Piano Recital

Wrapping things up for the end of the school year the girls had their piano recital. They both did a great job playing their songs and wowing us with their new talents.



Auntie Rae was impressed with Beaner, she was the first out of all her students to memorized her recital song. It made her feel pretty special having Auntie Rae tell people how proud she was.



The girls love to play the piano but just like Auntie Rae, I'm sure they are excited for the summer break. I just hope the girls don't forget all they have learned this year. I think next year Bud will start with piano lessons.

The Lord's Hand in April 2009

4/30/09~ My last day of class, YEAH! So far I'm getting an 'A' but if I totally tank the final that could change. I guess that could happen because I've totally lost interest in this class. I still have tons of reading to do before I take the final. It's a good thing I get to take the test twice and get the highest score for my grade. I need an 'A' though, I want an 'A'. I guess I'd better get reading then.

4/29/09~ I swear the sun is boycotting. Just when I start to chirp up and get all excited about life again, the sun goes behind a cloud and I'm instantly ticked off. I so need the sun to come out and stay out.

4/28/09~ Just trying to wrap end-of-semester stuff up. It's a bit difficult with six of us being in school. It is nice for me and Big D to get out a couple weeks before the kids. There is just as much to do for them at the end of the school year as there is for us to do. Bug went up to the college and had one of her science classes. She learned about Indian cultures and how they survived long ago. She really enjoyed it. The kids were a bit jealous when she came home with a bag of yummy squished berries to eat.

4/27/09~ We planted the garden for FHE tonight. I know it's probably way too early, I'm praying not. We have to get it done when both Big D and I have the time together. The kids all helped and I think we had fun. For the second portion of our FHE we took it inside and learned about what to do if approached by a stranger. Big D wanted to let the kids know what it felt like to be grabbed and to know how NOT easy it is to fight back. He had each of the kids take turns getting within grabbing reach. He told them they could do whatever they wanted to too get loose: kick, scream, bite, etc. I think the kids thought it was fun and games until daddy used most of his strength to subdue them then they realized it wasn't funny anymore. We wanted to teach the kids that it is a very real danger and no matter how many tricks they think they have to get away they are no where near as strong as an adult. My poor nephew, Brook Jr., thought he was going to get away quick. He made a good effort but as soon as he started kicking and Big D grabbed his legs so he couldn't move at all Brook Jr's eyes started rolling in the back of his head. He was seriously freaked out. I think they all got the message.

4/26/09~ We celebrated my nephew, Matt's, birthday at Grandma Ellen and Papa Dave's house. He decided he wanted steak for dinner, thank you, and we all ate way too much. I never used to be a steak lover until I tried a steak that my father-in-law cooked. Wow, it was good. That and I love to put Winger's sauce on it, so does Bug.

4/25/09~ We all went out to Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's to help with branding. I don't know how many cattle they actually branded but I do know there was at least two injuries. T.T. fell off a fence and got a stick in the eye, I hope he'll be okay. Lowell was wrestling a really big calf...and slipped in a pile of poop and sprained his ankle :) I told him that I'd man up the story a bit before he goes to work on Monday.

4/24/09~ Big D and I went to the temple today. It was so nice that I had a huge smile on my face the hole time, I probably looked like an idiot. We happened to run into my in-laws in the same session. I was actually thinking on the way up to the temple that we should've invited them to go up with us, but I didn't think they would've been out of work by the time we went. It all worked out for the best anyway. We ended up being able to do some sealing too. I love going to the temple! There were a few changes though. We ask how long ago they made these changes and, of course, it was over a year ago. Wow, I felt stupid that I've let it go that long since going to the temple. Hopefully we don't let that happen again.

4/23/09~ The kids are all out of school for the rest of the week, except Bear. I am suppose to be in class right now but I had to skip on account that Bug isn't quite old enough to babysit for that long. Hopefully my professor isn't going over anything critical, just finals stuff I'm sure. I am so glad school only has three weeks left, well actually only two after today. YEAH!!! Big D is excited too, he has his last big presentation in class tonight and I hope he can quit stressing after he's done.

4/22/09~ Busy Busy Day! I feel like I've been running around with my head cut off. Bug had to finish up her science fair project and get that turned in. We had Exhibition Expedition tonight where we go to the kids school and they show us what they've been working on in the past quarter. The kids had so much fun showing us, mainly their dad, around their classrooms that they didn't want to leave. I am very happy with how well they are all doing.

