Heavy Rain

It has definitely been a crazy weather day here in San Antonio. Just look at those clouds--eerie if I do say so myself. Looks like we are in for a full day of thunderstorms. We have had a lot of thundering and lightening with heavy down pours on and off. Feels a bit New Orleansish. A perfect day for my sewing projects--tootles! How's your neck of the woods?

good deed: mailed a thank-you card.

Prepare--Prepare--Prepare

When thinking of my post for the day I think these words pretty much sum up my weekend. I for sure wasn't prepared for this to take place on Friday night.

Since the boys were gone Weston was pretty adament about sleeping in Luke's bed. I can't believe my baby is already ready for this. It's probably no different than his crib, since he climbs in and out of it anyway (we leave the side rail down). Now the big debate is do we take the crib down and just let the boys sleep on the bunk beds and Jared in Taylor's room? They have been doing this for a while, but I hate not having a bed for Jared if I need it. I like options. Saturday was pretty crazy. The boys returned and had a great time on their campout. I took Jared to his game and the added bonus for me was my husband cleaned out my car and washed it. (it really stunk like a campfire) Thanks Doug!

I was also not prepared to win something. I found this HUGE package in my mailbox. Seriously? Is it my birthday a few months early? Amanda had a contest on her blog and her sister wouldn't claim the prize. So lucky me was the winner!! She made "Good Mail" binder and filled it to the rim. That is really not an understatement. I know my picture doesn't do it justice, but she included homemade cards, tons of paper, darling pens, a clipboard, stickers, and envelopes. Everything you could possibly need to send someone something. (although I hate to use it, it's too cute) I am speechless, it was SO nice. Thanks Amanda, I LOVED every piece of it.

Last night our ward had a preparedness expo (which had a terrible turnout btw). It wasn't something I was excited about going to, but I signed up for a meal and the guilt got to me. The dishes that were made were supposed to be made from food storage, so you can imagine they weren't the yummiest cuisines. We ended up driving to Shakes on the way home, so I ate a Snickers concrete for dinner. How's that for healthy? Today we talked about preparation in sacrament meeting. Angie, had a great talk (she did awesome!!) on preparing our children for baptism. She had a great analogy on having the proper "ingredients" to teach our children. I had to laugh because two people came up to me from behind and said, you had a great talk. Hmmm it looks like people are still mixing us up. It has become more of a joke now. Nothing else too exciting to report, other than my husband has informed me that he hates it when I am PMSing and wondered if I would be posted about that. I have pretty much been a not so fun person to be around. I have had the worst headache all day (to the point I was sick to my stomach) this isn't like me. Doug seems to be getting a bit ansy and needs some "boyfriend" time. So, I am off. Here's to a more cheerful tomorrow and week!

good deed Saturday: made dinner for ward party.
good deed: prayed for a friend in need.

LDS License Plate

I'll be the first to admit I am really terrible at practicing what I preach. I can't tell you the number of lessons I have either taught myself or heard to serve others. I am good at serving my friends whom I am close to or my family for that matter. It's the "others" that I am not so good at. Tonight Doug and the boys went on the father/son campout so it was just me, Taylor and Weston at home. Par-tay! We decided to make it an offical "girls night" and headed out with the Gordon's to Chuy's for dinner (I know-don't even say it!) since Greg was on call. It was a bit chaotic and we were even minus two kids! Greg had requested to get him something to go, along with another order for his co-worker. That was fine until we got to the car (Angie checked the order just in case). They had left out the tortillas for the fajitas. I ran in to retrieve the missing element. I came back out and Angie had realized that the chips tasted burned, I agreed. She hated to take him a dinner that tasted gross. After all, he has been working since 5:30am this morning. Who wants gross food? Hello, we go there often enough--we demand good stuff! She came back out with a new bag of chips and away we went. We promised the girls they could pick the after activity since we picked dinner. They wanted to stop off at Justice for Girls, which was fine. It was there we realized Angie had left her cell phone on the table. I called to make sure they had her cell phone. Yep, it was there. We hurried and took Greg his dinner since he had a break between cases and headed back to Chuy's for Angie's phone. Did I mention it is like 18 miles there and 18 miles back?


