Thanks to Rachel for this tag!
7 things I can do:
1. Play the piano and organ.
2. Cook.
3. Blog the day away
4. Scrapbook
5. Go a little crazy on clearance racks
6. fold laundry
7. Read for hours and hours.
7 things I can't do:
1. Keep my house clean
2. make breadsticks
3. go anywhere without earrings in.
4. Or make up on.
5. make myself love our dogs.
6. turn down chocolate.
7. Wait to see Twilight again!
7 things that attracted me to Superman(spouse):
1. He was SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!
2. He made me laugh -- still does.
3. The chemistry between us was undeniable.
4. He thought I was pretty. (and thank goodness he still does!)
5. He was a really good kid, who always wanted to do the right thing.
6. His testimony.
7. I felt like he needed me.
7 things I say the most:
1. Just a minute, please.
2. What do you say?
3. Stop!
4. That's great!
5. Take turns.
6. Do I have any more comments?
7. Aah!! Scary monster!
7 people I admire most:
1. Jesus Christ
2. Superman
3. my parents
4. Kelli May
5. Marci Srianan
6. Nancy Ciaccia
7. our servicemen and women
7 favorite foods:
1. double fudge brownie ice cream
2. lasagne
3. enchiladas
4. pizza
5. diet dr. pepper
6. cool ranch doritos
7. anything chocolate
7 people to tag: 1. emily 2. ashley 3. and I don't know!!! Here's an idea: copy this tag and save it as a draft. When you find you have nothing to blog about, do this tag.
11.30.2008
11.29.2008
11.28.2008
11.27.2008
Rachel's trifle
For all you Friends fans out there, I'm going to be posting some favorite Thanksgiving clips. Starting with TOW Ross got high.
11.25.2008
Not your traditional Thanksgiving dinner
Growing up, my grandma hosted Thanksgiving every year. And she had the works. Here is her menu from this year, from her own mouth (keyboard):
Roast Beef, roasted with potatoes, carrots and roast gravy {{Jan, this is the roast I mentioned yesterday}}
Ham, Baked beans and, Mormon funeral potatoes( cheese sauce over baked hash browns)
Turkey, dressing , gravy, mashed potatoes.
Corn (whole and creamstyle), green beans, broccili cassorole,
Relish dish--fresh veggies, olives and pickles
Watergate (green) Salad, Orange manderin Salad, Cranberry salad (pink one)
Dessert (so far) 2 Apple pie, 2 cherry pie, 1 rasspberry pie, 1 pecan pie, 4 pumpkin, cocanut pie
Cherry Goop (angel food cake, whipped cream, cream cheese, canned cherries)
Roast Beef, roasted with potatoes, carrots and roast gravy {{Jan, this is the roast I mentioned yesterday}}
Ham, Baked beans and, Mormon funeral potatoes( cheese sauce over baked hash browns)
Turkey, dressing , gravy, mashed potatoes.
Corn (whole and creamstyle), green beans, broccili cassorole,
Relish dish--fresh veggies, olives and pickles
Watergate (green) Salad, Orange manderin Salad, Cranberry salad (pink one)
Dessert (so far) 2 Apple pie, 2 cherry pie, 1 rasspberry pie, 1 pecan pie, 4 pumpkin, cocanut pie
Cherry Goop (angel food cake, whipped cream, cream cheese, canned cherries)
Seriously.
Now grandma always cooks this dinner on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Which means that my family had our own Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. But we (understandably) didn't need a big turkey dinner, so what's a mom to do?
She started her own tradition.
Instead of the big, traditional thanksgiving dinner, we have turkey/BLT sandwiches. She'd get high quality ingredients and make "gourmet" sandwiches. Along with this, we'd also have Doritos, chips and salsa, veggi trays, M&Ms, popcorn, soda pop -- all our favorite snack foods -- and this was our Thanksgiving meal.
I loved it!!! It was nice to have a fun, laid-back meal so that we could play games while we ate. And mom and dad weren't all stressed about dinner. I remember having the missionaries over a few times and just having a really fun day.
I most definately want to continue this tradition with my own family. Superman would prefer the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. (Of course he does!!) But I think that if he wants a turkey and stuffing and potatos, he's going to have to cook it for himself
Or drive to my grandma's house.
So today, I'm thankful for low gas prices (I filled up for $1.65 yesterday!!!) and a husband who's willing to make a horredous drive to make me happy. And eat a real Thanksgiving dinner.
Tuesday To tell or Not to tell
I may or may not still have to pack for a 5 day vacation.
I may or may not have to babysit today.
I may or may not have a 15 hour drive to make tomorrow evening.
I may or may not have a big mess to clean up.
I may or may not need to clean out my car.
I may or may not choose roast over turkey this weekend.
I may or may not think my boys need a baby in the house.
I may or may not have to babysit today.
I may or may not have a 15 hour drive to make tomorrow evening.
I may or may not have a big mess to clean up.
I may or may not need to clean out my car.
I may or may not choose roast over turkey this weekend.
I may or may not think my boys need a baby in the house.
I may or may not have tulips I bought over a month that still need to be planted.
I may or may not need to make Enrichment flyers.
I may or may not forget medication, diapers, socks, Christmas gifts, snacks, music, DVDs, and a host of other things I need to bring with us.
I may or may not use this as my to do list.
What are you not telling today?
11.23.2008
'Bout time I got grateful
This week is going to be absolutely INSANE for me. I'm babysitting Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and then leaving to DRIVE 15 home Wednesday after Superman gets off work.
In that time I need to arrange Christmas gifts for family members, renew my driver's license that expired on my birthday (YIKES!) make Enrichment flyers, pack the family and keep my house clean. (There's a reason that's last on my list.) (But it would sure be nice.)
So I probably won't be doing much blogging.
And I was ready for a change on my blog, but didn't know what to do. I like having a cool header, but when the only creative application you have is Paint, your options are limited.
However, fate stepped in and decided to help me. I entered a giveaway last week and won!!! The first time I've ever won a giveaway!! April hosted it and is giving away blog TLC she designs as a prize, which means I get a new header! I am WAY pumped.
So today, I'm grateful for giveaways and lucky guesses. And creative people.
In that time I need to arrange Christmas gifts for family members, renew my driver's license that expired on my birthday (YIKES!) make Enrichment flyers, pack the family and keep my house clean. (There's a reason that's last on my list.) (But it would sure be nice.)
So I probably won't be doing much blogging.
And I was ready for a change on my blog, but didn't know what to do. I like having a cool header, but when the only creative application you have is Paint, your options are limited.
However, fate stepped in and decided to help me. I entered a giveaway last week and won!!! The first time I've ever won a giveaway!! April hosted it and is giving away blog TLC she designs as a prize, which means I get a new header! I am WAY pumped.
So today, I'm grateful for giveaways and lucky guesses. And creative people.
For the record:
Yesterday really was one of the BEST DAYS EVER.
(If you feel like you've seen this picture before, you probably have. I kifed it from Motherboard's site. I know she's kind of particular about that kind of thing, but I figured it'd be okay since I'm IN the picture! And it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission, so Motherboard? We still cool?)
These ladies were simply magnificent. After I sat down and looked around, I thought, "Everyone is so much prettier in real life!" And it's true. This picture doesn't do everyone justice. Maybe it's the 2-dimensional quality, or maybe it's just that it's hard for someone's light to shine through a picture. Whatever it is, these women are truly beautiful. It was AWESOME to meet everyone and hear their voices and see them interact in the real world.
Frumpy is adorable. She's got great hair and the coolest glasses and great accessories.....and put up with all our noise for a really long time! Motherboard was rockin' her red shirt and really did out-order everyone else and sounds just like she does on her blog. Sherrie is a total BABE and had awesome embarrassing stories about strangers -- the content of which might be a bit inappropriate for a family blog! =D Binders and Debbie talked about the challenges of infertility, and life pre-kids and I learned about about these relatively new blog friends. Red's a gorgeous sweetheart - I learned that hers is a blended family, but she loves them all to pieces and I never would've guessed that hadn't all been together forever. And she and I couldn't stop gushing over Motherboard's sweet Moxie. (Also even cuter than her pictures.)
It was such a great experience. Everyone was so funny, and we all just got along really well. Great food, great conversations, great friends. I love you guys!!!!
I didn't want to leave AT ALL but I had to get home to my shoe party. I left late and called Superman, saying I'd be home soon but could he clean up? The consultants were probably going to beat me to my house and I was worried. I shouldn't have been! Superman did a GREAT job cleaning up what I'm sure was not a spotless house since the boys ran wild all morning. He even pulled laundry out of the dryer and put it away!
The shoe party didn't have quite the results I hoped for, but I did get a free pair of shoes! New black boots, thank you very much. My old pair looked like they were straight out of the 70s, so I was pumped to get a pair that belonged in the new millenium, and get them FOR FREE.
Then my friend Sarah came and picked me up to go see Twilight.
It was everything I hoped for and more!!!!
