The Birthday Girls!

Happy Birthday to two of my favorite girls!! Today is my mom's birthday and last Friday was Addi's big day (2)!!!!


My mom will have a full week celebrating with her many, many dear friends! We were supposed to go out to celebrate last night, but were snowed in (Ben and Suzie literally)! So tonight we will meet for pizza, let the kids run wild, and celebrate!! Each year on our birthdays my mom makes us share something we love about the birthday person and/or a funny memory, so mom here goes:

1 - I have hundreds of funny memories (my mom is not very reserved) , such as when my mom was shopping and a nice young man was helping her. Using her best french accent she dramatically asked and what accent do you speak with? To which he replied, "No accent, speech impediment". To which my quick witted mother replied, "Well, I would play it up, it sounds French"!
Lately, I have enjoyed teasing her about her bloggin fan club (it is a very big club with very low membership dues - although she is requesting President Hinkley thoughts/quotes for her b-day!!!)

2 - I have even more things that I love about her than I do funny memories (which you know has got to be a lot)!! I love that she shares her home and heart with everyone, she loves to serve people, she is very generous with her time and talents.. hey this reminds me of a book I gave her last year “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson (Carol Lynn Pearson’s Daughter.) It is a charming children’s book, with one person doing something nice and it is played forward until billions are affected. At the back of the book, I added an addendum:

Not-So-Ordinary Mary(lyn’s) Extraordinary Deed

"I loved this book so much because it puts into words the impact that one person can have on the world. My not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) has taught me to reach out to others in kindness. A few of the thousands of acts of love include: taking dinner to not one but six families (and not for an evening but like a year or two), sharing compliments with those you love (and total strangers), stocking cupboards for kids, in-laws, friends, and again, strangers, sharing a sympathetic ear to anyone who needs a lift, Christmas pixies, making enough treats to “Boo” everyone in the neighborhood (so no one feels left out), leaving treats for people that your children tee-peed, buying gift cards for people and giving them out “just because”, filling and sharing coin jars, volunteering to help set-up, decorate, clean-up and in any and every way held with Ward activities, showers, etc., etc., supplying lovely food and decorations for people’s weddings (even friends of friends of friends), hugging (even those who appear not huggable), assuming the best of others, forgiving, and sharing literally all that you are blessed with to brighten the lives of others. You truly shine with kindness and generosity. What a wonderful example you are to me, to my children, and to literally hundreds of others. I am so grateful that a not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) is my mommy! "

Happy Birthday Mom from your Biggest Fan!!!!

(I will post Addi's b-day pics and post later this week - she is soo cute even if she is two - yikes!)

President Hinkley June 23, 1910 - Jan. 27, 2008

I realize that so many people will be posting their thoughts about this wonderful man and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but since this blog is my journal I didn't want to let the oppurtunity pass without writings down my thoughts about this great man. I know that he was a prophet of God and am grateful that he dedicated his life to serving the Lord. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we have a prophet of God who can provide us with direction and counsel. I loved President Hinkley, I believe that most members of the church probably felt endeared to him as I did. He was happy and witty and had boundless energy which he used to serve the Lord. I loved last conference when he jokingly "knighted" President Eerying. Most importantly though I loved hearing and pondering his counsel. I am grateful for his and his family's many sacrifices as they served us and served the Lord. I am grateful that the Lord continues to lead and guide us through his Prophets on the earth today.



I will share one quote that I love from President Hinkley that I just shared with my young women today:



"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh you memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience."



Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006

Pajama Party or Tornado...... you decide!

I do not profess to have the cleanest home on the street, but I promise our upstairs does not usually look like this! Ryan warned me that the girls were "playing very age appropriately"! I asked like makeup, he laughed like dress ups - dress ups all over the floor style! Boy was he right! Sign of a good pajama party wouldn't you say!?!

Here's a few other cute pics of the little ladies:






This picture is so funny, Rylee really was nuzzled up like this to Gracie, Gracie however wasn't asleep but as soon as she saw the camera, closed her eyes and pretended to be fast asleep - ha!!

