Freckles, Dimples, and Soul Fire

MORE TEXTS FROM STRAWBERRY AND SHORTCAKE...

2011-10-22T12:15:00.001-06:00

On Saturdays, I tell the girls to let Mom sleep in. They are old enough now to get up, get their breakfast, and watch a few cartoons while Mommy recovers a bit. Every once in awhile, if I'm taking too long to get up, one of the girls will come crawl in bed with me, coax me out, torture me until I get up, or whatever it takes. I had a text saved in my phone from Strawberry...about ten months ago....December 2010. I forgot about it until I saw it today.

It must have been one of those mornings I didn't want to get up. She took my cell phone off my nightstand, texted me...and left the room.... My phone beeped. I picked it up. With sleepy eyes I read:

"Hi mommy I love you now get your donkey out of bed".

Love my kids.

Smarter Than Her Math Score Indicates....

2011-09-08T16:16:00.000-06:00

Strawberry gets into the car yesterday and announces that she had an especially hard math test that day. Out of 30 problems...she missed 16.

Strawberrry: "But why do they have to make it so hard!?"

Me: "Well, so they are able to test you and find out what you do know and what you don't know."

Strawberry: "Well, I think they got their answer."

TEXTS FROM STRAWBERRY and SHORTCAKE...

2011-06-28T01:23:00.000-06:00

This is going to be a little "segment" I do from time to time -- starting now. It's called "Texts From Strawberry and Shortcake...." It's pretty self explanatory. As parents, our kids get ahold of our cell phones and play with them. Later, I'll be checking my texting "inbox", and find a GEM from the girls in there for me. Here's one of my favorites:

(Sent from Shortcake) "Hi. Mommy this. Is. Katy.Perry. Mommy. I. Love. Her. I. Rile. Like. Her. O ya. O.Ya. O. Ya. O. Ya from :-) mckenna"

Stand Your Ground...

2011-04-16T13:04:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting in my bedroom, checking my Facebook, overhearing this conversation between my girls (who are also hanging out in their bedroom):

Shortcake: "SMELL MY FEET!"
Strawberry: "NO."
Shortcake: "SMELL MY FEET!"
Strawberry: "NO."
Shortcake: "SMELL MY FEET!"
Strawberry: "NO."
Shortcake: "SMELL MY FEET!"
Strawberry: "NO."

Wierdos. They definitely belong to our family.

HUMP Day...

2011-04-16T13:02:00.000-06:00

(I found this old blog post that never posted in the archives.

Technically, this happened about a year ago this May. But I had to share...)

The days of "innocence" in our home...may be past us.

Berkeley and I are talking tonight. The topic of the saying "That's What She Said" came up. This is the conversation:

Berkeley: "What does that mean, anyway?"

Me: "That's What She Said"?

Berkeley: "Yeah."

Me: "Um, well...let me think of a way to explain it so that a kid can understand it. Because it's a saying that adults use. And it's kind of naughty."

Berkeley: "Just tell me, Mom. I'm not FIVE anymore!"

Me: (smiling...) "No, you're NINE!"

Berkeley: "Mom, I already know about kissing. And humping. In fact, ****** and I were just talking the other day and she said: "Wasn't it wierd when they were kissing in bed in 'Marly and Me'?" And I told her..."Well, they were trying to make a baby." And she said "Ew!"

Me: "Well, it's time for us to take stuff out to the car...so go get your shoes on."

Usually this type of distraction method does not work for Berkeley, but this time it did. So in my head I was cheering:

"Hallelujah!!"

Then my brain replied:

"THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!"

Yeah, That's The ONE...

2010-12-29T02:29:00.000-07:00

Shortcake: "Mom...I just said the (whispers) 'f word'."
Mom: "You did ?? Which 'f word' did you say?
Shortcake: She puts her hand up to her mouth, gets on her tip toes, and whispers in my ear..."Freakin".
Mom: "Oooohhhh.....THAT 'f word' is probably all right to say. Just try not to say the one that rhymes with 'truck'. Okay?"
Shortcake: (thinking to herself for a few seconds...) "FRUCK?"
Mom: "Yep. That's the one."

Pardon my french, but she is so, (whisper) 'frucking', cute. ;)

When They're Cute, They're Cute

2010-12-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

I head towards the livingroom to watch a movie with the girls.

Berkeley says "DON'T COME IN HERE YET ! We're making you a SURPRISE! We only need about 20 more minutes! Do NOT be concerned!"

Now, I'm concerned.

I wait patiently for about twelve more minutes, and then get the "okay" to come in.

McKenna, standing on a step stool at the end of the hallway, gave me a "ticket" to enter the livingroom. Berkeley made the "announcements".

We'd gone earlier to the Redbox and rented two movies. So they had made some movie night "preparations". The livingroom was decorated with yarn (as make-shift "crepe paper streamers" ) and in the middle of the design hung a sign that said:

"Today Girly-Girl Theater presents......
"16 Wishes" and
"Beezus & Ramona"
Hope You Enjoy the Show!"

I had a blanket and spot to sit in, they had blankets and "special seating"as well. There were other "movie guests" attending (stuffed animals and baby dolls).

There were even refreshments. In a bowl for each of us was one cookie, one baby candy cane, pretzels, popcorn, carmel popcorn, and blue-raspberry Frootie candies. (Note to self: Might be time to get some healthy snacks.)

I gotta say....when they're cute, they're cute.

Fat Mom, Skinny Mom - A blog to follow!

2010-11-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.fatskinnymom.com/2010/giveaways/bath-body-works-giveaway/

My girlfriend, Callee, is starting her own blog for Moms. It is going to be AWESOME! Go check it out...and hurry...because she is doing a GIVE-AWAY!

Let it be said, let it be type-written....

2010-09-05T01:27:00.000-06:00

I may go back later and change the girl's names to their code names in all previous blog posts, but from here on out, my little ladies will be refered to as:

Oldest - "Strawberry" (She was allergic to these when she was little and couldn't eat anything with them. She's grown out of them now and loves them!)

Youngest - "Shortcake" (She's short. She never eats cake, only the frosting. But "Short Frosting" didn't have quite the ring to it.)

Thanks for your understanding, as I work to make this blog a little more "less public", without going private.

Im a Woman, Im allowed....

2010-09-04T12:17:00.000-06:00

....to change my mind. :)

I didn't realize that making my blog private, would also make it so that I can only have 100 people read it. I have a larger reading base than that...so I am staying public. However - I will be changing the children's names to code names.

I hope that you will join me for the next entry...coming soon!

I don't want to...but....

2010-08-08T23:12:00.000-06:00

My ex has asked me to go private. So...if you want to continue following the blog -- then please send me your email address. If you are a stranger...you must identify yourself and give me a way to see that you are real....like your blog...or who you know through me...so I can verify it. I will leave this notice up for two weeks and then take the big leap. :( I may just have a public blog that doesn't identify me totally....and then post family stuff privately. We'll see. Until then....I hope to hear from you!

Uncle Crazy Pants...

2010-07-04T18:10:00.000-06:00

THIS is what happens....

when Uncle Randy comes to visit.

And...

IF you're lucky....

He will allow you to give him a free pedi when all the TORTURE is through.

This makes for a pretty, cool, Uncle.

That Depends....Does He Wear DEPENDS?

2010-06-28T00:29:00.000-06:00

You have to be very, very specific in the "qualities" you want in a man!

Just tonight, my girlfriend was laughing at me about something I said in regards to dating.

She had asked if I had any new "love" interests.

I was telling her about his really "promising" guy I had been texting and talking to on the phone.

It hadn't really, "panned out" though, and I was disappointed.

She just thought it was funny when I whined at the end of the whole discussion:

"But, but, this one was EMPLOYED!!"

Yes, my friends, the pickin's are THAT slim.

You can understand, then...

why I found this comic to be so, completely hilarious:

You are not Invisible to Him... Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-07T21:28:00.000-06:00

Dear Single Men....

2010-05-04T00:13:00.000-06:00

You never know what lies...just below the surface.

Dear Single Men,

Take a chance on the girl with the acne...she can't help that she has it. And, if you hit on her while she has a big zit on her nose....trust me...you'll get bonus points for seeing past THAT and into her eyes. Acne goes...those eyes are forever.

Take a chance on the girl with the extra weight...she's working on it. Besides, she may be an excellent cook. And...The girls who aren't given a chance (because of their weight) have often spent their time working on other ways to be beautiful to you.

Take a chance on the single Mom. She's a tough cookie. She'll give you 110% and do it well.

Take a chance on the girl with the wrinkles...she's earned them and she may be full of wisdom and experience.

Take a chance on the girl who dresses less fashionably. She lives within her means, even if it means she can't dress like everyone else. If her clothes are old and full of holes...perhaps she puts the needs of her kids before her own. She wishes more than anything that she could dress better...but she can't right now. When it's time for her to dress up for you...watch out!

Take a chance on the girl with dry, cracked hands. She works hard, plays hard, cleans well, and is softer than you ever knew - on the inside.

Take a chance on the girl who is always late. She may be bad with time, but excellent with love. She may have been late because she was talking to a friend in need, or taking extra time on her make-up to look good for YOU.

Take time on the shy girl. For once you get-to-know her you might realize that someone amazing lies within. And once she 'opens up'...it will be like opening a present.

Take a chance on the girl who seems unorganized. She won't be able to find her keys...but she'll always know where the key to your heart is.

Take a chance on the girl with the messy car. You may like your car clean, but she's amazing with all that she can accomplish in a day. She can make it to ten or fifteen places in a day and, quite frankly, she doesn't have time for loose french fries. She'll get to them later. (Refer back to "girl with cracked, dry hands" and remember "she cleans well").

Take a chance on the girl with the chaotic household. She really plays with her children, she talks to them, and she may even take time to herself to read books on "How to be a Better Lover". She knows what's important in life. And the dishes will wait until after your hot, romantic interlude that night.

And finally....

Take a chance on the girl with the stretch marks at the swimming pool. I have no good reason for this...except that girls with stretch marks need love too. And, I eventually need to find a mate. So, just give her a chance, would ya???

Thanks.

Sincerely,

The Girl Next Door

Egg-cellent Memories

2010-04-26T21:31:00.000-06:00

We were so excited...

My Mom was able to get the Easter Bunny to come and see us at her house on Easter Day! The kids, of course, were not aware this was going to happen. So, as the moment approached, the adults grew excited to see their reactions.

I knew one thing for sure. McKenna was NOT going to love it. She hates, HATES anything in a costume. It all started with Mr. McGruff coming to the school a few years back. It hasn't gotten much better. I keep telling her that these "creatures" are just "Daddys in a costume". But she's not having it. Especially that evil and gray beast -CHUCK E. CHEESE. Who does he think he is scaring the crap out of kids day after day? It's so rude!

We had one moment where I thought McKenna might be cured of her "costume" issues. She went with her Dad in May of 2008 to Disneyland. She did "okay" with the costumed characters around her, I hear. And, to my surprise, she totally enjoyed the "Princesses". But that's only because Princesses are REAL, silly! They're not in a costume! :)

Anyhow....( Have I ever mentioned I have adult onset ADD?)....back to the topic at hand. The Easter Bunny's Entrance...

The eggs had been hidden....

And the eggs had been found....

We were all wondering who would be the random victim of Uncle Randy's sick and twisted sense of humor this year. Berkeley was the winner! She sat on the back steps of the deck and innocently began opening her eggs while she waited for us to go inside. This is what was in one of her eggs:

Here was her face as she read it:

It was so funny. She said outloud "I got a BAD egg! UH!"

We couldn't stop laughing.

Anyhow...

So I think I was telling you about when the Easter Bunny was getting ready to arrive...right?

All the girls were back in the livingroom, enjoying the discovery of what was hidden inside of their colorful, collection of eggs. Before long....this was what appeared in the window:

It was HILARIOUS!

McKenna ran to the front door...slammed it shut...blocked it with her body...

and yelled (as she started to hysterically cry/panic)

"I DON'T LIKE THE EASTER BUNNY !!!!"

"DON'T LET HIM IN !!!"

My twelve-year-old niece yelled:

"PEDOPHILE!!"

(Apparently- anyone peeking in a window qualifies as an instant child predator or freak,

even if you're in a bunny costume. Perhaps, ESPECIALLY if you are in a bunny costume?

Can't say I blame Amelia...in today's world, you gotta be careful. lol)

It was pure pandamonium until we got McKenna calmed down. Such a fun, exciting, moment and it's so horrifying to her. I felt so bad. The Bunny came in and delivered some surprises for each of the girls. McKenna even calmed down (watching from afar) and accepted a gift from him. She kept her distance until he quietly left...

and Easter slowly came to an end.

Pretty soon, they'll be too grown up for this kind of fun.
But for now...it was truly a great day.

