Bud Lost His 1st Tooth

Bud was so excited when I told him we had to pull a tooth.



I think he thought it was going to be more fun than it really was.



We had a bit of trouble keeping the floss on the tooth, the slippery sucker.



In the end he pulled it himself.



He was excited to get a visit from the tooth fairy. The next day he danced around when he found a dollar in place of his tooth.

Lord's Hand: March 2009

3/31/09~ C and I have been doing a challenge the past couple weeks. We've been keeping track of our point we get for working out or reading scriptures. The challenge ended on the 28th and I find myself a bit disappointed. I didn't realize how much it pushed me at the gym. Today I was on the treadmill and I told myself I had to stay on for 15 more minutes to get my full point, then I realized no I don't. I'm going to need to find another way to push myself. I started P90X yesterday. I'm hoping it will help boost me a bit more and quicker if I work out for and hour at the gym and an hour at home every day. It's not like anyone can tell by looking at me that I've been hitting the gym every morning for the past three months. I need to do something drastic before I give up.

3/30/09~ I think someone is out to get me, no really. I have not been sleeping good lately, my poor children. Last night I didn't fall asleep until 1a.m. and Kinnzi woke me at 2a.m. to go out. I decided I was not going to try and go to the gym at 5a.m. so I reset my alarm for 7a.m. Needless to say my body woke up by itself at 5a.m. What the heck, so I went to the gym. I do feel pretty good in spite of it though. Maybe this is the Lord doing his part to help me get healthy. Someday I'm going to have to thank him, probably after I'm more awake.

3/29/09~ I had to talk in Sacrament meeting today, Ahhhhh. I am so glad it's over but man was it stressful. It's funny because I got the call on Wednesday asking me to speak and instantly ideas started coming to my head about what I should say. I hate waiting until the last minute I just get more flustered. That night I couldn't sleep so about 1a.m. I turned on my lamp and started writing my talk. It's amazing how fluid and marvelous some thing sounds that early in the morning. I think I'm closer to the spirit that early because I'm so tired that my brain is just running wild. I ended up using just about every thing I wrote so I guess it wasn't that bad. I am just soooooo glad it's over. Hopefully now I won't have to speak for another five years or so.

3/28/09~ My sisters are in town, YEAH! I love it when they come home. We went to a movie "Benjamen Button". It was a good movie even though it made me cry, that usually signifies a bad movie to me. I'm taking the higher road and saying that the movie is still good, I just probably won't ever watch it again. I wish my sisters were able to stay longer, I sure miss them.

3/27/09~ Sometimes it's nice just to be together as a family, it doesn't matter that we don't have anything to do. We drove around until we ended up at the Spring Fair tonight. It actually turned out pretty nice because there wasn't that big of a crowd so the kids were able to enjoy playing on those scooters that you sit on and swivel the steering wheel back and forth to make it go. Every year we think about getting one of those but then we ask ourselves where we'd ever play on one. Our driveway is crap, and small. Our streets are too bumpy so we'd never be able to have any fun. Who knows maybe some day we'll have a big enough driveway or something.

3/26/09~ I think taking it easy has paid off, I made it to the gym this morning. I rode the sit-down bike again and lifted weights. I still don't think I can do anything that requires me to bend over but I'm working up to that. And the best part is no doctor bills, Yeah. The bad part is, taking a resting period doesn't help with the weight loss goals and Big D starts his "Biggest Loser" competition next week. It's like he's been bulking up for the first weigh-in because he knows he can lose it so fast, jerk. After that I'm pretty sure he's going to blow me away. It sucks that men can lose weight faster and easier than women. The Lord and I are going to have some words about that one the next time I see him.

3/25/09~ I'm feeling a lot better today, I'd better because the kids all have friends coming over today and the weather is poopy so they will all be inside. Yeah for me!!! I finally figured out how to use Bugs sewing machine that she got for Christmas. So it's like Christmas morning for her she's excited to play with her "new" toy. Beaner and her friend are going to make peanut butter and jelly cookies in her easy bake oven. Bud is going to watch his new movie "Bolt" with his little friend and I'm sure Bear will tag along for that one. It is shaping up to be a nice day even though I didn't make it to the gym this morning, still trying to take it easy on the neck.

3/24/09~ I stayed down all day, not only because of my neck, but I think I'm coming down with a cold. It will be nice to just veg for one day. Lets hope it doesn't roll into two. I got a call asking me to talk in Sacrament meeting this Sunday. Why couldn't we have left town for Spring Break? I couldn't sleep last night so about 1 a.m. I wrote my talk. It's funny how at 1 a.m. any thing I write sounds fabulous, until the next day when I re-read it. I think it will be fine, at least I have a start. I at least know the direction I want to go, now lets hope it's the same direction the Lord wants me to take.

