It has been confirmed, he DOES belong in the ZOO!

Have you ever caught yourself thinking or wanting your kids to be in the zoo? Who HASN'T been a victim of the 2 legged, 2 armed, loud mouthed wild animal who actually tries to pass themselves off as a human being?

Well, for me, tonight, the wild animal theory was confirmed. You know how the monkeys at the zoo will throw their own poop? Well, that is exactly what happened in our home this evening. While bathing Tanner, Brooklyne and Kolby (Donald had taken Trent to baseball practice); I had just taken Brook out of the tub and was drying her off when it happened! Kolby yelled out for me saying that Tanner was pooping in the tub. I run over to the tub, only to discover the glop of poop that had been thrown at Kolby, (who was now going to the bathroom(in the toilet) himself) and had landed on my bathroom rug. I stare at Tanner, as he has a happy but nervous look on his face while he continues to poop in the tub. So at this point I did what any enraged mother would do. I grab that wild animal by his upper arms and took him straight to his bathroom and sat him on the can and slammed the bathroom door shut! No, this is not one of my best moments in parenting, however, everyone is still alive and I refrained from putting the kids in the car and driving my 2 year old son to the nearest zoo for animal drop off. (alright, so I suppose I should be honest here, because I could not have taken the kids, because Donald had the van at baseball practice. And besides that, the closest zoo is over 90 miles away!)

So now you all know, I do indeed have wild animals living in my house, posing as cute little children!

all in a days work.

So today was just your ordinary day. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect at 67 degrees and a light breeze. Trent got to school on time, Kolby was chipper and excited for his Easter Egg Hunt at school. But then there are the other two children . . . . TANNER AND BROOKLYNE! So here are just a few things I have experienced with them today.

Tanner: * a full fledge fit on the elevator floor.
* milk spilled all over his kitchen chair, down his leg and on the floor
* hanging upside down in a tree that he is stuck in - I mean seriously stuck in. ( the sad thing is that I almost went and grabbed my camera instead of helping my panicing screaming son from the tree.)
* coloring on the kitchen floor, under the kitchen table
* taking daddy's razor and shaving his face. YUP, that is right, skin was shed. Luckily, we stopped him before blood was spilt.

Brooklyne: *got ahold of her poop in her diaper and tried to eat some. and maybe even got a taste! (I am spitting as we speak at just the thought)
* played in the milk that was spilt all over the floor by Tanner, she was so excited to spread it all over the place and to drag her tushy thru the spilt milk.
* fell down ALL of the stairs! (well, except for the last 3 steps, that is where I caught her) Tumbling down the stairs really freaked her out, my poor sweet pee.
* she got her first road rash today after falling from the bottom step of our back patio stairs. Then she got an additional scrap on her head from where Tanner clocked her with a lizard cage.
*she actually kept her shoes on while in the car. I call her the one shoe, one sock wonder, because no matter if we are in the car for 5 minutes or 30 minutes, she has one shoe off when I go to unbuckle her.

So as anyone can see, there is never a dull - tame moment in my house. And the even more shocking thing is that most of this stuff I actually LET happen, GASP!!!! (ok, not the shaving with a sharp razor, nor the falling down our stairs). This all took place while I will sitting around, painting my toe nails, eating bon bons, and watching sappy romance movies. **** I really hope everyone is able to notice the dripping sarcasm in my last remarks.***

ROLL CALL - please!

So I have noticed that my site meeter shows that I have many visits per day, but rarely do people leave comments. I am totally fine with people not leaving comments, I visit blogs and don't leave comments all the time as well. Anyway, but for this TIME,,, could everyone leave a comment please. I do not care if you "stalk" me, if you are a cyber friend, a real life friend, or family. Heck, I do not even care if I have never exchanged any contact with you. I am just wanting to get an idea of WHO REALLY comes to my blog.

So please sign in real quick in the comment section and say Hi.

OHHHHHH the PAIN all for the JOY! (do not read until after the Smokey Mt. post)

So we as moms have to do so many different things just so the day can run smoothly. We have to: make sure the kids get up on time, make sure they have a balance breakfast, get them to school on time, make sure all homework is done and correct, make sure they have clean school uniforms, be home in time for naps, turn off radio so that your children do not hear the offensive stuff on there, get them showered and ready for bed so that they can be well rested for the next day. The list goes on and on and on and on.

