Today I am thankful for . . .

This wonderful event was free, and I loved it just as much as the Blue Man Group! Colton and his classmates singing Thanksgiving Songs.
He looked SO handsome- and then he had to wear the Diego gardening gloves.
Colton sitting on Santa's lap for the 2nd time at the Christmas party. (He cut in line the first time and then came and found me with a candy cane in his mouth and said, "You didn't get a picture Mom."

Today I am thankful for the honest, good citizen who returned my wallet with all its contents to the lost and found at the grocery store.
I am thankful that I now have a government issued ID and I don't have to be paranoid about every police officer I see while I am driving.
I am thankful for my Frequent Movie Goer card so I can get my discount when I go to see Twilight this weekend.
I am thankful that I can now purchase things.
I am thankful that I don't have to try to go through the hassle of getting new library cards, new insurance cards, a new temple recommend, and replacing my credit and debit cards.
I am thankful for my Christmas receipts so I can return things should I need to.
I did not realize the vital importance my wallet has.

Tonsils andTrees

These photos have nothing to do with my post, but I am behind on photos. Lydia and Mike. Beauty and the Beast.
Colton and Heather. Batman and Robin.
Mike's brother's came to watch the Purdue Vs. Ohio State football game. Guess who they cheered for? We didn't hear any "Boiler Up!" cheers at our house that day. But all is well. Ohio State just got Urban Myer as their new head coach. All three boys look forward to a new season.
We went to Chicago with our friends the Jensen's the day after Thanksgiving. They took the kids geocaching while we were in the temple. The kids loved going on "a treasure hunt."
We love our neighborhood. It is so fun for all the kids to be right out the front door to get together and play.

This year, we are doing some things according to tradition, and some things not according to tradition. For example- on Thanksgiving day, no one from our household partook of a single slice of pie. We didn't do our Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving due to my job, but celebrated Thanksgiving on Sunday and then invited some friends over to enjoy pie. And boy did we enjoy it! Peanut butter pie! My favorite! Pecan Pie! Since Mike ate half of it- we will say HIS favorite! Pumpkin Cheesecake- Lydia's favorite (due to the fact that pumpkin is her teacher's favorite) And what did Colton like? Well, he liked the rolls. That silly boy doesn't like whipped cream- thus eliminating many a goodness from his diet. The boy also doesn't like potatoes (unless they come fried in a happy meal) but we won't go into that because it might break his poor mother's heart.
One thing we did do according to tradition this year was put up our tree the day after thanksgiving. (No shopping for us though) Because we live in an apartment and because you don't go and buy a tree permit and hunt down a tree in the forest while living in the farmlands of Indiana, we have a 3 foot artificial tree. It is disappointing to Colton because our tree isn't green and tall like his friends, but it gets the job done. In fact, it is a lovely tree, adorned with a slap bracelet for a star and a green alien balloon to accompany it. My kids are going to be designers one day.
To go along with disappointing things for Colton, I think he is going to have a disappointing Christmas. My dear 3 year old boy would like a blue motorcycle (The kind that goes on the road- he specified this.) He would also like a trampoline. Again, due to apartment living, the trampoline is out of the question. And, well, the motorcycle, I don't think I need to explain why that one will never happen.
Lydia had her tonsils out today. Children are so resilient. Before surgery, she was in the waiting room, jumping from letter to letter on an alphabet rug and I thought, "Enjoy this activity now, because in a few hours, you are going to feel like crap." (please excuse my poor language, 'crap' is the Idaho farm girl coming out in me.) Anyway, Lydia woke up groggy and was only motivated to eat her Popsicle in recovery because she had to before they would release her. However, on the ride home she came to life. It was a great day for the girl. She got to watch movies all afternoon, eat ice cream and her brother was forbidden from pestering her! When I went to the store to get her medicine, she ran to the door, gave me a hug around the legs and skipped on back to the couch. Ok. This is not what I was expecting, but I'll take it. We will see how things go tomorrow, but it appears that the hardest part of this whole thing will be keeping her resting. She wants to go to school tomorrow. Goodness, when I had my tonsils out in high school, I felt like crap. (Yes, it appears that crap is the only word I can think of for feeling sick.) I made sure that I got my full two weeks of skipping P.E.
Well, my reprieve is over. The domestic life is calling me. Clothes are beckoning to be folded and dishes are pleading to be washed.

