It's a wonderful life

Stowaway

2011-09-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

For our anniversary this year, my mother took our kids for the whole day. We decided to go to the parade of homes. The first set we went to wasn't too far and they were having a BBQ. They were the best burgers I think I have ever had in my whole life. No kidding. I had two. Anyway, when we went to leave there was a grasshopper on the windshield. I don't like killing things. Even bugs that I hate. In fact, the only thing I will kill is a fly and that's because I can't catch them and they are too dumb to go out through an open door. So, needless to say, we didn't turn on the windshield wipers for fear of it smooshing all over the windshield. We figured it would just hop off after we started driving. It lasted for probably 10 miles at 75 miles per hour. (We were on the highway). Stupid bug. It was all I could stand. I think grasshoppers are among the worst bugs there are. I HATE them!! I was traumatized as a child - long story. Anyway I was relieved when it finally blew away.

Wow it's been awhile - I'm not going to try to catch up tonight

2011-09-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

I put my boys at a new school this year. I felt that, although I liked their other school, that they needed something different. So we went to a charter school. They weren't thrilled about the uniforms but it has turned out to be really good so far. Adam is in fifth grade, which is considered junior high at this school. It's been good for him. He is in band and gets to play the saxophone. He didn't want to choose that as his elective but daddy made him. Now it's his favorite class. Daddy is smart. Christopher is doing well too. He spends his spare time drawing mazes for his teacher and giving her cool rocks that he finds. They LOVE the food. All of it. Vegetables included. Awesome. I am soooo happy. Things are off to a great start. Sarah is having a great year too. She has such a great attitude I don't think she could have a bad day. At least not very often. Yay for new starts.

Sure way...

2011-04-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

There's a sure way to get your kids to go to bed. Last night I was out with some friends when my youngest son called me to ask when I would be home. I informed him that I was on my way but if he was not asleep when I got home I was going to beat him silly with a pillow. Of course, when giving threats, it's very important that you make good on them or they will never believe you.

Well, he wasn't asleep when I got home. So I was sure to not go back on my word. I beat him and his brother with a pillow.

I'm sure they will go right to sleep next time I tell them.

Journal Prompt

2011-04-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Every week my youngest has to do these journal prompts for school. I came across this one this morning and I thought it was funny. The prompt was: What are you scared of? His response: I'm scared of my head getting cut off. First, you can die by getting your head cut off. Getting your head cut off can hurt really bad. Next, you wouldn't be able to breathe. If you didn't breathe, you wouldn't live. Last, your brainstem would be cut. You can't live without your brainstem. That's why I scared of getting my head cut off. hee hee

SKIING!!!

2011-02-20T20:51:00.001-08:00

In December, we took the kids skiing. The scouting program had a great deal on lift tickets and a number of people from our ward went. J and I are really out of shape and the day started out pretty rough, a lot of tears but it ended up being great! We all had such a good time. The kids did really well. I'm looking forward to going again next year!

She must like hospitals...

2011-01-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

In January 2009 Sarah got sick. We thought it was a stomach bug. But it lasted for four or five days and she said her back was really hurting. I just figured her muscles were sore from throwing up. Then her eyes turned yellow. That was when we took her to the Dr. We were sent over to Children's for an ultra sound.
Sarah had gall stones. The were blocking something so her gall bladder and liver were not working right.
She was awfully young to have gall stones but I guess it is hereditary. She has always had terrible belly aches. We never knew why. Honestly, we thought it was just gas. Anyway, she had to have surgery to remove her gall bladder. They told us they could break up the stones but that they would just come back again. Thankfully we live in this wonderful world of technology. Four small incisions and they pulled the gall bladder out of the one through her belly button. The scar is bigger there and doesn't show as much. She missed two weeks of school. The doctor said only a couple of days but they cut through her stomach muscles. Small cuts but none the less painful and you use your stomach muscles for EVERYTHING.
We enjoyed our two day stay at the hospital. Just her and I. She was spoiled by the nurses - and me.
This was her second major surgery in her life. The first one was when she was 5 and she broke her arm. She had to have 3 screws and 4 pins put in.

The last of these

2011-01-02T22:57:00.001-08:00

I realize that this event happened 9 months ago but hey... what can I say?

I am so very grateful for my husband who is always worthy to use his priesthood. I never had it in my home growing up so this is a wonderful blessing.

What a great sight!

My little man! I'm so in love with him. I adore him. He makes me laugh (and sometimes cry).

When he was born, I had this strong impression that I would not have him for very long. I don't know if that was just normal mom fears of if there is something to it, but I have always had that thought in the back of my mind. It has caused me to pay more attention and to remember not to take advantage. We should never take advantage of any of our blessings, least of all, our children. We never know what the Lord has in mind for them...

I feel sad seeing my kids grow up so fast. I love them sooooo much. I miss the days when they were little. One day, this little one will go on a mission and I will have a home with no more children...

I wish we could slow down time.

Soooo behind...

2011-01-02T22:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I am really behind in my posts so I'm going to start with our hiking trip with my family last summer. I can't tell you where we went because I don't remember. I just followed my dad. I love hiking. I love the exercise, the scenery and just being outdoors. Of course I wouldn't do any of it if I didn't have the greatest people in the world go with me. Here are some pics...

This is Sarah, Adam, my brother Ben and my dad's dog Maggie.

Apparently this was a popular place to horseback. We saw a lot of horses and got to pet some too.

My kids LOVED being out there in nature. If I were rich, (monetarily) I would buy a place in the mountains where it is quiet and we could just enjoy the most beautiful places of God's creations.

Someone built this neat Tee pee. The kids loved it.

This is my dad. His name is Valiant Joseph. I love him so much. He is the neatest guy. Funny, caring, wonderful!

My step mom thought these were elk droppings. Just thought I'd share.

Isn't this beautiful?!

Sarah, Adam, Ben and my sister Cassandra

Christopher and my step mom Carol. She is awesome. She has always instilled in us a love of nature. I used to love the camping trips they took us on as kids.

I look forward to next summer when we can go again.

Why not me?

2010-09-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

Many people post in their blogs about funny or cute things their kids have said or done. Well, I don't know why I haven't posted those things before. I would like to remember them. So here is mine.

Bed time for my kids is kind of a long process...not counting them getting ready for bed. We have always had 'tuck in' time. That usually takes 15 minutes or so per kid depending on what else is going on.

