House of Hobbies

Skip Forward to November 2009

2009-11-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

JULY 2009

2009-10-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

June turned quickly into July. We had a CALDERWOOD family reunion. The first summer get together in many years. We started with lunch in Saratoga Springs while we determined if the road to the cabin would allow vehicles to pass. It was so good to see Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins that I haven't seen in a long while. Again it was nice to have them meet Quincy as well.

June 2009

2009-10-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Summers are the best for family reunions. It was nice to be able to introduce Quincy to extended family. Our first reunion was with The HALL Family. Pictures of course are on Paul's computer.

August 5, 2009

2009-08-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Not a Milk mustache... Milk beard!

2009-08-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2009 It can be frustrating feeding a failure to thrive child when all they want to do is chew the bottle. I need the milk in his belly not out and dripping down his neck and back. He did this so much this month. We finally got smart and started putting a blanket under him so clean up would be easier.

Q's first time swimming

2009-08-18T13:51:00.001-07:00

Quincy didn't know what to think about his first time in the swimming pool. We wasn't too into the floaty, but as soon as I took him out he was kicking and enjoying himself more. The water was warm, but outside was still chilly for us since we were use to HOT HOT HOT in Ghana. I put him on the biggest sweater ever and finished swimming with Madison while he hung out in the stroller.

2009-08-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2009 Madison and her friend Campbell set up a snowcone stand in compitition with Campbell's sister and a friend who had a lemonade stand down the road. I was surprised when the pair went around the neighborhood to find customers. Madison was quite determined to make money to buy her fish.

Later that day we counted her money. She was upset when I told her she needed to pay some as tithing until I showed her the large about she gets and the small amount Heavenly Father received.

Birds

2009-08-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

5 little birdies sitting in a nest...one fell out and broke his neck. 4 little birdies sitting in a nest... one fell out and broke his neck. That left 3. At first it was fun watching these birds. Then the momma bird decided to fly at our faces every time we went out the front door. This was June 19th. Two to three weeks after the babies flew the nest, the mom was back laying more eggs. The next batch three fell out of the nest. The last one to fall was almost ready to fly. He hopped around the front porch. Slept in the courtyard, and was found in the morning in the grass.

Why I am rambling about a stupid bird's nest is beyond me... especially since I knocked it down this morning.

Q's 1st time at the dentist

2009-08-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

We didn't waste anytime getting into the swing of things. June 17th was Q's first time at the dentist. Of course he hated it, and I hated having to hold him down.

Home and Happy!

2009-07-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to ditch the idea of posting the first part of my trip to Paris and Accra. Why? Really! By now it is history. So let us start at the End of May. We came home to a warm welcoming committee at the airport. Yaw was now being introduced as Quincy or Little Q. We had tons of visitors the first and second week. We also had dentists and doctor appointments. Life was crazy just because I had more things to do and take care of. But we are happy. And as soon as I go to the downstairs computer, I can pick some new pics to show yall.

Oh baby! Thanks Haley!

2009-06-25T09:37:00.001-07:00

LAST HALF OF AFRICA

2009-06-09T23:09:00.001-07:00

I am posting finally, but it will take two days. This is Last of April and May. Check out older post also cuz there is so much.

HE'S OURS!!!!

2009-06-09T23:05:00.001-07:00

The court date was quick and easy. It was the getting to that point that was crazy. My lawyer was very nice (Above picture.) I wish Paul could have been there, but I had to go alone. Lord only knows why!

If you gotta go....

2009-06-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

So anytime you go to a third world country, you have to expect that the restrooms are not ideal, but I never expected this.

At the court house on Yaw's adoption hearing, I had to go so bad. Vivian scoped out the building to find the restrooms and came back and slyly reported that she had found the place, but that she didn't think I would want to use it.

Wow! I was glad that I had a bottle of water, a bottle of shampoo, hand sanitizer, and kleenex. I was also glad I wore a skirt because I found out that when you pee on cement it splashes. I had to wash my shoes!

I came back giggling and saying "I just peed in a hole." I was so entertained that I kind of forgot that I would be getting a son officially in a little while.

The funny thing is that that was not the worst place I had to go. The worse was at the birth certificate building (same town) It was an actual room with stalls and toilets, but no water. and the place looked like a storage room with stuff everywhere. To top it of a dead roch was in the place. (I hate those things)

To be fair to Ghana, I did find 3 very nice restrooms in Africa. The Rhapsody restaurant, Captain Hook's Restaurant and my own!

"You White People."

2009-06-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

So a lady at church loved to make remarks about "you white people." Oh man I lived for those comments. It was so fun to be the minority and have people judge you, your culture, and your country. I loved the ward I attended. Here I am making myself at home at one of the weddings of a girl in the ward.

Lake Volta

2009-06-09T22:39:00.001-07:00

I had the best time with the Abu family. One weekend we went to a family wedding. I felt bad for the aunts and uncles who thought I was Sonya, Stephen's wife. Poor confused people. I feel bad for Sonya also cuz I was a "White dancing fool" They had good tunes and I couldn't help shaking my bootie. There was a lot of video being taken of me on people's phones. It may creep up on you tube one of these days.

On mother's day we went to Lake Volta for some sight seeing and dinner. Peggy and I just keep dancing. The best part of being with the Abu Family is the humorous stories and much laughter that we shared in the many car rides to here and there.

It is official. They said I could be part of their family now. I am so glad.

Missionary Friends

2009-06-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know what took me so long to realize that I could be of service to the Lord's servants, but on May 4, 2009 I invited the Missionaries over to the house for some "American food." They were so excited. They get hardly any $$$$ to live on. I feel for them. We had "Grandma's" stew and Vivian made her famous spaghetti.

After that Elder White and Elder Fedderson would stop by everyday for food. It was nice to have people help me eat my cooking so I didn't have to eat left overs for 5 meals.

I keep in touch with Elder White...He is the handsome black missionary. We had good food, good company, and good conversations.

Chocolate...a world wide favorite.

2009-06-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

MAY 11, 2009 Yaw's first time eating chocolate. He loved it.

Yaw baby sleeping

2009-06-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

When we were all together in the beginning of our adventure, we all shared this bed. Paul was on the right, then Quincy, me, and Madison on the left. At times I would curl up at the bottom like the family dog.

Once Madison and Paul left, and Quincy started rolling, I had to create barriers with the suitcases and pillows.

Quincy also had to get use to sleeping on the desk at the office, the seat in the car, and his stroller. There were days we were out of the house from 6 to 10 pm. He was quite a trooper.

