Goodbye, my first love....

Davy Jones + Kitten.  Everyone wins.  

Even though he was a good thirty-plus years my elder, I thought he was the cutest thing I had ever seen.  I figured that since he was short, it was probably okay to have a crush on him.

BDEM:  It actually happened late last night...but the aftermath has been keeping me excited all day.  Rob and I booked a last minute trip to Kauai.  I have had excited jitters all day, and can't wait to spend eight days on a BEAUTIFUL island with my handsome hubby.  


Water:  20 oz.  (It's only noon.  Hopefully by the time this posts I'll be at 60).

Happy Birthday, Gerg!

Our Favorite Kung Fu Panda

I have had a beyond busy day and was JUST NOW able to call my little brother to wish him a happy birthday.  Unfortunately, it's two hours ahead where he lives, and he is probably sleeping.  So sad.

So, since I feel like a really miserable sister - I just want to dedicate this blog post to him and say that I hope he had an AMAZING day!!  Hopefully one of these days my wish will come true, and he'll move out by me.  If that's asking too much - at least he'll come out and visit me soon!

Love you, Gerg...miss our days of Tuesday and Thursday bowling!!

(Also - it just so happens to be my friend Lindsay's 30th birthday, and my father-in-law's 70th Birthday!  Happy Birthday, Lindsay and Ross...sorry I don't have any pictures of you dressed in your Karate Best!)

BDEM:  It's been a CUH-RAZY day!  I think I'm going to heat up some Mexican hot chocolate and kick up the old feet!  

Water:  70 oz

Speaking of Bad Habits....

You'll never guess who got pulled over today for expired registration.


Rob.


And not a moment too soon!  Even though our printer is broken, Rob had taken a picture with his phone of our computer screen (from the automatic renewal webpage) showing that he had registered his car.

He showed the cop the picture - and Rob was sent on his merry little way.


Phew. Now THAT was a close one!


BDEM:  I have tons of stuff to look forward to, and I keep having these little, "Oh - that's going to be so awesome.." moments.  I've had a bunch of those today, so I guess I could call them BDEMs. Please don't correct me if that grammar is wrong - I have literally changed my mind ten times.  It's too late to get into the nitty gritty of the horrendous English language.  (Side note:  does anybody else get particularly frustrated trying to teach their children how to read?  English has more exceptions to the rules than actual rules!)  

Water:  70 oz

Bad Habits

Rob and I are terrible about registering our cars.  As of this weekend, we finally have two street legal cars.  Both of which were due back in August.  After months and months of driving unregistered you get accustomed to paranoid driving...making sure that there is not a cop anywhere in sight.  I can't even begin to tell you how many times Maddie has pointed out that we were going the wrong way because I was making up my own "detour" to avoid a cop.

Rob pointed out a few weeks ago (when we finally decided it was probably time) that if either one of us got pulled over we could get our cars impounded.  I wasn't quite sure if that was legit - or if a cop would actually do that. So now I am curious if everyone else always registers their cars immediately, or if there are others out there who are constantly on the lookout for the police.  What is the latest that a cop would let you off the hook with an unregistered car?  Have any of my friends been ticketed for expired registration?

BDEM:  Dr. Mario.  I'm practicing*.  I'm talking to you, Mandi and Paul.  

Water:  60 oz


*Practicing in no way, shape, or form indicates improvement.  

Sushi

I love grocery store sushi.  I grab it a lot at the store around the corner - but I didn't realize how often until the other day when I ran in to grab something else.  I passed the sushi counter and the little Japanese man rolling sushi behind the counter asked, "You no stop for sushi?"  Perhaps I should cut back....I didn't realize we were at that level in our relationship.  Actually, I didn't even know who HE was!

BDEM:  At this very moment I can breathe through both nostrils.  I cannot wait to pop that sushi in my mouth, it will be the first food I've been able to taste in days!  

Water:  60 oz

Speech Impediment

I have one of those terrible colds.  The kind that you get once every five years or so.  The kind where your nose/throat is so clogged that you can't seem to pronounce the N sound.  It's also the kind where for some reason your eyes just drip water.

Because of it, I've been in a fog all day...probably because I'm wearing my glasses.  This may sound ridiculous, but sometimes it seems like if my eyes can't focus - neither can my brain.  My glasses are about three prescriptions old, so even though they help, I'm still a bit visually impaired.

