{Adyson Turns 11, Friends, And some ramblings}

I have two very social little butterflies around here...

my house, it seems, is always full of a few extra giggling girls

(I have NO idea where they got it from)....

I wouldn't have it any other way.

I adore them all.

Adyson, this past year, has become my little fashionista.

She picks her clothes and I think-

"Those totally don't go together!"

And then she gets dressed and I'm like..."Oh, yep, that's cute."

Such fun watching her grow up.

This is a normal weekend for me.

Hanging with my Amy, who is like my soul sister.

And kinda like my hair/clothes twin.

I adore her.

Cody and Amy had a trip planned for Disneyland scheduled to leave on Adyson's birthday.

When she heard that she was insistent that we celebrate early with them so they could join us.

And when she realized she could do breakfast at Herms and everyone could make it she was thrilled!

It's her absolute favorite.

And then they brought her a cinnamon roll and crepes and she was over the moon!

Can we talk about how she looks 15?

Ugh.

Doing the math...if she looks 15 at 11..that makes me look....well....let's not go there.

Here's the crew (minus the Wolfleys who need to move to Cache Valley stat).

That day was filled with Grandma taking her shopping, one on one and spoiling her rotten

and Cinderella.

It's LOVELY.

Again.  I only have 2 little ladies.

Sometimes it seems like I have 17.

So I remember:

The other day we were 10 minutes early for church.

This absolutely never happens.

The girls were so excited to get a 'soft seat'.

About a half hour in, Roo looks at me with wonder in her eyes, and says,

"Mom, I cannot believe these seats! Our view is AMAZING!"

I'm still laughing over it.

Helping in her class.

I am so grateful to be able to spend time with them at school...

I am realizing very quickly that this time with them being little is coming to and end so fast.

I love it, and I hate it all so much.

It's hard.  And great. And awful.

Geez.

The night before Adysons Birthday she was able to go to dinner with her Kidman Grandparents

and they spoiled her rotten with a ukulele.

She is super excited to learn to play!

Isn't she looking so grown up?

And Finally-

Adyson's actual Birthday came!

She's been counting down for weeks.

As usual, she awoke to a new birthday outfit,

Subway for lunch at school, about a million calls and texts....

And when she got home from school her best neighbor friends surprised her by decorating her room!

She was so shocked and excited.  I am so glad she has such great, loving friends!

Later, shopping with friends,

ice cream with Roo and I, and her showing off her new ipod

She had a great day!

I adore the kid Adyson is growing up to be.
She is kind and thoughtful and incredibly loyal and loving.
She is full of music and creativity and about the most social little butterfly there ever was.
There are times when I want to drop kick her...because she's 11!
But mostly, I just adore watching her flourish.
She is one in a million.

Roo got another leadership award today at school for putting first things first.

Her teacher said she is always on task and always asking if she can help,

I'm sure proud of her. 

This was her response when i asked if I could take her pic...

she was too busy to look up!

Love her.  Love being her Mom!

We lost one of Adyson's best friends Moms, and one of my dear friends to Melanoma 

this month.  It's been so hard to experience some of these feelings that we've really held at bay since Travis passed away. 

Sometimes life is just hard and I wish I had the right words to help these sweet girls (all 3 of them) get through it.  I know we have only survived by a mountain of people praying, helping, and understanding what we need-and not judging when we fall apart.

I plan on praying my heart out for her lovely family.

I've watched my girls be incredibly grown up and sympathetic through it, and I'm so sad that 

they really understand what her friend may need, because they've been through it.

I hate cancer.

Treasuring this photo Andi posted on her instagram of the flowers she made for Trav's funeral.

Beautiful.  What a talent.  I imagine the flowers in Heaven are brighter than ever.

After the past few weeks, I really just felt the need to express my gratitude for the people that have helped us survive the past few years, and for the people that were behind the scenes making things so lovely and as easy as possible for me when it all happened.  I doubt I'll ever really even know who had their hands in there helping, but I'm forever grateful for it.

We have a few fun things coming up next month-

Spring Break.

Easter.

New glasses for Adyson.

A birthday for Roo.

Soccer for Roo.

A play for Adyson.

Dance recital for Roo.

And a big trip for Mom!

I hope all is well!

{Back to Reality}

I have just spent the past hour browsing this blog and I am beyond thankful for it.

YEARS of our life has been documented here.

My beautiful ladies when they were tiny little angels.

