I'm Totally Blowing It!

I was sooooo good about the diet for the first two weeks. Since Wednesday morning, I have completely blown it. I've officially fallen off the wagon. I guess it's time to get on again.

Chocolate cake, chocolate-covered berries, chocolate raspberry trufflescorned beef (that was Meagan's cooking classes fault and it was amazing), lemon cheesecake (again...Meagan's fault - I don't even LOVE cheesecake, but Meagan's cooking is unreal), finishing Macy's ice cream conecandy, pita chips, BREAD

Also...has anyone noticed that my goal to finish 1st Nephi has been up for well over a month. Yikes! I'm not doing too hot on that one either.

I've repented and I'm ready to do better. Why am I so horrible at will power!?!

A Few Milestones

WARNING: This post contains A TON of pictures. I just couldn't pick just a few.

Paige has decided to walk. She's actually been taking steps since about the middle of January. It started out with just one or two, and then a fall. For the past few weeks, she'll walk to and from furniture (from chair to chair, or couch to table - as long as she has a destination). Sometimes, she'd let go of something and start walking (maybe 5 or 6 steps) and realize that she was walking, stop, carefully get back into crawling position, and take off. But...this week she decided that she can do it. She walks everywhere! She also loves to carry things like her baby, an empty bottle, a water bottle, etc. She tucks it under her right arm and off she goes. However, she refused to hold anything when the camera was out.

Action Shot (notice the baby doll that she was carrying, but dropped as soon as she saw the camera.):

Love that tongue, baby!

I remember my mom telling me that when her babies started to walk, she was finally able to start to let go of them a little - she didn't feel completely "connected at the hip (or breast)" with her newborn anymore. It's true, and a little sad really. But, this stage is just a blast. Even though I didn't necessarily choose to have my kids three years apart, this is one of those hidden blessings. Just about the time when your other "baby" is growing up, becoming an expert at back-talk, and wanting to be everything "grown up," I have the most funny, curious, happy little toddler to brighten my day.

When Paige wakes up, she just talks to herself in her crib and starts her music on her mobile. She squeals with delight whenever she sees any of us. She gives "loves" (sweet hugs) and kisses (she says "Mmmmm..." and then licks your cheek or touches your cheek with her lips). She loves her baby, going up and down the stairs, and food! She's my greatest eater (and she never complains or says "I don't like that" before she even knows what we're having for dinner). She loves the bath and splashing. She loves her shoes and tries to put them on her feet. She lives for emptying the Tupperware drawer, the silverware out of the dishwasher, or all of the books off the bookshelf. She loves taking the magnets off the fridge and putting them back on. She loves to look underneath things (tables, beds, the refrigerator). It is hilarious to watch. She gets her entire body down on the ground and peers underneath to find things. She climbs up to the piano, reaches as high as she can, and plinks the keys. She sings "ABC's" and "EIEIO" - not really, but she makes the inflections. She claps, jumps up and down, and squeals when I put on Baby Einstein Neighborhood Animals. I could go on and on (obviously). We just love her to pieces!

Giving "loves" to her baby:

Austin finally learned how to tie his shoes (he will be seven in July). He needed new school shoes, so I bought him some with laces. He wanted the ones with Spiderman that light up and have wheels. But, I promised him he could pick out any sandals he wants this summer, but I get to pick school shoes (mostly because I was trying to get him away from velcro). This is the third pair this year - he is so tough on his shoes (the first one didn't really count - I went way too cheap). Anyway...it took a couple of days, but he learned and he is doing great! Now if we can only teach him to ride a bike. :)Macy is just Macy. She's 3 going on 15, complete with all the hormones, mood swings, tender feelings, and short temper. We still love her, and I guess we'll keep her...for now.

