10 Things you're dying to know about me..ha ha, right

Pamela, over at PMKU (who I have known from Happy Panda Baby for a while and didn't even know she had a blog) tagged me. And I knew if I didn't do it now I would forget. I have actually received a couple of awards but I don't remember from who or where because I didn't take care of it right away. Pathetic, I know.

1. What is your current obsession? Winning the laptop and contest over at MomLogic ever since I found out I was in the top ten! GO VOTE! ;) Oh, and finding a job for Eldon. Haven't thought about much else lately.

2. Which item of clothing do you wear most often? My yoga pants.

3. What's for dinner? Hmm...not sure. Hot dogs? Nutricious and delicious. ( ha....ha.)

4. What are you listening to? The movie Hercules in the background, screeching, banging, whining, you know, the usual.

5. Say something about the one who tagged you. I got to know Pamela after one of the first giveaways I won. She has now decked my twins out in adorable outfits TWICE for FREE. I love their store! And now I will be reading her blog. She is generous and honestly amazing to work with!

6. Favorite vacation spots? Vacation? What's that? I went to Hawaii in 10th grade and I've always wanted to go back with Eldon. There are a lot of places I'd love to visit. It's like you need money or something though. Weird.

7. What am I reading right now? I'll Find You, The Distant Songs of Earth, Green River Running Red, The Book of Mormon.

8. Four words to describe myself. Oh man, I am not likin' this question. Okay, here goes: Forgetful, Loyal, Silly, Lazy.

9. Guilty Pleasure? Chocolate and reading, preferably together.

10. First Spring thing to do? Send the kids outside!

Now, I will pass this on to:

Anyone who wants to do it! There are too many of you that I want to have do it but I don't have time to find you and link you. Let me know if you do it!

Motherhood.....what's logic got to do with it?

My Mom Logic

Mother. Mom. Mama. Yep, that's me. Tried and true, til' I'm blue, through and through.

But those two words together.......mom....and logic? Isn't that an oxymoron?
Okay, maybe just in my world.

I think I'm a fairly logical kind of gal...I don't feed my kids motor oil, I don't keep them in the basement in chains, they don't run around naked and unfed.
(Well, not usually anyway on that last one.)

But my question is this......does having logic, being logical, what have you.....does that mean you have to have a brain? Because the biggest casualty of motherhood is the loss of wrinkles in my gray matter. Maybe they're jumping from there to my face. Hmmmm??

I'll answer my own question.

No.

I may forget a soccer game but I don't forget the bedtime kiss.

I may forget to remind Ebug of scouts but I never forget to say I love you.

Roo may stay in his jammies until noon but only because we were too busy being silly and playing together.

The twins are often covered in dirt head to toe and look like they live in a ditch, but that just means they were getting fresh air and were as happy as little piggies playing in the mud.

I have four boys. They call me Mom, or Mommy, or Mama.

And if there is one thing they know.

If there is one thing they can never, ever doubt.

It's that I love them.

And for me, there's nothing more logical than that.




(Note to my readers: this is my entry post into the Mom Logic Mother of All Bloggers contest. They will pick the top ten and then I will let you know if I am one of them and if you can vote for me. Thank you to those that nominated me!)

What else could I possibly talk about today?

I don't know how to find the right words. How do you accurately describe what you want to whisper to each person you love, and shout from every mountaintop?

The warmth. The knowledge. The tears.

Any combination of letters I put together, it just won't be enough.

It's so easy to get caught up in life, the everyday things. Stress, obligations, bills, the constant needs of my family, and so much more. Always vying for a place. And so often there is not enough room.

But today, especially today, I closed my mind just a little.......I let a few things go. I took that space that I always keep open for Him and let it fill.


My cup runneth over.

My friends, my family, my readers. By now I hope you know me fairly well. Silly, insecure, fun, a good person. (and if you don't think those things you probably already unsubscribed ;) But this is something I have to share. It is such an important part of who I am.