Our family when we were 4.

Our family growing and changing.

It is a treasure.

I may be the only person who really looks at it anymore,

now that instagram has taken over the world,

but I am pretty grateful to have it.

Here's the latest:

For the past few years I have been begging the girls to jump on the Harry Potter train.

I LOVE these books and movies, and they just haven't jumped on board.

So I pretty much forced them to watching the first movie. 

(We read the book a few years ago and they were impartial.)

They both really liked it, though Roo has managed to cover her eyes through the hard parts.

We've watched the first 3-and I can't wait for the rest.

Love Live HP!

Going back to school has been rough of these tired ladies.

Sienna has managed to fall asleep on the couch multiple times.

Doesn't she look cozy?  I want to join her!

It has been so incredibly wonderful to get back up to Beaver this year.

I hadn't realized how much I missed it and have loved spending time up there with my girls,

and my friends.  I am pretty blessed to have a job that allows me to choose my own hours...

I've spent lots of weekdays up skiing, and lots of middle of the night hours working to make up for it.

Totally worth it!

This kid rocked the halls in school.

She was slightly excited!

Every time my kids accomplish a goal they can be proud of,

I feel less and less like I'm completely failing them.

Single parenting is tough!  I worry constantly that my kids aren't getting the guidance they 

deserve. That I am not getting them where they need to be-

so when they succeed I pat them on the back, and secretly pat myself there too.

Let's be honest though, these girls teach me more than I'll ever teach them.

They are resilient little troopers.

Our Bunco group manages to sneak in a few fun days as often as we can.

We snuck down to Station Park for shopping and dinner.

It was lovely.  These past few years I've been so taken care of by some of the most amazing women.

They are just fun, beautiful people who make me want to be a better person and mother.

And they are freaking hilarious too!

(Kristin Adler, Jen Lewis, Erin Davis, Suzie Clark, Brianne Hansen, Ashley Ballard, Courtney Mckay, Katie Davis, Me, Candace Mullen)

The ladies got some fresh color...

blue for Adyson and orange for Roo.

Thank goodness this fades extremely fast!

Another ski day with my dad.

After I posted this on instagram a few people were wondering if "Miguel" was my boyfriend.

I'm trying really hard not to think about how pathetic this is!  Really, though, hilarious stuff.

I guess most women my age don't have this great of a relationship with their Dad, 

but then most women my age aren't widows....so that's my excuse.

Plus, my dad is awesome.

But still, ew.

Adyson has been growing up.

I mean, really growing up.

She gets more texts and calls on my cell phone than I do.

And she is always talking about boys.

How did I manage to raise a boy crazy girl?

Certainly I wasn't like this at all???

Right?

We had Lexi stay with us for 9 days while her parent's were in Hawaii.

I managed to get them all to school on time every single day...

and we were only 11 minutes late for church.
Victory.

We loved having her and I loved listening to them giggle as they tried to sleep each night.

They have such cute friends.

The ladies have been in lessons at Beaver every Saturday, 

so I have 2 free hours to ski with my Dad, Kerry, Kyle and occasionally Dave.

Yep, me and the old guys.

Don't let me fool you though, they all can SKI and it's been fun trying to keep up!

I realize how blessed I am to have a great Dad, and so many great father figures.

Kyle plays relief society president and chats with everyone we see,

Kerry's laugh you can hear for miles,

and my Dad goes from giving me tips to become a better skier to tearing up because he's so happy to have me there.  It's the best 2 hours and I've appreciated hanging with them.

(Sienna calls them the Old Man crew.)

After Skiing today Adyson went to a friends, so Sienna and I went shopping for a bit.

I tried a jacket on and after a while decided I really didn't need it (because I have about a million already)!  Sienna grabbed $20 of her own money and stuffed it in my purse and told me she would pay for most of it if I'd buy it.  She is so sweet and thoughtful.  It really melted my heart.

(I gave her the money back with a big smooch on her cheek! ) But the thought.  It was just precious.

And that's really all that's happening here.  It's been a lot of skiing,

A lot of carpooling.  Singing Lessons, Play Practice and Soccer.

Sometimes I feel like I've been run over by a truck, 

but I know I'm incredibly blessed to have life full of so much fun.

I have days where I feel beyond frazzled and wonder how I can do it again tomorrow,

but those days are more and more rare...

That may be because I give my kids more and more chores...:()

but truly, I think over time our burdens are lifted.

