tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46712195982574114532024-03-14T08:17:15.956-07:00I wanna talk about mebrookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.comBlogger494125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-68491590659251314212013-09-03T22:31:00.001-07:002013-09-03T22:42:37.446-07:00Best of Summer 2013This is the last you will hear of my summer. I promise. <br />
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Indulge me as I give you Best of Summer 2013:<br />
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<strong>Best Activity with the Big Kids</strong>: Hike and tour of Timp Cave:<br />
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<strong>Best Activity with the Little Guys</strong>: Thanksgiving Point Farm:<br />
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<strong>Best Mommy Daughter Activity</strong>: Taylor Swift Concert. It truly was amazing:<br />
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<strong>Best Cheap Take-Out Meal</strong>: Cheesecake factory Skinny Asian Lettuce Wraps. These babies are like $6.99 and they give you the yummy bread too. Add a McD's Diet Coke and you've got a meal.<br />
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<strong>Best Event of the Summer:</strong> Ashley and her family moving back to Utah. Ryan was in boy Heaven with his cousins.<br />
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<strong>Best Summer Date Activity:</strong> Alpine Coaster and dinner in Park City<br />
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<strong>Best Bike Ride</strong>: Wildflower Pedalfest in Mountain Green, UT. Rolling Hills, beautiful scenery, fun friends, great food:</div>
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<strong>Best Lesson Learned</strong>: Yard sales are not worth it. I made 80 bucks and lost my dignity:<br />
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<strong>Best Extended Family Outing</strong>: Alpine Rodeo with Ashley's family:<br />
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<strong>Best Reunion</strong>: Seeing my favorite guys from my freshman year at BYU. Already planning another one for the Fall and hoping my girlfriends can make it!<br />
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<strong>Best Treat:</strong> Hokulia shaved ice. This stuff is as big as my head and totally lived up to the hype.<br />
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<strong>Best Parenting Moment</strong>: Driving home from Café Rio and seeing this homeless looking toddler roaming the neighborhood in a swim diaper. Sure enough, it was my kid. Luke was supposed to be babysitting.<br />
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<strong>Best New Addition</strong>: My brand new nephew Wyatt<br />
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<strong>Best Tradition</strong>: Fourth of July Parade as the Patriotic Pirates: It never gets old...at least not for us!<br />
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<strong>Best Vacation for the Kids</strong>: Going to Snow Mass, CO with Sam for five days<br />
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<strong>Best Vacation for Mama</strong>: Kids going to Snow Mass, CO with Sam for five days and I stayed home<br />
No pics. Just lots of trashy tv, dinners out with friends, and roaming the mall by myself. <br />
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<strong>Best Shopping Find of the Summer</strong>: Slip Extenders. These are a life saver for us tall girls. I bought one in every color.<br />
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<strong>Best Bang for your buck</strong>: Seven Peaks with the Pass of All Passes. There are a lot of haters out there but it will always be my very favorite Summer activity. I love this picture of my bff Susan doing the rope swing in Provo with Y mountain in the background. Our boys make us do it every time we go.<br />
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<strong>Best Free Adventure</strong>: Alpine Sliding rock: I felt like a hero for actually going down it with the kids.<br />
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That's it folks. Put a fork in me. Until Next Summer...I'm done!</div>
brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-7856649357432904932013-09-02T23:08:00.001-07:002013-09-02T23:56:47.759-07:00Goodbye Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYTkB2COD5WlNOKN44Hu8DbFMfeMw3KMNhrappiYjawbq5wkc_k9w46Up_WJdG1nUnQlNbvj6OjEBISnVzxJ6Bog6nKdGoUOYG4I8Nj0ehF9kIQp9NGjn1TMg-Kn66HnoxryH0bNsuthx/s1600/kids+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYTkB2COD5WlNOKN44Hu8DbFMfeMw3KMNhrappiYjawbq5wkc_k9w46Up_WJdG1nUnQlNbvj6OjEBISnVzxJ6Bog6nKdGoUOYG4I8Nj0ehF9kIQp9NGjn1TMg-Kn66HnoxryH0bNsuthx/s640/kids+pool.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Marjorie Hinkley has a fantastic quote:<br />
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"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny spots car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed some one's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."<br />
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And that is how I felt this evening when I pulled into my drive-way in my filthy mini-van. I had four kids in tow, all wearing wet swimsuits. We spent our last official day of summer at the pool with Ashley and her kids and of course we stayed until the bitter end. We picked up chick-fil-a and ate it in the car on the way home. </div>
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Every year at this time, I mourn the end of summer. I am a Summer girl. I live for warm weather, flip flops, bike rides, hikes and long days at the pool. And we squeezed the life out of this summer. We went non-stop every day. Swimming lessons, hikes, Seven Peaks, parades, rodeos, amusement parks, birthday parties, t-ball games, bike rides, sports camps, you name it--we did it.<br />
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Summer makes me feel like an awesome mom. I don't say this to brag. You see, I am not that mom that does cute Back to School themed dinners for my kids. I don't put notes in their lunches, Heck! I don't even wake up with them most mornings before school. But I am great at taking them to do fun adventures and I'm not afraid to get my hair wet! <br />
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I will never get tired of Summer. I will never be ready for school to start. I will never welcome the routines and homework and freezing cold temperatures. <br />
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But at least I have no regrets from this summer. Now who wants to come deep clean my mini-van? brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-35039841312196064382013-08-15T00:17:00.000-07:002013-09-02T23:11:06.014-07:00Four Things Summer Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQjEdUQ7jAOWFuU1PQRsV7uP0eYx7S1tbQ-Hag5KtcecSWxKRMKbbZpqgqg0kzOUfx3bjBSKMDJdKwzFo0F6PbrtWkNuZK2AThHF_QWntTuoQwWkDnbeT799g2R2Y-Vm_eCtBKTyJILZD/s1600/rodeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQjEdUQ7jAOWFuU1PQRsV7uP0eYx7S1tbQ-Hag5KtcecSWxKRMKbbZpqgqg0kzOUfx3bjBSKMDJdKwzFo0F6PbrtWkNuZK2AThHF_QWntTuoQwWkDnbeT799g2R2Y-Vm_eCtBKTyJILZD/s640/rodeo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Alpine Rodeo</div>
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I much prefer Instagram to blogging these days. But in case you don't follow me there, here is a little catch up on what we have been doing this summer:<br />
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Luke:<br />
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1. Luke did two basketball camps--one at BYU and one at Skyline High School. He loved both of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9qJxW7pe7EGlo0ytawoyqwArcMLFWWkCWtCOhfjqlZxVM_TA2hz3E3_Henuy1PCTg5aP0aCGcbYFrqJph3iutu5LHI92l1c_bvJ0TVWKP1tplpFATYHiDfxX5IZq6h11qqqqPJ6ho0EB/s1600/byu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9qJxW7pe7EGlo0ytawoyqwArcMLFWWkCWtCOhfjqlZxVM_TA2hz3E3_Henuy1PCTg5aP0aCGcbYFrqJph3iutu5LHI92l1c_bvJ0TVWKP1tplpFATYHiDfxX5IZq6h11qqqqPJ6ho0EB/s640/byu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Luke and Sammie have both been taking tennis lessons. I am living vicariously through them. I am dying to take lessons--just so I can wear the cute skirts.<br />
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3. Luke turned 10 this summer and let his little brother blow out his candles. That's the kind of kid he is.<br />
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4. The big news is that Luke started tackle football for Alta. We said no for the last two years and he finally wore us down to the point that we said yes. He absolutely loves it.<br />
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Sammie:<br />
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1. Sammie spends 90% of her time tumbling on the front lawn. She taught herself an aerial and almost has a back hand spring. It scares me to death.<br />
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2. She started dancing at a new studio and spent a considerable amount of time dancing this summer. She also did a cheer camp at BYU.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYlCGQ9qoksLDNR3dYaHQIzHIYj0MDgz2kwMsQvoVQHgu3cYTADxioGVjCYkvaECICHjiEDVOBraZDbT2o1d2npBqEb9sin2uS5CFSubN_5H6jr8TkRGKhxlsAtEL-lkUsuKW3EM6Qn28/s1600/sammiecheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYlCGQ9qoksLDNR3dYaHQIzHIYj0MDgz2kwMsQvoVQHgu3cYTADxioGVjCYkvaECICHjiEDVOBraZDbT2o1d2npBqEb9sin2uS5CFSubN_5H6jr8TkRGKhxlsAtEL-lkUsuKW3EM6Qn28/s640/sammiecheer.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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3. Sammie went on a trip to NYC with Sam for five days. She saw three shows and toured the city. At the airport, she turned and barfed all over Sam's shoes and then exclaimed, "phew! I was so worried I was going to get it on my clothes!"<br />
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4. Sammie loves little kids. She comes to the gym with me each morning so she can go to the daycare and play with the toddlers. They adore her. Too bad she wants nothing to do with her own little brothers.<br />
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Ryan:<br />
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1. Ryan spends all of his time outside roaming the neighborhood on his bike. Luckily, we have fantastic neighbors who basically let him live at their homes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0K0kXtgg91-bKWIpbbDI6ldCS5GcDaX_rQwp7gRC55_pO8DVZ6678kKp2Aa7C4I1GFEavzLC55DAYu5m0ooyK85m3e3iosMpf3cefIUNe9KmOl8178A5EIxfsT5LgGnS0hXLYdl5aiRT/s1600/rybike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0K0kXtgg91-bKWIpbbDI6ldCS5GcDaX_rQwp7gRC55_pO8DVZ6678kKp2Aa7C4I1GFEavzLC55DAYu5m0ooyK85m3e3iosMpf3cefIUNe9KmOl8178A5EIxfsT5LgGnS0hXLYdl5aiRT/s640/rybike.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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2. Ryan took swimming lessons again this summer.<br />
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3. He also played on a t-ball team with his buddies. He was the biggest and slowest kid on the team. And just like with soccer, he thought he was awesome.<br />
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4. Ryan, Luke, Sammie and Mitch all went on a vacation with Sam for five days to Snow Mass, CO. They had a blast swimming and going on bike rides.<br />
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Buster:<br />
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1. The big news is that Buster is potty training. We are half way there and it has about pushed me over the edge. After ten years straight of diapers, I am ready for this kid to be trained!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR2FObRKmZ4vmdxW-JhtMRkI_75hZ8M9FDNyvWJYvXUFyPmMq8NgjNcooNpQXx_mnVO0oLgK3FTFKX8U9y3919LJYt0_wZ4B49WJCea3aniIb3DNgDso1mAWN1bEtOde-9m1JeYsnsU_6/s1600/busterwalmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR2FObRKmZ4vmdxW-JhtMRkI_75hZ8M9FDNyvWJYvXUFyPmMq8NgjNcooNpQXx_mnVO0oLgK3FTFKX8U9y3919LJYt0_wZ4B49WJCea3aniIb3DNgDso1mAWN1bEtOde-9m1JeYsnsU_6/s640/busterwalmart.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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At Walmart in no pants. When in Rome...</div>
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2. We thought he broke his arm last week on my sister's trampoline. After one horrendous trip to the ER, and a week of wearing a cast for no reason, we found out he is totally fine.<br />
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3. Buster's favorite thing to do is go swimming. We did Seven Peaks, Cottonwood Spa, Alta Canyon and the gym pool. He mostly enjoys puttering around the pool deck or sitting in a lounge chair eating treats.<br />
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4. He loves going anywhere with the big kids. </div>
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Churros at the Real Game</div>
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Me:<br />
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1. The big <span style="font-size: x-small;">anticlimactic</span> news is that I got a job. I am working very very part time for the Utah Senate. I won't bore you with the details but I can do it from home and so far it hasn't been too much of a thorn in my side. <br />
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2. Still dating on and off. Summer is so busy that I try to slow down the dating a bit and focus on the kids. I do like dating in the Summer because you can get outside and do things like bike rides and hikes. <br />
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Look at that view!</div>
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3. My vacation was when my kids went to Colorado with their dad. I managed to get Mitchell's baby book finished which was my only goal for that week. I am still trying to lose the five pounds I gained eating out with friends for every meal.<br />
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My friend Kari and I at City Creek before we gorged ourselves at Cheesecake Factory</div>
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4. I did a lot more biking this summer. I have some kind male friends who take me since I have a hard time finding girls to go on rides with. There is a great new trail from Alpine to Provo Canyon.<br />
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The end. I will do my annual Best of Summer post next week. I am not ready for Summer to end!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-56805433464137854732013-08-10T23:55:00.000-07:002013-08-10T23:55:51.606-07:00Craftastic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you know me at all, you know that I don't craft (unless it is to make an <a href="http://iwannatalkaboutbrooke.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=JDfYbUABAAA.F3OD76DHlP4mVsin8c8-sg.-7XjwxLQCL6UFwzVSBcAYQ&postId=4803524566863303616&type=POST">amazing porch display</a>). I don't have the interest, the time, the energy. But I am the Enrichment Coordinator for my ward and we have a Super Saturday type enrichment planned with the YW for September 13th.<br />
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I have known about this thing ever since I got put in this calling back in February. Of course I did my best to put it out of my mind until this week.<br />
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Luckily, my RS president told me about a place called <a href="http://www.poppyseedprojects.com/">Poppyseed Projects</a>. (I am not even getting a kickback for this plug!) They sell kits with everything included to make the crafts (<span style="font-size: x-small;">crafting for dummies</span>.) They have an actual store you can visit and pick out your stuff. <br />
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There are a few stores that I hate to go to because just walking in puts me into a cold sweat--think Emergency Essentials and the Scout Store. Now we can add this place to that list. There were just way too many options to choose from. I had to leave and come back with my friend Corinne for moral support (and because she actually knows what is cute and is much better at crafts than me.)<br />
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We managed to pick out six items and we busted them all out this morning. It took two trips to Home Depot and one to Holiday Oil for huge Diet Cokes and the project was done. Never mind the profanity Corinne and I were both uttering as we continued to mess up our projects.<br />
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The worst of them was this bad boy:<br />
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It doesn't look like much but it is a 7 step process---texturizing cream, black paint, white paint, vinyl, red paint, peel vinyl, sanding. I had a major mishap with this thing and had to do some creative fixing.<br />
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Now I display these at church for the next three weeks, get with my committee, come up with refreshments and do some more planning, collect money and get the kits and then it's go-time.<br />
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Are any of your wards still doing Super Saturdays? Do you ladies like to craft? Does anyone want to come take my place that night? brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-50798325771246854302013-08-07T23:48:00.000-07:002013-08-08T08:01:35.187-07:00I'm baaaaaaaaack!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are in total summer mode at my house. There have been a million things I have wanted to blog about and then every day, I get busy with my kids and think "I will do it another day."
