there's always nyquil

PHOTOGRAPHY

2011-10-10T19:33:00.002-06:00

Hello FRIENDS!!! I just wanted to let you all know that I have decided to dive in head first into my photography... I have sales and giveaways going on NOW... so help a sista out and go check out my BRAND NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG and follow me on FACEBOOK. Tell your friends, and I will love ya forever! This is the perfect time of year to have family portraits taken! Thank you!!! Questions, coments, rude remarks are all welcome... I am just starting out after all. Advice will all be taken with a grain of salt, so shoot me strait!

revamping shoes

2011-09-29T12:12:00.002-06:00

I have been super jealous of all the cute shoes that I have been noticing. I am a shoe collector... so my husband says, so instead of going out and spending money on new shoes, I decided to look through my closet and revamp a few pair that I don't really wear anymore for one reason or another.

This particular pair was a velvety material, and I love the shape, but it was forest green. I hardly ever wear them just because the don't match anything I own.

I used acrylic paint and painted the velvet... and if any of you have ever gotten acrylic paint on fabric you know it is NEVER coming off... then I got some zebra fabric and modgpodged it onto the wooden platform. TADA!!!

super cute trendy heels... I love it!

BACKPACK

2011-08-22T12:52:00.008-06:00

So first I cut out all my pieces. I ended up with some scraps, which I made into pockets... You can do pockets wherever you want... or not at all... but things tend to get lost in the bottom of backpacks, so I would recommend some pockets.

I started with the exterior back. I padded it with the batting to make it more comfortable, and to give the backpack some structure. In order to hold the batting in place I sewed an "S"... the first initial of the little girl this backpack is for. You could do crisscross lines... whatever you want.

Then I sewed the pocket onto the front. I basically just took two scraps that were the same size and sewed them (right sides together) left a little space so I could turn them right side out and then sewed around three sides. (this way the inside of the pocket looks finished too.)

Now next I would recommend sewing the straps. I did not take pictures of this process... sorry. just do right sides together with the batting on top of one of the "wrong sides" sew down both sides. then turn right side out. the batting should end up between the two layers of fabric. Then sew a straight line down the middle. I measured an existing backpack's straps with the person I was making it for wearing it... to ensure the proper length... You could also make the straps wider if you wanted to.

now the sides were the trickiest part for me. I simply pinned the long strip at each end, then eyeballed the middle of the strip and the middle of the backpack... then I pinned it. I continued to do that all the way down. You have to repeat the process for both sides of each strip. I didn't really worry about making mine line up perfectly, but it did kind of work itself out. Then I sewed on the bottom. DON"T FORGE TO PUT IN YOUR STRAPS!!! The corners are a little messy, but you are never going to see that because it will be on the inside, so don't stress it.

I sewed the lining the exact same way, just straight sides, instead of gathered.

Sew right sides together on the top flap also, leaving the flat side open. Insert one side of the magnetic closure, then sew the top flap to the top back of the backpack. DON'T FORGET THE STRAPS AND THE HANGING STRAP!!

Next I took a piece of scrap fabric and sewed it on the front in the middle about 2" from the top edge. Then I made two button holes in it. Then I sewed a long piece of fabric (for tying it shut) onto the seam that connects the side to the back. (I did this on both sides.) parallel with the button holes. I brought the strings around and put them through the button holes. Then I sewed the lining to the backpack around the top (right sides together) leaving a gap to turn it all right side out. Then I did a straight stitch all the way around the top to secure it and close the gap.

To finish it off I added a few rosettes to the top flap.

I am so not the best at tutorials... sorry, but if you have any sewing skills whatsoever, you can definitely make this... it is not hard... but it is a little time consuming. =) happy crafting!

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-07T08:54:00.003-06:00

I can hardly believe my sweet little Chantel is already big enough to graduate from Kindergarten!

I am so proud of her. We have had a really fun year.

She LOVED her teacher Mrs. Cowley, and she excelled in everything she was taught.

Daddy couldn't be prouder of his baby girl!

Chantel is our little social butterfly. She made tons of friends in school and She loves to be "hanging out"...

I made some of my very best friends in kindergarten.

And we are lucky enough to live close to family, so she gets to go to school with several of her cousins.

I'm sure it will seem like a blink of an eye and she will be graduating from high school. I am so proud of you baby girl! mommy loves you forever~

Easter

2011-05-23T20:46:00.004-06:00

First and foremost, these pictures are totally out of order (*no you're out of order... lol... always wanted to say that.) But bear with me.

Our Easter tradition is a bit different from most people's...

We get together with Mitch's mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and kids, and go easter egg 'hunting'.

We draw cute little faces on the eggs... all 15 dozen of them... and tape strings to about 10 dozen.

Then we hang them in the trees and scatter them on the ground.

Then the kids line up and take turns blowing them to smitherines! It has about as much to do with the resurection of Christ as any other crazy Easter tradition, and we like it.

We always go out to Pacoon Springs, it is about 45 minutes up the road from our house. My SIL bought a bunch of dime store gold fish and turned them loose in the springs... they are now about 6 inches long, and having babies! It is pretty cool!

Annie got to go on her very first 4-wheeler ride. She loved it! =) daddy was so proud.

Annie's Blessing

2011-04-10T15:59:00.002-06:00

We did it! FINALLY! Mitch got to bless Annie! It was certainly short and sweet, but it was one of the most sincere and tender blessings I have ever attended. He did such a great job, and I know how nervous he was, so that adds to how impressed I am! It is customary, I guess, for the parents to bear their testimony after their baby is blessed. I was sitting there stewing over what I should say, when the words to this poem jumped into my mind.

THY WILL By: Lynnette Brinkerhoff

A strange sort of people,

us mortals, we are.

We pray to thee father,

then we wish on a star?

We beg thee for rain Lord,

Oh, and please fix the truck.

Then we whine and complain,

as we drive through the muck.

Please bless our loved ones,

and those who are sick.

Too bad. I'm too busy.

WHEN WILL IT CLICK???

Thanks for the kids lord,

we love them, we do!

WHAT? another one?

What's wrong with you??

God has the plan folks,

and we DON'T know best!

So open your ears,

and give that mouth a rest!

Yes, you were right lord,

you knew all along.

Thank goodness, at least

I'll admit when I'm wrong.

I am your servant lord,

show me the way.

What can I do,

for another today?

I borrowed a pen from my mother in law and jotted it down. I figured it exactly what I was feeling, so it qualified as a testimony. =)

We had a little luncheon after Sacrament meeting, and I wanted to share a couple of recipes that I made for it.

CHICKEN WONTON SALAD

1 pkg (3 stocks?) of Romain hearts (chopped bite size)

1-2 chicken breasts (I prefer to grill mine) cubed

1/2 pkg deep fried wontons

Dressing:

1/2 C olive oil

4 TBSP vinegar (I usually use apple cider, or rice)

2 1/2 TBSP sugar

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

toss everything together RIGHT before serving.

COCONUT CUPCAKES

1pkg white cake mix

1 pkg coconut pudding mix

3/4 C milk

2 Eggs

1 C sour cream

1/3 C oil

Make sure to watch them closely in the oven, you want them barely done. Mine took 20 min.

Buttercream Frosting

1C butter

(don't soften it too much... 1/2 hour sitting on the counter is about right)

3C powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-3 TBSP cream

(just enough to make spreadable)

Toast a little bit of coconut for a garnish

IT IS DIVINE!

I put together a little slide show for all of you who couldn't make it. I was horrible at taking pictures, and alot of the wonderful family who was there is not included in the slide show, But I still love them, and I'm sorry I didn't get pictures of everyone. =(

Thank you to the ones that were there, in body and spirit! {get better JoDee... We love you!} I love all you guys, really, and I so appreciate your support... click HERE now to check out the slideshow.

Zipper Flower Tutorial...

2011-04-01T20:09:00.007-06:00

O.k. kids... first things first you will need a zipper. All zippers are not created equally. I prefer the zippers with the metal teeth, simply because they add dimension to the finished flower. Now, zippers can be relatively expensive. for this particular flower I used a 22 inch zipper. (1 zipper makes 2 flowers generally) (the longer the zipper the more petals your finished flower will have)a 22 inch zipper at JoAnns is about $8... which makes it about $4 per flower... now to me, that is alot. So.... I go to the thrift store. I buy jackets with long metal zippers, for about $4. That makes each flower about $2... MUCH BETTER! (this involves cutting out the zipper, but i just get my seam ripper, and it is done in seconds.) It is also important to note that colored zippers are sometimes more expensive, unless you purchase them in the "jacket" form... =) *I recently discovered that tent zippers generally have metal teeth... talk about a goldmine! ;)

O.k so get a needle and thread. (make sure you use strong thread) Weave it in and out like so.. all the way to the end.

Just kidding, cut off about 2 inches or so (this will be used to make your center), and then sew to the end. Then you just cinch the thread up tight. This will cause the zipper to twist, kind of like a whirlpool slide.

Once the zipper is cinched up tight just stitch a few stitches at the end of the zipper to keep it from unraveling. Then start arranging the flower. layer each loop on top of the next until you get something like this. Then start stitching randomly, just to tack down each petal. (make sure you are using matching thread. =) Also, if you have to go over the teeth, make sure your thread falls perfectly BETWEEN them, because they are metal, and sort of sharp, they will cut your thread, and then your flower will fall apart. *trust me on this one. ;)

Then just twist up that little piece you cut off earlier. stitch it so it looks like this.

Then just stitch it to the flower and voila! You my crafty little friend, have just created a zipper flower. =)... now just attach a clip or a pin or sew it to your favorite hat, or shirt, and you will be looking FINE! Now hurry and go find a zipper!!!

Happy 27th!!

2011-03-29T17:13:00.004-06:00

age 1 week

On March 29th at 10:00 a.m. Mrs. Johnson was at her sister Launa's house getting ready to make some curtains. When the pains started. Mrs. Johnson could not be more thrilled, because she was already 2 weeks overdue. Not to mention the fact that she had gestational diabetes and had gained over 100 pounds since becoming pregnant. Luckily it was a Saturday and Mr. Johnson was at home. Mrs. Johnson promptly left Launa's house and headed for home about 10 minutes away. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson left their 7 children at home with Martha, the eldest girl in charge. They had to go to Panguich, which is about an hour from Orderville. Lynnette made her appearance approximately an hour after they arrived, 2:05 in the afternoon. Mrs. Johnson had Lynnette with NO PAIN MEDICINE. (remember that it is important for later, none, nada, not even a Tylenol.) As soon as Lynnette was born, the nurses whisked her away to get cleaned up, and make sure everything was functioning correctly, so Mrs. Johnson didn't get to see her baby right away. A little while later Mrs. Johnson overheard the nurses talking about "the biggest baby they had ever seen!" Mrs. Johnson knew that her friend Mrs. Franklin was in the hospital having a baby also. Mrs. Johnson thought, "OH poor Rhonda! She went and had the biggest baby those nurses have ever seen!" A few minutes later the nurses brought little old 12 pound 4 ounce Lynnette in to see her mommy. (remember the NO PAIN MEDS... um yeah.) Mrs. Johnson looked at the baby that the nurses had just handed her. She was painfully fat... BRIGHT red, and she had bent pinkie fingers... but she was still perfect. Her baby was the record breaking fatty pants, not Rhonda's! Baby Lynnette had a blood disorder, that was causing the extreme redness. (Nobody seems to be able to recall the name of the disorder.) Thankfully one of the doctors in Panguich knew how to treat the blood disorder, otherwise baby Lynnette would have had to go to a special hospital to get the treatment she needed. The procedure involved taking out some of the blood and replacing in with fluids and medication that would thin the blood and relieve the immense pressure on Lynnette's heart. The doctors had to repeat the procedure every 2 hours for 2 days (48 hrs). Mrs. Johnson would just get Lynnette nursed and settled back down, and they would come in to get her... She had to listen to her poor little baby scream for about 1/2 hour, then they would bring the fat sobbing little thing back, and they would do it over, and over and over again. In those days they didn't know how to do a pic line yet, apparently, because they had to poke every single time in order to do the transfusion. After Three days in the hospital mommy and baby were both ready to go home. Mrs Johnson had one little problem though, she had brought a 0-3 month outfit to bring the baby home... and well, it wouldn't fit! So Mr. Johnson brought a 3-6 month outfit... it was a TIGHT squeeze, but they got it on her!

age 1 age 3

age 4

age 5

age 8

age ??

