Tomorrow night is New Year's Eve! I must admit that it's a holiday that was more exciting when I was a kid and got to stay up until midnight. As an adult, it's not that thrilling, especially since I don't drink. Though the one time I did go to Times Square, pre-9/11, was pretty awesome. However, I am very excited to kiss the old year goodbye and welcome the new one with open arms.
This past year was both good and bad, though it seemed more filled with the latter. The whole job change and all that it entailed, various health issues, family drama (never a dull moment with my clan!), and so on. But, as with all things, I grew and learned a lot along the way. I am sure I wouldn't have improved in those ways had I not been forced to. And I am glad I did. Still, I will be happy as can be to kiss the old year goodbye.
Sure, it means another year I'll be turning older and my kids will be growing even faster, but it also means another year with my wonderful husband and adorable children. Who knows what adventures await? Good bye 2009 and bring it on 2010! May you all have a Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Happy Birthday Jacob!
Jacob turned 1 the day after Christmas. I can't believe my little guy is a year old! We feel so blessed to have him in our family. He is such a social, happy little man. He knows how to make us smile and laugh with his cute antics. He has lots of fans at church too. Life just wouldn't be the same without him in our home.
He wasn't too sure about the whole birthday thing after having just gone through Christmas. But his Jimmy had fun helping him open gifts. Jacob had more fun playing with his birthday cake than eating it. I love the disgusted/ confused look on his face when he is playing with the cake. Happy Birthday Jacob!
He wasn't too sure about the whole birthday thing after having just gone through Christmas. But his Jimmy had fun helping him open gifts. Jacob had more fun playing with his birthday cake than eating it. I love the disgusted/ confused look on his face when he is playing with the cake. Happy Birthday Jacob!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Tomorrow is the big day! My kids are bursting with anticipation. I love the magic of Christmas. In the next few days there will be a lot of smiles, hugs, eating, and reflecting. Life is good and we are very blessed. No matter what is going on in our lives, we know that Christ really did come to the earth and lived and died for us. Nothing can give us greater joy and peace. My life didn't really begin until I found the Gospel and I would sacrifice everything for my testimony. What a precious gift. I hope during the chaos and fun we take time to reflect the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the sweet innocent babe who would grow to become the Savior of us all. Merry Christmas!!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
I am Supermom!
I never back away from a challenge. I am insane that way. So when my five year-old's beloved Boy Baby doll fell apart after two years of heavy loving, I said to myself "I can fix this!" Mind you, I am not a seamstress or know the first thing about making dolls, but I was up for the adventure thinking I could handle it since I have basic sewing skills and a lot of determination.
We had toyed with the idea of just getting a new doll. The problem is that they are no longer made, which means the cheapest we could find was $100. Um, no. But we had to do something since Boy Baby is Rachel's security and love. He has gone to Disneyland twice, Pennsylvania once, church more times than I can count, and preschool every day last year. Living without him is not an option.
So I got out my sewing supplies and jumped right in. My task entailed cutting off the plastic limbs of Boy from his torn body and attaching them to a new Sue made one. After just a day, I am proud to say that Boy Baby is new and improved with a red body. It's not perfect, but it works. My fingers are sore from pushing the needle through his plastic limbs, but seeing the smile on Rachel's face when I handed her the finished doll is well worth the discomfort. I may not be breaking headlines or moving mountains in my daily work, but I am bringing joy and love to my children, which is far more priceless.
Another challenge down and many more to go. Bring it on because I am Supermom!
We had toyed with the idea of just getting a new doll. The problem is that they are no longer made, which means the cheapest we could find was $100. Um, no. But we had to do something since Boy Baby is Rachel's security and love. He has gone to Disneyland twice, Pennsylvania once, church more times than I can count, and preschool every day last year. Living without him is not an option.
So I got out my sewing supplies and jumped right in. My task entailed cutting off the plastic limbs of Boy from his torn body and attaching them to a new Sue made one. After just a day, I am proud to say that Boy Baby is new and improved with a red body. It's not perfect, but it works. My fingers are sore from pushing the needle through his plastic limbs, but seeing the smile on Rachel's face when I handed her the finished doll is well worth the discomfort. I may not be breaking headlines or moving mountains in my daily work, but I am bringing joy and love to my children, which is far more priceless.
Another challenge down and many more to go. Bring it on because I am Supermom!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Great Description of Motherhood
This comic made me chuckle because it is so true. Click on it to make it bigger and more reader friendly.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Interesting Tidbits
- My husband's friend is a manager at a local retail store. He was telling Marshall that Christmas Eve day is called "man day" in retail stores because it is the day men go shopping for Christmas. They always make sure to have extra staff working the floor to help their male shoppers find that perfect gift. I find this hilarious.
- Kirk Maxey may have fathered up to 400 children through his sperm donations. From 1980-1994 he visited his local Michigan sperm bank twice a week to donate. Eeek! That's just scary! But Maxey is working to have legislature passed to stop this from happening with others after he realized how many children he possibly has fathered. Ick!
- Why are liberal people so crabby? A local person wrote in to our paper today complaining about how adults believing in God is just plain scary. It's cute when kids do it, but disturbing for grown-ups. Gimme a break! Let me celebrate in my way and you do it in your way. Don't be such a dork about it.
- Some have called Tiger Woods racist because none of his affairs were with black women. Um, okay. Would that make it more acceptable if he had been sleeping around with women of his same color?
- Others have defended Tiger, saying that maybe he just has a condition where he needs to be with numerous women. So if I am a drug addict then I should be able to use until I die of an overdose, right? I just have a problem, but it's okay. Let's legalize all our vices!
- I am so sick of "open minded people" saying I am close minded for having my own beliefs. I thought being open meant you accepted every one's beliefs and let them be happy in them. Don't these "free thinkers" realize they are just as close minded as the rest of us apparently are because they are busy forcing their doctrine on us?
- Another good reason not to drink. A man in Sandusky, Ohio paid $72 for one taco at Taco Bell. He was drunk and refused to take his change from the worker, saying instead "Merry Christmas". So far he hasn't come back in to claim his money. Probably because he doesn't remember it happening! Taco Bell is good for cravings, but not $72 good.
- Kirk Maxey may have fathered up to 400 children through his sperm donations. From 1980-1994 he visited his local Michigan sperm bank twice a week to donate. Eeek! That's just scary! But Maxey is working to have legislature passed to stop this from happening with others after he realized how many children he possibly has fathered. Ick!
- Why are liberal people so crabby? A local person wrote in to our paper today complaining about how adults believing in God is just plain scary. It's cute when kids do it, but disturbing for grown-ups. Gimme a break! Let me celebrate in my way and you do it in your way. Don't be such a dork about it.
- Some have called Tiger Woods racist because none of his affairs were with black women. Um, okay. Would that make it more acceptable if he had been sleeping around with women of his same color?
- Others have defended Tiger, saying that maybe he just has a condition where he needs to be with numerous women. So if I am a drug addict then I should be able to use until I die of an overdose, right? I just have a problem, but it's okay. Let's legalize all our vices!
- I am so sick of "open minded people" saying I am close minded for having my own beliefs. I thought being open meant you accepted every one's beliefs and let them be happy in them. Don't these "free thinkers" realize they are just as close minded as the rest of us apparently are because they are busy forcing their doctrine on us?
- Another good reason not to drink. A man in Sandusky, Ohio paid $72 for one taco at Taco Bell. He was drunk and refused to take his change from the worker, saying instead "Merry Christmas". So far he hasn't come back in to claim his money. Probably because he doesn't remember it happening! Taco Bell is good for cravings, but not $72 good.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Hopeless, completely hopeless
My brain has really turned to mush and the scary thing is that I am fully aware of it. I have a "mom brain", which has gotten progressively worse with each child that comes into our lives. Not only do they take my energy, but also my mind power.
You see, this morning Marshall was looking around the kitchen for the butter to put on some toast. Having just used it to butter Rachel's toast, I told him to check in the fridge or on the counter. No such luck. Then I told him to try looking in a cupboards because maybe I put it in there instead. (That's the scary part people. I was fully aware of my having done that before.) And low and behold, where did he find the butter? In the cupboard. Oh my. Thank goodness I got my degree before children because I do not know if there is any hope for me now. It's amazing I still have a driver's license.
You see, this morning Marshall was looking around the kitchen for the butter to put on some toast. Having just used it to butter Rachel's toast, I told him to check in the fridge or on the counter. No such luck. Then I told him to try looking in a cupboards because maybe I put it in there instead. (That's the scary part people. I was fully aware of my having done that before.) And low and behold, where did he find the butter? In the cupboard. Oh my. Thank goodness I got my degree before children because I do not know if there is any hope for me now. It's amazing I still have a driver's license.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A New Understanding of Cleaving
After nine and half years of marriage, at the ripe old age of thirty, I am reminded that there is still a lot I have to learn when it comes to my eternal relationship and what the Lord asks of me. The funny thing is that sometimes this comes as a surprise to me. Right, like after all this time I have it all figured out. That short period of nine and a half years is more like one dot on a Georges Seurat painting when it comes to the eternal scheme of things.
I have been going through something like an identity crisis all of my adult life. With a family that has chosen a different path than myself, I have often felt that I did not belong. The reaction to my Gospel based lifestyle has created a rift between me and some of my family. I haven't been in the "in" group with my mother and sisters and have experienced a great sadness from longing to connect. It has often felt that nothing I ever did would be good enough or matter. Recent events have made this isolation even more apparent, causing me to wonder how and if I fit into that part of my family at all.
Then I had one those "duh" moments that have come to me often during my life because, sadly, I do not know everything. The thought came to me that by worrying about feeling a part of my family, I was failing to fully "cleave" to my husband as the scriptures counsel in Genesis 2:24:
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
There's a lot more to that scripture than just the physical sense of oneness. I've often pondered the many meanings behind it so as to be a better wife and just recently peeled back another layer from it's almost endless message.
All this time that I have been trying to feel a part of my family, seeking to feel that connection of belonging, I was looking in the wrong place. I shouldn't have been looking towards them for affirmation and approval. Once I married my husband, we formed a new and separate family from that of my birth. He became my family and, therefore, of greater importance to me than my parents or siblings. I thought I had that part covered until I realized how my seeking a sense of belonging to my family of origin was keeping me from cleaving to my husband.
