Its just that . . . . .

. . . . I've lost the desire to blog. Probably because I have way too much to do, and blogging would just be one more thing. I have a few more posts I want to share with my four fans (also for journaling purposes) . . . but after that, I think I will be done. Facebook is just so much easier.

So here it is . . . . what I have been up to for the last 8 months.

I don't know if there is a "best cousins" contest . . . but if there was . . . I would win. Hands down. I have the best cousins ever. We've been spending lots of time together. Who knew hard core liberals and crazy conservatives could get along so well?! I love them.

Summer Dodge Ball. Its too bad we are always ineligible for the costume prizes.


Our business is doing awesome. I'm not bragging. I just feel really blessed. We had a really busy summer/fall. My man has got mad photography skills. I hate to break my own arm patting myself on the back, but I do all the editing . . . therefore . . . I've got mad editing skills. I'm not gonna lie though. . . . . I do get pretty sick of sitting at my computer.
Just a few samples below.

I keep myself pretty busy being a mom. I have the cutest kids ever. Words could never explain my love for these little ladies.

Edyn started 2nd grade and Ava started Kindergarten. Its so nice :)

Since we now work for ourselves, it makes it super easy to do whatever we want . . . like go to Colorado to see our BFF's . . . not once but TWICE! July and October. I love that state. I love road trips and I LOVE the Saunders/Hammonds. We're pretty much treated like VIP's by them. I never want to leave. As a matter of fact . . . I just might move in someday. I've become quite good at shacking up and mooching! Be prepared.
What a pleasant surprise it was to find out how well my little ladies could behave on a 20 hour drive (one way mind you). 80 hours of driving all together. No barfing. No fighting. Only a couple bouts of explosives (someone gave Toots Fiber One bars. Oops).

My Man turned 33 in September. Can you tell he was pretty excited about it?

On Thanksgiving Me and my girl Jen went to spin early. Spinning is my new love. Its just about the only thing I will wake up for at 5am. Who knew?

Jen has really big muscles. I have really big saddlebags. Soooooo . . . . It pretty much evens out.

Then there was an uneventful Thanksgiving dinner at our humble home. It was so uneventful . . . I didn't even take any pictures. Hmmmmmm . . . .

December 5th we hopped on a plane to Hawaii. Our old stomping grounds. We lived there for three years right after we got married. What a treat to go back and stay at Hotel Loder (Thank you guys. We owe you BIG TIME), lay on the beach for hours, visit with great friends, eat our brains out (I gained 6 pounds in one week . . . i know. . . pretty impressive), and spend some time together without our kids.

I think I'll go back soon.

Happy Birthday to me. I turned 33.
It doesn't feel any different than 32. Or even 22. I just look older.

Christmas 2010. Believe it or not, we actually DID NOT over do it this year. We kept it simple. Our kids were happy, we were happy, and we didn't spend gobs of money. Again . . . who knew?!

The end.

Five

Looking for a few good suggestions on how to throw the most ghetto-fabulous 5 year old birthday party? You're in luck. I just so happen to know someone who just got done not only planning . . . but executing one.

1. On your child's actual birthday, you forget to request the day off so you bum off your motherly responsibilities and have your husband take her to the waterpark and to Famous Daves with her sisters and cousins. He does willingly. . . because he's the best dad/husband in the world. You make sure to have him take pictures, but you forget to tell him NOT to dress them like orphans.

Ava's Favorite Aunties . . . here on her actual birthday!

2. Skip the invitations. No time for that. You send out a tacky group text. Text should say something like, "I'm having a short and sweet birthday party for Ava at my . . . . and when I say "my" I really mean "Mamie's" house. Monday 4-5.... We'll just play a few games outside and have cake and ice cream. You are more than welcome to bring all of your kids and you are also welcome to stay if you want. I know. . . . . I'm a party animal." The day of the party you remember how many people you forgot to invite.

3. Go ahead and procrastinate getting anything ready for the "short and sweet" party until the morning of . . . . . . . after you have been at the Dr. with a screaming baby for 2 hours. Then you head to . . . . wait for it . . . . . wait for it . . . . WALMART. . . . to get all of the essentials. You know . . . Pinata, gobs of candy, Pre-made cake, cake mix (you have to make sure you have enough because you forgot how many people you invited), frosting, and because you are super classy and want to save money on paper cups, you go ahead and get Capri Suns. Its like killing two birds with one stone.

