Really bad intentions

Most time I have good intentions, but they come out the wrong way and end up offending someone. However, there have been a few times that I bluntly did something on purpose that was really bad. I'm sure you have, too.

First Story: For Christmas one year, my little brother Bradley got the computer game called Baseball Pro '98. It was a big deal for a 10 year old. He didn't get very many other presents that year because of how expensive this particular game was. Well, that Summer the little twerp told on me when I took a bunch of quarters from my dad's humongous cup-o-change and rode my bike a mile away to Dairy Queen to get a Cookie Dough Blizzard (that's right, I still remember what kind). I was so furious that he was such a little tattle tale that I went into our office, took out his beloved computer game that was safely concealed in it's case, grabbed a ball point pen, and scratched the crap out of it. I'll admit, it felt good. Sweet Revenge!!
Well, obviously it didn't feel that good, because to this day I feel extremely guilty. Even writing about this incident 12 years later, I can still hear Brad in the back of my mind saying the next day, "Dad? Baseball Pro isn't working, can you please come help me?" Ahhhh! I never fessed up! What the heck would you have done if you were 12 and knew that Baseball Pro '98 was going to cost you $60 to replace- or a good 5 months worth of babysitting every single weekend (at the rate I was paid in 5th Ward)? I wasn't about to do that.
Plus, Brad was perfect. He never did anything wrong- so it's not like I could have gotten back at him by tatteling on him later.

Story #2: I told my supervisor that one of my sisters died just so that I didn't have to work over Christmas. Hahahaaaaa! I even faked crying on the phone and everything. I don't know why I couldn't have just quit like a normal person.

Dance

Today was Lillie's first day of Dance class. Her teacher's name is Miss Carly and Lillie loves her. I've been anticipating this day since I found out I was even having a girl! The best part is that her class has just 2 little girls. Talk about affordable one-on-one attention. The class agenda today was learning how to count to 8, learning how to skip (see the below pictures), doing some footwork with their tap shoes, and learning what left and right means. They also attempted stretching when Lillie got up and started running around the dance floor instead. I guess we'll have to practice that...

Our baby girl is 3!

I can't believe I have a 3-year-old! Lillie turned 3 in August, I'm just a little slow at documenting the occasion. We're a little broke, so we had to get creative. I planned a "Tea Party Birthday" themed event for her. Everyone dressed up in their 'Sunday best' and had tea (apple juice), cream puffs, brownie bites, homemade bread and jam, and some overly frosted pink or yellow cupcakes. I made her Birthday banner out of some construction paper, found her pinata for only 3.75 (what a steal), and used fresh flowers and bright table clothes for the table scape. Throughout the month I went to garage sales and DI and found some cute, real teacups and plates for each party guest to bring home as a favor. Budget wise, I came in at about 13.50 for everything. Most importantly, Lillie loved it. She still talks about it!

For her gift from us, Dustin made her this amazing dollhouse! It's to scale for an 11 1/2 inch doll (Barbie). He even made all the furniture! Because most everything was made out of scrap wood, everything only cost us 6.00. I painted it (with the help of my neighbor, Sue) and sewed the bedding, throw pillows, and curtains. She sure is spoiled!

Don't worry, Jack doesn't turn 1 until October 10 (10/10/10!). However, my niece and nephew's Birthdays are only 4 days apart, and Jack is just 2 months younger- so we had a combined 1st Birthday party for the three 1-year-olds. The only baby that ate their jumbo cupcake was Sayde! Andy and Jack wouldn't have anything to do with it, which is a little offensive means I spent forever making those cupcakes!

"No thanks!"

It's September 10th now, and here is my little Jack! 11 months old, exactly. And, not so little anymore. He's a solid 23 pounds, crawling all around, and starting to get a really playful personality. He's still laid back, but a lot more animated now. Oh, and the fohawk is gone. We gave him a buzz cut about 3 weeks ago. 3/8th's on the sides, 1/2 inch on the top. You should see him in his church outfit, he looks like a missionary!

And here's Miss Lillie Jo. Just happy, and living it up the 3-year-old way.

As for Dustin and I, we're still waiting to hear back about Dustin's job interview at the site. If he gets it, it will still be a while until he gets security clearance (1-6 months). If he doesn't, I'll go out and find a part time job, probably at nights so we can get out on our own. I dread working, but I'll do what I have to do to get by! I refuse to be a freeloader!

In the meantime, Dustin enjoys his job. He's been doing tiling, drywall work, siding repair, plumbing, and bids for his office. So, if we ever need to finish a basement, we can save on labor cost!

What's your thing?

So, I'm not sure why I'm so down about this lately, but I really want to have a "thing." Everybody has a thing. Some people are runners, some people are readers. Some are singers, bakers, or fashionistas, or Thespians, or entrepreneurs. Some are handy-man's (Dustin), or car mechanics. Some people are amazing photographers. I'm feeling like I'm not great at anything. I think I'm good at some things, though. I enjoy sewing, cooking, baking, singing, playing the piano, and running. However, there's already a friend or family member that would be considered the best for that particular talent. For example, I love, love, love to play the piano. I also love to sing. But I can think of like, 11 people on the top of my head that are family members or close friends that can do both of those considerably better than I. So... what is my thing? I'm feeling a little mediocre. I know it's just because I'm being dumb and am comparing myself to others, but even knowing that, I'm still bummed about it. And I know everyone will comment saying, "There's always going to be somebody better, so get over it." (or maybe that's what I would post) but it doesn't change the way I feel.