Okay, all. Here it is. Nearly the finale.
Carina took the prize two weeks ago with her 2% weight loss. Great job, Carina!!
So, for the last time (for this competition, at least) find your percentage. Remember to use your beginning weight to see how much you've lost throughout the competition. Be sure to post it as soon as you can and we'll post our Bloggest Loser finale results by Wednesday. Why Wednesday? I don't know. Maybe it's because I like to spell the word "Wednesday". You have to spell it phonetically... Wed-nes-day.
I think it's past my bedtime.
And thanks for playing with me!!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Thankful Project
My friend Jeri Dawn has challenged her loyal blog readers to post the answers to a get-to-know-you question she posted: Ten Things You Are Thankful For Today.
I haven't played one of these games for a while and almost passed, even with Jeri Dawn's threat to come to my blog and call me a chicken. I was willing to take that risk.
But today was a rough day. The kids couldn't play quietly and the monsoon outside didn't allow them to go out and run around. Josh was trying to sleep for his shift tonight. I did NOTHING yesterday after getting home from our trip and I have a huge to-do list that I didn't accomplish today.
So, for the sake of my soul, I've decided to play.
Ten Things I'm Thankful For Today:
1. The rain. I have no grass for it to water, but the kids loved watching the streets and yards flood.
2. Our vehicles are out of commission. That may sound bad, but it caused Josh to have to call in to work, so I get another night with him before he works seven days in a row.
3. My sister and brother-in-law. With the problems of the car, Jabon came over to help Josh jump the car. When the battery proved to be beyond dead, Jabon took the battery out of his beautiful Mustang for us to use in the car so we can fix both the car and the flat tire on the van tomorrow. They help us a lot.
4. Gummy bears. They're good.
5. Reading time. I love to read with my kids. I read a different book with each kid, so after prayers they each read individually while I make my rounds. Matt and I are reading Eragon, Abby and I are reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Emma and I are reading Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites.
6. My fixed dryer. I did laundry today and it only took me into the afternoon, not two days like it did at the rental.
7. The storm is over. Now that the storm has stopped raging, my tv shows aren't being interrupted by the Emergency Alert System telling me where the thunderstorms and flash floods are happening.
8. The photo of Josh and the kids at the beach. That was one of the most perfect days we've had in a long time. It reminded me that not every day is a rough one.
9. Brownies and ice cream. They're also good.
10. I'm very thankful for the outlet I have of writing. Whether it's on Facebook or the blog or my book. I like to get things out and allow everyone to wallow in my rants with me.
So, Jeri Dawn, thank you for this challenge. I needed it. It's good to remember that I am thankful for things.
I haven't played one of these games for a while and almost passed, even with Jeri Dawn's threat to come to my blog and call me a chicken. I was willing to take that risk.
But today was a rough day. The kids couldn't play quietly and the monsoon outside didn't allow them to go out and run around. Josh was trying to sleep for his shift tonight. I did NOTHING yesterday after getting home from our trip and I have a huge to-do list that I didn't accomplish today.
So, for the sake of my soul, I've decided to play.
Ten Things I'm Thankful For Today:
1. The rain. I have no grass for it to water, but the kids loved watching the streets and yards flood.
2. Our vehicles are out of commission. That may sound bad, but it caused Josh to have to call in to work, so I get another night with him before he works seven days in a row.
3. My sister and brother-in-law. With the problems of the car, Jabon came over to help Josh jump the car. When the battery proved to be beyond dead, Jabon took the battery out of his beautiful Mustang for us to use in the car so we can fix both the car and the flat tire on the van tomorrow. They help us a lot.
4. Gummy bears. They're good.
5. Reading time. I love to read with my kids. I read a different book with each kid, so after prayers they each read individually while I make my rounds. Matt and I are reading Eragon, Abby and I are reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Emma and I are reading Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites.
6. My fixed dryer. I did laundry today and it only took me into the afternoon, not two days like it did at the rental.
7. The storm is over. Now that the storm has stopped raging, my tv shows aren't being interrupted by the Emergency Alert System telling me where the thunderstorms and flash floods are happening.
8. The photo of Josh and the kids at the beach. That was one of the most perfect days we've had in a long time. It reminded me that not every day is a rough one.
9. Brownies and ice cream. They're also good.
10. I'm very thankful for the outlet I have of writing. Whether it's on Facebook or the blog or my book. I like to get things out and allow everyone to wallow in my rants with me.
So, Jeri Dawn, thank you for this challenge. I needed it. It's good to remember that I am thankful for things.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Abby and the Didgeridoo
We had TONS of fun at the beach. As perfect as I'd like to naively believe our trip was, I do have to admit that we had a few fits and tantrums.
As I was having a moment of conflict with Abby, the thought hit me:
Abby doesn't march to the beat of a different drum.
Abby plods along to her own didgeridoo.
As I was having a moment of conflict with Abby, the thought hit me:
Abby doesn't march to the beat of a different drum.
Abby plods along to her own didgeridoo.
San Diego 2010
There is no Bloggest Loser this week because I had an inkling that we were going to be out of town.
It was a very fun, although fast, trip. I can't wait to do it again. Next time we'll have some more ideas of where to go and what to do.
And we were.
Monday morning we left to go to San Diego to visit Josh's grandparents.
He hasn't seen them since he was about 16 and his grandfather is in very poor health. We knew we had to make the trip before school started and not wait until it was convenient. We had a bit of time and low funds, but we still had a wonderful trip.
Monday night we saw Gramma and Grampa Essary.
We stayed at a hotel between their house and the beach.
The next morning was overcast and cool, but we decided that we HAD to see the ocean while we were there. We didn't change into our swimsuits since it was so chilly, but all four children ended up wet from their shoulders down.
We had some lunch and the sun came out, so we decided to go back to the beach. This time we wore our suits and did some major shell collecting. It was a good day.
It was a very fun, although fast, trip. I can't wait to do it again. Next time we'll have some more ideas of where to go and what to do.
The kids' first time in the ocean.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I Got Checked Out....
....but not in a good way.
I should be cleaning my house, washing laundry and doing the dishes, but evidently I've dubbed tonight "Catch Up Night." So, enjoy the next several posts and pictures and then be sure to post on Bloggest Loser.
So, Monday I had a dentist appointment. For whatever reason, I found it imperative to get every medical thing caught up this summer. Matt had his heart check up, we all got our eyes checked, and now we've all been to the dentist.
