Goal Accomplished

I accomplished a goal yesterday that I have worked all summer for. I bought a road back this past May and started biking with a couple of girlfriends. My neighbor and friend Leslie Hickman and I made a goal that before the riding season was out, we were going to do the Clodfelter Loop. This is one of the top 50 bike trails in the USA and happens to be in our own backyards. It was 34 miles long which isn't what is impressive. It's the rolling hills that make it difficult. I have to admit, when I woke up yesterday morning, I was silently dreading the ride. I was a little nervous that I wasn't going to make it. The ride was either less than I expected in my head, or I'm a better riding that I thought. Whichever it was, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. My body was feeling it the last couple of miles but it felt so good to finish something that I had worked hard toward all summer. Les and I are now thinking we should do it once a week. It took us just shy of 3 hours of riding time. Next time, we'll do it in less. If there is something you want to do that seems out of reach, all you have to do is baby steps and work. If you had told me a year ago that I was going to ride that loop, I would have told you that you were crazy. Things often times seem overwhelming but if we step back, make a plan, and work on it gradually and consistently, we'll surprise ourselves.

PRIMARY ANSWER

Primary is the children's organization at church for ages 3-11. The bishop was giving a little talk about prayer and had a little ditty about prayer. He said, "On your knees or on your feet, but never on your seat" and asked if anyone knew what that meant. My daughter Macy raises her hand (I silently cringe whenever my kids raise their hands because you never know what they're going to say). The bishop is looking for an answer like "to show respect when we pray by kneeling or standing" and he picks on Macy for the answer. She says, "It means your not supposed to stand on your chair when you pray!" She wasn't trying to be funny....she just comes by it naturally, I guess.

Little Lady

After Christian's soccer game, we get in the car to drive not even a mile away to eat dinner at a pizza place. Macy exlaims, "Hurry, Mom! I gotta take a leak!" Such the little lady......

Being a Big Brother

Caden has always taken his job as a big brother seriously. I have always been proud of him for this. Well, this morning, I reminded the kids that I was picking them up today from school since Christian had crosswalk duty. Macy said she wanted to ride the bus. This distressed Caden because she would be alone. He told Macy she couldn't ride by herself because she might get on the wrong bus. I asked him if he wanted to ride the bus with her. He didn't. I told him Macy would be fine. After school, I went to their classrooms to pick them up. I missed Caden since I was at Macy's classroom (I figured once she saw me she would change her mind about riding the bus) and Macy decided to just come home with me. We went to Caden's class but he was already gone. He bolted from his class, ran to the crosswalk that Christian was guarding, and told CHristian he was riding the bus home with Macy and to tell me. I caught him as he was running to the bus. He told me he was going to ride the bus home with Macy to make sure she was safe. I explained that she had changed her mind and we all went home together. I am so proud of how thoughtful he is and his concern for his little sister. If there is only one thing my children learn from me, I hope it is to show kindness to others....even those who don't show us kindness.

ANNUAL SCRAPBOOK WEEKEND

Every year in September, some girlfriends and I go to this 100 year old historical house that used to be a hotel in the Blue Mountains in Oregon. We retreat away for a weekend of scrapbooking....no really! To anyone who does not understand the idea of scrapbooking, the thought of scrapbooking straight for 48 hours doesn't sound appealing...however, we love it! It's family history and a chance to get ALOT done without family distractions. I did 100 pages in 48 hours which included sleeping for only 6 hours.

Out of the Mouth of Macy....AGAIN!

Every Wednesday after school, Christian is on crosswalk duty patrol so I have to pick him and the other two kids up from school. Today, Caden and Macy and I were in the car waiting for Christian to come out. Macy saw a boy who is in 4th grade that is her book buddy. She rolled down her window and yelled hi to this cute kid. She rolled her window back up and said, "My book buddy is hot!" I asked, "Macy, what does that mean?" She said, "His face is red. He must be hot. Not the OTHER kind of hot!" I then asked her, "What is the other kind of hot?" Macy's response was, "The love kind. I wasn't talking about THAT kind of hot." Yeah, right, Macy.

