I have FINALLY been bitten...

Yes Ladies, I have finally succumbed to the desire that I have had to read Twilight. When I started blogging over a year ago, I saw this book pop up EVERYWHERE. I wondered if it was really worth the read. I even filled my checkout cart at Amazon a few times, only to exit out before finalizing the purchase. You see, I have this problem...when I start a good book...I have a hard time putting it down.

Then last week at BUNKO the girls started talking about it. I mentioned how I wanted to read them, but never actually got around to it. Lo and behold...Julie had brought Jen's copy to return to her, and Jen let me borrow it! (Thanks Jen)

I was actually able to refrain from reading until Sunday afternoon, but from there it was all over. I read deep into the night/morning, went to bed, only to wake and continue reading until Monday afternoon. My motherly duties took the backburner (I found out that I wasn't the only one!), but man was that a good read!

I now understand what has been facinating people by the truckload. Stephenie Meyer is a brilliant writer, and I can't wait to read New Moon! (I actually hit the purchase button at Amazon this time - YAY!)

52 Blessings Project - Week 28

The 52 Blessings Project
Once a week post a photo of something you are most grateful for. This gives us a chance to reflect on the good things we have learned from or that have made us better in our everyday lives or things we just enjoy! I think everyone needs to be more grateful for what they have now instead of always thinking about what we want! This is one of the things we can do to be more gracious people. It will be like a photo gratitude journal.

Week 28

One thing that I will always be forever grateful is good friends. When I was in 9th grade I went through a time where I really struggled with what direction I wanted my life. I was torn between two different worlds...the one that my parents taught me in the gospel, and the 'worldy' part. The idea of not having to be confined by the rules of my church seemed kinda nice, yet at the same time I think deep down I knew that the church was where I belonged. I started wearing revealing clothing, and just wanted to get noticed by boys. The thing that a 14 year old girl doesn't understand...is that it attracts the wrong boys. I could have gotten into alot of trouble, but I really feel that Heavenly Father was looking out for me.

Then I started High School. It was in my A-hour AA English class that I met Stephen. He was this tall guy that was super funny, and made fun of my "huge lips". For whatever reason he started asking me to come and hang out with his friends. That is where I met up with all the "Brimhall crew" - James, Robbie (who was also in my A-hour), Rick, Lisa, Bethany, Tait, Larry, and many others. They were always nice to me, and never said anything about my short shorts, or tight tops. They just liked me for who I was. They helped me (without really knowing they did) solidify the testimony that I already had in my heart. I knew that I needed to make changes in my life, and it was then that I gained a true love for the gospel.

By the time our Senior year came, our 'group' had seen many changes, but overall...I made and kept some really great friendships. Heck, if it weren't for James, Julie and I wouldn't have been as good friends as we are now. It has been hard to keep up with everyone, but I love it when we actually get together. A few weeks ago we got together for James' 30th birthday. It was great to catch up. I wish more of them could have made it. All of us will be turning 30 within the next year so we hope to have alot more parties.

I will always be forever grateful for the influence they each had on my life. I really believe that good friends are vital. I have seen children who had wonderful parents that do the best to teach their kids good principles only to have bad friends, and make really bad choices. I hope and pray that my kids are blessed with as good of friends that I was able to have.

If you would like to visit other peoples 'blessings' just go to Gardenview Cottage for a list of participants!

And the Winner is.....

Amy of "A Little of This & A Little of That"!!

All I need is your mailing info, and the labeler will be in the mail!

I used Random.org list randomizer to pick the winner, but I can't seem to get the image to load here on blogger... I just wanted you to know that the name was picked fairly. :)

I just wanted to thank all of you for entering. This was fun, and I hope to do it again soon!

"Roughing It"

The closest that we seem to get to 'camping' is going to Shawn's uncles cabin. I can't really complain. It is great that Jim lets us use it, and we always have a great time. More details & pictures to follow, but I got laundry to do! :)
Anyway...that is where I have been. Sorry to those who have been wanting to see all about James' 30th Birthday party. I promise the pictures are coming soon. Here is a sneak peek. Remember you still have until midnight tonight to leave a comment for the DYMO Labelmaker!

Need Some Help Organizing!? **GIVEAWAY**

I will be the first one to tell you that I am not the most organized person around. I long to be that person that has everything cataloged perfectly, where everything has its own 'home', but sadly I am far from it. I was so excited when Laura contacted me about sending me the DYMO Personal Labelmaker LT-100T for a product review!

