Mummies, Ducks, and Fries Oh My

My mother-in-law has been wanting to take the kids to the Idaho Falls Museum for a couple months now. She wanted to make a whole day out of it so it took a little while to correlate our schedules. We finally got our opportunity on Saturday.

We walked around the museum for about an hour or two learning cool stuff about ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs. I never knew Ramses II had over one hundred children and scientist have found names for over thirty of them. Which is rare because back then Pharaohs didn't much care about their offspring except for the most important ones.

We got to see a mummified kitten which the locals made for tourist who used them as an offering to their Cat Goddess, Bastet.

It was a little creepy to see a set of four canopic jars and two still had their original contents inside. We didn't get to actually see the content, but still. It's creepy to know that some ancient dudes intestines are petrified not six inches in front of me.

Big D was a little disappointed not being able to see an actual Mummy. There was a sarcophagus lid, but no mummy. I'm glad we didn't see one, I don't want to deal with nightmares for the next month.

After the kids were done with the museum we all got a bite to eat and headed over to the Green Belt to feed the ducks. The kids had a ball throwing bread in the water and watching to see which duck got the prize. There were tons of geese and mallards, but there were these two different geese, I wish I knew their technical name but I don't. These geese had bright orange feet and beaks. I guess they were just interesting because they were the only two of their kind in the midst of a hundred others.



Oh and their was one pure white duck that was so beautiful. Bud kept calling her a swan but she was no where near the size of a swan.



Big D and Papa Ray got some geese to eat out of their hands. So Bug thought that was a great idea and tried to do the same. She was very persistent and patient but she never did get them to partake.



After all the bread was gone we enjoyed just relaxing and taking it all in.



I love doing things with my family, especially when grandparents come along. I love seeing the sparkle in grandparent's eyes as they watch their living legacy. We are so blessed to have so many awesome grandparents in our family.




Big D took the kids down to the water under the falls. They thought that was pretty cool.

Mother & Daughter Date

Lynn's Achievement Days group was having a Mother & Daughter Date. Lynn asked me if I'd go with her since her mom couldn't, I was so honored. She also invited Bug to go with us, probably so she wouldn't have to be stuck with her stuffy old aunt without a buffer.



When we got there we had to make dresses for each other out of trash bags and tissue paper. After we were all beautiful we had a fashion show, I gotta say we were pretty fabulous.




After the fashion show we had a relay race and the girls kicked the mom's bums. I think we all had a great time. Thank You for inviting me Lynn.

Potato Gleaning

Beaner's class went potato gleaning today and she asked if I could come along. Of course, where I go Bear goes, so he picked potatoes as well. I think Big D was a little jealous he doesn't get to go on the field trips with the kids as often as I do. He kissed me goodbye on his way to work and in a snotty voice said, "Have Fun".



Beaner's school does this ever other year and then donate the potatoes to the local food bank. Her school is strong on service and giving back to the community. I've been very impressed with the school.



This is Beaner's prized funky potato. She was so proud of it I'm surprised she didn't ask if she could bring that one home.



The bags got pretty heavy, it was nice to watch the kids work together and help each other out.



After we were all done with our dirty work we got to go to the park and relax, eat lunch and play on the toys.

Can I See You After Class

I was on my way out the door from my class today when my professor asked if he could speak to me for a moment.

Crap what did I do now!

He said he got a snotty email from someone in the class that accused him of writing my paper that he handed out to everyone on Monday.

My professor went on to ask me what my plans were for after this class. He asked me if I am tied to this area. I told him all my family is here and plus my husband is going to school at the moment so yes I was tied to this area.

Having run a newspaper before becoming a professor he said that having been around a lot of writers I can tell when someone has "it" and when someone does not. He said he believes I have "it". He said he thought I could make it in the big market if I wanted to and if I was willing to move.

Then he paid me a huge compliment. He said he is very impressed with my writing and he has enjoyed seeing me break out from the rest of the class so early in the semester.

Wow, I had to hide my huge smile so he didn't think it was going straight to my head.

He has a former student that he loves to talk about in class all the time, her name is Erin. He uses her as an example of an exemplary student that he wants us all to strive to be.

Well, he compared me to her today and said I have the potential to be that kind of student if I work hard. Wow, what a compliment.

He also said he didn't write very many recommendation letter but when it comes time he would gladly write one for me.

