Yes, I am a dork.

So I was a little bored and goofing around online. I made a celebrity collage. It is always fun, and never the same. I think I always have Katie Couric and Renee Zelwigger, but that is it. Most of the time I don't even know who these people are. If you have time it is fun to play around with.

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Ancestors - Family pics

Birthday Happenings

I had a wonderful 32nd birthday. Yes, folks, I know I look 23 but reverse that, I am 32 years old now - CRAZY!! We started the day going to Elise's soccer game in 30 degree weather and pouring rain. It was quite an experience and I am very proud of Elise, she played hard the entire time, soaking wet and freezing cold. After coming home and warming up, taking a nap and getting cleaned up we celebrated, with yummy cake and ice cream. I have never had cake from our local grocer, but I am never again getting cake anywhere else. It was amazing and who doesn't love moose tracks ice cream. I loved my thoughtful cards and gifts. Shae got me a docking station for my ipod and a nike running chip. The girls got me a new hot red purse. I love new purses. I would buy one every season if I could. Oh and I can't forget my Twilight DVD from my mother-in-law. (yes, I shamelessly love the books and all things Twilight.) Then, being big spenders, we used a coupon I got at the grocery store for a buy one get one free ticket to the dollar show. Yep, we paid .50 each to see the Mall Cop movie. It was funny and cute and for .50 I wouldn't have cared if it wasn't great, it was only two quarters!! We then went to Macaroni Grill, my favorite - and shopping at borders my next favorite. I love to look at books in the store, library or online. I just get lost with all those awesome stories to discover. It was a wonderful day and I am truly grateful for all the kind phone calls and birthday cards - Amy R. I loved the fabulous card it was so cute and Grandma's made me cry. If there is anything I love most about my birthday it is all the love I feel from all those around me. Here's to another year, when I will update you on being 24 *wink*.

Me and my Hot birthday date

Me and my cute girls

sick, sick, sick

It seems that lots of stuff is going around right now, by stuff I mean sicknesses. I had felt so fortunate that we had managed to get through the winter season with a few colds and one round of strep throat. Then Wednesday came. I had been home for a little over 24 hours from my trip to the wedding. It started with Adelle having some goopey eyes and a really runny nose and fever, then Cora woke up and threw up all night long. I was exhausted. After a trip to the doctor for Adelle's eyes everyone seemed to be on the mend until this morning (Saturday). Elise got up doing a repeat performance of Cora's experience a few nights before than Adelle took her turn and I got mine as well. We all managed to get this virus by today. YUCK We are all tired and worn out, but hopefully we will have a relaxing spring break with no more illness. We need to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

A memorable tidbit this week, besides all the yacking was something Cora said to me after being so sick and not able to keep anything down; "Mom, if I don't eat or drink for three days, I can die." After laughing, and then feeling bad about laughing at my poor, worried, sick child I assured her that as her Mom it was my job to make sure she doesn't die. And, here we are all alive, somewhat sick, but no one is expiring from dehydration. I am making sure of that.

Paul and Keisha's wedding

I took so many pictures at the wedding. It was great to be there and see Paul and his adorable new bride. We are looking forward to seeing them again this summer (hopefully).

Adellism's

Adelle does and says so many funny things that I have started to think of them as Adelleism's. Each child has their own personality and our youngest daughter, little Adelle has it in droves. This is her latest:

While braiding her hair after a bath tonight she told me "Mom, I like it when you smile - but I really like it when you put on your makeup and lipstick then, you're really pretty when you smile."

I am glad that at least she likes my smile whether I am pretty with make up or not. Heaven know I love her smile, it lights up the room.

Marriage

My youngest brother Paul is getting married in one week. I am so excited and happy for him and his new bride. Honestly when it comes to marriage I feel like it wasn't almost thirteen years ago that I took that huge step.

I am grateful that I was so young, just barely nineteen, when I did. I have "grown up" if you will, with Shae. He and I have learned to communicate, work together and accept each other for who we are. He has been patient and loving to me wanting only my happiness. While I can't say that I have always been as selfless I have also wanted his happiness.

In some ways it feels like that time has flown by. But in other ways of measuring so much has happened. Shae graduated from college, started his job, got his CPA and has moved up the work ladder with Wells Fargo. We have had three girls, moved from Utah to California to Missouri. I have been to school, and more school and more school, been the Mom and all sorts of other various jobs. I have had cancer. Two girls have had asthma. There have been many doctor and hospital visits. I have counted hours of sleep by how many half hours I have gotten in a 24 hour period. We have lost loved ones. There have been car problems. There have been house problems. There have been extended family issues.

Shae and I have managed to grow to love each other more through each experience. He has become my true best friend. I can and do tell him pretty much everything (although I am sure some of the time he wishes I would spare the details).

The idea of a new marriage makes me appreciate my somewhat older marriage. I am so grateful for the beginning years we had to grow. I feel like there is still so much to experience and learn, but I am glad that I have my best friend to do it with.

I think in writing this I am sending my wishes for Paul and Kiesha (my soon to be SIL) and any other couple out there taking the step towards a longer commitment. I wish them only happiness and love.

There will be heart ache, frustration, arguments, and stress. But the strength of the commitment will see them through. Communication is the key. Sometimes, no matter how hard it is, working out your problems and being truly honest with yourself and each other is what makes things work. Sometimes you have to agree to disagree. While it is hard to believe in a new relationship you would ever think differently about things, you will, and when the time comes, remember you were individuals first. Maintain that individuality. Remember that is what you fell in love with in the first place, the individual. It is okay to interests that are all the same.

And if I didn't say it enough already. COMMUNICATE. You may have to go to bed frustrated or mad, but make sure at some point to talk it out. From my soap box I can say the best, strongest and longest lasting relationships were due to the couples willingness to communicate, be selfless and loyal to each other.

Thirteen years ago I didn't think it was possible that I could love Shae more that I did when we married. People told me as time passed that I would. I don't know how much more it is possible to love, but I love him more now and am more in love that I can ever remember being. I hope that years from now when Paul and Keisha are thinking back about their beginning they will think of it as I do - with fondness, joy and love. I am continually grateful that I married such a wonderful man as Shae. I am even more grateful for all the lessons I have learned through my marriage to him.

All my love and best to all those in love.