November Re-Cap

This month started out with some sadness for the Sayre side of the family. Riley's sister Stacy had a baby girl & she was just too sick. She was on this earth for just a short three days & then returned to our Heavenly Father. We were able to go to Idaho & be with the family for the funeral. What a beautiful little baby she was. Her name is Hadlee LeAnn Rackham. We just love Stacy & Nate so much & are so so sorry for their loss. It is a great comfort to know that they will see her again someday.

Kobe's class went on a field trip to the Rose Wagner theater. They all had to dress up. We watched a show that was about science, but was done using dance. I thought it was pretty interesting. Riley thought it was a little weird. Kobe was okay with it. Didn't love or hate it. I thought it was great seeing something new.

Thanksgiving day was so great. We had it with the Shaw family. It was at Dave & Karen's. The food was so tasty! I really don't know if I can last a whole year for that wonderful food again. I ate & I ate & I ate. I just love getting together with all of my cousins. I don't know what I'd do without all of them. I truly am a lucky girl.

The month ended off with my Mom's birthday. We celebrated with a little party & went out to dinner. One of her faves Red Robin. Yum. She is so great to me. I am so thankful for her & love her so much. I love the way she is with Kobe. He truly could not ask for a more devoted, hands on Grandma. She is the best!!

October Re-Cap

We started the month of with a trip to Cedar City to celebrate my sister's birthday & to watch my nephew Riley play some football. He killed it! It was fun having everyone together (minus my man Riley who had to work). It was great talking & laughing about old times. Kobe also lost a tooth on this trip. Yay!

A little later in the month we went on another little trip to St. George to watch my other nephew Sammy play some football. He did great, but they came up a little short. I was so proud of him, he hurt his little hip & he still played hard! It was nice to have a little warmer weather if only for a weekend. Kobe just loves seeing & playing with his cousins. With him being an only child & all of his cousins living so far away, he just eats up the little time he does get to spend with them. He just wishes they all lived closer. Leaving all of them is so heart breaking for him. Poor guy!

Kobe also ended his soccor for the year. He was on the "Green Lanterns". He got to be on one of his best friends teams, so that was a lot of fun. He just loved his coach Vinicio.

We went with some of our friends to a pumpkin patch in Kaysville. We went on a hayride & picked out our own pumpkins. It took quite a while. We all wanted just the right one. We then went to the very yummy Mandarin for some Chinese food & back to there house to hang & let Kobe play some Nintendo wii. When we got home, we set up our pumpkins outside. The next morning we noticed that two of them were gone. Someone stole our perfect pumpkins!! The chumps. We couldn't believe it. I was just glad they weren't smashed all over the road! We all had a great time carving them & making them just the way we wanted them. Kobe loved designing his. **These pumpkins were stolen off our porch that very night. The bums. We had to go to Walmart & buy more.**

I was in charge of Kobe's class Halloween party. First there was a school Halloween parade. The kids were having so fun. They were all practically running. Riley & I laughed the whole time at the creativity of the students. There was this boy who was dressed exactly like (the old) Michael Jackson. He had curly hair, red leather jacked, flood pants, & a white glove. Very cool. We had rented The Karate Kid & Kobe loved it. So Kobe wanted to be a ninja. He is loving the Kung Fu stuff right now. For the party we had root beer in dry ice, frosted & decorated sugar cookies, bingo, made our own spider webs, bean bag toss, & decorated blow pops like vampires. I bought a Halloween cd & the kids loved dancing the all the music. Monster Mash was a hit! The kids had a great time. I was so relieved! I dressed up as a big pumpkin. Kobe thought I was so funny!

We went to Gardner Village to see the witches with my parents. It was so so fun. Everything was just so festive, it just made you happy to be there. This was the first year that Kobe really liked looking at the witches.

On Halloween (really the day before Halloween), I got really really sick. A very bad cold. I just ached & ached & could not breathe at all. I tried really hard to still make it fun for Kobe though. We had my parents come over for our annual chili & cornbread. I was so thankful to Riley for doing all the work so I could just rest. What a man!! After some good grub, Kobe & Riley went over to Kobe's best friend Isaac's house to go trick or treating. I stayed home cause I was so sick. It made me so sad not to go!! At first it was raining really hard, but luckily it eased up a little bit. They were able to go for about two hours. He got so much candy. Too much!!

I'd be. . .

