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.

Code Red

Yesterday morning, Hayden, Hannah and I were downstairs getting stuff ready for school. You know packing lunch, flash cards, book reading, piano practicing. It was surprisingly peaceful, because Hope was upstairs with Scott. Oops did I just say that? Well, it was, but not for long. When all of a sudden I hear Scott yell, "Heather CODE RED!" Of course I go flying up to see what the heck is going on. I find: Scott in the shower with soap and shampoo all over, and Hope, still in PJ's, no diaper and poop all over her hands and a neat little pile of poop on the floor. My immediate response? "That's not a code red that's a code BROWN!"

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday to the coolest Poppie ever. This picture was taken at Disney...he kept asking for water (it was Florida in August...we were thirsty) the waitress had some sparkle to her and so she brought him out a pitcher filled with water and ice. NOW we're talking :) I love that picture of my good old Dad. He's the best Dad a girl could ever ask for and the best Grandpa around. Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.

Updates

Hayden still has no front teeth! The dentist (our friend Todd) says they are there...they just haven't come down yet. They are getting close though. I will miss that toothless smile. Every day Hayden brings home a new book to read. He really likes reading and he seems to be liking piano. He is getting better at both. Yesterday, he read the book he brought home 11 times. He was so proud of himself!!
Little Miss pre-teen. She is at a hard"ish" stage right now. Just a little bit...mouthy should we say...but oh so cute when she wants to be! Already she'll spend lots of time on her hair. It must be just so. She is pretty good with the flat iron. Impressive. I had a skirt and shirt on on Sunday, and boy did she like it. She made me feel so good! It's been fun seeing her make new friends. I thought she was shy, but she sure seems to have out grown that!!
Hopey and Hunty. That's what Hope calls Hunter...Hunty. We love it. Hunter likes it too. What other 12 year old boy would sit down and watch "Abby's and Elmo" (aka Sesame Street) with his little sister WHILE she pinches his ear. It used to be she would rub softy the ear lobe, but not anymore. She pinches right on the cartilage. Ouch! Hunter is a smart nice boy, despite me :)
Hope giving her "babies sum mulkies" she loves her babies. I bought her this "Mickey Mouse with a bow" (Minnie Mouse, but it's NOT Minnie it's Mickey, okay???) that has a blanket attached to it. She sleep and naps with it daily. She loves it. But heaven help us all if that blanket is messed up. The blanket must be just right and Mickey has to be tucked in her arm. Ahhh, much better.

Keeping it fresh

So, you are probably like me in a lot of ways. Sometimes, I get a little bored...not bored like I don't have anything to do. Of course not, we've all got lots to do. But bored like...I'm not mentally challenged enough, bored like...I picking up the same things day in and day out. Lately, I feel like I am changing my attitude, my perception of what it is I do around here, this house, and with my family. It's still a work in progress don't get me wrong. But now my new perspective is this: My full time job is keeper of this house and all that's in it. That includes the house the people the food. It's my full time job and I get payed LOTS of money. Lot's of it. (haha this is where you need to imagine a little) So, if I want to keep getting those pay increases ;), I must keep it fresh. Find new ways to do old things. Find new ways to cook the same old food. Find new ways to teach my kids all that they need to learn. Find news ways to keep myself mentally stimulated and motivated at the gym. Keep on keeping on. I even called a bunch of people to meet up at the park. I haven't done that in a while, so that's keeping it fresh too.
**PS I'm probably the only one to tell a difference, but that's okay. It's huge to me.

The defensive "dummy" Hunter called Coach

It looks like Hunter's 7th grade football career is on break, if not over for the season. I think it's over, but we'll see. On Friday, the wise and super caring defensive coach, took a defensive dummy and clocked Hunter in the head. I know my football experience is low, but I thought you were supposed to knock people in the core with those...you know to knock them off balance. Not in the head, to knock their block off. Nice, right? Poor Hunter put his hand up to block the blow, and got his finger broken. On his left hand, down by the knuckle...on a growth plate. No band, no piano, no football, no wrestling (his flex class at school he was loving-that's another blog entry "why I don't want my son wrestling"...but I think I'll be out voted here) I have been really rather annoyed about the whole situation. So, much so, I held off blogging about it in fear I'd saying something so inappropriate like "I wish I had a defensive dummy to knock that coach in the nuts with"...ooops I said it anyway. Accidents happen, injuries even happen, but this seems a little needless. Scott sent "the" email to the coach today voicing our displeasure. I didn't want to come across like the "irate, over emotional Mother". Ha ha. We haven't heard anything yet. I was expecting flowers of apology.

