Back to Blogging again

I was talking with Bethany this morning and I realized while talking to her that it had been 4 months since I actually posted anything to my blog. So therefore I am going to try and get caught up. I have missed blogging but so very much has been going on it is hard to know just where to start. The drama I was having has calmed down and I have taken my blog public again. I am grateful to see you all again.

Love,
Me

Zoo Trip

I am not a big zoo person but Jeanette asked me if we wanted to go to the zoo before the kids go back to school. It was a really fun trip. Finn and Erik joined us for a while. I think this was the best trip I had to the zoo.

Everyone together weighs 982 pounds the same size as a baby elephant.

Kimmie's Broken Arm

For the very first time in her life Kimmie had an injury that didn't have to do with a seizure. She fell on the playground. She broken her growth plate. The doctors told us that her bruise rivaled some hockey players. It healed nicely without any major things. But it sure caused drama in our home.

Family Drama

For the time being after fighting with one of my family members I have had to take my blog private. Sorry I will return to public in a few months but until things calm down I am just going to protect myself and my kids. SORRY.

LOVE YA-
Kris

Memorial Day Weekend

This memorial day was incredibly relaxing! My mom rented her time share up in Park City and we spent the weekend up in Park City! I did a lot of flower arrangements. It was a wonderful way to spend the weekend. For the first time in a long time I didn't have huge amounts of arrangements to do I just had some basic arrangements. I wasn't stressed at all with this years flowers. It also helped that a friend ordered flowers from the wholesale house for me! So it was one stop shopping! I love the flower wholesale house. I could spend hours and thousands of dollars in there. Kimmie's birthday didn't fall on Memorial weekend this year like it has in the past so we weren't worried about birthday party anything either. So the weekend went like this....

Saturday- we got up got ready did a couple flower arrangements went to the cemetary for Erik's mom and my aunt Ann and went to Park City. We did dinner, shopping and the swimming pool and went to bed.

Sunday- we went to church at the visitors ward in Park City. The kids did great through the one hour church and I even forgot the church bag with the snacks and things in it. We went back to the condo and I fell asleep. Erik took Johnny for a walk and my Mom taught Kimmie how to crochet. We did dinner and played phase 10 until bed time.

Monday- got up did more flower arranging. Erik started cooking dutch oven for lunch. Went to the cemetary did more flower arranging at the cemetary. Went back to the condo Erik had lunch ready, my aunt Jo, Glenda, my cousin and her husband and son came up. We had lunch sat and talked, took the kids to the playground. We took Jo back to the cemetary and walked around for quite a while.

I got sunburned with all of this although it was a weekend that was worth while. I will have to add some flower photos and some photos of the kids on the playground later. The weekend was so calm and relaxing I wish every Memorial Day was as calm as this one was.

Erik's Birthday

Erik turned 39 this month. We broke the birthday curse! Every year on Erik's birthday for the past 11 years one of us ends up in the hospital. This year we broke the curse! Erik's family and my parents came over for dinner it was a nice quiet birthday. No hospital trips, no broken down vehicles, no nothing! I am so relieved that is over! We keep thinking we will break it and then we end up back in the hospital. So I am thinking that 11 needs to be Erik's new lucky number! After all that is how many kids he wanted when he first met me (I told him to date someone else if that was how many kids he wanted). I already wrote a posting on how wonderful he is and how much I love him so I don't want to be mushy again. But I love you and Happy Birthday!!!

Erik, Johnny and the Zoo

Last week Erik was asked to shaperone the Kindergarteners on a field trip to the zoo. This isn't the first time we have done this sort of thing. Although the first time for Johnny. With Kimmie and all her seizure trouble we drive up and met the bus at the zoo and when she gets tired or too hot then we put her in the car and leave. We got up and got ready for the day. I was going to work and Kimmie was headed to school while the boys ventured to the zoo. Erik wasn't too happy that I signed him up but he was going along with it for Johnny. Up until I told him he was going to ride the bus to the zoo. I have to laugh at the response I got. I love my husband but I thought I was dealing with one of the kids on a bad day. The short of the long story is Erik survived the zoo trip. Johnny had a great time.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

We are very blessed in that we now live 2.5 miles from the new Oquirrh Mountain LDS temple. Kimmie now has moved that temple to the top of her favorite temple list. She now sings I love to see the temple every time we drive down Bangerter Highway. Erik and I have been asked to help with the Physical Facilities Committee. Which just thrills us that we get to go into the temple before most people. There is such a calming and sweet spirit there. So we start working in two week at the temple. We are assigned times during the open house to help with the building. Making sure that everything remains clean and that all of the host/hostesses have everything they need throughout the open house. So it will be a really interesting and rewarding thing to do. I am really looking forward to as Kimmie would say our new temple.

