You asked for it, you got it!

Wendy, this one is for you. Here is my list of favorite things. . .

This "favorite things tag" has caused me some serious reflection. What are my favorite things? Honestly it took me several days to think of things that weren't food. Yeah, that's a real problem. Of course I thought about the adorable men in my life (Keith, Benson, Griffin), but then I was reminded that they are not things. Then I thought of the private boat dock and the outdoor year-round heated pool in my neighborhood, but those things aren't for everyone. You see, you have to live here to use them (or just come and visit me), so naming those won't benefit everyone. What about diapers, beds, cars with dvd players in them, padded bras? Most of us already know about those.

I must say, my favorite things have generally been shown to me or told to me or given to me by someone else . . . so in the spirit of sharing, the wisdom must be shared so that all may benefit (and by all, I mean the five people who read this blog).

These are a few of my favorite things. . .


If you know me well, even if you don't, you know one thing about me (well, probably more than one thing), I am a Babywise mom. I read this book three times before I even tried to get pregnant. I do not think this book is for everyone (well, actually I do but I know that we are all built differently and heaven knows we all parent differently) but I think this book is a lifesaver and a must read for all moms. It is my mommy bible and I follow it exactly. Benson slept through the night at five weeks (this isn't really normal, but Benson was a big baby) and Griffin did at 12 weeks and I owe it all to this book and my dedication to it. If you don't want to read it, you can call me and I can recite it for you, all 150 pages of it (I'm only sort of joking).


My sister-in-law Amy turned me on to Lucky magazine. (http://www.luckymag.com/). I really love this magazine. My sister Mari would even say that I base my life around it. It is a "shopping" magazine that basically goes through what is and will be trendy in the next coming season with things like clothes, shoes, makeup, haircare, skincare, shops. Most of the stuff is insanely expensive, but some stuff isn't. It just helps me when I go to the store and want to buy something. I always know if it is "in style" or not. I know that is a little superficial and of course I don't base all my decisions on it, but I did buy a pair of ankle boots and ten pairs of funky trendy tights because of it and I am grateful. If shopping isn't your thing, I recommend getting a magazine subscription, it is seriously such a treat to get your own magazine each month and it isn't that expensive.

I was introduced to Pureology products several years ago. I heart this stuff. I always say it is like toothpaste for your hair. It's all tingally ( no idea how to spell that one). I buy it on ebay for about $100.00 (shampoo and conditioner) and it lasts my husband and I all year long. I buy the "hydrate" for colored hair because, let's face it, I definitely color my hair.

My dad has always said that if you are a classy lady, your toenails are always painted. Not to offend anyone who doesn't paint your toenails, I promise I don't judge you, but my dad does. So, I always keep my toenails painted. Yet if you came over several months ago you would have found that I only owned one bottle of nail polish. (Another favorite thing: paying to get a mani/pedi). My sister Mari could see I was in need and bought me this nail polish. I painted my toenails and fingernails before our cruise. My toenails are just barely in need of a new paint job (one month later) and my fingernails lasted the entire week. Even though I spent the week swimming in salt water, ziplining, eating with my fingers, lots of mini golf and other crazy not-your-everyday activities. This stuff is amazing. Thank you Marianne.

Adam and Elana are the best for introducing me to this one. This is the Wal-Mart version of Crystal Light and the flavor is Peach. I despise Wal-Mart and do my best to avoid it at all costs. Honestly, this may be the only reason why I ever go there and when I do, I buy a case. It is sugar-free and incredibly delicious. I was raised on juice at dinner and I love that this is diet. My entire family loves it.

http://www.musicnotes.com/ is another favorite. My husband has always bought music from this site. He is an amazing pianist and guitarist (just to name a few) and if I want him to learn to play a song from the radio and sing it to me, I buy him music from this site for a gift (he gets one for just about every holiday) and in return, I get a gift too . . . a song played and sung for me by my favorite person in the world. Have I ever mentioned that I won a piano once? Yes, that's right. It is the most wonderful blessing in the world to have a piano in our home. Even I play it regularly.

Alright, no laughing. The next one is man's deodorant. And yes, I wear it. Have you ever had issues with yellow stains in your white shirts?! (I know, I am disgusting.) Well, I have the answer for you my friend (courtesy of Keith). Anti-perspirant is the culprit to yellow on your clothes, not your sweat. But it is almost impossible to find women's deodorant that doesn't also include anti-perspirant and even if you could find it, I doubt it would be strong enough. So . . . I wear this exact brand of men deodorant and I promise you I don't smell like a man (at least I don't think I do). The best part, not one article of clothing that I own has a yellow pit. P.S. In Lucky magazine, it said washing your current stained whites with one capsule of aspirin would solve that problem (I have never tried that, because I don't have that problem thanks to Old Spice-Pure Sport-Deodorant). Thanks Keith for your years of testing and trying deodorants to solving one of life's biggest problems.

