Made by Memilyrae

So, it’s been nearly 5 1/2 years since Steve’s and my story started. I was so occupied with him while we were dating and engaged that I hardly wrote in my journal and I know I’ve forgotten a lot of details. I wanted to do some sort of page to put in my scrapbook of our story, plus a picture of the engagement ring in the really cool box. You won’t be able to read ‘our story’ because of the size of the file and the size of the font, but here it is anyway! 🙂

Okay – I’m so sorry Lindsay but I have to laugh. Talk about bad luck…or location…or however you want to look at it!

My poor friend, Lindsay, and her hubby have now had 2, yes TWO, cars crash into the same corner of their living room in less than a year…less than 8 months! I’d say you need to move, but I also think these people need to pay for you to put up blockades as a fence (like those sturdy ones you see in front of businesses and banks). I sure love you and am so glad you’re okay. You looked really cute on the video too!

Everyone, take a look-see and be sure to watch the video!

http://www.newsok.com/article/3298959

What is his name?
Stephen Goodwin Shaw
How long have you been married?
5 years +
How long did you date?
2 weeks…I only knew Steve 1 week before that…then we were engaged for 4 months
Who said I love you first?
He did, but I think I said it right after he did…I was too “busy” loving Steve to write in my journal so I don’t recall all the details
Who sings better?
I do…he will tell anyone and everyone that you know you can’t sing when the mission leader asks you NOT to sing in the choir.
Who is taller?
Steve
Whose temper is worse?
I’d say mine…I get fed up with the kids all day and snap at them more by the time he gets home.
Who does the laundry?
I do, unless Steve needs something cleaned right away and I didn’t know about it
Who does the dishes?
I do
Who does the cooking?

Both of us – I have been trying to do better, actually having dinner for him when he gets home, but it doesn’t always happen. AND, if I’m having a rough time with the kids, he’s good to me and cooks.

Who is more stubborn?

Me – hands down

Who proposed?

Steve did – but I knew he was doing it – he’s not as sneaky as he thought.

Who wears the pants in the family?

Uh…sorry babe…me, mostly. I mean, we discuss things, but when it comes to our plans, I’m the “boss” – Steve will say it too though. But when it comes to making big dicisions, I guess we both wear ’em.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?

Me again. It’s closer to the door and therefore closer to the kids

Why do you love your husband?

Steve is seriously an incredible man. He is my best friend, the one I can always count on. He tries so hard to make sure we’re living a comfortable life, making sure our debts are getting paid off (we’re really working on it!), and trying to find ways to always keep us moving forward. He is a hard worker and, like others, I don’t think he knows his true potential…sometimes not giving himself enough credit. He’s a real family man, and although he doesn’t always show it, he’s a social-aholic. He is a great friend and really likes to give people the benefit of the doubt, without being used. He shows a great amount of charity to others, and I feel for him when there is no gratitude in response. I know it must be trying, giving without a single word of thanks. He loves me and thinks I’m beautiful, even when I don’t. He is a ober great father and the kids love rough housing with him. He’s super smart and always interested in learning more. He can pick up and learn almost anything in a short amount of time. He has enough patience with me to know that I’m not perfect and that sometimes I need my space or my own time and is always there when I need him. He is a great kisser and always knows where to squeeze to make me jump (although I slap his hand anytime it’s on my knee…even if he’s not doing it to get a reaction out of me). He doesn’t complain when I shrink his shirts (and believe me, it happens often). He has a drive and passion for learning and for helping others (especially me!) He has a stong testimony and surprises me with the things he discovers during his studies. He understands when I’m down and is always there to comfort me. He is my true best friend and I know I wouldn’t be as happy as I am today if I didn’t have him as my eternal companion. Thank you, Steve, for all that you do for me and our kids. We love you!

Who do I want to tag?
Nicole, Leona, Annette, Mom…who else reads this? Hmmm…

Husbands are so wonderful! David, Brent, Spencer, and Steve were wonderful enough to put the kids to bed on Friday night so that Susan, Katie, Shana and I could have a girls night. We stopped by Walmart to check out the line, but there wasn’t one. We then headed to Barnes and Noble where we knew there was a par-tay and started walking around. Our friend, Erin, told us about a game she and Ammon played at a concert called “Your Team.” We decided to play while we walked around. We’d see someone dressed up and say “Shana – Your Team” (or, whomever we wanted)  and we’d try to see if we could ‘top’ the last “teammate.” It was quite funny. After walking around Barnes and Noble, we went back to Walmart. We got ice cream from McDonalds and then got in line. Shana and I ran to get some things for home that she needed, paid for it and ran it to the car. We only had to wait an hour in line (more or less) before they began selling Breaking Dawn. Here are a few pictures, both from my camera and from Susan’s:

This was pretty much our whole night in a nut shell. I wish we would have gotten more “Your Team” pictures but we didn’t. Susan was the most daring – asking to get pictures with some of the freaks…I mean, fans (I’m a fan too…just not the kind who likes to show it in my dress). Oh, and the toe picture…yeah…Susan thought she was rubbing her toes…but they were actually Shana’s. 🙂 HA! I wish I would have gotten some video of Katie singing and dancing…High School Musical, baby!

