Oh where oh where have I been?

The last few weeks have been insanely busy, but also rewarding, here's the scoop:

Utah Trip:

Helped assisted my friend Brandee, with an unexpected c-section, while her hubby was gone to Afghanistan...

For those who have known me in the last 4 years, could understand how close to home this was for me. Dads should be there for the delivery, simple as that! Especially in situations like a 1st c-section!! I totally am wonderwoman, you should have seen me covered in the gear (mask, hat, suit, booties, etc.) from head to toe, with two cameras around my neck, instant messaging daddy, while trying to support Brandee all in the middle of surgery! Total Craziness. Although I do have to say the real wonderwoman is now taking care of three alone for the next ten months!

I did my best, but definitely not the same as if he were there. Brandee I hope you're feeling well, I'm not calling you because you should be sleeping NOT sending me care packages, you goof!

Here's pics of my sweet little "goddaughter" Jillian. The only reason I get to have one, is because I was baptized catholic as a baby, so I'm a mormon catholic, and get to have goddaughters. :)




Next, Friend Reunion, Fort Meade Style:

Spent Saturday and Sunday with my girls from Fort Meade, we had so much fun, chatting, scrapping, shopping, eating, beautifying, with no interruptions from kids or hubbies. Super crazy fun!!


Photographer: EMILY H.
Friend Reunion, Bloomington:

Visited with an old friend from when Josh and I were first married, B.C., I like to call it, Before Colson! She's been through a lot the past several years, but continues to amaze me with her strength and courage. By the way, she's working on being a Biology teacher, and she's single... SO.... PM me later, if you want details! He He, she's going to kill me! :)


Mount Tippenogas Temple Visit...


Sigh, what else can I say, I barely made a session, but spent the afternoon in the calmest, most peaceful place on earth. Pondering my life and big decisions, left feeling lightened, and with the knowledge that it was time to move on. SAY WHAT????

Leading me to what I've been doing for the last two weeks. Insanely working on preparing our house (more befores) for selling: Remember the Befores?? Well here are the afters:








AND Laila at ELEVEN months... Wowsers... Time Flies! While attempting her photo shoot, I thought I would try again to get the three together, no such luck. Their smiles were so fake, so I tried to get a real laugh and told them to pick their nose. Of course they were obedient then!! Goofy kiddos! :)





So, please don't take it personal if I haven't returned an email, made a phone call, or anything else. We have been swamped. I mean, why would I have a normal summer? Can you recall the last one? Oh my. Here we go again. Wish us luck! Hopefully I can be in touch a little more often.

He's Done.

Joshi has officially finished his MBA. Thank you all. Now to confirm a position. Another interview next week!!

Take a minute and congratulate the hard work!!

Great Job, Joshi!

Some weeks better than others.

Did you miss me? I LOVE being committed to just one day a week.

Life has thrown me a curve ball. Which is both healing and yet painful. I'm working through the issues, you know the baggage we all carry. Except it got way too heavy for me to deal with alone, so I'm seeing a shrink. Yeah, I have no shame. and well this isn't the first time, and I'm guessing it's not the last time. He is amazing though!! Really helping me through some of my "issues". It's been emotionally exhausting, physically draining, and spiritually enlightening. I highly recommend it. Why not?? I mean they're professionals, they're not judgy friends or family, and seriously know what they're doing. I mean not EVERYONE needs the help, but if you do, and you probably know if you do, just do it. :) I can see the nike commercial now. I love that through all this I am learning about the real me.

Anyway, I spent the week at the Y. I dropped two more pounds, Hallie is now learning to ride a two-wheeler, Josh scheduled another interview, and Laila learned to clap, while Colson is ALWAYS the first one to know the date in his class. We all have things to be proud of this week.

It would be a shame for me to not mention Mothers today. I mean really!

