And so it begins...

I officially started to train for the half marathon I am running (hopefully the whole way) today. Boy am I out of shape, or in a round one as Scott would say. My training today way a two mile run, not bad. I didn't want to go out in the cold and didn't feel like going to the college and renewing my membership, so I used Mom's elliptical. After about 1/2 a mile I was ready to quit. But I didn't, I did the two miles and a little cool down. I think my heart rate was way to high when I'd measure it on the machine and prayed I wouldn't pass out and would just finish. After I finish a mile I started to feel good again, my muscles were warming up. We'll see if I can move tomorrow though. Hopefully Wednesday I will get my butt to the college and actually run, it's 2 miles again. Then we'll see how I'll do. For the next while I'll be writing a lot on my journey to the half marathon, What was I thinking?!?! Oh yeah, that's my life's motto.

Christmas Eve

It is finally here and the kids could not be more excited. The only down fall is Harley is sick. What is up with the holidays and sickness this year, especially Harley (she is my sickly child this year). I am taking a break while a cake cooks and the rolls rise. I need to finish cleaning the house, Linda is coming and we can't wait. I want everything done so we can just enjoy the rest of the week, Scott doesn't have to go back in until Monday after he gets off today. The driveway needs a good shovel, it is packed with snow. It is fun having a white Christmas, but I a nervous for those who are traveling. Usually the snow has melted on the streets by now, but it is holding on strong. I have to go to the store still and am afraid fro myself and everyone else on the road for me driving. I can't wait for the night to be here. I love the food, the family and most of all the excitement of the kids. Well off to clean, cook and shovel the driveway.

Decorating Trains

Each year Mammy bakes trains and the kids get to decorate them, thus I get out of baking gingerbread houses. This year we waited for Mooch to be home to do it with them. The kids had a blast and made a mess. They love doing the trains and most of all overloading on the candy. As if it wasn't enough to overload there, the kids broke into the train for dessert. I hope they go to sleep soon and come down off the sugar high. It was a fun day for them and they love their time with Mammy. Thanks Mammy for the fun memories. We just wish all the cousins were here.

Here comes Santa

It has been awhile since we saw Santa, but I just wanted to post about it. We had a Children's Christmas Party at the church. There were stories with milk and cookies and then Santa came to visit the kids. It was a lot of fun and a success with the kids. They waited for the line to go down to see Santa, because I wouldn't stand in line for them while they played. Harley wants an American Girl doll, Samantha or Mia (they are being retired this year), and Noah wants a new Nintendo DS lite Pokemon version, the one he has is on the fritz. A few more days and we'll see if they were on the naughty or nice list. They really are excited for Christmas to come this year (it is starting to drive me a bit crazy and so I'm ready for it to be here too). I didn't get pics of the kids in their Sunday clothes this year, hopefully I can get it this next Sunday. If not we will live and life will go on. I just am not in the picture taking spirit right now.

My 8

I've been tagged and need to do my list of 8's. So here it goes...

8 tv shows I enjoy watching
1. Survivor
2. The Mentalist
3. The New Adventures of Old Christine
4. The first 48
5. Criminal Minds
6. Crime 360
7. America's Next Top Model
8. CSI

8 things that happened yesterday
1. I started cleaning my house and still haven't finished
2. We went shopping for our items to donate to Childhaven
3. We ate dinner at Applebees
4. I dropped the kids off at school in my pj's
5. I worked out
6. I cleaned out the dresser next to Scott's side of the bed (and threw a bunch away, sshhhh)
7. Drank a Route 44 Diet DP with diet cherry, easy ice
8. started my week long laundry washing

8 things I'm looking forward to
1. Not stressing about being in shape to run the 1/2 marathon
2. Christmas break and hanging out with the kids
3. Summer, I hate this cold weather
4. My date to watch Mr. Jane tonight with Scott
5. A diet DP
6. Getting new running shoes and a gym membership
7. Losing weight
8. Having the school Christmas Parties over with


8 things I love (or tolerate) about winter
This is a stretch, but I'll try
1. The kids making snowmen
2. The memories of being a kids
3. Caramel Apple Cider
4. snuggling under a warm blanket
5. Sledding
6. Snow days
7. The magical feeling snow brings
8. When it's over


8 things on my wish list
1. To be the wife and mother my family deserves
2. To get my house cleaned and decluttered
3. To teach my kids the things they need to know
4. Become a better person
5. Learn patience
6. Make wiser choices
7. My husband and kids will know how much I love them
8. To be a positive impact on others lives

One of my trials/pay-backs in life

This week has been particularly trying with Noah. To say the least he is driving me nuts!! I just want to put him in bed about thirty minutes after picking him up from school and can't wait to get him there in the morning. How sad is that!?! Sometimes he is the sweetest little thing, but beware there are some horns holding up the halo at those times. When he is difficult, watch out. I just hate that I am not enjoying my short amount of time with him. I need to change my attitude, but every time I think I am it suddenly switches back to "just get to bed and leave me alone." I am sure he can hardly stand waiting for the holiday and I need to be more patient. But come on already. He does come up with some original excuses, I'll give him that. Like when he is not listening, "I think there is too much earwax in my ears. I can't hear what I'm supposed to do" and walking around hunched back for a good three hours, just to admit he's really not hurt (that's dedication). I know he comes by these traits naturally, I am his mom, but come on already. Hopefully Girls Night Out this week will help. I'm off to get the kids to bed and myself, more uncontrollable children to deal with subbing tomorrow (if only I had know he would be this difficult a month ago when I agreed to sub tomorrow, I would have said no).

Putting up the Christmas tree

We finally put up the tree this week. It was a lot of fun and I actually took pictures this year, another day I tend to brain fart about pictures. The kids need to clean some things while Scott was setting up the tree and fluffing it. Noah decided he would much rather fluff the tree and Harley didn't really want him helping pick up. Thus Noah went on and on about fluffing the tree. After awhile Scott was getting bugged by the tree fluffing comments and said that isn't what he calls fluffing. The kids rolled with laughter, thus my favorite pics of the night, the kids "Fluffing" their Christmas trees they put up in their room. Yes we do have a sick sense of humor around our house. It was a good night, the only downfall was the kids did not want to go to sleep because they were so wound up. But, it was the most fun decorating a tree yet.

