{i will love you forever}

{Tonight you and I had so much fun! You helped me to make a new brownie recipe, and you were the most wonderful helper, ever. You only snitched when mommy told you it was okay. You helped me stir the chocolate and butter. While I poured it in the pan, you said, "mmmm! Mommy! That's so good! Can you no bake it?" I didn't even mind letting you lick the bowl, my favorite part. You deserved it! You are so precious and so dear to my {♥}. I'm so glad I got to spend these special moments with you this evening. I love you, Tanner!}

More & Then Some

Today was a big day...for Tanner and I both. I've been paying more attention to when he talks to me, because I'm finally getting the hint that he hears and understands more than I give him credit for, hence this little doosie:

Taylor approaching the TV to turn it off/on.

Tanner: "Oh, Hell. Taylor knock it off!"

Yeah. Proud mommy-moment over. Just when I thought they could play well together, our three-year-old is swearing at our one-year-old and using it in context!!! Great. Guess I/we have a LOT of work to do. Oh, how ironic it is, that Hevenly Father blessed us with children "Just Like Us!"

Ryan and I are AWEFUL parents when it comes to brushing teeth. In fact, we don't brush our children's teeth (well, Tanner's...Taylor still has NO TEETH at fourteen months!) except on rare occasions, like Sunday mornings, and even that was sporadic.

I noticed some 'buildup' a few months ago, and promised myself I'd do a better job, I even bought Tanner a toothbrush that sang. I know. It doesn't do justice to the plaque unless it's in action!

Well, last week, I noticed it had gotten REALLY BAD. Tooth "c" (pointy in front) and "e" & "f" (two front) were exceptionally bad. I panicked, called the first pediatric/family dentist I saw in the phone book, and said I had to get him in.

So, today we had our FIRST visit to the dentist. Unfortunately, it wont be the last...I mean, I planned on starting routinely visits around age four or five...Tanner never got his first tooth till after he turned one, for crying out loud! (I think we used that as a false sense of security, thinking he would have 'good, strong teeth'). But now, we have three visits set up and scheduled over the next two months to 'fix' the damage. I'm pretty sure we're going to be a regular customer!

After all the hoo-haw and hum-haw, the dentist finally came in (do you know how hard it is for a nervous three-year-old to sit in a chair with lots of 'stuff' around him, even with the tv on the ceiling?!?!) and took a quick (4 minutes) look, apparently worth $48 and confirmed that Tanner would, indeed, need to have THREE cavities filled!!! At least they're filled with white instead of silver...it's been a while since I've had my two cavities filled....and I was 20 when I had them!

Anyways, what I really wanted to say is that on the way over to the dentist, Tanner threw-up...just a little bit. This is how that experience went down as I was trying to locate ONE office building in a myriad of 50 stylish office buildings:

Tanner: "Mommy, I sorry. I made a mess"
Me: "What happened?" thinking it couldn't be too bad, he was strapped in a 50-harness car restraint!
Tanner: "I threw. Up." in a worried little voice.
Me: "What happened?"
Tanner: "I chocked on my fingernail in my neck." (what?!?!?)
Me: frantically looking for the right building, "oh, Tanner!" in an annoyed voice, thinking, "now he's going to stink and be all 'dirty'...what are these people going to think! I don't brush my child's teeth or wash his clothes or bathe him!"
Tanner: "I sorry mommy. I just want to make you happy."

Yeah. It got me, too. I wanted to stop and bawl right then and there.

It hit me. The best way to describe it is like driving along and BAM! there's a snow bank. It looks fluffy enough, but when you and it meet, it's not fluffy. In fact, it hurts, and it hurts horribly bad.

All Tanner EVER tries to do it to get our attention...to get us to notice him. That phrase alone has forever changed my life. Whether he's trying to set the table, move his brother out of harm's way, or put his clothes away in a pile under his bed, he's just trying to make me happy.

Tanner will frequently ask us, "Daddy? You Happy?" or "Mommy? I happy, You Happy?" I have started to answer "Yes" (or "No", but explain as lovingly as possible why his actions made me sad) and will quickly change my attitude from being stressed for WHATEVER reason, and give him some time...it's a start, right?

