High Five

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=17265121

My First Glue Gun

That's right, I just barely bought a hot glue gun. I decided at the ripe old age of 30 that I'm finally old enough. Honestly, I may be able to sew, but otherwise anything crafty is beyond me. The inspiration to finally buy one: Maisy had some broken bows. Regardless of the fact that I now own a glue gun, I will still not be making Maisy's bows. Tying a bow is beyond my skill level. Her dress bows always look very sad. My big project however, was a bow holder. I know most people would use tulle, but I happened to have nylon chiffon from making pettiskirts. The girl isn't even 18 months and has a drawer stuffed full of hair bows. Why so many? We're still trying to grow out the mullet, and piggies hide that fact handily.This is Maisy having taken her bows out and putting about 3 headbands around her neck.

Alta Canyon Triathlon

So much fun. I think on the last triathlon I did I also came in 8th in my age division. Who cares. I didn't want to die during any part of this one. Even though I had a horrible cough and hadn't swam laps in a couple months, I really loved it. It felt like a really good accomplishment. I need to tip my hat to my dad who won the 55-59 men's age division. Wes came in 6th in his division. Regardless, I finished five minutes faster than him. I look at him and think he has every physical advantage over me and I still prevailed. It's a good feeling. We're super competitive at our house so I'm trying not to gloat every 10 seconds, but I'm still psyched about it. And the kids really liked our "thanks for particiapting" medals.

Who Am I

I like to think of myself as a logical person, whose actions are not overridden by emotions. I believe this to be in jeopardy when it comes to being a mother. Sometimes I look back on a day and feel bad for my kids because they could just never be sure which way the wind was blowing. Most of the time I try to sit back and let them figure things out on their own, let natural consequences happen. Other times I know I'm the helicopter mom I despise. Sometimes I'm so crazy strict they probably feel like they can't breathe without getting in trouble. Mostly I feel bad for them when my even keel starts to rock.

Dear Smith Family,

I don't know any details of what's going on between the Smith family sibs. Nor do I want to. All I know is that I was getting some funky vibes at the 2 weddings last week and it doesn't sit well with me. I don't know why some people were at one wedding and not another. It should have been a happy time for all to share together. I truly hoped that when Granny died her legacy of offense and ostracism had died with her. I love the Smith family and am grateful to have married into it. Please bring back the love and laughter.

-Andrea

Ranch

We love the Ranch. And I like to fancy that I took some beautiful pictures with my little point and shoot camera. My kids played with their cousins all day long, VERY few scuffles amongst the young'uns, and fishing. Wes makes fun, but I wasn't raised fishing like he was. The fact that I go out there every evening with him should earn me some points. And I did catch a fish with Dylan's Spiderman fishing pole. We have such a great time with Wes' family playing games. We're grateful that we have the opportunity to go and give our kids the experience.

A Well Kept Woman

I'm about to brag on my husband, so Ladies, don't compare him to yours because you'll be sadly disappointed.

Wes is amazing at gifts (I suck, but he loves me anyway). He's always looking for the best of something I want/need. I got home from work on Friday and he said he'd found me this amazing bike at a yard sale if I wanted to go look at it. I've wanted a road bike for awhile since I've started triathlon training, and have complained ceaselessly about riding his old missionary mountain bike. The awesomeness of which Wes still defends. Road bikes are REALLY expensive so I haven't pursued getting one. Wes is always keeping an eye out for things like this and I only have looked on KSL once, saw the price tags, and let it go. End of the story; I have an amazing bike that is way beyond my skill level. I'm hoping to get some practice in at the ranch. After putting the cleats on my new clipless shoes last night, he held the bike for me while I practiced clipping in and out. (I'm going to crash for awhile.) He's an awesome husband who always wants the best for me. (unless I've proven myself irresponsible in an area, like losing my phone weekly.)

Add this to the list of my super sewing machine, terrific treadmill, and brilliant blender. It kind of makes him look like he secretly wants to have a fit wife with great domestic abilities. I don't care it's not even my birthday or Christmas. He's the best. Let's not forget I got the truck I wanted even if it wasn't necessarily the best deal, and he pays for an old horse that hangs out in the pasture getting fat. I want for nothing.