Corrections, Baptism, Scouts, and other updates...

I just figured out something about the potty dresses. The dollar amount I gave was wrong. I realized yesterday that I just added up all the ribbon and fabric from my receipt, and that included the ribbon and fabric for the bike trailer! I spent about $8 total on the bike trailer, so that leaves about $25 for 12 dresses. So it really boils down to about $2.10 for each dress! Potty training has been going well, had a couple of accidents yesterday, but improving! Super Girl told me after the fact that she went poop in the potty! Sure enough, I checked and she did! Luckily she was in a potty dress at the time so she didn't get poop on any undies from not wiping her bum....ewwwwwwww!!! Anyway, PROGRESS!!!

I finally got around to downloading the pics off my phone and getting the baptism photos from Hot Mama, so here it is!

Super Boy Turned 8 in the beginning of April. He had known about Scouts for about a month prior to that and we worked on all the requirements we were allowed to work on before his birthday. He is so gung ho about anything Scouts! So 2 weeks after his birthday was the 1st pack meeting he got to attend. He received 3 awards!!! There is a program this year called BSA 100 because it is the Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary. So there are special ribbons the boys can earn and Super Boy earned 2! He earned the Outdoors ribbon for planning and doing an outdoor activity (a  hike) for our family (that fulfilled 2 requirements), and while we were on the hike he identified animals and plants that were present in our neighborhood and told whether or not he thought they were there before the houses were built. The next ribbon he earned was the Community Service ribbon for cleaning up a public area (school balls over construction fence), planning and participating in a community service project (shoveling 4" of very wet and heavy snow for our whole side of our street) and for talking about people who serve the community and what they do (he mentioned me and the bishop! Talk about awesome company!) At the pack meeting, Super Boy also earned his first rank, Bobcat. He was so excited! I was too! He gave me the parents pin for helping him with his projects. i had forgotten about the pin, so it was super special. I was so proud of him for wanting to do Scouts and for being so persistent, I felt he earned it all on his own. It made me a little teary-eyed when he said, "Thanks mom, you are the best mom ever!" and gave me a hug. We don't have any pictures of the pack meeting, but he was kind enough to pose for me after...pardon the crappy phone picture quality...

So let me tell you a little more about this amazing kid known as SUPER BOY for obvious reasons!!! He is so smart and wants to grow up WAY TOO FAST!!! After he turned 8 he asked me, "Mom, can I cut my own hair? Will you teach me?" So I agreed and this was the result...

He wanted to do it longer that I usually do it, so we put on the longest guide and he went to town. A few days later we did it again, the normal length, so he looked super sharp for his baptism!

There is nothing in the world that can prepare you for the emotions and feelings you get when your oldest child makes the decision to be baptized. I still remember my baptism day very clearly, especially the feeling I had. So that made me think of how he will remember most of his life from now on...SCARY!!! All the moments I need to be the mean mom, he's going to remember! Through a series of unfortunate events, we lost the images of right before the baptism, with Tall Boy and Super Boy in their white clothes. But we still have the after photos! We were so happy so many people could join us and support Super Boy on this special day!

Here's everyone who was there...

Our newest family photo...

There are tons more pictures of the party that followed, but that will need to wait until next time...

My latest projects...

Along with the potty dresses, I had another sewing project last week. We have this old bike trailer/stroller that has been neglected over the years, and the fabric cover was thrashed. So I made a pattern as best as I could from the scraps that were left and made a whole new cover!

The old cover (what was left of it)

The patterns I made (side net, side fabric, front fabric, front net, side velcro etc)

The finished product (side view)

Back view

Isn't it spiffy!?!

I also have my very own laptop now that is small but has an awesome battery life! Tall Boy told me I could "put whatever viruses I want" on it! That's his way of saying games and programs. The only program I've downloaded so far is for the Family Search Indexing. I know Dad, you are so proud...I've caught the bug! For those who may not be familiar, it is a program where you download images of census documents or other similar documents from around the world, and you type what you see in each field. I have been doing WWII draft records from Texas. It is amazing to see how many people have the same names!!! I have been typing away for a couple of days now and have set a pretty lofty goal of 36,500 names indexed in 1 year...about 100 a day...I already have over 1000 done in just the past 2 days! Just 35,500 more to go! Wish me luck!

