May Facebook happenings

May 1, 2013:

Snow is such a lovely way to start the month of may. Welcome to Utah!

I love this! Lighthouses are so symbolic. I love them and what they stand for. My bathroom is lighthouse themed. I collect lighthouses. They are just beautiful, and make me smile.

This just makes me smile!

May 2, 2013:

Never underestimate the power of gentleness and sensitivity - these qualities will help you navigate the forest of your life, and are expressions of powerful instinctual energies that not only help you survive, but also help you thrive. - Steven D. Farmer

That really resonates with me. It's ok to be gentle, and sensitive.

“Don’t be gloomy. Do not dwell on unkind things. Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. Even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face. ‘Accentuate the positive.’ Look a little deeper for the good. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life.” –Gordon B. Hinckley

Great advice President Hinckley!

Good, beauty, and positive is always there. Look for it!

God bless America!

May 3, 2013:

I love these 2 quotes: "There are only 2 ways to live your life. 1 is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein "Stay open all hours for miracles today" - Robert Holden I am going to take Mr. Einstein's and Mr. Holden's advice and live as though everything is a miracle and stay open all hours for miracles!

Now that is funny! =)

May 4, 2013:

What is the deal with people lately? I swear heads are going to be rolling. Mistakes happen, but i'm sick of it happening with our money. Adding a number on, or not taking an extra number off can make a big deal people. We were audited back in march saying that we owed $1150. There was a mistake made and we still owe money, but not $1150. The IRS was supposed to subtract $500 from that. We got our new total in the mail a couple of days ago, and they still said that we owed $1103. I was a bit ticked when I saw this. We had to call again to get it taken care of. It turns out someone only entered in 50 instead of 500. They only took away $50 from the $1150.
Then this morning I checked my bank account. I see an e-check to Kohls for $222.13. I was again ticked. I recently went into the store to pay my bill of $22.13. Now I have to go in and get it taken care of again. Wasting my time. For crying out loud people! Be more careful! Your mistakes could cause some serious damage. What if I didn't have money in my account to cover that $222.13? A bounced check with added fees, and who knows what else. Double check your work. Geewhiz...

I have been thinking a lot about my friends lately. I love my friends, they make me happy, and I love spending time with them just as I do my own family. I consider them part of my family. 
I smiled when I came across this quote:
" Friends are the siblings God never gave us." Mencius

I'm so thankful for my Soul Sisters, and my Soul Brothers, and that you are a part of my life!

May 5, 2013:

Breathe in the best of the day. Breathe out everything else.

May 6, 2013:

Make it your intention today to be so happy you almost feel guilty, but not quite. 
-Robert Holden
I am choosing to be happy.

Change your thoughts, change your life.

May 7, 2013:

I wish I lived closer to my Sister. I don't talk to her as often as I should. She is a busy person. When I get to talk to her it rejuvenates me, but makes me miss her more.

Try counting your blessings instead of counting the things you don't have, especially before you go to bed. When you put yourself to sleep with thoughts of the wonders in your life, you honor the world and the people around you. - Loretta Laroche

Be grateful for the things you do have! I have started a gratitude journal. I write in it just before I go to bed. It does wonders for me to see how blessed I have been throughout the day.

May 8, 2013:

You know I really like working out by myself in the comfort of my own home. I have been working out, but it's been a struggle. Lately I have been going over to a friends house (it's been 3 days total that I have gone) to work out at someone else's house. It's out of my comfort zone to do that. I have to say that it's been very motivational for me especially today. I did a workout that I haven't done in a long long time. It felt good to be able to do the whole thing without stopping. It felt good to be able to motivate my friend to keep going. It felt good to get my heart rate up. It felt great to feel and be strong! It's all very liberating! =)

Stop wasting your time with worry!

Today I will stop trying to control my relationships. I will participate at a reasonable level and let the other person do the same I can let go, knowing that the relationship will find its own life - or not - and that I don't have to do all the work, only my share. - Melody Beattie
I really really like this! I keep getting bogged down worrying about if I'm doing enough, or not enough, or just being annoying or pushy. I want to do my share, and quit putting it all on my shoulders. I am attracting people into my life who really want to be with me, and who will help share the load. I am attracting like minded people. I am attracting people who love and support me.

