This Blog Temporarily Closed

Have you ever been doing something routine, like doing the dishes, and had a completely random thought? Like, "Hey, I have a blog!" Oh yeah. I promise to get some pictures together and post something soon. In the meantime, here's 25 Random facts about me, recycled from Facebook:

1. I cannot sleep when I have something on my mind. It's 11:15. I should be trying to wind down, but no. I have this 25 Random things list on my mind and can't rest until it's done!

2. I met my husband, David, when we were both working at the Ridgeway Four Movie Theatre. We've don't get back there too often, but it will always be a special place for us. The smell of popcorn always takes me back....just kidding.

3. I love the beach, but not getting in the water. I am terrified of sharks! I saw the movie Jaws when I was 10 and slept on my parents' floor for a week. I still do not like even getting in the swimming pool alone. He might be there, lurking in the deep end. Maybe I should get some therapy for this issue...

4. My sister and I have the same recurring dream, often on the same night and often when we sleep in the same room together. (which hasn't happened in many years) We are little, like 6 and 8, and we're driving my Mom's old car, Goldy. I think I'm working the pedals and she's steering. Maybe it's a metaphor?

5. I have two kids, Chandler(6) and Callie (3). Yes, we got Chandler's name from "Friends", but he is not named AFTER him. (Come to think of it, Gum would be perfection.) Chandler actually named his sister. After we found out we were having a girl, we were reading names aloud from one of those name books. Chandler, who was 2 at the time, latched on to the name "Callie" and chanted it for three hours. It stuck. I have miscarried 3 babies and our family doesn't feel complete yet. We are hoping the Lord will bless us with one more.

6. I hate buffets. I try to avoid them at all costs. Any one time I surrender, I will be the one with hair in my food.

7. When I was younger, I wanted to be a writer or an actress. I used to write all kinds of plays for my friends and I to act out. Then as an adult I developed a fear of public speaking. Isn't it ironic, don't ya think?

8. Ever since I was a little, I have loved to read. I used to hide in my closet with a flashlight late at night, so my Mom wouldn't catch me. There was a time when I had drifted in the genre of mindless chick lit. A Book Club friend recommended a new author, Elizabeth Peters. She is amazing. Ever since then, I can't go back to pointless romantic drivel. (I am NOT including Twilight in this, as it most certainly does not meet the criteria.) Anyway, I love a good story, surprises, and of course, happy endings.

9. I detest seafood. I have serious psychological issues with it. Maybe it has to do with the sharks. There was a time when Dave couldn't order it at a restaurant and expect to sit next to me. I have since learned to breathe through my mouth. So I guess worst possible food scenario for me would be a seafood buffet.

10. I love to travel. I start to get itchy if I don't have some sort of trip planned. I only have one stamp in my Passport, which is about to expire. My Dad took my sister and I to Amsterdam many years ago. Langstraat is Dutch, in case you were wondering. Dave and I hope to go to Europe some day. And Hawaii. We have been on 3 cruises. We're taking our 4th in March, this time with kids. It will probably be a little different.

11. I love roadtrips. I could drive forever. Calories from a gas station convenience store off some random exit don't count. We used to drive across country to Arizona when I was a kid/teenager. Once I got that learner permit my family would go to sleep and I would just keep driving and driving. Man, our blue Dodge van could fly!

12. I started girls night out about a year ago with some good friends. I didn't even know a piece of me was missing until then. Don't worry, it's found now. It's nice to be with other women who "get" you. We always have a blast and I feel like I'm 16 again! And then I come home, hopefully a better, refreshed, mom and wife.

13. I loathe laundry. It is never complete. Even if your hampers are empty, there is always the clothes you're wearing. I look forward to when the kids are old enough to do their own laundry. (and vacuum, and clean bathrooms, etc.)

14. I haven't been on a bicycle in a very long time. (Rumor has it you never forget how.) When I was 15 I fell off and scraped off half my face. It was for real, one big scab. I want to start riding with my kids, so I am planning on getting a bike for my birthday. I am hoping to get back on that horse, uh, bike soon.

15. I love to cook, but not clean up afterwards. And I usually make a big mess. In the past 2 weeks, I have made a volcano cake for Chandler and a butterfly cake for my niece, Morgan. I think there may be frosting on the ceiling.

