Bubby: The Bald and the Beautiful!

Remember that one time when I thought I had to go to the bathroom really bad? Yes, it was 8 months ago today that Clancy and Shell each grabbed a leg and the games began. They played the role as my ultimate and most trusted friends. Our little creepy scootching ninja is 8 months old today! Happy Birthday Bubby!

She is just about the cutest, smiliest little thing you would ever want to see! She is still quite long in length but now has some serious cheeks and chubby legs! She has one little tooth poking through on the bottom. She demands attention and is quite particular about who she will spend her time with and who may have the honorable pleasure of her attention.

She's stealthy and is already she is a girl with a plan! She rolls her way quickly (very literally) into the hearts of those around her and will throw her arms out when she wants you to take her. She is very much a girl who knows what she wants and will let you know when she is not happy with her fake little cry.

She does the infamous 'gorilla stomp' in her bed when she is awake. This is the act of her bringing both of her legs up and strategically dropping them both down as hard as she can thus pummeling her little mattress! It is loud and meant to summon anyone in ear shot!

She has the cheesiest grin and will accompany it with squinted closed eyes while she throws her round and peach fuzz filled head back. It makes for quite the show and yes, she busts it out at all the right moments!

She's all about her fruits and veggies...except for anything green. I can't be sure if she discriminates based on color or if she really realizes that those taste worse! Either way I can't blame the girl and am just thankful that she is off the pricey Nutramigen!

She's had her fair share of ear infections and pulls through like a champ. Mark has manned up big time by taking her to all of her doctor's appointments. I can't bear it and so he plays the role of brave comforter. Holding her while they stick her shots doesn't really work for me.

And I shall not forget that our little Adalie is a tongue clicker! She will click her tongue, wait for you to do it back and then she graciously takes her turn again. She loves being able to communicate and gets so excited! She will also do this with her fake cough, silly girl.

Besides rolling everywhere she can also scootch backward and spin on her tummy with her strong little arms. She still does her sit ups when on her back, which still makes us laugh! She insists on sitting up but never stays still for long. We've got a mover and a shaker on our hands and I can't wait to see what she does in this world!

On the B Side: We are so happy to have her in our lives! She is the perfect compliment to our little family and is loved by all! She glows when her siblings give her their undivided attention. She brings us all together and I can't imagine our lives without her. She is an amazing blessing and we love her so much! Happy Birthday Adalie Elizabeth!

Spinning Right Round, Baby

Yes, like a record (for all you 80's music gurus). That's a little bit what life feels like right now. My PMLG CMP BC for my PMI cert (way too many acronyms) rocked my world hard core. It was 16-18 hours a day and I'm not talking about just being awake those hours. Working that many hours for 6 days straight was an experience. I loved the 'learn' part but did find it far from the vay-cay I thought it would be (relatively speaking, of course!)

So um, I'll take being wife and mother of 4 while also playing the role of career woman any time over that rigorous schedule! Yes, my world still feels like it is spinning!

Here are some of the highlights from last week;
-Learning is my passion. This being said, last week was extremely passionate for me!
-I met 9 really great people and thus was able to set up an incredible network in my Project Mgmt world.
-Krystal (from SLC) flew into Philly and I got to hang with Cortney (from PA) and co Friday night.
-Saturday took me to spend some time with the Sorensen crew in Bethlehem. It was a blast!
-Flight home was direct & Dramamine served me well (carried my own barf bag just in case!)

During the week I watched out for Angels and Pests. The angel award definitely goes to the fellas in SLC airport that walked right up to the US Soldiers and shook their hands. They did not know them but merely and so simply expressed appreciation and said, 'thank you'. It literally brought tears to my eyes. The pest award definitely goes to the crazy Philly drivers and particularly the truck driver that changed lanes in the middle of a downtown intersection and nearly killed us.

My Dad was a total rock star and flew into SLC to help Mark with the kids and such while I was away. The two of them busted out the week without flaw and made me realize that my family can exist and flourish without me! Apparently they are far more resilient than myself!! I will sheepishly admit that the first two days I was gone just about killed me simply because I missed my fam so much. Once my time was occupied I got on with my bad self and learned to suck it up. Needless to say, I was happy to get home!

