New Addiction...

This weekend we decided to give NetFlix a try. The first couple weeks are free. We don't have any other tv and this way we stream it through our computer or have 2 discs at one time. I haven't seen any series in a while so I decided I would start watching PRISON BREAK . Now I am hooked. Yes, it is a bit harsh, but I love it. And the good part is that I can watch when I want and stop it when I want. I am in trouble. There are like 4 Seasons or something.

In Memory Of...

Thanks KD for the pictures. I have been wanting to do something like this for her. This is my sister. We miss her dearly and love her very much. I always think about how much my kids would have loved her because she was always so fun and energetic to be around.

Can't wait to see you again.

Throw in the Towel...

I have been trying to eat better and exercise. I have lost a little weight. I have had a week where I just wasn't very motivated so I didn't get any workouts in except for one yesterday. I haven't totally stuffed my self but I didn't eat the greatest. So I avoid the scale on weeks like this week. I finally decided to get on the scale this morning. It said I gained 5 lbs. Seriously, in one week. It takes me a month to get it off. I get it, but yet I don't get it. Yes, there is water weight and bloated weight, but come on. Sometimes I just want to throw in the towel and eat whatever I want when these moments happen because I am an emotional eater. I really need to find a balance. How to eat healthier and exercise without feeling like it is overtaking my every thought. I love to exercise usually, it feels good and makes me feel strong but why does it have to be such a mental battle. I love healthy food, I love cooking healthy food but I feel like I dwell way to much on what I can't have and my mind frieks out. Maybe I need to get rid of my scale. Maybe I am just a freek. So I am sad today due to the scale. I am off to go for a walk. Maybe some fresh air will get me feeling better.

cartridges...

My mom was telling me that she rented a Cricut Cartridge. I love the idea. Would any of you Cricut owners be interested in renting your cartridges? I just can't afford to buy any new ones but would like to get some use out of my cricut.

The New Do

I have to say this is the first time of taking my own picture. I usually try to avoid the camera. It was a little strange. I finally got my big computer fixed so I had to get refamiliar with my photoshop program. Oh how I missed her. Anyways, here is my new hair do. Now I need to get the wax out after seeing my furry upper lip on a large screen. Yikes.

Couldn't help myself. Had to have a few crazy faces. Well, these are faces I pull all day. One looks like my "NO" face, the other is my "ENOUGH-I am going Crazy" face.

I used the Wild Sorbet Paper Kit from ShabbyPrincess.com

Hair...

I had a pamper day yesterday. I am not sure the last time I had my hair done. I am getting so much gray that it was time. I had some hilights put in and got a new do. It was so relaxing. We didn't do much talking. I just enjoyed the whole the ambiance of the hair dryer and the hands playing with my hair, the smell of yummy shampoo and product-brought back a lot of memories of when we owned our own shop. I should have taken a picture yesterday after she fixed it. I am scared for today because now I have to try and duplicate what she did. Maybe I will take a picture if it turns out=). Thanks R. for watching the kids while I escaped. The kids were so nice when they saw me and gave me lots of compliments. Hallie was the funniest. "Mom, your hair is totally awesome." She even had her friend come in to see it. Now she wants her hair just like mine. She wants brown stripes put in it. WHat? People pay Big$$$ to have blonde hair and she wants hers brown. Crazy girl. She made my day even if it is a crazy hair style.

New Used...

We have been given a few things this past week. Grama G gave us her recliner. We sold our couches last summer and haven't had any in our family room. So this recliner fits perfect. Kids love it.

K gave us this desk that is so perfect for the kids. It fits their computer and Brad's old laptop, plus gives them room for homework. Livee thinks it is her new perch.

Repurposing...

After working on the bed, it gave me the craft bug. The neighbors were having a yard sale last weekend and it was $1 for a full bag of whatever clothes you wanted. I found some Princess Jeans that had a hole in them, but had really cute stitching. (My favorite find was a pair of orange BSU sweats for myself. I look forward to the evening when I can climb into them). So I took the jeans, and a shirt that was all stretched out on the top and put the 2 together. Leena has worn it for 2 days straight. It really only took me about an hour to finish. Ripping the seams on the jeans took the longest. I might go back and shorten the pink part. It is a little long. I will have to do it while she isn't looking because she loves it.

