Our Last Science Fair

Cam decided to test window cleaners for the science fair. Can vinegar clean better than Windex? You bet! Cam's vinegar concoction cleans just about anything you can imagine and it does a fantastic job, even if it's super stinky. It's an earth friendly way to kill the cooties in your house. I was incredibly proud to see Cam's display. She worked really hard and proved her theory to be correct.

Wooooooooohooooooooo, Jeter!!!

I can hardly wait! June 3 will see the Dan Lloyd clan sitting in Angel Stadium rooting for our favorite Yankee, Derek Jeter. We've got great seats and, with Jeter on the roster, a fantastic view. I don't care if the critics say he's not as good as he used to be; truth is, he's not. None of us are as good as we used to be. That's called getting older. But who cares?! He's still easy on the eyes and a total class act.

Go, Yankees!!!!!!

New Lease on Life

Haircuts. There are few things in this world that make a woman feel better. Especially a good haircut. You know the kind...you walk out feeling renewed, spunky, fun, and pretty. You stand a little straighter and walk a little more confidently. Cam & I busted over to UT this morning before the baseball/softball games to get our "hairs did". Dan hates mine, but I love it. Besides, he isn't the one who has to style it.

Cam got over four inches trimmed off, a few layers cut in, and Jessie decided she needed some curl. I think it looks fantastic.

By the way, Cam is very interested in photography and does a bang up job. She snapped my head shot and, man, don't her eyes look like mine?

AND, Dan, I thought I'd include a picture of my other twin. Ed Grimley. Gotta love Ed.

AND, AND, maybe it's the lighting, maybe it's the fact that I had way more makeup on than usual, but my eyes aren't enhanced at all. Neat-o, huh? I have GREAT eye genes on the Phillips side.

Curb Your Tongue

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. We should ever be watchful about the things that we say to each other for words can cut one to the quick, and the damage lasts longer than any broken bone.

There are few things in this world that bother me as much as the foolish words we toss out at others without thinking. The hurt we inflict and often never know. Please, can't we just love each other more. Be kinder. Softer in our approach. Gentler in our thoughts towards each other.

And, IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY....

If only I could remember this...

WHEN A MAN SHOWS YOU WHO HE REALLY IS THE FIRST TIME, BELIEVE HIM. THE FIRST TIME.

I was tested...maybe you should be, too

After having been sick for over five months, I was finally tested for Vitamin D deficiency. I tested incredibly low. This deficiency is linked to so many things, including Seasonal Affected Disorder (seasonal depression), fatigue, and suppression of the immune system. All of which have controlled my life for the last several months. I have been taking 4,000IU Vitamin D3 and it's making an enormous difference. For the first time in months, I'm healthy and I have some energy. I have been poked and prodded, took a nasty-horrible round of steroids, and been sick more days than I've been well only to discover this is all caused by one little Vitamin. If you have issues, it's cheap to get it tested. You have the right to ask your dr to test you AND it appears that deficiencies are hereditary among women (my mom is deficient, too). I found this really great link that discusses Vitamin D inside and out. I don't recommend running out and buying D without getting tested; I just know that it's working for me.

http://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/vitamind.aspx

Lonesome

Being or feeling alone is one of the saddest places to be. You can have all the money in the world but if you don't have anyone to share it with, you have nothing. The need for human companionship is universal. In ancient times, people stuck together because they literally needed each other to survive. In today's world, we tend to spread out and live more isolated lifestyles. In some ways this is a luxury (one I've grown to hate). In other ways we had it better when we lived in close proximity. Humans are creatures of community and need each other for companionship.

