Thursday, August 18, 2011

Nationals 2011

Well, it seems we have a National Champion in the family now.  Yup, Ian took nationals in Men's Preliminary Trot winning first in both Compulsories and Freestyle.  We are stinkin' proud of him.  Here are the links to the videos first is compulsories and the next is freestyle.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday Confessions With HOT DOGS!

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I confess:
I haven't done this in a while. Life has been busy. But, I want to assure you I haven't died and there will be a stunning revelation that will change Hot Dogs forever for you. Promise!
 
I confess:
My sweet darling hubby had knee surgery this week and I keep expecting him to be a baby about it.  He's not, which is a relief, however I keep thinking back to the last time I had surgery, I had my tonsils out and I am pretty sure I was a big baby about the whole ordeal.  (Sorry Love!)
 
I confess:
I read a really good book this week.  Apparently it's a New York Times best seller and one of those books EVERYBODY is reading.  It's called "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett.  Excellent read.  Some language, and one very graphic part. But I read it in about 5 hours because I could not put it down.  Its about being a black housekeeper in Jackson Miss. in the 1960s.  When there were the race riots and Martin Luther King's march in DC. And how these women survived and what they had to put up with. The only bad thing about it is it ends rather abruptly. But it's still a fascinating read.
 
I confess:
My son goes back to school on Tuesday and I am sad.  I like having him around.  It will be nice to not have to worry about telling him to not slam the door so he doesn't wake up his sister, but otherwise, I'm going to miss him. I can't believe he's in THIRD GRADE! I hate year-around school!
 
I confess:
Okay here's the good part. The bit about hot dogs.  I bought a Hot Dog Toaster! It is wonderful!
You pop in a couple of dogs and a couple of buns and, Voila!, instant lunch! Ian loves it because he can do it himself when ever he likes.  And I like it 'cause it makes good tasting dogs.  I don't like them boiled, and they're too messy in the microwave and I don't like getting a pan dirty for hot dogs.  The best part is, I got it for less than $20! Yay me!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Win a book!

Check it out!
http://veschwab.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/2wtnw-%e2%80%93-the-ya-rebels-giveaway/

High School Library NEEDS BOOKS. How You Can Help.

 I came accross a cause that is near and dear to my heart. A high school library in DC has (count 'em) 63 books, and 77 more in the area of "Pure Science"  I have a more extensive library Than that in my own home! I'm betting you do too.  Here is the original post with what you can do to help.

http://www.frenzyofnoise.net/2011/07/high-school-library-needs-books-how-you.html

While I was in classes a few weeks ago, I had this huge (kinda funny to me) realization. All week everyone kept talking about community. Saying "this is the place you'll build a lifeline." All week I was that smug girl who's said to myself: I have that. Because I do have that. I have it in bloggers, in readers, in writers, in authors, in twitter. I know I have people.

I know I'm part of a community that bans together to stand up for literary injustice, backlash, plagarism and everything in between. We build hashtags on twitter and give small ideas a way to be big. We're awesome.

That's why when the director of my MFA program sent us an email about a book drive, I knew I had to bring the need to my community. This community. Why? Well...
"The literature section of Ballou Senior High School's library in Washington, DC has 63 books, not enough to fill five small shelves. In the area marked "Pure Science," there are 77 volumes. The generally accepted standard for school libraries is 11 books for each of Ballou's 1,104 students."
THAT'S WHY.

It's completely unacceptable that a high school is lacking a basic need of life, a need that opens the doors to education, creativity and imagination---books. And this is the time for all of us to step up, to ban together, to help out. No matter what genre you read, because they need everything.

This selection I take out of the email from my program director because he says it better than I ever could.

