Not So Much

Are you there blog? It's me, Holly.

2011-12-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

A whole year has passed since I posted on this blog. An eventful and good year. Since today marks the last day of it, I will try to do a little 2011 recap. Probably for my own benefit only, but that's fine.

Mark started taking classes, his first college classes ever, at CSN. He took 12 credits, and vowed to never take that many again. College as a working, providing man is not easy. I am so grateful he sacrificed and got so much done. We had classes every weeknight, and that was a little tough, but it was nice to take a big chunk out of his freshman year. This semester coming up he is taking 9 credits, so maybe after the summer term he will be a Sophomore. That would be incredible! He wants to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and we know that is a long ways off. But it's a huge blessing that he can finally work toward a personal goal, and who cares if it takes 10 years, right?

His insurance business is doing well. Maybe all those years of working like a crazy man did him good, because he's pounding that insurance pavement hard. He works at a wonderful, fun office. He loves his coworkers, so that probably helps having to go into an office every day. He's made good friends there. They are all big Rebel fans, they work out, they do stupid boy pranks...it's been good for Mark all around.

Now the boys. Jaren is 9 & in 4th grade now. He's doing well in school, and started basketball this year. This is his first team sport, or first sport period, so it's been good for him. He doesn't think so, but it has. He re-started piano lessons, too, and is pretty natural at it. He can't pass by the piano without sitting down to practice for a minute or 2. This is a good thing for his talent development, but it's a challenge for me to know tell him to STOP THAT RACKET! He plays nicely, but sometimes it drives me nuts hearing the piano playing over, and over, and over. He is a good kid & tries to make the right choices. We've seen him walk away from situations when he's uncomfortable. I hope he is always sensitive to the spirit and keeps doing that.

Kyle is now 7! He is also in piano. His teacher was impressed by his natural abilities at his first practice, but since he never wants to practice I don't know what good that does him. ha. We have one kid who plays all the time, and one who never does. What can you do? Kyle is also in basketball. Mark is his coach, so that's fun. Kyle is pretty athletic, and it's fun to watch him. He is in 1st grade, and has the best teacher we could have asked for. She really caters to Kyle's abilities, and tweaks things to make it the best environment for him to learn & grow. She sends him to a 2nd grade class in the mornings for reading & math, to be better challenged. I love her for doing things like that for him. Personality wise, Kyle is our wild man. He is energetic and active.

Nathan is still our tender hearted guy. He turned 5 right before school started, so he went into Kinder. He was ready, and is doing great. But sometimes looking at him reminds me how young he really is! He's just a young 5, I don't know how else to say it. He does great in school & has lots of friends. He plays basketball this season, too, and Mark coaches that team as well. Nate loves it. He works on his dribbling and shooting a lot, since he is doing that for the first time. He loves his webkinz.

In general family news, we moved this last summer. I know we move a lot, so you can probably assume we've moved since the last time you talked to us. :) This time it was kind of a big one. We've been on the other side of town most of our married life, but felt impressed to move across the valley. It was not something we had seriously talked about, ever. So when it came up, we thought maybe this came up for a reason. The boys took a little adjusting, but are doing very well. It has been a huge blessing being closer to family and old friends. It is hard for me at times because I want "it all". I love our neighborhood, and all the perks of this whole situation. But I wish still that we could have our NW ward & friends here with us. I had to do some work in the NW today, and it hurt my heart a bit. There are good people everywhere, but the people there are so special. I love that stake, and learned so, so much serving with & being around the different people. I am sure I will feel the same way out here, I already do with the people we know already. There is a sense of family & I LOVE all those extended family members (meaning all the old timers, friends' parents, etc) here. I'm sure once we get serving in the ward/stake we will quickly have a lot more people to love.

I guess that leaves me. I'm working as a Realtor still. This is not a good week to talk about it, as it's been very overwhelming. I've been trying to close 2 short sales for over 6 months. I am grateful for the work, but short sales are not easy. I will be so glad when they're done. I have also done a little marketing for my broker. That is what I enjoy most, but don't have as much time as I would like to do it with these short sales sucking the time & life out of me.
On a more positive note, I took a class last semester, too. It was a basic journalism class, and I looooved it. It was fun being back in school. It made me more motivated to finish my degree. I'm at the point in my schooling where I have to be serious about my major, no more generals to coast on, so I'm trying to decide between broadcast journalism and marketing/PR. Any suggestions are always welcome. I'm not a good decision maker. :)
I'm trying to think of good, attainable goals for the new year. There are so many things I need to work on, but if I set too many goals then I will fail at most of them, and that will feed my defeatist attitude. So, trying to pin down the best ones. Weight/health (no soda), spirituality, being nice, stop procrastinating, budget, be less judgmental, a better friend, be more loyal, stop tail-gating, more charity, journal, blog, listen to better music, etc, etc! This is why I have to nail a couple of these puppies down. I have too much to improve on. (and nobody be all nicey-nice and say I don't. liars)

That's us at the end of 2011. I hope all my friends are doing well, too. Here's to more posts in 2012! CHEERS!

Every day for the rest of Januar-ay

2011-01-13T14:25:00.000-08:00

18 days left in the month. Maybe I will try to blog each one of them. I say "maybe" to give myself the out. I have issues committing to things because I feel like a big-ol' failure if/when I don't finish even the dumbest thing. Like blogging every day for 18 days. But, I want to be better at it, so let's give it a whirl.

The littles are playing LegoBatman on the Wii right now. They have a 20 minute max on it, but that only leaves me 3 more minutes. I spent the first 17 gathering laundry & getting Pandora up & going. Have you been on Pandora?! I am probably the last one in the world who hasn't, I know this. If you live under a rock, like myself, Pandora is this awesome music site you put in an artist you like, then it plays you song after song of similar music. Mark's little sis Robin told me about it awhile back, but I guess I forgot to check it out. I usually pull up blogs I like because of the soundtrack the blogger has put on it, then listen to them while I clean or work or whatever. Now I have Pandora giving me so many good songs for whatever mood I'm in. (currently, the BLAH mood if you were wondering)

Probably contributing to my blah is the fact that I totally went on a diet coke bender today. News flash, I have quit & re-quit soda for, like, ever. It makes me sick & puts my stomach through hell. So I give it up. I go through the headache & sluggish crap of quitting and do really well for days or weeks. Once I feel pretty great, I feel strong and think "I can have one at lunch, like a normal person" or "what a day! I need a coke" I give in the one stinkin' time and BAM! Addicted. ALL.OVER.AGAIN. I hate it. I've had a soda every day this week, so today I threw in the towel and had 3. From the fountain. In large cups. What?! They weren't all at the same time.

Dude, did that sound like a drug addict or what?!

I need some self control, so when those tempting moments come I can over-ride them. Really, why do I indulge in something that makes me physically sick & is generally pretty unhealthy? Psychology buffs, take a stab at that one.

Uh-oh, the boys are pushin' 35 minutes on the Wii.

See you tomorrow?

?

2010-11-03T09:52:00.001-07:00

Should I cut my hair short?

Holly Elmer Fudd

2010-10-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Why is it that whenever I need to speak in a public setting I choke up and my inner Elmer Fudd comes out? It's like the sensors in my brain don't send the right message to my mouth. That message being "SAY SOMETHING COHERENT." My brain freezes up and I am trying to find something in there that I can pull down to my mouth and articulate, but there's nothing for my mouth to grab. All of my good thoughts, memories, witty comebacks, stories are all locked up behind a bolted door, and I can't retrieve a single one. I am left babbling something really stupid because, for some unknown reason, those thoughts are never barricaded.

I think everyone gets super nervous having to give a speech in front of a huge crowd, and we all know I handle those situations exceptionally well. (insert laugh here) there's nothing new, right?

But the reason I am concerned about this today, more than just any other day, is because I feel like I am getting worse. Not better. I was in the Primary presidency for 8 or 9 months recently, and I never got used to conducting the meeting when it was my turn. My heart would race and my hands shook as I held my conducting sheet. AND THESE KIDS ARE...well, KIDS!! Easiest crowd ever. Quite a few hecklers, but overall pretty easy. Don't get me started on the once or twice a month I was in charge of giving the sharing time lesson. It was pretty hard to think about the simple lesson & what I honestly felt about the subject because I had to have all my focus on controlling my anxiety. Serious anxiety.

Yesterday during the Relief Society lesson, I felt the Spirit prompt me to make a comment. But as I started forming the words in my mind of what I was going to say, my heart started thumping and my stomach knotted up. I felt so embarrassed, and I hadn't even said anything yet! But I knew it wouldn't be revelant to anyone, and more than likely I would sound stupid. So, I didn't say a thing.

Then last night we were able to attend a small fireside with just our Stake Presidency and a few of the Elder's Quorum Presidents and their wives. The night was intimate and comfortable as we all sat in the living room of our Stake Prez. It was so nice, and the message was uplifting & encouraging. Toward the end we were asked to go around and tell a little about why we love our spouse. Totally a topic I can handle. There are so many things I love about Mark, and under stress-free circumstances I could go on for days about him. But we were asked to immediately go first, and I instantly stopped thinking of why I love Mark and was overcome by my nerves. I literally could only think of 1 or 2 things, and forget about elaborating or embeleshing. That would require people to be LOOKING AT ME for a LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. and, GASP! Listening to me! I looked down, making eye contact with nobody in our little circle, and sped through my remarks. One by one after us, the couples went on & on about their spouses with the cutest stories and sweetest compliments.

I wish I could have done that for my husband. I hate that my panic overshadows the chance I had to shout from the rooftops (or at least from a living room) what a wonderful husband I have.

I looked like a total ninny.

How do you overcome this kind of thing? I thought that by speaking more often in various calling-from Primary in this ward to Relief Society teacher in the last-that I would become a stronger speaker. Or at the very least not have a panic attack while standing there. But, that's not working. I'm getting worse to the point I can't talk about Mark in a group or 14 people!

I want to overcome this so badly. Taking any and all suggestions.

HELP!!

Congrats Jason & Jennifer

2010-10-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

My brother Jason got married recently, and he and his very, very sweet wife Jennifer had their big reception last night. It was all very beautiful, and a great time to celebrate them finding each other and being so happy. Love you Mr. & Mrs. Bidwell!

Rocktober

2010-10-07T14:29:00.001-07:00

October rocks! Does anyone disagree? Fall starts to fill the air, so crisp and cool. I love walking outside and having it smell of school-time. Fall always makes me think of my days at Snow College, too, for some reason. Which I love. This time of year also makes me CRAVE a Disneyland trip something terrible. It must be because that was the time of year we went when I was little? I don't really know. But I want to go soooo bad! I sent Mark a text yesterday, "Can we go to Disneyland?" His response, "yea, in a year." Boo!

There's this girl I do not really care for, but I really like her taste in music on her blog. I go to her blog daily to let it play while I clean or check email or whatever. I have it playing now, and I love it. I just don't love her. heehee

Let's look through my pics and see what I should be posting about...

This little guy started pre school last month. He likes it quite a bit. His best buddy Rex is in his class, and his teacher is wonderful & sweet & a great teacher. So, he is happy. He is also happy wearing this shirt EVERY DAY. He asked daily, "Mom, is my star wars shirt clean?" He knows what he wants, & isn't he cute?

Jaren participated in our ward's Pinewood Derby this month. That's all he did...participate. He did not win. Not a one. 12 races with this little beauty, and it won ZIP-O. I thought Jaren would be really sad, but he was a good sport. We were proud of him. Next year we are going to work for a month on that stinkin car, so he wins at least 1 race!!

General Conference weekend was so nice. The boys & I had nowhere to go all Saturday. I am so glad our kids aren't in any sports or activities right now. Jaren has some things going on at school, but thankfully no weekend stuff. Mark, on the other hand, worked the whole day Saturday. The boys and I hung out and tried to catch as much as possible. They lasted a whole hour, personal best, then went off & played mostly nicely. It was glorious. Mark got home from work with just enough time to change into his church duds and head over to the Priesthood Session. Busy busy. So, Sunday we relished a day for him to stay in his jammies all day long (as with the rest of us) and do NOTHING but veg in front of the tv. I love that there are a couple days a year where that is totally allowed. No guilt.

Many, many snacks were eaten. First was fruit kabobs (fancy for fruit on toothpicks. I'm a regular martha stewart). The kids made little dumbbells out of them instead. I think we ate for the next 2 days straight, and I don't think we had any more fruit. Pure awesomeness.

The kids playing conference bingo. Thanks to whoever makes these little games, but I don't think they are taking into account that parents can hardly listen to the talks through all the "MOM! DID THEY TALK ABOUT 'SUSTAINING CHURCH LEADERS' YET?, MOM! DID THEY TALK ABOUT 'FAMILY HISTORY' YET?!" But I do think it helps them pay more attention than without. It's just my own attentiveness that suffers.

The boys wanted to build a fort/tent to watch Sunday Conference in. The littles wanted it because, well, it's a fort. Jaren wanted to do it to be like King Benjamin's people. Dude, who is teaching my children?! Thank you! We let them do it based on the fact that when you know a scripture story you get what you want.

FYI, when watching tv you actually want to HEAR and pay a little ATTENTION, having your children in a fort will not breed quiet and peace. Did King Benjamin's people hoot and holler through his message? Were they having too much fun in their tents? I wonder...

Oh yes, and there was also some conference canoodeling.

Yeah, October has been good to us so far.

What's going on today

2010-08-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Having a dog is hard. Having a hyper hypo puppy the size of a dog is harder. No me gusta. Seriously considering what we should do with this animal. What were we thinking getting a puppy at this phase of our life?

I am counting down to lunch time because I'm meeting up for lunch with a good friend I haven't seen forever. It's our thing to go to Costco for lunch, so the kids are happy and it's cheap. I miss our lunch meet-ups, and I miss her, so I'm smiling today.

Still feeling relieved today as I finally registered Kyle for Kindergarten yesterday. Mark had been such a responsible Dad and tried to register him months ago, when I was down and out with my hysterectomy. The school said then that Ky needed more shots, but when we took him to the Dr. he was already current on everything. They just had neglected to stamp his immunization record (or quite possibly I didn't have it with me the last time he had shots). We had to wait til August for the school office to be open to try again to register him. I was so worried that he wouldn't be in the time slot we want for Kinder (1/2 day), but the secretary (who thankfully knows me & Jaren from last year) said she would make sure we got what we wanted. It was so easy. He's going to be in real school. Dude.

Nate will be in preschool 2 days a week. On those days I will be all by myself for a couple hours. It seems like I've dreamed of that happening since we had kids, but now it's making me a little sad. I'm betting my first time to the grocery store alone will cure me of all sadness.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid come out on DVD today. The kids and I are stoked. Jaren loves the books, and we were all cracking up at the movie trailer. I sure hope redbox has it! Nothing beats a good hot dog/pizza lunch at Costco followed by a movie day at home.

Looks like it's shaping up to be a good one.

From the Update Desk

2010-07-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

How is it July? The months have been wizzing by. Here are some of the Hutch Happs the last little bit.

Lovable, furry old Comet has gone from this

to THIS in 5 months time.

The boys are still loving him to smithereens. I also like him, from afar when he looks so cute and isn't jumping all over me or "playing" with me (AKA attacking). I AM cussing at him less though, so that's a good thing. I can see how we will ALL love him someday in the future when he is not so crazy and in need of neutering.

Kyle learned to ride his big boy bike with no training wheels. It's the cutest thing! He has been riding a 2-wheeler of his friend Logan's for quite a while, but it is quite a bit smaller than his own. He didn't quite have the same gumption to ride his bike on 2 wheels until now. It is a great experience to see your kids proud of themselves for something. Kyle had a huge smile on all night and was clearly pleased with his accomplishment.

And last update for the night...I'm not at an update desk tonight, I am in bed. Again.

I got a "do over" today, in the form of surgery. I guess I must LOOOOOOVVVEEE the surgeries, since I've had 3 since January. This one wasn't too bad. There were a couple complications from my hysterectomy in April that could only be repaired this way. I was very nervous because I had no idea what the recovery would be like. Surely not as bad as the hysterectomy, but how bad exactly? I've been home from the hospital for 7 hours now, and I can say I feel waaaaaay better than I did after the BIG ONE. But pretty nauseas and tender. We will see what tomorrow brings.

I still need to blog about the hysterectomy. Not so much to share the gorey details, oh, but you know I will, but to express how grateful I was/am for everyone around. I felt such love, so many prayers, and ate soo much good food. It was really a very touching experience. But, like I said, I have to post about that sometime soon. Tonight may not be the best timing since I'm on Darvocet & cuddling my puke bucket. I should be in better spirits to talk about that.

However, a quick note about love this time around. Even for a small surgery like this one today we feel it. Thoughtful friends called & offered to drive across town to get the boys. Sweet texts were sent. Prayers were said. Our wonderful friends the Garners watched the boys all day, and Jessica will tomorrow. Mark's EQ presidency guys insisted on bringing dinner for 2 nights, AND Pattie made us chicken pot pie (she doesn't know it's my kids fave either. she's just in tune) :). Thank you!

People are so good.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T16:52:00.001-07:00

After sleeping in until 9 (aahhhhhhh) I was greeted by 3 adorable boys with sweet, homemade cards in hand. Kyle's & Nate's Mom's Day messages to me consisted of large glue blobs with copious amounts of glitter. (and really, does it get any better than that? I love it) Jaren's said "you're the b.e.s.t. Beutiful, Excelent, Super, Totaly cool. I (heart) you" He also gave me a couple cute frames with pics of himself inside that he made at school & scouts. How could this day not prove to be FANTASTIC?!

I selected my breakfast in bed from a menu Jaren made. My favorite were the dessert options of chocolate chips or Diet Mt Dew. I had to do the Dew, of course. Soda is totally permitted on a day dedicated to you, right? Then I came downstairs to receive my gift, which was this...

How awesome is that?! I have the most amazing husband to put this together this morning. He knew it would be the perfect present. All you really want as a Mom on your day is to feel like you are loved (and perhaps maybe a nap), and this did it. I am so happy & blessed to be these kids' Mom, and that man's wife.

Church also left me feeling grateful. Our speaker talked about all the Motherly influences we have in our life, and it made me think of great female leaders I've had and friends' moms. I've been so lucky to have wonderful women guide me & love me. But I can't do a Mother's Day post without talking about the best of all, my Mom. She has always been the best example of selflessness, trust in the Lord, dedication, perseverance, and Faith. There were so many times I walked in on her kneeling, saying her prayers, or reading her scriptures. She taught me the Lord answers prayers when I would come home early from a date, and she would say "I prayed you home." At the time I really just wanted her to knock it off, so I could stay out late & kiss a boy or something! But, Mom had connections, and she & the Lord always made sure I got home instead. She rooted my testimony young & I knew it was true because of her. Sure, she says some words funny (ask her for a BOW-WUL of cereal sometime) but I think she has enough great things to make up for that. I love you Mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

Nervous Nelly

2010-04-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

I had that laproscopy thing a few months ago, and I guess there hasn't been an update to that story yet. It's a little bizarre that I should be talking about something personal like that. You do ONE drugged up post about your reproductive health, and people want to know what the next step with your gyno will be. :)

In the laproscopy the doctor confirmed a couple problems he suspected, & there are some things that need to be dealt with (via surgery) here pretty quick. Quick as in tomorrow.

I'm nervous. I need a good night sleep. And did I mention I'm nervous?

so...

2010-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

How you been?

I totally stink at this blogging thing. And every time I do post something, I find it necessary to point out at the beginning of the post just how crappy of a blogger I am.

*sigh*

Life has been busy. Busy, but great. Here's some of the happs...

This one turned 8.

His friend was party last week, & I have yet to upload pics, so more to come on that later. Also he is getting BAPTIZED in 2 days!!! I will dedicate a post to him after that. Let's just say, holy geez...the kid is 8!

In February one of my best friends Charisse came down to St. George from Northern Utah. We met up and spend the morning shopping and eating at 5 Guys...yumm! I wish we lived closer. I miss her so much, and when we are together it is so easy. She is a great listener, has the funnest personality, and uplifts me like nobody else. It is really just great being with her.

