Book of My Life

I am... a little overwhelmed, so tired & very content

I know... that a newborn baby is the absolute best thing on earth

I love it when... my kids laugh

I am known for...probably many things, hopefully positive

People think I am a little... round and happy

I wish I never... No regrets, right?!

My friends wish... I would not be so obsessive with my kids

My favorite place to shop is...Anywhere without the kids

My favorite place to hang out is... at home in my nightgown

My favorite band is... Korn, Godsmack, Seether & Justin Timberlake

Last time I got in trouble... It depends on who you ask!

My family... Is the most wonderful, irritating thing in the world!

If you met my Uncle... You would think they weren't related to me. (except Gary)

I get embarrassed when...I am complimented

I want to get married...on the beach in Hawaii (When Todd and I renew our vows)

My favorite food is... I can't even begin to narrow it down

I would like to have....inner peace and happiness

I don't mind sharing...my coffee:)

If I won the lottery I would... retire to Hawaii

I think Obama is ... the most promising person for America's future (I adore him)

I love it when people... are genuine and happy

I've learned that... there are so many more things to learn and that my kids teach me something new everyday

People love me because...I'm fabulous?!?!

I would kill someone if... they EVER hurt my kids

I think God... is absolutely fabulous

When I am mad...I scream and yell

When I am sad... I want to crawl into a shell

My best friend... Is as fabulous as her best friend;)

When I die...I want a big ol' honkin' luau, margarita's with lots of music (Sexy Back and Amazing Grace is a must)

What I love most is...My Family

My life is...blessed

If I could change...I would work on soooo many things

I need a...vacation with a nanny and a personal chef

My favorite Movie is... Brokeback Mountain, Sense and Sensibility, & Dumb and Dumber

I don't deserve...disrespect

I wish I could make money doing...being CEO of Bates INC.

My job... is CEO of Bates INC

School is... fabulous, (we love school at our house)

I think the government should... change so many things

If more people thought like me the world would... be more tolerant

I think the war... is pointless and sends the wrong message to the rest of the world.

Flaming Gorge Days

 So Friday night's activities started with a phone call from my sweet sister-in-law Barb, earlier in the week. She called to tell me that Jim (Gene & Barb's son) his wife Jennifer and daughter Kaitlyn were going to be coming in from Ohio for the weekend. There were big to-do's going on in Green River. Anyone who is from Wyoming knows that when there is something going on in a town near by, you probably should go because you never know how much longer it's going to be before there is another fun, exciting thing that will come along. So it was off to the fabulous town of Green River.
 With that being said, we were treated to some really good (country) music. First Chris Young was up. I was really impressed with his voice. He was really talented. A little reminiscent of early Randy Travis. I had only heard one or two of his songs before, but he also belted out some ZZ top and vintage Keith Whitley. Wow, that man could sing.

 We were also able to see Rodney Atkins. Chris Young was a far better singer, but Rodney Atkins was a really great performer. He involved the crowd and had us sing a little of his most popular song.

 The kids were really good. It was every one's first concert other than seeing Todd and his band. Sara was happy and clapping through Chris Young but totally crashed out during Rodney Atkins. In this picture, Todd's brother Gene is holding her and as usual, she was totally content and happy to be held and snuggled.

 Lily and Kaitlyn were quick friends when the first met back in November and this weekend was no exception. They were having fun chasing each other and dancing.

 Valerie came with us. She was kind of in and out of sight most of the night. She knew a whole bunch of people that were at the concert, so she was visiting and hanging out with a little bit of everyone. It was fun to have her with us. We are going to miss her terribly when she heads off for school in Idaho. My kids are going to miss her terribly, she's been an almost daily fixture in their lives since they were born. Our family is going to enjoy her every minute we can until she moves on.
 So, Friday and Saturday were great, the food was yummo, the company was great, and the festivities were great. I love summers in Wyoming. We only get about 3 months of it, and by dang we are going to enjoy it. I also love being with my friends and family. I love watching my kids have new experiences. As they get older they get easier to take places, I don't feel like I'm going to be screaming my face off quite as frequently as I used to. Todd and I have great kids, I love having this big honkin' family to share my life with. Immediate and extended, they're all fabulous.