May 9, 2013:

Give yourself an award today, or ask for a standing ovation. Even if it's just for preparing a fabulous breakfast, getting the kids to school on time, or just breathing - we all need acknowledgment. - Loretta Laroche

It's nice to be acknowledged, cheered on, and appreciated. I think I am going to give myself an award today! =)

May 10, 2013:

If you knew what was coming today you'd be smiling from ear to ear. Smile and see what happens! - Cheryl Richardson
SMILE ☺☺☺☺☺☺ SMILE ☺☺☺☺☺☺ SMILE ☺☺☺☺☺☺ SMILE

May 11, 2013:

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes! You guys are amazing and have made me feel loved, appreciated, and acknowledged. I really really appreciate it. It has been a great day, and it is only going to get better. I'm so excited Matt is taking me to a Piano Guys Concert tonight at Abravanel Hall! My Mom is watching the girls. What a great date night birthday present don't ya think?! =)

This was by far the best birthday ever!!! One of the best days ever!!! Words can't even begin to describe how I feel. The Piano Guys were amazing! Jon Schmidt and Steven Nelson totally inspire me. I didn't want the concert to end, and was a bit sad when it was over. Next piano guys concert we are taking McKenzie and Madisynn with us. I love feel good music, i'm thinking I need to update my Ipod again.

May 12, 2013:

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful women all over the world! I'm so thankful to have so many amazing examples of motherhood all around me past, present, and future. Enjoy your day ladies! I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to be McKenzie and Madisynn's Mom. It is very rewarding!

May 13, 2013:

Expect the best today so you can recognize it when it shows up. - Cheryl Richardson

May 14, 2013:

Another mistake made with money. Is my patience and attituded being tested? I checked my bank account today like I do daily. I see a charge for redbox for $25.56. I knew that wasn't right. We always return our DVD's the next day or two. I always make sure that the screen says return was successful, and wait till it goes back to the home screen before leaving. I called Redbox customer service to see what movie it was, and why we were being charged this amount. The guy I talked to was very nice, and easy to understand. Thank goodness!

He gets the information he needs to be able to help me. He tells me it is a movie rented on April 19, 2013. He can't tell me the name of the movie because I'm not the card holder. It's against the law to release that information for privacy reasons. Frustrating, but I can see why. I told him that we always return our movies. He asked if I had gotten an email return confirmation. I told him we probably did, but I didn't remember. I quickly checked and their was no email. I probably deleted it.

I asked him if their was anything he could do to get our money back. He says well I could give you some free movie codes. I didn't want that. He asks if I knew where we had returned it. I told him that it was most likely the Reams right by our house. He then tells me that they could send someone to go check and see if the DVD got stuck. He gives me a transaction number and tells me to call back on thursday. I said thank you for your help, and hung up.

I hung up feeling a little frustrated because I didn't know what movie it was. Matt was asleep and I didn't want to wake him up. I didn't have to wait long though because Matt just woke up about 20 min ago. I told him about the situation, and he called back. He was able to get it all worked out, and money refunded. 

On April 19th we had about 4 free promo codes. Matt and the girls went to use one of the promo codes. The girls wanted to watch Ice age 4 so they got it. It wasn't until they got back in the van when Kenzie looked at the movie in her hand and says what movie is this. Matt looks at it and it is not ice age 4. It was some pg-13 movie that probably wasn't appropriate for kids. Matt and the girls walk back and return it, and use another promo code on the other kiosk redbox at the store. That time Ice Age 4 came out.

We did return the movie the next day. When Matt talked to the lady she said the 2nd ice age 4 movie was returned, but not the first. Obviously, since it was totally a different movie that came out! I'm just glad that it all worked out, and that we didn't have to pay for a movie that we don't even own.

Love is my Gift to the world. I fill myself with love, and I send that love out into the world. How others treat me is their path; how I react is mine. - Wayne W. Dyer

I always try and tell myself to think before I react. Sometimes it doesn't always work out that way. I do try though to make that consious effort. Remember Jesus said to Love everyone; so do it, love everyone!