Thanksgiving

Scott cooking

My paintball boys

I don't know why, but I don't particularly enjoy the holidays. Once they are here I guess I enjoy them. I just tend to work myself up about all I have to do with school parties, church parties, work parties, shopping, cleaning house, and a million other things there is to do. I was in an exceptionally bad mood this year heading up for Thanksgiving with the the family in Price. I just felt like there were still a million things to do and no time to unwind. I also hate driving. It makes me a nervous wreck, just ask poor Scott. They need to prescribe me a pill so I can chill out. Once we hit Price we all had a good time and I really don't know what I was stressed about. We had a great dinner on Thursday and a lot of relaxing. The little boys took the paintball guns out to shoot at tree, since the big boy didn't want to go out in the cold and rain. They were so cute. Noah was so excited to get to be included in the big boy stuff. They returned after using all the paintballs they were allowed and then hung out. Scott even attempted making his beloved Egg Nog Pie. He got it right the second try with a little help. Those were the only pictures I took of the weekend. I am lame. When it comes to Thanksgiving I vow each year to take pictures and fail to each year. There is something in my brain that just has a big huge fart and I forget to take pictures. I think it is all the dread of the holidays. We pretty much stayed up all night that night so we could hit the sales on Friday. After scoping out Walmart to figure out where they had the things everyone was needing, we headed home to get the kids to bed. By the time Noah fell asleep there really was no point of going to sleep, because Amber wanted to meet at 2:30 so we could be some of the first people in line. We gave her a hard time, but we showed up (Linda, Trent, Jeff and I). We got there and set up our stuff. Unfortunately, there were already two extremely annoying ladies already there who quickly informed us they had at least 20 more people coming that they saved places for. Then I meet some cool ladies behind us in line and tried to visit with them so the ladies up front wouldn't get on my nerves. Needless to say as the night wore on and the sleep deprivation set in I was getting extremely cranky and annoyed with these ladies. Then their annoying crew showed up and got even more obnoxious. I think they were all drunk, which is what I needed to be (actually they were sober and just acted like 40 year old high school girls). The more annoying they got the more mouthy I got. Lack of sleep is not good for me. Thankfully they only showed up maybe 30 mins before the store opened, but a lot of people were irritate that they cut, it bothered me they cut but their annoying high schoolness put me over the edge, with lack of sleep. Needless to say we got what people needed and didn't need and then headed of to check out a few more stores and got breakfast. I was pretty much useless after that for the rest of the trip, I just wanted to sleep. So that day Scott took the kids paintballing, they both got hit and Harley had the bruise to prove it. They had a blast. Then the stomach flu hit and that was about when it was time to head home, so Monday we recouped and got feeling better and it is back to life.

Our Final Day

Dessert

The Ferry

On the back of the Ferry

One of the camels

At last I have reached the last day of the trip. We head to Morocco, i believe Tangier. It is an early and long day. We meat for breakfast and get ready to head out. When we get to the lobby we see if there is more then one bus and make sure we are not with Miguel. To our surprise more then us ask to not be put with Miguel. We load the bus and head off to meet the ferry. Our guide this time is very nice, but I can't remember his name, I couldn't even the day of the trip. After about an hour drive we get to the ferry. We wait in line and get ready to load on the boat. It is about a 45 min ride across the Straight of Gibraltar and we reach Tangier. Off the Ferry and onto the bus for a tour around the town. First stop a short ride on a camel, if you want. It is literally a small circle, as small as the camel can make, and your off. It was a Euro to ride, a little over a dollar. Then on the bus and to walk through the town. We see a snake charmer and then he hits you up for money, in a real pushy manner. Then Scott paid another Euro to have them wrap a sedated cobra around his head. More walking and info on the city, their life and the important things. Then we reach the rug factory. This is the great shopping we have heard about?!? They take us to a room and give us a presentation on the rugs and whatever. I was busy watching people and getting a kick out of Ron Bell picking his nose, wishing I could snap a picture. They let us go and search the store for extremely over priced items, but I do manage to get a decent deal on an tradition outfit for Harley and a drum for Noah. Then it is off the the streets and back to the bus. The trip back to the ferry was eventful. The wolves attack and try to get you to buy their items from them for ridiculous prices and it is bargaining time, while rushing to the docks. It was extremely annoying and the merchandise was crap. It was a sweet relief to get to the ferry and no more people hounding you. The trip back was uneventful and then back on the bus. We still want to get a few more things, but it is getting late. We ask the guide if there is anywhere to shop that we can be dropped off at on the trip. He tells us and so we hop off and are hoping to get a few more things we weren't able to. Well the only place open was a Walmart type store and no restaurants. So we grab a cab back to the hotel. Talon, Annie, Scott and I decide to get some dinner. We have a delicious 5 course meal and enjoy every bit. Then it was off to finish packing and 2 hours sleep before we have to leave in the morning. The flight home was good, but long. No Pepe-la-pew. Mom did get held up in France for smuggling scissor, or really a hair clip and I had my bag searched twice, because I look dangerous. Then a long drive home. And that is the end to our great trip.

Day Four- Shoe Shopping

We decided to take the day off and go out on our own. Sorry Miguel, I know how you will miss me and my family. We slept in until 10 when Mom called to wake us up. Just enough time to rush and get ready and make it to the morning feast before they clean up (look you don't get a body like this skipping meals). We found out Marabel (or something like that) was a good place to shop. They have both name brand, in other words way out of my price range, and old town shopping, in my price range. I decide to wear my boots today , because I need to luck in finding some awesome boots to take home from Spain. We grab our cabs and head over to Marabel. The cab driver tells us were we will want to shop and so off we go, after being hit up by the mustached lady for some money (in her defense I think she was homeless). We headed across the street and there it was, the best store, with the best shoes ever. There were hundred of cute shoes. To top that they were reasonably priced, better then I could get in the US (rare these days). I was in heaven trying on shoes, shoes, and more shoes. Scott was good to sit and watch. I did notice I picked the most outrageous things and everyone else went conservative, shocker. After trying on 20 or more pairs I had to narrow it down. I ended up with 2 full boots, 1 ankle boot and 1 high heel dress shoe. I love them all. They are so much fun. The best part is all together they cost about as much as one pair of boot back home would. I was set, we could go back to the hotel for all I cared. I knew wearing my boots for luck would pay off.

