I caught Lane with the camera

This is one shot that Lane wasn't looking away. I think he was too cold. We went to watch Taylor's baseball game, but it was very windy and cold. We were wrapped in blankets, but the kids still had cold noses. We ended up leaving early. Lane is my little Brant. He loves those little caps that Brant wears. He also loves anything that you have to build. Tonight Brant and Brian were putting a bookshelf together for me. He loved the tools and the wood.

He has been such a cuddler. I call him Lovebug. He is still having a hard time with Nursery, although today he made it all the way through. I snuck out after about ten minutes. When he realized we qwew walking into church, he started to freak out. That's sad. But, he's getting better.

It's true, but I don't want to admit it

How can Ricky Martin be gay? I mean, I guess I can totally understand the how. Maybe why is a better question than how. "Why? Why, Ricky? Why do you have to be gay?" He's so freakin' hot and he's been my luscious Latin fantasy, I just don't want to think I had a pseudo-hot thing for a gay guy. Although, all the men I've loved before have been kind of pretty. Wow! Maybe this is a revelation for me. I don't want to mention names, because some of them are my Facebook Friends and there's no need to travel on that road called the past. I do remember one of my favorite hotties--he looked like Ricky Martin. He was handsome. He was dark. And, he could dance. Well kinda. Not as good as Ricky, but with some Kamikazes and a dance floor, he moved pretty good. Nothing against gay guys--I love 'em--this has just ruined MY fantasy. Which is really silly because I was never going to meet Ricky Martin, nor was I going to have a torrid affair with him if I did. Ah, sigh. I guess it doesn't matter. My life really isn't going to be much different whether Ricky Martin is gay or not. On with life.

Camera shy, camera guy

This kid does not like the camera. These were some shots I was able to take without him getting too disgruntled. His Dad is like that. I didn't know they could hate cameras so early on. Madison and Porter love getting their pictures taken. He is definitely the little odd caboose. I suppose he would rather be the camera man as he mimicked me with the camera battery.

He is the happiest guy in the world, unless you piss him off. Then, he's got a temper. He has this hearty laugh and finds most silly things amusing. He loves to grab my pant leg and take me to play with him. He thinks he can drag me anywhere. He's very smart and knows how to get what he wants. He's already learned that I'm the softy and he can't mess around with Dad.

Ever since we moved and the twins have left Nursery, he hates going to church. Last Sunday he was all smiles and happy to leave the house--until we walked through the doors of the church. As soon as he realized where we were, he acted like he had been ambushed and started screaming and threw himself on the floor. I picked him up and he started crying, shaking his head, and screaming, "No, no, no!" Madison and Porter just looked as us like he was crazy and walked into Primary to take their seats at the front of the class. Madison probably wanted to get there early so she could volunteer to talk or something. (She's done that more than once now--slow down!)

He is a little daredevil. He has had more falls from climbing things then the twins had put together. They were sensible. He is not. He loves the playground. I let him go down the little slide, but that wasn't exciting enough. He climbed all the way to the top of the biggest slide. I thought for sure the long fall would slow him down. Instead, he was exhilarated and wanted to do it again and again. Each time never lost its luster. He grabbed my pant leg and drug me to the top saying, "Mon, Mom!" (C'mon) He wanted me to share in this newfound excitement.

Brant started calling him "Bam, Bam" because he likes to hit things. I call him Lovebug. Brant asked him if we wanted to be called Lane or Bam, Bam. He smiled and chose the latter. Oh, how I love to watch my children. What a perfect stage they are in now.

Til We Meet Again

Today started out upbeat and promised to be productive. However, with an unexpected turn of events, my day became one I wanted to end; hoping I could wake up and have it all be a bad dream. One of the students at our school passed away from a drug overdose. We received the news around noon. I have worked in places where we have lost employees in tragic accidents. I've even lost an employee to a drug overdose before.

This is not the first time death has occurred in my workplace, but today seemed to be harder than the others. I think it was because I was not the person that was the leader this time. Before I have had to keep everyone else buoyed and be strong. I didn't feel that mantle this time. Another reason is because this time, drug addiction is hitting close to home. Someone very close to me is struggling with drug addiction. It is so hard to watch.