Macy's Stay in Bed Chart

Speaking of creative...Macy is making me crazy by sneaking into our bed at night. She goes to Greg's side, so I don't even know until I wake up with Greg right next to me and I have about a foot of space before I fall off (and we have a King-size bed). It's really affecting my sleep, which definitely affects my patience and functioning levels. So, I came up with this chart for Macy. I went to Walmart and purchased a $4.00 tea set (this is her latest craze). Every morning, we are going to put a sticker on her chart. If she stays in her bed ALL night long, we put a sticker on one of the smiley faces. If she gets in our bed, we put a sticker on one of the frowny faces. When she gets to seven, she either earns her tea set or we take away her Princess sheets. I don't like taking things away, but I don't know what else to do. I just can't have kids in my bed all night. We'll see.

Computer Coupons

This is my latest attempt to help motivate Austin. Remember about five months ago when Austin was having trouble bringing his coat/backpack/gloves/homework/etc. home from school? I made a reminder card, laminated it, and attached it to his back back. I then told him that he could earn 10 points a day if he remembered EVERYTHING. It was all or nothing. Then, I went to Walmart and bought a bunch of $3-5 toys. When he got to 100 points, he could pick one of the toys. When he got to $500 points, he could earn a new Kid Knex set (his favorite). It worked like a charm. I was suddenly not so obsessed when he forgot stuff because I put the ball in his court. (I love it when I use my Love and Logic.) It took him about six weeks to get to 100 points the first time. Now, he's about 30 points away from 500 and it isn't even an issue anymore. So...I decided to use this premise to get him to improve his behavior at school.

He was doing so much better, then the past few weeks, he's taken a nose dive again. To help him, I came up with Computer Coupons. I made several of these in fun, bright, different colors and laminated them. I gave these to his teacher. Then, I made a new "reminder" card and attached it to his backpack. If he does everything on the card, his teacher hands him a Computer Coupon at the end of the day. This gives him the right to play computer games (like Zoo Tycoon or Lego.com) that evening. I didn't put a time restriction because every evening is different.

We'll see...I'm not expecting a miracle, and it may be like the point system - it may take him several days to earn one. But, once he catches on, I'm hoping we will see some improvements. You know how they say mother's need to be loving and nurturing...they really should add creative. These kids definitely keep me on my toes!

I Did It!

I stuck to the South Beach diet for 2 weeks (for those of you who aren't familiar with it, the first two weeks are pretty strict - only meat, eggs, some cheese, and vegetables). My cheating was VERY minimal (I had one bite of cake on my sister's birthday - and it was an actual, normal bite). I actually thought the food that you get to eat is pretty good, the really hard part is everything you CAN'T eat. Anyway...I lost 5 pounds the first week and 1 pound the second week. I'm a little disappointed in that "1"; I was hoping to be 130 at the end of two weeks. I did put on some pre-pregnancy pants today and they went on very easily (not too big, not too small). That felt good. I'm thinking that 120 is pretty unrealistic. I'd like to get down to 125 though. I think all of my old clothes will fit at that weight. We'll see. I'm pretty sure that it will take me the next several months to lose those 6 pounds. I'll still stick to the diet, but I'm not going to be as strict as I have been. If I'm at a party, I'll have a small piece of cake.

(Look how easily I'm talking about weight.

It's therapy - working through my craziness.)

Isn't it funny...

how 40 degrees in February feels warm (practically balmy), but 40 degrees in September feels cold (downright freezing).

Lessons from the Scriptures

I had an epiphany today. You know how you read the scriptures and you are familiar with a story, but something totally new sticks out as if it hadn't been there all those other times that you've read it? I think that is the magic of the scriptures, and it happened to me today.

We were reading in Alma about when the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's want to live with the Nephites for protection. (Remember: They were the converted Lamanites that buried their weapons and covenanted with the Lord never to fight again. As a result, they were getting slaughtered by the other Lamanites and Amalakites. They needed somewhere to live that was safe.) Knowing that they had once gone to war against the Nephites and unrighteously killed and hurt many of their people, the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's said that they were willing to be the Nephite's slaves until they could forgive them. That's a pretty good lesson about repentance. It isn't enough to be sorry, we have to be willing to do whatever we can to make it right. I was touched by the humility of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's and their continued desire to do what was right.

