Star Student

Megan is a really hard worker, who is precise, takes her time and always tries her best. This last week at school has been very exciting for her. She started out the week by being chosen as the first "Star Student" by her teacher. The star student gets to help the teacher with many things, and also gets to fill out this big poster to present to the class.

My favorite thing about this poster is that she has given all of the kids a different skin color. Yeah for living in a multi-racial, and multi-cultural state.

Then later on in the week she was voted by her classmates to represent their class on the student council. The best part of these events for me was seeing her come home so excited to tell us the news. Her face was so lit up with happiness and pride. Her first meeting was yesterday, and she decided to run for President. Oh my! We'll see what happens. She seems fine with winning or losing. While smiling she said, "Even if I lose I still get to be on Student Council."

SPT

This month's challenge provides us the opportunity to spend some time with ourselves. Lelly says, "This month we will consult our 100 lists. It's quite simple, really. On the 7th of the month post an SPT about item #7 on your list. On the 14th of the month, post an SPT about #14. And so on and so on.

On my birthday 100 list, #14 reads:

Babysitting is not a service I enjoy performing.

Let's just say I will babysit if it is needed, but I would rather make someone dinner, clean someones house, or even do yard work instead. I think when I am babysitting (especially for a long time) I start to feel trapped. Not that I spend most of the day out of the house, but what if I just had to go to Target?

I notice that when I have little boys (ages 2 to 4), the favorite game is let's dump all of the toys out in the middle of the floor. It's really a good thing they are so cute!

I also have to kid proof my house. Even though I have small children, they have grown up in this house so they know how to avoid any breakables. Of course, new little kiddies are unfamiliar with my house so I move all breakables out of their reach.
All of my friends reading this, this rule does not apply to your children. I of course love them all, and will watch them whenever you need. But if you have a hitter, a yeller, or biter, I will watch them, but probably won't enjoy it very much.

Crazy Duck

All I have to say it that it is really too bad that women don't play professional football, because Megan could make us some serious money. I am amazed by her athleticism, although I shouldn't be because Eric is her father. She caught almost every pass, her footballs spiral, and she even knew that if she puts her hand out in front of her, it helps her aim the ball. I of course never taught her this, but neither did Eric. She said it is just something she picked up after seeing it done!

I was also playing, but after my first throw Jackson informed me that the football I just threw was a "crazy duck." Eric explained to me that he meant lame duck, which apparently means you throw really badly and your football wobbles in the air. I guess the family can't count on me to bring in a big athletic contract.

We Be Jammin....

Yet another way I have changed over the last 10 years: I now make jam. And it is good too.
This is the second year Rachael and I have made freezer jam, and I am amazed by how easy it is.

It went from this:

To this, in just a couple of hours. We did raspberry first, but next week it is strawberry's turn. Maybe in another 10 years I will be canning peaches, pears and pickles. You never know.

SPT

This month's challenge provides us the opportunity to spend some time with ourselves. Lelly says, "This month we will consult our 100 lists. It's quite simple, really. On the 7th of the month post an SPT about item #7 on your list. On the 14th of the month, post an SPT about #14. And so on and so on.

On my list, #7 reads:

"I have never had a cavity."

What can I attribute this to? I have had this discussion many times with my husband, who has not been as lucky as I have in the cavity department. As a child, I brushed my teeth, but wasn't extremely diligent about it. I didn't frequent the dentist office, nor did I ever floss. On the other hand, my husband brushed all of the time, was a diligent flosser, frequented the dentists office, yet he was plagued by cavity after cavity. Why is this? I think maybe I will attribute it to the monthly fluoride treatments I received in elementary school. Does anyone else remember these? After our parents signed the consent form, "they" (I have no memory of who they were) would wheel the pink fluoride in on carts. We were then required to swish it in our mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it back into the cup it came in. I was very jealous of those kids whose parents didn't sign the consent, because if I am remembering correctly, it was pretty darn gross. I guess I will never know the answer to my great teeth luck, but if any of you have any insight, I would love to hear it.

Weekend In Review

My Aunt and Grandma came down to St. George to visit my mom this weekend, and lucky for me they all decided to come and see me on Friday. We went out to lunch and had a nice, quick visit.