We walked around some more after that and window shopped some store. It was fun to see all the thing, but I already spent my money (or did I?). We stopped to get lunch, because everything closes for about two hours. The place was delicious. Scott had some calamari and it look gross, but I tried it. Not to bad but way too chewy for me. I also split a club sandwich with Scott. It was pretty good, but very different from the one back home. The fries were the best (does that even need to be said). Then we walked around some more, got some gelato, walked around some more. As we were window shopping, waiting for the stores to open, we stopped to look at some shoes. This man is strolling around and walks around the corner and lets one rip. I mean shake the walls fart. We all looked at each other, Mom thought it was me, Patty thought it was Scott and Scott and I couldn't believe the guy would let it go so close. Then we all started rolling with laughter. Then Mom goes and looks down the alley to see the guy, who is hovering back there in embarrassment. We walk off and then we see the poor man sneak out. It was a good laugh though. We did a little more shopping, I got some shirts for the kids, scarves fro me and a jacket for myself. Then before leaving we found a chocolate churro shop and had one. It was huge. The churro was not as good as the first one, but the chocolate was as good. Then we caught a cab back to the hotel to get ready for dinner that night.

It was the big dinner KOB put on for the group. We were taken to an farm/bullring/horse show place. They had a show where we watched the Andalusian (or whatever) horses dance and then a flamenco dancer danced with one of the horses. Then it was inside to dinner. It was a yummy dinner. Then the flamenco dancer preformed for us. Then it was back to the hotel with gifts of shot glasses. Great presents for the guys Scott works with.

Day Three - Granada

sorry I don't know why it ended up side ways and I can't figure out how to flip it or remove it

The man making the cool wooden, bone, metal pieces

ruins left from times of war

inside the Alhambra

Once again we got up and ready to eat breakfast around 7 in the morning. And once again a feast. We wanted to be a little early for our tour group so we might be able to choose our tour guide, or not choose Miguel. We are headed of the Granada today to visit the Alhambra. When we arrive to the lobby we ask how many buses and who will be the guide of each bus. There will be only one bus and our guide is, you guessed it, Miguel. We are thrilled. We hope on the bus and head out. Oh great, the same spill as yesterday. Spain has the best wine, everyone should drink wine with lunch (but not to get drunk, just two glasses it is healthy), the olives are the best, the olive oil is the best, the blah blah blah. I should have it all memorized I have heard each thing repeat four to nine hundred times for the second day. I was just glad that he didn't like to repeat himself. Then it would have been a terribly repetitive day. We did learn he is divorced and remarried and some other stuff I quickly forgot. Too bad he wasn't more like-able, he knew tons of information, it just got lost in the "stop, listen to me, is everyone listening to me." I didn't we were back in school. The lady next to us on the bus was a riot. She kept commenting on how she felt like a naughty school girl getting chastised by her teacher. Any who, back to the story, We stopped at a rest stop bathroom, cafeteria, shop place off the side of the road. We had 20 mins. for a break and Miguel was timing us. (Really he told us that) It was nice to use the rest room, get some much needed caffeine, snacks, and even a little olive oil lotion (which my kids are hording, especially Noah who has a thing for all things soap and lotion). Then back on the bus and off to the Alhambra. We find out we will be split into two groups and are figuring a way to maneuver ourselves in the group without Miguel. Pleasant surprise there are two different guides that will be taking us on the tour, NO MIGUEL!!!

We start the tour off in the gardens which are beautiful. We get to learn the history of the place, which most of it I have forgotten (our guide was wonderful, but I really had to concentrate to understand her English). I know the castle was first built by the Islamic people and the taken over by the Christians. It was beautiful. The details in all the work was amazing. It seemed as if the was a step back in time when the Christians took over. There is a distinct difference between the intricate work of the Islamic people and the typical Christian architecture. Really you just have to see it in person. It was amazing to me too, that they have to turn people away every day because they only allow so many people in at a time, because space is limited, and you have a certain time that you have to be there by or your ticket become void and you SOL. There was so much history in this small palace. I definitely want to read more about it. Maybe then I could go into more detail. For now, it was amazing and beautiful will have to do. Scott love all the wood work, the thought into the structure (there were stalactite looking things hanging from the ceiling to reduce the echo and keep the privacy), the toilet holes in the ground, I could go on and on. One of the most interesting parts was when we stopped in a shop and watched a man make these intricate works of art. They would lay out a design and then fill the spaces with wood, bone and metal. There were many small, symmetrical pieces too. He showed us how he would glue long sticks of bone, wood and metal into a design and then slice it like salami so that they would be symmetrical. They were beautiful. I wish we had time to look around a buy a few things. Unfortunately for some people, Skip and I can't remember her name, they got lost from the group at the end of the tour. We were short on time and Miguel was impatiently waiting for us. They took count and realized the two were missing. Miguel hopped of the bus and then the bus pulled away. Everyone on the bus was dumbfounded that they were just going to leave the two there. I'm sure everyone had thoughts of "I wouldn't want to be left behind, and What is going on". Luckily the bus turned around, I think he just had to keep the flow of traffic going, and when we got back the two missing people had found their way back. Miguel was not please though, and everyone felt for the couple (needless to say at a quick pit stop they quickly grabbed a beer to calm the nerves).

After we were done there they took us to a bull ring to have lunch. It was delicious. We started off with tomatoes and cheese, which is big there, and then had green olives (freshly picked). Then they brought out slices of bread drenched in olive oil and toasted with an egg, asparagus, ham topping. This was my favorite part. The main course was either ham or chicken. I wasn't really in the mood for ham so I ordered chicken. When they brought it out I thought perhaps I ordered wrong. It was a whole chicken, for just me, spread eagle on my plate. She was not modest at all. All the women had a look of "Oh great" on their faces, including and especially me. I didn't want to be rude so I dug in and it was delicious. After that it was back on the bus and off to the hotel for another round of Phase Ten (come to think of it this may be the first night of game and tomorrow the second, I really don't know. I believe we had two nights of games, but then again that late at night I can't remember much except the runs killing Mom).

