President Obama's Speech

I have heard the chaos about President Obama giving a speech to the nation's school age children. I held off forming my final opinion until I read the speech for myself.

Here is the speech

I am impressed. Not only am I impressed that our president would take the time out of his day running the country to speak to our children, I am impressed by his speech. I feel motivated and encouraged by it, and I'm not even in school.

I am disappointed in parents that would not want their children to participate in such a moment. Why would any parent NOT want that encouragement for their children encouraged to stay in school and do their best? It is an honor for the president to give such a speech. Instead of creating hate, and teaching children not to listen when the president speaks, parents should be teaching their children what an honor it is and encourage them to take on the responsibilities of doing their best and knowing they are our future.

I'll finish with this. My hope is that our children will stay in school, will work hard, will set goals, and will accomplish much. And when they have children of their own, they will be open-minded, respectful, and encouraging when the president of their day wants to give an equally encouraging speech.

Happy Memories

I uploaded a ton of photos and videos today, and was clearing out folders of ones I had already uploaded. Among other videos that I sent to people that were in them (or their kids were in them lol), I found this one of Selo and his girls. This was the trip we took on my birthday in Oct 08. You can tell the girls were waiting and excited. Their excitement must have been contagious, because even their little sister came running out to hug him!

Speaking of pictures, if you are interested in seeing all the pics from our cruise, they are up on my facebook page. And yes, it took me forever to upload 200 pictures! Click here to be taken to the album. (Viewable by Friends only.)

So far, so good

Christmas has been wonderful for us, how about for you? We spent every night last week with one side of family or another, and there was so much food we couldn't even try everything. We received some awesome gifts. lol And I loved watching our family open the pictures.

I got Selo some small things he asked for. I also made him a blanket, because he has been cold so much lately. He didn't think he was getting one, because when he asked me for one while I was making all the others I told him I didn't have time. But you should have seen the look of glee on his face when he opened his. He got me a very nice gift card to Victoria's Secret, so that I could get some new girlie things. *wink wink* He also got me some really good chocolate from Godiva. Oh, it is heavenly. We are still on the search for Wii Fit, though. We even did a little shopping for Nobi and picked out some things for her from the cat and dog supplies. On a shopping trip yesterday, we found a store that had pillowtops on sale for $49 for any size. So we ordered a new one for our bed (we have a king size bed and a queen size pillow top.) to go with our new sheets. And Christmas Day itself was even better than we planned for- Selo's work was locked, so instead of working he was home on Christmas Day. So he is getting paid double time for five hours, and we still got to spend it with each other.

Today, I took our Christmas down. In two hours or less, I had all the ornaments packed up in their case, the tree put away in it's box, and the decorations, cards, and books packed up. It's all sitting next to the couch ready for Selo to put outside. I feel so good to be able to put it all up and take it all down so easily, and still have a complete Christmas from it.

I'm loving music by Michael Buble. I've been listening to him today, and enjoying it thouroughly. People say he was born in the wrong time. But really, can you think of anyone that could bring it back like this? There's just nothing NOT right about his vocals. Pretty good looking kid, too, if ya ask me.

I've gotten a lot of work done on the AAP website. Everyone was amazed at how quickly I was able to get it completely up to date, and that made me feel good. I've been told that a bunch of new fur babies have been adopted in the last few weeks, so I'm sure I'll have more updating to do once the numbers start coming in. Christmas is a good time for new pets.

There has also been some absolutely wonderful feedback on the CMS blog. I can't even begin to describe how that made me feel. Everyone wants to be taken seriously, and wants to know their writing is being read and making a difference. But to be sought out of a crowd and asked to be the writer for a huge website that is known all over the world? Wow.

I'm still working on the other two websites. One is almost finished and will be launched at the beginning of the year. The other is still in Beta for the host and may be a bit longer. But it's progressing, and there are big plans for it.

I took a pregnancy test this morning. Selo and I hadn't planned on TTC until end of next year, and I am still on BC. But with the way he told me he was disappointed this morning when the test was negative, I'm thinking we might be doing the baby dance a lot sooner than end of next year. I've got something really big planned for his birthday, so my focus is going to be on that for the next month. I'm sure we'll be talking more seriously about having a baby after his birthday.

