Ten on Tuesday

1. First, I need to wish my Mom a very happy birthday! Hope you have a great day:)

2. What a miserable, freezing end to January- Bleh. The good news was a little more snow for Annabel.

3. Ben has taken to calling me by my first name to get my attention. I went through a phase like that, only I was 16. Those were good times, right Tom?

4. I've been able to catch up with some friends and am truly humbled by their strength as they face difficult times. I see the truthfulness of this quote I have hanging on my Kitchen wall, "Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a difficult battle."

5. I admit recently I have been prone to self-pity over my not-so-difficult challenges, but found comfort in this talk. Particularly this part:

The Principle of Compensation

The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

6. Thanks so much for all of the wonderful song recommendations! I am working on the playlist and will post it in the beginning of February.

7. Let the record show: "When I am a mother, there will never be quiet time!!"

(is it mean that I am writing that down to show her when she has 3 kids?)

8. Can I just say that "Lost" totally exceeded my expectations. While I am still totally confused about what the heck is going on, I just love it! Harmony, did a great post about some highlights. I would only add that Sun is totally giving me chills! Who knew she could be so mean? When she was talking to Kate and saying, "I don't blame you....how is Jack doing?" I was freaking out. Am I the only one that still is holding out hope that Jin may be alive?

9. As if the excitement over Lost is not enough proof that I have no life, I planned my evening around Josh and Anna Duggars wedding. Seriously.

10. Because I love your input, give me your best cure for the mid-winter, 7 months pregnant, worried about everyone blues.

Hope you have a great week!

It's Wednesday? Really?

1. Wow, it must be the holiday or something, but this week is flying by and I've been off in the clouds. I'm coming back to earth to pick up my house, blog, and scrapbook.

2. Can't wait for Lost tonight! I'm needing a nice evening with Joe. We'll snuggle on the couch and wonder what the heck is going on together.

3. We went to Rexburg for Andrew and Tara's reception and had a great time. Unfortunately, I didn't take a single picture of the blessed event. It was so fantastic to see some familiar faces and catch up with old friends.

4. I've been working for months with Rachel on her letters and writing her name. Every afternoon, I carefully dot her name for her to trace and practice the abc's with her. Then the other day, she came in and said, "Look! B-E-C-C-A. That spells Becca!" Apparently, all it took for it to click was an afternoon with her four year old cousin. So thanks Becca, for making me look like a terrible teacher.

5. Baby projects. Had a dream about a baby girl, and since it's so much cuter, I did the girl one first.

6. I'm working on a Love song playlist for February. Post your favorite love song in the comments.

7. Right now, Joe is liking this one right now. I happen to like this one. Looking forward to your suggestions.

8. QOTD: Rachel had changed into her pink Hawaiian mu mu and taken her ponytail out. She was sitting and brushing her hair until it glowed. Me: Wow, you look pretty! Rachel: I know.

9. Just cause he's so darn cute!

10. Just read Confessions of a Shopaholic. I have to say I really enjoyed it. Very fun read- I laughed out loud a few times!

Ten on Tuesday "Trend watch 2009" edition

Here's what's hot at our house right now-

1. Snow- Everyday we have bundled up and gone out to build snowmen and forts and make snow angels. Unfortunately, we have pretty much used up our supply (we are the only house with a green lawn right now). Annie is patiently praying for more snow. She has no need to worry, we have another road trip scheduled soon and that always seems to bring plenty.

2. Rice crispy treats (yes that is my belly).

3. Slightly worn/too small Easter dress from 2006.

4. Thomas the train- worth every penny.

5. Wii. Joe has even downloaded Super Mario Brothers for me to play on it (it's the only video game I know how to play). I have yet to make it past level 3. Stop laughing- I have a life.

6. Camouflage rain coat. To be worn inside or out, completely buckled, with hood 24/7 (pants optional).7. Playing house.


8. Dancing- the #1 hit at our house right now is "Don't stop Believing" by Journey.

9. Scrapbooking- a lot (and alone) missing the Maryland girls this weekend.

10. Nudity (not the kind Joe had in mind for the evening.)


We are the trendsetters here. What's hot at your house?

10 on Tuesday - Holiday Recap

1. We made it back for our trip the day before Christmas Eve. I had most everything ready, so we could relax and enjoy the holiday.

2. We were so lucky to have my sister, Laurel and her husband, Dane with us for Christmas!

3. I did have one minor meltdown over the insanely long time it took Joe to pick up the groceries (our dinner was an hour late). I thought I handled it well. Joe disagrees.

4. We had a special family home evening at Jen's house and the kids acted out the Christmas Story. It was a very fun evening. Jen had purchased some gingerbread men for the kids to decorate for Santa and to her horror, saw that they were all broke to pieces. I super glued them back together. Yes, I did.

5. Santa Claus did not bring the cupcake maker to Rachel. He did however, stuff her and Annie's stockings with sprinkles, frosting and other goodies to make their own cupcakes. They were thrilled.

6. We had a magical Christmas and a very happy new year with Joe's family in Idaho.

7. We were able to have all of the Higbee grandkids together and managed to get a photo of the occasion.

8. Ben was thrilled to see baby Kathryn again. Rachel was concerned- which leads to our QOTD:
Rachel: Mom baby girls and baby boys both have short hair so how will we know if ours is a boy or girl?
{insert perfectly age appropriate tactful speech by me explaining the differences between boys and girls}
Rachel: (with a huge sigh of relief) Okay, so we can just check to see if it has a penis.

9. I lost every game of canasta to Dale and Sharron- still had a great time.

10. We are very happy to be home, back to school and our regular lives again. Vacations are wonderful, but sometimes it's nice to stay home and do your regular thing.