Happy Birthday to Me!

Today was the big day.

I am now 40!
It's been a great day spent with family and I've only had fun.
Who could ask for more, right?

I didn't want to make a big deal out of turning 40 because, really, is 40 any different than 39?
But I have to say that it has gotten me thinking more.
(Which could be a good thing or a bad thing. We'll see!)

I have to say that I woke up a little on the depressed side.
I didn't sleep well last night.
The sleepless night was spent thinking of the last 40 years.

A big part of me is very happy with my life.
I've been blessed beyond belief.
There's many happy memories that I wouldn't change for anything.
(And I do mean anything!)
Even a lot of my trials and challenges I wouldn't change, for the most part.

But a small part of me feels like a disappointment.
I think I'm a little disappointed with myself.
It's almost like I feel I've wasted part of my life and it's not a great feeling.
I've let myself go--definitely a long way away from the size 8 I was when I was married.
I also think I haven't used my talents like I am meant to.
But, there's always the next 40 years, right?

I just want to focus more on taking care of myself, spiritually, mentally and physically, so that I can look back after my next 40 years and only be able to think about what an awesome life I've lived and not have feelings of disappointment.

I'm just very grateful for the love and support of my family and friends.

And I'm grateful for the experiences I've had over the years
(both good and bad) for I know they have shaped who I am.

I'm looking forward to the coming years and I'm not going to fear getting older.
It's all in your attitude right?

I hope this makes some sense!

****
On another note,
look what my hubby got me ....
Yes, I'm a spoiled girl!
(I like how it says, "Forever Young" on the screen. How appropriate.)

May your Christmas be
Merry and Bright!!!

Luckily I Can Laugh at Myself

I went perfume shopping with Elisabeth the other day.

Those of you who really know me know that I'm more comfortable in stores like Target and not so comfortable in stores like Nordstrom.
And I HATE cosmetic/perfume counters. I don't like being approached by salespeople with little black jackets/smocks wanting to spray perfume on me or offering to give me a makeover.

Well, because I love my daughter more than life itself, I went to Nordstrom so she could buy SJP's new fragrance, Lovely (which I have to say is very lovely).

We walked into the perfume section and started looking at the first display, Juicy Couture.
Elisabeth tells me it's a great perfume so I smell it because she's up on what's good.
So we were looking at the display and smelling the bottle. To be honest, it didn't smell much like anything to me so I thought I'd spray a little on my wrist.
Right as I was about to spray, this guy who works there (yes, a guy which was a little weird to me) stops me and informs me, in a very demeaning and mocking kind of way, that the perfume that I almost sprayed on my wrists was for dogs.
Huh? Perfume for dogs? Are you kidding me?
He then informed me that it would have been okay if I had sprayed it on my wrist because apparently it's tested on humans before it's sprayed on dogs.
Thanks perfume sales guy.
He then showed me the human Juicy Couture and asked if I wanted him to spray some on my wrist.
No, thank you.
Now leave me the heck alone to feel like a complete moron.

Needless-to-say, Elisabeth and I had a good laugh over this.

Apparently, this is what the human Juicy Couture looks like:
See the dogs on the front.


And here's the dog perfume:
See the same dogs on the front!
It's an honest mistake, right?

Although something that I failed to notice,
(and no, it has nothing with me getting older so don't EVEN say it!)
the dog perfume is called

Juicy Crittoure Eau de Pawfum.

My bad.

Where Has My Mind Gone?

True story.
Last night at 8:20 p.m. I was enjoying a good game of Apples to Apples with my kids.
(You haven't played until you've played with Cole. That's all I'm going to say about that.)
Anyway, I'm playing and then it dons on me...

"I'm the new Primary Chorister and tomorrow is my first day."

Yes, I completely forgot about my new calling.

Luckily, we have an awesome pianist who just
laughed when I told him.
And luckily it's Christmas time
and there's a song called "The Nativity Song"
and I still had the costumes from when the Primary did the Nativity at the Christmas party a few years back so at least I had something at a little fun to do.

