Like nails on a chalkboard

I LOVE Christmas music. I even listen in July when I can. However, I think that I will try to get a new law passed. From now on, both Rod Stewart and Michael Bolton will be banned from singing Christmas songs. Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I can't stand it any longer! Oh, and Neil Diamond - you're next on the list so don't get too comfortable.

Every night our sweet babies, Scotty and Emily, wait excitedly for their daddy to come home. This is one of my favorite things to see.


Of course, what you don't see is me with my nose smooshed up against the other front window anxiously waiting for him while I make dinner. The best time of my day is when he gets home.

Circus Freak

Mikey discovered a new talent the other night during his shower. I hope he's using soap at some point.

Had my name on it alright....

It gets pretty windy here, especially when a front rolls in. The strong wood post is completely shattered. It has been basically sitting in wet dirt for about 2 years now thanks to our lovely neighbors up behind us. Yep - they still have a leak somewhere and we get to reap the benefits of it. I felt the busted wood this morning and the wood fibers feel just like crepe paper.


Oh, and apparently, the grass is indeed greener on the other side.

Playing catch up

I took a picture of a miraculous thing today. We have had this balloon since Zack's birthday. I cannot believe that it has lasted since September 19th!!! Why is it that the ones I pay for barely make it through to the end of the party?



Also, this past Sunday, we took our family picture. Here are some of the fun extras.

Extra Nutrition?

I am so bad.

Last night during the football game, I was making pizza. As I took it out of the oven, the flimsy tray it was on bent in half. Thank you, Papa Murphy's.
As it bent in half, it burned the back of two of my fingers, slithered down the front of the cabinets and onto the floor. Well, at least the cheesy part did.

I was so mad. I knew I had to act fast, didn't this apply for the 10 second rule? After I yelled at the darn thing, Zack and I quickly picked up the glob of goo and did the unthinkable.

We put it back on the crust.

We then mushed it around to cover the entire pizza. It ended up looking like someone barfed pizza all over it. Yummy. What the kids don't know, right?

On the bright side, the kitchen floor had been cleaned that day, a miracle in and of itself. Plus, we can think of it as just trying to strengthen our children. You know - whatever doesn't hurt them just makes them stronger.

No?

Serenity Now....

Ok, so I was in a bit of a panic yesterday. It all started by watching the news. It always does. It was turning out to be another really bad day for the market, and the bailouts were all over the place - basically we're going to you-know-where in a hand basket. A very fast one. This, of course, caused me to panic. Again.

I knew I had to bulk up on some food storage, so I made my lists for both Costco and Wal*Mart. It was a very, very long list. The kind where if I speed walk my entire visit, it takes me a full hour and ten minutes from beginning to end. I practically run, so watch out people. For those of you who don't know me too well, I am an extremely anal shopper. Prices have to be at their lowest, all the cold stuff first, then canned good, then boxed stuff, and so on. I think that it is therapeutic to have control over some things. Anyway, where was I?

I went to Wal*Mart today for my weekly shopping trip. (I love Wal*Mart - they price match, too!) Today, I noticed an even bigger, faster jump in prices. This made me sick to my stomach. Prices have gone up so much in just one week. For example, Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo went from $1.39 (used to be 97 cents 4 months ago) to $1.70 and canned corn jumped from 50 cents to 78 cents a can. Ouch!

I have no idea how bad things are going to get. I am the "We're all gonna die!" kind of personality, so I always try to plan for complete devastation. My dear, sweet hubby puts up with so, so much.

Some may say that if no one panics, it will be OK. However, I know that prices go up regardless of one's state of mind. It's not a food shortage, it's a dollar that's getting weaker every day. I would rather buy food at an almost decent price by "panicking" now than by having to get it if the prices climb higher - which they will.

So, this anxiety ridden day brought on two, count them, two migraines. It was great...good times. However, I have come to rely on our Prophet's words of hope, the knowledge that I have done my best to 'be prepared', and the confidence that my husband's job is a secure one. GM is a great company to work for - safe and sound.

