21 Friends

As many of you know, Seth has a great love and adoration for money. He is our little entrepreneur, always looking for ways to make money. He's proposed getting different jobs and starting his own little businesses only to be shot down by his mother. It's very cute, but he does take it to an extreme at times. Keep in mind that he's only 6.

Well, tonight he came to Dave for some help. He keeps his money in a little Spiderman wallet he got at a friend's birthday party. The only problem is that there isn't any way to keep change in it. This never used to bother him because, as he said, "I don't like change." Until we finally explained that if he had enough change, he could trade it for dollars. Dollars speak to him. So, up he comes to Dave with a handful of change and his long forgotten piggy bank. "Can you help me put these in my bank?" he says to Dave. "Money is my friend. Look," he says as he holds open his hands, "I have 21 friends." Dave couldn't help but laugh as they counted the 21 coins into the piggy bank.

Sometimes I worry that he loves money too much, but with the crappy economy and our retirement fund shrinking, maybe I should encourage him. He may be the next Donald Trump. He may be our retirement.

Making Progress

Several of you have asked how my weight loss plan is going, so I thought I'd give you an update. It's been 3 weeks since I started and I've officially lost 10 pounds. Most days are pretty good, but the hard ones are really bad. I'm mostly satisfied with the foods I'm eating, but sometimes I just want a yummy treat. (Brownies, sugar cookies, M&M's, onion rings and chips & salsa top the list.) I haven't cheated at all (Yeah me!) but I sure want to some days. I think this is the longest I have ever gone without sugar. I have more energy and generally feel a lot better. The bummer part is that I still have a lot to lose and looking forward over the next couple of months and all of the holidays and yummy foods just makes me sad. I haven't decided exactly what my final goal weight is, I have more of a range. We'll see how strong I can stay and how far I can get without it being absolutely horrible. I just wish I had more time to exercise and speed things up. Between dance lessons, helping at the school and trying to get everything done before kids get home, I haven't done so well and I'm one that will only exercise in the mornings. I get too worn out by the end of the day and I hate to take a shower only to get sweaty again. The kids have a long weekend so maybe I'll be able to get going again.

Porter Party

Spencer's best little buddy, Porter, got to stay with us this weekend while his mom & dad went to a retreat. He's such a good little boy that I never mind having him here. Yesterday, they got into the Halloween box with all of the old costumes and found something for everyone to dress up in. They ran around in costumes for most of the afternoon. What's sad is that Halloween is still 4 weeks away.
This morning, we had a little role reversal. I took Spencer, Seth and Porter to Home Depot for the Kids Club project and Dave stayed home to watch the little kids and make cookies. He never complains about making cookies though, because he gets to eat more dough that way. I'm always kicking him out of the kitchen when I make them. But I have to because he seriously eats a dozen cookies worth of dough! I wish I was a foot taller and could do that with out looking like a blimp when I was done.

The boys had a lot of fun and are begging to go back next month. They have all carried their fire trucks that they built around all day and say it is their favorite toy. Seth was my big surprise. He did quite well, working quickly and building like he does it all the time. Maybe we've found a new talent of his?

And, of course, once he was done, he had to go talk with the lady in charge and explain how to build one and what all of the different parts are. He has always liked to talk to adults and will carry on a conversation with a complete stranger for several minutes. And heaven forbid they should respond to him because that just fuels him on. I probably could have left for an hour and he wouldn't have even cared. Not like my girls that panic if I go out to get the mail without promising I'm coming right back.

They wanted in on the dress-up party too. This is what I came home to...

I WANT CHOCOLATE!!!!!

I've finally gotten to a point that I'm sick and tired of being fat. I am disgusted every time I see myself in the mirror or in pictures. I know how the weight came on - each pregnancy gave me 5 pounds (except Seth, he gave me 10) and then I turned 40. Everyone warned me that they immediately gained 5-10 pounds once they turned 40, but I was sure that wouldn't happen to me. Guess what...It did. So now I find myself, a nauseating 35 pounds heavier than 10 years ago when we got married. Now, as much as I would love to have a 20-something body, I do realize that I don't, and sadly, it will never be back. But that doesn't mean that I have to stay fat, either.

So, last week I started the South Beach diet. I've done it before, but have never had the willpower to stay on it longer than a week. But this time is going to be different. For starters, I'm now telling all of you what I'm doing, so if I fail, everyone will know. But more than that, I have to lose some of this weight. I hate my body and can't stand to see it. I'm embarrassed to go anywhere and see people that knew a thinner me. Dave and I are going on a cruise for our 10th anniversary and I don't want him to have to go with a pudgy wife.