I've seen mixed reviews over the past day or two, so my expectations had been lowered somewhat. Maybe that was the trick - low expectations. Because I LOVED IT. I wasn't in love with Edward after reading the books, but I am now! Robert Pattinson did an incredible job. And Charlie was AWESOME! Probably my second favorite character. I loved the soundtrack. By the end of the scene where James dies, I was in awe of how much I loved the movie.
The woman I sat next to was there for her FOURTH viewing. (In two days!!) At first Sarah and I thought she was crazy and a bit obsessed. After seeing it, we understood why she kept coming back! (By the way, I DID where my shirt. And this lady thought it was awesome.)
So I loved it. Loved it LOVED IT. Can't wait to see it again.
And then I got to come home and hang out with my husband in my nice clean house!
So between imaginary-turned-real friends, new shoes, great husband and EDWARD CULLEN, I'de have to say it was a pretty rockin' day.
(If you feel like you've seen this picture before, you probably have. I kifed it from Motherboard's site. I know she's kind of particular about that kind of thing, but I figured it'd be okay since I'm IN the picture! And it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission, so Motherboard? We still cool?)
These ladies were simply magnificent. After I sat down and looked around, I thought, "Everyone is so much prettier in real life!" And it's true. This picture doesn't do everyone justice. Maybe it's the 2-dimensional quality, or maybe it's just that it's hard for someone's light to shine through a picture. Whatever it is, these women are truly beautiful. It was AWESOME to meet everyone and hear their voices and see them interact in the real world.
Frumpy is adorable. She's got great hair and the coolest glasses and great accessories.....and put up with all our noise for a really long time! Motherboard was rockin' her red shirt and really did out-order everyone else and sounds just like she does on her blog. Sherrie is a total BABE and had awesome embarrassing stories about strangers -- the content of which might be a bit inappropriate for a family blog! =D Binders and Debbie talked about the challenges of infertility, and life pre-kids and I learned about about these relatively new blog friends. Red's a gorgeous sweetheart - I learned that hers is a blended family, but she loves them all to pieces and I never would've guessed that hadn't all been together forever. And she and I couldn't stop gushing over Motherboard's sweet Moxie. (Also even cuter than her pictures.)
It was such a great experience. Everyone was so funny, and we all just got along really well. Great food, great conversations, great friends. I love you guys!!!!
I didn't want to leave AT ALL but I had to get home to my shoe party. I left late and called Superman, saying I'd be home soon but could he clean up? The consultants were probably going to beat me to my house and I was worried. I shouldn't have been! Superman did a GREAT job cleaning up what I'm sure was not a spotless house since the boys ran wild all morning. He even pulled laundry out of the dryer and put it away!
The shoe party didn't have quite the results I hoped for, but I did get a free pair of shoes! New black boots, thank you very much. My old pair looked like they were straight out of the 70s, so I was pumped to get a pair that belonged in the new millenium, and get them FOR FREE.
Then my friend Sarah came and picked me up to go see Twilight.
It was everything I hoped for and more!!!!
I've seen mixed reviews over the past day or two, so my expectations had been lowered somewhat. Maybe that was the trick - low expectations. Because I LOVED IT. I wasn't in love with Edward after reading the books, but I am now! Robert Pattinson did an incredible job. And Charlie was AWESOME! Probably my second favorite character. I loved the soundtrack. By the end of the scene where James dies, I was in awe of how much I loved the movie.
The woman I sat next to was there for her FOURTH viewing. (In two days!!) At first Sarah and I thought she was crazy and a bit obsessed. After seeing it, we understood why she kept coming back! (By the way, I DID where my shirt. And this lady thought it was awesome.)
So I loved it. Loved it LOVED IT. Can't wait to see it again.
And then I got to come home and hang out with my husband in my nice clean house!
So between imaginary-turned-real friends, new shoes, great husband and EDWARD CULLEN, I'de have to say it was a pretty rockin' day.
11.21.2008
Should I wear this?
I'm wondering if I should wear this to see Twilight tonight. I made it for the Breaking Dawn party I went to. I'm going with a friend who won't be wearing a Twilight shirt, but do you think I should wear it? And be honest. I need help figuring out if it's cool or dorky.
By the way, my answers to the "Would you rather" post were: Go on a date, go to a really great class, ice cream, and depends on the gift.
Superman and I are still discussing paying more on the car vs. dates that require paying a babysitter.
He teaches Gospel Doctrine every other week, and I go to his class then, but on his off weeks, I go to a marriage and family class. He feels bad that not very many people go to the class that I don't go to, so he stays there.
Money was tight last week and I had to choose between ice cream and popcorn.
And the last question was actually for YOU guys because I needed to know the answer of someone in particular.
Have a great weekend!
Random Friday! New blogs, twilight, the force and holidays
I have found a great new blog: http://www.blogthedayaway.com/ They do entertainment reviews - TV shows, movies and books. They talk about Smallville, DWTS, the Office, Biggest Loser, Survivor, Pushing Daisies, and a few other shows. (Though I haven't seen Grey's Anatomy, which I loved last night. Maybe I'll try to guest post or something!!!)
So if you're looking for a place to talk about the show you watched last night, click on over there! It's definately a new favorite site of mine.
**************************************
Two weeks ago, we did a family movie night. We all got in our pjs, brought pillows and blankets to the living room, and watched a Star Wars. Superman and I chose it because the boys, Spiderman in particular, LOVE all things Star Wars, but had never seen the movie. They of course loved it and were able to identify all the main characters. It was a lot of fun.
But now, every morning, the first thing that I hear (I'm even hearing it right now) is, "I wanna watch Star Wars!!" It is literally every morning. And all day long. It's making me crazy!!!!! This morning Spiderman came in and asked to watch Star Wars and also wanted a cup of milk. In my semi-conscious state, I actually tried to use the force to get a cup of milk. I visualized opening the drawer with sippy sups in it........then realized it wasn't going to work.
I think I'd be able to tolerate Star Wars if the force were real!
***********************************
This next thing is so spectacular, I hesitate to blog about it because I don't want to jinx it.
I get to go home for Thanksgiving!!
I'm just so excited. We do NOT get to see our families often enough. More specifically, our boys don't get to see their grandparents often enough. I'm so excited that I'm willing to drive through the night to make it happen.
***************************
And finally tomorrow is going to be one of the best days EVER!!! I get to meet some of you!!! Frumpy, Julie, Motherboard, Sher, Redhoodoos, and Binders are all coming to lunch at P.F. Chang's. And some are driving over an hour to be there. It's going to be so much fun. I'm excited to be making some of my "imaginary" friends into real friends.
Right after that, I'll come home and pray that the house hasn't been destroyed during my absence, probably do a quick tidy, and get ready for a shoe party! It's kinda like a Mary Kay party, except you try on shoes and if you buy them, you take them home with you - no waiting! They have the cutest shoes at great prices.
And then........TWILIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I get to go with a friend from college to see it
(for free)! It's weird to think that some people have already seen it. Superman and I like to see the midnight showing of movies we're really excited about. We saw Superman Returns and The Dark Knight at late showings, and it's so fun. I loved being at the theater with die hard fans -- the excitement is contagious. But I must admit, I don't know that I'd want to see Twilight with diehard fans a.k.a. 15 year old girls who are going to shriek everytime Edward comes on screen.
On the other hand, there's a very good chance I'll do a bit of squealing myself. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
************************
I'm too lazy to find a place to get random songs, so I'll share some songs I've been into lately.
1. Where I stood - Missy Higgins
2. So What - Pink (I still need to get video of Spiderman singing this!)
3. Thanksgiving song - Adam Sandler
4. For Unto Us a Child is Born - Handel
5. Shatter - O.A.R.
6. Human (or are we Dancer?) - Killers
7. Realize - Colbie Calliat
8. Don't you know you're beautiful - Kellie Pickler
9. Just say yes - Taylor Swift (love the words, not a big fan of her voice)
10. Over the River and through the Woods to Grandmother's house we go!!!!!
So if you're looking for a place to talk about the show you watched last night, click on over there! It's definately a new favorite site of mine.
**************************************
Two weeks ago, we did a family movie night. We all got in our pjs, brought pillows and blankets to the living room, and watched a Star Wars. Superman and I chose it because the boys, Spiderman in particular, LOVE all things Star Wars, but had never seen the movie. They of course loved it and were able to identify all the main characters. It was a lot of fun.
But now, every morning, the first thing that I hear (I'm even hearing it right now) is, "I wanna watch Star Wars!!" It is literally every morning. And all day long. It's making me crazy!!!!! This morning Spiderman came in and asked to watch Star Wars and also wanted a cup of milk. In my semi-conscious state, I actually tried to use the force to get a cup of milk. I visualized opening the drawer with sippy sups in it........then realized it wasn't going to work.
I think I'd be able to tolerate Star Wars if the force were real!
***********************************
This next thing is so spectacular, I hesitate to blog about it because I don't want to jinx it.
I get to go home for Thanksgiving!!
Alright, nothing's happened so far, so I'll continue.
