Day three was at Disneyland again. I never get tired of Disneyland. The big kids wanted to go back to California Adventure and ride the bigger ones while we took isabelle through her favorites: Pirates of the Carribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones. Yes, she decided she liked it after Tower of Terror. We met back up with the kids, had lunch and did a few more rides together before splitting up again. Phillip and I were just sitting there watching people and I see Dwight Shrute from "The Office" walk by. (Real name Rainn Wilson) I jumped up and ran to get Amanda and Emily who were in line for Haunted Mansion. Then we followed him and his wife and little boy to the bathroom. They were being escorted by a Disney Employee. I wanted to take his picture when he came out, but felt like I was intruding so Isabelle and I followed him down to the Jungle Cruise and I got this picture of him. Amanda says I was happier to see him than I have been for most Christmas'. He was a celebrity. I didn't care
who.

.

He's no Hugh Jackman, but he's Dwight Shrute!!! Everything was going to be okay. We went on to have oodles of fun and even felt some small earthquakes in our hotel room. Yes, it's expensive, there's crowds, there's lines, but it's DISNEYLAND. I've loved it since my first visit at age seven I think. The smell of the Pirates of the Carribbean, The voice on Haunted Mansion, the look of

Main Street. It's all wonderful and I'll go again, and again and again, and......

.

We then made our way around to the Mal-i-Boomer!! No thank you, once in a lifetime is enough for me. Isabelle and I watched. I'm good at watching.

After this was to be California Screamin'. I have never been on this ride and didn't know if I was ready to go or not. I knew Isabelle did not want to ride it, so I told them to go on ahead and I would take Isabelle on Toy Story. We waited in line for Toy Story for about a half hour. In the middle of this ride I get a text from Phillip saying they just rode the roller coaster with Hugh Jackman. Hugh Jackman of X-Men, Australia, Kate and Leopold, and tons of other movies. A Movie Star!!!! And My Family was on the ride with him! Logan was able to shake his hand after the ride. The rest of my family saw him and not ME!!!! By the time I met back up with them and heard the details and saw the picture, I was practically in tears. I've never seen a celebrity in my whole life and all I want to do is see one. I know the names of almost every actor and actress and every movie they've ever been in. Why couldn't I have seen Hugh Jackman?!?! It was over, I had to pull myself together and get back into the vacation.

We had Tower of Terror to ride. I wasn't going to not ride it, Hugh might be on it. Isabelle and I were a little nervous to say the least. We did it though. I don't know what happened because I kept my eyes closed the whole time. Next time, I'll make sure to at least look at the ride. Isabelle started crying before the ride even moved. I could hear her crying and there was nothing I could

do for her. I was paralyzed.

Day three at Disneyland to be continued.........I call it "My Justification"

Our California Adventures in the Land of Disney

So excited to be there!!!

We had adventures, yes we did. Starting with the first ride of the first day at Disneyland. Indiana Jones! Isabelle's first time. She was getting scared just waiting in line. By the time we got into the car she was pretty shaken. About half way through the ride, it stopped. We waited. And waited. And waited. Then they came with a step ladder to help us off the ride. They walked us through the rest of the way and gave us a fastpass for any ride we wanted. We were hoping it was good for the whole day, but no such luck.

Then we made our way around the park and hit Splash Mountain. We wanted to buy a picture and thought we would just buy the first picture. No. Not that easy. Someone's head was always blocked by another person. So, we changed up the seating arrangements. Again and Again and Again. We rehearsed which way everyone would lean. This went on over the course of three days. After about the 7th or 8th time, Phillip said he'd had enough. So we bought the very next picture and here it is. Poor Emily. She worked so hard to make that face.

Our second day (or black day as I call it and you'll find out why later) began at California Adventure. We don't like to be smart like the other park goers and wait until the sun comes out before riding Bear River Rapids, no we just go for it and freeze until we're dry enough to go again. But it's what we do and it's fun! Logan was sick that day and didn't have much fun.