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Then I got this comment emailed to me for approval on my 2008 post about <a href="http://iwannatalkaboutbrooke.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-uniform.html">my uniform</a>: <br />
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"sorry for my english. but please do not be angry. I have interest of the black velvet jogging suit the can i have it. I would pay them what they want if I could have it. I offer 200 to 250 €."<br />
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This comment is from a man in Germany who is offering me the equivalent of 250 US dollars for my used velour sweat suit. I mentioned to a friend that I no longer have that uni but for that kind of money I would find this guy a new one. My friend sagely said "I think he is looking for a uni that has been worn in the game." <br />
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For some reason, that experience was the catalyst that made me decide to start blogging again. I need to have a place to post about the ridiculous things that happen in my life. Or maybe it just reminded me that I have a blog.<br />
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So with Fall right around the corner, I am back to blogging. I am going to give you some Summer recap posts, some Instagram photos for those who don't follow me over there, and maybe a rant or two thrown in just for kicks.<br />
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Is anyone still out there?brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-59127184187051648322013-05-25T21:39:00.001-07:002013-05-25T21:41:57.346-07:00Goldilocks Bike Ride in the Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday, I rode in the Goldilocks bike ride again. I was so excited to do it because I had enlisted more friends to ride with us and I loved <a href="http://www.iwannatalkaboutbrooke.blogspot.com/2012/05/goldilocks-bike-ride.html">last year's event</a> so much. I knew the forecast was calling for rain so I ran out the day before and bought a light rain shell. But I was totally unprepared for how freezing cold it was going to be.<br />
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Here is what I was wearing the day before on a ride around my neighborhood so you can imagine that I wasn't anticipating the cold:<br />
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We got there that morning--ate the yummy porridge and fruit breakfast, picked up our swag bags, and took the obligatory photos. At this point it started POURING rain. We were all soaked before we even got on our bikes!<br />
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I feel like I am a pretty tough person most of the time. I can push myself when I am working out through pain and rely on mental grit. (Stop laughing Sam!) But nothing makes me give up faster than being cold (and wet!)<br />
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Within the first ten minutes of being out there, my fingers froze and my feet got completely soaked. I could feel the water sloshing around in my cycling shoes. At this point, I gave up mentally. I had hung back to talk to a friend and my group of friends were way up ahead of me. <br />
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This is where I lose all dignity. I decide my friends are dead to me. We had decided to do 40 miles but in that moment I decided I was doing 20. I didn't know if I was ever going to catch up to my friends but I didn't care anymore how they were going to get home! In fact, it was a good thing I didn't see a Papa Bear vehicle or I would have waved the white flag, called it quits and gotten in the car. I was <em>that</em> cold.<br />
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We stopped at a rest stop and I caught up with my friends. I talked to them and they all agreed to do the 20 miles and be done. Everyone was freezing. The cool thing about Goldilocks is that the volunteers made it a fun event even when everyone was miserable. There were Papa Bears at the rest stops taking our bikes from us and "parking them" and one guy even gave me his coat to wear while I was taking a break. I was really impressed with these guys who gave up a Saturday to come volunteer in the rain!<br />
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Knowing that we only had 10 miles left, we got back on our bikes and soldiered on. The odd thing was, once I was completely soaked and my fingers were numb, it was okay.<br />
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Of course, at the Finish Line, the rain stopped and the sun came out. You can finally see my cute Goldilocks jersey from last year. A very nice friend bought it for me!<br />
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They gave us darling little necklaces and we had a yummy lunch (at 10:30 in the morning!) Next year I am doing 60 miles no matter what! And if it is raining, I am going to be prepared with warm gloves and plastic bags over my shoes! <br />
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Of course, my favorite part of the whole thing is how girly and darling all the details were:</div>
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Even the port-a-potties were pink!<br />
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Dani (the gal in charge of Goldilocks) is so nice--she bought everyone's Zazoosh photos to make up for the rain. (Zazoosh is a photographer that takes pictures of people along the route and sells them after the race.) Here is the one of me:</div>
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And finally: my cute t-shirt from the swag bag to remember the day!<br />
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brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-13023928273369820042013-05-20T13:59:00.000-07:002013-05-20T14:02:40.048-07:00Am a Fan (Late Spring Edition)Once again, I am copying my friend Marta's <em>Am a Fan</em> series and sharing my latest loves:<br />
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<strong>Chick-fil-a wraps</strong>. These babies come with an avocado lime ranch dressing that I could drink by itself. Add a Diet Lemonade and a large waffle fry and I am in Heaven.<br />
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<strong>Selling stuff on Ebay</strong>. I just started and I am hooked. I am selling everything from shoes to PBK bedding. My used Lululemon workout clothes are selling for more than I paid for them originally. The shipping situation still throws me for a loop but I am figuring it out.<br />
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<strong>Harmon's post office</strong>: I am shipping a lot of stuff lately (see above.) My mom just put me on to the post office inside Harmon's. They have everything the real post office has without that super grouchy dude working at the Draper location. You know who I am talking about. I used to wait extra long to get the other lady working there just to avoid him. Now I can avoid him all the time and the lines and hit the post office at Harmon's. <br />
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<strong>Loft Sunwashed Tees</strong>: Some people swear by Old Navy V-neck tees. My favorite tees are from Loft. They are soft, they fit well and you can get them 40% off almost all the time.<br />
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<strong>Pizzeria Limone</strong>: At Christmas time, my friend Mariah introduced me to Pizzeria Limone in Fort Union. The place has tasty wood-oven pizzas, good salads, gelato, and every one's favorite fountain drink mixer extraordinaire. It is delicious. And now we are getting one in Sandy right by my brand new McD's!<br />
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<strong>Old Navy Work Out Clothes</strong>: Old Navy has been putting out some awesome moisture wicking work out clothes lately. They have some great Lululemon looking knock-off items. I love their compression capris, bra-tops and bright tanks.<br />
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<strong>The Mindy Project</strong>: This is Mindy Kaling's show. Remember when I told you how funny her book is? Her show is just as funny. She makes me laugh out loud. Warning--Sometimes it can be a little crude. It is on Fox. DVR it!<br />
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brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-48022823785097643632013-05-16T17:36:00.000-07:002013-06-06T23:23:13.482-07:00Dating: Knowing What I Want and Finding It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think one of the greatest things about dating later in life is that I have figured out what I really want. I have figured out what I need too, which is more important. When Sam and I were doing marriage counseling, we read a book called <em>The Five Love Languages</em>. While I found the book a bit cheesy at times, I think the underlying message that we all feel loved in different ways was brilliant. The key is to identify which way your partner feels loved and show them love in that way. <br />
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My love language is Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch. Knowing that about myself now, I know I need to find a man who can compliment me and express his love to me verbally. I also need physical touch. I like a man who will put his arm around me or hold my hand in addition to the bedroom stuff. These things make me feel loved and adored. <br />
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Remember when you were a Mia Maid and you made a list of all the qualities you wanted in a future husband? You wrote stuff like "RM, handsome, tall?" Well, those are all still on my list but that is the jumping off point. My list has gotten a whole lot longer. Making the list was easy--finding a man with all of these characteristics is the hard part. Here are some of the things that I have realized are important to me now:<br />
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1. A man who is kind--first and foremost. And I want a man who is kind to others, not just me.<br />
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2. A man who values education and preferably has an advanced degree. I want a man who has a career (not just a job), is passionate about his work and takes it seriously.<br />
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3. A man who loves his family and respects his mother.</div>
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4. A man who is a devoted and loving father. </div>
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5. A man who has a strong testimony of the gospel, holds a calling and takes his Priesthood responsibilities seriously.</div>
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6. A man who is funny. I am a sucker for guys who make me laugh. Seinfeld is usually my litmus test. If a man loves Seinfeld and quotes it..we will probably hit it off. If he loves Colbert, that is gravy.</div>
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7. A man who is fit and active. I used to think this didn't matter to me but it does.</div>
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8. A man who can be a man. I love an alpha-male. I think it is because right now--I have to make all the decisions and be the head of my household. I want a man who takes charge, makes reservations and solves problems. I like a man who opens doors, makes the first move and isn't afraid to show me he is interested in me.</div>
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9. A man who is honest, classy and speaks kindly of his ex-wife. This speaks volumes about the guy.</div>
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10. Okay, okay, tall is always a bonus for me. I am 5'9--I love a tall man. And of course, we have to have chemistry--chemistry is more important than looks.</div>
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The older I get, the more I realize what matters in a spouse. I refuse to settle. When I was going through a hard time at the end of my marriage, I would turn the radio on and this song by Sugarland always seemed to be playing. I still hear it and it reminds me that I am not settling this time around for anything less than everything:<br />
