I've just realized that October, probably my favorite month, is almost over and I haven't written a single post. I've been so busy/stressed/overwhelmed that I literally have to take deep breaths to calm myself down. Ok, so sometimes I talk to myself too. I feel like I have neglected my friends...I love you!!! I have to get up early tomorrow. Good Night!
I have to thank Mark for coming up with this spontaneous idea! There is something about doing or buying things on an impulse (KIDS, DON'T TRY THAT AT HOME!) It excites me, what can I say?! He suggested we go to Gatlinburg and do something fun for the weekend--Of course I said Sure! He rented a cabin in the Smokies, we packed our bags, and arrived at our destination in about 3 hours! The kids were excited to get out of the car and venture around a "new house". It was very peaceful and the view was as beautiful as the weather!
My parents actually wanted us to come visit them in NC, but I didn't want to be in the car that long...there was and extra bed/bath upstairs, so they packed their bags and spent the weekend with us! We went to the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Aquarium and Museum--I've always wanted to do this. The next day we decided to try simulated skydiving in a wind tunnel. It was fun...but not worth the money. On the way home, we ran into about 4-5 traffic jams and it took us an extra 2 hours of travel time. I decided that traveling on a holiday weekend was not such a good idea, but at least we had fun!
Seth was a little apprehensive, but if Nathaniel can do it, so can he!
As I flipped my head down to dry my hair, I see the curling iron on the floor. I look up and and Everett started crying--Oh, Crap! He grabbed the curling iron! I scrambled to get something cold on his hand. Meanwhile, his painful cry is making me freak out just a little and I have to pick up Seth in 10 minutes...I'll be waiting in line forever and I'm praying that Everett can handle it. I fill two sippy cups with ice water--he quickly understands that he needs to hold on to the cup or it will hurt!!! He did Ok, except when both of the cups weren't so cold anymore--we were in line forever! I thought I was going to cry because I was completely helpless to ease his pain (I feel for you, Katie!). To make it worse, while he's crying in pain, he's telling me to, "Fix it, fix it! Help you, help you!" (Help you means Help me) We finally got home and I've been refilling his sippy cup with cold water all day. He desperately wanted to play with his toys and sleep, but he couldn't let go of the cup. I'm so sorry, Everett!!!
Ok, so Everett's only 2 but he desperately needs to be around people other than his Mom. That saying comes to mind...absence makes the heart grow fonder. I really believe this, and have seen it today- he's been in an unusually happy mood since I picked him up. I dropped him off and as I left the room to pay his tuition, he caught a glimpse of me and had a look of panic in his eyes, as if he were thinking, "Mom, why are you out there and I'm in here? You're coming back, right?". They said he cried for awhile and calmed down once he had his milk---milk makes everything better, in his world! They said he was a totally different kid when they went to the playground-He loves to be outside. He laid on his rest mat and was glued to Toy Story. I picked him up at 2:00pm, and I found my worn-out, precious, sweaty, drooling, little boy asleep on his mat. It was very adorable and I wish I had my camera. I'm very glad that he and his teachers survived the day!
Thanks Ms. Megan & Ms. Misty!...I had a wonderful day ;)
I have been wanting to make a water feature for quite some time now. I envisioned a peaceful and relaxing place to retire after a long-hard day of beating the children...(KIDDING!). Today, it serves as a makeshift spa for "little people". They had a blast! I have plans for my backyard and I can't wait to finish it...in the next couple of summers. The money tree out back just isn't producing enough green to accommodate my landscaping needs! Can I just say I love decorating my house!!!!!
*Special thanks to Brenda for collecting, digging, rolling, & carrying the beautiful rocks for my fountain-It looks GREAT!...And will look even better, once I get the plants/trees around it.
Oh, Everett! I can't believe your two! How the time passes so quickly......depending on the day. You are full of personality and keep us laughing everyday. You are very stubborn and know what you want in your little life, and you never hesitate to let us know about it. You are too smart for your own good sometimes and surprise me with your 'a-may-seen' vocabulary. You love your blankies, cars, 'Thomas an frens', milk, spraying the hose, and going for walks. You can count to ten (sometimes you get lazy) and know some shapes (circle, triangle, square, star) and know all of the basic colors.
We celebrated your birthday with the grand-parents a week early and you loved all of your presents--Thanks 'Ma-Ga' & 'Ca-pa' and 'Nan' and Grp.Walker and Grp. Connolly!