Day Two Rhonda

The Bull Ring




















Some Church, I thought was pretty





















Scott loved how the buildings were on the edge of the cliffs.


What a good looking couple









The main shopping street

After a good night's sleep and waking up at 3 in the morning, I get jet lag in the reverse, we get up and get ready for our day. We all decide to meet at breakfast at 7 that morning so we are ready in plenty of time for our tour. The breakfast was huge and amazing. Bread like you wouldn't believe, no wonder my gut won't go anywhere, fresh fruit, a chef cooking eggs how you want, pancakes, a bunch of meats (fish, sausage, bacon...) that didn't interest me, and chocolate fountain to dip fruit in (yuck) and who knows what else, oh potatoes many different ways. So once again we feasted then headed of to our room to finish getting ready to head to Rhonda. We are in the first group to leave and have a tour guide, Miguel. He introduces himself and starts to give the 411 on what we will do and where we are going. He doesn't seem to bad. We arrive and head down the main shopping street, we are in and older town. A quick walk through and off to the bull ring. It is fun to look at the stuff, but all I hear from Miguel is blah blah blah. He doesn't capture my attention. I try to be polite and act like I am listening and sneak of to get pictures here and there. Miguel is starting to get testy and shushes some people, I think another tour guide and some ladies taking pictures. Then it's off to check out the town. He is moving much to fast to get pictures, but we are not to worried about keeping up. We took the pictures we wanted and then caught up, he is long winded (loves the sound of his own voice) and so we will catch him about the time he finishes, just the way we like it. Well before we know what happens Miguel chews us out like little school kids. He starts out, "I am very nice, don't take me wrong. I have been here ten minutes waiting on you while you shop. I do not like to repeat myself. If you want to shop then leave you don't have to be here. I am not your Father. I am nice, but I don't want to have to wait and repeat my self......" blah blah blah. Funny I don't remember shopping up to this point, but now it looks like fun. Everyone else in the group was embarrassed for us and him and it was awkward, as Harley likes to say. Mom, Patty, Scott and I decided that the shopping he suggested sounded good, well much better then hanging out with him. Talon and Annie took off on their own to get pictures and meet up later. We knew the meeting place and time.

The shopping street, or whatever you want to call it, was fun. There were lots of fun little shops to check out. I tried on some clothes, hated the way they fit (story of my life), tried on some shoes, walked around, found Scott caffeine, walked around, had a churro and chocolate (not an American churro either and Annie has pics of the ones we had sorry), ate some gelato, shoe shopped more and found a cute pair of flats and then headed back to the meeting spot after obtaining more caffeine. Luckily on the way home we didn't have to ride on the same bus we came on so sorry no Miguel.

That night we decided to eat dinner at the hotel. It was hamburgers for some and club sandwiches for others. Pina Coladas for all. After we changed into comfy clothes we headed to Mom's and Patty's room to play cards and eat candy. (The pounds are piling on now) It was a fun game of Phase Ten, which we did not finish. I was extremely tired and got a kick out of the runs stage. I believe it was Mom who said, "These runs are killing me!" I cried from laughing so hard about the runs and them killing Mom. Needless to say we went to bed not long after that. Day three coming soon....

Heading to Spain

The night before flying out we left to Albuquerque to stay the night and have enough time to get to the airport. It was a boring night with just a quick drive down and off to bed. I got up early the next morning to run and get ready to go. Unfortunately there was no exercise facility in our hotel, which I didn't discover until after I got up. Oh well, I just started getting ready. Then it was off to the airport to start our long day. Luckily we didn't have to be to the airport until 8:00 ish. But it's a 2 hour wait for the flight, which passed quickly. The first leg of the trip was to Houston. We had just long enough of a layover to meet up with Talon, Annie, and Patty, and grab some lunch. Then it was onto our next flight to Paris. This is when the fun began. We go a window seat (Scott's) and I had the middle. As we were looking for our seat we were greeted by the aroma of BO. Luck me got to be squished in between Pepe-le-PU and Scott on a hot flight that did not have air conditioner, blowy things. It was a LONG flight. Talon could smell the sweet aroma of BO from a far and was extremely jealous of my seating arrangement. Thank heavens the flight finally ended, with little sleep, my nostrils burning, and even a few tears from me. Then it was a quick rush to our next flight that they had to hold the plane over, we were late and had to do customs and all that fun stuff. The next flight was off to Malaga. Oh what joy this plane brought me. No stench of BO. The seat felt huge, only to me, and there was air conditioner blowy thingies. I was able to sleep and little and be embarrassed about the tears I had on the Pepe-le-Pu flight. After arriving in Magala we hoped onto a bus and headed to Estopona, about an hour away. We caught the last bus for our group because Annie had to make a claim on missing luggage. And it was so nice because there were about 10 people on that huge bus. Scott was exhausted and slept quit nicely, everyone knew by the snoring, to the hotel. We were greeted with yummy food and were able to check right into our room. I waited for my luggage and changed to go for a run. Let me tell you, running never felt so good. It was sweet joy to stretch me legs and a work them after being cramped in planes and sitting on buses for more hours then your body cares to. That night we went to a great dinner with tons of yummy and some not so yummy food. We all stuffed ourselves and stole little bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to take home (Mom ended up with the most, she was stocking up for food storage). Then it was off to bed, which we were more then happy for, to get ready for the next day. The bed were great, but we did get the chastity king sized bed. Two twins put together and each made up separately so you have sheets tucked in between the two of you. Not to romantic, but great for jokes. At least they were comfortable. I guess we are done having kids.?.

We're back

It is good to be home. I have to still download all my pics and go through them. But it was such a great time. I really enjoyed having Talon and Annie there. I was nice to get to spend more then a few moments with them. We also enjoyed having Mom and Patty there. We missed Dad and wished he could have been there. As I get the pictures I will add them and stories that I want to remember about our trip. I hope to do it soon, before things fade. I am just trying to get over jet lag, which has been hard for me this time and enjoy being with the kids again. Unfortunately Scott had to jump right back into a busy work schedule and is working long hours and this weekend. It was fun, but it is good to be home.