Way to start a calling off on the right foot!

I tell you, I don't know where my mind has gone lately.
I used to be on the ball but now I'm lucky if the ball is in sight!

*sigh*

It really sucks getting older.

A Random Post for a Random Day

Here's some random things that happened today:

1. I woke up and couldn't breathe. Luckily, Emma wanted to lay down in my bed to watch "her shows" so I could get a little more rest. I felt better after that.

2. I caught Emma playing with Photo Booth all by herself.
Scary.
What a little smarty-pants!
(I know, you're sick of seeing my kids' pictures from Photo Booth, but I couldn't believe she did this on her own! She is only 3 after all! I promise, no more for a long while!)

3. I actually got some of my Visiting Teaching done this morning.
I'm a crappy Visiting Teacher.
I have the best intentions, but, you know.

4. I finally decided that it was time to get started on Christmas presents (I have NOTHING done yet) since the paper chains on my kitchen wall are getting a little too short for comfort.(The links used to touch the floor!)
Only 14 more days till Christmas.
So, I headed to JoAnn's and found the cutest fabric for a couple of gifts I'm making but I can't share yet, just in case the recipients happen to read this.
I'm excited to get started.
(And, no boys, it's not a Wii. I mean, I'm not that talented.)

5. While going through my blog list, as I do daily, I came across one of my children featured on Jake's Blog yesterday. I had a good laugh over that one and so did Max! I shared it with him today after school.
He's thinking he's famous or something.
What a funny kid!

6. I was informed by Publisher's Clearing House that someone with the initials "CH" must be declared the winner of the $10 million prize.
Just one more reason to believe that prize is mine.
You can laugh now, but
I'll be laughing my way to the bank come February! :)
Oh, yes I will!

7. While at Cole's band concert tonight, I had the pleasure of meeting THE compulsive writer. It's funny because our kids are in band together (she even went on tour with Jake last year) and we have been at the same concerts before but have never met. I didn't know her daughter went to Cole's school. In fact, when I asked Cole if he knew L~ he said, "Yeah. She's one of my friends. We're going to be in the PHS drum corp."
I'm clueless I tell you! I had no idea.
It's a small world!
Compulsive, it was a pleasure to meet you!
You are just as nice as I thought you would be.

8. When I got home, I saw this .
My baby's getting her A.S. degree!
It makes a mom proud!

Post #200!

Once there was a snowman

tall
Tall
TALL!

The goal: Make a snowman as tall as Scott.

Did they make it?









Pretty darn close!

I love when it snows a lot and I don't have
anywhere to go.
Today was one of those rare lazy Saturdays.
(Just what I needed the day after the Ward Christmas Party that, by the way, turned out wonderful! Everyone on our committee worked so hard and it all turned out so beautiful! Excellent Program, good food, cute decorations, everyone laughing and enjoying themselves...
It was a success, I'd say!)

************************
On another note,

(sound the trumpets...)

this is my
200th post!

Everybody say,
"Woo - woo!"

It seems weird that I've been blogging for a year and a half and I've actually posted 200 entries. I really didn't think I'd last this long. Especially with so many more interesting and entertaining blogs
out there.
I want to say thanks to those who actually read my silly little blog.
I've met (most only through your blogs) so many wonderful people and kept in contact with others that have moved away or that I don't get to talk to often enough through blogging. Your stories, thoughts, and pictures have made many of my days and made me smile many times when I felt like crying. I know I'm sounding a little on the cheesy side but really,
I thank you.
So, here's to another 200 posts!
(We'll see...)

What Do You Do When You Play Hookie?

Max is home from school today.
He's not sick.
Just
sick and tired!

(The truth is, I was too tired to get him up and dressed today after staying up until the ungodly hour of 3:30 a.m. making sugared popcorn for goody bags for our ward activity tonight.

What I'll do to save a few bucks!
It stinks being cheap sometimes.

