6 Random Things About Me

I was tagged by Dani to share 6 random things about me. I have thought about it all morning and this is what I have came up with. I am kind of boring.

1. I love mainstream country music. Kind of lame, I know. I used to listen to VH1 and MTV all the time. I was up to date on all new music and loved new rock and alternative music. That was BK (before kids). And given the fact that the only radio station that we can get in Salina is 97.7, which plays only country music and not even good country music at that, I really don't have a choice!
2. I have never been on an airplane. I think that traveling sounds like a lot of fun. But traveling just isn't something that I think that I need to do. I am a homebody. I love being at home, relaxing in the back yard watching the kids play, reading a book and having a coke. Again, lame, I know!
3. My dream job is being a Wedding Planner. When Ryan and I were getting married, Ryans mom bought a wedding business and I thought that it would be so fun to help people plan their wedding day. Then I watched The Wedding Planner and I could picture myself being a wedding planner. If I lived in a big city that would be what I was doing.
4. I can not say no to people. I can't help it. I love to please people and if it means that I have to stay up late, or take on more that I can, or never get a minute to myself then so be it. I just can't say no!
5. I am frugal. I will shop and shop for the best deals for anything from jeans to toilet paper. It drives Ryan crazy. But everyone likes a good deal, right?
6. I am currently obsessed with going "green". I know that we, as in all people, are making the world a place that may be unlivable one day. I want my children to grow up in a healthy world where they will be able to experience all that this world has to offer. I no longer use plastic grocery sacks. Although the checkers at Barretts don't like my big canvas bags because they make bagging harder. I am currently using green cleaners in my house and I am switching to using the efficent light bulbs and washing all of my clothes with cold water only. I know that there are a million other things to do and I am going to start doing little things to help reduce our footprint on the earth. Now only if there was a way to recycle in our area.(one downfall of living in a small town)

Now I tag 6 people: Britania, Lindsey, Steph, Janell, Shawna, and Ashlee. Let's hear random things about you, too.

Aniston had her singing program last night. I was trying to video and take pictures, which is almost impossibe to do. But here is a little sample of her singing. She loves singing lessons and Miss Tammy, her teacher, is so cute with the kids.

I must be doing something right...

Saturday morning I was in the shower and I could hear Ryan telling Aniston to wait just a minute. She kept saying I just need to ask mom one question and he kept telling her just let her finish in the shower and get dressed. I finished and was getting dressed and she came in. She had a graduation card and 3 pieces of scrapbook paper. She wanted me to help her decide on a color of paper. I asked her what she needed it for and she told me that she got this card in the mail today from my Great aunt and uncle and she wanted to send them a thank you card. I read the card that she had and it was from them. I wanted to cry at that moment, I was thinking to myself "what a sweet girl I have, she thought of that all on her own" I am so proud of her. So I helped her pick a paper for Rodney. Then she dissapeared. She came back up stairs with two cards, cut and folded just like cards. She then sat down at the table and started writing. My heart was so full. She is so sweet and thoughtful. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures. I am always telling her to stay sweet, to always be kind to others, and to do nice things for people and they will do nice things for you. But her being 5, I wasn't sure that she was listening. She must be listening to me a little.


As for the rest of the weekend. We finished painting the kitchen cabnets and hung them up. Ryan grouted the tile and we textured our celing in our room and got it ready for painting. One day soon I hope that we will be done with this remodeling fun. It would be really nice to not have to do anything for one whole weekend.
On Monday we went to Redmond and Salina to visit our grandparents graves. Going out to them isn't my favorite thing to do, but when we get there, Ryan and I always talk about them and I love hearing and sharing stories about our grandparents. Aniston loves it too. She is always asking questions about them. I love seeing all of the flags posted in the cemetary. It makes me feel very proud to be an american.

David Cook wins!!

I haven't been a very faithful watcher of American Idol since they voted Chris Daughtry off, but I watched when David Cook sang "Alway be my Baby" and I love him! I am so glad that he won! Both Davids' were great, but I will always love a rocker ;)

Watch and see. Mariah Cary would be a hard artist to sing. He was brilliant.

It may be gloomy but...