4/20/09~ The girls had their piano recital tonight. They both did so good. I am so proud of how hard they worked on their songs. Auntie Rae, their piano teacher, asked all her students to memorize their songs and Bug and Beaner did. Rae even complimented Beaner because she was the very first one to have her song memorized and ready to play. I think that really boosted Beaners self-esteem.

4/19/09~ I have been feeling great lately, it helps that the suns been out for a few days. We even went out to the reservoir yesterday to check the water levels and throw rocks in. I took about a thousand (not an exaggeration) pictures of the kids and the surroundings. We had a great day yesterday. Today was just as nice. I got asked to do Sharing Time at the last minute but I didn't panic and I think I did pretty good. I don't know why I get so nervous standing up in front of people, but I do. Who knows, maybe by the time I get released from this calling I'll feel right at home in front of an audience.

4/18/09~ Today was family hair cut day. We all got our hair cut for the summer, yeah! I even cut my hair off, up to my shoulders. I wanted to still be able to pull it back in a pony tail for when I workout. Bug donated her hair to Locks of Love. Her hair cut makes her look older. Beaner got a trim, but still adorable. She's afraid people aren't going to be able to tell that she got a hair cut too. I don't know what she's worried about she is cute as a button. The boys, all three of them, got shaved. Big D got a bit impatient waiting for me to cut his hair so he did it himself. He is getting very self sufficient. He couldn't do any worse cutting his own hair than his last barber's been doing.

4/17/09~ Registration for next semester starts today. I've decided that I should probably start taking my math courses and get them out of the way while I'm only taking one class a semester. However, before I can start math I have to retake the math placement test again. Apparently, math courses have a shelf life and I have to start all over. I'm a bit nervous because it's been about fifteen years since my last math class and I really don't want to waist my time and money on entry level math classes. I know I'd benefit immensely but I just don't want to. So I found a website that helps go over what kind of math is on these exams and I've been studying all day. It's starting to come back to me and make sense again but I still have a long way to go. Right now I think my brain is on numbers overload. It sounds so easy when your reading the explanation but then when I go to practice on a problem, especially story problems, it's all Japanese. It's a good thing they let you take this exam as many times as you want, you just have to pay $5 each time and wait a certain period of time. I've got all summer to pass it, let's hope it doesn't take me that long, I need to save my $ to actually pay for next semester.

4/16/09~ I took the girls in to get their eyes checked. They both have expressed problems seeing certain things and Bug actually had a test at school that said she needed to go in for a formal exam. Thank goodness neither one needs glasses. We have good vision insurance but it would be one more thing to have to worry about them taking care of. I'm only one mom.

4/15/09~ A lady in my ward called and asked if I'd feed the missionaries. I told her I could do it Wednesday but that was probably the only night. Needless to say, today is Wednesday and I spent hours cooking, something my family hasn't seen me do for awhile. I put together a great meal and had Big D call the missionaries when he got home from work to see if we needed to pick them up of if they were going to walk over. They informed us that it is their 'P' day and they don't do appointments. What!?! My family sat down and proceeded to have a very nice missionary dinner without the missionaries. I think Big D thought I was going to be upset so he started complimenting the meal and talking to the kids like they were the missionaries. I didn't know it but Sister Beaner is from China.

4/14/09~ It snowed all day, is this a joke or something. I thought it was suppose to be Spring. The snow didn't stick around, it melted as soon as it hit the ground, but that is beside the point. I NEED Spring to be here, really be here. I am battling the Winter blues something fierce. I want the sunshine on my skin. Wow, I'm a whiner I think I'm getting sick, poor Big D.

4/13/09~ My sister Ann came up this weekend. I love it when my sisters come home. I wish Marie was able to come home this weekend, but maybe next time. Ann is dog sitting for a friend for a week so she brought the dog. She is a Yorkie, just like Kinnzi, but quite a bit bigger than Kinnzi. Her name is Abby and she is a doll. I don't know how old she is but she is very well behaved. We were a bit nervous with how she'd take to Kinnzi but Abby was in her own little world. It was Kinnzi who ended up having the problem, you'd think it was Kinnzi who was taken out of her element. Kinnzi finally got used to having Abby around, she still didn't like it, but she was used to it.

4/12/09~ Happy Easter! We don't do much for Easter. Just like all the other holidays, it's getting way too commercial. We did an egg hunt, but I stuffed money in the eggs instead of candy. Each kid ended up with about $5. I hope I'm not scaring them. They are probably going to grow up needing a lot of therapy to help them deal with their deprived childhood.

