Christmas Wishes

So, quickly, because the next batch of goodies is ready to come out of the oven-

I want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS! What a beautiful time of year to remember our Savior and His birth. I heard my new favorite Christmas song that I thought I'd share with you all and hope it touches you just as much! However, I can't figure out how to add it to song player, so I am putting the youtube video here and hope you enjoy it.

Lesson Learned- maybe

So, do you all remember the funny that my son told me about wearing my pajama pants while taking him to school? Well, yesterday I learned something about not doing my hair before I take him to school. Most days I just jump out of the shower, brush my teeth, gel my hair and moisturize my face. Oh ya, and get dressed. But, aside from gelling the hair and brushing it to a smooth, greezy-looking hair helmet I don't usually do anything with it. Hair takes time and they are so many more enjoyable things to do with my time than blowdrying my hair so I don't embarrass my kids. I can list a few if you like, but really, they are already listed on my sidebar under my family and friend blogs and my shameless blog stalking lists. Anyhow, I ran a ton of errands yesterday and the wind was blowing and it was dry and cold (static) and when I got home I looked like this:

So, after showing my crazy hair all over town I thought maybe I would do something to make me look not quite so insane. After just a few minutes of primping and spritzing I was no longer a total embarrassment to my family. I was one hot mama!

Now isn't that better? The sacrifice of my time was well worth it, don't you think? WHAT? That isn't the same person? That isn't even me? Well, I never...

Okay you got me, but my hair did look like a frizzy mess in my before which I am too embarrassed, myself, to post. My hair was also pretty sweet looking in my after even if my hair isn't that long and thick and beautiful. In my defense, though, I didn't have to waste time blowdrying my hair because the wind had done a fantabulous job of getting ever strand uber dry. I only had to straight-iron it and put some more smootz in it and viola- sexy momma!

Theme song- Fixing her hair by Ani DiFranco. The into is VERY long, but it is so appropriate for this post.

Where are you Christmas?

So, if you read my last post you will know that I live in filth. I did laundry for the better part of yesterday and you can see my front room. YEAH.

Unfortunately we still have a LARGE pool table/air hockey table that was given to us and is just taking up room in my front room. It currently is a place just to stack random crap that I need to actually put away. It is not being used for its original purpose. I am sure that if the table had feelings it would be sad that it is so used! With it there I have no place to rearrange my furniture and put up my Christmas tree. I am having a seriously hard time getting into the Christmas mood without my Christmas tree. I need to see the bazillion white lights and all the random ornaments that adorn my tree every December. I need to hear the music in the background telling me- "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." And I need to believe it! I need to bust out the garland that drapes across my super long, uber cool mantle that my friend made for me. I need to hang the stockings from the mantle and light the candles that will fill my house and nostrils with the Christmas spirit. The ONLY WAY FOR THIS TO HAPPEN is to get that table OUT OF MY FRONT ROOM. Anyone want it? You gotta pick it up. We are not your normal Mormon family with a truck, so I have no way to get it to your house, but I need it gone. Hubby has promised it to his sister, but she has yet to show her face at my house to get the monstrosity. It is in great condition, but really, my kids aren't old enough to know how to play pool. They use the stick to fight which isn't my favorite activity for them to engage in in my living room. They have already lost one set of the mini balls, which I have replaced and put away for safe keeping until someone gets the table OUT OF MY FRONT ROOM!

Any takers?

Theme song- Where are you Christmas? by Faith Hill from the movie- How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey.

This is where I apologize profusely

I have been neglecting my blog friends. Can you ever forgive me? I have been working like a crazy woman doing so many other things that maybe I should just be committed. I don't want to reveal too much private information, but I happen to have a governmental job that gets REALLY busy around the holidays. If you can't figure that one out you might want to check your mailbox for a clue. Anywho- I'm now working like 50 hours a week, I also have a side business making personalized vinyl stickers (which I totally love doing) and I have 4 kids and a hubby to take care of. My house is a trash hole, I barely got the dishes done, but the stack of crap on the counter (School papers, DVDs, half empty grocery bags, books, and nick nacks) is still overflowing. My sink has yet to be disinfected. My bathroom hasn't seen a scrubber in more weeks than I care to admit. There are laundry baskets full of clothes that have been waiting to be folded (and since I haven't gotten around to that we have been living out of laundry baskets for the last 2 weeks- don't judge my wrinkly clothes, okay?). My bed only gets made right before I get into it, and that is only if I happen to be going to bed before hubby. If he gets in bed first, forget that. We just have to fight over who gets the most covers. I have uncased DVDs scattered in my front room and the cases are just as scattered. And still I sit here, feeling bad that my blog friends have not seen much of me lately. Can you tell where you all rank on my priority list? Just after dishes, but way ahead of laundry. I know you feel special.

So, here is my crazy apology.

1. First of all I am sorry that I told you all about my crazy house. Just don't try to mentally picture it or you might be disgusted by me and never visit my blog again.
2. I am sorry that I only have one or two days a week to check on your blogs and comment. Trust me, I am still trying to keep up with all of you, and if possible comment on your postings. I love comments. I am addicted to comments, but since I have been MIA on the blogging scene so much lately my comments are dwindling. I sense some pent up hostility in the form of the silent treatment, people!
3. I am sorry that my postings have lost some of their flavor. I haven't been in my right mind for the last... 32 years. I am trying to be creative, cool, humorous and just plain funny to keep your attention, but really I am not that funny. Ask the people that really know me.
4. I am sorry for the last of background music changes. This one I am trying to remedy- tonight's theme song is Sorry by Buck Cherry. "Please enjoy the music while your party is being reached." (Couldn't help myself)
5. Lastly, I am so, so very sorry just for being so sorry. Retarded, I know, but hey, I already told you I haven't been in my right mind for 32 years.

So, do you forgive me? No seriously, I need to know. If you don't, at least tell me so I can go flush my head in my uber disgusting toilet (thanks CTD for the totally awesome slang- couldn't help myself). I'm waiting for you to click the comment button...

(Theme song to Jeopardy- do do do do do do do do do do do do dododododo do do do do do do do...do do do do do do do, dum dum.)

Do I have to beg for a comment? I'm on my knees pleading! Just picture it! PLEASE!

Gingerbread Mansions

My kids love my cousins' tradition of making gingerbread houses every year the day after Thanksgiving. That day is only for the adults, though. My kids get really excited to see what I create. I didn't get any pictures of my gingerbread house this year. Sorry to disappoint you all. If you want to see a fantabulous house, though, here is my cousin's house she did. She has quite the talent. We were sitting at the same table this year, but her talent did not cross the table to my area, so just imagine that mine turned out this good (even though it really didn't).