Where did April Go???

I just started writing things on my May calendar for this next week and started to wonder what happened to April? I don't know why my life has been crazy but it has. Nothing out of the ordinary has been happening but I am really far behind on everything. Maybe it is that the kids have been off track and everyone has been sick. I am going to try and blame it on that.

One sort of fun thing is that I was asked to do a Podcast. I will be featured on the National Epilepsy Foundation's web site after May 7th. I did a whole radio interview that lasted about 30 minutes. After they cut it and everything it will go out and certain stations will be picking it up. I am talking about seizure medications and how switching medications can cause more seizures. It is the law I worked on last year that we passed in Utah. I am really thrilled that I was asked to do this. Apparently I did an okay job and they have asked me to do it again.

If I have forgotten to call, write, e-mail or whatever else I have forgotten this month SORRY I don't know exactly what happened to April.

Help Mom it is an Emergency

This has been a really crazy week. My kids are off track this week, so that should say it all. I really would like to start it all over but I really don't want to go through this week again. Monday Johnny got sick. So I stayed home with him. He still wasn't feeling too great on Tuesday but he was really fine just a little clingy and not eating a lot yet. I have been feeling really extra tired lately and keep falling asleep at a drop of a hat. I didn't know what was wrong with me so I went to the doctor Tuesday after and got a work up done. I happened to have had to take both kids and they climbed all over me during the visit. The doctor said that she would be tired dealing with those two. She ran everything imagionable and ordered a sleep test for me. A funny side note is they went to take my blood and Kimmie says I want to help so the guy givers her my other arm and hands her the elastic band thing and gloves and said go ahead. Not realizing Kimmie really knows what she is doing. He took my blood right as he finished she asked for the butterfly (a type of needle) to do her side. He told her next time. Believe me next time I will make sure not to take my daughter. Anyway, yesterday I got up to go to work and Erik said he didn't feel good. He was a little pale so I told him to call into work (he was suppose to close) and I went to work. One hour later I got a call from Kimmie,

"Mom it is an emergency help."

Me, "Kimmie what is wrong?"

Kimmie, "Daddy it throwing up bad. He really needs your help."

I grabbed my stuff and out the door I went. When I arrived home Kimmie had everything under control. She had taken her little play laptop and wrote Daddy Hansen on the top. She put an X for every time he had throw up. She put on the rubber gloves from the whole taking mommies blood the day before thing and was taking his temperature (with her doctor kit therometer). Erik looked like please help me. She was so cute. I wish I would have gotten a photo of her all cute.

My doctor called back checking on me from the day before's experiences. I said I am fine but here is my problem and I told her all about Erik. So she said bring him in. His blood sugar was sky high and he was starting to go in and out of small seizures. They would start at his fingers and move up his arm and go away. But he had a lot of them. The doctor gave him shots and kept him for a while to monitor him. They told me if he still didn't keep anything down to go to the emergency room. Thank heavens we didn't have to go there last night. He is finally doing a little better. Also thank heavens for the new neighbors I have that dropped everything to help me yesterday.

Oh, BTW the test results came back and I am fine I have a very big vitamin B12 deficiency and so I had a shot yesterday I am scheduled for another in three weeks I have new vitamins and if it doesn't come up in six weeks we will start a more rigerous shot schedule.

I can't wait for school to start again.

Easter Clothes

While I was in DC my mom took my kids Easter clothes shopping. Like I have posted before, Kimmie won't wear a dress that isn't made by my Mom or given to her by Aunt Lara. So my mom took her to pick out the material and pattern for the dress. I had a conversation with Kimmie the night they went shopping. It went a little like this...

Me, "Kimmie did you pick out a pretty purple dress for Easter." (we discussed this before hand and she decided that she wanted purple cuz her last one was pink)

Kimmie, "Mom my dress is black and white spots with a pink nose and pink bunny ears."

