migraine, and I only get maybe one or two a year. Not to worry though, you made your grand entrance the next day.

I had worried a little about your delivery since #1 had been on oxygen for several hours then sent to Primary's with a heart murmur and #2 had been early and flown to the NICU for a week. My only wish was for a smooth delivery and a baby I could actually hold without interruption. You didn't disappoint. You made your grand entrance a short 4 hours after our arrival and have been an easy going angel ever since.

I remember hoping you'd wake up in the night when you were brand new (which didn't happen very often...)so I would have an excuse to cuddle you. I'd lay on the couch with you on my chest and spend the rest of the night that way. You have always been a lover.

Today, five years later, you're not much different. You have endless patience with your pesky little sister and the sweetest admiration for your older brothers. And most of all, you love your daddy. You came to me as my sweet little angel and latched on to your dad the first chance you got. You're still his shadow, obsessing about Dale "Oonhauwt Doonier" and the Dodgers as much as he does. You'd rather watch anything on ESPN (including the WNBA) than something on the Disney channel. Even at night after a bad dream, you walk around to dad's side of the bed for comfort.

And even though you still love your thumb and blankie first thing in the morning, I'm amazed at the kid you're growing up to be. And I couldn't be prouder! You really are the sweetest little guy I ever could have asked for and I love you! Happy Birthday, "CoCo"!

Funny HA HA

2008-06-10T11:40:00.004-06:00

So, after working the last two nights then running up to Provo after a very short 4 hours of sleep, getting this email cracked me up. Had to share...

A very tired nurse walks into a bank,
Totally exhausted after an 18-hour shift.
Preparing to write a check,

She pulls a rectal thermometer out of her purse
And tries to write with it.

When she realizes her mistake,
She looks at the flabbergasted teller
And without missing a beat, she says:

'Well, that's great....that's just great....
Some asshole's got my pen!'

Welcome to my life! But, on a happier note...look what Mommy got at Costco! (Happy Late Mother's Day to me...or Happy Father's Day to Hubby...)

Now a quick sad note, too. We just looked outside and saw the nest we've been watching for over a month now on the GROUND! A wind just blew it off the beam it was on and two of the four baby birdies died on scene. This is a pic of the last remaining two. I scooped them up and put them back in the nest, so now I'm afraid the momma won't take them. We just put it back up, so we'll see. I'm just glad the boys found it and not the little girl. She'd be traumatized!

Sea World Pictures 2008

2008-06-08T20:26:00.001-06:00

Disneyland Pics

2008-06-08T19:52:00.001-06:00

Hang on to your panties...I'm back!

2008-05-15T10:29:00.002-06:00

No pictures or catchy quips...just me! I've missed the blog world, trying to get my life ORGANIZED for once, but am trying an occasional post again. And no...I'm no more organized than when I left. My list just keeps growing.
I have to give a shout out to the Blogapalooza. I saw a couple of updates this morning on various blogs and am sad that I was out of the loop during the reunion. Hopefully I'll make it next year!
As for things around here...a quick recap (in no particular order):

School ends in a week and a day. In the meantime, I have 2 fieldtrips, 2 class parties and a preschool graduation to attend. I can't wait to have my kids home all summer. I'm putting the cleaning ladies on hiatus and putting the minions to work. They're not very happy. I'm giddy with anticipation.
The cat had kittens 7 weeks ago. I wasn't happy. Hubby wanted them born inside. Said it wasn't humane to leave them outside to the elements. Lucky for both of us, she gave birth inside...under our bed...on top of his white baseball uniforms. Saved my carpet, taught him a lesson. Way to go kitty! (anyone need a kitty? They're long haired, adorable and litter trained...come and get 'em!)
#4 turned 3 and got a new purple princess room. We moved her into #1 and #2's old room...much bigger closet.
#1 and #2 got banished to the loft amid love sacs, foos ball tables, treadmills, etc. They can barely walk around their beds. We're hoping to move them to the basement by the end of the month.
We're finishing the basement. It sucks. My house is perpetually covered in a 6 inch layer of dust. I have construction workers here at very odd hours...their favorites being early morning when I'm sleeping after a night shift. It was supposed to be done 3 weeks ago. We're hoping to be done 2 weeks from now.
I found mold in #4's old bedroom closet. I had a nervous breakdown. Need I say more? It's fixed now and under the threat of a lawsuit, should never happen again.
#4's bedroom now only houses "Sneaky", the gecko #2 got for his 8th birthday. Once the basement is finished, Sneaky will move downstairs with #2 and his room will become the guest room. Feel free to stop by and use it!
#4's hair has grown out enough to pull her bangs back. However, she fell on our tile and hit her front tooth and now it's black. The dentist says no need to pull it unless it gets infected. I'm starting to think she's fond of looking like white trash...she makes such an effort.
#2 got baptized in the hot springs. #1 did it there a couple of years ago because our date didn't coincide with Stake Baptism Day so we had to make other arrangements. #2 thought is was very cool and wanted the same thing. It was really neat. It's all redrock and trees and feels very Jerusalem-ish. Not to mention naturally warm water. We had to kick out a group of hippies to do it. They were very kind and took a front row seat to watch the whole thing. It was interesting...
#3 got hit in the back by a line drive at the State Baseball Playoff games. It dropped him like a sack of potatoes. Hubby thought he was dead and took off on a dead run right through the game to get to him. Lucky for us it hit his shoulder blade and only left a small bruise. The Deseret News ran a story about it and he was an instant celebrity around here. I think he took off his shirt a hundred different times at the request of his fans. He really enjoyed stardom...even if it was just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time!
We leave for Disneyland in 13 days. We're very excited. I found another family in Utah that wanted to split a 5 day park hopper pass with us and it saved us $270!! I think that's what I'm the most excited about! #4 can't wait to meet the princesses in real life. I can't wait to see her face when she does.
#3's last day of preschool is today. Hubby wants to boycott graduation because we're holding him back next year due to his summer birthday. I don't want to hold him back and feel like two preschool graduations isn't torture enough for Hubby. He'll get to endure both.
#1 does still live here. He's just not done anything noteworthy recently except get in a fight at school and get sent to the principal's office. Not a shining moment. But hey, it got him mentioned here.

That about sums it up...at least what comes to mind immediately. I'm hoping for at least a bi-weekly visit to my blog...we'll see if it happens! I keep telling myself when this happens or that gets done, I'll have more time, but more things pop up. So...WHATEVER! If you happen to visit...thanks for not giving up on me!

Sunday Synopsis (of the last 3 weeks!)

2008-01-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

First of all...thanks to all my friends for continuing to check my blog and comment during my little hiatus. Life got so crazy as we got closer to Christmas and something had to give. This was it! But things are settling and I've missed all of you and so here we go. My last three weeks...
First of all, many thanks to The Kirnancrib for my white elephant gift. Her poem indicated it would help to clean up a stained reputation and boy does it ever! Nothing says Merry Christmas like a Tide Stain Roller. Thanks and let's be sure to do that again next year. It was a blast!
I also got to do a gift exchange with Adrianne who lives in Argentina. I was SOOOO excited to get authentic Dulce de Leche from her! I LOVE Dulce de Leche ice cream and hot chocolate, etc. and am thrilled to have the real stuff! Thank you Adrianne!!

Now for a quick recap of my crazy life.

Shortly after my last post, #3 cut #4's hair for the SECOND time. Yes, you read that right. This time, he took off all the hair on the top of her head along her part. She has a cowlick on that side so her hair always parts right there. I would have gotten a pic but 1.)I was too furious to even think about a photo-op and 2.)her hair is so fine I don't think a camera would pick it up. From a distance, you can't tell. I didn't notice until I found the pile of hair in the kitchen. #3 got in enough trouble this time. I'm pretty sure he won't be doing that again. (Not to mention he'd need some serious scaffolding to get to the scissors now.)
#1 had 3 different concerts with his band. He's really getting into it and even sings backup loud enough to be heard! I am the dorkiest mom sitting there with my perma-grin on. I'm glad there's lights in his eyes so he can't see me. He'd be so embarrassed! Although he's amazing on the guitar, we need to work on his moves a little bit. He wasn't born to dance.

Christmas was wonderful. I don't know what I'd do without my kids. They make the holiday. #4 was everything a child should be at Christmas. My boys get excited but are pretty restrained in showing their emotion most of the time. #4 was excited about everything from the biggest gifts to the smallest chapsticks in her stocking and wasn't afraid to show it. As much as she tries me, I'm so grateful for that little girl!

