They are out to get me.....for real.

Now some of you might think I am being paranoid. Unreasonable even. But trust me, I am not.

There is a conspiracy theory over in my neck of the woods. Seems the mice are conspiring against me. Evidently, they don't like my working in the garage.

It started subtly at first. The little calling cards they leave behind everywhere they go. Cars emit exhaust, mice emit turds. It must be annoying to be a mouse. Crapping every time you take a step. Or maybe they have terrible navigational senses, and like Hansel and Gretel, leave a trail to find their way home. Only instead of crumbs, they crap?

The poop is bad enough. I mean really. I hadn't seen the mice, only their markings. That all changed after they seemed to have a town hall meeting and decided to scare the crap out of me! I opened the garage door to go in and work, and one fuzzy little crapmaster sped by me at lightening fast speed. I shrieked and slammed the door. Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow right? Though I don't think I can tell my customers, sorry, I cant get your order completed b/c there is a mouse in my garage. So, I put on my big girl undies. Holding my breath (why did I hold my breath?)I went in and got to my workspace as quickly as I could I liked to believe my workspace was in a protected little mouse free bubble. Ha! But I'll get to that later.

I turn to get some vinyl to spool up the machine and see a brown streak dart from the closet to the loft bed we have in pieces in the garage. Of course, I scream (i am sure my garage living neighbors wondered if there was an intruder or something from the way I screamed.) I went into the office and begged Blake to come see if he could find the little thing. He did. No sign of it. Evidently, they just like me. Lovely. So we go back into the house and I add mouse traps to my list of things i need to buy. I head back into the garage. And there it is. Sitting by the edge of the bed. Just looking at me. I scream. It doesn't move. I scream louder. It doesn't move. I stomp my feet and tell it to go away. It seems to shrug. Really, it did. I don't know if I had mouse telepathy but I swear it was saying, I'm not afraid of you....the garage is mine. I don't like mice. But I really don't like mice with attitudes. And especially mice with attitudes that crap everywhere. Game on little critters, game on.
I go and buy some sticky traps. That's right. Score one for me. They are gonna get it now. Ha. No more mice after tonight. So I strategically place the sticky traps in the routes I have seen the little crapper running along. I close the garage door, feeling a bit victorious, perhaps prematurely, but I just knew those little critters had met their match. Just before I headed to bed I decided to see if I had had any quick successes. I opened the door and to my utter disbelief, one of the traps is gone. Ok. Where could it go? Still to this day, we have yet to find it. The other sat untouched. I figured I would give it the night and see what happened. The next morning, there are mice tracks through the glue, but good ole' Chuck E Cheese is still off celebrating somewhere. This pisses me off. My mouse telepathy is telling me Chuck is sitting in the corner somewhere snickering, saying your sticky trap cant slow me down. I feel like they are laughing at me. They are sitting there laughing and pooping. "look at the giant human......we sure got her...."

So, yes, at this point I have lost my mind. I am thinking I am going to have to resort to desperate measure to get these little suckers. So, i get two more glue traps. Then, then I break out the big gun....peanut butter. They might be laughing now, but they are about to regret the day they picked my garage. I dab a tiny bit of the butter right in the center of the trap. I head out to the garage, bid my hello's to the little creature that scampered by. I place the trap near where the mouse mafia seems to be congregating. I turn and go to my work area.

Now to be honest, I am not as brave as it may seem. When I am placing said traps, I lean and stretch as far as I can. What if they decide to attack? Have you ever heard of attack mice? Is there such a thing? Knowing my luck, there is. So, I have work to do. But I DO NOT want to be hanging out in the garage. So far, my area seems to be free of any signs of the nasty little creatures. I pull out my chair, and sit down and to my right on the edge of my table I see it. They have left their business card. One little turd, balancing carefully on the edge of the table. They left it right where they knew I'd see it. It is only one, but it was all they needed to leave. It was enough to let me know they had been there. I can see now this is a war. An all out war. The mouse mafia and I are in a battle over territory. My inner voice is telling me I am being ridiculous that the mouse could care less where I go or what I do, that they are scared of ME! But then I hear them chasing each other and I scream. I run inside and do what any sane person would do. I get my 11 year old daughter and make her come out in the garage and stand on mouse duty. She was less than thrilled, but what is a child to do? Now, I know by now you are all thinking i am certifiable. That making my kid come protect me from mice is just plain crazy. But you just didn't see the way they looked at me, how they were so unafraid of me, and how they left poop right on my work table so I would know they were watching me. So Kayleigh, broom in hand, is watching my back. She is scouting the room, seeing if we are about to be attacked. Suddenly we hear "squeak, squeak" and see the mice run past and in an instant we are both up in the chair screaming like we had no tomorrow. Blake comes to the garage to find us huddled together on the top of a metal folding chair, clinging to the broom; pointing and screaming. How he managed not to die laughing at us is a mystery to me!

