Continued....from oh so many months ago...sorry to those of you who still check this silly blog.

There was no time to complain about the lack of hygiene products, a comment to the suggestion box would have to wait. Her mission at the moment was clear. "Find the unfortunate owner of the unsanitary cell phone she was holding in her hot little hand..." she flipped open the phone and hoped it would be easy to navigate around, you know cell phones, their all so different..She found the button that she hoped would lead her to the owner..She pushed it..It began ringing, her heart was beating so fast and loud that she could have sworn a group of "Na'vi" started doing a rain dance to the rhythm.."Hello?" came the male voice on the other end. "Hi" she stated nervously as if she was a telemarketer making her first dinner

interruptive phone call. "I was just going to the bathroom and found this cell phone in the stall and was hoping you could help me track down its owner?" She instantly regretting saying she was "going to the bathroom", after all it was none of his business and she hardly knew him and she wanted so bad to clarify that she was going #1, but something told her he wouldn't believe her anyway..."Oh, yes! That's my wifes phone!, thank you so much for finding it!" " No problem " he was so excited that Mandi had found it that she decided to forgo the info about not washing her hands before touching the phone, no reason to be a downer afterall.."My wife is this cute little red head" (Luckily that narrowed down the search) "She's working at the booth @$@$# They sell Root canal instruments". "Of course they do" Mandi thought. "Well no worries I'll

find her and return the phone." "Thank you " he sighed before hanging up. She didn't have time to ask about a reward he hung up too fast. Walking up and down the aisles at this convention made Mandi realize just how many different companies sell root canal instruments. "How could one possibly make a decision??" I mean it was clear to Mandi that her decision would be educated and precise and solely based on color scheme..But Dr. Ban didn't care about color? Oh she was so glad not to be him right now...As she neared the aisle of the so called booth, she quickly locked her eyes on her target, it had to be her how many red heads at one root canal booth could there be? She made her way thru the crowd of people. She tried to wear a look on her face that said "I have a purpose other then purchasing equipment" so as to not give a false hope of a potential sell...She thought about asking where the bathroom was to break the ice, but of course the Ginger knew where the bathroom was, she left her phone there. She was just

going to have to come out with it. "Hey are you #@$#@@?" "Yes" she said happily...a little too happy for someone who just lost her phone, maybe further testing should be involved Mandi thought..She decided to give her the benefit of the doubt." Is this your phone?"

"Oh my gosh I can't believe you found it?!" Obviously she didn't know who she was dealing with, if you lost a red popsicle in the snow..., Mandi was your girl. She could find almost most things..."Ya, I found it in the bathroom stall" She left out the part of not washing before handling, as she passed the phone across the counter. "Oh thank you so much that was so nice of you how did you find me?" "I called the last number on your phone, and your husband answered good thing it wasn't a 976 number that would have been embarrassing!" Mandi laughed at her inappropriate joke. "Excuse me?" said the Ginger with a look of confusion. "Anyhow, glad I found you" Mandi said. "Yes, thank you again for returning it" "Umm, your husband mentioned a reward?" Mandi quickly mumbled.."Pardon?" she countered. Was this women hard of hearing? "You know what never mind, have a good day!" Mandi quickly turned on her heel and skipped over to the other root canal booth where she had left her Dr.Ban. "Ready to go to US?" "Like 4 hrs ago!"...

Chapter 2

Hogwarts.....

Why is it that they always put the fattiest nasty pieces of chicken in Lean Cuisine's and Smart Ones? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?? Aren't they supposed to be somewhat healthy? I was just wondering, because the little amount of protein they sprinkle into ChickenFettuccineAlfredo is still sitting in the microwavable dish it came in...All by itself...Just waiting...Do you want it? I'm not going to eat it..I don't think even #4 would eat it..and he eats anything. Excuse me I have to toss this before I toss my noodles up.

So I was recapping an embarrassing moment to one of the young women at church tonight and it made me die all over again...SO I thought I'd share. Why not? We're friends right?

I will change the names as I always do to protect the innocent....

Once Upon a Time.....(Please read in your best British accent, you may chose which region you want to imitate, I am partial to then "York" accent, it's in Northern England and this is the end of your geography lesson you may google for further info) As I was saying....

Our story takes place in the ever so touristy Orlando Florida...Seems like a lot happens to me there huh?...Maybe I should learn from that.

"Mandi" had set off on another adventure with her husbands dental team and flew off to sunny Florida for a dental convention, some C.E. courses and the most important part of the trip, "Universal Studios Florida!" Mandi had never been, which now seems quite surprising, given the fact that she grew up in California, where they of course had Universal Studios, and secondly, her father was a prop maker and general foreman and had often worked at "Universal Studios". How was it possible she had never been?? She instantly made a mental note to call her father as soon as she was back in town and question him of her deprived childhood.

But she couldn't be bothered with hauntings from her past at the moment, because she was headed to U.S. F. Though Mandi was hesitant to leave the kids for 5 days, the side effects from the Dramamine she took prior to boarding her plane, left her a little loopy and she soon had forgot she had even had kids..Oh ya, this was gonna be a fun trip..

.

The plan was simple. They had to spend a little time at the "Dental Convention" and

"Continuing Ed" courses to make the trip a legit dental ride off, and they supposed C.E. courses were somewhat important to stay abreast of the latest dental tech. Whatever. Mandi wasn't too interested in either. Although she had to admit, the last convention she went to, she walked away with a big bag of loot! Folks were lined up ready to hand out free merchandise to anyone that even looked remotely human, and that was us. Of course, Mandi did feel bad because at the time they were just "Dental Students" and didn't even have a practice to go back home too, so they didn't need, or more importantly couldn't buy anything even if they wanted to. But eventually services would be needed when they were out of school, so the guilt vanished faster then Dr.Ban's high-speed hand piece..

SO Mandi went along....She followed her Husband, Dr.Ban around like a little puppy dog. pretending to be interested in implant kits and inter oral cameras.. At times she felt like the dumb little housewife, because she rarely knew exactly what people were saying, it was like she was at an "Avatar" convention and everyone knew the Na'vi language...except her. All she could say to everyone was "I SEE YOU, ..but I don't understand you".oh well she didn't pack her travel size Na'vi language interpretation book it was too heavy, so she would simply have to nod and smile...

Her face and neck started to hurt, she sighed slow and deeply like Napoleon Dynamite. She chuckled thinking about his hair and moon boots..Now that she thought about it, she once sported almost that exact same look years ago...She stopped chuckling. "Oh how long can one talk about root canal files!" She thought. Dr. Ban had promised 2 hrs at the convention and then he would take her to" U.S" (universal studios)..She started counting her teeth with her tongue to kill time, but got confused when she got a different # each time she started over. This frustrated her and now she needed a mirror to get a closer look. Curse her undiagnosed OCD! She politely excused herself to the little Na'vi girls' room. Dr.Ban didn't skip a beat in his conversation about rotating hand pieces. She walked slow, she knew she wouldn't be missed. She walked right to the bathroom, she had a sixth sense when it came to finding restrooms, it had nothing to do with the fact that she had already visited the bathroom 5 times due to her defective post baby bladder. ( 4 babies to be exact) but who's counting..She picked up the pace when she felt a sneeze coming on. She made it. She hurriedly chose a stall, the last stall in the row, naturally and quickly locked herself in and quicker then quick, because she has a routine down, which involves no unzipping or buttoning, (yes, she is that good) she was sitting and saying a quick prayer of thanks for letting her make it to the toilet on time. As she reached for the obviously cheap one-ply toilet paper, that felt like you could wrap your xmas gifts in, she noticed a black cell phone sitting on top of the T.P dispenser. "hmmm. thats an odd place to leave your phone" she thought. Mandi was all finished in about 30 seconds, and knew what she had to do. She grabbed the phone and washed her hands with soap for 20 seconds, rinsed and dried under one of those crazy fast and powerful drying hand dryers (in retrospect she probably should of washed before handling the phone) she wondered how fast it would dry wet jeans but didn't have time to conduct an experiment then, it would have to wait for another time when she didn't have a mission to fulfill. Right now she had to find the owner of that phone. She was going to be a hero..Now "how to find the person" she thought of several ideas, she could A.) ask every person if they had lost their phone..nah take too long, plus her Na'vi was horrible, and she really wanted to get to U.S...Then there was B.) ask whomever is in charge, to make an announcement asking if anyone had lost a black cell phone and if so, could they identify it. How many black cell phones could there be in this place? nah....that's dumb. She didn't know who was in charge. or C.) Call back the last person she talked to and hope there was a way to track her down! She went with "C" for time reasons. She pushed the call button and felt nervous. She checked her breath, she instantly regretted the onions she had eaten earlier. "Oh, if only there was a toothbrush of some sort around!" she thought......

