I Am...

Thanks to Rachel and Charlotte for the post idea, and Melissa for the picture!

I AM...

i am: a daughter of my Heavenly Father, who loves me, and I love him.

i think: about things when I'm supposed to be going to sleep.

i know: that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that His true church is restored again on the earth.

i want: to be the kind of mom that my kids will have only good things to say about someday.

i have: a family, and that is what I am most glad that I have above anything else.

i wish: things could be how they used to be with my sister.

i hate: messes, clutter...but you wouldn't know it if you saw my house.

i miss: living in Cache Valley.

i fear: alligators and crocodiles. No, I've never encountered one outside of a cage, nor is it likely that I ever will, but they scare me anyway!

i feel: happy most of the time.

i hear: wind chimes a lot at my house.

i smell: almost everything! I love the way books smell, and I can't pass candles without opening a few to smell them. I just like to see how things smell!

i crave: quiet, peace, time with a good book or magazine, and peanut butter m&m's

i search: for ways to improve myself, my kids, my house...

i wonder: how long we'll live here, and if we'll ever stay anywhere for the rest of our lives.

i regret: the times I have yelled at my kids, or not listened to them, or been impatient with them.

i love: Brandon more than words can say.

i ache: in my heart for things I cannot fix.

i care: about our pets, even though I don't really like having them. I'm really sad when they're hurt, or they die.

i always: wear my retainer at night. Well, almost always...

i am not: flexible. I have the flexibility of a musclebound man, but without the muscles.

i believe: that things will always turn out okay in the end.

i dance: very rarely. The last time I danced was probably with my kids when they were babies.

i sing: opera when I am happy, and I want to annoy my family. I've done that all my life.

i cry: at sappy commercials! It's so embarrassing, because Brandon always notices, even though I try to pretend I'm not.

i don’t always: eat the way that I should. I have been known to eat dessert for a meal...

i fight: with my kids sometimes. It's silly.

i write: everything on my calendar that I have to do, or else I'll forget!

i win: races all the time... when I'm racing against myself.

i lose: my temper sometimes.

i never: watch R rated movies, even though I've been ridiculed for it.

i confuse: people when I change the subject back and forth. My brain works too fast sometimes!

i listen: to music and podcasts of General Conference on my ipod when I clean.

i can usually be found: at the ballparks lately!

i am scared: that I'm going to run too slow, or not be able to finish the 6 mile run I have planned with Janice the marathoner tomorrow morning. Janice is nice, though... I think she'll forgive me.

i need: lots of love.

i am happy about: being a mom.

The More You Know

Camping at Red Fleet State Park

You Know You Do it Too

I had to laugh at myself yesterday morning on my 4 mile run. I ran past a nice looking young man, and, of course, I straightened up a little, ran a little faster, a little lighter. I can't help it! It just happens, I swear! Too bad nice looking young men can't be there the whole time I'm running. I'd either kill myself running too fast, or forget I was even running at all!

Happy Birthday, Cooper!

Yes, it's SUPER Cooper's birthday! He's 7! I can't believe my baby boy is 7! We're so glad that Cooper is part of our family. He's cute, funny, silly, loving, and smart! He loves to say, "yeah, right" with a lot of sarcasm. We're trying to break him of that. ;) Cooper likes to play baseball, run, be outside, play hunter or cowboy.... all that boy stuff. He is an excellent reader, and does well at school... when he's not being "silly".
This is Cooper with his favorite present... socks! ;) Actually he might say he likes something else better, but he sure looks happy here, right? We had to open presents at 6:50 a.m. It's such a crazy busy day, so that was the only time we could all be together. (Except about 9:00 tonight... and I don't think Cooper could stand to wait that long!)

Save My Wardrobe Fund

My friends keep telling me about these great places that I have to shop, and now I am in a pickle. I HAVE to have a new dress and a new swimsuit!! Anyone want to donate money? And another problem... how would I choose? They're all so cute! I think I like the brown and orange and yellow polka dot swimsuit best... but I can't decide!

Goldfish by Aubrey

Well, we "won" goldfish at the Home and Garden show. All three of us. All we had to do was cast a fishing pole and land it in a boat. It took Tyler one try, but it took me and Cooper at least three. So yesterday we went and got goldfish bowls and food. These pictures are before we bought bowls, so they're in plastic cups.

Mine is first. His name is Pumpkin.

Second, Ty's. It's name is Goldie.
Now Cooper's. It's name is Carrot. (Copycat)

Well bye!

This is for You, Geoffrey

This is my handsome brother, Geoff. He's a really fun brother to have around, and I love him a lot. He was so patient with me when he was a kid, along with my brother, Adam. I used to dress them up in girl clothes and take pictures for fun. Yes, I was horrible, but they were cute little brothers. Geoff is always good for laughs and fun, and he's got a wacky sense of humor. He's also super talented, and can play the violin amazingly! So, I just had to post this picture, because it makes me laugh every time I see it. I don't remember where we got those glasses, but they fit Geoff's face so well. When we took these pictures, we were laughing so hard we were crying.

Love you, Geoffrey!

