A Date Which Will Live in Infamy (at least for the R family)

January 30th is a busy day for our family. A day to celebrate & remember....here's why (beginning at the beginning):

It's my father-in-law, Bill's birthday today. He was an amazing husband, father & grandfather. My only regret is that my kids were not born yet when Grandpa R left us...far too soon.

We miss you!

Secondly, its my dear parent's anniversary today.
32 years...go Mom & Dad!
Happy Anniversary!!!
(BTW....lookin' sassy in those 70's duds!)

And lastly, happy birthday to my nephew little B. Seriously the CUTEST brown-eyed boy around...who wouldn't love that face? :)

Firstborn

We firstborns get a raw deal. We are the EXPERIMENTAL children who our parents "figure things out" on. We pave the way through the STRICT years....and then watch as our parents loosen up for our younger siblings (your welcome guys!). We must be RESPONSIBLE & HELPFUL long before the baby ever has to be. We are DESIGNATED BABYSITTERS....often free of charge. We are overachievers, perfectionists, picky, detail oriented & organized....sometimes to a fault.

HOWEVER, we also NEVER get hand-me-downs, are the first to be spoiled, the first at EVERYTHING, our baby books are complete, we have the most pictures of our childhood, we are reliable, conscientious, natural leaders & high achievers...who like things done right the first time (& done OUR way) . ;)

Hang in there baby girl--mama will always understand your pain. :)

I NEED a Vacation...

Ok moms, I know you have had these days. You know, where all you hear all day long is fight, cry, whine (repeat ad nauseam).

My 3 are out to get me today.

I long for a getaway, someplace beautiful & serene....where I am completely and unequivocally ALONE! (ok...I suppose my husband could come too :)).

I wanna look out my window and see something like this...Unfortunately, the best I can do tonight is a bubble bath & a good book with a prayer that tomorrow will be a better day.

Calgon take me away............................

A Sad Day

My heart is full this evening as I have just learned of that one of the most extraordinary, humble and kindest of men has left us.

I rejoice for the reunion he is having with his sweet wife and those who have gone before him & mourn for those of us left behind.

I am grateful that his example in my life has encouraged me to Stand For Something, live with optimism and never lose hope.

Godspeed President Hinckley. We will miss you.

Note to Self: Never EVER leave small children unattended with PAINT!

Ok, ok...so I should know this right? I am on child #3 after all...that should entitle me some insights into the inner workings of a child's mind. Right? Hmmmm, you would think so.

So I'm chatting away with my Mom on the phone...in my pj's...(it's just one of those days) & I tell her, "Oh it is so nice, the kids are playing so well together today. Z just pulled out the water colors & they are painting."

How precious...how peaceful, a camcorder moment, as brother & sister enjoy the pleasures of painting....together....amicably...WOW!

Surely I can run into the office to check out a blog or two as I continue to chat on the phone! Of course, what could go wrong, I'll only be gone a minute or two......

or ten.

Fast forward two, five, ten minutes...who knows....& YIKES!

"Oh no!"

"OOOOOOHHHHH! What happened to just using water colors?!?"

"OOOOOOHHHHH! Who found the tempura paint!?!"

"OOOOOOOHHHHH! Where are the paint brushes?!?"

"OOOOOOHHHH! What is that on the baby's mouth!?!"

Lucky for my children, being a blogger has made me a tad more reflective these days...so I take a breath, grab the camera & document the festivities.

Needless to say, the tempura paint has been hidden away...only to return when Mom is a little less....uhhhh.....distracted. :)

When I Grow Up...

I have a vivid memory from my childhood. Sitting cross legged on the bathroom counter with my feet curled up under my nightgown. Chin cradled in my hands. Watching mom get ready for a night out. I think to myself... "Wow, I hope I am as pretty as my mom when I grow up."

Still feel the same way.

Mom, you are beautiful.

Little Known Fact

These are MY tools. My husband may have been the one to purchase them, but they are MINE. (hmmm...starting to sound a little possessive aren't I? ....of course, honey, you are ALWAYS welcome to use them. ;) ) Actually, the Titanium trimmers were purchased specifically for me & at my request.

You see, I LOVE trimming our plants. Not sure what it is, but I get extreme satisfaction from hacking away a tree or shrub. I am no expert by ANY stretch of the imagination, but I take pride in my little contribution to our yard maintenance. It may take me a week (or month) to get all the plants trimmed up & sometimes they may look a little....uh, whats a good word....ummmmm....interesting when I'm done, but hey there is nothing more gratifying than choppin' off a big ol' tree limb. Plus, power tools are fun. :)

Next I want a blower cuz...

I may love to trim, but I HATE to clean up.