I am just grinning from ear to ear. However, I think he just made the class 100 times harder for me. Now I'm going to worry about letting him down and stress about if my writing is staying at the level he feels it should be.

These compliments throw me way outside my comfort zone. I have been an average student my whole life, and I'm sad to admit, I was fine with that. I have been just an average person my whole life, never the leader of the pack or trend setter. I hope I don't mess this up.

I love and have a passion for writing but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm good at it. It sure feels nice to hear that someone thinks my writing isn't too bad.

Wow, I thought I had a great day on Monday. I think this whole week has been surreal. Now I just have to keep up the hard work and show him I am worthy of his faith in me.

A Mission

In sacrament meeting on Sunday the speakers were all talking about missionary work. Big D and I have discussed serving a mission before. We know we are both on board for it, but when do you set a date.

I am a very goal oriented person. I like a deadline that I can focus on. One of the speakers said her and her husband were going to try to serve a mission in about fifteen years. So I started doing the math, where is Big D and I going to be in fifteen years?

In fifteen years I will be 46-years-old and Big D will be 48. Bug will be 24, Beaner 22, Bud 20, and Bear 18. That is still pretty young for us to leave for two years. However, I asked Big D what he thought about serving a mission when Bear left on his mission at 19-years-old, we could be out at the same time.

Personally I thought I was on to something great. Of course then my realist whispers in my ear that he would have to quit his job, Bud would just be coming home from his mission and so would Beaner if she decided to go (girls don't go on missions from 21 to 23-years-old). That is a lot of missionary bills to be paying all at the same time especially if I expect Big D to be quiting his job.

So if fifteen years is too soon, when would be a good deadline for us to be working towards? I don't want to be old old when we go. I would like to be young enough that I can get my hands dirty and enjoy myself. I guess that raises the question of how old is old old? I don't know.

My in-laws are planning on serving a mission in the next few years and I would not consider them old old. They will both be retired and young enough and healthy enough to enjoy themselves. So why don't I like the idea of having to wait until Big D retires?

Retirement just seem so far away for us right now. Not that I want to escape my present circumstances, I just would love to be able to serve more than one mission if given the opportunity. I guess if that is in the Lord's plan for us then it will happen. I am a planner and I would like to plan on a mission in the forseeable future for us.

Of course, we all know what happens when one makes plans: Life.

Fun Facts #5

~ How Did Big D and I Meet: I don't know the exact day we met because he and my brother, Brook, were best friends growing up. Big D was always at our house because he loved the chaos of all the kids, Big D was pretty much raised as an only child because there is so much difference in age between him and his brother and sister. I do know that I was not interested in Big D until he was on his mission. At church I would walk by his plaque on my way to class and every week he got better looking to me. I think the Lord was trying to change my adolecent views of him. When Big D got home from his mission my oldest brother, Itchy, told Big D he should ask me out. Big D said I was too young, He thought I was still the same 16-year-old that I was when he left. When he found out I was 18 he started mulling over the idea. The next day he asked me out and I was flabbergasted, don't ask me why I'd never been flabbergasted when a guy asked me out. I changed my cloths multiply times trying to find the right outfit. I couldn't quit smiling, I think my heart knew something I didn't. I had recently gotten out of a long term long distance relationship that almost ended up in marriage before I broke it off, I was NOT looking for another relationship, but tell that to my predate gitters.9/17/08

~ Our First Date: I felt like I was dating my brother, which can be good and bad, not dating your brother, but feeling like you are dating your brother. It was good because I was able to relax and not feel like I was on a date with a total stranger having to start from scratch. We already knew a lot about each other. Conversation came easy to us, as did the teasing. We went to dinner and a movie, I know, how original. But it was one of the best dates I've ever been on just because of who I was with. At the movie, 'Casper the Friendly Ghost', we sat next to a lady and her infant little girl. Big D had his arm around my and playing with the baby. I told him that this was the first date I've ever been on that my date had his arm around me and holding hands with another girl. I think it was all a ploy to let me see how good he was with kids, he was just trying to melt my heart and it worked. After the movie we took his '79 Trans Am for a spin, he let me drive. He says this is where I fell in love with him. I had my hand on the gear shift and he set his hand on top of mine, ah how sweet and romantic. We had a great time together and we didn't have to do anything earth shattering, just being with him was shattering the earth as I knew it. 9/16/08