Oh and by the way,

we're off to Disneyland today!

Another HURRAY!!!

Hurray!!

Hurray! Hurray! Logan got a job today!

To work, to work he will go!

Filling popcorn and sweeping the flo! (floor)

My sanity has just been saved!

Stand up and shout HURRAY!!!

Drat that Pop-Tart

The trouble with the "day before grocery day" is that there just isn't alot of good food choices left in the pantry, fridge and freezer. Thanks to the very efficient eating abilities of my four offspring.

So instead of a healthy breakfast of maybe fruit, granola, really good whole wheat bread from Fresh and Easy, there was a box of pop-tarts. Although the kids can eat them on their way out the door or even take them with them, I try to avoid them at all costs.

But there they were this morning, teasing me, taunting me. And without even thinking about it, I whipped out a package and popped them into the toaster! My mouth was watering as I awaited their popping. Warm, oozy strawberry filling in a crunchy toasted crust. I had my glass of milk ready at the waiting. One for me, one for Isabelle. I practically inhaled mine while Isabelle broke hers into several pieces and nibbled here and there. What was she thinking?!

She got up to go brush her teeth leaving an almost whole broke apart pop-tart.

"Are you done?" I called to her.

"Yes", was her reply.

What else could I do but to finish it off for her. Waste not want not.

Well, I can now tell you what I SHOULD have done, feed it to the dog. My stomache is not pleased, not pleased at all. It's not used to pop-tarts, let alone one and most of another one. AND, to make matters worse, I've gained four pounds in the last month after having been the same weight for an entire year. AN ENTIRE YEAR!!

I wake up every day vowing to rectify the situation. And every day I eat something dumb, today it was pop-tarts, tomorrow it will be something else. I used to be able to get away with it, but THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!!

Getting older is not all it's cracked up to be, although I've never heard anyone with a convincing argument that getting older is phenominal.

So, what else is there to do but wait for the stomache flu to hit my house. I'd like to see those four pounds survive that!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my hubby's birthday. He won't be reading this, so I can say whatever I want about him. He LOVES to play golf. He tries to improve every time he plays. He would love to be on the Senior Tour someday. So he got a new Golf Bag and some golfballs for his birthday. And a plaque I had made of his hole in one. He works so hard for us and I'm glad he has something he can do to keep his sanity. Today he shares his birthday with Easter and The Masters. He's happy. I Love you honey, Happy 42nd Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Double dating with my Son?

There comes a time when you're riding in the back seat with your husband while your son is driving and his date is in the front seat, that makes you say "huh, I never would have imagined this in a million years."

Logan did some yard work to earn date money.
Logan doesn't have a drivers license.
Logan needs a parent to accompany him which is wierd that he would even entertain the idea, let alone be the one to suggest it (or beg for it).
Logan is unsuccesful in convincing his Dad to let him drive to the date destination.
Logan and date (Erica) get dropped off at date destination (miniature golfing).
Logan's parents keep themselves busy with their own date (Easter shopping and eating out.) Logan meets back up again with parents and assumes command of the drivers seat (after Dad gives it up.) Thus, bringing you up to speed on my thought in the back seat.

Did you ever DREAM of double dating (sort of) with your parents? Or, would any of your kids EVER want to double date with you? Never in a million years.

Head Chef and Mini Me

The Missionaries were fed well at the Cook house tonight. While preparing and getting ready, Isabelle donned her chef attire and told me I was to be called Head Chef and I was to call her Mini Me. We make a pretty good team.

Prom!

Prom is almost as much fun for Mom's as it is for girls. Today Amanda and I went shopping for shoes and jewelry. She got a pedicure and I tweezed her eyebrows. Then I helped her do her hair. She didn't know why everyone makes such a big deal about Prom. But as she got ready and everything started coming together, she started to get a little nervous. Scott arrived at 4:15 to pick her up, looking very handsome. They put on corsages and I snapped as many pictures as I could before being shut down. They looked very good together. Then they left. I watched them as they got into Scott's vehicle. They took their corsages off and put them back into their boxes so they could go over to Scott's house and do it all over again for his family. That's so cute. I love Prom.