African Style

2009-06-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

Everyday we would pass shops that had the most beautiful sundresses. I wanted one so bad, but every time I tried on the African Style, oh it was horrible.

My friends Vivian and Mark finally just bought me a Bubu (boo-boo). I didn't want to result to the style that most of the larger women wear, but that was the one that fit my body type. I was even impressed they picked my favorite colors. Vivian had to teach me how to tie the scarf. I should have learned that in the beginning since I couldn't do my hair while there.

It is comfortable and I do love the scarf. Thanks my friends.

American Idol...In Africa?

2009-06-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

Life started to pick up in May. We got Cable TV and the power stayed on so we could actually watch TV. I got to watch the final four show to the Winner show. Not a great picture, but it captured one of the moments. I was in SHOCK when Kris won. Adam was the better performer.

I was glad to have my good friends Mark and Vivian with me. They made life in Africa so good.

Fly the friendly Sky...First Class

2009-06-09T21:49:00.001-07:00

We flew home on Yaw's birthday. He got the royal treatment. We flew "business class" from Ghana to JFK. That means we had a seat that reclined to sleeping position, 3 feet of leg room, gourmet meal...ect. Now I know why Paul texts me whining about not being upgraded. That was an amazing experience. We even got to hang out in the lounge before the flight.

From JFK to home, We were also in "first class" I must not have looked like a first class passenger for that one. The flight attendant asked if I was having trouble finding my seat. (at first I did since we loaded in the middle of the plane) When I returned from the back of the plane and told her my seat number she asked "are you sure?"

Coming home was a trip. (slang) To see that visit Paul's blog. There is a video.

Happy Birthaday to Yaw. A new family, home, and country. All FIRST CLASS.

Pauls Blog Please.

2009-03-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah mom! Madison wanted to call you today from the phone in the bathroom while she was taking a crap. just thought you would like to know that.

Please visit Paul's blog for the lastest updates. www.rollinsrecord.com

I tried really I did.

2009-02-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Um so I tried to post pictures of christmas and the snow, but unfortunately like everything else in my house... the garbage disposal, the vacumn, and mac computer do not work properly. So forget seeing any more blog entries from me for a long time. Damn electronic day in age.

Snow! I hate it.

2009-02-08T20:09:00.003-08:00

Christmas really happened.

2009-02-08T20:05:00.001-08:00

So this blog program is not letting me download any horizontal pictures. So this is it on Christmas.

Electronic Fingerprints......DENIED.

2008-12-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that not having fingerprints would be a bad thing? Apparently it is when you want to adopt a child. More waiting.

GREAT NEWS

2008-12-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

the director of Twilight resigned!!!!!!! YES. Hardwick supporters say it is because "Hardwicke...had soured on the prospect of being involved with the kind of franchise where a release window takes precedence over a finished script, saying she didn't want to be involved with a sequel, believing it would be more and assembly-line production than an ARTISTIC challenge."

Thank Goodness she felt that way because her artistic ability came up with monkeys, cheesy glitter, too many close up shots of Edward and Bella, and a scene in the depth of the forest instead of a beautiful sun-filled meadow.

Happy Birthday MADISON Nov. 30th

2008-11-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

Today Madison is 5 years old. (too bad she acts like she is 15) I really think that time is moving so fast. I wouldn't go back and change anything...and I wouldn't want to relive any of it either. (PRESS FORWARD, DON'T LOOK BACK)

I am so proud of how smart...too smart...smart mouthed....ok just how smart Madison is. I am grateful that she can learn, remember, and regurgitate information. (Just ask her about any commercial... pedipaw, Zantec, Mop n glow.)

I am so glad that she knows how to share and has a giving heart. (sometimes things are special however and then it is a no go.)

I love how stubborn she is. (We just have to point that passion in the right place or we are screwed.)

I will be glad when she can do her own laundry. (Only 3 or 4 outfits a day may decrease)

It makes me happy to know that she wants to be a big sister. (She has been drawing pictures of her brothers and sisters, black skin and all.)

BUT most of all I am thankful she came to live with me and be my child forever.

Madagascar: Escape... Review

2008-11-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

Ok. I really just need to stop watching movies. I give this movie....two stars. One for good clean humor and one because the storyline was entertaining enough. BUT>>>The innuendos for adult humor and contents were heavy. I felt like there were hidden agendas and that they were trying to indoctrinate my child with inappropriate material. Then covering it up with humor.

WOW, I am turning into a freak. I think I really will stop watching new movies for a while.

WORD OF THE DAY

2008-11-25T18:54:00.001-08:00

Spider Monkey

Twilight Review

2008-11-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

Can you say Budget Film... Bad script, bad acting, bad costumes, bad make-up, bad effects... Twilight gave HORRIBLE a whole new name.

Ok, I knew I should have not even tried to go to the movie theater... Sorry my friends and neighbors... I really wish I would have known that this was a LOW budget film. I had no idea about that, which was my downfall. My only expectation was that it wasn't going to follow the book. (understatement)

Let us start with the script. Stephanie Myers writing strength is in her dialog. It was simple, beautiful, and told us all we needed to know about the characters and their interactions. Her dialog should have been used. Instead the screen play gave the characters goofy lines, ruined the Dog and Cat contrast by making them monkeys, and opted to cater to a teen fan base when really the target audience is much broader.

From the opening credits, I was done. Isabella's monotone narrative was to say the least, dreadful. The whole leaving Arizona was drawn out and could have been accomplished through daydreaming while on an airplane. Likewise the whole Edward missing school and Bella alone at school...drawn out. But the most drawn out part was Bella investigating what Edward was. We all know he is a vampire already. Why not spend the most part on developing their relationship? This is a LOVE story, not a mystery to solve.

Back to the opening, the death of the deer. It took that vampire an awfully long time to kill a deer, and yet in the remainder of the movie the director tried to show their speed. HUMMMMMM. And do Monkeys hunt down animals? Not usually. I think they are really in trouble for the next book where the wolves come in. Do wolves climb trees? Because if I was a vampire who enjoyed climbing trees, I would just avoid the dogs on the ground. So you say Cats climb trees? Yes they do, but they also have teeth, speed, strength, and stealth.

Why did the vampires have to look like freaks? Edward said that everything about him draws people to him (them). Right... well then make them seductive, graceful, charming. (oh like the book! What a concept!)

