The Mystery that is Jacob

I knew I shouldn't have celebrated Jacob's potty training yet. How foolish I was to think he was good to go and had figured out the system?! Sigh. I wish I could peek into his little mind and see what makes it do the things it does.

You see, he was potty trained and doing well, except for when it came to more serious bathroom needs. That wasn't a big deal as all my children had that fear. However, somehow, someway, the boy decided to stop using the potty at all. He must have sense a change in the force, Mom was happy and that had to change! He would let himself hold it all in until he was in complete agony, dancing around the house, screaming in pain, but refusing the relieve himself. I even have witnesses to testify of such behavior. My brother-in-law got so frustrated with Jacob that he put him on the training potty. Because it was someone different, ie. not mom and dad, Jacob sat for awhile, but refused to produce anything. You know, because it is so much more fun to have a full bladder than an empty one.

We then decided that instead of going insane, which I pretty much already was, we'd put Jacob back in diapers and tell him he had to wear diapers as he wasn't going being a big boy and going on the potty. Plus maybe this would allow him to get back into the habit of going to the bathroom. So silly! It couldn't be THAT easy! He'll wear a diaper now, but still talks about going potty and refuses to go in his diaper. This is the part where I jump off a bridge. The boy just can't seem to make up his mind what he wants and, meanwhile, is driving me bonkers. His cuteness is his only salvation at the moment.

The Passing of a Legend

Say what you will about Elizabeth Taylor's personal life, many failed marriages, and aging not so gracefully, but you cannot deny the beauty and talent of the woman. Hollywood lost one of it's legends today as Elizabeth Taylor passed away at age 79.

I remember being a young girl and seeing her for the first time in "Cleopatra". I was blown away by the grandeur of the movie and mesmerized by Taylor's unrivaled beauty. I had hoped Cleopatra was as breath taking as Taylor because then I would understand why Caesar and Mark Anthony were so smitten by her. I wanted to be Cleopatra. I wanted to be Elizabeth Taylor. Such beauty and style in a queen is every girl's dream.

Years later I saw Ms. Taylor in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", watching her go head to head with Paul Newman. The sparks between those two big screen personalities gave me goose bumps. Not only was she gorgeous, but Taylor could act. She was filled with passion. She may have fit into the classic beauty of the 1950's and 1960's, but she wasn't your Maryland Monroe or Dorris Day. This silver screen goddess had claws. And she was good at using them. To see her come to life on the screen was amazing.

I hope Ms. Taylor has finally found some rest after living a very full and often dramatic life. She may be gone, but her impact on Hollywood will not be forgotten. She was a legend and well deserving of the title.

Ramblings of a Sunday evening

-The girls have been home on Spring Break this past week. I have really enjoyed having them here to entertain the boys. What will Jimmy do once Rachel goes back to school? What will I do? I love, love, love that my children play so well together.

-I have had a headache the past three days. Either it's allergies or I am getting sick. I wish it would just get on with it, just be full blown sick or not. Enough of this stupid headache that makes me miserable, but not bed bound!

-I just finished reading Rhys Bowen's "Royal Flush". I love her "Her Royal Spyness" series. Fun books about a young English royal who gets mixed up in all these capers. Good times.

-Why is it when I feel sick all areas of my self esteem suffer? When I feel sick, I feel "blah" all over about myself. Blah. I am not a good sick person.

-I am speaking this next week in Sacrament on Charity. I am excited/ nervous. It'll be interesting how we will handle the Jacob beast since we is always trying to get up front to be with his dad anyhow. Hmmmmm. But I love to teach and give talks because you learn so much in the process.

-I love doing genealogy and temple work. It's addictive.

-Potty training is going well, though sometimes Mr. Jacob is stubborn about it. You'd think it would be worse to hold it all in. Whatever!

-Our home teacher stole our three younger kids to take them to his house and show them his chicken coop. They just love him anyhow. He can do that any day!

-When did my oldest get so old? Soon she will be 9! What?! Before I know it she'll be graduating high school. They say times goes by fast and I believe it!

-April is almost here. I love April! Easter, General Conference, and all the best birthdays are in April!

Oh, Bon Jovi

I know we all needed MORE proof that some rock stars are morons, but here's something I came across today that I couldn't resist sharing:

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi told a British magazine that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is responsible for killing music. Bon Jovi claims Apple's iTunes have taken away the experience of going to music stores and shopping for actual albums.

