14 years- and 14 memories....

These are in no particular order- 14 memories and reasons I love my David.
(driving off for our Honeymoon!)

• After being knocked out by a chair ( my 12 year old brother) opening my eyes to see Dave
  
• When I was pregnant with Nicole- I was SOOO sick. We had only been married 9 months when I was first pregnant. I remember one night- I was ill. I got out of bed to sip some sprite- was bombarded by a smell- and threw up. With no warning! All over the floor. Dave picked me up and said " Go back to bed honey- I got it." I knew he loved me unconditionally at that point.
• The day we became parents- one of the happiest days of my life- Dave said: "I have waited so long for you baby. I am your dad." ( this was taken the day after our anniversary about 3 years ago...4?)
• Dave and I went on rides on a sail plane with his parents in Arizona. The look on his face when he landed it etched into my mind. He was exhilarated. flushed and relieved all at the same time!
• I love when David stops by Maverik on his way into work- to kiss me goodbye.
• One night we drove up Smithfield Canyon with firewood, marshmallows, sticks, and 1 blanket. We pulled into "our campsite" in the dark and as we stepped out we realized we were in a huge puddle.... and... the car was dead stuck. By morning when a truck finally came- and could pull us out- the water had seeped an inch deep on the front floor of our car! ( and we had our camera!)
• Driving home from Logan and stopping to watch the lightning storm at the end of the road right before you jump on I-15.
• Opening my Nativity set- Dave was so excited. I love his awesome, thoughtful, and wonderful gifts.
• The day I won the pick up truck- our car was about to die, I worked in Salt Lake- and we worried so much about how I would support us. That night he was the one to remind me to give thanks for the blessing we so desperately needed.

• I love going places- when the kids fall asleep we have hours to talk without life getting in the way.
• Just was we were to be married- Dave ran. He RAN. I turned to my Mom- "Where is he going?!?!" "I have no idea." I remember everyone looking all over wondering- and my mom patting my leg saying- " Don't worry- its going to be fine." Then Dave sliding back next to me whispering in my ear- " Sorry- I just got a bloody nose." RELIEF!
• When we bought this house I was the one who came back to look at it. He was at work- and just me and Dad drove to Tooele. When I KNEW we were supposed to be here, I called him and told him. I explained how I knew - and told him we would talk about it when he got home. He said- "I am buying the house for you- and trust you- and know that if we are supposed to be there- we will be. I will call and make the offer." He barely remembered which house I chose and he had no idea what color it even was until the final walk through!
• One night Dave came home from work- with his parents fancy car (and some lame story about driving it to the shop for them) he had borrowed. He had my brother and told me he had something really he needed to talk to me about. He handed me a taffeta gown, a matching purse, and money, to buy matching shoes. It was so beautiful- and I LOVED it, but laughed. Was I going to wear it when I washed dishes or maybe scrubbing the tub? Then he handed me two tickets to Les Miserables that he had bought secretly 6 months prior. I was speechless. Then he said- " Well hurry up!" It took a few more moments that the show was in 4 hours- and he was telling me to get ready to go. ( sadly the only picture I have in the dress is this silly halloween one!)
  

I love him more than I ever thought I could when I married him 14 years ago. I am blessed that he is mine forever and ever and he is the father of my children. Thank you David for the last wonderful, crazy, and incredible year! Too bad for him that he is stuck with me. ( and yes your welcome Dave- for being able to do all the things you cannot and Thanks to you for being able to do all the things I can't!)

Much needed time Spent

This has been such a great long weekend! (I realize its Sunday morning so I still have weekend left- but since its monthly inventory- I will be going into work at 9 pm :( ) I have needed time to recharge!

• Pioneer day- I was supposed to be at a funeral- but miscommunication from my mom- ended with me not being there. We did however go to the Tooele Children's parade. All Three of our children rode on the ward float. It was HOT and miserable- but they had a great time.
  
• I took the kids to Deseret Peak. This is a huge swimming complex. From the website- I was so excited to go! I guess we are too spoiled- and we were disappointed. The pool was much like the aquatic center in Logan- fun but certainly not at elaborate as the Roy or North Ogden centers. They had giant "big toys" spraying water in every direction- and a small but fun lazy river. Deseret Peak just did not. We all were bored to quickly- not to mention- They kick ya out of the pools every 2 hours to check the chlorine levels and give the life guards a break....for 15 minutes! (ever heard of a rotation?!)

• Friday afternoon Dave and I saw the new X-files movie. We enjoyed it! Then off to the books store to get everyone in the family a book. Jordan and Kira have not put thier books down! Nicole on the other hand has been forced to- to write her talk...(which I will mention in a few minutes.) I decided to thumb through her book. I have to say- it will probably be a fantastic book! The Heading to the last chapter is as follows:

And I thank you for
bringing me here
For showing me

home For singing
these tears
Finally I've found that I belong here.