We held a group meeting to let everyone talk about their feelings. It was so sad to hear some of the issues that people are dealing with. There were many people in the room who are recovering addicts. They had great success stories, but those seem to be rare. The consensus was that a drug addict has only two roads in their future: death or spending their life as a recovering addict. Their minds are not right and they can't really hear or understand what those who love them are trying to say. Their minds have literally been contaminated with a disease that has one track--it's only to get drugs and to get high. Of course the addiction grows and with it the consequences.

I am so sad. My heart aches for the person I love who has this problem. Everything that was said is echoed in my experience. We can't reach this person. They are gone. The person we once knew has been buried deep into an abyss of a need for drugs. They don't even care or believe that anyone cares about them. Their self-esteem is so low, they don't feel worthy of anyone. It is so hard to know that there is nothing you can do. Now, I don't believe that means they are hopeless, it just means we have to put our faith and prayers in our Heavenly Father. It's just a helpless feeling knowing that you can't change their decisions or actions.

I cried more than I wanted to today. I prayed harder than I have in a long time. I hugged my kids and told my husband how much I love him. I am thankful for what I do have, and hopeful that I won't lose anyone to drugs.

Disneyland...some day

I had to comment on Bobbi's comment...she said, "Wait til you take your kids to Disneyland. You'll cry." We've been telling the twins that we are going to take them to Disneyland when they turn 5. Lane will get to go at 3. It's part of Brant's master parenting plan. When I talk about my goals for the kids, I'm worried about their academic pursuits and he wants to make sure they get to Disneyland every 5 years. He said that he's planning on taking them when they turn 5, 10, 15, and for one last time--when they're 20. I guess we make a good mix of parenting...my kids would hate me if I were in charge of everything. I can tend to be so boring.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago a friend of mine brought her barely 4 year old over to play with the twins. Madison asked how old he was and he said (mistakenly) that he was 5. Madison so, "Oh, are you going to Disneyland?" It was funny--just how much that little girl remembers things we tell her. Yesterday, she told Porter, "Be nice to me--I'm the only sister you have." Way to milk it, Madi.

First Movie Date for the Twins

We have been trying to plan one fun activity every month for Family Home Evening. This Monday we planned to go to a movie theater. The kids have never been and I thought it would be a fun experience for them. Unfortunately, Lane took a really late nap and was still sleeping at 6 p.m. The twins were so excited about it--almost as excited as I was to watch them enjoy this new experience. Brant decided to stay home and I took the twins. I was giddy. There's just something so fun about sharing a new, exciting experience with children. They did not disappoint. They were wide-eyed as we walked into the theater. And, wow--how exciting is that big cage of glass filled with buttery popcorn. Not to mention the shelves of oversized candy boxes.

They had booster seats so we used those. Well, the kids did. I fit just fine--and just barely--in the seats. Madison was slightly frustrated that the commercials were the same ones and kept recycling. In my eager anticipation and planning, I did my usual of arriving too early. In reference to the commercials Madison would say, "We've already seen this one!" I've noticed that Porter really likes music. He would dance in his seat whenever they would play fun songs. About midway through Madison said she was tired and wanted to go home and finish watching the movie there. She is so practical--and, like me--doesn't want to miss her sleep.

Lessons from a Man-Wife

This experiment of role-reversal has been interesting. I really love my new role. I love my work; I am only 2 miles from home; I get great quality time with the kids; which by the way, I get such an overwhelming welcome when I come home. I feel like a celebrity. I don't care if the house is dirty, because I'm only home in the evening and get to leave the dirty dishes, overflowing trash, and piles of laundry for Brant. I have to say, it's a sweet deal.

Brant decided that he really needs a day off once a week. I laughed. I laughed so hard. I said, "You don't get a day off when you're the 'wife.' There's no days off. Ha, ha--sucks to be you. Oh, by the way, I'LL be sleeping in tomorrow because it is MY day off." After he continued begging, I agreed to give him a "Day Off." Not because I am giving in, but because I really can't sleep in (getting old) and I would rather have something that I made for dinner. He's still a little rusty on the cooking. But any meal is better than me having to cook every night.

I've been letting him in on the housewife secrets. He had no idea what a miracle vinegar can be for cleaning and removing hard water. He also didn't realize your not supposed to use all of the space up in the washer with dirty clothes. They do need breathing room. And, hot water in the washer doesn't necessarily equal cleaner clothes. He also discovered that those cool self-cleaning toilet inserts don't really clean the toilet. He's amazed at how quickly unattended children can color the walls with crayons.

