a day at the resort

Many of you might know or remember that Scott teaches an early morning spinning class at Lifetime. He was at some staff meeting , with the whole club, and some "corporate" guy was there. Anyway, he kept calling the "gym" the "resort". Now don't get me wrong, I do LOVE Lifetime, but it's a gym...a nice one but it's a gym. Over the summer I would treat myself to a smoothie there at the "resort" when I wasn't going home right away...you know...swimming, mall or the grocery store. Whatever. But, at the "resort" smoothies are about $5. See, I could never be a Starbucks drinker, I just don't sense a value. Why get something, you can make at home for a fraction of the cost? During the summer, I thought it was a great thing, because then I was "refueling within 45 minutes of the workout" (a must people) and they are really very tasty. Well, now that I'm usually coming straight home, I haven't indulged. But, I have been craving them. The one I get at the club was a whey protein smoothie with peanut butter and banana. I thought it sounded gross too, until I tried it. Yum. So, I stopped off at the organic food store this morning and bought $12 worth of whey protein. Came home, and Hope and I (not really Hope, but she WAS watching) made a tasty duplicate. Here is my recipe:

The Whey of Life

1 banana, 1 scoop whey protein, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 cup plain yogurt, and some milk to make it creamy.

Update: throw in a few ice cubes to make it nice and cold. I made it for the kid's after-school snack and it was even better that way.

I nursed Hope, while I was nursing my smoothie, put her to bed and decided I would keep the whole "resort" theme going. I needed a little TLC. I used to use Origins salt body scrubber. A few years ago, I ran out and haven't bought any since. BECAUSE I started to make my own. I know you might think this is weird and kind of...well gross, but it's been my favorite body scrubber/exfoliate ever. Here are my recipes: #1 is my favorite...just so you know.

You are going to smear what all over your body, body scrubber

recipe #1

about half cup sugar and then enough olive oil to make it smooth and workable

recipe #2

about half a cup of coarse kosher salt mixed with enough honey to make it workable.

Don't worry, after you exfoliate, you just wash with soap like normal, and your skin feels like heaven.

Then I got out my foot scrubber and gave myself a little at home pedicure. If you will remember, I don't like going to have a pedicure done at the salon, because I have issues. But that doesn't mean I don't like them/need them desperately. Especially since I started running. I really do HATE having snaggly feet. (i think i just made up a word, but it's a good word) My feet rival Hope's now for the softest feet of the house.

Then I thought...all I'm missing out on is a massage. So, I got my foam roller out. If you don't know about these, or you don't use one regularly, you are seriously missing out. This all took only about 1/2 hour, but what a great half hour. I haven't showered without Hope playing on the tile, or somebody else coming in to "talk" to me for a while. What a day at the resort!!!

saddle up cowboy, we're ready to roll!!

The baby steps have proven fruitful today. No, I didn't get everything done that I wanted, but it's a work in progress and there was progress. If I don't EVER buy another crayon I will be happy. Hope has had a day from heaven. She has crawled around, played with the most random of things and made a huge mess. She even ingested some chalk. I hope it's not too toxic. Now I have two shelves in my kitchen that are open...just waiting for me to spread something out over there. That will have to wait for another day.

Another day because...in just a few minutes some of the craziness is back. By 6:30 we have 3 different activities starting within a 1/2 hour of each other. So, by then we need to have books read, piano practiced, math facts done, (if you love math facts like I do :) check out that math counts link-good stuff) dinner eaten...what else can I cram in there??? Hunter has football, I have a band meeting at Hunter's school, and Hayden starts soccer practice tonight. Good thing Scott is home to join in the fun.

I happened upon some old pictures while I was sorting and organizing the computer room today.

Hayden is just two here. He was so chubby.

It's crazy how much Hope and Hannah look alike! Same eyes. Hannah is about a month older than Hope in this picture.

Little baby Hunter, I love that nose, what a sweet little boy. Memories.

baby steps

Sometimes I come up with a good idea and I wonder...why the heck have I not done this before. The kids crayons,markers,coloring books, pencils, paper and all manner of art supplies, have been taking up some prime under the island cabinet space in the kitchen and getting way too messy and out of control. Not to mention the other hot spot for crayons,markers ,coloring books, pencils, papers and all manner of art supplies in the computer room. I have just recently decided I've had it. Rather than pitch everything in the garbage, which I did think about...I have just returned from a run to Target. Wouldn't you know, that Steralite containers are now on sale through Saturday?? It must be meant to be.

So, instead of sitting on my butt reading my book today, on my morning off from the gym, I'm going to organize. I can already tell, I've got way too much I want to get done for the time I've got. That's always my problem. Well, baby steps Heather, baby steps.

My new normal

Hope has been getting up early with the kids, and I'm hoping she stops that. I don't want that routine to become the new normal. She has been kind of fussy lately. I think she misses the action...you know her siblings...they do provide a bit of entertainment to say the least. I took her outside yesterday to look at the bugs and the pine needles. She always finds that oh-so exciting. (seriously she does :)

I do have to say it's nice to pick up the house/dust/vacuum/clean bathrooms and have it stay nice and neat for a few hours. And the kitchen...CLEAN by 8! What a change. And the quiet, I can't say I mind that either. Everybody is back to getting in bed early again and I like that. I really am an "early to bed early to rise" kind of gal. I'm not really so nice after about 9.

You know the worst time to hit Costco? No, it's not on a busy Saturday with your husband AND all your kids...it's when you are hungry right after working out. I should have gotten that smoothie today Jennifer! But I did try these burritos today (thanks to Jori's recommendation) and they are very good. What's better, they are low fat and have 7 grams of fiber. Even Scott liked them, usually he hates all things "low fat". Have you tried those Disney animal crackers at Costco yet? Yum! I now have a year supply, well probably what should be a year supply, but they will never last that long. What about fruit leather?? I love the "Fruit Island fruit leather in 8 delicious flavors". I could go on, but I won't. Let's just say I love Costco.

The real reason for the trip to Costco, was to pick up first day of school pictures. So, I'm off to scrapbook some memories.

I usually don't do these, but Natalie had this on her blog today, and I was mentally doing my own. SO, I said what the heck and did it!

10 splurges/10 bargains.

Splurges:
1) Hair cuts- I don't have any trouble justifying the expense here. It seems to be my experience you get what you pay for. With that being said, once you top out at a certain price...I don't think you are THAT much better than say a $45-$50 cut.

2) Hair care products- again I hate to say it, but I do think the more expensive stuff is better. I'm liking my Aveda and Bumble and Bumble right now.