However, the overwhelming lesson to me was the Nephites response. They not only gave land to the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's, but they positioned their army to offer protection to the People of Ammon (new name) in the case that the Lamanites and Amalakites attacked.

That is the story, but as I thought about it, I was so moved. Sometimes, I just read the words. But, I wondered what it would be like for someone, or a huge group of people, who had personally attacked and damaged my family to tell me that they had repented, come to Christ, and now needed my help. What if someone killed my husband and forced me to be the sole provider for my family? What if someone hurt or killed one of my children? What if someone came in and brutally destroyed my home and took my possessions? How easy/difficult would it be to forgive? How easy/difficult would it be for me to believe in their "change of heart" and trust them after they had hurt me? How amazing that these Nephites not only forgave with a fullness of heart, but helped these refuges with a place to live and offer the protection of their own army.

It just made me ponder a bit on why it is so difficult for me to forgive? I should obviously try to be more like these Nephites, and accept people for their word, forgive, and (possibly the most difficult of all) reach out with love to help.

Hmmm......

Kind of Creeping Me Out

Macy has become obsessed with death. She talks about it almost daily. It's been going on for about three weeks now. She isn't necessarily scared or worried about it, but she is very curious. I try to be very matter-of-fact and nonchalant, but it's really starting to freak me out a little. She asks me if she is going to die (or me, Paige, Grandma, etc.). I tell her that we are all going to die. Sometimes she asks why, and I tell her that it is just a part of life; we are all born, and we are all going to die. Sometimes she asks where she'll go, and I tell her to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Then, she asks if she'll live again. I always tell her that she will be resurected. This is our conversation today while we were in the car, driving to dance class:

Macy: Mom, am I going to die and then live again?
Me: Yes.
Macy:...just like Jesus.
Me: Yes. You will be resurrected just like Jesus.
Macy: Is Jesus going to die again?
Me: No. You only die once.
Macy (after a few seconds of silence): Mom, I want to see Jesus.
Me: So do I.
Macy: No. I really, really want to see Jesus.

Am I handling this wrong? I thought that if I was just very direct, the questioning would go away. It's kind of starting to get to me.

Kids are Hilarious!

I love teaching piano (most of the time). I really enjoy the kids that I teach. Yesterday, Maddie came to piano and I had Paige in the room with me. Maddie is Jen's oldest and she is adorable. She is very social and speaks very fast and energetically. But, she is so genuine. This is our conversation when she walked in the door:

Maddie (looking at Paige): What's your favorite part about being a mom?
Me (thinking, and a little taken back by such a big question): ...
Maddie: I know! I bet it's having kids.
Me (amused): You're right! That is my favorite part. Doing laundry is definitely NOT my favorite part.
Maddie (continuing with her thought): Can you imagine what it would be like if you didn't have your kids. It would be so boring. I mean, it would just be you and your husband and no kids. (Laugh) That would be soooo boring! (Laugh)

I laughed about this for hours. I love the perspective of little kids.

Happy Birthday Madeline!

It is my baby sister's 19th birthday today. (She is almost 6 feet tall, so I think it's funny to call her my "baby" sister. Obviously, the genetics did not get evenly divided. She just kind of hogged all the height and left me with a miserable 5'2".)

Anyhoo...Madeline is going to Utah State and wants to be a nurse. She is beautiful with pristine skin and gorgeous long, flowing hair. She is very tender-hearted, intuitive, and easy-going. She is a great friend, lives for shopping and texting, and loves, loves, loves shoes! She is so happy, and brightens any situation. And...She can burp like a sailor (followed by uncontrollable giggles of pride.) We all wish you an amazing birthday! Last year as a teenager. Yikes! Live it up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! WE LOVE YOU!

