Life with a boy

I often comment that I should buy stock in laundry stain removers. I use them enough!

The best kind of companion

I love how the Holy Ghost works and can speak to us at any time if we are living our lives correctly.

Friday night I wasn't tired when we went to bed so I stayed up finishing, "A Year of Wonders" about the Black Plague in a small English village. This was my second time reading the book, a story which I enjoy. Upon finishing I reflected on the story and characters, grateful that I had my good husband instead of one of the supporting men who turned out to have much more to himself than originally thought. As I was thinking about my sweet husband, I was gently reminded that I hadn't been the best wife these past few weeks with all the drama involving my leg and family. And then came to my mind the things I could do to be better and where I was lacking. I was humbled, instructed, and hopeful.

The above is what I love about the Spirit. If you live righteously, the Holy Ghost will speak to you whenever the opportunity arises. It can be at a random moment with something completely unrelated to where the Spirit takes you. It can be the result of a chain of thoughts. But the Spirit, if we live worthy of its companionship, always gets our minds where they need to be and teaches us. I am so grateful for those moments of humble teaching. I try to do my best to always keep the Holy Ghost with me so I don't miss out on those golden times of instruction. What a great blessing the Spirit is!

Idiots in the storm

There will always be a few idiots when times of trouble and choas come. Never mind that there is a serious hurricane coming, some surfers and beach goers don't want to miss out on the amazing waves and power of Mother Nature in full action. I read today that one surfer was killed in Florida already by the storm. It makes me wonder what on earth he was doing out there during a hurricane. I don't care how awesome the waves may be, bu surfing during a massive storm is just plain stupid. It's hard to feel bad when you hear about people getting killed because of their own foolish actions and refusal to heed the evacuation orders. Thrill seekers like the above are just selfish. The greater tragedy is that their deaths could have easily been avoided if used some sense.

I want potato salad... and so forth!

• I REALLY REALLY want potato salad now that Marshall's family and extended family has been discussing the merits and flaws of the use of mayo in potato salad. I love my mom's potato salad and want some right now. Thanks a lot McConkies!
• The first day of kindergarten went well for Jimmy. He was so excited, but when it was time to go into his class, he froze up, cried, and refused to budge. But he did go in. He told me he cried again when it was time to get on the bus because he wanted me. Poor guy. Jimmy did admit he liked it, despite it all.
• Jacob was a bit crazy without Jimmy. I don't think he knew what to do with himself. He asked me a few times, "I go school, please?". So sweet. A few more years, bud.
• I am really getting tired of my boot. I have written before that I am not a good patient. I hate being limited and not able to chase around my Destructo Jake. Plus I am always on my feet! Now I have to make an effort not to be, which is about as successful as trying to catch a sunbeam in an envelope.
• And why is it while I am laid up, I want to eat, eat, eat?! Not good! See comment about potato salad.
• Oh, and I am ready for the summer heat to end. Anytime now . . . Go ahead... Get cool.....NOW!

Reality Bites

I don't think I ever saw the Winona Ryder movie from 1994, "Reality Bites", but I am stealing the title to describe this week. Doesn't it seem like bad things come in 3? What is up with that? Who made up that law? And don't you want to slap people who say, "Well, that's just life!"? No, it's not. It's a really bad week, month, etc. It's not a normal occurence to break a bone, have a parent hospitalized, or need major repair done on your car. And if it is a regular thing for you, then I am sorry because your life isn't fair. Here is the drama of this week, and I hope it's over for the moment. The Greek gods of chaos can move on to someone else now, please.