"Nice to meet you!" & others...

As I'm frosting (literally) french bread with garlic butter for dinner...

Tanner: "Mommy, what's your name, mommy?"

Me: "My name is Deanna." I feel like I'm in 4th grade again.

Tanner: "Oh! Djanna. I like that name, mommy. I Tanner." Tanner pats his stomach.

Glad to know you approve, son!

We're eating dinner tonight and Tanner is playing with one of my hair clips.

Tanner: "Look mom! Your clip!" Holding it up for all to see.

Me: Looking and nodding, "yup!"

Tanner: "I make it disappear! Where did it go?" Rolling it in his hands, and dropping it on the floor.

Me: "You made it disappear!!! Wow, Tanner!"

Tanner: Nods in approval. Taylor laughs hysterically and smears meatloaf in his hair. The rest of his meal he made his french bread, orange, milk and meatloaf disappear...and didn't even eat a bite.

Every time Tanner says something is going to disappear, it reminds me of Home Alone, "I made my family disappear!" Apparently we've watched that movie too many times.

This is what my 'boys' do when I'm at work. Boys will be boys!!! And Ryan's encouraging it...

I know his face is messy with lunch, and his nose snotty from teething, but I miss my boys...and doing these fun things with them! I missed out on this time of Tanner's life because I was student teaching...I'm looking forward to this weekend with them! :)

{Pay It Forward}

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year (hopefully before spring is over).

When and what it will be is a surprise.

There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in.

Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift. Let's see who looks at my blog!

I may not have your home address, so please me your e-mail so I can GET your home address! :)

This should be fun!

{Interview}

I have been interviewed, by my new friend Wendy! Here are her questions, and my answers.

1. What is your favorite room in your house?
I'd have to say my boys' bedroom. It's easy to pick up, fun to play in, and it's pretty put together for the time being. I'm looking forward to putting in bunk beds if we're here for much longer than a year, which will be SO fun! My second favorite room is my living room - with the exception of the wood paneling on one wall - I Dream about re-doing it! If we weren't renting, I'd rip it off and re-do the whole wall. I love decorating, and have BIG plans for when we're someday in a place of our own.

2. What is one thing you would rather pay someone to do than to do it yourself?
Definately our taxes. I realize that we can easily do it ourselves, but it really isn't worth the headache to us. In fact, Ryan actually did our taxes on TurboTax this year the day of us having an appointment with our accountant, and so we knew were were getting a certain amount back...Boy, were we suprized to find we'd be getting back that PLUS some. Really, it paid off. I'll happily pay this CPA to do my dirty work!

3. Who is your hero? (Why?)
I have many people I look up to - My mom and dad, my ancestors, friends, and other family members, but I'd have to say my hero(s) are my younger siblings. Let me explain. My family moved when I was 15, my youngest sibling was just 6 months old (I'm the oldest of 7). We had grown up near family our entire lives, lived in the same house, and could expect certain traditions every year. I had the same routine for over 10 years, of dance, piano, voice lessons, swim team, etc, etc, etc. When we moved, I didn't handle the change as well as my siblings. We were raised to uphold certain standards, and I guess I tried to do that to please my parents instead of One who is even more important. My siblings watched me spiral downward at that frustrating time, and I've watched my siblings stand tall and immovable, literally. (Don't worry, I got myself straightened out :) ) When there's a movie they don't approve of because they were taught to stand tall, THEY DO! When there's talk going on that is not virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praisworthy they TUNE IT OUT or LEAVE. When there is someone needing a friend, THEY ARE THAT FRIEND. Honestly, my siblings stick out - they don't have many friends because of the good choices they make, and I am SO PROUD of my brothers and sisters. They are such an example to me, and THAT is why they are my heros; they are strong, and stand tall and are immovable in their Faith in God and their duty as His children.

4. Do you collect anything? What?
Ummm...does fabric count? I love to sew, whether it is clothing, upholstery, drapery, costumes, needle-point, quilting, or ANYTHING. Just recently, though, Ryan and I made a slight change to our apartment situation: We took EVERYTHING from the boys' closet to the garage so we could store their toys and books inside it to avoid bedtime battles. (Bedtime has been much easier without the temptation of playing instead of sleeping.) So, currently, my collection is in multiple Rubbermaid totes in the garage. I'm sad I can't dig into it convienently around midnight to start projects, but at the same time, I hope to continue that collection in the coming years!

