A Survey of Sorts!

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Something fun for the first Monday in March!  I got this from Heather’s blog, and thought it would be fun.  I’ve got so many things to post about, but I just haven’t had it in me.  Too much going on, and way too much stress! LOL!  Feel free to cut and paste to your own blog!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yep.  As odd as this may sound, I was named after my Dad.  His name is Michael Allison Sleater.  He was named after a family friend (Dr. Allison)…so that is where the Allison came from.  I love that I was named after my Dad!  Makes my name even better!

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Oh jeez.  Lately, it seems like I have been crying a lot.  I cried in the car, on the way home from work today.  In between calls with my brother and my mom.  I cried on the way to work too.  Lot’s of Mom stuff going on.  Just worrying about my kids for different reasons.  Doubting my skills as a Mom.  Wondering if I am doing them justice…or making things hard for them.  Wondering if they know how much I love them, etc.  You know….mom stuff.  Anyone else ever get this way?

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yeah, I guess so.  It is one of those things I am “known” for.  I can write many different ways….have many different signatures, don’t like to write the same way all the time.  Whenever anyone needs a poster made, something written, etc…they ask me.  I don’t mind….I like being creative with my handwriting.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?  Um, probably Honey Roasted Turkey.  But, I’m not really a lunch meat, kind of gal.  My favorite sandwich is a Veggie Sandwich, so I rarely eat lunch meat.

5. IF YOU WERE SOMEBODY ELSE, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yeah, I think so.  I think I’m fairly fun to be around, and I am a loyal friend.  I like to have fun, and I like to share experiences with others.  I think I’m fairly likable….who knows though!  LOL!

6. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Duh!  I pretty much use sarcasm in every sentence that comes out of my mouth! 

7. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep. I’ve always been pretty healthy, and haven’t had any trouble with my tonsils, whatsoever.  I think I’ll keep ’em around!

8. WOULD YOU EVER BUNGEE JUMP? Yes.  I’ve done something similar, where you are in a harness (I did it with Carl and my brother, Kevin), and hoisted high up in the air.  Someone pulls the “rip cord” and you free fall….it was exhilarating!  I am definitely an adrenaline junkie!  The problem I would have with Bungee jumping, is that I wouldn’t be able to jump off myself.  I would need someone to actually push me over the edge! 

9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I’m not a big cereal eater…in fact, I don’t think I have eaten a bowl of cereal (or drank milk!) in over 15 years!  Seriously!  I know that isn’t good, with the milk, but I cannot stand the taste, texture of milk!  Ewwwwwww!  Back to my favorite cereal…. Cap’n Crunch!  I used to love it!  But you can’t eat much of it…it rips up the roof of your mouth!

10. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? The ONLY time I untie my shoes before taking them off, is if I can’t get them off without untying them.  Otherwise, I launch them into my closet in a big pile!  In fact, I really need to paint my closet walls….I’ve got tons of scuff marks from launching them in there!  I get a strange sense of satisfaction from it…..weird, huh?

11. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yeah, I guess so.  I think I am physically strong, even though I am out of shape.  I am always surprised at what I can do, even though I don’t work out.  It must be all those years of gymnastics and dance.  I know I have a strong “core”…which is the center of everything.  Mentally, I think I am strong, however, I know that I can be very weak at times.  I’ve had some things happen in my life, that I have had to be very strong for…..but at the same time, I can cry at the drop of a hat, and doubt myself at at times.  I dunno.

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Not a big ice cream fan at all.  I can take it, or leave it.  If I had to choose…I guess I would say cookie dough, or chocolate chip/mint. 

13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? That is a hard one.  I think I notice a smile and someone’s eyes first.  But, I also notice if someone looks me in the eye, or shakes my had firmly, as well.  I also notice fingernails.  Weird, huh?  I CANNOT stand long fingernails, or dirty fingernails (for guys).  Big pet peeve!

