- One more day until we go to Disneyland!!!!! We are not excited at all. We haven't been watching shows about the rides there, listening to Disneyland rides music, or talking about which rides we want to hit first. Totally not us at all. Must be some other Disneyland spazzes.
- My kids are excited to go to the dentist today. I wish they had fun children dentists when I was a kid. Maybe if I grew up thinking going to the dentist meant wearing sunglasses and watching movies on the flat screen on the wall then I would think dentists are fun too.
- What is up with the museum thief in Egypt who ripped off the heads of a few mummies? Dude, I can understand going after the jewels, but beheading mummies? That's just stupid and mean. Seriously. Plus what if those mummies have curses? Don't mess with the mummies!
- Nothing says "Back off or I will kill you with one stare" than buying a jumbo box of tampons and Pamprin at the store.
- If my body is going to act it's age, then random break-outs should be banned. No pimples after 20. Let's pick an age and stick with it!
- Jimmy went to the bathroom yesterday and exclaimed he didn't have underwear on and he didn't know how that happened. Hmmmm. Mysteries abound.
- I dreamt Marshall released himself as bishop so he could help me with the kids during sacrament. In my dream, I was so mad at him for being such a weenie because his time serving wasn't up. Me, mad about Marshall being released? What is the world coming to? (Though, in reality, I would kill him for that. I will miss this time as bishop when it is gone.)
- I miss good Italian food.
- My kids are obsessed with Harry Potter. Anna has read the first book and is on the second. Rachel is now reading the first book and has a mad crush on Ron. We play Lego Harry Potter, we read Harry Potter, we watch Harry Potter movies. We love Harry!
- The kids keep talking about how cool it would be if we lived at Disneyland. Oh, why is it not Tuesday morning yet?!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Ever Learning About Marriage
I am a continuing student in the study of marriage. I love to read and learn about marriage and how to make something great even better. The minute you tell someone you are reading a book on marriage, most people assume it is because you have marital problems. Not so. Why wait to fix something that is already broken when you could prevent the damage in the first place?
Let's talk cars for a minute. Pretend that after years of hard working, saving, and sacrificing, you are going to buy yourself a brand new sports car with all the "bells and whistles". You've worked hard for this car and are going to enjoy every minute of it. But after saving all that money, you opt out of buying a warranty on your car because it's no big deal. And you really don't have time to take it in to get serviced every 3,000 miles like the manufacture suggests. Don't they just tell you that to make money off of you? Won't your car still run fine without regular maintenance? It's not like you're going to go off-roading with this beauty. So you never take her to the shop. It's new, it should last awhile.
Now I'm not going to tell you all the ways your sweet new ride can meet an untimely demise thanks to your neglect. Just because it's new doesn't mean it will last forever. Not taking your car in to be serviced, such as for an oil change, on a regular basis, is going to cut it's life span down by a lot. By neglecting it you will be wasting all that hard earned money and sacrifice because you were too lazy to follow through with maintaining your car. Your car would last thousands of miles longer if you took the time to give it some attention now and again.
The same thing applies with marriage. Too many people believe that after all the work and sacrifice to get married that the marriage will just take care of itself. When kids and "real life" set in there just isn't enough time or energy to nurture the marriage. They sweep minor problems under the carpet because they are just small. Things will work out on their own. Reading marriage advice books or going to counseling is for people who have big problems in their relationship, right? Yet far too many marriages break up because the couple never "serviced" their relationship.
I don't know about you, but I don't want by marriage to just be "getting by". That doesn't sound like much fun to anyone. Which is why I enjoy learning, from good sources (you do have to be careful), more about marriage and the nature of men and women. I want to be the happiest I can be in my marriage and feel close to my husband. I want the joy promised to us now and throughout time.
I recently read, "How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I admit, there was some cheese at times, but not too much to turn me away from it. And I am glad I kept reading on because I learned a lot about myself and my husband, what motivates us and causes us to react the way we do to each other. There were times when I read to my husband directly from the book because it explained us so perfectly. The whole idea of the book is to help couples better understand each other so they can feel closer connected without having to do a lot of work. While reading about men, I already felt better connected to my husband without him doing anything because I understood him better. Pretty cool! And because he is such a great guy, my husband is reading the book next.