I hope so anyhow!

Hope all is well.

Mojo.

My Goodness life is busy!

To those of you inquiring why I've

lacked in the blogging department...

we are fine.

I've just lost my mojo.

Anyone care to find it for me?
Let's cross our fingers that I will
find it....

{Reminder}

(Picture taken by Roo,
just before she got in trouble for playing with the camera.)

I'm sitting here in my front room
with the windows open
watching it snow.
I'm listening to one little lady
take the lids on and off of her markers
as she is drawing a picture for her
Grandma, who is on a cruise.
(Lucky!)
And another little lady is playing
with her Barbies in her bedroom.
They are currently flying around in search
of something...I'm not quite sure what.

This week hasn't been a typical Spring Break
for us.
We've done nothing Springy at all.
I've sat by the window reading,
and dreaming of sunshine.
We've played with friends.
A lot.
We saw Gnomeo and Juliet,
which-btw-is LAME.
And we've watched
Tangled 15 times, I think.

But boy, has it been lovely.
We've lazed around each morning
in our pj's.
And we've danced around the kitchen
to their new favorite song
(Who says-Selena Gomez).
The ladies wake up each morning and
play for hours together.
And my house feels warm
and
I
feel
content.

And just today have realized
that even though I promised myself
when the New Year started that life
would be like this
all
the
time.

It's not.

I still get carried away with
work, weight, PTA, church, cleaning, cooking,
and everything else on my too long list.

But I'm working on it.
And I write this as a reminder to myself
to put whats important first.
And to relax, just a little.
And I feel so very blessed to have such a lovely life
with kids I want to squeeze every second.
And a husband I love. Loads.
And a warm house full of laughter.
And even when it's full of little girls fighting,
I kinda love it.

Life is good!

On my mind.

On my mind today:

Sienna has a friend over, and they are playing
so kindly,
so cleanly, and so quietly.
Adyson is gone to a neighbors and I took a little snooze.
Read a while.
And am thinking how different my life is now,
from a few years ago when I had toddlers.

It's kinda easy.

Easy is nice. I'll keep it.

On my mind today:

How much I want to make these cookies.
My mouth waters just thinking of how tasty the Reeses could be...
(Don't worry, I know I don't have enough restraint to not eat them all...
so I will just forget about it all together.)

On my mind today:

My girls are growing up.
Like heartbreakingly fast.
And then Sienna pops upstairs all clad in a dress-up and make-up.
LOADS of make-up.
And I see Adyson snuggled in her bed at night,
with an armful of stuffed animals,
and I feel like I can breathe again because they
are
still
kinda
little.

On my mind today:

Why do women compare and compete so often?
I'm guilty of this.
Why do we think we have to
look like someone thinner?
Keep our homes as tidy as our neighbor?
Learn to be as crafty?
Run as far or work as hard?
Why can't we just remember
We are pretty awesome as is.
The rezzie I've set here is
the
hardest
one
yet.
Has anyone mastered this? I'd love some tips.

On my mind today:

How much I look forward to Travis coming home.
I think it's a good sign of how much I adore my man,
that I cannot wait for the weekend to begin.
I'm lucky.
Don't be jealous.

On my mind today:
This post is random, I'm aware.

But what else is a girl to do with all this free time?
(I'm off to shop on ETSY.)

For the record:

Since I've written my rezzies down, I have yelled at my kids azillionandone times. Fretted about my weight azillionandtwo times and have yet to cook a steak. Or even cook....

We have, however, been reading our scriptures, I've been running my guts out, and have been moving T's shoes complain free.

I guess I have a whole year to master my list, right?
Heaven help me.

2011 Rezzie's

(Photo taken by Enna-roo, my budding photographer.)

Well, it's January 13th...nothing like procrastinating those resolutions, eh? Here are a few things I want to accomplish in the fabulous year of 2011.

For the ladies:
This year I plan to work on my patience. I'm gonna say 'not right now' less, and yes: more. I will set a better example on the inside being as beautiful as the outside. I will show them new things, and cherish the time that is rushing by. They will know they are beautiful, special, and loved all year long.

For T:
This year I'm going to learn to cook the perfect steak! I'm gonna spend every single Thursday night thankful that he is here, rather then grumpy that he is asleep on the couch. :) I'm going to send him golfing whenever he feels up for it. And I'm going to get less angry when his shoes are left smack dab in the middle of the floor. They are only shoes....I can move them.