The ways that this handy tool can be used is endless! There are regular plastic labels available in 4 different colors, but is also capable to make MAGNETIC & Iron transfer labels! Isn't that so cool!?

"The DYMO LetraTag Plus LT-100T is the compact label maker that is ideal for the home or small office. The computer keyboard design is easy-to-use with navigation buttons that allow for quick access to advanced features like multiple font styles, text sizing, date stamping and more. Its unique graphical display allows you to see bold, italic, underlined and other text effects on screen before you print."

I found all of this to be true. This product is sooo easy to use, and I have had so much fun 'labeling' my house away. I still have a long ways to go, but I am so happy to have such a nifty tool to help me with my organizing. Everyone could use this product in their home. It is inexpensive and can be found at your local Wal*Mart.
Now YOU have a chance to win a DYMO Labelmaker of your own for FREE! It is the handheld version of mine! For one entry, all you need to do is leave a comment here (Come on lurkers...you know you want to win this!). For a second entry, link back to this post on your own blog (it is super easy - just click on the "create a link" or "links to this post"). I will keep the contest open until Tuesday, July 22! Good Luck!

Can time stand still??? Please?

How does my baby go from looking like this

to this in such a short time!!!???

I cannot believe that my little Thomas is now 4 MONTHS OLD!!! Time seriously goes by so much faster with each subsequent child. They don't stay 'baby' long enough

I have never been very good at keeping track of all the milestones that my kids hit through out the first year...so I thought with Thomas I would try to do a monthly update. I am already 4 months behind, but it is better late than never right!?

Thomas' 4 Months Stats:

Height: 25 1/4 inches - 64th percentile

Weight: 15 lbs 12 oz - 69th percentile

Head: 16.75 cm - 58th percentile

I don't know what it is, but I am always curious as to where my kids are at on the charts. That is the one thing I look forward to at their well visits. It has been interesting to see how unique each of my kids are. Caden was the freak of nature...almost 28 inches long & 20.4 lbs. Sydney was my petite little thing at 14 lbs & 24.5 inches long. So far Thomas seems to be smack dab in the middle of the two. He is getting funner and funner every day. I really thing my most favorite baby stage is between the age of 4-6 months. They love to interact, but can't go anywhere yet.

Eating & Sleeping habits:

Thomas is a good little eater. He probably nurses about every 3 to 4 hours. I usually don't start them on solids until they are atleast 6 months so we have a couple more to go before we get to start on all that fun stuff.

He started sleeping through the night a few weeks ago, and it has been pretty nice. He does wake up occasionally, but nurses, and goes right back to bed. He has gotten to the point now where I can put him in bed while he is still awake, and he will go to sleep. I made the mistake with Caden of always nursing him to sleep...I promised myself to never do that again. It is much nicer when they can learn to soothe themselves to sleep, and if you start early...you don't have endure and hour of "letting them cry it out".

Thomas' Progress

Thomas likes to be held. We have been working on having more 'tummy' time, and helping him to entertain himself. It lasts for a little bit, but in the end...he loves to be held. It doesn't help me get things done around the house, but that is okay.

He has started doing raspberries. Along with that is ALOT of drool. He chews on his hands alot, but he doesn't appear to be getting any teeth yet. I am hoping that he will get his teeth later like Sydney...Caden had 2 teeth a week after he turned 4 months (not something I liked while nursing!)

He can turn over from his back to his front. He never stays on his back very long. Almost the instant that I lay him down he has flipped himself over. Most of the time he ends up getting his little hand stuck underneath him, and he hates that!

A couple of weeks ago he found his feet. I love how fascinated kids are when they 'find' their feet.

Our little Thomas isn't so little anymore. These are the times where I wish I could just freeze time for just a bit, and make it last longer. I look forward to the next few months when his little personality will show more and more. We really are enjoying having him around.

FREE Slurpee!

Click on the picture to go to the official site, and find a store near you!

Celebrate Your Birthday All Month long!

I thought I would share the email that my sister Nancy has compiled. She sends this to everyone a little bit before their birthday. It is stock full of all the different things you can get for free on or around your birthday. It is great because it means we get to celebrate all month long! Alot of these are here in AZ, but there are still some that are available in other areas. Just check to see if there is a location near you.