Blogging world

http://www.good.is/post/sister-bloggers/?mid=52

I am by no means a huge blogger, I don't follow very many blogs, but I thought this article might be interesting to many of you who read my blog. Maybe one day, My thoughts and photos will be so interesting to the world, that I too can have 50,000 hits in a week and make a living off of writing and taking photos. You know, that actually doesn't sound too bad. I love photography and writing- I'm just no good at fashion and cooking and those other things that are popular on blogs.

medical

I just got off the phone with the billing agency for Lydia's stitches and I needed to vent. The lady I talked to kept telling me I just needed to call my insurance, however, I kept asking her questions. She started to get frustrated and said, "No one asks this many questions. They just call their insurance." Well lady, here is the reason for all my questions: If you have the information right now, I want it. Then I am informed when I call my insurance. I want the codes you use for billing so I can make sure they have been billed correctly to the insurance. I want to know the break down of my bill and how much each thing cost because I find it valuable to know that the Dr. charged me $3 for an anesthetic and $266 to put in 2 stitches. Since the insurance doesn't provide me this information, I like to see how much they are actually paying. I want to know how much our trip to the urgent care actually cost so that the next time, I know, because Dr.'s certainly don't say, "I think your daughter might need stitches, but have you budgeted $250 for medical this month because that is the going rate for stitches these days." Wouldn't it be nice if the medical world actually told us how much things cost? I'm done. I'm off my soap box. I just needed to vent. I am very grateful for medical technology and how blessed we are. I am not trying to make any political health care statement, I just get frustrated sometimes.

Idaho

I was driving along the highway a few days ago when my attention was captured by a tractor disking up a field. I noticed that while the lines were mostly straight, they were not ramrod straight and I knew that he did not have a GPS in his tractor. It made me smile, because his lines looked like the lines I used to make. It made me miss the farm. I will admit though, it is pretty fun when you tell people you are from Idaho and they ask, "Do you grow potatoes?" in a sarcastic voice, I can respond," Yes!" I don't know that my prideful yes helps with the stereotype Idahoans have, but that is alright. I love that even in Indiana, I have neighbors with Idaho license plates still on their cars. There is a camaraderie with these fellow Idahoans. We had Idaho parties where we eat potato chips and see who still knows all the words to "And Here We Have Idaho." And if these Idahoans are from SouthEast Idaho and I tell them that I am a Reed, as in Reed's Dairy, I am instantly famous! (True my dad doesn't run the dairy, but I still bask in the glory of being the second cousin of the man who produces the best ice cream in the West.) Now that you know what a nerdy, prideful Idahoan I am, don't hold it against me. It is true Idaho is bitter cold and we only have two representatives in the House, but it sure is a great place to grow up.

Quick updates

I've helped with the school's book fair this year. Mike helped by being Clifford. The kids got their faces painted and made Clifford dog ears. It was cute, but Lydia was still afraid of Clifford, even though she knew it was her Dad. Though sweaty, Mike still enjoyed it.

