Flashies

Normally I do my Flashbacks on Tuesday, but I simply could not wait! Before going to bed last night, I was flipping through channels when I came upon something I haven't seen in years - an episode of 21 Jumpstreet. Hello! Me and my brothers and sister were so in love with this show!! I remember watching it every week, so devoted to Johnny Depp and his complex co-stars.

Last night's episode did not disappoint - it was a very deep story about the young detectives going under cover at a school for troubled teens. They were sure that this one kid was dealing drugs, yet he was so smart in school. It all but begs the question, "Why for must he be so troubled? This youth with such chiseled features and college potential?" Yet when they get to know this brooding young man, they discover that he is not 18 years old as his school records indicate, but a mature 22!! *Gasp!* When confronted about this lie, the heartbreaker confides that he is just....so afraid...of growing up. I mean, why can't we all be 18 forever, man! I wish I was making it up, truly I do. But apparently adulthood was a very serious fear for the youth of 1987. While I mock the silly plot line, I still watched the whole episode - loving every minute of it. I mean, a young Johnny Depp? Me. Yow. Anyone else have the theme song in their head? Just me? Ok.

Another blast from the past that took me by surprise - have you any idea what show is being resurrected for the new year? American Gladiators. Oh please, please, please tell me that I'm not the only person who watched this show when I was little.


Why I watched it, I'll never know - overly muscled persons in spandex that fought your average civilian with over sized foamy q-tip weapons. The Gladiators did what they could to discourage your everyday contestant, be it shooting them with foam darts or outrunning them on a obstacle course fit for hamsters. This show must have been a smash hit, because it's back. Oooooh, it's back. I think it's coming on in January with bigger! Badder! Meaner Gladiators and tighter spandex! Is it possible? Is it physically possible? When I find out the premiere date, I'll have all of you over to tune in. Bring popcorn.

Days Go By..

What a busy couple of days! This week is going by so fast, I can't keep up. Monday I met Hannah at the local McDonald's for some burgers and play time for the kids. Hannah was watching our friends' two little boys, so there were 7 kids to keep track of! We had the best time - I so love the McDonald's Play Zone. It was nice to have to kids run around and Hannah and I were able to chat. We met the nicest girl named Cheyenne (Cheyenne? Are you here? Leave a comment so we can stay in touch!) and her two little boys. The three of us talked for over an hour, it was awesome. Later that night I started making (and finishing up) a bunch of onesies. I'm mailing them out this week, I'll post pictures before I do - they are turning out SO cute!


Yesterday I ran some errands with Cache and Cole and while shopping at Target (no, I really had to go there, I promise...), Cache started to get really sick - luckily we didn't have to call for a clean up on aisle 7, but almost! Poor little dude, I think he's getting a bad cold. Once we got home, I got ready to go sing with Hannah for a YW thing. It was really fun, I always have fun with Hannah.


Now it's Wednesday and I have to finish up the onesies, finish up the painting, tidy up my house and take care of a sick little boy. Pretty sure I'll be staying indoors today. But! I wanted to ask you for some Christmas gifty advice. Every year Cody and I have a stocking competition - whoever gives the best stocking stuffed with giftys gets bragging rights for the whole year. Last year, Cody TOTALLY beat me, hands down. He gave me the coolest presents and just looking at my stocking, I knew there was no chance of me beating him. This year? I have to win. Any ideas?? Oh yeah, and no suggestions about me wearing only the stocking...

Slowly but surely...

The Christmas Season is upon us! I am SO excited, I can't even begin to tell you! I'm slowly getting all my Christmas things out so I can start decorating my house. I fully intend to saturate my house with Holiday cheer, I can't help it. I watch all the cheesy Christmas shows, listen to Christmas music 24/7, bake like Betty and buy too many presents. I'm also planning on sewing our Christmas stockings this year! Lots to do, lots to do...