I'm not too proud to admit that we've been very slothful about getting to the dentist. In fact, Matt had never been before today. Josh and I have both had tooth pain over the last few years, but we didn't have good enough insurance to justify going. Now we do, so we did.
Unfortunately, I wasn't the easiest patient to attend to. Here are how some of my conversation with the dentist's assistant went:
Assistant: When was your last dental check up?
Me: I don't know. I think it was sometime in this century.
Assistant: Do you have any tooth pain?
Me: Yeah, for about five years I haven't been able to chew on the left side of my mouth. I think there might be an issue there.
Me: (20 minutes after the first question) Oh, I remember my last check up. It was 2001. {I remembered this because Emma was just a few months old and the lady at the front desk told me I was pregnant and wouldn't do x-rays. I laughed and told her I better not be because my baby was just a few months old..... I was pregnant. I found out about a month or two later when Emma was 6 months old and I was 3 months pregnant.}
After the appointment:
Assistant: You have some work that needs to be done. We can combine the work and get you done sooner.
Me: Yes, let's do it all in one appointment.
Assistant: You'll have to do it in a minimum of two appointments.
Me: Why?
Assistant: Because you need work done on the left and right sides of your mouth. The doctor can't numb your whole mouth at the same time.
Me: Oh. I have that much work to do? I'm awesome.
One of the office girls offered another a piece of candy. She didn't want it, but asked if I wanted anything. I told her, "No, thank you. Evidently, I have a mouthful of decay, so I shouldn't eat sugar."
So, today I got the worst of it done. Tomorrow I'll do the rest of it. Oh boy. I can't wait. This had better be the worst visit we ever have. Luckily, our insurance covers check ups 100%, so we have no excuses now.
I should be cleaning my house, washing laundry and doing the dishes, but evidently I've dubbed tonight "Catch Up Night." So, enjoy the next several posts and pictures and then be sure to post on Bloggest Loser.
So, Monday I had a dentist appointment. For whatever reason, I found it imperative to get every medical thing caught up this summer. Matt had his heart check up, we all got our eyes checked, and now we've all been to the dentist.
I'm not too proud to admit that we've been very slothful about getting to the dentist. In fact, Matt had never been before today. Josh and I have both had tooth pain over the last few years, but we didn't have good enough insurance to justify going. Now we do, so we did.
Unfortunately, I wasn't the easiest patient to attend to. Here are how some of my conversation with the dentist's assistant went:
Assistant: When was your last dental check up?
Me: I don't know. I think it was sometime in this century.
Assistant: Do you have any tooth pain?
Me: Yeah, for about five years I haven't been able to chew on the left side of my mouth. I think there might be an issue there.
Me: (20 minutes after the first question) Oh, I remember my last check up. It was 2001. {I remembered this because Emma was just a few months old and the lady at the front desk told me I was pregnant and wouldn't do x-rays. I laughed and told her I better not be because my baby was just a few months old..... I was pregnant. I found out about a month or two later when Emma was 6 months old and I was 3 months pregnant.}
After the appointment:
Assistant: You have some work that needs to be done. We can combine the work and get you done sooner.
Me: Yes, let's do it all in one appointment.
Assistant: You'll have to do it in a minimum of two appointments.
Me: Why?
Assistant: Because you need work done on the left and right sides of your mouth. The doctor can't numb your whole mouth at the same time.
Me: Oh. I have that much work to do? I'm awesome.
One of the office girls offered another a piece of candy. She didn't want it, but asked if I wanted anything. I told her, "No, thank you. Evidently, I have a mouthful of decay, so I shouldn't eat sugar."
So, today I got the worst of it done. Tomorrow I'll do the rest of it. Oh boy. I can't wait. This had better be the worst visit we ever have. Luckily, our insurance covers check ups 100%, so we have no excuses now.
Going to a Ghost Town
Josh and I have been wanting to explore a bit of the new world around us. My BIL Jabon told us about a ghost town he heard about that's only about half an hour from our house. So we loaded everyone up and went to check it out.
We went up to Superior, AZ, to the remains of Pinal City, AZ. Pinal City was a silver mining town from 1871 to 1894. Even though the town shut down 116 years ago, you'd think there'd be more left of it, but all we could find were some ruins of a few foundations.
This is what the town looked like around 1880.
The kids had fun posing for pictures near the geocache site.
Josh wanted some peace and quiet and took off on his own little hike. The yellow behind him is Matt and the rest of the kids coming to be by him. Peace and quiet? Come on, Dad. Really?
There were also some really cool mule train wagon tracks.
If you look in the picture below, you can see some round dents between the wagon ruts. Those are the imprints from the mules set into the sandstone.
The kids are showing how deep the ruts really go. Ducks in a row.
The wagons full of the silver ore made a round trip everyday from the mine to the mill. The wagons would be bound together and led by about 20 mules.
We went up to Superior, AZ, to the remains of Pinal City, AZ. Pinal City was a silver mining town from 1871 to 1894. Even though the town shut down 116 years ago, you'd think there'd be more left of it, but all we could find were some ruins of a few foundations.This is what the town looked like around 1880.
The kids had fun posing for pictures near the geocache site.
Josh wanted some peace and quiet and took off on his own little hike. The yellow behind him is Matt and the rest of the kids coming to be by him. Peace and quiet? Come on, Dad. Really?
There were also some really cool mule train wagon tracks.
If you look in the picture below, you can see some round dents between the wagon ruts. Those are the imprints from the mules set into the sandstone.
The kids are showing how deep the ruts really go. Ducks in a row.
The wagons full of the silver ore made a round trip everyday from the mine to the mill. The wagons would be bound together and led by about 20 mules.
One story goes that the mule skinners that ran the trains didn't get paid much. As the mules stubbornly trekked down the trail they would throw bits of ore at them. Then, friends of the skinners would gather up the ore and cash it in and share the profits with the skinners. That's one way to beat the system.
We also checked out the town of Superior while we were out there. Abby and Matt found this tree and decided to ride it like a pony. Unfortunately for them, we didn't stay out for too much longer. It was in the high 90s at 9am and we didn't want to get stuck out there when the real heat struck us.
We also checked out the town of Superior while we were out there. Abby and Matt found this tree and decided to ride it like a pony. Unfortunately for them, we didn't stay out for too much longer. It was in the high 90s at 9am and we didn't want to get stuck out there when the real heat struck us.