4/11/09~ My beautiful niece, Renee, got baptised today. I hope she felt special having so much family there to support her. Her father, Itchy, gave a wonderful talk on baptism and her Aunt Shauna gave a nice talk on the Holy Ghost. It was funny because Itchy thought he was suppose to give the Holy Ghost talk so that's what he prepared for. You could see the total shock on his face when the Bishop announced who was giving which talk. It's so nice that he is so close to the spirit to be able to get up and give a very compelling talk with absolutely no preparation. He did awesome! I am so proud of how well he did through out the entire evening. Renee is truly loved.

4/9/09~ Big D and I were able to steal away for a secret rendezvous, we went out to lunch. I thought I'd surprise him and try to cheer him up a bit. I think it worked. When he came home from work he was in a really good mood, and he had still had to go to school so that's saying a lot. It makes me feel good when I can make him feel good.

I noticed as I was taking Brook and Andy's engagement photos that I really needed a reflector. A lot of the pictures had them with raccoon eyes. I could not find a store within a 50 mile radius of me that sold them. So I called down to C and asked if she'd find one and send it to me before this weekend, I'm going to take more engagement photos of Brook and Andy. C, the wonderful friend she is, ran out and bought me one and sent it home with her sister. She is such a life saver. Thank you so much C!!!

4/8/09~ Big D got some discouraging news on his last test. He didn't do as well as he would like. Now we have switched places and he is the depressed one and now I am babying him. I'm happy to do it although I wish I could do something to make him feel better and buoy him up a bit more than I am. I hate seeing him so down as I'm sure he hates it when I'm down. It is going to be so nice when this semester is over and we have all summer to lick our wounds and recoup before we start anew next semester.

4/7/09~ Happy Birthday Bear!!! He is one spoiled little boy. Papa Guy and Grandma Honey stopped by to give him a monster truck that rolls over cars. Papa Dave and Grandma Ellen took him out to dinner and to the store to pick out what ever he wanted, he came home with four things. Bud tried to talk him into getting something for him but I told him No (his birthday is in two months, he can wait for his own shopping trip). Bear got to take cupcakes to school to share with his friends. I think he ended up eating at least three himself. He was doped up on sugar when it came time for bed. I'm surprised he actually stayed in bed when I put him down.

4/6/09~ Still working on the pictures for Brook and Andy. I hope I will have some ready to share in a bit. It's amazing to me that taking the picture is the easy part, getting them all cleaned up and pretty is the hard part. Who knows, maybe if I would've taken a better picture it wouldn't be as hard to make them pretty. I'm learning as I go. I hope Brook and Andy will like them. We celebrated Bears birthday today, since Big D has school tomorrow. We took him and some cousins to McDonald's for a happy meal and play time on the toys. I think they enjoyed themselves. I love it when they are still young enough that their parties can be so easy and inexpensive.

4/5/09~ There is some thing so sweet about General Conference weekend. I love how my soul fills refreshed and excited to set goals. There was an overwhelming message to go to the temple more often. I think they were talking directly to me. I am embarrassed to admit but I haven't been to the temple in over a year. Big D and I have set a goal to try and go once a month, now the trick is to just do it.

4/4/09~ I took Brook and Andy's engagement photos today. I didn't have a diffuser so there are quite a few shadows on their faces but I'm doing my best to give them good pictures. I think I am going to take some more next weekend, if they'll let me. Hopefully I can get a diffuser screen by then. I took over 100 photos and I think I have a little more than 10 good ones. I'm a bit discouraged by that number but I have to keep reminding myself that I'm learning as I go and I will only get better. I guess it's a good thing I'm not charging them or they'd probably be ticked with only 10 to chose from.

4/3/09~ The kids went out to Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's for the weekend. I'm free, YEAH! It's nice to have a break I think it makes me a better mom. It also gives Big D and I a glimpse on how life is going to be when it's just us again (he's going to suffer from Empty Nest Syndrome, me, I'll be fine). Big D and I went out to eat and a movie. We saw the new Nicolas Cage movie, "Knowing". I was a little leary because he hasn't made a good movie in a little while but the movie was really good. It had a ton of religious over tones in it: In the last days the righteous will be taken up, the tree of life, the earth will be cleansed with fire, etc. I really enjoyed it for nothing else than it was a good story.

