As many of you may know, I work from home doing a myriad of things. One of those things is that I do eCommerce websites. I am currently working on putting together a website to sell wedding accessories. I am really stumped about what I should use as the domain name of my website. I have had a lot of great ideas. Problem is.....so has everyone else and those ideas are currently in use and unavailable for me to use as my domain name. So, I have a poll going with two domain names that I am thinking about. Please let me know what you think.
Also, if you have any suggestions, I would LOVE to hear them. One request-if you have a great idea, please check it on godaddy.com (super easy) to see if it is taken first. On the top of the godaddy.com website, there is a search bar where you can enter in your idea to see if it's taken.
Thanks for your help!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Flu and an Earthquake (My Week in a Nutshell)
On Wednesday, I came down with the flu. It had gone around pretty much my entire extended family but I was thinking that my little immediate family had escaped it. Then, on Wednesday afternoon, I started to not feel so hot. Then by Wednesday evening, I was vomiting. I HATE to be sick. Not only does it affect me, but it affects my kids. Thankfully, Joseph only had one class on Thursday and he canceled his tutoring so that he could stay home and take care of the kids. I was really thankful that he did pretty much everything with the kids. It meant a lot to me to be able to just rest and feel better.
Thursday morning I stayed in bed until about 11:00 when Joseph had to go to school. At about 7:15 in the morning, my bed started to sway. I just figured that I was having vertigo or something from being sick. A few moments later, I heard Joseph go outside. After coming back inside, he asked me if I had felt the house sway. I told him that I had but thought that it was just from being sick. He said that the desk was swaying and that the blinds were banging back and forth on the window. He thought that maybe there was a VERY STRONG wind but when he went outside, everything was still. So I turned on the news (thinking we might be crazy) and lo and behold the news station was getting lots of calls from people who were feeling the same thing. It's always nice to find out that you aren't crazy. So, what was all this swaying?
Come to find out, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Wells, Nevada and we felt it all the way up here in Boise. My mom nor my sister felt it but Joseph and I did. I was thankful that it wasn't any closer and that it didn't cause any damage but it is kind of a weird feeling to know that I experienced an earthquake. Hopefully, I won't ever experience any stronger ones than that!!
Thursday morning I stayed in bed until about 11:00 when Joseph had to go to school. At about 7:15 in the morning, my bed started to sway. I just figured that I was having vertigo or something from being sick. A few moments later, I heard Joseph go outside. After coming back inside, he asked me if I had felt the house sway. I told him that I had but thought that it was just from being sick. He said that the desk was swaying and that the blinds were banging back and forth on the window. He thought that maybe there was a VERY STRONG wind but when he went outside, everything was still. So I turned on the news (thinking we might be crazy) and lo and behold the news station was getting lots of calls from people who were feeling the same thing. It's always nice to find out that you aren't crazy. So, what was all this swaying?
Come to find out, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Wells, Nevada and we felt it all the way up here in Boise. My mom nor my sister felt it but Joseph and I did. I was thankful that it wasn't any closer and that it didn't cause any damage but it is kind of a weird feeling to know that I experienced an earthquake. Hopefully, I won't ever experience any stronger ones than that!!
My Sweet Alexis
These are some random pictures of my beautiful Alexis that were taken over the last couple weeks. She is starting to be a ham for the camera. She now has two teeth (if you look close, you can see them in the picture below) with more coming in. This week she has also started to wave at people. It is so fascinating to watch them learn and grow. Now if she would just start crawling, I would be ecstatic. I know that it sounds odd to WANT my kids to start crawling (since it means they will start getting into everything) but I had to take Paige to physical therapy since she had a gross motor development delay and I would like to avoid that situation with Lexi. However, if she isn't crawling by about a year I am going to talk to the doctor about it. Regardless of when she crawls, she is still one of the cutest babies I have EVER seen. Do I sound a little biased?




Monday, February 18, 2008
Primary Here We Come!
Yesterday, Joseph and I were called to serve in primary-specifically to teach Valiant 12. I had been really nervous that we were going to get called into primary ever since a member of the bishopric called and asked if he could come over and chat with us. I didn't want to get put in primary because I am so new to the ward and I am trying to get to know people.
However, I am now getting excited about teaching the 12 year olds. By 12, most of their discipline issues should have been worked out and they are old enough to understand what we are trying to teach them. Plus, once they turn 12, then they skip sharing time and go into Young Mens/Young Womens for the third hour. By about September, Joseph and I will be able to go back to Priesthood/Relief Society for the third hour (until the new year begins and we get a new batch of kids).
I can now say that I am GRATEFUL for this calling. I know that this is where Heavenly Father wants me to be. I also know that He is aware of my concern over getting to know other women in our ward and feeling a part of the ward. I know that if I do my BEST in this calling with a cheerful heart, that he will bless me beyond my wildest dreams, especially in the areas that I am the most concerned about. My other hesitation in teaching primary was that Joseph is gone at least one Sunday a month (with the Marine Corps) and Lexi isn't old enough for nursery. But, several women have offered to take her on those Sundays while I teach.
I hope that I can teach these kids that they have a Heavenly Father who loves them and how important it is for them to develop a relationship with Him. I feel like 12 years old is a turning point for kids in beginning to choose for themselves what they believe instead of just relying on what their parents believe. I feel so inadequate to be a spiritual teacher of kids this age. I think about myself at this age and how I chose not to go down the correct road. I hope that I can be an influence for good in these kids' lives.
Wish me luck-even better, say a prayer for me. I am going to need all the divine help I can get!
However, I am now getting excited about teaching the 12 year olds. By 12, most of their discipline issues should have been worked out and they are old enough to understand what we are trying to teach them. Plus, once they turn 12, then they skip sharing time and go into Young Mens/Young Womens for the third hour. By about September, Joseph and I will be able to go back to Priesthood/Relief Society for the third hour (until the new year begins and we get a new batch of kids).
