So Remember That List.....

The one that's 8 years long....well I began to labor on it today......and I have photographic proof....

Before: In all its chaotic beauty.......

And then a short 40 mins......two mini freak outs.......and one awesome discovery (missing pool bag) later........

AFTER:

Ahhh......peaceful, calm and serene. Since it's the only space in the house that currently is worthy of those characteristics, I may just unwrap my sleeping bag and crash there.

Next on my never-ending list...............................................................The frightning mess above the washer and dryer

In other news, I voted today (don't forget!)....took the kids to the park...seriously it was 90 degrees outside! Had us some addicting Chik-Fil-A food, and then enjoyed the Coligny trick-O-treat night. Did I mention that I woke up for 5am Yoga? It's off to bed for me!

So Remember That List....

The one that is 8 years long!

I began laboring on said list today. And just to prove it I've provided photo documentation....

If you are at all quesy you might want to shield your eyes

BEFORE: in all its disgusting beauty.....

Just 40 short minutes later....................and two minor breakdowns...................and 1 really awesome discovery (missing swim toys....still warm enough to use them!!!!)........................

AFTER: So peaceful and calm looking I may just curl up there to sleep tonight. It happens to be the cleanest space in the house..

La, lalalal La laaaaaa....and the diploma goes to....

ME!!!!

That's right folks...after eight LONG years (11 if you count my original start date) I have finished by Bachelor's degree from BYU! I'm sure that I could pretty much be a brain surgeon by now. Hhmph...a little depressing, but overall incredibly SATISFYING.

I've spoken with friends and family about this accomplishment and the fact that I won't walk in BYU's graduation. How do I feel about that? Well, how would you feel about it? Seriously, I've gone back and forth, but I've come to the following conclusion...Here are the reasons I would want to walk next Spring

1. An 8.5 year old toeheaded amazing 3rd grader who's helpful, loving and kind.

2. A newly 5 year old with Fall-kissed auburn hair who's energetic, lively and incredibly loving.

3. A 19 month old stawberry blonde who's favorite activity is chasing down unsuspecting "babies" everywhere she goes.

4. A 30 something old, dirty blonde headed man who's been there for the bitter and the sweet, who has dried my tears and convinced me to look at the eternal perspective when finishing this degree felt impossible

5. An almost 30 year old (scary!) who's literally labored for 8 long years while trying to be the best mom and wife possible. A terrible housekeeper, and awful organizer, but a determined mama.

As I constructed these thoughts in my mind it occurred to me that the top 5 reasons I would like to walk in BYU's ceremony are sitting in my livingroom every single night. So, I've decided to walk....at HOME....That's right, I'm staging my own graduation, with cap and gown (hat and robe) and diploma (whenever it arrives by mail), commencement speech and even refreshments to follow.

I'm sure I'll tear up during my speech, and I'm sure my kids will be as restless as they would be at a real graduation commencement. My husband will snap pictures and take video and I'll cry some more. And then I'll cry even harder as I realize that the degree in my hand is nothing compared to the 4 people sitting restlessly on the couch.

So what's next? Well....hm....that's what I'm wondering. I have a list 8 years long (seriously) and so it's off to start on it. Organizing, entertaining, teaching little ones to read, go pee pee in the potty and read some darn amazing books....(I've started one such book, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society")

Just for fun: I'm curious.....what would you do with this bucket. The picture sums up the last 8 years of my life and I'm not sure what I should do with it. I don't want to burn it (I would have probably like 5 weeks ago), I'm not a scrapbooker, and I don't want it to be just another box in the mound of rubber tubs. Ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

It Snowed

I can't believe I'm writing these words, but Friday night, IT SNOWED. Yes, here on an Island, it snowed. We had heard rumors that it might, but last time this happened it didn't snow and we had two very dissapointed little girls.

Brandon and I had gone out with some friends to dinner and a movie, when we walked out of dinner it was SNOWING. I hurried and called the babysitter and told her. So the girls got to play in it, their favorite part was eating it. Silly girls! Here on the island it didn't stick to the ground, but our friends who live about 15 miles west on the mainland had enough snow to make snowmen. Amazing!

It was fun to see, but we're all very glad that it's gone. Now if it'd just warm up a bit...40 is cold! I know I'm whining, but we are wimps now.

In other news, it's been 5 years since we moved to Hilton Head. 5 years! We have now more than doubled our old recored of 22 months (Anaheim, CA). I feel like I could live here forever, in this very house. I love it here, I love the comfort of our home. I know that it's probably unlikely that we'll live in this house forever. I realize now that when we leave here, if we ever leave here...I will be a mess. This is where two of my three girls were born, I brought them home to this home, this is all they know. I've watched Katelyn excel at reading, piano and rollerblading in this home. I've seen her grow from a toddler bed to the top bunk, I've kissed her skinned knees and cuddled her tight.

I've watched Anna crawl, run (she didn't do much walking) and grow up into the most amazing 4 year old ever. I've heard her sing, watched her dance and cried with her when she's gotten hurt. This is all she knows.

And Ellie, who is almost 1 (CRAZY) was brought home to this house. I've watched her crawl, and now stand and become close to walking. I've heard her sweet sounds from the corner bedroom and seen her playing in the toilet (yuck, not something I want to remember!).

Regardless. All this has happened here in this home....I know there will be many more incredible memories to come in this home. I am SO looking forward to every single one.

And in final thoughts: Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Beautiful Places, Smiling Faces

When you come to Hilton Head,

Cause' we know you can't resist.

We'll let you sleep in our comfy guest bed,

And be showered by the beach mist.

And when you come to Hilton Head,

Ya'll won't be let down.

On a wonderful journey you'll be lead,

that'd wipe away any frown.

So when you come to Hilton Head,

Cause' we're sure you're on your way.

To Beautiful places ya'll be sped,

With smiling faces to brighten your day.

In other words....COME VISIT!!!!

My little sweet girl

Is Growing Up!!!

What was I worried about...Ellie is CRAWLING and she is a master at it. Not only has she discovered her body can move in tandum, she has also discovered that her abs and arms are strong enough to pull her body to the standing position...no crayons or coloring books will ever be safe again!!!

Ellie's also realized that when she's REALLY LOUD someone will come to take care of her. And she NEEDS lots of takin' care of....

Ells has found the joy of solid food and I get to take care of the EVIDENCE every single day.

Ells has also found that she really really likes to INVESTIGATE. I caught her doing some "investigating" in my closet. I was 4 feet from her and this is what she did....

Ahhhhh!!!!!!

In other family news....Katelyn is doing great at school, piano and ballet. Anna has decided to try soccer and is giving ballet a break (mom really needed it, Tuesdays were miserable.) While watching a football game with Brandon Anna announced, "When I play soccer I'm going to do that..." referring to a quaterback sack...should we warn the other parents?