Groove Baby

Isn't it always great when you have a bad day, you are really determined to make the next better? Well, I did just that. Last night I began writing my several thank you's, put together a baby package for my friend who just had a baby, and ended the night reading an Ensign article. Ironically, the page I flipped open to was about being patient with my children. Hmm, I think someone was trying to help me. I went to bed feeling much better especially after my personal prayers. I made myself get up at 6:30. I normally hit the snooze until about 5 till 7am, which always puts me in a rush. I am not sure why I do it, but lying there for a few more minutes it just too tempting. Since I had the request to make pancakes, I did just that. We even had about 10 minutes to spare this morning so you know what? I broke out the scriptures. We missed last night and I felt it was a good way to jump start the day. I think my kids were a bit thrown off (we normally do it at night). However, last night we skipped for obvious reasons. We said our family (minus Doug) prayers and were out the door. Since Luke had school today I decided to FINALLY get out the quilt I was suppose to make oh, about a week ago. Chanel will appreciate these pictures because we bought this fabric together I think about 7 years ago, she was pregnant with Ruby. Gosh, how time flies. I guess I thought I would someday have another girl. I guess I was wrong! Chanel and I would go over to the West bank at least a few times a week to JoAnn's. We thought it was worth every toll to cross over to that store. It was $1 to cross the Crescent City Bridge. (hey and I often had to scrounge up change just for that trip.) Good times. I think you could compare our fabric passion to Angie and my passion for Chuy's mexican food. So, let me get this straight I traded a creative outlet for food. Yup, that sums it up.

crazy quilting in action

Anyways, it felt so good to actually get out fabric, my machine and start sewing. I think I have forgotten how much I love to quilt. Jenny got her groove on!! I didn't plan on doing anything fancy with this baby quilt, but I couldn't resist getting out my crazy foot. This is a foot you can attach to your machine and allow to free hand. I spent the afternoon quilting away and now I am so excited to give this to her. I think it turned out pretty cute (well if you don't look too closely) it's not perfect by any means. I was feeling so into the groove I even sewed a card to match.

finished product

I hear the bus which means chaos is about to happen, better go say a prayer silently before my kiddos get home. I hope my groove continues on my run, taking Taylor to dance and going to Jared's basketball banquet at Peter Piper. Wish me luck!

good deed: wrote several thank you letters, read scriptures.

Mount St. Helens

Tonight was one of those evenings you wish you didn't have. I think Mount St. Helens errupted right here in my house. A do over perhaps? I wouldn't normally document it, (I thought about sleeping on it) but blogging seems to be a great way to vent my frustrations. For all you reading, either stop or just bare with me. Beware whiny post ahead proceed with caution!! I think we are all entitle to a few.... I'll begin with this afternoon. Angie so graciously watched my two young boys when I took Taylor and Jared to the dentist. The dentist, not a bad experience. I managed to finish a book:

Woo hoo! My New Years goal has been met. I guess I should read more juvenile books I seem to be able to finish them. Ha! Anyways.....I walked out to my car to find a sprinkler shot water on my car (no big deal right?) Well, due to the heat there is now hard water spots stuck on my window. Note: San Antonio has terrible hard water, ie. hard to get off spots.

We moved along to Sonic to grab Tay and Jared a snack--they were STARVING for heaven sakes. They could die you know! Then on to pick up Weston and Luke whom by the way didn't nap. It was definitely showing by the time I picked them both up. Sorry Ang. I made the dumb mistake of cutting their hair, which was really needing it. Okay, so I am exaggarating-but I knew I wanted to get it done this week and today was my only time slot. When we were outside Weston managed to get a lump the size of a goose egg on his egg (poor dude) and did it again on the garage door, same spot no more than 30 minutes later. (remember he didn't have a nap--invision the serious screaming and melting down). Jealous?