I can now say that I am GRATEFUL for this calling. I know that this is where Heavenly Father wants me to be. I also know that He is aware of my concern over getting to know other women in our ward and feeling a part of the ward. I know that if I do my BEST in this calling with a cheerful heart, that he will bless me beyond my wildest dreams, especially in the areas that I am the most concerned about. My other hesitation in teaching primary was that Joseph is gone at least one Sunday a month (with the Marine Corps) and Lexi isn't old enough for nursery. But, several women have offered to take her on those Sundays while I teach.
I hope that I can teach these kids that they have a Heavenly Father who loves them and how important it is for them to develop a relationship with Him. I feel like 12 years old is a turning point for kids in beginning to choose for themselves what they believe instead of just relying on what their parents believe. I feel so inadequate to be a spiritual teacher of kids this age. I think about myself at this age and how I chose not to go down the correct road. I hope that I can be an influence for good in these kids' lives.
Wish me luck-even better, say a prayer for me. I am going to need all the divine help I can get!
Paige the Photographer
Baby Feet
Guitar Hero
Last week, Joseph's cousins from Canada were here and they brought along their Wii. Here are some pictures of all of us playing Guitar Hero. It was a riot, and yes, I am in pajama pants in my pictures! It was about 1:00 am when most of these pictures got taken. Paige also loved Guitar Hero even though she didn't quite get how to play and needed someone to play with her.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Reflections
This week has been a rough one for my family. My sister-in-law, who was six months pregnant, lost the baby this week. It has been a rough time for our family. I know that blessings come out of trials but sometimes it takes a lot of hurt to get to those blessings. I have reflected a lot this week about the blessings that I have and also a lot about trials.
I am thankful for the knowledge that I have that families can be together for eternity. I think knowing this brings a lot of comfort to my family, especially my brother and sister-in-law, at this time. I know that God loves us and that he is aware of what we go through. I am thankful that he has prepared a way for families to be together again. I know that my brother and his wife look forward to seeing their little boy again.
I am thankful for my two beautiful girls and for the medical intervention that made it possible for me to carry them to almost full term and to see their sweet smiling faces every day. I am thankful for the miracle of children and for everything that my girls teach me on a daily basis-especially about love and forgiveness.
I am thankful for an extended family member whom I have never met but who has become my friend. I am thankful for her willingness to stop whatever she was doing in order to talk to me when my week got especially rough. I am thankful for her words of encouragement and for reminding me that tomorrow is always a new day. I look forward to the day when we can meet face to face.
I am thankful for parents who taught me correct principles and who never gave up on me even when I chose not to live them. I am thankful for knowing that I am a child of God and that I can pray to him (however sporadic I can sometimes be with it) and he will listen. I am thankful that he blesses me even during my sporadic prayer moments and that he ensures that things always work out. They may not get worked out how we initially think they should, but somehow, Heavenly Father makes it okay.
I am thankful for the example of my brother and his wife and their unwavering faith in God. Even though they are dealing with something that is rough, they are not angry. They don't blame God and they haven't turned their backs on him. They KNOW that this is all according to His plan and that somehow, someday, He will make everything okay.
In a previous post, I had talked about a quote that I had run across that read -
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
I feel like there are many storm clouds over my life right now. I hope that Heavenly Father will help me to dance in the rain.
I am thankful for the knowledge that I have that families can be together for eternity. I think knowing this brings a lot of comfort to my family, especially my brother and sister-in-law, at this time. I know that God loves us and that he is aware of what we go through. I am thankful that he has prepared a way for families to be together again. I know that my brother and his wife look forward to seeing their little boy again.
I am thankful for my two beautiful girls and for the medical intervention that made it possible for me to carry them to almost full term and to see their sweet smiling faces every day. I am thankful for the miracle of children and for everything that my girls teach me on a daily basis-especially about love and forgiveness.
I am thankful for an extended family member whom I have never met but who has become my friend. I am thankful for her willingness to stop whatever she was doing in order to talk to me when my week got especially rough. I am thankful for her words of encouragement and for reminding me that tomorrow is always a new day. I look forward to the day when we can meet face to face.
I am thankful for parents who taught me correct principles and who never gave up on me even when I chose not to live them. I am thankful for knowing that I am a child of God and that I can pray to him (however sporadic I can sometimes be with it) and he will listen. I am thankful that he blesses me even during my sporadic prayer moments and that he ensures that things always work out. They may not get worked out how we initially think they should, but somehow, Heavenly Father makes it okay.
I am thankful for the example of my brother and his wife and their unwavering faith in God. Even though they are dealing with something that is rough, they are not angry. They don't blame God and they haven't turned their backs on him. They KNOW that this is all according to His plan and that somehow, someday, He will make everything okay.
In a previous post, I had talked about a quote that I had run across that read -
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
I feel like there are many storm clouds over my life right now. I hope that Heavenly Father will help me to dance in the rain.
50 Things About Me
50 Things I bet you didn't know about me
1. What is in the back of your car? Joseph's snowboard gear
2. When was the last time you threw up? When I was having my C-section with Lexi, I puked.
3. What color is your toothbrush? Mostly white.
4. What was the last thing you ate? A fried egg sandwich.
5. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? No
6. When was the last time you ran? What is running? Ha Ha, it's been a long time....almost long enough for me to forget what it is!
7. The last sporting event you watched? Probably college football.
8. What did you do over the weekend? Well, we are in the middle of the weekend and I haven't done a whole lot. Just worked, and my in-laws are coming for dinner and games tonight.
9. Who is the last person you sent a comment/message to on myspace? I think one of my sister-in-laws.
10. Ever go camping? Yes, but it's been a long time.
11. Would you rather stay in the country or city? I like being in the country as long as I am no further than a 30 minute drive to the city. I have only ever really lived in the city, though.
12. Are you in a relationship? Yes
13. Do you have a tan? No, the sun is finally starting to show itself but I haven't been outside much.
14. What's your favorite food? Lately it has been cookie dough.....Mmmm...maybe I will make some this afternoon.
15. Do you drink your soda with a straw? I don't drink soda--I hate carbonation.
16. What did your last text message say? I texted Joseph's cousin on Thursday to see if she would come help me with kids for awhile.