One last picture and then I'll leave you alone....

Oh, come on, you know you wanted it!

We hope you had a very Happy Easter, Everyone!

Awesome

2010-04-25T23:38:00.000-06:00

I got this new deodorant today.

The instructions said remove cap and push up bottom.

I can barely walk, but whenever I fart the room smells awesome.

Nine, So Fine, Sublime....

2010-04-23T01:04:00.000-06:00

Berkeley turned nine at the end of March. There's already an attitude and spunk in her that I SWEAR wasn't supposed to come out until she was a tween! But she is still proudly, my "girly girl". She loves a good, fancy, party - where people need to dress up and play "princess-style". This year Berkeley picked a "Tea Party" for her and her friends to celebrate with.

Big Girl Table...Tea Party in Progress

The little sister's had their own Tea Party

off to the side...

The Food...

Sporting their fancy Tea Party jewelry.... (Ring Pops)

The flowers, the sparkling punch, and the Birthday Girl....

Opening presents...
Who wouldn't be happy about CASH!?

Later, after the all the refinement a Tea Party can bring....
We broke out the face paints, the music, and the balloons
and let the girls loose in the gym.

Mom was exhausted afterwards, but Berkeley said it was "perfect", better than she had imagined. Which, of course, makes it all worth it.

SUNDAY WAS OUR FAMILY PARTY

Instead of "going out" to dinner this year with family, I offered to make Berkeley's favorite food instead - BBQ Steak! She, of course, was happy to party at home under those circumstances:

Opening some presents...

The"Tea Party" themed cake...made by our Shirlene. She never disappoints us with her talent. And, her talent tastes SO GOOD!

Little Kenna was off to the side, enjoying the festivities too!

The Birthday "Princess"

Here are NINE things that I love about you:

1. Your Laugh

2. Your Tender Heart

3. Your Creativity

4. Your Free Spirit

5. Your Independence

6. The cute, new freckles on your nose.

7. Your Mischieviousness

8. You're a good student

9. You always make us laugh.

I just can't believe my "baby" is getting so old.

I love you, Berk!

Happy Earth Day...HAPPY Earth Worms!

2010-04-22T23:17:00.000-06:00

We woke up as usual today. A little late from pushing "snooze" too much, and rushing a bit. It had rained last night so I expected the usual handful of worm carcasses - here and there - on the long sidewalk as we hurried to the car. Much to my surprise though, we were greeted by this view outside our door:

There were many more as we walked. It was crazy! They were a lot more long, plump, and "fresh" in the morning, than when I took this picture in the afternoon. Im sure it was funny from afar, to watch the girls and I trying not to step on any of them!

Look a little closer....

Yep...the Earth Worms had a party last night. Invited ALL their slimey friends. It appears it was a rockin' party too. I suppose they call it "EARTH DAY EVE" in the Underground.

I couldn't help but laugh as it appeared they were all laying there, hung over.

Life is Crashing into my Tower One...

2010-03-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

(This picture is so beautiful to me. It's as if the baby might be looking and listening to

"instructions" from God before coming to Earth.)

With my six-month-old baby in my arms, I remember the exact moment my cousin Jenny called me, early on Sept. 11th, 2001.  We watched together -shocked- as news of an airplane crashing into Tower 1 of the World Trade Center was being reported. We watched -horrified- as another plane flew straight into Tower 2. Our country was under a "Terrorist Attack". I was breast feeding Berkeley on the couch, almost disbelieving, as people were dying because of a man's drastic display of their belief in God.  My sweet baby didn't understand how defining that moment was in our lives, she would only grow up to read about it. But, I still found comfort in talking to her about how she should always treat others with kindness, even if they believed differently than her. I sang to her about patriotism, pride for self and country, appreciation for freedom, and more. Sounds silly, but I did. Somehow, talking to Berkeley comforted me, as I ached for those who died because of someone elses imposed beliefs. I sat on the porch with her, and lit a candle, on the day our country would mourn together for a moment. She'll remember nothing from all of this effort on my part....but I hoped that I would.   I hoped that I could help her grow up to not act in "terroristic" ways towards those different from herself.

FLASH FORWARD a few years:
When Berkeley was around 3 1/2 or 4, she was obsessed with "Buddah" statues in the stores. Whenever we would see one, she wanted to look at it, touch it, and take it home. Did she just like the happy, chubby, man with his bellybutton showing? Or was this the budding of her own religious inclinations? I never did get her a statue, maybe I should have. At Halloween that year, she decided that she actually wanted to dress up as "Buddah." I remember trying to explain to her that people who believe in Buddah, treat his image special....just like we hold "Jesus" special in our lives. I tried to tell her that they don't make Buddah costumes and that it might offend some people if we made one. She didn't understand. Berkeley still insisted that we find or make her a Buddah costume. I didn't do that either.

FLASH FORWARD several more years:
I was looking through some notes of mine recently, and came across something Berkeley (7 at the time) said to me one day after church. I was driving home and she was in the back seat explaining that her primary teacher had told her class a story of a man, who would rather die than deny God.

She followed it up with: "I'm not sure about that one."
I asked, inquisitively: "Why not?"
To which she replied: "Because I don't want to die!"

It made me giggle. You can't blame her! She had reached - for herself - the first of many moments-to-come in life, where she would question why someone would do something drastic in defense of God. I explained to her, the best I could, why the man would have rather died, than deny the God that he believed in. But I'm not sure she could get passed that whole "you're still gonna have to die" part-of-the-story.

FLASH FORWARD to now...
Berkeley is growing up. She will be nine soon, and I have another daughter, McKenna, who is five. The world is slowly revealing itself to them, a day at a time. Berkeley doesn't remember Sept. 11th or her "Buddah" phase.  But both my daughters have an entirely DIFFERENT childhood than I did. They can research answers to their life questions via not just libraries, tv, and teachers.....but also through the World Wide Web. As a parent...I know my job is to help them process the many different things they hear/read. I will do the very best I can. However, I don't think that I ever realized that at age 35, I could be unsure about where I stood religiously. It's been about nine months since I last spoke of my "religious woes" via blogging...but I wanted to talk about it again.

You see, questioning everything you've ever stood for is scary enough on an individual basis. It's turned my world upside down. I often find myself drained and exhausted from trying to "figure it all out". I have lived for three decades as a devout Mormon. What do I do as I question all that I have ever believed, without confusing my children? What if I choose to leave the LDS Church...and then decide later to come back? What if I leave and never come back?  With Berkeley and McKenna's Father and Step-Mother coming from a "Mormon"-based belief system, how do I vere from that -respectfully- and not create a "two-sided" world for the girls?  This is the source of much "inner terroristic turmoil" for me.

I grew up in a home where my mother was very spiritual, but not religious.  My distant father grew up LDS and then converted to Born Again Christianism when I was 11. He spent years on a "terroristic" mission of his own, trying to "save" all us "sinners".  My brother began in the LDS Church, converted to Born-Again Christianism, and now lies in between being agnostic and an atheist. Thus, I began at a very young age, having to decide for myself where I stood.  Believing differently and forming my own opinions is no new territory for me. But it was no easy road.

My heart tells me that the simple answer for my girls is this:

Teach them what you know for sure...raise them to be good humans...show them how to reach into their own souls for what feels right...support them in any way you can....and then let them form their own beliefs as they grow.

As wisdom-filled as that sounds...it's not uncomplicated. I just pray that GOD will help me. I pray that I can make Him proud of the way I handle things.  God has entrusted these two, precious spirits to my care. I want Berkeley and McKenna to believe in angels, miracles, and to know that they are not alone.  I want them to lead happy, fullfilling lives, while respectfully allowing others to live and believe as they wish. I have to understand though, that they could choose to lie on the side of "there is no God" or on "Team Buddah".  So, while they are making up their minds, I must practice what I preach.

What's Love Got To Do With It?

2010-02-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

( I love this pic bec of her face, obv not bec of my hair!)

McKenna: (Reaching over and kissing me on the cheek...)
"Can I have a Slurpee, now?" .

Me: "Oh, you want a slurpee, huh?"

McKenna: "Yes!"

Me: (I kiss McKenna on the nose) "Nope!".

McKenna: "Hey!"

Me: "What? You only give kisses now, when you want something??"

McKenna: "Yes."

Good Morning, Sunshine!

2010-02-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

We had to get up a little earlier today, because it is snowing and we are going to have to give ourselves an extra 10-15 minutes of travel time. Berkeley, my eight-year-old, hates waking up. She's a lot like her mother. It usually takes me about a half-an-hour of begging to get her to rise and exit the top bunk.

Anyhow...this morning wasn't a good morning for us. She was dishing out the attitude from the moment she first spoke. It all came to a -head- when we had an argument over "why she hates headbands" vs. "please stop going to school with hair that makes you look homeless."

She won't keep the hair bows or the barretts in at school. She hates to have braids and ponytails unless she's "in the mood" for them, which is next-to-never. So she has this tangled, messy, long hair. Grrr.... All I ask is that SOMETIMES she actually put a headband in when the hair isn't looking it's greatest! It's one of those "small things" that I let "get to me" sometimes.

Anyhow...the point is...that she didn't start off the day in the best mood. We were arguing all the way to the freaking car and partly on the drive to school. Finally...we both just fell silent and began letting the radio make the noise.

(Here's a picture of us...and the mood we woke up in....)

It's snowing still, but lightly. Roads are wet and the windshield wipers are trying to ward off the 'gunk' that the high speeds of the freeway spews onto our windshield. It's cold. But we're almost there.

I am silently chastising myself for not handling our argument better, while wondering if all eight-year-old girls are this fiesty and independent. I hate starting off mornings badly. I just want her to start her day off happy. I just want to start my day off happy!

Right in the middle of my mental turmoil though, I hear her mutter something outloud, that was so funny, it just made me re-vamp my attitude for the whole day. She was staring out the window at the cold, the snow, and the muck and just muttered...

"Damn Groundhog."

I love that kid.

What's in a Name?

2010-02-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

Berkeley is doing this super cute project in her third grade class. They have to go through magazines, cut out adults, kids, pets, etc. Then they assemble the pictures into families, glue them on paper, and write a story about that family that they've created.

We were in the car talking about this assignment the other day, when Berkeley was trying to name her family. She said "I'll just say 'The 'Smith' Family." I protested. No, Berk, there are so MANY "Smith" families out there. Let's try to be creative." I started giving suggestions...some serious, some silly...

"The 'Gabriella' Family?" She liked the High School Musical parallell, so I kept going...
"The 'Sharpay' Family?" She and McKenna giggled.
"The 'Montana's'?" They loved that. Hannah Montana -rocks it- at our house.

McKenna chimed in:
"The 'Shannon' Family?!" - She suggested, in honor of Aunt Shannon. She continued...
"The 'Popcorn' Family?!" "The 'Slurpee' Family?!" "The 'Cheddar' Family?!" "The 'Beef' Family?!"

Berk shared her ideas:
"The 'Rainbow' Family?! Her and McKenna giggled.
"The 'Coke' Family?!" "The 'Dr. Pepper' Family?!" "The 'Make-Up' Family?!" "The 'Bolton' Family?!" (Another HSM parallell) "The 'Earring' Family!?"

I told them some of the "different" or "memorable" last names of friend's that I've had:

In Junior High, I SWORE I would marry Jared "Walkenhorst"...just because I wanted to be "Mrs. Walkenhorst." In High School, I had a friend with the last name "Belcher". Ironically, she had the best manners out of all of us. And, most recently, one of my best friend's is currently "Mrs. Gum." Which, I love more than words can say.

Anyhow.....we were having lots of fun suggesting ideas to one another. I loved hearing the MANY things they thought of. When, all of the sudden, McKenna shouts out from the back seat:

"I KNOW!!! How about "The 'NIPPLE' Family ?!!!?!!!"

Berkeley and I are laughing so hard we almost wet ourselves.
Clearly it's time to end the "brainstorming" session.
And, while I hope, that Mr. and Mrs. Nipple live happily ever after...
I pray daily that their children "Chapped", "Pierced", and "Enlarged"
make it through school without incident.

Belated...Yep...

2010-01-22T01:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Hello There! It seems I've taken an unintentional vacation from blogging. I am determined to catch up and continue forward. So let's get to it....

Christmas comes and goes more quickly each year. What is that all about? Didn't it seem to go in slow-motion when you were a kid? I feel like my kids are missing out on authentic Christmas traditions, experiences, and moments. I tried hard to simplify this year. I tried to not get caught up in any big projects, any over-scheduling, any over-spending. It STILL passed quickly. But...Im still glad that I did simplify.