3) Makeup-I'm a girl when it comes to makeup. I love it. I don't always go for the super "made up" look, but I do enjoy a little Bobby Brown or MAC makeup. What's even more fun, is to go to a nice department store and have them apply it for you! I love going to Marshall Field's in Chicago and have "Heather" (not a typo another Heather :) apply some Bobby Brown for a new look. Fun stuff.

4) Bras-if you haven't been fitted for a good bra, in your size run, don't walk and have it done. I about peed myself when I was fitted for a bra (when I was prego with Hope so I was bigger than normal-bummer for me) and I moved up from an A to a D. A good bra can make all the difference!

5) Purses-I've been a purse snob since junior high- I think. I love me a good Coach handbag. I had a houseful of sisters and a Mom that all had the same addiction, so it's easy to feed off one another.

6) Shoes-I love love love shoes. It doesn't matter if they are running shoes, sandals, heels, I like nice shoes. I have feet issues, so I can immediately tell a good shoe from a bad one. I do look for good deals though.

7) Clothes- for the kids and for me. The quantity more than quality. I will buy things at Target and Old Navy- no problem. But I do love Gymboree for babies. Again, I like to find good stuff at good prices.

8) Magazines/books- I love to read, and I love to go to Barnes and Noble! It's always a good day when I get a good mag in the mail.

9)The gym- I like a nice place to work out. I'm a snob when it comes to this too, I have been told. But, I spend a lot of time at the gym, and so I want a nice one! It's just my thing.

10) Facials/massages-although I don't do either one nearly enough, I do sense a value in having them whenever I can.

Bargains:

1) Manicure/pedicure- I keep my fingernails pretty short and unpolished, I can do that myself just fine. And I'm weird about feet...like I don't know if the stuff they are using on me is clean. I'm weird I know, but I just don't enjoy it. I have many fine scrubbers, clippers and polish and I do just fine on my own....with my own stuff and my own cooties.

2) Eating out- don't get me wrong I do like to eat out, I just don't like to eat out all the time. Depending on where we go, 9/10 I'd rather eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (with good peanut butter and bread), yogurt and a banana for lunch than to stop and just get "something". But, if we are talking Chipotle, or something really good, I'll got for it every once in a while (once a week maybe)Not only do I like to cook and I think I can make some pretty tasty things, eating out really adds up. Just not worth it to me all the time.

3)Car washing- I hate to go to the automatic car washers. I'm very picky about car detailing/washing. Plus, a car just isn't clean until it's vacuumed. Don't get me wrong, my car isn't always clean, but my kind of clean is how I like it.

4) Sweets/cookies- I just like homemade cookies better than store bought, and I don't think they are so hard to make. Plus, much to the disappointment of my husband, I like air popped pop corn better than microwave. And YES, I do put butter and salt on mine, but I can control how much and what kind I put on.

5) No maids here-other than me that is. You might come over and think I need one, but for now it's all the kids and I. Oh and Scott too.

6) Cars-we have finished paying ours off and I'm just fine with driving mine around until it dies. At least that's what I'm saying now. I just need to keep it clean (see bargain #3) and we are good.

7)Skin care-I have been told (by a dermatologist) that all you need to clean your skin is Dove soap and/or Cetaphil. That's cheap, I figure I'll cut costs where I can!

8)What else...? I'm thinking here people. I've had the same Sonicare toothbrush for like 8 years. Different toothbrush heads of course, but I'm going to keep that thing forever I think.

9)Cleaning products/ laundry soap- give me the Costco laundry detergent, Wal-mart brand dish washing soap, and Target brand most anything else and I'm fine. Although, I do like the Lysol toilet cleaner, call me crazy.

10)Orange juice-weird yes I know. But my family drinks a gallon of OJ everyday. So, I buy the frozen 100% OJ and make it myself everyday. I do buy the fancy Tropicana occasionally, but the kids like the other better, and it's fine by me.

As far as tagging goes, I'm not much of a "tagger". But, do it if you want, it was easy and quite painless. ha But I won't be offended or hunt you down if you don't.

report on the first day

Yesterday went off without a hitch, that is all except the bus. Hunter made it home about 20 minutes late, but poor Hannah and Hayden were a little over an HOUR late. 5:00 is just too darn late. The problem was this: when the bus finally picked up my kids yesterday morning the bus was about full. More children ride the bus home than they do to school. So, by the afternoon that bus was too full. They had to wait for another bus to finish dropping off kids and then go back up to the school and take about 1/2 the kids off their bus and follow behind bus #1. It was a mess and it better be better today.

But as far as school days go, everybody had a good day. Hunter's assigned seat is in the very back of the bus with his friend Seth. So, I'm sure that will be a highlight of his day. Hannah almost finished her lunch before she could go out for recess. Everybody was back for "horse club" plus a few new members-all is well. Hayden liked the little potties in kindergarten, and didn't even complain about the long bus ride home. He said he even enjoyed the rest time after lunch. He got to play with several kids he knew out at the playground and his teacher brought snacks-bonus!! He was all smiles getting off the bus and enjoyed talking about his day. Jabber jabber jabber. Until about 7, he said he was done playing and went up and took his bath. Then, he proceeded to lay down and watch a show. After that (he was very tired) he announced, "I'm not going back to THAT kindergarten, I missed you too much" and then he proceeded to cry. Poor kid was worn out. He was up and at it this morning though, all excited and ready to go back for more fun.

Have a good day Hayden!

I did it, Hayden is out the door and at school. I will miss that boy, but I know he is ready and he is going to have a great day. He has been practicing letters, numbers, his name, you name it for the last week. Yesterday, he HAD to take his kindergarten workbook to church and he worked on it most of the time. When he wasn't bugging...I mean playing with Hope that is.

Everybody was up early today. Hayden said he was up 4 times to go to the bathroom last night. I think I had some excited/nervous/anxious kids. Hunter was the first out the door at 7 am. His bus is due at 7:09, but it didn't show up until about 7:20. That's a good first day. Hannah and Hayden were outside by 7:45, but the bus isn't supposed to be there until 7:59 (i love the exact times they give haha), but it didn't show up until 8:30, oh well. We had fun out at the bus stop with the other kids...telling Hayden to calm down, and not to cut in line, oh and to stop swinging his backpack ;0! He WAS excited. I teared up once, just while I was standing there, and Hayden was looking sweet and peaceful. The peace didn't last long, and neither did the tears. Those kids are going to have a great school year.

