Rah, Rah, Rah-Rah-Rah!

Brandon is headed to the first BYU game of the season! I'm jealous. So jealous. I have not missed the first BYU football game of a season in 10 years. ~sob~ I'm only going to get to one home game this year (maybe two) and one away game (UCLA). How will I survive? Brandon better know how much I love him to let him go without me!

I watched this. I felt pride. It's kind of long, so if you aren't into re-living Cougar glory, don't bother. Go Cougars!

For those who don't know, (or haven't figured it out) I really like BYU football.

By the way, it's HOT here. 105 degrees yesterday and 100 today. So grateful for air conditioning.

Hey, anybody else a Cougar fan?

To Shower, or not to Shower?

When becoming a mother, the universal advice is to tell said mother that getting a shower every day is waaay overrated. And this would be truth. Showering each day, in some countries, is a crime. Okay, well I don't really know that for sure, but let's just say that showering every day, in some countries, is a luxury they do not have. This I do know to be true. But I digress...For new mothers, baby comes first. For old mothers, baby comes first. For any mother, BABY COMES FIRST. And this is good. Sort of. To a point.

All discussions about mothers needing time to pamper themselves and take care of themselves so that the child will be healthy, too, yadda, yadda, yadda aside, mothers really do take care of their children/husband/pet/garden before they take care of themselves. At least when it comes to the shower arena. I mean, come on! Who's going to give up Book Club? Or GNO? Or eating food? Most women are eager, eager, eager to feed their souls and minds. But what about our bodies, hmm? As mothers and wives, it's so easy to let ourselves go. And we justify our lack of bodily care with phrases like these:

"I'm too tired to exercise"
"I can't afford the good moisturizer"
"I shouldn't spend money on clothes for me, because my child needs this instead"
"I don't have time for make-up"
"I'll shower tomorrow before husband goes to work"
"T-shirts are just comfortable"
"My husband loves me no matter what I look like"
"I want to focus on my mind, and how can I teach my children to do the same if I worry about how I look?"

I am not immune to these attitudes. In fact, I've said them all. Letting myself go was the easiest thing I ever did after having children. And I felt justified. And my husband truly did love me still. But...! Here are a couple of things blew my justifications out of the water:

ONE: Brandon and I had been married a mere 2 months. He mentions how beautiful I look without make-up on. "Why do you need it?" So, I stop. Why, indeed? After a week of going to school without make-up on, Brandon says to me (lovingly and guiltily): "Well, you can wear it if you want to." I was not offended. I knew I looked better with it on. I also knew it protected my face from sun damage. I willingly went back. Make-up is my friend.
TWO: After having 3 children, I was the expert at T-shirt wearing. Jeans and t-shirts. Usually Brandon's t-shirts. They hid my fat rolls, and so I thought I looked better. The truth was, though, that I looked like a very large box. Brandon mentioned one day (in another loving and somewhat guarded way --no doubt to defend himself from my wrath) that he wouldn't mind if I wore things that fit me well. That comment (given a good 2 years ago) and a fabulous shopping trip with Aunt Carrie changed my attitude about clothing forever.

Now, does this mean I wear make-up every day? Not always. Do I dress perfectly? Not always. But I'm making more of an effort.

THREE: When I got my PVC's from my asthma meds (2 years ago, sorry no posts to link to on that one!), my cardiologist demanded that I exercise. I owe so much of my drive for health to those PVC's (that are now pretty much gone). It spurred me into action and into the throws of weight loss. My goals to lose weight and stay healthy are HARD. But I can't imagine what life will be like when I can look into the mirror and see somebody with lower cholesterol, control of appetite, and lookin' good in some jeans a size my body should be. It's taking a long time. But I'm determined to get there. Fear drives part of me; fear of sickness, fear of immobility, fear of depression, fear of ugliness. But I'm letting that fear help me --and so far, so good.

There have been many posts about dress, make-up, and in general, taking care of ourselves. I've talked about the weight loss stuff many, many times. We know, as women, that we want to feel beautiful. But the focus is so spot-on to the inside of us, that we're more than forgiving the outside of us --we're encouraging it. Mentioning beauty on the outside is akin to heresy, especially in some feminist realms (no specific example, just many comments I've read the last 2 years or so).

Well, I'm here to say that I don't think it's fair. And recently, I've decided it's not going to happen anymore! I am rebelling against the idea that I can be smelly, sweaty, hideous, and fat and still maintain my identity. Yes, I'm a mother. But I'm also Cheryl. And Cheryl used to be healthy and glamorous. Okay, okay, I was a tom-boy, but I was sure a beautiful tom-boy!

So, this morning, I took a shower. This 5:30AM running adds to the need, of course, but I took a shower without Brandon home to watch the kids. This has been nearly impossible for me in the last 6 years. How can I shower with all these little kids running around? Well, today it was nap time for #4 and a movie for #2 and #3. I was in and out in 2 minutes. But it was done. I put on a shirt that fit and flattered my figure. The make-up will come next. And I feel pretty. Without guilt!