Here are some of the funny things that kids said to me during the phone calls I literally had to squeeze into the crazy schedule I was living!
-Dayton: 'Can you just ask your boss if you can come home early?'
-Ellie: 'I am going to have a stomach ache the whole time you are gone.'
-Dayton: 'Can you just get something, put it in a box and send it to me in the United States of America.'
-Ellie: 'I waaaant you. You are the goodest Mommy I ever had.'

It did make me sad that Ellie would cry at bed time. One night Grandpa John was comforting her when Dayton leaned over the top bunk and said, 'She thinks that Mom is going to die.' That was hard to hear but I did giggle when my Dad said that the kids would go to bed and then ask him a few minutes later if he was still watching them (he slept in their room with them).

My Dad made it home safely and even left dinner for me to pop in the oven for the day I arrived home along with some frozen things in the freezer for another day. Mark let me relax and enjoy the fam Sunday before our week started all over again together (this being the key and very important word!) Monday.

On the B Side: If you ever want to learn a lot about yourself, separate yourself from whatever reality you are living, throw yourself into something else and then spend some quiet time mauling it all over in your head! I am back to the races that make up the busy little life that we live together at home. The operative words here are together and home!

Bustin' It Out!

I am definitely in my glory! My boot camp started today and I am loving it (despite the fact that I miss my family) Ellie has been struggling just a little and Dayton asked me today to come home early but for the most part they both seem to be doing awesome. I'm fairly certain that Adalie will have a tooth and may be crawling before I get home next Sunday. Lucky for them all Mark and my Dad are there and have things under control. OH YEAH!

On the B Side: There is life without Britta. Who knew?!

Monster-ocity of an Update

Yes, it is sad. I have fallen off of the blog wagon and this is my feeble attempt at climbing back up! Let's start by pushing REWIND.

The first Saturday in January brought the baptism of our niece Elise (aka 'big Ellie'). She had her smiley dimples out in full force and was a picture of purity. I love the warm spirit present at such events and will forever remember her standing up on a chair after the ordinance as a 'perfect person' free from everything bad, radiating everything good.
Here she is with my father-in-law and his darling wife (and my dear friend) Cynthia. This day was a day of happiness and deep reflection.

The following day (which was the first Sunday of January) brought more joy to our family. It was the day Adalie was given a name and a blessing. My Father-in-law did the honor in our home ward and did a beautiful job of serving as the Lord's mouth piece. Interestingly enough, during the blessing I heard a baby crying and wasn't able to clearly hear much of the blessing. I was wondering why a parent would not take a fussy child out of the Chapel during our special event. Um, I suppose I should think nicer thoughts....Cliff (FIL) indicated that it was ADI!!! Here she is in her beautiful dress...hand made with love by Grandma Sugar!

Dayton was busy playing Jr. Jazz in West Jordan. His Uncle Bryan was his coach and his cousin Neal was on the team. This was his second season playing and he did a great job! His little face was so intense and he really had a blast! I can promise you that he was the only player skipping up and down the court and I loved watching him throw his little skinny 6 year old arms in the air to play defense! He shot the ball a few times and was one proud little man when he got a medal at the end of the season.

Here are the girls in their scarves (yes, I am now a knitter!). Kayla has the cutest little A-line hair cut thanks to her Aunt Mindy. She has been doing really well at her new school and is happy to be back spending time with her Grandma in the afternoons. She has been seeing her tutor each week and progressing quickly with the assistance. I love watching her confidance level increase as she learns. She stayed with us last week while her Mom was travelling and we really enjoyed having her with us.

Someday Ellie will be quite unhappy with the moment we captured here. However, she has been learning to read and it's really clicked for her. She loves it so much that yes, she reads on the toilet so much in fact that she posed for this picture! She is the youngest in her kindergarten class simply because she didn't meet the cut off date. Given that we put her in a private school we were able to circumvent the school district for now. Even being a year behind the others chronologically, she still pushes to the top of her class! We are very proud of her. She refuses to ski with Dayton and my Mom because she insists that it is too dangerous. She is however taking tap and ballet. She is one of the oldest in her dance class yet remains one of the smallest as she prepares for her recital this spring!

While Adi is far from being able to tell any secrets, she is also far from the quiet little girl sleeping in this picture! She is one busy little monkey and hit the 7 month mark on 2/19. She rolls all over the place and is rather aggressive in her pursuit! She is able to sit, reach out for people and will click her tongue in response to you when you click your tongue. She does NOT like to lay down and is quite the rubber necker. Curiousity will never kill her cat! She loves to smile, giggle and has a slight (very slight!) dusting of hair.