I'm not saying you have to read the book, but I do want to pass along whenever I find something that helps us progress in a better marriage. I do think you should continually nurture your marriage. Prophets and apostles have been telling that to us for YEARS. When I am 85 and have been married for many, many years, my relationship is still going to be a beautiful shiny sweet sports car, now with the value of years added. What about you?
Let's talk cars for a minute. Pretend that after years of hard working, saving, and sacrificing, you are going to buy yourself a brand new sports car with all the "bells and whistles". You've worked hard for this car and are going to enjoy every minute of it. But after saving all that money, you opt out of buying a warranty on your car because it's no big deal. And you really don't have time to take it in to get serviced every 3,000 miles like the manufacture suggests. Don't they just tell you that to make money off of you? Won't your car still run fine without regular maintenance? It's not like you're going to go off-roading with this beauty. So you never take her to the shop. It's new, it should last awhile.
Now I'm not going to tell you all the ways your sweet new ride can meet an untimely demise thanks to your neglect. Just because it's new doesn't mean it will last forever. Not taking your car in to be serviced, such as for an oil change, on a regular basis, is going to cut it's life span down by a lot. By neglecting it you will be wasting all that hard earned money and sacrifice because you were too lazy to follow through with maintaining your car. Your car would last thousands of miles longer if you took the time to give it some attention now and again.
The same thing applies with marriage. Too many people believe that after all the work and sacrifice to get married that the marriage will just take care of itself. When kids and "real life" set in there just isn't enough time or energy to nurture the marriage. They sweep minor problems under the carpet because they are just small. Things will work out on their own. Reading marriage advice books or going to counseling is for people who have big problems in their relationship, right? Yet far too many marriages break up because the couple never "serviced" their relationship.
I don't know about you, but I don't want by marriage to just be "getting by". That doesn't sound like much fun to anyone. Which is why I enjoy learning, from good sources (you do have to be careful), more about marriage and the nature of men and women. I want to be the happiest I can be in my marriage and feel close to my husband. I want the joy promised to us now and throughout time.
I recently read, "How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I admit, there was some cheese at times, but not too much to turn me away from it. And I am glad I kept reading on because I learned a lot about myself and my husband, what motivates us and causes us to react the way we do to each other. There were times when I read to my husband directly from the book because it explained us so perfectly. The whole idea of the book is to help couples better understand each other so they can feel closer connected without having to do a lot of work. While reading about men, I already felt better connected to my husband without him doing anything because I understood him better. Pretty cool! And because he is such a great guy, my husband is reading the book next.
I'm not saying you have to read the book, but I do want to pass along whenever I find something that helps us progress in a better marriage. I do think you should continually nurture your marriage. Prophets and apostles have been telling that to us for YEARS. When I am 85 and have been married for many, many years, my relationship is still going to be a beautiful shiny sweet sports car, now with the value of years added. What about you?
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Mystery that is "The Toddler"
The human toddler is a fascinating creature that will never cease to amaze me. The latest model in our home goes by the name of "Jacob". This adorable little being keeps me on my toes from sun-up to nap time to sun-down. I dread the day this sweet person gives up the precious nap time. I hold such a thing sacred and holy. Toddlers are put on earth to teach people, namely mothers, patience.
One often wonders what goes through the mind of these small creatures. For example, this would be a five minute sample of what the Jacob version must have thought this morning,
"I am going to hit this big lollipop on the counter. Cool! It broke up into tons of pieces. I must hit it again and again. Now that mom lady is telling me to stop so I am going to go dump this bright shiny green box of little white powder on the floor. Again with the 'no' from mom. I bet she'll be happy if I push a chair over to the counter and get myself a snack from the cupboard. The bag of pretzels make such a cool noise when I shake them upside down. Now mom is upset again and trying to move me away. Doesn't she understand my work? Maybe she'll like it if I dump out the pencils and pens from the pencil box. But now she left the room. How can I have any fun if she isn't watching me? Where did she go? Aha, the bathroom door is shut! She must be doing something fun in there if the door is shut. I should bang and yell at the door so she knows she needs to invite me in because I don't want to miss out on the fun. Bathrooms are the greatest."
