Guest Blogger

You  might allready know me but my name is Emery.My Christmas was amasing because I got

a Easy Bake from my Mom and I love it.It is a good present because it was from my Mom-but

it was missing a pece that we had to buy that is a 100-watt light bulb and nun of the stors were

open.I am very sad because I have been wantting it for a very long time.I hope I get the bulb tomarro so I can cook and be happy day. And you have a very Merry Christmas.I will too.

Merry Christmas!

Just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. It's been a wonderful, fabulous day at home - just our little family. No work, no stress, no cooking . . . what else could I ask for??? We've got left-overs from our {little} dinner last night with the Barbachanos - Dan says I need to work on portion control when I host dinners - but at least he gets to eat today!!!

At this very moment here's where everyone is:
Dan - purchasing clothing for his {freakishly identical} Tiger Woods Wii dude. I swear every time I see him playing I don't know whether he's the one holding the Wii remote, or the one on the TV screen - and it's even more complicating when the little screen dude starts dancing - they could be twins!

Tonya - I just got done reading about a dozen and a half blogs - I've been so out of the loop and it was nice to catch up. I think I've been at it for about an hour and a half - I was just intending to update mine . . . but I had to see what everyone else has been doing.

Harrison - watching one of the Indiana Jones movies in the full box set he's been waiting for forever!!! I think he's on the third for the day - hey, it's Christmas . . . we'll probably let him see all 4~ bad parents!!!

Emery & Jack - playing with the Lego set Santa gave Jack. Poor Emery . . . she got an Easy Bake oven from mom . . . and unfortunately she didn't get the particular bulb that is supposed to go inside to cook the treats - and after going through every light bulb in the house - Dad took a ride to see if ANY store was open . . . just a gas station that did have light bulbs, but the wrong kind! She's bored - and I don't blame her . . . she's wanted an Easy Bake for a couple years now - tomorrow she'll be baking all day I'm sure!

Aidan - napping -

It's been a good Christmas - we thank those who invited us for Christmas dinners, however, it's been relaxing and extremely nice to be home today - still in PJ's and robes & bed-head.

Merry Christmas to everyone! And happy New Year if I don't get to the blog before then . . . I'm just sayin'!

Wow, things have been busy!

Just a quick update today - things are moving right along at the store. I've been working hard getting things ready . . . we are going to have a grand re-opening event on Dec 19 and I'm wanting everything to be just like it is in my head . . . and it's getting there, one small step at a time!!!

The kids are doing great . . . they've been helping with little "jobs" here and there - last week Emery went with me and spent the ENTIRE day working on little things. She sure likes it over there. Harrison wants to go and work, then after about a half hour is ready to come home. The little boys are doing fine, too - I've got a little play area so they have a place to hang out and be kids. 

Other than that, nothing much has been going on that's not store-related! Once things settle down, I hope to have a little more time to devote back to blogging. Until then - check out our store blog -------->>>> link to the right

Forget Team Edward {and} Team Jacob!

OK - So I am entirely disappointed and therefore boycotting any team that is lead by bad-acting, less than attractive vampires or wolves. Honestly and truly the ONLY attractive actor in the movie is the guy who plays Tyler . . . and THIS is the only photo I could find with him - and I can't find his name on the cast list . . . whatever!

Last night at the 12:01 viewing of "Twilight" I had high hopes and even little giddy butterflies while waiting to be entertained and a little enchanted - NOPE! I felt like I was watching a Jr. High flick, you know the ones where they show horrible home-made movies with terrible line delivery and timing, the ones that promote self-esteem or proper hygiene. I kept looking at my friend Amber and had to stop halfway through because every time I looked at here, we'd start busting up and find it hard to stop. 

It's just so sad to me that they had the opportunity to make this a REALLY good film. What happened? You don't need the budget to make the lines decent and the delivery believeable. So - first I'm annoyed and disgusted with the ending to the saga in book 4 and now I find the movie so laughable it does NOT live up to it's promotions. 

I think I'm going to stop reading. And maybe going to movies, too. 

Guest Blogger

Hi my name is Harrison,you might already know that if you came to my house. Anyway, it's exiting to be writing on my Mom's blog for the very first time! First I would like to thank her for telling everyone about my Birthday,it was a little letdown because it only lasted an hour and a half,but I'll get over it.My Mom and Dad just got back from Hawii. I got 4 presents. Shark teeth,a turttle key chain,a shirt and 15 peces of REAL coral! What else?...oh I like to help my Mom at the skrapbook store. Well thats all,bye!

What's The Craziest Thing You've Ever Done?

Me . . . and I have to include my husband . . . buying a scrapbook store!!!!! I can't tell you how excited I am! How nervous, how scared, how thrilled, how energized, how worried, how anxious, how happy I am. 

It's been over 3 months since I first entertained the thought of buying this store - and now that it's happened, I can hardly believe it, but I also can't wait to jump into implementing all the ideas that have been swirling around in my head for all this time.

So . . . if you're here in Anchorage . . . just wait . . . big things are coming!!! 

7 Quirky things no one knows about me . . .

Tagged by my cute sister Taisley . . . 

1. When I load the dishwasher, I'm particular and consistent where I put the utensils . . . first & second compartment are for sippy lids, then kids' utensils handle-side up, then all spoons (lg and sm) handle side down, then all forks (lg and sm)  handle side down, then knives handle side down, then other serving and cooking utensils in the last two. Makes it so much easier when emptying the dishwasher.

2. I cannot leave the volume number in the car on an odd number. Doesn't matter if 12 is too loud and 10 is too soft . . . I just cannot go for the odd number. Unless it's 15 - then it's OK - seems like a solid odd number to me.

3. (Kinda similar to Taisley's, but a little different) - if there is a silky type fabric around a blanket or even part of the blanket, I rub them together. Dunno - just like the feel of the fabric sliding yet having a bit of friction. I think it was more prominent when I was a kid - I don't have a blankie with a silky border anymore. 

4. I never dip my cookies in milk. I think it's disgusting. All that soggy cookie (what a waste!) and that lumpy milk (gross!!!!). But I love to have a glass of milk that I drink while eating a cookie. But I never have the two in my mouth at the same time.

5. I keep my kids' closets more organized than my own. Church pants then sweaters then shirts then vests. Long sleeve polos, long sleeve tee's, short sleeve button downs, short sleeve polos, short sleeve tee's. My clothing isn't nearly so organized.

6. It may not seem quirky to all of you in the lower 48, but I tend to keep my shoes on all day long. Custom here is that you take your shoes off at the door. I don't like to walk around without something on my feet. In summer it's my flip flops, in winter it's socks and shoes. I hate taking them off at other people's homes (but I do - don't want to go against custom!)

7. My husband thinks it's ridiculous - I wear CHURCH SHOES to church. Yes, slippery, wobbly heals. I just can't go all practical to church. It's not often that I get to dress up and I want to feel feminine at church. So regardless of rain, snow or ice, I still wear my heals. 

