Ten Years....

Ten years ago today (the 27th, or the day after thanksgiving) I was home for holiday break. I had been warned, but was not prepared for what was to happen.

I went to the library for a little finals preparation. (it is true, I did study once in a while, if there was nothing better to do.) On my way home, I got a craving for cinnamon bears---sugar, my drug of choice. Pulling into the parking lot, I noticed a van pull around behind me. No big deal, I hoped out of my car to head into Albertson's. I see cute guy in glasses running towards me, he looks familiare, oh wait, it is Chris Bremser from high school. I had heard that he was home from his mission. I shuttered at the memory (the kid broke my heart). I really liked him in high school, but he lost interest in me when I was not as aggressive as he was used to--plus there was another girl that came along.

A polite smile on my face, I say Hi. He stops asks a few polite questions...how are you? What have you been up to for over two years? then...the question "What are you doing tonight? Do you want to go out?" Oh crap! I have never been good about saying no. So instead "Sure." He runs back to his car and I wonder into Alberston's confused and shaking...shaking...I knew this was different. I blamed it on the fact that he was the only boy that ever rejected me. I was always able to get the guy, but he had been able to walk away.

I never did find my cinnamon bears, I wondered around the store in shock, and then went home to prepare for my big date. Who knew that it would all go so well...

Christmas...

Thanks Amber...I am guessing that this song has more meaning for you this year than ever, but I cried when I heard it.

Husband tag...

1. Where did you meet your husband? Seminary, Jr. year of High School.

2. How long did you date before you got married? We dated for 18 months. (Dated 1 year, then engaged 6 months) I don’t work quickly.

3. How long have you been married? 8 years and almost 7 months

4. What does he do that surprises you? He doe not surprise me. (that sounded terrible, but it is true…very predictable in everything.)

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His Hands!!! (I also love his smile.)

6. What is his best quality? Very, very hard worker.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Sweetheart

8. What is his favorite food? Steak (right now he likes it covered in bleu cheese)

9. What is his favorite sport? Cycling—does that count as a sport?

10. When and where did you first kiss? After two months—his parents basement. (back when they liked me)

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Shop—I know crazy, but he is my FAVORITE shopping buddy.

12. Do you have any children? 4

13. Does he have any hidden talents? He can clean! (and does so when left home alone—I LOVE It. )

14. How old is he? 31

16. What is his favorite music? 90’s (but that changes periodically)

17. What do you admire most about him? Again his work ethic—I know that he may not always make a ton of money, but he will never sit around waiting for things to just happen. I also admire the fact that he is immovable. He is very easy going, but if he believes something or has made a decision, good luck changing his mind (or his heart). (this is good—most of the time)

18. What is his favorite color? Blue

19. Will he read this? Yes, even though he was there when I filled it out.

20. Who do you tag? Hmmm…anyone?

A house divided...

As we are discussing voting this week and watching the news our children have become very interested. The problem: Anna wants Obama (he has better hair), and Preston wants McCain (we don't know why). It has brought some pretty heated discussions into our home. Let's just hope that Obama has more to bring to the presidency than his great hair (which I just don't see, but...)

Do mint oreoes count as essential produce?

Maybe not, but I think they may qualify as MEDICALLY NECESSARY!

30 Days = No Spending

30 Days!!! What was I thinking? $100 for milk and the essential fresh produce. The rest comes from my pantry and food storage. Anything else can wait or be forgotten. I got this great idea from a Readers Digest (kind of nerdy, but true). But now Anna is begging to take that extra dance class that is soooo fun! I am going through Target withdrawals. And I am wondering, "Do I have enough candy for Halloween."

We lived very tight while Chris finished school, especially during his masters program, but this is different. The kids are older and want things. I am use to a little freedom, and I have a car to get me to the store. (Something I did not have for a long time.) So, why are we doing this you ask? Has anyone felt the pinch of the hurting economy? Have you felt a little of the anxiety that I have felt for the future? I read an article that suggested cutting all spending will help me find the things I may be missing in my food storage. It will also help me again become aware of needs vs. wants. (Something I think I have forgotten in recent years.)

I have only been doing this for a week and I am finding so many things that I did not realize would come into question. ...the kid's book orders (I love new books each month--especially the $1 ones)... Cafe Rio (missing you)...a new bottle for Zac (lost one on vacation a couple of weeks ago, before we started this 'game', but I forgot to replace it until it was too late...a new spray bottle (mine broke)...make up (my powder is gone!)... Red box...Baby sitter (except for temple night)... None of these things are allowed...

We did find a fun free pumpkin walk for Saturday night with the kids. I have made an extra batch of bread this week for sandwiches on the run. I resisted taking the kids out for lunch. I have avoided Target at all costs (I love that store).

I am wondering what my friends (and other readers) have done to cut costs or plan for future hardships. This economy is scaring me, so I want ideas!!!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I am a little late in posting this, but this is a reminder for all my friends. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...do your exams!!! I will remind you again in May (my own five year mark!!!), but please do them!!! I don't care if you think you are to young (I was 23). I don't care if it is not in your family (I was the first in mine)! I was lucky that although mine was malignant all I had to experience was a partial mastectomy. Two surgeries is a very easy treatment considering what so many others have to go through, but that was enough of a wake up call for me, and I hope enough for ALL of my friends.