- Martin L. Gore

See! Anyone quoting Martin is OK in my book! :P

• We had a nice dinner before heading home. MMMMMM grilled pineapple!
• Saturday was the laziest, un-actioned packed day- we have had since we moved out here into the middle of this windy, sun scorched desert! We read our new books, watched an x-files episode, folded clothes, took naps- and found our selves again! IT was so wonderful! ( I highly recommend it!)
  

All of this fun, relaxing, and well- being is about to come to a mind whirling and abrupt halt!!! Dave, Nicole, and I will be speaking in church today. Dave is so afraid of public speaking- he has agonized over every detail for 3 weeks. Nicole has given us the stink eye every time we mention her talk- (which she has by the way written all by herself! yay!) and me... pretending that its no big deal, and not worried a bit! How can I convince Dave and Nicole its all good if I am freaking out too! So to all you Tooeleites out there- we apologize in advance for the Swaner show you are about to partake in!

On a personal note- I needed this weekend so badly. Its been so rough this summer- I have been so stressed out and guilt ridden because of my job. I know that my children have not dealt with it even worse than I have, and I have to find a solution soon. We moved here for them- we know that the Lord sent us this way for a reason- we even know what the reason is- we just have to figure out a way to keep everyone happy so we can take advantage of the great blessings we have here.

a copy and paste from Kelli

Memory Lane

Maybe I can get a few things written down that I have forgotten- I wish I could make you blog lurkers comment too...but alas- Probably not....even Chris....

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

a fun word.

I have mentioned before I like words- here is my word of the day.


Gamine:
an urchin; also, a mischievous girl or young woman.

knowing people care: Priceless

Friday night we went to Batman. (yay- LOVED it...WyN...you MAY wanna call me before you go...) So we arrived home right before 2 am. I had to work at 5 so 2 hours of sleep FTW. :P Dave was AWESOME and let me sleep from 10-1.

While I slept- Dave made carrot cake- his is always the best- and my cute little Brandy brought Balloons and a nice card. Then my sisters, Dad, James and Timm all came to go to sushi dinner. Bonnie and Aaron met us there- and we had a fantastic fun dinner. (Kyoto was absolutely great. The sushi was top notch- and prices were sooo FAIR!) Lori and Bryan were unable to come- but guess what- We are taking you guys next week - so HA!

Leslie was so cute! She was on my doorstep after dinner with a rose- and sang happy Birthday to me.

I know we all have birthdays- some don't think its a big deal- but its the one day a year we get our own day- and I always appreciate and know who loves me that day. Sometimes we need a reminder- and so- THANK YOU to all of you you sent well wishes one way or the other- I LOVE you all back.

(a funny side note: we brought our camera- and a photographer: Jordan- and we had the memory card at home in the computer- duh- LOL)

I <# Cake.

We are having yummy birthday cake Saturday after we get home from dinner at Kyoto. You know you want some. Boy- how excited would I be to come home and find fun friends ready for some...and fall over dead if my WyN and LIL were there. Well here is wishing- but all you others wanna eat cake- we will be having it around 8:30 or 9. ( and WyN...you still have time to get here. :P)

I love my birthday. I love having people who love me- and me them nearby. I love my kids fantastic cards they make me- and my husband singing the only song he will ever sing to me. He must love me bunches to sing! ( trust me- he does not LOVE to sing.)

Kids-

I miss my kids sooo much! Nicole left Monday morning for her first girls camp ever. I am sure she will have LOTS to tell me tomorrow. I am very excited to hear! Jordan and Kira have been gone since Sunday night. They have been playing and swimming with cousins. Dave and I were looking forward to our time- and we have had fun all alone- but we really miss our children!I hope I have lots of funny things to listen too as soon as they get home!

....

I have had some fun days with great pictures even- Peyton and Aspyn came home! Aspyn was baptized! We went to Lagoon! We spent a long hard day cleaning for Dave's parents! We had a fun dinner with my family here in Tooele! Nicole went to her first Girls Camp! but really I don't want to post a thing- a picture- nothing- just struggling with life and need a break. I hope I get one soon!

Yellow Skirt

With all the birthday talk around here- I was thinking about my very favorite birthday. I am not sure why it was my favorite birthday. It was my 19th birthday and I was going to get married in 11 more days. Dave bought me flowers and a carrot cake- and we spent the whole day being excited about the MANY other birthdays we would spend together. I remember the cake. He had my name on it- and for some reason I loved it! It might be crazy why that is my favorite birthday- but I guess it was because of what we could see for the rest of our birthdays for the rest of our lives. Dave continues to make each birthday fun for me. Makes getting older and older fun.

