This morning, Abby had a hair bubble. You know, the kind that when you pull your ponytail back in a rubber band (or elastic, you choose) and it kind of bubbles. I mentioned it to her, and, exasperated, she said, "Can you do it?"
When I want to blow her hair, and she groans, I remind her that I would give ANYTHING to have someone blow dry my hair every day. She stops, but I relish the times right now when she WILL let me touch her hair, because I know that time is short. And I will take advantage of it now.
She brought a brush to me, and I brushed her beautiful naturally highlighted hair carefully as to get all the "bubbles" out. Do you know one time someone asked me if I highlighted my 5 year old daughter's hair? Um. No. I put the elastic in. . . a little (A LOT) higher that she normally does. She likes it at the nape of her neck. I wasn't really paying attention. Just doing it like I would normally do. When she walked into the bathroom to look at it, I admired my handy-work. It was cute. It bounced. It looked cheer-leader-esque. I liked it.
She returned from the bathroom a few minutes later.
Her hair was pulled back, to the nape of her neck. I smiled, and laughed out loud. "Ha!" You didn't like it! She said, "it was like clear up here!" Pointing to the very top of her head. I smiled, and laughed in my head. I am grateful. Very very grateful. Her look is plain, and not overstated. It is her, and that is okay with me. I hope it always is.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After I dropped Abby off at school Wade insisted he wants a smoothie at Costco. Peter did my Costco run yesterday, and I informed Wade that we would not be going to Costco. He said, "But you are a GOOD mommy!" Inferring that good mommies do exactly as demanding 4 year olds want. I must admit. Guilty as charged.
He then told me he didn't like my hair. It was messy, uncombed, and up. In a pony tail.
He said, "Your hair doesn't look pretty". I didn't object.
A short time later, I got out of the shower. My hair was wet, but combed, and down. I walked into the living room and Wade said, "Your hair looks pretty, mom."
Who knew kids would develop their likes of hair so early?
And no, I don't mean a "goddess" of Sheen fame. I mean, many people think that in order to make an impressive meal, you need to cook well. And. You don't.
Sometimes you can whip together things that are actually quite good, but don't take a lot of effort (unlike Stie's cake balls--but they look awesome stie!).
Although I DO like to cook, and I make part of my living showing people HOW to cook, I still am amazed at times how easy it is to fake something REALLY REALLY good.
Just don't over think it.
The other day I made Grilled Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Paninis by the Pioneer Woman. Now, if you REALLY want to teach yourself to cook well, starting with a site like hers is a great idea, because there is always a great picture by picture, step by step tutorial. What I was amazed by was the spread that she put on those paninis.
It consisted of just a few ingredients. Yes, those sun dried tomatoes had been in my fridge for who knows HOW long... Guess what, they were fine, and they didn't kill anyone. Yes the pesto is pre-prepared. . . So. EASY. Stick those ingredients in a manual food processor (new product from Pampered Chef!), mini processor, a big food processor, and if you don't have any of those, resort to your blender. You will be just fine. . . Juuuuuuuust fine.
I didn't have time to marinate my chicken breasts, so, I cut up some baked chicken from dinner the night before, and threw my "marinade" in for an hour. It was a win-win. Chicken already cooked. . . marinade made it yummy. #winning.
I even had some left over to spread on the said paninis and to spread it all over a regular turkey sandwich or what ever else I wanted. . . my thighs maybe? I wouldn't have cared. It was SO. GOOD.
You can even go so far as to roast your bell peppers just like the Pioneer Woman does. She gives a great tutorial, but, if you don't have a gas burner, do what I did and burn the heck out of your peppers under your broiler.
And guess what, I even burned my paninis JUST like the Pioneer Woman, and they were STILL GOOD.
Oh, one other thing. You want to REALLY feel like a culinary goddess? Make your own Panini bread by making the EASIEST Artisan bread EVER. And it is practically no fail.
Or if you are more of a step by step girl, go here.
My point is. You want to feel like a culinary goddess? Start with this no-fail recipe. It has amazing flavor, and when you are eating it, you will think you are at a fancy cafe where you just paid $10 for your fancy panini. . . . give it a try.
One thing I DON'T like about Facebook, is that it makes me a lazy blogger, and I miss out on great opportunities to blog, because in a moment, I can post a quick quote on facebook. But there, it doesn't last, and so, because I didn't want to forget that moment, I will post it here.
Jaxon: "Mom, do you sometimes cry when you see beautiful things?"
Life with Jaxon is challenging. A lot. I honestly don't think you can compare Autism to anything else. You can't even compare Autistic kids, because they are all so different. One thing I DO love is that somehow, with Jaxon, he has quite a bit of sensitivity to the spirit, and he is not afraid to share it. I am grateful for that blessing, because sometimes he is trapped in a mind that he can't control perfectly, but the gift of the spirit, and the gift of feeling the spirit is not tied to our ability to think, it is tied to our ability to FEEL. And Jaxon can do that, just. fine. He proved it to me when we passed the San Diego Temple on our latest trip.