Just a Few Things

 There is a cute little thing that Lily says, that I wanted to blog about before I forgot. Whenever 'her' is supposed to be used in a sentence, she says 'she's'. So if she wanted to go to her friend's house she would say "Can I go to she's house?" It's so precious. I love when kids are little and say those cute little things. Sweet girl!
 Sara got her second bottom tooth. YAY! I just noticed it on Sunday. She hasn't been fussy or feverish or any of the other tell-tell signs of teething. I literally just noticed as I was removing yet another object out of her mouth. I have to quickly tell you how much she loved Popsicles. She kind of sticks her tongue out and tries to lick it before you can even get it into her mouth. She's so stinkin' cute.
Adam has a new saying I wanted to tell all of you about. Whenever he doesn't like whatever you've just told him, he says "Mom, that's just plain old rude!" Now most of the time I have to contain myself from laughing but sometimes it he says it in the middle of 'negotiation'. That is where he uses every argument possible to win his case. Anyway, I thought it was funny and wanted to share it with everyone.

Isn't She Lovely

 Sweet little Sara Bear is 9 months old today. I am shocked every month when I post this, that she is growing so fast. I guess the baby year flies by for all parents. I just wish it lasted a little longer. Anyway, Sara's new milestones this month includes many fun things. She is pulling herself up on everything she possibly can. She is perfecting crawling/sitting/scooting. She is eating 'grown up' food and drinking out of a sippy. She kind of started that when we were in Seattle but now that's all she'll eat. She has had her first grilled cheese sandwich, mac and cheese, spaghetti o's, string cheese, yogurt, and Cheetos's. (No lectures please.)
 
She's at such a fun age. She has stared to follow me around and wrecks the housework I was doing. Such as, when I fold clothes she rips them off the coffee table or when I load the washer (front loader, no pedestal) she pulls the clothes out of there too. She also helps with dishes and vacuuming. She cracks me up. She also has learned how to be cheesy, she has a new smile that is toothy and adorable. She's so fun. I just love her. I'm excited for every new phase that comes along with her. She is a joy.

Happy Birthday Lily

 Today, my beautiful little Lily turned 4. She was so excited from the time she got up until the time the party started. Of Course, everything was pink and had either a Barbie or Disney Princess theme. The cake was Giselle from Enchanted.
 As far as presents go she received, a Barbie, a (pink) leapster, a ballerina dance mat, coloring books and colored pencils, a Sleeping Beauty dress, $5.00, a piggy she gets to stuff herself, and a pink Barbie bike with a matching helmet and pads. She was so cute when she opened her presents. She very carefully opened everyone of them. She didn't once just rip one open. It was cracking me up. She was genuinely happy to see what was in every package. And every stinkin' time I took a picture she had to pose and have a cheesy smile on her face. I love this sweet little girl so much.
 For Lily's birthday party, we had a BBQ with some family and friends over. Family included Grandma Bates and Todd's nephew Ben and his family. Arlene and her crew were also here. And that means Lily's best friend Kamryn, was here. She was helping Lily check out her bike. Lily did really well riding her new Barbie bike. She rode it up and down the drive way for about and hour (in the dark.)
 So my sweet little beautiful Lily is now 4 years old. I am thoroughly enjoying being her Mom. I love that she loves pink things and make up. I adore her loving heart, feisty personality, sensitive soul, her sense of wonderment and curiosity. I love that she is a beautiful little girl with a great big smile and sense of adventure. She is kind and warm, mixed with a little flare for the dramatic. I think it's awesome that she loves chocolate as much as I do and ice cream as much as both of her Grandpa's. I love that she adores her brothers and wants to be where ever they are and thinks her baby sister is just her big baby doll. I love that she adores her Daddy and wants the be by his side at all times. But of all the things there is to love about her, I love that she is is my daughter. Happy Birthday Lil'. I love you!

