Less than 32 minutes

I believe we have been home for 'less than 32 minutes' and I've already yelled at Spencer, oh, probably 4 times. And he was next door part of those 1,920 seconds. My darling husband did the laundry while I was gone. Ahh, how sweet, right? But wait, he informed me that he strategically placed all the clean UNFOLDED laundry on the couch to deter me from watching tv or sleeping before I folded it. He should have left it in front of the computer cabinet! So the mountain that is holding down our couch has become Spencer's perch for jumping, diving, throwing, and fighting with Sophie. My darling, healthy, funny lil Sophie who is of course hungry. Luckily I at least still had the heels of a loaf of bread left, she's little, she doesn't know the difference right? PB&J to the rescue. I called Jason and told him I'm leaving him the kids and heading back to Spokane. He just laughed and said, "Can it really be that bad? You just got home?"

Why is it always so hard to come home? Maybe I just wasn't gone long enough...

And we're off...

We're heading to Spokane for a couple days for Sophie's doctors appointment. She sees a nephrologist (kidney specialist) there to follow the growth and development of the one kidney she has. Hopefully her chubby little body hasn't been growing too fast!

We'll also be shopping for some supplies to make some good stuff for the Summer Garden Boutique. Hopefully I'll post a sneak peek soon! Don't forget to sign up if your interested in selling.

Side Note: My husband is kicking a ball in the house with Spencer right now, not very conducive to writing a peppy post. Why is it sometimes harder to get him to follow the rules (i.e. not kicking or throwing balls in the house, it could knock something down, like the clock. It just happened) than it is my kids? Maybe its because I can't threaten him with things like a time-out, etc. without him gladly taking me up on it!

So I'm off to start laundry...nothing like last minute preparation.

Little Spencerstein!

While downloading pictures from an old camera that we now let Spencer use, I found this video. It was taken about a year ago, and I can't believe how much I miss that little voice!

Just Jason

So, Jason is a funny guy. At least thats his reputation in my family. It takes awhile to get to know him, but once you do, you realize that he's quite laid back and funny. One of the things that I love and hate at the same time about him is his absolute disregard of what others think of him. While his self-confidence is something to be admired, sometimes his lack of caring is annoying. It means I can't ever convince him to wear certain clothing or present himself in a particular manner. Which brings me to the topic of facial hair. And really for that matter, his head of hair, or lack of. When I married this charming young man, I had to accept the fact that he was balding. And that was alright with me. What I didn't agree with was his desire to "Beat the baldness." He had accepted the fact that baldness was in his future but he was determined to do it on his own time, not natures. We fought A LOT about this. I wanted to enjoy "Jason w/hair" for as long as possible. He didn't.

(Jason with hair April '05)
So one fateful morning, I made the mistake of leaving him at home, alone. He picked a perfect day to pull his little stunt. There was a family birthday party that night. I was already there, he was getting a ride. I remember the exact spot I was standing in when I stared at the little red Geo my grandma drives and thought, "Who did she bring with her?!" And then it hit me, she brought Jason. That funky looking bald man climbing out of the car belongs to me. Perfect setting to make a grand entrance, I was shocked and annoyed in front of our entire family.

(Jason 'beating the baldness' June '05)
Since then, I have grown use to the almost hairless Jason. So in an attempt to find something new to annoy me with, and out of boredom he so claims, he tries out new facial hair styles. At first I have to admit that I found it slightly embarrassing. Now, I just laugh it off.



(December '07 w/wig)
I wonder what he will try next to annoy me. Luckily piercings and tattoos aren't an option.

Attention All Crafters, Bakers, Sewers, Shoppers, Etc.

Susan, from Freshly Picked, and I are excited about putting on this super boutique! If you or anyone you know is interested in selling and/or shopping, contact us. We know there are a bunch of you talented chics out there, stop hiding! For all the info and for vendor registration, go here.

Ailments and Annoyances

Or better titled: It's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.

