Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Megan and Garrett both celebrated getting one year older. Megan turned 12 and Garrett turned 7 this year. Their birthdays are just one day apart.

Look how grown - up they are!

We celebrated with lots of food topped off with the best people around!

We are so lucky to have such great friends and family!!

The day was perfect! We could even eat outside.... well, until it started to rain.

Happy Birthday!!

Hemophilia Blood Run - Give-a-way!

Want to win some AMAZING prizes? Check out my Delightful Dots site for an amazing give-a-way!

I know a bunch of your are runners, and even if you aren't, you should still come run with us. Everyone in our house is participating in the Hemophilia Blood Run. The race will be Saturday, June 6th in Highland. A few of us are running the 5K and some of us are running the 1 mile. ALL of us are helping with the race on the day. We are looking for runners, volunteer's, and even donations (see my site).

Anyone who helps out the day of the race, either by racing, donating, or volunteering..... we will be having a YUMMY breakfast at our house following the race. You don't want to miss it!! Niel is an excellent cook!!

Sweet Surrender

RULES:1. Put your iTunes, iPod, MP3 Player, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

Do you need a good laugh? This will do it! I tag you ALL!

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Stuck in the Middle with You - Stealers Wheel

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Live to Love Another Day - Keith Urban

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Everywhere - Michelle Branch

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
My Favorite Underwear - Liz Phair

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
New York State of Mind - Billy Joel

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Can't Help Falling in Love - UB40

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Too Much of a Good Thing is a Good Thing - Alan Jackson

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Sugar we're Going Down - Fall Out Boys

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
You Say it Best When you Say Nothing at All - Allison Krauss

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
When We All Get to Heaven - Brad Paisley

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Cheap Whiskey - Patty Loveless

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Shrek's Karaoke Dance Party - Shrek Sound Track

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Big Bad John - Johnny Cash

WHAT WILL/DID YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Twist and Shout - Beatles

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Friend of the Devil - Lyle Lovett (this one is scary)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Your Man - Josh Turner

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Mr. Ambulance Driver - The Flaming Lips

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Black or White - Michael Jackson

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Waltz (Better Than Fine) - Fiona Apple

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Don't be Stupid - Shania Twain

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere - Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Crush - David Archuleta

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Whatsername - Greenday

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Bad Day - Daniel Powter

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Sometimes - Waterdown

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Copenhagen Angel - Chris LeDoux

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Thankful - Josh Groban

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Laid - Matt Nathanson

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Money for Nothing - Dire Straits

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Sweet Surrender - Bread

A Week of Sleep

This past week Niel and I went on a LANDesk trip to Las Vegas! I would like to call this week my week of sleep! Seriously... I slept and slept and slept. I think I have gotten enough sleep to get me through the rest of this year.

We did a lot of other things besides sleep. We went to "The O Show" at the Bellagio. The stage was incredible! We had 3rd row seats. We got to see all the performers up close. Their costumes were amazing. The show was great!

Niel was a great sport and he spent an entire day doing whatever I wanted to do. We started out my day shopping at the outlet store... fun! I got an awesome pair of high heel sexy shoes! After shopping we laid out by the pool... yes folks, it was warm enough in Las Vegas to relax outside, by a large body of water (smile)! Nexwe got all dressed up and went to a very nice restaurant. Bartolotta was very classy. Even though the prices nearly made my eye balls pop out their sockets the food was tasty. AND.... I got to be accompanied by the sexiest, well dressed man in Vegas! After dinner we went to our favorite Vegas hang out.... Haagen Dazs. Delicious!! We ran into Brooke and Rick while we were eating. It was a nice way to end a perfect night!

Niel also got in a round of golf. He went with a few of my work associates while I hung out at the pool and did some more shopping. I tried my luck on a few slot machines and roulette. Niel played a little blackjack. Niether one of us got too lucky but it was still very fun!

Oh... and did I tell you we slept a lot?

March Madness - Cheesecake Factory

And the winner is....

Conner!!

When March rolls around our family has one unique tradition. We each take a NCAA bracket and fill it out to the best of our ability. Conner was the big winner this year!

Conner picked Cheesecake Factory for our family dining event! Delicious!
It was even warm enough to eat outside. Well... almost warm enough! They turned on the outside warmers and wore our jackets.

Grandma and Grandpa joined us for some fun! Everything is better with Grandma and Grandpa!

We shared some delightful cheesecake after the meal.... YUM - EEE!

Welcome Lucy!