Fourth fourth

Thank heavens a friend tagged me with this one. I had been drawing a blogging blank recently. I hate that. I am practically up all night if I don't put up a new post within 4 days. It drives me bonkers. So, anyway, here is my fourth photo from my fourth folder. The only problem is.....my fourth folder doesn't have a fourth photo, so I did the next best thing. This is a picture from 2002 and it's of Mikey and Zack showing off. Cute little Zachary is in the background. Obviously, talent runs deep in our family.



I'll tag Erika, Shaunell, Jeana, and both of my Jessicas. Suckers!

Who knew?

Recently, someone tripped over the child gate in the doorway of our office and broke it. Since then, Emily has been sneaking in and has been apparently 'working' at the computer. So, to make it official...I put our 16 month old at a computer this morning. The keyboard is not hooked up, so she can't do too much damage. She has been watching PBS kids videos on their website. She is so funny. She types so fast and furious. I wonder if she is blogging, and if so, what do you think she is blogging about?

Dear blog,
Man, my mom is so mean. I had breakfast at 8:30am and then I cried a lot (I don't know why, either) so my mom stuck me in my bed at 9:30am. My mom won't let me stay up late at all. A few fits and wham-o off to bed. Sheesh! Parents just don't understand. I can't wait until I am 4, then I'll have some fun and some freedom! Oh, and I am having such a bad hair day today.

The Crazies

A while back, someone tagged me on making a list of quirky things about myself. It's taken about 3-4 weeks to come up with these things. How boring is that? I know I have others 'issues' but these were all I could come up with for quirkinesses. (Is that even a word?) So, here we go:

1. My extra fridge in the garage has to be full of milk. It stresses me out if it gets even close to empty. At our house we drink milk like it's going out of style. We drink about 1 1/2 gallons per day. It needs to be full because what if there is a milk shortage or a natural disaster? I can do without a lot of things, but milk is not one of them. **knock on wood.
Beautiful picture, isn't it?



2. Whenever I go anywhere, even if I am alone, I count the kids and lock the van doors multiple times. A lot of multiple times. For example, if we are going to church, (the street behind us) I count at least twice and lock the doors as many times. I even tend to lock the doors before Zack can go around to his side and get in. Just going to Wal*Mart (7 minutes away) requires at least 4 headcounts and 4 to 5 door locking sessions. A trip down to BYU is a very busy one for me.

3. This summer I have to say that I was much better when it came to my freak outs with bees. However, I realize that even though I have calmed down a lot, I still have a ways to go. I found (to every one's delight) that when I am in the van and a bee comes by my window, I lock the doors as fast as I can and then hold down the window 'up' button for the duration of the bee's visit. I don't know if it's because I am worried that the bee will somehow be able to open my door and get me or if I am afraid that the door and window will spontaneously break open and let the bee in. That, or I fear that Zack will roll my window down from his side just to get a rise out of me.



4. I LOVE to cook and bake. I love to cook things that can take over an hour to prepare. Everyday, if possible. This is my thinking time. Plus, I get to listen to Glenn Beck and laugh my head off - he's so right on and funny at the same time.

5.I have conversations with 'other' people in my head and then expect Zack to be in on what 'we' were talking about, even if it is several weeks after the 'conversation'.

6. I have very long thought out (and always very dire) scenarios playing in my mind. I'll take one idea and have a full 5 year plan on what I would do 'if'....

OK, now I am embarrassed. As I read through these, I realize how crazy I am sounding. So, don't be scared the next time you see me, come and say hi. After all, I might be 'talking' to you already.

Pity Party - My house 7pm sharp

As Lucille Ball would say..."Wahhhhhhhhhh!!!"

I am so sad right now, not that I wasn't expecting to be. My bigger worry is the combination of Congress and the new President. If anyone wants to join us for a pity party, come on over.


