I love my boy

Today Justice and I were driving around running some errands and he had me in stitches a few times. We were approaching a factory that had several smokestacks with steam coming out. I asked him what he thought they made there. He said "I think it is probably a cloud factory- and it looks like they are making lots of clouds today!"
He is always worried about me driving too fast. I told him on the highway you can drive 55-65 miles an hour. He said "Next time we should take the "low"way so you don't have to drive so fast."
Today was one of those days where I just couldn't get enough of this kid. The hugs, the silliness, the one on one time- I told him he will always be my baby. Even when he has kids of his own.
Love you Justi!!

Girls/Boys Night Out

Today the girls and boys split up for some fun time. The girls and I headed to the Nutcracker Ballet. It was Montana's first time and Sierra and I haven't been for a really long time. It was a lot of fun! Montana was mezmerized the whole time. It seemed a lot funnier this time. We had cheap seats WAY up at the top. But they were better seats than we have ever had at the Jazz Game. After we had tickets to go to the Sugar Plum Fairy Party on stage after the show. We had punch, cookies, and you could meet the cast and have pictures taken with them. They had a magician also. Sierra was bored, but Montana had fun.
After we went to dinner next door at Benihana! Yahoo! I haven't been there in probably 25 years. It was delicious. They cook all the food right in front of you on a grill that is surrounded with a table for 8 people. So it was me and the girls and 5 other people we didn't know. But it was a lot of fun. The chef does a lot of tricks with his knives and tossing the food onto your plate. Our favorite was when he made a volcano with the onions, poured water into it, and it started steaming like a volcano. We had a great time.
The boys went to see Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler and went to IHOP after. We came home and they were building some sort of Lego Masterpiece. They said they had a great time also.
Now the girls are off to sleep over at their friends houses, I have to work, and the boys will get to party all night. No fair!

We're ready!

The shopping is done. The presents are wrapped. The plans are made. We are ready to go. For once- I have actually finished ahead of schedule. I will have time to go clean my mom's house for her party- it will be a surprise for her. I love Christmas. My mom always makes it so special with the traditional Christmas Eve party. She always knocks herself out by cooking for about 70 people. We get to see family we mostly haven't seen all year. Santa comes to give each child a present. It's always so fun- my mom deserves a bit of a break. So I hope everything else will go as planned.
Sierra will be with her dad this year- but we have her on Christmas day. So we will miss her. She is doing better with her teeth, the swelling is kinda going down, but she is getting back into the swing of things.
I'm hoping the kids will love their presents. It's one of those years where we were able to find each person in our family exactly what they wanted and had the budget to get it. We feel extremely blessed.
We are thinking of giving up our Christmas next year and instead giving our Christmas to a needy family. Maybe we will just give a token gift to each person in our family to soften the blow. But I want the kids to know how good giving feels- and how much it blesses others. We have been so spoiled and blessed for so many years. I hope the family will support this idea. It has been iffy so far- they want to do it- I think they just don't want to give up their presents too. My kids are very conscience about the needs of others and they are always wanting to help. So I think this would be a great opportunity. We will see if it happens.
Merry Christmas everyone.

My Alphabet

Thanks for the idea Cindy!

A–Attached or Single: Attached
B–Best Friend: My mom
C-Carrot or Chocolate Cake: both
D–Day of Choice: Monday- I need a routine.
E–Essential Item: Hmmm…Diet Coke. Can’t live without it, and you don’t want to be near if I don’t have it! (ditto Cindy!!)
F–Favorite Color: Black & Turquoise
G–Greatest Accomplishment: Getting to this point in my life!!
H–Hometown: West Valley City
I–Indulgences: Pink Sugar Cookie- I know I shouldn't, but they rock!
J–January or July: July
K–Kids: Sierra, Montana, & Justice (& sometimes Skyler)
L–Life is incomplete without: A dream to reach for
M–Marriage Date: Nov. 14, 1998
N–Number of Siblings: 1 brother (John)
O–Oranges or Apples: both
P–Phobias or fears: Heights, Bridges, Needles
Q–Quotes: "Unless you puke, faint, or die- KEEP WALKING!!" Jillian from Biggest Loser!
R–Reason to Smile: Done Christmas Shopping!
S–Season: Spring
T–Tag Friends: Anyone who wants to participate
U–Unknown facts about me: I am a container freak! I can't resist looking at plastics & wicker for some reason.
V–Very favorite store: Wal-Mart/Big Lots/Dollar Stores/Going Bananas - I love finding a bargain!
W–Worst habit: Yelling at other drivers. My kids now copy me- how sad. Everytime I say I won't yell again- someone cuts me off- JERK!! OK- starting now!!
X–X-ray or Ultra Sound: Ultra Sound
Y–Your favorite food: Everyday- anything I don't have to cook. Special Occasion- either Sushi or Steak
Z–Zodiac: Leo. I know- that explain a lot!

