.: March 2009

Sunday, March 29, 2009

WARNING!!...Woman in need of a MAJOR attitude change!!

Wow! I am seriously having some bad attitude issues this past week! I am completely and utterly ornery and mean 24/7!! Growing up, my Dad would always say, "Julie, do you have a chip on your shoulder?" Of course, I would always answer, "NO!" Well this time, I am guilty of having a MAJOR CHIP ON MY SHOULDER!!

My emotions have been off the charts CRAZY this past week! Crying cause I miss my friends in my neighborhood, angry with EVERYONE about not being in my home yet, and beyond sad because I did not have my puppy Hank with me. Well, we have Hank back now....THANK YOU JENNINE!!! YOU ARE A LIFESAVER!! I LOVE YOU!!!But I am miserable!!! And I figured out why!

Not because of my situation...(living with my in-laws, living out of boxes, commuting 3 and 4 times a day to haul kids back and forth to school, sharing a kitchen, and so much more) But because I AM CHOOSING TO BE MISERABLE!!!!! Honestly, it is exhausting! I need to just UP MY ATTITUDE and be grateful for all that I do have! ..A home to stay in while we are waiting on our house, a very welcoming Grandma and Grandpa who are sharing their home with us, a great opportunity for a new chapter in our life, and last but not least, a healthy, happy family!

The last few days, I have had some major humbling conversations with family and friends who are struggling with loved ones with serious health issues, loss of loved ones, loss of work, and much more! Wow! I feel horrible that I have wasted a whole week of my life being completely miserable and ornery with EVERYONE! It's time for me to make a serious attitude adjustment and lose the "Chip on my shoulder":)

I found these few quotes that were just what I needed for an extra boost! A few are by Dr. Seuss...One of my heroes! He always makes me smile! :)
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"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln

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"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.”
-...Dr. Seuss
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“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
-...Dr. Seuss
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"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. "
-Dr. Seuss
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"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." -Helen Keller

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So starting right now, I am going to lose the "chip on my shoulder" and be HAPPY!!! Thanks to all of you who are such examples of Strength!!! You are truly amazing! I am who I am today because of you! So make this week a GREAT ONE!!!!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Living Planet Aquarium

A few days ago, Bubba and I went to the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. We had never been before and he LOVED it! I'm sure it was much more fun because he was with his best buddies, but he had a blast! And it was a good break for me! I got to be with some of my best buddies too...the moms!!! :)

Here are some of the pics!!!

Kenyon and Rori Ana .....ahhhh, puppy love!

Ok...maybe a little more than puppy love! Look at poor Rori's face!

Bubba and Chanel petting the Sting Ray

Ok, seriously.....could she be ANY cuter??

Cute, Cute Gina!

A surprise visit from Grandpa Rich! He thought he'd come check out the Aquarium too!

Alex was sooo excited!

Kenyon!!! You look petrified!

I love this picture of the Jelly fish! You can see Chanel's reflection!

Draper Temple Dedication

This past Sunday, we had the opportunity of attending the Draper Temple Dedication... Brady, McKaylee and I were able to experience something I know we will remember forever.

My Dad spoke at this Sunday session of the Dedication, so we were able to be together with our entire family and a few others in the Celestial Room of the Draper Temple.

We had the opportunity of being in the same room as the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. Wow! I can't even explain the overwhelming spirit we felt that day in the Celestial room.

My dad did a wonderful job speaking and was followed by President Eyring. They also had a small choir of 30 people singing. I can't even begin to tell you how AMAZING it was to listen to them! I felt like I was in the Tabernacle! And the closing song was, "The Spirit of God". Everyone joined in singing with the Choir and it was PHENOMENAL! I could barely sing! I was so overwhelmed! I kept telling McKaylee, "This is such a neat thing! Do you realize how lucky we are? You will always remember this! You will probably never be this close to the prophet again!"

So since McKaylee went with us, I am having her just share her feelings about this experience.....

(McKaylee)

I felt that the spirit was in the room. It was SO SO SO AMAZING to be in the celestial room with the prophet. Grandpa talked to the youth about how to prepare themselves to go to the temple when they are older. The choir was SO beautiful. I will always remember this AMAZING moment!!!!!!!!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

So long...to our Herriman family..and especially the S.S. Hood! :)

So we are finally out! It was a super quick and crazy 2 weeks of packing mayhem, but we did it! And I still can't stop crying! Every time I finally compose myself, I think of something or someone says something to me reminding me of my friends and neighbors and I start up the bawling ALL OVER AGAIN!