My Husband: My Perfect Example

Greg had Monday off (President's Day), and I had a long honey-do list (in my head). We need to paint Macy's room, we need to hang the curtains I bought a week ago, we need to clean the carpets, etc. Instead...Greg taught me what was most important. He took the kids while I went to the gym. When I got home, he bundled up all three of them, took them to the carwash, and then took them to McDonalds. When he got home, we put Macy and Paige down for a nap. He spent the entire time playing World of Warcraft Dinosaurs. This is a game that Austin made up using his plastic dinosaurs, cavemen, and "dino money." Greg got down on the floor with them, helped him set up and entire dino world, and then acted out this game with Austin. They probably played for over two hours. Afterward, we took the entire family bowling for Family Home Evening. When we got home, he took the kids downstairs to play in the play room while I made dinner. Then...as if he hadn't done enough already...Greg helped me put the kids to bed and clean up the kitchen.

The best part is that he was patient, fun, and happy the entire day. He didn't do any of this to earn "points" from me; he did it because he is a great father. It made me think of that saying, "The most important things in life are not things." As a result, Macy's room is still blue with dark blue racing stripes, our windows are still naked, and the floors are filthy. But, my children have memories that will last forever and they know how much their Dad loves them! It brings tears to my eyes just writing about it. Greg, thank you so much for this example. I love you, and you teach me more than you realize.

Jen posted a quote from Elder Holland from the World Wide Leadership Training a couple of weeks ago. I stole her quote (thanks, Jen) because all of her thoughts have really made me ponder what is most important in this life.

Elder Holland: "I’ve often thought, and I’ve said to my own children, that those parents who kept going past Chimney Rock and past Martin’s Cove (and sometimes didn’t get farther than that) and those little graves that are dotted all across the historic landscape of this Church—they didn’t do that for a program, they didn’t do it for a social, they did it because the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ was in their soul, it was in the marrow of their bones. That’s the only way those mothers could bury that baby in a breadbox and move on and say, “The promised land is out there somewhere. We’re going to make it to the valley.” Well, that’s because of covenants and doctrine and faith and revelation and spirit. If we can keep that in our families and in the Church, maybe a lot of other things start to take care of themselves. Maybe a lot of other things sort of fall off the wagon. I’m told those handcarts could only take so much. They had to choose what they took. And maybe the 21st century will drive us to decide, “What can we put on this handcart?” It’s the substance of our soul; it’s the stuff right down in the marrow of our bones. We’ll have blessed family and Church if we can cling to the revelations."

After this quote, Jen posted the question, "What would you throw off the handcart?" After watching Greg with our children on Monday, it is apparent to me that he understands what is most important.

In A Whirl by Dr. Sue

A friend of mine sent me this poem today and said it reminded her of me. First of all, I thought it was hilarious. (Thanks for a good laugh, Amber.) Secondly, I have no idea why she thought of me. Just to prove it to you, I included some pictures of Macy's room to show that my home is definitely NOT always "perfect" (extremely far from it). The ironic thing is that we cleaned Macy's room yesterday! I'm telling you, that girl is a walking disaster. (Just to give you an idea of my own imperfection, I included a horrendous picture of my bathroom. In my defense, I am going to go clean it right now - notice the Windex).

Mormon Women:If you, or someone you know has ever felt overwhelmed by all they feel they need to do, Vickie Gunther of Redlands , California , wrote a hilarious poem, Dr. Seuss style, about how much LDS women try to take on. David B. Marsh used it at Women's Conference, and Vickie has given permission to share it.

The in a Whirl by 'Dr. Sue' (a.k. a.. Vickie Gunther)
Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,

I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,

I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank you's" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
It's easy!" she said and then she dropped dead.