And some honorable mentions, the Blackberry, DVR, ENews, medicine. The Blackberry has tv, email, brickbreaker, recordable ringtones (currently Keith sings, I wanna kiss you all over for my ringtone) and a music downloader that is compatible with my car stereo. DVR . . . watch your favorite shows without commercials whenever you want, amazing! ENews . . . I love this channel (well, all the stuff that isn't garbage). I especially love the show the Daily 10. They have a segment on how to do cool things with your hair and they are simple and fun and cute. I have used several ideas from that show. And medicine? Seems strange eh? But I love that if my kids are sick I can give them medicine. Also, for the first time in over three years I am not pregnant or nursing (knock on wood) and am allowed to use medicine again. What a blessing. Well, there you go. Those are a few of my favorite things. Anyone have a double stroller that is on their favorite things list? I need one.

Long time, no see

So, my computer got the "trojan horse" virus. Luckily my hubby left his computer here today, so I am updating very quickly here. We were so lucky to have my sister Wendy and her kiddos come for a visit. We went to Park City and shopped, stayed up way way way too late, laughed, ate, tried to take naps, we just had a party basically. I sure love Wendy, have I mentioned she's perfect? It's true, she seriously is, it's disgusting. Here are some pictures of the fun we had.

I've got two words for you . . . slumber party.

Griffin trying to sneak out the door.

Ella and Sophie, the cutest girls on the planet.

Matt, Ella, and Griffey. We went to Park City with five kids under five and only one stroller. It was quite the adventure. The kids actually did surprisingly well. Good thing my husband likes to shop so he came too; so we weren't too outnumbered. Look at that Ella, she is so cute.

On a side note, Griffin has learned how to wave "bye-bye", clap and he gives the best open mouth kisses ever! He is a walking champ. Benson has started saying awesome. We have been on outside walks for the past few days due to the tropical heat wave (it's been warmer than 30 degrees) and we have even been to the park. We are ready for some warm weather, aren't you?

Can you keep a secret?

Sometimes we stay in our jammies until noon, but generally we are dressed promptly by 8:30. My mom thinks that I am practically perfect in every way. My ears do stick out a little though.

I like to lick all of the cinnamon and sugar off my toast before I eat the actual bread. It tastes better that way.

My eyelashes are a mile longer than my mom's. My mom thinks I am really cute, probably because I am.

I like to live life on the edge. Sometimes I even stand up in the bathtub just to give my mom a good scare.

My dad is a good barber. I do not enjoy getting my hairs cut. If I had my way I would grow it out like a rockstar. Good thing I can watch Mickey Mouse on mom's blackberry, that makes it a little less painful.

Mom refers to me as her "wild child." I have been a little (very) grumpy lately, I can't help it. I am getting two big molars, see?!

I love to brush my teeth, especially with my mom's toothbrush.

We can't wait for our fun cousins to come and visit us today! I'll bet we'll have lots of secrets to share.

Honeymooners!

Hello all! We have returned from our 7 day cruise . . . back to real life. I feel completely rejuvenated and alive, perhaps I can survive the rest of the winter. I am sure you have all missed my blogging (joke) and so here I am with a report from one of the greatest trips of my life. Honestly I don't think I could even begin to describe the events from the past week in a single post, so I am going to attempt to do so in several.

This was our first cruise and I am hooked! Basically it is a vacation of laying out in the sun and frying your skin, eating until you cannot eat anymore, spending time with your love, playing games, visiting amazing tropical places, everynight is dinner and a show . . . you had me at sun! We had a blast! Our cruiseship was not completely full so it wasn't crowded at all. We could do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. I want to go back! I still can't believe I left my kids for eight days (Thanks Mom) and doubt that I could ever do it again, but Keith and I sure had a blast. Here is a sample of the fun we had!

Here are some videos for your enjoyment. P.S. I cheat at mini golf.
Don't laugh at my attempt to run, but here I am on the zip line tour in Roatan Honduras. I thought I was pretty brave, especially since I did it all in a swimdress and swimsuit.


Did I mention that while I was gone that Griffin decided to start walking? I knew it would happen when we booked the trip. He is getting so big.