Jade's Favorite Things, #10

There is a reason why, and it is not for reasons you are thinking.

In July of 2001 I was very close to delivering Andrew. My friends Meggan and Brenda had come to visit to be a part of my baby shower. After the shower the three of us headed to Target to load up on all the last minute things that I would need. We have a cart FULL, and if I remember correctly there was a small load in a second cart. We got to the check out and my friend Meggan insisted on paying as a gift for the new baby. The checker was very slow, and it seemed like it took him 30 minutes just to scan everything. I can't remember the exact total, but it was well over $300.00. Meggan handed over her (I mean her dad's) credit card and it came back DECLINED. With my friend red in the face, I quickly jumped in and handed over my card and it also was DECLINED. Now we knew there was something really wrong. The checker was dumbfounded, and really not sure what to do. He was playing with the computer when all of the sudden it froze. It was now what seemed like 45 minutes that we had been standing there, when the checker finally got a manager. The manager came over and couldn't fix the computer. He did seem to think that my card was charged, or both of them for that matter. The store was packed with people, and all the checkouts were being used. He claimed the only way to fix the problem, or know for sure if a card was charged, was to re-check all the items at another station. Looking at me, very pregnant, he stopped and thought for a second. He then moved very close to my friends and I and said something like this, "I think your card was charged, but I can't be certain. I am going to walk you out the door and send you on your way. If you card was charged good for us, if not, then that is what we get for making you wait so long." I was thrilled to just be leaving, but worried that we would be charged twice.

To this day, neither card has been charged and I feel like I hit the lottery that day in Target. 2001 was a bad year for me with the exception of having Andrew, and this shopping trip. Now every time I am checking out, I hold my breath, hoping the computer will freeze, but I doubt I will get so lucky twice in a life time.

Life Has Been Busy

Too Busy.

Over the next few months you will see me re-prioritizing and probably saying "No". I have decided that if what I am doing doesn't fit with in a few goals that I have set, then it can't be done. Maybe I am getting older and wiser, but mostly I am just realizing what things really matter. While working today, I looked to my right to see this image. I may be a busy lady, but don't ever say you couldn't get a hold of me.

Now I know...

He loves me.

It only took 6 years, but Tom finally gave me a gas card, a bill that he pays. We have always had our separate bills but I have been begging for this one for some time. You know I am going to hit up every Chevron with a food mart for a few months until the excitement wears off.

Sean's Still Got the Moves

It was no surprise to me when I learn Sean had won an award for Best Dancer in pre-school. There is a lot of dancing that goes on in the Porter house and Sean's got moves we are not sure where they came from.

Here is a little sample of some Sunday afternoon dancing.

It is Exhausting...

Getting up and going to pre-school every day.
Tonight I left Sean in the kitchen eating his evening cereal only to return to this. I would say pre-school is working. It is wearing out this kid in ways I couldn't do on my own.

Latest Project

I haven't re-upholstered any furniture for a while. There was a period of time where it seemed my mother and I were doing 2-3 pieces a year. After being asked to teach a lesson on it in Relief Society I got the bug to start a project. I found this old orange chair at the Salvation Army for $12.50 (actually only $12.10 since I found $0.40 in the cushions).

Here it is finished 2 weeks later.

I love these kinds of projects. Since marrying Tom my favorite part has been seeing the look on his face when I ask him to help me haul a dirty orange chair in the house.

McDonalds, I LOVE You!

Fridays are Sean's day off from school. After of week of working with out him I was really stressed about what I was going to do today having him home. We thought we would take a little lunch break to McDonald's to play in the play structure and I discovered McDonald's has FREE WiFi. While sitting here working, while Sean plays, I had to write a little note expressing my gratitude to McDonald's.

Dear McDonald's,
Up until today I really didn't care for you. Your food is mediocre and border line not real. My children often ask for you as we drive by yet I quickly shut them down. Occasionally I allowed for a little indulgence yet every time I ate your food I couldn't figure out what the fuss was. Now that I know you offer FREE WiFi and a place for my 2 year old to run free, you have won me over. I now can look past the fact that you are blamed for childhood obesity and see the good things you offer. I will now be a regular on Friday's with my toddler and look forward to getting a lot of work done in your dining area.

Thank you!

Jade Porter
Now a regular.