A Dip in the Pool
I figured I needed to get the kids something to do on these long, hot summer days. So, we got a pool. It's not the nice $15,000 underground pool that we wanted, but it works.
So, our set up is somewhat unique. Our backyard is nothing but sand. So, I took a HUGE tarp we have and put the pool on it. Then I used a second tarp to connect it to the patio. That way we had no muddy footprints. Aren't I smart?
If you notice Ashton, he's obeying the rules and staying on the tarp. What a good boy.
Emma decided to try some snorkeling.
Ashton's hair took after his Grandpa Eagar. I thought it was pretty cute.
Millie didn't care for the pool. She was more interested in running around in her cute swimsuit. Watch your strap, there, Missy.
So, our set up is somewhat unique. Our backyard is nothing but sand. So, I took a HUGE tarp we have and put the pool on it. Then I used a second tarp to connect it to the patio. That way we had no muddy footprints. Aren't I smart?
If you notice Ashton, he's obeying the rules and staying on the tarp. What a good boy.
Emma decided to try some snorkeling.
Ashton's hair took after his Grandpa Eagar. I thought it was pretty cute.
Millie didn't care for the pool. She was more interested in running around in her cute swimsuit. Watch your strap, there, Missy.
Oh Say, Can You See?
The girls got their reading glasses a week or two ago.
They like wearing the glasses, and the fact that they have glasses cases.
They like wearing the glasses, and the fact that they have glasses cases.
This is a picture of Matt pouting because he doesn't have new glasses.
The Bloggest Loser -- Week Thirteen
I know, I know. I'm late again. But it's been a long week already.
Cindy won last week with a 2% loss. Good job, Cindy!!
I found a little happiness in a 1.83% loss this week. Hooray!! Thank you, everyone for your candid honesty and support. You all rock and I'm kind of sad that this is coming to an end. I hate the fight to lose the weight, but I love looking forward to hearing from everyone.
I don't know that I'll get to post next week, so the next time we weigh in will be for the final weigh in on July 31. How much more can you lose in the next ten days? Feeling confident? Need a pick-me-up?
For now, weigh in here. And be ready for a final, July 31 PARTY!!
Cindy won last week with a 2% loss. Good job, Cindy!!
I found a little happiness in a 1.83% loss this week. Hooray!! Thank you, everyone for your candid honesty and support. You all rock and I'm kind of sad that this is coming to an end. I hate the fight to lose the weight, but I love looking forward to hearing from everyone.
I don't know that I'll get to post next week, so the next time we weigh in will be for the final weigh in on July 31. How much more can you lose in the next ten days? Feeling confident? Need a pick-me-up?
For now, weigh in here. And be ready for a final, July 31 PARTY!!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Date Night vs. The Morgans
Josh and I went on a date yesterday. It was fun. We headed to the dollar theater and watched Date Night. Last weekend we rented Did You Hear About the Morgans from Redbox.
The two movies are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I really liked one (Date Night) and really didn't like the other (The Morgans). However, they have a lot of plot in common.
Here are my recommendations:
Both movies are PG-13 and have some adult material (why do they always have to do that?).
First, let's start with The Morgans because I didn't like it. I had such high hopes for this movie, just based on the cast: Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliot, Mary Steenburgen. But, a cast can't carry a bad movie.
The premise is that Hugh and SJP are haughty New Yorkers who are on the splits, witness a murder and have to go into the Witness Protection Program. The main challenge is they have to appear to be a happily married couple while in hiding.
Unfortunately, it's not an uplifting, feel good movie or a tear jerker drama. It's an awkward, creepy movie. Okay, SPOILER ALERT: They split because of infidelity. Selfish, spoiled cheaters do not a cute comedy make. And most of the people in the small town they hide in are portrayed as simpletons that don't always get it.
Date Night. See it. We laughed. A lot. For sure.
Really, it has a great cast: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, Kristen Wiig, Mark Ruffalo, James Franco, Mila Kunis. I don't want to tell you too much, but a married couple (see above) are stuck in a bit of a marriage rut. In an attempt to have a great night out, they steal another couple's reservation at a fancy restaurant and are mistaken as the other couple who are involved in criminal activities.
It's just funny. I love Tina Fey, who not only can write comedy, but can act it. It's not very often that you find a funny female character, and even less rare to find an actress that can pull it off.
In summary: Don't bother with The Morgans. They can stay hidden in the Witness Protection Program. Rent Date Night. If you like it as much as I did, then you can buy it, like I plan to.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Tombstone or Bust!
Yesterday Josh and I took the kids out for an adventure. We called it:
Unfortunately, we got there 15 minutes after it closed. And 15 minutes after most of the shops in town closed.
But there were a couple of shops open. We had promised the kids they could buy whatever they wanted as long as they didn't go over their $10 max. So we now have a few new horses and cap guns laying around our house.
Josh and I thought it was kind of funny that the movie stills we saw were mostly from the Kurt Russell Tombstone instead of the Kevin Costner Wyatt Earp. Even the town of Tombstone thinks Kevin Costner sucks. Ha ha ha ha!!!!!!
We completed our adventure by taking the backroads home. It shaved about thirty minutes off our drive, even in the dark. It was a bit after midnight when we got home, but it was fun. 
I do think we need to go get the BlueRay copy of Tombstone. Who doesn't love Kurt Russell, especially as someone as cool as Wyatt Earp? He's awesome. Sam Elliot and Bill Paxton are wonderful as the other two Earp brothers, although Sam Elliot is my favorite of the two. And, of course, my loyalty to Joshua has numbed my affinity for Val Kilmer, but I still think he's great. Plus, he's got some of the best lines.
ADVENTURE!!!!
I know. Such a creative name. Really, anyone else may look at our adventure and think that it was just a bunch of unpreparedness. Well, so what if it was? We had fun, so that's all that matters.
I told the kids that we were going to go on a field trip. The girls got all excited and asked where we were going. I told them Tombstone. They started screaming and clapping and jumping up and down. Finally, after a good 60 seconds of celebration, they calmed down and asked me what Tombstone is. They're so weird.
I explained it's an Old West town and had some museums in it. They were excited (again) to go.
First, we left very late in the day. I don't know if my children have told you lately, but I'm pretty mean and made them do all their chores before we could leave.
Then, we grabbed the atlas and took off. We couldn't remember how far away Tombstone is since the last time we went there we had no children. But we knew it would be a couple hours.
