Beloved School

Back to school again! Taylor and Carter were SO EXCITED! Is it because I couldn't keep them sufficiently entertained this summer? Did they grow tired of being my maid? Or, is it because they just plain love school and are yearning to grow? Whatever it was, I am happy they enjoy school so much. Tate is not so excited to see them go. He loved having them around, and hopefully he won't be too bored. Is he too young to scrub my baseboards? How about toilets?

Taylor is starting 3rd Grade. She was completely ready to go (with her room cleaned and bed made) 1 hour before we had to leave. She proudly calls herself a "School Nerd."

Carter is going into 2nd Grade. I really wanted him to wear one of his new outfits, but he insisted on his "Hoopsville" shirt. I'll save that battle for School Picture Day.

Mostly today I just feel grateful and extremely blessed to be the mother of these 3 amazing souls. I hope they know how much I enjoyed them this summer, and how much I truly love being their mom. As the saying goes, "It seems like just yesterday..."

Sumthin in Mah Teef?

I know that this kind of thing has happened to everyone at least once in their lives, right? It happened to me on Monday at lunch with some old friends. The thing that gets my grill is that I'm one of those people that is SO careful about this kind of catastrophe. When I used to work and go out to lunch everyday with co-workers or even clients, my friend Melissa and I would always do a "TC" check on each other. She started it. It took me a while to figure out what "TC" stood for. FYI, it stands for "Teeth Check", not "Take Care", not "Traffic Control", not "Tom Cruise."

Well, Monday I went to lunch in Scottsdale with some old high school friends, Shannon and Jean. (Had a great time girls...loved seeing you!) Although I am a confident, mature adult now, and it has been 14 years since we graduated, I still found myself a little hyper for lunch. Perhaps I even reverted back to a few high school behaviors when I asked Willy what I should wear THE NIGHT BEFORE and put on 3 different outfits the day of. I even felt a little giddy before I left...kind of in a BFF mode, ya know? I hadn't seen these gals in a while, and who can blame me for wanting to look my best? These are our Senior pictures...we still look the same. Don't shake your head. Yes, we do look the same.

Alright. So we ordered salad as an appetizer. Ate it. It was goooooood! Then, we began eating our entrees. We are having the normal catch-up conversation, then we delve into some more serious topics. I offer up my story (which was a good one) when Jean interrupts me and says, "Wait! Before you go any further, you have a little something in your teeth! I think it's salad." Shannon nods her head, "Yeah, I was going to say something, but I wanted to just see if it would go away on its own."

What??? Not me! Salad was like 20 minutes ago!

Then, I started my interrogating. "WHY? Why me?" "How long have you known about this?" "Why didn't you say anything when it happened?" "Were you going to let me go through the whole lunch like this?" "What about the universal sign language of pretending to pick something out of your own teeth to let my subconscious know that I have something in mine?"

I then proceeded to suck water up through my straw, spraying my own teeth, if you will, just like the dentist onto the affected area. Didn't work. I then had to squeeze my straw together to scrape that bugger out. It was a stubborn piece of lettuce.

This whole thing got me thinking about awkward situations like this, so I'm posing a question. If you have something in your teeth, or a cliff hanger, or a zit that needs a poppin', or dried snot on the side of your cheek, or lip stick on your teeth, or your breast milk is leaking through your nursing pad, etc..., do you want the person you are with to tell you, or do you want them to pretend they don't see it and carry on? In addition, would YOU tell someone, or would you not want to embarrass them? What do y'all think?

4th of July...Show Low Style

Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. We almost always spend the 4th up in the White Mountains of Show Low, AZ. We love spending time with family, especially when we leave behind 115 degree heat.Every year we watch the Show Low Parade, but this year we were in it. (I'm sure you'll find a way to deal with your jealousy.) Willy's late Grandpa Nikolaus was the first Mayor of Show Low and his family had the first grocery store--Nick's Market. Grandma Nikolaus wanted her family in the parade this year to honor Grandpa Nikolaus and Nick's Market as part of Show Low's heritage. Just seeing how happy she was made pushing a shopping cart 3 miles, in flip flops, with a temperamental toddler, worth it...just take a look at this cutie sitting in her chair with her umbrella, riding in the float.

We definitely had some high points. It was great to see my kids be the ones throwing the candy rather than receiving. They were making a conscience effort to look for kids that weren't getting the goods. And let's face it, when do you ever walk in a small town parade unless you're sporting the coveted title of Rodeo Queen? Like that's going to happen. We also had a few low points. This one is obvious.This one, not so obvious. Sorry everybody...we wish eggs were still that cheap. We spent the rest of the day eating and relaxing at a pond/picnic place and riding quads.
The rest of the aftermoon and evening were filled with sun, row boats, more food, fun, fireworks and Aunt Buffy's puppy chow. How do we top a day like that?

Future Author Alert

What do you want to be when you grow up? Many kids respond with the classics...doctor, fireman, policeman, insurance agent, Wal-Mart greeter, etc....

