Happy Belated (like REALLY belated) Birthday, Tenae

Tenae is someone who is very dear to my heart. I not only consider her my sister, I consider her one of my best friends. Her wisdom has helped me throughout my life so many times. She was one I would run to with all of my High School boyfriend drama. She is 2 years older than me and was SO MATURE and knew EVERYTHING there was to know about silly boys. She would let me take her car anytime I wanted and had the craziest, most fun stories about all of her teenage/adult (she was like 18 or 19 at the time) adventures. Like getting a misdemeanor for making a dry ice bomb and setting it off in one of her friends lawns. She was (and still is) always up for anything fun, adventurous, and wild to do.

Then after I had Lexie I would call her for baby advise. She had 3 kids before I had Lexie and once again knew all there was to know about having babies. I remember calling her desperate to know how much longer I was going to have to suffer through another breast feeding session before I simply gave up forever. "Give it one more week," she said. I did. And it was true. No more pain! I swear I stuck to the breast feeding because of her. I would've given up for sure if it hadn't been for her great advise.

And now that Lexie is a "tween", I am constantly asking questions on how to handle that. I am continuously asking questions like, "When should I have 'the talk' with her? What should I say? How do you handle raging emotion? Etc., etc." I am so glad she had 3 kids before I had Lexie. She was a PRO-mom by then!! She is such a great mother and I find myself stricken with awe at times when I see all that she can juggle at once. Truly amazing.

She is one of the hardest workers I have ever known and is one who puts her whole heart and soul into everything she does. She is extremely organized and a fantastic planner. She is the true definition of beauty. On the inside and out. I love the time we spend together. Hanging out at the salon, chilling at family gatherings, or eating din din when she is M.O.D at work (that's probably my most favorite!!! Just Tenae and Kristi time!!!). I have so many wonderful memories with her. I am so glad she is in my life. Thank you for all you do for me, Tenae. I hope you had the most fabulous birthday ever. You're the bestest sister EVER!!! Love you!

Words of Wisdom

These are some funny things that one of my most favorite people said. I have to write them down because to me they are so funny!!! I won't reveal the identity for their sake! Ha!

*******************************************************
"What does spontaneous mean?"

To act impulsively.

"Oh, man. I totally used that wrong. I did spell check I just didn't check the meaning."

********************************************************

"I am so smart out of stupidity."

Masi Knows Best

Masi is quite the informer to her little cousin, Ady (who is also her biggest fan). My sister, Lori, takes Masi to Mother Goose everyday after school. She quietly listens to what Masi is informing Ady (in her matter of fact way) of that day. And today it was this:

Masi: Ady, gold means you're rich. And there are two kinds of gold: Gold gold and Silver gold. Gold gold means you are REALLY rich and Silver gold means you are only kind of rich.

Ady listens very intently. For Masi knows best.

Happy Belated Birthday, Ker Ber!!!!

I met Keri clear back when she was like 12 years old. She came beeboppin' into my salon needing a new do. Instantly, we clicked. She is the funniest, craziest, and most funnest person I know. Always up for a good time. I did her hair for years and years and I was always looking forward to seeing her. I was so happy when she became part of our family 4 years ago. She is such a great sister and a sweet little mama to my nephew, Ashton.

I always look forward to spending time with Keri when I go to Boise or she comes into town. It's always eventful and full of good times and laughs. Me and my sister, Lisa, always joke how Lisa is going to write a book called, "Famous Sayings by Keri". She is SO funny. One of my favorites was when one day she was over at Lisa's house borrowing her computer to do some banking. She was entering in her debits and talking to herself. Lisa tuned in.

Keri: Ok....let's see *thinking* where did I get gas today?? *thinking, thinking* Oh! I know! The gas station.

Lisa: *laughs out loud*

Keri: *turns around* What?

Lisa: Keri, where else are you going to get gas?

Keri: *laughing* oh yeah, huh.

Oh! I love this girl with all of my heart. I could go on and on with Keri stories. One of my favorite things about her is her ability to laugh at herself. When she has a blond moment (I have a few of those myself) and we all laugh, she just joins right in. What a good sport! She is so funny!!! Another thing about Keri is her fashion sense. This girl can d r e s s!!! She puts the cutest outfits together and has the BEST wardrobe EVER!!! She is one of the very few people who can wear short shorts with stilettos. HOTT!

