A Dr. Seuss Christmas

We spend christmas every year at Jasons families houses, starting with brunch at his folks with gifts, then to Aunt Dodies house for dinner and more gifts. Well this year, aunt Dodie decided to do a Dr. Seuss themed christmas party. You all know that I'm never one to turn down a theme party! I got right to work creating the perfect outfits for my family using a $5 budget..Its amazing what I came up with for so little. We had an amazing time and her house was adorable! Here are some pictures or the event.

OLD......

I celebrated my 30th birthday last saturday with my closest friends and it was AWESOME!! Of course there was a theme (my funeral will be themed..)and it was an 80's night!Kasi made me a boombox cake, and we had a costume contest (which brian and justina won,) and we karaoked the night away to our fave 80's hits. Jason sang Footloose while me and some girls busted out the prom dance moves. We had such a good time, and I cant think of any other way to spend my getting old. teehee.

Hessisch Oldendorf

Once upon a time in a far away Deutschland (1984-86), there was stationed a young military couple. I have some of the best memories of childhood at this base nestled 10 miles from the pied piper city of Hameln (where kylee was born.) Last night I decided to google the small town to see what ever became of it. I understood that it was closed back in 1991. What I wasnt counting on, was finding this awesome picture of the base, coincidentally enough, shot back in 1986! I could have been sitting in my moms bowling alley (where she worked..often times blaring Born in the USA from the juke box and singing at the top of her lungs,) at the time it was shot..Or sitting in the school nestled just behind the trees off to the left of the base where our housing development also was.. The possibilities are endless! Im overwhelmed with nostalgia right now.

Under New Management...

I was asked to be the manager of my husbands band. I'm very excited about this, because if its one thing I do really well, its organizing, throwing things together, and bossing people around. HA! I also enjoy advertising and making sure people stay on track, which the band is doing splendidly. They still have a bit of work to do with a singer and guitar solos, but otherwise they get better and better at every practice. They played at a party back in october and got fabulous reviews. Everyone had a ball. I have great faith in them. I cant wait until I can book their first gig. I hope that when I do, I will see full support from friends and family. If anyone is in need of a party band or has a venue for us, please let me know! Price is always negotiable...get them cheap while you can! LOL.

Woe is my Toe!

Yesterday whilst reprimending my children on what a messy room they have, I took a step and smacked my second toe into a very well hidden doll house nestled beneath some clothing. Yes indeed...I broke my toe. Ive never had a broken toe before and am surprised at how little it hurts. Infact I dont notice it (besides the fact it feels three times its size) until I mistakenly try to put pressure on it. Its a very pretty dark purple and red bruise all the way around, and fat like a sausage. I cant bend it all all due to its size and swelling. This could not have come at a worse time, as friday is my beloved after Thanksgiving shopping!! I still have every intention of going. No toe is going to ruin my blessed day of peace away from children and the sanctity of a good sales event. I have two days to man up, and heal before I put on my walkin shoes. Wish me luck!

My Better Half

Today is mine and Jasons 3rd wedding anniversary. Its hard for me to believe we've been together this long and how quickly the time has flown. People were skeptical about our marriage working out because we didnt exactly date..We just sorta decided, "Hey lets get married!"..So we did! Its been an adventure ever since. Ive had a crush on my man since the 8th grade, when skinny jeans and permed hair ruled. He was the only boy in the 9th grade with a mustache and a drivers license..plus he was a fabulous drummer. What more could a girl swoon over? Infact, most girls DID swoon over him, so I had to wait 11 years before I got my chance with him. Haha. Its been hard, but blissful all at the same time. I love him more then words can say, and cant wait to grow old with him. He is my rockstar! Love you baby!

~Life Lessons with Eric #3~

Eric lost his first tooth last night on the way home from piano lessons. He is so proud and cant stop grinning. The tooth fairy gave him $1.00 and he has been toting it around with him all day today. Haha..what a cutie.

~Life Lessons with Skylar~

Yesterday whilst chatting with my friend, Sara, I noticed little miss running around stark nekkid. I asked her what she was doing, and she said she had to use the potty. For those of you who do not know my daughter, she just turned 2 this september, and we have been trying to get her to understand the concept behind the mini potty. She strips down everyday to just sit on the toilet and do nothing. However, yesterday, when I went to check out what was going on, I saw a tinkle in the the bottom. I almost flipped out! Then today she did the same thing! I cant explain my joy! She is my last baby, so I feel so grateful to be going thru this last phaze of torturous toilet training. I cant wait for her to be thru it! Yeah Skylar!