Most people are surprised by my height. If they have never met me in person, they are VERY surprised. It they have met me in person the first thing people tell me is that I am tall, (Like I haven't noticed. . .but thanks) Anyway. . .
But, it looks like we will have another giant in the house.
Meet Kaylie.
We went and had a play date at Tamsen's house last week, and this is what I found. . . Kaylie, stands head and shoulders above the rest. These girls are only a few months apart, but here is Kaylie, looking down on top of her head. Head, and shoulders . . literally, above the rest.
That is okay. That is how I look at most people too.
Wade has an edge at being tall too, but he is not THAT much taller than his peers, but, still an inch or two still makes a difference! Tosh and Wade are only a few months apart as well, and Kaylie is about Tosh's height. CRAZY!
** Just a side note, Liv, Tamsen's little girl, IS on the small side of things, but still, it makes for a funny pic.
I don't seem to have a doppelganger. . but I know someone who DOES!!!! :)
This picture of Kaylie has been on our screensaver for weeks and Peter finally said, you know? That picture reminds me of someone . . . Just so you can see the REAL screen saver . . .
3 Happy Kids sitting at the top of the tram at Snowbird, and one . . not so happy camper. <-------If you choose to click on that link, please do yourself a favor and scroll to the bottom picture to get the true effect. K. Thanks.
but it wasn't flattering. (Hard to imagine WHY, huh?)
So, I didn't post it.
The outfit is NOT meant to impress.
But, I wear it almost every day.
Many people have seen my in my "uniform".
The ladies I car pool with,
my visiting teachers,
any repair man.
I really don't care.
I mean, I REALLY don't care.
I am comfortable.
And almost no one can sees me in it.
Except for the people I mentioned before.
Sometimes I don't shower. . .
until 3 in the afternoon,
when I have to go somewhere.
I read Cjane.
She wears Mumus.
She is proud of her Mu-mus.
In her vlog today, she and her sister are wearing mu-mus.
They look comfy.
But I am not sure I can pull it off.
She said they get them at Dillards.
I searched for "mu-mus" on Dillards website.
Guess what,
They aren't called mu-mus anymore. They are called Patio Dresses.
I think I like that term more.
So much more, I think I want a patio dress.
Do you want to see me in a patio dress?
Or in my uniform?
Let me know.
Here are some patio dress options.
I think I am in love.
I think I would have to go with a longer mu-mu because I am so tall. I think the short one would be a disaster.
Which mu-mu do you like?
If I get enough comments on this post, I will buy the preferred mu-mu and post a picture of me in it on my blog.
I will decide what is enough comments.
As a side note, I feel sorry for the patio dress model. I am sure when she got to work that day she thought, "and what about me says, patio dress exactly?". . .
I love Chuck E. Cheese Photos. It started with the Chuck E. and Me pictures when you are riding in the car. That was one of Wade's favorite rides as a baby, and he didn't even know he was "posing" for a shot.
When Kaylie started visiting Chuck E. on a regular basis, I make sure she gets a ride with Chuck E. too.
Abby started my collection, because she is obsessed with the sketch machine. She took this one, and I have had it on my fridge ever since she brought it home. She snagged Kaylie for this one. It is one of my favorite pictures of them. Even of the ones I take with my actual camera! I think it is because Kaylie has no idea what is going on, I had no idea it was happening, and the joy on Abby's face is priceless.
Abby got in the machine last night for this one.
And Kaylie was forced in by me for this one. Believe it or not, I was supposed to be in the shot, but she was moving like a wet dog out of the tub, I couldn't get a great shot.
I know I haven't kept all of the pictures over the years, but I wish I had. I think they are a great way to document our fun.
I really wanted to do a little Birthday Quiz like one of my friends does for her kids on their birthday. She does it every year, posts it on her blog for posterity, and it is so cute. However, I tried it with Wade, and it didn't turn out so well. I guess I will have to try it when he is a little older. Most of the answers I got were completely inaudible. But hilarious.
I cannot tell you how much I adore this little man. He came into my life as such a ray of light. It was one of those times where life was in balance, things were happy and a baby was brought into our family. I will never forget it. I have said, for almost 4 years now, that if all my babies can be like Wade, I would have had a bundle. Serious.
But they aren't. And that is what makes each and every baby that you have so special. They are all so unique and different. And I love that about them as well. But Wade came to me at a special time. I say things were happy, but we had just gotten Jaxon's diagnosis of Autism. (This is the original link) So, I prayed every day that baby boy would not have the same issues that Jaxon does. I cried when I found out it was a boy, because I knew that the chances were greater with a boy, than having a girl.