I wish I could say, I have this great relationship with my mother, and that we call each other and can finish the others' sentences. My mom and I rarely get along. She might be reading this and I truly don't want to offend her, but I'm not saying anything she doesn't already know. We've had a difficult relationship over the years, we both have issues, and for whatever reason, it hasn't been easy. However, as an adult I've grown to respect her. She has come through for me more than once. She picked up some jewelry for me for my Senior Prom, she spent a chunk of money on my table centerpieces at my wedding, and let my family impose on her for a month before Hallie was born. She made us an endless supply of "jams" when we were kids, and gave us free reign of her shoes and clothes to play dress-up. She rode roller coasters at cedar point (although I still can't forgive her for the matching outfits she made us wear), and gave us a summer we'll never forget. Thanks mom, I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

To my Mother-in-Law, Yup I love her too! She's amazing, and literally created the most amazing gift I've ever received, her first born son. She's a teacher, a scrapbooker, and QVC watcher, (like me). You can NOT go wrong with the Q, do you Q? Anyway, she has the patience of Job, and she is loyal. Happy Mothers Day!

To my Stepmom, the wicked witch, of course I'm kidding. Cherri I hope you're laughing?!? Does anyone really want a blended family?? Seriously? Nope. But, she has taught me who cares!! She's tried really hard to make our family as "normal" as possible. I think I respect her the most for dealing with my dad. If she hadn't married him, I'm not sure who would have. I can say that, because I'm just like my dad, and seriously NO ONE actually wants to live with us!! But, she takes care of him, and has softened his heart in ways I never thought possible. She's the cool one, cool clothes, cool bags, cool jewelry, cool shoes, so it's always fun to go shopping with her, and she even lets our kids call her Grandma Cherri, now THAT is sacrifice. I know this holiday is far from her mind, as she lost a dear friend this past week to pancreatic cancer. Cherri, I hope you can have a good day.

To my other mothers, who probably never have seen this blog, but there are women out there, teachers, YW leaders, church leaders, that have risen to take in this wayward, awkward, harsh, passionate girl, and truly sheltered me under your wings. To you, who had no obligation whatsoever, I thank you, and wish you a Happy Mothers Day. I will never forget the service you rendered on my behalf.

To mothers everywhere, enjoy today, not because it celebrates you, but because it celebrates the glorious role you have:

“Motherhood, is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.” (The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, many years ago)

Till next week!

Lucy

The Sunday Scoop.

I've got this friend who basically blogs on Tuesdays, and it's so fun! I know exactly when she's updating. And I LOVE the idea of blogging once a week, I need to spend more time doing other 'good things'! So here's the Sunday Scoop.


This past week I made a home made Strawberry Pie and homemade ice-cream, YUMMY!! We had some friends over to play croquet. It was fun, and I hadn't played since I was little, I remember playing it with my family, Bec, Vic, do you remember?


LAILA AT TEN MONTHS

Laila turned ten months this past week, and isn't she a doll?? What a beauty. We love her little personality, quiet, patient, laidback, and playful. She truly is a dream baby.



Josh had another interview this week, has one week left until graduating with a MBA, and I LOVE this picture of him. Lucky Me.



Colson had a big shin dig at his school yesterday, the kids had a blast! Laila was annoyed by the blankets I kept covering her with, so she was holding them up out of the way!! BUT, the worst part?? I was with one of the YW from church, and this kid thought I was her mother. HELLO???? I would have been 15, I mean technically it was possible, but since this happened a week after I turned thirty, it did not go over well. Yes I cried myself to sleep thank you for asking!!

Motherhood

Oh how I loved THIS TALK from General Conference. It reminded me of my role as a mother. And encouraged me to refocus on this role, and work on some areas of improvement. As I'm pondering these thoughts, thinking of the divinity of my calling as mother, in comes Hallie with her pants around her ankles "I need wiped Mommy". As I was saying...

He referenced author "Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”(Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11)."

Hallie just said "I love helping clean up the living room mom!" And now she's playing with her sister in that pokey kind of way. Laila smiles and chuckles with her big belly, and hair that is slowly growing, but has produced one little curl over her ear. She's grabbing Hallie's hair and in response Hallie said "Can I get a little help here?". These are my children, right now. And off I go, to spend some time with my quickly aging children. Take the time to share what your children are doing RIGHT NOW.

