Ahhhh...warm weather!

At least it feels like it after this awful winter. I hear that we're expecting snow on Saturday and Sunday though. A couple of days ago the girls and I spent a couple of hours outside. The girls rode bikes and I laid on a blanket in the sun.

I also spent about a half hour scooping a whole winter's dog poo (it has been months since we've even seen the lawn because of all the snow). The upside to that was that all that squatting was good excercise and I woke up with sore legs the next morning!

DD#2 and DS both have pink eye today, so we're just hanging out not doing anything. I need to get dinner in the oven--corned beef and cabbage (yum!). I went to get my croc-pot out this morning and realized that it's still at my MIL's house. I left it there when we had our Christmas party--I can't believe we haven't seen DH's parents in that long. Shame on us!

My dad sent me some really cool Easter facts today that I thought I'd share. Interesting!

EASTER is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Vernal (Spring) Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.Based on the above, Easter can actually be only one day earlier (March 22) than it will be this year, but that is pretty rare.Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:

1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

Stamping fun today

Are you guys ready for spring? I think I'm in denial that it is still winter. I find myself going out in flip-flops without a jacket on just because I refuse to accept another cold day!

Nothing much is new here. We had a relaxing weekend. Saturday the weather was actually pretty nice. We went out for a yummy dinner at Taco Bell, took the kids to a park, then went to see "The Bee Movie" at the dollar theater. The dollar theater is really the way to go. I need to take advantage of it more often even though it's not very close.

Today one of my packages came from Stampin' Up and I had fun playing with it all. I am starting to put together the cards we will be making at my Stamp-a-Stack in March. I'm posting a couple here and the rest can be found on my stamping blog. Kari, do you recognize the idea of the one on the left? I should have them all done tomorrow if my second box arrives tomorrow. Oh, Christina, I forgot to tell you that I'll have your "blog candy" ready soon too!

Playing 60 Questions

My friend Christina over at My Five Little Monkeys just did a post like this a couple of days ago. I love reading about other people. So, I thought I'd do the same. Here goes!

1. What is in the back of your car right now? 3 car seats, some random little toys, a lot of crumbs, and a lot of dirt in the carpet from all of the messy slush we've had here for weeks.

2. When was the last time you threw up? Last winter. I got a couple of stomach bug things right around the holidays but none of them ruined family plans.

3. What's your favorite curse word? Crap or Damn It. I wish I never said any, but when I'm really frustrated I forget that I care.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? My son and two daughters

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Climbing back in to bed to cuddle with DD#2.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Laying on my bed while my daughters watched TV. I'm extra sleepy today. I'm trying to break my Diet Coke habit.

7.What will you be doing 3 hours from now? Putting my older two children to bed.

8. Have you ever been to a strip club? No way. I once had a telemarketing job (that I totally hated) and they had a stripper come in to dance for the boss. They were between me and the door. It was awful. I quit a couple of days later. I didn't need money badly enough to put up with that kind of stuff.

9. What is the last thing you said aloud? "In a minute, let me finish typing this first."

10. What is the best ice cream flavor? Ben and Jerry's Phish Food

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water. See #6.

12. What are you wearing right now? Jeans and a pink t-shirt

13. What was the last thing you ate? Some Doritos.

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Yes, I bought a new pair of flip-flops at Ross's Dress for Less on the Vegas strip.

15. When was the last time you ran? I can't remember. Isn't that awful!

16. What's the last sporting event you watched???? Ummmm...my husband wrestling with my dog?

17. Is your TV on? If so what is on? Yes, Hannah Montana

18. Who is the last person you emailed? Dannie--my Stampin' Up upline and buddy

19. Ever go camping? Rarely, but we like it. One night is enough for me though.

20. Do you have a tan? None.

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw? Yes. It tastes better that way!

25. What did your last IM say? I haven't used IM in a long time.

26. Are you someone's best friend? Hopefully my husband's. Maybe my mom's. Maybe Kari's. My friends are the best and they all mean a lot to me.

27. What are you doing tomorrow? Nothing. I need to find something to do though. We haven't gone anywhere today and I think that's contributing to my sleepiness.

28. Where is your mom right now? At work. I wish she was here!

29. Look to your left, what do you see? My front window.

30. What color is your watch? Silver

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ? Ocean, koalas, kangaroos. I would love to visit.