3/23/09~ A couple years ago I had a bulging disk in my neck and I couldn't move. I got some help from my chiropractor but he said the injury can be induced by stress and will probably resurface, and now it has. I was so hoping he was wrong and I was going to be an exception. I've felt my neck getting stiffer and stiffer the past few weeks but I tried to baby my neck so I would be totally disabled by it. On Saturday I was folding laundry with Bug and I sneezed and that's all she wrote. I felt a pop in my neck and shooting pain, from a sneeze. It still was no were near the pain to throw me back to the doctor but it was still pretty bad. I've been taking it easy since then as to not aggravate it more. I tried going to the gym this morning and taking it easy as to not jar my neck, that's harder than in sounds. All I did was walk on the treadmill and ride a sit-down bike and my neck started to throb so I had to go home. Maybe I should baby my neck for a bit longer if I don't want to end up with a huge doctor bill.

3/22/09~ The "Twilight" party went great, even with the unwarranted commentary from the audience. My dad had a hard time sitting through the movie, Grandma Honey said it was because there were too many distraction and they could watch the movie again after everyone left. I don't think that was the issue, but it was still funny. Bug loved the movie so much so that we stayed after everyone else left just so we could watch it again.

3/21/09~ Today we are going to help Brook with his remodel. He's trying to sell his house before He and Andy get married. They have both houses on the market, but what a horrible market to try and sell your house. Big D and I have been helping him out and then we are going to head out to Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's for our "Twilight" party tonight. I'm excited to get out of town. I think I'm going to take my camera and walk around and take pictures of the old homesteads. I love old things. They have so much life to tell.

3/20/09~ The boys and I went with Beaner on a field trip. We walked around our historic downtown and looked at all the old architecture. I love old buildings so I was excited to go. I was really surprised Bear walked the whole way without needing to be carried. I hope we made Beaner feel special by coming with her. And what a beautiful day for the first day of Spring. It was like a dream.

3/18/09~ Trying to pull myself out of my funk I went over to the junior high that's by my house to run the track. I figure I can run two miles on the treadmill I can do at least one mile on the track no problem. I've always heard that running on the treadmill is nothing like running on asphalt or even the streets for that matter. There is definitely more ups and downs to contend with so that is why I thought I should be able to go at least one mile around the track. Well, I didn't get the chance to find out because after one lap around the track one of the local high school track teams showed up to use the track. I was a bit disappointed but at least now I know when they use the track, I will just have to come back another time. If nothing else it was nice to get outside in the sunshine. I think that in and of itself helped my funky state of mind. I'm already feeling much better.

3/16/09~ Not much is going on this week. I've been a bit blue so I haven't been getting out much. Maybe next week will be better.

3/15/09~ I can always tell when I'm feeling chaotic and out of control in my own life because I start trying to control other peoples' lives, and it never works. We have a little boy in Primary that is very disruptive so I thought we should try the Super Nanny thing and put him in timeout. We cleared out a room and let him have free rain. I stood outside the door to keep an eye on him and would ask him every five minutes if he was ready to rejoin his class. He said he was ready three times but every time I got him to the door he'd throw another fit so I'd take him right back to the room so he could throw his fit. He ended up staying the entire time in the room. I don't know if that was the right thing to do or not. I'm at a loss as what to do. I know I'm not his parent so technically this really isn't even my place, but where do I draw the line when his behavior is affecting thirty other kids. HELP ME!

3/14/09~ C came up and we were able to do lunch after my Primary activity. The activity went really well. I was in charge of the games and we played life size Chutes and Ladders and also life size Clue. The kids really enjoyed them both. Afterward C and I went to Chilies for lunch. It was a good meal but I think I ate a whole stick of butter, which is not good for the waist line. No wonder their food tastes so good. I wish someone would open up a eatery that is healthy, good tasting food. I know there are sandwich shops but I can only eat so many salads and sandwiches before I get bored. Here's a thought, maybe I need to learn to cook.

3/13/09~ Big D is my hero, he helped me set up for my first big Primary activity that takes place tomorrow. He knows how to make a stressful situation fun. He involves the kids in every thing he does and helps us all enjoy each other. I am such a lucky lady to have such a wonderful and supportive hubby. I love you man!

3/12/09~ What a crappy day, I only got two or three hours of sleep so the entire day all I could think about was how bad I needed to sleep. I don't know why I couldn't sleep, but watching the hours tick by just pissed me off more and more. I so need a nap!

3/11/09~ Today is C's birthday, she is now an old lady just like me, ha ha. I guess that is kind of cruel to rub that in, but I am a cruel cruel friend. I guess that would explain why I don't have many friends. Happy Birthday C!!!