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"I ain't settling for just getting by<br />
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life<br />
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high<br />
Just enough ain't enough this time<br />
I ain't settling for anything less than everything"</div>
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brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-86036770521390884662013-05-13T22:12:00.000-07:002013-05-14T23:52:17.717-07:00Online Dating 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a love hate relationship with online dating. Here is the thing: It has come a long way. My parents are still down on it and encourage me to meet people the "normal way." Unfortunately, there is no normal way anymore. But in my parents' defense, their idea of online dating is stuff they have seen on 20/20 about chat rooms and 50 year old dudes trying to seduce 15 year old girls. I think the stigma of being online is gone. Really, it is just "online meeting." <br />
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I have had several friends who have met and married someone they met on a dating site. I think these sites work because it is the quickest, easiest way to meet other people who are single and looking to date. I love being set up but it doesn't happen all the time. So if you just want to date a lot and meet people quickly--go online.<br />
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Here is my advice for the ladies about online dating. You men are on your own--just kidding. You know I can't wait to write my advice post for the menfolk.<br />
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1. Accept that there are no rules. Quit thinking that men will be honorable or abide by the societal norms of real life interaction. You can be messaging with a guy for weeks and he can disappear overnight. Poof. You will never hear from him again. Some guys will message and immediately ask you out. Others will want to message for months. (My least favorite thing in the world! Who needs a pen pal?!) Everyone has their own way of online dating.<br />
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2. Understand that most guys exaggerate in their profiles. On the LDS sites, people have to say how active in the church they are, etc. If they say they go to church "Always" that means most of the time. If they say "Sometimes" that means they never go. I have learned not to put too much stock in anything people put in their profile. They probably wrote it years ago. A lot can change.<br />
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3. If a dude lies anywhere on his profile or is cagey or doesn't answer questions, bail now. I love it when guys put their age as 42 then later in their profile they will admit to being 51 but everyone tells them they look a lot younger. Riiiiight. If they are willing to lie to you about something as insignificant as their age on a dating website, imagine what they will lie to you about down the road.<br />
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4. Avoid the guys who write "just ask" instead of answering questions. If they can't sum up what they do for work in single sentence, I don't need to go any further. No long explanation needed.<br />
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5. If a guy tells you he is funny, he's not. If he is funny, he will show you he is funny in his profile.<br />
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6. Always meet at the restaurant for the first date. Never have the guy pick you up at your house. Two reasons for this. A. You don't want to be murdered. and B. if he is a dud, you can make a quick get-away without an awkward doorstep scene.<br />
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7. Don't give out your cell number until you have messaged with someone on the site for a bit. That way, if you can see that the guy isn't funny, or is looking for a hook-up, or admits to having an affair or some other deal breaker--it is easier to unload him without him having access to you in real life via your phone.<br />
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8. Never, never, never send a "sexy" or inappropriate photo of yourself to anyone. I am a lawyer so I am very mindful of leaving evidence. This applies to dating in general..not just online dating. If a dude asks for a racy/sexy pic. Drop him quick!<br />
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9. A picture is worth a thousand words. Don't even message with someone who doesn't have a picture (there is probably a reason there is no pic and it is never good). If you are a girl, you should include at least one full body shot otherwise (I am told) men assume you are out of shape if all you have are face shots. For men it is the opposite problem. Men are often guilty of posting pics of themselves doing extreme sports or they will have a picture with five other people and you have to squint to see which one they are.<br />
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10. Don't try to be something you're not. It will come back to bite you. I get tired of everyone pretending to be so outdoorsy in their profiles. We all love to be outside but 99% of the time we are all just doing normal stuff..going to work, driving kids around, going out to eat and to a movie. In my profile I said "I am not outdoorsy unless shopping at City Creek is outdoorsy." I like hiking and skiing, etc but I am definitely not a nature girl and don't want to have to live up to that if some dude wants to go camping every weekend. I read one guy's profile that was so refreshing. He described himself as the "indoorsy type." He loves air conditioning, good tv and fine dining--so honest!<br />
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11. Spend some time on your profile. It will pay off in the end. Try to show your personality and what makes you fun and unique. Try to put some things in there that guys can ask you about or comment on when they message you. <br />
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12. Don't put pictures of your kids on your profile, don't say how many kids you have or their ages, and remember that there are some scary Larry's out there looking to prey on single moms.<br />
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13. Do your homework. I always always find someone in common who knows the guy and can vouch for him. It is a small dating world out there, especially in Utah. I haven't found a single guy yet who I couldn't get the scoop on . <br />
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14. Finally, be proactive. I usually let the guys message me first but I have had my best luck when I found a guy I thought looked promising and sent him a message. Guys love that. But then I let them take it from there. They have to ask me out and be the man from that point on!<br />
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That's it! I could talk all night about this. I love asking guys I go out with about their experience with meeting girls online. So funny to hear about it from the other side.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-12252385277285741212013-05-12T23:42:00.002-07:002013-05-12T23:50:22.495-07:00Dating the Second Time Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJhVZ_lAE44kdexnoLiKjAnIEPXoJ8R8YAPwnZdaQ8kRMqqu5_YmQqxLlUIc877DCDCtk6_T3cTBF91drZRvaePbeb7qbsCVEw4i85hTtt0Nd0y2ibca9VvR9euwkFnlqnEN_20K4xDBn/s1600/its-not-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJhVZ_lAE44kdexnoLiKjAnIEPXoJ8R8YAPwnZdaQ8kRMqqu5_YmQqxLlUIc877DCDCtk6_T3cTBF91drZRvaePbeb7qbsCVEw4i85hTtt0Nd0y2ibca9VvR9euwkFnlqnEN_20K4xDBn/s400/its-not-you.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am FINALLY giving you the dating posts I have been promising. As much as I would love to give you hilarious dating stories, I am not going to do that. <strike> I am saving those for my book</strike>. Dating is hard when you're 20. It is 10x harder when you are divorced, in your mid thirties, with four kids. <br />
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I am going to need do this as a three-part series. This post is about dating generally. The second part is going to be about online dating. The third part is going to be about knowing what you want and finding it. And I may do a bonus post for the guys with a few hints and tips. All of this is the world according to Brooke. Which let's be honest--might as well be gospel truth right?! But I do put the disclaimer out there that I only speak for myself.<br />
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When I got divorced, I was really excited to get back "out there." It felt really good to have men interested in me, to go on nice dates and get complimented. I was surprised that men didn't seem to care that I have four kids (which I thought was going to be the kiss of death for me.) What I didn't plan for was the heartache involved. I thought getting divorced was hard emotionally. While it is true that nothing will ever touch losing your marriage--I think the emotional roller coaster of dating is almost as bad. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPERHh-W7zx3IczPFBtRfgAsroQyXUtM1_Cwpqf97Ntir93MRyGL8Kd7iLKGH0AYfMOSM3r9mQwpHTssx9BZXpLZNI3iOWTJ2OmUlqq-jx7f_T8e2Iywatb7M9y2ovQAev_BmBu2t4FH26/s1600/dating-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPERHh-W7zx3IczPFBtRfgAsroQyXUtM1_Cwpqf97Ntir93MRyGL8Kd7iLKGH0AYfMOSM3r9mQwpHTssx9BZXpLZNI3iOWTJ2OmUlqq-jx7f_T8e2Iywatb7M9y2ovQAev_BmBu2t4FH26/s320/dating-cartoon.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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My belief is that if after the first date, I can't see myself potentially marrying that person down the road, I need to say no to a second date. At this age, most people are dating to find someone to marry. No one is out there just to play games and have fun. Gone are the days of just going on a date for the free meal--sooooo not worth my time and energy! When I get asked out for a second date and I am not interested, I say "Thank you so much for lunch/dinner. I had a great time talking to you. I just did not feel a romantic connection. Good luck to you!" Done. The reverse also happens. I have had guys who don't want to go on a second date with me. But it is worse, because as women, we don't get told straight up that the guy isn't interested. We are just left waiting for a call or text that never comes.</div>
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The same is true in relationships. As soon as you know it isn't going to work--it is time to hit the belly release and give a good strong arch. Cole and I broke up recently and that has been very hard. We both knew that there were reasons it was probably not going to work for us to get married so we opted to say good-bye now. It has been hard for both of us. Break-ups suck. And they don't suck any less as a grown adult. In fact, they suck worse, especially if that person has met your children, your parents, your friends, gone to church with you, become part of your life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquFll1ZdfzVceJQHhOceV6SNFcZtTmsWDTaoS10Wtu1scMLfly0wDWR_hzYWgvwJZAFiMLPMRDKcN6XprrdRCjT72QUx0FQ1N8TmhGSi7wZoT4e3bFy3jwIMWu_e3tjd49-zXzoIS6gBn/s1600/thanksgiving+point+cole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquFll1ZdfzVceJQHhOceV6SNFcZtTmsWDTaoS10Wtu1scMLfly0wDWR_hzYWgvwJZAFiMLPMRDKcN6XprrdRCjT72QUx0FQ1N8TmhGSi7wZoT4e3bFy3jwIMWu_e3tjd49-zXzoIS6gBn/s640/thanksgiving+point+cole.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The upside to dating the second time around is that you can see how someone is going to turn out. When you are 20, you can see potential in people but you don't know the choices they will make down the road. At this point, I can see how active someone is in the church (super important to me), how committed they are to their children (also important), if they have a career they are passionate about and make enough to provide (important.) You can also see where they failed in their previous relationships/marriage. I am honest with my dates about where my weaknesses are. I have found that most men are honest with me as well. It is good to know going in where we are going to struggle and if each others' weaknesses are going to be a deal breaker.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW14q0eLxJUwjpnulLsZUECWilH3XHU8M1LLQZHuL4nZI-pE9zMOyWxUFZ5xVtMbUqGO-W4LzlrNqCbm-tGKO2Ae_HQMLISVmx_x7TzbxQBQzo8_J8CXhNUMCh_7ttVeQk03WO6AVu0qun/s1600/hehadeverything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW14q0eLxJUwjpnulLsZUECWilH3XHU8M1LLQZHuL4nZI-pE9zMOyWxUFZ5xVtMbUqGO-W4LzlrNqCbm-tGKO2Ae_HQMLISVmx_x7TzbxQBQzo8_J8CXhNUMCh_7ttVeQk03WO6AVu0qun/s400/hehadeverything.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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I also firmly believe that when I do find the right man and we get married, we will not take each other for granted. We will appreciate the good things about our new marriage that we didn't have in our previous marriages. <br />