Happy Birthday Leslie IRWIN!

All my life, I have always been the only Leslie. There was never another girl my age with my same name. Now, at the age of 33, I have two friends here in town named Leslie....Leslie Irwin and Leslie Hickman. For Leslie IRWIN's birthday, a few of us got together and had dinner outside at Tagaris Winery. So fun to sit back, relax, and enjoy time with my girlfriends.

Seated from left to right: Myself, Kristie, Theresa, Leslie I, and Leslie H

100 THINGS ABOUT ME

Ok, I realize there may not be 100 things you want to know about me but..... I saw this on Wendy's blog and thought it would be fun...so here goes.....
1. I always dated older men.
2. I ended up marrying one. I was barely 19 and he was 24.
3. I was the only girl on an all boys baseball (fast pitch) team as a kid.
4. I played outfield, pitcher, and catcher.
5. My favorite time of day is morning. I hate waking up but once I get up, I love the quiet and solitude.
6. My favorite thing to do at night is take a whirlpool bath and read a book right before I go to bed.
7. I am the only girl of 5 kids.
8. I went to 9 schools in 12 years. 4 of those being high schools.
9. I started playing the organ at church and the piano for choir at the age of 12.
10. I really love to go out and ride my bike for miles. I rode about 75 miles a week when it was warmer.
11. I LOVE TO EAT!
12. I exercise so I can eat!
13. I'm smaller than I was when I got married!!!
14. My church callings have included: anything piano or organ related, primary teacher (2 times), Relief Society teacher, Primary President, Activity Days leader, and Teacher Development Coordinator.
15. My family read the Book of Mormon together in 3 1/2 months when President Hinckley gave the challenge. We need another "official" challenge!
16. I really HATED turning 29.
17. Then I asked myself, would I really want to do my 20's over again and that was the end of that!
18. I had my first baby at 20.
19. I had my last baby at 27.
20. My oldest baby will be in high school this fall!
21. My favorite movies are romantic comedies.
22. I really loved to read and read ALOT!
23. I have met Stephenie Meyer (Twilight Series author) 2 times!
24. I collect my favorite novels signed by the author.
25. We've bought 2 vehicles and a kids motorcycle on ebay!
26. I LOVE being a soccer mom.
27. And a volleyball mom.
28. And a gymnastics mom.
29. And a piano mom.
30. I am taking a organ class from an amazing organist who has a masters in organ performance. I'm finally learning the correct way to do the foot pedals!
31. I have developed anxiety in my 30's going to the dentist! Thanks Mom!
32. I have lived in the Tri-Cities now for 5 years which is longer than anywhere else.
33. My bucket list includes visiting the Great Wall of China.
34. I am an Olympics freak. Have to watch it every night when it's that time!
35. I can get in the shower, have my make up on, hair done, and be dressed in 30 minutes.
36. I'm constantly feeling like someone is missing....although I'm content as can be with my family of 6!
37. I think my husband is sexy with a goatee. Did I spell that right?
38. I drive a mini van even though I swore I never would.
39. I'm an obsessed blogger.
40. My favorite dinner is rib eye steak and baked potato.
41. My favorite ice cream is chocolate chip mint or cookie dough.
42. I love going on road trips with my family.
43. I love going on getaways with just my husband.
44. I have guilt over not having enough patience with my kids.
45. I can't hold a grudge against anyone.
46. My house is my haven. I love it!
47. My parents, in-laws, gma and aunt moved to Tri-Cities to be closer to us.
48. I blast music in my car. My kids don't know what to do if the music isn't on.
