The CD is done!!! I finished recording and finalized it last night. I just need to make copies, design the cover, and finish it up.
Be sure to enter the contest below for a free copy.
And don't worry, if you don't win, I am going to sell copies for really cheap. Once I figure out how much it is going to cost me to copy it (per CD), I will let you know how much they will cost.
Just be forgiving, and remember that it IS a homemade CD. Don't expect professional, and there are some mistakes, that hopefully, I'm the only one who notices, but overall, I think it turned out pretty durn good!
Yeah!

p.s. I ran just over 18 1/2 this morning. (Yes, the and a half is important) I didnt' quite make it to 20, but it was a good run.
The weather was perfect. Now I think I can get excited for the marathon.
I'm running a 20 mile race next week in Provo. Wish me luck!

p.p.s. Come enter the contest.
p.p.p.s. Make more comments.

Nickname Contest

Ok, I decided to make the nicknaming my husband thing a contest. That way, hopefully, I'll get more comments. You know how much I love comments.

I've decided that maybe I should have a nickname for my hubby, you know to protect his identity. I decided that since I'm going to be rich and famous one day, there's really no need to change my name. I'll be a household name pretty soon anyway....Hee, Hee!
I've gone over in my head all my usual nicknames for him; Honey, babe, dear, CLINTON (when I'm yelling at him), Captain Erotica.
Sometimes, when I'm really mad he just gets called "KJTJTPETECLI..OHWHATEVERTHEHECKYOURNAMEIS!"
Actually, everyone in my family gets called this name on occasion.
At any rate, none of these names seem to be appropriate for the blog.

So, I need your help. Help me come up with a clever nickname for my hubby.
To help me you need to LEAVE COMMENTS!

The Rules: Leave a comment with any suggestions for a nickname for my guy.
The Prize:
Okay, this might seem lame to some people, but it's a big deal to me. I'm almost done finalizing my CD. OK, it IS homemade, but if you haven't listened to my site at mp3.com, you should. I think it's turning out pretty well.
So, the prize is a free copy of my CD (when it's done).
If you don't want that, then, well, you've hurt me deeply, and I don't know if I can be your friend anymore.

So, leave your comments, and tell your friends!

Random 10 Friday

Warning: Random thoughts ahead. Process with caution!

I always like to blog in the morning. While I eat my breakfast. TJ & Peter are occupied at the kitchen counter eating breakfast, KJ if off to school, and I have a few minutes of sort of quiet (other than TJ trying to pour his milk into Peter's cereal, Peter screaming because she dropped her spoon, oatmeal in someone's hair...you know, the usual stuff).
It sets a good tone of time-wasting for the rest of the day. I'm really good at that. I like to put off my housework until the very last second, and then complain to my husband about how I didn't get anything done. The truth is, I really could get my house clean in probably an hour. Why I put it off, I don't know. Probably because I HATE Cleaning so much.
It's not really the cleaning I actually hate, it's the idea of it. Especially when I let it go a couple of days, and it's really, really messy. It's a very overwhelming feeling looking at a huge mess, and wondering where to begin. Once I get going, I get in my rhythm, and I can get done pretty fast.
I should start thinking about cleaning, the way I think about running.

*****

I'm planning on doing 20 miles this Saturday. The idea at the beginning of running 20 miles is pretty daunting. But once I take the first step, actually make it through the first mile (that is still always the hardest mile), then I get in my groove, and before I know it, I'm done! And I can brag all day about how I can't walk down the stairs because I ran 20 MILES!!

I'm still going through kind of a mental funk about my 2, yeah, TWO marathons coming up. When I ran Ogden, I was so excited, and a little awed about the idea that little old me (or I...whatever, English teachers...) could run a marathon.
(By the way, before I "dropped out" of college to focus on my career as a housewife, my major was English. You'd never guess now, would you?!)
Ok, back on topic. Yeah, I still love running. I hate the heat, and I am VERY excited for Fall, and for the weather to cool down. I hate getting up in at 4:30 in the morning. But I still do it. I do love the new friends I've made in my running groups, and I love going to races.
I prefer to train in the winter. I actually LOVE running in the rain or snow! It's so beautiful and refreshing to me. Not the ice, though. That's way too scary. I might slip and fall on my arse.

*****

I've decided that maybe I should have a nickname for my hubby, you know to protect his identity. I decided that since I'm going to be rich and famous one day, there's really no need to change my name. I'll be a household name pretty soon anyway....Hee, Hee!
I've gone over in my head all the my usual nicknames for him; Honey, babe, dear, CLINTON (when I'm yelling at him), Captain Erotica.
Sometimes, when I'm really mad he just gets called "KJTJTPETECLI..OHWHATEVERTHEHECKYOURNAMEIS!"
Actually, everyone in my family gets called this name on occasion.
At any rate, none of these names seem to be appropriate for the blog.