I.D.’s or birth certificates are usually checked and you must do these on your actual birthday:

Hollywood Video: free video rental
Joe's Real BBQ: free lunch or dinner
Joe’s Farm Grill: free lunch or dinner up to $10
Korean BBQ on Northeast corner of Alma School & Guadalupe: free meal
Outback Steakhouse: Free Blooming Onion - W/Photo ID
Krispy Kremes: Free Dozen Donuts (right now the only one open in AZ is at Power & the 60)

I.D.’s are not usually checked:

Most restaurants will give you a free dessert on your birthday so I don’t usually list those unless it is a little different

Red Robin: free birthday sundae plus free dinner if you are signed up for their email list below
Mi Amigos: free dessert with a Polaroid picture of you on your birthday.
Chevy’s Fresh Mexican: free dessert, song, and sombrero
Claim Jumper: Free mudpie
Macaroni Grill: free chocolate cake and Italian opera singer to sing Happy Birthday
The Gilbert House: Free dessert
Oreganos: Free Pizookee (half baked cookie with ice cream on top)

Some websites that have sent me freebies on my birthday (What’s great about these is you usually don't have to use them on your birthday -allowing you to spread the freebies out longer throughout the month- most give you 1-4 weeks to use them):

Register at any Danny’s Family Car wash for their rewards program and you will get a free birthday car wash, a free wash for joining plus other goodies!

Register for the Abuelo’s e-Club and they will send you a card for a free appetizer just for registering and then a free entrée on your birthday and on your anniversary!

Register for the Golden Spoon eclub and you will get a free frozen yogurt coupon emailed to you on your birthday plus other coupons throughout the year.

Register for the Dukes email club and you will get an email for a free meal on your birthday, they will also send you other freebies throughout the year. All of their locations are in Washington – works out great if you are in the Seattle area.

Register at Arizona Auto Wash and get a free car wash on your birthday-you can register the day of your birthday too!

Register for Z'club at Z Tejas and they email out a coupon for a free meal or $10 off your order.

Register for the email club at Pasta Pomodoro and they email out a coupon for a free entrée.

Register for the Souper Fresh Club at Souper Salad and they email out a coupon for a free buffet.

Register for the Birthday Club at The Keg and get a free prime rib dinner on your birthday- you have to register at the restaurant and they send you a postcard by mail. (This is by far the best one on this list! The meal is worth $30!...and the food is amazing!)

Register for the Club at NYPD Pizza at any of their locations and they will email you a coupon for a free dessert on your birthday.

Register for Marie Callenders at a location and they will send you a coupon for $5 off an entrée and a free piece of pie.

Register for the eclub at Red Robin and they will send you a gift for signing up and then a free burger on your birthday (which you can use on any of their entrees.)

Register for the mailing list for Malees and they will send you an email good for an entrée up to $19 for free!

Register for the email list for Maggiano’s and they will send you a coupon for $10 off of a $20 purchase.

Register for the free birthday dinner at The Vine Tavern & Eatery and they will send you a postcard for a free dinner up to $10

Register for the Sonic Cruisers Club and they will email you a free cream slush coupon on your birthday.

Register online at Damon's Steakhouse Buy 1, Get 1 Free Entree, Birthday song and More!

Register online at Daphne's Greek Café, Join their eClub and get a free meal on your birthday as well as other discounts

Register online at Quiznos Subs and get a Birthday Gift

Register online for Rockfish Restaurant and get a Free Item near Birthday - Locations: Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina

Join the Pig Club at Famous Daves and get a SURPRISE BIRTHDAY GIFT ( maybe a piece of birthday cake, an appetizer, some ribs, or even an All-American Feast! )

Register for Buca di Beppo’s e-club and receive a free dessert

Register for the Subway Birthday club and get a free 6 in. sub for your birthday

Register for the Juice it Up! SmoothE club and get a free birthday gift.

Register for the Peter Piper Pizza eClub and you can sign your kids up for the birthday club to receive a postcard for a free kid pizza

Register for Auntie Anne’s perfect rewards club at and you get a coupon every month.

Just for kids:

Baskin Robbins Birthday Club: get a free ice cream cone

Marble Slab Creamery: for a free ice cream cone (kids under 12)

California Pizza Kitchen:free kids meal

Medieval Times (they send you a free kids admission ticket): this is offered at the Dallas Texas location email dallassecretary@medievaltimes.com your childs name, complete mailing address, and date of birth to join the kids birthday club.

Bob Evans Restaurant Birthday Club: free kids meal coupon

Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurant: you have to register at the location and they send you a card for a free kids meal on your birthday.

Burger King: Join the BK Kids Club at any location you can get an application and they will send you a coupon for a free kids meal in the mail.