I know that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father (God). I know that He loves me, more than I could ever ever imagine. I know that I lived with Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, before I was born. I was born to wonderful parents on this earth. I know that life here on earth is a test, and that how I live my life will determine whether I can live with my family, my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ again.
I am very very far from perfect. But the Savior died for me, and all of us. He paid the price so that we can repent and become perfect.
I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. I believe that there is truth in all churches that believe in Christ. But they are missing a few elements that were part of the Gospel that Christ set when he was here on the earth. And those have been restored. I know that there is a living Prophet today that leads and guides Christ's church in His name. His name is Thomas S. Monson.
I know that my family will be together forever. Today at church I was able to hear both of my parents testify of what they believe. I know that I have been blessed beyond measure. I know that I am loved, unconditionally, more than I could ever imagine.

I believe and know a lot of things. And even without the right words, I could go on and on...

But I will use the words of this song to try to express how I feel, today.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me.
Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me He was crucified.
That for me a sinner He suffered He bled and died.

Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me.
Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me.

Happy Easter.

Interview with.....well, not Barbara Walters

I know I talk about Jane at What About Mom way waaaay too much. I think I've single- handedly given her an oversize ego... almost. So I like to read her blog, think she's funny, and also a pretty incredible person. Big whoop. She hasn't even put my button on her blog. (you know I love ya! ;) Well, this time she wants to hear from me. Okay, so maybe it's only because I asked her to interview me in reply to this post but still. Here are my answers to her deep and philisophical questions......

5 Questions for You

1. Which of your kids do you worry about most? Why?

My kids? Worry? Pshaw! My kids are perfect. That should be obvious. *cough* Okay, okay, fine. I suppose I worry about them all but at this point in my life I definitely worry most about my oldest. He is like a little roller coaster with his emotions. I honestly can't figure him out half the time. One minute he is the sweetest little boy you ever did see, and the next it's like this little swamp monster comes out to play. I think what I worry about most is that he doesn't like church, doesn't like to pray or read his scriptures, and he's only 8. I just can't imagine what we have in store..... But we love him, he knows we love him, he knows his Father in Heaven loves him, and we're teaching him, so I know it will turn out okay.

2. How did you know your husband was the right man for you? Have you ever seriously doubted that in the years since getting married, and if so, how did you work it out?

Aaaah. I love talking about my man. He is my hunkahunka burnin love! To answer this question I have to give a bit of history. When I graduated H.S. I had my life all mapped out. College, mission, then marriage and kids. Instead I did marriage, kids, finish college, and someday go on a mission. So when I met Eldon I was so NOT looking to get married. I just wanted to date and have fun, finish school then get out there serving the Lord. Problem was, for the first time ever out of all the guys I had dated I found that I didn't want to date anyone else. I was like, weird.

Our dating and courtship is a long funny story but you probably want the short version. So we met in Sept, first date in Oct, he came to my house in Cali after Christmas, proposed, I said yes, and we were married July 31 of the next year. Now, the question is, why did I say yes? Because I knew I couldn't let him go. And when he got down and proposed, unexpectedly, I had this warm peaceful feeling wash over me from head to toe. And I knew. In the coming months of engagement I doubted and thought whattheheckamIdoing Idon'twanttogetmarriedyet!!??? But over and over again I went back to that feeling, and I still knew. There was no denying it. And when I knelt with him across that alter I knew, and to be honest I've never doubted since. Not once.

3. Have you ever practiced your acceptance speech for an award that’s pretty out of your league? Which award? How does your speech start?

*Ahem* Thank you so much to all of my adoring fans who are here with me today to celebrate this auspicious occasion. I know that I would not be here today if it were not for you. I'd most of all like to thank my very special cat, who has stayed by my side through all of the trials that any person of greatness inevitably finds themselves faced with. Pookie has been my hero and champion, cheering me on. So as I accept this award today I want to say thank you. Thank you for choosing me as the most wonderful blogger in the world.

