Wake up and smell the roses!

For more than half my life I have given my time and efforts to other people almost 100%. I have been a dedicated wife and mother and worked circles around my coworkers wherever I have worked. I don't say this in a bragadocious way at all. No, in fact if you know me I would deny I was busy and volunteer to help you in any way. Well, needless to say it has taken it's toll on me. To the point that I don't know what to do with myself unless I am full-throttle-can't-breathe-busy. It's actually a sickness. Big Daddy has encouraged me for many years to get a hobby, get a life and get out of the house more. I have always felt that my hobby was my job, I couldn't possibly spend more time away from my family. You see what I've done?

So, for the last several months I've been dedicating time to myself. I'm so shocked that my house hasn't fallen down, the laundry still gets done and everyone is well fed. On top of this, I have read many books I've been putting off for years. I stopped insisting that I do EVERYTHING for family dinners. I learned what a blog was and started it. I sought out alternative treatment for my chronic pain. I weaned myself off all of my prescription medications and on to natural or herbal remedies. I filled out an application to volunteer at the hospital. I am in the process of purchasing the sewing machine of my dreams so I can take up crafting again. I love to do my Zumba dancing workout every morning. I am participating in a radical weight loss plan that will be successful. It feels good to be alive again. Who knows, maybe I'll even learn to golf!

10 Things About Me

Fine. I'll be "IT".

1. I LOVE Delilah. FM100 in the evenings. I love elevator music in general. I know most the songs and can sing them by heart and they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

2. Peanut Butter is my favorite food --hands down. I think I might be a teeny bit allergic, or maybe I just overeat it because sometimes I eat so much peanut butter I get kinda sick. :( What is wrong with me?!

3. Everyone knows I have a twin brother. But I don't think everyone knows I consider him my best friend. Besides Big Daddy of course. But I can tell him pretty much anything, finish his sentences, read his thoughts. I trust him with my secrets. I have no idea if it's a twin thing or not having never been anything else. I just know that's how it is.

4. I always wanted alot of kids. I wasn't blessed to have all the right plumbing for alot of kids. I'm lucky to have conceived the two I did. Instead I married a family who graciously invited me to help parent 4 more kids. It's been a wonderful ride.

5. I can't wait to have treasure hunts with the grandkids. I have the perfect treasure chest.

6. I'm a closet cowgirl. I secretly listen to country music in the car. I LOVE to wear my red cowgirl boots. It makes me feel like I can do anything and nobody will give me any crap. Well. Alot of my family will give me crap when they read this.

7. I get my feelings hurt easily. Sometimes it takes me years to get over stuff. I work on this daily. Sometimes hourly.

8. I'm a giver. I like to give things to people and do for others. It makes me really happy. I love to watch our children eat. I love gift giving and I've been known to go ape.

9. I love a beautiful yard but I hate to work in the yard. Such a diva.

10. I really wanted to be a nurse when I grew up. I'm over it.

Nana Fridays

Friday's are pretty much my favorite day of the week. I excuse myself from the outside grown up world that requires hair styling, matching clothes and make up and sit and play with our two adorable grandsons. Life revolves around Carter and Rayder one day a week. I don't answer work phone calls. In fact, I only answer phone calls that are imperative. I only have two hands and they are usually holding one or both of them on Nana Fridays. It's THE best!

I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we aren't cooped up all day. I look forward to stroller rides, going to the park and swinging, playing in the sand box, kicking the ball, rolling on the grass... etc. etc. etc.

I did not have the opportunity to have a close bond with my grandparents. Mostly because they were too old to get on the floor and play silly games or even hold me on their lap by the time I came along. I think my brother and I were #40 and #41 among 50+ grandchildren. I was so thrilled that grand babies came along early enough in life that I can get to know them and become great playmates and friends with them.

I WIN!

I had to post this ADORABLE song before Elle did..... (click please) we can't wait to teach it to Carter.

Hot Shot or Not

Today my baby boy is interviewing for a position with the Lone Peak Hot Shots. His dream is to become a fire fighter and I think this is an honorable and worthwhile selection for a career. I do have my concerns though. It's dirty, dangerous, and he will be gone for weeks at a time without contact with his Mommy. Whether he becomes a Hot Shot, he is always a Hot Shot to me. Good Luck, son.


I forgot how to post a video, so click here to see what Hot Shots do....

Winter Blahs

I really am not allowed to complain. I returned ten days ago from Florida where it was warm and sunny. I can't tell you how badly I want to run away from home right now. Our latest storm dumped about 10 inches. We are running out of places to pile the snow.

The weather in Florida was a balmy 68-75 every day. We climbed to the top of a lighthouse, went to Epcot, saw alligators, oh and golfed.



The highlight of the trip was getting to meet up with Dustin, Craig's nephew in St. Louis. Dustin is a pilot for Sky West and he got to fly us home. We were treated to extra Biscoff Cookies, a Shout Out from the cockpit and an extra special landing that was super smooth. Thanks Dustin!

Alrighty Then.....

After 13 years of marriage and alot of nagging I never once got any Christmas ideas from Craig. He always wanted me to spend the Christmas budget on the kids. He was happy to get nothing. This year? 2007? I got catalogs with things circled in RED! Also, he has done more Christmas shopping than I have already this year. (see above) This is worth posting about.

See below for some of the things on Craig's list this year:

Two different Radio Controlled Helicopters from Hammacher Schlemmer
were circled.

Golf Pushcart from Prindle

5 Language Talking Translator from Prindle

Clogs from Herrington

Slippers something like these from Cabelas

I don't know if Santa will be able to get all these things, but she sure wants to !