I have been tagged by my sister Jen.
Here are a few facts you may not know about me!

1. I like BIG, MESSY hair. It doesn't fit my personality at all but I just love it anyway!

2. My secret dream is to record Children's books on tape.

3. I have arm issues. I just can't bring myself to wear short sleeve shirts- its weird I know but ... it's me!

4. I love dishes! I have a white dish collection that is seriously about to take over my house. Does that stop me from buying more? Of course not!

5. When I was 14 I auditioned to sing in a national high school choir (which happened to be performing in Hawaii that year)- and I was selected! I spent 7 days in Hawaii singing and beaching- it was fantastic!

6. If I could live anywhere in the world (besides next door to my sister, brother, and parents) I would choose Switzerland! I love the mountains and I have never seen any as beautiful as the Swiss alps in the spring!

7. I took a break from cleaning the garage to write this post. Presently I am surrounded by 4 sleeping bags; 3 pillows; various toys; a rake, edger and other garden supplies; 3 stuffed animals; 5 plastic dinosaurs; a puzzle; 3 pairs of shoes; 2 area rugs; and a pink plastic cup. And that is just what I can see from the computer! Yikes-I think I better go!

Tag, you're it: Mom, Sara, Rayna

• I miss Robert!
• I miss Home Depot and Lowe's- you have no idea how hard it is to find zip ties or rubber washers in a store where you can't read any of the signs and you can't ask for help.
• I miss Cowell park and all of the other great parks like it in CA.
• I miss the sound of birds singing in the trees. Since there are no trees in Naples, I have found there to be very few birds. I miss their happy chatter.
• I miss being able to pick up an article of clothing or a pair of shoes and know immediately what size it is.
• I miss being able to drive through and get Mc Donald's soft ice cream for the boys (I think they miss it too)!
• I miss being able to talk to other people in complete sentences. My current form of communication is something like this "Where I go find park ticket?" In english that means "Excuse me, can you please tell me where I might be able to find the store that sells parking tickets!"
• I miss being able to get in the car and know how to get where I need to go! I also miss being able to read street and business signs.
• I miss trees. I miss the smell and feel of lots of BIG trees. I don't think they have any big trees left in Naples- at least I haven't seen any. I think one of our first outings once we get back to the States will be a nice long camping trip in the woods.
• I miss Target. I always thought Target was an awesome store but I never knew just how much I depended on it until I was without it.
• I miss afternoon shopping and lunch in Los Altos with Mom.
• I miss Home Goods (my house misses it too!).
• American Shoe Stores. One stop shoe shopping does not exist in Italy.
• Fresh air. I know it sounds pesimistic but honestly I have not had a freash breath of air since we arrived! I can't wait to be able to open my windows or walk out the door and have cool, clean air fill my lungs.
• Construction paper from Sam's Club. I never knew how much constuction paper we used or what a great deal it is to buy it in bulk. So far I have not found a single store that sells colored paper of any kind- crazy hu?
• I miss church parking lots!! Our church building is on a very busy road (where parking is not allowed) in Caserta. The only parking is parallel parking on narrow side streets. It isn't too bad but when I have a lot of carry (and that is quite regualry) it is a challenge.
• Kinkos Copy Centers. How is a girl supposed to survive three years without a way to mass produce documents and pictures!?! Honestly, Kinkos has shaped the American economy by providing services to individuals and small business owners. If you don't believe it come spend the week in Naples!
• CARPET!! I know, I know, I used to loath it but not any more. 3000 square feet of white tile is not only hard on the knees and the decorating, it is a bear to keep clean!
• Two lane roads with painted lines, shoulders, and nicely landscaped medians.

• In my world the back seat of my car would have a removable floor- for cleaning purposes of course!
• In my world I would have twice as much energy on Sunday afternoon as on all the other afternoons of the week!
• In my world husbands could be in two places at one time- like on a business trip and at home.
• I my world I would enjoy doing the laundry as much as I enjoy writing on and reading the Blog.
• In my world my house would get cleaner (instead of dirtier) in direct proportion to the number of minutes (okay, hours) I spend on the Blog each day!
• In my world, children could "turbo" through school- getting all the learning and socialization they need each day in half the time it takes now. Less time at school or a few more hours each day to be together and to teach them everything I want them to know!
• In my world the time it takes to do Saturday morning chores wouldn't count agaist the hours in the day!
• In my world I would have a yard big enough for chickens.
• In my world I would be able to properly balance my time and energy between all of my responsibities.
• In my world every pen would be a glittery gel-pen (okay maybe not EVERY pen but you get the idea!)
• In my world light bulbs would never burn out.
• In my world there would be a little bit of sunshine everyday.
• In my world medications would refill themselves.
• In my world traveling to visit family would be convenient (for everyone) and cost-free.
• In my world clothes would magically sort, wash, dry, fold and put themselves away!
• In my world there would be two church services each Sunday, one to plan / lead / teach / sing / conduct . . . and one to enjoy!
• In my world children could be children- carefree and happy!
• In my world everyone would have a place to plant a garden.
• In my world there would be an extra hour everyday JUST for snuggling!
• In my world every child would be cherished by loving, wise parents.