My parents came down and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with us. Our parents take turns coming for our Christmas Eve tradition and this year was their turn. I love having the grandparents with us on Christmas morning! I worked a few hours Christmas Day and then we headed south to the in-laws.
We spent almost a week at the in-laws which is quite a long time for us these days. When our kids were babies we'd stay with our parents most of the holiday but the last few years we've kept our visits pretty short so the kids can enjoy some of their break with their friends, too. It was really nice to stay down there this year. Life runs at a slower pace when we visit. They don't have internet access at their house though which is another reason for my hiatus.
While at the in-laws I got a crazy stomach bug that lasted two days and ended up in the ER for 3 liters of fluid and anti-nausea meds. On the plus side, I consider everything I ate over the week between Christmas and New Years to be negative calories!
I got to spend my birthday in St. George where the weather was a balmy 53 degrees. Hubby followed me up and down every aisle at Target and never complained. He also followed me around the mall and let me buy TWO pair of shoes when I'd only planned on one. He didn't say a word when we went into AE for a pair of jeans for him and walked out with a cute little sweat suit for me (and no jeans). He even let me pick Cold Stone for lunch and didn't crack any jokes when I got the big size. It was a good day.
The last two days of Christmas break I cleaned out and organized my basement. Without hubby. The WHOLE thing. He's tired of me reminding him of this little detail so I'll throw it in here (he'll read this and get one last jab). My dad helped me a TON the first day. I think it would have been way too overwhelming to even start if he hadn't jumped in and got to work. I'm happy to say my basement ROCKS! I finally have my food storage out of boxes!! (And realized most of it expired two years ago. Bummer.)
In Hubby's defense, Bowl Week has always been recognized as a sacred holiday at our house and asking him to be secluded in the basement without a TV would be like asking him to cut off his balls and hang them from a necklace around his neck.
I got my new King Size bed set up with my new comforter set (that I bought in June in anticipation of my new bed this Christmas!). It's the first time we've owned a King. And I'm thrilled to report that Hubby has yet to smack me in the face in the middle of the night during one of his sleep adventures. It's been heaven.

Thanks for sticking around and reading all of this (if you made it!) I know a lot of it is mundane and incredibly uninteresting for most of you but I justify this little hobby (obsession) by calling it my journal and most of that is relevant in journal-land.

Happy New Year!!

White Elephant

2007-12-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't visit Pick Your Po ison's page yet, I gotta say, you're missing out. Spammon's got it going on. Anyway, he started a blogger's white elephant gift exchange and we're supposed to post them on our pages today.

Don't be fooled by the shape of the box...
A shirt or a book, this gift is not.
I heard as you sat on Santa's lap for your wish-
All you want for Christmas is a nice, new fish.
I can't tell you anymore of what this gift's about,
I just hope you enjoy your beautiful new trout.

Rock It!

2007-12-14T03:43:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a wee bit sluggish on my treadmill. For the last couple of months I've been catching up on all my DVR'd shows to keep me motivated but it's starting to lose it's appeal. I'm not the most coordinated of runners (or, sadly, walkers for that matter...if I was home with a camera I would totally take a pic of all my running/walking battle scars to prove it) and therefore a little hesitant to take to the dark, icy roads just yet. But if I'm going to be able to stand my dreadmill for very much longer, I'm going to need a serious boost. I decided I need a whole new mix for the iPod and I'm going for some oldies but goodies. While there are days that a girl's just gotta have her Akon and Flavor Flav (NOT), I feel the need to get back to my roots.

So far, I've got:
Poison: Nothin' But A Good Time and Unskinny Bop
Def Leppard: Pour Some Sugar On Me
AC/DC: You Shook Me All Night Long and Back in Black

However, it's now 3:48am and I'm drawing a SERIOUS blank. Please help me remember what songs I HAVE to have on my new running mix.

As a token of my appreciation, I'll even burn a copy for anyone who wants one. (But only if you contribute legitimate "runnin' rock". If you send me Milli Vanilli, you're off the list.)

Mommy-Self-Confidence and Other Fun Mommy Stuff

2007-12-11T14:18:00.001-07:00

I wasn't a particularly easy child. I was the oldest, the rebel, the one with MAJOR attitude, the trial. I tested my parents at every corner until the day I got married. I'm sure that's one of the reasons my dad let me do everything he did...just to get me out of the house. He let me move to the Bay Area with my best friend when I was 18 (and only half way through my senior year in high school) to sell pest control door to door. He was more than happy to send me to Russia for six months after that to teach English although I never made it because I got engaged to Hubby, whom I'd met while selling pest control. To be fair, he warned Hubby about marrying me, I think so he could have a clear conscience, but then pushed me out the door and out of his house forever when Hubby didn't listen.

That all being said, he's always warned me that my time would come; that God is just and would never put him through all that without some kind of reward in the end. You would think that as a righteous father, seeing me all grown up with a happy family of my own would be reward enough. Oh no. Watching me raise my daughter, on the other hand, has brought him tremendous joy. Joy that radiates from every pore. (Joy that I'd like to smack right off his face every time he witnesses a choice moment with my daughter.)

Anyway, this treasure of mine (that I, for the life of me, cannot remember why I wanted so bad) has outdone herself again. The last couple of days she's been mumbling a new phrase. A phrase that up until now has been foreign to this household; a phrase I am certain she doesn't really understand but insists on using nonetheless. Case in point, a couple of days ago:
"#4, it's time for a nap."
"I ate you, mommy."
"What?" (she ate me?)
Louder: "I ATE you, mommy."
Did she really just mean what I think she meant? She's TWO for crying out loud. So I test the waters for the next couple of days.
"#4, let's get in the bath."
"I ate you, mommy."
"#4, it's time to do your hair."
"I ATE you, mommy."
"#4, if you say that again I'm gonna smack your bum."
Quieter and slower, for effect, I guess, "I ate you , mommy."
Light little tap on the butt from me and then...
"I ATE YOU MOMMY! (sobs) I want my Daddy!"
"If you can find him, you can have him." (Heehee...he's off at work where all the perfect parents hide until the end of the day when they can come home and rescue the poor abused children.)

I haven't shared this jewel with my dad, yet. I'm waiting for Christmas. It will be his favorite gift.

#3 gave me another Mommy-Self-Confidence boost today as well. We were getting dressed for pre-school and I had brought down an undershirt to wear, well, under his shirt. We fought about this little detail for 5 whole minutes as he insisted on wearing it over his shirt. He wears undershirts to bed, afterall, without anything else over them. He finally conceded but not before yelling, "You don't know ANYFING, mom."
No kidding, kid.

Now for some happier news. #2 is the shortest in his class. It's official. They all lined up and measured for class pictures so the taller kids would not hide the shrimps. He's the shrimpiest of the shrimps. Even the shrimpiest girl beat him that day. I tried to tell him she was probably wearing thick soled boots or something but he didn't buy it.
"Nope. Sorry, mom."
"But you're the fastest."
"Yeah." (big grin) "I am the fastest."
Being short has it's advantages.

#2 was also the last kid in his class to lose a tooth. We're half way through second grade and he barely lost his first tooth about 2 months ago. But happy day...a couple of days ago he lost his second tooth. Thanks to a swift fist from his older brother (not sure I'm so happy about that one, although I'm told it was an accident) he is officially toothless for Christmas. And we couldn't be happier about it. Hubby was wise enough to click a picture of the snaggle tooth right after fist contact and right before extraction. I thought I'd post it here. #2 is quite proud of his gnarly grin.

#2 is a poser by nature. In honor of his "Toothless for Christmas Status", I will post a couple
more pictures of his sweetness.

Even at the tender age of 3, the kid loved the camera. Especially when wearing a plastic bum.