I really didn't feel like making a cake or had that much time to make a cake the night before his party, so I was going to buy one at Wal-mart. I saw a similar cake in their sample photo book and asked how much they wanted for the cake...$20!!!....For a few measly cupcakes decorated with frosting that taste like a tub of lard with no sugar?! NO THANK YOU! I guess we're sticking with tradition, I'm baking--It's for the children... and I have to admit, I get excited when theyget excited about their cakes.
Check out that leg...he's in love with the cake!
...And I think he likes it, too!
Just so they know what I looked like. (Katie's challenge of being in front of the camera!...Hint Hint MOM!)
I need some encouragement! Last night I bought a bunch of healthy stuff because I've been completely out of control in the food department-- I don't like it! So it's time for a little...or ALOT of self-discipline! I'm trying the green smoothies that a friend drinks religiously! She looks Amazing and I want to look amazing too! ( Aren't you proud of me Megan?) My goal is to drink these for 7 days -- 3 meals a day. My energy level is below zero and my bowels need to do something...anything...for the love of Pete, do something!!!!!!!!!!! (Sorry, Roxann, I know you're tired of hearing about my bowel movements...or non-movements. What are friends for, Right?) Anyway, So about 45 min. ago I blended up a concoction of spinach, kale, mango, banana, and water----and let's just say I'm struggling. I still have 3/4 of a glass left ;( but I'm determined to do this! Anyone want to join me? Misery loves company :)
Seth's first day of 2nd Grade is tomorrow! Holy Cow! This summer flew by! Nathaniel has been my nanny all summer and I am sad to see him go back home. My freedom is about to come to an end...and I'm feeling over-whelmed already. I'm definitely NOT super mom...I wish I could juggle 50 billion things at once and still have a happy smile on my face. I'm sure I'll be fine...I hope.
Our Summer: Picking blueberries Holiday World Harry Potter movie Swimming Yard sale...Jennie's cinnamon rolls, Yum!!!! Seth FINALLY learning to ride a two-wheel bike!!! 10th Anniversary Meghan's wedding "Group Therapy" Everett's ER trip Monopoly games Chocolate Molten Cake Back popping
Nathaniel, Thank You for staying with us this summer and helping me out with the kids. We will miss you, especially Seth! He really looks up to you and loves you like a big brother, So don't do anything stupid to disappoint him as you venture on in your High School career! Just keep on being our good "Fannel" and make a great life for yourself! My back will miss you!
Hands down, this was the best Sunday Ever!!! Thanks to my wonderful Mother-in-law, I met Paula Deen today!!! Yes, that's right ladies--PAULA DEEN! AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok...(breathe)..... I'm alright now.
So, we arrived at the Women's Expo in Chattanooga at noon (exactly when it opened) and immediately tried to find the 'book signing' line. Found it, stood in line for three minutes...Nope, wrong line! Found the right line...Are you kidding me! Did these people camp out here or something! There was no way in Hades that I would ever get my cookbook signed or get to meet Paula if I was honest and went to the back of the line! Plan B- Find a spot in the line that I could gradually merge into without anyone really noticing...Found it! OK, DON"T JUDGE ME! So, maybe a few people noticed and talked about me and made some comments... just play dumb and hope they don't say anything to me or start a riot and force me out of line...Don't look them in the eyes! I ran several scenarios through my mind and had it all planned out. #1) I could beg that they let me stay. #2) Offer them money (Crap, I have no cash!) #3) Show them my braces and try to pretend I'm a cute little girl?...No, that won't work #4) Give them a sob story to make them feel sorry for me. I admit, I was sweatin' it for about 30 min. until they had a worker guarding the line where I let myself in. She said they were in the process of getting a rope. About 10 min. later the rope was up and I was in!!!! YES! VICTORY IS MINE!
The signing was to be from 1-2:45--She was fashionably late by 45 min. I ended up waiting in line for about 3 hours, but I didn't care-I would've waited longer!
Let me just say that being in a convention center full of women was an experience. Wow! There are alot of hormonal, impatient, @*tchy women out there! EXAMPLE: The people in front of me were on the phone with either family or friends asking where they were in line so they could stand with them...They actually would not let their own family/friends in line! They said, "Oh Well, They should have gotten here sooner--That's not fare!" I was SHOCKED!