14. RED OR PINK? I love them both!  The sports teams my kids play on, have red in their uniforms, so I do wear red for that reason…although, I don’t think red is a good color for me, at all.  I love to wear PINK!  I love red and pink flowers…..love red and pink nail polish.  I love them both! 

15. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU STRUGGLE WITH ABOUT YOURSELF? Besides my weight, which is a huge struggle that I don’t even want to discuss…..I really struggle with the ability to say NO.  I have a big tendency to over commit myself.  I think people will only like me and/or appreciate me for what I do for others…does that  make sense?  It is a really hard balance.

16. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? No pants, or shoes right now!  I am in bed with my laptop!  I am in green jammie shorts and no shoes or socks!  Comfy!

17. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Chicken, Brown Rice, and Broccoli casserole, I made for dinner.  Low fat, and pretty yummy!

18. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? Oh jeez, do I have to answer this?  I have the live feeds for Big Brother 9.  I’ve got my earphones on, listening to it right now.  Crazy, huh?  Can you say “guilty pleasure” LOL!

19. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I can never answer this question.  I have no idea!  What color do YOU think I would be?  I’d love to know!

20. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SMELLS? Baby lotion, suntan oil, lemon, Tide, Christmas trees, Aqua Di Gio cologne, fresh cut grass

21. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom.  We usually talk every day, either on the way to work, or on the way home. Hi Mom!

22. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?  My kids play football, basketball, baseball and softball….so right now, those are my favorite sports to watch.  Because I watch my kids so often, I have a hard time watching any college (besides the U of U), or professional sports.  When my kids are done…I’ll watch sports on TV again!

23. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR? Probably medium brown.  I have been highlighting my hair for years, and I go back and forth between blonde highlights, to caramel hi
ghlights, to red highlights.  It’s a work in progress!  The beauty of being a girl!

24. WHAT IS YOUR EYE COLOR? Hazel.  Depending on what I wear, they go deeper green, or have a tinge of blue. 

25. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yep.  Since I was about 12, I think. And I rarely, rarely take my contacts out.  I wear them for months at a time.  I know…it’s bad for you, but my eye doc has told me, that for some reason, my eyes can tolerate it.  I’ve never really had an eye problem from prolonged contact wearing.  It freaks my dr. out……

26. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? That is tough.  I’ve got some serious Favorite bad foods….onion rings, movie popcorn, swedish fish……but I love a good salad, and a good veggie sandwich….

27. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Both!  I love happy endings, but I love being scared too!  But, I have found, the older I get….the harder it is to watch scary movies!  What is up with that?  It’s like once you become a parent, everything you do, relates back to your kids!

28. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer for sure.  I love EVERYTHING about summer!  I only like winter during the month of December!  I love a white Christmas!  I would love it to snow the day after Thanksgiving, continue to snow throughout the month of December…and then I want a balmy 80 degrees for New Years Day!

29. HUGS OR KISSES? BOTH of course!

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED   Madi, Carl and I watched No Reservations on Sunday night, on pay preview.  It was cute!  I don’t see many movies in the theater these days….I think my kids see all the newest movies though!

31. FAVORITE DESSERT?  I’m not a dessert eater at all.  I can’t even think of anything….maybe swedish fish?  Does that count?

32. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? I am almost finished with Big Bad Wolf, by James Patterson.  It’s my third or fourth time reading it. Next up:  A New Earth, Awakening Your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle.

33. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Nothing.  I’m using a laptop.

34. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Do we really have to go there again?  Okay, if you have to know…Big Brother 9.  I can’t help it!

35. FAVORITE SOUNDS? The “ping” of a baseball bat, metal baseball cleats on the pavement, motorcycles, lawn mowers, babies babbling/laughing, the ocean.

36. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I like them both….but if I had to choose….The Rolling Stones.  They are more my generation.

37. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Hawaii.  Not that far!

38. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?  I have NO IDEA!  I’m creative, but that isn’t really special….. 

 

Now go forth….and copy and paste this to your own blog….I’d love to know more about YOU!

Ali

He’s home!

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Finally.  7 days.  No contact.  No cellphones.  Crazy.  But T is home safe and sound.  He had the BEST time of his life.  So happy for him.

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Here is his blog post, as posted on the Teton Science School Blog  side note:  Mr. Bartman is the Principal.  Yikes!

Gnar Gnar Pow Pow

Whew! Day two (2/12) in the books! Today was a great day for our Steez on Skis in Trees to do some prime research. First of all, yesterday was a great beginning. After learning to ski around, we got to playing some games, and Mr. Bartman thought he could take me, and he bit off a little more than he could chew! Anyways, today was a great day for a ski. We made the around two mile hike/ski to beautiful Phelps Lake. The view was AMAZING! (Check the pics). After a nice lunch on the “beach”, we started to head back to the vans. Stopping halfway, we dug some sick snowpits. Ours was up to my chin! Biggest pit I have ever seen. The day continued with some more skiing to the bottom, which included a little free skiing down a fresh, untouched powder hill. It was, as our instructor Jill would say, “Gnar Gnar Pow Pow”!!! Definitely some great wipeouts. All in all skiing isn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but still really hard. Getting up is the worst! The day ended with a way cool research thing in the Murie Museum. Looking at all the animals that lived in the area was so cool. Hawks were definitely the coolest. This is shaping up to be the best time I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to keep it going!!! Steez on Skis Reppin!
-Tyson Moll
2008

Oh, and if you are wondering…..Gnar Gnar Pow Pow = Gnarly Powder!

Ali

Teton Science School

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Last Sunday morning, I dropped Tyson off at school to board a bus with 26 other students, heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for Teton Science School.  He will be there for a whole week, learning about all kinds of cool science stuff, while cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and having an awesome time.  At least that is what I am told will be happening!  LOL!  All cell phones and electronic equipment (iPods, etc) were taken away when they arrived, so I have not had any contact with Tyson AT ALL since Sunday afternoon when he sent me a text telling me they had arrive in Jackson Hole, and it was awesome.  Tyson is with all of his best guy friends, and their chaperon is their Sports Medicine teacher at school, who is also a Park Ranger in the Grand Teton’s during the summer months.  They  have created a blog that is updated everyday with brief descriptions of their daily activities and photos as well.  As of yesterday afternoon, Tyson hadn’t made it into a single photo and he hadn’t written on the blog yet, so I was getting worried!  Ü  Finally, late last night there was a photo of my cute boy!  It has been the weirdest thing, to not have any contact with him for this long!!!!  He’s obviously been away from home before, and for extended period of time, but he could at least check in with a phone call or a text message!  This had been hard!  It has been weird not having him at home, and I know it has been really weird for Madi.  She and Tyson have gotten so close this year, and she told me last night that it’s hard not seeing him everyday at school!  I know Tyson is having an amazing experience, and it’s something he will remember for a long, long time!  Here is Tyson “compiling data” at Teton Science School

Tyson Teton

Ali

I guess an update is needed!

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I don’t know where the month of January went!  Seriously.  It just flew by!  Thanks for all of the kinds words, thoughts, and hugs on my previous post about my sister-in-law Anne! Sooooo appreciated!

So, what did we do in January?  Let’s see.  The two biggest things were probably Winter Formal for both kids, and Tyson and I took a football recruiting trip to two schools in California.

Today’s post will be a Winter Formal recap!  Ü  Since this dance was a “girl’s choice” dance, Madi was very excited!  She and her friends have been talking and planning for months about who they were going to ask to the dance.  Madi’s plan from the beginning, had been to ask a “friend”….someone she could have a ton of fun with.  Even though she had her eye on a few boys she was crushing on….she didn’t want any drama or tension, or awkwardness at the dance.  She wanted to relax, have fun, and dance.  So, the boy she chose to ask is named KK….and he is hilarious!  The minute he got into our car, he has us laughing.  I drove Madi and her friend to pick up their dates, and the other couple, didn’t say a word to each other!  LOL!  When KK got in the car, he had everybody talking. 