After a couple weeks of "fancier" meals Scott made a comment last week that rather amused me. I asked him how this one asparagus orzo pasta dish was. We've had it before and it IS good. He hadn't commented, and that's usually a pretty good indicator on how he feels about something ;). Anyway, he said, "You know what sounds really good to me...plain old fashioned spaghetti!!!" So, I was thinking of him this week as I menu planned. We all need good old fashioned spaghetti every once in a while. But, I have been making this foccacia bread that is to die for. It's easy. They sell these delicious loaves of foccacia bread at my Costco. You take one of those, put lots of butter on it and then saute garlic and lay the garlic on the bread. Then you bake the bread just long enough to melt the butter. Yummy. You must enjoy the garlic though. I put 4 cloves on the loaf tonight. I'm sure we stink to high heaven, but who cares??? Have you ever had the garlic bread at Buca di Peppo? That's what it's like.

What is that book you are reading?

I am currently reading a book that I am loving- L.oving with a capital L. It's about...something I thought I knew a lot about but apparently, I really don't know much about...FOOD. I'm only about 1/3 of the way through the book, but if I don't learn anything else from here until the end, it's been a good book, it's opened my eyes and made me see things I wasn't paying attention to. Things I had no idea even mattered.

So, last weekend you may remember me blogging about this wonderful Italian dinner we had at this restaurant here in Portland. Here is something that I copied from their menu: "The menu, which changes seasonally, is built around a commitment to using natural meats, the freshest seafood, and locally grown fruits and vegetables." The thing about it, was the food really was good, it really was fresh and you could tell. Typically, I'm not a lover of the tomato. Who would, the tomatoes you buy at the store typically, are not juicy, have very little flavor and they have a mealy feel to the pulpy part of the fruit. I had this caprese salad there that night that was delicious. The tomatoes they used were heirloom tomatoes. Click away so you know what I'm talking about. The only reason I knew what they were talking about was I had been doing a little research about rose bushes a while back and that term heirloom kept coming up. So, I checked it out, and since I have noticed it a lot.

Okay, so let me get back to the book I'm reading, that I'm loving. It's called Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. My friend Kendra let me borrow her book. At the time she offered it up, I remembered somebody had told me about it...somebody had really liked it...I thought it was one of my sisters, but it wasn't any of them. So, whoever told me about it, thanks. Anyway, Kendra was telling me more about it, and I thought it sounded interesting. I took it home, but didn't start reading it for a month or so. I had other books to read.

At first, you hear what the book is about and you kind of go...hmmm okay???? You know Barbara Kingsolver, right? She wrote: The Poisonwood Bible (a favorite book of mine), Prodigal Summer, The Bean Trees, and several others. Let me quote from the back of the book: "Author Barbara Kingsolver and her family abandoned the industrial food pipeline to live a rural life-vowing that, for one year, they'd only buy food raised in their own neighborhood, grow it themselves, or learn to live without it. Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is an enthralling narrative that will open your eyes in a hundred new ways to an old truth: You are what you eat."

While it's not realistic for me, or probably for you, to say I'm only going to eat/feed my family food that I have grown or raised myself, it is an interesting concept. For instance, it's got me investigating CSAs again. Go to this website Local Harvest and check it out. I am thinking about signing up with this farm locally, that grows fruits and veggies. From May-October or November, every week I will take delivery of locally grown produce. Because, as discussed in the book, we are getting produce from all over the world, not only is that bad for the environment, but it's bad for our taste buds too.

I have learned that produce is cultivated (that's not the right farm term, but I think you know what I talking about...I can't think of the word) so that produce is more uniform, withstands transportation better, doesn't mold and mildew as quickly. Taste?? Not even a consideration. Hence the nasty tomatoes, mealy oranges, and juice-less apples I find at the grocery stores all the time. Strawberries for instance. Strawberries are big here in the summer, and boy are they good. I used to think the strawberries from Costco were the best, until I had a locally grown strawberry. No comparison. Do you find it strange that we import and export roughly the same amount of potatoes? Why can't we just keep the potatoes grown in our own country and let (wherever else we import potatoes from) keep theirs? Don't even get me started on meat. That's a whole other blog post.

So, blah blah blah blah. Go read that book, it's a good one, and I want to discuss. I'm not going to go sell my house, and buy a farm or anything, but I think we could all make a few changes. And, don't get worried, it's not as "crunchy" or "granola" as you'd think. It might make you think twice about what we get at Walmart!!