17. Are you someone's best friend? I think so.
18. What are you doing tomorrow? Going to church.
19. Where is your mom? I think that she is at home. She is getting over being sick.
20. When you look to your left, what do you see? The wall.
21. Who would you like to see right now? My parents and my best friend Kali who is moving back from California at the end of the month.
22. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Fun vacation
23. Where is one place in the world where you would like to visit? There are so many places that I would love to go. I don't think that I could pick just one.
24. What is your birthstone? I don't know off the top of my head. I would have to look it up.
25. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? We hardly ever get fast food. When we do, we usually just run through the drive thru.
26. What is your favorite number? Four-has been since I was a little kid but I don't know why.
27. Do you have a dog? We tried that when I was pregnant with Lexi - didn't work out so hot.
28. Last person you talked to on the phone? My father-in-law to finalize dinner plans for tonight.
29. Have you met anyone famous? Yes - when Joseph was injured and in the hospital in Maryland we met quite a few people. Clint Black, Miss USA, Donald Rumsfeld, Neal McCoy, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Journey (my favorite), the Commanadant of the Marine Corps, other generals.
30. Any plans today? Dinner and games with the in-laws
31. How many states have you lived in? 1:Idaho and temporarily Maryland (Joseph was in the hospital for 2 months)
32. Ever go to college? Yes, hope to go back someday.
33. What do you want to be when you grow up? I always just wanted to be a mom but it is a lot more work than I ever bargained for!
34. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? A constantly messy house that I never seem to get caught up on.
35. Last song listened to? A song on a friend's blog by some guy that I can't remember his name.
36. What did you eat last night? Nothing, I went to bed without dinner.
37. What is your fav. food to splurge on? Coldstone Creamery ice cream.
38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Probably my white skechers
39. Do you want to get married? Already am.
40. Are you jealous of anyone? I try not to be. You never know what someone is really going through, no matter how great it looks on the outside.
41.Does anyone not like you? I am sure there is at least one.
42. Do you love anyone? Lots of people.
43. Do any of your friends have children? Most of them.
44. Do you eat healthy? Not really.
45. Who did you wake up next to this morning? Joseph
46. Do you hate anyone right now? Hate is a very strong word.
47. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.
48. Are you glad that this is almost over? Don't really care either way.
49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? No.
50. How did you get one of your scars? From birthing my beautiful BREACH 9 month old, Lexi.
1. What is in the back of your car? Joseph's snowboard gear
2. When was the last time you threw up? When I was having my C-section with Lexi, I puked.
3. What color is your toothbrush? Mostly white.
4. What was the last thing you ate? A fried egg sandwich.
5. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? No
6. When was the last time you ran? What is running? Ha Ha, it's been a long time....almost long enough for me to forget what it is!
7. The last sporting event you watched? Probably college football.
8. What did you do over the weekend? Well, we are in the middle of the weekend and I haven't done a whole lot. Just worked, and my in-laws are coming for dinner and games tonight.
9. Who is the last person you sent a comment/message to on myspace? I think one of my sister-in-laws.
10. Ever go camping? Yes, but it's been a long time.
11. Would you rather stay in the country or city? I like being in the country as long as I am no further than a 30 minute drive to the city. I have only ever really lived in the city, though.
12. Are you in a relationship? Yes
13. Do you have a tan? No, the sun is finally starting to show itself but I haven't been outside much.
14. What's your favorite food? Lately it has been cookie dough.....Mmmm...maybe I will make some this afternoon.
15. Do you drink your soda with a straw? I don't drink soda--I hate carbonation.
16. What did your last text message say? I texted Joseph's cousin on Thursday to see if she would come help me with kids for awhile.
17. Are you someone's best friend? I think so.
18. What are you doing tomorrow? Going to church.
19. Where is your mom? I think that she is at home. She is getting over being sick.
20. When you look to your left, what do you see? The wall.
21. Who would you like to see right now? My parents and my best friend Kali who is moving back from California at the end of the month.
22. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Fun vacation
23. Where is one place in the world where you would like to visit? There are so many places that I would love to go. I don't think that I could pick just one.
24. What is your birthstone? I don't know off the top of my head. I would have to look it up.
25. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? We hardly ever get fast food. When we do, we usually just run through the drive thru.
26. What is your favorite number? Four-has been since I was a little kid but I don't know why.
27. Do you have a dog? We tried that when I was pregnant with Lexi - didn't work out so hot.
28. Last person you talked to on the phone? My father-in-law to finalize dinner plans for tonight.
29. Have you met anyone famous? Yes - when Joseph was injured and in the hospital in Maryland we met quite a few people. Clint Black, Miss USA, Donald Rumsfeld, Neal McCoy, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Journey (my favorite), the Commanadant of the Marine Corps, other generals.
30. Any plans today? Dinner and games with the in-laws
31. How many states have you lived in? 1:Idaho and temporarily Maryland (Joseph was in the hospital for 2 months)
32. Ever go to college? Yes, hope to go back someday.
33. What do you want to be when you grow up? I always just wanted to be a mom but it is a lot more work than I ever bargained for!
34. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? A constantly messy house that I never seem to get caught up on.
35. Last song listened to? A song on a friend's blog by some guy that I can't remember his name.
36. What did you eat last night? Nothing, I went to bed without dinner.
37. What is your fav. food to splurge on? Coldstone Creamery ice cream.
38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Probably my white skechers
39. Do you want to get married? Already am.
40. Are you jealous of anyone? I try not to be. You never know what someone is really going through, no matter how great it looks on the outside.
41.Does anyone not like you? I am sure there is at least one.
42. Do you love anyone? Lots of people.
43. Do any of your friends have children? Most of them.
44. Do you eat healthy? Not really.
45. Who did you wake up next to this morning? Joseph
46. Do you hate anyone right now? Hate is a very strong word.
47. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.
48. Are you glad that this is almost over? Don't really care either way.
49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? No.