Really, Bon Jovi? I admit, you have made some awesome songs that are so fun to rock out to and I had a crush on you when I was a teenager. But then you do stupid things, like say Steve Jobs ruined music and I am left thinking about all the things I do not like about you. Your name has always reminded me of "anchovy". Long hair on men is not sexy. I don't know why it ever was popular, but I do like men to have hair shorter than my own. And those skin tight rocker pants are just plain old scary. Don't get me started on that whole package, no pun intended.

But let me mock you now for your stupidity. I love Steve Jobs. I kiss the proverbial ground he walks on because of his many amazing technological advances. Apple rocks to begin with, but what he has done with Apple as time has progressed is just plain amazing. I love my iPod. I love all things Apple and wish I could buy each and every last gadget brought forth by Jobs. And you, Bon Jovi Anchovy, are going to get mad at the man for "killing music"? Dude, you need to get your head checked. Someone smoked a little too much something back in the day.

Jobs has not destroyed music. Blame that one on Brittany Spears and all those obnoxious pop singers with nasally voices that have been "enhanced". I cringe just thinking about them. What about Insync or Back Street Boys? Rip on them for what they did to music, please, but not Steve.

And what is wrong with buying your music legally off the Internet? It makes me want to buy more music because I can do it from the convenience of my home. I think buying music would be good for music. Crazy thought process, I know. Have you ever been to a music store? I used to work at one, and while interesting, it wasn't life changing. People came in to buy music. Sometimes they listened to music at the store. You can still do that from your home now via the computer. So the only thing we are missing is going to the actual store. And that is bad, how? I cannot imagine taking four kids to a music store, turning my head sideways to scan for the CD I want, only to suffer a dizzy spell when I upright myself to chase down my kids who are running off in four different directions. Chaos! Shopping for music at home is a good thing.

Plus being able to buy music via iTunes allows consumers to pick and choose what they buy. No more lame "b sides" of the album where it seemed the artist was just trying to fill some empty space. Granted, there are some albums where all the songs are incredible, but those are rare and few between. Most times there are at least a few songs that no one ever listens to. Cutting out purchasing these songs is a good thing. One, it saves me money so I can buy more music I like. Two, maybe musicians will stop adding "blah" filler songs to complete an album and put on a whole slew of good quality stuff. I see only positivity there!

Oh, Bon Jovi, why do you insist making yourself look even more ridiculous? Why? I will still get goosebumps when I hear "Blaze of Glory", but, honey, you're not winning many points beyond that.

3 years?!

March 9th came and went and I didn't even make notice of it. Pretty scary. I must be getting used to the way things are now. In years gone past I was anxiously awaiting March 9th so I could cross one more year off in my mind. But not this time.

What's the big deal about March 9th? Well, silly, that was the day Marshall was sustained as bishop of our ward and our lives forever changed. Insane that it has been three years since that fateful Sunday. Marshall and I were talking a few nights back about how fast time has gone since then and yet how it feels like this has always been our life. I guess that means I've gotten used to being a bishop's wife.

Sure, there are moments when it seems like this calling (and don't tell me being a bishop's wife is not a calling. It may not be official, but it's still important.) is too much and I just can't do it, but the Lord always carries me through and lightens my burdens. I am amazed I've made it this far and actually, gasp, enjoy it. I'm not talking about being able to say my husband is the bishop. Frankly I get embarrassed when people point out that I am the bishop's wife. What I love is being able to see the Lord's hand in my life and the lives of those around me. Those tender mercies, the kind acts and prayers of ward members for my family and others, the strong spirit of peace and calm in my home. I have learned so much over these past few years and have been strengthened in my testimony. I would even like to think I have become a better person. I have made friendships that I never would have otherwise. My life would be so void without those dear friends! I feel honored and very humbled to be a bishop's wife and am constantly amazed at the goodness of my husband and how the Lord works through him. What an amazing thing to witness!

Three years down, but I don't think I want to keep track as much anymore. Well, maybe it'll be nice to have Marshall make the numerous trips to the bathroom during sacrament meeting as the littler kids all decide at different times that they need to go. And perhaps it'll be pleasant to focus on what is being taught in the meetings or not cringe when the phone rings late at night, but I wouldn't trade it for anything to give up all the good this calling has brought. I will truly miss it when Marshall's time of service is finished. Never thought I'd say that! Good thing the Lord knows better than I do.