Boredom at work = Mutant Christmas Projects

2007-12-09T01:05:00.000-07:00

It's a general rule at work that you never say things like "It's been slow today" or "Mighty quiet around here" or yadda, yadda, yadda. But, my gosh...it's been slow lately. (I want all of you to know that by saying/typing this outloud I have just cursed myself with 17 rollover accidents, 3 heart attacks, 4 broken bones and 47 "I've had a cold for 6 weeks but tonight, at 2am, I decided to come in and be seen.")
Anyway, on Thursday night we were slow/quiet/bored and got looking at fun Christmas project. I was showing the girls the baggie wreaths and one of our doctors said something about the cool "plastic cup globe light" that his neighbors gave him last year. Of course, we had to see it, so we googled it for hours (it was only about 6.5 minutes but when you're bored it feels like that long) and decided we would each make a couple to take home and surprise our kids with. We sent the most bored nurse out to gather supplies (OK, she wasn't the most bored...she's the only one with access to a dremel tool so she won by default) and anxiously awaited project hour.
She returned slightly less successful than we'd hoped. The project calls for 9 oz. cups but apparently everyone in town decided to make the same ball because there wasn't a single package of 9 oz. cups in all of Wal-Mart. She's quite the crafty thing so she settled on what had to be 2 oz. cups and just figured our balls would be smaller than the average balls. (heehee...I have to laugh a little at that one)
The original directions we were following said to connect 9 cups in a circle for the first layer. Our first layer ended up with something like 24 cups. Seeing as how the supply list had only called for 50 lights for the ENTIRE ball, we knew we were in trouble. We kept plugging away and ended up with what looked an awful lot like this sweet lamp my mom had in the late 70's.
Long story short, our lamp mutated. It's officially 4 times bigger than it was supposed to be (we used 200 cups and 200 lights) and therefore bigger than any one of us wanted hanging in our homes (we have standards, ya know?).
It is now the Nurse's Station Ball. It's big, a little awkward, looks more like an egg than a ball and required some serious reinforcing to ensure it didn't pull the ceiling tiles off but I LOVE IT. I'm so proud of my little 3am project even though everyone that walks by it looks at it with a little sideways glance, unsure of what, exactly, it's supposed to be.
Please enjoy my pics and THEN take a look at this website to see how cute they could be. There's even instructions (although we didn't use the soldering iron or whatever it is they suggest, we just stapled the cups together - perhaps another factor in the mutany???).

My odd shaped, tenticle growing sparkle ball. (Notice the 'N' in tenticle, not 'S')

Me, so very proud of my tenticle growing sparkle ball.

By the way, I thought I should mention, that due to the making of this entry, I have had elbow pain, hand lacerations, chest pain and croup walk through my door at an otherwise "dead" hour. I'm telling you, the curse lives.

79 Today

2007-12-07T01:47:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my Grandpa's 79th birthday. I haven't posted in a couple of days and had several other ideas for posts until midnight when I instantly realized today was his birthday. Grandpa died a year ago July 1st. I feel pretty lucky to say he was the first person I ever lost that really devastated me.

Growing up, Grandpa lived in the same town as us so we saw him regularly. I had two cousins older than me but they were military brats so they never lived close, making me the first grandkid Grandpa really spent time with. I was the favorite. I spent my whole life knowing I was his favorite. He made no bones about hiding it from anyone. He was a little rough around the edges, stubborn and cynical, and we got along better than anyone. I think I understood him from the time I was itty bitty. We just had that connection.

Grandpa was divorced and loved his space. He and my grandma split when my dad was 14 and he lived alone after that. He tried marriage once when I was in elementary school but I think it lasted less than a year. He was way too independant to ever sacrifice for a woman again. That being said, he let us intrude any time we wanted. He had a swimming pool (TOO COOL!) that we spent our summers at. He had an endless supply of Sprite in his fridge for us (only place I ever got soda as a kid). He let us ride pillows down his stairs (we always lived in one-story houses so stairs were the best) and let us dance in front of his projection TV (it was the biggest screen I'd ever seen outside a movie theater). Grandpa was the coolest.

Grandpa bought me my first Cabbage Patch Kid when my parents said they were overrated and overpriced. He bought me my first big boombox when being cool was more important to me than anything. He let me have sleepovers at his house when I knew I couldn't spend one more minute at home. He paid off two different cars for me, financed my first house and never quit asking if I needed help with anything.

Grandpa taught me (inadvertantly) that "shit, damn and hell" are not swear words. He gave me my first taste of alcohol hoping it would gross me out enough to sway me from ever drinking again (not so effective). The smell of cigarette smoke still gives me warm and fuzzies and reminds me of Grandpa, who smoked until he had to choose between cigarettes and breathing. He hated every boy I ever dated, most especially the one I chose to marry, and warned me about the dangers of sex (it leads to babies). Grandpa taught me that someone can believe and act very differently from you but still be an amazing person.

Right before I started high school, Grandpa sold the business. We moved to Utah and he moved to a secluded little town in Oregon. It was one of the hardest times of my life. I hated living so far from him and called him all the time. Every summer we would spend a week with him and till I die, it will be one of my all-time favorite memories. He brought me out a month before my wedding so we could have one last one-on-one and I bawled when I left...knowing our relationship would change a little bit.

My kids still talk about our vacations to Oregon. Grandpa paid to bring us out every year until my Dad insisted on footing the bill. Last year was the first year we didn't go out. He died before we could get there. Grandpa insisted on being cremated and refused any kind of funeral so my parents were the only ones who went out after he died. I struggled with that until this summer when my cousin got married and my sister, dad and I went out to the wedding. I got to see where his ashes had been spread and got to touch the time capsule my uncle made with some of his things. It's the closest thing to a gravesite that we have. I'm not sure if I'll ever get back there but I'm grateful that I finally had that closure.

Grandpa and I talked once a month until he died. He had an 800 number for me so I wouldn't have to pay but I never used it. We would laugh and joke like old friends, never like a 70 year old and a 20 year old. I'd always end the conversation with an "I love you" and he'd always say "You, too" because if he said any more than that he'd cry (and Grandpa didn't cry).

A year or two before he died he promised me he would come back and visit me when he died. He said it as a joke because he always said he wasn't sure there was a heaven or an afterlife anyway. I'd tease him that he was in for the shock of his life because Joseph Smith was going to be standing there with an autographed copy of the Book of Mormon and my Grandma (who died a few years after their divorce) would be there with a couple of missionaries waiting to pounce on him. The night he died, I laid awake all night waiting for him to come, but he still hasn't. I'm hoping it's because he's just too dang busy; although, every now and then, I pray and ask God to tell him hello. I'm hoping he's getting my messages.

Humorless Artichoke Dip

2007-12-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

Although I have not had any major disasters or mishaps in my life in the last 12 hours or so, I am still recuperating from recent events (see previous post) and therefore short on wit. (As in witty, wit's end, etc.)
But in an effort to brighten someone else's day today (I'm all about thinkin' of others, after all...) I will post one of my favorite (especially this time of year) recipes.
(Please do not shudder or guffaw ((really always wanted to use that word)) at the thought of a tricky or complicated recipe. This is coming from someone whose idea of "cooking" involves a box of Hamburger Helper and a can of corn.)
This recipe is best made in a large pot on the stove, then transferred to a crock pot for serving.

Start by sauteing a family size bag of chopped, frozen spinach in butter and garlic. You can also add shallots, but seeing as how I didn't even know what a shallot was when I first started making this stuff, I never have and I like it just the same.

Add two cans of artichoke hearts. (I like to chop mine before I add them as they're pretty large.)

When the green stuff is warm, add a package of soft garlic and herb cheese. I prefer Alouette brand. (I've found it at Wal-Mart and Albertsons.)

Stir it all together until the cheese is melted. Add a pint of heavy whipping cream and a 6 oz. bag of shredded parmesan cheese. Stir until the parmesan is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to a crock pot and serve with your favorite tortilla chips or toast. This recipe makes a TON. Plenty for a large party, or, if you're like me, lunch everyday for a month.

WARNING: Do not attempt to figure the calorie/fat content of this recipe as there is no calculator sophisticated enough to handle these types of numbers.
WARNING PART 2: Excessive consumption of this recipe has been known to cause wretched gas. Use in moderation.

A Penny For Your Thoughts, A Dollar For Your Potty Mouth

2007-12-03T11:28:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to be a better mom. I'm trying to be more patient and really listen to my kids when they have something to say, instead of the absent-minded "uh-huh" I tend to answer them with. I know someday, not too far off, they will stop talking to me and I'll be wishing I could get back to the time when they used to ramble on endlessly.

That being said, yesterday was not one of my finest. We woke up with #3 and #4's eyes glued shut with Pink Eye, a raging ear infection in #3's left ear, and the flu from head to toe for #1. #2 was the only one who escaped unscathed, but considering he's still trying to get his hearing back 100% from the ruptured ear drum, he deserved the break.

We skipped church (Hubby went to teach our Primary class but since only Bella showed, they stuck her in another class so as not to have the one-on-one with a male teacher, so Hubby came home) and played hospital all afternoon. It wasn't the worst day ever. In fact, it was nice that all of it hit on a Sunday so that Hubby was home to help. But, by the time 7pm rolled around, the kids were bouncing off the walls from being sequestered and I'd had it. I stuck the younger three in the bath while Hubby worked on his football highlight film.