Livee's Bed...

Livee has been doing so good with her new bed. Brad said last night he was expecting her to want to fall asleep in his bed and have a small battle with her. She was sitting next to him and said "Dad, I tired." So they went in her room and climbed in bed. He was waiting for the "Book Daddy". She layed down, said good night and rolled over and went to sleep. She stayed in there all night. This picture is of her waking up. We used Savanna's old bed set that went to her single bed. It is in perfect shape and she loves it. Now I want to paint her name on it and add some touches to the headboard.

Hallie's list...

Hallie started missing her phone finally. I was starting to think she wasn't going to want it back and I could have it. Dang it. Here is her list. She did 10 of when she got her way, and 10 of things she was thankful for:
1. I get to go to Maddie's house.
2. I get to have sleepovers.
3. I get to play with friends.
4. I get to go to Bailey's house.
5. I get to rearange my room
6. I get to watch tv.
7. I get to play the computer.
8. I get to go to the store.
9. I get to go out side
10. toys
11. money
12. house
13. clothes
14. a bed
15. a room
16. food
17. a family
18. a phone
19. shoes
20. friends

Her and her phone were reunited after 2 days of seperation. I hate being the bad guy, but am glad I stuck to my guns. That is a hard one for me. I tend to cave at times. Her list is great.

Crib...

I have a crib/mattress that I am giving away. I am done with it. Hurray. I have some bedding that went with it. It is Lime green/purple with little animals. The crib ruffle has some tears in it that could be repaired and covered with the mattress.

Let me know if you anyone that wants it.

A Thousand Kisses...

Livee has become our KISSER. Not just a peck here and there, but she smothers you with kisses. First she puts her tiny little hands on your face and turns your head so she can give you one on the cheek, then she turns your face the other way and gets the other cheek, then she centers you up and gets you on the lips. And every kiss has a "MMMM" with it. When I am exercising I usually get a kiss every time I go to the ground. She doesn't care that I am sweaty. At night when it is time to settle down, she will go back and forth between Brad and I if we are both home and give rounds of kisses. In the morning when she sneaks in my bed, she kisses me a whole bunch. She doesn't care that I have yucky morning breath. She definitely loves Kisses or "Pisses" depending on who is saying it=).

Big Girl Bed...

Livee is fast asleep in her big girl bed for the first night. We recycled an older bed and made it work. I will take a picture in the morning when it is light. She was pretty excited. For bed, she falls asleep in mom's room on mine or Brad's lap. I know, bad habit, but it works with pretty little hassle. She was climbing out of her crib in the morning anyways. I figured her chances of getting hurt are less with her own big girl bed that is only 12" off the ground.

We survived our soccer game today. There was actually no rain. They played an incredible game, but unfortunately they were 1 point short of playing in the championship game. I ended up leaving the kids home asleep in bed. They had barely woken up when we were getting home. We spent a good day together-Don't judge, we are not the typical LDS family.- First we got a great nap in. Then we hung out in the back yard. We worked on Livee's bed. Jase and Aleena ran the sanders for a bit. Hallie made some cupcakes, Savanna and Jase played a soccer game, Brad got the lawn mowed. The sun finally came out, and it felt good to all just be there. We don't have many days like that lately.

We then headed over to my brothers house to sing Happy Birthday to K. She turned 2 today. I can't believe how big she is getting.

We then met up with the soccer team at Idaho Pizza for a last Hooraw. It was loaded with people. It took us about an hour to get our pizza and it wasn't even really that great -sorry Idaho Pizza, we are Chicago Connection fans.