Sonic: Join the birthday club for a free wacky pack kids meal on your birthday at

Bookmans: Join the Kids Club at any Bookmans and receive $5 postcard for your birthday plus 10% off all year plus a membership kit with cool stuff.

Denny’s: For kids under 10 – you can get the form at Denny’s or on the web, mail it in and you will get a free entrée and sundae on your birthday.

Let me know if you find any other great freebies to add to my list and have fun!!

The Fourth

For the past 5 years, we have invited all of our family and friends over to our house for a BBQ, and to watch fireworks from the comfort of our cul-de-sac. The church by our house always put on a spectacular show, and we had prime viewing. I loved being able to be inside our air-conditioned home, not having to fight crowds, and being able to put a cranky baby to bed if it was needed. Imagine my dissapointment when I went to send out an EVITE a few weeks ago, only to find out that they had CANCELLED their show! I was so bummed, and had NO IDEA what we were going to do. I checked into all the local events, but nothing seemed remotely entertaining except for the drive-in...which Shawn vetoed because he didn't want to sit in the heat!
At the last minute we decided to go over to Nancy's house, and use her pool & BBQ with our friends the Macnab's. I am so glad that they decided to come out and celebrate with us! We used to do alot together, but between having a baby, and now Sherry being sick & pregnant...it hasn't happened in a while. It was nice to catch up a bit. The kids had alot of fun in the pool & the food was yummy (thanks to Dina & Ty.) We cleaned up and headed to find a place to view some fireworks.
We ended up in a church parking lot. We got out our camping chairs, found a nice spot in the grass, and waited for the show to begin. Ironically, right when the show began...the sprinklers turned on!! Luckily, we didn't get wet, but we did have to move. They had started the show a little bit later than planned, so Caden got a little tired near the end. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos of him.
So despite our plans being spoiled in the beginning, our day turned out rather well. Oh...and now we have something to look forward to on Labor Day because that is when the church by our house is now going to be doing their fireworks show. Anyone up for a BBQ? Mark your calendars for August 30th, and come on over!

29 Years

On Thursday, July 3rd, I celebrated my 29th birthday! I still can't believe that I am 'that old'. Really, I don't feel old, but I remember when I was younger anything over 22 was 'really old'. It is funny how perspective changes things. I have so much more life to live, and really life has just begun!

My day was pretty relaxing. My mom and little brother Michael came over in the morning. They helped me clean my house. It really wasn't that dirty, but it was nice for the help. We ended up going out to lunch with my parents & Michael at Olive Garden. Shawn had worked from home that day, but had a conference call when we were going, so he had to stay home. I could have gone to Joe's Farm Grill for a free meal, but Olive Garden sounded better...and my dad picked up the tab...so it was free anyway! It was nice to spend some time with my parents and my little brother.
After we ate, we swung by Krispy Kremes. I am so glad that someone was smart enough to open them up again. Before they closed a few years ago, on your birthday you could get 6 free donuts and a mug filled with your choice of beverage. Since it was owned by someone new, I didn't know if they still did that. I went through the drive-thru, and told them it was my birthday. All I had to do was show some I.D. and they gave me a DOZEN FREE! They were heavenly!
We ended the day by going to good ol' Joe's Real BBQ with our little family. I love the food there! It is all fresh and homemade....and yes, on your birthday...they give you a free meal. We left stuffed and fully satisfied! Kinda silly, but I look forward to it every year.
Caden is going to help me pick out a new watch for his gift to me. Any suggestions of where I should look for a good one? Shawn always has a hard time figuring out what to give me he referred to my 'list' that I had made last year. We got a laptop! I am excited to have one that is actually mine (I have been using one that one of Shawn's clients has lent him...so it may get taken back.) It is just nice to have something that is portable so I can keep an eye on the kids while I am on the computer! (I am actually trying to convince him that this gift was not really for me, but for the family...and want to get a mixer....I hope I can find one.) It was a great day. A clean house, great food, and lots of phone calls through out the day wishing me a 'Happy Birthday'...who could ask for more!