Back to fog.  At about 5pm I looked at the clock, thought back over the course of the day, and couldn't remember a single thing I did. Was I on the couch?  No.  Did I nap?  No.  Did I talk to anyone on the phone?  I don't THINK so (disclaimer - if we did speak, please forgive any unfortunate things I may have said).  So, where did this day go?  I have absolutely NO idea.  I do remember three things.  1.  My friend Mandi took my kids.  Talk about a lovely lady - that's probably the reason they are safely tucked into bed at this point.  2. I spent most of the day with toilet paper stuffed up my nostrils.   3.  Ella said something to me that made me think, "That'll probably be my BDEM."

BDEM:  Sometimes Ella's cute little grin catches me off guard, and I just have to tell her what a cute and sweet kid she is.


"Ella - do you know how much I love you?"


"Yes, Mommy, so much!"


"That's true, sweetheart - you are just so stinking cute!"


She came over, very close to my face - put her hands on my cheeks and whispered, 


"Mommy, I just ate boogers."


Water:  40 oz.  Still about 30 short.  Dang.

Mascara and Dinner

The top contender of the mascara face off is:

I have to explain this one....I sleep in my mascara every single night.  And even though many of those other mascaras did a decent job of extending my lashes, this one doesn't flake off and end up all over my face the next day.  I also never have issues with it leaving dark circles below my eyes during the day.  Oh, and washing it off is a trip!  It doesn't smear, it just comes off almost like fake lashes.  It's definitely my go to, for all of those that asked.

Dinner:  To change things up a bit, I added some avocado and tomato to a basic grilled cheese sandwich.  It was SO good!  {ps - this would also be really good - and a bit more manly - with a couple slices of bacon} Sprinkle a bit of season all on the tomatoes, and you've got yourself a tasty twist on an every day classic.  To top off the dinner, I made homemade potato chips in the microwave.  I honestly had NO idea you could do this, but they were SO SO good.  Check out the recipe here.  

BDEM:  Watching brave Jude get his kindergarten immunizations.  What a tough (yet tender) little kid.  The nurse was so proud of him...I guess most kids that age end up being chased all over the office with the needles!  He sat quietly, squeezed my arm, and did his very best to hold in his pain.  No tears, no freak-outs, just a kid who understood that in a minute, it would all be over.  

Water:  40 oz

Tell Me I'm Not Alone....

Rob often looks at my makeup bag with a mix of curiosity and disgust.  I have two makeup bags, you see.  One bag is fairly small and is full of the makeup that I wear on a daily basis.  It's clean and organized - which are two traits that really make him smile.  THEN there's the second bag.  The reserve.  It's full of makeup that I don't really wear, but feel I should hold on to in case of some sort of makeup emergency.  It's also disgusting.  It's the bag where the blush and/or eye shadows have broken and created a caky, colored mess all over everything inside it.

My problem is that even though I know I have this disgusting bag where makeup goes to die, I still continue to be an impulsive makeup buyer.  I see the commercial, and I'm sold.

I'd feel a lot better about all this if I knew there was somebody else out there who has nine tubes of mascara  in their possession.  Anybody else a makeup hoarder?

Sadly, in all my makeup hoarding, there is only one of these tubes that I actually like!  Eight of the nine will probably never be used again, and will get tossed when the A & E channel comes to my house and tells me that I have to choose between my children and the mascara.

BDEM:  Oooh, yummy dinner!  Yummy and EASY dinner.  Maybe I'll blog about it tomorrow - or the next day.  Heck, I've still got three and a half months left before blog-every-day-for-a-year comes to an end.  Looks like I've got PLENTY of days to share it!  

Water:  60 oz.

I'm Exhausted!

I just got back from our church New Beginnings program - and I'm ready to put my feet up.  It is a night where we teach about the program, and then welcome all of the new girls in.  Tomorrow I will post some pictures, and our ideas - but for now.....I'm wiped!  Can't wait for my head to hit the pillow!

Extra big shout out to the friends that helped me with this:  Sara, Tonya, Jennifer, Tricia, Mandi, Kerri Sue, Brynn and Dianne.  Nice teamwork, ladies - definitely couldn't have done it without you. {Hope I'm not missing anybody!}

BDEM:  That moment when you know you've pulled off a big event.  I think it went well, and now I can relax and enjoy the memory of it all!