We finally loaded everybody up on the bus, and I was off to meet the bus at the other end (the school) and snap a few more pictures. I wasn't going to go...until the last minute and then I though...get your butt there girl, you did it for the others, you need to do it for him (Hope too). I'm a second child and I'm all about fairness.

Have a good day, I know I will. (Insert evil laugh here.)

First day of school!!

I'm not sure which picture of Hayden captures him best, but for better or worse, here he is!

Hunter and Hannah ready for 6th and 3rd grade!

the itchy thing

Ohhh, ohhhh look at me, I'm stealing a minute on my own computer. Scott is mowing, Hunter is eating, Hannah is sleeping over at a friends and Mom is showering. Shoot, I don't really have anything to say. Other than I went for a run this morning and got "that itchy thing on my legs". Do you ever get it? It's where my inner thighs and butt feels like it's on fire. Without even toughing my legs they are all red. It takes some serious self control to NOT scratch bloody marks on my legs. But just as fast as it came, it went. Thank heavens. I have been back running for a while now and I hadn't gotten it at all, so I guess it was time. I was doing some drills, and it's really humid... soooo maybe that's it.?? It was feeling so good outside in the humidity (not), that I just went for broke and pulled some weeds. Scott and I were both out there, when our friend David drove by and said "Oh look, it's the 2 amigos lawn service". Seriously, those men earn their $$. Maybe I'll give them some of mine to do that torture!!

The LAST day of summer

Have I ever told you that I sweat like a man? I don't just glisten, I sweat. Like after a spinning class, sometimes it looks like I have peed in my pants. It's nice. Today, was hill day in spinning and my gray little tank top was totally saturated. I came out of the spinning room and I was headed over to lift some weights and this lady says to me, "Wow you really were sweating...what were YOU DOING?" Just like that too. I said "Yeah, I know it's gross, I sweat like a man, but at least I know I'm hydrated." I guess that's a good thing.

Today was officially "the last day of summer", well at least that's what Hunter KEPT telling me...whenever I asked him to do something. "Pleeeeease Mom not on the last day of summer." When I told him we were going to the gym, when I asked him to vacuum upstairs, when I asked him to practice the piano...he had playing on the brain and that's it. He did get his fair share in too, just so you know. And yes, he did a good job on the carpet.

My Mom is here, so between Hunter, Hannah and now Marleen, I might never be able to get on my computer again. hahahaha-ha. She's got a Kohl's coupon that Hayley gave her that's burning a hole in her purse. And it's a Coach, so we can't have that. We'll have to take care of some shopping business after football tomorrow. I'm going to drag my poor, travel weary parents to a football game in this Houston/August heat and humidity. It should be good times. I will fill the little cooler with drinks and ice, and I WON'T forget the umbrellas for shade. Sitting on the bleachers in the noon sun can be a killer. At least I'm not pregnant this year. It's the first game of the season tomorrow, go Patriots!

Oh, I must go, Scott now needs the computer. It's fantasy football draft tonight, and he needs TWO computers. Good grief.

Update

When Scott and Hunter got home from football, I set the timer for 10 minutes and told him he had that much time to finish his few bites. He did. And not 5 minutes later...Hayden says to me, "Mom I'm hungry". You've got to be kidding me! You know usually, I'm a fine don't eat your dinner... but this is dinner... nothing else tonight...breakfast is in the morning...kind of a gal. But when you go against what I said...Momma's gonna get tough.

The Mexican stand off

So, I am in the middle of a Mexican stand off right now with Hayden. I've got this neighbor, Chase...you have heard of him before. He's the dude that has ducks in his back yard that I have wanted to shoot on SEVERAL occasions. He is also the guy that gave us Myrtle the Turtle. So you remember, right? Well, he also likes to pass out ice cream sandwiches RIGHT before dinner. I have told the kids to come ask before they take one. If it's at least an hour before dinner I probably will let them go ahead and indulge, but it bugs me when they eat it minutes before and then don't want to eat their dinner. Tonight Chase's little girl comes over to see if Hayden could play. I said, "Sure, but no ice cream we have about 10 minutes before dinner is ready...Hayden did you hear me??". "Yes Mom." Fair enough, I've got ice cream in the fridge anyway, I tell him for our own little treat. You already know how this is going to end don't you?? 10 minutes pass and Hannah goes over to get Hayden. She comes busting in the door, "MOM, Hayden ate an ice cream sandwich at Chase's". We sit down to dinner and I proceed to tell Hayden I'm glad that he enjoyed his ice cream, but that's not how it works. Good food first and then the treats. AND he has to eat EVERYTHING I put on his plate. There!! So, I proceed to put a small serving of sweet potato, a small serving of asparagus, a small serving of squash, a small serving of brown rice, and a 1/2 of a little meatloaf. It's a fair amount of food, I was not being excessive, healthy yes, but not excessive. He is all done but a couple of bites. He is a stubborn one, that one. I wonder where he gets it? He has now been in there for an hour, at the table, telling me he "is serious, I can't eat this, I can't take it, I can't eat anymore, I feel like I'm going to barf"!!! I have ignored him for the most part, but I did say he could stay in there all night if that's what it takes, because I'm serious too :)

I'm not usually a bow person,but sometimes you just need a bow!

I found a new picture place that I like today, Portrait Innovations. Since Hope was 10 months on the 19th and today was the 22nd, I needed to get my butt in gear and get her monthly picture taken today. You know, before it was her 10 1/2 month picture. :) I haven't been jumping up and down the last couple months at Sears. Although, I picked up last months pictures on the way to get this months pictures taken, and they were pretty cute...cuter than I remembered anyway. But, I guess I was looking for a change. I seem to be changing things up around here a lot lately. I have been contemplating "cheating" on my hairdresser. I was, in fact, talking to my Mom on the phone today about how Josh's haircuts have gone up again, and he has lost a bit of his "mojo". It was not 5 minutes later, that I bump into Josh at Target of all places. Hunter says, "Speak of the devil Mom". Why do I feel guilty about going to somebody else to get my hair cut? Who cares, right? I do have a strong guilt thing going. When I went to Sears to pick up last months pictures, oh course it was Andrea that helped me check out. (She is the only one that's any good there.) She very sweetly asked if I was here to take Hope's 10 month pictures. (she knows the routine too) "No, not today" was my response, with a guilty look in my eye. Oh well. I didn't feel guilty for more than 2 minutes though. I got over it pretty quick.

