to the tune of "Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime?"

I have a song stuck in my head and thought I would share.

Oh what should you do the day before you plan to go ona road trip?
Do you plan ahead?
Pack the clothes on the bed?
And clean the house so it won't be a mess?
Is that what you do?
I wish I did.

Oh, what did I do the day before the family road trip?
Plan and ran a pack meeting!
Volunteered at school while seating.
And stayed up late trying to pack!
Then decided to blog,
Oh MY HECK! (this expression in honor of our destination)

Leaving this:



For this:

Sweetie and her first play date.

Sweetie had a couple of friends over on Tuesday. They are both almost 18 months. Sweetie is the older woman at 23 months. She is almost 2 BABY! Anyway, this post is full of lame/cute/ precious/ trying to remember this place in time videos. Most of this would bore the common reader, but I think it is precious. (BTW - somebody's shirt got wet and was in the dryer at the time of this photo)

This is a clip of how LOUD my house can get at lunch time. RHM is working hard to make the little ones laugh. TOO CUTE! Only 2 of these kids are mine.

I tried to get Sweetie to do "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", but I guess she didn't like her bows in her hair anymore.

Take 2 with "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes".

I am the parent of band students. CRAZY!

So, I felt old tonight sitting watching my 2 oldest children in their band concert. I mean - I used to be in band.

Oldestand

Princess

I loved band when I was a kid. Not in elementary school, but in Junior High and loved marching band in High School. What can I say I am a geek. So, here is the confession part.

I MAKE my kids do band.

We go to a small Charter School that is a K-8th and to be honest, I am worried about my kids switching to the Public High School in 4 and 5 years. I want them to have a group to join when they switch schools. So unless one of them all of sudden develop a talent in sports, marching band is my answer for my worry. I just pray that they like it.

Here a two videos of the concert. I dare you to play them. Remember the pain of beginners.
Ah, sweet sounds of growth.

Here is Princess in beginning band. Do you see her? She is the flute player. Small band, huh?

Oldest is playing in the percussion section on bells. It is his piano training going to work!

Oldest is in the advanced band, but he is new to the percussion section. Last year he played trumpet. It didn't stick, although Travis wants him to still try it. Oldest could learn an instrument a year for all I care, but I don't know if that is a good choice either.

Princess has good friends that just came to watch. They aren't even in the band. So nice! Sweetie made a new friend and they walked around together during intermission.

Happy Birthday LUKE!

Celebrating a life...

Last Night we had a party in honor of Maya "Moo"'s 3rd birthday. It was special. Couple of things I want you to know about. My friend, Dawn, who lost Maya (2 1/2 year old daughter) on October 18, 2008 is still very much grieving. She is doing a ton of things to celebrate Maya's life.

• Random Acts of Kindness in honor of Maya - http://mompeabody.webs.com/
• Blog about Maya from her mom's view - http://mompeabody.multiply.com/

It was on that last blog that I found out about Maya's birthday celebration. My 11 year old son is a little insensitive and on the way to the birthday party he said, "I know their baby died and I am sorry, but who are we giving these gifts to?" It made me laugh. I realized that I didn't explain the party very well. The gifts are for the AZ Humane Society in honor of Maya and her love of cats. Silly Oldest child of mine. I think he had fun tonight and he thought it would be sad.

Maya's short life is sad, but only because it was short. When she was here, it was amazing! I only knew Maya for the last year, but she was full of life and always brought a smile to me.

Dawn loves to talk about Maya and share with you what you can do to remember Maya, too (even if you never met her). Feel free to check out the above links and say a prayer, do an act of kindness donate a cat toy in honor of Maya. I know Dawn would love it.

Dawn - I love you! I think you are doing great. I think Maya's spirit and love of life lives on through you! Thanks for being such a great example to me of motherhood.

Update on the knee...

So my bruised knee is getting better. How can I tell? It is turning green. Note to self - never fold your rear seat down while on the phone. Your leg might get in the way.

