Before and After

Before

After

I Like Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, but it is important to remember it is also about sharing and helping too. So help your Mom do the dishes already!

This is my family in 1984.(At least that's what I figure. Taylor is a baby, he looks about 8 months here right?) I actually think this might be Christmas Eve, but it looks Thanksgiving-ish right? The turkey, rolls, sweet potatoes. Mom sure knew how to make the holidays special, we didn't always have extended family around to celebrate with, but she went all out anyway.

Yesterday, I made the traditional frozen German's Sweet Chocolate Pie. I am spending Thanksgiving with my husband's family this year, but I am pretty sure I am not the only Whitney who is going to eat this best ever chocolate pie today.

My List of things I am thankful for:

1. My van
2. My house
3. My family
4. I get to go to school.
5. My husband gets to go to school
6. Jazzercise
7. I grew up in the LDS church.
8. My friends in Gardner and round about.
9. Books
10. My country and the quality of life I enjoy here.
11. My 4yr old's pre-school teacher. (She's a genius, I tell you!)
12. Gail
13. Buffalo Chicken
14. My friends, Val and Em in Utah.
15. My blogging buddies.
16. Modern technology

Not necessarily in that order, and especially number 13.

I'm sure I will think of many more things throughout the day!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!!!

Just a couple of things...

So, before Charliejo has a heart attack from waiting so long,(just kidding, Em!) this is what I thought about the movie Twilight. I liked it. I thought that Jacob was too pretty. And I wished they could have showed the other vampires more, maybe explained Carlisle and the Volturi. As it was, the Cullen's just came off really weird. But the movie did a great job showing the relationship between Bella and Edward, and that is the essence of the story, right? It's not like I left the theater swooning or anything. But I enjoyed it, even if I did want more vampire.

I spent a couple hours at my 4 yr old's school today. I had a meeting with his teacher to discuss his learning goals, then I stayed to eat lunch with him. This little boy just blew me away today. He ate all his food, washed his hands without yelling, called all his classmates by their first and last names, and ran circle time like he was the teacher. It was hysterical! He totally sat in the teachers chair with the remote to the PowerPoint presentation. He said everything the teacher says word for word and took them through songs and activities with just minimal help from the teacher. At one point, he had the kids sit in his lap to sing the name-o song. It was priceless. It is so rewarding to see him do so well in a school environment. I am overflowing with pride for my little boy!

My Obligatory Twilight Movie Post

I've read a bunch already, including this one on Seriously So Blessed . And I'm pretty sure it's about my sister. (Ha ha get it Lisa? Eyes are twitchin! Ha, ha.) Anyway, I just got my ticket for the noon showing tomorrow. The ticket agent at the theater was really super annoyed too. He made sure that I knew that it wasn't me that annoyed him though. He said he didn't understand if you wanted to see a movie, why do you have to go with twenty other people? I just laughed because I knew exactly what he was talking about. people are going to this movie in packs, or better yet, covens. I'm just going with Mary and Dan. I'm excited. This will be fun!

To further illustrate the excited-ness, here are a couple pictures that demonstrate my love for Twilight.

This is when my Breaking Dawn arrived in the mail.This was on my birthday when we went to get our books signed by Stephenie Meyer.

And that my friends, is my obligatory Twilight Movie Post. Why haven't you done yours yet?

Coleslaw

I'm not sure when it started. Maybe a month ago. But one thing is for sure, it's getting out of hand. I WANT COLESLAW AND I WANT IT NOW!!! No seriously. NOW. Last night I said to my husband, "You know what would be good to eat right now? Coleslaw or Twix." He said, "What is it with the coleslaw anyway?" To which I replied, "I don't know, I just want coleslaw."

I dream about it too. Last night, in my dream, I was at a deli. I ordered coleslaw. But they did not give me coleslaw, they gave me a chicken pita sandwich. Then I got mad and I said, "I didn't order a chicken pita sandwich, I ordered coleslaw." The girl said, "Sorry! That will be $9 dollars." To which I replied, "But I want coleslaw!! I'm not paying $9 for a chicken pita sandwich!" But she would not give me the coleslaw. So I went and found the manager and I explained that I didn't order a chicken pita sandwich, I ordered coleslaw and could he please fix my problem. Then I look down at the chicken pita sandwich in my hand and realize that there is a big bite taken out of it. I then look over to my husband and he gives me a guilty look and shrugs. Then the dream turned into a Sconecutter dream where I was frying scones in the back and marveling at the new machine that cuts the scones for you and thinking that I wished they had that when I worked there in 1998. Then I woke up to the sound of Napoleon Dynamite's voice because I was listening to the sound track yesterday on my ipod and forgot to change the music back to something more soothing to wake up to.