It's a good feeling knowing that this is coming. It's nice knowing that I won't be pushing my husband into having a baby when he isn't ready or doesn't want one. It's comforting to know that he actually wants a child, and not just that we're going to have one because of me or because we got pregnant or because we should. We'll be having a baby because we are emotionally and financially ready, we are mature enough, we are at a good place in our lives, and our marriage is secure enough that we will not only make it through the added stress and joy of a child, but we will grow closer together. We are as prepared as two people can be to have a child, and we will be the best parents we can be when our child is born. Yes, it is a wonderful feeling knowing all of this.

I have almost all of my 2009 Goals defined. Every year, I set ten goals for that year. Not things like "start a diet" or "go to the gym every day". It's things that are actually attainable, have set details, and a specific accomplishment. I'm really looking forward to some of my goals for this coming year. When I think of all that we have went through and all that we accomplished this last year, I am truly amazed. They say what doesn't kill you makes you strong, and Selo and I are definitely proof of that!

Well, I'm off to do more online house hunting. We're going to be setting up some appointments to see some houses within the next little while. Have a great day everyone!

My Best Birthday Ever

And I have a few to compare it to. More bad than good. But this one was fantastic!

I picked Selo up from the airport around 11:30. It was so nice to hug him and feel his skin and smell his scent and know he was sitting next to me and . . . well, you get the point. I was so glad to have him back.

We took off from the airport and started the drive to Montana. Selo slept as soon as the car started rolling, and I downed one of those 5 hour enegery shots. I drove for about four hours, then pulled over to get some sleep. Selo woke up, and decided he would take over. Well, as soon as I climbed into the passenger seat, I started getting sick. I stayed sick the entire rest of the drive up there. And it became a very long drive when we hit the weather. Snow and ice and wind. Selo was so nice every time I raised my head enough to ask him to pull over- again. I would jump out, take care of business (ew), jump back in the car, and try to fall asleep before I got sick again. After about an hour and a half I didn't have much left for my body to get rid of, and I fell asleep. Selo drove the rest of the way to get us there.

We got to Misti's around nine or so. I video-ed Selo knocking on the door and the girls opening it. They were all so excited. We went in, visited for about an hour, and then took off to iHop for breakfast. It was nice to sit and relax for a few minutes. After everyone was full and content, we took off for the Children's Museum. We spent hours there, doing everything we could. And we took so many pictures and videos. Everyone was going here and going there and laughing and smiling and playing and being noisy and just plain having a blast.

After the Children's Museum, we split up. Selo took Katie and went to Kreate A Kritter, for her birthday present. Misti and I took the rest of the kids to the Carousel (where she rode and I watched), and then to the Dragon Hollow Playarea (bottom of the page). Once the kids were done playing we piled them back into the car to go home. On the way home, we stopped by Will's so Misti could give him a key, went to the dollar store so they could pick out a toy, and Albertson's to get food for dinner and the birthday cake.

We got home, and settled down for a few. I crawled into our blankets that we had dumped into the middle of Misti's front room and conked out. By the time I woke up, Will was sitting in the chair, Lizz was standing in the kitchen, and Selo and Katie had gotten back and Katie was showing off her new bears. Lizz soon left, Katie put up her bears, and Misti sent the kids outside to play until dinner was done. I crawled up onto the couch and snuggled with my husband. It turned out to be a really good time, and the four of us were very comfortable with each other. I was surprised how comfortable we all were. It makes me wonder why things were so bad before.

The next morning, we all layed around in the front room, and did nothing. It was great. Lizz called and said she would be picking the girls up around ten. Selo and Katie started whispering to each other, and then said they were going outside for a minute. They had these big cheesy grins on their faces, so we all knew something was up. When they came back in, Katie handed me a box. They had gotten ME a Kreate A Kritter for my birthday! It was this super cute yellow duck with orange feet. In the box was the outside, the stuffing, the certificate, the instructions, and the wishing star. I sat there with all the kids and stuffed it. I passed it around and had everyone make sure it was just right. Then Katie walked me through the Wishing Star Ceremony. It was so sweet, she is seriously such a great kid. I absolutely loved it. I think I was grinning as big as all the kids.