I watched him like a HAWK from birth. Every smile, every developmental milestone (those who have kids with issues know that you must know when all of these milestones took place because you fill out thousands -literally- of questionnaires about your child). He met every mile stone on time, or early, and my heart soared with happiness each time.
But it's been more good than bad. As a matter of fact, the little guy has turned into a little lady killer.
This picture is kinda wonky because I wanted to capture the true essence of the moment. We had just hopped out of car, and Wade is one of those kids that I don't have to hold hands with. He is always on my tail, never runs away, and always listens if you say stop, go, or wait. I turned around to make sure he was there, like he always is, and this is what I saw.
My little dude, with his shades on, walking like it ain't no thing, into Hobby Lobby. It made my heart so happy to look down at him and he was just, bein' himself. And I love it.
Just moments earlier, we had stopped at a stop light. Wade likes to roll his window down and talk to the people next to us if his window is unlocked. There happened to be a 20 something girl in the car who looked over at him. He smiled, and waved, she waved back and smiled. Wade glanced over at me and said, "She's cute!" I started to laugh, and she noticed he was talking to me, so, I told her what he said, and she instantly told her friend and they started into rolling laughter. Wade, had the biggest smile on his face. It was a classic Wade moment. He loved it. The girl, the giggling. He was mighty proud of himself.
I am so grateful for this little boy. I spend so much time with him throughout the day. Most of the time, he is right by my side. Just hanging out. He is such a blessing. I hope he has a great 4th year.
I almost did a post about something other than the Bachelor last week. Seriously! I almost did! It would have been awesome. . . but, The Bachelor is almost over, so, soon. Soon.
I am sorry I didn't get a post about the show up last week! I was watching it with a friend and was able to get all of my, "Whaaaaaaaaaaa?" "No she DIDn't" and "huuuuuuuuh?" moments out.
Most of them had to do with what Chantel chooses to wear. I am sorry. I don't like that kind of cattiness. I really don't. I refuse to let my kids talk that way, I usually don't like hearing OTHER people talk that way, but seriously. Chantel was not lookin' her best. . . oh wait. . . was she ever? All I can think back on is the many poor choices in dresses at the rose ceremonies. I wish I could do a montage. Holly seems to be able to find any screen shot she wants. Holly, will you please put together a montage of Chantel's poor dress choices? Thanks.
Moving on. . no, that CAN'T be all I can say about the African Safari, can it? Nope. First of all, back to what they were wearing. I have to hand it to Emily to always look freakishly perfect even in the jungle with ratty un-curled hair. Seriously. Props to that girl. She always looked hot. I know that is the reason SOME of you don't like her, but, really, she seems super-de-duper nice. Doesn't she? I really have not found a down side to that girl. I like her. Plus, every man needs a woman who can bring him down a notch. And I am not saying that Emily cuts him down or anything, but Brad seems like a rambunctious puppy. And Emily just might be the calming nature he needs to finally "settle down".
Speaking of rambunctious puppy. . .
See that there in the driver's seat? That is Brad's twin brother driving the car. I sure hope they are somewhere in the desert because he is drinking a Bud-light while driving, and I am pretty sure that is illegal. Why bother with the seat belts guys? But you can see Brad the puppy in the back seat. He might as well have his head stuck out the window with his tongue flapping in the wind. Ladies. Does this video say 38 year old man to you? I think not. Emily, Chantal. . you can have him. But then again, I have never been a huge Brad fan. However, he might be ready for a real relationship THIS time. But we all know how long these relationships last.
I was laughing last night that his "significant other" told him to not be too happy to see the women from the show. HA! Already got a grip on that guy huh? That seems more like a Chantal move, than an Emily move. If Emily did say that. . she said it in that super sweet southern drawl, and didn't really insist. And the video montage they showed last night of Brad being a spaz. . . like I said. Puppy.
Okay, let's move on now to the Women tell all, and the most important details of the night. First off, if they pick Ashley H. to be the new bachelorette, I will be seriously disappointed. Like, DeAnna Papas disappointed. And if you have been with me through all the Bachelorette seasons, you should know that is VERY DISAPPOINTED! I just started to get really irritated by her whining and "do you like me" insecurities. I don't think she would be that much fun to watch. Seriously. But, you all know I will. I would NEVER go so far to say that I won't watch. DUH. WINNING.
Just kidding. What would a blog post be without a reference to the biggest melt down this week. Classic.
Okay, now on to Michelle. She drove me crazy. But watching her last night was weird. I didn't feel bad for her, because hey, you put yourself on a reality show, and that is what you are going to get, but EW. . . Alli really showed HER ugly side. Yuck. I am not saying Michelle should have left her 5 year old at home. We all know that she went on the show to "further her career" and I am sure she thought that was going to be great. But can you imagine the backlash you are going to get from a 5 year old if you have been gone for a month? I can't.
She was probably regretting it at that point.