For my soul:
This year as a family we will read our scriptures all week long. We will give to others more, and teach the ladies to be more giving as well. T and I are going to do our darndest to go to the temple every month. I will run a 10k, or at least attempt to! I will worry less about my weight, and be more thankful for my healthy body. I will compare myself to others less, and focus on the talents I have been given. And I will learn something new. I will cherish my friends and family more, and make sure they know how loved they are.

It's gonna be a goodie...Bring it on!

In a mood.

I'm in a bad mood today.
Like, a really bad mood.

Ask Travis.
Or my mom.
Or the 14 people who texted me and got no response.

I hate waiting for results.

It's just not fun.

Anyhow, while I waited today, I managed to fall asleep on the couch, twice, making it impossible for me to fall asleep now.

So I'm sitting here feeling guilty for how grumpy I've been all day, and feeling so thankful for the many, many things I have that make me happy.

Like my little Enna-Roo, who snuggled me today and let me scratch her back for like half an hour. My 4 year old doesn't normally sit for half an hour, so this is a big deal. I loved every second of it.

And Ads, who told me I was a pretty mommy today. I so needed to hear it. She's always full of something kind to say.

And my friends. Who brought me dinner tonight, like they do every 3 months when T has a scan. And who told me they are good enough friends that I don't have to put on a happy face when they get here, they are totally okay with pissy Hayley.

(It's my blog, I can say pissy if I want to.)

And family. Like my poor mom who knows not to call me on scan day, even though I know she's dying to call me and see how I am. And I'm so thankful that they get that I haven't called them today just cause I don't feel like talking and spreading the grumpy. Who needs it?

And T. I'm in constant awe of my husband and his good attitude. He's in a lot of pain right now, and it's making him get a very small amount of sleep. He works a full day, everyday, and comes home less grumpy then me. He's just such a good man. I am a very luck lady. And I'm praying that he can feel some relief cause gosh darn it, he deserves some!

Also adding to things that made me a little less blah today:
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. (Thank you Adyson's trick or treat bag).
Finding some cute clothes for the ladies here.
Making my Christmas list, and getting excited to buy some fun things for the people on it.
I'm burning the most lovely of scents on my scentsy. My house smells dreamy.
Chuck.
Dt. Coke.
The laundry is done. The dusting is done. The bathrooms are clean. The floor is mopped. And I even cleaned the fridge (gasp!).

Tomorrow, even though I will be waiting. Again. I plan on doing it a little less pissily.
Unless we get bad news.
Then, well, watch out.

What's making you happy today? Share...

Thoughts.

Saturday we are leaving the cold foggy swamp we reside, in search of sun. And Mickey and Minnie too. And the beach. And Shamu. (Is Shamu still alive? Did I spell his name correctly? Is Shamu a boy or girl?)

Our kiddos, have no idea. We are just waking them up and taking them for a week long surprise.

I'm too excited to sleep.

And too busy to take pictures or think of anything clever to blog about. Instead you get random thoughts inside my head. (Remember how I said I'm too excited to sleep? That means that this post may be slightly incoherent). With that warning, read on at your own risk.

Thoughts:

On AI.
We still have to fast forward past every Kara comment. If you like her, I'm not sure we can still be friends.
Ellen though, is a welcome addition.
Do we really need 4 judges? I think it would be wise to go back to 3, but what do I know?
And some of these contestants really need the show stylists to get their hands on them. Yes?

On shopping.
Why is it that I find myself picking up "necessities" for our trip daily? The shorts for the ladies really were a must, as were the sunglasses and tall shoes. And I keep telling myself they needed the floppy beach hats and jelly shoes.

Someone should really stop me.

On raising 2 ladies.
OY vey.
That is all.

On the Bachelor.
Those of you who don't love it need to check your heads. It's just funny t.v.
Did anyone else lol (for real) when Chris Harrison started talking about how his son talks about magical creatures, and unicorns when he's lying (to Rozelyn). Good T.V. Just fabulous.

On Travis.
Trav gets 2 weeks without treatments while we are gone. I am so excited for him! I can't wait to have him feel like himself for a while, and hope he eats all the yummy vacation food he can while he is canker free.

I dig my husband. He's kind of amazing.

On Cancer:
I hate it.
The end.