No, really. I can't even think of a single award I want. And I'm allergic to cats.

4. Has this recession affected you yet? How? Are you afraid of what’s to come?

I can't say that it has really affected us personally. Except to just freak me out. To be perfectly honest I don't pay that much attention to it. I pretty much never watch the news. I have the hide your head under a blanket and pretend everything is good philosophy.

But I can't say I'm afraid of what's to come. I know what's going to come. I'm scared for my children, but I also know that whatever happens it will all come out right in the end. Some things I have been doing that are partly in response to the recession is get more serious about my food storage, start learning more survival skills, be more frugal, and we have taken a good look at our budget and debt and we now have a plan of action. I still don't know what we'd do if we lost our job. I doubt we could make it even a month without a paycheck at this point. We just found out yesterday about one teacher at my husband's school getting laid off for next year so that is scary. But we just keep our lives full of prayer and hope.

5. Underwire or not?

LOL, I love this question. Recession to bras....only Jane. I hope no creepy guys are reading this. I tend to not wear one as often as I can because I hate 'em. But it's pretty necessary that I do and when I do only underwire does the job.


Okay, now to my readers. If you would like ME to ask YOU some interview questions let me know in the comments. First five win!!

I guess I'm not a Cali girl anymore......

Last week I went back to my home town where my brother and sister-in-law live. It was where I lived from ages 8 to 18. When people ask me where I'm from I still say Southern California, but I realized this past week that I don't feel like a California girl anymore. Although maybe I never really did.......

My Mom has always been a fan of the Beach Boys and I grew up hearing "I wish they all could be California girls...." What do you think of when you hear California girl? Long blonde hair, deep brown tan, 5'7", about 110 pounds, trim and fit. And maybe like a bit of like, I don't know, like a valley girl accent, like totally for sure? I'm sure that you readers, as smart as you are, have no such misconceptions. And I'm living proof. When I lived there I went to the beach probably about once a year, I rarely had a tan, I'm only 5'6", my hair is blah brown, and I think I was 110 pounds in about the 4th grade, but I don't remember because I wasn't paying attention then.

But really, none of that matters. I lived in California and I was a girl, so I was a California girl. So what if I lived in the High Desert where the only trees were these hideous joshua trees that were no good for climbing, lived on a horrible dirt road, had lizards on my pillow, scorpions in the silverware drawer and rattlesnakes in the garage? We really did live in a neat place. We were 30 minutes from the mountains and a ski slope, 1 1/2 hours from the beach and disneyland, and pretty much about 2 hours or less from anything else you could ever want to do, if you could see through the smog and survive the horrible freeways with very rude drivers. (I know, not everyone there is, but holy cow there were a lot of rude drivers this last week.) And we had amazing sunsets and storms.

But going back I realized something. There's no pull for me there anymore. I don't belong. I have fun and I enjoy it but I also can't wait to get home. I so wish I could be close to my brother but even that isn't enough draw for me. I remembered the beautiful sunsets from my childhood but when we were there all I saw was this yellowish glow. The smog has moved up over the mountains and over my home town. The town has grown, but at the same time it hasn't. Things have changed, but they haven't, and the thing that has changed the most, is, well.....me.

There was this moment last week when it all came back to me so strong. The feelings, smells, sounds, sights, emotions, everything came back and I felt as if I was that girl again. And that moment was really enlightening. I have this tendency to look back on that girl and wish so much that I could be her again. Full of faith that came so easily, the future wide open before me, excited, energetic, active, hopeful. So often I look back and that's what I see and fear I've lost it.

But I realized I haven't. It was an amazing realization. I'm still that girl. Only better. Oh, thank heavens I finally had an epiphany, better! Hallelujah! And I also realized that I am so glad that life has taken me where it has. In this little Utah town that I hated so much at first and now love. With this little family that came quicker than I originally planned but that I love fiercely, and tenderly. And here is where I belong.

For now........