52 Blessings Project - Week 27

The 52 Blessings Project
Once a week post a photo of something you are most grateful for. This gives us a chance to reflect on the good things we have learned from or that have made us better in our everyday lives or things we just enjoy! I think everyone needs to be more grateful for what they have now instead of always thinking about what we want! This is one of the things we can do to be more gracious people. It will be like a photo gratitude journal.
Week Twenty Seven Naturally my thoughts of gratitude this week have turned to the freedoms that I have by being privileged to live here in the United States. I am so thankful that I have been blessed to be born and raised in a country with so much FREEDOM to choose. I am thankful to be able to worship as I choose. I am thankful to be able to VOTE, and have some sort of say of how things are run. I am thankful to feel 'safe' in my home and neighborhood. I feel so blessed to have the opportunities that I have here. One thing I do realize is none of this would EVER be possible if it weren't for the men and women who serve our country. I am thankful that they are much braver than I and have made a commitment to fight for our country and allow us to enjoy the freedom that we have. I don't think I could personally sacrifice myself like that, so I am thankful that they are willing to be more selfless than I am. We are truly blessed to live in this country.
If you would like to visit other peoples 'blessings' just go to Gardenview Cottage for a list of participants!

Will this be you?

Hope you all had a FABULOUS 4th of July!
Details of my birthday and our holiday weekend to come soon!

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays

On June 3rd, my little nephew Dylan turned ONE! It is amazing how much he has grown. His entrance to this world gave us quite a scare. I am just thankful that he is healthy, and Cathy is still around to take care of him.
On June 12th, Shawn had his 30th birthday! We surprised him at work, and took him out to lunch. Afterwards we decorated his car...we didn't get to finish it as much as we wanted because it was so hot outside...but the kids still had fun. He got to come home to a comfy recliner. (Our old one broke a few years ago, and we never replaced it.) In honor of turning 30...here are some fun things about him!

1. He has to either cover his eyes or walk out of the room when there is an awkward situation on the TV! It makes me laugh because he honestly can't stand it. If he has the remote in hand he will try to fast forward through it. This is also why he can't handle American Idol or almost any other type of reality show.
2. He has one of the most amazing voices I have ever heard. I always thought he should try out for A.I., but the only problem is he has a hard time remembering lyrics. When he was in H.S. he had a solo in a choir competition. He forgot some phrases so he just made up something instead. It would have been fine except one of the judges was the actual composer of the song!
3. I can't help but laugh when he dances. He isn't really a bad dancer, but he does have some goofy moves.
4. He is a great debater. He loves all things politics. If you want to have a great discussion...he is always game.
5. I have loved watching him grow as a father. He is a great dad, and our kids adore him. They especially love swim time with Dad.
6. Once when we were dating he was following me home one night. We both had our radio tuned to the same station. When a swing song came on we pulled over and danced in the street.
7. He is probably one of the most frugal person that I know. It has been something ingrained since he was young. His mom told me a story once about his elementary school teacher wanting to buy him some clothes. The teacher was under the impression that their family was in some sort of financial hardship because of things Shawn had said. It can be frustrating sometimes, but he helps keep my spending in check. I also know we will always be provided for.
8. He is a very hardworker. He puts 100% in everything he does. He likes to help out wherever he can.
9. Shawn is an open book. He is very blunt and always says what is on his mind. This was great while we were dating because I knew there were no 'games' being played. The trait has also gotten him in trouble though. I refer to it as 'digging himself a hole' because he doesn't always think before he speaks. I used to mime digging whenever his conversation started going nowhere. I still am on the look out for a shovel keychain. :)
10. I LOVE that he has blue eyes and dark hair. Growing up I was in love with Eric from The Little Mermaid. I always said that I wanted to marry a guy with black hair and blue eyes like Eric, and I did! His eyes are so beautiful, and he has super long eyelashes that curl all by themselves!
11. He is my computer guru. I wish I knew as much as he does. I probably would be a little bit better at troubleshooting, but now I don't even try. I know that he can figure out what is wrong, and fix it faster than I could.
12. His favorite ice cream is Mint-n-Chip.
13. He served his mission in Madrid, Spain, and loves anything that has to do with it.
14. In the winter he likes our house cold, and in the summer he likes it hot. He claims that is what is 'comfortable', but I know it is just because is saves money.
15. He hates shopping.
16. He doesn't really care for chocolate.
17. Patience is not his virtue. He hates waiting for anything.
18. He loves watching Nova, and any type of 'learning' shows. I am bad...I just want to be entertained, not educated. :)
19. Since I have a job with the airlines he HATES driving anywhere. We have only been on one 'roadtrip' since we got married, and that was because there was no airport nearby.
20. Before we had kids he would come on the majority of my overnights. It was fun because we would have a 'date' in that city.
21. In high school he had a car that they named 'The'.
22. He will eat practically anything. I am so thankful he is not a picky eater. I am not a bad cook, but not gourmet by any means.
23. When we were first married he landed the part of Sky Masterson in the play Guy's & Doll's...so he had to kiss another girl. Some people thought I was crazy to let him do it, but for some reason it didn't really bother me. In fact, she is a great friend of ours now.
24. He graduated from "a private technical college"....that is what he would refer to when he was embarrassed to say he went to ITT Tech. Yeah, it wasn't ASU, but he got his bachelors, and he is making good money regardless. I just thought it was cute when he would say it.
25. He doesn't like anything spicy. He has a very mild tongue and can't handle much 'heat' in his food.
26. He has the cutest dimples! I hoped all my kids would get his dimples...so far just my boys have gotten lucky.