16. One thing I want to do before I die is.....be on a game show! How's that for a life's ambition? I'm not really sure which one. Too bad "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" isn't on anymore. Autumn, I saw you were on Family Feud and I am so jealous!

17. I have a tatoo on my ankle. I regret it. If I had unlimited funds, it would be lasered off. Maybe one day. I got it shortly after I turned 18, just because I could. I guess it's a permanent scar of my wild and crazy days.

18. I have been in the real estate closing industry for 12 years, since I was 18. Yikes! It started out as a part time job during college and somehow turned into a career. It's less of one now that I'm back to part time. But I've learned lots of interesting things. When Dave and I were buying our house, the loan officer and I were talking about our mortgage. When we got out, Dave said, "It's like you were speaking another language in there!" I guess the home buying/selling will always fall under my side of the relationship.

19. I think most of you know that I am a Mormon or a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Faith and family are the two most important things in my life. Yes, we are Christians and No, we're not a cult. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

20. I have a squemish stomach. It has gotten better with motherhood, but I still cannot stand the sight of blood! My Mom was hoping I would be a nurse like her. No chance.

21. I am a huge University of Memphis Tiger Basketball fan. Last year's national championship game was heart breaking. I'm hoping will get that title some year soon! My Dad has 6 season tickets, so we get to go to some games. The kids are big fans too. Callie mainly likes to wear her cheerleader outfit, while Chandler wants to know when we're getting the barbeque nachos. Sigh.

22. Dave and I have moved 8 times during our marriage, all within the Memphis area. We're back in my hometown now, Germantown, and will probably be here for a while. At least until he decides where he's getting his doctorate. I'm thinking University of Memphis. (How about them tigers?)

23. I love most kinds of music, though I'm not really a fan of R&B or rap. Dave has something like 500 CD's and has found my musicial education somewhat lacking. I don't need to know who sings it or what year it came out to sing along. I like to think I have expanded his musical horizons too. He's been to see George Strait with me twice. I think he even liked it. He drew the line at the New Kids on the Block reunion tour. Good thing they didn't come here.

24. Somedays I can't believe I drive a minivan. No offense to those of you who really heart yours, but I certainly don't. It is practical. And the kids have ground up goldfish crackers into all the seats, so I guess it's best I don't care. Someday when I am old and gray, I think I will miss the minivan. And the car seats. And the Wheels on the Bus CD. Today, not so much.

25. I am really and truly blessed. Every time life gets hard, I start making a list of all the blessings I have and I am overwhelmed. Especially the blessings that money cannot buy. I am even thankful for Facebook and blogging and the chance to reconnect with all of you! So do me a favor and make your 25 Random list! I would love to read about you!

Conversations: Fit as a....

I think Callie may have heard the phrase "fit as a fiddle" one too many times. Where, I have no idea. Some examples:

Mom: Callie, hold my hand, please. (as we cross the street)
Callie: Yes, so I will be safe as a fiddle.

Mom: Callie, do you like your new coat?
Callie: Yes, I am cozy as a fiddle.

Mom: Are you ready for lunch?
Callie: I am as hungry as a fiddle!

Any ideas as to what she might think a "fiddle" is???

"Alone" Time

We were able to spend the weekend after Christmas with David's family. We had a wonderful time and then on Sunday, David and I drove away, without the kids! Chandler and Callie had a great week with Ma, Pa, and Veronica. David and I had an amazing week together. We spent two days packing up my office and then spent the rest of the week doing projects around the house, going to out dinner, seeing movies, shopping and (gasp!) sleeping in! Dave had his first New Year's Eve off in 6 years. It was heavenly! But by day 6, we were so ready to get the kids the back! Life is back to normal now, but it was so nice to take some time to just be a couple again. Thanks again, Ma, Pa, and Veronica!

Christmas

I am attempting to get caught up on the blogging, so here we go!


We had a wonderful Christmas. After Dave's crazy "peak" month at FedEx, it was nice to have some quality time just the four of us. We went to a special Christmas Eve service at Callie's school. Then we drove around and looked at Christmas lights, which Callie loved! Then Dave headed to FedEx (grrr) and came home just in time for Christmas morning. Santa was generous and we even had some extra packages from Santa's helper. (Thanks, Cottage Cheese!)

Callie's biggest smile of the morning was for the sugar in her stocking!