~100 Things about me~

Here are 100 things about me that you probably new, maybe not, and also of things I have managed to accomplish in my life that i'm proud of. I always want people to know as much about me as possible, if for nothing else, just to have a great eulogy at my funeral hopefully many many many many years down the road. HA! Many may find that morbid, but as an LDS woman, I really dont. I think its important. My husbands family is in the funeral business, so death is a matter of life around our family. I hope that someone will learn something about me, feel inspired, or just plain giggle out loud. Enjoy!

1.) When I was 3 I broke my elbow while my dad gave me a horsey ride, and almost had to have my arm amputated after many hours of circulation loss, trying to find a hospital that would take me in. Thank heavens for an adament mother!

2.) I have a social fear, and was very Agoraphobic as a teen. I outgrew the Agoraphobia, but still find it hard to relate to people, and cant bring myself to talk on the phone.

3.) I have a costume, jewelry, and shoe collection specifically for any theme parties that might get planned. I live for theme party planning!!

4.) Im a mother of 3 gorgeous children...who drive me absolutely INSANE!! Im not kidding..I used to be normal before I became a parent.

5.) I have a mound of laundry taller then my youngest child at all times in my laundry room. Laundry is pure evil.

6.) I have an obsession with Howard Hughes

7.) I have spent years doing genealogy and i LOVE IT! Its my passion and I feel very strongly about it. Ive gone back to the 1500's so far and hope to get as far back as possible.

8.)As a young 21 year old, I miscarried twins, then 9 months after that, delivered a tiny son who passed away an hour later of Trisomy 18. I lost 3 kids in less then a year...i know that was the start of a long road of depression i'm still battling to this day.

9.) I love to write! Im horrible at it..I have poor grammer, bad puncuation and spelling..but it makes me truly happy! I enjoy writing stupid comedies involving my friends as characters. I have written script stories for Kylee and her friends as well. I often times will start something and then not feel inspired to finish it. Its a bad habit i possess. I will, however, be finishing up a funny short novel called Super Group very soon...an amazing feat for me!

10.) I absolutely adore music!! Im a classic rock and 80's girl all the way! I was not blessed with any music talent, but what I due lack, I make for in musical knowledge. I will fully kick bum in any music trivia contest. I even have a trophy to prove that. HA!

11.) I was one of 20 girls in the whole US to be selected for a popular plus size photoshoot contest in California...unfortunately I had to turn it down cuz of the too risque nature or the shoot.

12.) I love to go to concerts..I went to 7 last year alone!

13.) My favorite song is Mandoline Rain by Bruce Hornsby..dont ask me why. I just feel something for it.

14.) I can draw fairly well..It used to be a passion of mine, until I became a mom and found other ways to inspire me. I dont do it anymore, which makes me sad. I just dont have the motivation I once did.

15.) I used to speak fluent German as a child when we lived overseas. I lost the ability.

16.) I LOVE the Queen Mary Ship. She is amazing! I could spend all day on her decks pondering. I dont know why, but I feel a strange connection. Its very "The Shining", I know..

17.) I love the Fall! Nothing makes me happier then looking at the changing leaves. I guess its because my favorite colors are fall colors. oranges, golds, dark purples and rich reds...gorgeous!!

18.) Ive had rheumatoid arthritis since I can remember...as a child I was able to get out of PE and couldnt walk the mall from one end to the other without tears. Im finding that as I get older, im becoming more immobile which sucks!!

19.) I love all things retro, vintage, and really funky! i dont care what it is!

20.) I deeply sympathise with Charlie Brown..and I adore the peanuts characters. Oddly enough tho, my family hasnt picked up on this over the years, so I dont have any collections or anything. They were too busy buying Kasi her Barbies and Kylee her Wizard of Oz. teehee

21.) Muscle cars make me tingle in my private places. NO JOKE! I would give anything to have a 68 Camaro or a GTO

22.) I despise the acts of hypocrissy and lying...Ive always been very straight forward and honest in my beliefs as well as my frienships, and wish that others would do me the same courtesy...unfortunately because of this, I tend to offend people a lot.