I got the kids out of the bath and #3 and 4 ran around the house like a couple of banshees while I tried to round up their jammies. I was just about to get #4 dressed when I noticed an icky brown substance streaming down her leg. I did a quick scan around the family room and found the rest of the icky brown substance...all over my carpet. I yelled for Hubby to help while I stuck #4 on the potty to finish what she'd started. Hubby cleaned up the "chunks" then appointed himself Bum-Wiper, leaving me to scrub the rest of the icky brown substance out of the carpet.

When I finished scrubbing the carpet, I yelled various threats upstairs to the older kids about brushing their teeth, cleaning their rooms and getting to bed, etc. I asked Hubby to brush #4's teeth (to which he turned to #4 and said, "Go brush your teeth." and then sat back down to work on the highlight film. Thanks...very helpful.) I finished cleaning teeth, hanging up towels, washing icky brown substance stained towels and threw #3 and 4 in bed with a quick peck and a mumbled "I love you."

I went to get #1 and 2 in bed and totally lost it when I found #1 playing jam ball in his room instead of getting ready for bed. I yelled something to the effect of "If you can play basketball like this after laying around the house 'sick' all day you can damn well get yourself to school tomorrow. Don't even ask to stay home in the morning!!" To which #2 quickly chimed in "You owe me a dollar!"

I've always had a little bit of a potty mouth and have tried really hard not to use it anymore. I made a deal with the older two about a month ago that if they ever caught me swearing, I'd give them each a dollar. Pretty good lesson for both of us, I thought (and I hadn't had to pay up once).

This, however, was not the happy little teaching moment I'd envisioned when I made the deal. "It doesn't count when one of you guys is screwing around!" I yelled back, slamming the door behind me.

Short story long, after a long, hot bath, I snuck back into their rooms with a dollar and a Post-It note apology to both of them. I mean, what is the point of the rule if it doesn't count when I'm mad? When else do I ever swear? What lesson would that teach them? You shouldn't swear, unless of course you're upset, in which case it doesn't count. Hmmm. Not so much.

On a lighter note...(my week just keeps getting better, and it's only Monday!)

This is what I woke up to this morning:
You may not be able to tell, but she is missing the entire front half of her hair. This is what she looked like last time I saw her:
A cute little A-line hair cut with NO BANGS. Thanks to #3, this morning her bangs start half-way back on her head and are barely long enough to be classified as bangs. Not to mention the fist size chunk he took right off the back of her head at the crown. I tried to get a pic of that one but her hair is so fine and so blonde that the flash just drowned it out. Anyway, this is what we're left with after I tried to blend it all in:
She, of course, is thrilled. She LOVES getting "Peety Hair-tuts". I'm trying not to cry as I wonder how I'm going to keep the clump in the back from standing straight up. (Notice her poor little swollen pink eyes!)

Hey, it can't get any worse today, right?

Saturday Is A Special Day

2007-12-01T15:25:00.001-07:00

Saturday is a special day,
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
I slept all day,
Night shift does that, OK?
Now there's not much time left to pla-ay.

Saturday is a special day,
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
There's piles of clothes,
At least ten more loads,
Thank goodness that hubby will fo-old.

Saturday is a special day,
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
Four Miles' the goal,
Good thing I'm so slow...
I got caught up on one of my sho-ows.

Saturday is a special day,
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
Too many football games on,
Hubby's mind is all gone,
(at least all my laundry is do-one.)

Saturday is a special day,
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
The first snow of the year,
The kids let a cheer,
Cabin fever's officially he-ere.

Saturday is a special day,
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
She's throwing a fit,
I'm about to get lit!
Why isn't it naptime ye-et?

Saturday is a special day,
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
Tomorrow we'll fast,
It should be a blast!
Tonight I'll pig out so I'll la-ast!

DISCLAIMER: I KNOW IT'S NOT AS CLEVER AS OH HEATING PAD OR AS SWEET AS CHLOE'S SONG, BUT I'M RUNNING ON FOUR HOURS OF SLEEP HERE PEOPLE!

Randoms

2007-11-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am dedicating this post to my bro-in-law. You know who you are. Talk about the ultimate closet reader. At Thanksgiving the topic of my blog came up. I was asking my sis if she'd checked it out yet. The answer was no (rude) but OK because it turns out Bro-in-law checks it out religiously and gives her updates. He was totally making fun of it, telling the rest of the family how completely nuts I am, which I forgave after I realized he knew details about every single post. I'm like his morning coffee. He just can't get enough of me. Here's to you, Bro!

The radio guys yesterday were laughing about a video on YouTube of Donny Osmond dancing to Weird Al's spoof called "White and Nerdy". Had to check it out. Laughed the snot right outta my nose. All you guys that were drooling over Donny will love this. The boy's got some MOVES. Not to mention stamina. Ummm....

(there is a YouTube video below, for some reason it's not showing up. Just click in the blank area and you'll get there. Sorry...I'll fix as soon as I can!)

I registered for the Canyonlands Half Marathon this week. It's a lottery pick, so who knows if I'll get drawn. I ran it last year. It was a blast. Even when 90% of the entrants over 85 years old finished before me. I think two little geriatrics were behind me. But not by much. I'm excited to give it another go this year. My pictures across the finish line last year were hideous. I tried to do the cool "raise your hands in the peace sign while you're crossing the finish line" thing. It made me look like a pigeon-toed-club-foot with serious under arm jiggle. And the boobs were bouncing in two different directions since my arms weren't down to hold them in place. This will be my year for redemption...from the geriatrics and the cameraman.
By the way, anyone that wants to join in on the fun, please do! It's in Moab, Utah on March 8, 2008. It's a gorgeous, mostly down hill run along the Colorado River. The entry deadline is Dec. 15th. Come join the fun!!!

http://www.moabhalfmarathon.org/halfm/halfm.html

#3 has a girlfriend. He's only four. Today at pre-school she presented him with a picture of Lightning McQueen that she had colored just for him. His eyes got all wide and he got a goofy grin and then he said, "Thanks Bewwa (Bella)! I weawy wuv cars!" I had to give him props on his manners. Ladies loovvveee the manners. Hubby said they were holding hands in primary on Sunday, too. He's been bit by the love bug.

I got a Christmas card in the mail today. I am so bummed. I procrastinated a day too long and someone beat me to the punch. I so wanted to get the first cards out this year. And the card I got was generic, too. It wasn't a photo card or anything. I had my photo cards ready a week ago!! So sad. Anyway, I am posting one here today so at least I can say I got some out today, too. I apologize to those of you who will get one in the mail as well and therefore have two. It's not that I think you need two cards from us. I just wanted to be first!!!

(Names have been removed to protect the innocent. It really is cuter in person. And it's not pink and brown, it's red and green and brown.)

And in an effort to give props where props are due, I got my cards at www.invitingsmiles.com

After I had ordered these, I saw some great sites from fellow bloggers, too. I would have used one of them had I seen them in time.

Once upon an Oprah tale

2007-11-28T01:15:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks for all the tips and comments from my last post. Costco is sending a new kitchen and UPS still sucks. On a brighter note, DHL came today with 9 boxes (9 very large boxes) and boy what a difference. DHL Boy rang my door bell (only once) waited till I answered (unheard of) and made sure I was the right customer (a first in shipper etiquette). Then he proceeded to tell me he had 9 very large boxes that he assumed were Christmas presents (what gave that away?) and asked me where I would like them unloaded (you're asking?). He loaded them methodically in my garage, storing the boxes with pictures in the back so the anonymous boxes covered them up. Then, THEN (are you sitting down?) he knocked again to make sure I was happy with where he'd set things. I wanted to hug him (though the B.O. force field he had up around him kept me at bay). I did, however, tell him my UPS Girl story and thanked him over and over for being so courteous. Go figure.

Now on to the goods. Some of you would like to know how I ended up on Oprah. Hubby is reading this right now and shuddering, I guarantee it. Oh well.

It happened like this. 9/11 hit and threw us all for a loop. I visited Oprah's site (I was a much bigger fan back then) and clicked a link that asked "How has 9/11 affected you?". I started typing, clicked send and never thought about it again. Three weeks later the first producer called to chat. A second producer called a day later to chat with Hubby. A week after that, an entire production crew flew into my tiny little town and shook things up!

It was an interesting experience, to say the least. The topic of the show was "What Matters Most". Apparently (I honestly can't remember what I wrote) my email had talked about how things in our marriage had been a little shaky and how I had taken my Hubby and kids for granted up until that tragedy. (If we're being honest though, who wouldn't have said something similar?) Anyway, once the producers got to our humble abode, they reminded me a bit of the Donahue show. They sort of fished for the answers they wanted and skipped over the stuff that wasn't juicy enough. By the time we'd finished taping our segment, Hubby and I were both feeling pretty uncomfortable about the whole thing but how do you call Oprah and say "Thanks, but no thanks!".

