...at the White House...

DISNEYLAND April 30 - May 5

2011-05-13T23:30:00.003-06:00

2010-06-04T19:48:00.003-06:00

The 2009-2010 School Year has come to an end. I am not sure how to feel about this. I am so proud of my kiddo's and what an awesome job they all did this year. But, 87 days of no school? We will see how it goes.
Here are the "before and after" pics from this year!

Special thanks to the 3 great teachers that spent a year working hard with my 4 students! WOW, they are amazing!

JULIE

2010-03-30T18:17:00.005-06:00

Julie is such a good mom! I knew she was good with kids, she has helped me for years! But it is great to see her as a "mommy" with her own baby! She is a natural. I love this picture of her! She is soooooo happy!

Me and MAK

2010-03-28T09:08:00.005-06:00

I am in Texas, hanging with my baby, MAK (Mosiah Alan Kilgore). Oh, and Julie-my favorite sister. I get to snuggle him, and feed him at night (so Jule-bean can get some sleep) and change his bum (cute when they are so small). I am having a ball!

MAK and his many faces!!!

His "bellybutton" fell off last night, but yesterday (Saturday) he needed a sponge bath and a shampoo. Poor Julie-I remember having Aunt Chan come help me with Hudson's first bath-she did awesome! He was not sure at first, but he seemed to enjoy it after the shock wore off. When his hair is wet it is a little curly! LOVE THIS GUY!

Julie and MAK (just gettin started)

Washing the hair!

Look at my curls!!!!!!!

Gonna Be a Bear

2010-03-18T11:14:00.002-06:00

In this life I'm a woman. In the next life, I'd
like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear,
you get to hibernate. You do nothing
but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat
yourself stupid. I could deal with that, too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children
(who are the size of walnuts) while you're
sleeping and wake up to partially grown cute,
cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you
mean business. You swat anyone who bothers
your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you
swat them, too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to
wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you
will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup, gonna be a bear!

(Author Unknown)

Enough Said.

WIERD WHITE KIDS

2010-03-14T16:25:00.001-06:00

We have had a couple of“weird kid”things at our house this last month. I'll do them in order.

THOMAS

One day, Thomas comes home from school saying that he needs a new backpack because his has a huge hole in it. I knew it was wearing out, but had figured he would make it through the rest of the year.

Well, yeah, when you drag home a 15 pound rock walking home from school, your backpack will wear out faster.

(This is a #10 food- storage can, to show how really big this rock is!!!)

HUDSON

Every month, Hudson has a category of book that he has to read and do a report on. In February he had to read a biography, and then make a puppet of his character.

We went to the library and found several ideas, but in the end he decided to learn about Wyatt Earp. Very cool old-west law-man. We all learned a lot about him.

So, on to the puppet. He asks me 2 days before it is due if he could make his puppet out of a banana. SERIOUSLY! I told him I didn’t know if that would really be a puppet, so to ask his teacher.

She said that he could do it however he wanted. That is how Wyatt Earp turned into a banana.

He cut off the top (stem) of the banana, and covered it with a small piece of cardboard, so it would stand straight. He glued on googley-eyes, and made a mustached out of pipe-cleaner. This we tried to glue, but had to also pin in place.

The hat was by fat the hardest part. We used a toilet paper roll, and crushed in the top, then hot glued it (with only minor burns). Then he cut a piece of cardboard with a hole in the bottom, and glued the top on to it. Add another piece of pipe-cleaner, glue and pin it to the “banana head” and you have a cowboy hat!!!

TA-DA Wyatt Earp. I happened to be volunteering in class that day, and Hudson’s puppet was by far the coolest, and most creative. Most of the others were brown paper bags with internet pictures glues on!!! LAME!

Now, back to Thomas.

He has had 2 loose teeth for a couple of months, but he hasn’t been proactive with getting them out. One day I went to volunteer in his class (I love being able to do that). His teacher informs me that he had pulled out his tooth that day. I know the teachers must LOVE that!

2 nights later the tooth fairy came and left him $1.00

He must have decided that since his allowance for the month was gone, that he should yank that other tooth, so 2 days after having the tooth fairy visit, he yanks the other one (at 9pm).

The tooth fairy is really busy, so it took her 2 nights to bring him the other $1.00, but it was worth it. Now my cute boy has some gaps! (I apologize for the picture of the tooth…but Thomas insisted!!)

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It comes in 3's

2010-02-28T00:35:00.006-07:00

Last Friday I received a phone call at work from my wonderful husband.
"You need to come home" he says.
"OK, is everything alright?".
"NO" he growls, "Alex just threw a gallon of paint down the stairs".
I reply,"I'll be right there."
Thankfully I only work about 30 seconds away from the house. I got home, and took over wrestling the still very angry Alex. Once we calm him down, we start to look at the paint, and make a game plan.
We'll fill up the teeny-tiny shop vac, and suck it up. What a nightmare. After an hour, I gave up and called Greg, our carpet cleaning guy. He laughs, and comes right over. He is miraculous, and the carpet looks great.
The walls however.......

It may be hard to tell, but the top 2 pictures are the walls on either side of the stairway. The left picture is the side with the light switches. The middle picture is the railing (other side than the switches.) The picture on the right is the ceiling and wall looking down the stairway. Yeah, there is paint everywhere. This is AFTER I wiped walls and railings down for 2 hours.

So, we survive the weekend. And the beginning of the week. Wednesday, remember the snow? Not a bad storm, as storms go, but not pleasant either. I drop off the boys at school, and decide to run up and get a coke before work.

About 100 yards from the grocery store, a car turns left across my lane of traffic, misses the driveway they were aiming at, and end up with their back end in my lane. Only going 15 miles an hour, I still can not stop. It was slow motion, knowing I was going to crash into this car.

No one was hurt. The 90 year old lady that I plowed into was very kind, and we both realized there was nothing either of us could have done. I go back to my car and call the police. I go back to check on 90 year old woman, who is now kinda freaking out about her little dog in the car with her.

See, she was trying to turn into the dog groomers driveway (and missed). And the groomer was expecting the dog. She was actually going to get out and walk up the long snowy driveway to deliver the dog. "No, no" I said, "let me take him up. You stay in your car". Like I was going to let her out to fall and break a hip!!!!! NO WAY.

