Ode to Barry

When your itunes holds almost 10,000 songs, it is easy to forget some of the music you have. Sometimes I like to annoy Mike and listen to the music that I came into our marriage with. Specifically Barry Manilow. Those of you who know my dear husband may be familiar with the fact that he is EXTREMELY opinionated when it comes to music. He doesn't have a high tolerance level for anything that he believes is below his standards. This is where Barry Manilow comes in. He almost wouldn't let me put my cds on the computer. He didn't want our itunes library tainted. Right now, I have Barry blasting through the speakers, and I'm loving every second of it. Isn't it funny how music can bring back weird memories. The album I'm listening to right now is one of his greatest hits. Copacabana, Weekend in New England, This one's for you, etc. It is a cd that I kept in my car during college, and listened to a lot driving back and forth to the U of U. I haven't listened to it in years - mainly because now I have a lot more musical selections to choose from at this stage in my life. Barry accompanied me through a lot of my teenage angst (as well into my early 20's). I was introduced to the works of Barry by oldest sister and brother, when they came back from Ricks College in the late 80's. If you ask any one of my six brothers and sisters they will probably admit to being a fan. In fact my oldest sister knew that she had found the man of her dreams when they discovered they each owned the special 4 disc collective works of Barry Manilow. I haven't been to many rock concerts in my life, but I've seen Barry twice in concert. That fact alone makes Mike rethink his choice in marrying me.

So what's the point of this rambling? There is no point.

Yard work and Potty Training

We spent Memorial Day weekend getting the yard in order, and potty training Lily. By the end of the weekend we were pretty successful with both. We have gone 2 whole days without an accident, and the yard is looking pretty good. It has only taken us 6 summers in this house to be able to say that. I can't believe that for the first time in 5 years, I am diaper free. It is a fabulous feeling. Sadly I know it won't last. Eventually kid number three will decide to make an appearance, and I will be back to it. But, I can enjoy it for at least the next nine months right?

Happy Birthday to Me

For those of you who might have forgotten, today is my birthday. Guess how old? Also Happy birthday to my friend Rachel, who has my exact same birthday (same year and everything). Mike was so great and bought me a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries for my birthday cake. They were yummy. I ate most of them, and didn't feel one bit guilty. The day started out a little rough as I had to renew my drivers liscence (couldn't do it before my trip, because I didn't want ID problems during my trip). I had to go to 2 (count them TWO) DMV's, but at least it is done. I've also spent the day catching up on Lost. Tonight Mike and I are going to watch Psych episodes. I think we might go and buy some plants for our vegetable garden. Any suggestions on what we should plant this year? Eggplant anyone? Anyway, it has been a very nice and relaxing day. Yay for me.

The Jenson's return from the happiest place on Earth!

We're back. It was such a fun trip. We came home absolutely exhausted. I'm still exhausted. I think it may take a few days before we are feeling back to normal.

Florida was wonderful. The girls were champs on the plane ride. They had so much fun playing with their cousins Hannah and James. They loved the shows, especially Mickey's Philharmagic, The Adventure of the Little Mermaid, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Cass keeps telling me more and more things that were her favorite. Lily's favorite ride was the Tea cups (only rode it 5 times this trip). Cass loved the Nemo ride and Turtle Talk with Crush. They really loved the aquarium at Epcot. Cass was tall enough to go on some of the big rides like Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. She liked Soarin' the best of the big rides, however when asked if she wanted to ride any of them again, she emphatically told us no.

Cass and Lily both loved all the princesses. We had a princess dinner at Norway in Epcot, and breakfast with Mary Poppins and Alice at the Grand Floridian. Much to my chagrin, Cass and Lily each chose the most immodest princess dresses, Belle and Jasmine. Luckily they were okay with putting t-shirts on underneath them. All of the princesses came to the dinner except Snow White, and that was very disturbing to Cass. She kept asking where she was. Luckily we saw her the next day at Epcot. Boy was she thrilled.

About 2 hours before we left on Friday, a Disney worker came up to Mike and asked him if his family was planning on staying at Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day. Mike told him no, that we were leaving to catch a flight soon. The worker was going to give him tickets to the Pirate Princess party that they do each Friday night. The tickets are expensive, and apparently they are a little hard to come by. We were so bummed that we couldn't use them.

The girls loved watching the show in front of the castle with Mickey and his friends and all the princesses of course. We even saw "grandpa Hook" as Lily calls him

We are so glad to be home, and resting in our own beds. Lily was looking at the pictures on the computer, and asked when we could go back to our Disneyworld house. I don't know what I will do with all my time now that I don't have this trip to plan and keep my occupied.

Thanks so much to Rick and Diane for taking us on such a wonderful trip! We sure are lucky to have you guys.

Grandpa Saves the Day!

We had my family over for dinner last night, about 20 people. It was a great time, and we always have so much fun talking and laughing together, while all the grandkids run wild. As everyone was leaving, people were going in and out of the house, gathering up left items or children, when my brother in law was backing up to leave, and Lily had darted behind his car. My Dad, always so calm and collected during any moment of crisis, saw her and grabbed her just as she was about to be hit by the car.

I can't even express how blessed I feel that such a catastrophe was averted. I don't know if near death experiences are hereditary, but I'm hoping that is the last one for her. I can't imagine how my own Mother could cope with all the times I nearly died as a child. I have been on the verge of tears since last night at the very thought of a serious injury to my child. I'm pretty sure this will solidified my place in the Hyper Mother Hall of Fame. I'm don't think my children will ever be allowed to leave the house again.

Anyway, Thanks Dad!

My favorite night of the week

Thursday night is my favorite night of the week. Every Thursday night, Mike and I have a standing 9:00 date. We put the girls to bed, cuddle on the couch turn on the DVR and watch "The Office." It brings such joy and happiness to our lives to watch that single show. We've learned such valuable lessons such as leaving a face print in wet concrete is a more valuable thing to show your grandchildren than your handprints. Also dunking your meat in wine is an effective method to tenderize your food if you have soft teeth. How grateful I am that Mike was flipping channels one night 3 years ago and found the "train wreck show."