Anyway, Seth and Brenda found me as I was about to get up to her. Seth changed his mind at the last minute and decided to be brave and meet her (he was shy... 'cause he likes her).
...Gettin' Closer
So, we finally meet her:
Me: Hi, Paula! Paula: (smiles) Hi Paula: Hi there (to Seth) Me: He's a big fan! Seth: No I'm Not! (slightly hiding behind my back) Paula: Laughter! 'Paula Style' ( I love that laugh!)
You can always count on Seth for a smile and a good laugh! My cookbook is signed by her and her husband and I couldn't be happier!
I just met Paula Deen, but I can't help but take one more picture to remember it!
Then we waited for her cooking demo to start. Brenda saved some seats while I went to the bathroom and went to the allergy-testing booth. 20 min. later, I found out that I am only slightly allergic to weeds. Brenda is allergic to cats, dogs, and trees and Seth got a massage at the booth next door while I was being tested. He loves being massaged--Just like his mom ;)
SHOW TIME!
I wish my camera could zoom in just a little bit closer
They Make A Very Funny Couple!
Apparently, there were some irate women (what a surprise!) that missed the fire fighter "fashion show". So they came on stage with Paula and did a little bit of dancing for the ladies. They were raising money for the Red Cross.
Announcing Paula (of course, my camera shuts off as soon as she enters the stage!)
I had a wonderful time and I really appreciate Brenda for taking us to this convention on her and Randy's Wedding Anniversary! Thank you Guys!
Sorry I got a little grouchy at the end...I was about to eat my own hand I was so hungry! Hope you guys had a relaxing Anniversary night!
Today was Seth's last day of school. He's very excited that he gets to be a 2nd-grader. Overall, it was a good school year...Mrs. Wray is fantabulous! She is very patient! I am hoping that he has a wonderful teacher next year with a good group of kids.
We are excited for my brother, Nathaniel, to stay with us this summer. He'll be 16 this November and is saving for a car. So, I invited him to be my nanny/housekeeper. Originally, I was going to go to MTSU this summer & he was going to take care of the kids, but I never signed up. I may take some online courses while he's here-- I really hate school, so I'm not making any promises! :)
Some things are really difficult to explain to your child! Apparently, someone in his class told him about "Bloody Mary"! THANKS KID! How do these kids even know about stuff like that! I heard about her in the 5th grade...he's in 1st! I like to always be straight with him and tell it like it is, but I was very nervous/scared/worried & careful about this topic... I guess I didn't do a very good job because he made me stay in the bathroom with him while he brushed his teeth. I would've rather had "THE TALK" with him again--it actually wasn't that bad at all.
Things I never understood or realized until I became a MOM:
-Why you wanted to take a nap -Why you found some reason, EVERY YEAR, to keep us home on New Year's Eve -Why you suggested "The Quiet Game" in the car -Why you had to know where we were at all times -That you can't stop working when you're sick -Why a clean house made you so happy -Why you cared or worried about us SO MUCH -How many times you had to clean up our bodily fluids -Why you tried so hard to keep us on the right path...of course this doesn't apply to me, because I was always such an angel! -Why you stay(ed) up so late while everyone was asleep...aaahhhh, quiet time! -Why you made me sit at the table until I ate my pea soup...I haven't eaten it since! -Why you wouldn't let us drink soda in the morning -How hard parenting would be -Why it was so important that I didn't throw away the Tupperware in my lunch box. -Why you still bring up the fact that I did throw it away... 20+ years ago...let it go ;)- -Why you didn't like some of my friends -Why you still think I have a bug on the back of my leg when I've told you 100 times---IT"S A MOLE!!! (OK, that has nothing to do with being a mom...I just thought I'd throw that one in) -What it meant to have unconditional love
Thanks for all you have done and still do. You're a great mother, I just don't understand why or how you had 5 children! :) But I'm glad you did!