"It's a challenge for kids to take their literacy seriously when they don't even have books to read. Ballou is located in the most dangerous ward in our nation's capitol. Right now, the library serves as a physical safe space and a refuge for students in off school hours, but wouldn't it be great if they had something to read while they were there--even choices across genre?....This is not the only school in the country with needs, but when the flare went up we saw it and chose to respond."
What they need:

Everything. From Shakespeare to Octavia Butler to Richard Wright. Fantasy, sci-fi, YA, adult fiction, history books, poetry, classic literature, science. Basically anything and everything that's suitable for high school. They will take anything as long as it is in GOOD condition and has no writing in it.

I've asked if they would accept ARCs (new and old), and the director of the book drive, Lisa, said YES. Please note however, that this they really need finished copies. ARCs are fantastic, but the lasting value isn't always standing.

How to donate:

If you have books you want to give, please mail them directly to:

Perry School
c/o Margaret Pegram
128 M St. NW suite 318
Washington, DC 20001

Inside the box put a note that says "c/o Lisa P. Ballou Book Drive".

They will be accepting books until August 22!!

Also, if you'd like to include some kind of quick note for the kids, words of encouragement, that would be awesome!! But it's not mandatory.

Spread the word!

Reblog this post on your blog. Tweet this post. (we're on twitter at #HSBookDrive) Tell everyone. Send books.

This is a chance for our community to step up, to reach out and to provide teens with books. This is why we are here so I challenge you to be part of this. If you can, if you have even one book or a stack of books from that project you finished a year ago, give them. Donating books is not really about the book, but about what happens when someone reads a book. And not even having a chance to read a book is completely devastating to me. I can't even imagine my life without books.

I hope you will help!! Even if you can't send a book--tweet, tell others, and take action.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Anniversary Inn

Brian took me too the Anniversary Inn in Logan, UT for our 15th anniversary.  (Yup, 15 years, Wow!)
Our anniversary is officially not until the 13th but we went early because Brian's folk's were here for Ian's FunFest competition and we had ourselves some built-in overnight babysitters!

If you've never been to the Anniversary Inn, it's a hotel with "theme rooms". We were in the "Biker Roadhouse" room. Why? Um... why not? I know were not exactly "Harley" people, but the room had a pinball machiene, a pool table, a Harley to sit on, a huge spa tub and a huge shower as well as a king sized bed.  And do you know what else it had? It was sooooo cool! A hot dog toaster! You put buns in on either side and two hot dogs in the middle and it toasted the buns and cooked the dogs! I want one!  And they gave us hot dogs to toast! With condiments! So we played pool and pinball, watched TV, ate hotdogs and generally enjoyed ourselves a lot!





Thank-you Brian, I love you forever!

Technique FunFest 7/9/11

http://youtu.be/aQMw1hzDxXY compulsories

http://youtu.be/UdpY3te04FU freestyle

By the way, all the squeaking you hear in the videos is not because Opal needs to be oiled.  There are a bunch of barn swallows who are not happy about all of us invading their home.
 Here is Ian's most recent competition.  He got a blue ribbon level (highest) for his freestyle and a red ribbon level (2nd) for compulsories. He would have gotten a higher one for compulsories but he was trying to do his click (where you push off with your hands on the handles and click your feet behind you and sit back down on the horse) but he got out of alignment and ended up dismounting instead, which was the next move anyway.  But he did awesome, as usual. He loves this sport so much and he really puts a lot of time and effort into it.
Afterwards, Tana rode Opal a little, and as usual, did NOT want to get off.  She is so funny, she ties to do compulsories on the barrel after watching Ian do it, and she wanted to try on Opal too.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Friday Confession!

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I CONFESS:
Yesterday was my birthday.  I am officially 39 years old. No, really. That is not a euphemism for 40, I am really 39 and next year I'll 40. I see no point in lying about my age. I'd rather be getting older than not.

I CONFESS:
Yesterday my sweet son brought me breakfast in bed.  I had oatmeal, a glass of milk, and something that could be generously described as coffee. In reality it was warm water with a little coffee flavor and a whole lot of creamer. (Yes, I drank it with a smile.)  I have never had breakfast in bed before, with the exception of when I was too sick to enjoy it. This was much funner as Ian, Tana and one of the cats shared it with me. Amazingly the sheets stayed clean.