Anyhow, my kids have been asking me EVERY day when they were going to make theirs. Last year we started our own family tradition. After I make mine I help the kids make little Graham Cracker Houses. Last night we finally got around to it. It was a blast, and a mess. Dalen was worried that the kids were getting the icing on the table. I told him it will come off fairly easy, I just have to get it wet. He looked at me like, "There is no way!" But what he really said made me laugh. "If it is so easy to get off of the table why is it like cement on the house, making it nearly impossible to steal candy off of it?" Now I know who the homewrecker is. It isn't just my kids, but my hubby has shown them what to do- steal my candy and ruin my gingerbread house.

Malia with her house. She had more fun eating all of the candy.

Kylie was really proud of her creation!

Snake with his house. At one point his roof was falling down and he tried really hard to fix it himself- this included just stacking all of the graham crackers on top of each other and calling it good.

Now this is just funny- Britin was done with making her house, so she went into the bathroom. Unbeknownst to us, she was playing with daddy's razor. Mind you, this in not the first time she has done this. Nor is it the second time. This is actually the third time my daughter has tried to shave her face. (I can hear all of the cries of pain- we have all been there, maybe more in the leg area of the body, but a razor cut none the less). This is the reason for the tears. It wasn't nearly as bad as the previous 2 times, but really, 3 times. Is it really that hard of a lesson to learn?

Passing it on

When I was young my Grandma taught me how to make rolls, bread and cookies. Yes, folks, my world famous cookies were from the mind of my grandma. Of course, I have perfected them over the last 100 years (since I am oh, so old), but they started with a Grandma spending some quality time with her granddaughter. Good memories.

But, Cookies are not the point of my story. My point is ROLLS. Each year we have Thanksgiving with Dalen's family I am required to make the rolls. I do as my Grandma did. This year was extra special because my Kylie wanted to get in on the action. I had her help me with measuring, mixing, rolling, buttering and baking. She was a natural. Just like her mom, though, she doesn't like to be dirty/messy, so as soon as it became too much for her little hands to mix the dough she ran into the bathroom to clean off all of the sticky dough, leaving me to finish adding enough flour to unstickify it. (hey, that's a Julie word, don't be looking it up in Webster's dictionary). I was so proud of that little/big girl, who wants so hard to be like me, although that is quite a scary thought. Enjoy the few moments Dalen captured for me to always remember my first moment of passing down the rolls to another generation.



Theme song- From the classic movie Jungle Book from Disney- "I Wanna Be Like You."

Another really great giveaway found through blog stalking

I have already joined BSA (not the Boy Scouts of America- Blog Stalkers Anonymous). Really it isn't a group to help overcome blog stalking as it is a group to encourage and give ideas to find more fun blogs to stalk. A little backwards? Probably, but I am not ready to give up on my addiction.

Today, whilest checking out my favs on my sidebar, My trusty friend, the author of Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind is now having a groovy giveaway. Check it out. As always, if you win and you got her link from me I am like the government, I take half of your winnings. Really, it is only fair, right?

My Children did NOT get this from me

I was sitting today thinking about all the seriously funny things my kids do and realized that none of this comes from me. They get it all from their Dad's DNA. I'll add as many pictures as I can to illustrate my point since I know y'all love pics. But, as you will read, some of these are not appropriate for viewing, hence there are no pictures to view.

1. Britin is a girlie girl. She loves skirts and dresses. If she is MADE to wear pants she rolls them up so they don't touch her ankle, thus defeating the purpose of keeping her legs warm in cold weather. I, on the other hand, wear skirts and dresses only when necessary.
2. All of my kids love to look at themselves in the mirror, especially Jacob. He would stay there all day if there was a computer next to the mirror. Playing games and checking himself out are his 2 favorite things. Here's one for the "no pictures" items. He gets undressed before he gets in the shower and jiggles himself all down while watching. Strange child.
3. Malia loves to be naked. When she gets ready for naptime it is a requirement that shoes, socks and pants MUST come off. She has finally learned to keep the shirt on since she is a wiggler in her sleep and the blankets need a little help keeping her warm. I hope no one turns me in for the following totally inappropriate picture. It's just too funny not to share.
4. Britin loves to make up her own songs. I have already posted a number of songs Britin sings, but in case you have missed any previously here is one of my favorite performances.

These few things them brought me to my next thought of the things my kids did get from me. Hmmmmmm- Well, Kylie looks like me. Britin loves to laugh (I love to laugh). Jacob is a lover (I consider myself a lover). Malia- I couldn't come up with one so I asked Dal- he said, "good looks." Either he really wants to score some brownie points with me or he forgot to take the trash out like I asked and he is just buttering me up. I love him either way.

Theme song for tonight- My Little Girl by Tim McGraw. Always reminds me of my daughters and hoping that they might want to dance to this song at their weddings... in the VERY far off future.

End Of November- We are so very thankful

I got this idea from my friend. We had Family Home Evening last week and for the activity (and really the lesson, too, because keeping young kids attentive for more than 5 minutes is nearly impossible) we came up with a Thankful Alphabet. In parenthesis is the person who came up with the thankful word. Some are really funny, some are just great!

Apples- because it is one of my kids' favorite snacks (Mom)
Babies- we love our babies (Dad)
Candy- do we really need an explanation??? (Kylie)
Dad- simply precious (Jacob)
Eggs- a great lunch for the kids (Britin)
Food- need I say more???(Mom)
God (Dad)
Heaven (Kylie)
Ice Cream- a man after my own heart (Jacob)
Jesus- there was no hinting on this one, she came up with it all on her own!!(Britin)
Kylie- he loves his sister (Jacob went out of turn, but he really wanted to say his sister)
Life (Mom)
Mommy- very good answer!!! (Dad)
Neighbors- they brought cookies over to us the night before, they really are great! (Kylie)
Owen- a friend from church (Jacob)
Plugs/pacifiers (Malia)
Quilts- she needed a little bit of help on this one (Britin)
Rabbits- they miss our bunny (Malia)
Sundays- I get to go to church with my family (Mom)
Tickles- daddy's favorite thing to do! (Dad)
Utah- a wonderful place to live (Kylie)
Vote- a blessing to do so in our country (Jacob)
Water (Britin)
Xoxoxoxo- kisses and hugs (Malia)
Youngbloods- a really special family (Mom)
Zippers- not a fan of button flies (Dad)

Side note- when we got to "u" it was Kylie's turn. She blurted out (no prompting, I swear) "I am NOT going to say Utes." In case you are not from around these parts, the University of Utah Utes are MAJOR rivals with the BYU Cougars (especially in football). Our family bleeds blue and Kylie has been present for many discussions on the highlights of my BYU glory days. Go Cougars! In honor of my Alma Mater the Cougar fight song is tonight's theme song. If you feel so inclined- here are the words. Sing Loud and Proud!!!

