Birthday Experiment

So, incase you hadn't heard, my birthday was Saturday. I tried something new this year. Usually I don't really make it known that it is my birthday, and I don't usually get excited about it. This time around, I decided to shout it from the rooftops. I completely understand I am a dork, so you don't have to tell me. Scott has always hated that I don't get excited about birthdays, so I thought I would really get into it. Two of my oldest friends, one since 8 years old, and the other since high school took me to lunch on Thursday. We always have a good time, and they are really good friends. Friday I went to breakfast with my sister and parents. I then went Christmas shopping with my mom. I even announced my birthday in my Friday muscle conditioning class, and then made them workout to 50 cent's In Da Club...."Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday". When I wanted them to squat deeper, I would say "For my birthday...PLEASE!" Saturday we had two football parties....not my favorite thing to do on my birthday, but Pam and Adam were at one of them. It's always fun to see them, and Adam sang to me, which would normally embarass me, but I decided to soak it up and really enjoy the attention. Saturday night we went out to my favorite Mexican and then took the oldest 3 boys to the local production of "It's A Wonderful Life....the Musical". Sunday Scott let me sleep in...we kind of ditched church, because none of the boys woke up (either did I) That afternoon the instructors had a Christmas get together...we exchange presents and eat til we are about to burst. It was a Christmas celebration, but I was pretending it was for me....just kidding, but it is always a good time. My friend, Kim's birthday was on the first, so I suggested we all get together for lunch for a combined birthday celebration. I have no problem throwing myself a birthday party. So, a bunch of us from the ward got together and had a fun lunch. All of them are so great, and I feel so lucky to get to be friends with these girls! Now, some might look at my overly advertised birthday as an attention getter....it is what it is, but I have to tell you that it was one of my most fun birthdays....well birthday weeks! I feel a little guilty about receiving such thoughtful gifts, but really appreciate everyone's kindness. I hate when I miss friends birthdays. I wish everyone would announce when their birthdays are so I don't feel so cruddy after they pass. So, it may seem a bit indulgent, but it depends how you look at it. Maybe a little needy as well, but it was sure fun. Thanks to everyone for making it a great birthday......now I guess I will have to settle for celebrating Christmas.....what a fun month! Ginger and I have been best friends since 4th grade. Jessica and I met in high school, were roommates in college, and she still is willing to hang out with me....that's a true friend....

My parents, sister, Lana, and KC.....birthday breakfast!

Forgot to mention that we had our gym Christmas party Friday night....Scott doesn't love going, but he is a good sport for my sake, and very handsome might I add!

My favorite little men.....best gifts I have ever received!

Carly, Joe and Heidi.....yeah for birthday lunches!

Lori, Pam, Kim and Jennifer.....Happy Birthday to Kim too.....see, it's not all about me

Not the best quality...wish it came out better. Such a fun birthday, I would highly recommend, like the song says...."You've had a birthday, shout hooray!" Much more fun that way!

Not Attractive

The last thing I would ever normally do is post a picture of my leg! My legs are probably the least favorite part of my body, but seemed to be the favorite part for that dog....here is a pic of the bite. It isn't too bad, but pretty impressive considering I was wearing jeans, and the long, sexy g's underneath!

Childhood Fears Reaffirmed

I could not believe what happened to me today! For those that don't know me very well, I don't love dogs. There are a few reasons for this.....I don't like dog poop, I don't like them jumping on me and licking me, they usually smell, and I am afraid of them. I was attacked by a dog when I was a little girl....no harm, just scared the crud out of me. A few years later we moved to a house where my best friend and I lived a couple of blocks away from each other. There was a park that was about halfway between our houses. We would always meet there, and the odds of a loose dog were pretty good, and we got chased quite a bit. I hate when people don't have their dogs on leashes, because I am afraid they will come after me or my kids. I am fine with all of you dog lovers. I wish I loved them....it would make things so much easier. We have a dog.....one that is very pretty, but if anyone were to steal him from our backyard I would be forever grateful. Anyways, today I was taking Charlie to preschool. It is right next to a park. There was a very handsome, fit, outdoor bootcamp instructor with his dog. KC was obsessed with this dog. The cute guy thought it was all very sweet, I told him KC was in love with his dog, he told me that KC was welcome to go see the dog. I smiled and said, "oh that is so nice, but thanks anyways." If you asked me, I was thinking he may have even thought maybe I was a little cute. That all changed in an instant! His bootcamp class of about 10 started warming up....Charlie's classroom door opened.....as soon as I told KC it was time to go, he darted right over to this dog. The dog was innocently leashed up to the side of the building right infront of hot guy's class. KC is as wide as he is tall, and very, very fast for a husky midget. I went after KC....he was right next to the dog. As I grabbed KC, the dog attacked me. Now, I am not blaming the dog, because it was pure instinct. Looking back, I should not have come up so quickly. That stinkin dog bit the back of my knee. It didn't gouge my skin, but did make me bleed and left a nasty mark. Worst part, he put a hole in my favorite, expensive jeans!!! OK, so the guy went bolistic on his dog, and apologized, but any chance of him thinking I was cute, I am positive turned into him thinking what a "lame, stupid Mom". Not only was I soooooo embarassed, but it HURT!!! I didn't check out the damage until I got in the car. I got bit, checked Charlie into class....I think I was a bit in shock, because I remember telling a friend of mine, "I just got bit by a dog" She was more in check with reality, and told me to go talk to the owner, but I wasn't even about to. I called Scott and told him, he wasn't exactly sympathetic, I think he laughed at me, but genuinely concerned. I was right by Kaiser, so I went in to ask our nurse what I should do. She started telling me how to patch my favorite jeans......since I am now terrified of dogs, I said "thanks, but what about the bite?" She gave me some iodine swabs, neosporin, and told me it should be fine, but if it got worse to come back. This was the one morning I set out to run errands (which I hate to do), and I wasn't about to stop because of a stupid dog bite! I went around town with my dog bite, bleeding, in pain. I know I am such a whimp, I took advil and if I had painkillers, I would take them! Oh well, worse things happen, and thank goodness KC did not get bit. I will take a picture of my wound, but I can't find the camera....as soon as I do, I will post it. Hope you are all having a better day than me.....really, it hasn't been a bad day, it's been pretty good, except for the dog attack!