The kids got into the glitter. Oh so fun. I am still trying to brush it off random clothes, vacume it out of the carpet or sweep it off the floor. (Note Colton's Batman mask)

Pumpkin

What is it about fall that makes you crave pumpkin? In the last few weeks I have had pumpkin fudge- to die for, pumpkin bread- oh sweet comfort, and pumpkin cheesecake- need I say more! Wow, I can't seem to get enough pumpkin in my diet this fall!
Yesterday we went to a chili cook off. So fun and festive. Colton wore a 1-piece superman costume on top of his clothes for the event. It wasn't worth the fight to get it off- so we were both happy. Today I made Colton a Batman mask to complete his batman pajama Halloween costume. He didn't think his costume was complete with a cape- it needed the mask with the trademark batman ears. I used my imagination and what I had on hand and all day today I had a little Batman hanging around my house. Is my son going to be one of those boys who really thinks he is a superhero?
Today there was a book sale at the library. I spent a lot more time there than I had anticipated. In fact, I looked at my watch, and it said it was 7:40! How could time have slipped by like that? I had gotten there around 2:30. To my relief, my watch had stopped and I had only been there an hour. As I bought my books, I was struck by just how much you can learn from a person by the books they buy. For example, in my stack of books I had children's books, a Spanish text book, a book on finance, photography, public relations, simplified music, canning, a suspense book, and several classics like "To Kill a Mocking bird." I think that says a lot about me.

Busy til Thanksgiving

Went to the park for a 'photo shoot' These are a few of my fav's. Haven't done any editing yet, but not bad for a quick trip.

The stitches. They are now out and you can hardly tell there was anything there- only a week later.
I love that these two are buddies. I laugh whenever Lydia is upset with Colton and she yells, "Buddy!" Seems kinds of an oxy moron to be calling those who are annoying you- Buddy.

I haven't had much free time lately, nor do I plan to have much in the near future. A part time job fell in my lap. Last week I got my first 'real job' (I don't think I would count making snow cones in high school as a real job- though fun) I will be planning a Community Thanksgiving Dinner for about 500 people. It is free to the community and they have been doing it for about 20 years, so all the framework is done. I am just pulling it all together. I even have my own office. I am very excited to get this experience and to be doing something with my degree. Actually, doing with my degree exactly what I wanted.
The Elementary Book Fair is also kicking off this week, which I have co-chaired. I've been finding sponsors and writing press releases for that. Mike is even going to dress up as Clifford the Big Red Dog. The kids are pumped. Maybe this can be the start of a new career for him. He could be a Turkey at the Thanksgiving Dinner. I'm sure he'd make a great Santa Clause.

Happenings

I just felt like writing and I find I write best when I am in the mood to do it. Often I have asked myself recently, 'who is my audience' for my blog?' 'What is my objective in writing?' Sometimes it is a calendar of events, sometimes it is a mosaic for the grandparents. I want it to be for me too though. An outlet.
Last night Mike and I went to the Purdue vs. Notre Dame game. It was a blowout. We got schooled, but I still love the atmosphere- the over priced food, the painted fans, the crisp fall air, the band . . . There's nothing like a football game. The thing I reflected on the most at the game was not the score however- it was the behavior of the students. As the boys behind me let out a string of vulgarities that would make their grandma blush and the sea of students in front of me proceeded to show the Notre Dame players how they felt about them with hand gestures, I wondered about how many of those students had to live a double life- one person on the weekend and another during the week. I was glad that in my own life I have been taught to be true to myself and to not try to be two different people, but to always hold myself to a high standard. Our future does not look to bright when it is reflected at a football game. There was more. . .fights, inappropriate signs, even a 1st down cheer that includes a vulgarity. Thankfully, last night we didn't have too many first downs! Can you be a Purdue fan and still say that about your school? In summary, the game WAS fun, despite the fans who show their emotion in such a negative way. We just need to get tickets out of the student section and sit next to some cute old alumni couple who get season tickets every year for the last 20.
This post is getting long- as I said, I feel like writing. On Friday, Lydia fell and hit the corner of her eye on a chair. Be it no surprise, she required stitches. 2 of them. Pictures to follow. My accident prone little girl was very brave and I've found that Lydia's annual trips to the Urgent Care and Emergency Room no longer get me uptight. A little cut? No biggie- lets just get a towel and some books and drive on over.
I asked Lydia this morning if she had eaten breakfast. She says, "Cookies are like cereal." hhhmmm. . . It seems instead of a dozen sugar cookies, I now have a half dozen.
Do you ever learn how to do something by doing it wrong? Lydia loves to walk to her class using the crosswalk lady, but it appears I do not know how to cross the street properly because each time I have attempted, the crosswalk lady has blown her whistle at me and corrected my course- I walk too soon, I walk too close to the car drop off area . . . I think next time I might try to do a front hand spring double back flip across the road and see what she says . . .
Alright, I need to eat my own breakfast now- maybe I will polish off the sugar cookies. About the photos- I just needed to post something to make this post with all this text more visually appealing. I posted two photos from my trip to California that I edited because I love to edit and I honestly don't do it as much as I would like. I included an old photo of Mike snowmobiling because he loves it. Sometimes us Mom's and Dad's need to remember the things WE love as individuals.

