Happy New Year!

I will be posting pictures soon.... as soon as I figure out my new camera... but for now I just want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I for one am glad that 2009 is over. It's been a very long year and I'm looking forward to everything 2010 has to offer.

Merry Christmas

So, most people only blog once a month, right? RIGHT?

It's been a crazy busy month, but a good one. I'll start with Thanksgiving. (Not in December, I know, but where the craziness starts...) We had a great visit with my family and then I brought the kidlets home while Jason went to a mining conference in Reno for a week. The day after Jason came home from his conference, I started a two-week intensive CNA class. (certified nursing assistant) The class was not difficult, but I was gone for 8 hrs a day and then had A LOT of homework each night. I finished up the last day yesterday and then interviewed for a job at the nursing home right down the street from us. Hopefully I will hear back from them on Monday. (Keep your fingers crossed...)

So, Christmas cards have fallen through the cracks. Baking for neighbors? Not done. I barely have the kids presents wrapped... At least I have their presents.

Some pretty neat things have happened though. The kids decided on their own, to make Christmas presents for each other. Every night, they had a space of the house where "Mama don't go into the living room", or "Jonathan, don't come downstairs." It has been fun to see their excitement. I just had to provide paint, or boxes, or anything else they requested. I look forward to seeing everything they created!

Another cool thing that happened, is that we had a surprise package left on our doorstep last night. It was a box filled with food for Christmas dinner. Thank you, thank you kind stranger.

I have cider simmering for tonight and bread cooking for tomorrow mornings cranberry french toast. We are planning on making cookies, and of course the Lawrence traditional caramel popcorn. A Christmas story will be on starting at 6:00. (another tradition from my side of the family... it's a good thing Papa Echo is patient)

The excitement level in our home is growing and growing....

Merry Christmas!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my family and friends. This last year has really shown me that family and friends are all that matter. So, I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. We are headed to Salt Lake. I'm very excited and thankful for that.

I am also thankful for a wonderful husband who finds a way to make me laugh... all the time!! Below is his latest "find". Kevin Smith is one of my favorite directors. (Right up there with Tim Burton.) Please note: Kevin Smith is known for his language and adult dialogue...

Kevin Smith defends Twilight

And as long as I'm linking to one obsession of mine, I'll link to another.

Green Day with Will Ferrell on cowbell

Ice Skating Performance

Alyssa and Jessica had their first "Fabulous Fifties" Ice Skating Performance last night. They did SO WELL!! I'm amazed at how much they have progressed with just six lessons.

Girls Weekend

Back (a long, long, time ago) when I was in High School, I had a group of girlfriends that I did EVERYTHING with. When we graduated, one of my friends dads said that "while you think you will always stay friends, you'll end up going separate ways." He was correct that we did go separate ways, but surprisingly we have all stayed pretty close.

This weekend, we are all getting back together for a "girls weekend". The last time we were together was my wedding 14 years ago.

I'm so excited. No kids or spouses. Just us giggly girls remembering giggly girl times.

Happy Halloween

It's that time of year again!! I will have pictures tomorrow, but until then, here's a video for you all to enjoy. It has my favorite Halloween song of all time.

Lending a helping hand at the grocery store...

I went to the grocery store for Diet Coke (most importantly) and milk and other things including a card. A little old lady came up to me asking where the get well cards were. I showed her the little section and she asked what I thought would be an appropriate card for her 30 year old grandson who is having surgery tomorrow. As I started to look, I asked what kind of surgery (to get a feel for how sympathetic the card should be) and she said he was having his foot amputated.

Now, there aren't too many cards anyway, and even fewer that look masculine. She picked out a brown card with a little design and asked me to read it. On the front it said, "One day at a time, One step at a time". The middle, said get well soon, blah, blah, blah. I went to put it back and she said "well, that sounds good...". I looked at her and gently said, "well, I don't know, I mean, he is having his foot amputated, and well, you know, this card talks about taking one step at a time, so, I don't know..." She looked at me like I was speaking a different language and so I said, "yeah, it is a very nice looking card, but let's see if there is another one you like better." She ended up picking out one that was pretty feminine looking, (maybe more "scrapbookie" but we don't have to get technical) AND had a nice message.

I hope her grandson appreciates the card.

And, I'm thinking that I have a very sick sense of humor because part of me thinks he might have gotten a laugh out of the original one.

Picture Update

Here's a look at what's been happening around our house this past month.

Jessica had a fun and spooky Halloween Birthday Party. There's 12 candles on that cake!! When did she grow up?


Alyssa started figure skating lessons.


Alyssa's first class looked like so much fun that Jessica started lessons the following week.


Jonathan has been playing soccer all month. He has such a great "game face" while playing.


Jonathan also started Tiger Cub Scouts. Doesn't he look so handsome in his uniform?

Fall is Back!

There has been so much going on and I haven't had time to post pictures. I will...soon.

But, good news! While it was bitter cold and snowing last week, fall has returned and I'm LOVING it!! I love the warm/cooler weather. I love the leaves changing colors. I love that I will have a chance to plant 100 bulbs before winter comes for good. I love that I have a second chance to finish some outdoor projects that I've procrastinated finishing. It's a beautiful weekend and I'm enjoying it.

It's a Cold One

Just to let you all know... it's cold out there today. The temperature is in the teens now and will be single digits later on. If you are smart, and live somewhere else, you can sit back with a "I told you so" look on your face. Or maybe a "I don't know what else she expects, she lives in fricken Montana" smirk.

There is a sheet of ice covering all of Billings. Three of the four buses to my kids Elementary school arrived AFTER the tardy bell. I almost rear ended another minivan on the way to school. (Luckily I did not hit it because of my fine driving skills. Or maybe driving on ice is like driving a boat and I've had lots of practice with that.)