Good Things Come in Three's

3 Joys:
1. My family. That is a given, I guess, but I adore each and everyone of them. Todd is adorable. He is irritating and funny, rolled into one. Spencer is witty and smart. Adam is hilarious and squishy. Lily is beautiful and loving. My little Sara is sweet and curious. I adore them all so very much. Nothing in life brings you joy like having a family.
2. Blogging. I enjoy blogging and writing. I know my grammar kind of sucks but I write like I talk. I really enjoy bragging and/or bitching about my life as a Mom.
3. Music. I love music. I love a little bit of everything. I grew up listening to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton along with George Strait and Van Halen. Michael Jackson was my first real musical addiction, then Bon Jovi, and in middle school I was obsessed with NKOTB. In high school I fell in love with Garth Brooks and Metallica. And then came my true love in music, hard rock. I loved Nirvana. I vividly remember the day I heard that Kirk Cobain was dead. I love most of the music that is on the radio now, and continue to find new artists that I think are great.

3 Fears
1. I am scared to death of my immediate family being taken away from me, whether through death or another means. It bad enough that I'm afraid to go anywhere without them or let them go somewhere without me. Can you say OCD!!!
2. Spiders. They are sick, gross, disgusting little creepy crawly things. When have an infestation of Hobo spiders in our garage (we're in the process of massive spraying.) When I saw one fall from the garage door to the floor, I almost had a heart attack. That sucker was huge, I've never seen anything that big out side of a pet store.
3. Not being around to enjoy my Grandkids.

3 Obsessions/Collections
1. Flip-Flops. Need I say more?
2. Babies, I keep collecting them.
3. Recently, I started to love photography. I try to have my camera with me all the time, but I sometimes forget.

3 Goals
1. Rid myself of my abandonment issues.
2. Be more mindful of mine and my families health.
3. Inner peace.

Spencer's 10th Birthday

 Today was Spencer's 10th birthday! I can't believe how fast his childhood is going. I remember when he was born, how sweet he was. And how much I wanted him. I was completely comfortable and confident in my new role as Mom. Spencer was a beautiful baby. He had a mound of hair, the roundest little face and his Grandpa Bates' hands. I was head-over-heels in love with him and I still am. Spencer has grown into a wonderful young man. He's smart and witty. He understands how different people are and respects (most) boundaries. He's a huge help around the house. He loves his siblings and only torments them occasionally. I adore this little man. I think he's a whole lot of wonderful. I am thankful everyday that he is mine.
 Anyway, we had a great day. We were mostly just hanging out. The kids played on the tramp and in the sprinklers and sometimes combined the two. Spencer got a few video games and we are going to go to Lagoon. Having Zoe here makes his birthday pretty great. Happy Birthday to my sweet little man. I love you!

Zoe's Here

 On Monday our whole family loaded up and headed to Ogden, UT to get mine and Todd's great-niece, Zoe. We met Zoe's Mom, Manda and Aunt Malynda in a little town north of Ogden called Willard. Spencer's only request for his birthday was to have Zoe here. So Manda and I emailed back and forth until we could decide on a day and time to meet, and TADA, Zoe is here for the week. Spencer and Zoe 'met' when Ruth passed away and they just clicked. Manda and I joked that if they were ever in a class together, they would 'actually' the teacher to death. (They are both major smarty pants.) Anyway, Spencer had a baseball game. So the whole famn damily went to the park to watch. While Todd and I were watching the game, Zoe, Adam and Lily were playing at the park. All of a sudden I hear Lily yell "Zoe's BLEEDING!!!!" (Lily was scared to death, she thought Zoe was dieing. She hates blood.) Zoe had smacked into a pole and got a bloody nose and a black eye, on her second day hanging out with our family. She handled the crash quit well, but I still felt bad.
Anyway, we are all excited for Spencer's birthday tomorrow and Lily's birthday on Saturday. We are also heading to Lagoon on Tuesday. It'll be fun. Spencer and Zoe get a whole week together. What could be better for your birthday.

Father's Day 2008

 Today we (The Bates Family) celebrated Father's Day in the memory of Norm and Ruth. I thought it was a fun day. There was food and music along with a whole bunch of people. My mother-in-law has been hanging out with 'The Widows Club' which is sooo good for her. Almost all of them showed up along with a crap load of the Bates' clan. There was a lot of music. Todd was playing his base guitar and had to cheese it up for me. He sang a old song called 'Daisy a Day'. The entire crowd went silent. Todd was emotional and the song seemed to touch everyone. I've heard the song a 100 times but this time it was truly beautiful and heart felt. Todd's voice is like butter to me. I love to hear him sing.
 My sweet little Sara was just dancing and clapping. She was having a great time. There were so many 'Grandma's' there, I hardly had a chance to hold my baby. But that's ok. She was well taken care of. Spencer and Adam were board, and Lily's allergies were driving her crazy. Zyrtec, here we come! Poor baby, she was scratching her eyes out. It made me think about when I was a kid and how bad my eyes used to itch. It sucked! Anyway, everything went well even though emotions ran high. I sometimes wish hugs would make pain go away, but it doesn't. I've learned that time makes loosing someone you love a little bit easier, but those loved ones will always be missed.