Get out your white elephants!

Tonight is Bunco at Bonnie Jone's house at 7:00. Last month we didn't have a very big group so we didn't play very long, but the white elephant exchange was HILARIOUS!! A fun filled night sure to make you lol!!! (laugh out loud).

Still Training the Husband

Okay, I don't know about all of you, but I've gotten a little fed up. I've been feeling (husband hates that word) pretty walked on, taken advantage of, neglected, ignored etc. lately. I'm sure all of you know how complete and total opposites we are. It's definately had it's challenges over the years. Twenty years this June to be exact. I usually sulk, feel sorry for myself, cry, when I feel wronged. But yesterday I thought "You know, I should just make it easy on him and write down on a little index card how to make me happy. His very logical, organized brain would probably appreciate that." So that's just what I did. Titled the card: How to understand and keep happy the WOMAN you're married to. (because I think he forgets women are different from men.) Then numbered it 1-4. I won't go into detail here what I put on the card, but I kept it very simple. I think only four is being very generous!! I waited until he was undressed and in bed so he couldn't escape and then I presented it to him. He didn't take it seriously at first, but I stuck to my guns. At the end of the twenty minutes or so it took to go over each one and talk about it, I think there was a dim light that came on for him. Dim. He actually said he would give it some thought, and admitted he's not the most romantic, sensitive guy. I asked him to do the same for me and write down what I could do to make him happier. (scarry thought). We'll see if he actually presents his list to me or ignores it and hopes it all goes away. Just because these Husbands have been married a long time doesn't mean they don't have to try anymore! Look how sweet and in love the Hinckley's were all of their lives. This isn't fiction, people. It's real life. It's hard and stressful and messy. But that's why we're in it together. Not alone. Together.

Finally an Explanation

Not that anyone really cares, but I'm thrilled to finally know I'm not crazy. I just read about a disorder called Pica: "Derived from the bird Magpie who will eat almost anything, Pica is an isatiable urge to eat non food substances like dirt, paper, glue, clay, ice, soap, etc. Though it is believed to be linked with mineral deficiency, health experts have found no real cause and no cure for the peculiar disorder. It often occurs in pregnant women where iron deficincy anemia is present and in small children ages 1-6." My mom craved ice while pregnant with me. I was anemic as a small child. I craved dark rich dirt while pregnant with Logan ( I never ate any though). When Logan was one and two he used to eat soap, deodorant, candles, paper. I still go through terrible cravings for ice.. IT ALL MAKES SENSE!!!!!! It's so great to know there is a name for this madness. Although, the article also said it could be associated with mental ilness. Uh, Oh. I think I'll just take some iron pills and shut up now.

Spring Break Fun!!

Best Cousins!! Eli, Miranda and Isabelle

Amanda and Indago happy not to be in school

Just chillin' at my sister Bev's house

our Phantom experience!!


cutie petuties

We had a wonderful time!! Good food, shopping, entertainment. What more could you ask for?

A Life Cut Short

Monday afternoon a former co-worker of Phillip's was shot to death. He was a 54 yr. old bachelor who has been retired for a couple of years. He was shot by a stray bullet from a rifle in a gang fight of a passing car in the daytime!! Not the best neighborhood to be in. 16th street and Broadway, but that's no reason for his eight siblings to be mourning him today. Phillip is feeling kind of weird about it. They used to play racquet ball and golf together. Although you never know if your life will be cut short, it's good to know we have the knowledge of the restored gospel. We know what is in store after we leave this life. We know we have a Saviour who died for us so that we can return to him and be with our families forever. It's really sad and I hope someday Gilbert will have the opportunity to learn about the gospel. Kind of makes you think about opening your mouth and sharing the good news with those around us while we can.