If I were a month, I'd be July.
If I were a day of the week, I'd be a Friday.
If I were a time of day, I'd be 9:00 am.
If I were a sea animal, I'd be a seal.
If I were a direction, I'd be east.
If I were a piece of furniture, I'd be a bed.
If I were a historical figure, I'd be Mother Teresa.
If I were a liquid, I'd be diet Pepsi.
If I were a gem stone, I'd be a diamond.
If I were a tree, I'd be a palm tree.
If I were a tool, I'd be a stud finder. (Ha Ha!)
If I were a flower, I'd be a daisy.
If I were a type of weather, I'd be sunny.
If I were a musical instrument, I'd be a guitar.
If I were a color, I'd be red.
If I were an emotion, I'd be elated.
If I were a fruit, I'd be a pineapple.
If I were a sound, I'd be a laugh.
If I were an element, I'd be water.
If I were a car, I'd be a camaro.
If I were a food, I'd be a pizza.
If I were a place, I'd be Hawaii.
If I were a taste, I'd be salty.
If I were a scent, I'd be citrus.
If I were an object, I'd be a hand bag.
If I were a body part, I'd be eyes.
If I were a facial expression, I'd be a smile.
If I were a song, I'd be Our Song.
If I were a pair of shoes, I'd be ballet flats.

Question #36

Tell of a memorable birthday cake.

I was in 1st grade. I was turning seven. I was so excited. We went to the store to pick it up. I had picked it out at the bakery weeks before. My birthday party was that day with my friends & I was so so excited to show them this beautiful cake that I just loved so much. It was in the shape of a rainbow with clouds at the bottom. All the colors of the rainbow had been painted on just perfect. The clouds looked soft & flowy. I think they were marshmallow cream. When my Mom & I got home, I jumped right out of the car. I told my Mom that I wanted to carry my cake inside. I remember her looking at me asking me if I was sure I wanted to do that. I got the cake out of the car. It was in one of those big white cake boxes. I walked across the driveway. Right before you get to the sidewalk that leads up to the front door, there are two steps you have to go up. Well. . . I forgot about those steps. I went flying one way & the cake the other way. The cake landed upside down. Just perfect. I was devastated!! My beautiful cake was ruined. But luckily I have a wonderful patient Mom. She walked up to me, put her arms around me & told me everything would be alright. And it was. She picked up the cake, took it inside, & fixed it up as best as she could. I just remember being in awe & loving her so much. She fixed up the cake & it looked great. Luckily no one even noticed.

It's About Time

Yes. We are alive. Summer just kept us so so busy. It seemed like we were gone almost the whole summer. It was a ton of fun. We went to South Dakota at the beginning of the summer. Very cool. We loved Mount Rushmore, Reptile Gardens, & everything else. There is soooo much to do there. We could have spent so much more time there. At the beginning of August we went to Seattle, Portland, & the Oregon coast. We golfed, went on a ferry, went to a Mariners game, Oregon zoo, the coast. It was such a blast! We went with my parents & has such a great time with them. This summer was just so fun & exciting.

*What a little model. We are at Devils Tower*

*With Riley's Bestapapa (Grandpa) in Portland*

*At the Mariners game*

School has started again. Kobe is now in the 2nd grade. So far so good. He is really loving going & doing really well. I have news too. . .I got a job. The principle of Kobe's school called me up & offered me a job to be a reading tutor. I am so totally pumped. The hours are so perfect. I work from 8:45-11:20 every day. I love being able to be so close to Kobe. I volunteer soooo much, so it will be awesome to get paid for what I would be doing anyways. The kids are so fun to work with. And I loved the fact that I still have time to get cleaning & other stuff done while Kobe's at school. It really seemed to be such a blessing. I really felt like I needed this in my life. I needed a little pick me up. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.

*Riley did a field trip for Kobe's class last year. Sorry no pics from 2nd grade yet on the computer*

Kobe played on a baseball team this summer. He had a lot of fun. He was on the Oriels. We had fun cheering for him, but poor kid, his team was not so good. Hopefully it will be better next year. He just started playing fall soccer. He is loving it. He is on his best friends team. He can't seem to get enough of it. We have fun watching him. He is so aggressive out there! I don't know that much about soccer, so it has been interesting learning the rules. We were out watching Kobe at his practice yesterday & the funniest thing happened. A bird pooped right on Riley's head. I could not stop laughing. It really was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I'm just glad it wasn't me!!! He just got his 1st set of golf clubs, so we'll have to put him in some lessons. He seems really excited to learn how to play. He is always going outside practicing his swing. It will be fun watching him learn & progress. Now I just need to get me some lessons too!!

