HELP!!!

One word describes my mood right now "CRAZY". Shane is out of town and therefore the fun begins. NOT!!! He always tells me "At least your home and home with the kids". Well being in a hotel in Pocatello Idaho seems like paradise to me right now. Come home Sweetie, I miss you! Let's rewind to Friday and Saturday in Logan for our anniversary. COME HOME!!

Boy Toy

Here is our new toy. Since Shane's dislocation we decided a ATV isn't as easy to jump and will keep Shane closer to the ground. If he has a need for speed then this is the perfect answer. What is funny is that we had to get it today. I wanted to pick it up tomorrow before our anniversary get away. But couldn't do it. Had to be today. So I had to run around doing errands to get ready for it. Shaelyn got to pick out any helmet (within price reason) she wanted. Guess what color she had to have - you guessed it - PINK. Go figure. I as the protective Mom wanted a helmet so that the minute Shaelyn wanted a ride for the first time, she would be protected. Well, they didn't take the helmet and Dad took her around the block where they bought it a couple of times. You try so hard to help them be responsible and then Dad steps in. Oh well, what are ya gonna do?

As I was in the house I was wondering what Shane was doing outside in the garage for so long. How stupid of me. Of course he was trying out every button and looking at every part and screw on the dang thing. So I grabbed my camera and started shooting. He thought I was crazy. Me crazy? Not that he is spending over an hour just starring at the thing. But I am crazy.

Here is to many fun family and friend outings with our new boy toy or girl toy depending on who's driving. And yes Shane I still think you look good on the back.......... hold on!

Out With The Old - In With The New - I Guess?

Well friends and family. Today was my last day at my old job - well, same company old position. You would think it would be filled with much happiness and enthusiasm. Not so. I thought the idea of the new adventure and new experiences would be self gratifying. Weird thing is that I had a harder time than I thought. As I was driving to my new office location I couldn't help crying the whole way. I mean the new people I am working with are the sweetest, funniest, best group I could ask for. When I was promoted everyone in that office emailed me congratulating me and welcoming me. Could I be a little scared? Of course not. Do you think?
Anyway leaving the old friends and colleagues was really hard. After 12 years with that department I feel like I am leaving home for college out of state. To all my colleagues I have shared the past 12 years with Thank You for your friendship and support. I know we will only be a couple blocks away so lunch dates are a must. Thanks Sue for being a great supportive boss. Thanks Stacie for driving me on occasion and sharing children stories. Chik fil a does sound better than seeing each other at work. At least we can talk as much as we want without getting in trouble. Thanks Jeanette and Mary for all your kind words and support. I feel like we are sisters. Louise and Ann and Mindy Thanks for your smiles and friendship. And Sue J. thanks for your friendship. You are great. Thanks Julie for your help with the look up. You never complained and I appreciate you. Thanks to all the rest of you for your friendly smiles and support. And now Dave thank you for all you do. You are a very hard worker and always smiling. Thanks for the load you've taken on while I was helping with Jen's stuff. You are great and I appreciate all you do.
Well here's to a new job, new friends, new experiences. Thanks to all you who have helped me get to where I am today. Without you I don't think I would have gotten to this point with a sense of accomplishment. Thanks

Flour Ball Gang

Well here are the official photos of our Young Men & Young Womens Flour Ball Night. In our church the Young Men and Young Women have activity night every Wednesday. Tonight was a combined activity. The photos look good but really you had to be there to see all the laughing and craziness. Enjoy

Thank Heaven For My Three Blessings

Everyone is in bed even my Nephew JR who is staying with us for awhile (I hope), and as I rap up some computer work for work, I have to ponder the good things in life.
I was trying to catch up on some blog reading and Sties Blog today was wonderful. In thinking about my wonderful life of Motherhood and being a Wife, I thought of so many things I was thankful for. There are so many to name but here are a few:

Shaelyn- She is so clever and imaginative. She is crafty and full of wonderful game ideas. She loves her Sister so much I as her Mother cannot express the appreciation I feel for her love and playfulness with her Sister when I am in dire need of a break. She loves all people and cares so much for the homeless in our society. She is always wanting to give me her money to buy me things I want. Even if it is only $2 or $10 she had to offer, it is worth a million. She is smart, she outshines me in Sudoku. She loves all animals and bless her little heart would bring every animal home if I allowed. Dad would allow it. He allows snails and caterpillars in the hose as long as there in a bottle. Hmmmm.
So I am very grateful for all her attributes and her concern for others.

