This Is The Year

Stuff I'm getting excited for...

2012-01-30T07:50:00.001-07:00

You know how this time of year is kinda blah? I may have mentioned it a few (hundred) times.

But the truth is, I actually have a lot to be excited about. When I think about it I really do get giddy. So I'm going to make a list. A list to refer back to whenever I'm feeling particularly blah.

I am excited....

That I get to meet 4 blogger friends, and reunite with one I have already met, in the upcoming months. I'll blog more about it as I meet them.

To be on the Design Committee for a float for the Days of '47 Parade this summer. It is one of the oldest and the largest parades in the United States. People actually camp out overnight to get a seat along the parade route!

That our school is opening a new campus this fall. Being part of the process all over again of starting a school from the ground up is a humbling and rewarding experience.

For summer to get here.

For the 40th birthday bash I am planning on throwing for hubby this year. I love that his birthday's in the summer so we can get our BBQ on!

These are just a few things that I am looking forward to, and you know - I think it is a pretty good list. What are you excited for?

p.s. I'm also excited for this fab giveaway - I hope I win!!

The Nail Files - team spirit

2012-01-27T10:33:00.003-07:00

Hola friends! I've got such a treat for you today! Especially if you love toes!

Do feet gross you out? They totally gross my son out, so I love to put my feet on him. Also - my bestie told me once she doesn't love me enough to paint my toe nails for me when I'm pregnant and can't reach. Isn't that just rude? Feet totally don't gross me out. I mean, GROSS feet gross me out. But in general I'm not grossed out if someone happens to have bare feet, and they are near me, or like touching my leg. My son freaks out if a bare foot touches any part of him.

So, MiMi told me about a fun new meme (haha that's funny) called The Nail Files. I thought I'd link up today, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed (or maybe my toes?), that it's okay to link up toenails too. <------- That sounded sorta gross. Like I pictured toe-nail clippings when I said that. Ew.

ANYWAY....I rarely paint my fingernails. It seems to chip so quickly, and then it just looks like trash. But toenails on the other hand....you can dab some touch up over a chipped spot, and top it with a clear top coat, and it looks fine, because nobody sees them up close. You know? So I am rarely without toes painted.

Today I thought I'd show my team spirit faux glitter toes. I love glitter even more than I love nail polish. I have a friend who does professional glitter toes, and does a fabulous job. But that's a luxury that isn't often in my budget.

However, I do have a trick for doing faux glitter toes, that I learned from my friend Jen from Tatertots and Jello. It was so many years ago, when we both were relatively new bloggers, and I don't have a clue how to find the original link. But basically what you do is choose nail polish, and a coordinating glitter color. Make sure it's the really fine craft glitter, not the regular Walmart kind. You can only do a few toes at a time, so the polish doesn't dry before you can add the glitter. Polish your nails, dump the glitter over them, then shake them off. You'll have glitter all over your toes, but it can be brushed off when you're finished. Once the polish and glitter have set for a bit, top it off with a clear top coat. And voila! Super sparkly glittery toes!

This is my favorite thing to do during the summer to show my team spirit when hubby and I head out to a ReAL Salt Lake game. What do ya think?

Also, that is a fake tattoo - I would never get a real one. No offense to my wonderful friends who have a tattoo - but it's not my thing! Except the fake kind. On game day.

And keeping with my tradition (and promise I made to Myya) of posting a new Chris Winger photo every time I mention ReAL Salt Lake, here he is modeling their 2012 away uniform (le sigh...).

You. Are. Welcome.

I'm linking up here!

Honesty - always the best policy?

2012-01-26T07:30:00.002-07:00

So last night we went to Pixie's Celebration of Learning. It's something we do at our school at the end of an expedition, where the students are able to present in a public forum the things which they have been learning about. The format varies from one celebration to the next.

Last night the students sang a couple of songs, and presented as an entire grade. Then we broke off into groups of 3 students, and the visitors that had come to see them, in what is called writer's cafe, which is a method we use a lot in our school. How writer's cafe works is each writer stands and reads their piece of writing aloud to their small group of peers. At the end the peers use little sticky notes to give feedback. Both positive feedback and suggestions for improving the piece. For the final writer's cafe, where the students were presenting to parents and other visitors, we were asked to use the feedback sticky notes to give a piece of positive feedback to the writers.

We listened to each of the students. Pixie's story was about a young miner in the town of Alta (former mining town turned ski town in the Wasatch mountains), it was written in the format of a journal that he kept from August, 1873 to February 1874. It was really very clever. It was several pages longer than the other 2 students who were presenting, and because at times she let her voice trail off to where we couldn't hear her well, it seemed to get kind of long. The other students' names were Avy and Weston.

At the end we were all filling out our sticky notes with our feedback for each of the students. Monkey said she wanted to write one (she is in pre-school). So I told her she could write one for Pixie. She ended up (since I wasn't paying attention) writing one for each of the students. Here's how they went:

Avy - I rely likd it.
Gus (Weston goes by Gus, not sure why) - Ekselnt (excellent)

I took a picture of the feedback she left for Pixie:

(Well that was boring)

When I chastised her (between fits of laughter) for not being nice she said, "What? I had to tell her what I really thought."

Where the heck did this kid come from?

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

Tagged, TTUT and a Winner!

2012-01-23T23:02:00.001-07:00

Hello friends! It's Tuesday again! I have a winner to announce, 2 tags to fulfill and I'm linking it all up to my girls Shawn and IA at Talk to Us Tuesday! They may have second thoughts about this "no rules" thing when I'm through!!

First things first. I need to announce the winner of the MyMemories Suite software giveaway: Random.org selected SReed! Congratulations! Now SReed, there is no contact info on your profile, so I need you to comment here, or email me with an email address for you that I can send all the info to, so you can get your prize. Sound good? Please let me know before Friday, or I will have to select another winner.

For those who didn't win - you can still get this awesome software at a great discount! Just go here, and then use this code at checkout for $10 off: STMMMS392. You'll seriously be glad you did. Did you see the awesome subway art I made with it? So go!

Next on to the tag. I was tagged twice with this tag. By both Ann, and Lourie. The rules say I need to tell you 11 random things about me, answer 11 questions posed to me, and then come up with 11 questions of my own, and tag 11 more people. Now here's where Ann and Lourie will have to decide if they are going to be mad at me, or embrace me for the rule-breaking self I'm going to be.

Truthfully, I'm pretty sure that the very few people I have left that even read my blog regularly have all already been tagged, so I'm going to skip the tagging part. But I would really love anyone who hasn't been tagged (if there is anyone out there reading this....) to answer my questions and post about it! I'm going to select some questions off each list to answer and then I'll post some questions of my own. Okay? And if you don't want to do a post answering my questions - just answer some in the comments!

11 random things about me - is there even anything random that I haven't already shared??

1- I haven't had a Dr. Pepper since January 1.

2- I'm really craving one right now.

3- I'm having heartburn about the Republican Primaries going on right now.

4- I played the saxophone in Middle School and was really good.

5- I was tied for 2nd chair with Jared Francis.

6- I had a huge crush on Jared Francis.

7- He ended up being one of my closest friends for years - but we never kissed.

8- I loved Middle School way more than I liked High School.

9- I haven't been back to any of my HS reunions. It's doubtful I ever will.

10- I need to get my hair colored really badly. I've got too many grays.

11- It's almost dinner time (scheduled post), and as for ideas of what to fix - I got nothin'.

Here are my answers to questions asked by Ann and Lourie:

1. Where were you born? Twin Falls, Idaho

2. What states have you lived in? Idaho, California, and Utah

3. What was your most embarrassing moment? There are so many of them - it's hard to pick just one. But I told about a great on here. Another time, when we were living with my parents (I was about 21), my little brother came in bawling because the dog just died. He ate gopher poison from the neighbor's garden. Traumatic and sad I know. I went outside where everyone was gathered around his new dog run looking down on him, and I walked up to my husband who was leaning his arms on the top of the fence, slipped my arm through his and laid my head down on his shoulder, while looking down at the poor dead dog. I sat there for a couple minutes, then looked over to say something to hubby. Only it wasn't him. It was my parents 50 year old neighbor. He had the same color shirt on as hubby, and I was just looking at the dog the whole time while I walked over there, and yeah - he just sat there, I'm sure not knowing quite what to do while I laid my head on his shoulder. I still turn red in the face and get the giggles when I think about that. Idiot.

4- Do you have a pet? Yes. We have a 5 year old boxer mix.

5- Is your tax money already spent - do you owe? We always owe. We own our own business so of course we ALWAYS owe. But it is what it is.

6- What is your biggest pet peeve? I have so many of these as well. But what comes to mind today is how much I HATE when I see people driving down the street, and their little kids aren't buckled in. Makes me SO STEAMING MAD!!!

7- What do you love? Good food, music, my awesome friends, my amazing family, my Savior, and shoes. Not necessarily in that order, of course.

8- What is your can't do without TV show? NCIS

9- Have you ever laughed so hard you snorted? All the time.

10- Do you have any regrets in life, and what? I regret being mean to my younger brother. I wasn't a very nice big sister when we were little, and I truly regret it.

11- What would YOU do for a Klondike bar? Nothing. I don't like 'em.

Okay! Do you all feel smarter now that you learned these things about me?

Here are my questions for YOU:

1- How old were you when you had your first kiss? Details?

2- Do you enjoy sports? If so, what is your favorite?

3- Do you like shopping?

4- Salty or sweet?

5- How long have you been blogging?

6- Have you ever removed a blog post because you regretted something you said in it?

7- Does it annoy you when people get political or religious on their blogs?

8- If you have kids in school, do they eat school lunch, or bring lunch from home?

9-What is your favorite memory from Elementary school?

10- What is your least favorite?

11- Do you think it is rude that I didn't fulfill the tagging part of this assignment?

And there you have it! Raise your hand if you actually made it to the end of this post!

Don't forget to click the button and link up to TTUT!!

I Made My Own Subway Art!

2012-01-23T00:21:00.004-07:00

I'm so proud of myself! Up until now, my version of creating subway art was finding a free download online, printing it up and slapping it in a frame. Please tell me that is how most of you do it too. No? Dang.

I don't usually decorate for Valentine's Day. I always see cute things online, and think that I will. But then I never seem to get around to it. This year I have seen a few things that I decided I will for sure do. And I'm not going to let myself off the hook for it, because I think when I have some fun new elements to my decor, it really lifts my spirits. And if you read my post from Saturday - you know I kind of have the blahs right now.

Yesterday I was looking at my "printables" pin board, and as I looked at the different, cute Valentine's Day subway art printables, I thought, "Hey - I bet I could make this in MyMemories Suite." So I decided to give it a try. Guess what? I totally did it!! I know that for ~~most~~ a few of you, this is a lame thing for me to be excited about - because you whip up stuff like this in your sleep. But for me it was a big accomplishment, okay?

Here's how it turned out:

Guess what else? If you want to print this up and slap it in a frame - you can totally have it! Just enlarge it, right click, and choose the "save as" option and you're good to go!

I'm telling you guys - this program is so much fun. The giveaway for this software is now closed (winner to be announced tomorrow), but you can still purchase yours at a very reasonable price PLUS a $10 discount for being one of my awesome readers! Just click here and use the code STMMMS392 at checkout.

In other news, this is what went on in my neck of the woods over the weekend:

It seems dull for the first little bit, but just keep watching. I couldn't tear my eyes away, but it literally made me sick to my stomach to watch. Because I know that feeling of literally having no control of your vehicle, and just sliding wherever the road takes you, not knowing how you'll end up. I actually got a little shaky watching this. Watch the whole thing. I promise you that by the end it will take your breath away. Seriously.

Winter...just go away already!! Remember how I said that once Christmas is over, snow in the valley is only a road hazard? I rest my case.

I hope you all had an enjoyable and SAFE weekend!

Snowy Saturday Blahs

2012-01-21T16:19:00.001-07:00

It's freaking snowing. I hoped and wished and prayed for a white Christmas. I mean our state slogan is "The Greatest Snow on Earth". With the greatest snow on earth, and some of the country's best skiing - you'd think that Mother Nature should feel obligated to provide us a white Christmas, right?

Nope. Not her. She ripped us off for the 2nd year in a row. Now she decides to dump on us. Here's my philosophy on snow: It is fabulous the weeks leading up to Christmas (there's nothing quite so magical), but once the New Year has been rung in - well it's great to have in the mountains, for the skiers, and in order to have an adequate water supply through the summer - but after the holidays, snow in the valley is just a road hazard. And I'm not a fan of hazards.

So it's snowy. And it's Saturday - but my husband is working all day and night. So I'm blah. Besides the dreary weather, I also had to get up at 7:00 a.m. on a SATURDAY!! Bookworm had a merit badge powow at 8 a.m. Gah! But by the end of the classes he'll have earned 3 Eagle Scout required merit-badges. He wants to earn his Eagle by the time he is 14. For me, it's more important that the experiences he has in meeting the requirements are meaningful, and not just rushed through in a race to get his Eagle by age 14.

My son has been more productive today than I have for sure. But at least I FINALLY got my Christmas decor taken down yesterday. I adore decorating for Christmas. And I equally loathe un-decorating for Christmas. So I usually put it off until I just can't stand it any longer. Yesterday was that day.

The only slightly productive thing I have done today was create more in my MyMemories Suite digital scrapbooking software. I am seriously loving playing with it. And I wanted to try out the new FREE Valentine-themed "quick pages" I received from their weekly "Friday Freebie" feature they do on FB. So you don't even have to spend any money to add to your collection of elements to use in the program! These quick pages are already beautiful and ready to go, all you do is add your photos and it looks like you've spent tons of time creating! I know I sound like a commercial, but I'm seriously excited about all the possibilities I see unfolding for putting together collections of my family's memories!

Tell me what you think: These 2 pages are in the album side by side to create a 2 page spread. These are some of our engagement pictures.

These are pictures I took of pictures, so I think they are a little skewed, I may have to break down and scan the photos to have them look a little better. But baby-steps, right? And the only thing that I added besides the photos was the little word art that says "Love Each Other". I decided to put that in the little journaling spot because I wanted something simple. Easy-peasy.

It's not too late to enter to win your own free download of the program. Just click here. Even if you don't win I think it's totally worth it to purchase this program. Because it comes with so many elements (papers, and textures, and embellishments, etc.), it would take forever to get through them all. When you add in all the freebies you can get, it seems to me like you would never have to invest another penny, if you didn't want to. Of course there is tons of cute stuff for sale that is very tempting!!

Okay, now I've done 2 productive things today. Made the pages, and promoted my giveaway.

How's your Saturday going? Are you blah too?

My people are funny.

2012-01-19T09:52:00.002-07:00

I'm not talking about Mexicans. I'm talking about Utahns. Although a lot of us are Mexicans. And a lot of us are funny. Not me, but still, there are a lot of funny people in my state! Today I thought I'd share with you some funny crap that has come from my people (Utahns, not Mexicans - necessarily).

It's time for the Crash the Super Bowl Doritos ad competition. Last year 2 finalists came from Utah. One of them won $1 million. Now I think the other guys ad was funnier, but the voters spoke. Tell me what you think:

Winner's Ad:

Pretty funny. But not as funny as this one, in my opinion:

Bahaha - it STILL makes me laugh! Guy number 2 has another ad in the top five this year. I don't think it's nearly as funny - but you can check it out here if you want to decide for yourself.

Also, remember Kid History? You know, where the kids tell the story and the adults act it out? They are totally my people too (Utahns, not necessarily Mexicans). I told you about it here, and promised to share more episodes. But then I fell of the face of the planet, well Blogland anyway, so here is my favorite episode. Or at least the one that is tied for first place in my heart:

Pretty funny, eh? Okay, I've decided I need to share my other favorite - I can't decide between the one above, or this one. You pick for me. Which one is better?

See - some funny people here in my state! Just not me.

Which ad do you think is funnier?

Which Kid History?

If you didn't watch them all, or even any of them - that's okay. Still leave me a comment and say HI! Because you know like all bloggers - I love comments!

Are your people funny?

P.S. don't forget to enter my awesome giveaway!