Susan was the first to finish the book – Shana is next in line – followed by me. I’m liking the book, but I also feel since Steve is gone I should be cleaning or doing other stuff. Anywho – it was a fun night that I’m glad I got to spend with my friends. Thanks gals!

So, today was day one of Steve’s trip to Cali. He was lucky enough to go to Cali to attend and help at the Linux World Expo. My brother, Mike, was wonderful enough to wake up early and take Steve to the airport so I wouldn’t have to try getting the kids in the van at 6 AM (Thank you Mikey!) Steve called me around 8:30 to tell me that he volunteered to give up his seat and go on a later flight. Not a huge deal since he would either be in SLC for extra hours or in Oakland for a coupled of hours waiting to check in to the hotel. He opted to give up his seat and wait for the 4 o’clock. Poor guy spent 9 hours at the SLC airport! BUT, he did get a voucher for a free flight that we’ll be using next year to go to New Jersey for his buddy’s wedding (Bryan). Plus a meal ticket. So, around 730 (or was it 8?) tonight he called to let me know he was there and check into the hotel safe and sound.

But, let me tell you…I felt SO alone today. I was a bit tired and played that off to my neighbors (sorry Katie and Shana!) but it was really that I felt lonely…even with two kids at home and my neighbors around. Odd how that is, isn’t it? To feel alone although you’re surrounded by people you love. I’ve felt that way a few times with my family in town too…what an odd thing. Luckily I got a bit distracted when Mikey and Coley stopped by to pick up some poppers that they left here. I SO love holding that sweet baby boy! Spencer held him for a long time and we realized how much he has started focusing on faces. He loved staring at Spencer and Spencer thought it was really cool. What a cute boy (actually, BOYS!). Evie had fun playing with Mikey a lot…even when he’d play “la testa” with hers and Spencer’s heads! 🙂 (it was a soft ball – no damage!)

So, only 5 more days and Steve’ll be home. I can’t wait! I sure do miss my other half. I don’t like being away from him for too long. I don’t think I could handle being a single mom or a soldier’s wife…how you ladies do it, I don’t know and to be honest, I hope I’ll never have to know. You girls are so strong – kudos to you! Anyway, that was just a piece of things on my mind. Hope it wasn’t too much for you…if it was I bet you stopped reading by now. (Speaking of reading…I’m half way through Breaking Dawn! I SO wanted to beat Susan and Shana! But, alas, I didn’t…or haven’t yet…either way you look at it)

I am so excited! I won TWO different giveaways in ONE day! I rock! 😉 Here’s what I won:

Registered on TipJunkie, I won My Favorite Pal Father/Son ties. She’s actually local and I’m very excited to see Spencer’s ZIPPER tie (I don’t think I figured out how they work yet). Take a look-see:

My Favorite Pal

I also won digital buttons from Scrapzone by Gabi Butcher. Look how cute! Also, take a look-see at her other stuff!

Scrapzone

I sure was lucky! 🙂 Thanks gals! You’re so talented!

Okay, I’ve been feeling a little (LITTLE) bit motivated to workout. Last week I asked Steve if we could work something out so I could have him put the kids to bed 3x a week so I could head to the rec center. Then I got a little more motivation when someone asked me if I was pregnant with baby #3 (seriously…those questions are NOT supposed to be asked to anyone…family or not). Annette, Steve and I are working on watching what we eat, and until I get to the rec center (and on the days I’m not there) I found this to do:

The Fitness Ladder

Basically, you start with the first rung, and progress from there…I think changing rungs each week. They gave a description as to what the work outs are and how many to do for each rung. Take a look-see:

Bend (introductory)

Stand upright with your legs apart, hands outstretched above your head. Bend forward, as far as you can, trying to touch your toes (it’s OK if you can’t reach your toes). Then straighten up and bend backward moderately. Repeat the specified number of times.

Sit up (introductory)

Lie on your back on the floor, feet slightly apart, hands at your side. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor far enough so that you can see your heels. Smoothly lower your head and shoulders back to the floor. Repeat the specified number of times.

Leg lift (introductory)

Lie face down on the floor, legs slightly apart, with the palms of your hands under your thighs. Lift your left leg, bending at the hip and knee, while simultaneously lifting your head from the floor. Smoothly lower both your head and leg. Then lift your right leg and head in the same manner. Repeat the specified number of times (each repetition involves lifting both the left and right legs).