Dentist visit today was successful. No tears shed, nobody was hurt. It was all good! In fact the girls were so excited to go. Maddie kept asking me if it was the dentist time yet for about a week now. Matt and I were the only ones dreading it. I was looking forward to talking with April. She is the best dental hygienist ever! She is so calm, sweet, and gentle. I love that she remembers that I have sensitive teeth, and that she always goes out of her way to make us feel comfortable. I love that she is always the one to clean our teeth, and that she is happy to see us. Anyways, the girls had no cavities. Matt had his same 2 from last time, and I think 1 new one. I had just a cracked filling. That's not my fault right? It doesn't count!

May 15, 2013:

Pessimists may be more accurate, but optimists live longer. - Loretta Laroche
Be an optimist! It's a better way to live life. =D

Yes! I love it! LOL =D

May 16, 2013:

You're always alone, but you're only lonely if you don't like the person you're alone with. - Wayne Dyer
I enjoy my own company. =D

May 17, 2013:

When you stop needing more of everything, more of what you desire seems to arrive in your life. Since you're detached from the need for it, you find it easier to pass it along to others, because you realize how little you need in order to be satisfied and at peace.
-Wayne W. Dyer
Let go of your need to have more.

April facebook happenings

April 1, 2013:

Happy April Fools' Day. There's an old saying that God protects babies and fools. So do something silly today. If nothing else, it will lift your spirits and improve your mood. - Christiane Northrup

I love this! What silly thing should I do today?

April 2, 2013:

For the Drama Queen or King within us:
Life is not a stress rehearsal. So why practice making daily life a drama when you could create a musical or a comedy? - Loretta Laroche

Eating pizza and watching The Lord of the rings two towers with the family. The girls have never seen it before. They are totally into it, especially Kenzie. They love smeagol! It was very fun to watch their reactions.

April 3, 2013:

In addition to showing gratitude to others, place emphasis on showing gratitude to yourself. - Doreen Virtue

it is so important to show gratitude for yourself. It does feel more fulfilling to have someone tell you why they are grateful for you or something that you have done. Quit waiting around for others to show you gratitude and be thankful for yourself and for what you do! Pat yourself on the back, and give yourself credit.

April 4, 2013:

I am excited to share the things I no longer love or need with people who will love or need them more. - Cheryl Richardson

I am so glad I came across this quote. I have been holding onto something from the past for a long time. I didn't want to get rid of it because the person that gave it to me was a big part of my life, and I loved it, and needed it when she gave it to me. We haven't been a part of each other’s lives for a few years now. I don't think we will ever be a part of each other’s lives again...well at least not in this life anyway. I'm tired of holding onto the past and having it consume me bringing up feelings of sadness, guilt, regret. I'm tired of holding onto to those feelings. I'm letting go of these feelings now. I'm happy to give this item as a surprise gift to a friend that definitely needs it more than me. I know that she will love it!

April 5, 2013:

Feel Abundant
Feeling abundant surpasses the money in your bank account and transcends what others may think of you. Genuinely feeling abundant and successful is possible when you detach yourself from the things you desire and allow them to flow to you - and through you. - Wayne W. Dyer

Well said Wayne Dyer! I'm working on detaching myself from those things that I desire and allowing them to flow to me. Quick I need a hobby!

April 6, 2013:

Happy Conference weekend! I'm so ready to hear some uplifting messages. I Love conference!

April 7, 2013:

I really enjoyed the talks from conference yesterday. Really looking forward to hearing from our Prophet Thomas S. Monsen, and from President Uchtdorf today.

"The best is yet to come" is a great phrase to live by, but the best might also be here, right now. If you live for later, you might totally miss now. -Loretta Laroche
Don't miss now!

This conference has been so uplifting and inspiring for me. I want to try harder in my marriage to be a good wife. I want to try harder to be a better mom to teach my children. I want to try harder and believe and have faith. I want to try harder in all that I do.

April 8, 2013:

Spring break is over. It was so nice to have a week off! It is back to the grind once again. 2 months of school and crossings to do and then we are done! Hallelujah! Oh what a beautiful morning!