This was a super bonus because she was in town a few months ago, too. I've been so lucky! Here are some pics from that time...

Reese's adorable baby Marielle.

Kyle, Nate, & Easton-I love Easton's face here.

Kyle was so cute with Marielle

Kyle not sharing-not as cute

The boys saying goodbye & hugging it out.

Me & my Charissey

A different friend told me this shirt reminds her of Cinco de Mayo, so I have yet to wear it since? Do I look like I work at Macayos? Be honest.
Anyway, I love you Reeser!!

In other news, our niece Brooklyn just came to town. It is an absolute treat having her here because she spends half the time playing with the boys & the other half the time making us laugh. She is a little comedian (and dork), and reminds me of my 11 year old self sometimes. She wanted to try on my wedding dress, so I made her do a fashion show with me in my old formals first. I seem to always need to get the girly side out when she is here.

I'm not sure why we were pulling stupid faces. We were in a mood.

She looks so pretty! The dress is too big, of course, but she looked so grown up and cute.
oh, and I forgot to mention there were wigs involved. I don't know why for sure, but do you really need a good reason to wear an afro wig? I say no.

(side bar: to my Hender friends...do any of you have the shrug part of my wedding dress? I lent it out to someone & can't remember who)

What an odd post this is turned out to be. That's all the random goodness I can handle for now.

Our new addition

2010-02-23T17:18:00.000-08:00

With all this talk about my reproductive health, we figured we better hurry and add another member to our family before too much more time passed.

I give you, our new baby

COMET

My parents picked Comet up at my Uncle's house (his labs had puppies, and he was generous enough to give us one), then they met us half way to deliver our cute new puppy package.

Much of Comet's first few weeks were filled with perfecting the "get away" maneuver. He gets the most practice with Kyle for some reason.

Jaren & Comet are buds. It is really sweet to see a boy & his dog. He takes good care of him & comes to his defense whenever I'm yelling at him.

These pics are all from when he was fresh from my Uncle Ted's house. 6 weeks old. Ahhhhhhhh, how cuuuuutee!!

Okay, now let's talk turkey. Everyone told us we were nuts getting a puppy, and you know? I surround myself with smart people. All of whom should be listened to. This dog is haaaaaaard (read in your whiniest, 3 year old voice). He pees on the tile, a lot. His favorite hobby is chewing on his toys, my end tables, and occasionally my kids. And he loves to whine, yelp, scratch, and bellow fortnightly at 1 am. Sometimes he waits until 3 or so, just to change things up and make you think you might actually get an uninterrupted night's sleep. He's already learned a trick, how cute!

Oh, and did I mention he is quite dumb? Lovable, but dumb. Mark likes to call him Comet No Brain.

He has also brought out my inner sailor like nobody's business. Let's be honest, that sailor is not too far beneath the surface. So, throw in the little pee machine, and it makes my cussin come out! This week I have tried extra hard not to swear at the little dummy, and I have done well. But last week...last week was not a good week. Last week was a damn hard week. However, we recovered and maybe my patience will improve because of this trying experience.

But, again, he's cute. And the hope of one day having a more mature dog that we can enjoy more than stress about gets me through the tough days. Not to mention, the boys LOVE him and he LOVES them. It is kind of special to see boys & their dog.

HELP, I need somebody

2010-02-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Now I'm humming the Beatles. If I could make every subject of every blog I do a line of a song, I would be a happy girl. Maybe that will be a goal of mine.

Anyway, that is NOT why I am posting tonight. I post because I really would appreciate your...well, help. Here is the deal. Our friend Scott Hammond is running for NV State Assembly District 13. We want to help him get the word out because we know once people get to know Scott & all he stands for, they will more than likely fall madly in political love with his viewpoints & support him. He just makes sense. He understands the problems the people of this state are facing & will do the right things to improve his district, as well as wherever else he can. He is a Dad, a teacher (political science, history), a girls basketball coach, and most important a decent, honest guy. Every time I hear a story on the news about some slimy politician I think, Too bad they are not all like Scott!

If you live in Southern Nevada, or even if you don't, please go check him out.

Hammondfornevada.com

Become a follower, and I will give you a nickel. True story. er maybe not. I'm undecided.

Have you been Navel Gazing?

2010-02-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

If you have read Navel Gazing at its Finest, then I know you are converted followers of the funny. But if you have felt that hole in your heart sensation, like something is missing in your life...it's probably because you aren't reading!

The hilarious, talented, cute as a button writer happens to be my blog famous Sister-in-Law Sue. Today she even has a give away. Up for grabs is a $100 gift card to Best Buy, just for popping in and leaving her a comment! And guess who her sponsor for this giveaway is? You'll have to go over & find out I guess!

Let her fill that hole in your life. :) GO READ HER BLOG DANGGIT!!

What a day

2010-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Today I have done 2 things I have never done before.

1. I ate both dinner AND dessert in bed. All the while watching cable tv shows that I have never seen before on the internet. "Cable," Eating & nearly napping all at the same time. Life is Beautiful.

It helps that dinner was a thoughtful meal of Dad's chili, bread, & my other favorite...chips & salsa, brought down by my wonderful parents. YUMMMM! I had been fasting since last night, so when my starving self ate that goodness tonight I thought I was in Heaven. Why fasting, do you ask? Or did you ask? Oh well, if you did or not, I'm still going to tell you why here in #2...

2.Today I had a Diagnostic Laproscopy. (or however you spell it)
I have not had the pleasure of having one of these little diddies before, and I don't really want to have another in the near future! In the world of medical surgeries, this really is nothing. Coming home & getting back to normal was on my agenda. I figured I have given birth to 3 kids & within minutes got up and walked around by myself each time. I'm tough. I kept telling friends who offered assistance that it was going to be a teeny-tiny procedure, essentially like a dental appointment. I wouldn't need help, not to worry about me. And it's true, you should most definitely not worry,

But the help thing I retract completely! HELP ME!
kidding. sort of.

I am sooo stinkin uncomfortable. My stomach H-U-R-T-S! Every movement kills. Just for kicks let's do an experiment. Try standing up, rolling over, grabbing the remote, ANYTHING without using your stomach muscles. Not gonna happen! (I'm sure all of you who've had C-sections have had it much worse. But this is my first tummy incision) And it is worse than I expected. Probably just cause it's day 1, but still.
I am so lucky to have my Marky. He makes everything easier & has been helping me with anything I want or need all night. And you better believe even if I'm feeling 100% tomorrow, I'm still going to milk this surgery thing for another day or 2. heehee

I am feeling okay at this moment. I took my Lortab an hour ago, so you can't hold me responsible for anything slanderous or offensive I may say. The Lortab bottle says you can take 1 or 2 every 4-6 hours. Um, who in the heck is only going to take 1 if they are in enough pain to need Lortab? I say max dosage all the way. And it's kicked in nicely, and again Life is Beautiful.

I had this procedure because I've been having some pains & the doc wants to figure out exactly what's going on. He has a good idea from exams & ultrasounds in his office that my uterus is giving up the ghost.

**oh, hang on a sec. Before I go further let me add a disclaimer. This post WILL definitely say uterus, and quite possibly might say gynocologist, yaya, hormones, ovaries, hysterectomy, PERIOD, and other scary things like that. So, if that's not up your alley...Later dude! (I am currently on some medication. FYI. if you couldnt tell)**

So, he wanted to see if I need my uterus out right away or if it can wait a while. He was also checking for Endometriosis and other things that could be contributing to the pain. I am anxious to hear what course of action he recommends when I go in for the follow up next week. I've been preparing myself for a hysterectomy, and I am really okay with that. Mark & I have talked about it a lot (because it is uter-US not uter-me) (Sorry, I had to say my dumb joke) And we both feel at peace with whatever way it works out. We're done with my womb, so if it's only being a trouble maker then I'm fine with it getting the boot.

MEDICATION. that's my excuse for my lunacy!

Well, this is abrupt, but I am getting loopier by the minute and better stop while I am somewhat lucid. Thank you Barb & Allison F for watching my kids tomorrow, in advance. I was kidding about the help thing, I have the best ward family & friends & family willing to lend a hand anytime.

and Thank goodness for my Mom & Dad. What do people without generous parents do when they need something? I don't know. They came down to watch the boys for my thing, and brought the afore mentioned deliciousness. It was great not to worry a bit about the boys & have a nice meal waiting for me when I got home. Love you.

Night!

Gifted

2009-12-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

I am feeling gifted. Not the GATE kind of gifted, but amazingly blessed and lucky kind of gifted.

My whole life the Lord has given me great friends. I feel so lucky to have a whole slew of friends that I've known forever, and a new crop I've met since being an adult. I have not always been a good friend, yet I still get handed these wonderful people who call me out on my crap, set me straight, make me laugh, listen, and are there for me.

My best, classic friend Becca is in town and wanted to get some of our old crew together to catch up. Last night we did just that. It was so nice to make a little fun of each other & catch up on what's new. I wish everyone could have been there. There were quite a few out of town or unavailable, and they really were missed. We have to do this more often. Honestly, once a decade just is not enough.

This picture tells me 2 things.
1. I love this girl
2. I need to lay off the Christmas goodies.

Kevin & his cute wife

Becca & her cute family

The boys teasing Josh about something....possibly his hair? or dating?

Jason & Josh watching a football game

Chatting

Jon & me

Sara illustrating a story :)

Matt & Becs

All of us.

Thanks to Jason & Stacy for letting us crash their brand new house. So nice! Next time we expect everyone to be there to join in the fun! And there WILL BE a next time.

Blog Life Crisis

2009-11-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

Blogging is a great tool for keeping out of town Grandparents & other family/friends in the know & having a personal history of sorts. It also comes in handy when you need a good vent-fest, and you spill out your frustrations for all the internet world to see. And there are other times you want a pat on the back, so you post about an accomplishment (remember the my big 5K heard around the world?), and you know your blog-reading friends will come through big and give you much needed affirmations (in the form of comments of course). I do love blogging!

But I have been pretty perplexed as to why I am doing the blog anymore. I am not consistant, so each time I go to post I stop because I think there is just so much to "catch up" on. Also, on that note, do I even want to be posting about all the stuff we do as a fam, places we go, etc?

I don't know.

I love seeing what others do, vacations you go on, what keeps your family busy...but I don't really think that is the kind of blogger I want to be. At least not all the time. I want to chronicle some of our activities, but when I post most "family blog" type posts, I don't connect as much to it.I don't feel it.I don't like it. THERE I said it, I don't like doing a family blog! Love reading them, don't like publishing one. Whew, that felt good!

Maybe it is my overwhelming selfish, prideful side, but I get more into it when I am jotting down things that work me up, make me giggle, make me proud, bring out my gratitude, tick me off, bring me to tears, or whatever is getting to me AT THAT TIME. I was telling a friend this today, and she said "you're an emotional writer" and you know what, I thought that was the best compliment I received all week! Maybe it wasn't even supposed to be a compliment, but I felt good hearing it. I am EMO, and I'm proud of it! (again with the pride. I may have a problem. But I would like some eyeliner to go along with my new revelation)

For me it can't be as much about playing catch up on things we have done. It is too much pressure. This coming from the woman who has boxes of photos, including wedding & all 3 of my kids that have never been properly scrapbooked. Keeping memory books, virtual or real, has never been my strong suit. I want the blog to be fun again & to help me get things out & feelings down on "paper". (does the period go inside or outside the quotes? I can't remember) (I think in, but I left it out) It's gotta be about what is on my mind & why. That is why I want to blog.

I'm random, I'm weird, I can be a potty mouth, I'm a not-so-hot mess, I love, I'm dorky. Those are the things I want to remember about myself when I read my blog 60 years from now, rocking in my chair at the home. Er, maybe not those things exactly, but I do want to be who I am now so I can look back & see who that person really was.

That's what's on this little mind of mine today. Didn't really need to be written, but I felt like it.

Privacy please

2009-10-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

I think I have decided to take the blog private again. Let's just say there is a convincing PSA on tv that scared me into it. If you have read my blog on private before, then we're good and I have your info already. If not, please leave me your email address so I can add you to the list of readers. (does it not sound a little snooty to say "readers" like I am some important blogger or something?) Anyway, leave your email if you want to see what shinanigans we are up to. I think I may even post more often, we'll see.

Older? yes. Wiser? ummm...

2009-09-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

Last week I celebrated my 29th birthday. I figure it's a perfect time to jump back into the blog world-when I can write all about me! haha being selfish is funny.

Saturday night we were set to go to dinner with my parents & Jason at my favorite mall, Town Square. Mark arranged it to be done working with enough time we could get to the mall early to window shop for a couple hours. (because seriously Banana Republic, H&M, Apple, the options are endless. If only the money was, too. Hence, the window part of the shopping) We got the mall at 5:08 pm, and Mark says, "Well you're 8 minutes late, but I'm sure they'll still take you." I didn't understand. We were parked outside H&M, which happens to be right next door to the spa Eleven. Then it started dawning on me. I had an appointment at Eleven. I was getting a massage! Mark played with the kids at the park area & Apple store while I had a very relaxing & awesome hour. Heaven. The spa had a steam room that I tried out, too, but I don't know how people can breathe in those things! I felt like I was chewing on the air. There was cute hostess helping me out, bringing me water, that kind of thing. They also gave me a fluffy black robe & sandals to wear during my pampering. I felt so special & fictitiously rich.

We then had dinner at Claim Jumper with my parents & Jason. It was so fun! I always have a good time with my family, they make me laugh. My parents had already sent me a nice card (& gift) then brought me down a couple other nice things, and foot the bill for dinner! I really am too spoiled, but it's nice. Didn't get many pictures at dinner, so here is a fuzzy one of my Mom making Jaren eat a cupcake.

The next day, my actual birthday, I was woken up with breakfast in bed. It was the day of the Primary Program at church. It was such a sweet treat to see our 2 bigger guys up there singing about their budding testimonies. They also knew their parts by heart, and did a great job delivering them. It was awesome...not to mention only having 1 kid sitting with us in the pew was kinda nice. Jaren also had a talk to give in Primary, so Mark helped him get that all ready before church while I lounged. Sunday birthdays are good for lounging.

I got lots of Happy Birthday wishes at church, which really might be my favorite gift. I love when people remember it's your bday & are thinking of you.

After church I was holed up in my room for an hour while Mark & the boys made dinner. Mark told me to NOT come out no matter what I heard coming from down stairs. Chanel called during my sequestering, which was so perfect. We had the best talk & I felt like I could end my day right then & be happy. When they were ready for me Jaren came to get me. I followed him down the stairs & turned the corner into the family room & was surprised to see many of my best peeps! Sara, Mandy, & Lindsey all came out from Hender, Kevin & Jess, Diana & Brian, Winston & Suzanne, Josh & Donna, and our best Mountains Edge homies the Hess' also were here. That was a fun surprise. I love my friends. Another awesome gift!!

It was a great day for feeling like the queen of my castle. Notice the crown Mark got me & had me wear all night. I don't think he knows what a monster he is creating with all this thoughtfulness of his.

I have to spend this year trying to soak up all I can of my twenties, since they are almost over!! It's going to be a fabulous year.

This is the life

2009-07-19T10:07:00.001-07:00

I would say it is time for a little updating.

At the end of June we moved. Yes, let's hold all questions til the end of the blog post please. We didn't say anything about it to anyone, including our family & friends because we have used all your help on the previous 1 or 2 moves, and figured you needed a break. Also, to be honest, we were a little embarassed to say we were on the move again, even if it's a good move. I didn't even tell my parents, which was pretty dumb because they are always so supportive and understanding. I just wanted to draw no attention to the moving part. I was happy to have Mark & I do the whole thing ourselves, although it started to sound a little overwhelming. I had recruited Jason (my brother), who ended up narking to my folks, and boy was I glad!! They came all the way down from Southern Utah to offer their services on moving day. It was only them, Jason, & us, so they all got worked to the bone. The men packed everything in the trucks, and my Mom cleaned every room as we left it. The house looked perfect for the new owners, and all our stuff got moved to the new house after hours of work. It was a long day, and I know they all could have been doing way funner things with their time. I love my family. They are so, so awesome. I can't even say, so I'll stop before I cry.

So, the new house is great for us. We love just about everything about it. We are in the same ward and the kids will be in the same school. We tried to limit the changes as much as possible. It's a spacious house with lots of nice touches and upgrades. I know we will be very happy here. Maybe I will post some pics after it's clean enough. haha

After packing & stressing, I needed a little break. Thankfully, my classic Henderson girlfriends had planned a girls overnighter at Michelle's cabin in Pine Valley for the night after we moved. Michelle, Callie, Sara, Mindy, & I drove up to St George on Friday around lunch time to start our 24 hours of FUN! We started off on the right foot gorging at the Chuck-O-Rama, then spent the whole afternoon shopping at Tai Pan, Down East, & a bunch of other good stores we don't have here. After having dinner, we headed up to the cabin where we played games and talked into the early morning hours. It was PERFECT!! I know I have been so blessed to have them as my friends. We have all lived our lives and sometimes lost touch for short times, but then we reuinte and it is natural, easy, and fun. We act the same around each other as we always have, and we get each other. I couldn't stop thinking about how enriched I felt being around them all. I want to be better because they are all so inspiring! It was just the best. They are the best.

The next morning as we were all making Callie fix our hair cute we did have a little incident. It was Sara's turn, and as Callie was curling and fluffing, Sara got super lightheaded and passed right out. She fell to the floor, out cold for a few loooong seconds. The rest of us were trying to stay calm while shaking her yelling "Sara, Sara!!", but our voices were all raising a few octives in fear. About the time Michelle was about to call the ambulance, she came to. I felt bad because she was embarassed, but we were so relieved and happy she was allright! It scared the hell out of me! She has been my friend my whole life, and here I was thinking she was going to die because we were in the middle of nowhere and how are we going to get her help?! Okay, I didn't really think she was going to die, but it was scary.

We got one last yummy meal, St George style, at The Pizza Factory (lurve the breadsticks! yum!!) then came home. Even the drive home was enjoyable with these guys. It has never, ever gone by so fast! I hope we can make this an annual tradition, at least. I love my girls!!

What else...
I have been working a LOT. I've had quite a few buyers the last couple months. It is a welcome blessing, but it has taken a lot of time away from home. That's been hard. June was basically spent with me out working and the boys home with sitters. I hate that part. Between that and the move, they have all had various levels of unsettled-ness & seperation anxiety. They do not like it when I leave, even to the store. It's kinda nice because I think we all have learned a little more appreciation for each other. And it has taught me how much I can really handle as a working Mom. I definitely think there can be a good balance between the two, as long as I keep my REAL job as #1. I will not be able to do 5 transactions in one month while my kids are small, I found that out. But, I am confident that I can do 1or 2 at a time and still be a good Mom & wife first, and my kids wouldn't feel my absence. Good lesson to learn!!

Mark got called at our Elders Quorum President a couple months ago. (for all my non LDS friends, the Elders Quorum is the group or men that have the level of the Priesthood making them and Elder) It's a busy calling, with much more responsibility than I ever knew before. When it's someone else's husband in that calling it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. heehee He will do great because he has a real love of the people in our ward and his quorum. He is also hardworking, so I'm sure that'll help. So far the meetings and weeknight visits haven't bothered me at all. Really. I'm sure after a year or 2, it may wear thin.

Mark is also doing wonderful at insurance! I am so impressed with him. He has got a policy every day this month so far. That is pretty good! Everyone he has given an estimate, he has saved them money and they sign with him. I get overwhelmed by how much I appreciate this guy. He has taken on this new work challenge, and gone for it full force. He still does window coverings, too, to fill in the financial gaps until insurance covers all our bills. He works and works. And it's all for us. I am a lucky one.

Maybe it's because it's Sunday, but I am sure feeling overly grateful today, aren't I?

Let's hear it for the boy

2009-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

It has been an exciting time for our Jare-Bear. Last Saturday was he crossed over from being a Tiger Cub Scout into the world of Wolf Cub Scout. We had a little cross over ceremony at Floyd Lamb State Park for all our boys to celebrate their advancements. It was so fun, and they were so proud to move up.

Jaren getting his new Wolf bandana from his den leader.