Haylee- I love her laugh. Her deep on and on and on laugh. I love her little donkey move. Don't know where she got it but it makes me laugh. I love her funny faces. Yes, the ones that make her look like a little old lady with no teeth. I love her wave when it's on her terms, after Grandma has just driven away. I love her patty cake and her "So Big" arms. I love to hear her wake in the morning talking and giggling. I love to hear her yell at me trying to get my attention to get her out of bed. And her yelling down the stairs to her Dad and Sister. I love to watch her play in the bathtub and splash water all over me and the floor. Most of all I love her slobbery open mouth kisses with the great big smile after.

Shane- I love his mad face with a half snicker. I love the way his hand fits perfectly on my leg while driving. I love the way he holds me in the morning making it impossible to get out of bed in time. I love his dedication to his church, family, work, & friends. I love his crepes. I love his little funny dance. I love to hear him sing a great classic song just out of the blue. I love to watch him mow the lawn with the kids or the neighbor kids sitting on his lap as he goes around and around. I love the way he brings up the laundry baskets for me overflowing with clean laundry. I love how when he cleans or vacuums he is very thorough and precise. And most of all I love that wonderful smile. That smile is what got me hooked on loving him forever.

So my friends it is 12:30 am and I am going to get ready for bed and give my 2 girls and extra 3 kisses. And then I am going to crawl in bed and put my arms around Shane and give him an extra 3 as well.
Thanks Lord for all my many blessings. May I always strive to live up to the wonderful things you have given me.

No More Crutches - No More Extra Duties

Yes it was 3 weeks and 3 days ago that Shane dislocated his hip. Today was the last doctors appointment in Provo until his follow up in August. No more driving an hour for an hour appointment. Although the alone time together was a perk.
All the way to his appointment today I was just praying that the Dr would say "No More Crutches". I must have been a good girl this week because my dream came true.
I love my Sweetie but when he is not at 100% he is grouchy, unbearably quiet at times, very distant, and did I say grouchy? I have been trying to take care of the kids and all my extra duties and try and cheer him up. I am EXHAUSTED!!!! Let me fill you in on some duties - just off the top of my head:
1. Garbage duty
2. Single Mom
3. Cooking, cleaning, all duties with infant on hip.
4. Drag the kids along to all girls nights and any outing outside of the house.
5. Get up in the middle of the night with baby every time. Shane did say sorry once but at 4:00 am I had a hard time accepting that it was sincere.
6. 7:00 am up with the baby every morning including weekends.
7. Dresser - mainly the left sock.
8. Yard mover - While he was sitting on the riding mower I had to move the yard items around so he could get under them. Still hating the trampoline.
9. Push part lawn mower - actually I hated this duty so much I didn't do it and waited for someone to come along to do it. Thanks J.R.!
10.Chauffeur
11. I had to carry all of the laundry up the stairs myself besides putting it away.
12. Painter - stained the play set with his family. Gotta love your family they come in very handy. Oh and thanks Trevor for making the ladder it was amazing. Still waiting for the family to come back and stain that as well :0)
13. Wait on him hand and foot.
14. Psychiatrist
15. Cheerer upper
16. And the worst part of it all is that I didn't get, how should I put this, any lovin!

Well I know what you're saying. You are all saying "Boy being LynDee sucks". Well you are all right except one thing - He is in one piece and repairable. I thank my Heavenly Father all the time for watching over him and protecting him from permanent damage or worse, death. I love him very much and I know I am complaining about all the extra work I had to go through, but it did make me appreciate all he does do. Ladies when you think your man doesn't do anything try picking up a few of his duties and you'll see know matter the duty big or small it is a help. I just want to remind him of one thing...... You are 35 act your age! And Alex he isn't going to be hasty about selling his bike, I AM!

Just The Girls For Easter

Well here it is. The slightly uneventful Easter Sunday. Hubby was out of town, and wife was very disappointed. This was the first big holiday he missed. Hope it will be the last, but doubt it will be.

First the girls looked for the colored eggs. Which was a very big surprise since we forgot to color some. Luckily the Easter Bunny had plastic space ship eggs with smarties and jelly beans in them (very long story). As you can see Haylee loved them most.

