Zac's Weird Nicknames

Thackerus.

Ziggy-Zeusky.

Hoobens Bueno.

Sachmo Eskimo.

Zach (rhymes with hatch).

Pugsley.

These are just a few of the strange names that my brother Zac has acquired over the years. 

(no need to mention who came up with these names for him)

I've suggested many of these names and others to Janette as possibilities for our future children, 

but she doesn't seem to like the idea very much...

Happy Birthday Zac!

Grateful

I have been coveting other stuff too much. I want a job and a house and a baby and a blender. And maybe some new couches.

It makes me think I don't have a very good life.

But in reality, I have a phenomenal life. And I hope I can remind myself of this when I start coveting.

So here is a little reminder to self:

I have a wonderful husband that puts up with my crazy and I get to see him almost all day every day.

And we are really really happy together. 

Life is good.

Arizona Trip

Seth told me I needed to write a blog post about my recent 10-day trip to Arizona.

The purpose of my trip was to see my mom and help her out with her new crazy job as a 1st grade teacher.

I swear, teachers should be paid millions. Millions.

It went a little something like this:

Work on school stuff

Call Seth

Work on school stuff

Celebrate my Mom's birthday:

Eat Cake:

Call Seth.

Work on school stuff.

Call Seth.

Work on school stuff.

Call Seth.

Work on school stuff...

Do you get the picture here?

I had a fabulous visit, but the majority of my time spent there wasn't thrilling enough to merit blog posts about it.

Instead let's talk about something else.

Like, why do people think Arizona is ugly and brown?

I think it's gorgeous.

See?

Too bad you couldn't have been there. Pictures pale in comparison to the real thing.

Happy Birthday Mom

My mom's birthday was yesterday but the internet was out so this is a day late.

Yes, my parents do have birthdays 4 days apart. Yes, it was confusing for me as a child.

Lucky for me, I actually get to spend my mom's birthday with her since I am currently in Arizona.

So we partied. Went clubbing. Got a little tipsy.

........

Actually we just went out to lunch and got pedicures.

It was still pretty good.

And I have a newfound respect for my mother and for all elementary school teachers everywhere.

I am exhausted just watching her.

Basically my mom is the best. Ever.

Times infinity.

And beyond.

Happy Birthday Mom. I love you.

Happy Birthday Dad

This is my Dad.

Today he turns 50.

I'll tell you a little bit about him.

When I was growing up he took pride in the fact that he scared all of the boys in my ward.

In reality it is all a front. He is a big softie.

Trust me.

He likes to drive me bonkers with his political incorrectness. It's very entertaining for him.

He can be pretty hilarious in spite of this.

He is also very smart. He's the person I call with questions about computers, money, college, jobs, and all those little responsibilities you have to take care of when you live on your own. He knows all.

And he hates talking on the phone. Typical conversations last about 5 minutes, 10 on a good day.

Happy Birthday Pops. I love you.

Happy Birthday Tiffany

This is my SIL Tiffany.

Today is her birthday.

I love this picture. We get along well.

Tiffany is currently getting a PhD and is very smart. 

I asked her once what her research was on. Since I am not so smart, it was not a very good idea on my part.

But she is also funny and talkative and a great cook.

And we like hanging out with her.

I asked Seth if he'd like to contribute something and he said

"She da bomb diggity."

I think that sums it up nicely.