We will be discussing topics such as:

*How to say good-bye to free speech without creating a scene. (The Fairness Doctrine)
*Best places to hide your guns if you are actually able to keep them.
*How best to cling to your God.
*How not to have your job become unionized.
*How to frame artifacts - This week's piece, The Constitution.

Tongue in cheek? Maybe, maybe not.

Happy Halloween!

Here are pictures of our kids in their Halloween costumes. We had a great time this year even if it was little wet. At least they didn't have to wear big coats over their costumes this year. When I get a copy of a picture of my halloween costume I'll be sure to post it.

Zachary loves Greek mythology, so he chose to be Zeus.


Mikey was a nerd. I think he dedicated his costume to Weird Al. If you have no idea what I am talking about, he has a fun song called...White and Nerdy and the kids love it.


Tommy decided to be Charlie Brown's ghost from The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.


Scotty was Nachooooo Libre. We found an authentic Nacho Libre wrestling mask while we were in San Antonio.


Halloween was especially fun for Zack and I since we are able to WOW ourselves with a cute little girl to dress up. We couldn't get enough of her this year. She actually kept these glasses on all night. We couldn't believe it. She loved trick or treating and showing off her cuteness to everyone.

Life in the fast lane

Just in case there is another injury discovered this Sunday at church...I want evidence that it wasn't the stairs this time.

Remember The Alamo!

OK, OK, OK....from now on, whenever I am asked where I am from, I will say 'Texas'. No more, 'here and there' or 'from all over'. I was born in Houston, so...I am a Texan through and through. Zack and I had a great time while we were in San Antonio. We learned so much about the Alamo and it's history (I had forgotten most of it). There is such a strong Spirit there - one that can't be ignored. It was neat to see the Texas Rangers guarding the fort and on the inside it was so quiet as everyone took in the magnitude of what took place there. Inside they had really neat artifacts like Davy Crockett's vest and gun and Jim Bowie's knife. Every one who fought there knew what they were fighting for and that they would die fighting for it.
One of the most impressive things was that the entire area surrounding the Alamo was built and continues to be built to where nothing will ever cast a shadow on the Alamo. Isn't that so respectful? I love it.
Across the street, there are little souvenir shops and there was one in particular that stood out to us - but not in a good way. The workers there would shout loudly about what they were selling which really seemed to try to drown out the peacefulness we all felt. It was saddening to see that they had no clue what they were encroaching on and that they were the type that couldn't even recognize the spiritual nature of the Alamo. Sad, but I am thinking not too rare anymore these days. They reminded me of the people who were in the great and spacious building who jeered and mocked those who were choosing the Lord's way. Anyway, every time they would start to yell and holler, the Texas Rangers looked over at them like they wanted to just wring their necks - I'd let them if I could.
As we went about our sightseeing and visiting the beautiful city, I told Zack that I thought the the Texas chip on my shoulder was getting bigger and bigger the longer we stayed there. He laughed and said that he thinks that once you consider yourself a Texan, you'll never think otherwise. I think he's right. No other state was ever left to fight for their Independence. So, Texans do have a reason to be proud - and don't ever say anything negative or you'll regret it ;)

Here are some fun pics of our trip...

Some of the many Texas Rangers at the Alamo...


Some of the very lush landscaping...


The very fun and gorgeous River Walk...





My beloved places for a treat...





My Texas attitude...


In the market plaza where there are sooo many shops, this beautiful woman's self portrait kept popping up. So pretty .....right? And yes, that is a moustache.



And last but definatley not the least - our welcome home...

See ya'll soon!

Eating Crow

Zack has been in San Antonio for a few days now on business. He has always had a chip on his shoulder about Texas. This is because everyone who has ever lived there has to say that everything (no matter what it is) is bigger and better in Texas. I have been guilty of doing this, but only when it's true. Right? So, anyway, Zack has never believed that Texas is a beautiful and exciting state. Well, today, Zack is eating crow. He loves it there. He has told me that everyone is so friendly and that it is just beautiful. He even went as far as emailing me a picture of a tree (gorgeous as can be) that was so big (ahem!) that it would never fit in our yard. How funny is that?!


