RAMBLE

I sometimes just never know what to write on this & then hear "Why haven't you updated your blog?". So, in an effort to update my blog - I'm going to ramble. Life is, of course, busy right now. With the holidays, planning a baptism, etc. We are just insane at our house right now. I've even found myself not enjoying putting up my Christmas tree & haven't even enforced my Christmas music & movies ONLY rule! What's wrong with me?! (Don't answer that - that's just way too easy of a target!) I just get overwhelmed WAY too easily & I think that I'm not enjoying the season yet because I'm just so far behind that I'm scared for it to really be here! (Wow! That was deep for me!)

But, I did get excited yesterday when I heard on the radio that there is a FREE Goo Goo Dolls concert coming up next weekend!! WOOHOO!! You know I'm there. I don't think Erik's too excited, but Johnny here I come! I did verify on their website (Yes, I am a member of their fan club/website - long story, but it's true!) that it was true. So, if you can't find me next Saturday it will be because I'm camping out at Scottsdale Civic Center hoping to be one of the 2,000 people that gets to get into this great event! I can't wait!!!! So, if anyone wants to camp out with me - let me know. Erik wouldn't mind going to the show, but he said he'd drop me off early in the morning to sit by myself in line because he doesn't want to do that. What a weirdo!! (By the way, this picture is one I took at their concert in July 2006. I love it! Johnny singing "Better Days".)

Well, as you can tell, we are just the most exciting people! But, there you have it, an update!!

PICS

I am forever indebted to my sister Allison! Because I am so impatient & was unable to find a dress - she so politely agreed to help make Kylie a dress for her baptism when I asked her. Little did she know that it would turn into a HUGE project. She's such a trooper & it looks GREAT!! She even made the CUTEST necklace that Kylie just had to use with it. I just need to permanently add on the ribbon I got. (It only got to be safety pinned on for pictures.) Well, I wanted it done so we could take pictures & get announcements made & mailed out here soon! (Watch out Shelley - I'll be ready for your help next week!) So, here's a few of our favorites:

Erik's favorite:

KYLIE's favorite

MY favorites:

This last one's for you Allison since you talked about how much fun she would have twirling in this very full skirt!

DRESSES

As crazy as this is to me I am preparing for my daughters baptism. I still can't believe she's going to be eight, but here we come! I'm having a heck of a time finding a white dress for it. I really need to get it figured out this weekend, so does anyone have any ideas for me. The only place I've been able to find some at are bridal shops & they're EXPENSIVE!!! So, any help would be lovely!

JUST BECAUSE

I've noticed lately that I'm not very good at posting pictures with my posts. Except for random ones I get off the internet. So, I decided to just post a couple for fun that noone has ever seen even though they were taken awhile ago.

I love this picture of Jadyn blowing bubbles. I want to squish those cheeks!!!

I love this picture, too. This is our niece Ciara that Kylie just thinks the world of. They're 2 years apart, but you wouldn't know it when they're together. They're the same size & could almost pass as twins. Such beautiful blue eyes on these two. They even have some of the same mannerisms. It's too dang funny to watch them together. We love you Cici!

CRAZINESS

OK - as we all know by now if you've ever read my blog I am obsessed with the "Twilight" series. Well, since I read the series of books 3 times in 3 weeks my husband told me I needed to try another one. So, I ventured out & read yet another book! (Oh no! I am just like my mother!! - I love you mom!) He told me to read one of his favorite John Grisham novels - "The Testament". So, I did. He told me I would love it because they go to Brazil & since I've been their then I could relate. But, really, it took me a week to read it & I forced myself to finish it. I just couldn't get into it. I'm not giving up on the reading thing yet, but I'm probably going to give up on John Grisham. Way too slow for my taste. I'd way rather watch his movies - which I love them - & have them be done in 2 hours. I'm going to try the Harry Potter series. I think I would like those - total mindless fantasy & completely rid of any reality! Totally my speed. Which, I won't get my hands on those until my mom brings them to me at Thanksgiving, so I guess I'll have to read my books for the 4th time until then.

I'm having a hard time concentrating as I write this. My neighbors are BLARING music that I can hear in my house. I've never heard a thing come from these guys in the year & a half that we've lived here, but I can hear them tonight. But, the funny part is that they are total gothic people (Yes - they even had a real coffin in the bed of their truck yesterday.) blaring Korn, etc. But, now that the screaming music is over it has switched to Backstreet Boys, MC Hammer, even Vanilla Ice! How hilarious is that? I can only imagine what is going on over their.

Now back to my story, so it wouldn't be in my obsessive nature to not leave you with a little blurb about my books. (Don't worry - I promise this will die down soon!) But, my awesome Dad emailed me this article about the author & just had to share!

Stephenie Meyer

VETERAN'S DAY

One of the things I love about Kylie's school is that they have a flag ceremony every morning. The kids get to watch the flag raise up, say the pledge & sing "God Bless America" every day. How lucky are they?! On Friday they had a special flag ceremony to honor those that are & have served our country. They do this every year & also for Memorial Day. They always have a breakfast beforehand that the kids can bring their military friends & family to. Last year Erik's dad went with Kylie. (He served in the army.) He was unable to go this year & Kylie was performing with the school choir. So, Erik & I went to flag ceremony to watch her. I went to the Memorial Day ceremony when Kylie was in Kindergarten, so I knew what to expect. Even still, there is nothing like listening to the kids sing every anthem for each of the military divisions & watching those that have served in those divisions stand for their song. It tears me up everytime. I have so much respect for them & what they have endured! It always brings an added meaning for the holiday coming up. I hope everyone has a safe & enjoyable holiday & may we always remember those that fight so that we have the freedom to enjoy flag ceremonies!