We have a winner!

But, first. Here's all those questions you guys asked, and my answers....



Rebecca asked: What is your idea of 'Heaven on Earth' ? (detailed reply)~~Wow, good one Rebecca. I think Heaven on Earth would be me and my family (meaning my kids, hubby and extended family too--mom, dad, brothers, sister and their families), along with cherished pets being together, preferably someplace beautiful like the mountains in a cabin with a roaring fire and lots of good food.











Jenn Lee asked: How did you get started into blogging? How has it most helped you in the past 7 months?What are your top 3 dreams for your blog~~ I got started through my ward. We have a ward blog, which I was just checking out one evening. Seeing all the awesome sisters' in my ward really inspired me on so many levels. They are great moms, and wonderful daughters of God. So, initially I thought it would be a great way to journal my family and our experiences.




How has it helped me? Well, I can tell you it's NOT helping me get my housework done. Can you say Addicted to blogging? But really, I think the biggest way it has helped me is that I feel it's a wonderful support network. I've met some awesome people out there in the blogosphere, and I'm so inspired and encouraged by all of you. I don't feel so alone I guess in my daily struggles. I can see that we all are dealing with some of the same issues, and it's not always a picnic for everyone else. My top three dreams for my blog. Well, above all else, I think it would be great if when all is said and done, I have a nice collection of memories to pass on to my kids. I definitely want to get this printed out one day. Aside from that, I think it would be AWESOME if I could figure out how to make some money doing this, so I could actually stay home 24/7 with my kiddies. And lastly, I guess if it is a fun/uplifting place for others to stop off and visit, then I'd be thrilled.











Krissy asked: Are you in the SLIGHTEST bit ready for Christmas???? ~~ Not in the least!!! I mean, seriously, I'm wondering if we're even going to be able to pull it off this year. I must begin getting ready much earlier next year.





Mother Goose asked: how did papa jon ask you to marry him?~~ Well, at the time we were living in sin in Palm Springs. (I was inactive in the church), and one day he got approved for a Kmart credit card, so unbeknownst to me he bought me an engagement ring. He taped it to the bathroom mirror and wrote the words "Mikki, will you marry me" on the mirror with lipstick, then waited for me to come home from work. Now the funny part is, whenever I got home from work, my first stop was always the bathroom, so he expected a quick response. Well, not that night. I didn't have to go, I guess. So, I was sitting on the couch, unwinding from work and he was like "Don't you have to go to the bathroom?"











Laura asked: Do you have to travel for the holidays to visit family. If so, how far do you travel, and how much fun is it with the twins?~~ Well, my parents live in Palm Springs CA, but they usually come here thank goodness. My sister lives in Tennessee, and we haven't been out there yet. Just can't afford to make a trip. Generally if we do travel it would be just to California. We actually haven't tried it yet since the babies were born. Mainly because we don't have an appropriate vehicle for such a long trip. We'd have to rent a van. Aside from that, I think it might be fun, a little extra planning and prep would definitely be required though.











Shauna asked: Do you love comments on your blog as much as I do?~~ Oh my gosh--YES! (don't you know that's why I'm doing a giveaway? To boost my comments!)











Kristina P. asked: What is your favorite thing about being a mom?~~ You mean I'm supposed to like something? LOL Well, let's see--cleaning up after them all the time--no, no that's definitely not it. The never ending piles of laundry--no, that's not it either. Oh, it must be hearing their laughter as they play together, watching them comfort each other on occasion, their successes, hugs and cuddles---hmmm, I'm having problems picking just one thing.











Lene asked: What blog do you HAVE to read every day?~~Well, all of them, really. I love keeping up with all of you guys. But, if I had to say which one I read first, it'd be Merrianne's blog--I go to hers' first everyday. When she hasn't posted, I'm a little bummed.