I've decided that the only time I will venture out of my house again will be to 1) pick the kids up from school and 2) take the girls to figure skating lessons. All other errands will be done another day.

I'm just sayin' it's pretty cold out there!!!!!!!!!!

To shot or not to shot...

I've always thought that shots were a good idea. I'm one of those moms that follows the vaccination chart religiously. But, do the flu shots count? I'm looking for opinions out there...

Do you give your kids the flu shot every year? What about the H1N1 shot/mist? Do you trust it? Am I being paranoid by questioning the FDA ?(insert sarcasm and roll of the eyes here)

My kids see "flu shots available here" signs all over town and remind me each time that they don't want any shots this year. Am I bad for giving them the shots or bad for not giving them? Either way, I think I'm screwed.

Help?

Planning... last minute

Jessica's birthday is next Monday. Every year I think I will plan her party early, and every year I get bombarded with school "stuff" and plan it at the last minute. Well, she wants to hold her party this Saturday, because she doesn't want to "deal with the party and homework on a school night." So, the invitations have been delivered, and the theme has been set. (Halloween theme)
Here's the question... What activities do you plan for 12 year old girls?

If you can't laugh at yourself...

Papa Echo sent me a link to a very funny comic. I will share it with you all despite the risk of bodily harm from Twilight fans everywhere.

This comic is for you Michelle.

Happy Monday everyone!!

Church Talk

Do you know how long it has been since I had to give a talk in church? It's been awhile. Moving from a little branch to a big 'ol ward has its advantages and disadvantages. Disadvantages? Getting lost in the crowd. Advantages? Not needing to give talks all the time.

Well, after a year of living in this ward, they found me. Say yes to a calling in young women's, and suddenly everyone knows you go to church and knows you know how to say yes...

So, I'll be stressing, and praying, and writing, and stressing and hoping that I can give a 10-15 minute talk that isn't so boring, people will be praying for my departure.

Wouldn't saying no have been easier?

9-11

I remember.

I had spent the weekend in Billings, MT to see my first nephew who had just been born. My mom and I drove back to Salt Lake on Sept. 10th and I was to fly out that evening. There was a problem with that flight, and so I spent an hour at the airport trying to figure out how I was going to get back to Sacramento to my family. Flying out the next morning on American Airlines to LA or United Airlines to San Francisco and then taking a small plane to Sacramento were options floating around. At the last minute (and I mean LAST) they found a spot on a flight to Vegas and then a connecting flight to Sacramento. I literally ran through the airport to catch that flight. I threw my carry on and purse on the x-ray machine and then ran to the gate while my parents waited for my bags. I made that flight and landed in Sacramento just after midnight, Sept. 11th. Jason picked me up and we went to bed very, very late.

The next morning, Jason jumped out of bed (he had heard something on his alarm/radio that caused a jump out of bed instead of the normal, slap the snooze) and I laid there hoping that the girls would sleep in so that I could sleep in. Jason went downstairs and then yelled for me to come. I got out of bed thinking, "this had better be good buddy, because you probably just woke up the kids by yelling". I walked down the stairs and was confused because he was standing, frozen, in the middle of the living room, watching TV with the remote still in his hand. I asked what was going on and he had to tell me a few times because my brain could not wrap around what he was saying. We both stood there watching it replay over and over again. Then, we hear from our innocent little four year old coming down the stairs, "what is that?" (on TV) And I slowly turned and looked at little Jessica with her eyes wide, watching a plane fly into a building. We turned off the TV and gave an explanation... How we explained, I don't remember. How do you explain something that terrible? How do you explain that things will never be the same?
I was still glued to the TV, but not with Jessica and Alyssa in the room. We tried to keep them away from the details.

I tried donating blood that night, but the lines were long, and they had started a list to donate at a later date. I was finally called five months later. (That's how long the list was...)

I bought a red white and blue ribbon to tie to the antennae of my car a few days later.

The following week, one of my neighbors organized a little march . Very little. There were probably only about six families, but we walked around the neighborhood with flags and "patriotic" music.

Another neighbor hung a big sheet on his garage that everyone could sign. Once it was filled, it was sent to New York.

It was actually a blessing to move to Montana a year later. I couldn't begin my day without turning on the TV to see if "something else had happened". If I heard a crop duster, I froze. I didn't even enjoy going into San Francisco anymore because I was afraid. Moving to Montana helped me release the panic feeling I harbored.

I use to LOVE flying in big jets. I now have a lot of anxiety. We almost didn't go to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake because I was afraid of what might happen during the games. (Thank goodness I didn't let fear get in the way of that!!)

I don't hold a candlelight vigil anymore on Sept. 11th (like I did for a few years), but I still remember.

I still remember.

Political Soap Box

Today we received a note/permission slip from the school district. It said:

"As you may be aware, the President of the United States will be addressing the school children of America at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning,.... During this special address, the President will speak directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. This broadcast will be made available at this time in the classrooms..... in grades 3-12.
We fully recognize that there may be some of you who are not comfortable allowing your child to tune into this broadcast. For those students we will provide an alternate setting. Please notify us..."

Here I go on my soap box...

To make my position very clear, I did not vote for President Obama. I do not like most of his policies. For the most part, I think he is taking America down a very, very bad path.

BUT, it doesn't sound like he is talking about anything controversial. (i.e. health care reform) And, we are talking about a PUBLIC school system sending out this letter. We, as a country, voted for President Obama. He is our President and deserves a certain level of respect. During election time my kids have been taught who is running and the basics (very basic) of the candidates platform. Do parents "pull" their kids out of school every time any of that is discussed?

