The Story of Us: The Proposal

I think we left off where I was headed to my other date and Alex was off to save the world.

The date was okay, but he wasn't my prince charming. This guy planned dinner a movie and then wanted to take me bowling. I was able to talk him into just dinner and a movie because I had plans with my girlfriends that evening.

Alex came home from Idaho and we went to Temple square to see the lights....my cousin convinced me that he was going to propose and to tell you the truth I was kinda liking that idea. We had the best time, the lights were beautiful and we had alot of fun. We stopped at Burger King on the way home and I even convinced him to let me take a picture of him in a Burger King crown. But no proposal. I was okay with that too because we had only been dating less than a month.

We went to a Stake sing a long for Christmas the first Sunday in December. On the drive up there he took my hand and asked if I had thought about marrying him. I told him I had and asked him the same question. He responded that he too had thought about it. He then asked if I knew what my answer would be, when I told him it would be a yes he told me he had already bought a ring. And that he had it with him but wanted to speak with my Dad first. He wouldn't even let me take a peek at it.

He will tell you that he planned on asking my Christmas Day but that didn't happen. That Wednesday he took me to dinner and told me he was going to ask my parents that night. I was excited and nervous. I don't think that I was as nervous as Alex was though. But they immediately gave their blessing.

He took my hand and asked me to walk with him to the new fire station that was under construction. He wanted to show me the details and explain to me why it was important to him. He said to me "this community has given me so much, they accepted me in my youth and helped raise me and I feel the need to give back."  Here is a link to a news story they did on him a year ago.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14962572&pid=0

As we walked to the Fire station and the park next to it, it was almost midnight, it was dark and the drizzle of falling rain was slowly turning into snow. He helped me through the unfinished fire station showing me where the gear would go, the trucks, and the training rooms. He explained that alot of the work was being done by the fireman on their days off, like the tiling and the heating ducts. I was amazed at his courage, and his willingness to give. I wanted to be apart of it. I decided then that I would join the fire department too. (Betcha didn't know that about me did ya?)

In our city our fire department is also our first responders. So my medical training would be a benefit. And not to brag but I can say I have "caught" a hydrant at least once. Unfortunately for me it only lasted about 4 months then we found out I was pregnant with Lydia and since then someone has to stay with the little ones. But one day I will go back, they always ask me when I am. Anyway enough about me back to the story.

Once we were done with the tour he walked me to the pine trees that lined the park to get out of the rain/snow. He got down on one knee and asked if I would be his wife. I joyfully said yes! He put the ring on my finger and I held out my hand. "It is so beautiful!" I told him. He laughed. It was so dark that I honestly had no idea what my ring looked like and he knew it. But that didn't matter to me. It was mine, from the one I love and want to spend my life here and in eternity with.

And when I got home and saw it in the light, it was everything I had hoped for and more.

My beautiful ring

Our Tree

Our Family Tree.

I never thought I would hear my child say.....100 years.

Our school district is celebrating 100 years of being a district. They had a big party last week on the 100th day of school. Lydia came home and was telling me about her day and mentioned that they had them draw a picture of what they would look like in 100 years. My daughter is very grown up in personality and very analytical (she made a picture for her teacher out of buttons and when asked to tell her about the picture she looked at her teacher like she was stupid and said "It is a piece of paper with buttons on it) Get the idea? Curious I asked what hers looked like she responded with:

I drew a picture of my headstone with my birthday on it because that is really old. Seriously mom, I will be dead before I am 100.

I haven't received a call yet from the school.....

Fundraiser or Extortion?

I received the following email from the Principal at our school today (underlining is my addition):

Hello Families;
Our "Change the Rules Day" is coming up on Friday, February 24th. This idea has been tried in other schools as a quick fundraiser with proceeds going directly to the child's classroom for math manipulatives or reading materials. This, of course, is optional. Your child's teacher will send home a list of small activities which a child can participate in during that day. Most of the activities are similar to what we would do on a spirit day or other activity day. Families can donate the amount of money for an activity or choose not to participate at all. It is only one day (short day) so it will move quickly.

We have had great response so far and just wanted to make families aware that the day is coming up on Friday and that perhaps the money could come in on Thursday if possible so that the kids can enjoy their activities. As always, we appreciate your support of our school.

Sincerely,
Principal

Copy of the letter sent home by the school with the kids.