We got home and finished putting Livee's bed together and got the kids in bed. Oh-we did have one melt down with Hallie. She has been begging to trade rooms. "I have had that stupid room my whole life." Let me remind you she has re-arranging disorder and would change bedrooms every day. Now she wants Livee to be in her room and Aleena in with Savanna. I told her no. Livee needs a bed that isn't so tall so she doesn't get hurt if she falls off. After her begging and asking a million times and me saying "NO" a million times she says this:" You always say no, I never get anything I want." These are words that would make any mothers blood boil. She had to give me her phone and to get it back she has to write 20 times before when she got her way. OK maybe 20 is a lot but I was upset and I tend to over react. Anyways, I feel bad getting mad at her. She is such a great helper and really is good, but my kids have a really hard time with the word No. Saying it and hearing it. We are working on that.

Riddle...

At work we were telling riddles. I have never been very good at them, but it was such a fun one. Plus, we were discussing how they haven't tried my yummy chocolate chip cookies. So I have an idea. I will tell you the riddle and the first one to answer correctly gets a batch of fresh chocolate chip cookies=) or if you don't like cookies you can babysit my 5 kids for free-haha.
Here it is:

One man builds it but doesn't need it,
One man buys it but doesn't want it,
One man uses it but doesn't even know it.

What is it?

Rain, Rain....

Savanna had a soccer tournament this weekend. Her first game was at 8 am this morning. Brad took her to that one. I was a bad mom, and stayed in bed until 8. I was going to go but didn't feel like packing all the kids to the game in the cold-rain. I know, bad mom. Her team won 1-0. Then her second game was at 2 this afternoon. I had to work so I didn't make it to that one either. It was a rainy, wet, and cold game. They lost 4-0. Savanna said her toes were frozen and tingly when she would run. Not fun. Plus tonight her leg is killing her. She must have pulled something. She is pretty tough though. She always smells of BEN GAY during soccer season. She has another game in the morning at 8 am. I am really going to try and get to that game. I am hoping the rain will go away until later but it is still going to be cold. If they win, then they play a final game. But if they lose they will done.

Yesterday, Brad and I went out for our anniversary. We went kind of early and missed the crowd. We ate at Johnny Carino's, and hit up Baskin Robbins for a sweet treat. -I did so good. I have been watching what I eat, and did some planning. I looked on the website so I could see how many calories were in what I was eating. I really love their Gargonzola sauce. So I looked it up and just about had heart attack. 1400 calories. That doesn't include the salad I normally would order, and the bread I would eat. That would be like over 2000 calories. I had 2 bites of bread, no salad, and found something that was around 800 calories and only ate 1/2. It was actually the perfect amount of food. I normally walk away feeling incredibly full. It was tough, but planning ahead made it so much easier. I did the same thing for Baskin Robbins. I sometimes feel like I have to be a psychotic about it, or the pounds just don't leave, this week I am in my psychotic stage. -We then stopped by red box and grabbed a few movies. It was short and sweet, but it was nice. Oh- we walked over to Ross, and Brad bought me a new purse. Mine was falling apart at the seams. I love that man. We watched 2012. It was okay. I thought it was kind of depressing with everyone dying. It is amazing what they can do with the effects and stuff. A few gross parts. But it does make you step back and think "Am I ready for the end?".
Savanna watched my kids, and then she had a babysitting job else where. She does a great job, and is liking having some extra money.
Well, off to lounge on the couch in my comfy sweats and warm blanket.

Human again...

I can't believe how a few things can change how I feel. We took some of our tax money and had our 2 computers fixed. One is for the kids, just basic internet, and something to do homework on and mine that I apparantly suffocated and it needs a new mother board. We got the kids' back a few days ago. We were all fighting over 1 little laptop that is on its last leg. It gets to hot and shots off all the time and so the kids couldn't hardly use it for more than a few minutes. Now they have their own. Yeah. I know it isn't much, but I feel like we are getting out of our slump. Plus I mentioned they got a new digital box for downstairs. That is going awesome. Plus today someone gave us a beautiful desk that will fit 3 kids on at once. So it feels nice. I know that these things are luxuries and we could live without them, but for some reason it makes me feel good. If makes me feel like I am on top of the water and not drowning. Now I just need to bottle some of this good feeling and figure out how to save it for those rainy days.