Organizing: Good for the Soul

2012-01-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

So I was feeling pretty depressed and loser-ish yesterday, about the fact that no one seemed interested in my awesome giveaway, among other things. MiMi tried to console me by trying to convince me it was because of the holiday, and not a reflection on my level of lameness. Hmmmf.

I then went downstairs to the dungeon (AKA my unfinished basement) to put something away. MiMi has mentioned how she wishes her craft area weren't in the garage - but it's sorta like having it be in a dungeon. Yep that's where the magic happens at my house. A room in a dungeon with a table and a desk.

I looked around my room and saw the disaster it had become. You see, Cowgirl had decided that finished or unfinished, she was done sharing a room with her sisters. After Christmas she moved all her stuff down to a room in the dungeon, we put a bed and dresser down there, and hung some sheets for walls (yes we are white trash extraordinaire), and that is her room. Only it HAD been the room that I had been storing all my Ribbon Blossoms materials in. It had already become somewhat scattered as I brought stuff from her room into my workroom to make stuff, and also upstairs sometimes. Then I'd just move it to the side and bring new stuff out to work on. Then I'd just pile it all up to try and get it out of the way. When I had to clear my crap out of Cowgirl's space, I stacked and piled it all up in my dungeon craft room. Here's the result:

Don't you judge me.

Yesterday, while looking around and feeling pathetic, I decided to do something about it. Do you know what it's like to be as disorganized as I am and be IRL besties with someone like Tanielle? And have bloggy friends like Shawn and Vivienne? All organized, all immaculate in their house-keeping. I mean I know I haven't ever been to Shawn's or Viv's houses - but I've seen pictures! And I know they are clean and orderly.

I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I had crap piled all over the floor, all over my work table, the bookshelf, and the desk I bought years ago to turn that little corner space into an office area. Then our computer died and we only have our laptop - so the space sits collecting dust and other crap that I pile onto it.

I sorted all my bow and tutu-making supplies into their respective bins. I have some boxes of craft supplies that aren't for Ribbon Blossoms in some boxes under my table - those will have to be sorted out another day. Anyway, I won't bore you with a play-by-play, but I do have some pictures for ya. Because everybody loves some good before and after shots, right?

Now, as you look - keep in mind that my basement is unfinished - no walls. In the background you can still see some of the crap from my other rooms. But they aren't trashed like this room was.

Now I know I need to get some different bins for some of the stuff, as my supplies have outgrown the containers I originally stored them in, and now the lids won't fit. And I also need some shelves. But I'm trying to do everything on a budget and not spend when I don't have to, so I'm just working with what I have for now.

Regardless, getting all this crap sorted out, and being able to walk into my craft dungeon without feeling like I'm maneuvering an obstacle course really does make me feel a lot better than I was for most of the day yesterday! I think I'll find another project to build myself worth up even more. OR....or y'all could click here and enter my awesome giveaway and that would make me feel great also.

It really is a cool program - and for my friends who already have the program - maybe you could mention it on your blog or FB or Twitter? You know - help spread the word, even though you're not entering the giveaway? K thanks!

I'm linking up with Shawn and Impulsive Addict - because those chicks are fun to talk to!!

p.s. I made my before and after layouts in the software I'm giving away! If you win you will love it!

p.p.s. The plan is to have Cowgirl's room finished shortly - will do some fun before and afters of that also. And then the rest of the basement after that. You better hope we get it done Myya - cuz this is gonna be your room this summer!!

Giveaway Greatness!!

2012-01-16T00:00:00.015-07:00

I'm so excited to share my giveaway greatness with you today! It's gonna be so good!

I was contacted by MyMemories.com and given the opportunity to review their fantastic digital scrapbooking software, My Memories Suite. AND.....I get to give away this awesome product to one of my lucky readers!! Pretty sweet, eh?

Let me start out by saying that I used to scrapbook like crazy. And it took sooooo much time and effort. The cutting and gluing and journaling and arranging the layout. I was always proud of my pages, but each one took so LONG to finish! As my family grew, my scrapbooking efforts dwindled. Poor Monkey doesn't even have 1 single page in her scrapbook that is finished! Bring on the mom guilt.

So you can imagine my excitement when I started playing around with MyMemories Suite, and realized that I could scrapbook again and not spend nearly the time I had before, but still end up with beautiful page layouts! It took me a little bit of exploring and experimenting to get the hang of it - but once I did I was hooked!

The beauty of it is that everything is right there at your fingertips. There are background papers, embellishments, textures, all sorts of fun fonts for journaling, and more! The suite comes with a good variety of papers and embellishments, as well as the tools to edit the photos you upload. But you aren't limited to what comes with the package (which, as I said is a pretty good variety). You can also add more options from their website, or from your own collection you may already have on your computer.

You can make your creations as simple or as elaborate as you'd like, with any size pages you'd like. And the sky's the limit on what you can use the software for:

You could make an album of your children:

12x12 album

Or I thought it would be fun to have a "highlight reel" of all my favorite moments from RSL's 2011 soccer season.

8.5x11 album. Photo credits here, here, here and here.

What?? Who says my highlights of the season can't all include Chris Wingert in some way?

Maybe I'd like to make an album all about my husband:

Oh wait, that would actually require him allowing me to take pictures of him. Seriously - he has a complex. It's super annoying. I can probably count on my fingers the number of times he's allowed me to take a picture of him since our wedding.

Speaking of. I've decided to completely re-do our wedding album. And maybe have it professionally printed and bound into a photo-book. Yeah, you can totally do that with this software!

You can even include video in your digital scrapbook! And you can share your pages in so many ways. You can have a photo book made as I mentioned before, print your pages and put them in your own album, share your album online - so many different options!

Also, you don't have to use the software ONLY for scrapbook layouts. Saturday I was in a rush to get to a baby shower, and I discovered I had let my gift bag/wrapping paper options dwindle to nothing but Christmas themes and 1 brown craft bag. Now if I had had more time, I could have printed and cut some great embellishments and decorated the bag all cutesie. But let's face it, if I had had more time, I would have stopped at the dollar store and picked up a gift bag on my way to the shower. But I didn't have more time. So I tied some girly tulle to the bag, and whipped up a quick tag in MyMemories Suite (seriously took me like 2 minutes), and tied it to the bag.

Voila!

And you may have noticed my new look? Not ME, I'm talking about the blog! I've needed a change for a while - and finally got around to changing my look. And guess what? I made my new blog banner in MyMemories Suite!

So are you ready to find out how you can enter to win this awesome software for yourself?

Here's what to do. The first option is mandatory for an entry, the rest are just additional things you can do to increase your chances of winning! Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

1. Go visit MyMemories.com, chose a favorite digital paper pack or layout, and come back and tell me what you love! (mandatory for entry)

2. "Like" MyMemories on Facebook or follow them on Twitter or their blog (worth one entry each).

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog, facebook or Twitter (worth one entry each, please include link in your comment).

I would really love if you follow me, but I'm not going to make you follow me to get an entry. I only want you to follow me if you like my blog and want to come back and read more!

That's a possible total of 7 different entries!

The giveaway will be open for 1 week, ending Monday, Jan 23 at noon (MST).

And if you don't happen to be the lucky winner - I've still got your back! This code will get you $10 off when you purchase the software, PLUS you will receive a $10 coupon to the MyMemories.com store! A totally awesome deal.

Here's the code: STMMMS392

Good luck and happy scrapping everyone!!

I need the weekend!

2012-01-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was pretty much the stupidest day ever. Just one crappy thing after another, including slipping on the ice with injuries for both my husband and my daughter (Cowgirl). Oh, and Pixie getting her hand slammed in the door. I also had a million places to be from right after school, until past 9. The suckiness seemed never-ending. Plus, I'm pretty sure I just woke up in a bad mood - so the rest just seemed that much worse. I ended the night feeling like I just needed a good cry. You know that feeling?

But it's Friday. The weekend starts here, and I'm determined to make it a fun weekend, and kick myself out of this crappy mood. My guys are going to Scout camp. Ice fishing. Should be cold for them. Nice and warm for the girls and I here at home though! Hehe. And maybe Bookworm will bring home some nice trout for dinner tomorrow like he did last year.

I also have a bunch of baby bows to make today. Tomorrow I'm going to a baby shower for a sweet friend of mine who is having a little girl. I've been planning to make her a great collection of adorable bows. Have I made one single bow yet? Nope. I'm such a procrastinator.

Between making the bows today, going to the shower tomorrow, and church on Sunday, I can predict that the weekend will be over before I know it. But you know what? That's okay. Because I'm going to ENJOY it. Also I'm super excited about my fun giveaway on Monday! I hope you come back to check it out. I really think you'll like it!

I guess that's it for today. I hope everybody has a good weekend, and be sure to come back on Monday!

Thirteen things I'm thankful for this Thursday

2012-01-12T11:17:00.002-07:00

In no particular order:

1 - I'm thankful for a warm home to be in. It was 16 degrees outside this morning when hubby took the kids to school.

2 - I'm thankful for the amazing school my children are able to attend. I'm not rich or privileged, but thanks to school choice, I am able to choose a public school that fits my children and what I want for them and their education.

3 - I'm thankful to live in this amazing country. A country where boys and girls have the opportunity to go to school. Despite all our flaws, this is still the greatest country on earth. (no offense to any of my non-American friends! )

4 - I'm thankful for a hard-working, dedicated husband. I forget to tell him sometimes that I know I have it pretty good.

5 - I'm thankful for Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express mascara. Still the best mascara I've ever used.

6 - I'm thankful for my Savior.

7 - I'm thankful for funny kids. The other day on the way to pick up the older kids from school, Monkey informed me that when she was in high school I wouldn't have to come pick her up, because she could just drive her own Corvette. Um, how many 5-year-olds even know what a Corvette is?

8 - I'm thankful for funny friends. Not a day goes by that I don't get to laugh from something on FB, or in blog land, or one of my friends here in my day to day life. Even on my saddest days.

9 - I'm thankful for Mod Podge.

10 - I'm thankful for the sunshine. Even though it's freezing outside, it's bright and sunny. That makes me cheerful.

11 - I'm thankful for music. Whether spiritual, classical, or mainstream, there is always a song to fit my mood. Music just makes life better.

12 - I'm thankful for the miracles of modern medicine. It hurts my heart to know that there are still those in this world who have to suffer without it's benefits.

13 -I'm thankful for brave men and women who put their lives on the line to serve their fellow men and women. Whether it be in the armed forces, law enforcement, firefighting, etc.

Hmmmm, now I'm on a roll, but I'm out of numbers! What are you thankful for today?

WWTK Wednesday - and an embarrassing story!

2012-01-11T09:01:00.001-07:00

Time for another edition of WWTK hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazy Mama. It's fun - you should totally do it!

Here are the questions and my answers:

{1} What is your most commonly used word or phrase when you are frustrated?

I'm not sure if I have a single most common one. I have a colorful variety of exclamations (not necessarily curse words though) that I use when I'm mad or frustrated! I'm trying hard to quit swearing. I mean, my swearing is mild compared to many, but I'm still trying to quit completely. It's hard though.

{2} What random question do you usually get from strangers or casual acquaintances?

This is easy - I am always asked how to pronounce my name. Multiple, multiple times a week. I addressed that here. I am then promptly asked where it is from (Armenia), then I am asked if I am Armenian (I'm not).

3} Did you ever correspond by mail with anyone, who? Do you still have the letters?

Why yes I did! A cute French boy named Jean-Paul. He came to stay with the family of one of my guy friends, and we hung out a bit. There was a little bit of attraction there - but he was only here for a short while. Plus I was only in Middle school. I think. I may have been in HS. Anyway - we corresponded for a short while. I do not have the letters still, but I wish I did - his English was adorable - and his penmanship was excellent!

{4} Do you dance in public? why or why not?

I HAVE danced in public. I used to dance in school. Like, perform and stuff. But I am pretty sure I was only mediocre at it. I also used to go dancing back in my single days, and when hubby and I first met. But it has been a long time since I danced in public, and I also feel like I have gotten really retarded at it in my fat old age. Here I am, about to pull a MiMi, throw my pride to the wind - have no shame - and share something super humiliating with you!

Back many years ago, before I got mature and stuff, but after I got married and lost my rhythm - Hubby and I went to a fancy schmancy Christmas party for his work. It was in a swank hotel ballroom, and there was a DJ and dancing and stuff. So Hubby and I hit the dance floor. I felt like an idiot. Like I could TELL that I didn't have any rhythm anymore, and that I was dancing like a spaz. So after we left the ballroom to check out a cute little shop in the hotel, I went in to use the bathroom. I finished my business, and on the way out I noticed myself in the large, wide, full length mirror of the bathroom. I decided to bust a move in front of the mirror to see if I actually looked as spastastic as I felt while dancing. Yeah - you can see what's coming next. Someone totally walked in on me while I was gettin' down. By myself. In a public restroom. I thought I would die. You. are. welcome.

{5} What is your favorite kind of chapstick/lip balm?

I don't use any? I really don't. If I'm feeling fancy I wear lipstick and gloss. But I'm not a lip-balm user. Oh, except I DO make it a point to occasionally use the awesome DP flavored lip balm MiMi sent me forever ago! I'm probably going to go through it even faster now that I'm off the sauce. Need some way to get my DP fix!

Okay - I shared with you, now I want to hear your answers! If you'd like to share, click the button and link up!!

P.S. - I'm giving something super cool away on Monday!!

Have you got Swag?

2012-01-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm talking about Swag Bucks. Have you heard of it? You probably have. I'm always late to the game. If you haven't though - you're missing out on getting free stuff.

I actually signed up for Swag Bucks a few years back - but didn't really see the value, and didn't do much with my account.

If you aren't familiar with Swag Bucks, it's basically a way to earn free stuff online. Here's how it works: You download the Swag Bucks toolbar, and then enjoy the different ways to earn swagbucks while you're online each day. Swagbucks can be redeemed for all sorts of free crap! Only it's not all crap!

There are several different ways to earn the bucks. The easiest way is simply by doing what you do online each day anyway. Search for stuff! Instead of using google, or whatever other search engine you use, you use the Swag Bucks search engine (which is powered by google, and is a pretty decent search engine), and they randomly award swagbucks throughout the day. This is how I earn the majority of my swagbucks. Other ways to earn are to take surveys, perform tasks, complete special offers - there's a whole list. It all depends on how much time you want to invest into earning swagbucks.

I'm not willing to put in too terribly much time, so I'll share what I do, and tell you how it has benefited me. You can decide how much or little you want to do with the site. Besides using the SB search engine, I do a few other things each day to build up my balance. On the SB toolbar, there is a heading that says "earn" with a drop-down menu. It lists the different things you can do to earn swagbucks. I take the daily poll every day. You earn 1 SB just for taking the poll - it takes like 3 seconds! Next I go to "NOSO" which is No Obligation Special Offers. I never sign up for any of the offers, I just hit "skip" or "see next offer" until I get to the end - this takes under a minute. You earn 2 SB for doing this each day. I frequently watch (or listen to) SBTV to earn SB. You just watch little clips that have to do with anything from homemaking, budgeting, gardening etc. to celebrity and entertainment news. Whatever interests you. You have to watch about 10 clips to earn 3 SB. What I usually do is put the player on, then open up another tab and do whatever else I need to do online so I can feel like I'm not just sitting watching TV. I've actually got SBTV playing right now while I type this post! The last thing I try to do regularly is find a SB code. They are posted a couple of times a day, either on the blog, or their FB page, or sometimes there's a hunt (more time consuming, but can be really fun!). The codes are worth different amounts of SB's. The ones I have entered have been worth between 4-10. I posted the "swidget" at the bottom of my blog so I can check it throughout the day to see if there's a code posted. I just do this when I happen to get online for something else.

Those are the things I do on a regular basis. Occasionally I will try a survey, but I have only been able to complete a few and earn the SB's. I usually find that I get disqualified about 5-10 minutes in, and then have to start all over with a new survey. I don't like to waste my time, but if you do complete one you can earn between 25-200 SB's. So if you like to take surveys, it can be worth your while. I also do the games sometimes. They are a fun way to pass the time if I just have 10 minutes until I have to go pick up the kids or something like that. But, I try to spend my time on the computer productively - so I don't do the games too often.