Age 16 (spoiled rotten with a trip to Hawaii to see my sister and swim with dolphins!)

Age 18

Fast forward 27 years. Why, why, why am I the one getting presents????? Thank you mommy, for giving birth to me, Thank you for loving me, and being such a great mom. I think all the birthday gifts should go to my mom, because she went through an awful lot to get me here, and I could never thank her enough. P.S. I am really not fat, I just never lost my baby weight ;)

Elder Brinkerhoff

2011-03-28T00:30:00.003-06:00

I am so proud of my husband. He is a wonderful man, always has been. But recently he decided to, in the words of my Aunt Shanna, "get his shit together." Today he was given the Melchezedic Priesthood, and ordained to the office of an Elder. =)

He is going to bless Annie, which I am super thrilled about. (Mitch's Brother... apparently not so thrilled.) lol...

His mom was so cute, There were a few family members that were running late, she looked at the stake representative and said, "do you think we could wait 5 more minutes, I mean we've been waiting our entire lives for this, so what's a few more minutes." it was adorable.

I am proud of Mitch because his kids have such a wonderful example to look up to.

Drayden gets baptized in May... and now... Mitch gets to do it. =)

I am so excited for my husband and the great things that are going to happen to our family because of the choices he is making. Some people looked down on me because I married a divorced smoker. I never ever saw him as that. He has always been the man of my dreams, I knew his potential. I am happy that he waited until he was ready, nobody forced him, and that is the only way that it will ever work. I love you baby, and I will always be behind you, nomatter what. (unless you pass gas, and then I think I will opt to be in front of you, if thats ok.)

and my favorite picture of the day... Miss Annie talking to Grampa Brink. I love the look on her little face, she is in absolute awe...

3 months

2011-03-24T12:47:00.005-06:00

I can hardly believe it has already been 3 months since sweet little Annie joined our family.

There are moments of denial, when I still feel like it is all a dream and I am going to wake up. Surely this can't be happening...

I love this baby girl so much! She is sweet, and funny, and she only poops on me once or twice a week. Thats real love people.

I had to buy new perfume, to cover the baby barf smell. Because lets face it... I get barfed on at least 3 times a day, and there is no time to shower... at least not 3 times.

Thanks My little May May bug, for giving me a newfound joy. I love to kiss your little cheeks, and play with your tiny little tuft of hair. I love your cute little butt chin. I apologize for the yoda ears, that was my bad, a special gift from grampa Johnson. =) Everytime I look at those ears I think of my dad.

Our family would never be complete without you. You are a very special little spirit, and I can't wait to spend my life being your mommy.

a little princess through and through!

Those GIANT blue eyes are so full of wonder and I wish I could see inside your mind and know what on earth you are thinking about~! Thank you heavenly father, for sending me this little blessing, even if I didn't know I wanted her ;)

I LOVE camping...

2011-03-21T13:05:00.002-06:00

Spring break! wooo hoo!!! No School!!! woo Hoo! I'm thinking... lets go to Vegas, stay a few days, take in all the free attractions, keep it simple. Mitch is thinking... lets go camping!... now I usually quite enjoy camping. We are always with family and it is usually quite nice and relaxing once we get wherever we are going. Now on to the story of my "wonderful" spring break.
*be forewarned, this post will contain, bitching, complaining, whining and all other manner of "woe is me, woe is me"*

Friday... 1 pm.
Mitch enters the door from work... "Hi honey!, I got all the bags packed and all we have to do is run to walmart to pick up the chairs and the rest of the food, and then we are on our way :)"
So off we go to Walmart. We get everything we need, spend $50 more than we want to, but it is time to get home and get crack~a~lackin'.

Friday... 3pm
ok baby time to load up the 4-wheeler... *problem #1... The ramps for the 4 wheeler are too steep to drive up because the truck is too tall. *Problem #2... once we finally figure out how to get the 4-wheeler into the truck, the tailgate won't close... Problem #3... if we take the tailgate off then the ramps don't quite work properly anymore. Solution: load it all up, strap it in, take the tailgate off, and worry about it later...

Friday...4pm
Ok baby, 4-wheeler is loaded, all the bags and food and water and such are in the trailer, now it is just time to hitch it up and off we will ride into the sunset... oh except that the trailer has a flat tire... and it won't air up... but the good news is we have a spare. Enter Mitch with his fancy pants tire changing tools... apparently changing a trailer tire is not an easy task because the frame is so low to the ground, and when the tire is flat it is really low to the ground, and if you jack it up, the tire just spins and you can't get the lug nuts off... 1 and 1/2 hours, lots of cuss words, 2 broken fancy pants tire changing tools, and the tire got changed. I tried to remind Mitch that this was his idea and he wasn't allowed to be angry, because I wanted to go to Vegas, I don't think that helped much. ;)

Friday... 6pm
We are off!!! we go load up the ice, gas up the truck and 4-wheeler, remember we forgot the trailer crank and sunscreen (which i soooo wish we would have needed) so we ran back to the house... and then we are off. Thinks were going very smoothly until we got on the dirt road, behind a couple of trailers... who were going 5... literally... 5. My husband is prone to road rage anyway, but it is especially scary when he has guns around... lol... anyway, he risked our lives and passed them in the dust cloud... it was kind of like Russian roulette... but here we are, so apparently we dodged the bullet. We arrived at camp and started setting everything up, the weather was cold, but not terrible.

Friday 9 pm
We finally got the hamburgers cooked and they were by far the yummiest thing I think I have ever eaten . The starvation factor may have played a roll. We sat around and visited and then it was time for bed.

Friday 10 pm
We couldn't get the air mattress to air up... UGH... fine, forget it... I will sleep on the rock hard bed. anything, just find me a pillow, and I will be fine.

Friday 11 pm
Mom has been up since 4 am, and it is way past her bedtime... We have all gone pee, brushed our teeth, gotten into pajamas and I close my eyes only to remember that we forgot a pullup... Drayden has this little problem, he pees the bed... like every single night! at home we have plastic on the bed and I just let him pee he has to wash his laundry and I am hoping it will help him stop, plus he HATES pullups, anyway... the dreaded realization that we are camping and the odds of him not peeing in the bed are slim to none... so up we get. It kind of reminded me of the scene in Apollo 13 where they have to fit the square peg in the round hole... We assessed our options. Pads or size1 diapers.... diapers are more absorbent... gorilla glue, or electrical tape... electrical tape is much easier to clean up... So in a fit of laughter Mitch and Drayden fashioned a makeshift pull up out of size one diapers and electrical tape.

Saturday 12 am
The wind starts to blow... really hard... we are in a tent trailer... from 1976... made of canvas... on the edge of a ravine... let the praying begin...

Saturday 3 am...
WAAAAAHHAAAHHAAA ... insert boob in baby's mouth... continue praying as the wind has escalated...

Saturday 7 am...
The dreaded "I must pee now before I explode" feeling. I carefully inch my way out of the sleeping bag, trying not to wake up the baby, or anyone else. Now I feel very blessed because my wonderful amazing saint of a father in law let us use his extra port-a-potty... but it was right in the middle of the trailer... for all to see... but I didn't care... I had to go NOW! ahhhh relief... then Drayden says, "mommy, I need to pee too" Ok, ... wait, does that mean you didn't pee in the bed? WOOHOO!! a dry diaper electrical tape contraption... *thank you father in heaven*

Saturday 8 am..
by now everyone is awake and freezing cold... the wind is still whipping outside, but the boys are out cooking breakfast so all is well.

Saturday 8:30 am
Special delivery of a heater from my aforementioned saint of a father in law, and Hot chocolate from his equally saint like daughter... *thanks JoDee, and Glen ;)

Saturday 10:00 am
The baby is sleeping, Drayden is wearing an adult size XXL sweatshirt to keep warm, when he tried to shut the trailer door he slammed his thumb in it... *Drayden has a very, very low pain tolerance, and he screams like a girl. half an hour later, he stopped wailing, but continued milking the injury for the remainder of the trip. "Dray, will you hand me that blanket?" "I can't my thumb hurts." UGGGHHH... anyway needless to say that ended the baby's nap for the morning as well.

Saturday 12:00
The weather cleared out a bit and the kids played outside, went on 4-wheeler rides, caught and released frogs, and had a good old time. It was still too cold outside for the baby, so Me, brittany, annie, and grams stayed inside and played phase 10. I won. :)

Saturday 3 pm
Mitch pokes his head in and tells us to get down because someone is shooting and the bullets are whizzing past our camp. Joy. Mitch drove down the road, dodging bullets, my knight in shining armor and told the idiots to knock it the hell off... You must shoot responsibly... jerks.

Saturday 4 pm.
The boys break out the guns and start shooting. I was really worried about Annie because some of the guns are really loud, but she loved it... silly kid. The louder the better. I covered her ears really well, but every time she heard a shot go off she would just grin and laugh. What a wierdo.

Saturday 6 pm
We started to get dinner ready, dutch oven potatoes... my favorite. with strawberry shortcake for dessert. YUM... at this point I had not seen hide, nor hair of my sweet husband all day, because he was out having fun, doing camping stuff, and I was stuck in the trailer. blah...

Saturday 8 pm..
The rain starts... and the wind starts up again.

Saturday 10 pm.
We are all snuggled down in bed. I fell right to sleep. The rain on the canvas was like a lullaby.

Sunday 12:00...
Hungry baby... MUCH colder than last night... no more rain though...

Sunday 6:00...
Mitch has to pee... lol... he daintily steamrolls over Annie and I... oh joy... now we are wide awake. He gets Drayden up... and holy answer to prayers he didn't pee again! woohoo!!

Sunday 8 am..
another special deliver of a heater, and hot chocolate... I love mitch's family... they are amazing campers.

Sunday 10 am...
The wind finally stopped so we built a fire. The kids were standing around getting warm... Drayden kept wanting to play with firey sticks. I probably had to tell him no 5 times. When I left the fire I did so with strict instructions NOT to touch any more sticks...

Sunday 10:05 am
WWWAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH...... Chantel and Drayden were fighting over a firey stick, and chantel got the firey end right in the upper lip. it is nice and blistered. joy.

Sunday 11 am...
we finally get everything loaded (the ramps worked just fine without the tailgate) and a tiny bit of sun shines down on camp. Mitch starts making plans in his head to go on another 4-wheeler ride. I simultaneously loose my mind and tell him that if he doesn't drive me home RIGHT THE HELL NOW I am going to have a nervous breakdown and die.

Sunday 12:00 pm
I stand in the shower reflecting on my HORRIBLE camping trip, and realize how lucky I am... While things did not go as planned, and it really wasn't much fun for me, I hope that my husband and my kids had a good time. Sometimes being the mom just isn't much fun, but having a happy family with a nice warm house and a comfy bed to come home to is more than i could ever hope for.

All in all I really did not have fun, but I guess I could give it another chance... hopefully it will be warmer. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go unload the trailer and start the endless task that is the Laundry.

new ride

2011-03-08T10:26:00.004-07:00

I love driving the Dodge. It is powerful, clean and just all around lovely. However, It is a diesel. and in case you haven't noticed Diesel is about $3.89 per gallon... *faint*

So... I swallowed my pride... got out the air freshners,

tried to ignor the rust and dents and manly yuckiness... while brushing up on my ability to drive a stick shift...

and started driving the little toyota. I know I am a spoiled brat, and I really have no room to complain, but this little jalopy was my husbands work truck for quite some time, and that means that it is absolutely filthy... it is a hunk o junk for sure, but gas is cheaper than diesel, and I bet this little truck gets about double the gas mileage, so I get to drive a hoopty now. =) In all honesty I should have been driving it a long time ago, I could have saved a bundle, but again, I am a spoiled brat, and I am trying really hard to humble myself... so if you see (or hear) this little truck, throw me a wave, it isn't nice to ignore your friends just because they drive crappy cars. ;)

wafflemaker..