No matter how much I love my mother and sisters and how much I wish we could all be dear friends, our lives have led us in different directions that have not allowed it to be so. Of course, this hurts. But instead of letting it get me down, I realized that I need to remember that I do belong to a family and have a very important place in that unit. Regardless of what my former family may think of me or where our paths lead us, I will always be a part of a family with my husband and children. Where I need to look for affirmation, love, and acceptance is not from my mother or siblings, but rather from my husband. He is my family and we are one. To do otherwise would risk breaking our oneness.
I cannot tell you how liberating and happy this realization makes me. No longer do I feel the crushing weight of the division between me and my family of origin. No longer am I overcome with the sadness of being isolated, of not belonging, to a family. If I truly want to follow the counsel to "cleave" as the scripture states, then my focus and efforts should be towards the family of my husband and myself. Without him I cannot return to live with my Father in Heaven again and will truly be alone.
What a comforting thought to know that I do belong to family. And that the greatest happiness, love, and reward I can receive is by cleaving to that family and none else, no matter the cost.
I have been going through something like an identity crisis all of my adult life. With a family that has chosen a different path than myself, I have often felt that I did not belong. The reaction to my Gospel based lifestyle has created a rift between me and some of my family. I haven't been in the "in" group with my mother and sisters and have experienced a great sadness from longing to connect. It has often felt that nothing I ever did would be good enough or matter. Recent events have made this isolation even more apparent, causing me to wonder how and if I fit into that part of my family at all.
Then I had one those "duh" moments that have come to me often during my life because, sadly, I do not know everything. The thought came to me that by worrying about feeling a part of my family, I was failing to fully "cleave" to my husband as the scriptures counsel in Genesis 2:24:
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
There's a lot more to that scripture than just the physical sense of oneness. I've often pondered the many meanings behind it so as to be a better wife and just recently peeled back another layer from it's almost endless message.
All this time that I have been trying to feel a part of my family, seeking to feel that connection of belonging, I was looking in the wrong place. I shouldn't have been looking towards them for affirmation and approval. Once I married my husband, we formed a new and separate family from that of my birth. He became my family and, therefore, of greater importance to me than my parents or siblings. I thought I had that part covered until I realized how my seeking a sense of belonging to my family of origin was keeping me from cleaving to my husband.
No matter how much I love my mother and sisters and how much I wish we could all be dear friends, our lives have led us in different directions that have not allowed it to be so. Of course, this hurts. But instead of letting it get me down, I realized that I need to remember that I do belong to a family and have a very important place in that unit. Regardless of what my former family may think of me or where our paths lead us, I will always be a part of a family with my husband and children. Where I need to look for affirmation, love, and acceptance is not from my mother or siblings, but rather from my husband. He is my family and we are one. To do otherwise would risk breaking our oneness.
I cannot tell you how liberating and happy this realization makes me. No longer do I feel the crushing weight of the division between me and my family of origin. No longer am I overcome with the sadness of being isolated, of not belonging, to a family. If I truly want to follow the counsel to "cleave" as the scripture states, then my focus and efforts should be towards the family of my husband and myself. Without him I cannot return to live with my Father in Heaven again and will truly be alone.
What a comforting thought to know that I do belong to family. And that the greatest happiness, love, and reward I can receive is by cleaving to that family and none else, no matter the cost.
'The Samurai's Garden"
A beautifully written novel, "The Samurai's Garden" takes one through a journey of growth and understanding. Stephan is sent from China to Japan, during the Japanese invasion, to recover from illness in his family's summer home. There he learns more about himself and what really matters in life. Tsukiyama transport her readers to the little seaside town Tarumi and into the lives of four of its local residents to tell an unforgettable story. She is an expert story teller. A must read!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Mom-outage
We're experiencing a power outage at my home. I know, you say, "But how can you write on your computer if there is no power?" I should clarify. I am experiencing a power outage, a "mom-outage" if you will. Any energy I had when I got out of bed this morning was washed down the drain with my shampoo suds. After caring for a sick child yesterday it seems my turn has come to fall ill.
It makes me really wish that we were having a house-wide power outage or at least some energy conservation going on. A "pause button" on the children perhaps. It would be something only used for rare occasions, like when mom is sick and needs to rest. I promise I wouldn't use it to check email or get my floors mopped without interruption. I would only use that pause feature in my children when I am sick.
Kids are so funny because when you tell them you are sick, which is an attempt to beg mercy for your slow moving state, you might as well tell be telling them the sky is blue. So you're sick, does that mean I shouldn't be yelling at my brother or terrorizing the baby? He moves and he's cute, but he is not a toy! Do not shut him in your room and leave him alone! When we have "mom-outages" we should also declare a "no war zone" in the house. No fighting, no yelling, and no messes. Just sit on the couch all day and read quietly while the maid cleans and the chef cooks you lunch.
But it's not to be so. "Mom-outages" happen and such is life. Hopefully I'll be restored to "full power" by tomorrow.
It makes me really wish that we were having a house-wide power outage or at least some energy conservation going on. A "pause button" on the children perhaps. It would be something only used for rare occasions, like when mom is sick and needs to rest. I promise I wouldn't use it to check email or get my floors mopped without interruption. I would only use that pause feature in my children when I am sick.
Kids are so funny because when you tell them you are sick, which is an attempt to beg mercy for your slow moving state, you might as well tell be telling them the sky is blue. So you're sick, does that mean I shouldn't be yelling at my brother or terrorizing the baby? He moves and he's cute, but he is not a toy! Do not shut him in your room and leave him alone! When we have "mom-outages" we should also declare a "no war zone" in the house. No fighting, no yelling, and no messes. Just sit on the couch all day and read quietly while the maid cleans and the chef cooks you lunch.
But it's not to be so. "Mom-outages" happen and such is life. Hopefully I'll be restored to "full power" by tomorrow.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Snow!
It snowed Friday night! We woke up Saturday to find our yard looking like this:
I know, not tons, but enough for the kids to have fun with. Too bad it ended up turning to rain.
I know, not tons, but enough for the kids to have fun with. Too bad it ended up turning to rain.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Pot calling the Kettle black
Everyone is in an uproar over Tiger Woods and his harem of mistresses. I find this all so fascinating because I didn't know America had morals anymore. What makes us condone and overlook the bad behavior of one celebrity and then demand outlaw justice for that of another? Is there a limit to how many mistresses is acceptable? Or are we just mad because Tiger isn't the clean cut athlete he always wanted us to believe?
We have no problem leaving our children to raise themselves, exposing them to all kinds of corruptive media, behavior, and fashion trends. Certainly we don't have the right to tell our kids what to do because that would be imposing on their freedom, their individuality, but we expect our celebrities to be everything they claim and more.
It's close minded and prejudiced to say a same gender marriage is wrong. How old fashioned to think that relationships should only between a man and a woman. And don't even mention pre-marital sex. Chastity before marriage is a thing of the past, something only our great grandparents knew about. If it feels good, do it, but not if you're Tiger.
Me thinks there is some hypocrisy afoot.
Now I in no way condone our recently fallen golf star's behavior. It's disgusting and wrong. It makes me wonder about the mental and sexual health of a man who goes through women like Kleenex. I mean, really, did you think you wouldn't get caught? Are we that stupid? Did you ever think that the more women you entertained, the higher your chances for discovery were? Obviously, someone was thinking with his pants rather than his brain.
That being said, I find it highly amusing that we as a society have all of a sudden become self-righteous. "Shame on you, Tiger!" As if none of the rest of those finger pointing critics wouldn't or haven't participated in immoral behavior if given the chance. Let's take some time to look inward and realize perhaps we need to clean up our own lives. Perhaps we should stop allowing our daughters to dress like hookers and our sons to run around with their pants sagging down to their ankles. Maybe we should stop promoting movies, music, and books that are all about sex, drugs, and dishonesty. Teaching our children that chastity is a good thing. We could focus more on others and less about "me, me, me"! Perhaps we could even be so daring as to stand firm in our moral convictions, not being afraid to call bad things bad. I know, I am crazy.
I just think before we go around belittling other people's behavior, we need to take a look at our own. We should all try playing by the same rules. If we want Tiger to take responsibility for his loose behavior then we need to start being accountable for our own.
We have no problem leaving our children to raise themselves, exposing them to all kinds of corruptive media, behavior, and fashion trends. Certainly we don't have the right to tell our kids what to do because that would be imposing on their freedom, their individuality, but we expect our celebrities to be everything they claim and more.
It's close minded and prejudiced to say a same gender marriage is wrong. How old fashioned to think that relationships should only between a man and a woman. And don't even mention pre-marital sex. Chastity before marriage is a thing of the past, something only our great grandparents knew about. If it feels good, do it, but not if you're Tiger.
Me thinks there is some hypocrisy afoot.
Now I in no way condone our recently fallen golf star's behavior. It's disgusting and wrong. It makes me wonder about the mental and sexual health of a man who goes through women like Kleenex. I mean, really, did you think you wouldn't get caught? Are we that stupid? Did you ever think that the more women you entertained, the higher your chances for discovery were? Obviously, someone was thinking with his pants rather than his brain.
That being said, I find it highly amusing that we as a society have all of a sudden become self-righteous. "Shame on you, Tiger!" As if none of the rest of those finger pointing critics wouldn't or haven't participated in immoral behavior if given the chance. Let's take some time to look inward and realize perhaps we need to clean up our own lives. Perhaps we should stop allowing our daughters to dress like hookers and our sons to run around with their pants sagging down to their ankles. Maybe we should stop promoting movies, music, and books that are all about sex, drugs, and dishonesty. Teaching our children that chastity is a good thing. We could focus more on others and less about "me, me, me"! Perhaps we could even be so daring as to stand firm in our moral convictions, not being afraid to call bad things bad. I know, I am crazy.