3/8/09~ After Big D got home we went to the mall so the kids could play on the toys last night. We weren't there but two minutes when Bug went to jump over a frog and landed wrong and sprained her ankle. Her foot was swollen so she had to wear her bright pink slippers to church today. She looked pretty funny wearing these big furry slipper with her navy blue dress. To be honest I was a bit jealous.

3/7/09~ With Big D gone we have a party hardy attitude. We rented movies last night and today we are going to see Bolt at the theater and out for ice cream. If we keep this up the kids are going to want either Big D or I to leave every weekend. When I was down in Salt Lake for the concert Big D spoiled the kids with ice cream and movies too. I just hope our kids never make it passed the spoiled phase and reach the rotten phase.

3/6/09~ Big D left on his snowmobiling trip with the young men. It was sad because he really didn't want to go. He is getting behind on his homework and he already doesn't get to spend much time with his kids and he's getting more frustrated every day. He did get an 'A' on his presentation yesterday. His professor even told him that he should look into being a teacher, he does so good in front of people. I've been telling him that for years. I don't know what he's going to do with that information. If nothing else it was flattering for him.

3/5/09~ My presentation is over, thank goodness. Now I can concentrate on something else for a bit. I got up every hour on the hour last night until I finally got out of bed at 4 a.m. and went to the gym. I did great at the gym until the last thirty minutes and then I was back to obsessing about this stupid presentation. Everyone showed up except Thursday night work girl so it was a good thing we covered our bums there. We had to give a ten minute presentation and it was twenty-five minutes, hopefully we don't get docked for that. I am so glad it's over with, now Big D has to get through his tonight. Good Luck Babe!

3/4/09~ I went to my last study group before our big presentation. I was a bit nervous not many would show up, because lets face it, it's usually me and one other person. Out of seven people we were only missing two people. One we've never met, she did email us once saying she couldn't make it to our meetings because she worked Thursday nights. We emailed her back saying that was great because our meetings were on Wednesday nights. The other girl had an emergency with her sister and had to take her to the hospital. So we covered our bases in case neither one showed up for the presentation and called it a night.

3/3/09~ I've been at the bank twice trying to take care of this scam on my account. It makes me want to never order anything on the Internet again. It could have been worse I guess, some people get scammed out of thousands of dollars. I'm glad I learned my lesson with just a couple hundred dollars. It still ticks me off because my family could so use that money. Oh well, live and learn.

3/2/09~ It is a good thing I only have one class this semester, I'm having a hard enough time finding the time to do my homework I can't imagine having to find the time for two classes. It seems like every time I start getting something done someone needs help, or hungry, or thirsty, or is fighting. I don't know how some parents go back full time, poor Big D. Big D is getting so frustrated with how little time he gets to spend with the family. He's thinking about cutting down to one class next semester, again. He thought about doing this last semester because he was so frustrated but then he decided he wanted to just hurry and get it over with. I guess we will see what he decides to do when it's time to register.

3/1/09~ Beaner got up and bore her testimony in Sacrament meeting. She is so brave, braver than me. I did get up and bare my testimony too. I did it for her so she would know that, even though I don't get up every fast Sunday, I do have a testimony. Beaner got a little bottle of baptism water from the Primary presidency, which I thought was a cute idea, but she dropped the bottle as soon as we got home and it broke she was devastated. She is sentimental about things like that. It's a good thing she'd gotten so much other stuff to help her remember her big day: scriptures, scripture bag, a framed picture of her and Big D in their baptism cloths, and many others. I hope she will always remember how special her baptism day was.

St. Patty's Day Breakfast

I love messing with my kids. Every year for St. Patrick's Day I make my kids a green breakfast and a green lunch.



Bud, being the boy that he is, decided he wanted to call the food items something other than what they were to stick with the holiday. So the applesauce became leprechaun toe jam, the muffins were leprechaun brains, and the scrambled eggs were leprechaun throw-up.



Out of all my kids he was the most taken back. The others are used to this practical joke but Bear had to keep asking, "What does this taste like?" before he'd eat it. Needless to say, I could not get Bear to eat the eggs. I don't blame him after his brother renamed the eggs.



Everyone else had no problem with their meal.

Three-year-old Genius

I was playing a game with my kids this morning. I would hold up shape flash cards and then call on one of them to tell me what shape it was.

Beaner blew me away with being the only one who knew what a trapezoid was.

I held up a card and called on Bug, "Octagon" she said. Nope.

I moved on to Bud, "circle" he said. Nope.

"It's on the tip of my tongue," said Bug.

After about thirty more seconds of guessing Bear pipes up, "It's an oval". Sure enough that was it.