.... Lets talk about the kiss. I didn't see the passion or romance at all in this movie. I guess I prefer a good old fashion romance where the guy respects a woman. I prefer sexual tension and delayed gratification. A man who wants it, but who can control his desires and passions. Edward showed up unannounced and uninvited into her room for the first time (according to her knowledge in the movie...) He said nothing, but practically forced himself on a half dressed girl. CHEAP! Maybe there would have been a little more romance if Bella could act. Unfortunately her scared and passion were the same.

Acting...perform a fictional role in a play, movie, or television production. I was in a play once. My mom asked if I was in love with the guy that played opposite me. I had to tell her I was acting. I just expected good acting. The only characters I enjoyed were Jessica and James. Victoria did good too... she didn't have any lines to ruin. Edward was stiff and uncomfortable looking. Oh, he is really good at acting like someone walked in dog crap! I think the characters were just under developed. We didn't see enough of who they were and what they did. We were left to compare with the book....AND THAT is where the movie failed.

Make up, costumes, lighting, special effects...NON EXISTENT. Oh wait they did manage to steal Martha Stewart Glitter to make Edward look like a fairy princess. And some baseball pants for Roselle to wear through half the movie.

I don't even want to discuss the above problems. They speak for themselves.

So I am getting ready to reread the book so I can recapture the true essence of the best love story since Tristan and Isolde, Romeo and Juliet, and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Too bad the Movie missed a great opportunity to tell a good story. One day someone will come along and remake Twilight and we can have this remarkable, unforgettable experience we were suppose to have.

A very merry un birthday Party.

2008-11-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

So I don't have Madison's official B-day party pics on this computer yet, so I am blogging out of order. We had a redo birthday party for five of the girls that couldn't make it to Sat. Party. It was the shortened version of Pinkalicious. We read the story, decorated cupcakes, watched Strawberry Shortcake "cooking up fun," and they girls played all afternoon.

So that is what a wax feels like....

2008-11-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

So Madison got stickers from the dollar store. She decided to decorate her legs. She had stickers from her toes all the way up her thighs. We had to remove them all. She was a good sport knowing that she was the crazy that put them on, but it had to hurt. You can see the read mark on her knees. I am not sure if she will be doing that again.

Another Disney on Ice.

2008-11-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

I took Madison to Disney on Ice (again) It was ok, but I think it was a budget show because it wasn't as good as Princess on Ice. I guess they do two shows a year...this one was not my favorite. Madison kept asking when Sleeping Beauty was coming out. She asked about every Princess.(They all came out for a small number, but it wasn't enough for Madison.) Apparently she would have preferred the Princess on Ice show also.

We are spoiled brats!

Photo Tag

2008-11-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

4th picture of the 4th file from main computer. Paul at the bobsled event SLC Winter Olympics. We were living in Mexico. SO this guy totally wasted walks by singing and cheering for mexico...had to have a photo.

4th picture of the 4th file from my laptop. My mother around Christmas last year showing us a picture my crafty sister made.

I tagg...HALEY, MONICA, KAMI, STEPHANIE

This is for Stephanie's benifit

2008-11-13T13:24:00.001-08:00

Family

2008-11-02T22:41:00.003-08:00

Family

2008-11-02T22:34:00.001-08:00

Saving Summer

2008-11-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

Right before the first storm of the season, I was so said to say good-bye to summer. So I decided to bring my blooms in doors. We made flowers for the dining room table and Madison made one for her room as well. It was the best we could do. Too bad I didn't check their water level everyday. The flowers only lasted a couple of days.

5 month old Baby Boy

2008-10-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

SO! He may not be three like I wanted... although I still think I have a three year old boy somewhere on earth... But we are applying for a five month old boy in Ghana, Africa. I asked the Lord if I could have him and I think the answer is yes. If it is not... well it doesn't hurt to try. I know very little as my good friend Jessie Coleman pointed out by being intrigued and asking a lot of good questions. We know his age, his location, and that they are trying to find a LDS family to foster care while we wait on the paperwork. US side 2 to 3 months. Other than that, your guess is as good as ours.

Cougar Blue, Through and Through!

2008-10-05T19:33:00.001-07:00

Every game day, Paul takes Madison outside "for important business." He takes his makeshift flag pole and places it in our front yard. Madison and Paul then sings the fight song. SHE knows all the words. She ends it with the traditional RAH RAH RAH and a cheer move. GO COUGS!

The ZOO!

2008-10-05T19:17:00.001-07:00

All the animals were lively and fun to watch. The cougar paced back and forth and over his territory waiting for lunch. The bear was eating lunch. The elephants were picking up wood and throwing it. The baby orangatan was climbing, swinging, and playing. The wolf was getting his food out of a ball on the fence and was biting at wasps. The Tiger was our favorite. He marked his territory, got a drink, paced along the bridge and to his water hole, and soaked in it. Fun, Fun, Fun!

Time with you @ the ZOO!

2008-10-05T19:05:00.001-07:00

Friday we were able to go to the Zoo as a family. It was so nice to be able to spend time together. At lunch though, I got teary eyed as we only had Madison to entertain us. I was said that our other children were not in our family yet. They should be here! Madison was so good, and Paul and I were able to enjoy the day.

Happy Birthday Stephanie

2008-10-01T18:38:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much for all you do for me and my family...especially Little Madison who thinks you really are the queen.

My Witty Child

2008-09-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

SO we were playing games in Madison's room yesterday. It was a little dark in her room with the overcast day outside. She said, "I'll turn on the light." I said, "That would be great." She did it and upon returning to the floor replied, "That ought to shed some light on the subject." Very funny indeed.

Saturday we were trying to get Little Miss to speak. We would command her to speak. Sometimes she would and others she sat there looking dumb with her tongue hanging out of her mouth. It was on one of those occasions Madison replied, "What's the matter Mimi, Cat got your tongue." Man I laughed hard and Maddie giggled.

Moorhouse... THANK YOU. You are awesome!

2008-09-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF HALEY

2008-09-20T16:06:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at Haley's KITCHEN ABC's and 123'S Bridle Shower. Thank you everyone who came and showed her support.

The more the merrier!

2008-09-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

We have a constant flow of little guests in our home. Madison comes the neighborhood looking for friends. She found Dallexandra and the Girls, Chantel and Areil. They played dress up and of course jumped on the tramp.

My daddy went to England and all I got was this....

2008-09-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Paul must have missed his little princess. He couldn't resist getting her tons of prizes. He got her a princess paper doll kit, princess and horse magazines, a pop up tent and a princess hat. This was Paul's 12th time to England in two years and he got a tongue lashing from a woman on the airplane for not bringing me yet. Oh yeah.