Rise, all loyal Cougars and hurl your challenge to the foe.
You will fight, day or night, rain or snow.
Loyal, strong, and true
Wear the White and Blue.
While we sing, get set to spring.
Come on Cougars, it's up to you!

CHORUS:
So Rise and Shout, the Cougars are out
Along the the trail to fame and glory.
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out,
As you unfold your vict'ry story.
On you go to vanquish the foe
For Alma Mater's sons and daughters.
As we join in song, in praise of you, our faith is strong.
We'll raise our colors high in the blue,
And cheer our Cougars of BYU.

Ingenious

So, yesterday I caught my son doing this on the computer. Don't be afraid, he wasn't surfing the dangerous web or playing any seriously violent games. He was playing a fun Star Wars game his friend let him borrow. Call my overprotective... no seriously, you can call me overprotective, I know I am. I have to know what kind of games they are playing. I have to get them on to the internet and once on they have to stay on the page I put them on or they get grounded from the computer for the rest of the day or week, depending how severe the offense is. So, I was just checking in on Snake when I saw this. Look at the picture first, then watch the video. I don't know why, but I just had to giggle at my son's ingenuity.


So, I was looking up words that describe his inventiveness. Here is what the thesaurus say about Snake. astute, brainy, bright, clever, genius, gifted, ingenious, intellectual, inventive, knowing, knowledgeable, profound, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart, talented, whiz kid.

And I am sure that if you looked up any of these words in the dictionary you would see a picture of this guy...



Theme song- Private Eyes by Hall and Oates, because I got the first picture by sneaking up on him!

And the Oscar goes to...

Kylie, for her supporting role in the "Story of Thanksgiving."

Her class had a presentation yesterday. Kylie did great. She was so fun to watch. I sat down first, but then this other lady decided to put a chair in front of me- rude, huh? She was courteous enough to ask if I could still see. DUH! Why do you ask, why don't you just move out of my way??? Seriously, some people. Well, then Kylie's teacher moved the class over a bit, which put the lady's big head right in my way, so I had to lean this way and that to get pictures of my daughter. I should have been just as rude and told her she was totally in my way and to move her hiney, but my mom didn't raise me like that. SO, these are the best pics I could get. Sorry if they are blurry. This time I am totally blaming it on the lady with the big head and rude personality!

Kylie sitting Indian-style, getting ready for one of the songs.

Kylie's cousin, Wyatt. He is in her class.

More of Kylie's friends. Andrew is in the middle (green shirt). He goes to church with us.

Kylie's boyfriend, Aidan. So, I know she still has 9 years until she can date, but she totally is Jonesing for Aidan.

It's all about the love

So, the other day I was in my office when I heard a strange singing coming from the bathroom. I grabbed the camera immediately, knowing whatever it was was going to be blog-worthy. My beautiful Bits, THE UMM (Ultimate Mischief Maker) was singing to herself. We have a full length mirror on the wall and she was admiring herself. I love her confidence!

And, I think that her song should be the theme song for today, so I am turning off the automatic play on my theme music. Just for today, though.

Best Giveaway EVER!

So ladies, (because I'm pretty sure my humor does not entertain the male gender) I was blog stalking, per my usual routine and found this FANTABULOUS giveaway. She is a great inspiration to the world of motherhood, let me tell ya! Funny stuff to read, so take a moment and check out her blog. And...don't forget to enter the giveaway. BTW, if you win and you found out about the giveaway I am like the government- I take half of your winnings. You think I'm kidding, don't you???

Things I Have Done...Tagged

Okay, now that my 100th is done, I can get back to my regularly scheduled program. YEAH!

Copy the list and highlight the ones (mine are green) that are true about you :)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (not fun!)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21.Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (my friend asked who would answer this truthfully...I will. I have, not proud of it, but yes, I was YOUNG!)
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (do those charicatures at carnivals count?)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (seriously disgusting!)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (more than once even!)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Talked your way out of a ticket

Theme song: Toby Keith's "I Wanna Talk About Me." heehee!

#100

In honor of my 100th post (I know it took me a little while to get back in the blogworld- it is quite intimidating to have to come up with 100 things to write about) I thought I'd change up the tradition a little bit. Here goes:

