She's A Sweetie

A Fairy Tale

2010-10-06T18:00:00.005-06:00

So for my birthday my eight- year old friend, Hannah Banana gave me the funniest card, thought I would share- pretty poetic since recently I feel as though I, myself, am a princess too...

"A Birthday Fairy Tale"

Once upon a time, there was a princess who was like a size 4 or something.

She could eat and drink whatever she wanted and always stayed really skinny and had flat, firm abs even though she never went to the gym.

Every time she tried on jeans, the very first pair fit and made her butt look amazing.

She lived in a great big, beautiful castle with her handsome, multimillionaire husband, who was busy all the time buying her giant diamonds, taking her to Hawaii, giving her foot massages, and telling her how beautiful she was.

One day, she was eaten by a dragon and no one cared.

The End.

Thanks Hannah Banana, I needed to retrieve my head from the clouds! :)

Gulp The Big 4...0!

2010-09-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

So it looks like the big 4...0 is right around the corner.

With this in mind, I recently found my 30's goals; they are as follows:

1. Complete an upper college degree

2. Back-pack through Europe

3. Attain Sign Language degree

4. Re-do all of the house

5. Write a book

6. Have at least a 2 year relationship

7. Be a better person than I am now

8. Make a difference in one life

9. Have or adopt another baby

10. Go to New Zealand- meet Delwyn

11. Close the dark chapter to my life

12. Raise well adjusted children

All in all I did rather well. When I wrote these goals, I thought they were really shooting to the stars, attaining few to none. I have learned so much about myself & how strong I am through each of these being attained.

In the spirit of things here is my 40's list, I only hope I can be as successful with this one!

1. Attain a PhD

2. Live in Italy for a month and learn how to cook

3. Go to New Zealand- meet Delwyn

4. Have my book on the Best Sellers List

5. Learn to fly

6. Master meditation

7. Go to Asia

8. Be a better person than I am now

9. Skydive with Taylor on his 21st Birthday

10. Alter lives in a positive way- in Africa

11. Complete Spudman with the boys

12. Raise well adjusted children who add to society

So, I guess now I just need to blow out a bunch of candles, hopefully with out burning something down, and get busy!

Wish me luck! :D

Cell Phone Dilemma

2010-09-22T08:00:00.002-06:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I keep my cell phone in my bra. Yes, bra. When it rings or buzzes I reach in there to grab the thing out- much to the shock as dismay of random strangers at the grocery store.
Anyhow, my phone could really use an upgrade and last week Taylor and I were discussing this topic here is how the conversation unfolded:

Taylor: So you are going to look into new phone hun?
Me: Yeah, I think so....
T: So what are you going to do with your old one?
M: I dunno
A few seconds later....
M: Why? Do you want it?
T: Ummm No. Mom it has been touching your boob now for over a year.
M: Giggles

The funny thing is he really wants the phone. I guess we will see if my germed up boob-touching phone is his in the next few weeks, won't we?

Wake Up!

2010-09-20T00:14:00.005-06:00

The way the poodle sniffs my face

He dances around the room ready to chase

Because inevitably he needs to drop some waste

I sit up and step out of bed, he sprints down the stairs as if it is a race

As I cut through the kitchen to open up the door

I think of how much sleep I got, and wish I could get some more

As I enter the patio out to let him free

He gets very excited because he really needs to pee

As I get ready to ascend back to my lair,

I turn around and watch him pounce around the yard like a little hare

With a pounding headache in my head

I walk up the stairs, shut the door, and go back to bed.

-Ashton Thorpe

Happy #14 Ashton!!!

2010-04-19T08:00:00.004-06:00

hApPy BirThDay aShtoN!!!

I am so excited it is your day!

As just a reminder... here are 14 reason why I love you!

1. You are RED blooded... through and through!

2. You always help me on the computer and make my power points move...

3. You are crazy brilliant

4. Your steamed vanilla with hazelnut pump

5. You still tell me you love me and kiss me goodnight-every night!

6. You make me proud- on a daily basis

7. Sushi runs- YUM!

8. Your are my Copper-top, Ashy-Pooh, Crash- Bash, and just plain Ash

9. You teach me about focus (when do I ever ask you about your homework?)

10. You grab the orange

11. Ashton in the middle

12. Your drum playing

13. Your fashion sense (pink?!?)

14. You are always my cheerleader!

I hope that you have the best day ever!!!

I am SO proud You are my son, I love you with all my heart...

oxoxoxoxox

Mom

Happy #16 Taylor!!!

2010-04-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

HaPpy biRthDay TaYloR!

I am so glad you are a part of our family and my life!

Here are 16 reasons why I think you are AMAZ-Z-ZING!!!

1. You make me giggle (on a daily basis)

2. You are extremely thoughtful

3. You think of others before yourself (especially Corby)

4. You take care of Dumb Dog

5. You give the best presents- EVER!

6. You always want to go with me where ever I go...

7. You let me name your freckles

8. You will always catch me a snake, lizard- or whatever

9. Your collections (remember the hub- cap?)

10. You are the best big brother in all the world!

11. You catch the biggest fish in the pond

12. You 4-wheel slow- for your bro

13. Larry

14. Your business ambitions

15. You eat whatever I make- except green things :)

16. You are one of my best friends!!!

Hope you have an amazing day!

(and that your gift is built by then...)

oxoxoxoxox

Mom

It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood...

2010-04-12T08:00:00.008-06:00

Last week while catching up on Chad's day the phone rang. It was my friend Leslie (Les) in a panic (both Taylor and Ashton have babysat her son Luke for the past 4 years or so... she ADORES the boys and considers us her surrogate family) she was getting ready to fly to D.C. to visit her mother over spring break and needed help downloading video clips to her itouch so Luke had something to do in flight.