Speaking of lots to do, Cody and I always have projects on the horizon. They mostly get talked about, never accomplished. We are putting a wood-burning stove in our Family Room and I would LOVE to have it done for Christmas, but I don't know how realistic that is. I guess if we had 2 or 3 solid days to work on it, it could get done...who knows. I truly hope it gets done soon...that will help me determine where to put our Christmas Village. We did start painting, so that should be done this week! I can't wait until the painting is all done so I can really get into Holiday mode. Now if you'll excuse me, I must join Cody in the kitchen to bake some Sugar Cookies...

Thanksgiving...

What a day! There are many pictures to accompany this post - buckle up.

First things first - the 5k!! Alright, it was more like a 6k since it was 4 miles...I got up early and layered up before going up to my parents house to pick up Andrea and Rich. The temperature? 23 degrees. We got registered and sat in the car with the heater on full blast waiting for the race to start. Hannah met up with us and we were all jumping around in the cold to prevent hypothermia. It was SO cold! Brr, I'm getting chilly just thinking about it. Here we are before the race...

Hannah and I showcasing our enthusiasm at the starting line...
and we're off!
The race began and we started trotting slowly. I heated up pretty quick which made the running bearable, but on one section of the course there was an extremely icy headwind - whew! I crossed the finish line in 50 minutes which isn't great, but hey - it was my first time and I'm pretty proud of that!
It was fun doing it with Andrea and Rich, and Hannah did an awesome job! I don't know that I will do that run next year, but it was fun. Now I just have to commit to doing a triatholon in April with the girls in Vegas...we'll talk about that later.

I baked some pies for dessert - here are the fruits of my labors (crumbs on the stove, nice). They were yummy!

After the race I took the boys up to my parents house for the Thanksgiving feast. A delicious meal, indeed! Cache decided to help my Mom frost her famous sweet rolls...well, by 'help' I mean he helped clean out the bowl.


Here we are sampling the sugary goodness.
I was able to take a little nap in the evening and then Rich and I rocked out on Guitar Hero. Cole hung out with my parents and watched his Mom jam.


His rockstar face is way better than mine, c'mon now.

Cody was able to come over for a few hours and it was great to see him - I'm about to head out the door so we can go have lunch at the fire station (Cody is working a 72). My sister and her family are here until Sunday, so I'm sure some more pictures will be taken and posted! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!...everybody ready for Christmas?

Thanksgiving thankfuls:

1 - My parents - I can ask my Dad anything, he seems to always have the answer! And my sweet Mother, overcoming her scary disease and having the strength to make Thanksgiving dinner! I am so lucky to have them as parents.
2 - My siblings - Andrea, Marty and Rich. They are my bestest friends, hands down. I love that we are so close.
3 - My Husband - Ahhh, Cody, still makes my heart jump. I love him so much, I don't deserve him! He is my world.
4 - The freedoms we enjoy. I feel extremely lucky to live in a country where our freedoms are so abundant. I know I take it for granted all too often.
5 - The knowledge of the Gospel.
6 - My children. It's still crazy to think I'm a Mom, I mean - we all know that I act like I'm 17. I feel so lucky that these little boys are mine. My children make me a better person...I love them so much.
7 - Having good friends. Recently I have re-connected with friends that I haven't seen in years and I love that. My life has truly been blessed with good, solid people I can call friends - they have shaped my life and I'm a better person for knowing them.
8 - Music. Whatever your fancy, music is so inspiring. I was listening to Christmas music while I was baking pies and the whole mood in my kitchen was so light and warm. Music can bring back to many memories and I love that I have come from a family who values music.
9 - My mind. Yes, my dear little brain. I have a knack for remembering things in detail. When I was younger, I would get teased for it quite a bit. I can hear something once and nearly remember it word for word. I didn't so much use that to my advantage in High School however...pity. But I am thankful for my sharp mind - it's a steel trap!
10 - My blog. What would I do without this outlet! I love being able to use this as my journal as well as a little window into my silly life for faraway friends and family to keep tabs on me.