On my life:
I'm feeling pretty blessed tonight. My kids decided they were best friends tonight and spent the evening playing nicely. Travis took me to dinner because I had a serious random craving. I had book club with some of my favorite friends. I sipped a Dt. Coke from sonic for half the day. I managed to get my run in, and read a good chunk of my book. The laundry is put away. And I get to spend the next week in heaven with my family!

How did I get so lucky?

{Heartbroken}

Why must you leave us Simon Cowell?

Why?

(And since I'm complaining, why are you coming back Kara Dioguardio, why?)

AI starts tonight, and while I'm not a bif fan of the lifelong auditions, I can't wait to have a long season of bonding with Mr. Cowell before he leaves us.

Next year's gonna be rough dawg, without him.

Will you still watch? Will you miss him too? And who should replace him?
(I think the English accent is a must, but he can have good hair and clothes that aren't 3 sizes to small.)

Ode to my Grams

I have mentioned before that my childhood memories are very limited. (In fact, I have a hard time remembering things from high school, or even 5 years ago. Read: my memory sucks). I have small glimpses and every now and then while reminiscing I find a little morsel, and if I grab onto it the memory will come flooding back.

I've been trying really hard to remember my Grandma from when we were younger. She is in the hospital right now after having a very severe stroke on Tuesday, and we are preparing ourselves to let her go. It's been an emotional week for our family. We are very close to my dear Grandma, and up till Tuesday, she's been a fairly healthy, energetic 85 year old. She's an amazing woman, who has been through some very hard experiences in her life, and come out the other side someone I look up to, and adore.

I'm really gonna miss her.
And all I can think about tonight is that I hope she isn't in too much pain right now, and I hope she knows how much we all love her. Really, truly love her.

So for my sake mostly, I'm writing down the few memories I have with my Grams. I wont feel bad if you don't read on...

Strawberries dipped in sugar.
Sleeping in the TV room.
Sunflowers in the bathroom.
Dressing up with her jewelry.
Making Jam. Also known as the. longest. day. in. history.
Sleepovers with my cousins.
Toilet Papering. Yes, you read correctly, my grandma has taken me toilet papering.
Playing the matching game in her front room.
Trips to Kents.
She always bought us donuts at "A hunk of bread" in the mall.
Giving her the white car.
Beaded socks.
Furniture shopping. (The second longest day ever).
Baking cookies.
Practical jokes.
Rummikub.
Chocolate covered corn and parties in her front yard.

My memories, I'm sure you can tell, are pretty limited. But I will always remember her wearing lipstick, even if her hair wasn't done. Teasing her because somewhere in her old age she forgot the word please. I'll miss hearing the same story over, and over, and over again. I'll miss her stealing the tomatoes and fries off my plate. I'll miss her calling me at my busiest time of the day. I'll miss watching her interact with my girls. My girls who love her so very much, and who are struggling with what is happening to her right now. I'll miss seeing her for dinner on Sundays. I'm really gonna miss seeing her on Halloween, and watching her face light up when she sees her great grand kids all dressed up.

It's gonna seem strange without her, and sad. But I'm picturing what lies ahead for her, and imagining a life where she can hear everything (she's been almost deaf as long as I can remember, and hated everything about it). I'm picturing her with a healthy body. Imagining her reunited with so many people who love her, and am so happy that she will be relieved of the things that she struggled with in this life.


Grandma with Adyson, Sienna, and Simon Oct-09

Sienna and Grams Nov-09
Grandma and the ladies July-08

Currently....

Currently, I have nothing to blog about. I mean, I could show you more pictures of my girls smiling, prancing around in swimsuits, or eating Popsicles...but you've seen them. I've got nothing.

Currently, I am binge reading. I can't keep my hands or eyes of a book, and feel incredibly lazy at how little I get done during the day due to my reading. What am I reading you wonder? I just finished "Bitter is the new Black" by Jen Lancaster (hilarious), "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella (fun), and am in the middle of "The boy in the striped pajamas" by John boyne. Next on the list "The life of Pie" Yan Martel, and "The time travelers wife" by Audrey Niffeneger. Do you have any good recommendations?

Currently, I have an obsession with fall clothes. I've been stocking up on sweaters in deep oranges, and browns. And boots. I <3 me some boots. And also, I've been shopping for the ladies for school. I had forgotten what fun school shopping could be, and I'm tempted to go back just so I have a good excuse to buy me some more stuff....

Currently, I am craving a vacation. We want Spain, Italy, San Francisco again, and of course Disneyland. Sadly, I think the farthest we will make it this summer is Lagoon....but someday!