In other news, Super Girl has been doing well with potty training. She has a chart with places for stickers up to the number 50. She gets a sticker each time she goes on the potty with a clean diaper/panties. When she reaches 50, she gets her cute elephant! She's already up to 10 and we've only been doing it for a few days...here's hoping!

And last tonight is the return of the weight loss tracker. I recently started walking with Hot Mama and another friend about a month ago. So far I have lost 5 pounds in 4 weeks! I haven't been walking lately, but I'm still exercising at home most times. So root for me, I'm shooting for about a pound per week...slow and steady wins the race!

Easter and Tall Boy's Bday

Not much to update, so this will be short...

Over the weekend, Tall Boy did some much needed work on cars (thanks again babe!) and spoiled his birthday present! He was a little upset when he couldn't find any tools! I think he was a little less grumpy after I showed him his present, a tool storage chest that rolls and separates. I even labeled and organized everything for him! Hopefully he really likes it. I know it will help keep our tools more organized and easier to find!

Easter Sunday was very mellow. Super Girl and I wore our matching dresses and received MANY compliments. It was a lot of fun...we BOTH looked pretty darn cute! Anyway, we just hung out at home, no Easter Egg hunt. We talked about the reason we celebrate Easter, Jesus Christ's life, Atonement, death and resurrection for us. I think Super Boy is finally getting it. He was very somber and asked lots of questions. I told him that Christ is the reason we celebrate and that the Easter Bunny is just for fun. He wrote a letter to the Easter Bunny and left him/her some cookies. The Easter Bunny even left a reply! He was VERY excited about that. Anyway, Easter was fun.

For Tall Boy's actual birthday, we didn't do a whole lot. I asked him what he wanted for dinner, he answered and I made it for him. The kids picked out a big musical card that plays the chicken dance song REALLY LOUDLY! The kids danced and giggled. Tall Boy was a good sport and even led them in a game of freeze dance! Then we had chocolate covered strawberries and cheesecake for dessert (2 of Tall Boy's favorites). However, the cheesecake was thin and not very tasty (the store was out of the kind I normally get). Anyway, we just chilled out at home and watched TV together.

Then yesterday (Tuesday) started off pretty normal. Super Boy woke up and climbed into our bed for his morning snuggle. Then a few minutes later he says, "Oh yeah, I forgot, there is throw up EVERYWHERE in my room!" Tall Boy quickly exited to work (lucky jerk!) and I examined the damage. It was SO GROSS! So Super Boy stayed home from school, but he wasn't sick AT ALL! So he had TONS of energy! He drove me crazy! Luckily enough, we had bought roses on Monday to plant in our front yard, so i went out in the light rain and planted 8 rose bushes! Super Boy had to stay inside and I got to have some fun! I stayed outside WAY longer than I needed to, but I got to breathe a little bit. Then late in the afternoon I had to tackle the nastiness. I had already stripped the bed and cleaned up the floor in the morning, so I just had to rinse the bedding in the shower before I put it in the washing machine. I did so much laundry! AND THERE'S STILL MORE!!! I HATE LAUNDRY! Anyway, I still have a couple of loads to do...

So that is our update. I have a couple of pictures of our first flowers of spring (before Super Girl got a hold of them!). Hopefully our tulips will bloom soon and maybe even some roses too! Enjoy!

Blogging the Midnight oil...

So I find myself staring at a computer screen at midnight (yet again) while everyone else is sleeping (and snoring). So I figured I could atleast post some new info and pictures for all of you who have been missing me!

So here's the latest:
Super Boy is 7! He had his "friend party on saturday between sessions of conference. He had a blast playing the same elephant bean bag toss game we played at his family party. The kids he invited were all so super sweet and fun. There was even a boy who lost a tooth that had been hanging on by a thread. He was only concerned that he didn't make a mess or cause any trouble! Anyway, thes kids all got him cool stuff like lego cars to build, brain bender puzzles (the wooden kind) and of course, TONS of ELEPHANT STUFF! We had red velvet cupcakes with white frosting and various toppings to make "Cyber chase cupcakes" as requested by Super Boy!

