Happy 2009

I sometimes get all sentimental this time of year. Looking forward to the upcoming year as a fresh new start makes me think back on the past year and ponder on the events in it. I can say without doubt this was a rough year for our family. Lots of you have no idea what I mean, but a select few have the ins and outs of the trials in my life. This post is for those people. A small way for me to say thank you for listening to my problems, letting me cry on your shoulder, lending a hand when you could, and most of all thank you for just being a great friend when I needed someone. My heart is set on making this year better than the last, and maybe finally getting a better hold on things. Have a wonderful start to this 2009; be safe, be well, and we love you!!!

True or False

I'm not sure why, but I am totally addicted to surveys. Whether they actually mean anything or are just randomness, I love them. So much in fact that I just had to post one on my blog. Feel free to steal it for your blog, or just fill it out, or whatever. Happy New Year everyone!!!

I wear perfume or cologne daily:TRUE…unless it’s a lazy pajama day.
I have a calendar in my room:TRUE…actually I have them in almost every room.
I screen my phone calls:DEPENDS…sometimes I just want to be left alone.
I have had my wisdom teeth removed:FALSE…I still have one.
I have driven a mini-van:TRUE…I still do drive one.
I own a video camera:FALSE…still too cheap for that one.
I have allergies:TRUE…hate certain times of the year.
I am an only child:FALSE…one brother and one sister.
I am afraid of clowns:FALSE…anyone over the age of 10 is just making a scene.
I subscribe to Cosmopolitan Magazine:FALSE…that magazine just makes me sad.
I take a daily vitamin:FALSE…only when I was pregnant.
I have too many credit cards:FALSE…I have ZERO
I have painted my bedroom:TRUE…I painted it once. My mom was sooo mad.
I have worn hand-me-down clothes:TRUE…I think that is all I wore as a kid.
I have broken a bone:FALSE…none yet anyway.
I have cheated on a partner:TRUE…depending on your “definition” of cheating.
I play video games:TRUE…hopelessly addicted to games in fact.
I have been in a submarine:FALSE…really, what an odd question.
I have been to Disney World/Land:TRUE…just too young to remember it.
I have an opinion about Britney Spears:FALSE…I just feel sorry for her.
I am an aunt/uncle:TRUE…but only on Jayson’s side.
I have a scar on my knee:TRUE…more than one.
I am currently on medication:TRUE…3 to be exact.
I text more than I call people:DEPENDS…sometimes I just don’t wanna talk.
I have been a bridesmaid/groomsmen:TRUE…it’s really a thankless job.
I am married:TRUE…and he is amazing.
I have had a surprise birthday party:FALSE…could be fun though.
I drink coffee:FALSE…used to, don’t now.
I watch American Idol:FALSE…I have seen it maybe 5 times ever.
I have been to Washington DC:TRUE…well, sorta. We drove past it at 65mph.
I have been on a diet:TRUE…doesn’t mean I have stuck to it, but I have been “on” it.
I have gotten into a car accident:TRUE…too many to mention.
I am a mom/dad:TRUE…and I love almost every second of it.

Yep, she's amazing...

I have been an unofficial member of the Fletcher Family for over 15 years now, and for at least 12 of those years I have been a fan of Jayson's sister Amy. Now I'll admit that when she was younger she was a bit of a hinderance to date night occasionally, but in the end that was probablly for the better. Amy has always been someone that, while younger than me, I have always looked up to and respected. She is a wonderful example of a wife, mother, and for me, a great friend. It wasn't until recently that I realized just how talented she is as a photographer. She got the whole Fletcher Clan together for pictures with her awesome new camera, and I was truly blown away at the amazing shots she got. I know that she will not brag on herself, so I just had to post a little something showing off her work. I hope she doesn't mind...and if you do, I'll delete the pictures. Love ya Amy!!!