Doug came home to basically change his clothes and head downtown to his moonlighting shift. I made the excecutive decision it was cheap wing night at BWW we are going there. My kitchen was clean and I wasn't about to mess it up. Snotty, yes. Dinner was fine, we parted are ways from dad and drove home. I found out at dinner that Taylor "forgot" her book report was due tomorrow. What?@#@$! It's near 6pm and I am seriously ready for these little monsters to be in bed. I proceeded to fold some laundry and signaled the kids into the tub....hoping they would be good and bathe themselves nicely. NOT! Jared was constantly teasing Luke to the extreme of ear pierce screaming. Taylor normally a great helper---chose the wrong and joined Jared. I endured it for about 20 minutes (hoping it would go away) until finally I stormed in there and said "STOP! ALL OF YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND IN BED NOW!" That's really no exaggaration. I let it get the best of me--of course after that I knew immediately I was in the wrong. I sent Taylor to do her book report, Jared to read and I put the little boys to bed. They were really ballistic by this point. Imagine 4 children whaling all at once. Bliss! It wasn't until I called everyone for family prayer when the calmness came. Another reason I am glad I listened to the spirit after it was all said and done. Taylor said a sweet nightly prayer. I ended the evening in tears hugging my kids and expressing how sorry I was, wrong for yelling, and telling them how much I love each one of them. I later found this note taped to the back of my computer chair.

Note from Jared

And I can't forget to mention Luke's classic comment, before prayer. "Mom you're going to say your sorry right and make us pancakes tomorrow?" I thought that was an interesting question coming from a three-year old. That's my Luke. In which I replied, "Of course Luke." I guess he is seeing a pattern here?

On a brighter note, I received to great packages in the mail as well. Shawna knew my love of her great photo and was sweet enough to send it to me framed and all. The photo alone would be a treat, but both WoW! Thanks SB! I love it. I also received a package from Kelly (I was her 1000th commenter--yeah for me!) which included so cute ribbon, tissues (which I used tonight) my favorite gum, hot cocoa and a yummy tootsie roll which is gone. Thanks gals! I need to get on my thank-you's I am getting behind. Ahh, I feel better all ready. Good thing tomorrow is a new day.

Best Foot Forward

I love that we are having a challenge set aside each week. Thanks Lelly for the great inspiration! I had to post two different photos since these are pretty much the two pair of shoes I wear on a daily basis. It wasn't until last week I put on my flip flops, but due to our warm weather this is what you will see me wearing EVERY day--no joke. I hadn't had a pedicure all winter up until a few weeks ago. You won't find my toes unpainted during the warm months. The cold months is a different story--I really could care less. I had to post my foot in the car because this is what my foot is doing this week.....pushing on the gas. It is my week to drive for the carpool going to school. Along with that I am in my car chauferring my kids around to various afterschool activities. And how could I forget I am also using my foot on the pedal to get my diet coke each day! My feet are much like the military it's always go, go, go, do, do, do!!

These are actually my yard shoes not to get mixed up with my running shoes. Yesterday I broke them out off the shelf and mowed and edged the yard after my afternoon jog. It felt good to purge my yard, cut back old tree limbs, and rake my flowerbeds. I can't believe it's already this time of year again--to start mowing. My yard definitely needed a little TLC after our nasty winter we had. Just a fun piece of information my feet have averaged about 27 miles per week since January 1st. That's 216 miles. How crazy. Ironically my feet is what I like best about me. They have been called Flinestone feet quite often--but hey I like them! Happy feet day :)

good deed: Just me & the boys went to a pizza shop for lunch

My Word

I used to gloat how good my memory was. You can even ask my husband. We both had Franklin Covey planners his was always full of written events/schedules and you could bet mine never had a thing written in it. Up until a few years ago I did have a pretty good memory. I can't say that holds true anymore. Lately, I have been known to totally space places I should have been. Forget that someone is coming over, etc. I guess I could blame it on having kids, my age or what have you. But the reality is, I need to write things down in order to "remember" them. It wasn't an easy process to choose one word that I would like to use for the year, but I have decided that REMEMBER would be my word of choice. Some of the things I have written I am currently doing, but others I want to be better at, struggle with or could use room for improvement.