Currently, I am in love with Sonic Dt. Coke.

Currently, I am hungry. Always hungry. I remember back in high school, and even when we were first married thinking I was not skinny enough, and now I'd kill to be back to that weight again! I'm working on it, thus me being always hungry. And always craving oreo shakes.
I like to call it "cancer weight".

Currently, I am missing my sister and her kids. They have been in Texas all summer and are moving back next week and I am giddy with excitement! I.can't.wait. to see them.

Currently, I am thinking a lot about my friends. I'm missing some who I haven't seen in too long, and am so thankful for the ones I talk to daily, and who take such good care of me. I realize constantly I have better friends than I deserve.

Currently, I am thinking that this post could go on, and on, and on. But I will stop now. What is on your mind currently? I'd love to hear...

Reasons to Smile

Here are just a few things making me smile today:

This Wedding Video. Trust me, it will make you happy if you watch.


These are in my oven right now. Yummo.

This picture of Sienna. (You must be smiling at this, right). She is unfairly cute.
This wax seal pendant found here. You need one, it will make you smile.

My sister will be back from a dreaded stay in Texas in just 4 weeks.
This makes me smile lots.

And good music. Love this song and my friend Erin put this on her blog. It made me smile, and feel warm and gooey inside. (Just like the brownies I am currently baking).
What has made you smile today?

DVR, How I Love Thee

I have 4 loads of laundry downstairs, separated, folded, and ready to be put away.

Of course this means that instead I am sitting on my couch, avoiding it at all costs, and wasting my time on my computer, also known as my bff.

I'm typing this post in an effort to regain my blogging mojo. It has disappeared along with the sun. There was a time when in my head I had a million things to blog about, but alas, my creativity is gone. It saddens me. I miss lol'ing at my blog. (Yes, I'm one of those people who laughs at her own jokes).

So to help me find my creative side, I'm going to try blogging about something other than my absurdly cute kids and our many house projects-at least once a week. I will take any blogging ideas for mission "Get my mojo Back" in my comments section.

Today's topic? The t.v.

Last night at Bunco a friend mentioned that she doesn't have Tivo or a DVR. After the gasping in the room, and the shock had worn off, she explained that it is the one thing they felt they could do without and save money.

I told her I would rather go without food.

You may know that I have some serious sleep issues. Me in bed before 1 am is rare. Very. I have tried (so hard) to change my habits, but before 1 my brain just keeps on thinking, and I toss and turn.

So instead I have just started DVRing any and everything I can get my hands on to keep my mind entertained till sleep comes to me. I realize that most of these shows are actually making me more stupid, but Frick, I love me some reality TV.

Here's just a few of my fav's.

Let's discuss "The Bachelorette". Jillian, if you ask me, has a house full of losers. Now, sure a few of them are probably decent enough, but for the most part they are a bowl full of crazy.

Foot guy, really, she's keeping him around? I cringe.

The singing cowboy, puulease! Oy vey.

I hope she keeps Kyptin and Jake around. Nice good guys. Like Travis. Catches.

And shall we discuss my excitement over Kristin Cavallari coming back to "The Hills"? And bringing her cackle too.

Oh yes, I just let the world know that I am a hills fan. Shame on me. But watch it and you will be hooked. Trust me. I can't wait to see how she shakes things up.

I shall end this now before I disclose any more (a bit embarrassing) things about myself. But I'd love to hear your summer tv shows.

What am I missing?

Are you judging me for my love of all things "reality?"

Can we still be friends?

All questions I'd like you to answer. And give me some topics to blog about while your at it....

Till then, I have to go watch Bravo's The Fashion Show. (It's no Project Runway, but it will do.)

My Final Recap

Wahoo! I just finished watching American Idol, and am beyond pleased and shocked with America's choice! I thought Adam had it in the bag.

That being said, the show is over and this is my last chance to bag on him, so you Adam fans, forgive me...

But what in the world was he wearing while singing with KISS? I mean, I understand (sort of) the shoes, but the spider man shoulder pads were just so UGLY. So.Very.Ugly.

Maybe he thought his sparkly make-up would compensate for the ugliness that was his outfit, but he was So.Very.Wrong.

Okay, I'm officially done making fun of the AI LOSER Adam Lambert. I shall now focus on the awesomeness that was American Idol tonight.