High School

I subbed again at the High School today. It was rough. I read 1/2 a book. One class made up missed assignments, the next one played Monopoly, and then it was prep period, then the last two classes did worksheets. When I went to the substitute training, the girl next to me freaked out a little when I marked that I would sub at the High School. She said she was way too scared to do that. Well, I'll just keep this little secret that High School is SO MUCH easier than Elementary School that it's laughable. I can come home exhausted, sick of kids, and sometimes with strep, or I can come home having sat there all day reading a book. Hmmm.... I might have to think about that one for, oh, a nanosecond! Oh, and I actually LIKE High School kids. I can't say the same for Elementary kids. (Except my own, of course!) Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh. I can enjoy Elementary age kids at times, when they're not tattling, sticking things up their nose, putting glue on each other's chairs, crying, throwing things...

New Layout

I know, I know! I've changed my blog look like crazy lately, but I found the look I'm settling with... at least for awhile! I found this at Leelou's Blogs (link on the side), and she was nice enough to tweak a few things so it would work for me. Nice, huh? So, what do you think? I think I'm up too late messing with this, but it's fun.

I Know You Missed Me

You know, strep throat is not fun. I don't think I've had it before, but now I can say I have. During those days of laying there, I had a lot of random thoughts, so you know what that means.

So, I worked for 6 days teaching music at the Elementary School, until I came down with strep. I actually felt sick enough that I went to the doctor. (The white spots all over my tonsils also prompted me to go.) I figured out when all was said and done, that I made about the same amount of money working all those days that it cost to go to the doctor and get the antibiotic. I am pretty sure I got sick from germs at the school, SO, when all is said and done, I could have sat at home, done nothing, and been in the same place financially. And I would've been able to skip dealing with little monsters, and being so sick I couldn't get up. I think I'm done subbing in the elementary schools.

I hate hate hate going to the doctor. That's why I rarely go. Well, that and I'm rarely sick... anyway, I sat there for 2 hours. I was so sick that I just wanted to lay down, and I really almost got up to tell the receptionist never mind, because I had to go home and lay down, but I was too sick to stand up, so I just waited. Also, someone came in after I had been there about 45 minutes and brought their 3 little kids. They were actually fairly well behaved, but pretty noisy, and they kept coming right over by me, like practically on top of me, and the mom? grandma? didn't care. I felt like saying, "Um... I think I'm highly contagious. You might want to keep them away from me..." But I didn't have enough energy.

If April Showers bring May Flowers, what do April Flurries bring? Just wonderin'...

Tyler is pretty good at emptying and reloading the dishwasher, and Aubrey is pretty good at cooking. There was quite a bit for me to scrub when I finally made it off the couch. I really did appreciate their help though.

We have a bunch of green stuff poking up, but I'm still waiting for the flowers. One of the patches has little yellow buds trying to come out... I'm thinking daffodils, although some people's are already out.

I'm wondering how long I'll have to be in an "ugly stage". My hair could use a cut, but I want to grow it out. I'm thinking I'm going to look shaggy for awhile. The big zit on my chin isn't helping either. At least I'm not sporting the "hasn't showered for 3 days, looks like death" look anymore.

I need some new clothes. Or something.

Aubrey, Tyler, and Cooper have all started baseball practices. They all three had practices last Wednesday... at 4:30, 5:00, and 6:30. Then the coaches say, "Oh, we'll be done between 5:30 and 6:00", and the next one says "We'll be done at 6:00 or 6:30". And the first one isn't done until 6:15, and the second one is done at 6:00. These practices are about 10 minutes apart driving too. I'm really thinking this is going to be fun juggling all the practices and games. It's almost more of a sport for the parents. We should get a trophy.

Cooper is growing out of his clothes, but he's still the little guy on his baseball team. Good thing he has a birthday coming up. Pants... shoes... socks... Do those sound like great gifts for a 7 year old, or what?

It's not a good idea to watch Charly without tissues. It's not a good idea to watch Message in a Bottle without tissues. It's not a good idea to watch Touched By an Angel without tissues. It's not a good idea to watch tv when you're sick. It's all sad stuff, and it makes your head hurt worse.

I'm done. I could go on forever, but then everyone would quit looking at my blog, because they'd be scared that I'd always write long boring posts.

Oh, poop. I just realized I typed this whole thing on the wrong blog. I'll have to go transfer it now.

Testimony

Sadly, another session of Conference is over. I kind of feel sorry for the rest of the world, because most of the talks were written specifically for me. I guess it's okay that the rest of you listened in. :) I loved the talks, the music was beautiful, the Spirit was incredible. During President Monson's last talk in the last session, I was laughing and crying all at the same time. Throughout the whole conference I had such a witness of the love and sacrifice that my Savior made for me, the truthfulness of the gospel, and that President Monson is truly our prophet. I love him so much, and am so grateful for his life and testimony. I watched a program on him after the morning session today, and I loved getting to know him more. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father loves ME enough to give me so many answers today and yesterday, and so many insights into the way I need to live my life. I recently read the Book of Mormon two times since President Hinckley died, and was preparing to start the third (more details on the "Will You Join Me" link on the side.) I kept putting off starting the third time, even though I hadn't missed a day before this. Now I know why I waited. I needed to go into it this time with what I have learned from Conference. I thought I was being bad by skipping a week, but now I know I was supposed to! Yay for procrastination! As I was watching President Monson at the end, I remembered a poem I had written in my journal, so I had to dig it up. Don't laugh, okay? I wrote this at the end of the Saturday Session on April 1, 1995.