Remember that happiness is not at the end of the road, but along the way.
Remember my kids are still small and not to expect too much from them.
Remember life is too short to get upset over little things. Are they really doing any harm?
Remember to express my gratitude and thanks always.
Remember to enjoy the moment.
Remember my kids are only little for a certain time and then they grow up.

Luke had cowboy day at preschool today

He only has one more year of preschool until kindergarten (sigh).

Remember to pick up my scriptures before the dust settles on them.
Remember the book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. Make time to read it and gain a stronger personal testimony of it.
Remember to be quick not to judge.
Remember to be prepared.
Remember to strive for righteousness. If I do that it will be hard not to have the spirit with me.
Remember to make a difference in someone's life, even if it is small.
Remember it's okay to make mistakes.
Remember to forgive and not hold grudges.
Remember to relax--sit down once in a while, i.e. read a book!

Remember to stand up for what I believe in.
Remember to live life to the fullest.
Remember who I am and what I stand for.
Remember not to run faster than I have strength.
Remember to be patient and kind--especially to my own family.
Remember laughter is the best medication anyone could prescribe.
Remember the importance of being a mother and wife.
Remember I am a daughter of God--I am important, love who I am.
Remember to pray often and gain a relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Some of these things may be remedial, but I definitely want to remember them all. I could go on and on about the things I want to remember, but I wanted to keep it simple. When I first thought of this word I couldn't help but be brought back to that scene in the Lion King where his dad tells him to remember who he was. "Remember my son, remember." As I sit here and read these things I listed above I can now be proud that I made a list. I am proud to have a HUGE planner hanging in my kitchen in order to remember my tasks of the week. Will I be remembered? I hope so and I hope I can say I have impacted different people in different ways.

good deed: organized a pantry for a sister in my ward (from my service auction).

Better Late than Never

This is cute 9 month pregnant Kristen and a TERRIBLE picture of me.
I think my face showed the kind of day I had yesterday--rough.
She reminds me of my friend Dori in New Orleans.
Shawna--do you see a resemblance or am I crazy?

Yesterday was a pretty full day. Doug ended up working 3 jobs yesterday (poor guy) so I made sure I planned accordingly. Here's the recap in a nutshell:

-Took Taylor to dance
-Ran to New Balance to exchange Doug's shoes
-Found Taylor Easter dress at Old Navy to match boys.
-Ran to Children's Place found some great ties for the boys for Easter--It was a madhouse!
-Went to Kristen's (my visiting teachee) babyshower (still need to make that blanket---!) My "whipping" didn't happen (I promise to post it when I do it).
-At the shower played a few fun games and ate YUMMY mexican homemade food.
-Made Shawna's Lemon Basil pasta for dinner--so good.

Our nighttime ritual. It never fails Weston says each night
"Mommy, read George book" or Go Dog"

-Read lots of stories with the boys and crashed early.

My kids loved the package!

Donna sent me this fun package in the mail yesterday. My kids loved all the eggs, great lip gloss, and we all had a taste of the yummy chocolate. Thanks Donna :) My husband says I think I need to start a good mail program for the husbands. What's up with all the good mail coming to you? Funny. This morning I got up and prepared dinner before church. This caused me to be about 30 minutes late for stake conference. It was interesting to me that they had the entire state of TX, OK, and NM for this broadcast. Is this something new? It was one of those days I wondered why I was even there. I chose to sit in the primary room and watch the televised screen because I thought it would be easier. NOT! I attempted to take notes at least from President Hinkley, but it wasn't easy. Weston continued to go and bang on the piano, Luke's volume was turned up to high, Taylor wasn't sitting still (hello she's 9) and Jared well, was being Jared. I even had a sweet lady say to me after church--hey at least you came. You will be blessed for that. That made me feel a little better, but it didn't stop the tears from flowing on the way home. I was glad to greet my husband after a rough morning. He stayed home and slept due to his nasty late night at work.