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Dating has changed a lot since I was in my early 20s. Texting, Facebook and email have totally changed the way the game is played. I tell my single friends who are getting divorced that it is time to spruce up their Facebook page. You have to market yourself. Even if you are not a big facebooker, it is the first place a guy is going to go to check you out and see if he is interested.<br />
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Tomorrow, I will do a post on online dating. It is it's own animal! I've got some tips for my friends who are recently divorced and want to go online!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-50135492193028085112013-05-09T23:08:00.001-07:002013-05-10T07:37:10.763-07:00Mother's Day for the Divorced Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_hf5VSuNm908rPLmPzfCzJiTPbD1jD2vQ5ZfCf8VoZtC209zKqfjaFtohFiowFGK5QzSRmXZJTb0moBqubwCZFuaCVa1RrX3Itj0GuPWGBmnezF6JvY1WAO7IyaAB0NIzbKtKej8mwDL/s1600/Family+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_hf5VSuNm908rPLmPzfCzJiTPbD1jD2vQ5ZfCf8VoZtC209zKqfjaFtohFiowFGK5QzSRmXZJTb0moBqubwCZFuaCVa1RrX3Itj0GuPWGBmnezF6JvY1WAO7IyaAB0NIzbKtKej8mwDL/s640/Family+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've got motherhood on the brain. After all, it is Mother's Day on Sunday. I have been on my own for almost two years. Sam and I got separated in July of 2011. I remember the first month or so feeling so good. I felt like I was being carried by some unseen force. But then I remember a few months later, feeling defeated--feeling like my life was never going to be good again, at least, it was never going to be the same. The adrenaline had worn off and the daily grind was a struggle for me.</div>
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Things are better now but sometimes I still catch myself daydreaming of my "other life." You know, the one that I would be living if I hadn't got divorced. I let myself go there for about thirty seconds and then I snap back to reality. Don't get me wrong. I love my life. I am very blessed. But every so often, I just want my old life back, where my kids didn't pack little bags and go back and forth between two houses and everything was just less complicated. For me, that will always be the worst part of getting divorced--knowing that my kids' lives will never be the same. I know that I will eventually get remarried and my life will probably be even better than it was before. But I can't say that for my kids. I still maintain that I got divorced in large part for my kids but I think it is going to take years for my children to understand and believe it was for the best.<br />
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I had the perfect childhood with a mom and dad who loved each other and everything was pretty idyllic. My kids will never have that. They will always have two homes. They will eventually have to deal with step-parents and step siblings. They will have the long awkward wedding invitations listing two sets of parents.<br />
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But at this point, I can't do anything about that. All I can do is reassure my kids that both Sam and I love them more than anything. I tell them that they are going to be fantastic, strong, amazing adults because they had to go through some really hard stuff as kids. They will already know something about adversity when they are called on to face greater trials. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZU3mk3AwTeiZbUSlMkTtwJaX1cHPJdhiE1xg5osb9U5vgEbVqFnuQZXWd4qnSxFMGBX3yj9OMnafFX0aZPoa5IQ_UqgPyieZyQFq7oam1r_asSGq6y3OxtC4BcH3FTOfIU1zE7AOFryc/s1600/four+kids.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZU3mk3AwTeiZbUSlMkTtwJaX1cHPJdhiE1xg5osb9U5vgEbVqFnuQZXWd4qnSxFMGBX3yj9OMnafFX0aZPoa5IQ_UqgPyieZyQFq7oam1r_asSGq6y3OxtC4BcH3FTOfIU1zE7AOFryc/s640/four+kids.bmp" width="640" /></a><br />
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But back to my mothering...I go back and forth between bursting with pride in how well I am doing and feeling like a total failure. I guess that's normal.<br />
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Here is the thing..I'm not so good at the homemaking side of mothering. We dig through the baskets of clean clothes every day for underwear and socks. (I call it "go fish!") Dinner is usually something fast and easy--most nights there is no roast in the oven. But that was never my forte.<br />
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I feel like my strength is holding my big ol' 9 year old in my lap and crying with him because he wishes his parents weren't divorced. I am good at going to five sports stores looking for a particular pair of bball socks for his Easter basket. I am good at listening to my 8 yr old's lengthy stories about what one girl said to another at school today. I am great at taking her shopping and finding her the cutest clothes. I am good at putting on a full witch costume and helping with the school parties on Halloween. I am really good at body slamming my 3 year old and wrestling with him in my bed for thirty mins in the afternoon when all of his siblings are gone. I am good at cheering him on as he learns to use the potty. I am good at snuggling with my 5 year old in the morning and telling him how special he is. I am good at taking him to BYU sporting events even though he gets tired and wants to leave early. I am good at reading with him before he goes to bed.<br />
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So while I mess up every.single.day and say things in frustration that I want to take back or I lose my patience, I need to remember that I am doing the best I can. I am not the perfect mother--not even close. But my mother wasn't perfect either (sorry mom!) However, she was and still is the best mom for me. I think I am the best mom for my kids. And that is something worth celebrating.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-79743256245054022013-05-05T10:17:00.000-07:002013-05-05T19:34:12.983-07:00How to Find the Perfect Pair of Shoes--a Step by Step Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPTyCrf9c1W9PxpvNTe4LD9FYWhcL0GjWZ-kUrjDpZa54f7vlZyfVktUKke8AEFHwGYHe2OViVlw-KWudJWXHPUD8oG_mU78SWmB-y3ClrnP5WlMuANb2u4_huTlGTtvsKLb24UgNIU62/s1600/shoes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPTyCrf9c1W9PxpvNTe4LD9FYWhcL0GjWZ-kUrjDpZa54f7vlZyfVktUKke8AEFHwGYHe2OViVlw-KWudJWXHPUD8oG_mU78SWmB-y3ClrnP5WlMuANb2u4_huTlGTtvsKLb24UgNIU62/s640/shoes4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember my post about finding the perfect snow boots? <strike>That was nothing compared to this.</strike> That gave you a glimpse into my shopping insanity. Over the years, I have developed a new way to shop. No longer do I go out on an endless browse. This is how I operate these days:<br />
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Step 1. Decide you have a NEED for a particular item (in this case--bright fluorescent, preferable mango-colored) Nikes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLqxXp0YNGgI1ZJTmD50VoSEp5Sn_I9NVxnyRb6A1o0uzqyLE_BQP2imh9qJ27XasTgRYRFh_WA7MzGMUVoEF54cZC_TymHS8wrjEVJV62E4hguuFeFQGYjmsK1rIhOfqdm9y7jR02-dC/s1600/orange+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLqxXp0YNGgI1ZJTmD50VoSEp5Sn_I9NVxnyRb6A1o0uzqyLE_BQP2imh9qJ27XasTgRYRFh_WA7MzGMUVoEF54cZC_TymHS8wrjEVJV62E4hguuFeFQGYjmsK1rIhOfqdm9y7jR02-dC/s400/orange+shoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step 2. Tell yourself you will not rest until you find the perfect pair. Isn't there some quote about the greatest cause of unhappiness is trading what we want most for what we want at the moment? Don't give in to fatigue and just buy the first pair that looks good.<br />
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Step 3. Get online. Do a search on Amazon, Google images and every shoe place you can think of. Order anything that looks decent. Make sure you use your AmEx card (for miles, duh!) and so that nothing is coming straight out of your account. Make sure you get free shipping. Sometimes you have to order extra stuff to spend enough for free shipping. Do it. You can always return it. <br />
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Step 4. Get giddy everyday checking the doorstep for packages. When you get one, open it like it is Christmas morning--you have no idea what is inside because you ordered so much stuff!<br />
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Step 5. Once everything is here..Lay out the shoes for some photos to post on Instagram. Get your friend's opinions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1G7IFFlu0E0vNdPf7-HKyyWvYwBKP5FoDRLfBQdsiLUejQoxIJlqpRUA8RTCK67G7Ege3Ru_s-4nK95ulEwflCUrTVIbCUj8NXuGyTDm9AuSbA4IYAhX85eIkyxeWHT5zubncpsum7-a/s1600/shoes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1G7IFFlu0E0vNdPf7-HKyyWvYwBKP5FoDRLfBQdsiLUejQoxIJlqpRUA8RTCK67G7Ege3Ru_s-4nK95ulEwflCUrTVIbCUj8NXuGyTDm9AuSbA4IYAhX85eIkyxeWHT5zubncpsum7-a/s640/shoes3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Step 6. Send photos to your boyfriend at work and make him weigh in on the shoes. He loves this, I promise. Then when he comes over, try on all the shoes and work out clothes for him in person. This is really a test to see if he has the stamina to be considered marriage material.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6KtohsaBVpRVK2XQU2em6PmPRYFJyNPVSvKpf8lbaxxgwiyWy6GOzritFJUiolbgAHcOayCorPmXn71Gg5Mr7l9A5gmABtKYedhDe0H2fttEh7qTYCvBtIIBHhTKUrEaaq-wykY9f_uk/s1600/shoes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6KtohsaBVpRVK2XQU2em6PmPRYFJyNPVSvKpf8lbaxxgwiyWy6GOzritFJUiolbgAHcOayCorPmXn71Gg5Mr7l9A5gmABtKYedhDe0H2fttEh7qTYCvBtIIBHhTKUrEaaq-wykY9f_uk/s640/shoes2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Step 7. Fast and Pray. Just kidding. But do sleep on it for a few nights.<br />
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Step 8. Tell yourself you are going to narrow it down to one pair. Then rationalize that you had merchandise credit at Famous Footwear so the polka dot pair was almost free and decide to keep two pairs. (The polka dot pair was a bonus pair anyway--your original mission was to find the Mango pair--remember?!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D4TqAfeqWPdp-cxuCN3ymSgNzy_g7mJeIDE8M9La5IQCwWQ69vZjKy2Y750EMpD6fnfOJhJHK29un0ZPKI8z362T1PdneHlRrShc9b-or-648ZZLLv9hV4h9f1VBNaznDU8BEXg-gjmy/s1600/2shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D4TqAfeqWPdp-cxuCN3ymSgNzy_g7mJeIDE8M9La5IQCwWQ69vZjKy2Y750EMpD6fnfOJhJHK29un0ZPKI8z362T1PdneHlRrShc9b-or-648ZZLLv9hV4h9f1VBNaznDU8BEXg-gjmy/s640/2shoes.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Step 9. Wear the perfect pair to the gym. Pose with your son in his soccer uniform because he is on a team called Orange Crush and you coordinate with him perfectly.<br />
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Step 10. Return 5 pairs of shoes with one trip to the Post Office and UPS store.<br />
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Step 11. Start looking for more workout clothes to match said shoes especially the polka dot pair you were not originally planning to buy.<br />