Cub scouts has been a lot of fun. Really, much more enjoyable than I ever thought. When I was pregnant with Nathan and found out he was a boy, I cringed and complained that I would be a Den Mother for my whole life!! Now, I see that wouldn't be such a bad thing. We have done hikes, neat field trips, learned lots of things, and of course had our pinewood derby. Very fun!!

Here is Jaren earning his Tiger Cub badge a few months back. He was so proud. Now he can join the church pack next year already having his Bobcat & Tiger badges. Way to go Bud!

There were things we did besides scouts...his school had Mom's & Muffins last month. Moms get to go have breakfast with their kids. This year there was even a Hummer blasting music in the parking lot where Moms were encouraged to have a dance off to win an IPOD. Jaren really wanted me to, and I thought I should while he was still at an age where that didn't humiliate him. But, I did think it would humiliate me, so I didn't dance. (if you've seen me dance, you know it isn't elementary appropriate...hahaha) I love being able to attend activities like that, because that's the entire reason I am a SAHM. I feel so lucky to have the time to spend on school stuff.

And last, speaking of school, today was the last day of it. I know I've said this the last 2 years, and I will probably say it for the next 11. But I can't believe the kid is this old already! He just finished the first grade, I know it isn't super old really, but for me it feels like it. His first year of real school is over, and he is such a big boy! It freaks me out a little. I am so proud of him (so if you don't like hearing a Mother brag, you besta stop reading now). He finished the year reading at a 5.5 grade level and has made big improvements in his writing and story telling. He does well in math, too, although he doesn't love it. Most importantly, though, he has been a decent kid and a good friend to those around him. Other moms tell me all the time how sweet Jaren is to their kids, and what a good boy he is. (what happens at home beating up your brother, stays at home beating up your brother apparently)

Jaren & his sweet teacher. He is really going to miss her. Today he was sad after we left because he won't be in her class anymore.

Jaren & his best girl Taylor. They are not BF/GF, but I have heard talk of them thinking each other is cute. I would have to agree, they are cute!

Goonie kids. They are so goofy, but it works for them. We have loved all the kids in Jaren's class. I know we just had dumb luck getting him into a class with so many great kids. They all look our for each other and are good hearted. Can I add, too, that none of his class friends are LDS and I kind of like that? We have really broadened our scope of friends, and I think that is WONDERFUL!!

Another awesome kid, Dean. He & Jaren hit it off so well and are great buddies.

I'm so blessed to have this little man. He is funny & smart & good, taking after his Dad thankfully. I can't wait for all the experiences he has to come.

Be patient with me

2009-05-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

I cannot find a cute, wide layout for this dang blog. I keep changing it trying to find one I like, but they are all so busy & not my style. I did this one thinking it would be clean, but it is kinda ugly, too. I might change again soon. Watch out!

Link Love

2009-05-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

I have neglected the blog (insert shocked expression here), and in the last few weeks I have been slackin other people have been making way better use of their time, doing really cool things. And I just have to share.

My great photog sister-in-law Jamie just revamped her website, and is back in the picture taking biz full force. She slowed down a bit because she was busy at home...something about having a baby boy 6 months ago or something. I don't know, sounds like an excuse to me. :) Check out her website for info about photo sessions & prices. I'm pretty sure for the right price, she will even travel from Phoenix to wherever you are. And she is good! Jamie Lynn Photography

Second, you know my little link on the side here that says Utahbubble.com? Have you taken the time to click? You might be wondering what it is about. Well, if you like Utah, but really like making fun of Utah then it is up your alley. Our brother-in-law created it to celebrate those things that are so flippin Utah. Check it out after you schedule your family photo session.

Really, could this week have been any better? I think not.

2009-04-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

I should said the last 2 weeks because that is when things around here starting reaaaally cookin.

First...Mark's mom came into town & brought with her the best 2 stowaways imaginable. My sister-in-law Wendy & her baby Jules. It was so nice to see them all. Wendy & Jules stayed here, so I was spoiled with lots of good discussions, a wonderful eye brow wax (and learned that my brows are sisters, not twins), and an introduction to the animal style burger at In-N-Out. ooooooh mama, it is delish. We also laughed & laughed & laughed. We also got to spend a lot of time with my sweet MIL. She is such a kind lady & really the dream mom-in-law. (read: no nosey, bossy, you're not good enough for my son business) I hit the In-Law LOTTO with Mark's family. I am so lucky to be a part of their family. What a treat!

A day or 2 after Wendy & Mom left, we had more houseguests. Erica & her family came to crash for a couple nights, so we could do Easter together before their big Vegas Vacation on the strip. They were staying at the Monte Carlo Monday-Wednesday, so they came a little early to hang with us. The kids played a lot, had fun looking for their hidden Easter baskets, & we had a nice day of church & Easter dinner. Then, it was off to the strip for ALL of us. My parents got us a room at the Monte Carlo,too, so we could stay with Erica's family & do a little staycation thing. The weather on Monday made for a perfect pool day...ahhhhh. Who am I kidding? It wasn't the most relaxing thing with 3 boys, one of whom is the daredevil swimmer of the world. But it was very, very fun. And I did get a little color & Mark got none, 2 things we were hoping for.

Don & Ava in step

oooh, sporty!

Sk8ter Boy

Looking for their baskets from clues given by the Easter Bunny...

This requires serious thought...

FOUND EM!!

The only 2 I took at the pool

After a long day of walking the strip, we had all gone crazy

Jaren & Brookie doing their "O" faces

The boys taking Uncle Don to the "100th LEVEL OF PAIN". It's their running game with him...very cute for us spectators. I don't know about Don. He's a good sport, though.

I couldn't stop laughing at Kyle's face in these, so I had to share

After we ate at Excalibur buffet, we ran into this guy

3 happy boys on staycation

Thanks, Erica & Don for letting us crash in on your Vaca. It was a blast.

And to cap the week off perfectly, my cousin, who is using me as her Realtor, came into town for 3 days to look for a house. In that time she & her husband found a house they love & they are now under contract on it!! It was nice because they crack me up & were fun to spend 3 days with, they have a daughter that I don't know very well since they've lived in DC so I got to see her & try to persuade her to like me, and my Aunt & Uncle came along to see some of the houses, so I got to see them, AND they found a house, AND got it! (with how FAST the well priced, nice homes are going...this was amazing!) What perfection! I wish I would have taken a picture of any of that...dang.

So...life last week was great. Now, let's see what this one coming brings!

It's about time

2009-04-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows my family is aware of my Mom's headaches. She has been getting bad headaches for as long as I can remember. They started when she was in a car wreck when she was 18. I won't tell you how old she is, but you can imagine that means she has been enduring them for awhile. With each accident we got it over the years, the headaches got worse. I even blogged about it last year, trying to recruit all your prayers as she got one of her many shot injections to relieve the pain.

Well, guess what this picture is of? This is my Mom the day after she had neck surgery to once & for all FIX the cause of the problem. They put cadaver discs in her neck & straightened it out (rather than the compressed, S-shape her bones were making). The bones being jammed together is what had been causing the pain, so no matter what pill they gave her or shot they injected it didn't work because it didn't address the problem itself.

But, this surgery fixed it. She hasn't had a headache since the surgery. Her neck brace is painful and she has trouble swallowing because of the fact they cut her through her throat to get to her neck(amazing how they do things!), but all in all it is working. It is working!

Doesn't she look great, too?! It hasn't been a total cake walk for her for sure, but she is doing amazing. This is so clearly an answer to prayer. We couldn't be happier.

Oops, I did it again

2009-03-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

The past couple of years I have had these awful stomach aches almost every singe night. I mean, bad pains. My tummy also blows up like a balloon, then after a few hours of hurting, disipates and goes back to normal. In the process, the pressure hurniated something in there & now I have this lovely, silver dollar sized nubbin right above my belly botton that is constantly popped out. Thank you very much stomach pain, no more bikinis for me! (you know I was an avid bikini-er before that, right?) Maybe it is belly button karma from the time I got my belly button pierced with Mandy. hmmmm Also with the constant stomach aches, I rarely felt like eating a complete meal. Weight was lost. I was happy, at least one good side effect. Quite the trade for being continually embarassed around friends & family because of my hunching over in agony.

Anyway, I went to the doctor when Nathan was a little baby trying to figure out what was going on, and they figured it was ulcers & attributed the problem to stress.

Who me? Stress?

After a lot of Nexium the pain persisted, and even seemed to get worse. Blood tests were run, all saying I was great. You hear that? GREAT!! More acid medicine followed, and another blood test. Pain continued. Explainations not found. NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH ME, medically speaking I mean. My stresses were also down quite a bit by the second year of this thing, so what was the answer now? My 3rd doctor finally asked me if I drink alot of

DIET SODA.

I could have swore Mark called her ahead of time & told her to tell me that's what it was. He has been trying to get me off the sauce forever. I had a slight habit...dependency, if you will.

I explained to the Doc that yes, I am hooked on the juice, but I'm sure that is not it. She challenged me to stop drinking it for 2 weeks and see what happened. I took her challenge, because I was dying & had to do something, I wouldn't normally give up my favorite vice. That was back in October, and IT WORKED. I was almost entirely pain free after a day or 2 (well if you don't count the insane week long migraine from caffiene withdrawl) and stayed that way for months. Then I started gaining weight back, which was scary, so I decided to drink just one a day. You know, as a dietary suppliment. OYE! Let the pains begin!! Holy Hannah, when will I ever learn?! So, I went back off for good last week. But today while running to the post office & various other errands, it just sounded good. So, I went to a drive thru & got one. I can already feel the burning in my belly (not the spiritual kind) and I'm hoping the banging of my head against the wall will help dull the pain.

Hey, dumb girl, this is your gut. Get a new habit! Like exercise or cleaning or knitting blankets for orphans!! Leave me alone!!

So, I'm back off. Heaven help me. seriously.

*side note* when looking for diet coke pics, I saw this one and thought it was funny.

Thank you to Washington & Lincoln, for a day off (and all that other stuff you did)

2009-02-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

We had such a relaxing and fun President's Day. I am only now getting the pics into the computer, so I can finally post a little about it. It is always a nice break going to my parents' house, this time I was especially relaxed for some reason. I get a little spoiled with my Dad getting me a soda from the gas station every morning, and they always have good snacks. (thanfully he has a thing for bar food, too, so there are always nacho fixins or chicken wings. YUM) I digress. I get lots of little breaks as they play with the kids. This time they even made me go to the mall, alone, to return some stuff for my Mom while they watched my kids...SCORE! I bet this goes without saying, but the boys love going to Grandma & Grandpas like it's Disneyland. It's so nice that they are making all these wonderful memories.

My Dad took all 3 kids on a hike and took these cute pictures.

They really were happy to be there! Thanks Mom & Dad!!

My new job

2009-02-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

I've kind of been keeping this on the DL just in case it didn't pan out, but it's now official, so I can share the good news. I got a new job. My dream job (aside from being a Mom). After a few demo tapes & many interviews, they called & said it was mine. I took the family down to my new digs to check them out today. I will give you a few hints.

Can you believe they hired me, even being 2 classes shy of having an AA degree!?! Well, you shouldn't. I'm a liar, BUT we DID go down to channel 8 today.

For a cub scout "go-see-it".

It was soooo fun. I tried to contain myself, as not to let on to the other parents that I was maybe a tad too excited. One of our cub's Dad (& Mom come to find out) works at KLAS as a managing editor, so he arranged for our den to come in, take a tour & have a little fun. They did a lot to make it a memorable & really enjoyable experience for the boys. (and for those of us who day dream about doing the news)First we saw the newsroom, the control room, & the bathroom. Gotta see that! Then we went into the studio where all the boys had the opportunity to have a mic put on them, sit in the anchor seat, and read a prompter that had information about them put on it previously. Tim, the Dad that works there, had it all set up so the prompter was ready with info provided by us parents earlier & the boys' names were on "TV" under them as they talked, too. So cute! They even did a graphic of our Tiger Cub badge behind them on the screen. We're all getting DVD copies of all the boys, so we can have it forever.

Jaren doing his Zoolander face.

LOTS of buttons to push & mess up the broadcasts. If channel 8 looks really fuzzy or extra bright today, you know why!!

They also got to play in front of the "key", or green screen. I thought this was so nice of Tim & his wife, and the boys LOVED it. They thought it was hilarious. A live shot of the city was put behind them, & they "flew" across Las Vegas.

Kyle & Nate got in on the fun, too.

This is Jaren's reporter pose.

And him doing the sports...the real anchor might want to wash his mug.

My co-anchors look kinda ticked.

What a blast. Someday I hope to make it a reality.

Go Rebels!

2009-01-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

This post is a tad late because our computer was not able to post pictures for a little bit. Now we are back in business.

2 weekends ago we had the very fun opportunity to go to the UNLV vs Utah game with Jaren's cub scout pack. We knew it would be a fun experience for the boys regardless of how good the game was, but we lucked out and the game was awesome!! UNLV was down during the first half. When they were behind by about 12 points Jaren said, "This is hopeless!" UNLV pulled their stuff together and came back big time in the second half. What a good lesson in perserverance! (UNLV might want to not wait til the second half to pull their crap together. it's getting a bit old...just a suggestion) We ended up winning by 12, I think? (It was 2 weeks ago, I can't remember things that far back!) And it was a great game.

Oh, and I neglected to mention the other highlight of the game. Being in the same room as the CUTEST coach in the Mountain West, maybe even all college basketball, maybe even the WORLD! Coach Lon Kruger. He is my celebrity crush. Mark knows all about it, and thinks I'm weird, but there is something about his kinda droopy look that melts my UNLV lovin heart.

We all had a great time, but since this is my blog I am going to talk about how I felt! Strange of me to be so self indulgent, no? I had the funnest time cheering on a team I totally consider my own. I love having a team that I've grown up watching. I feel so invested in it. I couldn't help but think back to the Larry Johnson, Stacy Augmon days. (Okay I was 10, but I REMEMBER!) 4 of the UNLV players, Larry, Stacy, H Waldman, and Jerry Rice (was that his name? I think it is) all came to our elementary school with Coach Tarkanian for an assembly. They had a little drawing for prizes, and my mom started chanting my name under her breath. Holly Bidwell, Holly Bidwell, Holly Bidwell...and then the Tark CALLED. MY. NAME!!! I ran up, so totally excited and embarassed, and grabbed my little prize button out of his hand, then turned around to run back to my seat. Tark called for me to come back and shake the players' hands, so I hurried past the players, shaking their hands real quick. Larry Johnson was one of the last ones, and he said, "way to go, Hol." AAAAHHH! I was dying. First, I love when people like me enough to shorten my name, and second it was Larry Johnson! Such a fun memory. I was so thankful for my Mom's super powers that day.

We love the Runnin Rebs!!

200th post

2009-01-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have blogged 200 blogs. I sure know how to babble, eh?! I can't say I will do 200 more. The blog is tough to keep up on, but I will try. Probably.

Anyway, yesterday afternoon I took Kyle to the dr. because he had been throwing up since early Sunday morning. I just wanted to see if the doc could give him something to make it stop. Okay, truth be told I was afraid he had meningitis because I'm a SPAZ & had been web md-ing his symptoms, so I wanted to get some peace of mind. It felt like Dejavu because the doc said he looked pretty dehydrated and we needed to go to the pediatric ER so he could get fluids & medicine. Since we had done this with Nate a few months ago, I wasn't too worried, but still a little bit. It always gives you a bit of a scare going to the hospital. (just something special about it, I guess)

He was a trooper, and after 2 bags of the good stuff he got to come home. Don't get the wrong impression and think it was a quick trip. Of course not. But, I am so glad we live in a time where they can offer a simple medical treatment and it perks your kid up and keeps them from having serious problems. Waiting is a small price to pay. I am also glad the hospital has cable. I finally watched some John & Kate and Mark got his discovery channel on. (Kyle was asleep, we weren't making the sick kid watch our shows!)

Here we are at the doctor's office before the hospital. Kyle yacked on me in the waiting room, hence the purple stuff on my arm. They asked me if I wanted to go home to change...um, NO. I can handle a little puke, just get my boy in to see the doctor!

Look at this boy! He looks so sad, huh?

His IV wrapped in a car bandage.

Sleepy, sicky.

He is pretty much back to normal today. I have been caught up in grateful feelings all day. I am so thankful to have healthy kids, and that we don't have to be at the hospital very often. and when we do, it is not for anything too serious. Also, paying the hospital copay & getting his perscription made me thrilled to have health insurance. It's almost a luxury these days with the economy & all, and I love knowing it is covered. All is well!

January, so far

2009-01-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Here is some of what we've been up to this month...

At the beginning of the month we met up with one of my best friends Carly & her husband Chris for dinner at Macayos. (they were in town for Christmas) Luckily Chris' twin brother Charlie was in town, too, so he & his wife Carrie came. Yay! It was so comfortable and fun. We laughed and reminiced and caught up. I love how well Carly & I stay in touch, and it is still as natural as it was when we were 14. I know we will be close forever.

We have had sick kids off and on all month. First the cold/cough thing cycled through all of us, Kyle & Nathan the worst. And now as I sit on the couch typing, Kyle is at my feet laying on a blanket with a puke bucket next to him. He has been throwing up all morning, poor guy. On the bright side, Mark took the other kids to church, so Kyle & I get to sit here and chill out for 3 hours.

Mark fixed some leaky pipes under the kitchen sink. The boys offered a lot of help. It was very cute.

We had a double date with Winston & Suzanne the other night. We always have a great time with them. It's cute to me that Winston & Mark were next door neighbors growing up and are still best buds. And I love his wife, so it works out great. We ate dinner then played Rock Band at their house. Holy cow, that is a FUN game. don't mind my googly, Sloth (from Goonies) eye in the one pic.

In between sicknesses, I took the kids to the park AND McDonalds in the same day. I don't know what got into me...maybe I didn't want to come home & clean, I don't know. We had a good time, and the weather was perfect for being outside. We had a good time.

Nathan wanted to take a pic of me. Pretty good job for a 2 year old. I mean, seeing your eyes in the shot is highly over rated.

That is our 2009 so far in a nutshell. I better go tend to my sicky.

Saving money and it feels so good

2009-01-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

My wonderful, fun, old (possibly oldest) friend Lindsey came all the way out to my house tonight to teach me and some of my friends from this side of the tracks the art of couponing. If you haven't heard the buzz about coupon games & huge amounts of money you can save working the system, I'm sure you will soon. I have seen it a lot lately on the news & morning shows, and have heard people talking about it more and more, too.

I was a little nervous to start couponing because I thought it would be a lot of work and too hard to fit in all that planning & clipping into my schedule. But, Lindsey, an instructor with Grocery Smarts now, changed my thinking on that and made me realize it is easy, fun, and TOTALLY WORTH IT. She helped me personally get a few GREAT deals last week (saving 50% on my grocery bill). Many people save more than that on a regular basis, but I did that spur of the moment with no newspaper coupons. I can't wait to start getting the paper, so I can use those coupons too and tear it up!!!

I am so thankful to have her as a resource,and so glad she came to share her knowledge with us. I'm sure she would love to do a class for you, too. At least check her blog.

Check out her blog at http://stockupandsave.blogspot.com/

Onward and Upward

2009-01-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am learning that things happen & circumstances change, and I am starting to feel like it's the Lord's way of getting us on a better path. Even though it might be a rough road getting to the new path, and the process of change is uncomfortable.

Many things happened that made us realize that running a window coverings business might not be the best route for our family long term. I have to say, we are very thankful for the business. It has helped us provide for our family, and for awhile there it help a lot of people provide for theirs, too. We have also gone on 3 free vacations due to prizes given from blind manufacturers & whatnot, so I cannot complain about that. All in all, blinds & shutters have been good to us.