Here's my questions for the parents that will demand an alternate setting for their child next Tuesday. Exactly what are you afraid the President might say? Are you using your kids to show YOUR political agenda? Don't you think that Tuesday evening would be a great time for a discussion about what was said? Maybe a discussion on tolerance for opinions that differ from our own? Or better yet, even though there are differing opinions, there are some things we can agree on. Like, the importance of an education, working hard and setting goals.

Personally, I think it's a good thing for my kids to hear from the President. I encourage them to listen to the debates during election time (although they are usually bored to tears after a few minutes). Frankly, it will be nice to hear him talk about something so "non-controversial". I will be listening in. Because, I'm the parent. And if clarification or conversation needs to happen, then I want to know what was said. But I'm not going to arbitrarily boycott the President's speech and take something that can be good away from my kids.

Back to School

Jessica is in 6th grade, Jonathan is in 1st, and Alyssa is in 4th

I snuck in one more picture of Jonathan, because he is in 1st grade and won't be "embarrassed" by having his picture taken at school.

My kids are growing up so fast!!

Big Sigh...

It wasn't meant to be this year.... sigh....

Show recap...

Vacation pics

I don't have pictures from my mother-in-law yet, so this isn't a comprehensive look at our trip, but here's a few of the highlights...

It took us two days to travel to San Diego. The kids do really well keeping themselves entertained while stuck in the van. I don't do as well.

We went to the beach and Papa Echo and I became REALLY sunburned. (We managed to keep sunscreen on the kids.) The next day we went to the tide pools and a lighthouse.Grandma Echo, Alyssa, Jonathan, Papa Echo and Jessica

The next day, we split forces. Papa Echo and Jessica went to LA to see the La Brea Tar Pits and Aquarium and I took Alyssa and Jonathan to Legoland. It's amazing to see everything they make out of Legos. Jonathan said that he NEEDS more Legos.

Jonathan and R2D2

Alyssa and Darth Vader

Alyssa and Jonathan standing in line for another ride.

In front of San Francisco...all made out of Legos.

"I need more cowbell"
I couldn't resist taking a picture of Will Ferrell at Legoland.

We also made it to the San Diego Zoo and Old Town. It was a great trip, and we can't wait to go back!

Vacation Time

We are visiting Grandma Tricia's house in sunny and beautiful San Diego, CA. Once again, there is a chance we may forget how to go home. I can't ask it enough.... How did we end up in MT?

March 2010

Something new for me to obsess over, Johnny, I mean, "Alice in Wonderland" will be out March 2010 and there is a new trailer!

Demolition Derby

My kids have never been to a Demolition Derby. After living in MT for seven years, I figured it was time to introduce them to one.

And, No, hell has not frozen over....that is Papa Echo enjoying this experience with his kids.

There were lots of questions about what a "Demolition Derby" is, why people would want to crash into other cars and if there were EMT's and Firemen standing by. Once it started though, we laughed and cheered and had a grand ole' time. There is nothing quite as redneck as watching cars crash into each other for fun.


On a completely unrelated note, I noticed Jonathan playing "crash 'em up" cars this morning. He even had his bulldozers out to retrieve the cars that were too beat up to get off the field.We are thinking he is watching too much television.

Wordless Wednesday

Honest Scrap

Tif-do nominated me for this...which means I need to come up with 10 honest things about myself that you don't already know. Hmmmm, I don't have very many readers, and those that do read this, know pretty much everything about me. Let me think...

1) None of my OB/GYN's have ever seen my feet. I figured I deserved at least one part of my body to be "off limits". I always wear socks to my Dr. appt's. I even wore Mickey Mouse socks when I gave birth all three times.

2)I have OCD. I use to count everything in fours. (at the very least in even numbers) I would go back down one stair and "re-climb" a step to make it an even number. I would step an even number of steps between the cracks in a sidewalk. I would chew an even number of times on each side of my mouth. It wasn't so obvious that people would notice. In fact, I don't think my parents would even know. I don't do it now, unless I get REALLY stressed, and then I'll just find myself counting.

3)I like Eminem's music.

4)I hate/am afraid of writing. I will write and re-write emails trying to get them to sound right, and they still will be wrong. If it's ever taken me awhile to respond to an email, it's because I'm having a hard time writing that day. Writing this blog is one way I'm trying to overcome this particular fear.

5)I don't like speaking in front of groups of people. Hence the number one reason why I sell Arbonne. It forces me to talk in front of people.

6)I never kissed a boy until I was in college. His name was Jason (not the Jason I'm married to now) and he worked in construction.

7)I clean my house from top to bottom before I go on vacation. The reason for this? Because if I die, then I don't want the Relief Society President or sisters to come and clean my messy house. Don't ask me why I think of this before a vacation. It would make more sense if I had this neurotic behavior all the time and not just when I leave for awhile. Maybe it goes back to #2.

8)My alter-ego would dress goth. I love corset lacing, black clothes, black eyeliner, and black parasols. In another life, another time...

9)I love getting tattoos. I could be covered in them and be just happy as could be. Okay, maybe none on my face, but pretty much everywhere else. The only reason why I don't is because of how they would look when I'm 70. The few I have, have been placed strategically.

10)I have very strange toe nails on my pinky toes. They are not really nails, but curved in on themselves. If I were to grow them out, I'm guessing, they would look more like claws. Therefore, I keep them cut short and I don't get pedicures.

There you go, everything you never wanted or needed to know about me. Now it's your turn to play...