Tonight, while tucking in Christopher, we were pretending that the bed was a boat. Well, of course neither of us could get out of the boat lest we be eaten by sharks. So, after being trapped on the boat for days, we were fighting with each other (with pillows). Christopher said, "After you die, I'm going to eat you".

At least he'll eat well, for quite some time...

Much Needed

2010-06-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

I've been working quite a bit lately and I really miss my kids. I've really struggled with the guilt of not being with them as much as I feel I need to and just trying to pay my bills.
I had the day off today so I took the kids downtown. We took the shuttle bus down the 16th street mall and had lunch at the food court. I love going downtown. I love people watching. Their are so many different types of people and I love that people feel they can just be themselves. I love the people playing the guitar and singing. Even if they don't sound that good. I love that they put themselves out there like that. I love the homeless people on the street. I think some of them are so clever. One guy took a bunch of those free newspapers and sold them. hehe. I talked to the kids about all the people and the differences. They don't see a lot of unique people living in Lochbuie but we talked about how Heavenly Father loves all of us and our unique qualities and what a boring world this would be if we were all the same.

After about an hour I realized that I had forgotten to put money in the parking meter. Uuuuggghh. I had a pocket full of change but spaced it out. So we rode the shuttle bus back and walked the two blocks to put money in the meter and check if I had a ticket. On the way we had to have a little lesson on why the police give tickets and how they know who owns the car and where everybody lives. The kids seemed a little peeved that tickets were given out and so many taxes are paid so I had to explain how much everything costs and why we pay all these things.

When we got to the car we were all happy to discover that there was no ticket. We decided that we better thank Heavenly Father tonight in our prayers. We rode the shuttle bus back down to the other end and stopped at one of those tourist shops that sells all Colorado stuff. The kids spent a little of their money on rocks. They all love rocks. I think they get it from their dad. Sometimes I find piles of rocks in the washer. They will pick up any rock they find cool and put it in their pocket. I'm happy they share that interest with their dad.
Anyway, after a chocolate shake we left and went to Colorado Mills mall.
We played a few video games at the arcade, mostly the driving ones. It's not a very big arcade so there isn't a lot to choose from anyway. Sarah spent the rest of her money at Sanrio and after a quick dinner we went home.
I had a great time. Just me and the kids. I really needed this time with them. I just love them so much and I really miss them. I'm sure this time in my life will pass and I'm sure the kids are fine. I know that me working is the right thing to do right now. It's also a really good opportunity for me to learn to budget my time and really check in to my kids.
They are the best. And they are worth EVERYTHING!

You want what?

2010-03-08T15:57:00.001-08:00

My boys keep asking me to buy them a hammock. Adam wanted one for his birthday in December and now Christopher wants one for his birthday coming up. I told them they would not be getting a hammock.

Well, they got hammocks. They made them. They work quite well actually and they play for hours in them.

I personally think they look like cocoons. Maybe they'll fly soon.

Too big for me

2010-03-08T14:07:00.001-08:00

I went to throw the garbage out in the garage and I almost touched this. It really creeped me out but fascinated me at the same time. It seemed HUGE to me. Gross!

WORD UP

2010-02-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

W.O.R.D. UP

Bring back any memories?

Have I mentioned that I LOVE my new IPOD shuffle?

A New Holiday

2010-01-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

My sons have started a new holiday... Best Friends Day. This holiday will takes place every Tuesday. On this day, they play together with no fighting. They give each other toys that the other covets and they do random acts of service.

They came up with this on their own a few weeks ago and it's great to watch them. They will do each others chores and give each other gifts and sometimes money. They get along all day.

I think this is a great holiday. Maybe I should try it with my husband. Just think, a whole day devoted to my husband. Kindness, service, gifts, a special dinner, perhaps a nooner...

I think I'll try it and see what it does for my marriage.

A Poem

2010-01-09T18:40:00.001-08:00

Sarah is always writing these great little poems and songs. I loved this one so I thought I would share.

I don't know what to do.
I don't know what to do.
My computer broke down,
And my TV too.

How to rob a bank

2009-12-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

A conversation with my son...

Scenerio: Christopher got a tin piggy bank with a small lock in his stocking. They decided to pretend that Christopher was the banker and Adam was a bank robber. So Adam starts trying to open the bank with the key.

Me: You know, if you were really robbing a bank, you probably wouldn't have a key to the safe. You would have to blow it up or something.

Adam: No, that would blow up the money. I would just take a BB gun and shoot the lock off.

Me: I don't think a BB gun would be strong enough. You would have to get a regular gun and use a silencer.

Adam: What's a silencer

Me: It's a piece you put on the gun to make the shot silent so no one hears it.

Adam: Oh yeah.

Should I not have these conversations with my kids? hehe

I have finally completed a HUGE project

2009-12-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of unfinished projects. I think a lot of people do but early this morning at 3:30 I finally finished a HUGE one.

We bought Sarah a dollhouse for her tenth birthday nearly two years ago. I promised her I would finish it by Christmas because she wanted some furniture for it from Santa. So here are the pictures from start to finish, decorated just as she wanted it.

An Entire Day

2009-12-23T20:18:00.001-08:00

We have entered the World of Chore Craft. http://www.chorewars.com/ This has been a huge blessing. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.

There is one adventure that earns all the kids the most strength, constitution, dexterity, wisdom, intelligence and charisma. Also a ton of experience points and gold coins. It is difficult to do but today all three of them were able to claim this adventure. They were so excited!

The adventure was to get along for an entire day with their siblings. They did it! What a great day it was! I know it was very difficult. They have been trying to complete this adventure all week but have failed until today. I'm so proud of them.

Sabbatical

2009-12-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

I've decided to take a three day sabbatical...from technology. I will not use the computer, television or tweet using text for the next three days. That may be nothing to some people but for me it is huge. So I'm signing off tonight and will blog later about what I was able to accomplish during these three days. Ta Ta

Awesome! Super! High Five

2009-11-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

We recently found a great deal on Craigslist for a loft bed. This has really helped with the space issue for my boys. Since they went back to sharing a room it has been very crowded. their bedroom isn't very big and with two beds and dressers, there wasn't really any room to play.