Three hours later, we arrived in town. We went over to the O.K. Corral to check it out.
Unfortunately, we got there 15 minutes after it closed. And 15 minutes after most of the shops in town closed.
But there were a couple of shops open. We had promised the kids they could buy whatever they wanted as long as they didn't go over their $10 max. So we now have a few new horses and cap guns laying around our house.
Josh and I thought it was kind of funny that the movie stills we saw were mostly from the Kurt Russell Tombstone instead of the Kevin Costner Wyatt Earp. Even the town of Tombstone thinks Kevin Costner sucks. Ha ha ha ha!!!!!!
We saw a buggy driving down the streets of Tombstone, but we missed the shoot out in the streets.
We completed our adventure by taking the backroads home. It shaved about thirty minutes off our drive, even in the dark. It was a bit after midnight when we got home, but it was fun.
ADVENTURE!!!!
We now have a much better idea of how to do a good visit to Tombstone. The only thing really worth seeing in town is the O.K. Corral and it's accompanying museum. So, next time we'll plan it a little better. We will drive the backway to Tombstone and visit some really cool caverns in one of the towns nearby. Then we'll go to Tombstone for lunch, visit the O.K. Corral and watch the 2pm shoot out in the streets.
So, some may consider our six hours in the car for an hour look around Tombstone a waste of time, but we had lots of fun together. And that's never a waste.
I do think we need to go get the BlueRay copy of Tombstone. Who doesn't love Kurt Russell, especially as someone as cool as Wyatt Earp? He's awesome. Sam Elliot and Bill Paxton are wonderful as the other two Earp brothers, although Sam Elliot is my favorite of the two. And, of course, my loyalty to Joshua has numbed my affinity for Val Kilmer, but I still think he's great. Plus, he's got some of the best lines.
I'm your Huckleberry.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Extra Kids Thursdays
I've begun watching my nephews on Thursdays. It's been pretty fun. The cousins all get along (for the most part) and the only real challenge is driving anywhere to do anything. We only have 7 seatbelts in our van, so when I have 7 kids it just doesn't work. Josh and I both have to drive when we run errands on Thursdays.
Last Thursday I got a taste of what a *large* family deals with. Josh and I needed to get some things done and decided to try doing them with all the kids in tow: Cody (11), Emma (9), Abby (8), Matt (6), Brett (5), Ashton (20 months), and Millie (18 months). Josh took Cody and Emma with him to Walmart and started the errands there while I took the other five kids to check out what we needed to register our vehicles. Over by our former rental house is a third-party office where you can do your vehicle registration and so I went there. I just left the kids in the air conditioned van and ran inside the deserted office. I found out that I could easily register the van right at that moment, so I told the lady that I had a bunch of kids in the car and would go grab them and we could start on my paperwork.
When I re-entered with the five youngest kids, man, I got some looks. The lady said something along the lines of, "Wow, you weren't kidding when you said a 'bunch of kids'!" I told the kids to sit quietly and then I bribed them with candy. The kids were also offered suckers from one of the other ladies working there for being so good. And the kids really did a good job of being good and cute and helping me out. I got my van registered and there wasn't a single growl from any of us for any reason. Amazing!!
Then we went to Walmart and met up with Josh and the other two kids. We had one cart with Ashton in the seat and Millie in the basket and then the five bigger kids mulling around us. And we got looks and stares. I couldn't help but laugh. We were stopped by one guy who said he had to ask us if they were all ours. We kindly explained the situation. And then it turned out he was hitting us up to be our new financial advisor. Hello! We're in WALMART. We have no finances to advise.
Another guy asked if we'd had all these kids to get on tv. I explained that only four were ours. He kind of blushed and said that he just wondered since there are so many reality shows about big families these days. I told him that my husband and I value our marriage too much to do that. (Although I do like watching some of those families.)
Josh and I have always wanted to have a big family. If we can have days as good as last Thursday, I think I could handle a large family. Unfortunately, today Josh is recovering from working last night and it's 115 degrees outside (literally) so we're having a harder time staying home and staying quiet. I'm thinking I'm going to have to come up with something creative to remedy that.
Last Thursday I got a taste of what a *large* family deals with. Josh and I needed to get some things done and decided to try doing them with all the kids in tow: Cody (11), Emma (9), Abby (8), Matt (6), Brett (5), Ashton (20 months), and Millie (18 months). Josh took Cody and Emma with him to Walmart and started the errands there while I took the other five kids to check out what we needed to register our vehicles. Over by our former rental house is a third-party office where you can do your vehicle registration and so I went there. I just left the kids in the air conditioned van and ran inside the deserted office. I found out that I could easily register the van right at that moment, so I told the lady that I had a bunch of kids in the car and would go grab them and we could start on my paperwork.
When I re-entered with the five youngest kids, man, I got some looks. The lady said something along the lines of, "Wow, you weren't kidding when you said a 'bunch of kids'!" I told the kids to sit quietly and then I bribed them with candy. The kids were also offered suckers from one of the other ladies working there for being so good. And the kids really did a good job of being good and cute and helping me out. I got my van registered and there wasn't a single growl from any of us for any reason. Amazing!!
Then we went to Walmart and met up with Josh and the other two kids. We had one cart with Ashton in the seat and Millie in the basket and then the five bigger kids mulling around us. And we got looks and stares. I couldn't help but laugh. We were stopped by one guy who said he had to ask us if they were all ours. We kindly explained the situation. And then it turned out he was hitting us up to be our new financial advisor. Hello! We're in WALMART. We have no finances to advise.
Another guy asked if we'd had all these kids to get on tv. I explained that only four were ours. He kind of blushed and said that he just wondered since there are so many reality shows about big families these days. I told him that my husband and I value our marriage too much to do that. (Although I do like watching some of those families.)
Josh and I have always wanted to have a big family. If we can have days as good as last Thursday, I think I could handle a large family. Unfortunately, today Josh is recovering from working last night and it's 115 degrees outside (literally) so we're having a harder time staying home and staying quiet. I'm thinking I'm going to have to come up with something creative to remedy that.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Mottos by Mom
As a mother I say things, but they aren't what I really mean. I think I should just start calling a spade a spade and be honest with myself and all those around me.
Instead of: Come inside for dinner.
Should be: Come inside and complain about what my last two hours of effort have created.