But we have been getting the sometimes not-so-subtle impression that we need to go on a different path. Mark has considered selling insurance for quite a while, but was too busy with running SW Blinds. Now that he shut that down & works for a different blind company, we knew that option was now open. We gave it a lot of thought, Mark talked to a few good friends in the "industry", liked the idea, we gave it some more thought & prayer, then it kinda fell in our laps. Mark was still deciding if he should sell insurance or not, when the guys who do our health ins started doing auto & homeowners, & asked us if they could give us a quote. They had been doing our heath for about 5 years, so we had them do an estimate for our cars & house and they saved us a quite a good chunk. That is what helped us make the decision. Mark really did not want people to feel like they had to use him as their insurance agent just because they know him, but when he saw he could actually help people save like we did, he was sold. Mark is now the newest member of the Distinctive Insurance family. They are a brokerage that does health & life, as well as property & casualty. (that is where Mark is starting) They represent 5 or 6 different national companies, so you can get the best price. Um, I kind of sound like a salesperson myself. Sorry for the big explanation.

I know that this too will be a hard road as Mark builds a book of business. He will still be doing blinds to make money as he grows his insurance business, so I expect to be a work widow for some time. But I know it will be worth it in the long run, and every hour he works extra is for us. Mark is a very hard worker, and will do anything to make life better for me and our family. I am so lucky to be married to a driven, smart, sessy man. (he just called to say he passed all the licensing tests,so I am also very proud of him!!)

Thanks for all you do to make this a great life for us, hun.

Blog slacker & Merry Christmas (I know I'm kinda late,lay off alright)

2008-12-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Mandy said it best today in her blog when she said she has been in a blog rut. AMEN MANDERS! The last thing I have wanted to do is update. Maybe it is because I have discovered Facebook, and it is quite a bit easier to keep up with. Not as much pressure. But, I do miss having updates on my blog and seeing who has stopped by. So, I threw a new decorative template on here and I'm going to try to be better this new year. (Don't you love when people say they will try to do something? Trying is totally for us slacker butts that know we never commit to finishing anything because we probably won't!)

Anyway, CHRISTMAS! We had a very good Christmas week. It always starts with a night or 2 at my parents house a few days before Christmas. My parents always have a big "Christmas morning" for all of us. Good meals, presents & stockings, "It's a Wonderful Life", and just being with my family. The kids, okay ALL of us, love it because it sets a wonderful tone for the Christmas week and it is just fun. One of my favortie parts is how wonderfully stocked the fridge and pantry are! We eat and eat and eat, and usually I eat a little more. My parents put a lot of work into preparing for these couple days, and it really was appreciated. Thanks M & D. The only thing missing was Erica and her bunch. We missed them a lot, it wasn't quite the same without them. I mean, it was still freakin awesome, but it would have been that much better with the Stepros.

Here is the cool geo track train Kyle got from Grandma Grandpa Santa, and his unusual way of controlling it.

Jaren with is Transformers. Uncle J and Daddy trying to figure them out. Those things are complicated, but the Dads love "helping the kids" put them together. I think they want to just play with some boy toys.

Dad's a good sport.

Another good thing about being there is my Granmda lives across the street, isn't that cute? So, we get to see her a lot, as well. I had a couple good visits with her, and it made me think I need to get up there with a notebook and write down some of these stories she tells me. Maybe next time. She is spunky & fun, and could probably still do the splits and a backbend if she was really motivated.

We were back in plenty of time to have a great Christmas Eve with the Hutchings. Again there was lots of good eating, so you know I was happy. James & Jamie were able to come into town with their family and their cute little chubber Colby. Oh my gosh, Jamie or Jess PLEASE post pics so I can swipe them and put them on here, I didn't take any! But, he is a cutie pie. It was great to see them all. We missed Sue & Lee and Wendy & Damien. Hopefully we can all be together again next year. One of my favorite parts of the night was the kids nativity. They act it out so well and look so cute in the process. Mark was our Joseph understudy, and when the first string Joseph hurt his elbow right before the play Mark had to hurry and fill in. He did a good job with all the kids. My nieces Aly & Chloe sang beutifully as angels, too. My other favorite part of that night was the fact that I didn't have to host it! HOLLA!! (thanks Jess, you are so sweet)
I will have to post pics when I get some from one of my SILs.

Mark's Mom & littlest brother Michael were in town, and we were lucky to have them spend Christmas Eve night here with us. It was fun to wake Grandma up at 7:30am to run downstairs with us to see what Santa left. She had wrapped presents with us until almsot 1am, so that was really nice of her!

Our little rock star. I hope he is the next Johnny Cash...without all the drug use and cheating on his wife.

Jaren the skater. He is getting the hang of it.

That was our Christmas. We can't wait to start a new year and see what it brings!

I'm not dead

2008-12-16T22:29:00.003-08:00

in case you were wondering

Happy Birthday Kyle

2008-12-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Today is Kyle's 4th birthday, and I can hardly believe it. In some ways it feels like he is older and like he's been here forever, and on the other hand the time has flown & it seems like we just brought him home. I loved that he was born right before Christmas because the mood everywhere was so cheerful. It felt like everyone was celebrating with us. We brought him home 6 days before Christmas, and he added such a sweetness to our home.

A little bit about the birthday boy...

He has such a tender heart. He will tell jokes, and when you laugh he thinks you are laughing at him, rather than at his joke, and start to cry. (he gets the crying gene from Mark, you know I don't cry!)

He loves playing with his brothers. He always wants to make up games, like power rangers or ninja turtles. It can get a little out of control, and he is usually the craziest!

He is my little helper. Almost any time I am cooking anything, he starts pushing a chair over to the counter to help me. He loves to cook & bake, and really does help me out by holding the mixer, measuring, stirring, whatever. He even wanted to make his own cake today. Our little Bobby Flay.

He could be outside riding his trike all day.

He LOVES to offer the prayer. Any prayer. He volunteers at every meal, bedtime, FHE, whatever. We have to remind him that everyone else needs a turn sometime, and then again with the crying.

He looked a lot like a Bidwell when he was first born, but has morphed into a mini-Mark over the years. Which, of course, I think is so cute. He's got that broad shoulder thing going on and his hair is getting blonder all the time. (his skin is more olive though, like my side) He is so handsome.

The list could go on. We love our Kyle Brian to pieces. Happy Birthday big guy!!

Funny story about the picture below. My Mom had just called to wish Kyle a happy birthday, and she asked him if he had opened the present she sent in the mail for him. He said no, his mom only let him open the card. (when his friends came over later, he could open the gift) I took the phone from Kyle & was chatting with Mom, and I heard a rustling noise upstairs. I head up to discover this. The little stinker had snuck away to open the present! I thought it was pretty cute.

One of his favorite things is music, so he loved getting this play drum set. And, no, it actually isn't that obnoxious.

Dang, now I am officially depressed

2008-11-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

You know how I've been wanting to see Ellen live/be on the show for the last many years, right? Remember how the other day I kinda had the chance to at least go and see the taping in Vegas, and I decided not to because after trying ONLY 3 FRIENDS I decided it would be too hard and none of my friends would be able to, so I gave up? Are we all caught up on the fact that I didn't try hard enough to go to Ellen?

I was blog hopping today and went to a girl who was in my ward growing up, her name is Jill and she is about the cutest thing in the world. She said something on her blog about how she and her sister and some friends WENT TO ELLEN, and her sister Janelle got CALLED UP ON STAGE to do a segment on people who have never gambled before. She SHARED THE STAGE WITH ELLEN and I'm pretty sure got some dough out of the deal, too. But did I mention she was on the show and met Ellen and was on the show and met Ellen?!

I love their family, they are all hilarious and loads of fun. It could not have happened to anyone better...well, unless it happened to me, of course.

You can read about it on her blog. (and watch the show TODAY, Monday, to see her!)
http://www.indigomagenta.blogspot.com/

I'm going to go cry into my Ellen pillowcase now.

What to do, what to do

2008-11-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know I love Ellen. And I really want to be on Ellen. Someday I plan on being sorta famous, so I can go on her show & tout my latest project or album or whatever. (I guess I should start learning to sing or begin a project of some kind) I would settle for being in her audience, dancing my heart out, and laughing like crazy. Over a year ago, Chanel & I were planning a trip to see her, and it didn't work out. That would have been a blast. Well, the opportunity has kind of come up again. She will be taping a show in Vegas tomorrow, and I have 4 tickets. Of course, they are stand by, but I think if I got there early enough I could still get in. They always need those stand by people, and sometimes they get the good seats!

Dilemma. The friends I have asked to go with me are all nursing babies and can't be away from them all day. After calling them, I hesitated to call anyone else because I started wondering how much I wanted to go myself. What would I do with my own kids, have Mark take the day off? Then next week he has 2 days off, and that can't be good for the pocketbook. I figured it was going to be too hard for any of my friends/sisters to take a whole day to go wait in line just on the off chance we got in. And I don't know how long the taping would go, so I didn't want to burden any of them with an entire day & into the night having to find sitters, or have their husbands take off early, or whatever.

But, now that it is the night before, I really want to go! Now I don't know who I would call on short notice and what I would do with my family. hmmmmmm....

It might just be another Ellen opportunity missed. I need to go work on my record now.

Just when I thought it couldn't get worse

2008-11-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

it did.

I thought I had my worst speaking experience ever when I gave a talk a couple months ago in our old ward. Well, today I outdid myself.

Mark & I were asked to give talks today in the re-new ward. Our topic was Obedience, and we both did a good amount of preparing, researching talks & scriptures. I went to the temple on Friday, trying to keep our talks in mind and hoping to bank some of the spirit there and bring it with me to the pulpit. I was not that nervous sitting on the stand as we sang the opening hymn and the prayer and announcements were given. The butterflies started going strong right about the time the Sacrament was being passed (after the shortest Sacrament hymn in history! man, I was hoping for a long one)

When it was my turn, I got up to the pulpit and gave a brief intro about our family. My voice was shaking badly and my knees were knocking together. Thankfully, I had taken off my heels at my seat because I KNEW I might fall over in them because of the shaking. So, my body is having those little tremors I get when I'm nervous, and my eyes start watering. (because every bodily function I have is tied to my tear ducts...shake then cry, feel nervous then cry, laugh then cry, feel happy then cry, find a good price on cereal then cry. Everything I do is followed by crying!! Thanks Mom) I was just about to start the body of my talk when the combination of body jirations & wet eyes POPS my left contact lens FROM. MY. EYE.

FROM MY EYE! In front of the entire congregation. I suddenly felt like I was in slo-mo and I had no idea what to do next. It was just on my cheek, so at least I found it. But now what!? Do I peel back my eye lid and put it back in in front of everyone? I guess that could have been some freaky object lesson. Do I forge ahead with 20 X 8,000 vision?! I almost did that, but this is my last pair of contacts, and new ones aren't coming til the end of the week, thanks to my "save a penny" husband who did not let me get them overnighted. And would I read it with one eye closed or what? Should I just run out of the chapel & not stop until I get home? mmm, tempting, but like I said my shoes were at my seat.

I felt like flippin Fire Marshall Bill, and I didn't know what to do with my one good eye/one bad eye self. So, I did what any basket case would do. I said, into the mic, "my contact just fell out", then turned to the bishopric and said "I have to go put this back in. can I go?" They just looked at each other & at me like they were just as confused as I was.

Enter bursts of laughter from the audience. I can only imagine I looked like a skit from Laugh-In. Someone should have come and thrown a pie in my face right then. I ran off stage to the first door that exits to the hall, and it was LOCKED. When is an exit door ever locked?! I was still at the front of the chapel, trying to escape my embarrassing nightmare by just getting out of there!!! and it was locked. More giggles, louder giggles. Nobody knew what the heck was going on. They went from seeing a talk to seeing a sideshow. I felt like I needed Carol Burnett or Tina Fey or some funny lady to come join me in the skit that IS MY LIFE!!!!!!!!! So, I had to walk across the whole front of the room, in front of everyone, to the other door to get out.

I was finally in the safety of the hallway, but was so incredibly embarrassed. I put my eye back in, but wanted nothing more than to leave the meeting, leave the ward, go apostate, whatever. We could move again, that wouldn't be too big of a deal right? A nice sister in the ward was out in the hall & gave me a hug and told me nobody thought anything about it. Then I see my Sam. My sweet, wonderful friend Samantha came out to give me a hug & check on me (she knows me well, that one) and she gave me the best advice. She told me to go back in there, make a joke about it being a really bad thing to have happen, then just go on with it. And if I needed to look at anyone, to look at her! She pumped me up and told me it was fine, then she got me a wet paper towel to blot the red puffy face of mine. Thanks Sam, you are a great friend.

So, I did that. I went back in and gave my talk on obedience. In fact, my voice was a lot more steady after I had my mishap than before, so maybe I always need to do something humiliating to break the ice. The feeling of wanting to crawl under a rock and die never went away, though. In fact, for the next hour it was worse because people, who all meant well and were very kind, came to tell me that I did a good job. Some made a joke about the whole experience, which I would normally appreciate, but at that moment I felt so ridiculous I did not want any more attention brought to my idiocy. A couple people complimented me on being so "real", when I just felt really stupid. I love our ward, and that was brought home more than ever today. Right after Sacrament I wanted to go hide, but by the time church was over I felt a lot better because of the love I felt from our ward family.

Three good things from this experience, if anyone in the room ever needs a story to tell about weird/crazy church meetings, they have one! And 2, it took up some extra time, and that is always good when you speak. And 3, I won't soon be forgotten. Boo-ya!

Today is the day!

2008-11-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

I have neglected to post anything political on the blog because I think in most cases it just insights a riot, and I have not been in the mood. I mean, some days I feel like a good discussion, but not the last few months. Too busy.

I am so happy to know that today it all comes to an end. Win or lose, today will be the day the political calls stop, ads come to an end, and people pull the sticks out of their butts and get back to their normal selves. YAY!! (unless we have hanging chads again...oye, recounts make for many a stick in many a butt)

I voted this morning and felt so great doing it. I love voting, it really does make you feel like you are contributing & being a good citizen. I heard someone on GMA this morning say that by 6pm eastern time they will be able to call the election because Pennsylvania and Virginia will have closed their polls by then, and they are the big 2 that will determine who will win the presidency. I was kinda ticked because I feel like that discourages people out here in the west to vote after 3 o'clock. (I kinda wonder if that is partially the point of that story, hmmm)

I got a super cute new shirt for election day! It's a special occasion, right? Target clearance rocks my world. 6 bucks! Granted, it is thinner than thin, so I can only wash it every couple wears, but holy cow it's cute. Gotta feel cute doing your civic duty!

Look, I got a girl!

2008-11-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Actually I got 2.

I got this wig for a costume idea my friend Amy suggested to me, but didn't have the time to put the rest together. It would have been funny, too. Maybe next year. At least the boys got a kick out of it, though.

Halloween

2008-10-31T20:25:00.001-07:00

We've had a fun, busy Halloween week. It started with Mark's work party last weekend, which was very fun. Mark's bosses decorated their house to the hilt, had a haunted garage, a fortune teller, pumpkin carving contest, and tons of good food. The kids had a ball with it. (I know my pics aren't the best-I get what I can!)

And of course Halloween party day at school. I am so thankful to be home with my kids, so I can go to things like this. It's just fun.

And our traditional (the last 2 years) Halloween meal-Snakes for Brains. Can you see the faces on the peppers? I wanted to get yellow peppers, but they were twice as much, so there ya go.

Tonight was trick-or-treating. We just did our neighborhood, and that was just about right for the boys. They wanted to come home soon after we started because they were tired already! We have to go longer than that or Mom & Dad won't have any candy! We saw Spiderman trick-or-treating, & our VENOM almost got into a scuffle. Good versus evil. haha

TRICK-OR-TREAT!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I could take an armful and make a treat...

2008-10-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

Besides our moving all month, we have also been participating in our first cubscout fundraiser. Selling popcorn! Mark hauled to goods from one location to the next on different weekends, and we tried to help sell whenever we could. We have been spending quite a bit of time with popcorn! Our cubmaster & her husband were there every time for the whole time, she is dedicated & awesome. Last weekend she was able to get us right outside the exit door of our local early voting center, and we made out like bandits! How could you resist these cute little patriots. They do their duty to God and country...these people were voting...it was a match made in Heaven.

Here is Jaren on his first selling day. He had the Corn Hat on & everything. He was READY!

After a month of selling popcorn, the boys were pooped. And so were we.

Here are our little cub scouts in training. They were little troopers while the big boys sold.

And, um, if you want popcorn we can hook you up.

The longest move evvvaaaa

2008-10-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Good thing I am not one of those famous bloggers that makes tons of money off their blog based on new posts and traffic, huh? I have been horrible lately, and I don't blame myself.
I blame MOVING!!
Holy geez, this has been the longest move in Hutching history. Our renters moved out of house A in September, but we had until the end of October on our lease in OUR rental (house C), so we had a whole month with both houses. We thought that would be great because we could slowly get house A back in shape for us to move in, then move in, then have plenty of time to go clean up house C after moving out of it. We were right, we DID have a couple weeks to come spruce up the house we were coming back to. Then we moved all our stuff over in mid October and that, obviously, meant we had to unpack everything (which takes forever. we are NOT MOVING AGAIN FOR A LONG TIME!). And now we are in the final stages of cleaning our rental house C, because the property manager thinks the next renter will want walls with no scuffs, squeaky clean kitchen, pee free bathrooms, and all that good stuff.
So, I have been getting one or the other ready for a month, cleaning and painting. It is starting to drive me mad. Tomorrow is the last day of the month, thank heavens!, so if whatever isn't 100% at the rental will just have to be. It will be out of our hands tomorrow. I'm so happy.
I love being back in this house, but a post on that will have to come later. Now I just wanted to whine. :)

Last years gem

2008-10-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my archives to retrieve something I'm putting on another post, and I found one of my favorite things we have done as a family. It was such a hoot! I know a lot of you have seen it, but those who are sorta new to my blog and haven't gone that far back in my posts (why not?!), enjoy this.

BHS class of 98

2008-10-21T07:24:00.001-07:00

I am throwing a question out there to my fellow Basic High alum. Is anyone going to the Homecoming game this Friday? I might not normally go myself, but since our reunion was canceled some of us talked about going to the game instead to reunite and see good ol' Basic play. (I want to go see if I remember the cheers, too) So, is anyone going?

I have ADD with my blog

2008-10-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have switched the backround a million times, and still don't like it. I need someone to help me put a cute picture on the top & jazz it up a bit.

So, we have been in the process of moving the last 2 weeks. Actually, we haven't MOVED yet, but we have been getting the house ready & all that. I know we have confused most of our friends and many of our family members with all of our moving around, and it has been hard for you to keep track of where we are & what we're doing! (just don't even try, it is much easier that way!) But for those of you wondering why we are moving again, here's the story in a nutshell...

We bought our first house, let's call it house A, about 5 years ago in a great part of town, a great ward, & it was a great house...it was all great! We were there 3 years, which is our current record, then got caught up in the Vegas mentality bigger & better! The market was booming and we thought we better "move up" while we can still afford it before we got priced out of something bigger. Mind you, our original home had 4 bedrooms and enough space, it was plenty big. Honestly, I think the biggest thing of all was ME for my own BRITCHES. I wanted a bigger house with a bigger yard, blah, blah, blah. I was being a bit of a princess, I admit.

So, we rented out house A to some kids that worked for Mark, and bought house B in Mountains Edge. I got what I wanted as far as a big house and big lot. Chanel's mom said it best when she told Chanel our house looked like an apartment building. It was large. And it was soooo pretty. I got a good commission on it, and since Mark's business (or businesses at that time) were doing well we gussied that house up GOOD! Why save when you can do nice tile in a detailed pattern all over, and buy nice appliances, and have painters paint the whole thing, and put shutters throughout!?

Oh yeah, that might have been my britches again.

As luck would have it, the market TANKED right after we moved into pretty house B. Mark owned a window coverings business and I am a Realtor, so I will let you assume how business was at that time. I put a for sale sign up in the yard of house B, and almost a year after we had moved into it, we moved out. (don't ask how much we lost on it, that would just be rude)

Are you wondering about house A? Well, our renters were loving it and wanted to BUY it from us. They just needed time to get a loan together, and Mark and I needed time for the market value to go up a bit. So, we decided to rent a house, we will call house C really close in proximity to house A, just in case our renters flaked out and we needed to move back in to house A, our kids wouldn't have to switch schools & all that. We have been in house C for a year, and lo and behold, our renters couldn't buy house A. And quite frankly, we didn't want to sell it to them at this point. It will be years before the value it back to what we need to sell for. SO, this weekend we are moving from rental house C to original house A.