Finally, with the phone in hand we left and were on our way home. As we were about to merge onto the freeway a woman's car stalled in front of us. This is one of the busiest places on the road mind you. I looked over at Angie and said, um I haven't done my "good deed" for the day. I think we should help this lady out. Angie stayed in the car with her hazards on. During this time cars were seriously speeding past us and not slowing down for anything! I came up to her and asked, "Are you out of gas?" She said, "No, it just stalled." I looked in the back of her car and she had two small babies in the car. We asked if she had a cell phone (which she didn't) and we gave her ours to call a family member. She wasn't having any luck. Some guy came up with a truck and we helped push her car (across three lanes of traffic) into a parking lot. Angie was trying to stop and block traffic with her car (it was very scary). We did manage to get her car safely into a parking lot. We asked her if she needed a ride home. She was hesitant at first but then said she only lived down the road and would really be grateful if we could. We loaded up her two small kids. I couldn't help but notice the end of the license plate on her car was 3 numbers followed by the letters LDS. Hmmm a fluke? We made small talk with her a little. You could tell she was frazzled. Poor thing. We asked what brought her on the road in the first place. (it was kinda late to be out running around with kids) She said she had just moved here from Nebraska to live with her sister and was just trying to return some movies. We got to her apartment and she had left the keys to her house in the car. My first thought was seriously? We are going to have to drive back to get them. Luckily, a window was left open and she was able to get in that way. I then offered to take her movies back, the last thing I am sure she needed was to pay late fees. As we were leaving I said you don't happen to be LDS do you? She looked at me very puzzled and said, what? I said never mind. (she obviously wasn't, but I couldn't help but ask because of the license plate) We parted ways and Angie and I took her movies back. We didn't even get her name. But, really does it matter? After it was all said and done I asked myself what really compelled me to help her? My first initial thought was I hadn't done my good deed for the day. I know that sounds really silly, but the more I thought about it I would have to say doing a good deed for the past 100+ days has really impacted my life.

Some of my deeds I have noted have been really small and mundane, but others like tonight I couldn't help but feel like I did a little good in the world today. And that was the end of our girls night out. Hmm I wonder if the campout was this exciting?

**Did you or will you do a good deed for the day?**

good deed: helped out a stranded woman on the side of the road.

My New Pink Friend

I am already having camera withdrawls. You would think my daily Diet Coke 'drug' was taken away from me. Luckily, a few weeks ago I upgraded my OLD phone for a newer version. And you know what it came with? A camera phone! I had no idea how to get pictures off of it and on to my computer. But, thanks to my sister I managed to get some pictures today. I am still in business. They aren't the best, but will do. A camera should not really keep me from blogging, but for some reason I like to document my day with it. I feel as though a piece of me is missing. I carry it in my purse along with my wallet and keys. My husband has already mocked me to the tenth degree over my moping. "So, did you ask the store for a loner camera?" "What are you going to do without it, will you survive?" Ha-ha Doug!

Angie took my boys to the park today so I could have my hair highlighted. It was so nice to get it done after holding out since last September. I feel like a new woman so fresh and rejuvanated. Thanks Angie and especially Doug for allowing it to be possible. This afternoon I spent some mom time with my little boys. They love petting our neighbor's dog and climbing the fence to yell his name.

I have no idea why this picture is microscopic.
This is "Chester" isn't he cute?

I don't do this nearly enough. They were beyond thrilled I was just sitting and watching them swing as well as throw the ball around with them. Weston kept saying, "Mommy this is so fun" "Watch me jump, watch me jump!" It was so cute. Luke of course critiqued my baseball pitching skills. "Mom that is not how you throw the ball" Well, I am no dad, but at least I am trying! I am off to plop myself on the couch. The Office and Grey's are both new tonight!

good deed: played outside with the boys.

Week of First's

A year ago I wouldn't have taken a silly picture like this for documentation.

I have taken some pretty ridiculous (in the view of others)
pictures all for my blog, nearly 2000!

After one year I never would have guessed the things I have gained by starting my own personal blog. Happy First Anniversary to me!! Who would have known that I would know more about computers (I have become a computer geek and gained a boyfriend), have met so many wonderful "imaginary" friends, (comments are like an energy boost thanks to all of you!), convinced several other friends and family members to get a blog, learned what it is to send good mail and receive it, reconnected with so many old friends, have found a new way to challenge my brain on Tuesdays, spilled my guts not once but twice, exposed some skeletons, (people know more about me than ever before--yikes!) and to top it off have 416 entries under my belt? My keyboard has definitely got a workout this year. And speaking of good mail I never would have been receiving any of these items a year ago......

