Never Talk to Strangers

As a parent, we drill the words, "Never talk to strangers" into our children's little minds from the moment we are sure they will understand. I remember as a child, my parents teaching me. It is a parents worst nightmare for their child to be taken by a stranger and never returned again. So, what would you do if your children were ever in a situation where they have to actually use this words?
Last night, at about 7:00, Conner, Megan, and Garrett went outside to take Rockie a walk around the neighborhood. Garrett is a speedy little guy. He was out in front of Megan and Conner by quit a ways. He turned a corner and was out of site. Conner was on his electric scooter, and Megan had the dog. Once Garrett got out of site, the two older ones decided to hurry it up. Conner turned up the scooter to catch up to his littler brother, telling Megan to catch up as soon as she could. When Conner turned the corner, he saw Garrett talking to a teen-age boy.... a stranger. He grew a little anxious and scooted over quickly to Garrett. The young man was out of his car with the trunk open. He was talking right to Garrett. As Conner got up closer, the young man turned to him and said, "Do you want some candy?" Conner replied with "No!" The boy asked again, "Do you want some gum?" Again, Conner said, "No!" By this time, Megan had joined the group. The young man asked her if she wanted some candy. She replied "No" as well. The kids grabbed Garrett and started to walk off. The young man said, "Come here. I can give you a ride anywhere you want." They kept saying "No!" As they were walking he said, "Are you sure you don't want some candy? It tastes really good." They kept walking. As they walked away from the situation, they realized that Garrett had taken some gum from him. Garrett also said the young man told him he was going to pick him up and put him in the trunk of his car. YICKS! They were very freaked out and came right home.
They told us the story. We were pretty freaked out, but very proud of them for saying "No" and getting home quickly. My thoughts were the young man was probably just playing a mean trick, but still, that was very mean trick to play on some young kids. Plus, it if wasn't a trick, I figured I should report it. So, we called the police. I made the report and they sent a police officer over to question the kids. Both Megan and Conner explained what happened. They were pretty good with descriptions. They told Officer Doyle the car was old and red. The young man was wearing a gray coat and looked like he had just been snowboarding or skiing. They knew what street they were on and the approximate location where the incident happened. Office Doyle was very proud of Megan, Conner and Garrett for having a great memory, but also for doing the right thing. Niel and I were both proud of them, and also very relieved they all came home.
The thought has gone through my mind many times, "Why did Garrett take the gum?" I am fairly certain that if this young man had been an actual kidnapper, Garrett would be gone and I would be telling a far worse story. I am extremely grateful both Megan and Conner were there with him. I am glad for their example of safety and how they handled the situation. This reminded me how quickly something can happen. Who would have known a walk around the block with the dog could turn out to be so dangerous. We live in a really nice, safe neighborhood. I am not saying something would have happened, but there is always that possibility that something could happen. This is something I don't ever want to have happen to our little family, or anyone for that matter. The point is, they made it home safely, which we are extremely grateful. We are also a little more careful and will continue to preach the words, "Never talk to strangers."

So gross!

We are in the process of training Rockstar, our newest four legged family member. He is a great dog, as a matter of fact, his only issue is the potty training. We let him outside during the day, but once he is inside he feels it is time to do his thing in his certain areas throughout the house. It is frustrating! One of his spots is right next to our dresser in our bedroom. It is easy to see when he poops (sorry for graphic), but harder to tell when he pee's. As of the past few days, Rocky seems to be doing better, but we still have to keep on eye on him and check the regular spots frequently. GROSS!