At the same time she showed up Peter (our awesome Sean Connery look alike next door neighbor) came over. He informed us he had just been to Idaho fishing and caught three 3' + trout and wanted to know if would be interested in taking one off his hands. I sent Ashton over to his house to get one thanking him profusely. Ashton returned a few minutes later with a HUGE frozen fish still sporting the head, scales and fins. Thinking that I would defrost this crescent shaped creature, clean it, and chill it for dinner I had it put in the sink.

While getting Les and Luke out the door, Corby taken care of, the boys evening schedules figured out, and dinner thought of- I left my fish friend in the sink.

Later I hear a huge commotion coming from upstairs... little did I know a sight I was not prepared for was waiting for me... the entire tail of the fish was missing! All 4 1/2 inches of it! It seems as though Buddy, our dog, likes the delicacy of fish tail. While standing up on the counter he nibbled the tough trout tail completely off.

YUCK!!!

Corby's Three!

2010-02-14T23:12:00.005-07:00

Corby had a birthday last month and silly Mommy has not yet blogged about him so here goes:

Three Corby-isms:

1. Corby has the worlds BEST laugh.

2. Corby is the glue in our home, he is adored by everyone around him.

3. Corby is making some AMAZING improvements that I am so proud of!

We love you big guy! Thanks for choosing our chaos to be a part of!

Loves,

Momma

"Christmastime"

2009-12-23T20:45:00.002-07:00

Candy canes

Counting days

Kids who still believe

Falling snow

Mistletoe

Trimming the tree

Then laying underneath

The glow of colored strings of lights

Dreaming of Christmas Eve night

Popcorn chains

China plates

The smell of pumpkin pie

Wrapping gifts

Ornaments

Stockings hung high

Baking cookies and reading stories

A different tale each night

Seeing it again through a child's eyes

It's the hope that one day the world will know peace

It's the love that we feel helping others in need

It's the Shepard's who followed a star in the night

All wrapped up in the gift of Christmastime

Holy night

The Gift divine

Unto us has come

A perfect child

The Baby mild

And holding her Son

Mary sings a lullaby as peacefully He sleeps

And she marvels as what this miracle will mean

It's the sound of heaven as angels sing

It's the grace that only the Savior can bring

It's the wisemen who follow Him each day of their lives

All wrapped up in the gift of Christmastime

It's wisemen who follow Him each day of their lives

It's love

And hope

It's joy

And light

It's Christmastime!

Can You Say "Yum" ?

2009-12-16T19:57:00.003-07:00

Chad's best friend here in Utah's name is Ward. His wife, Deb, and I have of course become good friends due to process of elimination, and much to my benefit!

Each Christmas she gets together with her mom and sisters to make hand made chocolates, toffee, fudge and carmels. If you can believe it her mom is in her 80's and continues to make these delicious delectables by the dozens for all her neighbors and friends. This year (as usual) Deb asked me our preference of treats. I asked instead if I could simply hang out and watch as they make the yummy treats, to be taught how to make them. She jumped at the chance to spend the day together- it turned into a week. I have always thought that the art of hand dipping chocolates is another talent that is under credited, and a dying talent. This was the highlight of my season, thus far...

We made numerous treats, chatted, laughed and bonded over dripping warm chocolate (what else can be better?) I was hooked!

As soon as I got home I quickly stirred up a batch of the most heavenly fudge on earth- and believe me I am a lover of fine fudge, after all I have been to Mackinaw Island... Sadly, I need report is was gone in less than a week! But the sweet memories of working together those few precious days will forever mean the world to me!

Thanks Deb!

Mel- Mo

2009-11-29T20:42:00.005-07:00

So Corbin called Nanny (with a little help from his Momma) here was the conversation that followed:

Corby: Nanny you will never believe what happened to me today!

Nanny: Really Corby, what happened?

Corby: I was at the store with Momma and this guy said I was cute.

Nanny: Well Corby, that is because you are cute!

Corby: Then, he asked me if I was his sweet heart.

Nanny: (Slightly alarmed) And what did your Mom say?

Corby: Mommy didn't hear, but then he asked me if he could have a kiss.

Nanny: What? This strange guy at the store wanted a kiss?

Corby: Yes. Then he followed me around the store wanting another one.

Nanny: What? Are you serious?

Corby: Yes, Nanny. Then guess what?

Nanny: (audibly alarmed) What?

Corby: He followed me home and wants more kisses!!!

Nanny: He followed you home??? Are you going to call the police?

Corby: Mom, Pie and Ash all say it is okay and not to worry.

Nanny: What? Why?

Corby: Cause hims name is Elmo and he will be mine for Christmas!

Nanny: CINDY!!!!

hee hee!

The Christmas season is off to a rip- roaring start here...

Gobble Gobble!

2009-11-29T20:38:00.004-07:00

So on Thanksgiving we called back to Pennsylvania to wish everyone a great day, and much to my dismay, I got a talkin' to about how my family on facebook seems to know what is going on in our lives, more than the "phone call crew" does. I simply told Bus, that if he joins facebook that he will know what is going on with us all the time. He did not find that as funny as I did, however.

So I swear that I will blog more faithfully so that they know what is going on too!

Sorry! :P

A Giggle Or A Scream?!?

2009-11-02T21:46:00.005-07:00

Over the weekend, the kids were dying to do something fun- yet slightly spooky...

So after a wonderful celebratory dinner with Melzie's family- we decided to take all the kids to a haunted house.

Now... knowing that Mel gets spooked easily, I thought Hannah needed someone to be calm on her behalf. So I told her that she could hold my hand and that I would help protect her.

We make it though the haunted house (if the actors figure you are not spooked, they find someone else who will scream their lungs loose... in our case it was Mel)

Hannah looked at me and in the most serious voice said, "You were really brave, but why were you screaming?"

Me: "I was screaming?"

Hannah: "Yeah!"

Me: "I don't think I was screaming..."

Then Mel jumped into the conversation by saying, "No that would be ME screaming..."