Valentines Day

We pulled it off! We managed to get all the kids in bed, the kitchen cleaned, and we sat down to a nice, candlelight dinner by 7:30. I fed the kids at about 5:30, and we put them to bed nice and early. When Austin was protesting (it's a blessing and a curse that he's learned how to tell time), Greg explained that him going to bed early is his Valentine's gift to Mommy. It really was so pleasant to enjoy each other's company for dinner. Even though it was a South Beach meal, we did grill steak (Greg's favorite). I'm not the greatest when it comes to romance - Greg is SO much better. But, we both kind of agreed not to make a big deal out of today. Poor Macy - her school was cancelled because of the snow, and she was extremely upset about it. You'd think a cancelled Valentine's Party was the end of the world. Greg got me some orange tulips (my favorite flower) and three red roses for Macy to cheer her up. It was very sweet.

Here's a picture of our night. I know...I know...at first glance, you might think you're looking at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (we get that a lot!).

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Some Random (and Rambling) Thoughts

I lost a baby two years ago at this time. I usually don't dwell on my miscarriages, but for some reason, this one has been haunting me the past couple of days. Isn't it funny how life does that? We go along, thinking that we're doing fine, and then BOOM something from the past presents itself again. We hadn't been trying to get pregnant, but we both noticed that I was quite late. Greg went to the store and bought a pregnancy test and a giant Symphony Bar (the huge ones with toffee in them - Yum!). He said that if I was pregnant then I got the chocolate, and if I wasn't pregnant then he got the chocolate. I enjoyed my candy bar that night! It was a lovely surprise that we relished for a couple of weeks, and then I lost it on a Saturday night. We got home from the temple at about 11 o'clock when I noticed the spotting. I did this with all my pregnancies - even the ones that made it. But, after a very restless night, I got up at about 5 in the morning and it was quite obvious what was happening. I had to speak in church that day. I had already prepared my talk, and it was on the Tree of Life. I was talking about how the iron rod and narrow path goes directly through the spacious field (mortality) and the mists of darkness (trials & temptations). You can't go around it; you can't go under it; you can't go over it; you have to go through it. I sobbed my way through that talk, and I wonder how ridiculous I must have seemed. In the end, I guess it was good because it made me realize how much I wanted to have another baby. Five months later, I was pregnant with Paige. What a blessing she has been! I just can't help but wonder about these other babies every once in a while.

I guess I always take a minute to remember my miscarriages. I lost one a couple of days before my birthday. This was my second miscarriage. The first one wasn't too horrible for me. It happened the earlier August. I knew that most people experience a miscarriage, and I just figured that I was a statistic. But, when the second one happened, I think I realized that there was a real problem. I remember going to a concert for my voice teacher. She was getting her Master's in Vocal Performance at the UofU, and this was her final project. It was a little artsy-fartsy, so Greg didn't go with me (even though the concert was on my birthday - That's weird, maybe he had school that night). Anyway...I remember finally being able to sob all the way home. You know those deep sobs where it feels like you're pulling the pain right out of your gut. So, I guess I always take a little moment on my birthday to think about that baby. My third miscarriage happened the end of April. I take a minute to think of that baby every Spring. It's kind of funny how I think that they each deserve there own "moment of remembrance."

Greg turned on the PBS Special on the "Mormons" the other night. I remembered watching the second evening when it originally aired, but it was interesting (and kind of frustrating) to watch it again. It was very interesting to note the areas that they chose to emphasize. I found myself getting a little defensive in parts, and wondering why people care to disprove our religion. The program ended with the quote about how religion is nothing more than creating meaning from the meaningless. I wanted to ask, "So what?" Who cares if I want to live my life believing in life after death? Who cares if I believe in divine communication? Who cares if I believe that service involves taking cookies and casseroles to the neighbors? Then...as I went to bed and my thoughts turned to my little, lost babies, I realized that I have had experiences that have confirmed to me that my faith is more than just pacifying myself against my fear of death. I also realized that these experiences have been much too precious, much too "sacred" to explain to someone who only wants to argue or disprove them. I don't think I'm better than anyone else because I'm a member of the LDS church, but I do find a peace and love in the gospel that I haven't found anywhere else. I guess it all comes down to faith. I believe that ALL the answers are there, we just don't know all of them right now.