So we found this loft bed for $50 and put one bed underneath. That leaves half the room for playing. Of course, now they don't use the rest of the room for playing. They do all of their playing on the top of the loft bed. They have a club. The only way you are allowed to come up to the top is to give the password.

Awesome! Super! - followed by a high five.

So now you know the password. Want to come and play?

Blissfully jammin' in my ignorance

2009-11-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the experience of discovering a new song on the radio that you just fall in love with? You quickly make a mental note of who the artist is and the name of the song so you can go home and get it from ITunes and then download it as a ringer for your phone.

Every time it's on the radio you blast it, drowning out the noise from your children. You're so enthusiastic that your children are instant fans of the song as well.

Just when you think all is well with the world (let's face it, some songs have the ability to make you feel that way), some jerk has to go and burst your bubble.

"You know what that song is about, don't you?" he asks.

Of course I do. I proceed to tell him what I think it's about to which he recites the lines word for word.

Shock and dismay overcome me. My jaw drops. What?! How can that be?! I love(d) that song!! You mean I've been slamming that garbage into my head and worse, into my kids' heads for weeks now? Oblivious to its meaning or what the intention of the song was, I was happy. WE were happy.

Why would someone want to crush my little soul? I was blissfully jammin' in my ignorance. Jerk!

Going Solo

2009-11-16T20:40:00.001-08:00

Last week the 5th and 6th graders put on a little musical at school. They worked very hard. Sarah practiced her lines, her dancing and her singing every single day. She was so excited and also nervous. This performance was her first singing solo. I was so proud of her. She really worked hard and she did a great job! She loves doing these performances.

The name of the musical was 'We Haz Jazz'. I couldn't take a video of the whole thing but I got her solo.

It's about time!

2009-11-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

I guess I finally better post about Halloween. I only have one picture of the kids' costumes but you can see pretty clearly.

Christopher wanted to be a ghost. He's pretty traditional. He was a skeleton the last couple of years. I thought the ghost thing would be pretty simple so I bought a cheap white twin sheet and tried to cut it to fit but I really messed it up so I had to buy another one. I ended up just cutting an X where his head fit and slipped it over his head. I trimmed the bottom, painted his face and we were good to go.

Adam was a punk rocker. We had a blow up guitar (which he actually used last year) and we shaved the sides and back of his head. We've been letting his hair grow for a couple of months hoping it would be long enough. I spiked up his mohawk and painted it green. I think the fake rings in his ears and lip were the best though. Pretty realistic. I still find him wearing them around the house, hehe. He tried to fight me when I went to shave off his mohawk, but of course, I won. He looked pretty cool.

Sarah went as a washing machine. That was pretty fun to make. A box, white contact paper, a paper plate and we were good to go. At several of the houses we went to the owners made her wait while they had the rest of the household come to the door to look. It was great.

I'm not a big Halloween fan but this year I had a lot of fun. I think I lost interest when I let the creative part go. Now that we are making costumes, I will never go back to store bought. Who know, maybe I'll dress up next year.

Fancy

2009-10-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Last night I remembered a conversation I had with Christopher when we were driving to IHOP the other day.

He was saying how much he loved IHOP and the food they had there. He really liked that he got a kids menu that came with crayons so he could color and do mazes etc. I remarked that that was cool that they had those things for kids. He sighed and said "I love fancy restaurants". hahaha

Is that sad? My kids think IHOP is a fancy restaurant! I wonder what that says about me as a parent? At the time I vowed that I would save up and take them somewhere a little more fancy than IHOP.

Last night as we were eating dinner, I was watching them eat. Fork and napkin in front of them and they are wiping their mouths on their shirt sleeves and picking at the food with their fingers which they promptly wiped on their pants. Then, of course, the belching starts and I get to hear the occasional fart.

Then I remembered why my kids have never been anywhere fancier than IHOP.

All they need is time

2009-10-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Last night while tucking in Christopher he told me that he doesn't feel like he gets enough attention. He thought I gave more to Adam and Sarah.

I have to admit that Sarah does get a bit more attention sometimes because of being older and things she has to deal with that go along with her age. Adam gets as much as Christopher.

I think Christopher just needs some extra time.

So today just before his lunch time I signed him out of school and took him to IHOP for lunch. He earned a free lunch there with the summer reading program. He loves IHOP or Village Inn because he loves breakfast food. So we went and ate and talked. We played tic tac toe, and I folded a piece of paper and we flicked it into our self made field goals. We laughed and had a good time. Then we went to King Soopers for a free cookie and bought some sprinkles for his school Halloween party next week.

Needless to say he did not want to go back to school but it was much needed one on one time. I hope I can meet his needs and be a little more focused without taking away from the other kids.

I don't know how people do it with lots of children. How do they find time for all the individualized attention?

Sword fighting...you can't go wrong

2009-10-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I bought these foam swords from Sam's Club earlier this year and they have been so much fun. They are hard enough to have a great fight with but soft enough that there are no tears to go with them. Sword fighting is so much fun but my kids also play baseball and golf with them as well. What a great investment of $20.

Finally!

2009-10-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

While going through some files, I found a gift certificate to Picadilly's (a local nursery) for $75. We won it in a raffle or something a few years ago when Sarah attended Henderson Elementary school. There was no expiration date. So we were finally able to put a tree in our front yard. The previous owners had taken the original one out. I'm not sure if they took it with them or if it died but our house definitely needs a little curb appeal. This will help. The tree is a Maple Sensation. Fast growing and very hearty. In other words, hard to kill, hehe. Apparantly this is the best time to put in a tree because they are already in hibernation so there is no chance of them dying while trying to put them in or waiting for roots to take. Also the leaves are orange and red in the fall. I love those colors on trees. We actually bought the tree two weeks ago but picked it up from the nursery last Friday. After standing in the yard with the tree for 20 minutes while my husband measured and mulled it over about whether or not to plant it two inches further to the west, I got the shovel and started to dig. No need to talk about it. Just get it in. I'm so happy to look out my window and see something other than my van.

Would you rather...

2009-10-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

I was playing 'would you rather' with the kids tonight while tucking them in. Sometimes they come up with the most random, silly things.

This is what Adam came up with...

"Would you rather walk around the world 6 times and when you get home burn up in a fire? -or- would you rather walk around the state one time and when you get home drown?"

Time to move on

2009-10-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

When the summer first began Adam discovered the wonderful world of snails.