I received this from Missy the other day. My favorite color scheme along with a sweet note.

Laurie sent me this yesterday. She actually did a fun survey on her blog awhile back asking specific questions about us. I was so surprised to find this waiting for me in my box today. Thanks girls! Here are some more first's from the week......

This photo was taken after school hence the "rat" nest look to it.

Taylor washed her hair by herself for the first time on Sunday. (without any of my help) Okay she did it on spring break skiing in Utah, but I wasn't there. My little girl is becoming so independent. Sniff. Sniff.

He is infatuated with the toliet paper and flushing for that matter.
Hmm this could pose a problem.

Weston actually went poo-poo on the potty for the first time yesterday! (sorry if that was graphic) I am trying to convince him it is yucky to go in his diaper. He was rewarded with a treat and lots of clapping and praising. I am not even going to work on the other yet. Hopefully this will become a habit.


We joined Blockbuster online for the first time. Not really sure why it took us so long. All I can say is the click of a button and in your mailbox the next day--genius! Even better you can switch it out in their store.

Last night was the first time I got through on the American Idol voting lines. I have been trying for weeks. Yes, I am a devote fan. I figure I can't complain about who stays and goes if I don't vote myself. Persistence paid off and last night was for a good cause.

This was a game of pounce at the church for our ward game night a few months ago.

Friday night we played a game of (nertz, pounce or whatever name you would like to call it) over at the Wirthlin's. Hopefully it wasn't the last. It was so much fun--thanks for inviting us!

Lastly, the sun came out for the first time this week! It has been so incredibly gloomy the past few days. I am pretty sure this isn't the first of many anniversary's to come. I just love blogging!

**EDIT**

**This will be the first time ever I will be without a camera for TWO weeks. My camera had some fluky thing wrong. Good news is it is under warranty, but I am just sad.
I may be on blogger hiatus for a while :(**

good deed: gathered information for Doug's AZ medical licence application.

SPT Earth Day

This week's challenge is reduce, reuse, recycle. I am fairly new to recycling of the earth. In fact, I am really not very good at keeping mother nature happy so to speak. I did this survey that Kelly A. stuck on her blog and according to it you would need 1.9 planets if everyone lived the way I do. Yikes! It is pretty interesting, check it out if you haven't already done so.

I am proud to report my recycling started in December when my kids needed me to save cans for a school drive. If it entails helping out the school you can bet I will try and do it. This lead into my New Years Resolution of recycling. This has been sitting in my backyard the entire time I have lived in this house. It is FINALLY being used for a purpose instead of a container for potting soil. Another added bonus is our trash doesn't overflow like it used to. I am only having to use one trash can instead of two. The one and only draw back to recycling is people see what goes in and out of your house. Umm it looks like we aren't the best of eaters.

I also would have to say I am pretty good at donating, not to be mistaken for good at buying gently used items. I am lazy and would rather give away my stuff or to someone in need then try and garage sell them for an extra few bucks. I have never really made that much anyway. But, I do like the Goodwill. I feel like I am providing others a job to earn a living since this company hires people to fix donation items and in return sell them to the public. Hey, a win/win for all, and it is a tax ride off for me.


Lastly, I am really good about saving our water jugs and just refilling them at the local watermill. Our tap water is beyond disgusting and I have found this to be the only water I can drink. I do buy mini water bottles for my kids and sometimes refill them with this water. My kids love putting in the money and pushing the button to fill up the jugs. You can't beat 25 cents for a gallon of water!

I almost skipped out on this one since I felt I wasn't a very good "earth day" individual. I guess every little bit helps. Thanks for the challenge Lelly! Check out all the other consultants to see their take on Earth day.

good deed: mailed off several "just because" notes.

Feeling Sheepish and Lame

Today is the kick off of Fiesta here in San Antonio. The best description would be a Mexican Mardi Gras minus the throws. We haven't ever attempted the Riverwalk due to parking, and my kids refuse to go to look at cool floats if there isn't any perks to it. (beads, etc.) Last week as I picked up Luke from school the teacher reminded all the parents about the Fiesta parade they would have at school today. The instructions I got for the homework assignment (well Luke's project) was to decorate a box. That is it, no elaboration, just a box. You would think after living in San Antonio for 5 years I would understand what I was supposed to do. Nope, wrong. Taylor and I decorated this LAME box in the above picture. I even put a handle on it so he could carry it around for his parade this morning. I knew the colors I get points for that, but after seeing what everyone walked in with I couldn't help feel so lame. Oh, well Luke didn't really care and I know exactly what do do for next year right?