23.) I bite my nails...fingernail clippers give me the willies

24.) Fish freak me the heck out!!!

25.) I want to make a keepsake box of all the things that were important to me for my kids later on.

26.) I HATE A CLUTTERED HOUSE!! You would never know it by my house right now (as I live in a 2 bedroom hut with three kids.) My husband is a huge pack rat, and we butt heads a lot.Ive lost the war. I cant cope or houseclean in an over growth of mess...so my house is always dirty..sorry for all who visit! If i had it my way, most of the house would be at the Good Will.

27.) My happiest place to be is in california with my family at DisneyLand! I love making memories with my family. Huntington Beach where my folks live, has become my ultimate dream place to live..and my joints would thank me daily, cuz washington is so cold!! I lost that war with jason too, so i'll be living here forever...haha

28.) Im always happiest when my husband is happy with his band. He loves music as much as I, but he was blessed with an extreme amount of talent, which im all too pleased to support. I have made many sacrifices trying to keep him happy with his insturments, pa systems, taking up half my living room with stuff, etc...its worth it! I love my kids being involved in a musical household.

29.) I yell a lot. Im not proud of it and I dont like how I feel when I do it...but its either that or dangle my kids out the window. They'll thank me later!

30.) I love crafts and projects!!!

31.) I have a disco ball hanging in my closet and in my living room at all times.

32.) I hate to read!! Ironic since I love to write...

33.) I have a bad snacking habit..If I could make another food group it would be Jr. Mints...

34.) pizza+ garlic sauce= love

35.) My favorite movies are GhostBusters, Caddy Shack, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail...I love to laugh!

36.) I have an odd sense of humor...I laugh LOUDLY A LOT...

37.) Ive sort of become a nerd over the years, succombing to the wiles of Dungeons and Dragons, watching Red Dwarf, and even writing a fantasy novel...thanks Jason!

38.) I collect celestial things (sun, moon, stars..)

39.) I love highheels!! the saucier the better...

40.) I had my temple recommend taken away for a while, but now I have it back, and nothing is going to make it disappear again!!

41.) I cant live without my camera

42.) I love christmas best when we make crowns and play games, then give each other home made gifts, like bags of hazelnuts and cookies..I adore the simplicity and heartfelt feelings behind it.

43.) I wish I could dance....its one thing that baffles me, and I would give anything to know how to do it well.

44.) i love going to plays...I never can afford to, but I love it way more then TV

45.) I love the Spruce Goose!

46.) I want to visit Tahiti and stay in a bungalow on the water

47.) When I was 7, I went skinny dipping in the fountain of an old folks home in Germany...my parents still dont believe me.

48.) Im very accident prone...

49.) I love the smell of Patchouli tho most hate it..and I enjoy pumpkin spice and grapefruit scents

50.) I hate that im now old enough to think about doing a daily skin care ritual..

51.) Ground meat and seafood make me retch

52.) I love washing dishes in hot water..it actually calms me down. I wouldnt know what to do with a dishwasher..

53.) I love Sunflowers

54.) Ive always wanted to learn how to ride a dirtbike

55.) i'm very competative....i get it from my dad

56.) I love my children more then anything, and hope that they dont hate me when theyre older because of my poor mothering..im not a natural born parent and it doesnt come easy for me

57.) Im not your typical mormon gal..I wear concert tees and converses to home-making..I cant quilt or can, nor do I want to. I love the gospel, but despise the 'molly mormon jumpsuit dresses'..I have, however, over the years aquired the flabby relief society arms I once vowed never to have...thats karma!

58.) Oh! Im a firm believer in Karma..

59.) I once wrote and directed a top billing play in highschool that people actually paid to see!

60.) Im a shopaholic..

61.) I make the best home made mac and cheese and sour cream chicken EVER!

62.) I own a wheat grinder and make my own wheat bread...tho im domestically disabled

63.) I was once a Passion Party consultant...shocking isnt it?

64.) My dream job would be a radio dj, or to work within the spa industry

65.) Ive had a crush on my current husband since the 8th grade

66.) I had an ugly birthmark mole removed from my back, that my sister and granmother all had as well.

67.) I have the tiniest hands ever!! its pretty carnie-like

68.) i hate confrontation..it makes me ill

69.) I married Jason immediately after my divorce to Scott..no dating.