I TAG: Ronalyn, Dulce, Teri C., and Rachel R.

I'm allergic to paradise!

Aloooooooooooooooooooha!

Ahhhhh - the weather was beautiful - the pineapple was amazing - the relaxation was needed - the company was fabulous - the beach was beautiful - and my allergies flared up so bad I couldn't breathe! It took a day and a half for me to be full-on miserable, but despite the itchy throat, coughing and sinus pressure, I pushed through and enjoyed it as much as possible!

*We got to Oahu on Saturday evening and enjoyed what we call the Hawaiian Denny's - Zippy's to be exact. It was great food - and we were the ONLY white people there.
*Sunday we found a married student ward (at BYU-HI) and attended their Fast and Testimony Sacrament Meeting. It'd be hard for me to get used to the interactive testimonies - everyone that stood gave a greeting and the audience responded - ALOHA! It was a great meeting with a lot of diversity - and I was able to really enjoy it as I watched everyone else deal with their children and know that my 4 kids were at church with a babysitter. Ah the simple things!
After church we took a leisure drive around the island. It's beautiful - absolutely beautiful!
*Monday we went to a water park - LOTS of fun - LOTS of re-application of sunscreen - and on the way back to the condo we visited the Dole plantation. Did you know you can grow your own pineapple??? Pretty cool to learn that in just 20 months (if you keep it warm) you could have your very own pineapple! Can you believe it takes that long???
*Tuesday we spent the entire day at the Polynesian Cultural Center - we decided this was our big splurge and we got the biggest package deal which meant we had our own tour guide with us the entire day. It was amazing to be there. I went to Hawaii when I was 6 and throughout the day I realized that most of my scattered memories of Hawaii were made there at the PCC. Kinda wild!
*Wednesday we walked the entire stadium swap meet & found some fun souvenirs for ourselves and our children. Then we went to the beach. That evening we attended a session at the temple.
*Thursday I got my first ever round of golf in - I'm pathetic and probably won't be getting a season pass, but it was fun despite the extreme heat. We went to the beach again and had dinner overlooking the ocean at Turtle Bay Resort.
*Friday we checked out and drove to Honolulu. We went to Pearl Harbor - what a great experience. That evening we walked the street shops at Waikiki and ate at the Cheesecake factory (highly recommend it!). Then got on a late night plane and {tried} to sleep all night home. We arrived an hour early due to a medical emergency and got home around 5 a.m.

So - we're back with lots of fabulous memories and desires to return. I'm still dealing with the effects of allergies and wonder if there's a way to prevent that next time - cuz it's just not fair if I'm allergic to paradise!

Happy {late} Halloween!

It was a very chilly Halloween this year. Fortunately we all survived.

Harrison went as Calvin with his side-kick Hobbes. I thought for sure he'd be Indiana Jones what with his new fedora and all . . . but there's quite a bit of Calvin in this kid so it wasn't much of a stretch! So I started googling around to find a Hobbes plush buddy for him, but found out that the creator and artist of the comic strip won't do any merchandising. But I stumbled upon some photos of a Hobbes that a girl had made for her husband - and with only a few photos as a guide, I made Harrison's favorite mischievous partner in crime. It only took me a couple of days - but the stress was acute! I honestly don't know how it came together. I just had the pictures spread out and started cutting different colors of fleece hoping that I could find some way to assemble them in a picaso-esque version of Hobbes. With each step I just kept telling myself, "there's no way that I can keep this up - it's starting to look like it's supposed to and I'm just sure it's going to fall apart any minute!" But fortunately for me and the little Calvin-wanna-be, it came together better than I'd hoped. I woke Harrison up past midnight to give it to him since I couldn't wait to see his reaction. Funny thing is that in the morning he didn't have Hobbes with him so I asked if he was just going to leave him on his bed for the day - he had NO idea what I was talking about - he didn't remember me waking him up at all, so I got the joy of his reaction twice. Heaven knows I probably needed it - what we do for our kids!!!

So Emery went as - you guessed it - Hannah Montana. This is the second year in a row that she's had a long blonde wig - and the second year in a row we have decided she'll never have a long blonde wig for a costume again! Aside from the fact that they are not at all reminiscent of real hair and have a mind of their own . . . she just doesn't look quite right as a blonde! Next year we'll have to think up something not quite so blonde - and not quite so drafty in the Alaska weather!

Jackson helped me choose a cute Monkey online from Old Navy.com and adored it once it got here . . . dressing up half a dozen times - then announced to me he'd repeat the lion he dressed up as last year. THEN when I pulled out the trick or treat bags and other costumes, he wanted to be the dinosaur. I was going to save it for next year since it's a bit big - but with his protesting and my justification for thicker layers, the dino won out!

Aidan was the cutest little furry monster . . . all photos of him are blurry . . . you can imagine a cute little furry monster does NOT want to stay still in terrible lighting for a crisp, clear photo - so just imagine a Sesame Street-like green furry thing with ears and three eyes on the top of his head. He was adorable.

We did the trunk-or-treat at church then Harrison went out with his friend Sam and I took Emery and Jackson out while Dad held down the fort for one group of teens that graced us with their candy requests. I don't blame all the kids and parents - we did the same thing - we went to Kempton HIlls - a neighborhood a few blocks away - the homes are close together and the gamble for getting something larger than bite size usually pays off, if you know what I mean . . . people come from all over Anchorage to trick-or-treat in that neighborhood - big candy bars, cans of soda, among other things - they should just get sponsors and be the city's designated trick-or-treat area!

Surprisingly enough - there was still A LOT of candy in their bags after we spent a week in Hawaii - so kudos to our babysitter for not giving in!

I was going to dress up as Sarah Palin - but I didn't want to get cornered into giving an interview that would be picked apart, edited and misrepresented. Maybe next year!

Happy {late} Birthday Harrison!

So our Harrison is now {9} ! ! !
I, for one can hardly believe it! He had a really fun "Indiana Jones" theme birthday party. Harrison planned it for weeks. He had sketches of obstacle courses he wanted to create and with some reality and help from Dad, the big obstacle they pulled off was a sliding wall constructed of cardboard and duct tape. It was manually closed by Dad, but it was a lot of fun for the kids to try and slide under it without getting scathed. At the very end of the party they had to pick up their gift bag and replace it (like the idol Indy had to switch) and slide under the wall before it closed down on them. We found some printable invitations online. There was a "whipping" contest to see who could whip down the most plastic cups with Harrison's home-made whip. They had a treasure hunt to find little Lego Indiana Jones guys hiding around the living room - and these became the decorations for his home-made cake.

It was a lot of fun and I think since he was in on all the planning and decisions, he'll remember it for a long time! Happy birthday my little adventure man!