And as for her craziness. It was clearly an act. Or was the crying last night. I don't know, you tell me. What I saw was a girl who is a little insecure, a LOT over exposed, and I dunno. But she did give us the best entertainment of the season. Thanks Michelle!
On a last note. Did you hear Reality Steve was wrong? That is what he is saying. You know what I think? I think the Bachelor producers are having a complete heyday wreaking havoc on Reality Steve and spoilers or not. I still can't figure out who he chooses. They haven't shown him standing out by himself until last night. And they have only shown Brad crying (hard) on Emily's shoulder. . which is strange, and getting mad at Chantal and her saying, "After all this, you better put a ring on my finger!" Nice touch Chantal. I think I may have said something like that right before I got engaged, but there wasn't a "plan B" or "second option" waiting in the wings. I may have saved that little morsel until AFTER you have the ring on your finger. No?
Happy watching kids! I have read the spoilers and I seriously STILL don't have any clue who he is going to pick, but I can't wait to find out!
Can you believe I hit 600 posts on my last post? I shoulda celebrated with a giveaway or somethin'! Sorry about that! I will be more attentive. No. Really. I will. . .
So, honestly. Are we all ready for the longest season in Bachelor history to be over yet? I know, they all have about the same number of episodes, but no one has explained to me why this one is dragging on and on and ON!!! I guess it is because he doesn't have any freak-shows left. Even Michelle wasn't compelling enough. With Jake, he had us all SCREAMING until the end. . ."NOT VIENNA!!!!!" But, apparently, it was already sealed in Reality heaven.
With Brad, he has been so darn reasonable this season I would be fine with any of these girls. I feel bad for Shawntel though. I mean, seriously. She was a great girl. Wasn't she? Yeah, the funeral home thing was creapy. . but still! She's a catch! So normal and down to earth and not even overly dramatic at the end! (Except for the whole death as a career thing. . . )Her biggest mistake was laying him on that table. No, not telling her dad that moving out of state MIGHT be an option. No, it was telling brad about draining blood. . .okay, there were lots of mistakes. But she really was just being herself. And how can you fault her for that. She was great. I hope she finds a nice guy who likes death soon.
Ashley is a spaz. Enough said. Okay, that is not enough said. I am all with Brad, she doesn't seem ready and I can't BELIEVE she didn't say how much she liked him (as pointed out by arm chair psych Chris Harrison)! She is crazy. NO really. She is. But, let's just chalk it up to being young and really, it just seems like she's not ready! So full of insecurities. Those obviously come up again in Africa.
Let's talk about Chantel. OH. MY. GOSH. Did you get a LOAD of that house????? Yeah, Brad can see himself visiting there A LOT. MEEEE TOOOO! Talk about living the good life. But I gotta hand it to her. Even though she grew up in that honker house, she still seems pretty normal. Her mom and dad need to lay off the plastic surgery though because those un-natural shiny faces were a little spooky, no? And we got a fine look at where Chantel gets her crazy (insert skanky) fashion sense from! With all that money can someone find some better clothes? Or shop their AGE??? Alright. . . alright. I am getting kinda catty. But seriously. The only other thing I can say is. . . Just how old is her dad anyway? Cuz he and Brad were lookin' just about the same. Anyway, it really did seem like Chantel's family was the best fit, and I would marry her for that cute dog. And I HATE little dogs. But what the heck was that thing? It looked like a teddy bear! Seriously, what kind of dog WAS that?
Finally, Emily. Oy. That whole thing was just painful. Wasn't it? I just couldn't take it any more. All of the awkward mommy/child moments. I don't know. I mean, they would make a great couple, but I don't think Brad is ready for daddyhood. I mean, he couldn't even get over kissing AFTER the kid went to bed! Wow. He is crazy. I sure hope he gets over that before he HAS kids. I mean, how is he going to get over childbirth!? I know she is sweet as pie, and super patient with Mr. Awkward, but seriously. It isn't happening. I think I would choose Chantel over her too.
But what really gets exciting is the teaser for next week! Emily denying the fantasy suite, and what was that crack he threw out to Chantel? Kinda like, well you've been crazy and normal, what am I gonna get next?!?!?! (Hmmmm. I think my husband has said that to me before. . . must be a match made in heaven) We'll see!!!
I am playing a game on Facebook if you want to play, and it is . . . . Name your favorite over-used "Brad-ism". You can check it out there. I would have listed them and counted all of them for you, but I am away from the TV tonight!
It is a sad sad time when I can't blog anything but the bachelor. It is funny, because I will look through my photos and think, "Why didn't I blog about that?" But to be honest, sometimes, I just can't blog.
