Let's re-live the Ode to the Otter Pop, shall we?

As the weather warms, my mind returns to the night of the "Otter Pop." Let's re-live it...

Last night as I lay down in bed,

I was thirsty. I was hot.

Then to my mind came the perfect treat,

"Go get an Otter Pop!"

Then I realized much to my surprise,

They do more than quench your thirst.

Otter Pops are “magical”

I was so excited- -I thought I’d burst!

We eat them when we are happy.

We eat them when we are sad.

They help cheer up a lonely child,

And stop fights when we are mad.

You can put them on a knee that’s skinned

'Cause you wiped out on your bike.

You can use them for refreshment

When you are in the mountains on a hike.

Did you ever think a tube so thin,

With flavored water it is filled,

Could solve small problems in our lives?

What a simple answer….to be sure, I’m thrilled!

So next time you are sad, or mad,

Lonely, bored, or even weary.

Have yourself an Otter Pop-

And smile…..it’s all OK…..really, really!

GOTTA LOVE IT!!!!

Soccer....It's all about comfort, right??

Soccer isn't really my sport but my nephew, Quinten, invited us to come and watch him (and Conner) play a little soccer. What is an aunt to do? So, last night we headed to the city park to watch a bunch of 5-year-olds man the field for a wild game of soccer. It was a riot! Just picture eight little kids with shirts that go all the way down to their knees, huddled together, legs kicking in every direction, but the ball isn't really moving anywhere....Until one player breaks out of the crowd with the ball and heads to the goal with the rest of the kids running behind him! SCORE! (both Quinten and Conner scored goals) There is of course, the lone player who stands outside the huddle not wanting to get kicked (or even come in contact with the ball). It was pretty funny! The best part of all was seeing Quinten and Conner dressed in their soccer gear....with their shin guards on the OUTSIDE of their socks! Well, duh! They scratch their legs if they are on the inside....It's all about comfort!

A quick word about SPRING...

I love watching the seasons change but during the last week the wonderful world of SPRING has SPRUNG up everywhere. It started out with...

The lilac tree in front of my parent's home. Some beautiful robins have been building a nest. And look.....some little baby birds have emerged from their bright blue eggs. Next...

On Saturday, Mallory came over to me (again, in my parent's front yard) with a beautiful butterfly in her hands. It wasn't able to fly because it's wing was bent. Nature can be harsh-darn natural selection. But it was beautiful! Then today....

Here is Gracie with a little baby bird in her hands. Jared is scouting for deer in the Vernon area and took Gracie with him for the day. She caught this little baby bird (it can't quite fly yet). Isn't that the sweetest thing you have ever seen? By the way, Vernon looks GLORIOUS right now! There are so many wildflowers! I will post a picture when I download them. The desert is alive and in color!

Mother Nature is really putting on a show right now.....look around.....or you might miss it!

Alright ladies, it's that time of year once again!!! I think we need to be reminded of a few things. So my sisters, PLEASE, raise your big toes and repeat after me below...

The Open Toed Shoe Pledge

As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:

• I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.
• I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.
• I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.
• I will shave the hairs off my big toe.
• I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.
• If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back! into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.
• I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.
• I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.
• I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.
• I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.
• I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.
• I will promise to go to my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $20 or $25 and worth EVERY penny).
• I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty.

Together we can make the world a more beautiful place to walk!!!!

One Month, Four Days.....HAWAII

Yes, it's true.....In one month and four days the Nielsen Clan is headed to GLORIOUS Hawaii! This is the trip we have all waited for! Mom and Dad, all eight of the Nielsen kiddies (who aren't really kids anymore) and their spouse/partner!!! Eighteen of us running amuck in Hawaii! Can you just picture it???? WELL, I CAN!!! Eight days with Jared all to myself (sort of)! It is so close and I can hardly wait! I hope the next month passes by quickly! Can everyone say "ALOHA?"

ALOHA!

Thought of the Day.....

"You cannot be anything you want to be--

but you CAN be a lot more of who you already are"