2011-02-15T14:38:00.006-07:00

My in laws gave me this super fancy, flippy, behemoth of a waffle maker for Christmas. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, because a gift is a gift, and it probably cost alot... but I can honestly say that I have made waffles a grand total of 0 times in my 8 years of marriage. (we are more of a quick bowl of cereal kind of people) Now counter space at my house is a hot commodity and there are few appliances that stay there for long. The toaster is a mainstay, the blender comes and goes... other than that its a no go. So the dilemma is, I have a GIANT waffle maker, that doesn't fit in any of my cupboards, but it is a really nice waffle maker, so I don't want to get rid of it. But this sassy little device only does one thing... makes waffles... or does it...

My kids love, and I mean LOVE Eggo waffles... with peanut butter and syrup.

i decided to experiment. get some bread... slab on some peanut butter...

toss her in the ol' waffle maker... (I buttered the outside... probably not totally necessary, but grandma taught me that butter makes everything better)

squish it down... *I don't know if all waffle makers have the "beep when its done" feature, but mine does, so when it beeps ... TADA!!!

dip it in some syrup and the kids will eat it up! ... now that is still sort of a waffle, so in order for me to justify this thing on my counter I had to get creative...

So I got some store bought flaky layer biscuits...

split them in two.... and roll them out super thin.

I happened to have some yummy cafe rio style shredded pork in my fridge so I grabbed some of that and some cheddar and threw them on my biscuit.

Then I put the other side on and rolled up the edges nice and tight... (you don't want any gooey stuff leaking out all over your waffle maker, now do ya?

Toss her in the waffle maker, squish it down, and keep an eye on it. It cooks super fast... so DO NOT WAIT FOR THE BEEP... lol...

some of the ewwy gooey goodness leaked out, but not too much. I serve this up with some cafe rio style ranch for dipping, and it is divine. I plan on making grilled cheese sandwiches, and some "wafflized" pizza pockets... if you have any other ideas for me to try, now that those wheels are spinning, PLEASE let me know... I need to justify people!!!

and on a totally unrelated, yet somehow related subject, I need a new rolling pin. I had to use cream of mushroom... dang kids and their play dough breaking all my rolling pins... "ggrr" I need to buy a heavy duty one this time... anyway have a happy day, and leave me some ideas!

today...

2011-02-08T20:55:00.004-07:00

Today started off pretty rotten. I basically had an emotional breakdown. The stress of all my kids being sick... including my one month old baby... the amount of bills coming in and the lack of money coming in, the laundry, the dishes, and all the usual everyday stresses that come with being an adult. I sat there... staring at the pan of gravy I had forgotten about from last night... I started to cry. Then Annie started coughing... and I cried harder. I didn't really know what to do next... so I called my mommy. She told me to go feed the baby and she would be right over. So I did... and she was. She gathered me up in her arms and said, "I know how you feel... now just imagine having 8 kids to worry over!" (I cant even begin to imagine!) She then shoved her keys in my hands and told me to go clear my head. She made me pinkie promise to come back... There is really only one place i could think to go... so i went and sat on the temple steps... after i got myself together i realized that i was free of children... so i went to DI...(my favorite store) and looked around for a while. Fast forward several hours... I got in the car and said a little prayer. I needed strength. My boobs were hurting like crazy so I knew it was past time to be home... I asked heavenly father to help me be a better mom... a better wife, and a better person. I am pretty sure I have been suffering some post partum depression. Which is really weird and not at all part of my normal character. I would never describe myself as a depressed person, but lately I have been. Anyway I had another good cry there in the parking lot, and put it in drive. When I got home my jaw hit the floor. My sweet, half blind, diabetes stricken mother and my 5 year old daughter had cleaned my house from top to bottom. Every dish, every stitch of clothing... spotless. *cue the tears* There were no words. I don't know if anyone has ever cleaned your house for you, but I tell you what, that is love. She kissed me, and told me not to wait until I was desperate to call... I promised I wouldn't. Then Chantel and I proceeded to make Banana muffins, delivered some to the neighbors. (serving others helps you forget about yourself... true story.) Then the whole family... (even Mitch!) played Yahtzee... lots of smiles, no fighting! (maybe they could sense my emotional instability?) Tacos for dinner... YUMMY! Then our home teachers popped in... they had heard Annie was sick and wanted to know if they could help. I asked them to give her a blessing. They did. I immediately felt better. (thanks again guys!) Then we did homework... then we said nigh time prayers and read stories... then we sat on my bed trying to get Annie to sleep by listening to our favorite primary songs on YouTube... and now I am lying next to the man I love... I am blessed. I know it, but I think my brain hasn't quite grasped the concept yet... emotionally I am still fighting an uphill battle, but I shall prevail... I am determined to become the happy, bubbly, person I know is hiding inside. Thanks for letting me vent... better out than in... =) and now I am going to go to sleep... This day has a happy ending after all!

my lazy life...

2011-02-04T15:00:00.003-07:00

aah how I will miss the cuddles, and the lazy days of just sitting around watching judge shows and practicing my photography.

It makes me so happy to make memories with my babies.

I just have to cherish every moment.

because all too soon they will be gone...

So even though I am sad, that my lazy life is almost over, and I will soon be back to run, run run, I must be strong. I will be strong. I have faith. All is well. I simply have to make every moment together count. That way the moments apart won't hurt so much.

~all my love

NETTIE

The Dress...

2011-01-28T09:20:00.006-07:00

I went to the craft store in search of inspiration. I knew I needed to find a pattern that was super super simple. No fancy sleeves, or collars, and especially no button holes... I hate making button holes. I landed on this little number. I knew that I was going to have to make some alterations in order to make it a little more grand. I was seriously not sure if I could pull it off. I haven't sewn since Mrs. Heaton so lovingly helped me with every stitch of my pajama pants in the 8th grade. (thanks dot!) ;)

So the pattern was chosen. It said I would need 1 1/8 yard of the main fabric and 1/4 yard of an accent fabric. I had no faith whatsoever in my abilities, so I got 3 yards of the satin and 1 yard of the overlay, just in case I screwed it up royally and had to start all over. I didn't want to have to go back to the craft store!

I already had these funky, beautiful freshwater pearls. I love them because they are not uniform in shape, and they have an old brassy look to them.

After painstakingly altering the pattern to be longer (which was way harder than it sounds, and probably more so than it should have been) I simply had to sew in the pleats... and sew the front and back together. Finished off the sleeves, and added in the neckline. Sewed a zipper in the back, and that made up the basic body of the dress.

Then it was time to dress it up! The pattern shows a big bow on the neckline, which was really pretty. I tried three times. I cannot sew a bow. I know it is lame, but it is so true. it looked awful! So I got my little brain wheels spinning and came up with the rosette idea.

I had to serge around the edges of the sheer fabric because it frays so easily. I was worried that it would look horrible, as there was no way to hide the serged edges, and naturally I had tan string in my serger, and no white to be found! (out of moral obligation, I could not return to the craft store just to buy string) So I took a leap of faith and started making them. I actually love the way they turned out. I think the serged edges give them dimension, and it works well with the brassy colored pearls.

So after 2 days of cutting, stitching, pinning, unpicking, and re-sewing... I have reached the end. I am so impressed that I really pulled it off. It is far from perfect. My seams don't all match up, and my "straight" stitches are rather wavy, but it looks great from a distance! lol... As I was literally sewing on the last of the rosettes, I thought, UGH! I wish I would have made it out of my wedding dress! But alas... I did not screw it up, so I had to reason to start over... but how cool would that be?! oh well... maybe I will make one for one of my grandchildren... anyway... I love the dress... =)

leather flower how to

2011-01-27T10:52:00.004-07:00

Chantel had an old leather jacket... I am sure it is not real leather, but it has that look. She finally grew out of it, and then the zipper broke, so I took out the zipper and made some zipper flowers, but then it seemed like such a waste to just throw the jacket away. So I decided to try to make some flowers out of it.

I cut along the top because it had a nice seam on one side.

I started out pretty wide and gradually got smaller towards the other side.

Then grab a needle and thread and just stitch along the cut side.

as you gather it up make sure that the smaller end ends up on top, that way it will spiral in so that there is a more defined center. stitch through the center a few times to make sure it is tightly secured.

then simply cover the middle with a bead, button or jewel. Add a clip or a pin to the back and TADA!!! a gorgeous addition to any outfit! This can be done with any kind of fabric, but I thought the leather added a nice texture. HAPPY CRAFTING!!

sleep...

2011-01-24T14:48:00.005-07:00

We are still trying to adjust to life with a baby. It is quite time consuming. I am not sure how things are going to work when I have to go back to work, but I have faith that it will work out how it should.

I have to put in a plug for the hospital binkies... they are irreplaceable. They actually sell these at walmart and target now, but they are not the same! They look the same, but they are not soft like the hospital ones. I swear if we loose this binkie I am going to cry.

Annie May is getting bigger every day, it is crazy how much they change, so quickly. I can't believe she is almost a month old already! Don't you just wanna kiss her???

I think she is a beautiful baby, but we are still struggling with sleep. I try to keep her awake during the day, but it is alot harder than it seems. She wakes up around 11 and stays awake for at least 4 hours... it is not fun. If anyone has any ideas or has had to deal with a mixed up baby, please, pretty please, share your knowledge... I must start sleeping soon, or the bags under my eyes are going to explode... =)

Daddy's little girl...

2011-01-21T12:34:00.002-07:00

What is daddy's favorite part of his baby girl? The chubby cheeks... they are so dang kissable!

*SMOOCH*

I love this one... it really does melt my heart. My husband looks a little rough around the edges, but he is the biggest softie I know! And on a totally unrelated note, I love that Mitch is getting lots of gray hair in his beard... very salt and pepper, sean connery... HANDSOME... YUMMY... GGRRAAWWWRRR!!!! 3 more weeks... dang! *tapping fingernails impatiently* ;) anyway... back to the baby...

She hates the ~~sexy~~ scratchy whiskars... =) it makes me smile... have a happy day!

all my girls...

2011-01-19T17:34:00.003-07:00

Loving on the Annie bug... =) does life get any better? I am sure going to miss these lazy days of sitting around at home just loving on my babies. I really don't want to go back to work, but alas... the bills are already piling up, and although my husband works his butt off for us, in this economy it is simply not cutting the cookie. I am blessed to have a great job, I just need to get out of my lazy mind set! I get three more weeks of heaven, then its off to the grind stone.

a look back at 2010

2011-01-13T08:40:00.004-07:00

I am so blessed!!! Happy New Year!

Nettie

triplets?

2011-01-11T22:16:00.005-07:00

Annie

Drayden

Chantel
I think they all look alot alike. the nose... same... The chin... same

poor baby

2011-01-11T15:20:00.004-07:00

So many people to love the baby! poor thing! lol! There is not a single moment of the day that she is not being held, or kissed, or loved. I think she is a pretty lucky girl to have 2 big sisters that fight over who gets to hold her.

And then there is mommy... who puts her naked little body in boxes and cobers her in bows and such... just for that perfect shot.

It just seems like these moments fade so quickly. I know I don't really need 500 photos of baby Annie, but I just can't help myself.

She is so little and helpless...

She can't fight back like the other kids!

She just has to lay there... because she has no means of escape.

Mitch calls it torture.

I call it adorable. He will thank me later... I'm sure of it. I just can't wait until he is all helpless... then I will strip him down and take his picture too! lol... hopefully I will still have enough sense not to put those on my blog ;) lol.

sleep...

2011-01-10T09:42:00.003-07:00

I sure wish my baby knew that night time was the right time to sleep. =(

She seems to look alot like this at night... except not so calm...

There is alot of screaming. A few days ago I woke up... (which means I actually went to sleep at some point) and looked over at Mitch... I was like, "WOW... Annie actually slept last night!"... to which he replied... "NO. YOU slept last night." lol... I guess that is just what happens when you get to a certain point of sleep deprivation. Your body takes over and you sleep nomatter what kind of catastrophe is happening around you. lol. Thank goodness I have a sweet husband who took over when I shut down.

I am starting a new very strict diet regimen... in the hopes that my baby will be happier and healthier, and so will my waistline.

I swear she is the cutest baby ever! I am so totally biased... but I love her so much!

the only thing cuter...

2011-01-06T19:47:00.003-07:00

What is the only thing cuter than tiny little baby girl toes???