*Proud Dad & his boy*

*Silly face. Too funny not to post!*

Question #35

What was your worst, really embarrassing moment?

Seriously. I have just had so many. When I was around 12 or 13 I went to rough out camp with the young women's. We were setting up camp & I was walking through some really tall grass. I was just minding my own business, not bothering anyone, & BAM!! I totally got hit in the face. Just like you see in cartoons. I stepped on a rake & about flattened my face. It totally knocked me on my back. I just remember everyone crowding around me & helping me to the tent to lie down. But the one thing that stands out the most is my sister crying. She must have thought I was dead or something. I just remember hearing her cry. From what I remember, I didn't cry at all. I was in shock or something. It caused quite the swollen black eyes though!! I have also had many many bike riding experiences. I wasn't even trying anything fancy, just a simple stroll in the park. Bike riding & me simply don't mix. I have flipped over my handle bars to flying into a rock to running into a parked truck on the street. The worst part about that was the getting out of the truck. I was so so so humiliated. We sure laughed though!! Especially now!

Question #34

What is the most important lesson, message, or advice that you have learned that you might pass on to others?

There are so many things that I have learned & I am still learning every day. Sometimes I feel like I don't know anything at all!! Some of the things that I want to pass on are:

1) Don't sweat the small stuff

Really. If you start worrying about everything you will never truly be happy. Time will fly by so so fast. Before you know it, all the good times will be gone. Enjoy every moment. Even the crazy ones. There is a saying that I love; I am determined to be happy. In whatever situation I maybe--For I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions & not our circumstances.

2) Be kind

President Hinckley once said "Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, & consideration of others, All the education & accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they were accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, or going the extra mile." I truly love that quote. Kindness has always & will always be very very important to me. Love is what keeps us together. I would hate to think what kind of a world this would be if we didn't have kindness. We need to remember to be polite. We need to get to know people before we pass judgement. Kindness is continual. The job is never done. We can only get better & better.

3) Think Positive

In the media today, negativism sells. That is so sad. People too often like watching a train wreck of events. We need to change our thought process. Find all the positive things in the newspaper, on the news, in magazines, etc. You would be surprised at how few there really are. The good is there, you just need to dig a little deeper for it. We all need to look for the sunlight through the clouds. I don't remember where I heard this quote but I love it. "It is not enough just to be good, we must be good for something." I am so much happier when I have a positive attitude. Everything just seems to run a little smoother. Even the really bad days are easier to get through. Abraham Lincoln said "Whatever you are, be a good one." I couldn't agree more.

4) Be thankful

I have a gratitude journal that I have had for many many years. I used to write in it every day, but lately I have been a slacker. I would write at least five things that I was grateful for every day. It is amazing the things that make you happy. Even the small things. Like a fountain drink. I am so so so happy when I have a Diet Pepsi in my hand. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it. When there is gratitude, there is no pride. We are truly a blessed group of people. We need to express our thanks.

These are just some of the things that I want to pass down. And really they are so simple to do. Life is never easy, but these things just seem to help me get through the harder times. They remind me of who I want to become. What do you want to pass down??

Question #33

Tell how, when, where you learned to drive and any memorable experiences.

My Dad taught me to drive the summer before I turned 16. I was soooo scared. Looking back I think I was so wimpy about it. But I guess better safe than sorry. We would go up to our church parking lot & go back & forth, back & forth. Then eventually we made our way to our neighborhood streets. I used to practice on a car my parents bought for me that was my brothers. It was a Mitsubishi Eclipse from the 90's. I can't remember which year exactly. I thought it was a really cute car. Sporty & silver. And it had a killer sound system in it. Before my brother owned it, the previous owners were from Cali. They must have been gang bangers or something. My car had three bullet holes in the back. I used to think that was pretty cool. The only bad thing was that it was a stick shift. I learned pretty quick though. I loved driving around with my friends in that car, we had some fun times!! I remember blaring Monica in it. Does anyone remember her?? I didn't have any funny experiences but when my brother was learning. My Mom was teaching him & we were driving around the neighborhood in our huge green station wagon. I was standing up in the backseat (everything was soooo different back then!!). He almost ran a stop sign but then slammed on the brakes. I went flying over the passenger seat & into the dash. I seriously looked like Superman! Not really any harm done though, just a bloody nose. Thank goodness!!

Heaven. . . or Hell???

