100th post!!

100 things that you never needed to know about me...

1. I am the youngest of 8 children
2. I grew up in a very small town
3. I love to go hiking
4. Food and I are good buddies
5. I am a bit of a rebel
6. I sell sunglasses for a living
7. I have 3 beautiful children
8. I have the best husband EVER.
9. I have no idea what my natural hair color is.
10. I don't like peanut butter
11. I have old lady hands
12. I love to scrapbook
13. I love love love my camera
14. I love making jewlery
15. I love my cricut
16. I LOVE wiggle carts!~!
17. I love to listen to music REALLY loud in my car so I can sing at the top of my lungs...
18. I love my inlaws
19. I tolerate my family... lol
20. I am a procrastinator in a very very serious way
21. I am a HUGE fan of Brian Regan (google him and laugh with me)
22. I love my i-pod touch
23. I want a laptop soooo bad
24. I love scentsy!!
25. my favorite flavor of potato chips is bbq
26. I HATE tons of butter on my popcorn at the movies
27. I always have to get up and pee in the middle of movies... gggrrrr
28. I love clocks
29. I love rusty old things
30. I am not a girly girl
31. I am always cold
32. I wear make up from the dollar store
33. I wear clothes from the thrift store
34. I hate doing my hair
35. my prom dress was a size 16
36. I love that my 4 year old dresses like a blind gypsy
38. I love to take showers in scalding hot water
39. I like my egg yolks runny
40. I like my toast well done
41. I wish I had hardwood floors
42. I have tile floors, (which are beautiful, but cold)
43. I am always cold
44. I love Pampered Chef stuff
45. my favorite color is RED
46. I have red hair (artificially of course)
47. my computer is in my kitchen
48. I only have 1 television
49. I like to make scarfs
50. I like to write poetry
51. I like miniature things
52. I love to laugh
53. I once choked on a hot dog and nearly died.
54. favorite cookies... Pumpkin chocolate chip
55. I enjoy experiments... the scientific kind
56. my dog is retarded
57. I feel retarded because I can't train my retarded dog
58. folding laundry sucks
59. I love shopping
60. I love getting my hair done by other people
61. camping is fun in very small doses
62. chinchilla have no ribcage... wierd huh?
63. I have come to the conclusion that all men the same.
64. my skin is an etch a sketch
65. I once burned my inner thigh while ironing paper towels... (I don't make this crap up!)
66. once my friends toilet papered my room and my mom wouldn't let me throw the toilet paper away, we had to use it... it was quite comical.
67. I was top of my class in the 3rd grade
68. I believe in asking forgiveness rather than permission
69. I love BIG trees
70. I wish I had some trees... any size would do really
71. People can change
73. my dirt is red
74. my car has butt warmers... =)
75. my car is old, but I love it.
76. I believe in the power of prayer.
77. I love having foreign exchange students live with us.
78. I am a jack of all trades... master of none
79. I wish I could be a better friend
80. I am in desperate need of a girls night out.
81. I wish I could keep my house clean.. seriously people how do you do it???
82. I swear my laundry is reproducing...
83. dentists are expensive, and painful, but necessary.
84. old buildings captivate me
85. I love blogging
86. I love that music can capture a moment and make it last forever
87. I need to be more organized
88. <--- two of my favorite numbers~~
89. one can never have enough fingernail clippers, tweezers, or scissors.
90. I only remember my scary dreams
91. I think gifts should be wrapped in paper... I am so not into the "bag" thing.
92. Mice are evil creatures...
93. I have shoe prints on my ceiling... thats odd
94. there are some things you just can't forget nomatter how hard you try... four score and seven years ago...
95. I've never been snowboarding
96. I miss my dad
97. I think of him when I see black licorice
98. I love to sew
99. I am blessed
100. I am 100% happy

Cheers V*V

- - Here's to the next 100~~

All my love...
Nettie

and the award goes to....

So my dear friend BRANDY who can also be found at Some of this and Some of That, has nominated me for the "Circle of Friends Award". And I gotta tell ya.... It is truely an honor... Brandy is one of the most creative, kind hearted people I have ever met. I am blessed to be her neighbor, and her friend. We get to work together in Young Women's and it is so much fun! Can you say, Crafty, Beautiful, Kind, Giving, Great Cook... well if you can say BRANDY, then you have said it all!!! =)

So, on with the show...

the rules are I have to tell you 5 things about myself... sooo...