We finally manage to untangle, climb down and run inside. After that assault, we called it a night. I am happy to report, my peanut butter trick worked. One of the little rascals just couldn't resist, and after a nice meal of Jiff, found he was stuck. The kids felt bad for him, but I just glared. He had been plotting on me, but I won. One down, but i knew there was at least one more. Ugh.

The next day, almost as if they were protesting the capture and death of their leader (?) I found lots of business cards. The turds were aplenty, and I got in my car and went and got the mean old spring traps. I hate those, the sound is terrible. But, I hate mice more. And, this is my busy season and I need to be in my garage. Alone preferably. Traps are set, placed and the waiting begins. I clean up the turds they left behind and wonder how long we'll be fighting these dang mice. Every time they cut and bale the fields behind the house, we seem to have unwelcome garage visitors. I just cant bring myself to believe they might have made it inside my home.

Yesterday, we discovered a mouse in the spring trap by the garage door, right where they come in. Another bites the dust....or was that peanut butter? Dad was visiting, so he took care of that one for me. We worked all day in the garage yesterday and didn't see or hear any of the little crappers. I know they are still there. There is at least one more, I know because he left me a message(turd). He is still conspiring against me, and planning to overtake the garage (insert evil laugh)Well, I left a message back to him. Right in the center of a nicely loaded spring trap. I just hope he finds it.

Busy busy...sick sick sick

School has started and with that comes germs. We did pretty well the first several weeks, but the flu hit us. Bryce and Samuel both tested positive for flu. Sam got really sick with croup and spent some time in the ER. Drew and Jonathon took their turns being sick. I think I had it before them (but thought it was allergies). Lots of medicines later, and I think we are over it for this bout. I did decide to sprout a mountain range on my face, but what do you do?! I feel like I am back in high school with zits like this again. Ugh.

Football is going well. We are amazed at the money-making machine it is. First you pay to register them. Then you buy the practice set. And, conveniently at each practice, they have a table set up to sell spirit items. Then there is the concession stand. A buck for a can of sprite. 1.50 for Gatorade. A buck for skittles or m&ms. Water bottle 1.00. Then we show up to the Jamboree and realize that each person coming in the gate has to pay entry! For real? We thought that must be a mistake!! Our fees are also double what the leagues around us pay. Each game we go to you have to pay. For each person. I witnessed them make a lady pay $2.00 for her infant. Yep, sure did. Someone is making bank on this. (Why couldn't it be me?) I know there are costs associated.......insurance, referees, and field maintenance, but there has got to be a surplus floating around....... The important thing is that Bryce enjoys it. He isn't the best player on the team, but he is having fun. He never quits, and while he might be afraid, he hasn't backed down yet.


The next big thing....WE HAVE A TEENAGER! A real live, official teenager. I am not sure how that is really possible. I swear he is getting bigger everyday. The voice is getting deeper, the lip is getting hairier, and the feet are already huge (mans size 12 now). He is still a bit shorter than me, but i know that wont be for long.

Our house is one loud, crazy disorganized mess! How could it not be with four active, healthy boys, and one princess! (two princesses if you count Sophie)

Blake is super busy between work and his new calling. He only lasted on the high council about 2 months. I think he wishes he was still on it. He is now the stake executive secretary. He is doing a great job at it, but we miss him. :) We have a great Stake Presidency, so I am very happy he is working with such great men! Blake is already such a good father, husband, leader, and more; I know this calling will be good for him. he'll tell you he lacks in compassion, so maybe this'll help?

I swear I get further and further behind everyday. I am a terrible time manager, and even though I know this, I haven't seemed to find the ability to correct it. Because of this, the blog is being neglected, but I am going to try to put more on here.

Why is it????

I have a question bobbing around in my head today. Why is it when 2 different people do the exact same thing, you have a totally different reaction?

Example: Person A eats off your plate, you smile and go on. Maybe even taste theirs.
Person B eats off your plate and you want to rip their head off or at the very least, get an IV of antibiotics to get rid of their germs.

Does the way we feel about people ( on a personal level) make that much of a difference in how we react to seemingly innocent things?