Applesauce-Oatmeal Cookies

This is for Alexis and Sarah - per their request! I think Gwenda asked, too!

1/3 C butter or margerine, softened
2/3 C packed brown sugar
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1/2 C unsweetened applesauce
1 1/4 C all purpose flour (I used 1/2 cup of whole wheat and 3/4 cup white flour)
1 1/4 C rolled oats

Beat butter for 30 sec on high speed.

Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda, Beat till combined.

Beat in egg and applesauce till combined.

Beat in as much flour as you can, stir in the rolled oats.

rounded teaspons, 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 for 8 - 10 minutes, Yields about 2 dozen


I doubled this recipe... and had plenty for a weeks worth of after school snacks. They were YUMMY, very soft, cookies... and not too bad for ya! And I LOVE recipes, that contain basically everything from my pantry!!

30, Flirty and Fabulous!

Today IS the day. I've arrived!!

I was dreading this day for a few months now, it's here, it's at a close, and I made it! Thanks to several GREAT friends.

It started by two of my friends Sally and Sue (names have been changed to protect the innocent). They just HAD to be the VERY FIRST to wish me a Happy Birthday. I was sound asleep in the comfort of my own bed when at 11:47 p.m. I'm awoken to two women's voices singing Happy Birthday and throwing stones at my window. I knew exactly who it was, but wasn't sure what to do with these two crazies... eventually they left our window and we could hear them at the back door. Josh set the car alarm off from the bedroom, I couldn't believe that would work! I guess it was good timing, because it was right when Sue had leaned against the car. ANYWAY they brought me this incredibly distasteful cake, so if you're easily offended don't look on!! Either in good taste or not, it broke the ice for turning thirty, when I realized that these two, who are WAY older than me are out in the middle of the night with obscene cakes still having fun, I should have no worries turning thirty. The joke is a little inside joke, the board on the cake says "Have a hanging birthday!" O.k. so I've been a little upset about the droopy factor if you know what I mean! :)



















This morning I went to the Y, did my 30 minutes of heart improving exercise, I did take it easy, I opted for the elliptical instead of the treadmill, I mean hey, it's my birthday!

Then I came home and talked to a sister or two that called, my dad and stepmom, and a neighbor stopped by with these two framed pictures, so nice of her! Then Hallie and I went shopping, and got lost in TJMaxx for a couple of hours, I LOVE that store!! You never know what you'll find! We came home and picked up a bit, another neighbor brought over a casserole, I love elderly neighbors, they are so kind and thoughtful! A few more friends called, another dropped off a GREAT gift, so thoughtful, thanks Linds, you rock!

Josh and the kids got me an IPOD!! Sweet, I'm so in love already. I am picturing myself running miles and miles with that good friend. It came with apple stickers, and I told Josh, SWEET, I can do a scrapbook page about my new friend! We then went and enjoyed dinner, i only ate half the portion. (I hear your metabolism starts a decline when you hit thirty) We then took the kids swimming at the Y, I did a few laps, it felt great to hang with the family!

Then at the end of the night, my friend Sonia gave me my last and final gift of the night, which sums today up PERFECTLY. Just read the quote on the pillow!

Thanks to all those that called and emailed, there is NOTHING like being remembered.

Love you all!

Spring is Here.

We walked to the park on Friday night, and it felt so good to take the kids outside and enjoy the weather. It also brings lawn mowing season...

The After School Snack

My kids live for the after school snack. These are some applesauce and oatmeal cookies that turned out so yummy!! Enjoy.

One of my Favorite Layouts!

You know I lost another contest, but hey, I'm having fun scrapping and that's all that counts. Here's a layout I did for the contest that I LOVE. I had to share it, it's been stowed away for a few months now, and I can finally share it! Aren't Josh's grandparents so cute!

By the way, I'm the newest Young Women's Secretary! A lateral move, and it should be fun!