Tagged...All in Eights

8 Favorite Shows:
1- Clean House
2-Renovation Realities
3-Law and Order SVU
4- South Park
5- The Office
6- Sweat Equity
7-Scrubs
8- The Daily Show

8 Things I did yesterday:
1- 30 Day Shred
2- took a nap
3- talked on the phone
4- played on the computer
5- ironed clothes
6- cleaned the kitchen
7- watched Wallace and Gromit with the kids
8- watched Away from Her

8 Things I am looking forward to:
1- trip to CA
2- a new roof
3- fixing a crack in the foundation
4- the weekend
5- scrapbooking
6- not being sore when I exercise
7- reading all your blogs
8- seeing my grandparents next week in Thermopolis

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1- Johnny Carinos
2- Outback Steakhouse
3- Zach's Pizza the BEST pizza place!!!!
4- Famous Dave's
5- Barbacoa
6- Chilis
7- Training Table (for all my Salt Lake buds)
8-Tahoe Joes

8 Things on my wish list:
1- my kids to be happy and have great self-esteem
2- lose 45 pounds
3- pay off all the debt we have incurred over the last year
4- get started/finish home improvement projects on our house
5- time to scrapbook
6- be able to do push ups
7- travel
8- have more time with my hubby

8 People I Tag: Whoever wants to play!!!!

I Blame You, Stimey!!

Stay Puft Marshmallow Man--my mascot

I am done feeling like a big marshmallow-or tons of marshmallows attached together. With that in mind, I read an "inspiring" blog from Stimey and was convinced it was a good idea to follow her example.
So, today was the first of my 30day Shred program, and I AM SORE! There was much cussing and "mean looks" headed to Stimey's today as I tried to get through the 20 minute session. Who knew that marshmallows are too out of shape to do level 1? Anyway, because I apparently like pain and do not like my marshmallow/muffin top, I will continue on... I have a feeling that this program is going to kick my fat butt into shape quicker than any of my other exercise programs.
So, please feel free to ask/harass me and make sure I'm still on track.

Happy 4th of July!!

I want to wish everyone a very safe and Happy 4th of July!!!

Free at Last, Free at Last

The house in Big Timber is sold!!!

Crossing my fingers and toes...

It's that time. After 1 1/2 years of being on the market, we are finally signing papers tomorrow to sell our Big Timber house. Wednesday the buyers will sign. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all finishes as it's supposed to.

After Wednesday, there will be a HUGE sigh of relief. Wish us luck!

Where do I want to be in August?

I've asked for tickets for my birthday... not sure it will happen, but a girl can dream.

Behind the scenes of 21 Guns

21 Guns video

Home Again, Home Again

We finally made it home last night. After an unexpected delay, (night of two kids sick) we made the 10 hour trip home. It was a fun trip filled with lots of swimming, a visit to the Discovery Center, miniature golfing, more swimming, visits with High School friends, family reunions on both sides of the family and more swimming.

all 10 cousins together

As fun as the trip was, it is really nice to be home.

They're Coming to Take Me Away...

The drive from Billings to Salt Lake is very, very, VERY long. It went as well as could be expected. My final analysis:

• 5: the number of kids I started with.
• 7: the total number of stops we had to make.
• 11: the number of hours it took us to make what would normally be a 10 hour trip. Note: we didn't even stop to eat...just ate in the car.
• 1: the number of band-aids needed because pipe cleaners are dangerous toys.
• 2: the number of trips through the McDonalds drive thru I need because I can't seem to figure out that six people need six hamburgers and not five.
• 5: the number of objects playing noise all at once that will make me lose what little brain I might have left. Those five objects were: my music (essential noise), a movie in the back of the van (pretty essential), a little toy radio that plays the same little clip of music over and over (should have been tossed in the garbage when we moved), 2 cell phones (both of which are not mine and were being used by the seven and nine year old because "the ring tones are cool").
• 200: the number of times I was asked "are we there yet?"
• 30: the number of minutes that all four youngest kids were asleep at the same time!!
• 500: the number of times I questioned why I was doing this.
• 5: the number of kids I ended up with at the end of the trip.
• 0: the number of shots I need now that I'm no longer driving.
• 3: the number of kids I'm glad I have permanently. I can't imagine any more than my wonderful three!!

Even though the trip down went well, please, please, please, don't encourage me to EVER do this again!!!

Where's my brain?

I have been planning my annual trip to Salt Lake for some time. Normally I take all three kids by myself and Jason comes on the weekend. It is a long drive, but works well. This was the plan until last week.

Brother D calls and asks if I can take the boys for a few days next week so he and fiance J can go work on a tile job out of town. I say, "Well, I was going to leave for Salt Lake on Monday." (and then instead of just leaving it at that, I continue with no brain function at this point and say, "Why don't I just take the boys with me and you can meet us there on the weekend."

I will let that settle in for a minute.

I purposefully proposed that I would take FIVE kids all alone on a 10 hour drive.

Where the %$&*@ is my brain?

In my attempt to entertain five kids on the drive, I bought pipe cleaners (because that's fun, right? right?) and lots of snacks. As I was trying to find snacks that wouldn't melt, weren't too messy, likeable, etc. etc. I asked Papa Echo what he thought I should get. His one and only suggestion was CHOCOLATE COVERED ESPRESSO BEANS. He thought it would be funny to have a "pinball effect" going on in the van. Thanks, Papa Echo, you are so. very. helpful.

My kids are very excited to have their cousins for the drive. I have high hopes for a calm, smooth drive. But, in "reality world" I think I need a lot of luck.

Either that or a bottle of cinnamon schnapps waiting in Salt Lake.

Four Hours and Counting

The kids have been begging me to take them to a garage sale. As we passed one today, I reluctantly said that we would stop. The girls immediately found a couple of stuffed animals that they had to have. Jonathan spied "The Black Pearl". He reminded me that he still had birthday money to spend.

