Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Big Five
The Five Ten years ago…
Hailey was finally gaining back her birth weight.
I was getting ready to start my elementary ed practicum at BYU.
We moved into a new apartment even closer to campus.
I got my Honda Accord - which I loved! GREAT CAR!
I was working as a mother's helper for a family with 4 boys.
Five things on today’s “to do” list…
Garbage Day
Vacuum the living room and down the hall
10 hours at work
Dishes
Bank
Five snacks I enjoy
Graham crackers and milk
crackers and cheese and tuna
1/2 a PB & strawberry J and milk
Mallowcorn and strawberry soda
Oreos and milk
Five things I would do if I was a millionaire…
pay off all debt
set up accounts for kids and retirement
invest
travel
new car
Five places I have lived…
Lincoln Nebraska
Provo Utah
Fairbanks Alaska
San Antonio Texas
That's about it!
I am tagging Angie, Amy, Allison, Stacy, and Alison.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Disney Girls
For those of you who read my posts via reader, you have missed the new countdown timer on the right hand column. You got it... we are Orlando bound (again!!!).
We did Disney a few years ago with the Hill entourage (and I mean almost everybody). Then, we went to Universal Studios and Sea World with my mom, dad and sibs (less Aaron-on a mission and Whitney-as yet undiscovered).
Now we are going back, and taking DJ's fam with us.
I am so excited!!! Pretty sure everyone else is too...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Going Going Gone...
I took Hailey and Katie to Washington on Friday. I was there two hours, then turned around and came right back (Standby is wonderful!!!). (12 hours on a plane is not)
I hate it when they are gone. I feel so... incomplete.
I mean, I have stuff I need to do. I have a husband who likes the attention and having me to himself. I have a house to clean. I have work that loves extra hours. I help with church stuff. But I feel like I am not a whole person.
I'm not gonna lie. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for those two little girls. We got through a lot of tough stuff just the three of us. Still, when they leave, I remember that I should be a person without them, so I am stronger for them when they come back.
I guess that is what it means to be a mom. You sacrifice the little things of yourself to be everything to others. Then when they aren't there, you don't know what to do. Don't get me wrong, I love a little vacation now and then from the rigors of daily life (hence Kansas City in May) but give me a few days, and I don't know what to do. I totally get the empty nest thing.
I held my friend's son on Sunday at church. I take partial credit for him. I was present at birth (labor coach and massage therapist) and then I was daycare. It helped to have him sit with me. I also told one of my friends I would play with her kids this week so she could have little break. I'm dealing. One day at a time... 24 days and counting...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tourists
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Music Monday!!!
Here it is, I am just now getting to my blog - and I do Monday Music Monologues. heehee
Here are the top 10 songs in my world this evening:
1. Celebration - Kool and the Gang
Admit it, you can't even think about this song without getting pumped... There's always a reason for a party.
2. You're Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins
Hailey and Katie are leaving Friday for Washington for A MONTH. I am not coping well, and I am going to miss them like crazy. I'm already upset that they are so big!!! The last thing I need is them going away for four weeks. SOB!!! (Can I play with someone's baby?)
3. Lost in This Moment with You - Big and Rich
I love this song. I love that it is about a wedding, but everytime I hear it, I think about my lovie, and I can't help but get lost in many moments. (I know, hun, ewwwwwww.... mushy.)
4. Fantasy - Earth, Wind and Fire
I fully blame my mother for this obsession. She is a funk dancing queen... except she marched!
5. One Hot Mama - Trace Adkins
Okay, I know I am not hot - I am not - but sometimes its just nice to think of oneself as amazing!!!
6. Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now
Did you ever have someone tell you that your marriage, relationship, job, etc. wasn't gonna work out, and then it did??? Cheers!
7. Ever, Ever After - Carrie Underwood
Everyone needs a fairytale - (even if the butt attached stinks sometimes).
8. Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
I have no reason to love this song, except that when I headbang to it, my hair is really floppy.
9. Don't Worry, Be Happy
See #2 above.
10. My Favorite Girl - New Kids on the Block
I am still lobbying for tickets to this concert in Omaha... Birthday anyone??? (Hey, if Wendy can ask for a house, I can ask for concert tix.)
Speaking of birthdays....
This year, my birthday falls on a Sunday, but because I love a good party, we should celebrate on Friday night. I am thinking a run to Kansas City, MO, dinner, and Ernie Biggs.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Everything is Coming Up Daisies!!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Boss


Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Zippy Tootles... Too "effing" funny (read the blog...)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday Music Monologue - We Are the World
I was uploading some America/USA songs into my playlist, and this one came up on the search.You can click on the title to get a full list of the artist, and the lyrics (as well as who sings them).
Okay - I am a total sucker for 80's music, so this particular song was my big thing about 2nd grade. My teacher (Mrs. Vick) would play this song everyday, because our school was rounding up money for Africa.
I can remember seeing the pictures of the Ethiopians and how skinny they were, and wanting to save my dinner leftovers to send them.
I can also remember a 4th of July picnic in Colorado where we were listening to the radio, and this came on and we all listened.
It's interesting that our world hasn't changed that much. We still take care of one another, and are constantly working to make the world a better place. Our stake has just accepted a task of providing quilts to the Humanitarian Aid. I am so excited to work with my girls on this project. We may never know where the quilts end up, but we will know we helped someone. WE ARE THE WORLD!!!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Bring the Hammer Down... or Watch that First Step - It's a Doozy!!!

I am not a construction type of girl...
Not in the least little-ist bit.
Before today, my idea of home improvement was handing DJ a bucket of paint and waving as he made his way into another room.
I must admit - I did a pretty great job of installing a new showerhead the other day.
So, you may ask... What were you doing in a stairless pit???
I volunteered to help my brother, Jason, and Sister-in-law, Lindsey work on their house today.
The big goal was replacing the steps into the basement of their 100 year old completely gutted Victorian home.

Aren't I cute??? Because some of the tiles, etc are not exactly... ummmm.... non-toxic (asbestos, animal feces, etc), I had to wear this incredibly attractive do-hicky on my face. I did smile for the picture. Apparently, you are supposed to be able to breathe in these things.
Our job was to rip out the staircase so that Jason and Dwayne (LynZ's dad) could put the new ones they were building in.
LynZ would bang on the planks until they came loose, then I would crowbar them out and throw them out of the way. What she thought was going to take about 2 hours took about 30 minutes. It was great.
The problem was getting back out of the basement, since now there are no stairs. They sent down this ladder and expected me to climb up. I am so freakingly afraid of falling that I almost stayed down in that basement. I watched LynZ go up the ladder (the tall skinny twirp), the ladder shaking the whole way.
I'm not exactly... ummm... a lightweight. I was so afraid.
But hey!!! We got the stairs out. We got me out. I had a pretty good time, and I may actually help again!!!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Let's Twist Again!!!!
For my family and friends not completely up on Nebraska/midwest meteorology - here is a diagram of a tornado pathology.
For those of us who live here, this is a way of life.
Sure, we all run for the basement when the sirens go off, but mostly we just sit around with our families and wait - if we are in a town.
Last night, I was at work when the sirens went off. We sat in the catacombs of the building, waiting for the weather service to tell us we were clear. I had been routinely checking in with members of my family, friends, etc.
Then the rain hit hard. Once again, my basement decided it needed to become an indoor swimming pool. I made an executive decision to go home. My boss was not thrilled. Driving was not that bad, but I knew that I needed to be with my family.
We got the water stopped.
DJ and I were soaked to the bone by the time we were done.
It happens that way.
It's sad to think of the 4 scouts and their families who were mortally affected by a tornado last night.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25107608/
Just before Katie was born, a tornado ripped through Salt Lake City, briefly. I can remember the panic. Everyone at my work, an hour away, mind you, was freaking out. I sat there and laughed. I knew we were fine. Mom used to sit out on the deck and watch the things coming.
It's amazing the perspective you receive as you are prepared. When you know what to expect, you deal with it. You grab your kit, you move to the safe place, and you wait it out. Then you help clean up the mess afterwards.
Amazing....
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Priceless.....
For the second time in about a week, I have had some expenditures I wasn't planning on...$5 per towel
NO LESS than 16 towels (fortunately I owned them all previously) have been soaked, washed, dried and soaked again.

Carpet Cleaner $139
We borrowed one of these from my brother and sister in law to help with my little problem.

Wet Dry Vac $250
When that didn't work, we moved to this. That didn't help much either.
The problem, you ask???
We have a corner of our house where water collects, and then comes down, soaking the hard floor part of our basement.
Allow me to emphasize that this does not bother me. I would rather it be the hard floor.
Unfortunately, there is a carpeted yard square spot between the stairs, hard floor and door to the laundry room that always gets completely wet. Of course, it is the first place everyone steps coming into the basement. I'm not talking a little damp, I'm talking pooling water when you step down, and mushy feeling. EWWWWWWWWW!
The easy solution???
Flexible Gutter Extender $10... and priceless.

