Somewhere Only We Know

Tyleigh May 2009

2010-03-29T08:29:00.001-07:00

Crashed out with dad....

An owie...

Tyleigh and Mrs. Romans - Kinderbloom Preschool Graduation

Baylee's Baptism May 2009

2010-03-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Baylee, ready for the big event

Joshua - 15

The Girls Being Goofy

The Whole Family Afterwards :)

I have been such a slacker!

2010-03-28T19:48:00.001-07:00

I'm going to try and do some major catching up the next few days! Forgive me?

School Pictures....

2009-10-26T13:51:00.003-07:00

Really, the only reason I buy school pictures is so the kids can have the class portrait. Is still like looking at mine.

Anyways, here they are.

Baylee is in 3rd grade this year, and Dallin is in 5th.

VES Annual "Cross Country" Meet

2009-05-27T08:00:00.002-07:00

Dallin takes after me. He doesn't like to run. He only does it when he has to :)
He came in somewhere between 9th and 13th. We weren't sure.

Baylee on the other hand took 5th. Looks like she may have gotten her father's athletic gene.

My new favorite hobby.....

2009-05-25T20:52:00.003-07:00

Is bargain shopping. I went to Albertsons twice today. Here are my two trips:

This one was $76.24 total before my coupons and card discounts.
I paid $6.40

I didn't figure out the "before coupons and card discount" price on this one.
But I only paid $0.90 (yep, 90 cents!)

I feel like Queen Bargain!
Yay!
These were done with several transactions and the help of my kids and 2 cousins. :)

MARCH in Collage

2009-03-30T07:54:00.002-07:00

I tell them "NO", "No way you are moving the trampoline over the cement so that you can play basketball. It's too dangerous."
So they ask their dad instead. He not only agrees, but joins them. Nice.

The scary piggies (Never doing pigs again. They are creepy!)
Whitey, Max and Doodle...the roosters. And the cats, Fuzzy and Frankie.

The men getting ready for spring by cleaning up the yard and the pasture.

Another cool giveaway....

2009-03-13T08:20:00.002-07:00

http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/contest-childrens-tiny-talks-book-by.html

Perfect for those who have Primary aged kids :)

Very Inspirational Quote.....

2009-02-25T08:57:00.005-07:00

Make up your mind to be happy-even when you don’t have money, even when you don’t have a clear complexion, even when you don’t have the Nobel Prize. Some of the happiest people I know have none of these things the world insists are necessary for satisfaction and joy. Why are they happy? I suppose it is because they don’t listen very well. Or they listen too well-to the things their hearts tell them. They glory in the beauty of the earth. They glory in the rivers and the canyons and the call of the meadowlark. They glory in the love of their families, the stumbling steps of a toddler, the wise and tender smile of the elderly. They glory in honest labor. They glory in the scriptures. They glory in the presence of the Holy Ghost. One thing I know for certain: the time we have here goes by far too quickly. Don’t waste any more time sitting on the bench watching life pass you by.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life.” Ensign, May 2001, 35.

I stole this from http://www.mormonmommywars.com/?p=1687

Just think about what the world would be like if we all followed this advice.

I also found a great contest to enter.

2 books and a CD!

Follow the link to find out how to enter!

http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/2009/02/contest-two-books-cd.html

The books sound so interesting. I hope I win!

December 2008 In Pictures

2009-01-04T20:57:00.005-07:00

The Girls had their Christmas Dance Recital.

Joshua had his Winter Concert.

Jared hauled a very cool load with his truck .

Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel

2008-12-15T21:52:00.002-07:00

Our Trip to California included a trip to the beach.
I decided that everyone needed to ride on the Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica
Pier.
Everyone handled it well except for Jared. The view from the top was gorgeous!
You have to click on the picture :) Too much family fun!

Six Flags Magic Mountain

2008-12-10T01:10:00.004-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went to California to visit my mom.
We took a day and donated a ton of food to the Los Angeles food bank and went to Magic Mountain. We had a blast, even though it rained almost the entire time we were there.

Waiting for the gates to open.

Ty and her balloon flower.

The girls and I on the Merry Go Round

Joshua and Jared on Goldrusher.

Ty, Bay, Bubba and I with Tweety and Sylvester.

All of us in front of the fountain.

I'm hunting wabbits.

Fun times for sure, although the roller coasters were a little more scary and "HOLY CRAP!" than I remembered them. I won't say how long it had been ;)

Giddy Up Oom Poppa Omm Poppa Mow Mow

2008-11-06T17:20:00.004-07:00

I absolutely love the Almay "Bring Out The *insert eye color*" collection.

I have hazel eyes. Browns & Greens all jarbled up together. I've loved all the other trios I have tried, so I figured I would try the "Bring Out The Green"

I love the green in my eyes. Why not try and bring it out more, right?
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Wrong!

This didn't "Bring Out the Green"

This brought out the ELVIRA.

It's ironic that the song starts out
"Eyes that look like heaven" LOL

Anyone have green eyes? Need some eye shadow? Because this is never going on these hazel eyes again!

Bye-Bye Freshman Football!

2008-11-05T18:02:00.006-07:00

Joshua is #50
We had a blast watching him this season.
But I am SOOOO NOT old enough to have a kid in High School. Not even close ;)

Hello Basketball season.

Oh, and tonight my son is at the High School participating in a long standing "tradition".

He is getting a haircut by a Senior player.

I can barely wait til he gets home. Ugg.

************************************************

He is home. Oh my gosh!

He has to stay this way until the Varsity team loses in the playoffs.

This is going to be great for church. NOT.

And of course he likes it. Teenagers! ;)

I won!

2008-10-20T11:52:00.005-07:00

If you look on the right side of my blog there is a link to "Hip Mama's Place" where I frequent, and occasionally enter contests.

Well low and behold I won a MAJOR Prize!

No it wasn't a sexy leg lamp, it was this:

A Dynamo Label maker with all the fixin's!

YAY! Thank HMP!

My son, the dirt specialist.

2008-10-09T09:48:00.005-07:00

Joshua is taking Agriculture this year, and FFA.

Seems sort of nerdy to you non-country folks but around here it's almost a necessity.

The one thing I like about it is the amount of scholarship opportunities that are available to students who involve themselves in these.

Joshua has no intentions on becoming a farmer, but is getting pretty interested in the animal parts. He is thinking about becoming a Veterinarian.

Joshua has been in AG for a total of 6 weeks.

Yesterday they went to "District Soils Judging" in a neighboring town.

We are talking our whole school district, which includes 5 towns AND Seniors who have been in Ag for over 3 years now.

Joshua casually mentions to me in passing that he has to go to Bend next week for Ag because he placed 1st in district. FIRST!

We were so proud :)

My boy knows his soil!

They dig a series of "pits" and the boys go into each one and judge the soil.
Some of the kids were making fun of Joshua for taking so long in each trench. He was the last one out of 2 of the 3 pits. I guess his patience paid off.

Do you have bad breath?

2008-09-24T09:28:00.001-07:00

Check this out: http://www.thepeople-vs-stride.com/

If you "settle" out of court instead of sue, you can get a free pack of gum.

The little questionaire and movie that follows is quite entertaining too.

I picked Sweet Cinammon :)

A weekend with the girlfriends

2008-09-15T15:43:00.003-07:00

Thurday morning Jared drove me to the airport where I met Crysty. Along with her baby Amy we flew to Salt Lake City where we were met by Shayla and Victoria. We met up with everyone else and ate lunch and then drove to our "cabin" where we had a beautiful view.

Some of the ladies have mental issues.....

But I still love each and every one of them.

I had such a wonderful 4 days! I can't wait til next year :)

New Hair-do

2008-08-26T13:37:00.005-07:00

So I went and got my hair done. I only do it like twice a year, so it's a big thing for me.

My hair was finally down to my shoulder blades (maybe 3 or 4 inches past my shoulders), but I decided to wack it off again. (Now I wish I hadn't , but oh well it'll grow back.)

We added some blonde and red highlights too.

Ignore the tired face and the dirty t-shirt.

I thought it was different. Cute. I will get used to it and in fact I really quite liked it until.....

This morning, It was my turn to style it.

Why? Oh why, can't I ever get my hair to look like it does right after the hair dresser finishes with me?