I started the work-outs yesterday. I really feel it's the latter. I am sore all over my entire body. Everything hurts. And I mean everything. It really was the hardest I have ever worked out. The guy in charge says that for the 1st two weeks I will feel like I would rather die, but then it will start getting better & the workouts will start to feel a little better. I sure hope so. I have to just keep telling myself that the end result will be worth it. Let's cross our fingers! I had to do the dreaded picture shot yesterday. I was so happy that they let me take it in a sports bra & shorts. So so so embarrassing. After the pic, they took measurements & had me weigh in. I think that will be pretty cool to see how different the measurements will be at the end. I didn't know they had to do that, I actually was really glad. It was still very very humiliating though!! To make it even worse too... a buff dude took the pic & did the measurements. Let's hope the soreness goes away. Please!

What am I thinking??

I am so excited. A couple days ago, we were told about a really cool activity we could partake in. A guy came into the department (I think he might be a fellow firefighter--but I'm not sure??). He made a proposition to the firefighters & their wives. We get to partake in a six-week course that will get us in tip top shape. For free. It normally costs major $$$. I guess you tell them really what you want to get out of it & they help you achieve your goals. I started trying to lose some weight about a year ago. And I totally have, but just not nearly as much as I have wanted too!! Darn it. I want to work abs, butt, thighs, & arms. I think that it's kind of a P90X type thing, but different. You go to their gym like 5 days a week & do their workout. You can even take your kids. There is a room with glass type walls & you can see them from where you are working out. I am so so so pumped. There is only one draw back. And it's a mother. Big time. You have to do before & after pics. In a bikini. I am so freaked!! When I found this out. I almost wanted to back out. But then I decided that it's time to free the beast. Let it all hang out. Oh no. I guess they might be doing an infomercial. And we also have to blog about our experience on their blog & do testimonial. I am very very nervous about that. I just have to keep telling myself that the end result will be worth it. Totally. Sooooo, wish me luck. I am so going to need it!!

Question #32

Would you be angrier to discover that your spouse had an affair or had spent your life savings?

I would so not be okay with either one of those. In fact--I would be down right ticked!! I would have some major butt kickin to do. They are so complete opposites. One is total emotional & the other is more of a physical. I think I would be the angriest with an affair. For me that is unforgivable. Loyalty is so important. Without it, what do you really have? But then again I have seen this happen to people I love with all my heart, & they say you feel different when it really happens to you. It never involves just you & him. There are always other people it would hurt. You have to think about how it would affect everyone. Kids. Parents. Siblings. Extended Family. Jobs. I just don't know how I could ever get over the hurt & betrayal I would feel. Could I ever really forgive?? I don't think so. I think I would always worry & be afraid. A life savings can slowly be re-built. You would never make it what it was, but the hurt would disappear a little faster. I really have a deep love for those that can forgive. I truly look up to you. What a strength that is to be able to do that. Are the Beatles right? All you need is love? What do you think??

Has it really been that long??

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary. Can it be?? I really cannot believe how time flies. We celebrated yesterday because Riley had to work today. We had such a great day. We went shopping at the Gateway. Loooove it. Later we went out with Billy & Stacy (it was BS day--their anniversary) & Lisa & Cade. We went down to Provo & ate at the Brick Oven. Let me just say--So So So delish. Makes my mouth water. On our 1st anni we went downtown & ate at the Roof. We then went on a horse carriage. Yea--I got me a romantic one ladies. He also gave me a black pearl ring & earrings. So very pretty. About a week after I got them, I totally lost the ring. I felt soooo bad. I still have the earrings though & a new black pearl ring. I am starting a new tradition. Every year on our anni, I want us to write a letter to each other. I want us to remind each other of everything that happened throughout the year. I think it's good to write your feelings for each other down. I love when I get little notes hidden here or there. Who knows? Maybe it will be fun. Sorry no pics. I forgot to take my camera with us yesterday. Aww man.

To My Hubby:

Your a big sexy hunk-a-man. And I love you so much.

You make me smile everyday.

Love, your wifey

Question #31

What do you remember as your favorite subject in school? Least favorite?

I remember my very favorite subject in school from kindergarten to senior year was the same. I loved Spelling/English. It was the subject that came the most natural for me. I loved learning how to spell new words & what those words meant. I remember I would always try to find a way to use them in my sentences when I was talking. I loved taking Grammar & Vocab in high school too. I have totally forgotten so much. I wish that I could remember all the rules. There are so many things in the English language that are tricky. I really wish that I would have tried a little harder in school though.