1) I don't apologize for being myself. If you don't like me I am o.k. with that, but don't expect an apology. If you find me offensive, then you have a crappy sense of humor and you need to get over yourself and laugh a little more often.

2) I am proud to say that I am a Mormon.

3) I am an official photography NUT!! (seriously, the kind you wanna run away from!)

4) I am really a horrible cook. Thankfully I have a husband who is a great cook.

5) I have hairy legs year round... if you don't like it, you are welcome to come and shave them for me. It is really a laziness thing.

Now enough about me.... lets talk about YOU!!!

The five bloggers that I would like to nominate... (in no particular order) are... *drumroll please*

Hopie... because I like to think we are alot alike in alot of ways. I love reading her blog. She makes me laugh until I pee in my pants. I think she has alot to teach the world, and I am grateful that I can call her my friend.

Cindy... because I think she is very inspirational. She is not afraid to say what she feels. I admire that. Not to mention she is an amazing photographer. She is humble, yet so beautiful! She is funny, and I sooooo wish we could hang out more!!! I think we would make great partners in crime... ;)

Lorene... because She is my big sis. I think she is great. She handles alot of stress very well. God gives us trials, and for a long time she was mine... Thankfully she didn't give up on me, and now I am lucky enough to call her my friend.

Andrea... because I dig this chick's brand of humor. Plus she grew up in the same po-dunk town as me, so we can relate. She is gorgeous, and she is a strong person. I am so glad that blogging has let us get to be better friends... =)

Bodoba... because she is so sweet. I never knew her before blogging, and one day there was a random comment from her. I jumped over to her site and we have been blogging buddies ever since. I like her because she blogs about her real life... which is sometimes hard. It helps me realize that everyone, all over the world has problems, and it is up to each of us to lift one another, and show some love.

Now nominees.... if you wanna play along just pick 5 more friends and let them know why you like being in their circle... =) make sure to let them know you nominated them!!! happy blogging!!!

Poetry

Mother, when I think of you,
I think of Poetry

and skies of blue.

I think of writing,

it must be neat,

I think of prayer

Every night, what a feat!

I think of love,

so much you gave,

I think of Spankings

when I misbehave.

I think of friendship,

Yours is the best.

I think of bread,

You must let it rest,

I think of crafts,

you taught me well.

I think of kisses

whenever I fell.

I think of Trials,

You're always so strong.

I think of sewing,

Your thread's much too long.

I think of lessons,

so many learned.

I think of the stove,

and my fingers burned.

I think of heaven,

wrapped up in your touch.

I think of you mommy,

and I love you so much!

Written for my mommy by: Lynnette 12/10/09

Making cookies...

This morning, this fine morning my children decided that we should make some cookies. Being the wonderful homemaker and angelic mother that I am, I said, "sure, we can make cookies as soon as mommy is done cleaning." Approximately 6 hours later, my sweet and lovely children, (while jumping on my bed, which really looked more like a laundry mountain) reminded me that I *PROMISED* we could make cookies.
FINE
Mommy needs a break from cleaning anyway. So we proceed to the kitchen. O.k. 1 cup of butter, good job, thats right, pour it right in. 2 cups of sugar, oooh sugar... yummy. 3 eggs.... uh.... come on with those eggs, WHAT?!! look harder.... are you SURE.... urrrghhh! NO EGGS. o.k. o.k. that is just fine, I will go borrow some eggs, lets just proceed and put the eggs in last. o.k. chocolate chips... WHAT... no chocolate chips either!!! This is when the nice angelic mommy went out the window and the hormone driven crazy wild woman took over. The children started to cry because I told them I was going to throw the damn cookie dough away and we could try again another time because there was just nothing I could do. Now the children start begging, "can't we just go to the store and buy some eggs and chocolate chips?" My response... "HELL NO! I have been cleaning all day, I wreak of pine sol and my hair hasen't even seen a hairbrush. I am in my sweat pants for heavens sake." Drayden, sensing my distress replied, "Mommy, I think you smell lemony fresh, and I like your hair like that, it looks pretty." I felt bad for taking my frustrations out on my sweet little children who just wanted to make some dang cookies. So I put on my big girl panties, and a coat because it is freaking FREEZING outside, and off to the grocery store we went. I am surprised I didn't get more compliments for my lovely lemony fresh perfume, or my "straight out of the jungle" hairdo. The children proceeded to fight over the steering wheel side on the stupid "car cart" who's idea what that anyway, I could shoot them. It puts the children just far enough away that you can't catch them when they try to dive out. and who only put one wheel in there?? HELLLOOOO!!!! IDIOTS!!!
On the way home Drayden hit his sister. She proceeded to cry. I tell Drayden, "you tell your sister sorry right now!" Drayden.... *heavy on the sarcasm "sorryyyyy" "Drayden you better say it like you mean it..." *heavy on the attitude, "sorrryyyy" If you don't say it like you mean it right now I am pulling over and I am going to make you mean it.... *totally convincingly "sorry Chantel" Just after he said it a little voice popped into my head "are you teaching life skills here or acting skills? is it any wonder that they become such great liars as teenagers? look at what you are doing!!! you are condoning LYING!!" SIGH.... what a long day. I have had a relatively horrible day, and I am sorry to take it out on you. I should have just thrown the dang dough away. On a positive note, my house is clean... =)