Again, HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!

Eve of Turkey

I can't believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Where did this month go? So much to post about - my sister came into town and on Monday night she and my Mom came over to watch a movie and play a little Guitar Hero. It was so nice to hang out! Also - my sister introduced me to a new band called "Moving Units". Heard of them? Go check out the album called "Hexes for Exes" - fanfreakingtastic.

Yesterday my sister and I went to the track in the morning to run our guts out. Some of you may know that tomorrow morning I am running a 5k (ok, more than a 5k...it's about 4 miles) with my sister, brother and Hannah! I've been posting all about it on my fitness blog (www.readysteadyfit.blogspot.com). After we got a few miles in, we met up with my Mom and headed up to The Gateway to do some shopping! It was so much fun, just to spend the day with them. Cody was able to watch the kids, so I got the whole day to myself! We go in some lovely shopping and left with some treasures. Then last night after Cody and I made some dinner, Adam and Ann and Grady all came by. We visited and the boys rocked out on Guitar Hero. It was so great to see them!

This morning Cody went and picked up our new car - a '66 Dodge Coronet.


I know she looks a bit rough, but the engine sounds AWESOME. That low purr, so sexy. It has a 440 engine with dual exhaust (I'm told that is wicked awesome). I should probably call her 'the mistress' since Cody might be spending more time on the car than with me. Ha!

Today I actually have to brave Costco (I know, the day before Thanksgiving, am I crazy?) and have some pies to make. I LOVE baking pies for Thanksgiving! I'm very excited - Cody actually has to work tomorrow (so sad), but he should be able to come home in the evening to spend a few hours.

I'll be taking lots of pictures of the race tomorrow - I have to document this event because it may never happen again. I'm strangely excited to do this, I just hope I survive! Wish me luck! And to all of you who I love so much and am so thankful for, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today's thanks...

1 - That Cody wasn't upset at me that I pretty much blew our sons' college tuition at Target the other day...
2 - The sounds that Cole makes when he's happy. I could watch him for hours as he smiles at himself and squeaks.
3 - Days that I get to spend with my Mom and my sister, I love them so much.
4 - The fact that Cache talks so well and so clear - I love hearing him talk, especially when he's mimicking me.
5 - My little family.

What he does

Cody sent me this email today. It was sent to him by someone in the Fire Department. Have a read...

I wish you could know what it is like to search a burning bedroom for trapped children at
3:00 AM, flames rolling above your head, your palms and knees burning as you crawl, the floor sagging under your weight as the kitchen below you burns.

I wish you could comprehend a wife's horror as I check her husband of 40 years for a pulse and find none. I start CPR anyway hoping to bring him back, knowing intuitively it is
too late, but wanting his wife and family to know everything possible was done to try and save his life.

I wish you knew the unique smell of burning insulation, the taste of soot-filled mucus, the feeling of intense heat through your turnout gear, the sound of flames crackling, the eeriness of being able to see absolutely nothing in dense smoke - sensations that I've become too
familiar with.

I wish you could know the frustration I feel in the cab of the Engine or Ambulance, my foot pressed on the gas pedal, as you fail to yield the right-of-way at an intersection or in traffic. When you need me however, your first comment upon my arrival will be, "It took you forever to get here!"

I wish you could know how it feels to walk in the back door and greet my parents and family, not having the heart to tell them that I nearly did not come back from the last call.

I wish you could feel the hurt as people verbally and sometimes physically abuse us or belittle what we do, or as they express their attitudes of "It will never happen to me". I wish you could realize the physical, emotional and mental drain of missed meals, lost sleep and forgone social activities ... in addition to all the tragedy my eyes have seen.

I wish you could know the brotherhood and self-satisfaction of helping save a life or preserving someone's property, or being able to be there in time of crisis, or creating order from total chaos.

Unless you have lived with this kind of life, you will never truly understand or
appreciate who I am, what we are, or what our job really means to us...

