I hate to do it....

We all hate private blogs...but I have to do it. So if you want to continue to read please leave me your email address so I can put you on the list.

Should I stay or should I go??

We all live in a world where we know what FB means. Most of us find ourselves referring to FB posts as though we have had an intimate converstation with that person recently. However the truth of the matter is we haven't. We have let FB replace relationships, a good old fashioned phone call or god forbid a written card. That is why I decided to leave.

I was having a converstation with my husband the other night about how distance I felt from him as I scrolled though FB on my phone. Looking back on that I could just kick myself...distant yes I am distant because I am too busy looking at what my 300 plus friends are doing instead of what is going on right under my own roof. Let's get real for a minute..first off I was kind of a loser in high school. Not all that attractive fairly overweight and I most certainly did not have 300 friends. So why in the world do I care if the boy who probably didn't even know my name in high school had enchildas for dinner.

The point is, I am blessed to have a husband that I love. A daughter who fills every minute of life with joy. A job that not only pays well but that I enjoy. And a beautiful home and all the good things that come with it. I want to stop and savor my life...Leave the 300 plus FB friends to have their lives and welcome the people into my life who I actually consider "friends" and not FB friends.

Pure Bliss...

There are few things that make me as happy as a nice hot bath. Growing up in a one bathroom house without a shower, baths were the norm. And to this day something I still completely enjoy. So when you mix one love with another you get pure bliss.

A few years ago while in Seattle I stumbled across this store and I have been smitten ever since. LUSH it's homemade all natural soaps and it's to die for. So the next time you have twenty bucks to burn..try this...


A bath bomb, it comes in all sorts of smells and colors and turns your bath into one fragrant fizzy sensation.

Or try this...a bubble bar. Yes that would be bubble bath in bar form. But not just any bubble bath, incredible smelly good for your skin bubble bath.


So the next time you are in need of a Calgon take me away moment, skip the the Calgon and head straight for LUSH.

I'm back...

Alright I'm back to blogging, but ya'll went private and didn't invite me biatches...so I'm calling you out Meg, Becca, Melissa, Janette. Send me an invite chantillybender@msn.com

I'm a slacker...

I know I haven't blogged in forever..I'm a slacker! The past week has been crazy it's no excuse because I have had almost 8 weeks to blog. I promise I will catch up soon..until then go here

www.wedliketobuyabowel.blogspot.com

The "P" Turns 7

It's hard to believe but my baby will be 7 on Monday..it's such a special day because she shares it with my mother. Being Salem's mom has been the greatest experience of my life. She brings joy to every moment and makes life worth living. I can't imagine life before her. She is such a compassionate, caring and tender hearted soul..I love her with every fiber of my being. Happy Birthday "P" (Peanut)




Happy Birthday to you Mom..you are truly the best mom and grandma anyone could ask for. I hope you know how much I love and appreciate everything you have done and still do...I love you!

My Ironman...

The big day came...we traveled to Sonoma California for the 20th annual Vineman. It was a long drive and a long day of racing. But Steve finished, which is a huge accomplishment. I'm proud of him, I haven't exactly been the most patient wife during all the training.

We got up at 4 a.m. to make our way to the Russian River. This is where the 2.4 mile swim began.

Steve with his training partner and our neighbor Bill.


Finishing the swim and getting ready to transition to the 112 mile bike ride.



The bike ride went through all these beautiful vineyards throughout the countryside.



After the bike it was off for a 26.2 mile run..this was the hardest part but they all made it through. Steve has huge blisters on the bottoms of his feet but he refused to give up.



He completed the race in 14 1/2 hours...needless to say it was a long day!




Congratulations...Steve, Bill and Doc! You guys are amazing!!!

Where has the summer gone?

We have had a fun filled summer, here is just a peek at what we have been doing...

We celebrated the 4th with good friends...


We took a field trip out to the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine



We've done some painting, some baking and had some days we were just plain lazy!


We spent two nights in Salt Lake for Pioneer Day!











It's been a great summer...we are sad that it will be over in a month!

Summer Time..

Well it's officially summer, for those of you who don't know I got laid off a month ago. I have always worked so we decided I should take the summer off and spend it with Salem. Even though it's been rainy our first week of summer was awesome.

Monday...frog hunting. I remember doing this as a kid but now days it just grosses me out.

Tuesday we made our first trip to Lagoon for the season...

Wednesday and Thursday we headed up to Cache Valley to see old friends and family.


Friday we went to "This Is The Place Heritage Park" we had a blast...Salem now wants to be a pioneer.

Friday night was Salem's dance recital

Sunday we went for a hike in Holbrook Canyon

Phew...what a busy week!

Viva Mexico!!

We had the opportunity to go to Cozumel with some friends. It a wonderful vacation, one we will never forget.

This was the view from our room, Salem was in heaven! She booked a lot of hours in this pool.

This little VIP bar was the best...they had great pina colada's and according to Salem the world's greatest Cherry Coke.

I love this picture, we spent so much time just walking on the beach. Salem could spend hours looking for hermit crabs.

Not sure how she could spot these little suckers but she could...

Our matching dresses, one day she will think I have horrible taste so I am going to cherish this moment always when she was thrilled to dress just like me.

One of our many morning adventures, exploring the tide pools. She is such a cute little sass.

So many more pictures and so many more memories to share...

Mother...I love you!

This year mother's day means so much more to me than it ever has. I have always been so grateful for my mom and her influence in my life, but the past few months have made me realize how much I love her!

There were many nights that I wondered if she was going to even make it through this. There is no way to describe the thoughts that run through your head. Will I remember her voice when she is gone? Who will hold our family together? Will all of us girls be okay without her? Those nights in the waiting room at the hospital were unbearable. I know we were all thinking the same thing but we didn't dare say it aloud. I don't think any of us would know what to do without her.

Luckily she is doing better and so this mother's day I am going stop and appreciate just how special it is to just have her here, just one more day! Mom...I love you! You have always been amazing...I know there are girls who want to be nothing like their mom's but if I can do half of the stuff you did I will consider myself a success. You raised 7 kids, with very little help. We always had a clean home, a nice dinner and treats! You never got mad, you never yelled. You just did your job as a mom and did it well...Only now after having a family of my own can I really appreciate all you did. I hope you know how much I love you..today and everyday!



Salem...I hope you know how much I love being your mom. It's not always easy, and I am not always the best mom. But hopefully one day you can look at me and love me as much I love my mom! If you do then I will consider the job I have as your mom..a job well done!

Crazy Hair Day!!

15 ponies, a lot of hair glue, tons of hair spray and gobs of color. We ended up with this...