Late arrival at church
Weston showing me, "Hand Hand Fingers Thumb"

After that point my day was completely better. I was glad I prepared the lunch/dinner in the morning because all I had to do was heat it up. After lunch the kids had quiet time and Doug and I read our books in bed for a few hours. The weather couldn't have been nicer so later in the afternoon we took out our lawn chairs and the kids rode bikes. This is the time of the year I call California. We we were in the upper 70's and it only gets down into the 50's at night. I love open window weather!! Well, I am off to the fairy tale land of Bridge To Terribithia--one of my favorite childhood books. I have a thing that I need to read the book before seeing the movie. Probably a silly thing--but that's just me! On a side note: I have finally chosen "my word" for the year. I'll have to post about it tomorrow.......


good deed: went to stake conference alone (sad, but I really wanted to stay home!)

Out of Gas

I had all intentions on doing a "real" post today, because it was pretty eventful. However, my body physically is mush. I had all intentions of getting some projects done tonight since Doug is working, but it's not going to happen. My Ensign is starring at me and I promised myself I WOULD read from one of the books on my nightstand. Tonight my body wins and my brain looses. Here I come bed!

good deed: played card game with the kids.

Announcing the Grey's Winners.....

And the winners are..... Carlo and Melanie!! Just for fun I did a drawing for those who commented yesterday and Alison was the lucky "extra" winner. So you gals can be looking out for you new tunes in the mail. Yes, I was crying yet again like a baby last night. I really liked the episode and how they did it. I know it bugged some, but I personally liked it especially since Meredith and her mom reconciled before death. Laurie you totally called it--impressive :)

The best part of today was my boys were reunited with their "girl" Maryn.
Welcome home!

Today has been a pretty crazy day. Not bad, just busier than expected. I rushed the kids off to school this morning, went walking, and did the normal household morning chores. I was about to get the boys in the car to run some errands and my doorbell rang. What? Who rings the doorbell this early-- no one. It was my visiting teachers. I totally spaced them coming. Duh! Anyways, they stayed for about 30 minutes. (they normally stay an hour) Is that a normal time frame? I don't mind them coming and chatting, but an hour is seriously long for me. I felt bad because I probably was rushing them out since I wanted to run some errands before the boys got too cranky. Weston was already getting that way as it was. I still managed to get out of the house before 10:30--a good thing. During my run to the lovely Wal-mart, Doug called and informed me he was going to Freebirds for lunch. I told him I would just meet him there, and sit and chat with him. I am not a big fan of the food so I shared a kids meal with the boys. This afternoon I have been burning cd's like a mad woman. I am on a role!! I need to break out my sewing machine to whip together a quick blanket for a baby shower tomorrow. Talk about procrastination. Nothing else exciting to report other than TGIF. My favorite day of the week.


good deed: prepared a stack of good mail to be sent.

Calling All Grey's Fans!!

Are you a Grey's junkie like me? Well, read on and find out. Here is a little trivia for you.....The first person to get these ALL the questions right will get a new Grey's Anatomy cd (different from the first two currently out) personal made by me. Did you know you can download songs each week on itunes from each new episode? I had no idea until my friend Lucy told me. Good luck! If you don't know any of the answers and are still a fan leave me a comment as well, you still may be in for a surprise.

1.What was the title of the 1st episode of season 3?

2. What is Alex's character last name on the show?

3. What was the episode titled that Izzy got off of probation?

4. What is the name of the hospital they work at?

5. When the bomb went off in the episode "As we know it" (season 2) What hit popular song was playing during the scene?

Another cool FYI is that my uncle has taken several still photos of this hit show for ABC. Cool huh? Now, I'll I need is a hookup.

**Have you set your DVR's and TIVO yet for tonight?**

good deed: sent a package to my grandma s.