I have been uplifted by reading Nie Nie. She is so positive during such a hard time. Simply amazing.

Do you see something on this bumper?

This is the picture of my rental car bumper that they wrote an accident report about. Do you see anything? Me either.

3 kids, 3 places to be, looking for ...more

We have 4 kids, but only 3 have "activities" that we pay for them to participate in, like RHM - basketball, Princess - dance, and Oldest - flag football.

Last Saturday all 3 of these activities were scheduled to happen at 1pm.

Where there is a will there is a way!

So Travis and I split up and conquered. Princess had to go early to dance and RHM had to leave early from the game, but we managed.
This week was easier.

• Oldest 11am - ffball
• RHM noon - basketball
• Princess 1pm - dance
• Pictures from RHM's game

Notice the orange wrist band on RHM and the girl he is guarding. This league is SO COOL! They have 5 colored wrist bands, one for each team member on the floor, then you can tell who you are supposed to guard. Love it!

Much easier. It amazes me that after a busy few hours, how I can come home and feel like I have accomplished nothing all day. I hurt my knee when I picked up the van yesterday (stupidly, it was my fault) and now I just want to sit and relax. My knee is just bruised, but it hurts.

As a mom, how do you do things that seem mundane and still feel like you are accomplishing something? Travis does work that has a beginning, middle and end that actually accomplishes bringing water to people and manages those projects. I go to a VAPO meeting, Spring Festival meeting, volunteer at the school, attend a school Board Meeting and come home a feel like - "What the heck did I do all day?" I realize my beginning, middle and end is larger and takes more time to see the growth of my family. Patience. It really is a virtue.

As a psych major I love to self evaluate. I realize that I might not be happy with what I am doing, thus the feelings unaccomplishment. But I love the meetings when I am there, but then I go home and feel empty. I personally thrive on people and need to learn to thrive on being happy when alone. Self fulfillment will be a lifelong goal. I know.
Does anyone relate? Maybe not. Lie to me and say you do.

Back story - I know when I come home and feel, well, worthless that it is my issue and not reality. I know that it is Satan trying to get to me. I also know that being depressed and having a depressing day are different things. I also know that I can be in a better place by doing things to take care of me, but right now I just want to feel sorry for myself and my bruised knee. Pity party for one day, then I will "do" the right thing. What do you do to make yourself feel better? (I eat ice-cream, hence the need do the RIGHT thing and not the pity party thing.)

It has been a month...

December 22, 2008
Mom and sister in town
Day after trip to Idaho
Grandma's funeral
Day before Travis' birthday
Last minute errands
Christmas shopping almost done
Princess and my sister tag along
Sister "Watch out!"
I swerve
Thought I was in the clear
Then Princess screams -
WHAM
BAM
We were hit!
T-boned
Old lady didn't see me
She was at a stop sign
Duh!
Tire flat
Wheel damaged
Automatic door smashed in
Back panel crushed
Nerves shaken
No one hurt
ONE WEEK LATER
Rental car finally
It is about time
Rental car SUCKS
Dodge no frills minivan
Yucky
I miss my Honda Odyssey
Badly
Really, really
Badly missed.
One Month Later
Car almost done
NEW Wheel
NEW Tire
NEW Back panel
New Automatic Door
rear suspension
needs work
Soon, soon
Old, reliable Honda back
TODAY!

New Era

Today the crib came down the stairs. Today we opened the first "New Era" magazine in our house. (This is a magazine meant for 12 - 18 year olds and since our Oldest turns 12 in June we started ordering it this year.)

Also, today is the eve of a new era in this great country that we live. Here is a clip from Nightly News with Congressman Lewis. No matter who you voted for, we have come so far (if you can get past the 13 second commercial, it is an inspiring look through one man's eyes).

Happy Birthday Sophie!