Now, do I have anything to show for my efforts? Well friends, I'm glad you asked! There are all sorts of prizes in the SB Store that you can redeem your SB's for. But I only ever purchase 1 prize: $5.00 Amazon gift cards. Each time I earn enough for a gift card (450 SB) I head to the "redeem" heading on the SB toolbar and go to the store. I purchase the gift card and as soon as it's posted to my account (takes between 5-7 days), I head over to amazon.com to redeem it. And I just watch my Amazon account grow. Now I haven't been at this for too long, so I haven't been able to fund an entire Christmas or anything like that! But what I was able to do was get my son this for Christmas:

Something that would not have been in the budget if I hadn't had a $40 credit on my Amazon account.

Previously I purchased Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, and it is changing our lives as I type! There is so much on Amazon that I'd like to have - so in my opinion the Amazon gift card is the best value from the SB Store, it's like getting free money - but you can use your SB's to purchase any of the other prizes too.

Like I mentioned before, the amount of SB's you earn is entirely dependent on how much time you are willing to invest. I know there are people who spend hours and hours getting all the codes, performing the tasks, taking the surveys - and they get lots of bucks. But I don't want it to be my occupation. Still, it's nice to invest a relatively small amount of time each day, and be able to earn some things for free. If it sounds like something you're interested in you should sign up right away! And I would LOVE if you would click the following button to sign up - I'll get rewarded SB's for referring you!

Hey guess what? I just earned 3 SB's for the TV clips that were playing while I typed this post!

Now lets review the simple things you can do each day to earn:

Search
Daily Poll
NOSO
SBTV
SB Codes

Make sure to follow them on FB and Twitter so you keep in the loop for when they post codes!

So if you DO use Swag Bucks - I'd love you to tell me about your experience - or share any tips you might have! If you don't and want to know more, I'd love to answer any questions (although I'm no expert).

Calling all friends....

2012-01-09T16:32:00.003-07:00

It's Monday, it's Monday! Today I'm linking up with the awesome and fabulous Kenlie for Friend Makin' Monday!

This week's questions are some I have answered before but some new ones too, so bear with me! Or skim. Or completely choose not to read this post. I'm a big girl, I can handle it.

Here we go!

1) What is one of your favorite ways to spend a Saturday?

I usually spend my Saturdays going to a sports game for one of my kids. I have a son who plays basketball, and a daughter who plays soccer. Since I love sports, and I adore my kids, this is definitely a win-win. Even when we lose. Hehe. So going to games is definitely a favorite way to spend my Saturday.

2) List your top three favorite TV shows.

Top 3 favorite TV shows would have to be 1) NCIS - I haven't missed a single episode in it's entire 9 season run. Wow, that makes me sound sorta pathetic. 2) Blue Bloods. I am a huge Tom Selleck fan, and I also had to watch because it has Donnie Wahlberg (you know I'm an NKOTB-lover!). But the show itself is actually soooo good. So it's my #2 show. 3) Ringer. You may not have heard of this show. It's on the CW, and it is an edge-of- your-seat, suspense filled ride that just gets better every week!

3) Would you rather be in pictures or take them?

Well, how often have you ever seen me post a picture of myself on this blog? 'Nuff said.

4) Why do you blog?

I blog to journal, and keep in touch with great bloggy friends.

5) Share five websites that you visit regularly…

facebook
pinterest - So addicting!
Ribbon Blossoms on Etsy - my shop!
KSL - my go-to site for thrifty finds, and local news
Swagbucks - posting all about this tomorrow. I'm a little late to the game - but I have some good stuff to share!

6) If you could have lunch with one person from your Twitter list who would it be?

Didn't even have to think about this one.

Why hello Mr. President.

(hey, I warned you here that it was gonna get political this year)

7) List a few of your favorite snacks.

I am in love with:

and:

And I recently found a frozen fruit blend of tropical fruits with no added sugar at Costco that makes the BEST smoothies. No milk, or sugar required!

8 ) Do you have a pet? If so, what kind?

We have a 5 year old boxer mix. She's a great dog. It's been good for the kids to have her.

9) Which three material possessions would you struggle to live without?

My laptop, my car, my cellphone.

10) What’s your favorite drink?

Dr. Pepper! But I am 8 days sober today - I hope I have the strength to keep it up!

11) Do you enjoy cooking?

I love cooking, but don't do it as often as I should, because I hate cleaning up the mess after. And I am a super messy cook.

12) Do you have children?

Yep. I posted all about them here.

13) What are your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy playing the piano, blogging, crafting, and shopping. Yeah, I'm a little shallow sometimes - so?

14) Would you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing?

I'm a little intimidated by meeting new people, but I am very friendly and outgoing if I'm comfortable.

15) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?

I was going to say my weight, but actually I would like to say my self-discipline/motivation. Because that would serve me well in losing weight, but also so many other areas in which I want to improve.

16) Who is your favorite actor/actress?

This question is too hard. Not because there's too many to choose from, but because I mostly can't stand anyone in Hollywood. I do like a few, like Tom Selleck - but don't know who my fave is.

17) What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this week?

Well, it's only Monday. So I guess the coolest thing I did was go to church yesterday.

18) Do you live near your family or far from them?

Near. VERY, very near. My parents and brothers and sister all live within 15 minutes. My MIL, and all but 1 of my bro/sis-in-laws all live within 10 minutes. My MIL actually just moved into a new apartment that is about 2 minutes away. But she needs our help a lot, so it's good. Mostly.

19) List three of your talents.

I'm not very talented. Let's see. I play the piano - adequately. I am a pretty good cook. Oh, I think I do a nice job applying my eye-make up? I'm grasping for straws here - sorry.

20) What is your greatest attribute?

Integrity.

Did you learn anything new, or surprising about me? If you'd like to play along, answer the questions then go here!

Parlez-vous Français?

2012-01-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

Je parle un petit français. Très petit.

I had my first French lesson as an adult today! I took French in Middle School for one year. I loved it - sort of. I loved the language, but the class could be somewhat tedious. I remember very little from that 8th grade French class. But I was surprised today at some of the stuff that came back to me from all those years ago.

I have a sweet friend in my ward who speaks French. She served a mission for our church in France, and has been a HS French teacher. She recently retired, and it is perfect, because I would really like to learn to speak French again, and better, and she needs someone to teach! Voila!

I have a love/hate relationship with all things French. I think the language is absolutely beautiful. That's why I chose French as my foreign language class all those years ago. Living in Utah, and being half Mexican, Spanish would probably have been the more logical choice. But when have I ever been logical?

Back to the love/hate relationship. Beautiful language. Delicious food. There is definitely a romanticism about France. But also I have a distaste for the arrogance, the condescending attitude it seems that the French as a whole have towards America, and Americans, and you know, their general disdain for anything moral. But now I am the one judging and generalizing. I really don't personally know any French people - so maybe I'm completely mistaken? It just seems from the things I read in the news, and especially political news and entertainment news that these are the views the French have towards America. But I could be completely wrong? I mean I know many more conservative cultures judge America by the way people in Hollywood act, and they certainly aren't a fair representation of ME! I welcome input from anyone more knowledgeable than me on this subject!

Boy do I know how to go off on a tangent, don't I? But I'm excited for the French lessons. And I love, love, LOVE my awesome friend who is teaching me. Are you learning anything new this year?

So here's the dealio....

2012-01-05T01:55:00.001-07:00

I've been a somewhat inconsistent blogger the past couple of years, and I realize that some of the friends/readers I have now are not the same people who were around when I first started blogging.

Sometimes I start reading a new blog, and they will be talking about kids or family members who I'm not familiar with, but it is apparent that the other regular readers are, because they've been around for awhile. So I thought it would be a good idea to re-introduce our family to you, you know just in case you've ever read a post and wondered who the heck I was talking about - or maybe you don't care - but I want to talk about my kids today - so this is what you get!

I, of course, am Xazmin. I'm 35 (yes, I am now closer to 40 than 30!), and I am married to Hubby (39 - way closer to 40 than me!). We've been married for 16 years, despite what it says in my outdated profile over there. We own a small carpet cleaning business, and I am a stay at home mom. Hubby is patient, laid-back and hard-working. I am a little more impatient and "sensitive", I can be hard working when I want to be (but who wants to be?) and could stand to lose ~~quite~~ a few pounds!

We have 4 beautiful children who keep us broke, busy and proud:

Bookworm is 13. He plays basketball, the violin, and video games. Although, we're pretty strict about the amount of time spent, and types of games played on that last one. I'd be more worried about the video games if he wasn't equally addicted to reading. He's also pretty clever and keeps us laughing with his quick wit.

Cowgirl is 11. She is quiet and serious at first glance - but upon closer inspection can be quite a smart-mouth. She is kind and caring though, and always tries to stand up for the underdog. She plays the piano and is turning out to be quite the little soccer player. She also LOVES horses and wants to be a real cowgirl.

Pixie will turn 9 next month. She loves to do her hair and spends lots of time trying different styles. She cut it off last spring for Locks of Love and it is just starting to get long enough for her to start trying different things with again. She is smart as a whip, and loves to draw. And she is quite the good little artist. She is just about to start piano lessons which she has been dying to do for YEARS it seems!

And the caboose of our family (for now, at least) is Monkey. She is 5 going on 25. This girl says the MOST outrageous things. She's smart like her brother and sisters, but she knows it and is sort of a sass. She keeps us laughing always, and has a fantastic imagination. Watching her play when she doesn't know you are watching is pretty stinkin' hilarious.

And she always "poses" when you're trying to take a picture.

So there is my family in a nutshell. These kids are my pride and joy...but make no mistake - there are moments that I want to strangle them! Or myself. They fight, and whine and complain like any typical kids - but overall they are smart, good, funny kids and I am so very blessed to be their mother. Also, I'm very blessed to have such a great partner in raising them. I guess you could say I'm a pretty lucky girl overall - and it's good to remind myself of that every once in a while. Maybe this post was more for me than for you. Sorry.

We Want To Know Wednesday - 2012!

2012-01-04T01:00:00.004-07:00

It's been a while since I've linked up to WWTK Wednesday - but I've read many of your posts over the weeks, even if I haven't always commented, and haven't linked up.

But I'm playin' today!!

So here are the questions from the fabulous Mamarazzi:

{1} What do you love about blogging?

I love the friends I've made. I love the inspiration and ideas I get for various, projects, crafts, organization, etc. from other, more clever bloggers. I love the journal aspect of it, because I believe in journaling - I've just always been really bad at it. Writing a blog seems to make it a little bit easier.

{2} What is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener?

I have a hard time with perfumed things. Perfume gives me a headache. However I do like the Scentsy-style candle warmers. The right fragrances are something that makes me happy when I walk in the door! I'm too cheap to buy Scentsy however, so I use the knock-off stuff from Walmart. Don't judge me. My favorite scent for Christmas time was called Sparkling Berry Garland from Better Homes and Gardens. It was THE perfect Christmas scent. It smelled of pine mixed with berries - and not the really strong, overpowering pine, but just the perfect amount of pine. My other favorites, also from BHand G are: Butterscotch Maple Cream, maple Candied Almond, and Vanilla Caramel Spice. They're all kind of "toasty-warm" smelling - if that makes sense.

{3} How would you describe your style?

I don't know if I really have a style. Is ghetto a style? Just kidding. I guess eclectic. I love some really trendy stuff, and a LOATHE some of the really trendy stuff. Some more classic things I like, but some "classic" stuff just looks outdated to me. I'm sorta picky, but I guess I like and dislike different things from all sorts of styles. I think that paragraph maybe makes no sense? Oh well - I tried.

{4} What are 3 things your dream home would have that your current home doesn't have?

This is easy. I don't need a pool or a tennis court. I'm a simple girl. My 3 dream home features would be: First, a main-floor laundry. No more hauling loads of laundry up and down stairs to and from the bedrooms! Second, I would have a whole game/theatre/entertainment room in my basement. I'm talking theatre system, wet bar (with fountain drinks - not alcohol!), mini-fridge and little kitchenette, pool table, pinball, arcade games, and game consoles. If this all sounds a little juvenile, well - it is! My dream home would be the "it" house for my kids and all their friends to come hang out at! I love my kids friends - and I trust my kids - but having your house be the "hang-out" is sort of a comforting thing, knowing where your kids are, what they're doing and who they're with - you know? Last, my dream home would have a deluxe food-storage area. One that would store my food storage,at just the right temperature, and be convenient with helping me keep it all organized.

{5} Do you look at your keyboard when you type?

No. I am an excellent typist. Before my SAHM days, I was an executive secretary for one of the lead engineers at Boeing.

Now you know my answers - what about yours? Click the button if you'd like to play along!

Talk To Us Tuesday....my first time!

2012-01-02T23:21:00.003-07:00

Update!: I'm linking up with Amanda at Serenity Now's Weekend Bloggy Reading!

Haha - you thought something dirty when you read my title didn't you? Admit it. I know your minds too well.

I just meant that it's the first time I've linked up to TTUT. Not that I haven't wanted to in the past - just that I'm a ginormous blog slacker. But it's a new year, right??

Plus, today I have something to brag about. I want to show you my favorite gift I gave for Christmas this year. The reason I'm so proud is because I made it myself. And it involved sewing. And if you know me at all, you know this: I. don't. sew. I HAVE sewn in the past, and I hated it, and I was horrible at it, and I felt like a complete and utter failure. I don't love that feeling. And I'm afraid of the sewing machine. It is sort of like my mortal enemy.

But when I saw THIS on pinterest, I was smitten. I knew that I wanted to make some for my Monkey.

There are some pretty fancy felt food tutorials that you can purchase online. But why pay when you can find some really great FREE tutorials all over the place? I followed several of the links from the above mentioned post, and also found a couple of others that you can find on my Pinterest pinboard if you're interested.

I also could NOT have done this without the support, help and endless patience of my fabulous bestie Tanielle. She let me use her sewing machine, and was very patient with my sewtardedness, helping me when I messed up, or didn't know how to do something right. She also came up with some great designs. See, we didn't really follow the tutorials exactly. We followed some of them very closely, and some we totally reinvented, and some Tanielle just made up on her own, and I copied.

Anyways - I spent many, many hours, and a few sleepless nights getting these finished, and I have to say that although they are very flawed...I'm still really proud. And Monkey plays with them constantly. She loves them. Onto the pictures!

We've got a plethora of cookies to choose from.

Or how about a burger and fries?

Pizza and Doritos anyone?

And don't forget the most important meal of the day:

But wait, are you trying to be healthier for the new year? We've got some strawberries and carrots for that!

This sandwich was probably the hardest/most time consuming. But at least it comes with chips!

I mentioned before how we really cut down on our Christmas budget this year...well this project probably cost around $12, and Monkey got all this food to play with!

This is definitely going to be an ongoing project - I have lots of ideas for more food swirling around in my head! Now to get over the sewing machine fear, and get my own set up and running!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that your New Year is starting out wonderfully!

Go check out these hot chicas I'm linking up with. Love you Shawn and Impulsive!!

Also linking up with:

Friday Confessional

2011-12-30T17:44:00.014-07:00

Time to link up and confess - I had to get one last post in before the New Year! Here we go.

I confess...

My New Year's Resolution to blog more in 2011 was an EPIC FAIL!

But I believe in perseverance, so we're going to try again in 2012!

I confess...

Yesterday was my 16 year anniversary, and we went to dinner WAY early (because we hadn't really eaten all day and were starving) and were home before 6, watching a movie with the kids. We're like 90 year olds in 30-something bodies I guess.

I confess...

I really wouldn't have had it any other way. We had a great time watching a family movie with the kids, and then sent them to bed and enjoyed a grown-up movie. A rated PG-13 one people...get your minds out of the gutter!!

I confess...

I lied when I just said I wouldn't have had it any other way. In a perfect world I would be rich and we would be on a cruise or something for our anniversary. But I think you all knew my meaning.

I confess....

I have not gotten out of bed before 10 a.m. any day since school got out last Wednesday - except for on Christmas day. I'm a late-stayer-upper, and a late-sleeper-inner. That's just how I roll. Getting back into the 6:30 a.m. swing of things when school gets back in next Wednesday is going to be BRUTAL!