I caught Max playing on Photo Booth this morning.
Who needs a Wi when you've got Photo Booth?
(I can't convince my kids of that!)
But, they do have fun with it.
I have about 100 random photos saved on MY computer to prove it!

Here's Max's latest creations.
It amazes me how such a cute kid can look SO freaky!

(In case you're wondering, that's Emma's evil twin on the right.)

And now I'm off to finish last minute details for the ward party tonight.
I guess I better get dressed.

I'll be so glad when tonight's over!

Max's Big Day

Max was baptized on Saturday morning surrounded by his family and friends.
He was so excited and I don't think I've ever seen him so happy!

He was so cute!
It was a definitely a happy day!

Max was baptized by his big brother, Jake.
I didn't know just how this would affect me. (That's another way of saying I bawled my eyes out.)
It was an incredible thing to witness my oldest son exercising his priesthood baptizing his youngest brother.
How thankful I am that they have both made good choices so far in their lives.
Is it wrong to say I was proud?

It was a great day!
I hope Max will always remember this special day in his life and
how much we all love him!

Just When I Thought I'd Seen Everything...

Many of you know that I'm a fan of Donny Osmond.
Yes, I admit it. I've loved him since I was a young girl. You might call it a case of Puppy Love. But really, the man is talented and there's no denying it. And he's a decent family man who, at times, can be a bit conceited, but a good guy nonetheless.

Marie, on the other hand, I have a hard time with.

She seriously bugs me.
I know she's had her struggles in life but she's so annoying.
(Her smarty comments and that laugh. Ugh.)
I'm sure she's a nice enough lady but a little of her goes a long way.

I would watch her on Dancing with the Stars only because Donny was almost always in the audience.
What a supportive brother!
(I know...most likely he was looking for some camera time too.)
I was surprised that she made it so far in the competition but I didn't think she'd win or anything.
I mean...
really.
But, I was so embarrassed for her (and for Donny having to cheer for her like it was great or something) when she did that fiasco of a freestyle dance.

"Come on! I'm a doll designer!" she said when the judges were stumped as to why anyone would do such a bizzare (stupid) thing.
Well, I just have to say,
Come on, you're a grown woman for crying out loud.
So embarrassing!
She should have done something similar to her
Boogey Woogey Bugle Boy dance.
That was actually done well.

And now, just when you thought you'd seen it all, she comes out with this.
Oh, please!
I can't believe people buy these things!

He Knows If You've Been Bad or Good...

Have you ever wondered just how Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice?

I know in our home,
Santa has a secret spy...

My mom made this little stuffed Santa for us the first year we were married.
We've put it out every year for the past 20 years.
When our older kids were younger,
we told them that Santa was watching to see if they were being good little kids.
They, being the bright kids they were, didn't buy it.
They didn't believe that Santa could really watch them.
Well, that's when the
Secret Santa Spy was invented.

We told the kids that there was a hidden camera inside the eye of this stuffed Santa with a microchip that we send to Santa before Christmas so he can know how they've been.
(I know, we're mean, but their reaction was priceless.)
They bought it hook, line, and sinker!
So for years and years, this stuffed Santa has been our Secret Santa Spy.
As more children have come into our family,
they too have been under the "watchful eye" of the secret spy.
All we have to say is,
"Santa's watching."
and they shape up (or at least the older ones used to.)
We still periodically find it turned around facing walls, with blankets over it, face down on the ground, or hidden in closets so actions won't be "recorded".
It's hilarious!

Well, our stuffed Santa had an accident Sunday.
You see, the kids like to play with Santa also.
You may remember from my last post,
this is them tossing him around.
Well, Saturday when they were playing with him,
a small hole in the side of his head became a little larger and I hadn't had a chance to sew it up yet.
Sunday, Jake was holding it by the head and hit the couch beside Emma to scare her
and the head ripped completely off!
(Apparently he doesn't care if Santa sees him scaring his sister! Jake, please note, it HAS been recorded!)

Emma gasped, and said,
"Oooooo....you not get any presents from Santa now!"
She was sure Jake wasn't going to get anything for Christmas.
Poor girl!!
She was pretty upset at Jake but felt bad for him at the same time.