Um, Queen. Um, Cindy Lauper (this performance was fantastic!). Jason Mraz (I heart him). Um a little Santana (AHmazing). Even Steve Martin rocked my socks. And David Cook won me over once again donating funds from tonights downloads to find the cure for cancer! (I LOVE that idea!)

I could have done without Lynol Ritchie and Rod Stewart, but I believe the world could have done without Lynol Ritchie and Rod Stewart, so that's not saying much. And did Fergie say a very naughty word and make the network use there 10 second delay? Classic.

And lastly, let's discuss Kris Allen. He is just fantastic and seemed completely shocked to win. I love his voice, but mostly his humble self. I'm really so happy he won!

Boring Recap

I have nothing of note to blog about.
I've not taken a picture all week.

You'd think, being that nothing noteworthy has happened, I would have plenty of time on my hands, but for some reason I have been going from morning till night with no free time at all. I.am.exhausted!

And if you are wondering why I don't comment on your posts often anymore. It is because I am lucky to find the time to look at them, let alone comment on them! I can't wait for summer to come and life to sloooow down. (Way down!)

So instead of my normal post chuck full of the Diva's and pictures, you just get me rambling in a recap. Forgive me, and I promise not to be offended if you don't read on!

This weekend was lovely and I wish it wasn't over. Friday night, a great dinner with great people who we love. It was topped off by playing games (and winning) and a chick flick. (Travis could have done without this last part!)

Saturday we awoke early to play soccer, and our team did a fantastic job. It seemed we were matched pretty evenly with the other team, and our kids were a little less scared. Travis was like a proud papa watching them play. I think he has enjoyed coaching these little cuties and I think he will miss it when we are done next week.

Then we went to my in-laws home to Celebrate Mothers Day with my MIL. It's always so much fun to get together and I just love watching my kids play with their cousins. The girls can't get enough of them and of just being there, and they never want to leave!

Sunday I conquered a big fear of mine by teaching the lesson in RS. And though I was shaking in my heels the whole time, tearing up for half the time, and rambling for a good fourth of the time, I felt so uplifted by the amazing women in the ward. They are beautiful people.

I came home right after teaching and walked into a house full of family. Dinner was being cooked, the kids were running around outside, and I don't think I could have been happier. I just kept thinking how blessed I am to have this home, and such amazing families, and such wonderful friends. I think Spring does this to me every year. I sit back and realize how much I have to be grateful for, and just feel happy. I need to store that emotion in my pocket so when the cold snow comes back, I can find my mojo again! Now I am bracing myself for another week, and hoping that this weekend can somehow be as good as last!

Dear Simon,

My friend Eileen called me out on her blog because she has been missing my AI recaps. Because I just love her, I am recapping via a letter to Simon. Feel free to read, but Adam lovers beware. I am NO fan of his.....

Dear Simon,
Mr. Cowell, my old friend. We've sure been through a lot together in the past few years. We've agreed on everything from Clay Aikens clothes and overall nerdiness to SanJaya's hair styles. I've enjoyed your many metaphors and funny words including this years favorite "indulgent". I've laughed when you've made fun of sweet (and crazy) Paula, and I've even overlooked your very sad haircut. (I could fix that for you), but I think the time has come where we part our ways.

You see, you love Adam Lambert. And me, well I do not. At all.

All I hear when he sings is screeching, and I want to throw my shoe at the t.v.

Week after week I wait for you to say something in your lovely British accent about how very screechy his performance was, and each week, you let me down.

I thought we had a connection. It's not me, it's you.

If you want my opinion on the other 3, here you go.

Allyson-I think she has a great voice and tonight in the duet I think she sang Adam's pants off. (Not literally, that would be weird.) She is a great singer but I don't think she will win, and I can see her leaving this week or next week. Her downfall? It is excruciating watching her be interviewed. (Jason Castro anyone?) Am I right??

Danny-I loved Danny from the beginning, but he has fallen off the charts a bit for me. He is still cute as a button (and my friend Janette has mentioned he looks just like Robert Downey Jr.), and I think he definitely has talent, but I think he is a bit cheesy and cocky. He reminds me of Taylor Hicks. (Agree/Disagree?)

Kris-He's my American Idol. It saddened me tonight that you didn't love him. Here is why I did. He is not over the top, and maybe you would like him to be, but he just plain isn't-and I dig that about him. I would buy his CD and when it played dogs wouldn't howl (that's another dig at Adam). He seems mellow and not too cocky (but still cocky enough) and I think he could make some great music. I would love to see him win, though I think his chances are slim. I do hope that because you didn't love him tonight, his fans will be worried and vote like crazy for him. Maybe you will redeem yourself a little if that is the case, but we will see Simon, we will see.