Then in late summer he moved on to frogs.

Now he's moved on to caterpillars. Cute fuzzy ones.

Isn't it cute!!!

Museum of Melissa

2009-10-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

I love thrift stores! We always shopped at them when I was young and I as I got older I learned that my limited money would go so much further if I bought used. I decided to start recording my collection of great finds. These are just a few of the things I have bought this year. So I'll start here and add as I find...

The first one is obviously a cheese grater. I really needed one because the one I had was small and rusty. I paid $.99 for this at the Goodwill. I doesn't look like it has ever been used. Plus this one has a side that will grate the cheese really small. I love that! When I was young that's the side I always used. It somehow makes the cheese taste better when it's grated tiny like that...

The next one is a hand towel holder. Now I priced this to be about $16 at Target. I got mine for $1.99 at the Goodwill. My kids don't have a hook or anything in their bathroom and I've always wanted one of these. Plus it's brushed nickel and that's my favorite. It's perfect. YAY!

Now this I didn't need but I liked it. It is a Creative Memories product. It can be hung or it has a stand. It's never been used. The original price on it said $3.99. I paid $.49 at the Goodwill. I'll probably put a picture of our newest family member in it and hang it on the Christmas tree. This will be our dog's first Christmas.

I didn't need this either but it was new, still had the sticker on it for $7.99. I paid $.60. It came with screws and the little metal thingy to hang it with. It's very pretty. I love the woodwork on it. Plus I adore all my friends and this reminds me to be thankful for them.

Now this next item I really needed. In fact I went to the store with the purpose of finding one of these. My other lamp had several arms that came out and the shades had just disintegrated after time and I just needed to replace it. Even the light bulb still worked and it is a fluorescent bulb and it's in great shape. Just plug and go. I got this for free. My dad works at the Salvation Army a couple days a week.

This next item I wanted to find as well. I have a chair in my living room that has no back support, so I wanted a round pillow that would give me lower back support. I couldn't believe it when I saw it on the shelf. It was clean and had held it's shape and fits the curve of my back perfectley. This one I got at the Salvation Army as well...for free.

I always feel so excited after a good find especially when I realize that I didn't have to budget for it. In fact I can usually buy something with change I find around our house. Did I mention that I LOVE thrift stores!!!!

Huh???

2009-10-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

A conversation with Adam...

Adam: Mom, did you know mice are salty?

Me: Why would I know that? How would you know they were salty?

Adam: Because I licked it.

Me: No sir! You've never licked a mouse before!

Adam: (laughing hysterically) Not a mouse! I said, did you know my skin is salty?!

Together again

2009-09-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

When we moved to this house nearly 2 years ago, the boys were thrilled because we now have four bedrooms and that meant that they each got their own room. Adam picked out a Transformer theme and Christopher wanted Space. It was nice not to have to listen to them fight over which theme we went with. Bedtime was much easier but the fighting continued, only differently. Now it was screaming at each other to get out of 'their' room.

Recently John and I decided that we needed a home office for him so that he didn't have to drive out to Arvada as much. With the kids back in school he felt it would be nice to work from home a little more.

So we moved the boys back in together. At first they were really upset, but then the more they talked about it and planned the more excited they became. Because Transformers are from another planet, the curtains show Transformers with a space back ground, so Christopher's glow in the dark stars all over the walls go very well and we were able to keep both themes. They like to use their mattresses and box springs as walls for forts, standing them up and laying blankets over the top of them. Now with sharing a room, they have four walls for their fort. This is the second night they have shared together and so far no fighting. I'm crossing my fingers. I think they missed each other.

Now Sarah feels left out and wishes she had someone to share a room with. I wish she did too.

36 Awesome things

2009-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

I took this idea from someone else. It sounded like a good way to start the day since my kids are off school today and have been fighting all morning.

1. Needing nail clippers and a file and finding them exactly where they should be
2. Finding the outfit you wanted to wear clean and hanging up without wrinkles
3. Finding poptarts to feed the kids in the morning when you're exhausted
4. Book fairs at school
5. Parent teacher conferences when everything that is said is positive
6. Leftovers
7. Waking up and not feeling overwhelmed for a change
8. Newborn babies
9. Sitting on a mattress while sliding down the stairs
10. Playing keep away on the stairs with the kids (I love my stairs)
11. Having lush, green grass to walk barefoot on
12. Finding exactly what you want at a thrift store
13. Having the money for the outrageously expensive school pictures
14. Asian food
15. A fantasic massage
16. Receiving a letter in the mail or email that is personal
17. Morning scripture study with the kids
18. Hot cocoa, popcorn and a movie on a cold day
19. My husband taking the day off from work
20. Nooners - *wink*
21. Free workshops at Lowe's and Home Depot
22. Organization
23. Rearranging furniture
24. My new vacuum
25. Board games
26. Get togethers with good friends or family
27. Christmas
28. Personal revelations
29. The feeling that you are right with God
30. Netflix
31. Taking a walk or jog in the quiet of the morning
32. Hot tubs
33. Being in love
34. Kittens
35. Hanging out with my mom and my sister
36. Good health

Great Day!

2009-09-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

What a great day! My mother is the most awesome mother and grandmother! She thinks of everything. She woke me up with a text today that said...'Wake up. Wake up.' Then another text...'R U AWAKE YET' then another...'Bring swim suits, towels and dry clothes and come early so we can go to the carnival' She planned out a whole day for my family and my siblings.
Well the carnival turned out to be a circus and a very expensive one at that, so she took us to the theater to see Ice Age part 3. She had popcorn and girl scout cookies and bottles of water ready for us. (shhhh, don't tell the theater). Then on to her house where she had the sprinkler set up. We weren't allowed to eat until we were wet.
She cooked pork chops, potatoes, biscuits and green beans.
After we ate, we all played croquet. I don't know if anyone else plays the way we do, but the course is not an easy one. We set the peg thingys in rock piles and behind bricks, under bushes etc. Then as the game progresses more and more rules seem to be added. It's really just a justification of cheating but whatever...
Of course my brother won (he's the biggest cheater of them all) and I came in second. No one else really counts...After the game, more sprinklers and a couple of hours of religious talk. Philosophising, persuasion, bantering etc. Lots of fun.
I love my family! They are the best!!!! Thank God for forever families!

