Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy

This is Lous CK on Conan O'Brien. I just wanted to add an AMEN and say that I have SO much to be grateful for.

Video belongs to NBC

Simpy Mad About the Mouse

Childhood memories. I have so many and I found a TON on youtube tonight. The internet is truly an AMAZING tool. So here, for your enjoyment, are a few clips from Simply Mad about the Mouse.

Just as a side note: I do not own the songs or videos. I do not intend to step on any copyright toes. I just LOVE SMATM.

Harry Connick Jr. - The Bare Necessities

LL Cool J - The Big Bad Wolf (rated PG for SCANDALOUS women! ha ha!)




And as I was trying to find more video, I've learned that the video codes were disabled. This person does not want to share the love. Here are the links. They're still really good.

Soul II Soul : Kiss the Girl
Billy Joel: When You Wish Upon a Star
Ric Ocasek: Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah
The Gypsy Kings: I've Got No Strings
Bobby McFerrin: The Siamese Cat Song
Michael Bolton: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

This isn't the video from Simply Mad, but it is the song. It wouldn't be complete without it!

En Vogue: Someday My Prince Will Come

I've Got Music...I've Got My Man...

Who could ask for anything more? Eli and I had a special treat this past weekend. The BYU Young Ambassadors are on a regional tour right now and they came through Albuquerque. Of course, I was SUPER excited because I love the YA! I watched 'em a lot while I was at school. I was kind of surprised that Eli was excited about it too, but then I remembered he was in a similar show choir while he was at Snow College.

We made a fun double date night of it with our friends Todd and Bonnie. It wasn't anything complicated, pizza and a performance. The time was well spent. We really like our friends. We showed up to the RRHS Performing Arts building 20 minutes early and it was PACKED. It was a great show from the beginning. The YA Show Band was awesome ( and made Eli drool because he wanted the drum set they had). There was SO MUCH stinkin' talent in that room. The voice range on some of those kids was outstanding!

At many points during the show Eli and I made decisions. Eli decided that he wanted to take drum lessons. I'm going to learn to tap dance and play the sax. I also decided that I would be okay if our future kids wanted to tap dance, even the boys. It's an extremely athletic thing. Eli said they could as long as they did a MANLY sport along with it.

It was a perfect date. I really couldn't have asked for anything more that night. And if you have the chance to see the Young Ambassadors, you should!

Driving Away from the Wreck of the Day

So we didn't really end up driving away. The car got towed and some friends came to pick us up. It all happened so fast, I don't really know what was going on. We were driving home from Lima's vet appointment (she might be pregnant, but that's another story), I was texting our friend B when I heard Eli shout, I heard a loud popping noise, my head hit something as I was shoved forward and then that was followed by my head swinging back. I really oouldn't register what was happening. Lima was crying and looked like she was flying and Eli was asking if I was ok and then to get out of the car. Eli came and checked on me and Lima and then checked on the lady in front of us while the lady behind us cursed at us. There were 5 cars, 8 people, and 1 dog involved. It was miraculous that no one was injured. I sustained a broken off thumbnail (which hurts a lot more than you'd think), Eli got pinched by his watch (which is in excellent condition Pop), and Lima got air bag dust in her eye. We're all quite a bit sore and tired, but we're alive.
We're so thankful that everyone made it out ok. Of course our car didn't (it's that "champagne" colored Ford Escape), but who cares? We made sure to thank our Heavenly Father for our safety and our friends. They missed their kid's basketball game to pick us up. I know it sounds crazy, but we're blessed.

the silver thing is the exhaust pipe; it made its way on top of our tires...?

43 Things about Mandy

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a Romantic Traveling Builder

"See You and Me Have a Better Time Than Most"

Eli and I have been so blessed to have made some really good friends out here in Rio. I work a lot in the evening, so when Eli doesn't have appointments, he usually hangs out with M & E. They are such wonderful people; amazingly friendly, unselfish, HILARIOUS, and so many other words. Eli and I have taken to spending Sundays with them. They've been nice enough to share their family with us (Nana, A, A, Z and the girls) and their food. We like it over there. We can't be with our family out here, but they (and a few other families) are the next best thing.

Today we went over to E & M's and spent a little quality time. We had a roast that Nana was so nice to make for us. After Dinner we sat down to watch Love Stinks. Cheesey, funny movie. Apparently Eli, E & M had started watching it the night before while I was at work. Eli said it reminded him of me. Go figure. I guess it did mostly because I told Eli I loved him first and he was like, "Sooo...?" It kind of went like that, maybe not exactly. It's got a few scenes that are questionably, so if it's ever on TV...

After the movie Eli and M had to make a few business phone calls, so I took to the kitchen. I saw a recipe on a friend's blog that I wanted to try. So while the guys were busy with business and E was taking Nana home, I made Whoopie Pies. The closest thing to describing these yummy snacks would be Oreo Cakesters, but these were 100 times better. You should make them. Tasty and easy, the best combination.

Eli and M loved these "pies." I loved them. M's kids loved them. I just might have to start making these more often. I'm glad I was able to make these for everyone. Thanks Chef B. It's so nice to be able to have a fun relaxing night with friends. Every day we have more reasons to like Rio. We are so thankful that we've been able to find great people here.

The Boys enjoying some Whoopie Pies.

Reasons I Like Preschool

There are just some things that are cuter with a preschooler than a 4th grader.

Finding the "snowball" in the snow (marshmallows & whip cream)

Making "snow angels"

And I get to see that. How is that not adorable?