"What"

"Grandma likes it she will make it so pretty and I will look so cute."

Apparently I looked very frightened. Margo said that she will never forget the look on my face as I was talking to Kimmie.

Kimmie now has a black and white Easter dress. Grandma took Johnny shopping a few days later. I didn't have any suprises there, thank heavens. Although they both look really cute.

Hopefully she has forgotten about the bunny ears and nose. She hasn't brought is up and I really don't want to go there. I listened to the Today show the other day and apparently black and white are the new IN thing. I just didn't know it.

One flaw in Women

I received this e-mail the other day. I think I forget my worth a lot. With the craziness of my kids, work and life I don't give myself enough credit (or so I hear). So just a reminder to all of my amazing women friends out there. Give yourself a pat on the back for me.



Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.



HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

DC Trip

I had the extreme priveledge of attending the National Epilepsy Foundation's Walk for life and Public Policy Institute. We visited Utah's senators and two of our representatives. We also spoke in front of all the President's of the State Epilepsy Foundations. It was an amazing experience. We also got a little bit of site seeing in while we were there. So warning there is a lot of photos attached with this blog post.

The day of the walk was rainy and muddy. Margo ruined her shoes in the mud. But it was really fun. We walked with over 5000 others for epilepsy awareness. We started the walk just below the capital and went down and around the Washington Monument and back. The total walk was a little over 2.25 miles. I am not use to walking that far by the time we were done with the day we had walked over 5 miles. My legs hurt so bad.

After the walk we took a tour bus around to Arlington. I learned so very much. It is so inspiring. All of these amazing men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. We saw the women in the Military exhibit. I learned a lot about the WASP group from WWII. They were a women's pilot group there was a little over 1000 of them. Margo's mom happens to be one of them. They did this amazing triute to them. These women did amazing work. They weren't even recognized for VA benefits until 1977 or were made officers. They weren't even brought home when one of them died in duty. All the women pulled their money together to get the body home to be buried.

This tribute was really nice. If you ever get to Arlington I suggest you take a few minutes to visit this. Then we went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I was so amazed at the reverence and awe that was there.

We traveled to the White House visitors center and went back to the hotel. We were incredibly tired. Sunday we did our speach in front of the president's and exec's that were in. The speech went well. I was excited to have it over. Monday we spent the big part of the day in meetings. We learned a lot. Near the end of the day we skipped the talks about how to talk to legislatures (we figured we knew how to do that) and went site seeing. We went to the Jefferson Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vetanam Memorial the WWII Memorial. Around where all the memorial are the Cherry Blossom Festival was going on. It was amazing. I took over 100 scenery photos mainly of the flowers. The photo of me has the Jefferson Memorial in the background.

Now that this blog post is getting even longer. Tuesday we had our meetings up at Capital Hill. Believe me it is a hill after all the walking we did. We met with three out of the five Senators and Reps offices. We dropped info off at one other. I was really impressed with Jason Chaffetz's office and staff for being the new guy on the block and not being on any health committee's they were really receptive. We met with Orrin Hatch personally. Well at least long enough for the photo op. His office staffer was amazing and commended us a lot on the bill we passed in Utah.

Wednesday was our travel home day. We had a breakfast meeting with people from the National Epilepsy Foundation. I was excited to be going home and my kids couldn't wait. Although they were spoiled by Grandma so I am suprised they wanted me home at all. Erik did a great job will I was gone. I am really proud of him. We ended up being delayed in the airport for a while and it took a lot longer than it was suppose to but while it was storming on the ground I took this photo above the clouds over DC. It was a beautiful site. I am really shocked that the photo turned out. Now I just have to get back into the routine and on the right time zone.

Homemade Parade

My friend Michelle posted this on her blog and because she is so amazing and creative, I know I’ll love anything she makes. So...I signed up! The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year (hopefully sooner than later, although for sure after DC)
4. You will have no clue what it is going to be.
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog.
The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me you did will win a marvelous homemade gift by me!