About a week ago Niel saw a mouse in the house... YIKES! Then, a few days after that I saw the mouse! I am freaked of mice. I was scared to go in the kitchen, where the mouse was spotted. Niel was my knight in shining armor. He went out and bought some traps and mouse poison. Unfortunately, this mouse is very smart. He didn't fall for any of those.
I couldn't bare it any longer so we did the next best thing..... we went out and got a cat.

Welcome the newest member of the family.... Lucy!

She is a beautiful cat. She is still trying to get used to our house. I think all the noise is enough to scare anyone...haha! She doesn't want to have anything to do with Rocky, our dog.

This is her favorite spot. She like to climb on top of the cupboard. She will snuggle herself up and relax. Her and Zander still aren't friends either, although Zander is certain it is his cat and he is dying to get Lucy to sleep in his bed. Maybe one day.

She is de-clawed, spayed, litter box trained, and has a great personality. And last night.... I saw her scoping out the place the mouse has been seen. I will sleep better once the mouse is gone and hopefully Lucy will always keep those furry critters out of our house.

Something I have never had before....

There are many things in this life I have not done or had, but wanted. Well... this week I got something I have never had before but always wanted. I got myself some LONG HAIR!!!

Brooke worked her talents on my hair and poof..... magically I got my wish.... long, thick, beautiful hair. Brooke really is an amazing hair stylist!! I am loving it!!! I also loved the time Brooke and I were able to spend together. She truly is amazing at what she does and I am incredibly lucky to have her as my sister.

Brooke and I before....

Bye - bye short, thin hair...

The process is quit interesting. Not sure if you can see in this picture, but Brooke matched my hair perfectly. Seriously.... it is just the right color!

Ta - Dah!! Brooke.... you are amazing!!

What do you think?

i {heart Faces} Amateaurs

Ok.... so I absolutely LOVE this new site I found. I hope you will play along with me as I post some of my favorite pictures.

This week on i {heart faces} it is amateur week. I couldn't pick a better category for myself. I would really like to improve my photography skills!! I heart faces seems to be just the right spot for me!

Zander is still young enough to get all excited about Easter! Every color, design, and creation he makes is as exciting for him as his previous egg masterpiece. I hope to capture and remember each of these thrilling moments!!!

Coloring Eggs

Coloring eggs is always a fun Easter tradition.

Conner asked me how old is too old to color eggs. I told him "Never!" He was a good sport about it and jumped right in with the rest of us.

Stocky is so comical when it comes to taking pictures. He spent the most time on his eggs. He likes to use his clever, artistic mind. Each one of his eggs were unique.

Gman was busy blending colors. He liked to switch back and forth!

Happy Easter! I love the colorfulness and the time we got to spend together.

Happy Easter 2009

We celebrated an incredible Easter holiday this year! It has been a while since ALL of my sisters and ALL our kids were in the same place at the same time!!!

We all had a GREAT time together!!

Conner and Megan set up an Easter egg hunt of the younger kids. As you can see.... there were plenty of eggs for everyone.

My beautiful sisters! I love them both so much!!!

It was a divine feast. Niel smoked up some delicious ribs for us all to eat!
(Good thing Niel is a good cook. I don't even know how to bake a ham)!

Mom and Dad! Brooke and Rick!! Ang and Pat!!! What more could I ask for?

Niel and I love food! It was just such a perfect day!!!

More Rockband

I know I post Rockband stuff ALL the time. It is just because it is TOO much fun!!!

Brooke and Rick invited us over for a Rockband Festival! We had drum off (WAY fun!). The ultimate drummer winner was Conner! Way to go Conner!!

Here is Megan and Stocks rocking away!!

Sing your heart out Brooke! G-man is a cray wild drummer and Rick and Conner go wild on the guitar. These guys made an incredible Rock group!!

This was my first time singing. Can't say I am that great, but it was still fun. I had a great group to pick up my slack!!

Thanks Brooke, Rick, and Brynlee for such a great night together!!

I thought this picture was too cute! Zander wrote General Conference on a piece of paper. He sounded out each letter to spell it Zander's way:
Genrol Cfrns

I {Heart} Faces - Kids

The theme this week on I Heart Faces is:

My Friend and I

This was the first picture I thought of. I guess I would have to change the title a little to read... My Friends and I. Arianna, Garrett, and Brynlee are three pea's in a pod! They have such a great time together! This picture was taken at Garrett's fourth birthday party. I hope they can always stay good friends!