Three things I did this week:
1. We are all well and so I was finally able to take Parker and Gracie skiing yesterday! One word: BRRRRRR!! Despite the below freezing temperatures we had a good time, it was a beautiful drive, the snow was good, and according to the kids the best part was being able to spend time with Uncle Ben! My brother, met us and helped me help the kids, and then his girlfriend joined us after work too! It was Gracie's first trip and she loved it, just wanted to keep going!! Parker had a rough day, I'm not sure what to do to help him have a more positive attitude when things are difficult or challenges arise - any suggestions?????? All in all it was a beautiful day in a winter wonderland!
2. I attended my first young womens' activity - the girls are darling!!!
3. Addi's first haircut - it turned out so cute! I love the little bob and a-line cuts, but I have always grown out my girls hair. I figured this little girl was my last chance, so I better see how it looked!! Love it!!!


Three things I am thinking about:
1. MaryAnn: today is the one year mark. Last night Dennilynne, Karen, Katena and I went and decorated her grave so that if her family or anyone goes up to visit it will be all pretty and happy!! It has been a hard week for the family, I am praying that this next year is filled with peace and blessings for them!
2. Corby & Suzanne's family - Corby (Ryan's big brother) is going back to Iraq for a year in a few weeks! I am just worried for all of them and sad that we won't have him around this next year, trying to decide what we can do to ease burdens, just trying to make sense of it all!
3. Lemon Meringue Pie - my cute friend Stacy called and left me a love message yesterday! At one point she said that she hoped I could make a big ol Lemon Meringue Pie with all these lemons we have been handed recently! I giggled at first, but have really been trying to think how I can make the most of circumstances and recent events. I think it will take some more pondering, but feel that this is worth figuring out!


Three people I am grateful for:
1. My Mom - She watches the kids for me every Monday when I work. This week she also offered to take the kids on Wed. night since it was going to be chaotic running between the pinewood derby and Young Women's. Then she watched the 2 babes yesterday so I could take Parker and Gracie skiing! I don't know what I would do without her!!!
2. My brothers - My brothers are so good with my kids and my kids all absolutely adore my brothers!!! This week Tanner drove out to our house after work (not close for him) to pick up my girls to take to my mom for me! Then later he offered to drive the 25 minute drive to bring them home for us! He stayed and visited for several hours with his girlfriend Brooke - I love him mostest!! (Inside joke)! I am also grateful that Ben would block out a day for us and take us skiing! The kids love it when it is winter because then Ben is home (he lives in Alaska in the summer, just follows the snow)! He is the best (and soooo cute)!!
3. The Primary Presidency - I haven't blogged about this yet, because I am so emotional that I have been avoiding thinking about it! I am no longer serving in primary with these AMAZING women and kids! I have loved getting to know these ladies and serving with them! They have amazing testimonies, love the kids, and are just wonderful people! Serving in the primary this past year has truly been one of the best experiences in my life!!! I will miss you all so much (even if we are still in the same ward)!!!!

Three little "splashes of happy" this week:
1. A sweet thank you note from Mandy was in my inbox when I arrived home Wed. night (after my little fender bender)! The sweetest thing was the timing she had sent it earlier that day and it just filled me at just the right time!
2. FREE BREAD!! Last night after we decorated MaryAnn's grave we stopped by the KNEADERS in Herriman for hot chocolate! We all ended up getting a lot more than hot chocolate, but anyway we were all talking and giggling and the managers came out and said they are trying to promote their artisan breads and had a loaf for each one of us!!! We laughed even harder when we all agreed that the only reason they brought it to us was because Katena was with us and besides being beautiful she has the BEST LUCK ever!!! Anyway the bread was delish!!!!!!
3. By the time we made it off the tow ropes and to the lifts it was 3:00 and Alta/Snowbird have a ski free after 3 deal every day soooo we skied for free - woohoo!
3+: The Pinewood Derby is over AND Parker's "car" (skateboard) took 3rd place overall and was awarded most unique design! He was so excited!!

So you have had a bad week....