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There you go folks. I'm not crazy or anything right?! Don't answer that.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-82923132228295395922013-05-05T09:23:00.001-07:002013-05-05T09:27:39.686-07:00Sammie's Baptism Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sammie got baptized yesterday. Two of my siblings flew in from out of town to be there to support Sammie. It meant a lot to me to have my whole family there. It was also nice to have Sam and his family join us. My amazing neighbor Doug got my yard ready (including pulling weeds and cleaning out my nasty garage. Seriously!) My sis-in-law Annette took these awesome photos. Prepare yourself for picture overload.<br />
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<br />brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-47036427353855498732013-04-18T15:20:00.001-07:002013-04-18T15:21:56.473-07:00Instagram is Killing my Blog (or Four Things About Each of Us)This post is for grandmas and friends who aren't on Instagram and have no idea what we have been up to lately. And if you are a guy and want to follow me on instagram, it probably isn't going to happen. That is a place for me to post pics of me in my bathrobe driving Ryan to a friend's house at noon on a random Tuesday. So I have to keep it to close girlfriends. Anyhoo, here is what we are doing.<br />
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<strong>Buster</strong>:<br />
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1. Buster loves to be outside. Too bad mama hates being outside with Buster. Thank goodness for good weather and big siblings who can keep an eye on him:<br />
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2. Here is where Buster sits during Sacrament meeting. I know. I have officially given up. I am hoping people are giving me the single mom pass:<br />
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3. He loves Airbourne--all of my kids do. We just discovered how fun (and expensive) it is. I saw Bentley (from the Bachelorette) there recently (he owns it) but couldn't get a photo:<br />
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4. He loves helping me bake cookies and will eat the dough even when it is just Crisco and sugar:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0644DSEasKipr7Y7iLcO2rZidh26Zuxz8Exsktyf23cWtP1w41y1UVPf_nMiG7rQru3jA5z87NeIDFZ1lbIjD9wRDMj7QdukmH7Sgef2tu1n9RDtGtHTNAaacvIxMBJxSxh4_SklLV9O/s1600/cookiedough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0644DSEasKipr7Y7iLcO2rZidh26Zuxz8Exsktyf23cWtP1w41y1UVPf_nMiG7rQru3jA5z87NeIDFZ1lbIjD9wRDMj7QdukmH7Sgef2tu1n9RDtGtHTNAaacvIxMBJxSxh4_SklLV9O/s640/cookiedough.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<strong>Ryan:</strong><br />
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1. Ryan plays on a soccer team called "Orange Crush" with his buddies. He is the biggest and slowest kid out there but he thinks he is awesome. Sam coaches:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FArUFYqk594VqfxqrcecM77QkadW0hv_sECgpWRTZSyC21G8PkXdkhwY27urhXUq6H5bjHIXUihmcaoj3xMw76zxriQsAH2d8g5mTYfoQVxhHn1fJiaY7ZULc80QixpegdK8VXCvmX8V/s1600/soccer+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FArUFYqk594VqfxqrcecM77QkadW0hv_sECgpWRTZSyC21G8PkXdkhwY27urhXUq6H5bjHIXUihmcaoj3xMw76zxriQsAH2d8g5mTYfoQVxhHn1fJiaY7ZULc80QixpegdK8VXCvmX8V/s640/soccer+002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. He goes to preschool and tries to make excuses every day for why he is too sick to go.<br />
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3. Ryan is deathly afraid of the Chick-fil-a cow, Cosmo (he calls him "the Cougar") and the Jazz bear. Here he is at the Jazz game hiding on the ground because he saw the Jazz bear coming up the aisle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgC21e_yO4nXVhD2nWqXOiwXYMGnTFPJs_e-_ZDLxjA-b39U0WnIV_9NSXkvEwCx0gV0pjuFXGE9uDYmMT1YlwCd9VZTRx58j7KYvBYluva7XrQOHa5FDjk5pK521pnTUQXVLG-hL4cH_/s1600/ryanjazz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgC21e_yO4nXVhD2nWqXOiwXYMGnTFPJs_e-_ZDLxjA-b39U0WnIV_9NSXkvEwCx0gV0pjuFXGE9uDYmMT1YlwCd9VZTRx58j7KYvBYluva7XrQOHa5FDjk5pK521pnTUQXVLG-hL4cH_/s640/ryanjazz.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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4. Ry Ry spends most of his time at home in costume. Sammie never cared about costumes the way my boys do:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ3m4hlHF4hbQlCaHGltpeujP6FmDPArwXLfHBwkvi8bBRoV0fcOr28tA1mjRseTLlPpkaDhq62D0iptEAnzi_XGu5geNHugit5jSjMEU_THx0_nnXotW7tNBL_FaQPO6S0HwYJs9Qmxs/s1600/costumes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ3m4hlHF4hbQlCaHGltpeujP6FmDPArwXLfHBwkvi8bBRoV0fcOr28tA1mjRseTLlPpkaDhq62D0iptEAnzi_XGu5geNHugit5jSjMEU_THx0_nnXotW7tNBL_FaQPO6S0HwYJs9Qmxs/s640/costumes.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<strong>Sammie</strong>:<br />
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1. Sammie recently had a birthday party at the Lion House. She truly has the cutest friends and they were so good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALrFcSJRNcECH04DAkL5VGmU_KsURdHI2lotckyedURdFctadF5OSe84spUNB8zs3ZzosnYeOKPaRm9NMoQF1YoDTY0hvRk-2kR5LerVh9OAuJh8exU92c-BQ255dYwtYlTtERTUF2T9H/s1600/sammielionhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALrFcSJRNcECH04DAkL5VGmU_KsURdHI2lotckyedURdFctadF5OSe84spUNB8zs3ZzosnYeOKPaRm9NMoQF1YoDTY0hvRk-2kR5LerVh9OAuJh8exU92c-BQ255dYwtYlTtERTUF2T9H/s640/sammielionhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Sammie loves to dance and tumble. If she is home, she is tumbling. If she is outside, she is tumbling. If she is at recess, she is tumbling. You get the idea:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o9eogTl0kqp5N60ZcRPPFACO6T09xzaVy-i_Q9fFt9XTkUPfrrrlGiYBot3FHkIn0J6aiGCGSSvn8r2vYR9U_NjMfdX0eCnKLqb-ep5x3rDLm42_drf0ZDJswUTzP2fNG9GdiA1uNw0c/s1600/spring+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o9eogTl0kqp5N60ZcRPPFACO6T09xzaVy-i_Q9fFt9XTkUPfrrrlGiYBot3FHkIn0J6aiGCGSSvn8r2vYR9U_NjMfdX0eCnKLqb-ep5x3rDLm42_drf0ZDJswUTzP2fNG9GdiA1uNw0c/s640/spring+143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. She is obsessed with clothes. Yes, this freaks me out. Sam took her to Nordstrom to spend a birthday gift card and this is the outfit she picked out. She told Sam he had no taste and to back off and let her shop. Scary:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZT1hiQjD0gHCAXY9NlSbE-TMygNLzHqjvdNKwaS8NnZ44DAUXwChK9zU56Tb3BpQhx3694iQx4sBduL1UCNh1mhY-475sHog3YURgl2nYmdKL_wcMbRhyphenhyphenu3EjpbTqe9nHpfTNagdacaeD/s1600/sammiedressingroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZT1hiQjD0gHCAXY9NlSbE-TMygNLzHqjvdNKwaS8NnZ44DAUXwChK9zU56Tb3BpQhx3694iQx4sBduL1UCNh1mhY-475sHog3YURgl2nYmdKL_wcMbRhyphenhyphenu3EjpbTqe9nHpfTNagdacaeD/s640/sammiedressingroom.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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4. She loved skiing this Spring. She is my most adventurous kid:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL8XbAnPdYOmsrXFfYSh39X4KGv_0dxzXEx92BQdtsQfnoNthyphenhyphen5gLZKnaBCl3F2JXN-9wGEEMFKy0WBP0RIkaUJFMgUCjD2QkzceSiXEoT71EYxffDMGbX2akEzj5Tif65wKSOD9bxy_g/s1600/skiing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL8XbAnPdYOmsrXFfYSh39X4KGv_0dxzXEx92BQdtsQfnoNthyphenhyphen5gLZKnaBCl3F2JXN-9wGEEMFKy0WBP0RIkaUJFMgUCjD2QkzceSiXEoT71EYxffDMGbX2akEzj5Tif65wKSOD9bxy_g/s640/skiing.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<strong>Luke</strong>:<br />
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1. Luke is playing in a Super League (competition league) for basketball this Spring and loves it. Sam is coaching. Luke spends a lot of time outside shooting baskets in the backyard. <br />
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2. He went with Sam to Leapin' Leaners in March. Luke was in HEAVEN. He met all the Jazz players. His favorite is Derrick Favors (I am too lazy to crop any of these photos):<br />
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3. He got to interview Alec Burks and Luke asked him how much he makes per game. Alema Harrington and Burks busted up laughing:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FnnS-BQgZ2g_U7Z5ij3hZpFav2OtgwRC1PX8KalaFPdYw7l_YF6qLyNgXSac508I1KGv-kdjFwjJsTz-7TZ5kBeGvZ2Xj0lSNF47WKchuam6lTS8o8EPOhVUaTKh6AA3x33DnDNAEc69/s1600/lukeinterview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FnnS-BQgZ2g_U7Z5ij3hZpFav2OtgwRC1PX8KalaFPdYw7l_YF6qLyNgXSac508I1KGv-kdjFwjJsTz-7TZ5kBeGvZ2Xj0lSNF47WKchuam6lTS8o8EPOhVUaTKh6AA3x33DnDNAEc69/s640/lukeinterview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Luke (and I) made this BYU football cake for the Blue and Gold banquet. Much better than<a href="http://www.iwannatalkaboutbrooke.blogspot.com/2012/03/parts-of-my-life-you-will-not-see-on.html"> his cake last year.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vOmN0y5GX9ej_YW8ZiSlIpJMpOEq6VE6y5SoEuGEHa_BuzpxMJ-m6-s9Unv_QHiOvOCrBdULoZec7tjlpratxG8B6kpFplnTnsopAz2wJcn1l2VJlB7mfqWdIvAhHjGqqe_HRJFkU46C/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vOmN0y5GX9ej_YW8ZiSlIpJMpOEq6VE6y5SoEuGEHa_BuzpxMJ-m6-s9Unv_QHiOvOCrBdULoZec7tjlpratxG8B6kpFplnTnsopAz2wJcn1l2VJlB7mfqWdIvAhHjGqqe_HRJFkU46C/s640/cake.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<strong>Me</strong>:<br />
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1. I have been having a lot of fun dating a guy named Cole. He lives here in SL and has three kids. He makes me laugh:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4tv3PWIkHFwjq1fw5C79HeiF0oINostV0cYMnac2Xn1y-ptqITRc6ZcNQYByWQoPs2wDb0DdZl1bIUo9K-bO1atmX8QASDd2SUSloPm22maVlRXhboAYshwy7YSnPlwRc2Sm0a9UcSln/s1600/coletemplesquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4tv3PWIkHFwjq1fw5C79HeiF0oINostV0cYMnac2Xn1y-ptqITRc6ZcNQYByWQoPs2wDb0DdZl1bIUo9K-bO1atmX8QASDd2SUSloPm22maVlRXhboAYshwy7YSnPlwRc2Sm0a9UcSln/s640/coletemplesquare.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I tell him he looks like Paul Rudd (he will kill me for posting this):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHosw9-TMTnSc6AZh_U6TdTCsCM_YA053JYHf_JnKSaW_mBFj-cAcOVud7riugOOVbq0sHmOfiNP18PnGaoHlaegGAvQCFibCePBv5NHAfNOVw_vm6_TJ0R6PrHLnXaeJFrw-o1FWACxdU/s1600/colepaulrudd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHosw9-TMTnSc6AZh_U6TdTCsCM_YA053JYHf_JnKSaW_mBFj-cAcOVud7riugOOVbq0sHmOfiNP18PnGaoHlaegGAvQCFibCePBv5NHAfNOVw_vm6_TJ0R6PrHLnXaeJFrw-o1FWACxdU/s400/colepaulrudd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. I still go to the gym most days. I go in spurts for what I like to buy and right now I am obsessed with gym clothes and shoes. I am currently looking for the perfect pair of fluorescent orange Nikes. I know...the important things in life right? Once again, glad no husband in the picture as I order and return shoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU6LrXy54LFdjjNkkrS376T31p1eOTIOPJkgQ-i8KblQHkE5uqQyVkFuCqJVupibd60guNfrCyw84Qdp2G3s3qEn8vFi0i5_0Mhx8VISht5ixivpNuSP75qIFEYmKA8OivRpkOivXdz-e/s1600/orange+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU6LrXy54LFdjjNkkrS376T31p1eOTIOPJkgQ-i8KblQHkE5uqQyVkFuCqJVupibd60guNfrCyw84Qdp2G3s3qEn8vFi0i5_0Mhx8VISht5ixivpNuSP75qIFEYmKA8OivRpkOivXdz-e/s400/orange+shoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. I am in charge of making a yearbook for Luke's class for the end of the year. Why oh why do I sign up for this stuff at the first of the year?<br />
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4. Other than running kids to all of the aforementioned activities, I get to do lunches and dinners here and there with friends. I went to Gourmet Dinner Night Monday night and laughed and ate the best food. I am so lucky to have such good friends in my life. They make me happy.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-89999583691366050912013-04-05T22:01:00.000-07:002013-04-05T22:20:36.937-07:00Spring "Break"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My friend Amy Vranes recently posted on facebook that Spring Break isn't much of a break for moms. Good point Vranes. I always start out with grand plans and end up beaten down and worn out by the end of the week.</div>
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Here are some of the highlights:<br />