My side of the story

All right. I find that my passing out is an important happening. I dont want my mom to tell what happened and get something wrong or get it mixed up or anything because I have now passed out for the very first time. So here's what happened. I woke up and went into the bathroom to rinse my mouth. I was just standing at the sink when I suddenly started to sway back and forth and everything started to go black. I tried to feel for the counter but I missed. I lost all strength and had no control over my body. I slammed into the door at full speed and then felll backwards into the shelves. I slid down the wall a little and then opened my eyes to find myself passed out on the floor. I was very confused and tried to get up. I stood and passed out once again making a loud noise as before. The second time however, I could not get up. And then my mother walked in to find me sprawled out on the floor. I was very confused and frightened for another 15 minutes after it happened. So yes that's my side of the story. Thank you.

Emily

Poor Emily

Emily has been sick for the past three days. Stay in bed, coughing, aching, fever, sneezing, blowing her nose alot sick. I took her to the Dr. yesterday and she's now on antibiotics. She has a field trip to see a play today and she was hoping with all her might to be able to go. She got up this morning and went into the bathroom. I heard a loud bang and a couple of minutes later heard a noise again from the bathroom. I knew what had happened before I got there. She was lying on the floor. She had passed out twice. Must get it from her Dad. I've found him lying on the bathroom floor a time or two also. She was quite shook up, white as a sheet and I'm sure will be sore from it (It's a wonder she didn't hit her head). So think of poor Emily today and send her a get well wish. She's such a good patient but unfortunately gets sick way more than she should.
Poor Emily.

Tomorrow I'm taking these people

To visit these people

And to see this!

Can't wait! Got to go pack!!

"just me" getaway

I got to get away this past weekend all by myself. I picked up my sister and her husband at the airport and we drove down to Pima (hometown) for our Aunt and Uncle's 50th Wedding Anniversary. We had quiet adult conversation in the car, or laughed at whatever we wanted, stopped for Dairy Queen twice (because we can), went out to lunch with Mom and Dad and Brother and his Family. We got to see cousins and friends we haven't seen in awhile. We even sat in our swimsuits in the guitar shaped hot springs built for the Rolling stones! Oodles of fun! Even if it wasn't much over 24 hours it was needed and was great. I highly recommend a "just you" getaway once in awhile. Sanity is preferred over insanity!

Sometimes Mom's are better

Logan has been frustrated with not being able to go driving as often as he would like (has to beg and plead parents to take him). So far, Phillip is the only one who had taken him out. I wanted nothing to do with it. But I could see how much Logan wanted to try and get better. He was still having a hard time figuring out the clutch thing. He would ask me questions about how to start out in first gear, says he doesn't get it. And I could see that his Dad wasn't planning on taking him anytime soon. (thinks Logan should be a perfect kid and earn the priveledge. we all know that's not gonna happen.) So Friday night about 9:30 Logan and I headed out in the Jeep. Serious whiplash and neck injuries were a real possibility. Surprisingly, there weren't that many people out on the roads. We went to the parking lot of a big church just up the street. If you've ever tried to TELL someone HOW to drive a stick shift, it can be quite exasperating for both parties involved! I could see this just wasn't working. So I got in the driver's seat. Logan in the passenger seat. Opened the door so the light would come on in the cab because the dome light doesn't work. And I simply SHOWED Logan what I do with my feet. Over and over. AHA!! The lightbulb came on! We switched back and after a few times he had it. I took him out the next morning just so he could refresh what he had mastered and again that night to pick Emily up at her friend's house. I never thought I would say this, but Logan is actually a really good driver. Puts his blinker on in plenty of time. Is aware of what is around him, doesn't go too fast, even told Emily to put her seatbelt on! For Logan, that's HUGE. I'm sure it's just because he's a new driver. I'll take it. He drove with Phillip to church the next morning and I think Phillip was surprised at how much he's improved. But it's just another thing I won't get credit for. Mother's never do.