Updates:

Dan and I are home from Hawaii {sigh!} and trying to get back in the swing of things - for the next couple days I'll post updates of what has happened the past few weeks . . . there's a lot to cram into one post so I'll spread it out for your reading enjoyment!

Things are going well and we're glad {mostly} to be home . . . we missed the kids terribly - it was our first vacation without children and although we had a fabulous time . . . we were happy to come home and see them.

So from the low 90's and high 80's to low-high 20's . . . we're adjusting back to reality! More on that later . . . and halloween, and birthday etc etc etc!

You just know . . . you know!

So last night I got to see a brand new 4 day old sweet baby boy. My friend Michelle had her third boy - Graham. He was so tiny and wrinkly and cute!!! My sister in law Megan just had their second child - a brother to Gwen, and he's just as squishy cute!

So . . . how do you know when you're done having kids??? You just know. I never understood that when people told me. I couldn't fathom having that sure, undeniable knowledge that there wasn't another little one waiting to come to our home. But it's different when I see a newborn now. Just different. I don't have that "next time" feeling. Or a longing. Or wonder. I just know.

So although they are still beautiful and tug at my heart strings - although they are just so darn squishy and tiny and lovey . . . I am calm and peaceful in the knowledge that I will never have another newborn myself. It's not only made me change my perspective on us being a "complete" family . . . but it's also made me focus more on the stages of my older kids. Knowing that I have overflowing blessings from four little people with whom I am lucky enough to experience their childhood. I'm not waiting for another family member - it just feels . . . complete. I love that feeling!

Been Busy . . .

So I have been busy lately. You know, sometimes I just feel like I fall short on so many things - but lately . . . I've gotten a boost - mainly through getting things done!

Last week was a crazy, eventful week - one of those, I was so busy but I couldn't tell you all the things I did kind of week.

Although - I can say that I changed a tail light by myself, made a "Hobbes" stuffed toy without a pattern, and did a LOT of paper counting in the form of inventory at the store. On the day that I finished Hobbes, I felt so darn accomplished. I'll post photos soon - Harrison is going to be Calvin for Halloween - I'll give you the full story on THAT panic-inducing experience later! Oh - and of course there was a lot of illness going around.

Two Sundays ago must have been quite the exposure! Poor little Jack ended up throwing up through the night Monday and into Tuesday . . . come to find out - ALL the kids from nursery were experiencing the same illness at the same time . . . then passed it on to their family members. So it filtered through our family - all except Aidan - (knock on wood!!!)

So I just wanted to let you all know I'm still here . . . we're all healthy at the moment and eating a little too much pre-Halloween candy. Do they make a bag smaller than 10 lbs?????

This guys' funny!

So if you didn't watch the McCain/Obama roast last week - it was hilarious!!! And I think the reason we haven't heard more about it in the media is that by all standards - McCain won this one!

He knows how to deliver a joke and I can't tell you how much I laughed! Obama . . . well . . . not so funny. Dry, yes. Boring, yes. Not funny at all - NOPE!!!!

Oh The Things That You'll Find

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're world is the laundry!

Wash, dry, put away!

You have lights in one pile.

You have darks in another.

You have kid piles and dad piles

for baby, for mother.

You're a mom and a wife so you've done this before.

You are able to task laundry, dishes and store.

You launder on auto. Perhaps thrice a week.

Do not begin to act lax, or dyed wax it will leak!

With your head on school projects and toenails to clip,

With even your smarts you are able to slip.

And you may not find any

Of those rocks, clips or trash.

But on a random day of grace

You may encounter some cash.

But it is on those days rare

No scrutiny, beware!

In pockets they hide

so frequently, too

those items that say, 

"what?" "where" "huh?" "who?"

And when things you gather

seem odd and unknown -

It just might decipher

a child's stops coming home.

OH!

THE THINGS THAT YOU'LL FIND!

{Silly little spoof of mine from my favorite: Dr. Seuss' "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"}

Like Mother Like Son

I have a horrible memory - I really can't remember much from my school days or even Jr. High days . . . but once in a while I'll have an experience that will trigger a memory - this was one of those moments.

I remember back when I was about 8 or 9 - I was in my friend, Jodie Cushing's basement - she had the "Grease" record and we'd play our favorite songs over and over while singing to them. Well - fast forward 26 or so years and here's my son, with his little buddy, listening to the "Star Wars" theme and "singing" along - I got caught taping so the entertainment ended, but I wish I could have gotten the more dramatic re-enactments and the more energetic display of their musical experience. It's hilarious to me - that these boys have their own method of "singing along." Check out the goggles and fedora . . . and they both had weapons - 

So back when I was doing my impression of Sandy - and singing to my make-believe Danny, I would NEVER have thought some of the boys in my class were putting on their own music and grooving to it. Just makes me realize that although there are huge differences between the sexes, there are, in fact, some things that are universal - although in application we display them slightly different.

I'm a Soft-y!

Photo by Ronalyn Barut September 19, 2008

So have you ever just told your kids, "Stop touching me!" ? ? ? Well, I have to admit that at times I have had so many little grubby hands touching, poking and smearing at me that yes, I have told my child not to touch me. A couple weeks ago Jack was busy bugging me and I said, "Can you please just not touch me right now." His response melted my heart!!!

"But mommy, you are so soft." 

He then proceeded to stroke my arm - and I enjoyed every second of it!

Happy Birthday, Love!

Photo by Ronalyn Barut 9-19-08

Happy Birthday to my best friend. You're old now - as old as me! And I want you to know how much I love being your wife. I'm still head over heels - and grateful every day that I am the one you want to spend forever with. I've got a list of blessings so long I could never be able to list them - so here are just a few . . . 

*Although it's true that you're a guy . . . in that realm, you are the best communicator I know! I'm so grateful to be able to talk . . . about everything and anything! I've never felt afraid, or that certain topics are off limits - you let me speak my mind (even when it's slightly swayed by emotions) and you always try to decipher my girl-code. Most chicks I know just aren't that lucky!

*You not only let me be me . . . you love me.

*Tenth anniversary ring . . . 'nuff said!

*You're not a big forgiver (in a good way!) . . . that's because you don't let your feelings get to the point where you have to forgive me . . . you don't get mad at me and you never hold a grudge. I wanna be more like that, so you don't see me angry - workin' on it dear!

*You keep the OCD, stress-case, orderly, uptight me to a minimum. Really - where would I be without you???

*You're taking me to Hawaii in a few weeks! {without any little people of our genetic mix!}

*You're a great partner in every aspect of life . . . as parents, as budgeters, as decision makers, as disciplinarians, as entertainment seekers, as dinner eater outers, as mac enjoyers, as interests supporters, as life balancers, as letting each other be and do what we want-ers. You get the idea!