Soph and Princess about 2 months ago, at Thanksgiving. Princess loves Sophie!

My niece had a birthday today. She turned 8! It is big one, so I thought I would remember her this day by blogging about her. (Don't be upset if I never remember to blog about my other nieces and nephew's birthdays. It is nothing personal, really.)

January is a busy month in my family. My mom, Debbie, Luke, another niece all have birthday this month (I am sure that I am forgetting someone). Good times. Birthdays are the best. Most kids love their birthdays, but some don't love their birthdays (like my mom and Travis), but I love any reason to celebrate a life, a friend, and a loved one even if it does mean you are getting OLDer.

Do you love birthdays? Why or why not?

Surprise, surprise!

Bronzing beads all over the floor in my bathroom last night. Sweetie is either really smart or being left alone too much. I think I need to move my make up out of the drawer and to a higher location.

Sweetie is growing up

I remember when Sweetie was born SO CLEARLY, yet today I was at the school grading a spelling test and I noticed something. I noticed that Sweetie walked in the office by herself. I noticed that Sweetie was in control of her own body, well as much as an almost 2 year old can be in control. She has her own thoughts and ideas of what she wants to do, where she wants to go and what candy she wants to steal from every teacher's aid and secretary. She is sneaky and learns how to be more sneaky everyday, I blame older siblings.

She is growing up.

I love her. She actually brings me a lot of joy each day. I still wish that she would learn to talk and not scream, but I am still working with her on that.

At this point, most of my friends with teenagers chime in - "You should enjoy these years. Time flies and before you know it they are gone." I really am trying to enjoy my little toddler. Tonight was harder than most nights.

Have you ever left out some NEW nail polish only to have your 23 month old throw it on the tile floor and watch it break into a million pieces while you are making dinner?
It was like one of those slow motion car accidents.
Then after cleaning up the mess, have you tried to eat dinner with that nail polish smell in the air.
Good times. Maybe this will be funny next week.
Maybe.

You're busy, now what? OR in other words an explanation of yesterday's blog

Embrace it!

You are only as busy as you want to be, so you did this to yourself.

What if... You don't want to be that busy?

Well, then take ownership of your schedule. Know your limits. Take care of you first. If you say NO to something, DON'T feel guilty. Be proud that you knew when to say when. Way to just say NO! I am glad you can take care of yourself. You deserve the best (and I mean that).

What if... You like doing everything you do and can't say no?

Hmm. This is a problem I run into. So basically, don't listen to advice from me, but this is what I do:
I try to put priorities on things going on in my life. So number one is me, my husband, and my kids. My job should come next, but it doesn't. I don't consider my job as a piano teacher - REAL. I actually consider my church calling as Cubmaster more important, but thank goodness they really don't interfere. So I guess church comes second. My PTA volunteer job should come next, but it doesn't. I LOVE VOLUNTEERING! It somehow makes me feel good about myself, so I bump my PTA job up to the front with taking care of me. This is sad to admit, because this means it comes before my kids and loving husband. Sad, sad, sad, but true. I would like to change this about me, but I want to be realistic with my goals this year. So I have promised that I will only be doing this PTA gig till June and I can make it through till then. The goal is to NOT be PTA Pres. next year. No one has asked, but if they do, I am ready to say "No, thank you." On a sidenote - I think busiest people are the ones that can get things done. What is it that they say? 20 % of the people do 80% of the work. I might have those numbers wrong, but you get the idea.

What if... You really don't want to do something, but you feel the need to explain why?

This is what I was talking about yesterday. Just say, "No thank you." Really. Excuses are just that, excuses. I would rather someone say no thank you, than feel the need to tell me their life story of what is going on and why they would love to help but they can't.
I can already hear some people thinking,

• "WOW, you really don't like to talk to people and hear what is going on in their lives. That is pretty cold."

• I don't think that is my point, but I can see yours.