Houston has power! At least my old street does.

Let me just start this blog post with a very important question...have you ever stubbed your toe and looked down...just knowing half of your toe was missing? I have, I do all the time, that's why I must wear shoes in the house. I have been blessed with a certain amount of grace, you see. Anyway, I stubbed my toe the other day, so hard I saw stars, seriously. I didn't even look down, I was concentrating so hard on not saying a bad word (my 12 year old was close by) when I finally did, I had about a half inch gash on my little toe. I caught the metal garbage can just right. Stitches?? Well no, it wasn't THAT bad, but it did hurt. It still hurts to wear close toed shoes, but I manage. I just wanted to share that.

Most of my friends in Houston got power last night!! My old house made it through the storm just fine, good old house!

The owner of my new gym is a big tri-athlete. She is a little "different" but very nice. Her story is pretty motivational. She used to weight 240, decided she didn't want to be fat anymore, and lost weight-diet and exercise. She started running, biking and swimming. In August she just won some race in OR. Anyway, I took her spinning class today. She is always a talker. Usually, it's about upcoming races and such. Today, she was talking about goals. When I got back from Disney, I looked at our pictures and decided it was time to loose a few LBs. Nothing major, I'm not saying I was fat, but I was getting a gut. So, I decided to pay attention to what I was eating. I stopped the recreational eating, you know get a snack for Hope hmmm get a snack for Mommy too. I was getting pretty hooked on sugar too. I was craving it, all the time. Have you noticed the more sugar you eat, the more you want? I was in a bad cycle. So, I decided to put a big hold on all the sugar. Funny thing happened, I stopped craving it 24/7. (I did enjoy my big piece of truffle cake the other night, don't you worry- I'm not crazy!) I'm still all about balance. I'm just saying, I was getting off balance and I restored balance. I had been a little bored at the gym too. So, I really started mixing up my workouts. I'm still bored with cardio, but I think that has to do with goals. I'm going to start really running again. Sad, that I wasn't "really" running this whole beautiful summer. I'd run, but only like 1/week. My miles were really low. But, I think I'll start putting some more miles up. As long as the itching thing in my legs goes away. Have I told you why I only run 1/week? With all the hills here, I get this terrible itching sensation on my legs. My legs actually turn all red. It has something to do with friction (the pounding going down hills) It's not weather related, I've had it in different places I've lived. It's friction I tell you!! But I'm hoping, if I run more that 1/week, my body will adjust. It's about being mentally tough, and surviving the torture until it goes away. Plus, I talked to her about swimming. They currently have clinics going, but they have already started. January is when the next round of clinics start. I don't want to wait until January though. Not sure what I'll do there, but I'm thinking. Just mixing it up and keeping it fresh. I just need to get my friend Julie in the pool with me. Julie? Strength in numbers. Maybe we can hang out and get some pointers from all the professionals. Did I mention that the people here are WAY into biking, swimming and running? Shoot, maybe I'll join a run club. They'll get my butt moving.

You a good girl!

Hope likes to go down to the bus stop with me (morning and afternoon) to get the kids. She likes to "walk Momma". Walking to her is either running, or stopping to look/touch something. She was being especially cute yesterday, and luckily I had my camera. I told her a couple times she was being a good girl (because she wasn't running into the street, picking flowers, or taking off her shoes). When we got home she gave me a big hug around my legs and said, "You a good girl Momma!"

Layered Chocolate Truffle Cake

Last night we went out to dinner with some friends. I'm really loving Portland. It's a fun city, with lots of good food to try. Vancouver, doesn't have a rich variety of fun restaurants like Portland does. We went to Serratto last night for dinner and I had some delicious homemade ravioli. We were in a trendy part of town that I had not been in before. It totally felt like parts of San Fransisco to me. Loved it. Then we walked to Papa Haydn for dessert. OH MY GOSH. I found the above picture and recipe on the internet. It looks pretty darn close to the goodness I had last night. I will be making that bad boy sometime soon. Can I just say, that anything with layers of ganache in it is going to make me happy.