Then they hunted for the Easter Baskets. That bunny really hid them well. But Big Sis found them both. That bunny should have realized Big Sis has a dentist appointment next week. We are now teetering on a C or D-. Shaelyn was very excited that the Easter Bunny brought her squeeze sweet tart gooey stuff. I as her Mother vow to never give my kids straight sugar out of a tube.

Next we went to church all dolled up in our new Easter dresses. "Pretty In Pink" was our motto this year.

And the biggest event of all is.................

Yep crawling!! Grandma Ree, Grandpa Great, Big Sis, Cousin Brandi, Uncle Jeff, and of course Proud Mommy, all were there to see the big moment. Another big milestone gone by. Where does the time go??? So the uneventful Easter ended up being the most exciting.

As I was laying in bed to go to sleep I thought of how I had cried tears of loneliness and disappointment but also in the same day tears of excitement and joy. I guess you could say I am woman....... Better yet a MOM!!!!

Spoiled Rotten

Well folks, it was the best birthday ever!!! You could say I am a rockstar. I was so spoiled I was dreaming of my birthday all night!

Shane took me to breakfast and watched the kids all day while I was spoiled by my wonderful Mother. He also helped out in every way. I felt like the Queen of Sheba. Way to out do yourself Sweetie. You are my King!

My Mother, who is the best Mother in the whole world, took me out and made me feel young again. She gave me the most precious gift ever. A beautiful necklace. With two diamonds on it.


A wonderful outfit, shirt, sweater, pants, and shoes. Shane bought me the necklace and earring set, thanks hun!! How did you know it matched my new outfit perfectly? :0) She also bought me scrapbooking supplies, which I loved. Maybe it will give me a little push to scrapbook again.

Then later that night my Mom took my family and Grandpa to The Old Spaghetti Factory. What a day. By the time I hit the pillow I was dreaming of me and Channing Tatum out on the town, of course I was wearing my stunning new outfit. It actually makes me look at least 5 pounds thinner.

So between Shane, Shaelyn, and my Mom I felt like a Queen for a day! Thanks guys, you're the BEST!!!!

Another Year Older....Another Year Wiser?

Friday the 22nd of February was the beginning of my "Birthday Celebration". I thought I would share with you the happy event.

First Sherrie from work dropped by to deliver in person the most entertaining present ever.



A disco mouse and mouse pad set. Now one of these is wonderful, but she gave me two. One for home, which Shaelyn loved, and one for work. Well work is fun again. Who needs the seminar on burn out Sherrie when you have wonderful toys like this at work. Now I am just waiting for a Staying Alive CD and I will be dicsoing my way around in my hot pants and platforms.



I got home from work and sitting on the counter was a pretty bag full of my favorite goodies





Dove chocolates and Smartie suckers. She knows me well. Thanks Courtney!! You are the best!!



The next event was..... drum role please........ Shane arranged for his Mom and Dad to come watch the baby so we could go out with friends. And Shaelyn stayed the night with the Anderson's. Thanks guys!!

A movie

Dinner

And great friends

As if Courtney and Dayna hadn't done enough for me, they spoiled me with a gift certificate for a pedicure. I know with friends like this who needs chocolate?

Three cheers to all my family and friends who make me feel unbelievable. Can't wait to see what excitement my actual birthday holds. I will keep you posted as I am sure you are all wondering how this birthday could get any better. Stay tuned.................

And The Storm Rolled In.....

As I was going through pictures to scrapbook, I came across this video and these two pictures.

I have to share this moment from this past Fall (2007).

This storm came in and of course the first thing Shane thought of was our new expensive trees. They are Sicamores (spelling?) They get to be ginormous but take a good several years. And a Mulberry. So he runs out and holds one of the trees as it is bending over to touch the ground. As our neighbors were getting in the car to go to dinner the husband notices Shanes dilema, he then runs over to hold the other tree. Well then that leaves the new Mulberry without a dancing partner. So the neighbors Son comes running over to grab that tree. The son can barely hang on to the tree without himself blowing away. My Daughter then runs out to help him with the Mulberry.