I haven't been home for Thanksgiving since I was in high school. Superman took an extra day off and now that gas prices are SO CHEAP, we can make the 15 hour drive!! His parents and sister are coming as well. (Our moms are best friends, so that does a lot to uncomplicate the holidays for us!)I'm just so excited. We do NOT get to see our families often enough. More specifically, our boys don't get to see their grandparents often enough. I'm so excited that I'm willing to drive through the night to make it happen.
***************************
And finally tomorrow is going to be one of the best days EVER!!! I get to meet some of you!!! Frumpy, Julie, Motherboard, Sher, Redhoodoos, and Binders are all coming to lunch at P.F. Chang's. And some are driving over an hour to be there. It's going to be so much fun. I'm excited to be making some of my "imaginary" friends into real friends.
Right after that, I'll come home and pray that the house hasn't been destroyed during my absence, probably do a quick tidy, and get ready for a shoe party! It's kinda like a Mary Kay party, except you try on shoes and if you buy them, you take them home with you - no waiting! They have the cutest shoes at great prices.
And then........TWILIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I get to go with a friend from college to see it
(for free)! It's weird to think that some people have already seen it. Superman and I like to see the midnight showing of movies we're really excited about. We saw Superman Returns and The Dark Knight at late showings, and it's so fun. I loved being at the theater with die hard fans -- the excitement is contagious. But I must admit, I don't know that I'd want to see Twilight with diehard fans a.k.a. 15 year old girls who are going to shriek everytime Edward comes on screen.
On the other hand, there's a very good chance I'll do a bit of squealing myself. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
************************
I'm too lazy to find a place to get random songs, so I'll share some songs I've been into lately.
1. Where I stood - Missy Higgins
2. So What - Pink (I still need to get video of Spiderman singing this!)
3. Thanksgiving song - Adam Sandler
4. For Unto Us a Child is Born - Handel
5. Shatter - O.A.R.
6. Human (or are we Dancer?) - Killers
7. Realize - Colbie Calliat
8. Don't you know you're beautiful - Kellie Pickler
9. Just say yes - Taylor Swift (love the words, not a big fan of her voice)
10. Over the River and through the Woods to Grandmother's house we go!!!!!
11.20.2008
Would you rather.....
Pay an extra $25-$50 on your car every month, or go out with your spouse 1-2 times/month?
Go to an average Sunday School class with your spouse, or go to a really great class without him?
Give up ice cream or microwave popcorn?
Receive few small Christmas gifts for a certain amount of money, or one larger gift for the same amount?
Edit: Sorry about the background, but I just couldn't resist when I found this today on that one site. I promise, PROMISE to change it this weekend!!
Go to an average Sunday School class with your spouse, or go to a really great class without him?
Give up ice cream or microwave popcorn?
Receive few small Christmas gifts for a certain amount of money, or one larger gift for the same amount?
Edit: Sorry about the background, but I just couldn't resist when I found this today on that one site. I promise, PROMISE to change it this weekend!!
11.19.2008
How do I get sucked in every time?
I was up way too late last night. Because of reality shows. And maybe a little bit because of my lack of self-discipline, but I choose to blame it on "captivating" shows about Paris Hilton and Rock of Love losers.
Yup. Paris Hilton's my new BFF and Charm School: Rock of Love were the culprits.
Well, I'll back up. My TV time last night started with The Biggest Loser. See? I can pick good shows, too. That was interspersed with DWTS results and reruns of The Office. (The one where Jim tells Pam he used to have a crush on her.......I love all the angst!!!) Then I watched Eli Stone. I'm really becoming a fan of that show. I highly recommend it. It's a great story and is really clean.
But by the time Eli Stone was over, Superman was already in bed and I still had some laundry to fold. So I flipped to Vh1 and MTV and found the best reality TV has to offer. Girls getting catty, "frenemies dishing horrible things, PSAs done by drunks about the evils of alcohol......good stuff!!
I just couldn't stop myself. I got done with the laundry but stayed up another hour and a half watching new episodes.
I think these shows draw me in because they are so VERY different from the life I live. It's very interesting (and I admit, entertaining) to see how these girls behave - many of whom are my age or a few years younger. It's like a bad accident - you know you shouldn't look but you can't NOT watch.
Please tell me someone else watches all the ridiculous pop-culture stuff out there. Or even that you've lost sleep just to end up wasting time. I'm not the only one with poor judgement sometimes, right?!
Yup. Paris Hilton's my new BFF and Charm School: Rock of Love were the culprits.
Well, I'll back up. My TV time last night started with The Biggest Loser. See? I can pick good shows, too. That was interspersed with DWTS results and reruns of The Office. (The one where Jim tells Pam he used to have a crush on her.......I love all the angst!!!) Then I watched Eli Stone. I'm really becoming a fan of that show. I highly recommend it. It's a great story and is really clean.
But by the time Eli Stone was over, Superman was already in bed and I still had some laundry to fold. So I flipped to Vh1 and MTV and found the best reality TV has to offer. Girls getting catty, "frenemies dishing horrible things, PSAs done by drunks about the evils of alcohol......good stuff!!
I just couldn't stop myself. I got done with the laundry but stayed up another hour and a half watching new episodes.
I think these shows draw me in because they are so VERY different from the life I live. It's very interesting (and I admit, entertaining) to see how these girls behave - many of whom are my age or a few years younger. It's like a bad accident - you know you shouldn't look but you can't NOT watch.
Please tell me someone else watches all the ridiculous pop-culture stuff out there. Or even that you've lost sleep just to end up wasting time. I'm not the only one with poor judgement sometimes, right?!
11.17.2008
Sharin' the love for commenters
I got a great tag from Jan, that crazy lady. She's got some really, really great stuff happening over on road 80. I'm really digging her blog - and this tag.
Rule 1. List the first 10 people who have commented on one of your blog posts. I am choosing my Change is Bad post, because I'm thinking about dying my hair again and have to keep reading it to remind myself why I can't do it. So here's the list:
1. Kitchen Ditcher
2. Kiera
3. Mechelle
4. Ashley
5. Frumpy Luv
6. Shellie
7. Sher
8. Cally
9. Motherboard
10. Miss Pickle
Rule 2. The meme questions: 10 blogs - 15 questions
1. What is your favorite post from #3's blog? I'd have to say "I choose me." It's one of the first posts I read of hers, and incredibly powerful. Just one of the many reasons she's amazing.
2. Has #2 taken any pictures that have moved you? That's all she does!!! She captures the most precious moments of children and parents, and emotions in general. She's got mad skillz.
3. Does #6 reply to comments on their blog? Yes she does - continues her hilarious commentaries into conversations with her commenters.
4. Which part of Blogland is #4 from? The NW part. She's always going to the beach or Twilight land, and gushing about the wonderful weather in Seattle. I think all her readers are a bit envious of the beauty she lives in! (At least I am!)
5. If you could give one piece of advice to #7 what would it be? To remember the things that make her happy and do them often. And not to worry if she doesn't make every single birthday cake. =D
6. Have you ever tried something from #9's blog? Yes I have! She's done great bucket fillers that encourage us to write things down, schedule time for ourselves, and make amends with friends, among many other things. I generally do the writing ones because they're easiest. =D
7. Has #1 blogged something that inspired you? I loved her Super Heroes post (for obvious reasons) and Pam's comment that followed.
8. How often do you comment on #10's blog? I try to comment on all her posts, but every now and then a few slip by me. Her posts are hard NOT to comment on, though!! She's always so upbeat and spunky, you just gotta say something!
9. Do you wait excitedly for #8 to post? Yes, I most definately do. She takes precious photos and adds the most perfect word art. And writes witty stories for Write-Away contests. And she can be hilarious and poignant.
10. How did #5's blog change your life? Hers was one of the first LDS Women blogs that caught my eye, and immediately drew me in with her honest and hilarious posts. One of the first posts I remember was about squashing Lofthouse cookies into banana peels in the trash to make sure she wouldn't be tempted to eat them. =D But she immediately came and commented on my blog, which led me to a circle of wonderful bloggers who I now call friends, and get to meet on Saturday!
11. Do you know any of your 10 bloggers in person? Only Kiera, who actually helped me set up my blog. But I'll be meeting 3 more in person this weekend!
12. Do any of your 10 know each other? Sher and Motherboard, and Frumpy and Mechelle, though most all blog with each other
13. Out of the 10, which updates more frequently? I think I'd have to say Motherboard, especially with her bucket fillers, but Miss Pickle's a close second
14. Which of the 10 keep you laughing? Shellie for sure!! And Kitchen Ditcher - especially her recent "Jail Time" series!
15. Which of the 10 made you cry (good or bad) tears? Every single one has had me either in tears of laughter or empathy.
You 10 + 1 (april showers) are tagged now! So go and share the comment love!!
Rule 1. List the first 10 people who have commented on one of your blog posts. I am choosing my Change is Bad post, because I'm thinking about dying my hair again and have to keep reading it to remind myself why I can't do it. So here's the list:
1. Kitchen Ditcher
2. Kiera
3. Mechelle
4. Ashley
5. Frumpy Luv
6. Shellie
7. Sher
8. Cally
9. Motherboard
10. Miss Pickle
Rule 2. The meme questions: 10 blogs - 15 questions
1. What is your favorite post from #3's blog? I'd have to say "I choose me." It's one of the first posts I read of hers, and incredibly powerful. Just one of the many reasons she's amazing.