~ Our Second Date: I don't want to scare you that I am going to go through our thirteen year relationship one day at a time. The second date was very funny and I still raz him about it. We went to the go-cart track. We had to wait our turn so we sat down on a trailor to talk. I am deaf in my right ear, which Big D forgot because he sat down on the wrong side of me. He leaned over and whispered in my ear, I turned my head to ask him what he said and to my surprise he planted a big kiss right on me. When he pulled away and saw my eyes bulging out of my head he started back peddling and apologizing. He said, "I'm sorry, I asked you if I could kiss you." I reminded him that I was deaf in that ear and I was turning my head to ask him what he said. He thought I was turning my head in acceptance. We had a great laugh and I don't think he's ever forgotten which ear I'm deaf in again. 9/15/08

~ What are My Hobbies: I enjoy writing (obviously), photography, scrapbooking (but I havn't been able to do it in over six years), woodworking and gardening. I know there's more that I really enjoy doing but they are all such guilty pleasures that I don't ever get to do them much. I think the only thing I do often on this list is the writing, and I feel guilty for how often I do that. 9/14/08

~ My Favorite Calling at Church: I was in the Young Women's for about three years. I held various positions: camp leader, Mia Maid Advisor, and First Counselor in the presidency. I guess I don't really seperate those callings, I like to refer to my time in the YW's as one long calling. I served under two different presidents whom I grew to love and respect tremendously. Some people complain about how much work goes into the YW's program, but I saw it as an opportunity to serve and in turn grow to love the girls and their individual personalities. I think I realize the saying, "you love whom you serve". I've never worked harder and received more reward. 9/13/08

Goal #49: Plant & Maintain Garden

I have been planting a garden almost every year since we've lived in this house, about 8 1/2 years. This year is the first year that we've gotten this good of crop.

Most of the time we'll get just pumpkins, I love Halloween so I grow my own pumpkins for decoration. It's a lot cheaper than having to buy fifteen pumpkins at the store.

We are just so busy in the summer always gone and not watering or weeding like we should. Big D asked me last year if we could just plant grass in place of the garden so we don't have to worry about it any longer.

I am so glad I told him No.

This year almost every thing came up that we planted. We did have a problem with the onions not coming up and the kohlrabi was eaten by bugs of something.

Our corn came in beautifully, the stalks actually grew taller than me this year. We are still getting tons of tomatoes, fabulous. We got more zucchini than I knew what to do with, I actually ended up ripping out the bushes just so I'd stop getting zucchini.

The kids loved checking the garden everyday for peas. I planted four rows of peas just for them. I want the kids to have fun with the garden and learn to love it out there. Maybe one of my kids will learn to love gardening and help me with maintenance.

Big D is muy impressed with the garden this year. I think he was getting to the point he was questioning my skills, for that matter,so was I.

Not only did I have my garden this year but I helped my mom with hers, she HATES gardening with a capital H. Her garden was three times the size as mine, now that was a bugger to weed. Between me, my mom and my brother's families we did it. Thank goodness it's almost done.

Although I'm still harvesting tomatoes I think it's okay to say I've passed off this goal. What a fun goal it was and frankly I am impressed with my gardening skills and I look forward to next year.

I don't think I'm going to plant as many zucchi plants.

106

I got to class this morning and my professor asked if I got his email. Well, I'd tried to get into my school email before I came to class and it wouldn't let me in. I was a bit nervous when he looked directly at me and asked that. Then he forgot our papers in his office and asked me to accompany him; ooh if I thought I was in trouble before I was really nervous now.

In the hall he said he really liked my article I'd written and he'd like to share it with the class. He gave me a 106%. He wanted to show the class what he was expecting from us as a class. By no means was it a perfect paper, I did get some stuff wrong. However, my professor is a firm believer that if we get marked off for stuff he doesn't like then we should get rewarded for stuff he does.

That is how I got a 106% and still got some wrong.

I am not a person that can hide my feelings well, unless it comes to crying then I'm pretty good. But when I am happy I can't help but smile and boy have I been smiling today.

I'm pretty sure everyone in the class knows who paper they were all looking at as my professor went over everything he liked. I couldn't quit smiling.

It's funny to think that I was so terrified to take this class for fear the professor would tell me I couldn't write and I needed to choose a different major. It's nice to have validation that, although I'm not perfect, I can write.