I can never get the cute little flippy things to flip right. I look like and idiot.

I feel like this doing this:

Or this:

Let's hope tomorrow is better.

One more addition to the farm....

2008-08-26T13:13:00.005-07:00

(The new bull with Joshua, cousin Beau and Dallin)
Now I can't remember if it's a Hereford, or a Holstein. Not that it matters, it's all the same
when it's meat on the table.
Tyleigh had to have her own cow since everyone else did.
OH and, we have had 5 eggs in the last 4 days. We left them in the coop for the hens to sit on. To me there aren't enough yet to eat, and they are pretty small.
We will prolly end up throwing rotten eggs away I'm sure, but there is a chance they could hatch, no? I mean, they didn't have electric incubators back in the day...and the eggs hatched somehow.
We'll see.

So our "Farm" is growing....

2008-08-08T09:20:00.004-07:00

This is what Jared showed up with a few days ago:

The little guy behind Dallin is Colt.

I am starting to feel like Old McDonald's wife.

Joshua was the "unloader"

This is a friend of ours, Toby.

Notice the stuck foot. Poor thing. It was easy to get out though. No Harm done.

Toby took home 2 of the calves.

And we kept 3.

The totally black one, the only brown one....

And this black and white one.

Aren't they cute?

Roosters Or Hens??

2008-08-03T14:04:00.003-07:00

I thought that I had taken all of our Roosters to butcher except for one. Nope. We at least have 3 more roosters. Oops.
Then we have these 2...
ETHEL and LUCY? (I think they are Hens but I am no expert, obviously)
OR FRED AND RICKY?
One of Each?
And what Breed are they?
Because I haven't a clue. THANKS!
P.S. If you click on the pictures they will enlarge. :)

Guess Who's on JibJab!

2008-07-18T13:47:00.001-07:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

The year was 1972....

2008-07-18T08:22:00.004-07:00

What a fine year. With good and bad.
Not just the year of my birth,
but some mega wonder hits.

Some fine TV shows came to an end

This was the Top Tv show

Richard Nixon was re-elected for a second term.

And the Vietnam war was in full force.

Now I tag you.
Which year were you born?
What was going on in the world?

My name....

2008-07-12T17:43:00.001-07:00

I stole this idea from Leah.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
19
people with my name in the U.S.A.

http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

And my Maiden Name:

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

July so far.....

2008-07-07T11:07:00.009-07:00

We've been playing Rock Band as a family.

It is a blast even though we seriously hoover in the singing dept.
I tried to post a video but you will be happy to know it didn't download right. LOL

I made a bunch more bookbags (AKA scripture totes..whatever)
for birthday gifts for the primary kids.

We drove the Ward float in the annual 4th of July Parade.

Joshua was in the parade too. The new mural in town depicts
the 4th of July Parade 100 years ago. Joshua was asked to "re-enact" that parade and making the mural "come to life" so to speak. He was the drummer.

I didn't get a pic of him since I was in the parade myself.

I suppose it was fun to be in the parade, but I think I like watching it better .

Jared being his normal 4th of July pyromaniac self. He just got done lighting our
campfire (yeah it's in our back-yard, pretty cool that I can roast weiners or marshmallows whenever I choose) with a gallon of gasoline...the dorkus.

A pic of our garden. I keep the garden pretty much weed free, but I hadn't noticedweeds out in front there until I saw them in the picture...EEK. My obsessive self went and plucked them right away...almost giving myself heat stroke. (dang OCD)

And we got a big 4th of July bonus......

On the 5th, we went to the Rodeo.

They have the pig catching contest for the kiddos.

None of our kids won, but one of our friends kids did and we
bought her pig for 20 bucks since they had no where to keep it.

So now we will have bacon with our eggs.

The END.

The best part of Saturday Mornings in the 70's...

2008-06-25T11:34:00.001-07:00

was not the cartoons, but what came in between the cartoons.
Interjections! Was definitely my all time favorite.
I also liked "Lolly Lolly Lolly get your adverbs here", "Conjuction Junction", among others.
What School House Rock did you like the most?

In Memory Of

2008-06-24T13:42:00.003-07:00

Scott Kalitta died Saturday when his Funny Car burst into flames and crashed at the end of the track during the final round of qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Kalitta, who began racing in 1982, was a two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion in 1994-'95. His father is a legendary team owner and former driver who raced as the Bounty Hunter, and his cousin Doug Kalitta competes in the Top Fuel class.

This is the second Funny Car driver to die during qualifying in just over a year. Eric Medlen of John Force racing died last season.

Something positive about being broke....

2008-06-18T16:48:00.005-07:00

I cannot buy another bag of these:

Holy cow these things are deee-vine. They taste just like Thin Mints *place a girl scout trademark here* only in reverse. The minty chocolate is on the inside so it doesn't melt all over your hands. (thus a lot less embarrassment from being caught licking your fingers) I could do some major damage to the hips with these things. Thank goodness Ontario is 20+ miles away and the funds are low enough for me not to feel good about splurging on another bag. (thank goodness)

Now an, update on my Wii-Fit diet.

Yay me! I am no longer in the red "Overweight" category.Of course this was Monday....BEFORE the discovery of the above, and after I had spent most of Sunday on the toilet (TMI....sorry...LOL). So this could all be scallywumpus by now...but I can hope.

I'll update again next week. In the meantime , pray that the store sells out of them cookies.

Music Meme

2008-06-16T16:40:00.002-07:00

I stole this from a fellow blogger , Teri If you're reading this, consider yourself TAGGED!

MEME Rules:

1. Put your iTunes/ music player on shuffle (I actually just used my Windows Media Player and clicked "shuffle")

2. For each question, press the "next" button to get your answer

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT

4. Post all answers on your blog and send a shout out back to this blog!

Here we go!

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?

You've Got It All (The Jetts)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Footloose (Kenny Loggins)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

Ladies Night (Kool and the Gang) Um?! Eww..lol

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

Pop Goes the World (Men Without Hats)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?

Candy Girl (New Edition)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

She's Like The Wind (Patrick Swayze)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Take A Bow (Rihanna) Does this mean I am a drama Queen?

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?

Breakout (Swing Out Sister)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Part Time Lover (Stevie Wonder) Um, not.

WHAT IS 2+2?

Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Pet Shop Boys)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

King For a Day (Thompson Twins)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Wham!)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Rock of Ages (Def Leppard)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

It's Raining Men (The Weather Girls) So, a weather girl?

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Every Light in the House is On (Trace Atkins)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Never Let You Go (Third Eye Blind)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Looks Like We Made It (Barry Manilow) LOL

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Who Can It Be Now? (Men at Work) Is that St. Peter singing "Who can it be knockin' at my door...?"

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Help! (The Beatles) That I need help maybe? But that is no secret.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Far Away (Nickelback) This is true.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?

St. Elmo's Fire *Man in Motion* (John Parr)

Humm. Some strange, some funny, some right on = FUN!

Your turn!

Caution throws Jr in for a win!

2008-06-15T22:32:00.002-07:00

On a sniff of gas and a ton of courage, Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended his agonizing 76-race NASCAR Sprint Cup winless streak at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, under caution.

YAY for Jr!

Such a bittersweet moment, Dale Sr. would have been so proud.

He said it was special to end his 76-race winless streak on Father's Day, and there was a certain irony to that, too. Earnhardt, who died in a crash during the 2001 Daytona 500, finished his career with 76 Cup victories in addition to his seven championships.

Asked what a victory on Father's Day meant, Earnhardt said: "It's special — my daddy meant a lot to me. It means a lot to win on Father's Day and it's special for my sister. She's in tears on the phone. I know I can't tell my father 'Happy Father's Day, but I get to wish all fathers a happy day. I mean it."

I would so totally sue....

2008-06-11T12:50:00.011-07:00

if it weren't for the fact that I was only 5 when this video came out.

Frida and Agnetha TOTALLY (I wish I were joking) stole my dance moves.

These funky jive moves are what make my children run and hide.

I'm sure the shooting of this music video cost ~~five~~ big bucks, so I'll cut them a break and just let them borrow my choreography since this is my favorite ABBA song.

And what came first? The Brady Bunch? Or this Video. Because somebody totally stole the stacked squares idea.