I had today off. Savanna has been waiting to go spend her birthday money so we went out today after school. It ended up being P., Hallie and B. It was nice. Savanna got some cute things. I think it was a bit shocking how much stuff costs. But I am hoping it was a taste of reality for her to 1.-appreciate what she has, and 2-want to earn and save some money. She is quick to blow her money on silly stuff. I did the same thing to, and still do sometimes. She is such a beutiful young lady. I just couldn't believe how grown up she was looking while trying on. I was very proud of what she picked. She luckily is not into the imodest stuff and isn't comfortable wearing imodest stuff. She is such a good girl and I know I am hard on her at times. I need to let her be 12. Good Night. -- Ps-2 more days and I get to go on an actual date with my honey for our anniversary. We have got to go out more.

Do you know why?....

I was sitting at the computer today, I had my hair in a ponytail, so you could see my neck. Aleena comes up and notices a mole on my neck.
"Mom, you have something on your neck."
"That is a mole."
"Do you know why you have one?"
"Sometimes when you get older, they just grow."
"No, Mom, Livee had popcorn all over her hands and rubbed them on your neck."
"And that is why I have a mole?"
"Yep."
"Okay????"

She is a silly girl.

Savanna's Birthday Sleepover....

Savanna's Birthday was last weekend. She didn't get to have a party until this weekend. We did sing to her last weekend. We had Taco Bell for her Birthday dinner. (I am sure the drive thru loves when we eat there, 13 bean Burritos with no onions=). She had taken cupcakes to her soccer team earlier so we put a candle in her burrito. We just gave her money. She wants to go to the mall and do some shopping.

She had her sleepover on Friday. She wanted the tent up and they slept outside. There was nothing planned other then pizza and chocolate fondue. They all seemed to get along, thank goodness. They had some troubles being quiet after my babes were asleep and that put me in gumpy ville. The next morning they said they were cold. I figured with all those bodies they would have been fine. They all had fun, but I think I am retiring from the overcrowded sleepovers. They can stay late and have just as much fun, but then I can get my sleep and not be grumpy. (Did I say this last year too?)

Happy Birthday Savanna.

Early Anniversary...

Our wedding anniversary is this next weekend. I can't believe it will be 13 yrs. We came up with the greatest gift this year. Our bedroom has turned into a multipurpose room and it is starting to drive us both crazy. I don't mind that my kids like to hang out with us, but Savanna thought she needed to do homework in our room, spread projects everywhere, kids getting dressed, leaving dishes, toys, coloring...you name it, it was in our room. The reason the kids congregate in our room is because it is the only room with any tv. We have a digital box in their. They get movies downstairs, but that doesn't seem to matter. I just was starting to feel claustrophobic in a room that was suppose to be my get away room. So we decided to take our room back for our anniversary gift. We went and splurged on a digital box for downstairs, and a dvd player for our bedroom. -We have been using a mini tv for our car and moving it from tv to tv for movies- It is amazing how much less the kids hang out in our room. I know it seems more like a present for them, and they think we did it for them, but oh-it is sooo nice and quiet in my room.
Then I was at a Yard Sale this weekend, and totally scored. I shouldn't have, but we got our taxes back and I rarely purchase things for myself, and couldn't resist. I got me a Cricut. It is only the smaller version, but that is okay with me. I got it for $75. It is practically brand new. She had borrowed it from her friend and her rabbit chewed a spot on the cord. She had to buy a new one for her friend just to get the cord. Then she wanted to get a newer big one, so she didn't even hardly use this one. The cord is taped up, and it works just fine. Now I need to start collecting some cartridges=). I told Brad about my purchase and he said Happy Anniversary. So wasn't that nice of ME to get US a new Cricut. Maybe we can make some cards together=).

Weekend...

My sister made it to town. She did some major house hunting. We had some fun hanging out on Saturday. We went through a handful of Parade of Homes. That was fun. Found one I would take if they were giving them away=). We then ran to the Mall and on our way out decided to splurge on a Snickers Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Oooooh, yummmy. The kids loved having her here. Hallie really was her buddy the whole time. It will be so fun having them closer. She headed out this morning after church. We hope she has a safe drive home.
We had another full weekend. Savanna had her friend sleepover. I will post that tomorrow, and we had a family BBQ. Pictures to come tomorrow also.