My least favorite subject is a tie. I hated anything in the Science family & math. I am so crappy at math. It never came easy. I'm still not good at it. I especially hated story problems. Lame-O!! I dreaded going to science & biology. I thought the science hallway was soooo disgusting! I totally hated that gross smell of all those animals you had to dissect. I really did not want to see what was inside a frog. Ewww.

The subject that I wish I would have studied was Spanish. I would love to know how to speak another language. Spanish really intrigues me. I love the way it sounds. Maybe one day I will start taking some classes & learn how to speak it. Who knows?? We'll see.

He Can Hear!!

Yay!! We are so happy & relieved Kobe is done with his surgery. He had to get tubes in his ears & his adenoids out. We had to do this because Kobe couldn't hear. We wondered for awhile about his hearing & this year it just seemed to get worse & worse. We had noticed that if we were behind him & talked to him, he couldn't hear us. We think he was doing a lot of reading our lips. When we got him checked out, he only had like 50% of his hearing. We got the surgery done at Primary Children's. It was just an out patient procedure. We felt really bad for him all day though, because he had to fast all day. The only thing he could have was a 7-Up at lunch. His surgery wasn't until the evening. We sent him to school. At lunch Riley & I went over & took him a 7-Up from the Maverick & we sat with him. He was so super good!! He didn't even complain once, & let me tell ya, this kid loves his food!! We had to be to the hospital at 4. We had to get checked in & a nurse practitioner came in & checked him out. Then we got to go into a room full of toys & video games. Whoever thought of that is so awesome. The surgery was supposed to be at 5:15, but they were running behind. Kobe was really nervous & anxious so I asked them to give him some versade (I have no idea if I am spelling that right??). It makes you really relaxed. After they gave that to him he had to lay in a stretcher. At 6:15 they came to get him. They let me walk with him to right outside the operating room. He had tears in his eyes when I had to say goodbye. Let me tell ya, it was so hard for this Mama to let them take her little guy away from her. Even though you know they will be taken good care of- it's a scary thought. His Dr. & nurses were so awesome. They helped him feel comfortable around them. I was so thankful for them! While Kobe was in surgery, we (me, Riley, & my parents) went down to the cafeteria for a drink. The whole procedure only took like 25 minutes. When he got out, they came & got Riley & I. We got to go stand by his bed as he was waking up. They told us to be prepared for a grumpy kid. They said most kids who get put to sleep wake up not very happy. That was the complete opposite for Kobe. He was just how he always is. Happy & up beat. He did have a really bad cough when he woke up. The nurses said the air pipe must have bothered his throat. He got to have a root beer slush. He liked that. He was really out of it for a while though. I kept telling him he was all done. He would keep asking me the same questions over & over. We got to wheel him out in a wagon because he was so out of it. He could barely keep his head up. When we got home Riley asked him how everything sounded. He said everything was louder. We were so happy!! I am so happy & relieved all went well & it is now over with.

Question #30

What is one of your favorite songs right now?

There are just so many great songs to choose from. I have like a million favorites right now. Whenever I'm in the car & this one comes on the radio, it just makes me so happy. I love love love it!! If you haven't heard it, you definitely need too!

Smile

You're better then the best

I'm lucky just to linger in your light

Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right

Completely unaware

Nothing can compare to where you send me,

Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok

And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed, sing like bird

Dizzy in my head, spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone

Somehow you come along

Just like a flower poking the sidewalk crack and just like that

You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed, sing like bird

Dizzy in my head, spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you

Cuz everytime that I get around you

I see the best of me inside your eyes

You make me smile

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed, sing like bird

Dizzy in my head, spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh, you make me smile

-Uncle Kracker

Easter Fun

I know it's a little late but thought I would post some pics from Easter. It was fun & relaxing. We went to my parents house for Easter dinner & to just hang with them. We dyed eggs & then went & rolled them down the hill. We watched conference & thought it was great. So inspiring. I loved all the talks on service & kindness. I love Easter. It really just gives you a chance to reflect & think about our Savior & what he did for us. He is truly amazing.

Easter morning at our house

Easter morning at Grandma's house

Dying the eggs

Kobe with Grandma & Grandpa

Kobe rolling some eggs

Question #29

Tell of a nickname your family, friends, or classmates gave you. How did you get the nickname?