*That last picture is ironically of me with some gals on our choir trip to Disney World in Florida. I'm in the white shirt with sleeves in the back. It's the closest I could find to show that "me" I was talking about.

Just in case you were wondering....

Hey, you! Yeah.....YOU. You know, the one reading this.

I may or may not know who you are. If I do I'm glad and if I don't I'm sad.

But I want to tell you something. I am glad that you are here. I appreciate you reading this. I appreciate you taking the time out of your hectic day to stop here, if even for a moment, to read what I have to say.

I am a blog addict. There, I admit it. I love to read what others have to say. Since I am a blog addict I also know what I like. I'm not sure if I'm writing yet at the same caliber as a few of my favorite writers, (actually, I know I'm not). But I am trying to find a balance between giveaways and "business" so to speak, and good writing.

Good writing to me is when the words I am reading feel like they're coming straight from my soul. I get tingles, or teardrops, or nearly peeing my pants laughter on the floor because, well, I get it. You know what I mean? It's that "that is so true!" moment.

My blog has been growing over the last few weeks and I didn't anticipate what would happen. I really didn't. I should have, I've seen warning signs, but now I'm hooked and I don't know how to ever turn back. (nor do I want to)

But it could be a problem.

You see, I have been soaking up the comments. It's like drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate while sitting around chatting with friends. Even though in reality I'm (still) in my pajamas and there is spilled cereal on the floor, and a to do list that is a mile long (and growing by the minute).

A quick time out: here is a little test to see how many people are actually reading my posts and to thank those that do. It's a giveaway. I don't know what I'm giving yet but it will be really good. Like an mp3 player or a Vado video camera or something. Once a random winner is chosen I will talk with them and we will pick a prize together. It may even be cash. We shall see. All you have to do is leave me a comment (on this post or any other post until the end of this month) and somewhere in there slip this word: LOVE. If you leave a comment and I see that word I will know that you have entered this giveaway and that comment will be put into a hat. On February 28 I will have my son draw out a winner. You don't get the usual extra chances because this is kind of a secret but you have multiple chances by leaving comments on my posts for the rest of the month. You game? It will be interesting to see who plays. Most of my giveaways are to drive traffic here but this is my way of saying thank you to my readers. I hope you have fun playing and good luck!

Back to regular programming: So once again, thank you. I am just one Mom out there, trying to make a niche for herself, doing what she loves, and trying not to permanently damage her children with her overflowing amounts of notperfectness. (yes, that's a word because I say so)

But you know, none of that matters. Not really. All that matters to me is that I am making YOU feel that way, and in the process, myself. I know I can't be witty or a genius every day (or any day for that matter). But when you come here I want you to feel like you're visiting a friend. And that just for a while you can kick off your shoes, or be in your pajamas, and be a Mom (or Man, Woman, whatever) with copious amounts of notperfectness. (stinking red line, that is SO a word, and yes, I know I could just say imperfect but it's not as cool ya know?)

Because you know what? It's okay. You're okay. You're MORE than okay. Your house is a mess and you don't want to clean? You've already fallen off of the exercise every day and just eat lettuce wagon? Did your voice get a little too LOUD with your kids today? Do you have a million little guilt trips going through your brain at the end of the day so you can't even sleep at night?

Yeah? Me too. And you know what, it's okay. Because I am loved no matter what.

And you know what? So are you.

And that's what I want you to feel here.

Have I held you in suspense long enough?

WOW! If I had known how fun that would be I would have said I had some exciting news a long time ago! Honestly, I would love it if it was everything you all guessed......except for the one thing that everyone guessed the most. I knew some would guess this but didn't expect so many. After all, my twins aren't even two yet! I mean, I have been thinking about it a lot lately but just so you know, I am NOT pregnant.

And I don't even have some amazingly huge giveaway for all of you (I wish and I do have a giveaway a week for the next two months), and I'm not doing a guest post anywhere yet (although I am supposed to do a couple in the next couple of months), and I don't have a giveaway where everyone wins, and I'm not even sure what Blogher is......