70.) I would LOVE to have a boob job/ tummy tuck

71.) I am the worst person with math...i even had handicapped kids in my math class in highschool, if thats any indicator.

72.) I have to have my bed made first thing, or my day is ruined

73.)Im addicted to myspace surveys..haha

74.) Im the most non-judgemental person i know, but i do show true concern for people..i guess theres a fine line there that people dont seem to understand. If I were truly judgemental, I wouldnt have drag queens and athiests as friends...which I do!

75.) Im a magnet for drama!! I hate it, but people have never understood me properly which leads to lots of upset. apparently I dont play well with others.

76.) I have no filter...things just come out of my mouth like the honesty of a child. I apologise a lot.

77.) I DO NOT believe in hormonal birth control...I dont feel its smart to fool with mother nature.

78.) im known as the "kooky overly enthusiastic" friend...

79.) im easily excited..and also easily scared or overly emotional..my feelings have always come in excess

80.) i would give anything to go to the Salt Lake Temple and hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in a holiday concert..i get goosebumps thinking about it.

81.) I could eat grilled meat every night of the week...oh wait, I do! thanks jason!

82.) Im like a child at amusement parks!

83.) I have zero patience or coping skills

84.) I love an ice cold pepsi

85.) i cant live without a pair of funky earrings, eyeliner, and lipgloss

86.) ive always wanted a dining room with a brick or stone fireplace in it..its so cozy!

87.) I grew up with rats and ferrets as pets

88.) I dont dust...at all

89.) im a 4 year seminary graduate and one of the few girls to get a Young Women of Excellence award...It saddens me that those programs arent as enforced by parents as they once were. I can also still say all 13 articles of faith by heart.

90.) I love all things sparkly!

91.) i wont swim in the ocean because I fear sharks

92.) Pumpkins make me happy

93.) i adore mosaics

94.) Ive always wanted to be a perfect little baker...but im bad at it, and i dont really enjoy it!

95.) I love warehouse work!! Its the most fun time ive had working..

96.) I think a lot about charity and giving back..I would love to start volunteering at the bishops storehouse, but I cant until skylar is in school full time. A lot of people dislike Angelina Jolie but im awe inspired by her humanitarian work. she will be so blessed for that.

97.) I honestly wouldnt mind living the Amish life, as weird as that sounds...they are simple, happy, productive, forgiving, close, family oriented people, and live everyday honestly and firmly in their beliefs without outside influences...ive lived with lots of outside experience and im ready to climb into their world! (minus the beards)

98.) I want to take a tour of Palmyra, Navou, etc...to go to the sacred grove..to visit the temples..to walk where they walked.

99.) My wish for my children, is that they grow up to be happy, spiritual, successful, charitable, creative, full of humor, humble, and loving people. Despite how badly im screwing them up right now.

100.) Im cold all the time!!! I mean like a popcicle..Feel these hands!:0)~

Wahoo!!

After all of the waiting and hard work to get where I am today, I was able to recieve my Temple Recommend last sunday. Words can't describe how lost i've been without it these past few years. I plan to take full advantage of it and make monthly trips to Seattle. Its the most peaceful place on earth and I look forward to the joy it will once again bring into my life.

Live life like a Rockstar!

I just want to take a moment and praise my sweetheart for a job well done. He has been wanting so badly to get back with his highschool friends to reform their band, and over the past summer have been able to hold regular practices at our home (ours being the only place to have drums, guitars, bass, amps, and microphone stands already equiped.) They chose the name Back Hand, and will be having their first gig on december 27th. Im so excited for them! They are all ecstatic to have an audience. Their music consists of 90's alternative cover songs (what they played in highschool,) so its very nostalgic when they get together. I'm so happy my husband is able to share his talents with others and to live out a bit of his dream. I'm enjoying being a "bandaid/squealing groupie!" haha

MURDER!

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to host a really cool 1920's murder mystery party for halloween. I usually hold at least one a year, but this years I decided to go all out for it. My sister and my friend Crystal painted sets to create the look of a bookstore on the front of my house, and we recreated a speak-easy on the inside of my house. It was fabulous!! We served a good old fashioned spaghetti dinner, cesar salads, garlic bread, cupcakes, and brownies, with some green olives on toothpicks, and bottles of martinellis. Good eats! Everyone got really into their characters and came dressed to kill. We stayed in character all night (me and Sara holding it together with our Bronx accents,) and it was hysterical the amount of quotes we managed to get out of our characters as well. Hans even went the extra mile and made us up some mug shot boards, a height chart, and took polaroids of everyone as a neat souvinier at the end of the party. What a riot! Thanks to everyone who participated. You made the night awesome!!