Nice job Mel... thanks for making me look good! :)

Life Is GOOD!

2009-10-22T07:00:00.004-06:00

Life is good!

I love the new music that is on the radio, it seems so happy!

Or is it just me?

Even though things are rough,

I really can't complain-

For each and every difficult thing thrown at me,

There seems to be a silver lining.

Life is good!

After Many Long Hours...

2009-10-22T06:48:00.002-06:00

I am pleased to announce after many long hours that I have finally completed school...

well *gulp* this degree.

I begin a new masters program in December. I plan to certify in both blind and deaf special education, using both my interpreting degree and Braille skills.

So until then there will be no long hours,

late nights,

stress...

Thanks to everyone for all their support, especially, Chad, Pie, Crash and Roo! Loves you all! <3

I'm HOW Old?!?!

2009-09-25T22:31:00.003-06:00

Chad has always reveled in the fact that I am 9 months older than him. He teases me about how I squeak in the morning if it is cold, and about the gray hair I found last week, and how anything after 10:00 seems late when you have been up and running since 6am.

Well, here is the clencher...

I was scolding the kids on something and spit out that even though I was only 29, I knew what it was I was talking about.

29?

Where did that come from???

But the truth is, I don't feel as old as I am.

So, I have (very maturely) concluded that I will skip this birthday. No presents needed. Just another day. No cake or candles. No singing.

Just another simple day!

What Is My Purpose?

2009-09-25T21:36:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite (and highly inappropriate) Broadway plays is Avenue Q. It is a spoof on Sesame Street with a vast assortment of colorful puppets who put their character- sakes to shame. In this play Princeton, one of the main characters, is looking for his purpose. He has just finished college and feels like he is now a has- been, breaking into song about how "It Sucks To Be Me".

Through the years I have been asked by many people how to find their purpose, and I have also thought about my purpose as well. I think that at some time or another every one wonders to some extent if this is the life they are meant to have.

Well, the good news is... after looking long and hard "My Purpose" fell into my lap recently.

I was asked to help some of the kids in the Salt Lake and Orem programs with their summer school this past year. This meant me going into their homes, meeting with their families, and giving advise as I saw needed- educational or otherwise.

After spending time in each of these homes, I realized that this was my purpose. Not that I know everything by any means, but I could see where they needed guidance, and had the wisdom to respectfully advise each family into something that *miraculously* worked for them.
Families would try my suggestions and call me in tears tellig me that they worked. Thinking I was some sort of miracle worker- which I am so clearly NOT.

Can I even tell you what a huge high that was??? To be needed.

Positive feedback was given to my boss, who has now molded a job to my accomplishments from the summer. I have loved the opportunities that USDB has given me, and continues to give me.

So "For Now", I have found my purpose... It may once again change, but for now, I love what I do!

What I Will Miss About Summer...

2009-08-26T23:45:00.016-06:00

-Wearing flip flops every day

-Spending time with my family

-No stress from homework and school obligations

-Vacations and road trips

-Sitting in the back yard in the evenings & watching the hummingbirds play

-Staying up late & sleeping in the next day

-Smores in the fire pit and movies in the back yard on the screen

-Bob's Brain Freeze!

-Watching the pumpkins, raspberries and corn grow

-Swimming & hot tubing parties

-Driving the convertible with the top down & music loud

-Watching the yard (finally) come together after many hours of landscaping

-Sun kissed shoulders

-Naming freckles

-Watching Wigget smile as he hops through the yard to me

-Lavender blowing sweet scents through the back yard

-Popsicle mustaches

-Newly cut grass

-Clothes line dried

-Reading a good book in the sunshine

-Lunch dates

-Day lilies dancing in the summer breeze

-4 Wheeling through the mud

-Catching fireflies

-Camping in the Unitas

-Block parties

-Fishing

-Weekends in Midway

- Giggles from kids while running though the icy cold sprinklers

I Have Found Me A Home...

2009-08-20T21:32:00.002-06:00

The days drift by

They don't have names

And none of the streets here look the same

And there are so many quiet places

And smilin' eyes match the smilin' faces.

And I have found me a home,

Yes, I have found me a home

And you can have the rest of everything I own

'Cause I have found me a home.

- Jimmy Buffett

Joe

2009-07-31T22:09:00.002-06:00

So...

My friend Joe is FINALLY able to move to Salt Lake!

I cannot even begin to tell him how amazing he is and how fun it will be to
have him closer to us!

Just don't ask me to:

* Shave your back, again
*Clean your bathroom, again
*Help you move, again!

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

I Am Loved!

2009-07-29T23:23:00.003-06:00

A cute thing happened this week at our house...

I was scheduling my summer home visits with a student, and was chatting with his teacher as well as the other workers who know this child I have never met.
I was being told he is "difficult". He bites, hits, kicks and you need to watch yourself around him, other wise you are black and blue.

Taylor out of thin air asked if he could accompany me on my home visits.
Confused, I asked him why he would want to go. His reply made me stop in my tracks.
He very calmly answered that if I was going somewhere I was not safe, he wanted to go to help keep me safe.

This from my 15 year old? Where did he come from?

My Family

2009-04-21T21:31:00.001-06:00

We REALLY are this close!

Thanks for all your love & support!

One more month to go!!!!!

Neener Neener Ha Ha Ha!!!

2009-04-21T21:20:00.005-06:00

This pretty much sums up my life right now...

My Simple Life

2009-03-14T23:39:00.007-06:00

Tradition at our house is that every New Years Eve it is semi- mandatory to announce your New Years Resolution.

Things spill out like, "Be a better person" and "Serve others" "Read the BOM 3 times" but this year mine was simple...

To make my life less cluttered. Simplify things. Get rid of, organize, rearrange things making life simple.

So, the exact goal came out amidst all the other brilliant ideas that I would give to good will 100 items this year.

Now the piece I am leaving out is that I need therapy.... Yes me.

