Super Fun Spring Break

We had a super fun spring break last week. We covered most of California (according to Brad) and saw lots of nature, friends, family and ate, drank and were merry! Thanks to everyone who hosted us and took time from their busy schedules to see us. Thanks especially to the Reese's and Gordon's for having our family stay in their homes. But, for the whole story you need to go to Meghan's blog at http://meghanlove.blogspot.com and see our pictures and read all about it. (She's quite the little blogger...really, that's a compliment.!)

When Can You Break the Rules?

We have a rule in our home that you have to replace the toilet paper when it runs out. This probably sounds like a reasonable request, and everyone in the household obeys the rule except everyone but Brad and I. So, in my quest to always have toilet paper adorning every toilet paper holder, Brad is my only accomplice (or I should say, consistent accomplice, the kids make the "very" occasional effort). Then last Thursday, to my dismay, I walked into my bathroom, after driving 10 hours from California, to find the toilet paper roll perched quite precariously on top of the toilet paper holder. As I yelled to my husband that life had obviously gone to h-e double toothpicks in a handbasket (whatever that means), he assured me that he was too tired to replace the roll because he had spent the last two hours after work cleaning up dog throw up in every room in the house (seems our dog has pancreatitis) and finished by vacuuming the whole house and doing the dishes in grand anticipation of my arrival. Okay, I couldn't really argue with that kind of altruism and gave him a free pass. Then tonight I walk into my bathroom again to find my poor TP in the same predicament, nearly falling off it's pedestal. I would have yelled out something to my husband, my cohort in keeping the TP in it's place, but then I remembered that he purchased 14 plants to replace the ones that died in the great Vegas snowstorm of '08, dug the holes (with reluctant and scant help from our daughters) and planted all 14 plants today, complete with enriched soil and yummy nutrients hoping against hope they would now live in this arid climate we call home. I knew that if I pointed out the great TP inequity again that it would again be for naught and sometimes in life you gotta realize that it's better that the rule be broken than that you have to clean up dog barf in the whole house or dig 14 holes yourself.

California, California, oh how I miss thee. California, California, oh how I love thee. The Tatoms (well 4 of us at least) have left the building. Destination?? SACRAMENTO!!!!! :) It will be a beautiful reunion.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE SIXTEEN

Yes, it's true, I have a (practically-08) brand new car (see pix on post Alli did below). I am as excited as a 16 year old getting her very first car. This car does have all the bells and whistles, everything except leather seats. There are so many books to read about all the fancy things this car has and does, that it will take me half a day to get through them! Thanks so much to my loving family for doing this for me. Thanks to my husband who has always worked so hard to support our family and for investing in our St. George business and thanks to my amazing sons who have worked so hard to grow the business so I can have this wonderful car. I LOVE IT! Happy Birthday to me!!!!

Surprise, Surprise!!

So last night my dad and Meghan went to go birthday shopping while I went to a school function. I got home and Dad still wasn't home. I thought, "Dang it takes 4 hours to get some clothes?!" Well he got home and pulled me away from Mom and he said I got your Mom a car. We kept it a secret until today when Stephen, Kevin, Rachel, and Claire came down to Vegas. They walked in and Mom got excited to see them. Then my dad said, "What's all the water leaking all over the lawn and driveway?" So we went out there and this amazing beauty was out there on the driveway. Awesome. It has GPS, DVD player, moon roof, and all the cool stuff. Happy Birthday Mom, you deserve it!!

Happy Happy Birthday Marcy Dear!!!!

And Happy St. Patricks's Day!! Today is our lovely cousin Marcy's birthday. Growing up it was such a blessing to always have my family around all the time. Sunday dinners at Grandma's and every other family function was always a blast. Sometimes I can't believe how old we are getting! A few of my favorite things about Marcy:
-Her favorite color is green
-She has always been a great example to me and my siblings
-She is an AMAZING mother to Courtney and Megan
-She always has a positive attitude
-She is very generous
-Her kids are the cutest
We love you Marcy!! Happy Birthday!

Worst Nightmare

My worst nightmare has come true, yet again!! I learned last week that Meghan and I (Alli) would be taking piano lessons. This is my third time. JOY!! It's actually not that bad and from what I hear I will be glad when I can play in church....blah blah blah.