SO, I walk up the driveway, no small feat, and deliver the dog. I am explaining why I am bringing the dog instead of the owner ("Oh, I just crashed into her outside your driveway. We're waining for the police.") While telling her this, unbeknownst to me, the dog has pooped. And I stepped in it. YEP! I stepped in dog doo.

I walk back to the cars, and report that the dog is fine, and he will be ready at noon. While talking to her, I am running my REALLY CUTE shoe on the snow and the gutter trying to remove the poop.

You try to do a good deed, to make up for plowing into the old lady, and you step in dog %$#@^%. I can't win.

Here is my sad van. $2,500 worth of repairs.

Luckily (kinda) the police sited the other driver for attempting a turn with out having enough time to execute it safely. I don't agree 100%...but I didn't get a ticket, and I don't have to pay my deductible. Oh, and the police man was VERY nice and did not give me a ticket for my expired drivers license.
They say bad things come in 3's. I have been waiting for the 3rd. My visiting teachers came this week, and as we were laughing about my life (glad I could entertain you), one of them pointed out that the paint was 1, the accident was 2 and the poop was 3. OHHHH, thank goodness for the poop, I don't think I could handle another problem.

**I decided not to take pictures of the dog doo...you all know what your shoe looks like after stepping in that!!!**

OUCH

2010-01-27T17:05:00.005-07:00

My handsome oldest son is now the proud owner of............BRACES! I am pretty sure that he is not happy, as his mouth and teeth and gums and everything hurts. I never had braces, and I think it is all in his head. I could be wrong!

Jan 28th (day 1)

He has an expander on the top that I get to turn every morning and evening. It seems backwards that I am paying money to have the space between his 2 front teeth BIGGER. When I find the camera, I will start to document the "gap".

Jan 31 (day 3)

He is a good sport about the pain of being beautiful! Love that kid!

Feb. 6 (day 9)...yes that is a smarty between his teeth!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T15:46:00.001-07:00

Olivers hosted our New Years Party! Thanks Kev and Cats!

Jen and Shane had a candy cane game! Totally hilarious!

Trena and Bryan were the hosts of another game, this one had lots of yelling and hopping!

Adam and Deanna got the funniest white elephants! A set of “jugs” for Adam and “The Gay Pages” phone book for D!!!

Ali and Aaron, always the life of the party!

You can never have too many copies of “The Christmas Box”, or enough dish-washer safe keyboards.

We had a great night ringing in 2010! Love you all, and hope your new year brings you joy and happiness (and luck!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-28T20:12:00.001-07:00

WE GIRLS WERE LUCKY. I GOT 2 PHASE 10 ELECTRONIC GAMES (OOPS WITH ONLINE ORDERING). AND WE GOT A MATCHING WATCH BAND (MOM) AND BRACELET (LIV) SET! WHAT A GREAT DAY!

CHRISTMAS EVE

2009-12-26T21:42:00.001-07:00

Every year we get new jammies on Christmas Eve.

Ella

2009-12-20T23:34:00.002-07:00

Please look at my other blog
www.dailystresses.blogspot.com

We are celebrating Ella's Birthday (December 13th). Brandon made this video for her last year, and I am ready to share it with our friend's and family. Grab the tissues.
Thank you Brandon,
We love you--Laura and Ella

2009-12-19T00:20:00.001-07:00

I just have to share. The pictures with the red borders: on the left is Jan 09 (my birthday party) and on the right, is Dec 09 (decorating the tree).

WOW! That, my friends, is 70 pounds!

These in the blue borders, are 2 face close ups (same pictures as before) and another one of me with the tree a couple of weeks ago.

Thank you for all the support, and encouragement. Next December, I’ll post again, and you won’t even recognize me!!!

THE FIRST DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

2009-12-18T23:34:00.001-07:00

For the 1st 12 days of Christmas we…

Decorated the tree! Lots of help from the kids, and dancing to the Christmas tunes!!

Olivia and Alex dressed up in the red ribbon. Silly kids!

Hudson was trying to get a laugh from his grumpy mom, so he dressed up like Santa. It worked. How could I be grumpy looking at this. The kids loved it! Thanks Hudson!

Brandon turned 33 he is soooooooooooooooooooooooooo old! He had a great day off, played pool and bowled with his dad, and had the present happy kids at home! We love you Dad!

There has been much else happening, but these are the only pictures I have!

Ella

2009-12-12T23:22:00.003-07:00

** The video is up and running!**

Please look at my other blog

http://www.dailystresses.blogspot.com/

We are celebrating Ella’s first birthday Sunday…and Brandon has made a video of her. Thank you Brandon.

2009-12-11T19:34:00.001-07:00

HAIR OPEN HOUSE!

Hi ya’ll. I have decided to have an open house on Saturday, Dec. 12. Stop by between noon and 5pm. I will have all my cute flowers and headbands on display, to look at, buy, or do a special order if I don’t have one ready for your Christmas Dresses!

Tell EVERYONE! I would love to have a full house!!

View Full Album

I have tons of colors (red, burgundy, silver, gold, iridescent black/silver, gray corduroy……

2009-12-08T08:55:00.002-07:00

Walking into work in the 8 inches of snow reminded me....... I HATE SNOW. I usually argue this with people, cuz I like the warm fuzzy clothes, and the bundling up. Hot cocoa, and a good movie.

However, it has been many years since I worked outside of the home....and this SUCKS. My feet are cold, the tires are bald. Thankfully it is fashionable to wear beanies all day, because I am freezing!

I love winter, and the holiday lights and parties. I even like the snow, but I do not like being in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas- Bah Humbug

Thomas' Christmas Funny

2009-12-07T21:54:00.002-07:00

Today I was being weird (imagine!!) and singing in the kitchen, loudly and operatic and obnoxiously. There's No Place Like Home For the Holidays. I was interrupted by Thomas saying that the song didn't make any sense. So I explained: "that the people who live in Tennessee (that is a state in the south) want to go home to Pennsylvania (more north) for some home-made pumpkin pie. The Pennsylvania folks are driving down to Dixie's sunny shore (Dixie is down south). From Atlantic (ocean) to Pacific (ocean) see the traffic is horrific. Everyone wants to go home for the holidays and be with their family and traditions. So even when you move, you want to be back home."