After Jake apologized to her, I had to explain that Santa forgets the bad thing after we apologize just like we do.
So, she was okay after that.

Luckily it was a pretty clean rip and it was easily sewn up but now
poor Santa has a big scar.

But, scar and all, our Secret Santa Spy is back in business and,
in case your wondering,

the camera is still in there
and
He's watching!

Tradition.....Tradition!

(I'm posting this partly in response to a way cool give-away at Sue's Navel Gazing at it's Finest blog and partly because I was planning on posting it anyway but couldn't resist plugging someone else's blog for a great give-away! But really, if you don't already read her blog, you really should. It's hilarious! Seriously. I'm not just saying that. It's really funny. You don't believe me? Read this and you'll see what I'm talking about. But, don't forget to come back here!)


Yesterday, we held our second annual
"Kick-off to Christmas".
This is a tradition we started last year to get us in the Christmas spirit. In years past, the Christmas season didn't start until Dec. 1st. Well, things change. Beth, our oldest, is away for school and we wanted to include her in some of our Christmas preparations that she would normally miss being away so the Saturday after Thanksgiving we have our "Kick-off to Christmas". I actually "borrowed" the idea from another blogger (I'm sorry, I don't remember where I read this) and we had so much fun last year, we decided that it's a definite "keeper".

We added a little to it this year.
We had a big turkey lunch/dinner at around 3:00.

The family was excited to dig in.
The pumpkin pies seemed to take forever to finish baking,
so we hung out playing a friendly game of "Toss Santa" and ?
(who knows what the boys are doing.)

Once the pies were done baking,
we headed to the Trax station, in Sandy, and took the train to Temple Square to see the lights.







We got back and ate our pumpkin pies and had some hot chocolate. I have to mention that Beth made the perfect pie crust. It was awesome! Anyway, we then watched

and talked about some of the fun things we want to do this Christmas season. The kids drew names for gifts and we listened to Christmas music.
What a fun time we had!
Well, by the time we got home, it was late (and the little ones were half asleep) so we post-poned decorating the tree until today after we took Beth back to school. I was sad about that because the main reason we started this tradition was so that she could be a part of decorating the tree but, sometimes you have to adapt and although it wasn't the same without her, it was still fun. (kind of.)
Here's the semi-finished decorated tree.
(I still need to get a couple more things. We have a new tree this year and it was much larger than I anticipated.)
Emma and Max were the only one's who would pose for a picture.
Can you tell who's the 8 year old in these pictures?
What a dork! (a cute dork though!)



So, another Christmas season is upon us.
I'm not even thinking of gifts right now.
I have decided that the gifts can wait a couple more weeks.
(I might be regretting this but oh well.)
I'm just going to enjoy the season for now.
Happy Christmas Season to all!!!

Here's what I'm most thankful for...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Day? -- I've Lost Count But Still Thankful!

I'm thankful for these little monkeys.

I'm also thankful to have children who love each other and want to be together.
We spent the afternoon/evening playing games and laughing together
I love days like this!

**2 more days till Beth is home!!!**

Day Ten and Eleven (Or Should It Be 14 and 15 Since Today is the 15th? I'm lost!)

Okay, I blew it again.
I guess I'm just thankful I made it through the day yesterday!
(Day 10 or 14? It was one of those days.)
I did go organize the PTA closet at the school and got a bunch of crap out of my house yesterday, so I'm thankful for that!
I live such an exciting life. Don't be jealous!

Today, I'm thankful for the beautiful weather.

(View from my front door looking east. If your reading this Lyle, does it look familiar! You know you miss raking all those leaves!)

Seriously...
This is November in Utah!?!
I love it!
Emma and I just might have to visit the park today.


*** 5 more days until Beth comes !!!!***

Day Nine -- What a Sweetie!

I'm thankful today for my Beth!

Even though she's a couple hundred miles away or so,
she can still make my day.

Seriously, how did I get so lucky to have a daughter like her?