I Am 16!!!!

Lately my days have consisted of rearranging each of the kids' rooms....laundry...trying to keep the house clean...sick kids....the gym.....etc, etc. Today was different....well, kind of. I still folded and put away the laundry, taught at the gym, drove kids around, but, I got to step out of reality for 2 hours and go to a movie in the middle of the day. I felt a bit like a teenager again, mainly because I had to get permission from my mom....she watched the kids for me. I went out with a group of girls from the ward. I don't get out much, and it was a lot of fun for me. I am thinking this needs to be a monthly thing....if not a movie, then lunch. It is nice to get out once in a while. So, thanks to all of my friends that ditched their daily responsibilities, and went out with me today. We saw the movie, "Twilight". Since I still think I am 16 years old, it was great. I wasn't too sure about the books when I heard they were about vampires, but got hooked on them like everyone else once I started. I also love Edward. I don't care what some people say, I love him as much in the movie as I do in the book. I also want to thank Jo for the text during the movie....even though you weren't able to go with us, we all got it. I forgot to turn off my phone, so everyone felt you there with us .....your friends and everyone else in the theater. Funny. We all need a couple of hours to escape once in a while. It was nice and needed. Thanks guys!

Is It Me, Or......?

I know you are thinking yes.....but, I think there is something wrong with me. Here is the deal.....I finally went and got my hair cut today. I use to do it about every 2 months, then it was every 3, and now it seems like every 6. My hair was the longest it has been in a long time.....hence the ponytails. Anyways, I have been going to the same hair dresser for years. I go to a guy named Guy. What I want to know is, does everybody talk to their hairdresser? It seems like the reputation of hair dresser is one of a confidant, someone that you confide details about yourself to. Not me, nope, we are silent. He will ask a couple of questions, that's about it. I think when I first started going to him, he mentioned that he is pretty quiet when he is styling, because it is like art to him. I know, I think that's funny too. I really never thought much of it, until today when I was sitting there and realized EVERYBODY in the salon was having conversation....except Guy and me! Then, I mention this to Scott and Scott says, "I couldn't get him to stop talking to me when I got my haircut by him". (Scott usually gets a "Supercut" but wanted to see what it was like to go to a salon and get your hair shampooed and your scalp massaged....he's such a diva!) So, these are my conclusions.....Guy must really not like me, or Guy must really like Scott.....haha! Anyways, do you think I am weird that I came home and had James take pictures of the back of my head, and then I took some so I could remember what it looks like right after it is done? I do this, because I can NEVER make it look the way he does.....I don't have the patience to dry, straighten, primp, etc. Oh well, here are some pics from my "photo shoot"













I am such a dork......I just noticed that I never untucked my collar from when they washed my hair. I walked around like that for a while.....I'm such a NERD!

A Week Too Early

There are some that claim that I like to be the center of attention....all the focus on me.....so not true, well most of the time....alright, in certain situations. One of these situations being: giving talks or lessons. It is kind of ironic that I absolutely LOVE teaching a fitness class, but there is a HUGE difference between doing push ups in front of people vs just talking, and in my case, crying infront of everyone. I do not claim to be a spiritual giant, and the first to admit that I make many, many mistakes, so why in the world would anyone consider me to speak at the adult session of stake conference? I really thought it was a joke when I got the phone call, but it really wasn't....how funny is that? Anyways, I have been ignoring the fact that it is this weekend. I was really ticked when I got hit with strep throat last weekend and not this one! So, I really want to throw up thinking about what is coming up this weekend, and can't wait until 8:00 Saturday night when it is over.