50. How did you get one of your scars? From birthing my beautiful BREACH 9 month old, Lexi.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Catch-up
It has been a few days since I posted. This week has been really crazy and busy. The rest of the week is going to be crazy but I had a few minutes this morning and so I thought that I would post. The weekend was fun having Joseph's cousins from Canada here. They are leaving today to drive back. On Monday, they hang out with us pretty much all day. We ended up staying up until 1:30 in the morning playing Guitar Hero and other games on Wii. I officially love Wii. It will be years, if ever, until we get one but we sure had fun playing. Monday night Joseph's sister and other cousin came over and we all hung out. It was loud and obnoxious but definitely a good time.
Yesterday was crazy. I had visiting teaching in the morning, then a meeting with our accountant to go over taxes in the early afternoon. On my way home from that, I found out about a family emergency in my family and spent most of the afternoon being with my family. Then late afternoon, I had to drive Joseph's cousins up to Bogus Basin to get their car (the keys arrived). By the time I got home it was 7:00 and I was exhausted. I had been running all day and I was very emotionally drained. I got the girls down and ate some pizza that Joseph's cousins had picked up on the way home. Everybody started playing Wii again. I just laid on the couch and watched. I eventually fell asleep and then went up to bed about 10:30. Joseph didn't come to bed until after 3:00am! He is going to be very tired today since he only got 3 hours of sleep. Hopefully, they don't give out very important information in school today!
Today, tomorrow, and half of Friday I am watching our friends' kids while the dad is at work. Their mom is having surgery so I am helping out with the kids. They are 27 months and 9 months. They should be here anytime and I will definitely have my hands full. I won't have much time for blogging and I will probably be so tired in the evenings that it will be a few more days before I blog!
Yesterday was crazy. I had visiting teaching in the morning, then a meeting with our accountant to go over taxes in the early afternoon. On my way home from that, I found out about a family emergency in my family and spent most of the afternoon being with my family. Then late afternoon, I had to drive Joseph's cousins up to Bogus Basin to get their car (the keys arrived). By the time I got home it was 7:00 and I was exhausted. I had been running all day and I was very emotionally drained. I got the girls down and ate some pizza that Joseph's cousins had picked up on the way home. Everybody started playing Wii again. I just laid on the couch and watched. I eventually fell asleep and then went up to bed about 10:30. Joseph didn't come to bed until after 3:00am! He is going to be very tired today since he only got 3 hours of sleep. Hopefully, they don't give out very important information in school today!
Today, tomorrow, and half of Friday I am watching our friends' kids while the dad is at work. Their mom is having surgery so I am helping out with the kids. They are 27 months and 9 months. They should be here anytime and I will definitely have my hands full. I won't have much time for blogging and I will probably be so tired in the evenings that it will be a few more days before I blog!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Widow Weekend
This weekend has been rough. It is what I not so lovingly call widow weekend. Translation? Drill weekend. It has seemed to drag on and Joseph has been getting home later than originally planned. Add on that that Paige is still having slight fevers in the evening and Lexi is most likely coming down with a cold (she has been coughing and sneezing). So I have dealt with fussy kids and no husband. Makes for a crappy weekend in my opinion. By the end of it, I was biting everybody's heads off.
There have been some fun positives though. On Saturday, my friend Nicole and her two kids came over (her husband is in the Marine Corps with Joseph). They spent the day with us and it was fun to visit. Then that evening Joseph's cousins were over and we all hung out until about 12:30am! I think Joseph was a little tired the next day at drill! His cousins had been up snowboarding but lost their keys (sound familiar?) so we gave them some extra clothes to wear and let them borrow our third car until spare keys get fed-exed to them from Canada.
Sunday, my visiting teachers came over (with cookies!) and I enjoyed visiting with them. I missed the world wide broadcast on Saturday. I am bummed because I heard it was absolutely fantastic! I never even heard about it. I am hoping that they have it available online.
Today it is back to the same old. This week is jam packed full and I am feeling very overwhelmed. Time to get started and stop wasting the day away!!
There have been some fun positives though. On Saturday, my friend Nicole and her two kids came over (her husband is in the Marine Corps with Joseph). They spent the day with us and it was fun to visit. Then that evening Joseph's cousins were over and we all hung out until about 12:30am! I think Joseph was a little tired the next day at drill! His cousins had been up snowboarding but lost their keys (sound familiar?) so we gave them some extra clothes to wear and let them borrow our third car until spare keys get fed-exed to them from Canada.
Sunday, my visiting teachers came over (with cookies!) and I enjoyed visiting with them. I missed the world wide broadcast on Saturday. I am bummed because I heard it was absolutely fantastic! I never even heard about it. I am hoping that they have it available online.
Today it is back to the same old. This week is jam packed full and I am feeling very overwhelmed. Time to get started and stop wasting the day away!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Family Feud
I LOVE to watch Family Feud. It is on every day for one hour. I don't watch it every day but if I am having a late lunch or if Lexi needs a bottle while it's on, I usually will turn it on. Today Paige and I were watching it together. On one question, the first person to ring the buzzer answered with the number two answer, instead of the top survey answer. Paige said-
"That's not number one, idiot!"
Although I shouldn't have laughed because calling someone an idiot isn't very nice, I laughed my butt off. Once I stopped laughing I tried to explain to her that calling someone an idiot isn't very nice. My lecture wasn't very effective since I couldn't control my laughter.
Unfortunately, I am sure she learned the word from Joseph or I. Don't you love it when your children remind you just what a not so great example you can be? I guess we better be a little more careful about what we say around her!
"That's not number one, idiot!"
Although I shouldn't have laughed because calling someone an idiot isn't very nice, I laughed my butt off. Once I stopped laughing I tried to explain to her that calling someone an idiot isn't very nice. My lecture wasn't very effective since I couldn't control my laughter.
Unfortunately, I am sure she learned the word from Joseph or I. Don't you love it when your children remind you just what a not so great example you can be? I guess we better be a little more careful about what we say around her!
My Super Husband
What is his name? Joseph
How long have we been together? We've been together for 4 1/2 years
How long did we date? We knew each other 3 months to the day when we got married.