And I learned another thing from YouTube about ABBA today.
You know the lyrics to Dancing Queen where they sing "You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life"?
Up until about 10 minutes ago I sang the lyrics as:

"You can dance, you can die".

NO, I'm not joking.

HUMM. I guess I won't be afraid to go to the disco now, after all.

So what songs have you misheard the lyrics to? Spill.

Today's Blast from the Past

2008-06-09T19:18:00.006-07:00

Going to try and include something from the past at least a few times a week. Things like this always bring a smile to my face, and we could all use a smile.

I never knew this song was about him falling for a transvestite! LOL The things you learn when you get older. BA! I've prolly heard this song 1000 times and never "heard" it.
Too funny.

And I am including my favorite Kinks song, just because it makes me want to get up and dance every time I hear it. And I usually do, just ask my kids...where'd they go? :P

The Lyrics to this song are truely classic "another Saturday another date, she would be ready but she's always make him wait" "He'd end up blowing all his wages for the week, for a cuddle and a peck on the cheek".

Proud, and Not So Proud

2008-06-09T12:05:00.002-07:00

First of all, I am so proud of Joshua.

He told us the last week of school that he wanted to play High School Football.

Something that I thought he made up his mind NOT to do.

We are fine with it either way, but I guess the HS coach talked him into it.

He also told us about Football camp.

It is held at BSU (Boise State University). It lasts 5 days, and costs $290.00. We decided he could go, IF he earned all the money himself.

So, since the 2 weeks since school has gotten out, he has earned $305.00. He has worked his tail off and we are so proud of him. Most of this was earned mowing lawns. Some of it was taking care of animals while folks were out of town. This week he has more on his plate, and by time Saturday gets here (when they leave for BSU) he will more than likely have $100 or more for spending money. SO SO SO Proud of him. And all of this ontop of football practice every night (yes already) and his daily chores around the house. He's a good kid.

Here's a pic of Joshua in his uniform next to his dad just so you can see how big my boy is getting. And just an FYI, Jared is 6'1. He doesn't have far to go to catch his daddy.

Now for the Not so Proud. It's for me.

Today is the start of a new me.

There was a pic of Joshua and I together. NO WAY I would post it on here though. I look like a cow in a pink shirt.

I am using my Wii-Fit as part of my weight loss routine.

Here are the readings from this morning:

Just Yuck. That is all I have to say.

My goal is 3 pounds a week. Anything beyond that will be welcome.

I will be updating at least on a weekly basis.

Hopefully it will all be good news.

Hot wings here we come!

2008-06-02T17:58:00.002-07:00

Remember these cute little things?
They have now turned into these:

I had no idea they would get so big so fast.
Most of them turned out to be Roosters, so we are going to
have to take them to the butcher. I tried to talk Jared
into doing it himself but he doesn't want to.
Not sure why. He has gutted a deer , and an elk right in our
front yard. He must have some sort of fowl fright?

For good measure...

2008-05-30T12:36:00.003-07:00

The girls dance photos (2008).

Spring Recital 2008 (Baylee's Dances)

2008-05-28T10:47:00.003-07:00

Hound Dog
Catch A Falling Star.

I've never been good at video taping (sorry for the out of focus swaying)
I love how she periodically pokes her tongue in the side of her cheek for concentration, LOL.

Spring Recital 2008

2008-05-27T10:03:00.004-07:00

This first one is "Baby Ballerinas". It is the 3 and 4 yr old class that Tyleigh is in. This video cracks me up because Tyleigh was SO nervous before going onstage...and then she was the last one off stage. Also, the look on her face when they are bumping into each other, and she looks at her hand after kissing it to see if her lipstick came off. Then her dress comes undone. Totally classic. This one will be good to show at her wedding reception...LOL

This Second one is Butterfly, by Charlie Gracie.

Some events from the past couple weeks....

2008-05-21T21:53:00.005-07:00

Our new toy. (We had one before but it broke thanks to some teenage boys.)

Baylee my Monkey girl trying to give me a heart attack.

Dallin's First Baseball game in "Minors"

The Pitch

It was a double, but I missed the whole swing and running because I was screaming..LOL

So he is on 3rd by time I get to the camera again.

His first score. Yay!

The end of the school year is SO busy.

I will be reporting more events in the days to come.

Free Money!

2008-05-14T12:29:00.007-07:00

$25 free, this is real, I promise!
It is a new company trying to compete with PayPal and they will GIVE YOU $25 if you sign up by tomorrow.
I already have the $25.00 in my account.
Google it and research it if you don't feel comfortable.
How can you go wrong with FREE MONEY?

Just click the link to sign up. (the green box to the right *sidebar*)

FYI: I will get $10 for each person I refer. Once you sign up, You can too!

Bang the drum slowly.....

2008-05-13T09:04:00.003-07:00

Just a few pics of Joshua, my drummer boy, at the local Spring Jazz Festival.

I am still amazed that he just picked up the drum sticks and the band director (for the Middle School and High School) wanted him to play drums for the High School band as an 8th grader. Not sure where he gets him musical talent.

I've never tried to play an instrument before, so maybe me?...LOL

He plays in the Middle School / High School Band Concert tonight, and then at the High School Graduation on Sunday.

He wants to start a band with a few of his friends.

Not sure how I feel about that, but they did have a fabulous name picked out!

"Toxic Shock"

Then I told him what it meant and he changed his mind...

Bwa ha ha!

What a small world....

2008-05-07T10:31:00.004-07:00

So I find out this friend of mine Anna
and I "sort of" "knew" each other years ago.
How funny is that?
So I'm posting a few pre-90's pictures to see if they will refresh her memory.
This first one is my Jr year, the next is Sophmore.

This is a picture of our whole young women group right before the ward split.

This one is me and two girls from Somerset Ward after graduation.
Bonnie and Becky Morgan. So Anaa, Do we look familiar? LOL

I love remembering the past. Especially good times like the teenage years...LOL
The 80's were the best.

I love this commercial!

2008-05-01T11:45:00.004-07:00

I absolutely LOVE the discovery channel.
My Favs are:

Deadliest Catch
Man Vs. Wild
Survivorman
Dirty Jobs

Love this one too...even if my fishermen can't sing...LOL

Speaking of.... does anyone else remember this song/video.
Ugg. I hope it doesn't get stuck in my head too long...LOL

I think I'll stick with the Boom de ah dah

Go Ashley! Go Ashley!

2008-04-30T22:37:00.011-07:00

So anyone who knows me, knows I have a HUGE obsession with NASCAR. But most do not know that I am also a huge fan of NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). I don't watch it all, just the Funny Cars. My 3 favorite drivers are Ron Capps (hubba hubba) John Force and Ashley Force.

John Force has been racing funny cars for 32 years. He has won 14 Championships. He was seriously injured last September and has making a comeback ever since.

Ashley Force (Johns daughter) is in her 2nd year of funny car racing.

This past weekend was awesome! John and Ashley met in the finals.

If John won, it was would be his 1000th career round win, and if Ashley won not only would it would be her 1st win in Finals, she would be the 1st female funny car winner.

Well as you should be able to tell by the title, Ashley won and made history. Yay Ashley!

John Force Racing Motto:

Never Give Up

Never Back Down

Never Lose Faith

Works for me Wednesday!

2008-04-23T13:44:00.002-07:00

Another purse safety tip just for Shannon
Whenever I am shopping, and I put my purse in the cart (I hate carrying it and pushing the cart at the same time) I always "secure" my purse by snapping it in the cart with the seatbelt. So if someone tries to swipe my purse they are going to have to take the whole kit and kaboodle. Either that or take the time to unhook the seatbelt.
And NO none of my kids have ever fallen out of the cart because of the lack of restraint. LOL

What's Your Slogan?

2008-04-17T09:18:00.002-07:00

Your Slogan Should Be

Lisa. Champagne for the Brain.

The Slogan Generator

Humm. Not sure what that means exactly.

Am I intoxicatingly beautiful? *doubtful*
Maybe it means I am ditzy? *I hope not*
Funny perhaps? *maybe*

Your turn! So what is your slogan? Go find out...
http://www.blogthings.com/theslogangenerator/
Leave a comment with a link to your blog :)

Ain't they Purdy?