Eye Witness

to a hit and run, in a parking lot. That's what I was today, along with two other people. But no one waited but me, I called the police reported the driver and then everyone took off!! I, holding Laila, stood there in the parking lot waiting for the police to come, so that the poor driver of the Saturn, was notified of who exactly hit their car. While the police checked the vehicle they discovered the driver was 90 years old!!! He had backed into the car, and then just took off!! I was waving at him, and I know he AND his wife saw me, but did not stop!! And they both jerked forward, so I know he could at least FEEL the collision! The policeman (woman) said I can't write a ticket to a hit and run for a 90 year old man... Oh must be nice. Definitely reminds me of Fried Green Tomatoes, "I'm older, and I've got more insurance." What was more funny is the other eye witness was asked by the old man where the library was, so they were able to find the car right away!!! One reason why I'm particularly irritated with this, is that, my poor sister in high school, fell victim to a hit and run, never found the person that did it, and ended up costing her money. SO moral of the story. If you see something, call the police, report it. Take the time to help someone out. And with that, Old Geiser man with no morals, totally lucked out, too, he wasn't ticketed for a hit and run. You never know.

Tidbits

1. Missionaries for dinner, We feed them = they feed us. Great message on giving our all to the service of the Lord.

2. Spring = Fresh Produce on it's way, YUMMY!! (strawberries with angel food cake for dessert, oh and chocolate redi-whip)

3. Very Bad Rabbits = Not so many strawberry plants left...

4. 3 Job interviews = 2 job offers, and hopefully more to come!

5. 1 hour 45 minutes = 1 lawn mowed.

6. 1 fussy baby = not so much sleep for mom or baby

7. 3.2 Miles ran this morning = 1 5K and sore legs!!

8. Thursday = OFFICE night!!

9. 13 Comments = 65 sit-ups from the post about dancing!!! I am feeling it! Did you think I was joking??

10. 1 visit from the bishopric = one new calling for one of us... you'll have to wait till Sunday!

Hope you had a good Thursday, we sure were busy!

Job Interview Number Two

Josh is interviewing here today. This company is one we're definitely interested in... Please send good vibes his way. And he has another interview on Thursday.

Oh we are getting so close!

Dancing the Night Away

This is what Josh and I did, on Friday night!! SO MUCH FUN!! Our church sponsored this super fun date night with a live band, and beautiful decorations. By far, the most beautifully decorated church of all time. I mean they decorated the bathrooms, the walls, the ceilings... the theme was "An Enchanted Evening". The walls looked like stone walls, with lanterns, candles on the tables, just beautiful!! The live band The Citations was super fun, and pretty good. I LOVE to dance and forgot how much, until that music started playing, I had such a blast, by myself. Josh doesn't dance too much, but we still had a great time. He told a member of the bishopric that I had been drinking. Sweet, no primary president for me... No, I seriously was the only person that danced most of the night, it was great, and the company was even better! Josh, looked amazing, and we carpooled, EIGHT of us in one van. It was a great time. We laughed and talked, and danced. It was a much needed night. I felt like I was in college again, the night ended with some great ice cream. Needless to say the Fort Meade North crowd, rocked the night! Maybe 30 won't be so bad! Here's a quick picture of my night, with an added bonus of my shoes for my sistahs!!

Making Money... Kind of.

What a sweet book!! This is so worth it's weight in Gold. After reading the book, I bought 4 boxes of cereal for 12 cents each. It's true. Isn't that insane?? I'm on way to saving BIG money on groceries, and it really isn't that complicated. SWEET... Good luck on your grocery shopping!! I'll keep you posted on my latest savings!

PLEASE VOTE FOR BROOKE!!!

so amazing, and yet, bottom three last week?!? VOTE!!

Laila at Nine Months

Sitting up FINALLY! :) And her first discovery of grass.

More Evidence, the training wheels gone. long gone.