Frost Family Christmas Party

The Frost Family Christmas Party (my mom's family) is always held in my home town of Orderville. My kids love going through the "big tunnel" in Zion. The tunnel is actually over a mile long, it is so awesome! If you haven't been there, you should go.

The "buffalo ranch" is on the hill just above Orderville. It is so cool with the rolling hills and clear blue sky.

Nothing like a good BS session to get everyone in the holiday spirit! lol

My mom and my Grandma. Some of the funniest ladies you will ever meet. Grandma Nellie is my favorite, she cusses like a sailor and she doesn't sugar coat ANYTHING.

We saw a Bald Eagle... it was so cool!!! it was right on the side of the road, but I didn't want to get too close and scare it away, so it is a little blurry. We had so much fun visiting family and friends. I took my brother's family pictures while we were there too. They are on my photography blog.

Thanksgiving

Mitch's Grandma. This is probably one of my favorite pictures of the day. And I am oh so THANKFUL for this beautiful woman. She is such a strong spirit and she is truely an inspiration. The best part is that she does it without even trying. One of the most kind hearted and funny people I know.

this face is the one that you get when you say, "Would you like some yams?" lol... just kidding though, I am a wierdo and yams are my fav. =)


ahhhh, PIE!! Glorious PIE!! It all goes straight to my hips, but ya know what... I don't care. *cue sir mixalot's song.... "I like big butts and I cannot lie..."

Due to the fact that the temperature was around 70 degrees, we sent the kids out to play on the trampoline. I *LOVE LOVE LOVE* the crazy hair! it reminds me of Ellie on "UP".

And the perfect ending to an absolutely beautiful day. I am thankful for the a wonderful husband and kids. I am thankful that I can trust my heart. I am thankful for my faith. I am thankful for laughter. And so many, many other things.

family pictues '09

"Pretend to walk..." Apparently Mitch thinks that means STOMP!! lol...

Now everyone look at the camera... UGGGHH. No Brittany, the camera is not lodged into the treetops... greeaaatt. (very typical Brittany though, gazing off into space. I may hang this one on the wall just to teach her a lesson.)lol

AH! it is a good one! FINALLY!!

Not loving the pole in this one, but other than that it isn't bad either.

Everyone is looking, everyone is smiling, except Mitch, and he doesn't ever smile, so it is PERFECT! =) finally, something acceptable to hang on the wall. A HUGE thanks to Keli, for playing photographer... and Mary for the use of your back yard! LOVE IT!!

'tis ALMOST the season...

So we have decked the halls. My excuse is that I work in retail and from Thanksgiving night at Midnight until December 24th I am booked solid. But the real reason is that I am sooooo EXCITED for Christmas this year!

I used to think that a Christmas tree was only beautiful if it was adorned it sparkly expensive looking decor. Not because that is what I had growing up... oh no. My childhood Christmas trees were always shabby, and not shabby chic either. When I moved out on my own I promised myself that I would not be a hilbilly. I broke the promise because I had children. Glass and shiny things are not so good with children. Glass breaks and kids are alot like racoons when it comes to shiny things. Not to mention what on earth am I supposed to do with the hundreds of ornaments the kids have made in school and church???? they certaily don't look very nice next to diamonds and pearls. and so... Our tree is all "HOME~MADE" this year. (except the tree itself which is of course faker than a 3 dollar bill) There are a few ornaments that were given to us from friends that we put up as well.