2008-04-08T22:33:00.003-07:00

The problem is:
I don't think I am going to be able to eat them.
They are so cute (yes I said CUTE! Gotta see 'em in person) and they have such funny personalities.
Then I am supposed to make a pot roast out of them?
This country living is going to be harder than I thought, me thinks.

Do you like my new look?

2008-04-04T15:07:00.001-07:00

My friend Kris creates the most beautiful (or I should say Cute) Blog templates.
Run over and take a looksy! It's free!
http://onecuteblog.blogspot.com/

Finger lickin' Good

2008-04-03T19:02:00.006-07:00

So the whole economy thing has got me a little freaked out. So I came up with the lovely idea of getting chickens. No not 2. Not 4. TWENTY CHICKENS! Holy Moo (and Cows are a whole 'nother post).

So for the first week and a half we kept the little chicks in a plastic swimming pool in the basement with a heat lamp.

They are so cute (and quiet) when they are asleep...LOL I wish I could sleep standing up!

Jared built a chicken coop with help from Dallin (the hammy goofball)

The Little boxes on the right side are for laying eggs.

Their ramp out the back in case they want to go out and play, or peck or whatever it is chickens do.

They are "free run" chickens, so they aren't sexed. So it will be a while before we can tell which chickens will be supplying the eggs, and which ones will be in my noodle soup :)

And one extra picture for your viewing pleasure.....

The Fashionista Tyleigh, modeling the newest fashions for spring...lol

I just don't get Wrestling

2008-04-02T12:55:00.004-07:00

Seriously! What is thrilling about having someone pin you down in front of a bunch of people? To me, it would be highly humiliating. I guess it wouldn't be if you won. But Dallin doesn't win. But he still wants to. I just don't get it.

He came in 4th after winning 0 times. Yep, ZERO. LOL

He was SOO excited! LOL! CONGRATULATIONS?

Easter 2008

2008-03-31T10:39:00.005-07:00

Yep, late I know.

Just thought I would share a few pictures from Easter, even though I totally forgot to get pictures of the kids in their Easter outfits for church. How lame am I?

One of the best things about having great neighbors. She always makes the best treats :)

The 3 youngest egg hunting

Joshua who is "too old to go on an Easter egg hunt" shot hoops instead.

Seems funny that he was in shorts, yet just yesterday we had a blizzard.

Hurry up spring!

"At the Hop"

2008-03-20T09:13:00.005-07:00

Did I mention that my girls danced at the mentioned Donkey Basketball Game?

They were the halftime entertainment.

It was 50's theme and they danced to "At The Hop"

Cute as always!

This is Tyleigh..................................^

This is Baylee...................................^
Talented Beauties Eh? :)

How Country Folk Play Basketball.......

2008-03-19T13:09:00.004-07:00

So our little Hick town had our annual Donkey Basketball game this past weekend.

I took a few pictures for your enjoyment....enlightenment.....entertainment.

(Not to mention the fashion education I recieved. Gotta love the vests and helmets!)

Yee-Haw, or maybe Hee-Haw?!

My Favorite part of the game was when people fell off thier Donkeys...LOL

Yes, I'm twisted! That's why people like me ;)

Menu Plan Monday.....

2008-03-10T09:55:00.003-07:00

Monday: Beef Stroganoff (with Elk Burger)

Tuesday: Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Wednesday: Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Thursday: BLT's

Friday: Pizza (some fundraiser deal I got suckered into...lol At least I don't have to cook!)

Saturday: Philly Cheese steak Sandwiches

Sunday: Tacos, refried beans, spanish rice

Works for me Wednesday! (Backwards Edition)

2008-03-05T09:35:00.005-07:00

Today is Works-For-Me Wednesday: The Backwards Edition. That simply means that instead of offering a tip, you ask for one, posting a question that has had you stumped, letting your readers offer advice.

So my question today is:

"How do you get your kids to do their chores?"

And what kind of reward system do you use? Money? Time on the Wii?

My kids are actually pretty good at it, I just would like it more structured, KWIM?

THANKS in advance! :)

SPT....

2008-03-04T10:48:00.002-07:00

OOOh and actually ON a Tuesday. I'm on the ball.
This was a hard one, and I am not in any condition to be taking a picture of myself today (having a bla day here). So I am going to use a photo from a few years back.
So my "sistas" and I, had a contest to see who had the prettiest feet/ugliest feet.
I can't remember if this was part of our "survivor" contest or not (anyone remember?)
BUT....I WON for prettiest feet.
What a great thing to be known for! LOL

Catch up on February...Part 3

2008-02-25T22:05:00.004-07:00

Tyleigh turned 4. (my baby! whine)
And Jared turned 34 :)

Getting ready to blow!

Making a wish!

Catch up on February...Part 2

2008-02-21T21:18:00.004-07:00

DALLIN

This boy cannot stop talking, thinking about, watching....BOISE STATE BRONCOS. Mainly football. Yep, football season is over, but we happen to have a bunch of BOISE STATE BRONCOS FOOTBALL on DVD.

Thus his birthday wish was a BOISE STATE BRONCOS Jersery. Which you can see in his birthday pics.

Blowing out his 9 candles.

Trying to touch smoke? Who knows.

And we can't forget the pinewood derby fiasco, I mean race.

He does look cute in uniform though :)

Catch up on February...Part 1

2008-02-20T11:13:00.008-07:00

February is a huge month at our house. 4 birthdays, basketball, NASCAR season begins. I have been a slacker and I am going to use the next couple days to catch up. I am going to start with what is most fresh in my mind. Middle school basketball and Joshua's HUGE game last night.

To cut to the chase the game had 6 seconds left in the game. The score was 21-22.
We had the ball, and it was passed to Joshua. He took a shot.
It bounced around on the rim and off again.
Joshua gets his own rebound, and shoots again with 1 second left on the clock. SWISHHH!!!!
At the same time the refs whistle blows (he was fouled) the buzzer buzzes.
The crowd is going wild, Joshua starts beating his chest (while I hid my face) and he gets whoops from the audience and Hi-Fives from all his fellow team-mates. He was so stoked!!!!
Then to put a cherry on top he hits his free-throw and the game ends with a score of 24-22 :) I am still excited! OH and 14 of the 24 points were Joshua's . He rocked!

Here are a few pics from the game, though I totally missed the events described above. Joshua Getting a Rebound.
Another rebound.

He is #45

And I did actually catch one shot!

Aim....

Release.....

The Swoosh!

The Five....

One Proud Boy!

Congratulations Joshua! That was a fabulous game!

Dale Earnhardt Junior wins the 2008 Budweiser Shootout

2008-02-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

YAY! MY MAN IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and I hope that Tony Stewart REALLY did punch Kurt Busch in the hauler and that is isn't just a rumor! I remember back when Jimmy Spencer did it a few years back, I was in a good mood for days... How's that for being PC? LOL

Menu Plan Monday....

2008-02-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Monday: Sweet & Sour Chicken (recipe below) With rice and broccoli
Tuesday: Leftovers and Tv Dinners (My kids love 'em, me not so much)
Wednesday:Scalloped Potatoes & Ham Slices
Thursday: Out to eat for Valentines?
Friday: Honey Pork Chops (recipe below)
Saturday:Fried Potatoes & Onions & Bacon (Maybe a little garlic too?)
Sunday: Broccoli Salad, Meat and Cheese tray with homemade rolls (It's the DAYTONA 500 Baby!!!!)

Sweet & Sour Chicken
Cut 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts in to strips or chunks. Coat with flour (I use a ziplock bag and do the hippy hippy shake). Cook chicken in 1/4 cup oil until browned and totally cooked. (I also sprinkle with salt n peppa)
Sauce: In saucepan combine the liquid from 1 can pineapple, combined with enough water to make 1 1/4 cups liquid. 1 cup sugar, 4 T flour, 3/4 cup vinegar, 2 T Soy Sauce, 1/4 teaspoon ginger. Cook on medium until thick. Stirring often. I sometimes put green peppers and onions in the sauce also, but the kids don't like it so much.
Serve with rice and the drained pineapple.

Honey Pork Chops
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 boneless pork chops
4 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Preheat oven to 325
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium , brown the pork chops about 4-6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a baking dish.
Mix the honey, water, soy sauce, onion, ginger, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over the pork chops.
Bake pork chops Approx 1 hour or until done :)

The New Presidency....