General conference was inspiring as usual. I loved President Monson's talk about temples and another talk (I can't remember who gave it) about choices. I have been struggling lately, but I'm doing better now. I have been so busy thinking about what my kids need and husband needs that I lost sight of myself. So I took some initiative and got a new haircut, new dress, made an appointment with my dermatologist, made an appointment to get new glasses, and have set up Fridays as temple day. I have also returned to my wednesday yoga class. It is always like feast or famine with me! So I am important again, I just need to find the right balance where everyone gets their needs met.

I have taken up a few projects too. I mentioned in a previous post about the dresses my mom and I made, but I don't remember if I mentioned the super cute and super secret flannel PJ's I'm making for my kids for Easter! I finished Super girl's today. I'll probably start and finish Super Boy's tomorrow(today) or Thursday. They will each have a short sleeve button up top, shorts and pants...here's pictures of Super Girl's. (Super Boy's won't have the girly rick-rack on it...don't worry)
I have also been having great luck shopping at my local DI for clothing and fabric. I found this really cute wrap around skirt that was HUGE! But I loved the fabric, so I bought it (2 yeards of fabric for $4) and just sewed it closed and cut off the excess for something for Super Girl...here's a couple of photos. It has a glitter to it too...so cute!

I also found a SUPER CUTE DRESS that I will be taking on a girl's only excursion at the end of this month. Some friends from high school who are all turning 30 this year are getting together in San Francisco for a much needed GETAWAY! We'll probably see WICKED and do some other stuff, but the better part of 4 days without kids! WOO HOO! GO ME! Anyway, so I found this dress and a bunch of belts that will look really cute with it, but I also found a SUPER CUTE pink courduroy jacket. I even found a perfectly matching belt for that too that I envision using as a headband! So here they are...

I took some REALLY BAD self portraits trying to show off my cute new do, I am only posting them so everyone can get an idea of my cuteness...I KNOW THEY ARE HORRIBLE PICTURES, so please don't waste your comment space to tell me so! Also, an interesting side note- these photos were taken within a total of about 5 minutes, so I can change my look quickly! FUN STUFF!


If you want to see a slide show of the friend party festivities for Super Boy, go to his blog and check out all the pics...

The snoring has died down, so I think I'll once again attempt the feat of sleeping...wish me luck!

Over due Update...

I know it's been way too long since my last post, so here goes my life's update.

I am feeling better these days, the new anti-depressant dosage is really helping, but I still have my moments. To put it into perspective for those of you who know me well, I LOVE WINTER, and I am SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING!!! That's where I'm at, I want the warm sun and cool breeze, flowers popping up and grass returning to it's full green color. That says it all. I am ready for FUNK-LESS days! I also am looking into having my hormone levels tested, it sounds like some (or all) of my issues may be related to hormonal issues. Thanks to my friend Amber for the info on Bio Identical Hormone therapy. My chiropractor is one of the doctors who does this, so I'll be contacting him soon! If anyone else wants to check it out, go to the website below. Who knows, if this is the answer to my problems, then maybe I can get off my anti-depressant all together!

http://www.healinghormones.com/

Anyway, my brain has not yet returned to it's fog-less state, but it's getting better. I also had an "AHA" moment yesterday...I don't know why it took me so long to figure out...I have been feeling especially crappy since I haven't been working out like I was before the holidays...DUH! So I really need to get back on the bandwagon! I got a manual treadmill to use at home and I'm thinking of breaking out the bike with the kiddie trailer attached and going for some rides when the weather is nice. Hopefully I'll be back on track for weight loss and full brain function soon!

In other news, I am REALLY excited to see my parents. They are coming to visit in a little over a week now! But I'm SUPER excited to walk through the Draper Temple with my whole family! We will be going to the open house on March 13th. But I also just found out that I will get a ticket for Saturday's dedication INSIDE the temple!!! And our stake has the opportunity to usher for the Sunday dedication INSIDE the temple! Of course I signed up. What an amazing opportunity, once in a lifetime probably! And to maybe be able to meet the Prophet! HOLY COW! I am super excited to see what happens! Anyway, I feel so blessed and lucky to have these opportunities!

