Burgers, and Shakes, and Fries, Oh My!

As many of you know, in February, the girls and I got food poisoning at a burger place in our area. Since then, I have hardly been able to even look at a burger. But when my hubby sent me this link, my mouth started watering and I felt a tear come to my eye (OK, that last part was an exaggeration, but you get the point). As Ian said, he may never get his wife to California again!

What Are The Odds?

Poison Ivy and Termites (at the same time)....

Seriously, what are the odds?

My Legit Excuse

OK. So it has been a while....a long while, since I have blogged. I admit that I have been avoiding it. That, and I have been back and forth from my place to my parents (3 separate times in 1 1/2 months). My family and I have been sick. And I am just tired.

My mother had back surgery at the end of February. She was to the point that she had to use a walker to walk. So Jenna and I went down to help out during that time.

For Spring break (3 weeks after surgery), the girls and I went back to help out with my mom. She still wasn't able to drive, push a shopping cart, or even bend over/reach for anything. Luckily, my dad was there to help her with everything. Unfortunately, the day after we arrived, my dad suddenly could not walk at all. We found out that week that he needed serious surgery on his vertebrae. So our 5 day trip turned into a 10 day trip. It was such a blessing to be there to help, because basically, my mom couldn't do anything.

A week later, Jenna and I returned in time for his surgery. We spent a week there helping out, once again, greatful that I was able to be there.

I returned home to care for Reagan who had strep, only to get it myself, a few days later.

Like I said, I am tired. But even more so, I am greatful.

I am greatful for:
-all the friends that helped with Reagan
-all the church members that fed my parents when I was not there
-a good surgeon who preformed both of my parents' surgeries
-their extremely speedy recoveries
-my patient and supportive husband
-the fact that I am blessed to be able to travel back and forth
-Jenna being an absolute angel day after day, hour after hour of being in the hospital
-answered prayers
-priesthood blessings
-and the calming peace and love of my Heavenly Father

brrrrr

28 degrees....I don't know how much longer I can stand the cold!

Pinewood Derby Champ

This week, for Adventure Guides (the daddy/daughter activity that Ian and Reg do), Reagan (and Ian) won the Pinewood Derby for their group. Reagan was so excited. Jenna and I went along and were able to cheer them on. It was a lot of fun. And I am pretty sure that Reagan will have a hard time waiting for the Derby next year.

Christmas and New Years

This year, Liz came out for Christmas. The girls had so much fun playing with her. (I had pneumonia.)

On Christmas Eve, the girls decorated a gingerbread house.

And they got to play in some snow. Yes, it actually snowed on Christmas Eve.
It does happen here a few times a year...even in Texas.

Our tree, Christmas morning.

I always love Reagan's reaction to the tree...OK, the presents not the tree.

Jen showing off one of her gifts before ripping off the paper.

Auntie Anita and my parents came for New Years.
I know she looks a little tipsy with her tiara that way but she was seriously just loaded up on Diet Coke.

It was the first year in a while that Ian and I decided to stay home for New Years. It was so nice to just be at home with family.

Shopping With the Stars

This is in front of a parking space at Kohl's! Who would have thunk it??
(Is our Kohl's the only crazy one?)

IT'S MILEY!!!

A while back, Reg and I went to the Miley Cyrus concert with some good friends.

Us Mommies were obviously pumped.

The opening act was Metro Station (the lead singer is Miley Cyrus' brother).

And this is what Reagan thought of their music.

Then when this lady came out, Reagan was like this:

I had so much fun going on a Mommy/Daughter date with my big girl!

Thankful

2009 has been a year of education in thankfulness. So many things have happened to our little family, our extended family, and even friends, that have caused us to look at all that we have and be thankful.

I am thankful for waking up every morning with the gift of life.

I am thankful to be blessed with a home that is warm when it is cold, and cool when it is hot.

I am thankful that we have smoke detectors and that our windows can open.

I am thankful that despite the fact that my husband is constantly working (even on weekends), we have been blessed with him having a job.

I am thankful that we have food to eat and clothes to wear.

I am thankful that, even though we have spent a crazy amount of money on medical bills in the past 2 years, we are blessed with health.

I am thankful for doctors who help heal us and comfort us when there is pain.

I am thankful that I have 2 beautiful little girls.

I am thankful for a husband that loves and respects me.

I am thankful for family that is constantly "there" for us. And is always willing to do anything to show their love.

I am thankful for friends that are thoughtful, sympathetic, and bring laughter into our lives.

I am thankful for my God, that is my strength through trials small and large.

I am thankful that I have so many things to be thankful for that I can't list them all.

My List of Excuses

As a rule, I generally try to get most of my Christmas shopping done before the end of November. Last year, it was a breeze. But this year, I have found my goal a bit more difficult to achieve. I think that a big part of it is the fact that my girls are getting older so it is harder to sneak around. Jenna is in preschool on 2 days a week for 3 hours. Exercising takes up at least an hour to an hour and a half of that "free time". Plus we are always 15 minutes late to preschool. Oh, and I am usually on time to pick her up (a miracle, I know). And of course, there are always random bills and errands to take care of. And Reagan is looking in my closet these days to see what has been recently placed in a hard to reach shelf. She is such a little detective. She listens to every conversation. She sneaks around and will even pretend to be sleeping, just so she can hear what is being shared in the "adult" conversation. It has definitely gotten harder to get the shopping done this year. I do realize that I am making excuses for myself. But in my defense, they are pretty good excuses. And some of the toys are already sold out everywhere. I know that you know what I am talking about. A few years back, when Reagan was a baby, this guy:

was all the rage. Do you remember the news stories about people fighting over this toy? And it being sold out everywhere? I do. And boy was I glad that Tickle Me Elmo was not on my daughter's list of must have's for Christmas. But this year, Elmo is not the hot toy, but rather these:

These hamsters are sold out everywhere! And don't get me started on the accessories--the object of my desire.

There are a few other big items on most kids' wish lists this year...but if I post them, a certain little spy will get some more evidence to hold against Mommy, Daddy, ....and Santa. So that is the end of my rant. I hope that ya'll's shopping goes a bit smoother than mine this year.