Kerrigan's Carols

Kerrigan's Opa taught her how to sing "Jingle Bells" last week. However, we have only caught her singing it a couple of random times. Today, she came out in full force, singing and jumping around the living room. Sadly, there was no camera nearby to capture her show. Thankfully, Krista found her camera and Kerrigan came back for an encore. Here's what ensued:

Identity Crisis

For the longest time, Kerrigan didn't refer to me by any name. Mostly I was the female version of Dada. When she got pneumonia and was pitiful as all get-out, she miraculously started referring to me as "Nonny." I was a little bummed that it was never "Mama" or "Mommy" or any form thereof. In fact, Sha made fun of the fact that Kerrigan would call me Nonny. Well, miracle of miracles occured a couple of days ago. Kerrigan would wander around the house, talking to herself, and would randomly go into a chorus of "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Nonny, Nonny, Mommy..." etc. I'm not a person to get all sentimental and choked up about things like that, but it really took me by suprise (a pleasant surprise) to hear her say "Mommy." Now I'm in the middle of an identity crisis as Kerrigan now only refers to me as "Mommy." I guess I'm a little bummed because it's generic and expected. "Nonnny" was my special name; no other kids we know have a Nonny. Oh, well. I guess it couldn't last forever. Mommy is still a wonderful thing to be called. Even if it does take some getting used to.

Husband Survey

1. Where did you meet your husband?

I met him at an institute dance a couple of weeks after he got off his mission. We danced once, and I went back to my best friend and told her all about the really geeky, nerdy guy I had just danced with. Little did I know how it would come back to bite me in the butt a couple weeks later.

2. How long did you date?

We dated off and on for three months before we got engaged. The scary thing is that we dated "officially" as boyfriend and girlfriend for eleven days before getting engaged.

3. How long have you been married?

4 years

4. What does he do that surprises you?

He's very helpful around the house. He doesn't mind doing laundry or cleaning or any other menial chores. The only thing that he doesn't go around the house is cook (and for that I am grateful!)

5. What is your favorite feature of his?

His hands. They're big, warm, and perfect for holding.

6. What is his best quality?

His patience. I'm a nutcase 90% of the time, and I'm always amazed how well he tolerates my crazy mood swings.

7. Does he have a nick name for you?

Nope

8. What is his favorite food?

Steak...hands down.

9. What is his favorite sport?

He doesn't watch sports

10. When and where was your first kiss?

Outside his parents' house before I was getting ready to head back to Worland for a weekend

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Date nights! We love to go to the movies. Either that, or making fun of each other. It's an odd relationship.

12. Do you have children?

One amazing little girl!

13. Does he have hidden talents?

He sings and can quote movies with uncanny precision.

14. How old is he?

26

15. Who said I love you first?

You know...I don't remember. How horrible is that?! I think it was him, though.

16. His favorite music?

A little bit of country, Nickelback, Linkin Park, Harry Connick, Jr. ...basically anything but what I listen to.

17. What do you admire most about him?

How important family is to him. Not just Kerrigan and me, but his family, and mine, as well. He's very family oriented

18. What is his favorite color?

Blue

19. Will he read this?

Nope. I don't think he knows how to get to the blog.

20. Who do you tag?

I don't tag anyone. I was just bored and needed something to occupy my time.

Grateful "D"

I've been horrible with keeping this updated. Hopefully I'll get through the alphabet by 2009.


I am grateful for dads. I've got three great dads in my life...three of the greatest dads a person could ask for!





How many dads would dress up like THIS? My dad is great because of the things he is willing to do for his family. He works hard to provide a great living for his family, which is something that I took for granted sometimes while I was growing up. There are times where he's strange, odd, and just plain funny...times we wonder how my sisters and I turned out somewhat normal. But family dinners and game nights are never dull when Dad's around.




My father-in-law is another great dad. It amazes me how, though he is a hard worker and a busy outdoorsman, he is wonderful with children. Kerrigan loves her Opa and will often request him above anyone else in the family. Brandon always has great stories to tell about times spent hunting, working on the house, fishing, or horseback riding with his dad.



Never have I seen a little girl so smitten with her daddy as Kerrigan is with Brandon. And good thing, too. He loves her to pieces and is the greatest daddy. Though I know he often wishes he had a son to do "boy stuff" with, he never hesitates to expose Kerrigan to all the things little boys would get to do. He takes her horseback riding, fishing in Opa's horse trough, fossil hunting. Though it makes me jealous sometimes that she prefers Brandon over me, I'm glad that she has such a great daddy to go to.