Christa asked: Was it difficult adjusting to twins after 2 previous single births? ~~ It was a bit difficult. I was fortunate to have my mother stay with us for almost a whole month. Thank goodness for that. I don't know what I would have done without her. Jon's mom also stayed with us for a bit too. My girls were also really a big help. Their ages were the difference I'm sure-one is ten and the other six. Despite all that, I do distinctly remember the thought frequently that one would be so much easier, and I was such a wimp with my singles way back when. I think it's all relative though.

Mary asked: Will you please rig the drawing so I'll win?~~Sure Mary, I'll be happy to. I'll also rig it for anybody else who asks. :P

Sher asked: What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment in life, other than having a family?~~Hmmm, that's a tough one. I'm a bit lazy, and don't challenge myself like I should. Often, just go with the flow--that's me. SO, I'm not sure I actually have any accomplishments besides my family. I think, that come January, when I go through the temple--that will be my greatest accomplishment.

Michelle asked: How much has blogging changed your life?~~ Oh my goodness. tons!! One of the first comments I got when I started this blog was how much it would change my life. I was like, yeah, whatever. But seriously. My house has gone to pot. I neglect my kids and especially neglect my hubby. But, I've met some wonderful people. Well, sort of met them I guess. It's given me some time for myself though. I feel like it's a bit of a release, or a reprieve from all my other demands--something I want to do for myself. I do see a need to begin setting some limits on my blogging time. Which is probably going to be a resolution for myself for the next 200 posts.

Nicole asked: what was your first thought when you found out you were having TWINS? and how did you tell your husband (or was he with you at the appt?) ~~ Well, I was sort of concerned when I went in for the ultrasound to begin with. I just had this feeling ya' know? I felt much bigger than I did for my first two pregnancies, and I kept seeing twins everywhere. So I was kind of wondering if Heavenly Father was trying to prepare me for something, and at the same time, I was like-nah' couldn't be! So, when we went for the ultrasound, and yes Jon was with me, that was essentially the first thing Jon said when the tech put that magical wand on my tummy--"Just make sure there's only one in there!" About the exact time he said that, the tech was looking up at us with shock. She goes--"There's two!"~~~So, my first thought really was "I knew it!!", and after that, for the rest of the day I was just dumbfounded, and in total shock.

Jan asked: What made you think healthy foods? Have you always eaten this way? Where do you shop for your items?~~um, me? Healthy foods? NOT!!! But I should, for my kids' sake. Haley is overweight, and I'm a lousy example for her. (not exactly on the slim side myself). I do like Fresh & Easy, and mostly I shop at Smiths. If I could afford it, probably I'd shop at Whole Foods--but it's much too far from me anyway. Anywho, I think you must have confused me for someone else on this one?

Mindi asked: what do you think about the trend to "go private"?~~ Well, I do understand it, but it kind of stinks for people like me who would like to read those private blogs, but I'm too shy and uncertain of myself to invite myself to be a reader. But, to preserve your children's innocence and family's privacy, sometimes, you gotta' do what you gotta do!

Shimmy Mom asked: So why did you start your blog? Do you still like it? Or are you running out of ideas after 200 posts?~~ Well, I started it because it looked like fun and I thought it would be a great way to journal our families life (since I haven't really been keeping a journal like I should). I DO still like it, perhaps a little too much. I do frequently find myself at a loss for what to post about. If I were just journalling my families experiences, it would be no big deal I think; but it's become more of a personal outlet for me to express myself on, and so some days the brain just isn't working.

Kate at Our Red House asked: if you could visit anywhere else in the world, where would you go, and why?~~I have always wanted to visit Ireland. I just think it seems to have some of the most beautiful and lush countryside I've ever seen (in pictures) and I love an Irish accent. I also want to visit Alaska and see the Northern Lights.