And I'm not suddenly lucky. As far as I know I didn't even win anything in the carnival (although I did win $100 from a giveaway before the carnival), but no lottery here or big companies supplying our wardrobe........

The comment that made me laugh the most was from All Rileyed up:
"I'm guessing that you went out and bought a groundhog just to find out what the weather forecast was, and now you're going to give said groundhog away on your blog. Oh, and you named your goundhog Jamming Jebediah, but he doesn't answer to it yet, so the future groundhog winner still has the opportunity to change his name.
(I have no idea where this answer came from - I just started typing...)"

But still, unfortunately, that is not true. So, without further ado and immense amounts of suspense....

oh wait, did I tell you that even my Mom is excited about this news? My sister thought maybe I was pregnant but don't they know that they would know before my blog readers? (sorry guys, love ya and you'd be second). I hope I don't get everyone worked up and then they're like.....oh big whoop.

So, I will add the disclaimer that this is very exciting news for ME, even if it isn't for you. Makey sensey?

Oh, are you still waiting for me to get to the point? Or have you scanned through and you're not even reading this because you went straight to the end? Okay, okay........I will not torture you any longer...

My exciting news is (drum roll)................

that I have been chosen to be one of the new partners at The Giveaway! Do you know what that means???? It means that I will be getting PAID for blogging, and I'll be getting FREE stuff. Oh yeah baby, totally. I've already earned some money. And Katie (the founder of the Giveaway), is sooo cool and fun to work with! I have only been working with her a few days and I already have at least three packages that will soon be in the mail for me. I would tell you what but I don't want to ruin the surprise! So now, you will have to haunt the Giveaway too because you will be hearing (reading) my voice on some of those posts as well. (and believe me, there is some good stuff coming up)

So that is my exciting news. I hope I didn't let anyone down. Oh, and one more favor, if you ever find an awesome site or shop online you let me know!

Thank you again for commenting and stay tuned for more great stuff. (well I think it's great anyway)

Fail to shower Friday (already failed)

How many of you have seen or do "memes" I think they're being called? They are weekly/daily posts with a theme. For example, Not me Monday, Tell all Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Thankful Thursday....you get the idea. Maybe you do them yourself and that is fantastic, really, I admire you.

I did the Not Me Monday thing once on my family blog. Once. It looked fun, the ones I had read were funny and I wanted to hop on board.

So what's my problem? I can't commit. I can't promise that I will want to do those things on those days and that I will then want to post about it. Sorry, no go. I know it would be great and I'd be getting more done if I did Tackle it Tuesday or Works for me Wednesday.

But it aint gonna happen. Sorry, guys. So here is my week of memes. I promise you that I will commit to doing these things every week on these days. I don't promise I'll blog about it though......

Sing a hymn Sunday

Maybe make it out of bed Monday

Trip on a toy Tuesday

Wish it was the weekend Wednesday

Throw away a diaper Thursday

Fail to Shower (Clean) Friday
(this is the only day I don't teach preschool, piano or voice lessons)

Sleep in Saturday

So there you have it. I'm commited. And I promise I won't let you down (uhhh, maybe). Care to join me?

*Edited to add* My dear readers...I promised you and I already failed. I could no longer stand my own smell in the late afternoon and I took a shower. So now my friday is edited to be Failed to _______. Because I guarantee I'll always be so tired that I'll fail to do something I should.

To my secret stocking stuffer.....

Hello. I spent today perusing the blog of the person I have to send stocking stuff to when I realized that whoever has me is going to find very little about me on this blog. I have a private blog that is a lot more personal but if you haven't already noticed this blog has very few posts and isn't the easiest to find stuff on. Maybe you will find out some about me on my profile but I decided to copy over a post from my other blog so you can learn more about me. Oh, and just so you know I love everything! I really am an easy person to please....