27. One of his favorite movies is Ocean's Eleven.
28. He loves Sweet and Sour Chicken
29. He is very competitive, but hates to lose. He hates playing games with me because I usually win.
30. He is my best friend. I love him with all my heart, and am so thankful that he chose me to be his wife. I can't believe he is 30!

Oh...and by the way...today is my birthday. I am now 29 years young. I plan on spending the day getting my freebies, and having some fun with my family! Birthdays are wonderful things!

WFMW: Ham and Cheddar in a Loaf

Ham & Cheddar in a Loaf

This is one of the simplest recipes I have ever made! It actually has 6 ingredients, but I figure it is still simple. My kids LOVE it! I found it on KraftFoods.com. Find more great recipes at this weeks Works For Me: The Five-Ingredients-Or-Less Edition.

Ingredients:
1 lb. frozen bread dough, thawed
1 pkg. (9 oz.) Shaved Smoked Ham
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing (you can use regular Mayo if you are not a fan of the Whip:)
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese

HEAT oven to 350°F. Flatten dough on lightly floured surface with hands. Roll into 12x8-inch rectangle with rolling pin. (If dough is difficult to roll, cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 30 min. before rolling out.) Top with ham to within 1/2 inch of edges. Mix Cheddar cheese and dressing; spread over ham.

MOISTEN edges of dough with water. Starting at one of the long sides, fold one-third of dough over filling; repeat with other long side. Pinch seams together to seal. Place, seam-side down, on lightly greased baking sheet. Cut three diagonal slits in top of dough with kitchen shears. Brush with egg; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

BAKE 35 to 40 min. or until golden brown. Cool 10 min. before slicing.

If you make it...let me know if you like it. :)

Quirks

I was tagged a few weeks ago by Tiffanie over at Three Peas in a Pod. I finally got the post finished...sorry it took so long.

The Rules:
1. Link the person(s) who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged

My Quirks:
1.Up until I was a sophomore in High School, I topped my burritos & tacos with KETCHUP. I thought people who put salsa on them was gross. I haven't eaten them like that in years. I wonder if I would still like it.

2.I was in a Baton Twirling group for about 3 years. We performed alot in parades and such. I looked lovely in my navy blue sequined leotard. I actually still have my batons, but haven't taken them out for awhile. They had to go into hiding because the kids used them as weapons.

3. I LOVE "Vinegar Green Beans"! Growing up, my grandma had a special recipe that she made at every family gathering. It consists of vegetable oil, salt, garlic salt, onion salt, pepper, Lawry's Seasoning & of course vinegar. (Yes...lots of sodium...I am clogging my arteries) I didn't even know there were other ways to season green beans. I remember when I started school, and the cafeteria served them with butter. I didn't want to even touch them. I now will eat them either way, but really prefer them with vinegar...oh,and they are better a day old and COLD.

4. I prefer hardbound books versus paperback. I know they are more expensive, and not as easy to tote around, but there is something about them that I just like better.

5. I remember some of the strangest things. Shawn claims that I have a photographic memory. I think having children has made it not so photographic, but I still seem to remember alot of things. It can sometimes be embarrassing because I will see someone who is way in my past...and they will have no idea who I am. I could tell you each and everyone of my teachers, and most of the kids names in each of my classes. I also can remember many phone numbers, and birthday's of people I don't ever see anymore. I think it stems back to my Franklin days (my elementary school) where we would have to memorize a new poem to recite in front of the class each month. I think it really help to strengthen my memorization skills.

6. I rarely wear shorts. I hate my legs, and always have...so even though it is sweltering outside...I usually am in pants/jeans. I think I have one or two pairs of shorts/capris that I wear on occasion.

I tag Brooke, Kim, Michelle, Holly, Kathryn, & Rosie. If anyone else wants to do it...feel free...let me know so I can learn more about 'cha!