We are getting a House!!

It has been a very stressful September. Around the 1 st, Chris decided that we had better get into a home by the end of the month, before a buyer program is not available. So, we met with a mortgage lady on Thursday the 4. (I would like to publicly apologize to all my mortgage & real estate contacts - I didn't have a say in anything - he had everything set & said we are going. He didn't think that I had any contacts really....or he just forgot...again - SORRY.)

After we knew how much we could afford, we went on the hunt. We spent the next Saturday & Monday looking - what a headache. We were continually drawn to a house in our neighborhood. It is right up the street from the girls school - which we LOVE! Plus, we are still in the Salt Lake City limits which is very convenient for Chris and work. He gets called out alot for accidents, so he can get where he needs to fairly quickly. The drawback was it was definitely over our budget.

We put an offer on it anyway on Monday, which was pretty much scoffed at, so we came back with our next and final offer - our agent was not too optimistic and we were trying not to get our hopes up. We were so happy to find out Thurs. Sept 11th that she accepted it! The next week or so was filled with an inspection, appraisal & stress stress STRESS!!

So today, the 29th (I am not sure if I will ever forget the day since we signed & dated on a gajillion lines) we signed the paperwork. Once everything goes through by tomorrow, the house will officially be ours! YAY! We will receive the keys & get our picture w/ the sold sign - if it is on the real estate sign and get moving. (Everyone needs a picture of that, don't you think?)

There are some things that need work - like the back deck..can you help with that Dad?? It has been exciting going through the process. I am very glad that we only worried through things for a month. How can people drag it out for months at a time? We are very excited to be at the end of the process. Many prayers have been said & I know many more are to come. Check back soon for the pictures.

I am Goober Dippinlips!

So I got this in an email and found it very amusing. Feel free to post this on your blog too, just be sure to leave me a comment with your new name so we can all have a good chuckle!!

We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute. Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. If we are honest, we have a lot more stressful days than not. Here is your dose of humor...

A. Follow the instructions to find your new name.



B. Once you have your new name, put it in the subject box and pass is on any way you please (ex. email, blog, paper airplanes, flyers on street signs . . . the possibilities are endless!) And don't go all adult - a senior manager is now known far & wide as Dorky Gizzardsniffer!



The following is excerpted from a children's book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names... So:



1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your New first name:

a = snickle

b = doombah

c = goober

d = cheesey

e = crusty

f = greasy

g = dumbo

h = farcus

i = dorky

j = doofus

k = funky

l = boobie

m = sleezy

n = sloopy

o = fluffy

p = stinky

q = slimy

r = dorfus

s = snooty

t = tootsie

u = dipsy

v = sneezy

w = liver

x = skippy

y = dinky

z = zippy



2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin

b = feather

c = batty

d = burger

e = chicken

f = barffy

g = lizard

h = waffle

i = farkle

j = monkey

k = flippin

l = fricken

m = bubble

n = rhino

o = potty

p = hamster

q = buckle

r = gizzard

s = lickin

t = snickle

u = chuckle

v = pickle

w = hubble

x = dingle

y = gorilla

z = girdle



3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:

a = butt

b = boob

c = face

d = nose

e = hump

f = breath

g = pants

h= shorts

i = lips

j = honker

k = head

l = tush

m= chunks

n = dunkin

o = brains

p = biscuits

q = toes

r = doodle

s = fanny

t = sniffer

u = sprinkles

v = frack

w = squirt

x = humperdinck

y = hiney

z = juice

Thus, for example, will you be voting for Farcus Battyface (John McCain) or Dorfus Featherbutt (Barack Obama) for President this November??

And remember that children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults laugh an average of 4 times a day.

Put more laughter in your day!!!

Ferocious Insects vs. Chris

Funny thing happened tonight, more like dinner & a show. After dinner this evening, Chris & I were just discussing random things and I mentioned that we definitely have a wasp or yellow jacket nest out on our patio under our little bench....whatever they are, they can sting you.

Well, Chris armed himself with his ASP (expandable police baton) and went on a recon mission. Upon inspecting the underside of it, he found the pesty nest in the far right corner. He then came inside in search of "chemicals." Seriously, he just asked if we had any chemicals. Well, we didn't have any wasp killer, so he grabbed the next best thing: A fly swatter, a can of disinfectant spray & foaming window cleaner.

(Note: Fly swatter in left hand, ASP in the right)

It actually worked! Can you believe that? He foamed the little guys up, which had an interesting effect on them. They probably felt like the were high on some saweet nectar. Then he swatted the heck out of the little buggers as they tripped out of their cozy home. Once finished, he swept them up into the dustpan.

Here's the conquering hero!

Some may think this is the end of our little story, but NO! There is more!!

The "ferocious Insects" were still writhing around in the dustpan, so Chris moved to phase 2 of the assault. Have I ever told you how insane he is??? His final words were: "Hand me the lighter." (He may have eaten them as a crispy snack, who knows, after I took this picture of cruelness, I went inside.)