I am not kidding when I say this went on for a good half hour. I decide to go out on the front porch and sit to watch the excitement. As I am laughing, filming, & taking pictures I hear the nieghbors other two kids talking. As I look over in their driveway the wife is just sitting with the kids in the car pointing and laughing.

As time passed the guys decided they were too wet and too tired to keep holding them. They got a novel idea. Lets tie them to the back of our trucks, that will hold them. You would think problem solved. Not so. They didn't have a extra truck for the third tree so they decided to use the neighbors dog tie down cork screwy thing. After much readjusting the trees were saved.

Just a bragging point, several bigger trees in the neighborhood went down but not ours. Of course everytime I look at them I remember the day they were almost gonners. Just gotta love Shane and Carlos (and of course Colton & Shaelyn) for their determination and comitment to saving the trees. I guess you could save they are literally tree huggers.

MY VIP

My VIP

Shaelyn is VIP at school this week. So you know the fun exciting activities associated with VIP. No, well let me tell you. First you have the poster. You have to put lots of pictures and tell all about the child. Well for you first time Mom's let me give you a bit of advice. You need to not scrapbook every picture when they are a baby. Keep doubles or just of few of the great ones, because once they are scrapbooked they are impossible to add to the infamous VIP poster. So I had Shaelyn go through her scrapbooks and find a baby picture page that we could just tape to the poster. Then of course after Shaelyn turned 6 I have not scapbooked a darn thing. Not to worry, I have them either on print or computer and some even on cd. I just haven't had time or the place to just leave everything laying out to work on it. So I have all other pics. Well I have to say a few pics and a lot of stickers we had it done (last minute on Sunday of course).

Then came the little papers she had to fill out like where she was born, her favorite animals- cats and horses of course, favorite foods- pizza and spaghetti, and things like that. Now is the time I must swell with pride and excitement at the answer she gave to the next question- What is your dream? She put and I quote "To be rich and feed the poor!". Lord, I have done what I have come down here to do. I have raised a 8 yr old who is worried about the poor before herself. I am just beside myself. This has got to be the first in history. Then the next question- Who do you admire? She put "My Dad". So of course he was beaming and also thanking the Lord for his part in raising such a wonderful appreciative daughter. So needless to say this is the best day of our lives, okay almost, but it is a beautiful start to a new week.

Then she had to write a autobiography. Ruff going with me helping her but in heroic daddy fashion, Dad saves the day and helps her write the most terrific autobiography. Thanks Honey, your the BEST!!

She also had to fill a plastic bottle with something she likes and the class has to guess how many are in the bottle. Well I looked everywhere for a perfect plastic container but couldn't find one. ( I miss Allied because if they didn't have it you didn't need it.) So I bought a glass container and explained to the teacher my dilema. I think she understood. I hope. Then after filling the jar with Shaelyn's favorite candy, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, she reminded me that Tahoa is allergic to peanuts. You would think I would remember this since he has been in her classes for the past three years. So I promised her on the way to school I would stop and get a fantastic treat she could pass out to her classmates. Which I did - Fruit Roll Ups and Extra gum, they were a hit.

So then Shane and I had to go to the school at 3:00 and help her tell about herself. Once in the class room little sister Haylee steals the show. As Shaelyn is telling about herself Haylee just out of the blue starts laughing. The class, at times were to busy watching Haylee to listen to Shaelyn's funny stories. But true to form Shaelyn didn't care. She was so glad her Sister came that nothing could have happened that day to ruin her special day.

I just want to say that Shaelyn is my little example. She has made me so proud. Nothing I could say could show her just how much she has meant to my life. The Lord knew what he was doing when he gave me this wonderful daughter. She trully is a Daughter of God!! And she is all mine! Love you, and know that you are my VIP everyday.

I Miss Her!!!

As my birthday approaches I can't help but think of all the wacky birthday celebrations I have had with her and my mother. And all those crazy things we'd say and do! Poor Shane, I don't know how he ever went with us again! That's why I love you so, Sweetie. You love me just the way I am! My Mom thanks you as well!!

Let's stroll through time. Here are a few of my favorite memories and sayings:

*Spaghetti Factory will never forget us!

*Mom will never dance at the Mexican restraunt again!! We can only hope!!

*The little Spanish dude at Wendover will still probably always pick me last!

*My nose had never failed me before.

*My those are big knockers.

*Can I have a virgin screwdriver?