I have this complete obsession with being organized! (It came from my Mom who denys it, but is the most organized person I know!)

Well...

I have now taken this to the ump- teenth- degree...

I "adopted" some Craft Made closet organization inserts and (embarrassing I know) went wild!
I have now not only given away 100 items... (it is more like 200 things...) But my closet is AMAZING! I open it just to feel the stress leave my body.

It is true.

My big de- stresser in life is opening my closet.

Little do they know but the kids closets are next. I hope they don't find me at 3am "de-stressing" with their closets open... But we will see! ;)

the L word at OUR house

2009-03-14T23:23:00.003-06:00

A funny thing happened at our house this week.

The boys both went on a scout outing overnight on Friday, so Chad and I decided to order dinner out, but stay in because of the little one.

We agreed on Red Lobster.

I ordered lobster, thinking that I would share some with Corby, not realizing that he would have a LOVE AFFAIR with it.

So you cannot say the L word with out him opening up his mouth and making yummy sounds. It seems as though he has a new favorite... Takes after his Momma.

Happy Birthday Ken!!!

2009-03-02T17:04:00.016-07:00

So...

According to blogger tradition on birthdays you are to write as many things about the birthday person as they are old. So, while putting my life in danger I will tell you a few things about my wonderful brother. (He hates his picture being taken so I had to steal it off his work web-site, 95% of the ones I have he is hiding...)

1. Ken is smart! (Not just smart- he is CRAZY SMART!)

2. Ken is fluent in Russian.

3. Ken LOVES to read! (I envy the fact you can read "War and Peace" in Russian)

4. Ken is the worlds BEST uncle!

5. Ken is handsome and quite a catch.

6. Ken makes the yummiest best cheesecake!!!

7. Ken has impeccable taste.

8. Ken is a tax lawyer and works for the most prominent firm in Utah.

9. Ken LOVES the Yankees.

10. Ken has a testimony of the gospel.

11. Ken collects books and sports cards.

12. Ken loves babies. (He is really cute with them too!)

13. Ken always gives the best gifts & is very thoughtful! (He single- handed furnished my kitchen with Williams-Sonoma)

14. Ken LOVES the U of U teams. (He is a season ticket holder of football and basketball and makes sure my kids are too)

15. Ken is hilarious! (He has a great sense of humor)

16. Ken is a fast driver. (He makes me nervous going down the canyon with my kids in the back cheering him on telling him to break 100)

17. Ken has a red couch in his U of U family room. (Yes, I am jealous!)

18. Ken wears almost exclusively POLO brand.

19. Ken loves to golf and often takes his nephews along to drive the golf carts.

20. Ken makes AMAZING pasta dishes!

21. Ken is usually the instigator for going to Midway on weekends, he loves going!

22. Ken has helped his nephews not be "sissy boys" while they didn't have a Dad.

23. Ken is very patient with a certain dog who thinks he is his personal walker.

24. Ken is competitive!

25. Ken lived in NYC for a little over a year. (I am also jealous of this...)

26. Ken loves the arts. (remember RENT? haha)

27. Ken loves his family.

28. He hates BYU! (from Ash & Tae)

29. Ken collects Don Mattingly cards.

30. Ken loves chocolate and peanut butter.

31. Ken loves Carl Snarl. (His teddy bear)

32. Ken would have been better as the oldest in our family. Not me...

33. Ken is really loved by his family!!!

34. Ken has a beautiful home, he decorated himself.

Happy Birthday! I hope you get all the things you deserve! I love you!

Brotherly Love...

2009-02-03T19:00:00.022-07:00

So this week we had a "situation" at our house.

I find the whole brother dynamics thing interesting- I was always the sister on the outside looking in...

Well for the past few weeks at school Ashton has been teased a little, due to him being vertically challenged.

So, yesterday while exiting the school Taylor noticed Ashton speaking heatedly with another boy. He was already in the car with my Dad driving. Taylor said, "He needs backup" and jumped out of the car much to my Dad's disapproval.

This other student was calling my child names that were very inappropriate. Including "ginger" (stupid me I had no idea that is another term for red-head).

So out jumps Taylor going to his brother's rescue.

This other boy (who is only inches taller than Ash) proceeds to egg on big brother too.

Needless to say, Taylor gave this student a "hard push" as another father grabs them both pulling them into the principals office. My Dad following them lecturing them the whole way to just avoid each other.

My kids were not in any trouble and it was taken care of quickly and painlessly.

But the pride in hearing that my boys who fight until I want to kill the two of them standing up for each other warmed my little Mommy heart.

2009-02-03T18:20:00.008-07:00

I heard the cutest comment by one of my students last week that I just needed to share.

We were outside for recess and the kids were swinging.

Riley was on a swing next to the child I was pushing.

Aaron (his best friend) wanted to build a snowman, and was asking for help.

Riley in his most serious voice said, "I can't help you now Aaron. I can only help you when I am BIG!"

Relative to life...

Consider him a child brilliant beyond his years.

Happy Birthday Corby!

2009-01-23T22:30:00.006-07:00

Corby had a birthday this week!

We have a number two!

He spent the day chatting with his brother, giggling through the store with Tae (and random people giggling along) Eating CHOCOLATE cake and ice cream. Then opening numerous gifts that were outstanding!

I understand that "tradition" is to write as many compliments as age number so here goes...

1. Corbin is the absolute light of all of our lives! He smiles and we all melt. He is now the center of our home and we all fight to spend time with him.

2. My favorite thing on the planet is waking him up in the morning. His long curly locks sticking out everywhere, and him calling, "Mommy I ruv you." Melts me every time!!

How lucky we are to have you in our family baby Roo!

We ALL love you!

Our Warped Family...

2008-12-28T18:12:00.030-07:00

So...

I came to a conclusion this winter break:

Only a warped individual would fully appreciate the interactions that go on in our home.

Let me explain...