"But, it still doesn't make any sense mom!"
"Why Tom, what don't you understand?"
"Well, why does this guy keep moving so many times??"

"Oh, (trying not to laugh too hard) cute kid...it's not a song about 1 guy...but everyone in the world..... "

Holy Cow, funny Christmas stuff this year!!

Merry Christmas

2009-11-26T20:05:00.003-07:00

So I have turned on the Christmas music on in the car. Alex requested that I change songs the other day. I told him that it was the radio, and I couldn't change it. "But mom, I want to listen to please snotty duck." What the heck. "What song, Alex?" "Please snotty duck!" "Alex, I don't know that song..." So he sings it to me, and somehow I figure out that he wants "Feliz navidad". Now, I know you want to sing it, so you might as well do it out loud! "Please-snotty-duck (da da da-da) please-snotty-duck (da da da-da) Please-snotty-duck....da da da-da da da da da.

Love that Kid!

2009-11-12T12:11:00.003-07:00

It took me a little longer than planned,
but here are some of our family pictures.

We are Adorable!

2009-10-30T13:07:00.005-06:00

Alex went to a Halloween party last week, and won a game or activity or something. His reward was this.......

An adult size gummy hand! Why-oh-why do people invent this kind of stuff! Everyone got to have a bite.

SICK and WRONG!!!

My First Boutique

2009-10-16T14:37:00.003-06:00

Hello one and all! I am sharing a booth for the "Miss Margene's Creative Generations" Holiday Boutique on November 7. Our booth will have scrapbooks, christmas cards, other occasions cards, and I will be selling flower hair clips and headbands. They are so stinkin' cute. I am excited to have this "side business" and hope that you all will visit my new blog
http://www.sassynstylin.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm up to.

The address for the boutique is 3540 Market ST. West Valley. It is off of 3500 South and 2700 West, just west of Valley Fair Mall. There is some parking by the studio or they can park at the new trax station. It is from 10am-6pm!!

Hope to see you all there!!!

Closet

2009-10-10T11:20:00.005-06:00

First and Foremost, I want to state that I do NOT usually color-code my shirts. I really don't have time for something that silly.

Today, I am going through me and Brandon's clothes (we did the kids' last weekend). As I am hanging up my millions of shirts, I begin to see a pattern. I do tend to wear more neutral colors, they're safe. However, after my 14th brown shirt, I had to see what was really going on.

Here is the proof. I have more shirts in black, brown, tan, white and grey, then all of my other shirts combined. I have 3 identical white shirts, and 2 identical brown (with the same one in grey). I think I need to venture out of my comfort zone!

In my defense, while in Park City for Scrap Retreat, I bought 6 shirts, and only one of them was brown...all the others were original colors!

2009-10-07T22:14:00.003-06:00

This is a picture of my mom's family taken in 1964. They were in Disneyland. My Aunt Lorraine is on the left, being held by Jimmy (who died a couple of years later), my uncle Lynn, and my mom, JoAnn. I thought it was so fun to see.

This is Easter, 1965. I love that we have these pictures still. Thanks Lorraine!

School Days

2009-09-01T10:11:00.003-06:00

I waited to blog this, because I wanted to do ALL the kids, and Olivia and Alex started Kindergarten yesterday.

Hudson is in 4th grade, and has Mrs. Sawyer (who we have heard wonderful things about). He had to move desks the first day because he and his neighbor were talking, but his new neighbor is much quieter, and his old neighbor is now bugging the kid next to him! As long as it's not Hudson.

Thomas is in 2nd grade!!! His teacher is Mrs. Wood. She is fabulous, Hudson had her for 2nd grade (but then she was Miss Ellis, so I am really struggling!). He has several friends in his class, and brought home his first homework pack yesterday. He was not a happy campeter!

Liv and Al are in afternoon Kindergarten. They both have Mrs Thurgood, and she is so sweet and kind and just perfect for a kindergarten teacher. They were totally bummed that they didn't get to start school the same day as their brothers, but loved it yesterday!!!

I had no tears, or any real sadness about them all being in school. It will be strange to not have little ones underfoot ALL THE TIME, but I think I can get used to it. I am just glad they are all happy with where they are right now, and that they are such awesome kids. I must have done something right at some point to deserve them!!!

Ella & Grandma Jo

2009-08-19T22:34:00.003-06:00

We went to the cemetary as a family the other day while Julie was here. She hadn't seen the headstone we have for Ella. We had a really neat discussion with the kids about the resurection, and the 2nd coming and a lot of things. It was a time and place to feel the spirit, and the setting was very peaceful.
I am so glad that our baby is with my mom. I miss them both everyday, and I have some comfort knowing that they are together.

Here are some pictures of the headstones.

2009-08-15T21:42:00.004-06:00

Julie and I took the kids to opening day at the County Fair on Thursday. It was sure expensive, considering entrance was free. They had snakes and Spiders, a clown, free pony ride, and a million things to blow your money on! We had a BLAST!

Aunt Julie

2009-08-06T21:18:00.002-06:00

Julie is here! Julie is here! My kids have been counting down the days til Aunt Julie gets here. Well, today was the day. She flew in at 8:30 this morning, and has been very cheerful and patient with her favorite nephews and niece attacking her. She will be here til next Saturday, Aug 15. Yeah! We are so glad that she was able to come visit!!!

Trampoline

2009-07-28T20:17:00.003-06:00

Just a regular night at home...with the kids on the tramp... No camera shy kids here. Hudson, Liv, Thomas and Alex

David

2009-07-05T22:26:00.004-06:00

Please take a minute to listen to this version of our National Anthem.

Today in church we had 2 women speak. The first sister has had a military life. Her father was in the service, and then her husband, and now 2 of her 3 boys. It was neat to hear her feelings and some of the experiences her "men" have had while at war. It made me proud of my family that has fought for our freedom.
The second sister spoke about home life during the wars. She spoke of the Great Depression, and rationing. 5 lbs. of sugar a month, 20 gal of gas a month, no nylon stockings (I could live without those). But she expressed concern about our lives now. Our children think they are going without if they don't have the newest game or CD or whatever. We feel deprived when our cell phone battery dies, or our TV doesn't work. It made me grateful for my blessings.