I think I'll shower tomorrow, too.

Baseball, school, and losin' the weight

All kinds of wonderful stuff happened in the last little while.

ONE:

We went to a SF Giant's game on Saturday night. So much fun! So much fun! The Giants won --but no home run from Barry Bonds. Here are some pictures:

TWO:

#1 is in 1st grade!

She started yesterday (wa-hoo!) and is enjoying it so far. She's in school from 7:45AM until 2:20PM (who decided they should start that early?!?) and so it's strange to have her gone most of the day. Yesterday, I was going to clean the house, do the laundry, and organize all kinds of stuff! Of course, the operative word being "was." I ended up blogging all day, reading my novel, and playing with the kids. Whoo-hoo! Today, my SIL and nephew joined #2, #3, #4 and I at Six Flags. It was a short time there (just a few rides and lots of animal viewings), but still way fun. Then piano lessons, weight watchers, and now here. Ooh! That brings me to....

THREE:

TOTAL LOSS FOR WEEK 7:

Brandon: 20.4

Me: 11.6

(Better!)

FOUR:

I am training for a 5K. My walking buddy and I opted for a short race since it's in 3 weeks. The 10K will come later. But because of school, we have to run earlier. Oh, yes, that's right! We're out there by 5:30AM every morning, baby! When else would two mothers with young children do it? Exactly. And frankly, I love it. I return home all charged up and ready to go with the day. I know Brandon likes that better than my usual "Grrr. Don't talk to me....Grrr!!" attitude when I don't exercise. Or maybe it's just when I wake up. Hmmmm.....

FIVE:

I am tired. Go figure.

Four Things Meme...

I got this from fabulous Summer:

Four jobs that I have had in my life:
1. Dental Rover
2. Studio Accompanist for a BYU voice teacher
3. Cub Leader/Office Manager at Aspen Grove Family Camp
4. Piano Teacher (and Mom!)

Four places that I have lived:
1. Blackfoot, Idaho
2. Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
3. Provo, Utah
4. Bay Area, California

Four countries that I have been to on vacation:
1. Canada
2. Mexico
3. Jamaica
4. Caymen Islands
(haven't been very far!)

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Pasta
2. Curry
3. Fajitas
4. Brownies

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. With my new nephew!
2. Disneyland
3. Asleep
4. On vacation (without the children!).

I tag everyone! Come on, you know you wanna do it! :)

~sigh~

Yes, this is the THIRD post today.

In the last two hours I have:

• Cleaned up #3's pee all over the bathroom floor (failed potty training attempt #2).
• Burned the noodles to the macaroni and cheese because I was blogging.
• Dropped a small glass bowl on the counter, which then shattered and shards of glass went into the prepared macaroni and cheese. Well, we assume. Not taking any risks with that one.
• Cleaned up the lemonade that was spilled all over the counter, floor, and chair.

I mentioned these things to Brandon. He said "It sounds like a blog entry!"

Indeed it does.

2 things

I'm not used to blogging more than once a day, but I had a few things to add before I forget.

One: Summer awarded me this!

Thank you, Summer! It was unexpected, and my very first Blogger award! Sometimes I really don't feel nice --especially when commenting on community blogs, but I sure try. And for what it's worth, Summer, I think you're very nice!

I would like to pass the award onto:

JaimieJ at I Love Flip Flops

Amanda at SAHM3

Kanga5 at Have I Told You Lately

As I've gotten to know them through blogging, I've found them to be some of the nicest people I know! Maybe one day we'll all meet each other. (P.S. I love the rest of you, too!)

Two:

#4 got a haircut last Sunday. It was on a whim and I whipped out the scissors. He had some pretty long earlocks growing and quite a bit on top --all of it equaled an ugly comb-over. Now he's all trimmed and looks like the cute boy we all know he is...

Date Night: A Wife's Story

He told her to get a babysitter for Friday night; earlier the better. He wouldn't tell her what they were doing, and she took this as a good thing. Date night in "courtship world" would have been full of surprises, too, and deep into the 8 1/2 year marriage it was refreshing.

Carefully she got ready. The children wanted to take a picture.

The babysitter was picked up by 5:15PM. He brought home pizza (at her request). The children were happy, the babysitter instructed, and they were off!

Not even a block into their date, he pulled the car over and asked her if she was up for a gamble. oh, jeeze! she thought --it was supposed to be his plan. He explained that he had been in contact with a few people online who were selling tickets. To a concert. For that very night. Do you remember what concert is tonight? he asked her. She couldn't remember. It's in Stockton, he suggested.

Josh Groban?!?!