You may have noticed I haven't changed the song. It still fits!! Tonight I was pulling out of the church parking lot after racing between YWs and Pinewood Derby right into another non-moving object (Sweet Gracie said , "well it least it wasn't a human!") anyway fortunately for me the guy was hit by a semi-truck earlier this week in the same place that I hit him, but unfortunately my car did not fair so well - what's new!! So maybe we can get a 2 for 1 since Ryan's car was broken into this week, resulting in a shattered windshield and the loss of his cell phone and $40 of scout awards!! So do I dare say........ here's to tomorrow!!

Happy - Happy - Birthday -Olya - Dear!!

Today is Olya's 21st birthday (j/k), but I do always tease her how much younger she is than me (im just jealous)!! I love Olya and am so grateful that she and her cute family decided to move into our neighborhood a few years ago! She is a wonderful person, mother, and friend! She is truly beautiful inside and out - hope you have a fabulous day!!!

Happy B-day Jeanette!!

Gimme a "H"
Gimme a "A"
Gimme a "P"
Gimme a "P"
Gimme a "Y"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Can you believe we are still celebrating birthdays together?! Jeanette and I have been friends since Junior High School! I have many memories of cruising around in her orange VW singing at the top of our lungs, hundreds of double dates, trips between Rexburg and Logan, bridesmaids at each others weddings, married life, GNO, and birthday breakfasts (can't wait for Wednsday)!! She is truly one of my best friends, I love her so much and am so grateful that we are still a part of each other's lives!! Happy Birthday !!

So you have had a bad day.......

So here's a recap of our "bad day":
1 - Parker 104.5 fever for 7 hours,broke for 90 min at 101.5
2 - Gracie and Hallee fevers, cough
3 - Addi breaks pinkie finger tip, cuts finger open, loses nail yesterday
4 - Addi one ups us all by receiving 14 stitches above eye while mom is tending to Parker
5 - Receive news that our Nephew on a mission has permanent hearing loss in one ear and the doctors believe a cyst or non cancerous tumor is the cause
6 - Receive news that our niece slid off icy roads on way back to BYU-IDAHO and car landed on side (she's okay)
7 - My BF went into a prenatal appt. and they were not able to find a heartbeat
8 - My brother-in-law was called up to go to IRAQ AGAIN (2nd time)

Here's to tomorrow!!!!!

Santa's Blog

Okay, I just have to post this! If you haven't checked out Santa's blog you must do so! It is great, I wish I would have discovered it before Christmas, but who can't use a little Christmas Cheer all year long! In fact I learned something new, today (January 7th) is Christmas in Egypt, Russia, and Ukraine - who knew!! So Merry Christmas - make sure to check it out it's under my links!

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10!

One thing I appreciated yesterday:
1 - My parents and Ryan's parents both drove across the valley to watch Parker's basketball game! We are blessed to have such supportive family, it really does mean the world to the kids that they support them all so much!

Two things that made me smile yesterday:
1 - Ryan - that's one reason I married him, he makes me laugh and smile
2 - Watching Parker play ball, he didn't have his best game , but he really went after the ball and has the knee wounds to prove it!
Three things I cooked today:
1 - Chicken Delight from a Pinch of Salt Lake
2 - Rice Pilaf
3 - Brownies

Four things that came in the mail yesterday:
1 - No Christmas Cards!!! I LOVE getting cards, I think people should keep sending them even through February!!
2 - 2 medical bills
3 - insurance statement
4 - a thank you note

Five places I went this week:
1 - On Parker's self proclaimed "Birthday Eve" we drove out to Thanksgiving
Point ans saw the light show, it was great and we decided to make it a new Christmas tradition! After, we drove out to Murray to the Christmas Utah house - it was AWESOME! The lights all danced to music that you tuned your radio to, it was so fun! Ryan's mom went with us and we had a wonderful time despite all of the SCREAMING on the way home courtesy of Addi!!


2 - On Parker's birthday we went over to Ryan's parents' for a family party. All of the nieces and nephews from out of state were in so we got together and had a little b-day celebration for Parker complete with a Dallas Cowboy Birthday Cake!

