Happy Thanksgiving

The table is set. The Christmas Tree is up. The food is cooked. We are ready. Tomorrow I'll be chillin' in front of the TV watching Discovery Channel. This is my favorite show. I love these boys!
And a quick thanks to all my family and friends. I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I love you all!

Happy Birthday Treasure Love

Wow. It's just me and you babe. 30 years old. How did this happen to us? Remember when we were cute girls in high school? Checking out boys and worrying about clothes? And we thought those were the good times. Little did we know that as life goes on, it just gets better. Treasure, you are such an inspiration. Your faith and goodness nearly leaves a person breathless with awe. We have shared a lot of good times, and a lot of hard times, and no matter what I've said or done, you never think badly of me. You make me a better person. Remember when I was pregnant with Brooklyn? I lied to you because I was terrified of being judged. I didn't want to disappoint you, and I thought I couldn't deal with another lecture. When you found out (through the grape vine) you called and I remember exactly what you said. "Why didn't you tell me Nicole? I love you and will help you get through anything." And it's true. You are always there when I need you. To listen to me rant and rave, to hold my hand when I'm scared, or to party away my 30th birthday! (You know, I'm still so blown away that you all came here. I still don't know what to say!) So Treaz, have the best birthday ever. I Love You! And so does Ryan!!!

Go Utes!

It saddens me to follow this online. Up here everyone is crazy about NDSU, and I say "Who cares?" GO UTES!

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -Utah is BCS bound once again.

Brian Johnson passed for 303 yards and four touchdowns and the eighth-ranked Utes completed a perfect regular season by beating No. 16 BYU 48-24 Saturday, winning the heated state rivalry and taking the undisputed Mountain West Conference title away from the two-time defending champion Cougars (10-2, 6-2).

Utah (12-0, 8-0) forced six turnovers by BYU quarterback Max Hall, including a career-high five interceptions, and went unbeaten in the regular season for the third time in school history. The last Utah team to do it was the BCS Busters of 2004, which was 11-0 before winning the Fiesta Bowl.

The Fiesta is one of the possible bowl destinations for the Utes, who were already No. 7 in the BCS standings and now just have to wait for the announcement Dec. 7.

Utah fans couldn't wait to celebrate and charged the field with 29 seconds left. They were herded off so Johnson could take a knee and run out the clock, then the celebration could really begin. The Utes were swallowed by the sea of red-clad fans who were elated about so many things - the unbeaten season, the BCS and beating BYU, which hadn't happened for Utah since 2005.

The chant "B-C-S!" rang out through Rice-Eccles Stadium as Johnson received the Mountain West title trophy. Johnson was nearly perfect in his final home game, going 30-for-36 and not turning the ball over once.

Well, I went in with very, very low expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. I've heard a lot of people say they loved it. Even if they haven't read the book. I'm a little surprised. I was glad I had read the book, because at least then I felt like I knew what they were trying to pull off. Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie. Actually, I don't know if I really liked the movie, or if I just had a blast at the movie. Anna and I laughed so much the people around us were mad. I was trying so hard to laugh quietly that my eyes were watering like faucets. The front of my shirt was wet and my sleeve was full of make up from wiping my eyes. My abs were sore. Totally worth the 4 hour commute and $6.00 tickets. I actually enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would, but can I just say...what was up with Jasper? He came across like a psyco. And I'm sorry, but Shark Boy just doesn't do justice to the Jacob in my head. I love Jacob.

I know, It's early...

But I just can't hold out any longer. I swore I'd hold out 'till Thanksgiving, but I just can't hang on anymore. There are a few reasons why I have already changed my music to Christmas. 1) Carla is a Christmas Freak. I'm not kidding. Ugly Christmas purses, twinkling earrings, house decorated for Christmas the day after Halloween. She even decorated my aerobic room. As Grinchy as I try to be, that kind of enthusiasm starts to wear off on you. So, while I won't be putting up a tree or hanging a stocking until after Thanksgiving, I do feel the need for some festive tunes. 2) It's cold and it's snowy. This time of year there's not a whole lot to look forward to. Anything that reminds you to be cheery must be embraced. And before I know it, Christmas will be here and gone and then what? No sunshine, freezing weather, and not even Christmas music to look forward to. I guess I'll savor it now.

Weather...again

8°F
Feels Like
-8°F
I know I talk about it way too much, but it never ceases to amaze me. We have not seen the sun in over a week, so I'm overjoyed today to see it rising. Then I step outside. As my nose hairs become icicles and my lungs freeze from exposure, I realize that the lack of protective clouds has left us with below zero temperatures. Can't those wait till January?