Richelle asked: With a busy family, what is a fast, easy recipe that you like to make--one that doesn't take much prep and is made out of things you usually have on hand.~~I think one of my quickest recipes is for these meat pocket things. You take a pound of ground beef, and brown it up. Add some chopped onions, or onion powder. Once it's browned add half a cup of barbecue sauce. Let it simmer for five minutes. In the meantime, take a can of Hungryman biscuits and (open it) smush the biscuits down into and up the sides of muffin cups. Then fill the little cups with the ground beef filling, top it off with some shredded cheese and bake for about 15 minutes at 350*. Add a side salad and presto!!!

Miss Pickle asked: if you could name yourself, what name would you have and why?~~Hmmm, let me think. I've always liked the name Sabrina, or Samantha--so I could be nicknamed Sam--hmmm, Sabrina, Samantha--I'm seeing a witchy sort of trend here. Wonder if that's subconscious?

April asked: Honestly, what's the biggest mistake you've ever made?~~Wow!! Honestly? This one could get me in trouble ya' know. I think the biggest mistake I ever made was moving in with my hubby before we were married. Because of this, I became inactive in the church for ten years. My daughters didn't get blessings when they were first born. We weren't married in the temple, and I'm not sure we ever will be. I didn't pray about our marriage. So, I'm not even sure he's who I was supposed to have married. But, would I do it over again given the opportunity? Yup! I have four awesome, beautiful kids and he really is a terrific hubby. And I do hold out hope that some day we'll be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity (after all, he DID get baptized)--with God, ALL things are possible. ☺☺☺

Imbeingheldhostage asked: If you could pull a person out of your past to spend the day with, who would it be?~~Do I have to limit this to one person? Cause really, there's a few...Several family members who have already passed. I would love to find an old friend--Natalie Judd who I was best friends with in the 5th grade. Her name is now Natalie White. We went to school in Coalville UT (That's up past Park City), I guess it was in '83. I would really love to pull her out of the past and spend a day catching up.

Dolly asked: What's your favorite Donny Osmond song? ~~ok, so I don't really follow Donny's career, so I had to track down some of his tunes, because all I could think of was Puppy Love. So, I listened to "One Dream", and was about to pronounce that my favorite, then I heard "Whenever You're in Trouble"--and that is hands down my favorite. At least of the songs I've heard of Donny's. That's a beautiful song. Talks to me of a parents love for their child. I even added it to my playlist. (You probably just heard it).

Amy J. asked: What 10 things would you be most excited to find in your Christmas stocking?" :) Tricky aren't I.~~You're very sneaky!! LOL Well, let's see...a new digital camera, an ipod, Chanel no. 5, diamond stud earrings, ....oh, you mean for the stocking swap? Dang! OK, I'll try to keep it within reason.... #1. I love chocolate and mint, so anything like Ande's mints, or York peppermint patties. #2. I love those chocolate oranges--yummy! #3. I love peppermint candy--starlight mints, candy canes. #4. I love pretty notebooks. #5. I love thank you cards. #6 I love Christmas decorating magazines, and decorating magazines in general. #6. In-n-Out gift certificates #7. I love bracelets. #8. maybe a cute ornament #9. a Pepsi #10. I'm out of ideas--surprise me! ☺ PS now, if you would kindly leave me a comment with your list of ten or so things you'd be delighted to see in YOUR stocking--that'd be great.

Mrs. Mordecai asked: What's you favorite kind of soup? ~~Well, I do love a good pot of beef stew or chili, but do those really count as soup? Regardless, I think my favorite is cream of Tomato along with a grilled cheese sandwich of course. I have fond memories of making that little combo and settling in to watch "Mary Poppins" or "The Sound of Music" when I was a teenager.