First, Chad grew up in a home of six kids. He was the youngest... but don't let it fool you he can hold his own! He was not the little picked on baby of the family, he turned it on anyone else he could!

His favorite game on the PLANET is Monopoly but it is not just the game. There is an entire feeling that goes hand in hand with the game. He becomes this different person. It becomes strictly business- no fun and games, he is here to win!

Now, as for myself, Monopoly has never been one of my favorites... (when the room around you turns thick as Chad announces that he is the banker and land lord.)

The boys pick up on the tenseness immediately, planning their defences as if we are now at war.

(Stupid me: Last time I read the instructions to the game "war" was not a key point...)

So as we begin Ashton quickly acquires all four railroad cards, Boardwalk, and a few other miscellaneous properties. I gain the best score in collecting groups of properties quickly then begin building hotels (this after Chad asks me how much money I have and quickly trades all I have for little red buildings- that stresses me out thinking I will hit one of Ashton's railroads and owe him $200.).

Taylor attains very little and Chad possesses all the opposite of Ashton. Chad quickly asks to trade even throwing in money as an extra bribe. Ash is dead set that there will be no business done with him. Tae backs this up- even though he is quickly loosing the game. Chad gives me most of his unusable property as we all drift through the game.

Until...

Tae hits one of my properties where he bankrupts himself.

He knows there will be no sympathy from Chad, so he looks adoringly to his Mom (sticking out his bottom lip...)

With puppy dog eyes he looks at me and asks in the most serious voice if he could trade sex for staying in the game.

(yes, our family games usually do take a warped turn)

I don't know to this day if my money bag took his dog up on the offer....

Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

2008-12-11T20:16:00.021-07:00

So....

I was thinking today about Christmas.

What does Christmas mean to me?

In thinking about it, a thought came to me this week. I have a friend (one of my best friends in fact) her name is Fae. She is in her 80's, and she has cancer... again.

Fae is an amazing lady that I am truly a better person for knowing. I adore her! I think she is the most kind, loving, devoted, faithful woman on the planet.

I have been lucky enough to know her for the past 13 years. Each month I am able to talk to her and catch up on things. I have told her many things in confidence, knowing they never go anywhere. She is always supportive and loving. I look forward to our visits! She has been there for everything, the good, bad and the ugly...

This week, her daughter stopped by our home with a gift for Christmas from Fae. She made it a point to tell me that her mom is to ill right now to shop for anyone, but she requested that Cindy and her missionaries receive a gift, that was all that was important to her.

I cried.

So, what does Christmas mean to me?

Making someone, somewhere feel special.

Let's all do that this Christmas Season!

FOOT NOTE: Sadly, Fae passed away a few days after Christmas.

Endearing Moments....

2008-12-10T18:10:00.012-07:00

There is something incredibly endearing about seeing your child interact with other children...

Last week, Taylor's 9th grade class was going to see "Body World", he was not interested in seeing it for a second time, so he asked to skip school instead of watching movies all day in class.

I agreed with him- informing him that he was not just to spend the day in front of the computer playing games, that he was to jump in and help. He was there to work, not play.

As the kids arrived, Tae's concern was very prevalent in the expression on his face. He was doubting himself and wondering what he had gotten himself into.

We did circle time and then pulled my class aside, this is when he started to get excited. Here is my darling son with these little ones that barely come up to his waist, looking up into his face and melting his heart, just like they did mine.

My class is all boys. (thank heavens that is what I know)

So, they became Jedi knights, Santa's, and astronauts leaping around the room with light saber balloons, rolling in the pile of leaves to de-contaminate, and circling the wagons to avoid instant disaster with the massive asteroid attack. It was so adorable to see the elation in their faces to have a new guy there entertaining them for the day!

I asked him after what he thought of the kids, he said, "Mom, you have the funnest job on the planet! When I grow up this is what I want to do too, come to school everyday and PLAY!"

Snoopy- Loopy

2008-12-02T18:00:00.004-07:00

Sweetie...

Even on my rainiest of days...

You're always there for me.

Thank You!

oxoxox

A Spooky Thought!

2008-12-01T20:16:00.003-07:00

So,

This morning I am taking Tae to school...

He is usually late, so Ash is at school when Tae gets around to being ready.

Anyhow...

On the radio I hear,"Listener Cindy is texting us that her 14 year old son just found out that his 13 year old girlfriend is pregnant."

I look at Tae, he looks at me.

I say, "Is there anything you want to tell me young man?"

Luckily it would never be my 14 year old in such a situation!

But, it sure made the ride to school interesting...

Templeton

2008-12-01T08:15:00.015-07:00

So,

We have a new family that has moved into our humble abode...

Yes, it is fall in Utah and the temperature has dropped- and we have a huge yard (I can say that with confidence- I do the yard work!)

A family of mice has moved in.

This happens almost every fall, nothing new. Except the stand off in the kitchen this week.

Yes, standoff.

Here, let me explain.

So, Monday I am standing in the kitchen and hear a sound, look towards the storage closet and see a mouse looking at me. He is a nice looking mouse as far as mice go. Well fed perhaps, groomed well, the only problem is he is in MY house. So, the stand off begins (insert classic western standoff music here...)

I scream.

Why? I have no idea.

I am not one of those girls. I don't squeal. I don't get grossed out. I am not scared.

But- with the commotion both boys come running.

We trap Templeton (okay, yes we named him) in the closet with a broom whacking around randomly. What does he do? Runs out of the closet... do we blame him?

To which Ashton screams (like a girl I might add)

And poor Templeton is completely scared for his little life running around the kitchen Taylor whacking at him. He finally hid under the cabinets.

Now there is poison down.

Dum dum dum dum duuuuummmmmm...

Soon there will be a death, a few even.

So, yes there was a stand off but to my rival touche'... (so sorry)

I win!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-12-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

So I have concluded that I am getting OLD...

Yes, *sigh* old.

