ask amie

A friend of mine recently wrote an 'ask so-and-so' post on her blog in which readers could ask her anything regarding anything and she would respond the next day with her answers. Some of the questions were about her and her blog, others were just random why-is-the-sky-blue questions. I told her that it was exceptionally cool and she encouraged me to try it.

*snort*

Like anyone would want to ask me anything. That insinuates that I might know anything. Because, by opening up an 'Ask Amie' blog post, I totally put myself in the position that looks like A) I'm knowledgeable (is that how you spell that? See, I can't even help myself) enough to answer any of your questions and B) that you'd give a darn what my answer is anyway.

*snort again*

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, a psychic, a philanthropist, a teacher, a flight attendant, a chef, a masseuse, a lover-of-legos, a pet owner, a dentist, a man, a philosopher, a scientist, a nurse (yet), an expert-on-anything, an architect, a lawyer, a computer programmer, an interior designer, a nail biter, a librarian, a band member, skinny, a photographer, a videographer, a gopher, a huge Aretha Franklin fan, a beautician, a landscaper, an iphone owner, in debt, allergic to shellfish, a master of Tae Kwan Do, a soldier, a mall rat, a mall cop, opposed to killing a spider if its inside my house, a Howard Stern follower, a member of FaceBook, a smoker, a speaker of French, an egg eater, blue-eyed, a Libro, a soprano, or tall.

But, I can make up a tall tale like the best of 'em, so send 'em my way.

My answers, explanations, and advice can not be taken seriously and should not be used as a medical diagnosis. If this is an emergency please hang up now and dial 911. Proceed to GO and collect $200.

Not from me.

You will not be winning any money from this post.

But a little Ask Amie might be just the cure for the end-of-the-week blog slump I find myself in. If I get enough responses, I'll answer the questions on Monday's post. If this ends up being an epic FAIL (like my potato soup in the crockpot last week--is there some rule about milk and cheese not working in the crockpot? cuz that was seriously the chewiest cheese I've ever tasted from of a soup recipe) then we'll just move right along and forget this horrid little suggestion ever happened.

So, at the risk of sounding egotistical, full of myself, and all other ways obnoxious, let's do this. It's you that can make this great. Ask me a question. Let's see what happens.

telemarketers--what is wrong with these people?

For several days now I've gotten a call from 'private caller' (from now on, I'm not gonna answer these!); and when I pick up it's an automated message detailing how my vehicle's warranty is going to be reclassified blah blah blah unless I speak to a representative. Last week, I held on for the rep and asked to be taken off the call list--the rep hung up on me. So yesterday, I got the Private Call again, I picked it up and waited for the representative. And I was very polite about it, said I wasn't mad, just said I wasn't interested and the calls were getting to be a bit annoying.

Rep: I'm sorry ma'am, there's nothing I can do about that. There's no list.

Me: There's nothing I can do to stop getting these calls? Cuz I'm on the Do Not Call list.

Rep: No, ma'am, they come through the internet.

Me: What's the name of your company?

Rep: BFGcompany.com

Me: and there's no way I can contact anyone thru the site to stop the calls?

Rep: No.

Me: Do you have a manager I could speak to?

Rep: I'm the manager.

Me: and you don't know how to do it?

Rep: Sorry. You sound hot.

Me: what?

Rep: You sound hot. Are you single?

Me: ...wooooow.... Yeah...what's your number?

Rep: xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Me: and that will take me right to you?

Rep: Yes, that's my cell phone.

Me: Ok, I'll be reporting you to the better business bureau.

And I hung up.

Seriously, how unprofessional is that??? And annoying? I was literally shaking when it was over!

Of course the website goes no where and I haven't been brave enough to try the phone number. But I'm really disgusted by it all.

My friend found his name and address in Maryland using this phone number--if it is in fact his.

I reported him to the Better Business Bureau, but since this was likely his personal cell phone (or one he made up) and the website goes no where, I'm sure this claim will go nowhere as well. But I'm tired of sitting idly by while these idiots act as immature desperate buffoons trying to sell their products and make dates at the same time. (To read an even worse horror story along the same lines, check out my wierdest vacuum cleaner sales experience ever!) Whatever happened to professionalism? To customer service? To common courtesy?

Now I was going to list his phone and address here, but I guess that would just be a petty move on my part. But how are we going to stop this kind of ridiculousness? This warranty business is a hoax I am sure. My neighbor suggested audiotaping the next call and get as much info as I can and turn it over to the police.