*So you just want orange juice?

*Mom make her stop.

*Going down State Street and having little Arab men picking up on both Mom & Aunt Valorie.

*Driving back from St. George with mentholatum tissues sticking out of our noses.

*Dancing in my front room with Shaelyn (4 yrs old) & a black light, taking turns driving to the main road to see if we could see eachother in the big picture window.

*Playing Racko just one more time until 2:00 am

*I'm just being me.

*If I have to stay in the hospital will you bring me my Cabbage Patch? (just having stitches in her head)

*Will I have to be in a wheel chair? (also just having stitches in a cut on her head)

There are so many more I am probably forgetting. If you have any please let me know I would love to update and keep a list of her memorable times. I am sure TaRinne you have a million. Like going to get a burger and ending up far far far away, like in another state.

Here are a couple of my favorite pics of her two little cuties, Ian & Kyler. ENJOY!!

Finally Here!!

Well guys, it's finally here!! Hannah Montana 3D. The Best of Both Worlds Concert Movie.

Shaelyn was really wanting to go to the actual concert but Mom was not willing to go broke for her daughter's enjoyment. Not to mention she is only 8.. ok 8 1/2 but still not old enough. Well I can say I am #1 Mom again. Yeahhh!!

Hannah Montana 3D is way better than the concert!!!!!!!!

The Pros of Going To Movie Instead of Actual Concert:

1. Closer (2 blocks)
2. Cheaper $15 instead of a few hundred off of EBay.
3. Less weirdos to deal with.
4. Walking to the building 2 minutes compared to 20 minutes.
5. My favorite part - No paying to park. Don't get me started on this subject.....
6. Less screaming.
7. You get to wear the great 3D glasses!!!

So we all get what we want. Shaelyn to see her favorite Diva and wear her new favorite Hannah jacket and I her Mom get to see her smile! Priceless!!!

Go Hannah! Go Hannah! Go Go Go Hannah!

Here are the pics!!! What a great time!!!

My Dream That Came True

For a few months now I have been trying to talk Shaelyn into getting a haircut. But the answer is always NO. She had to be like cousin Kelsey and have the longest hair ever. Well my friends and family I thought about this dilema for quite sometime. I could not stand the brushing of the hair or doing of the hair any longer.
Then one day I heard someone telling her about Locks Of Love. This is right up her alley. She could give her hair to someone like Auntie. She started talking about it and with every passing day got excited. We went on to the web site: http://www.locksoflove.org/ and looked at all of the pictures and the video of how to donate. Well yes folks she was sold on the idea. She was nervous but excited. So I made the appointment and it was all down hill from there. Here are the pics of the experience. Enjoy!!

Shaelyns beautiful hair before the cut.

Shaelyn's beautiful hair after the cut.

A dream come true. No more screaming and hollering while brushing and blow drying the hair. No arguing over pulling the bangs back or leaving them down. No more coming home from school looking like a orphan.

On the way to church this morning she said "We didn't even fight this morning. This is a good day for both of us. I love my new hair." She loves her hair so much that everywhere we went that day she kept running to the bathroom to check to see if it was still cute.

She loves it flipped up but Mom likes it blown dry natural so it curls under. But either way, NO SNARLS!!! Yeahhhh!! Anything to stop stress is a big deal in my life. You could say this is my piece of heaven this week. Yes the hair and the beautiful daughter!!

Milestone

Yes can you believe it's been six months? Time is flying by and my babies are growing.

Just wanted to share with you my most exciting moment so far as a Mother of a baby.

TA Dah!!

Yes she is sitting up on her own! The last few months she just wants to be up and sitting. My wish was for Haylee to sit on her own and hold her own bottle. I can wait a little bit longer for the bottle thing, but the sitting up is golden to me.

I know, I know, your saying LynDee they grow to fast don't rush it. Well I like to call it sauntering up. After these two wishes she can stay the same. I just like a little help when needed.

My other favorite thing about Haylee right now is her laugh and her smile she gives her Big Sis.

Now doesn't that give you the giggles even a little bit? When ever Shaelyn walks into the room her Lil Sis just beams with excitement. Sometime Big Sis can calm her down when no one else can. They are two peas in a pod. They are Simon and Garfunkel. They are like Sonny and Cher. Like peanut butter and jelly. Oh I could go on. Anyway, they are both mine!! I am so grateful and fortunate. And that ladies and gentlemen is my happiness!!