I just love a shabby chic' Christmas tree.


And of course... we must always remember the reason for the season.

Treasure Hunt

Drayden got out his Metal detector today. He is a professional treasure hunter. Along with his daddy. *snicker* They are both DETERMINED to find something amazing.

Since Drayden has a gimpy hand (due to those stitches last week) He hired Chantel to be his designated "digger". She was so excited to play with Drayden, I don't think they even discussed payment.

Thats right, thats the spot... dig.... come on.... why aren't you digging?? (I had to explain to Drayden that the dirt here is VERY hard to dig in. and even with the rain yesterday it is pretty solid.)

We found several screws, nails, a few unidentified rusty things (I am sure daddy will know exactly what they are, but I have NO clue.) a washer, part of a spoon, a 6 foot piece of rebar (seriously Chantel was trying to pull it out of the ground and it just kept on coming!... lol) and THIS................

A pretty little silver ring, just Chantel's size. I guess she got her payment after all. =) Now Drayden gets to rub it in his daddy's face, he actually found something worth keeping! =) and right in our own front yard. Sometimes, in treasure hunting, and in life you have to find and discard alot of CRAP, but if you are patient and never give up, You will find your reward. =)

December 23, 1996

With the holidays approaching my heart is drawn to this day in particular. This is a journal related memory. DISCLAIMER: It was a really long day...

I opened my eyes and looked out the window. The earth was blanketed in white from the freshly fallen snow. I was instantly excited. School was out and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my Christmas vacation than sledding. I was lucky to live on Frost Lane. One of the best sledding hills in town. There was just enough slope at the top that with the right push off a person could coast all the way to the bottom of the road. (which was really long).

I jumped out of bed and without bothering with breakfast or brushing my teeth I bundled up and headed out the door. Much to my delight my dad had thought ahead. He knew me so well. He had gotten the sled down from the rafters in the garage before leaving for work. My sisters and friends gathered at the top of Frost Lane. We spent the entire day sledding. We built ramps, and jumps, and all manner of entertaining and dangerous things like that. When we were waiting our turn we would make snow angels and have snowball fights. It was so fun.

The sun was setting and we knew our moms would be calling us for dinner. We decided to call it a day. The road was a sheet of ice. It was so slippery I remember sliding to my house in my snow boots. We got home and ate dinner. I was SUPER excited because we were going to deliver some Christmas gifts to our neighbors as soon as Dad got home from work. We had worked so hard on the gifts. We made blankets for every member of their family. I couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces. Dad got home and said he wasn't feeling so well. He decided that he would come with us to deliver the blankets. The neighbors LOVED their gifts. We went home with happy hearts.

As soon as we got back home my dad collapsed onto the couch. He was gasping for breath and clutching his chest. It took only one moment for me to understand that something was very wrong. I remember my mom calling 911. "911, do you have an emergency?" ~ "Yes this is Doodie Johnson. My husband is having a heart attack. We need an ambulance. Please hurry." At the words "HEART ATTACH" my own heart skipped a beat. Dad had a heart attack a few years back. They did some artery excavation and told him he needed to watch his diet. I specifically remember the doctor saying, "You need to be very careful Verl, your heart won't survive another one like that." My 12 year heart sank. I looked into my daddy's colorless face and the gravity of the situation sank in.

My uncles gave my dad a blessing and I remember them saying "Thy will be done." I had never heard that in a blessing before. It was always things like, "We bless you with strength, or we bless that you will be made whole." After the blessing it was time to go to the hospital.

The ambulance was there in minutes. The house was buzzing with activity. There were so many people. My aunt Lolly stayed with us while my mom rode in the ambulance. I remember kissing his forehead and saying, "Bye daddy, I love you." He was in too much pain to respond, but I looked into his eyes and I saw that he loved me too.

The ambulance didn't fare so well on the trip back up Frost Lane. That little bit of a hill that was slick as an ice skating rink and perfect for sledding, was not so perfect for driving. I watched the flashing lights out my kitchen window for over an hour. The stress finally got to be too much for me. I felt so guilty. It was my fault that the road was slick. Finally the Ambulance got onto the main road. The nearest hospital was over an hour away.