One Last Blog

That is before SPAIN!!! I think I have everything done that I need to for now, so I will blog really quick while I wait for Scott. This morning I woke up , the 2nd time, to thunder and snow. Since when does it thunder and snow at the same time?!? A lady at Wal-mart told me it was God's way to show he is angry that Obama was elected President. I got a kick out of that. It does make you think though. It is freezing here. I am not ready for winter.

I am so excited to be leaving on a trip with Scott. We really have never done this in our 10 years of being married. Definitely not without kids. It will be an experience. I am already missing the kids. I hope they are good for Britt and Christi. I hope they have a good time while we are gone. I hope they know how much I love them. These are the random thoughts running through my head. I know my kids will be well loved and taken care of while I am gone. I just hope they are as good to those taking care of them as they are being treated. Harley has been a pill the past couple of days, because she is getting over strep-throat. And we all know the kids get to be so much fun when they feel good enough to let you know how bad they feel. Today she was a lot better, but not totally. I let her stay home and spend the day with me and recoup a little more. Noah was happy to go to school and loves being there. He just can get a little crabby when his routine changes. He is very excited to have some spend the nights with his cousins though. All will be well. Well I'm off to spend the rest of the time I have with my cuties.

hALLoweEN

I can't believe Halloween has come and gone. It just snuck up on me this year. I barely took any pictures, I almost forgot to get the kids in thier costumes and did so at the end of the night. It was a whirlwind of events. I wish I would have slowed done and enjoyed it more. I feel like no matter how fast I run, I just keep falling farther and farther behind. We crammed in carving pumpkins after soccer and before bed Thursday night, thanks to Scott (he did it all). Then I barely and hap-hazardly got the kids ready to trick or treat on the way out the door to the trunk-r-treat. I sat down ate a little dinner, relaxed for a minute, lost Noah and his friend Joshua, panicked about finding him before hi parents came to trunk-r-treat with us, finally tacked them down (after the parents got there), trunk-r-treated, came home, handed out as much candy as possible and went to bed. All this after running around all day (from 8-5:30 that night only being home long enough to make a couple quick calls and leave the kids with Scott). So I feel like I didn't even get to enjoy Halloween. But I did throw together a scary rocker outfit, that wasn't so far off of how I dress (sorry no pics). Now we are home trying to nurse Harley back to a healthy little girl (she has strep) and hope no one else gets sick (or if so soon so we can get the meds we need before we leave on our trip). I am tired from just typing this so I am going to get the kids to bed.

Canning

Thursday Britt, Mom, Christi and I spent all day (9-6) canning. Well I ditched out the last 2 hours for soccer practice. It was a fun day. I love the time to hang out and visit. My kids love the canned apples and the memories of hanging out while I canned and sneaking as many apples as possible. This year they were at school most of the day. Amber introduced me to canning several years ago. I thought she was crazy for wanting to do it, but decided to give it a try. I actually enjoy it! There is a feeling of accomplishment when it is done, needless to say a nice addition to food storage. I think the apple are beautiful in the cans. I took several pictures of the process and look forward to scrapbooking it when I get back and find time. I am still tired from canning and it is three days later, but it was a fun day. Thanks girls for all the fun.

My turn at Tag

Here you go Britt, I just hope I can think of six things I am willing to share:

1. I am perfectly fine spending a day laying around doing nothing and watching TV. It is probably something I shouldn't share, but I love a kick back do nothing day. (Then the next day I freak 'cause I was lazy and worthless and my house is a mess like usual.)

2. I love having people and lots of kids hanging out at my house. I just worry that they will be disgusted with my cleaning habits. I am by far the messiest of the sisters. I tend to shy away from entertaining because of this. Sometimes I even feel like my house should be on clean sweep and those other types of shows. I would probably even get an award for having a disgusting house.

3. Sometimes I miss the days of being poor. We didn't have the money to do much of anything so I was more creative in the ways to entertain my kids. I miss doing those things with my kids and husband. Now I feel like life is so busy and it is hard to slow down and get some of those things back. We could have never afforded to do sports among other things and life was simpler (and harder).

4. Fingerprints on the walls drive me nuts! Of all the things that should be done, fingerprints find their way to the top of my list. Thanks Dad!!! Oh and the towels being uneven at the bottoms and in width drive me nuts too. And pictures that hang crooked, I have to fix these even at other peoples houses and I feel terrible doing it but I can't resist. I blame my upbringing. (Do we need to wonder where Noah gets it from?)

5. I will never get sick of the color green. I have loved it all my life. Anything green. The shades of green may change over the years, but there will always be green in my life. I try not to buy everything in green, but it love it. This doesn't come as a surprise to those who know me well. Someday I will even finish painting my house green.

6. I work in a very random, compulsive order. I have noticed that when I clean or pretty much do most things. I start here and skip to there, then it is off to this other place and back to the beginning, then off to another place, back to there....(you get the picture). I get bored easily and like to mix things up, and yet it is the same pattern or movement always. (I realized this cleaning Mom's, I have to vacuum the same direction each time or I can't function). Now this skipping from one thing to the next and back drive Scott nuts, but it is how I work. If I didn't skip I would get bored and never finish. In the end it all comes together and gets done, it just looks like a confusing mess in the process. So I am a random, compulsive person and it is not going to change.

People should pay me

So yesterday I go to fill up my car, it has been running close to empty since Saturday. I pull up to the gas station and am thrilled to pay 2.84 a gallon. Only a few hours, not even the next day, I am driving back by the gas stations I was by earlier and noticed within a few hours the price was starting to drop at some, by 10-14 cents a gallon. Not even a day later. This is crazy. Every time a fill up the gas prices start to drop right after, so people should really start paying me to fill up so the price of gas will keep dropping. Just a suggestion, any takers? I guess I should just be happy the prices are falling.

