Can I just say I'm a wee bit jealous?

Kind of last minute, Scott turned his layover in Houston (on his way back home) to a stay over for the day. He set up a meeting with some old work people at HP to see about some business stuff. But while he was there, he got to go visiting! Can I just say I'm a wee-bit jealous? Those last few days in Houston, still rate as some of my all time saddest days. I guess that's a blessing in my life, that those days are the saddest. What I mean is, I guess I haven't had some terrible thing happen in my life, you know? Anyway, he took the work meeting to Los Cucos for lunch. Ahhhh, Los Cucos, a favorite place of ours. You just don't get good Mexican food here, sorry but it's true. But I will say I have had some excellent food...just not Mexican food. ahh, the people and the friends. Good times. He certainly wasn't able to see everyone, but he did get to see a handful. I wish I was there. Who knows where we will end up? If we will ever move back to Houston? The sad thing we decided was, even if you move back to a place, it's never the same. When he saw the house though, he said he felt very much detached. That's not home-home is where we (we meaning his family) are! That's a good thing. Life does go on, and we have made many wonderful friends here, too. For that I am thankful.

Yesterday, Hunter had a band concert. With Hope being sick and Scott being gone, I had decided early in the week to get a babysitter and leave her home (best money I have spent in a long time). As it turns out, I left everybody at home, Hannah was tired, and Hayden had been stung by a bee and got Benadryl-so he was going to be tired. Anyway, as I was sitting there, I started looking around and thinking about our first band concert here, right after we moved here. I remembered looking around, not knowing anyone, and feeling very sad about that. Last night, was different. As I sat there, I knew a lot of people. Certainly, not as many people as I would have know at a jr. high band concert in Texas, but enough to not feel lonely. To feel like I am getting to know people here! Can I just say that is a really good feeling. I started talking to the man next to me. As it turns out, they had lived in Houston in the late 80's-mid 90's. It was fun talking to him. He liked living in Houston, but I think he was surprised I liked it so much. It got me thinking, what did I like so much about Houston?? The thing that tops my list?? The people. Enough of that for now.

And in other news...after feeling better"ish" for a whole day, Hope threw up again last night, and has been a sick little grumpy girl today. Lovely. I feel like I'm coming down with the flu, aches, sore throat, stabbing pain behind my eyes, stuffy nose...the works. Oh well, now I get a taste of what is making her so grumpy. I pray I don't get the stomach bug with it!!

friendly reminder: don't forget the sunscreen!

About a month ago, Hope had a dermatologist "emergency". She had a rash under her arm that needed some help. The fastest they could get us in...was about a month later. Lovely. Anyway, today was the day. I thought about cancelling. Thought about, but didn't do it. I wanted us to be seen!! Hope didn't throw up any last night, even though she did come in for visits about 5 times, so she wasn't feeling too hot. She did want some breakfast this morning, I took that as a good sign. Although, she did throw up her entire small bowl of oatmeal, and then she proceeded to take a nap. But I took her anyway. I certainly braved it. I was talking to my friend Jennifer on the phone while driving over (hands free thank you) and she said "did you bring something...in case she throws up?" I had not! But I lucked out and she was fine. I got checked out head to toe...I wasn't really expecting that one, but alrighty then. I found out I don't have any skin cancers. The little "thing" on my face by my eye is totally benign and so I left it for now. I did have the doctor prescribe me some more Renova (real reason for my visit). I was on that before I got pregnant with Hope and loved the way my skin looked, so I'll be back on that (tonight-I'm not compulsive AT ALL) I use it as an anti-aging skincare cream. But the most important thing is, don't forget the sunscreen!!

barfy babies

There is nothing like staying home when your baby is sick. She is one of those sick babies that likes you to hold them. Just sit there...and hold her, and of course let her rub my ear. And you know what, she is my baby, and I can do that...for the most part. She did fall asleep at one point and I went outside to my garage and did my book camp. I have a play list that I have entitled... Get Your Groove On. It's good stuff, and I indeed can get my groove on ;)

Hope is now fer-real asleep in her bed. So, I could break away and blog away. I was doing my thing and happened upon my friend Sarah's blog, who posted about some delicious pumpkin treat. I am a sucker for the pumpkin treats. I quickly hurried down to make sure I had all ingredients, happily I did. Butter scotch morsels and cream cheese included. I love that.