Push up (introductory)

Lie face down on the floor with palms just outside your shoulders and arms bent. Keeping your knees on the floor and allowing your legs to bend at the knee but holding your upper body straight, lift your body until your arms are straight. Then smoothly lower your body back to the floor. Repeat the specified number of times.

Run and jump (introductory)

Run in place at a brisk pace for the specified number of steps, lifting your legs 4 to 6 inches from the floor with each step. Every 75 steps, stop and do 7 introductory “jumping jacks”: stand with your legs together, arms at your side. Jump up in the air, extending your legs to the side and your arms outward to the level of your shoulders. Then jump up again, bringing your legs back together and your arms back to your side.

The “Count” column in the table helps you keep track of the running and jumping phases of this exercise. The first number is how many complete sets of 75 steps of running and 7 jumping jacks you should perform. The second number gives the number of extra steps you should run after the last full set (don’t jump after these final steps).

Be sure to count a running step only as your left foot touches the floor, not every time either foot touches. The easiest way to keep count is to count to 75 as you run, do the 7 jumps, then start counting from 1 again for the next running phase. I find that keeping track of the number of complete sets of running and jumping is best done by setting out a number of coins equal to the number of sets for the current rung and moving a coin from one pile to another as you complete each set.

Introductory Ladder

Here’s the ‘rung’ list they’ve provided:

So, I figured I’d start with that and see where it gets me.

Thanks Dad! 😉

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE . ‘If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.’
2. My mother taught me RELIGION . ‘You better pray that will come out of the carpet.’
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL . ‘If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you
into the middle of next week!’
4. My mother taught me LOGIC . ‘ Because I said so, that’s why.’
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC . ‘If you fall out of that swing and break your neck,
you’re not going to the store with me.’
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT . ‘Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in
an accident.’
7. My mother taught me IRONY ‘Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry
about.’
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS . ‘Shut your mouth and eat your supper.’
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM . ‘Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!’
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA . ‘You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.’
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER . ‘This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through
it.’
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY . ‘If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times.
Don’t exaggerate!’
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE . ‘I brought you into this world, and I can take you
out.’
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION . ‘Stop acting like your father!’
15. My mother taught me about ENVY . ‘There are millions of less fortunate children in this
world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.’
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION . ‘Just wait until we get home.’
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING . ‘You are going to get it when you get home!’
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE . ‘If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going
to freeze that way.’
19. My mother taught me ESP . ‘Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you
are cold?’
20. My mother taught me HUMOR . ‘When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come
running to me.’
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT . ‘If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow
up.’
22. My mother taught me GENETICS. ‘You’re just like your father.’
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS . ‘Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born
in a barn?’
24. My mother taught me WISDOM . ‘When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.’
25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE, ‘One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out
just like you.’
— Author Unknown

My Friend, Cheltsy sent this to me in an email. I thought it was interesting so I figured I should share. Enjoy! tell me if you try something and it worked…I’ll be trying the dryer tips.

**********************

Peel a banana from the bottom and you won’t have to
pick the little ‘stringy things’ off of it. That’s how the primates do it.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.
If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.
It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.

Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.
It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of
spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints
in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonder ful minty frosting.

Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste
of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply
chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them
in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350
for 15 minutes!!!  Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low
and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on
the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up.
Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly,
cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg.
Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer
for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes
with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in
a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food
moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers,
put layers around the plants overla pping as you go cover with mulch and for-
get about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not
get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can’t see easily.

No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket.
It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper.
The cayenne pepper doesn’t hurt the plant and the squirrels won’t come near it.

Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel
roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in nar-
row openings.

Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt
or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose.
Place pin in seam of slacks and … at da! … static is gone.

Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water.
Dump out the hot water, but don’t dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such
as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of
your car . When the window s fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It’s cheaper than shaving cream and
leaves your legs really smooth. It’s also a great way to use up the conditioner you
bought but didn’t like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2′ with Apple Cider Vinegar
and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the
cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants They eat it, take it ‘home,’ can’t
digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works
and you don’t have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS
The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the
house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the
dryer and pulled out th e lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the fil-
ter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he
took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a
mesh material … I’m sure you know what your dryer’s lint filter looks like. Well …
the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn’t go through it at all! He told us
that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that’s what burns out the heating unit.
You can’t SEE the film, but it’s there. It’s what is in the dryer sheets to make your
clothes soft and static free … that nice fragrance too. You know how they can feel
waxy when you take them out of the box .. well this stuff builds up on your clothes
and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your
house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long
time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with
hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months.
He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?!
Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn’t know dryer sheets would do that .
So, I thought I’d share!

Note: I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran
through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it
with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when
I rinsed it … the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn’t any puddling at all!
That repairman knew what he was talking about!