I was laughing so hard. My three year old schooled my fourth grader. She was a bit embarrassed. I think Bear might be a genius, and if not he sure is cute.

Who Wants to do Chore?

If only it could really be this way. I can't remember what I asked the kids at this time so I'm going to play it off how I think it should have been.



I want to scrub toilets, Yah!



I get to do the dishes!!!

A mother's utopia.

Suburban Take II

Five years ago we bought a Suburban. It was a beautiful Burgundy color with really dark tinted windows. It was an extension of our home, and probably the same size.

We owned our new toy for all of maybe two or three months before the gas was killing us. We were so stressed about finances that we were fighting all the time so we decided to trade it in on something a bit more economical for us. That's when we got our mini van but with the hopes that some day we'd get another Suburban.

The Suburban is really the perfect vehicle for us, we believe anyway. It fits our family comfortably and allows us to pull our boat where ever we want to go. Right now we have Big D's Jeep that pulls the boat, but only to close locations.

Our van seems to be breaking down the same time every year, around tax return season. Well, this year after taking it into the shop for the second time in a matter of a month I got pissed and started looking at Suburbans again. The newer models get better gas mileage than our old one did so it's really a matter of finding one we can afford.

What I thought was just some harmless looking has now turned into test drives and offers. After test driving three we've found one that we both really like and it is in the right price range for us. Big D is ready to go down and purchase it right now...

But it's just not the right time.

We've both felt like maybe we should hold off for a bit. The economy isn't that great and who knows what will happen with that. We just got out of debt and need to learn to feel comfortable there before we jump back in.

Big D has decided to use the Suburban as a prize, so to speak, for him getting his MBA. Maybe after he graduates we can go shopping again and actually purchase our dream vehicle. I just hope our kids aren't grown and out of the house by then.

I'm glad with the decision we've made, I think it was very mature of us. Who knows maybe Big D and I are finally growing up. I think our parents will be so proud.

They R Going 2 Kick Me OUT

I was in the Young Women program for about three or four years, I can't remember the exactness. I have now been out of the program for about five years.

I know leaders are suppose to love all their young women, and I did. However, there is a select few that I call "MY" young women. Girls that I got really close with as I watched them grow and as they let me be a part of their lives.

Since being released I have attended two of my girls' weddings in the temple, Yeah for them. One of my girls got pregnant and then married, a bit disappointing but understandable. No matter how hard we try to influence these girls they still have their free agency. She has since given birth to a beautiful baby boy and has made plans to get sealed to her new little family in a couple months.

Now, just today, I was informed that one of "MY" young women came out of the closet. I can't say I'm totally surprised by the news but I am hugely disappointed. She is living with another of the young women from our group, not one of "MY" young women, but none the less still one of the young women. So I guess you could say TWO of the young women have come out of the closet.

They have invited us, me and my family, to their ring ceremony. I don't know what to do with this invitation. I feel horrible for their families, but I feel worse for them: this is not an easy road they have chosen for themselves. Even in this day and time when the terms Gay and Lesbian are more radially accepted in the world, they aren't accepted in the LDS faith.

I know that being LDS we don't condone same sex relationships, but I still love my young woman. I want to go to show her that she is still loved, but I don't want to support that lifestyle. I don't want to confuse my children any more than they already are with what is acceptable and what is not.

We've already had to sit our kids down and explain Gay and Lesbian to them. Big D's niece came out of the closet a few years ago. We've had to teach our children that we can still love the person even when we don't love the choices they've made.

I'm sure once "MY" young woman's news gets fully "out" they are going to kick me out of the Primary for fear that my leadership skills are a bit lacking. Who knows how many of these poor innocent children I'm going to screw up.

Mantel

I recently redecorated my mantel. I've had it the same for years and finally got tired of it. I should have taken before pictures, but I didn't think of it until after, sorry. I put together the frames that spell out "family" and our family portrait for Big D for Christmas. I meant to hang them downstairs in our family room, but I needed some thing new on my mantel so here they are.



This is my favorite part, my grass. Every year about this time I get real antsy for
Spring so I plant some grass. I think last year I planted some Calla Lilies in the middle of the grass, which looked fabulous, but I couldn't afford the bulbs this year. I thought I was pretty clever to put the sign in the middle of the grass. I have to admit, I am funny.

Goof-and-a-Half

My little ones love to go to the little play area at the mall. Most of my kids are too old and too big to play there but it doesn't stop them. I do make them walk on their knees if there are small kids around so my kids don't plow the babs over.



My boys were seeing how far they could go on the wall without touching the floor.



I don't know if they is technically cheating, maybe we'll call it a little helper.



I was a bit nervous the boys were going to go over the wall and land on their heads on the tile. They never did thank goodness.



I don't know if they were trying to hide from me, but I found them.



