Great Wolf Lodge

We headed to Great Wolf Lodge on Thursday and Friday in celebration of Nate having a fabulous job. Unfortunately I was so preoccupied with remembering to bring the kids' toothbrushes (something I usually always manage to forget), I didn't remember to pack up the camera. Nate was able to get a few pictures with his phone, but its battery died within the first hour we were there, so we have very few snapshots to remember the fun we had.

Our room was wonderful. It had "adult headquarters" with a T.V., bed and couch and then there was the "kid cabin" with a T.V., bunk beds and a twin bed all set inside a look-a-like cabin within the room.

Jaxton was totally a daredevil and was willing to go on any water slide. Mac was quite hesitant in the beginning, but once we were able to talk him into going on a couple, he warmed right up and loved them all. Beckam went on one slide and came out on his belly and said "no way" to anymore slides. Jilli was happy sitting in the kiddie pool buckling and unbuckling a life jacket. Good times!

P.S. If anyone has interest in a vacation at the Great Wolf Lodge, I have a thing a two to suggest for your stay -- just let me know.

Who can pull off wearing a leopard print mini-skirt accessorized with blue bows?

Jilli can . . . and she pulls the look off well!

Accident Prone

a little sympathy, please . . .

Fall with Grandma & Grandpa

My parents came to visit last week and it was an absolute joy to have them. We enjoyed the Fall weather, went to three soccer games for the boys, watched a women's UNC soccer game, took a visit to Mr. B's Pumpkin Patch, shopped, and just loved every minute we spent together.
We left for the airport at 5am the day my parents left and when Mac woke up at 7am, he said he sat in his bed and cried because he knew Grandma and Grandpa were already gone.
My parents are so fabulous and I'm thankful every day for them. Every. Day.

Wish Granted!

So ever since I was little, I've always wanted a black eye. There's just something about a black and blue, puffed, swollen eye that screams TOUGH! I can remember sitting across from Rhett Perrett in 4th grade and being so envious of his big swollen eye, which by the way was actually from a bee sting, but hey, I'm not picky.

Fast forward 20 years and my wish for a black eye was actually something that was almost forgotten, that is until Sunday. Picture this, Nate and the boys wrestling on the floor and me, sitting on the couch, minding my business when all of a sudden they get the bright idea to bring me in on the fun. Before I knew it, I had the back of a 4 1/2 year olds head coming straight for me. After impact I held my eye and immediately felt it swell beneath my fingers. Before this incident, I couldn't remember the last time I had cried out in physical pain, but here I was, sobbing indeed.

Painful story short, after the swelling went down, I found myself with a nice black eye. I guess what I didn't realize all these years is the amount of pain that comes with getting a black eye and the amount of pain that remains on that side of your face (including your teeth) for days later.

Now that my childhood wish has come true do you know what my next wish is? It's between getting pregnant with twins or feeling a squirrels tail -- but since Nate's already been to the doctor to ensure the first doesn't happen, it looks like I have an up close and personal visit with a squirrel to look forward to. I'll keep you posted . . .

P.S. Both Mac and Jaxton were beyond concerned for me through the whole eye process. Mac insisted on sitting by me after I was hit and he rubbed my leg, tickled my face, patted my arm, held my icepack and continually asked if he could do anything for me. At one point he looked up at me and said, "Mom, I'd do anything for you!" What sweet kids I have!

Breast Cancer Walk

One of the perks of my part part part-time job is that I get to meet some fabulous women. One of whom is my dear friend Deborah. I was 34 weeks pregnant when I had my first conversation with Deborah and after she found out that I still had 6 weeks until my due date her response was, "You have no more room to grow -- there's no way you can go 6 more weeks!" And a beautiful and honest friendship grew from there.
Unfortunately Deborah was diagnosed with breast cancer in August. When she asked me to walk with her at the Breast Cancer Walk, I was honored. Deborah has been a shining example of courage and faith while always keeping a positive attitude. She has reached out to many and continues to be a strength to all who meet her.
Thank you Deborah for allowing me the opportunity to walk with you. I am touched by those who are battling this disease, those who are survivors of it, and those who have lost their life to it -- all who are heroes in my eyes.
Thank you Deborah!

what a treasure!

What Happens When a True Aggie Marries a BYU Cougar Fan

So what does happen when a True Blue Aggie meets, falls in love with, and marries a BYU Cougar Fan? Well, you have some competitive bantering and teasing, but most of all, you have an intense General Conference weekend -- the weekend that BYU and USU meet and play every year. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blind -- I know Aggie's football does fall short year after year, but no one can deny that they bring a great game when it comes to playing their southern rival.
I come from a family that is all about Aggie pride. My siblings and I are all USU graduates and my family has held season basketball tickets for as long as I can remember. Part of being a Utah State fan is also have a major dislike for BYU. When I asked my dad what would've happened if I had decided to attend BYU he said, "Well, you're capable of making your own decisions, but I wouldn't have paid for your education." I can also remember after my brother graduated from highschool that he applied to Brigham Young University. This surprised me until I found out that his only reason for this was to say "no" to them. And when my dad was asked about a certain player leaving USU and going to BYU last year, my dad's reply was a straight-faced, "I hope he breaks a leg."
Am I making my point?

So, tonight is game night. I've prepped all of my children and we've all worn Aggie attire all day long to show our support. Here's to hoping my Ags can pull through and give those Cougs a run for their money, sending them home with a dose of humility.
Go Aggies Go!