TO BE CONTINUED....for time reasons :) (i can hardly keep my eyes open any longer!)

Did you know......

Magic Johnson was #32...just sayin'

David Beckham the great soccer king is #32.....

Proof that David is really #32, and not just handsome.

(I love Dr. Van)

There are 32 teeth in your mouth...Well, some peoples mouths. Yes, I will count fake teeth too. Geesh...

32 giga bytes?? ....I don't know exactly what that means but I'm sure it's awesome, Because there was lots of pictures of these in google images.

Ok, I will probably offend somebody out there (who doesn't read this)when I say I have no idea who this is...GO COUGARS!!

K, so I am now 32yrs old. I did it. I made it guys!.... And gals. Are you not so proud of me? Let me tell you it was no picnic either. 32 years of putting up with myself is exhausting! I never get a break from me, yet somehow I manage to make it. I really am amazing, talk about endurance.

Do you remember when you were 15yrs old and you looked at a 32 yr old? What did you think? I'll tell you what I thought. anyone over 25 was not to be associated with. How dare they even go out in public that old. They may as well be living in a retirement community with there friends playing "Bridge" between Dr.'s appt's and "Bingo Nite"... Shame on me. My vision was so clouded as a youth, probably the result of too much sugar and not enough sunscreen. I blame my parents. It's easier that way. I am 32 years young today, as my #1 son pointed out. I feel great. In my head I am still 18yrs old...My stretch marks and crows feet tell me otherwise..but in my heart i feel young. I keep waiting to "grow up" and "mature"...............(insert jeopardy music here)....still waiting........

I had a good day today. I decided to take a break from running today so I could get a jump on getting groomed...takes awhile..remember the crows feet? Anyhow, My kids were up later then normal this morning, we're still getting used to the time change apparently. Did you know that AZ never changes time? Quite nice really, except there is no excuse to be late to church the day that everyone else looses an hour and is late. I stopped making excuses a long time ago though,I am just horrible at time management.Like I have stated in the past, I have other talents. So I didn't make the routine hot breakfast that I usually make in the morning for everyone. I also didn't receive one either. Darn. Thats ok, more calories for later. My kids noticed that breakfast wasn't made and then jumped up realizing that it was my B-day and started on a small project. # 2 made me a mini bagel with extra butter and sugar sprinkled on top. Breakfast of the champions. I washed it down with a diet pepsi. Don't judge.

My #4 had been sick with the flu the past few days and I was so happy to see him feeling better and in a good mood. I emptied the dishwasher. Habit I guess. Dr. Van had to work today and I expected him to beg me to join him for lunch. He didn't. I invited myself. He agreed to this thinking this was a great idea, he loves lunch! I was to receive a "silohouette" machine that I had bought for myself and painfully stowed in my closet for the past few weeks. I have such self control. The store I bought it at said i could come by and they would show me how to operate this oh so cool "die cut" machine. Then i thought I would puruse the antique store in Brevard for some old tins I had my eye on. Well, "eyes" I do still have them both, I'm not that old. This was all in the vacinity of Dr.Van's office. It was to be a perfectly lovely afternoon. I even kept #3 home with me so she too could rejoice in my birth all day long with me. She seemed pleased with this idea.I had a bit of time and as I was putting away cereal I found that there was not much room in the pantry for it. Well I should say there was much wasted space. I swear I pulled out so many empty boxes of this and that! I started my recycling pile and a pile to take to the basement for storing in my mini grocery store i have been working on. I get sidetracked with getting the kids ready. I filled my tub and threw #3&4 in to keep them busy while I beautified my new 32 yr old self. Like I said it takes awhile, 31 literally marched across my face and left a mark. Poo.

I decided to straighten my hair. It's been awhile and every so often I like to straighten it to see just how long it's gotten. It's kind of like a surprise. i love surprises. It just takes awhile because it's sooooo curly, especially since I haven't been straightening it.

So it's done. oooooh. It's longer then anticipated. I'm trying to grow it out...ugh. I'm doing it for Dr.Van..Incase your wondering, because I know you all are my hair is.............drum roll........ well lets just say I could almost not wear a shirt and be covered up if I wanted to. But I would never do that because I'm waaaay too modest and I can't even believe you suggested that...The nerve.

I am getting dressed and #4 yells "done!".. I think he wants out of the tub. I dry and dress him, he's so handsome..and he likes me best. #3 then wants out. I wrap her like a burrito and lift her out with my brute strength. She's complaining she's cold and starts whimpering loudly. i remind her it's my birthday and there is no whining aloud. She doesn't care. I tell her to get dressed and then she will warm up and I can dry her hair. Now she's scared to go up stairs by herself. More whining. My patience is quickly exiting the room. I ignore and continue to plaster my face. She is watching TV and is thoroughly enjoying a commercial about stretch mark cream. Not mederma, something new! She yells to me "mom, you should get that medicine" I frown..but it's my birthday...She finishes her sentence after a way too long pause, " so I can have it for my bruises on my legs" I'm not offended anymore I giggle to myself for jumping to conclusions.