32. Would you consider plastic surgery? I don't think so, but who knows?

33. What is your birthstone? Emerald

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? If I'm with my husband or a friend, I'll go in. Otherwise, the drivethrough.

35.How many kids do you want? 3 is just perfect

36. Do you have a dog? Yes. A one year old welsch corgi named Smuckers. He's the best.

37. Last person you talked to on the phone? My friend Stefani called to say that she was in Vegas at the same time we were but neither of us realized it.

38. Have you met anyone famous? No. I saw John Taylor of Duran Duran in Hollywood once, but I was to shy to even get a good look. I sat in back of Joey Lawrence when I went to see the "Lion King" at the El Capitan in Hollywood. He said "hi" when he passed us, but at that point I didn't realize who it was. I saw Rob Lowe crossing the street in Salt Lake once. I said to my friend "that guy is hot!" and she said "That's Rob Lowe!" It was funny because I had never thought he was cute before, but he sure stood out in that crowd.

39. Any plans today? No. Just homework, cleanup, and tacos for dinner.

40. How many states have you lived in? 2 Missouri and Utah

41. Ever go to college? Yep. 5 1/2 years.

42. Where are you right now? Front room of our house

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? homework!

44. Last song listened to? Something by Hannah Montana, I'm sure

46. Are you allergic to anything? Just pollen and that kind of thing

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Right now its a pair of brown t-strap doc-martin style shoes. My husband hates them!

48. Are you jealous of anyone? not really. I've got it pretty good.

49. Is anyone jealous of you? I don't think so.

50. Where is your idea of a dream vacation? Hawaii, Australia, or Austria

51. What time is it? 5:22 I should be helping kids with homework right now.

52. Do any of your friends have children? Pretty much all of them

53. Do you eat healthy? I really try, but I have a giant sweet-tooth and a love of Diet Coke

54. What do you usually do during the day? Enjoy being a mom. Keep house. Shop. Hang out with friends and their kids.

55. Do you hate anyone right now? No. I once heard someone say "I don't let people rent space in my head". I try to live by that.

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes. I love people too much to stay alone all day.

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? Thirty six! I can't believe it!

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes. Missouri's and California's

60. How did you get one of your scars? I dropped a glass once and it shattered against the cabinet door before it hit my hand and elbow. Those were my first stitches.

Vegas, Baby!

We're back from our weekend getaway. It was great! It was nice not being woken up by kids in the morning, but we missed them a lot just the same. We talked about them a lot.

The first night (Saturday) we drove to Beaver and stayed at the Comfort Inn. Our room was number 223. Have any of you seen "Best In Show"? If you have, you'll know why I thought this picture was so funny. If not, you really ought to see it. It was partly scripted and partly made up as they went. Funny stuff. Our room was not really in the housekeeping closet as it would appear. It was to the left.

On Sunday we drove the rest of the way to Vegas. The weather was absolutely beautiful. We checked in, found something to eat and decided to go see the Bodies Exhibit that was at the Tropicana. Our place was at the Northern end of the strip. The Tropicana was all the way at the South end. We thought it would be fun to walk. It was a really, really long walk. My legs are still killing me. The upside was that we got to see everything. Here I am sitting on a fountain in front of the Venetian.

The Bodies Exhibit was very interesting in a creepy kind of way. Kyle found it to be a little disturbing. These were real, preserved human bodies. They also had preserved parts displayed. The worst was an entire skin in a case. I think it was dignified and definitely educational. But, I'm sure that if these people ever wanted for 15 minutes of fame, they didn't imagine they'd get it this way.We ended up taking the bus back. It was a double decker, so it was pretty cool. There is some great people watching in Vegas, that's for sure! The hotel room was sooooo nice. The bed had a down comforter and was very comfy.

The next day we ate at Buffalo Wild Wings. I know this restaurant from St. Louis. Yum! Then we went to the time share presentation. It was a couple of hours long, but they were very gracious about us saying "no". It was actually pretty interesting to see how it all worked and the salesman was fun to talk to.

