I am sitting in a ham radio class

That's the text my Mom sent to me when she didn't answer my phone call. I had to laugh...but also have alot of admiration for. She is 63 years old and she still is doing new things and she's very active. Last week she went with all the guys to hang out with them while they were snowboarding. She was out there taking pictures and being with the boys. I hope I am just as active and ready to try out new things in 24 years.

The long distance relationship continues

Brant brought the kids over this weekend. This was the first time they got to see our new house. They had a blast chasing each other through the empty rooms. We have bunkbeds set up in the boys room. Madison loved that she is the only girl in the "girls room." They played in the back yard. Porter kept asking me if this was Travis' house. They have no memory of living in a house that wasn't someone else's. I kept telling them it was just our house. They slept until at least 8 every morning.

We're still living in two cities, because we need to save a little more money. We need a few basics like a washer and dryer, microwave, dining table, and mattresses. We can probably live without everything else for awhile. We're going to alternate weekends--I'll go over there one weekend; and the kids will come over here the next.

It's rough, but could be alot worse. I'm sure the time will pass quickly and we'll all be under the same roof soon! Can't wait. Until then...we keep plugging along.

I really don't mean to be ungrateful but...

...an external hard drive to back up the overflow on our computer?!?! That's what he went to Fry's for? I mean...it is a practical thought, but I was a little excited about the setup. I guess when you get a good tease, you're just expecting more. I had visions of laptops, netbooks, blackberry's, Ipods, and digital cameras dancing in my head. A slim black box with a 360 GB capacity just didn't do it for me. Too much anticipation. And...P.S....he DID get me a digital photo keyring too!

Surprise? Or, Suprise!

Brant left the house to get me my "other" Christmas present. He said it wasn't going on sale until after Christmas. He's going to Fry's...now I can't wait. I really wanted a Netbook...or maybe it's a new camera. I hope he's not getting me a digital keyring or something now that's he gotten my hopes up.

Lane went to nursery

Today was Lane's first day in nursery--and ironically, the twins' last day. He's been old enough to go, but because we have 11 o'clock church it's usually nap time and he ends up going to sleep. I asked him today if he wanted to go "night-night" or go to class. He said he wanted to go to class. Fortunately, with him if he's awake and something is going on, he'll usually keep on going. He was so excited. He has this, "I'm with the big kids today" kind of attitude. He just followed the twins in and didn't blink an eye. When I picked him up, he strutted to the door and snatched a colored paper off of the door. (They always tape the kids' drawings on the door.) I'm sure he had watched other kids do it.

I can't believe Porter and Madison are going to be old enough to start in Primary. I can't believe how proud I am that my kids are going to be Sunbeams. I remember teaching Sunbeams and how little I thought they were. I feel as proud as if they were graduating from high school. I know, I'm overproud, but what can I say--I'm a Mom. I've been telling them for a couple of weeks that they'll be going to the "Big" Primary very soon. I told Madison today again. I said, "You get to be a Sunbeam next week." She usually breaks out her off-key rendition of "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam." I explained that now she was getting older and this meant going to Primary. She said, "Is my belly going to get big, Mom?"

I said, "No, why?"

She said, "Because I'm getting older."

I said, "No. That's doesn't happen until you get really old." Silly girl.

Today, after Sacrament meeting the lady behind us leaned forward and said, "I just have to tell you your kids are so sweet and so adorable. I can't believe how well-behaved they are. And you...," she looked at Brant, "...are an amazing Father. You're wonderful with your children. Really, you two are great parents." I was actually surprised. I think we were out at least twice with the kids--a dirty diaper, and someone had to pee. But, I could have been happier than if I won a Grammy. I had tears in my eyes, even though Brant got most of the credit.

What keys are you holding?

I cannot express in words the elation I have felt this past week as I received the keys to our new house. We have been living with family for almost 4 years now. It's been crazy trying to have our three kids in someone else's home. I am so thankful for all of the help we have had and for the fact that I have amazing in-laws who are so generous. We could not have had a better experience considering the circumstances.

However, I am so excited to be getting into our own home. Brant came over this weekend to go to my work Christmas party. I did not tell him that everything had come together and I signed the rental agreement. I wanted to surprise him. Of course, I'm an idiot and horrible as surprises so I totally screwed it up. I planned to take him there blindfolded after our Christmas party. Right before we left from my work to get ready, I thought I was sending a text to my sister, Kim.

I text, "We're coming over to your house to get ready for the party. Don't say anything about the house, cuz Brant doesn't know we got it."