101 Factoids about Me, Myself and I (Exciting, I know!)

I've decided to rise up to the challenge and attempt to find One hundred and One things about me. (Hopefully interesting)
So here goes:
1. I do not like having shoes on my feet and kick them off the second I step inside.
2. I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.
3. I LOVE chocolate.
4. At pretty much any moment I have a song stuck in my head which often comes out vocally.
5. I love to sing but don't like listening to my own voice.
6. I'm one of those people that needs almost constant validation from others.
7. For as long as I can remember I've pretty much had a constant headache.
8. I am willing to do some of the silliest things in order to get my kids to laugh.
9. When I was a kid I was a klepto-maniac.
10. I love to dance but am not very good at it.
11. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Ed with a music minor.
12. I have always loved kids but sadly have more patience when they're not my own.
13. Before I was married I was a shameless flirt.
14. I didn't have many girlfriends that could stand me before I got married.
15. When I was 11 my Mom was my worst enemy and now she's my best friend.
16. I love being married WAY, WAY more than being single.
17. I love warm summer rain.
18. I love the smell of fresh clean babies. (especially if they're mine, aaaah)
19. My favorite color used to be blue but now it is pink! (see #20 for the reason why)
20. I have four boys, ages 7, 4 (this week) and 1 year old twins.
21. I'm a bad cook.
22. I don't like to cook.
23. Growing up I always told myself that I'd cook a hot breakfast for my family every day (Hah!)
24. I LOVE to read which is a strength and a weakness.
25. I read really fast and can't stand to follow along with someone else reading.
26. I'm good at spelling. (Watch, I'll misspell something in this post)
27. I'm not too good at receiving criticism.
28. I like to take naps.
29. I hate a messy house but that doesn't keep me from having one.
30. I am organized in the workforce but not at home.
31. I love artichokes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach.
32. I played flute for 7 years and still sound horrible. (My Mom says this isn't true and to tell you that I conducted the band in Junior High when they played Canon in D)
33. I teach piano lessons.
34. I teach preschool and I love it!!
35. I am too often plagued with the fear that people are talking bad about me.
36. I had a lot more self confidence in high school.
37. One time my hubby and I had a complete conversation singing opera style.
38. I used to have no trouble speaking in front of people but now I'm chicken.
39. Laundry is the bane of my existence.
40. I actually really don't want to be rich but I don't want to have to worry about money either.
41. I am awful at budgeting and balancing the checkbook.
42. I wanted to marry a nerd but not a band nerd.
43. I'm married to the sweetest band teacher ever.
44. I love listening to music and like pretty much everything but country and hard core rap and rock.
45. I am happiest when I'm just hanging out with my family. (and not stressing)
46. When I was a little girl I would run away to the park and ask strangers to swing me.
47. I've never mowed a lawn in my life.
48. I kind of like camping.
49. I hate snakes.
50. I love to scrapbook but haven't done much lately.
51. I love making cards.
52. I want a baby girl but am not sure I want more kids.
53. I love scary movies (as long as it's not satanic or gory)
54. My favorite book genre is Mystery.
55. I love to write and someday want to write books: children, youth and adult.
56. I cannot draw to save my life!
57. I am a bad procrastinator.
58. I was always unlucky and never won anything until I started entering blog giveaways.
59. I am not an animal lover although I wish I was.
60. Too often I open my mouth without thinking first but never ever mean to offend.
61. I really do love everyone.
62. I love to roller skate and used to make up roller skating dances.
63. I've never understood why girls have to go to the bathroom all together when nobody really even needs to go.
64. I love flowers but don't really have a favorite.
65. I have a brown thumb.
66. I like chick flicks.
67. I miss living close to my Mom.
68. I used to have really straight hair without even trying.
69. I broke my right arm when I was 8 and my Mom kept the pins they put in.
70. I have two older brothers and one younger sister.
71. I have never been good about eating breakfast.
72. I love the beach but don't love swimming in the ocean.
73. I've never been snow skiing.
74. I was born in Kansas.
75. I've lived in California and Utah.
76. I've visited Mexico, Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Nevada, Catalina, and Wyoming.
77. I want to visit Europe.
78. I hate Vegas.
79. My favorite season is Spring (if we actually get a spring, unlike this year)
80. I was married on July 31, 1999 in the Los Angeles temple.
81. I used to love butterflies but got burnt out on them.
82. I can't remember how many times I've read the Book of Mormon. I think five times.
83. My favorite restaurant is The Olive Garden
84. I like shopping online. (It's a weakness)
85. Chatting online with my friends keeps me sane some days.
86. I am too selfish of a person.
87. I HATE watching sports.
88. I love my husband and kids. (Duh!)
89. My husband makes me laugh everyday.
90. I've never had a ticket. (knock on wood)
91. I am NOT a morning person. (although I want to be)
92. I had a crush on my third grade teacher who was an adult version of Alfalfa. (not good)
93. I love nursing my babies.
94. I cried when I found out I was pregnant with my first child and I cried when I found out I was having twins and I cried when I found out they were boys.
95. I love reading children's books but still don't do it often enough with my children.
96. I have always had insane dreams and remember them too well.
97. I have the worst memory!!
98. I love to get my feet and back rubbed and my hair played with.
99. I can't have pierced ears.
100. I have been to Disneyland more times than I can count.
101. I feel like this post is very self centered and can't even believe how many times I've said "I", although my hubby says I put myself down too much. I'm just honest!