Hopefully someday I won't need others to validate me. I will have the self-esteem in myself that I will just enjoy when others like what I write but I don't need them to like me. I know I can't please everyone all the time, probably not even some of the time, but if I can enjoy me for me I will be fine with that.

Until then this day has been great validation.

Book Review: Eragon & Eldest

I have never admitted to being a sci-fi fan. I've been really wanting a good book to read lately. Something I can sink my teeth into and will transport me into the book. I love getting lost in a book. I love when all I can do is think about the book when I'm not reading it.

I like to study the writing styles of those kind of books and try to figure out what they do different from other writer who just can't keep my attention.

My brother, Lowell, is a huge fan of the Eragon series. He's read the books multiple times and has been waiting, rather impatiently, for the last book to come out.

I had started a different book and just couldn't get into it. So I asked Lowell if I could borrow his Eragon book just to see what all the fuss was about. Frankly I had seen the movie and I was not impressed, but books are always better than movies so it was worth a try.

I couldn't put it down. For once when I was doing my chores all I wanted to do was get back to reading, I'm not a fast reader so I couldn't read it all in one sitting. Most of the time it's the other way around; I will think about how I need to be doing my chores as I'm sitting on my tuckus reading.

Christopher Paolini has a special talent for just the right mixture of detail, character development and story line to keep the reader mesmerized. He made it so my mind was so engrossed in the story that I did not have time to wonder what was going to happen next so every thing was a surprise.

I finished Eragon in just a couple days and couldn't get to Eldest fast enough. Most sequels are a big disappointment to me. They don't seem to be able to keep the pace with the first one. It's like the author thinks that the success of the first book will carry the second and it hardly ever does.

Eldest didn't have that problem. It was equally as good with Paolini's mixture. I really enjoyed how he developed Roran's character in this book. I think I am just as excited to find out what happens to him in book three as I am Eragon.

Paolini helps the reader fall in love with all the characters. I rooted for the villagers as they were trudging through their dilemma. My heart broke when friends would die or betray. I know books have to have conflict to survive scrutiny but one can't help but feel the pang of sadness when something doesn't go in Eragon, or Roran's favor.

Paonlini did need gruesome violence, filthy language or raunchy sex scenes to tell his story. He used his intelligent way with words to help you relax and enjoy the journey.

I think secretly most readers want to find out someday that they are truly someone special. That they have some secret lineage or ability that can be used to make this world more beautiful or peaceful. We all want to be someones hero.

Paolini made it easy to root for his characters. He is a very talented author and I am anticipating reading his third book.

This series and this author should not be judged by the movie they made. Personally I think Paolini should sue the makers of the movie for crucifying his beautiful story.

I know movie's can't put everything from the book into their story on screen. It would make the movie way too long. However, the movie left out very important details that were needed in telling the story. The most important thing the movie left out was the character development. Huge Mistake.

All in all I am glad I gave the books a chance to stand on their own. I have been well rewarded for it. I would recommend this book to anyone who could read.

Bear vs Tree

We have a ladder that the kids use to get on the trampoline. Well, sometimes they use this ladder to get on the roof of the toy house or to climb a tree.

Bud and Bear were playing in the back yard a couple days ago with the ladder against our Box Elder Tree. Bear climbed up the ladder and it went out from underneath him with his face sliding down the truck of the tree.

I didn't see it happen all I heard was the screaming afterward. Later, after I cleaned up him face I noticed he wouldn't walk. He would crawl around and when I'd touch his leg he'd scream at me.

I come from a bit of the pessimistic side of life so my mind flashed back to when Bear broke his arm and he was real quiet until I'd touch his arm and then he'd scream at me.

Big D has accused me of over reacting before so I didn't want to jump to conclusions, but after the second day of him not wanting to walk I couldn't stand it any longer. I called up Honey and asked her to X-ray Bear's leg, she probably thinks I am the most paranoid mother in the world.

The X-ray came back fine, he did not break his leg. The only thing we could guess is he hyper extended his knee.

It's so funny because the moment just after the X-ray he started walking, with a limp, but walking. Now he seems to be just fine and walking normal. I guess I do over react too much.

Goal #19 Write a One Paragraph Journal

I was writing "How I Saw the Lord's Hand" in about one sentence but I wanted more detail. So in August I thought it would be more personal and informative if I added a little more to my days events. One paragraph still isn't a lot of information but it's a nice insight.