Of course she wasn't talking about me..As if....I would actually order that....(I'll email you the number later if your interested)We're finally ready and I see the mess by the pantry. Shoot I forgot about that. I start cleaning it up, I'm just doing the minimum because I have a date. someone knocks on my garage door. I think it's #4 playing in the garage. I slowly open it, and it's my sweet neighbor. She's here to drop off her baby to have my sis in law watch her, so she can go to an appointment. I tell her I'm off to Brevard. She Announces She knows it's my bday and we plan to go out tomorrow. I"m walking her out and #4 is with me playing in the yard around the corner. He starts crying I turn to check on him. He's walking towards me with throw up all over him..at least it wasn't on me this time. The morning before he walked right up me as I was drying #3's hair and threw up all over my favorite old red sweats and uggs. How do you clean uggs??? ...Ugh. So my heart sinks, because the whole dynamic of the day just changed. Dang.I look at my friend. She senses a disturbance in the force. Change of plans. #4 is going down for a nap so my sis in law can still watch the baby and is kept away from my sick #4. My friend ditches her appointment and Takes me to lunch. #3 comes along, afterall I did keep her out of school to hang with me. Dr. Van calls as we enter the restaurant..I gently break the news to him that although he had this huge planned birthday lunch that he'd been working on for weeks now, I simply cannot join him due to sick #4, and I need to stick close to home. I know he will be heartbroken...He takes it better then expected. Darn. He wishes me well and is glad I am with a friend on this happy day. I am too. I order the grilled Havarti and Cheddar cheese sandwich and cup of Tomato soup. It's perfect, because it's kinda chilly out. #3 orders that sweet potato pancakes...I steal a bit or two..It's good. But I wished they would heat up the syrup. Why do they do that?? Pippin hot pancakes and cold syrup? Not in my kitchen. In my restaurant, it would be warmed to the perfect temprature. Our lunch is good, but the visit is the best part. Just good ol girl talk. Not gossip, just life chatter. Kids, work, hubby, religion...We get up to leave because we are sensing the waitress wants us to move along (again not in my restaurant, stay as long as you want)and #3 is getting bored. We head home, she lives next door so it's no burden to drop her off. She is sweet. I like her alot. (Dumb and Dumber?)So I get #4 out of bed and he seems fine. So of course I drag him to the fabric store to buy more fabric that I probably won't use for awhile. But it's my birthday and I'll buy fabric if I want too. I'm finishing this up a week later and I'm trying to remember what happened next.....Nope nothing. I get home and soon after #3 & 4 get home from school. They are happy to see me and sing to me again. They are also still bitter that they couldn't skip school and celebrate all day long with me, but then feel better when they realize that they just missed #4 throwing up and a boring lunch. I made dinner that night I think...But I can't remember what I made..weird. Must not have been that great...Dr.Van calls and says he's running late. "I thought you were trying to get out of there early today so you can come home and make a cake with the kids?" Oh well, I am instructed not to make my own cake..I do buy some icecream though...We eat and the kids are itching to give me their cards they made and do presents. It's getting late after cleaning up dinner, Dr. Van is still talking about making a cake..."don't make a cake, it's 7:30pm it's not a big deal..." I lied. I just didn't want him to feel bad. I should have just made it myself. We have leftover ugly cupcakes from #4's bday a few days previous...He makes a bowl of icecream with a cupcake, and lights 2 candles...I blow out the candles and I forget to make a wish. Shoot. Guess the wrinkles are staying..There's always next year. I'm looking at the presents so beautifully wrapped an hour before. "Oh, Dr. Van, you shouldn't have...." Oh that's right he didn't. I bought that "silhouette" machine a few weeks before remember? And some paper to go with it. I reassured Dr. Van that he didn't have to wrap my presents. But he insisted. So #2 wrapped them...I opened a cute new turquoise purse I love it! It's bright and big and I can fit #4 in it practically. It's exactly what I would pick..Because I did. I just didnt' want to feel guilty for buying it so I stuck it in the birthday pile along with a watch I found...At least he knew I was going to like my gifts right? I Did get a few magazines from Dr. Van..A comfort food mag, a "PEOPLE'S" Celebrity recipes issue, should be interesting to see what Brad Pitt is cooking up for Easter and the best one... A Guide to picking the best chickens to raise..Or something like that. Yes, it's full of info on chickens. We have talked about having chickens before. He wanted them in Mesa, but it just wasn't in the cards..and it was against the neighborhood ordinances, or whatever...But for some reason they were no restrictions on the # of cats you were allowed...Don't get me started, some of you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's funny they say the longer you're married the more you can think alike and even look alike, and though I look nothing like Dr.Van, I have to admitt I almost got him chickens for our anniversay...but instead I got him a wedding ring. His last one was rudely cut from his finger when he got in his accident, they said it had to go, his fingers would swell and the circulation would be cut off and then he'd loose his finger.. or some lame excuse like that. Anyhow, I think he'd have preferred the chickens..

I had a good day, and though it was vacant of the normal friends and family, I still had a friend and family there with me and that made it great. Next year I want a cake though..You can pass that along to Dr. Van. PS. he said he actually has another present he ordered for me, overseas? He also said he got an email saying shipping was going to be more and he had to pay it before it was sent..So it was going to be late... He was quite bummed apparently he put quite a bit of thought into it. At least that's what he made me believe.Wonder what it is? The suspense is killing me...I love presents after my bday...I will include my address at the bottom of this post in case any of you want to send me something late;)

Well Spring is in the air...These lovely flowers the "Daffodil" are littered everywhere here. And in the most random places too. They have quickly become one of my 2 favorite flowers...I love "Daisy's" too. #1 likes the daffodils in "Alice In Wonderland". I love the edible daffodil tea cup and saucer in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" Of course it would be food related.. They are lovely and yellow and happy. I love looking at them, and when I get a bit of earth of my own, I will have these lining my walkways...
Another strange thing you find scattered about, are scallions. Green onions. They are everywhere! It's so crazy. It's like someone went crazy with the scallion seeds, or maybe they were planting them on a windy day and they blew everywhere? If anyone knows about this strange occurance, please clue me in. All I know is that I don't need to spend $$ on these, I can just walk into the woods,or grassy areas, and find them, just patiently waiting to be picked and used for it's intended purpose, sprinkled ontop of a hot potato, tossed in a salad, or stir fried in a wok with other veggies and your choice of beef, pork, or chicken..shrimp is $5 more.

All I know is everywhere I turn it's beautiful...

Dogwoods are everywhere with blossom of pink and white. And trees bloom at different times so the blossoms seem to last longer this way. It's simply amazing. I loved it last year and I love it more this year. Grass is greening up and the bees are coming out to play. As are the spiders...ooh chills just now. In AZ I checked my shoes for scorpions..here you check for spiders..Which do you think is worse?

In clusion, I have decided that 32 is going to be a great age and year. I am trying to "grow old gracefully" but it's not that fun. But I guess it can't all be fun and games now can it? Or can it? Guess that depends on who you ask..Here's to 32 and Spring!

So Skiing pronounced "SCHEE-ING"....

Did you ever see that Goofy Cartoon? I have. I watched it the other day and it brought back some not so distant memories..Let's get to it shall we?

When we purchased my lift ticket they also threw in "Ski School" since I was a newbie in that department. If i wasn't so humble about being a beginner, I would have been offended. But I wasn't. Until I saw all the other "students"...They were about my son's age. Poo. I kinda struggled getting all my gear on. I couldn't for the life of me snap my boot into the ski. I was applying all kinds of crazy weight on it, but it wouldn't budge. I felt like such a kid having Dr. Van grab a hold of my boot and plunk it down into the ski. I was getting worried that he was regretting bringing me along. It was his idea though. He wants to find a sport or hobby that we can do together and as a family. Sweet really.

I had no idea the amount of layers I was getting myself into. "Dress in Layers" Dr. Van said. "lots". "you don't want to be cold". No sir, I don't. And I wasn't, but I felt a little like the kid on "Christmas Story" who ironically was named "Randy", his mom bundled him up so thoroughly, the poor kid couldn't put his arms down. And then he fell. He couldn't get up. I knew at some point in this adventure, that was to be my fate. I just didn't think it would hurt so much..but more of that later.

I had a wedgie pretty much the whole time on the slopes and that's kinda hard to take care of when your all geared up. So I skied with a wedgie. Not really a choice there. It wasn't too bad, the combination of the numbness of my nose and snot running down to my chin, was a nice distraction from the "oh so Cozy undies" riding up. I may have chaffed. I didn't check.

Anyhow, Apparently class was waiting for me to be ready when I finally managed to mosey on over to the instructor. Have you ever tried to "mosey on over" anywhere in skis? It's not as easy as mosey-ing should be. My legs were strapped in tight. There are birds with really big feet, they walk funny. It looks like it takes a lot of effort to lift their feet, because I'm certain it does. What kind of bird is that?? Great now I have to google "big footed birds that walk funny"...hang on. I will not rest til this mystery is solved. Ok, I got "Big Bird" And "Big foot" I swear there is a creepy bird that walks funny because of it's big feet..I watch too much TV. Anyhow, if there is such a bird, then I totally looked like a distant cousin of that bird that has morphed thru evolution, if you believe in that kind of thing. It's like walking in flippers? You know the ones you swim with, but hate to walk around in because it's just hard.