4/2/09~ Spring Break is definitely over. Last week was a week of relaxation and laziness. This week I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I have a sink full of dirty dishes, every dish in the house. They've been there all week because I have no time to clean them. I am mortified any time some one comes over. I need another Spring Break I think.

4/1/09~ April Fools Day, and I didn't pull any pranks. I did make my kids eat spaghetti for the fourth night in a row. I'm pretty sure they were hoping that it was a joke when I announced dinner. Ha Ha the jokes on them. Next time I make spaghetti I really need to use portion control.

Stranger Danger

I had a meeting the other night so the kids went with Uncle Brook to Brook Jr's baseball game. During the game Bud needed to go potty so Beaner took him across the park to a remote corner where the latrene was located.

While they were waiting their turn Beaner noticed a guy who was parked as close to the latrene as possible, but also as far away from the crowds as possible. His music was blaring, which is what got her attention in the first place.

When she looked over at the guy he motioned for her to come over to him. This kind of freaked Beaner out so she went on the other side of the latrene so she couldn't see him anymore.

When it was finally Bud's turn to use the restroom he went in and locked the door and Beaner went back behind the latrene to wait.

After Bud was done they hurried back to their group and told Bug and Lynn what had happened. I don't know if they thought she was just being dramatic, because Beaner is definitly our drama queen, but they didn't do any thing about it.

Awhile later Bud needed to go potty again so Beaner took him back over and the same man was still there. Once again he motioned for her to come to him. Freaked out this time she went inside the latrene with Bud.

When she got back to the group she pointed out the blue truck to Bug but still they didn't do anything about it. They never even told Uncle Brook. Beaner said she didn't want to bother him because he was helping with the game.

When she got home she told Big D and I. We let her now how serious the matter was and she needed to tell Uncle Brook immediatly. We also let her now how proud we were of her for not approaching the man and for staying so close to Bud.

That night Big D was freaked out about the whole situation and couldn't sleep. The next morning he told me that he wanted to reward Bud and Beaner for doing the right thing but also teach them what else they needed to do if it happened again. He also thought it important to go to the police and give a description of the guy and his truck so they can look out for him if he lingers around parks again.

I was a little nervous about going to the police because I didn't know how they were going to treat the matter. I know there really isn't anything they can do now so I didn't want them to treat Beaner like she was waisting their time and turn her off to ever wanting to go to the police again.

The officer was very respectful to Beaner and made her feel like she was doing an important thing by coming and giving them a report of what happened. He then told her that if she sees this guy at the park again to please call so an officer can come and talk to the man.

For the most part, what could have been a horrible experience for all of us, turned out to be very education for the whole family.

Last night we ended up doing a FHE on what we should and shouldn't do when approached by a stranger. All the kids got to take turns trying to get away from Big D as he tried to grab them.

First he had them run while he tried to catch them, they all did good and got away when they ran. Then he had them come close enough that he could grab them and they were given permission to do every thing in their power to get away: kick, bite, scream, punch, etc. None of them were sucessful.

My nephew, Brook Jr, was watching the kids as they took turns. He got a bit cauky and said he could get away so Big D gave him a turn. He got close enough and Big D grabbed him. He started kicking pretty hard so Big D reached down and wrapped around his legs. All of a sudden Brook Jr realized he couldn't move at all and started freaking out. His eyes started rolling in the back of his head and Big D let him go before he passed out.

I think it was a powerful FHE for everyone.

I Can Hear You Now

I wrote awhile ago about seeing an Audiologist about a hearing aid. I've talked to quite a few Audiologists through out my life, well, because I'm deaf. All of them have told me there is nothing they can do.

I let a few years pass then I ask again. You never know with technology these days maybe they've come up with some great new thing that will bring a dead nerve back to life or at least learn to by pass it.

This Audiologist ran a test that no one else ever bothered too before. He said he wanted to try this one hearing aid but he was not very optomistic that it would change any thing for me. I was just happy that someone was willing to try something, anything.

He ordered the hearing aid and said in two weeks he'd call me when it came in. Well, a little over three weeks later he called me really excited. He apologized for things taking so long but he had great news. The owner of the hearing aid company got ahold of my file and was interested in my case.

I guess this guy is a billionaire whose fitted President Bush and celebreties with hearing aids. That part didn't impress me but what did was he thought my type of hearing loss would be perfect to try out his new hearing aid. That is what was taking so long they were building a special hearing aid for me.

