32

I know its hard to believe . . . . but its that time of year again. The day that we celebrate my blessed birth. Its also hard to believe that I am 32, when I don't feel a day past 29.

In honor of my birthday, I went ahead and skipped that whole showering thing, and there was really no sense in dirtying up a perfectly clean outfit when the sweats, dirty white t-shirt, and jacket that I had worn to bed the night before were perfectly acceptable.

I spent the majority of the morning looking for my phone that The Toots stole from my room. No luck. If any of you need to get a hold of me . . . . sorry. I don't know what to tell you. Maybe Santa will bring me a new phone for Christmas.

Seeing as how I had many errands to run, Mamie and I opted to drive around on the ice covered roads. It made for a very nervous diarrhea cramping filled morning..... as I simply did not want to die on my birthday. She was kind enough to treat me to lunch at the lovely Costco diner. By the time we were on our way home, it was just warm enough that only the side roads were treacherous. Phew!

I went ahead and made myself some delicious birthday grub. I had a few of my fans there, Damon and my girls, Mamie and her brood, my brother Brian, Dustin and Charee, and of course Chase. It was what some would call a "fiesta." Of course it included Enchiladas, chips, ice water, some not so good rice, plastic plates (only the best up in here) and to top it all off . . . . . da da DA DA.........

.....my birthday, just wouldn't be my birthday without my favorite lemon blueberry trifle, and me posing in front of it.

Next on the agenda . . . . . the wonderful gifts I was showered with! I'm pretty domestic these days, so naturally I asked for an apron about three months ago for my birthday. Mamie and Damon whipped this up. You will notice it is double sided....... I think I will wear the small dots on the days I am feeling hefty, as the large dots will probably add about 10 pounds . . . .but other than that, you really can't go wrong with either side.

This heater is more awesome than you will ever know. Mamie got it for me, for Team Fairchild to use at our studio. It gets a bit nippy in there right now, but this will clear that problem right up, and Damon will be able to continue taking beautiful portraits and be warm at the same time. I'm sure our clients will appreciate it too!

Of course Erika spoiled me rotten! I cannot explain how much I LOVE this girl. I don't know how I ever got so lucky! I can't wait to wear this sweater and bracelet. D-LISH! Speaking of d-lish . . . . . .

.....did you know these truffles are the most amazing things in the world? They are my favorites. And she knows that. I think this double pack might last me until tomorrow!

If you haven't heard of the Epilogues......you're missing out. I will wear this shirt with pride. Probably every day, because I love them, and it just so happens that I am also a sucker for t-shirts.

All in all .. . . this was a very delightful birthday. I am just tickled pink to be 32.

And now . . . . . .if you are still reading (it seems as though no one is reading my blog anymore . . . . . I really don't blame you, as I have been slacking quite a bit) here are 32 things about me.

1. I think people who don't wash their hands after they go to the bathroom are gross, especially if its number two . . . . .. DISGUSTING . . . . . . I would go as far as labeling them a "dirt bag."

2. I have LOTS of gray hair......which is why I am now a fan of dying my hair dark.

3. I amuse myself on a regular basis.

4. I barely played my guitar that I got for my birthday last year. Too busy. But that is going to change . . . . I hope.

5. I don't swear as much as I used to . . . . . out loud anyway.

6. I would rather go on a road trip and drive for two days, then fly. I hate flying.

7. I do not miss my old job. Not even one bit. If I would have known how much I would NOT miss it . . . . . I would have quit YEARS ago.

8. I LOVE my new job. I LOVE to dress up, I LOVE to meet new people, and I LOVE my bosses . . . . .however . . . . as I mentioned before, I will NEVER abandon my love for sweats. NEVER.

9. I LIVE for White Elephant gifts.

10. Many people say their first impression of me is not so good. I don't let it bother me . . . . because the people who have told me that, are all very close friends . . . . . and know how I really am. BUT . . . . I have been working on being more friendly. I kind of get in my own little world and zone out. . . . .and forget to smile, and sometimes . . . I just plain don't have anything to say (I know that might be hard to believe, but its so very true), or forget to say hi. Like I said . . . . I'm working on that!

11. I love Facebook.

12. I LOVE Russell on Survivor. He is a crazy little guy . . . . and I hated him at first . . . but I hope he wins.

13. I haven't worked out since August. Except when I went ahead and ran that half marathon......but I'd rather not talk about that.

14. I like Winter.

15. I think Damon looks WAY sexier driving a truck than a man van.

16. I love working with teenagers. And it just so happens that I do. A lot. They are most entertaining.

17. I do not love working with children. I have NOT the patience. Its hard enough dealing with my own, let alone everyone else's, BUT I am so grateful, for those that DO. I am truly amazed by you!