I love you loads - and hope you have a great birthday - request for your favorite better-than-any-you've ever tasted creamy chicken enchiladas granted! I'd suspend my diet for you anytime. (Hmmmmmm I think I just stumbled on a personal a-ha moment!!! Maybe that's why I'm just not back in my smallest jeans!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Poop relief, Vomit alert!

No poop this time . . . yet.

But I've been up all night almost on the hour - Jack's been throwing up. Poor little man - he's to the point where there's nothing but bile - actually after the first two bouts it was all bile from there. He's wiped out - I'm wiped out - poor Dan, he's wiped out and had to go to work. Vomit is the A#1 thing I hate most about being a mom. Smelling it, cleaning it up . . . you get the point - so I'm off to take care of the little bug - and hope that he doesn't spread the bug he's caught to his brothers and sister - and parents. Ick!

Bull's Eye!!!

Oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh yeah!!!!

I know it's silly, but I'm as giddy as a kid on Christmas. We now have a Target. I made my second trip there today - and it only "officially" opened yesterday. No - I didn't go on Sunday - but I went on Thursday - the day after the "unofficial" opening. And I have to say that I felt for the brief time I was in there that I was in the lower 48. {A term we use to describe the 48 states that are down there - all mushed together in the same land mass . . . Alaska and Hawaii are not part of that 48 - thus the term} ANYWAY - I felt normal. That's not to say that I don't feel normal up here. Hmmmmm - how else can I put this? I no longer felt deprived - maybe that's it. For as long as we've been up here in the Last Frontier {yet another term . . . hey, what can I say, we have a long winter to huddle inside and think up new and interesting terms to describe things! Haven't you heard how many words the Alaska Natives have for snow??? Look that one up!} ANYWAY - Since living up here in the last state admitted into the United States of America, I've felt like we lack quite a bit of commerce. But in these last 7 years we've managed to get an increasing amount of national chain stores. We now have a couple Bed, Bath & Beyond's, a Best Buy, upgraded Michael's and JoAnn stores, and more. So now that we have a Target - I just can't complain. This is the store I always wanted. When any other store was announced to come in, we'd say, "Yeah, but I wish it were a Target." "Oh, I wish Target would come up here." Target Target Target. So now our wishes have been granted. We are no longer deprived. Although because of crazy Union issues - they couldn't make it a Super Target - now that would be heaven! Oh - by the way, another Target is being built even closer than the current one that's only about 20 miles away! 

Darse Vader

So as I'm dressing Jack the other day I catch him picking his nose again.

"Jack, please don't pick your nose." 

"But mommy, Darse Vader does it sometimes, too!"

Will this kid ever stop picking his nose? Or at least stop passing the blame to others? When will he run out of justifiable allies? Must say that my 3 year old has no holes in his cognitive development! If he did . . . he'd probably pick that too!

Not just a mere dusting!

Alright! So we were hit a bit more with snow. I think I really am in denial - except that yesterday morning - after opening the blinds and waiting for the shock to subside, I went out and built a snowman with Jack. Dan had been shoveling the driveway and Jack kept running out in his thermal jammies without shoes - Dan took pity on him and helped him get on boots - then went out and played for a minute. They started rolling a big snow ball - and Dan had to leave for work. Consequently, I had to deal with a grumpy child with no other objective than to get back out in the snow. So we bundled up. Poor little Aidan. He couldn't sit in all that snow gear, and he couldn't walk in all that snow gear and the large boots that fit over his feety-jammies. So he ended up laying in the snow most of the time - until he figured out how to take off his boots - then he struggled to a stand and soaked his feety-jammies. Fun morning - but we left the snowman sans accessories until the older kids came home and they added a few meager branches. Days like this shock and please my husband. What with me getting outside in the snow and allowing the boys to just run free. What can I say? Keeping the marriage alive with a little shock and awe sometimes! No - really I do enjoy doing it. It's just the getting ready, and the getting undone that has me less than thrilled. 

Unfortunately the snow man is no longer standing. I guess Harrison mis-interpreted Jack's desires when he told Harrison he wanted to break down the snow man. Apparently, he didn't really want to break down the snow man. Hey, with a three year old, there's a lot of mis-interpretation!!!

Ghost Town

Great movie! Dan and I enjoyed a date this past Friday and really liked this movie. Lots of laughs! We highly recommend it!

We were dusted!

Oh man, am I not happy! I was hoping just hoping that we'd be spared  an early winter - we had a LONG winter that rolled into a non-existent summer and now we're back to winter again. 

On the plus side, at least the poop will be easier to detect!

"But Pirates do it too Mommy!"

Yesterday Jack started putting on my knee high boots :

Me (while I'm helping him zip them up in the back): "Jack, you look like a pirate!"

Jack (while picking his nose): "AAAAaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrggggg Matey!"

Me: "Jack, don't pick your nose, that's icky!"

Jack: "But pirates do it too mommy!"

Eme's Room Part II

A couple people have asked me about the canvas in Emery's room - so I thought I'd post a picture of it. The photo is on magnets so we can change it out when there's another photo that works with it as she grows up. But I dunno - I love this photo, it'll be hard to find a replacement.

Epiphanies: I'm on a roll today

* Things aren't usually as hard as we think.

I've been sick for a while . . . so getting back into the routine of exercising and making my bed and getting ready for the day just seemed daunting. But today I got up - and despite being extra tired, I just DID IT all. And you know, after I did . . . I felt better and realized it's just not as hard as we make it out to be.

* I can keep the baby out of the kitchen!

Yeah - what? you say??? What's the big ah ha moment w/ that? This is a silly one, but still very monumental to me. Well, after the little munch-kin mastered the stairs we didn't see a real big need for the safety gate, but after he got into our huge interactive pantry for the FIFTH time today (shaking a damaged oatmeal container all over the living room and dragging the huge tub of olive oil through the front room), I decided enough is enough! I put up the gate and blocked the door that would lead to the kitchen from the Front Room via the Dining Room with his own lock-into-place highchair! Now not only will I avoid finding dented bean cans in the bathroom, but every time I hear silence I won't have to assume my little love bug is into the dish soap under the sink - in an un-kid-proof-able cupboard.

* While reading a little book during my treadmill re-acquaintance session this morning, I was really struck by a couple things. It's called, "When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered" by S. Michael Wilcox. It's a quick read, but it made me look deep into myself and my prayers. I've been feeling disappointed in myself lately. I've told Dan I'm not the strong person I feel like I used to be. I'm not happy with myself. I'm not feeling spiritually rich lately. It was a very nice reassuring book about how the Lord answers prayers - and that EVERY prayer will be answered. He IS watching over us and he IS going to answer. It just gave me a little perspective on it all. The epiphany was striking when he was talking about the parable of the vineyard. There are those vines which are planted in good soil, and in not so good soil, and in bad soil. The vines were all nourished - the ones in bad soil brought forth good fruit and the ones in not so great soil brought forth good fruit but not all those in the good soil did what everyone would expect they'd do - they didn't all bring forth fruit and some of the fruit the did produce was bad. 