My New Hair-Dude

Well it is no surprise that I have changed my cut/style once again. I am loving my hair short, and I mean short. It has taken me about a week to get used to, but I am loving it. I took a picture so you can kind of see what it is like. I hate pictures so it took me about 40 to decide on the least disgusting and fattening of them all. It was a shock at first when I cut it, I hadn't cut it in 2 1/2 months (which is insane for short hair). I am tired of coloring it for the moment, so I am trying to grow out the color and let my natural just grow back. Start healthy, cause something about me needs to be healthy and we know it is not going to come from diet and exercise. I just let my hair dresser do what she wanted, like always, and I love it. It make me feel young again. I haven't had my hair this short since college. I tell myself my face doesn't look as fat either. Well hope you enjoy the dorkie picture.

Everyone needs a good laugh and I will provide it for you today.

You Make Me Proud

I am so proud of Harley. Her soccer team has entered into a tournament this weekend. It is supposed to go from Friday through Sunday, Sunday being the championship game. I said OK and told Har that she could play except for Sunday. We didn't think her team would make it that far anyways. At practice yesterday her coach gave her the schedule and she will have two game Saturday and two on Sunday. She promptly told her coach she will not play on Sunday, she has church. Then she came and told me about it. There were no tears or questions about not getting to play. She knew it was the right thing and didn't look back. I then talked to her coach and once again told her we wouldn't be there Sunday. Then I thought, well if she goes to church then she could play her afternoon one. Then the internal struggle began. Should I let her or shouldn't I. Then I talked with Scott about how proud I was. Later he talked to her and asked why she did what she did. Har told him that at church she heard of a boy who wanted to miss church to watch a game. He decided to go to church instead, because it is the right thing to do. She wanted to do what is right and be a good example. (This is from a sharing time I taught) I was so touched that she listened and learned from this lesson. Then I thought this is a good time for us to set a boundary for keeping the Sabbath day holy. So, I have taken her attitude and don't care about Sunday's games, because we are doing what is right and the bar is set for our life. What a good example and a joy she is in my life. I am so proud of her and her great choices. She truly was saved for these last days and is a very strong girl. Don't let that ever change.

Harley Scores!

Today was a big day for Harley. She scored her first ever goal in a soccer game. To make it even better, it was a beautiful goal. They passed the ball to her and she quickly went for the shoot. She gave the ball a hard kick and it went flying by the goalie. She was the only one on her team to score today. We were so proud and excited for her. She is developing a love for the game and has wanted to score, but never has had the opportunity. She is learning her position well too. Of all the girls, and I know I'm bias, she is really sticking to what she is being taught at practice, so she was open a lot of the game. Her coaches were so proud of her, they made all the girl congratulate her on her goal and she glowed. It was a big day and a big reward. I never want to forget the moment. She has been working so hard to get there and now we can remind her of how hard work pays off. I just wish I had my camera.

Why I love Scrapbooking

I just wanted to tell why I have such a love for scrapbooking. First of all it is about the only thing that makes me feel slightly creative, granted I don't have elaborate or spectacular pages, but I love putting them together. It is a lot like quilting, the other thing that makes me feel creative. Now I am about six years behind if you want to look at it that way, but I choose not to. I just enjoy picking up a group of pictures here or there and creating. I don't even know if I'll ever "catch up", but that is not what it is about for me. I think the best part of scrapbooking, and being behind, is the trip down memory lane I get to have each time I find a minute to throw something together. I enjoy seeing how much my kids have changed and how they have not changed at all. I have loved each stage and year of their life and love to remember where we have been. I love it all. I also enjoy the company of friends when I scrapbook, although I get more done when no one is around. I just love that it is something I do selfishly for me and no one else. Thus my love of scrapbooking, or obsession. While cleaning through photos I found this video and realized how much Noah has changed and stayed the same. I may be the only one to find it funny, but hopefully you enjoy
I love this, he still complains of a sick stomach if he does not want to do something. He can be such a ham at times and a party pooper the next. Also, did you see how cute James and Caleb are? They grow up too fast, so thank you picture and scrapbooking for stopping time for that short moment. I can forever look back and get a smile on my face.

These are the moments

Thursday night I had one of those moments where my life felt perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. It was after dinner and I was cleaning up the dishes, Harley was working on her homework at the table and Noah was reading to me. I just started to think how much I loved this, even though I am tired of cleaning dishes by this time of day. I am so happy to have these wonderful kids and that I am able to help with homework and be read to all while I clean. I stopped what I was doing to take a picture and capture the moment. The kids though I was crazy. I just don't want to forget how happy I was in that moment. I don't want to forget the good time around the kitchen table doing homework while cooking or cleaning a meal. It also got me thinking about how it seems that in life we are always wanting more, a bigger house, new car, new clothes, toys games, and on and on. When it really is moments like these that really matter and make us happy. Why can't it be so easy to enjoy the little things and not stress out about the things that really don't matter. This is what life is about, gathering around the table enjoying one another and feeling like we have everything and more then we could ever need. What a great feeling it was, too bad it passes all to quickly when it is time for bed.

Angels in our lives

I have been thinking a lot about the angels in my life lately. Of course I have to start with my husband and how good he is to me and how happy he makes me. Then comes my kids, how could you not see and angel in a child. Given there are times they seem like devils, but then you go in at night and see them sleeping so peaceful and angelic. Then comes my family, they are so much fun to be around, especially my sisters (sorry boys). I love the relationships I have with my sibling, but most of all my sisters. They are my closest friends. I also have to think of all the friends, and I mean true friends, I have been blessed with in my life. I at times (most times) don't feel worthy to have such good, uplifting friends. I truly enjoy the positive things they bring to my life. I feel like I am the negative one bringing everyone down and I am grateful that they stay and help lift me up. I think there are so many wonderful things and people our Heavenly Father has put in our lives to build us up and make our trials easier. How blessed we are, if we can just stop and see the angels he has given to each of us. I am thankful for the angels in my life.

I Have A Problem

Hi, my name is Chelsey Davis and I am addicted to buying things for scrapbooking (mostly paper). Yes I know I have a problem, but I did not realize how big of a problem I had until I started to reorganize myself. Hello!! Can you say out of control. As I sorted things out it started to take over my living room, bedroom and was going to keep spreading from there. I did get my papers organized by color and it took 12 drawers! (2 for blue and green). That was just my 12x12 papers. Then I organized my scraps by color, less room. I have my stickers and rub-ons mostly organized. I have started my tools, but I had to throw everything in a pile once again so Scott and I could have a place to sleep. This is out of control. But I love this stuff. I love the ideas that go through my mind as I see the different products. I love that it makes me feel slightly creative. I love when I put a page, or home decor together and love what I see. I love to remember times with my kids as they have grown. I will try not to buy anything unless I need it, but if there is a good deal I can't promise I will pass it up. Most of my stuff has been collected from stores going out of business, on clearance, on sale, etc. I can't pass up a good deal. If it is 70% off I have a hard time holding back. What can I say, I love to scrapbook and even more I love buying the supplies. Yes I have a problem. At least Scott still loves me.