Today I turned 29! Friday, we had our (Erin, Meghan, and Me) 2nd annual Birthday Celebration and it was so much fun! We all have Birthdays around the same time (a week apart) and we combine them into one. Thanks for making me laugh and feel loved--I have such wonderful friends! I love all of the gifts, because each one has made me realize how much you know me. Only true friends know how obsessed I am with Twilight, how many times a day I apply lip-gloss, how many cartons of Mint Oreo's I can eat, how much I love macaroons & choc. cheesecake, and what I need to lift my, sometimes, heavy heart (Willow Tree's-thanks you two!). I will always think of you when I pass by them :)
Katie-- :) I literally felt sick and had to use the bathroom after I ate your macaroons. DON'T PANIC, IT'S A COMPLIMENT! (Gotcha!) My stomach hurt because I could NOT stop myself from stuffing my face...you can't eat just one! They are absolutely delicious!!!! (Next time I'm constipated...I'll know what to do!)
Thank you Mark & Seth for making a special "Twilight Mom" cake (red velvet to look like blood) for me--It was very tasty! I am very grateful to you for digging up the rock in the back yard--It's gonna look great!!!
I'm a little sad that this will officially be the last year in my 20's...but when I'm in my 30's, maybe I'll look like I'm 14 instead of 12! I feel like I need to grow up or something...Will I EVER act like a mature adult?!!?! Umm...NO...probably not!
Happy 79th Birthday Grandma--I have enjoyed sharing this day with you!
...that left you feeling very disturbed the next day? Last night, while everyone was in bed, I was catching up on the TV shows from the previous week...bad idea! Grey's Anatomy is one of my favorite shows, but this episode really brought back memories that I was unprepared for at the moment. A father held his child as she took her last breath, not wanting to let her go. Needless to say, my tears were uncontrollably pouring from my eyes, nose running, and unable to stop crying. Yes, I was alone...of course, I DON"T cry in front of people if I can help it! I was desperately missing Ian and would bargain with the devil to hold him again. Sometimes I get so angry and frustrated because there isNO bargaining with anyone, not even God. The horrible fact is that I will never see, smell, hear or touch him again for the rest of my life! I raced through every single memory I had of him. I remembered when we were in the hospital, how I tried to memorize every part of his body-- the lines in the palm of his hands, his face, measuring his fingers with mine. As I tried to view the slide show I had going on in my head, I cried harder. The slide show was not as clear as it used to be--images were blurred and pictures were missing. I feel like I'm losing him all over again because I can't remember him as clearly--I know it's God's way of helping people heal...it makes sense. I prayed...or begged for him to let me hold him in a dream...another bad idea! I've had a few dreams in the past where I was able to hold him and it was wonderful! My dreams are very vivid and very real. I see color and detail, I can feel things, and occasionally make myself fly. So, last night, I had a dream we (our family) were all doing yard work in the back of our house. I notice a big black bear, slowing walking toward us. We rush in the house up to the play room and scramble to move heavy furniture in front of the door. If you've ever been chased in a dream before, you know how scary it is. The bear went into Seth's room and came out of the window onto the roof. He was going to get us through the window! We had to do something, so Mark turned the black bear into a baby that looked exactly like Everett. Apparently, turning the bear into something smaller would make it easier to "eliminate" it. I held Everett in my arms as I watched Mark kill this "bear". I couldn't watch, so I turned my head and I woke up. It was such a disturbing dream that it's been running through my mind all day. Why would I have THAT dream?!?!
The moral of this story...be careful what you ask for!
Today, I was doing yard work and I found myself occasionally looking for a big black bear...I think I've officially lost it! :) Wow, I feel alot better getting that off my chest!
Friday, as we were eating lunch at the table, I looked out the window and noticed the wind was abnormally strong. I saw debris flying in the air as our grill bit the dust (that's #2 because of TN weather). I said, "Quick! Turn on the TV". Sure enough, it was a tornado and it was in the Blackman area and crossing interstate 24. I retrieved Everett from his crib (I just laid him down) and told Seth to get in the downstairs bathroom. Mark was taking a little too long and Seth was saying, "Dad! Hurry up!" " What about Dad?!" I said, "He's coming, Mark! Get in Here!" Seth was crouched between the toilet and the sink and braced himself while saying, "I'm scared!" I tried to act like it was no big deal and told him it was going to be OK---The whole time not knowing what to expect! The lights flickered and we lost power. I was a little scared...and in denial...this can't happen to us. Everett was having the time of his life! He was out of bed and playing in the dark! He crouched down between the toilet and the sink just like his big brother, looks at him and gives the biggest smile...a very sweet moment. The storm quickly passed by and we went outside to see if there was any damage. Not much, just some debris and a piece of siding from someone's house. I was very relieved! We listened to the radio and it didn't sound good. They were asking all doctors and surgeons that had privileges at the hospital to come and help. I also heard that it headed toward Lascassas area...I have several friends over there! They mentioned 'Compton Road' --Roxann lives over there! I was on the phone with Jennie and she said they were out of town...I had forgotten they were leaving that weekend. I thought nothing of it and was glad they were fine! A few hours later, we ventured out to get a bite to eat (no electricity). As we turned onto a very nearby road to get to town, I was shocked to see humongous trees ripped from the ground and several damaged houses. We live so close! It was then that I realized this was actually real and it could've happened to us! Later that day, I received a phone call informing me that Roxann's house was in the path of the tornado. I couldn't believe it. A million questions and thoughts raced through my mind. What would they do? Where would they live? (A selfish thought of hoping they would move in the Blackman area). Realizing what a blessing they were all out of the house on that particular day. I went over that night and helped salvage some things. I was in disbelief...I was just at this house on Tuesday.