We kept our tradition of building gingerbread houses at Grandma Ladybugs. This year though, we thought we would try doing a "mini-village". It was a cute idea at the time, but I think we decided in the end that most of them just looked like fancy outhouses. Here's a few pics of our 3-4 inch creations:

(NOTE TO SELF: Make less sprinkles available next year...)

I played the Christmas music and made the Christmas treats. Before we knew it....Christmas morning had arrived. Now....because of the girls ongoing, questionable "behavior issues" in dealing with each other this past year, my girls found the following note from Santa near their presents:

DEAR BERKELEY AND MCKENNA,

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I HOPE THAT YOU TWO HAVE A GREAT MORNING WITH YOUR DAD AND NOW WITH YOUR MOM. I LEFT A 1/2 LOAD OF PRESENTS AT EACH HOUSE, SO YOU COULD OPEN PRESENTS WITH THEM BOTH. I HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT THE ELVES, MRS.CLAUS, AND I PICKED FOR YOU THIS YEAR.

YOU'LL NOTICE THAT I DIDN'T PUT TAGS ON THE GIFTS AT YOUR MOM'S HOUSE. THAT IS BECAUSE I ONLY BOUGHT GIFTS THIS YEAR THAT YOU TWO CAN SHARE. YOU ARE BOTH VERY GOOD-HEARTED GIRLS, BUT YOU BICKER AND FIGHT TOO MUCH. THESE GIFTS YOU NEED TO SHARE AND ENJOY TOGETHER...BECAUSE IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER AND LOVE EACH OTHER.

LET THESE GIFTS BRING YOU CLOSER, MAKE YOU BETTER FRIENDS, AND LAUGH AND PLAY TOGETHER.

**REMEMBER: HAVING A SISTER IS A GIFT MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY TOYS, BOOKS, OR CLOTHES.

BE GOOD FOR YOUR MOTHER GIRLS. STAY IN BED AT NIGHT AND HELP EACH OTHER BE GOOD. THAT WAY I CAN BRING YOU MORE PRESENTS NEXT YEAR TOO.

IM OFF TO DELIVER MORE PRESENTS NOW.

HO! HO! HO!

SANTA LOVES YOU.

So, included in their gifts to share were one "Twist N' Ride" bike, 2 DVDs, 2 CD's, 2 of the same Barbie, and some Nail Polish. Here were some pictures from their "loot reveal":

I love how both their mouths are open on this one!

Happy to get a "Taylor Swift" CD!

Berkeley added a Daddy and a Baby to her "Fur-Real" Bamboo Family.

And McKenna got a "Fur-Real" Cat and New Giraffe.

One of my favorite moments of Christmas Morning was when McKenna opened her present from Berkeley. They both got excited and told each other what their gifts were two days prior. But when Kenna saw it she just reached over and hugged Berkeley. It was so genuine and so sweet.

Anyhow, it never ceases to amaze me that Christmas morning starts out all nice and orderly like this:

And ends up like this:

But it's a true sign of "JOY"...right?

There were so many blessings this Christmas. I worried about providing enough for the girls, but there were angels surrounding me and helping me to make the "season bright". I cannot speak of the PEACE that filled my heart as these blessings appeared at just the right moments too. It fills my soul with gratitude and happiness. I cannot wait and I hope that -one day-

I am able to give back more than we have been blessed with.

OH! OH! OH!

And a little shout-out to Santa...

The girls are getting along better all ready! I think your magic is working...if even a little...IT'S PROGRESS!

Priceless...

2009-11-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

I awoke to this cute sight one glorious, Saturday-morning in September. The girls were dressed and ready to go. Their excitement was off-the-charts! So, you might be asking yourself...

What special occasion or event could possibly be

SO IMPORTANT....

...that matching dresses had to be put on?

...that we had to sport our lime-green hats AND fuscia, glitter, lip-gloss?

...that we had to look our very, very sleekest?

...that we had to be crowned AND doting dirty, white socks??

You DON'T know?

Grandma Ladybug's Yard Sale, of course.

FALLow Me....

2009-11-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

Around the end of September, I realized that my days to drive up the Canyon for a 'color rich' tour of Fall, were quickly diminishing. So, spontaneously one evening, I decided we were going to drive up Emmigration and squeeze in a little nature moment. It was WELL worth the time.

I happened to have my camera with me. It wasn't really cold at all. It was windy. McKenna had had one of "those moments" earlier that day, where she insisted on wearing an outfit that looks questionable to the rest of society. She was in the shortest shorts she owned, and was only allowed to wear them with the agreement that they would be put in the "summer clothing bin" after that day. But, what do mismatched, questionable outfits almost always bring on?

Kodak moments.

What does a mother do? Skip the pictures? I almost did. But, I think you'll agree...it was smart to just relax and let the memories happen.

Showing me their leaves they were taking home.

When they're not worst enemies, they're best friends.

I love the "best friend" moments.

Doesn't matter who the hairy woman is...she's lucky to get a sweet hug like that!

And, it doesn't matter what you have to do after they get older...you MUST insist on a few Mommy pictures for the blog.

(She's humoring me, but I'm okay with it.)

Favorite quote of the night -

"Hey Berkeley, Let's touch our butts for this one!"

The girls were having so much fun, I just let them walk ahead and enjoy each other for a moment.

McKenna being "herself" and having nutty fun on the trail!

Berk was singing on the trail. I wish you could see her face, it's so "dreamy".
She's got the most beautiful dreams in that head of hers!

McKenna wanted to take a picture of the rock I didn't want her to bring home. This turned out to be a cool picture, I thought! Good job, Kenna!

We live in such a beautiful world. We are so blessed. I couldn't decide which was more beautiful.... the leaves? Or my sweet girls enjoying them?

We will miss you, Fall.

It's always a joy when you come to visit.

We Specialize in Imperfection...

2009-11-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

A person I know posted a blog like this once, and I'm copying her. I don't worry about 'stealing her idea', because: 1- It was an awesome idea. 2- She "de-friended" me on Facebook for some unknown reason...and so I don't worry about offending people like that ! And 3- If she doesn't like me stealing the idea...she'll have to actually "re-friend" me to complain about it - or comment on this blog post and admit she still reads it.

So, on that note...

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has finished reading a friend's or a stranger's blog and logged off, thinking:

"Wow, I wish I could be a cool Mom and do stuff like that."
or
"She always has it SO together. I wish I did."
or
"Their marriage sounds sooooo perfect. Why can't ours be soooo romantic too?"

I'm sure there are many, different, self-depriciating judgements that we place on ourselves...depending on the blog and depending on our current state of being.

But the fact is...on a blog....it's easy to make life look perfect. I'm more than sure that my friend's are aware of how imperfect I am....but for the one's who I still have fooled, I will confess:

1. Berkeley was late to school seven times last quarter. (Although, I'd like to point out that she was "on-time" - 31 times!)

2. It's unusual if my bedroom is EVER clean. It is the "catch-all" of the house...and I only get to it once in awhile. It's embarassing, yes, but it's our reality until we have a basement or "extra room" to hide the "extras" in.

3. My car is only clean like 30% of the time. And, if we are being totally honest, we did grow mold in one of the food trays once. Im not proud of this fact, nor did I have any idea the food was there -- but it happened. The food tray is in the trash now, but "ew."

4. After Mrs. J told us Wednesday night, that Berkeley needed to have her homework in on-time more often- We left for school Thursday morning without the *&^! homework. I had to drive it back to the school later.

5. Sometimes, we have cereal for dinner.

6. Sometimes, we have cookies for breakfast.

7. I told my kids "no" when they wanted to go play out in the first snowfall this year. I didn't have any warm coats for us yet (just jackets), no boots, and I didn't want us to get all "wet and cold". What Mom denies their kids the first snowfall? Isn't it supposed to be "wet and cold"?

8. Sometimes, often, I stay up late on Facebook - when I could be doing housework. Facebook takes less energy, and the laundry will wait for me.

9. I don't always remember to clean my kids ears with q-tips after every tub and shower.

10. While there are many Mom's on the playground early, that are dressed, showered, and have make-up on - I'm not one of them. I'm the Mom with the pj's on and mascara under her eyes.

Truth be told, perfection is frightening to me. I don't want to be perfect...because then people continually expect perfection. How exhausting is that? We specialize in imperfection in this house and, quite frankly, we're okay with that. Would I like to be the "cute Mom" on the playground? Yes. Would I like to have a clean bedroom? Yes. Would I like to get all the laundry done? Not really. I hate the laundry. But, I would like a tidy, neat home.

Sometimes we get those things. Sometimes we don't.

What I feel is important, is that my kids know to keep trying. Every day we can work to be a little better than the day before. That's all. And we can work hard to see the "little things" in life that bring us true joy.

If all else fails, we can at least find the humor in our short comings. There is a sign at my house, that reads:

"You can touch the dust, but please don't write in it."

I've seen others that read:

"Our house was clean yesterday, sorry you missed it!"

"Please excuse the mess, the children are making happy memories."

"Martha doesn't live here."

And one of my personal favorites...

In the words of Michael McLean "Life can be hard. But we, need not be, so hard on ourselves...We must be more gentle with ourselves."

I gotta go clean the car.

Baby Steps No More

2009-10-31T00:40:00.000-06:00

I've already groveled about posting McKenna's Birthday late. BUT....I guess there is always time for more groveling.

Along with McKenna turning five, came time for Kindergarten. I was worried that she would HATE Kindergarten, because McKenna already complained that pre-school (a mere two and a half hours) was too long. "I've had enough of my ABC's, Mom!", she would tell me. What was she going to do when it was three-and-a-half hours of her ABC's?

Well, the big day arrived. She had her outfit layed out the night before and her backpack - ready. It was so sweet, because McKenna wouldn't eat at all that morning. She just wanted to GET THERE. She was nervous and excited all at the same time!

Finally...it was TIME to go....and I couldn't help but get a little emotional when I saw my baby walking down the sidewalk to the car with, what seemed like, a GIANT backpack on her shoulders.

She was so READY. I knew it. She knew it.

Armed with cameras, the parents took turns capturing memories...

She looked sooooo tiny up against the GIANT school wall.

On the Kindergarten playground, McKenna jumped right into playing. I don't know why, but that surprised me. Usually she's so anxious. She did become a little overwhelmed as more kids showed up though, and kept looking to make sure I was close by. I was.

When it was finally time to line up...I could see that my "Little Bug" was the tiniest one in the class! I wasn't worried though - her stature is tiny, but her spirit is large!

I was happy to see Kenna's excitement and surprise when she recognized one of her friends, Isaac, there too. A familiar face helps even the biggest-of-kids feel more comfortable, when you're starting something new. (Isaac is the boy in the brown shirt, above, right next to McKenna.) I guess the two 'newbies' found comfort in having one another there, because when Berkeley checked on Kenna during their recess that day, she said Isaac and McKenna were out on the playground....holding hands.

I felt a little lonely after they followed their teacher inside and the doors shut. McKenna's 'Elementary Journey' had officially begun. It will move fast from this point forward.

I paused for a moment and wondered what I would do first. For the last eight years, all daytime activities had been centered around Berkeley and/or McKenna. I was no longer the mother of toddlers. This was my 'Rite of Passage' too! What would I do first? The possibilities were limitless! Three-and-a-half hours? Really?

So, I did what any smart, self-respecting, Mother would do....

I went home and took a nice, guilt-free, nap.

2009-10-30T10:13:00.000-06:00

I love, love, love....

...them.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Rock the Number FIVE !

2009-10-26T11:10:00.001-06:00

So...any Mom can post about their child's birthday right after it actually happens. It takes a really SPECIAL Mom (and by "special", I mean, disorganized) to celebrate it two months afterwards. Since Im probably still working off the birthday cake from then...it's only fair. McKenna turned FIVE in August! We had a small, family and neighbor get-together on Kenna's actual birthday. We sat outside, played in the grass, and tossed around balloons. Good, cheap entertainment! Then, on Saturday, we had an "Alvin and the Chipmunks" themed party at the park. Here are some pictures and details of those events:

Sitting, waiting patiently for cupcakes and ice cream!

How old are you Kenna?

These are three of McKenna's MOST favorite people to play with. Our neighbors, the Nolans. Dave, Alexis, Noah, and Baby Phoebe are the BEST, most patient, neighbors EVER!! Dave carried ALL of the presents back up the stairs and into the house for us after the party. (Not many husbands will do that for other women besides their own. Thanks, Dave!)

Here's Grandma Ladybug with four of the six granddaughters. Kenna refused to smile or look at the camera for the picture! (She can be a little turkey about that sometimes!)

Here is the picture we sent out with the invitations for McKenna's Chipmunk Party....