18. I am going to write a book someday.

19. I tend to follow the rules. For some reason, I've always been aware of consequences in life. It seems that when I follow the rules . . . . good things happen, and when I don't . . . . Not so good . . .therefore . . . I play it safe.

20. If people are tailgating me . . . . I go slower. . . . . because thats what they taught me to do in traffic safety.

21. I've lost 14 pounds since August. I'm guessing its because I've been so busy.

22. I still can't stand Liars . . . . . or Hypocrites.

23. I hate waking up in the morning.

24. I'm having a hard time coming up with 32 things. I think this is the last year I will do this.

25. I have a very special place in my heart for blueberries.

26. I wear mismatching socks most days.

27. I don't like doing crafts . . . . . but I like to watch other people do them.

28. I like to wash dishes, but I hate putting them away.

29. I have learned to ask for help these last few months. Its really hard.

30. When I get nervous, I laugh . . . . . and usually end up with this crazy lisp which doesn't make the stupid things I say sound any better.

31. I am physically and emotionally exhausted most days, but wouldn't trade my life right now for anything. I've got a pretty good one. I've got a talented husband who works hard and continues to adore me, three beautiful little drama queens, the best friends and sisters a girl could ask for, a roof over my head and food to eat (thanks to Mamie) and many . . . . MANY more good things to come.

32. With all my flaws, which are quite abundant, I still like myself. . . . . and I find nothing wrong with that.

Thanksgiving Festivities 2009

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love food. I love family. I love relaxing (so rare for me). This year was very relaxing. So much so . . . . . that not one swear word left my mouth. I know, I know. . . . . . a Thanksgiving miracle.

We spent the morning watching Damon at the Turkey Bowl. He was the QB for his team, and only informed me about 20 times that day that he threw 9 touchdown passes. I am 100% positive I will be hearing of this until next years Turkey Bowl. He doesn't dwell on football or anything.

I am becoming quite domestic in my old age. I can whip up a mean Thanksgiving dinner. We had a quiet little one at home with Mamie, Marty, and kids. We are shacked up with them, so obviously it was meant to be (after turning down the numerous offers from other family members, we decided to go it alone). It was a blast. We hung out, and watched The Toots pick her nose, made fun of Damon for wearing his football jersey all day long (did you know he threw 9 touchdown passes?) gorged ourselves, and took a long afternoon nap. Later on, I took myself, my big girl Edyn, and Lauren to meet my SIL Charee (she rocks) and BIL Dustin (he's not too shabby either) to see "The Blind Side." It was such a good movie. A must see. And THAT I am grateful for, as I had to make up for wasting two and a half hours of my life watching "New Moon" the previous week.

And . . . . . to kick off the Holiday Season . . . . . a special gift from me to you.

You're welcome.

Team Fairchild

I knows its been a while, but I just can't help it. I've been a VERY busy girl. I'll do you all a favor and get straight to the point, and try to make it short.

After 7 years of working for a company . . . . . knowing for about 6.5 of those years that it wasn't the right place for us, hoping things would change, trying to endure, and ultimately lacking the faith or courage to do what we knew was right, we finally got some balls and quit at the end of August. We had no idea that this was the time our resignation would transpire, and our lives had literally been turned upside down within a matter of about three days. . . . . . . but let me tell you something . . . . . . . . It is the best thing we have ever done. Our only regret is that we didn't do it A LONG time ago.

Although we will be forever grateful to our former employer for all he did for us, we feel freedom that we have never felt. We are in control of our own lives. We are DIRT POOR . . . . . but we LOVE life. And the great thing is . . . . . is that it just keeps getting better and better. Funny how that works . . . . . when you finally do what is right, how things just fall into place.

We have started our own business. . . . . . . Hence the title of this post (no that is not the name of our business, but we are a team, and we are gonna kill it out there)! It is doing PHENOMENAL! Damon has a long term sub job that is paying the bills. I got a job at my friends store in the mall . . . . Apricot Lane. LOVE IT! I kind of feel a little guilty that I get paid to look hot (suddenly I am into being fashionable. . . . . However, I will never abandon my love for sweats and dirty white T-shirts) and be nice to people (contrary to popular belief . . . . i can be nice).

People have come out of the wood work to help us. Friends and Family are helping us in ways I would have never imagined. . . . . . . . . . some behind the scenes. I will never know who you are, and its killing me, but if you are reading this, please know how grateful I am to you!