Almost A Smuckers Babe!

Happy birthday to Skylars great great grandma Pays, who turned 99 today!! Born in 1908 of this date, I couldnt imagine how much life that woman has seen. I'm so grateful the children have had the chance to see and hear from such a seasoned woman, and hope they are able to appreciate that in their lives later on. Here is a precious photo of all the generation of women, from the birthday girl, to great gramma Davies, to gramma Shank, to me as the daughter-in-law, to my baby girls. Lets see if she makes onto the TODAY show next year, as one of Willard Scotts SMUCKERS BABES!

Life Lessons with Eric~The Piano

I'm pleased to announce that Eric has started piano lessons with my dear friend Robyn Richards. I've always wanted him to. Since before Eric could walk, he's always had a fascination with playing it. He is quite the destructive little tyrant with most things, but where it concerns the piano and playing it, he has always been gentle and serious. A few months ago he asked me if he could take lessons. I am so pleased that he is finally ready, and under his own curiosity. He absolutely loves it so far. His lessons are very simple, of course, so we'll see how things go as he progresses to harder lessons in the future. I pray that he sticks with it. Luckily for me, Robyn has practice charts she keeps track of, and if Eric gets 6 stickers in a row he will get to choose a fabulous prize from her basket (consisting of packages of chocolate bars, schools supplies, fun toys, etc..) He is determined to get that large package of Snickers. haha. I'm so happy for my family who supports him in this life lesson.

My True Calling...

A few friends of mine coordinated a Tournament of Pop Culture last weekend, and it was so much fun! I have always watched the actual tournament hosted on Vh1, and always thought I could do well on it...now was my chance to see if I could. There were three teams of three people, mine being Electric Mayhem (consisting of Brian, Deb, and myself.) The other two groups were Cobra Kai (Mike, Scott, and Kylee,) and the last group was Donkey Kong (with Jeremy, Hans, and Melody.) Everyone did really well, including Kylee who was only born in 1984. I was really excited and surprised to find that I knew every single music question thrown out there and most of the other questions as well..I think this is my true calling in life..to harbor useless information. HAHA. Anyway, my team won, of course. And we got to take home a tiny trophy and a rubber chicken. Wahoo!! I cant wait until next time!

MY LIFE, UNPLUGGED!

This has been the worst few days EVER! Our AVG anti-virus ran out, and since we didnt have the money to resubscribe..we got a virus!!! We are a very cautious people, never opening emails with forwards (not even from friends), and especially not clicking on anything we dont know what it is..So slowly our system has been crashing..it has effected our downloading (our ability is completely gone now), so we cant even get a free AVG trial to wipe it clean for the moment. We cant do a restore point either. The worst part about all this is that only half of our home videos and pictures are backed up on a disc..leaving the others to be wiped away once jason tears this thing apart and reinstalls everything. Im freaking out about this!! 1.5 years of our families memories will be gone forever...not to mention my mp3's...everything we have saved in our disc drives..im so devastated. Moral of the story..BACK EVERYTHING UP ON DISCS WHILE YOU CAN!! And dont let that spyware and antivirus subscription run out, lest you get the blue screen of death! *weeps into hand*

LITTLE MAN

TODAY WAS ERIC'S FIRST DAY OF 1st GRADE!

I took him to his class today to meet his teacher, show him where to go, etc..since he was unable to do that in august due to the strike. He was very excited to see that this year he gets to sit next to his little girlfriend Marissa (pronounced Mareesa.) What an adorable little girl! I have no idea what race she is but she looks like a darker version of a latino..very pretty! I'm so not ready for my 6 year old to "like" girls....sigh*

check him out tho..what a lady killer, huh?

The $20 store

Ok seriously now..why do they call it the Dollar Store? I never walk out of there spending less then $20! Between the toys I buy for the kids "quiet bag" for church, and art supplies, bunco gifts, cards, etc...ive spent a little more then $1..hahahahahahahaha...Its my kids fave place to shop..thank heavens!