2. Has #2 taken any pictures that have moved you? That's all she does!!! She captures the most precious moments of children and parents, and emotions in general. She's got mad skillz.
3. Does #6 reply to comments on their blog? Yes she does - continues her hilarious commentaries into conversations with her commenters.
4. Which part of Blogland is #4 from? The NW part. She's always going to the beach or Twilight land, and gushing about the wonderful weather in Seattle. I think all her readers are a bit envious of the beauty she lives in! (At least I am!)
5. If you could give one piece of advice to #7 what would it be? To remember the things that make her happy and do them often. And not to worry if she doesn't make every single birthday cake. =D
6. Have you ever tried something from #9's blog? Yes I have! She's done great bucket fillers that encourage us to write things down, schedule time for ourselves, and make amends with friends, among many other things. I generally do the writing ones because they're easiest. =D
7. Has #1 blogged something that inspired you? I loved her Super Heroes post (for obvious reasons) and Pam's comment that followed.
8. How often do you comment on #10's blog? I try to comment on all her posts, but every now and then a few slip by me. Her posts are hard NOT to comment on, though!! She's always so upbeat and spunky, you just gotta say something!
9. Do you wait excitedly for #8 to post? Yes, I most definately do. She takes precious photos and adds the most perfect word art. And writes witty stories for Write-Away contests. And she can be hilarious and poignant.
10. How did #5's blog change your life? Hers was one of the first LDS Women blogs that caught my eye, and immediately drew me in with her honest and hilarious posts. One of the first posts I remember was about squashing Lofthouse cookies into banana peels in the trash to make sure she wouldn't be tempted to eat them. =D But she immediately came and commented on my blog, which led me to a circle of wonderful bloggers who I now call friends, and get to meet on Saturday!
11. Do you know any of your 10 bloggers in person? Only Kiera, who actually helped me set up my blog. But I'll be meeting 3 more in person this weekend!
12. Do any of your 10 know each other? Sher and Motherboard, and Frumpy and Mechelle, though most all blog with each other
13. Out of the 10, which updates more frequently? I think I'd have to say Motherboard, especially with her bucket fillers, but Miss Pickle's a close second
14. Which of the 10 keep you laughing? Shellie for sure!! And Kitchen Ditcher - especially her recent "Jail Time" series!
15. Which of the 10 made you cry (good or bad) tears? Every single one has had me either in tears of laughter or empathy.
You 10 + 1 (april showers) are tagged now! So go and share the comment love!!
Things I've never been guilty of
Ever find yourself kicking your shoes off wherever you want to, but get after your kids every time they take off their shoes and don't put them away?
Or turn off the TV after 2 straight hours of PBS and tell them to play in their rooms, only to turn the TV back on to watch TLC or HGTV?
Ever let your kids eat in the living room, then get frustrated when you find food ground into the carpet/couch?
Or get after your kids for whining, then just go complain on your blog? (Hey, at least you don't get the whiney tone of voice. That's the worst part!)
Ever have a child ask for something, reply with, "I'll get it in just a minute," forget, have them ask you again in a few moments, then you get after them for whining and not being patient?
Ever put off starting dinner for whatever reason, but get after your husband for not taking out the trash exactly when you ask?
.........yeah, me neither...........
Or turn off the TV after 2 straight hours of PBS and tell them to play in their rooms, only to turn the TV back on to watch TLC or HGTV?
Ever let your kids eat in the living room, then get frustrated when you find food ground into the carpet/couch?
Or get after your kids for whining, then just go complain on your blog? (Hey, at least you don't get the whiney tone of voice. That's the worst part!)
Ever have a child ask for something, reply with, "I'll get it in just a minute," forget, have them ask you again in a few moments, then you get after them for whining and not being patient?
Ever put off starting dinner for whatever reason, but get after your husband for not taking out the trash exactly when you ask?
.........yeah, me neither...........
11.16.2008
Sabbath Linky Love
I wanted to have some kind of "Sabbath appropriate post" for you today, but couldn't come up with anything off the top of my head. So I'm sharing some posts I've found today that can do it for me!
Come join this discussion at Segullah about how you fill your need to create and be artistic.
Or follow Motherboard's bucket filler suggestion.
In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, (read: Christmas shopping) don't forget how great Thanksgiving is. Take some time to count your blessings. You might even go as far as mentioning something you're grateful for on your blog each day.
Remember that you are a "spirit daughter of the most creative Being in the universe." (President Uchtdorf) You have within you the power to create and beautify all that is around you - your home, your children, their scrapbooks.....all kinds of things. Filing this need to create will bring you happiness and fulfillment. And so my last link to share with you is President Uchtdorf's talk from the last General RS meeting. I promise that reading it will boost your self-confidence as a woman and make you want to create, be compassionate, and let yourself be an instruments in the hands of God.
And what is more beautiful than that?
11.15.2008
Pictures, as requested.
Because you all apparently enjoy my misery, here's a pic of my hair without a hair dryer:
I know. Cousin It. Shut up.And after the products are added:
And here are my scrapbook pages. I put pictures on because layouts always look better with pictures, but these aren't the pictures I'm going to keep on there. I've already scrapbooked this series, and these are some extras. I plan on using this year's pictures on these pages.
(I did a gloss over the words "Merry Christmas" on the page.) 
So there you have it! Pride and humility, all in one post.
11.14.2008
Let the good times roll!!!!
I just have to record my happiness right now!
Last night I stayed up WAY too late, but I was making scrapbook pages for a swap I'm doing tomorrow. They turned out so cute! It's exciting, finally feeling like I have cute pages to share.
Tonight, I'm going on a date with Superman! I've got a sitter, and we're going to dinner and a movie. Fancy schmancy, right? Almost - we're going to Del Taco and the dollar theater, but I don't care! The Dark Knight is finally at the dollar theater, and we both really want to see it again. And I've only been to Del Taco once and am surprised at how good it is for the money. And I don't have to put the kids to bed!! So I'm pumped about that.
Tomorrow's payday, so I get to go grocery shopping WITHOUT KIDS since it's Saturday!!! Hip hip hooray for husbands that would rather stay home with the kids than go shopping!
But the thing I'm MOST excited about is next Saturday. First of all, I'll be going to lunch with bloggers! Frumpy's coming to visit her parents and has gathered some local bloggers - we're all "meeting" for the first time. I'm so excited I can barely stand it. After lunch, I'm hosting a shoe party. I really hope I'll get a good turn out, but I'll get a free pair of shoes even if I don't. So YAY for free shoes!
THEN I get to go to TWILIGHT!! For FREE!!! One of my friends got tickets for her birthday and invited me!! She's a friend from college who I absolutely adore, even more so now that she's taking me to TWILIGHT!!
But the very best thing about all this is Superman. He'll have the kids all morning, then have to take them somewhere during the shoe party, then just an hour after it's over, I'll be leaving for Twilight. That's a LONG day with the kids. And he didn't even pout about it! Just said, "Sure. That'd be fine - no problem!"
I'VE GOT THE BEST HUSBAND EVER!! And tonight's going to be the best DATE ever!! And next Saturday's going to be the best ALL ABOUT WONDER WOMAN day ever!!!
whew.
Okay, I'm done gushing. I don't get to do this very ofter, so I just decided to go with it. What are YOU excited about? If you can't think of anything, come up with something! Get a sitter and go to a cheap movie tonight! Or rent a movie you can watch with your kids and have a slumber party! Or go check out a really good book!
Find something to get happy about!!
Last night I stayed up WAY too late, but I was making scrapbook pages for a swap I'm doing tomorrow. They turned out so cute! It's exciting, finally feeling like I have cute pages to share.
Tonight, I'm going on a date with Superman! I've got a sitter, and we're going to dinner and a movie. Fancy schmancy, right? Almost - we're going to Del Taco and the dollar theater, but I don't care! The Dark Knight is finally at the dollar theater, and we both really want to see it again. And I've only been to Del Taco once and am surprised at how good it is for the money. And I don't have to put the kids to bed!! So I'm pumped about that.
Tomorrow's payday, so I get to go grocery shopping WITHOUT KIDS since it's Saturday!!! Hip hip hooray for husbands that would rather stay home with the kids than go shopping!
But the thing I'm MOST excited about is next Saturday. First of all, I'll be going to lunch with bloggers! Frumpy's coming to visit her parents and has gathered some local bloggers - we're all "meeting" for the first time. I'm so excited I can barely stand it. After lunch, I'm hosting a shoe party. I really hope I'll get a good turn out, but I'll get a free pair of shoes even if I don't. So YAY for free shoes!
THEN I get to go to TWILIGHT!! For FREE!!! One of my friends got tickets for her birthday and invited me!! She's a friend from college who I absolutely adore, even more so now that she's taking me to TWILIGHT!!
