SPT

This Week's Challenge:

Find your last receipt from the gas station? How much did you spend? What if you could take that amount and spend it on something for you? What would you buy? This item must be within $5 of what you spent.

We were at the gas station last night and spent $72.26. I still had a few gallons left, so in reality it could have been even more. So if I had approximately $75 to spend, what would I spend it on?

I would maybe rent out a storage unit for my husband to keep all of his work stuff in. It would be amazing to have my garage back. OR,

I would hire someone to come clean my house. Oh wait, I forgot, I already have someone. (Isn't he a good sport). Or,

I would take that $75 and spend it on something impractical and just for me. I have always wanted to learn how to tap dance, so I could see me buying myself a really nice pair of high-heeled tap shoes. Even though I don't know how to tap dance, I would get so much enjoyment walking around the house with them on.

Flashback Friday-Graduation Edition

I grew up in Logan, Utah and graduated from High School in 1995. We were the home of the Grizzlies, and our school colors were red and gold. This is the only picture I have of me in my cap and gown. And if you are wondering, it wasn't even me who cut around this picture, it was my mom. Way to ruin the picture mom. Just kidding!!

Here I am after graduation with mom, my two grandma's, my dad, and Aron (my boyfriend at the time). As I go through old pictures I realize that in almost all of them from 15 on I am with a boyfriend. Could I not take a picture by myself?

Marty, me and my mom.

Here is my college graduation. I graduated from Utah State University in 1999. I truly hate the shoes I am wearing. I didn't even like them at the time, but for some unknown reason decided to wear them. I actually still had them up until a year ago when I finally decided to throw them away. They were Steve Madden (my brand of choice along with Doc Marten's in high school and college). Now my brand of choice is Target.

SPT

This Week's Challenge:

In honor of Earth Day. Do you consider yourself a part of "The Green Generation."

I definitely consider myself a part of "The Green Generation" in theory, but I don't always come through in practice. So for this Earth Day I decided to turn off my water, and let my grass die.

Ha, Ha, Just Kidding. There are parts of our yard that look like this, but it is mostly because of my inattention to it. However, if we move to a new house or suddenly come into a lot of money, I would replace our real grass with fake grass in a heartbeat. Not only would it be much easier to take care of in our climate, but we would save a lot of water.

The one thing I am definitely going to change this year is our use of water bottles. It is not unusual for me to clean 5 or 6 half empty water bottles out of our car. Last Friday I found these 4 barely used water bottles in my 7 year olds backpack. I bought these smaller bottles hoping that it would cause less waste, but she is still not drinking them. I am going to go out this week and buy her a reusable bottle for her lunch.

Lastly, I have considered switching to these new light bulbs. I have not made myself do it yet because I find them grossly unattractive. I realize this is ridiculous, and I am sure I will be able to talk myself into them soon.

Happy Earth Day!!!!

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

This weekend we said goodbye to Jackson's hair. As I was cutting it, it kept getting shorter and shorter, until Eric and I decided we would like to see him with a buzz cut. It has been a big adjustment. Jackson has always had quite a bit of hair, so I barely recognize him.

Before

After

Next we said goodbye to Las Vegas and headed out to Primm. I wanted to do some shopping at the outlet mall and we thought it would be fun to let the kids ride some rides.

Here they are on the frog hopper. I love to see Megan take over when it is just her and Jackson. She helped him get on the ride, made sure he was okay when he got scared, and helped him get off. I love to see them taking care of each other.

I think Jackson is going to be the dancer in the family. He would have been content to dance on this all night.
Last up was the log ride. I just realized there are no pictures of Sadie. But for the record, she was very good the whole trip, and slept all the way through dinner. What could be better.

Do they look worn out? Not even a movie could keep Jackson awake.

Flashback Friday-To Pioneer Times

For this Flashback Friday I am going all the way back to the Mid 1800's. I know the clothing choices are a bit outdated, but you have to remember this is what was in style at the time. We had to wear long skirts and of course bonnets to protect us from the harsh weather on the plains.

As you can see, they are all very happy in this picture. They just completed some quilts, and clothing for their entire families.

This picture was taken after they were told they were going to be traveling across thousands of miles of wilderness to the Salt Lake Valley.

I would like to thank everyone that participated in last nights program, and all of you who are on the committee that work so hard. THANK YOU!!!

SPT

This week's challenge:
Provide a photo for the following caption:

"What Was I Thinking?!?"