Instead of: Get into bed and stay there.
Should be: Stay in your bed before I go insane because I need the quiet time.
Instead of: Don't hit your sister.
Should be: Don't hit your sister because it's annoying when she whines about it and I won't be so sympathetic when she tries to hit you back if you do it.
Instead of: Do your chores, please.
Should be: Start your whining about how mean a mother you have and that your leg/arm/head/stomach hurts.
I'm sure there are more, but I'm distracted. Emma is currently whining about her leg hurting even though she's supposed to be filling the dishwasher. And the amazing thing is that I wrote that last one before the whining began.
I called it!!
Instead of: Come inside for dinner.
Should be: Come inside and complain about what my last two hours of effort have created.
Instead of: Get into bed and stay there.
Should be: Stay in your bed before I go insane because I need the quiet time.
Instead of: Don't hit your sister.
Should be: Don't hit your sister because it's annoying when she whines about it and I won't be so sympathetic when she tries to hit you back if you do it.
Instead of: Do your chores, please.
Should be: Start your whining about how mean a mother you have and that your leg/arm/head/stomach hurts.
I'm sure there are more, but I'm distracted. Emma is currently whining about her leg hurting even though she's supposed to be filling the dishwasher. And the amazing thing is that I wrote that last one before the whining began.
I called it!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wonderings of a Former Actor
Lately I've been thinking about "Do Overs". If I had the chance to do something over again, would I?
What exactly I'm thinking about is "Would I do my college acting career over again if I had the chance?"
My first show, September 2003, that's me in the background.
My answer to that is, "I don't know."
A lot of incredible things happened when I went onstage in college. Onstage I found a person I never knew existed. A strong woman who worked hard and did well. I loved basking in the energy of a room full of people awaiting to see what art I could accomplish. I enjoyed the challenge of playing a person so completely different than me. I lived on the adrenaline rush of making an audience laugh or cry. I got to do things that others only dream of doing.
My brother JC and me (again in the background) in DMW. May 2006.
But there were some things that weren't nearly so positive. If you noticed, all the good things focus on me and my feelings. This was my major, my experience, my necessity. Josh actually got to share quite a bit of this experience with me, so I had him with me for a lot of it, but I expected a lot of support from him, more than I gave him I'm afraid to admit.
I also was required to read, watch, and act plays and movies that were not uplifting. My spirituality took a hard hit during my years at school. Besides my incredible husband, I think the only other thing that really saved my activity in the church was my calling as the Gospel Doctrine teacher. It was a tough calling to keep up with, especially with my hectic schedule, but the Lord knew I needed it. I needed it more than my class needed me.
DMW again. I only seem to have pictures from the dramas, not comedies. I look constipated.
I also had rehearsals from 7pm to 10pm Monday through Friday for six to twelve weeks a semester. That's a lot of missed bedtimes. A lot.
This is from one of the shows we took from drama to comedy two days before we opened. But this is just me backstage getting ready. I had to eat liverwurst onstage. The sign of a dedicated actor is when you don't gag on gross food your character loves. Blech! Feb 2005.
Writing it out, it seems obvious. If I had my college acting career to do over again, would I? No, I wouldn't. But that's because I already know that I was pretty good at what I did and I no longer need to prove anything to myself.
What's really important.
Now, I have an incredible husband, four strong and beautiful kids, a wonderful home, extended family I get to see often, and a strong testimony of the Gospel. Right now, this is what I need. It's even what I want (most days). And maybe I'll get to do theatre again someday. Maybe I'll even get to do it on my terms.
Wouldn't that be nice?
The Bloggest Loser -- Week Twelve
Last week saw two winners tied at 1% each: Mindy and Carina. So glad we've got a few more people in here with us.
We only have a couple of weeks left. Three, to be exact. Are you hanging in there?
I've hit a few realities this weekend. I'm late posting this (obviously) and it's because I haven't been into this at all. In fact, if I weren't hosting this competition, I'd have quit a long time ago. My heart has not been into losing weight, therefore I have lost no weight. I've actually gained five pounds since we began this. I don't know exactly why I'm struggling with this so much, but it's surrounded by excuses: It's too hot, I don't have time, My kids need me, My husband needs me, My family is in town, The bad food I bought the other day needs to be eaten and not wasted. It's everyone's fault but mine!!! I know that I'm not going to win our competition, but I sure am facing a lot of my obstacles and trying to learn how to overcome them. It hasn't worked yet, but maybe I still have some hope. Maybe I can figure out what I need. I don't need a huge body make over. I just want to slim down about 20 lbs so when I gain a little holiday weight I don't have to worry that I'm back in the overweight category. Or at risk for diabetes like both of my parents. Or look like the fat, mean ogre-mom I've become a few too many times lately.
So, post your weight lost, but if you can, please post something you've learned about yourself during this experience. Does a certain routine work better? A certain exercise? A certain diet? A certain hobby or habit? I could really use some inspiration. Let me know what's working for you. And that this competition hasn't been a waste of time!!!
We only have a couple of weeks left. Three, to be exact. Are you hanging in there?
I've hit a few realities this weekend. I'm late posting this (obviously) and it's because I haven't been into this at all. In fact, if I weren't hosting this competition, I'd have quit a long time ago. My heart has not been into losing weight, therefore I have lost no weight. I've actually gained five pounds since we began this. I don't know exactly why I'm struggling with this so much, but it's surrounded by excuses: It's too hot, I don't have time, My kids need me, My husband needs me, My family is in town, The bad food I bought the other day needs to be eaten and not wasted. It's everyone's fault but mine!!! I know that I'm not going to win our competition, but I sure am facing a lot of my obstacles and trying to learn how to overcome them. It hasn't worked yet, but maybe I still have some hope. Maybe I can figure out what I need. I don't need a huge body make over. I just want to slim down about 20 lbs so when I gain a little holiday weight I don't have to worry that I'm back in the overweight category. Or at risk for diabetes like both of my parents. Or look like the fat, mean ogre-mom I've become a few too many times lately.