1. Friday night we drove up to the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City to see "The Glass Menagerie". Not my most favorite play, but Marshall loves it and we were celebrating our anniversary. Talk about a depressing show, but it was nice to get a date. On our way home we hit construction and got behind two semi-trucks, which started throwing up rocks at us with their rear tires. It was nerve wracking, but we thought we had escaped unmarred. The next morning proved we had a crack in our windsheild that grew with time. So we got to buy a new windshield. It turned out to be a much more expensive date than originally planned for.
2. After two months of trying to figure out what is wrong with my leg, my MRI from last week proved that I have a stress fracture. No wonder I have been in such pain, my bone has a crack in it. It's broken! Today I went to the doctor and got a "boot" I get to clomp around with for the next three weeks. No exercising and lots of time off my feet. After the three weeks I go back to see if it is healing. If not,we may have to do a cast. I think I shall go insane. Anyone who knows me knows that I am active. At least we have answers and, hopefully, my leg will heal quickly.
3. The scariest thing about this week was finding out my dad was hospitalized Monday. He had a bad headache, couldn't sleep, and his heart was racing. It turned out his heart was out of rhythm. One part was beating at a different pace than the others. The doctors shocked his heart back into rhythm and he is doing much better, but has to stay in the hospital until Friday for observation. I love my dad and have thought immortal. I mean the possibility of losing a parent is just something no one likes to think about, but this week it came hard and fast here. It's been an emotional week. I am so glad my dad is doing better. The hardest part is being so far away from him. I would jump on a plane if I could. I told my dad no more of this nonsense. He just can't get sick anymore. He thought that was amusing.

I hope next week is better. What I really need is a magic wand. Then I could apparate to my dad's hospital room, mend my leg, and fix the crack in my windshield for free. Where is Harry Potter when you need him?

School Time

Monday marked the first day of school for the girls. Rachel was not too thrilled about being back in school, but so far Second Grade seems to be treating her much better than First did. Anna is enjoying Fourth Grade and thinks her teacher has beautiful black hair. Jimmy actually doesn't start until the 22nd, but he did get to go in and tour his classroom and talk to Mrs. Fonnesbeck. He is SO excited for Kindergarten. Jacob also thinks he should be going to school. The first day of school he too wore a back pack and marched around the school with me while we took the girls to their new rooms. I can't believe another school year is under way and now I will have three kids in school!

Food and Fashion: Who knew?

In case you are desperate for a new look this Fall, I have stumbled across a few interesting styles that should keep the neighbors and ladies at playgroup talking. Who cares if the economy is a mess and peolple are struggling, let's waste lots of food making clothes!

You can be the talk of the town in your new 100% pure chocolate dress! Women will flock to you, perhaps not to be your friends, but most likely to sample your new attire. Just be careful you don't wear your cocoa concoction in the sunshine or things may get really intersting!

Thank you Wish Bone for creating this dress to promote your new line of salad dressings! Who else would have thought of a dress made entirely of lettuce with tomato earrings to match. You healthier ladies at here will appreciate this low-calorie alternative to the chocolate dress. Plus you will have an instant snack anywhere you go!

What woman wouldn't want shoes made from America's favorite fast food? Can you think of a better way to use your beef?

 Slippers made from bread?! The whole idea of dirty barefeet in bread shoes just makes me want to gag. I may never look at a loaf of bread the same.

As if dogs chasing you isn't annoying enough, now you can have your very own purse made from beef jerky! The neighborhood pooches will flock to your feet and try desperately to pounce on your purse. Who doesn't want to have the smell of beef jerky all over themselves and their personal belongings? 

 I love cream puffs as much as the next gal, but not on my wedding dress. Sthefano's wife had her 20 pound 1,500 cream puff piled dress ready for nuptials after two months of work. My problem would be trying to not eat my dress during the wedding. How could she resist? I know I wouldn't be able to.

What does it feel like to wear bread? Is it comfortable? I do like the smell of fresh baked bread, but I don't know if I would want it on my body all day long. I'd be afraid to use the bathroom or spill something on it. Let alone trying to sit down. What a waste of yummy bread!