Fascinating, mind boggling, and cranium blowing. This, my friends, is why nap time is sacred. I love my toddler and am so glad to have him. Jacob is so cute, friendly, and happy. How would I ever keep sane otherwise? I don't think I'll ever understand this specie, but I'll do my best to survive living with it.
One often wonders what goes through the mind of these small creatures. For example, this would be a five minute sample of what the Jacob version must have thought this morning,
"I am going to hit this big lollipop on the counter. Cool! It broke up into tons of pieces. I must hit it again and again. Now that mom lady is telling me to stop so I am going to go dump this bright shiny green box of little white powder on the floor. Again with the 'no' from mom. I bet she'll be happy if I push a chair over to the counter and get myself a snack from the cupboard. The bag of pretzels make such a cool noise when I shake them upside down. Now mom is upset again and trying to move me away. Doesn't she understand my work? Maybe she'll like it if I dump out the pencils and pens from the pencil box. But now she left the room. How can I have any fun if she isn't watching me? Where did she go? Aha, the bathroom door is shut! She must be doing something fun in there if the door is shut. I should bang and yell at the door so she knows she needs to invite me in because I don't want to miss out on the fun. Bathrooms are the greatest."
Fascinating, mind boggling, and cranium blowing. This, my friends, is why nap time is sacred. I love my toddler and am so glad to have him. Jacob is so cute, friendly, and happy. How would I ever keep sane otherwise? I don't think I'll ever understand this specie, but I'll do my best to survive living with it.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Happy 5th Birthday Jimmy!
Yesterday my not-so-little Jimmy turned 5! I cannot believe how big he is. I love Jimmy and have enjoyed being his mom so much so far. He was my first boy and I was so excited to have him join our family. My little Curious George! Jimmy is so happy, tender, loving, smart, and creative. I love watching him learn and grow. He loves preschool, where he gets to learn about science and the world around him. I love the games he comes up with, like digging for treasure in the sandbox and beating up bad guys with his CTR "ring of power". I love the hugs and snuggles he gives. I love the numerous in-depth questions he asks about Jesus, Heavenly Father, and the Gospel. I love this kid!!! Happy Birthday my sweet Jimmy!
New Lightening McQueen scooter. Sweet!
Toy Story 3 Chutes & Ladders!!!
Nerf dart guns from Grandpa and Grammy Usner
Jimmy's Harry Potter cake
Cake time!
New Lightening McQueen scooter. Sweet!
Toy Story 3 Chutes & Ladders!!!
Nerf dart guns from Grandpa and Grammy Usner
Jimmy's Harry Potter cake
Cake time!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Finished!
It is finished! My Disney character mural for our toy room/ office is complete! Sweet. I am so excited and that it turned out so well. Plus I used it as a Personal Progress Value Project so I got two things done at once. (I am working towards getting my Young Women in Excellence Award again since I am involved in YW. Leaders can earn their ribbons and medallion as well as the girls. So why not?!) Anyhow, I can relax a little until Anna has me start on Sleeping Beauty in her room. Whew! I suppose that whenever we move, we'll just have to take the walls with us!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Hiking in Zions
This, my friends, is one of the reasons why I endure the hot southern Utah summers. Gorgeous rocks, warm winter weather, and blue blue skies. Since it was a holiday and Marshall and the kids were home we decided to go hiking in Zions. It was so much fun and beautiful. We live in one amazing place!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Sally, I Understand
I had to laugh at today's Sally Forth because it described me perfectly. If you had listened to the "Understanding Women" cds I told you about, you would understand why we do what we do as women. Some women don't fit the mold and have no problem "relaxing". But most of us can't sit still without thinking about all the things that need to get done and we could be doing instead of just sitting on our rears with our feet up. There are times when I tell my husband to tell me to sit down and relax, instead of going off to clean something or put away some random billing statement that has been sitting on the counter for two weeks and mocking me because it is not filed away. Why? Because I will just keep finding things that need to be done and do them. I cannot relax until everything is done, but the catch is everything will never BE done so I have to make myself take the time to relax. Sally, I feel your pain and I am sure there are a few more women out there that share it too.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Some days I want to be a kid . . .