I confess...

This year has been the best Christmas ever. Truly. I have enjoyed it more, stressed less, felt more joy and love, seen my family truly sacrifice in order to serve others, watched how it affected my children, and felt the spirit of Christ more than ever before. We also slashed several hundred dollars from our immediate family Christmas budget, and saw that our children's joy on Christmas morning was not diminished in the least. I believe this is due to the way their hearts were touched by serving those less fortunate, and although it was a "lesser" Christmas material-wise than we have ever had, it was a greater Christmas where it counted.

I confess...

I really want my Christmas decor taken down and put away, but I REALLY don't wanna do it! Have you ever wished you were like Jeannie and could "blink" things done? I've wished that ever since I was a little girl and was told I couldn't come out of my room until it was clean.

Also I wanted my bedroom to be like the inside of her bottle. And I still wished I looked that good in a harem-girl costume!

I confess...

This year on my blog, things may get political. I know that is taboo in blog-land. But it's an election year y'all. And I'm a political junkie. I know those who truly love me will not mind me sharing my opinion on occasion.

And finally - I confess...

I'm super excited to take you on the journey of the room-by-room reorganization and remodel of my home. I am DETERMINED to get it done this year! If I'm making this same confession next year at this time, I am selling my house and starting over!!

Remember that confession is good for the soul - so if you'd like, click the button and link up!!

Proud mama here...

2011-12-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I'd link up with my sweet friend Emmy and fellow blogger whom I haven't yet become acquainted with, but am eager to get to know, Kmama. They host a great meme where we all get to brag about what makes us proud as moms.

I've been meaning to blog about this since last week, so today I'm linking up! Last week was the culmination of months of rehearsals for the 6-9th graders at our school who were in the school musical. This year Bookworm landed a lead. They rehearsed 3 days a week between 2 and 5 hours each day. With rehearsal, scouts, music lessons and basketball, not to mention just regular school and homework, I saw the stress start to take a toll on my 13 year old. I always swore I wouldn't be one of those moms whose kids were so overscheduled that they couldn't enjoy life! But somehow with the basketball season overlapping the musical, and rehearsal times being more often and longer this year - it just sort of snuck up on me, and I found myself to be one of those moms! I was so grateful the day Bookworm played his last basketball game of the fall season! I've already determined that if he wants to do the musical again next year, he'll have to take a hiatus from sports until the musical is finished.

To add to the stress, exactly 1 week before opening night, my son lost his voice. Completely. And he was waking up every morning with a very sore throat. Although she handled it very calmly with me, I'm pretty sure Lisa, the director, was in full panic mode upon hearing the news. She takes the musical very seriously, and the result is always an amazing production that is on a much higher level professionally than a typical middle school musical. She loaded me up with herbal tea and essential oils to doctor Bookworm's vocal chords throughout the day. He started to feel better towards the end of the week - but we still had to keep him home because he doesn't know how to shut up, and we couldn't get it through his head that even though he was starting to feel better, he had to COMPLETELY rest his voice!

He went to rehearsals, but was silent, and just acted out his parts while Lisa said his lines and sang his part. Finally on the last day of rehearsal before opening night he practiced with saying his lines and singing. Although he made it through, he said that his voice was definitely not all the way back, and it did hurt to sing the higher notes. Opening night came and right before his solo his head mic went out! Seriously! Luckily there were 2 more nights of performances and although he said he still struggled a bit with some of the higher notes, I think he did awesome, and I was so, so very proud.

His leading lady was the adorable daughter of one of my good friends and I think they sounded great together, and looked darling! So there's my proud mom moment. I really hope he decides to audition again next year...but we will definitely keep the other activities down to a minimum during the months of rehearsing and performing!

I can watch this recording over and over - even thought the sound of the recording doesn't do the performance justice. I forgot to mention that before this, I never knew my son could sing. I mean he sings in church, but he doesn't sing out, and I mean even I sing in church - and I can't sing! Before this he's only ever really been small parts and in the chorus for the musical. I was nervous for him performing because he would never sing for me, so I had no idea how he would sound! Although I admit he's no Josh Groban, I was pleasantly surprised, and as I might have mentioned before - extremely proud.

Friend Makin' Monday - Dating!

2011-11-07T12:15:00.004-07:00

What a fun topic, right?

I'm playing along with Kenlie's Friend Makin' Monday today! You should go link up and play too!

The topic is dating, and now onto the questions!

What is your current relationship status? (Be as specific as you’d like to be!

Married - 16 years this December!

List a few qualities that you look for in a significant other.

Kind, hardworking, dedicated to faith and family. Those are pretty much my 3 must haves (lucky my man has them!), but it doesn't hurt to be hot and hilarious as well.

If you could choose to date one character in TV or film, who would you choose? And which characteristics are most appealing?

Um, Hello! Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarret! Have you SEEN him? I think this clip speaks for itself:

Most appealing characteristics? Um - he's HOT, he can kick the crap out of anyone who messes with you, and he's HOT! I posted this especially for you Myya!

How long should you date before becoming exclusive?

Obviously this depends on the people and the situation. For me it took one day. Yeah, we met, and I was done dating anyone else.

What are your thoughts on public displays of affection?

Honestly, it grosses me out to see other people make out in public, and I don't do it myself. Hand-holding or a quick smooch is sweet - beyond that - keep it private please!

Do you kiss on the first date?

I have been known to, on occasion.

Biggest turn-off?

A foul mouth. Treat me with the respect to not use vulgar, crude or obscene language around me. And honestly it's not just a turn-off, but it makes you look significantly less intelligent. Also, smoking - gross.

What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?

Probably the eyes and smile. Then I move on from there - I like good-looking men, I'm not gonna lie.

How long do you/did you wait before becoming intimate?

Wow Kenlie! Getting personal here, aren't we? I believe in and practiced abstinence before marriage. Which may be the reason I met hubby in July and we were married in December!! Hehehe. Just Kidding! I really married him that quickly because I knew he was the one I was supposed to marry - so why wait?

Describe your dream date.

My idea of a dream date has certainly evolved over time, and especially after 16 years of marriage. My perfect date with my husband would include an overnight getaway in a nice hotel in downtown SLC. We would start the night off with a yummy dinner at any restaurant we were in the mood for - no matter what the price! It would be an early dinner, because we would need to be done in time to make it to a ReAL Salt Lake game - which of course we would dominate! It would have to be against Colorado or L.A. - because I can't stand them - so beating them would be fantastic for my perfect date night. After the game we would go somewhere fun for a yummy dessert. Then back to the swanky hotel with my cute hubby. We'd have some quality time , and a RESTFUL night's sleep without ANY kids crawling into our bed halfway through the night - or coming in crying because they feel like they're gonna throw up, or coming in crying because they DID throw up. And we'd SLEEP IN as late as we wanted!

Doesn't that sound perfect? No? Well, it does to me!

That was fun! Click here if you'd like to read more, or join in!

P.S. I have no idea why blogger showed my post with half of the sentences highlighted in white. And I have no idea how to get rid of it. Sorry.

Friday Confessional

2011-11-04T13:09:00.001-06:00

I'm confessing this week. Yeah, I need a little soul-cleansing.

I confess that I have been listening to Christmas music for weeks! And it makes me giddy!

I confess that I am listening to it right now! David Archuleta's Christmas From the Heart is fabulous - just FYI.

I confess that my next confession may make people want to punch me....but I confess that for me, Halloween is just something that needs to be endured to get to the REAL Holiday season. Yup, that's me - I do it for the kids, but I wouldn't be sad if Halloween got cancelled forever.

I confess that even though Halloween is not my favorite - I do put a lot of effort into helping my kids come up with costumes - and I'm sorta proud of how they turned out this year: (prepare for picture overload)

Ladybug

skeleton ballerina

And I'm not gonna lie - I am the most proud of turning Cowgirl into a Major League Soccer Player - our own team captain, Kyle Beckerman!

I had to do the lettering out of sticky foam sheets because Bookworm didn't want his RSL jersey permanently lettered!

The temporary dreads took me all morning, but they definitely were the perfect touch, along with the eyebrows and goatee!

And this is my favorite photo, taken at the team store next to a mural of Kyle - I can hardly tell the difference!

I confess that I totally just used Friday confessional to show off my kids and their costumes!

I confess that I'm trying to make my post sound more cheerful than I actually feel.

I confess that I am dreading tonight. It is not okay to be going to the viewing for a 13 year old boy. Especially when he is a former student at our school, and his siblings still attend, and I have a 13 year old boy of my own. I hate it.

He was struck by a car on his way to school Wednesday morning. You can read the article here, if you're in the mood to cry.

I confess that I can't begin to understand why these things have to happen. And to such good people.

I confess that I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ at times like these, and I don't know how people deal with the tragedies of life without that knowledge and comfort to bring them peace.

I confess that I really need to lighten the mood of this post now.

I confess that I think it was super hilarious of me to send MiMi this creepy satanic cat after her post about the mean cats. Don't y'all think it was hilarious?

I confess that I also thought it was super hilarious that one of her readers was offended, and compared hating cats to laughing at a handicapped person. Really? WTHeck?

I confess that every day since I made a commitment to eat better in order to lower my cholesterol, I have started out with a really healthy breakfast. Then, by the end of the day I have consumed pizza, or french fries, or a spicy chicken sandwich - something that is the complete opposite of heart healthy food. Let's see how today goes, shall we?

I confess that my house is a ginormous disaster, but I am so eager to put Christmas decorations up that I feel very motivated to get it whipped into shape the next couple of days. Anybody wanna come help?

And finally - I confess that I called the cops on a guy who is renting a room from my across the street neighbor. He wrecked his car, while DRUNK - then didn't call the police. And there is a huge "head print" in the passenger's side of his front windshield! Would you have done the same? I think if someone is hurt or worse, there should be something done about it. So call me a tattle tale, but I did what I thought should be done.

What do you have to confess? Go check out Mamarazzi's blog for more confessions, or to link up!

A Pinterest Linky Party? I am so there!!

2011-10-13T14:17:00.000-06:00

Yes, yes - it's been a couple of weeks. I was planning on blogging tomorrow anyway. But then I saw THIS. A PINTEREST linky party? I. could. die.

So the idea of the party? Link up something you tried that was inspired by something you saw on Pinterest. Well I'm telling you - I get all sorts of inspiration from Pinterest. All. Day. Long. Yeah, no problem in the inspiration department. It's the motivation department that needs work. You know, because a lot of hours can be spent being inspired. Just sayin' - it takes some time.

So here's my pinterest story. The inspiration:

So, instead of "Liked it, Pinned it, Did it"...my story is more of a "Liked it, Pinned it, Tried it."

Yeah, this totally didn't work. I followed the directions, sliced my pepper to the correct thickness per the instructions - cracked my eggs into the peppers. And instead of these tidy, flower-like eggs in peppers, my result was more like, peppers in eggs. The whites totally did not stay contained within the pepper rings. They ran all over the bottom of the pan, and the result was just some pepper rings sitting in my pan of fried eggs.

I bet you didn't think I would be linking up a Pinterest fail, did ya?

Hey - just keepin' it real. So, I don't know if it's just me, I mean SOMEBODY must have done them right to have them posted to Pinterest, right? So what do y'all think I did wrong?

Birthdays and Soccer, and Concerts - Oh, My!

2011-09-30T22:05:00.003-06:00

I'm coming up from beneath the piles of black and orange, and green and purple tulle to check in with my peeps.

Aside from the Halloween costume making - it's been a fun few weeks.

On the 17th, Hubby and I took Bookworm and a friend to the RSL v. Sporting KC game, followed by the One Republic post game concert. The tickets were a present for his birthday back in June (the concert was originally supposed to take place after a June match, but the band had to reschedule). The little punks wouldn't let me take any pictures for posterity's sake. The bums. But it was a great night. Mainly because we kicked trash. But the concert was good too. I'm not a die-hard fan by any means, I mean I probably wouldn't pay to go see them if they were touring, but they sounded great live. And I do enjoy their songs.

I'm pretty particular with my kids and their activities, and I'm very ~~over~~ just the right amount of protective, in public settings. Especially when there's a lot of public around. This was Bookworm's first concert. Following the game, fans were allowed to come down onto the field for the concert. All fans had to enter through the north gate. Since our seats were near the south goal, you can imagine that it took us FOREVER to make it to the other end and down to the grass. The kids were bummed that we had so many people who got there before us. I pulled up my big-girl, mama bear panties and told the boys that if they promised to stay together, and then wait for us at the big KFC sign after it was over, they could worm their way through the crowd and try to get closer to the stage. After the show, I ~~frantically~~ calmly made my way over to the big KFC sign. The grin on my son's face made my night, and he said "that was incredible!" Apparently they made it right up to the stage and had a perfect view.

We won't talk about the next two RSL games. We just won't.

Today is my sweet, beautiful Cowgirl's birthday. Her gift was surprise tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert 2 nights ago. Her first concert ever. Pixie was also included in the fun, and her ticket is an early gift for her upcoming birthday. So the three of us, along with my dear friend Kimberly had a fun night rocking out to Taylor Swift. I think she has some great songs, but the thrill for me was watching me girls excitement for their first concert. We had high seats, that weren't the best, as you'll see by the video, but it didn't stop them from singing along to every song and having a magical night! I couldn't help but break away from the action on the stage a couple of times, to take some video of my cuties performing themselves!

It's been a fun month of family time, and I just thought I'd take a break from costuming to share with y'all!

Starting the school year off right!

2011-09-21T22:35:00.002-06:00

How many 8 year olds can say that they've shared the ice with an Olympic Champion? AND in the same building he won silver and gold medals?

Thanks to the amazing Discovery program at her school, Pixie now can! She signed up for ice skating this session, and has learned figure skating, speed-skating and hockey. The ice skating class takes place at the Utah Olympic Oval, which was built to host skating competitions for the 2002 Winter Games, and is just down the street from our school. We are very fortunate to have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the oval, since before we even broke ground on our building.

Yesterday the kids had the opportunity to train with Derek Parra! If you don't know who he is, you're probably not obsessive about the Olympic Games like I am, particularly the ones that took place right in my back yard! It's been over 9 years, but it still feels like yesterday! Anyramble, Derek won Silver and Gold during those games, and he often comes back to take part in some of the programs the Oval runs. Including Pixie's Discovery class!

He's cute, no?

He was even cuter in person, and seriously the nicest guy! He was so good with the kids, and patient and funny. Pixie had a blast, and it was such a thrill for me to get to watch her have this opportunity.

He wasn't too good to get down and help fix the laces of a little boy's skate.

Or let a little girl "score" against a champion skater.

Then he taught her how to do a little victory dance - with singing and everything.

Here's pixie practicing taking the puck around the cones.

And practicing her skating maneuvers. Derek just skated right into the shot at the moment I took it!

Sorry for the low-quality dumb phone pictures. I forgot my camera.

Tomorrow is Cowgirl's last class for this Discovery session, and she has been in heaven being able to train at a local stable, and take horse-back riding lessons. Of course now she asks me for a horse for her birthday next week like every 5 minutes. I'll post pictures of her riding soon.

In the Middle School there is no Discovery (despite my best efforts). Instead we have our Adventure Program, where the students go out into the outdoor classroom overnight, or sometimes a few nights - and do fieldwork and their classroom learning in the natural world. It's very cool. Last week Bookworm and Hubby traveled with about 30 other students to Dinosaur National Monument for a 3 day science intensive. Unfortunately the husband didn't take any pictures - so I have to bug some of the other adults that chaperoned to see if they have any they can send me. Bookworm said it was an amazing experience and he learned so much. Much more than sitting in a classroom reading from a textbook. A few years ago on this trip, one of our students actually discovered a NEW fossil - it was a huge deal at our school, and made the news and everything!

So to say that my kids have had a fantastic beginning to the new school year would definitely be an understatement. I'm so grateful that our family is blessed to be involved with so many wonderful people, from those who helped get this school approved and opened, to the wonderful educators and administrators, and our partners in the community who help make these programs possible. One of my greatest fears as a mother was that my kids would have the same experience with school that I did. Which was basically so boring that I spent more hours skipping school than attending. I didn't care about my education, I wasn't engaged, and I can't get those years back to do it over the right way. This is the reason I got involved with the opening of this school, and the charter school movement in general. It has been one of the hardest, most time consuming things I have ever done. But it also ranks right up there as one of the most worth-while and rewarding.