I just think before we go around belittling other people's behavior, we need to take a look at our own. We should all try playing by the same rules. If we want Tiger to take responsibility for his loose behavior then we need to start being accountable for our own.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The perfect gift for your man
I went to the store in search for a white elephant gift and found the following, which I immediately purchased:
Could I ask for a better gift? "Bod Man", body spray for men that will turn guys into sexy studs. I love it! I mean, is this a serious business? I did find it at Wal-mart, but one has to wonder what the marketing people were thinking because it seems like such a joke. I love the women on the box that are quoted saying "I want your Bod." Classic. Will someone buy it as a gift for their hunk-o-love? It comes with three body sprays. The first is called "Black" and is black. Oh, creative! Next we have "Money". It's green. I wonder if I spray that on my man instead of chest hairs he'll sprout cash. The best is the body fragrance called "Ripped Abs". Does that mean you are supposed to spray it on your stomach and it will give you a wash board stomach? Oh my! Maybe Marshall will win it in the gift exchange and we can see if it works. I doubt it, especially since my hubby doesn't need a spray to make him hot.
But ladies, if you are in need for the perfect gift for your man, look no further. I can even pick you up a pack if you want!
Could I ask for a better gift? "Bod Man", body spray for men that will turn guys into sexy studs. I love it! I mean, is this a serious business? I did find it at Wal-mart, but one has to wonder what the marketing people were thinking because it seems like such a joke. I love the women on the box that are quoted saying "I want your Bod." Classic. Will someone buy it as a gift for their hunk-o-love? It comes with three body sprays. The first is called "Black" and is black. Oh, creative! Next we have "Money". It's green. I wonder if I spray that on my man instead of chest hairs he'll sprout cash. The best is the body fragrance called "Ripped Abs". Does that mean you are supposed to spray it on your stomach and it will give you a wash board stomach? Oh my! Maybe Marshall will win it in the gift exchange and we can see if it works. I doubt it, especially since my hubby doesn't need a spray to make him hot.
But ladies, if you are in need for the perfect gift for your man, look no further. I can even pick you up a pack if you want!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"Hulk Hair"
I know I'm not the only one, who as a child, anxiously awaited the weekly airing of "The Incredible Hulk". I thought there was nothing that could stop the Hulk. It was so cool to watch Bruce Banner lose his control and morph into the big mean green guy. He could kick major butt and smash up anything. A kid's dream!
The other day I was driving and saw these three teenage boys goofing off on their way home from school. As they tackled each other in their obnoxiously tight fitting and hideous jeans, their long feathered hair bounced in the win; immediately bringing to my memory the Incredible Hulk. They had, which I have affectionately dubbed, "Hulk hair"! That nasty feathered, teased hair, minus the green. The one thing I hated about the Hulk was his silly hair and these guys looked just as ridiculous as that actor did back on the show. I don't understand the look with teenage boys of having shaggy feathery hair. It's totally unflattering. I mean it's an awkward enough time of life when your face and body are going through all sorts of changes, let alone adding to it by wearing long fluffy hair. Not helping the situation! Whenever I see a guy with that nasty "Hulk hair", I just want to bust out my clippers and go to town on his hideous head. It looks like they spend more time on their hair than I do, which isn't much. That's just plain scary. If I were a young woman I would have no problem avoiding the guys because they'd be too repulsive to tempt me. Guys who had hair longer than our own or who spent too much time styling their locks were not dating material.
Who knows what will be in style when my kids get older. But if "Hulk Hair" is still in, I will feel pretty sorry for my girls and have very unpopular clean cut boys.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Not all Songs are for Christmas
It's the Christmas season and that means the radio is full of holiday music. But there are some songs that are deemed "Christmas music" that have always grated on my nerves.
I'm not talking about the various renditions of classics by popular artists that make me want to scream in pain, seriously how nasally can we make "Silent Night" before my head pops? (gag) I'm talking about lyrics. Take "Home for the Holidays". It's a cute song, but there is one line that always bothers me. "From Atlantic to Pacific, gee, the traffic is terrific." Really? Maybe if you're on crack. I really think someone slipped something extra into this writer's egg nog because the traffic is never "terrific" on the holidays. It's nightmarish, enough to make one curl up in a ball and hide in the trunk. I avoid traveling during holidays like I do the plague.
Then there are the holiday songs filled with winey celebrities. They go something like "You're all evil because it's Christmas and people in Africa don't even know and you get to cuddle up in you warm house with your gifts and are such jerks. You should listen to us and give all your money to these poor people. Just ignore the fact that we're celebrities and only singing a stupid song when we have millions we could give. We'll bug you instead." Yeah, I love those cheesy-trying-to-make-you-feel-guilty songs about as much as I love my yearly check-up with my OBGYN.
There's also a group of songs that have nothing to do with Christmas, except that they mention "snow" or "Christmas" once in the lyrics. Like this one song I heard the other day on the radio about two ex-lovers meeting in the frozen food section of the grocery store, trying to catch up, but feeling a void in their lives from a love that never lasted. At the end the snow outside turns to rain. Oh, I feel the cheer from that one! Excuse me while I go drown my sorrows with a jug of eggnog and a carton of truffles.
Seriously people, Christmas is a fun and wonderful holiday that celebrates the birth of the Savior and the magic of imagination and giving embodied in Santa Claus. These are happy things. I want my Christmas music to be beautiful, inspiring, and fun. None of this winy, preachy, depressing garbage. That's not what Christmas is about.
I'm not talking about the various renditions of classics by popular artists that make me want to scream in pain, seriously how nasally can we make "Silent Night" before my head pops? (gag) I'm talking about lyrics. Take "Home for the Holidays". It's a cute song, but there is one line that always bothers me. "From Atlantic to Pacific, gee, the traffic is terrific." Really? Maybe if you're on crack. I really think someone slipped something extra into this writer's egg nog because the traffic is never "terrific" on the holidays. It's nightmarish, enough to make one curl up in a ball and hide in the trunk. I avoid traveling during holidays like I do the plague.
Then there are the holiday songs filled with winey celebrities. They go something like "You're all evil because it's Christmas and people in Africa don't even know and you get to cuddle up in you warm house with your gifts and are such jerks. You should listen to us and give all your money to these poor people. Just ignore the fact that we're celebrities and only singing a stupid song when we have millions we could give. We'll bug you instead." Yeah, I love those cheesy-trying-to-make-you-feel-guilty songs about as much as I love my yearly check-up with my OBGYN.
There's also a group of songs that have nothing to do with Christmas, except that they mention "snow" or "Christmas" once in the lyrics. Like this one song I heard the other day on the radio about two ex-lovers meeting in the frozen food section of the grocery store, trying to catch up, but feeling a void in their lives from a love that never lasted. At the end the snow outside turns to rain. Oh, I feel the cheer from that one! Excuse me while I go drown my sorrows with a jug of eggnog and a carton of truffles.
Seriously people, Christmas is a fun and wonderful holiday that celebrates the birth of the Savior and the magic of imagination and giving embodied in Santa Claus. These are happy things. I want my Christmas music to be beautiful, inspiring, and fun. None of this winy, preachy, depressing garbage. That's not what Christmas is about.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Family Pictures
We did family pictures last night. It's been awhile since the last time we had them done Jimmy was a baby. We didn't want to do them last year right before Jacob was born and the pictures became outdated. So this year we took the plunge. The kids were all AMAZING. The photographers were surprised how well they all behaved. Me too! We got a lot of photos taken and so I am going to post a bunch. Better get my money's worth!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Save me from Dr. Phil!
I should be laying down before the baby wakes up from his nap, Anna gets home from school, and the Dynamic Duo come back from playing at a friend's, but I am blogging instead. After all, quiet moments are rare.
I just finished wrapping a bunch of Christmas gifts. I thought I'd take advantage of not having any kids around and get it over with. Yes, I am done with my shopping minus a few items. But overall, I am done! It's a wonderful feeling. It helps to start early and keep it simple. But I digress.
While wrapping presents I thought I'd actually watch something on tv. (Gasp, right? Does the tv go on any channels other than Nick Jr during the day? Is it possible?) Then I remembered why I never try to watch anything during the daylight hours because there is nothing good on. Some things never change even after you grow up. I could pick a variety of soaps to watch, but my life has enough drama in it already and the only hunk that makes my heart skip a beat is currently in a Washington County court room. Or Dr. Oz can show me what diabetes does to my body by using hammers, drywall, and broken glass. (He knows how to make medicine exciting. Daytime tv at it's best!) Then there's Dr. Phil. Ugh. What new drama is he going to save us from today. Thank goodness for Dr. Phil! The man reminds me of a southern preacher and actually thinks he can perform earth shattering miracles. At least his ego claims to. Or how about "Inside Edition", where I can learn all about Tiger Woods and his many mistresses? Do I care? Thanks for proving that your fame has made you as idiotic as all the other celebrities. At that point "Diego" was looking pretty tempting. Good thing I finished wrapping my gifts and was saved from trying to drudge through any more channels.
I have thought of the perfect torture to use on me, aside from waiting in the doctor's office. Strap me to a chair and force me to watch day time tv. I promise I'll be spilling all my secrets in no time.
I just finished wrapping a bunch of Christmas gifts. I thought I'd take advantage of not having any kids around and get it over with. Yes, I am done with my shopping minus a few items. But overall, I am done! It's a wonderful feeling. It helps to start early and keep it simple. But I digress.
While wrapping presents I thought I'd actually watch something on tv. (Gasp, right? Does the tv go on any channels other than Nick Jr during the day? Is it possible?) Then I remembered why I never try to watch anything during the daylight hours because there is nothing good on. Some things never change even after you grow up. I could pick a variety of soaps to watch, but my life has enough drama in it already and the only hunk that makes my heart skip a beat is currently in a Washington County court room. Or Dr. Oz can show me what diabetes does to my body by using hammers, drywall, and broken glass. (He knows how to make medicine exciting. Daytime tv at it's best!) Then there's Dr. Phil. Ugh. What new drama is he going to save us from today. Thank goodness for Dr. Phil! The man reminds me of a southern preacher and actually thinks he can perform earth shattering miracles. At least his ego claims to. Or how about "Inside Edition", where I can learn all about Tiger Woods and his many mistresses? Do I care? Thanks for proving that your fame has made you as idiotic as all the other celebrities. At that point "Diego" was looking pretty tempting. Good thing I finished wrapping my gifts and was saved from trying to drudge through any more channels.
I have thought of the perfect torture to use on me, aside from waiting in the doctor's office. Strap me to a chair and force me to watch day time tv. I promise I'll be spilling all my secrets in no time.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Yesterday I went to Home Depot to get some new weather stripping for our front door. I've gone there enough times that I was smart enough to take the old stripping with me so I knew what kind to get. Pretty simple task. I was very grateful to the man and woman who were stocking stripping and helped me pick out the right kind. But I had even more fun reminding the male employee that appearances aren't always what they seem.
