Babysitting Lauren

On Thursday I went up to babysit Lauren. We had a great time. Lauren helped me take a picture of her mommy and I managed to get a pretty good picture of John, Lauren, and Dad. After wonderful meal made by Jennifer, all the other grown-ups left for the theater. Lauren and I took a walk around the block. We saw a dog, at which Lauren barked, and stopped to look at some rocks. Even though it was kind of cold, she wouldn't keep her mittens and hat on. Every time she ran, she said "fast." It started to get really cold so we went back home. Lauren and I then ate some bread, sang, played the piano, read books, and I chased her around. After a very messy diaper, I got her ready for bed. She now brushes her teeth (sort of.) She helped me read Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Gorilla, and The Going to Bed Book. She was pretty tired so it only took her about five minutes to fall asleep. I then had a hard time staying away. It was another wonderful night.

A Passport

Yesterday I went to the post office and applied for a passport. While I don't yet have a place to go, I realized that I couldn't just pick up and go if I wanted to. One of my co-workers got a great deal on tickets to France. He and his wife were able to go on a trip on a few weeks notice because they both had passports. Since a passport is good for ten years, why not get one now? It should arrive within three months and I can't wait to go someplace.

Last weekend (John's birthday dinner & other fun)

I think it's kind of sad that I am just writing about last weekend since I had so much fun. On Friday, my mom called and said that she could use some help with some work. So, on Saturday afternoon, I drove to K-town. I helped my mom with some work, then had a lot of fun with Isaac, who was spending the night. We colored and played. I sang to Isaac and read some books in order to put him to bed. I had forgotten how fun it can be to put a child to bed. After Isaac went to bed, I continued to help my mom and then completed my taxes. On Sunday, Mom, Dad, Isaac, and I went to church. Afterwards we got ready for John's birthday dinner. Isaac was a big help to his Poppy when he was wiping off chairs. Dinner was a lot of fun and it was wonderful seeing all my kids (and their parents.) Lauren, Isaac, and Sidney loved running around. The only sad part was the Britnie and Wyatt couldn't make the festivities because Wyatt had a fever. At least we were able to send ribs, beans, salad (both green and potato,) rolls and cake home with Jeremy so that Britnie could partake of some of the fun. I am constantly amazed at what an amazing cook my mother is. I have posted a few pictures of everyone and I can't wait to see everyone again next week when we get together for Aaron's blessing.

IT flow chart

At work, I have a pretty good relationship with the IT department. They are all nice guys. One day I noticed Jake had a flow chart on his white board. I thought it was so clever that I took a picture of it. Enjoy.

Five things you might not know about me

In a tribute to Jeremy's lists of five, I present five things you might not know about me:

1) I like whiteboards. I find them useful to map out stories, draw diagrams, keep lists on, and tape stuff on. I especially like whiteboards that you can use magnets on. I have a rather large one at work. If I had the money and permission from Sarah, I would put a 6x10 foot whiteboard on my bedroom wall.

2) I really dislike the mornings. Since I can remember, I have been a night person. I seem to do some of my best work at night. My perfect work schedule would be 12-9pm. It isn't that I don't like the sun, I just like sleeping in more.

3) I occasionally get the feeling that I wasn't supposed to live this long. It isn't that I want to end my life or that I dislike my life in any way, it's just that I feel like I was supposed to die before the age of 25. It's almost like I was supposed to get hit by a car but that it happened to someone else instead. Not to worry, I love my life despite my crazy work schedule, and don't care to leave this world anytime soon. Who else would spoil my nieces and nephews? (Try not to be too shocked.)

4) I frequently remember my dreams. I used to not think this was anything remarkable. Recently, while talking to others, I have realized that many people only remember one dream every week or two. I remember several each week. I am not sure why this is.

5) I would willingly walk in front of a bus for any of my nieces and nephews. While many of my family members know this, not many other people do. I would live or die for any of them.

She Loves Me

If any of you have the chance to see She Loves Me at the Hale Theater in Orem, I would highly recommend it. It has the same plotline of The Shop Around the Corner, of which She's Got Mail is based. She Loves Me, however, is a musical. This, of course, made me very happy. The female lead had an amazing range and such clarity. Most of the other actors did equally as well. I was very impressed. Scotty and I went to the play and then to Mimi's Cafe for food afterwards. I didn't get home until 11:30pm and didn't fall asleep until almost 1:30am. All in all, a wonderful night.

Meals with others

I will admit that sometimes I get so busy that I forget to eat. This week however, I have had the chance to eat two meals with people I love. The first one was Monday night. My friend, Jen, had a birthday. One of her roommates contacted a bunch of us and arranged for all of us to meet at Wingers to surprise her. When she rounded the corner, her face was priceless. Sadly, I didn't get a picture of it. I did, however, get a picture of her eating popcorn. We had good food and great conversation. It was fun. After dinner, we went to a great Gelato place on center street in Provo. I highly recommend it.
On Tuesday afternoon I was able to go to lunch with Jordan, Alison, Isaac, and Aaron. I had such a wonderful time. I wish all my lunches were so great. Usually I eat at my desk while I'm eating. On Tuesday I walked over to Macaroni Grill to meet everyone. Isaac drew on the table, talked up a storm, and was generally darling. I wrote his name on the table. After eat letter, he would look at me and say "more?" He also enjoyed sharing the whipped cream off my drink. Aaron slept, ate, cried, had a dirty diaper, and looked around. In an act of charity, they offered to walk me back to work. I held Aaron while Jordan held my purse, jacket, and food. (I think Jordan and Alison realized how much I love spending time with their sons.) Isaac got some of his wiggles out while walking on grass, crossing a bridge, and looking at a river. They came into my office. While Alison used the restroom, I introduced the boys to my co-workers. I gave Isaac an apple juice for the road. For the rest of the day, I had a smile on my face. Even my co-workers noticed the difference. I wish all my meals were so much fun. Speaking of fun, tomorrow night I will go to my first play at the Hale Center Theater in Orem. Thanks again Mom and Dad for the great Christmas present (the tickets.)

Lauren's Sudoku book and cat

On Thursday I got to leave work early and drive to Salt Lake. The occasion was my chance to babysit Lauren while Jen, John, and Dad went to the theater. I met them at John and Jen's house. We then went to The Bombay House, where Lauren proceeded to clean her mother's plate. She then tried to clean out my purse, draw on my place mat, and read my Sudoku book. It was so much fun. She now says Poppy and Nana in her cute little voice. After her parents and Dad left for the play, Lauren and I ran around. After a minor accident, we changed her clothes. Lauren cleaned out my purse; taking time to write in my Sudoku book. She and I also talked to her cat, Meow-meow, and read several books. I think it is funny that she has an attachment to that cat since it used to be mine. It was one of the few stuffed animals that I kept and I love the fact that she has nicknamed it and sleeps with it. She also said the word "Poppy" every time she saw my camera. (I couldn't help but laugh since Dad is known for his camera.) By 8:30am, she and I were worn out. She went to sleep fast. It was wonderful to see her. Although I didn't realize it at the time, Lauren kept my Sudoku book for herself. Jen found it the next day. It amazes me what can bring joy to a child. I plan to let her keep it. Why should I keep a book that cost me a few dollars when one of my nieces or nephews finds such joy in it?