The only problem is, what to have for dinner? I have menu planned for the week, but I'm not so sure I'll be making it to the grocery store. Maybe when Hunter gets home I can run over. Scott is oot. I'm using code, so none of the scary rapist/murders will see this and come get me. If the kids or I ever get REALLY sick, you can be assured Scott is...OOT. I'm sure I'll be getting barfing pretty soon. Hope kept coming into my room last night starting at about 12. After about 1/2 of her tossing and turning and her breathing RIGHT in my face, I'd take her back to her room, only to have her back again the next 1/2 hour. That lasted until about 4, when she barfed...all over the sheets. She started making barfing noises, and since I hadn't been "really" asleep since about 12, I gathered the top sheet and caught-it-all. Am I good or what?

So, I'm off to go bake, and then read, and then watch another Oprah followed by another Sesame Street, because I'm sure Hope will be awake by then.

**Oh imagine my profound disappointment, when I went to start baking, I realized I didn't have any canned pumpkin. I always have canned pumkpin, I didn't even look for that. I really will be grocery shopping later today.

Just checking in

I haven't posted for a few days. Nothing too exciting to report just busy with life. On Wednesday, I made 8 trips (I started counting) picking kids up, dropping kids off, running to the store...and that was from 2:30ish until 7 o'clock. It was slightly obnoxious. Hayden plays his last game of soccer on Saturday. He met a little boy his age around the corner!! Hannah has about another month left in her soccer season, and she just started in a book club. They are reading the Little Princess. She volunteered to host the discussion. She's my girl. Hunter wrapped up football by winning the SkyHawk award- he showed the most football spirit. That made Scott proud, as you can imagine. Go Hunter! He has started wrestling. Being the good mother that I am, I showed him pictures of cauliflower ears. We don't want cauliflower ears. He came home yesterday with some head gear. He told his coach, "My Mom wants me to wear head gear, even in practice!" Darn right. Practice is killing him, he says it's harder that football practice in TX. You KNOW it's hard!

The roomba is still my friend. I have had some people asking. Momma still likey. I'm starting to see the beauty in this whole robotic cleaning solution. What about bathrooms? Dishes? Laundry?

The weather is still very nice here. I keep waiting for the rain to hit...I know it's coming....but I'm enjoying every day I can outside. Hope and I run to the park just about everyday that we can (for a few minutes anyway) after the gym. The only problem is, now she expects it, and if we have something else going on, she feels slighted. I'm going to take my workout outside this morning. My version of boot camp. No boot camp classes at this gym, so if I want that kind of pain, I have to inflict it upon myself. Good day to you!

Scott's version of a cleaning lady

Nothing says "Happy Birthday" like a Roomba. Scott and the kids surprised me for my birthday, with a Roomba. It's one of those gifts, I never knew I wanted. I have to admit, I choked a little when I did a little research to get a picture for my blog...about how much they cost...but hey, it was a gift. But that is one hard working little robot. I have had plenty of family and friends that have/had them. Some reviews have been great, some not so good. But, for the three days that Mr. Roomba has been cleaning at my house, I like him, and I'm keeping him. Back and forth, under the table, around the table, on the carpet, in the pantry,laundry room, and bathroom even. Places I don't even go, to sweep or vacuum. It's a lovely thing. Hayden announced that we now have "eight people in our family!" Huh? Mom, Dad, Hunter, Hannah, Hayden, Hope, Scout and Roomba. I have to admit it's quite the thrill for everyone to watch the Roomba. They like to watch the Roomba, I like watching them, like the Roomba. If you are thinking about getting a dog or some other pet? Consider a Roomba, the kids love 'em, and they clean up after themselves.