Sleepy Reader

Just a cute picture taken last night of my little reader. She reads like crazy. Even in her sleep!

Twilight

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results! So...I guess I'm Esme. Not a big surprise, we moms do tend to have a lot in common. Anyway, I'm headed to Fargo on Saturday to see the move, so nobody spill the beans on me before then.

New Fire

Last night Brooklyn and I had the opportunity to see a concert by New Fire. They are a Christian Rock/Folk group from Tulsa, OK. It was awesome. The guitar playing was incredible and the presence of God in the room was overwhelming. We're going to an encore tonight!

Choosing You Today

Greatest American Hero

Do you remember that show? Really dating myself here, but I looked at the dates that this show aired and I can't believe I remember it. I would have been about 3 years old. Anyway, Anna and I were just talking about it. OK, let me be honest here, Anna and I just had a little sing-along, and for some reason we were singing the theme song. You know you remember it... "Believe it or not, I'm walking on air..." Good stuff. What happened to feel good TV? Where are the shows that make you want to be a better? I'm a little tired of all the crime drama's and sexy sitcoms. I want some good old clumsy superhero fun. OK, the point of this post is, singing that song made me think of my cousin JL. He's more like a big brother to me. We may not take the time to talk much, but he's such a huge part of my heart, and I know beyond a doubt that I'm in his. We just have that kind of connection. Why does this show make me think of him? I'm not sure. We did spend a lot of time together when it would have been airing, and I know we used to watch it. But for whatever reason, it left me thinking of JL. I love you cous!

Hunting Girls

Dad thought he was being nice. Letting Brooklyn shoot his rifle at a deer 250 yards away. No way she'll hit it, right? Well, he forgot to factor in that she get's her incredible aim from her mother.

I have been tagged!
This is a fun tag... here are the rules:
1. Go to your "My pictures" file
2. Click on the 4th folder
3. Go to the 4th picture and upload it
4. Tell about your picture
5. Then tag people (not required...but fun to see what other people come up with) This is the Weber River in the Uinta mountains, Utah. This was taken near my dads cabin. I miss real rivers!
I tag: Treaz, Miranda, and Anna!

Snow Day

School was out Early yesterday. Ice storm and blizzard. My car got stuck in my driveway. Well, not all the way in, only halfway. After an hour of Ryan and I trying to dig it, push it out, rock it out, we called in the reinforcements. But the good news is...the kids are loving it!

Election Time

Well, as dissapointed as I am, it looks like Marlene didn't win. Aunt Marlene, you will always be my president! Anyway, there were some funny comments at dance on Monday. The kids got to vote at school, and a lot of discussion about candidates had taken place. Some of the young ones may have some of their issues confused, or maybe just radical outspoken parents but here is one story. First of all, for a long time, Rylee was all for Obama. She didn't care about any of the issues, just that it would be cool to be around for the first black president. She felt like a part of history. Then one day she is reading the news paper and I notice she has crossed off Obama and written "bad" and circled McCain and written "good". I asked her about this and she said that she would never vote for Obama because he will kill you if you want to have a baby. Well, digging into this a little deeper I realized that she and some friends had been talking about abortion and had their facts a little confused. So we talked, I told her what abortion is and after a little thought, she decided she is voting for McCain. A little girl at dance asked me who I was going to vote for and I told her I was undecided (I don't think dance is the place to try to influence the young minds about political issues.) Anyway, she said she will cry if Obama is elected because they will lose their house because her dad won't be able to afford the taxes. So I laughed about this all evening. Kids are so funny. Right? Then I got kind of upset. How worried is that poor little girl today? Kids are so litteral, and this poor little 1st grader thinks she will be living in a box by the end of the week because Obama was elected. Just one more moment that makes me realize how easily we can screw up our kids!

Proud Mom Moment

What's a blog for if not to spread political propaganda or brag about your children. While I have my political views, I'm not so into spreading them. I am, however, fond of bragging about my beautiful girls. Today I was playing lunch lady at the kids school (a new past time) when Brooklyn approached me, wild eyed and obviously upset. I went into the hall with her where she proceeded to tell me about some kids on the playground pushing and bullying a boy in her class. Now, the boy being bullied would be considered a dork. I'm not saying that to be mean, I'm just saying, that as much as I know about this boy, I'm guessing this is not the first time he's been bullied. Kids are cruel. Anyway, Brooklyn said she told the other kids to leave him alone and they called her a dork lover. She replied, "I'd rather be a dork lover and do the right thing, than feel bad about myself for being mean." How proud am I?

Tagged

i am:

you have to type in the first thing that comes to your mind to make it fun:


~i am: tired

~i know: that I should be cleaning my house

~i want: a cookie

~i have: an amazing family and friends

~i hate: negativity

~i miss: family get-togethers

~i feel: calm

~i hear: the kids yelling at the barking dog. Oh how restful.