I got a text back...from Brant, "LOL. So we got a house?"

I know, I know...how can I be SO smart and yet so incredibly dumb at the same time. If I had a quarter every time someone said that to me...

Anyway, today I noticed that I have a key chain with keys on it now. I hadn't realized that those keys mean something. I haven't had keys for a long time. I have a house key; I have a mail key; and I have a car key. That's all. The car isn't mine, but I still have that key. And, it doesn't represent ownership, it represents that I have family who care enough about me to let me use their vehicle. No strings attached. That key means alot. I realized how symbolic keys are in our lives. I bet if you look at your key ring right now, it will tell you alot more about the things you have than you realize. It means home, what kind of car you drive, and maybe even where you work. I never thought I'd be grateful for keys. Brant has one key I'll never get back...it's the one to my heart. (Okay, that was for all of the cheese balls. I had to throw it in there.)

Love One Another

I read a familiar scripture today. It said, "By this shall all men know you that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35 I've heard this a hundred times, but it really struck me today. I claim to be a Christian, to follow Christ, but I have to ask myself if I truly do love people. Especially, the people that I come into contact with. That would mean the people at Walmart; the people driving on the road; the people I work with; and the people in my life. That would also mean the people that don't necessarily treat me the way I should be treated. It means the people that have made bad choices. It means loving a lot of people that I may not feel deserved to be loved.

I guess you have to ask yourself what love is; what does it mean to love one another? We hear often that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. He has to be the reason all year round. Love to me means caring, nurturing, forgiving, not judging, serving, and so much more. You have to define it for yourself. It's funny how much debate there is over what a Christian is. If we read the scriptures, we can answer our commitment to Christ by how much we truly do love one another. This had made me taken an inspection of my ability to love others. I hope I can do better and be more like Christ. Tina Turner posed the question in one of her hit songs, "What's Love Got To Do With It." Apparently, Tina, it has everything to do with.

I've been nutty, and it hasn't been nice

This strange phenomena occurred this week. I started getting a really bitter taste in my mouth. The first time I noticed it was early Tuesday morning. My first thought was, "Wow! Morning breath just gets worse with age!" But brushing didn't make the bitter taste disappear. Throughout the day, I would feel like I had been sucking on metal. There was just a tinge or something so bitter in my mouth.

After a couple of days I decided to google "bitter taste in my mouth." A lot of things come up under that pertaining to health related issues. The number one thing was dental hygiene. I did not believe this was the case for me--I visit the dentist every six months; brush with a Sonicare; use a tongue scraper daily; and carry dental floss in my purse. (Are you proud of me, Ron!)I remember seeing something about Pine Nuts, but it never occurred to me that would be what was causing the bitter taste.

After a few more days of this, I couldn't stand to eat anything because the food would taste bitter too. I went back to Google trying to solve this mystery. I saw the Pine Nuts again, and since I had exhausted every other option I read what people were saying. Then remembered, I had eaten Pine Nuts on Sunday.
Apparently, two people can eat from the same batch of pine nuts and only one person can have the reaction that has been dubbed, "Pine Mouth." Fortunately, I think I am on the end of my bout with bitter mouth. Finally, I'll be able to enjoy food again! Wikipedia is so good at succinctly summarizing I've included their description of it:

Risks of eating pine nuts
A small minority of pine nuts can cause taste disturbances, developing 1–3 days after consumption and lasting for days or weeks. A bitter, metallic taste is described. Though very unpleasant, there are no lasting effects. This phenomenon was first described in a scientific paper in 2001.[8] Some publications have made reference to this phenomenon as "pine mouth"

Madi said

Last weekend Madison offhandedly said, "I love hanging out with you, Mom." Not only did it make me smile, I was happy to hear her say it. I can't believe she even thinks something like that, let alone says it. It was quite a compliment. I am so glad. She is my little best friend.

We are planning to have everyone move to St. George in February. I am so excited. It's really only six weeks away. I know that will go by fast. I will be glad when I don't have to borrow cars anymore. Travis has let me use his truck for so long. Kim and Jake let me use my old truck for 3 weeks, which was so nice. I didn't worry about it breaking down. Of course, I don't think I drive more than 50 miles a week so I don't have to put a lot of miles on the vehicle. Travis' truck needs some serious work, so I just hope that I can make it last long enough to get Brant here. It was fun driving my old blue truck for awhile. It brought back lots of old memories. I loved buying that truck. It was the first vehicle I ever chose with exactly what I wanted at the time.