3- On New Years we celebrated the New Year and Parker's b-day with a sledding party up at my mom & dad's place! We had so much fun sledding down the hill and pulling the kids (and me) behind 4 wheelers in the arena! We planned to have a Family Snowman Building Contest, but the snow wouldn't roll so Brooke (my brother's girlfriend) and I did our best to create this beautiful snow face! We grazed on doughnuts, hot chocolate, yummy soup, rolls, pumpkin pie cake and birthday cake!I promised to post the potato cheese soup recipe so here it is:

Potato Cheese Soup
potatoes (1 potato per person)
3/4 of large Velveeta block
small onion, diced
1 cube butter
1-1 ½ c. milk
3/4 c. flour
peas, optional

Dice up cheese. Boil potatoes and onion 15-20 minutes. Stir butter, flour, and milk together to from paste. Add diced cheese. Combine with potatoes and onions, add peas if desired.

4 - On Wednesday I went to work, over to Mitchell's, and then over to a primary planning meeting. I love being able to spend time at the Mitchell's, we love them dearly. When I arrived at the church for the planning meeting, the presidency was all busy crazy trying to get everything ready for the next year. They had been there for hours and stayed until 10:45 pm, I was reminded how much so many people do as they serve in the church. I reminded myself to be more aware and appreciative of others as they try to magnify their callings.
5 - On Thursday we went swimming over at Ryan's parent's clubhouse with my niece and her family. They are up visiting from Texas and we were grateful for the chance to spend some time with them. Her children are all the same ages as mine just a few months older, they however are expecting their 5th child, and we will not be following suit



Six things I'll do today:
1 - Collapse..... (20 + new Sunbeams - need I say more)!!!!
2 - Schedule VT appointments - I missed last month and I have felt really bad about it, so here's to a new year!
3 - Finish this blog post - i hope!
4 - Call my grandparents
5 - Take a birthday present over to Kami (Hallee's friend; Rob & MaryAnn's daughter)
6 - Take a Nap - one can always dream!

Seven things I did this weekend:
1 - Put away Christmas decorations (it took four hours and I'm still not done - aghh)! Ry even put away the outdoor nativity. This is our second year with the nativity and last year we overheard Gracie explaining to Hallee who all the figures were, when she got to the wisemen she exclaimed "These are the ones who built their house on a rock"!! LOL!!
2 - Took Ryan's parents out to eat at Texas Roadhouse for their Christmas present - we had a great time, always do with them!! Their was an hour wait so Raye and I ran over to Macey's and......
3 - Redeemed a gift card I received for Christmas for 2 cute shirts!!
4 - Worked (i have great patients right now, but did have a scare Friday when one patient appeared to have a stroke while I was working with her, i haven't heard what ended up happening and so I am still a little worried).
5 - Went to the Mall - not a typo!! I went with my mom and Gracie after Parker's game. Gracie about hyperventilated when she looked down the aisle at Maceys and saw all the stores, she gasped, "Are we at the mall?", when I responded yes, she threw her arms around me and started jumping up and down. Apparently we don't get out much!!
6 - Went to Nartjie - now I started hyperventilating!! This is my store, i love everything in it and I found a killer clearance sale...I won't make you guess, but I got 12 items (for the girls) for 30.00!!!! Did I mention I love this store!!!??!!!
7 - Took pictures as Gracie got her EARS PIERCED!!! Gracie has wanted to get her ears pierced for over a year, we told her that she could do so as soon as she stopped sucking her thumb! The dentist told us to do whatever it took to get her to stop, so we blame him for the use of bribery!! Anyway, she decided about 10 months ago that she would try to stop, (we told her she had to stop for 21 days though)! When we were at the mall I casually mentioned to her that Dad and I had noticed how she had stopped sucking her thumb this past month and that she could get her ears pierced today! She was sooo excited, a little apprehensive (she was worried she might start sucking her thumb again and quickly decided that if that happened she would just take the earrings out and not wear them until she stopped again)!! She said it did hurt, but she was glad she did it!! I reassured her that just like she overcame her thumb sucking habit, she could overcome anything she needed or wanted to later on in life, she quickly lit and up and responded "yeah, my earrings will remind me that I can do it"! She is too cute - we are proud of you Gracie Raye!!!

