10 Things I . . .

This is a long one and random pictures. But I figure it's due:

Ok, so I thought I'd list 10 Things I Like/Have Been Doing Lately/or Used to Like. I hope you find it interesting.

Here goes:

1. In high school, "10 Things I Hate About You" was one of my (and all my girl friends) favorite movies. We watched it at least once a month. Promise. And we'd get our guy friends to watch it too. Repetitively. I probably like it so much because:

2. In junior high, I played Beatrice in our school's version of Much Ado About Nothing. I LOVED that character. I still remember saying, "I'd rather hear a dog bark, than a man swear he loves me." I kept that motto for several years until I met college.

B's princess (and prince) party. Cupcake time!
Let's hope she keeps my former motto for a long time too

3. Which brings me to my next THING or rather DOG. We have been fostering this little lady through Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota since last Sunday. After the first couple days she has settled in nicely to our routine. She even correlates her naptime with the kiddos.
I signed up for it since I have that place in my heart for animals. She is a sweetheart, does not shed, and is adored by my girls (which she tolerates rather well I must say). I highly recommend fostering since it is a shorter term commitment and the company provides all the grooming/vet/food/etc. Know of someone who wants to give her a forever home?!

my unprofessional photo shoot

4. Speaking of FOREVER, I haven't seen much of Eric this month (he is doing his ICU rotation). In fact, sometimes it seems like forever. Like tonight, when he is on call. BUT, I am So thankful for the knowledge that our family can be together forever. This is only one of the things that I, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe.

Our other princess and her doting dad

5. Recently, as in 3 weeks ago, we had our church's General Conference. Which means our church leaders and modern-day prophets spoke to us (as in millions of people across the world through satellite broadcast to church buildings). I LOVE General Conference and am always so uplifted and INSPIRED. If you're wondering what they said you can view, listen, or read it here. Or for more information you can check out www.mormon.org

Opening birthday gifts and LOVING it!
(note patched eye, surgery scheduled for December)

6. I also have been trying to resurrect my daily scripture study/thinking time/quiet time in the morning before the kids get up. It's only about 15 minutes but it nourishes my soul and has helped me put the day in perspective before all the craziness begins.

Look who's standing now!? (with her mini guitar in hand)
I can't get enough of those thighs. Even if it is cold.

7. Another thing that speaks to my soul is MUSIC. I LOVE IT! I started teaching piano lessons this fall, as I have played since I was 6 and wanted to pass that love onto others. Plus, I LOVe teaching. So, to add a little flair to my music "studio" (i.e. corner with a piano in it), I purchased a sign from my friend Cassi that reads "Discover Music: the vernacular of the soul." I'll take a picture of it sometime. Also, my friend Monica, does vinyl too. So I'll be using her in the near future for other decorating projects up my sleeve . . .

S's version of hanging out
Eric's on call now, obviously. At the end of the day I've had it.
And Wendy's food is in the background!

8. Speaking of creative. I hosted a baby shower yesterday and over half the gifts were handmade. And AMAZING. We're talking boutique-quality blankets, booties, even handsewn 0-3months sweats and the cutest baby ugs you'll ever see knitted. One lady says she does sell her things in boutiques in Cali. And others sell them here. Wow. I don't think I've ever been in a room with so many crafty ladies. Who would have known here at the north pole? I guess you have to do something when it's so cold so long!?! Maybe my sewing machine has hope yet . . .

We have found B loves anyone dressed in any sort of character suit.
Here she wouldn't leave our tour of the firehouse without a picture with the fire dog, Sparky.

9. Or maybe not. Because you know what starts every November!?! That's right. Basketball season! And I found a bball league here through the local technical college and signed up with a bunch of ladies from the hubby's work. I think I'm the only one who doesn't work there and I haven't met any of them but I'm excited. Our season starts November 16th. Wish me luck!

S practicing the "wave" for halftime

10. Onto other things I Like/LOve. If you know me, you know I love to exercise. Talk about a sanity saver and de-stresser. And luckily our local YMCA is the place for me. Ghetto, you must be thinking. So did I, but then I realized I'm a little ghetto too. PLUS I LOVE their childcare. My girls have such a good time their and I feel like they are so well taken care of and safe. And I have discovered that, like my parents, I love spinning. And luckily they have all these free classes with a membership.

B's version of Spinning

Ok, so that's about it for now. And OF COURSE, if I had a #11, it would say FRIENDS and FAMILY like YOU!!! I cannot express how much you all mean to me. If you're reading this blog, this means YOU. Perhaps your value has hit me harder as I realize we are really here for the long haul. We miss you all!

And I'm so looking forward to these next couple weeks. Eric will be done with this rotation, Halloween, then in-laws visit! Every time I think about in-laws visiting I think about you, Melissa. This post is for you, beautiful friend. You are a light in itself.

Melissa's grad bash! Yay!