I CONFESS:
My darling hubby bought me a Nook Color for my birthday.  I've already bought three books and read one and checked out some from the library.  This is AWESOME!  I love to read. I love books. Now I can take a whole library with me wherever I go!

I CONFESS:
We went to dinner at The Spaghetti Factory. I had the spaghetti with cheese and brown butter.  It was yummy! The funnest part of dinner though, was watching Tana eat. She ate Brian's salad and got dressing all over her face and down her arms and was licking it off her fingers.  Then when he shared his spaghetti with her, she had a hard time getting the noodles in her mouth.  Them guys are LONG!  But she managed!  Finally, we all had ice cream Ian and I had the Neapolitan, and Brian had vanilla.  Tana did not want to share his ice cream, she wanted mine.  I don't blame her Neapolitan is MUCH tastier!

I CONFESS:
So while I had to do things like grocery shop and dishes, it was a great birthday.  I love my family very much and could not possibly ask for a better one!  Thank you Brian, Ian and Tana! I Love you!

I CONFESS:
I used to work as a graphic designer. In the strange, mixed-up company I worked for, IT and graphics were together.  We used to joke that most computer problems could be solved with "Shut-up and reboot!".
I was having a problem with my Nook.  I called customer service. They told me to shut-up and reboot.  Actually, they were much nicer about it but since I felt like such an idiot, that is how my brain translated it.  It's working fine now.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Vaulting 6/11/11

http://youtu.be/by0buOsB578

(Sorry for some reason the preview isn't working.  Jus tclick the above link and it should take you there!)

I wanted to post this.  Ian did a fantastic job at his vaulting demo and silent auction.  We also managed to win at the silent auction, a one-on-one vaulting lesson with Cambry, his coach, and a one-on-one riding lesson with Jake one of his other coaches. The lesson with Cambry will be especially useful as he will be attending Regionals AND Nationals this year. Cambry, the head coach, really wants him to go. YAY Ian!

Monday, June 13, 2011

We May Have....

We may or may not have gone to another state this weekend and perhaps bought some fireworks that might not be leagal in this state that we could, possibly, shoot off on the Fourth of July. Maybe. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, you and your family are more than welcome to come and watch the show we could be having.
I'm just sayin'....

Monday, June 6, 2011

Sad

We just found out yesterday that Tana's birth father was murdered on Saturday.  I am very sad about it. Whatever else he did or was, he was smart enough, kind enough and loved Tana enough to give her up and let her live a life he could not provide for her.
RIP Jakwan.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Friday confessions!

http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank">http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g328/OurDandelionWishes/FridayConfessionalMamarazzi.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" />


I confess:

I know not much about movies.

I've been faking it to  win a contest on another blog.

I met the funniest guy on this other blog.

He goes by the name of "ratkin"

I don't know if he's old or pretending to be, but he is funnier than heck.

You need to go to http://ginikoch.blogspot.com/ and scroll down about three entries to the  "Poster Frenzy Contest".  Click on the comments, then scroll down until you find the conversation between "ratkin" and "ducknme". 

I know it's a lot of steps but it's worth it.

Enter the contest too if you like.  She's a good author.

Funny, Funny, Funny!

A favorite author of mine has a blog and she's been hosting a contest mostly for movie posters and to enter you need to just comment on the entry.  I started out on a whim, and got into an interesting conversation whith a couple of ladies about Catwoman.  Then along comes this, well, I assume he's a gentleman but he could be a lady, named "ratkin" he is about the funniest person I ever exchanged blog comments with! I, who knows NOTHING about movies, or next to nothing anyway, am really winging it with this guy to keep him talking! You need to go over and check it out.  The blog address is http://ginikoch.blogspot.com/ and the entry is "Poster Frenzy Contest", it's about the third one down right now, just click on the comments and down near the end you'll start seeing some entries for "ratkin" and "ducknme", I promise you it's worth a look!  You could even enter the contest.  I'm mostly trying because some of the prizes include books, and well, you know me and books, I love 'em!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Want to Know Wednesday

http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank">http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g328/OurDandelionWishes/WWTKbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" />

Hmm, I think I'll try this one out....

