Anti New Years Resolutions.

I am anti New Years Resolutions. Every year, for many years, I made the common resolutions...lose weight, stop drinking, quit smoking...just kidding except for the weight. Seriously though, I would make the same goals and never reach them, so one year I decided to try something new. Instead of making New Years Resolutions at the beginning of each year, I just try to do at least one thing new that I've never done before.


Since I have started this little tradition, I've realized that I try new things often. Here are a few of the things I did in 2008 (in no particular order) that I have never done before...


I went to Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee and Missouri.


I jumped off of a high dive.


I drove from Bremerton Washington to Larned Kansas with my 2 kids and no other drivers to help.


I took my kids to a zoo by myself. *This might seem silly, but if you knew how terrified I am of pretty much EVERY wild animal, it would seem big to you too.


I went to the top of Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.


I replaced my toilet seat with no help.


I tried welding...thanks to a couple YRs at LJCF.


I became a blogger.


I went to a bar and stayed until last call. (Long Story!)


I learned how to balance spoons on my nose.


I made cheese fondue using a recipe I copied from the Melting Pot Restaraunt...It was AWESOME!


I posted videos on Youtube. You can check it out under username mstalkalot247.

All in all it was a great year for me and our family. I can only hope that 2009 will be just a good. Happy New Years Everyone!

Dad for the Day

Today Matthew asked me if he could be Dad for the day. I told him no because Dad would just watch football today and I needed his help. He promised to help me with housework today and then asked again if he could be Dad for the day. I finally agreed and he replied, 'Yes! That means I can sneak Oreos.'

Good Times

Lately I have been thinking about the people that have influenced me through out my life. I have thought about the good times that I have spent with good people and the lessons and memories they have shared with me.

I've had an idea stewing in my head for a while and today I decided I was ready to act on it. I'm going to share with you some of the lessons and memories I have with a few of my friends and family members. For a while I was worried about what I should share because I'd hate to hurt anybody's feelings. My solution is to start with the people that are on my blog list. I'll decide were to go after that, or even if it is necessary.

Jessica Zink, my sister in Kansas. She and I do fun things together that I would normally only do with my little sister, Gina. Go team CheZinkey. :) Infact, when my sister came to visit last May, she accused me of replacing her. Jessica is not a replacement thought because I love them both very much. Jessica is an inspiration to me becuase she is the only member in her family. She has been through tough times and is still strong. Right now she is preparing to go on a mission. The prep is not as easy as she wants it to be, but she is still striving. I am so excited for her and I know she will be an amazing missionary.

Ben and Liz Liz, favorite memory with you was when you came to the Funeral Home and we scrapbooked. I didn't really know you very well yet, but I knew you scrapbooked and I wanted someone I could get inspiration from. That day I learned about your mission, how you met Ben, we talked about our kids and college, the jobs we had once had and anything else we could think of. That evening when Ken and I went home, I told him all about you and that was the day I knew it would be okay to leave Larned and move to Great Bend. Ben, Sunday School each week would not be the same without you and your commentary. BTW, I do agree that your stix are truer than Kens.

Josh and Ashley, our newest friends in Kansas. My favorite memory with you guys was actually the first time you came over for FHE. I was nervous that you wouldn't want to do the craft becuase it was focused more for the kids. When you kicked your shoes off and started joking about it, I knew it was going to be great. Thank you for inviting us over to share your ham, for taking pictures of our family on that Sunday afternoon when it was 7 degrees outside and the wind was blowing like crazy. Josh, thanks for cracking Nicole's back and for letting Ken play video games and YOUR house. We love you guys!

Tina. I am so thankful for the example you are to Matthew. Thank you for teaching him in Primary and for loving him. Sundays after church while we are eating lunch, I ask the kids what they learned in Primary that day, and Matthew remembers the things you are teaching him. You are also an example to me. I've never heard you say a mean thing about anyone and you always have a smile. Thank you.

Rhonda. When I was 17, Rhonda joined our family. Before she married my brother. Ryan and I worked at the same hotel during that time. I worked from 3-11pm and he worked from 11-7am. So when I was getting off, he was coming on, and often Rhonda would drop him off and then take me home. Many nights before we went home, we would go to Red Robin. We would take turns buying dinner. As a teenager I spent alot of time with my friends, but some of my fondest times were spent with you, Rhonda at Red Robin after work. Also, I think it's my turn to buy!

