Happy Friday 3

1) Good jeans- I went to the mall and was lured into The Buckle, which has the best jeans in the world, in my opinion (well, at least, the best jeans in my area.) Anyways, I found the perfect pair, and then looked at the price tag (gulp-$98! A lot, especially for someone who shops at DI- lol.) I figure, I have a whole closetful of cheap jeans that I don't love that I never wear; I wear the same pair nearly every day cause they are the only ones that are super comfy and look good. I wanted to get these new jeans so bad, but felt so guilty spending a weeks worth of grocery money on a pair of pants! That is so ridiculous! Nonetheless, I was so tempted. I knew that a call to Mr. Tightwad (aka my husband) would bring me back to my senses. I was shocked when he thinks for a minute, and says "go for it- you haven't bought yourself anything in quite a while." (If quite a while means since last week, when I shopped online, and then before that, Christmas when I bought myself a bunch of clothes, then yes, it has been a while...I do deserve it! lol) Not the answer I was expecting from him, but thanks honey-love my new Big Star jeans!

2) Momma and Bubba date night- (aka- every Tuesday night.) This is a tradition I started a year ago because Marshall is gone until very late every Tuesday night doing mutual and b-ball and stuff. At first, I hated Tuesdays, but then I decided to turn it around and make the best of it. We get a movie (or watch American Idol, now that it has started up again- not Drew's favorite, but too bad) and eat popcorn and treats (for dinner, am I mom of the year, or what?) and sit and snuggle all night. I now look forward to Tuesdays all week.

3) LOST- So excited this has started up again- such a clever show. Still haven't seen last nights episode (don't tell me!) but hopefully our VCR was programmed right to record it (Yes, I realize we are the last people in the USA with no DVR-not that I haven't begged-note previous reference about Mr. Cheapskate.) This show makes me crazy, but it is so addicting. I drive my husband crazy when we watch it together because of all my questions. I can't stand the suspense! But it is so much fun.

4)Kickboxing- My semi-weekly endorphin rush. So much fun, and an awesome workout. I have a membership at 24 Hour Fitness and they have really fun classes, kickboxing is for sure my all-time fave. Although even after doing it for a year I know I still totally punch like a girl- and if I had to actually make contact with something more substantial than the air I am used to punching, my wrist would probably snap like a twig-but I don't care-when I am in class kicking the crap out of the air, I know I am the toughest chick alive!

5)Ballers and bawlers- A girl in my ward told me about a group of ladies that get together to play basketball every Thursday morning, and apparently everyone just brings their kids along and lets them run around. I pictured this in my head and it was not a pretty sight, but I have been itching to play ball, but don't have any athletic friends up here (or any friends, for that matter- how pathetic.) So I decide to show up and give it a try, even though I felt kinda dumb, since I didn't know a single person there. Apparently women from all over Utah county have been showing up at our Stake Center every Thursday morning for the past 20 years or so to play. Who knew? But I was relieved that everyone was so welcoming to me, but still quite intimidated since I was one of the shortest people there (and I am 5'10, so you can imagine the Amazonia I am describing here.) Most of these women were former college players, and I literally hadn't picked up a ball in 5 years...scary. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself keeping up pretty well with them, even scoring myself a few baskets-awesome! I miss feeling tough-I have become such a wuss since I got married. The best part of this story, was what happened between games. It was one of the most surreal (I hate that term, but it is the only fitting word here) experiences of my life. I played in high school for 4 years, and it was my life- I loved every minute of it. Flash forward 10 years, my life is my two kids now- and, again, I love (most) every minute if it, too. I guess what I am trying to explain here is that I had never pictured these two worlds colliding. It was just funny to see the car seats lined up in the gym, with babies in varying states of contentment, older kids running around the stage playing, and the moms on the court playing hard just like the good old days. Let me put it this way- never thought I would be nursing a baby courtside between games. I had such a good time revisiting an old friend- me.

6) Nana 911- Last night my mom came into town to stay with the kids so we could get away for a little super-date overnighter. It was such a great getaway, everything was so perfect, and we got to go do all the things we love to do, but never get to being parents. We are so grateful to my mom for coming up the extra day to help us out, so we can get away and relax knowing our kids are in the best care possible. Thank you, Nana!!! We had so much fun, I am going to have to break them down separately.

7) Food- Our first stop was one of my favorite restaurants, Maddox. It is in kind of in an random location, but we go there whenever we get the chance. This place has a special place in my heart, since my mom used to go there as a little girl, and I remember going there once as a little girl, too- I never forgot those corn pones! (If you've ever been there, you know what I am talking about!) Nice, juicy steak, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, hot, crispy steak fries, and let us not forget the salad doused in ranch and fresh rolls with raspberry butter! The service was impeccable, and best of all- no one threw food, cried, whined that they were tired, threw sugar packets, spilled water, etc. etc. (You know what I am getting at here.) A nice, peaceful meal where we actually got to talk- with no interruptions.

8) Movie- Next stop was the movie theater right next to the restaurant. (Did I mention we were in Perry, Utah otherwise known as Po-dunk-ville, USA?) We decided to see a movie at the last minute, and I was laughing because the parking lot was the size of a convenience stores' and there was only 4-5 other cars in the lot, plus-it was blizzarding outside. Can't remember the last time we got to see a movie impromptu- we loved that!! We finally got to see I am Legend, and let me just summarize this movie by saying I am sooooo glad we were the only two people in the entire theater because I am sure my bloodcurdling screams of horror could be heard in neighboring cities. We loved it though! Haven't seen a good scary flick in a long time. We had such a great time- we got to talk as loud as we wanted to, and best of all- no babies to hurry home to or babysitter to pay.

9) Hotel- Got upgraded to the jacuzzi suite for free-apparently all you have to do is ask...nice! (lol It was at the Crystal Inn, but still- I assume it is one of the nicer places in Brigham City.) Top it off with a complimentary breakfast bar the next morning- we ate our weight in waffles!!

10)And finally...The Pièce de résistance- We spent the day Friday at the Crystal Hot Springs, in Honeyville, Utah. We have been here a few times before, but not since we had kids. Nothing feels better than sitting in a boiling pot of water while your head and shoulders turn into icicles above the water. Good times. Lots to be happy about this week!