I think it was a week or so after that that we were to fly to Chicago (yes, our room was at the "All Suite Omni Hotel") but lo and behold, we got stuck in some crazy weather in Denver (the pilot called them 'microbursts') that kept us from landing until after our connecting flight to Chicago had departed. We ended up spending the night in an airport hotel (courtesy of "O") and watching our show at home the next afternoon. They still ran our segment, but we were spared the front row seat with Dr. Phil. (Oh yes, it was a Dr. Phil show. Can you imagine???) At the end of the taping, Oprah commented on my cute boys. That was the definite highlight.

So, there you have it. I never made it to the studio for our taping but 5 months later 3 girlfriends and I went to Chicago and the producer from our segment hooked us all up with front row seats to a taping. Ironically, it was a Dr. Phil show (all before he got his own).

Just so you know...I've never sent in another email to Oprah.

Oh, and for fun, here's the link to the show. I don't think any of the video works but if you click on the gallery, we're the 5th pic (I think). Notice how young #1 and 2 are (ooh they're soooo cute!). And check out my sweet hair. NOT Hubby's fave.

http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/tows_past_20011009.jhtml

I Hate UPS (and other such shippers at Christmas)

2007-11-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

I'm having a waz with UPS today. Well, right at this moment, actually. I was just getting ready to sit down and check out the ole blog for the first time since the holiday when my door bell rings - twice. I figure it's my cleaning ladies, bless their little hearts. They never knock even though they ALWAYS come during nap time. But that is neither here nor there. My door bell rings twice so I run to the front door in an effort to keep whomever from ringing a third or fourth time. But, what a second...no one is there! Is someone door bell ditching me in the middle of the afternoon? Are we in third grade again? And just as I'm closing the door, (eyeing all my neighbors front blinds to try and catch a snickering prankster) the UPS girl peels out of my driveway and down the street. I'm a little peeved that she didn't wait for me to answer, but giddy all the same as I'm anticipating this to be my first Christmas delivery. I've been faithfully tracking all of my purchases for days now as 90% of my Christmas shopping was done online this year.

So, I skamper through my house and out to the garage, wondering which shipment I get to dig through first. I click the garage door opener and see two boxes. One tidy little brown box, anonymous and intact. I figure this one to be my christmas cards. (Yay! It's after Thanksgiving so I can send them out tomorrow!!! Wahoo! And then post one here, of course.)
But then I take a good look at the second box. This is what I saw.

Please notice the condition of the box. I did nothing to this box before I took these pictures. I wish I had a way to add audio for you all, t00, (remember, I'm a bloginner) so you could hear what I heard as I moved the box around. It sounds like a set of broken dishes. And you can't see it in these pics, but there is actually a screw sticking out of the bottom of the box. Gee, I wonder how many more of those managed to escape during transit?

The other thing I would like you all to take note of is the non-anonymity of this box. Hello? Is it not Christmas? Could we not all assume that this might be a Christmas Present? What in the world is UPS Girl doing leaving this in broad daylight? I mean, if she thought I wasn't home, how would placing it right in front of the garage I come and go by be the safest place? The box is as big as my child. Do we really think she wouldn't notice it?

I'm at a loss here. I had no intention of setting this thing up right away, for obvious reasons (such as where to store a fully assembled kitchen where four little snoopies wouldn't find it or notice it draped under a large sheet). But now, I almost have to, just to be sure all the pieces are there. I mean, I can just hear the expletives coming out of Hubby's mouth in the wee hours of Christmas morning when he's looking for one last screw that fell out somewhere between here and Taiwan (or wherever the dang thing hails from).

Or, do I call Costco and ask them to please send a replacement right away, just in case? And can I demand it be wrapped in pillows before shipping? What to do? Can I refuse a package based solely on the condition of the box, even though UPS Girl has already come and gone? UGGHHH. This was the one gift I was THE most excited about. I should have know it would inevitably turn out to be my biggest headache.

To Hubby

2007-11-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

First of all, please notice the new pics of the kids on the right. Thanks to all of you who cared enough to ask for them! I'm excited to have their little facing gracing my blog finally!

Now, on a little more serious note, I'd like to dedicate this post to my hubby. As much as he gives me crap for spending time on this thing, I know he's a closet reader. I'm banking on him seeing this sometime today.
Being that I'm getting myself in the thankful spirit, I would like to thank Hubby for being Hubby. I do not do this enough. I am the queen of back-handed compliments. I thank him for folding the laundry (every single time) but ask why he didn't put any of it away. I never just stop with the thank you. I thank him for loading the dishwasher (every night) but ask why he didn't wipe off the stove. I could go on and on about these little exchanges but for once, in front of God and Country, I am only going for the thanks.

Hubby:

Thanks for folding the laundry every time I wash it. (In fact, thanks for doing the laundry more often than I do in the first place!)

Thanks for cooking dinner for the kids every night I work.

Thanks for cleaning up the kitchen after said dinners.

Thanks for getting all four kids to daycare/school in the mornings when I sleep. (I know how hard it is for me to do it. Thanks for never once complaining about this one.)

Thanks for putting up my Christmas light during the Michigan vs. Ohio State game. (This one was huge.)

Thanks for getting the boys ready for church every Sunday while I get myself ready. We both know if I would get started earlier, I could help more, but I never do and you always step up.

Thanks for buying milk when I forget.

Thanks for taking care of the dog even though it was my big idea to get him.

Thanks for letting me Tivo all my shows and watch them on the big screen while you watch the game on the little TV.

Thanks for letting me add two new shows to the said Tivo list this year.

Thanks for letting me sleep in on your days off.

Thanks for letting me pick where we go for dinner every time we get to go out.

Thanks for telling me you really want to start eating healthy too every time I start a new diet.

Thanks for being the kind of dad that wrestles with his boys and snuggles with his little girl.

Thanks for being the kind of dad that this mom can leave home alone three nights a week and know that everything will be OK.

Thanks for putting up with one moody, narcissistic, overly picky, gone too much, stressed out wife. You really rock.

Bragging

2007-11-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've been up since 5am this morning (after falling asleep for the night at 4am - no lie - but that's a whole different sonnet) and I'm a little blurried eyed, but I'm going to post. And in this post I'm going to brag.
For the first time in my life, I am officially done Christmas shopping before Christmas Eve. Yes. You heard me. I am done. And it's not even December yet. And we're talking EVERYTHING. I have presents, stocking stuffers, Christmas Eve jammies, neighbor gifts, kids' friends gifts and even my Christmas Cards. (They shipped last week so I expect them any day now.) I would like to mail my cards out but decided it would be way neurotic so I am waiting till December 1st. At which point I will post one here, just to show off some more. Know what else? I even have my Christmas lights up. And on my way home from work tonight, I noticed you could see my house from Main Street, which is 8 blocks away. Hubby asked me please to wait at least till after Thanksgiving to turn them on but I can't help myself. I even thought I'd post a picture of them here tonight but couldn't because they keep shorting out. I think I have too many extension cords hooked into too many extension cords...
Anyway...Merry Christmas everyone!
Oh yeah...and Happy Thanksgiving, too.

No Life Friday Night

2007-11-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

I found this one on lindseyzufelt.blogspot.com tonight and couldn't resist. (I know I said I was done but the kids are in bed now and Hubby is gone...I don't have a problem. I don't, I don't , I DON'T)
Anyway, I find it interesting that more than half of my look-alikes are men and one is Asian at that. I must admit - it's a titch depressing sitting in front of a computer (still bra-less) on a Friday night and discovering you look 74% like an Asian Man. Wow.

Pathetic Me

2007-11-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

I'm officially and totally addicted to this blogging thing. Just so you all know how pathetic I am, I got up at noon after working a night shift, picked up my kids, put the little two down for naps, then sat at the computer. Guess what? I'm STILL here. Bra-less. Make-up-less. Fresh Deodorant-less. And totally buggy-eyed from staring at this screen.
My kids have since gotten up, made their own dinner (PB&J Uncrustables, slices of processed cheese, Kudos, Yo-Gos and Junior Mints) and are now unfolding all the laundry (that was folded when I started this today) in an attempt to get my attention.
That being said...I'm getting off my computer. But I wanted to mention a couple of new links I posted (in my frequent sites) to some very funny blogs I found today. If it makes me laugh out loud, I have to share.

All I Want For Christmas Is A Waist (My New Fantasy Friday!)