It is hard to believe that we have FOUR kids! We are blessed and we feel it. The days go fast and the time passes quickly. They each have different schedules and are in different places during the day. It is a lot to keep up with and certainly keeps us on our toes! All of them together make for a lot of noise complete with giggles, laughter and tears! They do a great job plaing together most of the time and Adi really does complete the circle that is our family!


Here is a blurry snap taken on Superbowl Sunday at my Sister-in-law Jenny's. The fact that it is a blur is only representative of the sheer chaos they all cause together! They are all different ages with different interests but they always have a great time together. Leah and Adi are in the center (only 2 weeks apart) and yes, Adi is very unhappy. We all had a great time and no, I did not watch one minute of the game but enjoyed the get together!

The other item of note was Valentine's Day and while I do not have a picture to document our evening, we did have a really great time. Mark and I went out on Friday the 13th. We took our little Adi Cakes with us and had a really nice steak dinner. Afterwards we went shopping and Mark got me the most darling black patton leather purse/laptop bag! We also picked out some more dishes together to further complete our Fiesta obsession! It was a really simple evening and I just enjoyed being with my Marky.

On the B Side: I love our family, all of our family! There is one special event that I have not highlighted simply because there is much elaboration that I would like to add and it goes hand in hand with a special announcement. Those two pieces of information will be forth coming. In the mean time my Dad is set to arrive on Friday and I will be leaving for Philly on Saturday. With a little bit of luck, my good pal Krystal will join me during my business trip to the hood!!

Manic Monday: Tradition

While the word tradition leaves much to be interpretted, I tire of it in the sense that I believe traditions should happen quite naturally rather than be thought, created, re-thought, analyzed, announced, planned, prepared for, executed and immortalized for all eternity. There is something in that process that takes the beauty out of it for me. I love the idea of things happening... just happening...just because....because people enjoy them. I don't like strict agenda's and I do not enjoy the hustle and bustle that takes away from the things that matter most.

Christmas Eve was a perfect example of this beautiful simplicity. The way things shook out we spent a quiet evening at my Mother's. We enjoyed one another without an agenda or time frame. There were no expectations or constrictions. We ate a nice meal with no pomp or circumstance. We watched the Hallmark channel together while I wrapped presents and my Mom knitted. The boys all went to bed early and the kids were asleep. It was perfect and I hope to spend many more Christmas Eve's like this in the quiet glow of love and warmth!

All are welcome to join Mo's Manic Monday hoopla! Click here for details and get yourself dialed in!

On the B Side: Quiet moments that aren't big grandiose plans seem to bring the most reflection, and enjoyment for me. I love my family so much more than any words could possibly accurately express. For this reason I experience and feel great love and also for this reason my heart quietly aches in the wake of those passed and particularly in the distance that time, space and geography bring. Why does PA have to be so far from UT??? xoxo

5 Months and Counting!

Years ago I was told that I would not be able to bear children. Dayton was a miracle and the doctors all scratched their heads. Ellianne was yet another spectacular surprise that followed a short 14 later. They both attested to the fact that medical science is grand but that there certainly is a higher power and that there is a plan for each of us.

Mark wanted a little one of our own. This would make our little blended family mine, yours and ours; a modern day Brady Bunch with a twist. I was told my brain tumor was active again and quietly held little hope when BAM! the blessing came. Not one. Not two but THREE count them 1,2,3 miracle babies.

Adalie is a delight. She is 5 months old today and makes us all smile and politely fight for her attention. The kids can't wait to see her each morning and love kissing her good night. We take turns holding her during family prayer and everyone gathers when it is time to bathe her so we can all watch her splash and kick her legs around.

The pictures are endless and we have had to run some crowd control at times. Her sweet smile and soft giggles are a pleasant reminder of just how blessed we really are. Her little petite features are darling and her eyes always seem to light up when she sees someone she loves. Her arms flap around when she is excited and she is slowly mastering the use of her pretty hands (which aside from her darling nose are my favorite part of her!).

She lays in her crib and pulls her legs up and throws them down for fun and the only time she really complains is when she is hungry. I often wonder where her feet will take her and what she will do with her beautiful hands. She is porcelain like a doll and we do get that often! She is patient and tolerant and she really does complete us!