If I Had A Million Dollars I Would

1. The obvious is pay off all my debt. Wouldn't that be great? My school loans were worth it because if I hadn't gone to college at BYU I wouldn't have met my gorgeous hubby. If he hadn't gone to school he wouldn't be a cool medical equipment technician. The house isn't the best, but it sure would be nice not to have to pay on the thing anymore! AND, I would tear up all my credit cards...not that I have a lot, I would just get rid of them F.O.R.E.V.E.R!
2. I would also like to help my parents and Dally's parents. I'd probably buy my parents a home up here to encourage them to come live by me. I would really love my kids to have them closer. One visit a year is not enough! They are awesome grandparents and my bro- who still lives at home would come with them, and he is the best uncle E.V.E.R!
3. I would move my sisters closer too. Okay, only some of them, but at least I would have most of my family together. I am not going to mention which sister I wouldn't have close by, but according to her I am not her sister, so I doubt she would want to live close by "non-relatives."
4. I would drop all of my clothes off at DI and make a run to the closest mall with a few of my stylish friends and have them help me get a new wardrobe. I am not the best at picking out great clothes and I don't venture too far away from the Jeans section of any store. I am a total jean-junkie!
5. I would make an appointment for laser hair removal. I totally would. I don't think I need to be wasting time shaving, plucking, and waxing if I have a million dollars, so I would get all the hair removed (except for my hair that is in the right place- which is already doing a darn good job of removing itself- female balding runs in my family- I know you are excited to know that about me).
6. I would have my hair and nails done. I have been a nail biter off and on since I was little. Only a few times have I had my nails done and I totally love it. It makes me feel more feminine. Also, since I went gray at 18 (yes, balding and graying- YIKES) I would keep my hair weaved on time. Right now I can barely stretch the budget to get it done every 6 months, which makes me a skunk for way too long!
7. Remember me saying I would pay off my house? Well, then, I would tear this one down and rebuild. I'd build one that doesn't have a dungeon for a basement. One with more kitchen, a master bathroom, better carpet, and maybe a few more rooms so it is easier for all my family to visit. Of course, if they are all living close that wouldn't really be a necessity, would it? I also would love a bigger master bedroom!
8. Speaking of master bedrooms- I would love a new bed. We have been married 9 years and have never had real bedroom furniture. I would love a beautiful sleigh bed or something cool like that. An end of the bed trunk, a gorgeous vanity/desk for all my goods, nice bedside tables, the works.
9. I would tear out my yard, level it and make it beautiful. I love the size of my yard, it was one of the main selling points to us. There is total room for our kids to run and get all the energy out, but if you run too much you also take your chances on a sprained ankle. The yard is COMPLETELY uneven!
10. I would pave our driveway. I hate graval driveways. In the snow I can't shovel, in the rain- don't even get me started!
11. I would have a few more trees planted in my yard. I love trees.
12. I would have a new garden area put in. One with weedless soil. Or, I would hire someone to weed my garden every week during gardening season if weedless soil isn't possible. I hate to weed. I know it is a necessary evil to keep a garden going, but I don't have a fondness for weeds.
13. I'd put in a privacy vinyl fence. It isn't because I don't love my neighbors. I truly think they are great. I am so blessed to live here, but I also like to keep my kids safe. There is a sex-offender of the registry that lives only a couple blocks from here and I am over-protectice with my kids I think. I don't let them in the front yard unless I am with them!
14. I'd buy a bike. I haven't had a bike since I was probably a young teen. (I didn't even have a bike on my mission. Sister missionaries just borrowed bikes from members in the area that they served in. I only had 2 biking areas. Other than that I walked or had a car. For those who aren't LDS- I am, this one might not make a whole lot of sense, sorry!) I would love to take my whole family on cool bike rides. Right now the kids and daddy are the only ones who go, of course they usually go when mommy is at work, so it isn't too big of a deal, but I want to be included.
    
15. I am aware of my vanity, did you know I am vain? You probably didn't because I dress like a crazy woman and never really have my hair done. But because of vanity I would totally have a tummy tuck and probably an chestal-area lift. I don't think I would go for an enhancement, but I don't need a pair of knee-knockers. I know that was too much information.
16. I'd pay for a personal trainer. I'd like to lose the fat, too, to go along with the vanity thing, but I would like to do that the right way. The tummy tuck is for the extra skin and stretch marks from having 4 beautiful kids.
17. I'd but a lifetime supply of Smart Cookies for all my friends- ya, you know who you are, Laina, Melinda, Shanna, Sherry, etc... If you don't live nearby, you are definitely missing out. These are fantabulous sugar cookies.
18. I would buy a copy of Mamma Mia for all of my ladies that went to see the movie with me- we had such a great ladies night out! Thanks for indulging me, and coming out with me for a super-fun night!
19. Get a closet full of new suits for Dalen. He looks totally hot in a stylish suit. He may not think so, but isn't my opinion the one that really counts?
20. Buy a vaccum that really works. Or maybe just hire a maid service since I really don't clean my house anyway. Since I will have a new house I am sure that I will want it to stay clean, and the only way for that to really happen is for someone else to do it.
21. Stock up on hot cocoa mix. I am addicted! I might even have to buy a few more cocoa-motion machines. It is the best invention!
22. Go on a trip to Hawaii with my hubby.
23. Then I would go on a trip to Hawaii with all my ladies. If you want to go, just let me know. Not that I will have a million dollars anytime soon, but just in case it ever happens.
24. I would download tons of music from iTunes. I love music!
25. Download a bunch of audiobooks while I was at it!
26. Get my teeth whitened...so we are back to the vanity thing, what can I say?
    
27. Actually I think I'll get braces first to straighten my teeth and widen them (I don't know if that makes any sense to anyone but me) and then I'd have my teeth whitened. I'd really like to love my smile someday!
28. I'd upgrade my computer. I have a super cool monitor now, I had to get a new one when the old one kicked the bucket, but the computer is outdated, huge and very crazy.
29. Buy educational toys for my kids, and buckets to make them all organized. I'd love to have one of those play rooms you see in magazine or on TLC when they make a super awesome family/play room.
30. I'd buy fashionable clothes for my kids. They currently have only hand-me-downs. I am grateful for all my family and friends who help me keep my kids in clothes, but lately Jake and Kylie have to wear high-waters. They are growing too fast.
31. I'd get Malia a ton of pacifiers. She loses them constanly, and I don't think she is quite ready to give them up. This is getting hard!
    