Eight people I spoke with yesterday:
1 - Olya - my beautiful girlfriend from Russia (we always say that because it sounds so exotic), she called to check in on me! I miss talking to and seeing her regularly even though we live in the same neighborhood, she used to watch my kids before Addi was born and so I got to see her a lot more!!

2 - Steph - oh I love this girl! We talked about music time stuff and committed as we usually do to dejunk 50 items this week!! We do this like every month, you would think we would run out of stuff to dejunk, but not yet!!
3 - Scott & Kristy - they shared with us what a nice time they had at ward temple night and that there was a good turnout - too bad we weren't there (Ryan's Steelers were playing (& losing) their first playoff game tonight)!!
4 - Teresa R. - I ran into an old friend that Ryan and I grew up with at Parker's b-ball game, it was fun because since both our folks were there they all got to see her too!
5 - Lizzy - we talked ever so briefly at the b-ball game, our boys aren't playing on the same team this year so we just get to see each other in passing
6 - Jeff and Jennifer - Ry coaches with Jeff, they are such Awesome neighbors!!
7 - John L. (aka Red) - I grew up with John, he took the missionary discussions at our home, he is like family to me! He and his family moved to Colorado several years ago, but moved back to Utah about 2 years ago! Ryan now works at the same company and so he gets to see John everyday! Yesterday, he brought his daughter McKenna over earlier in the day, the girls hit it off so well that they came back later that night and watched the Steelers game and the girls got to play again.
8 - Krista B. - coordinating music and sharing time. I love working with this woman, she is organized, efficient, and really gets it!! I hope to be more like her someday when I grow a foot or two!!

Nine totally random thoughts on my mind today:
1 - Pinewood derby - Ry's the Pack master and we need to make a car
2 - Ikea, I just want to go there, LOOOOOOVE that store!!!
3 - Valentine gifts - I'm ancy for some new, fun ideas..anyone???
4 - Parker's room - we are trying to finish a room for him in the basement, hopefully he will be moving in by next weekend!!
5 - Swimming - trying to figure out when I'm, going to take the kids swimming this week and where in the world my swimsuit is (i couldn't find it this week and had to wear my suit from many, many years ago - let's just say not a pretty sight)!!!!
6 - Food - not so random for me, but I'm anxious to try some new recipes
7 - New Year's Resolutions - too many things to improve/work on, I have to shrink the very large list
8 - Budget - I need to do ours for this month, I don't like thinking about this so I'm going to start thinking about
9 - Food - Again!!! Specifically Jen's sugar cookie pan bars, mmmmm!
10 - Julie K. - I need to call her and schedule a get together, i miss her!!

Ten emotions I felt today:
1 - Curiosity - i have an appointment with the Bishop Tuesday night - yikes!
2 - Relief- sharing/singing time wasn't as hard as I expected!! The sunbeams all 20 + of them were darling and sang out at the top of their lungs!
3 - Saddness- I spoke to a friend today who just went through a really hard time, I wasn't aware of this until recently, but I feel bad that I wasn't there for her. I also feel bad because I think she was hurt that I wasn't there for her.
4 - Proud - I am proud of Parker for choosing to fast today, it is so hard for him, still hard for me at times, but I have a very strong testimony of the blessings that fasting provides us and our families.
5 - Overwhelmed - I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't feel overwhelmed, I probably need to work on this!! There is a lot of house to pick up, a lot of things I would like and need to do today, this week, this month, this year - and too little time!! I guess it is always a matter of priorities and hopefully I'm setting those right!
6 - Regretful - should have had my paperwork done before tonight now I'll be up late doing it ...again, I tend to procrastinate my paperwork - uggghhh!
7- Excited - excited for a new year, fresh start, I am trying to decide how to make this year a wonderful one for our family and am excited about the possibilities
8- Anxious - what's new
9 - Peaceful - I always feel peaceful during singing time when we are underway and singing, the children always invite the Spirit - it is awesome!
10- Grateful - grateful for the chance to be a mom and to be surrounded with these sweet kids (who didn't seem quite so sweet a few hours ago in Sacrament Meeting)! The kids and I have been really consistent with our family prayers each morning and evening and I love hearing them talk to their Heavenly Father. I love hearing them express their love and concern for each other (it is not always so evident at other times), and I love hearing them ask their Heavenly Father for help with the things that are important to them. Today Parker was saying a prayer to end his fast and he was telling Heavenly Father how he would try a little harder to fast a little longer and that he would try and keep a calendar to help him remember when it was Fast Sunday! Gracie recently prayed that if she got to play with a friend after school that they would be able to walk over safely without someone getting them and if they had to drive she asked that their car would not break down! Sometimes they make me giggle, but usually I am just humbled to hear them talking to their Father in Heaven with such faith and gratitude.