Am I smug about his stumbling? I'm trying not to be, but for all of the stay-at-home Mom's that work their buns off--I have to admit there is a little satisfaction in knowing that it's not as easy as those men think it is. A woman who keeps the house clean, does the laundry, cooking, shopping, dental/doctor appointments, organizing, filing, bill paying, continuing education, church service, and the list goes on...those women only make it look easy. Not to mention the loving, nurturing, educating, and development that goes into each of your children. Not to mention the sick kids, late nights, and early mornings that happen. It's alot.

He doesn't like me calling him a man-wife, but I think of it as a term of endearment. It's a combination of a man and a housewife, which in my opinion is quite a compliment.

We're not "name callers"

Madison had to reprimand her Dad for calling her Uncle Brian names. She was quick to jump in and defend her Uncle, whom she adores. I heard this story second-hand, and am paraphasing.

Madison: Dad! We don't call names. Don't call Uncle Brian names.

Brant: I didn't call him a name.

Madison: Yes you did. You called him a "Freakin' Retard." He's not a Freakin' Retard, Dad.

Brant: Oh, that.

Madison: Yes. And, you need to apologize to him. (She uses the word apologize frequently.)

Brant: I'm sorry for calling you a Freakin' Retard, Brian.

Brian: (smiling smugly) Thanks, Madi. Thanks for sticking up for me.

Madison: You're welcome, Uncle Brian. (She exits the room.)

______

I asked Madison about it after Brant and Brian relayed the story to me. She said she couldn't remember what her Dad called Brian, but it wasn't very nice. She said, "We're not name callers, Mom. That's not nice!" And, most importantly, she wanted me to know, "Uncle Brian said, 'Thank you, Madi.'"

To My Mother-in-Law

Hi Rhonda,

How's it going? The time has passed so quickly since we left Vegas. I know the kids miss their grandma and grandpa. We're having fun in our new house, but still trying to unpack and get settled. Brant is doing so well. He said that he is happier than he has ever been. I went yardsaling a couple of times to get furnishings for the house. That's been fun.

Lane is in the stage where he has a bump or bruise every couple of days. He is a daredevil. He has a huge goose-egg, nasty bruise on his left side of his forehead. He almost split his lip yesterday and now has a fat lip and a bruise above his lip. He climbs on EVERYTHING. Lane is starting to say alot more words, but still prefers to grunt alot. He is a jokester, but has a bad temper. He was ticked off at me in Wal-mart the other night and started throwing a fit. I told him he was going to go to time out. He yelled at me. Wow! Then he started screaming and crying. An older lady tried to come over and cheer him up. That pissed him off more. He yelled at her and I was afraid he was going to hit her. Yes, he is my little Brant.

Porter is still easy going and happy go lucky. He loves the grass in the backyard. He's still a Momma's boy. He is so kindhearted and can get his feelings hurt easily. He will sit in the bathtub for hours--even after Madison and Lane have gotten tired of it and gotten out. Whenever Brant says something that he thinks is too rough, mean, or loud he will ask me to go and talk to Dad with him. He does a good job of expressing how Brant hurt his feelings. Brant readily apologizes. I think it's good for Brant. Porter is also my self-proclaimed "Protector." He's so cute.

Madison is ever-inquisitive and way too smart! She knows all of her ABC's by sight now. She can write her "M" and is working on the rest of her name. She loves to play the alphabet app on Brant's phone. She will wake up at the slightest noise in the morning and comes running in to see if I have left yet. She's always wanting to get in on the action. She still plays her "Little Momma" role.

We've been reading from the Book of Mormon. I bought them each their own B of M. Just a cheap one. We put scripture stickers on the pages every time we read a chapter. I was having a hard time keeping Porter's attention so I had the kids start acting out what we were reading. It's gone over really well with him. Lane loves his book and carries it around with him. Sometimes he'll bring it to me and say, "B-ooooo-k!"

Brant is enjoying the stay-at-home thing, but is a little overwhelmed by the work. Of course, he'll never admit it. He was frustrated the other day because he said he has to clean every day and thinks it will get better once we get unpacked. Ha, ha! I'm glad he is getting a true taste of it. He is trying and I can't complain about it. But let's be honest--he can't even touch what a housewife does. Well, not yet. Maybe with practice. He can't believe how the laundry piles up and came up with this novel idea to leave the kids in their pajamas for days. He figured it would cut down on the laundry. I nixed that idea fast. He has made a sincere attempt to fix meals. He also gets the twins to practice their letters every day.