Maybe I'll get a spot on 20/20. ;)

If he calls again, I promise you I will display his phone number here for your crank calling enjoyment. I almost hope he does.

crossfit and the evil horrors that lurk within

Soooo I've been doing it for about 2.5 weeks now, from 3-4 times a week dependent upon our instructor's schedule.  *snort* I sometimes feel like we need to be paying Scott for all his time, instruction, equipment, and record keeping. 

It's hard.  I'm just gonna state that here and now.  I don't think there's been one day or routine yet that I finished by saying "yeah, that wasn't too hard."  Every single day is hard.  Every single day it is a struggle to finish.  Every single day, a different body part is sore and I am seriously curious here:  will be continue to be sore for as long as we're doing CrossFit, since we work different muscle groups each day?  Or will it get better?  Today, it's my upper shoulders and still my traps from yesterday's work out. 

Today I finally hit my breaking point and cried.  Yup, I totally did.  I finally got myself together and finished but that was not a proud moment.  Heh.  But man, the ring dips we did today were killing my lower abs; I don't know how anyone else got through it so well.  I had to stop after every 2 and rest. 

Anyway, the million dollar question, right?  Have I lost any weight yet?  Nope.  I'm exactly where I was when February started.  But, muscle weighs more than fat.  To that, I stick my tongue out at thee.  Are my clothes fitting better?  I don't know. . . maybe.  It hasn't been long enough to gauge yet, I think.  As one girl mentioned today, I do think I'm getting stronger, so that's indicative of something positive.

We used a cool device to measure our body fat percentage today (32.9%, I'll admit it) so that's at least a starting point that I can measure against next week or in two weeks or whatever we do.

Til then, I am enjoying the interaction with the 8-10 other girls who come, as well as the fact that the workouts are short.  Yesterday's was the longest at around 21.5 minutes for me, where as today's was 9-something.  And I'm usually the slowest one, but who cares? I'm only competing against myself.  My times will get better as I continue to kill myself strengthen my muscles following these routines.

Sounds like fun, right?  Anyone else want in??

how about this one then: 10 things i love about your blog

Cuz my post yesterday ruffled a few feathers (I expected that, and am OK with it), let's do the opposite now and talk about the things we really enjoy about each other's blogs.

1. Tags. I love silly random out-in-left-field tags that have no rhyme nor reason other than learning a bit about each other. I loved the picture one the other day, and those who have continued to play along, sharing the 6th picture from their 6th folder. I love the "10 random things about myself" posts... reading them always teaches me something about a new or old friend that I didn't previously know. Tags are fun; I have a hard time not participating in each and every one, although I know they do get on some peoples' nerves. ;)

2. Spiritual experiences. These are hard for me to share, not because I don't like them or feel uncomfortable about sharing them, but because they are just so personal, sometimes it's hard to get the true emotion and reverence out in typed word. I guess that would be the mark of a true writer, right? To be able to express those wonderful thoughts and feelings and experiences well in their blog, so much so that people weep when reading, forward to others, and bookmark for later reference. I love when people can share a learning experience that helps me want to be a better person.

3. Music in any form--I'm talking about sharing a video that they loved, or a song they performed at a talent show, to my own geeky poundings on the piano. Those are especially hard--to put yourself out there and show your talents like that...I wish there was more of that going on. I have one friend who is an amazing violinist and I so wish she would video herself playing and post it on her blog. I have other friends who are fantastic singers who would never have the guts to post themselves showcasing their talent, but I would so enjoy it. I love when my friends post videos of their kids performing--parents' pride at it's best. =)

4. Eye candy. My gal Lorie's got this one covered--she displays the prettiest and most interesting things found online, and reading her blog is just enjoyable. Others knit and display their creations, make children's clothes, take amazing photographs...the list goes on and on. I love looking at beautiful pictures of things people have made and created with their own hands.

5. Great recipes. I have pages and pages and folders full of recipes that I will make someday. Does anyone else do this? Especially if the recipe comes with great pictures or a video...yup, gets my creative (and digestive) juices flowing!

6. Old family and friend pictures. I love looking at pics of my friends and family from years ago--who doesn't, right? It's always a treat when a friend posts a picture from way back when, even if I'm not involved, it's fun to remember and visualize and imagine our friends in another time and place.