But the very best thing about all this is Superman. He'll have the kids all morning, then have to take them somewhere during the shoe party, then just an hour after it's over, I'll be leaving for Twilight. That's a LONG day with the kids. And he didn't even pout about it! Just said, "Sure. That'd be fine - no problem!"
I'VE GOT THE BEST HUSBAND EVER!! And tonight's going to be the best DATE ever!! And next Saturday's going to be the best ALL ABOUT WONDER WOMAN day ever!!!
whew.
Okay, I'm done gushing. I don't get to do this very ofter, so I just decided to go with it. What are YOU excited about? If you can't think of anything, come up with something! Get a sitter and go to a cheap movie tonight! Or rent a movie you can watch with your kids and have a slumber party! Or go check out a really good book!
Find something to get happy about!!
11.12.2008
Forgive me, father, for I have sinned
I got tagged yesterday by a brand new blog friend, April - I hear she showers. She commented here, I commented there, and foolishly became a follower of hers. And how did she repay me? She gave me a confession tag. Like I haven't already borne my soul to you.
But I'm never one to turn down a tag. (Even though I think she just made it up. I think she was going to confess things anyway, and just decided to interact with her people and tag them.) Nevertheless, I will confess some things to you, and will probably pick on some of you to carry the torch of humiliation.
--I've never used my husband's razor. I only confess this because it seems many women have. Used their husband's razor. Not mine. That would be weird.
--I love VH1's reality shows. Please don't shun me.
--I'm missing 3 buttons on my keyboard right now. Our laptop is missing the up, down, and right arrows. Just has these rubber things we push. They came off a few days ago, and we've somehow lost the parts to put them back together.
--I'm wearing a shirt that says Team Edward. Got it from the library's Breaking Dawn party.
--My sock has two HUGE holes in it. (glances at her socks) Correction: BOTH of my socks have 2 huge holes. Holiday socks are made cheap. Just a little warning there for ya.
--My blow dryer died yesterday!! Just up and stopped working! The boys were playing with it the other day, so I have my suspicions. I had to go wet my hair down again and add the 3 products I use to make it curly/wavy before rushing to playgroup today. Mildly annoying. I do NOT want to spend money on a dryer!
Alright. I feel this leaving confession mode and entering random-thoughts-running-through-my-head mode. And I have NO idea who to tag, so if you find yourself wanting to confess something, you can say I tagged you and have a reason for the confession. I'll let you use me. 'Cuz you and me -- we're cool like that.
But I'm never one to turn down a tag. (Even though I think she just made it up. I think she was going to confess things anyway, and just decided to interact with her people and tag them.) Nevertheless, I will confess some things to you, and will probably pick on some of you to carry the torch of humiliation.
--I've never used my husband's razor. I only confess this because it seems many women have. Used their husband's razor. Not mine. That would be weird.
--I love VH1's reality shows. Please don't shun me.
--I'm missing 3 buttons on my keyboard right now. Our laptop is missing the up, down, and right arrows. Just has these rubber things we push. They came off a few days ago, and we've somehow lost the parts to put them back together.
--I'm wearing a shirt that says Team Edward. Got it from the library's Breaking Dawn party.
--My sock has two HUGE holes in it. (glances at her socks) Correction: BOTH of my socks have 2 huge holes. Holiday socks are made cheap. Just a little warning there for ya.
--My blow dryer died yesterday!! Just up and stopped working! The boys were playing with it the other day, so I have my suspicions. I had to go wet my hair down again and add the 3 products I use to make it curly/wavy before rushing to playgroup today. Mildly annoying. I do NOT want to spend money on a dryer!
Alright. I feel this leaving confession mode and entering random-thoughts-running-through-my-head mode. And I have NO idea who to tag, so if you find yourself wanting to confess something, you can say I tagged you and have a reason for the confession. I'll let you use me. 'Cuz you and me -- we're cool like that.
The little comment that could
I was reading Segullah the other day. I've only recently discovered Segullah, though I know it's a staple for many of you LDS bloggers out there. I rarely comment on the big, "popular" group blogs, but this post pulled a comment out of me. The poster asked what we have discovered about ourselves through blogging, and what blogging as done for us.
The comment I left cam out SSOOOOO long that I CTRL-Xed it and typed a different, much shorter comment. I copied it as a draft, because I figured I could use it as a post. (Does anyone else do that? Leave comments that are so long they could be posts of their own? Happens to me all the time. I just can't stop myself!)
So here's my "comment:"
When I started blogging 8 months ago, it was mostly for my family scattered across the country. I was able to post pictures of my kids and tell the story that went along with the pictures.
I slowly found friends from my past, which was great for me. I loved re-establishing those connections.
One day, I broke out of my usual blog style and did a small rant. (What blogger hasn't ranted?!) I talked about the kids running wild, the state of my house, and the dogs I didn't want to take care of, among other things.
I got a comment that day from a woman I've never met, and to this day don't know how she found my blog. She was a passionate animal lover and told me that if I didn't want to care for my dogs, I probably shouldn't have any. She was upfront about it, but I could tell she wasn't trying to be mean, just an advocate for my dogs. No hard feelings.
I went to her blog, curious about this random commenter. I saw a button on her blog that said, "Calling all LDS women bloggers!" and clicked on it.
My life has changed so much since then.
I found a wonderful community there. Women whose blogs were more than places to post pictures. I don't think I realized that was even *possible* for a blog till then.
Since then, I've formed true friendships with these women. They've written about funny things from their pasts, frustrating moments with their children, their hate of folding laundry, their moments of intospection, and their testimonies. I, too, have written all these things. Sometimes I'm able to craft a post full of humor. Sometimes it's full of poignancy. But it's always full of me. I don't try to become someone different when I blog. I know some women do, and I understand why. It's fun to suddenly become this witty person who knows exactly what say and how to say it to get a laugh.
But I want people to know the real me. And love me. All of me! I want to expose all my flaws and still have people tell me I'm wonderful. =D Blogging is slightly vain for me, but more than I count comments, I count relationships I've established. I treasure these women.
**This is where I realized how ridiculously long my comment was and deleted it. Does anyone else do that? I have such a strong tendency to leave comments that far too long. But I digress.
I just want you women to know I truly treasure you. I love taking these little peeks into your lives and discovering all the similarities that span distance, age, and politics. I love the laughs and heartaches you share. The beautiful pictures you create. I love that you can become someone different when you post and crack me up, and that you lay it all out there for us. I love how your posts change the kind of mother and person I am - for the better.
I just wanted to tell you that your blog makes a difference in my life. So thanks for taking time out of your busy life to share part of yourself with me.
The comment I left cam out SSOOOOO long that I CTRL-Xed it and typed a different, much shorter comment. I copied it as a draft, because I figured I could use it as a post. (Does anyone else do that? Leave comments that are so long they could be posts of their own? Happens to me all the time. I just can't stop myself!)
So here's my "comment:"
When I started blogging 8 months ago, it was mostly for my family scattered across the country. I was able to post pictures of my kids and tell the story that went along with the pictures.
I slowly found friends from my past, which was great for me. I loved re-establishing those connections.
One day, I broke out of my usual blog style and did a small rant. (What blogger hasn't ranted?!) I talked about the kids running wild, the state of my house, and the dogs I didn't want to take care of, among other things.
I got a comment that day from a woman I've never met, and to this day don't know how she found my blog. She was a passionate animal lover and told me that if I didn't want to care for my dogs, I probably shouldn't have any. She was upfront about it, but I could tell she wasn't trying to be mean, just an advocate for my dogs. No hard feelings.
I went to her blog, curious about this random commenter. I saw a button on her blog that said, "Calling all LDS women bloggers!" and clicked on it.
My life has changed so much since then.
I found a wonderful community there. Women whose blogs were more than places to post pictures. I don't think I realized that was even *possible* for a blog till then.
Since then, I've formed true friendships with these women. They've written about funny things from their pasts, frustrating moments with their children, their hate of folding laundry, their moments of intospection, and their testimonies. I, too, have written all these things. Sometimes I'm able to craft a post full of humor. Sometimes it's full of poignancy. But it's always full of me. I don't try to become someone different when I blog. I know some women do, and I understand why. It's fun to suddenly become this witty person who knows exactly what say and how to say it to get a laugh.
But I want people to know the real me. And love me. All of me! I want to expose all my flaws and still have people tell me I'm wonderful. =D Blogging is slightly vain for me, but more than I count comments, I count relationships I've established. I treasure these women.
**This is where I realized how ridiculously long my comment was and deleted it. Does anyone else do that? I have such a strong tendency to leave comments that far too long. But I digress.
I just want you women to know I truly treasure you. I love taking these little peeks into your lives and discovering all the similarities that span distance, age, and politics. I love the laughs and heartaches you share. The beautiful pictures you create. I love that you can become someone different when you post and crack me up, and that you lay it all out there for us. I love how your posts change the kind of mother and person I am - for the better.
I just wanted to tell you that your blog makes a difference in my life. So thanks for taking time out of your busy life to share part of yourself with me.
11.11.2008
calling #3 is making me a little crazy.....