He proceeded to explain that they could do the following: Get floor tickets towards the back for $x each, get floor tickets on the 11th row from the stage for $xx each, (both through sellers on the internet) or take their chances with the box office and get cheap balcony seats. It didn't take her long to consider the ramifications of spending $xx on concert tickets. Was Josh Groban worth the money? She replied:

Are you kidding me?!? Why didn't you just buy the expensive 11th row tickets in the first place?! This is JOSH GROBAN! Of course I'd want you to spend the money!

Happily, but fearful that the tickets might no longer be available (Worst, case, honey, we miss the concert, eat dinner, and go see Bourne Ultimatum. So don't get your hopes up too high. She replied with dignity, but slightly shrilly: Don't you dare get my hopes up and then tell me we might not get in! We're going!), they drove to Stockton, California through beautiful winding hills behind Mt. Diablo.

They arrived, and after finagling with the seller of the tickets (who could have been running a scam, but luckily was not), they were able to pick them up 3 miles from the venue. However, the concert had started 15 minutes earlier. I don't know if I want to go anymore. Was it worth the money if we get there and they won't let us in until intermission? she worried aloud. I don't know. But if it's like any other concert we've been to there will be people coming and going, food and beer... he stated surely. WHAT!? There would never be something like that at a Josh Groban concert! BEER? He's classier than that, she quipped. How much you wanna bet? he laughed.

They arrived near the stadium, parked the car a little too closely to the fire hydrant in a scary looking neighborhood, and then proceeded to hoof it to the doors. Hearing music, she asked the ticket tender Did it start? The lady replied Yes, but it's the opening act and they just barely started. Hooray!

Realizing, because of the gamble they chose to make, that they missed their reservations at a delicious Indian restaurant and may not eat again until very late, they chose to buy pizza and soda at the counter. Where they sold beer. Luckily, she was not arrogant and was able to admit she was wrong about the beer, much to his delight and laughter.

Entering the floor, they walked towards the stage. Closer and closer, until they found their seats. She was amazed! She couldn't believe how close they were. Eating pizza, they enjoyed the music of Angelique Kidjo and her amazing band. The lights came up; there was an intermission. She sat there and thought about how lucky she was to have a husband that wouldn't forget the pleading she had made months before about wanting to see Josh Groban live. At the same time, she was glad to be there, but not overly excited. After all, she had never signed up to be an official "Friend of Josh Groban" or anything. And then he started to sing. And then there he was, on stage, only 11 rows in front of her.

She screamed in excitement like a little girl.

The entire concert was thrilling and wonderful. She wasn't swooning over his boyish looks or great jeans (they were great jeans, though). His voice was just breathtaking. The cellist and violinist were phenomenal. The orchestra behind him was amazing. Josh himself was engaging, hilariously funny, and very gracious.

She found herself wrapped up in the evening. She didn't care about the funny looks some people gave her because in reality, she was one of thousands who felt like giddy school girls. And those people giving the "looks" were the only ones not screaming. Silly people!

[Go here for a great review of the concert. Although there are a few differences (no strip teasing, and he wore a Stockton ice hockey jersey at the end).]

When the show was over (after three encores), they both realized that they needed to get to the car as quickly as possible, hoping it hadn't been towed, ticketed, or broken into. Another hearty jaunt over and across a street or two and they found the car exactly as they had left it.

Making their way home (on freeways this time), they talked about how incredible the concert was. She thanked him over and over for the experience; he was grateful the gamble paid off! The drive also gave them a chance to discuss things that are hard to discuss in front of children (i.e. finances, schedules, feelings, and the children).

Arriving at home, they found the house clean, the children in bed, and the babysitter watching the History Channel. After taking that awesome-girl-of-a-babysitter home, they settled down, ate some more pizza (starving, I tell you!) and had a little ice cream. Quickly falling asleep, she dreamed of a beautiful baritone voice and how close he was --eleven rows, only!

[To top off the night, #4 slept until 4:30AM. Beautiful, beautiful boy!]

P.S. She now knows that her husband is simply the best in the entire world. Sorry, girls, but she got the best one. That's just how it is!

#3 has no shame

He ate 1/2 bottle of Baco-bits. In 10 seconds.

He now believes in brushing his body, as well as his teeth. With toothpaste.

There's more. But I can't think of anything right now. When I do, I'll edit accordingly.

EDIT:
In an effort to "share", he shoved a small pretzel in #4's mouth this afternoon. Luckily, I knew (by instinct!) and got it out quickly.

I said: "#3! No more water, okay?"
"Okay, mom!" as he proceeded to fill the cup back up with water.

Maybe it should be Crazy Meets Happy

There have been plenty of blog posts lately (or forever) about how difficult it is being a mother with young children. Or teenage children. Or adult children. Heck --with children! I tend to agree.