Can I let you in on something? I am stinkin thrilled!! I knew we had a good thing when we lived in this house originally, but I let myself get caught up in my own pride and wanted more, more, more! And after having more, I realize that with more you also get MORE bills and MORE stress! (unless you are prepared for MORE, which we were not) Almost every conversation Mark & I had the entire year we lived in big, pretty house B was about money, and that is not fun. I wanted to have the wiggle room to enjoy time with Mark & our kids without being stressed. I know this is a HUGE blessing that we have our original house A to move back to, and on top of it all, it really is a flippin nice house and we were on a good decorating streak there or something, because it is CUTE! I kind of love it.

And I kind of like (not "love" yet) all the lessons we have been learning over the last few years. I don't mean to go all Oprah on you, but I feel like this is a full circle kind of moment for us. Back to square one and with a lot of knowledge under our belts. A chance to do it right, or at least better.

It doesn't get much cuter than this

2008-10-09T20:05:00.001-07:00

DEN LEADER & CUB SCOUT

Things that BUG me

2008-10-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

I am not in a particularly negative mood, but I have been thinking about things that bother me and thought I would share. Scatter sunshine, right?

GRAFFITI
Why do people have to deface perfectly good property by writing a bunch of garbage on it?! It is one of the heights of disrespect. I wish the taggers had to clean up their own mess instead of shop owners and law abiding citizens. I call the graffiti hotline most times I see any. They send workers to come paint over it. If you live in the Vegas area you should call, too. 455-4509. I know most of the stuff isn't even gang related, it is usually a few punk kids with a sharpie and too much free time. I see the same "signatures" all over the place by where we live, and it makes me MAD!

Non Handicapped people parking in Handicap parking spots
Doesn't it drive you nuts when you see this happen? The other day at Walmart I saw a pimped out escalade pull in to the very first parking spot and a group of thugs get out of the car. 2 guys and one baby mama with her baby. I didn't say anything to them about parking there because I was outnumbered and didn't want to get jumped. Then I saw these same kids on the cookie aisle, and baby mama had just put some cookies in her cart when, what I assume to be baby daddy, came and ripped them out of the cart saying something articulate like, "eff NO, there aint no effin' way, you're too fat, uh-uh, NO!" What a knight in shining armor! I would totally make more babies with this man. Well, he was the driver of the escalade, so that proves my point...people who park there who aren't actually disabled are TOOLS!

I do speak up on occasion to people parking there. I try to be nice because I want them to change, not pick a fight with them. Another time, I dropped Mark off in front of the store to run in while I drove laps around the parking lot. When I was passing the front of the store on one lap, I saw a truck without a handicap sticker pull in to the very first parking spot, right next to the store entrance. Out steps a rather large muscular man. I was feeling gutsy that day I guess, because when he got out I was in my car right behind him and rolled down the window & said, "HEY! YOU DON'T LOOK HANDICAPPED!!!" To which he responded calmly, "This isn't a handicapped spot, the next 2 are, but not this one." After quick review I realized he was RIGHT, so I said, "well then, you have a nice day!" I'm a freakin vigilante!! Fighting crime, saving the world one parking trespasser at a time! And even those that aren't.

okay, back to what bugs.

Litter!
Kind of the same reasons as with graffiti. So disrespectful. Didn't these peoples' mothers tell them to pick up after themselves. Better yet, leave the place better than you found it?! And there is almost always a trashcan within walking distance. Come on people. My kids will say things like, "we need to bring a bag with us next time we walk around" because of all the garbage we see. We haven't actually done that yet, I am still at the complaining stage, but it will be turned into action soon I'm sure. Just throw it away!!!

My fall blog page. It just bugs. I need to change it.

Flaunting your Enhancements
I am not against certain plastic surgeries for people that want to restore themselves to a normal physical state, like tummy tucks after having kids and things like that. What I AM against is having other procedures flaunted and out there for all the world to see. If I were down on the strip, I would expect to see half dressed women showing it all off, and I wouldn't complain because I would be in that kind of environment. But at my son's school and at social gatherings where you KNOW little boys (and girls for that matter) are attending...COVER THE GIRLS UP!!!!!

$12 car washes at Fabulous Freddie's.
That is the cheapest wash where they will vacuum the car, too. Insanity! I paid it, so I guess I am insane. (is this news to anyone?)

PACKING

Which I have to go do right now. Bye!

Crows Feet, here I come!

2008-09-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday was my 28th birthday. Mark took the day off, so that made for a great day of not having to lift a finger. He spoils me everyday, but birthdays and Mother's Day he pulls out the big guns and lets me be a princess. That is really the best gift. However, that gift was seriously rivaled this year with what my parents got me. Are you ready for this? (I want to start singing that song now) Guitar Hero AND Wii Fit! HELLO!! They had bought them as Christmas gifts for us, but couldn't wait. And they should not have waited. Definitely not. No waiting necessary. After I slept in, I then spent the next 3 or so hours alternating playing. The boys got a lot of time in, too. They think the words to "Slow Ride" by Foghat are "Slow Ride, yellow, red, green..green, Take it easy, yellow, red, green..green.." Good times.
This is not a picture of how you DO Wii Fit,this is simply me telling it how much I love it. That's all.

And look at what my sweet Wii Fit told me on my birthday! With the little party hat & everything.

Rockin the Guitar Hero.

Backing up a bit, the celebration felt like it started early for me this year because my friend Amy remembered my b-day was coming up and took me to Cafe Rio on Thursday. She's such a fun gal, our boys are tight, and the food was delish, so it was great! I didn't take any pics of her or me, but here is her son with Kyle. Aren't they so cute?!

After playing Wii on my actual B-day, I was spoiled some more with a much-too-fun lunch with my super thoughtful sister-in-law Jessica. She is the best. She won't let you tell her that she is, but trust me when I tell you-she is.

Mark remembered me saying I wanted a Costco cheesecake (because I just told him on Thursday). So he picked one up fresh that day. We made sure we did cake & singing in the early afternoon because I wanted to go to Fuddruckers for dinner, and you can't go to Fudds without getting a shake. SO, cake after lunch, shake after dinner. Major calorie fest for me and I didn't care in the least. I'm old now, it's all going down hill, starting with my butt!! Pay no mind to the candles, we had a shortage.

I had been Wii Fitting all day anyway, right? Suzanne & Winston had called to see what we were doing for dinner, so I told them to come along. I didn't want to mention it was my birthday because telling people is kind of tacky. I even made Mark swear he wouldn't mention it because I did not want Suz to feel like she should have known or whatever. At dinner I was in kind of a testy mood because Mark wasn't saying anything about it being my birthday, so it didn't feel birthday-ish at all. Yes, I was the one who told him not to mention it, but SERIOUSLY. The birthday person ALWAYS wants attention, especially when that birthday person is me, and let's be frank. I like me some attention. I just didn't want Suzanne and Winston to feel bad in any way, but I was sure Mark could have brought it up without doing that.
But he didn't.
He did exactly what I asked him to do.
A great husband, but a mindreader he is not. Will he ever learn?

I couldn't stay "mad" for long, especially with his present. Mark gives good presents. You can (almost) always tell there was a lot of thought behind them. This year he gave me this little plane

(wrapped in tin foil, I thought his family would like to know that) with a little note that says this winter he is taking a 3 day weekend off sometime soon to stay home with the kids while I go on a mini trip to see the friends I miss so much in Utah (hoping Becca can come down from Boise, too). I've been talking about my wonderful friends a lot lately with all our reunion talk & whatnot, and he must have taken note. He understands how much I miss my friends who aren't here, and I know he wants me to have fun and get my Holly battery recharged. He always thinks of me before himself. He gives me too much, and I know I do not deserve him.

Well, before I get too out of hand with that! Thank you hun!! 28 feels older for sure, just the number sounds old. I didn't think I would be bothered by milestone birthdays like 30, but now I am not so sure. This birthday started making me think about the fact that the number is only going up, and I'm entering that different phase of life. I'm not the youngest wife and mom anymore, which is strange. My kids are still small but getting older so much faster than I thought possible, and I think that accelerates things. I'm a cub scout mom and a pta mom, and I won't be the young mom to all toddlers and infants anymore. Wacky. I AM thrilled for this stuff, but in all my flash forward day dreams, I am permanently young. I will probably always feel younger than I am, though, hopefully!

Red Robin...yummmm

2008-09-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

My parents were in town today and took the littles and me to lunch. Score! I took these pictures and thought they were so cute. What would these kids do without all their wonderful grandparents?! (answer: have their mother pay for their lunches and miss out on a lot of fun & spoiling)

Basic High School girls of '98

2008-09-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Our 10 year high school reunion was canceled this year, which made me kind of sad because I was looking forward to seeing random people and I was downright thrilled to see my old girlfriends. One of my oldest friends, Mindy, came to the rescue and arranged a mini reunion with the girls from our crew that are in still in town. Michelle, Sara, Callie, Mindy, & me. These girls are my oldest, dearest friends. I know I say things like that whenever I write a friend post, but they are. I realize more and more how blessed I have been in my life to have great friends like them. These gals are incredible and we have memories of each other from the last 20 years. Recorder choir, first kisses in the laundry room, first holding hands, bus trips, seminary, tinted windows, dirty rap songs, classes, first kisses in my front yard, cheerleading, jerky boyfriends, I could go on and on. And we did for 4 hours!! We LAUGHED and LAUGHED and LAUGHED!!! I would have rolled on the ground laughing if that were acceptable at Claim Jumper. Some people that got seated by us actually asked to move because we were so loud. Sorry! I was kind of sad when I got home that the night was over. I gave Mark the play by play, but things just aren't as funny if you weren't the one there. He was great to smile and laugh, but he was probably hoping to just go to bed.
We have to do it again soon. I love you guys!

Saving money with the Hutch Fam

2008-09-18T13:52:00.001-07:00

In an effort to conserve money and live with less stress, we have started living with less of other things, too. Here are some of the things we are doing.

We are going to Best Buy to play "Rock Band"

We got rid of caller ID-YIKES! I never know if I should answer in my church voice or my telemarketer voice. What's a girl to do? Be polite all the time?? I think that is more stressful than paying 20 more bucks for the advanced notice of who is calling!

Two words-RABBIT EARS. No cable, no dvr.

You know those commercials now on the air that keep telling people that all television will be digital in February 2009, so if they are watching tv with an antenna they will need a converter box? I always thought they were just talking to the old fogies still watching black & white tv with knobs to turn the channel. I mean, who doesn't have cable or dish? But now they are talking to ME, too! Let me tell you, I miss my DVR something fierce! After having the luxury of it, it is tough to let it go. But, I expected to feel even worse about it, so it's good that I don't totally cry about it or something. (I wouldn't put it past me) We did it during the summer tv season, so nothing that great was on anyway. It's kind of like I don't know what I'm missing almost, like if I just don't think about Project Runway being on, then I'm okay.

With the suckage of tv options that has led me to BOOKS, BOOKS, and more BOOKS. I liked reading before the tv switch, but I have been reading a lot more now. Here's what I've read since last month.

Yes, I broke down and read the Twilight series. Thankfully I borrowed them from a friend, and our trip last month lent itself to long stretches of reading because at least then I didn't feel like I wasted a week of my life. I told my friends who had already read them that no matter what opinion I formed of the books, I would simply say "They were nice", so as not to tick off the SUPER FANS or the people that didn't like them. I lied, I have to say something about them.

HUH?!

I read the first one, and as long as I could ignore the fact that Stephanie Meyer used the same adjectives for everything and laid everything on super thick, then I was fine. I actually liked the story line of Edward & Bella. Who doesn't like to think back to the days when you were wooed and border-line stalked? So, the vampire love part didn't even bother me that bad, Edward was pretty appealing. That could be because my SIL Wendy helped me load my IPOD with some seriously great music by Damien Rice and Regina Spektor, and I was listening to that at the same time I was reading the book, so my senses might have been confused. The second book I just flipped to the back and made sure Ed was in it, and when I realized he was I tried reading it from the beginning and I could not take it! Werewolves?!

Vamipre love=semi romantic and somewhat believable
werewolves=the book smells like my shoe

I was invested by then, and had to read the last 2 just to know how it ended. Suddenly I had some "follow through" thing come over me. I can't finish college, but by hell I will read all 4 twilight books. I did want to see what happened with Bella & Edward. I thought the ending was anticlimactic, like she had to wrap it up fast after chapters and chapters of the same thing.

So, that is what I thought. Sorry about the tangent. Here is what I read after Twilight.

SO GREAT! This author writes so well. Read this book! (I read twilight for you)

Nicolas Sparks...kinda the same thing with all his books; set in North Carolina, 2 unlikely people fall in love, someone dies, yadayadayada. A good read if you don't want to think too hard, which I usually don't!

Sue Monk Kidd is one of my new faves, she is gooood. This story was awesome.

So, those are some things we are doing while we save money. Pretty soon we'll be MILLIONAIRES!!!! I can't think of anything else we are doing. I'm not sewing our clothes...yet. ha!

Tagged 8s

2008-09-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Mindy both tagged me for this, and I love these kinds of things (and can't cook up a funny post), so here we go!

8 TV shows I love to watch:
LOST
What Not to Wear
Top Chef
E! News
24 (our new love)
Project Runway
Ellen
America's Next Top Model

8 Favorite Restaurants:
Golden Spoon
Schlotskys
Mix
Chilis
Maggianos
California Pizza Kitchen
Cheesecake Factory
PF Changs

8 things that happened yesterday:
Finished "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Monk Kidd. Soooo good!
Went to Mark's office mixer thingy
Continuously stuck foot in mouth at said mixer (at least everyone else was drunk)
Chatted with my SIL Wendy, who is crashing here for a couple nights
Dropped off & picked up Jaren all-by-myself. thanks Wendy
Showered with enough time to shave legs. thanks Wendy
Got a soda
Cleaned

8 things I look forward to:
Moving back to our house
Having pizza & movie night with the kids tonight
Finishing my degree someday
A day with no poo diapers or bums to wipe
Learning the guitar
Learning how to ballroom dance with Mark, then bustin a move
Seeing our boys grow up
Being out of debt

8 things I love about fall:
The smell of school supplies at the store
Pumpkin ice cream
Leaves changing color
Long sleeved shirts
Baking holiday goodies
Trick-or-treating with the kids
Pumpkin Patches
the great weather

8 things on my wish list:
The boys will decent, loving and hardworking men
That they will have strong testimonies
They will marry nice girls who like having us around
To have all bills paid off and a fatty savings
Wish I were better organized
Wish I wasn't a basket case
Build our dream home on Christian Circle
Win a ton of money on a game show/lotto/any other win-fall

8 people I'm tagging:
you should all do it!

First of First

2008-09-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Jaren started 1st grade 2 weeks ago, and is really liking it...now. At first, he was a little nervous, and the first few days he got emotional about going in. But, he always wiped his cheeks before getting out of the car, sucked it up and walked in like a big boy. After the first week, I think he was used to it enough to not get upset. I could empathize with that so much though because I remember those same feelings very clearly. I hated starting a new school year because I didn't know what to expect, who would be in my class, if the teacher was nice, what I would have to know, who would I sit with in class & lunch. I bet everyone felt that way.

First Day pics. I don't know what he is doing with the rock star hand sign, but whatever. His shirt says, "VOTED Most likely to squish stuff". Such a boy thing.

He has a very sweet teacher and a class of only 18 kids. He was nervous because most of his friends from last year were in different classes, but after the first day he realized he did have one old friend in his class, and he had already started making more. We had open house last week, and he was so excited to show us around his classroom and all the "specials" (art, music, PE, library) and the playground, of course. I'm so glad he didn't have to switch schools this year with all our moving around. With any luck (and no more moves for a long time) he'll be able to be at the same school K-5.

Open house. Jaren with his first art project, in music class, and on the monkey bars.

After that first day, he was proud to tell us that as he and his friend were walking around the playground & some 3rd graders started teasing them saying, "first grade babies!", and Jaren said back, "you're making fun of for being in 1st grade, well you're only 2 years older than us!" In your face, third graders!! haha He was so proud of himself, and I thought that was a good step in defending himself. I do not look forward to when the teasing gets a lot more mean than just "first grade babies." But looks like he might hold his own.

It is great having a first grader! Selfishly I like running to the store with one less kid and all that, but more than that I just really like this new phase of life we are entering. Kids in real school, packing lunch, PTA, soccer games, making new friends...all the childhood things. It is exciting. I know Jaren will have a good first year.

Fattening up for Fall

2008-09-07T08:31:00.003-07:00

Happy days are here again! Fall is coming, and that means cooler temps, that fabulous smell of autumn in the air, and PUMPKIN flavored ice cream! Yeah, baby! I O.D.-ed on the stuff last year at Golden Spoon, getting it every time I went from September to November (weekly at least). I'd had too much of a good thing, and couldn't stand another bite of pumpkin anything for awhile. Thank goodness time heals all wounds, because when I saw this at Walmart yesterday I did the happy dance, ready to have pumpkin gluttony once again!!

If they call it a talk because of what your voice is doing...

2008-08-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

then what I did yesterday should be called a tremble, crack, quivering shake, 12 year old boyish sound. That would have been so much more appropriate for the counselor in the bishopric to ask me, "Holly, would you be willing to give a tremble/crack in church on Sunday?" DONE and DONE! I'm your girl. At least we would have all been clear as to what was going to come out of my mouth. But, a TALK?

I know there are few people who actually like speaking in church. Chanel, you're a little bit of a freak. But mostly it is something we all endure because we sometimes do things we don't like. So, against my better judgement I agreed to do it. We all have to take our turn going through the more painful church duties, kind of like when you get called to serve in Nursery/Sunbeams and the selfish you thinks, "don't they know I am around kids all day? I would be better in YW or RS, and am clearly above that silly calling?!" ** Then you flip your hair & go about being unwilling to serve, unless it is the right calling for you. That is how I thought of speaking, the selfish girl in me was like..."um, no, let someone else worry about it. I am scared and they should know how uncomfortable I am, so let them find someone else with 4 days notice. As long as it isn't me, I don't care." But, I felt deep, deep, deep down that this might actually be good for me to stretch myself, and I am a believer that we all need to do our time in whatever less desirable church service comes our way. But I still was thisclose to declining the offer.

Enter my husband. My sweet, DO-GOODER of a husband. I texted him Wednesday something like, "Brother Green called and wants us to speak on Sunday. Jerk." (Mind you, I DO NOT think Brother Green is a jerk. at all. He is a very nice man. A nice man who likes to scare the begeebers out of people that are moving out of his ward in a month or 2, but a good guy nonetheless) So, I tell husband to call Green back and tell him NO DICE. After giving me the schpeal about how it will be fine, I'd do great, and the topic is good, it will be good for me, and so on, husband FORGETS. I should have said, "FORGETS" to call Bro Green. Fat quotes on that one. arg.

By Saturday I knew we were in this thing, so I may as well try to do it up proper and make it good. And I tried, I really did. I had great talks from amazing apostles and prophets. So many people wrote great things on gratitude! I researched and prayed. Gratitude is a topic that I needed to refresh myself on, and I gained a lot on different aspets of gratitude, like how to be grateful in the midst of trials and not being covetous and all that encompasses. So, if nothing else, I had gained something personally from my preperation.

And let me tell you, there was nothing else. I was the only beneficiary in the room. Any poor soul that had to be in the congregation yesterday basically got a lesson in how to have a minor panick attack, bordering on peti-mal sezuire, in from of 250 people and live to tell the tale. I read my prepared words, even my intro was written down, because I knew if I strayed from the page I was a goner. The few times I dared look up from the page, I lost my train of thought and left out chunks of realavent information. Then I was in a huge hurry to just get.it.over with, and sped through things I had brought to be time stretchers. For example, I was talking about writing down our blessings, and I was so happy because I have actually DONE THIS! YAY!! So, I brought my very own gratitude journals, so I could talk about how at first you might only be able to point out the obvious blessings in your life, but if you really try day after day, you start to notice small things to write in there. But did it come out like that?

insert obvious answer here NO! It went something like, "huh..um...I started keeping a gratitude journal in 1998 and it has helped me to become a...hibbity...hummmm...maahhh...AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!" ***

Or at least that is how it went in my head.