It all started more than two years ago when I walked into a friends house and fell in love. Not with her, but with her floors. She has stained concrete floors and I had never seen anything like them. I knew I had to have them for my own. So finally last April we decided to tackle the project. There are five reasons I ask myself "What Was I Thinking?"

1. We had a lot of family coming into town 2 weeks after we decided to start. Not a smart idea. Let's just say they had to negotiate a construction zone.

2. I was pregnant. When I am pregnant I am terribly sick the entire 9 months, so I wasn't really much help.

3. We were entering my husbands busy time of year so he did not have the proper time to spend to get it done in a timely fashion.

4. My husband and I have vastly different work styles. He is a perfectionist who takes a lot of time, and I am not. There is definitely a middle ground that we did not negotiate well.

5. It was really, really hard. The cleanup, staining, coating was a ridiculous amount of work.

So for a project I thought would take us no more than 2 weeks, 5 months later, yes 5 months, we were finally done . Our timing was not perfect, but now that it is done I couldn't be happier.

Flashback Friday

Three years ago this week we took an impromptu trip to San Diego. San Diego is one of my favorite places to go. We are so lucky that it is so close and there are so many fun things to do with kids.

Here's my little Jackson. He was 9 months old and was such a good baby. He is still a really good kid, but as a baby he was really, really good.

The next day we went to the beach. As you can see it was fairly cold, but the kids still had fun playing in the sand. I love impromptu trips.

SPT

This week's challenge:
We've all heard that mom-like expression "I've got eyes in the back of my head." Do you ever wonder what you would see if you actually did have eyes in the back of your head?"
If my kids did not know I was watching them, I am sure I would see Jackson smothering Sadie with kisses, and Megan singing and dancing to music in her room. But the first thing I thought of was this:


This is how I wake up at least 4 nights a week. With the eyes in the back of my head I would see my 3 year old climbing into bed with us at 4 or 5 in the morning. I usually wake up when he comes in, but I am just so tired at that time in the morning that I let him stay. The problem is that he is very easy to sleep with, so it does not annoy me to the point that I make him stay in his bed. I know it would just take a few nights of taking him back to his room, but I don't have the motivation yet. Plus I do really love cuddling with him.

Butterfly Park

The weather has been so gorgeous that I feel guilty if we don't take the kids to do something outside, so yesterday we went to the Butterfly Park. They are expanding it and making it even bigger than it currently is, which is good because it was pretty busy yesterday.

My little Sadie even had a good time. Her and I sat under a tree most of the time, so she was shaded from the sun and most of the wind.

Has anyone noticed that at parks these days they seem to have very few swings. It does not make sense to me since most of the kids I know love to swing and there is always a wait to use them.

Lastly, a picture of Eric and the kids. Megan is holding a piece of cardboard that she used not to slide down the many slides they have at the park, but to slide down the steep dirt area between the slides. I am truly surprised she did not break a bone, or at the very least skin her legs. But she didn't, and we all had fun.

Flashback Friday-Prom Edition

This was Junior Prom 1993. I was a Sophomore, but was asked by a Junior (hence my attendance at this dance). I was not really excited to go. I did not like this boy at all, but my mom and friends said it would be mean to say no. So I went. I loved my dress and my hair. My friend Sherene came over and curled it for me with a tiny curling iron. I still have the curling iron. I remember it was really awkward and when he dropped me off at home I jumped out of the car and walked quickly up to the doorstep, not giving him a chance to walk me to the door. He was a nice guy, but I guess I was just not into him. FYI the theme of this dance was "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You."

This was Homecoming. I was dating two people at this time and had to decide who I wanted to be my boyfriend. This is how I made my decision. Eric and Richie were the names of the boys I was dating. On a Friday I was scheduled to go to Lagoon (an amusement park) with Richie, but I got really sick with the stomach flu. Instead of him being nice to me, he asked me if I could take some medicine and come anyway. He seemed pretty upset I could not go. The next day I was scheduled to go to a Steve Miller Band concert with this boy Eric. I called him and let him know I was sick and might not be able to go. Instead of him getting upset, he brought me flowers. So I chose him, and we went to homecoming. FYI the theme of this dance was "A Time To Remember."

This dance was a Valentine's Dance I went to with a boy named Danny. Obviously it was not very exciting because I can't remember much about this dance. All I remember is that I had a giant fake red flower in my hair that I ended up taking out before this picture was taken. I must have come to my senses. FYI the theme of this dance was, "There's A Moon Out Tonight." Notice the giant moon attached to my head. After this picture was taken I started dating older "men." So I did not go to any more dances because they had already graduated from high school. I am sure they would have taken me if I wanted to go, but I really didn't at the time.