We have loved everything about where we have been the last 4 years! So much has happened and so many life long friends have been made. I wish I could take them all with me! ...It would make things so much easier for me! :) Honestly...my heart hurts! It is the only way to explain how I am feeling. I love all of my friends so much!!! One thing that I know for sure is that I would not be where I am today in my recovery if it weren't for so many of you that I love so much! Thank you to everyone who has become such an important part of my life!

I had my first ever Visiting Teaching experience! And I lucked out cause I got the greatest partner and "visitee" EVER! Emily, thanks for not scaring me away from V.T!! I love you and you are such a good friend!

Now anyone who has lived in a circle before knows how incredibly close everyone becomes! Well, I believe our situation was a little bit different. I gained about 40 new family members when we moved into the "S.S Hood"! They really have become my family! We all love each other, each other's kids, and of course, each others dogs! :)

Over the last few weeks while we have been frantically packing and getting ready to move, I have come up with some things I love and will ALWAYS remember about the "S.S Hood"....So bare with me while I jot down a few...OK, a lot....of memories I have of our time "in the hood!"

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1. Gina dancing and belting out the star spangled banner on our first annual Cul-de-sac of fire!

2. Rory and Josh riding their 4 year olds bikes over the ramp seeing who can jump the highest....I think this resulted in a broken finger for Josh! :)

3. Saying farewell to Jennine in October and knowing we won't be seeing her again until Spring!

4. Kelly C. saying, " Are you being have?" instead of , "Are you behaving?" and the whole circle giving him grief about it forever!

5. Mark getting snipped at by Evan's Rottweiler, Scout..Ok, Mark. It was more than a snip! He bit through your pants.

6. About a year later, Mark running as fast as he could back down the path when he saw his evil nemesis, Scout off his chain roaming the circle.

7. Summer days.......just doing nothing and sitting out and chatting with all the ladies while the kids played.........ALL DAY LONG!!!

8. The Cul-de-sac of Fire!...which was always awesome thanks to Rory scoring some illegals! :)

9. Cute little Chanel knocking on our door asking if I could play...not the kids...me! :)

10. Cute little Chanel...aka..professional escape artist! Always sneaking out when Jennine had NO idea! She always has the happiest, yet sly look on her face! :)

11. Movie nights in the summer...on the side of Josh and Gina's house.

12. Hank and his MAD hate for Rolls. (the cutest Bulldog ever! )

13. Popsicle madness in the summer! Actually, it starts in about February around here! Popsicles are a staple in the S.S hood!

14. Tyson and Tanner are my favorite to give Popsicles to because the do the "happy dance" while they are waiting for you to open it for them...

15. One day coming home from the store and freaking out because I saw massive smoke right over our circle...and thought for sure it was something bad! Nope! Just Rory taking a blow torch to a beehive on the side of his house! :)

16. Gina talking about how she needs to add some HIPS and swagger into her walk...like Jennine! Yow!

17. ALL THE DOGS!! Both past and present..:) Lola, Sophie and Rolls and Lilly...We love you and miss you!

18. The kids out playing soccer with Amy!

19. My personal green thumb, Amy!! Who got me to actually plant flowers for the first time EVER!!! Thanks Amy!

20. Me and Amy cleaning out our NASTY garbage cans that stunk so bad like poo and dead grass and using Suavatel Fabric softener!! By the time we were done, the whole circle smelled Suavitel fresh!

21. Jennine and Rory's SWEET haunted house! If you went through it early, you got a special surprise.....a big ol' Jazmine turd!

22. Sitting out with all the gals and screaming, "SLOW DOWN" at any car going too fast in the circle!

23. Doing last minute, throw everything together B-Bq's! ex..."I have buns, I have hot dogs, I have chips! "

24. The occasional lost toddler who has wandered off down the street!

25. Seeing a "different side" to Rory...Ok, just his BACK SIDE!

26. Gina calling me FRANTIC last year after dropping a class and just about splitting her foot open! Poor Gina! :(

27. Camping out with the Randall's in their back yard after giving our hubby's tents for fathers day! .....still haven't taken the tent out since!

28. Sitting out having a Popsicle with Marci after a long day!

29. The "not so great" Idea of mine to get a baby chick for Brinley for a school report....Needless to say, we ended up with 8, and all mine died the 2nd night! ...I believe Isabelle's "fluffy" Is the only survivor! :)

30. Mark pulling up with his windows rolled down blaring his FM 100...Never heard much of a THUMP with that one!

32. Milli standing naked in her window during nap time and playing her guitar!

33. Rory and all of his CRAZY stunts!

I love you all so much! You will never know how much all of you mean to me and my family! You truly have ALL become my FAMILY! And I know we will always stay close....cause that's what families do! So now, we are starting a new chapter in our lives! Sad, Scary but also exciting! Thanks for becoming more to us than "just friends"....We are FAMILY!!!