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I went to lunch with a lady I met on LDS Linkup a year ago. I know. Most people don't get on dating sites and end up making friends with other women but that is what happened. Marika is really funny and she is actually getting married to a guy she met on the site. Woohoo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAibms6knGLdQyv7_x5mW-pfBaJ2S_iueSC2oqTYeq9_qVOuAlZPAMTufKghND8SWLCQQySgQix7ZHc2YZie6ta4SNxzcQK9f1P0_fsCyQto_d0yU_lNcWMZa2laiMdNCB0OXu5Ih2zsC/s1600/marika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAibms6knGLdQyv7_x5mW-pfBaJ2S_iueSC2oqTYeq9_qVOuAlZPAMTufKghND8SWLCQQySgQix7ZHc2YZie6ta4SNxzcQK9f1P0_fsCyQto_d0yU_lNcWMZa2laiMdNCB0OXu5Ih2zsC/s400/marika.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you ready for this--I took Luke and Sammie horseback riding. HORSEBACK RIDING PEOPLE! That should entitle me to a full day of reading US magazine in bed I say:</div>
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I bought the deal for four people on Groupon so we also took one of Luke's friends. We had lunch up there. It was a lot of fun:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgklHQRAAQADl9HUeyr_MUrEqBZ9l0XO3ll1OY-uDSRzgQHltaktcqbkV-ELtI9U7P8_rHiyBZPcZOxq-uIFwpwQ0pKm7b5-3jxRJjXMQbrPSanoVHoO6eEuTh88hr2gTD8N_OQOKaF4lf/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgklHQRAAQADl9HUeyr_MUrEqBZ9l0XO3ll1OY-uDSRzgQHltaktcqbkV-ELtI9U7P8_rHiyBZPcZOxq-uIFwpwQ0pKm7b5-3jxRJjXMQbrPSanoVHoO6eEuTh88hr2gTD8N_OQOKaF4lf/s640/lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I went to dinner with my high school girlfriends. Look at Natalie's gorgeous kitchen!<br />
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All of my kids got haircuts which made me feel like a good mom. I am known for having shagamuffin kids. Ryan got the worst Dumb and Dumber Lloyd Christmas haircut:<br />
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Now I have to put product in his hair until it grows out:<br />
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We went to the zoo and surprisingly it wasn't a madhouse (Buster pre-hair cut):<br />
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My kids have been playing outside (hooray for fantastic weather!)<br />
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Sammie celebrated a birthday!<br />
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Easter bunny came and brought my kids stuff I would have bought them anyway for summer:<br />
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Finally, we celebrated Easter at my Mom's house. She did the annual Easter egg hunt for the kids and we all ate too much:<br />
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Now the long slow march until Summer!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-44264836748551942222013-03-31T22:54:00.000-07:002013-03-31T22:54:14.851-07:00Easter Finery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*Random passerby holding a dog took these fabulous pictures. I am too lazy to crop. Most looked like this:<br />
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*Luke told me this morning he was going to wear his BYU tie. As I started to bark at him about coordinating with the fam, he laughed and said, "I'm kidding Mom." He knows how to push my buttons.<br />
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*Ryan whispered in my ear at church "You look pretty Mom." Swoon.<br />
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*I love Buster in the back of this shot.<br />
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*Buster looks like an orphan. He needs a haircut in the worst way. Tuesday at 2 it is happening.<br />
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*Sun was a little bright (open your eyes everybody!) <br />
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*Sammie is darling as always. We discovered this morning her ears are infected (from getting her ears pierced.) If you know anything about Sammie's sweet disposition, you can imagine how changing out her earrings went down.<br />
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Happy Easter! brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-57001246973370347252013-03-25T23:04:00.000-07:002013-03-25T23:04:07.509-07:00Hapari Swimsuit Giveaway Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PQidPjHYXEKTiCrCPupBYIXc7I8YIZ0uii07zjIzVe7IA7kR7cK3WOAdG2vZbY6X7GX7O8D8fSYuvET9Q0VxTotI8yixx5yV8yYQPoUOl4w_t22RzmhaR7M8sZ77TugbgGesbsUiMlYk/s1600/hapari1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PQidPjHYXEKTiCrCPupBYIXc7I8YIZ0uii07zjIzVe7IA7kR7cK3WOAdG2vZbY6X7GX7O8D8fSYuvET9Q0VxTotI8yixx5yV8yYQPoUOl4w_t22RzmhaR7M8sZ77TugbgGesbsUiMlYk/s640/hapari1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We have a winner of the Hapari Swimsuit Giveaway. Random.org pulled up #10 which is Linde! Linde said "I'd love a new suit--does it come with the flat stomachs and thin thighs they show with the suits? ;)" I wish Linde! <br />
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Please email me your contact information and I will send you the voucher for your new suit! Congratulations!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-48135593159988416732013-03-25T16:49:00.000-07:002013-03-25T16:49:15.660-07:00Thoughts on Facebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. I have become more into Facebook now that I am getting lazier with blogging.<br />
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2. I feel like I am more personal with my blog. I will put anything on here. But Facebook feels more public to me. I know..makes no sense because my blog is public. I think it is because men are involved on Facebook and blogging is mostly just the women.<br />
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3. I love being able to go look up who someone is and cyber stalk them. So what?<br />
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4. I don't love when all of some one's photos are private...see #3.<br />
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5. When someone posts nothing but uplifting quotes--I assume they are depressed.<br />
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6. I have "friends" on facebook who I want to pull aside and tell them they are making a fool of themselves. Stop posting everyday! Stop posting all the self portraits! Stop "liking" all the photos where it is a soldier holding a baby and it says "like if you have a heart..ignore if you are a horrible person."<br />
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7. Facebook is very important in the dating world. It is the #1 marketing tool. If you are single, you don't have the option of not being on Facebook.<br />
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8. I still feel like there are people from high school that I am not cool enough to be friends with on Facebook.<br />
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9. There are people from high school that I barely knew then and now think I they are hilarious because of Facebook. Why didn't I know this about them back then?<br />
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10. There are so many etiquette questions with Facebook...Is it rude to untag an unflattering photo of myself? Can I defriend someone quietly? Is it rude to ignore a friend request? <br />
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What am I missing? Is Instagram killing facebook? Do all of your Crossfit friends talk about it incessantly on FB? What are your Facebook pet peeves?brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-14548744513974523552013-03-20T14:33:00.002-07:002013-03-20T14:33:54.980-07:00Hapari Swimsuit Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think we are all ready for Spring right? What better way to kick the winter blues than to win a new swimsuit from <a href="http://www.hapari.com/">Hapari</a>?! I did this same giveaway last year and I decided I needed to do it again. I love <a href="http://www.hapari.com/modest-tankinis/">Hapari </a>and I think they make a great product.<br />
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After gestating and nursing four babies, the most important thing to me is support for the "girls." Under wire in a swimsuit is the gold standard. In the past, it has been extremely hard to find. Ashley told me about Hapari two years ago and when she mentioned under wire, I stopped listening. I said "take me to their store!"<br />
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The store is in American Fork, Utah and it is absolutely adorable (the dressing rooms look like cabanas). For the local girls, I recommend running down there because you can try on all the different styles. But online has everything as well.<br />
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Last year, I got this one:<br />
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This year, I will be buying this one:<br />
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But I love this one as well:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0_R4y2v8_36LQr8H1etQLYln9hjnHpohS1tN19iRM4NwGk_aHH9hKfowsO-tgrZLNtEFiGVXMgaLqNzer_85qsuu4YEqjEOkUQq26TM8H0ZzlsUMzcz0pM6uTthK146xf-5CD1OmXAxr/s1600/hapari7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0_R4y2v8_36LQr8H1etQLYln9hjnHpohS1tN19iRM4NwGk_aHH9hKfowsO-tgrZLNtEFiGVXMgaLqNzer_85qsuu4YEqjEOkUQq26TM8H0ZzlsUMzcz0pM6uTthK146xf-5CD1OmXAxr/s320/hapari7.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The best part is, they have these darling <a href="http://www.hapari.com/swimwear-skirts-and-cover-shorts/">skirts</a> to wear over the swimsuits and everything is mix and match with the tops and the bottoms.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEguSO_ISZ-8HgIjlMsjrDroBAtKcEdURwA2dSIWzushGIRV3OClOUZjiRIP1MOaweXva_iZNgeKaM6RCv5MB6xhJ8ZieFX3iWm7aYQQ1DMy0al8bU7QdlJE6mPK8RIAP_dlalLSYtRVsB/s1600/5c5d09f34842c968cd9f90e347335573.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587137363268441314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEguSO_ISZ-8HgIjlMsjrDroBAtKcEdURwA2dSIWzushGIRV3OClOUZjiRIP1MOaweXva_iZNgeKaM6RCv5MB6xhJ8ZieFX3iWm7aYQQ1DMy0al8bU7QdlJE6mPK8RIAP_dlalLSYtRVsB/s400/5c5d09f34842c968cd9f90e347335573.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YyBLZVBeRsCdkez7Or2cefbk95gwYWT45i-P-skEACCkF4OZsxD8hEnwO4fVhRzIVQeI6WREocZWVRt3x8BNDw1G-Hzb1zyhmblGfzoGj79x-4omD1ZfgokMMhk1DX-PNMVV0Uq6WuTh/s1600/11249333ee22dc5bc787219400b1898c.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587137228156596386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YyBLZVBeRsCdkez7Or2cefbk95gwYWT45i-P-skEACCkF4OZsxD8hEnwO4fVhRzIVQeI6WREocZWVRt3x8BNDw1G-Hzb1zyhmblGfzoGj79x-4omD1ZfgokMMhk1DX-PNMVV0Uq6WuTh/s400/11249333ee22dc5bc787219400b1898c.jpg" style="display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a><br />
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This year, they added shorts as well:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_iq-k48qFVB3u1H2VhtDBcC3zbkeU71pqYy4ZwVasg0O22-nBrmXJPnfhZu_EwvS9NsC5OxI_R9UdQZcw3rmhGG2-4vDp8GHDXZFO5bOvdBcH5mcgo20zWCzKl3IyOoIg77LJjIgzcPo/s1600/hapari6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_iq-k48qFVB3u1H2VhtDBcC3zbkeU71pqYy4ZwVasg0O22-nBrmXJPnfhZu_EwvS9NsC5OxI_R9UdQZcw3rmhGG2-4vDp8GHDXZFO5bOvdBcH5mcgo20zWCzKl3IyOoIg77LJjIgzcPo/s320/hapari6.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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If bikinis are your thing..they make those too. Look how cute. I love this emerald color:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYHHGHlBH0QUJ4gF79vVXZWgM7zLBKFwL2j5oRAGc3J4AkqI8rdz7e9pBOvQorao7Wi2uJPh_HnaZzDCcLp_hU3yvrpbs1QqPvHZmScjjJWuUnW-v6VQ7ASGRxAwSXp6lmQLcO-xNGxhf/s1600/hapari5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYHHGHlBH0QUJ4gF79vVXZWgM7zLBKFwL2j5oRAGc3J4AkqI8rdz7e9pBOvQorao7Wi2uJPh_HnaZzDCcLp_hU3yvrpbs1QqPvHZmScjjJWuUnW-v6VQ7ASGRxAwSXp6lmQLcO-xNGxhf/s320/hapari5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And guess what else? Their suits actually have pockets to slide in silicone inserts (that they sell) if you want to enhance what you already have (this concept is completely foreign to me but it may interest some of you.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKbkYbvY_m804zScwSSYnpPaAZERtI-vuVe1678FNrxkMx7sdtdussZWIAjQ5vt7-0WFr-SYe2CIkR3hxZB-X2ZB84KzmcVnIQ0hJYQoe-0bCM8IayjF-X_EQOFrDTHDKA96y8nZY1rnT/s1600/illusions.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587137574961641058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKbkYbvY_m804zScwSSYnpPaAZERtI-vuVe1678FNrxkMx7sdtdussZWIAjQ5vt7-0WFr-SYe2CIkR3hxZB-X2ZB84KzmcVnIQ0hJYQoe-0bCM8IayjF-X_EQOFrDTHDKA96y8nZY1rnT/s400/illusions.jpg" style="display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a><br />