2008-02-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Our New Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson

1st Counselor Henry B. Eyring

2nd Counselor Dieter F. Uchdorf

President Eyring should have worn a striped tie :)

Menu Plan Monday....

2008-02-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Monday: Leftovers :) My favorite!
Tuesday: Homemade Waffles with Buttermilk Syrup (recipe below)
Wednesday: Chicken Fetticini
Thurday: Broccoli Cheese Soup with Homemade Rolls
Friday: Joshua's Choice (Happy 14th Birthday Joshua!)
Saturday: Pork Chops and Apple Sauce (lol)
Sunday: The quesadillas from last weeks menu...I never got to them.

Buttermilk Syrup
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Mix together sugar, butter, and buttermilk and bring to a boil. Boil for 45 seconds and remove from heat.
Stir in baking soda and vanilla

Hee Hee!

2008-02-02T22:46:00.001-07:00

Your Hair Should Be Pink

Hyper, insane, and a boatload of fun.You're a traveling party that everyone loves to follow.

What's" Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

I stole this from Nadja

For a minute I thought it said "buttload of fun". Eww! LOL

Menu Plan Monday....

2008-01-28T21:20:00.002-07:00

Monday: TV Dinners (Does that count?>LOL)
Tuesday: Cheesy Enchilda Casserole
Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs
Thursday: Homemade Tacos
Friday: Out to Eat! Dallin's Choice, Happy 9th Birthday Sunday:)
Saturday: Marlboro Man Sandwich
Sunday: Quesadillas

We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet....

2008-01-28T11:26:00.001-07:00

My beloved prophet has died. Gordon B. Hinckley passed away last night from age related causes at the age of 97. He was surrounded by his family and was reunited with his sweet wife who had passed away four years ago.

What's in a name?

2008-01-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

How did I come up with the name for my blog?

First of all, one of my favorite shows "Grey's Anatomy" introduced me to the song "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane. LOVED the song!

Also to me my blog is a place where I can come and write my thoughts, feelings, happenings...and it's a place that I know, and a place that you know (obviously if you are reading this). I know blogs are public, but for some reason I feel like it is a safe place for me to vent. A place to go when I want to get away from it all. Like the picture at the top of my blog, a peaceful trail to walk on.

Doesn't seem to make sense? To me it does. But I have been known to be a little "off". LOL

I posted the lyrics. I think they are profound in a "lisa" kind of way.

Somewhere Only We Know

I walked across an empty land

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand

I felt the earth beneath my feet

Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh simple thing where have you gone

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on

So tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

I came across a fallen tree

I felt the branches of it looking at me

Is this the place we used to love?

Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh simple thing where have you gone

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on

So tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute why don't we go

Talk about it somewhere only we know?

This could be the end of everything

So why don't we goSomewhere only we know?

Oh simple thing where have you gone

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on

So tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

So if you have a minute why don't we go

Talk about it somewhere only we know?

This could be the end of everything

So why don't we go

This could be the end of everything

So why don't we go

Somewhere only we know?

Menu Plan Monday....Take 1

2008-01-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Monday: Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Tuesday: Lasagna and Garlic Bread, with salad

Wednesday: Julianne Potatoes with Ham

Thursday: Broccoli Potatoe Cheese Soup and Homemade Rolls

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Shepards Pie

Sunday: Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Over Rice

Love this idea! Hopefully I can do this weekly. Life seems so much easier with a menu ;p

Hello SPT!

2008-01-10T11:28:00.001-07:00

Ok so I am admitting I have been a lurker of Lelly's Blog for some time now.

I am now coming out of lurkdom :)

And I know the "T" stands for Tuesday, not Thursday. Sue me ;)

I love the idea of a "word of the year".

My word of the year is going to be *drumroll* ~ "BUILD"~

~I am going to build myself, physically by exercising 6 days a week.

~I am going to build myself spiritually by praying and reading my scriptures on a daily basis.

~I am going to build myself mentally by reading uplifting books and by trying to challenge my 3 remaining braincells.

~I am going to build a strong family by leading them in the ways of the Lord.

~I am going to build a stronger marriage for my husband and I.

~I am going to build lasting and wonderful friendships.

Thanks for the idea Lelly!

Something new....

2008-01-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today is my first edition of Works-For-Me Wednesday Backwards Edition, in which you ask a question of your readers instead of sharing a piece of advice. (I've never done the "forwards edition" either. ;) LOL)

My question is "What do you do with all of the muddy/snowy shoes and boots that everyone just throws in a big ole' pile when they come in the door?"

For one thing, it is a HUGE eyesore. For another, it leaves a big mess on the floor. HELP!

So far so good...

2008-01-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

So I exercised 4 days in a row, WOOP! Today is my day off (Sunday) YAY!

So today was my first Sunday as 1st counselor in the Primary Presidency, and our first Sunday going to church in the early slot. Both turned out better than I thought.

First of all it wasn't too bad conducting primary. (I've done it before. I was also 1st C. in the PP years ago.) I don't know why I get so nervous, but I do. I know it will pass with time.

Secondly, church seemed to go by alot faster today than usual. So if that is a result of the time change, then..I LIKE IT!

I am proud of myself for doing something physical everyday (well 6 days a week) and this next week I am adding eating a little better too. PLUS I am going to pray at least EVERY NIGHT. Something that I haven't been in habit of in years sadly.

Here's to improving me! On the inside and the outside.

Ok another show I'm a little embarrassed to say I watch...

2008-01-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

So this show is called "Crowned, The Mother of all Pageants".

"Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants" explores one of life's most emotional and volatile relationships as mothers and daughters from all walks of life compete together -- and against other mother/daughter teams -- in order to win a no-holds-barred beauty pageant"

I have to say it can get pretty nasty, or I guess I should say the Women/Girls can get nasty towards one another, even mothers and daughters get not so nice with each other. I guess I must have been bored on a Wednesday night..lol

My favorite teams that haven't been "de-sashed" are Moya and Jenileigh, and Gina and Hollis. Some of the others aren't too bad but I can't stand Angela and Tenia. They are both evil and mean. Also there is something about Laura and Patty that gets on my nerves. Maybe it is there bizarre smiles?

I can't stand ANY of the Judges either.

Anyways, I am caught up in it now and I have my DVR set to record the remaining episodes.

I am also looking forward to Rock of Love 2. Set to start Sunday the 13th on VH1. Can't get enought of Bret. Yum.

How country folk snow sled....

2007-12-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Recital.....

2007-12-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tyleigh and Baylee before the recital started. Tyleigh is in her "Mr. Grinch" outfit....LOL

Tyleigh after the program with her flowers and ballet bear from Ms. April.

Baylee after the recital. Ms. April gave her some flowers and a ballerina bear also.

They did such an awesome job! I am trying to figure out how to get the videos on here :)

I've been tagged.....

2007-11-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Teri Le tagged me, so here are my answers :)

4 jobs I've had :
Pizza Hut
Papa Aldo's (now Papa Murphys)
In Home Day Care
Momma and Honey

4 movies I can watch over and over
While You Were Sleeping
Westward the Women
Say Anything
Erin Brockovich

4 places I have lived
Lancaster California
Rexburg Idaho
Tucson Az
Boise Id

4 favorite TV shows
Grey's Anatomy
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Friday Night Lights
Survivor

4 Places I've been:
Disneyland
Oregon Coast
Mt. St. Helens
Yellowstone National Park

4 Favorite foods
Pepsi with Ice (gotta crunch the ice too)
babyback ribs
Won Tons with sweet n sour sauce
Suki Yaki (sp?)

4 websites I visit daily:
The Sista's board
Yahoo (to check mail)
Blogger
Incredimail (to check my other mail..lol)

4 Places I'd rather be:
The Beach
In bed
Camping
My mom's house (I haven't been home for 8 1/2 years)

4 Blog buddies I want to tag
Mar'lee
Margie
Shayla
Denise

The 50th Day.....

2007-11-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today was the 50th day of the school year so the kids dressed up in 50's attire. This is the best I could do on less than 1/2 a days notice.
Dallin was a party pooper and did not want to dress up like The Fonz no matter how much I begged. Rotten kid. ;)

Lifetouch sucks......