7. Great journal posts. Some people really do a lot of growing and working through things by writing them out and asking for the bloggy universe's opinions. You know how it is, sometimes it just feels good to write and get your ideas and feelings out. I can type much easier/faster/smarter than I can write with a pen. And sometimes, hashing it all out here (even if it doesn't get published) is great therapy.

8. Fantastic news and announcements--from new babies to weddings to ultra sound pictures to updates on job status, these are always great to read. 50% of the blogs I read are from people that do not live in my city or state, so obviously this has been the easiest way to keep in touch and feel slightly included in their lives. I love this about blogs.

9. Humor. Of course a big one. You know there are some people out there with this talent. And no matter what they write about, it's going to be funny. You're going to get a chuckle out of it. I wish I was one of those people; I aspire to be. But there are true life honest people who's each and every blog post is golden. (are golden? I can't remember the rule there-see? I'm not perfect!) I totally want to link to one gal and point her out, but she'll pee her pants out of embarassment. However, let's just say that she has two of the cutest daughters in existence and her hubby's name comes from the Bible. ;) Yep you, girl, you are a riot! Thanks for making me smile!

10. Those who try, for the sake of trying. Whether it's all in caps or multi colored, misspelled or set to auto-music, if you're trying, I'm gonna read it. If you're in my blog list, I'm gonna read it. Cuz I love learning about you, reading about your life, and staying in touch in just the simplest of ways thru the blogosphere.

What else do you enjoy reading about? What are your favorite kind of blogs? Are most of them people you know, or mostly strangers you've surfed into?

10 things i hate about your blog

Yes indeed, the following are petty annoyances that bother me on other peoples' blogs. I guarantee you that at some point, you, yes you reading this right now, have done one of the following, either knowingly or unknowingly. I must get this off my chest. Please bear with me.

1. Those who type all in caps. It's ugly to read, first of all. Second of all, in internet ettiquette (or netiquette as some call it) all caps are considered shouting. I don't want to read about your DAY AT THE PARK AND HOW WONDERFUL IT WAS when I feel like I'm in the middle of bootcamp being shouted at by a drill sergeant. 'Nuff said.

2. Word Verification. Hate it. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I've had a blog for almost 3 years, had over 60,000 visitors and in all that time, I've only had to delete wayward comments perhaps a total of 5 times. It took no effort. I simply selected delete from the appropriate place on my dashboard. If you're really worried, you can set your blog comments to 'moderate', meaning you have to approve them first. If a spammer finds you, you simply delete them instead of allow them to be published. I also can never type in those durn things correctly. This is more a personal problem, I realize.

3. When bloggers type in all different sizes and colors. I can understand on rare occasion, or as if to caption a photo or something. But otherwise, I simply don't get it and find it very distracting. If you need to emphasize a phrase or word, there's this option called bold or italics or underline. Making every word a different color makes me think you are writing from your 1st grade classroom. Mature up.

4. When you leave a comment but then leave me no way to comment back-ie, you either have a private blog that I don't have access to, or you have no blog, or you have not attached any kind of email address to which I can respond. I get some great comments and have some great readers, but sometimes I can't contact them or respond back. This goes doubly for those with private blogs-I have a few that 'watch' my blog, yet I can not access them. Fishy, no?

5. For the love of criminy, auto-play music. This one about puts me over the edge. First, what makes you think I'm gonna like whatever random song you have chosen for your blog? Second, what makes you think that I don't have my own music playing and that your music might mess that up? Most people don't even realize that they can shut off the auto-on, so that a viewer has to hit play to hear it. Much more desirable. The first thing I do when I happen on those blogs is turn off my speakers. Please. Think of the children.

6. Bloggers who obviously don't proofread or at least try reading their blog out loud before they publish. Now I'm sure I'm guilty of this, and often. But I can't tell you how many times I've read a blog post from someone, in which they start telling a story, get side tracked for about one minute, and then say 'but I digress' and get back to their story. Think about it; for you, typing it, probably 18 minutes has gone by between sentences. But for me as the reader, it's more likely 8 seconds. It just sounds goofy. Read your posts out loud before you publish.

7. Your and you're. Your is possessive-this is your book. These are your keys. Your abuse of the English language is obscene. You-apostrophe-re is a contraction for you are. You're buying a monkey today. You're a great friend. You're getting on my nerves. Look it up. 8th grade English at it's best.