We did have a big, fun day of shopping. We hit Target for a few things, and bought a few more things than were on the list. Isn't that just the way it is when you go to Target? Then we hit Barnes and Noble. We had a little over an hour to kill in there before Hope's pictures were to be taken. (they were right next door) I finally found Twilight and can't wait to start that tonight. But it was so fun to just sit and look at books with the kids. I didn't get enough time for MY books, but Hope and I can go back next week, and I can look for 2 hours, if I want. Well, I won't want to...not with Hope, but you know.

Some days it's just like that

Why is it that some days it takes until 2:00 to get the breakfast dishes done? Today was just one of those days. It's not that I was sitting on my butt, mind you. I ran early and then took the kids to the pool until 12:00. Lunch was at Cici's so at least there weren't MORE dishes. Came home and did some "stuff" just not dishes. I even worked with Hayden on his kindergarten workbook we bought at Costco at the beginning of the summer, that has way too many empty pages still. :) Finally, I realized it was time to make some mint brownies (thanks Natalie) for book club...but wait... I can't make another mess until the first mess is cleaned up, just can't do it. Now everything is neat and tidy and I've got some brownies cooling, waiting to be topped with some yummy mint frosting.

Some of the "stuff" I mentioned earlier was picking up the office. I walked in and it looked like a bomb had exploded in here. Hayden had been looking for something a little while ago and made a lovely little mess. He wasn't the only guilty party though. Hannah and Hunter had some junk to clean. But as I was picking some things up, I noticed a family picture (I had just taken down, and was waiting to file away...it was on MY craft table...my corner where nothing should be touched) that had two holes punched out of it. Right over Hannah and Hunter. Wait who could have done that? I asked Hayden if he did it and he said "yes". Why did you do that??? "I don't know". The thing is he doesn't know...no good reason...just did it because it was there. He did do some great coloring, cutting and kindergarten "handwork" though. But man oh man. That kid.

What a terrible way to go!

Poor frog! Look what we found this morning. What a terrible way to go-getting your head slammed in the door. Wow!

Happy 10 months Hope!

Why is it that kids LOVE the silliest of toys? Hope got a hold of a blue t-shirt today and boy did she have fun. She was playing peek-a-boo with it.

She won't hardly look into the camera EVER anymore. So, I grabbed that chubby little face and smooshed it.

Some things she did today:

*took a bite out of her Dove soap
*put Scout's (the dog) toy in her mouth

*played for 1/2 hour with a blue t-shirt playing peek-a-boo

*cried when her yogurt was gone-this she does everyday, but I'm evil and I like it.

Everybody likes a new haircut!

Hannah's new haircut. She felt these were "blog worthy". She makes me laugh.


Hunter making his "fan-tab-u-lus" potato creation, from start to finish-clean up IS included.

Haircuts are checked off my list. Yeah, one less thing to do. Now I need to get ANOTHER windshield and fix that hole in the ceiling. Scott and his friend David want to do it themselves...but there hasn't been any action. I told Scott he has this week-if I don't see any progress...I'm calling somebody. I even have a phone number, so I'm ready!!

I love me some good customer service-that was said with a nice strong Texas accent btw. When I went to Utah, I visited the Lifetime Fitness there. They had this one circuit class (hard athletic drills) that was not on the schedule here in Houston. When I came back, I asked the Group Fitness Director, Pamela, about it. She said she'd see what she could do about adding it to the schedule. WELL, I checked the schedule today to map out my weeks worth of exercise and guess what? She added a circuit class. I guess she added it last week and I didn't notice. But I took it this week and it was so fun. In a I want to die kind of way, but still fun :) But she saw me in there this week and got a huge smile on her face and gave me the thumbs up. In today's day and age, you complain/give someplace some "good" constructive criticism, and well...you just plain get ignored a lot of the time. Well not today.

A week from today the kids start school. I'm afraid Hope is going to get bored without the three older kids to keep her entertained. They really can be such a huge help. We had a fun time together this morning. BUT...with that being said..."somebody" is giving me a hard time about something so...I'm thinking the school thing isn't going to be so bad after all. haha Right? When they are being cute they are oh so cute, but when they are bad they are rotten. I think there is a nursery rhyme that goes something like that.

I loved to see the kids playing together tonight. Sometimes it took a little prodding, but mostly they were ALL having a good time together. They decided they were going to have a sleepover in the boys closet. I said, "Really?" Okay fine. So they (by they I mean Hannah) brought it just about any and all pillows "they" could find. Hannah's comment, "the boys set it up, but it was all nasty, I had to change it up and make it comfy". You go girl. Hayden and Hannah are both on top of toy containers...but with enough pillows even I thought it was soft, sort of. I'm not so sure they will make it there all night, but they sure had fun trying.

What a mess!

I didn't get to the grocery store yesterday, I almost went late last night just so I didn't have to go on a Saturday...but my laziness won out and I didn't go. I should have. Houston is under hurricane watch, so just about everybody and their brother was at Wal-mart today. You add tax free weekend to the mix and it was a big old mess. I was happy to get out of there in one piece.

Yesterday was Hayden's meet the teacher day. When did my little boy get all big enough for kindergarten? Hayden is a lively one and I'm sure he will keep his teacher hopping. I guess it kind of fits...her class mascot is a frog.

Some things that have been on my mind lately.

I have been mulling several things over for a few days now, and since this blog is titled Confessions of a Redhead...I'll just let it out. Blah here it is.

First of all (and this is related just hold on and I'll get to the point), I was getting my hair cut about 2 weeks ago now. And I noticed something, Josh is getting burned out. His passion for cutting hair is getting replaced by his new product line he is getting ready to launch. But even that seems to be taking it's toll on him. His step father is Farouk (maker of Chi and Biosilk hair care products).

So apply that to my own life. Running for instance was a passion of mine. By the time I got pregnant with Hope I was really getting pretty burnt out. My last marathon was just okay, I improved, but not by much. And the toll it took on my body was in another league entirely. I had been injured training for that marathon and had to take a month off training-the month right before the marathon. We are talking no road running, I did a few long training runs, jogging in the water. So, I needed a break. I really haven't even cared much about running until recently, and I feel like that part of me is waking up again. What's been fun to me is the "battling back" aspect of it all.

I'm still building to my point here...

You remember the "desperate housewife" comment from last week? You remember how it irritated me? I had to wonder why did that bug me so? Have you heard of that book Feminine Mistake? Again, I got my panties all in a wad when I heard about it. It's not that I'm looking for validation of what I do all day is important. I get it. I know that what I do all day is oh so important-and CAN be very fulfilling, but sometimes it's not. But that has to do with my attitude and my own feelings about my identity. I guess what struck a cord is that I don't want to loose myself, my own identity. I think I do a pretty good job, but there is always room for improvement.