I titled this entry "David". My brother is currently in Iraq. I am so proud of him. I see him on facebook, and he emails me, so I know he is OK. But, I want to tell him thank you. He and his family are sacrificing right now so that we can be free. Men and Women are fighting for our country, and yet we scarcely give them a thought. I am so proud of my brother, father, grandfather, uncles, brother-in-laws and friends who have served for me. I thank them for their sacrifice.
I am proud to be an American. And I am proud to live in "The land of the free, and the home of the brave."

Happy 4th

2009-07-04T19:24:00.006-06:00

We spent today hiking. The kids were great sports, and we had Grandma White along to help with crowd control.
Many years ago (like 15?) Brandon's family went on this hike for Memorial Day, and it was fun, but the first 1/2 mile was sand, like straight up the mountain. It is called Adams Canyon in Kaysville. It has an awesome waterfall at the top, but we all remember the painful beginning, and we have not been back. (then 1995) (now)
We decided to try it today, with 4 kids (duh?). But, they have fixed it. They have come in and made switch-backs with reinforced wood to help erosion, and some fencing to help lead up the new path. So, not a bad start like we remember.

It was so fun. We had to stop and look at every bug and tree and flower and dog and horse poop, so a 2 hour round trip turned into a 3 1/2 hour (not even making it to the top) round trip.
But, no major falls or blood. No bites. Typical whining! We had so much fun. We are going to try to go to Timpanogos later this year...so we are warming up for it!!!

Money Sucks!!!!!

2009-06-15T15:57:00.002-06:00

We are so in trouble right now. Even paycheck-to-paycheck isn't working. Well...Qwest is an auto draft thing...but we called to cancel it this month, and pay it manually after payday. But, they couldn't because it had already been "spooled".

So this morning I call the bank to do a stop on the auto withdrawal (no fee). 5 minutes later, auto draft canceled, no problem!!!

So, go to Walgreen's to pick up ANTI-DEPRESSANT, and my card doesn't work. Fish out platinum card, then called the bank. We are -$220.00! What. I looked this morning, while on the phone with the bank and we had $48.??

After getting home, I go online, and indeed, Qwest has gone through, putting us in the negative, therefore charging us $20.00 more. After calling the bank, and ever so sweetly talking to the poor girl who answered the phone...she can fix it...just a minute.

1 minute later..I can't fix this because it is after 2:00pm, and so we cannot go back in and revoke payment. I am soooooo sorry. I can waive the fee, and any others that happen because of this. When they stopped the Qwest, they didn't do it with the DRAFTS, but with the AUTO-DEPOSITS!!!!!!!!!!!! (Yeah, lets stop being paid, that is what I wanted). So, her manager fixed it so that we can get paid on Thursday...but holy hell! How hard is it to cancel something correctly!!!!!!!!!

Little Girls

2009-05-31T22:16:00.003-06:00

I love having a girl! Liv always wants her hair "curly". I try to do something with her hair each day, but of course some days are fancier than others.
So, we decided to sluff church, stay in jammies and play games all day. But, I went in to pull my hair up, and Liv came in to have her hair done. We did a loose pony with the little side and back strands curled into ringlets-sort of-. She then had to have my lipstick (just colored lip gloss). So, she walked around sitting all prim and proper, and knowing she looked beautiful. She is so much fun.
Having to curl her hair and put on makeup to play Monopoly??? PRICELESS!
Only with little girls!

Preschool Program Starring Liv and Al

2009-05-28T21:21:00.002-06:00

Thomas' Accomplishment

2009-05-12T21:50:00.007-06:00

Thomas received the "Most Accomplished Readers Award" this last week. He has been going to a reading group with some other 1st graders, and it has improved his ability and confidence in reading. However, he improved the most.

He explains it like this "All the kids ended at the same place (his hand held up to a certain height), but I started the lowest of any of the others (hand held low), so I learned the most, because I had to go farther than the others. He is so fun to watch!

He was given a great certificate, and had his picture taken with his reading teacher and the Assistant Principle. Then tonight, he and I went to the District offices in Farmington, and they had cookies and punch. Best of all, was that Thomas was given $20.00 worth of free books! Wow, it took some time choosing.

I am just so proud of him, and how much he has learned this year. Way to go Tom!!!!!

Life

2009-04-23T12:42:00.003-06:00

I love life. I am generally a happy person, and pretty easy going. I have to tell you that at this moment, I am sooooooooooooo happy. In 3 hours I am picking the boys up from school, driving to S.L. to trade cars with Brandon, and heading up to Park City for my "Sassy Scrappin' Retreat!" This is one of the things that keep me going through the year. Each spring and fall, I get to disappear for 4 days {thank you Bran :) }. Then I come home and life is easier, and I am more able to be a good mommy6. And by the time that I fear I will explode again, it's time for my next get away.

I love You, my wonderful family, for letting me get away. And this year I am so thankful for several friends letting my kids invade their houses Friday night. My free babysitter got married 2 weeks ago, and lives in Texas, so now I have to plan like all my other friends!!

**JenJen, you will be missed. Take care of your new baby, and know we're thinking of ya!

See Ya'll in a couple days!

TOTALLY GONNA WIN!!!!!

2009-04-22T22:05:00.005-06:00

I heard about this awesome new blog from Ali, one of my Sassy Sisters! So, I had to check it out, and they are having a contest. I had a hard time choosing which watch band I wanted to win. I love the Sassy Silver (because I am a Sassy). But I have to go with...Black and White. I am too practical, and this one I would wear everyday (at least until I can afford to buy another, and another, and another, and.....)!

Go Me!

beadblossomdesign.blogspot.com

Check them out!!

My baby sister is all grown up!!!

2009-04-16T17:13:00.002-06:00

Tarantula

2009-04-03T20:39:00.005-06:00

Thomas is in first grade this year, and has a great teacher, Mrs. Jones. One thing that all the kids like about her is that she has a pet tarantula. Yeah, really. So, the kids earn "tarantula points" and when they have enough, then Maybell comes to class. They got to see her the first time, and touch her the second time, and hold her the third time. Amazing. Parents can see her if they come on tarantula day, but they cannot touch because they are not in her class, and didn't earn it.

Last week was our last SEP conference, and Maybell was there. Brandon and the twins had seen her before, but I had not. So after the meeting, Mrs Jones got Maybelle's cage out. Liv wanted to touch her, and Mrs Jones said that if mom would touch her, that Liv and Alex could too. Well, now I had been dared.