After helping me find the right size of stripping, this kind fellow started talking to me about installing it. He asked, "Do you have a husband?". I knew exactly where he was going this with this question and wish I had had of a great response, such as "Yes. Do you have a wife? Now that we're acquainted can we get on with the task at hand?" or "Isn't that a little too personal for weather stripping?", etc. I responded that I do and this man then told me that my husband could figure out how to install the stripping. (Whoa buddy! Back up there a minute!) I told him that, in fact, my husband didn't really do things like that, which is why I was the one out shopping for the stripping. "Oh", he responded and then told me he'd try to get a better answer from someone on how to install the stuff. I told him not to worry because I think I could figure it out since I was the one who took out the old weather stripping in the first place. Shot down, buddy!
I have to be perfectly honest that I was a little annoyed at this man's stupid sexist comment, especially in this day and age where there seems to be no limits to what one can do. Plus I don't like to be told that I can't do something. It makes sense to me that I do the home repairs. My husband has little time or interest in such things. Getting him to do home repairs is like pulling teeth because he hates it. I'm home a lot and I love to work with my hands. I have lists of projects I am continually working on to better beautify our home. Just because I'm lacking the male anatomy doesn't mean I am clueless when it comes to tools.
Maybe next time this guy will think before speaking and realize it's better to not judge a book by it's cover because you never know what's inside.
After helping me find the right size of stripping, this kind fellow started talking to me about installing it. He asked, "Do you have a husband?". I knew exactly where he was going this with this question and wish I had had of a great response, such as "Yes. Do you have a wife? Now that we're acquainted can we get on with the task at hand?" or "Isn't that a little too personal for weather stripping?", etc. I responded that I do and this man then told me that my husband could figure out how to install the stripping. (Whoa buddy! Back up there a minute!) I told him that, in fact, my husband didn't really do things like that, which is why I was the one out shopping for the stripping. "Oh", he responded and then told me he'd try to get a better answer from someone on how to install the stuff. I told him not to worry because I think I could figure it out since I was the one who took out the old weather stripping in the first place. Shot down, buddy!
I have to be perfectly honest that I was a little annoyed at this man's stupid sexist comment, especially in this day and age where there seems to be no limits to what one can do. Plus I don't like to be told that I can't do something. It makes sense to me that I do the home repairs. My husband has little time or interest in such things. Getting him to do home repairs is like pulling teeth because he hates it. I'm home a lot and I love to work with my hands. I have lists of projects I am continually working on to better beautify our home. Just because I'm lacking the male anatomy doesn't mean I am clueless when it comes to tools.
Maybe next time this guy will think before speaking and realize it's better to not judge a book by it's cover because you never know what's inside.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Why Some Women Need To Be Hit With My Purse
The first time I heard the term "better than sex" was when I was a teenager. We were visiting my mom's friend and she told us we HAD to try Dove chocolate ice cream bars because they were "better than sex". Being an innocent teen, I was curious as to how good these bars actually were. After trying one I remember thinking "Well that sucks. It was good, but it was an ice cream bar. Is it really bts?" Not to mentioned being grossed out because I knew about my mom's friend's sex life. Ick! Then I vowed never to become someone who would let her intimate life be topped by a food item and never to compare something so beautiful and intimate to something so common.
It has amazed me over the years how I have heard this term, used only by women, to describe various decadent desserts or other supposedly amazing experiences, like getting a face massage, to be better than sex. Really? Why do they suppose it is acceptable to publicly compare their sex life to something? That just isn't right. Imagine if the shoe was on the other foot and men went around talking out how last night's football game or steak at Texas Roadhouse was totally "better than sex". The cries of outrage from their wives would be heard all over the nation. They would be labeled as insensitive jerks for judging their women's bedroom performances. It would be ugly.
Why do women think it is okay for them to publicly ridicule their husband's performance? It's one of those stupid double standards of some women that makes me want to whack them over the head with my purse. With "New Moon" coming out there has been a lot of drooling and ogling going on by women over the shirtless Jacob and glowering Edward. Some have even commented about how their husbands need to step up the game in the bedroom to compete with these young muscly heart throbs. Are you kidding me? Again, someone needs to explain to me why women feel it is acceptable to talk openly about their sex lives and entertain these lustful thoughts. Oh yeah, you can't explain the rationale to me because it isn't right. D'uh!
What would one of these women do if their husband came home from watching a movie and raved on and on about some sexy young actress and how their wife needs to work-out more, get a boob job, and some highlights to keep him from turning his head. Death, destruction, and mayhem would be unleashed, or at least that man would be sleeping outside without any hope of reconciliation in this life. Women wouldn't stand for it. So why do it to men? It's a perversion, cruel, and just plain old wrong.
Not to mention the fact that is brings your marriage down to a base level. It should be taboo to talk about your intimate relationship with your spouse. You'd think women of the LDS church would know better since the doctrine teaches it is sacred and holy. Seriously, maybe your sex life would be better and your marriage happier if you didn't blab about it to everyone. Perhaps you could try talking about it to your husband instead, since he is the other half of the relationship. It does take two to tango, you know.
When it comes down to it, there is something seriously wrong with you if you start rating your intimacy with your spouse based on desserts. There's something wrong with YOU if you start comparing your spouse to someone else on the movie screen or in real life. These are the seeds of infidelity. If you want your husband to treat you like a queen, then start treating him like a king. Keep what goes on in the bedroom in your bedroom and between the two of you. No one else. Please, save us all from gagging and spare us your feelings on your sex life. We aren't the ones who need to know. Your husband is.
It has amazed me over the years how I have heard this term, used only by women, to describe various decadent desserts or other supposedly amazing experiences, like getting a face massage, to be better than sex. Really? Why do they suppose it is acceptable to publicly compare their sex life to something? That just isn't right. Imagine if the shoe was on the other foot and men went around talking out how last night's football game or steak at Texas Roadhouse was totally "better than sex". The cries of outrage from their wives would be heard all over the nation. They would be labeled as insensitive jerks for judging their women's bedroom performances. It would be ugly.
Why do women think it is okay for them to publicly ridicule their husband's performance? It's one of those stupid double standards of some women that makes me want to whack them over the head with my purse. With "New Moon" coming out there has been a lot of drooling and ogling going on by women over the shirtless Jacob and glowering Edward. Some have even commented about how their husbands need to step up the game in the bedroom to compete with these young muscly heart throbs. Are you kidding me? Again, someone needs to explain to me why women feel it is acceptable to talk openly about their sex lives and entertain these lustful thoughts. Oh yeah, you can't explain the rationale to me because it isn't right. D'uh!
What would one of these women do if their husband came home from watching a movie and raved on and on about some sexy young actress and how their wife needs to work-out more, get a boob job, and some highlights to keep him from turning his head. Death, destruction, and mayhem would be unleashed, or at least that man would be sleeping outside without any hope of reconciliation in this life. Women wouldn't stand for it. So why do it to men? It's a perversion, cruel, and just plain old wrong.
Not to mention the fact that is brings your marriage down to a base level. It should be taboo to talk about your intimate relationship with your spouse. You'd think women of the LDS church would know better since the doctrine teaches it is sacred and holy. Seriously, maybe your sex life would be better and your marriage happier if you didn't blab about it to everyone. Perhaps you could try talking about it to your husband instead, since he is the other half of the relationship. It does take two to tango, you know.
When it comes down to it, there is something seriously wrong with you if you start rating your intimacy with your spouse based on desserts. There's something wrong with YOU if you start comparing your spouse to someone else on the movie screen or in real life. These are the seeds of infidelity. If you want your husband to treat you like a queen, then start treating him like a king. Keep what goes on in the bedroom in your bedroom and between the two of you. No one else. Please, save us all from gagging and spare us your feelings on your sex life. We aren't the ones who need to know. Your husband is.
Friday, November 27, 2009
A Confession
After all my ranting and raving about "New Moon", I saw the movie. Mind you, it was out of sheer kindness towards a friend. You see, it was my friend's birthday and she wanted us all to go and see the movie together. She even bought me a ticket. So I went for my friend. And I survived.
I must admit the second movie is much better in quality than the first. The vampire make-up isn't as bad, though still not very good, and the acting improved, though still wasn't compelling. I love what one critic had to say, wondering why either Jacob or Edward would fight over chronically depressed Bella. Seriously, the girl is never happy. Then Edward decides to leave and that makes it all the worse. Her screaming nightmares got to be annoying. Her clutching at her sides when she would think about Edward. Oh the pain! From the memories or from constipation?
The movie only cemented the fact that I prefer, if I was forced at gun point to pick, Jacob. He was much more warm and caring. Edward remained his cool aloof self. Oh, how sexy! I like how one woman described Edward as lust and Jacob as love. I agree. Jacob just seems to, um, actually care about Bella.
But I can't believe I have wasted this many words on the movie already. I confess, I saw it. I didn't die of boredom, but I wasn't sold on it either.
I must admit the second movie is much better in quality than the first. The vampire make-up isn't as bad, though still not very good, and the acting improved, though still wasn't compelling. I love what one critic had to say, wondering why either Jacob or Edward would fight over chronically depressed Bella. Seriously, the girl is never happy. Then Edward decides to leave and that makes it all the worse. Her screaming nightmares got to be annoying. Her clutching at her sides when she would think about Edward. Oh the pain! From the memories or from constipation?
The movie only cemented the fact that I prefer, if I was forced at gun point to pick, Jacob. He was much more warm and caring. Edward remained his cool aloof self. Oh, how sexy! I like how one woman described Edward as lust and Jacob as love. I agree. Jacob just seems to, um, actually care about Bella.
But I can't believe I have wasted this many words on the movie already. I confess, I saw it. I didn't die of boredom, but I wasn't sold on it either.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Be Like Henry: Let the Ant Be
As a child I loved the book "Henry's Awful Mistake" by Robert Quackenbush. It was a fun story about a silly duck who creates a terrible mess all because of an ant. As an adult I have grown to appreciate the message behind the story and the valuable lesson taught through Henry.