Some days I wish I was a kid. Yes, nap times, eating pounds of candy without a single reaction, and being filled with endless energy would all be nice. Though not being able to buy anything, drive myself anywhere, or set the rules in my life would not. Plus, who wants to do middle school again?
Still, some days I wish I could be a kid. Why? Tantrums. I wish that when I was having a bad day I could blame it on everything and everyone around me, except for myself. I would love to be able to scream and yell, lie on the floor and kick my legs all because my toast was too brown. No one would think I was insane, they'd just ignore me, let me get it out of my system, and move on until the next thing set me off. My favorite shirt being dirty, maybe? Wouldn't it be nice to let it all out when something silly happens to you?
We all have those moments where we feel like we're going to pop, but being grown-ups we just suck it in, suck it up, and move on. Yeah, a good full blown tantrum would be nice once in awhile. Then again, eating triple chocolate fudge ice cream at 10 pm because it sounds good is also a pretty good perk.
Still, some days I wish I could be a kid. Why? Tantrums. I wish that when I was having a bad day I could blame it on everything and everyone around me, except for myself. I would love to be able to scream and yell, lie on the floor and kick my legs all because my toast was too brown. No one would think I was insane, they'd just ignore me, let me get it out of my system, and move on until the next thing set me off. My favorite shirt being dirty, maybe? Wouldn't it be nice to let it all out when something silly happens to you?
We all have those moments where we feel like we're going to pop, but being grown-ups we just suck it in, suck it up, and move on. Yeah, a good full blown tantrum would be nice once in awhile. Then again, eating triple chocolate fudge ice cream at 10 pm because it sounds good is also a pretty good perk.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Addiction
Thank you Netflix Instant Play for giving us a new show to be addicted to. We are hooked on "Prison Break". It took us a little to get into it and for the pace to pick up, but now we are addicted. Intense. We are so spoiled. I love Netflix Instant Play!!!!!!!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Random Ramblings of Sue
- I love living in a place where I can go for a bike ride in the winter. I went on two bike rides today. This morning I pulled Jacob behind me for my long ride. Then this afternoon we went for a family bike ride to the park. I love, love, love being able to be outside in the winter and get fresh air!!! This is why I endure those nasty summers here.
- I tried Red Velvet Cake batter frozen yogurt. I love red velvet cake. My hubby doesn't so I never make it. But I love that cake! The yogurt flavor wasn't bad, but it was missing more flavor. Bummer. I'll just have to break down and make a cake. Anyone want to share it with me?
- Part of the reason I have been so busy is that I am working on a Disneyland mural in the toy room. So far I have Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto painted. I plan on doing more. I have been wondering what to put in the toy room forever and then it finally dawned on me, Disneyland! D'uh. It fits us perfectly.
- Speaking of Disneyland, only 3 more weeks from Tuesday until we go! Santa brought the kids a trip to Disneyland for Christmas, with their own personal spending money included. I got the van serviced this week so it is all ready for the trip. Now we wait. But I cannot wait!!!! We are SO excited!
- I have an awesome husband. I put a basket full of clean laundry in front of him and he folds it. If he is home, he is always willing to help. What a man!
- Anna has become the fairness queen. She feels very picked upon because life is rarely fair. This makes her crabby. Sometimes I wonder if she is 13 and not just 8. We are so doomed when she is a teenager!
- I saw a "Pet Boutique & Bakery" the other day. Now I've seen it all. I know people are insane about their pets, but a bakery? Really? Gross. How does one go to school to be a chef for pets? And who in their right mind wants to make delicacies for pets? Ick! What silliness!