So, post your weight lost, but if you can, please post something you've learned about yourself during this experience. Does a certain routine work better? A certain exercise? A certain diet? A certain hobby or habit? I could really use some inspiration. Let me know what's working for you. And that this competition hasn't been a waste of time!!!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A Lesson on Marriage
When I first went back to school in 2003, I decided to be a Secondary Education Major with an emphasis in Theatre. Sounds fun, but it was a lot of work. This major is actually equivalent to three separate majors: secondary education, theatre, and English. The reason for the English portion of the degree is because it's very difficult to find a theatre teaching position, so as an English teacher I could coach or direct drama as an after-school club, which is the way the school funds seem to be heading. I also had to take classes on teaching debate, something I'm not very good at and very much not interested in. Our teacher was actually the local high school debate teacher and he saw this more as a blow off class than the students did.
My debates were rarely researched, generally poorly argued, and overall abysmal. I don't like debating over any subject and I often found myself on one side of an argument with all my much-more-liberal classmates on the other side. I hated the class.
But there were a few times that I argued for something I truly felt inspired by. I argued for the Pro-Life side of abortion. I argued for respecting our Veterans. And I argued for the sanctity of marriage.
In the marriage debate, I became so impassioned for my cause that I forgot that my statements would most likely not be readily accepted. I shared the personal experience of the man who sealed Josh and me for Time and Eternity and his advice to us. He told us that if we always thought of, and acted on behalf of, the other person we'd never have to fall into selfishness and begin worrying about ourselves. In essence, if I do everything I can to care for, love, and provide for Josh and he does the same for me, I never have to worry about myself. I'm taken care of, Josh is taken care of and our bond grows even stronger. We become a stronger unit with Jesus Christ as our Center.
I finished my speech and I could see the look of disbelief in the eyes of every member of the class. The argument quickly became "How can you trust someone to always be there for you?"
I realized this topic was beyond their capabilities to understand. My love and faith in another person is greater than my own selfish limitations. But every one of them walked away from class that evening convinced that I had no clue.
But now, here it is years later and I'm seeing the effects that this advice has had on Josh and me. We still have years to experience this more, but what I've seen lately proves to me that I'm much happier when I devote my life to Josh than to myself.
My husband loves me. He treats me like a queen, and has since before we were married. He looks for ways to help me. He wants nothing but to make me laugh and be happy.
Two nights ago, Josh refused to watch a movie that my brother-in-law suggested. It's the Percy Jackson movie. I had told Josh when the movie first came out that I didn't want to see it because I don't want it to influence my own Greek gods story I'm writing. He was so loyal to me. It's probably really stupid for me to be like this, but he stuck by me and even stood up for me.
Then, last night, Josh ordered a gift for me. A few weeks ago I revealed to him a desire of mine. For quite some time now I've been wanting to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. So last night I discovered that Josh was getting me a guitar with lessons on DVD.
How can anything go wrong when I have such an incredible and loving man always watching out for me? He makes me whole. And I hope that someday those classmates and teacher of mine will be able to understand that I wasn't delusional. I was enlightened.
My debates were rarely researched, generally poorly argued, and overall abysmal. I don't like debating over any subject and I often found myself on one side of an argument with all my much-more-liberal classmates on the other side. I hated the class.
But there were a few times that I argued for something I truly felt inspired by. I argued for the Pro-Life side of abortion. I argued for respecting our Veterans. And I argued for the sanctity of marriage.
In the marriage debate, I became so impassioned for my cause that I forgot that my statements would most likely not be readily accepted. I shared the personal experience of the man who sealed Josh and me for Time and Eternity and his advice to us. He told us that if we always thought of, and acted on behalf of, the other person we'd never have to fall into selfishness and begin worrying about ourselves. In essence, if I do everything I can to care for, love, and provide for Josh and he does the same for me, I never have to worry about myself. I'm taken care of, Josh is taken care of and our bond grows even stronger. We become a stronger unit with Jesus Christ as our Center.
I finished my speech and I could see the look of disbelief in the eyes of every member of the class. The argument quickly became "How can you trust someone to always be there for you?"
I realized this topic was beyond their capabilities to understand. My love and faith in another person is greater than my own selfish limitations. But every one of them walked away from class that evening convinced that I had no clue.
But now, here it is years later and I'm seeing the effects that this advice has had on Josh and me. We still have years to experience this more, but what I've seen lately proves to me that I'm much happier when I devote my life to Josh than to myself.
My husband loves me. He treats me like a queen, and has since before we were married. He looks for ways to help me. He wants nothing but to make me laugh and be happy.
Two nights ago, Josh refused to watch a movie that my brother-in-law suggested. It's the Percy Jackson movie. I had told Josh when the movie first came out that I didn't want to see it because I don't want it to influence my own Greek gods story I'm writing. He was so loyal to me. It's probably really stupid for me to be like this, but he stuck by me and even stood up for me.
Then, last night, Josh ordered a gift for me. A few weeks ago I revealed to him a desire of mine. For quite some time now I've been wanting to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. So last night I discovered that Josh was getting me a guitar with lessons on DVD.
How can anything go wrong when I have such an incredible and loving man always watching out for me? He makes me whole. And I hope that someday those classmates and teacher of mine will be able to understand that I wasn't delusional. I was enlightened.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Matt's Birthday
Matt's birthday was last Tuesday. I can't believe my little boy is 6!
He got a new bike. He loves it, but it's a little too tall for him to easily get on to. He has to climb up the little electrical box in the yard to get on it. Then, he has to gracefully fall to get off it. He'll get it, I'm sure.
As you can see, riding it is not an issue.
Here's my big boy at his bedroom door.
Happy birthday, Matt-Matt. I love you!!
He got a new bike. He loves it, but it's a little too tall for him to easily get on to. He has to climb up the little electrical box in the yard to get on it. Then, he has to gracefully fall to get off it. He'll get it, I'm sure.
As you can see, riding it is not an issue.
Matt had two cakes. One on Tuesday with his sisters and cousins. His cake has Mega Tron and Optimus Prime on it.
His second cake has Star Wars figures on it. We had this one Sunday as our 4th of July cake with his sisters, cousins, aunt, uncle, and grampa. For months Matt told me he wanted me to make him a cake with Darth Vader and Yoda fighting. In the middle of the cake was supposed to be a sheet of glass holding Yoda so it can look like he's suspended in the air. Yeah. As much as I love my only son, there is a limit to my (and Josh's) cake decorating abilities. I did manage to make him an ice cream cake after seeing he didn't eat a bite of his Transformers cake. But, the Star Wars figures were $8 (marked down from $22.99) and so they sufficed for his decoration. He didn't seem to mind.
And look at the two babies. Cracks me up that they are the two kids hovering over Matt and the cake.