Welcome weekend

The weekend is my favorite time of the week. When ever I get anyone up on Friday, I tell them "Guess what! Today is Friday!!!" To which the kids reply, "We know Mom." in the you are so annoying voice. What can I say I love it. I don't have to be up if I don't' want to, usually I am, but I don't have to be. I try not to clean (I always hated spending Saturday on chores growing up), and my house and yard show it. But hey, I figure I only have a short amount of time before my kids are grown and gone. The dirt isn't going anywhere, no matter how hard I try it always finds its way back home. the clutter stays despite my efforts. The weeds, oh the weeds, they just can't get enough of us. The battle never ends, but I try to choose and not focus on it over the blessed weekend. I don't have to share my husband and kids (most of the time), unless I choose to. I'm sure everyone feels this way, but it is the day I look forward to every Sunday night. I dread the start of the week. I even feels this way in the summer, when the kids are here. I just love having Scott around. Even if he feels like I nag the entire time, which I sure he does. It is the only day I really feel a slight, every so tiny bit of motivation to clean the house. Let's face it, within 30 seconds of getting home Noah will have dumped 1/2 the playground dirt all over my house (by the way how does the school keep getting more?) and the tornado, aka Harley, will hit with a furry like no other, but I love it. I just can't wait to get the weekend started. Only and hour 'till the kids are home and hopefully no more then 3 'till Scott's home and the party begins. OK party is stretching it, but it feels like a party to not have to get up and make breakfast three different time and pack three lunches. Truthfully my family has to inform me they are about to starve to death for me to consider cooking on the weekend (I HATE TO COOK). Life is good, all because it is FRIDAY!!!!!!

Random chain of thoughts for the day

I know it has been awhile, but I guess I am pretty boring without my hubby. He is back now and it is so nice to have him home. He is still exhausted form all the exercise. Unfortunately he didn't get anything hunting. He still had a good time and so I hope it was worth it for him. Not a whole lot has gone one here. I turned 31 on Monday, no big deal. I had a good day. First it was lunch with the girls and then dinner at Mom's with the family. A low stress day, what more could you want. I really enjoy sharing my day with Asher. It make birthdays fun again to have a kid to share it with. Probably because I love to celebrate the kids in the family. Asher is such a cutie and a very strong willed one at that. I love those squishy cheeks he has. They remind me of Noah, not all that long ago. Where does tome go? I wish it would just slow down and let me enjoy more of the moments I have with my kids before they are grown up. I know, that is a long way off. But, I know it will be here all to fast. Right now I feel like everything is so rushed with school, homework, reading, soccer, church and anything else we throw in there. I feel like I don't take the time to enjoy my kids like I should. I am just trying to get from one thing to the next. That just doesn't feel right. I guess that is the thing that is bothering me today. How do I get it all done and spend the quality time with my kids that I want to? I am so tired by the time we have a little down time, and so are they. Then all I think about is getting everyone to bed. I miss the days of jumping on the trampoline, putting the kids in the stroller and rollerblading or walking around town with them. I just need to try and slow myself down to have those moments with my kids and not rush onto the next thing., put another check on the list. I must admit Harley and I love to crank up the radio and sing and dance. Noah on the other hand gets a headache from it and is the big party pooper. He suddenly needs to throw up when we do this. I know it is not because of our singing, we have wonderful voices. Every once in awhile he'll let loose and join in . Well I better run and start checking things off the list before school is over. May be then the kids and I can jump on the trampoline, or not I might be to sore from running this morning. Hopefully I'll find something to do.

Parent-Teacher Conference

Well it has been a little while, so I thought I'd write a few things. It was parent teacher conferences this week and I must admit for the first time I was a little nervous. Third grade has proved to be a big change for us this year. I have tried to just feel it out and see how things are going. Then you have other parents felling a little concerned (or more so) and start wondering should I be worried more? Did I make the right choice? Then conference came. It was actually really good and I feel a lot better. Harley of course is doing great, all A's. Her teacher really likes her, and likes to have her next to Kaylee. Her teacher is so nice, I really like her. I just wasn't sure what to expect out of third grade and felt left out or behind in a way. I like to be very involved in my kids life right now, because time goes by way to fast and I need to take advantage of the time I have now. By the end of her conference, I volunteered to be the Reading Rockets Mom, I track the minutes each kid in the class reads and give prizes to those who met the monthly goal. I also decided to be the Room Mom, another "What was I thinking?" moment. I would rather do that then the class not have a Room Mom. Noah's conferences also went well. He is doing good in class, no grades at this age, and is reading pretty much at the level he needs to be at the end of the year. It is always nice to get to see how your kids are doing, where they are at, and where you can help out more. It also makes me stop and realize how fast they grow, and time just speeds up but never slows down. This week has been good.

Once again I putting things off

I am avoiding getting things ready for Scott to leave today. I am excited for him, but I don't really want him to go. I just have a few things left to do to get him ready. He did most of it last night, which is a first for him to do so much on his own. I just don't want the day to fly by as I run around crazy rounding everything up. I know I am not with him now, but at least I can call him if I need to. When we take hm the rest of the stuff this afternoon, it is goodbye for a week. I know I'm a baby, but is it really so bad to love him and want to at least be able to hear from him and know he's OK? I am very good at avoiding things, but I have to get this done today. I just hope he has a good time and is able to shoot something. If so there will be pictures in a week of his trophy, no matter what he gets. He is going with some guys who are also bow hunting bear, so maybe there will be some cool pictures of that too. That is the part that makes me the most nervous though. Shooting bear with a bow, that just sounds like and accident waiting to happen. I hope they have good aim. It will be tons of fun for him though, and I am so excited he gets to go do this. Well it is off to finish the packing and get the last minute things from the store.