We said goodbye to the girls, and they left. Then we packed up our stuff, loaded the car, said goodbye to Misti and Chey and Nick, and hit the road. The drive home wasn't nearly as bad as the drive up there. Selo started, got us through most of the bad weather, and then I took over for the last few hours. And I wasn't sick at all! Thank heavens, because I don't know if I could have handled another trip like that. And we did say our prayers of thanks, too, that we got home safely.

We had a fantastic visit. I loved spending my birthday up there with all of them. And I look forward to the opportunity to do it again. Misti was so nice and welcoming and accommodating. Will was even nice. And spending the time with all the kids- not just Katie and Natalie, but also with all of them- was great. Absolutely great. This has been the best birthday of my life so far.

I get my husband back tonight!

Tonight! I'm leaving for the airport to pick him up at 10:30. You better believe I am counting the hours until I get to see his face. 12 hours and 45 minutes :D

And then, once I pick him up, we will be headed to Montana. That's right! We are going to see the girls! So excited. When I get off work, I will get the oil changed, pack, and get ready to leave. I'm going to try to sleep while I'm waiting, but I'm so excited I don't know if I will be able to.

I am doing sooo much better today. My boss gave me some time off this morning so I could stay home and sleep. I slept really well last night, and then woke up to a call from my sweet husband. I feel like I've done a 180.

Well, back to work. I'll update after Montana.

Pictures

My cute cousin

Andy and Beka in front of the Mt Timpanogas temple
where they were sealed on Aug 2, 2008
Selo, Me, and Pixie out for breakfast
Me, Katie, Natalie, and Selo
Doll making at our house
Selo teaching Katie about his guitar

Happy Birthday Natalie! (And Pictures)

Today is my sweet little step-daughters birthday. She is Selo's youngest daughter, and lives with her mom and sister in Montana. She is a beautiful five year old with a radiant smile she is always willing to share.

Happy birthday, Natalie! We love you.

This is Natalie and Selo.

And this one is Katie and Selo.

Both of these pictures were taken by Elizabeth right, and posted with her direct permission.

Day 4

Today was . . . interesting. It was difficult at some times, and good at others.

First, Selo and I slept in today. It was so nice to lay there in the hotel and be lazy. But we did get up. We had to check out of the hotel at eleven, so we couldn't stay in bed all day. We got up, packed up, and checked out.

Then we headed to the court house. The hearing was at eleven, and we pulled up just barely before Lizz got there. She knew exactly where she was going once we got inside. Selo and I still weren't exactly sure what the hearing was for, or what was going to take place in there, but Lizz said it was no big deal so we just followed her and hoped for the best.

When the judge called their order (petition?) number, we walked up there and pretended to be ready. lol I don't think anybody was fooled. After a couple of minutes of trying to work things out, the judge gave a short recess for Lizz and Selo to talk about things. They handled what was needed, and were more prepared by the time the judge came back in. (I'm rather embarrassed about how UNprepared we were.) Anyway, Lizz and Selo were able to come to the needed agreements- some with the judges help- and things got accomplished. The judge is going to have the changes added to the petition, and then sent to both Lizz and Selo. Once it gets back to the court with both of their signatures, the judge will sign it and it is finished. We are hoping to have it signed and back by the end of the week. Lizz wasn't happy that we weren't prepared, and that it will take another week, which we understand. If we had understood what the hearing was going to be about, Selo and Lizz could have talked about those certain items ahead of time, and everyone (mainly meaning us) could have been more prepared. But it is now in and approved by the judge and both parties, so that is a huge accomplishment. Thank heavens it worked out, because it could have gotten a lot worse than that!

After the court, Selo and I, and Lizz went back to Lizz's house (in our separate vehicles this time). Selo and I briefly searched for something we thought we had left behind at Lizz's house (nope, we didn't find the phone charger. Hope it's in the suitcase. . .) and she was kind enough to let us change our clothes there. We had a long drive ahead of us and I didn't really want to do it in my business suit. We said goodbye, and hit the road.

The drive home was great. The roads were dry, the sun was out, and traffic was light. We had purchased a converter for the car to plug the laptops into, so Selo was able to get some more work done. (Between the two drives, I think he got in a good ten hours. Yay! That's ten less hours he has to spend at work doing this stuff.) About half way, Selo called the girls. He talked to them for a while, and then got back to work. We stopped only twice, for gas and drinks, and for me to walk. But we made excellent time, too. Going up there, we had about eleven hours of driving time, because of the traffic and how horrible the weather was. On the way back, the driving time was only about seven and a half. The weather made a huge difference!