8. When bloggers write in one long paragraph instead of breaking it up into little ones. I admit-I see a long honkin' paragraph like that, I skip it. Your eyes need rest as you read. And one long paragraph is visually ugly and hard on the eyes. Breaking it up is easier to read, more fun, and gives the eyes a break as well as gives your reader a chance to pause and process a new thought. Consider it.

9. There, their, and they're. Oh don't even get me started on this one. The Simpsons put their house up for sale. They're moving to China. I hope they don't come back from there. See how easy it is? You can do this, I know you can.

10. People who post pictures that are teeny tiny. Seriously, this one gets me. Why post a picture the size of a postage stamp? Who is this helping? Are the Littles reading your blog? I know I'm not an old fogey exactly (yet) but I can't see any details in those pics. Make them large! Make them as big as you can make them! Mine would be bigger than they are but due to my 3 column format I am a bit limited. Please, enough of the micro mini photos.

Now my dear friends. You know I do this all in fun. As I mentioned, many people I know and love commit these fatal errors. I am positive I at one time have commited most of them myself. I apologize if I have hurt any feelings or if any of these hit too close to home. Let me again refer to netiquette and place a big ol' one of these

on my blog and that will make everything better, yes?

Now's your chance. What do you hate about my blog? What irks you, bothers you, burns your biscuits about the way I write or the format I write in? Feel free to demonstrate how I have broken any of the above rules. Do I use the words 'suck' and 'blow' way too often? Do I whine too much about school? Do I put too many videos in? Not enough? I want to hear it. And I won't be offended, I promise.

Well, maybe a little bit, but I promise to shake it off.

photo tag

I've had an exhausting week full of the usual (a really hard chapter, lab, quiz, and essay for school, the usual craziness with the kids, crossfit 3x this week, plans for the yard sale, and dieting--always dieting) so I find my blog posts to be a wee bit on the dude-that-was-lame side.

I apologize.

However Shawnette helped me out a great deal when she tagged me yesterday. She helped me so that I do not need to be creative this Friday morning. She helped me by bringing a smile to my face by commenting on my blog that she'd tagged me. And she helped me because looking at her blog always makes me smile. I'm pretty sure she designs her own bliggity-blog backgrounds. Go check it out; she's a babe.

Here are the directions:
Open up the 6th picture folder on your computer.
Post the 6th picture in the folder and tell the story of it.
Then tag 6 of your friends.

Easey peasey lemon squeezey.



I had just uploaded all of 2008's folders of pictures onto CDs and deleted them from my computer, so I didn't have a photo from away back to pick from. This is from January 10th when we went to see the zoo lights the first time. The place was really crowded that night and I think a Cardinals game was going on. We hadn't dressed the kids quite warm enough and after two steps Ethan told us he was a) tired of walking, b) cold, and c) hungry. I got nothing for ya kid, get to steppin'!

It was really fun. =)

I tag 6 gals from my blog list who's names all end in 'ie' like mine: Lorie, Natalie, Stephanie L., Stephanie D., Susie, and Torrie. For some of you, it's been way too long since you've updated, (*cough cough, cousin Suze, that means you, babe!*) But as always, you're all welcome to participate! Don't let the 6-person rule stop ya!

50 1st graders and me

Cameron's 1st grade class went for a walking field trip yesterday from the school to the library. Parents were encouraged to come and help so I packed up my daycare darlin', a stroller, and my neighbor for company and we set off.

It's not a super long walk, and the weather was perfect (around 60 degrees), so it was quite enjoyable. But after a long day of walking to and fro, the time with the 1st graders at the park, library, and lunch, I was pretty worn out by the time I came home. Cameron ran circles around us, literally! All I can say is, my son's teacher is an angel for agreeing to do this. An angel!

The rest of the day I was hittin' the books, studying the skeleton this week, and memorizing the 206 bones in the body. I just about have it down. The killer is also learning all the markings on each--each with around 5 things each to memorize. I'm boycotting. Who needs to know that? Why am I doing this to myself? ;)

This weekend promises to be another busy one, including a yard sale, cross fit, a baby blessing, and a post-Valentine's dinner and dance with Chris' ward.

I may boycott it all in favor for sleep this weekend.

12 of 12 pics

For more information about twelve-of-twelve, go to Susan's website.

12 of 12 for February. Nothing too exciting this month.