It's too bad that it's really all my kids have ever known, so they don't actually realize how fortunate they truly are. But I'll take it.

Friend Makin' Monday...All About Me

2011-09-12T00:59:00.000-06:00

So....today I was going to make a deep, heartfelt post about yesterday, and the way our family commemorated the 10th anniversary of 9/11 - the emotions of the day, the conversations I had with my children.

But then I got called out by Kenlie. She said it was an "invitation"...but I know better. Good thing I like her. And I do like FMM, it's how I've made some of my dearest blog friends! Including you Kenlie!

So here's the deal - I'm going to answer the FMM questions and go link up over at Kenlie's. You do the same, and we can both find out more about each other! Only, y'all are probably sick of hearing about me by now! I'm not sure I'll even be revealing ANYTHING new to some of my regulars. If you are visiting for the first time - hello, and get ready to know more about me than you'd probably care to!

FMM: All About Me

1. What are your talents?

I have some hobbies - not sure how talented I am at any of them though! I play the piano, although I'm a little rusty these days, I enjoy crafting, and would say I'm a pretty decent cook.

2. What is your best habit?

I'm seriously drawing a blank here. Wow - that is eye opening - I mean I try to do good things, I don't totally suck as a person - but I'm not sure I have a "best habit". I guess I'm going to have to start a new good habit so I never find myself in this awkward situation again. Any suggestions? What good habit should I start?

3. If you had to be stuck with someone in an elevator for 8 hours, who would you want it to be?

Okay, the obvious answer would be my husband - because I would be a horrible wife if I didn't pick him, right? Plus, he IS the person who can keep me most calm in an alarming situation. HOWEVER, if he was stuck in there with me, who would be taking care of our kids? If I was stuck in an elevator for 8 hours, I would definitely want the peace of mind of knowing that our kids were with daddy while I couldn't be with them.

It would probably also make me a horrible wife if I said I pick Chris Wingert to be stuck with for 8 hours, right?

I have a few girlfriends that I know I could spend hours with and it would fly by like minutes - and I would have burned quite a few calories from laughing as well - so I'll go with one of them. Who knew such a simple question could be so complicated?

4. Share one odd fact about you that we’d never know to ask.

I have such severe acrophobia that even if I'm watching a TV show where someone gets close to a ledge, or is looking down from the top of a building or something - I literally get a sick feeling in my stomach, and sometimes even have to look away.

5. What’s your latest project (work, home, whatever you care to share?)

I am really, REALLY trying hard to get my "house" in order. And by house I don't just meant my dwelling, but truly get some order to my life, and that of my family, and our finances in particular. I have made some good progress, and am excited to share some of what I've accomplished. However my getting my house in order is putting a severe dent in my blogging time!

6. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?

Well really at this point it would be my weight. I know that's not really very original, but that is definitely what I am most unhappy about with my physical appearance.

7. What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? What's that? I plan on having spare time again someday, and then I would definitely like to spend it reading, and reading, and reading. To make up for all the books I haven't been able to read over the years - due to lack of time, and my serious problem of letting EVERYTHING fall by the wayside while I finish a book. Seriously - I just had to quit starting them, because my whole life becomes irrelevant until I finish that book.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve?

If I'm being honest, at the risk of offending or alienating any bloggers - political correctness. Our society has become so PC that you can't say ANYTHING without it offending someone, or getting misinterpreted in some way. I get so annoyed with being told what I can and cannot say, that sometimes I find myself using terms I would normally never use - but I just do it in defiance of those who are telling me it's not okay to use them!

9. Why do you blog?

The reasons have evolved over the years, but I currently blog for journal-keeping, and to keep up the great associations I have made through my blog. I love my bloggy friends!

10. Are you tidy or messy?

I'm a hot mess. But I'm working on it! Remember - a house of order.

11. What’s the last song that played on your iPod?

I haven't used my iPod in forever - I just play my itunes library on my laptop. I've been listening to lots of Taylor Swift lately, because I'm surprising my girls with a girls night with mom to her concert in a couple of weeks!

12. Do you cook? I do cook. Tonight I am making fajitas. Not with a mix. Mmmmm.

13. Do you like sports?

Are. you. kidding? I love sports. I'm a pretty competitive person, and I think sports satisfies that part of my personality. My teams are the Utah Jazz, anything BYU, and of course my favorite boys, ReAL Salt Lake.

14. How often do you read and/or watch the news?

Everyday…a few times a day.

15. Did you stick to your new Year’s resolution this year?

Still working on it.

16. What are you looking forward to most in the remainder of 2011?

Finishing Cowgirl's bedroom in the basement - there is beginning to be a light at the end of the tunnel!

17. Shoes, sunglasses or handbags?

I would pick them all if the budget allowed. For now I have to stick with shoes. And that means only 1 purse and 1 pair of sunglasses. Boo.

18. How do you feel about sleeping on satin sheets?

It seems like they would be slippery. Not sure how much I'd like them. Maybe one of you should send me some so I can test that theory.

19. Do you sing in the shower? Nope.

20. Describe yourself in one word. Loyal.

The blog-worthy week. Part 2

2011-09-05T23:31:00.000-06:00

Are you ready for part 2? If you haven't already read Part 1, you really need to do that now. No, for reals...I mean it. You just won't be able to appreciate part 2 if you haven't read part 1. So go here and do that right now.

Did you do it? I have a feeling that some of you didn't. Sigh.

So by Thursday afternoon, I was done. I woke up Friday with no small amount of trepidation over what THIS day might bring. I was seriously on high alert all day, wondering what was to befall me next. I spent the afternoon at the school, chaperoning Cowgirl's Discovery class. I KNOW I've told you all about Discovery and what an awesome program it is. Anyway Cowgirl is doing horseback riding for this session. We made it through the afternoon unscathed, and we got home from school, and I immediately went to the laptop, because you know...it had been ALL DAY. I only have a dumb phone, so I can't keep up on all the happenings when I'm separated from the laptop. I first checked my email.

I had an email from Utah@kfc4you. The subject line said: REAL tickets. Now I had completely forgotten that at the beginning of the week I had entered a FB contest to win 2 free tickets to Saturday's game. I opened the email, fully expecting something like, "thank you for entering our contest, we're sorry you didn't win. But enter this code for a discount while purchasing your tickets". You know some sort of apology for not winning followed by a sales pitch for some promotion.

Instead I read:

Hi Xazmin,

Congratulations on winning the KFC Utah contest!

You have won 2 free tickets to the September 3rd Real Salt Lake vs. Philadelphia game and a catered dinner courtesy of KFC in the SE VIP Tunnel at Rio Tinto Stadium.

I am not exaggerating even a little when I tell you I double fist-pumped the air and "whooped" out loud! My kids thought I was nuts. But after my week, I was STOKED to have my luck finally turning!

And it just. gets. better.

Date night rolled around, and hubby and I headed to Carnival ReAL (little carnival they have the few hours before the game starts), to pick up our tickets at the KFC booth. So the guy hands me the envelope, and it is FAT. Like way fatter than 2 tickets should be. He says, "Here are your tickets, and your VIP field passes to get you to your seats. Head down the stairs and the reception area is in the south east tunnel." Say whaa?

We followed the couple in front of us who were also sporting VIP field passes around their necks, and headed down, down, down the stairs into the SE tunnel. There were all these cute little tables set up with table cloths and little center pieces and everything! And a KFC spread for us to eat to our heart's content. Now, I'm not gonna lie, KFC isn't my favorite. But cooking or paying for dinner isn't my favorite either - so I wasn't complaining! PLUS I do triple heart their mashed potatoes and gravy. They also had dessert for us at half-time!

Now why did we need the VIP field-passes? Oh yeah, because we had to get down to the FIELD. You know, where our seats were! Like in FRONT of the cement barrier that separates the FIRST row of seats from the field. Like where the ball boys stand? There was a cute little row of RSL camp chairs that we got to sit in! Oh, and after the game we got to take them home with us!

Here are our cute camp chairs:

And this is how close I was to Kyle Beckerman...Tanielle was ticked when I sent her the pic.

What could be more fabulous than an evening (FREE) with my favorite guy, watching my favorite boys play some awesome soccer? Oh, winning. Yeah that would make it even better. And we did. That's right - it was an awesome game and we were victorious.

The only less than perfect aspect of the night was the fact that my boy Chris Wingert is out with a broken wrist. Boo. But don't worry Myya - I'm still going to post some new pictures for your viewing pleasure.

So, after a really, really craptastic week, the weekend turned out to be quite lovely. I had a wonderful, much deserved (by both of us!) date-night with my handsome hubby, and we didn't have to pay for any of it! We had awesome seats, adequate dinner, and a fabulous time screaming our heads off for our favorite team.

So concludes my story of the blog-worthy week. And here's to no more rotten luck, but hopefully many more soccer date nights! And free would be nice too.

The blog-worthy week. Part 1

2011-09-04T18:44:00.002-06:00

Well, as you know - I've sort of put blogging on the back-burner while I try to get some things done, and get my household in order. However, sometimes a week is just TOO blog-worthy to NOT get it recorded!

For those of you who are on FB with me, you already may know some of the details, so I apologize. Let's start at the beginning. I woke up on Monday morning, feeling cheerful and ready to embrace the week. My facebook status read: "It's going to be a good week. I can tell".

Well, Tuesday we woke up to discover that someone had tried to steal gas from the carpet cleaning van, by cutting the fuel hose. They didn't get any. But that was really a very small consolation, considering the fact that the repair wasn't something hubby could do on his own. It ended up being an $800 repair bill. It really put a damper on the week that was supposed to be good. Not to mention that it put hubby in a really lovely mood. Luckily the shop was able to get the repairs done in one day, so we only had one job that had to be rescheduled.

Our van is too tall to fit in our garage, so hubby had been parking it on the curb at the side of our house (we have a neighbor that complains if we park it in the front). He decided that he needed to have it in the driveway after the vandalism/fuel stealing incident. So he pulled the van and trailer up into the driveway. Well, Wednesday morning we woke up to a ticket. Because it was overlapping the sidewalk. I wasn't sure my husband could be in an ornerier mood - but he proved that he absolutely could!

Cue Thursday. I get up early and fix my kids some fabulous turkey sandwiches with lettuce and pickles to pack in their lunches. We get everyone ready and out the door. Hubby returns from dropping the kids off, and I head to the kitchen to put the lunch-making mess away. I pick up the package of turkey, and accidentally hold it upside down. Turkey juice runs down my hand and arm. Gross. I put the turkey away, and rinse off my hand, then grab the pickles to stick them in the fridge. I forgot to mention that this is no ordinary jar of pickles. It is a ginormous, Costco-size 62 ounce jar of pickles. Since my hands are still wet from rinsing the turkey juice off, that ginormous jar of pickles just slips right out of my hands and shatters onto the kitchen tile. Yes I did swear at that point.

But Thursday wasn't finished with me yet. Here's what Jeremy brought home from our vehicle safety inspection:

I sense they really wanted to try to make us feel good about our failure, don't you think?

So I need to get my car in to have the emergency brake adjusted. The same emergency brake that has needed to be adjusted since we bought the thing 3 years ago, and has passed inspection every single time. Because tell me - have you ever actually had to USE your emergency brake in an emergency? Yeah, me neither.

This brings us to the weekend - which was blog-worthy as well. If you want to find out how this week ended, make sure to come back tomorrow and I'll tell you the rest!

Part 2

Back to School Blues....

2011-08-17T02:58:00.002-06:00

I know it's been a while. But I have to say...it's amazing what one can get done when not spending 75% of the day - butt glued to couch, eyes glued to monitor. But I do miss everyone.

Tonight I'm feeling sort of emotional. Not sure why, really. Perhaps it's because a week from today my 3 oldest will return to school - each a year older, starting a new chapter at this school we have poured so much of ourselves into. I'm sitting here in the dark, while the rest of my family sleeps, and I feel so blessed for the family I have, and at the same time so inadequate to be in charge of them - not sure I am doing my best to help them become all they are meant to be. My heart is full as I think of each of my children sleeping in their rooms, and as often happens while they are sleeping, all the things that seemed to get under my skin throughout the day, or during the week, seem so inconsequential. And then comes the guilt for not being more patient, for letting the things I needed to get done rob us of an opportunity to just "hang out", or chat, or have a tickle fight. I think back through the day, reflect on the week, and wonder if I have shown and told them enough how much I love them. Have I built them up? Have I helped them know that they are valued beyond measure in my life? At night time I worry. Worry that I am not the mother they deserve.

I haven't blogged in such a long time. Not only because I have really been trying to get things done around here that need doing, but also because I haven't felt that I had something entertaining, or witty, or funny enough to share. But the thing is, there has been much about my family to record. I just always fear becoming one of those bloggers who people get bored with because they are sick of all their family stories. But I'm getting over that, and blogging about my family this week, because they are truly what my life is about.

Tonight Bookworm is on my mind in particular. I can't believe how quickly my firstborn has grown into a young man. It's a little hard for me to deal with, I'm not going to lie. I am constantly faced with tougher and tougher decisions. He is at that in-between age where it's really hard to decide if a certain activity/show/topic is something he is still "too young" for. It's such a fine line at 13 years of age. But I am often struck by what a fine young man he is growing into.

He recently returned from Scout Camp, where sadly he grew up just a little bit more than a mother would hope for her young son. Tragedy struck at the Bear Lake Aquatics camp where my son's troop was participating. The neighboring troop lost one of their scouts to an accidental drowning. Our troop helped them break camp early so they could start their somber trip back to Las Vegas. My husband was chaperoning and made sure to let me know as soon as something had happened, that it wasn't one of our boys. It didn't make me hurt any less for those poor parents whose boy wouldn't be returning home from camp this year. I'll be honest - I get a knot in the pit of my stomach every time my son leaves for Scout Camp, and it doesn't leave until the moment he walks back through the front door. My heart still aches when I think about those parents.

Our troop was in charge of the "cheer" for flag ceremony the morning the Las Vegas troop returned home. Instead of a cheer they decided to sing "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." They then led the rest of the troops in singing it - over 300 scouts singing in tribute to this young man. My husband said there were many wet eyes in that group of boys and men, including his own.

My son returned home to me, safe and sound, and perhaps just a little bit more understanding, and patient with his mom regarding her irrational fears and worry whenever he leaves for camp. Hopefully.

Bookworm is entering the 8th grade this year and it's about to put me over the edge! I really don't feel old enough to have a son in 8th grade. But I guess no matter how I complain, time isn't going to quit moving forward, just to please me. So I guess it's my wake-up call to stop spending so much time on the urgent "stuff", and start making time for the important things.

The sunrise brings a new day - a new chance to try harder, to love better, and to live more. I can't wait to wake my kids up, and tell them how very much I love them.

We Want To Know Wednesday!

2011-07-06T15:54:00.003-06:00

Haven't blogged since Bookworm's Birthday post. Not going to apologize - I figure that crap's getting old. I've been crazy busy, and I guess I'll just have to blog and visit when I can - and hopefully you'll all still love me by the time I get around to being back here on a regular basis!

I love WWTKW, and it gives me a great blogging prompt....thanks Impulsive Addict, Mamarazzi, Shawn and Janette for providing me with Wednesday blogging material!

So here goes the Q&A!