My Mom, Grandma and Aunt Deb

My Mom, Grandma, Me and Sadie

On Saturday, Rachael and I went to Great Harvest, picked up dinner, then took the kids to the temple for a picnic and to play. It was such a great night. The weather was absolutely perfect, we had a great dinner, the kids played all over the place, and Rachael and I had plenty of time to talk and hang out.

This is Jackson's hand on my leg. Jackson likes physical contact, and Eric and I have noticed that when he eats he almost always has one hand on Eric or I if we are sitting next to him.

In another year they will probably be able to scale the fence.

It got a little bit chilly (by Las Vegas standards) and I realized Sadie owns no warm clothes. Luckily Alexis shared her jacket.

Amazingly we were able to get at least one picture with all kids looking forward.

Then on Sunday we had another visitor. Eric's brother Todd was in town and stopped by to hang out with us for the afternoon.

Megan and Jackson love him, and happily he plays with them endlessly when he is here.

We were also able to get the outside of our house all decorated for Halloween. It was a busy weekend, just how I like it.

The Celebration

I started off my birthday celebrations by having lunch with my two friends Rachael and Rachel. We went to Zaba's, my most favorite place.

(Our Entourage: Jackson, Sadie, Connor and Eli)

They also gave me the most thoughtful gifts. This summer whenever I went swimming at Rachael's house I brought all of our swim paraphernalia in a large plastic garbage bag. Rachael, seeing my choice of bag, determined that I was in dire need of a large bag, and so got me this oh so cute one. She also got me a gift certificate to Zaba's. My other Rachel friend, having read on my blog that Moonlight Path products from Bath & Body Works were my favorite, got me this cute gift basket, along with these super comfy socks.

When I got home I found these packages waiting for me. My mom had sent me this great bracelet, and my friend Behnaz had sent me all of these books. She always sends me the books she has read, and every time I receive them I feel like it is my birthday. This time they actually arrived on my birthday, and I was so excited.

After Eric got home, I got to open my presents. Eric and the kids got me some great jewelry, a new iron, a new camera, and fingernail polish (my most favorite gift to get).

After opening presents we headed out to Macaroni Grill. It was good as always. I love celebrating birthdays at Macaroni Grill because they give you this huge, huge piece of cake at the end (for free). It is big enough to feed all of us.

Like I said I had a great day, but the best part came towards the end of it. Through eye contact my little Jackson got my attention from across the table, smiled at me, and said "Happy Birthday Mommy." It melted my heart.

Thank you all of you that had lunch with me, called me, left me messages, texted me, e-mailed me, sent me cards, or just thought of me. You are all so great!

Happy Birthday To........ME!!!

Today I am 31. I know, I know, I don't look a day over 30. So for my birthday I have compiled another list of 100 things about myself. Mostly for me to remember who I am at this age.

My Birthday 100

1. I love to jump on the trampoline.
2. I don't iron frequently.
3. I own no luxury items.
4. Desserts with fruit or berries are my favorite kinds.
5. I will miss a lot of things when my kids grow up, but I am pretty sure I will not miss fingerprints on glass or windows.
6. I don't change my household decorations based on the seasons.
7. Every few years I become obsessed with getting a job, but don't follow-through.
8. I love to swing (not that kind, but the kind of swinging you do at the park).
9. I am constantly misplacing my sunglasses.
10. This past year I have had a desire to try out for Survivor. Even though don't like the outdoors, particularly camping.
11. I had to stop watching Wheel Of Fortune because it depressed me that people (not me) were winning so many great things.
12. I love Family Feud. But just the old ones with Richard Dawson as host. I have a secret crush on him.
13. Clutter drives me crazy. However, in the last few months I have thrown two things out that I now wish I still had.
14. Babysitting is not a service I enjoy performing.
15. I still watch the Real World and the Real World/Road Rules Challenge on MTV. However now I watch with a sense of disgust.
16. I love black furniture.
17. I love babies. They would be perfect if it weren't for all the crying.
18. I collect pitchers.

19. I prefer black and white photos.
20. I love politics.
21. I gain all of my weight in my stomach.
22. There are certain words I cannot make myself say. I cannot even write them or I would tell you what they are.
23. I no longer crave fast food.
24. Being a nurse would be my least favorite job.
25. I don't swear much, except while watching sports. Something about them brings it out in me.
26. I love my car.
27. I use to be self-conscious of my moles, but now I don't even think about them.
28. I don't mow the lawn. Except for this one time.