Peek-a-boo, I think they found me this time.



You can't tell that I'm raising drama queens can you? I need to get them into theater.



I think this is Bear dying at the bottom of a water fall. Ahhh too bad, he will be missed.



What a brave soul, taking a header.



I love having kids, even when they all are a little goof-and-a-half.

I've Been Scammed

I ordered some of those new Acaiberry pills online, to be honest, because Oprah recommended them. They are suppose to be this new super food discovered in the Amazon or something. They are suppose to be a natural pill to help with weight loss, or so I thought. Any who, it was a scam.

The add said all I had to pay was for the shipping and handling on the first bottle to see if I liked them then they would send me more. I thought it was worth a try, I'm getting desperate to see some more results than I have been seeing.

What I didn't know was the company was only giving me a 15 day trial with the pills and if I didn't like them to send them back, with in the 15 days, for a full refund. Sounds like any other advertisement I guess, but I didn't know about the 15 day trial period I must have missed that part when ordering.

I get these pills in the mail and it says at the end of these 15 days they were going to charge my account $88.62 for the pills. WHAT!?! I would never order pills that expensive. So I sent the pills back the next day with a highlighted price and a "HELL NO" on the receipt.

After I sent the pills back I called the company to let them know that I sent the pills back and to not charge my account. They said they would close my account and thank you for your business.

All taken care of right? Wrong!

A week later my husband called me with a question on our bank statement. I didn't know what he was talking about so I looked it up and sure enough this company pulled the money out of my account. I was pissed.

I got on the phone and asked them what did they think they were doing. They were trying to tell me that I didn't call them until two weeks after I really did and that my 15 days had expired even though I'd sent back the product the day after I received it in the mail.

First off they started counting days the day I ordered the pills. So even though I didn't have the pills in my hand or even in the mail those days were already counting down.

That is dishonest and I don't care what they say.

What they weren't counting on is I had a tracking number placed on the package that I sent back. They were trying to tell me that my time period was up on the fourth of February and I said that's great because I show that you received the pills back on the fourth of February.

The dude on the other end of the phone shut up after that one. He told me my money would be credited back to my account in five to ten business days.

Ten business days was over a week ago and still nothing.

I called my bank to put a stop payment on the account in case they tried to pull money again. I was talking to the bank teller and she said I was about the tenth person to call complaining about this company and trying to stop payment because they kept taking money out of their accounts and not even shipping any product to them.

She said the company was sneaky because in order to stop payment on something the company has to be asking for the exact amount your stopping; this company asks for a different amount every time they pull money to get around this rule.

I thought I was screwed until I remembered we'd recently received new debit cards and I used my old card to purchase the pills. I asked her if she could stop payment on any one trying to pull money with my old card number and she said yes.

Sweet, a ray of hope. I just hope all the places we used our old card have already gotten their money or this could turn into a bigger problem. But I think we've had our new ones long enough that it won't be a problem.

So here is where I get on my soap box. If you read an advertisement about a lady who started taking a colon cleanser pill and acaiberry pills together and has lost a dramatic amount of weight in a very short period of time DO NOT BELIEVE IT. It is such a scam.

Since this has happened I've ran into this same story three different times. The story is the EXACT same, verbatim, only the pictures and name has changed. It says you can leave comments at the bottom of the stories so people can give their feed back on their own stories, SCAM. I tried leaving a comment to warn people it was a scam and it will say the website is having technical problems and can't post my comment or it will say too many people have left comments that the comment box is full.

I've always thought I was way to smart to ever fall for a scam, but nope. With technology growing in leaps and bounds, so is crime and dishonesty. I've come up with a new rule that if the website isn't a reputable website like Amazon or EBay, I am not going to order anything. I know people have been dooped on EBay before too but at least EBay is trying to make their site as safe as they can.

I'm glad I only got swindled out of a couple hundred dollars. Some people get scammed out of thousands, sometimes their entire life savings, but I'm still pissed. It's not like my family can afford to just had people money for no reason. We donate thousands of dollars to charities every year but that goes for a good cause and that we choose to do, this is different. This money went to greedy dishonest people who deserve a big spanking and to be grounded for at least five to ten years.

Beaner's Baptism

Beaner was baptised on Saturday February 28th. She's got some goofy brothers and sister. She was the center of attention all day. I think she takes after me a bit and doesn't feel totally comfortable with being the center of attention.



She kept commenting on everyone wanting to take pictures with her. She did great! Beaner posing with Papa Guy.



Here is Grandma Lovely, Beaner and I. You can't tell she's loved can you?



Big D with his parents, Grandma Ellen and Papa Ray, and Beaner. She is a super star.



What a beautiful family, at least I think so but I may be a bit bias.