Hurricane Rita

I have been tuning into the news about Ike. It looks like people have learned and things are going a lot more smoothly than when Hurricane Rita came for a visit several years ago, my real one and only brush with a BIG hurricane Not to mention, less people are evacuating, or so it seems. I talked with some friends who were making preparations this morning. Hopefully, the hurricane will be downgraded, and/or blow another way. Here's to hoping Ike turns out like Rita. This picture was going around after Rita struck Houston. Obviously, it was a joke. Remember Katrina had just hit, and there was a lot of destruction in New Orleans and also in other parts of the Gulf Region with Rita. It was like a big thunderstorm in Houston. We took down our swing set, our trampoline, taped and/or boarded up windows...only to have this kind of damage. Thanks heavens, but still it was a funny email. The only injury on our street? That would be Hayden, when a branch fell from a room top and scratched his face. School and work were "out" and all the neighbors had gathered for one of our team meetings. (The neighbors that didn't evacuate, stuck together. We all had walkie talkies and "team meetings" every couple of hours) Leisa are you reading this? Maria? Funny how those day leading up to Rita and then a few after are some of my fondest memories of happy times on our street. Ahhh memories.

Hunter has his first football game today at 3:30. The ONLY problem is, the other kids don't get home until 4, so we will hurry as fast as we can to get there. But I'm excited to see my boy play, and we have 2 soccer games tomorrow. Should be a good day, with some pretty weather.

I went to my first book club here last night. It was fun, and loud. We met at Red Robin and stayed until after 10:30. At about 10, they turned the music up really loud. That really didn't faze us, however. We managed to stay another 30 minutes or so in our seats. Finally, I guess we got the clue and took it outside. We read East of Eden, which is possibly one of my favorite book club books. I was happy that others seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. That's a good sign. Next up, Their Eyes Were Watching God. I have seen the made for TV miniseries put on my Miss Oprah Winfrey, but have not read the book yet. I liked the mini series, thankfully, I can't remember much of it. I must go fold some laundry and start dinner preparations. Once 4:00 hits...

Because I am such a good friend...

When it is cold and rainy and not so sunny here in the winter, please help me remember that I thought the summer here was pretty close to perfect. At least most of the summer. I love how it is cool in the morning, warms up during the day, and then cool again at night. I love to sleep with the window open. Last night as I snuggled into bed, with one light blanket nestled all around me, I could hear my wind chime blowing in the breeze, I thought it doesn't get any better than this. Perfection.

I didn't get into bed until 10:30 ish. And since school started that's a little on the late side for me. Wild I know. BUT, we had two soccer practices, football practice and a parent curriculum meeting last night. So, it seemed perfectly logical, that I would try and make homemade pizza last night for dinner. Right, when you don't have any time, you should be rolling and kneading dough and letting it rise?? Perfectly logical. BUT, if you know anything about me, when I set my mind to something...by golly nothing slows me down. So, my spinach artichoke pizza was sounding oh so good. And I had everything, so why not. Well, as it turned out, my kids ate leftovers, and Scott and I didn't eat our lovely pizza until AFTER the parent meeting at school. But in the mean time, my kitchen looked like a bomb had exploded. I had blanched spinach left out, my Kitchen Aid out, all manner of pizza making supplies left out on the counter. Not to mention, the left-over layered enchilada mess that the kids so lovingly- did NOT pick up. Oh oh and not to mention again soccer stuff that was left all over. As I stepped into the house, I felt my face flush. I hate it when the house is a mess, and I hate it when I come HOME from someplace all nice and relaxed to a messy house. But you know what I hated even more? As I kicked my way threw the mess, I saw some lovely veggies our friends Todd and Julie brought over from their garden. At first I forgot all about my irritation, oh look tomatoes, and zucchini and squash!! And then I realized they had seen the state of my kitchen and/or house. Really, I was just being a good friend, if ever her house was a wee bit messy, I wanted to make her feel good about herself. "At least my house isn't as messy as Heather's was that day!"

It can't be the end of the napping era for me, it just can't be!

I made this Layered Enchilada Bake last night for dinner and it was yummy. The nice people over at Kraft even put together a little how to video. Wow. Deluxe. I have made it before, but last night it just seemed extra good, and SO easy. I also tweaked it a little bit, I added ground turkey instead of hamburger and I DID NOT add the Italian dressing. Taco seasoning and salsa were enough for me, no mixing of the ethnic spices, please. Plus, I used those tortillas that you cook, you know the ones that you get at Costco, everything tastes better with those tortillas, am I right or am I right? You know what else is good with those tortillas? Butter and cinnamon and sugar, I'm just saying.