Simon, if you choose to come back next year (and I hope you do), lets try to be on the same page. Singing and screaming are NOT the same thing, spray tanner is not your best friend, and overdone is not always best.

I'm just sayin'.

Missing the old you,
Hayley

P.S. I don't even mind your super tight grey/black t-shirt collection. Seriously, it's better than the amount of cleavage Paula has been sporting lately....

Excuses, Excuses...

The reasons I have yet to do the AI recap: Adyson and Sienna.

You see the ladies have taken a liking to the show, making it impossible for Travis and I to really pay attention. (We hear bits and pieces in between Sienna telling us how much she likes "Paula's lips" and Adyson doing her very best to dance and sing just like each and every one of them. She has Megan's "sway" down pretty good).

It's entertaining.

To tide you over till the day comes when I decide to recap yet again: Here is Adyson doing some very great Impressions.

We think she is funny, I hope you do to.

And if you couldn't' tell by the video, we are REALLY not Kara fans. We skip past her %99 of the time.

And what in the world is up with Megan Joy and her "Cawing"? On the plus side I'd kill for her hair. It's pretty.

And speaking of hair: Scott and Alison need help. That's all I'm going to say.

And Adam Lambert, Please, LAY. OFF. THE. ORANGE. TANNER! I know, MANY of you think he is fantastic, but you are wrong.

As for me, I sure like that Kris Allen. If I actually voted, I'd vote for him. I thought he was fantastic last night.

So, let's chat friends. Tell me what you think....

Okay, that's all I got, except for this picture of Sienna, just because I think she is cute.

The end.

I miss Disneyland

I have the post vacation blues. Really badly. This is the only picture I've taken since we've been back. (That's two weeks). It's cold here. There aren't fireworks nightly, roller coasters, Minnie Mouse isn't surprising us around corners with her beautiful red bow and warm smile. (I know she's not real, but I do love her anyway.)

Since I've been pathetically missing "The happiest place on Earth" (It really is), I have nothing to blog about. So instead I give you the top 3 reasons I miss Disneyland, in no particular order.

Reason #1

Each night we wind down in the basement, fire blazing, DVR running and relax in what we consider our little piece of Heaven. The other night we heard this little banging on the window. Being the paranoid person that I am, I send Trav to check it out. I was positive some crazy was trying to break in! No, it was a little mouse, and he is stuck good. He jumps as high as he can trying to get out, and then rams his sad little head into the window.

It's disrupting my American Idol watching. It's creeping me out. And I know that if that little sucker got in here I'd hate it, but for now I just feel really bad for it. Travis and I are going to "take care of the problem" this week. We went from Minnnie Mouse to that creepy little bugger. Do you see why the blues have hit me??

Reason #2

In our hotel room (you know the one where housekeeping comes and makes your beds for you), the ladies slept in a bed together. Each night they would lay down, totally exhausted from the fun day, and they would crash. A full night of princess dreaming slumber. And when the kids sleep good, we sleep good. And then we are all happy.

Well since we've been back the sleeping hasn't been wonderful. Adyson learned about Bigfoot from a friend and is so terrified of him that she can't sleep. She is positive that the big harry monster is gonna come into the room and gobble her up. Now this isn't her trying to be a brat, or stay up later at night. She is genuinely scared. We have bribed her, bought her a new lamp, and even had my brother tell her that "Bigfoot has been killed" was on the news. It's getting better....and I'm really hoping that she will stay in her room for good, otherwise we are going to need a bigger bed!

Reason #3

Travis had to get a treatment on Thursday. He had been treatment free for 2 weeks and was feeling wonderful. Now that we are home and back in the real world, we are also back to facing that crap! I haven't missed it. Not one bit. Late this month or early next brings another scan. Let's hope that the Magic of Disneyland has seeped into his body and is doing some good!

The real world really isn't all bad, this last week I have been able to spend loads of time with some of my great friends, and feel pretty blessed to have them. The kids are getting back on schedule, and slowly but surely the sun is starting to shine! Yeah for the sun!!! No we just need to get it to stay out and those Disneyland blues will disappear!

Simon, Paula, Randy, and Kara

Really?