I love writing in my journal. I've filled about seven journals and I keep them all in a fire proof safe, that's where my anul side comes into play.

Who knows maybe someday I will have a whole novel just for my days activities. That is one novel I wouldn't want to read. Boring!

Fun Facts #4

~ Who was my Favorite Teacher: I would have to say my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Horrocks. He was a gentle giant. My brother, Brook, had him before I did, which most of the time really backfires for me. I think he liked Brook's creative imagination so the repercussions weren't too bad. I don't know why he was my favorite, it could have been a combination of his teaching and that it was just a really good year for me. I do remember once we had a substitute teacher and I didn't know her name. I had to go to the restroom so bad I leaned over and asked my girlfriend, Jen, what her name was. She told me her name was Ms. Queer. I know I was naive but I had no idea what a queer was. I went up and asked, "Ms. Queer may I go to the restroom?" Ooh she was so mad at me she started screaming at me and would not let me go to the restroom. I thought I was going to explode. Okay that had nothing to do with Mr. Horrocks. He had a unique rewards system where we could earn points and then buy stuff with those points. I remember once I won a six pack of Pepsi from him for guessing how many beans were in a jar. I don't like Pepsi but I drank the whole thing just because I was so proud of myself. He also let us pick our own spelling words, which in sixth grade was so cool and of course we all tried to out do each other finding the hardest spelling words. It went great until one day a guy named Jared put a huge medical word up that was longer than the alphabet. After that Mr. Horrocks decided he'd better choose our words for us. The sixth grade was a great year all around. We were the oldest now, the rulers of the school. I went through boyfriends like they were candy. My best friend was in my class and we had the teacher everyone else wished they could have. It was a great year! 9/12/08
~Where Was I on 9/11/01: I was walking on the treadmill watching TV when they broke in with the news report from New York. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I sat down on the corner of my bed right in time to see the second plane slam into the next building. It was all so surreal and then the buildings collapsed. I cried for the people who were hurt, I cried for the families who lost a loved one, and I cried for the troops who I knew would be called up to retaliate for this atrocity. 9/11/08
~ What is my Favorite Day of the Week: I love Sundays, they are so peaceful and I love going to my in-laws for dinner. We've been doing Sunday dinners for almost thirteen years now, I never thought it would last that long. I thought my mother-in-law would get sick of us mooching and put an end to it, but I think we've grown on her. She always has the best meals: Salmon in dill sauce, fillet Mignon, bread pudding, Geraldine's rolls, etc. She just makes us all feel so welcome and relaxed when we come over, I bet we take a nap almost every Sunday over there. Of course then we end the evening with a little Funniest Home Videos. Who can ask for a better day? 9/10/08
~ How Many True Best Friends Have I Had: Not counting my hubby who is my ultimate BFF I've had four. C, whom I'm still in contact with, Emily whom I'm not in contact with but I keep tabs on, Heather whom I'm not in contact with, and lastly Jennifer whom I've recently found after a ten year loss of time. I've never made friends easily but once I make one they are in my heart forever. I wish I was a better friend maybe that should be one of my goals. I should have to make contact with all my friends and resurrect our friendships. 9/5/08
~ My Security Object When I Was Younger: When I was about tenish I got a white teddy bear for Christmas from my mom. My sister got a black one exactly like mine and she wanted mine. My mom asked if I would be willing to trade her. "I don't think so doesn't she know that white is my favorite color?". I carried that teddy bear around with me every where. I even dreamed about it, that's how I came up with it's name, Oochy. I know ten is a bit old to start with a security object but it was around the time my parents were getting a divorce and I need a constant in my life that I could count on. 9/4/08

Kinnzi's Trying to Make Friends

Kinnzi, my Yorkie, thinks every animal wants to be her friend. I don't think she realizes that she would be considered an appetizer to some of these animals.

Her best friend right now is my brother Lowell's cat, Maggie. They only get to see each other once a week when we go up for piano lessons. They are cute chasing each other all over the house.



Well Kinnzi is trying to make new friends, expand her horizons if you will. She has been trying to convince the local squirrels to come out of their trees and play for awhile.

The problem is I don't know if the squirrels know that she just wants to be friends.



Just recently one of the squirrels has been getting more gutsy and coming out of the tree and chasing her. It is quite hilarious to watch. I am a bit nervous about what the squirrel would do if she ever caught Kinnzi.