~i smell: I'm not sure, but when I walked into my house this afternoon, it wasn't pretty. I've been cleaning ever sinse. Hopefully the problem is solved.

~i crave: a pool, I'd love to swim some laps right now

~i search: my house for the hot poop smell that is baffling me

~i love: rain on a hot summer evening

~i care: thats it. I care.

~i always: procrastinate

~i believe: in many things, God, Jesus, Santa Clause, The Easter Bunny

~i sing: in the car. Out loud. I don't care if the windows are down.

~i write: less than I'd like. I love to write.

~i lose: lets hope some pounds!!!

~i win: the smile of my family when I act like a goof

~i never: regret

~i listen: to my friends, or I do my best anyway. I think it's one of the best qualities of friendship.

~i am scared: of farting in an aerobics class. You know what I'm talking about, you bend over in a childs pose or a downward dog and one sneaks out. It's always when the music is low.

~i need: to finish cleaning

~i am happy about: the beautiful weekend we just had. (It's over, there was a 60 degree temp drop today.)

~i tag: Miranda, Treasure, Jolie and Tawnie

Happy Birthday Izzy!

Happy Birthday to the little man who stole our hearts! We love you Izzy-I

The #1 Movie In America!!!

Oh yes, we saw it. Who can resist another High School Musical? The kids and several friends sat up front, and us moms sat in back. It was a good laugh. For instance, in one scene, Troy climbes a tree and sneaks into Gabriella's bedroom. She is, of course, clad in a mini skirt, and he does not even try for a kiss. How many 18 year old boys are such gentleman? It's also so fun to break into song a few times a day. You know, when times are tough, the big game is on the line, your teachers are jerks...just sing a little song, do a little dance and it will all get better! Below is the roof scene. Yes, that is the roof of their high school. Yes they are waltzing and yes every little girl in the theatre was swooning!

OK, really, all in all, it wasn't so bad. I mean, you prepare yourself for some cheese when you go to a movie like High School Musical. The choreography was awesome. I could watch some of those dance scenes over and over. And for being the 3rd disney high school musical, they actually came up with some new material. And as far as the very 'G' love scenes, well, I hope my girls think that's a love scene for a very long time. And besides, Ryan and I, well, we dance and sing to each other all the time. Isn't that what love is?

Trick or Treat

It was warm. "So what?" you say...but I'm telling you, IT WAS WARM! You see, since we moved to the great state of North Dakota, Halloween has been a toe numbing, finger aching, nose running, butt squeezing (so you don't slip on the ice) experience. The kids put on their costume, and then their full snow gear. But yesterday...well, yesterday was a Halloween miracle! All we did was put on a couple layers and off we went. Left the house at 5:30 and didn't get back till nearly 9:00.

Let's Get Physical

I had a 9:00 AM aerobics class on Halloween. I decided to teach it as Jane Fonda. We had a great ab workout (AKA: lots of laughs.)

A close up of the makeup. I couldn't wait to get that crap off my face. I felt like I was suffocating!

The Birthday Girl

I know I blogged about her turning a year older, but I did take a couple pictures that night. It was such a busy day. Monday is dance day. That means the kids walk from school to our dance room and we are there till 7:30. Well, on her birthday, I skipped out after her class ended at 6:30 so we could go home and have a family dinner and open presents. While she was at school, Ryan and I sent her a balloon and a card. It's always fun to have something brought to you in school. Then all the kids give you all kinds of attention, and who doesn't love being the center of attention?
Anyway...On to the pictures.
******************************************************************

Rylee, hiding the presents.

Brooklyn, digging in.

Yes, she got a laundry basket for her birthday. It's kind of a joke, but not so much. I'm seriously done washing her laundry. This is how it goes: (and I'm sure my mom is laughing about my Karma right now) I spend a whole day getting ten million loads of laundry done, and then Brooklyn cleans her room and I have at least another whole days worth of washing. Not anymore. When her basket is full, she's on her own.

Dance Pictures

It was a fun week, with lots of pictures. Therefore, lots of blogging to be done. On Monday, Lauren and I dressed up as pirates for dance. T he little kids thought it was so fun, the big kids thought we were so weird. I brought my camera with the intention of taking a picture of Lauren and I with each class, but never got around to it. I only took a couple pictures, and Lauren and I aren't in any. Oh well, I'm going to share anyway because the kids are too cute. I only took pictures at 2 of the 4 classes, and completely missed Brookies class. It's just too crazy with so many kids around. I'm lucky I remember my name.