Today is a gloomy day and it just makes me feel so... gloomy. Just as I was thinking that I wish I could just cuddle up with a blanket Emerson woke up from her 3 hour afternoon nap with a smile on her beautiful face. As I lifted her out of her crib she wrapped her sweet little arms around my neck and squeezed so tight. At that moment I realized that it really doesn't matter what the weather is like outside, inside the sun is always shining. I get to wake up to 3 of the most perfect people. They love me no matter what is happening outside. So...
My little tinkerbell, Emerson, I love the little face you pull when you are being told to finish your dinner or to be nice to your big sister. You wrinkle up your sweet little nose and smile a mischevious smile. I love the way you love to hug and kiss. I love to watch you look at a book. I can see your little mind working on overdrive. I love that when I look at you your eyes sparkle. I think you are so beautiful.
Aniston, my princess. I love that when you think that I am not watching, you pretend to be the mom. I hear you say the same things to your babies that I say to you. I love the way you play so sweet with your little sister. I love that you dress her up, help her fill her purse, and help her load her babies in her stroller. You amaze me everyday at how smart you are getting. I love it that you can read to me now. I love that at your t-ball game you chased after a ball and beat all the boys. You picked up the ball and then looked at the boys like "you snooze, you loose". I love that you love to fish with your dad, because he loves it that you do!
And last to my sweet husband. First of all I love you for taking such good care of us. I love that you love your girls and I love that you love to hug and kiss them. I love that you never roll your eyes in disgust when I say "I was thinking that I want to make this or I want to do this...". I love that you do all the things that I hate to (like yard work). I love that we have remodeled the house together and survived it. I love that no matter what happens everyday that I know that you love me for all my flaws (like my lack of keeping up on the laundry and for my stack of magazines on my nightstand) . I love that you have made it possible for me to stay home and raise our girls. I am thankful everyday for you!
I think that we are the perfect fit!


This pic really has no relevance to this post, except that I thought that it was funny. When your mom is constantly hiding behind a camera, what else is there to do. She will either cooperate and pose and pull goofy smiley faces or she does this. Which is better??

I now officially have a 1st grader

On Friday, Aniston graduated from kindergarten. It was so cute and so much fun and also very surreal. I remember my own kindergarten graduation. How is it possible that I am old enough to have a kindergarten graduate and now a 1st grader. They recited nursery rhythms and I remember doing the same thing. She did such a good job. We then went to lunch with my mom and grandparents. Summer vacation has now begun. We are going to have so much fun this summer!

My sweethearts.
They are so cute, and they have a pretty good looking dad.I love them so much!

Then after the fun day we had on Friday, this is what we did all weekend.
Before...way before we started remodeling.
After... who knew I would be so excited about a kitchen sink and countertops??

T-Ball

This t-ball thing is hilarious. There are balls flying around, kids getting confused on which direction to run in, and a whole bunch of parents yelling (trying to be helpful). Ryan is coaching Anistons team, which means that I am also coaching Anistons team. The games seem so long. The kids get so bored in the outfield and wear their mits on their heads. Aniston even decides to set down every now and again. When a ball is hit towards them, they all dive for it. Last night at the game Aniston was on second base and a ball was hit into centerfield. She, and about 4 other boys chased after it. She out ran them all and dove on the ball. I was worried that she was going to be a little girly out there, but she holds her own with the boys.

Her whole team is only boys, besides her. They all yell her name and want her to chase them. Her dad isn't sure that he likes the idea of her chasing boys. I am afraid, very afraid, that we are going to have problems with this one! :(

Happy Mother's Day

I wanted to post this yesterday, but time didn't permit. Mother's Day means so many different things. When I was little we would always make homeade cards and I remeber always taking a trip to the nursery for flowers. When I was in high school, Mother's Day meant that I would have to sell mothers day paper yard stakes for cheerleading, then spend a week making them, and then spend Mothers day morning delivering them. When I became a mother, Mothers day took on a whole new meaning. I remember my 1st Mothers day. I remember not what I recieved, but how much love I felt. I remember thinking that I was so lucky to be Anistons mom, and I remember how lucky I was to have my mother. I am the mother, the woman, and the wife that I am today because of my mom. She has taught me so much. She has taught me how to be independent. She has taught me love. She has taught me compassion. She has taught me everything that I know, except maybe how to cook. (just kidding mom. I love it that you call me for all of your cooking questions) The list could go on and on. When I was little there was not a day that went by that she didn't love and kiss on us and make sure that we knew that we were loved. I try to do the same with my girls. She is amazing. She has been through many trials in her life and she has came out a better person for them. I look up to her for what a strong person she has became. She is my best friend, the one I want to call when something happens, good or bad, and she is my mom! I am so lucky! I love you mom! Thanks for loving my the way you do!

I also have more great moms. My grandma is like a best friend. We talk almost every day. We can talk about everything. She came over about a week ago and we were in the backyard watching the kids play. We started talking about food storage and getting prepared and church. She then witnessed me telling someone "no", (which just about never happens). She left and a couple of hours later she called me and told me how proud of me she was. It brought tears to my eyes. She told me that she thinks that I am a great mom and a great person. She means the world to me. I have also learned so many things from her. Every couple of days if I haven't talked to her or seen her she will call me and tell me that she has missed me. I love her so much.

My mother-in-law is a very important person to me as well. She has taught me so many things like how to can and bottle all kinds of stuff, helped me perfect my bread making skills, and taught me how to make the best desserts ever. She and Aniston have a special bond because she tended Aniston everyday while I worked and i am grateful that she took such good care of her. She is such a talented person and if it wasn't for her I probably wouldn't be the cook that I am today. She probably gets tired of me constantly calling her with dumb questions, but she helps me out everytime I call her. She raised the best man that I know. So thanks to her for giving me a great husband and for teaching me all that she knows.
And last but not least. Ryans Grandma Kiesel. She too is a very talented and creative person. She has had to also answer my dumb questions about cooking problems and she helped me with my bottling adventures this last summer. I am in awe of the things that all of these women know. I feel grateful that they are willing to teach me and share their wisdom with me. Thanks for making me feel like I am your daughter and granddaughter. I love you both.