How old is he? He just turned 25.
Who eats more? Joseph
Who said "I love you" first? Joseph
Who is taller? Joseph, unless I am wearing my boots.
Who can sing better? Probably me.
Who is smarter? We're both pretty equal. Depends on the subject area.
Who does the laundry? I do. Occasionally, he does it but I don't like how he does laundry and he never folds the clothes he washed and that drives me crazy.
Who pays the bills? Joseph did when we first got married but ever since he deployed, I have done it.
Who sleeps on the right side? Depends on your perspective. From in the bed, Joseph does. From looking at the bed, I do. I sleep nearest the door because I am the one that gets up with the kids if they wake up at night.
Who mows the lawn? Joseph, although he wants to hire someone this summer to take care of the lawn.
Who cooks dinner? I do. Although, Joseph is an outstanding cook!
Who drives? I usually do, I get car sick really easy.
Who is more stubborn? We are both pretty darn stubborn.
Who kissed who first? He kissed me first after asking permission.
Who asked who out first? He asked me out first (for breakfast, my favorite meal) but I turned him down to go boating with some other guys. Good thing he asked again!
Who proposed? He did.
Who has more friends? We both have about the same amount of friends.
Who is more sensitive? I am, by far. He doesn't see much use for sensitivity.
Who has more siblings? He does. I have four siblings and he has six siblings.
Who wears the pants? For the most part, we work as a team, however, I do try to let him have the final say and trust in his judgment. Although, I am pretty stubborn and really like to be in control of things pertaining to my life so I don't always succeed on letting him have the final say.
How long have we been together? We've been together for 4 1/2 years
How long did we date? We knew each other 3 months to the day when we got married.
How old is he? He just turned 25.
Who eats more? Joseph
Who said "I love you" first? Joseph
Who is taller? Joseph, unless I am wearing my boots.
Who can sing better? Probably me.
Who is smarter? We're both pretty equal. Depends on the subject area.
Who does the laundry? I do. Occasionally, he does it but I don't like how he does laundry and he never folds the clothes he washed and that drives me crazy.
Who pays the bills? Joseph did when we first got married but ever since he deployed, I have done it.
Who sleeps on the right side? Depends on your perspective. From in the bed, Joseph does. From looking at the bed, I do. I sleep nearest the door because I am the one that gets up with the kids if they wake up at night.
Who mows the lawn? Joseph, although he wants to hire someone this summer to take care of the lawn.
Who cooks dinner? I do. Although, Joseph is an outstanding cook!
Who drives? I usually do, I get car sick really easy.
Who is more stubborn? We are both pretty darn stubborn.
Who kissed who first? He kissed me first after asking permission.
Who asked who out first? He asked me out first (for breakfast, my favorite meal) but I turned him down to go boating with some other guys. Good thing he asked again!
Who proposed? He did.
Who has more friends? We both have about the same amount of friends.
Who is more sensitive? I am, by far. He doesn't see much use for sensitivity.
Who has more siblings? He does. I have four siblings and he has six siblings.
Who wears the pants? For the most part, we work as a team, however, I do try to let him have the final say and trust in his judgment. Although, I am pretty stubborn and really like to be in control of things pertaining to my life so I don't always succeed on letting him have the final say.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
No More Sucking on Fingers
Most kids suck their thumb if they are going to suck an appendage. My daughter sucks two of her fingers. I have desperately been trying to get Paige to stop sucking her fingers. So yesterday I told her that she couldn't go to preschool until she had stopped sucking on her fingers. She pulled her fingers out, her face lit up and she said, "Ah-Ha!" She then ran past me and picked up her cabbage patch doll's pacifier and put it in her mouth. I am not letting her go to preschool like this either......
Mu-ahh!
Long Lost Sleep
What a night!! Yesterday, Paige had a fever for most of the day (I noticed it in the early afternoon after she took an abnormally early nap). Tylenol won't even touch the fever so I have had to alternate it with Motrin in order to get it to stay down around 100. So I knew that I would be needing to get up once or twice in the night to check her temperature and give her medicine so that it didn't get out of control.
At 3:20 Lexi started to fuss because she was squished against the rails of her crib. I went in and adjusted her and then took Paige's temperature. It was 102.9. I had woken up about an hour and a half later than I had wanted to give her medicine so I hurry and gave her some. At 3:45, I went and checked it again and it was 103.2. At 4:20, I gave her some Tylenol (I had given her Motrin earlier) and her temperature was starting to break. So, I figured that I could go back to bed and everything would be fine since she couldn't have any more medicine until 8:30. Just as I was drifting off to sleep, my phone rang. It was 4:30 in the morning!!
At first I was nervous because my 3 year old niece is being treated for pneumonia and so I thought that something might be wrong. The caller ID said "Private" so I worried that it could be my sister calling from the hospital or something. I answered it and no one said anything on the other line. I hung up a little irritated. The phone immediately rang again, same "Private" number on the caller ID. This time when I answered it, they whispered "hi". I asked who was on the phone and they didn't say anything. So, I hung up. By now, I am getting a little freaked out. The phone immediately rings a third time with the same "Private" number, but this time I make Joseph answer it. The person doesn't say anything. Joseph hung up and thankfully they didn't call back.
By this time, I was a little freaked out and the house seemed to creak more than normal so I asked Joseph to just check the house out and make sure no one was in it. He did and then I started to drift off to sleep again.
At 5:00 Lexi started crying. I went in and checked her. She hadn't pee'd through and she didn't have a fever. I picked her up and loved on her for a minute and then put her back to bed. She started to cry but by this time I was so tired and there wasn't anything wrong with her that I just shut her door and went back to bed. Thankfully, she cried for less than a minute.
So now as I am climbing back into bed ONCE again, I am thinking that the kids will sleep in and so I will be able to get up a little later than normal. I quickly fell asleep.