Hope is back to crawling out of her bed. Jeez. It took 4 tries yesterday to finally get Hope to nap. Tries number 2 and 3... I wasn't very nice. Try number 4, she was looking to make up, get a kiss, and grab an Elmo book. For about 2 weeks now, after every nap time she would just suddenly...appear. She was stealth. It can be a little nerve wracking, but as long as she took a good nap, I was okay with her getting herself out of bed. Let's face it, it's one less trip for me. But yesterday, OH boy, she had gotten herself up at 6:20 and was ready for a nap at about 9 am. So, she WAS napping, and she did, she just made me work for it for about 5 minutes. It can't be the end of the napping era for me, it just can't. So, I will continue putting her back in bed, until she remembers that I am the boss, and that naps are very very important.

Well, I don't know, maybe you DO need shampoo AND conditioner?

Yesterday was a lovely day. And if it means I'm getting older because I loved such a day, then so be it! Hope and I went over to this nursery Shorty's, and I proceeded to walk around and LOOK for about an hour. I filled my cart with some pansies and then a few other things to change out my planters. Love it. Then, I headed up to the bird store. Yes, the bird store. I'm making friends with the guy in there, he is very helpful. I finally decided on a hummingbird feeder. Most of them have migrated, but there is still one species that lingers. I may or may not get very excited when a new bird comes to my feeder. Later, I came home and had fun playing with my flowers. And that is why I say I must be getting old. Because, I loved my day. I loved going to the bird store, and hanging my new feeder, and planting my flowers. Isn't that something that "older" ladies enjoy? I don't care.

And, my house is clean. Ahhh, you don't realize how hard it is to keep up when the kids are around 24/7, until they go back to school...and you're like ahhhhhhh.

Hunter came into my bathroom this morning dressed and ready for his day, and proceeded to ask, "Mom should I put shampoo and conditioner in my armpit hair?" I smiled (a little) at first and politely told him, "No that wouldn't be necessary." Then I busted up, I couldn't help it. And I told him sorry, but that was too funny and it was going on my blog. He just smiled and said, "okay". Maybe he is some kind of amazon, and I need to check into it. Maybe he has a lot more arm pit hair than I'm giving him credit for. Maybe.

And, wait for it...pictures!

He completes Her

My sister is getting married! Go check out all the details. I'm the ONLY sister that hasn't met him, but I still love him. If he makes Hayley this happy, well then, it's all good! He completes her :)

It's going to be a faaast year

First days of school went great! Hayden said this was his "best first day of school ever!" I smiled, he's only in 1st grade. He did go to preschool for a few years...so...maybe he was lumping that into it too. Hannah knew 3 girls in her class. One from soccer, one from Activities Days Day Camp (she was in her group) and then another girl that lives down the street and around the corner. Yippee. Hunter is busy busy. And the real homework hasn't even started yet. The year will be going very fast, I can already tell.

Hope is now talking in full sentences. The only problem is I can't understand her. I can usually pick out a few words, but she really has a lot to say I'm not quite getting. It's really pretty funny, it's like it's her own language. I'm sure the "understandability" with catch up-hopefully soon. She isn't the most patient and/or understanding of children haha.

I'm off, I'm taking the day off from the gym so I can get some "stuff" done.

First day of school...

finally. Not that I wanted my kids to go back to school, heavens no :) BUT it's September 2nd! And it's just now the first day of school. What is kind of nice...listen...can you hear that? Yeah me neither, it's totally quiet. Hope is even asleep. With the start of school, comes all the activities too though. Always a trade-off. Hunter was loaded down with school supplies, football stuff and a helmut. He will dump most of that stuff off,and leave it. For a little while anyway. Oh the smell of the football stuff when it does come home though! We missed meet the teacher this year. First time EVER for me to miss a meet the teacher. Oh well, I drove everybody and figured out schedules, rooms, teachers, school supplies today. No biggie. Hayden is back to a full day of school. Yippee. He was excited to be able to eat lunch again at school. Priorites. Hannah was a little nervous about changing schools-again-but I think the praying helped because she felt pretty good this morning. I'm excited to hear how everyone's day went.


I got Hunter a bunch of new clothes mid summer this year. All of a sudden the kid needed new stuff. So, I didn't buy him a whole lot for school. Except new shoes. Shoes are important to boys that age. The ones he liked were even on sale. Score.
She was up and ready about 2 hours before she needed to go. ;)
Normal smile Hayden, please?

Look at all the stuff.
You can't see them, but Hannah has her birthstone earrings on that we got at Disney. She planned her whole outfit around the earrings!!
He was excited!

The happiest place on EARTH.

The happiest place on earth.

Hannah and Hayden both had autograph books, but it was Hannah that was my girl and WANTED all the autographs. I think Hayden did most of them, because I said. (haha) Not Hannah though, she is a girl after my own heart. The ones Hayden didn't want to do...no problem, you better believe I was in line with "his" book hahahaha.