5. If money were no object, I would enrich my life by…

• giving some here, giving some there, giving some everywhere!
• paying off Ryan's students loans (crazy how much stress this is causing me!)
• buying a house - not even a brand new one, just one that fits our family's needs
• not working at a job, but at home, teaching/nurturing my children; because I am envious of you stay-at-home moms! (I like my job, but I can't wait to be done, and in all reality, we are SO blessed I was able to obtain this job!)
• having enough put aside for my children's education and missions

Now, I would love to interview you and you and you. So here is what you do. Come on now, don't be shy. I will be nice I promise. It is a great way to get to know you. Besides it's great way to have something to blog about when you're in a rut.

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
   

So come on, let the good times roll!!

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness

Thought I'd post this, as I can't figure out how to post it on the Bonneville County's Extension website...I am actually not sure if this applies to states other than Idaho, although I'm sure it does...maybe I'll check up on that!

Article written by Marilyn Bischoff, Extension Professor and Family Economics Specialist for University of Idaho

With the current economic downturn, the EITC will be welcome news for many families and individuals. Low-wage workers are apt to be reeling from the added financial pressures they currently face and need to be reminded that the EITC can help relieve some of that pressure. For a family with two or more children, the EITC can be worth as much as $4,824 for the 2008 tax year. In addition, there are lots of people who, until now, may have been employed in relatively well-paying jobs but have become unemployed. If they did not work the full year in 2008, there’s a chance they could be eligible for the EITC because their income was much lower than expected. These are people who may never have filed for the credit before and may not even know about it because it never applied to them.

Some Idahoans may also be eligible for Economic Stimulus payments. Low-income and recently unemployed individuals should take the amount of the Economic Stimulus Payment they received in 2008 to a VITA site to determine eligibility. The Economic Stimulus payment is not taxable but, if they did not receive the entire amount they should have or were not eligible last year but are this year, they may still be eligible for payment (or rebate) from the federal government, along with their 2008 tax refund.

Messages targeted to individuals who are low-income and/or recently unemployed need to convey that they could qualify for the EITC and possibly for economic stimulus payments— and they can get help from VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA sites are staffed by volunteers who received training from the IRS and the Idaho State Tax Commission. VITA volunteers are ready to assist eligible taxpayers in the completion of their tax returns—federal and state—and it’s absolutely free!

Locate a VITA site in your community by calling the 2-1-1 Idaho Care Line, dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588.

Sources:

http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/madison/Files/ITCT/2-09.pdf (click on link to obtain actual article)

Tax Credit Outreach Team, January 16, 2009, National EITC Awareness Day 2009 email, IRS, Washington, DC; Boyak, K., January 26, 2009, Idaho Volunteer Site Listings, personal email, Idaho IRS office, Boise, ID.

New looks

Ryan gave me some cash-ola for my birthday (I know, an awesome gift! I thought so!!!) to go and get my hair cut. He was right on target...he asked what I wanted, and I told him, "money to get my hair cut". I didn't leave him much choice...except he took that bill and folded it to make a ring. What a cheeser! That made me laugh!

Maybe you're thinking, "why does she even ask for something like that?" Let me explain.

I get my hair cut about once or twice a year. Not because we're 'students', well, Ryan is, but the main reason is that I generally don't like new hair styles on me. If you have seen me recently, though, you've probably noticed this mop-like tangle of curls, with two wannabe layers, and friz. Lots of friz. Granted, the gal that cut my hair last time was AWESOME, and did EXACTLY as I told her, I really liked what she did. I just didn't maintain it, for whatever reason (kids, money, time, lack of courage to have it whacked off again) but decided it was time. Time to look sophisticted and not like I was in high school...since I've had essentially the same hair style since seventh grade...long, and curly.