I had set the book down only seconds after picking it up, without sharing anything from it. There went my time filler.
Since I didn't share any with the ward, I will quickly tell you some funnies I was thankful for as a 17 year old girl.

March 30, 1998: jeans for $3.99
April 14, 1998: Laura Scoble & my other YW leaders
May 20, 1998: cute elders (I cannot believe I thought that now!)
April 26, 1998: My mom being my friend
April 30, 2998: Mr. Ballister being gone (I wrote that every time he had a sub. I didn't like that teacher)
May 3, 1998: Me & Carly kissing our prom dates & everyone knowing

Anyway, back to the talk. if you want to call it that.

I made a couple points, quickly, literally shaking the whole time. It was so clear in my voice, too. No kidding, 90% of the "talk" was delivered in my shaky, verge of crying voice. The other 10% was me actually crying. The 10 minutes passes pretty fast, all things considered, and I was done. Walking back to sit with my kids (Mark & I took turns), I felt like all eyes were on me, like a freak show. I could almost hear the circus music playing, because I felt like there was much gawking...and not in an admiring sort of way. Of course, I KNOW this was my imagination, though, the people in my ward are much, much too nice to step right up and look at the freak.

There was a rest hymn in between me and Mark. It was "I Stand All Amazed," and I just kept thinking, "what a funny title to come after me. there wasnt nothin amazing about that!" Mark's of couse was very good. Did that really need to be said?

I am so glad it is over. It's odd because I can sing (in a group) or dance or act something out for an audience WAY easier than I can give a talk. I wonder why that is. I think I will bear my testimony more often, so I can get more comfortable with the whole setting.

**not the actual feelings of the author. intended to be sarcastic and to make a point. don't tell Linda Dickenson...I really like my calling, I swear**

***not actual words expressed aloud. duh

I have no reason to feel this way

2008-08-20T14:48:00.001-07:00

But, I have been a brat today. I'm snapping at the kids, getting irritated easily, and feel like I could burst into tears at any moment. For example, today at Walmart I was getting ham at the deli counter and I asked the girl for Sara Lee honey ham. Well, she sliced me Hormel by mistake (and when I tested it it was funny tasting, so I nicely asked her what it was, she realized the tiny goof and quickly got the right one) But, for some reason this totally affected me badly-maybe I just really, really like ham-and I had to put my sun glasses on to cover the fact that I was about to cry.

No, I am not pregnant. (I could see my Mom dialing the phone to call me right now)
I am just messed up! I think I am still settling back to real life, but people should be relaxed and happy after a trip. I am...still Holly. Damn.

Call it inspiration, or just a mean coincidence, but the first counselor in the bishopric just called to ask us to speak on Sunday. WONDERFUL! The topic is Gratitude. Very funny.

Well, I guess I need to work on that one.

Florida Fun

2008-08-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

We've been lucky enough to spend the last few days in Florida as a reward trip that Mark's bosses arranged for a couple of their sales people. My sister-in-law Wendy agreed to take on the task of watching the boys for the first few days at our house, and from the sounds of it, it went wonderfully and the boys had a great time. There was cookie making, pizza eating, painting, and someone pooping on the carpet...so, that adds up to a GREAT TIME!! My parents came down and got the kids on Friday night to finish out the last 2 nights of our trip with the kids up at their place. They are there now, so I am again not worrying a bit because I know they are getting loved on and having a blast.
THANK YOU Wendy and Mom and Dad!!!!

I , on the other hand, am blogging next to my hotel room window looking at this. aahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Hang on...I need to back up.

We got there Tuesday and went to Universal Studios that night and next day. Going on rides was exciting, especially for me who has been pregnant the last few times we have done any amusement parks. It was really fun.

Here's us at a "ride" based on the movie Twister. If you are ever at Universal Studios DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME! Thankfully there is no line at said ride, but that should be a sign to people like us that the "ride" STINKS!! Really, it was lame. That was the first time I was thankful this was a free trip.

We came across this, and Mark was pretty happy. I'm going to call him Marky McFly from now on.

Getting attacked by JAWS and the Hulk roller coaster (SOOOOO SCARY & AWESOME!)

(Daniel, Chris, Holly, Karen, Mark)

We stayed at this hotel, The Peabody. It was soo fancy! The bed was the most comfortable thing in the world. They have ducks that stay in a Duck palace, then they walk a red carpet every morning to their duck fountain. I don't really get it, but it's still cute.

We only spent the first couple days there, and we are now at the Pink Palace, or so they call it, right on the gulf. Holy cow. It is also fancy schmancy. It has serious old fashioned charm with chandeliers, old architecture, and paintings in big ornate frames; kind of like the haunted mansion at Disneyland without the scary parts. The have the most colorful paint everywhere, it's so beachy and happy. even our room is cute!

This is almost all I've been doing. Mark asked me how anyone could just sit on a beach all day, he wanted to know what we would be doing. Um, sitting on the beach! That's enough for me. Oh, I lie, I was also reading, too. So, I was doing 2 things.

We have also done a lot of eating. Yum!!

Our group has done a lot of drinking.

Mark and I boggie boarded and jet skied on the ocean, which was a lot different than I've ever done it on a lake. Yeesh! I love that Mark likes to do things when we go places. As much as I love sitting on the beach all day, I am always happy when we get out and do something. Here we are after jet skiing around the ocean. Oh my, that was exhilerating and freaky! A completely different expereince than doing it on a lake. Whipping around on the jet ski while the waves are rolling underneath you makes it a little more difficult and a lot more exciting. I threatened Mark a few times when he was driving. I swear my butt was off the seat for a minute straight while he caught air over and over again. But, I scared him a little when I drove, too, I think.

Last night Mark and I went to "Dark Knight" at 11pm, and not considering the late hour was a treat. And it is lovely to wake up when whenever we want, but holy cow do we miss the kids?! Many times throughout the days Mark and I catch ourselves saying, "the boys would love that" and things like that. Chris and Daniel (the owners of the company) and Karen and her husband (the other sales person on the trip with us) don't have kids or don't have kids at home anymore, so we are the only ones in that boat.

**update** since I wrote this blog, we got home and got the kids from my Mom and Dad's. They had a great time. Jaren even said yesterday with them was the best day of his life. He found a bunch of praying mantisis, so his life is now complete. haha We are so happy to be home safe and sound with the kids! We are so grateful for the time away, and I feel like we needed a little de-stresser, and now we are ready to start back up with life! Thanks again for everyone helping us get away. We love you & owe you one!

080808

2008-08-08T10:20:00.001-07:00

What a cool date! I am excited to start watching the Summer Olympics tonight. But I am especially happy for this date because this was the day my great husband was born. (except not in 08 obviously) Mark turns 29 today, so I have to give him a birthday shoutout. I love you hun. You are the most perfect husband to me and dad to the boys. And you're hot-bonus for me! Thanks for all the happiness. Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Day

2008-08-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

Friday was a good day. The night before I finally finished up the last paragraphs of my final 3 history papers I had due and an extra assignment the teacher threw in just for fun. It had been a somewhat hairy week, as I like to stress about things. A LOT. So I felt great after having it all turned in, then on Friday I got to meet up with Chanel in LA stress free! My sweet husband, and Chanel's too, stayed with the kids at home, so we had nothing to worry about. It was just fun, fun, and more FUN! I have not laughed that hard in such a long time.

When we got to Long Beach we were kind of lost, so we pulled into an El Pollo Loco & asked directions from this guy. He was the captain of the fire department, and was very helpful and nice. Chanel dubbed him Captain for the rest of the trip. HILARIOUS! I thought he was flirting with Chanel, so I took a picture of the couple. ha It didn't help that she stroked his arm while giggling this girly giggle. Ryan, watch out!

Our room had this warning sign on the inside of the door. I had been joking about Long Beach being the inspiration for many of Dr. Dre's rap songs, so that did not help my nerves. But, we were safe and it really wasn't that scary.

We went to her friend's wedding, and since I didn't know a soul and she only knew 2, we acted like teenage girls chuggin our Shirley Temples and laughing at the table of wack-os we got seated with. Chanel drives a little, um, let's say aggressively but even that got to be a big joke by Saturday as she told me to "leave her alone!" Only this woman could chastise me for being a backseat driver and make me laugh at the same time.

We spent Saturday at the beach until time to eat and get to the airport. It was so nice!! The ocean amazes me every time I see it. And the weather was great. BEach time with one of my favorite people. Aaahhhh, my life is too good.

It was such a nice little break. Everybody should get away with their best friends every now and then. We made so many fun memories and had a ball. I think we need to make this a tradition!

I think it's time I posted something

2008-07-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

As usual I've been neglecting my blog. My last two posts were kind of cop-outs, even though I did think the memory one looked like fun. And it was. I loved what my friends & family remember about me. It made me smile!

Nothing too exciting is going on, as I am still immersed in my class and don't have much time for anything else. If it makes any of my "readers" feel better, I not only have been negligent to the blog, but also to my friends, and sometimes my family while trying to keep up on this ONE class. One class and it's taking over my life. I cannot imagine taking a full load of classes as a parent...how do people do it?! (Mark's going in the fall, so we'll find out I suppose) I know I talk about this stinkin class a lot, but that is because it weighs so much on my mind. If I am not at the computer answering questions or writing a paper, I am still thinking about what I need to be doing.

For example, yesterday I was answering one of the daily questions (about the Great Depression)from the professor, and I wanted to hurry and post it so I could be with the kids. So, in my haste I wrote a couple generic paragraphs about it then I end it with, "It was horrible." THAT IS HOW I SUM UP THE GREAT DEPRESSION?! It was horrible?? It was too late to change what I'd said because I hit post so I could move on with my life for the morning. BUT, I could not stop thinking about it. I'm doing dishes, thinking about my dumb response. I'm playing Legos with the boys, thinking about it. It was just 1 answer out of, like, 30 I've done in this class. I'm sure it won't ruin my grade, but if I'm not stressing about something then the terrorists have won. So I actually asked the teacher to erase it so I could do it over. He will think I am A) a big, fat brown noser who wants to show their perfectionist ways or B) a spaz
I'll let you decide.

I do get a HUGE payoff when I finish this class next Thursday. (yes, in a week you will not have to hear another word about my history stresses) About a year ago Chanel asked me to go to her friend's wedding in California with her next August. Well, time flies because next August is HERE and we are going next Friday to the wedding then Saturday we will party harty before heading home that night. I don't know what we will do that day, but Chanel & I can be in a cardboard box and have a great time, so I am beyond excited. I'm sorry I brag. I am a spoiled brat.

Other stuff we've been doing. Jaren built a city out of cups. Then conquered it.

Nathan has been playing in the water whenever we let him.

And Kyle just looks too cute in this picture.

Jaren's blog

2008-07-19T14:12:00.001-07:00

Jaren has a new post on his. Since it is private and we never update it, I figured I'd give ya'll who read it a heads up.

Memories...

2008-07-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Rock the Vote

2008-07-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

You think this might be a politcal post? Sure! But, not what you're thinking...I am NOT going there! I'd like to keep my friends & family. :)

If you haven't read my blog-famous sister-in-law Sue yet, they you're life is not complete. (if I can't do it on Ellen, I guess I'll plug it on my own blog) heehee. Once you read it, you'll know why she deserves your vote here. So, go excersise your right to vote. Isn't that what America is all about?

Can you hear this Bach?

2008-07-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

We've all loved tinkin around on the piano my wonderful Grandma gave us. Jaren and I have been taking lessons for a month or so now, and he is doing very well and liking it a lot more than I thought he would. Our teacher is a friend from our old ward, and she brings entertaining games and worksheets for him. Yeah, she comes HERE to our house, isn't she cool?!
I am also having fun with it. It was a little frustrating at first because it felt like I would never get the hang of it. But, even with a few weeks of practice I can see how it will come more and more as I keep trying. Taking the lessons has even helped me feel better about myself, like I can do something to improve my mind and try to develop a talent. It's great, and I am so glad Jaren and I are doing this together.

Kyle is even learning a little just being around...

Daddy & the boys

Here I am trying...just don't ask me to play ANYTHING just yet. it will be awhile!

Jaren helping Nate

College then and now

2008-06-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

College THEN
Dancing up a storm at the (Utah) clubs or stomps, staying up late talking about the perfect guy, eating lonely meals of baked lays or cereal, day dreaming about boys

College NOW
Dancing around the house to the radio, staying up late talking to the perfect man, cooking real meals and enjoying them around the table with the fam, day dreaming about my boys & this good life I have

College THEN
Study when you want

College NOW
Squeeze studying into little moments throughout the day, so it feels like you do it constantly even though you don't really

THEN
Noisy roomates, go to the library

NOW
Noisy children, finally just turn on the tv and let them rot away for an hour.
Then, start blogging after half hour because if you read about the Gilded Age of history anymore you might impale yourself with a fork.

THEN
Never think about schoolwork, until it is due the next day

NOW
STRESS about all your assignments because you want to be responsible and get it done early so you can enjoy this life of yours.

THEN
Only clean something, bathroom, laundry, etc, when your super tidy rommie (I love you Reesers) tells you it is getting funky.

NOW
Take a break from the homework for a pee break when you notice the bathroom is getting pretty sick. And not that new way the kids are using the word sick these days, no I mean the old school grody sick. So, whoop out the scrubbin bubbles & comet and get busy. Then, since you have it out you may as well do the other bathroom, too. You're never going to know about the Industrial Revolution if you keep this up!

THEN
Need to write a paper? Go to the library for research.
You don't HAVE a computer, nobody does, so you go to the library to type it up, too.

NOW
Writing a paper? You have a computer now, and there is this thing called the internet that has a crap load of information on it! Encyclopedias, books, opinion pages, & tons of references! You just do all the work sitting in the same spot, and badda bing, badda boom! A paper!!

Amazing, really. I'm not kidding. Okay, I've stalled long enough. LEave me alone so I can work!!!

Can I just say?

2008-06-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

I love having friends over for the kids! They are busy having fun, and I am getting stuff done. (except for the occasional blog break, of course) I am taking an online summer class, I don't think I have mentioned that yet in the blog. So, I have a couple questions to answer from the professor on our daily discussion board, a 2 page paper, and an exam which is basically a 4 page paper-all due by the end of the week and I have been wondering how I'm going to get it all done. I have been pretty good at keeping up on the daily reading and assignments, but with the extra paper and test I was getting a bit nervous. Having the kids busy is really lessening the nerves.

I talk too much

2008-06-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

Did that really surprise anyone? If you know me, you know I rattle. If you ask me the weather, I will say something like "well it's 110 degrees, but it wasn't this hot last week. last week it was only 98 degrees, but there was a slight breeze, so it felt more like 93ish, so I took my kids to the pool, and they didn't like being in the water with the wind, so we got out and came home. I mean we stopped at Target, so we didnt exactly come straight home. Did you know you can get a popcorn AND soda at Target for $1.40 when a soda alone costs $1.60? Isn't that dumb?!"

(That is actually true about the target popcorn thing, but back to my point)

Why do I do that when a simple answer would suffice!? Most people just answer the question, stick to the point. Not me, and I do it with everything!! And usually when I get rambling, I say something that is either stupid or hurtful. Or both. I'm going to try to be better. Follow that wise advice; if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all...and only speak if you have something meaningful to say...and, my favorite, put a sock in it.

If I'm around you and I'm not saying much, don't think I'm being rude.

I don't know what to do with myself.

2008-06-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Nate's been fighting this flu kind of thing off and on for a couple weeks. Last Thursday he started getting it for the second time, and has had it for a few days. He had gotten okay by Sunday-Monday (we didn't take him to church just in case)but then Monday night he threw up and was acting very lethargic. Off to the doctor we went first thing yesterday, and he sent us to the pediatric ER right away because he looked so dehydrated. He asked me how many just pee diapers he had had, and I couldn't remember. Then he said he was crying with no tears and his lips were really chapped. When we got to the ER I thought they would just give him a bag of fluid & that would be it, but they admitted him for the night. We just got back an hour or so ago. (We had an early bedtime for the kids, that's why I'm already blogging!) I am always so amazed at our family & friends and how everyone steps in to help us. Everyone I talked to has offered to & insisted that they help us in any way. I kept telling Mark I felt bad taking everyone up on their generosity because it wasn't like a surgery or anything, but it was still a big deal. I know everyone wants to help and we really, really appreciate you all sooo much.

Here is Nate on his second big ol' bag of fluids & medicine. He had some energy by the time everyone came to say hi.

After the Dad & brothers' visit he looked more like this.

Here is his cage. Completely enclosed & kinda creepy. When he first got in it he said "meow!" Mark & I were cracking up.

He was feeling a lot better at breakfast this morning.

And we came home this evening. Drink your water everyone!

chip of the ol' blogger block

2008-06-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Jaren sees me blogging (too much) and asked me if he could have one of his own. I tried to talk him out of it. He doesn't know how to do it, he is only 6, what would he say? But, our friend Kierra's son started a Lego blog, so Jaren wanted to do that, too. I guess he has thoughts & legos to share with the world. He tries to type it himself, but Mark or I end up doing it. It might be short lived if it's on my to-do list. It's private, so you if you want to check it out, let us know. He's on my links, too.

May Madness

2008-06-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

What a fun month we've had. Here are a few things that have happened.

Kyle wanted to accentuate the fact that he is Mark's carbon copy, so he dressed up in his work clothes. I only put the belt on, he did all the rest. Oh, and I grabbed a "House of Window Coverings" ad, so he could hold it & I could shamelessly plug the new company on my blog.

Moms & Muffins was the Friday before Mother's Day, and Jaren was actually really excited to have me come. (he really was, even though his expression in this pic tells a different story) He proudly showed me around his kindergarten classroom and we had a great time.

He also had Kindergarten Graduation a few weeks later, but I only have it on video. oops, I better stage some pictures before he grows.

Some of my oldest, greatest girlfriends & I still keep in touch, and after lots of "we should do something"s...we actually DID! We went to Half Shell in Henderson (SO YUMMY), caught up on each other's lives in person, and talked and laughed a lot. I felt like we all have pretty much the same personalities we always did, so it was natural & we didn't skip a beat. I have been so blessed with good friends my whole life, and I am so thankful.
Sara, on the left of me in light pink, & I have been friends since I can remember. Her mom & my mom were best friends in high school, so it came naturally for us. I think my oldest friend memories are with her at Robert Taylor ES. She was a little bit of a brown-noser & our 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Mayes loved her & sent her stuff in the mail for YEARS to come. heehee She had her first kiss in my driveway & helped me tell my second boyfriend Jeff that I loved him...in 7th grade.
Mandy, the one on the right, was a cheerleader. I was a Junior when she was a Freshman, & I taught the freshman girls their cheers & Mandy had these cute little eyeglasses on. Even though we were 2 years apart in school, we did have spanish together and bonded over stories of guys we shared a liking in...and some that we warned each other against. My senior year, we got really close, & then we went to Hawaii together with the band & cheerleaders. That trip made me realize we would be close our whole lives. While some others were total jerks, Mandy was a true friend. She is loyal & funny & I love her.
Then we have Bean in blue. Jessica Bean is her name, well it has changed since she got married, but she will always be my frijole. She saved my life freshman year in band. I don't know what it would've been like without her sitting by me in class & at football games (yes, we had to be in marching band too, thanks Mr Cecil). :) She played the clarinet, like me, so we sat by each other and became fast friends. We spent a lot of time coming up with nicknames (most of the time kinda mean ones) for all the dorks in the band...um, did I mention we played the CLARINET?! POT, KETTLE!!! We both wised up by the end of sophomore year & moved on from band, but the friendship stuck. She isn't LDS, but she lived the best standards & stood her ground on things. And, she is also hilarious & has the best laugh!
Can you tell I love these girls?!

