Flu Kit

So this is just to remind myself of this swine flu out break in the future and to make myself prepare, just in case. The Red Cross has a list of items to put in a flu kit.

Supplies: vitamins, prescription meds, cough and cold medicine, fever and pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), anti-diarrhea medication, soap, bleach, hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues, thermometer, box of disposable gloves, at least 1 high quality surgical mask, electrolyte drinks and baking soda. I would throw in toilet paper for good measure.

Why do we need to get these things? As my MIL put it, we don't have to be afraid when we are prepared.

Put it all in a bucket and label it. Just keep it in the garage or in a closet and it will be there when you need it. Off to Walgreens.

Excitement explained

About a month ago I was given some hush money after my husband bought a boat. I thought of the many things I could do with said money. At first my thoughts were all about me or the house and then I decided I wanted to do something to benefit the most people. My parents birthdays were coming up and I wanted to do something special for them. I wanted to send them on a trip, but that is hard to do secretly, especially with their work schedules. Anyway, I decided to bring the party to them. My little brother had not been home with his new wife, since their reception. It had been over a year and truthfully I never really got to talk to her, though we were in the same room for 3 hours. So I had them see if they could come when the semester at BYU was over. It worked better than I could have imagined.

The day I got them from the airport, I was so sure that my mom had found out. We went to her office and I walked in with them behind me. My appearance at her work is not unusual, but her expression on her face when she registered who was there, was priceless. They cried and hugged. Mission accomplished.

When we surprised my dad, he got the cutest joyful, little boy smile on his face. I was so thrilled. Both of my sisters helped with the surprise. My mom had said she wanted memories for her birthday, I am pretty sure that her wish was fulfilled. My parents are great, I love theme so much. I am glad that we were able to give them something that let them know how much we love them.

We had a great weekend and hopefully we will be able to do it again soon.

So Excited

That's all she wrote.

Deodorant for a birthday present

Lulu 15 months

(That's a smile, not a stinky face)

I don't remember exactly when I started wearing deodorant, but I am thinking my near 7 year-old will be getting a year supply for her birthday. Hopefully she will think that it means she is mature or like a teenager or something positive. She must run like crazy during recess. Poor Mimi. I must have stunk as a child. My memory is that we bathed usually on Saturdays and that is all I remember, up until I was in 4th grade. I know my hair was often greasy in pictures and I had the hairspray plastered bangs. I have no idea how I ever had friends if my memory is correct.

Mimi Valentine's Day 2009

Date night

My sister volunteered to watch the girls yesterday, so we went on a date. First stop, the bank to deposit paycheck. Next, the walk-in clinic to get a note verifying that I need to see the physical therapist. Then we went for sushi. We wandered around town looking for a Papa John's that was still in business. The Gage and the Court St. restaurants had been closed. We were near an Albertson's, so I shared some of the magic with my hubby. I gave him a $3 off coupon and we went to work.

His list: 1 gal milk, sugar wafers, tostada kit, and 3 cans refried beans.
His price: $5 after coupon. Plus free loaf of bread from bakery--up to $3, and another $3 off next purchase.

My list: 1 gal milk, 4 cans of ref. beans
My price: $1 after coupon. Plus $3 off next purchase.

We ended up with $20 work of groceries for $3. The cashier said, "You're a smart shopper." My husband said, "This has got to be stealing." Its not, but sometimes it feels that way.

Finally, we found a pizza place and took the missionaries dinner and shared a cheese pizza with the kids at my sister's house. It was a busy date night, but we had fun. Better than a movie.

Happy Birthday

My dad and mom's birthdays are a day apart. April 15 & 16. This year mom asked for memories for her birthday, so we did the same for dad too. My sister, the writer, wrote almost 4 pages of mini memories. I jotted 5-6 little memories on a card.

Dad--
My dad used to wake us up to change water by blasting The Little Mermaid soundtrack. It worked, but it was a little crazy. I guess it was better than pounding on the door.

He would take us to the mall at Christmas time, give us a little $, and let us get each other presents. Sometimes he would take us to the late might Grigg's sale before Christmas. The last one I remember vividly was when the original Nintendo was brand new. That was a while ago.

He liked to give us tasks that we had to figure out. I think he helped me learn how to think and problem solve as much as any of my classes pre-college.

We'd listen to different musicall the time--Fiddler on the roof, Les Mis, Disney movies, 50's music, Carpenters, Glenn Campbell, Beatles--He made a Dave's faves CD and gave us all a copy a few years back. Sometimes we would crank the music and have a dance party. He has some good moves.

We would go for walks around town on Sunday afternoons.

He told me I had to disc a field when I had never driven a tractor. He showed me once and then left me to it. I had my walkman and listened to a "mixtape" while I drove and killed the tractor several times. By the end, I could drive the tractor without it dying.

My dad took me to college and got me settled in. It was nice to have his support when I went to school. I remember he helped me make my bed.

Mom--

There are so many people that come up to me and say, "I just love your mom." So many.

She is always helping people and she doesn't expect anything in return.

She was there for both births and recoveries of my babies. She even flew to CA an extra time to help a month after the first baby was born.

If I ever need to chat, she is always there to listen.

I loved having her as the YW president when I was in there.

She has a great laugh.

She used to love fuschia. I love how she looked in it too. I used to sneak into the bathroom and try on her hot pink lip stick.

There are many great things my parents taught me and they have set many good examples for me too. Happy birthday Mom and Dad!

Carl is my new favorite person

I went to the physical therapist yesterday and I feel a whole lot better. My dad has said over and over again that the PT would actually help me. I am now a true believer. I would have never really thought that I was weak in the back and the abdominals, but I guess I am. I had been lifting 3x week, running 5x, and working abs 2-3 times a week so I thought I was pretty strong. Recently, I had only been running and I guess that is what caused some of my back problems. He also adjusted my hips and it was so incredible. The movement he caused without hurting me was great. Sometimes they work you so hard it hurts, but this guy had the touch. He gave me some exercises to do and I am going back on thursday. I am so excited.

The exercises (done at the same time)--kegels, belly button to spine, and contracting lower back by squeezing hip bones to spine. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat. Sets of 10. These can be done standing, sitting or lying down.