Washington DC

I'm sorry I haven't written much this month. I don't know where this month went. I swear it was just the first of the month the other day. I have been invited to Washington DC. I am going this weekend representing Utah for the National Epilepsy Foundation walk. I am attending with my VP Margo. We are also speaking to our Senators and Representatives and speaking in front of the heads of the state foundations about the bill we passed last year. I am really honored that they have asked me to come and do this. Margo and I are planning all of our fun things we want to try and see between meetings. I have never been there before. Clarissa took me shopping on Saturday to help me get ready and to plan something to wear. I was really afraid of looking like a frumpy housewife when I walked in to meet some of these people. Not that isn't what I am I just don't want them to know it the second they see me. So wish me luck. I have six days in DC. My husband and kids are staying at home. I am hopeful that things will go really smooth while I am gone. Erik has taken half of the time I am gone off of work to be home with the kids. Although he is having a rough week working this many days in a row to get ready for me to leave. I don't know what I will do with myself to not be with them for that many days. Although I couldn't turn down this opportunity. I am really grateful to be doing this!

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!

Just a quick note to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! I feel like we already celebrated St. Patrick's day because we went down to see my niece Adrianne in the parade in downtown last weekend. We never have been a very big St. Patrick's day family. Every few years or something my Mom made us green pancakes for dinner, but that is about all we ever did. I didn't realize how BIG this holiday really is. So I will be posting photos later from the parade and of my daughter who got herself dressed for school today. She really doesn't match but it was all green. I managed to talked her into taking off the Sunday dress that was on the top. This morning when I was so frustrated at her I couldn't laugh but by this afternoon the fact that I let my daughter go out looking like she does. So I will have to take a photo when she gets home from school. Two years ago Kimmie had a friend in her class who's father was Irish and he came in and played the bagpipes and everything for her class and did a big party. Kimmie really wants me to throw a big thing today and I am just wanting to enjoy the day! So it will be an interesting day.

Field Trip with Kimmie

I took the day off last Wednesday and went with Kimmie's school class to Chuck e Cheese and Bowling. I had so much fun. It didn't matter if I got a gutter ball or a strike these kids were just excited! Plus I pulled it out in the last frame with a stike and a spare and ended up getting the best score I have had since my bowling class in college! We ended the day at Chuck e cheese. I bought extra tokens. So when Erik came to pick me up Erik, Johnny and I stayed after Kimmie's class left and finished off the tokens! It was a long day but really fun!

Draper Temple Open House

I finally downloaded some photos today at work. My favorite of which are the photos that were taken at the Draper Temple Open House. We went on the 28th. We had a great time although it took us 3 hours to go through. I was incredibly relieved that half way through Kimmie asked one of the ladies if she could go up the elevator. Normally I wouldn't have let her but I was incredibly excited to get away from the people who were talking behind us. At one point I wanted to say to them didn't you read the signs asking you to be quiet? But I didn't. Kimmie asked if she could go up the elevator and the cute girl said yes so we ended up about 50 people in front of the noisy ones and it was a great tour! We had an amazing time! Kimmie started singing I Love to See the Temple on the bus ride. It was so sweet. Kimmie's favorite part was the big bath tub (the baptismal font) and Johnny's favorite part was the eternity mirrors in the Sealing Rooms. Although this fun photo of my family should have been taken before the three hours. Maybe I would have gotten better looks on my kids faces.

30 Answers about Erik and I

Okay I have to tell you I am addicted to FB. I never thought I would be addicted to a web site although I am. I need to get help or something. Welcome my name is Kris and I am addicted to Facebook. Hello Kris...
I filled out this survey about Erik and I and I thought I would share it on the blog as well. In case there are a few of you who have not found the joyful addiction that is FB.