I just started DVRing Oprah again, and I sat down last night to see what was on, and it was the one with working moms vs. stay at home moms. I really have no beef with working vs staying home. I stay home, it's what's best for me and my family, but that's not the point. This one particular stay at home mom was pretty self-righteous, but she did have a few good things to say and it got me thinking. It's about passion and bringing passion to whatever it is you do all day. Giving it your all. Not just going through the motions and getting through another day. I hate when life feels that way.

I like to feel like I'm actively engaged in my children's lives. BUT, I know I 've had days where I haven't really connected like I should with them. I've been mentally checked out. I can tell when I'm worn out, because I have a tiny little fuse. Things that normally don't bug me, drive me crazy.

But how to get to that point where you just aren't plain pooped out mentally...and it's only 2 pm? That's where finding things I love is important. Taking time out everyday to do things that I enjoy. I haven't played the piano for probably 6 months. That's going to change today. I work out everyday, but sometimes it's just going through the motions. Trying new things. Going back to some basic things that I really enjoy. I have been doing Yoga every night again and I'm really loving it. I love the way it makes my body feel when I'm done, but also I love being quiet and thinking about things. I like having some alone time everyday for a period of time. It's been harder lately because Scott has been gone a lot, but it can still be done. The kids are getting back on track with going to bed on time. Then "Heather time" comes in. I really do like to cook. Not the harried I've got 20 minutes to prepare a meal while Hope is crying and I'm trying to multi-task 10 different things. I'm talking, Hope is happily playing with Hunter, Hannah or Hayden (they really do that so well), I've got some music going that I like, I'm not rushing to get somebody off to practice, and I'm in the kitchen trying out a new recipe. Love that. But when you add the stress factor, a good thing becomes a chore again.

So, I guess we need to pay attention to ourselves first. Make sure we are doing what we need to be doing first. You know basics, scripture reading and personnel prayer, having meaningful conversations with our husbands, engaging in activities we love to do and then the meaningful relationships with our children, husbands, family and friends will fall into place better. I don't EVER want just an ordinary "desperate" life. Really, I feel sorry for the women that couldn't wait to get back to work because her life was feeling desperate. I like my life full of passion, excitement and connection, and that's what I strive for everyday. Now, with a renewed sense of well-being.

Look what I happened upon one day

Three nights ago, Scott brought Hope into me crying. "She has been up for an hour and I think she is now hungry." I'm thinking...you got her out of bed? What's wrong with you, don't you know that she is definitely old enough for some "tough love"? Sure enough, for the last two nights, she has woken up at about midnight or so and cried out..."anyone anyone?" Sorry girl, try back at 7!

I got a scrapbook page done today for Hope and I'm just so pleased with myself. It used to be I'd scrapbook at least a few pages before I put it up. But not now. I'm just happy to get one done. Tomorrow, I'm hoping for another page. My goal is for everybody to have a new page by the end of the week. It's so groove being all handy with the digital camera and uploading the pictures you want printed at Costco, and then just walking in and picking them up! How I love that.

I'm really in the mood for those vampire books you have all been raving about. BUT, everywhere I go now, they are sold out! That is just such a bummer too. I have looked at them and even held them in my hot little hands before...only to put them down. Now I wish I had them. Seems like good summer reading. I think I'll just go curl up with a magazine. Maybe a little Runner's World. Those are some seriously good magazines.

Speaking of Runner's World, I have tried out a couple different running workouts this week. Monday morning I did some tempo running drill, and today I did some hill repeats. Since we live in Houston, and there are very few hills in Houston (except parking garages and bayous) I did a workout on the treadmill. It was a kick butt workout-literally. I used to love running up and down the bayous of Houston, that is until I almost ran over a alligator! Yes, a real gator. He was just laying in the grass sleeping and sunning himself...or plotting how he was going to viciously attach me, I'm not sure which. But I haven't done much bayou running since then.

Looks like fun, NO?

So we went to the Red Robin that's pretty close to my house. The Dollars had never been there, so we took care of that!! Scott met us there for lunch, but I walked in all by myself, and I'm sure I adequately freaked out a bunch of people. The Dollar's kids are our kids ages, but they are quite a bit taller so they look older. So, they probably looked like all my kids-little stair steps. Too funny. The only time there was any problem was when Hayden had to go...potty...and I was paying...and I sent Hunter to go help him...I heard him telling Hunter to leave him alone from across the restaurant. Nice.

I don't think I blogged about this, if I did forgive me I have too many children in my house today. haha. (Really it's only Hayden that is being LOUD-surprise surprise) ;) But anyway, I was in Costco last week with all my kids after the gym. I was walking around and this man stops and looks at everybody and says "man you ARE crazy" It was the day after that woman irritated me at the gym when she said something about being a "Desperate Housewife". So I took it in stride and didn't say or do anything too embarrassing. Luckily, he redeemed himself with a follow-up statement of, "we were even crazier...our 4 kids are only 2 years apart, but they are all in college now so enjoy!" I almost said "where at BYU??" but I didn't.

Can I just say I love this part of a baby?? She kept turning around in her chair getting her little toast, so I kept nibbling her right there!

I need a little brownie treat to help me through my day!

I've got a house-full of kids today. My friend Lori is having that laser eye surgery today. So, right after I worked out, Lori dropped the kid-o's off. We are so heading out for a fun lunch as soon as Hope wakes up from her nap. I still have about a row of those brownies left. I'm not sure how a whole row is still around they are soooo good, but I guess I have done a good job "hiding" them in the fridge. I'm such a selfish Momma. I just went in the kitchen and sneaked a brownie, no sharing. I cut one and put them back in the fridge. Hunter was the only one that spotted me, and I just shook my head and said "no none for you now". Too many kids for such a delicacy!! They would be gone, and I can't have that!!

Back to the laser eye surgery, I am way too big of a wimp to have that done. My eye sight is so bad, too. It would be nice to be able to see again, but I just don't know. I made a mistake of watching some Discovery Health Channel show about the procedure, and oh it looked terrible. Same with the boob jobs! There will be a time in the VERY near future when one of those will be needed terribly.

Say cheese Hope

She is so proud of those big chompers.