I have not felt good since Friday. And now its Monday. What I thought was an oncoming toothache ended up possibly being a terrible case of 'swimmers ear', or possibly a real ear infection, maybe even mixed in with a little sinus infection. But I won't know until tomorrow when I finally get to see a doctor. The pain radiating from my right ear down my jaw had subsided as of this morning and was replaced by an ever so lovely migraine. Now I've had a few 'migraine' classifiable headaches before, but today, I got the spots. As if doing bills on a Monday morning isn't bad enough, try doing it while you're unable to see straight down the middle. And then the spots moved to the outside of my vision making me feel like I was walking around with a telescope pressed up against my eye. So now the pressure that was once living in my lower right jaw, is now residing above my right eye. Bending over is not so much fun. And then I coughed, and whatta ya know, morning sickness reared its ugly head. Not so much fun losing your breakfast in the kitchen sink. Oh yea, and Sophie is so stuffed up she sounds like Darth Vader. And I have to go to the grocery store.

It's been a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day.

Connections

Since starting my blog just a few mere weeks ago, it's been fun to watch my list of 'readers' grow. It's also been fun to explain to people how everyone is connected. Every time I see Alicia she tries to figure out all the connections. Sometimes its easy to explain, "So and so is my cousin," and sometimes it's more tricky, "I think I met this person..." So I decided I would try my best at explaining who's who on my list of blogs I visit, and those who visit mine.

Rachael and Lisa are pretty easy: Sister and sister-in-law. The only funny thing here is that I was actually a V Teacher to Lisa before she started dating Steve. She always teases me that I didn't like her, but really, I was just jealous of her athleticism, her cuteness, and that she fished!

Next is Jason. All the explanation needed at this time: Husband. If you decide to browse the mere 4 or 5 things he's posted, check out the babysitting one, its the best.

Kimmie, Josh and Co., Jared & Anna, Danielle & Ivan, and Geriann: All cousins, or cousins & spouses. But not just cousins, radical, amazing, humorous, crazy fun cousins.

The Nerd Bird Nest: Collective Cousins blog. If you are snooping around and land on this page, read at your own risk!

Pete and Suzanne: Aunt and Uncle from Oregon. We don't see them as often as we would like so this has been a fun way to stay in touch!

Mitch and Nan: Rachael and Mitch were friends in HS and he truly has a contagious personality. One of those people who has you laughing all the time! And Nan, if you read this, I think I actually met you at the branch before or while you dated Mitch, maybe? I think Mitch met his competition when it came to Nan, she's just as funny and her personality is just as contagious!

Suzy and Michelle: I'm going to group these two together because I really went to school with both of their older siblings, Katie and Tyler, but ended up being best friends with them after HS when we were all at the branch. Sometime soon I'll post some pictures. I love these two girls!

Kim: I dated one of Kim's brothers in highschool. I have always loved how super kind and sweet she is!

Heather: Heather lived in Utah when I was friends with her brother Tyler in HS, and didn't move back until after I was friends with Michelle, her sister. I'm pretty sure that the first time I met Heather was when Michelle called and asked her to save me from yet another bad 'at-home' dye job! She's been my favorite hairdresser ever since. And now, she's one of my sisters closest friends.

Ms Kristen: She is Spencer's fantastic preschool teacher! And now I am lucky enough to consider her a friend. And maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to teach with her.

Alicia: I have actually known who Alicia was for awhile. I was in the same class as her older brother and knew she was Michelle's cousin. Now, she's one of my favorite people to talk to, and I love that she's not afraid to get as loud as me and Rachael!

Debie: I met Debie while I practically lived at the Spurgeon's house since she's Michelle and Heathers sister-in-law. I love how super friendly she has always been and is one of those people who, when asks, "How are you?" you know she really means it.

Donald, Lisa, and Co.: This is probably the most random connection. I met Donald through Kim's brother when we were all in HS. Then, when he met Lisa and she decided to move up here, her and I were roommates for awhile. And he's related to Michelle and Alicia. Now we are in the same ward and I hang out with them in the nursery on Sundays! Oh, and Donald and Lisa, I don't know if you made the connection but Kaitlin is also a cousin of mine, and the younger sister of some of the above mentioned cousins.

So there's all my connections so far. It's crazy to think how long I have known most everyone on here. I especially can't believe that HS was 13 years ago! And thanks also to those I didn't know previous to joining the blogging world who post comments. It always feels good to know that people outside of close friends/family think you're somewhat amusing!