I signed up for college classes and am going to take a couple in the Summer. I think I am going to try to finish a degree in accounting. I'm not trying to get it done quickly, I just want to dabble in it so that I'll have more employment options in the future. I have also been selling cinnamon rolls at the school. I just make about $40 a week, but we're saving that money for a vacation. I am also working with a friend to start a consulting business. Very excited about that.

We wanted to try to come over for Easter if you aren't going anywhere. Let me know. I think the kids will love it!

Love and miss you,

Liz

Typical time at Wal-mart

I typically end up with the twins in the cart by the time we're checking out. Lane always stays in the front--it's better for me. I don't want him to pull a Travis Taylor on me. Lane STILL won't smile for the camera and does this little head turn. Madison was PRETENDING to be busy reading the labels. She didn't want to look at the camera. That's a surprise. Porter likes to make faces now when he sees the camera. Thus, both over dramatic facial expressions.

Skyping: St. George to Africa

I was online and noticed Travis was also online. He's in Africa right now. I don't have my camera hooked up to the computer yet, so I didn't video Skype. We just instant messaged. After the conversation was over, I thought it was interesting enough to share. By the way, the time is Las Vegas time. (We have changed the time on the computer since we moved from Vegas.) It is actually an hour later in St. George. And Travis is 7 hours ahead of St. George.

[2:34:00 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Is Dad's truck in Mt. Pleasant or St. George?
[2:34:33 PM] Travis Lane: It's in Mt Pleasant
[2:35:00 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: I was wanting to go to Vegas to pick up a load of our stuff and just wondering if it's here.
[2:35:12 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Brant is picking Brian up from Mt. Pleasant right now. They should be here in 3 hours
[2:39:44 PM] Travis Lane: Brian should have drove the truck down
[2:39:59 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Duh!!!
[2:40:05 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Sometimes I think of stuff just hours too late
[2:40:16 PM] Travis Lane: I would say
[2:40:50 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: What time is it there?
[2:41:10 PM] Travis Lane: 10:40 pm
[2:41:25 PM] Travis Lane: it is a different world over here
[2:41:45 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Holy Cow! That's SO weird. It's only 3:40 p.m. here. I am adding you and Haley as authors on Ari's blog.
[2:41:57 PM] Travis Lane: Thats good
[2:42:16 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Are you going to sleep or is it hard to go to sleep with the time difference?
[2:42:46 PM] Travis Lane: No I have adjusted well. Because I didn't sleep on the plane. coming over
[2:43:02 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: What's it like?
[2:44:17 PM] Travis Lane: It is weird, If I were to go out on the streets right now and walk around... I would be decapetated by morning.
[2:44:35 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: seriously? that's freakin' crazy unbelievable
[2:44:43 PM] Travis Lane: It is like the worse part of Mexico times 5 to 10 depending on the area.
[2:45:00 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Wow. How are you able to walk around in the daytime and why don't they barrage your quarters?
[2:45:23 PM] Travis Lane: We have security around our hotel
[2:45:34 PM] Travis Lane: Day time is different
[2:45:54 PM] Travis Lane: Its safer but you need to be in a group
[2:45:59 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: You're probably thinking you wish you could type as fast as I do....I'm thinking the same thing.
[2:46:12 PM] Travis Lane: You're funny
[2:46:13 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: That's unreal. We seriously take so much for granted in America
[2:46:29 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Like, we don't even BEGIN to comprehend what we have.
[2:46:42 PM] Travis Lane: Liz, the streets are covered in garbage there is no civilization what so ever
[2:47:24 PM] Travis Lane: Familys of 6 to 10 literally live in a 10x10 room
[2:48:25 PM] Travis Lane: its like "Tuba City Gone Wild" Tuba is literally so upscale it would be 5 star
[2:48:33 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Maybe Africa will be a good place for Brian to visit. We have a Master CD from a girl whose parents told her she could go to Africa and do humanitarian aid or go to a military school. She was getting into trouble. It changed her life.
[2:48:59 PM] Travis Lane: What part of Africa did she go to?
[2:49:06 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: I don't remember.
[2:49:18 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: She helped villages. Probably much safer than where you're at.
[2:49:19 PM] Travis Lane: Not here because she would be dead
[2:49:42 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: But, she saw how much we have in America and realized she was wasting her life with all of the entertainment, drugs, and worldly focus.
[2:50:01 PM] Travis Lane: Yeah it will be real good for Brian
[2:50:25 PM] Travis Lane: Did you know that they cut out the clitoris when they are born?
[2:50:39 PM] Travis Lane: They dont want them to cheat on the husbands
[2:51:47 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Yea...it's called FGM...Female Genitalia Mutilation. There are humanitarian groups that are trying to stop it.
[2:52:24 PM] Travis Lane: Its the wild wild west here
[2:52:40 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: It's sounds like Satan is alive and well among the people of Cain
[2:52:45 PM] Travis Lane: It is so sad because the land is like Mexico and Hawaii mixed[2:53:04 PM] Travis Lane: It is beautiful
[2:53:39 PM] Travis Lane: Its like a pizza fresh out of the oven mmmmmmmm... Then someone came and shit on the pizza
[2:53:48 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Someday everything will make sense, but it is sure hard to understand why some people have to go through the lives that they do
[2:53:53 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: That's disgusting.
[2:54:03 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: What do you smell? The pizza or the shit?
[2:54:09 PM] Travis Lane: that is how it is over here
[2:54:19 PM] Travis Lane: mainly the shit
[2:54:33 PM] Travis Lane: there is trash all along the beach its nasty
[2:54:44 PM] Travis Lane: people stop and crap in the street
[2:55:29 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Man...and we thought Page was uncivilized with some of the aborgiinals there.
[2:56:09 PM] Travis Lane: it is so sad because those little kids are so cute!
[2:56:30 PM] Travis Lane: I have not been out to the villages yet. I think that evil is not out there as much
[2:56:46 PM] Travis Lane: It really is like Blood Diamond and Hotel Rowanda
[2:57:15 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Wow. It blows my mind. I can't even begin to comprehend. I hate to see suffering.