Why are we so quick to let it go from certain people, but fester, stew and boil over another? They've done the same thing, but the reaction is SO opposite.

How do you get past personal feelings and react objectively?
And, no, I am not really talking about eating off someones plate, just using it as an example.
Any thoughts?

This is really bugging me.....(couldnt help it....sorry for the corny joke)

Happy Birthday Andrew!

I can not believe my little Andrew turned 6 years old! he is still just as sweet and charming as he was when he was born. Andrew was born our smallest baby, and was probably our easiest too. That could be because he followed Bryce and ANY baby would be easy after him. He has always had a sense of calm and happiness about him. But don't let him fool you, he might be little, but he can be fierce! Again, following after Bryce, you'd have to be. The two of them were best friends from the moment Andrew was able to keep up (or as Bryce would call him, Doo Doo). Just like any kid, he has his moments, but even then, he is still usually smiling at you while he totally ignores what you've told him, or explains the great misjustice that has befallen him (no doubt at the hands of his brothers).

He takes most things in stride. So happy and mostly trying to make everyone around him happy. He and Sam sometimes come to near blows. Sam, it seems, has figured out how to push every single one of Drew's buttons.....repeatedly.

I think he sometimes gets overlooked in the chaos simply because he is so easy to please. He was so excited about his birthday this year. While his actual birthday was crazy, we talked him into letting us celebrate on Wednesday, he got really excited! Not quite grasping what was going on, he said: So, I can have a birthday tomorrow too!

Us: Yes.

Drew: That's great. Today I am six, tomorrow I'll be seven!

It took us a while to explain to him it didnt work like that, but in the end he is happy! Two days of celebration and presents! What could be better!

Just a little thing I did today....

I know I have said this before, but now, I really mean it. I think I have officially lost my mind. Now, those of you who know me well, know there wasn't much to loose. However, what little bit may have been left, well.....it's gone now.
This morning, Sam and I were hanging out watching PBS and killing time till our noon play date at the Y. I got distracted by a book I was reading, Sam messing his diaper, and then the telephone. Suddenly, it was 11:20 and I still had not showered. I took a quick shower, dressed and proceeded to style my locks.
I had the round brush going, the dryer blowing, and was in a hurry.....a bad one. By this point it was 11:40 or so, and i knew I would be a little late. This is also expected, I am a Bedwell, and it is in my blood.
So, the hairstyle,.....let's get back to it. I am styling and thinking I might just get there in time. I clip my bangs up, and see the hairspray out of the corner of my eye. I grab the spray, and generously spray the crown and sides of my noggin. Suddenly, to my horror, i see white foaming bubbles growing where I had just sprayed my hair.
I look at the vanity, and realize right next to my green bottle of Garnier Fructisse Spray, was a lovely green bottle of Scrubbing Bubbles Bath and Toilet Cleaner. I had seriously just sprayed my hair with FOAMING FREAKING BUBBLES. Needless to say, I have no more hard water stains or mildew in my hair. Luckily, I also have my hair. I rinsed quickly. I was back at square one with the hair do, so I just quickly dried it and left.
In the car, I called my friend, Rhonda, and apologized for being late, yet again. This time, I told her, I had a good excuse. She got quite the chuckle when I explained my new found beauty product. Luckily for me, no permanent damage seems to have been done (to my hair anyway). You'd think I would have quickly put away the toilet spray, but nope it is still sitting there, right along side my hairspray, which I never even used today.

The happenings around here....

The past few weeks have been filled with the usual summer business. We haven't been to the pool lately, seems every time we want to go it storms. I don't mind the rain. The lawn gets watered and I don't have to wear a swimsuit in public. Double win!
I can't believe how quickly time is ticking away and soon school will be starting. This year we will have a 7th, 6th, 2nd and 1st grader! Sam and I will chill at home! :) I am tempted to put the little stinker in pre-school. He loves playing with his friends, and is always wanting to go somewhere. My goal is to get him potty trained as soon as the big kids head back to school. Say a prayer for me.....I have never potty trained a child. No Lie. Blake has done it every time. What a good dad he is!

We are all reading lots of books from the library. I am reading for enjoyment for the first time in a long time. I remember now why I had to put aside my hobby.....nothing in my house gets done when I am reading. For example, when I read the whole Twilight series in a week, it was as if I had been kidnapped and my house fell apart. Nothing got accomplished until I finished those books. Same has been true this go around. I have been reading random things different people have suggested. I finished "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" today. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it. I had a slow start to it. The book is all in the form of correspondence between people, weaving the story as the letters go. At first, I was put off by the letters, but soon really enjoyed the way it allowed you to see things from so many characters eye, and to hear it from their words. Add it to your summer reading list if you haven't read it!