I will end on a funny from church today. I teach the 6 turning 7 year olds. I needed an eraser for the chalk board but didn't have one. I went through my bag and could only find a spare pair of undies out of my bag. They are the real fat full underwear for potty trainig. They were clean so I just used that. Those kids thought that was the funniest thing. I am sure their parents will be thinking I am a crazy teacher.

Rental...

My sister is in town on a house hunt. She is looking for a rental in the Kuna, Meridian, Eagle area. Her and her husband are moving from Texas and have 2 kids. If any of you know of anything please let me know. They are looking for something for about a year. He is finishing his education and then will know better what they want to do after that year.

Shower Secrets Revealed...

Viewer discression advised:

Yesterday, I had just gotten in the shower after a workout. Brad had to make a stop by the house and saw that I was in the shower. He thought for sure I needed some help cleaning my parts ;). Aleena and Livee were in the bedroom playing so we didn't lock the door. Aleena had been talking on the phone to her friend A. She comes in the bathroom with the phone:
"Mom, A's mom wants to talk to you."
"Tell her I am in the shower."
Aleena says to A's Mom "My Mom and Dad are in the shower, can she call you back."
Totally busted. Nothing is secret at our house. Yikes.

Quick Dinner

I couldn't make it to see my mom on Mother's Day so I made another plan. Twin Falls is only 2 hours from me, and 1 hour from them, so we met in the middle. Linden (My brother) and I drove to Twin Falls together. We left around 2 pm. He drove his car. It was just him and I. It was a nice get away. I can't remember the last time I took a road trip where I didn't have to be passing things around, referreeing, entertaining, climbing to the back to get a dropped sippy while my husband is grabbing parts while I am standing on my head (he thinks he is so funny), listening to movies, etc. We just had quiet conversations, I didn't have to turn around 1 time. I even got to pick the radio station.

We got there about an hour early. We went into the Mall for a little minute. I ran in and got Savanna a little Birthday gift. She loves my Bath and Body Works Mint Lipgloss. She wanted to take it to school, but I wouldn't let her. "It is the only kind that works Mom". Then I picked her up some of her own make-up. My mascara keeps disappearing. We met up with Kell and KD at ShopKo. We then headed to dinner. We took the long route to dinner. Sorry Linden, I thought I knew where it was, when really it was across the street. We ate at Golden Corral. That way everyone could pick what they wanted. It was nice. We made it home around 9:30. It was a nice trip. Happy Mother's Day Mom.

Sad...

About 3 months ago, my sister and I decided we would try to get into the St. George Marathon in October. I had it in my brain that I was going to run it. It is a lottery for getting in. This morning the results were posted and we did not make it in. I am feeling a bit sad because we were mentally ready for the challenge and training. It feels a bit odd to be sad that I can't torture myself for 26 something miles. I know there are other marathons, but we love St. George. We will try again next year, and if we don't get in then the 3rd year you are automatically in the pool. I guess I will continue running and I can be in that much better shape for next time. There is a 8 or 10 mile run in July in my home town for the July 24th celebration, maybe we can run that one. No Lottery for that one. We are still going to St. George and having our girls trip. Maybe we will have to go sooner now so we can hit the shows.

Extra Special Attention....

Jase was in rare form this morning. I usually start hollering for the kids to wake up at 7:10 am. All of our bedrooms are upstairs, so the loving mom I am just holler from my bed to wake up. I usually holler every 5 minutes until about 7:30 when I have to get serious about waking them up. In those hollerings,
Jase said "I don't have any pants."
"They are all in the dryer."
"How am I suppose to get them?"
"Put on your robe, or wrap a towel around yourself."