Liberty Land

2008-09-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Liberty Land may be the best kept secret in Utah County. We went here for a family date one Saturday and was not disappointed. Madison was able to ride every ride with an adult. it was 16.50 per person for unlimited rides and mini golf. It would be pricey for bigger families, but We just got Paul and Madison tickets. I got to watch and take pics.

I am writing a novel.

2008-09-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

No seriously. This is the first chapter. I would love feedback. BE HARSH and TRUTHFUL.

Party of five...six...oh make it seven

2008-09-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

So friday started with Maddie crossing the street to visit with Emma. Then Ryan's mom called and asked if he could play with Madison. THAT MADE THREE. On the way back from picking up Ryan, Dallexandra drove up in her jeep. We are now at FOUR. The phone rings and the Twins Chantell and Ariel want to play. We are at SIX. Monica stops by to pick up a printer and Wyatt wants to play. Why not, I reply. That makes SEVEN. SO I have a spontaneous party for a bunch of four year olds.

Paul the Mighty Photographer

2008-08-31T12:34:00.001-07:00

So Paul was taking lots of photos... He did take some of me only after I asked. Haley and I had fun anyways.

Pounded and Hounded by the Spirit

2008-08-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

So Paul set a New Years Resolution for this year that he wanted to have people over for dinner. Unfortunatly this was his goal and he did not include or tell me about it. I kept getting the "oh by the way, I invited.......to dinner tomorrow." I would be so overwhelmed because I had planned a "food storage or cheep meal" and the house was not at all guest friendly and I wasn't planning on it being that next day. Anyways. I shot him down and fought him (mostly because of short notice) but also because it was SOOOOOO much work for me even though I felt like it was something we should do.

We have always had dinner parties in most every ward we have lived in....this is our 7th Ward. We love getting to know people and to share a good meal. So I can no longer put of the workings of the spirit. We are suppose to have dinner guests, and it must start soon. LUCKY ME. I guess I will keep a cleaner house if I know I will have guests over. So with that said, I will be rounding up my best recipes, firing up the stove, and getting down and dirty in my dirty house. The Rollin's House is now open for service. Oh wait let me clean up the trash that the dogs strewn all over the house last night from the kitchen garbage from under the sink in protest of their diet.

Taking pics of myself because Paul was too busy...

2008-08-30T11:07:00.001-07:00

A couple of post ago, I was annoyed that Paul never took pictures of Me! So on this trip I took care of things myself. It turned into a joke with my little sis Haley and I. See those Posts tomorrow!

ARE WE THERE YET????

2008-08-30T11:00:00.001-07:00

So after the 12th time that Madison asked "ARE WE THERE YET?" from Spanish Fork to Price...I thought it would be funny to take a picture every time she asked. After the third time in less than 5 minutes I thought the subject matter would get boring. A child in a car seat just isn't that great of an idea. Now if I would have had the video camera out with Paul getting angry, me being annoyed, and Madison innocently asking every 5 seconds...that would have been worth something.

Pampered Chef Party

2008-08-26T20:51:00.001-07:00

SAVE the DATE!!!! Thursday Sept. 18, 2008 Chicken Curry Salad.
I love to cook with my 12 inch Family non-stick skillet, but I still don't have a lid. i use my round pizza pan as a lid. Fancy. No I am having this party because cookware is on sale and I am finally going to purchase a lid. So come and join me for food and fun.

Family Pictures

2008-08-25T21:21:00.001-07:00

Meeting Baby Ella

2008-08-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

We all met in Montrose, CO for a Calderwood Family Reunion. The soul purpose was to meet My newest neice...Ella. She is now 5 months...or six??? Right. Well she is a happy beautiful girl who was very entertained by Madison. We had a great visit. More pics of the family reunion tomorrow.

A new play date!

2008-08-24T21:01:00.001-07:00

So Llama came to visit on Thursday August 21st for a couple hours before she went to a kennel. She didn't come when I called her... probably because she couldn't walk in her glass slippers...when I asked Madison and Dallexandra if they had seen her, they just giggled. They finally confessed that Llama was playing in Maddie's room. I don't know why I didn't suspect the girls of mischief, but when I next saw them they were with Cinderllama. When Llama started ripping the dress. we gave her a skirt instead. I think she would rather not come here again.

Thumb Surgery

2008-08-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

So on Wed. Aug. 20th. I took Paul into same day surgery for his thumb. The best part of surgery with Paul is when he is put out. He gets so loopy and says crazy things. This time it was reported that he didn't have much to say. Madison and I were there for the recovery. We fed him "some of that yummy drink" (diet coke) and tried to entertain ourselves while he came around. He ended up with five pins in his thumb, a wrap for 8 weeks, and lots of 800mg asprin.

In Loving Memory of COOPER Mardesich

2008-08-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day of pondering and silent prayers, a day of explaining to a four year old the ways of the Lord. Young Cooper, also 4 was called back to Heavenly Father this morning after he and his mother took his Kindergarten brother to the bus stop. He was hit by a car while crossing the road, his mother witnessing the terrible scene. As I explained to Madison what happened Madison said her heart hurt and that she felt it high in the sky with Heavenly Father. I also wanted to be close to Heavenly Father so I put away the regular housework music and changed to my favorite hymn sung by Christina England...Be Still My Soul. I am thankful I was able to express the ways of the Lord to Madison and as we mourn for the loss of the Mardesich Family and also for the young man who drove the car...we...I am grateful for my testimony in my Savior Jesus Christ. I am glad that I am a Child of God. and I am thankful for the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which have taught me great and precious truths about life here on Earth and about life beyond the grave. Good bye sweet Cooper and as Madison said today...but when Jesus comes alive again...We will see Cooper.

Stole TIME on Paul's computer!

2008-08-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

So family, friends, and fans, I am finally adding more to the blog. All of our August pictures were on Paul's work computer and it is hard to pry his hands, including his broken thumb, away from his work and play. He is always on the computer. AND FYI... he just came in and got mad at me. I yelled back really well and feel good about that.

Site seeing...after Payson Lakes.

2008-08-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

So we took ZERO pictures of us camping at Payson Lakes with Paul's family because Paul has a big expensive camera that I don't like using, and when he doesn't feel like taking pictures...he doesn't. SO yeah basically we will have no good pictures for scrapbooking, family history, or sadly blogging. I guess I will have to break down and ask for a simple camera that I can feel comfortable dragging around like the eight year old one that finally died. OH and Don't I look lovely after camping for a couple of days. YIKES!

