So tired.....

The other day Malia hung out at a neighbor's while I went to my doctor appointment. She had so much fun while she was there (they have a baby AND a puppy!), that she forgot to take her afternoon nap! When we got home after 4 I tried to lay her down but she kept saying "no!" and running around. I decided to get on with house work and let her play. Moments later she set herself down at her play table and zonked out! It's not very often that this girl succombs to sleep. She is usually like the Energizer Bunny! I love the drool on her shirt. When I tried to wake her up to move her, she gave me that look like she was super annoyed with me and that I should have just let her sleep there!

Four Generation Picture

I think this picture was taken around Easter 2007. I don't have the original, so I'm not quite sure. I just remember growing up and seeing a four generation picture with me as the baby and always wanted to do one when I had my own child. When Malia was born, one of my first thoughts was that I wanted to get a four generation picture taken. Seated is my grandma, Marian Louise Terry. Mother of 8 children! Next to me is my mom, Marianne Louise Yount. Mother of 3 unruly, trying children (in our younger years, of course!) I know I am very blessed to have these great women go before me. They have been great examples and I have learned much from their strength and determination. Thank You!

Enough Already!

Sorry for the barage of postings. I don't post for a week and then once I get started, I can't stop. We have too much snow! This is the sidewalk in front of our house. The snow is taller than my Malia. Granted the girl is short for her age, but too much snow. One of my neighbors tried to clear the sidewalk with the plow on the front of his four wheeler and couldn't because there was just too much. Another neighbor got it cleared with his tractor. Enough already!

Oh, How I Miss IOWA!

I can't take credit for the poem nor do I know to whom credit is due. However, true words. Although, I could argue that it could just as easily describe Utah!

It's winter in Iowa
And the gentle breezes blow

Seventy miles an hour

At twenty-five below.

Oh, how I love Iowa

When the snow's up to your butt;
You take a breath of winter

And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful

So I guess I'll hang around,

I could never leave Iowa

'Cause I'm frozen to the ground!!

A Super Survey

Getting to know ME

Where were you born? Waterloo, Iowa
Middle name: Lyn
How old will you be this year? 29, there already, 29 is just as "unfun" as I expected!
Nicknames: Mana, Nadia, Emancipee (thanks, Bart)
Are you taller than your mother or father? Yep. Dad's 5'6" and mom's 5'4". I'm 5'8"ish.... milkman? Just kidding, mom!
Do you cry often during movies? If it's in any way emotional, I'm bound to cry. I used to be a rock and mock those who were sappy. These last few years I have turned into a baby!
What is your biggest pet peeve? Right now, potholes. What good are new tires if I have to dodge craters in the road?
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite foods: Ahh... so many. I love Mexican food. I tell David that's why I married him. I even like "fake" Mexican food, especially Cafe Rio. Although, it did make me sick the last time I ate there. Not that it will stop me from returning!
Favorite Beverage: Dr. Pepper, I've tried a million times to stop, no success yet.
Favorite cold cereal: Life
Favorite smells: Rain, rather the scents the rain unmasks, Malia's detangling spray (Dutch Apple), and David's cologne.
Favorite time of day: 3pm. Malia is still down for her nap and I usually read, watch 'Ellen', talk to Britt on the phone, and/or "work" on the computer.
Favorite make-up products? Yeah, about make-up. Does carmex count?
How many pillows do you sleep with? Two or three.
Do you play an instrument? I am proficient at the recorder, struggle with the piano, and would love to play the guitar. I took a guitar class once. Got an A. I only know one chord!
Have you ever been skinny dipping? Yes. The year was 1998. The place was off the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. That's all you get.
Did you do any sports in High School? Basketball and Volleyball. And Show Choir. I know most folks may not count Show Choir as a sport but I worked my butt off, literally!
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? I can't remember... sad, huh?
What is your favorite article of clothing? My nasty, not-so attractive T-shirt nightgown. It has kitties dancing in tutus on it. Nice, huh? Sure does turn the hubby on. That's a lie. I'm pretty sure he'd rather burn it than see me wear it again!
What is your dream vacation? Hawaii. I got to live there for a bit in college but went and saw a lot of stuff by myself. I would love to go see it all again with David.
What was your first impression of your spouse? Funny story, that I may never share.
If you were an animal what would you be? A frog. They get to hangout on lily pads and sing all day long. Good times.
What is your favorite "me- time" activity? Reading, blogging, watching movies.
Favorite TV shows? Grey's, American Idol, Ellen, October Road. I'm sure the list would be more interesting and longer if I had cable.
What is your dream car? Anything that's paid off.
What is one of your weaknesses? Overeating.
What do you fix for dinner when there's nothing to fix? Hamburger or Tuna Helper. David loves it. I know the sodium content is atrocious. David still salts it! The man would wear a salt lick around his neck if he could.
If you could live in a different decade/era which one would it be? Probably the late 1800's. Granted I struggle getting my dishes and laundry done with our many conveniences, but I am intrigued by those times. Such hard work.
What is the emotion you feel the most? Exhaustion, maybe that doesn't count, how about feeling overwhelmed?
Do you consider yourself outgoing? Yes, sort of. I am with my family, no doubt. Trying to be with others. Making friends is tough work!
What is something you are constantly working on? My lack of ambition. It's harder to have than I thought! Seemed much easier to be ambitious when I was working full time. Now I spend a good part of the morning talking myself into doing housework!
Any hidden talents? I'm pretty good at getting stains out of Malia's clothes. Although some credit must go to Shout! and Oxi Clean. I'm also pretty good at packing cars to move. Could be because I have moved so many times. Guaranteed to get it all in!
What is a word or phrase you overuse? retarded. So never appropriate. I stopped using it while I was teaching and even chastized my students for saying it. Sadly, it's crept back into my vocabulary.
What was the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? I guess the miscarriage was this year, technically. Last year? Quitting teaching and moving away from my family. Who knew I was so attached to Britt?
What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? David getting the Melchizedek Priesthood and living in the same state as me. Also moving to the great metropolis of Lewiston. Honestly, this place has been great. Mostly because of our fantastic ward. And getting to stay home with Malia. I know I complain sometimes that I miss teaching, but I wouldn't trade being with Malia for anything.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Losing lots of weight. Seriously. I'll start Monday. How many times have I said that in my life? Sad.
The best piece of advice you learned this past year? Live the Gospel and you'll be alright.