On the B Side: Life is never what *you* plan and it's a good thing as I would have messed it all up a long time ago!! I love our little family and wouldn't change one thing, not one. xoxo

Friday's Fab Five

Yes, it's that time again! Here's this week's highlights dedicated to the ones I love;

1. Adi can roll from her tummy to her back! Yeah, that's right. Cause' that's how my girl rolls...

2. Dayton has been keeping his hands to himself at school and has had 3 great days in a row! It's tough when you're 6. I love seeing that kid put his mind to something and work towards it!

3. Kayla started with her tutor and loves it! This is really going to help her and also help us help her. Nothing feels as satisfying as progress and accomplishment. She's on her way!

4. Ellie's super attentive, independent, secure and passionate side has been ignited by her ballet/tap class. I love to see that girl flourish! The smiles are endless and she just beams.

5. Mark is a kinder, gentler man. No idea what has caused the softening but I did love seeing his tears well up at Glenn Beck's presentation of the Christmas Sweater. Sigh.

On the B Side: A huge storm is blowing in again today. It's Friday with the weekend on it's way in as well. I'm home in my jams with the babe working away. We're snuggled up in warm blankets with German pancakes in the oven with Christmas around the corner. Survey says: Perfection! (spoken with a French accent!)

Forget Wordless Wednesday

Yeah, homie don't play that...at least not today as I have waaaay too much to say. Quiet is not in my diet! There is much to share and a few questions to pose. Let's start there...

I need a new skin care regimen. Suggestions? I'm over Clinique. Don't wanna pay for Estee. Not an Oil of Olay kind of gal and thinking I'll pass on Mary Kay. Considering Origins again. Help a sister out...

Next question...

What's better than finding money in the wash? Finding a totaly fab shirt that you bought and forgot about! It was a happy day in my home yesterday for this simple reason.

I heart MAC and the latest and greatest grabs I got. Thanks to my favorite Red Vixen!!! Now Submarine and Pen n' Pink can retire but they will be mine for-EV-er!!!!

I realize that my blogroll is gone. It was intentional...simply because I'm laaaaazy. I'll fix it after the holidays when I'm ready to roll with a new layout! I'm actually trashing the blogroll page element, sticking with an HTML element and iGoogle (I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!).

Yesterday Betty Beans had my phone to call her Popcicle. When I asked her what she was up to she told me, "Mom, I have it under control". Um, yeah. She's 5 and she kiiiiiills me (and so does her new alter ego, Mr. Elliot with the throaty-wanna-be-British-accent!!!)

Mic's fresh blood has never been so good and no, that is not yet another Twilight reference (but Carlisle can be my doc anytime!)! She and Grandpa Mikey pulled off a flawless Thanksgiving dinner. The best part? We get to keep her (Mic, not the turkey!)!!! Is it sick that I'm still dreaming of her cheese ball and to-die-for rolls???

DD Cakes starts up Jr. Jazz again and it will be so good to keep that little monkey busy! He's reading like a rock star which translated means that I can no longer spell things out in his presence, DANG IT. He also gets up in the middle of the night to go potty and is working the CPAP like it ain't nobodies business. Aw yeah, baby.

Two Scoops had one heck of a sleeping streak last night. BAM. How you like me now? She is seriously the cutest little bug, pretty much EVER. No confirmation needed but thanks.

Have I mentioned how reakin' tall K Mo has gotten?! The girl is taller (and blonder) than anyone else in her class AND she looks killer in her Christmas garb!!! You go, girl.

My Dad is seriously DA BOMB and one of these days (when he stops saving the world and neglecting poor lil' ol' me in the process!!!) he will make a guest appearance on my blog at which point in time Mr. Wonderful will make his debut appearance in the blogosphere! BAD DAD!!!

We're ramping up to ski season and I'm pretty sure my Momma-cita and DD Cakes are counting down until the moment they can steal away...it's so tempting for me even at my ripe old age! However, I will take the warm lodge and yummy hot coco over the bone aching chill that thrashes my joints.

Does anyone have any idea how delish the K-Sa-Dilla's are at Shell's? If you don't know then you are severely disadvantaged!!! Sorry to hear 'bout that.