• My kids right when they get home from school. They are always thrilled to see me and happy to be home- I love that!
• Fresh cut grass- I love the feel and look and smell!
• Snuggling with my kids. Spencer is a natural snuggler- I love it. Ross is learning fast. I miss snuggling with really little ones- maybe someday I will get to again.
• My antique mission style desk- I bought it in Mississippi at a small shop on the beach just before Katrina hit in 2005. Not only do I love the desk because it is big and old but because I love the idea that I rescued it from certain destruction.
• Dental Cleanings! I just love the feel of freshly cleaned teeth!
• Triscuit Reduced Fat Crackers. They are the staple grain in my diet. I eat an unpresidented amount of these little crackers (7 at a time of course) and I never seem to tire of them.
• Nike dry fit ankle socks. They are the best- they are totally comfortable and they are the perfect fit. What is more, they are "breathable" so they don't make my feet too hot- got to love that!
• Crocs! I used to think they were hideous (and well , to be honest I still do) but they are without question the most comfortable shoes I have. I love thier website too! I am totally into the cute and comfortable new styles they sell. Between the boys and I, I think it is safe to say we couldn't have too many Crocs!
• Costco folding plastic tables- they are the best invention ever! They are sturdy, lightweight and affordable- what is not to love!?!
• Freshly ironed clothes- I love the look and the feel.
• he movie "Love Comes Softly"- it is a really tender film. It is kind of the sad side but I really enjoyed it. Check it out, it is available on netflicks.
• Fiber One Cereal. I know I used to tease Dad about his daily "nuts and twigs" but ironically, that is now what I eat every morning. It is taste and filling and really good for my body- got it love that!
• Nuts. As part of my new health care needs I have to eat nuts (not peanuts, of course) and I love them!
• Partylite candles! I used to think they were way over priced and completely over rated and then I got some. I still think they are a bit pricey but they are so fragrant and they burn so clean- I just love them!
• Fresh cut flowers- they are just a little bit of sunshine.
• Culligan bottled water. It really is the best tasting water around (Italy anyway)!
• Good haircuts! My definition of a good a hair cut is one that produces 1) stylish hair 2) in 5 minutes or less 3) with minimal products and equipment 4) and is reasonably priced! I am pleased to say that is the kind of haircut I got this week!
• Spray Glitter. I know it is kind of tacky but I just love it! I think it makes ordinary things look better. I have to admit last year I sprayed ALL of my Christmas stuff before packing it away and this year when I got it all out everything just sparkled (literally).
• Splenda Flavor Blends individual packets- they are great in tea!!
• Clinque Dewy Smooth Liquid Foundation (color 03). It is the exact color and finish I am sure God meant to give me!
• Downy Wrinkle Releaser

• I am thankful for good friends! I was sick yesterday (REALLY sick) and everyone was so kind. They called and brought food and prayed for me- it was amazing!
• I am thankful for good music. Today Ross woke up crying because "he couldn't stop thinking about bad things". I held him and tried to talk to him about it but nothing seemed to help. Then I started singing to him and immediately I could feel the tension leave his body- it was remarkable!
• I am thankful for the lessons I have learned about myself and the compassion I have gained for others through the experiences our family has had with Navy deployments. I will never look at another single mom or military wife the same again. It seems that the toughest trials in life have produced in me the greatest love and understanding for others- I am grateful for that.
• I am thankful for the organization of the Church. I love that I can go anywhere in the world and instantly have a network of support among Church members. It is such a remarkable thing to me and such an incredible blessing!
• I am thankful for memories because they are, as the poet wrote, "June roses in the Decembers of our life"
• I am thankful for my good friend Rayna. She is just so fun and so real. She is one of those people I can talk to about anything without feeling judged. She is confident in herself yet honest about her struggles- I love that! I am so grateful to have her in my life!
• The Song "He Is" by Hillary Weeks. I had a few friends over for lunch yesterday and I shared it with them- they all loved the words and I think they all felt the Spirit! I love songs like that!
• I am thankful for Spencer's 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Hail. She is a remarkable women and a fantastic teacher. She teaches with love and kindness yet is firm and expects the children to be responsible and obedient. She teaches to the WHOLE child- incorporating life skills and moral lessons into all that she does. Spencer is so blessed to have her this year!
• I am thankful for automated car washes.
• I am thankful for a knowledge and testimony of the restored Priesthood of God. I am grateful to know that through its power, we have a living prophet to speak for the Lord in the latter days.
• I am thankful for my wonderful family and good friends who made my birthday a fantastic day!
• I am thankful for my wonderful family and good friends who made my birthday a fantastic day!
• I am thankful for the smell of fresh baked bread.
• I am thankful for the early hours of the morning- when I can think and plan and prepare for the day.
• I am thankful for afternoon naps- I haven't taken one in a while but they are wonderful and refreshing whenever I do.
• I am thankful for a clean, organized, comfortable house.
• I am thankful for warm houses on cold rainy days.
• I am thankful for the counsel of a living Prophet. His words are my moral anchor in a world of ever changing values. I am grateful for the purpose and direction his counsel gives to my life.
• I am thankful for Rosanna my Italian house keeper. She is the sweetest lady around and she does a great job too!! Yesterday she was humming "Rock-a-bye-Baby" while she cleaned- how cute is that?
• I am thankful for sleeping children at the end of a hard day.
• I am thankful for Robert. He is the most loving, gentle, supportive husband a girl could ask for! He is patient and kind and he never complains (even when he has reason to). Robert is intelligent and funny but most of all he is genuienly good. He is my best friend and one true love.