He gets it!

This picture pretty much describes how I feel. I am invincible. I am the queen. I am a rock star, super hero, and amazing mother all in one. Why? Because I fought the long hard battle that was potty training Jacob and won. That's right, the boy gets it! He finally gets it!

After weeks of potty training drama, mounds of laundry from accidents, and pulling out my hair, Jacob finally was able to relax enough to use the potty. I bought him a new training potty, let him pick out his own new pairs of undies, and yet the battle raged on. The main problem was that he just could not calm himself down enough to go. He'd sit on the potty, but just couldn't let it go. Saturday, after holding it in for hours, we finally finally got him to relax and elt it go. Lightbulb! Since then he has been going on the potty with no problem. He is SO proud of himself. Me too! He went to church and came home dry today, doing hsi business in the potty before and after church. I am so excited! The boy gets it! And tonight he did some "bigger" deeds in the potty. Sweet!

Potty training may not seem like an impressive accomplishment to the world, but any mom knows it is huge deal. Once that success happens it's like standing a top the world. I am invincible! Go Jacob! Go me!

Bill Cosby

When we heard that Bill Cosby was going to be performing at Tuacahn, only a few minutes away from us, we had to go. Talk about an opportunity of a life time! We love Bill Cosby and his classic clean humor. And we were not let down by what we saw.

The stage consisted of an easy chair and side table. Bill sat in his chair for almost two hours and entertained us with story after story. Awesome facial expressions, voices, and humor. It was a very comfortable setting. I lauuhed so hard at times I cried and couldn't stop laughing. It was a rare and special treat. I am so glad we had the chance to see this amazing man live. There is onyl one Bill Cosby. What an entertainer!

"Coal Miner's Daughter"

After finally sitting down and watching through the entire movie, "A Coal Miner's Daughter", I felt compelled to read the book. The movie has always interested me and I have stumbled across it various times playing on the TV, but I never actually sat down and watched it. The show left me a lot to think about concerning Loretta Lynn and the life she has led. I just had to read the book to learn more.

Wow. What a life! Growing up in a poor company run coal mining town in the hollers of Kentucky, Loretta learned how to make due with everything and anything. Stories of how her mom would use every part of the chicken cooked for dinner, even making biscuits from cutting up the chicken feet. Ugh. They didn't have a lot, but they did what they could with what they had. Then at barely age fourteen she married "Doolittle" Lynn, whom she affectionately calls "Doo". She knew little about sex and babies and was in for quite a surprise on her wedding night. She writes how she didn't figure out how babies came until after she had her first three. From there we follow her through cross country moves, family tragedies, and finally her start in music. Her raw talent, hard work, and determined husband made her the famous country singer she became.

It is fascinating to follow her adventure and hear her humble honesty about life. The book is kind of written in stream of conscious, with random things popping up left and right. It was a different style than what I am used to, but soon I felt like I was chatting with the woman myself and getting her input from marriage to politics. It was a fun read that taught me about a total different world, life in a coal mining Kentucky holler, and gave me a greater respect for Loretta Lynn.

Lesson Learned From A Broken Pipe

I was feeling pretty good this past Saturday morning. It was 9 am and we had already finished cleaning the house. The kids had been amazingly cooperative in doing their chores. Marshall had to run off in an hour for a baptism, but that wasn't a big deal because I was going to take Jacob for our Saturday bike ride while the older kids went to the church with him. I was pleased because I love it when everything flows along smoothly.

While Marshall was in the shower, getting ready for said baptism, I decided to rehang the coat hooks in the laundry room that Anna had knocked off that morning. A simple task of finding some studs and drilling the coat hanger back into the wall. Piece of cake, or so I thought. However, I quickly learned that the "stud" my stud finder had found was actually a water pipe, the main water line from the house shut off valve to the house. As soon as I drilled into the pipe, water started shooting back out at me! I immediately shut off the water to the house and congratulated myself for my stupidity. Poor Marshall, who was in the shower covered in soap, threw on a robe and came to investigate the reason behind the rudely abrupt end to his bathing. Upon inspecting the damage, he put on some clothes and went to Home Depot to get some supplies to fix the leak.