Guess what I am shopping for today?!?
Kansas City, here I come!!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday Morning Monologue - Summertime - Will Smith
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
For those of you who have never taken the time to listen to the lyrics of this song, I highly recommend it. For those of you who don't know... here's my story.
Both of my grandfathers served in the military, during war times.
My father served in the military until I was 13 - the original Gulf War. I remember traveling around the country.
I remember babysitting for the kids down the street while their father was stationed overseas, and knowing that my dad could go at any second because he had already been desert trained (even though we were stationed in ALASKA!!). I remember the day Major Arndt came back and we played this song for him at the airport.
I remember meeting friends from all over after traveling, and having those ties strengthened.
I remember the day at BYU in my American Heritage class they played this song. We spent the semester watching and learning about the struggles America has gone through. The last lecture we watched a video montage to this song. All 900 of us took to our feet and sang along, with tears running down our cheeks the entire time.
I remember watching as a member of the reserves brought a little airplane car for the kids to ride on Fourth of July.
I remember my brother signing up for the Army reserves, and the willingness he had to serve the country.
I remember watching my friend Jim go to Iraq, and then his return, and willingness to go again.
I remember being held in an airport for an extra hour over Christmas as I watched a fallen soldier unloaded from a plane in a ceremony unlike anything I had ever seen. I remember listening to a few people grumbling about their delayed flight times, and other passengers telling them to shut up. This was important.
I remember sitting in a terminal, in Houston, and looking up to see a friend of mine from work at Gallup standing over me in her military uniform, insignia, awards, medals and all, and realizing that this was not the same girl I knew before, but a woman, out to be her best for the country and all that she loves.
I remember sitting next to a young man, a soldier, in an airport at Christmas, struggling almost to tears because he had to get back to Okinawa where his ship was docked, and he couldn't get a flight because they were all booked. I remember watching as a man he didn't even know walk up, and offer him his first class seat, no charge, and thank him for serving the country.
Last night I saw a commercial I haven't seen in awhile. And know that I have seen this not just on tv, but also in real life.
Last of all, I remember the wives, children, mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends of these soldiers serving our country, and the sacrifice they make every single day on our behalf.
On this Memorial Day, I wish to thank all of these brave individuals, and the ones who love them. May we remember them, and those soldiers that went before.
We love you, support you, appreciate you, and honor you.
Friday, May 16, 2008
27 Dresses Movie Review
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I don't understand....
Yesterday was very successful for me. I ate all of my food at home (rather than visiting with Ronald, Wendy, or the King - ok - sometimes the chihuahua). Not only did I get the extra time with my family and save myself some green stuff, I am also working on the weight loss thing (for those of you who don't know, my work is willing to pay me $200 to lose 10% of my body mass). I went to excerise class with Rachel, Shauna, Janelle and the Sisters. I went to work and got all of my work done. I spent time with my kids. Now... If I can just keep it up!!! (Why is the first day always so good, and then it goes downhill??? IDK...)
Have a great day everyone - and tomorrow, I will be checking the scale - tune in!!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Monday Music Monologue - The Simple Things
Happy Mother's Day - four generations of women - and four of the greatest daughters of God I have ever known.I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to get to know my grandmother over the last 9 months. She is truly an amazing woman, with so much to share.
I can't say enough about my mom. She is wonderful!!! It is also great to know that as I get older (and so does she - love ya mom!!!) our relationship can change, and I am grateful for what it has become.
SIMPLE THINGS (Jim Brickman)Hey, time won't wait
Life goes by
Every day's a brand new sky
Every tear
Comes to dry
All that really matters in this crazy world
Is you and I together, baby
Just remember
The first leaves off the tree
The way you look at me
A thousand chiming church bells ring
The simple things are free

This Mother's Day wasn't exceptional, just a little different. I got to spend a lot of the day at work, and church, which was fine. Hailey and Katie offered to fix me breakfast in bed. We didn't have time but it sounded nice.
Wouldn't you know it, though... laundry needs to be done. SO here I sit, waiting for the washing machine to finish a load so I can throw the other one in and it is almost 1AM on Monday.Dinner tonight was amazing and got me to thinking, though. We had chicken nuggets, tater tots, potato skins and mozzerella sticks. Add a little ketchup, and some fingers, and you couldn't have done much better for me.
My Mother's Day present? The Simple Things - and I already have them... A husband who picked me up - with all my baggage - and loves me - and my kids. Fabulous children who have the sweetest hearts that God could ever bless two people with, some of the best friends that I know I wouldn't be here without (BTW - pic taken with Jim Brickman at his concert December 2006 at the Orpheum, composer of todays piece) and a great job that lets me havethe flexibility to have these things in my life, and lets me work with some of the greatest people I know.
Make sure you listen to all the great mom songs on the playlist. Just click on 'em and they will run. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thursday Thoughts - Mother's Day
You are still our biggest fan!!!!