Happiness is always possible- the only thing that really holds you back is your mind. You have probably noticed that the happiest times in your life are when you are not thinking. It's a wonderful thing to stand outside your ego, to surrender to the flow, and to participate fully in a hobby, in nature, in meditation, in prayer, in art, in dance, in sport, and in the movement. - Robert Holden

I have noticed this to be true! I always feel so much happier when I'm doing something that I enjoy. Doing something that allows me not to sit and think, worry about all problems going on in my life. It's nice to be up and moving at my pace, in my comfort.

April 9, 2013:

Women are incredibly adept at a martial art called “tongue fu." So when you decide to engage in an argument with a female, keep in mind that you're no match for someone who can take you down with loquacious license. - Loretta Laroche

Yep this is so true!

Dear Husband,

Thank you for fixing the shower head! I love how it works now. You think I haven't noticed, but I have. I have been meaning to tell you for a couple of weeks now, but our schedules are so different. Thank you for all that you do!

Love Your Wife

April 10, 2013:

I forgive myself, and then I move on.
You can sit there forever lamenting about how bad you've been, feeling guilty until you die, and not one tiny slice of that guilt will do anything to change a single thing in the past. - Wayne W. Dyer

It is so important to forgive yourself. Also I just wanted to add and say that I'm so glad to have the Atonement in my life. I can repent, let go of that guilt, and move on happily with my life having love and forgiveness from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Let go of the past.

April 11, 2013:

Take a moment and choose carefully:

The stress of change is merely energy being redirected toward good. Hang on.
- Cheryl Richardson
I have to keep reminding myself that good things come from change.

Well in your face temptation. I beat you, and I exercised! I'm so glad that's over for the day. I feel so much better!

April 12, 2013:

Just focus and keep aiming:

People who follow their joy discover a depth of creativity and talent that inspires the world. - Robert Holden
I have really been noticing this a lot lately with a few people around me. It's been fun to watch and cheer them on! Deep down I really do want to do something that inspires the world. What are my joys, and passions, and talents? Something to think about....

See those tiny branches growing on the trunk?  Those are called suckers.  They divert nutrients for optimal tree growth. 

As I continued my walk I reflected on all the suckers in my own life…the things that divert energy for an optimal life.

Here’s just a partial list of what came to mind:

§  Compulsively checking emails, Facebook and texts

§  Trying to make everything okay for everyone

§  Fear that I’m not leading people effectively

§  Criticizing myself for my looks, how I parent, how I don’t have a garden this year…

§  Worrying…about anything.  

§  Taking phone calls when it isn’t convenient for me to stop what I am doing

§  Clutter

§  Doubting myself

§  Wanting things to be different than they are

You know what?  It’s time to prune the suckers!!!! –Dr. Deb Kern

 

Wow would you look at that? My list of life suckers matches hers exactly. I would love to prune the suckers!

Ha-ha I wish:

Mowed my yard, and weeded the front flower bed. It feels so good to get that out of the way! We're going to eat Little Caesars Pizza and crazy bread, while watching The Odd Life of Timothy Green to celebrate the girls getting good grades on their report cards. Good job Kenzie and Maddie! Oh and for dessert brownies with cream cheese frosting. Yummy!!!

 

April 14, 2013:

The stress of change is merely energy being redirected toward good. Hang on. 
- Cheryl Richardson
I don't need to fear change, good things come from change.

I wish we could have General Conference every week. I just like the idea of being spiritually edified while being comfortable in my own home.

 

I love this:

April 15, 2013:

 

We spend a lot more time exercising our bodies than we do exercising our brains. What good are tight abs if we have a flabby brain? Keep your mind pumped by learning new things, doing puzzles, reading, or mastering a new language. Its sweat free, and you don't have to take a shower afterward.
- Loretta Laroche
I want tight abs and a tight brain!

 

Sending love to Boston:

I loved how she put this:
May angels descend on Boston to create miracles for all those who need them. 
-Cheryl Richardson
Angels are there and miracles are happening.

April 16, 2013:

If you want to find your true purpose in life, know this for certain: your purpose will only be found in service to others, and in being connected to something far greater than your body/mind ego. - Wayne W. Dyer
Service is great! It makes me feel great, and at peace. =)

April 17, 2013:

Did anybody else have the same problem I had of wanting to smash your alarm clock in? I seriously wanted to smash it! I always start to feel this way towards the end of the school year.