2007-11-16T13:43:00.001-07:00

As you all know (or at least have figured out by now) I'm a blogging baby. Sort of a "virgin" if you will. I mean, it's not my first time anymore, so not really a virgin so to speak, but you get the point. In my blogging research, as I've browsed many of your blogs I've learned about memes such as Thursday Thirteen and Friday Feast, etc. I love reading these and appreciate the thought process they create and therefore decided to start my own. Not like I'm trying to start a revolution or anything.
I don't expect anyone to follow suit and form the "Fantasy Friday Forum" (although that would be kinda cool...). (On the other hand, in the wrong setting this topic could get way off-colored...hmm...maybe that's why no one's ever come up with a fantasy friday...or maybe they have and I just don't frequent those kinds of blogs...)
Anyway...Fantasy Friday. It's my blog and I can do what I want!!
My first FF topic is my one and only Christmas wish. My ultimate fantasy at this point.
I want a waist.
I mean, a real waist. I want to be able to slide a tape measure off of my hips and onto my waist and actually be able to CINCH it. I try to cinch it now but it only makes me look like I'm packaging up a sausage.
I've never really had a waist. Even before I had my four kids I was sort of a box shape. A square. Neither an apple nor a pear...more like a granola bar. I actually used to buy boy's jeans in high school because they were the only style at the time that didn't incorporate an extra baggage section across the hips but still maintained enough room in the waist for me to sit without getting gas. I know what some of you are thinking...rough problem...but it didn't exactly make me the pick of the litter on date nights. I used to stuff shoulder pads in my bra just so I had some tiny semblance of a curve that didn't involve my head.
Since kids, of course, the problem has expanded. Literally. When I try to do a waist to hip ratio I end up with a whole number and some change. This Christmas, I want a fraction.
This isn't all about vanity, either. I'm carrying around an extra 15 lbs. of baby weight (can I still call it that nearly 3 years after the fact?) and 13 of those are resting comfortably around my middle. According to the American Heart Association, this is the most dangerous place to carry such poundage. So I not only look like I wedged myself in a life preserver, I am also putting myself at increased risk for heart disease.
And seeing as how the area formerly known as my waist is the first place I gain, you would think it would be the first place I'd lose.
WRONG.
The more I exercise, the skinnier my legs and butt get and the more I resemble a corn dog.
What is a girl to do? I'm afraid my only hope is Santa and a wish. I know the noble thing to wish for would be world peace or Britney Spears getting her life together but those things actually have a snowball's chance. Me and a waist?? Well, that's the stuff Fantasy Fridays are made of.

I Want My ZOE!!!

2007-11-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

#4 is a funny child. I've referred to her as a SheDevil and she kind of is. I will try not to use this phrase as often now that she's getting old enough to understand it. The last thing I need is for her to try to live up to something...
Anyway, she's the only girl, the baby and such a princess. I don't know where she came from, growing up with three older brothers that don't possess a feminine bone among them. And I'm not overly prissy either. (At least I don't think I am.) I've become this creation of my husband that knows more about sports than I care to. I'm like his trick pony.
"Honey...tell 'em what Broxton's ERA was this year!" as he slaps me on the back.
I'm just expected to know these things. If he comes home after coaching a game and asks what I thought of a certain play and I don't know what play he's talking about... Not so good. Not that he gets mad or anything. There's just this total disappointment written across his face that's asking "What exactly were you doing at the game then?"
But back to the point at hand. #4 is her own little breed. And she's figured out how to run the show. We're trying very hard to reprimand her for throwing tantrums when she doesn't get her way (since this occurs a whopping 13.4% of the time). And of course, I'm the bad guy. I'm the one home all day so I'm the one accused of "spoiling" her. Which also means I'm the one in charge of "fixing" her. (Hubby sat me down a few weeks ago, looked me in the eye, and made me PROMISE that it would get better. IT, of course, being raising a girl.)
I'm sort of a yeller by nature and though it's something I'm always trying to do better at, it's worked OK with the boys. Not so much with #4. If I even take my breath in too sharply like I'm getting ready to yell, her little lip puckers and her eyes water. So I'm taking a more "grown up" approach with her.
I sit her down and say, "#4. Look at me. We are not going to whine, OK?"
If she agrees, I get a contrite little, "O-Tay mommy." and a hug.
If not, I get a wailing, "I want my daddy!" as she throws her head back.
I do not give up, I simply hold her a little closer and calmly tell her that her daddy is at work, at which point she moves on down the line.
She asks for #1, then learns he's at school.
She asks for #2, and learns he's also at school.
She asks for #3, who is sitting right next to her during this little fit. When I point this out to her, she pauses somewhat confused, then moves on to Dam-ma.
She works her way through all the Dam-mas and Dam-pas and then gives up when she realizes no one is going to save her from the big bad mommy. It's getting to be quite the little routine, but it works and doesn't involve yelling.
Yesterday, she didn't give up though.
We went through the whole list and just as I was getting ready to let out a sigh of relief when we got to the grandparents, she sprung a new one on me.
"I want my Zoe!!"
"What?" I was dumbfounded. This was a new one. "What did you say?"
Again, an octave higher..."I want my Zoe!"
"The cat?"
Sniffles now as she nods her head.
The cat. She's asking for our cat, Zoe.
She wins. I mean, how can I argue with that? If the cat will make her happy, fine. Let her have the cat.
"OK. Let's go get Zoe." I sigh as I put her down.
"O-Tay mommy." She smiles as she runs in another room to play. She doesn't think twice about the cat. It was all a ploy and she won. She totally beat me...again.

Best Mama Award

2007-11-13T14:45:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd update the ear story here quickly. We all remember Family Doc telling us the ears looked great...maybe a little bit of fluid behind the right ear? What I didn't mention was that he gave me the option of starting #2 on some antibiotics, 'just in case'. I also failed to mention that I, being somewhat of a minimalist mom, turned down the offer graciously.
One of the bad things about being a nurse and mother is that we see so many people wanting a quick cure where there is none and jumping on every opportunity to use antibiotics in their quest for that said cure. And because of that, we 'nurse moms' tend to go to the other extreme with a whole bunch of Tylenol and "You'll be fine."
This time, I blew it. All four kiddos spent the weekend at Granny's down south so that I could work and Hubby could hit the State Football game. I got a call from Granny on Saturday saying #2 had a fever and complained of his ears hurting...again. I told her to try some Motrin and decided we'd get back to see Family Doc Monday. Short story long, I snuck #2 in the ER Monday morning where Family Doc was on call and lo and behold:
One ruptured ear drum (not the one he complained about, by the way) with bookoo drainage and...
One nicely infected ear (this one he did complain about).
So, here's my award to myself.
We're now on antibiotics, decongestants, prescription cough syrup, and pain relieving ear drops. You name it, he's on it. And he feels great.
And as much as I'd like to say I learned my lesson, I'm pretty sure I haven't. Just give me a couple of weeks and I'll be dishing out the Tylenol "Buck Up!"s all over again!

Tagged

2007-11-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged. Apparently what this means is now I have to post 6 facts/habits about myself and then tag others to do the same. Here it goes...

1. I'm obsessed with my bath tub. I have been known to take 2 bubble baths in one day (and that's after a shower). I get the water as hot as I can stand it and stay in until the very last drop of sweat trickles down my face. I usually take a book, a diet coke and some kind of goodie in with me as I'm in so long I really need nourishment (yes, diet coke is nourishment). Once, I got in right after I put #3 and #4 down for a nap and I was still in an hour and a half later when #3 came downstairs and said, "Wow. You've been in da baf a wong time mom."

2. I drink more Diet Coke than water. I don't know how my kidneys haven't crystalized by now. I drink it any time, day or night and I have to make myself drink a glass of water before bed, just for good measure. Last night at work some of the nurses thought they'd get a little funny and hide my last ice cold coke of the night. I got mad. Really mad. I thought someone had stolen it and started accusing one of the nursing students till the other nurses laughed and pulled in out of their hiding place. Ha Ha...NOT funny.

3. I love the Indigo Girls. Those who know me best know this already but I'm discovering more and more people out there who have never even heard of them. Are you serious? Who's never heard of "The Girls"? (Besides my dad) I've loved them since I was in 9th grade and own every album ever made. If you call my phone, it's my ring back and everyone comments about it...I mean EVERYONE. My girls are still singing along when I answer and everyone else is appalled or disgusted or just plain confused. Get with the program people!! Indigo Girls Rock!