I {Heart} Faces - Adult

Niel and Steve.... don't kill me!!

The theme for this week on I Heart Faces is:

My Friend and I

I thought this picture was perfect! While the photo isn't necessarily picture perfect, the picture sure does catch the essence of their friendship.

Steve and Niel have been good friends for longer then I have known Niel. This picture may be goofy - but it is just right! I appreciate the friendship Steve, and his amazing wife Megan, have shown both Niel and I.

Love you guys!

A Great Lesson

Yesterday, Stockton went to a birthday party for a good friend of his. The reason Stockton is good friends with this boy is because I work with his mom. It has been fun to hang out with my friend while Stockton can hang out with his friend.
The party was coming to a close. Stockton was getting his things. He had such a great time! They had played some fun games and Stockton had a great time hanging out with friends! As Stockton and I were getting ready to head out, we noticed my friend (I am leaving out names because she was so embarrassed). She was sitting out on the back porch having a hard time breathing. She was scratching her neck and her eyes were watering. I thought for sure she was going to pass out. There were several other parents and friends there.... all very concerned. Someone call 911 and I could hear the ambulance sirens in a distant, staring to get louder. I knew help was on the way. I felt so bad for my friend. She was in such pain! I wanted to help her so badly, but I also didn't want to get in the way. I could tell she was hurting, but I could also tell she was embarrassed and didn't want to draw attention to herself. I stood inside the house and watched from the window. I could see the paramedics coming to offer her help. Others were standing around to offer support. I felt very concerned and very helpless.

The paramedics gave her a shot in the arm, which seemed to help. After assessing her vitals and getting her breathing back to normal the paramedics took her to the hospital to make sure everything was ok.

As Stockton and I got into the car, we talked a little bit about it. I told Stockton, "I hope she is all right." Stockton said, "Me too!" Then I said, "I wish I could have helped her more. I felt like I didn't help out at all. I felt like I was just in the way."

Then Stockton told me..... "Mom, you are never in the way. I am sure she was glad you were there, even if you couldn't do anything. I like it when you are just there."

We sat in silence for a while. I think I was trying to just hold back the tears. Stockton brought me great comfort and I have been thinking about what he said a lot since then.

I think often in life I like to be in control. I like to be able to fix the situation. Most of the time there isn't anything I can really do. Life can be difficult at times and I feel like I have all the answers. There are things in my relationship with Niel I wish I could take hold of. There are things with the kids I feel like I know what would be best for them. I struggle with those types of situations often. It is hard for me to realize that maybe I just don't need to do anything.... I just need to be there.

It is amazing the lessons I learn from my children. I love those little learning moments. I thought I would write this one down so I didn't forget.

Thanks Stockton!

My friend is all right. Turns out she had a severe allergic reaction to someone perfume or something. She is back home having fun with her son!

Sunny California!

Niel and I had the opportunity to visit four of our favorite people! There was one thing lacking in our visit..... SNOW! I didn't miss it one bit! California was nice, sunny, colorful, inviting, fun and SO enjoyable!


Uncle Pat, Aunt Ang, Arianna and Alayna let us crash at their house for a few days. It was GREAT to see them!!! We miss them so much!

Niel and I were celebrating our 3 years of marriage. We had a delightful time!

We went to the Broadway play, Wicked!

Incredible! It was just as good as everyone told me it was going to be!!

Our driving adventure to the Orpheum Theater was.... well, lets just say we got to see a lot of Northern California. We started on I-87, then went to I101 and then I-237. Then, Nancy Neverlost told us to take I-280, and then 6 miles later she told us to take I-237 to I-880 and I-680. All this driving around got is so confused. We had to stop off at Jack in the Box to fill our bellies before we got even more grumpy. Once our stomachs were happy and full, we gave up on following Nancy Neverlast and took I-84 back to I-101. The 50 minute drive took us nearly two hours.... good thing we left early. We did find a $5 parking lot and it was just 2 blocks away from the theater. We arrived just in time and had an watched an incredible show!

If you haven't seen it yet.... I highly recommed Wicked!

We also got to see Bruce Springsteen in concert. "The Boss" put on a rockin show. My favorite part was all the people watching I got to do. I tell you, there are ALL kinds of people!!
We had a great time!

Smile! We are at a Bruce Springsteen Concert!

Happy Anniversary Niel! We have shared many adventures during the last 3 years!! I love our continual exciting life. You are the perfect one for me to experience life with!!!

I love you! Thanks for a great trip!