49. I turn the stereo off in my car just to hear my kids keep singing.
50. I have really fantastic friends.
51. I am an obsessed scrapbooker.
52. My greatest fear is losing one of my kids.
53. My greatest pleasure is seeing my kids succeed at what they are doing.
54. I love to paint....not the artistic kind....but paint walls!
55. I constantly have other kids at my house.
56. My first job was teaching piano.
57. My only non piano jobs were working in the shoe dept at Ross Dress For Less and as a bank teller when Ken and I got married.
58. It really bothers me when I know someone doesn't like me....I think it bothers me because I try to be a friend to all.
59. When I was young, I could burp the alphabet...thanks to a family of boys!
60. I can scrapbook 100 pages in 48 hours on only six hours of sleep.
61. This is my first year of all my kids in school all day.
62. Two people I want to meet are my two brothers who died me ever knowing them (I'm really the only girl of 6 boys).
63. When I was younger I wanted to be a concert pianist.
64. I was baptized in a shipping crate box with tarp in it to hold in the water in the middle of winter, in a friend's backyard, in Japan.
65. I went skinny dipping in the East China Sea and ALMOST got caught by the military police.
66. I went to a habu (snake) and mongoose fight on a school field trip when I lived in Okinawa.
67. I survived 2 years on a 5 square mile in the caribbean handwashing clothes and having the rain as our water source.
68. I think my kids do say the darndest things.
69. I love to paint....not scenery pictures....I suck at that. I love to paint rooms!
70. I'm good at painting....rooms. I don't tape but freehand the edge.
71. I have a REALLY old cell phone. It's ancient, bulky, and won't break.
72. I have a hard time spending money on things that still work....like a new cell phone and plan.
73. I get a high from a good shopping deal.
74. I ALWAYS head to clearance first and rarely buy anything NOT on sale.
75. I am a facebook addict.
76. I love catching up with old friends and seeing how people are now.
77. I love watching the Biggest Loser and American Idol.
78. While watching American Idol, I usually dream about Simon at least once a season.......I don't even think he's that cute.....but evidently I foster a little crush?
79. At night, I like to drive through neighborhoods slowly and peak in the windows. That sounds stalkerish but I like to imagine other peoples lives and get glimpsed of decor. Am I the only one?
80. I compose music.
81. It is hard for me to play my music for other people...I feel very vulnerable.
82. I'm getting bunny lines on my nose.
83. I think I'm a really good gift giver...I really put a lot of thought into a gift.
84. I love having people over.
85. I hate feeling under appreciated. It makes me feel sad and depressed.
86. I try really hard to be uplifting and supportive.
87. I have committed myself to studying the scriptures more.
88. I have the best boys in my CTR 8 class!! They are hilarious!
89. I am blessed with amazing women in my life!
90. I sometimes think about adopting.
91. My car is almost always a mess.
92. My garage is almost always a mess.
93. I want to write a novel.
94. I am contemplated going back to school.
95. I volunteer at Kadlec MEdical Center weekly playing the piano in the lobby.
96. I am an internet junky....I google EVERYTHING! I've probably googled you!
97. I have conversations in my head with people...it's good therapy!
98. I worry....about tons of things. I'll wake up in the middle of the night with a thought and not be able to sleep the rest of the night.
99. I detest waking up to the alarm. I like waking up on my own just before it goes off.
100. I now have my own gun....Ken bought it for me for Christmas.