P.S. Happy "late" Mother's Day to all you mommies out there!! I hope that you had a great and work free day yesterday :)

Just some photos

Emerson and I were home alone the other day and we went outside to swing and play. I wanted to try taking some pics of us. I don't think that they turned out as well as I wanted them to. (so hard to get a toddler to cooperate) But I am not in many pictures with the kids, because I am always the one taking the pictures. So I am trying to capture moments of us together. Emerson is getting to be such a character. I just love her so much. The other day I heard her in the bathroom. I peeked around the corner to catch her with a washcloth, wiping the walls and the sink cabinet. Then she walked out into the kitchen wiping the dishwasher, fridge door, and moved on to the stove. From her actions you would guess that her mother cleaned all the time. And in assuming that you would be totally correct. NOT!! It amazes me every day the things that my kids pick up on. Life would be so VERY boring and VERY quiet without them.

On another note. I have been taking some pictures of my friends kids. I am trying to get a good shot of them for a mothers day gift. Would anyone be happy if you got this picture for mothers day from your kids??

Spring, I love it!

Today actually feels like spring. I took my camera out this morning to practice my macro shots. I definitely need a new lens for these kinds of shots. I had to take a picture of my bleeding hearts because in the very near future, Ryan is ripping it out for my patio. I just love "late spring" here are a few reasons why:
1. I love to wake up to the birds singing. I think it really makes you have a better mood getting out of bed.
2. I love that we only have to wear jackets and not our winter coats anymore.
3. I love breaking out the flip flops. (although Ryan won't let me wear them unless it is really warm, because he thinks that my pneumonia will come back if my toes are hanging out. Silly boy!)
4. I was taking the girls to school today and drove by this tree with the most beautiful pink blossoms on them. I love to look around and see things start to come alive again.
5. I love the sunshine. The sunshine just makes you want to smile.

I'm feeling a little frazzled

This week has been insane. I admit I am feeling a little like I have FMS (frazzled mommy syndrom). It is the end of the month so all of my transcription work needs to be turned in and can you say behind. That I am. I am trying to make mothers day cards, get my work done, I had a PTO meeting on Wednesday and took on a new job, and Aniston started T-ball this week so between games and practices we have had t-ball 3 nights this week. Today Aniston has to go to the dentist and they have to fix 2 cavities and pull out 2 teeth on the bottom. I have been dreading it all week. I am not sure how she will fair, hopefully good. I am planning on just holding her all afternoon. We stocked up on ice cream last night and chicken and stars soup. I think that I may be more nervous than she is. And to top it all off, I started getting up at 5:30 to go running this week. I am feeling just a little frazzled this week! Next week will be much better:) I am counting on it!
P.S. On a good note, added the Olympic counter to the left. I love the Olympics, so something to look forward to.

It may be gloomy, but...

Today is a gloomy day and it just makes me feel so gloomy. Then Emerson woke up from her 3 hour afternoon nap with a smile on her beautiful face. As I lifted her out of her crib she wrapped her sweet little arms around my neck and squeezed so tight. At that moment I realized that it really doesn't matter what the weather is like outside, inside the sun is always shining. I wake up to 3 of the most perfect people. They love me no matter what is happening outside. So...
My little tinkerbell, Emerson, I love the little face you pull when you are being told to finish your dinner or to be nice to your big sister. You wrinkle up your sweet little nose and smile a mischevious smile. I love the way you love to hug and kiss. I love to watch you look at a book. I can see your little mind working on overdrive. I love that when I look at you your eyes sparkle. I think you are so beautiful.
Aniston, my princess. I love that when you think that I am not watching, you pretend to be the mom. I hear you say the same things to your babies that I say to you. I love the way you play so sweet with your little sister. I love that you dress her up, help her with fill her purse, and help her load her babies in her stroller. You amaze me everyday at how smart you are getting. I love it that you can read to me now. I love that at your t-ball game you chased after a ball and beat all the boys. You picked up the ball and then looked at the boys like "you snooze, you loose". I love that you love to fish with your dad, because he loves it that you do!
And last to my sweet husband. First of all I love you for taking such good care of us. I love that you love your girls and that you love to hug and kiss them. I love that you never roll your eyes in disgust when I say "I was thinking that I want to make this or I want to do this...". I love that you do all the things that I hate to (like yard work). I love that we have remodeled the house together and survived it. I love that no matter what happens everyday that I know that you love me for all my flaws. I love that you have made it possible for me to stay home and raise our girls. I am thankful everyday for you!
I think that we are the perfect fit!