We were sitting at home waiting for news. Aunt Lolly did a great job of distracting us. We played games, watched movies, and were having a great time really. About midnight the phone rang. Aunt Lolly answered it and talked for just a moment. She wouldn't tell us anything except that my mom was on her way home and she would update us when she got there.

Mom arrived home with wet, red puffy eyes. It only took one glance and we were all up to date. Daddy was gone. We hugged and cried and not much was said. My mom was exhausted and we were sent off to bed. We were all just lying there sobbing. My uncle Shane came over and got us out of bed. He gave everyone a blessing. We were able to get some sleep. When I awoke on Christmas eve the feeling was surreal. I wanted it all to be a bad dream, but I knew that it was all too real.

My Daddy was gone. I didn't quite know how to go on. Life around me seemed to move in slow motion. Every interaction was forced and unnatural. Slowly the days turned into weeks, the weeks turned into months, and of course melted into years. Nothing really HEALS, time dulls the ache, but with every passing year I can't help but wish that I had my daddy here to see me get married. To hold my babies, and rub his whiskers on their toes. I have felt his presence, and I know he watches over me.

With Christmas waiting just around the bend I cannot help but have feelings of my dad. I miss him alot. I know with all my heart that I will see him again. And I know that everything happens for a reason. We must take the tests and trials of life and use them to make ourselves more Christ like. I feel like I grew up alot that Christmas. I learned which things in life really matter. I learned that I am so grateful for Jesus Christ.

more stitches...

My poor little Drayden.

He was cleaning the kitchen. There was a Mason jar full of water on the table. He was taking it over to the sink when he slipped, he fell and the jar shattered. He landed right in the middle of the pile of glass. I was at work. Luckily Mitch was home. He took him to insta-care. They did some x-rays to make sure there was no glass stuck in his hand anywhere. Then they gave him some shots in his wrist that were supposed to numb his hand... They got 1/2 of a stitch done and realized (due to his bloody murder screaming) that his hand was NOT numb. So they gave him a few more shots right in his palm *ouch* (more bloody murder screaming) finally it went numb and they finished up the stitches. I count 7 by looking at the picture. Dad can't remember how many, because it was a fairly traumatic experience. Thank the good lord in heaven for insurance. At the rate this kid is going we would be in big trouble without it!

All Hallows Eve '09

Mitch dressed up as himself this year... he was the official candy hander~outer guy.

I was a.... fairy?? I actually got home from work late and hadn't thought a bit about dressing up. Brittany was very disapointed in me, so she threw together my costume. I think she did a great job.

Brittany was a "punk rocker blues clues" Kids are very creative these days.

And Drayden was a mummy of course... what a silly kid, look at the eyes. What a crack up.

My little witch. I think she is just the cutest.

We had a fun Halloween, mostly went and visited alot of family that we never get to see. Mean old mommy took all the kids candy away and I am dispensing it as I see fit. =)

Party ~ Crashin'

Ahhh Halloween. The joyous holiday where we celebrate death, spookiness and in recent years, a female's ability to display sluttiness on levels we never dreamt of. {except 15 year old boys, I bet they dreamt of it.} I love Halloween, so don't get me wrong, I just think that encouraging children to dress as a bank robber or a murderous crazy person sends mixed messages. Anyway... off my soap box and on to the torturing of small children Party... =)

If you have never seen a child try to play the "eat the donut on a string" game... You have simply not lived.

It has got to be one of the most HILARIOUS things I have ever seen. Their determination is admirable...

The strategies are extremely creative... Drayden's donut kept swinging around and hitting him in the face, it was so funny.

AAAHHHH the sweet taste of success.
*FAST FORWARD 12 HOURS*

Enough partying.... on to the Crashin'!!

It was a very... very long day.

We were sitting around snacking on some chip. Chantel was chatting away... she kept getting quieter, and quieter, when finally she just closed her eyes and gave in. It was too cute. I wish I could sleep like her. Never you mind that she was sleeping on a couple of wooden chairs, with her legs all squished up in an unnatural position.

You would think whe was sleeping on a fluffy feather bed by the peaceful look on her gorgeous little face.

