How'd I get so lucky?

     I mean really.

     I'm married to a wonderful man who loves me for me.  He gets my humor and laughs at my jokes.  Ok, so sometimes he's laughing AT me instead of with me...  And I still get butterflies when we kiss!  Even better, he loves to cook and iron.  Ok, so maybe that's not better, but really, what more could a girl want?

     I have two healthy kids who are certainly not boring (see Out of the Mouth of Babes...).  They both have a keen sense of humor and have quickly learned not only what sarcasm is, but how to use it.  Like all children they try my patience, but they say "Please" and "Thank You",  they still want to spend time with me, they are NOT picky eaters, and they are willing to admit (grudgingly) when they've messed up.  Oh, and they make me LAUGH!!!!!

     Due to PFF's FS job, I'm in a position where I can stay home with the kids.  This is especially good since I homeschool.  I get to actively participate in their education and there is no feeling like watching the pieces click in their minds!

     I have very loving and supportive parents and brother.  There aren't enough words to express how much I love them.  I only hope I can be the type of parent to The Boy and Princess as my parents have been, and continue to be, to me.  I also hope that The Boy and Princess are able to have the type of friendship that my brother and I have grown into.

     I have amazing friends.  Some friends I've had going on 44 years now.  That is a LONG time.  While we may not talk frequently, it's like we spoke just yesterday when we do.  Some friends I just met during PFF's A-100, and while we have not known each other long, I feel as if I've known these women for ever.  This FS life-style has created my own world wide web of friends and I think that's pretty neat.

     I have the best in-laws.  They don't tolerate BS, they will put me on the spot in a heart beat, they keep me on my toes and they can take back what they dish out!!!!  They welcomed me into the fold.  They are good to my husband & children and they get along very well with my family.  Plus they have my back.

     After all of this, the rest is just cake.  Really rich, filling, exotic, tasty cake.  I think I'll have another piece!

Out of the mouth of babes...

"Mommy, what's a lap dance?" asked by my 11 year old son while watching TV.  Guess we'll be monitoring TV viewing a little more closely...

"She's dressed like a common street whore."  said by my 10 year old daughter while we were people watching.  Again, TV viewing will be monitored...

"Yes I know what a prostitute is.  No I don't want to go there.  And you think I don't learn anything from the TV." again by the 10 year old.  Again the TV...

"I'll give anything to get the DS working again.  I'll even give up my kidney!" by the 11 year old after he learns that throwing your DS will result in it not working!

"It was not a pick, it was a scratch!"  by one of the kids, but I will protect them from further embarrassment.

"Give me my passport woman!  I am running away!" by the 11 year old.  At least he is smart enough to realize he needs his passport.

"What do you mean I'll have to do chores when I'm a grown up?!" said by both children on chore day!

"I know he wants to mate with us.  I do watch the Animal Channel." by the 10 year old when our newly adopted rabbit became rather amorous...

"So if I can't say sex, how do I count to 10 in Icelandic?" (6 = sex)  by the 10 year old (she was 6 at the time, figures!)

"Why are her nickels brown, but her's are pink" by the 10 year old (when she was 6) in the locker room at the local pool in Iceland.  Yes, in her best stage whisper (but at least she wasn't pointing).  I'll let you figure out what nickels are.

"How come some have hair, some have no hair and some have hair in funny shapes?" same visit to the locker room with the 10 year old.  It was a busy night at the pool.  Again, I'll let you figure out what she was talking about.

"I love being at the top of the food chain." by the 10 year old after eating Mr. Ed.

"I'm never going to college.  I want to live with you forever!" by the 11 year old, after I told him he would not always be living with me.

"Ok, so I think we should go to Fiji for the weekend." by the 11 year old when asked what we should do for the weekend.  Still doesn't understand that it is really not a weekend trip from here.

"I miss Amiee!" 11 year old while eating a cookie, which reminded him of our friend.  Amiee's nickname is Cookie!

"Seriously!?" by the 10 year old.  Man I am dreading puberty!

"I'm smarter than you because you don't know everything and sometimes you make mistakes." by the 10 year old.  She was 5 when she said this.  She should be happy she made it to 10.

"So do I have any hair under my arms?" by the 11 year old just today.  Keeping track of his "man hairs" because he is 11 you know.

"This was a great night!" by the 10 year old.  Tonight on the way home from Special Time.

"I need a hug.  I love you Mommy." by the 11 year old.  Today.  After a complete and utter meltdown.  I needed one too.

My View of the World

      I'm blessed to say that I have an amazing view!  Our house faces south so I get to see great sunrises.  The sunsets are a bit hidden, but Mother Nature turned it ON to send 2010 out on 31 December.  I want to share a bit of what I get to see when the weather cooperates!

31 December 2010

1 December 2010 - Sunrise

1 December 2010 - Sunrise

1 December 2010 - sunrise - I love how the clouds just hang in the air!

10 December 2010 - sunrise - the sky was so pink it changed the color of the water!

9 December 2010 - sunrise - Or is it moon set?

December 2010 - sunrise - and the clouds just hang there.

     I will cherish this view!  Norway is a great way to start out our FS experience.  Keep it in mind for your future tours!