Gorgeous Da'ling

Man do I wish all my days were like this. Today has been good since the get go. I woke up on time (normally I hit the snooze one too many times). I got the kids dressed and ready and quickly went on my morning stroll. We needed to be back around 8:20am or so in order to get ready for the temple. Angie and I were both on the list for noon, but preferred going to the 10am session due to the timing of school and such. I called a friend to come over and watch Weston and sent Luke off to school. Angie didn't have to worry about Maryn arrangements since her parents took her back to their house for the week. Nice! We left around 9am in hopes that we would get there early enough for a spot. They told me on the phone I would have a 20% chance of getting in. The session was over booked but we took the gamble and went anyway. We were 7th and 8th on the list, and it was looking pretty grim (by the looks of the parking lot) I will say that is the huge downfall having a smaller temple near you. You have to make appointments and there are only certain times of the day you can attend. And with my schedule, I normally can go at the spur of the moment. So, if you have a larger temple near by--take advantage of it. Boy, do I wish I did living in Utah back in the day. Okay...off the tanget.

We were both thrilled that we got called off the list to do a session. It was beyond packed with women. I had to laugh because I think there were about 5 men in the entire session. It was nice to just be able to sit quietly for a few hours. I can't think of a time during the week I EVER do that for myself. After the temple we broke the mold and went here for lunch. We shared a sandwich and had some yummy red beans and sausage soup. We also kept our waiter on his toes with diet coke refills. I am sure he wished he brought out a gallon of it because we seriously guzzled it the minute he walked away and he had to return often with refills. We headed back home to relief my friend Laurel of her duty (she is a college graduate and getting married in July). She refused any payment. She claimed she would feel extremely guilty for taking money. After several attempts of trying to pay her, she left and I was rewarded with a great day at the temple, lunch with Angie and free babysitting. Woo hoo for me! On top of this blissful day--it's beautiful outside. The temperature reads 81 degrees. My kind of day for sure....now if I could just get rid of the white glow on my body!

**Anyone excited for Lost tonight like me?**

good deed: went to the temple and did an endowment session.

Self Portrait Tuesday

I am jumping the bandwagon and posting this picture of me inspired by Lelly. This is me in true form. I am often making funny faces and screwing around. You can bet if I am not going anywhere I am in my glasses, jewelry shed, no makeup and my pj's on. My contacts itch my eyes after a few hours. Have you ever made yourself laugh? Well, this is just what I did tonight. Doug is working and I am taking pictures of myself. Yes, thank goodness for digital because I think I took about 50 pictures just messing around. Pretty amusing huh? One thing you can get from this picture is that I am almost always wearing pink and love the color of my eyes (hazel). I am sad that none of my kids got that from me. And since we are on the topic of taking photos of ourselves. My husband is the king of doing just that. Yet, another great quality I love about Doug....he makes me laugh. I had this as my desktop background last week so each time I got on the computer (which was a lot) I could see this funny face. Can't wait to see this face tomorrow. Love you Doug!

Fat Tuesday

Alph and Taylor

Orpheus Parade 1999

I'll be honest back in medical school I would have to say Doug and I were pretty hooked on Mardi Gras. We were sucked in from our first parade--it was addicting. I have to laugh because I don't think there was a year Doug didn't loose his voice yelling for beads. It was an ongoing competition who could score the best beads from the largest old women. Doug would often chase down a float and beg and I mean beg for the beads around her neck. As you can see we got the hang of it quickly from the start. This is a photo of our "first" Mardi Gras back in 1999. I still remember Doug trying to teach Rebecca how to yell for beads. Remember Rebecca? "Arrg give me some beads!!....." Okay so you had to be there but it was pretty funny.

First Mardi Gras
1999

There are several parades over a two week period. We always chose a few to go to during the week. One in particular was the Krewe Of Caesar in Metairie. We had a family in our ward who threw a party kicking off Mardi Gras each year. Their home was along the parade route and so we were guaranteed a good spot. Here is one of the cute invitations they did. (They did one all four years we lived there).
Another fun thing I remember is doing Taylor's hair really funky. She always wanted me to braid it all over and put the Mardi Gras colored hair things in her hair. We didn't miss a Mardi Gras while living there. I even went when Jared was just a few weeks old. Oh, the things you do right?