I couldn't believe how elaborate some of these floats were. These kids went all out even with Mexican dresses (or should I say the parents?) I wish I could have gotten a better picture, but the kids were walking a bit too fast. Why didn't I think of decorating a car or pull toy. Genius! Duh! So today I will be labeled officially lame mom. Good thing I am reading this book. It make you feel like you are a good parent if you try. I am just almost done with it.

If you haven't checked out this book. I would highly recommend it. It is a dad's experience on staying home with his children for the summer while his wife worked. I can relate to so many things and I'll admit he has had me laughing out loud a few times.


good deed: recycled--are you ready for tomorrow?

Mush

They are showing off their badges on "I can keep my promises."

The only thing I can really recall from today was my lesson on baptism. Is that sad or what? All I know is that we should appreciate primary teachers and what a great job they do. I think that is one calling (nursery included) that gets overlooked. Next time you see your child's primary teacher tell them thanks or drop them a note. I am sure they don't get it enough. (I feel the same way toward school teachers) I know I will remember to next week after teaching these excited littles.

good deed: substituted Jared's primary class.

B-B-B

Blogging a.k.a. "my boyfriend" according to Doug

I've done it again! I just noticed my entire day consisted of B's. Big B little b what begins with B? Barber, baby, bubbles and a bumblebee. Can you tell I have read Dr. Suess a bit too much lately? Our Saturday was full of B's.

Jared had two baseball games. He hit 3-3 both games. Go Jared!

Boys playing games during quiet time.

Book reading for pleasure or is he sleeping? Hmmmm.


Blue bonnets are slowly dying :(

Beautiful braclet from Andrea, along with a cute thankyou card from Sunnie.
I am loving the green combo with the clear! I am really speechless.
Thanks for making my day.

Big helper. Taylor does such a great job at helping out.
I don't know what I would do without her.

Brown attire. I find myself wearing this color a lot lately.

Hopefully you're not too terribly tongue tied.

good deed: mailed a little package at the post office.

Yippy Skippy

Mackenzi and Taylor preparing for the course

Do you ever wake up feeling like you could skip? Well, this morning I couldn't help myself. First and foremost it's FRIDAY, my most favorite day of the week. Here are top 10 things that made me shout yippy today!!

1.) I finished my chores and excercise before 8am this morning. Yippy!

Jared concentrating on the course
(very intense!)

2). The bike rodeo is behind us. Yippy!

The trio

Luke, Maryn, and Weston

2). Angie is getting her hair done today, which means only
7 more days until I get to. And the three kiddos are playing well. Yippy!

3). The yard is freshly mowed and edged. Yippy!

4.) I even cleaned the bird doo doo off all the outside windows.
We can now enjoy dinner looking out a clean window. Yippy!

5.) I received some fun mail from Amanda. Such a cute card with a poem attached. Thanks Amanda. It was fun to open my mailbox yesterday. Yippy!

6.) I got a Route 44 Diet Coke for .99 this morning. Yippy!

7.) Today is payday. No extra money after bills, but at least we made ends meet. Yippy!

8.) Made some bright and cheery cards to send. Yippy!

9.) The appraised amount of our house has gone up, bonus for next year when we sell. Yippy!

10.) I know it was a rerun to most, but I get to watch The Office again tonight.
And laugh my head off reliving Jamaca. Yippy!

**edit the kids just got off the bus and both got 3rd place overall in the bike rodeo. Yippy!**

good deed: read and studied my scriptures.

Never say never!

Oops I have done it again (remember my three's?) When Doug and I first got married you can bet I was a coupon cutter, shopped for the best deals, and even went to the extreme of going to several stores to save a penny. I continued this way of living into medical school and somewhat into residency. Unfortunately my tune has changed over the past two years, It's not that we are making any more money. I am blaming it on pure laziness and convenience. Sad, but true. It's not very often I will drive the distance just to save a few extra pennies, well with the exception of gas. (weird quirk) Hence my daily Sonic runs. I probably could save about .25 cents a day by getting my drink at a gas station. But, that would entail dragging my kids out of the car and lugging them inside just for a drink. So not worth it in my book.