I'm grateful for these posts. Sometimes I feel, in my loneliness and isolated life with four children under the age of seven that I am a crazy, crazy mother. Of course, I am happy. And crazy (theme of this blog, no?). But anyways...

Here is a list of some crazy things that have happened in the last week. I'm not proud of all of them. Some of them embarrass me. Others make me laugh. A few make me cry --and then laugh. Sadly, the laughing ones did not become laughing ones until my break-downs were over.

• #3 thinks he should sleep in the girls' room. Every night. On the floor. I have yet to figure out how to put him back in his room permanently
• #4 thinks it's funny to wake up three times a night. Crying it out is working, but it's still taking some time. He's fickle. One night he'll sleep all night. The next he's up every hour.
• #3 decided to redecorate the bathroom yesterday with two full rolls of toilet paper (sorry, honey! I know you didn't know this. I was hiding it from you out of respect for your own sanity) and toothpaste. The toothpaste he got from the dentist, which, up until now, was horrifying to him. But now it's great for sculptures and painting the mirror! Hooray!
• #1 tried to get snacks for everyone, and the entire bag of animal crackers fell on the floor.
• #3 opened up a bag of "crafts" --i.e. a ziplock bag with hundreds of tiny beads for making necklaces/bracelets.
• #4 is starting to understand spitting while eating solid food.
• #1 has perfected, to an art form, the pouting/whining tantrum complete with the storming off and slamming of the door. She's only six!
• #2 thinks it's funny to annoy her brother or sister to the point that she gets hit, and then gets them in trouble.
• Tonight, at #1's school registration, #2 and #3 thought it was funny to find the drinking fountain and get each other soaking wet.
• #2 finds it fun to draw on walls.
• #3 likes to spit. A lot. At people.
• Oh, and #3 doesn't believe in potty training.

Here is the good:

• #1 helps out A LOT and usually without thanks.
• #2 sings all day long and is such a wit!
• #3 is so silly, we laugh until we cry.
• #4 is the most adorable baby ever seen, and he's so calm.

I'm crazy with these kiddies, but I sure am lucky, you know?

I think I need to try a bit harder...

Update: Week Six

DH: 19 lbs (total)
Me: 10.6 lbs (total)

Yep. I gained almost 1/2 a pound. I am assuming it's because I haven't walked/ran in almost 2 weeks. ~sigh~

Good Reads

My awesome friend, Camellia, had me join Good Reads today. Can I just tell you how excited I am?

I read voraciously. At least I claim to. Having children has slown me down a little bit, but it has also given me a better appreciation for reading. I have a book group (which is just plain wonderful!) but this website, I believe, will give me a better opportunity to find books that I'd like to devour. Yum!

Another selling point for me about this website was the Writing part. Each person is given space and a way to write their own stories, poetry, thoughts, ideas, etc. I loved, loved, loved to write back in the day, and now I have a way to express myself in an exclusive form. Blogging helps, but it's more of a journal journey for me, rather than a place for serious writing. Since my writing has failed to impress anyone (not that I've tried), including myself, I'll be using Good Reads to practice, practice, and practice away. What's great is there is a chance to be read and criticized by others who tend to know what they're talking about (i.e. They all read. A lot.).

So, Thank you Camellia! And if any of my fellow blogger mommies and such want to join up over at Good Reads, please do! Just make sure you add me as a friend, because, well, that's just the nice thing to do. :)

8 Things About My Marriage

Jamie did this on her blog last week, and instead of being tagged (the correct protocol), I asked if I could be tagged. :) She said yes, and so here we are!

It is easy to slip into comfort and almost complacency in marriage --especially with little rugrats in the midst. I wanted to do this Meme because I love to remember how DH and I ended up together; to remind me why we ended up together. Sometimes, with the messy house, whining children, and no sleep, I think we both wonder what the heck we are doing!

Eight Things about My Marriage

1. Where did you meet your husband? I met DH for the first time on May 20th, 1998 at the Heritage Halls Central Building on BYU Campus. We were both working as Conference Assistants in Helaman Halls (on-campus housing) for the summer. We had a huge staff meeting at the Central Building with all CA's and supervisors for all three campus housing units.

2. What was the first thing you said to your husband? I didn't actually talk to him (that I remember) when I first saw him. We had introduced ourselves and so I knew who he was; I'm sure we even talked at some meals in the next 24 hours. But I do remember this: We were to use an alliteration for our names to introduce ourselves at the first big meeting. I chose "Not-Shy Cheryl, because I'm really not that shy." (oh, so witty! ~gag~). And since most of you know my husband's name, I don't feel bad saying that he called himself "Bodacious Brandon. I'm from California. Enough said." and then sat back down to type notes on his laptop. I remember I thought "What? A cocky-computer nerd from California. I don't need that!" But then the next day....