I wish you could.



Here are my thankfuls...

1 - That Cody is a Firefighter. I am so proud of him and what he does.
2 - That Cody makes me feel so safe. Even when we were dating, I always felt so safe with him. I love knowing that he will always be able to take care of me and our family.
3 - That Cody cares so much. He is truly the most giving and selfless person I have ever known.
4 - That Cody loves what he does for a living.
5 - That Cody comes home safely to me after every shift.

M3's and Lunchies

Glorious day today, glorious. Matt and Evana came over with their boys and spent the afternoon with us! We had a delicious lunch and talked constantly - I love them. They gave us tickets to hear Evana sing in a choir on Wednesday night and we're really excited to go! Frank and Hannah will be going with us and although it's a formal affair, I'm planning on making some huge signs on poster board for Evana. Any ideas on what they should say? "Go Evana!" "Ring a Sing Sing!"

My Brother Rich also stopped by and had some of our lunch goodness. Have I mentioned that he recently purchased a sexy BMW M3? White with black leather interior? Bells and whistles? No? Yeah, well - he did and it's glamorous. That automobile is a rocket, SO fast! He took me for a spin (literally, we fishtailed and it rocked) and I am officially in green with envy.

This week has many exciting things in store - tomorrow my sister is coming into town (YAY!) and we're planning on watching some girly movies together. Fantastic. Then on Tuesday we're going to spend the day with my Mom and do some shopping - always a good idea. Cody will be getting the new Coronet that day, as well (I'll post pictures!). Tuesday night I have a meeting to help plan my High School's 10 year reunion. I so can't believe it's been 10 years...Don't have many plans on Wednesday, except maybe to panic because early Thursday morning I am running a 5k. I have logged about my preparation for said race on my fitness blog (www.readysteadyfit.blogspot.com) and I have to admit that I'm a little nervous. I know I'll finish and I know it won't kill me, but I also know that it will be FA - REEZING that morning. Not so much looking forward to that part. Burr. I am running with Andrea and Richard, and Hannah may join us as well! Any one else want to participate in an arctic jog? Let me know. I think the main thing that will get me through that 5k will be the knowledge that a juicy turkey is waiting for me - I'm stoked for Thanksgiving!

Here are my Thanks for today:

1 - Digital Cameras. But did I use it today to document our lovely afternoon? Of course not, because I'm lame.
2 - Frozen cookie dough. So perfect when you want a quick dessert and the frozen cookies we have are so delish.
3 - Overnight shipping.
4 - Heat.
5 - This time of year. I so love the Fallidays. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. There is a distinct feeling in the air and I always want to bake something...frozen or otherwise.

35 Years

Happy Anniversary to my parents! They are spending a romantic weekend getaway in Scottsdale. There is no denying that my parents are ridiculously in love - when you meet them it's evident how much they mean to each other. My Dad worships the ground my Mom walks on - he does so much for her and is her biggest fan. My Mom is so supportive of my Dad and she still gets all mushy when he's around. I know, it gets nauseating - my sister and brothers and I have developed somewhat of an immunity, what with watching them be all kissy in front of us all our lives. I feel lucky to have such loving parents who really love each other. Here's to 35 more!

I have so much to post about, all these topics that have been going through my mind since...oh, yesterday. I have a lot to do today, so I will have to postpone said topics until tomorrow or the next day, but nevah feah! That just means that some trivial posts are on the horizon!

Saturdays Thankfuls...