This has to be one of the BEST purchases in my garage sale career. All three have been playing with the boat and pirates (which were included!!) for the last four hours--non stop. No fights, whining, or teasing. I will literally have to pull them away from it for dinner in a couple of hours.

And I almost said no to the purchase request. Silly old, mama...

Keepin' Our Fingers Crossed

We have some good news! We were finally given an offer for our home in Big Timber. Closing is on July 1st. So, I have my fingers crossed that all will go smoothly and on time.

And, more good news! Papa Echo has started his own consulting firm. He still sends out resumes, but is finding that there is a need for contract project management. Click here for his new website. I'm thrilled because he can work on his own time schedule, he loves what he is doing, and we can stay here in Billings and not move again.

That's it for today. It's a little cold out, so I'm going to work on a puzzle with Alyssa and watch Bambi with Jonathan. Jessica is curled up in bed with a good book. (I don't know where she gets that from.)

By the way, if you want a great idea for the summer, head over to my friend Tif-do's site. This is a MUST-HAVE for anyone with kids that "get bored".

School is out!!!

Today was the last day of school and I for one am REALLY excited. No more running kids back and forth to different schools at different times. Next year, all three kids will be in the same school Yippee!!!

Jonathan building with blocks while he waits for his sisters to set up the carnival.

The kids have been planning this carnival for the past two weeks. Jessica sewed the "bullseye" without any help from me.

Ring Toss

(Too bad this picture shows the one part of my yard not landscaped yet. It's the side yard and I forget how ugly it is.)

Bean Bag Toss

Jessica, Jonathan, friend D and Alyssa in the "new" clubhouse.

The kids had to relocate the clubhouse to another part of the yard because a "mountain lion (me) tore through the last one and took out a wall. (pruned the bushes a little aggressively and ruined the hideout)."

It rained this morning and then was clear all afternoon until dinnertime when a storm came back in. I was glad they could get out and play. It's a good way to start summer vacation.

If Only It Was That Exciting

I was reading a paper Alyssa wrote about "superpowers" she would like to have. She wrote that she would like to fly and all the reasons for that. And then, she said that she would like to have x-ray vision so she can see the movies her mom and dad watch after the kids are sent to bed.

I can only imagine what the teacher thought when she read that...

Why me?

I always thought that I would be very open with my kids and be able to smoothly and delicately answer questions regarding to "where babies come from", etc. My mom was always great with our questions because she is a nurse and has taught "that class" in elementary schools before. So, with that good role model, I thought I would be equally smooth.

I was wrong.

After the red face, and giggles, and murmers from me just thinking of the explanations that I would be forced to deal with, I explained to Jason that I would be in charge of educating the girls, and he would have to educate Jonathan.

I was wrong.

I have talked with the girls about "the subject" to the level appropriate for their age. I have also now talked with Jonathan, because he did NOT KNOW THE DEAL that I had made with Papa Echo, and asked me (while papa was taking a nap) where babies come from. I looked around and saw I was alone and then as smoothly as I was able to asked "you mean like baby pigs?" because they had just gone to the farm... He then explained, that no he wanted to know about people babies. I looked around again and still finding myself alone, then explained in a not so smooth way, but as simply (and truthfully) as possible where people babies come from.

Papa Echo so owes me!!

On the other hand...

Just so you all know, while I am excited, I'm so NOT like this... click here.

(she does have a "potty mouth" because of her excitement so don't watch if that will offend)

I can't wait!!

Once again I am acting like a thirteen year old girl, but November 20th will be such a fun day!!

Why? Hmmmm, I don't know... maybe

this from Twilighters Anonymous...

Crazy Hair Day

Ya' gotta love "crazy hair day". I don't know how Alyssa will top this next year!

Introducing John Hancock

Each of Jessica's Fifth Grade Class was assigned a Revolutionary war hero to portray. (There were only two female characters, so most of the girls were given a male character.) They spent the last two months researching and studying and then had to give a three minute talk as that person including period costumes and two props. They could not buy or rent a costume.

Today was Jessica's day to present John Hancock.

She did such a great job with her presentation. They were told to not read their talk, but to use 3x5 cards for notes. Jessica was the only one in the group to do that. She was nervous, but you couldn't tell during her speech.



Good job Jessica!!

Pictograph Cave

Montana is great for many reasons. When you pay your car registration, they add on a $4 fee to cover the state parks. So, when you go to any MT state parks, with your registered vehicle, it's free. Free is in our budget. (My brother M would point out at this point that it's not free since we did pay the $4 originally.)

We went to Pictograph Cave this past weekend.

Two good looking men.

Where's Waldo?

It was fun to get out and just relax. Afterwards the kids helped me clean out the overgrown bushes and weeds in our yard.

Jonathan gold panning two weekends ago. I had to add this picture because I thought it was so darn cute!

Today is the DAY

I'm all smiles today. Off I go to Best Buy....

21st Century Breakdown is here!!

Bird Watching

We must attract crazy animals.

Missy and Oski are two of the dumbest, craziest, most lovable dogs out there. We are constantly laughing at (with, beside, near) them.

Added to the crazy animal mix is the dumbest bird on earth. At the back of our living room is a wall of windows. (One of the reasons we fell in love with this house.) It's not surprising that a bird would mistake the reflection of the sky in our window for the great outdoors and hit the window.

What would be surprising is to have the same bird hit the window over, and over, and over, and over.....

This bird will hit the window. Go to the patio table two feet away and then hit the window again. Then fly to the next window, and hit the window. You get the picture. This will continue for quite some time.