And, speaking of friends, Chanel came to visit!! I cannot find the pictures we took, I think they are on the hard drive of the computer and not the memory stick, so I gotta figure it out before I post about that. I didn't take many, but even a few would help right? Let's at least say that it was absolutely wonderful having her & the girls, and then Ryan coming later on, here staying at our house. That is such a treat to know one of your favorite people is just steps away in your guest room! And she got some GREAT news while she was here, so that just made it that much better.

June is looking to be a good one too, but hopefully I'll post it little by little, so I don't overwhelm!

Another year, another move

2008-05-28T08:43:00.001-07:00

We have a house we still own & have had rented out to a guy who used to work for Southwest Blinds. He has been there since we moved across town in October '06. He seems to be treating the house well, always pays the rent early, and is a pretty good renter. (we'll see if I think that after I go through all the rooms & areas I haven't seen since he's been there) When we moved out of Mountains Edge in October '07, his girlfried was about to pop with their second baby, they didn't want to move, and he said he wanted to live in the house until he could buy it someday, so we just rented a house, too.

That is where we stand today. He called last night & told me he had "bad news." His other roomie that helped with the rent is moving out, so he can't afford the house without his friend pitchin in. He works construction, so he can't guarantee that his income will hold up month to month...who understands that?! WE DO!! But, it still kind of makes me nervous because now we have to re-adjust & figure stuff out...again. I told Mark last week that I want to take a year off or all major life's decisions; moving, babies, etc. And now we have this. We need to decide if we should move back into that house or try to rent it again.

I would like to move back there, actually. I love the house, and I appreciate it so much more now that we have had some of the experiences we have in the last couple years. We are so, so lucky to even HAVE that house, and on top of that it is a nice place! I want to be able to paint, do mouldings & wainscoting, all the stuff you can't do in a rental. Sure, it isn't as big as the house we are renting, but we don't need all we have now...even though it is nice.

If we move back to that house, it will be in October when our lease in this house is up. So, sorry everyone has to change our address in your address books AGAIN. We will try not to do this again for awhile!

LUCKY 7

2008-05-18T17:48:00.001-07:00

Our anniversary was this week, and it really has been a happy 7 years. I often find myself wondering how I was lucky enough to find Mark, then somehow rope him into marrying me. He is just such a GOOD man. He works hard for me & the boys, and makes us all feel like we are his most favorite person in the world. I am so thankful for him. I know I have grown as a person because of him. I love you, babe.

Since our anniversary was a Monday, & the day after Mother's day, and before payday, we just took the kids to Chili's for dessert that day. Mmmmm paradise pie. That is one of our favorites, so it was nice. I told Mark that I would plan something for the weekend coming up. We usually try a fancy-schmancy restaurant or somewhere cool we haven't been before on special occasions, and I love that. Mark has taken me to some of the awesome-est (is that a word) places in Vegas, so I wondered how I could try to come close to any of those experiences without breaking the bank. I debated between a nice restaurant or an activity of some kind.

I called around & finally came across a winner.

(Mark & Holly not pictured)
Vegas Indoor Skydiving! I didn't even know they had something like that here! I saw it on Top Model, and it looked like fun, but had not heard of it here. I found it in the phonebook. They give half off for locals, so I figured that was about the same price dinner would be, so we went for it!

Mark didn't know what we were doing, so I made a bunch of clues for him to open 1 by 1 on the way there. They were like, "you make my heart SOAR" and things like that. He asked if I was taking him on a helicopter tour of the city. Um, yeah...how did he know I won the lotto this week?! haha When we were driving down by the convention center, the place is close by, he asked in all seriousness "why are you taking me to the convention center?!" This was way too much fun for me, I must say! I love when Mark is out of control! It makes me laugh.

Here we are all geared up, minus our helmets. They don't let you bring a camera in the windtunnel, so the first one is us before our "flights" and the 2 individuals are us afterward. Oh my gosh, it is soooo fun!! They let a group of people all go in together, so it was Mark, me & 2 young guys, and the instructor. One person flies, while the others wait around the edge on these pads. The whole room is padded for obvious reasons. We took turns first starting out laying on our tummies on this net & this huge fan underneath basically blows you up into the air. On your next few turns you can just jump from the outside & BAM, you're flying in the air. It is awesome!!! You do feel like you are free falling. The wind is whipping really hard in your face, and there were a couple times I felt the spatter of what I hope was my own spit since my lips & cheeks were kinda flappin. At one point I thought the instructor threw me up into the air because I jumped in & went up super fast & I felt him grab me, but Mark said that was because I had flown up on my own & he was catching me. Mark did a great job in there. I think it's because of his buffness. He had great control. We want to go back already! We hope Mark's boss wants to do a corporate thing there, or we can do a family thing or something. It is awesome!

If I can't be on top model, I can at least try to pose like one! ha!

Where have I been?

2008-05-18T14:18:00.001-07:00

Where have I been? I still check blogs all the time, but when it comes to writing my own, I lose all desire. I guess one reason I haven't done a real post in awhile is because I feel like I don't have anything to really say. I'm pretty happy, I like our house, things are going well with the business, the boys have been getting easier (I only go a little bananas every few days now...that's improvement) & I am feeling overall pretty good. I'm better at venting & ranting, so if I have nothing to rant about, I don't blog as much.

Another reason I am MIA is I have other people actually reading my blog now. Like new ward people, old friends, people I want to BECOME my friends. It was easy when I knew the 15 people reading the blog; mostly family & a few friends. They all know I'm nuts, and, from what I can tell, love me anyway. I can go off on a tangent & be myself without worrying what they think of me. Now, suddenly all my old friends are blogging (& heaven knows who they are linked to) and a few really cool girls from the ward that found me & "linked" me on their blogs. (AAHHHH, the pressure!) Oh, my old friend also know what I'm like, so I don't worry too much on that front. BUT, the new ward girls...you know how it is when you are trying to make new friends & you try to keep your best foot forward at the beginning. Well, the blog doesn't really allow that facade. Your personality is out there for all the world to read & judge if they like you or not. So, I've been hesitant to write.

And, I am a tad lazy.

Speaking of the girls in the new ward, let me tell you how I get to know them IN PERSON.

AHEM, LESSONS IN FRIEND MAKING by Me

Lesson #1
Upon leaving the nursery snack room to go into the nursery play room (separated by a door) don't bother looking where you are going or where you hand placement is on the door as you try to push it open. When you notice that the door feels really soft & squishy, go ahead & squeeze whatever it is you hand is on. Give it a good one. It is supposed to be the door, it's clearly NOT, you are still looking the other direction, nonetheless SQUEEZE. When you finally do decide to look at the door & see why it's so soft, you see one of your nursery kids' MOTHER, and your hand is on her BOOB. Right there, on the boob. After time starts to move again, you apologize emphatically. (thankfully she was super cool about it...but still. I fondled a woman at church)

Lesson #2
When a lady in the ward that you pretty much love & want to stalk is talking to you about how she & her husband met and got engaged and married really fast, it is best to tell her that you also did that "stupid mormon thing" rushing to the altar (I dont think it's stupid, that is the word that flew out of my face). Even though the point you are trying to make is that by the WORLD's standards that looks so stupid getting married after knowing each other for a short time seeing that the world doesn't understand or have the spirit guiding them, and you know it is the smarted decision you have ever made, it still comes across like you just called her stupid. And like you might even think your own decision was stupid, which is not true or what you are trying to convey. But, go ahead and rattle on & have diarrhea of the mouth when you are trying to talk to Super-Cool Girl, because these things are bound to come out ,and offending people is awesome.

Lesson #3
Go to the enrichment committee meeting at the leader's house. Be totally excited that you are on the committee because it helps you get to know other ladies in the ward. Down side being that they ALSO get to know you...yikes! When talking about an upcoming enrichment involving a modesty fashion show, when someone suggests some of you wear swims suits be sure to not filter your thoughts in any way & just blurt out "HELL, no". You might notice after saying "HELL" that you have your volume up to, like a 7.5, so you get your wits about you and say "no" at about a level 2. So it's more like "HELL no". Yes, I find that cursing at church activities and/or meetings is the best way to ensure that these sweet sisters will call you immediately for a play date or girls night out. They always want to be friends with the Sailor. Oh, and did I mention that the enrichment leader is ALSO the one I "grabbed" in nursery. I bet I have high marks on her list! In fact why aren't we BFF by now??

So, ya, about that best foot forward thing...

the race

2008-05-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Every time I do a new backround, it deletes a bunch of my links. I will add them back one of these days. It takes awhile, so I'm putting it off.

Anyway, last Saturday was the Susan G Koemen Race for the Cure, and it was a blast! Really, really fun. I was able to go with my friend Samantha & her daughter from the old ward. Sam & I served in Enrichment together, and she is so funny & sweet. We became good friends, and thankfully still keep in touch even with our moving around. She is also, like, 6 feet tall, so I knew she would leave me in her dust, but I didn't care. We had a great time! It was so cool running with 16 thousand other people who have some connection to cancer. And so many survivors! They were in pink shirts, while the rest of us were in white. I also saw a group running in remebrance of my friend Adrienne's mom who passed away last September when her breast cancer came back after being in remission for years. Seeing them run for her was awesome.

This pictures is some of our ward members that ran in honor of the lady in pink, also in the ward. Running through old, downtown Vegas homes was really neat. So many of the homes were so charming & had so much character! It's kind of a bummer that it is a little sketchy there now. There were cheerling squads along the course cheering us on, and bands playing music, and just sooo many people. It made it a lot of fun.

I am so glad there is such a big turn out for this cause. I know breast cancer gets a lot of attention, so you might not think they need even more. But, I think this sheds a light on all cancers & makes you aware. I hope some of the funds go to other cancers, since I'm sure they don't do a walk for my Dad's disease. Or like a colon or prostate cancer 5K. You know what I mean?

Channel 8 was there, and Sam & got on camera with Paula Francis for like 2 seconds. That was fun, too. We're celebrities. Maybe someday I will be covering this story from the inside! whoo-hoo!!

Tagged by Chanel

2008-05-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

What is the best thing you cooked last week?
Homemade chicken pot pie. yummm

If time, money, and babysitting were no object, where would you go and with who?
Travel to Europe with Mark & the kids. We would bring a sitter so we could go out together & as a family. Then to some exotic island all the celebs go to, like St Barts or somewhere beachy like that.

When was the last time you cried?
yesterday when my stomach hurt really bad & I was exhausted, so you always cry easier then

List 5 things you were doing 10 years ago. (1998)
This was too funny. I got my journal out for this one, and was cracking up at all the 17 year old drama I had going on. Oh man...anyway, maybe I'll go into in another post someday. the 5 things are

Getting ready to graduate high school in a month.

Going to prom & FINALLY kissing a guy

Working at the pool for the City of Henderson & at Old Navy

Having crushes on Ryan Rickey, Shaun Fotheringham, Brian Ruegge, this ROTC guy in my Modern Lit class, & a couple others. I just looked in my journal, and they were all mentioned within a 2 week period. Someone had some serious girly hormones goin on, eh?!

Eating very little

List 5 things you were doing 5 years ago. (2003)

Aparantly not keeping as good of a journal as I had 5 years previous. I looked in it for help on this one, and I only wrote once that year. oops.

Being a new mom to my 14 month old little boy & loving it.

Living in an apartment, getting ready to move into our first house in a few months

Teaching a couple water aerobics classes

Helping Mark & James with their business by switching off answering the phone/doing the mail outs with Jamie

List 5 things you were doing 1 year ago.

A lot of stressing

Loving having 8 month old Nathan in our crew

Wondering if Nathan would ever let me put him down

Teaching the 7 year olds in primary

Figuring out how to juggle life with 3 kids

List 7 of your favorite hobbies.
wow, 7? Really?

Hanging out, just being with Mark

eating out (not really a hobby, but I love it)

reading

Taking the boys to the park, library, or costco (seriously, we love costco even if we spend no money)

Working out

blogging

Talking & laughing with friends

Name 5 of your favorite foods.

Crisp green salads with warm chicken & lots of stuff on them

chips & salsa

bar food/sporting event food-nachos, hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries

Steak & potatoes

Mom's oatmeal cookies & magic cookie bars

Name 5 place you have been.

Oahu, Hawaii

New York City

Bahamas

Edmonton, Alberta

Washington DC

List 5 of your favorite memories

Seeing Mark for the first time in our wedding clothes, in a room in the temple before we went in together to the sealing room. We were both speechless, teary eyed & smiling.

Having Jaren, Kyle & Nathan.

The best friend I met in college, Charisse, and I had some guy friends that pranked us relentlessly. The biggest one being when they stole all our underwear, journals, blankies, MY CAR, and sent us on a scavenger hunt through Manti, then the cemetery in the middle of the night & to a random bridge in the middle of nowhere to find our stuff. They jumped out & surprised us on the bridge, it was awesome.

Ditching school to dye Becca's hair & watch Romeo & Juliet & eat sunchips

Carly piercing my ear one summer. In her bedroom. haha

I have a bunch, 5 is hard!!

This was fun. I pass the tag along to Carly, Natalie, Candi, Linds, Sara, Mandy, Amy, Reese, Rachel, & all my sisters

private again

2008-05-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

I am going private again, so please give me your email if you want to stop by & see my ramblings. I have most from the last time I was private, but if you are new or whatever & want to stop by again...just let me know your address. (I even need friends emails like Canidice & Linds. I know I should have them...I'm sorry!!) Thanks.

Berry Bloggin

2008-04-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

I don't usually buy our produce at Walmart because it always seems like they get whatever Albertsons, Smiths, Food 4 Less, Costco, fresh N Easy, Vons, Marianas, the Filipino grocer, & Kings Ranch Market DIDN'T want because it is bruised, nasty, or genetically mutated. I mean, have you seen their globe grapes? They actually look like globes! They're HUGE! BUT, the other day they had strawberries on super sale. I figured along with my packaged Dole salads, I would pick some up. I am happy to say they weren't bruised or nasty, but do you want to see what I mean by mutated...holy cow!

yeah, I'm blogging about a strawberry. It's been a slow week, allright.

LAST DAY

2008-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

If you want to join the Susan G Koeman 5K, you have to register TODAY!!! Actually, the final day is tomorrow I think, but you gotta act fast! Remember you can walk or jog, it will feel awesome to complete it & help out a little, and there will be thousands of people so you will just blend in and nobody will know how fast or slow you are going anyway.

Website: www.komensouthernnevada.org
Click on the "Race for the Cure" tab on the left
Click on "Register Now"
Then Click on "Join an Existing Team"

Call me if you do want to join our team, and I will give you the name & all that.

sorry, this one's about pee

2008-04-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning one of the bathrooms last week, and when I grabbed this there was rusty yellow water in the caddy part. We have had it for a long time, and I knew the bristels were getting a little funky. They must have rusted where they connect to the plastic handle. A few days later I am cleaning a different bathroom, with Kyle at my side, and when I got the scrubby out he pointed to the caddy & said, "I peed in that." Oh my goodness, that little stinker! I thought my "bristles rusting" story was a little odd in my mind, but that is all I could figure when I saw a tiny pool of yellow fluid in it.

Then not even a week later there was pee splatter in the bathtub...the bathtub in the bathtub that guests use no less. I had just cleaned that tub days earlier, so I knew this was a new addition. He denied peeing in tub, but Jaren swears he didn't do it, and Mark hasn't been marking anything as of late. I don't know what we're going to do with this kid.

**I had pictures, but decided against posting them. Aint I classy??**

nicu reunion

2008-04-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

The hospital Nathan stayed while in the nicu has a reunion ever year for all the NICU babies they have helped in the 4 years they've had a level 3 NICU. We went last year, and it wasn't terribly exciting, but we really wanted to see any of the babies we roomed with and we especially wanted to see Nathan's doctor, who we loved. He wasn't there last year, and I was quite bummed about it. But the babies' siblings all got t-shirts & cake, so still a good day. This year's reunion was GREAT! It felt more like a little carnival with kettle corn, cotton candy, face painting, a bounce house, and lots of mini cupcakes & juice. There was also Blue from Blue's Clues, Scooby Doo, and the Hospital Panda and the siblings got backpacks! That is an upgrade from a t-shirt for sure. (and Nate got a little growth chart too, it's cute)

One of the best parts was first seeing the head nurse, who surprisingly recognized us. I bet the hysterical moms make a lasting impression on the nurses. And I bet most of the moms are hysterical! Mark is convinced they remember us because when I was getting discharged from delivering Nathan, a different nurse had to give me a shot of Rho-Gam because I am Rh negative. Well, days later while Mark was visiting Nate in the NICU, the head nurse came up to him & very apologetically told him that my nurse had given me the wrong medicine in that shot. She was very nervous when she told him, like he might freak out & start thowring things or something. We all know Mark does that, right? But, then she said that what they had given me was Ruebella, and Mark was like, who cares?! He thought by the way she was talking, they had injected me with something serious. haha All the nurses in the NICU were great. They love those babies & take such good care of them while they can't be home.

We had been waiting to see Nate's doc, Dr. Asadifar, the whole time we were there today. He was the neonatologist on call today, so it was more important that he be in the NICU working, but I really wanted to see him. We haven't seen him since our discharge day. I took a few pics of him with Nathan at that time, but never uploaded them to the computer, then the camera got stolen with the tahoe the follwing month. Waaaaaaa!!

Anyway, back to today, right before leaving, I walked over to get a drink, and when I came back there he was talking to Mark! I felt like I was seeing a celebrity because it was so exciting, & he is amazing, & I love him so much!! He gave us all hugs and remembered Naters. (one time in the hospital, I asked him how he keeps it all straight. he knew the status on every x-ray, procedure, everything on every baby! and he told me that he always remembers when they're HIS babies. the one's that he has charge over. I thought that was awesome that they were his babies) We chatted for a minute, and took a picture that I am putting in the computer RIGHT NOW! Then it was funny because we were like the ice breaker family, after we talked to him he got swarmmed by other families that wanted pictures with him, too. I told you, he's a celebrity! There was another doctor there too, and he is nice & all, but he is no Asadifar.

I was vaclemped the whole way home thinking about this wonderful doctor. I want to write a letter to his wife and thank her for allowing him to be gone such long hours in such a demanding career. But, we are all so grateful he is there. He is special. He is a blessing to all those babies & their families. I know there are many babies that have it much worse than Nathan, but along with the Priesthood & prayers, Dr. Asadifar is the reason he got better. He is one of our heros!

2008-04-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

The cherries were buggin.

My (old) 100

2008-04-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

I know I already posted this a year ago, but this is for Nat Bat Chicken Fat. (one of my bestest oldest friends from when we were in 6th grade. Her name is Natalie, the nickname just kinda stuck one day.) She's new to the blog & just did her "50", so it made me think of my 100. So, this is for you Chicken Fat.