I also had to post a couple of pictures of Eric. He had a lot more to choose from than I did. He went to high school in the late 80's and apparently white tuxes were all the rage. He did not start wearing a black one until dances at Ricks College. Eric, I would like to point out that you are wearing a pink shirt in this picture. How sweet of you to match your dates dress.

Don't you just love this chair. Very 80's.

Excuses

Jackson really dislikes cleaning his room, and as you will see will come up with any excuse not to do it. The first time I went in to check on him this is what I found:

Excuse #1: "I am just too tired to clean."

Excuse #2: "I'm too hungry to clean my room." (This is a common excuse. He is always hungry.)

Excuse #3 (my personal favorite): "I can't clean my room because my hand is wrapped up on this ball".

Jackson's favorite excuse is that he just can't do it by himself and I need to help him. I usually do help him because I realize he is 3 years old and it can be overwhelming for him (even though I know he can do it, because he has done it before), but I was just too busy yesterday. However, when Eric came home Jackson asked him so nicely for help that I guess he couldn't resist and his room finally did get cleaned up.

Lastly, I had to post one more picture from last weekend so I don't forget it. We were out to eat and all talking about our favorite dogs. Megan's favorite was the Chihuahua and the Bulldog. I can't remember Eric's, but I won't forget Jackson's. Jackson looked at us and said his favorite was the French Poodle. WHAT. I don't even know what a French Poodle looks like. He cracks me up.

My 100

1. I see shades of grey.
2. I am inherently messy, but always try and have my house clean.
3. I consider myself a feminist.
4. I have no athletic ability.
5. I always wear lipstick or lip gloss.
6. I once ate Macaroni & Cheese everyday for 6 months.
7. I have never had a cavity.
8. I didn't learn how to cook until I got married.
9. I love to eat out.
10. I never ate desserts or candy as a child.
11. I loved being 22. It was my signature year.
12. I lived alone all through college.
13. I am not a snacker, but I am a big eater at meal times.
14. I have never broken a bone.
15. I dislike Jazz music and R & B.
16. I once had pink hair in high school.
17. I am very responsible.
18. I am a home body.
19. I love T.V.
20. I also really love to read.
21. I truly adore my husband.

22. I can't tell a joke.
23. I am not a great story teller.
24. I can keep a secret.
25. I am allergic to most perfumes.
26. I love my friends. They are super important to me.
27. I believe in the power or attraction.
28. I always try my best.
29. My biggest fear is snakes. Our neighbor has some and I am worried that one will show up on my doorstep one day. And since I believe in the power of attraction, it will probably happen.
30. I hardly ever cry.
31. I am close to very few people.
32. It is important to me to teach my kids tolerance.
33. I tend to be a rebel.
34. I don't enjoy watching movies more than once.
35. I am a worrier.
36. I love to learn new things.
37. I have an excellent memory.
38. I can be inconsistent.
39. I need to be more patient.
40. I take a bath every night to relax.
41. I am addicted to lotion.
42. I am shocked that I am married and have 3 kids. Really, how did that happen?

43. I believe in constant self-improvement.
44. I think I am more glass half-empty.
45. I don't enjoy napping.
46. I love being productive.
47. I am sarcastic.
48. I would like to be more involved in social issues. I often picture myself at demonstrations.
49. I admire those who stand up for what they believe in.
50. I believe it is never okay to be mean to another person.
51. I avoid confrontation.
52. I don't enjoy traveling without my husband and kids.
53. I have a hard time leaving my comfort zone.
54. I am addicted to Dr. Pepper. I love it.
55. I have small feet.
56. I always wear earrings.
57. I love playing games.
58. I am competitive, but it does not bother me when I don't win.
59. I am a realist.
60. I believe self-confidence equals success.
61. I don't drink milk and never have. I was allergic as a small child.
62. I love to sing loudly in the car.
63. I have anxiety about calling people I don't know well.
64. I try never to lie (even little white lies).
65. My favorite color is red.
66. My favorite food changes often. Right now it is Zaba Bowls from Zaba's.
67. I struggled with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for years.
68. I don' t like crowds.
69. I am more of an indoor person.
70. I am an only child, and never wanted brothers or sisters.
71. My nails grow really fast.
72. I love cloudy days. Probably because we get so few of them here.
73. I listen to music every day while I am cleaning the house.
74. I am frugal, except when it comes to eating out.
75. I like sugar cookies, but not any other kind.
76. I always have my toenails painted.
77. I am not a pet person.
78. I always wear sunglasses when I am outside.
79. Laundry is my nemesis.