- I tried Red Velvet Cake batter frozen yogurt. I love red velvet cake. My hubby doesn't so I never make it. But I love that cake! The yogurt flavor wasn't bad, but it was missing more flavor. Bummer. I'll just have to break down and make a cake. Anyone want to share it with me?
- Part of the reason I have been so busy is that I am working on a Disneyland mural in the toy room. So far I have Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto painted. I plan on doing more. I have been wondering what to put in the toy room forever and then it finally dawned on me, Disneyland! D'uh. It fits us perfectly.
- Speaking of Disneyland, only 3 more weeks from Tuesday until we go! Santa brought the kids a trip to Disneyland for Christmas, with their own personal spending money included. I got the van serviced this week so it is all ready for the trip. Now we wait. But I cannot wait!!!! We are SO excited!
- I have an awesome husband. I put a basket full of clean laundry in front of him and he folds it. If he is home, he is always willing to help. What a man!
- Anna has become the fairness queen. She feels very picked upon because life is rarely fair. This makes her crabby. Sometimes I wonder if she is 13 and not just 8. We are so doomed when she is a teenager!
- I saw a "Pet Boutique & Bakery" the other day. Now I've seen it all. I know people are insane about their pets, but a bakery? Really? Gross. How does one go to school to be a chef for pets? And who in their right mind wants to make delicacies for pets? Ick! What silliness!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Busy
I see everyone is as busy as I am lately. Who has time to blog when kids and life come calling? Plus, who has any brain cells left after the above have already stolen the good ones? Shoot, I have a hard time functioning on what I already have! Today I managed to burn the bacon I was cooking for breakfast dinner. (Though in my defense it was the first time using the new electric skillet.) And my banana bread was in the oven too long and browned a little too much. (Again, I am sure that has something to do with periodically leaving the kitchen to check on my crazy boys who were chipping away ice in the back yard.) It's amazing the house still is standing by the end of the day!
And then there is the doing of home work after school. It's amazing how each child is different when it comes to doing homework. Rachel is all business. She likes to get her home work done right after dinner and be free to continue playing. I find this amusing since this is the girl who hates school. Then there is Anna, who loves school. Getting her to complete homework requires great patience, almost that of a saint. And I am no saint. Anna is smart, but she likes to stall and gets easily distracted. Doing homework with her involves lots of random questions on her part and reminders on Mom and Dad's part that she's supposed to be doing her homework. She could be finished with her school work so much faster if she just did it! Then again, I think home work is an abomination and that kids have too much of it now-a-days. But I'll save that rant for another blog.
So by the end of the day, blogging is not top on my list. Plus, who else reads them since I know everyone else is as busy as I am? But still I write because I like to write and share my thoughts. Just a reminder that I AM still here. My brain, on the other hand, is on vacation so you may have to try back later for a coherent thought.
And then there is the doing of home work after school. It's amazing how each child is different when it comes to doing homework. Rachel is all business. She likes to get her home work done right after dinner and be free to continue playing. I find this amusing since this is the girl who hates school. Then there is Anna, who loves school. Getting her to complete homework requires great patience, almost that of a saint. And I am no saint. Anna is smart, but she likes to stall and gets easily distracted. Doing homework with her involves lots of random questions on her part and reminders on Mom and Dad's part that she's supposed to be doing her homework. She could be finished with her school work so much faster if she just did it! Then again, I think home work is an abomination and that kids have too much of it now-a-days. But I'll save that rant for another blog.
So by the end of the day, blogging is not top on my list. Plus, who else reads them since I know everyone else is as busy as I am? But still I write because I like to write and share my thoughts. Just a reminder that I AM still here. My brain, on the other hand, is on vacation so you may have to try back later for a coherent thought.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Feeling Beautiful
All women have times when we don't feel beautiful. For some it is a daily battle. I am always trying to find tips and reminders about how to feel beautiful. Yesterday I read a great article about how to feel beautiful. Here are some really great tips that I am working on incorporating into my life:
1. Confidence is beauty. If you want to exude gorgeousness, feel good about you. Love yourself for who you are and how you look. Confident women are beautiful women.