The 1st nickname I ever got was when I was really little. I couldn't say the sounds of a lot of letters. T was one of them. So I couldn't say my name. I called myself Lami. So that kind of stuck for a while. My brother Bret called me T for a really long time. When I was in high school my softball team had two nicknames for me. The 1st was Ivy. My maiden name was Iverson, so they just shortened it. The other nickname was Pretty Princess. Whenever I played ball, I always had to look good. My hair always good, my make-up on, scrunchie to match my uniform. I wanted to look good for all those boys that were coming to watch!! Riley always has & always will call me Babe. I'm his Babe & he's my Ri. But my favorite nickname is Mom!

Question #28

How did you become engaged?

Riley & I met on November 10, 2000, it was a Monday. We met at RC Willey. That Friday we had our first date. We went to the Mayan Restaurant & watched a movie. We have never been apart since. In February we went on a vacation with Riley's family. Curt, LeAnne, Stacy, Nate, baby Christian, Jenn, Saydee, Grandma Spitzer, & Grandpa Spitzer all came along. We had such a great time. We went in a huge motor home. I had no idea he was going to propose to me on this trip. I really thought we were going to wait til we had more money. We went to Disneyland. On the evening of February 24th (is it cheeseball I still remember the dates??) we all decided to go to the castle & look around. It was like at 6 or 7 at night. There were a lot of people around. The place was pretty packed. And it had been raining all day. We were soaking wet. We all walked to the front of the castle. Everyone had backed off, but I had not paid any attention to them. All of a sudden Riley started saying all this sweet stuff, then he got down on one knee & asked me to a marry him!! I was shocked! I was so happy. I started to cry I was so happy. After he was done & I had the ring on, we noticed we were in the middle of a ton of people. Everyone had gathered to watch us. When we were done, everyone started to clap for us. It was such a fun night! We were engaged for three months & then we married. We got married on May 16, 2001. I am so happy that I met this wonderful man. Riley--you have made my life so much better. I am so thankful I have you!

*Sorry the pics look so crappy! They just didn't turn out very well. Excuse the hair & sweatshirt, it was cold & rainy!

Question #27

What chore do you like the most? Dislike the most?

My very very favorite chore by far is to do the laundry. I love it. It is so calming & relaxing to me. There really are few things that smell better to me than fresh laundry. Most people hate to fold the clothes. I love it. I love putting everything away in its perfect spot. If Riley ever does the laundry (which he hardly ever does) I always have to go & fix where he puts things. I love everything to put away so I know where everything is. And I love the sound of the dryer going. It is very soothing. I also like to load & unload the dishwasher. I always put like 1/2 cup of vinegar in with my dishwasher load & I swear it makes your dishes come out better. Especially if you have hard water. It is a life-saver! I hate when you get those hard water spots.

My least favorite chore is cleaning the bathrooms. Ewww. Disgusting. That is the one that I try to put off on cleaning. But then if you put it off toooo long, it is even grosser to clean. Especially with boys. (Mom's with boys--you know what I am talking about!). Riley is really good with helping me out with cleaning the bathrooms. He knows I hate it, so he does them whenever he can. And I love that!! It makes me soooo happy. If you have never bought the Mr. Clean cleaners, try them. I think they work great. And they smell really good too. They made my hard water spots disappear in my bathtub. It worked really great for me. I also hate to iron. And Riley loves it. So it's a good trade off. He is really good at it too. Way better than me. And I feel like I can never make it as smooth as I want it.

Question #26

Did you ever make mud pies as a child?

When I was a kid I lived across the street from a park. We were there all the time. Everyday we would go over & play. We would make mud pies on this thing in the playground. It was pink & it was sorta like a house that you could climb all over. We would always pretend we were cooking. There was also a turtle you could climb on & we pretended that was a stove. We loved it. One day we were playing at the park like usual. And the Mandarinos (some really naughty mean kids, I heard they are even in jail now!) came & started doing mean things. They started making mud pies & throwing them at us & they wouldn't quit. So we ran & got my brother who was at our house with his friend Brad. Bret & Brad came & saved the day. They went & caught those bullies & took them into the park bathroom. They totally gave them swirlies in the park toilets. EWWWW! Can you even imagine how disgusting that was! I was so glad though, because they never bothered us again!! Totally served them right.
*A swirlie is when you stick there head in the toilet & flush. Ha Ha.

Took the Plunge

Well I did it. I dyed my hair. I have been wanting to go darker for a while now & so I finally just jumped. I also didn't even go get my hair dyed (which is so shocking for me!). I decided to try doing it on my own, with my Mom's help of course. I was so proud of myself for not chickening out. I didn't go that dark. I just went to a darker blonde. But for me who is used to being really really blonde, it was quite a change. I am really loving it. It was a good time for a change. I needed something fresh & new. I love not having any roots at all. My new color blends perfectly with my natural color. I have been wearing it back in headbands like everyday. Who knows maybe next time I'll go even darker. . . maybe.
I'll put some pics on soon!