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to.

So today is my birthday. This now begins my last year in my "20's" although lately I've been feeling more like 100. I guess twins can do that to you. My Mom came up on Friday and basically declared this my birthday weekend. She really is so amazing. She cleaned, did a million loads of laundry, watched my kids for hours on end and made me feel like a million bucks. So honestly, things were great...... until she left.

Now don't get my wrong here. I love my hubby more than anything in this world and I love him more each day. But sometimes I just have to wonder if there will ever come a day when he will really get me. Yesterday we went on a nice date (although didn't have much time since we have to drive 45 minutes to get anywhere). The highlight of our evening was playing this rock band game at Wal-mart. I know, the thrill is overwhelming. We did have fun though and he opened my door and held my hand and humored me with frivolous shopping.

Then today I woke up with some kind of stomach flu or food poisoning or some other such delightful experience so I missed church and spent most the day in bed or in the bathroom. My man woke me up at 3 to tell me that we needed to do the whole cake and ice cream thing since my Mom needed to leave. :( That was fun and I got some great presents from my kids (a hand held massager), my Mom (a beautiful necklace and some cash) and of course from my beloved (a much needed CD player). By then my stomach was much better so I enjoyed a delicious chocolate chocolatey cake and peach ice cream. Then my Mom left and my day pretty much turned into an experience worse than hugging the toilet.

The father of my children made my favorite dinner (Fettuccine Alfredo) although as hard as he tries it's never as good as my Mom's. (Am I a complainer or what? He really is an amazing cook). Then he declared he had to go to stake choir practice which I'm already bitter about because I never get to sing because he has to go and I have to stay with the kids. (of course) Who cares that I love to sing and never get to, it's his calling and regardless of having a million callings, he absolutely cannot be released from that one. On top of that he leaves right when he finishes dinner so the kids aren't fed and I'm still not feeling 100% and I've got my oldest freaking out because he doesn't want to eat that and the babies are crying and then they all start fighting and even before this everyone started getting cranky and ornery and whiny and I already couldn't barely stand it and then he leaves!

So okay, I know that it is a responsibility and I know that he looks at it that way and I'm glad my husband is the type that will fulfill his responsibilities but is it too much to ask that he takes off one day since it's my birthday and I've been sick?

So you tell me, am I a selfish brat? Regardless of whether I'm justified or not it doesn't change the way I feel. I am so grateful for the great friends I have and my family and for all those who thought of me today but that doesn't keep me from crying anyway.