At 7:00 sharp, my phone rings. There is a number on the caller ID this time, but when I answer it, there are two people in the background talking but not talking on the phone. It was like they had accidentally hit talk (it was a cell phone number) and didn't know they called anyone. It made me think that if the "talk" button got hit without dialing a number, then it would call the last number called. Well, I don't have any calls from that phone number on my caller ID so the only thing that I can think is that they were the ones calling my house at 4:30. When they accidentally called at 7:00, they didn't block it. So, I am debating whether or not to call it back and ask them why they were calling my house so early in the morning! However, they would probably just deny it.
I wish that I could take a nap with the girls today but we have out of town company coming to stay the night. I wasn't very productive yesterday so I will be in a mad dash to get the house and guest room ready. On top of that, we had dinner plans at the Macaroni Grill (it was only costing us babysitting) with our company (he is the executive director of Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, which Joseph serves on the board of directors for) and other injured vets. Now, it doesn't look like I will be able to go unless I can get Paige's fever more under control. For the most part, she acts fine, she just has a raging fever.
So today is kind of a bummer and disappointment. Oh well, I would rather be with my daughter and keep an eye out for her fever than eat at one of my favorite restaurants.
At 3:20 Lexi started to fuss because she was squished against the rails of her crib. I went in and adjusted her and then took Paige's temperature. It was 102.9. I had woken up about an hour and a half later than I had wanted to give her medicine so I hurry and gave her some. At 3:45, I went and checked it again and it was 103.2. At 4:20, I gave her some Tylenol (I had given her Motrin earlier) and her temperature was starting to break. So, I figured that I could go back to bed and everything would be fine since she couldn't have any more medicine until 8:30. Just as I was drifting off to sleep, my phone rang. It was 4:30 in the morning!!
At first I was nervous because my 3 year old niece is being treated for pneumonia and so I thought that something might be wrong. The caller ID said "Private" so I worried that it could be my sister calling from the hospital or something. I answered it and no one said anything on the other line. I hung up a little irritated. The phone immediately rang again, same "Private" number on the caller ID. This time when I answered it, they whispered "hi". I asked who was on the phone and they didn't say anything. So, I hung up. By now, I am getting a little freaked out. The phone immediately rings a third time with the same "Private" number, but this time I make Joseph answer it. The person doesn't say anything. Joseph hung up and thankfully they didn't call back.
By this time, I was a little freaked out and the house seemed to creak more than normal so I asked Joseph to just check the house out and make sure no one was in it. He did and then I started to drift off to sleep again.
At 5:00 Lexi started crying. I went in and checked her. She hadn't pee'd through and she didn't have a fever. I picked her up and loved on her for a minute and then put her back to bed. She started to cry but by this time I was so tired and there wasn't anything wrong with her that I just shut her door and went back to bed. Thankfully, she cried for less than a minute.
So now as I am climbing back into bed ONCE again, I am thinking that the kids will sleep in and so I will be able to get up a little later than normal. I quickly fell asleep.
At 7:00 sharp, my phone rings. There is a number on the caller ID this time, but when I answer it, there are two people in the background talking but not talking on the phone. It was like they had accidentally hit talk (it was a cell phone number) and didn't know they called anyone. It made me think that if the "talk" button got hit without dialing a number, then it would call the last number called. Well, I don't have any calls from that phone number on my caller ID so the only thing that I can think is that they were the ones calling my house at 4:30. When they accidentally called at 7:00, they didn't block it. So, I am debating whether or not to call it back and ask them why they were calling my house so early in the morning! However, they would probably just deny it.
I wish that I could take a nap with the girls today but we have out of town company coming to stay the night. I wasn't very productive yesterday so I will be in a mad dash to get the house and guest room ready. On top of that, we had dinner plans at the Macaroni Grill (it was only costing us babysitting) with our company (he is the executive director of Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, which Joseph serves on the board of directors for) and other injured vets. Now, it doesn't look like I will be able to go unless I can get Paige's fever more under control. For the most part, she acts fine, she just has a raging fever.
So today is kind of a bummer and disappointment. Oh well, I would rather be with my daughter and keep an eye out for her fever than eat at one of my favorite restaurants.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Yoga, Massage, and Chocolate Fondue
Last night was Enrichment and the theme was rest and relaxation. I almost didn't go because Joseph had two tests today that he was studying for but I decided that I needed a break and who in their right mind turns down chocolate fondue? Besides, the girls go to bed in between 7:00 and 7:30 so he only had to worry about them for at the most, 45 minutes.
I also wanted to go because it has been A LOT harder than I thought adjusting to the new ward. I don't feel like I know very many people and I feel like I sit by myself a lot in Relief Society. However, my mother has always taught me that if I am feeling all alone in relief society that I need to go find someone else who is by themselves and sit by them. She has taught me to be the one to get out of my shell and go meet people instead of just expecting everyone to come to me to get to know me. As hard as that is, it helps me to keep that perspective and to realize that everybody probably feels like they sit by themselves a lot or that they don't have a lot of friends.
So, Enrichment was really fun. We did about ten minutes of Yoga so that those of us who had never done it (me) could get a taste of it. Then we had a girl who is going to school for massage come in and teach us massage techniques. We all formed a "train" and practiced massage. It was very relaxing. Then finally we sat around and visited and ate chocolate fondue. It was a really fun night and I got to know a few of the sisters better. I came home in a great mood and thankful for my needed break!
I also wanted to go because it has been A LOT harder than I thought adjusting to the new ward. I don't feel like I know very many people and I feel like I sit by myself a lot in Relief Society. However, my mother has always taught me that if I am feeling all alone in relief society that I need to go find someone else who is by themselves and sit by them. She has taught me to be the one to get out of my shell and go meet people instead of just expecting everyone to come to me to get to know me. As hard as that is, it helps me to keep that perspective and to realize that everybody probably feels like they sit by themselves a lot or that they don't have a lot of friends.
So, Enrichment was really fun. We did about ten minutes of Yoga so that those of us who had never done it (me) could get a taste of it. Then we had a girl who is going to school for massage come in and teach us massage techniques. We all formed a "train" and practiced massage. It was very relaxing. Then finally we sat around and visited and ate chocolate fondue. It was a really fun night and I got to know a few of the sisters better. I came home in a great mood and thankful for my needed break!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
I've Been Tagged
A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves
C. At the end of the post, the player tags 4 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they are tagged
10 years ago I was . . .