4. I used to be famous for my chicken dance. This is something Hubby wishes I would keep quiet. Very few people in my present life even know what the chicken dance is, but those of you who do can honestly say you've laughed until tears came out your ears. My kids have never even seen the chicken dance. I plan to save it until they have their first boy/girl party in junior high. (insert evil laugh here)

5. I've never had a ticket. Ever. I've run into a parked car (twice), driven up a curb and popped a tire, backed into a pole that apparently was stationary at the time. I even ran a red light once and broad-sided a car in downtown Oakland and never got a ticket. The cop felt so bad for me after the irate black woman that I hit jumped out of her car and ran up to me screaming things I've never heard in my life from .25 of an inch away from my face that he took my insurance info and let me go. Knock on wood, I know, but it's true. Perfect record.

6. I was in a REALLY bad "made-for-late-night-cable" television show called "Miracles and Other Wonders" when I was a junior in high school. I was the lead role in a 15-20 minute segment. I had to fake cry. It was really bad. I keep a copy of it hidden somewhere, just for proof, but have never busted it out except once to show Hubby (who laughed so hard he snorted). Sadly, it actually aired at least once that I know of, about 5 years after the fact. I was visiting my parents and ran into an old family friend who couldn't wait to tell me they'd seen me on TV. I can only pray that was the last time.

OK...that wasn't so bad. Now, Cami, the Other Amy and Tamber...Tag! You're it!

Need a Laugh?

2007-11-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Put your drink down first. It's a good one.
The Top 10 Album Covers of All Time.

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/9374

Rock Star

2007-11-08T23:21:00.001-07:00

Last year when #1 turned nine, the only thing he wanted was a guitar and lessons. My brother is a genius on the thing and I think #1 just figured with a few lessons he would be, too. Well he got the guitar and I made him commit to one year of lessons before he could change his mind and quit. At first he practiced faithfully until the newness wore off and then it became a bit of a battle. I think the only thing that kept him going was that he really was pretty good and Guitar Teacher pumped him up quite a bit.
Because he was only nine, Guitar Teacher and I agreed to let him have the summer off and start up again in the fall. #1 was thrilled and to be honest, I was too. I was tired of hounding him.
School started and - being the great mom that I am - I forgot to call Guitar Teacher until the first of October. Guitar Teacher wasn't all too impressed and informed me that he was now full. Oops. By this time, #1's had a long enough break that he's actually missing it and is now thoroughly disgusted with me.

But alas! Guitar Teacher has another option. He teaches a "School of Rock" group session to kids interested in learning to play in a band and really thinks #1 would do well. He says he'll get back to me as soon as he has enough kids interested to form a band.
Short story long (as usual for me...) the first jam session was Tuesday night. #1 was so excited he couldn't relax his smile enough to hide his two huge front teeth all day. I dropped him off like all "cool" moms know to do and went home to make dinner for the rest of the tribe. About an hour into the jam session, Hubby starts making little comments about how the other kids in the band are probably wanna-be stoners with long hair and cigarette packs rolled in their sleeves and I start freaking out. I mean, how could I just agree to a ROCK BAND for my 10 year old without even screening the other members? What kind of music was he going to be playing? What kind of language would he hear? What kind of GROUPIES will start following him around??? AHHH!
On the verge of an all out panic attack, I jump in the car and race down to the studio to try and catch the last 15 minutes of the drug fest I'd just dropped my child off at. I sneak in the back and take a seat, carefully eyeing all of his bandmates... and... phew... deep breath. I know these kids. They're high school kids, but I know who they are. They're good kids. A girl even - and she's not a groupie. They're playing a Maroon 5 song that I love and to my amazement, #1 is keeping up with them all. My 10 year old is jamming right along with a couple of 17-year-olds. My eyes well up with pride and I try really hard not to smile an "uncool" mom smile that would embarrass the snot out of him in front of all these teenagers. And that's when it hits me. POOR #1! He's probably so intimidated playing with these older kids. He's probably sitting there cursing me for making him join. I want to cry as I think of how uncomfortable the last two hours must have been and I fight the urge to run up and grab him and take him home where he can feel like a big fish again.

As the session wraps up, Guitar Teacher comes over to talk to me. He tells me that #1 was a little rusty after his summer off (thank you for twisting the "bad mom knife" a little more) but that after the first hour or so, he kept right up. I glance over at #1 and catch him trying to suppress a smile and I decide I'll wait until we're alone to let him off the hook and tell him he can quit if he wants. "We'll just tell Guitar Teacher that you were uncomfortable with all those older kids," I think to myself.
As soon as we get to the car I ask #1 what he thought.
"IT WAS AWESOME!" he yells.
Huh? I SO do not know my own child very well.
"Really?" I ask.
He tells me all about the session and how they're learning songs to play at a New Year's Eve show with another young band and how he's even going to sing backup. SING??? My child? I dig a little deeper and ask him about the other kids being so much older and he tells me how cool they are and that they were really great to him. I push even harder and come right out and ask him if he's sure he wants to keep it up.

"Oh yeah. It was awesome."
And then the enthusiasm starts catching on and my eyes start welling up with pride again as I realize that #1's becoming his own little man. And a stud at that. Rock on kid!!

Treadmills and Ear Aches

2007-11-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be 31 in less than 2 months. My birthday is at the end of the year which means I literally kiss another year goodbye everytime that stupid apple in NYC drops. And while 30 was somewhat painful for me, 31 is even worse. You would think I would have used this year to adjust to this new position but as 31 draws closer, I'm realizing I didn't. All year I was able to say, "Oh, I JUST turned 30" with a wink and smile. But now...NOW...I'm knee deep in it and I guess it's time I accept it.
Which is why I decided to hit the dreadmill (no typo there) this morning. I worked 2 days shifts on Sat. and Sun. which each started at 5:30 a.m. and ended a little after 6 p.m. which meant that by Sunday night, I was beat. I crawled into bed at the unheard of bedtime hour of 9:30 p.m. and set my alarm for 6:20 a.m. (I'd decided the only way I was going to stick with this exercise thing once and for all was if I got it done before #3 and #4 got up for the day.) I figured if I couldn't pull my sorry arse outta bed after 9 hours of sleep then there would never be any hope for me at all.
Stupid, stupid, stupid. I forgot that #4 has a sixth sense and can tell when I've set my alarm for any time earlier than the sun comes up. We started playing musical beds at midnight and didn't wrap it up till after 3 a.m. First she wanted her sippy filled, then she wanted mommy to lay with her. Then she wanted to lay with mommy and daddy. Mommy gave up on any hope of sleep around 2 a.m. and snuck out of her bed and into #4's bed. #4's sixth sense kicked in again, woke her up and made her daddy bring her back to her own bed so he could sleep. Mommy snuck BACK down to her own bed, finally alone and exhausted, cursing the alarm clock that had less than 3 hours to go.
That all being said...I still got up with the alarm and hit the dreadmill for 49 minutes. (And no, I could not have gone another second to make it an even 50. Believe me, I tried.) I took my laptop with me and watched Brothers and Sisters on abc.com. I need to write a letter to the suits at ABC and thank them for the brilliant decision to put full episodes on line. Who really has time to drop everything at 8:00 p.m. and watch an HOUR LONG program? Not me. So this is my new motivation. I can only catch up with all my shows if I do it on the dreadmill. One episode is about 43-44 minutes which means after the "limited commercial interuptions" I get 46-47 minutes of viewing time. Perfect.
Anyhoo, after catching up with the Walkers online, I rushed around trying to get myself and #3 and 4 ready for the day so we could pick #2 up from school and get him to the doctor by 9:30 a.m.
I've never been one to pull my kids out of school for doctors appointments, but my doctor has become incredibly busy and he was booked 3 weeks out as it was taking the morning appointment. Of course they leave spots open daily for the sick and dying but #2 didn't qualify.
You see, #2 recently failed two differnt routine hearing screenings the district audiologist does at the first of each school year. Never mind that #2 passed in Kindergarten and 1st grade. This year he failed the first one and the follow up 6 weeks later. I find out about this at parent-teacher conference about a week after the 2nd test and FREAK out. I call the doctor's office the minute I get home to follow-up (just like the audiologist told me) and REALLY start panicking when they tell me the closest available appointment is 3 weeks away. I politely accept the appointment and then nearly start bawling when I hang up and start thinking that #2 is going deaf. Well, being a nurse has it's perks, especially when you work at a small hospital with only a handful of doctors, one of which is my family doc. I got to work that night and called him on his cell the first free minute I got. He laughed, told me he sees this kind of thing all the time (would have been nice if the audiologist had meantioned that in his WARNING letter) and told me waiting 3 weeks would be just fine.
And guess what? It was. #2's ears are fine. He probably had an minor ear infection at the time, which may have affected the screening process. But Family Doc had a good point today: Why do we take perfectly healthy children, screen them for disease processes they are asymptomatic for and then scare the you-know-what out of their parents? #2's never complained of not being able to hear well. He has no speech impediments and is right on track in the 2nd grade. I never would have bothered with the hearing screen in the first place - had I been asked about it - and I could have done without the added stress!
That being said, of course, I'm grateful he's fine and I'm lucky Family Doc is down to earth enough to just say it like it is. And the appointment wasn't a total bust. #2 and #3 woke up with some nasty coughs this morning so at least I was able to get some presciptions for phenergan and codeine syrup while I was there (best dang cough medicine there is, in case you're wondering!)
After running a few more errands while we were in town (I asked #2 if he minded, which of course, he didn't), we ran through the drive-thru at MickieD's to grab lunch (my errands had taken so long that #2 missed school lunch...oops), made #2 scarf it down on the way back (another example of prime parenting), dropped him off and school and got home just in time to get #3 and 4 down for their afternoon naps. And Voila! Here I am, pecking away at this keyboard. WHEWWW! I tell ya, days like these make work feel like an afternoon at the spa!
(Wish me luck on the dreadmill in the morning. Two mornings in a row will be a new record!!)

