There's a snake in my boot!

Meet Woody. He is a member of our family and has been for the past few months. Livvy got him as a gift, and ever since then, Woody enjoys every comfort and pleasure that the rest of the family enjoys. He goes to McDonalds with us. He rides in Livvy's bike basket. Mommy has to buckle Woody in a car seat next to Olivia EVERY TIME WE LEAVE THE HOUSE! Woody sits at the dinner table with us. Woody even follows Livvy into Mom and Dad's bed in the middle of the night, and usually winds up draped across Daddy's face in the morning.
We got some good news about Woody today. Livvy informed us that Woody has lost a tooth, and she expects the Tooth Fairy to leave him some money under his pillow. Woody seems to be getting a little demanding lately. I think the Tooth Fairy will want Woody's tooth before she leaves the money. You never know though. Woody may come up with it!
If you can keep a secret, Olivia has been asking for a Buzz Lightyear for the past six months. She wants Woody to have a buddy. Her birthday is on Sunday, so Buzz Lightyear will be joining our family in four days. Maybe Buzz and Woody could stay home and hang out together, so Mom doesn't have to worry about buckling and keeping track of two extra children! You think? Yeah, I know. Fat chance.

Best Friends Forever, My Hubby and Me

I wanted to selfishly indulge for a moment and reflect on the wonderful eight years Marvin and I have had together. Marvin and I met each other on March 25, 2000 at the WNMU Branch. (aka the Love Shack. We know about 10 other couples that met each other there and were married shortly thereafter. Anyway, back to the story.) Marvin's best friend's wedding reception was that night. I was planning on moving from Mesa to Cliff, so that I could go to school at WNMU and live with my mom. You see, the boys in Mesa were immature and silly, and I had had my fill. Waiting for me in Silver City was a life with no men, boys, etc. No one of the opposite sex even existed there as far as I was concerned. In Silver City, I could accomplish my hopes and dreams, serve a mission, and then if I felt like dating any cootie-ridden boys, maybe I would give it a try. So, on the night of this wedding reception, I called the branch and asked if there were any activities going on that weekend. I wanted to get to know the other girls I would be attending Western with. Sister Diane Anderson was the person who answered the phone at the Branch. "You must come to this wedding reception we're having tonight!" she gushed. I wasn't so sure I wanted to crash the party, but she was too sweet to resist, so I found myself donning the proper attire and pulling into the parking lot of the Branch within a few minutes. Sister Anderson greeted me at the door, and began to introduce me to everyone at the party. The first guy she introduced me had cake all down his shirt, and I was sure he had been picking his nose just as we turned to him. "Great," I thought to myself. "I'm on my way to graduate school!!"
"And this is Marvin White," Sister Anderson was saying as I turned to face the most gorgeous piece of manliness I had ever laid eyes on. He shook my hand, and I must say that was the most exhilarating experience of my life.
We were married four-and-a-half months later in the Mesa Temple on August 8th, 2000. And the rest, as they say, is history. The past eight years have not been without trials, mistakes and misunderstandings. But there is no one else I would ever have chosen to take this earthly roller coaster ride with. Marvin is my best friend, my confidant, my true love. We have many more times, both good and bad, to live through. We will make it, so long as we have each other.



(If you want to look at these pictures up close, just click on them. I don't know how to operate my scanner all that well.)

Laurie's Baby Shower

Since Laurie RARELY posts on her blog, (hint, hint Laurie!) I thought I would take the liberty of posting the pictures of her baby shower on my blog. I know everybody wants to see them. We are very happy for our mommy-to-be and wish her a peaceful delivery. (If that is possible :) So here they are ladies! The shower was hosted by Serena and Shelly and it was held July 19th.

Pretty table decorated by Shelly. She is so creative!


Shelly also made this adorable banner!




Mommy and Ashlynn opening gifts. Ashlynn is excited to be a big sister again!!


Sister Mullen gave Laurie the cutest baby bonnet. Of course Laurie had to model it for us. Let's hope it looks as cute on the baby as it does on her!



Look at this cute cake that Laurie's mother, Sandy made! She is a true artist. We used the cakes I made to prop open the door! J/K




Last, but not least, little Brennan. He was the only male at the party, so I don't know if being around all those women did him in, or we just bored him with our girl talk. Either way, we are still glad he came, because doesn't he look sweet? One little tidbit about Brennan. He will give you a kiss if you offer him cheese crackers!
We love you Laurie! Congratulations!

I've Been Tagged Too!

How to play this game. Post these rules on your blog; List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names....

JOYS:
1. Watching my kids grow. I love to watch them learn and develop skills and talents.
2. I love to read. I think everybody knows that already.
3. Babies. Who can hold a baby and be mad or stressed? Nobody!!!

FEARS:
1. I think every mother worries about the safety of her children. That is definitely my biggest worry.
2. Mice and snakes. Ok, that's enough. I'm getting the heebie-jeebies just typing about them!
3. I worry that I'm never good enough. I have a lot of flaws and I am very aware of them.

GOALS:
1. I would like to write a children's book. Those who are close to me know that I love to write. One of these days when I have tons of leisure time I will do it! haha
2. I am on a diet. 'Nuff said. :)
3. I have always wanted to learn the guitar. Another one of those "leisure" activities!

COLLECTIONS/OBSESSIONS:
1. I have a music box collection that I started when I was 14. I need a place to display them.
2. Romance novels are my fave! Clean ones of course.
3. I go a little crazy if my house gets dirty. Sometimes I just have to take a deep breath and prioritize.

RANDOM FACTS:
1. I have a green toenail. Seriously! I will show you if you ask me. Maybe I'll even post a picture of it!
2. I would like to be an auto mechanic. I love to work on cars. Too bad they canceled the auto classes at Western!
3. I just learned how to drive my brother-in-law's Goldwing. One of these days Marvin will walk out to get on his motorcycle and it will be gone. Road trip baby!
Ok, so I am supposed to tag 5 people? I don't know that many people with blogs. I tag Amy J., Kristine, Laurie, and Serena. I can't think of a 5th person. Good luck ladies!

Going to Grandma's

This weekend we went to see Marvin's grandparents in St. David, Arizona. It was great to see them!

We picked up a hitchhiker along the way. The little critter was trying to cross the highway. He is trying to bite Marvin!

Hugs and kisses for Grandma and Grandpa.


Family picture.
L to R Charles, me, Martha, Livvy, Marvin and Harrison
The humidity there was through the roof. I blow-dried my hair and notice I still have the "frizzy" look.


What is "The Thing" anyway? Every time we drive I-10 we see about 20 of these signs. Has anybody ever stopped at the shop they have? I bet it's something totally lame, like alien paraphernalia, or a pair of Elvis' socks.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth! We had a great time at the parade today! We bribed Harrison with $5 to take a picture with the cheerleaders, but he ran and hid. The floats were fun. They guy on the tractor really wanted his picture taken. The LDS float looked great, and the Lopemans were especially cute. Too bad I didn't get closeup of them. Tonight we are going to celebrate at Granny's house with some heavy artillery!!! KA-BOOM!!!!

Hot Rod

Livvy learned how to ride a two-wheeler! Olivia completely surprised us last week by teaching herself to ride a bike without training wheels. (The first picture was taken about two weeks ago.) Her neighborhood friends had recently learned to ride two-wheelers, and I guess she didn't want to be left behind! We were outside BBQ-ing, and Livvy rode up to us on her cousin's bike and said "Look at me!" Since then, there has been no stopping her. She quite likes to be in the limelight. Marvin was heartbroken that he didn't get to teach her. Oh well. He'll get over it. I am sure this isn't the first time she will surprise us!