Henry is a duck who decides to invite his friend Clara over for dinner. As he is preparing the meal, Henry, much to his shock and dismay, discovers an ant in his kitchen. This will not do! Everything must be perfect for his dinner with Clara. So Henry begins chasing around the ant, who eventually crawls behind the oven. Well Henry is not willing to give up there and decides to pull out his stove and find where the offending insect went. He discovers the ant slipped into a crack in the wall and goes after it with a hammer. Unfortunately, the ant chooses to hide on a pipe and Henry very foolishly hits the pipe with the hammer, causing a giant leak. He thinks quickly and ties off the water with a towel and counts his blessings that the dinner is saved. However, while cleaning up the wet kitchen, Henry slips, crashes into the table, and ends up covered in food and pans. Looks like he'll have to cancel his dinner after all. While he is on the phone with Clara, the towel comes lose on the pipe and poor Henry is washed out the door by the water. He can do nothing, but watch his house wash away. Henry ends up buying a new house and again inviting Clara over for dinner. Just as he is about to open the front door to his guest, Henry sees an ant. And he decides to look the other way.
What a fool Henry is! To completely ruin his dinner and home all because of one little ant. Who in their right mind would take a hammer to a water pipe? Henry was too caught up in getting that ant that he didn't realize what he was doing. Silly duck, right? We'd never do something so stupid as that, would we?
How about when we find fault with those who are our leaders in the church? It amazes me as a bishop's wife how people demand to be satisfied and if everything is not according to their wishes, they will let you know. To say a bishop, stake president, or even the prophet is not inspired because he does something you personally do not like, whether it be change a Young Women's presidency, institute a new stake program, or introduce new doctrine, is foolish and dangerous territory. To make public your dissatisfaction is even more treacherous because you are influencing those around you with your negative attitude.
Let's get one thing straight, the simple fact that it is the Lord who leads the church. When a prophet, stake president, or bishop is called, that person is chosen by the Lord and given all the rights and keys connected to that calling. That means that when they make a decision in regards for the ward, stake, or church they are doing what the Lord has inspired them to do. You may not agree with it. You may think President X or Bishop Y did a better job leading the ward or stake. But it doesn't really matter because it's not up to you, it's up to the Lord. If you've got a problem with your leaders, you get on your knees and pray to get in line with them. You work to love them. You can even meet with them and talk about what ails you. But you do not let what you perceive as their weaknesses or imperfections keep you from sustaining them as your leaders. You do not broadcast your opinion for all to hear.
Why? Because when you focus on the imperfections of your leaders, you become like our little duck friend Henry. He wanted everything to be perfect, or at least what he deemed to be perfection. Then the ant appeared and he became so focused and obsessed on that little insect that he failed to realize the destruction he was causing to his home before it was too late. He lost everything, but he also learned. And when that ant appeared again, Henry was wiser and choose to look the other way.
We must do the same with our leaders. They all are imperfect because they all are in this mortal journey with us. Some faults are more obvious that others. But we have the choice, like Henry, whether or not to focus on those imperfections. Do we hold grudges? Do we judge our leaders too harshly? Do we expect too much from them? Do we recognize that they are trying their best and see what good they do? If we fail to see the good and only focus on the bad, we will be like Henry. We will destroy ourselves, our families, and bring contention into our wards, stakes, and overall church, all the while not even realizing it. We wouldn't dream of hitting a water line with a hammer. That's just stupid. But what of venting about our bishop because he released who we thought was the best Relief Society president ever or dared to call us to an impossible calling?
We have to watch ourselves. Remember Henry and the lesson he learned. Remember to look the other way. Focus on the good our leaders do. Sustain them. Support them. Uplift them. Let their faults be and move on. After all, if we were bishop or stake president, wouldn't we want people to have patience for our shortcomings, which would be on display for all to see?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thanksgiving: The Commercially Un-Cool Holiday
Thanksgiving is only a week away! My how time flies. It seems like every year Thanksgiving gets pushed aside in anticipation for Christmas. All the stores are in full Christmas mode, with a small half isle of Thanksgiving stuff. Once Halloween is over it's time for Christmas, apparently. I hate how everything commercial does that. I admit, Thanksgiving isn't a glitzy exciting holiday, but it's one not to be forgotten.
I cannot tell you how excited I was when my oldest came home from school one day and told me all about pilgrims and what they did. My child was actually learning about such things in school? Wow! I didn't think anyone cared anymore, not to mention how any type of European settler to America is immediately labelled as "bad" nowadays. I was so thrilled Anna was learning about pilgrims. They were an awesome people filled with great courage, adventure, and conviction. They should be celebrated.
Did you know Thanksgiving wasn't an official holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it to be so? This was during the Civil War, which was not a pleasant time for anyone. What a perfect idea for people to come together and count their blessings during such a horrible time of war. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from them.
Not only is remembering why we have Thanksgiving important, but also keeping the actual holiday alive itself. I, for one, don't want it to be stamped out in my children's brains because it falls between two more exciting holidays. Halloween means free candy and Christmas means presents to kids. Kids need to be reminded that life isn't just about getting stuff. Whenever I am feeling down about life not going "my way", I always remind myself of the blessings I do have and then I end up feeling grand. We try to teach this to our children, especially at this time of year. Each November we get out our "Thankful Turkey" and every Monday night our kids add "feathers" to him. We cut them out from construction paper and take turns writing on them what we are thankful for. Then we add them to our bare turkey. It's a great exercise.
Hopefully giving thanks is something we do more than once a year, but we should especially do it on Thanksgiving so our kids know they have a lot of be thankful for. Here are a few things I am grateful for, in no particular order:
Electricity
Running water
Medication
Doctors
House
Van
Email
Gospel
Temples
Husband's Job
Good friends
Scriptures
Testimony
Food in the cupboards
Grass outback
Baby smiles
Jimmy kisses
Rachel hugs
Anna reading
Sleep
Warm blankets
Ice cream
Healthy body
Exercise
Service
Sunshine
Leaves changing
Water
Slippers
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Dryer
What are you thankful for?
I cannot tell you how excited I was when my oldest came home from school one day and told me all about pilgrims and what they did. My child was actually learning about such things in school? Wow! I didn't think anyone cared anymore, not to mention how any type of European settler to America is immediately labelled as "bad" nowadays. I was so thrilled Anna was learning about pilgrims. They were an awesome people filled with great courage, adventure, and conviction. They should be celebrated.
Did you know Thanksgiving wasn't an official holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it to be so? This was during the Civil War, which was not a pleasant time for anyone. What a perfect idea for people to come together and count their blessings during such a horrible time of war. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from them.
Not only is remembering why we have Thanksgiving important, but also keeping the actual holiday alive itself. I, for one, don't want it to be stamped out in my children's brains because it falls between two more exciting holidays. Halloween means free candy and Christmas means presents to kids. Kids need to be reminded that life isn't just about getting stuff. Whenever I am feeling down about life not going "my way", I always remind myself of the blessings I do have and then I end up feeling grand. We try to teach this to our children, especially at this time of year. Each November we get out our "Thankful Turkey" and every Monday night our kids add "feathers" to him. We cut them out from construction paper and take turns writing on them what we are thankful for. Then we add them to our bare turkey. It's a great exercise.
Hopefully giving thanks is something we do more than once a year, but we should especially do it on Thanksgiving so our kids know they have a lot of be thankful for. Here are a few things I am grateful for, in no particular order:
Electricity
Running water
Medication
Doctors
House
Van
Gospel
Temples
Husband's Job
Good friends
Scriptures
Testimony
Food in the cupboards
Grass outback
Baby smiles
Jimmy kisses
Rachel hugs
Anna reading
Sleep
Warm blankets
Ice cream
Healthy body
Exercise
Service
Sunshine
Leaves changing
Water
Slippers
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Dryer
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"Women of the Silk"
What a fascinating read! A friend recommended this book and I loved it! I actually have two more of Tsukiyama's book on hold at the library. She is an amazing story-teller, taking her reader into the unknown world of rural China in the late 1920's. We meet young Pei, our heroine, who at a young age is sold into working at a silk factory in order to provide for her family. We learn how these young girls form a sisterhood and eventually unite to form the first strike in the silk factory. Along the way Tsukiyama teaches us about the marriage customs and relationships of the time and culture and the horrors of the Japanese invasion of China. A beautiful story of courage, growth, and freedom. A must read!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Gag me with "New Moon"
Finally, the long awaited "New Moon" in the "Twilight" saga opens this week. Pinch me! Or better yet please stick pins in my eyes rather than force me to endure any more of the excitement and marketing that is following this big event. I mean, seriously, when I was at the check-out at the grocery store the other day, I noticed "New Moon" Sweet Tarts. Sweet Tarts! Now I can have hunky Jacob Black or mysterious handsome Edward on my candy box. What more could a girl ask for? A bucket to vomit in?
As you all know, I am not a big fan of "Twilight". I do admit that I read the first three books. They were a fun read, what I would call "brain candy". They were entertaining and suspenseful, but not amazing. Aside from the fact that every other page I wanted to yell at Bella for being so dimwitted and clumsy, constantly throwing herself in harm's way. And I did see the first movie, "Twilight", and I laughed with my sister-in-laws at the horrible acting. Was Edward constipated or suffering from an emotional struggle? I couldn't tell.
That is why I will never cease to be amazed at all the hub-bub over the series as each movie opens. Women who think Edward is sexy beyond all belief and Jacob is the hunkiest thing around just boggle my mind. They're fictional characters. Not to mention one is a vampire and could possible kill you. Yeah, it would be so fun on a cold night to snuggle up to my marble-like Edward. Not. Or what happens when Jacob turns into a wolf? Um, that would be scary, expensive for the clothing budget, and a whopper to explain to the neighbors. "Sorry my honey ate your dog. He had a bad day at work and just needed to let go." Sweet. I kind of passed that screaming infatuated fan stage when I was a teenager. Plus, I'm happily married to my cutie, who's been teased for being a blood sucker because he is a lawyer. I've got the real deal, ladies! Take that!
I won't be waiting in line for hours to pack into a theater of hormonal women to see "New Moon". Actually, I'll never pay to see it. Like the election propaganda, I am counting down the time until I don't have to see or hear about Edward, Jacob, or Bella again. I know they will never go away, but if I have to see one more box of Sweet Tarts with their love torn faces on the packaging . . .