I've been planted my whole life in great, fabulous, rich soil. I've been blessed with a family growing up that through all tough times and strain, has come together and never broken. I was taught Christlike principles and loved and taken care of. After getting married, my soil has been nothing but rich. I have a loving, wonderful, forgiving, trustworthy husband who has done everything to help nourish me and our family. But lately, I've not been producing favorable fruit. It's not that I've been growing the wild, not so good fruit - but I've not been growing anything terribly desirable. So I've decided I need to stop worrying about my soil and my nourishment - Soil obviously doesn't matter - fruit can be grown anywhere! Nourishment is available everywhere. We have a loving, all-knowing Father who will nourish us with what we need, when we need it, even if we don't know we need it. So - the only variable is obviously the vine . . . are we going to produce fruit? and what kind of fruit are we going to produce? It's been a good day so far!

~ So tomorrow, the over 13 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have the opportunity to watch or listen to the leaders of our worldwide church. It's one of the things I absolutely love the most about the church. We have ONE group of leaders, ONE prophet/president of the church who leads us - no matter where we are in the world. And twice a year, we hear from the leaders. Both men and women. And I'm very much looking forward to this weekend. There are sessions on Saturday and Sunday . . . check here if you're interested in hearing these amazing, uplifting, and inspiring people. And you will probably learn a little bit more about your Mormon friends if you do. 

It'll be some of that nourishment I was talking about. Good timing for me and my epiphanies. Well - I guess not the keeping my baby out of the kitchen, that's irrelevant. Maybe it's not: Love the baby, not the actions, right?

What is the MOST strange, unpredictable, unbelievable, unheard of thing you can think of???

For the first time in my life, I got a swim suit that I actually like! WHAT? Oh - I know . . . you can hardly believe it as well! Just NOT something that happens everyday - or ever!

Found it on Diviine ModesTee - you can "design your perfect suit!" and while doing so - you can see the pieces. I got it in the mail the other day and LOVED it. I am not dreading Hawaii anymore - although between now and then, I still need to drop 5 lbs - It's not a MIRACLE suit for heaven's sake, but never in my life have I had any feeling other than pure sick to my stomach about how a suit looks on me. This time - not so sick to my stomach! Now that's a fabulous day I think! The one I got is shown above.

"I Quit!"

Oh my little Jack . . . 

a week or so ago, like I mentioned, we got our family photos taken . . . and true to form, Jack was a bit uncooperative. But for some time we could reign him in with promises of Skittles or Starbursts, or asking him to tell stories. However, at one point, he turns his back to us and says, "I quit!" and starts to storm off into the woods. I think it was just to see our reaction, cuz he didn't go far. I can't wait to see those cute photos - hope there's a good one of the little rebel!

Pretty good flick

Last Friday we went out with the Barbachanos to see the movie "Eagle Eye." Now, I'm no Shia Labwatever fan. I thinks he's a bit strange . . . but he's been pretty good in a couple of movies and this one definitely helps him out. It's a really intense movie with a lot of action. I liked it . . . but when you go . . . don't go all commentator in the last few minutes or you might end up missing the final dialog like we did . . . when you see it, you'll know what I mean! It probably wasn't important whatever was said in those last seconds, but who knows . . . 

I'm stuck at home

Last Friday I went out to Eagle River . . . considered a day trip to the locals, but only about a half hour drive north from Anchorage . . . anyway, I'd tried all 4 of the Fred Meyer's in town to find the right size of boots for Emery. There were these darling snow boots that I couldn't pass up - so after failing to find the size at the 4 stores in town, I called the one out in Eagle River . . . and the lovely Russian lady (who enjoyed my name, since it's Russian and I told her my parents liked Dr. Zivago) told me they did in fact have her size in the purple/gray {plaid - a word I used, not her} boots. So I pack up the two boys and drive out there - enjoying "getting out of the city" for the day. 

We end up at the Fred Meyer only to find the boots she'd put on hold for us were in fact purple and gray, but not plaid at all. I was  mortified so I began searching the piles of boot boxes with no luck on finding the right boots in the right size. Discouraged, I decided to just look through the aisles of shoes to see if there was a good deal for any of my other 3 kids. Lo and behold, I find a small stash of winter boots in an odd spot and {heavens open to the sound of the holy choir} there are the right boots in the right size. What a relief!!! So I pick them up, find a couple other things, including a package of rolls we'd use at the duck pond and go pick up Jack from the Playplace. I get to the car and unload the two bags and box of boots - realizing that the rolls, intended for our next stop are no where in any of the bags. Weird. Jack tells me he's poopy - you know, what would my stories be without poop!?!?!?! And we head back in - I ask the cashier if she's seen our rolls and she tells me to just go get another package. So - I'm not about to run and get the rolls then hurry to the bathroom like some shoplifter. So instead I go change Jack and go back out to the car to check again. Still no rolls and by this time, the $3.19 for rolls to feed the ducks and geese is not as important to me as moving on. So we go to the next grocery store, buy a couple of our favorite donuts and a $1.39 bag of generic hot dog buns. (For those who always wondered how our grocery prices differ - eat that!!!)

We make it to the duck pond and although Jack has been commenting that he does not just want to see ducks and geese, but also elephants and giraffes - when we get to the pond, he's mesmerized by the hordes of foul and the one lone bunny. He has a blast and I'm so glad I took the boys. Sometimes things like that overwhelm me - what with the layer of green and white feces covering the tops of the deck and fence - and the stench and the gutsy little creatures that would probably nip your fingers off if you didn't just drop the piece of bread out of fear. But they had a really good time. We even shared our $1.39 bag of generic hot dog buns with another group of kids that came with their two mothers from Palmer, another 30 minutes north of Eagle River . . . they were coming INTO the big city of Eagle River. 

Anyway - enough of the ducks . . . we then head home and when we're almost to Anchorage, a strange light on my console brightens up and I notice my car catches once - like it was trying really hard to make it into gear. I just keep praying that if there's something wrong, we make it home. As we get closer and closer . . . the car is responding less and less to the gas pedal. It's just not going as fast as I'd expect it to. By the time I pull off on our exit, I'm sure it's going to coast to a stop and not make it home . . . but I gently continue to pump the gas and with a lot of prayer and hazard lights I make it into our garage with the stench of something burning pretty bad. I'm sure I made things worse by driving with it, but I just wanted to get my two boys home. So - today I'm without a car . . . which is probably just as well. I'm not 100% feeling better and would probably go out and overdo things, so I'm still going to take it easy today. The dealership couldn't take it 'til tomorrow - and then we'll see how bad the damage is. 

Just the other day I was saying how nice it is to have both our cars paid for and we're blessed to not have any car trouble. Fabulous!!! Does the new economy-boosting bill have anything in the fine print on extra funds for paid off cars??? 