I'm so glad she is my sister and she will always have a very special place deep in my heart. I love you, Keri. I hope your birthday was wonderful!

April 25

Driving Blind

We're driving down the road today and I am trying to take the plastic off of a CD. Masi apparantly wants to help and said, "Mom, I'll watch the road for you. You just open that up and I will tell you which way to go. Like left or right, okay?" I told her that wasn't safe. She didn't get it.

Another Fun Day

Ahhh.....I am LOVING this weather! I can't even tell you! I am on cloud 9 I tell ya! So, I went to work today and enjoyed the company of my fabulous sister in law, Tenae. She is so fun to talk to and I just love doing her beautiful hair. While she was processing I got to cut Loren Azzola's hair, who is like my 2nd dad. He always has fun stories. Me and Tenae had fun chitty chatting with him for a bit. Along with a couple others I got to see Jenna Jones who moved to Boise and came home for a short visit. I miss her and love to chat and catch up with her. I got off work about an hour earlier than normal, went and picked up Masi and Tyke, got home and we took off on our bikes for a spin around the hood. We swung by Jessica Pearson's and picked up Ethan and Owen. Then we rode to the park. After a bit Lexie's bus pulled up and she came running out to play with us too. She was so excited to see me waiting for her to get off the bus. I love that!!!!
Later on, we headed to Ross Park for a family BBQ. It was so fun to get all the cousins together and see my brothers and sisters. It was also fun to check out the FAB color I did on Tenae today as it shone it's silky rich color in the sun! Hahha...j/k (not really! I really couldn't help but stare! Ha.) Anywaaaaaazzzzze...I love that I have such a close family. I'm loving all of this outside time. And I am finally getting some color on this pasty white skin of mine. YAY!!!

Spring Time Fun

Yesterday Jett and I took the kids to Ross Park for a picnic and a fun day at the park. The weather was FABULOUS!!! The kids had so much fun playing in the sun ! I was so mad, however, because I loaded up the camera and was ready to take some serious action photos when I discovered that I left my memory card at home. BUMMER!!! I was so sad. Jett and the kids were rather happy. They get so sick of me practicing my photography skills. It was nice, however, to just sit and enjoy watching the kids play. When I'm taking pictures I don't really do that...I'm too busy waiting for the perfect shot. So, as I'm watching I can't help but take note of Lexie. What a sweet girl she is. No matter where we go she is always making a new friend. And yesterday this friend was a 2 year old little girl. She would help her up onto the jungle gym, help her down the slide, and just played with her the whole time. I'm sure the little girls parents were happy they had a free babysitter. She is such a little mama herself and I really enjoyed watching her interact with this little girl.
Anyhoo...we went on down to the zoo and we were pleasantly surprised it was open. We walked through the zoo and it was SO fun to see all the of animals. They were all awake and out enjoying the sun as well. Even the coyotes. I don't think I have ever seen them out and about. The big porcupine was giving us a show as well. Normally, he is just sleeping away but he climbed all the way up the tree in his cage. The kids had a super time. It was fun to see the new baby goslings that just hatched too. They were so cute following their mama. They were just brand new with bright yellow feathers! Precious.
At one point, Masi was getting pretty darn tired and we all know how she gets. She was sitting in the wagon and Tyke was pulling her. She just sat there on her thrown and ordered Tyke to go wherever she wanted. Sweating, Tyke is just working his little heart out. Geez. She would get so ornery and holler at him to "GET CLOSER!! GO OVER THERE!!!" Soon I had to intervene and remind her of how hard Tyke was working to pull her majesty around. The little stinker!!! Ha. Kids.
After the zoo, we went home and we all went for a quick bike ride before bath and jamas. It was the perfect evening to make a quick trip around the neighborhood a few times. What a super duper day! I LOVE SPRING!!!!