1 - My own marriage. Cody is the perfect balance for me. When I think about it, Cody and I are very different. At least, we were when we started dating. I was a poser skater girl who loved punk music and Cody was a quiet cowboy who owned a Harley and a horse. But the more we dated, the more we had in common - our views and opinions and plans. I fell in love with him, who he is. Marriage is tough and we certainly have our moments, but there isn't anyone I would rather spend my life with.
2 - My sister. I love that I can tell her anything, ask her anything...she is my bestest friend and I love her, love her, love her.
3 - That I grew up in a creative family. I have so many memories of sitting at our dining table painting plasters, carving pumpkins or coloring pictures. Our parents really encouraged us to be creative and it still inspires me.
4 - My DVR. Dude - if I couldn't record my favorite shows, I don't know what I would do. Commercials are so last season!
5 - Braces. I have posted pictures of me before my orthodontic intervention and lets be honest, they weren't pretty. Hooray for brackets and wires that result in a straight smile!
5a - And thanks to my sister for marrying an orthodontist - now my kids will have straight teeth!

Friday I'm in Love!

What is it about Fridays? I mean, yeah - the weekend, but Friday has this little spark about it...oh it's fabulous. Perhaps it's because I always feel like Friday night should be celebrated with a night on the town, or something. Hannah and I are going to dinner tonight and I'm stoked!

Today Cody was able to take a few hours off (always nice when he's working a 72 hour shift), so I picked him up at the Fire Station and we went to lunch with my Grandparents. Cache loves them and my Grandmother was excited to spend some time with Cole.


I must say, my Grandparents are so incredible - I love them so, so much. I'm glad that we are so close with them and that my kids are getting to know them. They have lived such amazing lives and are the classiest couple.

Random note - I found some tunes that I LOVE and since I'm such a giver, I thought I would share them with you. The songs are called "Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop" and "Can't Let Go", both by Landon Pigg. "Can't Let Go" is available on iTunes, but you can only hear "Coffee Shop" on his MySpace page - http://www.myspace.com/landonpiggmusic. Go have a listen!

Before I post my daily thankfuls, I thought I should post about some other things that I've been thinking about. Remember how I said that since my Sister and I have decided to post things we are thankful for this month, we have also been thinking about things we love and hate? (It was in this post, feel free to read). Today I was thinking of just a few things that...confuse me. Here we go...

1 - When a I see super nice wheels on a crappy, rusty car. What the? Note - usually these are ghetto wheels, but you get what I mean.
2 - Why do people where a sweater, a coat, jeans and flip flops in the Winter? Don't your feet get cold?
3 - When I see people walking on the sidewalk...with no bag or purse...just empty-handed...walking....I mean, where are they going?

Ok, enough - here are my daily thanks:

1 - For my Grandparents. I love them so much - such solid people that inspire me.
2 - Guitar Hero. Yep, I'm that shallow.
3 - Target. As my sister put it, "Crack for Moms". I could spend hours in that store!...and I do.
4 - Modern medicine.
5 - The nights that Cody and I make dinner together.

Busy Day...

Yesterday was crazy! Lots going on. Cody and I took the boys to a matinee to see "Bee Movie". We've never taken Cache to a movie theater before, so I wasn't sure how he would handle to ginormous screen, but he did great! He took a little handful of popcorn at the beginning of the movie and 45 minutes later, it was still in his hand. He was totally mesmerized...Cole was great, he handled the loud noised and huge screen like a champion! Speaking of movies, Cody and I went out on Monday night and saw "Dan in Real Life". Have you seen this?? Oh my, I so loved it. It was fabulous! If you haven't seen it yet, go see. Now. Also, the music in it is great!

After the movie we had lunch and came home for a few minutes. Then it was off to the paint store to purchase gallons of paint for a plethora of rooms in our house. Cody is at work for the next 3 days, so I'll have to get started by myself. I'm hoping to get the nursery painted (yeah, we're re-doing it...) and Cache's room started. I'm really excited to see how the Family Room will look when it's done, but I can't move the furniture by myself lest I give myself a hernia. Pass!

Then last night we drove down to Centerfield so Cody could look at an old car. It's a '66 Dodge Coronet and it's in pretty good condition. Cody is really excited about it and he's going to go pick it up on Tuesday. I'll take some pictures and post them when the lovely thing graces our driveway. Cody loves projects and while I know he already has way too many of them, I have allowed him to take on one more with this car. Now now, before you started yelling and questioning as to why I agreed to such a thing, Cody and I talked about a few things before we bought it - how I want some things to get finished before he starts on the car and that I don't want it to go un-touched at the side of our house for the next year, etc. Plus...well, he is just so excited about it that I couldn't say 'no'...stupid Cody charm.