Today, I helped with clean up...raking and sorting debris and tree limbs. I only worked for 3 hours and I was beat! It's amazing to me how people unite in a disastrous situation. Many people volunteered their food, time, and services to help people they have never met! I was very touched by everyone's kindness. This has been a very emotionally draining and humbling experience for me and nothing even happened to me! So, I can't begin to imagine what others are going through. I feel very sad and frustrated that I can't make everything better. I am here for you and love you! I think I need a good cry...but not in front of anyone!
Soooo...Apparently it's a bad idea to teach your child to say 'Fire Truck'. Everett had a little trouble putting these two words together, so he decided to make it easier on himself and call it 'F@ck'!!! Now, every time he sees a 'Truck' (which is everyday) he says, 'F@ck'. My sweet little toddler is swearing!!!....multiple times a day! I'm just a little embarrassed--I don't want people thinking he heard it from us! I am constantly stressing the 'Tr' sound and he won't say it! I really hope I don't have to hear this much longer...I really HATE that word!
I had the opportunity to be Mark's dental assistant last night...I had a blast!!! Of course it's always more fun working on people you know. My sister said it was the most fun she's ever had at the dentist. Apparently, our "old-married couple" attitude toward each other was cracking her up...Mark, on the other hand, said he didn't want to work with me. :) I think he had more fun than he'd like to admit. ;) It was very refreshing to "work" again, even if it was only for 6 hours. I didn't realize how much I missed being in a dental office! I was rusty at first, but it was fun working with Mark. It also made me appreciate the long/hard hours he puts in at the office. I didn't realize how great his work is! He really takes his time and does it the right way...unlike dentists I've worked for in the past. I'm very proud of him!!!
Thanks Mom for watching the kids...again! I really appreciate it!
I'm sitting in our hotel room...all by myself. Mark has CE classes today, so I get the day to myself! My poor mother is taking care of the kids back home--Thanks a million Mom! Today, I just want to relax and do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it. It was a little strange being able to get ready without any interruptions. No 'Everett, don't touch the toilet plunger' --'That's an ouchy'--'Ok, let's put mommy's shoes back'. I ate a bowl of cereal without having to get out of my seat. I figured out that my camera has a timer on it. I just might eat a whole row of mint oreo's...and I don't have to share! I am able to actually think about what I'm typing and I'm NOT watching Teletubbies! However, I must admit, I really missed the kids last night when I was laying in bed thinking about them... and how many other people have "slept" in this very bed. If you know me at all, then you would know that I am just a tiny bit neurotic about germs--hence, the 'knuckle' hand shake. Anyway, I do have some classes the next couple of days so I'm hoping I will stay too busy to miss them...doubt it!
Atlanta is a very strange place--Wal-mart has a parking garage?! And why do all of the streets have to be one-way!?!!!!?!!!! Who was that guy talking to...he's walking by himself?! Why did the women behind me start singing gospel hymns in a check-out line of Wal-mart? Mark said it best, "This feels like we're on a different planet"...yup!
You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family.A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome.Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be
sensitive.You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and
appreciate the kind way you always handle things.
Well, I'm not so sure people trust my judgment...oh well...it was just for funzies.