Sierra got her wisdom teeth out!

Poor Sierra. Yesterday was her surgery day. I think I was more nervous than her because I have never had mine out and had no idea what to expect. They put her in the chair, started the laughing gas, and put in an IV. She started getting sleepy right away before they even gave her the sleepy stuff. They gave her 3 injections (should have wrote it down I don't remember what they were now) but she was out within 2 minutes. Then they started strapping her legs and arms down- I was getting concerned. I guess some patients flop around, itch, shake- now I'm real concerned. They told me she would be fine and sent me to the lobby. I freak out anytime my kids are given drugs. I immediately think of the worst case scenario. 30 minutes later they came out to tell me that she was in the recovery room- What? Already? I was thinking it would be a couple of hours. So I am glad it's over. I go into see her and she is out hard! Laying on the bed with her mouth wide open, tongue hanging out, and her eyes were half open. Freaky! So I kept shutting her eyes and stroking her hair. They said it would take her about 5-10 minutes to wake up. So I sat there trying to warm up her hands and ears- she was freezing even though she had three blankets on. It took her about 40 minutes to really wake up. I was doing everything I could think of to wake her up. She was real groggy- so a nurse helped her out to the car while I drove right up to the door. She slept the whole way home with her mouth wide open, and tongue hanging out again. I wanted to take a picture but I thought that would be mean. We picked her up a chocolate shake and she tried to eat it so that I could give her the pain meds that we picked up. Her lips and mouth were completely numb. She couldn't taste or even feel if it was in her mouth. So she was feeding herself, and I was cleaning her up as most of it would spill out of her mouth. Then we figured out that she needed to tilt her head back and spoon it in. Kinda funny- kinda sad. I'm so thankful that she is a healthy young lady. We take so much for granted. These kind of days make you realize how healthy we are. She slept most of the day. She would wake up with blood running out of corners of her mouth (Vampire Style) and I would panic. She ate more and more as they day went on- ramen (soup mostly), banana, mac and cheese. I was actually suprised she was eating so well, but then I remembered she hadn't been able to eat or drink anything since midnight the day before. So she was starving!! She was feeling a lot better last night. Walking around and tinkering on the computer. A couple more days and she will be back to normal. Whew! What a day. I think I will keep my wisdom teeth!

Christmas Countdown

We are almost done shopping- Starting the wrapping- and recovering from yet another spill down the front steps. It's beginning to feel like Christmas. Our favorite time of the year!

Sierra's Cheer Competition

They came. They saw. They kicked some butt. There were several high schools and junior highs in attendance. Lots of good squads and some amazing stunts. I was really impressed with how high some of these ALL GIRL squads can throw basket tosses and how solid their stunts are. It was a lot of fun. Sierra's squad did extremely well. They took first place in the Jr. High Pom/Dance division. The whole family was there to cheer her on. I think Justice and Montana had the most fun hollering for the teams. I cheered extra loud for Granger (my Alma Mater). They did a good job. Everyone around us was embarrassed by me- especially Sierra- but gotta support my Lancers! Anyhoo- she is happy this cheer competition season is over. Now on to prepare for her school dance concert! (Wish I could post pics!!!)

Goofy, giggly kids!

Montana was telling us that she is now a recess cheerleader for the recess soccer team. She said she is the 2nd co captain. So Sierra said- "Tana, that makes you to coco captain!" We are still laughing about that.
Justice was helping my mom put up her Christmas decorations last night. Today he is shoveling the sidewalk and our neighbors driveway. He LOVES winter and everything that comes with it.
Sierra's team had their cheerleading party last night. I was recruited to help- they really are a cute group of girls. Giggles, and goofy girls a plenty. It's so fun to watch her interacting with her friends- especially when they are being silly!
We were going to head up to Afton this weekend for a party with John and Sherma- but we have decided not to travel in this snow. So I am a little bummed this morning. But it will give us a good chance to clean up the house and possibly get finished with our Christmas shopping.