Water:  I kept ZERO track today.  I know I had some with my morning workout - so maybe 20 oz?  Sad!  

Proof

BDEM:  Taking Maddie to Icing (I know it says, "Icing by Claire's, but isn't it basically the same store?  Why is there then a Claire's just around the corner at the mall?)  Forgive my rant...taking Maddie to pick out her first dangly earrings.  It's hard to find a pair of "little danglers" for tiny ears - but we ended up with the cutest little flowers.  

Water:  Not enough.  It's because I didn't work out today.  Probably only 30 oz.

This Worries Me

Having three little girls is one thing -

But having three teenage girls is TOTALLY different.

How does one manage?


BDEM:  Family movie night concept.  Rob made is famous sugar popcorn - which I love to mix with regular popcorn for that whole sweet/salty vibe. 


Non BDEM:  Family movie choice:  Rango.  What the heck?  Have you guys seen that?  I liked the last ten minutes or so - but getting there was TORTURE!  

Water:  40 oz.

Miracles

The other day my friend posted this as her facebook status:

{Jessica} thinks it is about time to post the big news on Facebook. After 13 years of marriage, 200% infertility and three adopted children, I am 14 weeks pregnant! Shock of a lifetime, my friends--shock of a lifetime.


I have been thinking about this news all weekend.  




Talk about miracles.  




I honestly can't remember the last bit of news that made me this happy. Every time it pops into my head my heart does a little "pitter patter" and I get all misty-eyed.  Congratulations to Jessica and family...you guys are such a wonderful family, and I can't wait to hear about all the ups and downs of pregnancy!




BDEM:  Our neighbor owns a restaurant around the corner that makes the BEST southern style breakfast.  The kids always beg to go and visit Callie at her restaurant - so when we say yes it's like taking them to Disneyland.  AND, I get an awesome hashbrown/egg/gravy/cheese/sausage pile that reminds me of weekend breakfasts at Culver.  


Water:  30 oz.  I'd better step it up tomorrow!

What Do You Get

When you cross a fan, a duvet cover and an inventive five year old boy?

A tent that never falls down and is much cooler than any tent his mother could have made with blankets and tables.

You can't really see the size, but it's about three and a half feet tall and four feet wide and six feet long

He used the suction on the back of the fan to hold the duvet cover in place

Then they took blankets and toys inside and played or hours.  

Normally I tell Jude not to mess with the fan, but even I thought this was ridiculously cool.

BDEM:  We took the kids out for frozen yogurt tonight for being so obedient this week.  They were SO good, and I love rewarding them for that!

Water:  40 oz

Maybe I'm Just Old

Yes, I'm thirty.

Yes, I already use the phrase, "They just don't make them the way they used to."

I don't think that's a crime.  After all, anybody my age remembers how awesome parks were before everything became plastic.

Remember these things?

You've never slid down a robot's arms cutting your rear-end on rusty metal pieces?   Okay - neither have I...I just ran across the picture while searching for vintage merry-go-round images.  I do believe there was something similar at the old McDonald's play place, though...

Back to my point.  They just don't make things like they used to.  I found myself saying this as I folded up Madelyn's school valentines a few nights ago.  When did "hand out to your class" valentines go from being made out of cardboard-like paper to slick, cheap magazine paper?  Where did the envelopes go?

I remember passing out Valentine's as a kid.  I had to read each one to make sure that I didn't give anything too provocative to the other boys in the class.  "I like you, Valentine" would have been the end of the world if given to the wrong kid!  Nowadays, kids just sign their names and don't even write who it is to.

I'm sure in the next ten years the teacher will just send home a list of all the kids' email addresses and have their Valentine's Day messages sent to their inbox.

Our poor kids - they'll never know the feeling swinging so high that the leg of the swing set comes off the ground.

They just don't make them like they used to!

BDEM:  I chopped my hair again.  It was a good thing.  