CRASH, BURN when will I Learn!

2008-08-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness Madison is 4 years old and not 16! She is usually a really good driver in her hot mustang, but she took a sharp corner and landed herself in my only flower garden. I love having her hot mustang. She picks her friends up from around the corner, delivers dinners and messages to my friends, and even drives 30 minutes when she follows me on my run. It is quite the useful toy!

Family Reunion AND...

2008-08-16T18:40:00.001-07:00

It is like I wasn't really there. Paul took pictures of everyone,but me. You would think that I...his lovely devoted wife of 11 years would be worth photographing. I was even wearing a cute outfit. Hey it is not that I am vain and just want pictures of me, but I have been documenting our family in scrapbooks for a long time and would love to have pictures of me, myself, and I.

Madison can sleep anywhere!

2008-08-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

SO I came home from running at 10pm to find Madison sound asleep on the floor, legs crossed in the air, and her nose smashed into the wood floor. She was not really snoring, but I can't imagine she received enough oxygyn to feed her brain the way she was laying. She also had her ipod going with her earphones on. We laughed...Monica and I, and took 3 or four pictures. We called Paul up to check her out. When he went for the video camera, she woke up. I love it when she sleeps. Probably because she is quiet and peaceful, but also because she is still good old Madison.

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

UM...I loved TWILIGHT as most of you know. I just Finished it AGAIN with my personal soundtrack and I could read it again and again. NEW MOON...It was pretty good. I am appreciating it more and more Because I didn't like ECLIPES. There were some serious flaws in the plot. And BREAKING DAWN...I just think that Stephanie Meyers rushed it. It just wasn't her best work. NO SPOILERS so I will write my full commentary later.

MADISON TOOK THE PRINCESS QUIZ

2008-07-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ok so it was a little hard to interpret Madison's Answers. She was 33% Aurora, 22% Esmerelda (Like mother like daughter) 11% Areal, 11% Cinderella, 11% Pocahantas, and 11% Megara.

You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)

Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Color Personality Test

2008-07-31T08:52:00.001-07:00

Heidi took the free ColorQuiz.com personality test!

"Intense, vital, and animated, taking a delight in ..."

Click here to read the rest of the results.

Which Princess are you?

2008-07-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

So I am not even a princess, I am a freaking Gypsy. I think that was my other personality taking the quiz. My wild side has been suppressed for awhile and I must have answered with her in mind. Those were the answers I WANTED to do not what I would really do! Even so, I was 22% Cinderella and 11% Jasmine.

You Are Esmerelda!

Mysterious and passionate. You are a survivor. Even though life has swung you some difficult situations you have a strong intuition that gets you through. Also, you have the capacity to sympathize and relate to a variety of different people.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Love Language

2008-07-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Random ACTS of Kindness...Maybe an hours worth. That would do wonders for my attitude and feelings at the present moment. What is your love language? and do you need some right now?

TTA. DO you Work Out

2008-07-19T22:38:00.001-07:00

Do I work out? Well! You don't lose 28 pounds in 5 months without working out... especially when you binge like I do! So the answer is yes. I couldn't say that I have a strict work out schedule. It is very hit and miss, jumbled, and odd. There are a few set things I participate in, but for the most part I just say to myself...self... Your fat butt needs to workout what will it be?

This week Paul was out of town so here is how it went. I painted with my friend and then worked in the yard. Then I ran and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Tuesday, I walked around the Legacy Center's Track pushing a stroller. (that is a set event) Wednesday, I went to cheerleading and then took the dogs for a walk on a dirt road and lifted rocks. Thursday, I painted all day. Friday, I played volleyball for 3 or so hours and then did 16 minutes of turbo jam at night. Saturday, I ran with the dogs for 20 minutes. I could have missed something in there. (Picture is me running @ Bear Lake. My Size 10 Jeans were falling down. Then I ate those damn Cookies)

Dear Sister-in Law to be...Alison

2008-07-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

With my sincerest wishes for your health and happiness...I will be presenting you the Super Moose Munch Party Drum. "All your favorite flavors: 10 bags in all. Our Original Moose Munch caramel popcorn confection, four combinations with Milk and Dark Chocolates, one with White Chocolate and crisp Macadamia Nuts, rich Peanut Butter-plus fabulous S'Mores. Net wt. 3 lbs. 12 oz."

Oh but I am going to be nice and wait until after your wedding...because I wouldn't want to crash, ambush, or ruin your diet now.

With LOVE, HEIDI

SUNDAY NAP...and you Thought Sleepovers were Bad.

2008-07-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

It all started with an invitation to Madison to join me in bed while I read a little for next Sunday. She brought a few Polly Pockets to bed and played quietly. I read and then fell asleep.

The few dolls turned into horses, cars and more dolls, but rolling over on the dog and the Polly Pockets was not what woke me up.

It was a million tiny hairclips that ended up in my hair.

4th of July Parade

2008-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hall Family Reunion

2008-07-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

Once again, I took pictures on the old camera and Paul took pictures on a different one. So pictures are on two different computers as well. An organizational disaster. Can't scrapbook or blog properly.

Summer Fun

2008-07-06T22:31:00.001-07:00

Madison and Wyatt are best friends... for now. (we are waiting for the time when playing with girls isn't cool). But for now, they wake up each morning assuming that they will see each other for a play date. June 16th was one of those days. They played outside for hours. Then when the day was over 7 p.m. They heard the ice cream truck. Why they were out front without me knowing for that moment is a little scary, but they ran in to tell me that the ice cream truck went by and he was coming back this way to give them ice cream. We robbed Paul's quarters and went out front to wait. The truck never returned. Leaving two very upset 4 year olds. Wyatt's father came however on his way home from work. And the Summer Fun ended for one day.

Tagged- Eight random thoughts...ONLY EIGHT?

2008-06-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

1. I am drowning in house work and I don't want to do anything in here. I really want to go outside tomorrow and pull weeds.

2. I can't get my mind off the OFFICE. I borrowed season one and season two from Brooke and record all the re-runs. I just started watching a couple months ago and I am hooked. I like to watch it when I am emotionally exhausted because then it is VERY funny.

3. I have my next idea for my business venture. A restaurant that gives the actual serving size.So I would watch portion size, fat, and eating healthy for the customers. No more overeating at a restaurant because you get it JUST RIGHT.