Now, add to this mix our surly Oski dog. He will hear the tap/thump and run to the window, bark a warning of "you get out off my property, grumble, grumble" and then go back to his bed. He reminds us of a grumpy old man. He will do this EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. the bird hits the window.

It makes for a very enjoyable morning. I have sat with my Diet Coke and watched this "show" for many mornings now.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day out there to all you wonderful moms!!!

I spent the weekend scrapbooking, trying to be an EMT (no calls though), and spending time with my family. It doesn't get much better than that!

Weekend Update

I know it's Thursday, and what I'll be blogging about happened last weekend and not this coming weekend, but it's been a busy soccer filled week, so here we go...

Last weekend I attended "Time Out for Women". It was so very wonderful and needed. Most of the time I won't blog about my religion or spiritual matters because I hold those feelings near to my heart and don't want them criticized or mocked. But, this weekend was a much needed diversion for what I'm dealing with right now so I decided to share.

The speakers were hilarious and so much fun to listen to. My favorite was Deanne Flynn. She talked about "letting go of the overscheduled mom". Her main point was to get back to basics, and not worry about putting kids in every single after school activity available.

Another favorite moment was when Hilary Weeks shared a not too serious song for us to think about during everyday moments of our lives....like laundry time. Go here if you want to see what I'm talking about and what I'll be singing every time I go to the laundry room. I laughed so hard. She also had some other wonderful, spiritual songs, but of course the one I'll talk about is the laundry song.

Really the whole time was filled with lessons about the big picture and how we are wonderful women and moms and need to give ourselves a HUGE break. We don't need to keep worrying about things that don't matter and we need to love ourselves. Kim Nelson asked us what we would do if we saw a little four year old lost in a grocery store. Would we walk up to her and start ridiculing her for not listening to her mom and following her directions? Of course not, we would gently and lovingly try to get her back on course. (i.e. back to her mom) The question was then asked, "How would you see and feel about a mom that was talking to her daughter the way you talk to yourself". Ponder that for a minute. It's a powerful question because I think we all are so much tougher on ourselves than we ever would be on our kids. Of course that's because we love our kids and don't expect perfection from them. The thing to remember is that we are just kids to our loving Heavenly Father. He loves us and doesn't expect perfection. Just that we keep trying.

So, it was a wonderful weekend and I came home ready to tackle the week. It's been a good one and I've even enjoyed doing my laundry.

Soccer Season

Jonathan is on the blue team/in the blue hoodie. He has such a great "game face".

Jonathan and Papa Echo watching Alyssa's game.

Jessica

Alyssa is on the pink team in pink shorts.

Soccer season is in full swing at this point. We have practices and/or games almost every night of the week. (Rain, snow or shine) Both Alyssa and Jonathan are LOVING it.


Jonathan saw that friend K from his kindergarten class had an older sister on Alyssa's team. He was pretty shy and had a very cute look on his face when he pointed her out to me. Then, friend K came over to talk with Jonathan and wanted him to come sit by her. Jonathan looks up at me with his beautiful round eyes and asks if that is okay with me. And my reaction (in my head) was "There is NO WAY you're leaving me for some girl..." But of course I smiled and said "sure". He smiled and then ran to catch up with her. About ten minutes later, I was sitting with all the other parents and saw friend K run up to her mom for something. She says, "I'm sitting over there with Jonathan". And her mom says, "who's Jonathan". And friend K points to my little boy and says, "that guy over there in the dark blue shirt."

Jonathan and friend K walking to the soccer field.

So my question is, when did my sweet, innocent, wonderful, little boy become "that guy"? "That guy" makes him sound so grown up! I'm not ready. Big sigh. My kids are growing up so fast.

Happy Day, Happy Day

First of all, Papa Echo is home!!! Yeah!!!! We missed him and are so glad to have him home.

Secondly, go here to see what video is making me smile. (No, it doesn't have a thing to do with a certain group of books and movies.)

It's a very good day after all.

Happy Place

Go to this site to see where I will be all summer (in an alternate universe where I have unlimited funds and no responsibilities) and go here if you want an anti-Twilight giggle. That's it for today. I'm off to soccer practice. (Click here for the song that would be playing if I had my blog set up...)

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Maybe it's the little things that are making me happy these days, but I was able to mow my lawn for the first time this year and I was soooo happy.

We are having a quiet weekend at home because Jessica has an icky cold. (Thanks to a visit to Uncle Dave's infectious house last weekend and standing out in almost freezing weather for a soccer game that should have been canceled on Tuesday.) Whenever she complains, I tell her to drink more fluids or take a nap. She can thank my parents for the very "non-pampering style of caring for the ill" I was taught. When I was a kid, you could say that you were sick, and ask for soup, drinks, medicine, etc. and my parents would lovingly get it for you. But you could not just lay around the rest of the family and moan and whine. You were told to go rest in your room if you did that. So, I do the same thing. If there is something I can do, then I'll do it. If not, then go take a nap.

Especially right now where my nerves are fried. I have cried off and on all day for the dumbest reasons. I should not be allowed at church tomorrow where ANYTHING will set the tears off. Luckily I have hid the tears from the kids so far.

It doesn't help matters that Papa Echo is gone to a conference. Hopefully he will meet somebody or some company that is wonderful and needs HIM. We have just started this whole unemployment process and already I feel like my patience is gone. It will be nice to have him home again to keep me grounded.

Well, I'm off to listen to Jonathan read to me. He has found a book that he likes to read and it is perfect for his reading level. So, I'll go be a good mom and enjoy my little guy before he grows up and doesn't need me anymore. Because really, Does anything else matter besides family?

Relief and/or Panic

Well, we have been worried and worried and tonight that worry has grown and changed.