Here's my big boy at his bedroom door.
Happy birthday, Matt-Matt. I love you!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Bloggest Loser -- Week Eleven
Cindy won last week. Go, Cindy. Just imagine what can happen once you're allowed to exercise.
I'm sick. And it was Matt's birthday week. I did not complete very many of my goals. My head is currently so stuffy that I don't know that it's safe for me to write this, but I'm already late getting it posted. Anyway, I'm stable. My plateau is safe. The goose egg is secure.
So, do I dare, with my current state of mind, try to tell a little about the few who have stayed constant with me through this journey? Of course. Who am I to back down from a challenge? Everyone who's still in this is tough. You can all handle what I may or may not say about you. (I would throw out a crazy kind of laugh here, but I'd start sneezing or something and ruin the effect.)
Okay....
Amy. You can read her blog at Larsons Are Lucky. Amy and I met at Adams State in Colorado when we were both Theatre students. We didn't really know each other before we worked together on Good Night, Desdemona Good Morning, Juliet. I remember finding it surprising that we had been theatre majors together for a year and hadn't met. Not only because our department was small, but because we were the only two active Mormons in the department. It's funny how we Mormons gravitate to each other, no matter where we are. Amy and I were friends from the time we worked on Desdemona on. We were both pregnant during our time in school and took turns nursing our little babies in the Green Room. We lost touch for a while after college, seeing each other only occasionally in Walmart, but Facebook brought us back together. I like Amy. She has two beautiful little girls and is the busy wife of a trucker.
Carina. I lost Carina for a while, but the magic of Facebook brought us back together again too. Carina and I have been friends for a long time. I think our friendship really blossomed senior year of high school when we both served on the Seminary Council for our Released Time Seminary classes. We had so many great spiritual moments. I will always remember those first few weeks, especially, when we bonded and came together. Carina is such a meek person. I don't know if everyone understands the incredible compliment I mean that as. Meekness is Power under Control. This is what Carina is. She is a person of such strength, but she does everything with such love and kindness. I don't think there's a mean bone in her body (to use a bad cliche, but I mean it). She has five children and obviously adores them very much.
Cindy. Cindy has been my BFF since about 1992. Right? Cindy, if that's wrong, remember I'm sick. For Cindy's wedding each of her friends were asked to create a quilt square signifying some aspect of our friendship. Would it surprise anyone if I were to say my quilt square has a movie quote on it? I chose my first real memory of her. One day in 8th grade Cindy came bouncing over to me in our PE class. I sat in the back of the last row because we sat alphabetically. Cindy asked me, "Shelly, what's your last name?" I said, "I can't tell you that." "Why not?" I told her, "Because you're a straaaanger." That's a direct quote from Home Alone and Cindy played right into my 14-year-old-overly-dramatic hands. Cindy and I have never lost touch. She's an incredible friend that has been with me through junior high, high school, college, singlehood, young marrieds, childlessness, childbirth, ups, downs, the worst times of my life, and the best. I'm getting mushy and I know she doesn't care for that, but I love her and (except for Josh) she's the best friend I've ever had. She has four beautiful little boys -- although I've got to go see Number Four for myself. And she's the epitome of the term "Domestic Goddess."
We only have a month left of our competition. Think we can do any good? Calculate your weight loss and leave a comment. If you want to join us for the last few weeks, do it. I have a lot of weight to lose to reach my goal, so if you're just starting, you won't be far behind. At all.
So, tell me your percentage lost, your highs, your lows, your favorite color, your favorite imaginary creature. Whatever you need to get off your chest. And hopefully I'll be feeling better soon and back to my exercise regime. Hopefully.
I'm sick. And it was Matt's birthday week. I did not complete very many of my goals. My head is currently so stuffy that I don't know that it's safe for me to write this, but I'm already late getting it posted. Anyway, I'm stable. My plateau is safe. The goose egg is secure.
So, do I dare, with my current state of mind, try to tell a little about the few who have stayed constant with me through this journey? Of course. Who am I to back down from a challenge? Everyone who's still in this is tough. You can all handle what I may or may not say about you. (I would throw out a crazy kind of laugh here, but I'd start sneezing or something and ruin the effect.)
Okay....
Amy. You can read her blog at Larsons Are Lucky. Amy and I met at Adams State in Colorado when we were both Theatre students. We didn't really know each other before we worked together on Good Night, Desdemona Good Morning, Juliet. I remember finding it surprising that we had been theatre majors together for a year and hadn't met. Not only because our department was small, but because we were the only two active Mormons in the department. It's funny how we Mormons gravitate to each other, no matter where we are. Amy and I were friends from the time we worked on Desdemona on. We were both pregnant during our time in school and took turns nursing our little babies in the Green Room. We lost touch for a while after college, seeing each other only occasionally in Walmart, but Facebook brought us back together. I like Amy. She has two beautiful little girls and is the busy wife of a trucker.
Carina. I lost Carina for a while, but the magic of Facebook brought us back together again too. Carina and I have been friends for a long time. I think our friendship really blossomed senior year of high school when we both served on the Seminary Council for our Released Time Seminary classes. We had so many great spiritual moments. I will always remember those first few weeks, especially, when we bonded and came together. Carina is such a meek person. I don't know if everyone understands the incredible compliment I mean that as. Meekness is Power under Control. This is what Carina is. She is a person of such strength, but she does everything with such love and kindness. I don't think there's a mean bone in her body (to use a bad cliche, but I mean it). She has five children and obviously adores them very much.
Cindy. Cindy has been my BFF since about 1992. Right? Cindy, if that's wrong, remember I'm sick. For Cindy's wedding each of her friends were asked to create a quilt square signifying some aspect of our friendship. Would it surprise anyone if I were to say my quilt square has a movie quote on it? I chose my first real memory of her. One day in 8th grade Cindy came bouncing over to me in our PE class. I sat in the back of the last row because we sat alphabetically. Cindy asked me, "Shelly, what's your last name?" I said, "I can't tell you that." "Why not?" I told her, "Because you're a straaaanger." That's a direct quote from Home Alone and Cindy played right into my 14-year-old-overly-dramatic hands. Cindy and I have never lost touch. She's an incredible friend that has been with me through junior high, high school, college, singlehood, young marrieds, childlessness, childbirth, ups, downs, the worst times of my life, and the best. I'm getting mushy and I know she doesn't care for that, but I love her and (except for Josh) she's the best friend I've ever had. She has four beautiful little boys -- although I've got to go see Number Four for myself. And she's the epitome of the term "Domestic Goddess."