Thomas touched her first, to show me how. Then I put my hand in and touched her. Ewwww! Actually, they are kind of fuzzy. Then, Olivia reached in and touched her!!! Alex tried, but chickened out twice. "maybe when I'm older" he said. Mrs Jones said that Liv is the 1st younger sibling to actually touch the tarantula. She was very impressed!!!!!

Blue and Gold

2009-03-27T09:36:00.006-06:00

We have the best cub masters in the whole scouting program! For our Blue and Gold banquet 2 weeks ago, we had one of the state "drug dogs" come. His trainer told us all about him, and how they train them. It was so cool.

These dogs are trained to work, not play. But they don't know the difference, so to them, working is playing. The trainer had a magnetic box/can that had been in with some drugs (marijuana) so it had the scent of the drugs. He hid it really well, and once the dog came into the room, he ran right over to the area and kept "looking" until he had pinpointed where the drugs were. It was amazing!

Then, a man in our ward who is a guard at the governor's mansion, got into the padded suit, and they staged an attack. Again, the dogs are trained to keep hold of the perpetrator until he is subdued. The trainer told the man to "halt" and when he didn't, and the dog went crazy. He jumped up on him, and bit into his shoulder, and was thrashing around. The trainer had to actually go and pry him off the "perp".

The scouts (and their sibling) loved it. He opened it up for questions at the end, which is how we know what kind of drug was in the can!!! It was such a cool night!

New Blog Address

2009-03-24T10:41:00.001-06:00

I have started an additional blog. I love sharing my family life with all my friends, but I need a place to share just me. Good, Bad and Ugly. So, if you want to watch me self-destruct...or heal...check out my new blog:

http://www.dailystresses.blogspot.com/

Biggest WInner!!!!!

2009-03-23T23:03:00.000-06:00

Sorry, but I did not win $1,000. However, today was the final weigh in, and (drum roll please...) I lost a total of 31 pounds since the first of the year!!! I have much more to go, but feel really good and motivated!
They did take before and after pictures at the gym, and they are going to email them. Once I have those, I will post them!!!

Biggest Looser Looser!

2009-03-16T17:56:00.000-06:00

So, there is one week left in the contest, and I am in 4th place in the Layton gym (Lady Fitness). I have lost 7% of my body weight! However, 4th place doesn't get a prize, and the $1,000 prize is for the biggest total looser in the Layton, Roy and Pleasant View gyms. So, I am the biggest looser looser!

But, I feel good. I have a pretty regular work out schedule, and I feel so much better. You know, there is a ton of research on depression and exercise...and who knew, all those studies are right! You do feel better and less down when you are getting enough sleep and exercise!!

Thanks for the positive feedback, and I will keep posting pictures as I keep loosing!

February 3

March 13

Maybe someday (1995)

NOT the Biggest Looser

2009-03-09T17:29:00.000-06:00

So, for the first time in 6 weeks (longer, really) I weighed in today for my contest, and I was up! Terrible. The girl who is doing the best (she has won 3 weekly prizes) was griping that she only lost 2 pounds. Oh, so sad for you! She apparently worked out 12 times last week! 12 times!! I only did 3 days, so I guess that shows why she is down, and I am not!
This week will be better!
Yeah, NO picture!!

Biggest Looser

2009-02-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

I have entered the Biggest Looser contest at my gym. We are half-way done, and I have lost 20 pounds. I am currently in 3rd place. The winner will get $1,000.00!!! So, any comments, or emails or whatever to keep me going would be great!!!

Jan 15 (1 week before the contest)

Feb 25

Feb 3, 1 week into the contest.

Feb 13

Feb 25

I cannot believe I am posting these pictures!! Wish me luck!

Happy Valentines!

2009-02-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

I want my kid-os to know how much I love them, and some of my favorite things about them!!

THOMAS

1. He loves to spend time with me, doing anything!

2. He is very active, and great at sports things!

3. He loves 1st grade, and is brilliant.

4. He loves to hide his smile, and then be teased to show

it again.

5. He loves to tell jokes, and make me and the kids laugh!

6. He is sensitive, and likes to talk to me and Brandon.

7. He is teaching Alex the things he learns.

8. He chooses the right (most of the time).

9. He is the best 6 year old EVER!

10. His smile!!

OLIVIA

1. She is all girl (pink, dresses, bows...)

2. She likes to do her own hair. It is adorable with 6 barrettes clipped all over her head. And she thinks she looks fabulous!

3. She likes to give hugs and kisses!

4. She is my biggest chore helper, and loves to sweep.

5. She only like "girl" movies. This basically means that if there is a girl IN it, she will watch it.

6. The way she likes to be tucked in "just so" at night!

7. She loves to have us read to her!

8. She is the only one who will sing Mama Mia and Wicked with me. And she loves them!

9. She has many shoes, and likes to switch them up daily!

10. Her twinkly eyes when she smiles!

ALEX

1. His smile. It is the best!

2. He is super smart, and loves to learn.

3. He thinks he is funny, and does stuff to make you laugh.

4. He is learning to quote movies, just like his daddy!

5. He has many friends in the neighborhood, and love to play with them.

6. His definition of "clean room" is soooo far from ours, it is comical! How many 4 year olds stuff junk under their beds?

7. He loves to have me tickle his back and arms.

8. He loves his 2 big brothers, and tries to be just like them. ( He tolerates his sister).

9. He wears his shirts backwards. He likes them that way!!!10. He is an awesome hugger and gives the best kisses!

HUDSON

1. He gets stressed, but keeps going!

2. He is a big helper, with jobs or the kids.

3. He likes to make dinner, or at least help!

4. He is a natural musician. with the piano, singing, and hearing music when others would miss it.

5. He loves to read a good book.

6. He quotes movies almost as often as his dad, and usually gets them exactly right.

7. He likes to have his room clean, and gets annoyed when his brothers mess it up.

8. He is (almost) always willing to help me with whatever I need.

9. He has a great sense of humor!

10. I love when he knows I need a hug,

and gives me one, just because!