Life is like a buffet. Indulge in everything it has to offer, and sample little tastes of all that's wonderful. - Loretta Laroche
I'm going to indulge!

 

This is so true:

Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants To Be.  – Written By Steven Pressfield

If you wanna get strong, go to the gym.  If you wanna get fast, go to the track.  If you wanna get rich, go to (I’ve never figured that one out).  The point is: where the body goes, the spirit follows.  Therefore, move thy butt.  Put your ass where your heart wants to be.  If you want to paint, don’t agonize, don’t ikonize, don’t self-hypnotize.  Shut up and get into the studio.  Once your physical envelope is standing before the easel, your heart and mind will follow.  If you want to write, plant your backside in front of the typewriter.  Don’t get up from the chair, no matter how many brilliantly-plausible reasons your Resistance-churning brain presents to you.  Sooner or later your fingers will settle onto the keys.  Not long after that, I promise, the goddess will slip invisibly but powerfully into the room.  That’s the trick there’s nothing more to it.

Where the body goes, the spirit follows. Therefore, move thy butt. Put your ass where your heart wants to be. -Steven Pressfield

 

Holy Mother! It's so cold outside. I went to go pick up McKenzie's jacket at a friend’s house. I instantly regretted getting out of my car. It was like that scene in Groundhog Day when Bill Murray gets into the shower and instantly jumps right back out because it is so freaking cold. It looks like I’m going to be wearing my snow pants to crossing. Oh warmer weather where art thou? Come on seventies, high sixties, even high fifties. No more of this 40 degree crap. I know 40 is better than 20 degree. Anything is better than that!

I feel accomplished today! It’s time to kick back, and relax for a bit.

April 18, 2013:

I really love this!  Reading is so important.

Happy Birthday to my Dad! He would have been 63 today. I hope he knows how much we love and miss him. I'm glad that I know that we will see him again someday.

 April 19, 2013:

I tossed and turned last night trying to get to sleep. Matt, my dear sweet husband texted me at 1:30 in the morning asking if I was still awake. I could have chosen not to answer him back, but I did because I am a worry wart. Nothing serious thank goodness, all he needed was the bank routing number so that his disability money would go into our main bank account. Good for him for being on top of it and taking care of it. Just wish it hadn't been at 1:30. I didn't get to sleep until about 2:30. The funny thing is I came across this quote yesterday:
If you can't get to sleep, don't toss and turn and wonder why you can't. The more you try to figure it out, the less likely you are to actually fall asleep. Get up and do something to distract yourself. You'll soon feel yourself getting drowsy.
- Loretta Laroche
I could kick myself for not taking that advice. I told Matt about it, and he just laughed and said see I was just trying to help you! I replied saying I didn't want to get out of my nice warm comfy cozy bed and have lights on. Next time I'll read or something. There really is no point in tossing and turning. Plus I was a little ornery this morning. I was tired, it was cold and gray, and I didn't want to be at crossing. I was one of those crazy people talking to themselves while going and turning on my light this morning. Thinking negative things, and then I just had enough I told Satan to shut up and get off of my back and to leave me alone along with all of his little followers. I felt better after saying that! I think I will tell him that more often.

April 20, 2013:

Happy Birthday to my Two Little Sweet Pea M&M'S McKenzie and Madisynn! You fill my life with joy, and I love being your Mom. I can't believe I have a 9 and a 7 year old. Where has the time gone? I don't have toddlers anymore; they have gotten so big and independent!

 April 21, 2013:

Be consistently aware of the need to serve God, and serve others in any and all of your actions. That is the way of the miracle worker. - Wayne W. Dyer

we can all be miracle workers. I am a miracle worker.

April 22, 2013:

April 23, 2013:

You choose your thoughts, and you choose your future. Right now, in this moment you can choose to create a different future. The choices you make here and now are what shape your fate and destiny. One new perception, one new belief, one new affirmation is all it takes to begin to experience your world differently.
- Robert Holden
Choose wisely!

April 24, 2013:

Wish we could create the perfect teacher for each of our kids.  I’m having a little bit of anxiety as I'm filling out the placement information forms for both of the girls for next year. I want them to have fun experiences, actually learn, and not be yelled at.