1} If the blogging world had a talent show, what would your act be?
I would be it the audiance.  Trust me it's better that way.

{2} What's the most likely reason you might become famous?
I won't. I'd hate it. I might become infamous for something, but it won't be on purpose!

{3} What question are you repeatedly asked that you are tired of hearing?
Is she your daughter? YES! I know we don't look much alike, but she IS my daughter.

{4} What's the last thing you broke?
My fingernail. What? It hurt!

{5} Finish this sentence. I can't believe I used to ________.
Have a crush on Charlie Sheen. 20 years ago he was good looking and not so weird.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Give away at Dandelion Wishes

Dandelion Wishes is hostin ANOTHER give away! This time you could win a Target gift card or other fun swag!
http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2011/05/shopping-free-stuff-and-winner-oh-my.html

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

NO Florida

Just a note, we will NOT be moving to Florida.  They offered the job to someone else. We are not reaaly upset, it's just the way things are. And we are happy here in Utah. Brian has a good job working with people he admires and respects. And I enjoy the people here too. So, no worries!

Monday, May 23, 2011

CUTE little girl dresses.

Check out the Cursing Crafter's giveaway on Dandilion wishes blog.
http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2011/05/taking-back-monday-giveaway.html
CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Friday Confession

http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank">http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/FridayConfessionalButton-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" />


I confess:

My husband really knows me. I mean REALLY knows me. He had to go to Florida, (more on that in a bit.) and he brought home gifts for the kids and me. He got me a coffee mug. A BIG coffee mug. A big coffee mug with Tigger on it. Here, I'll show you.



See? How can I not love a guy who gets me like that? Now I don't need to pour myself three cups of coffee in the morning, I can just have the one and get on with my life.


Now you're probably wondering why he got to go to Florida and the rest of us had to stay home. You are probably especially wondering that if you've seen the weather around here lately. Right now it's 45F and thunderstorms. But Brian had an interview. An interview they flew him down for. And paid for his hotel. And bought him dinner. Lucky duck.  Yeah. We might be moving to Florida. He had two phone interviews before this one and he interviewed with 11 (yes, eleven) different people this time. It's an Assistant Director of Pharmacy position at a new Children's Hospital that is opening up in Orlando. It would be quite a big step up for him, but one I know he could handle and even thrive while doing.  So, we'll see. He may not even be offered the position. Which would be fine too, we're happy here. But I'll keep you updated.


Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Sweet Tana

This morning, after taking Ian to school, I was checking my email when I heard the distinctive sound of a spoon in a bowl. "Hmmm," I thought, "Ian must have left his cereal bowl on the table again and Tana is in it." But, no. When I go check out what is going on I find...


Yup, Tana had discovered the sugar bowl. Guess it's going to have to live in the cupboard now.
(You can't really see it, but her hands and face are covered in sugar!)

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Ianisim

So Ian came running into the kitchen, opened up the junk drawer, grabbed something and was on his way back out when I stopped him.  "What did you grab?" I was only curious.  "Dad needs some electrocution tape!" He said holding up the electrical tape before continuing his sprint out the door.  I made sure the door to the garage had slammed before I laughed at that one!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Friday Confession Again!