As a reward for great work, progress, and behavior in school, I decided to take Seth to the movies--he wanted to see Coraline. I've seen a few previews on TV and it looked interesting and it was rated 'G' ...no harm done...so I thought! This movie was creepy, weird, and thrilling! I really enjoyed it, but was a little perturbed about the rating. 'G' movies apparently don't mean a thing! This was pretty scary and I would NOT recommend this for children! I was warned by a friend that there was a women with a very large bosom wearing pasties...I told her that it would probably go over his head-he's so innocent! The other day, in the car, Seth randomly brought up the movie (he was obviously still going over the images in his head).
Seth: You know what was gross about Coraline? Me: (Squirming in my seat and gripping the steering wheel a little tighter)...What? Seth: When the two ladies were having a show, you could see her underwear! Me: (Very releaved he was talking about the other women) That was gross!
Driving down the road, smiling inside that the whole thing went over his head.
Seth: Why was that women naked?...I think she was wearing a belt. Me: (squirming and gripping again) No, that was the bottom of her bathing suit. Seth: No, I think it was a belt. And she had blue stars on her pom-poms. Me: (looking at Mark-- both trying to hold in our laughter) No, It was a bathing suit and she did have stars on her pom-poms.
See...right over his head! He thought they were pom-poms! I will laugh about this for a long time, but I will still feel guilty that I took him to a movie that had him sitting in my lap by the end of the movie. In my defense, I did ask him if he wanted to leave...I'm sorry Seth for making you see big bosoms with pasties in 3-D! It was rated 'G' and I thought it would be a fun Friday. Next time, I'll be more careful.
We built a snowman on Sunday--we had alot of snow, for Tennessee. He lasted a day and then fell face first to the ground. A few days later...he was gone and this is what was left. I promise we never built a "dirty" snowman...it just melted that way!
We are so excited for Rachel, Mark's sister. She is perusing her dream of becoming an actress in California and is off to a great start. She has appeared in a few music videos, but the most exciting part is that she will appear on Without A Trace (episode 19) as a Russian mail order bride (Her picture will be shown). This will air sometime this month...we think. She will also appear as an extra on Bones! She's in the front row of a rock concert with Gothic make-up that she did herself. She said we might not recognize her...thank goodness for TiVo, we can pause and rewind! We're not sure when this will air, but we're thinking this month.
This is a picture of Rachel around Christmas time--2008! Little Rachel is all grown up :(
This is a side view--his lump feels like someone stuck a hard ball under his leg. This is the view from the back of his leg. The blood has drained down to his knee. You can see the lump where his ski hit at the top (this was where the big purple bruise was in the original picture) Close up of the back of his leg. His lump is still "tender" =)
Ok, so we went on a ski trip to Sugar Mountain, NC. I've skied once when I was little--Mark and Seth have never done this before. We had so much fun!!! I really didn't think I would like it, but once I got the hang of it...it was pretty thrilling! I was very impressed at how well Seth did on his skis and ice skates...he gets his natural talent from me I guess :) Mark, on the other hand, struggled a little and by the 3rd day he finally got it down...but then it was time to leave.
First Day 2-13-09 We skied with Brenda and Randy Friday morning and took turns watching Everett--he loved the snow and tried to eat it often. Seth could hardly contain himself and couldn't wait to get outside!
I took Everett "home" for his nap and lunch. When my family arrived (Mom, Dad, & Nathaniel) that night, they went skiing and I went ice skating (Mark said he was tired of falling down so he didn't skate).
Valentine's Day 2-14-09 We started the day off with ice skating (me, for the 2nd time). Mark still didn't skate so he watched Everett. I was shocked that my mom actually did something "dangerous" --she usually sits back and watches everyone else, I'm very proud of you Mom!!! Seth also did a great job! This was Nathaniel's first time ice skating and of course it looked like he'd been doing it for awhile. He does rollerblade andrides a skate board...he knows how to balance! I learned how to twirl... a little, but I didn't fall once! Ok, so I did pretend I was an Olympic skater for a few seconds...give me a break...it was my dream...now I'm too old! We went back to the house for some lunch and skied the rest of the day and night. This next picture's for you, Meghan. No, I'm not smoking a cigarette! I'm putting lip gloss on and thinking of you on Valentine's Day ;) We started at the top of the beginner slope and made our way down. Seth came down with a fever by the end of the day and didn't ski for the rest of the trip...poor thing. Last Day 2-15-09 Isn't Nathaniel a cutey? This was my brothers first time on a snow board and he did awesome! He was proud that he was able to go down the Black Diamond!I did ski...or tumble down an intermediate slope called "Big Red" (That's what we used to call our old van-so I had to try it!) I fell down twice but thought I was going to break my neck...I only did that once! Mark... poor-poor Mark, did this multiple times. I don't really know what he was thinking. You'll see what I mean when you see the picture of the injury on his thigh (it's much bigger and grosser looking now). His ski fell off and landed side-ways in the snow and Mark landed on top of the ski...OUCH! I think he's secretly proud of his injury--must be a guy thing. Brenda skied all the way down the mountain...I stayed near the bottom.