Hayden as Jack Sparrow. My little pirate..

It really was SO hot in Florida...in August, what do you expect, right? We lucked out and only had rain ONE day for about 1 1/2 hours!! We missed all hurricanes. Poor Hope looking oh so hot. Her hair was wet and curly the whole time we were in Disney.

Hunter "rocking" out at one of the parades. He was cute. People were dancing, and he decided to "dance it up!".

Here we are at Hollywood Studios, aka MGM. As of 1/1/08 they changed the name. We were lucky enough to be able to have my parents come to Disney with us. I'm telling you, what a great time we had with them! They didn't look at me funny when I started to cry at one of the parades. I think it was at that point my kids kind of looked at me and thought I may or may not be a little crazy. My parents teared up as well, and we had a little cry fest reliving some of our childhood memories. Good times good times. Scott was our official fast pass getter and meal planner. He is a real trooper and he knows how to do the park.

You make time for what you want!

So, I am a firm believer in...you make time for what you want to make time for. For instance, exercise. I know some of you will hate me for saying it, but if you want to exercise, you'll find the time. "No time" is not an excuse in my book. Anyway, today was a very busy packing day, running errands, taking kids to and from sports (soccer and football have now started...maybe Hope needs to start gymnastics or something, just kidding), we even went up to the new school and had a look around. How then, did I find the time to head to the mall in Oregon about 25 minutes away and go shop the REI End of Season Sale? Because it was a priority. Yes, in deed, I needed those Keens. In fact, the deals were so good, just about everybody in our family needed a new pair of shoes. Really, my feet needed the comfort for walking around in Disney, right?

The point of the story is this, I got up early to go run, and we were out the door by 9:15. I showered, even did my hair, got dressed and thought I had put on my makeup. I thought. It wasn't until we were in Sports Authority (Hunter HAD to have new cleats before his second practice-his feet have grown apparently) that I looked at myself in the mirror and realized, I had put on ALL of my other makeup-except mascara! If you know me, you know, I don't leave the house without mascara. I even put mascara on to run, most of the time. Either mascara or sunglasses. I'm really not fancy, it's just how I am. My eyelashes are very blond, and I guess it's just an insecurity thing. But I ran all over town today without my mascara on. I looked weird too. Hunter said, "I thought there was something wrong!" It goes to show you how frazzled I was thing morning. hahahahaha

I really must go and finish packing, because that isn't quite done yet. But hey, I'll have good shoes on my feet! Farewell, I'll see you on the other side of the Disney trip! I can't wait. No sleep for me tonight :)

I'm moving...again?

Okay, not really, but it kind of feels like it. Here's why...Do you remember the craziness when we first moved out here, with finding a house and everything? So, we started the kids in the school where we thought we were going to move, and then didn't move there. The house we bought is literally a street OUT of the boundary. We were told it shouldn't be a big deal, we could get a "boundary exception. I thought filling out the paper work was a mere formality. Ha, not so. Well, we got word today, that they had room for Hayden, but Hannah would have to attend the "other" school. That's fine but school #1 is very close. School #2 is about 10 minutes away. Long story short, they both start at the other school. But what really stinks??? School #2 closes next year and the kids will switch to yet again to another school. Granted everybody (in the school teachers and friends) will make that move AND it is to a brand new school, but they just made friends. Most of my friends' kids go to school #1. Bummer. Hayden and Hannah? They are acting like it's okay fine by them. Why can't it be okay for me?

Then, the day that I got home from my lovely weekend in San Fran, Scott tells me that they are splitting wards and rearranging boundaries at church...making 5 wards out of 3. Sorry for you non-Mormon folk that don't understand the jargon. But remember, we don't choose where we go to church, where we go (which congregation) depends on where we live. So, anyway, we live on the tip of our current ward as is, and most likely will be in a new ward...with new people. Well, that just stinks.

Well, that does feel better to vent. Moving on to happier news...we are leaving Saturday morning early to go to Disney World. Yes, WORLD, in Florida. It makes perfect sense that we fly across the country when we have Disney Land a few hours away, right? haha. Really, I love Disney and can't WAIT to go. We come back just in time to start...school...at the new school. I'm teaching my kids to be flexible, right?

Abby Cadabby

Hope L.oves Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street. When Sesame Street starts, she screams (with delight) when Abby makes her first appearance, it's pretty cute. She went to a birthday party last weekend, and they gave her the tutu and wings. Well, she walked around the other day for a little while in this outfit thinking she WAS Abby.