I just love Hope's little ruffly butt in these PJs!
Hope ready for bed! Mommy too :)

You know it's hot when you turn on the "cold" tap water and it's HOT. I miss the rain. Just for the record, I never complained about all the rain. I, in fact, liked the rain because it kept things pretty darn cool...well cool for a Houston summer anyway. Saturday morning, we had Hunter's first scrimmage football game. Can I just say I wanted to die. By the end, I had three crying children. Hannah, Hayden and Hope. I would have been crying too if I could have gotten away with it. It was 95* at 8:30 AM!! Not a good sign. By the time we were coming home at 11:15 it was over 100*. No wonder people were crying. The only one who didn't think it was unbearably hot was Hunter, the one who was playing...go figure. He was just having too much fun to notice. Too bad he doesn't LOVE basketball like he does football. Basketball...it's played in the winter-INSIDE! My kind of sport!

Well, I impulse bought a clarinet today. I went thinking I was going to "rent" one today, but as it turned out I got a good deal on a used one. Not exactly what I thought I'd spend a big chunk of change on today, but hey, it's for our children's future, right? The way Scott and I have if figured, Hunter has to play it in band for at least two years, then we can (if we so desire) return it to the store we bought it for 1/2 of the purchase price, and still end up paying less than what it would have cost to rent the dumb thing. Maybe I'll even take up playing the clarinet! Get my money's worth out of the thing.

My little fella

So, it's official. Hayden is going to Kindergarten. On Friday he got his teacher assignment, he has Mrs. Reynolds and he is in room K-3. Gosh I can't believe it. This coming Friday we get to meet his teacher, take a tour of the lunch room, get on the school bus AND play out on the playground. Sweet. He is looking like he is ready to start Kindergarten, he's getting all tall and skinny. Plus, he is missing some teeth, so he has got the look down. All of a sudden he is very motivated to learn how to tie his own shoes and he has been practicing writing his last name. He even said he would stop picking his nose and snorting before Kindergarten starts. Wow, it makes a mother so proud. ;)

My kind of day

It's been a good day. I got dinner mostly done this morning before church. Scott was at meetings all morning AND I still made it to church on time. I am almost finished baking those mint brownies that Natalie posted about a while ago. Just waiting on those darn things to cool so I can top them and stuff them in my pie hole.

We had FHE tonight instead of tomorrow night. Mondays have been a little crazy around here with football. I can really tell the kids are getting bigger. Hunter gave a talk today in primary and I pretty much wrote it. I had him tell me an experience, but I wrote it. As I was writing it I was thinking "this is silly...he should be writing his own talk". SO tonight he gave the lesson and did a pretty darn good job. Hannah picked the songs and lead the music- complete with a pencil as her little music wand thingee (what do you call those, I can't think of it, but you know). Hayden conducted and called on himself to give the opening prayer. I told him to think about what he was going to say, and gave just about the cutest prayer. He is very thankful for his baby sister Hope :). Scott and I??? We just sat there and listened. It was nice.

Today all the talks were about having and following the Spirit. And I realized I have been slacking on my own personal prayers/scripture reading. Not that I wasn't doing it...just not all the time. We had a sharing time today in Primary about two little boys. Sister Call used two glasses as a little demo. One boy was doing the things he should be doing, but not all the time-very hit or miss. The other little boy was doing what he should be doing all the time. Each glass got a little drop of water when they did what they were supposed to do. Of course the glass of the little boy that did what he was supposed to be doing all the time had a pretty full glass. The other little boy, not so full. The moral of the story, if you do what you're supposed to be doing, you'll be filled with the Spirit. I sat there, and I was thinking my glass wouldn't be full!! I do what I'm supposed to, a lot of the time, but I can do better. Sad when the children's sharing time is right on my level. haha

Shout out to my friend Jennifer who has gotten me motivated to finally REALLY start running again. She has been hitting it hard, and has inspired me to get moving too. I've been working out, but the running...has been pretty hit or miss. I would do it feeling only slightly motivated. BUT I got some new running shoes and all is well. Scott and I both got Brookes-Trance shoes. They are the Editor's pick in Runner's World. Yeah for new shoes, and a new found motivation. I'm going to run the Houston 1/2 Marathon in January, sooo, I needed to start hitting the running.

I think those brownies are cool enough now, ready for some topping.

Something I love about Hannah, is that if she isn't getting enough face-time (or blog time) she tells me. Well, yesterday, she said she wasn't getting on my blog enough. Well...I can fix that! Being a second child myself, I'm all about fairness ;)

Couple things I'm loving about Hannah right now...

*She and her friend Katie love to sell things...right outside on my drive way. She makes all sorts of things to sell, pictures, cards, bracelets...you name she can makes/sells it. A couple of weeks ago they set up a lemonade stand. The lemonade must have been priced right at 50 cents a cup, because they made about $20.

*She loves to sew. Usually, she "hand sews" as she calls it. but the other day I broke out my machine and boy was she in heaven. She made a little "tooth pillow" for a little friend that is going to visit. What is that you might ask??? (I did) It's a little pillow with a pocket on the front that that you put your tooth in that you lost, then you place the pillow under your pillow for the tooth fairy. Good idea, right?

*She is going to a birthday party on Saturday. When I asked her what she'd like to get the little girl she replied, "Mom, Jennifer is a girly girl...she will be SO easy to buy something for!" Alrighty then.

*She really does hate to practice the piano, but she does it anyway-she really has no choice at this point. BUT, her teacher is bribing her that if she practices and passes her songs off...she will get to pick something from "the treasure box". She is a sucker for the treasure box. She even has a little treasure box of her own in her room. Her friends and their siblings get to pick something from there when she feels they are worthy. I love that!

*Last night we went to Hunter's football practice (oh the hotness) her friend Kacie hadn't shown up yet, was she bored?? Oh no, she started practicing her cart wheel and is getting good. "Am I keeping my lets straight? Is my belly showing Mom?" She wouldn't practice a summer sault (the thing she really needs practice on hahaha) because she "didn't want to get ticks in her hair"

So that's a little bit about my cute, little 8 year old, piece of work Hannah Banana.

I was up late last night just a wasting time, but it was fun!

I love that Hope woke me up this morning at 6 and I couldn't go back to sleep. Of course she is sleeping right now, at least I've got some "Heather time". I'd rather be sleeping right now, I'm going to be tired today. You see I was up late last night. When Scott is out of town I DO NOT sleep well. I was up working on my budget last night (oh so important at 11:30 at night) when the phone rings. "Hmmm", I think, "maybe Scott is calling me". Unknown name and number...maybe not.



"Hello"



"Hello, this is the Houston Police Department, I'm calling to ask you about a man in a clown suit."