It took a lot of creativity to come up with ideas for McKenna's party, because there is NOTHING out there for an "Alvin and the Chipmunks" party theme. **For all of you Mom's or Dad's out there searching for "Alvin and the Chipmunks" party theme favors and ideas -good luck! I had very little success at finding anything. Feel free to steal the ideas I will share in this post,and PLEASE comment and share what you, too, have been able to come up with.

For decorations...we made the balloons to match the Chipmunk's sweater colors...adding Alvin's "A" for effect. Then - for a party banner - my 8-year-old, daughter made music notes, initials of the Chipmunk's names, and we copied pictures of an actual toaster waffle to add on!

For party favors, we bought the "Extra Large Cheese Puffs" and bagged them up. The kids loved it.

We had a little "Party at the Park" this time. Shirlene, our local "cake lady" and friend, makes the CUTEST cakes each year for the Girls' birthdays. As always, she did NOT disappoint! We found some Chipmunk Coloring Pages online and sent the picture to her. Check out the finsihed product!

The best part about Shirlene's cakes is that they taste even better than they look! Thanks so much, Shirlene!

The kids played at the park for a bit. Here are some cute pictures of McKenna and friends having a good time.

McKenna opened presents and it was so cute to see her sit there, really concentrate on the cards, and enjoy her surprises. She was very blessed with many fun things! Thanks to all.

All in all, it turned out to be a fun-filled day. I was touched to see how grown-up McKenna and her friends are becoming. Maggie, Murin, and Rileah couldn't have been sweeter with her on this day...and McKenna truly felt special. That's all you can ask for in a five-year-old's world.

Happy Belated Birthday, Little Bug!

2009-10-26T10:37:00.000-06:00

A really, true, Diva

doesn't give up her "Diva" ...
in her sleep.

I'm too SEXY for my ....

2009-10-25T22:28:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have tried in the past AND more recently to do my part in bettering my community. I don't litter, I vote, and I even discourage my children from picking flowers in public displays. (Hey - at least it's something!) But no cause is more dear to my heart, than my efforts to enlighten my male friends on the eyesores and annoyances caused by misuse of the white sock and shorts in public.

It's truly not right. I mean, MUST YOU men pull that white sock ALL THE WAY up to your knee cap? Really? If your legs are cold...wear pants! Don't just pull the socks up...you look ridiculous! This is not an attractive look - if you're a single man looking to "snag a lady" while out on that Wal-Mart run. This isn't even a trendy look! It's just "HOT TO NOT"! ("Just Say No" - would also apply here.)

Because my efforts to notify the male species about this problem have been unheeded, I have had to take my cause to a more serious level. I am fully aware that these photos are going to be difficult to look at, but if it can help you start to recognize and accept the problem within yourself - your wife/girlfriend, your children, and your friends will thank me later.

Some of you have messaged me on Facebook and argued that socks worn this way is "comfortable". I understand. But, to be fair, BRAS aren't comfortable. Perhaps we women shall stop wearing them and go for "comfort" too!? How would you like that??? Wait - the men I know would totally enjoy a bunch of bra-less women in their community. (Re-Thinking....) Skinny Jeans are uncomfortable...how about we women stop wearing THOSE???? Huh? No more "tight butts" to "drive you nuts" ? How do you like that, Men? Do we wear things that we hate to make YOUR LIVES better? Okay then....perhaps we should "man down" our socks a little....?

Some of you have also argued that "ankle socks" look "lame". First off...I disagree. I think ankle socks are a WAY sexier look than the "knee cap trend". However, I realize that my opinion isn't the only one that counts. I started asking my girlfriends (both married and single) what they thought. Without formal results posted, I need you to know that 100% of women asked, agreed that ankle socks are either sexy or a WAY better alternative. **It should also be noted that women ESPECIALLY have issues with men wearing socks with sandals. Anyhow....back to the issue at hand....or should I say FOOT? (wah, wah, waaaaahhH!)

Because I had to be both quick and inconspicuous about getting these photos...some are blurry. But, it had to be actual REAL occurances and I had to have my phone handy. Faces were never photographed out of respect for the family and friends of the individuals committing such a nasty fopa.

The Albertson's Atrocity....

The Costco Criminal....

The Bullet Bike Bozo...

And finally, my personal favorite,
because no sock can be TOO high...
I went to play BINGO with my Mom
and captured this beauty:

B-9 or MALIGNANT?

I know, it's hard to look at, isn't it?

I've posted this as winter approaches...to give you men the opportunity to wear those socks pulled up as HIGH as you like while you wear your pants for the upcoming months. Just purchase some ankle socks and get ready...because next summer is your summer to SHINE! This is, as opposed, to your socks shining. Don't let those cotton socks steal your "mojo"...be your own MACHO MAN! You CAN!

Finally....I have to send out major PROPS to the men of TOOELE!! I went to a Wal-Mart there yesterday, with my camera all ready to go, just WAITING for my last blog victims. I couldn't find ONE man in the store that didn't have shorts and ankle socks on! It was awesome! I've never been more turned-on in a Wal-Mart! They are raising them right in that city. My "Prince" just may be hiding there....

Because Housework is Boring....

2009-09-01T20:40:00.001-06:00

So, we normally announce family weddings. But this one sort of sprung up on us unexpectedly. While we would have liked to have had many of you attend, there just wasn't time to get out formal invitations. Rest assured though, it was a beautful day, with a beautiful couple, and an AMAZING photographer -- who provided us with a lifetime of memories. The couple looked perfect, like "Ken and Barbie" almost! (It made me want to throw up a bit in my mouth...some couples are just MADE to go together.) Anyhow, Troy and Samantha were married in the Perschon Palace, on Saturday, August 15, 2009. I'll post Samantha's "bridal" photos first, and then the wedding pictures will follow:

Samantha chose an "off-the-shoulder" gown, with lace
accents and a toule veil and train.

Samantha was certain that this light, pink, "strawberries
n' cream" lip color was perfect for her gown. As you can
see....she was right.

Samantha had her hair pulled back in a classy braid, allowing
for halter straps on the shoulders, with a neckline that any bride
would die to have!

Here Samantha shows off the dress' train. It's length flowed
from the kneeline at the back of the dress...out seven inches!
Our "studio back-drop" wasn't even long enough to capture it! We
had to allow some "unsightly side-wall exposure" to give you the
full effect of the train's grand beauty!

Here Samantha holds her bouquet, a lovely
white ensemble, accented with pearls in the
middle. This bouquet comes with an identical
second bouquet when you order it. One is for the bride
to keep, the other is for the bride to throw. (These
"bouquets" can also double as hair bows for your
Build-A-Bear's - nationwide.)

The Bride and her Maids of Honor.
(Left to Right: Berkeley, Samantha, McKenna)

Here are some of the wedding guests. They are
seated and waiting for Troy and Samantha's ceremony to begin.

This is the actual moment Samantha began
walking down the isle. Little flower girls
went before her, sprinkling flowers in the walk way.

Here you'll see the room as the Bride viewed

it for the first time, walking towards the

"preacher" and her Groom.

Troy was soooo nervous...he forgot his shoes!

(And apparently he forgot to comb his hair too!)

Let's give him credit for the fab, royal blue,

knickers though! What style!

Troy and Samantha's wedding was a "Come

As You Are" Event....However, some quests

were asked to hold more flowers than others...

Samantha approaches....the room hushes quiet...

Troy and Samantha look out at the crowd of family and

friends that have come to support them on such a special

day. (The preacher...checks out Samantha's "toule"!)

The ceremonly begins. The couple faces one another...

UNEXPECTEDLY, Samantha is overwhelmed by the moment

and passes out! The crowd gasps. Troy doesn't know what to do.

If he bends over to help her up, his knicker velcro will pop open. If he

doesn't help her, there will be no "celbratory evening events" at the

condo their friends got them for their Honeymoon this evening.

Troy makes the right decision! He goes for his Bride, and helps

her to her feet! Samantha apologizes and reminds the crowd that

she is often light headed from always eating her food and then

throwing it back up. But, she maintains, it was worth it to fit

in this lovely gown her Daddy bought her! Anyhow...the ceremony

continues, they exchange vows, and before you know it.....

It was time for Troy to kiss his Bride!

Troy and Samantha are now Husband and Wife!

The crowd breaks into applause as Troy and

Samantha emerge as "Mr. and Mrs" for the first

time ever! They exit hand in hand, stopping only for

a few photos, and then drive away in their car.

Everyone agrees, Troy and Samantha will surely live

a long, happy, plastic existence together.

Or, that is, until the Landlord of the Perschon Palace

sends them to the D.I. for donations.....

Partly Cloudy - With A Chance of Yellow Hail...

2009-08-31T23:25:00.000-06:00

DID YOU KNOW? That if you slice an apple, take the core, and SNAP! (or cut) it in half....it will magically make a star??? Kids think you are made of magic when you do this.

Speaking of stars....

We went to Leatherby's tonight. Coming out of the restaurant to get in the car....Berkeley says to me:

"The Moon looks all yellow tonight. It's like the stars peed on it."

Nice. Take that visual to bed with ya. I know I am.

Victims of our Up Bringing...

2009-08-13T16:45:00.001-06:00

They do spelling in "word chunks" now in school. There's "-it" week, "-ing" week, "-ack" week, and don't even get me started on "-uck" week. (That's one of my favorite stories.) Anyhow...One day in first grade, I felt concern when I was looking over Berkeley's papers and noticed the word "shit" written, in her handwriting, on her paper. I asked Berkeley about it--a little mortified. She said to me "Oh, we had to write down all the "-it" words we could think of and that IS an "-it" word, Mom." I acknowledged that she was right and immediately asked what Miss. Crowther said about it. She replied "nothing."

I felt relief about the fact that nothing was said to Berkeley. I mean, it is her parent's fault she even knows the word. She just mentally cataloged the list of "-it" words in her world...and "shit" happens to be a common one. However, I was a bit embarrassed! Berkeley and I had a talk about how we should not put "swear words" on our school work and I apologized to her for using it too much. I told her I would try to not say it so often.

(notice the mask is covering her mouth!)

Fast forward two years down the road...

Berkeley is about to enter third grade and the "s" word hasn't necessarily left the household. Im still trying to be a "good Mommy" and not say it so much. (Stop laughing friends, I said "trying!!") So....

I'm talking with my Mom the other day. Berkeley is standing there listening. My Mom swears while getting a little passionate about what she was saying (Hmm...I wonder where I get it from?). Berkeley interrupts our conversation to whisper to me "Mom! Grandma just said "shit!" " I tell Berkeley that Grandma is an adult and can use her words the way she chooses.

Grandma asks: "What is wrong?".

Berkeley says: "You said "SHIT!""

Grandma says: "Oh, I'm sorry, Berkeley."

"I should really knock that shit off, huh?"

Berkeley laughs uncontrollably.
I give up.

$50 Gift Card to Toys R Us | grandmalizzieshouse.com

2009-06-26T14:05:00.000-06:00

My friend is giving a way a $50 Gift Card to Toys R' Us...all your kid has to do to enter is draw a "self-portrait" and either email it to her, or post it on your own blog! She'll take care of getting it posted on her site. Contest ends on June 29th...three days left...so Enter! Enter! Enter!

$50 Gift Card to Toys R Us grandmalizzieshouse.com

Here are Berkeley and McKenna's pictures they drew:

We've become Garbage Diggers...

2009-05-16T00:30:00.000-06:00

Since I was a young girl, about ten, it has happened almost like clockwork. If there was a "big and stressful" event happening in my life, my body carried me through the event and then I would inevitably get sick and sprout a cold sore afterward.

This year we were hit with B's Bday, Easter, and B's Baptism - all within three weeks of each other. I was overloaded with worries about money to pay for it all. I was overloaded with worries of finishing invitations for both of Berk's B-day parties (family and friends) AND invites for her Baptism. I was dumb enough to overload myself with preparations for Berk's first "friend" sleepover b-day party. I was overloaded worrying about Steve's family, his new wife's family, and my family -- all in the same room together for the first time since the divorce. I was OVERLOADED!

Anyhow....now that these events were passed... my bottom lip was trying it's best to "keep the tradition" of cold sores alive. I could feel the "tingling" all over my bottom lip, and I was looking frantically for my cold sore medication. Catching the cold sore in it's "tingling" phase can sometimes help one to avoid an outbreak altogether. Especially if you apply ice quickly to the area and apply thes new medicine I've been using.

It's called "Abreva". Guaranteed to knock a cold sore's "healing time" in half. You get a measely inch-and-a-half of it for about the cost of FIVE happy meals. Yep. $20 bucks for two grams. (I'm guessing that crack might be cheaper?) It's insane. But, here's the thing -- It works. And for those who suffer from cold sores often, getting rid of them quickly is worth the money - if you have it.