Wendy Narvasa. Wendy and I met when we were put on a committee to decorate for the Ward Christmas Party. I had been in the ward 2 months. The day we met to decorate, was the beginning of a relationship that will last forever. We were only in the ward for 4 more months after that, but during that time we did everything together. Wendy, one of my favorite memories with you was when we went to the Bishop's Warehouse in Portland and did dry pack. We were the only ones from our ward, and we drove over together. We laughed the whole time, and then went out for Chocolate Hazelnut Milkshakes from Burgerville. We spent so much time together but often we had 6 kids hanging around, cramping our style. I loved that night because we weren't being bossed!! haha

Gina. Gina is my youngest sister, we are 8 years apart. We didn't get along most of the time that I lived home, but she is one of my closest friends now. Gina, one of my favorite memories with you was when you were living in Utah and we came down for Gemeral Conference to see you and Mom & Dad. Do you remember the 2nd hotel we stayed at in Provo, and our photo shoot?! That was my first professional photo shoot, with Dad and Ken as the photographers!! My addiction to camaras and my attitude of 'every moment is a kodak moment' was born that trip. I have loved all the times we have spent together, and I look forward to alot more in the future. I Love You! p.s. I'll see you in 11 days!

Heather. Heather is my older sister. She is #3 and I am #4. We shared a room from the time I can remember until the night before she got married, minus a year and a half in the first Bremerton house. I idolized her my whole life growing up and she wasn't very receptive to it, but that is okay. Heather, some of my favorite memories with you come from the days we sold all the parades down the I-5 corridor. We would leave Bremerton early in the morning, 1 of the times our first stop was at the Victorian Country Christmas in Puyallup. (Pew-al-up) From there we would drive down to Centralia. (Sen-Trail-yuh) At that parade, we were often made fun of by the spectators. It was a self esteem boost for sure. After that parade we had 4 or 5 hours until the next one in Longview, so we would go shopping. Once or twice we drove down to Troutdale to see your old stomping ground, that later became my old stomping ground too. When the last parade was over, we would stop by Walmart in Centralia again to return anything we decided we didn't want, and then buy things we forgot or decided we needed. When we weren't shopping or selling, I loved the conversations we had and the ideas we came up with. Heather I love and I wouldn't trade those times for anything.

Melissa. Melissa and I met when we were Beehives in the Silverdale 3rd ward, and she was one of my best friends through Junior High . When I was a freshman, the boundaries of our ward split and we weren't in the same ward or the same school through high school. Melissa, one of my favorite memories with you was when we dressed up in our 'special' outfits for the last day of school at Ridgetop. I came across an old picture not long ago, and I will spare the world that image, but it brought back all the memories. Do remember the notes we wrote back and forth? 'visions' Thank you for being such a good example to me in school. Thank you also for cutting all my hair off when we lived in Utah. You were the first person besides me Mom to ever cut my hair and the first person ever to color it. You are amazing!

Amy. Amy and I served in the Young Women's Presidency together in Bremerton 2nd ward. She introduced me to rubberstamps and I learned to try new recipes from her. Amy, one of my favorite memories with you was the day we had to make all those little sugar cookies for Young Women's in Excellence. Do you remember when we were right in the middle of a batch and all our kids were in the living room crying REALLY LOUD? I just remember looking up and seeing all the kids in there, not very happy and wondering what had gone wrong. One of the kids was sitting in a box, a couple on the couch, and Matthew laying on the floor. He was the youngest at just a few months old. We took a break, situated them, and in no time things were back to normal. Thank goodness for Blue's Clue's and pacifiers!! Amy you are my first friend that I have kept contact with after we didn't live close to each other anymore. I Love You.

Kirstin and I met in Troutdale. We were both serving in Primary. Kirstin, one of my favorite memories with you was when we watched Pride and Prejudice togehter, the A&E Version. I was having a bad night, and Ken had just called and told me he wouldn't be home until the next morning. Just as I was trying to decide what to fix my kids for dinner, you called and invited the kids and I over for Pizza and a movie. Another memory was when I came to your house right after Christmas one year and taught you how to make pajama pants. The year before we made them for your Mom. You introduced me to color on the walls and tribute videos. Thank you for helping me with mine, right beofre we moved to Kansas. I Love You and miss you.