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I confess:

I only have one confession this week. My son is turning eight on Monday. I am so proud of him! He is strong, smart, vibrant and funny. He has a temper and is full of love. He loves camouflage and horses, squeaky cheese and riding bikes. He is convinced if he does something wrong the first time he has failed and will never be able to accomplish it. He is *this close* to doing a perfect handstand because Daddy FINALLY convinced him to keep practicing and he would get it. He is amazing at math but is a sloppy reader. He has the worlds cutest freckles and a smile that will light up a room.  He sings beautifully and dances well (but don't tell him that. Dancing is for girls!). He hates sour cream but loves broccoli. He'd eat candy 'till he puked if I'd let him. He loves all animals, but Simon is his kitty. Tana is annoying but don't you DARE do anything to hurt her, he'll protect her to his last breath he loves her so much! He is tenderhearted and kind. He loves small children. He's silly, sweet and totally outrageous. I love him more than I ever thought I could possibly love and I am so blessed to have him for my son!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Tanaisim

I like to go to a website called "Awkward Family Pet Photos", it has some hilarious posts sometimes. Today I was looking at it and saw this picture:

As I was laughing at it, Tana came along and summed up the photo nicely. She said "Baby. Meow, OW!"
That was funnier than the photo!

You can see the post here.

Friday, April 29, 2011

It's Friday Confession Time!

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I confess:
1. I have the cutest kids in the whole wide world!  If you don't believe me, check out this link: http://rozephotography.com/blog/ian-tana/
My friend Darla does FANTASTIC work!

2. It's SNOWING again and I'm bummed!

3. It could be worse.  It could be a tornado.

4. I'm praying for all who lost loved ones, homes, businesses and lives in the recent disaster.

5. I just realized I can go see what Kate Middleton's wedding dress looked like! The only part of the wedding I cared about!  Hang on....

6. Wow! Nice dress! But, is it just me or do her boobs look pointed? Total fail on the foundation there, Kate!
7. Did I mention my cute kids? Go check Darla's photo blog now! (Please!)
http://rozephotography.com/blog/ian-tana/

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Super Heroine / Villainess Costumes

I had a dream last night and I woke up with a question on my mind I have had for ages. How does Wonder Woman's bathing suit stay on? It has no straps and she is rather, well, voluptuous. Is it one of her super powers? I mean look at her...
And how does she run so fast in those high-heeled boots? I've tried running in heels and while I don't run all that fast to begin with I am remarkably slower in heels!

So I got to looking at other characters.
Bat Woman:
Again with the heels. And wouldn't a cape get in the way while you are fighting?

Hmm. Super Girl?
Well, at least she has flat heeled boots, but a miniskirt and crop top? Seriously? Don't reach too high or kick anything! And the same thing with the cape. How do you fight without that thing getting in the way?

Well, maybe villainesses
Poison Ivy was always a favorite of mine, but check this out....

Again, no straps.

Okay, Harley Quinn...
Actually, not bad. Flat shoes, no cape, nothing's going to fall down.  But all that make-up! She starts sweating and it runs into her eyes and she's all done! Plus all these women have long hair, or in Harley's case long dangely things that someone could grab and pull in close combat.

All I have left is Cat Woman.
Hmmm, now here is a good costume! Flat heels, costume that won't fall off, hair out of the way and no cape!  Good on ya Salena Kyle!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday Confession - Whoo hoo!

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It's time for my weekly Friday Confession! Yay!

I Confess:
The house is a disaster! Yay!
The laundry is un-done! Yay!
The dishes have piled up! Yay!
I am going to tackle all of these things today! (un)Yay!

Why am I so excited about this? Because I have been doing creative projects instead and when they turn out I always feel so happy. I made a menu for a friend. Actually, two. An "in-house" one and a "to go" one.  I'll show you their covers.

To-go



In house menu


Yay, Me! They turned out nice I think.  Well, T and Becci like them anyway.  So next time you go to Q4U besure to mention how cool the new menus are.

I also designed a t-shirt for Ian for his birthday.  I haven't actually put it together yet because Ian has been home from school for Spring break. But Tuesday I am on it.  In case you missed it in the last post here's what it will look like:
Spiffy, huh? I made it from a photograph of a guy vaulting.  It was fun!  So anyway...
I confess I'd better go do some housework now. (Um. no "yay" here!)


