#1 out of 25 on The List: 20 Random Things About Me

Here is my list of RANDOM things.  Most of them probably won't come as much of a surprise. Enjoy...

1- My favorite color is purple. It always has been. I like deep purples the best. Quite frankly, I can't understand why everyone doesn't seem to adore purple as much as I do.

2- I am a germ-a-phobic. If you know me well, this is no news flash. I hold my breath when I walk past the pharmacy. I stand out in the hall at the doctors office so I don't have to sit next to all the sickies in the waiting room. I have enough hand sanitizer on stock that I could open a store of my own.

3- I love ice cream. My favorite ice cream is Tilamook Mudslide. I also like Moosetracks Chocolate Extreme.

4- As a Mother, I like to break out in song if the tune fits the moment. I am probably scarring my children for life (as well as ruining a few classic songs in the process), but boy it is sure fun! A few of the regulars in my repertoire are, "Let us oft speak kind words to each other", "Back to life, Back to Reality" by Soul II Soul (I usually save that one for the ride to school on Monday morning), "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones, "Oh What A Beautiful Morning", and the ever popular (and Kyle's personal favorite) "It's A Hard-knock Life" from Annie.

5- I graduated from college with a near perfect GPA. The only class I got a B+ in was Chemistry 101 lab. -- stinky Chemistry lab! I have actually debated on going back to school simply to retake Chem 101 lab and get an A, but that would be plain old crazy. Wouldn't it?  Would it?

6- While I am on the subject of school, I have always regretted not applying to Harvard University after high school. Not because I wanted to go there, but simply because I would have liked to have been able to say that I chose Ricks College over Harvard.

7- I was a toe-shoe ballerina for 1 year when I was in junior high.

8- I have slept with a "silky" since I was a little girl. Now, that I'm older, and obviously more mature, I no longer use a silky blanket, but have graduated to a silky granny-style nightgown. Oh-- and I wrap a second silky around my face while I sleep. The silkies have gone on every vacation, camping and hospital trip Ive ever been on. Yeah. I'm cool like that!

9- I like to sing to the radio in the car. When I am alone, I belt it out and sometimes even fantasize that I am in a talent show. I'm a horrible singer... that is why it is called a fantasy!

10- I wish that I could impersonate different accents.  I especially love British accents. One of my closest friends and I used to read our college text books to each other in different accents while we studied. She had a great Italian accent. The cruel irony is that in "real life" I am terrible (beyond terrible) at understanding people with even the slightest foreign accent. Maybe that is why they fascinate me.

11- I LOVE holidays. I decorate the house for all the main holidays, and believe that traditions are important. I have even celebrated National Pie Day, National Teenager Day, and Christmas in July (I decorated the house with a few Christmas decorations after the kids went to bed. When they woke up, we opened a gift, played Christmas music, watched Christmas movies, and ate some of our favorite Christmas treats. They were so surprised and it was so fun!)

12- In High School (during my Junior Year-- or maybe my Senior Year-- or maybe both), I set a goal to have my picture in the yearbook as many times as possible.  I joined as many clubs as possible. I realized that if I was in the club presidency I got another picture. A few of my clubs I joined that year were Health Occupations (I was the VP), Future Homemakers of America (I was the VP),  Bass Masters Fishing Club, Future Bowling Chickens of America, the Key Club, and I was one of the Sterling Scholars that year. I was also royalty for the Sweetheart Ball that year. I don't remember how many pictures I got-- but it was a lot!  Goal accomplished.

13- If I was skinny, I would cut my hair into a short sassy haircut, and wear 1950's style dresses everyday. Unfortunately, neither one of those things look as cute on chubby. However, I do wear an apron about 50% of the time, and love being an "apron mommy". One of my favorite shows is Leave it to Beaver. My favorite Pandora radio stations are Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, and Michael Buble. For a long time, I thought I was better suited to the 1950's-- then I read about all the Cold war, and the bombing drills at school, and I changed my mind.

14- The first time I kissed my husband was in the middle of a thunderous downpour. It was magical... good thing too, I spent everyday with him for nearly 4 months before he finally dared kiss me.  It was on September 5th, 1997.  We were engaged a month and a half later (on Halloween), and married 3 1/2 months after that (on February 12th).

15- Ryan wasn't the first guy to propose to me. About 3 months before I met Ryan, I had a boy sit next to me during lunch in the Manwaring Center cafeteria. We chatted briefly, and he was friendly, but not really my style. I think he sat by me one more time during that week. The next day, I got an email from him telling me that he knew we were meant to be together, and that he wanted me to be his wife. Ummmm... no thanks. Interestingly enough-- the next semester, he was in my religion class, and had since gotten married. When he stood up for introductions, he couldn't remember his new wife's name.  I wonder how many lunch chats they shared before she became the Mrs.?