I'm all torn up inside about the new job and need some serious direction. Seeking such tonight and it will be time well spent on my knees (no nasty jokes here, Rory and yes I still hate you for your Rockefeller locale!!!)

Suddenly the world of Sarah seems so much clearer. Aw, the strangeness has all but vanished and wow, does it feel good?! Would someone please insert the Milli Vanilli dance here? No pulling hamstrings, please.

Is anyone really funnier than Lorevis?! I mean, the note from God about Bruno's eye pretty much takes the cake. I hope Adi never cries at her again!!!! You so need to post that Aunt Looori.

What are the chances that I would pull up RIGHT NEXT TO THE COOLEST HANSON EVER? Pretty slim but yes, it happened in the middle of our metropolis that is the greater SLC area. Does that make me the stalker pal? No worries, Carrie. I never dug 'Single White Female'.

One of these days Laura and Kristin will remember to grant me access to their blogs. Let this stand as yet another feeble attempt to remind you lovely ladies. Until then I will love you from afar!

Clancy Pants, my darling. You do so have the BEST cookie recipe in the history of the world. It makes me miss you even more! Oh, and I heard YOUR song again on the radio. BONUS! Mmm Mmm good across the board!!!!

Kaci, where have you gone, my favorite work emailing friend?! Perhaps you are drowning yourself in something yummy from Starbucks or maybe you are knee high in tofu. Either way I MISS YOU and I still can't bring myself to reconcile with Boca!

Lisa, you are my new favorite friend! Your post 'To Tell or Not to Tell' is killing me! Seriously? Seriously. She is my latest follower. Chech her blogginess out, fo shizzle!

Ivana, I hate you for making me crave pumpkin rolls. Surely your recipe is free of fat, sugar and calories, right? I heard that everything this season is but I wanted to make sure...

Kougie, you'll always be my hand maid. Where art thou? Oh wait, it's my turn to come up there. I so owe you one! Whoa, and I am way stoked about your GREAT news! Jesus really does love you!

Lizzo, legos are not your friend. The sooner you learn this kind of thing, the better. Church is no longer for listening. Someone should write a book about all of this. Let me know how that works out for you. I heard you were perfect for the job (and it has nothing to do with the black thing you wore that one time!)

So have I mentioned what a great helper Marky Mark is on the home front. Um yeah. Dishes, garbage, kiddos (yes, all 4 of them) AND he minimizes all of the crap stacks around this joint. Remember that one time he stood in line to pay my ticket for me this week?! It's like those crazy Mormons say, CARRY ON! Which reminds me, the kids were absolutely fabulous at Church on Sunday AND we were early. It's like that movie (except completely different), 'LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL'!!!!

I have dinner in the crock pot, a date with ginger bread house #2 tonight, dinner with a bunch of Stott's tomorrow night, face time with Laura and Lori Saturday and time slotted with THE Krystal and Amanda the Toad. Could I bet any luckier?! The only thing that would make my world complete is a BIG FAT NAP! Oh and no nightmares, please.

(ps - I'm too busy to hyperlink, maybe later, sorry!)

On the B Side: There is tons of great stuff going on and I have the pics to prove it! Voila!!!

Captain Underpants! Tra Laa Laaaaa!

Moony B's busted Grandpa Mikey sleeping! Auntie Mic and our Squishy Bug pucker up!
You know your infant is tired when....
Kayla pretending to sleep! Busted!
Uncle Jazzy and Auntie Mic pose with our pumpkin heads! DD Cakes gives The Grateful Ed some lovin'

Take that Joe Gay!
Bunch of cheesers on TG day!
Zerbert!

Mr. Elliot's first appearance!

Boo Boo reads to Adalie and Ba Fark
4 Little Indians

It's the most wonderful time of year! Love to all!! XXOX

Friday's Fabulous Five

Fridays are officially dedicated to all things fabulous per one of my bff's! I've decided to dedicate today specifically to people in my life. While I will highlight a select few that is not to say that tere are not otherFive people in my life that are fantastic:

1 - My Father...he is alive, wonderful and amazing! He has had some close calls over the past year with his health and apparently the good Lord needs him here...and let it be known that I need him here. Each time I think I couldn't be more blessed to have him in my life he gives me even more reasons to be grateful and stand in admiration. He's a strong example of goodness and light. He's not perfect and he's no doctor but he does save lives! He's been my best friend forever and even though I don't always take your wise advice, I do always listen, Popsicle! I love you so much, Dad (and sometimes I even miss you sorry butt! xxox)