It Feels Like Christmas

Well it's official Christmas time is coming. I look around and see Christmas lights on houses, inflatable Santas and reindeer on lawns, and most importantly, our front room looks like elves have thrown a party. I have recently had a hard time getting into the "spirit" of Christmas since my mom has been gone, but this year I vowed to make it different. I made myself sit down with the girls last night and watch "The Polar Express"; and while this movie isn't exactly a tear-jerker, I balled like a small child. I love the simple idea of what Santa says to the little boy when he gives him the special bell. For those of you who do not remember, or have not watched the movie, I'll tell you. Santa tell the boy to remember that the bell is merely a symbol of Christmas just like Santa is. He tells him the true meaning and spirit of Christmas is in his heart. It meant a lot for my kids to hear that it wasn't all about Santa and presents and such. While the "holiday season" might be tough on me sometimes, I have to remember to keep my head up, keep myself focused, and to help my kids enjoy this time of year as much as they can. I hope you all get out there and have a great holiday, enjoy the time off of school (if you get any time off), and most of all...spend lots and lots of time with your family. So from the Fletcher Five to all of you, have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Ok so its been a long time since my last post so first and foremost I'll say sorry for being such a bad blogger lately. Secondly, YAY for my sis-in-law Amy!!! She just got accepted to SIUC PA program for Summer Semester 2009. Then of course I'll have to say Happy Turkey Day people!! And for those of you who don't already know...I'n turning 30 that day too. Ugh, I'd like to say I'm happy about it, but that would be a lie. Anywho, not much new going on on the homefront, just excited to be spending this week with my hubby. He has this entire week off school, so we are finishing up some projects around the house. Oh and he is building a frame for my swing that Roger built me for my birthday.

Thanksgiving is going to be hectic like every other holiday in this family of course. Half the day with his family, half the day with my family...BUT even with all the stress and movement and motion I love it. Mostly because I did not have a lot of it during my growing up years so it's exciting. Then on Friday...it's shopping time!!!! Jayson and I get up at 3 a.m. to get those awesome "doorbuster" specials and such, and sometimes we really do get some major deals. The most exciting part really for me though is that I get to spend all day with my love just hanging out and spending time together. So, now that I have gone on and on about my Thanksgiving...how do you spend yours??

Mom...I'm bored!

So here's what I'm wondering...who came up with the bright idea of the four day weekend for kids? Ya know, cause mom's don't have enough stress Friday through Sunday right?!?! Its not that I don't love my kids, they just get so bored sitting at home all day, and when its 42 degrees outside, there is not much else you can do. I can honestly say I have heard the phrase, "Mom, I'm bored!!" (with a lovely whiny tone) at least 15 times this weekend...and they still have tomorrow off too. Whew, now that I have that off my chest, I'll say thanks for letting me vent, and if you have ANY indoor fun activities besides coloring, painting, movies, etc...let us know!!!

7 Years Later...

Happy Anniversary to Jayson and I!!! Holy cow can you believe Jayson and I have been married 7 years?? I know, it's still a shock to me too. It's amazing for me to actually sit and think about it sometimes. Yeah, 7 years is a long time I know, but the really cool part is that we have been a couple for 15 years. I have officially spent half of my life with this man, and I can't wait to see what the next 15 have in store for us. Thank all of you who sent us cards and well wishes, we love you and so appreciate your love and support these past years.

In honor of our fifteen year love affair *chuckle* I decided to brag a little on my husband and tell you what he did for me this Saturday. I woke up at 7am to go to the church and help Shirley (mother-in-law) with the Relief Society craft day. After painting, gluing, poking, drilling holes, more painting, and then cleaning for almost 10 hours, I was ready to pass out. Then in walks my husband with a change of clothes for me and tells me to not ask questions, just go get dressed and meet him outside. So, I get dressed, tell everyone bye, and meet him in the van. He brought me a brush, ponytail holders, deodorant, etc. all the things I would need to get ready for a date night...how amazing is he right?!? Off we go to dinner in Marion.