Play by Play

This morning I got out of bed and the TV downstairs was on. But everyone was still in their beds. Hmmm. I fed the kids and made them brush their teeth. I watched my daughter make a run for the bus. Then my little boy decided it was fun to play in the street. When I went to fetch him out of the road, he dropped and wouldn't move. I dragged him to the sidewalk and made him get up. Then the bus pulled up and he dropped again. The bus aide came and picked him up off the ground and he latched on to her and gave me the evil eye. He didn't even wave goodbye to me today. That's fine. After that my husband came in to get his phone that he forgot to take with him this morning. I then made myself an egg in the microwave and put it on toast with mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Lots of pepper. Fresh ground pepper, from my prized black pepper grinder. Yum. After consuming my egg sandwich, I dressed to exercise. I got my towel, my ice water and got in my car. And nothing. My van wouldn't turn over. I popped the hood, and tried to wiggle the battery cables, still my van would not start. I thought to myself, I'll call Steph! I rushed inside and miraculously remembered her number, I almost hung up because I am sure she already left. But she answered. Are you going to Jazzercise this morning? Yes I am leaving right this second. Will you come get me? My car won't start. Yes! I'll be there in a minute. Aww, thanks Steph. Bye. I wait for Steph out in the cold and I think about how wonderful the crisp air feels in my lungs. Then I shift my belongings in my hand to warm my fingers. Steph pulls up and I jump in the front passenger seat. As we drive to Jazzercise we have a conversation about Stake Conference and new converts to the church. I sign in at the front desk and initial my incentive program sheet. I decide my partner and I are right where we need to be. Jen has her Chiefs Jazzercise sweatshirt on from her halftime performance yesterday. I tell her I saw Krista on the TV during the game and then complain that most of the jazzercisers left the game after the half time show. Lame. Betsy is the instructor today. We do my favorite routine, Grapevine right, grapevine left. Four wide marches up, four hip walks. I sweat. We drove home in Steph's car, her son hands me his soggy sucker stick. I put it in the garbage sack by my legs. Oh! Sorry Leslie! No it's okay, it's just a little spit. Thanks for the last minute ride Steph! Anytime, let me know if you need a ride tomorrow! Okay, Thanks! Bye! I unlock my door, remove my coat and sit at the computer, completely relaxed after my workout. I don't know what to write about today on my blog. How about a play by play of my morning? Sounds boring, but play by play it is!

And how about a random picture:

Taggy McTagtag

Megan Tagged me and I thought I would be nice and do it.

8 TV shows I like to watch:

1. The deadliest catch (Captain Sig Hansen, oh baby!)
2. General hospital
3. The Office
4. SNL
5. King of the Hill
6. Rock of Love Charm School (slutty girls are funny, plus Sharon Osborn is trying to teach ettiquete....right.)
7. Parking Wars ( I don't know why but i think this show is hilarious, maybe something about people not getting the whole break rule= consequence thing.)
8. I don't know....Good Morning America?

8 Things that happened yesterday

1. Saw Joleene's new baby at jazzercise!
2. Babysat Abby, 3, watched her favorite movie: Transformers
3. Completed Accounting homework
4. My little boy ran off the bus into my arms yelling "Mommy!"
5. Got after little neighbor girl for being a snot nose.
6. Got heartburn from the hamburger helper.
7. Book I had been waiting for at the library FINALLY arrived. FINALLY.
8. Flipped a U-ey(how the heck do you spell that) so i wouldn't have to wait forever for a train in the dark in the middle of nowhere(it only seems that way)on the way home from school.

8 Favorite Places to Eat

1. Granite City
2. Blazer Burger
3. Pizza Street
4. Mi Ranchito
5. Sconecutter
6. Molca Salsa
7. Chili's
8. Arby's

8 Things I look forward to:

1. My little boy being completely potty trained.
2. Christmas in Minnesota.
3. Being done with school.
4. Getting a new camera.
5. harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie
6. Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
7. Having Money
8. Sleep

8 things on my wishlist:

1. Paper for my printer
2. a new camera
3. Signed copy of Fablehaven
4. Trip to Disneyworld
5. Rice Steamer
6. money
7. Concert Tickets
8. To see Valerie

8 people I tag:

1. Lisa, ha! double tagged!
2. Emily R.
3. Mary, again
4. Meeka
5. Dallon, I don't even know if you read my blog or not
6. Joleene
7. Kristen W
8. Dorothy

Do it or don't whatever!

Vintage

Old family photo. Everyone but Trent. Taken in Virginia City, Nevada. Good times.

Awesome Day!