2007 Meme

1- What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?

I read a blog and started a blog! My mom called me in February to tell me she had just started blogging, Ryan and I laughed so hard because minutes before we had been commenting to each other "who on earth has the time to blog???" Well, here I am, addicted to reading others and hopefully documenting a little of my own thoughts and goings too!!

2- Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

No and Yes!! We only made ONE New Years' resolution last year and I felt great about it, no guilt, no self improvement goals, just one wonderful resolution..... we wanted to take the kids to Disneyland!! Well, we didn't make it, life always seems to have a way of throwing us curves. We had some more unexpected big medical expenses at the first of the year and then unfortunately ended up owing the IRS way more than we had expected!! Oh well!! Maybe this year?!?

3- Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! I have 2 new nephews (Nash and Noah)! Two of my girlfriends, a nephew, and a niece just announced they are expecting this coming year too!! And their was the birth of Smiley Maile, and she truly does make us all smile!
4- Did anyone close to you die?

I almost deleted this question because it is still painful, but I kept it, we are supposed to document the hard stuff too, right! My girlfriend, MaryAnn, passed away last January while delivering her 5th child. I can still remember everything like it was yesterday. I can remember leaving a message on the answering machine that afternoon insisting that someone call and let me know what was going on (I had no idea what was happening, I was just anxious to know that the baby had arrived and all the details), I remember the phone call from a neighbor early in the morning, I remember trying to make sense of what she was saying, I remember the pain and the heaviness in my chest that didn't leave for weeks and that still creeps in at random, unexpected times. It surprises me how painful grief is, I have only lost someone close to me once, I don't know if you are ever better able to deal with it. I grieve not only the loss of a dear friend, but I grieve for Rob and the kids, her family, her students, all of us that were touched by her light and generosity! I don't know how long you hurt for, I do know that I can think about her and smile and laugh, but I also know that sometimes I will look at one of her beautiful children or hear or see something and the pain just rushes right back in. I always tell Rob that maybe if she hadn't been so wonderful this wouldn't be so difficult, but she was wonderful and i miss her so much!

The week after MaryAnn passed away my girlfriend Rian's little brother (30 years old) passed away in a snowclimbing accident. I grew up with him and love his family dearly. It was so painful to see Rian hurting, it is so hard when someone you love is in pain and there is not anything that you can say or do to ease that pain.

5- What countries did you visit?

Well, via blog osmosis I visited Paris with my mom, does that count?!? We didn't even make it to Disneyland, let alone another country!! Ryan and I did take the kids on 2 small getaways this year an overnight trip to Park City with Ryan's family and a few days in Lake Powell with my family! And i should be able to count our trip to Sugarhouse to the Parrish Bed and Breakfast last month, it was our first night away without kids and/or a hospital room in 4 years-yay!!!

6- What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

More sleep. More time to connect with friends, I have these wonderful people in my life like Julie K., Jory B. , Kristie R., etc. etc, that I never get to talk to, life is just way too busy! Oh and a pair of Mickey Ears!!

7- What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 18, 2007, MaryAnn passed away

8- What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Honestly, I think it was accepting life's curves better. I think overall I have dealt with things better ( i might need to check with Ry and see if he agrees with this before I post it).

9 - What was your biggest failure?

Losing 1500+ photos on my computer because I didn't have them saved elsewhere!!

10 - Did you suffer illness or injury?

This has been a good year for us. We had a little scare at the first of the year with Ryan and the whole tumor thing, but everything worked out fine. I'll admit, it was more than a little scare for me, I was a mess, but again everything worked out fine! A few months ago, Ryan's dad was diagnosed with stage 3 skin cancer. It has been a scary ordeal, although it too is better than we imagined and Glen appears to be doing great!!