Ramblings

• Ever since we got back from our vacation, Jacob has been having a hard time going to bed. For some reason bedtime has now become play-giggle-yell-at-Anna-time. Where does the boy get that energy? And naps have become somewhat of a joke now. Jacob will nap if I lay with him until he falls asleep, but then I am left feeling sleepy. I would love to take his naps for him, but I don't dare trust him out of my sight for a second. Kids don't know how good sleep is!
• I had the chance to eat at the same Greek place twice today. How often does that happen? I was out shopping with a friend and she suggested lunch at this Greek place I have been wanting to try. I had a yummy veggie pita. Then later I was on a date with my hubby and friends wand they wanted to try the place, which was conveniently right next to the movie theater we had just walked out of. So this time around I got spinokopita and baklava. Heaven! I never get lunch AND dinner out in one day, but I will take it today! I forgot how much I love Greek food. I now have a new favorite place to eat!
• "Captain America" was a lot of fun. I love brainless action movies that are just fun. And this was fun with some pretty awesome special effects.
• For our anniversary, our children made us a surprise snack. They set the table with a red table cloth and our purple Halloween placemats, then poured pop in glass cups and set out popcorn, chips, vegetables, crackers, and fruit for our "fancy" snack. Anna made a "Happy Anniversary" sign on the wall out of cut-out construction paper letters, Rachel made us a cake out of Legos, and Jimmy cleaned up the toy room by himself. It was so precious. Can it be our anniversary every day? what sweet children!
• I have been biking a lot as I await to have my knee fully heal. I love to bike. My good old bike has gotten my through so many miles. I try to do about 30 miles a week. I went to look at buying myself a road bike and decided that in order to afford one, I'd have to sell a child. So my old bike it will be!
• I have also gotten into swimming laps. Talk about exercise! My legs and bum are sore from doing a bunch yesterday. Such an awesome work-out, but it makes me appreciate the incredible strength of the Olympic swimmers. Watching them zip through the water at top speed is amazing.
• School starts in 1 week for the girls and 2 weeks for Jimmy. I am going to have 3 kids in school. What?!!!!!!! Jacob will be so lost without Jimmy.

11 years!

Thursday marks 11 years of wedded bliss. The thing I love about marriage is that it just keeps getting better. I thought I knew Marshall all those years ago when we kneeled across from each other at the altar, but I had only scratched the surface. I never knew how awesome he could be. A few things, out of many, that I love about him:


1. Singing. If I don't hear him singing at all during the time he is home each day, I know something is wrong. He is known to burst into song in the shower, at work, while playing, doing dishes, and pretty much any other time the mood hits. When he sings, I know he is happy and all is well.

2. Energizer Bunny. Marshall is very duty bound and will do everything that is expected of him, and more, regardless if he is tired or sick. I have seen him lay on the floor of his bishop's office one minute only to jump up and deliver an amazing sermon the next. Not only does he do all he is supposed to, but he does so with love and happiness. There have been many times when I have found out he has been sick and never knew because he just kept going forward.

3. Spirit. I knew he was a righteous man when I married him, but I never knew the extent. I love watching him prepare for a lesson, with lots of prayer and pondering. He relies so much on the Spirit and it comes out in his powerful, heartfelt sermons. He is always trying his best to keep the Spirit close and to rely upon it.

4. Humble. Not only does he rely on the Spirit, he gives all credit to it. He never boasts of himself or seeks out praise for any of his accomplishments. He just goes about his work quietly, not caring if anyone is aware of it.

5. Sense of humor. I love catching a laughing bug with him and having a good old laugh-till-you-cry session. He is so funny and enjoys funny things so much! I love how we can both be goofy and silly around each other.

6. Fun. Marshall is fun and loves to have fun. I have enjoyed so many fun things with him. He is such a pick-me-up to be around because he is FUN! He's always up for a late night popcorn party. He makes me laugh with the silly things he says. I love that we can tease each other and match wits.

7. Charming. Prince Charming has nothing on this guy! I am pretty sure all the old ladies in our ward love Marshall. He has an amazing charisma that people cannot resist. They just love him and the best part is he is 100% real with everyone he meets.

8. Caring. I knew he was sweet, but times have shown the depth of his caring. I couldn't imagine the days of him holding back my hair while I tossed my cookies in the toilet while being pregnant. The nights he would get up with a fussy child so that I could rest. The tears he would wipe away and encouragement he would constantly give me.

9. Father. I thought he'd be a good dad and he has exceeded all my expectations. He is a loving father who takes interest in each of our children's lives. He teaches them the Gospel and shows a great example of faith. And yet he can sing and dance silly with them at the same time. He is a great father!

10. Looks. I thought he was a babe when I married him, but time has only perfected those looks. I cannot help but look at him and think how adorable he is. He is the handsomest man to me. I will always be smitten by his dashing good looks.

What can I say? I am one lucky woman. May the next 11 years be as amazing as the first!