My extended family all has Thanksgiving weekend at Snowbird together. When this tradition began there were very few of us (11). Now, the numbers have grown with families getting larger, it is a whopping 27! Most being "little people" making it LOUD and really fun!

This year my very patient cousin Greg and cousin- in- law Mark decided that they were going to teach the kids to ski. Tae and Ash were among those being taught. I tried a few years ago to teach them, but failed miserably vowing to never do it again.

Greg and Mark took them up to Alta teaching them in a day! (THANK YOU!!!)

So, we all decided to go up together, even my brother Doug getting involved in the action.

Here we are with the hundreds that also were skiing... The snow was a little slushy, and they were making more all along the run which really limited your vision. Doug and Tae went together (Tae bringing his red U hair making it possible to see him all down the mountain) and Ash and I went together. I quiz Ash making sure that he can get off the lift himself, and make it down the long run. He says yes he can. So we go up the lift. He made it off the lift fine. And we wait for Doug and Tae. When they arrive at the top I find out that they both ski with both skis downward praying people move out of the way. EEK!

Ash does really well! He is slower and very precise UNTIL...

He hits a patch where they are making snow which pelts out "snow turds" at 50mph, making everyone crash right there! Ash is one of them getting both skis off in the process. So, here I am standing in front of the machine with "snow" blasting out at me, trying to help Ash put on his skis, getting SOAKED! Shortly after this turns to ice. So, I have frozen ice chunks in my hair, dripping down my back! I am cold and frozen! To boot all I loose Ash! In the blinding mayhem he takes off down the hill.

I wait for him for the next 45 minuted FREEZING my butt off!!!

I was done.

1 run! Did me in...

Windburn and frost bite are not a fun day of skiing. My body HURTING in places I had forgotten were there!

When we get to the bottom, Doug is there with blood dripping off his chin, it seems that he has biffed it with his face taking the impact.

But the best part is... I can't wait to go again!!!

I Was Tagged X2!

2008-11-13T21:01:00.037-07:00

My friend Melzie tagged me on her blog a few days ago- with a game of 2 Truths and A Lie:

Here are my 2 truths and a lie. Guess what you think is false... I'll confess what I have/have not done in a few days.

1. I am completely obsessed with flossing my teeth.

2. I have to sleep with my feet in socks with lotion.

3. I have been proposed to 14 times.

What is true and what is a lie? Any guesses?

Is A Kiss Just A Kiss?

2008-11-13T19:37:00.005-07:00

So...

Today was INTERESTING at work...

I was getting the kids ready for nap time,

and we have one student (4 years old) that can put a sailor to shame.

So, his mom has a new boyfriend and it looks like he has heard some things-

We are sitting there and he asks me if I would like to hold him. (That means he would like me to hold him)

I am sitting there and he asks if I would like to F*@# him!

WHAT?!?!?!?

THEN (as if that is not enough...) He makes these noises like we are!

At this point I stand up and walk to my desk.

YIKES!

My Sentiment Exactally!

2008-11-03T17:41:00.002-07:00

CONGRATS ASH!

2008-10-30T21:38:00.014-06:00

So...

Ashton decided to run for 7th grade class officer this year, mostly because the job entitles you to a "cool sweater with your name on it".

Now, just to keep you up to date,

Ashton never went to elementary school with any of these kids! (I took him out of our school bounds to where I taught). He walked into the school this year knowing 1 other 7th grader!

So, over the weekend we made his poster, and I gave him some advice about running, we even debated pulling his name to the secretary position because he would be a write in.

Ashton took this very seriously, stopping people in the hall saying, "Hi, my name is Ashton I am running for vice president and I would really appreciate your vote!"

This is my child who's entire goal in kindergarten was to raise his hand and say ANYTHING!

Well, I get a phone call from Ash after school saying:

Ash: "Hi Mom! Guess who your talking to?"

Me: "Huh? Who?" (I thought the vote was NEXT week...)

Ash: The NEW 7th grade V.P.!!!"

CONGRATS ASH I am very proud of you my copper top!!!

Bottoms Up!

2008-10-25T00:53:00.016-06:00

Rowan is a little girl who only has partial vision in our program.

She LOVES to sing!

She also made me re-think my hair style this week...

I was sitting on the floor, singing songs during circle time minding my own business- when Rowan comes walking into my room. She heard the singing and wanted to join in.

She finds me and feels the back of my hair informing me that she feels a duck's bottom.

A DUCK'S BUT!!!

Okay maybe spiky curls in the back would feel like a ducks butt...

But, who wants to hear that?

Even worse? The rest of the day, every time she heard me...

she quacked!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

2008-10-22T22:43:00.011-06:00

So...

Today I got an interesting surprise!

I am at school and out of the blue one of the kids in my class says, "Can I have a kiss?"

Me: (not thinking) "Sure, Noah!"

He proceeds to give me this slobbery, goobery kiss all over my cheek. (more lick than kiss)

YUCK! (did I mention I am a germ-o-phob?)

Me: (shocked & speechless) "Why... thank you Noah!"

Noah: "I love you!"

Me: "I love you too little buddy."

(Then I discretely grab the Purell and sanitize my cheek)

Get The Orange!!!

2008-10-13T09:33:00.002-06:00

I was just reminded of another funny family memory:

A few years ago the boys and I went to Vegas to meet & catch up with "Auntie Twin" (love you Kathy!!) We were going to spend the weekend with her and her mom.

Anyhow, we had reservations at a hotel on the strip so it took awhile to find the parking lot.

The drive was a long hot one, with little boys, and we were all anxious when we finally got there.

While going to check in I figured we would grab a load for the room, making the trips to and from the car less hectic. As we hit the spinning door I dropped an orange that rolled to the outer side of the door- picking up speed as it went. The fancy lobby was full of people rushing back and forth. All I could picture in my head was a swanky lady in high hills stepping on the orange and falling spread eagle on the marble floors!