Dr.Van warned that I may be sore from skiing. Silly Dr. Van. I am in great shape.(Well, I'm in some sort of shape) I have been running consistently for 3 months now . I'm sure I will be fine...Within 3 minuets of being strapped into my boots and skis, I wanted to have my legs removed permanently. My shins hurt. I bruise easily. But I'm not a wimp. Yes I had 4 epidurals, don't judge. I'm not a whimp. I'm ...smart. Anyhow, my poor shinners. This was going to take some getting used to.

I was relieved to see that there was another adult in class with me. A gal that had only spent a day on the slopes and was about 47 or so. "I'm going to be so much better then her" I thought...not really I'm just trying to sound competitive and sporty. I really only wanted and expected to remain un broken during my time on the slopes. I really don't have room in my life for an injury right now. My instructor was a punk teenager. Ok, she was nice, and sporty and cool. Something I desperately wanted to be. (The sporty part that is, I'm already nice and I work on the cool part everyday if I have time)She had the right skis, the right pants, a cool beanie, and she didn't wear a ski mask like me. I don't like being cold.But she was a regular, she didn't mind the wind against her face, I only like the wind beneath my wings..or blowing thru my hair at the right moment when the sun hits my face making me look like a wannabe super model...sigh....Anyhow, I slowly meandered over to the "Ski School" area. A 8 yr. old girl flew down the hill on a snow board. "showoff." I was certain she knew it was my first time and she wanted to rub her talent in my face. I followed "sporty spice" over to the "conveyor belt" have you seen one of these things?? You Probably have. I would have killed to have one of those as a kid!! The amount of uses are endless!!

-have one going up the slide so you don't have to do the whole going against gravity thing all the way up.

-play "factory Girl" and have an assembly line with your toy dolls

-even better play "I LOve Lucy" with your best friend and make chocolates on the conveyor belt.

-Play "grocery store"!! Who didn't want a conveyor belt to make checking groceries funner!

-the ultimate treadmill. All your friends could exercise at once.

I could keep going but then I would never finish this post. Email me later if you want more ideas for your very own backyard conveyor belt. I really feel you would be the envy of all your neighbors.

Now where was I? You see how I am? This is where my #2 gets her "easily distracted" genes from...SQUIRREL!!

Up. Nothing? never mind.

So our instructor encourages us to hop on the belt. Well, step onto actually, I am still a beginner. I was nervous. I could foresee myself sliding backwards down the belt taking out women and children all along the way, with absolutely no control on my part.I mean, what was to keep me from sliding backwards?? I suggested she and the other student go first, I appeared polite now instead of scared. The instructor made me go before her. Ok, sporty, don't say I didn't warn ya. This was pretty easy. I kept my legs bent and leaned slightly forward. piece of cake. Then I thought about the part where I have to actually exit the dang thing. I started to slip a little backward. "Your thinking too much don't panic, everybody has to exit sometime, many have gone before you, and many will continue to go...and more then likely they are all much, much younger then you so, if they can do it so can you." I was secretly glad that the other student was first. I could either follow her safely off..or trip over her causing a big scene, and quite the pile up. I was praying for the safely off way.

I gracefully exited the belt. I had to hide my excitement, no one could ever find out that I wasn't normally graceful. I pretended I was the instructor for a second. It felt amazing. But then I had to snap out of it and carefully make my way over to "ski instructor Barbie" So after a bit of playing follow the leader, we were to ski down the hill and turn with a wedge I think she called it. Well i did a wedge alright right into the back of the other student. But I'm going to blame it on my teacher. She instilled some confidence in me by asking if I was sure this was my "first time", that I was a natural. I assured her it was and that this was raw talent she was witnessing...Right before I plowed into the back of my co-student. We looked like we were spooning on skis. I think it was then the instructor changed her mind about me. So after what seemed to be forever, but yet not long enough, she said we were ready to take the ski lift. Who made her the judge of that decision? I'd like to know? If I was panicked about exiting the conveyor belt how the heck was I to handle the ski lift? I had only ever seen a ski lift in a cartoon and to be honest I was a bit uncomfortable with the notion of dangling high in the air on a bench seat and then being made to exit like it or not or else. I actually thought that the lift would drop you off then flip up and turn over to return to the beginning again. I didn't realize that eventually it would just swing around to the other side. Once again, too much TV. This gave me great comfort. If by some chance I couldn't get my act together, I could swing around and try again. But my instructor wasn't about to let me continue on to have another go around..I got more nervous when she said we need to exit quickly and to the left. I have no idea if I can do either one of those things! I was just praying that the person exiting in front of me, got out of the way in a timely manner. I make no guarantees of stopping. Ever. WEll I did it. And I did it well. She took us to the "beginners slope" At least thats' what she said.

Shouldn't there be a designated spot for the new kids on the block? Oh, that was the ski school you say? I'd like to enroll again please. This was no "beginners slope" and I know beginners!! It was a huge mountain, with lots and lots of moving targets (aka people skiing and snowboarding)and icy patches. I really needed the comfort of my ski poles that DR.Van said I didn't really need. I also would have been happy with a big plastic bubble around me. My legs were tired from doing that "gorilla" stance and then all the wedges I had to do to slow down. My instructor skied backwards to watch us. I was jealous. Mostly because she wasn't concerned at all with where she was going, and I was consumed with it. I just really wanted to make it down the hill..no expectations, just make it down. Whether it was crawling, skiing, or rolling, I just really wanted to be at the bottom. Drinking hot cocoa. Soaking in a hot tub. Doing some online shopping, whatever, it didn't matter.

Once again I wanted to be last. I wanted someone to follow. Why I thought that following another beginner was a good idea is beyond me. I guess I just wanted to have her act out the instructions yelled from our instructor, and then i would follow if she did it right. I am more of a "see and do" kinda person I have no shame in that. So she wanted us to do an "S" down the hill. But from the looks of me I was excelling at the lower case "L" Turning was ok I guess, it was the slowing down part I wasn't good at. And sometimes my "wedge" just didn't cut it. I barely made it down the hill without hurting anyone. I met up With Dr.Van at the bottom. I acted cool. "Did you see me?" I asked confidently. I secretly wanted to throw up. "No" he says. I sigh with relief. quietly of course. He continued. "I tried looking for you but couldn't find you, then I saw this girl flying down the hill, she was going fast and I was like 'whoa, she's really cooking' and then I realized it was you." Darn. he had seen. I was going fast. Too fast. I couldn't stop. If I recall I almost took out a little kid, and barely missed running into the fence. What a stupid place to put a fence by the way. I think I slid into safety. I wonder how many people saw me. I was ready for the lodge at this point. Please take me to the hot tub and cocoa and crackling fire. Or else. I ditch my leg hugging enemies against the staircase and walk awkwardly (because that's the only way you can walk in ski boots)up the stairs to the main lodge area. I round the corner. I am immediately disappointed. Where was the fireplace? The "Barnes and Noble" couches strategically placed in a feung shuay manner?(however you spell it) The cozy lighting, the quiet restaurant with the glow of candles? There must be another lodge. Because this looks nothing like what I've seen in the movies. Once again. Too much TV. I should have known it was going to be a little less then what I thought when my brother was loading up his backpack with chef boyardee and top o ramen back at home. I quietly thought to myself, "umm, does he think there are microwaves on the slopes? Hello?? Silly goose" Well who was the goose now? The was a slight cafeteria and what the?? A microwave??!! I sat on the picnic bench waiting for my food, trying to blend and hide my disappointment. (I'm of course being more dramatic for creative purposes)It was actually fine and my salad and Dr.Van's grilled cheese hit the spot! I still wanted hot chocolate though.