Taylor has always had a wild imagination. When Taylor was 3, she wanted to be a "seashell hunter." That stemmed from going to the beach and collecting shells. When she was 4, she wanted to be an "artist-mommy." I think that stemmed from me sitting down with her to draw.

Ever since Kindergarten, she has told everyone that she is going to be an author some day. She loves to read and write--both activities of choice. She has about 18 notebooks and a few binders and folders that she fills with her stories. She proudly calls herself a nerd. This girl has got ambition and drive when it comes to this subject. I used to just smile and listen and of course praise her, but now I'm beginning to believe that this is not just a phase. I've never seen an 8 year old want something that much. I think she just may be an author some day.

During the last year, I have been asked countless times by Taylor as to how one gets a story published. I've given her a few simple explanations such as...

1. Find a publisher

2. Send in your manuscript

3. If they like it, they publish it. They pay you.

I figured that this explanation would be enough for an 8-year-old. One day when I was asked yet another question regarding who the youngest author ever to be published, I replied, "I don't know! Go GOOGLE it!"

She did. He's 8.

"Hmmm," she thinks, "I'm 8."

So of course, this gives her a great idea. She is not going to be an author someday but rather today. She then proceeded to GOOGLE publishers. She found a couple which she told me about. I gave her permission to request some information. She got some pamphlets in the mail and was so excited. However, when I read through her stuff, all the publishers required a hefty fee. She was a bit disappointed by that, but didn't give up. I told her we could type a story up, draw pictures ourselves, and go to Kinko's. Oh no. It has to be a real publisher. She shared one of her emails with me the other night, and I about wet myself. Below is an abridged email between a publishing sales agent and verbatim email by Taylor.

Dear Taylor Nikolaus,
Thank you for recently contacting Blah Blah Blah and requesting a publishing kit. My name is Ms. Blah Blah. (Then we have a sales pitch along with some other info.) Do you have a manuscript ready to publish? Please check out our website to download the necessary forms.
Sincerely,
Ms. Blah Blah

Dear Ms. Blah Blah,
Yes. I have one small book that I might publish. I would like a small list of some of the books you have published. Do you think you could do that? Thanks!
Sincerely,
Taylor Nikolaus
P.S. My mom wants me to tell you that I'm 8 years old.

Okay. What 8-year-old says things like that?!

Dear Taylor Nikolaus,
Thank you for taking the time to write back. What is the book you are working on about? (More sales pitch) Since your mom asked you to let me know of your age, am I correct to assume that she has agreed to pay so your book can be published?
Sincerely,
Ms. Blah Blah
Sales & Marketing Department

So did I mention that this company requires $600-$12,000 to publish a book? Maybe I should sell my kidney Ms. Blah Blah. I don't know about you, but when I was 8, I was playing hop scotch, freeze tag and occasionally making my Barbie and Ken kiss...on the lips...with sound effects.

One thing is for sure, and that is that this little girl has determination. Hopefully she will remember the little people.

I Smell Bacon

Cops. It's a love-hate thing. We love them as they uphold the law, make our communities safe, risk their lives, lock up bad guys, stand out in the hot sun directing traffic, and all of the millions of other things they do to serve us. However, we hate them when all of the sudden we become the bad guy. You know what I'm talking about. I'm sure we have a couple of speed demons who are reading this...a couple of lead-foot shebas who have been ticketed once or twice. And you know how they get us. They find a remote spot to pull their car offroad. Some may even cover their cars with greenery or artificial plants and twigs from Michaels. There they wait, lurking, slouched in their cop seats just waiting...waiting...waiting with their little laser beam gun...waiting to ZAP us as we drive by. Yes, you know what I'm talking about. Then it seems we forget about all the good they do.

Well, yesterday I really questioned myself as a mother. What am I teaching my kids to think about our fellow officers?

I was on my way to a baptism at our church. Willy was already there, and I was running a tad bit late with the kids. I ran out the door without my purse (and without my double lazy-eye license). In short, I was in a hurry and was driving fast. I was about 1/4 mile away from the church turn off when THERE I saw him. He was purched on the edge of the road like a little vulture waiting to pounce.

I instinctively slammed on the brakes, not so smooth either. I was still feeling pretty good about my reflexes going from 55 mph to 45 mph that quickly...until of course, I saw the 35 mph sign. I knew he got me. I saw his tires inch forward. Oooh, I had to think fast.

Back in the day, I've gotten out of a few tickets. One time the cop that pulled me over was in my single's ward and liked my friend. That was easy. Hey Occifer. I got something you want; you've got something I want. I'll arrange something with Emily, and you just put that little pad right back in your pocket. It's not so easy now...not as many resources with 3 kids in the backseat, ya know?