16- I would secretly love to run a half marathon. If only I didn't detest running with a passion.

17- I like to draw. I am too embarrassed to show most people my novice work, but I still enjoy doing it. I wish I had more time to develop this talent.

18- I love seeing new things, and wish that I had enough time and money to travel the world. Ive never been outside of the US (unless you count a day trip to Nogales, Mexico). I don't see this world-traveler dream ever coming true, due to the fact that I am a major cheap-skate, and could never justify spending that kind of money on a self-indulgence like a trip.

19- I didn't find out the gender of any of my 5 babies before they were born. There are so few really GREAT surprises in life, and I really wanted the surprise. It was worth it every time.

20- I like to read. I loved reading the Harry Potter series (especially because I read them with Ryan). I also devoured the Twilight Series. Hey now, don't judge me. In my mind, dreamy Edward had a British accent (please refer to random thing #10 above), so that fact --along with numerous other things-- made the movie a bit of a downer.  My favorite book is The Book of Mormon. I didn't truly read it for the first time until I was well into my 20's. It is an amazing gift, and has blessed my life in a zillion ways.

So there it is... 20 crazy tidbits about me (actually it is probably a lot more than 20 because I packed a few of them with 3 or 4 things-- sorry). I wish I could read 20 random things about all of you too.

The List

I recently found this "get to know you" questionnaire on-line, and thought that it was a great list of writing prompts. Because I look at my blog as a way of journaling, I thought that someday, my children might like to know some of my answers to the following questions. I don't know if I will do them all, but I am going to try to do a few every once in a while.   I hope it turns out to be fun-- and not too embarrassing.

THE LIST:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have, and how they became fears.
3. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year old self, if you could.
4. What are 5 things that make you most happy right now.
5. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
6. What is your dream job?
7. What are 5 of your greatest passions?
8. List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how.
9. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
10. What are 5 of your pet peeves.
11. Describe a typical day in your current life.
12. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
13. What are 5 of your strengths?
14. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
15. What are 5 of your greatest accomplishments?
16. What is something you wish you were great at?
17. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
18. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
19. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? What would be the first thing you would do with it?
20. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
21. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
22. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
23. What famous person or historical figure would you most like to have dinner with.
24. What are 10 things you would hope to be remembered for?
25. If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world where would you go?

Another Great Birthday & An Art Show

Kyle turned 11--
He is such a fun boy! On his birthday, He had a full itinerary for us to do. We started the day with opening his presents, followed by Jamba Juice for breakfast. Then we had a little "cool down time" so Kyle could play with his gifts. For lunch, we went to Pizza Pie Cafe (all you can eat) because we are healthy like that! After lunch we went and played mini-golf and laser tag. It was my first time playing laser tag. I had creed in one arm and the gun in the other-- which made me a real asset to my family team! The miracle of the day was that I somehow managed to get 7th out of 13 players. Booyah!
We had cake and ice cream for dinner (yet again... soooo healthy). That night, Kyle said the family prayer. The best part of the day was him thanking Heavenly Father for "the perfect day". It made it all worth it!
Here is a little about Kyle:
His favorite food is pizza.
His favorite color is green.
His best friend is McKay Rawlings.
His favorite school subject is science.
His favorite scripture story is the battle tactics used to capture cities without bloodshed.
His favorite saying is "Be the change you wish to see in this world" -- Gandhi

Also, the girls had their Elementary School Art show this past week. They were so excited to show off their pictures. Personally, I thought their pictures were the best in the school-- but I am probably a little biased.

Kailani's is the picture on the top. It is called "Willow Wisp"

Karen's picture called "Family"

Orthodontic Advances

Even before the time that Ryan and I were married, we knew that a large portion of our future income would be going towards fixing our future children's crooked teeth. Ryan and I both wore braces and are big believers in straight teeth. We knew that around our house, being a teenager would mean getting braces. So, naturally, Cameron (our new teenager) is now sporting some very expensive bling in his mouth.

BEFORE

AFTER

I've noticed that there have been a few changes in the orthodontic experience since I was a teenager. When I had my teeth molds done, I gagged on a plaster flavored blob of goop. After Cameron got his molds done, He said, "Yum, Watermelon, That was delicious!"  While I spent my time with the orthodontist fine tuning the art of awkward conversation, Cameron gets to spend his time with headphones and a movie in the ceiling (not to mention the fact that his orthodontist is a pretty cool guy-- and not awkward at all). Each month when Cam goes in, he gets a free toothbrush, and a bottle of water. After Cameron was done, he left with a goody bag full of awesome gifts. He was feeling pretty good. I hope he can appreciate this rite of passage. I am going to miss his crooked little smile.