4. You go home and plan on getting started, cause now you are down to 3 hours before ghetto fabulous party, and you still have to clean the house, make 48 cupcakes, and a vegetable tray for those of us with high cholesterol (dang). . . . . BUT . . . . Tootsies is exhausted from all of her screaming, so of course you have to lay her down for a nap, but she refuses to sleep unless you are snuggling her. Oops . . . You accidentally fall asleep for 45 minutes (come to find out . . . your fatigue is caused by lack of sleep). You wake up and jump out of Mamie's bed (you can't sleep in yours because its full of laundry and your room is so dirty you can barely walk through it) and realize that NOW you only have 1 hour 15 minutes to pull this off.

5. Scrambling, you do the best multi-tasking you have ever done, baking, peeling and slicing, cleaning . . . . you get it pretty much done with 5 minutes to spare, and are so grateful when Mamie and Kristy walk in through the garage and ask what they can do to help. Usually you would be too embarrassed and say . . . "oh nothing, I got it all" . . . . but you don't, so you have Mamie put the vegetable tray together and Kristy frost the cupcakes while you continue to scramble.

6. All of the kids show up and you play a quick game. . . . . on the wet grass of course. It would be a shame to keep their pants clean. The first game goes off pretty well. But you just know that the Pinata is gong to be a hit . . . . after all, all the other birthday parties you go to, it takes up plenty of time and the kids have so much fun . . . . And because you bought a special Princess Pinata at Walmart, what could go wrong?


7. You line all 20 kids up . . . Birthday girl first of course. Thinking you're gonna sit back and kill some time . . . And Birthday girl breaks that sucker down on her third swing. Which leads you to believe . . . 1. Walmart Pinatas Suck. Who knew? 2. You probably shouldn't use a metal bat 3. Overstuffing with candy can also hinder time killing, as it makes the pinata too heavy, allowing it to fall off the rope, helping it break easier. 4. Kids aren't too concerned with hitting the dang thing. They just want the candy. Geez. You should save yourself 20 bucks and throw the candy in the air and watch them scramble.

8. What the heck. You just move on to cake and ice cream. Except you are so caught up in all the chaos . . . that you forget not only to sing Happy Birthday and blow out candles . . . . but eat the blasted cake. Whatever. The cupcakes worked just fine, and you can put that cake in the freezer and give it to your Mother in Law the next day for her birthday. You're a big fan of re-gifting anyway. Even if it is tacky. You ARE tacky.

9. Speaking of tacky . . . you rush everyone out the door, because you have somewhere to be . . . a surprise birthday celebration for your friend that you need to get to STAT. And you leave the mess for your husband to clean up . (But you get home . . . and it hasn't been cleaned up).

10. You neglect posting it on your blog . . . . which is also your journal until 5 days after the actual birthday because you are too dang busy to do anything but raise children, help your husband run your new business, work at the greatest boutique ever, figure out what the heck is wrong with your shoulder/arm, church responsibilities, be super cool, and perhaps trying to fit in a few breaths now and then.

The End.

P.S. I'm full of ideas for D-Day Parties, Weddings, Bridal and Baby showers, etc. Feel free to give me a jingle and I'll help you out anytime.

P.P.S. I'm so sorry Ava. I'll do better next time. You are my beautiful, spunky, sassy, hilarious, blue eyed girl. Happy Birthday . . . . . MOMMY LOVES YOU!

Ladies

I'm really into Ladies . . . . not in the gay sort of way (I prefer men . . . the Damon type). . . . .however . . . I LOVE WOMEN. Women are who I relate with best . . . . as I am a one.

A VERY AMAZING woman wrote this blog, and I just fell in love with her even more because of it. I must share.

"Durable . . . . . .

...beauty.



How many times have I walked passed this little patch of pansies? They line the pathway to our front door. The little English garden is dead/dormant...except for this remarkable beauty. The weather this winter has been dry... but at times, bitterly cold. How beautiful and durable is this amazing plant?

Allow me, if you will, to be sentimental. Seeing this flower, smiling at me in the morning sun, reminded me of the durable beauty of the women in my life. How many women do you know who endure bitterly cold trials in their lives while maintaining amazing grace and beauty? Life around them may be falling apart yet there they stand with a smile on their face, if only for the benefit and morale of their loved ones. In Austenland (not the book but the general genre of literature) men described women as delicate flowers requiring careful attention and handling.

YUCK.

Women are, in fact, flowers. But the kind that push up through frozen earth, the kind that emerge unscathed from under three feet of snow, the kind that may go unnoticed because they don't need to be carefully attended to, they can handle themselves.

I am grateful for these flowers in my life."

I am so very grateful for all the "flowers" in my life as well . . . . . .