Those of you who know her, know how remarkable she is.
Remember when she did this.
She was the mastermind behind it all!

Yeah, I'm one lucky lady to have a daughter like her.

I thought I would die when she left for college!
It was the hardest thing to let her go,
but she has flourished and has become quite a young woman.
I know someday she'll be the best teacher!
Her students will be lucky to have her.
I know she's where she needed to be
(even though I secretly wish she'd transfer to BYU or UVSC after Spring! I can't lie!)

Oh, I love this girl!

She's a beauty inside and out.
Just look at those eyes!
(She's going to kill me!)

I'm just so proud of the young woman she has become and of all her accomplishments
and today I am so thankful to her for her love and example.

Guess what?
She's coming home in 7 more days!!!!!

Day Eight --- Yummy!

I'm thankful I get to eat at

tonight!!!!

Day Five and Six -- So Many Blessings!!!

Well, today's a catch up day (no one's perfect)

Since I've really tried to focus more on my blessings and I have to say,
I'm one blessed girl!

Friday afternoon, Max, Emma, and I went up to my mom's house to visit with my sister visiting from Idaho and her adorable children. (Seriously, some of the cutest kids you'll ever meet!)
My Uncle Scott and Aunt Linda also were there from San Diego. They were recently evacuated during the fires in San Diego, but thankfully, their home was spared and they are well.
It was lots of fun to see them all.
Then, on the way home, the kids and I stopped by IKEA for dinner.
Have I ever said that I love that store?
For someone as cheap as I am, I love how far a dollar goes there!
The kids enjoyed the kid section and I got some ideas for Christmas.
I'm thankful to have been able to have fun with just Max and Emma.

Saturday was busy. First, the practice for the Primary Program. I think I already said I was thankful I didn't have to write it this year, but I think I'll mention that again. I was just a helper and it was nice.
After that, I had the "opportunity" to drive through Orem on a Saturday afternoon. I really don't like Orem. But I had to take Scott to Summerhays Music Center for a metrodone/tuner for his trumpet. We then stopped at two different sporting good stores to find inner tubes for the kids bikes because I thought it would be fun to go on a bike ride. Well, it took so long driving through stupid Orem (they don't time their street lights very well) that we ended up postponing the bike ride because I promised my Uncle Scott that I'd bring the boys up to see him. So, it was back to Draper.
The boys enjoyed seeing Uncle Scott and it was a good time.
I'm thankful that my dad wasn't still upset about backing into my sister's car the day before and cracking the bumper on his new Pilot.
Jake then informed me that his friends would be arriving at our house at 6:00 so we had to leave.
(Why was this the first I'd heard of this!?! Teenagers, I tell ya!)
But it was good. He played Risk in the garage with his friends and that gave me the opportunity to spend time with just Scott and Cole later that night.
We had a Scrabble marathon and Cole gets the prize for getting the most points on some of the stupidest words!
I was thankful for a fun time with Scott and Cole.

Today, I am thankful that Max said his part PERFECTLY in Sacrament Meeting.
He practiced and practiced and he did a great job.

I'm also thankful that I didn't have a class to teach and I ditched Sunday School to visit with the always delightful cjane.
By the way, I must say that she looks beautiful and you would never know she felt so horrible.

I did go to Relief Society and I was thankful to find out that Laurel Powell was teaching.
I love Laurel! She's such a good teacher!

The Ward Christmas Party was planned today and I'm thankful for that.

I got an email from my friend and I have say that I'm so blessed to have such loving friends!

I'm also thankful for funny blogs like sue's.
I tell you, she will make you wet your pants she's so funny!

I got to talk to Elisabeth today and can I just say,
NINE MORE DAYS TIL SHE'S HOME!!!!
Yeah, I'm a little excited.

Being Veteran's Day, I have such gratitude for those willing to serve in our country's military.
I'm also thinking of my cousin, Damon
and his young family today. How grateful I am for his sacrifice.