On the way there he asks if I would like to do anything after dinner, so we decided to go bowling at the Student Center. While at dinner though, he hands me my card from him and inside are **drum roll please** tickets to a play at The Stage Company opening weekend!!! I know, he rules right!! It was such a good play, written back in the 40's, and instead of adapting it for modern times, they left it as written, and I think it was even more comical that way. If you are curious, it was called The Star Spangled Girl. Anyway, we had a blast, and I got one of the coolest anniversary presents EVER!! In case he reads this, I love you honey & thank you soooo much for an awesome 7 years!! Muahs

Party Results

I feel compelled to let everyone know that Lexi's birthday party was not the utter failure I previously thought it might become. As it turns out, it actually went pretty well for a party planned in less than 48 hours. I took a lot of pictures, and thought I'd share them in my blog, mostly so that next time I freak out, I have something to look back on. There were 10 kids at the party along with around 15 parents. We roasted hot dogs on a fire that was so stinkin hot everyone came up with plans to avoid sitting next to it.

We also had chips and drank juices and soda. After food, we played the first game. The kids had to sit on a balloon to pop it and see what was inside. If they found a Tinkerbell napkin inside their balloon, they won a prize. Then the kids went on a treasure hunt to find their "goody bags".

I personally loved this game because they really had to think about the clue instead of just run and find the candy. It was fun for me at least...lol After the treasure hunt it was time for cake and ice cream and presents. Lexi was really lucky and got a lot of the Tinkerbell things she had been asking for, and I was really excited about some cute outfits she got as well.

She had a blast at the party and was really happy because a few friends from pre-school got to come to the party too. So truth be told, it wasn't the end of the world, and it wasn't a disaster. In fact, I didn't get that Bad Mom of the Year Award after all.

Eternally Bound

I know this is going to sound lame, but yesterday I had a ton of fun just hanging out with Amy. How you ask; well, we went to Hobby Lobby to pick out some fabric for Christmas gifts. Then we went to Best Buy to look at cameras. Now while this might not be exciting happenings for most people...it's the most I've been out of the house "alone" in a long time. Technically I did have one small person (Alexis) with me, but she was good most of the day.
On the way home Amy and I were talking about babies and life and death, all sorts of interesting topics; and it made me think, wow...6 years already. I sometimes can't believe she's been gone for that long. I can't complain, most days go by without tears, and some days I'm even "happy" for her. It's the other 5% of the time when it just smacks you in the face that you have to worry about. Talking with Amy yesterday helped me realize a little more just how important it is that I continue to raise my children in the gospel. I never want them to question where they are from or where they are going when they die. I want them to be comforted in knowing that even though it hurts when we lose people, we will see them again. We have the opportunity to live with them again, after they pass away. This gospel is the only one that explains that path back to our loved ones. I want my girls to know exactly what it takes, and be able to do it.
Since I'm not the public speaking type, this is about as close to a speech as I get. So just in case certain people are reading this, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for not giving up on me and Jayson through all those years of missionary discussions, all the Monday Night Dinners, all the fights, a few break-ups, but mostly through all the heartache in your family. It means so much to me that even through all that, you were there waiting for us to decide when it was the right time for us. Right there to welcome us in, to help nourish us in the gospel, to make sure we understood how important those steps were. I know I can speak for Jayson and the girls when I say...We love you, we thank you, and we would not have made it this far without your love and support. That means all three of you... R,S,A (you know who you are).

Bad Mom of the Year Award

As most of you know, my daughter Alexis turned 5 this Tuesday. She is the baby of the family, and as such sometimes gets a bit spoiled (in other words, she is spoiled rotten). I'm the type of mom that type of Mom that tries to make the really cool homemade birthday cakes, print out the fun coloring books for everyone, make the fun goody bags, and of course have lots and lots of games and activities for all party-goers. So far, I've been able to get this done without much dispair...until this birthday. This has been such a crazy week if I have had no time to even find a Tinkerbell cake much less make one; not to mention the kids are out of school tomorrow so I have zero time alone to get it done tomorrow. So here I sit at 7:30 the night before my baby's 5th birthday party with next to nothing planned for her. I bought the hot dogs, still need buns, I bought some juices and soda, but I have NO CAKE...what is wrong with my brain. I have this vision of 20 screaming 3-7 year olds in my back yard bored out of thier minds with no cake or ice cream begging to go home and young Alexis crying somewhere in a corner...or under the apple tree. Why you ask am I sitting here blogging about my problems instead of fixing them...yeah good question. Plan of attack: get off Blogger, find a cake, bake and decorate said cake, go to store and buy buns, come home print off party games, pray. Yeah..lots of prayer needed for this one.