Jen and I met in Troutdale too. We never served together in an auxilary so I don't really remember when it was we became friends, but I'm so glad we did. Jen you introduced me to High/Low at dinner time. We still do it today. I loved it when we were gym buddies. It was a perfect setup. When you wanted to go, I didn't but I went. When I wanted to go, you didn't, but you went too. Because of you, I tortured myself on the stair stepper. I saw one the other day at SEars, and thought of you--good thoughts. Thank you for caring and for being there when I needed someone to talk to. I Love You and miss you.

Bonnie and I also met in Troutdale. I remember when I first met her I thought she was so nice. I later found out she was the Bishop's wife and I was sad because I wanted to be her firend, but I didn't want her to think I was trying to be friends jut because she was the Bishop's wife. I know, that is silly. Bonnie, my favorite memories with you come from the back of the primary room. I loved the short visits we had when sharing time was happening. From those short conversations I was strengthened. Thank you for taking us to the River with your family, and thank you for letting me help you with your scout quilt. You are very talented.

Marian and met at Thanksgiving Dinner in Larned. We've spent the last 2 thanksgivings together at the Connie Carlton's home (her Mother in law) My favorite memory so far was last Thanksgiving. Wegot to visit the whole day, we were guitar heros together, and we planned a trip to see them in March when we go to St. Louis. I can't wait!

Andrea and Garen are my little brother and his wife. We haven't spent alot of time with them since they've been married. I guess that is what happens when a family moves to Alaska on orders. One of the memories I have of spending times with Garen and Andrea was when they spent the night at our house in Oregon when they were moving from California to Alaska. We played games and I got to know Hayden for the first time. It was a really nice visit, and I'm sorry they can't take place more often.

Courtney and I served in Primary Presidency together here in Great Bend. Courtney, my favorite memories with you are when You, Holly and I would go shopping in Salina after our Stake Meetings. It was fun finding good buys and having good conversation. I also enjoyed the day that you babysat me after my surgery. Thank you for being my friend, and for being a good example of patience towards your kids. We miss your family alot.

Jacque and I met in Bremerton 2nd ward. She had just gotten married and I was engaged to be married shortly. Jacque, one of my favorite memories with you and Aaron was right after we got married and you came over for dinner. Do you remember when I made 'fried chicken'? It was GROSS!! I remember you trying to help me fix what I had just ruined and I remember your poor husband eating it--barely. Let him know I can make it really good now. You guys introduced us to Rumicube. Do you remember that we started playing that after our ONE game of Monopoly when Ken about commited a murder!! Thank you for the good memories.

Sarah was my first visiting teaching companion away from my home ward in Washington. We were neighbors in Orem, Utah. We got 100% every month, while we were comps. Sarah'a family and mine spent many evening together playing the farming game. We also spent our first Thanksgiving away from home with them. When I went into the hospital to have our 3rd baby, she watched my kids and cleaned my house. Shortly after that we moved away and didn't see tham again until this last July. Sarah, my favorite memory with you is the night of my slumber party, shortly before we moved back to Washington. Ken and the kids went to your house, you and Martha along with Heidi came over to my house. After the other girls left, we stayed up till almost 4 in the morning talking like we were in High School. I loved that.

Trishelle. Trishelle and I were in the Primary Presidency together in the Columbia Ward in Troutdale Oregon. Often times, it was not an easy friendship for either of us, but I wouldn't trade anyting we've gone through for an easier route. Trishelle, one of my favorite memories with you, was when we had a presidency meeting at your home and we were making sugar cookies, drinking hot chocolate and stamping thank-you's for the teachers. We were all discussing the books we had read, our favorite movies and you introduced me to spoilers. I still love spoilers. We had been laughing alot that night, and during a quiet time in the conversation, I took a drink of my hot chocolate, but at the very moment, I started laughing again for no good readon, and actually spit my hot chocolate out. That just go us all laughing again. Also, because of you, I love nail polish and toe rings. I have a great appreciation for things that sparkle and that smell good.