I've lost my voice

It's so weird, but once or twice a year I get a cold, or allergies flair up, or stress gets the best of me and I lose my voice. I'm not sure which is the cause, but it starts with a bit of a sore throat and a day or two later I am achy and speechless - not that my lips aren't moving - but nothing of sound is coming out. It's so funny because the kids end up whispering when we're trying to communicate - I tell them they don't have to whisper, I just have to.

I wish I could figure out what it is and how to avoid it. But at least it forces me to slow down and take it easy for a day or two. Today my voice keeps cracking in here and there - so hopefully by tomorrow I'll be back 100%.

Eme's Room

So one of the things that kept me so busy a couple weeks ago was re-doing Emery's room. It was this horrid blue - including the ceiling. So I painted the ceiling white and the walls a light pinkish purple-ish, changed the light fixture, (Dan thinks it's weird to have a chandelier in a bedroom - but I think it's way too cute - and I would have loved a light like that when I was a little girl!!! plus, I really, really, really hate those typical bedroom lights - don't like their shape!), I made valances, we finally got a bed, (she's literally been on a  mattress on the floor for most of her life!) and added some accents we have been accumulating - I made the decorated canvas about a year and a half ago - and the photo is on magnets so I can change it out as she gets older. The quilt I made a few years back without a pattern and a lot of stress. Her headboard is really a little doll house - and even though I thought she'd fill it with animals and cutesie things - she's put in all her doll house furniture. There's a mirror we got from Southern Home Living on the wall you can't see - it's really cute and hangs at her height above a little end table that's part of the bedroom set. 

So, needless to say, I love the room - oh, and she does, too. I guess it's more of my childhood fantasy room, but I love being able to give my little girl a sweet, girlie, cute room. We've got so many males around here - and not a lot of opportunity to feminize the house! I added a couple of pillows I found today and I'm sure I'll be adding tidbits here and there. Man, she's spoiled!!!

I'm still a poop magnet!

So last week I smell that familiar odor in the garage . . . what? No one had anything on their shoes that I was aware of and I just didn't know where it was coming from. But Dan confirmed the smell did indeed exist in the garage . . . so after a day or two investigating - I found out there was traces of poop on my car tire. Who would-a thought? And although it was drizzling that day - we went for a full price car wash - undercarriage power spray included!

THEN . . . oh no, I'm not done yet! On Friday we had our family photos taken by the fabulous Ronalyn - she's always gotten great photos even when I'm sure the kids' less than cooperative attitudes would have prevented it. We did some shots out in the woods and wouldn't you know it . . . when we're back home I smell it again - it's getting to be far too familiar of a smell. Both Emery and Jack had some fresh poop on their shoes. Which translated to scrubbing not only the shoes but spots off the kitchen floor, hall, entryway and even front porch. Oh heaven help me! I swear I'm a poop magnet!

Dirty vs. Messy?

There are two ways I could ask this question . . .

1. Do you prefer your house to be dirty or messy?

2. Would you rather your house be clean or tidy?

Yes there is a difference. And for me . . . I'd rather my house be clean AND tidy . . . but if I had to choose . . . I wish I could say clean, but if I'm being totally and completely honest . . . I think I'd prefer tidy. Baseboards can be dirty, floor can be sticky, walls can have handprints . . . but get the shoes out of the middle of the floor!

Is it just me?

Good Book

I've been in a book club for a few years now - and this past week we reviewed "Three Cups of Tea" for our September book. It's a true story of one man who is combating terrorism in his own way - building one school at a time. His first school completed was in the little village of Korphe in Pakistan. The book tells of how this change in his life plan came about and how he got there . . . it's a fabulous story. Truth is, the actual book was hard for me to get through though. Some days I really had to MAKE myself pick it up again - but by the time I finished it, I was REALLY glad I had read it. It's amazing what this man has done. And it's amazing to me how far a small donation to this cause goes. SO - if you've ever asked yourself, "What can I do to make a difference in this world?" Read this book and/or go to this website and donate.

Sitka, Alaska

Almost two weeks ago Dan went to Sitka for the weekend on a "business trip." Some of his clients put him and another attorney up for the weekend at their Lodge/B&B/Luxury Hotel . . . It's out on this little island and they had to fly in on a little float plane . . . they took him out fishing . . . Dan says he threw up right before the fish tagged his line in the top photo. Guess the adrenaline of the fight perked him up. He had a fabulous time. The owners were more than wonderful, the food was fabulous and the experiences were one of a kind . . . I just think next time he "has" to take a trip to see these clients, he better take his wife!!! 

Crazier than Black Friday!

A week ago friday (September 12) was a big day here in Alaska! I had a fairly small list of grocery items to shop for and only a few errands. We started at the Dimond Center Mall where I wanted to get Jack a quick walk-in haircut . . . and with over half a dozen salons, I thought for sure we'd be in and out. Not so - we had to put our name on a list and wait over an hour. I was shocked. The mall was busy - almost like the holidays - and we struggled to get any purchases done while we were there. After the haircut we headed to Costco and once I saw the hordes of people pushing flat carts of TV's, furniture and other big ticket items, it dawns on me what's going on. It was the day PFD's were deposited into the residents' bank accounts. No wonder things were bustling like a huge holiday shopping day. We were very lucky this year, PFD's were big and early, plus they were accompanied be an additional chunk of money Palin kicked back to the residents for energy relief. 

So even though I didn't get anything that wasn't on my list, I still got excited and shared in the happy shopping day.

Aidan's Walking

Here's our little guy - once he figured out he could follow in others' footsteps (literally) - he would concentrate pretty hard - you could just see he was analyzing the mechanics of it all. He's such a sweet little squishy boy! I love how his walk is like a little old man waddle!

{Video Taken on September 10, 2008}

It's not like I HAVEN'T been busy!

It's been few and far between on the blog entries - I've been trying to get used to our routine now that school is well under way - along with some self-discoveries and re-prioritizing - and I've had to let the blogging slide. Hopefully I'm back . . . one of my self-discoveries {well, I've known this all along} is that I'm an all or nothing kind of girl. If I can't do something 100% and darn near perfect, well . . . I don't do it at all. Something I need to work on.

Last week I had a scrapbook class - well, really I just design (3) 2-page layouts, cut all the pieces and put them in kits. The "students" just need to assemble them. One of the layouts was about my new schedule (Some of the photos are included above):

Journaling reads:

MY new schedule-

Wake up and get on exercise clothes

feed kids

make lunches

see kids off to school

turn on TV for little ones

put baby in exersaucer

work out

get ready/eat breakfast

check emails

make beds

pick up messes

maybe do errands

maybe do laundry

for sure change diapers

do lunch

hopefully some scrapping

baby down for nap

maybe more laundry

anticipate kids coming home

watch Jack light up when they walk in

help w/ homework

get snacks

start dinner

do dishes

put away laundry

bathe/get ready for bed/read/put to bed

steal a few minutes & fall into bed

So as I try to keep up with my new schedule, I will hopefully keep you updated a little better. There are quite a few things that have happened - so keep checking, I promise I'll deliver.