I digress. So, I mentioned above, I'm feeling the "tingling" and looking frantically for the medication. I know EXACTLY where it was the night before...and the only person I thought had been near the area long enough to mess with it...was Berkeley. So I asked/accused/badgered her all night about where she could have possibly put it/knocked it/lost it. She continued to deny having touched it at all. I look everywhere and finally give up, heading to bed with a prayer that I don't wake up with a giant, bubbly, blistery lip.

Then next day...the girls and I are in the car and I decided to ask Kenna if she moved Mom's little, blue, tube of medicine. She - knowing how frustrated I was when I questioned Berk the night before -carefully says "Yah...I put some of the lipstick on my baby's lips yesterday and then it was gone - so I threw it in the garbage." Berkeley gasps. My stomach sinks. Yesterday when it "got lost" it was a brand, new tube. How could it possibly be ALL GONE?. I'm thinking about that baby doll's lips and how small they are...there just HAS to be some left! I quiz Kenna some more about -which- garbage can she put it in. At this point...we have NO money to buy more...and I'm getting desperate to treat my lip before a breakout emerges.

Berk and I both dive for the bedroom garbage can when we get home. We find the tube in there and it is, in fact, empty. Twenty freaking dollars wasted on a BABY DOLL! When you are dirt poor, little things like this can really be frustrating. I held it together though. Berk exclaims - "SEE, I TOLD YOU I DIDN'T TAKE IT, MOM!" I had to totally apologize to Berk for accusing her. I explained to Kenna that we NEVER play with Mommy's medicine. Then I squeeze the tiniest bit left out of the bent tube and rub it on my lower lip. Truly there is nothing I can do about it now. So all I can do is shrug it off.

BUT...

If that freaking doll gets a cold sore, I'm gonna be pissed.

I bet MY Jesus can beat up YOUR Jesus....

2009-05-12T12:36:00.000-06:00

Berkeley was baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recently.

April 18, 2009 was the day. She was very cute about it all. She was a little nervous about the part where she would be in the water with everyone looking at her. She said "...and that underwear thing doesn't really work for me." I had to laugh. At some point, in her anxiety ridden history, I must have told her to think of everyone in the audience in their underwear. :) We came up with something else that she thought would help...and when we were drying her off in the bathroom after the big dunk, she said "I didn't even have TIME to think of everyone getting their forehead licked...!"

She handled herself with grace throughout the day. I was very proud of her. She was such a little lady in her white dress. She felt like a "beautiful princess" and she looked like one. She made sure to thank people for coming that day and she also thanked people when they handed her a little card or present. Thanks to everyone who came and supported her. We wish we could have invited more, but there were fifty people there as it was!

Here's a picture of the dress she wore:

On a very personal note...
I've been pretty religiously conflicted lately. I'm not spiritually conflicted...but have recently learned some things about the LDS Church that I am not sure if I believe. This is something that has been very difficult for me...especially at a time when Berkeley would be baptised. I was really struggling with allowing her to commit to a religion that I wasn't 100% committed to at the present moment. However, I've come to peace with it. I still believe in 80% of the things I was raised to believe in, probably more than that. Being a member of the Church has blessed my life immensely...and I will never deny that. While I am not sure if I belong "in the church" anymore...I am still aiming to be a very Christian human. I believe in God and Jesus. I believe that we are blessed by working to be more "Christ-like" in our lives. I believe in miracles, angels, feeling inspired, prayer, good values, and more.

If Berkeley is taking a moment in childhood to mark a commitment to these things...I'll support it. In my opinion...very few children will KNOW at age eight if the Church is true. They may KNOW it works for their family. They may KNOW that church makes them happy. They may even have had answers to their prayers. But, the reason I feel that "we" make such a big deal out of them being baptised, is to start them on a clean pathway towards being more Christ-like individuals. They can dedicate a day in their young lives..where they can begin to focus consciously on making good choices, being accountable for stupid ones, and learning MORE about their religion and Who/what they stand for. They can strive to be good examples as friends, family, and in society. This is why I decided that this was a good thing. And it was.

I felt the Spirit on this day. I felt joy and gratitude as I was surrounded by my family~in support of Berkeley~who don't even believe in the LDS faith (or even in God, in some cases) They came anyways. Because they LOVE her and they love me. Whether they wanted to be Christ-like or not...this is the definition of true, Christ-like, love to me.

I hope my children, no matter what religion they do or do not choose in adulthood, will always believe in a Heavenly Father. A God above who created them, loves them, and will help them when they are struggling. A God who can work miracles in their lives, and the many lives around them. A God...who sends us angels....to whisper in our ears when we aren't sure what to do. A God who knows them better than they know themselves. This is what I want for my children. Then, they will never feel totally alone. I've felt pretty alone in my life. Had I not known and believed in God...I don't know how much more hopeless things would have been.

Who knows, on my journey through these doubts, of which side I'll end up. I beg the patience of those around me (both members of the LDS church and not). I may go back, choosing just to "agree to disagree" on some things. Despite what the "nay sayers" of the church say...when we truly strive to live what the church's core goals are....it's a beautiful place to raise your children and self. (I don't know which is harder...raising the girls...or raising me! LOL) But..know this...wherever I end up will be the product of much prayer, fasting, and study. If I don't choose "your way", then know that I've chosen a way that I'm willing to answer to my God for. This is what is important.

If I'm wrong...well, I guess "Hell" will have to decide if they can handle me. ;) (Ten bucks says they'll get rid of me after three days of my constant ruminating!) Heaven or Hell - there better be Coke with lime there...and chips and salsa...and guacamole...and bbq'd steak...and Baskin and Robbins Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream...and...Wicked, the Musical.

On the subject of miracles...
Berkeley's baptism marked the first time, since the divorce, that both families (Steve's and Mine) were in a room together. Our divorce has not been one with many fluffy or amiable feelings, much to my regret. It hasn't been one of much truth either, might I add. (Shit, so much for being Christ-like. Repent, repent....) My focus that day was on Berkeley. I hoped their focus would be that too. I was nervous, but everyone was relatively well-behaved. It was fun to see how the children on Steve's side have grown. It's weird to call them your "nieces and nephews" while you're married for eight years...and then suddenly they are not "yours" anymore. You've loved them, watched them grow, enjoyed watching your children form bonds with them, and then "POOF!" They are not yours...or "your business" anymore. Just another part of divorce that bites the big one.

Big ceremonies in life, big moments with family, big "religious" struggles...all these things make me gather myself into my soul and fill me with gratitude. I AM SO BLESSED. I have so many crappy, crappy things going on in my life right now. But no matter how many times I count my trials...there are always INFINITELY more blessings. God is so mindful of me. He blesses me even when I get ticked with Him. He blesses me even when I am a potty mouth. He blesses me even when I don't necessarily like Sunday School. He blesses me even when it's been awhile since I've thanked him for my blessings.

Enough for now. I love you all so much.

What's In Your Wallet?

2009-04-08T23:48:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the picture Ryan and Katy! So sweet! Clover 2009

I've had a terribly bad week. One thing after another. So I decided we can play a game today - to keep things light. Here's how to play:

Pretend it's Monday. (Don't worry, it's just a game. You can go back to Thurs. in a minute!)

You are at the gym.

You open your purse for the first time since last Friday...because you had a lazy weekend at home and had no need for it.

What's the strangest thing you find in that purse of yours?

Me? Half-eaten "McGriddles" Pancakes that McKenna INSISTED on saving for later.

Three days qualifies as "later"...wouldn't you say?

I win.

Need a Self Esteem Boost? Don't Call Us.

2009-03-19T14:47:00.000-06:00

I have always felt blessed that Berkeley feels comfortable enough to talk to me about the things her friends and she discuss when I am not there. I hope that she will always feel comfortable to to talk to me about things. However, a couple of days ago Berkeley and I are hanging out, when she tells me the following:

Berkeley: "Abby had this thing on her cheek today, it looked like a zit."

Me: "Oh, that's not good."

Berkeley: "Yah, but I told her not to worry, because her's was small and my Mom's zits are way, way, WAY bigger than that."

Me: "Unfortunately, that's probably true."

Berkeley: "Yah, but Abby said "No," that her "Mom's zits were sooooo HUGE."

While I was mentally trying to pick my self-esteem off the ground...I was also giggling to myself thinking that our daughters were sitting there "trumping" each other with whose Mom had the biggest zits. Hilarious. It reminded me of another time in motherhood when I was bathing Berkeley and said to me:

"Mom, are you ever going to try to look sexy like those Victoria Secret Models in the commercials?"

I can't remember my exact response...but it was something like: "Well, I have tried to look that way...but not everybody looks like that."

She replied: "Well, your hair doesn't really look good like you have it right now..." (it was on top of my head in a nasty looking half ponytail...) "and maybe you could not wear your glasses ~ because you look prettier without them."

Looking back...my sarcastic response to the "Are you ever going to try to be sexy....?" question would be: "Everyday, Berkeley...Everyday." We're always trying to look sexier, skinnier, and younger. But "In My Daughters Eyes", Martina McBride, it's amazing that I was ever attractive enough to produce offspring to insult me. :)

I'm strong enough to take the periodic beatings. Deep down I know that she means no harm at all. Like I said...at least she talks to me. Besides...I like to think that uglier people than me have found someone to think they are sexy.... so I'll never lose hope! LOL

I Love You, Berkeley.

The Nicorette Ghost ??

2009-03-18T00:09:00.000-06:00

I can't imagine how hard it would be to quit something that has been a part of your entire life.

When I was younger I used to leave "Stop Smoking" pamphlets around the house for my Mom. I'd leave them in her purse, on her pillows, under the ashtrays... As a thirty-four-year-old now, I still hold out hope that she will quit one of these days. I want her around with us as long as we can possibly have her.

The grandkids have started learning about smoking at school. They know it is bad for your health. They know that Grandma Ladybug smokes. They have heard their parents complain about having to be around it anywhere (not just at Grandma's house). We have heard comments from the girls here and there about their concerns for Grandma...but I had to smile when I saw this note posted at my Mom's recently, on the whiteboard on her fridge:

I had to wonder if my Mom thought I'd "put Berkeley up to it". I didn't. She did this totally and completely on her own. But, I wouldn't have stopped her. It is her way of expressing her fears and worries about Grandma too. These little ladies love their Ladybug beyond measure...and if the power of the "house ghost" is strong enough...he just might be able to work magic...

I love you, Mom. Just when you thought you had escaped all the pamphlet surprises...along came my offspring. :) Sorry about that!

What a way to start the day....

2009-03-18T00:02:00.000-06:00

McKenna and I were snuggling in bed Sunday morning...and I decided to grab my phone and take a picture. These are good moments.

New Family Photo...

2009-03-17T23:57:00.001-06:00

It's our best photo yet.... Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it!

I guess we're going to start doing "Family Nights"....

2009-02-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Berkeley has a great sense of humor and a unique way of saying things. She is honest and painstakingly straightforward. Even when she was little I kept a book of her comments so that I wouldn't forget some of the things she said. Here are some examples:

Example one:

When she was trying on white dresses this week (for her upcoming baptism), I asked her if she liked the dress she currently had on more, the same, or less than the dress she had already gotten at home. She said to me: "Oh, I broke up with that other one."

Example two:

A few weeks ago, McKenna was throwing one of her "fits". McKenna is quite the diva when she isn't getting her way. Berk and I have become accustomed to her "moments"....but this time Berkeley looks at me and says "I like to call her the "fit-maker"...because she throws fits." I am so sure that she isn't aware of the term "widow-maker"...but the ironic way she made her words work together was just funny to me.

Example three:

There's a "flair button" for teachers on Facebook that reads: "Don't believe everything your kid tells you happened at school...and we won't believe everything your kid tells us happened at home." I am clinging to that thought when telling you the next story:

When Berkeley was little I always worried about the fact that she "didn't like" people with darker skin. I worried about her growing up racist and constantly tried to tell her that people were different on the outside, but we all were the same on the inside. It horrified me to think that she might not grow out of this.

Eventually she started calling people "chocolate skin" and "vanilla skin". This was more positive than her other negative comments...so I went with it. For awhile -- I would refer to skin color as "chocolate" or "vanilla". Pre-school teachers and psychologists reassured me she would grow out of it....and thankfully, she did. (I guess it's not SO abnormal for kids to be freaked out about people who look very different from them.)

She hasn't seemed to have an issue about it since Kindergarten....so we haven't talked about it much until the recent election. She always properly referred Barack Obama as "African American", so I didn't see the need to bring up her past issues. However...she came home a few weeks ago....and told me that they were talking about what you should and should not call people of different races. Berkeley proudly says to me "I told my class that we don't like to call them African Americans...so we call them chocolate and vanillas!" My inner thoughts immediately screamed "Oh, dear God, please tell me she did NOT just say that we "didn't like to" call them African Americans...." She did. Needless to say...we had to have a conversation about how we needed to call people their proper names now. But, the damage had been done publically already!