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Jacob in the leaves
More leaf pictures, but cute ones. Jacob got to explore leaves for the first time yesterday. He wasn't too sure about them. I love the disgusted face he makes when he is trying to figure something out. He didn't like how they stuck to his clothes, but he did enjoy grabbing a handful and then watching them flutter to the ground. Cuteness!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Fall in St. George
One day I'll catch on that Fall comes a month later down here. The kids have anxiously been awaiting the chance to rake and jump in the leaves. Rachel and Jimmy had a great time with it today.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Sacrifice of Parents
I am sure you all have had those days when you don't want to get out of bed. You just want to tuck the covers under your chin, let your body meld to the bed, and go back to sleep. Everything can wait another day. But then you remind yourself that you have a job waiting or kids needing to be fed, dressed, and pushed out the door to school. You have people counting on you and so you can't just take a day off, no matter how tempting the idea.
I've been pondering this idea lately and how it applies to the sacrifices of parenthood. I'm not talking about the sacrifices mothers make to bring life into the world and raise those precious spirits or the great responsibility that rests on fathers to provide and preside in their families. Though crucial, and sometimes overwhelming, those haven't been the sacrifices on my mind. I'm talking about the sacrifices we parents make to teach our children the Gospel.
Let me explain. I know at least once in your life, more if you are honest, when those of you who have had small children in your home, the thought has crossed your mind about not looking forward to wrestling everyone for Family Home Evening, scripture study, or family prayer. Even Elder Bednar talked in this past conference about how often their family scripture study sessions were a little crazy and he often wondered what, if anything, his children learned. Or take Stake Conference. We had our's this weekend and enjoyed two hours of trying to keep our kids from going insane while we listened to the broadcast from Salt Lake. Would it have been easier to stay home and not undergo such torture? Yes. But we covenanted to raise our children in the Gospel so we went and endured the struggle.
It goes along with the idea of not wanting to get out of bed. You get up because you have to. You teach your kids the Gospel because you have been commanded to. Sometimes it would be easy to skip a family prayer or Family Home Evening. The kids are tired and have been fighting or maybe you're crabby and exhausted from a long day. But that is when we as parents need to step up and sacrifice. Time to say "Yeah, I really don't feel like doing this, but I am because I made a covenant to do so for my children". And then you do it because a big part of being a parent is sacrificing your own needs for those of your children.
Over the past few months I have watched a dear family member walk away from the church as she has gone through a divorce. It wouldn't be such a big deal if she did not have children watching her every move. I can understand that times are tough for their family, but now more than ever those children need the guidance of the Gospel. They are not getting it and some are having those seeds of doubt planted in their hearts. They're bitter or impartial towards the Gospel. The choices they make now will affect their future and they are lacking the direction they need and seek because their parents are not doing their jobs.
Whether we like it or not, our children are constantly bombarded by the world, a.k.a. Satan. His methods are more enticing, flashy, and cool. He can be found everywhere in the media, fashion, morals, and attitude of our day. The world is speaking to our children and it's voice is loud and very clear. That is why we as parents need to make sure our children are hearing the voice of the Lord in their lives. They need to learn to recognize and follow Him or else they will be led astray. We can't just leave them to their own devices and hope they turn out okay. You have as much chance as that happening as you do hitting a bulls eye on a dart board with your eyes closed. As parents it is our responsibility and duty to make sure they are taught the Gospel. Sometimes that means we have to sacrifice, whether it be patience, energy, or time, to make sure it is being done.
Our duty to our children does not end in their temporal well-being, but lies far deeper in their spiritual welfare. There can be no vacations or days off from the Gospel in the home. Satan never rests and neither can we.
I've been pondering this idea lately and how it applies to the sacrifices of parenthood. I'm not talking about the sacrifices mothers make to bring life into the world and raise those precious spirits or the great responsibility that rests on fathers to provide and preside in their families. Though crucial, and sometimes overwhelming, those haven't been the sacrifices on my mind. I'm talking about the sacrifices we parents make to teach our children the Gospel.
Let me explain. I know at least once in your life, more if you are honest, when those of you who have had small children in your home, the thought has crossed your mind about not looking forward to wrestling everyone for Family Home Evening, scripture study, or family prayer. Even Elder Bednar talked in this past conference about how often their family scripture study sessions were a little crazy and he often wondered what, if anything, his children learned. Or take Stake Conference. We had our's this weekend and enjoyed two hours of trying to keep our kids from going insane while we listened to the broadcast from Salt Lake. Would it have been easier to stay home and not undergo such torture? Yes. But we covenanted to raise our children in the Gospel so we went and endured the struggle.
It goes along with the idea of not wanting to get out of bed. You get up because you have to. You teach your kids the Gospel because you have been commanded to. Sometimes it would be easy to skip a family prayer or Family Home Evening. The kids are tired and have been fighting or maybe you're crabby and exhausted from a long day. But that is when we as parents need to step up and sacrifice. Time to say "Yeah, I really don't feel like doing this, but I am because I made a covenant to do so for my children". And then you do it because a big part of being a parent is sacrificing your own needs for those of your children.
Over the past few months I have watched a dear family member walk away from the church as she has gone through a divorce. It wouldn't be such a big deal if she did not have children watching her every move. I can understand that times are tough for their family, but now more than ever those children need the guidance of the Gospel. They are not getting it and some are having those seeds of doubt planted in their hearts. They're bitter or impartial towards the Gospel. The choices they make now will affect their future and they are lacking the direction they need and seek because their parents are not doing their jobs.
Whether we like it or not, our children are constantly bombarded by the world, a.k.a. Satan. His methods are more enticing, flashy, and cool. He can be found everywhere in the media, fashion, morals, and attitude of our day. The world is speaking to our children and it's voice is loud and very clear. That is why we as parents need to make sure our children are hearing the voice of the Lord in their lives. They need to learn to recognize and follow Him or else they will be led astray. We can't just leave them to their own devices and hope they turn out okay. You have as much chance as that happening as you do hitting a bulls eye on a dart board with your eyes closed. As parents it is our responsibility and duty to make sure they are taught the Gospel. Sometimes that means we have to sacrifice, whether it be patience, energy, or time, to make sure it is being done.
Our duty to our children does not end in their temporal well-being, but lies far deeper in their spiritual welfare. There can be no vacations or days off from the Gospel in the home. Satan never rests and neither can we.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Weekend!
Life is pretty much awesome. I just got our carpets cleaned, which badly needed them. I am going away over night with the hubby for a little firm retreat. And it's stake conference weekend so I'll see Marshall on Sunday. Sweet deal! Hope you all have a great weekend!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
New Insight For Old Advice
In the past, probably last week, whenever I would get discouraged about not having something in my life, whether it be material or otherwise, my husband would tell me to count my blessings. I would grumble at him because I was in no mood to think about what I did have since I was too busy moping about what I did not have. You know the routine, life is unfair and no one has it as bad as you and don't try to convince you otherwise.
When I've counted my blessings in the past, I've always felt better by the end because I see all that I have and realize how blessed I am. But lately I have come to recognize further wisdom in this simple exercise. When I am bitter about what I don't have, my focus is on that one thing I want and I have blinders on to everything else. Not only do I overlook the blessings I do have, but also I fail to see the "tender mercies" that let me know my Father in Heaven is aware of me. With my focus elsewhere, I miss out on those spiritually strengthening and building opportunities.
We've had a few trials as of late and I have often gotten frustrated with the time it is taking to resolve some of them. (As I have mentioned numerous times, I am not a patient woman.) It seems as though sometimes it will never end, and I know some won't, and that the Lord has completely forgotten about me because He does not lift my burdens. That kind of thinking is wrong and is where I get into trouble. Since my eyes are looking at only my one desire, I fail to see all that is happening around me. Perhaps the Lord won't take away my trial, but He will work through other people and His own devices to let me know He loves me and knows my struggles well. He is waiting to lift my burdens, just not in the ways I expect or look for.
It has been amazing and humbling as I have taken the time and effort daily to be in tune with the Spirit more (which one cannot do when bitter) and notice the Lord's hand in my life. From my simplest needs or desires on to grander dreams, He is aware of me and He lets me know in small and simple ways. To realize that is overwhelming and makes me see what a fool I am when I doubt and rant about all my trials and the Lord not caring.
The next time you are feeling "picked upon" or as though you are alone, try counting your blessings. You'll quickly see all the Lord has given you and learn that He is aware of your trials and joys. You may just be focusing in the wrong place and miss seeing it.
When I've counted my blessings in the past, I've always felt better by the end because I see all that I have and realize how blessed I am. But lately I have come to recognize further wisdom in this simple exercise. When I am bitter about what I don't have, my focus is on that one thing I want and I have blinders on to everything else. Not only do I overlook the blessings I do have, but also I fail to see the "tender mercies" that let me know my Father in Heaven is aware of me. With my focus elsewhere, I miss out on those spiritually strengthening and building opportunities.
We've had a few trials as of late and I have often gotten frustrated with the time it is taking to resolve some of them. (As I have mentioned numerous times, I am not a patient woman.) It seems as though sometimes it will never end, and I know some won't, and that the Lord has completely forgotten about me because He does not lift my burdens. That kind of thinking is wrong and is where I get into trouble. Since my eyes are looking at only my one desire, I fail to see all that is happening around me. Perhaps the Lord won't take away my trial, but He will work through other people and His own devices to let me know He loves me and knows my struggles well. He is waiting to lift my burdens, just not in the ways I expect or look for.
It has been amazing and humbling as I have taken the time and effort daily to be in tune with the Spirit more (which one cannot do when bitter) and notice the Lord's hand in my life. From my simplest needs or desires on to grander dreams, He is aware of me and He lets me know in small and simple ways. To realize that is overwhelming and makes me see what a fool I am when I doubt and rant about all my trials and the Lord not caring.
The next time you are feeling "picked upon" or as though you are alone, try counting your blessings. You'll quickly see all the Lord has given you and learn that He is aware of your trials and joys. You may just be focusing in the wrong place and miss seeing it.
A Potty is a Potty
I like to peruse the "$100 or less" section of the classifieds, where people advertise furniture, exercise equipment, and all sorts of stuff for less than a Ben Franklin. Sometimes there are some neat things, but yesterday I read about a whopper.
Beautiful antique chamber pot. Floral design. $35.