We had a great trip! I have never exercised more in my life and I think we were all a little sore. Some of us are still recovering and will be for a while ;) But we are already talking about another trip...maybe next year...somewhere different. I can't wait!
*A special thanks to Randy, Brenda, and my Dad for being very patient with us while teaching us how to use our skis. Another special thanks to my Mom for watching Everett while we had fun!
Post the rules on your blog List 6 random things about yourself. Tag 6 people at the end of your post. Let each person know they have been tagged.
1. I've worked for a Dentist who was John Wayne's chauffeur (Thank goodness for spell-check)!!! 2. I secretly fantasize about being an actress...how cool would that be to kiss Edward!!! 3. I will never feel good enough until I have a degree...stupid, I know. 4. When life is stressful or I feel anxious, I stick things in my cuticles and tear them off. You should see my fingers right now...not pretty! 5. My Q-tips have to be "moist" (that word's for you, Katie) when I clean my ears or they don't feel clean. 6. I've always had a problem with constipation since I was little --Thank goodness for Miralax!!!
I put Snow Day in Quotes because it snowed for about 30 minutes!Anyway, this is how we spent our morning...taking turns in Seth's back-pack...I didn't fit :(
"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high." D&C 121:7-8
We were High school sweet-hearts and I borrowed lunch money from him (I wonder if he still wants me to pay him back). He graduated in 1997 and I in 1998. We were married in the SLC Temple in 1999. Our energetic Seth came into our lives in Oct. 2001. Next in line was our precious Ian, born Aug. 2004 (on our 5th Anniversary)and sadly left us 2 months later. Mark FINALLY graduated Dental school in 2007 and that same year in Aug., our little Everett was born a week earlier than scheduled (what a good boy). In 2008 Mark got his first job working as a dentist. Since he started bringing home bigger paychecks, we went crazy and bought our first house and a bunch of crap to fill it. Life is good!
His poor little hand is glued to his cup.
Check out that leg...he's in love with the cake!
...And I think he likes it, too!
Just so they know what I looked like.
Anyway, Seth and Brenda found me as I was about to get up to her. Seth changed his mind at the last minute and decided to be brave and meet her (he was shy... 'cause he likes her).
...Gettin' Closer
I just met Paula Deen, but I can't help but take one more picture to remember it!
I wish my camera could zoom in just a little bit closer
They Make A Very Funny Couple!
As a reward for great work, progress, and behavior in school, I decided to take Seth to the movies--he wanted to see Coraline. I've seen a few previews on TV and it looked interesting and it was rated 'G' ...no harm done...so I thought! This movie was creepy, weird, and thrilling! I really enjoyed it, but was a little perturbed about the rating. 'G' movies apparently don't mean a thing! This was pretty scary and I would NOT recommend this for children! I was warned by a friend that there was a women with a very large bosom wearing pasties...I told her that it would probably go over his head-he's so innocent!
This is a picture of Rachel around Christmas time--2008! Little Rachel is all grown up :(
This is a side view--his lump feels like someone stuck a hard ball under his leg.
This is the view from the back of his leg. The blood has drained down to his knee. You can see the lump where his ski hit at the top (this was where the big purple bruise was in the original picture)
Close up of the back of his leg. His lump is still "tender" =)
Living Room
Mark could only stand upright while in the shower. This was our bathroom upstairs.
Mark's 1st attempt on skis
Valentine's Day 2-14-09
We went back to the house for some lunch and skied the rest of the day and night. This next picture's for you, Meghan. No, I'm not smoking a cigarette! I'm putting lip gloss on and thinking of you on Valentine's Day ;) We started at the top of the beginner slope and made our way down. Seth came down with a fever by the end of the day and didn't ski for the rest of the trip...poor thing.