But, Then there are all the exras that we as moms do in order to make a VACATION go smoothly. We make sure there are clothes packed for each day of the trip, extra underwear for your 2 year old, swim suits for the jacuzzi, driving directions to your location as well as the different activities you plan on doing, snacks for the car ride, snacks for the days on vacation, food for the meals you plan to cook, don't forget the syrup, medicine for "just in case", each childs special stuffed animal, toys to play with, telephone numbers, make sure the house is clean for when you get home,etc. Again the list goes on and on and on, I swear it is longer than the Mississippi River. So all of these things are attached to ALL the other things we do in a normal day to survive and make our family run smoothly. Well, because we/I do this for our family, I ended up starting our trip off on a stressed foot. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off all of Thursday morning. I was trying to make sure all my i's were dotted and t's were crossed as best I could. So, the start of our trip was a bit tense for me. Then while we were "vacationing" I was still running around like a chicken with its head cut off. If I wasn't doing something for the kids in preperation for an activity, I was resovling fights, teasing, and wild animal behavior. I was trying to keep kids from killing each other, and the baby from falling down all the stairs. I was constantly being pestered for food, entertainment, or anything that just was out of my control at the time. Then there is the 2 year old who is stuborn as a mule adn wanted to throw fits over everything and anything. And to add to that we had a 1 year old who is teething, does not like sleeping anywhere BUT her crib, loves to climb stairs, and who has a nasty diaper rash from eathing too many strawberries. So with all of that, I found that my weekend "vacation" was not anything like a VACATION! I found to to be more WORK and more STRESS, and less SLEEP! When Sunday rolled around, I was so physically and mentally exhausted I was completely tapped out. I was short tempered with my family and I did not want to go on another family vacation for a very very very long time. I was so beat that I faded in and out of sleep the entire drive home, and then when Donald and I were talking after the kids went to bed, I just passed out. I was just so completely wiped out!

At least I am feeling more refreshed today, especially after a good nights sleep in my own wonderful bed. Maybe I will rethink waiting soooo long before taking another vacation, but it sure will not be anytime soon, I need to heal some more!

Our weekend in the Smoky Mountains

Well, it has been since last July when I/we took our last "trip". Trip/vacaion is defined to me as: getting out of Mississippi, going other places than the temple in Alabama or the Gulf Coast, and requires at least 1 night sleeping somewhere BESIDES my own bed. Anyway, because I have been going a bit stir crazy, we decided to take a long weekend as a family because the kids were out of school. We were deciding between, Atlanta GA, Pigeon Forge TN, or Dallas Texas, and we chose Tennesse. We found a great cabin at a really good price outside of Pigeon Forge and we hit the road running soon after that.

"You don't mind if I call Australia do you?"

"Anyone want to challenge me to a game of Pool?"

"hey, I wasn't done with that banana!"

The cabin was great. It was a 2 bedroom, 3 floors, with a jacuzzi outside, pool table and airhockey, a wet bar, flat screen tv, and a beautiful view. I did not think we would need a 3 bedroom place, but I wish we would have gone that route because Brooklyne slept in our room and she is a light sleeper (especially with her teething). While we were on our little vacation we took the family to the Ripley's Aquarium. It was a GREAT Aquarium and worth the money. The kids loved the Sharks and watching the scuba divers.


"Those sharks can't eat me right?"



"WOW, those sawfish are COOL!"



"Those sting rays sure look friendly; or maybe they are hungry?"

"Can we move to Trenton, Mom?"

We also went to a variety show called The Comedy Barn. The kids were busthing up laughing sooo much, they really had a great time there. My opion of the show would be it gets 2 stars out of 4. The tickets are pretty expensive (but at least the kids are free, one child per paying adult) so if you compare the cost of the ticket to the quality of show, then it was over priced. But if you compare the amount of entertainment and fun the kids enjoyed - then it was GREAT.

Brooklyne - 13 months old

Brooklyne is such an active little bug. However, one of the sweetest things I love is putting her to bed. When I found out I was pregnant with a little girl I had it in my head that I just had to have a little lamb for her crib. I have no clue why this was so important to me, but it was. The reason I love putting her to bed is because she snuggles her little lamby. It is so very sweet and it melts my heart. She is such a sweet heart.



I also wanted to let you all know that Brooklyne has started to take about 5 steps on her own. She is really enjoying the ability to walk from one thing to another, and she is taking more and more risks and trying to walk more often. Here are a few pictures I thought I would share. I know doing a video clip would show her walking much better, but I have no clue how to get a clip on my blog. (if anyone wants to hold my hand in figuring it out - I would love that!)