11- What was the best thing you bought?

Garage door opener; best thing I received was an external hard drive so I don't lose all of my photos again!!

12- Whose behavior merited celebration?

Ryan's, he has really been trying to work on his temper, especially with the kids. I am proud of him, it is hard to make changes and he is really making an effort to be a better dad (even though his kids tell him he is the best dad they could ever choose)! Parker, Parker has a hard time not controlling everything, he's a little bossy. I have been trying to help him realize that when he is playing with others he needs to allow them opportunities to do what they want and just to play and not direct everyone so much, he is trying, we are not there yet, but lately when he has had a friend over I have heard him ask them what they would like to play, and he has been much more considerate of them!!

13 - Where did most of your money go?

The usual, medical expenses!

14 - What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The announcement of a Paradise Bakery & Cost Plus World Market coming to the District (although I haven't seen either break ground)! ? New towels and washcloths - hooray!!

15 - What song will always remind you of 2007?

Any song from the HSM soundtrack, the kids love this show and we dance around to the music daily! I'll Follow Him in Faith. This was the song for our primary program this year. The primary program was a terrifying and wonderful experience for me! I do love this song and the beautiful message it contains.

16 - Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer?

I hope I am happier, because I am not richer or nicer (yikes)!

17 - What do you wish you'd done more of?

Helping others. I have been so busy with work lately that I haven't been able to help like I like to. My Lizzy has been so sick (with baby) and I haven't taken her dinner or taken her kids yet! There are so many wonderful people and so many needs, I wish I could have done more.

18- What do you wish you would done less of?

Laundry!!! Just kidding, I don't know, yes I do! I wish I would have done less getting after the kids, I wish I would have been more gentle, more patient, more consistently!

19- How did you spend Christmas?

We had a great Christmas! I love Holidays, but it is exhausting. The past several years, I feel like we have had to get up extra early and then rush through Christmas at our house so we can get to both parent's houses. We love being able to spend the holidays with both families, but it was getting too hard! This year we had a relaxing non-rushed morning with the kids! They even got to open presents and play with them a little before we took off to see family! We still went to both families, but later in the day, for us it was great! Everyone spoiled us as usual, we really are so blessed!

20 - Did you fall in love in 2007?

Yes, with 180+ kids in our primary, they are soooo cute (and I can even say this on a Sunday evening after sharing time)!!

21 - What was your favorite TV program?

I don't watch TV, really I can only think of one show that I have watched and it was Design Star! The series was only like 6 episodes long, and I probably wouldn't have kept watching except that was our time (Ryan and I). Every Sunday evening we would record it and watch it after the kids were asleep! And yes we did vote and she won!!

22 - What was the best book you read this year?

Did I read this past year??? I did read a few good books, nothing earth shattering though. I still LOVE my Real Simple Magazine and the scriptures.

23 - What was your greatest musical discovery?

Music. Really until this past year, I didn't even listen to music very often. When they called me to be the primary chorister, I responded, "I don't even sing in the shower"! This year I have enjoyed listening to music more often. I love the Spirit that can be felt with beautiful music. It truly has been a blessing in my life, now only if i could carry a tune!!!

24 -What did you want and get?

I parked in the garge for several weeks; we replaced our sliding glass door and vertical blinds with a french/patio door; time with Ryan; enough work to help provide for our family; happy, healthy children and husband.

25 -What was your favorite film of this year?

I had to leave this question blank at first, because I couldn't think of a movie I had seen this year other than High School Musical 2!! I did see the Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith and definitely would not consider it my favorite film of the year! I don't care how good an ending is if you cry (ok sob) for 2 hours to get to the good ending it is just not worth it!! However, last night we took the kids to Alvin & the Chipmunks (also not my favorite, but better than expected) and then Ryan and I watched the Ultimate Gift.... and I LOVED it!! So i guess out of the 4 movies I've seen this year the favorite is Ultimate Gift!