2 - My Momma-cita...predictable right? Wrong. We haven't always been this close. She moved her whole life across the country for me during my divorce. She's the last person I thought I would want near me (sorry, Mom!) but the very person that I needed the most! She picks Dayton up every morning and brings him home every afternoon. How helpful is this? We have 4 kids and both work full time. You find the empirical value of the square root of the hypotonuse to this equation!! She always helps when we move, when I'm pregnant or sick. She brings dinner and watches kids. She is a loving presence in our daily lives. I have no idea what I do do without her (and there are times when I don't know what to do with her!)

3 - Shellbait...the bff of a lifetime! I know, I know. Bff's everywhere. They come and go throughout different times and stages of our lives. This one I'm keeping. She is a staple in lives and is as family. Yes, my Sister of another Mister (except I'm not Mexican and neither of us pencil in our eye brows). Odd that she came into our lives as she did. Odd that she was the former girlfriend of my ex husband (yes, after we divorced) but she endeared herself to me with the genuine love she held for my children. So we've kept her for going on 3 years now and there is no sign of letting up...ever. She's strong, determined, full of life and energy and has a heart that more often than not extends far beyond herself. She'll always be my favorite porch monkey!`

4 - Adi...our tiny dancer! As the smallest and newest member to our family I feel compelled to share just how much we love this little lady. She is the most amazing blessing. True to Jerry McGuire style...she completes us. We are a full circle with her. She was the missing link and now this tiny little human comes and offers way more love than her small self seems capable of holding! She loves to stretch her arms and we always smile. She is always dancing her sweet little feet and we always smile. She watches the world around her and reminds all of us just how simple and wonderful life really is. She exudes love to everyone and everyone loves her. It's just that easy. How can you not express and feel love in such a Heavenly presence?

5 - BaFark...last but certainly not least. I do not profess to have a perfect marriage. In fact I can admit that there are times when we don't get along and I can tell you that some times we don't even like each other. If you are married and honest with yourself I am certain you could say the same. Marriage is a lot of work and you can't possibly understand how hard it us until you live it. If you thought a 1st marriage was hard I can tell you that a 2nd makes it look like a walk in the park! Ain't no easy, breezy, beautiful here! We work hard and that's what makes it even more satisfying. We're blending lives together and we remain committed. We're talking about mine, yours and ours. Emotions run high. Communication is more crucial than ever. Some times it feels like Mark and I are stumbling through it together and other times we feel in control, organized and almost flawless. Regardless of what day it is or what trial is upon us of this I am sure, I love my Marky Mark.

On the B Side: I love being surrounded by loved ones! I have friends and family that I love more than anything and that mean the world to me. I have people that love me unconditionally, people that I love unconditionally, people that rely on me and people that I rely upon. I am happy. I feel happy.

MAC is Back!

Oh yes. It's true. MAC is back! My amazing make up and myself are reunited and it feels so good! Lingy, I love you and I am sorry. I started back to the office on Monday and must confess that I worked myself up in vain. I sat in my chair first the first time in two months and thought about everything that has changed and it's sheer craziness. The best part? I LOVE IT!

Despite my complete and total sleep deprivation I feel energized. I feel alive and I feel happy. Things always work out and the fear of moving forward and stepping into that darkness is overwhelming. The uncertainty and the unknown can be all consuming. Once you are able to look back you know that you were safe all along and that hope was always shining brightly. THE PASSWORD IS COURAGE.

Adi is beautiful, amazing and loved by all! Mark's ex wife's Mother tends her. I know, weird right? BUT it works and it works well! So far, so good. She is smiling voluntarily and has the prettiest and petitest little features! She only cries when she is hungry and she doesn't mess around in that circumstance. She finally hit 9 lbs and is healthy...such a huge, huge blessing!

Dayton is a little 1st grade rock star! He reads like a mo fo and plays soccer like he was born to ball! Ah, that boy warms my heart and soon his ski season will be upon us. Snow Basin with Grandma Mikey is his gig and I am as excited for him as he is excited to ski! He's stuck with the CPAP despite the fact that he hates it. He is a smart little dude with a heart of gold. ROCK ON.