Something else that is really laughable to me is the topic of my next Relief Society lesson. Facing the aggressor with the Savior's love. We all know I am not a naturally nice person. I can be nice, but I have to work at it....especially when people are stupid! I know that is not nice, but as soon as I got this topic, people literally were knocking at my door with confrontation. I have a tendency to confront issues head on...ready to go, but I have learned that I need to control that, and try to be a lot more gentle......ahhhhh...easier said than done!

Anyways, I got hit with strept throat this last week. It knocked me down....I was in bed from Saturday afternoon until Tuesday morning. It was horrible. I am glad it was just a short illness, and glad that antibiotics fight it off. I recognized something as I was laying in my bed. I realized that each of my boys are really, really sweet. I have always known it, but it made me realize it and appreciate it. They are also very different in their ways of showing their concern. James would slightly open the door, and check on me. He wouldn't disturb me, but if I called him, he would come in and ask very sweetly if there was anything he could do. Curtis would walk right up to me, stand there with his big smile, ask how I was feeling, and offer me something. Charlie would jump right on me, give me a huge hug and say "I don't like it when you are sick....I want you to be better". KC would crawl up on me and pat my back and lay his head on my back. George would come in and kiss my cheek and tell me he loves me. The best though was when I woke up to find this on my dresser.....

What in the heck is that? Well, George is definitely the most unique of my children. He was so proud of this ensemble. He told me, "Instead of giving you flowers, I made you a swamp" He told me this with a huge smile on his face. This is for sure something only a mother could love, plus it doesn't die like flowers. So, this is something I get to treasure forever and ever : ))

Post - Halloween Depression

If you aren't aware......I love Halloween. I am actually sad it is over. The boys have so much fun....Charlie kept telling me how much fun he was having all day on Friday. He had every reason to feel that way. Halloween was non stop fun for him. Let me just preface this by saying I have been so annoyed that every year the elementary schools wouldn't even acknowledge Halloween. I was so jealous of my sister, because they have a complete Halloween carnival, with costumes, candy, games, etc. We have been to 3 elementary schools since we have been in Simi. This year, we started a new school, because they provide a program that Curtis qualified for, and I thought I would try to be a good Mom and give him every oppourtunity I possibly could. I am now 100% positive I made the correct choice in switching schools. Not for academic purposes, or extracurricular activities, but because they acknowledge the glorious celebrations of Halloween! They allow the kids to dress up, they have a costume parade with Halloween music, and a pumpkin carving contest, plus, we got to bring candy to the classroom! These are the things that make me happy! (The previous 2 schools banned candy from their campuses.....that is just so wrong!) So, this is how our sweet, beautiful Halloween day went......

I woke the boys up at 7:00....we rushed through our morning routines. James is now in middle school, and it was crazy hair day.....of course I took advantage of this and gelled up his hair and put different colors in it. Curtis and George got to dress up, and were encouraged to dress up as something they wanted to be when they got older....

Curtis was a football player

George was an FBI Agent

KC thought he was a 4th grader

After the elementary school celebration, I did Charlie's make up in the parking lot, and we headed over to the preschool festival. After preschool, we came home and he got to eat a lot of his candy. We picked the boys up from school, they hurried into their costumes, and we drove over to Aunt Lana's so these cousins could see each other in their costumes.

Let me tell you that I enjoy Halloween masks everyday of the year, except for Halloween. I feel like it is the lazy and easy way out. Despite my beliefs, James is almost 12, and I don't get much say in what he is going to dress up as.....therefore, he wore his "mask" costume.

KC was The Hulk

Charlie the Vampire

For some reason, Curtis despises the Giants, so he wanted to be a dead Giant's player.

George has had this costume planned since 2005. He is obsessed with Halloween!

Aren't they handsome?

Now, this is the part I could do without.......

Candy in the carpet, wrappers EVERYWHERE......it does drive me nuts. I am still coming down from my sugar high, and as I went to bed last night, I couldn't wait to get to the gym the next morning. Since I can't control my eating, I am hoping that working out kind of balances it out. But in order to balance out this Halloween, I would need to work out for the next week non-stop! Oh well, it was a fun day. I have been postponing putting away all of the Halloween decor....basically because I am lazy. So, tomorrow I will start packing it up while I continue to deal with my candy hangover.

Saturday was George's birthday. As you know from my previous post, the Halloween store in TO wasn't doing their 1/2 off sale til Sunday. So, we woke up and went to Target at 8 in the morning. Halloween people are crazy. There were people already there going through everything. It was pretty picked over, but George managed to find a couple of things. We also hit Home Goods, The Do It Center, and the Simi Halloween store....(which didn't have 1/2 off til Sunday as well) Anyways, George had a good time, and he is so simple. He loves everything he picked out, and really appreciates it. I am already a bit discouraged about next year, since Halloween is on a Saturday and the big sales will be on Sunday again! Oh well. We spent the rest of George's big day at Curtis and James's football games....which they both lost. We finished off the rainy, cold day at home with pizza and a scary movie. George and Charlie got freaked out, and ended up in bed with me that night. I hope George enjoyed his 7th birthday as much as I did!