Taylor 3 years

Looking at these pictures brings me back in time. A time I will always cherish and never forget. I am glad that my two oldest experienced such a fun thing. It's not too often you get to see so many kids up on ladders and getting stuff thrown at you.... or having your husband camp out a spot over night just for a place on the neutral ground. Good times. Of course now my kids refuse to go to a "normal" parade, definitely a unique experience. I am hoping before moving back to AZ next year we will be driving out since we are only 8 hours away. Mardi Gras is something everyone should experience--you can't live it through t.v. or pictures. A must do!! NOLA Mardi Gras 2008 here we come!! Happy Mardi Gras!!


p.s. For those of you wanting a great opportunity for your kids check out this. Hurry the deadline is Wednesday.

good deed: wrote Taylor a good luck note for her HUGE TAKS test today. Good luck honey!

Cleanathon and Readathon

#1 requested book EVERY day.

Today was seriously a cleanathon for me. I had major spring fever.....meaning I did extra things on top of the normal cleaning routine, such as my mini blinds and even washed the windows inside and out. We got up into the 70's today, it was absolutely beautiful!! You know one of those days you want to be outside and plant new flowers. I think it's still a bit too early for that though. Along with my cleaning, Luke & Weston have become very adament about reading books. I love that they will sit on my lap and read book after book. These are just two of the favorites we have read I think a zillion times. The best part is Weston often reads it to me. So cute. I am pretty hosed after a full day of cleaning and juggling kids.........well, I am off to watch Heroes and 24 and crash into the sack.

Weston's 2nd favorite book.

Happy Lundi Gras!

good deed: sent a package to school for Taylor's old teacher for her birthday.

Sunday Happenings

"Our firm personal testimony will motivate us to change ourselves and then bless the world." Elder Uchtdorf

Having a testimony is definitely an on going thing. It's much like nourishing a plant. In order for it to grow you have to water it, give it sunlight, etc. Elder Uchtdorf quotes, "The process to receive one is based on the law of harvest: "for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). Today our sacrament meeting and relief society meetings were on the power of personal testimony. And this talk given in conference last October. Elder Uchtdorf lists four things on how we get a testimony:

1. Desire to believe
2. Search the scriptures
3. Do the will of God, keep the commandments
4. Ponder, pray and fast.

Something that is definitely close to my heart. I think as members of the church we all have an epiphany moment in our lives where we finally gain our personal testimony. As we all know it's something that can't be copied, learned, given by others, but something we obtain ourselves. For some it may be earlier than others. I would have to say for me it was after I got baptized. I can't even explain the feeling I had right after I was submerged into the water, but it was something I won't ever forget. The spirit was very strong and testified to me that I was doing all the right things at that point in my life. Now if I could feel that way everyday right?

We did our FHE tonight. I had to laugh because Doug decided we all needed to learn how to conduct music. I had no idea he knew such a thing. And yes, sadly I have no idea what the arm motions mean or do for leading music. Lucy, are we still friends? I definitely don't have any musical talent in me. It was fun to get out our wooden spoons and lead the music. My kids loved it and we did it to a few primary songs. I am glad are family is back to a unit again. We spent the day doing a lot of laughing and being silly.

good deed: fixed a non-stop running toliet in the church.

It's A Good Thing

-Doug left a married man and came home single (bummer still no ring--very sad about it)
-Back to making my entire bed (instead of one side)
-Watching several hours of missed television shows this past week.
-More dirty laundry
-Extra hands
-7:30pm last night finally came!

good deed: Jared's friend came over for the entire afternoon (even though I could have used some peace and quiet). Doesn't that count??

Highlights of the week

Hurray it's Friday!! Here are some things that went on this week. First and foremost I survived (phew) and Doug comes home tomorrow--woo hoo!

1. Eating free chicken bisquits "heart shaped" on Valentines Day at Chick Fila.

2. Crying by myself like a baby on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy this week. (Meredith can't be dead!!)

3. Weston waking up from his nap and lying on Angie (or did he think it was me hmmm). Isn't that sweet?

4. Jared's team won tonight and they will be playing in the championship tournament tomorrow morning--sadly I was hoping tonight would be the last. But, Go Raptors!