I miss you, Zack and I am thrilled to bits that you are loving Texas!

Boo-ya, baby!

Oh, what a beautiful morning!! Our thermostat inside our home read 54 degrees this morning! Hot chocolate for all!

Funny, people joke about having to wear mittens and coats when they come visit us...I guess that's not too far off.

Brothers are good people!

Mikey and Scotty love to play outside. What a creative idea! Way to go, Mikey!

Wow, is all I can say

I am not Catholic, but I am in awe of this video they have made...




Thanks, Karen!

Chilling memory

As I was refilling Emily's wipes container today, I had a flash back to when Scotty was a baby. It's not a big deal or anything, but here's a tip from what I learned from the experience. Don't leave baby wipes in the car during the winter. Jack Frost makes the diaper change much less enjoyable.

Now Open!

When I was about 10 years old, my sister allowed me to cut her hair into a simple bob. It didn't turn out quite the way it was supposed to, but at 10, what can one really expect? She was just asking for it, right? I thought it looked great - who cares if it was 4 inches shorter than what she wanted. I had to make sure it even all the way around. This was when I decided to open my own hair salon...I called it, "The Get What You Get Hair Salon". I actually got quite good - until my brother and I laughed at the same time and he ended up with a bald spot.

When we first got married, I cut Zack's hair and then the boys as they came along. After I had to do all five in a single stretch, I started to get really sick of it. Thus began our first in a line of many paid for haircuts.

Well, after 2 years of spending over $60.00 every 8 weeks for the men in my family to keep lookin' fine, I am fed up. I hate cutting hair, but I am willing to make the sacrifice if it means more money in the bank. Now is really not the time to be blowing money on every little thing. Last week I discovered a little haircutting place called Cookie Cutters - they only cut kids hair. I thought, awesome! Finally, good cuts for a decent price! Boy was I wrong. For a typical boy's haircut it is $14.00!! WHAT THE CRAP?!?

So if anyone is in the market for an unlicensed traditional boy's or men's haircut for about five bucks, let me know. The Get What You Get Hair Salon is back in business.




P.S. If anyone sees Rachel H. let her know she gets 2 cuts free - I owe her.

Look-a-likes

Guess which one is Emily.

I want to see this so badly!!

In loving memory

This morning my Grandpa Lay passed away. I knew him as Choo-Choo train Grandpa. Every time we went to visit my mother's parent's we would always see choo-choo trains on the way to their house. I remember as we drove, we would see the big sugar silos on the way and lots and lots of open fields in Sugarland, Texas.
I remember that he was a quiet and gentle man and he was extremely devoted to my grandma. I remember being a little scared of him because he was so tall and his southern accent so rich, and I didn't want to do anything to cross him. Not that I had ever seen him get upset or anything.
A funny habit he had (in my opinion) is that he loved his 'stories'. I don't think that he ever missed an episode of The Young and the Restless in the past 20 years or so...oh, and how he loved his ice cream!
As I grew older, I noticed other things about him. Every year, he would send a birthday card to us - I had always thought that it was my grandma who did that. He was an extremely hard worker and he always kept a large barrelled handgun in the back of his pants or in his recliner. Scared me to death when I first saw it. I was spending the night there when I was about 17 and I was terrified that he'd think I was a stranger walking around in his house at night. Apparently, this was not a new thing either. My parents made him lock it up when we were little so we never saw it. Oh, the good ol' days!