Anyone else have a calling that stresses you out? Overwhelms you? Makes you feel like a slacker 'cuz you have no idea what you're doing?
If not.........is there anything making you a bit frazzled? What are you doing to cope? Anything?
That's all I have time for, seeing as how my meeting starts in an hour and I still have to serve dinner, make refreshements, get dressed, and finish my stuff for the meeting.
Just wondering if anyone else is going through similar things.......
If not.........is there anything making you a bit frazzled? What are you doing to cope? Anything?
That's all I have time for, seeing as how my meeting starts in an hour and I still have to serve dinner, make refreshements, get dressed, and finish my stuff for the meeting.
Just wondering if anyone else is going through similar things.......
11.09.2008
Motherhood is....
Sharing the strawberries from your beloved Special K.
Taking 30 minutes to read a blog because a child keeps interrupting. And being patient with him.
Reading just one more Dr. Suess book before bed.
Singing just one more Primary song before tucking your child in.
Checking your kids before you get in bed, just to make sure they're covered up and still breathing. And savoring that moment of pure love for that precious, beautiful sleeping child.
Losing an hour of sleep to hold a young child who had a bad dream.
Finishing your novel just a little bit later so you can build a castle.
Endless games of London Bridge, tickle tortures, and monster chasing.
Maccaroni and Cheese for lunch every other day of the week.
Being woken up by sweet smiling faces, asking for a cup of milk, please.
Being woken up by children still stuck in cribs yelling, "MOMMY!! Wanna get OUT!!"
Dancing absurdly, making funny faces, being ridiculously overdramatic, and going to any number of extreme measures to hear your child's laughter.
Countless hugs, I love you's, smiles and heart-warming moments every day.
Taking 30 minutes to read a blog because a child keeps interrupting. And being patient with him.
Reading just one more Dr. Suess book before bed.
Singing just one more Primary song before tucking your child in.
Checking your kids before you get in bed, just to make sure they're covered up and still breathing. And savoring that moment of pure love for that precious, beautiful sleeping child.
Losing an hour of sleep to hold a young child who had a bad dream.
Finishing your novel just a little bit later so you can build a castle.
Endless games of London Bridge, tickle tortures, and monster chasing.
Maccaroni and Cheese for lunch every other day of the week.
Being woken up by sweet smiling faces, asking for a cup of milk, please.
Being woken up by children still stuck in cribs yelling, "MOMMY!! Wanna get OUT!!"
Dancing absurdly, making funny faces, being ridiculously overdramatic, and going to any number of extreme measures to hear your child's laughter.
Countless hugs, I love you's, smiles and heart-warming moments every day.
I'm reading Jane Clayson Johnson's I am a Mother right now and loving it. It's made me realize the little things I do matter.
11.07.2008
Inner demons defeated by Christina Aguilera
Thursday was one of those awful, no-good, really bad days for me.
I was just in one of those moods most of the day. Everything was weighing down on me. Body-image issues, being a mom, house-keeping, family issues, friendships, being a wife, politics......yeah, I think that about sums it up. And it had just been building and festering all day.
I went to an Enrichment activity that night- a book review where we all shared books we read recently and liked. One of the books discussed was kind of an LDS version of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I've never read it, but know the premise. The reviewer said that in the book, Satan and his angels would stand right next to people and whisper in their ears that they weren't good enough -- things along those lines. I thought, "Maybe that's been my problem today."
Then I started thinking maybe that wasn't the case. I DO need to be a better mom. I DO need to keep my house cleaner. I DO need to take better care of my body.........so it probably wasn't Satan. It was my conscience. Right?
As Superman and I were pillow-talking (something he hates but I persist in!) that night, these negative thoughts were still swirling in my head. By this time I had added lots of details to the list of things that were wrong with me and my life. Tears started streaming down my face. I had to stop talking so Superman wouldn't know I was crying. He assumed I was done talking and asked me to say the prayer. I swallowed the lump in my throat, then had to swallow it again. After a full minute, I was okay to pray. It was a short and simple prayer so I wouldn't get caught crying. (Do you guys like to cry in front of your husbands? Superman doesn't get mad, but I know he assumes I'm crying because of something he's done, which is very rarely the case.)
Anyway........he caught on. Asked me what was wrong. I told him that I was hormonal. (Total girl cop-out, but whatever.) That I just needed to stop thinking - that too many things were swirling around in my head. He asked what those things were. I didn't want to say anything. I mean, what woman wants to tell her husband she's not happy with her body, she doesn't think she's a good mom but still illogically want a baby, she wants a best friend close-by, she's just discovered her medication makes weight loss hard, how much she HATES the dishes, she's worried she's a push-over, etc.?? No one wants to be a complainer.
But I did it. I spilled all. And spilled even more tears. And he was perfect. He just held me and wiped my tears and said, "That is a lot."
Which is exactly what I needed.
He didn't negate anything I said, or try to tell me it wasn't a big deal, that I didn't need to cry. He didn't make me rationalize everything I was feeling. I was able to get it out of my system and fall asleep peacefully. I am so blessed to be married to a man who knows my needs.
And today has been filled with more tender mercies. I did a tag that said, "How do you feel today?" and the answer that came in the form of a random song was "You're Beautiful." I made pancakes for breakfast (because we were completely out of bowls and spoons) that we all ate at the table, instead of the kids eating in front of the TV. Spiderman's birthday party was this afternoon at a bounce house place. So many of my friends were there, and we had a great time. My kids were great - didn't get into the trouble they normally do. A friend gave me a birthday present - Jane Clayson Johnson's I am a Mother. I got a compliment on my shirt. I had the desire to do the dishes today. And cook a real dinner. And clean the house. And I discovered that my girly cop out was legitimate. Ah ha! Mildly annoying, but vindicating, as well.
Looking back on it today, I realize that hormonal swings really get to me. And while blogging is great, I need to prioritize better. (Didn't I just write about that?! Have I really forgotten so soon?) I can't get on the computer when I have 2 loads of dishes to do and 2 loads of laundry to fold and kids to interact with and a household to run. And I'm already in a slightly depressed mood and have no motivation to do anything else. Just gotta put on some good music and power through.
And that's what I did this morning. I pulled up my blog and turned up my playlist player. (You didn't really think that music was there for you, did you?!) And as I was cleaning, I heard this song:
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed.
I am beautiful, no matter what they say.
Words can't bring me down.
I am beautiful in every single way.
Yes, words can't bring me down.
So don't you bring me down today.
I realized that for me, the "they" is those inner demons. Satan's minnions. Who attack when I'm already low. (And I don't just mean my progesterone level!) They know what to say and when to say it and how often to repeat it. They don't have bodies, so they want to attack ours and make sure we hate them. They don't have families, so they want to make us resent ours. They have no peace, no friends, no intellectual growth.........so they make us doubt all that we have.
So the next time you're attacked, remember:
I was just in one of those moods most of the day. Everything was weighing down on me. Body-image issues, being a mom, house-keeping, family issues, friendships, being a wife, politics......yeah, I think that about sums it up. And it had just been building and festering all day.
I went to an Enrichment activity that night- a book review where we all shared books we read recently and liked. One of the books discussed was kind of an LDS version of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I've never read it, but know the premise. The reviewer said that in the book, Satan and his angels would stand right next to people and whisper in their ears that they weren't good enough -- things along those lines. I thought, "Maybe that's been my problem today."
Then I started thinking maybe that wasn't the case. I DO need to be a better mom. I DO need to keep my house cleaner. I DO need to take better care of my body.........so it probably wasn't Satan. It was my conscience. Right?
As Superman and I were pillow-talking (something he hates but I persist in!) that night, these negative thoughts were still swirling in my head. By this time I had added lots of details to the list of things that were wrong with me and my life. Tears started streaming down my face. I had to stop talking so Superman wouldn't know I was crying. He assumed I was done talking and asked me to say the prayer. I swallowed the lump in my throat, then had to swallow it again. After a full minute, I was okay to pray. It was a short and simple prayer so I wouldn't get caught crying. (Do you guys like to cry in front of your husbands? Superman doesn't get mad, but I know he assumes I'm crying because of something he's done, which is very rarely the case.)
Anyway........he caught on. Asked me what was wrong. I told him that I was hormonal. (Total girl cop-out, but whatever.) That I just needed to stop thinking - that too many things were swirling around in my head. He asked what those things were. I didn't want to say anything. I mean, what woman wants to tell her husband she's not happy with her body, she doesn't think she's a good mom but still illogically want a baby, she wants a best friend close-by, she's just discovered her medication makes weight loss hard, how much she HATES the dishes, she's worried she's a push-over, etc.?? No one wants to be a complainer.
But I did it. I spilled all. And spilled even more tears. And he was perfect. He just held me and wiped my tears and said, "That is a lot."
Which is exactly what I needed.
He didn't negate anything I said, or try to tell me it wasn't a big deal, that I didn't need to cry. He didn't make me rationalize everything I was feeling. I was able to get it out of my system and fall asleep peacefully. I am so blessed to be married to a man who knows my needs.