With my arms full and Ash's Scooby Doo suitcase the only thing in his pudgy little hands I said, "Grab the orange!" He went scooting out the open door right after the orange- across the fancy marble floor. All eyes on us! I was mortified!

From that moment on whenever we are in a predicament, we quote,

"Grab the orange!"

My Week...

2008-10-11T22:47:00.006-06:00

Well...

My week has been CRAZY!

I was asked by the blind department of USDB (Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind) to take over teaching in the pre-school program.

All three teachers were fired at the close of the last school year, and they hired three new teachers. However, one was put on probation one week into the new school year!

I have been placed in this position as a "long- term substitute teacher" because Utah is in the middle of a hiring freeze. I have been guaranteed the position with the agreement that they will pay for my teaching certificate and blind/deaf endorsements.

Working with the deaf kids for almost ten years has been extremely rewarding and I have incredible relationships with my past students, that I love and adore. But BLIND?

My only experience is the limited I have with Corbin.

So, I started two weeks ago Thursday totally unprepared! I didn't even know what was in the boxes in the bookcase! But by this week I am completely organized, have tons of awesome toys, I have had my first Braille class, and even have lesson plans and a schedule. It helped to have my guys come and help move furniture around and clean.

I have spent the past week holding my breath, praying that I can be a positive difference in these very challenged kids lives, staying sane at the same time.

Chad says only the last part is in question... but questions if I was ever sane at any time. (ha ha)

Keep you posted...

Corby's New Word!

2008-10-11T22:28:00.015-06:00

So...

My cute Corby was sitting with Chad and I.

We were just chilling on the couch watching a movie.

All of a sudden Corby says,

"Mum, I want ravioli." (wav-e-oh-ye)

I looked at Chad and grinned. He heard it too.

I said, "Corby, do you want ravioli?"

He said, "Baa!"

So I got him ravioli and a bottle.

Toooooo Cute! Not to bad for a baby not yet 2!

Brace Face-

2008-09-24T20:54:00.005-06:00

So...

My baby got braces this week!

Braces AND a little girl/stalker at school!

And I quote, "I like you a lot a lot a lot & I'll tell you why your hair is lushes (luscious) golden bronze and the way you do it it is so cool looking, you have shiny happy eyes, your clothes omgosh!! They are so cool..."

It's not that I DON'T agree...

It's just *gulp!!!* what has happened???

This is my baby that has a girl/ stalker who thinks he is luscious!

I have a feeling that this is only the beginning....

Is It Christmas Early?

2008-09-24T20:41:00.003-06:00

Yesterday my sweet Chad surprised me with a string of pearls...

for no reason!

Then because I have been a shut in for the past few days due to new braces and a sick baby-

He brought me home Sexy (Sex in the City)....

And tonight is the season opener of "Lipstick Jungle" what more could a girl ask for???

Retainer Day... Ouch!!!

2008-09-17T19:29:00.005-06:00

Today was orthodontist day...

and yes,

Ash got his retainer.

It is red and glows in the dark.
(what a relief we won't loose it in the dark!)

Needless to say he cannot close his mouth anymore and he is hard to understand.

Luckily, he doesn't wear it at school.

Only 6 months and counting...

Saturday Night Live

2008-09-13T09:43:00.003-06:00

Tonight begins another season of Saturday Night Live. I adore New York City and cannot count the times I have been there. I love everything about it! But with the season opener a few hours away I thought I would share my favorite memory from Saturday Night Live!

As many of you know I have single parenting down pat. With so many life changes all at once, my kids had some major separation anxiety. My solution... we all slept in the same bedroom for a little over a year. The kids started out in the bed with me, but they could really pack a punch- so I kicked them out onto the floor.

One Saturday night, I had SNL on in the background, while the kids were trying to go to sleep.

Taylor heard the header, "Tonight's musical guest is The Bare Naked Ladies!!!"

I didn't think anything about it, but Taylor (age 4) laid there for almost an hour fighting sleep.

Finally he heard it, "Ladies and Gentlemen: The Bare Naked Ladies!!"

Taylor shoots out of his bed and jumps to the TV. In the most discussed voice he says, "They are not bare naked and they are not even ladies!!"

He then laid back down and was asleep in seconds.

Enjoy tonight's season opener with Michael Phelps!!!

Our Pumpkin Patch...

2008-09-13T09:18:00.001-06:00

So another week has come and gone at our home.

The latest here (just in case any of you wanted to know)
is that I am a murderer.

Ashton has been SO MAD at me because I am allowing the pumpkin patch to die!

We have counted over 25 pumpkins in our patch this summer, but because of the drop in temperature the vines are dying. I told Ash that this is just what happens, but he is certain I have no idea what I am talking about.

On Tuesday while I was in class, he informed my mom that I was a terrible gardener because the pumpkins were dying.

On Wednesday while at dinner with some friends he informed them that I was letting the pumpkins die.

On Thursday while talking to some neighbors about our block party he told them that I was a murderer.

On Friday I came home to find the water had been running in the garden for over an hour. But no one knows who turned it on.

Sounds very mysterious to me....

Excuse Me Sir, You Seem To Have A Caterpillar On Your Upper Lip

2008-09-06T21:14:00.000-06:00

So-

Taylor has this little patch of hair on his upper lip that he has NAMED!
Yes, he has named it (it is his new friend- thankfully it doesn't eat much)

The fuzz is referred to as "Larry".

Before school started I asked him if by chance "Larry" was also starting school...
much to my dismay it turns out that yes, "Larry" did start school also.

Now I know that your thinking Oh well a little patch of fuzz what's the prob.
Well... every time he drinks ANYTHING it sticks to it.

Milk makes "Larry" white
Chocolate milk makes "Larry" brown
Lemonade makes "Larry" yellow
and the best... (drum roll please)

is fruit punch makes "Larry" red- AND it stays until he washes it off!

Well...

Hope "Larry" is comfy cause I think one of these nights "Larry" just might have a little "accident".