26 - What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 34 this year - yikes, I'm getting old! I had a great birth"day", really celebrated all week! The weekend before my birthday Ryan surprised me with a night alone. The next morning Jen came down and took me to the DoDO (one of my favorite places to eat, LOVE the caramel coffee cake) for my birthday! She let me pick out some cut dishes at Anthropology (LOVE this store, but I can only afford to shop the clearance aisle)!! We had a great time together, always do, just too few and far between! The Sunday before my MIL had us and my sister-in-laws family over for a birthday dinner (she's a great cook)! I went out to breakfast with Lizzy and Jeanette (Paradise Bakery - mmmm!), we always do breakfast together, i love it! A few nights before my birthday I ran over late to a presidency meeting to discuss the upcoming program (i thought), they surprised me with a Yummy b-day celebration (cobbler, smoothies, ice cream, and even had a carton of my fave B&J Carma-Sultra ice cream)!! The night before my b-day I went out with the girls from the old presidency to Citris Grill & Chick-Filet (this is not a typo, we had to go try their ice cream and even got pictures of our cones (Long, Funny Story). Karen and I share the same birthday and love celebrating together!!

On my actual birthday, I taught a class at a Super Saturday on birthday party ideas. When I arrive my thoughtful cuz Heather W. (who was supplying the craft projects) had left a large candle with a balloon bouquet tied to it! She is amazing and it really lifted my spirits since Ry and I had just had a big ol' fight!! I was supposed to go shopping with my mom, but I couldn't pull myself together (sometimes marriage is hard)!! I finally knelt down and said a little prayer, i needed to stop crying and get a grip. A few minutes later the doorbell rang, hear I was eyes swollen, red nose, you get the idea! It was my neighbor and friend Kristy J. with a big present. I couldn't imagine what it could be! I opened it up and just started giggling, it was a matching set of glasses!! I had hosted a luncheon for another friend at my house the day before and was apologizing to them all that i didn't have matching glasses. Last year I asked for glasses for Christmas and Ryan obliged with 6 Pittsburgh Steeler glasses and 6 Dallas Cowboy glasses!! Not quite what I had in mind!! Kristy was apologizing for coming at the wrong time, to which I sincerely replied that she had come at just the right time! I needed a little diversion to let me regain control and pull myself together, and so Heavenly Father sent me a dear friend!

I did end up going shopping with my mom, we seldom have time together without the kiddos and love the few times we do get! She spoiled me as usual with some fun outfits and treats! That night she watched the kids for us so that Ryan and I could go out. Ryan arranged a "Surprise" meeting with some friends at a restaurant, it was too funny because he suggested that we go to Texas Roadhouse for my b-day dinner. I said I would love to go there if Bohman's could go, but Amy said they had other plans and so I suggested we wait to go until they were with us (Amy hearts Texas Roadhouse)! Ryan said he really wanted to go there and I laughed and exclaimed that we went there last year because he really wanted to go there even though I didn't! He denied it until I reminded him that he had planned for Bohman's to meet us there as a surprise and then I saw this look spread over his face and I realized what he had done! He planned the same "surprise" again this year - too funny!! Needless to say, we went to Texas Roadhouse, i rode the "Birthday Saddle", and we had a great time!

27 - What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A Housekeeper; you think I am joking, but really life has been very satisfying this past year. However, the constant state of chaos, of picking up after everyone again and again and again, really wears on me (as I'm sure it does most mommys). So if I am really being honest here a housekeeper would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying!!

28 - How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Scrubs; comfy casual - until about three years ago I don't think i owned more than one t-shirt and rarely wore jeans. I used to dress up more, but with 4 kids, very little time between work and other commitments I did not get dressed up as often!

29 - What kept you sane?

Ryan, the gospel, my family (yes, this means you mom), my girlfriends

31- What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I'm not sure I fancied anyone - how sad!

32 - What political issue stirred you the most?

The east side wanting to create their own school district, I'm still "Stirred" up about t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

33- Who did you miss?

MaryAnn; Jory - i so should live by her!!!

34 - Who was the best new person (people) you met?

I am always amazed at the blessing it is to meet and make new friends while maintaining the wonderful relationships you already have! This year my life has truly been enriched by many wonderful people.