Montana & Sierra's dance recital

This has been an exciting year. Montana finally decided to start dancing. Sierra is a seasoned veteran but Tana has only had a handful of lessons over the years. They both had a dance recital last night for Stars. It was so exciting to see them on the stage. Montana was so nervous but did such a great job. The whole family was there hollering for her. Sierra is so uber talented that you forget how much time, sweat and tears have gotten her to this point- it seems so easy and natural for her. She is truly a beautiful dancer.
Montana has also decided to do a solo this year. I am hoping this will help her catch up and give her some one on one time with her teacher. She is working hard and doing a great job. Sierra is not doing a solo this year for the first time since she was 3. She really wants to but with Cheer, Dance Co, Stars, and homework, and her social life- I honestly don't know how she would fit it in. So Sierra is going to do the Cover Contests at the competitions this year. She has so many beautiful photos that we decided to put them to work so that she can still feel a part of the competition without having to put in any extra time. So it will be a different, but exciting dance competition season this year. Competitions start in March- so we will keep you updated on their progress. I'm proud of them no matter the outcome. I always tell them to compete only against themselves- Challenge yourself and grow everyday from your hard work- that will be your reward. But a trophy is nice too.

My long lost buddies

I have become a Facebook fan over the last few months. It's a social networking site that helps you connect with anyone else who is a member. I have found lots of my high school friends and folks I have loved and lost track of over the years. I had lunch with my sweet friend Amy a few days ago. It was like stepping back in time (except for the being older part). We picked up right where we left off 17 years ago. Can't believe it's been that long. I love that girl. Can't wait to see her again. I am also having lunch with Brandi (one of my grown up dancers/teacher) and her kids tomorrow. Can't wait to see her too.
Reconnecting with all my old and new buddies has been a such a blessing. It's so easy to fall out of touch with people you really love. So I am thankful for this crazy technology. It's helping me get out of the house and back with my buddies.

Drama

Our computer caught a nasty virus and so we are in the process of reformatting the hard drive and reloading everything. UGH! What a pain. But I am happy that we haven't lost any of our pictures or important files. We are working off our laptop now so posts will be pic free for a while until we can get things worked out.
Last night Eric and I went on a double date with Shaun & Steve. We went to see Twilight. Although I had seen it already- it was even better the second time. (I'm not suppose to say this- but Eric loved it too!- you didn't hear that from me!!)
Sierra had her first paying babysitting job last night that wasn't for the family. My baby brought home $20. It was a milestone!
We are still purging the house for Christmas. We have been giving a thorough clean to the closets, drawers, and what not. The trash can is constantly full & we have made several runs to the DI. Things are still in upheaval because it is kind of a slow process. We have also decided to switch the kids rooms. So we will be painting and moving furniture as well. Hopefully we will be done by Christmas. Then we need to backtrack and finish painting the kitchen. This is my ADD manifesting itself. Better get busy!!

Cheer Performance @ the Chiron Preview

Last night Sierra's cheer team was asked to perform at the Taylorsville High School Drill Team Preview. Everyone that performed was preparing for competition. It was very informal but the gym was full of parents.
The Drill Team did all 6 of their routines, the T-ville cheerleaders, T-ville songleaders, and the BJH cheerleader did their competition routines. Of course we are biased- but we thought that Sierra's group looked better than the older teams! They had awesome choreography and looked so together and energetic. They compete on the 15th. I am sure they will do great. It's always fun to perform at Tville because we always run into people we know. The Willis', the Eng's, some of my old dancers were performing. It's fun to watch these kids grown up dancing! It makes my chest puff to think that I had some small part of what they are becoming.

BDay Update

What a party! They decorated the party room with Stars galore. We had pizza, cake, ice cream, & drinks. It's the first time we have done a catered party- and we loved it! They made a mistake on Justice's cake- they thought he was a girl- so it was purple and pink, but we really didn't care. To compensate- they gave us arcade tokens, free laser tag, and unlimited rides. WOW! So we were there A LOT longer than we planned on. But the kids wore themselves out and had a fantastic time! Justice was spoiled with every Star Wars toy imaginable, pajamas, and new clothes. Happy Birthday bud!