We were given some casino chips and a dining coupon to use in any of the Hilton facilities. So, we drove over to the casino and tried our hand at the slots. This picture pretty much sums up our experience.Needless to say, we weren't lucky. I miss the days of hearing coins dropping from the machine. These machines are all digital, so even if you win a little something it just shows up as a credit on the screen. It used to be more exciting (although the most I've ever done was a roll of quarters--I don't gamble).

The buffet was yummy though. Then we went to the aquarium at Mandalay Bay. It was very extravagantly decorated but didn't have as much to see as I would have liked.

All in all, a great trip. We got to sleep a lot, eat a lot, and spend time together. Perfect!

Off to Vegas--Woohoo!

Well, we're off to Vegas for a little pre-anniversary time away. I can't believe it's been almost 12 years. 12 really great years!
Kyle's sister is staying with the kids. I hope they have fun!
Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my new business venture. My first party was today and was a great success. I will be able to get a lot of the supplies I was wanting and needing to get things up and going!

Oh, Snow!

Yep. We got some more snow. Yesterday afternoon it started snowing and the wind was totally crazy! We only ended up with a couple of inches, but it was the most treacherous snowstorm we've had this year because of the wind and the time of day that it hit. Our electricity kept flickering on and off. Then, at about 4:30 it went out and didn't come back on until 7:30. The kids were going bonkers (you know how kids get when the weather's doing something different). I called Kyle right before the electricity went out and asked him to pick up a pizza on the way home because I wasn't going to make it to the store in the snow. He left work at 5:30. He only works 15 minutes away. Well, he didn't make it home until after 8:30! There was a huge accident at our intersection (where Lehi main street meets Redwood Road) so no matter how he tried to get here the traffic was at a standstill. There were kids stuck at the local schools until late at night, as well as two school buses (from other schools) that were stuck out on roads with kids in them until late at night. It was nuts. I'm so glad spring will be here soon---I think!

Aren't they sweet?

Yesterday we went out shopping during a lull in the snow (Ugh--more snow! I'll say more about that in a minute) and found the cutest little skirts for the girls. Actually, Kari showed them to me in an ad and then I went and found them. We got a blue shirt for DD#2 and a purple one for DD#1. We put it with a long sleeve shirt today for DD#2 so she wouldn't freeze. She's been wanting me to curl her hair every morning while she looks through my make up bag. Here is a pic of her looking all dolled up. DD#1 got home from school and wanted in on the photo shoot. Aren't they soooo cute together?

Anyway, back to the snow complaints. Kari heard that we are expecting a five day stretch without snow soon. If this happens, it will be the first five day span without snow since December 13th. Yes, we've had plenty.

I'm having my first Stampin Up party next Saturday (the 16th) at 10:00. I'll be getting out invites and all of that soon. Check out my stamping blog for more info.

Snow, Snow, Go Away!

I have had enough winter to last me for quite a while. It seems like at least every other day for the last month or so has brought us a couple inches of snow. Ugh! It is pretty, but I'm tired of the cold and the slush.

Today was busy. I finally got my stamping blog up and running with projects posted and everything. There is a link to the right of this post. I haven't figured out how to make a picture itself a link, but one day I'll get it! I'll probably have a party here at my house the Saturday after next with prizes and a cute make-and-take. I'll figure that all out in the next couple of days or so.

Here is a cute picture of DD#1. She had an obsession with my skirts last week. She would wear them up around her chest with a belt around the top. It was pretty cute. She was mad at me in this picture. I don't remember why. She had curled her whole body up into the skirt and it looked so funny that I just had to get a picture.

Mmmmm....LOST

My favorite show right now is the Office, but those darn writer's strikes have put that off for a while. Thank goodness for my second favorite show, LOST. I really enjoy the suspense and twists in the story. We only hope that it ends in some really cool way so that we don't say "Are you KIDDING me?" after the final episode. If you watch, you'll understand what I'm saying.

Not to mention the eye candy on the show. Let me show you some examples. First, my favorite, Sawyer. A dirty, long-haired, bad boy. But, when he smiles with those dimples, so cute!And then there's Jack. Pretty cute, right?Last night I had a dream that I was on the Bachelor. The guy said he loved me and tried to kiss me. I said I didn't feel the same way. Out of all the guys on LOST, why did my subconcious pick Hurley?

DISCLAIMER: None of the men in this post are anywhere near as cute or as charming as my sweet husband!