Didn't post any thankfuls yesterday, so here's today's 10!

1 - Previews. Oh, how I love watching movie previews! There are some sweet shows coming out, but that's for another post.
2 - Provo. Say what you will, I love this City.
3 - Garden gloves. Cody bought me some leather working gloves a few years ago and I have loved them! Who knew that I could get excited about pruning and weeding with those baby's on?
4 - Cache and Cole, my little boys. True, they drive me crazy - but I love being their mom.
5 - Band aids. I hate blisters...
6 - Hearing Cache play in his room. I always have to cover my mouth so he doesn't hear me laughing when he's playing with his stuffed animals saying things like, "Oh, don't worry buffalo, do you want to take a nap? Are you tired? Ok, that's perfect, we can do that".
7 - Baby Einsteins DVD's.
8 - My iPod.
9 - Cody's sense of humor. He is SO funny, I love how clever he is. And...he laughs at my jokes, which is nice.
10 - Kate. This thank you is long overdue. Kate is brilliant and one of my oldest friends (i.e. oldest friendships, Kate will never be old). I can call Kate with any random question and she always knows the answer. Even if she just made up an answer, I would accept it as fact because she's just that convincing.

Flashback Tuesday

Today I have decided to post some of my favorite pictures of posts past. Photographic gems!












And here are today's top 5 thanks -
1 - Dishwashers. Yep - I would be lost without it!
2 - Zip lock baggies.
3 - Crock pots. Can any dinner go wrong with one of those?
4 - Online shopping. I love it! Whenever I have a few spare minutes, I love to just browse around online...
5 - Caller ID.

Yo - I updated my fitness blog - got take a looky! www.readysteadyfit.blogspot.com

Warmth

I often complain about how my home is never in the shape I want it in. There is always a project I want done or a room I want painted. When people come in my home, I generally shower them with disclaimers about my house - "Oh, we're painting soon, that's why the room looks like this", or "Excuse the mess, this is the room that time forgot", like they're going to disown me because my house isn't impeccable 24/7. While my friends and family have been overly forgiving with pats on the back and comments like, "Oh, we don't care!", I have always felt self-conscience about my house.

And I'm sick of it.

Do I want my house clean? Yes. Do I want it to look cool? Yes. Do I want it to reflect who Cody and I are? Yes. Is that always possible? No. While I would love to have a home like my parents (all done and furnished), it's not going to happen. It's taken them 35 years to get to that point - why in the world should I pressure myself into having "that house" in under 5? Each time I go to my sister's house, I sigh and think, "Man...I would love this". Um, she's been working on her home for over 11 years! And they still have projects in the works.

This is what I've decided. While I can't always control the state of my home, what I can control is the feeling that people have when they come here. I want my home to feel warm, inviting, comfortable, 'lived in'. I don't want my friends to feel like they can't open our fridge for a drink or put their feet on our coffee table. I want people to love being here - to enjoy themselves and relax, feel welcome. I realize that the best way to achieve that atmosphere is by changing my attitude, my anxiousness when people come over. As my wise friend Brittany said when I was feeling overwhelmed, "You know what? My children and husband are fed, they are dressed, we are happy - so what if there are dust bunnies under the fridge or if there's laundry on the couch?"

So! I'm stopping the madness. No more will I make excuses for how my house looks - this is where we live, how we live, what we live in and we are blissfully happy! Transforming your home into your ideal dwelling takes time, trial and error. I'm sure Cody and I will always have projects to do and things we want to change. Our house will certainly be in disarray at times when people drop by, that's the way life is. But as long as people keep coming by...well then, I guess that means I'm doing something right!