I need an iphone!

Dan went on a big hike today and took my digital camera . . . I am so lost w/out that thing. It's only when it's gone that the best, most amazing photo opportunities come knocking . . . so you're going to have to believe me {until the camera's back and I can upload the proof} that Aidan is walking . . . I have a quick video of it . . . he's been so deliberately practicing lately - you can tell he's thinking about it and working out the best way to balance and turn and squat to reach the binkie and stand back up. He's so dang cute. You just have to believe me!

So if anyone ever wonders what I want . . . it'd be an iphone - I wanna text, check email, call and take photos - so whichever gadget can do all that - I want it.

Summing up a week

So it's been a few days since I posted . . . not sure why - but maybe it has to do with the internal reflection I've been experiencing. When that happens, I don't usually tell people about what's going on in my head - so I guess that bled over into my blogging . . . but to satisfy my continued desire to document my life - and to pacify those who have mentioned that I've not posted in 5 days - here is a quick recap of this past week.

Monday, Sept 1: Labor day - Emery and I bought her a bed - poor little lady has been on a mattress on the floor almost her entire life. (The bed should be here in another week or so) We went to see "Kung-fu Panda" and everyone enjoyed - that evening we had a bbq at our friends' the Hutchings'.

Tuesday, Sept 2: back to school routine. Worked on my to-do list of appointments to make. That night I met some girlfriends for a birthday party at a sushi restaurant, and although I don't eat anything identified as or related to fish, it was a lot of fun.

Wednesday, Sept 3: Emery goes to piano and begins to enjoy it again due to her father's willingness to practice with her - I love that they have that time together.

Thursday, Sept 4: There's a ward Pine-wood derby activity, but for some reason I'm not in the mood to go so Harrison and I stay home - 

Friday, Sept 5: I attend a "Time Out For Women" with some girlfriends - not excited about going in the couple hours leading up to it - but glad I went. Especially cuz  we went to Red Robin afterward and I got the fries I was craving.

Saturday, Sept 6: Attend the second day of TOFW and really enjoyed it. I re--evaluated my priorities and my actions, re--aligned my spirit, re--connected with friends. Good times.

Sunday, Sept 7: Actually shared my testimony in Sacrament Meeting - haven't done that in a while . . . but had something I had to say. Taught a great primary lesson to my class of 8-11 year olds. Made a HUGE chef's salad for Dan and I - but found the kids loved it . . . made cookies . . . had a great family day.

Monday, Sept 8: Working on my Scrapbook class I have scheduled for Saturday. Actually feeling creative again . . . 

Add probably a total of 15 loads of laundry in the past week, 15 sack lunches prepared, 4-5 big meals prepared, 5 or 6 loads in the dishwasher, and as many hugs and kisses as I could share . . . and it's been a busy week. It's funny how sometimes Dan comes home and asks me what I did that day . . . I can't think of what to tell him . . . but I am so exhausted most of those days that I just KNOW I did so much that my brain's fried. 

It's been a strange week. Lots of introspection. Lots of self-doubt. Lots of hope. Lots of family love. Lots of gratitude for my life.

"Mommy, I eat myself!"

So last night - like many nights, Jack is doing whatever he can to avoid going to sleep. It didn't help that he actually took a nap yesterday - yes, a NAP! Whew! So needless to say, he wasn't drop down tired when bedtime came . . . so he took to his normal fidgeting in bed - which means he was picking at his nails and skin around them. He's come to me a few nights with a nail hanging on by it's last life and had me pull it off quick and painless - but last night he comes down and says, "Mommy, I eat myself!" and since I understand Jack's vocabulary doesn't involve proper use of the past tense, I ask what part of himself he ate. He shows me his thumb - with a huge chunk of missing skin. Guess just picking at it this time wasn't doing the job - he had to involve his teeth and I couldn't help but laugh that he chose those words to describe it. Little bit of love, a dab of neosporin and a band-aid is all it took to help the little cutie back in bed. 

The KITE RUNNER made me weep!

Kite Runner, The | Quicktime - Trailer | Moviecentre.net

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Me: "I don't think I've wept like that in a movie in a long time."

Dan: "Ever!"

Me: "I've never wept like that in a movie?"

Dan: "Never."

I can't tell you how glad I am that I didn't read it. I probably would have been in broken spirits the entire time while reading it. Man - it was good - and so very disturbing. I just feel this horrible sadness for people living in places plagued by oppression and hate and corruption. Sure people argue that although it's sad - they don't know what life is like anywhere else. And I guess I do agree to a very slight degree - but honestly and truly . . . when something morally wrong is happening to them, when someone violates another human being, when a person is oppressed - they KNOW it's wrong. They know that something is not right with it - they know that what's happening to them just shouldn't be happening.

So yes, I wept . . . 

I cried pretty hard in HOTEL RWANDA

I cried pretty hard in SCHINDLER'S LIST

But nothing like the weeping during and for quite a while after THE KITE RUNNER.

I've rubbed shoulders with the Vice Presidential Candidate

Well, actually, she just rubbed my shoulder once. Just over a year ago Dan and I were at a Native fundraising event that Governor Palin also attended. I really wanted to meet her that night because she seemed so approachable . . . and even though I have reason NOT to like her (my husband told his brother during the Gubernatorial election that, "I'm voting for the hot chick.") . . . I can't not like her - she seems like someone I'd just like to hang out with.

So there I am, wanting to meet her . . . but about 8 huge months pregnant - and at that point, there's NO sense of self-confidence, right. So I didn't approach her. We were sitting down eating during the auction and Governor Palin is exiting the event - passes by our table, we make eye contact and smile - she rubs my shoulder and asks, "Hi, how are you?" "Fine, thanks." I say and she goes on out. Now - I don't know why she singled me out - why she acknowledged me - maybe it's because I was gigantor pregnant at the time - and she was expecting . . . although NO ONE knew that at the time. So - maybe she had pregnancy on her mind and felt a connection. Who knows - but it was kinda cool.

Now that she is McCain's running mate - it's even more cool. I am pretty impressed with McCain's choice - although totally surprised - she really is a great strategic running mate. There are a lot of reasons she's going to be great competition. I'm excited to see this race.

I'm not a link snob, I promise!!!

So I wanted you all to know that I'm really not being a snob about links to other blogs - I have only a few in my sidebar - but that doesn't mean I don't have a LOT of other blogs I stalk. I've seen people that have a HUGEamongous list of blogs down their sidebar and I just like things a little clean - ok a lot clean, I'm verging on OCD - but I wanted to share a few that I visit often . . . besides those I have listed permanently.