Touching Shoulders

There’s a comforting thought at the close of the day,

That’s weary and lonely and sad.

That sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart

And bids it be merry and glad.

It gets in my soul and drives out the blues.

And finally thrills through and through.

It is just a sweet memory that chants the refrain:

“I’m glad I touch shoulders with you!”

* **Did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong?

Did you know there was one leaning hard?

Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed,

And was cheered by your simplest word?

Did you know that I longed for that smile on your face,

For the sound of your voice ringing true?

Did you know I grew stronger and better because

I had merely touched shoulders with you?

***I am glad that I live, that I battle and strive

For the place that I know I must fill;

I’m thankful for sorrows, I’ll meet with a grin,

What fortune may send, good or ill.

I may not have wealth, I may not be great,

But I know I shall always be true,

For I have in my life that courage you gave,

When once I touched shoulders with you.

My babies....Rori ana and Kenyon!

Louie and McKaylee....sooooo cute!

Bennett and Bubba ....Halloween 2008

Hank and his best buddy, Tweeder!

McKaylee the little "babysitter"...the kids all love her!

Jaz!!

Cute freakin' kids!!! Tanner, James, Bubba, Tyson, Chanel and Kinzie

Rory once again being crazy!

The newest addition to the circle!!!...Welcome Laney!

Jack, Jameson and Bubba

McKaylee and Hannah

Brinley and friends...Halloween 2008

Milli, Bubba and Rolls

McKaylee and Heather

Cute Rori Ana at Bouncin' off the walls!

Packing and moving day #1!

Solo behind bars..:)

Kelly! Nice face!

Alaina, Amy and me last week...Ahh! We were loving the nice weather!

Maddie and Isabelle teaching Brinley how to Rollerblade!

First sunny day of the year! YAY!

Lola's first day with her family....Hank didn't seem too interested here! :)

Josh and Kenyon! Josh, you're hot!

Me and Gina...Halloween 2008

Maddie, McKaylee, Abby, Bubba and Brinley at the 2008 Trunk or Treat

Alex and Jack getting pulled on the sled by Mark!

McKaylee, Isabelle and Rolls!!! Oh, Rolls..you are too cute!

Bubba's birthday party

Bubba and Jameson at their BMX race! Oh, Bubba wants to be JUST like James!

Bubba and Cracker Jack!

Chuck E Cheese for Bubba's birthday!..Josh and Gina with Kenyon

Jeffrey, Chanel, Milli and Brinley

Our House in S.S. Hood!

Dogpile on Rory!

Uh, Rory....?? Kinda scary!

My babies, Kenyon and Rori Ana! I love them so much!

Bubba, Tyson, Jameson and Tanner

Yes, we were actually picking her nose!

Best pals, Emma and Brinley

Gina givin' Josh some Sugar!

Alaina, Becca, and Julie

Rory and Jennine

We love you all! Thanks for making the last 4 years of our lives,the BEST!

Kids say the darndest things.....

9.1.10 Today Alex is home with the Stomach flu. It is so sad. I hate when my kids are sick. He has been in the bathroom every 15 minutes and just runs around the house holding his stomach crying! He said to me this am, "I'm never gonna get better! Can we PLEASE go to the dr?" When I explained that the dr can't do much for the flu he said, "Can you call and see if they like have a different kind of stomach I can use or something just til mine isn't sick anymore?"

4.29.10 So I was out late..late... tonight after a fun Jewelry party. I got to stay and chat with some good friends. About 1:00am, Alex climbed into bed with Brady and said, "I just didn't want you to be lonely since mom's not home yet!"

3.22.10 Brinley came up to me yesterday and said, "Mom, what does 'maturation' mean?" (McKaylee has her Maturation program tomorrow) So I said, "Its where you learn about how your body matures, and what changes your body will be having in the next few years."

She looked at me, giggled and said, "Oh yah, So they are pretty much just gonna talk about getting boobs?"

3.23.10 Yesterday, Alex came rushing in the kitchen and said, "Mom!! Can we go to the store today? There is something that we need on the Breakfast Isle!" So I said, "Ok, what is it?" He said, "Hang on!" and ran back into my bedroom to rewind the commercial he was just watching. Then came back out and said, "Frosted Flakes! Cause they make you play soccer better so I need them!"