That being said, here are my 5 thankfuls...

1 - Our home. Yeah, I went there. I feel very, very blessed that Cody and I have a home to call our own.
2 - My mother, for teaching me the 'Toothbug' song. I sing it to Cache every night before we brush his teeth.
3 - My brothers, Marty and Richard. They are two of the most outstanding men I have ever met and I am so proud of them!
4 - My testimony of the Gospel - the knowledge of something so solid.
5 - Cody. For picking me.

Thanksmas?

My home is confused. It's current decorated style is somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas. "How is that possible?" you ask? I have a Christmas doormat outside, my living room couch has a festive red throw and green pillows. Then you enter the kitchen which showcases fall leaf garlands on top of my cabinets...with orange lights for pin ache'. And yet, above the stove there is a "Merry Christmas" sign. Oh, and we still have our huge Halloween spider and web on our roof. Identity crisis?

Moving down to the family room - it looks like we've moved. The walls are totally bare because we are painting next week! Woo-Hoo! I'm SO excited to see it all done, the poor little walls are looking quite sparse. Once that is done, we are hoping to start construction on a (drum roll) wood burning stove. Cody and I have wanted a stove in the family room for years - that room gets so chilly in the Winter and I LOVE the smell of those roasty heaters. We both want it done before Christmas and I'm so hoping that happens. I would love to have it done long before then so I don't have to put my Christmas tree next to a hole in the wall.

We have had quite a weekend full of Guitar Hero! On Friday The Burch's and The Harward's joined us for an evening of rocker magic. We had so much fun! We'll have to have them over again soon. Last night Hannah, Matt and Evana and JC came over to sample the Guitar Hero goodness. Again, a fabulous time was had by all! We're sure seeing a lot of our friends lately. Hmm, you don't think....no, of course not. It couldn't possibly be just because we have Guitar Hero, do you? No....no I...I'm sure our friends like us for 'us'....right?

Sunday's Thankful 5 -
1 - Heated seats in my car. Mmmm, toasty.
2 - Cody. I'm sure Cody will make my list a plethora of times this month, but today I am thankful for him because he made me a Wife and a Mother.
3 - Our king mattress. People? It's the only way to go. How I adore being able to spread out!
4 - Sunday afternoons. I don't know what it is about Sunday afternoons, but there is a little feeling in our home and I love those days with our family.
5 - How close I am to my siblings and my parents. My sister and brothers and I are painfully close and my parents are incredible - we truly are the best of friends.

Super Saturday

I don't have much time to blog - believe it or not, I actually have a life and I've been neglecting it lately! Much to do today, but I wanted to post my daily 'Thanks'.

5 things I'm thankful for...
1 - Rhonda. Rhonda is in town for the weekend and we were able to spend some time together last night. I love her!
2 - Whitney. This is my dear friend who I went to High School with. We reconnected through blogging and I have LOVED it! She is the coolest chick ever and I love that we are becoming good friends.
3 - Garbage Day. Random? Yes I know, but I do enjoy rolling out my over-stuffed garbage can every Monday morning and having the garbage magically disappear. Ahh, rubbish away!

4 - The Magic Chair. This little device is a small, vibrating chair for Cole to sit in. It totally calms him down, thus the title of 'The Magic Chair'.
5 - Self check-out at the grocery store. Where has that been my whole life? I love being able to run in for something, rush through the self check-out and get back to my car in under 5 minutes. Oh yeah, it's been done...

Reflect-shon

Last night was I was talking to my sister about our daily 'thanks' that we put on our blogs. This little challenge has made me so aware of everything - not just things I'm thankful for, but things that I love and things that drive me crazy. We were laughing our heads off last night talking about how we could maybe turn something we hate into something we're grateful for.
"I'm thankful for the fact that I'm the only person on the road who uses a blinker"
"I'm thankful that I'm the only person that, when making a right hand turn, actually stays in the far right hand lane as the law intended."
"I'm thankful that my parents taught me how to not be an idiot"

So! Today I will be posting 5 things I'm thankful for, 5 things I love and 5 things I can't stand. I know it's not the original plan I had in mind, but hey - my challenge my rules.