A few more times down the hill and I was ready for the winter Olympics. I was a bit sore the next day and yet, I skied again! This time at night at "Wolf Ridge?" Can't remember exactly, it was some wolf/mountainy name...It was great fun I even enjoyed the ski lift. Kinda romantic at night. Just don't look down. I fell a few more times that night and I really hurt my thumb..."And it still hurts" (Charlie bit my finger) My skis found there way off my feet a few times. I laid in the snow for awhile on my back. I didn't even care if I got ran over. The low point was when I really biffed and a young 9 yr. old boy came over with my ski poles I had lost a ways back. He just smiled and looked at me like I was pathetic. And I was. But I did have a good time. And Dr.Van was a much better teacher then the cheerleader. "pizza and Fries" wedge your skis to make a pizza slice then straighten out to make to "Fries" when you cut across the slope. SO MUCH EASIER!! I'm so much better with food!! Does my man know me or what?? I look forward to another snowy adventure afterall I'm all set up now. My #1 son loved it and he did really well I must say. Thank you Dr.Van for introducing me to this whole new world of snow sports, Thank you for your patience and for putting my skis on me so many times, I promise next time I'll be a big girl and do it all by myself, for checking for snot that I couldn't feel, and I especially thankyou for stopping by Mc Donalds on the way home to get me a cheeseburger and fries and hot chocolate because I was starving even though we already ate at the "Oh so fancy" ski lodge. Best Day Ever! oxoxox

I am so ready for a regular school week!! I have loved the winter weather here In NC, but I'm ready for things to be regular again...I mean, on a normal schedule (everything is good in that department, thanks for asking) am I the only one that feels this way? I looooove my 4 kiddies. But I also have found that I can love them just as much when they are at school. I would be a terrible homeschooling mother. Kudos to those who have the patients for that. I was not made for that for sure. I would end up dropping the kids off at daycare or something, and then I would go back home to enjoy the quiet....Not that I have that now, but I will. Someday. Everyone says i will miss the noise and clutter. Prove it. I dare you.

My #3 child is testing me as of late. I don't know what I did to her, but she is out to get me. Now that I think of it, she is out to get everyone here...I'm starting to think the problem is her. She is 5 afterall. She can be so fun. But she can also make me want to pull off my toenails one by one, rather then listen to her tantrums. I'm hoping she will grow out of it. She's been spending a lot of time in "time out" lately, but I'm starting to think I'm doing it all wrong. I should be the one to go to "time out". Why should she have all the fun of peace and quiet and a possible nap? What kind of punishment is that?? Thats it. I'm going on "time out" tomorrow to see if it's as horrible as she's making it out to be. I think she's pulling my leg and it's all a set up so I can send her to "time out" where she pretends to be in "agony", but secretly wants to live out her days there. Man she's good.....

So, busy week here.

-school cancelled on Monday..still not sure why.

-making some decisions on some property for sale.

-church activity, played a southern talking aunt from Texas in a skit

-fed 6 missionaries 3 of which were added last minuet..it was a total "loaves and fishes" moment.

-ran a bunch of errands with Dr.Van

-ran 30 miles over 5 days

-made cupcakes for church activity

-decorated for church activity

-was a "British" narrator for another skit

-cleaned up the church activity

-picked up child #4 too many times to count because he held his arms up and said in broken english " I need you"

-swept the floor too many times to count

-did several loads of laundry..too many times to count

-sent #3 on time out too many times to count

-did xmas returns, why did I save the receipt if they're just going to give me store credit because it's been over 30 days?

-slept on the couch because Dr. Van was snoring

-ended up sleeping in the bed in #4's room because he awoke with a vengeance and then slept on my head most of the night.

-woke up with a crick in my neck and my shirt off, leaving just an under shirt...still don't know how that one happened..

-"tasted" too many cupcakes

-went to the cardiologist with Dr. Van

-supported Dr.Van in his efforts to "get in shape" as suggested by cardiologist.

-got mad at Dr. Van for buying a scale

-got happy when Dr.Van said he hid the scale so I can't find it

just to name a few things. Next week I have to finish my rootcanal. Good times.

K it's next week. I've been a busy slacker. I always find something to do when I want to blog. Just a moment ago that "something" was to eat a bowl of cereal..I really should be cleaning up the mess around me. It was cleaned earlier. Then I went to a meeting and left the 2 little ones with Dr.Van..need I say more? I arrive at my meeting only to get a call from Dr.Van sounding a little put out. "I'm trying to make mac n cheese and I can't find the butter. Are we all out?? I already have the noodles cooked." In culinary school they have a term that they pounded into our heads "Mise en place" or maybe it's "plase". Anyhow. It means "everything in it's place" or "Make sure you have all your ingredients before you start cooking." I have to cut him some slack since he only attended dental school and not culinary school. But don't you usually check to see if you have everything before hand? Maybe not? Now I am embarrassed to say that yes, I did run out of butter. Paula Deen if you are reading this I am so ashamed! I don't know what to say... I used a lot of butter this week making frosting for my cupcakes and cookies. Why couldn't I have just settled for store bought frosting? I have to be all Martha Stewart about it...It won't happen again I will stock up tomorrow. (on butter that is, not store bought frosting..ewe) But I seriously had a 3 minuet conversation with Dr.Van about butter and what he was supposed to do now with the cooked noodles and can he still make the powder cheese without the butter?? Yes, the kids will survive, there palates are not that sophisticated yet to realize the butter is missing, and really I must get started with my meeting this conversation about mac n cheese has gone on long enough.

So I should be cleaning the aftermath up but I don't want to. Apparently I wasn't the only one either. When I got home #3 was throwing a fit (shocker) #4 was in bed (another shocker) and Dr. Van was in bed as well (not too shocking) But I was left to deal with #3 not wanting anything dad suggested to eat, not being able to find her red elephant (that dad couldn't find either) and her not wanting to stop crying. I was reaching for my toenails when she decided she wanted Cap'n Crunch with Crunch Berries..perfect, dinner is served. And now it's quiet with everyone asleep...except me.

I'm supposed to finish up my "Florida Trips" but I've been so unmotivated, and they were good trips to write about too. So I will write about it just not today.

Something that I have enjoyed since moving to NC is snow skiing. I have never skied in my life. I grew up so close to "MT High" ski resort and never went. Not once. I have never really enjoyed being in the snow. I remember one time having real snow clothes when I was little. When we were in Utah. Those "bib" snow jumper thingy's...They were red. But mostly I just wore jeans. It's not like we were in the snow enough to really purchase snow clothes. So my memories of playing on the snow made me get frostbite just thinking about it. Dr. Van suggested we go skiing after Xmas at a nearby lodge. He assured me that I have never been properly outfitted for the snow, and that it was possible to be warm while in the cold. I was a bit skeptical. I am always cold. I bring my winter jacket filled with "Hot Hands" to the grocery store in July so I don't freeze in the freezer and refrigerator sections. I'm cold right now, and I'm still all dressed and in my jacket..So anyway, I was willing to go and give it a whirl. My sweet Dr.Van took me to the sporting goods store and before I knew it I was the cutest little snow bunny you ever did see...Not really, but I was warm. By the way it's expensive to get set up! I had no idea!