Water:  40 oz

An Emotional Moment

A few weeks ago Rob and I saw a really disturbing moment as we were sitting at a red light.  There was a mentally handicapped man trying to cross a busy street, and he was kind of lingering at the last moment, etc.  Suddenly an annoyed driver honked the horn really loud and long and scared the daylights out of this poor man who then sprinted across the street.  I WAS LIVID.  I could not believe that such horrible people existed in the world.  For the longest time I huffed and puffed and was so offended about the way that man was treated.  It honestly ruined my night.

I saw that same man crossing the street again this morning, and immediately my mind was flooded with sadness and anger.  As I watched him cross the street I noticed how happy he seemed, and how he looked like everything in his world was going right.  It then occurred to me that even though I had spent hours stewing over the horrible actions of that jerk, that sweet handicapped man never gave it a second thought.  I was literally overcome with the feeling of love for those who deal with so much and are given such a different experience on this earth.  I thought of my cousin who has down syndrome, and was blown away with how hard he has worked to be the person he is today.

Overall, it just made me think about how blessed we are to know people with disabilities. Their strength is immeasurable, and I know there is a special place in heaven for those perfect souls.

BDEM:  We had our first oil meeting tonight, and it was REALLY fun!  Everyone seemed to have a great time, and we all learned a ton.  I could not get over how much Rob's buddy, Justin, looked like my brother Dan.  It was STARTLING!  

I'm going to have to post a video so my family can see their mannerisms. I literally was blown away!

Water:  60 oz

A Day of Love and Sugar...

Or maybe more like a day of sugar-love.  Both are equally important for a successful Valentine's Day!

Hope yours was super sweet!


BDEM:  Visiting the seniors at the local retirement home.  It was so fun to interact with them, and see how even the most simple conversation just brightened their day. I especially loved the old man who kept asking if I was his new visiting teacher.  Over and over I explained I was just there to visit, but at the end of the conversation he said, "I can't wait to tell my family I'm back in relief society!"  Hilarious.  I wonder how long ago they kicked him out!  

Water:  50 oz

To My Valentine

When I was a teenager I ACHED to have Valentine.  Here's my backstory:

I had a lot of friends in high school...but I never really knew who were my closest.  I had a specific "clique" to which I was socially assigned, but of those girls - I really was the least popular.  Living in a city where looks and money were everything, I never really felt like I had any close friends.  (Well, there was one....but she didn't go to my high school.  I can honestly say she changed my life.  Love you, Murr)

Anyway, so amongst our group of friends I was the chubbier, less pretty one who had braces for most of her high school days.  I was never asked to dances and I didn't have any boys that were interested in me.  I would dream about the day that I had a guy that liked me, and hoped that some day I would have a secret Valentine.

I AM SO GLAD HIGH SCHOOL IS OVER.  Seriously!  Why are those four years so miserable?!

College came, and I actually started dating. I had several serious boyfriends, but come Valentine's Day, I was always single.  It was depressing to say the least!  My roommates would get flowers and go to dances, and it was like high school all over again.  How I DREADED that day!

But in 2002, I had my first Valentine.  We had been dating for about a month and a half....and had already broken up twice, but I was thrilled that someone took the time to acknowledge me on February 14th.  He came to my house early in the morning and made me Belgian Waffles with fresh strawberries and cream.  We spent the entire day together and then went out for a crab dinner that night.  He told me that he loved me for the first time that day.

He was my first, and my only Valentine.

Thanks for making years of miserable Valentine's Days worth all the wait.

Love you, Babe!

BDEM:  Banana bread....it's one of my least favorite things to bake (I have no idea why - it's so easy) but one of my favorite things to gobble up and share with my husband and kids.  They love, love love it!

Water:  60oz

Express Yourself

Sure, they're musicians....they have the right (and expectation) to be "individuals,"  but doesn't it seem like some of these people were just a bit over the top for tonight's Grammys?

Shoes?  Earring(s)?  Finger piercing?  

I hope he came bearing Whoppers for the occasion

What is happening here?  It looks like armpit hair!  

I'm at a loss on this one.  Anyone?   

Apparently the camera caught her before she was done transforming

And the biggest shocker of all.....

Weird Al still gets invited!  

BDEM:  Shanghai.  Rob's family knows what I'm talking about!  It was a great moment.  

Water:  45 oz

Moving

The overwhelming chub on this little baby's body is no longer holding her down.  As of two days ago, this kid is finally trying to walk!

BDEM:  Maddie's answer when I asked who had wiped a booger on the wall.