Chandler was pretty stoked about his Inspector Gadget box set! Go Go, Gadget grin!



My husband may kill me for this, but I have to post it. I was able to find he and Chandler matching footed dinosaur pajamas! Sorry ladies, they're both taken!

Christmas Update

Merry Christmas from the Sparkmans! I didn't do an "official" letter this year, so I thought I'd update you on us.

David is a busy, busy man. After pursuing the FedEx career path for the past 5 years, he decided that he absolutely hates it. Hates the work, hates working nights, hates being tired all the time. Can I get an Amen??? So after some prayer and pondering, he headed back to school in January to pursue a Masters in education. He is also planning a doctorate to teach education on a college level. Right now he is about half way done with a perfect 4.0. He has even achieved a 100% in a few of the classes. He took the PRAXIS and scored in the top 15% of anyone who has ever taken the test. We are so proud of him!! He also continues to work nights at FedEx and photographs weddings on weekends.

Catherine, too, manages to stay crazy busy. She still works two days a week as a real estate paralegal. Due to the economy, her current company is closing at the end of the year. She is starting at a new firm and hopes for the best. Her much more important job of wife and mother manages to fill the remainder of her time. Lately the roles of cook, maid, taxi driver, etc., have taken a back seat to nursemaid. (See the Plague Post for more info.) I am praying for a healthy 2009! In her free time (what's that?) she enjoys time with her family, book club, and nights out with the girls! (Also she really loves writing about herself in 3rd person.)

Chandler (almost 6) graduated from preschool in May. He started kindergarten in August and loves it! We have full day kindergarten here, so the bus picks him up at 7:30 and brings him back at 3:15. It is a long day! But both Chandler and Mom have adjusted. Chandler has no trouble with the school work, just some trouble stayting on task. (I wonder who that sounds like?) He loves reading, math, and especially science. He loves to do "experiments", which are always fun to clean up. Chandler also loves to swim and got rings off the deep end of the pool this summer.

Callie (3) started at the big girl preschool this fall. She is a little more tentative than her brother, but is enjoying it and doing well. She is a girly girl and loves pink, princesses, and dress up. The other day I attempted to put a blue shirt on her, and she said, "What are you putting on me? This is not pink!!" Callie has been absolutely in love with Christmas this year. She loves Baby Jesus and immediately removes him from any nativity scene she comes across to hold and love. (I think my Mom's is still missing.) She loves Santa, and the lights, and the cookies. She was upset when Santa came to our house last night and didn't say hi to her. She also wanted to pet his reindeer, Comet and Pukid. (aka Cupid, we gotta work on that one.)

2008, like all the others, has been a blessed year for our family. We have felt the Lord's hand as he has guided decisions, blessed our lives, and given us shelter from the storm. We are so thankful for the Savior, the true reason for the season, and for the opportunity to celebrate what he means to each of us. We hope this Christmas finds each of you healthy, happy, and surrounded by those you love. Happy Holidays!

Bad Hair Day

Some of you may be aware of Callie's awesome morning hair. Girl's got skills. It mostly involves sleeping with a blanket over her head on slightly damp hair. This morning's do definitely seemed blog worthy.

The side view

The back- Have you ever seen anything like it?

She does clean up nice, though.

Away in a Manger

We had the opportinity to participate in two live nativities this past weekend. On Saturday night, we had our Ward Christmas Party. The Primary children usually do a program and nativity.

Chandler got to be one of the wisemen. (He was the one bringing the gold, he decided.)

He did refuse to remove his medal, which he received for bowling a 100 at a birthday party the night before. It may have detracted from his outfit a little. But it IS gold, I guess.

Callie has already decided she wants to be Mary next year, so she can hold Baby Jesus. Okay, Dawn? :)

Then on Sunday night, one of the local churches had a live nativity, complete with animals. The kids saw a donkey, a horse, some sheep, and 3 camels.

(If you look closely you can Chandler's blue hood, Ethan, and Callie at the bottom of the picture.)

The kids got to sit on the front row on haystacks, which was a big deal. Each showing sat 600 people! The production was really well done and straight from the scriptures.

They also had crafts for the kids to do- painting, beading, etc.

It's so nice to have activities that help to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas. We are so thankful for this time of year to be able to celebrate the birth and life of the Savior.