Sprinklers done right, hahaha

2009-08-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that after my last post of my teeth brushing sprinkler heads dream, that the google ad underneath was advertising sprinkler systems and such. I thought it was funny so I thought I'd share.

Teeth brushing sprinkler head?

2009-08-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

I don't remember my dreams very often if I even have them. Perhaps it's because I sleep in too late I don't know. But this morning I had to wake up at 4:15 to take my brother to the airport. Just in time to remember my dream.

I dreamed I was standing outside this big back yard. There was one sprinkler head right in the center that would circle around and hit all the grass in the yard. Of course part way through the dream I realized that the sprinkler head was actually my daughter and I was trying to teach her to circle around slowly so that every area received enough water. So I'm watching myself turn slowly around trying to show her how to do it.

When we were done watering the lawn, we went in to brush our teeth. My daughter turned into my son Christopher and there were two sinks. I was vigorously brushing and trying to be thorough because my son was watching me and I was trying to teach him proper brushing habits.

When I finished, I bent over the sink to spit out the toothpaste and that's when I woke up. I had spit for real. I woke up to spit running down my chin and neck. Nice wake up call. That was about 30 seconds before my alarm went off. It worked better than the annoying buzzing. Gross though. haha

Journaling

2009-08-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

My daughter Sarah is very funny and very talkative. In fact, sometimes I wonder if she will ever stop. She feels it necessary to express EVERY thought that comes to her mind.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love that she confides in me. I love that I always know what's going on with her. I love that we have such a strong bond and we can talk about ANYTHING. Sometimes, though, I really don't want to know EVERY SINGLE THOUGHT that she thinks.

I have been trying to get her to journal on a more regular basis. I've explained how it can help get all her thoughts out and by rereading them, she can sometimes see things from a different perspective. And some day she will love to go back and read them.

So today, while I was fixing dinner she went upstairs to write in her journal. Tonight when I was tucking her in, we talked for a few minutes and then she insisted that I read her journal entry. She had gotten upset about something today and wrote it in there but when I read it out loud she began to laugh. Really hard. She realized that what she was upset about was kind of silly. It really did give her a new perspective on things and so we spent the next FORTY FIVE MINUTES talking about how she was going to say, think and do things differently now that she had a new perspective.

I finally told her that perhaps Heavenly Father would like to hear some of those ideas. She liked that idea and I was able to leave her room.

I love her!!!

EEEEWWWW!

2009-08-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Two months ago, on one of my other blogs, I posted about the bad day I was having etc. Well part of the bad day was discovering that my vacuum was broken and could not be repaired. I have borrowed a vacuum twice but have pretty much been without one.

Two days ago, thanks to my sister, I bought a new vacuum. It's wonderful. I won't go into detail about all the great features but I wanted to show you what I vacuumed off my stairs and my small living room.

What you are seeing, to put it into perspective, is the dirt pile next to a 20 oz. cup. It took me 15 minutes to vacuum the stairs and living room. I have a small house. How gross is this?

One little monkey...

2009-07-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

One little monkey jumping on the bed, he fell off and broke his.......toe!

Adam thought it would be fun to jump on his bed and see if he can touch the ceiling. Well, he fell of and caught his toe on the metal railing that supports the mattresses. This was yesterday. I thought maybe he had just strained the muscles or something but the swelling didn't go down, so I finally took him to Platte Valley today. Sure enough, he as a small fracture in his big toe.

I said, "Bummer, sometimes things like this happen when we break the rules". He said, "I know and I have learned my lesson!"

Why I don't wear flip flops

2009-07-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

I've never liked flip flops. They always seemed to hit a nerve between my toes that made them unbearable to wear.

I broke down and bought a pair this summer for using in the yard. I figured I was just going to be sitting or standing in one place pulling weeds so it wouldn't be a big deal. I'm pretty hard on shoes and I just couldn't risk ruining my more expensive pair that I get once per year.
I discovered that the more I wore them the less they hurt.

When we went to the river a couple of days ago I put them on and they didn't bother me at all. I was so excited that I could wear such a cheap pair of shoes and they were actually comfortable.
Well, when you wear them while walking in a river, they tend to float up and turn on your foot. They fold up and get sand and dirt in them making it very difficult to walk or keep them on your feet. Not that big of a deal until I got ready to go home and wondered why my toes were hurting.

This is what they did to the inside of my toes.
I only took pictures of one foot but the other looks the same.

Down to the river...

2009-07-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we decided to go down to the river off Hwy 85 and Bridge st. It's a perfect river to play in plus there is a park there with bathrooms.

Sarah got her feet wet and she was happy with that. She found sticks to throw to Tara and a great big walking stick which Tara stole from her.

My mother came with us as she does on most of our outings. She has more spunk and energy than I do. I love having her with me so often and the kids adore her as well. She is the best grandma on the planet. I am so blessed to have her so close.

On the walk to the river, Haley slipped and fell in the mud and was not happy. As soon as we go to the river, she squatted down in the water to wash her rear end off. hehe

Adam was the most daring. He went out as far as I allowed him to. Which was past his knees. The water was flowing a bit too fast for my comfort to allow him any further. I was prepared to dive in after anyone if need be but figured why take the chance.

Christopher was happy dragging Tara into the water and she learned to like the water as well. I believe that irrational fears are something to get over. She was afraid of stairs. I dragged her up and down until she wasn't afraid anymore. She was afraid of the car. A 10 hour ride to Utah cured her of that. She was afraid of water. Throwing her in the river a few times cured her of that as well.

My boys are trying to learn to skip rocks. I have been trying to explain it to them and show them how. They are getting better. They just need more practice.

You're never too old

2009-07-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Do we ever get too old to play Chutes and Ladders?

My boys are 7 and 8 and they still love the game. It's very true to life as well. When you are naughty, you have to pay the consequences. Most of the things in this game my boys have done too. Repeatedly.

Perspective

2009-07-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's interesting how a one week vacation can change your perspective.

I spent a week with some wonderful people. John's family. These people do not share my beliefs. I had never thought it to be a big deal before. I consider myself open minded and don't have a problem with other people's beliefs and am usually fascinated with them.