I'm on day #9 of Phase 1, for those of you that know about the diet. Most of my cravings for sweets have disappeared, but I miss having treats. It's so hard to live in a house full of kids and a husband that like cookies, chips & treats and not eat anything. I have had NO sugar, NO breads and NO fruit. I love eating more healthy, but I hate not being able to eat whatever sounds good. I'm having to cook 2 dinners every night (one for me and one for everyone else), but they are very yummy dinners. With it being summer, the fresh veggies are so good and I really enjoy them. They would just taste better with a little butter on them and some ice cream to follow. The closest thing I've had to a dessert is a bowl of sugar-free jello. Better than nothing, but not exactly a gooey fudge brownie. I have 5 more days until I can add in a whole grain and a fruit each day and I'm so looking forward to it. You know it's bad when an apple becomes a treat to look forward to. If I can stay strong, it will be at least a month or 2 before I have a treat I really like, but having a body I like is more important to me.

I guess I'm just rambling on because I can't eat and type at the same time and hopefully by telling you all, I'll have greater success. As of Monday, I have lost 6 pounds and have another 20 to go. I'm excited to get to where I'm happier with my reflection even though I do so miss my chocolate.

What Did You Say???

Everyone knows that kids say the darndest things. Mine are no exception. Here's a few of the latest ones around here.

Today at McDonald's when I asked Seth what he wanted to drink he replied, "I'll take care of that."

Every Sunday at church Tiara asks if she can have fruit snacks after the "snack-a-mint" (sacrament).

Last night I told the kids they were having their favorite babysitter. Tiara asked if Daddy was staying too. When I said no, she said, "Daddy's not big enough?"

Davis calls mac & cheese "macky-cheese", pizza "peepuz", marshmallows "smashmallows", and Seth "Fess".

The kids have been off-track and whenever I've told Seth to sleep in, he replies, "I want to sleep out." (wake up early)

I know there's lots more, but that's all I can think of now.

Girl Hair

Thanks to Kim and a great blog she found, I finally am learning how to do girl hair. I have been fine at some basic braids or ponies, but had no idea what to do beyond that. Mostly, I just needed some ideas on what to do and a little instruction. Tiara is loving playing beauty shop in the mornings with me and will sit very patiently knowing that she gets pretty hair. Here's a couple of our creations.

Now I just need to invest in some pretty bows and ribbons. This thin ribbon was all I had for "green" day at school today. It would have looked much cuter with some wide ribbon. Guess I need to go shopping. Yeah!!

My 100

It seems I got tagged (thanks Kim) so here I find myself finally writing my 100. I've thought about doing this for a while, but never wanted to take the time. Guess I have to now.

1. I'm the oldest of 4, 6, or 8 kids. (It all depends on how you count.)

2. I've never liked being the oldest. Too much responsibility from parents and then your siblings think you're bossy. No matter what you do, you can't win.

3. I love to travel.

4. Dave can talk me into almost anything when we're on vacation.

5. I had 5 kids in 6 1/2 years and my body is paying for it.

6. I spent 8 of our first 9 years of marriage either pregnant or nursing a baby. (Sometimes both!)

7. I'm older than my husband, but everyone thinks I'm younger.

8. I love Disneyland. I could take my kids there every year.

9. I love to shop, but hardly ever pay full price.

10. I get a high out of bargain shopping. The better the deal, the bigger the high.

11. I have never tasted alcohol.

12. I yell at my kids more than I should and wish I didn't. Still working on that one.

13. I love my kids more than anything.

14. I'm closer to Dave's family than my own.

15. I wish my family was closer.

16. I'd eat almost anything covered in chocolate.

17. I love how I feel when I exercise. I don't like making the time to do it.

18. Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse like Aunt Jane.

19. I love to read a good book, but I rarely do. Oh, how to find the time.

20. I worry a lot about what people think of me.

21. I love to sleep on my tummy.

22. I put myself through college. Best investment ever!

23. When I got married, I had my own house, waverunner and a big fat savings account. Now all I have is a house (but it is 3x bigger than my first one.)

24. I love being at home with my kids every day.

25. I miss being a nurse. I was smart, respected and admired.

26. I had a handicapped girl (Jessica) living with me for over a year when I was single. She was a lot of work, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

27. I miss her terribly and think about her almost daily. She died in 2005.

28. I sucked my fingers until I was almost 9. McCall sucks the same fingers.

29. I went to 6 different elementary schools.

30. I would get up at 6AM to bathe and dress my sister Nikki when she was a baby so my mom could get ready for work on time. I was in 5th grade.

31. The only babysitters I get for my kids are in high school, except on RARE occasions. I just don't trust anyone younger.