The Most Honest I've Ever Been

I have always struggled with my weight. That's not true - I've struggled with my weight since I was in 7th Grade and I officially started my period. (By the way, I feel very uncomfortable writing about this at all because it's just not something you casually discuss - periods...yuck!) I started over Christmas vacation, and I can specifically remember that within a couple of months, all the new clothes that I got for Christmas were already too small. So, some of it is hormonal, some of it is that I really love food, and most of it is because of some preconceived notions of weight and my body that I've been carrying around with me for about 20 years. I won't go into details about why I'm so screwed up in the head about weight because it is too private and I don't want to "blame" anyone else. But, I was quite heavy all through High School and college (I fluctuated, of course). After I got home from New York, I worked out religiously with my cousin, Annie. She was a Senior in High School, and we did kickboxing at a Karate place 6 days a week for most of the school year. I lost a bunch of weight. I met Greg the following Christmas. Ironically, he had just lost about 50 pounds as well. So, this weight issue is a BIG deal in both of our families.

A lot changed after I had Austin. First of all, I lost about 10 pounds in my first trimester. Not that I was throwing up, I was just being healthier than I'd ever been in my entire life. I was taking vitamins every day, and I was eating breakfast every day. I think it really helped. Anyway...after I had Austin, the weight seemed to magically disappear. At my skinniest (since 7th grade), I weighted about 125, and I felt really good. I thought that having children was just good for me, but Macy proved me wrong. And Paige has been even worse. I could definitely see differences after my 2nd child, but after my 3rd, it is quite obvious to me that major damage has been done. I've lost about an inch and a half in height since I've had children (I blame this on the heparin and bone density loss), but it kind of squishes everything together makes it bulge out. Paige is almost a year old, and I've been waiting for that magic moment when the weight melts away and I look like a 24-year-old again. Obviously, that is not going to happen.

My emotionally unhealthy way of dealing with it has been to simply ignore it. I don't show people pictures of myself when I was heavy in hopes that I can pull off some facade about being a thin person. I also don't eat anything - EVER - and simply enjoy it. Every single bite that goes in my mouth is calculated in my head. I feel moderately guilty with one bite of cake, but by the 4th or 5th bite, I'm beating myself up for being so weak to indulge. I gulp down things that are healthy for me, but secretly wish that I were eating French Toast with buttery syrup instead of low-salt scrambled egg. I really am so messed up. I tell myself that I don't care, but I really do. I spend way too much time attempting to look thinner than I am. Then, it's just a vicious cycle of feeling guilty for thinking too much about myself instead of other people. I end up taking my frustrations out on my kids, which generates a cycle of even more guilt. (Are you beginning to sense how truly crazy I am!?!)

So...this is my attempt to help put this demon to bed (or at least suppress it a little and replace it with healthier, happier thoughts). I started South Beach today to try to get rid of my baby chub (I don't even gain that much weight with my babies - only 5 pounds with Paige - but I've seemed to gain quite a bit of mass) and back down to a place where I felt good (like after Austin). I weighed myself today, and I will weigh myself once a week. I am not going to keep it a secret anymore. I weigh 137 pounds. My goal is 120.

This is so scary! I've NEVER been this honest about disclosing my weight. I feel like I'm in that dream where you show up to school or church naked. Honesty is hard! In my attempt to expose everything, here are a couple of "heavy" pictures. They were hard to find because I strategically placed myself behind other people in pictures so I would look smaller. Cuckoo! My goal:

Tagged...Twice!!!

Tag #1: I'm It

Ten Years Ago: February 1998
I was living in New York, working as a nanny. I had finished two years of college and had run out of money. I worked as a nanny and cleaned houses for a year in New York, but I saved enough to complete the next two years of school. I love New York! I love the city; I love the beach; I love the Long Island accent (which I can slip into quite easily); I love the people.