...we were at a meeting for just the Helaman Halls staff. During the break, Brandon went to the piano and started playing. Classical Music. On the piano. Memorized. Not only that, but he was playing it for his boss' 2 year old daughter so she could dance. Piano AND children?!? I moved near the piano and I remember I started to name every piece he was playing. "Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique, second movement! Mozart's Sonata in C, first movement! Debussy's...." I was so impressed! And in truth, so was he. :) So much for first impressions, eh?

3. Where was your first kiss? First date? Our first date was on June 10, 1998 and since Brandon, fresh from the mission, didn't have a car, we walked to the BYU Museum of Art, had lunch in the cafe, walked around the museum, and then went for ice cream (with a bunch of his hometown friends) in the Wilk. It was really, really fun! He first kissed me 10 days later on June 20th (yes, I know all the dates. My memory is L-O-N-G). He borrowed his cousin's car and drove me up to the Mt. Timpanogos trail head (near Aspen Grove Family Camp). The sun was setting, and we started hiking a little bit on the trail. We didn't get far --he kissed me there. ~sigh~

4. Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement? We dated for 5 months and were engaged for 3 months. In some circles, that is psycho-short. In others, it is extremely l-o-n-g. For us, it was just right. :)

5. Where did you get engaged? It was a Tuesday afternoon, October 20th, 1998. We went up on the Alpine Loop to "see the leaves" (which had fallen by then). I had been waiting and waiting for the ring --forever! He asked my father for "permission" on October 3rd; we had gone to BYU Homecoming on October 10th; so I was expecting it soon, but to be honest, he still surprised me. He proposed on this beautiful hill overlooking Aspen Grove Family Camp and Sundance Ski Resort. Again, during a sunset. ~sigh~

6. Where did you get married? On January 16, 1999 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

7. How did the reception go? Fabulous! It went so well, that around 9:15PM while Brandon and I were dancing the night away, my uncle approached me and said "Don't you guys want to go? It's getting kind of late." We had completely lost track of the time because we were all having so much fun.

8. How was the honeymoon? Wonderful, of course, although very simple. We were in school still (I'll confess --I was 19 and 11 months, and Brandon was 22), and so we only had one week, and we had another open house/reception in California. So, we stayed our first night at the Black Swan Inn in Pocatello (imagine the Anniversary Inn in SLC--it's a lot like that one) and the next night was in our apartment in Provo. Monday night we stayed in Las Vegas and the next day we rode the Stratosphere roller coaster (scary!!!) and did a session at the LV Temple. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights we stayed at Brandon's uncle's cabin at Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernadino mountains. We enjoyed shopping for food at the local market, movies, walks, and well...ahem...you know. On the Thursday, we went to Disneyland for the day. I LOVE Disneyland!! Friday we were kicked out of the cabin (inadvertently, the agency had rented out the cabin for that weekend and didn't tell Brandon's uncle.), and so we stayed that night at his Grandma's house. It was all good, because the next day was the open house in her backyard (although his grandparents weren't there --long story short, they were at our wedding/reception, but had to be in Provo for Brandon's aunt's fashion show during our Open House). Sunday, we drove home. We had another Open House in Provo the next Saturday, too. I got to wear my dress three times! Good and used.

There you have it! I tag ALL OF YOU. If you read this, you need to do this. I'll be checking your blogs to make sure. I just love reading about how people met and fell in love! That and labor stories. I know, I'm weird. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE SISTER!

My sister, who just had a baby (see previous post) is now 24 years old. What's crazy is that I remember when she was born!

Anyway, have a great day with your new baby! Milk it for all it's worth, honey. Make sure mom, dad, and your DH treat you like a Queen. I mean, not only is it your birthday, but you did just have a child ripped from your loins. You deserve some rest!

I love you!

I knew I couldn't stay away for long...

First, an apology for taking so long. Second, Thank you so much to those of you that care whether I blog or not! And Third --there is always so much to write about!

Highlights of the week:

• My sister had her baby on Friday! Yay! She had another boy, and so now I have 3 nephews (2 are hers). The only downside is that I have no idea when I'll get to see him, since they are in Utah. ~sob~
• Book Club was Thursday night. We talked about Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. Good book! Go here to see a picture of us havin' a ball at Mary's Pizza Shack. If you notice, I'm holding a cute baby, and so you can't see my face. But thanks to Denae for having a picture! I'm terrible at photographing my life.
• Piano lessons are swelling! 4 1/2 months ago, I had three students. Starting in the Fall, I will have thirteen!
• UPDATE ON WEEK FIVE! DH:16.8 and Me: 11.0
• Ooh! Friday night, DH and I took the girls (left the boys with a sitter) and went to the Woodminster Theater's "The Wizard of Oz". Children were admitted free for every paying adult. The girls LOVED it! It was so fun and light. They really kept the play fun for all the kids they knew would be there.