2007-11-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

I forgot to "pick a pose" for Baylee so they picked for me. Is this really the best position for a little girl in a dress, with her knees to her chest? *rolling my eyes* The photographer may have had a nice view of her underwear. And they never wait for a descent smile.

Dallins isn't too bad.

Why do I order them at all then you ask?
So that the kids can have a class picture. You cannot order just a class picture. It is "free" *rme again* with any portrait package.

Gee, how generous.

Another Undefeated Season....

2007-11-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

So proud of my boy....But sad that the season is over.

We attended a BSU football game on Saturday. It was the boys' first college game and they had an absolute blast.

Such a long hard week

2007-10-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

The first part of the weekend was was normal. The boys and Baylee went to Burns to watch the High School Football game. Saturday afternoon Dallin complained that his ears were hurting. I gave him some Tylenol and told him if they were still bothering him on Monday I would run him to the Dr. That evening we sat in the front yard in sweatshirts and I watched the boys (Jared included) toss the football around. After in got dark we went in the house and I looked at Dallin. He just looked sick in his face. I told him to go take a shower and go to bed. He said he felt fine, but I insisted. I gave him a dose of Advil as he went to bed so that his ears would not start bothering him in the night.
Jared and I went to bed about midnight, and I took a dose of NyQuil.
Around 2am Dallin bursts into our bedroom holding his chest and saying he couldn't breathe. I ran up the stairs to get his albulterol (I just assumed he was having his first real asthma attack after having very mild asthma for years). Half way up the stairs I felt like I was going to throw up and pass out. I am sure it was a combo of being frightened and the NyQuil. I got back downstairs and handed the inhaler to Jared and laid on the bed with a trash can by my head. Dallin took this two puffs with lots of pain. We watched him for a couple minutes. He was in so much pain he couldn't calm down and couldn't sit still. It was then he said it was his right side, right under his ribs. Then we immediately thought appendicitis.
I went upstairs and got his slippers and a blanket and Jared carried him to the car. I woke up Joshua and had him come upstairs with the girls. Jared drove so fast to the hospital (25 miles away). I called them on the way.
We got there about 3am or so. It seemed to take forever to get him a bed even though the ER was empty.
They did his vitals and took blood. Then we started waiting. Around 5am a new Dr. came in and he ordered a chest X-ray. It was after looking at this X-ray it was discovered he had pneumonia in both of his lungs, but the worst was in his lower right lobe (thus making it appear like appendicitis).
And seriously when they said they were admitting him, I was surprised. I thought they would get his breathing under control and them send us home with some antibiotics.
We went to a normal room about 7am.
Joshua got the girls ready for church (he was such a huge help to us) and Dena and Toby took them to church.
Our neighbors the Sheltons called and Jared was so upset he couldn't talk to them. They showed up at the hospital the same time Uncle Dennis and Aunt Cheryl did. The 3 priesthood holders (Jared, Glenn and U. Dennis) gave Dallin a blessing.
Jared stayed the nights with Dallin and I went home and got the other kids in bed and up and off to school in the mornings. The girls stayed with the Sheltons or with Toby and Dena.
Tuesday night Jared went to Joshua's football game. Dallin was continually throwing up and in pain. I finally talked the Dr. into giving him another dose of anti nausea medicine through his IV and some tylenol with codeine. He slept for 2-3 hours and woke up Dallin again. He got better just as quickly as he got sick.
I was shocked when they let us take him home the next morning.
We have been trying to keep him still to no avail.
Yesterday we took him to his follow up appointment and I heard some very scary but revealing things from our family Dr.
He said that the Dr. in the emergency room that diagnosed him with pneumonia saved his life. When his blood count came back at 20,000 with no fever he said the doctors were thinking it was something different (which at the time I didn't think was odd because of the Advil) and I automatically thought he was going to say appendicitis. Then he said leukemia.
I am so glad that the Dr.s never told us that.
He now has a clean bill of health and will return to school on Monday.

Joshua Visiting his brother in the hospital.
Dallin and Jared watching football.

The Girls at the hospital.

What in the H-E- Double Hockey Sticks!!!!????!!!!????

2007-10-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Is there an entomologist in the house? I am so totally grossed out! This miniature alien was on my front porch. What is it? And the pictures are life sized, the thing was about 3 inches long! ICK! Jumping around the house and shuttering with the heeby jeebies

Someone? Anyone? Bueller?

UPDATE!

Yep Jenne was right. There is even a website if ya wanna read more about them:

potatobugs

Doo Doo Doo, Lookin' Out My Front Door....

2007-10-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

OK, so yeah I know...it's backdoor. (Forgive me Creedence) And I don't have any "Happy Creatures Dancing on the Lawn". Not that I can see anyhow, and I'd like to keep it that way. But what I do see, is every Eastern Oregon farmers dream, Onion Harvest!

The truck comes back from the field full of onions.

And it waits its turn.

It pulls up to the side of the shed and the onions unload onto the conveyor belt and into wooden crates.

The fork lift driver (sorry he is hidden in the shadow on the left of the crates) stacks the crates, and when they get 4 tall he takes them into the onion shed to be stored until needed.

It made for a noisy couple of days but it was very interesting to watch. All the old retired dudes come out of retirement to drive the farm trucks for harvest. They all smile, wave, and honk whenever they spot us in the yard, and they look like they have rediscovered youth!

Now all is quiet til next year.

And a New Blog Makes 3

2007-10-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

Notice on the sidebar, a link to my 3rd blog....my recipe blog. It was actually an idea from my friend Kris who is using a blog to store her recipes (it's ok she said I could steal her idea..lol).

Conference Weekend....

2007-10-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

My friend Katie had some wonderful tips about making conference weekend exciting for everyone.

I mainly looked forward to a day off church. Is that a bad thing? ;) Not that I don't love trying to hold the attention of eight 6 year olds for almost 2 hours every sunday, after an hour of trying to keep own kids reverent .

So taking Katies advice I am getting a meat and cheese tray from the local deli, along with various snacks items and beverages. We never eat in the living room (the kids anyhow) so I will allow this too.

Not sure if we will play conference bingo or something else, but I will try and make it fun.

I have been anticipating the announcement of who will fill the shoes of President Faust. Those are some big shoes to fill.

Shows I am embarrassed to admit that I watch....

2007-09-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

1. Days of Our Lives. I have watched this show since at least 1976. I used to come home from 1/2 day kindergarden and watch it with my mother, so at least 30 years. I say that is loyal...lol Yes, alot of times it is really stupid...and alot of times I could catch up on a month of shows by just watching for 15 minutes, but I still watch it. Sue me.

2. Rock of Love. Now if you have never heard about this show, here is a brief synopsis:

Since 1986 when MTV introduced the world to the blue-eyed lead singer of Poison, women around the world have worshiped Bret Michael's as a veritable Rock God. Never out of the spotlight, Bret's career is still rocking with Poison and as a successful solo artist and the women are still lining up in hopes of a lying down with the sexy star. But the demands of life-on-the-road for the ultimate rocker have taken a toll...on his love life.

Twenty lucky ladies will get their chance for an All-Access pass to Bret Michaels' heart and to share in all his superstar lifestyle. Bret will invite twenty handpicked beautiful women to move into his rock and roll palace in the Hollywood Hills and compete for his heart. They must win over his mind and his body by proving their love for Bret, their passion for rock and their potential to be the perfect "Rock Star Girlfriend."

Each week, Bret will design challenges to test the girls' ability to adapt to the true rock 'n roll life. Not always red carpets and award shows, who will best adapt to life in a cramped, grungy tour bus with Bret and his roadie buddies? Who can handle the competition from outrageous, and sometimes hotter groupies? Who can keep her cool around his famous friends? Who can best contribute to his music? Who's not afraid to get down and dirty with him in one of his extreme sports competitions. And perhaps most vital - who will always look smokin' hot doing it?

The girls who best meet Bret's needs shall be rewarded with exclusive gifts, dates and travels worthy of a music superstar. Over several weeks, Bret will offer the women who rock his world VIP passes allowing them to remain in his home - and his heart. The women who don't will be sent packing. Competition will be ferocious - for in the end only one lady will walk away a true Rock Star Girlfriend.

In My opinion Bret Michaels is still as hot as he was druing his "Unskinny Bop" days. Yummy. Plus it is funny to see a bunch of ditzy women fight, back stab and munipulate each other. This Sunday is the finale...I can hardly wait...lol

I also enjoy Maury Povich when he has the paternity test shows....they crack me up.