The state of my sink that morning. Yes, I know, FlyLady says never leave anything in the sink overnight, but these were clean, just air drying.

Our flowers have taken off in the back yard.

My babysittin' babe's stylin' shoes. She is all about the style.

The song I've been teaching myself on the piano. I. Love. This. Song. It's a little too high for me if I sing it in one octave but a little too low for me in another. I'm gonna video myself doin' it anyway cuz I am all about breakin' the rules.

No, not really.

This is where I fold laundry. This is where laundry ends up staying sometimes 2, 3 days at a time. I'm not perfect.

Just for kicks, Danny is collecting every rubber band he finds and storing it on/in this ball. It's become an obsession. He even has the kids stealing rubber bands to help him. Ethan calls them 'band-aids.'

Dan's latest puzzle. He gets obsessed with these too.

The required self-portrait. Did you know I take about 800 of these before I find one I'm happy with? Did you know I totally photoshop out my zits? True story. I ought to photoshop myself fuller lips. (I actually don't have anything even close to photoshop.)

Once I started taking pictures of myself, Little Prince #3 wanted in on the action. He wanted to make sure I caught his Turtle shirt on film. There you go buddy. Cowabunga.

We worked on Valentines the eve of the 12th. Do you remember as a kid always folding them and putting them in envelopes? Not any more. They don't even include envelopes in the Valentine boxes any more. Much easier. We stick a piece of candy on them with scotch tape and we're good to go.

This was Danny's Valentine's present-a CD of all my piano compositions. I taped it live using my digital camera, then just uploaded the audio. It's harsh and in poor quality with tons of reverb and background noise. He Loves It. =)

Worked with Sean on his Science Fair Project (studying the effect of dyed water on flower petals).

mommy and the boys' day of fun!! (part two!)

The winner of the M&Ms giveaway has been posted here!

Our last one on MLK Day was such a success, we had to repeat it yesterday for President's Day. Let me tell ya, these kids can wear you out! By 3:30 I seriously needed a nap, no joke!

We started off by going to Fry's to pick up a) doughnuts, b) chips, and c) bread. The children were smitten with these benches in front of the Fry's store. ("LOOK, MOM!" Chairs!!!!") Umm. . . because we don't have chairs at home? I felt so goofy taking this picture, but the Fry's workers were getting a kick out of their enthusiasm.

Next we drove to a park where they nibbled on their doughnuts but mostly just played in the park. I would have loved to go to the huge main city park, but are you kidding me? It's so crowded on days' off like this, I didn't even consider it. This park was empty.

From there, we crossed to the pond and fed ducks. Always highly amusing. (sorry about the quality in these. . . it's really hit and miss sometimes)

From there we picked up our three free RedBox DVD rentals for the day, some treats to eat them with, and headed on home for some down time and a movie.

While they were watching their movie, I planted my spring garden. (trying again, ever trying!) I planted zucchini, carrots, green onions, and tomatoes.

We then had a smorgasbord of a leftovers lunch and then hit up the board games. Each child got to pick one that we played for about half an hour.

First up, Twister.

Next up, "H******** Adventure"-our self-made game started by Daddy and then decorated by the boys. They LOVE this game. I love the little game pieces I made with our pictures on them!

We took a bit of a time out to make some chocolate dipped strawberries.

Next up, Ethan chose 'jumping on the trampoline' as our game.

Then they finished the last of their movie with a highly nutritious dinner of pizza rolls and cheese doodles. (What? At least there's protein in this one.)

so much i want to say but the tylenol with codeine is wearing off, so. . .

The M&M giveaway is now closed, stay tuned for the announcement of the winner here.

 

Many of you know (hopefully most of you from reading my last blog post) that last Friday was our anniversary.  Yes, the day before Valentine's Day.  At the time, we felt it was quite romantic and cool and made of awesome and all that.  In retrospect, it was a terrible idea.  Nothing is ever on sale the weekend of Valentine's Day-not hotels, roses, chocolate-nothing.  And we have to pretty much share our most romantic day with everyone else.  So for the most part, we celebrate it usually a month later or so.

As was supposed to be the case this year.  We have planned a little retreat in March up in a bed & breakfast located in Snowflake, hoping to eat out a bit, see the sights (in Snowflake?) and catch a temple session while there.  Really looking forward to it!  And pretty much didn't expect anything on our anniversary.