So, without messing with your heads any further...well, maybe just a little: I was thinking along the lines of A....meaning, A-line. Short in the back and long in the front...but much shorter than what this gal did today. However, we talked about my hair, what I liked and disliked, how her hair is the same as mine...texture, curl, trouble straightening, unruly curl, etc, etc, etc, and we decided on something that would work better, given my hectic lifestyle right now...and this, my friends, is what we have:

This hair has survived a day of work, groceries, playing, tub-time and a movie...yup, it's end of the day, but I'm impressed, and I LOVE IT!!!



A friend, make that two, got me hooked on this great salon in our area. It's really nice (very spa like, and trendy), has great service (yummy hot chocolate in a white spa mug), and they educate you about your hair (and products, which I'm really starting to like...just got a few starter products... travel size...can't afford the regular!) while they wash, condition, treat, cut, and style your hair. I didn't get any color, the moo-la was only so much. :) I'm sure she would have waxed my eyebrows if I'd let or told her (it's extra, by the way), but I had already paid out enough. It is a litte pricey, definately more than I would pay on a normal haircut, but, SO WORTH IT TO ME!!! (Keep in mind I'm used to my mom cutting my hair, in exchange for being a good daughter :) ). It was an hour and a half of heaven! I was giddy, it was so fun!


I feel so rejuvinated, like I'm 25, not 19, and best of all, Ryan really likes it! I can't wait to try it curly! :) My stylist showed me how to do it curly, then straight, and I think I'm really going to enjoy having my hair 'pampered'.


Poor Ryan. I already set up a follow-up appointment for Friday, April 17th at 9:00 am to get a 'trim'. He's going to be sorry he started something!!!

"Twenty-Five Years...

...it went by like this fast!"
I actually have NO IDEA what I was even talking about, but that picture is hilarious!

Sunday we celebrated with cake and ice cream...

My mom, sister Katelyn, and dad... (please ignore the crap on the bookshelf and freezer...I know, I spent all morning Saturday cleaning, but never made it to that disaster!)

...along with Clay and Deseret...

...and yes, I made TWO birthday cakes. Thank goodness we finished off the awful white cake with chocolate frosting and strawberries, and had the lemon pound cake to snack on for Monday. I don't think Betty has it goin' on these days, because my 'homemade-from-scratch' cake was 25 times better! Needless to say, we had a great time visiting.

I must say, being a groundhog baby is certainly exciting! Here's a re-cap of our weekend.

Friday: Ryan and the boys made me a yummy stir-fry dinner, complete with a beautiful bouquet of roses, which are still alive. (see post below)

Saturday: We were able to get a sitter and leave the boys for a few hours while we attended the Adult Session of Stake Conference. It was absolutely wonderful!!! President Kim B. Clark, of BYU-Idaho, and area authority was the concluding speaker. We learned ways in which we can make our family more strong in the gospel, and become closer as a husband and wife...we openly discussed (it was really involved and incredible!) "The Family: A Proclamation to the World".

Sunday: Attended Stake Conference, turned three shades of red when Tanner threw a crayon at the people sitting behind us...not right behind us, but past the back isle in the chapel and into the first or second row of chairs in the cultural hall. We thought we could handle sitting on the second to last bench in the chapel...not so! I also wanted to dig a hole and crawl in it and die when Tanner escaped and ran up to the front of the chapel and who knows where - I made the mistake of leaving to catch him on the other side, which was really dumb, and we spent 10 minutes looking for him. Shoot me now! I was dying a thousand deaths! Needless to say, we spent the remainder of Stake Conference in the primary room with two other families, and Tanner spent a good 30 minutes in time out there, and when we got home. I doubt he understood why he was in the corner, but it made me feel slightly better.

My family also came to visit, and we opened gifts...it was a blast!

Monday, my actual birthday, February 2nd, I went to work, decided to take a three hour lunch break on which I curled up on the couch and watched a hilarious episode of "The Office" where Dwight set Dunder Miflin on fire and kills a CPR dummy...laughed my head off! Then I returned to work to lift weights with my Strong Women.

What a weekend...what a wonderful week!

As I'm sitting here now, drinking a cold cup of hot chocolate, "Here's to another 25 years!"

And here's to you awesome friends who helped make it a great one! You know who you are!