I am all for supporting my children's schools. I am fine with the taxes and registration fees, I am even fine with the fees that are for extra curricular activities. But to have an activities day were they are allowed to wear hats, crazy hair, pajamas, be principal for 5 minutes, or extra minutes at recess and treats. But if the student (or their parents) don't pay the price allotted then they are not allowed to participate and enjoy the activities is wrong. It sets the children up for harassment by their peers. Some families can't afford their own bills let alone pay money to allow their child to wear their pajamas to school.

I know they are trying to raise money for classroom supplies, books and math manipulatives but I believe there is better ways to do this. Ask for donations. Have classrooms compete together to see who can raise the most of an item and them reward the whole class. They have fall festivals, so why
 not a spring festival? Something that will not segregate the children.

This really upsets me. My husband does construction work and winters are bad for us. I will be keeping my child home from school Friday so she doesn't get her feelings hurt or is disappointed that she can't participate in these activities that cost the school no money at all. I feel like the email from the Principal was like an ultimatum pay up or else your child suffers.

So I want opinions people, one from everyone who reads this post please! Am I being overly sensitive or do you think that there is something wrong with this fundraising tactic.

Love Bugs......Happy Valentine's Day

Our Valentines day started extra early. 3 am Austin made his way to our bed and tossed and turned for about half of an hour. When he finally ended up on my head I told him to lay still or he would need to go back to his own bed. To which he responded by saying "Mommy I think I am going to be sick" He vomited until about 8am. I crossed my fingers nobody else would get sick  and groggily headed off to work for a half day.

I pulled into the parking stall, locked the doors, and made my way to the hospital. When someone just starts honking their horn at me. I was like what the heck is the problem? I turned around to see my Daddy getting out of his car with a rose for me. He had followed me from my house trying to get me to stop. It was so sweet. I loved telling everyone who asked about it who it was from.

When I got home we opened our valentines with the kids. It was alot of fun. I made some fun crafts that I found on Pintrest ( I LOVE pintrest!) It was fun and cost very little money.

Made this for my kids and Hubby.

And from this blog

Made this for my Hubby but changed the words to You Da Bomb!

And from this blog I found these,

Made this for hubby too.

We also got the kids candy hearts and marshmallow cupcake suckers. It was alot of fun. I was given chocolates and jewelery.

We went up to my moms and helped the kids decorate sugar cookies, and then brought the little ones home for a nap. My parents had agreed to watch the kids so Alex and I could have a romantic dinner.

We dropped them off and headed to Ruby River. We enjoyed the hour wait time chatting, and eating our appetizers. My stomach started to feel uneasy, but I wasn't about to let it ruin our date. I tried so hard to enjoy the night but as soon as they set my steak in front of me I told Alex I had to be excused.

By the time I rejoined him he had almost finished his meal and had lovingly cut my meat for me. I was able to take a few bites and we ordered to go boxes and also a dessert to go. I felt so bad missing our dinner. But the stomach "love bug" from Austin had found me. And like Austin after about 4 hours I felt fine.

All in all it was a great day. I want to leave you with a something else I found on pintrest. I framed this for my family. I hope you all had a wonderful valentines or Single Awareness day and that you only were bit by the good love bugs.

I found this here.

Things I never thought I would hear from my children:

2am as I help Austin to the bathroom and get him a drink:

Mommy you look so beautiful.

Things I Never thought I would say to my children:

Stop running that piece of pizza through your hair!

To AJ at dinner tonight.

On the day that you were born.......

My Dad would sing this song to me every year on my Birthday.

My mom would make me a heart shaped caked.

And my Brothers have a competition to see who can get me the funniest card.

 (Well maybe not, but it seems that way)

 Now I look forward to hugs and kisses and homemade cards from my little ones,

 and my Hubby is the best gift buyer anyone could ask for.

My mom still makes my cake,

for the last 2 years my request has been Rice Krispie treats

because by the time the boys and Taylie's parties are over

I am caked out. 

Last night I had a pre birthday celebration with one of my most awesome friends in the whole world!

I am 29 today.

I am not letting it bother me that it is my last year in my twenties.

I am not.

Really.

I have been thinking about making a list of 29 things I would like to accomplish this year before I celebrate the 1st anniversary of my 29th Birthday.

Any ideas?

Anyone?

 Anyone?

Birth to 20