Happy Birthday Hope!

This is Hope today talking on the phone to my parents. She was talking and then started singing a song. It was pretty cute.

This is one of my all time favorite pictures of Hope. She was just little with two teeth.

LIPS!

Hope had been crying and I took about 30 pictures, during the fit and after. They are some of my favorites too. Here is just one.
Hopey the thumb sucker. I sometimes miss that bald head.

"hospital picture" Here's what's funny...you know how you take about a million pictures when your baby is born? We are no different, some you'd show others and some...you might die if someone else saw. Anyway, Scott took pictures and sent pictures to lots of close friends. The only problem was he sent them ALL to everybody. :) No crotch shots, just after the baby was born, but some first time nursing pictures and such. I had one friend that said "oh I just deleted some of those!!" Thanks Scott ;)

I like those feet.

Happy Birthday to my Hopey girl. Seriously, where does the time go? It seems like yesterday we were trying to decide what to name this girl...and I couldn't have found a better name for her. She is my HOPE.

I took one for the team

Eau de parfum, Chanel #5, that's a classic. How about Eau de Scout? Getting old sucks. And I'm not talking about myself. After all, it is my birthday in a few days. No no, not that. Scout is 15 years old (Scout is the golden retriever...not Scott the husband) which is like 105 years old in dog years. Much like with humans, when dogs get old they can't hold "it" very long. Like, if they gotta go, they just...go. Hence, since we moved into the new house, Scout's new home, is the garage. I'm over feeling guilty about having my "house" dog turn into a garage dog. About 6 months ago over it, every time I have to clean up a mess I just thank my lucky starts I'm cleaning up concrete and not hardwoods or new carpet.

But anyway, the reason I tell you all this is, I was loading the car to take Hannah to soccer, when I smell the smell. Dog pee doesn't smell good as is, but old man dog pee???? Think rotten tuna juice/pee. UUUGGGG! I don't have time to clean up a mess, I think. But I open the garage door (he always goes right by the door-poor dog) and as I'm stepping under the garage door...I feel a drip. A drip that lands right on my part, a drip that I feel dripping down my scalp. A drip of dog pee, old man dog pee. I hurry and go in to wipe and drown my head with water, that's all I had time for. I took one for the team. I dropped Hannah, picked up Hunter and was in the shower about a 1/2 hour later. All better now, but that was a long 1/2 hour!

I bet you've never...

had someone blow a kiss and wave bye-bye to your pee before. Hope is almost 2 and very interested in all things potty. So, I finished doing what I needed to do, and she was right there, to say bye-bye, blow a kiss and wave as my business went down the flusher. We are off to go play at the park, because if we don't I think she will drive me completely nuts this morning. Remember, she is almost 2. Plus, vacuuming my blinds isn't all that fun. I tried to tell Scott that I needed a house cleaner this morning...just every few months even, but I was met with a blank stare. SO, I vacuumed. haha

What I really wanted to say was...

Hell no! When they told me I was going to have to go to the "other" ward. You see, we have not been going to the right ward, well since we moved into this house. Remember, we were going to buy another house, we waited and waited...but then didn't buy that house, in "that" ward. But we had already started, and the other ward was so big a) they filled the chapel + the whole gym, b) they had to set up 2 sacrament tables to be sure everybody got the sacrament (they had like 20 deacons passing the sacrament!!) c) yesterday during the testimony meeting, a man bore his testimony and started it out by saying he didn't even know who the new bishop was-he had seen him before but didn't know his name!! Hello that was one big ward, so our bishop just said, hang out here until they split the "other" ward. We were hoping the boundaries would be re-worked in our favor and we would go to our ward...for real. But alas, it didn't work, and yesterday was our first day in the new ward.