Hubby Tag

Hubby Tag

1. Where did you meet your husband?
We met at the high school, during his football practice.
2.How long did you date before you married?
Almost 8 years...sad huh.
3. How long have you been married?
It will be 7 years on November 3
4. What does he do that surprises you?
He cleans the house when I'm at meetings, takes care of the girls when I need his help.
5. What is his favorite feature?
He has the most amazing blue eyes...
6. What is his favorite quality?
My favorite thing about him is how wonderful of a Dad he is. These 3 girls are very lucky.
7. Does he have a nickname for you?
Sugar, Baby, Lita, Mom...it's what the girls call me so he does too.
8. What is his favorite food?
Hmm, I think green tortilla soup or chicken & dumplings...I gotta ask.
9. What is his favorite sport?
Football
10. When & where was your first kiss?
When: 1993 sometime around the end of Nov. Where: My backyard leaning up against his Mustang.
11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Watch movies (not Disney), play board games, drive out in the country.
12. Do you have any children?
Yes, 3 amazing little girls.
13. Does he have any hidden talents?
He can draw really well...he just doesn't tell many people.
14. How old is he?
Turned 31 this year.
15. Who said I love you first?
I wrote it first...not sure who said it first.
16. What is his favorite music?
Country, 80's, and I'm slowly getting him into Indie music.
17. What do you admire most about him?
I admire his determination. No matter how tough things get, he will always continue on, and always see the brighter side of things. I am soo thankful to have him in my life.
18. What is his favorite color?
Blue
19. Will he read this?
He occassionally looks through the blog, so maybe.
20. Who do you tag?
Amy, Jacquee, and Lindsay

Picasa

Yay for Amy and her post about Picasa vs. Flickr. I am happy to say that this blog now has a slideshow!!! So sit back, relax, and enjoy some never-before-seen pics of the people we know and love. Feel free to send pros and cons about the whole thing, and again...TY Amy for saving me all the trouble of Flickr.

Octoberfest

It's beginning. Yep, it's that time of year again...FALL!!! I love watching the leaves change, feeling the air get crisp and cool, and snuggling up to sleep at night. I love this time of year. Of course, it just happens to be my busiest time of year. October starts a 3-4 month streak of birthdays, anniversaries and holidays in our family. Speaking of such, tomorrow is Lexi's 5th birthday!! She's very excited because she just got her ears pierced this Friday. It was our birthday present to her this year. Just as soon as I get them, I'll post some pictures of her newly decorated ears. On to the main reason for my post today. I noticed this year that Halloween costumes have gone up in price again. Having 3 kids, I would spend nearly $60 on just costumes for the girls. I have decided, it's just not worth it. That being said, I can't tell my girls they can't go trick-or-treating, so I'm trying something new this year. I'm going to try and make the girls costumes. I have a few sites that I'm looking through, and I'd love to share them with you in case you have the same $ issues we do. Here they are:
http://www.ehow.com/halloween/costumelist.html
http://www.1halloween.net/html/costume.html
http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com/index.html
Well then, I hope this helps anyone looking for some help with the rising costs of...everything. We hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween (be safe & check that candy) and hope you all get out there and enjoy the season.

Is Everything Forever??