Backandthen asked: Who chose the names of your children and why these names~~Jon chose them. He knew before we were even married that he wanted to name his first daughter Ashley, after a little girl he used to babysit. Haley, I think I suggested--I liked that it has a similar meaning to Ashley's, and he liked it-so that was a done deal. Now Jason and Justin's naming experience is kind of funny, weird--whatever. Here's the deal, My dad is Milton Wayne and I of course, always thought it would be nice to get my dad's name in there somewhere. Jon of course, wanted to name his boys after himself and his brother. So add Jonathon and Bradley into the mix. So, we've got Jonathon, Bradley, Milton and Wayne to work with. So, of course, we thought for a while (and no, not ever seriously) that Jon Wayne (after the actor, or all those psycho guys out there who seem to have those two names for some reason) and Milton Bradley(after the board game company) would be funny. We settled on Justin Jon and Jason Wayne--kind of a compromise. Jon's name, and one of my dad's names. Justin and Jason were both names we agreed upon. Jon suggested them, and they felt right to me. Jon's nickname is actually Jay, so Jason works out as "Jay's son" too. ☺~~That was an awesome question. I don't think I've documented anywhere why we chose our children's names. Thanks G!

Carissa asked: Now my question? You pick. How did we meet? I just told you I can never remember? Or What's your favorite book? I know I know AFTER the scriptures. Or How the heck do you get bias tape on the INSIDE of that circle handle up there? HOW!?Or Do you color your hair? Cuz girl in Utah EVERYONE does.~~OK, 1. how DID we meet? I think I commented on your blog about your spectacular bags, don't remember how I managed to find your blog though. But, I'm glad I did. Maybe you commented on mine first? 2. My favorite book? Gosh, do I have to narrow it down to just one? I love "A Tale of Two Cities", "To Kill a Mockingbird", and "Ivanhoe" I think those are my favorites. 3. The bias tape was a pain in the boo-tay. I don't think I'll try that again. Not sure if I'll even try that bag again!! 4. I have colored my hair. I tried to go red a few years back, and I've spent the last six years trying to get my natural color back. So, I think right now, it's finally all my own natural color of dirty dishwater blonde.

WonderWoman asked: What was your favorite Halloween costume as a child? What's the favorite gift you've ever given someone? What's your favorite meal to make for your family? If you had $100 to spend ONLY on yourself, what would you do with it?~~OK, so my favorite costume was my homemade ballerina costume, complete with tinfoil crown. Favorite gift I've given--hmm I can't even remember what I gave my kids last year. Favorite meal to make is lasagne and garlic bread. Mmmm, unfortunately my oldest daughter isn't crazy about it, but its MY fave. $100 for myself--I'd start out with a pedicure and a manicure and then a new outfit.

Cherrybaby asked: So my question is how did you meet your hubby?~~We met at Kmart where we both worked. Took him a while to ask me out, but when we did finally go out, our first date lasted 11 hours!!!

Jamiebee asked: How has blogging changed your day to day routine as a mother of busy twins?~~hahaha!! It's totally messed it up!! Well, that's probably not too true. I wasn't really getting much done before either. But now, lets see, I sneak in the blogging wherever I can. During their morning nap, I'll read and comment on a few, or post on my own if there's something I want to post about. I'll try to sqeeze a little in while they're eating their breakfast. The rest I do after the kids go to bed in the evenings. Obviously there's not much housework getting done here. I'm going to sit down this week and work out a little routine though. I need to set a couple rules for my own blogging time. I'm letting it get out of hand.

So thanks everyone for all the great questions. That was fun, for me anyway.

SO, now for the winner. I'm so nervous.......I wrote all your entries down on paper, cut them out, folded them up and put them all in a bowl......Haley is drawing a name out of the bowl....it's.....

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Glitter Graphics Maker & MySpace Layouts

Congrats to Shimmy Mom!!! We also picked a couple of runners' up--so, you know if Shimmy Mom can't get me her address in a reasonable amount of time, say by tomorrow, or the next day, then the responsibilites of being a winner fall to the next person.... those two people are:

Carissa from Good & CrazyPeople

G from Backandthen

I've got a little something for each of you two as well. So, I'll need all three of you to email me your full name and address. Email me at firelein6(at)cox(dot)net

Congrats!!!

Today I'm thankful for all of my blogging buddies. I love you guys!!