So, back to the Bachelor. . . There were only a few things that really came to mind. First of all. I love Rambo Brad. . . "breakin' all the rules" Brad. . . I mean, honestly. . . If he did something the producers didn't like, they would just edit it out! Have you ever heard Trista say that Alex Michele (or who ever he was) TOLD her that he was going to pick her? Yet, you never saw that (It was probably in the fantasy suite . . ahem) But anyway, if they said something "they weren't supposed to say" it can always end up on the editing floor.
Let's go to Brit's date. BORING. Wow. You could really feel the distance. There was just no chemistry whatsoever! So, kudos to Brad for sending her packing. However, I am with Michelle, what a waste of a yacht! WOW. And, to be honest, I was starting to get extremely uncomfortable with Brit in her bikini. . .if the camera adds 10 lbs, I don't want to see that in person. It made me hungry just looking at her. I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo not somebody who judges body types, but how hilarious was Chantel with her fat day. What a bummer to be having a fat day during an SI photoshoot. I understand all of the emotions going on there at that little photo shoot. And leave it to Michelle to manipulate the situation to her advantage. She is a master, and my hat is off to that girl.
I also want to give Brad a big thumbs up for realizing what kind of a situation that was. Nutso. At least he recognized it, and acknowledged it. That probably could have worked a few episodes ago, but not with the last few girls. Too many attachments there. But hey, he realized it! But was anyone else completely floored when he gave "You're SCARING me!" Ashley the rose? First of all, show some confidence GIRL! And second of all. . . what a blind side to Chantel! I have to admit, if I had dropped the "love" word and didn't get a rose out of three girls on a group date, I would have come unglued too. That said, I am all for a girl "sticking it" to a guy. **Sidestory** I dated a guy once, who was playing coy. . .I was starting to get frustrated with his games, and put a sign up on the back of my bedroom door that said, "IT'S HIS LOSS" in big huge letters. I never intended him to see it, but when he came to "break up" with me (we weren't dating exclusively), the only available room in our crowded Sunday night apartment was my room. . Guess what he saw on his way out. Snap! End of Sidestory**** I was kind of wishing Chantel would just hold her head up high and walk away, leaving Brad to want to chase her a little. But, she didn't.
A quick note about Emily. He all but proposed to her! And I have to admit, I know people don't like her (hi Ashley!) But, I do. She is super sweet and has really not once show a bad side of herself. Not that there isn't one, but the fact that she can go through this complete experience and come out smelling like a rose is pretty amazing to me. I mean, just compare her to Chantel for just a second. She makes Chantel look like a completely immature, wreck of a girl. Knowwadimean? Seriously. After last night, as awkward as they were in their little private moment, I was instantly pulling for Emily. I also understand Brad's reservations though. . that history with her boyfriend, and even the fact that she is calling her little girl by HIS name every single day. . WOW. Don't know if ANYONE is going to get past that.
Last but not least (I had a lot more to say about this episode than I thought!) Michelle's departure. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ? ? ?? ?? Was anyone else seriously confused? For her to be completely silent is well. . . unbelievable? I mean, YOU KNOW the producers were in her face asking her a million how do you feel questions, and they didn't even get a "I AM NOT GOING TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS" answer!!??!?! I can't believe it. Not even a quote after an hour? Wow. She went mute. Who woulda thought. But again, kudos to brad for seeing the A-bomb when he meets one. She is fire and he is no lamb. . Their relationship would have been a nightmare. I am amazed that he was able to stay out of her flaxen cord. . .
I am on cold meds. . . forgive me. I can barely put together a sentence in speaking, much less writing. . . but, since I missed last week, I can't bare to miss two weeks in a row.
There were some fab moments on last nights show. But, we have to start with super scary stalker Michelle. Was it just me? Or did he NOT seem very happy to be seeing her in his suite that night she "dropped" in to see him. It seems kinda reminiscent of another conversation he had with one of the girls he booted in week two. You know when he says, "Ohwkay" in that thick southern drawl and doesn't make eye contact that you are not in a good place with Brad. He definitely has some "tells". I.e. I am just not into you. . . . She is so creepy, overbearing, and manipulative. And I can't believe Brad takes it! I see a time in the not so near future where he decides it's not his cup of tea, but I wish is would have been last night, because she is starting to suck the fun out of the show, and everyone on it!
What about Chantal? With the I LOVE YOU. I do like the fact that she said it at a time when it wasn't going to make a difference and I LOVED her analogy that she knew she was in love with him when her feelings started to turn into caring about him, instead of caring for herself. Very heartfelt and poignant. But why does she have to ruin it next week by going back to drama land? I don't like the fact that she swings so wildly back and forth. Let's just stay in one place shall we?
I did feel like it was a TITCH early. . .Still with 5 girls left. Just a little early on that one. But whatevs. If she is feelin' it, she is feelin' it. I love how she keeps Michelle on a stick too. She completely forced Michelle into a corner. No wonder those girls don't like each other.
