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!

I've Been Waiting

I have been waiting for something for over 12 years. Something that I have been searching for, longing for, and wishing for. Yesterday if finally once again entered my life and I feel like I am now complete. It is:

"Egg Chicken Noodle Dinner"

This is my absolute favorite food. The last time I remember being able to eat it I was a Freshman in college. Shortly thereafter it disappeared from the grocery store shelves. For years, that's right years, I would search grocery stores in many different towns, hoping to find it. But much to my dismay I never did. Those of you that know me, know that I have some strange food obsessions, so when one of those leaves my life, I go into mourning. Last week, without much hope I decided to once again go searching for it. And miracle of miracles I found it. I have searched for it before on the internet and never found it, but this time I discovered a group of people just like myself who were also missing "Egg Chicken Noodle Dinner" and they were able to lead me to a site to buy it. Isn't that just the best news?

The Progression

Sadie's fit-throwing progression:

She first expresses her unhappiness, by putting her head down and crying softly.

Then realizing that I am not responding, goes into full fit-throwing mode. Complete with tears and screaming. This picture also shows paper in her mouth that she has been trying to eat. She is so sneaky!

However once picked up, she recovers within seconds.

I have a sneaking suspicion she is so cranky, because SHE IS NOT SLEEPING AT NIGHT. It is also making me cranky.

Newly Crawling

Sadie has been practicing and practicing all month, and she is now a full-fledged crawler. I am excited, but Jackson isn't too happy that she can get to his toys whenever she wants. I am wondering how much I am going to have to baby proof my house. We still have all of the outlet covers, and door locks, but I wonder if I am going to have to move all of my breakables out of reach. My other two kids were never very interested in them, and I am hoping the trend continues. We will see.

First Day Of School-Megan

Yesterday was Megan's long-awaited first day of 3rd grade. Construction is now complete, but the traffic was beyond terrible. It will definitely be an adjustment. Anyway, Megan had a great first day.


Some highlights:

• She already knew 3 other girls in her class.
• She received her first classroom job as office runner.
• She was quite annoyed that most of the girls were wearing skirts the first day and she was wearing shorts.
• She said her lunchroom was a lot smaller than her other one, and that her classroom was pretty small but did have windows. (Has anyone else noticed how small the classrooms are here in Las Vegas?)
  
• The best part of her day: Recess

The second day of school-skirt and all.

Eight Is Great

I don't think I have mentioned how great it is to have an 8 year old. I really don't know how I managed to take care of a baby without one. Megan waited quite a few years to have a sister, and now that she has one, she takes the job of big sister seriously. She goes back to school today, and I have to admit that I will be going through a transition period. This summer Megan has helped me more than I think I even realize. If I needed someone to play with Sadie while I took a shower, cleaned, or made lunch, she was more than willing to help. Granted, she is still 8 so that help only came in about 20 minute bursts. But still, it was a big help. Good thing I still have Jackson to go get me diapers. Imagine if I had to go and get them myself! Here a few of my favorite pictures of Megan and Sadie the last few weeks.





Oh, and one more thing that I will miss. She would run into the store to buy my Dr. Pepper while I waited in the car with Jackson and Sadie. It was great! I let her keep the change which seemed to make her day.