Of all the dumb luck...

Brayden lost another tooth tonight, and just before he went to bed, he came into our room and asked, "Mom, how come the tooth fairy brings other kids $1 instead of coins?"
I thought quick, and explained that maybe he just needed to ask for a raise, and he went to bed.
Darn.
I was hoping that quarter thing would last a bit longer--he does collect them, you know. But now he wants the BIG money.
So, I went to my purse to cough up a dollar, and wouldn't you know it (and I guarantee this is the only time in my life that this will ever happen) all I have is a $100 bill and a bunch of coins. (I just got paid in cash for a quilt that came to $100.36). So now, even though I remembered that he lost a tooth, I don't have the money to leave in his pillow. Tomorrow, once again, I will fail my tooth fairy responsibilities until the bank opens.

I'll probably blame it on the Mighty Molar Power Ranger.

Oops, WE did it again

Brayden lost another tooth yesterday, and once again, the tooth fairy forgot to come to our house.

I was lamenting to Todd about what terrible parents we are, and he replied, "Don't look at me, I'm not going to take on the role of a FAIRY."

So I've decided to come up with a better name. Something like, "The Tooth Terminator" , "The Molar Morphin Power Ranger", "DentalTron", or something more masculine like that...'cause guess what, folks. It's not ALL my fault. I delivered a piece of brain with each child, you know.

How can I be expected to remember a tiny missing tooth, when I'm conducting a mass rescue effort to recover missing library books?

Aren't kids supposed to know the truth by 1st grade, anyway? This is one tradition I'm a bit tired of, probably because I've failed so many times. Does anyone have a good excuse? I've run out; and guess what? He has two more loose teeth.

I've been "husband tagged"--Todd's going to love this...

What is his name?
Todd, Toddy, Toddles, Toddoes 'n' Gravy, Wacky Hubbabubba
How long have you been married?
Ten years on August 21st! We know each other so well, it's scary. Lately he's started coming up with some really great idea's and opinions. I'm not sure if I just taught him well and it finally kicked in, or if he has brainwashed me...
How long did you date?
May 10th-May 17th of 1998. Yep, one week. Actually he hung around my college apartment so much that we named him an "honorary roommate" but we didn't know if he liked me or my roommate. So I knew him pretty well, but we were "just friends" for a good long time.
How old is he?
Thirty-three. I always tease him about the fact that Jesus died at 33--and look how much he accomplished in His lifetime. (he knows I'm kidding, by the way).
Who eats more?
Me. It's definitely me. Pathetic, huh? He was even a football player...and they eat a lot.
Who said I love you first?
He did. And he holds it over my head to this day. (Probably because I always tell the story of how he didn't kiss me until we had been engaged for NINE days! Kind of awkward...I know...I was there...wondering...Does he really want to marry me?... Hmm...).
Who is smarter?
I'm more book-smart (I'm good at memorizing and taking tests), and he's more street smart (social skills and such). We help each other out.
Whose temper is worse?
I think our temper's are pretty much even, we just get "out-of-joint" about different things.
Who does laundry?
He throws most of the loads in (because he's quickly running out of underwear), and I fold them--eventually.
Who does the dishes?
Most of the time it's me, but he does clean up after dinner on occasion.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
Me. He has to be able to lay on his right side and face me. Not that he always sleeps facing me, but he has to be facing me when he's on his right side. His left side gurgles (it's called digestion--we all do it). I know, it's a little obsessive, but he informed me about it before we got married, so I knew what I was getting into, and luckily I don't care if I gurgle when I lay on my left side.
Who pays the bills?
I do now, but for a long time we each had certain bills that we were in charge of. He paid the online stuff, and I sent out the snail mail.
Who cooks dinner?
Mostly me, but there are certain meals that he cooks. He does the all the grilling, and he makes better pancakes, scrambled eggs, and soups.
Who drives when you are together?
Definitely Todd. I like to look at people's yards, and the flowers, and the stores, and whether people's siding color goes with their roof color, etc. I can't be bothered with driving. There's too much to see. (Although I did argue for my turn to drive when we first got our Honda Odyssey. The driver's side butt-warmer extends to the back of the seat, and it's quite heavenly when the temperature is -2 degrees).
Whose parents do you see the most?
Mine. Although I spend more time on the phone with his. I LOVE my mother-in-law. Except when she makes harsh comments about my cute green purse...:o) Which, by the way, I've had TONS of compliments on.
Todd likes my family, too. So it's a win-win situation.
Who proposed?
Todd; although I got the ball rolling when I asked (after a week of dating) "Where's this going?" and he answered, "I have a hard time imagining my future without thinking about 'our' kids". I had been feeling the same way...and now we have three little monkeys that eat all our food, and mess up our stuff (we didn't exactly imagine that when we were in our "love bubble").
Who has more friends?
I do, and it's a good thing because after doing therapy all day, he's not really in the mood to talk. After being a mom all day---I've got a few things to say...
Who has more siblings?
He does, and I love them all. He has a great family.
Who wears the pants in the family?
We take turns wearing the pants, it depends on the subject matter :). And unfortunately, if we wanted, that term could be literal. Since I've had kids I can wear his pants. To my knowledge he's never tried mine...

We have a new niece!

Congratulations to Michael, Becky, Emily, and Amber!

Their new addition, Lydia Elaine, arrived on February 1st.
Isn't she darling?

A SUPER-toilet-BOWL SUNDAY

We had a "super" bowl moment tonight when Dillon decided (out of the blue) to poop in the potty. He went in, sat down, and did his business. Simple as that. We made a big deal, of course, and gave him gummy bears and he was on his way with a smile. He says he's ready to do it again tomorrow--I hope so.

Missing President Hinckley

My brother just called to let me know that President Hinckley passed away this afternoon. I always thought I would cry when I heard the news but right now I'm just numb, and at peace knowing that he is with his dear wife.

After the Relief Society conference meeting in September 2006, I felt inspired to write a letter to President Hinckley. I sent it on a Monday morning (the week before conference). Among other things, I expressed my love and appreciation for him, told him of how inadequate I felt sometimes as a mother, and asked him how he managed his busy schedule and how he resisted the urge to take a nap. I never in a million years expected to get a letter from the church office building the following Monday morning (just after conference). The reply was written by his secretary, but included words that President Hinckley himself wanted me to hear. In his usual humorous style, he told me that it was okay for me to take a nap! Oh how I love this letter! I keep it with my scriptures.

Also, I remember well the day that President Hinckley conducted my Great Uncle Ed's funeral. I was newly married (only 5 or 6 weeks) and Todd was not able to attend. I don't remember what he said, but as he spoke the spirit bore witness to me that Heavenly Father had a plan for me and my new husband. It was a very simple revelation, but one that I will never forget. I even told President Hinckley about it in my letter. I am grateful for the chance I had to be in the same room with him, and feel his amazing spirit in such a secluded setting.

Why didn't anyone tell ME?

Most days Todd takes Brayden to school in the morning and then goes to work from there. Today, he was running behind, so at the last minute I had to take Brayden to school. My windshield was covered in ice so I scraped my side, and tried to drive with my nose against the steering wheel to see out of my little "hole". Unfortunately, when I turned the corner and faced the sun, I couldn't see a thing, so I had to pull over and wait for my windows to defrost--which made Brayden late for school.

I came home only to find Todd outside, with the windshield wipers on his truck going full speed, spraying stuff on his windshield. Within about 45 seconds he was on his way. Apparently he bought this stuff at NAPA several weeks ago and has been using it every morning. I had no clue this stuff even existed. For those of you who don't have a garage--your life just got easier. I think it costs $2 or $3 a can.