Seriously, So Blessed!

OK - so if your not LDS you might not get it -  or you might think we're all a bunch of fake, shallow, self-righteous, crazy people - but really and truly, it's poking fun at that sort of thing. At least I think it's poking fun . . . no one could be SO much of the stereotypical Utah bred mormon girl all wrapped up in one. But I tell ya' - whether the author is a woman, a dude, a spinster or whatever - she/he is HILARIOUS and I just laugh every time I'm there. Funny blog!

Scribbit

I think this is the first blog that really got me hooked into the blogging world. It was the first one interesting enough for me to think - hey, that blogging ISN'T worthless and a waste of time - maybe I'll try it. So here's to Michelle - oh - and I DO know her - we've even been invited to their home for an evening of friends and dessert and also shared appetizers at Applebee's. She's one of the top 5 mom-blogs in the country - and I know her.

Here is a collection of girls I've met here in Alaska through church - we've had a couple ward boundary changes since living here and it's facilitated getting to know lots of great chicas -

Running Like A Girl

aksmeds

Seriously Skinner

High Heels and a Sippy Cup

The Rockin' Republic of the Novakovich's

This is the group of girls I have gotten to know through working at the scrapbook store - It's a creative and talented bunch of ladies - and a lot of fun to hang out with.

Bridget

Paula's Place

La Dulce Vida

Living the Life

"Final Scene First Kisses"

The other night I watched "Penelope" after the kids had gone to sleep and Dan was out of town for the night. As of late I just don't watch TV or search out entertainment news. I didn't know anything about this movie - only that a few people I know have seen it and loved it. 

It was such a great  movie!!! LOVE James McAvoy! He's so darn cute. . . . as long as I don't think of him in Narnia with his freaky half-human/half-goat-ness. Ew. Anyway - when he's not a half goat he's a pretty hot guy. I absolutely LOVED the movie - and thought Penelope was even cute w/ her original nose . . . 

I loved that my kids saw it w/ Dad for Family Home Evening (I had a baby shower to go to) and they discussed it afterward w/ what Dan says were all the right things to get from it. What a great movie!

One of my favorite parts is the final scene first kiss - I had to re-watch it like 5 times. It was so great! And it got me thinking of other movies w/ that final scene first kiss . . . now, I don't have the best memory - so I checked a couple of my favorites out to find either it wasn't the first kiss - or the first kiss wasn't the final scene . . . so I had to really  narrow down my favorites - so if you have one - share it with me!

Didn't see that one coming!!! But it was such a good scene . . . 

"When was the last time you were really kissed, I mean really good and kissed?" or something like that . . . 

"Dave Gamilguard, New Year's Eve, '61"

"Ok then . . . "

SMOOCHES - I just think it's sweet!

So I think this has to be THE best final scene AND first kiss ever in a movie - and to combine them was just ingenious. That whole ending scene is great - I get teary-eyed every time . . . when the clock runs down and he's not there . . . and she drops the mic - and see . . . I'm getting verclemped just thinking about it. But then he's there, and she's fighting back the tears and the stadiums like, ohhhhh . . . then uuuuuhhhhhhh? then Ahhhhh . . . and he comes onto the field and approaches her with determination - yes, determination . . . and takes her in his arms and plants one on her. The world goes spinning and ahhhhhh - such a great scene.

What are your favorite final scene first kisses?

I really do love my horrible, rotten, mean, awful, sweet, wonderful, absolutely fabulous husband!!!

Alright - so we've fixed the ring dilemma - if you don't know what that means . . . click HERE.

For a couple months - I've been scouring the internet and jewelry catalogs at fine jewelers all over town - looking for my ring. I have seen some pretty close rings - but not what I've  got all stored up here in my head. Well - last week we had a breakthrough and the FABULOUS jeweler we've been working with and his wife (of Blakes Fine Jewelry) finally found the right setting. And a couple nights ago I'm asking about the ring - Dan's being overly analytical about his response to my analytical suspicions. 

So today I'm thinking - hmmmmmm . . . maybe he HAS it - and the only possible way for me to know is to check our credit card statement - so I go online and when the balance comes up I can tell the charge isn't there - BUT then I click on the statement and voila . . . the payment is pending. And I'm trying desperately to forget what I just saw and trying to convince myself that just because he's paid for it doesn't mean he has it . . . . then he comes home and gives me an extra smoochy smooch and I can tell he's got something he's not telling me - so I step back and say, "WHAaaaaaaT?" And I see that he has a ring box in his shirt pocket - kay, so I'm dying because I need to run now that he's home and take dinner to a friend that just had her baby (cute little thing!) and I'm just freaking out - do I run even more late or do I look at the ring I've been waiting for? Well, he pulls it out - opens the box and pulls out a little draw string bag - and from that, he pulls out a YO YO!!!! No lie! I almost punched him right there . . . so he tells me he does have it - but I should go deliver the dinner. 

Once I get home, we serve up dinner and I'm just dying - trying not to pry cuz . . . who knows, maybe he's got some specific plan, and I'm Sooooooo trying to work on my impatience . . . so in the course of dinner I can tell the kids know more than me and I start asking questions - 

I ask Harrison, "What do you know?"

he says, "I know that Dad's conspiracy level is greater than yours." 

WHAT? He's just cracking us up - and at one point while I'm bantering with Dan, Harrison also says, "Yeah - stick it to the man!" along with other hilarious dialog I wish I'd had a recorder for - that kid reads too much Calvin & Hobbes!

So finally Dan brings in a shiny silver bag and I'm shaking and SO DANG EXCITED! Well - it's EMPTY!!!! No wonder my kids can be boogers - they get it from their Dad. The kids are hysterical with evil laughter and I'm ready to burst!

Then Dan steps into the front room and says, "Maybe it's in here." - I follow him in there and he's holding an even more beautiful little box. I start getting all shaky and giddy - then scared spit-less because I'm afraid it won't be what I saw in my head - I can't hold still - I'm getting nervous palm sweat - and he finally opens it - and it's perfect. It's so beautiful! He says it's time to replace the old one and slips the new ring on my finger. I'm ECSTATIC! Of course I was all teary-eyed. I got so excited I just tackled him. The kids are all running around laughing and having a great time! Harrison's taking pictures and saying things like, "lemme get a shot of your love-fest!" (crazy boy!) And Dan says, "It's a lot more fun having all the kids here than it was the first time." I have to totally agree - I'm so glad they were there - so thankful to Dan for this beautiful ring - so glad we've had 10 fabulous years together along with 4 kids - many experiences - and more devotion than I've ever imagined. I so love him! Even if he made me sweat over it - twice!

Dan says I better be 100% happy with this ring because if I even HINT at wanting another ring he's threatened to get me one with hearts and dolphins! (No offense to you fans of  jeweled dolphins!)

Click on the photo to get a better view -

{Photos and Experience August 28, 2008}