What more can I say, apparently he really didn't want a nest on our patio. Way to take charge Chris & show them who's boss! (I just hope that the survivors who flew away are not planning a retaliation.)

Meow!

Tonight we took the girls to see CATS. It was awesome - almost exactly as I remembered it...there was an additional part and song that I don't remember. You see, my parents took me to see it in New York for my High School graduation gift. It was the best trip!

So 12 years later, I saw it again. The girls loved it. I think it helped that they knew most of the songs. They are always listening to the soundtrack in their room. They also like to dance & act it out by tucking their boas into the top of the back of their pants & pretend they are cats. It is actually pretty funny. I actually heard Christianna singing some of the songs during the performance tonight.

The show started at 7:30 and lasted 2 1/2 hours. It was a late night for the girls & I am not looking forward to dragging their butts out of bed in the morning, but it was so worth it! As we were waiting for Chris to pull the car around, they asked if we are going to see "Wicked" when it comes. Well, I am hoping to - but we have to wait until April/May to see it. I just hope they don't continue to ask until then.

The Freedom...

...of walking around in your house, in your underware. No pictures will be accompanying this post, belive me, it is nothing you would like to see. (Unless it is the mound of laundry that is waiting for me.)

Today is laundry day & since it has been a week since I washed clothes I am absolutely out of clothing to wear in 80 degree heat. Combine the lack of clean clothing, with no one else home - it makes a wonderful combo. This would be another one of the fabulous benefits of the kids in school. Other benefits, since I am thinking about it, being able to take a shower, do your hair and makeup, and get dressed for the day with no interruptions.

I love school!

Utah State Fair - Ribbon Envy

Now if there is anyone who follows my mother's blog, this may not seem as impressive. You see, she quilts and does other sewing crafty stuff & enters has entered things into the Iron County Fair for the past 2 years. Well, she has ALOT of ribbons, first, second...you name it. She is awesome. Well she inspired me to enter photos into our State Fair this year.

This is one of my favorites of Victoria. I had to go to the fair opening day to see how my pictures did. I was so excited to see that I received a ribbon! I actually tried calling everyone, my sister, mom, husband - no one answered their phones so I had to have a quiet, but very excited, celebration with Christianna.

A funny thing about Christianna too: After we saw the ribbon by Victoria's picture, she was excited to find the one of her that I submitted. She was majorly disappointed to see that Victoria got a ribbon & she didn't. I tried to explain that it is judged by the photo - not by who is in it. Not sure if she understood. This is the picture I submitted of her.

Seeing Red

I finally took a step off the deep end. I spent Saturday morning at the spa - it was much deserved. I have been stressing a bit lately. In case you were not aware, Chris & I have been looking for houses - seriously. Big headache of a process, let me tell ya! Actually, I don't want to bore you with it.

Back to the spa....aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh. I started it off with a hair color. I decided on a dark red color. I must admit, as she was drying it, it was looking a little freakishly BAD! BRIGHT RED!! She continued to tell me repeatedly that if I don't like it after a couple days, that I could come back in and get more brown in it. So was she even thinking it looked hideous???

Top one is how it looks inside. I really like the cut.

Bottom is how it looks outside.

Once it was all cut and styled, I thought it looked alot better. Didn't seem as bright. Well, do you know what? It looks so very different when you are in direct sunlight. The brightness is still there! I have been so self-conscious about it. Luckily I have had alot of people tell me how much they like it. Chris thinks it's hot...and that it really brings out the green in my eyes. I think I will ride it out and see. At least it covered the few grey strays I have found recently, right?

After that I got a wonderful manicure from the best manicurist there! Even got a paraffin hand wax treatment.

So what do you all think of that?

Got Talent???

Our ward had a fun Talent Show Tonight. There were jugglers, singers, dancers, pianists - many of those. A group of the Primary girls got together and learned some African dances. They were so cute! They all had colorful fabric tied around them and jingling anklets. Victoria & Christianna are the little white girls in the pink. Everyone enjoyed their singing and dancing.

After other acts, Christianna was up again. She had signed up to show everyone how she can blow a bubble. Funny - turns out she doesn't know how to! When the sign up sheet came around in Primary, there was a sheet attached with different ideas. I am guessing that blowing a bubble sounded good, so she gave it a try. It was the funniest thing ever & everyone was waiting for her to spit her gum across the room as she tried.

We always knew she was the comic of the family - that is one of her really great talents.

Victoria had 2 separate talents to share. First she did cartwheels across the room and back. Later she did this yoga move. It is really difficult to do, seriously, you try it. She is a quick learner. I had only taught her how to do it about an hour before the show. This was the longest she had ever held it too. If I would have been thinking, I would have had her hula hoop - she totally rocks doing that.

Lastly, I would like to share Chris's talent. He was such a good sport because the opening act was a girl about 11 years old who was an amazing juggler! He didn't want to juggle anymore after her. But he did anyway. He started out with 3 balls & then took out these 3 mean looking knives. Yes, you read that correctly - knives. Before you get too excited, he was kidding with the knives - he can't juggle those. But it was funny for everyone to see a not-so-serious side of Chris that night. He ended his act by asking everyone if they wanted to see him catch a bullet with his teeth.