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Ian's Birthday Present

So last night I was working on the new menu for Q4U, (next time you go be sure to tell T how awesome the new menu is!) when I realized Ian's birthday is coming soon.  I'm not really worried about it too much as we got him a vaulting barrel back in February and he was told that was his birthday gift, but I figured he'd like to open SOMETHING.  When he had BarrelFest a lady was wearing a sweat shirt that a silhouette of a horse with a vaulter on the front and the back read "Your child does WHAT on the back of a horse?!" Which I totally loved.  So I did an Internet search and the thing costs more than I want to spend, doesn't come in children's sizes, and really, the saying won't work for him anyway.  So I decided to make my own shirt for him.  All of the silhouettes I could find were very much female though, and while I realize it is a female-dominated sport, there are quite a few men who vault as well so I did an Internet search for a picture an found this cool one.


Then I made it into this:

 

Then I added text:


I have the iron on transfers for the printer, I just have to go buy a plain white t-shirt.  I think it's gonna be awesome!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Friday Confession - Make-up version!

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Okay, It seems like the only time I ever post is at the Frday Confessional and then I missed last week, but...

I Confess
I was out of town for a funeral.  He was an older gentlman I'd known all my life.  And he, together with his daughter, conspired to introduce my husband and me to each other.  He was a kind, sweet man and will be greatly missed.

Also while we were out of town, we went to my Mom's house and she was extreamly rude to my Aunt and Uncle.  So much so that Dusty has sworn he is done with her and Christy isn't sure she's ready to speak to her again - a week later. 
This part of the confession may put me on the outs with Mom if she happens to read it.  However, let me explain what happened from my perspective.  We were only staying one night, going to the funeral the next day and leaving after the funeral to head home so we stayed at a hotel then went to Mom's house in the morning.  Christy and Dusty met us there.  They had only been ther about half an hour and we were all sitting around sharing pleasent conversation, when Mom started huffing and puffing, snapping at everyone and generally being a big grump. We were including her in the conversation, which was mostly about books and our drive over.  Nothing too exciting, but fun anyways.  When all of the sudden Mom told Chris that they needed to leave.  She did not want them in her house and they needed to go now because she wanted to spend time with us without them around.  Now, just so you know, Mom has spent several weeks at our house in the past couple of years, usually in two week incrememts, but we have not seen Chris and Dusty in a long time.
 Honestly, I was appalled. My 7 year old son was in tears and kept hugging Christy and my hubby had "that" look on his face.  The one that says "if I open my mouth I'll bite her head off!"  I don't know what is wrong with Mom lately, but she has said some wildly inappropriate things and I don't know what to make of it. ARRRGGGH!!!

I also helped my husband work on one of his tests to keep his BCPS. (Board Certified Pharmacist Something or another) I now know more about diabeties and other chronic diseases then I ever wanted to know.  Although, I have to admit this section was better than the one about human sexuality. (I'm sorry Love, but that one was ICK!)

So, that's all the excitement for now!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Friday Confessional!

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I confess:
I did not do laundry this week.  I should be doing it now, but I'm not.  I promise I'll get to it. *eventually*
But, I have a really good excuse.  I read a book instead.  Oh, I know, I read all the time and you can read in between washing and folding, blah, blah.  But I could not put this one down. It's one I bought at the grocery store. I was lookin at a bunch of different ones and decided to get the WWII historical novel. I grabbed it and put it in my cart, paid for everything and came home.  As I was putting thr groceries away I realized I'd grabbed the wrong book.  This was one about a teenager and a curse and the song "Scarborough Fair".  You know...
"Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.
Remember me to the one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine."
This was NOT the book I wanted. I was mad. I didn't think it was going to be any good. I was never a Simon and Garfunkel fan.  I mean they are okay, but not my faves or anything.  So I tossed the book aside and forgot about it.  Then  one day I was desparate for something to read.  So I picked it up.  I never put it down again. 
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
If you need a good book, come borrow this one.  WOW!