Who stick with me through thick and thin (literally),

love me despite my many faults,

love my children as their own daughters or grand-daughters ,

serve me and my family unselfishly, when they are the ones who really need the break,

pray for me and my sanity,

inspire me to become a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend,

laugh with me when I am happy, laugh at me when I am an idiot, and on those rare occasions when I cry . . . . . cry with me,

listen when I just need to vent,

and just plain understand . . . . . what its like to be a woman.

I LOVE YOU MY LADIES . . . . .

. . . . . you know who you are.

Seven

Another Special Birthday Girl in our house! Beadsa turned 7 today. We've been hearing about this birthday for quite some time. The paper chain countdown (for about the last year), posters with tally marks, birthday wish-lists . . . . . the girl takes after her aunt Meghan . . . . She LOVES her birthday!

Since she had a big party last year, we decided to keep it simple. A few friends over after school, manicures and pedicures given by yours truly, cupcake decorating (many thanks to Tio and Tia for over-seeing that one), playing outside, eating way too much sugar, hot dogs (Edyn's choice) for dinner, more sugar, lots of great presents, and to top it all off, losing her third tooth! What a day!

Little Evan Man helping make the cupcakes while all the ladies played outside. I think it may have been a little overwhelming for him . . . . all those crazy girls!

We are pretty much party animals.

I want to throw up just looking at these. I sure hope all you parents brushed your kids teeth after I dropped them off!

I'm not nice, and I am for sure not a feet person . . . its just a good way to kill time!

You may notice a few things about this cake. 1. Toots demolished it. 2. Toots bit a huge chunk out of the Seven. 3. Toots chewed up said chunk, and proceeded to spit it back out to the right of the Seven. 4. Toots is gross. 5. No one wanted cake. 6. I ate half the cake when the party was over. But it was the half that didn't have Toots' regurgitated wax on it. I wouldn't go that far. . . . well . . . . maybe I would.

A new bike, scriptures, shirts, barbies, necklaces . . . . . every 7 year olds DREAM!

Again . . . . I'm so glad that Tia Bekie likes to pull teeth. Not something I ever want to do. Ewwww!!

Happy 7th Birthday Beadsa! MOMMY LOVES YOU!

Twooots

In case you didn't catch that . . . . its Two and Toots together (I am super clever) because "The Toots" turned 2 today.

It was a pretty special day for her. She got to go to her beloved Tia's house where she was allowed to wear her Elmo apron ALL DAY LONG (thanks for that Gabe and Kristie), as well as wear Elmo diapers. You see, we buy pampers from Costco. No Elmo. Tia Bekie has Pamper's Cruisers from Target. Covered in Elmo. Toots knows when she goes to Tia's that she gets to wear "Elmo Burpers." Which only make her frequent trips there more enjoyable.

Dinner was her choice . . . . "chickie nuggies" and "fwies."

And for dessert, Elmo cupcakes (can you see a pattern here? The kid is a little obsessed with the furry red little dude) . . . . . I stole the idea from my sister, who stole the idea from her sister-in- law. Being the domestic goddess that I am, I went ahead and gave Tia Bekie that task. She performed it quite well.

Guess what I am smelling in the bottom picture? Lucky Me!

All in all, it was a dream come true for a 2 year old.

I love you Lila
Toots . . . Tooters . . .Tooties . . . . . and more recently known as Gary.

Happy Birthday!
You are so precious. I can't imagine life without you.
P.S. I hope that by your third birthday you sleep through the night . . . . . In your own bed.

I KISSED A GIRL AND I LIKED IT

Yah, I know what you're thinking. You never knew this about Libbie. Nobody knew this about Libbie. And the reason isn't what you would typically think. It's actually that I, Damon, have hijacked Libbie's Blog. The reason why is obvious.

While this is our 10th Valentines day since we formally committed our lives to each other, it is not our 10th together. As most of you know, our story started at Kennewick High School way back in 1993.

After using my totally high schoolish method of having Libbie's sister Emily talk to her for me, we began to get to know each other. It didn't start off so hot because the first time I tried to engage her in the hallway where we passed each other every day, I totally tripped over my own foot and fell straight to the ground. Too embarrassed to face her, I got up and just walked on by. Fortunately my amazing hair and muscles helped her to get over my clumsy beginning and give me another shot.

Our first real interaction was on an amazing bike ride in which a large number of her friends "happened" to pass by my house. Of course I had a feeling they would show since they had done a few drive byes on previous days, so I borrowed my best friend Alan's bike and made sure to have my shirt off when this time they actually rang the doorbell.