In my Freshman year of high school. This year was a turning point for me in that I decided to not make very good decisions.....I would rather forget 10 years ago.....
5 things on my to do list today . . .
1. wash car seat cover
2. go to enrichment
3. fold clean laundry
4. straighten kitchen
5. adjust car seat for Lexi
4 Things I would do if I became a billionare.
-Get out of debt
-Go on vacation
-Invest in real estate
-Hire a housekeeper
3 of my bad habits are. . .
1. chewing my nails
2. not folding clean clothes
3. spending way too much time on Blogger or Myspace
5 places I have lived
-Boise, ID
-Nampa, ID
-Caldwell, ID
-Washington, D.C.
-nowhere else
5 jobs I have had
-fast food cashier
-administrative assistant at engineering firm
-telemarketer
-Hollywood Video
-server at IHOP
4 Things most people don't know about me.
-I have started quilting and love it
-I love to snowmobile
-The beach is my favorite place in the world
-I am a homebody
OK, now who's it?You have been tagged
Trinity A.
Meg W.
Caity S.
Stephanie B.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves
C. At the end of the post, the player tags 4 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they are tagged
10 years ago I was . . .
In my Freshman year of high school. This year was a turning point for me in that I decided to not make very good decisions.....I would rather forget 10 years ago.....
5 things on my to do list today . . .
1. wash car seat cover
2. go to enrichment
3. fold clean laundry
4. straighten kitchen
5. adjust car seat for Lexi
4 Things I would do if I became a billionare.
-Get out of debt
-Go on vacation
-Invest in real estate
-Hire a housekeeper
3 of my bad habits are. . .
1. chewing my nails
2. not folding clean clothes
3. spending way too much time on Blogger or Myspace
5 places I have lived
-Boise, ID
-Nampa, ID
-Caldwell, ID
-Washington, D.C.
-nowhere else
5 jobs I have had
-fast food cashier
-administrative assistant at engineering firm
-telemarketer
-Hollywood Video
-server at IHOP
4 Things most people don't know about me.
-I have started quilting and love it
-I love to snowmobile
-The beach is my favorite place in the world
-I am a homebody
OK, now who's it?You have been tagged
Trinity A.
Meg W.
Caity S.
Stephanie B.
Unexpected Adventure
Yesterday was a really good day. I got up and going, made myself an hour by hour to-do list, and for the most part stuff to it and got 80% of the things on the list done. I know that it probably seems really obsessive compulsive to have an hour by hour to-do list, but it is how I function best.
I have also learned in my life that accomplishment fuels accomplishment. I felt great at the end of the day because I had gotten a lot accomplished. Joseph had been at school all morning and then headed up with some friends to snowboard for the rest of the day. He wasn't going to be back until late so I was looking forward to a quiet evening of watching some television while folding clothes.
I was making Paige some macaroni and cheese when my phone rang. It was about 6:30 and the caller ID said that it was from a pay phone. Well, wouldn't you know, it was my husband calling from Bogus Basin. After assuring me that everyone was fine, he explained their dilemma. His buddy had lost his keys to his car and so they were wondering if I would go get the spare keys and drive them up to Bogus. If I wasn't able to do this, then they would drive Joseph's truck down, get spare keys, and then drive back up.
Now, I have NEVER driven to Bogus, let alone drove a snowy mountain road in the DARK. However, I decided that I would try it. I called my brother and begged him to go with me. He agreed and so I set out on my adventure. I was PETRIFIED, so much so that I almost puked. However, I made it up there in one piece without sliding.
Coming down was a lot easier and a lot less scary. I know that sounds really backwards but I made it down the mountain in like a half hour where it took me 45 minutes to go up.
So, now Joseph OWES me BIG! However, I am glad that I conquered my fear!
I have also learned in my life that accomplishment fuels accomplishment. I felt great at the end of the day because I had gotten a lot accomplished. Joseph had been at school all morning and then headed up with some friends to snowboard for the rest of the day. He wasn't going to be back until late so I was looking forward to a quiet evening of watching some television while folding clothes.
I was making Paige some macaroni and cheese when my phone rang. It was about 6:30 and the caller ID said that it was from a pay phone. Well, wouldn't you know, it was my husband calling from Bogus Basin. After assuring me that everyone was fine, he explained their dilemma. His buddy had lost his keys to his car and so they were wondering if I would go get the spare keys and drive them up to Bogus. If I wasn't able to do this, then they would drive Joseph's truck down, get spare keys, and then drive back up.
Now, I have NEVER driven to Bogus, let alone drove a snowy mountain road in the DARK. However, I decided that I would try it. I called my brother and begged him to go with me. He agreed and so I set out on my adventure. I was PETRIFIED, so much so that I almost puked. However, I made it up there in one piece without sliding.
Coming down was a lot easier and a lot less scary. I know that sounds really backwards but I made it down the mountain in like a half hour where it took me 45 minutes to go up.
So, now Joseph OWES me BIG! However, I am glad that I conquered my fear!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Are You Like Your Mom?
| You Are Totally Like Your Mom |
![]() You and your mom are practically clones. You think alike, and you even seem to read each other's minds. You're definitely you're mother's child... and that's just fine with you. |
Introvert or Extrovert?
| You Are An Intro-Extrovert! |
![]() Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time. Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need variety! Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along. |
Summer Vacation
| You Should Spend Your Summer in the Mountains |
![]() You're quiet, introspective, and a great thinker. You need a summer vacation that gets you away from the crowds and the heat. So retreat to the mountains, where you can clear your head. |
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A Much Needed Break
Today, Joseph watched the girls so that I could get out and get a much needed break. I had to get groceries and pick up some other things. While I was out, I decided that I would stop by a few stores that I had been wanting to go into for a long time but haven't felt like I had the time. I also took the opportunity to browse at things in the other stores that I go in all the time.