May I explain? I am not THAT cold, but I do have a life - just like you. Sitting on the phone asking people for help and then getting 'stuck' listening to woman after woman explain to me their good intentions but how they just can't, makes for a long day. I understand that every woman has a life. I understand that there is a time and season for all things. I understand that you can't do everything. Neither can I. I also think that you wouldn't be on a list for me to call and ask for your help unless you were a wonderful volunteer and caregiver. People I call are awesome. That is not the point. The point is women, more than men feel the NEED to explain. You don't need to tell me or anyone, anything. No is an answer in itself. You don't owe me an explanation. Really, you don't.
I wish all women had the confidence to say no and not feel guilty. I wish all women knew that I am not thinking less of you when you say no. I actually think you are a strong woman who knows her limits. I just don 't think you owe me an explanation (excuse). Enough said.
I reserve the right to explain more about this just in case. sorry.

I hate the excuse "I am TOO BUSY".

You are only as busy as you want to be and if you really want to do something you will make the time.

Second part - Most people will go on to say what they are busy with,

• "I do daycare"
• "I have to finish this other project that isn't due for 2 months, so I can't help you tomorrow"
• "I am busy the day of the event so I don't want to help plan anything in advance or help make copies"
• "I was in a car accident last week, so I can't help you this week."
• "I teach drawing classes on Wednesday so I can't help you on Saturday"

DO THESE PEOPLE HEAR THEMSELVES?

Sidenote:

Ok. To be fair, I am an oldest child and a problem solver. Example - one time I asked my friend who was nursing a baby, why she stopped wearing garments. She told me she didn't have nursing garments, so I gave her mine. Problem solver - that's me, but a little dense wouldn't you say. What my friend failed to tell me, was she was making a choice not to wear her garments anymore.

If you are going to tell me what your schedule is and what you are too busy to handle - I will tell you how to fix it so you can make it work. The sad truth is most people don't want to make it work. They are trying to politely tell you no, but they give you excuses instead. I love that people are trying to be polite, but the truth is so much more powerful. Just tell me that you really don't want to help with Cub Scouts because you hate scouts, that you don't like to volunteer for that event at the school because it is a pain, or tell me the truth - that you want to be home with your family and don't want one more thing on your plate. If you can't handle speaking the truth -

JUST SAY No Thank You!

No one cares what your excuse is because they are too busy worried about their own life. That is the truth.

Happy Birthday Princess!

2002 - 3 years old

I love my Princess. She is so amazing. The day she was born she was one day late and breech. She taught me patience from the VERY beginning. She was taken via C-section and that experience made me grow even till this day (grow emotionally, people - not any other kind of growing, although...hmm). She also helped me determine that Oldest had a speech problem. When she was 18 months and could talk better than my 3 year old, I knew something was up. Oldest is fine now, but Princess started the ball rolling. She also is a performer. She loves to do dances, skits and shows around home and in front of people she is comfortable around. She fains shy when she doesn't want to do something, but I don't think she is. She is fun loving and a great care-giver to Sweetie. She is just the best.

She is still a girl is every sense of the meaning. She is feminine, beautiful, talkative, socially conscience, moody, sassy, and just so you know I live in reality - EMOTIONAL! She is so emotional, that I was hoping to have all boys after her. Really. Well, I have repented of all of that. I NOW know that Sweetie is emotional and Princess is just a typical girl. I bet you can't wait to read what I say when they both reach the teenage years! HA! I am trying to enjoy the moment, so don't remind me.
Let's look back at some younger years:

LOVE THIS SHOT!
This is a picture of Princess and her friend "B" who happens to be staying with us this weekend while her parents are celebrating an anniversary. "B" and Princess get along to this day. Friends are great.

6th Birthday

7th Birthday

8th Birthday
9th birthday

Today, Jan 11th - She is 1-0! DOUBLE DIGITS, Baby!

Here is hoping she has the best day ever!