"Well, I wipe boogers on a lot of things, but I don't think I put one there - and actually, no, it wasn't me because my boogers don't look like that."  


Water:  12 oz.  Maybe if I drank more I could rid of this week-long chest/stomach pain!

A Wonderful Husband!

Did everyone enjoy the fact that I wrote Valemtines on my last blog post?  Rob just pointed it out to me about an hour ago.  I'm sure a lot of you were snickering and calling me names behind my back....let's be honest - I probably deserved it.  I think I'm going to leave it up though.

Anyway, back to my blog title....A WONDERFUL HUSBAND, because that's what I've got.  As I mentioned before, I have had an amazing early Valemtines weekend.  Rob's mom took the kids for us yesterday afternoon and we headed over to get an hour long couples massage.  HEAVEN!  (Imagine I sang that in a really high - and obviously angelic voice.  In my head it sounds amazing.  Out loud, probably not so much.)

After the massage we stopped at quite possibly the most bizarre restaurant/gift shop/former bowling alley/ psychic shop I have ever seen.  As we were leaving the cashier even casually mentioned that there used to be a swimming pool inside too.  Odd.  

Oh, and they serve black-licorice-buttermints...with a spoon on the way out.  Awesome.

Side note for all of Rob's family....this guy was sitting across from us.  We thought he was a perfect mix of Ross and Uncle Lynn.  Creepy, right?

After dinner we drove up to the Alaskan Inn.

It's this cute  bed and breakfast in Ogden Canyon where everyone gets their own little cabin.  Then in the morning they bring breakfast to your cabin.  Yum!  I tend to get overly excited for any meal that is 1.  Brought to me by someone else and 2.  Involves hot chocolate.

We left the cabin at about 9:30, and headed over to Powder Mountain for a day on the slopes.  It was empty, foggy and completely awesome.  

He is a good, good man - isn't he?  It really was a great surprise, and a perfect way to spend our 10th Valemtines Day as a couple.

Now - here's a tip for everyone. Yes, we crammed a LOT of stuff into a day and a half, BUT Rob has been collecting Groupons to make this trip incredibly affordable.  We were able to do all of this (including the bed and breakfast) for less than half of the normal price.  So, guys....when you see a good deal, snag it - then put them all together for an AWESOME date.

Rob - you are the best Valemtine ever!  I love you so, and look forward to many Valemtines days to come!  XOXO

BDEM:  Do I really need one?  I think I just covered all of that! 

Water:  30 oz.  I think I could use a little more - so I'd better go chug before I head to bed.

Early Valemtine's Day

I'm phone blogging...with an awful Internet connection, so I'll just say this: I am having the time of my life! Rob surprised me with an early gift, and I'll tell you all about it when I have better access. Happy Valentine's Day to us!

BDEM: Couples massage!

Water...forgot to keep track. Not nearly enough!

Why I Can't Blog

I have like three minutes....before I need to rinse this out!  This is why I can't tell you about my awesome upcoming adventure.  I suppose it'll just have to wait.  Just send me good, "I hope you don't hate your hair color" vibes.  Eh, what does it matter anyway - my hair always looks the same no matter what the color looks like on the box!

Doesn't my hair look like plastic?  Hope that comes out with the rinse!




BDEM:  My late night run to Target with my darling Stefanie!  Thanks for going out with me for a dumb little trip - it was nice to have the company!!

Water:  60oz

I'm Considering.....

...having an oil party - of sorts.

I'm not really one to say, "Come one, come all - I've got a GREAT opportunity for you!"  Because, honestly, I don't really believe in those sorts of things.

BUT, I've had a lot of people wanting to borrow my oils, and a lot of people asking what exactly I use them for, so I think I'm going to have something where you can learn, and get some free oils yourself.

If you're interested, I'll post the deets on my oils page.

BDEM:  I finally beat my sister in law, Mandy, at scramble with friends.  The girl is phenomenal.  She is the kind of person where after feeling good about your score of 435, comes back to beat you with a whopping 700.  I'm pretty sure her phone broke down, and she had to forfeit, but that still counts as a win in my book!  


Water:  50(ish) oz

Home Decor

It's possible that your home has an enormous entryway.

It is possible that you have a massive theatre room.

It is possible that your master bath is larger than my entire house.