The new ward...is fine, they are nice (all except the man that prayed and said he was thankful we live in a country that there are no secret police out watching us-seriously he said that.) The people are very nice, I'm just tired. I was getting so comfortable in my new-old ward. I knew the people, I knew the freaks, I knew some background stories. Starting fresh all over again. I don't feel like being all out going and friendly, again. My new-old ward was feeling like home. It takes about six months and I had been there over six months!! Dang. Do I have a bad attitude or what??? **sigh**

On a happier note, my parents were out this past weekend for a little fun. They got to see everyone at their best...and worst. Like always, right? Last night, Scott had put Hope to bed and then ran downstairs to play some game with Hunter. The other two kids were sent up to shower/bathe/get ready for bed. Well, Hope just knew she was missing something, so she got herself up. All, of a sudden Hayden and Hannah are screaming for me...or for Grandma, or for Grandpa-SOMEONE to come up. Hope had gotten the toilet brush out, put it in the tub water, and then put it in her mouth! Yes, you read that right. Here is my question, I've got some kids that know how to tattle, WHY did it take them so long to tell me a) Hope was EVEN up and b) she was up to NO good? I do not understand all that, or WHY she would do that in the first place. Hope got scrubbed down, a new toothbrush, clean PJ's and a stern talking to and was put right to bed, where she did NOT budge.

But I did get a new crepe maker. And we had some tasty ones last night for dinner. Yes, they should have been a dessert, maybe...but I also made that pumpkin gooey cake the day before and we had to prioritize...you know fit it all in. I did buy my Dad brussel sprouts (special for him- I was going to make chicken parmesan last night) but again we had to prioritize the good stuff. Anyway, we had all that crepe goodness, and brussel sprouts and carrot sticks for dessert. I'm good like that.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

The name says it all. Last night at recipe club, somebody brought this delightful little morsel. OH MY GOSH. It was so good. The problem was, there were a couple of other delicious treats, so I had to spread it out...meaning I didn't take as big of a piece as I'd like. (I'm such a dainty eater) Lucky for me, I was one of the stragglers, so I was offered some to take home. Now, I know myself...and I took 1 piece. Because, I wasn't home 10 minutes, and that piece (it was smallish) started calling my name. I reasoned it wouldn't be as good tomorrow. So, I ate it. And I loved every single mouthful. If you are looking for a gooey buttery pumpkin treat, give this one a whirl.

**Recipe link here**

We could all use a little more thrift in our lives

Seeing that I'm the CEO of my own company and all, I have been ever more aware of finding new ways to do the same things. Does anyone else freak out a little bit about the economy these days? While I do believe this will pass, it does cause some concern.

I don't shop nearly as much as I used to, for a variety of reasons. I don't live as close to stores, I was trying to save gas by not bumming around as much, I have gotten a lot more picky with what I buy (don't want to have piles of stuff) and simply, if you don't go shopping as much you don't spend as much money. Go figure. The biggest reason though, is the picky part. If I don't LOVE something I don't buy it. Even if it's on sale. If it doesn't fit just right? I don't buy it. I don't like clutter!!

I have gotten really good at not being as compulsive as I used to be. On many, many fronts. But I like to wait on a lot of things, to make sure it's what I really want. I have become a waiter, a browser, a I'm going to think about it kind of girl. Last Saturday, I took the kids to Target for some costume shopping. While shopping, I had put several outfits in my basket for Hope. She needed a few new things to call her own. I like hand-me-downs...Hannah had a lot of cute things, but sometimes, the cutest things 7 years ago aren't as cute today. So, I shopped. But I wasn't sure, I hadn't been shopping at Gap, Gymboree, Old Navy, and if I wasn't going to buy a ton, I didn't want to waste "it" if there was something cuter out there, you know. So, I put everything back. Hannah couldn't believe I was doing what I was doing. But I did, and I proceeded to shop online over the next couple days. I didn't find anything at any of those stores I liked as much as the Target finds. So, I went back today. And low and behold, everything was 30% off. How I love a good deal.