O-H-I-O

In response to my post with the Big 10 Trophy.

No, I am not doing a touchdown sign as some have asked me. Mike, being a big Ohio State fan, has taught me about the O-H-I-O letters that people build with their bodies. I've included a couple of examples. There are thousands more on the OSU website. In the photo of us, the kids are the O's, I am the H and the Big 10 trophy is the I. Go Bucks!

Road Rage

Yesterday I didn't see a guy in my blind spot and almost hit him. Not only did he honk, but I also got the bird and I'm sure there was a string of vulgarities that I thankfully could not hear. A few weeks ago, a bald headed Harley man also made it a point to yell at me and give me the bird. I'm still not sure what I did to him to get such treatment. Perhaps I need my license revoked for poor driving, but in the meantime, I wonder, is it really necessary to show your emotion in such a negative way? Can't you just honk or yell, "Hey, Watch Out!" I'm alright with that since we do make mistakes when we drive, but I'm afraid my heart is too tender to keep taking these obscene gestures. Gratefully, I live among the cornfields of Indiana instead of the skyscrapers of some large city where people drive with a cell phone in one hand and the bird on the other.

Mike at work. My big chemistry nerd! (I still don't think he looks the type to be a chemistry geek.)
Lydia and Dedee in front of the BoilerMaker Express. Colton wouldn't pose for the photo because he was pouting that his ride was over.
Colton shooting his first gun with Papa. Is it redneck to let your 3 year old shoot a .22? Even if it is, he had a GREAT time!
If I had seen this photo 10 years ago, I would have wondered what in the world I was doing, but being married to the chemistry nerd/football fanatic that I am, this photo has significance. I am interested to know- Do you know what I am doing? If you do, leave a comment just saying you understand the picture, but don't say what it is and I will post again in a few days with an explanation for all those, who like me 10 years ago, might wonder why I pose so oddly for a photo.
On Saturday, there was an outdoor family fun day near Indianapolis, so Dedee and I loaded up the kids- Mike had to work- and set off for an adventure. The kids both shot pellet guns at balloons attached to turkey decoys. (Lydia loved popping a PINK balloon!) They tried casting a fishing pole, we went on a canoe ride and tried our hand at golf. I had wanted to rock climb, but the line was as long as a Chinese dragon, so we opted out of that. It would have been the Chinese new year before we even got to climb! Colton loved that he finally got to ride on a bus that transported us to the event. It was a fun, long day. I love fall and being outside!

Soccer!

"Why can't I play?"

Soccer season has begun! I am now a "soccer mom" and I love it! Lydia really likes soccer and she tries very hard. I hope it is something she can continue to enjoy. Mike is a coach and they both love that!

Back to School

My Mighty Kindergarten started school today and did great! She said her favorite part was going to Gym.
This handsome fellow went to his first day of preschool. His favorite part were the cookies at snack time! Could have guessed that one. He had a hard time at first, but they took him to see Lydia and one hug from her was all it took to dry the tears.
So now what do I do twice a week while I am childless? I PARTY! No, actually I plan to exercise, run errands and squeeze in some hobbies like some photography, sewing, and maybe brush up some of those skills from college that I have yet to use!