PINK Tiny little baby girl toes... =)

beanboozled

2011-01-05T16:14:00.007-07:00

This is the most disgusting game ever! Drayden got it from a friend of ours... It is a bit like Russian roulette. You spin the spinner and you pick out whatever color of jelly bean you land on. The catch is that even though all the jelly beans look the same, one is a yummy flavor, and one that looks exactly the same could be a yucky flavor. A few examples,

Banana or pencil shavings?, licorice or skunk spray?, coconut or baby wipes?, pear or booger?, caramel corn, or moldy cheese?, berry blue, or toothpaste?, chocolate pudding, or dog food?, popcorn, or rotten eggs?, Peach, or barf?...

Drayden's first choice.... Peach... whew... barf would have been awful!

poor Chantel... got rotten eggs, too bad! popcorn would have been yummy!

Brittany got licorice... whew... I can't even imagine what the skunk spray must taste like! yuck!
Then I unfortunately got Pencil Shavings... It was freaking disgusting~!

Not so lucky this time... Dray got Rotten Eggs too... YUCK!

It is fun to watch other people's bad luck ... lol!

Chantel's next choice was either blueberry or toothpaste... really it was toothpaste, but she really liked it! lol!

Brittany got a Centipede flavored one... She said it tasted like dirt... yuck!

It was funny to play Russian roulette jelly bean style... but about 3 rounds is more than any person can probably handle! lol!

The 'ability' cord

2011-01-04T14:50:00.004-07:00

The first thing on Chantel's agenda was to give Annie a bath. I told her that we couldn't give her a bath until her umbilical cord fell off. Her face literally deflated when I told her it usually takes about 2 weeks.

On day 4 I was changing Annie's diaper and Chantel started freaking out. "MOM! MOM!! look her 'ability' cord is gone!!!" I laughed so hard, it was so cute! Of course we had to drop everything and bathe the baby right that very second. I was surprised that her cord fell off so fast, I swear it usually seems to take forever!

Annie loved it! She was totally chill just hanging out in the nice warm water.

We wrapped her all up in a nice snuggly towel, took her in and lotioned her with some classic pink baby lotion and she smelled so good I just sat there for 10 minutes and breathed her in. (you can tell it's winter when my skin goes from pale to 'Edward Cullen'... lol)

after a while of smelling the little cutie we had our daily photoshoot, she pooped on the white blanket, and Mitch told me is served me right for torturing his baby girl. I had to remind him that he bought me a new lens for my camera so DUH I'm gonna use it! Besides, she is the cutest thing ever~

a baby story

2011-01-03T19:51:00.007-07:00

I started having contractions on Tuesday the 21st... not the hard timeable "lets have a baby" contractions, but they hurt none the less. I think I walked (ok, waddled) more in that week than I have in my entire life! My doctor was going out of town on the 27th, so we really wanted to have the baby on the 26th. So I went in to the hospital on Sunday the 26th, so that he could strip my membranes and hopefully move things along. The aforementioned contractions never stopped, they just never got any harder. I spent all day on the 26th walking... nada. phooey. So at this point my doctor has left town, and I don't really care when the baby comes, just don't make me walk anymore! lol! I was miserable all day on the 28th, about noon my contractions actually started to be a little more regular, and definitely much harder. I knew it was only a matter of time. Knowing it was likely to be a very long night I decided I should try to get some sleep. At 11:45 my eyes FLEW open... I felt a very strange "you just peed your pants" sensation. I fought my way from under the covers... made my way to the bathroom, where I came to the realization that MY WATER BROKE! I had never had this happen so it was a very strange and quite messy situation. I immediately woke my husband and told him it was finally time to go. we grabbed our hospital bag, I changed my pants, for the third time and off we went. Usually the drive to the hospital is no fun, I am usually crying in pain, but not this time. I was still having contractions, about every 3 minutes, but they were not so bad that I couldn't handle it with a bit of concentrated breathing. We got to the hospital and they judged by my waddle and my wet pants that I was not fibbing, and they got us set up in a room right away. The nurse came to check me and I was at a 5... WOOHOO call the anesthesiologist! He made it in right away and gave me the epidural. I am so spoiled rotten, I only felt about 10 "lets have a baby" contractions total!

Anyway, the contractions were getting really strong, and it was making the baby's heartbeat drop a bit, so I got one of the sexy oxygen masks. (I know you are jealous!) At about 3:00 I started to feel a little bit of the contractions, I knew the epidural wasn't wearing off because I was still very numb, I decided that I would wait a minute and then alert the nurse. 2 contractions later, I called in the nurse, she checked me and it was almost like chantel all over again! I looked at her face and saw the panic... not really panic, just alarm. She stayed calm, and told one of the other nurses to call the doctor...

at around 3:25 the nurse looked at me and said, "are you ready? In about 5 minutes we are going to have a baby!" Mitch and I looked at each other, and almost simultaneously said, "this feels like the twilight zone!" lol... it was so bizarre! This pregnancy was such a surprise and it seemed to go by so fast, except that last week! I pulled my thoughts together, said a little prayer, and said, "lets do it!" The nurse said we needed to do one push just to get her all lined up... then I started pushing and she said... "whoa, how about half a push!" Just then my "backup" doctor walked in, she sat down and said, "o.k. give me a push!" We got to about 4 on the count and she was here!!!

a perfectly pink, black haired,dimpled chin, pissed off little woman! It was amazing! I didn't have a single stitch either, how lucky is that?! I especially loved with this delivery that I got to hold her immediately. for some reason with the others, they whisked them away and cleaned them up first. but I was so happy that they gave her right to me, I needed that.

I cleaned her off and started counting fingers and toes... she was perfect.

I could not have asked for a more perfect experience. 3.5 hours of labor, no pain, no stitches, one push, perfect, beautiful baby! I can't believe she is here! When the epidural wore off I had pretty bad back pain, probably from the epidural, but now 4 days later I am feeling great! Now just be prepared for lots of baby posts coming up because little miss Annie May pretty much rules the roost right now!

What's on your list?

2010-12-09T21:56:00.002-07:00

My Christmas list this year is quite long... I have alot of family and friends that I want to give gifts to. The problem... $$$$... always... so I had to get creative. I am sorry if I am ruining the surprise for a few of you, but I thought it might be nice to give people ideas for inexpensive gifts that are pretty cool... in my opinion at least. =)

Chantel and I spent all day walking around downtown St. George finding "letters" She is 5 and therefore is very aware of the alphabet. I think we came up with some pretty cool abstract letters to make name pictures out of. This particular gift set me back $2.99 for each print.

I happen to LOVE nativity sets. I think they are simply adorable. When we were at the Dicken's festival last week I saw an adorable snowman nativity... I had to have it! $45... I think not. I went to the store and bought about $6 worth of polymer clay... add a lazy afternoon of playing with said clay, a few beads, and a few scraps of fabric, and voila... a $6 snowman nativity. (characters are about 2" tall)

This next one is actually a stolen idea. My friend Shay gave me a very similar "car kit" last year. I loved the idea and found it very useful, so I decided to make my own. The one she gave me was made from a pot holder, and it was so cute! I was unsuccessful in finding pot holders that were cute and cheap, so I decided to make my own... I cut 2 pieces of fabric (about the same size as a pot holder) and sewed around the edge. I frayed it a little and called it good. I used 8 ziplock bags. I lined them up, 4 going each direction, with the zipper edge lined up with the outside of the fabric. I pinned it (it is really slippery to sew, so pin it like you mean it!) and did a simple zigzag stitch down the middle. I cut off the excess bag from the bottom and voila... it is ready to fill full of whatever you want. I put in disposable toothbrushes, gum, flossers, a sewing kit, tissue, nail clippers, a nail file, lotion, bandaids, a lighter, and a $5 bill. These cost about $11 each to make.

so cute when it is all closed up! and it fits perfectly in your glove box.

This last one is actually a baby shower gift, and not a Christmas gift, but the idea is still applicable. It is an applique towel. This picture is really hard to see it properly, but I used my Cricut machine to cut the baby's name out of wonder under. (wonder under is a FABULOUS invention... it is basically an iron on fabric bonder... it is so cheap... and my new best friend.) I then ironed the letters onto fabric. Cut the letters out of the fabric and ironed them onto the towel. I stitched around them just to make sure it would last through all the washing I am sure it is going to endure, but the wonder under is supposed to be pretty durable all by itself. I think it turned out adorable! it looks very professional if I don't say so myself... ;) This is a hooded towel, and it only cost $8 to make. I got the basket at DI for $1... seriously one of my favorite finds EVER! Throw in a teddy bear and a sweet little bow... and well, I think it is super cute~!

I hope this helps give some of you ideas for people on your Christmas list! What are you planning on giving family and friends this year?

lets get this over with!

2010-12-08T09:55:00.002-07:00

The simple fact that I thought I could blog every day for 30 days is laughable... so we are going to get this over with... it will be long, and I don't know if it will be worth reading, but I always finish what I start.... so here it goes... =)

Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
I must say this is my children. There are simple no words to describe the bond that happens between a mom and her kids. I wake up in the middle of the night worrying about them, I go lay by them when I can't sleep, I think of them 24 hours a day. My life certainly revolves around my kids.

Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Oh there are plenty of people who have tried. But ya know what, I DIDN"T LET THEM! my life is MY life and I believe the quote by Eleanor Roosevelt... "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." There have been plenty of people who didn't treat me nicely, but I figure it is their loss.

Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Thanks to facebook I get to keep up with alot of friends that would have fit into this category. I guess if I had to name someone it would be my ex- boyfriend. Not that I still want to be his best friend, it would just be nice to know how he was doing.

Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

I tend to have very few actual friends. I am a super busy person and my husband and kids are more important to me than friends, so what little time I do have to spend with people is usually spent with them. I really don't have anyone in my life that fits into this category.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

I am not sure if it is necessarily a compliment, but people say I'm funny. I think that is a compliment, because I enjoy laughing and having a good time. =)
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.

My rock hard abs and my nice tight butt... I don't understand it...! lol ;)
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.

I must say that Creed... especially the song "arms wide open" hits me like a bullet every single time. I have NEVER listened to that song without crying. That and the primary song "families can be together forever"... mostly because I believe it with all my heart and it puts my soul at ease to know that there is more than this cruel world waiting for me.
Day 14: A hero that has let you down.
Hero is a very bold word, I have never been let down by my hero, because Christ is my hero, and well, I am pretty sure he will never let me down.

Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

I could not live without sugar. I know it is horrible for me. I feel like poo every time I eat it, but try as I might, I simple cannot kick the habit!! if anyone knows of a patch, or a ten step program or something I would be very interested in hearing about it~!
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.

I could live without cups full of chunky milk, the phrase "mom, I wet my bed", the smell of pig poo, dandruff, thieves, and child molesters, flat tires, dead batteries, *sigh* the list goes on and on and on...
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Schindlers List. I couldn't believe the horrors that those people endured. It made me want to be more kind to every single person, nomatter their race, or religion... humans are all children of god. And that is all that matters.

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Here's the thing folks, I am not in any position to judge another person. Here is what I know. I know several people who are openly gay. I love these people. I want nothing but joy and happiness for them. I also believe in the bible. "Marriage is between a man and a woman"... a touchy subject certainly... I believe that God the all knowing and almighty will work everything out in the end. Whether the law allows gay people to marry or not is possibly irrelevant... Some people say that allowing gays to marry is going to break down society as we know it. I say... take a look around people... it is crumbling anyway... all we can do is follow our hearts and our instincts. Love one another, and god will take care of the rest.

Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

whew... some deep holes I'm probably digging... I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know it to be true. I respect ALL other religions, or lack of for that matter. I simply want to be left to worship as I please. and I think that every other person on the planet deserves the same right. If I am wrong, well, I guess I will burn in hell, but I feel like if a person is trying their best to do what they believe to be true and right and good, God will be merciful. There are alot of convincing arguments out there when it comes to religion, all I know is that I follow my heart. Politics are a load of poo anymore. I don't think there is such a thing as an "honest" politician... they all have an agenda. amen.
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.

I tell my kids every single day... "DRUGS ARE BAD" honestly... have you checked your local arrest section lately? At least 80% of the charges are drug, or alcohol related. So my motto is... don't do drugs or alcohol... you will have alot more money and your life will be much happier.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
race to the hospital immediately... (she probably has head injuries and won't remember the fight anyway)

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Get pregnant and then get married... in that order... it would have made alot more sense the other way around. =)
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.