I just realized something, I haven't done my thankful Thursday in a LONG time...maybe I'll have to cut it back to once a month, but I'll definitely be having a long list soon!

That's all for now, gotta get back to the daily grind! Take care!

My Life as of 2009...

BBBBBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!
Yep, that about sums it up! Since my last post we have been battling sickness and the associated laundry! I even went to a laundromat one day because all my laundry baskets were full and I needed it done fast. Thank heavens for 8 load washers! But less than a week later and there were another 5 to be washed! I'm still not done, but the end is in sight...finally! The holidays threw my schedule and body way out of whack, but now that Super Boy is back at school, my life can resume it's former glory. I haven't been to the gym since before Christmas, so I look forward to getting back to it. I am happy to report that I haven't gained any weight over the holidays, but I really wish I had lost some! I was sick twice and both times I dropped down to 205, but then I bounce right back up to 207...but that will change soon. I am re-dedicating myself to using my Body bugg to it's fullest potential!

In other news, Tall boy and I are headed off for a weekend alone to an undisclosed location! Gma and Gpa are taking the kids for a couple of days while we treat ourselves to a little alone time and celebration. 9 years of marriage, that is something to applaud! This past year has been a struggle. Between my depression diagnosis and my struggle to find a groove (and effective medication) we have weathered a pretty nasty storm...I only hope that our renewed efforts and dedication to one another will help this year be one of our best yet!

Some of my wishes and hopes for 2009 are already taking form, but here they are none the less!

1. A stronger, happier marriage full of love and devotion.
2. A potty trained Super Girl. Side-note: She had her 1st dry night yesterday, and she has been telling me 90% of the time when she needs to go potty, and it's usually right after she starts going...we are on the right track!
3. Less of me to love! I really want to get back on the wagon! I was successful in losing almost 13 lbs in 4 months, and I really want to get back to that!
4. More dedication to learning what others have to teach me. This has many facets. I am trying to learn more in church by studying before class. I want to open my mind and heart to ideas that others have that just might be better than my own. I want to go back to school (to learn what, I don't know!) and improve my home-making skills by learning from what works for others. So please, if you have some awesome recipes, or ways to speed clean your house, I am all ears or eyes! Please leave me a comment or a link to your treasures of knowledge!
5. Be a more balanced person. I need to learn how to balance my time and efforts between my husband, kids, myself, friends and all the things we want to do separately and together! Again, if you have any insight...please share!

To sum it up, I think President Gordon B. Hinckley (president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or mormon church) was on to something... He knew what we all need to strive to be:

Be Grateful,
Be Smart,
Be Involved,
Be Clean,
Be True,
Be Positive,
Be Humble,
Be Still, and
Be Prayerful...

Need I say more? He has it all, and more, of what I want out of life this year and always! I miss his insight and humor, but I know he is with our Heavenly Father watching over us and hoping we all make the kinds of decisions that will let us join him there when this life is over.

So, that's my life (hopefully) this year. I wish you all well for your year, whatever you choose to do with it!!!

Salutations from Slackerville!

Ok, I know...total slacker. My last post was super easy and kinda a cheat cause I was sending out Christmas cards/letters anyway. So here's a real post! This is what I've been up to...
Yes...that's right...Christmas Shopping and wrapping are DONE!!!

That even includes all of our Neighbor Presents!


My note says "May your 'daisy' be marry and bright, and may all you truffles be a delight!"
Anyway, Christmas is done! Now I can relax and enjoy the snow (the whole inch we got last night) and the crisp air. And maybe, just maybe, I can get back on track for my weight loss goal! I haven't been wearing my body bugg very often lately. I also haven't made it to the gym very often. So, I'm scared for my next weigh in tomorrow, I probably gained some weight back, just how much I don't know!