Never mind that I would have to change the mind set of the whole United States of America for this to actually succeed. But honestly, You can not be on Weight Watchers and eat out. So It might be called. The Big Little Eating Joint. Low Fat and Loving It. Just the Right Amount.

OK SO THE NAME NEEDS A LOT OF WORK. but I would market at Weight Watchers of course, Gold's Gym, Curves, City Center, Jenny Craig, and Other health minded business. Then all of us that our on a diet can stay on the diet and enjoy a night out.

4. I am playing pretend with Madison at this very moment. She had a LONG nap. So I am going to have a LONG night of chatter, talking, singing, and more chatter.

5. I blew my diet today...and yesterday...and the day before... with COOKIES. Paul bought these Lemonade cookies from "Mothers" oh they were gross at first, but they grow on you. Then I finished off cookie dough from a student fundraiser last March for my Primary Class. I ate oh 7 in one night. That is 21 or more points in one evening. I get 22 for the whole day. I ate only 9 points today of cookies.

6. My garden is being over watered by the sprinklers and I can't convince Paul to cap those dang things off. He thinks the garden needs fertilizer. What a waste.

7. I don't know why I am blogging right now. I really would rather be scrapbooking.

8. I really want to go binge on more food right at this very moment. NOT good food, But BAD food. It is like I am sabotaging myself. Might as well give the W.W. update. As of date I have lost 24.8 pounds and two dress sizes. I have one more pound to lose at weigh in to be at the top of my "healthy weight" limit. And I can't stop eating cookies. Dang IT!

2008-05-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Happy "GOLDEN" Birthday to a girl who changes the world one person at a time. Here you see her main method, but what you don't see is the sharing, caring, get to know who you are method. And if that doesn't work, she will get you laughing and having a good time until you want to change... always for the better. Thanks for being a good friend and sister!

MADDIE GOT TAGGED...A Long time ago.

2008-05-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

SO Madison got tagged. These are her second answers. her first were un- publishable. This is the only new picture of me on this computer. We were showing our SNOWIE tongues.

What is something mom always says to you? BAD JOB. "I tell you you do a bad job?" SOMETIMES

What makes mom happy? ASKING PERMISSION and BEING GOOD

What makes mom sad? NOT BEING GOOD

How does mom make you laugh? BY DOING SILLY STUFF..."like what"...LIKE PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK

What was mom like as a child? BEING VERY VERY PERFECT

How old is your mom? YOU PUT HOW OLD YOUR MOM IS. YOU KNOW

How tall is your mom? SEVENTY

What is her favorite thing to do? EAT...I MEAN PLAY GAMES. "That is better than the last time I asked. She said Give Spankings."

What does your mom do when you're not around? SIT AND THINK A STRANGER STOLE ME, BUT I'M ALWAYS AROUND. "Again better than the last answer...spank my butt."

What is your mom really good at? BEING VERY VERY NICE OF PEOPLE

What is your mom not very good at? NOT PLAYING

What does your mom do for her job? TELLING ME SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO PLAY

What is your mom's favorite food? MEAT...I MEAN PIE

What make you proud of your mom?HUGGING

If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? MINNIE MOUSE...I MEAN A PRINCESS. "Last time we tried this I was Macaroni Cheese Head."

What do you and your mom do together? PLAY GAMES

How are you and your mom the same? BECAUSE WE HAVE THE SAME SKIN and OUR DADDY DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME SKIN. HE HAS BROWN SKIN.

How are you and your mom different? BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THE SAME DRESSES

How do you know your mom loves you? I DON'T KNOW HOW MY MOM LOVES ME.

TTA. ONE WORD

2008-05-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

Answer the following with only one word.

1. Where is your cell phone?... unknown

2. Where is your significant other?.... basketball

3. Your hair?... bedhead

4. Your mother?... amazing

5. Your father?... giving

6. Your favorite thing?... private

7. Your favorite drink?... unavailable

8. Your dream/goal?... attainable

9. Then room you're in?... mine

10. Your child? unbelievable YOUR CHILDREN?... missing

11. Your fear? possible

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?... sane

13. where were you last night?... home

14. What you're not?... tactful

15. Muffins?... Donuts

16. One of your wish list items?... housekeeper

17. Where you grew up?... Everywhere

18. What you read last?... Classic

19. What are you wearing?... pajamas

20. Your TV?... recordable

21. Your pets?... work

22. Your computer?... second

23. Your life?... circling

24. Your mood?... fighting

25. Missing Someone?

26. Your car?... reliable

27. Something you're not wearing?... bra

28. Favorite Store?... Ross

29. Your summer?... bittersweet

30. Like someone?... yes

31. Your favorite color?... warms

32. Last time you laughed?... forgotten

33. Last time you cried?... needed

2008-05-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

Thank Goodness Brooke Tagged Me because I have no pictures on this Darn Mac...and I have nothing exciting to blog without them. I have been scrapbooking if any one wants to come over and view them.

ABC's of ME!

A-ATTACHED OR SINGLE? attached by law, by spirit, by love to My Punk Hole.

B-BEST FRIEND? Once you are in the inner circle... you are family.

C-CAKE or PIE? Ummmmm. COOKIES

D-DAY of CHOICE? honestly they are ALL the same. one runs right into the next.

E-ESSENTIAL ITEMS?

F-FAVORITE COLOR? orange... this month

G-GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? um not worth eating when you break down the WW points

H-HOMETOWN? I would not make that claim. there should be a law about how you qualify for a hometown.

I-INDULGENCE? yes please...a whole box of Russell Stover's chocolate covered cherries

J-JANUARY OR JULY? July... I like it HOT HOT HOT

K-KIDS? kid, but soon hopefully it will be KIDS

L-LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT... Sex and Money

M-MARRIAGE DATE? October 26, 1999

N-NUMBER OF SIBLINGS? 3 others + 2+6+4+2 more this year+1

O-ORANGES OR APPLES? Seasons change and so does my desires

P-PHOBIAS OR FEARS? Well my fears are lock deep inside my soul and I don't think about them.

Q-QUOTE? Too many good things have been written and said over many centuries, but to quote PAUL..."you are a GOD woman." Text message this month.

R-REASON TO SMILE? I just saw a picture of me wearing the most high waisted shorts ever.

S-SUPERMAN OR WONDER WOMAN? Go GIRL POWER!

T-TAG 5 PEOPLE............Stephanie, Mom C., Brianne, Haley, Paul

U-UNKOWN FACT ABOUT ME? I'm an open book, what do you want to know.