Thanks for the tag Christina! Now I tag Dianne, Brittney, Traci, Lori, Mom, Sharon, Janelle, Elizabeth(s), Hillary, Deanne, Susanne, Lorianne, and anyone else so inclined. Sorry for the long list ladies, but I want to hear all of these things from each of you. You have to include a recent photo of yourself. I wanted to cheat with an older, better looking photo, but opted for this up to date (taken minutes ago, mind you) photo so you could see the most recent me. Good times!

Feliz Cumpleanos David!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday! Can I just say how much I love this man? That's the beauty of the blog, isn't it? I can ramble on about whatever I darn well want to. David is amazing. We have come so far in the three and a half years that we have been married. We have had some pretty rough spots and have been given a good share of trials, but it has all been worth it. David makes me feel so loved. He is a great father to Malia and works so hard for our little family. We have such a great time together. Today he was supposed to have work off. Because he was Employee of the Year, he was to get his birthday off paid. They asked him to work, so he did. Goes to show the man's dedication! Above all I am the most proud of his dedication to the Gospel. When we struggled through the miscarriage, it was beyond comforting to have my husband give me a blessing. I am so proud that he takes the responsibility so seriously. I put this picture in for those who may doubt David ever smiles! Too bad Malia wasn't cooperating. I love you David and can't wait to be yours forever.

SSHHHHH!!!!

So I am at a discipline loss with my lovely little Malia. The above picture is the response I get from her 46% of the time when I ask her to do or not do something. The remaining 54% of the time I get a finger pointed at me and a firm "NO!" We are trying time out. I have a little chair set up in the hallway and I set a timer for 1 minute. The girl thinks it's great! I put her there twice yesterday and she was content as could be, swinging her little legs, sitting ever so nicely. If only I could get that composure during sacrament! They tell me persistence is the key, so we'll keep trying time out. She hasn't responded to any other method of discipline either. Sometimes she is just so mean! Especially when it comes to playing with other kids. We have play group every Thursday and she is a brute! She is the smallest one there and the biggest bully. She pushes around 3 year olds and is constantly telling everyone "No"! There is one little girl that cries at the sight of Malia! How embarassing. We've concluded that she only behaves this way when I'm around. How flattering! When she was with Dianne and Lori, she was well behaved. As soon as I show up, she gets naughty. What's a girl to do?? As long as she is recieving undivided attention, she is an angel. She really is lots of fun, most of the time. I just want to make sure I am doing all that I can. I realize that some of it is just part of her temperment. Others have suggested a lot of it has to do with her being the oldest and the only child currently. Regardless, am I wrong to expect more? I realize she is only 18 months. However, I want her to learn to be respectful and well, NICE!