Happy Happy...

Today is my baby girls 2nd birthday! I cant believe how fast the time has flown. I hae to stop and take some refelction now because she is my last one..my baby days are officially over. Im so sad over this, but I'm also excited for this next phase of life that I get to spend with my growing family. Skylar has surprised me since day 1. She was born a few weeks early (and has done things early ever since..) and decided that coming out sunny side up was the way she wanted to greet us. She was so alert and smiley that she behaved like a 1 month old straight away. We also thought we would finally get that brunette child,so I could have one of each! (red head, blonde, and brunette..) But no..she decided she was going to be a beautiful blonde. In her 2 little years of life she has learned how to say her ABC's at warp speed, count to 16, sing every song she hears (including songs off the radio,)in tune and with the correct words, and she has an actual talent in coordination and can beat on the drums with steadiness and in pattern rhythms...daddy is very proud of this! She is my precious girl. Skylar has a deep love for shoes, mickey mouse, Little Einsteins, musical instruments, play hide and seek, cars, climbing anything that will hold still, and popcorn! she insists her nails are painted at all times, and would rather wear a fluffy dress then pants. She may have a boys rough and tumble attitude, but she looks very girly doing it! Happy birthday, punkin!

Nothing so important as a person with Heart!

My dear, sweet, wonderful, amazing husband, surprised me with tickets to see one of the greatest bands in the whole universe...HEART! The concert was last night and i'm still giddy about it! As soon as the house lights went low, we heard the wind and ocean, and then Nancy appeared playing her accoustic to Mistral Wind (one of my FAVORITES!) I thought I was gunna pee myself. It took me 29 years to get there, and I was not disappointed! One hit was played after another, with Ann singing it tip top perfection, hitting every high note like she was still in her 20's..I think even Jason was amazed at how powerful her voice was. It gave me goosebumps. Nancy was absolutely fabulous as she high kicked, jumped up and down, and did super low squats all the while banging the heck outta her guitar. Jason has been trying to learn the song 'Crazy on You' for months, (the accoustical part in the beginning is incredibly tough and fast....He shook his head as Nancy proceeded to strum at warp speed with her guitar up high in the air and behind her head! To make things even greater, Jason lead me down to the floor where the sea parted for us, and we got right up to the stage..they did 2 encores, one of which was dedicated completely to Led Zeppelin...I was in pure Heaven! I recommend this concert to everyone!!

Then save my soul.......

The bishop paid me a visit last week, in an attempt to extend to me a calling in my church..what calling you ask? Relief Society Chorister! You must be wondering what all of the hullabaloo is about..well...i've never conducted a day in my life, I cant read music to save my soul, and I have the worst rhythm and timing of any person on the planet! I laughed at the bishop.There quite literally isnt a musical bone in my body. I'm so intimidated by standing infront of these women that you might as well ask me to be conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, itself! I do, however, understand that these callings are meant to make us grow as people and to help us learn new and different things. I accepted the calling...WHAT WAS I THINKING???? Jason was downright ecstatic over this, since its totally his forte'.. but in my heart I still dreaded it...My suspicions about my abilities came to light last night as Jason, quite frustrated at me, could not teach me something apparently so simple. I also learned that I look like the whitest person EVER with a dash of special ed. hahahaha....wish me luck this sunday..and if you are intown, feel free to stop by Relief Society and watch my train wreck.

I WANNA BE A SUPER MODEL!

Yesterday was an amazing day!It was so good, infact, that it made me forget about having to turn down doing the Plush Cat calendar in Cali earlier this year, (I was selected to be 1 of 20 girls in the whole U.S to be apart of this gorgeous plus sized calendar).. I woke up super early to get out to gig harbor for a fun day photoshoot and boy was it a hoot! My girlfriends and I have decided to make a calendar using ourselves as models..whats the theme you ask? Old fashioned pinups! You know, like from the 40's, 50's and 60's? It was fabulous! We had amazing backdrops, great weather, and the outfits were literally to die for. so uch thought and creativity went into making this shoot all it can be. All the girls were stunning! I cant wait to see the end product! Thanks to Crystal for doing the shoot, Justin for loaning us the backdrops, and Scott for volunteering his abilities to make our calendar super great! woot!

To be or not to be.....