Xtreme Danzz

A few weeks ago Lexie, Masi, and I headed off to Salt Lake City, Utah for the Xtreme Danze Dance Competition. This time my sister, Lori, and her daughter, Ady, came with us! We had so much fun and I am glad they got to come. We got there Friday night and when we got to the hotel we realized there was no pool. WHAT?! Bummer. Oh well. They swam in the tub instead!
The dance competition was Saturday morning. We had to be there at 10:00 a.m. We got up bright and early and left 45 minutes before we had to be there. We got on Google Maps and printed out a copy of directions to the old Delta Center. It estimated about 10 minutes to get there from out hotel. We left early because this was the weekend of General Conference. Just for the record...I'm notorious for getting lost :) We didn't even make it onto the Interstate before we were confused and turned around to ask a cop (who happened to be right there alond side of the road) for directions. He informed us that Google was entirely wrong and gave us new directions. The funny thing was he warned us of conference and told us that, "The Mormons have their conference this weekend and they come by the thousands. Good luck finding somewhere to park." We thought that was really funny. Those freak Mormons!!!
Long story short...the officer also gave us the wrong directions!!! Lori and I ended up totally lost and driving aimlessly looking for the right directions. We made another stop at a Cafe. They were of no help either. With 5 minutes to get there I am starting to freak. I DON'T LIKE TO BE LATE!!!! I'm totally stressing out and panicking. Thank goodness Lori was there to keep things calm and find our way! What a relief!! We got there just in time!! It was a miracle!

Me getting the girls ready. I need a tool belt for all of my hairdressing "tools". I really do have one too. I'll bring it to the next one FO SHO! :) But for this one the pockets worked just fine!

Lexie helping Masi to get her skirt just right! She is the best big sister EVER!!!

Best Friends

Ady got to hang out with us in the dressing room!!!

Lexie waiting to perform Rock Star

Electric Light Parade

1,2,3,4

Ice Ice MickeyAfter a long day of competing we hit the road and went SHOPPING!!! It was so fun. Lexie was SO funny. At one point I was in the dressing room trying things on, in the meantime she was out making a pile of clothes she wanted. She said to Lori, "I LOVE all of these! I wonder what my mom will say? Oh...I know. She'll tell me to pick ONE." Well, needless to say they got WAY MORE than one! That's the fun of having girl day out, right!?!

After shopping we went to eat at the Outback Steakhouse. It was delish. However, did you know they quite making the dipping sauce for the salmon? I am very sad about that.

When We Retire

Jett and I were eating at Oliver's Restaurant this evening. He is so funny. He is always saying the most random things. He was telling me how he has only eaten there one other time with his friend, Kevin, and his mom clear back when he was in High School.
He then says, "maybe when we retire we can buy a motorhome and travel the country trying out all the different restaurants. Then decide which one we like the best."
Thinks for a minute and continues, "do you think we'll get fat doing that?"

Spring Time Fun...or Something Like That

Spring is in the air and with that I was thinking of this time last spring. Jett brought home a chick from Cal Ranch. He said he thought they were cute and it would be fun for the kids. Hmmm...Really? Well, ok. And he was right about one thing...the kids did have so much fun with the baby chick they named Molly. He was wrong about the other...it was UGLY!!! It was an ugly, black, homely little chick. I asked why he didn't get a cute yellow one and he said because they grow to be albino looking. Sigh. Whatever. So...I went with it. The kids played with Molly EVERYDAY!!!! They LOVED her and she was really good with them. She grew to be what I called a teenage chick. One day I came home and Masi went to do her daily greeting with Molly. As she neared the cage she let out the loudest shriek EVER!!! I feared the worst thinking that Molly had croaked for some reason. No. That was not the case.

Masi: MOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!! Oh my GOSH!!!!! Molly had a BABY!!!!!!!

WHAT!?! I walked over to see what she was talking about and sure enough there was a teeny tiny chick sitting in Molly's cage. Now. Let me tell you. I learned ALOT on how to be a chicken farmer that spring. My first lesson (aside from learning that baby chick's need a heat lamp so they don't freeze to death during the cold spring evenings and mornings) was that you can't put baby chicks in with teenager chicks. Molly was pecking that poor little thing! So I got the new chick out, scolded Molly for being naughty, and put her in it's own cage. Ok...so...where did this new chick come from???? I called Jett.