Do you ever sit and wonder about forever? This church speaks a lot about things that are eternal. Families are forever, marraige is forever, etc. The fact that all these things are "forever" got me to thinking...is my attitude eternal? Will the attitude I form here on earth be taken with me when I go? Wow...I've never had such a good reason for an attitude adjustment. Lately I have noticed a lot of talks, classes, broadcasts, handouts and such all speaking the same message to me. Get over your whining, get off your bum, and make a difference in someone's life. Is thre any sacrifice really too great to make for this gospel? If I just consider all that He sacrificed for me, consider all that He has done and will do, how could anything be too much? Sometimes I feel like I just don't have anything left to give. I'm a mom, I hold down my calling, I support my spouse, I live the gospel to the best of my ability, isn't that enough? I mean, after a day of school, kids, dishes, housework, taxi-driver, and occasional home-work helper, I am spent. I have no desire to call the people I should VT and see how they are. I wonder if I am the only one who feels...spent. It got me to thinking...what if I take these ideas with me when I go? If I'm not doing enough here, will I do enough there?? Will I aid in bringing up the kingdom of God, or will I just be a speed bump? These are the things I think about late t night while Jayson is doing homework...sorry for the odd blog.

We went north....to Chicago

Blisters hurt...and I've got lots and lots of blisters. Why you ask, well, let me explain. Jayson had an architecture symposium this weekend...in Chicago. He did not want to make a 5 hour drive alone, so he recruited me to go with him. While I might normally say no to such a thrilling (notice me yawning) invitation to listen to 5 hours of seminars, this weekend I gave in. Mostly casue it's been ages since Jayson and I had any alone time, so I thought it would be good for us. Plus, we had an invitation to stay with a friend's parents, so it ended up being a very affordable weekend. So Friday we set out on our journey to Chicago. Illinois Istitute of Technology to be exact.

This cross is the first really neat thing we came across in our trip. The picture on the left is a bit of better angle, but I had to put the middle one up just to give you an idea of the size of this cross. If you look at the very bottom of the cross (picture in the middle) and just on the left side is a little yellow speck. That speck is Jayson...crazy huh. The third picture is looking up to the top from the ground. The sky was just cloudy enough to make a cool picture that day. Anyway, this cross is huge and beautiful and you just have to see it to really get it.

Ok, so Kristie Schuler offered her parent's house for us to stay in over the weekend, and this is the way I repay her right?!? I know...yeah for pictures. We slept in the room with lots and lots of family pictures on the wall, so I had to take a few to bring home with us. Far left is Kristie at a much younger age...note the way cute hair. Middle is Kristie either after just delivering or about to deliver a child. The small addition is Gryphon holding Aurora. The picture on the right is the Schuler Family before they had Mikey. How adorable are Kristie and Eric..I know right??!! Anywho, the Judds were awesome hosts, and while we did not get to see Harlan (Kristie's dad) even one time...he works a lot; it was great to stay there. Kristie's mom Judy is amazing. She made us homemade hot cocoa, and packed us a lunch for on the way home Sunday...yummy.

First picture is the school where Jayson had to go for lectures, IIT. This building pictured is where we went to grab lunch cause the cafeteria there was $8 a person. That's right...EIGHT dollars per person to eat cafeteria food...I think not. We headed across the way to this place where there was a 7-11, we got a hot dog and soda for each of us for less than $5...nice huh. The picture in the middle is a tram track that literally goes on the roof of IIT. I'm still not sure how well this was thought out. I mean it truly is loud and a bit annoying...and people are supposed to be studying here? Granted, this building has no classes, it's more like the Student Center, but c'mon...a tram track?? Oh well. Then there is the third picture. I'm no architecture buff, but I still thought this was pretty awesome. This is the door that leads into the bldg. where we ate lunch. From a distance, you see a picture of the architect that designed a majority of the blgds on the campus Meis Van Der Ohh (spelling probablly wrong). When you get closer to the door, you notice that the picture is actually a mosaic of architectural signs and designs that make up this huge picture of Meis. It is very very cool, and Jayson loved it, so here it is for you as well.
Ok, I know this is an odd picture, but I read some of the background about this ball, and it is at least a little cool. Turns out that this guy is traveling the world with this ball and sticking it into narrow places where it is just a bit out of place...and making it "art". So far this ball has been as far as Paris according to his booklet. Anyway, I thought it was at least blog-worthy for that.After his lectures, lunch, and a stroll through almost 50 school reps we were ready to head downtown. There are tons of neat places we visited, but I only put a few up, send an email if you'd like more of them!