Things Are Not Always As They Seem...

2008-08-28T20:23:00.001-06:00

So...

Chad and I were in separate cars going to the same place.
I was in my car behind him. We were getting on the freeway in rush hour traffic.

I got his attention in the rear view mirror and signed to him that I am thirsty and I would like a coke.

***Now for all of you who are not deaf/HH the sign for coke comes from olden times when there was cocaine as an ingredient in coke. So the sign is like putting drugs into the crook of your arm.***

Well- without even thinking I sign this to him. He knows the sentence in sign- nothing new...

I pull forward and glance up to see this lady giving me the dirtiest look ever! In retrospect, from her perspective, I was asking the man in the car in front of me for drugs, as I was chasing down my drug dealer.

The moral of the story is to not jump to conclusions, things are not always as they seem.

P.S. I am happy I was not also asking for a Mountain Dew (the sign for that is your fingers in the position of a gun to your temple.)

A New School Year

2008-08-28T11:15:00.000-06:00

So...

I am one of those mommy's that HATES school starting again.
I love the kids being home, swimming all summer long, and sleeping late.
School makes it all come to a crashing halt.

The older kids started school at Wasatch this year.
Brand new school, new lockers, new people.

(For those of you who don't know- Wasatch burned down 3 years ago they re-built it while Taylor went to a private school and Ashton was in elementary school)

There was no walk through due to the fact that it was closed to have workmen in it. No time to check out there the classes were, or to make sure our lockers opened.

Ashton got out of the car with tears in his eyes. Taylor was more positive but dreading it also. As I drove off (the sap I am) I started bawling. Wonder what the neighbors thought of that...

Ash has a smashing day! Met the "popular kids" who all welcomed him. (I knew that would happen) and Tae just kept to himself.

Day 2:

Mom was requested to go to school with the fellas to help them open their lockers that neither one could open themselves the first day. So, as we enter the building, there standing at Tae's locker are six cute girls (YES waiting for my darling son) So he turns his head to the side and says half whispering, "Mom keep walking, just keep walking!!" It is nice to know that I have now officially hit that point in my life where I am embarrassing to my son.

I recall being embarrassed of my parents, but it seems to me I had better reason... the old station wagon (UG!) the hair wrapped in curlers, or the flannel nightgown mom wore to drop me off with. I have done NONE of that for crying out loud!

As tempting as it was to plant a huge juicy kiss on his cheek I refrained, and went up to Ash's locker where I was more welcome.

As Ashton says, "I blame society!" or at least in this case school starting...

Thoughts From My 14 Year Old

2008-08-22T15:40:00.001-06:00

We have had TONS to get done this week getting the kids ready for school.
As we are in the car running errands and picking up last minute items from the passenger seat comes this comment.

Taylor: "If you think about it the average person's life is really depressing."

Me: (Off in my own thought process) "Yeah?"

Taylor: (Not getting the reaction he was wanting) "If you think about it the average person's life
is really depressing."

Me: "What makes you say that?"

Taylor: "Well Mom think about it... you have to go to work everyday. So your always tired. If your lucky you engage in some sort of mating ritual once a week. Then once a year you go on vacation for a week. Then mating ends at 50! Your job at 60 and you just look forward to dying."

Me: (Thinking) Hmmm what do you say to that?

In that respect... I better enjoy my days, they are numbered!

The Lawyer, the Banker and the WHAT???

2008-08-17T21:22:00.000-06:00

So....

Sundays we go to mom's for dinner. This has been a tradition since Chris died ten years ago. I needed it for sheer sanity.

I have hated Sunday's ever since.

Anywho...

Tonight we are chatting around the table waiting for my brothers Ken, Doug and Ashton to come upstairs and eat. They are glued to the Olympics.

Taylor is sitting there as my dad asks where the boys are. His reply is as follows...

"You mean the lawyer, the banker and the Italian gigalo?"

Now THERE is brotherly love.

Look at me... joining the rest of the world...

2008-08-17T16:45:00.000-06:00

So....

I did it!

I am so weak!

So after months of my inbox compiling requests to join in on the facebook venture.

I did it!

In that fog of weakness I then joined a blog site too.

What am I thinking?

Why would anyone want to know about (gulp) me?

but-

I did it!

So everyone here I am totally naked and exposed to you all.

(if your smart you will turn your eyes now...lol)

She's A Sweetie

A Fairy Tale

*Gulp* The Big 4...0!

Cell Phone Dilemma

Wake Up!

Happy #14 Ashton!!!

Happy #16 Taylor!!!

It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood...

Corby's Three!

"Christmastime"

Can You Say "Yum" ?

Mel- Mo

Gobble Gobble!

A Giggle Or A Scream?!?

Life Is GOOD!

After Many Long Hours...

I'm HOW Old?!?!

What Is My Purpose?

What I Will Miss About Summer...

I Have Found Me A Home...

Joe

I Am Loved!

My Family

Neener Neener Ha Ha Ha!!!

My Simple Life

the L word at OUR house

Happy Birthday Ken!!!

Brotherly Love...

Happy Birthday Corby!

Our Warped Family...

Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

Endearing Moments....

Snoopy- Loopy

A Spooky Thought!

Templeton

Thanksgiving Weekend

I Was Tagged X2!

Is A Kiss Just A Kiss?

My Sentiment Exactally!

CONGRATS ASH!

Bottoms Up!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

Get The Orange!!!

My Week...

Corby's New Word!

Brace Face-

Is It Christmas Early?

Retainer Day... Ouch!!!

Saturday Night Live

Our Pumpkin Patch...

Excuse Me Sir, You Seem To Have A Caterpillar On Your Upper Lip

Things Are Not Always As They Seem...

A New School Year

Thoughts From My 14 Year Old

The Lawyer, the Banker and the WHAT???

Look at me... joining the rest of the world...

Gulp The Big 4...0!