Ghosts of Halloween past

I *LOVE* looking back at how things were when I was a kid. I also *LOVE* that even though my mom had 8... count em... 8 children, she still managed to take pictures. At least at all the important holidays. =) Having 8 children you can just imagine how truely poor we were.

We had a HUGE cedar chest in the basement full of all the dress up junk. I still remember fighting every year so that I didn't end up as something stupid.. This is Me and my sisters, I was probably 2, I think I am supposed to be "Santa's little helper" but honestly it looks like I am wearing a red sweater and a red hat with some artificially created rosey cheeks. then we have santa of course... I think that is my sister Connie, but I am not 100% sure... {love the beard made of quilt batting... dont you?} and then there is Denise as a clown... {white cheeks, ratty hair, pom pom buttons... newspaper stuffing... oh yeah baby} lol

Oh here I am in the INFAMOUS clown costume, {note to self, newspaper stuffing is a very UNCOMFORTABLE alternative!} I bet I had to throw some punches to get it too. Looks like a mouse must have chewed off those gigantic pom pom buttons, cause they seem to have shrunk... Great grandma must have passed down her wig.. add some yarn and TADA!! I am so dang cute! =)

here is connie as a ghost,{I love that they tied something right around her neck!} alayna as a witch Lorene as an Angel, {who is apparently graduating??} Denise as a.... well I am not quite sure what she is.. and Me as a princess (of course). I specifically remember crying for like 3 days in order to guilt my mom into making me a princess dress... I don't know how she managed it, but my bratty little self got to be a princess. *thanks mom*

ah here is the witch costume from the previous picture, and a graduate!!! {yeah my brother graduated from high school and got to keep his cap and gown... Denise and I really did get in a fist fight over that one. lol! looks like she won!

I love a good ol' hilbilly Halloween!

Take lots of pictures this Halloween!! Your kids will look back on them and smile, just like you are doing right now! in fact you are probably running to go find your old Halloween pictures... if you are lucky enough to have some. =)

squishy... =)

You gotta love carving pumpkins... the icky, sticky, messy, gooey, oh and don't forget SPOOKY! All that work only to see them shrivel and rot in a matter of days... Makes perfect sense right?? The Pioneers would kick our wasteful butts... lol

L to R

{Monster} by Brittany; {Boo} by Mom; {Vampire} by Dad and Drayden; and {Kitty} by Chantel.

F*A*T

The first step to fixing a problem is admitting you have a problem.
Over the past few years I have been on a weight roller coaster. Having children and the basic ups and downs in life are mostly to blame.
Yesterday I was shopping and a woman came up to me and said, "I see you are with child... congratulation." *SOB*
I am so freaking NOT "with child".... so that was a bit depressing.
I found myself thinking after she said that... { I wish I were with child, then I could be fat and everyone would just rub my budda belly and smile at me.} I don't want anymore kids, but I want to be pregnant just so I can have an excuse to be fat. That is what we call *SAD*. I don't know where the inclination came that I need to be thin, but for some reason I am just a little obsessed. I did HCG, lost 20 lbs, and now I have gained back 10... I don't wanna look at a cookie or a cupcake and think of it as the enemy!! NO! the scale, the mirror they are the real enemies! I ramble on in hopes that I will find a solution to my problem.
I want to be thin while eating like a fat person... got that? if anyone has any idea how I can accomplish this {bulimia is not an option} please comment NOW!
Maybe I just have freaky fun house mirrors at my house and I am really alot thinner than I look. Probably not. With the holiday season upon me I must stop the good cop bad cop routine and face the facts. I refuse to answer the question, "What did you have for Thanksgiving dinner" with, " half a spear of asparagus and a dime size cube of turkey flavored tofu." so I am just going to have to be fat. I can only sacrifice so much.

Transformation...

Mitch and I have had this dresser for 7 years. It is a hand me down from Mitch's mom, who probably had it for at least 10 years. It was in DESPERATE need of a facelift.

I was pretty much over the retro handles, so I took them off, and spackled the holes. (When I say "I" that means Mitch... ;-})

then "I" spraypainted it... dont you just love the "GANGSTA" look? lol!


This picture is proof that I did actually help a little.

I roughed up the edges a little and put on some new silver handles... TADA! Maybe it will last another 10 years... =)