By the way, I love you Dad, sorry I didn't make you a priority on Father's Day. I have had guilt for days about this. Live and Learn.

Survey Says!

1: If you're being extremely quiet whats it mean?
I'm uncomfortable or mad

2: If someone hit you, what would you do?
Be totally shocked and probably do nothing

3: Have you ever kissed someone and never saw them again?
Yes, I don't think I've ever told anyone about it.

4: Are you drifting away from someone you were close to?
Nope

5: Last time you were confused?
Like, 10 minutes ago

6: Rent a movie or go to movies?
Rent, I have for kids, it's to hard to go to the movie

7: Been to Germany?
No, but I would love to go someday

8: What is wonderful?
My family and chocolate

9: The person you're in love with moves across the world, what do you do?
Well, go with him, of course

10: If you could change your eye color would you?
Nope, they are just like my Dad's

11: Ever kissed anyone on your top 8 on myspace?
Abso-freakin-lutely

12: What is the biggest secret you know about your best friend ?
I'll never tell

13: Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
I have spare time?

14: Have you ever copied things from one conversation to another?
No, I'm a total nerd!

15: Ever kissed someone whose name starts with the letter k?
It's possible

16: Last person you told a secret to?
Todd

17: Status of you and the person you last sent a text to you?
We are very married

18: Status of you and the person you last talked to on the phone?
My fabulous niece Val

19: Favorite song at the moment?
Sexy Back, always. But I love the new Rihanna song

20: Ever made someone cry?
Unfortunately

21: Things you're looking forward to in the next 2 weeks?
Spencer and Lily's Birthday's

22: Who is your favorite band?
Korn

23: Thought your cousin was hot?
nasty

24: Shared a bed with someone else?
A few people

25: Whats irritating you right now?
My MIL and the fact that there are never enough days in the week

26: Do you enjoy piercings and tattoos?
Absolutely

27: What are you doing tonight?
Watching Todd play Halo

28: Would you ever forgive someone if they cheated on you?
I don't know. I hope I never have to deal with it

29: Have you ever shaved in the kitchen sink?
Nasty

30: When was the last time you cried?
This morning when I watched a special about Tim Russert

31: What are you wearing?
night gown, duh!

32: Who would be the first person to know if you got pregnant?
Ummm.... Well me and then probably Todd and then Todd's Doctor when he has a heart attack.

33: Something you just don't understand?
There are just to many things to name.

34: Who is the last person you were in a car with?
Lily and Sara

35: Do you think you'll be married in 10 years?
I do.

Sara Big and Tall

 My sweet little Sara is officially pulling herself up. She was learning before we left for Seattle and while we were there she was practicing on Pat's stairs. When we returned home she has been consistant. Whenever she is near furniture or near one of her brothers when they are sitting on the floor, she pulls herself up. She also held onto the coffee table and the couch and 'cruised' between the two. I'm not ready to have her cruising around everything. Sara has also been dancing when I sing to her or she hears songs on the radio or TV. She looks like one of the bobble head dolls. So stinkin' cute.

So, the last few days I have been so grouchy. I don't really have an excuse as to why I've been a total bitch. Just happens I guess. The weather has been gray and crappy, so the kids have had cabin fever (as have I), Todd is on graveyards, my good friend Nicolle is moving a little sooner than expected, so that might be it or a combination of a few of those things, who knows. My poor children and husband.