So, what shows are you a little embarrassed that you watch?

The Dancing Princesses

2007-09-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

The girls started dance lessons last week.

Watching Tyleigh's dance class of 3 yr olds was one of the most adorable things I have ever seen :)

Do I smell Deer carcus?

2007-09-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Why yes, I believe I do.
Lets see. Dear hubby and son bubba, killed poor Bambi on Sept 1st. (can you say "10 days later") I can hardly stand to go outside there is such a stench! So I go to check it out (I should have stayed inside) and there is Bambi's HEAD in the back of my husbands pick-up! OMGosh! Hello?!?!?! Needless to say I made him take care of it today. Ick Ick Ick!
Even though they made my nose water and vomit come into my throat I was still proud of my boys! (sort-of) ;)

Joshua just isn't into hunting. He just played his second game of 8th grade football today (very well too) and he has been playing the drums with the High School band because he is better than the High Schoolers. Yay Joshua!

So I spent a large portion of my day in front of the TV watching Sept.11th programs. I don't know why I do that to myself

My New Shop!

2007-09-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

I just got a blog up and running for the things I have made to sell! I am really excited about it.
http://prettylocksandfancysocks.blogspot.com/
Please go take a look and give me some feedback here as to what you think. There is an mailing list also so that you will be updated whenever I add new items.
Thanks for looking!

The Funeral....

2007-09-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

So the funeral was interesting, but nothing too major happened. We spoke to and hugged everyone in the family (except Jared's immediate). Funerals are sad, but in a lot of ways they are almost enjoyable because it always seems to bring people together almost like a family reunion. It was wonderful to see everyone again.

Jared and I have always been really touchy feely with each other. (Not innapropriate PDA, just holding hands and arms around each others backs, back rubbing...you know what I'm talking about) and Jason has always been jealous of that. So in he walks with his girlfriend Yvonne (who is UGLY.... . that made me feel better, is that bad? LOL) and her two kids. They were groping each other during the whole funeral. It was really sickening. He hasn't even gone to court for his divorce yet and he is strutting around with this *excuse me* Whore. They kept turning around and smirking at us to see if we were seeing them getting it on in the chapel. BLECH!

After the funeral we were waiting to give Jared's grandma a hug, and of course his mother Shari is standing right by her. That Yvonne chick gives Shari a hug and looks at me and gives me an evil smile. RME So we pay our respects to grandma and then Shari gives both of us a hug. I was SO surprised Jared didn't shove her arms away...and I wanted to puke, but I would never want to cause Grandma any stress so I just stood stiff and let her hug away and say "Oh thank you so much for coming, it means so much to me". "Um, we didn't come for YOU lady".

You all know how much I love my In-laws RME

2007-08-28T10:01:00.001-07:00

I haven't had to deal with them much over the summer because Shari, the beloved MIL has been gone. She drives fire bus during the summer. But alas she comes back as the new school year begins to drive bus for the school. So, unfortunately she is stirring up crap.

Her first order of business was to go out to Aunt Marlenes' house and tell her NOT to believe anything we say because we are liars. Nice. Aunt Marlene doesn't believe her obviously because she told us what Shari said.

Then I find out through the grapevine that my niece Siara is attending school here in my little town again! I do not know why, because her mother lives in Idaho. (Her father is in prison for drug charges). This poor little girl got expelled from her school last year as a 1st grader. ( I still cannot fathom what a 6/7 yr old could do to get expelled from school. She has had what I only imagine is a horrid childhood, along with her 4 yr old brother Wyatt.) She attended about a week of school here last year, then stopped going for some reason, but still lived with grandma (Shari) for the rest of the school year and all of summer) She attended summer school here to make up the rest of the year and is now in the second grade (thank goodness because Baylee is in 1st and Dallin is in 3rd). Fires didn't start til summer school was completed and then I believe Aunt Judy took care of her (Aunt Judy also lives with Shari). I do not know for sure but I think that Wyatt is still with his mother, Shanna...who is Jared's youngest sister.

Shari's house is not the place for this little girl. If there wasn't so much drama surrounding this whole situation, and if I didn't have to deal with her psycho mother or grandmother I would take her in, in a heartbeat. I think she would thrive in a stable environment, but I am sure we will never find out. She is headed down a disastrous path at high speed.

I know that NO parent is perfect. I am not perfect by far. Heavenly Father and mother had 1/3 of their children go astray, and that was under the best circumstances. This woman raised 4 very unstable children. She takes no responsibility for any of it. And yet as I learn about their childhoods, I can only point a finger in her direction. (along with their very abusive, now deceased father). I was always civil to my MIL though. Until she started hurting my kids. That day the relationship came to a screeching halt.

They grew up poor. Now as adults they have all had trouble with money. Putting their wants first and their bills last. Buying the things they never had as children. Jason is the most selfish person I know. He has to have the best of everything but cannot afford any of it, so he uses people. He is having an affair , totally abusing his soon to be ex wife. Turning his back on a daughter that he has raised for the past 8 years, and because she was never legally adopted he doesn't legally have to father her so he shuns her. He no longer picks her up when he picks up his biological daughters. It makes me sick to think about what he is doing to that poor 9 yr old emotionally. He is smoking, drinking, living with another woman, lies like crazy, and yet he seems to be able to keep hold of his "golden child" status and can do no wrong in some peoples eyes. I just don't get it and it infuriates me.

Jared has always had issues too. I have worked him through the financial ones, thankfully. He had his affair 9 yrs ago. His anger issues are under control most of the time, but when they emerge he is scary. He has anger issues. He gets mad over the stupidest things. He always thinks everyone is out to get him. He was SO dumped on by his parents. Labeled the black sheep of the family as a young boy. Anything that needed blame got put on his shoulders and he was beaten a lot. He was working full time at 12 yrs old and at times brought in more money than his parents did.

Sharma was made to be the slave. She was the one who took the blame when Jared wasn't around. She became very promiscuous and has 2 boys by different fathers. The second one she isn't sure who the father is. She has severe leaning disabilities that were never addressed. (they all do actually, but their parents were too lazy to help them, or get them help). She finally got married to a man that has beat her up on at least one occasion.

Shanna is the baby. Never got blamed for anything, although she was the culprit a lot of the time. She was also very promiscuous. She has been married to a druggie for 10 yrs. They have 2 children (mentioned above). Neither her or her husband have ever had a good stable job. The kids have been neglected but always seemed to maintain a look of normalcy to those who don't know. Wyatt never learned to walk til he was 2 because he was always in a carseat, bouncy seat, playpen or crib. Even as an infant he wasn't held. His bottle always propped up with a pillow. Just thinking about it all makes me furious. Her and her husband are constantly having affairs, and they don't seem to care.

So now we found out that Shari's sister Patty died. We have no talked to any of the in-laws for at least 5 months. I dreamed about the funeral last night, and it was a nightmare. Seriously, probably milder than what is in store for real. Sharma's wedding (in the church) ended in punches being thrown and F-bombs and cars screeching out of the parking lot.

I wish I was joking.

First Day of School

2007-08-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just complaining....

2007-08-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

Feel free to just ignore this post.
I get to the point where I think things are ok financially.
We pay our bills on time every month, and have money left to buy groceries and a few other needs that come along.
But when something big comes along we are screwed.
I took Tyleigh to the dentist yesterday. She has decay on her two front teeth (it looks horrid) and cavities on her molars. (and yes we brush every day)
NO dentist will touch her without her being knocked out.
So our choices are an $9,500 hospital visit (no medical insurance)
Or an $2000.00 in office appointment. (and this is AFTER dental insurance)
The hospital choice is totally out, and we won't have $2000.00 until we get our next tax return (NEXT YEAR maybe February if we do rapid refund).
So now she gets to look like a freak and gets to take Tylenol and advil every day for 6 months for pain.
I left the dentist office crying. I made a total fool of myself.
Sometimes life totally and completely sucks. I just want to load everyone up in the exploder and drive off the nearest cliff.

The Best of Both Worlds?

2007-08-13T19:36:00.001-07:00

So I got myself a job. Or the job found me actually. I NEVER advertise to watch other people's kids, and yet I seem to be able to just wish for a babysitting job and one appears.

