Jungle Red (Cont.)

Last year I wrote a post entitled, "Jungle Red." I talked about how that translated into being daring and trying new things. Well, Monday night, that is just what I did. I LOVE to dance. It is very hard for me to hear music and not move however, the older I get the more I look a little weird, so my daughter tells me, ha ha. So, I signed Troy and I up for a Salsa dance class along with another couple that we are friends with. I have to admit, at first I felt a little intimidated but, after we got moving, it was a lot of fun. I'm sure it will only get better with each class. It also feels good to mark something off of my list! I guess turning 40 will do that to you. Watch out Dancing With The Stars!

Rise and Shine!

The odds were against us today, late night, early morning meeting, Easter goodies, long hair on all four girls, including mom and church beginning at 8:30 a.m. Kate woke up at 4:00 a.m. exclaiming that she had seen the Easter Bunny and proceeded to tell me that he was grey and in my room. Half awake, I agreed with her and snuggled her up so as not to loose anymore sleep. This worked until 6:00 which is when Troy and I were supposed to be awake but not her. The other kids however, had to be awakened and "encouraged" to come down as soon as possible so that we could start getting ready for church. When it was all said and done, I was on time for my meeting which got out early, came home to relieve Troy of two more heads of hair and got to church with a few minutes to spare. I just can't shake the feeling that these are the times I am going to miss and laugh about the most.


Decorating the eggs yesterday!


While I was preparing sharing time this weekend about the Resurrection, I read the passage in the scriptures about it over and over again. I could feel the truthfulness of this story and felt grateful to have opportunities in my responsibilities at church to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior. You know, it's funny, you never know when your testimony is going to be strengthened. It comes sometimes when we least expect it. I can't imagine not having a calling to keep me stretching and growing.

Warp Speed!

A couple of weeks ago we were on the Snoqualmie Pass and it was snowing! I had to take a picture and this is what it looked like. The kids immediately said, "Warp Speed!" I'll tell ya what, I wish I was moving in "Warp Speed" today! I just can't seem to get my groove on!

100th Episode...

or rather, this is my 100th post! I can't believe it! I have been waiting and excited for this post because it is like a little milestone for me. I NEVER thought that I would get into this blogging thing and now I am hopelessly devoted. A big shout-out to Jane Payne and Beka Mardis for introducing it to me and getting me on board! Thanks Ladies! Here's to blogging!

In TV land they do a re-cap of their favorite shows in their 100th, which I will include in my Top 10 List: Reasons why I love to blog!

10. It is a great way to journal. (All posts! Taking this from Jane Payne because I think it is very creative: "Life in My World" is
a weekly post that she writes about according to what her day is like).

9. It is also a great way to scrapbook since I am going to be publishing mine, hopefully once a year for posterity.
(Christmas with Cousins)

8. An occassional "Venting" post is helpful. (Bah Humbug)

7. Keeps memories alive! (Some favorite childhood memories: Brawley Girl)

6. Sometimes blogging helps me focus on goals that I would like to achieve. (Jungle Red)

5. I get to share certain "Milestones." (Sssshhhh!)

4. It's Fun! (Would You Go Back?)

3. I enjoy getting to know others through Blogging! (Goodbye 2008 - my long, lost friend Carrie's post)

2. I have been able to re-connect with dear friends who have stumbled onto my site and connect with family who don't live
close by. (Six Degrees of Separation - Cathy Wiley's post)

1. Helps me reflect upon my blessings, which are innumerable! (Sunday Blessings)

"Soul Man"

Who says dance is only for girls??? Here is my harmonica playing, foot clogging, hip hop loving, soul man. This is Luke's second year of dance and after being teased a little bit by a few of his friends I didn't know if he would do it again. However, once they see the boys perform they realize that they don't look so girly after all, ha ha. In fact, a few of them have said that they want to join as well! This year the boys did a clogging number to the Blues Brothers, "Soul Man." They competed in Seattle and got 2nd overall! Before the show, we gave him the usual - Pep (Bribery) Talk and crossed our fingers that he would show some personality. So, along with encouragement from their teachers and the directors, the boys came out and had a great time! Regardless of where they place, to see them have so much fun on stage is the payoff! So, what did my dancing boy want as a (Bribe) gift? A Gun, of course! A toy, nerf gun but, a gun, nonetheless! Troy wanted me to mention that.




This was their Hip Hop number. I don't know if you can tell but, they have skeleton's painted on their sweatshirts. The dance company is always so creative in their costumes.

The Teens

Last weekend was Alex's 13th birthday! I showed her this picture of me because I am about 13 years old there. Her first response was, "Do you have makeup on?" Ha Ha! I proceeded to tell her that just because it looked like I NEEDED it didn't mean that SHE was going to get to wear any. Well, maybe some mascara, occassionally! My eyelashes are transparent without it. I strategically married a dark haired man to counterbalance that and it worked!


Here she is with her electric guitar even though it looks more like a banjo!! Let's just say that it will be a cake that we will never forget!


We also played a couple of games. I played a little bit from a couple of songs on Alex's playlist and they had to identify as many songs as possible. We also had them write down the lyrics from her favorite song and the winner with the most words, received one of her favorite CD's. I love iPods! They are so much easier than big, console stereos with vinyl records.


Happy Birthday Alex!

The Ties That Bind

Last weekend my mother and sister came up for our annual "Girls Only Weekend!" Years ago we decided to make it a tradition to get together and spoil ourselves annually! We stay in a hotel, shop, get pedicures or facials and EAT OUT!! In other words, we have a BLAST! There is nothing like remembering when with people who remember and making new memories. Sure, we have the same blood and family but I think the time that we take to spend with each other is the binding glue that melds us together. I am looking forward to including our daughters as they get older!