I went to a home decor store called Newberry Street. I actually used to be in the singles ward with one of the girls that owns it. I had heard a lot of people talk about Newberry Street and all the neat home decor things that it had in it. I was really excited to check it out. I found some really great things and it made me wish that I had a money tree in my back yard so that I could buy every cute thing and decorate my house exactly how I wanted. As I was perusing, one plaque type thing really hit me and I have thought about it for the rest of the day. It said-
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
Some of you may have heard this phrase but I never had. I know that we all go through things big and small with children being sick and driving us crazy to husbands being gone long hours to everything in between. Sometimes the "things" that we go through are big and other times they are small. But no matter what it is that we are going through, I think that it is important to figure out what is great about the time we are in, find the silver lining in the clouds, and "dance in the rain". After all, it isn't always the destination, but more the journey that counts!
I went to a home decor store called Newberry Street. I actually used to be in the singles ward with one of the girls that owns it. I had heard a lot of people talk about Newberry Street and all the neat home decor things that it had in it. I was really excited to check it out. I found some really great things and it made me wish that I had a money tree in my back yard so that I could buy every cute thing and decorate my house exactly how I wanted. As I was perusing, one plaque type thing really hit me and I have thought about it for the rest of the day. It said-
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
Some of you may have heard this phrase but I never had. I know that we all go through things big and small with children being sick and driving us crazy to husbands being gone long hours to everything in between. Sometimes the "things" that we go through are big and other times they are small. But no matter what it is that we are going through, I think that it is important to figure out what is great about the time we are in, find the silver lining in the clouds, and "dance in the rain". After all, it isn't always the destination, but more the journey that counts!
Fours - A Game of Tag
4 Jobs You've Had
1) telemarketer
2) fast food cashier
3) administrative assistant
4) stay at home mom
4 Places I've Lived
1) Boise
2) Caldwell
3) Nampa
4) Washington D.C. (it was temporary, but it still felt like I lived there)
4 T.V. Shows You Love to Watch
1) Bones
2) Chuck
3) Moment of Truth
4) Family Feud
4 Places You've Been on Vacation
1) Monterey, CA
2) Sun Valley, ID
3) Kansas City, KS
4) Cannon Beach, OR
4 Websites You Visit Daily
1) Various blogs
2) Google Adwords
3) Business website
4) Myspace
4 of Your Favorite Foods
1) brownies
2) cookie dough
3) raspberry smoothies
4) homemade chicken garlic pizza
4 Places I'd Rather Be
1) Hawaii
2) the beach
3) Mom and Dad's house
4) Sun Valley
1) telemarketer
2) fast food cashier
3) administrative assistant
4) stay at home mom
4 Places I've Lived
1) Boise
2) Caldwell
3) Nampa
4) Washington D.C. (it was temporary, but it still felt like I lived there)
4 T.V. Shows You Love to Watch
1) Bones
2) Chuck
3) Moment of Truth
4) Family Feud
4 Places You've Been on Vacation
1) Monterey, CA
2) Sun Valley, ID
3) Kansas City, KS
4) Cannon Beach, OR
4 Websites You Visit Daily
1) Various blogs
2) Google Adwords
3) Business website
4) Myspace
4 of Your Favorite Foods
1) brownies
2) cookie dough
3) raspberry smoothies
4) homemade chicken garlic pizza
4 Places I'd Rather Be
1) Hawaii
2) the beach
3) Mom and Dad's house
4) Sun Valley
Friday, February 1, 2008
More Snow Fun
All Paige wants to do is go play in the snow. Thankfully, Joseph is so willing to take her out to play because it is too cold for me. The only reason I would be out in this cold weather was if I was on a snowmobile!
Yesterday, Paige had begged Joseph to take her out and play in the snow but he didn't have time. He promised her that they would go out today in the snow after he got home from school and after she had a nap. Paige is getting to an age where she is starting to phase out her naps and doesn't take one every day. However, today she could not wait to take her nap because she knew that after she woke up her dad would be home and they could go play.
Today, Joseph and Paige built a snow man and a snow castle. Here are some pictures of the fun!


Yesterday, Paige had begged Joseph to take her out and play in the snow but he didn't have time. He promised her that they would go out today in the snow after he got home from school and after she had a nap. Paige is getting to an age where she is starting to phase out her naps and doesn't take one every day. However, today she could not wait to take her nap because she knew that after she woke up her dad would be home and they could go play.
Today, Joseph and Paige built a snow man and a snow castle. Here are some pictures of the fun!
Photo # 8
It has been somewhat nice for me because I used to have a cat at my parents that I absolutely loved and she died very suddenly in October. It has been fun to watch these cats. I haven't seen them much with all the snow but today they were play fighting out in the back yard. I thought that it was cute so I made it my picture today.
I know that I am not very consistent with my photos but I just can't find anything interesting to take a picture of every single day!
Tonight's Dinner Menu
I think everyone struggles with coming up with dinner menus and many get into ruts. So I thought that I would start to sometimes share what our dinner menu for the day is. Hopefully it can help someone out there who doesn't have a clue what to make or feels like they are in a rut. Tonight's menu is:
Chicken Nacho Bake
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 c. salsa
1/4 c. sour cream
1/2 c. crushed tortilla chips
1/2 c. Mexican Style Shredded Four Cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken on foil-covered baking sheet. Slice 3 cuts on top of each chicken breast with a sharp knife.
Top each chicken breast evenly with salsa, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Bake 20 min. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 10 min. or until chicken is cooked through.
For sides, I am doing sweet white corn, mashed potatoes, and potato rolls.......What is everyone else having for dinner?
Chicken Nacho Bake
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 c. salsa
1/4 c. sour cream
1/2 c. crushed tortilla chips
1/2 c. Mexican Style Shredded Four Cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken on foil-covered baking sheet. Slice 3 cuts on top of each chicken breast with a sharp knife.
Top each chicken breast evenly with salsa, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Bake 20 min. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 10 min. or until chicken is cooked through.
For sides, I am doing sweet white corn, mashed potatoes, and potato rolls.......What is everyone else having for dinner?
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