It's really quite interesting, my ear is dead there is nothing they can do for that. However, they put this hearing aid in my left ear and turn it up to such a decible that the sound travels through my skull over to my good ear and I can hear.

After getting it I came home and had Bug help me with an experiment. I sat in the middle of the room and closed my eyes. I had her walk around the room and say some thing, I would then point to where I thought the sound was coming from. Without the hearing aid my hearing is ninety degrees off, but with the hearing aid I was right on 97% of the time. And when I was off is was only by maybe forty-five degrees.

That is sooooo cool!!!!

I've also been having the kids whisper in my left ear to see if I can hear them and sure enough I can.

The only down side right now is my head rattles when I wear the hearing aid. My brain isn't used to the high decibles traveling through my head but my Audiologist said my brain will start to compensate for that but it will take awhile.

So I get to test drive this hearing aid for a couple months to see if it makes a significant difference in my life. I am excited and optomistic about my new challenge. I will keep you posted.

Laughing Only Makes it Worse

I know I write a lot about Bear, it's because we spend the most time together. Yesterday I went in the kitchen to make him and Bud lunch. On the counter was a left over bagel from breakfast.

Bear decided he wanted to munch on the bagel while I made lunch. He grabbed it and started to tease me saying, "I'm going to eat it". So I started teasing him back telling him that it was my bagel.

He hurry and took a bite to mark his territory, so to speak. I laughed and lunged like I was going to chase him to get the bagel back.

He took off running and smacked right in to the corner of the wall. His bagel, including the piece in his mouth, flew one way as his body bounced the opposite way. He hit so hard his little body bounced a good three feet backwards.

Instant screams shot out of his mouth, understandable. I felt so bad but at the same time I was trying to hold in the laughter that was building inside of me. I knew if I started laughing I wouldn't be able to stop and it would so make things worse. Bear would cry harder, which would make me feel worse and laugh harder. You see where this was going.

I was a good mom though, I held my laughter back but I did hide his face as not to see the massive smile on mine. I rocked and kissed him all better.

Now he looks like he has a horn that is trying to protrude out the middle of his forehead. It's a good thing a horn wouldn't slow him down. He cried for maybe five minutes and then he was off playing again, minus the bagel.

If I would've let my laughter out he probably would've cried for a good thirty minutes. I really am a good mom today, I'd probably be an even better one if I didn't go around causing my kids slam into walls.

Hold Your Shorts

Ann, Bear, and I went to Costco for a minute to pick up some sugar snap peas. We thought we'd walk around for a minute before we went to walk the dogs.

Ann stopped to look at the books and I thought of some thing I wanted to check out real fast. I started walking away with Bear hanging onto the side of the cart. I told him to say good-bye to auntie Ann because we were leaving her.

He got a bit panicky and started screaming, "No, Hello Ann Hello". Before he had a total melt down I said, "Hold your shorts, we're just going to go see some thing really quick and then we'll go back to her."

He calmed down and I made it to the other side of the store. I was looking for what I wanted and Bear said, "Mom, I can't hold it any more."

I got a little panicky this time and asked, "Hold what? Do you need to go potty?" He said, "No, I can't hold my shorts any more."

I looked down and he was hanging on to the cart with one hand and his shorts with the other. I laughed and told him he could let go of his shorts.

He then asked why he had to hold his shorts. How do you explain to a four year old what an expression is?

I tried and failed.

Music Festival

Our kids' school has a school wide Music Festival, which is just a fancy way of saying choir concert. It is mandatory for all students and last year when we went it was three hours long. It's one thing to listen to your own child sing but it's another having to stay and listen an entire school take turns. Oh, and my kids' school goes up to the eighth grade.



The principal must have received tons of complaints after last years performance because this year it was only about an hour and a halfish. It was still too long for Bear. We had to try and entertain him so the parents around us didn't freak out on us. He enjoyed taking pictures with Big D's phone for awhile until he got it taken away because he kept pushing buttons he wasn't suppose to.




After the kids were done singing on stage they'd walk by us on their way back to their seats. Bear was so bored that he had to make sure and butt in when it was time to take Bud's picture. I guess he was entertaining us as much as he was himself.



Beaner is learning about potatoes this year so her song was about potatoes. That is one thing that is pretty cool about the kids' school, they make up their own songs and music to go along with it. Here is Beaner as a potato. Doesn't she look delectable? I especially love the eyes on the potatoes, very creative.