Well I wish I would have finished my associate degree... I was only 12 credits away when I dropped out. I still plan on finishing... it is simply a matter of when.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

lol... I stink at this type of thing... I don't remember names of songs... much less who sings them... so I am gonna pass... =)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

Because God doesn't want me back yet. I have unfinished business.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

HELL NO~ suicide is for quitters~ That and I have an annoyingly upbeat personality... it takes alot to get me down.
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Well... I Have a husband who loves me, Smart, healthy kids, a house to live in, a truck to drive, food in the cupboards... I think I have ALOT going for me~!

28: What if you were pregnant, or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Weeellllll....considering I am currently 36 weeks pregnant I can honestly say... I would give the baby up for adoption. lol... joking... babies are wonderful things. I love my kids so much. I think that even though this particular baby was VERY unplanned... we will love her just the same.
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
My procrastinating... seriously somethings gotta give. I have WAY too much to do to be putting things off. I must change... again, if anyone has a patch, or a 10 step program... I am all ears. ;}

Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

whew really... well I love that I was blessed with a sense of humor. I love that I am crafty. I am very much a people person. I have alot of ability. I have a good sense of right and wrong. I have an amazing family. I have long hair... which is like a miracle... I am nice... most of the time.

Have a happy day ! I hope I didn't bore you to death~

Nettie

Day 5 & 6

2010-11-29T08:58:00.002-07:00

Day 5:

Something you hope to do in your life.

I want to take my family on a vacation. I know it sounds lame, but Mitch and I have been married for 8 years and we have yet to go on a real vacation. I think I should really make that a priority. I don't even care if it is just a road trip or something, just to get away would be awesome!

Day 6:

Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope I never have to experience serious illness in my family. I cannot stand to see people I love suffer. It is so hard to imagine having to see my husband or my children deteriorate before my eyes. I think the death of a child or my husband would be very difficult, but I have enough faith to know that they really would be in a better place, and it is not up to me to decide how long we get to spend together. I just want every moment of our time to be filled with joy and happiness.

30 days of truth... day 3 & 4

2010-11-23T20:32:00.002-07:00

Day 3:

Something you had to forgive yourself for.

This one is going to seem silly to some people, but it ate away at me for a long, long time.

It was December 23rd... fresh snow blanketed Frost Lane. My friends and I went sledding all day. The road was like a sheet of ice by nightfall. This just so happened to be the night my dad had a massive heart attack. The ambulance came down the road to get my dad... it took 3 hours to get the ambulance back up the road because of all the ice. MY ICE. I remember staring out the kitchen window at the flashing lights. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard in my entire life. I just kept crying and saying how sorry I was that I had gone sledding. My dad died that night, and for many years I blamed myself. I have since forgiven myself, and realize that it was GOD who took my dad, not my silly ice...

Day 4:

Something you had to forgive someone for.

My high school principal. He is dead now, so I will try to be kind... but man that guy was a JERK!! I decided to graduate a year early from high school, mostly because I had all of my credits in half way through my junior year, but the fact that I lived in a very small town might have contributed a tiny bit. I didn't want to stay there and be bored, I am an overachiever... and I was ready to go to college and be done with the high school small town drama. The principal made it HELL for me to graduate. I finally had to go straight to the superintendent in order to graduate... and to top it all off he conveniently "FORGOT" to order enough honor roll cords, so even though I was a straight A student, I didn't get to wear my honor roll cords. It was LAME! I walked through the line and shook every one's hand... except his. I totally left him hanging... and made it clear that I would rather die than shake his hand. I still don't know why he was so mean to me, or why he would do everything in his power to NOT help me graduate... but I will let God work it out. I'm just happy that everything worked out... It made me a stronger person... so all is forgiven. =)

30 days of truth: days 1 & 2

2010-11-22T14:40:00.003-07:00

30 days of truth:

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Day 1~

Something you hate about yourself:

I hate that I am a procrastinator. It often results in me scurrying around at the last minute to try to pull off whatever it is that I have procrastinated... I am sure that my friends and people I work with in various areas probably really hate this about me too. I have tried and tried to change this little annoying habit, but it never seems to last long.

Day 2~

Something you love about yourself:

I love that I am exactly who you think I am. This used to be different, I used to try to be who everyone else wanted me to be, and I would change my personality depending on who I was around. Not anymore. I have learned that in my heart of hearts, I simply cannot please everyone, and if I am not true to who I really am, then I am simply lying. I am sure that I have made people upset by being who I really am, but God made me this way, so if you don't like it... take it up with him. =)

halloween

2010-10-30T22:38:00.002-06:00

I am well aware that Halloween is in fact an ancient pagan holiday honoring the dead. However at my house it is considered "dress up day" I think Halloween is a lot of fun. I don't allow my kids to be scary gory gross things, I think it is more about having fun.

I rocked the "bun in the oven" costume, While Mitch humored me with one picture of him in his "baker" costume. I literally made the hats in about 10 minutes. Mitch said the hat looked "girly" so he refused to wear it. Whatever dude! it was funny I thought.

My beautiful britter bug was a fairy. Basically all she wanted was to wear the tu tu... silly girl... I think she looked adorable though.

not to toot my own horn here, but I say this picture wins the funniest of the year... I seriously laugh my butt off every time I look at it. The face, the curled fingers... oh my! I love this boy... he is such a good sport! Originally he wanted to be a mummy. I procrastinated a little, and then I started not feeling well, and then it was 2 days before the school Halloween party and there was no mummy costume. I broke my own rule and took Drayden to K-mart to pick out a costume. (I promised myself I would not be one of those crazies that spends 20 dollars or more on a costume that is only going to be worn once... if I can't make it, you can't be it...) anyway K-mart had costumes at 50% off, so I caved... I just didn't have it in me to make a mummy costume... it sounds like a simple one... just wrap the kid up right? no... not so much... you have to wrap in a way that allows for going to the bathroom ect... so long story short, we went to K-mart. I looked at the costumes and my heart sank...they were crappy... like, super duper crappy... then Drayden comes running around the corner with a huge smile on his face... holding... a hot dog costume. "mommy!! check it out!! how cool is this one???!!"... "uuummm... are you kidding?" "no way! this is AWESOME! I totally want to be a hot dog mom!" "how much is it?" "twenty bucks"... "half off twenty bucks... *pondering*... o.k. dude... you can be a hot dog." "SAWWEEET! my friends are going to laugh so hard! I'm a wiener!" "o.k. dude, so help me, if I get a single call from the school about inappropriate behavior in the hot dog costume, you are going to be in big trouble!" *his little face wilts* "o.k. I'll be good, I promise." What a funny boy!

and last but not least... Chantel the butterfly. She is such a pretty little thing, I am sure she could wear a burlap sack and look adorable... Halloween has been a lot of fun this year... and I can't wait to steal all the tootsie rolls and Reeses Peanut butter cups from my kids bags!!!

modeling the way

2010-10-19T20:02:00.002-06:00

Dear Chantel,

Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for loving things that nobody else seems to love. Thank you for being generous. Thank you for being a good example.

the top ten things you do that make me smile:
10~ give me every tootsie roll
9~ cry over dead lizards and frogs
8~ clean your room without being asked
7~ the "aawww" reaction every time we get something new for the baby.
6~ the way you give massages
5~ how smart you are
4~ the way you boss drayden around
3~ when you ask me to play with you
2~ your smile
1~ when you say, "mom, can we have a photoshoot?"

I love peeking in on you when you are playing with your babies, and you change their diapers... and nurse them... lol... you are going to be the best mommy ever someday!

Thanks for being so gorgeous... I am so proud of you! Thanks the very most for loving to have your picture taken... heaven knows mommy needs the practice~~

men are from mars

2010-10-12T09:49:00.002-06:00

critters

2010-10-05T21:52:00.002-06:00

ewww, eww, gross! I H*A*T*E hate snakes. My husband on the other hand thinks they are the coolest thing ever.

Brittany also thinks that they are the coolest thing ever. I will never learn to like, or even tolerate snakes. I have tried, I just think they are super gross.

I prefer frogs... while they are also a little but on the icky side, they are alot more fun to play with, and they can't bite or strangle me...

Poor frog... lol... Chantel had a blast playing with the little dude... (is it me or does she look super grown up lately?)

Even though I have an icky 4 foot snake living in my house... and a slightly less icky frog... I can still laugh... and Laughter...well, it really is the best medicine isn't it?

goodbye summer...

2010-10-03T20:30:00.003-06:00

The temperatures are starting to cool... thank heaven... but that means that we must say goodbye.

Goodbye to shorts and bare feet...

Goodbye to lazy days in the park, climbing trees...

Goodbye to the summer of lost teeth, and growing up...

Goodbye to the sense of adventure that only a tree and a 7 year old boy will ever really understand.

Goodbye to childhood... for some... and cheers to growing up and embracing whatever the next season will bring.

Goodbye to picnics, and spur of the moment unplanned adventures..

Goodbye to the summer of 2010...

I know it is silly, but the marking off of seasons makes me sad. I can't help but think that my babies will never again be what they are at the moments that are now frozen in time. I feel life slipping by, and even though I do my very best to enjoy every moment, I can't help but look back at the moments I could have done better. That time Drayden asked me to play star wars and I told him I needed to scrub the toilet instead... someday my baby boy will stop asking me to play star wars... he will have better things to do, and more important people to "hang out" with. Embrace the small moments... because I promise, whether you clean it today or not... your toilet will still be covered in pee tomorrow.

"The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow,

but children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow,

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my babies, and babies don't keep."

~Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

first day of kindergarten

2010-10-01T21:35:00.002-06:00

I know, I know, it is October... but better late than never... lol...

I cannot believe that my baby girl is going to kindergarten. It seriously seems like just yesterday that she was born. I am so proud of her. She is so smart... too smart sometimes.

She was so excited she literally bounced all the way from the car to her classroom...

Chantel is so sweet and funny... there was a time that I worried that she was actually a little bit evil... seriously those terrible 2's were really quite terrible, but thankfully she is growing out of the evil stage... and is becoming quite a beautiful sweet young lady. She is still a spitfire, but I don't really think of that as a bad thing.

I love that she wanted to wear her "Daddy's Girl" shirt for her first day. She really is daddy's little angel. I think it is awesome. I was always very close to my dad, it makes me happy to see such a great bond between them. There really is nothing like a daddy's love.

"Getting old is mandatory, growing up is optional."

Nettie

work that BABY!

2010-09-19T00:36:00.003-06:00

Oh yeah BABY!! This mamma is getting ROUND... =)

I keep thinking I am o.k. with having a baby... and then I see babies and I freak out just a little. They are so tiny... and breakable! Mitch pointed out yesterday that in 15 weeks or less we are going to have another baby!!!! yikers! I really freaked out when he said that... we are so far from ready it isn't even funny. But I am sure that everything will work out.

We did find out that it is a GIRL. Poor Mitch, he is pretty broken up about not having another boy. I really couldn't care less... other than girl stuff is cuter, and there is lots more of it... so I guess I am excited about the shopping... =) So baby Jelly Bean is now Annie May... however Chantel called her jelly bean for so long that I am thinking that is going to stick as a nickname... lol.

dual purpose

2010-08-29T21:11:00.002-06:00

Water baloons are no longer just for soaking your friends...

now they double as "aLiEn MoNsTeR" fingers and toes.

Seriously, Where do kids come up with this stuff? lol...

summer splash

2010-08-28T20:27:00.002-06:00

This is the main street splash pad. It is right in the center of town, and the kids have so much fun here! I am a slacker mom, so we usually only make it there a few times each summer, but boy oh boy do they have a splashin' good time!

There are waterfalls to stick your face in...

I loved this, Chantel is trying to "SHOWER" lol... good times...

My little fairy dancers... lol... ;)

The river section is probably their favorite... they just lay there for hours... if I was smart I would put one in my front yard! My favorite part of the main street splash pad is that there is lots and lots of shade, and it is only about a block away from 25 main... which means I get to eat yummy cupcakes every time we go! You just can't beat it~ oh and it is FREE!!! =)

Brink family reunion

2010-08-26T21:36:00.000-06:00

We got spoiled rotten this year at the Brink reunion. Our friends have this beautiful cabin in Duck Creek, which just so happens to be a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Brinkerhoff camp site. It was seriously soooo nice... after an evening around the campfire, instead of crawling all dirty into a sleeping bag in a tent, I got to go soak in a jetted tub, and sleep on a nice cushie bed. it was the best camping trip ever!