80. I am not a morning or night person. I am more of an afternoon person.
81. As a child I thought about dying every day.
82. I believe in constant self-improvement.
83. I am an excellent multi-tasker.
84. I have a tattoo.
85. One of my dreams is to learn how to tap dance.
86. I am good friends with those who have qualities I admire.
87. I don't do well on little sleep.
88. I don't like having my belly button touched.
89. I went to 5 different Elementary Schools.
90. I never imagined being a stay-at-home mom, but now I can't imagine not being one.
91. If someone would have told me 5 years ago that I would like country music one day, I never would have believed them.
92. When I commit to something, I always follow through.
93. I don't enjoy musicals, opera, ballet or plays.
94. I miss my high school car (1976 Convertible Superbeatle). I secretly hope that Eric will buy me one for my birthday one year. Hint, hint.
95. I am constantly thinking of ways to change my house (new paint, floors, etc).


96. I would love to be able to speak Spanish fluently.
97. I fundamentally believe everyone should have access to health care. It is my number one social passion.
98. I am great at taking tests and studying.
99. I don't like to get up before 8 am.
100. My favorite flowers are Gerber Daisies.

Flashback Friday

This is a picture of me in Kindergarten. It is my "Student of the Month" picture. I chose it today because I am wearing overalls in this picture. Megan and I had an argument this morning about overalls. She has this cute overall dress that I wanted her to wear today, but she started crying and said that overalls are the "most hideous pieces of clothing she has ever seen" (her words). It turns out she remembers watching What Not To Wear and they happened to say this on the show. Her clothing choices are getting more and more limited. The other day she refused to wear anymore dresses to school. Her new school is considering school uniforms next year, I think I am going to vote yes to that.

SPT

This week's challenge:

Hunt for something "eggs"traspecial about your weekend.

We had a great weekend, but if I had to pick one "eggs"traspecial part it would have to be the weather. Living in Las Vegas we don't have many days that are truly perfect, but Saturday was one of them. Although I would have worn sunscreen if I thought I was going to burn, I will pay the price for such a nice weekend.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!

Here are the kids just before church today.

We had a lot of fun this weekend. First up was our Ward Easter Egg Hunt. There were about 1,000 eggs on the grass so all of the kids that were there got quite a few. Jackson picked them up pretty quickly, but true to his personality he gave most of them away just as fast. The kids had so much fun. There were not only a lot of Easter Eggs, but games as well. Megan was always careful to have Jackson on her team and they both did really well.

Us Mom's had fun too. We got to do a lot of socializing while we let the kids run free. It was almost 80 degrees, and a truly beautiful day.

Later that day we colored our Easter Eggs. When I brought home a glitter egg kit, Eric told me he can tell he is getting old because his first thought was what a mess the glitter was going to make. I agree. But it was fun, and they turned out really well.

Flashback Friday

I decided to post this Easter picture of Megan because the look on her face cracks me up. Since she was my first child I was always following her around with a camera which I imagine explains the face. I am sure she was sick of me taking her picture. She is 2 1/2 in this picture.

Easter Festivities

I will probably have to do multiple posts about Easter, since it is still a few days away and my kids have already had numerous Easter activities, with quite a few to go. I am definitely not complaining, I am just happy they have so many fun things to do. Since it is Spring Break this week, last week Jackson's Pre-School had their Easter Party. They colored eggs and had a picnic. We are so fortunate that we have such a great Pre-School for him to go to. Megan went to the same one and had the same teacher, Miss Jackie, whom all of the kids adore.

Here is a picture of Jackson coloring his eggs. We ended up with all broken eggs, because he liked to drop them into the cup, instead of gently putting them in there.

Here he is all finished. He was waiting very patiently while I took his picture. He really wanted to jump up and wash his hands.

Today Jackson went to and Easter party. Here they are doing an Easter craft. They decorated flower pots and planted flowers.

They also had an egg hunt. Jackson is not that competitive, so it involved a lot of me telling him to hurry and get more eggs. He would have probably been happy finding one or two.

Here is a picture of all of the kids at the party. A couple of kids Megan's age were at the party, but she had a play date today instead.

Lastly, I had to add a picture of Miss Sadie. She was such a good girl at the party. Really, she is such a good girl all of the time. Just growing up so fast.