Jessica Darrington. I met Jessie on my first date with Ken. Her husband, Randy, and Ken have been friends since 2 or 3rd grade. He was the best man at our wedding, and we stayed with them on our first trip to Utah as a married couple. Jessie, do you remember Ken and I's wedding day, when you were 8 months pregnant and we lost the alternator in our car, an hour and a half away from home? We all piled into my Mom and Dad's car. There was 8 of us in an old Chrysler that had 5 seatbelts. It was in the middle of August and HOT. We didn't have air in the car. Mom and Dad had Kyle in the front seat between them. You and Randy, Ken and I, and Gina were piled into the pack. If I remember right, you had to sit on Randy's lap--kindof. It was the longest ride home from the Seattle Temple I'd ever experienced, and your attitude was GREAT. I was annoyed, and the guys didn't care either way. Thank you for coming all the way to Washington for our wedding, and for being my friend through the good and bad times. I Love You!

I am thankful for each and every one of you. There have been tears and laughter, annoyances and anger, love and service. Throught out the times that I have spent with each of you, I have become a better person. Thank you for the Good Times. ttfn Dedra

Fire and Drought

This is a copied post, strait from my dear friend Amy in Idaho. It was so beautiful to me, I wanted you all to have the opportunity to read it to too.


It seems to me that adversity often comes in two varieties--Fire and Drought.

When a fire hits you, the heat burns and it hurts so bad you almost can't stand it. The smoke makes you disoriented and you just can't see clearly. The ash settles around you, making everything a dull gray. You ask, "How did this happen? Why did this happen? And who started it?" You feel your way around, hoping to find a door that leads you away from the heat. And you keep hoping that someone will hear your cries for help.

In a drought, there is something that you need, that you yearn for, that just isn't happening. The rain does not fall, the job doesn't come, the cradle is still empty, the person doesn't change, the pain won't end. And there is nothing to do but wait. And waiting is the hardest part. Every day leaves you a little more drained. Every day it gets a little harder to keep your faith. You wonder if this drought will ever end and you wonder how you can possibly go on another season.

One of my favorite scriptures in Jeremiah says:

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."



Whether you are being seared by a fire or parched by a drought, my wish for you this coming year is that you will have the only thing that puts out a fire or ends a drought--water. May the living water of Christ soothe your burns and quench your thirst. Then you will have the courage to face the heat and the hope to weather the drought. And that is when, like the tree, you will force your roots deep and spread out your branches and yield fruit to all around you.

A little trip down memory lane...

Something I said to my kids that my mom used to say to me:

Child: What do I do first in my room?
Me: Make your bed first.
C: Why?
M: Your room will already look cleaner, even before you put anything away.
C: I hate making my bed!

When I was a kid, I'd always ask my mom that same question and her response would be the same as mine is now. It got to the point, I would just do a shotty job cleaning my room and then I'd just ask her if I could skip making my bed. She would usually let me. It turns out she was right now, I LOVE it when my bed is made, the room really does look cleaner!

A Christmas memory from when I was a kid that I shared with my kids this week:

Every year at our house my Mom and Dad would let us get up at 5 to open gifts. We were told that was the time before we went to bed every year. On Christmas morning, somewhere between 12 and 1 I would get up to look and see if Santa had come yet and once he had, I would go back to bed and then get back up to look again ever 20 or 30 minutes. I LOVED looking what was in my stocking. Each time I would get up, pull everything out, look at it, then try to put it back the same way Santa did, then I'd go back to bed and repeat it a few minutes later. By about 1:30 in the morning, I wo uld have run ins with siblings and then we would start asking if we could get up and open presents. My parents would say no and remind us of the 5am time.

The Christmas we lived in McMinnville, Oregon, the routine was the same for me. But this year, I was up at the same time as my older brother Ryan. We came up with a plan. Actually I think he said something in just, I took it for a great idea and then we executed! Around 2 in the morning, Ryan told me we could get up earlier and open gifts if we just moved the clocks ahead. Mom and Dad would never find out and Christmas would come sooner.

That seemed like a great idea to me. All we had to do was change the clocks on the VCR, the kitchen and on MY DAD'S NIGHTSTAND. Ryan graciously volunteered to change the VCR and the Kitchen and I got the job of sneaking into my Mom and Dads room, sneaking around their bed, and standing in space about 2 feet wide that separated my Dad from his alarm clock to change the time.