Soccer's here

It's that time of year again, soccer. It is so much fun to watch the kids play. I have yet to get pictures from this year, but I love these ones from last year. Harley's team now plays on one field and gets to have a real goalie. Noah is still 2-4 on 4 games. Harley also has a uniform. She has a hate-love relationship with soccer. Most of the time hate, because practice is more often then games. She is great at making passes to her teammates, I think it is mostly because she doesn't want to be in control of the ball to long. I t reminds me of myself, only when I played basketball (Oh crap, I don't want to dribble the ball! Who can I give it to!?!). She quite often is wearing a smile while she is out playing, until her cheering squad embarrasses her. Noah on the other hand pretty much loves every minute of it. Sometimes he doesn't feel like practicing, but who always wants to? He enjoys his team this fall, he has a lot of friends on it. So we will be a little crazy on Saturdays, but it is so much fun. I also don't know how families with more than two children playing do it. I just can't believe how quick time goes by and that we are already into sports. After soccer is over Noah wants to do basketball and Harley wants to be a cheerleader. We will see how that goes, it will be tons of fun to watch them.

Putting off the inevitable

I am stalling to do anything today. It is the day I clean Mom's and I just am not motivated today. It is sad to say, but a Diet DP w/ cherry in it from Sonic is about all that is getting me moving. I know I have a problem. My house is a mess, like always, my stupid dog won't quit barking and I need to shop for Scott to go hunting. So I think I'll see what is interesting on my computer.

The past few days I have been thinking of Scott leaving on his hunt. I am excited for him. He can't wait to go. I am a bit jealous, he will be in the mountains by Chama (except for the company he'll be keeping). It is always hard to be apart, but this time it is different. He will be gone about a week with no cell phone service. It leaves me unsettled in ways. I look forward to the night 2 minute chats, we like to hear each others voices but not make small talk. It is nice just to know he's OK. Then it got me thinking about all the families out the with husbands and fathers in the military. I can't imagine how they feel being out of contact for so long. I would be a wreck! I will this next week, and Scott will not be at war. I am so thankful for those willing to serve our country. I am also thankful for the families willing to back them up and support them, hanging there and be a nervous wreck. I am thankful God was so kind in giving us all different abilities and personalities to make this world so diverse. I think about that a lot. What would we do if no one was willing to do the things (jobs) we didn't want to? It would be a very different world. Anyways, I guess I should get the inevitable done with and then maybe I can shop the sales and see if there is anything to organize my life or finish of some decorating I think I want to do.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?

This should be my life's motto. I always seem to do things and think, "What the heck was I thinking?" Everyone who knows me, knows this well. I finally decided that I am tired of getting old, being tired all the time and over weight. I can't do anything about getting old,but maybe the being tired and overweight thing can be changed. So, I am going to start working out. Maybe sign up for a 5K in November and a 1/2 marathon in the spring. If I pay to do this then I have to work out and not waste my money. Let me just say I started running the little I can this week and I am more tired then ever. I am more sore then I can ever remember thinking. Maybe I don't mind being over weight. OK, I do mind, but come on this hurts. I have even less ambition to clean my house, which I didn't think was possible, and I just want to sit on my couch the rest of the day and go to bed at 8 and not get up in the morning. All I have to say is this better be worth it in the end. I know I have only been doing my training for four days, nothing, and I don't plan on stopping, but this sucks. I wish I had Mikael here to go out with me. I don't feel intimidate that I am slowing her up. I can talk her into doing lunges down the street and looking like a retard with me. Most important of all the conversation is always good. I'm am by far the least fit of all my friends and don't want to work out with them. I just hope that I can be in decent shape when Britt starts to train with me, and not slow her up too much. Oh well. I just wanted to write how much it sucks to be out of shape and then try and get back in shape after not working out on a consistent basis for the past 11-12 years. Maybe tomorrow I can walk around without looking like I have a stick shovel up my butt from being so sore. If not, at least I entertain people or make them feel good about themselves and their ability to walk normal. Only time will tell.

Back to Life

Harley's birthday is over and it's back to life. Last night we really celebrated her with the family. We had dinner at Mom and Dad's with the family in town. For dinner Harley chose Mesquite chicken, zucchini with cheese, salad from Christi (fruit), corn, and I surprised her with homemade rolls. She loved it. Then we opened presents and had Cold Stone cake, but only after the beautiful Webb Happy Birthday singing. Where I was informed I look retarded singing, by none other than Harley. She had a great day once again and was happy with it all.

Today I subbed up at the school. It was fun, I was able to do first grade which I love. I am always really tired afterwards though. The class was great. Now a small break before we head off to soccer. I still have to figure out dinner, my least favorite part of the day. Does Cold Stone cake count? Probably not, darn. Well I guess I have to figure something out and hope only one person throws a fit over it, any less is asking for a miracle. Off to the fun of the evening.

Harley's Birthday

Yesterday was Harley's 9th b-day. I can't believe she is already 9! time goes by way to fast and doesn't look like it is going to slow anytime soon. It seems to only speed-up. The older the kids get the more crazy our lives get; which in turn means a feel more jipped on the time I get to spend with them. Anyways, Harley had a great day. I really started off Saturday morning when Nana surprised her with a visit. How fun is it that she was able to wake up and see Nana's face first thing. She has been missing Nana and just wanted to get to see her. Later that day we got to do some birthday shopping, a tradition of Nana and Harley's. She went to Patina's, a total girly store and was in heaven, Noah had fun too. Then on Sunday she woke up, got ready for church, and opened more presents. Mammy and Pappy gave her a cute pink Flamingo dress to wear to church, Noah gave her a Luv-able puppy and the best present an American Girl Just Like Me doll (well next to Nana coming). She was so happy about it all she couldn't sleep last night. She kept telling Scott and I thanks for the birthday, it was the best ever and she loved everything she got. It was a good day. We are so blessed to have a sweet girl like her. She kept saying she couldn't believe she got so much and how lucky she was. I love it when the kids are thankful, it gives me a small hope I am doing a small thing right. I better get ready for her family party tonight. I am going to surprise her with my rolls, one of her faves.