V-VEGETABLES? 5 full servings a day thank to Weight Watchers

W-WORST HABIT? popping back and neck

X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? Don't you wish there were better words that start with X!

Y-YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican everything.

Z-ZODIAC SIGN? Aries

Weight Watchers Update

2008-05-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

So I should probably wait till next thursday to share, but keeping this posted helps me stay focused on the plan. Next week, I will reach my 10% goal of losing 17 pounds. I am one pound away. I am a little nervous because I will need to set another goal which could be 10% again or a goal weight between 117-146. Of course I would love to weigh 117 if I was 18 again, but 146 seems high. So I am debating on saying 146 to get lifetime membership at W.W. and then shooting for 135.

Gosh that number seems so far away. 20 more pounds to go. Yikes. I will have to for sure lay off the cookies...I ate 10 in a row on Sunday. That is 30 points and finished the 2 remaining on monday 6 points. On Tuesday, ate 22 points in one hour with mexican food and an Adventure Snickers Bar. (I only get 23 points a day) I still lost 2 pounds by being good two days out of the week. If I would follow the plan ALL week long. I could lose 5 pounds in a week right now. Who the hell wants to do that?

TTA. My Favorites all around Town...

2008-04-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

First I would like to preface this blog and dedicate the tittle to Brooke Rollins who would always think it was funny when I said I had to go to town. Town for me includes all surrounding areas within 30 minutes. So South Jordan, Draper, Lehi, A.F., Pleasant Grove, and Provo.

My Favorite place to grab lunch...It use to be Burger King before the big D word. Whopper Jr. Combo please.

My Favorite place to go for a Date Night...Um I prefer to just go out of town on a trip or a night in a hotel.

My Favorite place to pick up some creative goodies... Any scrapbook store.

My Favorite place to keep the kid busy... Thanksgiving

Point or Cabella's.

My Favorite place to get wet... Our clubhouse pool.

My Favorite place to buy a treat... Target. They have

"harry and david's moose munch"

My Favorite place (s) to shop for fun... Big Lots, Dollar stores, Ross, & Ikea

My Favorite place to get some fresh air...Yeah no idea.

My Favorite place to splurge... I never splurge, but I do like to spend a few extra quarters at yard sales or some greens at the Dollar General.

My Favorite drive for a weekend away...We don't drive...We fly...usually.

NEW FAVORITE YOU TUBE!

2008-04-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

Interview for a bodyguard! Check it out. This one is for Brooke. Thanks to Scott Buchanan for introducing me to it.

Old news can be new news.

2008-04-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

One of the craziest things this year was the flood that hit above Redwood road and gushed into our street. It lasted for two weeks or so. The water was finally pumped into other streets as well, but our street was always full. The neighborhood made many sandbags and rallied in the street to help. No damage happened in our area, but the houses down by the pool weren't so lucky we heard. All this water came from the fields above Redwood Rd.

TTA. Laugh out Loud

2008-04-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

Anything can be funny and make me laugh when I am with my Mom and sisters (Brooke that means you.) Ok let's include my brother and sometimes my father because sometimes Shaun can make me roll. It is usually when My Sister Stephanie is poking fun at him and then he retaliates. Now lets get one thing straight. Of course it is funny when it is directed at someone else.

But there are other times when we are all just overly tired and something sets the giggle fits off. Like the time we laughed so hard over a Hallmark Card in Hallmark "why don't whales sweat? Because they don't have arm pits." We laughed so hard mom peed her pants...which makes us laugh more because it happens every time. (hey don't get mad mom. I do it too.)

Christmas is the main event where frequent bathroom breaks are needed.

Check out Haley's Christmas... video to come soon.

Now Brooke has a special talent that makes me LOL. The first time she busted a move I couldn't contain myself (literally). I laughed so hard I had to make a run for it. Since then it still sends me to the bathroom. I also learned that some of her moves can get you a sandwich. For some reason it is always when we are scrapbooking together. One time she busted out singing a Madonna's song kereoke style when there was no kereoke. We danced together for a little while, but I couldn't keep a straight face. I busted out laughing and ran for the restroom. When I came back she was still singing and dancing. She finished the whole song. The funniest thing ever...

I also will laugh out loud over things that Mr. Bennet so described in Pride and Prejudice "for what do we live, but to make sport for our nieghbours, and laugh at them in our turn." I can't find the quote from the book that explains this better so neighbors and friends don't concern yourselves too much. Most of you will have already had me laugh. I usually say, "you have got to be kidding me." Then I chuckle. Usually, it is something as simple as you telling me your car is broken, you lost your wallet, and bumped your head. Sometimes it is nothing but the Lord testing your faith, your mental capacity for idiosyncrasies, or your dumb decisions you made.

The latest LOL moment was watching the trumpet playing chick on you tube. Oh man that was great. It wasn't funny the first or even second time, but two hours later I was LOL in the car all the way home.

Do I laugh at myself? Yeah. I will always tell you all the dumb things above for a good laugh, but I love to hear your stories better. Keep laughing america.

My Birthday Present

2008-04-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

I am really quite impressed with my husband this year. Maybe I should back track to last May...Mother's day! I wanted an iPod docking station for my hand me down iPod. I was so sure that Paul would buy a practical, but inexpensive one. (past experiences have marred my judgements) Maybe we should talk about that for a moment for his sake. Honey! really my first birthday we shared together was well "beary" interesting. Since then things have improved greatly due to the specific list of items with Brand names and places you can find them.

But back to the iPod docking station...I was surprised when he bought a really good one. Since then I have been in awe that my gifts have been well thought through and researched. Research proves to be the most important factor in the improvement of gifts.

And now for my birthday gift. I have wanted to make compost since researching it in AZ. We didn't have the right ingredients on our 8 acres of desert to be successful at this delicate science. I tried and failed. I have wanted to try my hand at this ever since moving to property that actually has grass and trees. I have been looking for a composter that was affordable/acceptable to present to Paul for consideration. I found two that I was willing to compromise on, but due to Paul's new found love of really pleasing me for holidays he researched products and Bought me the VERY BEST for my birthday.

And that is what makes 11 years of marriage fun, exciting, and new. All of a sudden, you can be happily surprised with a simple change of person that makes you fell special and important all over again.