Hallie

Does not like missing out on the attention. It's the middle child syndrom, and I understand it perfectly. The baby gets all the attention cause she's cute and little, and learning so much. The oldest gets all the attention for learning their tricks, too. Stuck in the middle is no fun. Here's a picture of her riding her bike, heaven forbid I leave her out!

Y i love the Y.

1. FREE child care.

2. TWO HOURS of FREE child care.

3. Discounts for classes for kids.

4. FREE classes for me.

5. Whirlpool

6. Regular Pool

7. Miss Tina takes care of my kids.

8. I get to shower without worrying about kids!!

9. It has a weight room, cardio room, gym, indoor and outdoor track, and a very sweet gymnastics center.

10. Miss Amy teaches Hallie gymnastics.

11. Did I mention FREE childcare??

12. The membership is ridiculously low.

I just got home for a great workout, I've worked out 12 times in 17 days. And I'm feeling great. I must be 28!!

TEN days...

until "The Office" returns!! YEAH!!! By the way did you know Angela's Pregnant?? I wonder how they'll work that in, she's due in June!

BIG NEWS

As if I couldn't feel worse about my age, we said Good-Bye to these:



Colson picked it up in an afternoon. How crazy is that?? He's on a two-wheeler! I'll try and get a picture of him, Josh and I took turns teaching him and taking care of the girls, so it was too hard to capture the moment, but I wanted to post today his news, so this pic would have to do!!

Catching Up

This post contains a lot!! There's some easter pictures... (please note the bangs on Hallie)



Here's the rolls from my Easter Brunch... It was just the fam, but we celebrated in the morning before chuch. These are orange rolls, and seriously the best I've ever made!


Here's where I have found Hallie lately:



And Colson had his first concert at school, can you find him??




What a crazy week!!

One of those Days.

Started great, ended horrendous.

However, I am determined to find Joy in my Journey. My husband came home to me, (i was not in the best of shape), and showed true compassion. He currently is holding Laila, and talking army bases with Colson as he builds them in his room. I love that he takes time to be with them after work. He's better at this then me. Thanks, Josh!

Things have been really hard for me right now, there's strained family relationships, some traumatic things in the past that have come up, and the stress of finding a job, has taken it's toll on me, which then affects my family.

But I'd like to take a moment to tell you some of my blessings:

Josh
Colson
Hallie
Laila

I love you guys!

Vote for Brooke!!

She's my favorite!! Vote for Brooke!!

Poor Colson.

At 18 months I took Colson to his first dental appt., Young I know, but he had teeth and we had insurance, why not? The dentist spotted a crossbite immediately. For seven years now and several consultations, I've known this was inevitable. Today we had an appt. with an orthodontist. I was going to try and sneak this dental procedure in before we got out of the Army to maximize dental benefits, but it doesn't look like we'll be able to do it. Needless to say, we'll probably wait for the new job, and new insurance, but the bill 2230.00. That's right, that's not even braces. The insurance should pay for half of that. WOWSERS!!

Here's what the orthodontist said and I quote: "Very rarely do we treat children so young, but with this condition, we do." Of course, the rarity is Colson, the only child of mine, that doesn't suck fingers!!! His crossbite, needs to be fixed while the roof of his mouth still has a soft spot, this makes it less painful, and has nothing to do with his teeth, just the bone structure. If we were to wait until adulthood, he would need oral surgery. Oh, o.k. then it can be his problem and not ours!! Just Kidding!!

Apparently they treat it with an expander for four months, and then retainers for a year. This allows them to expand the upper jaw, and allow for new bone growth to take place and make it permanent.

He was such a sport as they peaked in and did all the measuring/xrays, etc. Problem is, this doesn't guarantee he won't need braces either!!

Good thing the average salary of someone getting out of the military and an MBA is 104,000. Isn't that a great statistic Josh was told at his briefing yesterday?? Sweet. Here's to hoping!!

HELLO WHAT WAS I THINKING????

Oh my heck. 30 days till T-day - How about 90 days till Get out of Jail (Army) Day!! OH yes, June 23. The end is near...