Now . . . . . any of you who know me well, know of my anxiety issues. . . . . . know how much the world scares me . . . . . . and know how much I think and dwell on all the bad there is out there . . . . . . . BUT I have been brought to tears (sobbing . . . . . which is VERY rare for me) of happiness and gratitude for all that has been done for me and my little family in this very challenging, yet amazing time in our lives. It has helped me to realize, how much GOOD there is is the world. . . . . . . How there are so many people who love us, and are rooting for us, who want us to succeed, and just plain care for us more than I could have ever imagined. I can't stop thinking about how this is supposed to be one of the worst times in our lives, broke as a joke, no house, so busy we can barely breathe . . . . . . . YET . . . . . . I have NEVER been happier. We have truly been blessed.

Team Fairchild . . . . . . We're in this together!

That's all for now. I've got a movie night with my kids to get to. More to come later. I promise it will be sooner than three months. Its going to take me about two or three years days just to catch up on all my DVR'd shows and the blogs I read!

32

There's nothing more attractive than a 32 year old Damon, wearing the crown his girlies gave him for his birthday. NOTHING. And I'm serious about that. How fortunate I am to have a husband who loves and adores his daughters and treats their mommy like a queen . . . . I suppose I should be wearing the crown. Life is good. REALLY GOOD!

Stupid

Yes. VERY Stupid. I still can't believe I actually did it. I try to forget but the whole "not being able to walk" thing quickly reminds me that I ran a half marathon yesterday even though I neglected that whole training thing. Don't judge me. I've been busy (more on that in my next blog).

For some idiotic reason, I thought it wouldn't be so bad. It was bad. It wasn't just bad, it was HORRIBLE. Cardiovascularly (is that even a word) I was fine. It was my knees, hips and feet that were screaming at me the whole time. I now know what it feels like to be a 95 year old woman. I seriously considered calling my mother in law (she isn't 95 . . . yet) and asking her if I could borrow her walker afterwards (it does have a seat to sit down on...... so very tempting), but I opted to sit myself down on my bum to go down the stairs, and whine the whole day about being immobile.

I finished. I ran about 12.2 of the 13.1 miles. I hated it. I would have rather given birth with no epidural (I've done it three times, and believe me, the half marathon was worse). I don't know if I ever want to run again. Damon scolded me and said, "I hope you learned your lesson." I did.

Kevin. He was supposed to be my running partner. Apparently I didn't run fast enough for him, as he ditched me about 1/4 of a mile in. Rude.

Be grateful you can't smell me through this picture.

Probly a good thing he ditched me, cause he took third in his age bracket! Good job.

I've already changed my mind. I will do it again, someday, just not for a long time. And I will be prepared.

Toots

She's 18 months today. I LOVE this age. Minus the whole getting into every cupboard thing, and climbing up on my table and spinning herself around on the lazy susan that's on top of it. And of course I could do with out her waking up two or three times every night (yes . . . still). BUT, I do love everything else about this age.... the constant talking, laughing, curiosity, and her unbelievable fiestiness (hmmmmm, I wonder where she gets that)? This little girl is packed full or personality. She really does smile, just not for pictures . . . . but we were able to catch some of her priceless expressions! I LOVE her.



Of course Damon took these pictures. If you want some of your own (family, senior, children, wedding, etc.) just say the word.

And She's Off . . . .

Today I sent my Edyn off to school. . . . . for the FULL day! Its amazing how excited the girl was about being able to eat her lunch at school! She's just growing up right before my very eyes. I know this because not only is she in first grade, but she asked me to trim her uni-brow this morning before she left. Of course I did . . . . I wouldn't want her to worry about that. It might detract from her learning.

Caved

Thats right . . . . I caved . . . big time. After managing to escape the Fair last year, Mamie suckered into going this year. She claimed that it would be so much more fun with me there. Apparently she likes germa-phobes and has a really warped idea of what fun really is.

You all know how much I love dirt and germs and stuff like that . . . so it should be no surprise as to why I didn't want to go. But I thought . . . What the heck . . . I have nothing else to do. Why not go blow a hundred bucks, eat as many calories in 4 hours as I usually eat in four days, get dizzy just watching the rides, and sweat so much I stink worse than the cow barn?



I am happy to report . . . . that I actually had a GREAT TIME. Note to self. Go on Thursday. Not kids day (Wednesday), not the weekend, but THURSDAY. It was so pleasant. No huge crowds. Hardly any lines for the rides either. My kids were amazingly good, which earned them plenty of rides, cotton candy, and elephant ear. They had a blast, and for once in my life, I was a great sport about something . . . . . I know . . . . Surprise Surprise. It also boosted my self esteem just a little to know that I was creating fun memories for my kids. I love them. They are worth it. So worth it. And I might even take them next year, if we can find a job before then, as we are now unemployed.