Goal #42 Find a Long Lost Friend

I am as giddy as a school girl today. I found my best friend from sixth grade, Jennifer. I have been looking for her for the past ten years of so. I've even sent Christmas cards out only to have them returned. I knew she moved back east some where. Last I heard it was one of the Carolina's.

I've had to subscribe to the newspaper for my News Reporting and Writing class. I was going through the paper yesterday and notice an obituary for Jen's grandma. I thought it was worth going to the funeral just in case she came.

This is the first funeral I've ever been to that I was excited, and nervous. I was nervous because the last time I'd had contact with her we were suppose to meet at the movies but my daughter got sick and I stood Jen up. I tried to get a hold of her but it was back before the days everyone carried cell phones. I left a message with her grandma but I never heard from her again. I was scared she was mad at me for standing her up. I know it sounds juvenile but I didn't know if she was still going to be mad at me.

When I saw her singing at the funeral all I could think was she is still just as beautiful as when we were younger. My heart went out to her because I knew how close her and her grandmother were.



After the funeral when she saw me she ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug I've ever had. She said she's been trying to find me for years too.

I am so full of gratitude right now I may tear up, whose kidding whom here, I'm not a cryer. But I am so happy that I don't even care that I sound corny right now.

We exchanged information and hopefully we never loose contact again. I am so excited to get to know her again. I got to meet her little boy, Drew. He's probably a little younger than Bear.

I know you can't see it right now but I have a huge smile on my face. I don't think this day can get any better.

Fun Facts #3

~ My First Job: I worked at Little Caesars for about a year when I was a Sophmore. I remember my first day of work I was taking orders on the phone and I got this creepy guy on the line. I told him the daily special and asked if I could take his order. He said in a very leery voice, "I want you." I didn't think I heard him right so I asked him to repeat himself and he said, "I want you." I told him, "I'm sorry that isn't on the menu can I get you anything else?" I was a bit flabergasted at this point. Come to find out it was my boyfriend playing a trick on my. I thought it was pretty funny after the fact. Come to think about it I think I kept the job longer than I kept the boyfriend. Hmm. 9/3/08
~ My Motto: I have had a couple different mottos in my life: "Don't put off for tomorrow what I can get done today" "Do unto others as I'd want done to me". All very good mottos but none of them are original. My newest motto I got from Big D when I went back to school. I get overwhelmed really easy and when I do I tend to shut down unable to function, I know not an admirable trait. Big D sat me down and explained that I am going to school for fun not for an education that I am going to have to turn into a career to provide for our family. There is not a time line on when I have to finish I can just sit back and enjoy the journey. Now I have that posted on my desk top "Enjoy the Journey". Everytime I start to get overwhelmed I read that and it helps me focus on what is important in my life. 9/2/08
~ My first day of school: I was petrified as I rode the bus to my first day of Kindergarten. I had moved to the area recently and I didn't know very many people. There was this little boy, Brandon, who was my neighbor and we had played a couple times. His mom rode the bus with him the first day and I don't know why but she made me feel better just by being there. It was like having an adult I recognized was good maybe my mom really wasn't shipping me off to the middle of no where never to return. However, on the return trip from school it was raining and there was no mom there to comfort me. I lived about 50 feet from the bus stop and the instant I got off the bus I was drenched. The water was coming down so hard that I had a hard time seeing where I was going. I couldn't see my house I thought someone moved it on me. It took me a good fifteen minutes to walk half way home I was scared I sat down on the corner and cried. I was right in front of Brandon's house his mom came outside took me into her house, called my mom to tell her where I was and gave me some hot chocolate. Brandon and I played until the rain stopped and I could see my house again. Brandon and I became best friends that day and we did every thing together after that. I told everyone we were going to get married someday. We never did get married but I still consider him one of my very best friends growing up. 9/1/08
~ Our 4th of July tradition: Every year for the week of the 4th we go to Island Park for a family reunion. However, about five years ago we were sitting at the golf course waiting for the firework show to start, I was in the jeep feeding Bud, and all the huge fireworks for the show blew up. They were going every where shooting fireworks into the audience everyone was jumping for cover. It sent a pregnant women into labor and the city got sued by someone in the audience. Needless to say they don't do fireworks anymore. So now on the 4th we go to up to Billings, Montana to watch their fireworks with our friends. We still go to Island Park every year but now we take a jaunt up to Montana as well. I love adapting our traditions to make them better and better. 8/31/08
~ If I am on a deserted island what 5 things would I want: Well first off I'd want Big D, no one wants to party alone. Next I would want a nice big beautiful leather bound journal, with a pen, so I could write about all my experiences, you know for whom ever finds our bodies later. Next I would like Big D's tool belt full of tools so he can build us a little hut while I sip cocnut juice on the beach. I'm pretty sure that counts as more than one item but it's my fantacy so I say it's all one item. I think a boat would be nice to have as well, not for leaving the island, but so we could take nice romantic jaunts around our island. 8/30/08