Business wise, I am getting ready to teach a few Super Saturday classes for one of the wards in my stake. Of course, they are getting a good deal. We are gearing up for a few Fairs, several school fundraisers, and are hoping to launch some home shows/workshops.

This summer we have said good-bye to many friends who have moved, and are welcoming new friends! Blake is keeping busy at work. He is still enjoying his job, but works crazy hours! He recently had an interview for a government civilian position. We should hear about that in the next several week (2 months at the latest.....nothing happens quickly on their time frame). It would be great to get a gov. civilian job for several reasons.....he can have his Air Force years back towards a govt. retirement. At least if it doesn't happen, he is happy with his current job.

School starts back a little over 3 weeks from now. We are starting a new chapter....JR HIGH!!!!

I seriously can't believe our babies are old enough to be in 6th and 7th grade! Kayleigh will still be at the elementary school this year, as construction on the new school was not completed in time. I shudder to think of Jonathon going to school with 7-12th grade kids......why do i feel like he is still a small, helpless child.....does this look like a baby to you?

I have a feeling the next few years are going to fly by.......I really don't know if I am prepared to be the parent of a teenager. That is just what he will be in less than 2 months!

I best go try to keep peace in the house....Jonathon has a friend sleeping over and they are tormenting KK who is trying to play dance, dance revolution. Sam is coloring on something he shouldn't, and Andrew is being far too quiet to be up to any good....

The Joys of Summer

Did you know it is hot? Like really hot! We had plans this week. Most of it involves being outside. The zoo.....the pool.....scout camp dinner and family day. So, a heat index of 108-112 does not mesh well with that! I am rethinking and looking for nice indoor activities.
Bass Pro Shops is having a free family summer camp, so yesterday a friend and I took our combined 8 children to check it out. What they failed to tell us is the Tuesday/Thursday events are lecture/scavenger hunts only. It is only the weekend that has the free shooting range, casting pond, smores, crafts, etc. So, we had 8 kids who were somewhat disappointed they didn't get to shoot airguns or bow/arrows. Bryce was bummed he didn't get to "fish". We may try to return on Saturday, but that depends...on if I want to. Truthfully, a stop by the fudge shoppe downstairs on the way out, and all the disappointment was washed away in a wave of sugary confections. I even let the kids get some candy :)

We dropped Kayleigh and her friend off at her friends house, and headed back home for an evening of pure laziness. I was going to go out and weed the flower bed, but I was out for less than 2 minutes (at 7pm) and was sweating like crazy. The phone rang, and that was all the excuse I needed to go back inside. I have some vinyl projects i need to finish in the next few days, and the garage is SO hot that I have just be procrastinating. I am afraid to see how my neighbors take to the heat. In the dead of winter, they (meaning the father and son) would be hanging out in the garage in their underwear. (and yes, with the garage door open!). It looks recently as though they are trying to make it more comfortable in there and have added a lovely yellow arm chair with wood accents. They live right across the street, so it is kind of hard not to notice. i will have to go all stealthy and snap a picture for you guys......seriously, something you have to see to believe. Thankfully, the dad is a fan of boxers vs. tighty whities. Sadly, he is not a fan of any type of shirt. He really should look into them. I walked outside to find him on the riding mower yesterday in cutoff jeans and no shirt. (no shoes either). The little boy (who is only 5 or 6) is much like is father and is a fan of bottom only attire. He does prefer tighties to boxers.

I am thinking there must be SOME kind of community code against underwear-lounging in your driveway while smoking? Right? I mean seriously, there are two houses for sale next door and across the street. If i came to look at a house and a 300+pound man was sitting in a lounge chair in just his underwear at the top of his drive way, I'd probably keep on driving. Admittedly, they are quite friendly and the mother is a fan of all clothing. I guess they figure their house, they can do what they want.

We had a fun quick trip this past weekend. My little brother finally got hitched. It was a beautiful wedding and I will do a post all about that at some point when pics are available. It was fun to sit and reminisce with my all my siblings (except for Chris who was off honeymooning, I am sure) about funny stories and things from the past. The kids all had a wonderful time with one another. I sure wish we all lived closer to each other.

This is getting long, and isn't really about anything, so I am going to go tackle one of those long neglected projects!