All Give Some - Some Give All

This morning we all attended a Fallen Officer Memorial. It was at the Capital Building in Salt Lake City.

This was the mission statement on the program:

"In 2006, a group of police officers and citizens came together to raise funds and construct a new memorial to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. From concept to completion, our efforts were guided by three abiding principles:

First, to provide a place of solace for family and friends of officers fallen in the performance of their sworn duties, a place of comfort for those who truly lost the most.

Also, to preserve the memories of the officers themselves, men and women who lost all their tomorrows so that we might have our today's.

Finally, to remind Utah of its obligation to properly support those who willingly place themselves in harm's way for the public good.

Two years and more than a million dollars later, we present the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial to the State of Utah."

I am very grateful that there are many men & women out there willing to make that sacrifice every day to help the rest of us feel safe. I am proud to be the wife of an officer and I love him so very much for the dedication he gives to Salt Lake City.

After the revealing of the statues and the memorial wall, they called each agency from the state, who had a fallen officer, to gather on the hill. Chris is representing one of our Salt Lake fallen officers. It was a visual reminder of the dedication officers have, not to mention all their friends and families.

There were too many people there to get any pictures of the memorial, so we will add those as soon as we can get back to the capital.

Our "baby" started kindergarten!

Our youngest - thus far - started kindergarten today. We are all very excited about it - refer to previous posting for a little inside scoop on my view.

We walked home from school this morning and I definitely got an ear full of her day. I am actually very glad that we walked, it gave us about 15 minutes to chat about everything.

These were key things she told me after I asked how her day went:

• "I didn't want to go to school today, but now I do. I was a little scared and excited."
• "I didn't show my underwear today; I sat like a lady." (As anyone with little girls knows, that can always be an issue when you wear a skirt.)
• "I played hopscotch today and even kept my foot up as I hopped all the way to the end!"

"My favorite part of school was: getting "Smarties" candies because they are so good and I am so smart."

My school friends are: Ruby, Portia & Annalesa

"I learned about asking others to play with me on the playground and that I should say yes to others who ask me to play." (She added, as she pointed her finger at me, "you shouldn't say no.")

"I like my teacher because she is so nice and pretty and I like her."

She was very excited to tell me that tomorrow will be her second day in school - believe me honey, I know. I share in your new excitement and I am very proud of you!

How am I Doing?

I thought that some of my dear friends may be a little concerned as to how I am holding up after that last post - and some of you frankly may not care. So I am directing this to those who do!

I am doing GREAT!!!! You see, today Christianna started kindergarten, even though it is only for about 3 hours in the morning; it is wonderfully awesome to have that time! I decided that I could not put off grocery shopping any longer - the last time I went was about a week before vacation. Since then we have only gone to get bare neccessitites like bread, milk, some fruit & veggies.

I seriously deserve a medal for this & I think they should add grocery shopping without children (and husbands) & maybe an event with them, to the Summer Olympics next time - what do you think?

I left my home just before 9:30 this morning, went to Walmart to return items-and I know you know how long that takes, make a deposit at the credit union & got some groceries. Then I headed down the road to Sam's Club (here is where the medal comes in) and arrived at 10:09. I went in, got the items on my list - which took me throughout the entire store, checked out and went to the gas station on site to fill up a practically empty tank. Guess when I was finished & got back on the road to head home......are you ready for this?????

10:36 AM

(The crowd goes wild.)

Just One of Those Days

OK everyone - this is how I unwind. You know, I really don't know what my problem has been today, but I have been so irritated with everything. I think it all started Sunday during an insane Sacrament meeting at church where Christianna acted as bad as she did when she was a toddler! Chris was called into work for a nasty accident, so I was flying solo on this one. Just as we were singing the opening hymn, I could hear screaming/goofing off voices down the hall. Turned out to be my girls. Once we all got in and seated, Christianna didn't like where I put her & she just took off! I was so frustrated. Later on, as I recapped the incidents from the afternoon, Chris informed me that he would be working Monday - his normal day off - he wanted to take an overtime shift without burning a holiday or vacation pay on Tues. So that was a great set-up for my Monday.

First of all the girls took about 3 hours to clean their room, which looked like a major bomb had exploded. Also, the whiny argument voice & tattle tales where driving me towards a strong drink, which only materialized into a cold glass of water. Then top off that with the "no Dad around" issue & you have a recipe for not-so-good things. Yippee. So, as you can see below, I needed some alone "me" time.

I find a dark room (the bathroom is really the only place where it can be completely dark) and then lay down, legs & bum up against the wall, lay my palms up and close my eyes. (FYI: I added a few blocks of rich dark chocolate to my routine.) Whenever Chris finds me here at the end of work, he knows to leave me alone & make sure the girls don't get close. At this point, I cannot be held responsible for my actions. Seriously, I will plead insanity.

Well, I just topped off my night by burning a bag of popcorn in the microwave - I have never seen smoke billowing out of our microwave EVER until today. I told you - something is totally messed up here.