I had a couple of down days, though. I blame it on exhaustion and boredom. My children are so out-of-their-minds bored! And I'm too tired to take them anywhere. [However, #4 did decide to start sleeping until 3AM, and we're going on a couple nights of this. I'm hoping to stretch it to 5AM eventually.]

But yesterday was AWESOME.

We had chores in the morning ("Yes, you have to do your chores! We do them every Saturday! Stop whining!") and then we all settled down to watch High School Musical 2. I know a lot of people had parties the night of, but we had the play, so we opted to record it and watch it at our leisure. (Since we don't have church until 1PM today, they're in there watching it again!) At first I was a bit concerned --the dialogue sounded forced. But by the time we were half way through the movie, I was hooked! I also saw that they are going to make a Third one. Hooray for the genre of musicals making a come-back!

After we watched the movie, DH decided we had been housebound too long. We all jumped into the car (much to this anti-spontaneous woman's chagrin) and headed towards Jack London Square. We hit traffic just before Orinda, and so, with our hungry kids in tow, we pulled off into Orinda and found a charming Mexican Restaurant. It was perfect! The kids loved the food, DH and I shared fajitas, and the price was reasonable. During dinner, DH and I decided to fore go Jack London Square, and instead went driving around in the hills of Orinda/Lafayette. We found this community of very posh homes (Wowza! They were expensive!) and this tiny little empty park. It was great; we got out and the kids had a ball. After taking #2 to pee behind the bushes (and hoping that there weren't any of those Posh home owners watching), we played a rousing game of Freeze-tag on the grass. DH and I were laughing so hard --our kids are adorable! #3 would anticipate getting tagged and just stand there laughing, which would make us laugh, and on and on...Man, it was fun! Afterwards, we drove through the farming/ranching parts of the area and made it home before 9PM. It was a fabulous day.

DH often has to remind me that even though I hate spontaneous outings, when they are over, I talk incessantly about how much I loved what we did. But that's okay. I like that system. :)

Well, today we were supposed to be in Utah for a friend's farewell. But we couldn't go. It was too far and too hard to figure out the logistics. It makes me sad. Luckily, I'll be there before long. DH has season tickets to the BYU football games (yes, his awesome obsession! I say awesome because I approve), so he'll get there before I do, though. ~sigh~

Okay, that's all for now. Golly! Now I know why I need to blog more than once a week. Too much to talk about! And the more to talk about, the harder it is to link them together, and the less intelligent I sound...

Blogging Break

Just now, as I was blogging, my son got into two new presents I bought for some friends (they both just had babies a few weeks apart) and ripped open the envelopes to their cards and was about to rip open the presents (luckily they were in bags). At the same time, my baby son was crying incessantly, and my oldest daughter was playing around on the cat tower (which is a no-no in our house).

I'd like to say that this is uncommon. But whenever I get on the computer to blog (or to read a novel, or go to the bathroom, or get on the phone), my children think this is now free reign to destroy the house.

So...BIG BREATH...I'm taking a break. I won't be blogging for a little while. I'll probably read a few blogs, but I don't think I'll be commenting. I need to take a break and reprioritize my life a little bit. Or at least work out a schedule for myself so that my blogging time won't interfere with my mommy time. I'm sure when school starts it will get a bit easier (finding time).

I'll be back. I promise!

Pictures of #3's Birthday

My First Ever Meme

First of all, what is up with the word "Meme?" To me, that sounds like MEEM. Grammatically speaking, anyway. If it's meant to say Meemee, then it should be spelled "Me-Me", don't you think? Yeah, it's weird. Every time I read that word now, it's jarring.

Okay, on with it! I read this one on Summershine's blog, and so I decided to just go for it. Here we go...

High School Spirit

1. Who was your best friend?

There was more than one. Em, Steph, Beck, Bren, Rach, and An were the girls I hung out with the very most. We did almost everything together.
2. Did you play any sports? Nope. Not in High School. Unless you count Marching Band, and frankly, I wish we could. Anyone that has been in Marching Band will understand what I'm talking about...

3. What kind of car did you drive? A 1984 Toyota E-Class "mini-boat" we named Goldie. Because she was Gold. Had AC, a tape deck and 6 seat belts. It was awesome!

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? If it wasn't a football game, basketball game or dance, the girls and I would usually be found at Pizza Hut eating bread sticks ("Stickin'"), cruising around Idaho Falls, shopping at the mall, at the movies, or at someone's house. And there was the occasional Couch Burning. Of course, when one of us had a boyfriend, then it was "date night". But I digress...
5. Were you a party animal? Nope. We got high on good clean fun. :)
6. Were you considered a flirt? Not really. I was more of a friend.

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? All three. I was in choir (alto and accompanist), Marching Band (percussion and Drum Major), Symphonic Band (percussion), and Jazz Band (piano).