A Couple Birthdays, A Few School Programs, and Some Giant Strawberries!

I've been busy. Here are a couple things that have been going on around here:
Cameron turned 13! I can't believe he is a teenager. He tries so hard in school, and is such a responsible young man. I sure love him. At 13, here are some things about him:
His favorite food is Cheesy Potato Soup.
His favorite color Gold (metallic) & Orange.
His best friend Kyle and John Rindlisbacher.
His favorite school subject PE.
His favorite scripture story Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty.
His favorite dessert Jamba Juice.
His favorite saying is "Knowledge is Power".

Kailani turned 9! She is such a little Mother-in-training. I love spending time with her. Here are a few things about her 9-year-old self:
Her favorite food is spaghetti.
Her favorite color is turquoise.
Her best friend is Karen.
Her favorite school subject is art.
Her favorite scripture story is Nephi getting the plates from Laban.
Her favorite dessert is cookie dough ice cream.
Her favorite saying is "If you run into a wall, don't give up.  Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." --Michael Jordan

Kyle was in a patriotic school program. He was 1 of 3 students who opted to use a British accent for their speaking part (man that kid has gumption)-- and the only student who actually sounded British. (In fact, one of the 3 students used an accent that could have easily been confused for a Muppet accent as opposed to a British one--- but you didn't hear that from me!) I sure love my boy.

Karen was an elephant in the Kindergarten Circus. She was so excited to sing and dance. It was a little difficult to focus on her when all the other kindergarten boys were having such a hard time holding still-- and thus causing quite a bit of unscripted entertainment. Karen played her part very well. I was proud.

Lastly, can you believe these strawberries? Wowser!

That Day is NOT Today

Since the beginning of the January, I have had chronic back pain. Even though it has been a constant pain, most of the time it is a "functional pain". However, every once in a while, the pain likes to rear its ugly little head and stop all plans for the day. I have been to a chiropractor-- which made it worse, and had me feeling tearfully hopeless for a week.  I have been to my regular doctor, and to a physical therapist-- these helped a bit, but didn't eliminate the pain. So, why do I feel that this experience is blog-post worthy? Because, during the past three months, I have had a couple paradigm shifts that -- even though they are personal and have become precious to me--I want to remember them , so I am writing them down.

I found a quote that I have thought about everyday since I read it. It is from Runner's World Magazine-- which is obviously where I found it, because I read that regularly (just kidding).  I found it on the Internet-- but if you're a fitness enthusiast (and read Runner's World)  you may have seen it before. 

I decided that even though I was hurting, I was grateful that I could walk. I began to walk on the treadmill each morning. I wasn't doing it to lose weight (although I definitely wouldn't mind if I did), and I wasn't even doing it to help my back. I simply wanted to do it because I was "able" to-- and I appreciated that blessing. In turn, walking seemed to help ease my pain each day. This quote didn't only motivate me to walk, it has actually reached into every aspect of my life. It has become my Mantra. I will think of it, and make sure I kiss my husband when he walks in the door after work. Because, a day may come when I no longer get to kiss my sweet husband everyday-- however, that day is not today. I have read my scriptures more meaningfully, because today I'm alive, and can read. I have sung my baby (and occasionally all my "babies") to sleep many more nights than I used to. I have read more stories to my children while I hold them close. They won't always live in my home-- but thankfully,  that day is not today! Ive tried to seek out more people in need. I have spent more time doing things I enjoy and less time fretting about things that don't matter. I have tried new things and even done a few things that were hard for me simply because I am "able".  This silly little quote has made a huge impact on the way I view my life and the blessing of each day.

A month or so ago, my back was so bad that I truly felt I was going to live in pain everyday for the rest of my life. It was during that time that I began to ponder on the Savior's promise to succor us in our trials. I thought about why He chose the word "succor". Anyone who knows me well, knows how much I loved "nursing" my babies. I love the way it is so personal-- shared only between my baby and me. It nourishes them. It brings them such peace as I cradle them close. I thought about how a "succored" baby is completely content. I grew to love the analogy of being succored. I believe with all my heart that I can be as content and at peace with this trial as my nursing babies were when I held them in my arms. I began to pray for that succor. Within days, my pain began to disappear. Now, I am pain free most days.  Ryan gave me a blessing near the beginning of this "back pain" journey. Even minutes after the blessing was over, I couldn't remember much of anything that was said. I couldn't even remember if I was promised a healed back. The only thing I did remember was the promise that I would "know who to go to for the relief I needed." At the time, I began searching and visiting with doctors, neighbors, and even strangers. In the end, none of them gave me the relief that my loving Heavenly Father, and my Savior has given me as the result of an earnest prayer. I just needed to remember who to turn to for relief.  It is a blessing, and a miracle-- and I am so thankful.