Seriously, who would want to buy a chamber pot? I don't care how beautiful the flowers on it are or how much of an antique it is. Do you know what they were used for? No amount of cleaning is going to make me want that thing. Some things are just not meant to be saved and revered in the future. What would I do with it? Put flowers in it? Use it as decor and tell guests, "Yeah, people used to pee in that. Pretty cool that I have it sitting on my coffee table now, right?" Yeah, that'd make them want to stay for dinner. In 30 years maybe I can sell my old toilet as an antique. You never know.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Piano Man Jimmy
Jimmy has taken to playing piano and singing. Today he sang about Darth Vader eating red peppers and getting killed. I couldn't resist sneaking in a video of him. What a cutie! Maybe he'll be musical like his dad!
Halloween Fun
We had a wonderful Halloween. The kids got lots and lots of candy. We have two big metal mixing bowls filled with all sorts of goodies. Even Jacob had fun and tagged along for most of the trick-or-treating. It's always a little sad once Halloween is over. Thank goodness we still have some more fun holidays coming up.
Cinderella, Captain Planet, and Superman
Me and my pumpkin
Cinderella, Captain Planet, and Superman
Me and my pumpkin
Friday, October 30, 2009
Going Insane (Almost)
I'm surprised someone hasn't slipped one of the above on me this week because it feels like I am heading there. You've probably noticed I haven't been blogging much. Believe me, I have lots I want to say, just no chance to do it.
See, I've developed this 20 pound growth that is only removable during nap and bedtime. Said adorable growth thinks he needs to be attached to me at all times in order to be happy, unless it is during a brief period when he likes to climb all over the couch and do all sorts of death defying couch dives. Babies and colds don't mix. I feel like I've slowly been going insane because I have had little peace, even when I need to use the bathroom. It's amazing. I hope my poor little guy feels better soon so that we can both be happy.
But to add to the fun of my week, I woke up this morning to find our master bathroom wet thanks to a leaking toilet tank. It even got into our closet rug and the carpet downstairs in the toy room. Thankfully it was tank water and not actual used toilet water. Ugh. Just one more thing to keep us on our toes! (sob)
Thank goodness Halloween is tomorrow and we are all excited to go out and have fun. That's what is keeping me going! Trick-or-treat!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Go Phils!
I am not a fan of baseball. As a kid, I remember my dad watching it on tv and it seemed like time had stood still during those games because they would NEVER end. I agree with homer Simpson that baseball is boring to watch unless drunk. (Though I admit I've never watched baseball drunk.) It is not an exciting sport.
That being said, I think it is very cool that the Phillies have a chance at winning the World Series. The last time I remember the Phils being good was back in the days of Mike Schmidt. (But then again, that was when I knew his name thanks to my dad and I haven't followed them on my own.) There must be something in the water back there, which is nasty to the taste, but I still have great pride in the City of Brotherly love. I may not always agree with the politics there, but it has great people, culture, and food. At times I really miss being able to drive down town for a visit. Or hearing that sweet Philly accent.
So even though I haven't lived back east in over ten years and I can't stand baseball, I am cheering for the Phillies because they are a part of the place I love. (And maybe because I used to have a crush on Schmidt.) Go Phillies!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
It is finished
Two years ago in April we bought our house and thought we were getting a back yard with it. But actually we had a yard full of weeds, a little grass, and lots of over grown bushes and such that had been torn up by the dog of the previous owner. Like simple folk, we tried to add a few sprinklers to the poorly positioned ones that already existed and reseed grass. Ha! How our yard laughed at our efforts and mocked us by growing more weeds at an alarming rate. "You will not win!" it said!
Well, after much frustration, this spring Marshall took a shovel to the yard and started to tear it all up. But then summer came and so the work ceased and we were left with dirt. Yeah! Then in August Marshall and his amazing brother hit our yard with a vengeance. His parents helped to till up the evil yard and weeds (who's winning now?!) to get it ready to dig new sprinkler lines. Then Marshall and his brother worked hard to dig new trenches and put in a whole new sprinkler system. We all thought it would never end.
But then one day not too long ago, it was declared finished. So the process of filling trenches and smoothing the yard began. Then on Friday, that glorious day of the week, our sod arrived. We spent last night, with lots of help, laying all our sod. Now, after all this drama and work, we have a yard where the kids can play. (Take that weeds of doom!) It looks fantastic and I am giddy with joy! Hee hee! Thanks to everyone who helped!
Our yard when we first bought the house. No, don't be fooled by the green. It's mostly weeds my friends. Evil evil weeds that never would die!
What our yard has looked like since April. Dirt. Lots of it. This is actually a picture of Marshall and his brother finishing up filling the trenches and tilling one final time.
The finished project. Isn't it wonderful?
Well, after much frustration, this spring Marshall took a shovel to the yard and started to tear it all up. But then summer came and so the work ceased and we were left with dirt. Yeah! Then in August Marshall and his amazing brother hit our yard with a vengeance. His parents helped to till up the evil yard and weeds (who's winning now?!) to get it ready to dig new sprinkler lines. Then Marshall and his brother worked hard to dig new trenches and put in a whole new sprinkler system. We all thought it would never end.
But then one day not too long ago, it was declared finished. So the process of filling trenches and smoothing the yard began. Then on Friday, that glorious day of the week, our sod arrived. We spent last night, with lots of help, laying all our sod. Now, after all this drama and work, we have a yard where the kids can play. (Take that weeds of doom!) It looks fantastic and I am giddy with joy! Hee hee! Thanks to everyone who helped!
Our yard when we first bought the house. No, don't be fooled by the green. It's mostly weeds my friends. Evil evil weeds that never would die!
What our yard has looked like since April. Dirt. Lots of it. This is actually a picture of Marshall and his brother finishing up filling the trenches and tilling one final time.
The finished project. Isn't it wonderful?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Busy, busy, busy
I'm still here, just been busy. I have become addicted to the "new.familysearch.org" website. People, genealogy couldn't be easier. I can do it from my own home and get it temple ready without having to go to the family history center. Bonus! I've kind of become obsessed with it and, my oh my, do I have a lot of work to do. I did manage to send 19 names off to my sister-in-law for her kids to do baptisms for. Did I mention I have a lot of work to do?
When I haven't been doing family history this week I have been trying to help Marshall in the yard. This usually means herding the kids. But tomorrow the sod comes and we will be laying actual grass. What will it be like to wake up on Saturday and find a backyard full of grass after seeing dirt, weeds, and random patches of grass for two years? I'm so giddy.
Needless to say, it's been busy around these parts. But not too crazy for me to find the time to do one Halloween craft. We have to add to our decorations every year and this time I made some cute tombstones. Yeah, I am amazing. (Coming soon: pictures of our new yard. Boo-yah!)
When I haven't been doing family history this week I have been trying to help Marshall in the yard. This usually means herding the kids. But tomorrow the sod comes and we will be laying actual grass. What will it be like to wake up on Saturday and find a backyard full of grass after seeing dirt, weeds, and random patches of grass for two years? I'm so giddy.
Needless to say, it's been busy around these parts. But not too crazy for me to find the time to do one Halloween craft. We have to add to our decorations every year and this time I made some cute tombstones. Yeah, I am amazing. (Coming soon: pictures of our new yard. Boo-yah!)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Why I Hate HOAs
This morning as I was getting ready for the day, I had the rare chance to listen to the news and was once again determined to never live in a place with a Home Owner's Association. We rented in a place where there was an HOA filled with all sorts of fun loving kind elderly people. (Ha! As if that could exist!) Once we got fined $30 for our children coloring on our driveway with chalk. I know, it's unacceptable. How do we go out in public and look people in the eyes?! We let our children use chalk! Of all things. But now an HOA in Florida is taking things to a new level, as I listened on the television and realized the Grinch does in fact exist and he lives in Florida. Read on:
A retirement community in Largo, Florida is fighting to evict six-year-old Kimberly Broffman from the home of her grandparents Jimmy and Judie Stottler, the only parents she's ever known. According to the development's bylaws, all residents must be older than 55.
Kimberly is the only person expected to vacate the home.
Kimberly's grandparents have tried selling their house to leave the neighborhood, but because of the crash in the housing market, there are no buyers. They have lowered the price from $225,000 to $129,000.
The fight between Kimberly's grandparents and the community has been going on for years, but soon a judge will decide if the girl must leave. According to NBC News, there is a real possibility that she could be placed in state foster care
Oh yes, you did read correctly. This HOA is trying to kick out a little girl, who has no where else to go, because she is under the 55 and older age limit. Forget the fact that her grandparents have been trying to sell their home so they can live somewhere that would be conducive/kind to little Kimberly. No. She apparently has to go because she is causing all sorts of problems being only 6 years old. It would be far better for this child, who comes from a rough situation, to be thrown into foster care than stay with her grandparents until they can sell their home and move. What the what?!
The HOA president was asked on tv how he felt about being "the bad guy". He said he wasn't the "bad guy". That job would fall to the sheriff when he served papers to the family once the court sentencing took place. Oh really? You're not some heartless jerk? I find that hard to believe since the sheriff wouldn't be there unless you didn't start this whole process of trying to kick the little girl out. Nice try, bub.
This is why I will never live where there is an HOA. They can be good, in theory, to keep things looking nice and have a community pool or clubhouse for those who belong. But there are always a few insane idiots who have to bring misery to their fellow neighbors,patroling the neighborhood in search of rule breakers. Said people, whom we like to call "HOA Nazis", need to get a life. This type of behavior is not healthy. It is scary. And if they don't watch themselves, they may eventually sink so low as to prey on the innocent, like our dear pals in Florida. What is this world coming to?
A retirement community in Largo, Florida is fighting to evict six-year-old Kimberly Broffman from the home of her grandparents Jimmy and Judie Stottler, the only parents she's ever known. According to the development's bylaws, all residents must be older than 55.
Kimberly is the only person expected to vacate the home.
Kimberly's grandparents have tried selling their house to leave the neighborhood, but because of the crash in the housing market, there are no buyers. They have lowered the price from $225,000 to $129,000.
The fight between Kimberly's grandparents and the community has been going on for years, but soon a judge will decide if the girl must leave. According to NBC News, there is a real possibility that she could be placed in state foster care
Oh yes, you did read correctly. This HOA is trying to kick out a little girl, who has no where else to go, because she is under the 55 and older age limit. Forget the fact that her grandparents have been trying to sell their home so they can live somewhere that would be conducive/kind to little Kimberly. No. She apparently has to go because she is causing all sorts of problems being only 6 years old. It would be far better for this child, who comes from a rough situation, to be thrown into foster care than stay with her grandparents until they can sell their home and move. What the what?!