So in the meantime, Hallie gets ready and gets a ride with M., Savanna is ready and walks.
8:11 comes around and Jase is still giving me the "I don't have any pants" as he is laying in bed.
I went in there, and as nice as I could muster up, I pulled him out of bed and gave him 2 minutes to be ready for school. He was then not talking to me because he was mad. I asked him if he wasnted a granola bar for breakfast, but got no response, so he went to school with no breakfast. Silence when we drove to school. I dropped him off and told him "I love you, Have a great day." He was already 5 minutes late. He walked to the door at turtle speed. I love him dearly, but wow does he know how to really push my buttons.

Hallie has Rearranging Disorder....

Hallie wanted to rearrange her bedroom again. I think I have talked about this before. She LOVES to rearrange her bedroom. If there was a disorder of that, she would have it. She does it all by herself. She is even getting good at it, like she gets the tape measure out, measures the bed or the dresser, then measures her space to make she has enough room. Maybe she will be a designer when she grows up.

Also, she finally went to the Dr. about her bedwetting. We have tried everything for her, and she is so sick of it, and I don't blame her. She is trying a pill at night. She had her first night last night with the pill, and she woke up dry. She was so excited. Oh, a funny: At the Dr. office, they wanted to check her urine and blood, just make sure she was healthy. She got to experience her first pee-in-a-cup. She had the giggles so bad. I went in with her and she thought that was the silliest thing to do. She did pretty good. Hopefully everything comes back clean. She is a brave girl. Hopefully this pill works. Not only is it embarrassing for her, but it is a pain with her back brace. Her pull-up goes under her brace so if she has to pee at night, she has to wake up and take off her brace, then put it back on. What a pain.

What was I thinking...

I am vowing that from this day forward, that I will never try to cut my daughters hair, Savanna, into layers. Hopefully some day she can forgive me. I am hoping B. can cut it and rescue me, she might have to charge me double just to fix my mess. I am not sure what I was thinking. Obviously I wasn't thinking clearly. I will take a picture of the fixed hair do. She might have to lose some of her length.

On another note, Hallie has a new nick name for Savanna. It is Little Miss Pretty Princess. Savanna has hit the age where she wants to look her best with her hair and makeup-yes, I know, me screwing up her hair doesn't help that much, sheesh- and she tends to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror. Hallie is always ready for school and waiting for Jase or Little Miss Pretty Perfect. I was telling Hallie that some day she will be doing the same thing. Hallie's response is, "I am never wearing makeup". Ooh, I can see it already. Jase sleeping in while the girls get up early, and he gets ready in about 5 min. and me and him are in the car waiting for all my Pretty Princess's taking one last look in the mirror, looking for their phones, and grabbing their homework on the way out the door.

Moving Back....

We just found out that my sister A and her family are moving back to the Boise area. Hip-Hip-Hooray, Hip-Hip Hooray, Hip-Hip Hooray. We are so excited. They have been far far away for a what like 5 years(?) now and we can't wait for them to be back and see them more often. Hurry up July.

YMCA...

Hallie had her birthday sleepover/ymca. She invited her 2 friends B and M and then her cousin L came up for the weekend. She had so much fun. We put a tv and dvd player in Hallie's room and made it for just the 4 of them. It made it so we could hang out in the house without the "Mom, they are bugging us". They stayed up late, ate too much sugar, laughed way too much, swam like fish, and were exhausted by the end of the day. When I got there and saw how much fun they were having, I started feeling guilty for leaving all the other kids and Brad at home. We decided before that it would just be Hallie and her few friends. It would just be cheaper that way, plus they are getting old enough that they don't want their "pesky" little or bigger siblings tagging along. Plus, Hallie wanted to invite Savanna and Page and then that would cause a domino affect of why couldn't Aleena go, and Jase and then they would want a friend to come. So we said no one but Hallie. It still made me feel guilty that we couldn't invite everyone. Maybe one of these days we will have to have a family activity and go. Maybe the other families would like to join us.

Hallie got a swimsuit to match Lexey.

Warmin' up in the Hot Tub.

Ready, Set, Jump
We took a small lunch break. We packed our own lunch of PB&J, with chips and string cheese, with some Frootie Tootsies.
We made a stop by LOLLIPOP STOP before heading home.

Do I want this one, or ........

Do I want this one, or this one....