Me: "Jett, did you get another chick, cuz if you did I am going to KILL you???!!!???"
Jett: No! I didn't. I SWEAR!!!
Me: Yes you did! You are going to make me crazy. Why did you get a new one???
Jett: I didn't, Kristi, I promise.

Ok....so where did this chick come from...??? Thinking.....thinking...DAD. Oh...you little... Ok Kristi. Stay calm. Now...just for the record...my dad thinks he is real funny. I decided to take the "pop the collar" approach and stay chill. I didn't call him or anything. He was coming in for a haircut and I would nonchalantly ask him then. Meanwhile my kids are LOVING that we have a new chick they name Polly. Molly and Polly.

So, while I'm cutting my dad's hair I simply ask him if he knows anything about a chick that ended up in Molly's cage. Now for any of you who know my dad you know this look I'm about to describe. He looks at me, eyes bright and sparkly. Half of his mouth is slanted upward in a half smile... He did not have to say a single word. GUILTY!!!!!!! That dirty dog. But he would NEVER admit to such a thing so he really says to me, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Nice.

Another day goes by. I go out to the garage to get something out of the freezer and low and behold yet another chick. WHAT THE!!??? That is IT. Here I have Molly pecking at another poor chick. DAD!!! I call him up.

Me: Dad, if you are going to keep putting chicks in my house then you had better stop putting them in the same cage as Molly. She is going to peck the poor things to death.
Dad: I don't know what you're talking about.
Me: Look. I am a chicken farmer. I know these things. Molly is MEAN to the baby chicks. Also, paybacks a bugger so watch out.
Dad: You better not, Kristi. It's not me.

Yeah right.

Well, needless to say, my kids were delighted to welcome Jolly (naturally) to their happy home of chickens. Molly, Polly, and Jolly. UGH. Let me tell you another thing I learned as I became a professional chicken farmer. They STINK!!! No matter how many times I cleaned out Molly, Polly, and Jolly's cage my garage WREAKED!!! Ew.

I can laugh about this now but during the time I was about to come right out of my skin. 3 chickens...REALLY? Well, the story ends like this. Molly went to a great home of a lady who was looking for a chicken. Her name was Holly. (This is NO LIE!!!) And when Polly and Jolly came of age my brother took them to a farm in which became their new home. I was so happy to finally be rid of my chicken farm.

I will get my dad back for this one day. I don't know when and I don't know how. Wahahahah (wicked laugh).

Baseball in (what feels like) Winter

Tyke had his 1st T-Ball game last weekend. It was so much fun!!!!! It was freezing cold but he was such a trooper. After he hit the ball ran into the infield and got his own ball. He is so funny.
He ran all the way to first base...then just kept going! Not on to second base...he just kept running straight. Haahah...it reminded me of Forrest Gump..."Run Forrest, run!!!" Tyke had a really fun time. He has 3 little friends on his team, Ben, Adyn, and Sam. That makes it all the more fun! They were all HILLARIOUS to watch! *Notice the pink mitt...we couldn't find his so we had to use Lexie's. :/ Good thing Jett was out of town working. I don't think he would've had that.*

Chickawowwow

My sister, Lisa, has a dog. He is a cross between a Mini Doberman and a Chihuahua . His name is Chaoco (Cha ko). I asked Tyke the other day what kind of dog Chaoco is and he replied, "Chaoco is a chicka wow wow!"

Happy Birthday, Kylie

Oh Kylie, Kylie...where do I even begin??? She is just the sweetest thing ever!! It is so incredibly perfect for her to be born on April Fools Day. She has the funniest personality and an imagination beyond comprehension. One of my favorite things about Kylie is her raspy voice. And I love it when she is listening to her IPOD then out of nowhere she starts singing. Let's just say she has a singing voice like no other! I have so many fond memories of Kylie growing up with my girls. She and Lexie had a Love/Hate Relationship during their 2nd year of their life then have gotten along famously since. They love to get together and make up dances. They are so cute! Masi loves how Kylie is always up for pretending they are kitties or some other type of farm animal. I love how Kylie runs up to me for a hug every time I see her. She is so special to me and I am so glad I am her auntie. I love you Kylie! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!