The date with Ali was PAINFUL. . . oh. . there was more to the statement of "we are sinking" than the actual fact they were sinking into the pool. They were sinking in every other way too. It was one of the most painful dates to watch in a LONG time. Evidence that he has kept Ali for way too long. A total waste of a date in my opinion. He should have just given that date to someone else and sent her home at the rose ceremony. Boy. That was painful. And can we just get rid of Brit, please?
I am starting to lose my patience. . is it just me? Or does it seem to be taking FOREVER to wittle down to the final few. It is probably just evidence that I have read the spoilers that I am starting to get impatient. Let's get to the GOOD stuff!
It was Kaylie's birthday today. She turned 2. She has earned that title. I tried to go to lunch with my parents today, and she chucked at least 4 things off the table, including my pen, which ricocheted off a wall two feet away, and I couldn't even find it. And attempted to throw some ketchup, papers, and a bun. Oy.
Good thing it was her birthday, because I went easy on her, and let her run around outside. If you need an adorable flashback of Kaylie from birth, check here. Honestly, it is so, so, cute. I can't believe she was almost a 10 pound cupcake! Save the best(biggest) for last I guess. I cannot believe how these years slip away, and other days . . . the years seem like decades.
We had a cute little party theme going for her birthday. .
it was her favorite character, Dora.
She was a little hesitant at first about tearing the paper open for her presents, but she finally go the hang of it. (Abby was scared for her I guess?)
Kaylie is a wild thing. For sure, but we love her, and wouldn't have her any other way.
I really feel like I am having the best week ever. Seriously. EVER!
Alright, I guess that could be disputed, since I have had 4 children, and have a great husband who I did marry, and that week was probably pretty good, BUT. . . this has been the BEST WEEK EVER! (In recent and long term memory)
FIRST: I got some clothes that I ordered from Old Navy- There is NOTHING I love more than a Spring Wardrobe, and I know some of you are suffering from the coldest/baddest winter in a long time, but here in AZ, spring starts February 1st. And I am ready. I wore this cute top, with a cute matching sweater today with a pair of jeans (not capris as show) rolled a titch at the bottom. I am not gonna lie, I looked good! I LOVE that I can do my clothes shopping guilt free thanks to my Pampered Chef cha ching. It is the best. But, I also love scoring a deal. I got all of these 30% off, and had a $10 reward card to boot. (It pays to be a card holder at Old Navy)
Last night I wore this cute new sweater with the fun tank and capris below them. Yes, I know, it is January, and I wore capris. I couldn't resist. It was freezing, but I liked it. And I also got this shirt. I am not sure what I will wear it with yet, but I love it. And it looks great on!
Believe it or not, I have already replaced the trampoline once to the tune of $100. Just buying the new trampoline part was almost as much as the whole thing! Trampoline, frame, mats, and net included! I figured since it was so cheap, that is just how it would go. HOWEVER, I called the EXACT same customer service number to replace my trampoline, again. She asked if I still had the receipt. I said yes, and that I had already submitted it once for my prior replacement and asked her if they still had it on file. She asked me to send pictures, so, I did. I told her I would need all the replacement pieces. She said she would get back to me. Within the hour, I received an e-mail that she would be sending me everything. . . . FOR FREE.
I am not sure why they changed their minds about the charge this time, but since it would have cost me probably about $300, I'll TAKE IT!
THEN: I closed 4 Pampered Chef shows over the weekend which would allow me to buy the bedding set I have been wanting to buy! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Stay tuned for a room re-do update. I can't wait. It has been a LONG time since I have "updated" my room, and I am super excited for it.
THEN. . I went to Pier 1 for my room re-d0 to look for some bed side tables, found 'em. (got them for 30% off) AND found an amazing steal. I got ALL these necklaces for around $5 a piece. AMAZING. And they are great!
The earrings were only $2! I LOVE a great deal. Especially on hand made jewelry. The great part is, I can always take it apart and change it if I don't like it! (Sorry, I can't get the picture to turn around)
And the LAST thing is:
I dropped off a nice down comforter to be dry cleaned in March 2009. I got a phone call saying they still had it. . . AMAZING. I went to pick it up today! It is all ready and clean for my new bedding YAY! Can you believe they kept it for almost 2 years???? I can't. I really, really can't.
I will be available tomorrow for "lucky dust" at $5 bucks a pop.
But let me just say, I am blessed. I was blessed BEFORE this week, but it is always nice to have some things going your way. NO?
Have you ever read Oprah mag? I don't subscribe, but I have read it here and there. I always read the "What I know for Sure" article first, because I really want to know what Oprah knows for sure.
It is usually insightful.
So, here is what I know for sure.
I haven't done a "serious" or "insightful" blog post for over a month. There is a reason.
Heavenly Father has a "plan" for your life. (Not just the salvation one, although, that one is most important of course)
You might think you know what the plan is.
You might not have ANY idea what that plan is.