I remember my 2nd grade teacher. She was awful. She was a yeller; she didn't care if she made you cry. There was this one time we had all of the second graders come into our classroom to watch reading rainbow. The lights were off, the show had started, and I was quietly whistling along with the opening song music. My teacher starts yelling who is whistling? Stupid me I slowly raised my hand. She yelled at me to go stand out in the hall. I was so embarrassed. I cried out in the hall as she yelled at me there. I can't remember everything past that point. She might have had me even stand out there during the whole show.

I am not a trouble maker. I think that the fact that I was even whistling was awesome. I was excited to watch reading rainbow and I liked the music. I think that I really struggled with being in her classroom the rest of the year. I also think that's part of the reason why I struggled with school. My Mom has told me several times that she really regrets not moving me into another classroom.

April 25, 2013:

April 26, 2013:

 

April 27, 2013:

Don't become obsessive about anything! It will only make you feel like a dart that's always trying to hit the bull's - eye. - Loretta Laroche

I am a shining star and I surround myself with people who encourage my brightness. - Cheryl Richardson

It is ok to shine. I am shining.

 

April 29, 2013:

Are you the sort of person who lights up a room when you walk in, or when you walk out? - Robert Holden
this is a very good question. I hope I am a person who lights up a room when I walk in. I would feel pretty bad if the room lit up after I walked out.

All is well again. We have peanut butter in the house again! Hooray!!!

 April 30, 2013:

This is so sad, but true:

What are you doing TODAY to get out of your safe harbor?

Today is another chance to remember what is really important. "Dear God, please help me Not get distracted again. Thank you Amen." - Robert Holden

I've got to quit getting distracted on things that don't matter. I've got to remember to focus on the things that are important.

 Mom knows all:

Planet Play

Last Friday Matt and I decided to take advantage of our pass of all passes.  One of the places you can use them at is Planet Play.  You pay $1 for each person and you get unlimited times to play Mini Bowling, Glow In The Dark Mini Golf, Go Carts, and Laser Tag.  The girls had no idea that we were going until I got home from crossing.  "I came in and said who is ready to go?"  The girls were like what?  It was funny!  Matt told them to eat a snack, go to the bathroom, and then we would leave.

We got to Planet Play at about 2:30.  It was perfect, not very crowded at all.  The girls wanted to do the Go Carts first, but they weren't open to do until 3:15.  We decided to go play Mini Bowling.  We had some issues with getting our balls, and getting everyone on the screen to play.  I think someone went to complain about it to the front desk and they sent someone to come out and help.  Once we got everything figured out and running smoothly, it was fun.  I really like Mini Bowling a whole lot more than regular bowling.  The first game we played without the bumpers.  Madisynn was funny to watch. She was all over the place with that little ball.  It ended in the gutter almost every time.  McKenzie did really well.  I was shocked!  She got a couple of strikes, and she beat me.  The second game we pulled up the bumpers.  Maddie did a little better with them, but still managed to get gutter balls.  Poor thing!  Matt won both times.  I came close to beating him the second game.

The next thing we did was go wait in line to do the Go Carts.  McKenzie was barely tall enough to drive her own car.  Maddie was not tall enough so she got to ride with me.  She was kind of bummed about that.  I told her maybe she would be tall enough next year, and that made her feel better.  Maddie and I got to drive before Matt and Kenzie.  We had to wait for the first round a single drivers before it was our turn.  When it was our turn we pulled out around the track and lined up on the gray start and finish line.  We were told the rules and then the race started.  Maddie and I came in 3rd place!  She was excited, and so was I.  It was fun!

Next to drive was the group that Matt and Kenzie were in.  The single driver group.  I was kind of worried about how well Kenzie would handle it.  She was first in line to go out on the track and Matt followed her.  Matt pulled in front of McKenzie so she could follow him to where they needed to start.  She handled that well.  Then they were told the rules and they were off.  Matt was in the lead, McKenzie was last.  I could tell she was scared. She was really timid about going fast and going around the turns.  She was in the middle of the track and people were trying to pass her.  She just kept going her pace and she finished just fine.  I'm glad that she tried!  I gave her a big hug and said good job when she came to the gate to come out.  She was smiling.

