Chinny Chin Chin

I still have acne.  I guess that is what you call it.  It being large bumps on my chin that hurt and take about a month to go away.  And they only happen on my chin!  It is so annoying.  I recently got a suspicious freckle taken off of my back at the dermatologist's office.  While I was there I mentioned that I had this huge bump/zit on my back and she offered to take care of it.  She got out a little needle and injected something in it and later that day it was literally gone.  I couldn't believe it!  I didn't know there was such a thing!  For the past 2 days my chin has been an ugly mess, so I went back to the dermatologist's office and she injected it.  It is seriously instant relief, my chin already feels better.  I love my dermatologist:)  

Today I Was Going to Read My Book....

Today I was going to read my book and if I was lucky, maybe even get in a little nap.  I was going to do all of this after I completed my list of things that HAD to be done.  I can always clean or do laundry, but I get so tired of those things and they never get done.  And truthfully, I don't like either one of them.  This morning I got some things done and then I ended up watching one of Tyler's little friends because her mom had some stuff to do.  When she came to pick up her daughter, she invited Tyler over to their house.  "Sweet!"  I was thinking, "all of my wildest dreams are coming true!"  I was going to read in peace and quiet and probably fall asleep get that little nap that I wanted.  But then the phone rang.  It was a friend in need and I was happy to help.  I got off my bed, put on my shoes, and left.  On my way home, I couldn't help but count my blessings.  My life is so simple and easy.  All I was going to do was read a book.  I don't have any worries.  My dear friend is practically starting over.  Except I actually think starting over would be easier.  She is trying to pick up the pieces and blaze a new trail.  And she is capable and will be fine.  As I slowed to a stop at a light I looked over to see a cute mom in a mini-van who was turned around helping her large handicapped child in the back seat with something.  I don't know who she is, but I admired her instantly.  I can't imagine the patience, compassion, and unselfishness, she must have to care for that child.  As she pulled away with her handicapped license plate, I told myself all of those empty parking places are good for something.  She totally deserves one.  And then I remembered conference and all of the great messages of the gospel that were heard around the world.  My life is so easy and simple.  I really ought to be doing more.  I really can do better.  

Retail Therapy

I guess I have been feeling a little sorry for myself.  Kirk has been traveling a lot and I thought I was doing good.  After having him gone for a week to Japan, I thought I was doing great, but there is nothing like a little retail therapy to recharge or energize me.  I have had my eye on this soup pot and today I went and bought it.  I am soooo excited to make soup tonight!  When Kirk and I first got married, my mom advised us to get nice pots and pans.  We were so poor I am not sure why we spent so much money on nice pots and pans, but we did.  And they are still wonderful after 10 years.  Because they were so expensive, I have not bought any more pieces to add to what we have until now.  Who knew a pot would make me so happy?  It doesn't hurt that I got to browse around in Williams Sonoma either.  

New Beginnings

Today I started piano lessons.  My mom made me take piano lessons for several years while I lived at home.  If I had taken those lessons seriously,  I might actually be a good piano player by now.  However, I have forgotten small and simple things and I am excited to be learning.  Soon Tyler will be in kindergarten and then I will have to start taking golf lessons, I promised Kirk I would.  I look forward to doing that as well.  Here we go on the next stage of life.  I must admit I am very excited, I remember that I used to love learning.  I sometimes wondered what happened to the old me.  I am realizing that I am still that same, but being a mother of 4 little boys took everything out of me.  Now that they are learning some independence and growing, I feel myself coming back to life.  It is nice!

It's A Party....

I must confess that I love Miley Cyrus' new song.  I saw the video last night on TV.  Not so impressed with her, but I do still love the song.  Another new love is Smart Cookie.  I had heard about their cookies and they lived up to all the good things I heard.  If you love cookies, and I do LOVE cookies, you will have to check out this place.  I still need to take that cake decorating class that I have been meaning to do, (but it happened to fall on the same night that my husband has Young Mens) but I would also like to learn to frost pretty sugar cookies.  Does anyone have any tips for me?

*Miley's new song is on my play list if you haven't heard it, check it out!

I Am Pathetic

Years ago I went to the theater with some girl friends to see The Notebook.  I was soooo uncomfortable!  The story was okay, but being uncomfortable is what stood out to me the most.  I have never really wanted to see it again.  This summer I have noticed that it has been on about a bazillion times.  With nothing else to watch, it called out to me.  Even after seeing it a million times, I still enjoy it.  There are parts that make me uncomfortable, but now I can change the channel or fast forward.  Without all the groping and making out, I really love that movie.  But I am still so happy that my TV shows are returning!!!!!  Last night I watched the Biggest Loser.  It was so good, and how could you not cry after hearing Abby's story?  Love that show.  I just finished up reading Catching Fire, the sequel to Hunger Games and when I watched the Biggest Loser last night, I sort of felt like the capitol watching different districts compete.  Reality tv is kind of sick, but it is sooo good at the same time.  I can't wait for all of the shows that will start piling up on my DVR.  

Best Birthday

Well, I am another year older.  Saturday I went running and felt so stiff.  I was complaining to my husband when a friend overheard, she reminded me that I was a year older.  If that is a sign of things to come, I would rather not have another birthday!  But this year was great.  I think we have started a tradition of celebrating at the Cheesecake Factory with my grandma and niece.  We did it again this year and it was just as nice.  We all share the same birthday, it is so much fun! 

Later that night we went out as a family.  We had to pick up a few things at Gardner Village, so we ate there and checked out the witches.  It was a great night and fun to be together as a family.

I was overwhelmed this year by wonderful friends and family who made this one of the best birthdays ever!

On Being Informed

Last night when I turned on the TV, I saw our president giving a speech.  I like to be informed and I like to know a little about what is going on, but I can't stand to watch those speeches, regardless of who is president.  I'd rather my husband watch the speeches and then tell me about it.  It sounds like last night was pretty interesting though.  Anyway, before I had the chance to change the channel I looked at our president and the only thing I could think was, he needs to fire his make-up artist.  I thought he looked really weird.  Did anyone else notice that?  Or was it just me?

Me and My Grandpa

My Grandpa (my mom's dad) died when I was little.  He was quite the handy man when it came to working with wood.  He made me an amazing barbie/doll house that I loved.  Some of the other things that he made me were wooden teeth (when I started losing mine), a cradle for my dolls, a bed for my dolls, a dresser, and the table in this picture.  I got this table for Christmas and I still have it.  In fact, I still have everything that he made me except the doll house, too bad I didn't have any girls.  I remember this Christmas and especially those little salt and pepper shakers that are shaped like green soda bottles.  Recently my kids have asked a lot of questions about my grandpa and it has been fun to reminisce.  It is still not uncommon for them to bless grandpa to "come back alive," when they say their prayers.  Thanks goodness for the gospel!  

Team Sprite

Finally, photos from the Provo Half.  It was soooo much fun!

Since we looked like lemon and lime, we called ourselves team Sprite.  We were running with team K-Mart (aka, my brother in his K-Mart shoes) so we had to have a team name too:)

Since we started at the back of the race, our actual time was even better, which was really good for us!

My brother (who has never ran before in his life and still beat me) and sister ran the race as well.  It was a lot of fun, can't wait for next year!