Unfortunately, Jake had to give his company truck back and can't use it to drive from home to work anymore. His boss said that it cost too much in gas for him to drive it back and forth. I guess the economy is hitting everyone hard when you have to pinch every penny and a few miles of gas is making that much of a difference. I am so lucky I have had family to help me out, because I haven't even had a car to worry about the gas part of it. I miss my little truck. Oh well, at least it went to a good home and it will get driven everyday. :) I guess it's just a vehicle and not a family pet. I shouldn't be so sentimental.

In other news...Porter started sleeping through the night without diapers. Yeah! What a victory. He has had one accident, but that's bound to happen. We down to one diaper baby. Three was a lot!

My sister Kim is expecting her baby any day. I am so excited for them and so glad they are having a little boy. It's a ton-a-fun to have boys and girls. What little miracles they are.

I am looking forward to Christmas. I get five days off. I am buying the pajamas stocking stuff and Brant's buying the toys. I love how excited the twins are about Christmas this year.

Believe in Who You Are

This is on YouTube. It's an inspirational song and video about motherhood. This is for all the moms.

Christmas Pics

This was the best we could do for a picture. I couldn't get them all to hold still, look at the camera, and smile at the same time. You can't see him, but Taylor (Travis' son) is off to the right ready to put Lane back on the bench each time he would jump off. Which would happen as soon as he sat him down. I guess this is what you call a reality shot. I still love it even though it's not perfect.

Twins have that "something special"

Those two melt my heart sometimes. They can be little tigers, but it's moments like this that make me realize they really do have a little something between them. Porter loves his sister and Madison loves that he loves her. I can't wait to see what their future relationship will grow into. Of course, when I think about boy-girl twins I also think about the twins on Saturday's Warriors. :0

It'll grow back

Madison, Porter, and Brant all got their hair cut on Friday morning. It was a first "real" haircut for the twins. Madison had an adorable A-line from her Aunt Bobbi about a year ago, but that has since grown out and had my Mom-trims done to it. Her hair was so cute! It went to the top of her shoulders and was a cute little bob, with swooped bangs. I was so glad she had finally started to get longer hair. She has taken nearly three years to grow anything. Her hair is baby soft, but so fine.
Apparently, getting her hair cut inspired her to pick up a pair of scissors and do some more. Only hours after her cute new do, she found a pair of scissors slashed through her hair. She ended up with one side looking like a mullet. I was devastated. More so than anyone else. Travis even told me it was just hair. Instead of Madison crying, I had tears falling. I took her back in on Saturday morning to get it evened up. The best they could do was give her a very short cut. Even so, it still has to many short pieces. Honestly, it looks horrible. But what can I say, except that it'll grow back.
P.S. She also clipped a chunk out of Porter's hair in the front. He at least has thick enough hair that I can cover it up with a little manipulating of his hair.

Thanksgiving

I have many things to be thankful for this past week. I am especially thankful for Brant is also Super Dad and Super Husband. I was required to work this weekend--with the exception of Thanksgiving Day. Brant had Thursday, Friday, and Monday off. So he packed up the car and kids and brought them over to Travis and Haley's for the 4 days. It was so awesome. Even though I had to work, it was nice to come home and spend the evening with my family. I cannot wait until they can come over here full-time.
We had a nice Thanksgiving with Travis and Haley and their family. Some of Haley's family also came over. I really enjoyed getting to make the whole meal. I know that sounds funny to some people, but I love to cook. I spent Wednesday night and Thursday morning cooking. It was a lot of fun to me. Plus, Haley bought everything--which was very nice of her. We played baseball after our early dinner. We ate at noon. The next day we were sore from playing. How sad. They just went back a couple of hours ago. I'm back to my bachelorette life--but I'd rather have them here.

The Rest of the Story

I guess I should have explained the rest of the story behind "Two Truths and a Lie." My mother-in-law has scoliosis like I do. She has recently been experiencing severe hip pain. I had the same thing happen to me when I was pregnant. It feels like someone is stabbing a knife into your hip. And, you don't want to take a step because you never know when a sharp pain is going to shoot through your body. It's awful. My brother would adjust my back and massage my muscles, it hurt so good! Anyway, I volunteered to help ease her pain.

And about the FBI agent...I feel so important that I can say an "FBI agent called me." It's actually an old friend from Page who called to pass on some information. He has a friend who's daughter has the same thing that Travis' daughter Ari has. So, it was totally un-FBI related, but still sounded mysterious.

About the two pounds...that's not happening this week. Maybe next week.