First Ride Out

When Mom and I used to do our first bike ride in the spring, we would call it our First Ride Out. It was usually torture, but if we made it through that first ride we knew each ride after would get easier and easier. We trekked a nice five mile ride around Page. By the end of the summer, we would circle the route twice. I loved bike riding.
Shelbie, http://brianshelbieclement.blogspot.com/ a girl at work, has been trying to convince me to ride to work with her. We planned on doing it as soon as Brant moved here and brought my bike. Unfortunately, my bike got here--minus the front tire. Shelbie offered her husband's bike. So, yesterday we rode the bikes to work. It's only two miles from where we live--we live in the same subdivision. There were a couple of killer hills. I was worried about being able to keep up with Shelbie--she's almost half my age. Surprisingly, I didn't do too bad. She was impressed at how strong my legs were as I made it up some of the steeper hills. I kept telling myself, "Hospital hill, hospital hill." That's the part of the trip that was the hardest when Mom and I would ride.
Interesting how there is so much mental power in doing something. I know my body was not ready to take this ride. I am so out of shape and much older than when I rode with Mom. But, I drew on the memories of going with Mom. I can remember how she also had more stamina than I did. The only thing I had going for me was my youth. Sure would like a piece of that right now. It's interesting how time works. Events that took place decades ago are still fresh in my mind and recalled as if they were from yesterday. It's also interesting how much stock we put in our family roots. My mind told my body I could do it because my Mom did.
However, at 3 o' clock in the morning--that's what time it is right now--my body has strongly disagreed with my mind. I woke up with leg aches so painful I couldn't go to sleep. I have taken Excedrin. When that didn't do anything I dug up some old pain pills and took a hot bath. Still waiting for it to kick in. I'm just glad I got the first ride out. I'm definitely going to keep it up so that I don't have to go through this again. Just when I think I can't ask again, I wonder once more, "How did Mom do it?" She's amazing. Her strength never ends.

Trading Places

Brant and are, as usual, going against the norm. We officially entered our phase of role-reversal. He stays at home, while I go to work. So far so good. Of course, we're still in the honeymoon stage. For me, compared to four months of no family it seems awesome just to have a family to come home to at night.

Brant was busy explaining to me everything he got done today. He said, "It looks like I haven't done anything, but I really have. I've unpacked so many boxes and done laundry." I had to laugh. I told him I know exactly how he feels--trust me.

I would say the kids are adjusting well--but they really don't seem to need any adjustment. They happy as can be in their new rooms. They sleep well--mostly because they have a private room and are uninterrupted. Porter loves the top bunk--although Lane has figured out how to climb up to the top already. That kid! He's a daredevil.