My family attended our very first Rennaisance Fair last saturday, and it was a hoot! It was sort of sprung on us by a friend, and we were reluctant to find costumes..but as I dug into my closet, I realised we had almost everything we needed to be a band of Gypsies for the day. We took the older two kids with us and they loved seeing the horses, pirates, minstrels, and a few very hilarious shows on small stages. We only had one really frustrating moment with Eric at lunch time, when he pouted very obnoxiously because I refused to buy him $6 french fries... he got over it once we journeyed over the creek to see the Jousting. Jasons highlite came when he found a real sword he couldnt live without for a very cheap price, and had to buy it. Mine came, when a magician asked for a beautiful and fair maiden to be his assistant, then pointed at me to come up to him. Talk about a riot! I was the worst assistant ever, as I donned the title "Lady Daphne" for everyones entertainment. All in all it was a successful day, and im so glad we went. Im still munching on the huge bag of kettle corn I purchased there. What fun we had!

BitterSweet

Yesterday as my mother and I were making some fresh loaves of wheat bread, I get a knock on my door by two little boys..their news both shocked and relieved me. Our dog, Emma, was roaming the neighborhood again after digging a monster sized hole and busting down an entire side panel of fence in our backyard. One of our neighbors got fed up with her roaming and dropped her off at the pound. I'm a little urked that she didnt come and tell me herself, but sent two little boys to do her dirty work..also that she knew I was home and didnt bother to just bring me back the dog. Jason and I had discussed taking Emma to the pound on several occassions because she just wasnt getting the attention she craved. She was Jasons dog since she was a puppy but after Skylar came along, he lost interest in the poor dog...Emma was lashing out and had destroyed our property. I know its not her fault, but we couldnt forsee taking her to a new house later on. It was only a matter of time before he came to grips with everything and took her himself. I'm glad she now has the opportunity to get washed up and adopted out to a good loving home with people who will treat her like a member of the family again. But i'm still a bit sad for her..My son hasnt had closure with it and still hunts for her in the garage and outside. Every truck that passes by the house makes him think they are coming back to return her. I'm not angry at the neighbor, but it would have been nice to have said good-bye.

Finding the Quiet Places

I feel this urge lately to get back to writing the novel I started over a year ago..Its the most difficult thing i've started writing in a long time; mostly because its not slapstick comedy like im used to writing. This is a fantasy novel complete with giants, mermaids, witches, gypsies, dragons, and everything..I enjoy diving into the deep recesses of my brain and coming up with a decent story line, but boy is it hard! Then to find the drive to finish the story once i've started is totally difficult for me. I always use my friends and family as characters for my books, whether they realize it or not..haha. So look out people!! I need a quiet place in my house to think and type undisturbed...IMPOSSIBLE!! I really am determined tho, because I feel this story deserves my attention. Its a true challenge which is important to me. Maybe if I do it in installments like Super Group, it will be easier...OH YEAH, SUPER GROUP!! Where is my brain at? I havent put out an installment of that in, like, 2 months!! YIKES! gotta go............

To Bob or not to Bob...that is the question!

I am utterly sick of my hair...its long, its thick, coarse, and doesnt hold well in barretts; i have many cowlicks (sp) that make training my hair unmanagable, and its flippin hot out right now. Is it finally time for a more grown up hairdo? I was thinking of chopping it into an inverted bob, with the sides longer to tuck behind my ears more easily. I feel like as i'm getting older, long hair tends to make me look more haggard and drags down my face from sheer weight. I'm still iffy about it, tho. I dont know how a bob would look with my chubby face..all I know is I NEED A CHANGE!! Any thawts?

~Making his Debut~

It's been a long long weekend..but I am finally an auntie! Lucas Morgan Webb made his debut into the world this afternoon weighing over 8 pounds. I got a call from my mother yesterday (sunday) morning at around 6am saying that Kasi was at 6 cm. So I haul butt to the hospital only to find that the nurse was wrong and she was only at a 4..so we spent the day playing Canasta, chatting with family, reading magazines, and raiding the cafateria. 11 hours later she was now only at 5 cm! Lucas was NOT ready to come out..I came home. This morning I thought I would run to Walmart as soon as I rolled out of bed...and the minute I pull out of the driveway Jason gets the call from my mom that the Dr. broke her water..by the time I got home she was crowning, and I didnt make it to the hospital ontime..*sniffle*..I find it funny, though, that he was born on July 9th and his sister Eliza was born August 9th...what are the odds? They are exactly 11 months apart. Kasi is going to have her hands full with those two...muhahahahaha!