I got home from the gym, took a bath, (Hope was in bed), put on sweats (no bra) and plopped down to watch me some Oprah. We have a very busy evening so I took advantage of some quiet time. I watched an Oprah from a few days ago. It was the one about being thrifty. With the way the economy is right now, we could all be a little more thrifty. Go check out the Oprah link, I think there is a lot of good information and tips out there. I might even start planning my menu around stuff that's on sale and use a coupon. I haven't clipped coupons in...forever. Here's to living within our means and staying on a budget!

carnage

Scrub Jay
Red Tailed Hawk
Me pointing at the smudge and feathers left on my window. The camera wouldn't focus on what I wanted, but you get the "picture"...literally.

Poor Mr. Scrub Jay was happily eating at my bird feed this morning when along came Mr. Red Tailed Hawk and...

feathers!

Usually once a day I hear a bird fly into a window or my sliding glass door. This morning I was brushing Hope's teeth and I heard a BIG thud. Hayden started screaming "MOM! The hawk is eating that blue bird you like!!" That scrub jay comes down to my feeder everyday at about the same time. I have noticed it, and so did the hawk I guess. Apparently, from the eyewitness, the hawk swooped out of nowhere and caught the scrub jay by surprise. There was a bit of a struggle, but the hawk "had really long claws that squished the blue bird all up". Hayden says the squirrel that we don't like because he eats all my bird seed "got mad at the hawk and about fell off the deck trying to save the scrub jay!" The squirrel got a plate of peanuts down on the grass as a token thank you. haha

Who has my keys????

Just so you won't lose anymore sleep...I'll update you on our Halloween decorations. I settled for a BIG spider and some spider web. Both relatively cheap"ish". Kids were happy. We spent part of the afternoon hanging the web. Hayden pronounced our house "the scariest on the whole street!!". We also got some stuff out that I forgot I even bought last year out. I love that.

When I was in San Fran a while ago, we ate at this one Italian restaurant. (Just so you know, I misspell restaurant just about every time I use it!! grrrr) Eye-talian food is my favorite. So, when I had this one ricotta cheese gnocchi, I was about in heaven. I started searching for a delicious recipe. I found (a bunch) and printed five. I tried one last night, and it was just okay. Well, better than okay, but it was no where near the experience I had in San Fran. I was slightly disappointed. But that's okay, I will try again! I must have fabulous gnocchi like I had that night. I'm on a quest. My family will be so sick of it, there will be plenty of eye rolling to go around. Oh well. Once they taste the winning recipe, they won't be rolling their eyes any longer. They will be rolling their big fat bellies they will be so happy. Well, that doesn't really make sense, but you know what I mean.

Have I told you that I'm going to be planting a garden, and that I'm still excited about it? Many a times, I have come up with a wonderful idea only to get my senses back and come back to reality. Well, I have wanted to plant a garden here since we moved, but it was much too crazy to plant one when we first moved in. Then, it was just too late. I have been thinking about one ever since. I really wasn't too sure about the location either..you know in the yard and all. We have lots of shade. Our friends have been doing a garden this year on a little bit of her parent's land. Well, I'm excited to say that we will all be gardening there this next year. Here's what I'm excited about...all the yummy food we will be growing, teaching my kids how stuff grows (all kinds of hand on lessons there) and doing it with people/friends/compadres. I'm not so sure Scott will be in "love" with this current brainstorm o-mine, so...even if he hates it and/or me for "making us" do this (I jest I think he will be just fine about it) I'll still have some motivated partners in crime. Hannah and Hayden's school has a garden (it's really big and cool- they got to work at the local farmers market a few weeks ago selling stuff from their school's garden!) Anyway, the garden grows the food in the salad bar area. Anyhoo, you know I was wanting to do the whole local food thing anyway. How much more local can you get. If nothing else...I'll have some killer-let me repeat that- KILLER arms from all the hoeing! Just call me Farmer Jones, I'm off to go look at a seed catalog...I'm not joking :)