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So let's get down to business...The give-away is for a $90.00 gift card to their site.<br />
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To enter, link to one of the following on your blog, Twitter or Facebook:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hapari.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.hapari.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hapari.com/womens-swimwear/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.hapari.com/womens-swimwear/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hapari.com/plus-size-swimwear/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.hapari.com/plus-size-swimwear/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hapari.com/modest-tankinis/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.hapari.com/modest-tankinis/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then come back here and comment on my blog with the URL where the link to Hapari can be found. Once that is done, you are entered into the giveaway!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
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You can receive up to two bonus entries for each different place you share the link (like a blog, Facebook, Twitter.) Each link will count as one entry into the contest. Leave a separate comment for each time you shared the link.</div>
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The contest will end on Monday, March 25th at midnight. I will pick a winner using random.org. Please leave your email address with your comment so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-37821199040506876472013-03-18T00:30:00.000-07:002013-03-17T23:51:59.862-07:00I'm Turning 29...again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPGJ95HlQmnZ7q2dEtrX8R1PYzUrrOjSPz3w0AQUsDF0D_mskwD4GVpeTPWw35x86U5B1OCFnYh1dkTcx4o9u3_c3iw_GBADe6Fu8_6JmOX00rCiz5z_eJwWGXhM2aoN9Q8A5Dgg5R1k5/s1600/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPGJ95HlQmnZ7q2dEtrX8R1PYzUrrOjSPz3w0AQUsDF0D_mskwD4GVpeTPWw35x86U5B1OCFnYh1dkTcx4o9u3_c3iw_GBADe6Fu8_6JmOX00rCiz5z_eJwWGXhM2aoN9Q8A5Dgg5R1k5/s400/cupcake.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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I used to love my birthday. The attention! The gifts! The excuse to lounge in bed and go out to eat! But now that I am single, I hate getting a year older. I have been back in the dating pool and I am finally going to bring y'all the dating posts you have been begging for. Stay tuned for that.<br />
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Thanks for coming out of the woodwork to enter my contest for the maxi-skirt. It was so fun to read what posts you liked and see who is out there reading my blog! I was flattered and happy and it made my day. I was hard to decide but I picked Molly! Molly, send me an email with your address and the skirt will be on it's way!<br />
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If you didn't win the skirt, don't despair. I am doing my annual Hapari swimsuit giveaway this week as well. I will be using Random.org to pick that winner so check back and make sure to enter to win a fun swimsuit.<br />
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I was going to do a Birthday 36 of 36 more things about me..but I didn't have the energy. How about 10 things you probably don't know about me?! Here goes:<br />
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1. When I was about 10 (and totally not cute) my mom decided to get me and Ashley involved in modeling. I had a face only a mother could love. Of course, she thought we were beautiful and talented. Ashley and I had to perform a skit for these ad execs to see if they wanted to cast us in commercials. We did a scene from Peewee Herman's Big Adventure. I was Pee Wee and Ashley was Francis. It was horrible and obnoxious and all I remember was the blank stares on the ad execs faces. My brother Rex still begs us to do it to this day. Glad someone appreciates it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd4dzp66Jzo4A_Z1WTz4epnB6XxWBj8GYsgitXyiS849VwM9WcL-V00JavzCc3XSerpRp7-M9jkhiPO-_Zi4GzCKZskcv_yPWhEWdCBNfntoV6D9L_Few6WPclQfruB4oTiOiY01IidPb/s1600/pee+wee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd4dzp66Jzo4A_Z1WTz4epnB6XxWBj8GYsgitXyiS849VwM9WcL-V00JavzCc3XSerpRp7-M9jkhiPO-_Zi4GzCKZskcv_yPWhEWdCBNfntoV6D9L_Few6WPclQfruB4oTiOiY01IidPb/s1600/pee+wee.jpg" /></a></div>
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2. I hate sushi. I don't like Anthropology clothing, and I have never been on Pinterest. It's amazing you all still talk to me.<br />
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3. My biggest fear in the world is being called as the Primary chorister.<br />
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4. There are people from high school that I still feel like I am not cool enough to be friends with on Facebook. I have all kinds of thoughts about Facebook. This probably deserves it's own post. <br />
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5. If I was getting married right now, my wedding colors would be pink and grey. My wedding wouldn't be elaborate but I do want a nice dinner for close friends and family and no gifts. I hope I remarry before pink and grey go out of style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qn5qpAeM-wui758vJA67HywNMD1tQYuJ2JxhM8cvmeWLSIx-EOpatyJf83ukDw5rhjShyphenhyphenkyBi8w4-H6FMTbiDuvMvrn2w72oN_G7RLVgWzgpsY9nhyphenhyphen3szzNgoDLSMBciFFacd9mU0L5N/s1600/pink+grey+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qn5qpAeM-wui758vJA67HywNMD1tQYuJ2JxhM8cvmeWLSIx-EOpatyJf83ukDw5rhjShyphenhyphenkyBi8w4-H6FMTbiDuvMvrn2w72oN_G7RLVgWzgpsY9nhyphenhyphen3szzNgoDLSMBciFFacd9mU0L5N/s400/pink+grey+wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. I hate the moustache craze. Is it over yet? Please say it is.</div>
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7. I love grocery store birthday cake. I might have to go buy myself one. Forget the ice-cream. I could eat the whole cake myself..standing over it--with a fork--straightening out my lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJefNjjRg2rmEV3InqjQLd2zv98f632i17Vfy5Qk8QvSDoWAW0CpFFOMFHPUd-vAdQLlaN-8Do9FW7XVReipD7EUOfZUlTcONUG0PdgsQiC-IGY3HQuO8IlDZmXujUASkMihkzwZe5ugZ_/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJefNjjRg2rmEV3InqjQLd2zv98f632i17Vfy5Qk8QvSDoWAW0CpFFOMFHPUd-vAdQLlaN-8Do9FW7XVReipD7EUOfZUlTcONUG0PdgsQiC-IGY3HQuO8IlDZmXujUASkMihkzwZe5ugZ_/s400/cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. My least favorite thing in the world is when you are at a restaurant and a guy with a guitar is walking around and he comes to perform at your table and you have to stop and listen. <br />
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9. My mom gave me this gorgeous Coach handbag for my birthday. I am scared to death to use it. I have a history of being hard on handbags. Right now, you could find a bunch of used kleenex, matchbox cars and a rock-hard protein bar with no wrapper stuck to the inside of my purse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJGEhyLUztocoUS17SvtNZgpmUcnSyDsWLR5tsDQ_JWZxaiP50VT4m3Z-xpaWryVNi3pi1JCZ_BavOvZrmzdWRikJjQvgatEJcZj6D3Ku0pLS0XQJz7SVFfcg11aw51FXuSi7qUeAaB_6/s1600/purse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJGEhyLUztocoUS17SvtNZgpmUcnSyDsWLR5tsDQ_JWZxaiP50VT4m3Z-xpaWryVNi3pi1JCZ_BavOvZrmzdWRikJjQvgatEJcZj6D3Ku0pLS0XQJz7SVFfcg11aw51FXuSi7qUeAaB_6/s640/purse.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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10. I only wash my hair every other day and I no longer take my make-up off at night (I know--it's awful!) but I will always floss every night until the day I die. brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-52570090642108096192013-03-15T22:48:00.001-07:002013-03-15T22:48:24.449-07:00Practicing Our Way Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FIgbTmdQE8snhCvBTU1NtYGHZXxpbFkA3E5PeCHcn1Of6fgk-z8Lzsp4RVGB3WgqTKUFJugYf0YaAyLWyAQw1AU312Ao9r1uxUGfRdKz3fUGflTHSqOGf9gso7eoZXKk6NfTRJlei9jN/s1600/tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FIgbTmdQE8snhCvBTU1NtYGHZXxpbFkA3E5PeCHcn1Of6fgk-z8Lzsp4RVGB3WgqTKUFJugYf0YaAyLWyAQw1AU312Ao9r1uxUGfRdKz3fUGflTHSqOGf9gso7eoZXKk6NfTRJlei9jN/s640/tables.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Last night, we had our Relief Society Birthday Celebration. (a.k.a. Enrichment, a.k.a. Homemaking.) This was the extent of my amazing decor:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsS__He3piI4jWVOz6fnLyLVJ6svXoq2Iaulnz3b5qiKAXxohIj_8FjkUBwncB3pvuRtjNtkxepwjrNlSXKpGj0WyFAivi-MB6eLXbw8djpfDDb5jyaPdUjRG4X9_6W-Gp3JyQ1s_z2cx/s1600/decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsS__He3piI4jWVOz6fnLyLVJ6svXoq2Iaulnz3b5qiKAXxohIj_8FjkUBwncB3pvuRtjNtkxepwjrNlSXKpGj0WyFAivi-MB6eLXbw8djpfDDb5jyaPdUjRG4X9_6W-Gp3JyQ1s_z2cx/s640/decor.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was in charge and had a great committee to help me:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhFqNM2vhT-wouxHd0pRrLSBiuauO5_bseJtbr6L68xQlus6IJRDm7mUfevts4kBl2Vv-KuQEFCiurfU4kyfJVMOkgg5STFni_N_P9MVAVLKnFoBTRNlUZ9BRIh1cPGtuEP-WOQcOY3u8/s1600/ladies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhFqNM2vhT-wouxHd0pRrLSBiuauO5_bseJtbr6L68xQlus6IJRDm7mUfevts4kBl2Vv-KuQEFCiurfU4kyfJVMOkgg5STFni_N_P9MVAVLKnFoBTRNlUZ9BRIh1cPGtuEP-WOQcOY3u8/s640/ladies1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I think it turned out nice. My motto is "do nothing until the last minute." No. Just kidding. My real motto is "Make sure the food is good and don't worry about decorating." We had soup, salad, and Fazoli's bread sticks and ladies in the ward shared temple experiences. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8yTMUYz4n5Gzvz-I9tHSvbWAF8tI-3HXNU7yFrUFJohLfaHAPAvPeXbLiYBoM9cUAtXuyGzYOUHtkrAml2u1mBf-7dLUvp6PqCm0oOnLbboMlWoJgR0lNKG-FzAecqTMgOIQ93vRShky/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8yTMUYz4n5Gzvz-I9tHSvbWAF8tI-3HXNU7yFrUFJohLfaHAPAvPeXbLiYBoM9cUAtXuyGzYOUHtkrAml2u1mBf-7dLUvp6PqCm0oOnLbboMlWoJgR0lNKG-FzAecqTMgOIQ93vRShky/s640/soup.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JmwhHMVr6HB4ewXkOy4KXeSfHUTpW4vXADR1sMlLuAZw4-YUunB31zPNeYfPaTCYGwK4MgtxaiXL6WjIqFxe46auNug4z4NuIC0BVaXOX72BgWBAmNIyXG8cPQ8_OQqY6UL9x8zvUhwT/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JmwhHMVr6HB4ewXkOy4KXeSfHUTpW4vXADR1sMlLuAZw4-YUunB31zPNeYfPaTCYGwK4MgtxaiXL6WjIqFxe46auNug4z4NuIC0BVaXOX72BgWBAmNIyXG8cPQ8_OQqY6UL9x8zvUhwT/s640/salad.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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As I came home last night and fell into bed, I remembered back to twenty years ago when I was 16 years old. The Relief Society in my ward was doing a fashion show of antique dresses and outfits for Enrichment. The lady in charge (who shall remain nameless but I remember her distinctly to this day!) decided to have the young women in the ward be the models. We were all asked to come to the church the day before and get fitted in outfits for the show.<br />
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At 16, I was the same size I am now. 5'9, decent sized chest, long legs. Do you see where this is going? The antique clothes were made for ladies 100 years ago who were five foot nothing and probably flat as a board. To say the clothes were short and tight on me was an understatement. They had me try on outfit after outfit and they would sit and snicker and whisper about how inappropriate I looked. Finally, I burst into tears and told them I wasn't doing their stupid show and ran for my car.<br />