So, I need your help. Help me come up with a clever nickname for my hubby.
To help me you need to LEAVE COMMENTS!

p.s. this is really just an excuse to get comments. I thrive on comments. I'm so obsessed with them, that I find myself checking my email 20 times a day, hoping, waiting for comments.

By the way:
Random 10 Friday!!!!!

1. Sola - Monica Naranjo
2. I'm Not That Girl - Kristen Chenoweth (Wicked)
3. The Day that She left Tulsa (In A Chevy) - Wade Hayes
4. On the River - Sherrie Shepherd (fancy that--I promise this is legitimately random)
5. Feel Your Love Tonight - Van Halen
6. Hold On - Sarah Mclachlan
7. Night to Remember - Shedaisy
8. Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order
9. As I Am - Miley Cyrus
10. Only Time - Enya

Bonus: You Really Got Me - Van Halen (this song still reminds me of Sanjaya)

Throwback Thursday

It's been awhile since I've done a throwback Thursday. So, while I was searching for the picture of my Grandma yesterday, I found some fun pictures of me as a kid.

Since, its the first week of school, I thought it'd been fun to take a little walk down memory lane.

Here is a pic of me and my older bro, Josh, on my first day of Kindergarten, in 1983. His first day of 3rd grade. The one thing I remember about this day is that I loved my shoes, and I remember that my name tag was pink, and I like that because it was my favorite color.


I was born loving to perform. Here I am, on some stage we found on our drive home from visiting our cousins in Colorado, singing, "I love to walk in the rain" I remember this. I was 5, summer 1983.


I believe I was pretending to have "a baby in my belly," and fell asleep. I know....don't ask. I was a strange and creative child. 1983.


This picture is just too cute for words. Is it okay to call my child-self cute? That's not conceited is it? Christmas 1980.


Ever since my friend, Motherboard, did her post about Wonder Woman, I have been wanting to find this picture. She won an award for this post, by the way, so go read it. It's AWESOME! She is an amazing writer, and an even more amazing person.
My mom made this costume from scratch because she couldn't find a pattern. They didn't have the awesome pre-made ones at Target like they do now. Or if they did, we couldn't afford them. I didn't notice the difference. I wore this outfit til it was threadbare.
I totally idolized Wonder Woman when I was little. I loved to watch the TV show with Lynda Carter. I still love her.
My kids are way into supers, and a couple of years ago, we all dressed up as supers for Halloween. Once again, I got to be Wonder Woman. Here I am, as Wonder Woman, Halloween 2006.

It's funny because KJ was also Wonder Woman, and she was around the same age I was when I wanted to be Wonder Woman for Halloween.

KJ-Wonderwoman, Peter-Supergirl, TJ-Spiderman, Halloween 2006. Clint was Batman...too bad, he never let me take a picture of him.

Alzheimers?

Over the past few days, I've had a ton of thoughts running through my mind.
I don't know if any of you do this, but when I'm thinking about something, I always try to figure out how I would word it if I wrote it in my blog.

So, I logged on today, to do a little writing, and...

everything has vanished....from my head. It's like my hard drive crashed. I'm don't remember one thing I was going to talk about. NOT. ONE. THING.

I don't know if it's normal Mommy forgetfulness, you know, because school started, life has been crazy, trying to get on the schedule again....or if I really am starting get alzheimers.

You laugh, but I'm totally serious. I really think I have alzheimers.

My great grandma Ruth had alzheimers for 20 years. I remember her as a small child, asking me the same questions, telling the same stories over and over.
She passed away at the age of 91. I was 23...I was pregnant with my first baby. I found out I was having a girl, came home from the doctor's office, and got a phone call telling me that Grandma Ruth has passed away.

I Loved my Grandma Ruth. I really think we are kindred spirits. She was such an inspiration to me. Every so often, I feel her prescence. I'm sure she's not actually coming to visit me from the spirit world, but I know the memory of her is still very strong with me. She played the piano, directed a county-wide Relief Society women's choir, wrote short stories, sang. She was my role model. I remember, once she started to lose her memory, she always remembered me as "the one who plays the piano." It didn't even bother me that she couldn't remember my name, because it meant so much to me that she remembered that I played the piano.
If everyone else were to remember me that way, I would be just fine with that!
She was also a fabulous cook! A trait that, unfortunately, I did not inherit. I remember going to her house, and it seems she always had popcorn balls for us.
My great grandpa Clyde, her husband, passed away before I was born. But I used to love going up in the attic (even though it was a little scary), and look at all his old stuff. His cane, his hat, his clothes.
I felt I could get to know him through those things.
When Grandma passed away, my Grandma Jean (her daughter) gave me all of her old music.
What a treasure! There are little notes made my Grandma Ruth on some of them. They are something I will always treasure.