Here is Beaner right before she went into the water. Wow, isn't she beautiful!?!



And here she is right after. She said she wanted to go back into the water because she was cold.

After Brook Jr. was baptised, Beaner said, "Can I touch the water now?" I guess it was a running joke because this time it was Bug who said the same thing and that set off a whole procession of, "Can I touch the water too?" It will be funny if they remember and do it again at the next baptism they go to. It's a good thing kids are so cute and can get away with comments like that.

Lord's Hand February 2009

2/28/09~ Beaner was baptised today. What a special day for all of us but especially for her. Big D and I are so proud of her choice to take this step. She had a really good turn out. I think she got tired of being in every picture taken, she wanted to play. She was so beautiful dressed all in white. I am one proud mama.

2/26/09~ I went to Enrichment meeting tonight, we made watches. Mine turned out pretty cool. I found some curly shell beads that I loved so I got some other beads to match the shells. Of course one color is green, my favorite color. I know the shells will probably end up breaking off but until then I am going to enjoy my new watch. Now that I know how to make them I think I'm going to make some more. Maybe make different bands to wear with different outfits, not that I wear a watch a lot. I think this is the first time in about four years since I wore a watch last. Now when I want to know what time it is I check on my cell phone. I still love my watch, it's a practical functional bracelet. It suits my personality, I am very practical.

2/25/09~ We took Beaner to Deseret Book to buy her new scriptures. She also got a beautiful white baptism dress and a cute scripture bag. I was so impressed with how quickly she made up her mind. She my one that loves to contemplate all the options, very methodical. I hope she feels special and understands what a special day Saturday is going to be for her. She also got to go to Achievement Days with Bug this week for the first time. She's been waiting a long time to be able to go with her sister. Now she can be a big girl too.

2/24/09~ I ran for two miles straight today. I am so stoked I never thought I could run one mile let alone two. I am building up my endurance when I go to the gym but I'm still not losing the weight as quick as I thought I would. My brother drops his kids off every morning on his way to work. He said he's impressed that every time he drops the kids off I'm gone. He said that I am either at the gym every morning or taking an early morning donut run. I told him that if you look at me, it looks like I'm taking a donut run, but I swear I'm going to the gym. I have witnesses if I need to call them in for questioning.

2/23/09~ Lowell and Rae brought Bear to me so I could stay away a little longer. I still had to make sure I made it home in time for the kids to get out of school, piece of cake (I was about thirty minutes late, oops shhh don't tell anyone). I stopped at Tai Pan on my way home, Bear was bored out of his mind. I found a gate I really wanted so I asked an employee if she could carry it up front until I was done shopping. When I got up front I saw my gate, broken. She felt so bad, it fell over and broke some of the decorative pieces off. I was so excited when I saw that, cha ching. I asked her if she'd still sell it to me at a discounted price. She agreed to take 50% off, I probably could've gotten more but I've never been a good bargainer, I don't like to hurt people's feelings. I got the gate home and asked Brook if he could weld my gate back together and he said yes, woo. Only one problem, it's too big to go on my mantle, which is what I bought it for. Now I don't know where I'm going to put it, but that's okay because I got a good deal.

2/22/09~ Celine Dion I Love You!!! Rae and I finally got to go to our concert. We've waited over a year to go. I tried to take pictures but we were in the nose bleed section so they didn't turn out that great, okay they are crappy but I'm keeping them anyway. Celine is such a good entertainer. I can tell why she makes big bucks, she's awesome. She put on a two hour show in six inch heals dancing, jumping on the piano, and five wardrobe changes. Wow, she's so awesome. I loved how engaging she was with the audience.

2/21/09~ I am working on my homework that is due tomorrow, I know not a very exciting thing to be doing when I'm suppose to be on a run away from responsibility weekend. I am waiting for Ann to get home from a scuba dive in a crater and Marie to get home from work. After they get home we are going to the go kart races, YEAH!

2/20/09~ I left early and went straight to C's house. We had a great time getting lost looking for a cookie warehouse store, antique stores, and the fair grounds (they were suppose to be having an antique fair this weekend). You should be proud of me, I did not eat any of the cookies C bought, but I think I gained about 5 pounds just by walking through the front door of the store. It smelt fabulous!!!

2/19/09~ Run Run Run that is all we did all day: library, girls' school, Bear's school, store, my school, DI, bank, on and on and on. I am so tired and I still have homework, dishes, packing for tomorrow, and wrapping up church responsibilities since I won't be here again. I am so looking forward to running away again. I should run away every weekend, I'd probably get fired as a secretary, mom, car pooler, aunt, and wife.