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When I got home, my mom asked me what was wrong. I explained what happened and I couldn't even finish before she was in her car heading to the church. She marched in and told those ladies off and reminded them that the church is about people not programs and told them she wouldn't be coming to their lousy fashion show. Boo-yeah! And for those of you who don't know my mom..everyone loves her. She was the toast of the ward. So that was a big deal!<br />
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My darling mom:<br />
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To this day, I try to think about that experience when I plan things for church. But I also know that people aren't perfect..in any organization. We all make mistakes. We all get caught up in trying to make our event perfect. We all want to succeed and we offend people along the way. <br />
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Recently, I attended a testimony meeting where a woman spoke of God's grace. Grace isn't a term we often use in the Mormon church but it basically means we all get to return to His presence because the Atonement. She reminded us that the Atonement is a gift. We are not EARNING our way back to Him--we are PRACTICING our way back. I loved that. <br />
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So as I go forward in the future, my goal is to put people first, events second and forgive others along the way. Oh, and thank the Lord every night that I am no longer in cub scouts!!!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-24240181256090604762013-03-14T22:24:00.001-07:002013-03-14T23:03:44.678-07:00Maxi Skirt Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://shop.thenestonmainstreet.com/">The Nest on Main</a> recently did a giveaway on Facebook and I won this skirt! In my comment, I said I wanted to win this so I wouldn't have to shave my legs and I could sit like a man at church. I had already ordered the skirt when I won this one so now I have two. <br />
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It's your lucky day! I am giving one away on my blog. The skirt is junior sizing so I knew I had to get a size Huge. (Large.) It is super stretchy so I think it could fit anyone between 5'6 and 5'10. For reference, I am 5'9 and I usually wear a 6 or 8 in skirts. My mom, who is 5'6 tried the skirt on and it fit her too. The waistband rolls up or down so the length can be adjusted. I will announce the winner on my birthday (Monday!) <br />
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Here are the rules...because <a href="http://www.iwannatalkaboutbrooke.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-like-rules.html">I love rules</a>.<br />
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Leave a comment and tell me your favorite blog post I have ever done. I know it is narcissistic and a little vain but the name of my blog is "i wanna talk about me" so just go with it!<br />
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That's it. Let's do this!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-43905940177963785752013-03-05T23:13:00.003-08:002013-03-06T15:47:11.807-08:00Pirate Pizza Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am regretting that I already used the title "Black, White and Red All Over." It would have been perfect for this post!<br />
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Ry Ry turned five this weekend and we threw him a pirate pizza party. Ryan has had an obsession with pirates for years. He has been a pirate for Halloween the last two years so a pirate party seemed like a no-brainer. The only thing he cared about doing at his party was playing the candy bar game. He loves to eat. (He is very big for his age. He weighs 8 pounds more than Sammie and she is three years older and three inches taller.) But he makes up for it in sweetness. He is my big teddy bear.<br />
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Anyway, we invited 13 little boys and only one didn't show. Sam came and helped and the whole thing went off without a hitch. The kids were really good.<br />
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Ryan had to have this door cover for the bathroom...potty humor is huge at five!<br />
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Sammie and Luke dressed up and were my big helpers at the party!<br />
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We had pizza (BBQ chicken is Ryan's favorite):<br />
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We played the candy bar game:<br />
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Ryan opened presents:<br />
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We hit a pinata:<br />
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We kept this little boy happy with lots of Diet Coke:<br />
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I made this fabulous cake...isn't it impressive? just kidding, I bought it all Walmart. I have had some disastrous cakes in the past (<a href="http://www.iwannatalkaboutbrooke.blogspot.com/2009/06/in-defense-of-worlds-ugliest-birthday.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.iwannatalkaboutbrooke.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html">here</a>) so I got smart this time and bought the cake.
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And we ran out of the time or the kids would have gone on a treasure hunt to find these hats and swords. They just got them on the way out:<br />
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All four of my kids were born in the spring. My b-day is in March too so it is birthday craziness this time of year. Glad the first b-day is over with!! Happy Birthday Ry Ry! Mama loves you more than the whole sky.</div>
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brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-67214440551929190582013-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:002013-02-28T08:36:00.543-08:00A Tale of Two Bags (and two sisters)It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. In February, 2011, I was walking through Dillard's on my way to the mall and saw the cutest handbag I had ever laid eyes on. It had cool colors and a darling print and best of all...it was wipeable. <br />
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I purchased it on the spot, with no coupons, no sale, nada. This is so rare for me. But I was so glad I did. It was Fossil brand and it sold out quickly. I got compliments on it everywhere I went. Ashley saw it and had to have it. My mom devoted hours to calling stores across the country until she located an identical one for Ashley. <br />
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Fast forward a year. The bag got a rip. I took it to a shoe repair place by me and the little Asian man who runs the shop said he could sew it up. It would cost me 13 dollars. No biggie. Problem solved.<br />
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Fast forward another year. Beloved bag rips again. I take it back to little Asian man. This time he says to me "me no fix. You buy new bag." Oh silly man, there is no new bag to buy! (This is the same man who told my friend Susan "You get fat" when she asked to have him let out a pair of her pants. He has no time for diplomacy.) He stubbornly refused to fix the bag a second time. I thought all was lost. About this same time, 1000 miles away, Ashley's bag ripped as well.<br />
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Fast forward until tonight. I was cruising through Walmart, talking on the phone to Ashley. I cut through the purse section and stumbled onto this beauty:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-x9vc7cKimCezRCyDG7k7TDFXRXJActT2PFHfrG0xaB6LMgyuuOqmOacS7lJsNhwLyOsHvX4tKFzmXYBISF9lp1IvEnGrDvo7SoJIBKrIVBiBc4gmoX6lMrvuOb_oiwvA3ms406ITSoS/s1600/walmart+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-x9vc7cKimCezRCyDG7k7TDFXRXJActT2PFHfrG0xaB6LMgyuuOqmOacS7lJsNhwLyOsHvX4tKFzmXYBISF9lp1IvEnGrDvo7SoJIBKrIVBiBc4gmoX6lMrvuOb_oiwvA3ms406ITSoS/s640/walmart+bag.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Darling right? AND WIPEABLE! I sent Ashley a pic and of course she wanted one. $16.88 for these babies! Take that Walmart haters! Once again we have matching bags!<br />
<br />brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671219598257411453.post-81557167760211669032013-02-26T22:47:00.000-08:002013-02-26T23:54:25.740-08:00Black and White and Red All Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqoy5R46KQZ1R11JVApz16Bt4tyjmF3mRPVA_ifwi1Mq7Xlqo4t4QnI3JkUDIv79CNvaBgbDEUupKl5mkrAIPKPdZwMsXrwXs_kiH1ndHcbQ3Qi-3DS7qGkShl2p5ZVKRx2GoibAiUjml/s1600/xmas2012+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqoy5R46KQZ1R11JVApz16Bt4tyjmF3mRPVA_ifwi1Mq7Xlqo4t4QnI3JkUDIv79CNvaBgbDEUupKl5mkrAIPKPdZwMsXrwXs_kiH1ndHcbQ3Qi-3DS7qGkShl2p5ZVKRx2GoibAiUjml/s640/xmas2012+007.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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old photo from Christmas</div>
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My last post was about slowing down. That hasn't really happened. I don't think the word slow is in my vocabulary. So as my life continues at a break neck pace, let me update you. I was looking at the photos on my phone and I noticed how many are black and white and red-hence the title. <br />
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Here is what I have been up to lately:<br />
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I bought the Sorel jrs in Black. Yeah I know I told y'all I was keeping #4 boots--the Call of the Wild . I changed my mind, which will surprise no one. After clomping around the mall for one afternoon in the other boots, I knew they had to go back. I decided I needed the lightest snow boots I could find. Behold the fifth pair of boots I purchased:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQROqgS2R9uea72oXKcsI1Ubdef0zCvSasIKqqIvy6gW-uArMKhfDE2MIOQO8lufKbCFKS5QXM1AUWLqqfjTeF_X8wrei_txSUn3vzSlTNChzbh1gzh6Ae8RQjvb9180eaV-AdEPPfYEn/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQROqgS2R9uea72oXKcsI1Ubdef0zCvSasIKqqIvy6gW-uArMKhfDE2MIOQO8lufKbCFKS5QXM1AUWLqqfjTeF_X8wrei_txSUn3vzSlTNChzbh1gzh6Ae8RQjvb9180eaV-AdEPPfYEn/s640/boots.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It was the right decision.<br />
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Ryan's birthday is coming up and I am throwing him a pirate pizza party on Saturday. 13 little boys. I am insane. <br />
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Here is a picture of me and Ryan right before church a few weeks ago..thrown in because it goes with my black, red and white theme. My nose is getting better every day. Thanks for asking!:<br />
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Ashley had the cutest baby ever a few days ago. The big news is that he is NOT a red. I love her little red heads but it is fun to see a blonde from her. <br />
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Both of us have babies with tons of hair and seeing this little guy made me baby hungry for about ten minutes. Then I got over it. But doesn't he have the cutest face?<br />
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John and his kids spent President's Day weekend with us and we had a great time. My kids were in Heaven..6 kids might as well be 16 though. We felt like the Duggars trying to go places. We don't even all fit in my car! Things are great but John and I have decided to keep dating but date other people as well and not be as serious. We will see how that goes.<br />
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I will end on the silly. I won this skirt in a facebook drawing and had already bought it. So I am giving away the extra one! Check back to my blog in the next couple weeks for drawings to win this skirt and a Hapari swimsuit! (Sorry for two lame mirror shots in one post!)<br />
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brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114483651100368830noreply@blogger.com10