5. Running in the morning with freezing temperatures. Is it spring yet??

6. Sharing BBQ chicken salad with Angie from Chammps and laughing a lot.

7. Luke asking and concerned about what car daddy is driving in California. "Is he driving a bus mom?" because that is too big to fit in a garage" I wish I had a voice over it was very funny. (I have no idea where he got this idea from--gotta love kids imagination)

8. Having a lot of kid swaps throughout the week. TGIF!!

good deed: auctioned off a service at our relief society auction.

350th Post & Blast from the Past

I may sound like a broken record, but I can't express how great it's been to reconnect with so many old friends. I am glad they are no longer just "Christmas card" people, but actual people I get to interact with each day. Meet my friend Lucy. I will have to give most of my friendship credit with Lucy to Doug.

He seriously had the best roommates anyone could have hoped for going to BYU. They were a great group of guys and we still have some "christmas" contact with half of them. Lucy just happened to be Doug's roommate Jon's sister. Did that make sense? Ironically, the first time I met Lucy I was immediately jealous of her. Why??? You may ask, because all the guys loved hanging around her including Doug. I didn't understand why Lucy had to go everywhere their little gang did. I have to laugh about it now, because it was so immature of me to even think Lucy was a threat. She was just a good friend. And after meeting her, she is so fun to be around. Lucy even traveled all the way from Montana to go to our wedding, even being single and poor she came. It was such a terrible flight getting to Phx. They lost her luggage, her plane was delayed, etc. I still remember her smiling face as we picked her up from the airport. But, that goes to show you what type of friend she is, geniune at that. She is the life of the party and I mean this in such a good way. If you ever need someone that can bring down the house, it's Lucy. She has moves you have never seen. I remember just as it was yesterday her, Jon, Dan, and Steve dancing to "Celebrate Good Times" at our wedding. I wish I could upload the funny documentary video they did for our wedding. It's hillarious. She has an amazing voice, just read and see here.

Our Wedding
Steve, Doug, Jon and Dan

When Doug and I moved up to BYU, Doug's roommates were all slowly getting engaged--including Lucy. (we were the first ones married). I was glad we were able to attend Jay and Lucy's wedding at the Logan or was it Ogden? temple. I always get those two places mixed up. Good times. It was fun once everyone was married, because then we could continue all hanging out. You know it's weird to hang out with single people when you're married. We got together and had several classic bbq's.

"Our gang"
Jon, Tara, Dan, Jill, Steve, Lynn, Doug, Jenny, Lucy, and Jay

All of Doug's roommates with the exception of Jon went onto medical school. Lucy's husband Jay went on to medical school as well. We were then scattered throughout the U.S. and lost touch over the years, but would send out Christmas cards and occasional emails here and there. Our 4th year of medical school Jay and Lucy were kind enough to allow us to live in their apartment in Denver for a month while Doug did an away rotation. They were going to be gone as well, and it was left empty. They have no idea how much money and stress they saved us. We reconnected last summer when I had gotten an email from her saying how much she enjoyed my blog. I am so glad she decided to join the gang. She has a great way of writing, and it's even better because I can hear her voice when I read it. It's been fun to see a glimpse of her life each day. You can only imagine how surprised and excited I was to see this package from Lucy in the mail yesterday.

good mail from Lucy

I told Doug about it yesterday and he comment was "how did she know you liked that stuff?" I told him woman are very perceptive and we just know. Yes, like you said it couldn't have come at a better time, Valentines Day! She included, Sonic $$, bath salts, and great Grey's Anatomy mix (all new songs to me). Wow! I was longing for another one of those soundtracks. And how appropriate to send a "get your groove on cd" as well. Yet, another reason I am thankful for blogging and reconnecting with good old friends. And speaking of old friends..... I got this package from my friend Jenny yesterday (aka Jenny #1.) We labeled ourselves by number in highschool when we would write each other notes. Can you see why? We had the same colored hair and I always tried to dress like her.