Fools that we were, we thought it would be an easy process to fix and trusted in the knowledge of the workers at Home Depot. I guess Marshall ran into someone who didn't know what he was talking about because we spent most of the afternoon trying to patch the pipe with the suggested Epoxy putty. Every time we covered the hole with the putty, let it harden, and turn on the water to the house, out would shoot water from that cursed hole. Sigh. We finally tried one more option, which we had hoped would work, but we couldn't get the leak completely stopped.

By this time we had had the water off all day in our house. We had taken a break to go out for lunch and run some errands, but we were feeling pretty hopeless. All of our plumbing knowledgeable guys in the ward seemed to be out of town. We were stuck and planning on camping out in Granddad and Grandma McConkie's house. But then one of our friends, one of those smart plumbing guys, made it back into town and came by to fix our pipe as he had become aware of our drama. He fixed it in a matter of minutes and water was once again restored to our house. Our hero!

I learned a lot from what happened yesterday, but the big lesson that will stick with my through the years, is the power of example. I had accidentally caused a big drama in our day. Going without water was not fun. I didn't do it on purpose, but, nonetheless, it was my fault. Yet not once did my sweet husband raise his voice at me, say a single negative word to me, or lose his patience with me, even though I had completely inconvenienced him. I had shut off the water on him in the shower and he had to rinse off with cold storage water in the sink. And still he smiled throughout the day and took all the drama in stride. His example spoke volumes to me.

There have been times when my life has been inconvenienced due to mistakes Marshall has made. We've even had the water off for half a day due to sprinkler repairs. And at those times I wish I could say I showed him that same mercy and kindness, but more often than not I was full of impatience, negativity, and frustration at the situation he had created. I know that my husband is naturally positive and for me it is more of a struggle to be so upbeat. But I learned from his example the power of mercy. How awful the day would have been had my husband been negative, rude, or belittling of me for what happened? He helped make a bad situation better by his choice to be merciful, to be loving.

I have a long way to go, but I am ever grateful for the quiet moments in which I am taught by Marshall's great example. He strives to be Christ-like and because he does, he is more often than not. It is my goal that I can remember the lesson learned by the leaking pipe and be better at choosing to show love and mercy to my husband and those around me, especially when circumstances get rough.

Sweet Memories

Friday the boys had fun making a fort/ tunnel out of couch cushions and blankets. They had a blast and I couldn't resist catching their cuteness on film. It also brought back so many memories of winters in Valparaiso during law school. How did I not go insane while being trapped inside a 900 sq. ft. apartment with my two little girls all day?! I remember making that same couch fort/ tunnel with them. Play-doh was our best friend, as was construction paper, glue, crayons, the library, and anything else that would pass the time and keep little minds and fingers busy.

Wow, how times have changed! My little girls aren't so little anymore and we no longer are trapped inside all winter long. Still, I will always think of that time with fondness. Valpo forever will have a special place in my heart. It was such a wonderful experience for our family to live there. We created many life-long friendships from there. We grew so much. And we survived law school! Marshall had off every summer, Christmas, and Spring Break. Our life lacked so many of the responsibilities it does now, which was both nice and not so nice. It was one of the funniest times of our lives.

What? Are we still in high school?!

Divorce is rampant in America. It seems like if you can make it through three years of marriage than you are an old pro. Talk about ridiculous! No one wants to make a commitment anymore and if things start going less than ideal, um, which is just called "life", then we are told it's okay to quit.

Recently I found a few "divorce celebration ideas" in an MSN article. Yes, people actually do things to celebrate their divorce. But these awesome ideas take the cake. (I couldn't resist adding my own commentary to each one.)

Divorce registries: A store in the U.K. called Debenhams offers "divorce registries," where preselected gifts (dishes, linens, flat-screen televisions) are sold and delivered to the newly single. Why is it after ten years of marriage I cannot expect my friends to give me a whole slew of wedding gifts again, but if I get divorced they will shower me with presents? Something is seriously wrong here. I could use some new pots after ten years of marriage. But I'm not willing to get divorced for them. "Yeah, you're an idiot! Have a crock pot!"