32. I wish Dave and I went out more, but we don't. See #31

33. I taught my husband how to scrapbook and he loves it. I love that about him.

34. I love the smell of babies.

35. Even though I'm married to a CPA, I do all of our budget and taxes.

36. I get a headache when I wear a ponytail, but I do it because it's easy.

37. I have gray hairs I keep pulling out. Someday soon I'll have to start coloring my hair.

38. My husband loves it when I say, "I have an idea."

39. Most of my good ideas happen in the shower.

40. I was in a gifted program in elementary school.

41. My husband is my best friend.

42. I don't like people that are late. It's rude.

43. I get major stressed if I'm going to be even 2 minutes late.

44. I'm hard on my kids. I do it because I love them and want them to be the best they can be.

45. I was on the drill team in high school. I love to dance. I married a guy that won't dance. Boo hoo.

46. My family was the Sub for Santa family twice - when I was in 5th grade and 10th grade.

47. I love to stay up late. That's when I get the most accomplished.

48. I need to be on "Ambush Makeover". Most of what I wear are Tshirts and jeans. I haven't been to a good stylist in years. (Anybody have a good one?)

49. If I won the lottery, I would share most of it with others.

50. I'm a very competitive person. I don't like losing.

51. I love to read cookbooks. My husband thinks I'm a good cook. Related?

52. I want my kids to tell me everything. I want them to hang out with their friends at our house.

53. I'm a good secret keeper.

54. I don't like being lied to. I have a hard time trusting others.

55. I love eating out.

56. I'm very independent. I have a really hard time asking for help.

57. I have a hard time saying "No" and get stuck doing a lot of things I don't want to or don't have time for.

58. I have guilt over everything.

59. I love big bridges, but I'm horribly afraid of heights. Weird, huh?

60. My dream vacation is to tour Italy. I want to drive around and stop where I want and stay awhile.

61. I don't like it when someone changes my plans.

62. I won't go to a rated R movie.

63. Being a step mom sucks. No matter what I do/don't do, it's wrong.

64. My step dad is the nicest guy ever. My mom deserves a guy like that. She is sweet to everyone, even if they aren't nice to her.

65. I wish I was more patient. I'm better than I used to be, but still not great.

66. I wrecked my mom's car before I was 16. She forgave me.

67. I don't understand why some people don't want their kids to be better than they were. It's not a competition.

68. I love how smart my kids are. I also get very frustrated by it. They are too smart sometimes.

69. I can't stand anything cherry flavored. I gag at the slightest thing.

70. I have a hard time throwing food out. I'm sure this comes from growing up poor and not wasting anything.

71. I went to New Zealand the summer after graduation to teach dance. I had to pay for it all myself. It was the best experience EVER!!

72. I love candy canes in my hot chocolate.

73. I don't like frosting on my cake.

74. I don't fit in with my family. I've never felt like I belong.

75. I made all of my prom dresses.

76. I always wanted to make my own wedding dress, but a 6 week engagement didn't allow that. I made my girls' blessing dresses instead.

77. I really don't like milk. I survive on Diet Coke and water.

78. I love being a part of the Monson family. They are the closest family I know. Every family should be like that.

79. Most of my Christmas shopping is done by November. That way I get the best deals and can really enjoy the holiday season.

80. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

81. I only like winter in December. Then it can go away and be warm again.

82. I'm a planner. I have to plan everything out way ahead of time. I feel totally out of control when I don't know who, when, where, how, etc. I don't understand those that don't think about the future, even if it's only just tomorrow. See #61

83. Sounds drive me crazy. Just ask my kids how many times I tell them to turn the sound off their toys or quit making irritating noises.

84. I almost killed a baby once. I was too rushed and had too much on my mind and OD'd him on pain killers. Luckily, I caught it in time and he ended up fine.

85. I've held too many babies as they died. There is the same peaceful feeling in the room as when they are born.

86. I don't like to hear people tell jokes at someone else's expense. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

87. Sometimes I speak before I think. This has gotten me into a lot of trouble.

88. My kids are spoiled (and sometimes brats). This is my fault - I love to spoil them.

89. I've learned to like McDonald's. It means lunch with my husband while the kids play.

90. I don't have any plants in my house. I can't keep them alive.

91. I make pretty good money selling our unused/outgrown stuff on Craig's List. I get a cleaner house at the same time.

92. I wish I had more girlfriends. It's just so hard with such a big family to find the time to do everything.

93. I love to wander around Home Depot. I'm quite a good Mrs. Fix-It.

94. I love road trips. They're not as much fun as they used to be when we didn't have so many kids.

95. I LOVE SURPRISES!!!

96. My wedding dress is kept in a cedar chest given to me by an old boyfriend. Thanks Steve.

97. I don't really like my hair. I just don't know what to do with it so it keeps getting longer. See #48

98. I put on a tough exterior, but I'm really sensitive. My feelings get hurt easily. Most people never know that they hurt my feelings because I'm too afraid to tell them.

99. I would do anything to protect my family. They are my life.

100. I love my life. Sure, things could always be better, but thinking about it only makes you depressed. Enjoy what you have!

TAG: Melanie, Janine, Leigh