Mike, Jenny #2, Jenny #1, and Gage

She sent me a funny old picture and awesome crocheted dishclothes. I had no idea she had such a talent. She wrote me a letter last year in hopes it was the Jenny she knew from highschool. I will never forget that letter and am so grateful she sought me out. Thanks Jen! (you need to get a blog!) I feel blessed to have these two women in my life. You have no idea how much you made my Valentines Day.

good mail from Jenny

good deed: didn't FREAK out when Doug told me he lost his ring this morning.....I hope you find it soon honey!!

Happy Valentines/Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad's 51st Birthday.

(what an old man)

Here are 51 things I love and have learned about my dad over the years:

1. He has a great laugh
2. Loves to tease and poke fun at EVERYONE.
3. He is a bit racist, but has a good reason to be he was robbed.

All for $17!
Dumb criminal.

4. He had "paper towel" time with his friends before they got into his car. He couldn't have dirty carmats! Hmm.... I wonder where I got my clean gene from?

Jenny a few days old with dad

5. He was married very young 19 (a whole year before me-ha!)
6. He started his own position at the City of Mesa. He often laughs that he was the "gas man" for the city.
7. He ran a half marathon in California back in the day and said he would NEVER do it again.
8. He loves coke floats more than anyone I know.

Jared & G'pa Stan
3rd birthday

9. He buys my kids the best gifts.
10. Grandpa Stan is their favorite grandpa (shhh don't tell the others).
11. He is obsessed with how he looks. If you feel his hair it feels like a turtle shell due to hairspray.
12. He has blonde wavy hair, it was really blonde until he joined the airforce and had to shave it. It became darker after that.
13. He has only lived in three different states, AZ, TX and LA.
14. He has NEVER driven a used car.


15. He wears Drakkar cologne and has for years.
16. He has to eat oatmeal daily and sometimes prunes.
17. He likes to travel with Susanne.
18. His dream would be to open up a bed and breakfast somewhere, someday.
19. He loves Polo brand shirts.
20. Likes to golf.
21. Doesn't mind walking around in his underware. He used to walk out and get the morning paper when I was a kid in them!
22. Enjoys going to the movies--does this a lot.
23. Shawshank Redemption is one of his favorite flicks.
24. He is a 70's music lover. I can still hear him singing the beach boys when I was a kid. (in my head!)

Jenny, Janet, Dad and Justin
Christmas 2004

25. He has three kids.
26. He is a ASU alumni and is only short a few hours to his masters.
27. He retired from the City of Mesa last year.
28. He loves golden retrievers. He has owned three different ones.
29. He names his dogs after golf terms. Current one is named Putty.
30. He has blue eyes.
31. He is Papa and Grandma's favorite--you can't argue me on that one.
32. Won a spelling bee in 6th grade (or 7th?)
33. Played baseball in highschool.
34. Married someone three years older than my husband.

One of my favorite gifts.

35. Is great at refinishing things. He refinished this old trunk for me one year.
36. Thinks Chia Pets are hilarious (bought me one for Christmas three years in a row) ha ha dad.
37. He has only one brother.
38. He used to be a faithful runner, I don't remember him missing a day when I was younger, but now claims he is too old to do it.

G'pa Stan and Luke
@ Janet's wedding

39. Enjoys his sunglasses.

40. Married his last daughter off last year.
41. Finally moved to an area of the valley he has been talking about for years. Red Mtn. Ranch.
42. Damaged his eardrum while waterskiing when he was younger.
43. Plays with my kids ALL the time--he is a kid at heart.
44. Currently working as a loan officer.
45. Uses more papertowels than anyone I know. I make him buy his own roll when he comes to visit!
46. He knows how to fix up most things around the house. Dad, are you for hire next year?
47. Did his fair share of mischief as a teenager--I am not at all fooled dad that you were an innocent by standard.
48. Great a making up rhymes and funny songs.
49. Was really surprised last year at his birthday party. I can't believe Susanne pulled off a surprise one!
50. Family is important to him.
51. Always makes sure he tells me he loves me on the phone.

We miss and love you dad and hope you have a great day!!

____________________________________________________________________

Happy Valentines Day!!!

A very scary early morning shot before school.
I think they are all half asleep!

good deed: made the kids heart shaped pancakes.