Papa Echo got the phone call saying that the Billings office will officially close at the end of this month. We made the move to Billings specifically for his job and now there is no job. We have known this was a BIG possibility and in a way it's nice to finally have it done. Although, it would have been even better had we had something else lined up.

So, anyone know of a company in need of a civil or mine engineer?

Brrrr!!!

I can not figure out how we ended up in stinkin' cold Montana.

Alyssa had a soccer game and Jonathan had soccer practice tonight. It started raining. It was raining because it was three degrees too warm for snow. Jonathan's practice was canceled. (Thank you Jonathan's coach!) Because Alyssa is all grown up and in third grade, there were no cancellations. Papa Echo offered to take Alyssa to her game, but I thought there was no way the game would actually happen, so I said, "That's okay, I know you're busy. I'll do it." Little did I know that I would have to stay for the full hour game, outside, in the rain, freezing. What happened to "It's too cold to play..."? Alyssa was such a trooper though. She even made a goal! There were no complaints and as soon as we got home, she was put in a nice hot bath. I cuddled up with a good book (don't ask what I'm reading, again) and lots of blankets and finally got warm myself.

Next week I'll be prepared with hot cider and blankets and it will probably be 80 degrees outside. Ya gotta love Montana.

Quick Update

Well, it's been unusually quiet around here. It's the same old, same old. Between Papa Echo's job ANOTHER paycut, the real estate market slump and still owning the $#%&@ house in Big Timber and the bills piling up, I haven't been in the mood to write. So, here's an update with no whining about the above issues.

We went on a quick trip down to Salt Lake a couple of weekends ago. I needed to go see my newest nephew before he grew up. The kids had fun with all their cousins, and I had fun holding baby Jackson. And no, I'm not "baby hungry". The kids helped Grandma and Grandpa plant flowers and clean up the yard. (not that there was much to clean up...)

Caitlyn and Alyssa

Alyssa and Jessica


Jonathan and Caitlyn helping Grandpa

It was a quick trip, but great to be with my family.


Easter Weekend was productive and fun as well. The kids and I did a lot of yard work here at the new house. We pulled vines off the house, off the fence and out of the borders . I can't wait to see what it looks like in a month or two. We also started a big drainage product. We had to dig dirt away from the bottom of our house and in doing that needed to grade said dirt so that water would not pool at the foundation. (Can you tell I'm married to an engineer?) Bottom line is that we worked together all day Saturday moving dirt. The kids had fun and were such a big help!!
Then we decorated Easter eggs and sent the kids to bed.

The Easter Bunny brought baskets with candy and a summer clothes Saturday night, but since mom and dad forgot to put the eggs out on the counter, there was nothing for the bunny to hide. (I know, I know, we are the laziest parents ever...) So, Jason hid the eggs while the kids waited upstairs and then they went on their hunt. Jessica said it was okay that we forgot this year, but to try and remember next year.

We drove out to my brothers and spent the afternoon with his family. It is so nice to live close to Dave. (one hour is close in MT) We were able to see his new house and all the renovations he's done so far. The kids liked jumping on the trampoline and playing with Trace, Alexis and Parker (their cousins). All in all, a good day.

Well, I'll head back to deal with big grown up issues now and leave you dear blog with my favorite subject, my kids.

You know you've waited too long...

Jonathan: What is that smell? (said in a surprised/confused way)
Me: What, what are you smelling? Is it bad? What does it smell like? (afraid that we might be encountering another "issue" similar to the "Mouse Encounter of 08")
Jonathan: I don't know it's here in the bathroom.
Me: Well, I just cleaned it...
Jonathan: Yeah, yeah!! It smells clean!

It's sooooo much fun being the mom sometimes....

Science Fair

Jessica (and Papa Echo) had a lot of fun preparing for the science fair. Jessica wanted to see what kind of stain would preserve wood the best. She used an oil-based, water-based and spray-on water-based stain. She then kept some in the dark, some in UV light, and some were in a wet/dry cycle for a month. The conclusion was that the water-based stain worked the best for keeping true to the original color and not warping.

She was the only one of two fifth graders from her school that entered the Billings Clinic Science Fair. Way to go Jessica!! We are very proud of you!

Ode to Twilight

It's probably best that I did not know about Twilight when it first came out because I HATE waiting for the next book in a series. (V and Tif-do-Do you remember me waiting for books 6 and 7 in the Harry Potter series?) Luckily, I did not start the Twilight series until a few months before the final book hit the shelves. So, here we are a few hours before the Twilight DVD will be released at parties/extravaganzas and I have to say that I'm excited. (Yes, I am that obsessive/compulsive that I know when and where.) I have heard a lot of talk about being tired of Twilight. And while I agree there is an unnatural amount of hype, I wanted to share my feelings.

• I like the books. They were a fun read. I wouldn't say they were great literary pieces that will stand the test of time. There's not much depth to them, but when you need to escape, they are perfect. They are the kind of quick read that I can read again and again and still enjoy.
  
• While I won't be going to any midnight release parties, I SO would have when I was a teenager. Reading about the parties and excitement reminds me of how much fun you can have and the silliness you can get away with as a teen. I think that's a good reminder.
  
• With each book and movie, there is something to look forward to. At this point, I need something that is just for me, entertaining, and inexpensive. The hoopla fits into this quite well with the movies and DVDs to be released one right after another (Nov 20, 2009 for New Moon , June 30 2010 for Eclipse and ?? for Breaking Dawn).
  