29. I am a stickler for rules. Cheating drives me crazy.
30. We have had our alarm clock for 4 years but I have never learned how to set it.
31. I have lots of journals and stationary that I have never used. I don't know what I am saving them for.
32. I think all Swiffer products are amazing.
33. Spain and Mexico are the only foreign countries I have visited.
34. I have only visited 14 states (not including those stopped in briefly for layovers).
35. I can recite all of the states in alphabetical order.
36. I would like to carry a handgun around with me in my purse, but never really would.
37. I have many sets of dishes.
38. I am always wondering what mistakes I am making as a parent that my kids will remember when they grow up.
39. My grandma's house was the one place I always felt totally loved as a child.
40. I am scared to get Sadie immunized.
41. I love the smell of rubbing alcohol.
42. I would rather go out to dinner than get flowers.
43. I have an addictive personality, but like being in control too much to let myself become addicted to anything.
44. I sneeze loudly.
45. I blow air out of my nose when I laugh.
46. I could never home school my kids. I do not have the patience for it.
47. I can't wait to re-read my 100 lists when I am 40 or 50 and see how much I have changed.
48. I wish I had more endurance.
49. I have a hard time following directions, especially when putting toys or furniture together.
50. This is my favorite part of my home:

I love walking in the front door and seeing these birds.

51. I am orally fixated.
52. My favorite book is the Red Tent.
53. My least favorite book is The House Of Sand And Fog. I found it maddening.
54. My current favorite song is "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock. It is truly impossible not to dance to.
55. I wear an apron whenever I cook or clean.
56. I sleep with 3 pillows.
57. I am impatient.
58. I never buy fingernail polish, but it is one of my favorite gifts to get.
59. I am not particularly sentimental.
60. I take my jewelry off as soon as I get home.
61. When I am at home I am usually dressed very comfortably.
62. I have tried waxing my eyebrows, but am not that into it.
63. I hate this (subwoofer) :

But have been told it can't be put anywhere else.

64. I don't think I ever want to live on the beach, because I am afraid of Tsunamis.
65. I have Photoshop, but have not installed it yet (I have had it for over 6 months).
66. I wish I could find the "perfect" pair of jeans.
67. I don't look good with really short hair.
68. I find toe rings to be very unattractive.
69. I had a lot of freedom as a child and teenager.
70. I don't enjoy writing the capital letters D or G.
71. I enjoy black clothing.
72. My body has changed dramatically since I had kids.
73. 3:30 - 6 pm is my least favorite time of day. I feel like I am never very productive during this time.
74. I bruise easily. I currently have 6 bruises on my right leg.
75. I really admire people who take the bus.
76. I have given up using paper plates, but can't yet give up paper towels or water bottles.
77. Things I miss most about Utah: The time zone and T.V. shows starting an hour earlier!
78. I have voted in every election since I turned 18. I love to vote!
79. I don't eat hot dogs.
80. While pregnant I have overwhelming cravings for green Tums.
81. I wish I had scrapbooking talent.
82. I am pet free.
83. Green Apple Extra is my favorite gum, but they have stopped making it!!!
84. I thought a baby horse was called a pony until 2 years ago.
85. I spell well.
86. I buy cheap laundry detergent.
87. When I was younger I really believed you could get ink poisoning if you wrote on your skin.
88. I also believed that if you popped a zit, the puss could get into your blood stream and kill you.
89. I believe strongly in personal responsibility.
90. High School did not prepare me for College.
91. I would be a terrible Police Officer.
92. Every night I check to make sure my kids are breathing before I go to bed.
93. I enjoy a winter wardrobe much more than a summer one.
94. Today, I bent over and my lower back actually hurt!
95. Since moving to Las Vegas I hardly ever wear socks.
96. I rarely spend more than $20 on any piece of clothing or pair of shoes.

I got these shoes in the mail 2 days ago from oldnavy.com. They were $7.

97. I have a Vision Board.
98.Black ink pens are my favorite.
99. I can walk on stilts.
100. I am old. JUST KIDDING!