Me: clink



So of course I couldn't sleep after that. The sad thing is...that scared me. My heart started racing...Scout was in the back yard at that very moment doing his business and he started barking. Oh crap. I think it was just the ducks next door, but you get my point.



So, I have wanted to do that celebrity look alike thing on myheritage.com and since I was awake.... Not at all accurate, but entertaining none-the-less.

How is it that I can look like Elle Macpherson AND Bae Yong-jun? Do I really look like Sally Struthers? I do not know. They didn't put all my look-a-likes up either. There was one other Asian woman that they say I resemble. Come on people. I must admit I did it a second time with another picture and was I equally amused.

My favorite...Kate Beckinsale...if only! I even morphed my face into Christie Brinckley. Good times, thanks to the man in the clown suit!! Uhhggg.

Fish out of water

Hunter, Hayden, Hope, Hunter and 3 of Hunter's friends just got back from a field trip. (Hannah was lucky enough to get to go to the pool with her friend Katie.)We went to Shannon's Street Waves. Hunter NEEDED new bearings (now that I'm the "expert" those are the things that make the wheels go faster). Talk about being a fish out of water, me and my gaggle of children...in a skateboarding store...me in my flip flop Crocs no less. I can't find my digital camera...I think Scott took it with him to San Diego, but I needed a picture of that. Actually, the store wasn't so bad, it had more of an X-games feel to it rather than a grungy skater-dude look. But still, you get the point. Of course Hayden wanted the HOT TUNA sticker for his skateboard, he finally decided on something else...I asked the guy if any of the stickers were bad?? He just laughed and said NO they are all okay :)

Now that's blog worthy!

Even my kids are rating if things are "blog worthy" now. It cracks me up. This though is seriously unbelievable...I called my parents tonight to see if they could go to the mall tonight. I know I'm such a pain. Those shorts of Hunter that I blogged about...well I have been one tracking, and I found a pair at my parent's mall, Woodfield in Schaumburg, IL (I think the only size ten in TX, CA and maybe even IL...I might be exaggerating a little bit, but you get the point) The people at Abercrombie are not so very helpful...they won't ship, you can't put things on hold, you can't even pay over the phone for something so they will hold it. "That's why they put things on-line...." That is what somebody at Woodfield actually told me...like I didn't already try there first?? Whatever :) So, I have the WANTED shorts (last pair, sitting at the store NOT on hold just waiting for somebody else to buy) So, my Mom's meeting wasn't going to be over until after the mall closed. That's all right don't worry about it I'm thinking. My Dad calls back and says he wants to go to the mall to pick up the shorts. Okay, I'm like...do you even know where the mall is? Have you even ever been to the mall by yourself, DAD? I'm not even joking her guys. I don't know,but my Dad must seriously like Hunter or I to go to the mall to buy some shorts!! That's when one of the kids said "now that's blog worthy!" Thanks Dad! You're the best!!

Speaking of one tracking, I have passed it down to my kids btw. Hayden, alllll day, has been asking to check Harry Potter costumes out online. I have. But not enough. So, I'm finishing my dinner, and Hayden disappears for a minute. He calls out, "Mom how to you spell HALLO-WING STUFF? I want to look for in on the computer." He wanted to do a little searching.

How Ruuuude!

So, I was walking out of the gym this morning and there is this woman. She was talking to this other lady and she was saying how her little girl was going to start kindergarten in the fall. She went on (and on and on) about how she couldn't wait for school to start (granted I've been know to be a bit excited about the return of school ,but cool it lady in front of the kids). Then she starts talking about how she is looking for a job right now, because she is so sick of staying home and being a "desperate housewife". I turned around and gave her a dirty look. That's cool if you want to go get a job and everything, whatever, to each his own. But don't call being a stay at home housewife "desperate". I was a little offended, can you tell?

Harry Potter

So, I finished Harry Potter and I loved it! If you want to discuss it post a comment. That way those that haven't read/finished it yet won't have to see anything they don't want to!

There's no place like home...

Ahhh, we did have a nice, safe trip, but as Dorthy would say, "there's no place like home!" We stayed in a hotel and ate out for 4 days straight, last night I ate a PBJ. I guess that's one of my comfort foods, because that's what I start craving. Crazy huh?

The wedding was very nice, Lyndsee looked beautiful. Although, I didn't get to actually see the wedding. As soon as the bride walked down the aisle, Hope started to fuss so I was banished to the bathroom, and when she got too loud in there...I had to go outside. That's the other reason I'm glad to get home...Hope. She was a piece of work! She cut two more teeth on the road and had a terrible cold/cough. The night before last I was up with her starting at 3:30 on. I had given her some baby cough/decongestant and it kept her up-I guess! Lovely. She slept like a rock last night and so did I. She was literally attached to my hip the whole time we were gone.

Oh yeah, did I tell you Scott has already gone out of town for the rest of the week? I'm getting thrown back into the football thing like it or not :) (I like it of course uh hummm) I didn't get any laundry done except the ONE pair of garments that I brought. OOOps, I left my pile of undies sitting on the chair in my room along with my swim suit. That was nice. Hunter managed to rip his brand-new Abercrombie shorts all along the back. I'm talking a 12 inch rip the first 15 minutes he wore them. I followed Marleen's example and Scott has already taken them back for me!! ( last night-while I was washing the car- you'd think the jobs should have been reversed right? I actually kind of like cleaning my car and I'm very picky.) There must have been something wrong with the fabric ;0. Seriously though, he had them on for 15 minutes and he wore them in the car to Scott's aunt's house. Whatever!!

Besides sleep, the other thing I didn't do was work out. Simply no time for that business. The mornings were too busy and the afternoons were too hot to run outside. I didn't feel like getting sick by running in 100* weather-no thanks. So, we are off to the gym and I can't wait. I just feel better when I work out. More later!

We are up and at it this morning.

It's 6:30 in the morning. During the school year that would be sleeping in, but not during the summer. I have gotten used to sleeping until 7...or even later if I'm lucky. Hope actually woke up a 5. That girl has been sleeping until 7ish-sleeping all night. It's been nice. She woke up early today and I ran in and got her so everybody could sleep. I plan on sleeping in the car today. I'm pretty good at that :). I love when she wakes up at that time though and it's just her and me, and she nurses and cuddles. She has busy little hands while she nurses pinching and touching me the whole time. I love that girl.



