Best Aunt Ever

Guess what I got to do today. Miss Keagan was all mine:


Riley was at the hospital getting tubes put in her ears. That is no small thing when you're a baby with a serious heart condition. Add in many prayers and a good amount of worry, and all went well. But while my sister was away, I played favorite aunt. Short of giving this girl mac and cheese, all rules were broken. Keagan had the best day ever. I'm sure she wrote about me in her journal tonight.


My sister has all these crazy rules, like making sure the girls eat a fruit or vegetable with their rice cereal and taking a nap at specific times during the day. As best aunt ever, that is totally not my problem. Keagan ate whatever and whenever. She was thrilled. I thought about buying her a happy meal, but decided the root beer might be a little much.

This baby has discovered the stairs. Her mom is quite distraught over this fact and does her best to keep her away from them. Again, not my problem.

After her nap I decided we needed some good TV. I pulled this highchair right up to the screen and laid out a buffet of crackers. Keagan watched Clifford and I read a magazine. Every now and then she would look over at me, and I'd give her a drink of water. We got into quite a rhythm. A perfect 30 minutes.
I already have plans for the next time my sister is away, I've decided to feed the girls chocolate chip pancakes covered with syrup. But don't tell her, it's a secret. Best Aunt award is comin' my way.

Thank You With A Curtsy

I'm a guest blogger! The ladies at Light Refreshments Served have posted an article I wrote a few months ago. I'm ever so honored.

Check it out here.

What Todd does at work!

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A Side Dish

This little nugget of goodness came to me while I was in the baking isle. Make them and love them.

Mini ready made graham crusts. They come in a six pack, I bought 2.
In your mixer, cream together one regular size cream cheese and a large jar of marshmallow fluff. Try not to lick the beaters clean. Place the creamy heaven in a large ziploc bag.

Snip the corner of the bag and let Addie squeeze out the marshmallow clouds into each shell, all while she repeats, "it sounds like the bag farted".

Top with sliced strawberries. Eat 6 and let your family share the rest.
I know in some homes, this may be considered a dessert. Not here. Anything that contains fruit is a side dish. Apple pie? Side dish. Peach cobbler? Side dish as well. So go ahead and make these mini cups of yumminess. Just make sure you devour them along with your meal. After all, it's fruit. It's good for you.

Grades 1, 5 and 7

A new school year. That means 2 things: we all survived another summer, and this is one of those days when I feel like time is speeding by too quickly. They're older. It seems to happen so fast sometimes.

Last night I prayed for divine protection during this school year. For them, for me and especially for their teachers. They're gonna need it.







Todd's parting words to me as he left for work today, "Don't get too bored." Oh, how I'm going to try.....

My Heart

Two years ago today.
At 9:45 AM.

My heart stopped.

It started again.
This time with a different beat.
Slower.

Never the same.

Bits Of Randomness

1. I was laying in bed last night thinking about some turmoil in my life, when my thoughts drifted to the reality that the first day of school is in 3 days. I thought about them all getting on the bus and how silent my house will be. And then the weirdest thing ever, ever, ever happened. I got a pit in my stomach. I got sad. It lasted for about 5.4 seconds. Crazy. Can you believe that I, me, Lisa, got sad that they're going away to school? I think I might have a fever. That's the only explanation I can come up with.

2. I have been thinking a lot about friendship lately. What it means and how its defined. I've come to see the value of the friends that were a part of my life while I lived in Utah. They're still a part of me, the distance is just farther. I've realized what true, soul supporting friendship can do and how it leaves an imprint on who I am. You know who you are, and I love you for being my friend.

3. Ever wonder what the Foster's would look like as a rock family:

Addie painted them. I never knew we were such a tan family. See that yellow rock? That's our imaginary dog, Olivia. I wonder why she's yellow instead of brown? She must not eat as much chocolate as the rest of us.

4. True to my word, I tried to do the splits. Honest. I think I hurt myself. In hindsight I realize that I forgot to wear my leg warmers. I'm pretty sure that was my problem. At least no one was watching.