Divorce ceremonies: In Tokyo, unhappy couples flock to the Divorce Mansion (a small rented room in a secret location) to smash their wedding rings with a mallet in front of family and friends. What are we in high school? Didn't you used to draw goofy faces on the picture of the guy that burned you in school? Smashing wedding rings? Immature and talk about a waste of a good piece of jewelry! "Look everyone, come celebrate our stupidity!"

Fireworks displays: The Great Northern Firework Company in England will set off a theatrical display of fireworks for just-divorced folks spelling out messages like "Free at last!" and "Just divorced!" Wow. What a waste of money. Fireworks aren't cheap. Way to broadcast to everyone within a 20 mile radius that you are stupid and single.

Networking events: "Life After Divorce" is a $40 NYC-based event for women in the throes of a divorce where they drink cocktails named "Alimony" and "Settlement" and mingle with matchmakers, nutritionists, psychics, and divorce lawyers. Sounds like a smart business move for those companies involved. Get women drunk and then tell them they need to buy all these things to have the best life after divorce. Brilliant. Women, why are you so stupid?

I don't think I have used the word "stupid" enough. Stupid, stupid, stupid. That's what these people are. How sad that divorce is now common and even celebrated. Wow. Talk about immature and clueless. People have no idea the destruction divorce can do, and by the looks of things, they simple don't care.

Legal Groping?

I've made it very clear to my kids that no one is allowed to touch the special areas on their bodies. No one. Only in rare circumstances, like when I am with them at the doctor (who also makes it clear to them not to let anyone touch them except for when he has to check them and I am present. Good man.) My kids know their bodies are special and certain parts are even more sacred and off limits to anyone. They know that if someone tries to touch those areas of their bodies to scream, run away, seek a trusted adult, and tell me. But what am I going to do after hearing about the latest TSA illegal groping pat down in Georgia?

I wasn't a big fan of the random use of full body scanners in air ports. Talk about an invasion of privacy. Seriously, let's just be honest with ourselves and profile people who are more likely to be terrorists instead of forcing innocent people to fully expose themselves to TSA employees. I don't care if the identity of the person on the scan is unknown, I don't want anyone seeing me in all my glory. Period.

Recently TSA forced a group of 40 passengers stepping OFF a train in Savannah, Georgia to undergo a detailed screening. Yes, that was OFF the train. As in already rode the train and completed their journey. The agents were waiting for the departing passengers on the platform and told them they needed to enter the station because they were going to be screened. Once in the building said workers told them that they must undergo a search as all passengers in the station are subject to search. Yet here is the confusion. These people were getting off the train and had no reason to go back inside the train station. Their luggage was waiting for them on the platform. Still TSA mislead them by directing the people to the building, where once inside, they were subject to search.

And what a search it was! Women were required to lift up their shirts and had their breasts groped. A creepy TSA worker even commented on how he liked the perfume of one of the women being searched. Two nine year old boys also went through intense pat downs. Really? Am I the only person seeing anything wrong with this picture? Patting down children and forcing women to expose themselves and also be squeezed all for the sake of security. Sorry, but you can throw me into jail before I let you molest my child or force me to raise my shirt for you. I will kick you in the nether regions of you even think about grabbing a handful. Arrest me all you want. I thought being asked to take off the sandals of my twelve month old child before going through air port security was silly, but this is unacceptable. We do live in America, not Gestapo run Germany, after all.

I am all for taking precautionary measures to keep our country safe from terrorist attacks. But I would prefer our tactics to actually, um, work. Why don't we stop harassing citizens, for the sake of equality, and follow the lead of other countries who deal with terrorism on a regular basis. Let's stop groping people and molesting small children. Let's actually target the terrorists.

Of course, TSA tried to give a slew of lame reasons and apologies for what happened in Georgia. But it never should have occurred in the first place. Many citizens are already beginning to fight back against such sexual invasion disguised as safety precautions. In fact, a House committee hearing in New Hampshire is scheduled to discuss “a bill that would make it a sexual assault for an airport screener to touch or view a person’s breast or genitals without probable cause.” Sign my name to that bill! No organization should be allowed to get away with such abuse of one's rights and privacy. None.

It'll be interesting to see what the future will bring for TSA. Will I have to sit my children down and have a discussion about what to do if someone who looks like a police man tries to touch them in a special spot? Talk about confusing. I'm just glad I don't have to travel anywhere anytime soon. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, where are you? We need some serious help in clarifying what "rights" mean!