Ellie has started private all day Kindergarten. Her uniform eliminates MANY battles and she's as cute as ever! She is gearing up for her 5th birthday party at Sweet and Sassy and is all kinds of stoked! She's like a little mini teenager. She does hug and kiss DD every morning before my Mom picks him up and always waves goodbye as they drive off! Sooooo dang PRECIOUS! She's full of fire and has a personality the size of Texas!

McKayla is in Kindergarten with Beans. She has adjusted suburbly to her teacher and her new classmates! She is a great listener and is now with us every morning. It is so crazy good to see her daily and be a bigger part of her little life! This also allows her to see the baby more and keeps her feeling more connected with us. She's finished swimming and is back in Dance and Baton. She is such a good, good girl and always make sure everyone is okay, included and feel important and loved.

On the B Side: It feels good to feel so happy. My life is so far from perfect but is so incredibly blessed!!!

The Koug Strikes (raWrrrrrrr!)

Koug has tagged me and instructed me to go onto Google Images and find an image suitable for my response to each question. Take notes and enjoy the ride!

Past Loves: Belge Chocolate! My time in Belgium served me well! I grew up not far from Hershey PA, which seemed fabulous and yes, I swear the whole town smells like flipping chocolatey goodness! However Hershey can hardly hold a candle to the yummy chocolatey goodness that is of the diamond capital of the world! Um hello? Diamonds, chocolate and Mannequin Pis! Does it really get any better than this? Alas I did have to leave Belge chocolate behind to return home but it remains forever etched upon my hips!

My first name: Britta. It's pronounced Brit-ta. Not Breeta. Not Beretta. No Brittany's here. Ain't crazy about being called Bridget (but I'm sure I've been called way worse!) and my name ain't Brenda. It's Britta. Britta and Brit if I like you. Now most unfortunate is the fact that the only association that is made to my name is the Brita Water filter but thank goodness it wasn't like a sewage treatment system or something. Even more unfortunate is the fact that they spelled it wrong. or the love of all that is holy give me two T's please. At any rate, I use to hate it. I'm over it but I forever remain the girl without her name on anything like cute barrettes, or a personalized toothbrush or even a pimpin' key chain!

My Middle Name: Awesomeness you ask? Nope. It's Vaughan. Britta Vaughan. bv. It is the last name of my maternal Grandparents. Unfortunately they have both passed from this life and I do miss them like crazy. I grew up next to them in little ol' Riverside Pennsylvania. My Mommom was my best friend for forever and a day and my Poppop was larger than life. I am beyond honored to carry their name. I posted hydrangeas because they had blue ones that were beautiful outside of their home (and they came up in the search). Mommom loved flowers and Poppop did a great job caring for them. {sigh}

Last Name: Now I know my Dad would tell you "Sweetness" (right, Popsicle?!) but legally it's Stott. Not Stout. Stott. I never wanted to be BS. Previously I was a BS and by 5th grade other kids caught on, brought it to my attention and it pretty much sucked. Now I am a Stott. It rhymes with Dot. I found this image that was something about Andy Stott and his ceramics. While I have no idea who he is the image struck me because I do so love our little blended life that Mark and I have created (despite the stolen cars, stolen checks, car accidents, mortgage fraud, staph infections, pox, the list goes on). Most of all I do LOVE my quirky little Marky Mark! Nothing but good vibrations, can you feel it feel it, baby?

What are you doing now? So I'm pretty much vying to be the hottest Mom ever! Okay, okay. I've got some work to do and I'm sure you're thinking, how on earth is she going to pull this off? Right here, folks! For me it pretty much has nothing to do with being jaded by romance as I'm way over all that jazz (not this Jazz). For me it's going to be an a-Mayes-zing way to burn my negative energy right out of my system, spend some quality time with my girlies AND get hot! Yes, if you haven't checked it out, please do so as all are welcome! The motto: Don't Get Mad, Get Hot! Yes, JAYDUD. Just About You Don't
Underestimate Determination. In reality today I am just spending time with Adi and Ellie and wishing I didn't feel like a dog turd!

My age: I am 18 forever, baby. Yes, forrrrrrr-evvvvvv-errrrrr! I had way too much fun spending way too much time with the biggest dork of a guy from the branch that lusted after my roommate while I was in college (the first time at PSU but please don't ask me about Joe Pa) who swore that my 2 roommates and myself were 18 forever (and we really were 18 at the time so whatev!) The passage of time may age me physically but in my heart I will always be 18 and will emphatically deny otherwise!