On of the things I love most about having a daughter in high school, is that we get to shop for dresses and accessories  for dances together!  We made a day of it with another friend and her Mom…..stopping for lunch along the way, at the new Cheesecake Factory that recently opened. 

It is fun to see the difference between Madi and Tyson and their approach to getting ready for the dances.  The search for the perfect dress, shoes and accessories, deciding on the right hairdo, making sure your toenails are painted, getting your brows waxed, etc.  It quite the production! LOL!  All Tyson had to do was wait until his date chose a dress and find a shirt and tie that matched!  On the day of the formal, Tyson had a full day, which included a basketball game, before throwing his clothes on and heading to get his date.  Madi spent ALL DAY getting ready!  We loved it though!  It was fun!  Here are a few shots of Madi and KK:
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Tyson’s date for the dance was his partner in Dance Concert last year…Ellie.  She is a DOLL!

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The kids both had a great time!  I know T is sad that this was his last Winter Formal, but I know Madi is excited that she has 3 years left! LOL

Ali

{SNOW}

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Jeez, we seem to have had a lot of snow so far this winter!  We did have a white Christmas which was nice.  I LOVE snow…but only in during the month of December. I don’t care if it snows EVERY DAY from Thanksgiving to New Years Day!  But come January 2nd…..I want 80 degrees!  And it can stay 80 degrees until Thanksgiving! LOL!  Maybe a few chilly fall days…but I’m good with 80! 

A few photos from the past weekend…looking out my kitchen window, and then out my front door:

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Ali

One word….

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One word….to live by….to use as inspiration…..for 2008.  Ali Edwards does this  each year.  Asks you to pick a word for the year.  Use it as inspiration, motivation, etc.  So, my word for 2008 is:

 

L coloured card disc letter i V E

I’m going to concentrate on “Live”…..living in the moment….living life to it’s fullest….embracing Life…..living for today! 

What is your word for 2008?

Happy Friday!  Have a great weekend!

Ali

Goodbye 2007

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What a great year 2007 was!  Lots of milestones and memories! 

  • SEVERAL trips to Las Vegas, Mesquite and St. George for Baseball and Softball
  • "Junior Day" at Santa Clara University
  • San Diego Trip with Tyson
  • Steamboat Springs trip for Carl and Madi
  • Football camp at UCLA for Tyson
  • Senior Football retreat in Sandpoint, ID for Tyson
  • The loss of Tyson’s friend, Seth Fraughton
  • Semi-Final Game in Baseball
  • Championship Game in Football
  • Championship games in Softball
  • Madi’s confirmation and graduation from St. Olafs School
  • The beginning of Tyson’s senior year, and the beginning of Madi’s freshman year –  both kids at Judge Memorial
  • Tailgating before football games
  • Time spent with friends and family

2007 Mosiac

Among other things, 2008 will bring high school graduation for Tyson, and going off to college in the fall (Yikes!) and a driver’s license for Madison (Yikes!)

Wishing you all a very HEALTHY, HAPPY and PROSPEROUS New Year!!!!!

Ali

Happy 18th Birthday TYSON!

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Eighteen years ago today, we were BLESSED with the birth of the one and only TYSON!  He entered this world with much excitement and fan fare…much like his life has been so far!  He doesn’t do anything half way!  He attacks everything with determination and fierceness….although he is one of the most sweet and sensitive boys, I know.  He takes great care of me and his sister Madison.  He will do anything for anyone.  HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tyson!  Thanks for making the past 18 years incredibly awesome!  WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!  Love, Mom, Dad & Madison!

Birthday Mosaic

Ali