There are times when you are in the "wilderness".
My husband says I should be glad because being in the "wilderness" for 3 years, is better than 40.
I am sure that I am not so sure I agree with that statement.
Being in the wilderness, is BEING IN THE WILDERNESS.
Most things happen for a reason. (I not sure about the statement "Everything happens for a reason" yet.)
I have some true, true, true friends.
I have known most of them for several years. And I know they will always be there for me, no matter how far away they are.
I am grateful I know what having a true friend means.
My true friends have been there for me while I am in the wilderness.
Being in the wilderness is hard. I'm not going to call it a blessing. . .yet.
You learn LOTS of lessons in the wilderness.
Is is not always fun to learn lessons.
These lessons will alter almost every aspect of your life.
And they will teach you what and who you want to be.
You usually already think you KNOW who and what you want to be, but then you REALLY know who and what you want to be.
And definitely what you DON'T want to be.
I don't think you have to be a "true friend" to help someone.
As sisters in Zion, we should be there for each other.
Heavenly Father answers prayer.
Heavenly Father does NOT answer prayer on YOUR timetable.
I like having my own timetable.
Heavenly Father does NOT answer ALL prayers.
And sometimes, he doesn't answer important to you prayers.
And sometimes he does. Even when you didn't actually pray it.
Life is complicated sometimes.
I hope I can figure it out at some point.
My favorite quote right now is from Caddyshack. I haven't seen the movie, but, my husband and I have decided that there is an appropriate quote from the movie. And it is, spoken by Carl. . . the caddy regarding his round of golf with the Dalai Lama. He said that the Dalai Lama didn't give him any money for playing the round, but that he did bless him with total consciousness on his deathbed.. . . and the quote is.
*Chantal playing a mind game with Michelle over the fact her card doesn't have the word "love" in it. HILARIOUS! Well played Chantal.
*Michelle's back eye. Hysterical on So.Many.Levels.
*Michelle constantly icing her eye. With just about any frozen item out of the freezer. Even a popsicle with the awkward wrapper still on.
*Michelle's interviews. ALL OF THEM.
*Michelle's grumpiness. I mean, can Brad not see it from a mile away? I mean, you don't want to cross that girl. If he does it once, he will be in her dog house FOREVER! Do you wanna marry that?
*Ashley and the number of times she said, "uuuuuuuuuuuughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" It was redonkulous and became totally and completely irritating, and did you notice that she went from super cute girl on that first date, to NOT SO CUTE? I mean, it is almost like her whole face changed! Is it her hair? Or just the fact that she hasn't smiled in three weeks?
*The exit interviews: Finally some girls with their heads on! (They all took my, "What not to say class")
*Sending home THE RIGHT ladies. . except for Lindsay. She was a class act. Maybe a little on the boring side, but I would take her over Britt. What the heck does he see with BRITT? (PS- Ashley was about to get that rose before she started in with the uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuughhhhhhhhhhhhh! on that date. Awkward.)
Disappointments:
*The fact that Brad is digging Michelle. Ew. I watched a trailer for her movie and she totally plays, HERSELF. Like, it seems like that is all she ever is. . . .an act. A crazy act. If I didn't know the premise of the movie, I would say she was playing some Glenn Close roll like in Fatal Attraction. Seriously. She even looks crazy when she is supposed to be playing "sweet". Ps- that movie looks horrible.
*The interview they cut to of Chantal where she had crazy blue mascara on! WHAT THE HECK? First of all, that interview was totally out of the blue, she wasn't even wearing the same clothes, and then the BLUE EYESHADOW! I am sorry, but as much as people try, that look will NEVER come back. . . Don't even get me started with Chambray coming back this spring. No. No. No. Chambray is, was, and always will be a bad idea. Speaking of bad ideas, what was with Chris Harrison's Mr. Rodgers's outfit? (Totally stole that one, but couldn't resist)
*Ashley's earrings at the rose ceremony. Please tell me someone else saw those horrid 80's turquoise (but not REAL turquoise, but PLASTIC turquoise) earrings she was sporting that looked completely ridiculous. Seriously? She and Chantal need to let the 80's dream DIE! IT IS NOT COMING BACK!
Any other major disappointments? That is all I can think of!
Hello from the desert! Okay, I normally am in the desert, but this time I AM in the desert. Like somewhere between PHX, and Indio. Those who live in PHX know it well because it is a huge stretch of land with nothin' to look at for miles, and miles, and I have lots of fond memories of this road from when I was traveling it with a 2 month old who blew out her diaper right as I ran out of gas. PS- I was by myself with that 2 month old and 3 other kids. It was a good time.