I also have been dealing with some medical issues that have been exhausting physically and mentally. As soon as the weather got cold, my body wanted to go into hibernation mode...eat eat eat sleep sleep sleep. I have also had a very long and light menstrual cycle since October. So I finally went to my OB last Thursday for my yearly exam and to talk about those issues and my current medication. She had some concerns and did some blood work. I still don't have the results back...it is so frustrating and nerve-racking to sit and wait! I hope I'm back to my normal self VERY SOON!

I've slacked off so much that I haven't done my Thankful Thursday, so today I'm doing Thankful Tuesday!

I'm thankful for:
Being able to pay bills, buy presents, and reserve library books online! Family who make everyday life easier and more fun too! Friends who keep me on track emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. Doctors and medical insurance that allows me to make sure my body and mind are healthy and strong. TV shows that uplift and inspire. Jesus Christ, the TRUE reason for this season. The gospel of Jesus Christ for the hope, and guidance it provides me and my family. Plenty of food for my family, there are so many with so much less. A home that stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer and plenty of weather appropriate clothes to wear when we aren't in our home year-round.

I think that's all for today! Don't forget to check out our other blogs! Take care and enjoy this wonderful season of love!

Weekly Weigh In, Thankful Thursday and Happy Birthday to me all rolled into 1!

Sorry for the slacking this week...but I have good news, I lost .9lbs! I now weigh 208.3! I started this program back in mid-September at 220lbs. 2 months later I am almost 12 lbs lighter! Things I am Thankful for this week:

1. A wonderful husband to me & father to our children
2. A (kid-free) night out on the town tomorrow night!
3. A birthday dinner tonight with the family
4. Birthday cake tonight with the family!
5. Thanksgiving plans with friends that feel like family (I love ya Hot Mama!)
6. 12 lbs and counting!
7. 29 years and NOT COUNTING ANY MORE!!! Hahahahahaha!
8. Technology that helps us (ie: digital photos=scrapbooking, blogs; Body Bugg= weight loss and health)
9. Precious Tender Moments with Loved Ones (you never know just how much time you have)
10. A loving Heavenly Father who knows me personally and spiritually, who knows my needs, wants, limits, strengths and weaknesses.

I think my lists usually go in order from most recent/superficial to deepest. They are in no particular order, just what comes to me when I'm counting my blessings!

I love conference...and conference parties!!!

I have this glorious tradition at conference time. You've heard of SuperBowl parties, right? Well, Hot Mama and I have Conference Parties! Usually we only have them for Sunday, but since both of our Hubbies were gone for Saturday, we decided that we would have another party on Saturday!

So, on Saturday, Hot Mama came to my house with her kids and an awesome conference packet! We scrapbooked and listened to conference while the kids did their packets. We were amazed at how well the kids payed attention and enjoyed their packets. We only had to pause conference a couple of times (Thank You TiVo!!!) And the kids watched both conferences! We had every kind of candy and yummy treats on hand for our munching delight. For lunch we had sandwiches and fruit salad. And for dinner we did a baked potato bar and more fruit salad! It was a wonderful feast of body and spirit!

On Sunday, I went to Hot Mama's house where we watched the 1st session of conference and then had our traditional lunch...Lil Smokies, meatballs, deviled eggs, 7 layer chip dip and more fruit salad (I made a very large one evidently). Then we watched the 2nd session of conference, but the kids didn't make it past the 1st 30 minutes, but they watched 6 1/2 hours of conference over the weekend! That's pretty awesome for kids ages 5,6 and 8! Anyway, I just loved the messages that were shared.

My favorite message was President Monson's address about enjoying the journey. It spoke so much peace to my soul that I am doing exactly what I need to do right now, be home with my kids and enjoy this precious time. I have a very strong opinion that kids come 1st, then whatever housework I do get done is just a bonus! I very rarely let my house get to the "thrashed" state, but when it happens, it's usually because I have been doing something amazing for or with my kids. What a wonderful blessing it is to see these little ones grow and progress!

Anyway, enough of the mushy stuff, I just had to share my joy. I found the blog of the woman who created the conference packet, she does a new one for each conference... so her's her blog address for next time!

http://coloroftheskyinmyworld.blogspot.com/

Hope you all had an enlightening and joyful weekend!