Anyway, so we are off this morning to Scott's sister's wedding. She gets married on Monday, so we will return Tuesday. Poor Hayden isn't ready for another road trip. "I don't want to go in the car again- I just want to stay home!" I hear ya buddy, I'm a home body too. I like my house, my bed, my food. But we will have fun. Scott wants to leave by 8:30-wish us luck. I do think I'm bringing my computer. I've been fights for computer time lately. Hunter has some game he plays (Ruin Scape I think is how you spell it) and Hannah has Webkinz. "Move kid, this is MY computer!!"

Pretty strong: feeling comfortable in our skin isn't always easy.

I was flipping through Runner's World last night before I went to bed and read Kristin Armstrong column. I knew I wanted to post about it right away. It's called Pretty Strong. Go read the entire article if you have time, it's well worth it! But she talks about how she was helping her little 5 year old girl get ready for school one morning and the little girl didn't want to wear a sweater because "it made her look fat". Kristin was shocked that her little 5 year old had already clued into that whole thing. She talked about how she was 20 before she started battling those inner demons. Oh heck I'll just quote her:

"But these departures from my character were in my 20s, before the balancing hand of motherhood met the grounding grip of running. Once I learned what it meant to push myself, I lost all taste for depriving myself. I want to grow into more of a woman, not find ways to whittle myself down to less." I LOVED that last part about growing into MORE of a women instead of whittling myself down into less!!

Then she goes on, and I love this next part because she kind of sums up why I like to run...but exercise in general. How/why I love it when than inner athlete in me comes out. NOT that I'm any good really...that's the point it just doesn't matter. What matters is that we are out there trying! This is what I think is important, and what I hope my kids are "getting" when we go to the gym day after day or when Scott and I are out running...

"The way I see it, the only way to run counter to our toxic image-centric society is to literally run by example. I can't tell my daughters that beauty is an incidental side effect of living your passion rather than an adherence to socially prescribed standards. I can't tell my son how to recognize and appreciate this kind of beauty in a woman. I have to show them, over and over again, mile after mile, until they feel the power of their own legs beneath them and catch the rhythm of their own strides.Which is why my parents wake my kids early on race-day mornings. It matters to me that my children see me out there, slogging through difficult miles.

But the part I love the most is this last little bit. It's about enjoying life but also paying attention to the well being of our bodies too. About how it's good and fun to enjoy good food and have treats every now and then. I think strong bodies and spirits are beautiful. Confidence and the power to endure are wonderful things!

"I want my girls to grow up recognizing the beauty of strength, the exuberance of endurance, and the core confidence residing in a well-tended body and spirit. I want them to be more interested in what they are doing than how they look doing it. I want them to enjoy food that is delicious, feed their bodies with wisdom and intent, and give themselves the freedom to indulge. I want them to compete in healthy ways that honor the cultivation of skill, the expenditure of effort, and the courage of the attempt."

Amen sister!

Happy Anniversery to me (and Scott of course)

August 3, 1991

It's hard to believe that picture was taken 16 years ago. Well, despite the dated flowers and wedding dress, and all the hair on Scott's head...it's hard to believe. I was 18 years old, that's just crazy!! Only two more years and I'll have been married 1/2 of my lifetime. Scott and I have lived in three cities, had 1 dog and 4 kids in that time. Time well spent. Love you, Scottie.

Posing for a picture

Hayden loves to clean his board, even when it's not dirty. Why can't I get the same enthusiasm for cleaning his room? HMMM I don't get it.
Not the best of pictures, but Hunter and Hayden on their skate boards. They have been banned from using them in the house except when posing for pictures. That entry there was becoming a favorite trick spot. HELLO, I don't think so!

Gotta love a new pair of shoes!

It's almost 9'oclock and Hope is still sleeping. I just read about 100 pages in Harry Potter-NO I STILL haven't finished. But I'm going to go sit on a spin bike at the gym and I plan on reading another chunk. I'm loving it and I will be sad when it ends. Hunter and Hayden got new skate boards yesterday. (From Wal-mart no less :) You know you can easily spend $150 for a board. Luckily, Hunter is s thrifty boy and said he'd save his money for a good one if it was something he really liked. His friend Colton messed with the wheels and he couldn't be happier right now. But you know who is pretty funny out there...Hayden. I'll have to post pictures...later. Good thing Hunter is thrifty because look what came yesterday...


My new shoes (that I ordered for my sister-in-laws wedding) came from Banana Republic. I got NO good deal to talk about, but I like them anyway. They are surprisingly comfortable. My bunions and I have to have comfy shoes. Shoes and purses, I love em! I hear Hope so I'm off for now.

I'm such a nerd, but I figured it all out and I'm up and running again with Microsoft Money. Plus, this new version has all kinds of fancy automatic features. Bill paying is getting way too easy. The computer really isn't so hard if you break it down into baby steps and actually read what you're being prompted with :) I love being independent and figuring stuff out by myself. I know it's a small thing for a lot of people, but feels good anyway to me.

What's was I thinking? I just fed Hope broccoli and chicken baby food. I'm sure that stuff if going to stink coming out the other end, it smelled bad enough right out of the jar.

Oh the frustration of it all!

I got a new and very nice computer several weeks back, you might remember I was very happy about it. Seeing as I was in desperate need...my other would die 5-10 times a day. The bad part comes in when you try and copy and transfer everything over. What a pain. It was pretty much done right away, except the Microsoft Money part. We finally got a new version loaded and everything last night, should be fine, right? Until I go and try to backup the file from the other computer and load it on. Some other persons junk came up -not mine. Don't get me wrong...I'd rather have this persons info. In fact it is so good, I'm thinking it can't be real. This person has deposits of $2000 coming in every few days. Nice. I have deleted and tried to reinstall, but something is up. This is now out of my league, and before I do something terrible...I'll just wait for Scott to come home tonight. Today is my day off from the gym so I had the time to get everything all organized too, bummer. I'll just have to go pay bills and hope for the best :).

We got the house picked up AND vacuumed this morning. I can't believe it. It's always amazing what CAN happen when you stay home to do it.

Hunter is off to the skate park with a few friends. He hasn't wanted a skate board, but that might change soon. He goes and does his scooter. He said it's lots easier on the scooter and he can do some fun tricks.

Hannah's big news of the morning...she has 12 pairs of earrings now. Katie, her neighbor friend, just brought over a new pair. Good times!

Hayden is in watching one of the Harry Potter movies. He cracks me up the way he'll watch a movie. We have a little DVD player, and he will fast forward to a "good part". He can watch the whole thing in 20 minutes. So, when he says he wants to "watch a movie" I know it's not for long.

Well, I'm off to go and try and fix my Microsoft Money issue. I just can't leave well enough alone.