But, just so you don't think I'm always so happy and chipper let me tell you a story...EVERY Saturday Scott gets up at 6 am to play basketball. Not so bad if he were home by 7:30, but he usually doesn't come home until 8:30 or 9. So, most Saturdays I miss my run. But, besides that...I'm not bitter at all, and I'm happy that he is working out ;) But this last Saturday, I had to get the kids packed up and to soccer (lunches packed we had two games) rain gear (it did rain) and everything else packed and to the field by 8:30. I WAS feeling a little bitter this fine morning. At 8:10 I go to start packing up my car...I can't find my keys. I look, and look and look...no keys. I start calling Scott, "I bet he took my keys". Now, I have the reputation of being a blamer...I may or may not be, but this I know... if my keys are not in my purse or RIGHT next to my purse it's because somebody ELSE moved them. I am super anal about my keys. At 8:40, 10 minutes late for Hannah's warm-up (game didn't start until 9) and 10 calls to Scott later (he wasn't answering his phone- how convenient) Scott calls and tells me he has my keys. I'd like to say, I said "oh thanks babe!! Thanks for letting me know", but I didn't. I thought I was over this whole key thing, until I couldn't find the TV controller this morning...why can't some people just put the controller on top of the TV when they are finished?? haha

Halloween is one of the coolest holidays, a day devoted to candy...hello?

For the last few Halloweens, my children (specifically Hannah and Hayden) have been bitterly disappointed in our decorations. I do more of the "fall" theme with a few witches thrown it. Last year we did throw up some little ghosts hanging from the tree. Well, according to them, it's still not good enough. They want some scary decorations. SCARY! Like tombstones and spider webs. So, today, I hit the road in search of some scarier things. I'll let you know how it all shakes out. I'm sure you'll be dieing to know.

Hope and I went for a run yesterday. And for the first time in a while (with her) I enjoyed it!! She just sat there...I looked down at her a couple of times to make sure she was still breathing. It was a lovely day outside (weather wise) and Hope must have been tired enough to just sit and veg. She had a dolly with a blanket (aka a towel) whatever it takes.

Tonight is the VP debates. I am very excited to watch. Palin needs to pull it together tonight! Did you hear the moderator has a pro-Obama book coming out? She stands to make lots of $$ if he wins. You'd think they could come up with somebody else to moderate. Whatever. I think Sarah Palin needs to go out there and just be herself. She AND McCain need to stop playing it nice. Why couldn't she have back mouthed to Gibson with his Bush Doctrine gotcha question, or tell Couric her question about McCain's senate history was crap! She needed to, but she didn't... now she is the one that looks dumb. Are you sick of the Hollywood "elite" mouthing off, or what?? Put a sock in it already. Everybody should tune it, it's an important election. Well, they all are really, this just happens to be the one...right now. What do you guys think?

Have a good day, I'm off to waste some $$ on Halloween. Really, I do like Halloween. It rates up there for me on coolest holidays. A day devoted to candy :)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since this is October 1st, Breast Cancer Awareness month begins. And since I am a woman and I have two breasts...I'm taking notice of the event. I missed the Race For The Cure this year in my new city. I was very disappointed when I heard it was "yesterday". Not literally yesterday...a few weeks ago but still. I didn't know Christina Applegate had breast cancer. Do you know about her story? I guess she had early stage breast cancer, they did the lumpectomy, but then she tested positive for the breast cancer gene. So, she had a double mastectomy. Wow. I have heard about the breast cancer gene. I have even wished my insurance paid for the test. But wait, do I wish they did? Do I really want to know? Kind of...sort of. I'm pretty sure if I tested positive, I might do the same thing she did. She said she didn't want to wait around for the other shoe to drop. I hear her. Anyway, in the spirit of breast cancer awareness, do those self exams girls!! I'm the worlds worst, so I will take my own advice.