We drove to the resort, so excited and nervous. CLOSED, due to wind. Bummer. I was all geared up for the unknown. We also had #1 child with us who was bummed too, and my #3 brother. Not to worry there was another resort not too far away "Chattaloochee" I believe was what it was called...I like saying that. Say it. It's fun. Now say it with a "southern accent." Even funner. It was not closed. To Be continued......Sorry my computer is going to die and I have to get to bed..or to "couch" I can already hear Dr. Van snoring..Why doesn't that wake him up?? It's not fair.

There is something about Florida that leaves a memorable imprint on my brain everytime I visit there. The first time was 2 years ago with our Friends from AZ. We were attending some management courses for our dental practice (well actually, I was just there to get a break from the kids I really didn't set foot in the class, shocking I know.) we stopped in at a "Checkers" burger joint to grab a quick bite one afternoon. It was a very creepy experience. You order your food outside at the window and then you can sit inside the dining room to eat. So that's what we did. Only so did some creepy, mentally disturbed, I think, homeless lady. I guess she didn't really have food she just liked to hang out and torment the paying customers. I have never felt someone so dark and evilish? She was very intimidating looking with straggly dark and gray streaked hair. Her eyes were the lightest blue green mix I've ever seen. You know that movie "Bedtime Stories"? The guinea pig with the big eyes that "Stare into my very soul?" THAT WAS HER!!! Well, not the guinea pig part, but the staring... She was muttering words, probably some evil cantation and staring at me like she was about to cast a spell on me, probably one of the unforgivable curses. It made me a little uncomfortable. I didn't want to be cursed. She also had quite the potty mouth, I do remember that. Then she said something about the "evil seed growing inside you" How the heck did she know I was pregnant?? I wasn't even really showing yet. I could have been really offended if I wasn't so creeped out by her. I have been back that way a few times since then and I always try to peek in and see if she's there freaking out anyone else. Poor lady. If she hadn't been so rude to me, we may have been friends. After I helped her wax her mustache of course. Oh well....Again this was 2 years ago.....I'm not preggo.

Trip #2 DISNEY WORLD!! Need I say more. I feel the magic just typing the words DISNEY...oooooh there it is again. One more time... DISNEY....I feel downright tingly. IT was pretty much a girls trip. Dr.Van had his management courses and I of course showed no interest in going until he mentioned The most magical place on earth. Then I was "in". The weird thing was though that my #1 son, had no desire to go. He had heard from a very reliable source (some punk "friend" from school) that Disney World was not very fun. I'm sorry but that would be no friend of mine. I tried really hard to talk him into going. And then the truth came out....There was 2 reasons he didn't want to go. The "real" reasons.: #1. He was afraid that the plane would crash. Not very reasonable, but ok. Just FYI son, more people die in car accidents then on plane crashes. He didn't care. Next up. #2 reason. Global Warming. Highly Unreasonable. Yes he was certain that while we were there, Florida was going to flood and be covered up with water from the glaciers. Thank you Al Gore. He was sure this was to be his fate. I told him the chances were highly unlikely that it would happen that same weekend we were there. I told him it scheduled for the following weekend but he didn't care. He was staying on firm dry ground in AZ. Ok, more magic for us. SO it turned into a girls trip. Dr.Van would be mostly busy with his classes, so I needed a travel companion to share the heavy burden of navigating around Disney World for 3 days. SO I enlisted my little sister #3. She was way fun. (Just like her older sister...yes I'm talking about me:) The best part was when we got poured on all of the sudden. I mean drenched. But she didn't let a little typhoon ruin her fun, no sir. She grabbed the hands of the nearest Disney worker and twirled and skipped until they begged her to let them go. Then the next best part I just remembered, was when Dr.Van grabbed me and kissed me in the rain....It would have been romantic if the kids weren't right there in a stroller next to us and if my hair hadn't been half frizzy and my mascara had been water proof..dang I always wreck the moment with something. It was fun, I was just mostly thankful that I didn't wear that white T-shirt that I so often wear, don't want to be a hoochie mamma at Disney World, poor old Walt would turn over in his grave.

Trip #3. Nov 2009 Dr.Van and I headed once again to the land of retirees. This time it was for a good cause. A benefit dinner to raise money for the Firefighters of 9-11. It was a formal affair, well, more cocktail dress really. And the best part? No not the food, although that was quite delightful too, John Travolta was going to be there to speak. Not only that but, he was also going to be taking pictures with any star struck being in the vicinity. That would be me. OMGOSH. What the heck was I going to wear?? I couldn't find a thing. I still had baby weight that was happy staying right where it had been residing for the past several months, which made it even more discouraging to shop. I ultimately found a dress courteous of my friends closet. It looked good on me. But it looked better on her. Dang. Oh well. It's just a good thing that I like her so much or else I wouldn't. So I felt semi- confident as I swept into the door of the benefit...until I saw all the other gals in their "barely there cocktail dresses". I'm reminded of a talk I once heard as a youth about the decline of modesty in female clothing. It was mentioned how dresses have turned from "strapless evening gowns" to "Gown-less evening straps."...It still makes me giggle when I picture that in my head. Anyhow, I am a modest girl, no shame here, I just felt a little under dressed, or over dressed if we are grading on the amount of fabric being worn:) I waited in line patiently practicing what I would say to Mr. Travolta. I glanced ahead to see him talking with those who beat me to him first. He was so tall. And handsome. Something about him reminded me of my dad. Not the tall part. No offense dad. Maybe it was just his warm smile, or the dimple in his chin...My pitters were getting sweaty as we got closer and closer to him. My hands started to shake a bit. Why couldn't I hold it together? He was just a person. Almost exactly like me even. He did normal person stuff too right? I'm sure his pitters were just as sweaty as he saw me slinking towards him. K probably not, I'm sure he uses really expensive deodorant. I was watching how the pictures were being taken. Crap. They guided every one to his right side. That was not my good side. How was I going to do this. I needed to be positioned in such a way that my left side was forward. My face was still so round and shapeless that I depended on that dimple in my left cheek (the cheek on my face, not my rear, although those ones never seem to let me down either) to give me a bit of definition....Yes, I had thought waaaaaaay too much about this. But this was my only chance to prove to John that I would make a stellar leading lady in his next blockbuster hit. I NEEDED THAT LEFT SIDE SHOT. It was my turn to meet him now. Ok, our turn, I had temporarily forgotten I had a husband next to me. John will do that to you...I walked slowly, I didn''t want to trip afterall. I had to prove I could handle the pressure of being in front of others, like on the red carpet. But secretly I couldn't. But he didn't need to know that. He smiled that big Danny Zukko smile of his....I wanted to hurl. His teeth were so amazingly white. Dang it why didn't I bleach! His blue eyes how they twinkled. His dimples, how....merry? His cheeks were like roses his nose like a ....Was this guy related to Santa??. This was too much. My sweaty shaky hand met his. His hands were huge. Is it hot in here? We were introduced by someone I didn't care enough about to remember at the moment ( no Offense whom ever you were, I'm sure you're great but you can't expect me to remember you with Mr. Saturday Night Fever standing next to you) He clasped my hand with both hands "So nice to meet you". I smiled, it was nice to meet me. I was grateful I had passed on the appetizers and didn't have to worry about spinach being in my teeth. I only hoped that my mouth wasn't so dry that when I stopped smiling my upper lip would stick to my teeth. It was time for the picture. Hope they had the right shutter speed and lighting. And without even thinking I turned and backed up into John so my left side was to the camera and his hand was on my waist...I smiled big like I knew John would be too. "Can we do that again? I think I blinked." I then turned and stuck out my hand again and said "thank you". He wasn't expecting that, I'm spontaneous and crazy like that. He said "you're welcome, would you like to be in my next movie?" I blushed and politely declined because I was currently working on another project, I just didn't tell him it was child rearing. Besides, what would Dr.Van do without me? He would be eaten alive in Hollywood, he's not strong like me. Thanks for the offer Mr. Travolta but, I'm going to have to take a rain check. Tell Kelly "Hi" for me.