And today has been filled with more tender mercies. I did a tag that said, "How do you feel today?" and the answer that came in the form of a random song was "You're Beautiful." I made pancakes for breakfast (because we were completely out of bowls and spoons) that we all ate at the table, instead of the kids eating in front of the TV. Spiderman's birthday party was this afternoon at a bounce house place. So many of my friends were there, and we had a great time. My kids were great - didn't get into the trouble they normally do. A friend gave me a birthday present - Jane Clayson Johnson's I am a Mother. I got a compliment on my shirt. I had the desire to do the dishes today. And cook a real dinner. And clean the house. And I discovered that my girly cop out was legitimate. Ah ha! Mildly annoying, but vindicating, as well.
Looking back on it today, I realize that hormonal swings really get to me. And while blogging is great, I need to prioritize better. (Didn't I just write about that?! Have I really forgotten so soon?) I can't get on the computer when I have 2 loads of dishes to do and 2 loads of laundry to fold and kids to interact with and a household to run. And I'm already in a slightly depressed mood and have no motivation to do anything else. Just gotta put on some good music and power through.
And that's what I did this morning. I pulled up my blog and turned up my playlist player. (You didn't really think that music was there for you, did you?!) And as I was cleaning, I heard this song:
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed.
I am beautiful, no matter what they say.
Words can't bring me down.
I am beautiful in every single way.
Yes, words can't bring me down.
So don't you bring me down today.
I realized that for me, the "they" is those inner demons. Satan's minnions. Who attack when I'm already low. (And I don't just mean my progesterone level!) They know what to say and when to say it and how often to repeat it. They don't have bodies, so they want to attack ours and make sure we hate them. They don't have families, so they want to make us resent ours. They have no peace, no friends, no intellectual growth.........so they make us doubt all that we have.
So the next time you're attacked, remember:
We are beautiful, no matter what they say.
Words won't bring us down.
We are beautiful in every single way.
So don't let them bring you down today.
You are a beautiful, talented, blessed daughter of our Father in Heaven. Only listen to the GOOD things He wants to tell you, and do your best to block out the rest. Don't let their words bring you down.
"That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness......Chase darkness from among you!" D&C 50:23, 25
Chasing Pavements
The beautiful Sher did this "Thanks for the Music" tag/twist on Random 10 Friday. I loved it and decided to play along.
Feel free to join us!
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.
4. Title this post what the answer to your last question is.
5. Good luck and have fun!
IF SOMEONE SAYS 'IS THIS OKAY' YOU SAY?
Time after Time (Eva Cassidy)
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF
3 am (Matchbox 20)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
My Immortal (Evanescence)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
You're Beautiful (James Blunt)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
We will rock you (Queen)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Elinor Rigby (David Cook)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
All you need is love (The Beatles)
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
Let them be little (Billy Dean)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
500 miles (The Proclaimers)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Down in the River to Pray (Alison Krauss)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
First time ever I saw your face (David Cook)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Everything you want (Vertical Horizon)
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Then they do (Trace Adkins)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Baby of mine (Alison Krauss)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
The Office (NBC)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Feel like Home (Chantel Kreviazuk)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
You've got a Friend (Carol King)
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS EMAIL?
Chasing Pavements (Adele)
Feel free to join us!
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.
4. Title this post what the answer to your last question is.
5. Good luck and have fun!
IF SOMEONE SAYS 'IS THIS OKAY' YOU SAY?
Time after Time (Eva Cassidy)
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF
3 am (Matchbox 20)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
My Immortal (Evanescence)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
You're Beautiful (James Blunt)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
We will rock you (Queen)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Elinor Rigby (David Cook)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
All you need is love (The Beatles)
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
Let them be little (Billy Dean)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
500 miles (The Proclaimers)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Down in the River to Pray (Alison Krauss)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
First time ever I saw your face (David Cook)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Everything you want (Vertical Horizon)
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Then they do (Trace Adkins)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Baby of mine (Alison Krauss)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
The Office (NBC)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Feel like Home (Chantel Kreviazuk)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
You've got a Friend (Carol King)
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS EMAIL?
Chasing Pavements (Adele)
Funny how some of these worked out....
11.05.2008
Time for a change
What a great moment in our nation's history.It's not the end of the world. I know there are some who think it is, but I disagree.
I was very energized and moved, almost to tears, after our president-elect's speech last night.
I love his wife. I would've voted for her if I could!
I'm very much anticipating this next chapter in our nation's history.
I thought Sen. McCain's speech was very gracious and was impressed by his words of unity, and obvious love for his country.
I breathed a small sigh of relief that Sarah Palin would never be put in position asour Commander-in-Chief. But I'm going to miss Tina Fey on SNL.
P.S. To be clear, this is not the cadidate I voted for. But I'm not devasted that he was elected.
11.04.2008
Silver linings in a difficult voting experience
I've had quite the day. It started with my boys waking up at six full of vigor and vim. (What does that expression mean? Where does it come from?) I turned the TV to the Sesame Street channel and went back to bed. The kids did not sit quietly and watch Elmo like I can usually count on them doing. They kept coming into the bedroom and making noise and wanting me to play Star Wars.........I have to confess that I was not the best mother then. I kept yelling at them to let me sleep! and go watch Sesame Street. Finally at 6:30 I realized that for some reason, Sesame Street wasn't on. I turned the channel to another cartoon and tried to go back to sleep for another 20 minutes. Of course that didn't happen. They still kept coming in and making noise.......whatever. By 6:57 I gave up the fight and just got out of bed.
Fast forward to 8:oo and I put up a quick post about Spiderman's birthday. Superman was supposed to have left for work, but his ride still hadn't arrived. We've had several problems with this, and it's quite frustrating. He has lots to do and can't afford to lose an hour of work everyday. So around 8:15, we decide to get the kids dressed and me get dressed very quickly to take him to work, since we only have one car. We left around 8:30 and had a 20 minute drive. As soon as I dropped him off, I ran back to our town to drop Spiderman off at preschool. He was 10 minutes late. Honestly not a big deal since it's just preschool, but still annoying to me. Then I dropped the Hulk off at my friend's home who volunteered to watch kids while sisters in our ward voted.
Then I made the 20 minute drive again back to the same city to vote. I hadn't changed my voting registration since I voted, so I assumed I would vote where I had last time. Once I got there, I saw like five people from my old ward, who all told me that I couldn't vote there, I needed to go to my new town. "Even though I'm registered here?" Yes. Even though you're registered here. They said I could go online and find the correct polling location.
I called a friend who lived just a few minutes away from where I was and asked if I could come get on the internet at her home really quickly. She said of course I could and I zipped over to her place.
We found a site that directs you to your polling location, and sure enough, it said I was supposed to go to the place I had just come from. hmph!
So I went back there and told them that. They said that I still needed to go to the town I had moved to and place a provisional ballot. "Could I just place a provisional ballot here?" Nope.
I made the 20 minute drive back home. I went to the closest school and went in to vote. Then was told I was STILL in the wrong location.
I went home and found a piece of mail that was legitimate with my name and address on it, then went to the elementary school I where I was supposed to vote. I walk inside and saw immediately I'd be in line for 30-40 minutes. And Spiderman was going to be out of preschool in 15 minutes. Fortunately I saw a friend there whose daughter is in Spiderman's class and said she could pick him up if I needed. She also offered to hold my place in line while I checked to see if I needed to stand in line to cast a provisional ballot.
Which I didn't. WOO HOO!!!!
I hand over the proper identification and start the voting process. Takes less than 5 minutes. Once I'm done, she hands me a slip of paper and says, "In two weeks you can call this number and make sure your vote was counted, and if it wasn't, they'll tell you why."
I can't even tell you how infuriating it was to hear that. I was in tears in my car. WHAT'S THE POINT?!?!? I've struggled with that question throughout this election, and yesterday realized that even if I feel like I won't make a difference nationally, I can make a difference locally. Then I hear that my vote will be counted within the next two weeks, assuming I did everything right.
I mean, I know that my vote still counts, but it won't make a difference in the results we'll be hearing tomorrow. Or the next day. The two hours that I spent running around trying to do my civic duty feel wasted. Compouned by the fact that I knew little to nothing about the candidates running for local office, and the judges up for reelection. I was well versed in the proposed ammendments to our state's constitution, but that's it.
Anyway.................I said that there were silver linings. I've kind of lost sight of them throughout the course of typing all this, but I'll tell you what they are.
I got to talk to smart women about politics.
We don't agree on everything, but there's enough respect in my relationships with each of them that we were able to discuss positions without getting defensive.
The first one I talked to was the woman whose internet I used. She very bluntly but nicely asked why I was a republican. We had a very frank discussion about our parties and the issues we each had with our own parties, and came away even better friends.
The second was the woman who watched the Hulk while I ran around like a crazy person all morning. We talked for an hour and a half about Democrats and Republicans and descrepancies in the parties and abortion and the death penalty and same-gender attraction and everything in between.
When I was leaving, she said, "Isn't it nice to talk to smart women?"
I said that, yes, it was nice. And that it's possible to discuss differing opinions without arguing, and see reason in opposing arguments.