It made sense to me though, since I didn't know how to change the VCR time and the kitchen clock was up too high. After this conversation, Ryan went to bed (I don't think he thought I'd do it.) and I took a few deep breaths and went up the stairs and turned left to go into my parents room. I tiptoed in, got to the nightstand, freaked out when I heard my Dad breath out a LOUD snore, then quickly, hit the time button, tapped the hour button twice and then hurried out FAST. By this time is was 3:45ish.

I went down to Ryan and told him I did he, he got up and changed the other clocks, and 15 minutes later I went into my Mom and Dad's room and told them it was already 5!

The got up, somehow more tired than usual and the unwrapping of presents began.

When you have a family of 10, it takes a while to open all the gifts. We typically took about 2 hours. When we were done, and everyone was playing with their new things, I remember my Dad looking at his watch to see what time it was. He was sitting between Ryan and I. (I was in front of the love seat, Ryan was in front of the TV, Dad was in the middle of the floor, close to the archway--in case anyone in my fam is trying to visualize) He looked at his watch, then at the VCR, then back to his watch again. During his breif confusion, he commented we got done early, said "Charlet, I think my watch quit" and then Ryan said, "No, Dedra moved your clock ahead. It's only 5 in the morning!' Then I said 'It was Ryan's idea! He changed the clocks in the living room and kitchen!" I don't remember my parents laughing about it--they got good at holding a straight face I guess, but I also know we didn't get in trouble either.

For the rest of the time that I lived at home, it seems that we retold this story each year at Christmas, and the only bad thing about it, is that once you pull a trick like that, it never works again.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!! ttfn

Probably the Funnest Weekend in the history of my LIFE!!!

On Friday at 6pm, my friend Liz called me. "Ben got home early, we can go." I told her I'd be ready in 20 minutes, hurried and finished up last minute packing--I'm a procrastinator, and then went to pick her up. As we were pulling on the 10th St--the main road in GB, I called another friend, Angie and told her we were on our way. A little over 2 hours later we checked into a hotel in Wichita--without husbands or kids.

That evening we went to a restaraunt called The Rowdy Beaver and we ate fried pickles among with other yummy appetizers. Angie and Liz liked the pickles, I thought it was kind of gross, but I liked the idea. I'm just picky about the kind of pickles I'll eat. the rest was tasty too.

The next morning, we ate breakfast at the hotel before checking out and it was the best customer service I'd ever seen at a continental breakfast. Way to go Hampton Inn West! The lady there was making sure everyone was eating good and getting more than enough. At one point she was clearing out table and picked up a spoon, I told her we were taking it with us and she told us to be sure to put some fruit in our purse while we were at it. I think that is a job I could do when I'm older! She was really fun. Her name was Sheila.

After breakfast we went to approzimately 10 stores in 10 1/2 hours.

Kohls

Burlington Coat Factory

Famous Footwear

Walmart

Scrapbook Memories

Hobby Lobby

Stop for Lunch at Red Red Robin

Stop for Gelato by Red Robin

Target

Stop for Steamers at Starbucks

FYE

Old Navy

Lane Bryant

We left Wichita at around 8:15 and got home at 10:41pm. All the guys were at my house watching BYU get stomped.

Highlights of the trip...

There was a girl who worked at Target named Dedra who spelled her name the same way I do. I've never seen that in my life. She too said her Mom and Dad didn't know how to spell it when they named her that. I personally love the way my name is spelled and I'm glad it's not the traditional spelling--Deidre.

Liz found 2 pairs of jeans that fit her. and they were less than 30 dollars for both of them on super clearance. She was extatic, we were happy for her because she was so excited. What woman doesn't feel joy when they find a good pair of jeans!!

We had a GPS with us--affectionately names Lola--who got us to most places with little or no trouble. Sometimes we went the scenic route and she did tell us that Red Robin was over 100 miles away, but Liz called Ben and got us a better address, then Lola led us there flawlessly.

We LOVE Gelato! None of us had ever had it before. I had Creme Brule, Angie had Coconut and Liz had Pistachio. We all tried each others, all 3 were delicious!

I'm DONE with my Christmas Shopping, and after I finished wrapping everything last night, I was able to put aside a few gifts, so their birthdays are done too.

Thank you to Ken, Ben B and Ben D for watching the kiddos so we could have a night away. It was so much fun and much needed.

It's that time of the year again...