3 trips down one to go.....My typing is keeping Dr.Van up, or so he says, must not be bugging him too much, sounds like he snoring pretty loud to me. The couch is looking pretty good right now...Oy Vay. More on Florida later if you're interested.

Life is just busy, isn't it? Sometimes I complain that I'm too busy. But I also remember the times when I haven't been busy enough and I've been bored out of my mind.....Just kidding, that's never really happened. ever.Dang it....What would that be like? I guess I "grow tired" of things, the same schedule all the time, same routine...etc...Well the last week or so has been anything but routine or boring. In and out of town, no kids, footloose and fancy free..sort of. I still had things to do, places to go, people to see. I'm a busy girl. But I think you already know that.

Dr. Van has been seeing a patient in AZ (totally on the up & up) and finishing up her case this

past year. Implants can be unpredictable little buggers.( Dental implants for those of you just joining us :) Anyhow, he set aside some time to see her and I thought to myself, "Self, you have your brother living with you, you should go along with Dr.Van and let your brother earn some

$$$ by watching the kids, and go visit your family and friends in AZ." So I did just that. After

the guilt of ditching my kids for the new year subsided, I had a really great time. I rented a car, and was able to come and go as I pleased. It was hailing on me almost as soon I got into town, that was weird. I must have brought it from NC. Didn't mean to do that. I headed straight to a baby shower as soon as I dropped off my luggage at the in laws, said some hellos to friends and

family there. Then off to shop with one of my best buds. I enjoyed yummy food and great company. I miss my friends...And Forever 21...sigh.....

The next day the girls planned to go to the movies to see "Tangled!" I was so excited! I hadn't seen it! My kids went already and I was just going to wait for it to come out on video...I mean DVD! What century am I living in?...Remember VHS?....the good ol days.

Just on a side note, because I'm good at those, I remember when my family got our first VCR, we rented "Mary Poppins"..I was so excited. Then I remember Dr. Van and I buying our first VCR. It was about 2 weeks after we were married maybe less, and we had decided on a whim to go to Walmart and buy a VCR, at, hold on to your horses,........ Midnight!! I remember thinking, "Oh my gosh, it's midnight and I'm at Walmart and my mom and dad don't even know where I'm at!!, I'm such a grown up now!" I was way cool. I felt like a rebel. It was great to be me.

So, "Tangled". It was going to be especially good because I didn't have one child with me to take to the bathroom, to make sure they had enough popcorn, to share my drink with and pray I don't swallow their popcorn that made it's way into the drink. Not a single worry or care in the world. I was so excited. I bought my single movie ticket for I don't know, $8 then I got my own

small popcorn, with the butter layered please, ya, I know it's just flavored oil...layer it. No, I don't want a large I'm trying to exercise a little portion control, ...new years resolution. But I

will take a Coke Zero and box of Milk Duds...for the kids of course. I use to work at Movies 8 when I was 16. It was my first job. I know all the "up sell" techniques. "For 50 cents more you

can get a large drink!" I was always dumbfounded by those people who would come in and order a large popcorn, hotdawg (say with a southern twang) and candy and then finish it off with a large "Diet" Coke....

It always baffled me. After all that why stop at the soda? Go for the gusto? I was never a diet drinker so I didn't understand that whole diet thing anyway, but after all that damage your not going to be able to redeem yourself by washing it all down with a large "Diet Coke?", I am blonde but I'm pretty sure it doesn't cancel out all the other calories consumed..(though that would be awesome!)....Guess what though? I've totally become one of them. I totally get it now. I have to save some calories somewhere!!! I have no shame, I proudly walked away with my small popcorn, milk duds and medium Coke Zero. ( By the way when I was asked if I wanted the large $1 refill 2011 cup, I politely declined stating that I would get no use out of it, since I didn't live in AZ anymore, The candy girl couldn't upsell that excuse, and then I got reprimanded by family that do live in AZ and who could have reused the cup this whole year for only $1. Sorry, that was totally rude of me. I will send you a dollar.) So I like getting to the movie early. I like reading the trivia on the screen (did you know that 5,000 guys tried out for the role of "Edward" in "Twilight"?) I like seeing what's coming soon to theaters. I never get to enjoy all that with Dr. Van. We pretty much walk in right when the movie is starting or has started,( then we step over people and block views of those who were seated on time and trying to enjoy the previews that I should have been enjoying too. Yeah, we're those irritating people) Kinda like how we are always running to catch our plane....Another story for another time.

I get so into the previews, in fact by the time the movie started, I was out of popcorn. Maybe I should have gotten the large? Darn. Oh well I still had some milk duds and pop left. By the way you have to place the milk dud in your mouth then shove a big handful of salty hot buttery popcorn in. Like angels dancing on my tongue...It's really a party in your mouth. Try it.

The movie was moving along so nicely, the singing, the cute outlaw, the incredible hair....Then the strangest thing happened. All of the sudden I was watching the credits. Did I miss something? Did the reel break?? What the heck , did we just all get ripped off??? Is someone going to complain to the manager? No one else looks confused but me? Am I getting punked? (Oh I hope so, Ashton Kutcher is so cute) ....Why does my neck hurt? And where did this drool come from? My baby niece sitting next to me?Ohhhh........I get it. I stinkin' fell asleep! How

does one avid Disney Lover, "Disney Scene It" Champion, fall asleep in a Disney Musical?? Especially when I was so excited to see it because everyone raved about how great it was, and how great the music was yada, yada, yada.....And I didn't even have one thing to worry about, except myself! This little display of patheticness (if that's a word, if not it should be) means only one thing. I am officially getting old. I took a nap at the movies people, in a loud Disney movie. And it was an expensive nap too!! I am not a cheap date, but I must be a boring date, I mean I fell asleep on me. Who does that?? .

..Me. Of course. In my defense I was still on NC time and had had a busy day the day before, and I have 4 kids I am ALWAYS tired. So I can't wait til it comes out on DVD, because I have no idea how it ends. Don't tell me either!!! And no, I never read the story of Rapunzel...Did anyone read that story???

More tomorrow my eyeballs are seriously burning..I think I got cold cream in them when I took off my mascara...

NEXT UP....FLORIDA...Don't let me forget.