Sleepless in Seattle

 Cheesy title, I know. But it was the only thing I could think of. So, the Bates family headed west for Seattle to see Pat and George on June 5. I am crazy about cleaning the house before we go anywhere so we started that morning by finishing up the house and packing. Then we started out. I have to be honest with you, I was nervous about flying or rather going through the airport with 4 kids. But everything was fabulous. The kids were awesome, Todd was great, and I was pretty good. Our flight was delayed by about a half an hour because of crappy weather. When we arrived in Seattle, Pat and George were waiting for us. We gathered all of us into vehicles. The boys and Todd rode with George in his convertible Mercedes and the girls and I rode with Pat in his Toyota 4runner. I wish the weather would've been better, the boys would've loved the top being down. Anyway, we got to Pat and George's house and unloaded everyone. Lily and Sara had had quick naps and were ready get going on the visiting. Lily was so excited about Seattle, every time she heard it mentioned on TV she would say "We're in Seattle!!!!" The rest of that night was uneventful except for the fact that there was a sweet little dog named Finn (Pat's dog) that made a huge impression on the girls. Lily and Finn were great friends right
 away, Sara on the other hand wasn't sure what to think. She cried whenever Finn came around the first day or two but after that she was fine. Lily thought he was the best thing ever. She played and played with him. I don't know how, but Finn kept up with her. She ran around with him for 4 days, dragging him around with a toy, but they both seemed happy. Finn is a great puppy.
 Spencer and Adam played a lot of video games. Uncle Pat joined the boys and spent the better part of Sunday night trying to beat Lego Indiana Jones on the Wii. There were two big highlights of the weekend (besides going on the airplane.) On Saturday the boys went to the Museum of Flight where they got to see a ton of different kinds of airplanes. They also got to sit in the cockpit of a fighter plane and see Air force one from a few years ago. They loved it. Pat got them both airplanes and Lily a Delta Airlines flight attendant Barbie. The other exciting thing was the Aquarium. The boys have seen it before a few years ago but loved to see all the different fish. Adam loved to feel what an octopus's' arms feel like and Spencer liked the shark tank. Lily loved all of it. Sara had been running a fever the night before so she and I stayed home. She seemed to be fine but I was worried about having a screaming baby in the middle of a crowd. So they returned with lots of stories, full of excitement. So all in all, even though we didn't do a ton of things we had a great time just hanging out with Pat and George. They made us feel warm and welcome. The kids are already talking about when we can go again. I just tell them "Soon Babies, Soon. Let Pat and Geoge rest and then we can go back!".

Rock Springs or Bust

 So, as most of you know, our family is headed off to see Pat in Seattle. While pondering what we need for our little vacation, it occurred to me that I had not bought any shorts for the boys at all and most of their school pants have holes in them. They also needed some summer shoes. Being the adventurer that I am, I thought I'll take the kids to Rock Springs and grab the items that I needed. Now being the Mom of four, I new it would be easier to take Val with me (if she was available) and have her help. Val and Sara are best buds and they get along great. Val is the only person I've left Sara with and I trust her whole heartedly with my babies. So anyway we headed off for Crackhead City (Rock Springs).
 We got to Rock Springs only to realize that the construction there was a mess. For those of you who don't know, Rock Springs has grown so quickly and the roads have not kept up. It was a mess before construction, but now, o' man. It's just an accident waiting to happen. Anyway, we went to Walmart and I ran into a childhood friend. Jeanie Balser. Wow! I hadn't seen her since we graduated. After a quick hello and introduction of children, Val and I headed off to the boys section and grabbed shorts. (Spencer loves basketball shorts, I think they're ugly. What do you do?!?!) We also grabbed diapers and wipes and new toothbrushes for Seattle. Adam got $32.00 for his birthday and really wanted to buy a new Nintendo DS game. (It's fun to watch him pay for things.) So we made it out of Walmart (the kids were awesome, by the way) unscathed, (and no TMI clerk) and I was now desperate for Starbucks. We grabbed some Starbucks and went to Payless and grabbed flip-flops and headed back for home. We were going to grab
 Todd from work and needed to be at the mine at 6:00. We made it. Early actually, which is rare for me. And we set out for home. When we got home, Todd and I worked on our yard for an hour. Last summer, I was so very pregnant and couldn't care less about the yard. It showed. The yard has dead spots this year. I'm trying harder this year. I'm channelling my Nana for beautiful yard tips. It was a great, but crazy busy kind of day. We are ready for Pat's house.