Rock'n Roll Fun

Saturday night after dinner we all went downstairs and rocked out to some music. Well there is no such thing as a mellow rock session. The kids drug out a bunch of musical instruments and rocked right along with the music. The kids were going back and forth from rock'n the instruments to playing air hockey and playing dodge ball.

above: notice what Tanner is standing on. Not only is he being resourceful, but he is balancing on the steering wheel. Talk about talented.
below: Brooklyne always wants to be up playing air hockey just like her older brothers. She gets so excited and just loves it.

Those Darn Primary Lessons!!!

So today we had our fast Sunday because we had Stake Conference last weekend. When we got home from church today I quickly got the kids lunch and sat them up to the table to eat. Donald came into the kitchen a few minutes later and let me know that he was going to end his fast soon (poor man last about 8 lbs when he was sick,,, and those of you who know him, he does not even have 1 pound that he could afford to loose). Once Donald had said this, Trent looked at him and said (in a very "I know what I am talking about" type of tone) "DADDDDDD, it is fast Sunday!" to which Donalds reply was that he had fasted for one meal and that with him being sick not too long ago, he can not go without food, that it would not be good for his body. Trent's reply was "You are suppose to fast for 2 meals, not one." Donald just kept doing what he was doing and Trent continued "mom, you're not sick right? so you can fast 2 meals!" I was left speechless. what am I suppose to say to my young man? So I of course replied that I was still fasting.

But truth be told, I was planning on breaking my fast as soon as the kids went downstairs to play. I was completely busted! I waas called to repentance by my SEVEN YEAR OLD!!! Heavenly Father sure works in humorous ways, doesn't he.

Oh, and for the record, I broke my fast today at dinner (5:30 p.m.). I was the first person done eating by a land slide! (I guess I was pretty hungry)

Where's Waldo

Last night I was reading Donald my blog entries from yesturday. As I was reading the two entries, I noticed something that I had typed and we both busted up laughing. We were nearly rolling on the floor laughing so hard. So this is a challenge to all and any readers of this blog:
Can you figure out what cracked us up so much???

p.s. I have been changing around my music selection for my blog. I love - love - love the first song on my list and how the song starts. So turn the volume up on your computer and have a jam session!

the letter Y - the letter P

So tonight at dinner Kolby was talking about the letter of the week they are working on in school this week. The letter is "Y". So this lead to a conversation about different words that start with the letter Y. yo-yo, yack, yes, yogurt, yellow, yucky, yesturday, yep, etc. Well, because we could not come up with too many Y words, we decided to pick a different letter. So Donald picked the letter "P". Well, we took off like wildfire with words that start with the letter P. pencil, paper, pepper, pizza, pickle, pig, popcorn, Parley P. Pratt, pirate, pumpkin, pie, plum, pinch, princess, picky, panda, pricaple, package, pacman, Piggly Wiggly, purple, pansy, patch, Parker, plane, peaches, palace, pancake, police, poop, papa, perfect, purr, marbles, picture, penguin, Paris, Payton, paycheck, Pitsburg, pink, Pilchard, puke, pacifier, pal, pan, pasta, paste, pick-up, pinky, potty, pony, polar bear, panther, pitch, puppy, Portland, Prophet, pussy cat, puddle, pudding, pastatio, patio, pool, plate, etc. The list went on and on and on. Everyone was laughing and having a great time at dinner. So the next time you find yourself wanting to spark a conversation with family or friends, pick a letter and see how many different words you can come up with. The kids had so much fun they asked if we could do it again tomorrow, but Kolby insists that he gets to pick the next letter.

TAG!

What is your husband's name?
Donald

How long have you been married?
it will be 10 years in August.

How long did you date? that is not really known. We met on May 2nd 1998 and then were married August 21, 1998. I think we dated for about 5 weeks, maybe 6. I just can not remember.

Who said 'I love you' first? He did. and then I said I love you back. and then a couple hours later I took it back! (that did not go over well, thankfully he forgave me.)

Who is smarter? What - someone thinks we are smart? I thought you all knew we were southern country hicks down here in the south!!! Donald is smart in a lot of things, and I am smart in other things. Hopefully we balance each others intellengance so that TOGETHER,,, we are smart!

Who does the housework?well, I wishI could say the "house fairy". But sadly, I have yet to receive her services. So that means that I do 80% of the housework. Donald does 80% of the dishes though, so that makes up for me scrubbing the toilets.