Question #25

Share a horse-riding story.

Well I am not much of a horse person. Kinda scared of those big animals. I like them okay, just don't love. When I was in my junior year of high school. There was a girls choice dance, I think it was Spring Formal. Us girls decided to take our dates horse-back riding. Everyone got to choose their own horse. I chose a really old white horse. When we had all decided our horses, we started on our way. We went on a path kinda in the mountains. The horses had this trail memorized (at least this is what the guides told us). Well as we were walking along, one of the horses started acting up. It was a boy named Jon. His horse all of a sudden took off up the mountain, going who knows where. I totally remember him screaming. I am laughing sitting here thinking about it. All the guides started chasing him. The rest of us just kept chugging along. They finally did catch him. But it took a while. We did not see him again til the end of the trail, back at the barn. I was just happy that it wasn't me! He really handled it like a champ!

Question #24

Describe a place you like to go to be alone.

I love to go to the library. I know. I'm a total nerd. The library is the very best place to go & catch up on all my entertainment magazines. I can read them all & I don't have to buy a subscription. And while I am there, I can check me out a new book. Nothing beats the quiet too. It is so serene. Kobe & I go there about once or twice a week after school & we have a lot of fun. But my favorite time to go to the library is mid morning. Nobody is there. I am like one of the only people there. I also love to get on the computer & check out all of the book club lists. I always get books off of these & they are books I never would have chosen on my own. It just gives me a different outlook.

Another place that I like to go alone (sometimes) is the temple. Riley & I usually go together, but sometimes it is just nice to go alone. I like to get Kobe ready for school & go to the 9:15 session when Riley is working. It just gives me some time to think & ponder (I know, kind of a cheesy word!). I think everyone should try it at least once. It is really relaxing.

Question #23

Do you remember the first movie you ever saw & who starred in it?

I remember the first movie I ever went & saw in the theatre. It is soooo weird though. My Mom took me to the movie with her when I was only four. I totally remember the whole thing. She said I sat there & watched the whole thing. The movie is "Yentl". Ever heard of it?? Didn't think so! It was in the theatres in like 1984. It is a total grown-up movie. It is not bad or anything, just sorta boring for a kid. No bright lights, quirky characters, or silly music. The movie starred Barbra Streisand. She was the main character. She was a Jewish girl or disguised herself as a boy to enter religious training. Women were not treated the same & were not given the opportunity to go for more schooling. She wanted all of that so she went undercover. I really don't remember how it ended or anything. I should rent it & see what I think of the movie as an adult. Who knows?? I might still like it. (Or I could really really hate it!!)

Happy Birthday!

I just wanted to tell Little Riley Happy Birthday!! I hope you have the funnest day. We can't wait til we see you again. We are going to take him to "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". It will be totally fun. We love you so very much!! Kobe says:

Happy Birthday to you

you live in a zoo,

You look like a monkey,

& you smell like one too!!

Question #22

Describe getting a Christmas tree as a child. When did you put it up & decorate?

We used to always go get a real tree at Allied. They had a section outside during the winter with real Christmas trees. It was by the barber shop (Some of you Murrayites might remember). We would search & search 'til we found just the right tree. My parents loved to find really big beautiful trees. My Mom likes flocked trees. So we would find the tree, then they would flock the tree right in front of us. I loved to watch them do it. I loved the smell of being in the tent with all the real trees. We would buy the tree the first part of December. We would set up the flocked tree in our living room. My Mom has lots of really old, very pretty ornaments. There was a lot of beads on it. We also had a tree in our downstairs. The one downstairs was a big artificial tree. We would put all the little ornaments that were homemade & cute. We always had such a fun time putting up the trees. I have kept a lot of these traditions with my own family. I like to put up multiple trees. I think Kobe has a fun time doing it too. We have different themes on the trees. All of our trees are artificial. I like to decorate the fake tree's better. Much easier. The sagging branches on the real trees bothers me. I do love the smells from the real trees, but I guess that's what the sprays & candles are for. I don't think they are quite as good, but they come pretty close. I hope that as Kobe grows up he will have sweet memories of his childhood as I do. I want him to look back & remember our traditions. Hopefully he will continue some of them with his own family one day.