8. Were you a nerd? Absotunetly! I wasn't as smart as some of my friends, but I took loads of AP courses along with my music stuff. So, yeah, I guess I was a nerd.

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? Never
10. Can you sing the fight song? Heck yes! The band played it at every sporting event. And did I mention I was in the band? :)
11. Who was your favorite teacher? I'd have to say that there were three: Mr. Gardner was my English teacher and he was spectacular. Then Mr. Tripp, my band teacher, who gave me amazing confidence in myself, and Mrs. Mann, my choir teacher who just blew me away with her talent and belief in me.

12. What was your school mascot? Bronco
13. Did you go to the Prom? Yep. First year was a blind date (and rocked) and senior year was with my boyfriend who basically broke up with me at Prom. Jerk.

14. If you could go back, would you? Maybe. But only if it wouldn't change where I've ended up, because I love where I've ended up.

15. What do you remember most about graduation? When about 20 of us, after the all-night party (which was after grad) jumped into mini-vans and headed to the Perkin's in IF and ordered breakfast at 6AM. Then we all drove back (luckily nobody died. We were so stupid!), grabbed blankets, and all fell asleep on the front steps of the school. And they had school that day. It was awesome.
16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? The whole senior class went to Lagoon.

17. Did you have a job your senior year? I was a Rover at a Dental Office. Basically I cleaned the rooms after each patient, seated them, cleaned the dental instruments, etc.

18. Where did you go most often for lunch? Usually the concession stand in our high school for a burrito. By senior year I ate more in the cafeteria because I realized that eating a good meal wasn't as nerdy as I had thought.

19. Have you gained weight since then? Duh!!

20. What did you do after graduation? Worked the summer at the Dental Office and then went to BYU.

21. What year did you graduate? 1997
22. Who was your Senior Prom Date? Bryan with a "Y" (that was his nickname).

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion? A friend and I planned our entire reunion and you can read about it HERE.

Okay, if you read this, you're tagged! And to all my blogging buddies, I'll do my best to do more "meme's" in the future. It's kind of fun to remember who I am, you know, besides "MOOOOHHHHM!!!"

The Passing of President Faust

President Faust passed away early this morning. I found out at breakfast while DH was online. It was unexpected and very sad.

He gave this talk; it was my favorite. It was repeated years later, and I read it as a young mother. It changed my life.

Thank you, President Faust. You were an amazing Man of God.

My Baby is Three...

Yesterday was #3's birthday. Number 3 is now 3!

He spent most of the day yelling and screaming at ill-conceived injustices (his usual habit) while the rest of us tried to ignore it because "it's his birthday!"

While he took a long nap, #1, #2 and I wrapped his gifts and made his birthday cake. I went with the same theme I did last year: Matchbox Cars on the Cake. HUGE hit every time. :)

He was spoiled with a lot of gear, too:

• the cars and airplanes off of his cake
• a kickball
• sidewalk chalk
• a huge dinosaur (thanks to aunt bren, tam, and their hubbies)
• a bubble blower gun and one of those devices that throws the twirling disc in the air (you know what I'm talkin' about?) from Uncle D and Aunt S.
• Disk throwing guns
• army men
• the start-up Thomas the Train railroad set
• cards
• money from grandparents

Lucky guy! WOW!

The best part was seeing my brother. He leaves for Iraq on Wednesday.

I'll post pictures tonight or tomorrow...

Potty Training...

...is done for now. ~sigh~

I could be upset, but frankly, I don't care. I'm used to being "No diapers! We're never going back!" but the kid just isn't ready. We had one success yesterday, so I think it's a good start. But I'm too tired to be cleaning out poopy underwear for the next month. We'll try again a little later...

Week 4 Results

DH: 14.8 pounds (Total)
Me: 10 pounds! (Total!)
Can you believe it?!?! And my reward for losing 10 pounds is to get my hair done. Not sure yet what I'm going to do, but it definitely needs a trim and a little shimmer. To my friends in the Bay Area: Know of anyone who's good?

Feeling better...