Expected to do daycare, go work out, spend most of the day without my significant other of 11 years, and just look forward to our big day in March.  However, Friday morning, hubby let on that he had different plans.  First off, he had excused all my daycare kiddos for the day.  And he's planned an "Amie and Danny's Day of Fun!" all on our own!  (well, along with Ethan here and there)  Pretty cool, eh?

We started out with a lovely brekky at Denny's-I know, all you food snobs are totally annoyed with my fixation with Denny's; I can't help it.  I love their cocoa, it's good cheap food, and we had a coupon for a free appetizer.  Score.  =)  So as soon as Princes #1 and 2 went to school, we took Ethan and went out for a bite. 

Once he was picked up by his bus, we went to see the movie "He's Just Not That into You."  (we had some gift cards from Christmas-thanks, Kaylene!)  I had mixed feelings about the movie. . . for a while, it really seemed like the writers were trying to portray the impression that marriages suck and the only happy people are those who live together and sleep around.  So, that wasn't so special.  By the end, I was happy with many of the plot resolutions, so in the end, I liked it, but I'm not sure if I'd recommend it or not.  I'm on the fence.

Then, we picked up the kiddos a bit early from school (they love that) for some Red Robin burgers (I love that) where again we were able to use a free appetizer coupon (I am all about the free) and the kids ate and were relatively well behaved.

We exchanged gifts-he gave me a beautiful heart-diamond necklace that I love, and I finished funding his pimp-out-my-ride savings for some speakers and an amp for his truck. 

I didn't take any pictures.  I am lame.  But it was a great surprise anniversary.  Thank you honey.

The next day was Valentine's Day. I started by going to my CrossFit work out (I've been doing it for just over a week now and I'm wondering if I'm ever NOT going to be sore.  My back hurts so so so so so very much right now) with my neighbor.  She beat the pants off me.  I'm not sure if that's motivation or a deterrant, but I'm glad she came.

Then the primary presidency was kind enough to schedule a children's Valentine's activity from 3-5 (score!  free babysitting!) so we dropped them off and shot over to Olive Garden where the plan was to use a gift card from Christmas!  The plan. . .umm, yeah, we forgot to use the gift card.  Oh well, we'll just have to go back again some day.  We enjoyed lunch with CC and Mr. DJ and even saw some friends seated relatively close to us (shout out, Mr. & Mrs. S.!)  I hated my original order and sent it back (I hate doing that-anyone else?) but ended up very pleased with my fetuccine alfredo.

Next, we picked the kids up, got them situation with a babysitter, and headed to the temple.  What better place to spend an evening with your eternal companion than the closest place to Heaven on Earth, yes?

We left there, got some fun outfits at Goodwill (we love goofy shopping for each other there on date nights!) and headed on home via a pitstop at QT for some more hot cocoa.

Have I mentioned I love hot cocoa?  I think it's an addiction.

Anyway, it was an amazing weekend and I'm so glad to have it to share with Danny and my kiddos.  Monday is President's Day, so the kids will be off of school and again I will have no daycare kiddos so the boys are hoping for another "Mommy & the Boys Day of Fun! Part II!"

No pressure.  Any ideas??

Oh yeah, I hurt.  I'm sore.  Julie's husband Scott is killing us with this Cross Fit training.  Seriously.  All I want to do is lay down and never ever ever get up again.  Ever.  Ever.  I'd get up and grab some more painkillers but that would require getting up.  And reaching for the bottle.  And bending down to fill my cup.  And raising my arm to pop the pill in.  And swallowing.

All movements that are torture to me at the present.

Good times.

Have a good one everybody. 

11 years and counting

First of all, don't forget to go here to enter the M&M's goodie basket giveaway!

Dating. . . 11+ years ago.  Holy high hair batman.

 

Engagement photo, 98.

 

We have such baby faces!  Dan's cuz he's so cute and sweet looking and me because I have the chubby chin rolls of an infant.

 

We had some good times as our family grew.  99

 

We had some bad times.  01

 

And more good times as our family continued to grow.  02

 

First (and only) home. . . been here almost 7 years now!  02

 

And our family continued to grow!  04

 

We made a pretty nice family.  05

 

And have done some fabulous family outings.  (look how skinny I am!)  06

 

Went through a few hair colors. . . 07

 

And had our share of Red Robin burgers.  Yum.  07

 

We can be goofy.  07

 

Many a crazy photo op.  07

 

All because two people fell in love.  07

 

 

Here to eternity, baby.  Love ya.  08

ipod tag

First of all, don't forget to go here to enter the M&M's goodie basket giveaway!