I love these boys so much!! It is the only time of year we really get to go 4-wheeling and play in the dirt.

Chantel got a little owie and she had to show her uncle Sean. He kissed it and made it all better.

See... All better... =)

There is usually alot of B.S. flying around at the reunion... it is by far one of my favorite aspects...

Three generations cooking on the dutch ovens... Breakfast for me, o.k. not JUST for me...

When these three march off like this you know there is something fishy going on...

hhhmmmm... I wonder what happened to that tent... I am sure that these boys had absolutely NOTHING to do with this wake up call... lol

They had such a fun storytime this year. They took a few of the poems that Grandma Tink had written and did little games to go along with them. I was not really paying close attention, but this little activity had something to do with going to the "Wart doctor". Which I am sure would have made alot more sense if I had the poem to go along with it. But the kids had a blast with it!

Do NOT let the innocent little faces decieve you... these two are trouble...! They really are too cute together though. They both have a personality that is... well.... a bit controling? We can only handle them in small doses together, but they sure do love each other!

Mitch's Mommy and Daddy... they are seriously the cutest! I know they sometimes drive each other nutty, but they are so cute and loving towards each other. It makes my heart smile.

I LOVED this picture... Brittany discovered that he piggy pillow oinks when you squeeze it. What a cute little woman she is!

And this is the woman who started it all. I love her to pieces. She is so hilarious! I love her spunky personality. She says things so unexpectedly. She is so fun to talk to. I am forever grateful to her and grandpa Tink for creating such a wonderful legacy.

This is a classic example of the "Carey" smile. Seriously, try to look at that face and not smile... I bet you don't last long. And then there is SpongeBob grumpy pants... lol

And Last but most certainly not least, THE COTTON CANDY!!! Aunt Neener Weener always brings her cotton candy machine. She is so sweet to make and re-make lots and lots of cotton candy for the everyone. I look forward to it every year, and by the looks of Drayden's face it is one of his favorite parts too!

to work, or not to work?

2010-07-08T23:20:00.003-06:00

The news of having a baby has opened a great deal of questions and issues in my life. First of which is WORK... What is a mom to do? I currently work 40 hours a week. It is hard. I miss my kids. I think they sometimes miss me too, especially Drayden, for some reason we just have a special bond that way. But most of the time they are off playing with friends, or going to school, and could really care less whether I am sitting at home or at work. However, a baby... now that seems to me that is should be a different story. I have always had the privilege of staying at home with my babies. I didn't have to go to work until Chantel was almost 3. The cons of having a job are: I have to be gone alot. I have to hire someone else to raise my baby. Breast feeding will be much harder. I will miss out on so much, and I worry that I will not have the same kind of bond with this baby as I have with my other children. We would have to make alot of financial changes. We would no longer have health insurance. The Pros of having a job are: I can afford everything I need very easily. I have AMAZING health insurance for CHEAP, I get that "me" time away from the kids.I have an excellent job with paid vacations and holidays. In my mind the cons are outweighing the pros... but the insurance thing is probably the biggest reason I am having a hard time with the prospect of quitting. It was because we didn't have health insurance that I was forced to go to work in the first place. my Emergency Gall Bladder surgery, $20,000, Drayden's broken arm $7000 Drayden's teeth, $2500, various instacare visits, $1000... that adds up folks, and well collection agencies are fairly ruthless when it comes to sucking that money out of you. We are now down to about $3000 in medical debt, so we have come a long way in just a few short years, but I don't really want to go back to having no medical insurance... it is just too scary! Insurance through my husbands job would cost us $600 a month, and if I wasn't working there would be NO WAY we could afford that. I currently pay only $150 a month through my work. While it is a personal decision, I would like as many opinions as possible because I am at a total loss!!

camera shy??

2010-06-29T20:31:00.003-06:00

I think not... =)

HA, HA, HA... I think he learned that pose from his daddy... ;)
(look at all these designer shades... I wonder if someone works at a sunglass store?)

Yup... He sure did! I love my husband... he makes me laugh. He got my "barf" crackers out of the truck because we ran out of bread to feed the ducks... This is his lovely "Vanna White" pose.... lol... good times.. *You gotta love the crazy eyes too... yeah that will help you sleep good at night*

Seriously... I told the child to feed the ducks, and this is what I get. My children do not understand the concept of "natural photography" they just pose, and pose and pose... not that I am complaining... it is just very comical.

Yeah, I am just sitting here on this bench... not looking at the camera... I swear, I was just laughing at nothing... what a ham! =)

12 weeks...

2010-06-21T22:48:00.003-06:00

So we are embracing this baby business... I am starting to feel the bulge, and we heard the heartbeat a few days ago. It is amazing that it went from a tiny jelly bean to a real live baby in only a few weeks time. (I know my shirt is the same color as the water... this was done intentionally so that I can pretend to do my preggy profile pic, but hide that at 12 weeks the fat probably has very little to do with the baby... so hang in there and when the actual baby bump apears you will be able to tell...)

My sweet husband and I are getting along much better these days. We had to sit down and have a real "let it all out" session, but I think we both understand each other a little better and are working on communicating a little more thoroughly...

I am truly so blessed to have such a wonderful person to share my life with.

The kids are actually standing at our feet in every single picture... lol... once you bust out the camera they just pose their little hearts out! (I guess they take after their dad) =)

I love that we can be so silly together, it is such a blessing. I think that if you can't laugh at yourself, then you are taking life a little too seriously. Anyone who knows our family knows that laughing and being silly and crazy is pretty much all we are good at! We don't go to bed on time, we don't eat healthy, we sometimes go to sleep without brushing our teeth, we say hell, and damn and shit, but laughter and overall happiness... that we are really good at!

teeth

2010-06-20T22:04:00.005-06:00

Teeth are expensive, yet necessary. I have spent well over $2500 dollars on Drayden's shiny smile alone. It is kind of like making your bed. "why bother? I am just going to mess it up again in a few hours." While that is true, it is still a good idea, and my mom told me I had to, so now that I am the mom, I am going to make you too mmmmkay?? Where were we? Oh yes, teeth. Being a grown up takes the joy out of so many things. I remember when I lost my first tooth, It was nothing but joy, and excitement and the odd feeling of that weird hole in my mouth... but with Drayden, He told me he had a loose tooth, and there was no joy... there was only $$$$. Oh great, now we are going to get "PERMANENT" teeth... *shudder* I don't even want to think about how much this is going to cost. But instead of being outwardly negative, I put on my excited tooth fairy face, pulled up my big girl panties, and trudged onward.

see the tooth? right down in front there... sticking straight out...

do you remember wiggling a loose tooth with your tongue? I think that is a memory I would like to keep forever... nothing like it really.

and TADA!!! (this kid has more silver on his teeth than I have in my jewelry box!) Drayden felt the wiggle at about 10:00 am... and before the sun set on that very same day he had wiggled and yanked enough to remove the pesky little bugger... He was finally part of the "cool" club. After all, all of his first grade buddies had already lost a tooth, and he had finally done it!

Sigh... look at the face, have you every seen a cuter little toothless smile? well I can't recall one off hand... so he wins in my book. I can't believe my baby is all grown up, but that subject deserves a post all it's own... so stay tuned. =)

let it all out...

2010-06-01T18:58:00.002-06:00

DISCLAIMER: I am a hormonal onery pregnant woman. Any emotions expressed in the following post are probably very disporportionate, and should probably be taken with a grain of salt.

I start out by saying that I love my husband... with all my heart really.

My husband can be extremely insensitive at times. I feel like I want to strangle him today. I got up this morning... sick as a dog mind you... and got ready for work, I proceed to go get in the truck to leave, and realize that my lovely husband has the keys... in Gunlock... 30 minutes away. GREAT. I called him, and he brought me the keys, I was almost late for work, and he didn't even say sorry for taking the keys... I mean I know it was accidental, but it was still his fault, a simple sorry would have gone a long way. Then I proceeded to work my 8 hour shift... sick as a dog mind you... and I came home. I came home to find my husband sitting on the couch. I went straight to the kitchen to make dinner... (lets keep in mind that the very thought of food makes me want to crawl in a hole and die.) anywhoo... I am trying to fry the Navajo taco bread, while supervising my 7 year old who wanted soooo badly to help cut the tomatoes, and my 5 year old who soooo badly wanted to help chop the olives... I yelled to him... "Sweetheart, do you think you could come help me with dinner?" his reply... "what do you need help with?" my reply... "dinner" He stormed in and a yelling match ensued. truthfully all I needed was for him to make sure neither little child cut off their fingers. is that really too much to ask? Apparently so. He tried grabbing the knife away and doing it himself, I proceeded to yell. I didn't want him to do it FOR them, I wanted him to HELP them. Quite the concept. Anyway... then he ate 2 helpings while I continued to cook, he never offered to help, so that I could maybe eat a little bit. OOOOHHH gggrrr... I am seriously just fuming! It feels like he doesn't care at all that I feel horrible. I mean I get that he probably has a lot of complaints lately too, with all of my moodiness, and vomiting and such, but it really isn't my fault. I don't think the "do unto others" concept makes sense to him. I always take good care of him when he is sick. The last 3 days in a row he has gone to bed early and left me up to take care of all the bedtime craziness... I am feeling very overwhelmed. I wanted to vent here before I vent to him because I am sure I am being unreasonable. I truly love you Mitch, I am sorry you have to live with me.
Nettie

who loves food??? raise your hand!!!

2010-05-26T22:23:00.002-06:00

FOOD... food is good right??
NAY!!! food is BAD... food makes me wanna YACK!...
Icecream, cafe rio, spagetti, saltine crackers... yep... all food.
*insert emotional breakdown here*
I am sad, because I love food, but my pregnant self... not so much.
I look forward to being able to eat again.
I have decided that this is why I get so fat when I am pregnant.
Now stick with me here...
Try starving yourself, (or being bulimic, same difference in my opinion) for 3-4 months, and then suddenly you can eat anything your heart desires...
This is simple math people...
so I might loose 10-20 pounds in the next few months, but I can promise you that I will be packing it all back on. It has happened twice before... I know the drill.
I do not look forward to the fattening up, but like so many other things that have been thrust upon me, I am learning to accept and come to terms.
So... Ice chips for now...
ICE CREAM later... =) I can hardly wait!
I expect lots of *hang in there, and *awww poor nettie comments... mmmkay... ;)
bwahhahahah heee hee hee haaa haa (yep thats crazy laughter... I am totally unstable... I need to be medicated... I am sure of it!)

I think you should sit down...

2010-05-19T22:30:00.004-06:00

or maybe I should sit down...

I guess I should let the cat right out of the bag and let you all know that one of these:

is going to be in our near future...

To say that this comes as a surprise is the understatement of the century. However, we are embracing this new change of plans, and hopefully someday will be happy with this turn of events.

Now some of you might be saying.... "well Lynnette, You do know what causes these things don't you? If you didn't want a baby, you should have taken some precautions..." To you I would explain that I had an IUD.... in place and working like a champ until very recently... (my baby just turned 5 you know) And how did said IUD become disfuncional??? well the doctor's ideas are pretty far fetched... so far fetched that I think I will share with you just so you can laugh yourselves into just a slight portion of the hysterics that I am now in...

option #1:

The IUD strings got tangled in with a tampon and was unknowingly removed.

Lynnette's take on option #1:

WHAT THE HELL??? is that really possible? why the hell did nobody warn me about that? I remember the insertion of said IUD and I am pretty sure that I would have felt that little SOB coming out!

AAAACHEEEMMM...

Option #2:

It has traveled to some undetermined location within my body.

Lynnette's reaction to option #2:

Like where??? Your little wand just went on quite the journey if you get my point, and there was no sign of it... does that mean it is in my ribcage??? is my left toe going to suddenly sprout an IUD??? What kind of doctor are you anyway? I would like to see your degree... seriously... go get it.

AAACHHEMMM...

So there you have it folks, don't use tampons with an IUD... your doctor will not warn you... and if for some reason you do decide to get an IUD... make sure it doesn't go on a little vacation or you will find yourself KNOCKED UP!!!

So "JELLY BEAN" as we are so lovingly referring to the little parasite is looking about like this nowadays:

any loving advice on how to deal with an unexpected pregnancy will be much appreciated. And if you so much as think about calling me fat I will kick you really really hard.

