Las Vegas

Shauna and I decided to take a long weekend and go to Vegas to spend time with Megan and her family. Despite the nine hour drive, we had a great time. It is always fun to hang out with three cute little boys who make me laugh and entertain me constantly. They are so much fun!

Here they are in their cute little Star Wars shirts Shauna bought them on our shopping spree to Target.

I took Jack and Lincoln to see Alpha and Omega on Saturday. It was a cute movie and we had a great time eating popcorn and candy and laughing at the funny wolves. Why do kids like ring pops? I told the boys they could have any candy they wanted and they picked ring pops?? My kids used to do that too. Must be genetic!

We kept entertained with the photo booth on Shauna's computer. The boys loved it and couldn't stop laughing at themselves. Lincoln was pretty freaked out at first and wanted us to stop, but he finally came around and joined in on the fun.




Oh and I might add that my sweet, darling daughters are very honest with their Mom. Here is what I learned about myself while I was there:
I have a mullet (I had Megan's friend Kiley fix that)
I look my age - OLD (Thanks Megs)
I sigh and moan a lot
I snore really loud. (I already knew that one but Shauna likes to keep reminding me)
I am obsessed with my weight

I sing in vibrato
(The things we learn from our kids!! I still love them even though they are brutally honest with me... )

Thanks for a great time and thanks to Justin for putting up with all our giggling, crazy TV shows and girl time!

Sunday Baking

I have always loved to bake but I don't do it much anymore since I am the only one to bake for. Now that Shauna is home visiting for a few weeks, I decided I had an excuse to bake something. Despite the 95 degree heat, I whipped up a batch of an old family favorite "Cowboy Cookies".

I first made these cookies back in 1983. I got the recipe from the James W Marshall Elementary School cookbook. Erin and Megan attended this elementary school in Sacramento. Erin went there from Kindergarden-5th Grade and Megan from Kindergarden-2nd grade. The thing I always loved about these cookies was that you can throw everything in the bowl all at once, stir and throw in the oven. As a busy Mom of four young kids that was always a plus. These cookies are delicious too! Crunchy on the edges and soft in the center.

Here is the recipe:
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 small pkg chocolate chips
2 cups rolled oats

Mix all ingredients and drop by teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Delish!!

Look who is in first grade!

How is it possible that this little guy could be in first grade? First grade sounds so old to me. First grade is when they are gone all day and you can't see what they are doing for several hours. Wasn't he just a baby? All I know is that Jack was my first grandchild and to me he will always be special and he will always be my little Jackson! Before you know it he will get his mission call! Stop growing up so fast Jack!!! I love your green shirt cute boy! Good luck this year. I know you will be the smartest, cutest, most talented kid in the class....

A Real Steal!!

A couple of weeks ago I went to the movie theaters in El Dorado Hills with two of my good friends, Sheri and Patrice. After the movie Patrice wanted to stop at a little Interior Design store, so reluctantly I agreed. Shopping at expensive stores that I know I could never buy anything in gets me depressed. Before we even got in the store, Patrice spotted a wooden bench that she just had to have so the shopping began. While Sheri and I browsed around and ooohed and awwed at everything, Patrice continued to shop and found a beautiful armoire she just had to have. While they were writing up her two purchases I spied a clock that I loved. I didn't dare look at the price tag because I knew I could never afford it. I walked around the store looking at candles and little trinkets that were a little more in my price range. Just as we were leaving I turned over the price tag on the clock. WHAT??!!! $26 and 40% off. There had to be some mistake. It must say $260 and I am reading it wrong. I called Sheri over to check the price for me and sure enough it was $26! This was my lucky day. I ran up to the register before I changed my mind and with lots of urging from my friends, I bought the clock. The final price including tax was $17.53. I was so excited and everytime I look at it I feel so proud of myself that I found such a good deal! I Love My New Clock!!!

Memories

I found these pictures at work the other day. It is always fun to find old pictures and remember what was going on when they were taken.

Pic #1 was taken the day Megan came home from her mission May 10, 2001. Check out Jordan's cool hair.

Pic #2 was at Megan's baby shower when she was pregnant with Jack

Pic #3 was Lake Tahoe when we went with the Fleming family to see Bill Cosby

Fun times & great memories!

Progress

I am so in awe of myself I can hardly stand it! Those of you who do not bite your nails have no idea what a hard habit it is to break. I have been biting my nails as long as I can remember so probably 50+ years. Yikes - Am I really that old? It amazes me that my nails will even grow after so many years of gnawing at them. But they are and I am so excited. I am constantly looking at them & cleaning them and putting clear polish on them. The hand pictures are not the most flattering. I could never be a hand model, but when I can see white at the tips of my nails, I know I have accomplished something wonderful! Stay tuned because the next time you see my nails they will be longer!!

Friday stuff....

Today is Friday and I decided I needed to take the day off because I feel like the lady in that picture!

Things have been so crazy at work. I have been working non-stop without lunch breaks stressing about deadlines, pulling my hair out trying to get everything done. It has been a crazy busy month and I am so done. Once September gets here things will be better but in the meantime I hope I can hang in there. I am grateful to have a job but the stress is killing me.

I have been walking almost everyday and it has helped with my stress level. The weather has really cooperated so that has made it easier to walk in the evenings.

I love this weather we have been having - low to mid 80's heaven and almost unheard of for August. Of course, it is supposed to get into the 90's this weekend and early next week 100 so it has been wonderful while it lasted.

Shauna will be coming home for a visit on Sunday. I have some things lined up for her. She doesn't know it yet, but I need her expertise in all things technological (is that a word). My camera - my computer - my DVR. And of course I need someone to laugh with during Bachelor Pad, Teen Mom, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Flipping Out, Housewives of DC, and any other reality TV show she introduces me to! Hurry home Shauna, I need you!

I saw the movie Flipped last week and loved it! It really took me back to the 60's and I loved loved loved the music. It was well worth the money and I would highly recommend it. It was a feel good, nostalgic, wholesome, funny movie.

I want to take a trip to Utah. I would like to hang up with Jordan & Kristine and go visit my friends Carol and Patty. I hope I can do that in October before the weather starts turning ugly. We'll see.

I am going to Vegas in September to watch Jack and Lincoln in the Primary Program. That is always something to look forward to. I miss my little guys and I am sure Coleman is talking up a storm and growing like a weed. Jack starts 1st grade soon & Lincoln pre-school and the years are just racing by. It is a little scary to me.

Erin had her wisdom teeth pulled yesterday. I wish I was there to be her nurse/Mom. She is a trooper as always and went to work last night. Typical Erin style - nothing stops her.

Well, that about wraps up my Friday thoughts. I am off to the grocery store and to get my daily Diet Pepsi. Life is good because I have 3 days off!