Today was just an awesome day. Here is why:

1. I am an Aunt again! Sami Taylor Whitney was born this morning to my brother Dallon and his amazing wife Emili in their home in St. George, Utah. I am in awe of what it takes to do that without drugs. That is something I would never do willingly. Sami is named after two of her Uncles. Sam is Emili's youngest brother and Taylor is my youngest brother. I am just tickled pink over my newest nieces name. Too cool!! I now have 6 nieces and 4 nephews. One more nephew has yet to make his debut.
2. My ward split today. I don't know all the details but I am excited for the change. I believe change is good.
3. I was unexpectedly given a ticket to go to a big Jazzercise event up at Crown Center in Kansas City featuring Tim Roberts. Tim is a choreographer for Jazzercise, but I believe he has also choreographed for people like Janet Jackson. He is very impressive. First,we previewed a new Jazzercise format called Jazz to the Max. It was 45min of pure heart pumping, sweat drippin Jazzercise with weight and leg routines mixed in. Whew!! Then after a short break, Tim Roberts took the stage and taught us a fun swing inspired dance routine. I was able to jam to my Barry Manilow with several hundred other Jazzercisers. The highlight was when Tim picked out a woman in her 60's and had her do the dance for everyone with a few other women. She rocked!! I can only hope to be able to move like that when I'm that age. It was just pure Jazzercise awesomeness all around.
4. After returning home after the Jazzercise event, I asked my husband how the Chiefs did today. He said he couldn't find the game and he didn't know. So I made him change the station to CBS where, low and behold, the Chiefs game was just starting. You mean I didn't miss the Chiefs game after all? SWEET!!! It was a good game with another heartbreaking loss. We get closer every time, one of these games we are gonna finish! But I have to say that Coach Herm Edwards is a class act. He never seems to get ruffled over anything. And I am absolutely positive I drive my husband and kids crazy by screaming and yelling at the TV. Hey, what can I say? I take after my Mom.

Ode To My House

I love my house, or town home, whatever you want to call it. Mostly I call it home.

We have lived here for a little over two years. For five years before that, we lived in a bonafide rat hole.

Most of the time, my house is messy and cluttered. But when it is clean and the sun is shinning , my home sings!(No really it does!)

My kitchen is large enough for more than one person to be in it at a time. I love it when my Mom cooks in my kitchen. I have more than enough cupboard space. Some of the cupboards are holding just random stuff like bubbles and Cd's. And maybe some candy that I have hidden away Grandma Whitney style. But my most favorite thing about my kitchen?

Yep. The dishwasher. (But the flat top stove that my awesome husband insisted I upgrade to, is pretty sweet too.)

We have a great neighborhood here too. At the rat hole, we had watched neighbors being pulled out of their homes by the police more than twice, a bomb scare complete with those bomb squad robot things, one block to the east. And the first murder in Gardner in ten years, two blocks to the west. (Let's not talk about the trains, please.)

But here, we have great neighbors. Kelly, the one with the cheesy grin, once ran across the street like a little girl to eat cupcakes with my parents and I for my daughter's birthday. She regaled us with her breast implant story(s). The look on my Dad's face was awesome. (My husband did traumatize Mary, our closest neighbor to the west, our first morning here, but that is a story for another post.)

But what I love the absolute most about my house has nothing to do with the house it's self, but what's in the house. My family is just so cool!

(And in case you were wondering if my little boy ever wears pants, the answer is no, not very often.)

My Apologies to Tyler Thigpen

I would like to take this opportunity to formally take back the nickname I had previously given Tyler Thigpen in a previous post, that can be viewed HERE. I take it back for two reasons:

1. A new friend of mine who works in financial advising has formed somewhat of a friendship with Tyler and she says he is a really nice guy. So how can I go on calling him Pigpen like he was just a number on a field when someone I know, knows him? He is now a real person to me, not just a name and number.
2. Tyler Thigpen has really stepped up to the plate (ha, ha, I used a baseball reference while talking football) in the last couple of games. I mean really, he held his own against Brett Favre. For a rookie, that's pretty dang impressive. And, oh my gosh, that boy can run! That is a skill that not all quarterbacks can claim.

So if Tyler Thigpen keeps playing the way he has the last two previous games, we might actually pull out some wins this season. Hey, a girl can hope....GO CHIEFS!!!!!!

Blah, Blah, Blah

1. Okay, where have I been? Coldplay is awesome! If you want to be my friend, you can burn me a copy of your Coldplay CD's.
2. I'm not one to discuss politics, but I will say this, I will always side with compassion. And since everyone seems to be throwing around these words, this means I lean more towards socialism than capitalism. I think it is odd that everyone seems to think socialism is a dirty word. To me, true capitalism is fundamentally flawed. It doesn't account for the sick, disabled or elderly. Nor does it take into consideration how self serving and dishonest humans are in nature.
3. Halloween was fine, it was warm. We have a ton of candy. Seriously, a TON. Mostly chocolate too. No pictures though. Sorry.
4. I hit 150 classes for this year at Jazzercise last week. Yep, that pretty much means I am awesome.
5. Okay, it's November now. I can like fall again. Here is the back story: My first October here in Kansas, I was pregnant, but didn't know it yet. I felt yucky and didn't know why. So now I just associate October/fall weather with feeling yucky.
6. Ewwww! Yuck!!! A pumpkin puked in my driveway!!! Ha, ha, my husband carved a pumpkin that is throwing up. Original, I know.
7. The kids are out of school today. If anyone has any xanax they want to share with me today, come on over! I'm just kidding.....mostly.