I know there is a picture of me and Grandma at her 80th birthday party. I searched and searched, but couldn't find it.
Here are a couple of pictures from the book that Grandma Jean made for her 80th birthday. They are photocopies, but still you can see what a beautiful person she is.

Grandma Ruth at age 80


Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Clyde, I don't know when this was, maybe in the late sixties or early seventies. He died in 1975 or 76, I think.

1st Day of 1st Grade!

Today was KJ's first day of school! She was very excited, but also nervous. Last year she just thrived at school, absolutely loved it. So, I was surprised to hear that she was nervous. So, I asked her was she was so nervous about, and she said she is scared about eating school lunch, and science. I don't know where the science idea came from, but I understand the school lunch thing.

First of all, it's nast. But besides that, KJ is the pickiest eater on the face of the planet. She is strictly vegan. But, not on principle. It's just because she simply doesn't like stuff....you know, like bread, meat, cheese, basically all foods, except fruit and vegetables....and chocolate milk.

So, today, I packed her a nice lunch sack full of rabbit food and sent her on her way.
We were running ahead of schedule, had plenty of time to kill, so I took her out on the porch for the annual 1st day of school photo op.




We were just getting ready to head out the door, when KJ comes running up to show me that her very, very loose haggle tooth...

...had finally fallen out! Right before we left.

So she had to run for the bus, but she made it and had a great day.

She didn't have much to say about it except that she listed the names of all her friends in her class, and was soooo excited that she gets THREE recesses!

She's come a long way in the last year.
Here she is on the first day of Kindergarten, one year ago.


Good Job KJ!
We're proud of you! You'll do great in First Grade!

Coeur d'alene

I know, it's been a week since I've blogged. *gasp!*

Because, I've been enjoying the past few days in beautiful Coeur d'alene, ID, with my hubby. Without kids. It was just what I needed. Clint had to go there for a conference for work. We went to some really nice dinners, one of which was in this cool floating restaurant on the lake, met a bunch of Carrier dealers from the west part of the country, realized how much people not from Utah really drink (yes, I know, I'm so sheltered), shopped---A LOT, wished I could go out on the lake, but it rained HARD for two days straight, went for a really great long run on the Centennial trail that follows the lake's shoreline, tried to change hotel rooms because the shower in my room was possessed. It went from scalding-lava-like water burning my flesh to Ice crystals forming on my nose and eyelashes with even just the tiniest twist on the knob. And we didn't have a fridge and that bugged me. I know, we've been too spoiled.

Here are some of the pictures I took with my little old camera while we were there. Just so you know, my camera isn't exactly the top of the line, and I ain't no professional photographer. This just goes to show exactly how beautiful this place is. These pictures turned out pretty good, and it doesn't even begin to portray just how beautiful this place is. Can you tell I totally fell in love while I was there?

I have decided that when (not if), WHEN I become rich and famous, I want to buy property in Coeur d'alene. Holy cow, this place was so beautiful! There was this one street we found, and I ran along on my little jog, that had some beautiful 100 yr old homes with emaculate landscapes and private access to the lake. They only cost like in the millions. You know...pocket change....someday......



The thing I noticed the most about CD'A, was the signature flavor of everything. Huckleberry. They had huckleberry pancakes, syrup, jam, hot chocolate, shakes (delicious). Huckleberry sauce on the salmon, huckleberry coke, huckleberry shrimp, chicken, steak, potatoes (of course...it IS in Idaho!), we even bought a little bag of fresh huckleberries from the farmer's market. Delicious! I wouldn't be surprised if they sold huckleberry toothpaste.

And there were red geraniums EVERYWHERE! If I thought they'd grow like that in my yard, I'd plant 'em today!

Here are some cute pics of Clint and me, all dressed up!





So, I've had my fun.
Now, it's back to business.

School starts tomorrow...YEAH!!
...or YIKES!!

I'm feeling a little of both.
Out.

Manic Monday

I think I'm going to start a Manic Monday. Just because this is the day when we catch up from the weekend, we're always running around like crazy, doing laundry, dishes, cleaning house, driving to and from Karate...twice, breaking up fights, trying to get back into the routine (although there hasn't been much of one over the summer). By the end of day, I'm usually ready to crawl into my hole, and my crazy lady is just screaming to get out. We usually trade places by 6:00 on Monday night. I'm usually trapped inside, while the crazy lady takes riegn and all Hell breaks loose.

I'm in the multiple personalities frame of mind right now because I sat around ALL day yesterday reading Stephanie Meyer's "The Host." It's a good read, and different from the Twilight Saga. Well, mostly...sort of....
Okay, it's Bella playing the part of a body snatcher, and Edward playing the part of the long lost human lover, and Jacob playing the part of the new-found best friend/body guard/who's in the love with the girl who's in love with someone else.
But, I liked it, so shut up.