We did not attend church on the 28th of June because we had arrived in Utah too late and just couldn't get up and get going. Not usually a big deal to me. By Friday, I was so frustrated and angry and ready to go home. I was yelling at my kids, yelling at my husband and ready to run away. Then I went to a BBQ with my cousins on Saturday. They are all active members of the church. By the time I had left the BBQ I felt completely different. I felt happy and renewed again. We went to church on Sunday. Again, there was a renewal and a real sense of camaraderie. I needed that.

All the little negative comments and digs about the church and the LDS people really got to me more than I ever thought it would. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ! I also love the culture of the LDS people. Quirky sometimes. Annoying sometimes. But I love it. I love everything about the church and the people in the church. I need them.

So now that I am home I have decided to rededicate myself to the Lord. I am going to try to focus less on the world and more on the Lord and what I can do for Him. I have rededicated myself to scripture study. I have rededicated myself to prayer. And I have rededicated myself to service.

I'm sure that all the negative comments about the church were to try to convince me that it was all false. It had the opposite affect. Now I feel stronger.

I did a lot of reading while I was out there. I read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. There was a part in there that I read that I will share because it really changed my perspective on things. This is lengthy but bear with me.

Under the topic of Sexual Morality, C.S. Lewis is talking about getting help for chastity problems but he refers to other virtues as well. He says...
"You must ask for God's help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again. For however important chastity (or courage, or truthfulness, or any other virtue) may be, this process trains us in habits of the soul which are more important still. It cures our illusions about ourselves and teaches us to depend on God. We learn, on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven. The only fatal thing is to sit down content with anything less than perfection."

I found that to be so profound. So often I beat myself up because I haven't attained this or that virtue or habit. But 'enduring to the end' means getting up and trying again and again and again. It's about humility. I don't think we can ever truly 'get it' until we understand that we depend on God for everything. We are and have nothing without Him.

It's time to let go and let God. In all things. Not just a select few things. Time to be done with Pride. At least to try and try and try to be done with it.

Damn LDS people!

2009-06-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm in Utah visiting with family. We usually spend most of our time with my husband's side of the family.

We were all together on Sunday having a leisurely lunch and chatting when the conversation of LDS people started. John's family was raised in the church but most no longer consider themselves LDS.

So his aunt seems to be a little bitter about the church. When her husband died 30 years ago or so, her brother had a calling in the church that kept him very busy. He was not available for her when she needed him. She holds the LDS church responsible for that.

She was told that because she owned a bar, her daughter could not be baptized when she turned eight. She holds the LDS church responsible for that.

Her grandson did not receive some badges he earned when he was in boy scouts. She holds the LDS church is responsible for that.

In her old neighborhood, the neighbor kids told her kids that their parents were glad that their dad died because he was a smoker. She holds the LDS church responsible for that.

The people make up the religion, therefore the LDS church is responsible for everything that the members do.

There was so much more to the conversation but I can't remember or write it all.

When all was said and done I told her that I loved her even though she was not a Mormon and she was going to hell because of it.

She said that she would see me there.

HAHA - she's probably right

Cooler than frogs?

2009-06-25T20:16:00.001-07:00

What could be cooler than frogs you ask?

How about SNAILS!

Blech!

Latest Find

2009-06-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's the season or all the rain or what but we have had so many frogs lately. I caught one in our backyard a couple of days ago and the same day one was resting on our porch. Of course, my boys are going nuts. They want to keep one so badly. We don't have a tank, so I told them no. I did get some pictures though.

I like them. I may have to look into what a frog would need. hmmm.

My daughter is yelling at Adam to get away from her with the frog, hehe.

I must be crazy

2009-06-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today I ventured out to Water World for the second time this summer. This time my mother did not go and I brought two extra children. I don't know what I was thinking, hehe. We stayed for seven hours. We used half of a very large bottle of sunscreen and I think we made it without getting burned. I got a little pink on my face but that's because it only takes me five minutes to burn.

I told the kids we could only do one of the big rides because I would be carrying the large tube all the way up the steep hill by myself while trying to keep track of the five children.

The first thing we did was ride the STORM! The ride was all done in complete darkness. Haley cried for ten minutes. She doesn't like the dark. I had a hard time convincing her to do anything else after that, but I made her go on the little kid's lazy river and she was fine after that. (As long as she didn't get any water in her face, hehe) She ended up really enjoying herself.

I ended up taking them on two other rides in which I had to carry up large tubes. Very exhausting.

I took the kids to Wally World for a little while. It's for young kids and I didn't have to go in, so I was able to get a few pictures without ruining my camera.

For the last two hours of the day we played in the big wave pool. It was actually quite relaxing. That's my favorite place. I love to go out to the far end of the pool during the waves and just tread water. I think I could almost fall asleep. It was a great day!

I'm going to need my vacation this week so that I don't have to go to Water World for at least a couple of weeks.

Hatching the egg

2009-06-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

We have a family of pigeons living under the eaves of our roof.

My husband hates them because of the bird poop down the side of the house and he thinks they will clog up the gutters so that it causes problems later.

I love them. When I'm in my bathroom I can hear them cooing. I love the sound of their chatter. It comforts me. I love the idea of baby animals living at my house. We have found numerous hatched eggs on our driveway and a couple that didn't hatch but were cracked from the fall.

Today John found one in the grass, unbroken.

My boys were so excited! They've been trying to warm it up for the last 45 minutes, sure that if they keep it warm it will hatch. I tried to tell them that it probably had already died from the cold but they're going to try anyway. I love how they turn all motherly all of a sudden. Adam is sure that he can teach his baby pigeon to talk. Who know, maybe it will hatch and learn to talk. Maybe we can go on the Oprah show with it. hehe

First activity of the summer

2009-06-02T21:37:00.001-07:00

Thursday we went to the museum. We didn't do a whole lot there but since we have a membership, we can go as often as we like. We visited the Hall of Life first which was fun and then we went to the Planetarium. We saw 'Black Holes'. It was very fascinating! There were some parts in it that kind of made me sick to my stomach and dizzy. Adam got a little dizzy too but mostly he was scared and closed his eyes for awhile. Sarah was a little bored. She's just not in to space, planets or any science really. Christopher loved it. He wants to be an Astronaut when he grows up. He wants his room decorated in Space paraphernalia etc. He knows more about how it all works than I do. I enjoyed it too. Now that I'm all grown up, I appreciate learning a lot more. I couldn't get any pictures of the Planetarium, they're not allowed. So this will have to do.

