Tagged -- Finally

So a while back -- a very long while back I was tagged on Facebook to write 25 random things about myself. I loved reading the lists of everyone else. I just didn't quite get to doing it then. I was tagged a bunch of times and had really good intentions, but yah, didn't happen. So, it's been too long to do it on fb, but figured I could post it here and resolve some of my angst about it. Here goes.



1. We sometimes make each other crazy, but I’m truly, fiercely in love with my husband. Sometimes I’m caught off guard and I get butterflies in my stomach.
2. I have 3 children for whom I would give my last breath.
3. My biggest fear is that something will happen to my husband and/or children.
4. I speak Spanish. I love it, but I’m really rusty.
5. I love to read – so much that I can become addicted and it’s almost a relief to be done with a book (even if it’s been a terrific book).
6. I can’t stand anything that’s artificially grape flavored – it literally makes my stomach sick.
7. When we were little, I told my little sister that a black witch lived under my parents’ bed. I would then hide under the bed and make noises - very blacky witchy noises.
8. I was on Romper Room when I was little, but I had no concept of it being televised. If I’d understood that, I’m sure I never would have done it, as I was neurotically shy at that age.
9. I don’t like my food touching. It used to be a lot worse. I would have to have every different food separate on my plate without any part or liquid from any part touching. I would go so far as to eat one or two items (separated), then wash my plate and then dish up the rest of the meal. I’m much better as an adult (especially after serving a mission), but I still prefer for the syrup to not get on the eggs.
10. I generally don’t like facial hair on most men. My husband knows my preference, but I secretly think that he’s super hot with a goatee.
11. I loved diagramming sentences in English.
12. I'm a very emotional person - especially when I'm tired. So, you know when you get married and everyone tells you to never go to bed angry? Well, sometimes we just have to go to bed and work it out in the morning after some sleep when I'm a little more sane. Poor Steve had to learn that the hard way.
13. Someday when my children are grown, my dream jobs would be to work in the children’s area of the library or to be the guy who fills business orders at Sam’s Club. (Shopping the store, stacking items on the big cart, checking off the list, wrapping the whole cart in plastic wrap… mmm…bliss.)
14. After my freshman year in college, I got booted out of the honors program. (I did pull things together and graduate with honors, though. Dumb ol’ eggheads, anyway…)
15. I have never gotten a speeding ticket.
16. I love Little House on the Prairie. My friends and I used to play it in my backyard. I still occasionally tune in and generally in the first few minutes, I can give a synopsis of the episode.
17. I am a true Aggie. I bleed blue.
18. I can wiggle my ears.
19. I’m an eternal optimist. Sometimes that stinks because it can lead to disappointment and frustration, but I like believing the best about people and that good things will happen.
20. I have had a good education and had some amazing experiences thus far in life, but I have probably learned the most important things from being a parent. Parenthood is the most difficult and heart-wrenching, yet joyful and rewarding thing I can imagine.
21. I love having a belief in a God who loves us, his children, as powerfully and personally as only a parent can.
22. I love to laugh.
23. I love finding a bargain. I very rarely pay full price for anything. Cheapskate? Maybe, but I like the thrill of the hunt.
24. When asked to tell about my most embarrassing moment, I have a hard time coming up with one. I’d love to say it’s because I’m such a graceful and put-together gal, but really it’s because I routinely do very embarrassing things. I do these things often enough that it’s desensitized me to a degree and I don’t often get that embarrassed. Sad, I know.
25. I'm slightly addicted to Diet Coke and chocolate. (Hey, at least I'm admitting it - even if I did minimize it with the word choice!)

Bailey vs. Food

Bailey fought a nap all morning long. At lunchtime, this is what happened. Now, this picture is noteworthy for several reasons. First - I don't care who you are - when a baby falls asleep in her food, it's cute. Secondly, and the real reason I snapped the photo, is that she was EATING!

Those who know our little gal know that she has an unexplained aversion to solid food. (I know, a Foster who doesn't love food??) Take a look at her sweet cheeks (and the rest of the sweet chubby package) and you'll see that she's definitely not starving. She just won't eat anything that is not, well, milk. She had a tiny stint last summer that she'd eat a little bit of infant cereal. I've no clue as to what changed, but she one day refused to eat it or anything else. I say that she refused to eat, but in our case, "refused" means , gagged, heaved, shuddered, choked, and ended up crying. Seriously, everytime we tried to give her anything from strained squash to banana, she would gag, choke, and shudder -- and spit out anything that defiled her poor lips. She will be a year old next month, folks. So the fact that this past week or so she's started to munch on crackers and bread is a big step. She'll be eating like a champ in no time!

Good Journey

When I was a young boy one of my favorite cartoons was He Man Masters of the Universe. I loved seeing Skeletor and his empire get defeated by the powers of good. I would, at times, stay home from school, because I was "sick", just to watch He Man. How thrilled I was when I found out that they were going to make a movie of my favorite cartoon. Sure the acting sucked, but the principles were true to the animated series. I loved it! However, one thing has stayed with me all these years. After He Man and his crew defeated Skeletor and the whole Grayskull clan, he would say goodbye to his earthly friends. Instead of the traditonal 'goodbye, see ya,' he said, "There are no goodbyes, only good journey."

Today my friend will be laid to rest in Hyrum. He was killed, serving our country in Iraq. I am sad that I will not be able to see him; sad for his sweet wife and children, but I am also hopeful because I realize that this is only part of the journey. What comfort I have in knowing that I will see my friend again. Comfort knowing that he is alright, comfort that his wife will be cared for, and comfort that I have the same promises with my wife and kids.

So Micheal, today I will see your mortal shell lowered into the ground. I will pause and reflect on your life, your patriotism, and honor you. Please know though, that I will not say goodbye - for there are no goodbyes, only good journey.