So I wanted to write about 13 years. Dr. Van and I had our 13 year anniversary on the 20th of this month. I can’t believe it’s been 13 years. It seems like just last week we were getting hitched (thats southern talk for married). I guess it’s a good thing that it’s gone by fast It would really stink to feel like time is dragging on. I’m very lucky to be married to Dr.Van. I can’t imagine being tied to anyone else ever. I am thankful for him everyday. I laugh with Dr.Van like I never laugh with anyone else. If you know Dr.Van, then you know that my life never has a dull moment. Spontaneous and adventurous, and ambitious those are all words to describe him. He’s also sweet. He’s a good daddy and husband. He’s the hardest worker I know. “Lazy” and “Can’t” are not in his vocabulary. This guy is always on the move. It used to drive me crazy. I am not as on the go as him. In fact, when we are walking together like in the mall for example, I practically jog to keep up with him..You’d think I’d have more shapely legs..hmmm....I feel like I’m pretty much always busy with something, I don’t watch Oprah or Soaps during the day in fact my bum rarely hits the couch or chair, I mostly stand to eat, if anything the only time I really sit is for a moment in the bathroom if we are being really honest. (and I'm fast in there too, I kinda have to be with 4 kids) But when Dr.Van is home, I feel the need to move 10 times faster to keep up with him. I even jump if I take a breather and he walks (quickly walks because that’s how he moves)into the room because I feel bad because he is on a mission to do something, and I stopped to breath. Which he rarely does. He doesn’t judge though, it’s my own need to keep up with him that causes me to move quicker when he’s around. I love him he keeps me going and I now have people trying to keep up with me at the mall. It’s funny though, the other day we were driving and he says to me, “ I can’t believe how relaxed I am here in NC, I don’t think I’ve ever been so relaxed in my life” I had to agree with him and then at the same time I thought “Oh man, if your staff heard you say that they would die, they would think you were pullin' their horses' leg” They can’t believe how fast paced he is and how many crazy ideas he has. They just would never be able to believe that he’s chilled out so much. If they only knew. Anyway. I love this man. He’s mine and I’m so glad he chose me. Thank you Dr.Van for making me so happy. Thank you for a lovely dinner at "Frankie Bones" and for a yummy dessert of caramel apple empanadas...from "Taco Bell"- They were perfectly crisp and sweet. Thank you for my new camera i love it. Or I will once I figure out how to use it. and thank you for the best 13 years ever. We are so M.F.E.O........oxoxoxo, Lynnie. (that's what he calls me..or Lynnard, like Lynnard skynnard, but I don't want to talk about that)

Ok, enough serious, mushy stuff. Let’s talk about Christmas! If I could use one word to describe how my Christmas went this year I wouldn’t be able to decide between “magical” and “perfect”. I’m not even being dramatic...this time. Our first Xmas in NC, on our own pretty much with the exception of my little brother and his wife and baby that recently moved in with us, no other family around to visit no big dinners or parties to make an appearance at. You’d think it would be kinda lonely. I was a bit nervous of how it would play out mostly for our kids, you know not having any cousins around to show there new toys off too. I was hoping they wouldn’t be missing AZ too much so I needed something big and grand to set this Xmas apart from any of the others. But what could I do? Deliver the "pony" #2 wanted? "Every American Girl Doll" Like #3 wanted? Are these two even listening when I talk about what Xmas is really about?? No, No. I needed something magical..So like the silly girl I am I half heartily said a prayer. I had heard there was a rumor that it was supposed to snow Xmas day. As if that would ever happen for me!! But maybe I just needed a little faith. Pray over every needful thing. This was for sure a need. I needed a white Christmas almost as much as I needed and wanted an electric blanket. But that was alot to ask for. So, no snow. Shucks.

My kids insist that I torture them every Xmas morning. "Mom, you take so long to get ready, you have to have your, camera, your video camera, xmas music on, fire in the fireplace, hot chocolate..." And your point is? Yes, I do like to be ready. As did my parents. Was it torture? NO, it was simply prolonging the excitement, the anticipation , the unknown...Dang it I spent a lot of time preparing for this moment and you can wait as long as I want you to. If I want to draw out the magic until noon, then by golly thats what I'll do....Of course I too am a big kid and can't wait that long either so i hurried as fast as I could. I was so torn between making instant hot chocolate and homemade, because the kids were getting antsy, but once again, my inner chef reminded myself it was my Christmas too so homemade hot chocolate it was...And boy did it take longer then usual...But it was yummy...Anyhow, I wasn't sure if #4 would catch onto what was about to unfold (utter chaos) he was running around in a very good mood upstairs trying to be patient with the others, I think their excitement fueled his and he was ready to go. I of course made them line up at the top of the stairs oldest to youngest smiling and happy in their new Xmas Eve Jammies that they get every year (Tradition!!!...Tradition!) this is a tradition I really enjoy, and for the first time, this year #1 asked "so are we getting jammies again on Xmas Eve??" I tried to play dumb..."What do you mean?" I didn't realize he had caught on. " mom, we get jammies every year." Did he not like my tradition? I have fond memories of getting matching jammies with my siblings on Xmas eve, one time everyone put their jammies on, and we waited for mom and dad to come out in their jammies and dad came out dancing in moms matching nightgown, and mom came out in dads matching top and bottoms. We laughed and laughed, we thought that was the funniest thing ever. My dad is goofy. I'm sure it was his idea. Anyhow, my #1 assured me he looked forward to getting jammies every year. I told him, it's "TRADITION"...then I started singing from "Fiddler on the roof"...I'm pretty sure he was sorry he asked me that question after that musical number. I think he'll just assume he's getting jammies next year instead of asking again..

Anyway, they were so ready to come barreling down the stairs and I was too ..secretly..."K" come on down Dr.Van shouts, video camera in hand. Chaos like this has got to be recorded for family history. Oh they were so excited... the gasps! The "OH MY GOSH'S!"...The "MOM LOOK WHAT SANTA BROUGHT!!" Oh, ya...Santa did good. Talk about per ma-grins on all faces, and I'm not talking just about mine either. It was so fun to watch. It felt magical, not lonely. Dr. Van decided we were going to have some order. He was going to "Play Santa" and actually hand out the presents this year instead of a free for all, "where's mine?" frenzy. I was intent on having a bit of order as well. I had a spot set aside for boxes to be broken down as they were opened, I had trash cans and bags handy. I had designated spots for presents to be moved to. Stockings were always last, that way you could clean up the trash and not worry that your "trinkets" as #1 calls them, get thrown away. That being said, stockings are my favorite part. I want everything wrapped in the stockings too. This is very important. So, presents are being handed out one by one, and torn into like it was a contest. Then all of the sudden and I don't know who noticed it first, it was snowing...really, truly, snowing. I was giddy and jumped up and down.Maybe it was from the sugary hot chocolate, Dr.Van played along..."OH, honey isn't it so magical!!??" he jumped too, then he kissed me. It absolutely was! He must of read my thoughts just like all the times we've walked the streets of Disneyland and he leans in and says "isn't it magical?" I know he's making fun, but I didn't care today, it was magical. And the snow was sticking! It snowed ALL DAY LONG!!!! We got like 6-7 inches. It was perfect!!! I was so happy!! BEst XmAs EvEr!!!

After the bomb struck and the craziness settled down (as if you believe that ever happened) I started on breakfast. My #3 sister in law had made maple cinnamon rolls so we popped those into the oven, started some ham and cheese eggs and country potatoes...mmm it smelled so good...Dr.Van and my #3 brother engaged in a war game I think it's called "Axis and Allies"? While the kiddos explored their new treasures. Everything was so yummy, and perfect. We all stayed in our jammies all day long. All Day. ....All Day. We also ate almost an entire cookie sheet of cinnamon rolls...All Day long. I didn't even make Xmas dinner!! We saved it for the next day! Does that just seem wrong to anyone else? Anyone??? Oh well, no one seemed to mind or notice too much and I wasn't hungry for any dinner anyway after probably 5 or 6 cinnamon rolls? I'm guessing?? Every time I walked by I tore a piece off of one...then two...then three...I lost count after that though. So great day, relaxing day, I had so much fun hanging with my little family. I tried really hard to let the kids consume all the sugar they wanted and to not pick up too much, even though my plan for a organized/tidy christmas was shot to !@#@!.

I went into my room alone and laid in bed watching the snow fall out my big windows with my NEW ELECTRIC BLANKET...and fell asleep...until #3 needed a toy taken out of those child proof boxes that they come in, that require a chain saw to open. I really hate the packaging these days..Hope ya'll had a good Christmas too.