After the Planetarium, we went down the street to what my kids call the castle park. It's a great big park with lots of huge trees. It also has a huge playground that's all made of wood. They call it the castle park because it has these little areas where you can go down the stairs and it seems as though you are underground in a dungeon. It's a very cool park. I didn't take the best pictures of it, but these will have to do.
After playing in on the playground we had lunch and were accosted by a flock of geese. We mistakenly threw some crackers out to the one that came near and within ten minutes, there were tons of them. They were not shy. They came right up and took the food out of our hands. I was worried that they might snatch the whole bag of crackers from me. They were very cute and from the pictures you can tell they were right up on our blanket.

I think this was the most exciting part of the day. At least for me. They are so cute.

I love this time of the year

2009-05-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

I love field day! At least at the school my kids are at now. In the brighton schools, all the kids get ribbons for every event no matter what. I don't like that. I think the kids need to learn to work hard and EARN their ribbons. My kids did really well.

Christopher won 2nd place in the jump rope contest. 2nd place in the three legged race and 3rd place in the long jump. I was so proud of him. He never gave up or got discouraged when he didn't win one of the races. He just kept at it and it payed off. Good job Christopher!

Adam won 2nd place in the three legged race as well. He really tried hard and he was so proud of himself. He tends to get discouraged easily but he kept at it this day. He also did well in another race where you had to run down to the end with a balloon, sit on it and pop it and then run back. He was the second one to reach the end and pop his balloon but he forgot he had to run back so it put him behind. But he had fun.

Sarah is not the kind of girl to enjoy any kind of sports. She loves to sing and dance and take care of babies. But I think she had a good time. I left before she did her last two races because I had already been in the sun for 3 1/2 hours. I shouldn't have left because she also took 2nd place in the three legged race.

I put this picture up because that is what I had. It was fun watching her do this one. Her hair was bouncing up and down and she was having a good time. I'm glad that this school makes the kids earn their ribbons. Now they all want to practice throughout the year so they can earn more ribbons next year. I'm proud of them for giving it their all.

Broken Heart

2009-05-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

I discovered the saddest thing tonight.

I was tucking in my Christopher (my youngest) and I turned on the humidifier that I keep in his room because he gets so many bloody noses, especially at night. Anyway, when I turned it on it started making all this noise, so I quickly turned it off only to discover that there were three Lego's inside where the fan was.

I quickly scolded him and gave him a lecture, you know the typical "why did you do that?" "This is not OK" etc. etc.

So I spend the next few minutes trying to get the Lego's out and filling it with water etc. (I couldn't get the Lego's out). Then I started straightening his blankets around him and he said to me "I'm sorry mom for doing that". I told him "It's OK honey, I love you."

What he said next broke my heart. He said "You do? I thought you wouldn't love me anymore." I told him of course I did and that no matter what he ever did or said I would love him forever. He really seemed surprised by that.

What kind of a message am I sending him? What am I saying or not saying to give him that impression?

It's no wonder he always wants to be with me. He would rather be playing a game or sitting on my lap more than anything else. It's obvious he just wants to feel loved. I feel horrible that I've given him the impression that my love is conditional. He is such a sweet heart. So snugly and loving. He just wants the same from me. He's always been my 'little man'.

Here he is sleeping. He always sleeps in the funniest positions.

Fun times

2009-05-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

My daughter participated in her first talent show today.

She played a few songs on her trumpet and a friend played the clarinet with her. She also did a duet with her best friend. They worked on it for weeks, every day after school. They came up with everything on their own as far as the dancing, their outfits, who sang which part, etc. I'm so impressed. If any of you know her very well, you would know that this is huge! Six months ago, she never would have even dreamed of being up in front of people and performing like this. She has changed so drastically and in a good way.

She is growing up so fast. She is really enjoying being a 'tween'. She has finally found a best friend that fits her so well and it has really helped her. Everyone needs a good friend especially at this age.

I'm so proud of her for putting herself out there and for just being a really good girl. She is my pride and joy. I couldn't ask for a better daughter.

I couldn't upload the video because it's too big, but I did post it on youtube, so here's the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM2K844SOGA

Trailblazer Adventure

2009-05-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

Adam had his first Cub Scout day camp. We had such a good time. The whole family went and all three kids got to participate. The first part of the day was bitter cold. Very windy, totally cloudy and extremely cold. The kids were a bit grouchy and so was I. By lunch time the sun had come out and warmed up considerably. We had a really good time after that.

We started out with archery. They went over all the safety rules and then set the kids up to shoot. It looked really fun. I wish I had done it.

After that we did something called Mountain man, and they just taught us about survival in the wilderness. I learned some good things like, if you pee in a hole, the soil will soak up all the ammonia and other chemicals in your urine and then you are left with water to drink. hmmm.

Then we did an obstacle course. Those are always fun. I'm thinking of setting one up in my backyard.

After lunch we went fishing. I think that was the most fun for the kids. Of course we didn't catch anything, we were really just practicing casting out. I don't have any pictures of that because I was busy fishing too. hehe

After the fishing they taught us about knife safety and we practiced whittling with 1/2 bar of soap and a Popsicle stick. That was fun. I might try that again at home with the kids this summer.

Then we went and learned about gun safety and the kids got to shoot BB guns. That was really cool though the guns were sometimes difficult to use for them.

We then practiced throwing tomahawks. I really enjoyed that. Adam would like to own one but I can just see him chopping up the fence or something.

We had such a good time and I think this experience will help get him more excited for scouts. His brother too.

I can't wait to go camping again. I love these kind of adventures up in the mountains.

Scary or an adventure?