Unfortunately, so did he, hahahahahah!! The joys of having an older sister. Hunter saw Hayden and told him to "GET out of that right now!!"

Hey, I want to do that!

I remember back in 1984 when MaryLou won gold...it was a summer night...I got so excited about gymnastics, I went outside in my backyard and started doing all kinds of flips and cartwheels. Something magical happened that night, I was good, at least in my 12 year old mind. But watching people that really are good, does motivate you. I have really been enjoying the swimming this Olympics. Honestly, I loved them 4 years ago too. Four years ago, it motivated me, too. In fact I was so motivated I decided I wanted to learn to "swim". Now, I have always been able to swim....I just hated putting my face in the water...without a mask, or something. So, I went down to the store and got all outfitted. I bought goggles, a swimming cap (my hair was long at the time, and I didn't want damage, hello!) and nose plugs. I know you are thinking-lovely, nose plugs. I wasn't sure how to put all this stuff on without the help of a mirror. So, I went into the locker room, by the sink, with mirrors, and put everything ON right there. I knew I looked weird. I looked so weird in fact, I scared somebody in the locker room. Really, I made her jump and she made a little scared sound. I just laughed and kept on walking, she couldn't tell who I was. Anyway, one day the nose plugs fell off, and that was that. I put my face in and just swam. Swimming really was kind of a pain, and I really wasn't very good, after all I was "teaching" myself. So, the swimming routine didn't last more that about 6 months. But, I have been thinking about doing it again. Not, the nose plugs mind you, everything else. I want to learn how to do the butterfly, and that cool dolphin kick, and how to do a kick turn (or whatever you call it).

Speaking of the Olympics, how about that Michael Phelps. Isn't he a machine, a robot, the man when it comes to kicking butt in the pool. He isn't just good, he is amazing. I'm off to go watch him right about now. Good night.

You know you've had a good sandwich when...

Back in the saddle

I made it back, today. From my lovely trip to San Fransisco, we were calling ourselves the Potrero Hills Girls. Sarah found us a sweet house. But it's back to real life. No more dinners at 10 pm, no more strolling around shops...aimlessly, no more bike riding up and down hills on the streets of SF...across the Golden Gate Bridge...no less, no more BIG peanut butter sundaes at Ghiradelli's BEFORE dinner, no more silly pictures of ourselves with magnifying glasses (don't worry I'm sure Jane will post a picture or I will later haha), no more laughing until I'm crying because "that's not my job!" You see we all had jobs. Somebody asked Becky if she had called for her cab in the morning (she was headed to Oakland early), and she replied that wasn't her "job"...calling for taxis was Carrie's job. It was so funny we laughed until we were crying...and tooting. Right girls? My job wasn't so glamorous, but very important. I was the gatekeeper (keeper of the key). Seriously, fun times. We shared a taxi where ever we went, cheaper and by far more convenient than mass transit. We got stuck with a couple crazies. Like....this one(had him drop us off down the hill and we walked home, so he wouldn't come for us in the night) seriously something was very wrong there. Jane lucked out and got to ride shot gun that time around. She was texting us in the back of the van (we were unaware at the time the extent of his craziness-he was a low talker)

I might not be running around crazy with the girls, but I am glad to be home. The kids were so excited to see me, I must say...it made me feel quite good. Everybody came running with lots of hugs and kisses. The house looked so good, I was very impressed. Thanks Scottie. I will blog more, but I need to grocery shop. ** Correction, I got side tracked and lazy. I won't be going to the Costco just yet, maybe tonight. I scrounged around and found some taco stuff for dinner. But I do need to go and make sure kiddos make it to piano in time. This mothering stuff in exhausting, I need a nap ;)

San Fransisco here I come, right back where I started from...

That's a song from somewhere...I remember singing it, or maybe hearing my Mother sing it, not so sure. I'm packed, well almost anyway. When you are packing for one life is tons easier. I'm meeting up with some girlfriends in San Fransisco tomorrow-Tues. It's going to be tons of fun. I haven't been to SF in many years, and it will be fun to go back. Lots of good SF memories from growing up. Scott will be doing it all, taking care of kids and trying to work from home. I tried to line babysitters up...."no no I've got it!" OKAY. :)

We spent 3 hours at the park today. Hayden has a friend named Dean, his Mother was one of the first people to "befriend" me here in WA. She invited a bunch of people to the park who had kids entering 1st grade. Hayden had a blast. He is currently vegging on the couch. Comatose style. It actually sounds pretty good to me too. But I must press on, I have Enrichment (church meeting for the laaadies) tonight. Plus, there is that thing where I need to actually put the clothes into the suitcase. YES, suitcase, no overnighter here. Suitcase. Alaska Air allows you ONE suitcase before you get charged. And I'm taking it!