Ah, the luck 'o the Irish

It was certainly with me when this beautiful baby girl came into my life 15 years ago today. I've been thinking about the first time we met all day. We got up early the morning of the 16th because Dan Lloyd's brother Donnie was going through the LDS Temple to take out his endowments. The whole way over to St. George I was having terrible stomach cramps. I chalked it up to the banana I'd eaten earlier since they always make my stomach hurt. We got to Enterprise and Dan said "You've been complaining about your stomach hurting every X amount of minutes. I bet you're in labor." Of course, I argued, but he was so panicked about it that I consented to go to the hospital just to be checked. Imagine my total shock when they decided to keep me because, yep, I was in labor. I missed the temple session and had the meanest nurse in the world. Michelle was her name. Last name was probably Kavorkian. Anyway, I'd been hooked up to monitors and the whole nine yards for hours before Dan finally came to the hospital. I wasn't making very good progress. Fast forward hours and hours and hours and hours later. Chels made her appearance just a little after midnight. She took my breath away, she was so exquisitely lovely. Her shock of dark auburn colored hair. Her wrinkly little body. The way she felt in my arms. She was by far my most snuggly baby. Still is. I fell deeply, irrevocably in love with this joyous miracle.

This has been a very interesting day. From an impromptu surprise birthday party (I got a text from Chels' gal pals asking if they could decorate her room and throw her a party) to the sweetest text from Aunt Gina ("Top 'o the mornin' to ya! Here's hoping you have a fabulous birthday. I wasn't blessed with a daughter...but a beautiful and talented niece like you is the next best thing."). We had about a dozen or so giggling teenagers, girls AND boys. They showed up, hid in her room, and screamed "surprise!" when she flipped the light on to put her practice stuff in there. Her response? Scream like a lunatic. They stuck around for a while and I enjoyed the cacaphony coming from the downstairs; made me smile.

I even departed from the traditional green birthday cake. We had rainbow cupcakes with green frosting. Funny how I can figure out how to foul up even a cupcake. Oh well, they were ugly but tasted fabulous.

Chelsea, I love you so much. You are everything I hope to be one day. Sweet, kind, compassionate, gentle, loving, forgiving, great freckles, just everything. No mother could be more thankful for such a wonderful daughter.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 15 YEAR OLD POPPY TATER! Are your ears pointy yet? (She was convinced she was a leprechaun when she was 4 and checked the mirror every day to see if her ears had come in yet.)

Strolling

In a super mellow mood tonight. Adele does that to a person. Spending time alone, again, and just thought I'd look through some old pictures. I've found things I forgot I even had from 2009. Some aren't focused very well (they're from pre-photog studying days). Some made me laugh. Some made me sad. However, I've enjoyed every single one. I'm so grateful for photos and music. Funny how they can take us right back to the moment. Sadly, there are very few pictures of Ry and Chels from this year. 2009 was the year they spent running away from Senora Nikon.

Girl's Best Friend

I think the picture says it all...but I'll add that Cam adores this pooch.

Things you see at Spring Sporting Events

Good, bad, and...just plain gross!

Ry pulled his best friend Nathan's jersey out of retirement and sported it for the games this weekend. Nate has been playing college ball for the last four years and he considers Ry his little bro.

Ry was spotted holding hands with a girl. Doesn't he know they have cooties? Ick! Actually this kid has a really great girlfriend. Holy crap! My baby boy has a girlfriend.

This weekend marked the beginning of widowhood. I happily embarked on my lone journey south to watch my beautiful family take it to the opponents. Both teams made it to the championship games. We didn't win, but it sure looks like we may be onto something...stay tuned. It's going to be a great season!!

And, if you've ever wondered what amazing pitchers do during their break in the dugout...wonder no more!

Chels was stunning on the mound. She was smiling and working so hard the entire time. And having fun. She's definitely a site to behold. She was throwing smoke. Oh yeah, Chels also got to play catcher for the first time ever. She loved it.

Adjustment caught on film. That's the gross part...and Ry holding hands with a girl.

Oh yeah, Les, you remember Coach Essex? Well, he "ain't got nothin'" on Dan Lloyd. Grouchy old fart.

Double OH YEAH, the close up of Dan Lloyd...wowee! He's still so frickin' cute it makes my eyes hurt. I get to spend every day of the rest of my life waking up with that. AND, may I remind everyone, one of the things I'm most grateful for is that my husband doesn't look like an All Star Wrestler in his baseball uniform. That sounds bad, but, c'mon ladies. You know we're thankful when our men keep taking care of themselves.