So now we are home. And SO ready for sleep. It has been a great weekend, and a very exhausting one.

Overall, we feel the weekend went well. Everybody seemed to get along and was very kind to each other. There were a couple of moments of awkwardness, and some tension, but mostly things were okay. Lizz and I were very pleasant with each other, and even had some really good conversations.

As for pictures, they are on their way! Lizz took about 600 pictures over the weekend. She has several that are already edited and ready to be put up, and more that are coming. So hang in there, they will be put up as soon as possible.

The next visit is planned for the weekend of April 25- 27. Not sure exactly what the plans are for that weekend yet, but I have no doubt that visit will be just as great, if not better, than this one turned out to be.

Day 3

Today the girls had school, so Lizz and Selo figured out how to work around and make the most out of that time.

We got the their house around 7:45, and all piled in Lizz's van to drop them off at school. First dropped Katie off, then to Natalie's school. Selo stayed with Natalie at school for a while. He had breakfast with her, sat on the rug with her class, and was there as a part of it for about three hours (ish?). In the meantime, Lizz and I went back to her house and talked and worked on some other things. We picked Selo up, then headed to Katie's school. Selo, me, Lizz, and Madeleine all had lunch with Katie there at her school. Then Lizz and I left Selo there to spend time with Katie. We picked Natalie up, and went back. He got to spend about an hour with Katie at her school.

After picking Selo up, we all went back to Lizz's house to wait for school to let out. We had a good time talking and looking at the pictures Lizz took and some older pictures from when their girls were born.

When school was out, we picked Katie up and then left to go to Kreate-A-Kritter to make the girls some stuffed animals. Unfortunately, the store was closed when we got there. We made an attempt to contact the owner by the number left on the door, but no luck. So Lizz suggested we go across the street to a bead store and let the girls pick out beads to make themselves necklaces. Both girls had fun going through the store looking and deciding. Katie even picked out beads to make Selo a necklace.

Back at the house, Selo ordered pizza for everyone, and then the necklace making began. Katie and Natalie were so excited to be so crafty. Once the pizza arrived, that was the only thing that mattered. After pizza, everyone just hung out and relaxed. Eventually, the Wii that we had brought up with us got pulled out, and that grabbed the kids' attention. Nick, Katie, and Natalie were all completely entertained. Even Will, Misti, and Lizz were fascinated with it, and played themselves for a while.

It was getting time to get calmed down for bed, so 27 Dresses was turned on, and Selo, me, Katie, and Natalie curled up on the couch to watch it. Katie had that movie on her "list" of stuff she wanted to do with her dad and neither Selo nor I had seen it. Throughout the movie, people kept moving around and changing places. Will was called off to a job and asked Lizz to go with him, so they took off sometime during the movie. By the time it ended, Selo was in the lazy boy with both his girls in his lap, and I think Misti and I were on the couch with Madeleine between us. Selo got the girls ready for bed, hugged them tightly, and tucked them in. This was going to be his goodbye to them until we came back up, but he didn't want it to be a traumatic thing. He tucked them in, kissed them goodnight, and slipped out their bedroom door. We quietly got out stuff together and left to go back to our hotel.

Today turned out to be good. It was better than yesterday. The fact the girls were back into their normal routines and had the stability of school back made a big difference. It was nice for Selo to be able to spend some time with them at school, in their own little piece(s) of their world.

Day 2

We got to their house around lunch time. Lizz and Misti were in the kitchen, so we played with the girls in their bedroom. I went to the car and brought in the Easter stuff Susan had sent up. She had sent up a little sack with stuffed animals, eggs, and candy for each of the girls- including Madeleine. It was great to see them all so excited about them.

We took off to Shopko, where we bought the girls some clothes. Katie and Selo picked out some stuff for her and Natalie ran through the store with me and Lizz following her. Natalie wanted everything she could reach lol. Natalie got two full outfits and a pair of shorts (she is still in toddler section, so the outfits are sold together) and Katie got a shirt, a jacket, and a pair of pants. Both girls got to pick a pair of sunglasses, and that seemed to be their favorite part.