1.How long have you been together?
We have been married for 13 1/5 years and we were engaged for almost four months before that we only dated for 2 1/5 weeks before we got engaged
2. How long did you know each other before you started dating?
seven months
3. Who asked who out? Erik asked me
4. How old are each of you? Erik is 38 and I am old enough to not answer that question although he is a lot older than me
5. Whose siblings do you see the most?
It’s fairly equal although we see my parents more than his
6. Do you have children together? Two
7. What about pets? Some fish
8. Did you go to the same school? Yes for college no for High school
9. Are you from the same town? Yes
10. Who is the smartest? Me of couse JK
11. Who is the most sensitive? Erik
12. Where do you eat out most as a couple? Applebees, Chilis
13. Where is the farthest place you have traveled as a couple?
Orlando Florida
14. Who has the craziest exes?
No ex spouses although Erik only dated one other woman seriously before me (although she is an interesting lady). I dated a lot so I would have to say me.
15. Who has the worst temper? Me hands down
16. Who does most of the cooking? Erik
17. Who is more social? Erik
18. Who is the neat freak? Me
19. Who is more stubborn? I am
20. Who hogs the bed?
Erik, between snooring and hogging the bed I didn't sleep for the first year we were married.
21. Who wakes up earlier? Usually, Erik
22. Where was your first date?We went Bowling for sandwiches and played Phase 10 with his room mates. I won at Phase 10 and bowling! Yes he still asked me out again.
23. Who has the bigger family?
Erik if you include step siblings but it is even without
24. Do you get flowers often? No, although I use to
25. How do you spend the holidays?
With family, rotating between both families
26. Who is more jealous? Erik - the funny thing is he is jealous of the man I didn't ever really want to marry and I never kissed and not the one I was almost engaged to.
27. Who does the laundry?Usually, I do
28. Who is better with the computer? Me
29. Who drives when you are together? During the day Erik at night me
30. Is your family still growing?
Yes taller and wider although we are done having children.

Is it the NFL or NBA?

I have received this e-mail about five time now. I don't know if this is true but somehow it really seems true with the idiots we have now back there. So because I have already broken my rule about getting political earlier than I minus well add one more. ENJOY!!!

Is this the NFL or NBA?
36 have been accused of spousal abuse
7 have been arrested for fraud
19 have been accused of writing bad checks
117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
3 have done time for assault
71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
8 have been arrested for shoplifting
21 currently are defendants in lawsuits, and
84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year

Can you guess which organization this is?
Neither, it's the 435 members of the United States Congress The same group of Idiots that crank out hundreds of new laws each year designed to keep the rest of us in line.

We are stuck together

Our family being new in our ward had to speak in church yesterday. Kimmie was soooo mad that the bishop didn't ask her to take part of our family sacrament meeting. I don't think the bishop was prepared for someone getting mad at him for not asking them to take part of a sacrament meeting. Welcome to our life. Anyway, we decided that we would have the kids sing. Kimmie is really good and Johnny is usually okay in public if he isn't by himself. He doesn't like the primary programs because he has to stand up there by himself. Last year they put the cute little girl he likes right behind him so there was no way he wasn't going to do his part with her standing right behind him. Anyway, as of Saturday morning they decided they didn't want to do the song I am a Child of God. They wanted to do I love to see the Temple. We have Draper Temple tickets for this next weekend so they wanted to do the temple song. Anyway, they only really know the first verse really well. So we were only going to do the first verse! Until we practiced Sunday morning. Kimmie said, "hey, there is more words here." She knew there was a second verse but we discussed this before. So at the last minute both Kimmie and Johnny decided to sing both verses. I wasn't about to cause a fight 5 minutes before we had to be out the door. I just thought this should be interesting. We get through the first verse and most of the way through the second verse when Kimmie sings, "we are stuck together." I couldn't help but laugh, neither could most of the ward. Then right as they get done Johnny being an extra big help says you said the wrong words. What a helpful brother. They were really cute and I am really proud of them.

Valentine's Day

Honesty time here I am not a really big Valentine's Day person. I use to be until I stood in line for dinner one Valentine's Day waiting for an hour and a half then we sat at the table Kimmie had a seizure and we had to go home the minute we got a table. So therefore, valentine's day is a fun day to exchange cards to each other and that is about it. This year we knew we didn't have the money to do anything. There was a stake adult dance and dinner that we planned on attending if we were in the mood to go. Erik arranged the cute girl next door to come and babysit. We had never had her before so I was glad that we weren't going far. Trusting babysitters never has been my strong suit. Anyway she did great and they had a good time but it was new for me so rather hard to leave them. I will use her more often she did so well. Anyway, we got our taxes in! They aren't a lot and a lot smaller than in years past. But I wanted to do something fun for Erik. I bought him a BOSCH about 2 years ago. I love it he still wants a Kitchaid. I bought the bosch instead of the kitchaid for the extended warranty and how hard he is on his kitchen appliances. Anyway I suprised him with the food processor attachment and a cooking class at the bosch store. It was really fun to suprise my husband and put me in a much better mood. I love you Erik I hope you enjoy your new toy!!!