I am happy to say that my mom, an only child, was able to be by his side in his final moments. She told me this morning that she keeps floundering between sadness for her and happiness for him. I am a little worried about her, her plate has been so full recently, and I hope that she knows how much we love her and are here for her. I know that no one can replace her daddy, but what blessings the temple brings! The knowledge that we are sealed to our families for eternity is such a great comfort. Can you imagine the reunion? So many people on the other side have been waiting patiently to be with him again. Grandma especially.

I will miss him greatly. I had hoped that my children would be able to meet him before he passed and that saddens me that they will never know this great man in this life, but at least I know that he can see them now.

I love you, Grandpa!


PS: On a lighter note - when I was telling the boys that Great-grandpa Lay had gone to heaven, Scotty asked, "Did he walk there?" I replied, "I don't know how he got there." Then Scotty asked, "Well, what car did he take?" I love the sweet innocence of children!

Amber Alert

Has anyone received their September church magazines yet?


Is this their way of saying that we don't have to worry about our home/visiting teaching this month?

I am NOT an Animal!

Believe it or not, he fell down the cement stairs again. Pretty soon, this comment isn't going to wash anymore. We were looking at the double rainbows early this morning on our front steps. I ran inside to get Mikey when I heard Scotty start to scream. I ran out and this is what I found. He apparently had put his arms inside his jammie shirt, so when he fell, he had nothing to stop his fall.


Oddly enough, about an hour after we got back from Mikey's football game, Scotty fell down the stairs again but this time there were no injuries. Phew!

It's His Birthday!!!

It's Zack's 34th birthday today and I am so happy that I am married to such a wonderful man. Thank you, Lewis & Karen - you did a great job! And Zack, you are THE BEST!!!
He makes me laugh, smile, sing for joy, cry (in a 'laughing so hard I'm crying' kind of way), and he makes me so happy. Happier than I ever thought I'd be.
I thought I might share some of his best pictures. Maybe they'll make you smile or laugh, too! I saved the best for last - hee, hee, hee!

Girl's Night Out

A group of some of my peeps and I went to Park City for a great girl's night out. We started with a wild goose chase because the lying liars lied about where their office was relocated to - still kind of fun. Then we had dinner here - so yummy.

This was so much fun. I certainly learned quite a bit about them - there's no way around it when you jabbering away until 3:30 in the morning. So sleepy!
The hot tub was great, the stories hilarious, and the company - out of this world. You guys are great!!
The best line of the night - "How's the butt stew?!?" (yeah, a bit edgy, but how else can one find out how the hot tub is from the third story condo balcony?)

Besides the silliness and the crazies, I am grateful for the wisdom I heard from all of my wonderful friends and the devotional in the morning was very inspired - I definitely needed it!
However,I can't believe that with 10 ladies, not a single picture was taken. Grrrrr......

Suzie - you are the best, it seems to get better and better every year! Thanks again!!

Jafar

Today, Zachary and Mikey went to the orthodontist. Zachary will be getting a spacer to widen his upper jaw and then there's Mikey. Poor, poor Mikey....apparently his mouth is a wee bit too crowded.


Mikey has to have seven teeth pulled. All at once. Seven!!! His mouth will be like raw hamburger for about 4 days. Have you seen Mikey? He's a toothpick. I am afraid that he will whither away without stuff to keep him bulked up. What's going to happen if he turns sideways? He'll disappear and we may never see him again.

A new man

Scotty got his cast off yesterday! He is still a little apprehensive about using it, but the first thing he did yesterday, without my knowledge, was to play in the water outside. I guess 3 weeks without splashing around was too long of a wait for him.

Also, last Wednesday was Scotty's first day of preschool. He loves to play in the sand (much easier to do without the cast) and paint. I don't know who loves it better, him or me. This is the first time in a looooong time that I have had a clean kitchen for longer than about 3 hours.

If you want to witness the "brutal" cast removal here you go. Unfortunately, his nurse didn't believe him when he said "Ow" - then she once even tried to just pull it off. What?!? His cast apparently got water in it at some point and it became like a second skin - yummy. He still has little tiny mesh marks on his arm.