After Shopko we went to Denny's for lunch. Lizz and I sat and talked, while Selo sat between their girls and they all three played. After a nice loooooong and relaxing meal, we piled back in the van. We passed Kreate-A-Kritter, which we will be taking Katie and Natalie to tomorrow after school.

I wanted some more pics of everyone, so we opted for a park and swung by to get Misti, Nick, and Madeleine. At the park, it was a blast. Today was warmer than yesterday- or maybe there was just not as much wind. We started on the merry-go-round, then the slides, then the swings, and back again. I think Lizz said she took over 600 pics during the hour we were out there. I can't wait to get the cd with all of them on it! And, I think, I might have actually been in some this time. I even got some good shots of the four of them together, which I had been wanting too ;)

We went back to their house, and decided to take a break. Katie and Natalie seemed to be a little emotional, so Selo and I figured we would take off for an hour or two and give them some time. Selo said the girls could call him if they wanted him to come back sooner, and Lizz said she would give Katie our telephone number as soon as we left. It was hard to leave them like that. Selo just wanted to sit and hold them while they cried. But, he wrapped Natalie up in a blanket and put her on the couch, gave Katie a big huge hug and she went and sat on her mom's lap, and we left.

We went back to the hotel, took a nap, and then went out for food. Mmmmm Hu Hut.

We got to the house just before eight o'clock. Selo went into the bedroom with them and curled on their bed to read them stories. Lizz and I were in the front room looking through the 500 pictures that were taken today. It was good for Selo, Katie, and Natalie to have some quiet time together. After putting them to bed, Selo and I slipped out the door and back to the hotel we went.

Tomorrow, we will be at their house around seven thirty am. We will go eat breakfast at Natalie's school, then Selo will stay and play with her at school. For lunch, we will go eat with Katie at her school. Then, Selo will stay with her for the rest of the day. Lizz and I will be spending a lot of time working on the pictures tomorrow. After school, we will be off to Kreate-A-Kritter where we will make stuffed animals for the girls. And then maybe watch one of the movies Katie asked for.

Day 1

Selo is having a great time up here. And it seems Katie and Natalie are, too. Everybody is getting along much better than expected, and both girls have plenty more on their list of "to-dos" this weekend.

The drive up here was yucky. The weather was so bad in some parts I was going no more than 15 mph. I've heard of a complete white-out, but that was the first one I had ever experience. I would like to never do that again, if you get my drift. We finally got the hotel around two thirty in the morning, and crashed into bed right away.

This morning, we both woke up sick. Selo is still fighting a cold, only it seemed he was on the losing side of the battle. I woke up sick to my stomach and very quickly ended up in the bathroom. (The drive last night wore on my last nerve.) It took us almost two hours to get up, shower, pack up, check out, and get on the road.

We got into Missoula around one o'clock. Once we made it, Lizz and Will met us at a gas station and we followed them back to their house. Katie and Natalie immediately ran outside and jumped into Selo's arms. It was a great site to see, I only wish it had been recorded. The girls took us inside and sat on the couch showing Selo everything they could. They brought out school work, and baby books (made by Lizz), and digital pets, and blankets, and all sorts of stuff. Selo sat between them on the couch and enjoyed every minute of it.

Then we all went to the carousel. Wow that thing is fast! After the carousel, we went outside and played in the park. Their was a mural type thing of big huge fishes and rocks, which Selo and the kids all played on. By the time they worked up an appetite, we all headed to Ihop. Mmm, cinnamon apple crepes.

After dinner, we went back to their house. Katie and Natalie took Selo and I to their bedroom, and played with them in there for an hour and a half or so. Those girls sure know how to giggle! And every time they did, it made Selo grin like a little kid himself. lol It was great to watch. Lizz came in and said she wanted picture of Selo and the girls jumping on the bed at the hotel. So we packed up, bundled up, and headed out the door again. At the hotel, the girls and Selo jumped on the bed, and even Madeleine got up there. Although, she was more interested in hugging than jumping. They left pretty quickly, because Lizz said it was bedtime for them.

As for pictures, don't you worry. Lizz has taken tons of pictures, and she will be giving me a cd of them. She said she is even going to put her copyright mark on them so I can post them here. So be not afraid, my friends, as soon as she gives me the cd of all the pics she is taking, I will have some up here for you to see.