Nasty Rumors

A lady called me from my ward today and said she heard that I baby-sit a lot. This is the second lady to accuse me of this. I would like to know who is spreading these nasty rumors.

It was nice to have a legitimate excuse, "Sorry I am going back to school, I don't have the time." Someone needs to spread that rumor for me.

I doubt I am the only stay-at-home mom in my ward. It's funny that working mom's feel us stay-at-home mom's have oodles and oodles of free time to spend watching everyone else kids.

I promise that just because society portrays us as bonbon eating soap opera watching lazy bums we are not, at least most of us are not, okay at least I am not.

I guess I don't mind helping people out every once in awhile when they need a babysitter for a few hours, but every day for a few hours doesn't work for me. I have things to do and places to go. I have a hard enough time lugging around my four children let alone someone else kids.

Every since my son died I have a real hard time with babies, especially when they cry. It rips my heart out and throws me into a depression. I think on behalf of my families sanity, and my own for that matter, it is safest if I just stay away from that land mine.

So I am starting my own rumor: I eat little kids for lunch. Please spread it around:)

Disclosure: The disgruntled babysitting and carnivorism does not extend to family and close friends. I fear it would be too easy to trace back to me.

Addendum:(9/11/08) Wow, I was in a bad mood when I wrote this. I hope I didn't offend anyone with my pessimistic view on not wanting to help others as they try to better their lives. I am just such a person whose trying to better her life with going back to school and my beautiful sister-in-law, Rae, and my brother, Brook, watch my kids for me while I'm in class. I wouldn't be able to do it without them and I am extremely grateful for all they do for me.

Lowell Jr. vs Kitchen Aid Slicer Blade

Bug and Beaner are taking piano lessons from Auntie Rae. We showed up for our weekly lesson yesterday to find Lowell Jr. not very happy. He decided to stick all five fingers through the end holes of a Kitchen Aid slicer blade and use it as a gun. Rae was able to extract four of the five fingers but his tall man was being a bit stubborn, and chunky.

When I first saw him in his predicament I thought it was a tooth brush holder which would have been no big deal to cut off. It maybe cost $5 go down and get a new one. But on closer inspection I noticed the real identity of the captor, an expensive blade Rae got for Christmas from her parents.

Lowell Jr. has had a fascination with guns for a little while now. His dad decided to try and teach him not to shoot his brother by putting stickers of "bad guys" on the walls and letting him shoot them with a Nerf gun. I think this fueled Lowell Jr.'s obsession and now every thing that can be used as a gun is used as a gun, including slicer blades.

Lowell Jr. was getting a bit frustrated by the time I arrived. His mom had tried butter, ice, soap, ice again and nothing was working. His dad, Lowell, came home from work early, about five minutes after I got there, to help with the situation.



Lowell tried every thing he could think of to not have to cut the blade off but to no avail. It took a little while to cut through the stainless steel blade without cutting his son. After all was well Lowell informed his son that he wasn't getting his allowance for a very long time.



Rae should write a book about her two boys and their creative amusements. She said it would probably make other mothers feel better about their own situations. The book would definitely would not be boring.

One time when I went up to pick up Bear from being baby-sat, Lowell Jr. had drawn a race track on the carpet in marker. I helped Rae scrub for over an hour and we still didn't get it all out. If you look closely you can still see remnants of his red race track.

Lowell Jr. and Hyatt are the cutest boys I know, that aren't my own children. I think it's good they are so cute because that may be the only thing keeping them alive sometimes, but they are a never ending source of entertainment for the rest of us.

