1. My two least favorite chores are mopping the kitchen and vacuuming stairs. Scrubbing the tub is up there too.
2. I was born in a car, in the hospital parking lot. My dad 'caught' me. I was also born past my due date.
3. I nearly drowned in the manure pit when I was two. My five year old brother saved me. My family and I thank you, Dennis. My mom says that I cried manure for a week.
4. I am number 10 of 12 children. I grew up on a farm and tell everyone that my parents needed slave labor. Truthfully, I am very grateful for the opportunity of being raised in a big family, and on a farm. A bishop once told me that that combination makes for the perfect wife...what do you think, Nick? :)
5. I am a 'picky' person. I love to pop zits, pick sleepy bugs, and I admit to picking my kid's boogers. All on people I know and love, of course.
6. I love to take hot baths. I also love to read in hot baths, which Nick thinks is a little crazy. It is just so relaxing.
7. I would love to own a nice camera and learn how to use it. We are currently saving up for this purchase. I think I do a pretty good job with the snapshot camera we now have, but it bugs me when the lighting is not right.
8. I 'tell off' other drivers that annoy me when I drive.
9. I broke my arm jumping out of a swing at school when I was in 5th grade.
10. I am very, very frugal. My mother, mother-in-law, and husband often have to remind me that it's okay to spend money on myself every once in awhile. Most of the clothing I wear, I've been wearing since before I was married.
11. I have lost 35 pounds in the last 2 years. I still have more to go, but I feel pretty good about that accomplishment. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Speaking of the clothing I've been wearing...it's time for them to be replaced as they hang off of me.
12. I love to play in the dirt. I think it's the farm in me, but I love to work in the yard and garden.
13. I used to think I was a very organized and neat person...but then I had a house and kids, and it's been proven to me that I am not. I do try, though.
14. I have a tendency to fall asleep at the wheel. This doesn't happen near as much as it used to, because I am much more careful about not driving when I feel that way now that I have kids in the car. I do believe it is genetic - my dad and brothers do it too.
15. One of my favorite things ever is watching the sun set over the ocean. There is just something about it that tickles all of my senses.
16. My body apparently hides pregnancy well. With Maren I didn't wear maternity clothes until I was nearly 25 weeks along. I gained 25 pounds with both, lost all but a few pounds before my 6 week post-maternity doctor's appointments. Oh yeah, and I was back in my jeans about 2 weeks or so after giving birth. (Not to rub it in, my friends)
17. I enjoy teaching. I taught 2nd and 3rd grades for 2 1/2 years before having Ellie. I don't think I'll ever be a professional teacher again (I had two rough classes), but I think I'd enjoy being a substitute someday. I like to teach in church callings. A Relief Society teacher would be the perfect calling, I think.
18. I'm not afraid to get dirty, or let my kids get dirty. Actually, I think it feels good to get real dirty every once in awhile.
19. I am a people watcher. In social gatherings I tend to hang back and watch everyone else. This is where I am most comfortable. However, if I know everyone well, then I'm not afraid to speak my piece.
20. I drink soda with hamburgers and pizza, but not really at any other time. On the cruise, my waiter thought it was a little weird that I wanted milk with my meals.
21. I love, love, love ice cream (that was for you, Jai). I especially enjoy chocolate-based ice cream.
22. I enjoy biking, roller-blading, and hiking. I just don't get many opportunities to DO them.
23. I refuse to go to haunted houses. I do not like to feel scared, and I think it's silly that people go to scare themselves on purpose.
24. I love roller-coaster rides and will go on about anything. I also tend to get a little motion sickness, so I'm usually walking sideways by the end of the day, but it's all worth it.
25. I'm living the dream of being a wife and mother - that is all I ever wanted to do. Everything my mother taught me was to prepare me for this.
And here are some random, cute photos:
Here is a lovely sticker beard that Ellie made for me - my favorite part is the bowl hanging at the bottom. Who knew a beard could be so useful?
P.S. This is my 100th post! Yeah for my blog!
Maren: Look! I can sit up all by myself now! Well, for short periods of time, anyway. 
I can also strike a pretty good pose. I am so close to being able to roll over - if my arm didn't get in the way. Oh, and I can almost fit my entire hand in my mouth. 
I can also just be darn cute. 
Ellie got this cool bed for her babies from Grandma and Grandpa. There are already babies sleeping there (which do not include Maren). She also got some clothes from Grandma and a dress from Ryan and family. 
And here is the fruits of our labors. It turned out pretty cute, if you ask me. Ellie wanted a princess cake. She got the dress from mom and dad the day before and she's worn it ever since.
Ellie got her very own laptop computer, along with some beautiful dresses from Grandma and Grandpa and some fun clothes from Dennis and Jeremy (and their families). 
Thank you to all who came and showered our little girl with love! We feel so blessed to be surrounded by our families. 
Maren joined our family this last year and we feel so blessed to have her. She is a sweetie with lots of smiles and giggles. 
Our Home: We feel very blessed to live where we do. We have a nice home with plenty of room for our little family. We feel particularly blessed to have a large yard, which keeps us very busy in the warm months. Nick is in the process of earning a Master Gardener's certificate and has loved playing in the dirt. He has all kinds of plans for our garden this spring. 
Our Family: We love having family so close. We feel so blessed that our children are growing up with the influence of loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Our Friends: Old and new, you all add richness to our lives. 
Family Time: This last year, we have enjoyed several family trips - 2 trips to St. George, and then the much anticipated Disney cruise. It has been wonderful to get away from the stresses of everyday life and just spend quality time together as a family. 
Good Health: We are trying to take better care of ourselves, and we have definetly noticed the benefits. We are so grateful for the health of our family. 
Church: I am currently serving in the Young Women, and Nick is the Elders Quorum President. These callings certainly keep us busy, but we are grateful for the opportunity to serve. No photos for this one...
7 years ago