Welcome friends and family. Here is to my new Happy Place!!!

In thinking about my first post I had several clever things to talk about. But I think the first thing I need to tell you is how I came to name my blog spot My Happy Place.

My day starts at 4:00 am (Thanks Haylee!! Momma loves you!! Dad loves you even more!!). I try for a hour or a half to get Haylee back to sleep. I would love to thank Shane for taking turns with me. The older Haylee gets the better sport he seems to be. Sweetie question? If we wear the carpet out between her room and ours can I get new carpet??

I (We) are then up and down a few more times before the alarm goes off at 7:00 am. At this point Haylee is sleeping soundly and Daddy is threatening to wake her up just for revenge. I finally drag myself out of bed at 7:30. I now have only 40 minutes to get myself, Shaelyn, and Haylee ready. I then wake Shaelyn up who does better when woken up on her own. I then go wash my hair frantically because I have woken up a half hour too late. Why I am washing my hair I am thinking to myself "What in the world am I going to wear. I wish I had something to wear.". Right at this stage of the game Shane is now out of bed and downstairs flushing the toilet and wetting his hair down. I then finish rinsing my hair with the drizzle of cold water that is now coming out of the tub hose. You can definately say I am now awake. I then go back into Shaelyn's room and nag and beg her to get out of bed. I tell her how late we are again (every day occurrence... no wonder if falls on deaf ears). She finally pulls herself out of bed begrudgingly. I get her something to wear and I have to say she is so easy to please. I dread the day she becomes picky about what she wears.

I do my makeup and blow dry my hair. I then notice Shaelyn is not even half dressed. I threaten and remind her of all the things she still needs to do. Why most of these things we don't do the night before is beyond me. She rolls her eyes and says "I am". Side note: "I am" is the most common phrase she uses. I then get dressed while hollering the last few things she needs to do. I then get Haylee up and ask her why she can't sleep in until at least 7:00. She then smiles and laughs. How can I be mad at that. After getting her dressed and in the car seat Shaelyn and I get our shoes on and our stuff together. Shaelyn and I go back and forth on what is for breakfast. Her favorite is Macey's cinammon apple bread. Poptarts are a close second.
I am grateful that I have enough common sense to get the diaper bag and bottles ready the night before. Off to the neighbors to pick up the neighbor boy A.J.. Of course he is waiting outside by the fence wondering why we are running late again. No seriously he is hoping Shane is running late because Shane will see him outside and give him a ride then he's not late. I drop Shaelyn off to school and off to the next stop, Haylee's sitter.

On my way to work I just turn up the radio and enjoy the empty car. No questions, no requests for other radio stations, no crying, and no whining about keeping the baby occupied. The next six hours at work is a whole other world.
After work I am off again.

I pick up Shaelyn at 3:25. If I am late she is freaking out that I have either for got her or that she forgot to look for someone else that was supposed to take her home. We then head for the sitters to pick up Little Sis. Now off to run errands. Shaelyn, who's her Dad's child, asks "How long are we going to be? I want to go home." I always say just a few minutes but it ends up being at least an hour and a half. We get home rush to get homework done. Is it me or is there a lot of homework for a 8 year old?
By this time Haylee is screaming for food as I am trying to fix dinner. We just discovered she can eat Kix cereal in moderation. Thank heavens for finger foods.

Shane comes home form work and we bombard him with the days happenings. He sits down and listens then retreats to his lovely adopted easy chair (bought it for me but has his name on it) and big screen TV. We then eat (most of the time) together but there are occasions we are all eating in different rooms in the house. Note to self: Goal for 2008 if I take the time to make these wonderful dinners, we will sit down together to eat it. It's only fair I get to see them enjoy the fruits of my labors, don't ya think!?

Bath time and ready for bed (which if you have children you know it's in and out of bed for numerous reasons) which is a whole lot more of prodding, OK nagging.

Now here is the best part - I clean up a little and now get to go to my Happy Place!!! Here it is 10:20pm Shane is still at work and I am all alone with my thoughts. I survived another day!!

Amazing!! Now you see why I deserve a Happy Place!

I hope you all have a wonderful Happy Place where you can just sit back and ENJOY!!