Big B's Birthday

It was Bear and Sweeton's birthday yesterday. We don't want Bear to celebrate his birthday with a looming cloud of sadness because his brother died, so we make Bear feel as special as possible and we visit Sweeton's grave on another day to celebrate his birthday.



We asked Bear what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said go to McDonald's and play on the toys. We don't take our kids to McDonald's very often and we never buy them a kids meal when we do. That might make us bad parents but oh well. I think it makes it that much more special when he does get a kids meal.



All the kids enjoyed their kids meal and toy inside, some alien thing that shoots part of its ship in three different directions.



Bug was very adamant that she was not getting a kids meal, she's too old for a kids meal. She's so funny.



Bear invited his cousins, Lowell Jr. and Hyatt, to come and play with him and help him celebrate.



They are very animated little boys and it is so funny to watch and listen to them.



After McDonald's we went and got ice cream at Farr's.



We thought it best to let them eat at the store before getting back into our car.



I think we hyped the kids up on sufficient enough sugar to call Bear's birthday party a success.



We also got sufficiently chilled to the bone, and then we took everyone to the park.



It was still sunny and beautiful when we went into Farr's but by the time we got out and over to the park the sun was just low enough and the ice cream had circumnavigated body and everyone was cold. We let Bear open his gift from mom and dad, play with it for a bit, then hopped in the car for and emergency potty intervention.

Hearing Aid

Most people know that I am deaf in my right ear. Well, the older I get the more frustrating it is so I've been looking into hearing aids. I've noticed that I avoid big crowds because I can't hear anyone talking to me. I feel stupid having to ask people to repeat themselves three or four times. Most of the time I just nod my head and act like I know what people are saying. That tends to back fire when they ask me a question and I actually need to respond with something other than an "Uh huh, or yes or no". Sometimes Big D helps out and whispers in my ear what someone has said, but if he's not there I'm screwed.

Now I avoid all social get togethers because I'm tired of looking and feeling stupid. The only friends I hang out with is my family and that's just because they are all loud and obnoxious. They're so loud I hardly ever have to ask them to repeat themselves.

Most people I've talked to about hearing aids say there is nothing they can do for me but technology is changing rapidly so I keep asking.

A couple weeks ago we went to the Spring Fair. We ran into an old friend whom is now selling hearing aids, which is great for him because he wears one as well.

He was telling me I should come back in and get tested again. He said there are hearing aids that will take the sound from my right side and bring it over to my left ear so I can have a better directional hearing. Right now my hearing is off by 90 degrees.

I went in to get my hearing tested and the guy doing the test, not my friend, came back and said I am completely deaf in my right ear, duh. He showed me a scale of my hearing and said my type of hearing is due to nerve damage which is irreversible. I already knew that.

He did a second test on me, one that no one else has ever done. He told me he wasn't going to do the test because most people, when they have my type of hearing loss, don't react to it.

The test consisted of him putting a mic of some sort on the back of my right ear and a mans voice saying, "Say the word dog", I would then repeat the word I heard or as close to it as I could get. Out of 25 words I missed 9.

He was shocked that I did so well. He said most people just stare at him for the entire test with no reaction at all. He couldn't explain why I heard those words. He confessed he is sceptical that any hearing aid will work for me, but he fitted me for one and he wants me to try it out and see if it improves my hearing at all.

I asked him about the hearing aid my friend was telling me about, the one that brings the noise from my right side over to my left ear. He didn't really know any thing about it because he said my type of hearing loss is rare, but he'd look into it for me.

I know I shouldn't be but I am excited to start trying this hearing aid out. It won't be ready for a week and it's one of those big ugly ones that sit on the back of the ear, but I am fine with that if it helps. I can hide ugly.

Twisted Family

Beaner made up this new game with an old twist: ABC Twister.



We enjoyed playing the game as a family.



Some positions were a little easier than others, like when I laid on top of Big D. Of course, he ended up losing that round.



Turn abouts fair play, I guess. The real challenge came when Bear would jump on one of our backs. It was all part of the game.



The kids lasted longer than the adults. They have way more stamina than us old folks.

"Biggest Loser" Night at Our House

We love love love watching the "Biggest Loser" show on TV.



If nothing else I love watching the kids try and out do each other.



They are pretty good at motivating their mother too. I ended up walking on the treadmill after they were all done playing on it.



I think these guys really want to go to Disneyland, what do you think?



I guess you could say I'm running my own "sweat shop".