Anyway! Isn't technology so cool? My hubby has wi-fi anywhere your cell phone works. I am blogging, and he is listening to talk radio (ew) and we are on our way to Cali while some old people watch our kids. (LOVE THOSE OLD PEOPLE! )
I aaaaaaaaaaalllllllllmost didn't write my bachelor re-cap, but I decided that I needed to keep up with my commitment to society by writing my blog posts. :) Ya, I know all 12 of you who read my blog for these updates. This is how much I love you.
So, let's start with the title, shall we? Brad. I am sorry. I misjudged you. Actually, I didn't misjudge you. I was right, you were a total commitment phobe. But with your dedicated therapy sessions, you have decided to not be such an un-emotional troll. YAY YOU! I am seriously proud of you bud. And your therapists. I have been thinking lately that I need one of those, and with the progress they made with you, I think I might be signing up soon .
Okay, now that that is off my chest, let's move on with the dates. Ashley. Sweet girl huh? Cute story about the Seal song, but seriously, these producers this season are out for some blood. I mean, do you really thing that was just a coincidence? Seriously? No, it wasn't. They wanted an emotional tear fest, and they got one. I am sure at one point in one interview at some time they said, "What is the most meaningful song to you, and why" and BAM. They have their first date with Ashley. And then making Emily get on a small private JET??? Wow. Seriously. Way to make a girl have a nervous break down.
I really liked Ashley, she was super cute, actually is anyone else surprised by the girls this season? I mean, all of the dates so far have been so NORMAL. I mean, they seem like really nice girls! (Except Michelle, Puh-lease. . . no one can like her, not even her own mother. Oh, that was mean, sorry.) My sister said how excited she was to watch Michelle's crazy. Especially with the fireworks over the head hand move, which she did several times BEFORE the kiss, and then afterword? No fireworks. Did anyone else notice this? Weird. She didn't even say that there WERE fireworks when they kissed, so, I guess we know where Michelle rates.
We all LUHUV Emily, right? But did anyone else think . . . . BORING. . . on their date? I mean, she is like the Brad of Bachelor past. An un-emotional troll. (Very very cute and sweet troll) But, unless she was talking about Rickybobby, she was all straight faced, and not so fun. I don't think she is ready for all of this. Not by a long shot. And, even though your fiance died, and you have a child with him, don't you think it is relationship napalm to mention how fantastic your ex was and how amazing he is? I mean, no one is ever going to think they can stack up to that. She needs to come up with a better way to describe him to her new boyfriends, or that might be the only one she ever has. Just sayin'.
And Madison, everyone thought what Madison did was sooooooooooooooo valiant. And it was, the right thing to do. However . . . the biggest shocker to me was. WHO THE HECK WAS THAT LAST GIRL HE GAVE A ROSE TO? I HAVE NEVER SEEN HER BEFORE!
I would like to personally thank Cindy Bradwisch for pimping my blog. Gotta love Facebook for brining old friends back together.
Wanna know a secret?
I don't know html code.
I can't design my blog.
People call and ask me to help with blogging, and I say, SURE! Just sign in to blogger!
Maybe someday I will actually learn it.
But not when I have people like CINDY to bail me out!
I am going to send her something lovely from The Pampered Chef as a sincere THANK YOU SO MUCH for creating my new blog headers HERE and HERE. See how everything is all lovely and uniform now? THANKS CINDY!
Plus, she made me blog buttons for my new sites too! You can see them over here. -------------->
Guess what, you can hire her. Since she does graphic design for WORK! Ha! I am glad that she will let me pay her in Pampered Chef. But if you need her, go by and say HI!
It consisted of just a few ingredients. Yes, those sun dried tomatoes had been in my fridge for who knows HOW long... Guess what, they were fine, and they didn't kill anyone. Yes the pesto is pre-prepared. . . So. EASY.
Stick those ingredients in a manual food processor (new product from Pampered Chef!), mini processor, a big food processor, and if you don't have any of those, resort to your blender. You will be just fine. . . Juuuuuuuust fine.
I didn't have time to marinate my chicken breasts, so, I cut up some baked chicken from dinner the night before, and threw my "marinade" in for an hour. It was a win-win. Chicken already cooked. . . marinade made it yummy. #winning.
I even had some left over to spread on the said paninis and to spread it all over a regular turkey sandwich or what ever else I wanted. . . my thighs maybe? I wouldn't have cared. It was SO. GOOD.
You can even go so far as to roast your bell peppers just like the Pioneer Woman does. She gives a great tutorial, but, if you don't have a gas burner, do what I did and burn the heck out of your peppers under your broiler. 
I think I would have to go with a longer mu-mu because I am so tall. I think the short one would be a disaster. 
When Kaylie started visiting Chuck E. on a regular basis, I make sure she gets a ride with Chuck E. too. 
Last night I wore this cute new sweater with the fun tank and capris below them. Yes, I know, it is January, and I wore capris. I couldn't resist. It was freezing, but I liked it.
And I also got this shirt. I am not sure what I will wear it with yet, but I love it. And it looks great on!