10 Minutes of Freedom

2007-11-02T18:33:00.000-06:00

I know I should probably feel guilty for saying this but..."WAHOO!!" My kids are gone. Dad took them up to Grandma tonight because there are State Playoff Games tomorrow that he wants to go to and I'm working a day shift here. His only option was Grandma (thank you, Grandma!) and thankfully, he decided to leave tonight instead of early tomorrow morning. Again..."WAHOO!!"
I've been working on this stupid blog all day so I decided to take this opportunity to add to my postings! Lucky for all of you.
I always feel guilty when I know I'm going to be leaving my kids for a couple of days. But when the kids are leaving me, the guilt seems to go with it. Explain that! I'm not sure why, but I don't want to dig too deep because I want to be able to enjoy it. They will only be gone until tomorrow, therefore tonight will be my only opportunity at freedom.
What have I got planned? Couple of chick-flicks and a tub of ice cream? Gourmet dinner for one? Sappy love story novel while I'm curled up next to the fire?
No, NO and HECK NO! You would think that with this freedom I would do something I enjoy. But, alas...there is laundry to finish, floors to sweep, a dishwasher to unload, a shower to take (yep, probably ought to get at least one of those in today!). And sadly, doing any of these things "kidless" is almost as great a luxury as anything else would be. Even eating my "gourmet" dinner of Easy Mac with hotdogs is bliss when I can do it ALONE!
And as nice as it is to be able to post on this blog alone, I really ought to get busy! Duty calls!

The Blog Craze

2007-11-02T13:50:00.000-06:00

So I've gotten like 30 different invites this last month from friends who have started their own blogs about their families, etc., and I remembered I'd started one myself earlier this year. Granted, it's not full of updates about my fam so much as just ramblings of an adult-conversation-starved mom. So, to make a short story long, I've decided to update my blog and invite all my cronies to view it. I will occasionally update on the family, of course, but it will mostly be whatever tickles my fanny at the time.
As many of you know, I'm working on my first book (Scary!) and I don't always get the time to sit down and write like I'd like, therefore, I will post things here from time to time to keep my little fingers nimble and my mind quick. (Watching Dora the Explorer all day tends to dull my senses a bit!)
Feel free to post comments, stories, etc. I'd like this to sort of turn into a community thing where everyone in my world can meld together in one place that is incredibly convenient for me!!
I will also post fun little surveys/questions, funny videos, whatever, so I hope to make it fun for all.
If you want any links posted to your own blogs, let me know and I'll be happy to oblige. The more the merrier.
Lastly, thanks for visiting. I know we're all extremely busy and stopping off at one more website is probably the last thing you had time for today. But thanks...
Happy November!

I'm Scared of Teenagers!

2007-02-21T14:01:00.001-07:00

My oldest child is only nine so I know I have some time before I need to worry about raising a teenager. (Although he's 9 1/2 which makes teenagedom only about 3 years away...yikes!) And he is a boy and not subject to some of the skanky role models that seem to be plastered all over my television. In fact, my only daughter is not quite two yet so I know I shouldn't worry about it too much yet.
That being said, I can't help but worry. Britney Spears just shaved her head, added two new tattoos and then promptly checked herself into rehab. Personally, I have never been a fan but know there are millions of teeny-boppers out there that idolize her and someday my daughter might be one of them. Hopefully Ms. Spears will be totally out of the limelight by the time my little one is old enough to idolize anyone but me, but I'm certainly not naive enough to think there won't be ten more just like her by then.
Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Tara Reid - the list goes on and on. No, these girls aren't teenagers anymore but they are the role models for such and I can't help but wonder how many 17 year olds stopped wearing underwear once some of these girls made it headline news?
I live in a small town where everybody knows everybody and thankfully, it's just not "cool" to be skanky. The teenagers around here are good kids with good values and good heads on their shoulders. My boys worship Drake and Josh and The Naked Brothers Band from Nickelodeon but they also worship the starting five on our high school basketball team and I'm grateful for that - they are role models I want my kids watching. They are good-looking kids that work hard at school, (most of them Academic All-Staters) at sports and at their church and community service. This weekend we are going to the 2A State Basketball Championship where our boys and girls teams are #1 seeds in the tournament. Once we return, I know my boys will pick one of our high school starters to mimick when they're outside shooting hoops on our home court. There's not one of them that would make me cringe. On the other hand, I have to carefully monitor which NBA stars my boys want to become most like.
Why is it that the more trouble a celebrity gets into, the more their stock goes up? Why do we hear so little about the people that just try to live a good life? This is why teenagers scare me. It is going to be up to me to isolate the good stories and bring them to the forefront of my kids' minds when the worldwide media is working against me. The responsibility I have as a parent is so overwhelming to me and I know the world is only going to get worse as my children get closer to caring about what goes on outside of their little circles.
I know I can't keep all of the negative influences away from my kids and I know they aren't sheltered from the outside world just because we live where we do. But I wonder - if I blow up pictures of some of our high school basketball stars and turn them into posters to plaster around my kids' rooms, maybe the outside influences won't seem so important as the superstars they see everyday around town.

Didn't your mother teach you not to play with matches?

2007-02-13T01:14:00.000-07:00

This is my newest hobby...blogging. At first it seemed like a mundane thing to do, a royal waste of time. But as my days alone with my young children seem to get longer and longer, I began to think of this as sort of a venting place; a way to really express myself and unleash some of my frustrations. Of course, I can always share these thoughts with Hubby, who is my number one supporter, but I usually don't get the opportunity to really lay it out there for him. The details of my day are usually shared in quick three word sentences as we pass in the kitchen.
And I'm not complaining...don't get me wrong. I work three 12-hour shifts a week as an RN so I really value my time at home. Only problem is, after working three 12-hour shifts a week, I'm usually borderline worthless to my family. Somewhere along the line I need time to recoup!
Which brings me to my first ever blog (confession). About a week ago after a long day at work and an even longer night up with my 22 month old daughter, I was laying in bed an extra minute (or ten) after Hubby, #1 and #2 left for school. (Hubby's a teacher and, bless his heart, shuffles the boys to school in the mornings so I can stay in bed!!)
So anyway, I'm laying in bed, not really asleep but not ready to get out of bed when I hear a blood-curdling scream from #3. My feet don't hit the floor until I'm out of my bedroom and I see my little guy holding a match that has burned down to his fingers and he won't let it go!
I scream at him to "DROP IT!" and kneel beside him to examine the damage. His thumb, middle finger and index fingers all have white blisters appearing at the finger tips and he's sobbing from the burns.
I stick his little hand in a glass of ice water and hold him while we both cry. Like any mother knows, if I could take the pain away, I would. But even more than that, my guilt is consuming me! How stupid can I be to leave matches within a three year old's reach?
I was spoiled with my older two boys, and I know it. I never had to baby-proof a house. Never had walls drawn on with Magic Marker, never had forks plugged into outlets, never had toy cars flushed down toilets; all of which have occurred since the arrival of my younger two.
It's been a good lesson to me...now I get out of bed as soon as I hear one of my kids scurrying about, although I still grab a quilt and lay on the couch until I'm fully awake.
My matches are above my fridge (even out of reach with a stool), buying outlet covers is on my list of things to do (I can't be perfect overnight!), and I have enough Magic Erasers under my kitchen sink to clean the White House.
I'm sitting at work right now at two a.m., helping deliver babies, knowing full well that even after this confession, tomorrow I'll wake up exhausted and worthless to my family once again, wondering if I'll ever amount to the kind of mom my own kids deserve.