Also, I could use a suggestion for what to read next....

Friday, March 25, 2011

Friday Confessional Again!

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I confess:

I let my 7 year old son fly on an airplane ALL BY HIMSELF!

I was worried sick the whole time he was in the air.

I was utterly releived when I talked to him when he landed.

It was only an hour and a half flight.

He went to visit Gramma and Papa for spring break.

He is having the time of his life.

I miss him.

It's nice to only be with my daughter too.

I was so happy when Gramma reported that the stewardess said Ian was so good on the flight and caused no trouble at all.  I knew he wouldn't, but it's nice to hear.

I have remembered to feed his fish every night.

However, it's only been three nights.

Poor fish is gonna starve to death.

One last thing.  No one visits my confessionals, but it's still fun to do.  Very cleansing.

Ah well, that's all for now!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Cute MODEST Swimsuits

I found these on another blog,
http://www.wannabbalancedmom.com/2009/11/introduction.html


http://www.hapari.com/

http://www.hapari.com/womens-swimwear/
http://www.hapari.com/plus-size-swimwear/
http://www.hapari.com/modest-tankinis/

They are sooo cute! I just had to share! Plus, check out her giveaway!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Breaking the Ice

Jenn at Perfectly Imperfect is having a fun link-up survey today. Such a fun way to ring in the new week! Stop on by if you want to participate, I'd love to see your responses :)




Q: What is your middle name?
A: Ann - my middle name was for my cousin Anna


Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I was never sure.  My sister always knew she wanted to be a nurse, but I changed from week to week.  Probably race car driver came up the most.


Q: If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?
A: 1}That my children grow up happy and healthy, 2} That my Husband and children out-live me,3}to be at a healthy weight


Q: If your house was on fire and you could grab only 3 things before leaving, what would they be?
A: My children, my hubby, my pets.  Everything else can be replaced.


Q: You wouldn’t be caught dead, where?
A: At a nude beach!


Q: If you could be any cartoon character, who would you be?
A: Wonder Woman (BTW, how does she not fall out of her costume? It dosn't even have straps!)


Q: Who was the last person you hugged?
A: My son Ian


Q: What do you think of when you hear the word "yellow"?
A: Daffodils - Hurry up Spring!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Friday confession time! The late version!

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I confess:

I cannot dance at all.  I have no rythm.  My daughter  is only 16 months and LOVES to dance. So lately I have been dancing around the house with my daughter.  So far she hasen't laughed at me, but she does give me some funny looks!

I love denim skirts. I have about 15 of them.  I recently ordered two more and did not tell my husband about it until just before they came.  I do not feel even slightly guilty.

For St. Patrick's day I made my family eat corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and soda bread.  The kids loved it, the husband, not so much.  Okay, the cabbage was cole slaw, but it counts, right?

And finally, I wore green faux Crocs with green plastic jewels on them for St. Paddy's because all my green shirts were in the laundry.  It was fun.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Vaulting at the Horse Expo

Ian did an awesome job vaulting at the Horse Expo! This is only the "walk" portion of the program.  My camera batteries died so I couldn't record more, but it was all that Ian was in anyway.  He does so well with his partner Katelyn during the doubles portion.  He has been working so hard at this and Brian and I could not be more proud of him.

You'll also notice Brian is in the video.  He got "roped" into holding the horses.  That was Tana's favorite part.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday Confessional Again!

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I'm going to try this again, just to see.

Hmmm, Confessions....