2.26.10 Our kids are constantly DISGUSTED by any affection Brady and I show toward each other. They are constantly saying, "Get a Room!!" Not sure where they learned that. A few weeks ago, Brady and I were having a discussion at the dinner table and we decided we couldn't go into the whole discussion in front of the kids, so Brady said, "We'll talk about it later in our bedroom". And Brinley starts giggling and says, "Oh, I know why you are gonna "talk" in your bedroom.." ( she actually did the air quotes too! Then she said, "That's code for lets kiss"....sheesh. Where does she come up with these things?

2.26.10 Bubba had an eye infection a few weeks back and I told him that we needed to go to the doctor and that all he would do is shine a light in his eyes to check them. He looked at me and started bawling and said, "I don't want him to put a light in my eyes cause that will make me have different hair".. ...HUH? I had no clue what was going on in that little head of his so I asked what he was talking about and he said. "If you shine a light in someone's eyes it makes them blonde"..(not sure that he even knows that he is blonde, but to him this meant he would have different hair...HILARIOUS! ) He has always heard us say, "Don't shine the flashlight in someone's eyes cause it can make them go BLIND". So funny!

2.08.10 Today me and the kids were watching Michael Jackson's "This Is It" and I was explaining to the kids how several parts of the movie were filmed just a few days before he died. During one of the songs, "Jam", Alex turned to me and said, "So did he do this one while he was up in heaven? And are those dancers up in heaven with him?"

Funny. Then a few minutes later he said, "So is he in our heaven?" and I said, "I don't know. Probably." Then he said, "Oh that's awesome. He's probably up there taking care of Jada's dog, Lexi. (who died a few months ago! )

2.08.10 This morning, Alex and I were talking while we were having breakfast and out of the blue he said.."I know why Jesus died for us" So I said, "You do? Why?" Then he said, " So we could live" I said, "You are right! Wasn't that amazing that he would do that for us?" Then he said, "Yah. And I know he died on the cross, but what does that mean?" So I explained to him that the wicked people put nails through his hands and feet and then just left him there to suffer ........He sat there for about 30 seconds without saying anything and just looking at the ground and said, "He must really love us cause I bet that hurt him so bad. I can't believe he did that!" .....WOW! What a great moment as a parent to have your child truly understand what Christ went through for us.

11.14.09 The other morning we were kneeling to have family prayer before I rushed off to my hair appointment and Brady left to work. Sadie, my neice was coming over to babysit and the last few times she has come, Bubba has been sooooooo naughty and said horribly naughty things to her so during the prayer I said, "Please bless Alex, McKaylee, Brinley and ALEX to be good" (making sure he heard me) well he did..and he whispered, "Mom, you already said Alex". :) ....Then when Sadie was over he of course had a few naughty moments and said the dreaded words, "I hate you" well, when he found out he didn't get the little prize I brought home for him he said, "Mom, I didn't say 'I hate you' I promise! I said 'I ate you' cause I was hungry! " .....Man that kids thinks he is just too smart!

8.26.09 A few days ago during family prayer Alex said this,

"And please bless everyone to feel good and not be sick, except for bad guys".....So there you have it. If any of you Robbers or murderers out there have been feeling under the weather, well, now you know why!

7.17.09 So tonight we were sitting around talking with the kids and I explained to them that not all mom's "breastfeed". McKaylee said, "Really? I didn't know that! " and Brinley said, "That's not weird, I'm for sure not going to!" So I asked her why and she said, "Because it's so GROSS!" Then she stood up and pointed to her boobs and said, "These precious things don't ever wanna be touched!".........................WHAT??? Seriously! Not sure where she comes up with these things!

7.14.09 The other day when we were going thru our new house I was showing my sister around and had showed her the "office" in the front of the house. When we were leaving, Alex came up to me and Kristin and said, "Hey! Dad doesn't have to go to work anymore cause he has an "office" in this house!"

6.15.09 The other morning I was in talking to Brady about a conversation I had with a friend..I used the term, "She threw me under the bus" ...and about 2 seconds later, Alex came running in and said, "WHAT? She threw you on top of a bus? THAT'S MEAN!"

5.30.09 Last night I was down on my hands and knees in my P.J's scrubbing the floor...(I know..quite a site! ) And Bubba came around the corner and said, "Whoa! Your bum is humungous! I thought baby Olivia was just in your tummy!" ....ahhhhh...Gotta love how honest your kids are!

5.19.09 Last night I was laying by Alex and out of the blue he said, "I don't wanna get married like you and Dad"...So I asked him why and he said, "Cause I don't ever want to kiss" Then I laughed and said, "Bubba, someday you will find a girl that you love and you won't mind kissing her when you are married." Then without even hesitating he said, "No....kissing is disgusting. I don't want to ever do it! It's gross!" So I just said, "Well, we'll see...maybe someday when you are all grown up you will like girls more!". Then after about 2 minutes of silence he said, "Ok...I'll marry Ashleigh. I would like to kiss her, I think!".....(Ashleigh is Brady's best friend Troy's 14 year old daughter!) So I said, "Oh yah, Ashleigh is nice and she's pretty". Then he said, "No mom, she's HOT!"