• #3 thought it was hilarious that he burped loudly after drinking the water during the Sacrament on Sunday. It was, but don't tell him that!
• #2 is sick now.
• Harry Potter is finished! It only took 2 days and one hour. Surprisingly, I left the book around 11:30PM last night to sleep; then finished the last 60 pages or so this morning. J.K. Rowling is awesome! She did a fantastic job finishing the series. I loved it.
• We have decided to start the Ferber method (but our own kind of interpretation) with sweet boy #4. Instead of slowly getting better about sleeping through the night, he is/was getting seriously worse. I was up every 2 hours to comfort the child, and I finally put my foot down. Last night, I set him down after his last evening feeding and let him wail. DH and I took turns going in to comfort him; it only took an hour or so before he was asleep. And then, miraculously, he didn't wake up until 4:32AM. YES! I was so thrilled; my body was grateful to sleep for so long. If we can keep that one feeding close to 5AM (we put him down around 8:30/9PM), then we're good to go! It's just training/teaching him that he can fall asleep on his own without being held. This method worked for our other three children (only 2-3 nights of crying each), so I'm not surprised it's working for #4.
• Potty training has officially commenced! I'm nervous for this one, though, because he's never really had a successful potty experience. But he (#3) wanted to start today, and so I told him if we did, we're not going back. So far, so good. He's still dry, but that's because I think he's afraid to go in his nice Thomas the Train underwear. Experience has taught me not to back down, so we'll see how it goes.
• My house is a disaster area. It really should have a sign outside warning people not to enter. I should be cleaning it right now since I'm finally feeling better, Harry Potter is read, and I have no other excuses. Laundry should be done today, too. ~sigh~ The cycle of chores is never ending. Guess that's why it's called a "cycle", eh?
• My brother is on leave!! We get to see him Thursday night. He leaves for Iraq next week, and so these 4 days of leave are quite the blessing...

Hey, anybody got any good tips on the following?:
Chore Charts (something I can work with, won't wear out, and actually works!) and Laundry (keeping it caught up!)

Once. Again.

I am sick. Trying hard not to hate everyone that is healthy.

I wanted to go visit two separate friends that have had babies this last month yesterday afternoon, but instead spent the day on the couch with my box-o-tissues, watching re-runs of Still Standing and Reba.

DH came home and cleaned up (beautiful, beautiful man) and then made everyone "potato pizzas" (really cool WW recipe that most of our kids loved. #2 won't try anything, so she still doesn't know if she likes it).

I wish I could clean the house right now. It's chore day. There's so much to do. My head hurts.

So much to blog about. No brain power to type it out eloquently...

Pictures from Lake Lopez

Martina McBride Miracles

oh. my. heck.
It was the BEST concert I've ever been to!
Here's the scoop: DH bought 8 Floor tickets to the Martina McBride concert a couple of months ago for last night's performance in Oakland! He knew I loved Martina, and he figured we could find a lot of people to attend the concert with us. Little did we know how hard it would be! We asked over a dozen couples to go with us --some wanted to go but couldn't, some wanted to go but couldn't afford it, and all the others hated country music. We finally found one couple to go with us (M and J). So, we had 4 tickets left. Luckily, DH's Aunt who lives in Dublin agreed to go and got a friend to go with her. That left us with two tickets. Yesterday --the day of the concert! --DH asked a million people at work until he found a couple who would take the tickets. Wa-hoo! All tickets were sold/used!
Here are the Miracles: Some of them might sound lame, but they made for an interesting, coincidental, and fabulous night for everybody.

• Little Big Town opened for Martina McBride and they just happened to be M's favorite country band. Her ring tone right now is their song "Boondocks". Crazy! We had NO idea they were the opening act!
• Martina sang a Loretta Lynn song; J grew up on Loretta Lynn and knew the entire song by heart. Made his night.
• Before Martina came on, I was talking with DH's aunt and her friend about a Journey concert and how great it would be to see them; Martina's very first Encore song was Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'". Oh, the irony, people! And it doesn't stop there...
• The couple from DH's work that took the last tickets had just been, Tuesday night, watching the Six Degrees of Martina McBride and mentioned how great it would be to see her sing live. Isn't that the coolest?!
• Parking was amazing. We were so close.
• The floor seats were out of this world! I don't think I can ever go back to the balcony...
• You could see everything. The music was flawless.
• Martina sang the entire set without an intermission. And man, can she blow! And she wasn't all cocky or rude; she was constantly thanking us for our applause and even paused to sign an autograph during the concert.
• I felt like a teenager again, dancing in the aisles, singing along; it was invigorating! (or maybe it was the Diet Pepsi...).
• DH bought me Little Big Town's CD. Excuse me, Little Big Town's autographed CD!
• There was no traffic going there or back.

Only Downers: One of the singers of Little Big Town had her baby (unexpectedly 3 weeks early) this last week, and so not the entire band was there. They still sounded great, though! Her signature is missing on the CD, so that's the only sad thing. The other downer was....it was too short!

P.S. I decided that American Idol was AWFUL compared to this. And here's why:

1. AI contestants were singing "cover" songs; none of them were their own.
2. AI contestants cover a large range of sound and genre; Martina is an expert at her craft, a professional.
3. AI contestants were in a competition; they haven't been doing concerts for 2 decades.
4. Our seats at AI were pretty high up and so it was hard to see the stage and enjoy the performers, which brings me to...
5. AI contestants were more about Performing, rather than Singing. Martina just had to stand there and sing her head off and we all thought we were going to die of Awe.

But, to be fair, I still really enjoyed the AI concert, especially since I'm such a fan of the show. But Martina McBride was AMAZING.

THANK YOU, DH!! I love you!