Example four...

While I am sure that her previous comment left me "shining" in the eyes of her teachers...I picked up Berkeley's homework recently to read it through. The students had done an assignment in class where they could fill out what they would like and would not like to do...in regards to a story about "being outside." Here were her statements:

Sleep outside - Berk marked that she WOULD like this.
Reason she would like this: "Because I like outdores."

Then down the list...

Find a place to camp - Berk marked that she WOULD NOT like this.
Reason she wouldn't like it: "Because you have to walk a lot."

Last it read....

Live in a cattle ranch - Berk marked that she WOULD NOT like this.
Reason she would like it: "Becaus its hard work."

Basically...my child likes to be outdoors IF she doesn't have to walk a lot or do any hard work whatsoever... We're SO proud. I am sure her teachers are wondering what the heck I am teaching her at home. I'd write more, but apparently I need to go plan a "Family Night" on "The Value of Hard Work and Physical Exercise." I also haven't finished my "Mother of the Year" application...so that is going to take a little time too...

Cheers.

Cinderella Poopy Pants...

2009-01-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes me and Berkeley smile & laugh harder than when McKenna tells me that she wants some "CRAPtain Crunch" for breakfast. No matter how many times I say "CAPtain Crunch? Okay, lets go get you some" -- she still says it the same way the next time around. She does this unintentionally (as far as I can tell). The innocence in it is what makes it so completely funny. It's not gross, like my brother's "gross" humor growing up.

Randy and his friends could spend hours laughing over one, raunchy, fart. The word "buttercup" comes to mind...and it isn't a happy memory. (Shame on big brothers EVERYWHERE for ever doing this to your little sisters!) My eyes are watering now, as I try not to remember.

I wasn't raised a "prude" though, at our house growing up you had to belch at LEAST a seven to even call yourself a "family member." Mom won't admit it now, but she got in on a few contests...and she was the one who started "rating" them, if I remember correctly.

In college, I am embarrassed (now) to say that my GRAND "belching ability" was no secret among my roomies. One of my six roommates was dating a football player, who belched one night in our dorm room. I mentioned that it was a bit "weak"...and that's when the "challenge" began. HE WAS WARNED not to challenge me...but he didn't listen. While sparing you the details...I proudly put him to shame. It was cool to beat the six-foot-tall, "tough guy", but this talent has NOT won me a lot of dates or admiration from the boys over the years. It comes across as "un-lady-like" for some reason ???

So, that said, I have tried so hard NOT to instill in my daughters, the great art of "Fart and Poop Humor." I don't know...it IS funny at times...but who is going to date the girls in college who can make fart sounds with their armpits? Am I wrong? Therefore, I go about my days trying to keep the little princesses "Fart-Humor-Free."

I am not succeeding in the least bit.
This was the conversation in the car last week:

(McKenna is singing a Cinderella song and adding the word "poop poop!" in after every stanza.)

Mom says: "Kenna...There's no "POOP POOP" in the Cinderella story!"

Kenna argues: "Yes DEHR iz! I read about Cinderella...She wived (lived) in a castle! And she pooped all day!"

(Berkeley and McKenna break into laughter in the back seat.)

Then Berkeley chimes in: "YAH! And I read about Cinderella -- She left her shoe --the ONE shoe...And guess what the Prince saw in it? POOP!"

(More hysterical laughter in the back seat from them both.)

McKenna chimes in again: "Cinderella...she had POOP on her blue wedding dress!!! Hahahahaha!"

(They keep laughing. I just shake my head, keep driving, and try not to smile or laugh too hard.)

Then later in that week....
The girls had gone down for bed, but were being restless and not going to sleep.

I holler to them from the livingroom:
"McKenna....You need to settle down! And Berkeley....I heard you talking too..."

The girls are silent...but I hear a "flatulent-like sound" from the bedroom.

McKenna (in some effort not to get in trouble again...and to try to protect Berkeley) yells: "That was Berkeley's butt!"

(I think it is funny...but stay silent. The quiet resumes. Then I hear another "toot":)

McKenna yells: "That was her butt again!"

Looks like somebodys butt is going to get a "time-out" if it doesn't pipe down soon!

First, Second, Third, Fourths, FIFTHS?

2009-01-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of it? Fifth's Virus. It's a skin rash...Berkeley's was on her face. It started Friday and just looked like a few little pimples coming up on the skin. Then, throughout the weekend it spread a bit. Berkeley's cheeks would go really red and blotchy. It would come, go away, come again, go away. Lotion didn't help. Allergy medicine didn't help. Weird, right? Well, after going to the doctor, it turns out she has a skin virus called FIFTH's. It doesn't hurt, burn, itch...nothing. And there's no treatment. You just "wait it out." However, you CAN'T be near pregnant women if you have this virus. It's very dangerous for them...or their babies....and I'm not sure why. I guess you usually get a fever right before the rashes come (we didn't notice this in Berk) and that is when you are contagious. Unfortunately...we were around my pregnant neighbor AND my pregnant friend on Friday. But...just in case we saw YOU on Thursday or Friday...and you are hiding a secret pregnancy ...this is your ALERT to call your OB. Tell them you were exposed.

I'm posting the pictures just as an FYI. You can watch for when your kids get it. It isn't "severe" looking...just rashy.

Anyhow...Christmas was quick and chaotic. I hope to mail out our "Pre-Valentine, Happy Late Christmas and New Years" packages this week. Sorry to those we have failed miserably....we try hard! I just did a lot of photo cd's this year and all the editing takes FOREVER. I love it...but it's time consuming. Here's a review of what our Christmas entailed:

Gingerbread houses.... Always a fun tradition.

I love how you can take this:

And turn it into THIS:

Traditions Continued...We also had a great time this year painting our own wooden ornaments. We did this when I was a child...and although I don't remember painting the ornaments...it was always so fun to see what I had painted and hang it on the tree each year. Here are ours:

McKenna's are all the orange ones...a Christmas color delight for many in the world! (Not.) But hey, she had fun! I had fun too. Berkeley took her time and did her best work. They were excited to hang them on the tree once they had dried.

We did make it to the Zoo Lights this year but not until after Christmas. You would think at this point in this paragraph...I would talk about how cool it was...how much smaller the crowds were after Christmas....or something of the sort. Not so.

People...we are going to talk about hot chocolate.

Lucky for us, going after Christmas meant we got hot chocolate mugs at half price...$4.00 ! WHAT THE HE**!? $4.00 for hot chocolate in a light-up mug? That is insane. And did I mention that was HALF PRICE !?!?! Who pays $8.00 for freaking hot chocolate in a light-up mug??? And, whomever you are, STOP DOING THAT! Shame on you, crazy people. YOU are the reason Hogle Zoo thinks that they can charge this amount!! For that price....it may just be cheaper to treat frostbite. (You don't need all of your fingers anyhow. You have ten of them.) For EIGHT DOLLARS - that mug better wash itself and put itself away. IT WASN'T EVEN DISHWASHER SAFE!

Truly, what is the zoo thinking? It's a mug and it's filled with hot chocolate. EIGHT DOLLARS??? How do people with more than two children afford it? It's a good thing I was able to look past the SICK prices and enjoy the scenery...right? Can't let a little posh hot chocolate ruin the Spirit of the holidays!?

Since we are on the "Spirit" of the season though, our little family did have a GIANT surprise blessing this year. It's hard for me to talk about it, because it still touches my heart so much. But we had a couple "secret" angels of Santa (and Heavenly Father) donate a load of extra presents to the girls for Christmas morning. This came after these two "angels" already had spoiled them openly with gifts. It truly made the girl's Christmas morning, to wake up expecting only three presents each...and seeing such a "plentiful" display. It was overwhelming to me and our cup truly "runneth over". Thank you to them again, you know who you are. You'll never know just how much it meant.

It's always so funny to me how neatly wrapped gifts start like this:

And end up leaving a room looking like this:

It's the MERRY part of Christmas, I suppose!

Jenny Miller, you wished us a very "pink" Christmas.....and I thought I would take a picture of the livingroom Christmas morning...just to show you how accurate you didn't know you were (lol):

Two little girls = A LOT of pink! It's so much fun. It' won't last long.

I get so intimidated as each year as the costs to raise children get bigger and the budget stays the same. But there have been many this year who have helped us out and done little (and BIG) things to help us function comfortably. Obviously my Mom and "Grandpa Russ" are two of those people. They've gone beyond the normal to help us out...and we can't say "thank you" quickly enough...before help is on its way again. This goes the same for Shannon, John, Grandma Debbie, Wolfy, and so many others. I used to be great at getting "thank you" cards out...but not-so-much lately. If I missed saying "thank you" to you...."thanks so much."

Finally, I wanted to mention my absolute gratitude, for the ability to witness yesterday's Presidential Inauguration. I'm so proud of the progress we have made as human beings. I am so grateful my children will be able to live in a world where positive change occurred. It's cheesey...but I stood in my livingroom, made Berkeley hold my hand and watch too, and teared up as Barack Obama took his oath of office. I told Berkeley and McKenna that, one day, they would want to remember where she was in that moment. At four, Kenna most likely won't remember. But at seven-years-old, there's a good chance Berkeley will. I hope so.

Dwindling Moments...

2008-12-31T00:41:00.000-07:00

So, I have no uncommon excuses for not keeping things updated around Christmas. There will be a fun update on all of our December activities soon. But, until then, it should suffice to report that no one died while buying, wrapping, giving, or opening presents. The cards got out. The packages are still not mailed. And life will proceed at a quickly moving pace.

That is why tonight, I was blessed to have McKenna fall asleep while laying in my arms. I was reading a blog, talking to Berkeley, and she just wrapped her arm around my neck...and drifted off. Moments like these are dwindling as she grows older (four going on twenty-five)....and so I must savor them.

Thanks, Heavenly Father. I needed that little moment. She's been hard lately.

Pictures I just had to share....

2008-12-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

So this will be kind of RANDOM (at best...) but there are some pictures that I have been wanting to share for awhile. I haven't quite figured out a way to tie them into other posts. So...here we go! All in the name of humoring Mel:

I love this picture . Don't know why. Can't really explain it. I am quite "intimacy deprived"...it could be that. But this was awesome to me!

Who thought of this? And better yet....Who was able to create this with a computer? Soooo cool!

Next....

Never short of creating laughs at our house....

One day I was sitting in the livingroom and Berkeley just wandered out with this "get up" on. The photos may lead the average parent to ask...."How does a child create this look from the"dress up" box? " Well...it seems to be a combination of Sunday clothes (from her closet), and the "Doctor Kit" drawer accessories. Berkeley looked so serious, that it left me no doubt that my "crazy" gene had transfered over to her juuuuuuuuuust fine!

~I like to call this look "The Crazy Amish Lady".

Next...

I flew to St. Louis in October, for one of my best friend's weddings. I ran across one of the cutest window displays I'd seen in awhile. I just thought it was so fun. So I took a picture of it for you all:

Mini Denim Jeans! (Can you imagine the NUT that sewed all of those? Insane!) When this window display "expires".... some store employee is going to give these to her daughter...and that girl's Barbie is gonna be "set" with her new "jeans collection" for 2009! I'm almost jealous for Berkeley and McKenna right now, almost.

I took a "close-up" too (cuz I know you're beggin for more!):

I love how each little jean is "posed and placed." So fun! Clearly I need to get out and have "big girl" time more often, since I came home with a picture of this window....and took no photos of the "famous ARCH". But this was my thought: There are probably TONS of great pictures of that arch online. I can look-it-up IF I need to see it again. But pictures of cute window displays...with MINI JEANS?

Well, I guess I could just go into the girls room and look through the Barbie clothes....

And finally....

The Halloween Costume McKenna just HAD to have in AUGUST...we purchased and she REFUSED to wear the wig at all. It was the thing that "made" the costume...since Kenna is brunette and Sharpay from HSM is blonde. However, she put the costume on WITH the wig a few days ago....and it was so cute! So I had to share:

She realized she forgot the ever important, LIPSTICK, so we had to capture that photo moment too.

"This Little Light of Mine ~ I'm Gonna Let it Shine!"

2008-12-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Berkeley, my seven-year-old, has struggled with Selective Mutism since she was quite young. This is a condition in which a child has major anxiety speaking in social situations. They may speak freely and in a normal voice tone at home, but anywhere else outside of the home can be a struggle. Children who suffer from SM can react to their anxiety by being completely silent or masking their real voice in an effort to "hide" themselves. In Berkeley's situation, she has almost always refused to speak publically...or she would speak in a very high "mousey" tone, which few could understand. This made things difficult when pre-school and kindergarten started. Near the middle of Berk's kindergarten year, we sought help through the school's speech therapist, a school counselor, and an outside source for therapy as well. She made huge improvements in the first grade and has done REMARKABLY well in second grade. She still occasionally struggles or hesitates to speak in front of her class or groups, but I can't complain when comparing to what things were like before.