32. I love MASH, as most of you probably know. The ringtone on my phone for all callers except the hubby is the MASH themesong. I would finally buy the whole series of the show.
33. Since I am on the topic of my favorite TV show and what I would like to have the collection of- I would also get the following: JAG
34. NCIS
35. PSYCH (hilarious!)
36. Monk
37. Dawson's Creek (I know this is a teenie-bopper show, but I loved it when it was on)
38. Law and Order (the regular show)
39. Law and Order Criminal Intent
40. Law and Order SVU (but only the first few seasons- I don't watch this one anymore because #1 I don't really watch TV anymore and #2 it is getting to be too much!)
41. Matlock. Back in the day, I loved watching this show. Anytime of day it was on, I watched it. When I was working graveyard shift early in my marriage, Dalen and I would come home on our lunch break (we worked at the same place) and we would have lunch/dinner together and I'd sit down for a showing of Matlock.
42. Simon and Simon- thanks to my parents I love this oldie. The theme song alone can make me get up and dance! I remember my parents dancing to this when I was young!
43. The Nanny. Dalen hates this show, but I loved it. I used to watch all the reruns on Lifetime- again, back in the day when I watched TV A LOT!
44. Back to my house that I am going to build- I want a wrap around porch wide enough to have a swing and some super-comfy chairs to sit on in the evening and watch the sun go down.
45. I'd actually put A/C in my house. This is quite the fabulous idea since I have been toasting in my house the last 3 years. Swampcoolers just don't do the trick and they warp all the doors and make my house feel muggy.
46. I'd pay for Laina and Melinda's houses so they would be able to stay here. I don't want them to move away! I love my friends!
47. I'd pay for a lot for Shanna to move her house back into our neighborhood. I know your house isn't going to be very far away once it is finished, but I don't want you to move any farther than you already are!
48. I'd have a super awesome food storage. This is something Dalen really wants to have, so I thought I would add it for his sake. On top of the fact that since our economy is going in the crapper it would be a great thing to have.
49. I'd go to Culinary School. I love to cook! It is great when I learn to make something great and I'd love to learn the true art!
50. I want to learn how to make wedding cakes- really awesome ones! I'd even make them for free for all my friends and family, and maybe anyone else that strikes my fancy (isn't that a great term?). For my friends in the blogging world, if this really happens- I so would do this for all your kids if you wanted, but again, the possibility of my getting a million dollars is next to nill, but I can always dream, right? Half way there!
51. I'd hire a videographer to document the lives of my kids. There are way too many precious moments I miss with my camera and I don't want to miss anymore of them. They really are cute/funny/great kids! No matter how crazy they drive me!
52. I'd buy backup copies of all my favorite movies. There are so many, where do I start? Both versions of North and South, the Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Masterpiece Theater's version of Jane Eyre (fabulously done!), Enchanted (I love this one! I really do!), Can't Buy Me Love (although there are times I have to cover my eyes because I am too embarrassed for the guy!), Sixteen Candles (you can't tell me that you hate this movie, it just isn't possible!), oh, the list goes on and on. Really, I haven't even touched the surface of the greatest movies of all times!
53. I'd buy new towels. This seems so simple and yet, since it has been 9 year since I got married, I have 4 kids and a hubby, my towels are all pretty trashed. I love the fluffy, super soft bath sheets. You know, the ones that are bigger than your body. Those are the ones. That's the good stuff! I still have one of my towels from my college days- BMs (before marriage and before mission).
54. I'd get a shiny, awesome set of pots and pans. The really expensive ones that are supposed to last forever. I have already been through 2 sets since we got married. I told you I love to cook. Since they get used to often, I need ones that will stand up to the wear and tear!
55. I'd sue the pants off of my stupid mortgage broker. I know that all the attorneys I have talked to say that this will do me no good and even though I have TONS of proof that he is a crook and a jerk, I'd like to make him rue the day he messed with me!!!!
56. I'd visit Europe. I have a thing for history, and I'd love to visit ALL the historical sites in Europe! WWI and WWII sites, castles, the Louvre and other museums, sites out of classic books, etc. This would take some time, I know, but it would be so worth it, don't you think? Talk about a real life history lesson for my kids. I'd have to wait until they were old enough to not drive me crazy while touring, but I'd definitely want them there with me to learn about all of these things!
57. I'd go to Australia. I'm not too sure why, since this started off as a "prison island" for England (except for the natives that were already there), but it looks like an interesting place to go. I love the movie Quigley Down Under and have a great fondness for most Australian actors/actresses!
58. I'd get the fastest internet connection known to man. I am super impatient. I can admit it. Even cable internet can drive me crazy. Could you even imagine dial up? I know there are people out there with dial-up still. My heart aches for you. My sister is one of them. I might even have to splurge and get her hooked up with better internet, since I am already paying for her to move here.
59. I'd pay for my dad to finish his Bachelors Degree- after all these years, I think it is about time!
60. I'd pay for my sisters and brother to get degrees- I don't need to be the only one with a Bachelors Degree. It is so worth is... speaking of which
61. I'd get my degree framed in a really cool matted frame so that I can display it prominently in my home!
62. I'd get Dalen's degree framed, too, and hang it right beside mine. I want my kids to know how important an education is, even if you are going to be a SAHM or have a job totally unrelated to your field of studies. I don't work in my field that my degree is in, but I wouldn't give up the learning experiences I had at college. The social, emotional, and knowledge experiences are priceless!
63. I'd help my kids with their educations, but not pay for all of it. It was a good thing, for me, I think to work my way through college. I treasured it more because it wasn't just handed to me. I had to take loans out for the schooling and had to work so I had a place to live and food to eat.
64. I'd get a fax machine. How super annoying it is that I have to mooch off of a friend, or my hubby's work to get something faxed. It doesn't happen very often that I have to fax something, but when it does happen, I'd like to be able to do it right then. This goes back to my lack of patience.
65. I'd buy a library full of books. I love to read. I love to see my kids reading. I want them to have a love for reading, and learn to explore life through more than just the tv.
    
66. I'd by more house plants. Why- because they are cool! I've actually learned how to keep some of them alive. I have been known to have quite the black thumb when it comes to house plants. There are only certain kinds that I can keep alive, but I would get a ton of those! Who cares that they are all the same?
67. I'd hire someone to be my secretary. If you have ever been to my house you will see stacks and boxes full of papers that I have yet to file. I actually have a filing cabinet, but I never seem to take the time to file the papers where they belong.
    
68. I'd get an industrial paper shredder. Just for fun! I have a lot of stuff I have to shred, and when I worked at the State Hospital it was great fun to be the one in charge of shredding stuff in their monster shredder!
69. I'd put in a drinking fountain in my house and in the yard. I am not sure how well the outside one would work since we live in a cold area, but it would be nice to cut down on the amount cups that we use in this house. Plus, then my kids might stop asking me if they can have some of my drink- Large Gulp mug with Sonic Ice and water. The Sonic ice is my favorite.
70. I'd get new couches and a wonderful recliner to sit and read in, in front of the fire during the cold winter days when I won't be rocking on my wraparound porch reading. Did I mention that I will spend a lot of time reading? Because I am pretty sure I will... not that this will ever happen, but I would love it!
71. I'd pay for all of my family and Dalen's family to get better health insurance. Don't get me on a soapbox about universal healthcare- it's not the answer- I'd just like to help our families because they pay so much for such cruddy insurance.
72. I'd get a drawer full of fabulous fitting bras. Did you all read Seriously Shellie's blog about the bra incident? Check it out! It's well worth it. I've read it about 10 time and I still laugh- out loud.
73. I'd have foot surgery. Shoes never fit right on my feet. I have my grandma's feet, which only are getting worse as I get older. I'd like to fix them so I can get comfy fitting shoes.
74. Which leads to...a closet full of shoes. I have mentioned before in my postings that I have never paid a ton for shoes, I usually wear sandals. I'd like to have a collection of shoes that would actually match the super cute clothes that will be in my closet after the fun outing of shoping with my fashionable friends.
    