The HOA president was asked on tv how he felt about being "the bad guy". He said he wasn't the "bad guy". That job would fall to the sheriff when he served papers to the family once the court sentencing took place. Oh really? You're not some heartless jerk? I find that hard to believe since the sheriff wouldn't be there unless you didn't start this whole process of trying to kick the little girl out. Nice try, bub.
This is why I will never live where there is an HOA. They can be good, in theory, to keep things looking nice and have a community pool or clubhouse for those who belong. But there are always a few insane idiots who have to bring misery to their fellow neighbors,patroling the neighborhood in search of rule breakers. Said people, whom we like to call "HOA Nazis", need to get a life. This type of behavior is not healthy. It is scary. And if they don't watch themselves, they may eventually sink so low as to prey on the innocent, like our dear pals in Florida. What is this world coming to?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Shoe Fetish?
Young Jacob's love of shoes began at an early age. He quickly discovered they made for great toys and playing with them got quite the reaction out of his parents. Sometimes his mom didn't know if she had a son or a puppy, as he would often emerge from the laundry room carrying a shoe in his mouth. One will have to see if this obsession stands the test of time.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Why is the clock not moving?!!!!
I think this has got to be the slowest Friday in the history of the world. It seems like time is just creeping by and I am slowly going insane. Why won't the clock move any faster? (I am sure it has nothing to do with the kids being out of school today. Stupid fall break!) So to take a few minutes, here are some random Friday ramblings:
-It's Friday. Who wants to cook dinner? Not me! Going to the Paris buffet in Vegas sounds good. Creamy mashed potatoes. Mmmm. Or I could have my own chef. Why don't I have one of those already?
-If patience is a virtue, then I am the most lacking in virtue woman around. I have no patience. The longer I have to wait for things the more crabby I get. (Ask my hubby about when I am 9 months and ready to pop!)
-Why must Anna always hum or make some loud obnoxious noise? I do love her, but could do with less noise. Not to mention how she always has to play the piano every time she walks by it.
-And Jimmy's blood must be made purely from apple juice the way he downs that stuff.
-Jacob thinks he should be able to climb the stairs all the time or pull out my earrings. Cute little monkey.
-Rachel is still determined to cause Jacob physical harm by loving him too much.
-We have two wedding receptions this weekend. Wow! We've had four in the past month. How exciting, but I am glad I'm not newly married. I like knowing my husband better and not being afraid to have bodily functions around him.
-Not to mention all the embarrassing advice people give you about sex and kids when you are newlyweds. Yeah! How can you make this time more awkward by talking about something I would never dream of mentioning. Thanks for the info! TMI!!! Of course, now that I am an oldlywed, I wish I could think of some embarrassing frank sex advice to give out. It's only fair, right? Plus what good gossip it would create to have the bishop's wife spouting off about sex to everyone!
-It seems like Jimmy always has to go to the bathroom. Probably because of the above mentioned apple juice.
-And still no one has brought me dinner. For rude!
Have a good weekend!
-It's Friday. Who wants to cook dinner? Not me! Going to the Paris buffet in Vegas sounds good. Creamy mashed potatoes. Mmmm. Or I could have my own chef. Why don't I have one of those already?
-If patience is a virtue, then I am the most lacking in virtue woman around. I have no patience. The longer I have to wait for things the more crabby I get. (Ask my hubby about when I am 9 months and ready to pop!)
-Why must Anna always hum or make some loud obnoxious noise? I do love her, but could do with less noise. Not to mention how she always has to play the piano every time she walks by it.
-And Jimmy's blood must be made purely from apple juice the way he downs that stuff.
-Jacob thinks he should be able to climb the stairs all the time or pull out my earrings. Cute little monkey.
-Rachel is still determined to cause Jacob physical harm by loving him too much.
-We have two wedding receptions this weekend. Wow! We've had four in the past month. How exciting, but I am glad I'm not newly married. I like knowing my husband better and not being afraid to have bodily functions around him.
-Not to mention all the embarrassing advice people give you about sex and kids when you are newlyweds. Yeah! How can you make this time more awkward by talking about something I would never dream of mentioning. Thanks for the info! TMI!!! Of course, now that I am an oldlywed, I wish I could think of some embarrassing frank sex advice to give out. It's only fair, right? Plus what good gossip it would create to have the bishop's wife spouting off about sex to everyone!
-It seems like Jimmy always has to go to the bathroom. Probably because of the above mentioned apple juice.
-And still no one has brought me dinner. For rude!
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
He Did It!
Jacob finally made it to the top of the stairs today. You can see he is very proud of himself and the other kids are very excited. Anna deemed it "a miracle" while Rachel and Jimmy were in wonderment about how he made it to the top. I, on the other hand, know this means doom because he will now try to climb the stairs at every chance he gets. He's doing it as I write. Next step: learning how to go down stairs.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Feelin' Cheated
Most of you know my great love of Italian food. Being born and raised in Pennsylvania, close to Philadelphia, that good kind of eating is in my blood. That's why I was so excited when a new pizzeria, Bella Maria's, opened up near us, claiming to have good Philly style food. Well, I should have remembered that nothing good comes out of New Jersey.
You see, one of the owner's claim to fame and knowledge of "East Coast Cuisine" is the fact that she was born and raised in New Jersey. That should have warned me there. No one who is from New Jersey advertises it. But we still decided to try the place.
Two thumbs way down. Super overpriced mediocre food. I paid $9 for an eggplant sandwich that was tiny. Having just visited back East this summer, I know I could get a sandwich triple the size for 1/2 the price and know it was going to be good. The pizza was unimpressive and not at all what real "East Coast" pizza is. It was too hard of a crust and lacking flavor, but not salt. Sigh. It's times like these when I miss living back East, where "you can spit and hit a good Italian place to eat", as my English teacher brother-in-law puts it. And he's right. You want good Italian, go back East. If you want good Mexican, come to the West. Too bad one can't have the best of both worlds.
Instead, I'm crabby and want my money back. I'm even still a little hungry. Maybe one day I'll open my own Italian joint out here. Until then, thank goodness one saving grace we have in St. George is "Two Fat Guys Pizza". That, my friend, is authentic Philly/ New York style pizza and always makes me think of home.
Missing Cheerio
You know you are a mom when you go to undress after a busy day and a Cheerio rolls out of your bra. How, when, and why are questions that will never be answered. I can attest that I was not saving it for a later snack. I am sure it has something to do with a very busy, fluffy-haired baby in my house.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Who is more pompous, Columbus or us?
Happy Columbus Day! When I was a kid that actually meant something. Columbus was cool, not the villain he has been betrayed as in recent years. Christopher Columbus discovered America and was a great explorer. But now his reputation isn't so stellar and teachers are making sure students know about his "dark side".
A recent article about the upcoming Columbus Day school celebrations talked about what some teachers are doing to give their classes a more "fair" picture of the great explorer:
Jeffrey Kolowith's kindergarten students read a poem about Christopher Columbus, take a journey to the New World on three paper ships and place the explorer's picture on a timeline through history. "I also talk about the situation where he didn't even realize where he was," Kolowith said. "And we talked about how he was very, very mean, very bossy."
In McDonald, Pa., 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, fourth-grade students at Fort Cherry Elementary put Columbus on trial this year — charging him with misrepresenting the Spanish crown and thievery. They found him guilty and sentenced him to life in prison."In their own verbiage, he was a bad guy," teacher Laurie Crawford said.
Sweet. So Columbus is bad and we are making sure our kids know. That really comes as no surprise since our Founding Fathers had their faults and have been labeled in harsh terms because of some of their beliefs and practices. As a historian, I find this new curriculum of judging people, such as Columbus, by our standards completely asinine. It makes no sense at all because these historical figures were products of the society in which they lived, not ours. Slavery was acceptable, native populations were seen as barbaric, and everyone was out to discover land. That was the way most of Europe thought at Columbus' time.
Some argue that Columbus didn't really discover America because he thought he had hit the West Indies instead. Well, duh. He didn't know there was a bug mass of land blocking his way and so thought he had reached his destination. Maps back then were a joke, being highly inaccurate. They did believe in sea monsters after all and that the world was flat. They didn't have all the technology that we do today so cut the man some slack.
Others argue that the natives were the first ones there and so they really discovered America. True, they were the first to inhabit the land, but Columbus is the one who came across them. Furthermore, the European world had no idea America was there, let alone the people, so that would make Columbus the first one to discover that this land and people did exist. And, to be honest and not politically correct, the side that has the more power and education is usually the one that gets the credit for discoveries.
People also say Columbus is wicked for bringing disease and death to the natives. Well, idiot, do you really think he knew about germs and what he was doing by bringing two worlds together? Have you any idea of the medical knowledge in that time period? Not the best. It's unfair to blame Columbus for introducing those germs into those indigenous societies because he didn't even know they existed. The only way we know that is through hindsight. Thanks to modern medicine we know about germs and how disease spreads and we can look back and see how native populations were affected by European diseases. But don't say Columbus came knowingly carrying plague and death with him. That's just stupid.
When it comes down to it, those who hold historical figures like Columbus up to our modern standards are hypocrites and no better then those they profess superiority to. If Columbus was bad for judging the natives by his European standards, are we not even worse off because we impose the same sentences on him based on our modern philosophies. We have the advantage of time and, therefore, an increase of knowledge. We know about disease, the shape and land in the world, and that all men are equal. Are we not just as pompous and imperialistic when we look down our noses at Columbus and call him wicked because he does not meet our standards?
Yeah for Columbus and his discovery of America. He forever changed history. He helped bring in an era of discovery and exploration that has made us who we are today. For that I am grateful and see him as hero.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Obama won what??!!!
My brain is very confused and doing the above. Could someone please explain? President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize?! What the what?! I mean what has the man done to show he is worthy of it? What has he done? Well, he has torn the country apart in a heated debate over health care. But that has nothing to do with peace. I am really confused. I can pick up stuff with my toes. Does that mean I can win too? It's just a tad insulting to those who have won in the past and actually did something amazing and worthy of the prize. Seriously, this is a joke. Right?
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