I know I looked pretty hot shirtless, but not as hot as Libbie. She always has and always will.

In those days I was not only a smooth mover, but a fast mover so I made sure to show Libbie my appreciation of her beauty by giving her a sweet little goodbye kiss. I'm sure I actually thought it was "sweet" and "little" but judging from my current knowledge and experience my guess is that I was probably sloppy and grossed her out more than anything else. For me though, it was just the opposite. "I kissed a girl and I liked it." There was something in it. Something different. Something special. While I can, and will explain later many of the things I feel for my amazing wife, what I never could and still can't put into words is how I felt and still feel when she kisses me back. That day became sacred to us. May 27th 1993. We considered it for many years our "anniversary".

So skip ahead 6 years. After idiotic High School behavior and break-ups, a mission, some college, lots of other boys (still makes me a bit sick in my stomach) somehow we find our way back together and after an AMAZINGLY ROMANTIC proposal on Sunset beach, we are on our way to the Portland Temple. We had always talked about being sealed to each other there, and it was finally going to happen. It did on December 29th, 1999 and I can still remember the smile on my face. Ear to Ear. Holding her hand across the altar and there again "I kissed a girl and I liked it".

Photo by Shawn Murphy

It felt the same as it always had. Never changing. It never will.

Photo by Shawn Murphy

Now ten years have gone by for us and our family as a married couple. Edyn, Ava, and Lila are clear evidence that when I kiss "a girl" I still like it! Libbie will tell you how much it annoys her that I always want kisses from her, but I know she loves it. She loves knowing it has NEVER changed or faded the in the slightest.

So in honor of our 1oth Valentines Day, I'm gonna spend just another minute telling you 10 things I love about Libbie, in no particular order of importance.

1. Libbie is a GREAT kisser.

Have I made that clear?

2. Libbie is extremely loyal.

I have never doubted her and I never will.

3. Libbie's determination is unparalleled.

If you know my wife, you know when she makes up her mind, she makes up her mind and NOTHING will stop her.

4. Libbie is an unbelievably hard worker.

She doesn't stop till the job is done. 2, 3, 4, 5:00 in the morning. I've seen it over and over again.

5. Libbie is BEAUTIFUL.

I've never seen anyone more beautiful. Recently, a group of my young male students were high-fiving me because of how "hot" she is. I heard qoute "I'm actually jealous right now Fairchild". Her blue eyes, and so much more that I'll gloss over to keep this G- Rated!

6. Libbie loves our Babies. Loves them.

I can see it in her eyes. I can feel it when she talks about them. Are we perfect parents? No, but I know her love is perfect.

7. Libbie is 100% honest.

You know how she feels about everything! She's not afraid to tell it like it is. And does...

8. Did I mention Libbie was HOT?

My fav? Leggings... Short dress... Tall black boots... Hair up...HOT. Smokin. Oooo...

9. Libbie not only want's, BUT demands that I be better.

Better at everything. Husband, father, businessman. Such positive pressure to excel.

10. Libbie is SOOOOOOO Clean.

I know hygiene seems like a silly thing to put here, but no way. I love my clean wife. She not only looks good all the time, but she smells go000od. If she wasn't I probly wouldn't like it so much when I "kiss a girl".

11. Did I mention Libbie was HOT? Yea, don't get me started...

So what, that was 11, not 10. Two were the same thing just to emphasize her beauty.

I could go on. I could keep typing. I could keep reminiscing or begin fantasizing (my favorite) but I'll spare you. Just know this: All those many Valentines ago, when "I kissed a girl and I liked it" and for every Valentines day until forever, when "I kiss a girl" I'll always "like it". Always.

xoxo

daddy

Dirt Bags

I never got around to posting about my New Years Resolution.

Mostly because I forgot. . . . . however . . . . I did make one.

ONE.
(I wouldn't want to over do it).

What I lack in culinary, communication, musical, knitting . . . .etc. skills, I make up for in speaking my mind. I'm super great at that. . . . . but, I need to stop doing that so often. So this is my ONE resolution. I have been doing so well. With the exception of right now. I just need to get a few things off my chest.

Let's talk for a brief moment about:

dirt bag

n. slang

A filty or vile person

A dirty, grimy, sleazy, or disreputable person

Any of you who know me well, know that this is probably my favorite word. I use it quite often, as I try to brainwash my children into not becoming one. While I'm sure I have several annoying qualities that many others could do with out, I am certain that the world could do without the following behaviors . . . . . from individuals who I consider to be DIRT BAGS.