Mamma Mia

I saw Mama Mia last night, and I loved it. I did cringed when Pierce Brosnon sang, no question about that. But it certainly didn't ruin the movie for me. In fact, I giggled. It made the story more believable, I guess. I "grew up" listening to Abba. By that I mean, I remember my Mom had the records...I remember my friend Kristen and I used to put on Dancing Queen and Super Trooper and let her rip! Dancing it up. I SO want to go out and purchase a Greatest Hits album. The soundtrack for Mamma Mia would be pretty fun too. Scott would have seen it with me, but definitely more fun with the girls. Good times.

A few weeks ago, I was driving out of our neighborhood. Down the street and a couple corners later, I saw a group of neighbors gathered out in the yard. Ho Hum, I missed my neighbors/neighborhood. I loved going out to chat with everybody in the evening, or the morning for that matter. A few years ago, during one of the so called hurricanes, we had fun bonding while we all hunkered down to await the storm. We had "team meetings" every few hours to make sure everybody was doing okay. It was the calm before the storm. Nothing too terrible happened. I think the only injury happened to Hayden the next day when a tree limb fell from the roof and scratched his little face. It was good times, work was called off and so was school for a few days. I even shared some sugar out of food storage for a cookie "emergency". Somebody needed some sweets.

I tell you this for a couple reasons, first Edward just came and went, leaving Houston pretty much untouched. And second, because the other night we had some new neighbors over to eat. They are right next door. A youngish married couple/no kids. We had a great time getting to know them better. I figured we better start really getting to know all these new neighbors, I want somebody to chat with at the bus stop! I made this Betty Crocker treat for dessert. I have made it before and it's terribly good!!!!!!!!! Pretty darn easy too.

Happy Anniversery to US!

This was us in 1991. Look at my curly hair....look at all of Scott's hair for that matter. haha We were so young.

This was us May 2007. I like this second picture better. That's how we look, well my hair is shorter, but still.

17 years of marital bliss. Happy Anniversary Scottie. xoxo Just for the record today is the 4th and our anniversary was on the 3rd. I know that, I just didn't get around to posting yesterday.
We had a great weekend. Birthday party Friday night, then Scott and I went out to dinner,strolled the Borders Book and then went to see a movie. We almost saw Mama Mia, I talked him into it...being our anniversary and all...but it was SOLD OUT. We saw Get Smart instead. I'll see Mama Mia this week with a friend or something. Then last night we had some friends over, and I made scones. I hardly ever make those, but they were good old hunks of fried up bread. Both Hannah and Hunter complained of sick feeling tummies. haha They seriously did, it did my heart good...not that they felt bad, just that they weren't used to all the junk. Hunter left this morning EARLY to go to scout camp. The real overnight camp. I already miss my boy. Hope was calling for "Huntie" in bed this morning. If I don't come quickly enough she calls for "Nannah" and "Huntie". When we got her she said, "where Huntie go?" with her little hand held up with a shoulder shrug. Too cute. I'm off to go work out. AKA work off the scones I ate last night haha.

What would Scott be like if...

if he drank anything "stronger" than Mountain Dew? Last night we went to the funnest birthday party. Kevin (a guy at church), is moving his endodontist practice into a brand new professional building. But, it's not done, and nobody has moved in yet. SO, he got the OKAY to have his birthday bash in the lobby. He hired this band that he has been following for a while, and they were GOOD. At first...I thought...hmmmm a local band...I even got a look at them and I WASN'T convinced. But they sounded great, and could pretty much cover anything. In true Scott fashion, he kept yelling out requests for several songs...one of which was Wooly Booly. So, he got invited to go up and sing it. I wished I had the movie camera. It wasn't just Scott, the birthday boy got to sing a couple of times, and some other guys sang a song. But Scott was highly entertaining. I was proud :) The other thing he kept yelling out was, "that song needs more cowbell"...you know SNL Christopher Walkin fame. It was hilarious. At least at first ;) haha.

Hope got her first haircut today. Just a clean up, it was getting pretty shabby. I think I might have found a new hair person too. She cuts hair at the gym, so that's always nice...I can check Hope in at the gym. Yippeee. But I got a cut today and it looks cute. She agreed that my last hair cut stunk. I knew that though.