Happy Birthday Anna!

25 reasons the Roundy's love Anna:
1. cutest girl my mom ever saw (hey!)
2. she's quirky
3. she babysits!
4. she's conservative
5. she will finish the eclairs
6. she tells wonderfully long stories
7. she has nice hair
8. she's spunky
9. she's a Texan (Ben - although others disagree)
10. she has flying squirrels
11. her buck teeth don't show as much as other girls (Ben)
12. she's more intelligent than other blondes
13. she's a good cook
14. she knows how to make awesome Texas flags (my mom)
15. she does great decorating (Eliora)
16. she updates her blog regularly and gives us something good to read (Audrey Beebe)
17. she's a great driver (Dustin)
18. she's fun
19. she helps brush teeth and go to bed (Sadie)
20. she is going to let the kids sleep at her apartment
21. she has style
22. she ranks low on fat potential (Ben)
23. she brings out the argumentative side out in people (it's a good thing)
24. she's a political activist
25. She will always be there for you when you need her.

Borrowed Thanksgiving Pics

From left to right, Paige (cousin), Audrey, Terry (grandma), Avery (cousin), and Eliora

On the left is Sierra (cousin). On the right is our own cute little Sadie.

We still don't have a camera but I couldn't resist borrowing photos from my sis-in-law's site. We did Thanksgiving early this year with the Davis' since some us are going out of town and some of us are going camping. The food was great, the company fun, and I for one felt very blessed to be part of such an awesome family.

Turning Eight

My little girl is turning eight today. I can't believe that time has flown so fast since the first time I saw her. She was my first. She was the one I never put down. The one I gazed at for hours. The one I kept the house super quiet for. I boiled every bottle, spent 2 months pumping and then feeding her before she finally nursed on her own, and kept the house so hot that people wondered if we were trying to incubate an egg (it was winter in Utah and I worried she would catch cold). I found black and white images that I would show to her, took her outside to feel the bark on a tree or the grass on her feet, and took her for a walk every night so she would fall asleep in our arms. Her Dad carried around anti-bacterial soup in his pocket which he would make everyone use before touching her. As much as I had planned, and read, and prayed, I was not prepared for her in the slightest. Every experience was new and wonderful and tiring and gave me a little glimpse of what heaven must be like. When we had her we were in a one bedroom apartment with no money, school classes, and three jobs between us. I have never, ever once regretted having her as early as we did. Today she reaches the age of accountability. She is heading into her own with strength, kindness, and a testimony of God. I hope in the coming years I can be an example and a guide as she continues to teach me something new every day.

Eliora - Hebrew, Light from God (variation of Elohim)
Sarah - Princess
Born: November 18, 2001

Who I Want to Be Someday

Last night I recorded the Early Morning Show and today I sped through it looking for just the right spot. Yep, there it was. Tiffany with her signature kids in a shopping cart. Tiffany was chosen to be part of the show because of her website; MyLitter where you can find deals, funny stories, recipes, and giveaways. All of my savings come from her know how and hard work. With Black Friday approaching I plan on being a frequent visitor.

In case you missed the show you can read the spot here;

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/16/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main5668993.shtml

Tiffany was also featured in scholastic here;

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3751849

And here is where you can get to know her family in one page;

http://ja-jp.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=114245223790

Awesome T-shirt

I have an amazing brother-in-law who also just happens to be an amazing artist (yeah, weird coincidence). He created this T-shirt design and it happens to be going on sale Monday, November 16 for only 24 hours. (In other words, don't go to the link until Monday or else you will see a different T-shirt, and it won't be nearly as cool). There are men's and women's fit with sizing charts that go from XS to 2X. They are fit jershey's, 100% cotton and no one yet has sold 50 of them so it would be awesome if Tyler was the first. Great Christmas gift, conversation starter and only 10 dollars!

http://www.riptapparel.com/

To check out Tyler's other work (cause it's kind of fun)
go to www.42brushes.com
If you click on his blog there is a better description
 of the shirt and a better picture.

Quote of the Day

"What does it feel like when you make a baby?"

Remember to Vote!!

Here are a few sites that should help out with the decision making process:

Sites for ammendments:

http://www.freemarket.org/Img/2009%20Constitutional%20Amendments%20Voters%27%20Guide.pdf

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2009novballotexp.shtml

And some opinions on those ammendments:

http://www.strengthsandweaknesses.org/PDFs/Summary%20of%20Recommendations%20for%20Nov%203%202009%20Const%20Election_R3.pdf

http://www.christianvoterguide.com/inc/downloads/2009TexasConstitutionalAmendmentsWBFinal.pdf

Harris County GOP with sample ballot, local officials and mayor responses:
http://www.harriscountygop.com/Elections09.asp