Five Things On My To-Do List Today:
1. Buy a "Repentance Bench"
2. Grocery shopping
3. Get the kid's in a bath (1 in 3 - not bad)
4. Order pictures of our trip
5. Surprise Greg by wearing nothing but an apron, bright red lipstick, and high heels when he walked in the door (Unfortunatley, I don't own high heels - or bright red lipstick, and the kids weren't too enthusiastic about going to bed at 4:30 in the afternoon. Dang...maybe in about 20 years!)

Things I Would Do If I Were Suddenly Made A Billionaire:
Panic (money gives me hives) and Travel!

Three Of My Bad Habits:
1. Biting my nails.
2. Picking at my husband.
3. Sometimes...if I'm really, really tired...I won't brush my teeth before going to bed - Disgusting!

Five Places I Have Lived:
1. Murray, UT
2. Jackson Hole, WY
3. Long Island, NY
4. Ogden, UT
5. West Jordan, UT

Five Jobs I Have Had:
1. Take 5 Drive-In (off State and 5400 South)
2. Janitor (one of my many incentives to go to college)
3. Shipping Warehouse for a Golf store
4. Trolley Taffy Company
5. Creating Copper Postcards
*This doesn't even get me out of High School!

Five Things Most People Don't Know About Me: I'm an open book! This one was hard!
1. I get nervous in big groups of people (like more than 3). When we first moved into the Ward, I used to take Austin with me to Relief Society Enrichment Night so I would know someone (he was a couple months old!)
2. I sold my blood in college to pay the bills
3. I kissed my husband on our first date (it wasn't an actual date, just the first night we met)
4. I've only been to two concerts in my life: John Denver and Bare Naked Ladies
5. I really love mob movies.

Tag #2: Husband Tag

What is his name? Gregory Clifton, but he also answers to Greorg, Cliftofter Clobbin, "Bud", and "The King"
How long have you been married? 9 years in July
How long did you date? We dated 4 months weeks before getting engaged & 3 months before getting married!
How old is he? 30-something
Who eats more? He does.
Who said "I love you" first? I don't remember! We were such dorks when it came to talking marriage. We used to say, "If we end up together.
Who is taller? Greg. It would be pretty sad if he were shorter than 5'2"
Who sings better? Me; unless we attend a luau. He's pretty amazing when it comes to singing the praises of "our friends from the Middle East."
Whose temper is worse? It's a toss-up! He would definitely say that mine is worse, but if you take PMS days out of it, I think we're pretty even.
Who does the laundry? Me
Who does the dishes? Both of us; but he is really great about cleaning up the kitchen at the end of the day, especially when I feel like I'm going to lose it if I have to do one more dish.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do
Who pays the bills? Greg (money gives me hives)
Who mows the lawn? I've never even turned on a lawn mower in my entire life!
Who cooks dinner? Me! Sometimes, when I'm not home, he'll whip up "Mission Surprise" (egg noodles, a can of tuna fish, and Miracle Whip - Yum!)
Who drives when you are together? Greg
Who is more stubborn? Me!
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine - They live about 10 minutes away! Sometimes they show up unannounced when Greg isn't dressed. Those are funny times!
Who proposed? Greg
Who has more friends? Me
Who has more siblings? Greg is the fifth of eight, and I am the oldest of five.
Who wears the pants in the family? Greg would definitely say that I do.

I've said it before, but he's just the greatest! When I think about the guys I could have married, or the girls that he could have married, it really scares me. I think we're pretty good together. I'm so grateful that I get to share this life with a person that loves to laugh (who can resist Greg's "belly laugh"), cares so deeply about me, sees the best in me, forgives me so easily, and just adores me for the person that I am (warts and all). I couldn't ask for more! Engaged, in New York, 1999, and he's wearing his "dating shirt"