It is possible that your granite countertops shine like the top of the Chrysler Building.

However, I'm pretty darn sure that your house does not have the entire Angry Birds collection sitting on your fireplace.

And yes, they are the originals.

The green one in the middle (simply titled "Catapult") is obviously one of Jude's more abstract pieces, but I think it really showcases his progression as an artist.

I'll make sure to lock my doors tonight - don't want anyone to get themselves arrested for breaking and entering.

BDEM:  Letting the above artist teach me how to play the game involving the above subjects.  He was so funny.  "You're doing great, Mom."    "This level used to be hard for me, too."     "I can just beat this one for you - then you can try a different one."      "Next time try getting three stars."

Water:  60 oz

Food Coma

What's the one thing that is worse than having homemade chips and guacamole, potato skins, crab dip, meatballs and celery as your Superbowl food?

Deciding to whip up a double batch of chocolate chip cookies to finish off the night.

Hormonal much?  Geez!



P.S.  Can you believe the Josh Powell news?  So, so sad.



BDEM:  Jude gave his first talk in church.  He was so stinking cute, and in true inexperienced-kid-with-microphone-fashion, he spent every second where he wasn't speaking with his lips pressed up to the mic.   I think I was actually holding him back by the forehead (while whispering the words into his ears) for the entire second half of the talk.  All germ-phobias aside, he totally nailed it!  


Water:  20 oz.  I'll make up for it tomorrow when all the salt from above meal absorbs every once of liquid in my body.

Anybody want a double batch of chocolate chip cookies?!

So, yeah.

I bought the dress.

I'll probably wear it to church tomorrow.

And it will probably be the last time I'll be able to fit in it.

No, I'm not pregnant...

But Deon posted these on her blog:

Kill me now!


BDEM:  Planning tomorrow's Superbowl meal in my head.  I'm sure the Superbowl meal itself won't be tomorrow's BDEM, but I love the planning of meals...the thought of the event...how exciting appetizers will be...I have such high hopes for a house that isn't even having a party, and probably won't watch more than a half an hour of the Superbowl.  Who knows, maybe I'll even throw Deon's brownie cookies on the menu.

Water:  Embarrassment - probably 20 oz.

The {NEW} Dress

Here's the new one I've got my eye on.

They don't have it online in my size, so I may just have to run in tomorrow to try this baby on.  I am so desperate for dresses.  If anybody has seen any cute ones, please send me links.  I am having the hardest time finding anything I like.

But this one, with a little yellow cardigan?  I think it could be cute!

BDEM:  My little chunker-munker is taking her first steps.  I didn't think her legs could support that much weight, but we are getting somewhere!  She may be walking by the time she is three after all!  

Water:  40 oz

I Can't Decide

I keep looking at this hair cut -

But have been working (and will have to continue working) towards this one for months -

What's a girl to do?

BDEM:  I was having one of THOSE days.  Just kind of grumpy and short - I'm sure Rob has NO idea what I'm talking about.  So when he got home, I took off for the gym.  It was a huge stress reliever.  I know it seems lame that I often mention that my workout is my BDEM, but honestly - it really can make or break my day.  

Water:  60 oz

Au Naturale

I've mentioned in the past that I may have what some would refer to as "drinking problem."  Diet Coke and I have been in cahoots for quite some time, and even though I don't necessarily see it as a problem, many people do.  That, my friends, is not denial - it's the belief that I am right and you are dead wrong....Rob.  So, in effort to experiment with a coke-free life, I decided to do what I have heard so many people recommend in the past.  A glass of sparkling water flavored with lemon and lime.  

Now, here's my question:  who in their right mind thought this was some sort of substitute for the sweet, rich, goodness of a diet coke?!  This stuff is HANDS DOWN TERRIBLE!  I cringed with every sip, until I had the fantastic idea of adding a huge portion of Splenda.  At that point it became tolerable, but not good by any measure.  Then I realized that adding Splenda really just turned it into the same thing I was already drinking:  a carbonated drink made with fake sugars...with NO caffeine.   Pointless.

So, no thank you SELF magazine...Diet Coke and I are just fine as we are.


BDEM:  Working out with my lady-neighbor-friends.  

Water:  Are we including the disaster from above? If so:  80 oz
Trips to the bathroom:  80+