This Week

I don't know what it is about this week. I don't know if it is because crop is over or becuase the kids are off track, or if it is that it has been a bad money week (what is new there) or what. I also had a few meetings I didn't want to have this week and my boss is officially gone at work. I don't know what is wrong with me. Nothing actually is wrong. I am just feeling a little blue as Kimmie would put it. I can't seem to snap out of it. It could also be my SAD (seasonal anti-depression), it has been really icky this week outside. I just wanted everyone that I have been moody with that it is me. Nothing is wrong I am just feeling a little down and I don't know why. I am hopeful that things will look up in the next few days. I am just in a really weird mood. If I don't snap out of it make sure that you slap me over the head and yell or something. But life is fine. My mom and Erik keep asking what is wrong and nothing is actually wrong. I am just having one of those weeks.

Crop Days are over, well for this year

I have been really blessed with a wonderful crop committee to help with all the craziness of crop every year. Like previously said I was on KUTV news early in the morning. Clarissa and Laura came to make sure that I looked okay and everything went well. Laura ended up being dragged on camera. I don't know if she has forgiven me for that yet or not. The night before Clarissa and Laura took me to the mall and put me in a dressing room to try on clothes so that I didn't go on camera in my old cumfy jeans. I have to tell you it is really a good idea to take some of your best friends shopping. I remember why I use to like shopping. They are totally honest about what looks good and what doesn't we had way too much fun! We had tried a few of my local favorite stores and hadn't found anything that fit what I was looking for (not to menchion my big rear end). Clarissa bought me new jewelry so that I would feel cute! With Clarissa's and Laura's help I got a new outfit and looked okay on camera so I hear. I still haven't seen the tape and I am not sure I really want to.

Bethany was my crop co-chair this year. She is amazing! I love and appreciate her so very much. I have been blessed so very much by wonderful friends that surround me in everything and Bethany is one of them. (Not to leave out anyone else). Bethany not only watches my kids while I work a couple times a week I rely on her for so very much. My mom keeps telling me not to take advantage of her goodness. She even put up with me not wanting to give up my registration job for crop. I keep over booking myself with crop and when she said she would do it I thought great. Although it was easier said than done. Giving up my job of 7 years was really hard. She even put up with that stress without killing me. She is expecting her 5th child in June. I can't wait to spoil another one of her kids! This isn't a great photo of me although here is Bethany and I with our cute flowers from Jenn. After I took of my cute necklace (sorry Rissa), also I want you to look it was near the end and my hair is still curled!

I haven't gotten the photos from Laura yet I will add more as I receive them! Thank you everyone for your support. It was so neat to look around and see so any of my friends and family there supporting me. I couldn't do this without you.

Bragging about Erik time

I have to tell everyone what a good husband I have and how proud of him I am. I give him a really hard time but he is really good to me and an excellent Dad. Over the past few weeks with crop he has taken over everything. I didn't need to worry about cooking, cleaning or the kids while he was home. Then Friday he took both kids brought all my things to the expo center and stayed and helped us. When he was done there he packed up the kids and ran and picked up a few more things for us. Then he made two cheesecakes for my crop committee to eat during the crop. Wait it goes on.... After my brief three minutes of fame on morning news he came in and said to my crop committee, "I have a sexy TV star around here somewhere that I need to give a kiss to her." After coming and taking me to lunch and helping periodically throughout the day so it wasn't that he sat at hom I came home exhausted. I got home my kitchen was clean he bought me a sweater I had been looking at and made me chocolate covered strawberries that he put a cute note on! I was so tired I started to cry and told him I was too tired to even eat them. He put me in bed and tucked me in! Then let me sleep off and on for two days. He even missed a superbowl party so that I could sleep.

All of that plus at work he beat the company record for customer surveys not by just a little bit but by a full percentage point and increased all the numbers for his area! When he took over this job this store was last in the district and near the bottom of the company. He is now in charge and it topping the company and district charts. Not too bad for 10 weeks.