But the best thing today, Scott got his Patriarchal Blessing tonight.
It is such a beautiful experience to be there when your child received their blessing.
I'm so thankful to have such a good son and he's got a lot to look forward to in his life!

Until tomorrow...

Day Four -- Friday's Funny Man!

I'm thankful today for my hardworking husband.


Have I talked lately about Lee?
The man is amazing.
Truly.
He's the V.P. over manufacturing and design at his current 9-5 job.
He's been working on a special project and it is remarkable.
Someday, when it's complete, I'll share.
He also is a Realtor.
You may think that because of his other job he wouldn't have the time to be a good Realtor but I'd have to tell you that you are wrong.
He still gives his clients the same great service as always, there's just not as many clients now. But, there's plenty to keep him busy!
He also is a Merrilat distributor so if you ever need good, inexpensive cabinets,
let me know.
He also squeezes in time to help my brother-in-law with his real estate sign business and drives Jake around putting in signs.

So, seriously,
he works his butt off!
I really don't know how he does it.

And, as if that wasn't enough, he also finds time to be the Young Men's President (a very good Young Men's President) and Venture Scout leader in our ward. He loves the youth and works hard so they will have the best.
Oh, and did I mention his eight (yes, EIGHT) home teaching families he and Jake visit faithfully every month. And he's always right there to help with every ward activity we have because he wants to support me.

You would think that someone this busy wouldn't have time for his family,
but the minute he walks in the door,
he's all smiles and loves for everyone. (whether they want a hug or not!)
He's involved in the kids' activities and works hard to help them reach their goals.

And to top it off, I've never met anyone so incredibly funny!
Seriously!
He's also the most intelligent person I have ever known.

How blessed I am to be married to such a great man!

***p.s. 11 more days till Elisabeth comes home!!!!***

Day Two of Counting the Blessings...

I'm thankful today for this:
Nothing like a sweet note like this to make your day!

Today, I'm thankful for you, Max!
I love you too!

Month of Thanks--Day One

I love Thanksgiving.
It's a holiday that kind of gets overlooked in my opinion.
I love the whole idea of gathering together with loved ones to give thanks.
It's a beautiful thing.

The month of November always gets me thinking of all I am thankful for.
Last year I posted something everyday that I was thankful for and I called it my
Month of Thanks.
I'm going to keep up with the tradition -- even though I'm getting a late start this year. (Imagine that!)
So, here goes...

Today I am thankful that I found an EXCELLENT dentist that respects my time and my concerns and takes the time to listen to our requests and actually takes them into consideration.
So, thank you Dr. Hickens!
Jake had a small filling done this morning.
We got there 20 minutes early and he called him right back.
(No waiting!!!)
He was done before his scheduled appointment was even supposed to start!
Yea!
Our last dentist told me that Jake had 5 cavities and Max had 11,
Dr. Hickens re-did their xrays and gave a thorough exam and could only find 1 small cavity for Jake and only 6 for Max. He couldn't understand what the other dentist was talking about.
So, instead of costing me $160 for Jake and $370 for Max,
Jake was only $14 and Max will only be $180!
Big difference!
And more importantly,
my boys won't have to go through getting fillings that they didn't need.
So, today I am thankful for
a good, honest dentist.
***
Here's some more things I'm thankful for -- in no particular order -- since I've missed 5 days so far this month:

1) I'm no longer over the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program.

2) Emma and Jake finally got their glasses and they can see now.

3) Max read a book without any help and he understood the story. His reading has improved greatly this year! Yea Max!

4) The "fall-back" part of Daylight Savings Time.

5) Today is voting day and after today there won't be anymore Referandum 1 commercials or junk mail.

A Random Post

It's been a crazy week and my mind is spinning.

Between Halloween, the Ward Halloween Activity, the Book Fair, other PTA stuff, my family, dentist appointments, orthodontic appointments, eye appointments, and life in general...
I'm just plain pooped!
Since I'm having trouble putting a sentence together,
here's some pictures from the past week's activities.
Enjoy!
I'm getting some rest.