75. I'd send some fun things to my blog friend CTD because she is my kindred spirit! I'd probably send her some Smart Cookies since she lives in HI and I don't know if they have them there, probably not. I'd also send her a cool Twilight t-shirt because she is awesome and sent one to me for just being from Utah and stalking her blog. She is the best! I'd also send some stuff for her kids. She would have to give some cool ideas. Maybe if they likes my cool stuff that I would send, they would really like me and invite me to come to their house to visit while I am on my trip to Hawaii that I mentioned earlier.
76. This really should top the list, but somehow it ended up down here at #76- I would stop working. There are too many moments that I miss with my family because I am gone.
77. Since I wouldn't be working anymore I would be home at night and on the weekends, so I would implement a weekly game night with all of my friends. Even though Dal hates games, I would plan it anyway. I miss being able to hang with other couples every week.
78. I would also implement a weekly girls night out. I'd be able to pay for a babysitter and wouldn't feel so bad since I would be home with my kids the rest of the time. This way, Dal could have a weekly guys night out too. By the way- did you know that most guys, if they see a movie together will let a seat be in between them and their friend. It has something to do with not looking gay, spreading out, whatever. You'd never see me do that with my friends!
79. I'd get a really cool, fabulous, high-tech camera and really learn how to use it. I am not the best picture taker and I'd love to learn.
80. To go along with learn photography I'd have to get Photoshop Pro or something like that so I could tweek the pictures. Then you would all love my blog because I would have the best pictures ever!
81. I'd adopt a couple more kids. This may sound totally lame to some of you, but it does cost $$, dinero, mula, cashola to adopt. Since I am not able to have anymore through my disfunctional body, I'd love to be able to have some through some other loving soul. Dal and I didn't feel quite finished, but my old ticker is older than the rest of me and wouldn't make it through another pregnancy. I'd like to stick around for the kids I already have!
82. (18 more to go) I'd get my brother a super cool TV to watch all of the movies that he loves to quote. He is amazing. If there is ever a quote you want to hear, can't think of the name of an actor/actress, can't remember the title of a movie, he is your guy. I totally use him for my lifeline on movie questions.
83. I'd pay for my parents to go on a mission. I know this is something they totally want to do, but right now is not feasible, so I'd make it a reality for them.
84. I'd go to the theater- plays and movies. Love to go, but just don't have the time or money.
85. I'd take my friend Shannon to see Phantom of the Opera (wherever it is playing in the world at the time). When we were seniors her mom paid for all of us to see the play for Shannon's b-day and I fell asleep. It really isn't boring, I was just SUPER tired. I felt really bad about it, and would love to really have that experience again, minus the snoozing this time!
86. I'd get a really nice iPod that has tons of space for tons of songs. In fact I think I would buy one for songs,
    
87. one for comedy- which I totally love because laughing is the most wonderful thing in the world,
    
88. and one for audiobooks.
89. I'd decorate my house really fun for Christmas, my favorite holiday. I'd have a life-sized manger scene, gorgeous lights all over my house, the works.
90. I really would love a surger. Not sure if that is spelled right, but I am learning to sew and quilt right now and this is quite a handy thing to have around!
91. I'd take my family to the Bahamas, where my dad's distant family lives. His ancestors helped settle that area, so I think it would be really cool to see people who actually have the same last name I grew up with. Not a common last name at all- here in the good 'ole US of A!
92. I'd donate a ton of it to my church. They have so many humanitarian things going on that I would love to help out with that.
93. I'd get a Britin-proof locked closet to hide the "Mommy stash" of candy- an essential for all moms. This is to hold all gum, chocolate and other goodies that mom's crave and need for our sanity. If you don't have one already I highly recommend this!
94. I'd get a second Britin-proof locked closet to put all kids' snacks in, this includes but is not limited to gum for them, cupcakes, chips, candies, fruit snacks, and cookies.
95. Since my parents would be up here, I'd have to pay for season ticket and airfare for my parents to be able to go to all the Dodger games they want to got to. Of course I would have to tag along to root for our boys!
96. Do you go through as many sticky notes as I do? I'd get a lifetime supply of them. I am addicted to chocolate and sticky notes. They are all over my desk. Don't judge me. I have not moved into the technology era with our handheld personal devices. Sticky notes work just fine for me, thank you very much!
97. I'd get a ton of educational, family feature films for my kids. They are too much $$ now, and the few we have my kids love. So, when they aren't reading I will let them watch good shows!
98. I'd get the BEST costumes ever for my kids for Halloween. That is just one of the reasons I always hated Halloween. Aside from the fact that it is not really a holiday (because holiday implies Holy Day- and halloween is anything but holy!) I thought there was too much competition to see who had the best looking, most creative, dumb costume.
99. I'd get treated for all of my allergies so that I could have fresh flowers around me all the time. I am allergic to just about everything in nature besides food- thank heaven for that, it would be so hard with my love of all things food (besides seafood- see below for the explanation!).
100. I would go to Disneyland!

Hey that's it for me. Thanks for going on this makebelieve ride with me. Enjoy the end of the show...

How to make me the happiest girl in the world...

Well, my husband did that the day we were married, but the second way to make me the happiest person in the world is to mention me in your blog. I have a new friend. Some of you might have seen her blog on my "shameless blog stalking" section on the side of my blog. She is totally awesome! In case you haven't taken the time to read her stuff...I highly recommend you read this one.

Growing up I always thought that I wasn't really a funny person. Really, I am pretty boring. Obviously I still think that about myself. So when I find someone that likes me, I mean really likes me, for whatever reason, I get about as excited as a 1st grader making a friend on the first day of school. Pretty giddy! Can you just picture me jumping up and down, bursting with excitement, hardly able to contain the joy, wanting to call my mom and let her know I have a friend. Okay, so I've gone a little overboard... I've always know I tend to lean towards the looney side of life.

So, to recap today- I was mentioned in CTD's post, got out of work early (I'll miss the money, but I'm going to get some sleep- yeah!), I got to go to church- for the whole time, and I even got to kiss all of the little ones goodnight before tucking them into bed. Good times.

Oh ya, I've been meaning to post this, so I hope you won't mind me adding this to the end. This is my 99th post and I have to leave #100 for the big one. Oh ya, you know what I mean. Get ready for the excitement. Anyway- I found this on my friend Raechal's blog. Since her's is a private blog I can't link ya'll to it, so I will just have to give her (or her husband, I'm not sure who put this on their blog) the credit, but let you see it in all its glory here on my blog--->

I will support Obama, but...


Theme song---> That's what friends are for. Hey, yet again, I don't have to be reminded that I am totally cheesy. I am the one that is choosing my own theme music for my life.

More Funny ... "Out of the Mouths of Babes"

I just think that things my kids say are great.

On Tuesday the local elementary school had a mock election for the kids.  I picked up from school and as each kid got in the car I asked if they voted and if so, who did they vote for.  This is how it went:

Mom: Kylie, who did you vote for?

