Made by Memilyrae

Okay, so I’m SUPER UPER behind on my blog. So, here’s my attempt to catch up.

In August, we went to the zoo with Leona, her boys, and most of the kids she babysits. We were gone for a few hours but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be with 8 kids.

Evie was my biggest struggle…Little Miss Independent with short legs.

Explored everything…

Watched the elephant show…poor little Evie got the mini fan stuck in her hair…

Drank out of the lion’s head…

The carousel was up and running…

We had fun at the monkey house…

Saw the white alligator…

Got a long look at the giraffe and her baby…

Touched a centipede…

Got ice cream to cool off…

And rode the train…

I know that’s a lot of pictures but what can I say? We have some cute kids!

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.

I saw that the Fisher-Price company was giving away a Planet Heroes DVD so I decided to sign up. I’ve never seen them before and have zero clue if I’ll like it or not, but I figured, hey, why not! So, for those of you who have a little boy (they say 3+) and he likes super heroes, why not get a free DVD, right? Here’s the link:

Planet Heroes

Okay, so I THINK I found this link on Ikea Goddess‘ blog (I clicked on it a few day ago and am just getting around to pa-rusing it. 😉 She has fantastic stuff! Especially for those who don’t want baby-cute stuff, but more teen-and-tween stuff. You know, the whole “I know more than my parents do” stage. 🙂 (I was NEVER like that! 😉 tee hee) SO, take a look see!

Pimp Your Scrapbook

I just love Doodlebugz Doodle Bags. Accidental Mommies is doing a give-away on her blog (take a look-see). I would LOVE to get one for both Spencer and Evie. How smart!

By the way, I love the tagline at the top of Accidental Mommie’s site:

“An “Accidental Mommy” is a mommy who never thought she was mommy material but has learned through poop, spit-up and tears that she has what it takes.”

The most awesom-est Tip Junkie let all of us know of the very cute Baby Bands today. Can I just saw how stinkin’ cute! I would SO love to get some of these for Evie. Take a look-see: (she’s doing a giveaway that will end soon!)

BabyBands