Lucky for me, Mr. Copper had to make a left turn to follow me. He couldn't do it right away because of traffic. So...I quickly pulled into the church and quick-as-the-speed-of-light zipped to the back of church where I would be hidden from the road. At that point, I yelled to my sweet, impressionable kids, "GET OUT OF THE CAR! HURRY! HURRY! RUN! GET INTO THE CHURCH! RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIIIVES!" Boy, was I panting! And boy, were my kids wide-eyed!

No ticket for me though. I'm not sure if he just gave up, realized that he was up against a professional, or went for a donut.

Still, it is kind of ironic. I was going to a baptism at church and running like a fugitive at the same time. I hope my kids aren't too damaged by my hypocrisy.

12 Years with a Hottie

Our 12-year anniversary was June 6th. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It seemed like yesterday that I was sitting in my first day of Book of Mormon Institute class when this really cute guy came in and sat by me "Yes!" I remember thinking, "What better way to learn about the BOM than with a hottie sitting next to me!" Well, he was a hottie until Willy walked in. (The hottie turned out to be Willy's best bud, Todd, who to many, is still a hottie). This is going to sound cheesy and sappy, but the second he walked in, we looked at each other for a moment, and I suddenly felt queasy. My cool, confident self went bye-bye, and I really was struck. Yes, he was a hottie, but that is not what made me into jello. It was the confident way he looked at me and that twinkle in his eyes. I knew at that moment that I was going to get to know that guy (and maybe plant one on him later).

And rewind 13 years, and here we are! Young muffins.

As I've thought about our life together, I feel so blessed to have shared my life with Willy. There are a million reasons why I love him, but here is a list of my TOP 10.

10. He always makes me smile when he walks through the door.

9. He encouraged and supported me when I chose to start my pre-school. He makes me feel like the best dang teacher around.

8. He has had continued support with my runs. He came to my marathon in St. George when I told him he didn't have to, and I meant it --not one of the girl tricks. This happened to be probably THE most stressful day of his life (bar results). He put me before himself, and that melted me.

7. He rolls his eyes at me without rolling his eyes. I know I get a little koo-koo, and I know that inside he is probably rolling his eyes, but most often, he makes light of the situation or brushes it off altogether.

6. He makes me feel like his priority. He works really hard, and sometimes I forget that he has a high-pressured job because he is all husband and father when he gets home.

5. He RARELY complains about anything. He'll eat pretty much anything too...except grapefruit and perhaps ward potluck sushi.

4. He makes me laugh. (Does everyone know that he still has his own "woobee" aka blanket? We are on his 3rd one since we got married and he sleeps with it every night no matter what.)

3. He only snores when he is really sick. Granted, that snore sounds like a ship's fog horn, but it's only when he's sick.

2. He is a good man who loves his Savior and honors his priesthood.

1. He is a constant in my life. I depend on him, trust him and love to kiss on him.

And here we are 2008. A little older and a little hotter.

Happy Anniversary!

There's Nothing Like the MVD

The experience of going to the MVD is as painful as...well, you may as well rip all of my toenails off. I avoid that place like the plague. That may explain why I have lived in Arizona for two years now, and I still have a Texas Driver's License. I've been feeling some pressure from myself (for about 2 years now) and decided that today was the day to get my new license.

I loaded up the 3 kids in the car with some toys and off we went to Disneyland, I mean the MVD. I warned them that it may take awhile and it may be boring. That's why we brought toys and snacks, and why they were promised a Golden Spoon yogurt when we were finished. I planned to go to a "less crowded" MVD (is that an oxymoron?), so I went to one that is in East Mesa that primarily serves the geriatric community. Why I thought that was going to be quicker--with all the little folk with walkers who act like they have all the time in the world because they've already lived a full 88 years of life--I don't know.

Anyway, they finally called my number. I stood in line to get my picture taken. Mind you, for those that don't live in Arizona...our licenses don't expire for about 30 years, so we don't have to renew until then. That could be cool if let's say you were me, 32 years old, and you wanted to be a hot lookin' 62 year old on your license 30 years from now. Or, it could stink if you had a bad hair day or the acne army attacked that week. Then you are stuck with that picture for 30 freaking years.

Well, it was my turn to take my picture. Here's how it went down:

Robot Lady: Step right over here and stand on the edge of the red line.

Me: Okay. (Then I proceed to look in the direction of the camera. Isn't that what you are supposed to do?)

Robot Lady: Uh, honey, I need you to look toward my hand. (She holds her hand out below and to the left of the camera.)

Me: (To myself: Hmmm...that's weird. Well, she knows more than I do about the MVD camera. Maybe it's off a little bit. I'll go ahead and look at her hand like she instructed.)

CLICK!

Robot Lady: It'll be ready in 3 minutes.

Hmmm? Anyone that sees my license in the next 30 years will wonder, "What on earth is she looking at?" or "Is that a case of double lazy eye?" Only you and I will know that I'M LOOKING AT THAT ROBOT LADY'S STINKIN' HAND! Why, oh why!