Life Lessons with Eric~The Dirt Bike

I had the awesome priveledge of spending the 4th of July this year at my grandparents house on Whidbey Island. It was a fabulous good time! We played volleyball,the kids ran around like maniacs, eric and grandma opened their birthday presents, the boys had target practice in the woods, we played cards, sat around and schmoozed with half a dozen relatives, and we bbq'd everything from brats to burgers, to oysters..But the best part for Eric, (aside from getting that cool new bike from grandma for his birthday,)was his right of passage in learning to ride a dirt bike. I come from a long line of dirt bike enthusiasts, and all boys learn how to ride at a certain point...today was Erics day! He looked so small as the helmet and goggles were placed on his head and chest guard was firmly inplace. Once he was instructed on how the little 50 worked, he was off like a shot! So fast, infact, that his cousin brian had to chase him down as he careened into the tall grass at the edge of the garden...haha. His next venture took him zigzagging his back wheel a bit before hitting a bump and flying off..the bike landing his foot. He was dazed a moment, but then was met by awesome applause by all the men and boys shouting "GREAT CRASH, KID! THAT WAS AWESOME!" Aaw yes, he had passed into slight manhood today, and earned the respect of his elders...*wipes a tear* His grandpa would be proud!

What Time is it? TOOL TIME!

I know, you must think i'm a blog writting fool today! But since this is all new and i'm treating this like my journal, I have a lot to catch up on. For those of you who know what my current living situation is like, I wanted to post an after-photo of my humble abode. Jason and I have been trying desperately to fix our tiny house up so that its sellable sometime soon. We've put a lot of work into it...and a TON of money! We changed his walls from purple sponged to a nice mellow yet striking Fall color palet..(tho we will have to paint them to a more nutral come time to sell...i dont think anyone else can pull off orange walls like we can..haha.) We ripped up pink shag carpeting and laid down laminate and a lovely new light cream colored living room carpet. We tore up the bathroom and put in new fixtures, a new toilet, vanity, and laminate...added a new stylish front door with huge glass and wraught iron on the front..but our biggest project of all, was what we did to the outside. Instead of the crusty peeled blue paint that used to adorn our mansion, we now have a gorgeous maze color vinyl siding, with white shutters, white scalloped gables, and a new garage door! The transformation of this little house has been remarkable and I cant wait to see the finished results..(theres a bunch left to do to it!) Here are the after picture of our work thus far.

All in the Family

Only a few people know that I have an intense love and fascination for genealogy! I dont know why, but I actually feel a rush when I discover a new family member. Then everything snowballs into discovering their children, and their childrens children, and so on and so forth...I was working on it the other night when I stumbled upon some names that I recognized..the snowball effect took place and I found myself transported back to France in the 1500's! These people actually lived! I can almost feel their presence when im studying their past. Its very exhilerating. Its also very frustrating, as I have been trying to locate my family on my grandfathers side (he has since passed away) and I cant seem to get passed his grandparents. I know where they have lived their whole lives and where they died yet its like they never existed to the state of North Carolina...no social security or census records can be found on them or their kin. I feel this is going to be a great challenge but i'm ready for it! Today I mailed off a letter to my great aunt Naomi in the hopes that she can help me, since she lives in Pitt County still even to this day, (this being the location of all of my dads family from birth to death.) Wish me luck! I will surely need it! By the way, if anyone is curious about your own personal family, I can help you find your roots! Its a passion of mine.

A Basket Full of Blessings..

A Basket Full of Blessings.. So many wonderful things bless my life...the latest has been the sunshine! I love to feel the warmth of its rays when July rolls around. I look forward to it yearly! My son has completed his first year of school with awesome success. I cant believe that this 5 year old before me can read, write, do math, flirt with girls, and his latest achievement~ride a bike without training wheels! Where has the time gone? I'm so proud of the boy he is becoming and I hope one day he becomes a brilliant young man. My mother is intown, finally, from Huntington Beach, California. Im thrilled!! We are awaiting the arrival of my new nephew, within the next few weeks. We always have a ball when we get together as family and I cant wait for my girlfriends to meet her. Splendid good times are ahead, I can feel it!