I'm also calling this post Manic Monday because there are so many thought running through my head, and I always have trouble deciding what to post about after the weekend. Do I want to post everything from my weekend? Or just forget about it and move on to the next week? Or a little of both?
Ok, I know, I'm obsessing a little bit.

Friday night, we had our LOVE family reunion. My Grandparents on my Mother's side of the family. It was great! I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I absolutely LOVE my extended family. I've always been very close to all of my cousins, and consider many of them among my closest friends. (It helps that before we moved to where we are now...we lived in a sort of family commune of sorts. My Grandma decided to subdivide her farm land and sell it and gave all of us the "option" of buying lots at a discount, so many of us took advantage. Thanks for Grandma, Clint and I were able to build a house right after we first got married. We moved from there 2 years ago, but still keep in close touch with the family)
We drove up to Croydon Park and had a little campout. I didn't stay the night for a number of reasons, but it was fun to catch up with everyone, and have fun with my "crazy family!"

I know you can't see any faces in this pictures, but I just wanted to show you how big my family is! Isn't it awesome? Yes, this is my mom's immediate family!
I don't even know how many cousins I have, but they're all great, so who cares?!!


Grandma and Grandpa Love with some of the great-grandkids. Aren't they a cute couple?
They were high school sweethearts. I love their love story.


This is Devil's Slide. It's off the side the of the freeway on the way up to Croydon. I took this picture on the fly. Please don't report me to the authorities. If it makes you feel better, my kids were riding with my mom, so the only person I was endangering with my crazy driving/photography was myself.

I did my long run on Saturday morning. We (the group) ran from Cherry Lane in Layton to Murdock Chevrolet in Bountiful. 18 miles. What? EIGHTEEN MILES!! Oh yeah, baby. I'm on my way! It hurts like hell in the process, but it sure feels good at the end to say, I just ran 18 miles!
It'll feel even better come the first weekend in October when I can say I just ran 26.2 miles!
I'm training for the St. George marathon. I'm considering doing the Logan marathon, too, which is two weeks before and use it as a training run.
I know, I'm crazy. But who isn't who runs marathons?

And on to bigger and better things.
The hubby and I are off to Couer d'lane tomorrow! Sans kids! Many thanks and gratitude for my beautiful and wonderful and loving SIL for watching the kids for us.
I'm excited for this much needs break, and romantic getaway.
Okay, it's for work....all of our trips are, but at least we can spent some time together.

See you on the flip side...of next week!!

Random 10 Friday

Last night, I drove down to beautiful Thanksgiving point, braved the masses, settled in my lawn chair on the grassy knoll, with the tallest man made waterfall in the background, kicked off my shoes, and enjoyed the incredibly funny comic relief of Mr. Brian Regan.


He has got to be the funniest guy on the planet! Hilarious! This is the 2nd year in a row that we've gone to his show. That man is a genius!!
My cheeks still hurt from laughing so hard! LOVED it!!

Here is a little clip of some of his hilarity. He didn't do this joke last night, but I've heard it before. I could talk about this all day.



And, here is my Random 10 list:
p.s. see the post before this one, and go listen to my songs!

1. Before You Lie - Chely Wright
2. Bop to the Top - Ryan & Sharpay (High School Musical)
3. Follow You Home - Nickelback
4. Bang a Drum - Chris Ledoux
5. Seminole Wind - John Anderson
6. My Stongest Weakness - Wynonna
7. It's Not Over - Daughtry
8. Life's What You Make it - Hannah Montana
9. 42 - Coldplay
10. Even a Fool Can See - Peter Cetera

Bonus: Amores Extranos - Laura Pausini

Lend Me your Ear

Okay. I've been working for a week to get my few songs that I've recorded into mp3 form, so I can share. I'm still working on getting my songs onto project playlist, so I can just do a pop out player, but in the meantime....

I really, really want your opinion. So, please go hear (no, I didn't mis-spell, that, pardon the pun)(ha ha), and give 'em a listen.

Yes, I know there are a few mistakes. I need to re-record them, professionally. But I really wanted to get something out there.

Let me know what you think! Honestly. Maybe I totally suck, and I dont' know it, and nobody has had the guts to tell me, yet.

...or, maybe, I might be on to something great, and maybe one of you might know somebody in biz?......

Please.Leave.Comments.....PLEASE....
Sher

Ok. The link doesn't work, sorry.
Go here:
www.mp3.com/artist/sherrie-shepherd

Update: Ok, the site is up and running now....so, if you tried before and couldn't listen, try again...and tell me what you think!