I should NOT be so hung up on my birthday - I enter my 30's with no deployments in my future. It will be great!!

By the way, Linds gave me some great advice, thank you, I needed it.

And shall I say, we need a job!! Know of one. email me!

One month till - T-day

I'm sorry. It stinks. 30 days to 30 years. How should I spend the last month of my twenties??? Suggestions Please!

This picture was taken last Easter. Is it wierd that I think I look older?? I mean I was hanging in my "late twenties". Now. well... nevermind.

I told my dad that what I wanted for my birthday was 30 one hundred dollar bills. Anyone game??? I think that would cure me of my midlife crisis. :D

Seriously, though. Today was Easter. Josh read the Easter story last night. We "buried" Christ in the Tomb (aka the piano bench) and discovered this morning that He was resurrected. What a great day, two of my kids sang I know that my Redeemer lives and another primary song in Sacrament meeting. Laila slept great at church. Thanks Josh. And we talked about repentance in Relief Society. It was a much needed reminder of where I should be headed, and what I should be doing. Although turning thirty has seriously thrown me for a loop. I'm surely greatful for my family, and the knowledge of the gospel. What a peaceful feeling, that knowledge brings.

Hope you all had a Happy Easter!!

Gray Hair?

Say what? Yes thank you I found my first one last week. Yes I'm turning 30 in less than a month, and yes I'm in the middle of a mid life crisis.

Thank you for asking.

For Joshi.

1. What's his name: Joshi (a nickname from a Korean family in Bloomington)
2. How long have you been married: 8 years
3. How long did you date: 4 DATES
4. How old is he: 30, flirty and fabulous.
5. Who eats more: I plead the fifth.
6. Who said 'I love you' first? I don't remember!! :)
7. Who is taller: He is
8. Who sings better: He does, by far
9. Who is smarter: Joshi.
10. Whose temper is worse: Mine.
11. Who does the laundry: Both of us
12. Who does the dishes: me, mostly
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: We switch it up
14. Who pays the bills: Me
15. Who mows the lawn: last summer me, this summer him.
16. Who cooks dinner: I do
17. Who drives when you are together: 90% of the time it's me.
18. Who is more stubborn: Me
19. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong: I'm never wrong.
20. Whose parents do you visit the most: Toss up, they're both in Indiana
21. Who proposed: He did
22. Who has more friends: I do
23. Who has more siblings: Him, 3 siblings
24. Who wears the pants in the family: Me.

Wait a second, I think this was supposed to be about Josh, it looks like it's mostly about me!!

Getting Sick Stinks.

The family has been bogged down with illness. Thanks Sarah for jinxing us. Me, and all the kids at some point the last two weeks has been sick. It's such a pain in the neck. I'm ready for spring, with fresh air, exercise, and yard work. It just feels good, to get outside!

POLL - Tell me what you think of this.

I won't name names, but I recently called a friend's cell phone, and talked to her child while she was in the store... ever so briefly. I confess. I do it, too. Is there an age when this is o.k.? I could seriously be on trial. Should this woman be hung out to dry or what?? I've so done worse. Let's get the debate going!

READ THIS ARTICLE!

Free Hair Cuts. (From my 4 year old daughter)

Just throwing that out there. I thought since this is the second time she cut her own hair (she wanted bangs, this is what she told me) I could just offer her services to all those out there. Sigh.

We're in the midst of FHE and she's playing with my hair and takes off right before closing prayer. I call for her and say it's time for prayer. Mom, I want bangs she shouts from afar... I run to find her, the deed is done, with her long locks laying on the floor.

I was able to straighten them out, and they're a bit short. But thankfully could be worse. Why? we literally just grew out her bangs from the last episode with scissors. I don't like bangs for one reason and one reason only, they're ridiculous to keep up with, I don't want to trim bangs every two weeks. So here we go again.

No, I don't have a picture, I didn't want to turn it into a big production. I didn't want her to think her escapade was going to be rewarded. I'm sure a picture will be up soon, of her new found hair do.