Kylie: John McCain.  He won at our school.

Mom: Jacob, who did you vote for?

Jacob: Jesus.

Mom: Awesome! He always has my vote!

Later, after the announcement that Obama won...

Kylie: Oh, no mom.  I have an idea.  We can add the votes from my school and then McCain would win.

Mom:  That's a great thought, but not how it works.

Kylie: Oh.

Yesterday I was taking Jacob to school.  Somedays I am just running slower than others.  Yesterday was just such a day.  I still had my PJ pants on- pink with white clouds.  I did have a bra on, horray for me!  On the way to the school this is how things went down:

Jacob: Mom, you can stay in the car.

Mom: Okay, thanks son.

Jacob: You still have your funny pants on and I don't want anyone to make fun of you.

Mom:  That's so thoughtful of you.

A couple of days ago in the car:

Britin: Mom, you give me gum.

Mom: When we get home, I don't have any in the car.

Britin: I love you mom.

Mom: Do you love me, or just love that I give you gum?

Britin: I love you, but you need to give me gum for my birthday.

Theme song for today: Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog.

What have we done?

What have we done?  That's all I can say.  It is now after 9:30pm here in Utah...it's over.  What have we done?  I don't think the country has a clue how bad they just screwed us!  If you don't agree with me- trust me, your comments will automatically be deleted.  If you know anything about me, you'll know how passionate I am about the founding of this country, the morals upon which it was founded, the creation of the Constitution (a beautiful document that tonight we are wiping our hind ends with).  I just want to cry!

PS I did vote- I have a right to complain

PPS I might not be myself for awhile- sorry

PPPS Any ideas on how to explain to my kids that their freedom wasn't important enough to fight for?  I don't care about overseas, I don't care about any of the other crap, I care about my kids and the world they are going to be growing up in.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE? (Military background or not, tonight's theme song- TAPS) I know I'm a little dramatic, but remember, I am the one in charge of this blog.  It's mine, not yours.

Because I know we have all been there

During one of my many blog-stalking explorations this morning I came upon this link.

I know so many of us out in blogland need a break from the craziness.  Admit it, I've read your blogs and know that I am not the only one.  So, I thought that since I know so  many ladies that are going to the premiere of Twilight (and this includes me) I thought I would support this mom, to help her get more traffic to her blog and make her possible trip a reality.  Just check it out!

Our House

Some of you know that the main purpose of this blog is the immortalize for posterity the goings-on of my family. I have ever intention of having this blog made into "journals" for my family to keep forever...or until they are too embarrassed and decide to file them in the local landfill.  So, as I was walking around my house the other day I realized I have overlooked a major part of our recent goings-on.  My house is not clean.  Most of you know this.  I have 4 kids all young.  They don't really care how the house looks so it is mostly left up to me (although I force them to clean it get dirty within 2.5 seconds because they just don't seem to care).  If anyone has brilliant ideas of how to get the kids in on the cleaning and loving it let me know.  

Well, I decided to post pictures of how my house is treated by my children.  One day when they have children of their own and go crazy in their houses I will be able to bust out the blog book and show them that it is only "PAY BACK!"  So have fun with the pics and with the theme song "Our House" by Crosby, Stills and Nash.  Oldie and goodie.

The ceiling in Kylie's room- back with they had bunk beds this was great fun- grab a crayon and color on the ceiling.  I obviously haven't cleaned it yet.  Hey, it hasn't been a year yet, get off my back.

In the bathroom is a stack of drawers to hold the essentials.  You have seen this in a previous post I will not mention.  Anyway, coloring is not only for paper and walls, now it is for drawers in the bathroom.  I don't recall ever coloring in the bathroom as a child, but if my kids do it, it must be great fun.

Yes, that is a toilet seat lid and that is Malia's little hand.  Again, we are in the bathroom.  Who needs a fuzzy toilet lid cover when you can just take a pen and scribble cute things on the lid?

This is a wingback chair- I know you love the upholstery.  DI special (Utahns know what I mean, huh?).    Not long after getting this one the kids decided that this chair needed some extra flair.  What goes great on a chair?  How about a big hole?  Great idea!  Let's jab it with a pen until it goes through then just tug at the hole until it opens up nice and big.  Let's also do a couple of little holes around it, little babies for the mommy hole.  Good times.

Honestly- not even 2 days after Dalen and I finished the basement walls, texturing, painting and just trying to get it to not look like a dungeon (still does, by the way) the kids took the above wingback chair and tipped it over, while standing on it creating this lovely one-of-a-kind hole in the wall.  Daddy was just so excited to see the newly decorated wall he could hardly stand it!

This is food.  Before I cleaned it off the wall I had to get a picture of this one.  You know when you have chocolate syrup on your icecream you really need to practice the good manners of sharing.  I don't recall ever including the wall in the list of PEOPLE to share with, but apparently my kids have a list of their own.

Britin was brilliant with this manuever!  A week after we finishes painting the hallway upstairs (so it didn't look dirty with the beige walls-YUCK!) she must have thought the walls had an itch. She was scratching the wall over and over again until she noticed that a little bit of paint came off.  Well, then she picked at it, pulling at the surrounding paint until it became this!  My kids have a knack for picking at things (bears, blankets, skin, etc.).

Now this one, you will notice is the dishwasher.  Malia- talented artist that she is, got ahold of a permanent marker and redecorated the front of the dishwasher.  Beautiful artwork, don't you think?

Lastly this is the wall downstairs, where mommy rarely goes now, because of things like this.  

My final thoughts- thank heavens for Mr. Clean magic erasers.  I would love to kiss the brilliant person who came up with that one!  

**funny little side-note about the magic erasers- I was cleaning the bathroom not too long ago, getting crayon off of the bathtub- forgot to grab the camera before cleaning up that mess- and left the eraser next to the tub.  That night Kylie showered and afterwards came out and told me that her face, just below her eyes was hurting.  It was red alright.  I thought that she was having an allergy attack or something.  Only to find out later that she had used the magic eraser to clean her face.  What in the world?  Maybe she thought that since it did such a good job of cleaning everything else it would do a great job of cleaning her face.  Well, needless to say, but I will say it anyway, she rubbed off a number of layers of skin just below her eyes, leaving huge red marks.  She was really embarrassed by this event, so don't mention to her that I put this on the blog.  She'll have to wait until she gets older to find out that her mom spilled the beans on this one, K?