2/18/09~ Big D called me up from Mutual asking if I would bring the kids up to him at the church. They were playing dodge ball and only ten kids showed up so he was recruiting. I decided it would be good exercises for all of us. We all did great, even with Bear getting kicked in the back by his best friend, Little Jon. It was a great workout and we all went home sweaty and stinky.

2/17/09~ Wow, I am feeling the repercussions of the weekend. I need to get back into things like homework, working out, and cleaning my house. It is amazing how refreshed I feel after I take a weekend and run away. The best part about it is I get to do it again next weekend. I get to go back to my sisters' for the weekend and go to Celine Dion, hopefully. Last concert I was suppose to go to she cancelled so hopefully she is feeling better and I get to listen to her sing. I am excited, it is going to be just Rae and I.

2/16/09~ I really missed my kids. I know Big D did too but he's the one who had to point it out to me. We stopped at some stores as we worked our way home and I kept finding stuff I wanted to buy for our kids. Big D came up behind me and said, "You really miss the kids don't you?" I didn't realize it up to that point but he was right. I wanted to go home and hug and kiss each one of them. I wish they would've missed me as much as I missed them, but that isn't possible when they stay at Grandma Honey and Papa Guy's house. All that spoiling keeps them occupied, I wonder if my kids even noticed we were gone?

2/15/09~ We spent the day at my sisters' house. I relaxed and Big D did some home work, he has a huge test on Tuesday. After being lazy all day we went and checked into our hotel room where we were planning on going swimming only to find out the swim pool was outside and closed up for the winter. I forgot to see if the pool was and indoor pool, oops my bad.

2/14/09~ Big D and I went to Monster Jam, a monster truck rally. We had the best time. It made us miss our little boys though, they would have loved those huge trucks especially since they have a toy of one of them: the Bull Dozer. Before the rally, or jam, Big D and I went and raced go carts. It took us back to our second date when we'd done the same thing. It was funny because on that second date is when Big D whisper in my deaf ear, "Can I kiss you?" and when I turned my head to ask him what he said he planted one right on me. After he'd pulled away and saw my huge eyes he asked what was wrong, he'd asked if it was okay. I had to remind him I am deaf in that ear. So this weekend he walked up behind me and whispered in my good ear, "Can I kiss you?" and I said yes. I was a bit confused as why he felt like he had to ask. After I kissed him he started laughing. I asked him what was so funny and he said he meant to whisper in my deaf ear. He is such a romantic.

2/13/09~ Happy Friday the 13th, muwa ah ah ah =0 Today we are running away and I am so excited. Big D and I are taking off for the weekend for our 13th anniversary, how ironic isn't it. I just hope Big D doesn't get in his head he wants to watch a scary movie to commemorate the big occasion, I don't do scary I have too vivid of an imagination. The kids are all stoked about spending the weekend at Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's house. They get spoiled rotten out there, I love it as much as they do.

2/12/09~ Bud got invited to go to another play date with his buddies. When we were picking the rest of the kids up from school the mom of Bud's play date asked if Bear wanted to come along. He was so excited, he'd been begging all day to go play at someones house but I couldn't get a hold of his friend. The first thing Bud said was, "I am looking forward to another cupcake". Last time they stopped at the store on their way home and got a cupcake. I told him he didn't get a cupcake every time he went to a play date, but he doesn't see it that way. Sure enough they both came home with cupcakes.

2/11/09~ It's official, and I finally have permission to announce: Brook and Andy are engaged. He asked her Monday evening with all their kids around. I tried to talk him into letting me stand outside the window so I could watch but I was denied. So I did the next best thing, I sent my camera with my niece to take pictures. Unfortunately, I still haven't seen my camera yet. So when I do get my camera back I will post the pictures and give more details.

2/10/09~ I watched "The Biggest Loser", and I probably shouldn't have. It usually inspires me and gives me ideas on what to try to stay motivated, but tonight it did the opposite. They have been working out for six weeks at this point in the show and they've all lost like forty, some sixty, pounds at this point. Well, I've been working out for six weeks and I'm struggling to keep the measly six or seven pounds off. I was totally bummed after the show with what little progress I've made. Everyone keeps saying to hang in that the weight is going to just melt off, but it's not. I have got to be doing something wrong because at this point all that I've realized is my lifestyle before wasn't as bad as I thought if when I'm working my butt off nothing is happening. It never fails when I feel like I'm doing great and I stand on the scale, it slaps me in the face with how little my hard work paying off. Wow, I need to buck up and quit whining.

2/9/09~ I think I partied a little too hard this last weekend, I am not feeling well. It's funny how crappy junk food makes you feel. I never noticed that before. Beaner is still celebrating her birthday, Grandma Ellen and Papa Ray took her out to dinner and shopping for a present. She is so thoughtful she came home with something for everyone, even Lynn and Brook Jr. It's a good thing they went to the dollar store. It makes me so proud of how thoughtful and loving Beaner is. I just hope she knows that some times things can just be about her and they don't have to include everyone else. I just want her to feel as special as we all think she is.