Hole In........

Last night, Ken and I went on a double date with Adam and Tami Smith. We went to a par 3 golf course and played 9 holes. It was so fun!!! It was only my 3rd time golfing EVER but I think us girls didn't do too bad!!! Ken couldn't help but remark that golf is supposed to be a quiet sport....but it doesn't happen when the wives come! Have you ever seen anyone jump up and down with excitement when a really nice drive is made? Well, I couldn't help it!

Crossing Guard Duty

The 5th graders at Sunset View Elementary are in charge off manning the crosswalks. Christian volunteered this year to be a crossing guard on Wednesday afternoons. You may not be able to tell in the pictures but he DOES take his duty seriously!!! Christian is a very hard worker and really takes pleasure out of helping others.

Keep Houston in Prayers

Alexis, Me, and Susan
Our home in Pearland, Texas (Brazoria County)
Alexis, Me, Niki, and Susan
Before we moved to Tri-Cities, we lived in Houston for 3 years. Houston is now the center of national attention because of Hurricane Ike. To all my Houston friends, I'm praying and thinking about you. Stay safe, Alexis, Niki, and Susan. I love you! Madison asked yesterday if our old house was going to be under water. I told her it was a good possibility. Please keep my dear friends in Houston in your prayers, too.

Out of the Mouth of Macy

Wednesdays and Thursdays are crazy days after school. We're on the go from 3:30 to about 7:30 and it's hard to cram time in to eat dinner. Christian's scouts ran over 30 minutes which cut into our grabbing a bite to eat before heading on to the next thing. The kids grabbed some easy snacks and we grabbed soccer gear and were out the door again. Well, I've been eating really healthy and didn't want to screw that up so I dropped Caden off and had about 15 minutes to spare getting Macy to gymnastics. WE stopped at a place to grab this yummy spinach/cranberry/almond/chicken salad and I was just going to share it with Christian and Macy. I told them I was getting a salad and would share it with them since they already had some snacks too. Macy said, "Oh good! I want to eat at least 5 croutons!" I explained to her that this salad didn't have any croutons. "OH! Well, then I'll eat the ranch!" I then told her that this salad didn't have ranch either. In a confused distressing voice, she said: "Well, if it doesn't have croutons and it doesn't have ranch, it's just leaves!" I laughed and explained what was on the salad and she said, "That's not a salad!" She had a few bites of my not-salad!

24 HOURS LATER.......

At 1:40 pm, about the exact time Caden was in the water for baptism, Caden was at our kitchen bar eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while I was cleaning up the kitchen. He said, "Guess what, Mom? I haven't even had one sin!" Keep up the good track record Caden!

The Newest Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Caden was baptized today and is the newest member of our church! It was a busy day! We started off the morning with 2 soccers games, ran home for 20 minutes to get changed and we were off to the church! Caden was baptized with 2 other kids and he felt very special and loved with friends and family in attendance. Grandpa Sousley (Les) spoke on Baptism and him and Gpa Drennan (Boyd) were the witnesses while Ken performed the ordinance.

You Are Cordially Invited

You are cordially invited to the Baptism of Caden Butler Egli on Saturday, September 6, 2008. We know that most of you reading this won't be able to attend. We'll make sure to post some pictures of Caden's special day! We're so proud of our sweet son Caden!

You Know Your Loved As A Mom When.......

This morning I curled Macy's hair and put some shining spray in it. It has a maple smell and she really liked it (I personally don't care for it too mucy). She went into the family room and said to Caden, "Caden, smell my hair. It smells pretty!" Caden proceeded to smell her hair and he crinkled up his nose in disgust and said, "OOOOOOOOOHHHHH!" Macy responded, "What? It's Mom's perfume!" Caden immediately recanted his comment by saying, "Oh! It smells good!"

I've been tagged!!!

Okay, Julina, this is for you (and any one else)
Did you know that...
My favorite color is...green
My favorite dessert is...popcorn with m&m's in it
My favorite Sunday CD is...Hillary Weeks
My favorite anytime CD right now is...One Republic or Leona Lewis
My favorite show is...Chuck
My favorite place to be is...home, there's no place like home
My favorite time of day is...morning
My favorite holiday is...Christmas
My least favorite thing to do is...laundry
My least favorite thing to wear is...shoes that require socks
My least favorite place to be is...standing in lines
My secret obsession right now is...(If I tell it won't be a secret!) blogging, cycling but that's not much of a secret
I miss...my grandpa, he died when I was 12
I have been terrible at keeping in touch with...kids I went to school
I have not seen...the Great Wall of China, it's on my bucket list
I have the sweetest...husband, he works so hard for us!
At night I...put the kids to bed, turn on the hot water, take a relaxing bath and read
I hate...throwing up!
I will be sad when...my daughter goes to college...in 5 years!
I look forward to the day that I will...be completely satisfied with how I look naked!
I love...rainy days...we get so few of them in Tri-Cities