I realized the other day that I probably could have saved about $5 getting my oil changed. Instead of going to one of those Jiffy Lube's. I chose to go to my Honda dealership, which has a quick lube. Why you may ask?? Well, as you can see from the picture below. My kids are completely over joyed coming here. They are playing in the kids room, watching Higgley Town Heroes, eating a free Krispy Kreme donut and even have internet services (see photo). Cha ching. So once again $5 totally worth it!

Today I had a lapse in judgement and reverted going the cheap route. And thinking more about it, I wish I wouldn't have! First, one of the reason I loathe Wal-mart is the cart situation for kids. They do have that extended monterous cart (that my kids don't stay in and it's super hard to push) Why can't they have a double kid cart like their brother store (Sam's Club) or even Costco for that matter? Their are also perks going to those stores they have tasty samples, soft drinks, and pizza for my kids--in other words bribery tools. I won't even go there on the produce, you get the jist. So, before even setting foot into the store I am already in a bad mood because there is no place to put groceries and I really don't feel like chasing around 2 wild boys.

This is a reminder to myself to stick with my new motto. Call it snotty, dumb or whatever. I'm all about paying a few extra dollars, because in the end you have a much better experience! Let's just say trying to put my groceries in the cart with both kids, loosing my keys, and whiny kids not a good combo. I feel a little better about venting, now I am off to run to clear more steam! Am I alone on this one?

good deed: took the boys to the park.

Excercise

Every once in a while it's fun to spice things up in my journal rather than writing daily mundane events like, I did such and such today. Don't get me wrong I love documenting things, but sometimes it's fun to go with a theme just for fun. After writing my 3's post, then my SPT challenge I am compelled to do more. It's pretty much inevitable that I physically exercise every day with the exception of Sunday. Some may think that is pretty hard core, but for me it puts a kick start in my day so I can accomplish what it is I need to get done. I asked myself this morning what other things am I doing besides the physical side of excercise? Am I excercising patience as a parent, my mind, or even my spirit? I wanted to focus on exercising my spirit this week. I went visiting teaching on Monday and something was brought to my attention I had not ever noticed.

I knew the theme for the year is"Being an instrument in the Lords hands" but I didn't notice the woman in the above sculpture was actually changing. Looking back at previous Ensigns the base to her head has been developing more and more. Did anyone notice that? I will be interested to see what changes will be made over the next few months. Will she grow into a full woman or just add more details to her face, etc? This reminds me of myself. Since I was baptized 12 years ago I have really grown in the church, not only in knowledge, but more importantly my testimony has been strengthened. One other thing I noticed since I have been more feverent with my prayers this week, is the still small voice of the spirit. Thanks to Jill's just because Wednesday inspiration, I have really tried to send things to individuals that need it most.

Angie and I went to the temple today. I couldn't help but notice while I was there how grateful I am to have the priviledge to attend and the inspiration I get when I am there. I don't necessarily have answers given to me specifically, but thoughts pop into my head that I had either forgotten about or remembered something I needed to remember. I guess the challenge is trying to juggle the rest of the necessary exercise for our mind, body and spirit as well. I found this quote and really liked it. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~Martin Luther King Jr.

**Did you notice the sculpture changing?**
**How do you "excercise" in your life?**

good deed: went to the temple

SPT Shopping Spree

If I were given $100 more than likely I wouldn't spend it on myself. I guess being a mother has pretty much done that too me. I couldn't pass up this "virtual challenge" and played by the rules. Being older and wiser I have come to the conclusion that quality is better than quanity in most cases. I'll be the first to admit I am a girl of wants, not to mistake that with needs. Over the years I have noticed that my simple inexpensive taste in things has turned into expensive. Any guesses as to what my five items are? My items of choice are WAY over $100. This wouldn't buy me an entire item, so I decided it could buy me a "piece" of each of these things.

But, for real if I was given $100 I would have to spend it on this. I took the quantity route on this one. If you do the calculations that is 1 drink a day for 100 days, or approximately 3 months and a couple of weeks. Not too shabby!

I just noticed I am wearing pink again in my SPT picture.
Hmmm guess I like that color.

~I leave you with one of my favorite songs of all time and better yet it goes with the post~



good deed: prepared a "just because" package.