4.16.09 Alex had tball practice the other day and there is a darling little boy on his team who has Down Syndrome. Alex asked me why he was a little bit different and I said, "Well, he has special needs. He was born with something called Down Syndrome, but he is very sweet and you could be a good friend to him!" He sat there for a second and said, "Ah man, so can he run faster than everyone cause he has 'special knees?' "

4.04.09 Today my Dad was released as the General Young Men's President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We watched as Elder Uchdorf read his release. Brinley said, "Ooh, does that mean he won't go on as many trips?" And McKaylee said, "Does that mean he has to take the picture of him and all of the other YM President's down?" Then Alex turned to me with an extremely sad face and said, "So is Grandpa gonna still be funny?"

3.31.09 This morning while Alex and I were having breakfast he said, "Can I please name our baby?" So I said, "Why? What would you name her?" He said, "Rori Ana"...(My friend named her ADORABLE little girl Rori Ana...she is beautiful!)

So I said, "If we named her that, we would get her mixed up with Jennine's Rori Ana. " Then he said, "Well, I just really don't want a baby with no hair"..(we have bald, bald babies)

Then he said, "I think if we name her Rori Ana, she will have lots of black hair and be really pretty!"

3.23.09 So we decided that Hank needed to go stay with his friend Tweeder and Tweeders mom, Jennine for a bit, while we are at Brady's parents. It is much less stress on Grandpa! We are all pretty sad, but Alex has been soooooo sad! Tonight he said..in all seriousness. "If Hank is gonna sleep over at Jameson's, I am gonna just go to! And you won't have to worry about me cause Hank will be there too! You can just drop me off in the morning!" So sad! Thanks Jennine! You are a lifesaver!

3.14.09 Last week when we first started packing, Alex had been so so so excited to pack his stuff! He turned to me and said, "So are Tyson and Tanner and Jameson all packing their stuff too?" ....So sad. He really thought our whole circle would just pick up and leave with us! :( I would be dealing with things much better, if that were true!

3.09.09 I'm sitting out here on the couch after a LONG day of packing...along with everything else, and I can hear Brinley in her room singing herself to sleep with this sweet little lullaby..haha......"Don'tcha wish your girlfriend was hot like me. Don'tcha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me..Don'tcha! Don'tcha!"...........Ahhhh, only Brinley...:)

2.26.09 Last night Alex was laying in my bed to go to sleep since Brady was gone. He turned to me and said, "When I get married to Jada (his cousin) we will probably kiss." And I said, "You will?" Then he said, "Yes! Cause after you get married, the guy says, 'You may now kiss the BRIGHT!'"

2.26.09 Yesterday Alex and I were at Target. He was sitting in the cart and a lady came behind us and couldn't get through the isle so she said, "Excuse me.." and walked through. Alex said (very loudly)..."That's DISGUSTING!" When I asked him what he was talking about he said, "That lady just walked by us and tooted!" I said, "She did?" and he said, "Yah! She said, 'excuse me' so that means she tooted...GROSS!"

2.07.09 Tonight Brinley got a letter in the mail from the Primary that said they were having a "Baptism" fireside tomorrow night for all of those who would be baptized this year. She is so excited about it, but keeps forgetting the word "Fireside"....Tonight she was saying her prayers and she said, "And bless me to have a good time at my 'campfire' tomorrow."

2.02.09 Me and the kids were in the car today, out running errands. I had none other than AEROSMITH playing ....of course! (Most of you know I am an Aerosmith fanatic!) The song, "Dude looks like a Lady" was on and Bubba said, "Yes!! I LOVE THIS SONG!" So I said, "Can you tell me who is singing?" Then he overly confident said, " Yep! It's Joseph Smith!!" Oooops! Pretty funny though, Aerosmith/Joseph Smith do sound a lot alike! I made sure to correct him though!

1.22.09 At the moment, Brinley is in her room absolutely sobbing...here's why. Brin has a hard time with constipation sometimes, so I told her she couldn't have any cheese for a few days because she LOVES cheese!! She ran in her room crying and said, "Why are you doing this to me? You are ruining my life! I cannot survive without cheese!" She just came out to me to apologize and said, "I'm sorry I freaked out.....but CHEESE, mom! This will be the hardest thing I ever have to do!" Ahhh....can't wait for her to read this when she is older!