We took a bathroom break, and then went to play Mini Golf.  We got our golf clubs, and balls, and went onto the course.  I think it was only 8 holes.  The game started out nice.  The girls have no idea really how to play.  Madisynn was holding her golf club backwards and just swinging.  McKenzie was holding it right, but just swinging.  NO aiming.  I wasn't hitting the ball hard enough.  Matt was doing awesome.  We got about half way through, and then 3 boys came in.  No adult with them.  I was really hoping that they wouldn't cause any problems.

My hopes were shattered when they started playing on the hole we were at.  It is so rude!  Matt nicely, but firmly asked them to wait until we were done with the hole before playing.  It frustrated me a lot.  We got done with the hole and moved along.  Then the boys did it again.  I can't remember if Matt said something or if it was me.  They kind of backed off.  Then when It was my turn again, I hit the ball a little to hard and it went off the course just as the boys walked past on the side of the course.  One of the boys kicked it a little. He didn't mean to.  I was annoyed at myself for hitting it to hard, and annoyed at the boys for walking by.  I couldn't get mad at them.  They didn't come on the course.  I couldn't find my ball, and that really annoyed me, especially since it was supposed to be glowing in the dark.  Matt eventually found it for me, and that made me feel better.  We finished the hole and moved on.

We had caught up with the people that were in front of us, and so we had to wait.  We were polite, and we told the girls to stay off the hole that they were on until they were finished.  When it was our turn the boys came onto our hole again, and started golfing, messing up our game.  I lost it.  I went over and made it clear to stop.  I said "can't you see we are in the middle of playing? Stop it now, and wait your turn.  Show respect."  They were like sorry.  I was mad, and fuming.  I felt bad, for getting after them. but it needed to happen especially after we had already asked them twice to stop.  We would have let the boys go in front of us, but somebody was already in front of us with the same number of people as our group.  They just need to learn respect and patience.

The thing that I have the hardest time with at places like this, is that parents just drop off their kids and let them have at it.  I think it's very important to have parental supervision.  I would never let just drop my kids off and let them have at it.  It's so disrespectful to the workers, and other people there, especially if the kids haven't really been taught to wait, and share, and so on.  The boys eventually just went to the end of the course and got a bunch of balls and started hitting them into the very last hole.  When we came to the last hole they had just finished with the group of balls they had and were going to get more.  I'm glad that we could finish the game without them right by us.

Next we went to play Laser Tag.  I got separated from Matt and the girls because their wasn't enough vests to be on the red team.  I was on the blue team.  I kind of felt stupid.  It was funny though because Matt was the leader of the red team full of little girls.  McKenzie was the oldest on the team.  The other 3 were about Maddie's age.  Matt was guarding their goal, while the little girls were running around wild.  I really had no clue of what I was doing.  I just kept shooting at Matt, and the girls.  I think that I even shot some of my team mates on accident.  Whoops!  Needless to say the blue team crushed the red team.  Nothing to brag about though because I really had nothing to do with it.  I think Kenzie got a higher shooting score than me. LOL  Oh well, it was fun!

The girls wanted to do the Go Carts again.  McKenzie didn't want to drive, but she wanted to ride with me.  We were able to get on right away.  We were able to race against Matt, and a couple of other cars. Matt won, and I think I came in second.  The girls wanted to do it again.  Kenzie rode with Matt, and Maddie came with me.  We got a crappy car that had no power.  I had my gas pedal to the floor of the car and it was still going slow. Matt and 1 other guy lapped me, that's how awful the car was.  I was kind of embarrassed, and frustrated, that people were frustrated with me for being in the way.  I had to let it go, it wasn't my fault the car sucked, and I was in a race after all.  I came in dead last, Matt came in first.

Then it was time to go.  The girls were upset that they didn't get to play any arcade games.  We said it wasn't included, so we won't be playing.  We let them look around at the video games, and said maybe next time we come we will put a couple of dollars in.  They seemed happier after that.  We left and went to redeem their birthday cards from America First Credit Union to use at Chick-fil-a.  They each got a free chicken tenders kids meal.  Matt and I got Panda Express.  We let the girls get a Redbox movie (Ice Age 4) to watch together while Matt and I got caught up on The Big Bang Theory.  It was a really good day.  We had a lot of fun!