Brittany is not thrilled... Drayden and Chantel are very thrilled. Lynnette is having a bit of an episode over the whole thing, and Mitch thinks it is exciting and no big deal... (ahh to be a man, wouldn't it be nice?) due date is late December, to early January...

In other news This is my first post from our new laptop... I pretty much miss my mouse...
Have a lovely day!
~Nettie

FrOg...RiBbiT

2010-04-29T17:54:00.000-06:00

Daddy's are always the best at frog hunting... They know all the good hiding spots.
look at how cute he is mommy... can I keep him?

pretty pretty please with a cherry on top?

Look mom, I found his mommy and his daddy... they could be like a little family!!!

Look.... he likes his picture taken.... =)

He is super kissable! Maybe if we kiss him he will turn into a prince...

ha ha ha... not exactly. ;) So now with the smooth transition into randomville... This is Drayden's mean soccer face... Call me a tightwad, but I refused to purchase soccer pictures this year. It is only about 10-20 dollars, but with two kids in soccer, and plenty of pictures from my own camera... I opted to keep my $$$. =)

And last, but not least I am super excited that my apple tree that I planted 3 years ago as a pencil sized twig is now blossoming and is taller than me. =) I love to watch nature it is very uplifting. It helps me to know that there really is a plan... bigger than you or I could ever really imagine.

The Egg Hunt

2010-04-25T09:20:00.000-06:00

Yes I know Easter was quite a while ago, but my thinking is and always has been... "better late than never." so here we go.

This year we decided to carry on Mitch's family's tradition from last year...

We ditched the run of the mill egg hunt at the park... you know the one where the kids don't find the eggs, they just run around and gather them like crazy chickens with their heads cut off???

Instead we drove out to the mountains. Last year we missed out, but the rest of Mitch's family went on an egg hunt of grand porportions. So this year we were sure to schedule early... =)

MMMkay I randomly threw this picture in #1 to see if you were paying attention... and #2 to express my sincere horror when I realized that this is a nest of newborn caterpillars. EWWW! I thought it was a bunch of caterpillars stuck in a spiderweb, {which would also be ewww} *shuddering uncontrollably.... I never knew... I'm just sayin'

On with the egg hunt... so the girls got together in the trailer to decorate the nearly 12 dozen eggs. the following are a few of my fine specimines... =)

Ninja egg... =)

Horrified egg... why is he horrified you ask???

Because when we hunt something.... we NEVER miss... =)

That's right our egg hunt consists of shooting up all those lovely eggs....

Even the kids get to play along... {with parental supervision of course...} It was a fun memorable day filled with love... which is the most important thing I think. After all easter has nothing to do with eggs... I LOVE my savior and I am overcome with all that he has done for me. It is a reminder that if he can do all of that... it shouldn't be so hard for me to pull up my happy panties and try to be an influence for good in the world. =)

a sunday stroll...

2010-03-31T15:52:00.004-06:00

{Peek~a~boo}

isn't it lovely to have a big brother to carry your water for you??

Brittany's idea of hiking... {"if I HAVE to go... I might as well work on my tan"} *super heavy on the teenage drama...

watch your step... ;]

This one turned out blurry... but it was too cute to delete...

Perfect spot for a little rest...

oooh what is that creature I spy on the rock??

GOTCHA!! Sunday afternoons are the best!

{can you tell I am having fun with my photoshop lately??}

there is soooo much to learn!!

soccer season has begun

2010-03-17T09:04:00.003-06:00

The sun is shining... the birds ar chirping... spring is here... and so is soccer... =)

how much fun CAN you have in one day???

2010-03-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

I looked out the window and saw.... SUNSHINE~! I was so excited! I woke the kids and told them that we were going to cram as much fun into one day as we could. We started off with lunch at Pirate Island Pizza... YUM and FUN! The kids never get to go there so it was a HUGE treat. Then we went to Jumpin' Jacks... also something that we NEVER get to do....

It is basically a giant warehouse filled with inflateable slides and bounce houses... kids just love it.

my favorite part is getting eaten by the dinosaur!!!

CLASSIC!!

Then in order to "CRAM IN THE FUN" we got ice cream cones and took them to the park.

My suggestion was that we sit on a blanket and eat the ice cream... and then play... but the kids decided that they could eat ice cream while they were playing...

in a tree??? really??? whatever little dude! (I love the sun playing peek-a-boo in this picture)

My gorgeous girl... all grown up...

and the perfect ending.... a little reminder of what makes this life worth living, and what makes days like today... the very very best. A true BLESSING!!!

~ Nettie

no... seriously... drumroll please!

2010-03-03T20:27:00.002-07:00

Ha! I tried to post from my phone... and it obviously did not work... =) so.....
My
BIG
EXCITING
NEWS IS...........

A BIG PROMOTION!!!
As of the 14th of March, I will be the new STORE MANAGER of SUNGLASS HUT!!!! This is so exciting and scary and wonderful all wrapped up in the same package. It is ALOT more responsibility.... and a few more hours away from home... but it also means MORE MONEY... MORE STABILITY... and the title of course... ;) I will be able to work during the day so that I can be home in the afternoons for important things like homework and kisses at bedtime. Chantel starts Kindergarten in the fall and then I will have all of my kids in school. That means that I will really be spending more time with my kids.... I am so excited!

I feel like this promotion is an answer to prayers, and I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father is looking out for my family. Pay your tithing people... things really will work themselves out. =)
Thanks so much for being patient with me... I hope you all aren't bummed that I am not pregnant or the relief society president... but in my book both of those things would be BIG... but not so much exciting... more like nightmare... ;) I love you all!!!
Pretty please don't post anything on Facebook... there are certain people who still can't know... =) thanks~!
Nettie

drumroll please.

2010-03-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

changes

2010-02-24T11:33:00.002-07:00

I am a slacking blogger... I want to blog... it is bursting out of me... but alas... all of the changes in my life are still a giant secret... so as soon as I am able I am going to explode them out... but for now... You and I must both have patience. I am a bit stressed, but not as much as I thought I would be. I have some huge challenges ahead of me... and I pray for strength... I love hearing everyone's guesses.... it makes me smile. =) I promise to quit rambling and take some pictures soon... ooh and I almost forgot... I got a new phone... =) not that I deserved a new phone, I destroyed the last one... but my husband is a sweetheart, and very forgiving... so he bought me the "DROID" it is super super super cool. I have basically figured out how to make a call and send a text, but I have heard it can do alot more than that. ;) now I just need my 6 year old to help me figure out all the fancy stuff.... DON'T GIVE UP ON ME!!! =) I love you! I swear!!

Crazy love

2010-02-14T20:38:00.003-07:00

Whew... I am plum tuckered out. It has been a rough couple of days. Work has been CRAZY, INSANE, DEMANDING, and STRESSFUL. Apparently somebody let the word out that we have fabulous weather, and lots of golf courses, because WOW... I don't think I have seen St. George more packed with people. Granted it is the home show this week, and I am quite sure that there are all kinds of sports tournaments going on... (that or uniforms are really in this spring). I have been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off... NONSTOP.
Yesterday Mitch and I decided that it was time to figure out how to get the water in the refrigerator working again. (thanks to our little furry friend we sprung a leak)... so we pulled out the fridge, made a trip to home depot and TADA... water... =) well nothing around our house is ever quite that easy... "a can of worms" can describe just about any project we take on. Soooo... we noticed that the tiles under the fridge were broken, from rolling it in and out, so we decided we should probably take care of that. So now, thanks to my ambition, I am stuck with my refrigerator in the middle of my kitchen for the next few days while we fix the tile. but at least I have water!!
I love Valentines day... and I wasn't about to let working nonstop and fixing leaky fridges stop me from making some yummy cookies... lots and lots of yummy cookies. So when I got home from work last night, Brittany, Drayden and I started making cookies. (Chantel was already out like a light) it was 10:00 afterall. They were such troopers, we mixed and stired, and rolled and cut, and baked until after midnight... then I woke up very early this morning and made frosting. Chantel woke up first, and was so sad that she didn't stay awake to make cookies, so she got to help frost all the cookies. After all the names were written on each and every cookie, and they were all plated up and ready to deliver, I had to run and get ready for work. My sweet Valentine took me to work and stayed with me all day... (mostly as theft prevention... I was all by myself, and there were a million people) Thank goodness I have him!!! About 6:00, I finally got a chance to set down and breathe. WHEW... my back and legs and feet hurt... but my heart is full.... I have a blessed life. Now if you will excuse me... I think I have earned a cookie... =)
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

my kind of seafood

2010-02-10T12:12:00.004-07:00

Drayden and I made squid today for lunch.

get a hot dog, chop it up and shove uncooked spaghetti noodles through it...
boil 7-10 minutes as usual...

and tada!!! squid... when I first saw this I thought *yuck* marinara sauce on hot dogs??? but I was pleasantly surprised...

and the kids give it two thumbs way up... or maybe only one thumb way up, cause the other thumb is too busy scooping more squid... =) It would probably be yummy with Alfredo sauce too...

I was playing with my camera the other day and I took the following two pictures....

Nothing special really, but then I realized that in these pictures lies a metaphor for life... stay with me on this one... so the branch represents our problems... and the mountains represent our goals... Sometimes all we can see is the stick, and the mountains just blur into the background. But when we adjust our focus just ever so slightly.... our problems practically disappear and we can keep our eyes on our goals... =)

I love this one... it made me giggle... check out that chick standing on his glasses =) I love my camera people... LOVE IT!!!

and nothing warms the cockles of my heart more than watching father and son... strolling along together... this my friends is the epitome of childhood in my mind... when Drayden saw the picture he said... "hey mom, look! I am as tall as daddy in my shadow!!" =) brings a little tear to my eye to see how much he is growing up... but I am so happy that he has a wonderful daddy to look up to. =)

Peanut.

2010-02-03T16:10:00.002-07:00

If you like to stalk my blog you will recall Peanut the dog from a previous post... Chantel had her in a stroller.... anyway... My sister had to make some big changes in her life, and that left this little pup without a family... I graciously accepted her into our crazy family.

I don't think she has a single moment of peace. Everyone loves her so much. Chantel and MoJo especially...

Seriously you would think that the dog couldn't walk at all with as much as Chantel carries her around. lol...

Now that the sun decided to come out we decided to take the dogs for a walk. Peanut did great... she loved to be outside and just wander around.

MoJo on the other hand wanted to RUN... full speed ahead. It was all I could do to contain him. I handed Chantel the leash for about sixty seconds while I snapped some pictures...

It was too funny to see Chantel try to contain his energy... =)

The other day the kids made a fort in the living room...

Kitchen chairs and a sheet...

I think that as parents we read a little too much into comercialism... I mean seriously, Drayden spent an hour the other day playing with a spoon and a paper towel. They really don't need so much. Take boredom... add a little bit of creativity... and you get entertainment... =)
all my love ~Nettie

The best of EFY

2010-01-30T21:49:00.002-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend the best of EFY (especially for youth) today, because I am a young women's leader. It was so much fun... so uplifting... it was really the boost that I needed. I will run down my favorite part from each speaker.

Brother Su'a

3 decisions that can bring more peace to your life.
1} decide to be happy.
"Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit in which you accept life's challenges."
2} Decide to change.
"therefore cheer up your hearts and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves..." (2Nephi 10:23)
3} Decide to NEVER give up.
"Christ knows what we need while we merely know what we want." (Neil A. Maxwell)

all of the trials in life are to give us strength... it is all about attitude.

Brother Johnson

Build your foundation on the savior.
pray... dress yourself in the armor of God.

"Someone is watching, and that's a fact,
someone will copy the way you act.
So make this your motto, and put it to use,
Be someone's example, and not their excuse."
~Kathy McDonald

Know your weaknesses, and DON'T GO THERE!!
Be a good example, and don't do things and be in places where the holy ghost can't be present.

Brother Costello

self control. We live in a world that is out of control. however, "though we live IN the world... we need not be OF the world."
"Poeple do not lack strengh, they lack will." ~Victor Hugo

"Some of the greatest battles of our lives are fought within the silent chambers of our own souls." ~David O. Mckay

Be an example.
Be a comfortor.
Virtue = Power.