2/8/09~ Beaner's official birthday. We had a nice birthday dinner at Grandma Ellen and Papa Ray's. She asked for salmon for dinner, but I don't know if it is because she loves it or if she just knows it's my favorite. She is such a people pleaser that I wouldn't put it past her. I need to teach her that it's okay to pick stuff she likes on her special day, she only gets one a year. She is such my tender one.

2/7/09~ We had a busy day!!! We started the morning off with Brook Jr.'s baptism. It was so neat seeing him and his father in all white. I am soooo proud of both of them for the decisions they've made. I hope Brook Jr. knows how loved he is, he had quite a bit turn out. I think our group had one of the biggest followings, it was great to see everyone there to support Brook and Brook Jr.

We had a luncheon after the baptism and then we all went home and changed and went skating for Beaner's birthday. We were suppose to celebrate her birthday next weekend but it's my and Big D's 13th anniversary and we'll be gone. We sent out invitations for Beaner's party the day before so we knew not many friends would show up but she still had a good thirty people there, of course, most were relatives but that's okay. I think she we succeeded in making her feel special.

2/6/09~ It is Beaner's birthday tomorrow, Yeah for Beaner! I asked her what treat she wanted to share with her class and she said peanut butter candies. Those of you who know me know that peanut butter and chocolate are one of my biggest weaknesses. I put off making them until about 10 p.m. last night so I wouldn't have to pass by and smell them through out the evening. I didn't get to bed until 11 p.m., which made it hard to get up for the gym.

Bud, Bear, and I went with Beaner and her class to see the movie "The Tales of Despereux". The theater had a special showing just for us and gave all the kids a soda, popcorn, and a candy. My kids are not used to getting treats at the movies, because they are lucky we could afford to get into the movie in the first place. All the kids had a great time and I think it made Beaner feel special that we'd come with her. The only one that wasn't there was Bug, she had to go to her class and she let us know how unfair it was that we all got to go to the movies for school.

2/5/09~ Bud had a play date with some friends from school. He was so excited, I don't think he's ever done that before. Bear had a bit of a hard time with it. When we were picking the kids up from school, then left without Bud, Bear started freaking out. When he grasped the concept of Bud going home with friends, Bear decided the only way to make him feel better was to go over to a friends house. I could not get him to drop it, every two seconds, "can I go over to Jon's house?" Needless to say, he did not get to go and that made him upset.

2/4/09~ I had my first study group for my history class. We have to give a big presentation on March 5th, plus, write two papers by April 3rd. I remember the first time I was in college, right after high school, I was timid and still fearful, so to speak, of professors and authority figures. Now that I am older, sometimes the age of my professor, I'm not so timid. I don't fear, or even desire, the approval of my professor. I am there to learn something, they are there to teach me something, we don't have to be friends. Don't get me wrong, I give proper respect, I'm just not out for everyone to like me. I guess I'm maturing, it helps when I'm one of the oldest in my class. I don't really have any other options than maturing. I can't, and don't want too, go back in time to my teeny bopper days. I like having confidence and not relying on others view of me for my self-esteem. Maturing is great!

2/3/09~ Big D had to go into work early so I was unable to do my morning ritual of getting up at 5 a.m. and going to the gym. I think I finally understand others reactions when they say they get to a point where they crave the gym. Not working out threw my whole day off. I couldn't focus and I forgot every thing: to take Bear to school, Bug's Achievement Days, how to cope with life in general. I so cannot miss working out again, I thought I was going to go crazy.

2/2/09~ Bear and I ran errands all day. Big D called us up in the middle of our errands and invited us out to lunch. I'd promised Bear that after we were done with Wal-mart we'd go over to the mall so he could play in the play area. When he found out we were going to lunch with dad he asked if we could go play first then go to lunch. I don't think he grasps that dad has a time limit for lunch. Bear was a good sport about lunch first but he never let us forget that we were doing the play area next. He had a great time making new friends at the play area until on little boy, who progressively got more aggressive, grabbed him from behind and threw him down slamming his head into a fiberglass fish. After that he was ready to go home. I am very impressed with how well he has been playing with others. He is getting more gentle and considerate all the time. I love to watch him play.

2/1/09~ Super Bowl Sunday! The only game we watch every year, and to be honest it's for the commercials. This year the commercials sucked but the game was pretty good, especially at the end. My team didn't win but I'm used to that because I always root for the under dog. I think I may have over done it on all the good food this weekend. I'm going to have to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch on the weight loss program, that's okay because Big D over did it too.