These pictures are of a "masterpice" as Jayson says in Millennium Park. It is this really amazing band shell type thing. One reason it is so cool, is because of how they designed it. Each steel piece is placed for maximum sound quality. They are positioned so as to shoot sound out to the crowd so even people sitting on the grass can hear the concert.

I think the above item may have been the cooloest thing for me in Chicago. They call it the "jellybean mirror." Check out the pictures and it is clear to see where they got the idea huh. Anywho, the first picture is at a bit of a distance, so you can get an idea of how big it is. The second one is of Jayson and I walking under the jellybean (it's around 8ft tall in the center) and taking a pic together. The third one, I LOVE!!! It's almost like you can't tell where the jellybean ends and the natural sky starts...it rocks. And finally...I'll end this amazingly long post with pictures of the people who let us stay at thier house over the weekend.

A Sigh of Relief

Most of you reading this will know my kids, but for those of you who don't, I'll clarify. I have 3 children, all girls, and all a handful. Chelsea will turn 9 in January, Rebecca just turned 7 this July, and Alexis will be 5 in October. This weekend we had lots to do as Rebecca was a contestant for the Apple Festival Princess. As they say in the papers...read all about it.

This Friday after school Jayson and I took the girls to the Kiddie Parade so Rebecca could ride on the float. (for Apple Festival Princess) While we were there the kids sat in the 85 degree heat just to catch candy and wave at Becca, they all listened like angels, and on top of all that, had to walk about 7 blocks to and from the car. I was impressed with how they listened and knew how hot it was going to be on Saturday so we took them to Sonic for a slushie treat to cool them down.

Saturday, Jayson drove Rebecca in a golf cart through the Grand Parade. It literally was 90 degrees with a scorching sun all through the 3 hour parade. The girls were overheated, uncomfortable, thirsty, tired, and really just wanted to go home before we even saw Rebecca's cart. Finally after nearly 2 hours, we saw her in the distance. She was gorgeous in a pink sparkly dress that Shirley had found for her. Jayson even wore a shirt and tie that went great with her dress. As they went by we all snapped some pictures, Shirley got some video, and just like that it was over. After the parade, Stacy's parents Roger and Nancy took us out to lunch at Houlihans (not sure I spelled that right). The girls had a blast, mostly cause they love Roger and Nancy, but also cause they were starving afer the parade.

Saturday night was the crowning of the prince and princess. Rebecca was aware that she would probablly not win, but was content in just having fun getting to dress up, ride in the parade, and feel like a princess all day. Again, if you know my kids, you will know how big of a deal this is to me...Rebecca got up on stage, and spoke into a microphone in front of a full auditorium. I was shocked, amazed, and so very proud of her. I got a few pictures inside, but most of them turned out dark. However, I got quite a fw cute ones from outside right afterwards. She had a lot of fun, got a goody bag just for being part of it, and her favorite thing...a stuffed Captain Applesauce doll. Go figure.

Blast From The Past

Hello again!! I've decided that even though we have not done anything "picture-worthy" in the last few days, I still have to put some pictures on this blog. So without further ado...a blast from the past.

This is a picture from Chelsea's baptism in January. There were so many people there to support her, it truly was an amazing experience for us and her. In fact, this picture only shows about half the people that were there!! Jayson and I are blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives!!

This one is from Brianna's 5th birthday party this July. It was so much fun for the girls!! Tanya had a luau theme party with leis, tiki cups, stirring sticks, even a "beach" cake. It was a lot of fun and the girls all had a blast! Here's a picture of the cake too!!!

How cool is that cake huh!?!?!

These two are of our cute little puppy named Phineas. As you can see, he slept all the time. He loved car rides and going on walks with us. Sadly, we lost him last week. He had a fight with a car tire and lost...the girls were heart-broken. We decided as a family that we would not have another pet for a while.

Whoa...I just realized that this blog is becoming obnoxiously long, and also that I have been sitting in the computer chair far too long. (Metal chair, 45 minute blog, you do the math!) Anyway, have a great day everyone...see ya soon!!!