1. Name five of your favorite new blogs that you're reading.
As I mentioned previously - I haven't been too up on the blog reading. However I HAVE been spending some time reading money saving, and homemaking blogs, because I have seriously gotta up my game in those departments!!
2. When you were a young child or teenager, did you have an idea of how many children you wanted and what their names would be? Did you follow through on your ideas?
I always wanted to have 4 children, and the names I picked evolved as I grew up. I ended up not remembering/using any of the names I picked out in my youth. I do have 4 kids - but now I'm thinkin' that's not enough.
3. What is the silliest thing you fight with someone about? It could be your spouse, sibling, parents, co-worker, etc.
My husband and I fight over fabric softener sheets. Yes, you heard right. I think they create a buildup in your dryer parts that are a fire hazard, and it also ruins the flame-resistance on children's clothing (don't laugh - it's true!). Hubby doesn't care about fire hazards - he just gets ticked that his clothes have static.
4. What is your favorite scent that others may not find very nice?Ex. gasoline, sweat from your sweetie, etc.
Oh, where to begin. I love the smell of most things with "fumes". Permanent marker, gasoline, nail polish, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol. I tell ya - if I were ever going to be a druggie (which I'm NOT) - I would totally be a huffer. Don't tell, k?
5. What are your thoughts on plastic surgery? (Have you had it? Want it? Regrets?)
I have never had plastic surgery, and I have sort of a hard time with the idea of plastic surgery for vanity's sake. That being said, I have friends who HAVE had it, simply for cosmetic reasons, and I don't think less of them. I guess I just don't get it. On the other hand, severe deformities that truly impact the quality of a person's life are something that I have no qualms about people having plastic surgery to correct.
So there you have it. I'd love to hear your opinions on these thought-provoking questions! Click the button if you wanna link up, and a special thanks for the questions for this week, courtesy of:
HomeSickCajun LindiciousLife

JessicaMcCoy
Amy@991

Today I am officially the mom of a teenager.

2011-06-29T22:37:00.010-06:00

I don't know if I'm more traumatized by how quickly my little boy is growing up, or by the fact that I'm OLD enough to have a teenager! GAH!

When Bookworm was a baby, he was so beautiful - with piles of black hair, dark skin, and big gorgeous brown eyes - that EVERYONE we ran into complimented me on how adorable SHE was. I would have him dressed in overalls and a baseball cap and people still thought he was a girl!

Hubby and I were pretty much zombies for the first 2 months - Bookworm did NOT like to sleep, or go long without eating. He slept the longest when we held him, so this was a common sight.

When he was 2 years old he saw a violin, and asked me what it was. For the next 3 years he asked me when he was going to get a violin. I finally looked into it, found a good rental program with a local violin-maker, and he started his violin lessons. It's turned out to be one of the best investments we ever made. He has now graduated from his beginning violin teacher to a professional teacher - one who plays second chair violin for the Utah Symphony! He has become quite a beautiful violinist, and continues to develop his talent, although I'm not gonna lie, he doesn't always practice without complaint!

Bookworm's first word was "basketball", or as he said it "bakabaw". We often had the Jazz games on TV during his toddlerhood, and he thought all African-American men played basketball! We only have like 10 black guys in Utah (name that movie fellow-Utahns!) - so he only ever saw any on TV during the NBA games! It was pretty funny. Anytime we happened to see one of the 10 black guys in Utah at the store or something - he would point and say "Bakabaw! Bakabaw! Then he graduated to saying "Karl Malone! Karl Malone!" He is currently having a great time learning and developing his skills on the court with a local summer rec league.

He is also a fabulous artist. He loves to draw and each picture he draws amazes me more than the next. Of course he loves reading - hence his bloggy alias, "Bookworm". He is smart, and talented, and funny - and if you couldn't tell I am a little bit proud of him.

But more than his talents, or his brains, or his quick wit - the thing that makes me most proud is what a genuine good kid he is. He is kind and thoughtful to his peers. He keeps his standards high, in the way he talks, the music he listens to, and the things he watches on TVor in movies. He loves the Lord and tries hard to live the standards of our faith. He is a good example to those around him, and I know that this above any of his other qualities will take him so far in life.

Last year in the school musical - Seussical, Jr.

Happy 13th Birthday Bookworm! I love you more than life and couldn't be prouder of my oldest child, and only son.

Blogging's not the only thing I've let slide...

2011-06-27T22:33:00.010-06:00

Don't feel bad for my neglect. I've been bailing out of stuff all over the place.

Lately I've been feeling like my children's lives are passing me by. I'm too busy on the computer, or fulfilling a church responsibility, or a commitment with the school. So for the past few weeks I've been putting those things on the back-burner, instead of my children.

I played hooky from 2 school-board events. One was the keynote dinner for the State Charter School Conference (I still attended classes the next day). And the other was a Leadership Team meeting to create the school action plan for next year. In all actuality, I wasn't needed at this meeting. I'm just the board advisor for the Leadership Team, which is made up of our director, and key representatives from the staff. It was really their meeting to have, and their action plan to create. I would have just been the pesky board member that was there "monitoring", and hanging with my kids sounded more fun than that.

We're trying to schedule a board meeting before the end of the month - Thursday was suggested as a date. I told them if they wanted to hold it without me, it was okay, but that Thursday is Bookworm's birthday, so I wouldn't be available. I sound like a total slacker, I know.

The truth is, I LOVE being involved in the key decision-making that affects the education of my children. However, there comes a point when I am spending so much time "abandoning" my kids to go to this school meeting, or that conference, that the negative impact starts to outweigh the positive. The first week that school was out, I was back at the school without my kids 3 times! One of the days lasted from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.! And all the while my kids sat at home without mom during their first week of summer break. Boooooo!

I've put my home and doing stuff with my kids as my first priorities, and then if I can fit the others in, I will. As you can tell, I haven't fit blogging in very well....but I'll keep trying!

So here's some of the fun stuff we've been up to:

Bookworm and Hubby headed out for yet another scout camp. While they were gone the girls and I had a movie-night/sleepout in the living room. And the next day after a short stop to a bridal shower open house I was invited to, we headed to the mall for the afternoon to check out all the girlie stores that Bookworm and Daddy hate going into.

A couple of weekends ago we went on a little overnight camping trip with my family, and my SIL's family. Tent sleeping, dutch-oven meals and lots and lots of bug spray - now THAT's what I'm talkin' about! I was so lame and forgot to take ANY pictures!

We took a drive up the canyon last week to check out the INSANELY high and fast water (from the safety of inside our car!), and then got out at the top and enjoyed the beauty of the green of spring, mingled with the snow of winter still lingering. Have I ever told you how much I love my mountains?

Bookworm signed up for a summer basketball league, so every Tuesday night when he goes to practice with Hubby, the girls and I play at the park next to the rec center. We even scored some cheap-o badminton rackets and birdies at the dollar store, and they usually accompany us as well.

Another new tradition the girls and I have started is Wednesday night crafts. Bookworm has scouts on Wednesday nights, and Hubby is usually at work, so we've decided to do crafts (which bookworm usually turns his nose up at) while we're home together on Wednesday nights. Our craft last week was paint chip sample bookmarks. Here's where I learned about them. This week we're doing patriotic crafts.

Tonight for Family Home Evening, after Pixie gave us a short, meaningful lesson, we drove downtown to the Gateway and the girls played in the fountain with daddy watching and laughing, while Bookworm and I spent some leisurely time browsing the bookstore. I love that my son inherited my love for books!

So as you can see, although I have once again neglected my blogging - the time has been well spent elsewhere! I hope you all are enjoying your summer, and your families as much as I am!

We Want To Know Wednesday!

2011-06-15T09:59:00.005-06:00

Time for another edition of WWTK Wednesday hosted by Janette, Mamarazzi, Shawn and Impulsive Addict. This week's Q's are courtesy of Mamarazzi:

{1} You have been asked to give a 10 minute speech to teenage girls. What is it about?
Definitely Self-respect. And how girls need to respect themselves and show that respect in the way they dress, the way they talk, and the way they behave.

{2} Do you have a pet? Tell us about them. No pets? Why?

We currently have 2 pets. First we have Ty, she has been with us for about 3 years. She and Monkey were both 1 at the time we got her, and her gentleness, despite Monkey's annoyances is what made us decide she was a keeper.

Ty and Pixie watching a movie.

Then we have Speckle. He (she?) was one of the frogs Pixie's class raised for their Learning Expedition on the life of a frog. Lucky for us (please hear the sarcasm), Pixie was one of the winners in the drawing her class had at the end of the year to see who got to take the pet frogs home. Nice.

{3} What is the biggest inconvenience about the place you’re currently living?

Our house is pretty convenient to everything as far as shopping, hospitals, entertainment, etc. I would have to say that the road turning out of our neighborhood can get pretty busy - so probably the inconvenience of trying to turn left out of our neighborhood during rush hour.

{4} What do you think is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?

Marrying my husband, for sure.

{5} What are the THREE "nevers" of your life? (things you would never do or have never done)

I have never smoked or drank alcohol.

I would never do drugs.

I would never get a tattoo.

So there you have it. I'll be by to see everyone's answers later tonight!

I confess.

2011-06-10T11:49:00.003-06:00

I confess that it's been awhile. I haven't blogged in a bit. I just haven't been feeling it.

I confess that my heart is heavy, with some stuff that's been going on. And I just haven't felt like keeping up on my blog.

I confess that I still miss everyone though.

I confess that I'm already overwhelmed with the amount of summertime commitments that are piling up. The calendar is beginning to give me heartburn.

I confess that I have a fun new addiction. I'll share next week.

I confess that my family has too many clothes, and I hate laundry. So I'm considering the idea of keeping 1 outfit per day of the week for everyone and throwing out everything else!!

I confess that I have slept late every morning except for 1 since the kids got out of school.

I confess that that trend will likely continue throughout the remainder of the summer.

I confess that I'm terribly sad to learn that my favorite dancer, Alex Wong will not be participating in this season of SYTYCD.

I confess that I have still found myself sucked into the show this year though. Despite my determination last season that I wasn't going to watch again.

I confess that I already have some favorites, as well as a couple UNfavorites.

I confess that I haven't done anything today, so it is time for me to get off the computer and get some stuff done.

For more confessions, or to link up your own. Click the button now!

all crammed into one blog post...

2011-05-30T23:22:00.007-06:00

So aside from the ultra-depressing rain (and I know I have no reason to complain considering the calamities many other parts of the country have been facing), I actually have had quite a lot going on in my family that has kept me rather absent in the land of blog.

Let's see if I can cram it all into one blog post.

For Bookworm's final overnight fieldwork, their class went to the Krishna Gardens to perform service. For their learning expedition (It's a big long description - if you'd like to hear what a learning expedition is - email me!) the students were creating and publishing an urban farming manual. It turned out fantastic. They went to Krishna gardens, and all the kids ended up doing work in 2 days that it would have taken the monks a few weeks to finish.

Hubby chaperoned, and sent me a few pictures from inside the temple...

The temple from the outside.

The kids working (?) outside...bookworm is in the green shirt.

When Hubby went to the parent information meeting that the chaperons are required to attend before the trip...he came home and the first words out of his mouth were, "VEGETARIAN!! We have to eat VEGETARIAN while we're there!" It was pretty funny. But not as funny as when Bookworm got home from the trip and immediately opened the freezer saying "bacon, chicken, do we have ANY meat?? I haven't had meat for 2 days!" But my hilarity topped it all, when he got done telling me all about the trip and asked what we did, I said, "Oh, we watched American Idol for girls' night, and ate bacon cheeseburgers, and sausage pizza". He flipped out. But that's not really what we did.

Our Relief Society was putting on a mother/daughter night where they had different "stations" and you got to do different activities with your daughters. We went to the pedicure station. We were trained in administering pedicures to each other, first the moms on the daughters, and then the daughters giving their moms pedicures. Well, I teamed up with Monkey, and Cowgirl and Pixie paired up. It was a fabulous night for us girls.

Here my friend Kimberly (she was the pedicure station teacher) is helping Monkey administer the paraffin wax to my feet.

Now she is applying the cooling gel.

It was pretty funny, she got really into it, and was quite proud of herself.

This was on Wednesday night. Bookworm returned from the camp out on Thursday. Friday at the school was the Pedals for Hope kick off assembly. You can click here if you want to read all about what it is, but it is a big fundraiser for cancer research our school does every year. Part of the assembly is dedicated to Locks of Love. My girls donated 2 years ago, and were waiting for their hair to be long enough to do it again. Unfortunately Cowgirl's class had dress rehearsal for their Pioneer Musical on that day, so she couldn't participate. But lucky for Pixie, she had her fabulous, amazing teacher there to participate with her and give her courage!

Actually it was the other way around! Ms. T has ALWAYS had long hair, and was having major anxiety about chopping it off! Here the 2 of them are immediately after the big "chop". That's my sweet friend Kimberly (yes the same Kimberly that does pedicures!) in the background - she was one of the stylists who volunteered their time to chop the hair, then stay after school to style the hair of all those who had donated.

Pixie really loves her new short hair.

This brings us to Friday evening. Bookworm had been home from the school camp out for 1 night, and it was time to head to scout camp! So I had to have him all packed and ready again! He left Friday afternoon. Unfortunately he had to miss Cowgirl's big night. She had one of the leads in the 4th grade musical about the Mormon pioneers, which is what their learning expedition was on this semester. She was the mother of one of the families. The students wrote the script themselves and it was really, really fantastic. I couldn't be prouder of all of them, and Cowgirl did a wonderful job.

Here she is after the performance, Monkey couldn't let her have the spotlight to herself for a moment longer, and insisted on being in the picture with her.

I really feel incredibly blessed to be able to have our family involved in such worthwhile activities with amazing people helping to make it possible. I love, love, LOVE our school. It takes a lot out of me, and sometimes I complain about my involvement and the time it takes - but it is so worth it to have a voice in the way my children are educated. And our teachers are amazing, and incredible, and so dedicated. The way of teaching in an Expeditionary Learning school is hard. And demanding, and takes so much more than typical lesson planning, and I am grateful to have teachers who are up to the challenge, and put so much into making our school the amazing place that it is.

Anyramble....this brings us to Saturday. The girls final soccer games of the season. They both won! Woohoo! Cowgirl's coach pulled me aside and told me that she was good enough to play in the competition league, and that we should consider trying out. It was a great feeling to hear him say that. After looking into the expense, and time commitment, we decided that it wasn't right for our family right now. But it was still awesome to have him say that! For the team's final hoorah, he put together a moms vs. kids soccer game with us moms playing the team. They thought they were so tough, and we were so old. Guess who won? Even when they CHEATED, and the ref (their coach) cheated for them, we still won! I may or may not have biffed it one or three times. Yes there are pictures...and no I am not posting them!

I know there's more, but reliving this week through this post has made me tired all over again! So just know that my absence has been due to other worthy activities...promise!

And if you're still reading this - I know you must really love me, because it feels like I have been working on this post for HOURS...so it must be the longest blog post in history, right? So sorry IA, I know how you hate these!

I guess that's it for now, I'll post more as I remember more, because I know I left something out! I miss everyone and hope to be by soon to visit you!

Friday Confessional

2011-05-27T11:05:00.005-06:00

I confess....

I've super missed you guys during my little blogging hiatis.

I confess...

that all the busy-ness and happenings in my life have been much of the reason for my lack of blogging, but also - I think I've just been sorta depressed and unmotivated. It just. keeps. raining. I cannot handle it - I don't know how you people who live in Oregon and Washington and other rainy places deal with it day in and day out.

I confess...

that I ducked out of my board meeting early last night. I really tried to hang in there, but I started getting SO SICK. I was dying of heat, and feeling dizzy and nauseated, I could barely sit up in my seat. I have no idea what happened, but I finally had to tell the chair that I could not sit there any more, and I had to leave.

I confess that I super heart Scotty McCreery, and I'm so so so so glad he won American Idol.

I confess that I am super excited to have So You Think You Can Dance back on the air because I am super, duper excited to see my last season favorite who had to pull out due to injury back on the show.

I confess that when I was at the airport in Portland I saw this:

and then deliberately used an excessive amount of paper towels to dry my hands. And I thought it was hilarious.

I confess that I texted that picture and my confession to a friend you may all know, and she thought I was hilarious too.

I confess that I am both immensely amused, and at the same time a little worried about this girl's diva-ish ways. I think we might be in trouble down the road....

And finally, I confess that I am seriously grateful for my amazing family and friends. I am truly blessed to have them in my life, and I don't say it enough.

If you wanna check out more confessions, or link up yourself, just click on the button!!

Pssst. I'm still here!...

2011-05-26T01:28:00.002-06:00

I promise to tell you what I've been up to in my absence (it's all really good stuff, I promise!), but for now, I just wanted to tell you about a giveaway that I just entered. I might be too late, I'm not sure - but I'm trying anyway! MiMi is hosting it, and it is for a really great prize from her friend Erin! Go check it out!