Madison got hit in the face with a baseball. Porter said she wasn't paying attention when he threw it. That's why he got hit. Dona, Vicki, Mom--I don't even want to hear it--I know you know and are laughing about the time that happened to me. Dona threw a baseball and I wasn't paying attention. I got a bloody nose. Luckily, Madison just got a couple of fat lips--yes they're both as swollen as a bee sting.

That's all folks!

We're not in Kansas anymore...or Vegas

This past weekend we made the final trek from Vegas to St. George. I was so excited. I woke up several times Friday. I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. I took the shuttle to Vegas and we finished up the few things we could get into the U-haul. Brant got a U-haul that was way too small for the amount of stuff we had. Needless to say, lots of stuff got left. I guess that is a good excuse to go back and visit.

It's funny how you can look forward to something so much, you often overlook the things you're going to miss when they're gone. Rhonda, my mother-in-law is such an amazing grandmother. She has the patience of Job. In addition to watching my children--all 3 and under--she also takes care of Heather's daughter Isabella who is 5 months younger than Lane. It's practically like two sets of twins. Not only does she keep them alive, she has a schedule that includes meals, snacks, story time, and activities. She still cleans the house like a madwoman and manages to take a college course once a week. Not to mention, that a day never goes by without her studying her scriptures. And she gets dressed, puts her makeup on, and does her hair. She's definitely a superwoman. It's been so fun getting to know her over the past few years. I think of all the things I am going to miss it will be having her around so much. There are not many people who can say their mother-in-law is one of their best friends. We've already planned trips to spend holidays together. One thing that is nice about our move is we are close enough to visit often.

We both have been dying to go to the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City so that a definite must. I have only been through the temple for one year now. Rhonda and I used to go to the temple almost every week before I moved to St. George. We decided we can go together when she comes to St. George to visit.

The kids are having a blast. I think they think we are on vacation. Although, last night Porter decided he wanted me and Brant to be Grandma and Grandpa. He said Madison is his Mom. I think he misses Grandma and Grandpa.

Madison made her parents...and grandma...very proud

Madison did an amazing job on her Primary talk. I put something together last weekend so that she could have all week to work on it. Her Dad and Grandma helped her practice. I had pictures of colored paper that went along with her poem. I was only hoping she would be familiar with the talk so that when I helped her with what to say, she would at least have practiced it. My little star had the whole thing memorized. I was so impressed.

On Saturday, I received a call from her Primary teacher confirming that she would be talking on Sunday. She told me that Madison kept asking when it would be her turn to get up and talk. So, that's why they assigned her to give a talk. She's already an aspiring public speaker. I'm so proud.

I was talking to my sister Kim about how happy I am that I have a daughter like Madison. I said she is perfect for me. I couldn't have custom-ordered a more perfect daughter. Kim said, "I think all of my sisters think that. They all think their daughters are perfect for them." I thought about it and realized that's because our daughters are like us. Dona's daughter Brooke is alot like her mother; Vicki's daughter Jayley is an athletic, happy-go-lucky, could-care-less for boys girl; Bobbi's daughter Emy is a social bug that loves to dance; and Madison is incredibly smart. How funny that we have daughter's that have our personalities. Kim reluctantly said she must be going to have more girls because Kaylor is nothing like her. She is pretty cute though.

Me, Brant, and Rhonda (my mother-in-law) all sat on the back row as we waited for Madison's talk. We were giddy with excitement. I laughed at the scene because we were all obviously first-timers. We were proud parents and Rhonda is a proud grandma. I joked about filming her and taking pictures, but said that would probably be too much. Rhonda said, "I have my camera! Do you think it would be too obvious?" We both laughed because we really wanted to take pictures of her, but felt that would be too irreverent. Brant whipped out his new "Droid" phone and said he could film her talk and be very inconspicuous. I whole-heartedly encouraged him. So, we do have her first public appearance on a phone video. It was amazing.

In case you're interested, this is what she said:

Red is for the blood He gave
Green is for the grass He made
Orange is for the edge of night
Yellow is for the Sun so bright
Black is for the sins we made
White if for the grace he gave
Purple is for his hour of sorrow
Pink is for a new tomorrow

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, they we might not perish and dwindle in unbelief.

I am thankful for all that Jesus has done for me. I love my family...and my grandma. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.