Lover Man

For Halloween this year, we really wanted Berkeley to be Underdog. Apparently, the licensing is held so tight, we could not find a costume anywhere. You'd think that since the movie came out this year that they would want to capitalize on beagle owners everywhere and make a chunk of change. Twas not to be. We decided to play up his strengths instead:

















Yes, he is a lover man and loves to give kisses. Maybe he'll make a little money tonight. Happy Halloween!

Deep, Dark Secrets!

I have been tagged to share 6 things about myself (habits, traits, recipes) that are closely guarded secrets of mine. I hesitated for a moment, but, since Michelle disclosed so openly, I thought, this might be fun!

1. I watch Desperate Housewives with my daughter Brittany. We have been hooked since the first episode. Sure it's campy, and sooooo not good TV. Hey, I figure it's bonding time for us.

2. I don't have little babies in the house anymore so what's my excuse, however, I do love to take a nap everyday. My husband doesn't even know I do this, he only sees me take one on the weekends. I can be a crankster if I don't get one. You don't wanna see me throw a tantrum!

3. I have a lot of shoes. I'm not talking fancy, high-end ones (they don't make my size anyway!) My youngest son, Mark, says that I have too many and if he is with me when I shop he won't let me buy more shoes. I get the feeling my extended family has maybe figured this out. Shhh.

4. On a serious note, I have suffered from depression for most of my life. I always thought it was a mind over matter type of thing and if I worked hard enough, I could overcome it. I was wrong. I finally started taking medication for it 3 years ago. What a difference! I am only sharing this because it may help someone else. My only regret is that I didn't get treated sooner.

5. I secretly enjoy when my husband goes out of town for a day or two. (Anything longer is too long!) I love to sleep in our king size bed totally stretched out. No one is snoring or breaking wind or anything. Blissful silence! (P.S. Love you honey!)

6. I used to be able to go through a 9 oz bag of m&m's in 3 days. I don't do it anymore, because I figured out that m&m's won't make your problems go away. They won't make you feel better about yourself, and they just didn't love me back! I also love Diet Pepsi and Diet Dr. Pepper. The kind without caffeine. I used to drink the kind with caffeine and it gave me a massive headache when I went off of it. Talk about withdrawal!

Okay, I've shared. Please don't judge me for my shortcomings. I try really hard to keep up the face of someone who has no quirks. Love to all!

Happy Halloween!

As some of you know, Halloween is my least favorite holiday. The dressing up, the candy, the non-stop candy, and the ghoulish nature of some of the costumes is not my idea of a good time.


Mark is a wrestler this year. He was supposed to be Jeff Hardy, but, the wig was itchy and so we dubbed him Jeff Hardy's little brother.

The boy with him is AJ McCumber. If any of you remember the McCumbers, they live out here in the East Valley in our stake. We consider them family because Vicki and Dartell are best friends. Speaking of Dartell, here she is with her namesake Emily Dartell McCumber:

Isn't Emily one of the cutest pumpkins you have ever seen?

Anyway, hats off to all of you who really get into the Halloween spirit. I admire your werewithall from afar. I am looking forward to my favorite time of year, Thanksgiving and Christmas! I wish it would cool down some more so that it really seems like it, though.

Hubby Tag!

Thank you Michelle! I have been enjoying others answers on these things!

1. Where did you meet?
At a single adult dance.

2. Where was your first date?
We went swimming at the apartments where Lee lived at the time.

3. First kiss?
I remember that it was so nice, for a moment, I forgot who and where I was!

4. How long did you date?
A year.

5. When and where did you get married?
January 16, 1988. We are rapidly approaching our 20th! We were married by my bishop and sealed on April 22, 1989 in the Mesa Temple.

6. How was the reception?
I thought it lasted so long! My face hurt from smiling so much! It was simple and nice.

7. How was the honeymoon?
We had our honeymoon on our 10th anniversary. We went to Las Vegas and this may not sound too romantic, but, I had two nights of the best and longest sleep of my life. I slept for 12 hours the first night, and 11 hours the second!

I tag:

Crystal
Liz
Melissa
Whitney
Lynnae

Melancholy and mellow....

No pictures today, folks. I was going to post a picture of Mark pinning me with his Tenderfoot pin, but I decided not to when I looked at the picture.

I'm mad at myself for gaining weight and I can't stand to see pictures of myself. It all started when Brit got pregnant and then Andrew moved out and we moved. It is not my kids fault. How could I let myself get this way? I've kind of been on a downward spiral and I barely recognize myself. I've decided that short hair is just not for me. I think it excacerbates and emphasizes what I don't like about myself right now.

I realize this may sound like I'm down. I guess I am. Our former home still has not sold and right now it has become a money drain. I miss my grand daughter tremendously and there is not a thing I can do about that. I am happy that she is happy and thriving. I just ache to hold her.

Anywho, I've started speedwalking again. Two and a half miles 6 days a week and the chocolate went bye-bye. Anyone who said chocolate was better than sex LIED! I haven't eaten it in about a month and I'm doing just fine without it. My plan is to have lost the weight and returned to my normal self by my 40th birthday. That is January 6th. Since I've now put it out there it makes me accountable to all who read this. Wish me success!!!

We're Dancing!!

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Yes, Lee and I are dancing! We haven't danced together since before we got married. Back then my husband used dancing as a dating tool and didn't think that he needed to continue once "He bagged her"

Hey, good lookin'....watcha got cookin'.....

I am so excited for the fall. Today really was the first day that it felt like fall. What a joyous thing it was as I was coming home from the grocery store this evening with the windows down and the car thermometer registering 66 degrees! So AWESOME!!

I was enjoying General Conference today, feeling a little more rejuvenated than I felt yesterday. I love the charge I get listening to the General Authorities and their counsel. I always come away from it feeling like I have clear vision again of what I should be doing. It's so easy to lose our focus in this world, with so much going on, all of the time. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I am so grateful for all that I have.

So anyway, since it finally felt like a fall day, I was ready to do some baking. Nothing says fall like something yummy smelling coming from the oven, wafting through the house, and dancing in our nostrils.

Cinnamon Rolls!

Yup, I made them myself. Some of them grew taller than others, but tasted yummy. I try to make the food aesthetically pleasing, but sometimes you can't control what the yeast will do. I received rave reviews from my family. They were the best ones I've turned out thus far.

I had a little panic attack, realizing that next month is Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, already!!!!