She's Good!

We were discussing how kids will play off both of their parents when they are trying to get something out of them; if one parent says no they go ask the other parent. My grandma told me a story about my cousin's seven year old daughter, Sierra, that I thought was too funny not to share.

Sierra, like any other kid, was trying to pull this stunt with her grandparents. She asked Grandma Shelley for something for which she was told no. So she went to Grandpa Danny and asked for the same thing. Grandpa Danny said, "I just heard Grandma Shelley tell you no."

While rubbing Grandpa Danny's shoulders Sierra said, "Well, yeah, but...aren't you the man of the house?"

Oh Sierra, you're good. You're real good.

Seven Year Itch

Today is our seventh wedding anniversary. Last night Marshall had a sleepover at my in-laws' and Jesse took me to dinner and a movie to celebrate. We used to go to movies all the time while we were dating and then when we got married Jesse decided to tell me that he didn't really like going to movies. What a dirty trick!

At dinner while I was eating some really messy barbeque ribs I realized that one of the nice things about being married for seven years is that I dare to order ribs on a date and I know he'll still love me when dinner is over. I would have never ordered something so messy while we were dating. Oh, the beauty of seven years of marriage.

Seven year itch here we come!

Obi Nobi Kwan

Marshall was, what he refers to as, Obi Nobi Kwan for Halloween. You've commonly heard him referred to as Obi-Wan Kenobi. He has all the sounds correct, they just happen to be a little mixed up.

There was a University of Utah football game on Halloween so we spent the day with Jesse's family at the tailgate lot. They had a lovely birthday party for me on top of all the Halloween festivities. Marshall was able to get loads of candy walking through the tailgate lot.

Obi Nobi fell asleep on the way out to my parent's house with these silly glasses on because even Jedi's get tired.

In Erda, he was able to trick-or-treat at all two of my parent's neighbors' homes and they were happy to get at least one trick-or-treater that night.

Did You Say Two?

That was the last thing I expected to hear but, sure enough, that's what she said. She told me there were two babies in there. In me!!

Holy crap!! I'm having twins.

They are due sometime in April and I'm very excited and very nervous. Right now I think I'm a little more nervous than excited but I'm praying that God will ease my nerves. I'm in my second trimester so hopefully I'll be done with the icky feelings soon.

I asked Jesse what he thought about having twins. His response was, "It sounds like a lot of fun." I'm so glad to have a partner in this who is excited and so supportive. He has been taking such good care of me.

Marshall doesn't really say much about it. Although he did tell me that he heard them talking one day. I hope all three of them are not already conspiring against Jesse and me because we're going to be outnumbered.

Goodbye, Border Collie

We had a sad weekend. Luke, our Border Collie, was hit by a truck by my parents' house and we had to put him down. He was only three and a half years old and it seems like such a shame that his life was so short. We miss him a ton but we thank God for giving us the time to enjoy him that we had. I'll miss my walking buddy. Marshall will miss his "Border Tolly". Viggo will miss his obnoxious little brother. And Jesse will miss his friend. We love you, Luke! Thanks for the fun times.

My Husband, The Comedian

If asked to describe my husband in one word, most people that know him would probably say easy-going, quiet, even-tempered or something else along those lines. I don't think humorous is the first word that comes to mind when someone thinks of Jesse. In all actuality, some of the funniest things I've ever heard have come from him. He says things that, even years later, still make me laugh out loud whenever I think if them. Maybe it's because he is so quiet that when something funny comes out of his mouth it hits me extra hard because he's not the one you would expect it to come from. I hope you enjoy his humor in the following stories as much as I do.

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My brother, Richard, is notorious for his expensive taste. One night, Jesse and I went out to dinner with Richard and his wife, Jill. Richard wanted to go to Fleming's Steakhouse at the Gateway. The restaurant was way too expensive but it turned out to be a really fun night, except for Jesse ending the night with a self-inflicted sickness which actually made me quite mad. How could he throw up a meal that was so expensive! He tried to make the situation better by saying, "At least I got to taste it twice." Ew, gross!!!

Months later when we were talking about the night we went to Fleming's and how expensive it was Richard said, "Why did we go there? Didn't we have a coupon or something?"

I said, "Richard, they don't really give out coupons for restaurants like that."

Then Jesse piped up and said, "Yeah Rich, we got it in our Valpak."

It still cracks me up.

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The next story occurred when Jesse was working as a brick mason for my dad. There was never a dull moment with the men on his crew because something crazy was always going on in at least one of their lives at any given moment.

One guy, I'll call him T for his sake, was always fighting with his girlfriend. These were knock-down, drag-out fights these two lovebirds would have. As a result of one of these fights and the use of a large Salt City Candle against his face, T was missing a few teeth. He was a cowboy and this really made him look like a hillbilly.

At lunch one day, the guys were teasing T about how he always tucked in his shirt when all they were doing was laying brick. T said, "Some people consider it neat and proper to tuck in their shirt."

Jesse said, "Some people consider a full set of teeth neat and proper."

T didn't talk to him the rest of the day.

Tangible Advice

For the past few months, whenever I tuck Marshall in at night his last words to me as I walk out of his room have been, "Make sure the guys don't get me." If I don't acknowledge what he said he will yell it over and over until I stick my head in his room and say, "Okay, I'll make sure the guys don't get you." I think he overheard me retelling a time I had to wake Jesse up at night because he was having a bad dream that guys were chasing him and he couldn't get away. These guys don't seem to scare Marshall but it makes me feel bad that my little boy goes to sleep thinking someone is going to get him.

One night after saying bedtime prayers and getting him cozy for bed he gave me his standard make-sure-the-guys-don't-get-me response as I was leaving. I believe kids understand more than we give them credit for so I decided to give him some advice that I thought would help. I told him that there were no guys that were going to get him and whenever he gets scared he can always talk to Jesus and ask Him to help him not be afraid. Marshall listened very closely and then said, "And Viggo will rip the guy's arm off."

"Yes, Honey. Viggo will rip his arm off."

Sounds like Daddy beat me to it with advice that may be slightly more tangible for a two year old.