2009-02-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I have passed my official due date. Ella died almost 2 months ago, and we are surviving. Some days are great, or at least bearable. We found out that Brandon's Doctor knew what he was doing with Brandon's vasectomy. We are coming to terms with the fact that we are done with our family. My goal is to go through all the baby stuff this weekend, and do a huge DI run. I have talked to a couple of people who want some of our bigger stuff. But, I am ready to be done with baby stuff.

I talked to my therapist (yes, I am in therapy) the day after we got the results from Brandon's "sample". I told her I was so angry and sad that I just wanted to destroy the crib. Just take a hammer to it. Her advice was to do it. But I told her that I can't, because it is in good shape, and someone could use it. Then, she laughed at me. My therapist actually laughed at me. I just can't destroy it because I know it could help someone else. She said that shows a lot about who I am.

I want to feel normal again, and with the prayers and love of family and friends, i am getting there. I actually went and saw the baby of my friend in our ward who was due 2 days apart from me. I didn't stay long, and she offered, but I didn't hold her beautiful daughter...but I went!

Anyway, just an update from the White house. We are hanging in there, but please keep praying for us, and emailing and calling. We know we are loved, but right now, every little reminder helps!!!

A picture of our family from the funeral. Thanks Chan!

Funny Alex

2009-01-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

The other day Alex was sad, and said he missed Ella. He has done this a couple of times. So we were snuggling and talking about what a great big brother he would have been, and the things he could have done with his baby sister.

He asked if Heavenly Father was making another baby for us, and I answered that I didn't know. He then said that if He did, Alex hoped it wouldn't be a good baby. What? What do you mean, you hope it isn't a good baby? Well, he replied, Ella was too good and I want a not good baby that can live with us!

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was such an innocent comment, and said with such conviction. He is my favorite!

Happy 30th Birthday to ME!!!

2009-01-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I admit it, I am now 30! I went to bed Saturday night, 29 years old, and woke up Sunday morning 30...and I feel the same! Yeah!

Brandon pulled off a wonderful surprise party for me. He had enlisted Ali (my sassy sister), who planned, sent out invites, organized food and (with help from all the sassys) threw a great party.

Brandon had told me that he was taking me somewhere nice, so I dressed up. Then he received a phone call from Aaron (Ali's Hubby). We had borrowed a movie from them, and they were out at his parents and they had promised to bring this particular show, so would Brandon mind running it to him before dinner? Ok, whatever!

Once we got to the house (which was WAY out west) Brandon asked If I wanted to go up to the door with him. No thanks. Oh, come on, he says. Ali is in there and she will cheer you up (I was a bit grumpy). No, really, I'm good! Then Ali comes out and tells me that her in-laws want to meet me!?? It was at this point that I realize that I am supposed to go in the house! Duh!

There were balloons and a "Happy Birthday" sign. And not only were my sassy sisters there (which was all I expected) But other friends were there! It was great!

I have known these ladies for, lets see, 20 years! Brenda, Lori and Julie, thanks for driving out past the lake to surprise me!

Ali had organized the food into categories:

My childhood: jello, pb&j's, mac and cheese bites.

My teens: pizza and pop!

And finally my twenties: salad.

Kendall, my great friend and amazing baker had made

me a fabulous cake!

(Someday me and Brandon will have matching Mini's.)

That is a lot of candles!

So, for 3 hours (or more) we had food, and laughs. We played a couple of games, then ended the night with...Rock Band!

This game was for all the men. They each had a bottle with 2 oz of milk, and they had to drink the milk, and then burp! Apparently drinking from a bottle is harder than it looks! Adam won (2 boxes of milk duds).

I won't get into the specifics of this game, but lets just say that the role reversal was hilarious!

Laura Singing; Jen D Rockin'; Adam ????(& Shane); Brandon and Jen-Jen!

It was a wonderful way to enter a new decade!!!!!! Thanks everybody!

Christmas Morning!

2009-01-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

All right, I might as well admit it. I deleted my Christmas morning pictures. I was trying to combine two folders, of other Christmas parties to have one big folder of Christmas, and apperently covered up (or DELETED) my whole Christmas Day! So sad for me. But, a couple of the "wait in the hall while dad plugs in the tree and brags about all the cool stuff he can see" pictures survived! So, here you go!

All the boys had matching PJ's and Mom and Liv had pink ones. Aunt Julie stayed with us Christmas Eve, and we loved having her wake up with us! You'll just have to trust me that Brandon looked just as cute and happy to be awake, at 5:45am, as I do!

Thomas, Mom, Alex, Hudson, Livvy, and Aunt Julie!

December...Christmas Parties all month long...

2008-12-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a party with my family. My brother and his family came up from Texas, where they are stationed...and it was fun to get together!

All the Millett grand kids:

Back Row: Hudson W & Shae M
Front Row: Jacob M, Alex W, Ethan M, Thomas W, Olivia W

These cousins haven't seen each other since May...so they were excited. Add the fact that it is Christmas and they are getting presents.......

We wanted to sing some Christmas songs, and my dad had my old (1988?) Yamaha electric piano. So, Brandon played and we sang. Then things got a little out of hand..David (my brother) remembered that there were songs/rhythms/backgrounds saved on the pianos...so they all started to sing and rap to the beat of the keyboard. Really, these 3 boys were the ones having the most fun!!

We all pitched in and got Grandpa the 4 pack of Indiana Jones!!!

He is such a great dad and grandpa. He means the world to me. He has been a shoulder to cry on my whole life, and these past two weeks, I have been able to lean on him, and cry with him. I am one lucky daughter!

Here is Grandpa Millett reading "Santa Mouse" to the kids. We grew up with this book, and if you don't have it, buy it. So Cute! Anyway...it is hard to get pictures of Grandma Dee, but here she is with Thomas reading with him! She is a wonderful Grandma (and Mom) and did a great job of planning this Christmas party!!!!

In fact...she can do it every year.
(Just Kidding Delores!)

Ethan, Jacob & Shae

Hudson & Alex

Thomas & Olivia

All in all, a great Family Christmas Party!!!

Ella Marie

2008-12-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Ella passed away sometime earlier this week. During a Dr. appointment Friday with our family Dr. (Laura has a terrible cold), we asked him to listen to the heartbeat. When he was unable to find one, he did an ultrasound. He claims to not be good with ultrasounds, but he was unable to find a heartbeat there also. My OB was in surgury, but his office suggested we head to the hospital, and they would have a specialist do an ultrasound.