2. Remember that when you look in the mirror, you can only see your physical self. You add up all your physical flaws and forget that there is so much more to you. What about your intellectual whit? Amazing sense of humor? Sexy voice? Poetic skills? Loyalty? Kindness? Thoughtfulness?There is so much more to you than what you see. You cannot measure your beauty just on your looks alone. The entire package of you is what makes you beautiful.
3. Glaring flaws, like a tiny wrinkle at the corner of your eye or a new pimple, are hardly noticeable to others. If you make a big deal about it, others will notice. So forget about that stupid pimple on your chin and act like you couldn't care less that it is there!
4. Put down the glamor magazines and turn off the TV. Give yourself a break from seeing Hollywood's version of beauty or else you will try to constantly measure up to the impossible.
5. Want to see real beauty? Go people watching. Sit on a park bench for an hour or two and study all the women you see. Find one positive thing about each woman you see. Realize that "real" beautiful women come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
6. Every time you have a negative thought about yourself, replace it with two positive ones. Change your way of thinking.
Here's to being better at loving yourself and seeing your beauty this year!
1. Confidence is beauty. If you want to exude gorgeousness, feel good about you. Love yourself for who you are and how you look. Confident women are beautiful women.
2. Remember that when you look in the mirror, you can only see your physical self. You add up all your physical flaws and forget that there is so much more to you. What about your intellectual whit? Amazing sense of humor? Sexy voice? Poetic skills? Loyalty? Kindness? Thoughtfulness?There is so much more to you than what you see. You cannot measure your beauty just on your looks alone. The entire package of you is what makes you beautiful.
3. Glaring flaws, like a tiny wrinkle at the corner of your eye or a new pimple, are hardly noticeable to others. If you make a big deal about it, others will notice. So forget about that stupid pimple on your chin and act like you couldn't care less that it is there!
4. Put down the glamor magazines and turn off the TV. Give yourself a break from seeing Hollywood's version of beauty or else you will try to constantly measure up to the impossible.
5. Want to see real beauty? Go people watching. Sit on a park bench for an hour or two and study all the women you see. Find one positive thing about each woman you see. Realize that "real" beautiful women come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
6. Every time you have a negative thought about yourself, replace it with two positive ones. Change your way of thinking.
Here's to being better at loving yourself and seeing your beauty this year!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Goals for the New Year
"Come what may and LOVE it" Joseph B. Wirthlin
This pretty much sums up my adopted motto for this new year. I am going to try and be better at accepting whatever life hands me, especially when it comes to the things I cannot control. You see, I am a planning person and I like to know what is going to happen and when. Life just doesn't always follow through like a perfectly executed back flip. Life usually has some kinks to it. And I don't like those little hitches to my plans. This year I resolve to bebetter at accepting those snags and finding the positive side to each one. This won't always be easy and will be a work in progress throughout my life as trials do come and change my perfectly thought out plans. But I am learning that no matter how mad, sad, frustrated, or disappointed I get at life's bumps, they still exist. Bummer. So here's to "loving" it all!
My other goal for the new year, which is equally as challenging and eventually rewarding . . . potty training Jacob. I wonder which resolution I will succeed at first. Hmmm.
Good luck to you and your goals for the year!
This pretty much sums up my adopted motto for this new year. I am going to try and be better at accepting whatever life hands me, especially when it comes to the things I cannot control. You see, I am a planning person and I like to know what is going to happen and when. Life just doesn't always follow through like a perfectly executed back flip. Life usually has some kinks to it. And I don't like those little hitches to my plans. This year I resolve to bebetter at accepting those snags and finding the positive side to each one. This won't always be easy and will be a work in progress throughout my life as trials do come and change my perfectly thought out plans. But I am learning that no matter how mad, sad, frustrated, or disappointed I get at life's bumps, they still exist. Bummer. So here's to "loving" it all!
My other goal for the new year, which is equally as challenging and eventually rewarding . . . potty training Jacob. I wonder which resolution I will succeed at first. Hmmm.
Good luck to you and your goals for the year!
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