Then I tried to decide my favorite birthday gift. There is no doubt in my mind. When I turned 9 we lived on 5th street in Ogden. My mom had been pregnant for almost 8 months with my brother Alex- and was SO ill. She had been on bed rest for the last 7 months and I did all the cleaning, laundry, and most of the cooking. My dad was still recovering from a knee surgery- so really it was me. My younger sisters came to me with boo boos to clean, sandwiches to make, and clothes to pick out. Mom did hair and gave hugs from bed. When my birthday came- I knew we would not be going anywhere- would make my own cake, and dinner- and how would my mom have gone out and pick a gift for me? So the morning of my birthday- my dad woke me up and took me to the front room- he told me Aunt Kathy would be making us dinner and a cake after he came home! Mom was on the couch with a gift! It was an outfit that she had handmade while laying in bed. It was a yellow- sleeveless whole piece shorts. it had a band of white lace- about mid chest. Then a matching skirt to pull over the top so it could be a dress or shorts. I LOVED that outfit! I was so happy to have a new outfit during that hard time- when I did not get to play at all. I wore it until it was so small it hurt my shoulders!

The most horrible place and pain.

Mom and Grandpa

Yesterday my Grandpa Don started his trek back to West Virginia again. Although he comes every year for a month- we all cry every year when we have to say goodbye to him. He did live n Salt Lake (sorta) until my grandparents were divorced when I was 5- but since then he has come every year. He has only flown once- and since my Grandma Waneta has died he has come alone. He prefers to drive- as he spent his entire life driving oil riggers across country. This time he even came the 2000 miles on his motercycle...yes...he is 81. So we went to Cache Valley to spend the day with him before he went home. He wanted to go to the Cache Valley Cruise In. Those of you who do not know its a HUGE car show that is held every year with 6000 entrants and 15,ooo spectators. Kira and Uncle Timm

OK you see my point right? Yah- this is NOT my idea of a good time- walking around with car freaks- and LOTS of them- on the hottest day of the year...with horrible cover bands screaming bad 70s music or worse bad country music. Every Red-neck this side of the Rockies comes- and then us... My little sister- her husband and the kids...sweatin it out. The boys did like the cool Jordan


cars- my son- with taste preferred the Lotus and the Ferrari- and could leave those ugly muscle cars any day- but alas- it was mostly muscle cars. We finally broke down and bought the kids shaved ice- but it was a hot mess. Jordan wanted at least one picture of a car

But we went to be with Grandpa. He was fun as usual- and the darn cutest kid in a candy store when this OLD black truck went by- with subtle blue flames. He could not stop taking pictures. That was almost worth all of the bad. He was absolutely hysterical. I love this man so much- and can't wait until next year. ( I won't be going to the car show again!)


Then pain.... Yesterday about 1 pm I dropped a pot right on my big toe. It was not a big pot or anything- but it hit exactly perfect and has caused blood to pool up under my toenail. It hurts so badly- and I am thinking I will need to go to the doctor to burn through the nail to release the pressure. I am sure they will have to give me Valium for me to agree- I am scared to death. WHY would it have to fall so perfectly? Why?

Nightly Head Count!

It's Thursday Night, at 9:00! All kids Present and accounted for!
stay tuned for further updates!

Scary searching -Birthday Countdown,

Last night at 8:45 we decided to go on a walk and gather the kids who should have been home 15 minutes prior. It was nice out- still in the 80s but, meh- still nice. We found Jordan right where he said he would be, Kira was riding her bike in the neighborhood like she was planning, so we ran into her- and as we circled the 7 blocks of our ward looking for Nicole- it grew darker and darker. She had left this friend then that friend... dropping each off in turn- but she and Natalie- still gone. We went home to get the car- after I started to panic- as it is past 10 now- and the wonderful loving people we know jumped in cars as we stopped by homes to find our daughter. At 10:30 we see her riding her bike home! (She had stopped at a leader in her young womans, and the two girls stayed way too late.) My point here is actually not her being lost- tho- not happy about that- It was the wonderful show of concern and compassion by my daughters friends parents- who stopped what they were doing to help us. I felt so grateful and knew I would do the same for any of their children. I am blessed to live near such wonderful people!


On our walk- before the panic had set in- Dave and I were chatting. My husband always wants a big to do for my birthday every year. Last night he started asking what I would want to do- and I laugh a bit when its not in tradition with what Dave has planned. So I conceited on a little- but I insisted we go to Salt Lake and not Ogden- Seeing as it is my Birthday I do not feel the need for the extra hour in the car. :P So- I will do my part in his planning... Dave is in his planning phase and you have 16 days to ask him what plans are.

See I am helpful! ( now we have to SLC... sorry honey :P )

Dave- this is for you.