A Date With Daddy

Last night, Austin got invited to eat dinner at his friend's house. Macy was a little bummed out, se we decided to surprise Daddy with a special dinner when he got home. We set up the card table and chairs in the basement. I told her that I would go get something pretty to cover the table, she said, "Like my Princess sheets." I was thinking just a normal tablecloth, but her idea was much better. So, she set the table with her Princess sheets and plastic Princess dishes. She wanted to cook dinner by herself. So, she arranged the chicken nuggets on the cookie sheet and put them in the oven. While they were cooking, she went to the pantry and got some canned peaches, which she dropped and shattered all over the kitchen floor (the picture doesn't do it justice - there was sticky, peach juice running down all of the cupboards and under the table, not to mention ALL the little shards of glass). Maintaining my patience (I know - what a miracle!), we calmly walked downstairs and got a second bottle of peaches. So, while she and Daddy had a nice dinner, I cleaned up the peaches. (I did curse when I stepped on some broken glass, but luckily Paige was the only one around to hear it. Then, I got smart and put on some shoes.) While Macy got dressed in her wedding dress, Daddy put on some "romantic" music. Greg said that he tried to dance with her, but she didn't like it. Macy poured "tea" throughout dinner, and Greg said that she spilled every single time (I don't know if you can tell in the picture, but the Princess sheets are drenched). They had a great time! We really should do more one-on-one with our kids. They are in heaven when they get 100% of the attention. This picture is from a couple weeks ago. I asked her to get dressed, and she remained naked in her room for about 45 minutes. I walked by her room and said, "You decided to get dressed, huh." She said, "Yes...but what do I do about this?" Then, she lifted up her shirt to reveal what she had been doing for the past 45 minutes. It was permanent marker. She was so upset with me that I didn't clean it off. Honestly Macy...you are almost four years old! I thought you knew better than to draw on yourself. And how on earth did you end up with a permanent marker in your room? I was positive that we had those locked in a Safe Deposit Box somewhere. Alas...my little human tornado:

Paige - My Sweet Little Chocolate Lover

We were at Macy's dance class today, and Paige was crawling around. There is just a small little section of four benches where you can sit and watch the girls dance through some windows. Paige had found a little baby to play with. We were all watching the girls, when I realized that I hadn't heard from Paige for a while. I noticed that she had stopped playing with the baby, and she had stolen ond of the dad's chocolate brownies that he had brought with him to eat. She downed the entire thing. I tried to pry it out of her hands, but she had a death grip on that chocolate. These pictures don't do it justice. There was chocolate down her shirt, all over her jacket and pants, and her shoes were completely brown (she grabbed her feet after she was finished eating). This is how Paige plays Peek-a-Boo. So, she got chocolate in her hair as well. When we got home, I threw her in her bathtub (the sink). After a few minutes, Macy decided to climb in. They were entertained for about an hour, and I was able to clean the entire kitchen. Then, Macy put Cucumber Hand Soap in her hair, which inevitably got in her eyes, and the fun ended. Paige Update: She is still my ray of sunshine. She is starting to "talk" a little more. She will try to repeat almost anything we say. But, she does say "Hi" ("I") whenever she sees us. She also says "Peek-a-boo" (Pa-boo), "Baby" (ba-ba), and "All Done" (Ah-da) quite regularly. She likes to say "Dad" but just smiles when I try to get her to say "Mom." She does point at everything, plays peek-a-boo, claps, and finds everybody's eyes (mostly stuffed animals). She loves to take her shoes and socks off, and doesn't want to stay still during a diaper change. She is finally entertaining herself in her crib when she wakes up instead of crying instantly. I'll hear the music from her mobile start playing. She is a professional at standing, and she's taken a few steps here and there (when she isn't thinking about it),but she won't let go of things to walk yet. She LOVES to eat. She is definitely happiest in her high chair. She'll eat anything! She hugs me, smiles, and squeals all the time. I love her to pieces!

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago. She desperately wanted to go outside and play in the snow with Austin and Macy, but she had a runny nose, so mean Mommy wouldn't let her. She watched through the window while Daddy and the kids played.