Just in Case . . . . . .

. . . . . the 20 purses you have aren't enough, you simply have your daddy make you a new one, out of an ice cream box that Don and Lisa brought (full of ice cream of course) to your house. Then, you stuff it full of your most precious belongings, and carry it around with you everywhere you go. . . . even out in public, because you have a mommy who just doesn't want to deal with you or your emotional meltdowns.

The End.

Summer Casualties

1. Remember when I told you that I had found a new hobby in knitting? Well, I finally finished the baby boy blanket I was making for my friend . . . . a mere 7 months later. It was supposed to be a simple square blanket . . . . . .

This is how it turned out.

I don't even know what to say . . . except Oops! And just look at the gaping hole at the top right.

Apparently I don't know how to count. I guess there is some sort of pattern you are supposed to follow? Whatever.

Let me know if you know anyone who is having a really LONG and SKINNY baby boy who would like a sorry excuse for a hand knitted blanket . . . . .

or perhaps you might know someone who could use a new winter shawl?

Or maybe a skirt?

The possibilities are endless!

I think I'll go right ahead and take knitting off my mediocre list and add it to the of "things I suck at" list. (In all honesty, I laughed so hard I actually cried when I saw the finished product. I am just not meant to be a knitter)!

2. An unfortunate wrist fracture. It is really putting a damper on our summer days at the pool. She hates it. Luckily, it comes off tomorrow.


3. I tried my best, but these poor beauties are on their last leg. All dried out. Blasted TC heat and wind. It will get you every time. Oh well, they were gorgeous while they lasted.

4. My very first pair of stilettos. It was well worth the $ I spent, because I have worn them religiously for the last 3 years. They have been with me through thick and thin (literally). I LOVED them, and I am sad to say that the soles are almost worn down to the point of no wearing. I put them to rest the other day. It was so awful to see them go . . . .

. . . . . but I was able to heal the pain in my heart. . . . . . . for I ordered myself the most GORGEOUS pair of black crocodile patent leather 4 inchers to replace them. They are magical. Seriously . . . . when I put them on . . . . I automatically turn into a sexy beast.

Stay tuned for all the things that are going glorious this summer!

True Love

You know someone really loves you when they will drive with 3 young children for 19 hours to see you.

Our BFF'S came from Colorado and we were able to spend some much needed time with them. It needs to happen more often. Its our turn to drive that 19 hours next summer . . . . I can't wait!

We LOVE you Saunders.

Thank you for coming!

Of course I had to take them to shoot Walter while they were here.

Cole, already brushing the Edyn's hair! They are such good friends. Perhaps someday they will get married? 

Jerome

I just have to share this . . . . So stinkin' cute that mom of mine! My dad wrote this. I merely cut and pasted it from my email. Enjoy!

In mid-June Pat came home from teaching her high school Seminary class and found a baby robin sitting in the driveway. He was no bigger than a golf ball. She brought him into the house and dug up some worms in the garden to feed him. She named him Jerome. Most baby birds die within a few days. Not Jerome, he thrived under Pat's care. Soon he was begging for more worms than Pat could find in her garden. She began to buy fishing worms at the local minute mart. Jerome became very tame. Pat had an old hamster cage which became his home. She would take him outside when she was feeding her rabbits, chickens and sheep. While weeding the garden she would take the bottom off his cage so he would learn how to catch his own worms in the grass. Inside the house she would open his cage and he would hop on her finger. He would fly around and land on her shoulder. In the mornings he would hear her coming down the stairs and start squawking for more worms. The whole family would take turns feeding him.

The grandchildren loved to see him. He would sit on their fingers too. One day Pat figured out how much she had spent on worms for Jerome. It was over $150. Jerome was big enough to leave her care. She made sure he could catch his own worms, and at the end of July he was set free. He hung around for weeks. Pat could hear his distinctive chirps from the old maple tree near her bedroom window.

It's mid-August now and she doesn't hear him any more but whenever a robin lands in the back yard or in a tree near her garden and looks down at her, she's sure that its Jerome, just checking up on her.

They say all dogs go to heaven. So do hamsters, goldfish, guinea pigs, turtles, cats, parrots, white rats, lambs, goats, milk cows, chickens and little robins. Pat has raised 15 children. That's nothing compared with the hundreds of pets and animals she has helped her children and her 4-H kids care for.

Some day, hopefully years from now, when we get to heaven, we will see one of Heavenly Father's choice daughters surrounded by a great multitude of children, grandchildren, and hundreds of Gods creatures including one little grateful robin sitting on her shoulder.