We got checked into the hospital, and our OB was out of surgery in time to be with us. They brought up the high-teck ultrasound machine, and confirmed our fears. Baby Ella was no longer alive. There was no heartbeat, and there was no flow within the umbilical cord.

At this point there were very few options. Because I was 32 weeks, I had to go through labor and delivery. They asked if we wanted to go home and be together, then come back the next day, but we decided to just stay in the hospital and start labor.

They gave me a suppository at 3pm, and I could feel some contractions, then another suppository at 7pm...along with a shot of morphine. After the 11pm suppository, the contractions came hard and fast, and I could tell I was going to have a baby soon.

Ella was born at 12:11 AM, Saturday Dec. 13, 2008. She was beautiful!

She weighed 2 lbs 10 1/2oz and was 15 inches long. She is definatly a White! Long toes and feet, long thin fingers.

We were able to spend about 3 hours with her, and it was wonderful. We took some pictures, and Brandon said a beautiful prayer. We weren't sure if we could give her a name and a blessing, but we have since found out that we can, so when we go to dress her, we will be able to do that too.

We have had such great support from our family and friends. We are struggling to understand what has happened, and why, and have so appreciated the love we have felt. Thank you!

We will be having a small grave-side service Tuesday, at the Bountiful Lakeside Cemetary. Ella will be able to rest and wait with her Grandma Jo.

2008-12-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, I am in desperate need to update my poor blog...but I have no pictures to add, so I have been putting it of. However, I am tired of looking at the same old stuff. So, I will do a little life update.

First, pregnancy. I am 32 weeks, which is awesome! I am not ready to be done, or have the baby here...but it is nice number to see.
However, there is a bad number in my pregnancy right now. 148/100 That would be my blood pressure last Friday. A solid 30 points up from two weeks previous. I am trying not to stress (thus increasing the blood pressure), eat lots of protein, drink more water, and have lots of helpers with the kids. We are not worried, yet, but cautious.

Brandon has a birthday coming on Thursday. 32 whopping years old. Not exactly life-shattering, but still a birthday! Happy Birthday, baby!

Hudson will be 9 in eleven days. How did that happen. He is a good sport about having a Christmas birthday. I keep telling him that he chose a bad time of year to be born...but he just rolls his eyes!!

Thomas and Liv and Alex are great! Life is busy, and they are full of energy, and excitement over Christmas.

We put the tree up the weekend after thanksgiving...but didn't finish decorating it or the house until last week. Too many things to do in life. But our house is all decked out, and jolly and twinkling!

Let the Christmas countdown begin!!!! 14 days left!!!

2008-11-22T20:10:00.001-07:00

I know that I am not the first wife to say this...and I'm not the first wife to truly believe it, but I have The Best Husband. One thing that makes me so lucky, is that he loves me. There is no doubt in my mind that Brandon loves me, and that he thinks he is the lucky one in our relationship.

He does little things for me, like make sure that I am covered and warm when he comes to bed at night. He is so sweet to rub my back or feet, especially since I can't reach them myself right now. He never passes up an opportunity to kiss my neck or swat my bum, even when it annoys me. He is always making sure that I know that he loves me, and he is there, and that he is happy with us! I love his sense of humor. He can be corny with he kids, and we love it. I tell them their dad is weird all the time, and it's true. He makes me laugh pretty much every day. He is a happy guy, and smiles a lot. It makes the hard times easier to deal with when he is smiling at me. I love that he kisses me in front of the kids. They get all grossed out, but they KNOW that Dad loves Mom. He makes a point to take me out as often as we can, and the kids know that dad and mom are going on a date because we are in love!!!! I love it!

Brandon is a big kid at heart! Here he is, trying to shovel the driveway, and takes a break to throw a snowball at the kids. He tries so hard to play with them, and make regular, boring stuff fun. What a great man I have. Did you know that he sent me on a goose chase, kind of, when he proposed? It was Christmas day, 1997, and we were in his back yard, and there was a gift hanging in the tree up above us, and he was convinced that Santa had dropped it out of his sleigh. So I had to pull it down, and unwrap it. It was not my ring...but a decoy gift. Then he got down on one knee and told me he loved me, and asked me to marry him! What a fun and memorable proposal! I am eternally grateful that he asked, and I said yes!!!

I don't know when you'll see this, Bran, but I want the world to know (well, or our small corner of it) that I love you. You are the greatest, and I am so blessed, lucky, fortunate..... thank you for choosing me to love!!!!!

2008-11-21T15:43:00.001-07:00

Good Old Hudson. He was the first to join our family, and we have loved every second of it! What changes your first baby brings. Until I was a mom, I didn't know how much love I could feel! He was a great baby, and has stayed that way...mostly!

Hudson has a great memory, and is super smart. He can quote movies and books without a second thought! He is in the Spectrum Program this year (the advanced class for his age group). He makes friends easily, and is extreemly loyal to his friends.

One thing that brings a smile to his face is spending one-on-one time with either parent. This can be hard to come by when you are the oldest of 4 kids. He plays computer or video games with Brandon, and will read or draw with me. He takes after me in that he loves to read. If he gets involved with a good book, it can be hard to pull him away!

Hudson has a tender heart, and is very sensitive to my needs. He wants to make sure that I am ok, and is quick to give hugs to his brothers and sister when they need them. He can be a little sarcastic, and we are not sure how he learned that. He has a great sense of humor, and is always making us laugh. I love the fun that he adds to our family, and am so grateful for him in my life!!!

2008-11-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

What can I say about Thomas...except AWESOME! He is so much fun! I love how much he is learning this year. He liked kindergarten, but was kind of shy. This year he is a whole new kid. He has tons of confidence, and isn't afraid to try new things, or make mistakes!

He has always been our "dare-devil". He has no fear of water and swimming, and took off his training wheels the same summer that his big brother did. He rode every ride at Disneyland that he could, including Tower Of Terror, twice.

He needs some convincing to help with chores, and to do his nightly reading, but is a hard worker once he gets started. He is really into making projects...things like cutting and gluing papers and creating drawings. He has a great imagination!