Too bad my post is going up so late...

2011-05-13T11:24:00.002-06:00

Because I really wanted it to be up at midnight and be the first to publicly wish my fabulous, hilarious, amazingly wonderful friend MIMI the Happiest of Birthdays!

Go over and wish her a Happy one!!!

KThanks!

We Want To Know Wednesday!

2011-05-11T07:27:00.004-06:00

Hi friends! Time for another edition of WWTK Wednesday!

Here we go!

1. What game show have you always thought you could be on and totally WIN!

I don’t know if I could win, but I have always thought it would be fun to be on The Family Feud. I maybe could win, though. I usually do better than the contestants. Sometimes their answers are totally dumb.

2. Do you have a tattoo(s)? What are they and what made you chose them? If not, would you get one, yes/no/why?

No I don’t, and no I wouldn’t. First off, I am a wuss. Me no likey pain. Second, my religion discourages tattoos, and I try to do what I’m supposed to! Luckily this one’s an easy one for me to obey!

What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?

I honestly mostly have cheap jewelry from Target and stuff. I have jewelry ADD, and need different/new stuff all the time. So I gotta go cheap. That being said, I would have to go with my wedding ring – because of what it symbolizes. Also – my wedding ring is totally not from Target. I’m not THAT white trash.

3. What is your driving pet peeve(s)?

People who don’t use their turn signal. Also when I see people smoking with kids in their car. Pisses me off. Number one pet peeve? The one that makes me wanna jerk the wheel and slam into the driver (only)? When children are not in car seats or seatbelts. I especially love when the parent is buckled in, but their kids are climbing all over the car. Jerkwads.

4. What was your favorite sitcom growing up that you wish was still on?

This is a tough one. I LOVED the shows like Bewitched, I dream of Jeanie, The Cosby Show, The Brady Bunch. I don’t know if I could pick just one. Oh yeah, LOVED Punky Brewster.

Also, The Brady Bunch IS still on – my kids love it. It is super cheesy now. Just sayin’.

Wanna play? Click the button, and thanks to Impulsive Addict, Mamarazzi, Shawn, and Janette for hosting!

Peeee Esssss! If you are my friend on FB - I DESPERATELY need your help winning a contest. Check out my status if you want to help me! And you KNOW you do!!

Every cell phone sim card tells a story....

2011-05-10T13:11:00.009-06:00

Do you ever wonder what people might think of your life if they found your phone and started flipping through your pictures? You don't? Okay, I'm just weird like that.

I recently got a new phone, and I decided to pull all the pictures from my sim card (I don't even know if that's how you spell "sim"), and put them on my computer, just so I would have them, you know, just in case.

I was browsing through the folder today, and thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

This is Pixie and Monkey, playing around on the treadmill (which is against the rules) but they just looked so sweet, I had to snap a pic!

This is the cake I made for Monkey's first birthday (her birthday is in October). I used to make cute birthday cakes a lot. Hmmm. I need to try that again.

Ice-fishing shot that hubby sent me of Bookworm's first time ice-fishing. It was on scout camp.

He caught the 2 biggest!

Cowgirl modeling the super cute outfit she found while we were out shopping.

The artwork I found, courtesy of Monkey, when I went in to use the bathroom a few weeks ago. Yes, that is sharpie, and no, it did not come completely out. Just more to add to my white-trash rep. I got goin' on. When she was getting in trouble by her dad, he asked her what it said. She replied "it says, 'My dad is so awesome'". Where did this girl come from?

This is one of the most hilarious girls ever. She used to be one of my Young Women. Now she's all grown up (ripe old age of 18). "L" and I were at the mall with our friends "K" and "H". L found this set of furry accessories and had to model them. Including, bag, boots, gloves, weird shawl/vest thingie, and hat. Doesn't she look hot?

L and K go to school together. This is the high quality work they do while trying to stay awake in class. I got this text from them one night with the caption "this is what we do in class. We drew a hot man for you."

K sent me this and I thought it was freaking awesome. So I saved it.

Here's Monkey at Bookworm's last violin recital. It is a "parlor recital" held in the formal living room of his teacher. She crawled down on the floor and went to sleep under the chair.

A very, VERY rare ocurrance (this happend a few years back), my 3 oldest in the hallway looking at a book together. Too good a photo-op to pass up!

This was at a family baby shower. My 2 aunts who do not see each other except at the occasional family function showed up in IDENTICAL outfits. HAD to get a picture of that!

There are tons more pictures that I took for some reason or another. But we'll stop here for today. What story do your cell phone pictures tell about you?

p.s. If you are my friend on facebook - I am trying to win something. If you love me a lot, will you go check out my status and help me win? Pretty Please??

Tribute to Javi

2011-05-09T08:25:00.002-06:00

If losing the CONCACAF championship in the final leg was a devastating disappointment, what happened Saturday can only be described as crushing. Tragic. A crippling blow to Real Salt Lake.

Javier Morales. Midfielder #11. In the world of Major League Soccer, his name is well-known.

One of the most talented players in the league. And undoubtedly THE best player on our team.

The stadium erupts in thunderous applause and yelling whenever his name is announced in the starting line-up.

His exciting plays ALWAYS energize both the fans, and his teammates.

Not only is he admired for his skill on the soccer field, but those who know him are quick to share that he is a great footballer, but an even better person. A good guy. A class act.

Today he lays in the hospital, about to undergo surgery.

A reckless tackle early in the game left him on the ground in pain, unable to get up. He suffered a dislocated fracture. Or in other words, a broken tibia, a broken fibula, and dislocated ankle, as well as torn ligaments.

The game came to a standstill for nearly 8 minutes. There are no time-outs in soccer. But you can’t play when the field is full of medics.

The foul takes place just past the 2 minute mark. In the highlights, between 1:58-2:55, you can see it all unfold. We run the gamut from a promising play, to a disastrous injury, to a furious team captain, to the disheartening image of our star play-maker being wheeled off the field to an awaiting ambulance. I have never, ever seen our captain Kyle Beckerman (# 5, in dreadlocks) lose his cool like this. I’m surprised he didn’t throw a punch. You really should check it out. (link here if video doesn't work)

As awful as it was for us fans to watch from the stands, wondering what was happening, and then seeing him wheeled off in a stretcher, I can’t imagine what it must have felt like for his wife and young son.

There is another short clip of the incident here, but I warn you, it is from a different angle, and much more graphic.

I’m not sure how much more our team’s morale can withstand. I realize that soccer is just a game. But for these players, it is their passion, as well as their livelihood. They’re not multi-million dollar-salaried athletes like other professional sports figures. In fact I would be willing to bet that I have some readers whose household income is greater than the salary of our highest paid player.

The team managed to pull themselves together enough to take the win, teammate Will Johnson scoring the winning goal, and of course dedicating it to his friend and teammate. But the team was visibly shaken, and the victory was bittersweet.

Javi will be out for the rest of the season, but fortunately is expected to be able to come back to the game. In the meantime, he is not a player who is difficult for us to replace – he is a player who is impossible for us to replace. We have a team full of talent, but Javi is undoubtedly one of a kind. His fire and skill will be missed greatly. But I do feel we have a team with incredible talent – enough to continue a winning season. If only they can get past the discouragement that has currently settled upon their collective shoulders.

For now I (along with thousands of other RSL fans) send much love and many prayers the way of Javi and his family.

The field will not be the same until #11 is back making plays.

p.s. I had not intended to make another soccer post so soon, but I had to get it down while it was still fresh as this blog is not only a way for me to keep in touch with you fab bloggy friends, but is also my journal.

2011-05-08T00:28:00.002-06:00

“She who can paint a Masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, …long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have decayed or shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God. In her high duty and service to humanity…, she is co-partner with the Creator himself.”

~ President David O. McKay

Happy Mother’s Day!

May's Monthly Vlog

2011-05-04T23:18:00.002-06:00

Well, I did it again. Although I'm fashionably late. So maybe nobody will stop by and watch. Yeah, that would be good. Shawn, I am super sorry that this video isn't as short as the rules said. After the purse thing took so long, I didn't want to go back and re-record everything just to cut down the purse bit. And I'm not super talented at editing like some people. But here's a solution - if you don't have the time (and I know you're super busy), you can totally just skip mine! I won't mind - promise! Also, it's not as long as Mamarazzi's. Just sayin'.

Also, Emmy and Beth helped out with suggestions for this month's Vlog.

Here goes nothin'.

And awesome still frame that it chose to use (don't ask me what "it" is). Love that.

Want to watch more people brave the challenge of the vlog? Click the button.

We Want To Know Wednesday!

2011-05-04T10:59:00.003-06:00

It's time for WWTK Wednesday with Impulsive Addict, Shawn, Mamarazzi, and Janette. I missed last week, so I'm excited to play again today.
Today IA asks us the following questions.
1. If money didn't matter, where would your perfect vacation take place? Briefly describe.

I know most people would choose some exotic, different country location. But for me, something I would absolutely love is to spend about 3 weeks back East. I would go to New York, and of course visit all the fun NYC sites, and the shopping, and the shows. But then I would visit upstate. There are many significant LDS church historical sites, as that is where Joseph Smith was living when he organized the church. I would love to stand in those sacred places. As well as the church historical sites, I would go to Boston. American history is a passion of mine and to be amongst all that history and stand where our Founding Fathers stood, and just soak it all in, and share that with my family – that would be the perfect vacation.

2. What's a bad habit that you have {or had} that is/was hard to break?

Staying up way past my bedtime. I am such a night owl. Every night I tell myself that I am going to be in bed by 10:30. And I just can’t seem to do it. It has always been a problem for me, going to bed – but it is worse since my husband works nights. Once the kids are all asleep, and hubby is at work, it is my time to be alone with my thoughts and just enjoy the peace. It’s very hard to give that up just for some measly hours of sleep!

3. If you weren't on a diet or counting calories, what would you like to have for dinner tonight?

I don’t have a favorite food. So it would definitely depend on the day. But right this very moment, I’m thinking that shrimp scampi and a big old juicy steak sounds absolutely divine.

4. If you had the chance to interview anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what's one question that you would ask?

I would want to meet one of our Founding Fathers. Probably John Adams. And I would ask him where he drew his courage from. How he was brave enough to do the things he did in the face of so much opposition. And did he foresee what would be the result of the great work that he and the others of his day were fighting for?

5. Describe yourself in 6 words.

Loyal, fun-loving, insecure, dependable, compassionate, LOUD.
If you'd like to play, click the button and link up!

I Confess...

2011-04-29T12:31:00.007-06:00

I confess ...

I have 1,667 emails in my inbox. Because I never delete 'em. And I can't delete the whole inbox, because some emails have information I need.

I spent about 20 minutes the other day going through and deleting/saving different emails individually, but then I got tired of it. So I didn't make much progress.

I confess ...

I'm mildly depressed that today my baby brother turns 26. My BABY brother. I am not old enough for my BABY brother to be 26! Booooo.

Bookworm with Baby Brother at his wedding 2 years ago.

I confess ....

that I thought it was hilarious when Tanielle and I went to the McDonald's drive-thru late last night to get ourselves some Dr. Peppers, and then when we didn't think they were very good, we went to the Carl's Jr. Drive-thru and ordered new Dr. Peppers, and when we got up to the window and the lady handed us our drinks, we gave her the ones from McDonald's and told her they were yucky and asked her to throw them away for us. She didn't even think we were funny at all. Whatever. We're freakin' hilarious.

It was only cold, not good.

I confess ...

that I went back to bed this morning after my kids went to school, and didn't get up until I absolutely couldn't wait any longer to pee, or my bladder would explode.

I confess ...

that I have never, EVER wanted to say the F word at a sporting event (and I've been to a lot), but that I wanted to REALLY bad on Wednesday night. The Mexican team played SUPER dirty, and the stinkin' refs were missing EVERYTHING. I didn't say it though. But I wanted to. Really bad.

I confess ...

that these pictures break my heart every time I see them, but they are plastered all over the internet, and I can't stop looking. After a gut-wrenching, stomach-punchy, devastating 1-0 loss to Monterrey (who played DIRTY, remember), that brought our 37 home-game undeafeted streak to an emotional end, my boys simply sat down on the field where they stood, in disbelief and heartache. And sadder still, when Chris Wingert finally composed himself, and did his traditional "fan appreciation lap" where he circles the whole field applauding the fans around the stadium.

I confess ...

that I still couldn't be more proud of all they have accomplished so far, and in such a short time - and that I am super excited as we now return to the regular Major League Soccer season that is just beginning. I'm predicting we'll take the MLS Cup again this year!

I confess ...

That every time I talk about soccer, I wonder if my obsession is "endearing" to people, like JennyKate's obsession with Twilight and Edward, or if it's just super annoying to people.

Yes, JK, I stole this from your blog.

I confess ...

that I keep trying to come up with more confessions to type about, because when I am done with this post, I have to get up from the couch and do housework. And I don't wanna.

Have some confessions of your own? Type them up, click the button and link up!!

check and check, and Dear Someone's

2011-04-27T08:33:00.007-06:00

Babysitter? Check.

Claret and Cobalt hair flares? Check.

Appropriate team apparel? Check.

Tickets to the biggest soccer match in the history of not only the state of Utah, but the entire US league? Check and CHECK!!!

I know this means little to most of you...but I am so freaking excited I can't even stand it! I don't think I've been this excited for an event since NKOTB reunited and Tanielle and I went to their concert! It is seriously going to be the BEST date night ever!

Tonight my boys take on Monterrey, Mexico in the Final leg of the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Champions league tournament. It is history in the making. RSL is representing the entire league tonight. No U.S. team has ever made it this far, and if we take the trophy tonight, we will be the first U.S. team EVER to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Updated: This video seriously gave me chills.

In conclusion I would like to pen (keyboard) a few open letters.

Dear Utah Weather,

For the first time this year, I welcome your cruel sense of humor. Yesterday I took great satisfaction in the fact that Club Monterrey flew in from the Mexican heat to be greeted by snow, sleet, and rain. And that they had their training day in 35 degree weather. That was wet. And cold. I wouldn't even mind sitting in cold wet weather tonight, if it means I get to watch them have to play against our boys who are conditioned to play in such weather. It would be great fun.

Sincerely,

Dear Thomas,

Thank you so much for hooking hubby and I up with tickets to tonight's match, when they weren't on sale to the public, and only you season ticket holders had access to purchasing them. I've seen the $20 seats (which you purchased for us and charged us $20 for) listed online for up to $250 each. We really appreciate it!

Sincerely,

Xazmin

Dear Mexicans who live in Utah, U.S.A.,who have lived here for years, taken advantage of the wonderful opportunities and better life our country and our state have to offer, yet are still coming to the match tonight and cheering for Mexico,

You. Piss. Me. Off.

Sincerely,

Mexican American who has her loyalties in the right place.

Dear RSL boys (especially CW),

Can't wait to see you tonight and watch you kick some Monterrey butt!

Love Always,

Your biggest fan.

The Story of Me

2011-04-26T01:11:00.002-06:00

I received a few comments on my friendship post concerning the fact that I am part of a blended family. Those comments made me realize that I haven't really shared the complete story of my childhood. So I thought I would enlighten you.

Before we begin I wanted to clarify a couple of things. When I refer to my "dad", I am speaking of the man who adopted me, and raised me since I was 8 years old. "Bio father" refers to the man who is my biological father, and was married to my mom at the time of my birth. Hopefully it won't be too confusing.

I was born in Twin Falls, Idaho in July, 1976, and lived the earliest part of my life in California. When I was almost 2 years old, and my mom was pregnant with her second child (my brother "D"), my bio father left and he and my mom divorced.

After D was born (also in Idaho), we came to Salt Lake City where my mom found work, and was completely away from the rest of her family (all in Idaho). She was a single mom taking care of two little kiddos. I don't remember a lot from these years. Mostly just bits and pieces of an apartment complex we lived in when I was 5, and some memories of a few friends there.