Who sleeps on the right? well, if are looking at the bed from our bedroom door, then it is Donald.

Who pays the bills? Donald.

Who cooks dinner? I do. I am horrible and so possesive of my kitchen. It has to be my way or the high way! I know,,, I am bad!

Who drives when you are together?Donald

Who is more stubborn? Well, we all know it is NOT ME!!! I am soooo very laid back and easy flow'n. Ok,,, so I have Donald and I a bit mixed up,,,, maybe he is the laid back one. lol

Who kissed who first? Donald!

Who asked who out first? Donald did. It was the day he met me and he asked me if I had ever played walleyball before. OH,,, wait,, he asked 2 other girls the same question! So maybe he really did not ask ME out!

Who proposed? Donald. He took me to Thanksgiving Point between Salt Lake and Provo Utah. He kept trying to get down on his knee, but every time I would walk away without knowing. Finally (on the 4th or 5th attempt) he grabbed my hand and turned me around to face him. All I could do was laugh at him like some nervous school girl. I could barely giggle out a "yes".

Who has more siblings? Donald does. I have 3 sisters, 2 older and one younger. Donald has 1 sister, 1 brother, 2 step sisters, 1 half sister, and 1 half brother. then there are also the other step sibs. who are in the family now, but he did not grow up with.

Who wears the pants? well, that is a hard one to determine because we are a pantsless household. it cuts down on the laundry.

Tiffany, Jolene, Katrina, and Mom - - - - you are all tagged!

Do you struggle with getting your Visiting Teaching done?

ZION VISITING TEACHING SERVICE
' We Care Because You Don't Have Time To'

* Visiting teaching getting you down?
* Can't get that annoying Relief Society President off your back?
* Visiting teaching interfering with your valuable television and craft time?
WE CAN HELP!
At Zion's Visiting Teaching Service, we'll do your visiting teaching for you.
For a small monthly fee, we will send one of our representatives to the homes of your sisters.
* For $10.00 per sister, we will provide a visit. * For $15.00 per sister, we will provide a spiritual message. * For $20.00 per sister, we will remember birthdays and anniversaries. $20 isn't too much to pay for Peace of Mind. So give us a call at:
1-800-462-2879 - That's 1-800-IM-2-BUSY

Because of high volume an extra $15.00 will be added to all services required on the last day of the month.
*******************************************************************************

Check Out Our New Services!!!
Meetings: We will send a representative to the appropriate meeting to take notes for you and report back.

Ward Council Meeting $30
Ward Council Meeting w/ written report $50
Presidency Meetings $20
PEC $25
Sacrament Meeting $20
Sunday School $20
Priesthood $20
3-hour Sunday Block (best value) $50

PLEASE NOTE: Surcharge of 10% for stake meetings ___________________________________________________________________

***Talks and Lessons***

Did a bishopric member call and assign you a talk? Tired of wasting Saturday nightpreparing a lesson? Well, free up your time and just read one of ourprofessionally prepared talks and lessons. No need to spend countlesshours poring through books, writing and praying. We'll do it for you!

Basic Talk (any subject assigned) $20
Scripture Talk (basic + 5 scriptures) $30
Deluxe Talk (scripture + 1 poem + 2 G.A. quotes) $40
All talks are guaranteed to last 15 minutes. Add $1 for each additional minute
Basic Lesson (40 minutes) $25
Deluxe (Basic + visual aides) $35
Super Deluxe (Deluxe + Handouts) $45
Due to high expectations, centerpieces and floral arrangements, Relief Society lessons are slightly higher. Call for quote.
Due to lower expectations, priesthood lessons receive a 10% discount.
Call us at 1-822-752-2537. That's 1-822-Slacker .
Introducing our Bundle Buys and Frequent Shopper Plan
Bundle any 3 services and receive a 20% discount. Receive one free Basic talk or lesson with any 10 purchases.
There you have it! We take all the work off of your shoulders and put ours to the wheel just for you.

*****************************************
Introducing our new:
Casserole Service

If you just can't possibly throw together food for various Ward occasions,
WE CAN!

Our basic services include:
a.. Funeral Potatoes
b.. Green Bean/Mushroom Soup with Crunchy Onions
c.. Green Jell-O with Carrots
d.. Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl
e.. CheezWiz/Tater Tot Surprise

For only $15 (plus deposit) each delivered to your house with Corningware marked with your name! They'll never know you didn't make 'em!
Remember our number: 1-822-S-L-A-C-K-E-R