For me as a mother, this has been really hard to watch a child go through. Always being incredibly social and verbal myself, I couldn't believe one of MY children would be shy or anxious about talking to anyone! In fact, I always thought my kids would have the opposite problem. It was also difficult for me to see what a fun, outgoing, free-spirit Berkeley was at home -- and then see her completely shut down. She was holding her true self from the world, and to me, that was tragic. She is a bundle of spirit, love, and humor when she is comfortable. I would look at pictures like these below.... and wonder why she couldn't just be comfortable in who she was:

This week though... something fantastic happened...

I got a call from a school PTA member. Berkeley has taken the "Grand Prize" in the K-2nd grade Literature category for the 2008 Reflections Contest! I was so surprised and excited for her! She would be so proud! But then the PTA lady dropped the bomb: "We were wondering if Berkeley would be willing to read her poem in the school assembly honoring Reflections winners- tomorrow!" Immediately I knew that wasn't about to happen --even on a good day for Berk. I explained Berkeley's speaking issues to the lady. She offered to have Berkeley read her poem on a video camera (and then they could play it for the school) if she felt more comfortable that way. It was worth a shot.

I wish you all could have seen that sweet girls face when I told her that she won! It was priceless. She immediatley asked...."Am I going to be on t.v.?" I told her that there was no t.v. broadcast....but that she was invited to read it in front of the school the next day. She blurted out the second-grader equivalent of "Not just 'no', but HELL NO!". I explained the "video taping" option to her and she refused that too. But as the night went on...she was considering it. I couldn't believe it!

Sometimes our children will move mountains right before our eyes -- and Berkeley's mountain was before her. She came home from her Dad's that night, asked me to curl her hair for the video taping, put on some pink eye shadow and lip gloss....and recited that poem FROM MEMORY --right into the camera!!! I couldn't believe it. It was even very close to her normal voice tone! Truly she was not about to let her "big moment" pass her by in silence.

The next day, I was SURE she would decide to just "bag it" last minute. But we got up early....curled every stitch of her hair....and 'off' to school she went. The assembly came - they announced her name - and she walked up to accept her award. They played the video. She stood there while the crowd applauded...and I was a teary mess of pride! Even her past teachers were blown away at what they were seeing. It was AWESOME!! So many people came up to her afterwards, congratulating her and hugging her. It was a BIG moment. She had overcome something inside of her. Even if it was temporary, she had allowed her true self to be seen!

That night...she snuck into the livingroom after her sister had fallen asleep. She said to me with a smile..."I was kind of embarassed when they played that video for the school." I looked at her and said "Yah....but did a little, tiny part of you feel really proud too?" She shook her head "yes"-- and we talked again about how awesome that day was.

Tiny miracles. One day at a time. One proud little-girl and one VERY proud Mom.

"You did it kiddo! Way to go!"

Her film is below. It is a little dark in the background...but the sound is great. You may need to turn it up--but she speaks clearly. Enjoy it!

For when your kitchen table has that "not so fresh" feeling...

2008-11-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile and I apologize. Life just takes over sometimes...and I have just been working to keep up with it. I'll dive in on what we've been up to...it's a long one, people. Thanks for those who actually read it all the way through! I'll use a lot of pictures to try and keep you entertained as I ramble about the cuties.

McKenna started pre-school in September. It is so cute to see her with the other kids because she is so tiny. I kept thinking how fun it would be to see them all lined up together, so I asked them to pose one day. Here are the photos:

See that little, tiny, bug (second to from the left)? That's McKenna!

Here's a closer look:

McKenna has decided recently though, that she is NOT a big fan of pre-school. She cries, pleads with me, and carries on and on and on. However, we are paying to do this...she is going. But not before she tries to kill me first. To say she is in a "rebellion stage" right now would be an understatement. She has decided that NO ONE is going to force her to enjoy pre-school. She demonstrated this in her pre-school pictures recently. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, come back with me, to the day BEFORE pre-school pictures......

Every child apparently does this once in their young lives. Berkeley had her turn two weeks before this and McKenna decided to try the same thing. She cut her own hair. I had put McKenna in her room for quiet time, and was resting on my bed waiting for some headache medicine to kick in. The next thing I know, Kenna is asking me if she can get a drink. I noticed quick that she'd cut it and, when I asked, she fessed up immediately. With pride she announced that she had only cut "a little". WRONG!

Here she is BEFORE she found the scissors.... (notice the bangs and longer hair length): ...and AFTER her little mis-deed....(no more bangs, length is long and short all over):Then some lady at "Great Clips" tried to fix it (that's supposed to be the "jagged bang look"):
It was frustrating...but at least we had a WAD of hair to show everyone who asked about her "pretty new haircut!". ANYWAYS.... Back to pre-school pictures.

We got to the studio and McKenna REFUSED to sit and smile for anyone. The photographer told us to just "walk and talk by the background" and he would casually snap a shot when she smiled. Well...Kenna was on to his evil plan. She stood there glaring the entire time. When Berkeley and I backed away from Kenna for a second.....this was the shot he got:

(Photo courtesy of Wayman Photography 2008)

Awwww....doesn't she look...just...so....pissed? My Little Diva.

Then today when we were talking about going to pre-school...she announces "I've had ENOUGH of my ABC's!". I thought I was going to die laughing. She proclaims to me "I DON'T want to do "W"...I already know that one...and I NOT going to go!" She lost this argument.

Halloween came fast and furious at our house.....Berkeley got her costume in July. McKenna got her costume in August. Kind of. McKenna REFUSED to wear her costume on the day of her pre-school party...and Berkeley wore her costume to her school party only. Then, Halloween morning, they come out of their room dressed in matching Cinderella dresses that we've owned for years. They announced that they were going to be "MATCHING CINDERELLAS!" (I'm quietly visualizing my money swirling down a flushing toilet...along with the purchased costumes....) Of course, I captured the cute moment:

Near Halloween we also carved pumpkins. I always forget what a pain it is to dig all the pumpkin guts out. Luckily - we painted most of ours. BUT....this year I waxed all "Martha Stewart" on myself...and tried not one, but two of her Halloween ideas. I must have had a fever or something. Anyhow...here is Martha's version of the lime green and copper glitter pumpkins: And here was mine (Take note: We made such a mess with the lime green pumpkin that there is NO copper glitter pumpkin. Maybe next year....NOT) :

As you can see....it is just NOT the same without a periwinkle wall in your house and black accents to boot. My bad.

BUT....hold onto your seats...because the other "Martha" idea turned out pretty cool. I was rather proud! Here is Martha's version of a green pumkin (called a Banana Squash?) with a spider carved in it:

And here is mine: Not too shabby~! I was quite proud. Very cool looking...and that's coming from an arachnaphobe! (No doubt, spelled wrong.)

Finally.....a short story about cleanliness:

We have always kept diaper wipes on the back of our toilet, so that we can all keep ourselves "fresh and clean" (Perschon Good Potty/Body Ettiquette Page 1). Therefore, it is not unheard of for me to grab diaper wipes when I'm in a hurry and use them to wipe something off the bathroom floor, toothpaste out of the sink, etc. We also use the Kirkland brand of Clorox Wipes to clean around the house.

When the girls were little and they wanted to help me clean...I would hand them a package of diaper wipes and let them wipe down the walls, their bikes, toys...whatever they wanted. I didn't like them to touch the Kirkland/Clorox wipes because of the chemicals on them. However, as Berkeley & McKenna get older, I will show them the "proper cleaning items" and model "how Mommy does things" for chore time.

That said....

Recently I was at the store and decided to purchase some feminine cleansing wipes. I thought it might be good to see if these worked suffieciently, since the diaper wipes can get expensive and you can't flush them. I went home, put these feminine wipes on the back of the toilet, and went on my "fresh and clean" way. (You can see what's going to happen, right?)

A few days later, when I was in the shower, the girls were helping to clean up the house before company came. I hollered to Berkeley to please get the Clorox wipes and clean off our kitchen table. I hadn't heard Berk come into the bathroom...but when I got out of the shower I noticed that the "feminine wipes" package was empty on the bathroom counter. Berkeley had apparently been feeling too lazy to track down the Kirkland/Clorox wipes....

And that, my friends, is how our kitchen table got cleaned with feminine cleansing wipes.

EQUATE FLUSHABLE FEMININE WIPES....

For when your kitchen table has that "not-so-fresh" feeling...

Any one want to come for dinner?

Moving...

2008-09-30T14:49:00.000-06:00

Sucks.

(I will update soon when I get my computer up and going at the new place. I'm exhausted right now. The boxes are hovering over me at night and begging to be unpacked. If I hide under the covers they think I'm not there....shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....don't tell.)

Love at first sight?

2008-09-15T23:39:00.000-06:00

We went up Milcreek Canyon this weekend for a night of roasted hot dogs and smores. The campfire was perfect. The scenery was gorgeous. The weather was not too cold. The kids were fantastic. The stars were dreamy. It was so great. There was only one kink....the bumble bees.

We found between seven to eight bees inside of my friends', niece's, jacket. Poor thing...she got stung twice! She was so brave. The job of going through the 'infested jacket' belonged to me. Those who know me....know that this isn't even in my REALM of things I'm comfortable with! I even killed the live bees I found in the jacket and threw them into the fire. I was totally being cool about it. You all would have been proud. Until I wasn't so brave....

About ten minutes into the hunt for bees....I felt this 'tickling' in my shirt. I walked over to the side where no one could see...and reached down my shirt to "double check". I figured that I was just being paranoid from the whole experience. I saw and felt nothing. So I kept on checking around our site...trying to see where the bees had come from.

Then came more "tickling"...and not the good kind. Its the kind of sensation and movement under your clothing that whispers to you....."NOPE....you're not paranoid...you're about to disrobe in front of children..." I looked down and saw the bee in my clevage. Frantically....I'm swishing and twisting my clothing to get it out. I didn't take my shirt off...but with all the panic...I fear that I educated my friend's niece and nephew beyond need. I was in a panic! I immediately felt like that bee was EVERYWHERE in my shirt! No one had seen it drop or fly out...so I finally had to remove my brazier under my shirt to be double...TRIPLE sure. Once I was convinced that he was gone, I was relieved that I didn't get stung!

Post Bee-Attack....I had these images of me getting stung, having an allergic reaction, and then having to show the doctor my "affected area". It would be the one time I got the single, available, 33-yr-old intern, right? That would make a good love story: "Tell us doctor, was it love at first sight?"

Anyhow...sorry for the long break in posts...but I've been sick for three weeks. Almost all is well now...and I'm trying to catch up on everything. So, for now, let's end with Berkeley's favorite joke to tell people when she's feeling naughty:

Q: What do you do to scare a bee?

A: You yell "BOO!-BEE!"

I'll show you mine, IF you show me yours.

2008-08-19T09:33:00.000-06:00

The girl's father got married this summer. Their new step-mother's name is Dawnelle. She is very nice and sweet to my girls, and I appreciate her for that. Many times throughout courtship and engagement, Dawnelle has been selfless enough to watch the girls, feed the girls, bathe the girls, and even plan fun activities with the girls. It takes a special person to do this, and we are blessed to have her. However, I think we may need to ask a wee bit more of her in the near future...

You see, Berkeley came home with an interesting thought last night about Dawnelle, that I hadn't thought of before. (And I have thought deeply about potential questions that may come up...so I am ready!) But when Berk shot this one out...and I did not have a pre-rehearsed or even NATURAL response for her right away.

We were eating dinner and randomly she says to me: "Mom, this isn't fair. Why does Dawnelle get to see our naked bodies, but we don't get to see hers?"

I must say, her point seemed quite valid. My first reaction was to possibly say "Well, because you are a child and she is an adult." But that isn't the right answer. That would teach her that if an adult wants to see her naked...she has to do so. So, then I thought, "Well, because she helps to take care of you when Daddy and Mommy aren't there." But...that would mean that ANYONE that is taking care of them (their friend's parents at a sleepover, for example) could see them naked too. That isn't okay with me either.

I mean, the girls ARE sharing something very private with her....why wouldn't she trust them with her body parts too? ( I giggle to myself.) Eventually I fumbled something out about how it doesn't seem fair, but that Dawnelle can be private if she wishes. And, I reassured Berkeley and McKenna that Dawnelle is trying to help them and she is someone who can be trusted...along with Daddy, Mommy, and Grandmas.

Deep down though, my twisted head was thinking...."Yah, Dawnelle! Fair is fair! Show the girls your TA-TA's!"