I have been watching 2 siblings on and off for a few months now. (Colt 3 and Lainey 2) Just when the regular babysitter is busy, or goes on vacation, or is sick. Some days it is ok. Other days it is overwhelming.

So is it the best of both worlds to do daycare in the home? Some say it is. A job. An extra income, and I still get to stay home. I question myself..."Do I want to stay home and watch kids all day?" It doesn't seem fulfilling in a "career" sort of way. It definitely doesn't pay worth squat. And to tell you the truth, other peoples kids drive me nuts sometimes.

So I get a phone call from one of my visiting teachers who just had a baby. His name is Hoss. (No I am not joking. How am I supposed to look at this baby boy and call it Hoss?) She goes back to work at the end of the month and needs me to watch him. I reluctantly say yes. This also means watching her 6 yr old daughter Lilly after school every day and all day Friday (we have a 4 day school week here). Lilly is in my class at church. Whenever I tell someone that I teach the 6 yr olds I am almost always asked "Who is in your class". I start naming names, and 9 out of 10 times when I get to Lilly I get a moan. She has been an only child for 6 years and is a little turd a lot of the time. She really isn't that bad in class though, because she knows I won't put up with her crap...LOL So I am not too worried about it.

So I will get 25 bucks a day for the newborn. 20 bucks a day for Lilly (Friday) and 5 bucks a day for Lilly Mon-Thurs. 165.00 a week. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it will help ALOT. And will more than make the payment on my exploder :)

So here is where I am thinking it may not be such a grand thing: For the last 2 weeks I babysat for the 2 siblings (Colt and Lainey)I mentioned above. Thursday the boy started not feeling well towards the end of the day. The next day him mom called to tell me he had strep throat. Can you take a guess what comes next?

Yep, I had to spend all the money I made babysitting on Dr. Visits and prescriptions. 3 with Strep. How great is that? I am beginning to think maybe this is the worst of both worlds. Especially when we have no health insurance.

Oh and I may get Colt and Lainey 3 days a week also, but I won't know til Sept when we find out if the boy gets accepted into headstart or not.

A joke....

2007-08-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump died and goes to Heaven.

He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the Gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, "Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you.
We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven."

Forrest responds, "It shor is good to be here, St Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I shor hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was."

St Peter continued to say, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three
questions;

First: What two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'?

Second: How many seconds are there in a year?

Third: What is God's first name?"

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter who waved him up and said,
"Now that you have had a chance to think over the questions, tell me your answers "

Forrest replied, "Well, the first one --which two days in the week begin with the letter 'T'?
Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow."

The Saint's eyes opened wide, and he exclaimed, "Forrest that is not what I was thinking,
but you do have a point. I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer.

How about the next one?" asked St. Peter. How many seconds in a year?

Now that one is harder," replied Forrest. But I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve."

Astounded, St. Peter said, "Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?"

Forrest replied, "Shucks, there is got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd.."

"Hold it," interrupts St. Peter. "I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind but I will have to give you credit for that one, too.

Let us go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God's first name?"

"Sure", Forrest replied, "it's Andy."

"Andy?" exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter. "OK, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name 'Andy' as the first name of God?"

"Shucks, that was the easiest one of all," Forrest replied, "I learnt it from the song...
'ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN'. "

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates and said: Run, Forrest, run."

Praying for the miners.....

2007-08-09T13:08:00.001-07:00

I am pretty sure that I do not know anyone directly involved in the mine collapse but it breaks my heart just the same.

I remember Jared taking me up to see the Crandall Canyon coal mine, except he just called it "Genwal". It was a beautiful drive. Reminded me of going camping. Beautiful pine trees everywhere, little streams of water, some wildlife. There right out in the middle of it all, this coalmine. If he hadn't taken me up there I would have never know it was there. You can't see it until you are right upon it.

Jared used to take several loads of coal a day out of that mine during the year we lived in Castledale, Utah. We had so many good friends there that I dearly miss. Those were good times. There always seemed to be tragedy there though. Some wife losing her husband. And not only due to the mining, there were other circumstances too.

I remember when we lived there, and we were in the midst of the coal industry, the Quecreek mine cave-in happened. I remember staying up all night, and watching them pull the Nine dirty but very much alive miners out one at a time. I hope this story has the same happy ending.

Baylee is famous.....

2007-08-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well, was. For a Sunday. Her drawing was featured on the front of the ward bulletin. She was so proud! Jared and I were a little proud too :)

I wonder if anyone else noticed the date was wrong? LOL (Should say August 5, 2007). Odd.

Pictures of the Exploder...

2007-08-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ahh, the weekend....

2007-08-02T16:27:00.001-07:00

I am not sure why babysitting this week has gotten to me, but it has. I am so glad that I don't have to tomorrow. And Jared will be home tonight, along with Dallin. Joshua leaves tonight. He is going to go on a weekend get away with his friend Matt and his family. It will be wierd for him not to be here. He has gone every day this week, into town to sell melons for the scout fund. He really enjoys it, and I appreciate that he wants to help.
So today as my "Good Intention", I made playdough for the kids. I am going to read them a story before bed. I am going to help them all say their prayers.
I also sent a sick friend a card. It was only an "e-card" but I think it counts.

So it's August......

2007-08-01T22:34:00.001-07:00

So. I am so excited! I could start a back to school countdown if I knew when school started. I need to find that out, I suppose.

Babysitting again tomorrow. Today I was physically and emotionally exhausted by time the kids were picked up at 6. 11 hours with someone else's kids is too long! LOL My biggest problem is that I am SO not a morning person, and I have to get up at 7. I will not get to bed til late tonight. Joshua went to the fair with some friends, and the mother is on clean up and they won't even leave Ontario til sometime after midnight. Maybe I will crash on the couch til he gets home.

And a note...I am going to do one thing tomorrow on my "Good Intentions" list. One thing a day. Something that I don't ordinarily do. I am going to try and make habits. Slow and sure is the best way. Right? ;)

Well I am home, and a little nervous...

2007-07-31T22:55:00.001-07:00

So yes I brought home a new car. (hey this font is a lot like the last one..lol This one is "morning limerick", very nice..., anyhoo).

Reasoning #1, they gave me $4300.00 trade in for my van. Probably 2 K more than they should have.

#2 The payments are somewhat reasonable.

#3 We need to have a 3rd credit line (or something, maybe it was "line of credit") to re-establish our credit so that we can re-finance the house with a lower % rate in a yr and a half.

#4 My mom is getting too old and somewhat senile to keep flying here to see me. She is missing the plane, having to go home early due to health issues, tripping in the airports. I have to have a reliable vehicle to be able to drive to California. No way I could afford plane tickets for 6. Gonna be a miracle to save up gas money as it is. I have not been "home" since my dad passed away over 8 years ago. That is about 7 years too long IMO. Sad actually.

#5. The Van was 11 yrs old and had 115,000 miles on it. Who knows how long it had left? This Explorer is only 3 yrs old and has 50,000.

So are those good enough excuses? Plus the fact that I was really starting to feel really self-conscience driving that old car. That one is a bad excuse, but a true one.

I am looking in the paper for something that I can do to make money. I am babysitting tomorrow and Thursday. Then next week Mon, Wed, Thurs. It could turn into a full time (well 3 days a week) thing, but I won't know until late September. It would be nice if it would work out that way.

Well I will post a lovely picture of my vehicle tomorrow. Wish me luck with my money making venture! And I would love ideas if you have any!

My day so far, and a bad mistake?

2007-07-31T15:26:00.001-07:00

So far today I have hunted for a lost horse, mopped the kitchen floor, washed the table and all the chairs, and I took Joshua into town to sell watermelons for scouts. I think now I will make some more waffles to go with my buttermilk syrup. Let's see if we can add another pound today! Oh, and just to clarify...buttermilk is nasty. This syrup is good though.

And I just got a phone call. I may be making a huge mistake right about now, but....we really need a new car. Nothing fancy mind you, just something reliable (the van is 11 yrs old) so I am off to pick up my new explorer. Well, new to me. I may just be driving my family down the road to homelessness. Off I go....weeeeeeeeeee!
P.S. Can we come live with you?
( I will explain my reasoning for the new vehicle later)