** UPDATE- just thought that I'd fill you in on the burn situation on Kylie's face- this happened during the summer.  She was better within a few days.  I know they aren't safe to clean bodies with, so I am much more careful with them now.  Just had no idea at the time that my 7 year old would think it was a helpful body-cleaning tool.**

Election Day!!!

You all thought I was going to get all political on you, huh? I'll save that for next week. Today, in honor of the upcoming elections I am holding my own polling.

Time to vote, ladies and gentlemen. Which one is best??? Please limit your vote to 1 picture for me and 1 picture for the sexy hubby.

#1. This one is me my graduation year... 1994. Sweet, eh? Dalen laughed when he saw it because he said it actually looks like one of my old school photos. Should I be offended?

#2. This one is the year my mom and dad graduated from highschool. I think I look pretty hot, don't you?


#3. Or, how about this one... from '78. The one from my birth year was awful, so I had to branch out a couple of years to find this one.

The fro picture is a MUST!

Now for Dalen's pictures- ooh! sexy!

#1 (the year his mom graduated)
#2 (the year he graduated) - hey man, are you "hangin' tough?"

or
#3 (the year he was born)
Voting polls are open now. They will close midnight tomorrow (well, probably not since I haven't figured out how to stop comments after a certain time, but I wanted to sound official). Remember, vote for the person- not the party! heehee!

My own personal "Cake Wreck"

Most people know that I love to bake and cook. I am usually pretty good at it too. I especially love to bake desserts because I heart SUGAR! I have a major sweet tooth (I have a funny story about a sweet tooth comedy act, but I'll save that for a later date- if I remember).

Well, this morning some friends and I had a fabulous "Happy Divorce" party for another friend of ours. I know this sounds weird, but this really isn't a bad thing for her. She is like 60-something and hasn't known where her husband has been for the last 8 years. He calls every so often for money, but that is about it. So this really wasn't a sad thing for her. She showed up and actually had tears in her eyes- I am thinking because she was touched by the support she felt, not because we chose the wrong shade of red. It's her favorite color- but it has to be the BRIGHT red, no dark, blue based red or maroons for this girl! Anywho- I was in charge of the dessert, and going with the theme of red I thought that I would make a strawberry shortcake dessert. I love it with angel food cake the best, so I went to a couple of stores and they told me they don't have any because it isn't strawberry season anymore. NICE! So I had to go with a box mix, which I have never tried with an angel food cake. I figured it would be an adventure and a learning experience. It sure was.

My thoughts have always been- when you are cooking/baking something for the first time I need to follow instructions to the letter, after that I am free to have at it with my own ideas. Well, I followed the instructions...especially the one that specifically says (and I am quoting directly from the back of the box), "Do not use a Bundt cake pan or angel food pan that is smaller than 10" x 4", or the batter will overflow." Well, I have a supreme Bundt cake pan, bigget than 10" x 4", so being confident that I was following the instructions I had at it and put the cake in the oven.

It wasn't long before I started to smell burning. There have been a couple of spills in the oven before - hey, this happens when the oven is actually used. I decided to do some checking though, and sure enough this is what I found.


Actually, when I first opened the oven the cake was about 4 inches over the top. What in the world. I think it was a humbling experience for me, though. I need to be put into my baking place. Really, I will never be a Martha Stewart, Emerille, or even Julia Child. I am just little old me, who can't even get an angel food cake to turn out right.

The best part of this whole thing is actually right now because as I am sitting typing this out I have the oven on auto clean and it is STINKIN' up the house. Kylie came running in to my office and said there was smoke in the kitchen. Of course there is, the cake is being burned to ashes as we speak. We will be holding a memorial service for the cremated ashes later this even. All those wishing to pay respects or send condolences may do so in the comment section of this post!

Theme music for this post- Burning down the house by Talking Heads.

Witches, ghosts and goblins! Oh My!

Last night was our ward Halloween party. It was great. We actually had a dinner this year and I thought it was so good. Potato Bar- need I say more? Okay, so you all probably have no idea how much I love potatoes. It was a definite bonus part of serving a religious mission in Idaho! Lots of potatoes and I learned how to make them just about everyway possible. Also, I learn what potato flakes are made from and also boxed dehydrated potatoes, and there is no way you could get me to eat them! ... Unless it was the last thing to eat in the world and I hadn't eaten anything for 83 days- and then I'd still have to ponder if I could really down them!

Back to my story about the party. The costumes were really fun! My kids had a blast being princesses, an indian and Luke Skywalker.

She was a little bugged that people kept asking if he was "Hokaponnas." She got annoyed and said- "No, I'm an indian!" I had to explain that "POCAHONTAS" was an indian. Then she was happy!

Luke, I am your mother!


The one on the right is my Ultimate Mischief Maker Princess in her favorite color!


Princess Bride with her face painted. We don't like to go anywhere without the plug. I couldn't find a "wedding themed" pacifier. I thought about the "something blue" idea, but she is a girl and I wasn't keen on getting her a blue pacifier just for this occasion.


Our cute friends- Abigail and Shanna. Shanna is so good to dress up. I am a scrooge when it comes to Halloween.

This one probably only means something to those of us who are related- but Emily looks like the spitting image of her grandma, who is on a mission- my aunt! Loved this costume, so did the rest of the ward- we all knew who she was dressed as!!!

And lastly... the finale every year (and the most anticipate part of the evening for me...well, that and the candy)...

The bishopric- this year- SUMO Wrestlers! They really get into the act.

Hope you all enjoy this one! I haven't decided on the theme music for this one, so if you read this post before I get to it- sorry- come back later.

Update- In honor of Halloween (it's as close as I can get to honoring at least) I submit Thriller by Michael Jackson as the theme song of choice.

Who am I?

I found this on another blog and loved it. I love to read so I was curious to find out what character I resemble and was pleasantly surprised by this one...

Take the Quiz here!

Yeah! I don't think I am really like her, but I think it made me feel good about myself today, and that is always helpful! Who are you?

Student of the Day

I am totally a proud mom. My son is such a great little guy. Last week he came home with a ribbon pinned to his shirt, proudly announcing he was the "Student of the Day" at his school. Last year Kylie got that award and this year I was blessed to have my son get the award. We may not be a perfect family, but I am thinking I have some great kids. He kept the ribbon on his shirt for the rest of the day so he could make sure his dad saw him with it on.


The school also gives a folder of fun prizes to the honoree. A great pencil, a gift certificate for free crazy bread at Little Skeezers and a fantabulous gift certificate. He was awarded the student of the day for "Always coming to school with a smile on his face." I love my bud!

Theme song: Walk like a man by Frankie Valli- oldie but goodie!