Okay I know this is getting long. But one more thing I need to brag about. He has lost weight. The doctor told him about a year ago that if he didn't change he would be dead in 10 to 15 years. I wasn't too happy about that. It took him a while for that to hit him. When it finally hit he has made a complete 180. He has lost 40 pounds and all of his high numbers are back in line. If he keeps it up he maybe able to go off of the diabetes meds!

Thank you Erik! I love you and am so proud of you!

25 Things

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.
1. I love my husband and kids
2. I have the most amazing friends and family.
3. I have a photo fetish. I LOVE to take them and hate to be in them.
4. I have visited 36 states
5. I think the best way to enjoy a movie is with hot popcorn and a Diet Coke
6. I hate to check my voice mail
7. I don't know how to text message
8. I have a weak spot for my husband bringing me flowers
9. I work at two locations
10. I can't have any more kids
11. I hate spam
12. I HATE to do housework and especially laundry
13. I love to spend my spare time scrapbooking (although I haven't done that in a long time)
14. I started writting a book about two years ago I have never finished it
15. I have a weakness for cookie dough made by my husband
16. I graduated with two associates degrees
17. I keep in touch with a lot of my friends from growing up (FB has helped that)
18. Two of my three best friends I have known for over 16 years
19. I always wanted to be an ice skater in my dreams (I fall the second I put on the skates)
20. I am scared of heights
21. I am scared of the next seizure at my house
22. Want a two seater red sports car in my next life
23. I have had to choose to put a child on life support
24. I have helped get legislation through the Utah legislture
25. I can't talk about myself this much

I can see you but not hug you

Things in my life are always crazy with Crop each year. I miss sleeping and spending time with my kids. By Friday before crop Johnny was as ready as I was to have CBYC over with. Saturday morning I was on KUTV 2 news in the morning. I ended up being asked to do this at the last minute. Then I ended up doing not one spot but two. Erik called right after the spots and the kids talked with me. Johnny said, "I can see you on TV but when you are on TV I can't hug you." I wanted to cry. He is such a cutie.

Today's Miracle

With my life so busy wrapped around crop I haven't had much time to just listen to my kids talking. Yesterday Johnny finally let Erik pull out his tooth that has been nearing the falling out stage for three days now. It was so loose it didn't even bleed when it finally came out. He was so freaked about loosing this tooth. He has lost two before now so why this one was such a big deal I don't know. Anyway, I was laying in bed this morning and I heard Johnny go into Kimmie's room and say, "Kimmie wake up there has been a miracle. The tooth fairy left me a dollar, she really came." Kimmie much to Johhny's sadness says, "I know she has come for me too." Then she proceeds to fall back asleep. Johnny continues, "But Kimmie wake up she came to see ME!" So today's miracle is the tooth fairy came to see Johnny!!!

Getting to know you

Welcome to the 2009 edition of getting to know your friends and family. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to your friends/family INCLUDING the person who sent it too you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about them that you might not have known!
1. What time did you get up this morning 7:15
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema: It has been way to long to remember
4. What's your favorite TV show? lipstick jungle is my new favorite
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? nothing
6. What is your middle name? Joy
7. What food do you dislike? squash
8. What kind of car do you drive? Dodge Grandcaravan
9. Favorite sandwich? Turkey
10. What characteristic do you despise? liars
11. Favorite item of clothing? my stretchy cumfy pants
12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Hawaii or Paris
13. Are you an organized person? I try to be
14. Where would you retire to? Probably in Utah boring I know
15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Good memories or bad?
16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Finish reading all my e-mails
17. Furthest place you are sending this? Tennessee
18. Person you think will send back? Everyone hopefully
19. When is your birthday? Dec 24
20. Morning person or a night person? A night person
21. What is you shoe size? 10
22. Pets? A few fish
23. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Crop is almost here!
24. What did you want to be when you were little? a Dancer or ice skater
25. How are you today? Wishing I was some where else.
26. What is your favorite flower? anything my husband buys for me
27. What are you listening to right now? some co-workers talking
28. What day on the calendar are you looking forward to? February 1st when crop is over for this year
29. The last thing you ate? A chocolate donut on the way to work (yes I had breakfast today despite the answer to #5)
30. Do you wish on stars? Yes
31. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Pink or Green
32. How is the weather right now? COLD!
33. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Bethany
34. Favorite soft drink? Diet Coke
35. What is your favorite thing to do outside? watch my kids play on the playground
36. Hair color? Blonde
37. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbies
38. Summer or Winter? Summer
39. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
40. Coffee or tea? Neither
41. Do you want your friends to email you back? sure
42. When was the last time you cried? I don't know I cry way to often.
43. What is under your bed? A whole bunch of stuff
44. What did you do last night Worked on crop stuff and went out to eat for dinner
45. What are you afraid of? Heights
46. Salty or sweet? Always Sweets!
47. How many years at your current job? 4 1/2 years
48. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
49. Do you make friends easily? Sure
50. How many people will you send this too? I'm not sure
51. How many will respond? Don't know
52. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends/family? Yes

