FIRST TIME DONOR!

Yesterday was a really busy day. Grocery shopping, hair cut, baseball practice, parent/teacher conferences, and then giving blood. I have never given blood before. Doug has...several times. So I decided to give it a shot this time. We almost didn't make it. We walked in and they were shutting things down. But, Bishop was there and so he talked them into taking two more. I was a little nervous...but I think I did pretty good. In fact, the nurse told me that I was a natural. I guess that means I need to go back next time. Everyone that was there was so nice. Since Bishop practically bullies (I mean, inspires) Doug into doing this....he got to watch the kids while we were going through the entire process. And he played photographer.




I did have to avoid looking at anything they were doing. I didn't want to risk it.


Doug knows the routine...and knows that he needs to lay back. He did amazingly well this time.

Everyone was being very attentive to us and the kids. They put some of those bandage things (with bows) on all of us. Except Payton. No bow for him. The kids loved that they had an endless supply of snacks and juice.
Together...Doug and I saved 6 lives!

IT's JUST HAIR!

(or so I thought)

Several weeks ago Savannah came to me with the idea of a haircut. I didn't really think too much about it. But then, she was relentless. Almost every day since, she had been telling me that she wanted her hair cut and asking if I had made her an appointment yet. She was serious! She wanted her hair cut...and she wanted it done soon. I talked it over with her several times, making sure she was absolutely positive that she wanted to do this. Well, I finally called my friend, Tanda. And with hesitation, she agreed to do it.

The day finally came. I thought that I was OK with it, but then I started to have my doubts. I had to keep reminding myself that it was going to be so much easier to wash and comb and that it would grow out. It wasn't working very well though.

We did a little photo shoot right before we left. This actually made it even harder for me. "IT's JUST HAIR...IT's JUST HAIR!" was the thought going through my head. Savannah couldn't wait!

Goodbye curls!

(and lots of shampoo and conditioner, and tangles and tears because I never seem to comb through it soft enough...)

And so it began.

Savannah decided that she wanted to donate her hair to Locks of Love. When I told her about it, she said that she wanted her hair to go to a boy!

I couldn't help but get a little teary-eyed!

Jillian was so very curious about the whole process.

She LOVES it! She couldn't stop staring at herself in the mirror. She wants everyone to see.

(Savannah and Tanda)

And so it's gone. Over 12 inches of hair...gone. It will grow back. IT's JUST HAIR!

No More Sleepovers!

~

Sadness loomed throughout our house the other night when I had to inform Savannah that she and Hunter could no longer have sleepovers.

I knew that she would be upset over this, but I was not prepared for the emotional outburst that occurred. She was so upset that she was having a hard time breathing, lips turning purple and everything. I tried to explain to her the whole boy/girl thing. She wasn't having it. It broke my heart when she came at me with (while sobbing)..."But me and Hunter are best friends for life. We want to see each other every single day!"

You have to understand something about these two. They are so touchy, mushy with each other. Heidi and I are constantly catching them practically sitting on each other, resting their heads on each others shoulders, etc. They are almost attached at the hips. It is just getting to that time when curiosity might get the best of them. Heidi and I made this decision about a week ago. It was confirmed to me last night that it was a good idea. I was telling the kids that daddy and I were going to get massages tonight. They asked what they were and then Savannah said..."Oh yeah, I know. It's when you get your body rubbed by someone else. Hunter and I did that once to each other." YIKES!!!!!!!! You should have seen the way Doug and I looked at each other. We don't want a repeat of the 'naked game.'

So, definitely, no more sleepovers!

'Shake Your GROOVE Thing!'

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For the past several days Jillian has been singing this song. She will break into it at random times during the day and just start dancing. The only problem with this is she doesn't sing, 'shake your GROOVE thing.' She sings...'shake your BOOB thing.' I have tried to correct her, but she insists that she is right.

The other night we were at a ward fireside, and after it was over Jillian and Sawyer decided that we needed a little bit of entertainment. So, they got up on the tables that were on the stage and started showing off their incredible moves...and Jillian started singing the song. It wasn't loud enough for anyone to really hear. I couldn't help but giggle.

Even after Sawyer had given up...Jillian just couldn't help but dance.

TA DA!

~

It's times like these that I am glad I take my camera practically everywhere I go.

AT LAST!

Isabelle's first day of Nursery

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It's been almost 3 years since I went to a class all by myself. With Jillian and Isabelle being so close together I didn't get a break in-between. Well, the 18 month mark was met and Iz was off to nurseryland.

She went right in and really didn't have any problems. I think it helps that Jillian is in there with her. Jillian was more than happy to show her the ropes!


AAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
(that is a sigh of relief)

DATE NIGHT

APEX KARTING

Last night, Doug and I had a fabulously fun date. Of course it started out with something to eat...Taco Del Mar, real fancy, I know.

But then the real fun began. We headed to Apex Karting in Tumwater.

They make you wear these 'head socks' under your helmets. Aren't they sweet looking?


After going through the race 'briefing,' we went to get our helmets. I was pumped when I saw that they did indeed have jumpsuits. I was the only person brave enough to sport one. I had to get the whole experience. I am actually really glad that I did, cause during the races, it was super cold. So, the jumpsuit helped keep me nice and toasty.

This was pretty much the only time that I was in front of Doug. HE SMOKED ME!! Lapping me...almost twice. He was a little more lenient on me the second race and made it more fun letting me pass and then passing me back. Unfortunately, we were the only two during our races. Which didn't make it too competitive for Doug.

GO...SPEED RACER!


The guys that work there were super nice. They took pictures of us racing without me even asking them to.

We had so much fun. I think that we will definitely be back. Hopefully next time Doug will have a little better competition.

GOODBYE, MY BRACES!!!

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After 2 years 8 months 1 week and 2 days, I finally got my braces off.

One more picture before things got started.

I've been told I have a big mouth before....but this is ridiculous.

~

After a pretty tedious process and a minor procedure to disconnect the fibers of my gums away from the stubborn tooth that caused such a stall in the straightening process...success!

The fabulous Dr. Cramer and his magical assistant Dawn took such good care of me and my teeth. Thanks for all the hard work, and patience.

~

Personally, I think I look really weird. It is going to take a lot of time to get use to.