Think Twice

My cousin, D, called me on Thursday and asked if I had plans for the Labor Day weekend. I told her we were just staying home, for once, and enjoying some relaxation. D's husband was taking their oldest son to a BYU football game and she wanted to have some fun too so she wanted to come for a visit.

D and I grew up best friends, we spent many of our summers together either her at my house or me at hers. I'm sure we drove our parents nuts wanting to be together as soon as school got out.

You can't have a better best friend than a cousin because you can always keep in touch. Friends come and go but cousins are forever.

D called to tell me she was on her way when I drove by a house that had a fully loaded apricot tree. I'd tried to stop by this house before to ask if we could pick some of their apricots but no one was home. This time I had Big D try the house, he has a way with people that make them want to give him any thing he wants, that and he knows everyone it seems like. And wouldn't you know it Big D knew the gentlemen that lived there. The guy was a bit of a jokester as well, Big D asked him if we could pick his apricots and he said, "No, I really like it when they fall and rot on the ground."

Not only did he agree to let us pick his apricots but he took Big D around the side of the house and there was a peach and a pear tree we could pick. I called in reinforcements and we picked all we could reach that night.

My cousin showed up at my house and I told her how happy I was she decided to come. Then I told her what we were going to do the next day. She started laughing and said she'd think twice before wanting to come to my house to relax.

I was so grateful she came up. It took us all day Saturday to do the apricots and can the peaches and I didn't think there were that many. We had a good time being able to talk and reminisce as we worked. I know she will think twice before calling me, but I definitely calling her next time I need to can.

"Hey D, what are you doing this weekend?"

Fun Facts #2

~ Who Is My Hero: My hero is my mother, I know it's no surprise most people say that. I think that is an omage to mothers around the world. My mother is my hero because she taught me perserverance, patients, and how to raise good kids. I get compliments about my children being well behaved and I truly believe that is a compliment as much to my mother as it is to me. My mother went back to college when she was 38, worked a full time job, and raised six kids all by herself while doing it. Life wasn't easy for any of us but we learned how to stick up for each other and have formed an unbreakable bond with each other. It breaks my heart when I hear of someone who hasn't spoken to their siblings in years. I can't go one day without emailing, speaking, and seeing at least one of my siblings. I know we owe that all to my mom. I love you to eternity and beyond mom!!! 8/29/08
~ Who Would I Choose For My Leading Man: I think all who know me already know the answer to this one, Mel Gibson. I know he's a bit older than I am and no I don't have daddy issues. I think Mel most resembles Big D, stop laughing. Mel's sense of humor, some of his manorisms and, of course, his dashing good looks all remind me of Big D. Since I already have my leading man I am good to go. 8/28/08
~ Some Thing I Inherited From My Parents: I inherited my mom's beautiful finger nails. I had a teacher in the fourth grade who told me it should be illegal for someone as young and unappreciative as me to have finger nails that looked french mancured without any effort. That made me feel so good, and I do believe that was about the time I started taking better care of my nails.
I inherited my dad's beautiful olive skin that does not burn very often. I can't tell you how many times I've been out in the sun all day and everyone else is burned to a crisp and I am a nice golden brown (I sound like I'm a piece of chicken or something). 8/27/08
~ My Favorite Pet Growing Up: Jeremy our cocker spanial. We got him when I was just a pup myself, I was around 8 or 9 years old. On Christmas Eve I walked into the bath room to relieve myself and this ferocious beast jumped at me. I have a blood curtling scream which woke my parents. They came in the bath room to find the beast attacking me with it's tongue. After they got me all calmed down they let me in on the secret that the puppy was a family gift. I couldn't sleep after that I was too excited to play with our new puppy.
Jeremy had a nice life with us until one day the neighbor boy tried to force feed him sunflower seeds. I kept telling him to knock it off but he didn't listen until finally Jeremy lost it and bit the boy right on his face. He had to go to the hospital and get stitches and the doctor said if the bite was just a little more to the right it would have killed him. My parents were petrified of being sued so my dad took Jeremy, and his gun, and left. I was wrought with tears until my dad came home and said he found a nice farm for Jeremy to live on. It wasn't until I was about twenty-seven that I realized what the "farm" ment. 8/26/08
~ My Favorite Band/Musician: Back in the 80's I really enjoyed rock bands like Poison, Bon Jovi and Def Leopard. Now that I'm old I like softer stuff like Josh Grobin, Celine Dion and Michael Buble. 8/25/08