I simply love these two beautiful women. I love being able to discuss real issues with them and widen my world view, without feeling belittled or stupid or judged.
I'm thankful for friendships with strong, smart, beautiful women.
Fast forward to 8:oo and I put up a quick post about Spiderman's birthday. Superman was supposed to have left for work, but his ride still hadn't arrived. We've had several problems with this, and it's quite frustrating. He has lots to do and can't afford to lose an hour of work everyday. So around 8:15, we decide to get the kids dressed and me get dressed very quickly to take him to work, since we only have one car. We left around 8:30 and had a 20 minute drive. As soon as I dropped him off, I ran back to our town to drop Spiderman off at preschool. He was 10 minutes late. Honestly not a big deal since it's just preschool, but still annoying to me. Then I dropped the Hulk off at my friend's home who volunteered to watch kids while sisters in our ward voted.
Then I made the 20 minute drive again back to the same city to vote. I hadn't changed my voting registration since I voted, so I assumed I would vote where I had last time. Once I got there, I saw like five people from my old ward, who all told me that I couldn't vote there, I needed to go to my new town. "Even though I'm registered here?" Yes. Even though you're registered here. They said I could go online and find the correct polling location.
I called a friend who lived just a few minutes away from where I was and asked if I could come get on the internet at her home really quickly. She said of course I could and I zipped over to her place.
We found a site that directs you to your polling location, and sure enough, it said I was supposed to go to the place I had just come from. hmph!
So I went back there and told them that. They said that I still needed to go to the town I had moved to and place a provisional ballot. "Could I just place a provisional ballot here?" Nope.
I made the 20 minute drive back home. I went to the closest school and went in to vote. Then was told I was STILL in the wrong location.
I went home and found a piece of mail that was legitimate with my name and address on it, then went to the elementary school I where I was supposed to vote. I walk inside and saw immediately I'd be in line for 30-40 minutes. And Spiderman was going to be out of preschool in 15 minutes. Fortunately I saw a friend there whose daughter is in Spiderman's class and said she could pick him up if I needed. She also offered to hold my place in line while I checked to see if I needed to stand in line to cast a provisional ballot.
Which I didn't. WOO HOO!!!!
I hand over the proper identification and start the voting process. Takes less than 5 minutes. Once I'm done, she hands me a slip of paper and says, "In two weeks you can call this number and make sure your vote was counted, and if it wasn't, they'll tell you why."
I can't even tell you how infuriating it was to hear that. I was in tears in my car. WHAT'S THE POINT?!?!? I've struggled with that question throughout this election, and yesterday realized that even if I feel like I won't make a difference nationally, I can make a difference locally. Then I hear that my vote will be counted within the next two weeks, assuming I did everything right.
I mean, I know that my vote still counts, but it won't make a difference in the results we'll be hearing tomorrow. Or the next day. The two hours that I spent running around trying to do my civic duty feel wasted. Compouned by the fact that I knew little to nothing about the candidates running for local office, and the judges up for reelection. I was well versed in the proposed ammendments to our state's constitution, but that's it.
Anyway.................I said that there were silver linings. I've kind of lost sight of them throughout the course of typing all this, but I'll tell you what they are.
I got to talk to smart women about politics.
We don't agree on everything, but there's enough respect in my relationships with each of them that we were able to discuss positions without getting defensive.
The first one I talked to was the woman whose internet I used. She very bluntly but nicely asked why I was a republican. We had a very frank discussion about our parties and the issues we each had with our own parties, and came away even better friends.
The second was the woman who watched the Hulk while I ran around like a crazy person all morning. We talked for an hour and a half about Democrats and Republicans and descrepancies in the parties and abortion and the death penalty and same-gender attraction and everything in between.
When I was leaving, she said, "Isn't it nice to talk to smart women?"
I said that, yes, it was nice. And that it's possible to discuss differing opinions without arguing, and see reason in opposing arguments.
I simply love these two beautiful women. I love being able to discuss real issues with them and widen my world view, without feeling belittled or stupid or judged.
I'm thankful for friendships with strong, smart, beautiful women.
My attempt at a star wars cake.....
.......turned out okay......
I guess you all know his real name now. Shh!
I decided to get clearanced costumes for his birthday presents. We have absolutely NO dress up items, and I figured it was time for that to change. 
Transformers 
A knight. (I wasn't aware that knights wore capes!) I also had to go to the dollar store and find another breastplate and helmet once Spiderman opened his. The Hulk needed knight stuff, too.
All in all, I think he had a good birthday.
Remember to get out and vote today! Even if you feel like your vote doesn't matter in the presidential election, it DOES matter in the local elections and propositions. So get out there and do your civic duty!!!
11.03.2008
How is it that four years have gone by?
I was talking with a friend today about voting tomorrow, and that I wanted to find a babysitter, because I might be at our polling location for a while. She said that last time when she voted, she took her kids and was in and out in 15 minutes. I thought about the last time I voted and realized that I didn't have any kids then!!
The last presidential election was held the day before Spiderman was born. I voted the night before, and then was induced the next day. Once they gave me the Demerol, I was napping between contractions and had dreams about Bush and Kerry giving concession speeches on the same stage. (Which obviously didn't happen.) I came to right before a contraction and almost started commenting on what I had "seen" on the TV, then realized it was a dream.
So without further ado, here are pictures from Spiderman's birthday morning celebration:
The last presidential election was held the day before Spiderman was born. I voted the night before, and then was induced the next day. Once they gave me the Demerol, I was napping between contractions and had dreams about Bush and Kerry giving concession speeches on the same stage. (Which obviously didn't happen.) I came to right before a contraction and almost started commenting on what I had "seen" on the TV, then realized it was a dream.
So without further ado, here are pictures from Spiderman's birthday morning celebration:
For the record, he's four, not eight. Quit scaring me, kid!
He is completely infatuated with Star Wars right now. (Like he's ever seen any of the movies......in case that wasn't clear, he's never seen any of the series.)
He got a fun pirate card from Grammy and Grumpy.
The Hulk liked Spiderman's presents, too. I'm thrilled at how well they're sharing!
We have some more things to give him tonight with his cake. If I make a pretty cake, (I'm thinking I'll attempt a star wars one) I'll show you pictures. If not, this will probably be the extent of the birthday celebration that I tell you about!
And now as part of my present to Spiderman, I'm not going to blog anymore today. Remember to get out and vote tomorrow!!!
11.02.2008
I'm thankful for....
I'm thankful for gaining an extra hour of sleep last night. Boy did we need it!!
I'm thankful we got to take family pictures yesterday with the beautiful and talented Kiera. I'm thankful to have a friend like her and she gave so much of herself as a birthday present to me.
I'm thankful for the spectacular weather we had yesterday. It was positively perfect for pictures.
I'm thankful we got frozen custard while we took pictures. The boys finally got happy about taking pictures.
I'm thankful I was raised as a bargain shopper and found AMAZING deals yesterday on some really cute stuff!!!!!
I'm thankful my kids had a fun Halloween and got some GOOD candy!
I'm thankful I got another birthday present yesterday - this one from my parents. Dreamgirls and one of my favorite movies of all time: Sleeping Beauty!!!!!
I'm thankful I get to be in a Christmas choir and that we're singing "For Unto Us A Child is Born." Talk about beautiful Christmas music!!
I'm thankful for my children's laughter.
I'm thankful I've been able to spend so much time with my husband lately.
I'm thankful it's the Sabbath and this one's a day of rest.
What are you thankful for this fine day?
I'm thankful we got to take family pictures yesterday with the beautiful and talented Kiera. I'm thankful to have a friend like her and she gave so much of herself as a birthday present to me.
I'm thankful for the spectacular weather we had yesterday. It was positively perfect for pictures.
I'm thankful we got frozen custard while we took pictures. The boys finally got happy about taking pictures.
I'm thankful I was raised as a bargain shopper and found AMAZING deals yesterday on some really cute stuff!!!!!
I'm thankful my kids had a fun Halloween and got some GOOD candy!
I'm thankful I got another birthday present yesterday - this one from my parents. Dreamgirls and one of my favorite movies of all time: Sleeping Beauty!!!!!
I'm thankful I get to be in a Christmas choir and that we're singing "For Unto Us A Child is Born." Talk about beautiful Christmas music!!
I'm thankful for my children's laughter.
I'm thankful I've been able to spend so much time with my husband lately.
I'm thankful it's the Sabbath and this one's a day of rest.
What are you thankful for this fine day?
11.01.2008
Halloween pictures
This is for you family members out there who want to see the boys in Halloween costumes.
Spiderman was pretty happy about all that candy!
And surprised.
The Hulk looked awesome in this dragon costume. We borrowed both boys' costumes from a friend in our ward.
This is Spiderman's preschool class.
love this one.
And this one.
The businesses on our Main Street have trick-or-treating the Saturday before Halloween. Hulkster got tired after 5 minutes and rode on Daddy's shoulders. And yes, these are different costumes. The others were nice and warm for the chilly night, but these pajama costumes were great for daytime trick-or-treating.
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