Football Cardinals and my history with them

So the Cards are on their way to the NFC Championship next weekend. WOW! I never thought I would see the day.The Football Cardinals first came into my life when I lived in St. Louis as a child(1982 - 1988). My dad would take me to games now and then. It was fun. My dad's company had season tickets for the team. The football team shared a stadium with the Baseball Cardinals at the time. I remember going to games when the seasons over lapped and seeing the infield dirt on the field during a football game. I also remember going to a game while it was snowing, and everyone leaving, but we stayed. At least that is how I remember it. I loved it. THEN... in 1988 the owner took the team and moved them to Phoenix, AZ. As a child, I was MAD. I remember the Owner(I know his name, I just don't like saying it!) wanting a stadium exclusively for the Football Cardinals and Phoenix promised that to him, but in the mean time they had to share a field with ASU college till the city could build them their own stadium.

Skip ahead a few years to 1998, 10 years later. I moved to Phoenix because my husband's job brought him here. And guess what? The Cardinals still were sharing a Stadium with ASU. HA! And guess what? They still SUCKED as a team. I moved here, I thought - serves them right for abandoning me in my youth and season ticket holder status. I mean I sacrificed sitting during a game in the SNOW just to watch them play and then they abandoned me. I was a dedicated child.

Now, skip ahead to today. The Cardinals have a stadium (3 years now). It is nice and I have been inside to help with the Super Bowl set up last year, but I still have yet to see them play in person since my childhood. Not sure if I ever will, but after today's awesome win in Charlotte(read more here) I have forgiven the OWNER and the Cardinals.

I am ready to be happy for their success.
GO CARDS!

No. 4 CARDINALS 33, No. 2 PANTHERS 13
Game stats:
Cardinals 39:49 360 145 215 5-65 1 10-18 0-0	Stat Time of possession Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Penalties-yards Turnovers Third downs Fourth downs	Panthers 20:11 269 75 194 6-40 6 2-8 0-1

That is just my history with the Cards as I remember it. Go here, for the true history, but I doubt you will. Not many sports fans out there that read my blog. My dad might go there, maybe. Otherwise, have a great rest of your weekend.

Goals for '09

I have a problem with expectations. If I set a goal, I expect to achieve it. If I don't, I am extremely disappointed and I take it out on the sweets I eat. So this year, I have set up a no pressure system.

1. Don't set any unrealistic goals.
2. Follow goal #1.

What are your goals for 2009?

Happy Birthday MOM!

My mom was just here visiting and today is her birthday.

She is a great mom and I miss her - really I do.

I have an awesome birthday gift,

but it will have to come late.

I am not finished with it yet!

The slide show of your life is a hint. LOVE YA!

Looking back, part II

Yesterday was the Sophomore year in College. Today is my Freshman year. I guess I am going backwards. Can you tell I have no plan? Just having fun.

These pictures are pre-Travis. I didn't even know who Travis was and he was on his mission, but to be nice - I edited out the dating pictures. Too many boyfriends, I don't want to make anyone jealous. JK.
My favorite roommates my freshman year are in this picture. These guys are just guys. I never dated that dude I am hanging on, although my roommate Becca did marry that blond in the back. I think they were our FHE brothers, but who can remember.

• Side note - the girl in the front white t-shirt. Not my roommate. I can't place her.
• NOTE to OTHERS: label your pictures NOW! Old age sets in early.

Shelly and her Bug. LOVED this car. It only worked sometimes, but I still love it. I loved it so much I pretended to fill it with gas, like Shelly really did. I think I have a things for beat up cars.
Shelly and I going around campus taking posed pictures. I did this several times in my 2 years at Ricks. Hmm. My sister did this, too, so I know I am not THAT WEIRD.
Proof that I went to this college a long time ago. Look at the name on the building. No, BYU of Idaho there. Is this building even still standing? Wasn't it called the Sporey? Huh. Maybe I should do more research before I post about the past.