We only have a month left of our competition. Think we can do any good? Calculate your weight loss and leave a comment. If you want to join us for the last few weeks, do it. I have a lot of weight to lose to reach my goal, so if you're just starting, you won't be far behind. At all.
So, tell me your percentage lost, your highs, your lows, your favorite color, your favorite imaginary creature. Whatever you need to get off your chest. And hopefully I'll be feeling better soon and back to my exercise regime. Hopefully.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Eye Doc
So today we went to the eye doctor. Josh's and my eyes definitely needed some love. He's been wearing the same contacts for WAY too long and my glasses got stepped on the other day and nearly broke.
The girls also needed some eye attention. They are both getting readers that I pray they grow out of over time. Pictures will come after their new glasses get here.
We had a HUGE bill by the end of the day, but as ridiculous as it was, I was forced to consider how ridiculous the entire situation was.
I'm pretty sure eye doctors have a bit of a scam going on....
We walk in and agree to get a full check up because, hey, it's our eyes. We need to see. I remember the first pair of glasses I got. I was a sophomore in high school. I needed them to see the chalkboard. I hated wearing them, but I remember looking up into the night sky (standing still because otherwise I'd fall over with my new depth perception) and seeing stars. I hadn't realized until that moment that I hadn't seen stars in a long, long time. They were beautiful.
So, being able to see is important. We get the full check up, including the drops to dilate our eyes. We know Josh and I need new glasses, but now so do Emma and Abby.
By the time we are ready to pick out all our frames, our eyes are so dilated that we can't see clearly. Here's where the scam begins.
First, if you need glasses, but you're looking through clear lenses, you can't truly see what you look like. I think this is why so many people that wear glasses don't like to see themselves wearing them: they couldn't see what they looked like when they bought them. Hence, ensuring another trip in the future to buy a new pair of glasses.
The second part of the scam is the darn dilation. After trying on a few frames, you look at the price and notice that you can't see the price. It's in small print on the tag on the arm of the frame and you can't even read the LARGE print on the posters in the waiting room. You have no idea what you're about to pay. You have to say something along the lines of, "Matt, tell Mommy what these numbers are one at a time."
And then the final part is the "insurance" trick. After all the tallying, we actually saved about 50%. Doesn't mean we didn't spend an arm and a leg anyway. I'm soooo nervous for the girls to have glasses, especially glasses they don't have to wear all the time.
Maybe I can win back some of the money we spent today if I start a pool on who will lose or break their glasses first. Any takers?
The girls also needed some eye attention. They are both getting readers that I pray they grow out of over time. Pictures will come after their new glasses get here.
We had a HUGE bill by the end of the day, but as ridiculous as it was, I was forced to consider how ridiculous the entire situation was.
I'm pretty sure eye doctors have a bit of a scam going on....
We walk in and agree to get a full check up because, hey, it's our eyes. We need to see. I remember the first pair of glasses I got. I was a sophomore in high school. I needed them to see the chalkboard. I hated wearing them, but I remember looking up into the night sky (standing still because otherwise I'd fall over with my new depth perception) and seeing stars. I hadn't realized until that moment that I hadn't seen stars in a long, long time. They were beautiful.
So, being able to see is important. We get the full check up, including the drops to dilate our eyes. We know Josh and I need new glasses, but now so do Emma and Abby.
By the time we are ready to pick out all our frames, our eyes are so dilated that we can't see clearly. Here's where the scam begins.
First, if you need glasses, but you're looking through clear lenses, you can't truly see what you look like. I think this is why so many people that wear glasses don't like to see themselves wearing them: they couldn't see what they looked like when they bought them. Hence, ensuring another trip in the future to buy a new pair of glasses.
The second part of the scam is the darn dilation. After trying on a few frames, you look at the price and notice that you can't see the price. It's in small print on the tag on the arm of the frame and you can't even read the LARGE print on the posters in the waiting room. You have no idea what you're about to pay. You have to say something along the lines of, "Matt, tell Mommy what these numbers are one at a time."
And then the final part is the "insurance" trick. After all the tallying, we actually saved about 50%. Doesn't mean we didn't spend an arm and a leg anyway. I'm soooo nervous for the girls to have glasses, especially glasses they don't have to wear all the time.
Maybe I can win back some of the money we spent today if I start a pool on who will lose or break their glasses first. Any takers?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Abby's Baptism
Look at my beautiful girl.....
Abby was baptized June 19th. She said after she came out of the water that she felt so good! She was very happy and made Josh and me happy.
Abby and Josh right after she got out of the font and changed. I love her smile!!
We had a bit of a full house. It's hard to see everyone, but this is about half of our guests after the baptism.
Here's another view.
Josh grilled burgers and hot dogs. He's also sporting an original Taft! t-shirt. For those who didn't know, Taft! is my Non-Registered Trademark for artistic endeavors. My sister Tara and I tie-dyed a bunch of shirts for all of Abby's cousins and then went ahead and dyed some for the aunts and uncles too. It was a fun afternoon and made the BBQ nice and bright and colorful!
Me cutting the cake. I'm usually the one behind the camera, but my BIL Jabon was awesome enough to take pics for us. So, here it is. Me. In a picture.
And our beautiful, happy, and wonderful Abbalicious. She had a great day and I love and thank everyone who shared in her happiness with us!!
Abby was baptized June 19th. She said after she came out of the water that she felt so good! She was very happy and made Josh and me happy.
Abby and Josh right after she got out of the font and changed. I love her smile!!
We had a bit of a full house. It's hard to see everyone, but this is about half of our guests after the baptism.
Here's another view.
Josh grilled burgers and hot dogs. He's also sporting an original Taft! t-shirt. For those who didn't know, Taft! is my Non-Registered Trademark for artistic endeavors. My sister Tara and I tie-dyed a bunch of shirts for all of Abby's cousins and then went ahead and dyed some for the aunts and uncles too. It was a fun afternoon and made the BBQ nice and bright and colorful!
Me cutting the cake. I'm usually the one behind the camera, but my BIL Jabon was awesome enough to take pics for us. So, here it is. Me. In a picture.
And our beautiful, happy, and wonderful Abbalicious. She had a great day and I love and thank everyone who shared in her happiness with us!!
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