1. I've said it before, I'll say it again. People who use the bathroom and don't wash their hands are disgusting. Truly. I mean COME ON . . . . . No one wants your bum germs/fecal matter to be touching door knobs, counter tops, writing utensils, food, or them . . . . thats just hepatitis waiting to happen. Not to mention all the other viruses NOT washing hands spreads around . . . oh . . . . and the fact that its just plain disgusting. On occasion I will catch my kids forgetting to do this, however, they are kids. I quickly remind them of the importance of washing hands. But time and time again, I see adults neglecting this simple task. Really people. Its not that much to ask. And if you are guilty of this . . . . . than you are a disgusting dirt bag.

2. On occasion I work at the theater. It's quite a fun place to be. I do all sorts of very important stuff, like serve people popcorn, sell tickets at the box office, and clean up the theaters after movie showings. I also happen to watch movies there. A LOT.

I am severely disappointed when I see people get up from their movie, leave their garbage all over the place, walk out into the lobby, and leave. It happens ALL THE TIME. Any one with common sense would put two and two together and know that they are walking by a GIANT GARBAGE CAN on the way out. How hard is it to take your two hands that you were so fortunate to be born with (those of you who weren't. . . . . I am deeply sorry), pick up your trash, and deposit it in the trash can? I really don't think that is too much to ask. You are also being a horrible example to your children. If you are guilty of this . . . . . than not only are you a dirt bag . . . but you are a LAZY dirt bag.

3. Its not only at the theater. Its everywhere. Why do some think its okay to litter period? Its not. It's sheer laziness. Its really not that hard to pick up after yourself. My kids will see trash on the ground and say . . . . "Mom . . . . someone is a dirt bag." To which I answer, "Yes, someone should have put their trash in the trash can." (Of course we pick up said trash and throw it away). Its really not that hard. I just don't get it.

4. I'm all about freedom. I think that if you want to smoke . . . . than you just go right ahead, if you are over 18 of course, because that's the law. I personally would never want to, as I prefer NOT to smell like an old ashtray with butt breath. I also prefer pink lungs as opposed to black, and white teeth are nice too. Also, all that coughing that goes along with it is really unattractive . . . . .BUT . . . if you want to smoke . . . go right ahead. Thats your choice. Here's the thing though . . . I constantly see people smoking around their children and their animals. Usually it is in cars while driving, with the windows rolled down a slight little crack . . . . . as if that's going to make a huge difference. Its just wrong. Those poor babies have no choice but to inhale those nasty fumes. Just because you are choosing to destroy your health . . . . that gives you no right to destroy the health of your children and pets. Also, pregnant women who smoke. Are you serious? If you are guilty of this . . . . than you are a selfish dirt bag.

5. Its unfortunate that some people just don't understand that spitting is disgusting. There's nothing worse than walking along, minding your own business, and catching a glimpse of someone's phlegm on the ground. Really? Are you serious? And do you know what's even worse? I see people, mostly guys do this all the time. Right in front of ladies. Do they think this is some sort of a turn on? Well, maybe to a fellow dirt bag it is . . . . . but to most, its just plain awful. I kind of want to throw up just thinking about it. So come on . . . . . if you are guilty of this, you are a nasty dirt bag, and please . . . I beg you . . . . STOP. Figure something else out . . . perhaps quit smoking? Then you wouldn't need to hack up your lungs all over the asphalt?

6. Listen . . . nobody is a perfect parent. Even if they think they are. Its just not possible. Everyone loses their patience with their children on occasion. I do. On more occasions than I would like. However, I make it a habit to NOT yell, scream, and swear at them at the top of my lungs in public places (and I try my best not to at home either). Not only does it make those who do this look like idiots, but it teaches said children that this kind of behavior is acceptable, and in turn, they will grow up and treat their children like this. Its a vicious cycle. It also makes the people who have to experience your trashiness wonder what is going on behind closed doors, when no one is watching. So do us all a favor. Get a grip. I guarantee it won't be easy, but just try for once in your life to speak to your children with respect. I bet they will show you some back.

The good news about the above behaviors, is that they are all easy to fix. With minimal effort, this world could be a better place. And while I know that the four people reading this blog are probably not the dirt bags I speak of, I just needed to vent. I realize I am not even close to being perfect, but one thing I do pride myself in is being a contributing member of society. I am also a big fan of cleanliness and am doing my best to teach my children to grow up to be way better than I could ever dream of being.

Now please excuse me while I get back to my only resolution and jump back on that wagon of keeping my mouth shut for another couple of weeks, until I accidentally let something slip. Until then . . . . . I say good day.