My Cooking

Finding me slaving away in the kitchen is a rarity. It isn't because I don't want to do it or that I am not a good cook. The reason for my lack of home cooked meals is because my children are super picky. If you know me well, you might be laughing right now. It is a fact, the kids have gotten their picky-ness from me. Yes, I think being a picky eater is hereditary. I guess with that said, I really can't say too much about them not eating the food I work so hard to prepare. But poor Niel, he is used to his mom's delicious cooking.
Tonight, I decided to take a chance and make something other than out of the box food. Everyone in the family likes chicken, bacon, and everyone except for Conner likes cheese. So, I made stuffed chicken with cheese (light on the cheese for Conner) mixed with a few spices, wrapped in bacon.... cooked in chicken broth. Delicious.... right? Then, I made a pizza type bread stick, again, who doesn't like pizza? I cooked up some spaghetti with meat sauce to add a nice finish. I figured I was pretty safe with this menu, and I knew the extra effort would be appreciated by Niel.
Here were the responses, "I think this has cheese in it. I don't like cheese." "Do I really have to eat it all?" "This looks weird. It smells like carpet." "I ate a little of everything, can I be done?" If you ask me, it tasted delicious. But of course, I was the one who cooked it.
All my efforts were worth it though. Niel said he liked it. And, he kept telling me how delicious it was over and over. I think he was just glad he didn't have to eat another dinner of mac and cheese casserole or roman noodles....laugh!

The Challenge - Niel's side

Ok, so before I get in big trouble with all of Amy's friends, I have to clear something up. Amy does look fantastic, I didn't make the challenge because I thought she needed to look better. In fact we are about to go out on a date and she is wearing the same outfit she wore on the night we first kissed...and all I can say is she looks even better now. (Alright, hopefully that will get me out of any hot water.)

Amy and I were just talking about eating healthier. We both have our weaknesses, hers is Sugar, mine is fast food. I pick up fast food all the time, because it's convenient and I don't want to bother with anything else. So my challenge to her is skipping sweets, her challenge to me is skipping fast food.

It's Burger Supreme I'd miss. Plus, it just takes planning ahead so I don't stop for food just because it's there.

Do you really think I could go without fast food for a year? Would it be harder to skip sugar or fast food? I guess it depends on the person. But maybe this time next year we will both be healthier.

Sugar High?

I love reading other people's blog's on various thoughts and daily happenings. I think I mostly just like to post pictures with little commentaries. A friend of mine asked me the other day, tell me what you are thinking. Write in your blog some of your thoughts. Hum.... that could kind of be scary at times....haha! So, I thought I would post a little something, so bare with me.
Niel and I like to place bets against each other on various things. Our favorite family show is The Amazing Race. We decided to have a little fun with it and bet on a pair we thought would stay on the show the longest. I happen to be quit the reality show guesser, and won that one. Or to see who can race down the winter hill on sleighs, or who can win the most games of Speed, Niel wins those ones frequently. Anyway, that gives you a little idea of what some of our bets are like. We are very competitive.
Niel thought we should up the bet quit a bit. He suggested I try to go an entire year without refined, or the bad kinds of sugar. YICKS! I am not one to be a chicken and not take the bet, but giving up sugar?? ... that's like giving up on eating all together! I love sugar, and even though I know I could do a lot better on my consumption of the tasty stuff, I am not sure I can really do it. This would mean, no more hot chocolate in the mornings, no desserts, no ice cream (this one will be a hard one on those emotional days), no more chocolate chip cookies... and even worse, no more Brisa's at Los Hermanos or Ice Cream pie at Wingers. I might just die! I know, I know... I am sure I won't die, but honestly, this could be a really difficult, life changing eating habit of mine that I love so much. So... I guess I am wondering what your thoughts are? What would you recommend? I haven't committed to this challenge nor have I turned it down. I still have $30 worth of Cold Stone gift certificates to use up before I even think of signing onto this crazy bet for a year. Am I crazy? Tell me your thoughts!!

Sweet Caroline

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2008! I have a feeling this is going to be a good year!

Niel had a great time bringing in the New Year. He started the year off by taking on really hard fall. He slipped on the stairs which were super icy. His head hit hard onto the ground. He only suffered mild brain damage!

Zander rode on the 4 wheelers the entire time. He would switch off, ride the red one, then ride the green one. He had a blast and didn't want to come in when it was time to warm up!

Garrett's first time down the BIG, long hill all by himself. What a brave little guy!

Yeah! He made it down, safe and sound!

"Ready! Get set!! GO!!!" Marsha heading down the long hill!!

Dave, Josh and Taylor taking a ride up to the top of Oscarson Mountain!

Here comes Stockton, Garrett and Conner! Watch out!!