The month of December is the month we go to the eye doctor. Why you ask? Because we don't have enough expenses with Christmas, so we like to add 3 pairs of glasses and 4 exams into the mix. I actually don't know why we go in December, but we always have and so it goes...

We have 2 exams down, 2 to go. Nicole and Matthew went on the 16th. Matthew still has 20/20 vision--much to his dismay. Yes, that is right, he WANTS glasses.

Nicole's eyes are the same and this year she is trying contacts. We'll see how it goes. We also ordered glasses because they get beat up after a year when you are an active little kid.

Got Snow?

First REAL snow of the season. We woke up this morning to 3 1/2 inches of snow outside. I LOVE IT! This picture was taken while it was still snowing. (obviously) It will probably melt this weekend but that's okay. I have a plan to build a snowman before it melts so we can have one on the green lawn. Those are my favorite kind.

I Want To Break Free

A few years ago, Ken and I, Heather and Farrell and Gina along with her date went to see Oceans 12 in the theater. We were sitting quietly in one of the back rows when the previews started. The first preview was a coke commercial. We heard the intro and recognized the commerical because we had seen it on TV a few times. About 4 counts before the actualy singers were going to start singing the song on the ad, Ken belted out, in prefect pitch, REALLY LOUD, 'I want to break free!' ALot of people turned around and looked at us. All of us on the back row--except for Ken--were laughing too. Ken just sat there with a smug look on his face, proud of what he had just done. I found that very ad on YouTube. So I hope you like the ad, and for Heather, Farrell and Gina, I hope you enjoy this little walk down memory lane. I'm smiling right now as I type it.

Danny Boy

I LOVE the group 'Celtic Thunder' and my favorite song they sing is Danny Boy. Here is a clip of them singing it on YouTube.



I also LOVE the muppets and their ability to ruin anything beautiful. Here is a clip of them singing it on YouTube.

It's COLD outside!

I took this picture at high noon. It's actually warming up!

How to be a good wife

Our High Councilman read this from the pulpit when he spoke to our ward last month. I thought I'd share. BTW, it was read at the beginning of his talk and it was funny. This was not actual councel from the pulpit.

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE!!

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal-on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

***

Prepare yourself. Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

***

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.

***

Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to seem them playing the part.

***

Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him, greet him with a smile and be glad to see him.

***

Some don’ts: Don’t greet him with problems or complaints. Don’t complain if he’s late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

***

Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

***

Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

***

Your goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

----Excerpted from a 1950’s high school home economics textbook----

I'm affraid to ask how I'm doing!!!

Got Milk?

About a month or so ago, we went to Braums for ice cream and to take pictures. This set is one of my favorites. Jessica was with us and we felt like taking pictures for our favorite Sister Misisonary--Hermana Madsen--so this one of the sets we sent her. Because I like to show off the fact that I'm not very mature ALL the time (any of the time??) I thought I'd show my fans.

Elvis is ALIVE! I met him at Braums

Who knew Ken looked live Elvis! LOL!!!

At the Durhams

Last night we went over to our friends, Josh and Ashley's house for dinner. After dinner, Josh showed us around their new house (they just moved to GB) and the last room of the tour was the TV room in the basement. At that point, I lost Ken and never saw him again the whole evening. I actually left him at their house at 9:30 and took my kids home so they could go to bed. I guess that's what happens when you hook up a play station to a big screen TV. If they had guitar hero, I'd be all over it too! It was a ton of fun and I'm glad Ken was able to play with his friend too.

Blogging Award...

My friend Amy gave me this award! Thanks Amy!

I'm supposed to pass it on to 5 of my favorite blogging buddies, but since I couldn't decide which ones to give it to, I'm giving it to everyone on my blog list! I love reading them all, that is why I've linked them from my blog. That is also where I get some of my ideas. I'm a huge copycat!

Great Bend Christmas Parade

Last week we went to the Parade on Main St and it was really fun for the kids. They loved seeing Santa and getting the candy. Ken and I loved the modes of transportation that some of the people decided to drive in the parade.

We had 3 favorites. The first one, which sadly the picture did not turn out, was of a guy riding his lawn mower. It was just any lawn mower though, the bottom part was round and he could also sweep the street, which he was doing. It was special.

#2, a truck with the BIGGEST sleeper I've ever seen in my life.

#3, another guy riding his tractor.

All in all, it was a fun night.