1. I like myself
2. I owe that to Mark
3. RSVP pens are my favorite because my handwriting looks pretty
4. Baking is one of my favorite things
5. And I love it when people like my treats
6. I also like cooking a lot
7. It's great when my kids eat what I make
8. I have scoliosis
9. I think I also have arthritis
10. I love milk, and have always drank a lot of it
11. so, I don't know why my bones always hurt
12. I don't take enough pictures
13. I never scrapbook anymore
14. I want to keep photo albums with journaling in them instead
15. I love writing in my journal
16. I haven't really read the scriptures in months
17. I feel like I am confession right now
18. I used to need people to like me
19. Now, I like to be liked, but am not desperate for it
20. I've always been blessed with GOOD friends
21. My sister & sisters-in-law are my friends
22. I judge people too much
23. I anti-bac almost everything
24. I am paranoid about everything
25. I'm always expecting someone I love to die
26. I play the clarinet
27. I love music; listening, singing, leading, playing
28. I know a little piano, but am going to learn more
29. I conduct the music on the car radio
30. I like being a patient in the hospital
31. I love labor & delivery
32. I had an eating disorder
33. I started that Thanksgiving 1994
34. I left college 12 credits short
35. I hate laundry
36. I hate paying bills & filing papers
37. I have mile high stacks of laundry, bills, and papers
38. I like cleaning bathrooms because they sparkle
39. My biggest desire is to raise these boys into good, decent people
40. I really like being Mark's wife
41. He tells the funniest stories & makes me laugh the hardest of anyone
42. I am told I look like Sally Field
43. I also hear I look like Reese Witherspoon...it's the chin
44. I wrote my 100 things down in a journal, not expecting to blog them
45. did I mention Chanel was harpin on me? ha!
46. I want to start a charity
47. The last 2 times we've gone to Disneyland, I was pregnant, so no fun rides
48. The worst time to ask me when I'm having another baby is when I have a newborn
49. I love the baby stage, and want 10!!
50. I do not want 10 toddlers
51. Sometimes I cannot wait until my kids move out
52. I am addicted to diet coke
53. I love good chips & salsa
54. If I don't eat, I am MEAN
55. I didn't kiss a boy until my Senior Prom
56. "Lost" & "What Not to Wear" are my favorite tv shows
57. I played volleyball & was in the band in high school
58. I was also a cheerleader...RAH!
59. I am the youngest of 3 children, 1 brother & 1 sister
60. I drive kind of crazy
61. I failed my driving test once
62. My parents gave me a Thunderbird for my 16th b-day, & I couldnt drive it for 2 weeks
63. I taught Becca how to drive stick
64. I've been a bridesmaid 7 times
65. I've been to 4 countries-Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, USA
66. The smells of bleach & pine-sol make me happy (not together)
67. I love my mom & dad
68. I miss living close to my mom & dad
69. My parents are wonderful grandparents
70. Most of my friends live out of state
71. That makes me very sad when I think about it
72. Decorating my house is fun
73. I wish I could do it all at once, so everything matched perfectly
74. I still sleep with a blankie
75. I love sleeping in clean sheets with shaved legs
76. I love to sleep period
77. my favorite color is blue
78. it used to be red
79. I don't think taking a bath is relaxing
80. I have the best in-laws
81. I don't get how people can just watch birds
82. I got Barry Bonds' autograph when I was 12
83. Barry Bonds is a tool, so I don't care that I lost it
84. I love going to sporting events
85. I dont have a myspace
86. I like to camp; dirt, tents & all
87. Im a Republican
88. I do not just vote the party line
89. Ive never had jury duty
90. My hearing stinks
91. I squeeze the life out of Mark's leg when he is driving, & I am scared we'll get in a wreck
92. I have a strong testimony of the church
93. I love going out to eat-having people serve me & clean up ROCKS!
94. I dont want trendy clothes, but would love to look a little more put together on a daily basis
95. I like wearing my realtor clothes & feeling businesswoman-like
96. My car caught on fire when I was 17...and ditching school
97. I got fired from Deseret Book!
98. They say money changes people, and I want to test that theory
99. Being a mom is way harder than I imagined, but gives me so much joy
100. My second toe is longer than my big toe...by an inch or so

Susan G Koeman Race for the Cure

2008-04-09T16:57:00.001-07:00

Hello! I have a proposition for all of you who want to do something for charity AND for yourself. Please come do the Race for a Cure with me!!! You can do a 5K run or walk OR a 1 mile fun walk. I know some of you might be wondering how "fun" can go in the same sentence as running and walking, but it really will be great. When I did the 5K with my ward in March I had the biggest sense of accomplishment for finishing it. It is so great to set a goal & do it. AND this is for cancer research. If you're anything like me, you're nervous thinking about trying to run in front of anyone else. I look like the biggest dork when I run. My head is way out in front, like that is going to help me get where I'm going faster. Kinda like this. Sometimes I even have my arms out in front like that, just in case I biff it.

And I shuffle more than I actually RUN. And, to say I RUN implies that I run the whole thing...which is a big fat lie. I end up taking my share of walking breaks anytime I run. Much less 3.2 miles. My point, and I do have one, is that you should come do it with me. Please!!!! If I can, you can!

You can probably still join the group I'm joining (my old ward is running for a lady in the ward who is battling breast cancer) as long as you register before April 24 & the cost is very low and obviously for a great cause. Haven't we all been affected by cancer in some way? Let's give them our $25 and race for a cure!!!!

“Race for the Cure”
Saturday May 3rd, 2008 @ 8am
5K Run
5K Walk
1 Mile Fun Walk
Cost is $25 per team member (children & babies are $10)

Let me know if you want to join the team I am joining. Then I will give you the info for it. But you check out the info here for the race.

Website: www.komensouthernnevada.org
Click on the “Race for the Cure” tab on the left
Click on “Register Now”

You must register online by April 24

Catch Up

2008-04-04T08:20:00.001-07:00

So far, so good on my Mom's head. So, thanks for any prayers!! I hope this one works for a long, long time.

I went to the hospital Thursday to see our new neice. (Kevin & Jessica's newest) She is so pretty! Little, perfect, round face. Babies are just not that beautiful when they first come out to the world! Our niece Ava was also very pretty right from day one. Our kids looks schmoooshed for a few hours after their births! But, we're so happy to have another healthy addition to our big family. I love being at the hospital, even just to visit. I am always amazed at how miraculous it is to have a baby. Everything (usually) works together to bring these sweet little spirits to the world. You can't deny the energy in the labor & delivery ward. So awesome. I like how they call giving birth in Spanish, "dar luz" or to "give light." Isn't that so appropriate?

And NO I am not pregnant.

We took the kids to the Mini Grand Prix on Friday because Jaren accomplished a goal at school he has been working toward, so he got to pick a little treat. It was a lot of fun. Jaren is old enough to do the little cars by himself, so he thought that was rad. He also turned his car around on the track & caused a pile up! Mark & I took turns taking him & Kyle on the big go carts and the roller coaster. Nathan didn't get to do much, just the big slide with us. It was a great time. Pretty soon Jaren can ride the big stuff alone, too, so Mark & I can take the littles and we can all ride something at the same time! What a concept.

Then yesterday I stopped by Sue & Lee's new house to see how the moving in went. Mark wasn't finished working in time to help, SO SORRY GUYS! Their house is awesome & close by, which makes me very happy.

Then we went up to Southern Utah to see the 'rents & Grandma. I always tink around Grandma's piano when at her house. I love music, and I try to actually play something, but it kinda sounds like a mess. A very slowly played mess. I really, really want to be able to play. Well, that and the guitar. I just love it! I tried to convince Mark to let me order the keyboard off the church distribution site, but we hadn't really considered it yet. Well, over Easter weekend when I was up there, Grams told me, out of nowhere, that she wants me to come take her piano. She said that she knows I like it & she wants me to work on my talent. ahhhhh, I started to cry. Quickly interrupted by jumping up, giving her a hug, and doing the happy dance. So, we picked it up yesterday, and our friend Josh helped Mark unload it today.
Mark & I have been on it off & on the last 2 hours. I am letting myself get frustrated too easily, though. I keep having the say outloud what the notes in the bass clef are, counting down from middle C. I wish I could just remember what notes are on what lines, but I know that will come with practice. And now that I have a piano, I will practice!!! Yay!!!

Right now we are in between conference sessions. I really liked the first session today, or what I was able to hear of it, which was actually most of it because the boys were doing conference activity packets. Thank you Kierra!! I kept thinking, I should be taking notes on this because there were so many good things to remember. But, I never got up to get one. Maybe this afternoon I will do that. I really like the new apostle! I thought he did a great job & sounded like a natural.

wishin, hopin, prayin

2008-04-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned before, my Mom gets really bad headaches all.the.time. She has endured them since 1969 when she was in an awful car accident that put her in a coma for more than 2 weeks. Then she has been in a few other wrecks through the years that really put the icing on the headache cake. She has always toughed it out & made the effort to still be a great Mom & Grandma (& she is!), but these headaches have taken a lot away from her life. I can't imagine being in pain every day of my life. She has had numerous medicines & procedures over the years, and sometimes they help for awhile, most of the time not for very long.

Tomorrow she is having a new procedure on her neck where they inject medicine right in to the spine (or something like that). We're hoping this is finally the one that works for her. Please pray for my Mom. And if you ever need me to pray for you, I totally will!!

Deal?!

weekend update

2008-03-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well, the yard sale pretty much bit. We had a lot of traffic around 8am, but most of the people were old and not interested in a yard sale dominated by baby things. We had a few other decorative things, but old people don't like it unless is smells like menthalatum. Dang it! Mark did sell one of his circular saws, which was cool.

Jaren woke up early & came out to operate his lemonade/cookie/brownie stand. It was so exciting for him. He thought he was going to become a millionaire! (where does he get this risky business thinking from??) That hope was soon dashed when nobody came for the first hour. He was getting so bummed! Then when the "rush" came,& nobody was buying! He was yelling like he was on Newsies, "Lemonaaaaaade, brooooownies, cooooookies here!!!" Finally this really sweet old man with a cigar came over and bought 2 cookies & 2 brownies. Then business slowed way down again (like, to a halt), so Jaren went across the street to our neighbor who was watering his lawn & told him about our sale. He then went to some lawn maintenace guys 2 houses up & tried to make the hard sell there, too. (none of the men ended up coming over either-punks) But, he was making his pitch & trying really hard. Suddenly Mark & I were very hungry for chocolate chip cookies & brownies! We each bought a couple, so Jaren ended up making the most sales of the day.

TOTALS

Mark $30
Jaren $3.75
Holly $ZIP

I think if we lived in a different neighborhood, this might have been better. I had really good signage on the main roads & a note on the key box to call me, but we aren't one of those neighborhodds you can cruise through on your way somewhere else. And we aren't on the way to anywhere! Whatever, we still had a really fun time.

One of the highlights was finding a potato bug in the grass as we waited for customers. They have found a thousand in this yard, but they get so excited every time. Sadly, it only lived long enough for them all to hold it once. Then, on Nathan's turn, he ripped it in half.

YARD SALE!!

2008-03-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will be having a yard sale, so come over! Jaren's having a lemonade/cookie table, and I'm selling enough baby stuff to choke a horse (I don't really understand that expression). There are other things for sale too, like our old fridge, some wall hangings, etc. Of course, I'm not trying to sell to my family & friends. Mostly, I would just like to have company, so COME BY!!! I'll give you a cookie!

so....you're telling me you don't like the posts where all I do is brag?

2008-03-27T13:48:00.001-07:00

you're going to be jealous

2008-03-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

I took the boys up to visit my parents & Grandma Carol last Wednesday, for my Dad's birthday and because Jaren was on Spring break. I was going to stay a day or 2 then bring the troops home to get ready for Easter weekend. Earlier in the week my Mom told me I could leave them overnight with them sometime, whenever I was ready to leave Naters. So, I asked her when I got there if she expected me to leave them this time or if that was an offer for the future. (I really did not go up expecting to leave them, but wanted to know if she expected that I leave them...ya know) She said ya, leave them! So, I stayed Wednesday night as planned, then left the boys Thursday afternoon to stay the night with Grandma & Grandpa.

Oh my goodness, this was such a nice treat. I felt bad taking them up on it, but I knew they wanted to do it, and I was seriously happy to have a night to do whatever. Mark & I went to Cheesecake Factory...after 7pm, then went to see Juno...the 10pm showing! It is so good. I was afraid I wouldn't like it, but it was hilarious! And there was no worries about getting back to the babysitter, or (best of all) having to PAY the babysitter. haha We were relaxed & laughing all night, and it felt the most date-like of anything we've done in a long time. Then we had a nice, uninterrupted night's sleep.

My parents were nice enough to meet us in Mesquite to pick the kids up, so we didn't have to drive all the way up. BEST of all, the boys didn't want to leave. They were excited to see Mark & me, but very sad that we were going seperate ways from Grandma & Grandpa. Nathan was actually the MOST sad to leave, so that made me happy to know he really had a good time away from us. I love my Mom & Dad for always doing things like this. I know it isn't easy, but they mentioned a couple times that they were sure I could use the break. (it is obvious, isn't it?!) heehee My Mom gets really bad headaches, but sucks it up to spend time with the boys & spoil them. She says it helps her feel better. And my Dad plays with them all day & makes them smiley face pancakes. They're great. The boys are making so many memories, too.

Thanks for the break Mom & Dad!

I didn't take too many pics before I left them.

Happy Birthday Jaren!

2008-03-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

Jaren turns 6 today. He had a LEGO party Friday night with a couple friends & many of his cousins which was a blast. It was more of a family get-together, but it was perfect. Not a lot of stress and a lot of fun. The kids went wild, and the adults got to hang out. Nice! Jaren got so many fun gifts & had a really really great time, so thank you so much to all of you who got to come.

Here is the cake I made. The icing was a little sloppy (is there a good smoothing technique anyone knows about?) but Jaren LOVED it. He thought I was so super cool for making legos for cakes, and talked about it all day. That made my whole life.

This is Jaren's LEGO buddy Jake. His family is the one we went to Mts Edge for their baby blessing last week, and we are good friends with them. Jaren & Jake play LEGOS forever when they get together. Jake won the game of guessing how many LEGOs were in this vase. He guessed 300 & there were 273 or something like that. Most of the other kids were guessing 20 or 10. I thought this picture was so cute.

Today he wanted breakfast in bed for his actual birthday, so here is Mark being his italian/french (huh?) waiter taking his order. The waiter had a little confusion keeping his accent straight. I was then the crazy chef (appropriate much?!) who brought it to him. I also couldn't keep my accent straight. I sounded like Arnold Swarzenegger half the time & Hans & Frans the other half. We try to be in character, though. Anyway, He picked smiley face pancakes & water. Then for dinner he wanted hamburger roll-ups a'la Grandma Hutchings, he loves those things! Oh, and homemade breadsticks. Not really 2 things that go together, but that is what your birthday is all about, right?

Some things about Jaren Mark. He is such a big boy. He is thoughtful & sweet to his brothers, and tries to be good most of the time. His favorite place to go is the beach. He just passed off his 200 sight words at school & is 5 words away from getting his 300 done. He likes to learn & picks up on things quickly. His favorite sport is hockey, even thought he has never played. He thinks it is fun, though. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up. He loves to eat at Mimi's and McDonalds. Chocolate milk is his drink of choice, and starburst are his favorite candy.

We love our Jare-Bear!!!! Happy Birthday!

I want it all or A whole lot of rambling

2008-03-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

We went to our old ward today for a friend's baby blessing. It is a HUGE ward with all the overflows open & people in the hallways & foyer. You have to get there super early if you dream of getting a pew, and pretty much take a number if you have to nurse a baby or change a diaper in the Mother's lounge. That bothered me so much when we lived there, but today it was nice to see that it is bursting because of so many young families. I know it bugs having soooo many people, and you do get lost in the shuffle A LOT, but there was so much potential for friendships in that ward that I didn't take advantage of. So many cool women, so many moms, and SOOOOO many kids! I had one foot out the door the whole time we were in that house, and was always so selfish in my thinking about us & all our problems, that I really missed the chance for friendship for me & the boys, too. I rarely went to enrichment or social things because I knew we wouldn't be there for long, so why make friends?! There was this one really cool girl in our neighborhood that I started being friends with, right before the move, of course. She saw me today in the hall & said, "PLEASE tell me you're moving back!" She seemed so happy to see me, then she told me she misses me, and that really made me sad! And there is a family we got close with because Mark & the husband served in Sunday School together. And we get together with them once a month or so, and it's great. But, I want to live close to them!

I can't just think this way & then change gears and be happy in my life where we are now. Oh, no, that's not the Holly way! I started telling Mark we should rent a house in that area & move back into that ward & let the kids run amock with the hords of children in that area. As much as I hated living far from stores & other civilization, it really is a great area for kids to play with other kids.

But, we LOVE being back in this part of town. If I had to choose one side of the valley, just based on the amenities & way of life, I would definitly choose where we are. So many of our family members are close by, as well as good friends. We really love it. It is US. It's our style. It's like our little small townish community, but in Las Vegas. And if we did move back to the other side, then what about our family near us now? What about Suzanne & Winston, who are also very close by? Having them so close has been the BEST!! What about the gym & pool that are minutes away? And the shopping? And the restaraunts? We have so much where we are, but I want the area, the people, the EVERYTHING.

I think I am having the same kind of feelings I did in our last house...wanting to have it all. I am still doing the grass is always greener kind of thing. You know what I mean? That reminds me of something I heard once, The grass is always greener where you water it. Hmmm...I guess I need to move my sprinkler.

A late Valentine's questionaire

2008-02-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

Charisse tagged me to do this, and I thought hers was very cute & I learned a lot about her, so I'll do it! Here we go.

1. Where did you and your husband meet?
Mark & I met at a University Ward "Hymn Sing" fireside. After the fireside I saw this guy Jared Cassidy, that I had gone on a couple dates with, so I went over to say hi to him. He was talking to this really cute, clearly fresh off the mish blond guy, so he introduced me. And that was the first time Mark & I met.

2. First thing you said to each other?
I hope I said something witty & cute to make him take notice of me, but since I can't remember it myself, I doubt it. It must have been "Hi, nice to meet you." Or something cool like that.

3. What was your first date?
Once Mark finally got my phone number, we talked a few times, then he asked me out for the upcoming weekend. Then in one of our next conversations (before the weekend) we got talking about how neither of us had worked out that day. So, I invited him out to Henderson to go to the gym with me. Bold, eh? I made him do cardio & he made me do weights. Then we went to Chili's & had a big, calorie filled dessert to erase all our hard work. I think my heart was beating fast enough the whole time to burn more calories than I ever had in a work out before! Our first real date was to the Hard Rock Cafe & to play miniature golf with Winston & his date, then to IHOP for hot chocolate.

4. Where was our first kiss?
Christmas Eve on my parents couch by the Christmas tree. Actually it had just hit midnight, so I guess it was Christmas Day. Awww...ya, he had me smitten.

5. Long or short courtship/engagement?
Short. We were engaged the middle of February & married May 12th.

6. Where did you get engaged?
Mark took me out for a surprise Valentines Day thing, and we ended up on an airplane bound for California. We went to a really cool restaurant on the beach in Malibu called Gladstone's, then walked in the sand for awhile after. After the sunset, he asked me to marry him. I was so excited & nervous, I took the ring out of his hand. Classy. Then we flew home! (thanks to Wendy for helping plan that one!!)

7. Where were you married?
We're from Vegas & Henderson, so we got married in the Las Vegas LDS temple.

8. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
On a cruise from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico.

I tag Suzanne, Jamie, Wendy, Jess, Chanel, Erica, Sue, Kas, Sara & everyone else on my links I can't think of at the moment

I would have had more pictures, but I am on my ghetto computer where none of them are saved. Maybe I will put some on when Mark gets home with the laptop.

Chicks on the Run

2008-02-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

A couple years ago when I was the Enrichment leader in our old ward, we started a program to help get us women in shape & out moving. We called it Chicks on the Run, and we started walking/jogging groups that worked out twice a week, then it culminated in all of us running a 5K after training for a few months. This seemed like a good idea at the time because I was 6 or so months pregnant, so I could kind of just supervise & not actually do it. No, actually the 5K was scheduled for October, so I thought I could be up & ready by then. But, then we ended up moving the weekend of our 5K that year, so I couldn't do it. That ward has kind of made this a tradition now, and just did their second annual 5K a few months ago.

Word has kind of spread through the stake about our little program, and now 3 wards have started it up, including our new ward we are in now. Our Chicks on the Run 5K was this morning, and I DID IT!!! I know it is not like a marathon or anything, but I was pretty proud of myself for running it. I set a realistic, yet kind of generous, goal for how long it would take me. I wanted to set it so that I was motivated, but it wouldn't be totally unattainable. And I hit that time right on the nose. Next time I want to try to shave a little off. I came in 4th place too, even though there were only like 11 people participating. I was happy being in the middle of the pack. I ran all by myself so I could focus. There were 3 freaks of nature in front of me that took off like a shot & left me way in their dust, then all the other ladies were behind me. I'm sorry if all of this sounds braggy, but I think this is just the kind of kick in the pants I needed & I am happy with myself for getting ready for this & then doing it. It makes me think I might be able to work at a lot of things & attain them. I know I can improve, and I look forward to working on it & hopefully getting better.

Mark & the boys drove around & found me on the course. They took these 2 pictures...see, proof! Then they all waited at the finish for me. It was the cutest, sweetest thing seeing them clapping like I just did something awesome. But, you know what? I did feel kind of awesome:)