I saw this on Leaner's blog ages ago and finally thought I'd try it. Give it a shot yerself. Some of the answers come out pretty silly while others are perfect!

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. On shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag a bunch of friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Super Massive Black Hole (Muse)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Feelin' Good (Muse)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Love Story (Taylor Swift)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
My Life Would Suck without You (Kelly Clarkson)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
How Could this Happen to Me? (Simple Plan)

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
White Horse (Taylor Swift)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
It Ends Tonight (All-American Rejects)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Never Think (Rob Pattinson)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Iron & Wine)

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Gotta Keep 'Em Separated (Offspring)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Leavin' (Jesse McCartney)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
I'm Yours (Jason Mraz)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Second Chance (Shinedown)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Everybody's Changing (Keane)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Not As We (Alanis Morisette)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Dirty Little Secret (All-American Rejects)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing (Aerosmith)

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Creep (Muse)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
How to Save a Life (the Fray)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
She Wouldn't be Gone (Blake Shelton)

If you're reading this, I tag you! =)

billy hill and the hillbillies

First of all, don't forget to go here to enter the M&M's goodie basket giveaway!

From our Disneyland anniversary vacay last year. Hard to believe we're coming up on a full year since then...how time flies when you're in love. =)

I did this for a challenge to use bling (the sparkly circle) on a layout. Thanks for looking.

children's museum of phoenix

First of all, don't forget to go here to enter the M&M's goodie basket giveaway!

 

The first Friday of every month, the Children's Museum of Phoenix is fuh-ree!  So we packed up our chitlens and made our way downtown.  I've never been to this place-have any of you?  It was really fun!  Here are some of our favorite parts of the museum-which was really more of a hands-on play place than any museum I've ever been to.

For some reason, Cameron decided this was the place to wear his fireman hat.  At first, I was against the idea.  Now I wish I'd had them all wear bright red hats.  Made it really easy to find him among the hundreds of kids and parents.

 

 

These tubes both suck and blow.  (I love saying that.)  The kids could turn off or on certain valves changing the direction of the scarf and where it came out.

 

  There were a couple of giant tube type things for the little ones to crawl through.  Problem was.there was no goin' in after him and it was nigh impossible to get him out once we wanted to move on.  I think it took both me and another parent about 8 minutes of going from end to end yelling to our kids that it was time to go and for Pete's sake to come on out.

 

This wall of CDs was visible from outside and ultra cool.  I'm thinking about adorning my kids windows this way.  Anyone have any CDs to spare?

 

 

Sean surprised us all by entering the hoola hoop contest on the dance floor.  They had a DJ there doing games and songs for both adults and kids-probably my favorite spot of the whole place.  You know how I like to boo-gie.  Anyway, Sean and a little girl tied as winners of the hoola hoop challenge.  Neither of them ever lost so they gave prizes to both of them.

 

  

I wondered where my 6 year old learned the song "Momma said Knock you Out" when he was singing it yesterday.  Tonight as the boys were watching this movie again, it came on.  Now I know.

 

 

Very loud, but pretty cool.

 

A whole race course of sorts with little bikes and 3-wheelers.

 

When Cameron discovered the art room, he was at home.  he got right to work making a fish valentine for his teacher.  (Notice for his teacher.not his momma.  I'm no longer the first love of his life.sigh)

 

Ethan of course went right to the dirty stuff.  When he whipped that paintbrush around and painted a nearby child's shirt purple, I internally cringed and looked the other way.

 

 

 

The supermarket was the cutest thing.  Little bitty carts and empty food boxes.  Cam took to it like nobody's business.  The little cash register with moving conveyor belt was darling!  I wanted one for my house!

 

The pizzas made of ribbons and felt and scraps were too cute too!  And the oven had a fake flame in the bottom.  The kitchen was complete with sinks and utensils and diner style seating.  Adorable!  (Psst, Ethan, I'll take mine without mushrooms please!)

 

Another loud one my child spent way too long at.

 

 

Is he such a poser or what?  I totally didn't tell him to stand like this.  People around us were getting a good chuckle out of it.

 

Isn't that CD wall huge?  And made of awesome?!  It's three stories tall!

 

So have you ever gone? 

What fun places do you like to take your kids?