This one is going to come back and haunt me if I eventually marry a man with little girls of his own...isn't it? (LOL) Have a good day and I love you all!

An atheist and a ho meet at the library...

2008-08-11T19:06:00.000-06:00

No, I won't explain the title to you...it's a gift for someone special.

I just wanted to ramble today about my frustrations with being single again and dating. I've discovered a lot about myself in the two years that I've been single -- and it may take a miracle to find a man "qualified" that will marry me. My requirements don't seem weird to me....but then sometimes I wonder if I expect too much ? Let's post these frustrations and requirements publically for you "marrieds" to look at...and silently 'revel' in the fact that you are NOT in my similar position....

1. I've discovered that I am a bit high maintenence. Not in the DEMANDING way...at least....I don't think in that way. I just expect the people who want to date me (steadily) - to actually want to spend TIME with me -- other than texting, IM-ing, or on email. I can't just see "him" once a week.....anyone can be on their best behavior once a week! We need to be around one another when we are ornery, sick, annoying, silly, happy, sad, talking to ourselves....ALL of that.

2. Honestly....this has nothing to do with money....but I am so sick of meeting men who don't have a steady income/job...but want a steady woman/family! Especially now that I have kids...I need to know my man is going to be able to support us. I'll help/work too, I don't mind helping at all. In fact...I WANT to be a part of it all. But long bouts of unemployment, iffy jobs that may/may not "take off", or little part time jobs (--where you are unhappy but not looking to improve your life --) makes you a red flag for instability later on. That is scary to a woman! Men who are in school are in a different situation and I get that - but women can also see a man's goals to move forward - and she can put faith in the 'end goal' too. Again, this has nothing to do with having money. I would rather be poor with my best friend, than lonely with a loveless marriage.

3. Third, and this might still be under the "high maintenence category...", but I have learned that I need a patient man who can listen to me ramble. This may come as a total SHOCK to you all...but I talk a lot. It's something that just developed in me recently (like at birth) and it's part of who I am. But I've learned that I need "my man" to know that I just need to talk it out....then I'm better. He doesn't need to fix it for me, he just needs to actually listen and talk about it with me. He already knows I'm smart enough to know the right answers and he only makes suggestions when I ask for them...or when the moon isn't full. However, this man also knows how to "shut me up" in a way where I won't argue back too! ;-) Are there still men this patient out there?

4. Next...A guy needs to somehow, by an act of God, think that I am somewhat "cute" with my ponytail hair. That is my favorite way to put my hair when I am at home. It isn't the most attractive look for me (it may be my worst) but HE has to somehow find "sexy" mixed up in all that. Is this possible? I am not sure.

5. The men I date must be not living with their mother (without good reason). You can love your Momma. You can adore your Momma. But no Momma's Boys.

6. The man I date needs to be funny. He cannot just THINK he is funny....but actually BE funny. I need laughter in my life! I want to make him laugh outloud (and not because of the ponytail hair)...and I want him to be able to catch me off guard with his remarks! I don't want "fart humor" (but most men come with that built in) -- I want really, clever, banter! That's got to be such a gift in a good marriage.

Anyhow...that's not everything....but some "food-for-thought" when you are out there looking to set-me-up. You are looking, aren't you? Don't leave me out here alone people....it's SLIM PICKIN'S! Don't ANY of you have some single, stretch-mark-loving, freckle-adoring, PATIENT, men as brother's/uncles/or distant cousins? Okay....well, we don't have to tell these unsuspecting lads about the stretch marks until they really, really, really like me. How's that for a singles ad? Huh? Any takers? Did I mention I can cook? (That's a lie too.)

Umm....anyone? Anyone?

Okay...maybe I'll just go eat a bowl of cereal and go to bed. Thanks for listening. Love y'all.

Wake me around noon...

2008-08-05T17:54:00.000-06:00

Last night before bed, McKenna brought in her plastic, toy alarm clock and (very seriously) told me she was "setting it" to wake up the next day. She pointed to her specific time she'd chosen -- and I agreed that it was a perfect time to wake up (12:00 - I wish!). She went off to her room and put it in her bed by her pillow. That was cute, but not nearly as cute as this morning when I awoke...

McKenna often crawls in bed with me in the middle of the night. I awoke this morning to find her, a stuffed duck, AND the alarm clock in bed with me. Apparently, she had woke up in the middle of the night and (in the dark & half asleep) was coherent enough to remember she had her "alarm" set. I snuck out of bed so I could snap some quick pictures.

When she woke up a half an hour later, she came in to me and reported that she had indeed -- woke up ON TIME! Good news, for sure! So precious. Half the time she can't even wake herself up to pee...but the fake alarm clock is not going to slip her mind. Makes sense to me!

That same morning, at breakfast, McKenna got up while watching cartoons and left the room...mid-Capt'n Crunch! A minute later I looked up and she was sitting there, in front of the t.v. -- with her sunglasses on. It was especially bright there in the livingroom...but rather than whine about it - she solved her own problem! So cute.

Can I get extra guacamole on that?

2008-08-03T22:21:00.002-06:00

My friend's blog has sort of a "tag-you're-it!" challenge on it. She listed ten random things about herself...and challenged us to do the same. It was a fun idea, I thought, so here it goes:

Ten Random Things About Me

1. I think that avacado (especially guacamole) is an aphrodisiac.

2. This April 2009, I get to go to WICKED (the broadway musical). This is on my "bucket list", so needless to say, I'm excited!

3. I am a Democrat.

4. One of my biggest passions is taking pictures with my camera.

5. I get fussy when I've waited too long to eat.

6. I want to be fluent in sign language someday in the near future.

7. Holding newborn babies makes me absolutely, deliriously, fantastically happy and at peace. I could sit there for hours on end.

8. I want to write children's books.

9. I want to marry a guy like Jack Black in the movie, "The Holiday" or like "Forney" in the movie "Where the Heart Is".

10. I'm frightfully allergic to the antibiotic, Amoxicillin.

Okay, people, your turn! TAG! YOU'RE IT! Have fun with it. I hope you all had a good weekend and I look forward to hearing from you!

"Ewwww! Ewwww! Ewwwwwwwww!!"

2008-08-01T16:20:00.000-06:00

We woke up yesterday morning to find a note on our bathroom mirror. It read:

"Berkeley,
The POO PARTY we had in your mouth last night was so awesome! You're teeth are PERFECT for storage of our #2 doo doo! We've even started drilling some holes to make space for our party in your mouth tonight! We're calling it:

"POO -- PART TWO!!"

You kept closing your mouth while we were trying to clean up, so it wasn't easy in the dark. But we think we got most of it.

Sincerely, Your Teeth Bugs".

Initially...Berk didn't say a word about the note. When I got up and looked at the mirror though...I made a huge deal about it. She just looked at me and said..."I already read it. You did it, I know." I started laughing and denied it. In fact, I told her that it wasn't there when I got up to use the restroom at three in the morning. THAT is when the doubt began (evil parent laugh in my mind...)!

She started getting quiet. Here and there she would say to me "You DIDN'T write it?". Then a minute later she said "Mom, how do you think they wrote the note?" I wasn't sure. A minute later...she said "Well, my mouth DOES feel a little different this morning..." We checked inside...I told her I couldn't see anything...but she might want to check her pillow case to be sure. So she went in her room. All I could hear after that was ""Ewwww! Ewwww! Ewwwwwwwww! Ew! Ew! Ew!" She came in with her pillow and you wouldn't believe it. A one-inch brown mark was right there where her mouth would have been laying! SUPER gross! So -- she ripped off the pillow case and we put it in the laundry basket. She went and brushed her teeth immediately, followed by mouth wash. Then I had to smell her breath to make sure it didn't smell like...well...poo.

Parents...this might be a lesson to your children!!!

Berk (standing beside me now) and I decided to post it

so you could teach your children from her experience --

Hopefully, YOUR teeth bugs will stay away!

ROFLMBO.

"Poo Party" in B's mouth tonight!

2008-07-30T22:58:00.000-06:00

It has occurred to me that sending out "check out my new blog!" announcements should probably be made on a day when the title entry is NOT about my gynecological visits. My bad. BUT -- the good thing -- is that these are only YEARLY visits...so you don't have to worry about the "yee ha" topic coming up for another 364 days! (Actually... I make no promises.)

Berkeley is seven and very funny. I can't keep up with her one-liners. She has her mother's sarcasm, which can be both good and bad. It's freaky to me when she turns on me...and dishes me some of my own "attitude".

Tonight, for instance, I was begging her to go and brush her teeth before bed. Berkeley learned in pre-school that if you don't brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day, the "teeth bugs" will go #2 on your teeth. I thought this was both a clever way to remind the kids...and seriously gross to think about at the same time. ANYWAY...I asked Berkeley to go brush and before I could say anything else to her, she said: "let the bugs have a big party. I'm too tired."

So, although I did not make her get up and brush, I am going to leave her a note about how the "poo party" went in her mouth last night. I just might be twisted enough to smear some "chocolate" on the note these bugs are writing too...right on to the mouth of a picture of her smiling! Bet she brushes tomorrow night!

**Ooooooh!** Maybe I'll smear some chocolate on her PILLOW CASE too!! (I need more adult time, eh?)

One more quick 'Berkeley story' before I go brush my own teeth:

I was whining to my children in the car the other day that "my tummy was hurting." Being silly...I said to Berkeley and McKenna: (whiney tone)"Make my tummy feel better girls -- work some magic in that back seat!". To which Berk quickly replied: "We're not GOD" and "And I'm pretty sure only HE could do that, Mom." What could I say? She is right ( a little smart a** too....but RIGHT just the same.). I stopped whining.

"I'll just wait here..."

2008-07-29T23:02:00.000-06:00

So today was my yearly obgyn appointment. I loved the new lady who came in to go "where no woman has gone before" -- Seriously. I've always had male obgyns. But this time around, since I don't have medical insurance, I went to a women's clinic to pay less money.

Now, this is supposed to be a confidential clinic for teens too, if they need to come get birth control or pregnancy counseling. So when I finally went back for my appointment, I found it HILARIOUS that the beds were positioned so any patient, CNA, nurse practitioner, doctor, or small child could see you lying there if the door was opened & closed! Really? (Did I just see a lady from my ward go by?)

So with fascination...I counted...and the door was opened & closed for people coming or going about eight times while I was there. EIGHT TIMES! It got me thinking. If this is a confidential clinic...shouldn't the bed be repositioned so that you are NOT staring out of the door? Looking at the small size of the room...I realized that it was either your face or your "yee-ha" that was going to be saying "hello". (This is probably why they chose the face.)

BUT....I have to say...that after thinking about it more....I think a confidential clinic should probably opt for the "yee ha" exposure, rather than the patients face. For one...if people are looking in at your "yee ha", you are probably not going to know it. (But it might get breezey.) Second...and more importantly...., people are not going to identify you by your "yee ha" as nearly as easily, as your face. (Sidenote: *If you have an especially recognizable "yee-ha"...well, that's a whole other therapy session. Maybe four.)

The nurse practitioner and I discussed this theory of mine -- as she worked her mega-sized q-tip with as much ease (as is possible) with salad tongs up your....um, yah. She agreed that --if we are looking at it from the confidential standpoint -- "yee ha exposure" may be better in this case. We had a good laugh over it until the nurse and her "person observing" began scrambling over a missing instrument they needed. As they got up and started moving around...the helper said "I'll look down here." The nurse practitioner said "maybe it's up there."

As they searched for a minute...I calmly said "I'll just wait here."

I've earned some chocolate...wouldn't you say?

A whole lotta nothin'...

2008-07-26T22:26:00.000-06:00

Today I spent the day doing many things... None of which was getting my house clean. I have company coming soon and this could be a problem. Which begs the question...Should I be updating my blog at this moment?? Or should I be cleaning? The logic tells me one thing, my tired spirit tells me another. Sometimes, I am afraid, the logic has precedence. Gotta go vacuum!

Cafe Rio, Baby!

2008-07-25T11:03:00.000-06:00

Cafe Rio is so delicious. I am not a big salad fan, but when I go there I always get one. It's so many good things combined into one, I always feel good after I've eaten one. Even with the extra quacamole! That's the good fat, right?

Girls are at their Dad's for the weekend. I am headed to do a little work in a bit. But, oh, how QUIET it is in the house when they are away. Sometimes it is so wonderful to have peace and quiet. Other times...it leaves a breeding ground for ruminating.

All is well though.

The Naughty Ice Cream Sandwich

2008-07-24T01:41:00.000-06:00

It's nearly two in the morning, but I just couldn't wait to initiate our blog into action! Staying up this late is not a good idea for me...I need my sleep! But to top off my mis-deeds...I broke out an ice cream sandwich to eat while I'm sitting here too! Naughty...but soooooo yummy!