Gone a long time

From the last week of June, to the first week of August, I was home for a total of 9 days, so things have gotten away from me. A lot of my photo's aren't loading, but I have to start somewhere. For the first segment of traveling, we all went to Idaho to see the fam. It was great. The photo's are in no specific order. We went to the cabin and even with all the playing we did, the boys still managed to find some time to work. I didn't know Mike was such a good logger. I guess he can always fall back on that if the PHD doesn't work out.
Watermelon, hot dogs, smores. . . a delicious campfire meal with all the cousins.
We flew in on Grandma's birthday and celebrated with a delicious cake at Bruce and Lisa's in Bountiful. Mom really liked being sung to by her grandkids. (Note- right before this photo was taken, Mike and I were in the Urgent Care because while loading into the suburban at the airport, Mike cut his knee on an exposed piece of metal and had to have it glued back together. An adventurous start!)
We also found time to sneak up to Rexburg and see Mike's sister, Maria. We enjoyed seeing the changes at BYU-I and eating delicious cupcakes, and delicious sandwiches, and delicious fried cheesecake . . . Wow, there are a lot more eating options now!
What trip to Idaho is complete without a tractor ride with a potato farmer?
My hunny and I getting ready to ride the boat at Palisades. Couldn't ask for more! (Well, I guess I would make the water warmer if I could.)
Maybe Colton can be a lumberjack too.
The kids saw Temple Square for the first time.
The flight to Salt Lake. They had a great time.
My buddy.
In addition to the fun posted with photo's, we also road fourwheelers and dirtbikes, we saw Car's 2 with EVERYONE there. We took in the parade and the fireworks. Had a fourth of July Bar-B-Q with all of MY cousins. We played board games, broke a pinata and some of the things in it. We went to a splash park and ate caramel apples and cotton candy. It was awesome.

Purdue Water Fountains

We had fun today.

Birthdays and summer

I forewarn the reader: These photos are horribly out of order, but that is kind of like life with two little kids- all helter sckelter. Lydia turned 5 last week. One of her gifts was a butterfly kite.
This windy day provided lots of entertainment for all of us. Colton chasing, Lydia flying, and myself snapping photos and trying not to get hit by the kamikaze butterfly.
My neighbor and I traded bikes. They got the little pink one and we got the little red one. It's amazing how much more interest Colton has taken in bikes since he now has a red one, "like Tylers" (The neighbor boy he follows like a shadow.)
A play date with Ivan. Goofy Gophers!
We have had several really awesome storms. I finally got my camera out and took some raindrop photos.

As mentioned, Lydia turned 5 and for the first time had a friend birthday party. It was nothing grand, but when you are 5, even having Tinker Bell Cups and Plates can seem grand.
Lydia's new bike from goodwill- thus freeing up the small pink bike so we could trade with the neighbor. (This is what the kids were doing the other day when I was on the phone with you Dad.)
I could just eat these two kids up! Seriously! They look even better than the birthday cake. So cute!
And here we are at the birthday cake. Lydia wanted a pink soccer ball cake, but it did not come easily. The night before her party, I baked and frosted the base pink layer to save myself stress on the day of her party. Having stayed up late to do Lydia's cake, the kids got up before me and made their way downstairs. They say it's always trouble when the kids are quiet. Well, it might be trouble, but that doesn't help the tired mom who is still snoozing because it is so quiet. Eventually I realized I should get myself up. I caught the kids red handed- or should I say pink handed. Colton and Lydia had snitched most of the frosting off the top of the cake and had just started nibbling the cake. Big Trouble! By cutting off part of the top layer and then putting the ok part on the bottom and putting the bottom layer on top and then refrosting everything, we were able to make it work. Sneaky little girl almost didn't a cake!
I know she isn't paying attention to her swim instructor, but I'm so glad she looked my way so I could get her little smile.
Colton and his awesome blue goggles he insisted on wearing. He was always easy to point out to the other mothers when they asked, "Which one is yours?"
Lydia and best friend Elsie at her party.