A choir of Young Men

sings

We Ever Pray For Thee

Our Prophet Dear

as pictures

of Hinckley are shown

on the screen

Suddenly

My heart is bursting

I can't hold my love

it spills out of

my eyes

and runs down my cheeks

But still does not leave

my heart

as a choirof Young men

sings

and my heart

sings with them

I know

Flaming Gorge/ Green River

Hey, look at me go! I got the pictures uploaded from the other camera, so I can finish writing about our trip! The truth is, I have a million things to do today, but I feel crappy, so I'd rather sit. This at least makes me feel like I've accomplished SOMETHING. Here's beautiful Aubrey by the beautiful Green River.
The one and only picture taken of me the entire trip. I made Brandon take one so there would be proof I was even there. When you look at the picture, you'll know why there weren't more taken. ;)
Cooper in the "ancient torture device". (You might remember our pictures here awhile ago.)

It was so beautiful! Really, you should all come see this amazing place and we'll meet you there!
Tyler in "the hand".
Aubrey looking out on the river.

Brandon, Melissa, and Haylee in the bundle.
In case you were wondering where the Green River got its name...
Walking along the bridge.

Josie had seriously THE cutest pants ever. I should've taken more pictures where you could see them. I think it's a shame that she'll grow out of them, and I think it's a shame I don't look that cute in jeans.
Sorry, Melissa, this was the best picture I got of you with your kids. :)
Tyler, Payton, Josie, Aubrey, and Cooper. Too bad I couldn't all get them smiling at once. It just never works with that many kids together! They're cute anyway!

Josie and Payton. This one is for you, Melissa! I'll email you a few more cute ones.
Handsome Tyler, posing for his magazine cover.
I don't know what Cooper is sneaking up on, but it looks like he's doing a good job!

Red Canyon Lodge

Yay! We did it! We went for a fun-filled two night vacation to Red Canyon Lodge near Flaming Gorge with Landon and Melissa and fam. It was fun, relaxing, enjoyable, great, and fantastic! I hope we get to go again. Here's Josie, demonstrating how much fun it was for the kids to run back and forth between our cabins. (That door adjoins the two.) The first night it was my turn to cook dinner, so I planned this whole baked ziti and italian sausage dish. When I got there, I realized.... no OVEN in the cabin. How dumb am I? I've been there, I just didn't inspect very close! So, I swallowed my pride, and went to the Lodge restaurant and asked if they'd bake it for me. They did, and it was really good. How nice is that?

Brandon and Landon went fishing on Saturday in Green River. We all went together at first, and went on a little hike, then Melissa and I left the men behind to catch some dinner. Melissa and I walked up the steep stairs and trail to get the vehicles to pick up the kids. We decided if we did that everyday, we'd be in SHAPE! It was far too short though, since it was one of the only moments we were without kids!!
This is how Brandon felt about his fishing trip. He's saying "it was cold, but I had fun".
This is what Melissa and Haylee did while the boys fished. I actually held Haylee most of the time they were gone, while I played Tetris on Melissa's phone. That stupid game is so addicting! It was just torture to sit there and hold a sweet, cuddly, sleeping baby.

Here's Cooper, Payton, Josie, and Tyler watching a movie on Brandon's laptop.
Oh, back to the fish... this is Landon trying to get Payton to touch it.
And, he did! Then Payton went over and poked it with a stick a few times. Funny cute boy!

Josie, showing her princess smile. The kids were all so good, except for maybe when we went to the restaurant at the Lodge to eat. We had a few meltdowns. I'm sure the other diners didn't mind, though. It's always fun to go out to eat and have crazy kids next to you.
I think I'm the only one who didn't have a nap while we were there. I should've had one... we stayed up way too late both nights, talking and playing Phase 10. It was going to be Phase 5, but Brandon just didn't want to stop. He loves playing games so much! Just for the record, Landon was the biggest loser. :)
This is Haylee, with a nice full belly. She was so cuddly! I miss her so much!

Landon, giving up Cooper's hiding spot for hide and seek.
Luckily I thought to grab some crayons and notebooks on my way out. The kids colored a lot. Josie even drew some beautiful trees. This is Payton, demonstrating his coloring skills.
Aubrey, playing with the train. Hmmm... I wonder whose feet those are.

I took some pictures at Flaming Gorge, but unfortunately I took them on the other camera. Who knows when I will get around to uploading those. ;)

All in all, it was a perfect weekend. I only wish it could've lasted longer! Thanks, Landon, Melissa, Josie, Payton, and Haylee, for sharing it with us. We hope next time we can get the whole family to come!!