Weight Watchers Update

2008-04-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Weigh in was yesterday. I lost 3.4 pounds last week. According to WW Scale I now weigh 160.0. Nothing like tooting your own horn. TOOT TOOT

Tuesday Tell All-Professional Help

2008-04-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows I need professional help.... but seriously. The first thing I would do is seek professional help with cleaning out my old PC. What does that stand for anyway a seriously old computer? I am a Mac user now only because Paul rubs shoulders with other Mac users who swear by them. Well now I need professional help with my Mac as well. SO I guess I would seek computer classes so I could become a technical geek.

Yeah so after that I would seek professional help on HAIR and SKIN care for African children. I have to do that before we adopt however so it is not a WOULD it is an absolute MUST.

I would love to and might take a Jazz dance class just for the heck of it. If I had money I would take a pottery class. Or I would go back to college and just take courses that sounded interesting.

TTA. Do something dangerous.

2008-04-08T20:44:00.001-07:00

If I am going to jump on the bandwagon of blogging, I might as well join in the fun of "Tuesday Tell All." So danger huh? In my twenty's I have done enough to scare the living daylights out of me. I rode on the back of a guys motor cycle on a two lane highway at 100 miles per hour. I parasailed in Mexico... Couldn't figure out how to get down and almost landed on the roof of a building. I rode the subway into Mexico City and when the doors opened men pushed us on groping us from one stop to the next. And those are the things I did sober.

I swam across a lake 5 months pregnant with jean shorts because the walk around to return to a camp was to long. I had to tread water forever because the dog was afraid to swim with me.

Now what would I want to do? Nothing. I realize now that life is precious and that I was close to death too many times in the past.

LOST 9.4 Pounds

2008-04-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

Ok so in my profile I said I needed to lose 10 pounds. As of date I have lost 9.4 on weight watchers. This week I will not lose any because I decided not to set any goals for myself. I also rationalized that cookies made from a cake mix were not really cookies. I stand by that argument and there for have not eaten cookies since binging Easter weekend. I just might put a picture of before and after later.

I've been Tagged... THANKS MILES

2008-04-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

What were you doing a Decade Ago? UM... who remembers that long ago. So 10 years ago, I was married for two years and in the last year of college at Weber State University. I was working at a Thrift store and completing an internship at the Child Abuse Prevention Center. Paul was working in Salt Lake. We moved from Ogden to Roy to Our FIRST home in Clinton.

After Paul and I graduated we moved with his company to Athens, Georgia for a year. I worked as a Foster Care and Adoption Caseworker until I was burned out from the high case load, horrible conditions, and because I was a bleeding heart social worker. Paul was sick of managing in a manufacturing environment so we packed our bags...(actually I never unpacked boxes in Georgia) and we headed to Leesburg, VA to live with my parents at an amazing horse property. This was the first time I lived close to my family in 6 years. VIRGINIA was amazing, but life there wasn't easy. We bought an over priced town home, worked various jobs, held various church callings, and still didn't have the desires of our hearts.

On Sept. 10, 2001 we left the beautiful east coast and headed to barren, dry, Arizona. Paul returned to managing a manufacturing plant in Mexico. We lived 5 miles from the Mexican border in a rural desert neighboring community. (A WHOLE OTHER STORY) There I worked as a teachers aide and substitute until the love of our life was born in 2003. Arizona as a place to live was bittersweet. I made the best friends ever. We did tons together....until most of us moved away to new towns and lives. A few friends remain, but as life goes on it is hard to stay in touch.

2005 to date... Paul and I returned to Utah. He works while able to experience the world literally. I play and work while teaching, playing, and entertaining Madison.

Ten years have come and gone and am I better for it? Sure! I have matured a little. I have made new friend and rekindled some old ones. I have tamed my craving for caffine in diet coke, and have learned to look at the past without fear...well sometimes. But most of all I have learned that there is more to learn.

5 things to do...

1. Paint and decorate my African baby's room

2. Plant my garden

3. Make up a cheerleading dance

4. Pick up my make-up from Macey's

5. Plan my lesson for primary.

5 places I've lived

1. Sierra Vista, AZ

2. Leesburg, VA

3. Athens, GA

4. Henderson, NV

5. Montrose, CO

5000 jobs I've had

Sizzler hostest, Wendy's drive through, Target softlines, Sandwhich deliver, Thrift Store worker, Child Abuse Prevention Specialist, Upton shoe salesperson, Tuesday Morning shelf stocker, Foster Care and Adoption Specialist, Attorney General's legal assistant, Home Depot special services, Probation Officer, Teacher's Aide, Substitute Teacher, Wal-mart cashier, Cheer coach. (housewife and mother)

5 things MOST people wouldn't know about me

1. I have eight scrapbooks completed/practically finished for a 4 year old

2. I have placed music and lyrics to Twilight and written a book to go with it.

3. I went to bed thinking that I will miss carrying around all my weight that has been with me for a decade. (psycho I know)

4. I have expensive taste for clothing, furnishings, and everything else, but enough patience to wait for what I want. I waited 7 years for my sofa.

5. I would move tomorrow to the Missoula, Montana area, buy a ranch house on the blackfoot river, and raise cattle.

I tag my mom and Rebecca.

My mom Joins the community!

2008-04-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

There are sometimes when you are so proud of your parents. This is one of those days. I love that my mom is so up with the times that she is willing to BLOG! Mom you Rock!

Easter Day Photo Opp.

2008-03-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I look at these pictures and feel old. Excuse my vanity for a moment. First of all, the lines around my eyes tell me that I had better get all my children here on earth soon or they are going to have an old woman escorting them through life. Second this is the time when I think I am fashionable, but need Clinton and Stacey's help. And finally...Why do I still have dogs? Oh yeah there are other people here involved. Well, Paul looks good and Madison is alway Beautiful.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Grandma Rollins

2008-03-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

From eggs to pumpkins

2008-03-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

Any holiday art project done in our home or the home of Grandma Rollin's ends up sporting a Y! Either Ben or Paul or Robbie end up carving a pumpkin, decorating the gingerbread house, or in this case an egg with that famous Y logo. Our children can pick out BYU cougar stuff (hats, shirts, shorts, Key chains, mugs...you name it) on a street, in the mall, on TV, or on people. Brooke's kids come in first place with BYU brainwash, then Madison, and I am sure little Anistan will be just as knowledgeable.

First time for curls

2008-03-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know why it took me four years to put curls in my daughter's beautiful long hair. I knew a curling iron wouldn't work, and hot rollers never crossed my mind until this day. She loved the curls...unfortunately they only stayed half a day. By 3 p.m. they were gone and her hair was a tangled mess just in time to put on her Cinderella dress and go out in public.