Question #21

Did you have a favorite tv program as a child? Tell about it.

Oh boy. Did I ever. I totally remember all the shows I loved to watch. Some of those shows I have talked to others about & no one remembers them. They were so fun & silly. Looking at some of the pictures of them makes me laugh. They really look so dorky.

The Polka Dot Door

This show was about a door that you would look through & learn new things, like how crayons are made & stuff. I remember it always had two people hosting & different puppets around. But the puppets would never really talk.

Today's Special

This show took place in a department store. Jodi was the store manager. There was a mannequin named Jeff that would come to life when you said "Hocus Pocus Alamagocus". The security officer was a puppet named Sam. And there was a puppet named Muffy. I remember she would always ride her scooter around.

He-Man Master of the Universe

He-Man was da bomb. It's funny because Kobe had now seen a new He-Man. I have rented the original He-Man at the library. I watched it with him & I thought it was so funny. The theme song is so cheesy!! Kobe liked it though. She-Ra was pretty cool too.

Zubilee Zoo

My sister & I used to watch this show every Saturday. It was about animals (that looked like humans). I remember I loved the kangaroo. I think her name was Wazzut or something. (She is the pink one in front)

Rainbo Brite

I thought she was the cutest. I totally loved her style. I remember she used to ride a flying unicorn. I can't remember her little puffy friends name. Let me know if you remember.

Full House

I loved you Uncle Jesse. I even used to have a poster of him on my wall. He was a major hunk. I never missed an episode. Remember TGIF? I loved all of those shows. Step by Step & Family Matters. They were great too!

Quantum Leap

I liked this show when I was in junior high. Sam was the main character. He would travel through time & become someone else who needed him. It was kind of a confusing story line, but I loved it. I actually saw an episode on tv the other day. It was kind of a show before its time. They tried to do a lot of special effects. It thought it was fun & entertaining.

These are just some of the shows I used to watch. If you have any others faves let me know! I would love to know what they are. It was a lot of fun going back through time. What a memory trip!

Queation #20

What do you fantasize about doing or being?

There are so many things that I would love to do. When I was younger there were so many different careers that I wanted to do. I didn't want to pick just one. At one time I really wanted to be a marine biologist & work at Sea World (gotta admit, kinda glad I didn't pursue that one!) I thought it would be so fun to live & work by the ocean. It's weird to me that I wanted to do that because I am so wimpy when it comes to touching anything under water like. Yuck. It's just so slimy. Then I wanted to be a lawyer. I am so not smart enough. And I think that I am too honest. When I was in high school I wanted to be a "designer to the stars". I wanted to live in Hollywood & decorate their giant mansions. But the #1 thing that I have fantasized about being has always been to be an entertainment reporter. That would totally be my dream. I am an entertainment junkie. Guiliana-I want your job. I think it would be so fun to ask celebrities all kinds of questions. I read all the mags & watch all the shows. You would have the funnest job & make major $$$. Ahhhh, how would it be??

Question #19

How did you feel about school?

School. I even hated to say the word. I really did not like going. I loved going & hanging with friends & the social part. I just hated sitting there in class learning stuff that I really did not care at all about. I totally wish I could go back & take my studies more seriously. I never did homework & I still got pretty good grades. My GPA was like 3.7 or 3.8 & I think if I would have tried harder I could have done a lot better. School really was fun, I don't know why I didn't want to be there all the time. I wish I could go back & tell myself to just enjoy the moment. Soak it all up & learn as much as you can. I remember I would always call my Mom & tell her to come & get me. Luckily for sports I had to be there or I wouldn't play. That saved me from a lot (more anyways!) of unexcused absenses. I wish I would have decided what I wanted to do for a career before I graduated. That way you don't have to waste a lot of time in college jumping from degree to degree. I want to try & push Kobe to figure it out ahead of time. President Hinckley once said "You have an obligation to make the most of your life. Plan now for all the education you can get, & then work to bring to pass a fulfillment of that plan. . . I am not suggesting that all of you should become professional men. What I am suggesting is this: whatever you choose to do, train for it. Qualify yourselves. Take advantage of the experience & learning of those who have gone before you in whatever field you choose. Education is a shortcut to proficiency. It makes it possible to leapfrog over the mistakes of the past." So far so good with Kobe. He is loving going to school every day. Hopefully he won't turn into me & start hating it!! Maybe one day, I'll go back & get my teaching degree. I would love to be a first grade teacher. It sounds like so much fun.

"Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." (D&C 88:118)