These are obviously just little blurbs from my notes, but I can tell you that I am so happy to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I believe in it will all of my heart. I feel like in a world of pain and suffering it is truely my light. I am uplifted and I have a new resolve to be all that I can be. I will be an example. (just don't follow toooo close... I slam on my brakes alot.) lol! =)
~all my love
Nettie

Sufferin' suckotash...

2010-01-28T21:53:00.002-07:00

Tee hee, old cartoons are the best aren't they??? Good 'ol Yo Semmity Sam... aaahhhh. good times. Anywho... on with the show. I am so blessed. I love being me. I look around myself right now and I see dirty dishes, dirty laundry waiting to be washed, and clean laundry waiting to be folded. There are shoes all over the house... and a nice layer of fluff (from the dog's toy) blanketing just about every other surface. The trash cans are overflowing, and the roof is leaking... but you know what... I... DON'T....MIND. I have so much. I have children... who can't finish a sentence because something they are talking about remindes them of something else they wanted to tell me. *GIGGLE* kids are so funny. I love that when I tucked my babies in tonight they said, "hey mom... tomorrow night.... can we do exactly the same thing we did tonight?" *grin* "You bet." It is 10:00...pm... I will probably be awake for hours trying to undo the mess that was so fun to make... and it looks like I am going to do it all again tomorrow night. But I have the most peaceful feeling in my heart.... I accomplished something. I made a memory with my kids. One that I will probably forget about... but they will remind me... "hey mom, rememer that night when we made chocolate pretzels, and played the wii and ate breakfast for dinner, and played legos, and talked with funny accents, and read stories, and played with MoJo and Peanut... now THAT was fun." and the best part is... it didn't cost me a penny. =)

lump

2010-01-26T22:56:00.003-07:00

Have you every looked at your sleeping child and got that lump in your throat? The one where the weight of the world crashes in on you and you realize how much responsibility you have, and the far reaching consequences if you fail? I am an emotional wreck. I just can't seem to get a handle on things lately. I feel like a bad mom. I feel like a bad friend. I feel like a bad wife. I feel like everything I do is wrong. I need to do better. I am trying to please too many people. I need to get my priorities in order. Right now as I sit and stare at my sweet babies, I realize that everything else is just going to have to wait. I am a mom... and as hard as that job is... I think it pays the best. =)
~Nettie

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana?

2010-01-21T00:06:00.003-07:00

I am real. I am a human, with zits, split ends, and a double chin. I make mistakes. I make funny faces. I have a crazy crooked pinky finger. I have ~*crazy*~ eyes. I may actually be a little bit ~*crazy*~. But above all... I am real. I Do not lie. I try to be kind. I admire soooo many people. I sometimes wish I could be more like other people. But then I realize that maybe I am really meant to just be me, crazy and all. Love me or Hate me... but know that what you see is what you get... I am REAL.

a day at the farm...

2010-01-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I can't remember this horse's name... but it was the sweetest thing you have ever seen in your life!!! My son hasn't had a lot of experience around horses, so he was a little nervous to go in the pen with this giant...

But his bravery paid off... this horse was snuggling him... it was so adorable...

Things got a little more comfortable when they busted out this little beauty... she was so short... it was perfect for Drayden....

He got to lead her, and brush her, and ride her... it was so awesome!!!

Then Drayden had to entertain mom and pose in the haystack...

that's my boy...

My nutty, handsome, HILARIOUS... little boy.

Oh I forgot ADORABLE~~

And ADVENTUROUS~~

Ooooohhhhh... here comes TROUBLE~~~I just loved this picture~

I asked Drayden what his favorite part of the farm was...
his reply.. "Jumping in the Haystack... That was awesome!!! it made my day!"
Don't you wish you were a kid again sometimes... and all it took to make you happy was a dried up pile of hay? I sure do...

every moment...

2010-01-15T11:13:00.004-07:00

Every moment has a purpose. When you walk into a room and your 4 year old has clearly gotten into the markers AGAIN... do you get angry? or do you stop and notice that she has drawn a mustache and a goatee so that she can be just like her daddy... whom she happens to adore?

Do you look at your ice cream bowl and get angry because it is full of sand??

or do you step back and see the big picture? a little girl throwing and "ice cream" party for her stuffed animals.

Do you look into those pretty brown eyes and see a little shit who pisses all over the floor? or do you look at that adoring face and see the sweet pup who comes in and curles up on your toes to keep them warm?

Do you stare at your fat ankles?? or do you admire the sexy red shoes that you scored for only a dollar?

Do you take for granted how truely lucky you are? I love that my husband can do ANYTHING... how cool is my custom frame??

don't you just love to learn new skills???!!!! seriously how cute are these!!!??

I hope that I can learn to treasure the moments that make up my crazy life.... I feel as though I am ungrateful for all of the things that I am blessed with. I look at people who I feel are "better" than me in one way or another, and I am envious... and then I look at people who have nothing, and I feel ashamed.

the end of the world

2010-01-10T22:14:00.002-07:00

Tonight was a busy night. I turned on the discovery chanel to keep my kids entertained while I finished the things I needed to do. The show was something about outerspace and planets and things... or so I thought. I glanced in to check on the kids. Chantel had lost interest and was coloring... but Drayden was GLUED to the screen. They seemed pretty occupied so I continued to do my thing. Bedtime rolled around and I asked Drayden to turn off the t.v., which he did. Then while we were getting pajamas on and such I asked him... "So, how was your show?" he replied, "terrifying" terrifying??? really, why was it so scary? he proceeded to tell me about 10 different ways that the world was going to be destroyed... all of which meant death and disaster for all humans. *sigh* poor kid. He was literally in tears telling me about it. I tried to explain that it is a fact that everyone will die of something or other, but that we don't have to be afraid. I think he is pretty severely tramatized. (I get the mother of the year award for letting my 6 year old watch a show about the appocolypse!!) We told jokes to try to lighten the mood, then I spent the last hour and a half tickeling his back and singing him primary songs (which is probably more traumatic than helpful seeings as I cannot carry a tune) ... he finally fell asleep. It was really hard to see him so scared. I know that the world will probably end someday... and I may even be around to see it... who knows... but some words of wisdom:

Be strong and of a good courage;
BE NOT AFRAID,
neither be thou dismayed:
for the lord thy god is with thee
withersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9

Sleep well my little Drayden, and know that mommy loves you... but more important... God loves you.

what's your excuse?

2010-01-05T18:53:00.004-07:00

When you live in the desert... you learn to adapt. When you look out the window and see white... you run out and make a snow angel and QUICK... otherwise it will all melt away...

and then you will have a mud angel. Which you will get anyway, but if you hurry the mud won't get on your bum.

This is Chantel with Peanut. (poor dog) We doggysat her last week while my sister took a little time to relax. Chantel got very attatched. I am sure that Peanut was glad to go home.

aaawww, now for the good stuff...

that hole is in my pantry... and it is a very, very bad thing. It was made my a furry little creature...

He also chewed a nice hole in the waterline that goes to my refrigerator... yes, yes that is BLACK MOLD you see growing on the walls... oh joy.

So... that is my excuse for thinking that mice are of the devil... I look forward to posting a picture of his little carcass for you all to enjoy... stay tuned.

p.s. I know this post is totally random, but life has been a bit of a spiral lately... and I am trying not to procrastinate anymore... so that means I will be posting my life in order... and my life is random.... so now you get me with no sugary coating... enjoy...
p.s.s. Sugar rots your teeth anyway... trust me I am just finishing up my 6th crown... yuck!

wigglin' in the new year

2010-01-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

We got Chantel a wiggle cart for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, I was bored so I decieded to take it for a little ride. Oh My Goodness.... They are so much fun!!! So Mitch and I braved the After Christmas sales and got some for the entire family!!! =) Let the races begin...

Don't let that little Chantel fool you... she looks all tired and groggy in the first picture... but she perked right up when I said, "Ready, Set, GO!!"

I love wiggle carts...

You can just call me... "The Blur"... =)

To see us my awesome speed in action click here... and enjoy the lovely commentary from my darling husband. lol

100th post!!

2009-12-30T22:35:00.002-07:00

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....

2009-12-16T23:01:00.003-07:00

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

2009-12-14T11:22:00.004-07:00

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...

2009-12-11T18:00:00.002-07:00

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

2009-12-08T10:16:00.002-07:00

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

2009-11-28T22:00:00.002-07:00

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

2009-11-23T10:43:00.002-07:00

"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...

2009-11-19T12:58:00.004-07:00

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

2009-11-14T14:08:00.002-07:00

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, 1997

2009-11-10T21:56:00.003-07:00

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.
(to be continued...)
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...

2009-11-05T21:46:00.004-07:00

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

2009-11-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

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'

2009-10-30T22:47:00.000-06:00

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

2009-10-29T13:52:00.001-06:00

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... =)

2009-10-24T22:24:00.000-06:00

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.

FAT

2009-10-22T13:43:00.000-06:00

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...

2009-10-17T22:37:00.000-06:00

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... =)

my day off...

2009-10-15T22:51:00.000-06:00

I woke up to kids with the sniffles, so they got an extra day of vacation for fall break. They weren't really SICK sick, I just figured better safe than sorry. So we decided that we would hang out. We made a picnic lunch and went to the "spinning" park. And of course we snapped a few pictures ;)

I liked this one of all three kids.

Is it springtime???

Or is it fall??? I guess here in sunny southern Utah it is hard to tell the difference. =) It cracked me up when I looked at the two pictures together and realized that there are probably not very many places on earth where you could capture those images in the same location on the same day...

Everything spins at the "spinning" park! Nice that Chantel is eating yogurt as she spins, that seems like a GREAT idea... NOT

After the spinning park we decided to go to the library and hang out for a while. We read lots of books and everyone got to check out a book.

That is about where the fun stopped.

When we got home I cleaned for a little while,

Helped Brittany sew her Levi quilt,

then Drayden got a fever,

We took him to the Doctor... Just a cold... whew!

then we went to Walmart... I hate Walmart...

200 dollars later we realized that we didn't even get all that we needed,

so we stopped at Walgreens,

Got home... Brought the groceries inside.

Realized that my pantry is so jumbled that there is NO way we are fitting everything we just bought in there.

Put on a movie for the little ones..

oh and now Chantel has a fever... Hooray!

Then I cleaned out the pantry.

Same story with the refrigerator... YUCK

So I cleaned it all out.

I got all the groceries put away.

Then I remembered that while cleaning out the pantry I found the ingredients for Pumpkin cookies... YUM! that would make my day WAY better...

So Brittany helped me make some.

They are in the oven.

And so here I sit... at 11:42 p.m. Blogging.

Having the day off is alot of work!

So kudos to all you full time stay at home moms...

Now I am pretty sure there is a cookie calling my name...

... Think of the children!

2009-10-11T21:51:00.000-06:00

My poor children! They are so tired of me. Ever since I got my new camera... as Drayden put it... Every day is picture day. lol. I think I have them trained pretty good though. Today we went for a Sunday stroll and Drayden kept saying " Look Mom! I think that would be a great place to take our picture!" I am pretty sure we took pictures by every single rock and tree along the way. I thought that this picture was funny, I guess Drayden was getting bored with the whole, *look at the camera and smile* bit. I actually ended up with some pretty adorable shots I put them up on my Photography blog if you wanna check 'em out. =)

Leave your political views at the door.

2009-10-10T01:33:00.000-06:00

If you happen to like President Obama... good for you... if you don't really care for him... JOIN THE CLUB!!

Now I understand that it is not Obama's fault that he won the Nobel Peace Prize, So I guess I won't take it out on him. It is those Damn Norwegians that need to get their heads examined. What do a bunch of Norwegians know about world peace anyhow?

Now this is not a debate on whether or not Obama is a good guy or a bad guy, but I have searched the internet high and low to try and figure out what the hell EXACTLY Obama has done to earn such a prize... and I have only found one explanation that works for me. The Norwegians gave him the prize in HOPES that he would TRY to live up to what it stands for. UUUUHHH REALLY???

We are screwed America... Royally Screwed. I feel this way because President Obama has spread far more chaos and panic than he has peace. (at least in my neck of the woods) We have guys lining up down at Walmart at 4 am just to buy some bullets... I could go on and on... but I won't.

I just feel like there are at least 100 people I could think of off the top of my head that have brought more peace to people around the world than President Obama. So Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize committee... In my opinion you made a poor choice.