Don't get me wrong. I'm not planning a pilgrimage to Forks, WA. I may watch a Twilight inspired website, but I don't have all the bells and whistles that I could download. I don't have a "Twilight Mom" T-shirt or any of the assorted paraphernalia that I could buy. I won't be at Hot Topic at 11:59 tonight waiting to get my movie. I won't buy the jewelry box and bracelets that are included with the edition from Costco. I don't need/want the film cells that are included with the Hot Topic edition. I don't need the phone skin that is included with the set from Barnes and Noble. But, I will be at Target tomorrow morning to pick up the 3-disc special edition set. (Not to be confused with the 2-disc set) And, while I have already watched it twice in the theater, I will happily watch it again tomorrow night with all the extra bells and whistles and commentary. I will once again escape my life for just a little bit to the world of vampires and be quite happy and content. It may be silly, but I'm okay with that.

Overwhelmed

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in life? Lately I've been feeling more and more like that. Nothing "big" or dramatic has happened lately. Little by little things are just piling up, and while we are trying to stay positive and hopeful, I think it's getting to be too much. We still haven't sold our home in Big Timber and Papa Echo's job is still "up in the air". There doesn't seem to be anything that we can do. As long as we've been married, we've always been able to come up with plans to fix our problems. This just seems to be too big to fix. I feel like we are just chipping away at a huge granite boulder that is in our life. I. want. it. gone.

But, there is nothing that can be done and no way to get rid of that boulder. So, I try to put on my happy face and get the kids to school. Put on my happy face and go to work. Put on a happy face and be a good mom when the kids get home. Put on my happy face and be a supportive and loving wife. And then when everyone is in bed and asleep, I worry and feel like I'm drowning. I know I'm not the only one. But it sure does feel lonesome sometimes.

List of Firsts

This "List of Firsts" came from Michelle. Thanks for the good idea!!

Who was your FIRST pet? A dog named "Chewy" was our first pet, but we had to give him back after a few weeks because he didn't like kids and would nip at us. "Moki" came next and he was the very best dog ever!!

Do you still talk to your FIRST love? no

What was your FIRST job? I worked at KarmelKorn.

What was your FIRST car? A green, two door, Mercury Topaz

Who was the FIRST person to text or call you today? Papa Echo

Who was your FIRST grade teacher? Miss Johnson. She was also one of my favorites.

Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane? Oklahoma to my Aunt and Uncle's wedding.

Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk? Angela. No, but I would love to at some point.

Where was your FIRST sleepover? I don't remember

Who was the FIRST person you talked to today? Papa Echo

Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time? My Uncle Bart and Aunt Sue's. I was five years old and the flower girl.

What was the FIRST thing you did this morning? Woke Jonathan up and made sure everyone was getting ready for school.

What was the FIRST concert you ever went to? Peter Cetera.

FIRST set of stitches and how? I was going to say that I've never had stitches, but then I remembered that I did have stitches after giving birth. Good times, good times...

First piercing? My ears when I was twelve.

First foreign country you've been to? The Soviet Union in 1990 as an exchange student.

FIRST movie you remember? Pete's Dragon in the theater.

What was your FIRST bike? A pink bike with training wheels when I was four years old.

What was your FIRST computer? A Compaq when I first got married.

Who was your FIRST roommate? Never had a roommate.

FIRST Kiss? That didn't happen until I was in college. It was with a guy that I met while working at Orange Julius. He took me out to see "Grand Canyon" and when he dropped me off, he kissed me. It was very innocent.

Question added on by Tif-do:

What was your FIRST impression of your current significant other? I thought he was the most clever guy. I was visiting my best friend at UC Berkeley and she happened to live in the same co-op as Papa Echo. In the community dining room, there was a clock and Papa Echo had put up a sign above it that said "The Official CZ procrastinometer". (CZ was the name of the co-op.) I thought it was hilarious and took a picture of it. Every time I visited after that, I would ask where the guy was that made the sign. We did not actually meet and "hook up" until about three years later.

ROFLMAO

If you want a great laugh, then head over here for yesterday's post by my dear friend Stimey. She is a great friend and the reason Papa Echo and I met.

Thanks for the laugh!!

And now for something completely different

In honor of my sister J who had her second baby today, and after receiving Michelle's comment on my last post, here's to the things I won't miss. Because I agree with Michelle, it isn't always sunshine and rainbows when raising kids.

Things I won't miss:

• Being pregnant. I don't miss much of those 27 months of my life.
• The poking/prodding/examining of being pregnant.
  
• The swelling/pain/stitches of labor and delivery. Sorry sis. I feel for you tonight.
• Diapers. I was so glad to be DONE with this stage.
• Middle of the night feedings. My kids didn't sleep through the night until they were one. That makes for a very fuzzy thinking mommy.
  
• Potty training. Don't even ask me for advice on this topic. I hated it and waited until they pretty much did it on their own.
• Laundry. Does it ever end?
• Vomit. I know. Disgusting. Why would I put it here? Because I will never miss waking to "that sound" in the middle of the night when you know that you have bathtime, three loads of laundry plus carpet cleaning to do RIGHT NOW.
• "What's for dinner? Have I had it before? Do I like it?" How do they ask those questions and whine at the same time?
  
• Body fluids. Let's face it, little kids are pretty leaky and gross.
• "I don't have anything to wear" when it's five minutes before we have to leave for school and I have just finished the last load of laundry only to find that there is a large pile hidden in the corner of a bedroom of said child whining about lack of clothes.
• Homework. They have a lot more than I had in elementary school.

Okay, deep, calming, relaxing breath.... I better stop there. Wouldn't want you to think I was turning all negative...

On a positive note, sister J and baby boy J are doing great. I'm so excited to go see my newest nephew at the end of the month!! Jonathan is just thrilled because he is outnumbered here with two sisters. He thinks it's pretty cool to now have three boy cousins in UT and two boy cousins in MT.