We moved to Magna (a suburb of SLC) when I was in 1st grade, and I finished 1st and 2nd grade in my school there. I remember this time quite vividly. I am even still in touch with my then best friend and neighbor that I played with every day during our time living there. I only remember one time my bio dad came to visit us and spend the day with D and I while we were living there. He lived in California, and I'm not saying he didn't visit more, but I just remember the one time.

It was while we were living here that my mom was set up on a blind date. She was set up by her good friend "V" (whom she worked with), and V's husband "K". They set her up with K's good friend (whom HE worked with). Are you still with me? This is the night my mom met my dad.

My dad was also previously married. He and his wife had tried unsuccessfully for many years to have a baby, and were finally able to adopt a little girl ("J"). My dad's wife left him and they divorced when their daughter was 8 years old. She was about to turn 9 at the time her dad and my mom were set up on their blind date. I was about to turn 8.

My mom and dad were married in April, 1984, and we moved to his home in Riverton (also a suburb of SLC). Our family now consisted of mom, dad, sister J (who lived with her mom, but we got to see her on weekends and during the summer), myself, and brother D. D and I were sealed to our parents for time and all eternity in the Jordan River Temple shortly thereafter (J was already sealed to my dad). My bio father visited a couple more times that I can remember, and then granted permission for my dad to legally adopt us. In April, 1985 my little brother (also "J") was born. My parents still live in that house in Riverton, and tomorrow they will celebrate their 27th anniversary.

Happy Anniversary mom and dad!

Of course there is much more to the story of me, but I thought this little bit of history would clear up a few questions that I have been asked recently. Or maybe it just creates more questions? I am an open book so ask away.

Jesus was no ordinary man

2011-04-24T09:12:00.001-06:00

A beautiful song reminding us what it's all about. Happy Easter everyone.

The Giddiness that will NEVER End!

2011-04-22T00:13:00.006-06:00

I CONFESS……

I may never come back down to earth again.

BECAUSE I FREAKING MET

Chris Wingert !!!

That's right people. I met him. For real.

If you know me, you have probably heard of my love and undying devotion. To the point of wanting to choke me, because you're so sick of it. Sorry.

The team flew back from Mexico last night. They were returning from the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Finals. It's sort of a big deal. Like REALLY a big deal. The first team in Major League Soccer to go this far. Ever. Making a huge name for ReAL Salt Lake, as well as representing the entire League of US Soccer.

At the last minute we (and by "we" I mean "me") decided we should go over to the charter air strip and join other fans in welcoming the boys back home. Had NO idea that we would actually get to mingle with them. And take pictures, and just basically be in soccer heaven for a short time.

I CONFESS:

I would normally never, EVER post the following pictures because of my freaking fat face, and wind-blown (and not in the sexy way) hair. I am very particular about the pics I post. I know it's silly, but it's just a thing I have. But I am so excited to share my giddiness with you, that I'm just gonna pretend y'all won't notice the extra chin(s), and overall unflattering appearance of my face. And hair. And body. Just play along...kkthanks.

Here he is autographing me (sigh).

He's cute, no?

Had to get a pic with team captain Kyle Beckerman just to make Tanielle mad. Just kidding. I wanted to meet him too. And he was SO friendly.

Don't worry, I made sure my kids weren't left out of the fun.

Here's me giving Leo some sugar. He is the BEST mascot. Love Leo.

Fabian Espindola is a freaking soccer ROCKSTAR. The girls were excited to meet him.

And Hubby snapped this picture of Nick Rimando and his adorable little girl. I am not exaggerating when I say Nick is THE best goal-keeper in the country. Just sayin'.

I confess that even though I'm super excited to share, in looking back at my pictures...I'm not sure I want to hit publish. But I am trying to move past my insecurities about posting photos of myself on my blog. So I'm going to do it.

Click the button for more confessions, or to link up!

Concerning Friendship

2011-04-20T11:34:00.007-06:00

Check it out...another party that I have been cordially invited to. Okay, it was a general invitation to anybody in the blog world. But still. My middle name is fun, so you know it just wouldn't be a party without me. Just nod your head in agreement, okay? Thanks.

It's a weekly Q&A - and this week's theme is friendship. So here are the 5 questions:

{1} Do you make friends easily?

{2} What 3 qualities are a MUST in a friend?

{3} What makes YOU a good friend?

{4} Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life? Yes? Tell us about the meet up. No? Who would you love to meet?

{5} Who is your best friend? Tell us about them.

Do You Make Friends Easily?

I think so. I am fairly outgoing, and generally like people. I am pretty actively involved in church and my children's school, so I have a lot of opportunity for meeting and working with new people. I have made some of my closest friends through my church callings, and my work with the school.

What 3 Qualities are a Must in a Friend?

First, you must be TRUSTWORTHY. I put a lot of weight on honesty. If you can't be honest with me, it is an insult to my intelligence. Just don't lie. If you do - you're out. I also need to know I can trust you with my confidences, and know that you will not betray them.

Second, LOYALTY. You have to have my back. I need to know you are there for me, and won't let me down when I need someone in my corner. Will you stand up for me if you hear someone say something unkind or untrue about me? Will you be there when I am struggling and need a friend to talk to? Do you care as much about what's going on with me as I do about you?

Third, LAUGHTER. You have to laugh with me. I am a huge dork, and love to have fun and laugh. The friendships that fulfill my life the most are filled with side-splitting, cross your legs so you don't pee your pants laughter. You know we're tight if we've laughed 'til we cried together.

What Makes You a Good Friend?

Well, I think the things that I look for in a friend, are also what make me a good friend. I can be trusted to keep your confidences, and I will NEVER lie to you. I HATE liars. Like HATE to the 10th power. Liars are probably my biggest pet peeve in the universe. Hence, I am not one.

I am fiercely loyal. Don't mess with my friends - because if you do, it won't be pretty.

I am also compassionate. I hurt for my friends when they hurt. I have lost many a night's sleep worrying about someone I love because of trials they were (are) facing in their lives. So my friends know they can count on my to listen to them, and cry with them, and love and support them.

Have You Ever Met A Bloggy Friend In Real Life?

Heck to the YES! I recently was able to spend the day with my girl MiMi. We have been bloggy buds for a couple of years, and have had many "outside of the blog" conversations about life, and family, and beliefs, and hot guys, and annoying politicians, and so much more. So meeting her was the icing on the cake of our friendship. I wrote all about it here if you missed it. But she is definitely more than just a bloggy friend to me.

Who is Your Best Friend? Tell Us About Them

My oldest bestie (not age-wise, length of friendship-wise!) is this hot chicka:

See how much she loves me?

I met Kimberlee when I was 8 years old, and my mom married her uncle (my adoptive dad). We have grown up together. Gotten in trouble together. Shared our secrets, our insecurities, and of course hours and hours of laughter. We have been there through each other's boyfriends, friends (break-ups and make-ups), weddings (only one for each of us! Just to clarify!), pregnancies, babies, life struggles and of course the joys as well!

Talk about loyalty. This girl has ALWAYS had my back. Once a group of her friends (as tight as we were, we always had different friends from each other) wanted to beat me up. Over a boy (silly I know, but it was HS, okay?). She completely had my back. I knew she would fight them with me. Of course it never came to that - we were all talk. But I know she could have kicked their trash -and totally would have if needed!

There are times when we go weeks or more without talking, because life is so busy. But it never changes how much a part of each other's lives we are. And when we're together - it's as if no time has passed. And it's fun that our husbands are besties as well - so I count my self fortunate to have such a solid friendship that I know will last for life.

Then there's this girl. She is probably familiar to most of you. I only talk about her constantly.

I met Tanielle 7 years ago when our boys, our first children, started Kindergarten. We were part of a group of 4 ladies that called ourselves the "Kindergarten Moms". Because we were all sending our oldest kiddos off to school for the first time, and were severely traumatized. So we would all be there standing at the wall of the K playground before school, and didn't leave until the kids went in. Then we made sure to be there early, waiting at the wall before school got out, so we could make sure and be there right when our kids exited the classroom. Tanielle and I formed a particularly tight bond as we were the same age, had the same number of children who were the same ages and genders, AND we had very similar personalities. We have been laughing and crying (and sometimes peeing our pants) together ever since. Some of the best memories I have are of nights when her husband was gone hunting, and my hubby would stay home with the kids, and I would go over to her house after all our kids were in bed, and we'd stay up all night watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and enjoying nachos and giant Dr. Peppers. It's been too long since we've had a Buffy night T!!!

I also have a wonderful group of girls that I have gotten close to through church. Three of them I spend a lot of time with, and consider them best friends as well. We work closely together in church, and play lots outside of church. I love these girls, love their support and friendship and encouragement, and could never have wished for a better group of neighbors and girlfriends! I love you Kimberly, Andrea and Heidi!

My best boyfriend of course makes ALL of these wonderful friendships possible. Hubby is so supportive and really makes an effort to make time to be with the kids and let me have a little girl time every so often. And he is great friends with all my married friends husbands, so it really works out so nicely. I'm a lucky girl. Love you babe - thanks for being the best boyfriend ever!

So, what are your thoughts on friendship? If you wanna share, or just read more of what others have to say, click on the button above!

Just humor me, okay?

2011-04-13T11:50:00.005-06:00

I promised it would be a little while before I did another soccer post.

It's been a little while. I'm in mourning today.

I wanted to go to this game soooooo badly.

Tonight our RSL are playing Colorado. The new defending champions. We were the previous defending champions.

It's going to be epic. And I won't be there. I've chosen the fiscally responsible road of paying my bills instead of purchasing soccer tickets. Can I please get a little sympathy?

Just humor me and watch the video....it's cool. And short.

Also, I promised someone that I was going to post a new Chris Wingert picture every time I did a soccer post this year. You. Are. Wecome.

He's always so great to the fans.

I can't believe I'm doing this....

2011-04-11T22:00:00.000-06:00

No, seriously. Words cannot describe how much I don't want to do this. But for the love of a few awesome chicks, and also my need to not feel left out, or like a wuss....I am succumbing to the pressure.

I'm joining in with the monthly Vlog hosted by Mamarazzi and Shawn.

I've always known I hated my voice. Ever since the very first time I heard it play back on an answering machine message. But now I also get to see that not only do I have a super annoying voice, but I also do weird things with my mouth while I'm talking. And also make weird smacking noises before starting a sentence. Oy.

All I have to say is certain people better NEVER miss another blog post of mine again, and the comments should be filled with lots of kissing up.

This month's theme is accents or dialect. We have a few instructions, including saying the flollowing list of words:

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught, Antenna, Rootbeer, Ambulance, Museum, Milk, Orange, Apricot

So here goes nothin':

Now that I've completely humiliated myself, why don't you head on over and check out some more Vlogs? Head here or here to check it out.

Oh, and p.s. Shawn - this word wasn't on the list, but it's barbed-wire. :)

What inspires us.

2011-04-11T13:14:00.002-06:00

It's surprising the different things that inspire us.

I look around my world, and my life, and inspiration comes from so many different sources.

In recent weeks I have been inspired by a (gay) mormon guy, powerful talks delivered by great men and women during General Conference, the perseverance of some dear friends enduring difficult trials in their lives, and the faith my children have and bear witness of on a regular basis.

Today I was inspired as I attended the funeral services of a dear and wonderful lady. She is a former neighbor of ours, and Hubby and I have looked up to her and her husband for many years. Her son and his wife are currently our neighbors, and 2 of our dearest friends.

Today I was able to glimpse a little more into the wonderful life she led, and the amazing family she leaves behind for a short while. As I sat listening to stories of her faith and service and loving kindness to everyone around her, I was inspired. As I looked at her family, some of whom I know very well, and others who I know only a little - I was inspired by the caliber of their character. And I know it is due to the example and teachings of their righteous parents.

Today I was inspired to try a little harder. To serve a little better. To be a little kinder. I was inspired to increase my efforts at living a Christ-centered life, and teaching my children to do the same. What a glorious thing it must be for her to look down and behold the people whose lives she influenced for good, and know that although she is leaving her husband and children for a short time - they are all going to do just fine, because she taught them, and nurtured them, and led by example, and now they are serving and loving others, just as she did during her time on earth.

It's surprising the different things that inspire me. But not so much as I look around, and realize that all I am inspired by comes from God.

Confessions, confessions

2011-04-08T08:17:00.003-06:00

I confess:

I stayed up last night watching Ion Television's late night movie. It was Superman.

Despite the very dated looking special effects - I still really loved it.

And I still really love Christopher Reeve.

I confess:

I am sitting here on the computer refreshing the Ticketmaster page every 5 minutes so I can be first in line when Taylor Swift tickets go on sale.

I think Taylor Swift is a mediocre singer. But I think she is a great songwriter, and a good role-model.

I don't have the money for concert tickets right now. But she is coming to town 2 days before Cowgirl's birthday.

I confess:

It snowed again last night, and I am marginally depressed. I have absolutely no motivation to get anything done around my house that needs doing.

I confess:

I have eaten like crap since returning from Portland. I just can't seem to get back with the program.

I confess:

I am not nearly as outraged as the rest of the country by last nights AI results.

Pia has a beautiful voice. But she bores me.

I confess:

I am furious that I still cannot change the font/size/color of the text in my posts.

When I do, it LOOKS like it is changed while I'm composing the post. But once I hit "publish" it reverts back to this same size and color. Can ANYONE help me figure out how to fix this?

I confess:

I haven't really done any great blog posts this week, but I'm still going to link up a post to Amanda's Weekend Bloggy Reading. Because I want to gain another entry into this giveaway.

Pretty selfish of me, eh?

That's all for today - but if you have some confessions of your own, click the button and go link up!

Why are some people so clever?

2011-04-07T08:31:00.002-06:00

I really wish I was clever.

Do you ever look at people who have just said or done something clever, and wonder how they got to be so clever?

Do you see something online, or on TV and just ponder the cleverness of others?

Do you have cleverness-envy? I do.

What, you think I'm over thinking this whole cleverness thing?

Maybe. But I've always wished I was clever.

One of my favorite ways to ~~waste~~ pass the time is to watch funny/cute/clever videos on youtube.

Today I'm going to share with you a family favorite - I cannot tell you how many times we have watched this in our family.

I promise you'll enjoy it - so just take the time to watch it...kkthanks.

Don't you love the way young children tell stories? It's hilarious. And when some clever person comes up with the idea of the ADULTS acting out the story as told by the children - well you get a little something like this:

You are welcome.

I'll be sharing 3 more episodes for your viewing pleasure in future posts. You're welcome again.

So tell me, am I the only one with cleverness envy?

I probably am. Considering how clever the rest of you already are.

Mother Nature thinks she's hilarious

2011-04-04T07:33:00.001-06:00

Overnight, we went from this:

To this:

Nice, huh? Cowgirl took these snow pictures - she is turning into quite the little photographer.

I'm thinking this poor robin is a little confused....

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

I'm linking to:

Because I wanna win this, not because I think I have any particularly great posts this week!

A work in progress....

2011-04-03T00:00:00.002-06:00

Those of you who know me well, or have been reading me for awhile, know that my faith is a very big part of who I am. Actually, it IS who I am. More than anything else my religious beliefs define me.

These beliefs influence the decisions I make - the way I try to live my life. They influence the rules of our house, the activities our children are allowed to participate in, the way we dress, and allow our children to dress. These beliefs influence my political opinions, and the way I act and speak.

That being said, I am so far from where I'd like to be. Spiritually speaking that is. I feel like I go through phases. Like sometimes I am right up there, really living my life in a way that I feel is pleasing to my Heavenly Father, trying hard to set a good example to those around me, serving others, being productive with my time. Then I have my times where I am not doing so hot. Where I know I am not being the mother I should be, or speaking as appropriately as I should . Times where I waste my time doing things that don't serve any true purpose in my life, or anyone else's. That's where I am right now. Where I feel like I've been a lot recently.

That's why I'm so grateful this weekend is General Conference. I love listening to the words of prophets, hearing the counsel of my leaders, and just being spiritually renewed by the words and spirit of the conference. It couldn't come at a more perfect time for me.

This video illustrates beautifully the most basic belief that all of my values are founded upon. I love my Savior, and more than anything I want to live my life as He would have me live, and one day return to him along with my family. I'm so grateful for the Easter season, and the time to celebrate and reflect on the most significant event in the history of all mankind. Enjoy.