The Right Stuff

I feel I can now die a happy woman, having fulfilled all my 4th grade fantasies. On Saturday night, after only 20 years of waiting and pining away, I got to go to a New Kids on The Block concert. Yes, I am not ashamed to admit that I sang along with every song, and still remembered all the words! And even though I am no longer 9 years old, I can say with all honesty that it was the funnest freaking concert I have ever been to. I went with 3 sisters-in-law and 1 brother-in-law, who filled in at the last minute when we found ourselves with an extra ticket. And yes, he did have a good time. And no, he is not gay. Natasha Bedingfield was the opener - also good. But come on, nothing compares to the New Kids. Here are some pictures of the most fun I have had in really long time. I am still riding my New Kids on the Block high. I would go again in a heartbeat and have considered abandoning my life to become a boy-band (no wait, they're a MAN-band) groupie.

Behold,the New Kids in all their middle-aged glory.I'd still make out with them.

Me smooching Nikki. Yes, I was that excited. Zak-wearing his New Kids memorabilia as only he can. We actually bought these for Jeremy to wear while he works out, but Zak broke them in for him!
Oh yeah, the right stuff indeed.

Lovin' the stars and stripes

On Veteran's day, we were treated to the most awesome program, by all the first graders (of which Rylynn is one). I was very impressed, and almost moved to tears at how hard they worked to honor and show appreciation to the men and women who serve our country. Rylynn was singing these songs around the house for weeks because she wanted to have them perfect for her program. They had a slideshow of all the veteran's that were relatives of the first grade kids. It was very sweet and I was proud of both these beautiful children singing (especially mine) and our amazing country and servicemen and women.

Kellyn!

Oh my goodness, I love this girl! Our baby girl turned 4 on Friday, and if she could read this, she would very adamantly point out that she is NOT a baby, but a big girl. And, since she is 4 now, her hair is almost blond (her words). When she was born, we prayed so much that she would live, but we told ourselves that if Heavenly Father needed her back, then that was how it was supposed to be. I am so grateful he let us keep her! She lights up our home with her personality and I don't know what we would do without her. Here are some fun things about Kellyn:
1. She can't say her V's. So, I am told at least 20 times a day "Mom, I lub you".
2. She is the only "mommmy's" girl. The other 3 "lub" Joseph, but I got Kellyn!
3. She had so much red hair when she was born, but she is right, it is all blond now
4. She can name every latter-day prophet.
5. She screams when she laughs! She also screams when she cries!
6. We love her "a million billion" as she would say!

Happy birthday my sweet girl! I love you!

What the funk!?!?!?!

I have been in kind of a funk lately - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Life is hard. I sometimes get tired of reading other people's blogs, which often seem like they are advertising how great their lives are..."Look at my wonderful kids, look at my perfect husband, look at my immaculate house, check out my perfect life"!!! My life is so far from perfect, it is laughable. I guess it is on my mind because in the past week, I have been in situations where my parenting, family, marriage, etc have been somewhat under scrutiny. Nothing big, but things like parent teacher conferences or visiting teaching. In these situations, I invariably hear comments like "You must be doing such a wonderful job with your kids" or "you are so organized and have it so together - how do you do it all"? I am not congratulating myself. When people say these things to me, I feel like a big, fat fraud. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder in what way I am permanently damaging my childrens' psyche; and organization and having it together are not concepts I am at all familiar with. I desperately wish these people's perceptions were true, but the fact is - they aren't. So when they say these things, which are meant to be compliments, I just feel even more lousy. My life is loud and messy, and I have managed to (unintentionally) trick quite a few people into thinking otherwise. Please don't misunderstand. I love my children more than anything, and I couldn't wish for a husband that I love more than Joseph. But life if still hard. I usually feel I am just barely scraping by, making it through each day. So, just for once, it would be nice to hear that it is not just me. That maybe everyone else's life isn't as idyllic as it is made out to be on their blogs and Christmas cards. For someone to just say, yeah, life is hard. I am reminded of that saying "I didn't say it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it". I know it will be worth it, but I wish I didn't have to expend so much enery trying to make it look like it is easy. Ok, enough of this emo crap. I need some ice cream.