5 things I can't stand...
1 - When someone has their car stereo turned up SO LOUD that my own car is shaking. Seriously...
2 - When people don't put their grocery carts in the cart return. I know that sometimes it's not possible or what have you, but when I see somebody load the groceries into their car and then simply push the cart into a clear spot and drive away? C'mon now.
3 - The phrase, "I'm trying to think..". I'm totally guilty of this - someone will ask me something and I'll reply, "I'm trying to think..." I mean, what is that all about? Trying think? Am I thinking or not!
4 - Fast and Furious cars. Or as I like to call them, 'Vin Vin' cars. Ugh, that was so '99 and even then it wasn't cool.
5 - When the title of a song has nothing to do with the lyrics. Like a song about cats is called, "My Summer in Amsterdam"


5 things I love...
1 - Watching a musical or old movie by myself. I tend to watch movies like that when Cody is at work, which allows me to react out loud or sing along without being ridiculed.
2 - That first sip of soda.
3 - When Cody tells me that I look beautiful after I have spent an hour getting ready for a night out.
4 - The fact that Cache is totally content watching a movie in the middle of the day so I can get some things done.
5 - Hearing a song on the radio that I like, typing in the lyrics that I remember into google, finding the title of the song and downloading it...all under 3 minutes.

5 things I'm thankful for...
1 - Lake Powell. That place is very personal to me - it reminds me of so many Summers with my family while growing up, it's where Cody told me he loved the first time and I plan on taking my own family there.
2 - The Beatles. Hahaha, I also love The Beatles, but again - I am thankful for the memories I have when I hear their music.
3 - The huge video camera my Dad bought in 1986. He said that he and my Mom were a bit hesitant to buy it because it was so expensive, but I am so glad they did - I have 3 DVD's full of old family videos because of it. Priceless.
4 - Jon, Adam, Jim...all of Cody's friends that have been such a good influence (you know what I'm talking about) and such loyal guys. He thinks of you as his brothers.
5 - That Cole is starting to sleep through the night!

Thursday Things

Last night Cody I went to dinner with Hannah and her husband Frank, our dear old friend Matt and his wife Ivana, and ALL our kids! Holy Johnnies, there were 14 of us. Matt was one of our best friends about 9 years ago and though we have seen each other sporadically every now and then, we've finally decided to get together on a regular basis. Matt and Ivana just moved back to Utah after years of moving around and it's so great that they live nearby! They have two of the cutest little boys and it was fun having all the kids play with each other last night. Hanging out with Matt was just like old times - we picked up right where we left off. It was a fantastic evening, can't wait to see them again!

Ta-Da! Here is my new do!

I hope you can see the true color, it's pretty dark and I LOVE it. Cody is a fan, that's always good. I think it's darker than last time, I never thought I would like having brown hair but I'm a huge fan.

Today I have much going on. I need to finish putting Halloween stuff away (Ugh...there is so much) and I have lots of onesies to sew. My friend Rhonda has asked that I make some oneises for her friend that is having triplets - whoa! I also am making some for Hannah's niece and my sister-in-law's friend. Needless to say, I'll be a sewing fiend this afternoon. I made this onesie yesterday for Cole, so cute!

5 things I'm thankful for:

1 - Cologne. Swiss Army is still my favorite! I swear that stuff is bottled perfection. Delicious.
2 - Manicures.
3 - Brittany, Ann, Heather, Shari and Angie. These are Cody's friends' wives (got that?) and I'm glad that we are so close! We all get along so well and they are great friends.
4 - Long pants. I'm copying Kate on this, but I do love long, lean jeans. It's great when I can wear heels and my pants still graze the floor.
5 - Ikea. There is no way I could ever furnish my home without it.