A New President

I have to admit I have not been the biggest Obama supporter. Okay, that is an understatement. The short of it is I am behind our president. I don't always agree with the positions he has taken in the past and I don't know that he is prepared for the job although he is our president and I will support him. I hope that he is able to inspire the country into fixing some of the major problems that we have and are headed for in the future. I have enjoyed the historic nature of this week and how far our country has come. Best of luck Barack Obama and our prayers are with you.

Crop Because You Care

I am really hopeful that one day my life will calm down. For now this is what I have been spending every spare minute of the day on. So please come and join me.

8th Annual

Crop Because You Care

Utah's Premier Scrapbook Event for Charity

Crop the day away and enjoy food, games and prizes. There will be gift bags for the first 300 registrants. Enter the raffle for a chance to win a get-away-weekend, bid for custom projects in our silent auction, as well as lots of other fabulous prizes!

Cost is $29.00 pre-registered -or- $35.00 at the door

Saturday, January 31st

10am to 10pm

South Towne Exposition Center

9575 South State Street, Sandy

You can register or print out forms on-line at www.epilepsyut.org.

Registration will close at 5:00pm on January 30th.

All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Association of Utah

Thought for the day

I just was watching the movie Return to Me. So I am taking my thought for the day from that movie.

Hairly legs are your only link to reality.

Christmas Recap

I have been a little busy working on things for Crop and I haven't updated about our Christmas fun! We were so excited to have Erik's sister Lara come and stay with us for a couple days during the holidays. Christmas eve has always been a nightmare were our families are concerned. I love both families and both of them have their traditional dinners on Christmas Eve. Well with it being my birthday I feel really torn. A few years ago I determined that I was not going anywhere and they were going to have to come and see me. So this year my Mom did the Palmer party at her house the Saturday before Christmas (see Nativity post). That was really nice. On my birthday we had my traditional birthday breakfast with my family. Then we went to Hansen's for a Danish traditional Christmas dinner. I have to laugh at how cute Finn (my father-in-law) was about the whole thing. I can't believe how much he got into making sure that everything was just right. My kids enjoyed dancing around the Christmas tree the most. I am sure that this will be a Christmas they will remember for a long time. Then off to home and bed. First thing in the morning Santa had been to our home and brought lots of presents. Thank you to the extra Santa's for the extra goodies. My kids were really spoiled! The funny thing is that when Kimmie sat on Santa's knee this year she made sure to tell him that Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Lara would be at our house Christmas morning so he needed to make sure to bring stocking gifts for them too. Thank you to Mervyns sale I found really cute new stockings for the extra family to ensure that Santa could bring them something too! She is so cute to think of everyone. That is until Christmas morning. She torn through everything like a little tasmanian devil. Anything that had a letter K somewhere on the tag had to be for her. So she ended up unwraping my gifts. We braved the elements and took the normally 45 minute drive to Grandpa and Grandma's house in about an hour and a half. I was really relieved to actually arrive there. I felt a little guilty unwrapping presents and leaving only a little while after we got there but the roads were so bad getting there I didn't want to get stuck. Although we did a little of that too. We got stuck coming out of my parents house we couldn't get up the street. So thank you Erik, Mike and Dad for pushing my heavy minivan up the hill. I was really grateful to get home and spend a quiet evening just to our little family. Thank you everyone for making this a really nice and calm holiday.

Photos: The Palmer Grandchildren (minus Scott and Laurie) , Kimmie in her Tutu made by Grandma Marijo, Erik in Kimmie's tutu, Johnny with a few of his gifts Christmas morning.