My Favorite Treat: Cheese fondue, hands down! This is yet another love I developed in Europe but I never had to leave this one behind! Special thanks to the Melting Pot for making all of my dreams come true! While traveling after my mish Bad Dad and I developed quite a love for a fine cheese fondue! While he refused to follow local custom and dance upon the table after losing his bread in the pot it still remains a delightful memory and a delicious treat (except for that last batch you made, Popsicle!!!)

Place I would like to Travel: Ohhhh, someday I want to go on a Mediterranean cruise! Just say the word Mediterranean outloud (you know you want to!). Doesn't it just roll off of your tongue? Doesn't it just seem all romantic/dreamy/wonderful? Someday I would love to sail the ocean blue, visit multiple European countries all from the comfort of a big, fat cruise liner! That way I would stil have all the comforts of home (and then some!) but still be able to travel, see the world and enjoy! Mmm Mmm good!

My favorite color: White. White is my favorite color, ladies and gentlemen! White is pure, clean and refreshing. It is symbolic of goodness and peace. It's associated with innocence and cleanliness. It is truly is a color of perfection and has a positive connotation. It looks good, it feels good and it just is good. White light is also made up of all different colors. So when it's bent it actually produces all of the other colors. So next time you see a rainbow remember that it's all because of the wonderful color white! It's a tad technical and too much for my non-scientific/simpleton/impatient mind to type but you can see the light, right?! BWAHAHAAHAAA!

My Hometown: Danville, although I really grew up in Riverside *which is across the river*. Riverside is just a small 'borough' though and not considered a real town. So each day of my life I would travel to Danville to do basically whatever simply because Riverside only had a set of railroad tracks, a post office and a convenience store. Danville is a small town situated along the Susquehanna river, which was really cool to learn based on church history. It's also exit 33 off of route 80. This means I could hop on route 80 East here in SLC and shoot straight home (after a mere 36 hours!). At any rate, I love my little small town (and my borough!) and the life I had there!

My favorite Vacation Spot: Um I'm going to have to go with Munic. For us "Munchen" wasn't necessarily this place of rich history or culture. It stands for the fun memories we made there. The rude natives trying to get in my Dad's pants (I kid not!), the rain, cheating at Uno, knee knocking (this is where it all began), the sardine pizza, the live beer cultures!

My Favorite Food: So pretty much anything made with Bisquick fits the bill! For years my Dad has made killer pancakes and Chicken and Dumplings to die for with Bisquick! From the wee age that I was in 3rd grade Wendy 'Blackday' (275-4541), Jen Wertz (275-0917)and myself would mix Bisquick with water and a dash of sugar and cinnamon in a cup, nuke it in the mikey for 29 seconds and eat the delicousness that was created! I will admit that I still do this from time to time. When I was on my mish my Dad would send me boxes of Bisquick so I could get my fix, no joke! I always keep a box in our pantry and we go through it rather quickly (and not because I cook!) I have no idea what it is comprised of but dang is it good!

My favorite Animal: Cats. Not just any lame ol' cats but Rubin and the Grateful Ed! Nope, I don't have any pics of them on hand and quite frankly they have been in foster care since the beginning of the year (and no I do not dance with them as said gentleman to the right!). They became part of my life at age 3 in 2000 from a broken family. They are absolutely beautiful! Ed likes to lick people's heads. Don't ask why because I don't know. He actually prefers short hair with gel but he isn't super finicky in his old age. He's a quiet little love bug. Now Rubin is the socialite. He'd sell his soul to sit on your lap for a little lovin'. He likes to sleep on your chest under the covers! One time Mark took them to the shelter and I drove all over the valley until I found them and rescued them once more! They're mine, you hear me!!!

On the B Side: This was a painfully long post! I enjoyed thinking about things and putting it all together. Now I am passing this little baby along and tagging some of the world's coolest bloggers (don't let me down, folks!).
Clancy (because she amazing & a super creative writer)
Kaci (because she is the coolest grown up cheer leader I know)
Micci (because she is the best SIL in the history of the world)
Kristin (because she has the cutest blog ever)
Leah (because her blog is always way entertaining)
Amanda (because she saved my butt many times & she still likes me!)

Serve it up warm, girls!!!!!