One thing I love about Thomas, is that he is so loving. He likes to be snuggled, even at 6. When we are watching a movie, he will come sit right by me, and usually pull up his shirt so I can tickle his back. He is becoming a great example to his younger brother, and it is fun to watch him teach Alex and how patient he can be with him. They are getting to be good buddies.

Thomas is the comic relief when things get tense, which can happen often. He is quick to diffuse the situation with a joke or a silly action. I love how much fun he is, and the good time we have with him. I love Thomas!!!

2008-11-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Olivia (or Livvy) is a total girl. She would wear a dress every day if we let her. She likes purple and pink. She likes her hair done pretty, but has this horrible habit of cutting it herself!

She was too impatient to wait until her due date, so she kicked her way out 5 weeks early. For some reason she also didn't want to be the youngest, so she made sure to be born 20 minutes before her brother.

It is fun to see her play with with other girls, and dress up and be all "girly". Then she will be covered in dirt, fighting her brothers, and holding her own. I love that she is able to be both a princess and a warrior!

She is obsessed with our baby right now. If I am gone, and return, she runs up to hug my belly and say hi to her sister. I am an afterthought.

She likes to snuggle and gives lots of loves and kisses. But she also wants to hang on your leg and knock you over as a game!
Having her in our family has changes the dynamics more than I thought possible. We love having a girl in the house, and just totally enjoy her!

2008-11-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Alexander is our smiler! From day one..even hour one, he likes to smile. When we called people from the hospital to spread the news that our babies were here, that was the thing we said about baby Alex...he smiles. And not only does his mouth smile, but his whole face lights up. I have never seen someone use their whole face to show that they are happy.

He is a smart kid. At 4 years old, he can answer quite a few addition problems, and lately has been writing random letters, and then having us tell him what they spell. He likes to share (sort of) and has fun with his twin sister.

He likes to go to friends houses and play, or to ride his bike or scooter around the neighborhood. He is fearless, so I get a little frightened to leave him unsupervised outside for very long.

He is so loving to me, and will climb up on my lap to give me a hug. When I kiss him, he wipes it off...but it is just so I will attack him with more kisses.

He loves to play with his big brothers, and is learning all kinds of things from them. He can be rough, but is quick to say sorry when he hurts you...at least if it is an accident. He doesn't like to apologize when he hurts on purpose!

His favorite movie was Cars, but now it depends on the day. He loves blue, and mac & cheese. He is not a big fan of pizza. Not many parents have to tell their kids that they can't have more salad until they have finished their 1 piece of pizza, but that's Alex!

He is exhausting, and tries my patience on a daily basis...but I wouldn't trade him for anything! I love him so much, and he is a fabulous member of our family!!!!!

2008-11-14T15:15:00.001-07:00

I have read several blogs over the last few days, and there seems to be a theme. Thankfulness. I am so blessed, and have much to be thankful for, but, believe it or not, my greatest joy is my children. They make me smile daily, and give me the giggles all the time. So, bear with me over the next few days as I highlight each of my fabulous children...and my wonderful husband!

2008-11-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Our family were all Star Wars charcters this year. Brandon is a Jedi, Hudson is Darth Maul, Thomas is a Jedi, Livvy is Padme, and Alex is Yoda! It was fun. I was going to turn my belly into the Death Star, but we ran out of time. I guess I could be "space"?

Field Trip

2008-10-26T16:13:00.000-06:00

Alex and Olivia had a field trip to Black Island Farms. They got to pick their own pumpkin, and they had fun rides and activities for the kids. All you sad people without twins don't get to do fun stuff like this!!

They have never been on a real teeter-totter. As you can see, they are having a great time!

Snow in October

2008-10-12T09:04:00.000-06:00

This morning, October 12, I was awakened early (thanks Alex) and went to the kitchen to get a drink. I saw something on the back porch and decided to see what it was. I was totally speechless when I saw 7 inches of snow!!!! I decided to go tell Alex, since he was already awake. Soon the boys came upstairs and were equally excited. Once Liv woke up and Alex told her, she ran in to tell Brandon (it is now all of 6:30) "Daddy, Daddy, guess what day it is? I looked outside and it is wintertime!"
After seeing their excitement and joy over snow, I am trying to remember what it felt like to be a kid, and see the fun in little things! Maybe we'll have a mellow, no stress day. We can all be kids!!

Alex's Halloween pupmkin on the front steps!

Yes... that is our garden. I was not expecting this snow!!!

The kids thought this was a snowman. It is just our trike, left out in the weather. Who did they think had built a snowman at 6am?

2008-10-12T08:52:00.001-06:00

Liv playing and freezing in the snow!

Alex showing how he makes snowballs!

Thomas and the "base" of the snowman!

Hudson working on the 2nd layer of snowman!

Amazing! Proof that they can work together!

The final result...

Pumpkin-Head Snowman

2008-10-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

We took a family vacation day (skipped church) and drove up around the Alpine Loop. The trees were beautiful, and the air had that crisp fall scent!! The kids had fun seeing all the changes, and we only had a little bit of "are we there yet?" These are some pictures taken at Cascade Springs!

September 28, 2008

2008-09-25T19:13:00.000-06:00

Baby News...
For anyone who didn't know(?) we are pregnant. We just passed 21 weeks, and things are going great. I am feeling the baby move, and growing bigger by the day! Also...last weeks ultrasound revealed that our baby is a girl!!! We are so excited to even our numbers out a little. Livvy is especially excited to have a sister!!

2008-09-19T23:19:00.000-06:00

Alex's first day of preschool at Jellybean Junction. He is excited to play with new friends and new toys!

2008-09-19T23:15:00.000-06:00

This is Olivia's first day of school. She is going to preschool at Jellybean Junction on Monday and Wednesday afternoon. She can be shy, so it will be good for her to make some new friends, and play!

2008-09-19T23:08:00.000-06:00

This is Hudson's first day of 3rd grade. He is in the Spectrum program, and so will be going to a new school. He is excited about the new friends he will make, and about not being bored during class!

2008-09-19T23:05:00.000-06:00

This is Thomas' first day of 1st grade. He is excited, showing off the "tooth hole" in his mouth. He is happy to go to all-day school, mostly because he will get 2 recesses and lunch!

Here We Go

2008-09-19T22:46:00.000-06:00

Ok folks...Here we go! I am officially blogging! It will take me a while to figure all this out, so be patient!