- I'm not much talented at anything. 
- I like to do graphic design, but I know there's people much better at it than me.
- I can't sing worth beans, nor play music, nor read music for that mater.
- I love to read, but there's not much call for that as a profession of any sort.
- I'm not a fashionista.  My seven year old son is a snappier dresser than I am.
- I adore my family and am truly blessed to have their lives intertwined with mine.
- I love living here, but wouldn't mind moving either.
- I have a perfecly good reason for being overweight.  According to my friend Sara, it makes me more holy! "If these bodies are merely tents and we are told to stretch out our tent pegs and enlarge our dwelling places then we become more holy by gaining weight"

After having read the above confessions you probably think I am a boring person.  I am. Oh well, I like me fine.

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Friday Confessional on Monday

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I Confess:

I hate it when everybody in the household expects me to know where everything is.

I hate it when my Darling Husband uses my things not for their intended purpose.  The cooling rack is not for cooking bacon on, the rolling pin is not a meat tenderizer, my bath puff is not for cleaning the shower.

I have a rich fantasy life about winning lots of money, and I would blow it all on maid service.

My children are far more beautiful and charming than yours. But don't be offended they are more beautiful and charming than ANY other children.

Laundry is a work of evil.

But the most important thing you should know about me is, as a wife and mother of a mostly happy household, I am living my dream.  And I never thought I would.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Tana's Braids are OUT!

I had to take the braids out!  I'm so sad!  It's not because they wern't holding up, they still looked great, but Tana is 15 months old.  Everything from grape jelly to katsup had been put in those braids.  And while I washed her hair I really needed to do a "deep clean".  So what do you think of the "bad 80's perm" look?  My husband came home from work and saw it and he loved it, almost as much as he loves her curls.  When my son saw it he did not want to be seen with her.  I'm just glad the curls came back when I washed it.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ian's vaulting

So this is Ian working on his freestyle horse vaulting routine. As you watch the video you may want to turn off the sound as it's just me chatting with Brian and one of the other mothers.  The video dosn't last very long and is not the whole routine.  Tana was not being cooperative, and Brian was trying to keep her out of the way. 
 Ian tried out for the team vaulting walk team, which means more than one person on the horse and the routine is done while the horse is walking, and he made it. He has been doing this for only about seven months so we're very proud of him. His coach even told him she wanted him to try out for the trot team next time! Okay, that won't be until next year, but still....
Jilene complained that I didn't tell her that Ian's coach was in a wheelchair, so the one in the green coat in the backround is Cambry Kaylor, and yes, she is in a wheelchair. She is also a remarkable vaulting coach.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Hair Night

There is a Transracial Adoption group here in the Salt Lake Valley, and last night a bunch of us got together for a "Hair Night" where we exchanged tips and ideas for dealing with our daughters' hair.  There was one lady there who had 11 children.  4 were biological and the rest she had adopted from Ethiopia 18 months ago as a sibiling group.  Her oldest is Dibabe, pronounced "dee bobby", and is 17.   Dibabe offered to cornrow Tana's hair and I quickly agreed.  She asked me what I wanted done and, puzzled, I replied, "Cornrows?"
"Yes, but how?" she asked again.  And I knew I was out of my depth.
"Just do whatever you want to do." I told her.  I got a big smile for that one!

So this was the result.  Tana looks so cute!  I was told that the braids would last at least three weeks and probably more like five.  So I have no hair worries for the next month-ish!
Tana did a great job of sitting through it.  I had to hold her, but she only got upset when Dibabe did the braids at her temples and the nape of her neck. And Tana loves the clicking of her beads when she shakes her head.  I love that this cost me $30 instead of the $100+  it would cost at a salon!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

I Did Not Panic

I was emptying the dishwasher the other day and as I finished up I realized the living room was very quiet.  When I went in there Ian was playing a video game, but Tana was no where to be found.  I asked Ian where Tana was. He said he did not know. I did not panic. I called her name a few times. No response. I did NOT panic. I looked in her room. No Tana. I DID NOT PANIC. I checked Ian's room. Not there either.  I DID NOT PANIC! I checked my room and found this....