2009-05-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

My mom came over yesterday evening because she wanted to take me and the kids out to dinner at Dairy Queen. So we pile in the van and head into Brighton. I see that my gas gauge is saying empty.
The gauge is actually broken so I'm never really sure how much gas I have, but I knew I was low.
Over the last couple of weeks, instead of filling the tank, I would put in ten dollars at a time. The reason being that every time I went to fill up, I was at a station where the prices were too high. So, reasoning that I would only put in $10 and then fill up at a cheaper station, I kept running out of gas at the more expensive places.
Needless to say, as we leave my house, I think to myself, I should get gas. But the station here in town is too expensive, I'll get it when I get into Brighton.
As we head west on Bridge, about a mile and a half from town, I notice that nothing happens when I put my foot on the gas peddle. hmmm. I say to the kids and my mom...start praying guys, 'cause we're out of gas and it will be a long walk for the kids.
The engine shuts off as we are coasting down Bridge st. Fortunately there is a slight hill and we are able to keep going, though our speed slowly went from 5o mph to about 20. There is a line of cars behind us because the road in only one lane. I put on my hazard lights so they didn't get too mad.
Well, I'm doing pretty well and I know there is a Kum and Go gas station just inside town. I get to the first light just as it turns green. Whew. Then I pull up to the gas station and have to stop because of traffic, which is not easy because when the car is not running, it's hard to put on the brakes or steer or anything.
So when traffic clears, I open my door and push the van into the gas station. Two people ran up to help me once I got in because it was uphill to the pump. Whew! We made it. Prayers really do help.
I turned to look at the kids and said, Yay! what an adventure huh? My daughter said, yeah, but kind of scary.
On the way home, we passed a car pulled to the side of the road whose engine was really smoking. As we got closer we saw that the engine was on fire. The flames were big and coming out from the center of the hood. The driver was opening the hood and fanning the fire. Crazy. I don't know how he could touch it without getting burned.
So we got to call 911 as well that day. The operator asked me skeptically "Is it really on fire or is it just smoking?" I said "It's really on fire." Fortunately for that guy the fire station was only 2 blocks away.
It was definitely an adventure, but I can see how it might me a little scary for the kids who haven't experienced running out of gas before or seen fires. hehe

A Tribute

2009-05-10T21:07:00.001-07:00

Because of it being Mother's Day, I wanted to post a tribute to my mother. I won't post a picture of her because I know she wouldn't like that but I wanted to share with everyone just how wonderful my mother is. I thought I would just share some memories I have of my mother.

My mother was not a very sympathetic woman when it came to injuries and such but that was not a bad thing. I went everywhere barefoot and often came home with stubbed toes, trailing blood and pieces of skin behind me. My mother would stick a band aid on it and send me back outside. I don't think it occurred to me to whine about it.
If we woke up with a runny nose or a cough, she would send us to school and tell us not to bring it home with us. She would instruct us to throw it in the trash. You know what, we always did. We believed her.
However, when I had the stomach bug, she was the most sympathetic woman in the world. She knew that it terrified me and that was when she stepped in. She would be up with my all night rubbing my head and reassuring me. My mother always knew the appropriate times to hug or talk or just send us on our way.
We learned through her to solve our own problems. We learned to be independent. We learned that we could take care of ourselves and that we would be OK.

I was always the envy of all my friends because of my mother. Everyone wanted to spend the night at our house. She was always so welcoming. She made our friends feel completely at home. I remember the time when she planned a big fishing trip to the local lake. She invited all our friends and we all went fishing. She was awesome. She taught me basic sewing when I was 8 or 9 and she also taught me to type about the same age.
She encouraged creativity and never fussed about a messes. We had our chores to do but she never let the cleanliness of the house get in the way of fun. There was a patch of dirt outside our front door that she kept there for the sole purpose of having a mud pit. She would turn on the hose and let us create. We used to build mud cars and buildings and such and put them all over the front porch to dry in the sun.

She had my dad build a shed. It was supposed to be for tools and such but it was really our playhouse. She would set us up out there for sleepovers and send us with lots of snacks.

She also used to let us take all the cushions off the couches and chairs and any other pillows we could gather up. We would stack them on top of each other in the middle of the room. Then we would stand on the back of the couch and jump on top of them and see who could balance the longest. As we fell, we often fell into the walls or other furniture, but she never complained.

We also used to take our mattresses to the top of the stairs and get on top. It was great fun sliding down over and over and sometimes would roll each other up in them. We jumped on our beds too and sometimes layed under the mattress while some else jumped on it, on us. She never complained. She often gave us the ideas.
She always made sure we had plenty of food and clothes. Shoes were optional.

My mother read to us all the time. I remember her still reading to me when I was 10. She instilled in us a love of books and reading. She would read books like Charlie's Monument and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Classics if you haven't read them. I have read them to my daughter as well.
My mother also puts up with our teasing and sarcasm. We use a lot of 'your mama' jokes just because. She thinks they're funny.

The best thing about my mother is her positive attitude. She always looks on the bright side and always looks for the good in people. She also serves so valiantly in her silent way. She has a wonderful laugh and laughs often. She doesn't complain about her health issues.

She has also set a wonderful example to me by remaining married through some very rough times. I think she had an eternal perspective even if she didn't realize it.

Most importantly, my mother brought the gospel to me. She was in tune enough to invite it into our lives. I thank her for that. I thank the Lord for my wonderful mother. She has always been my best friend and confidant.

I love you Mom!!

20 Conversation Starters

2009-05-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here are twenty questions you can use to strike up a conversation with your kids:

What was the neatest birthday present you ever received?

What makes you laugh?

What is your favorite food?

Where would you like to go for a vacation if you could go anyplace in the whole world?

If you had to move and could take only three things with you, what would you take?

How would you describe the "ideal" father or mother?

What is something you can do pretty well?

What is your favorite song?

What is your best friend like?

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you?

Has there been a time when you felt proud of yourself?

What kind of store would you like to own and operate?

If you received $5000 as a fift - how would you spend it?

What is your favorite room in our house? Why?

What kind of a job do you want to have in twenty years?

What talent do you wish you had?

If someone could give you anything in the world for your birthday - what would you like it to be?

What would you like to invent to make life better?

What is something that bugs you?

What kind of trophy would you like to win?

Hints for a happy friendship

2009-05-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

1. Make friends even if you don't think you need them.

2. Seek out quiet people. They have a lot to say, if you say something first.

3. Don't establish a friendship based on mutual dislikes.

4. Call if you're running late.

5. Look people in the eye when you talk to them.

6. Be one who says positive things about others.

7. Learn to tell a good story.

8. Ask other people about themselves.

9. Be happy for others in their good fortunes.

10. Make sure your caring includes doing.

11. Know when to say good-bye.

Rollie Pollie

2009-04-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

My boys have really been into rollie pollies this week. Every day they come home (late) with new rollie pollies. I give them a bowl and they fill it with rocks and weeds or grass. By morning, it is dead and they have to bring home new ones. I love it. Well, as long as they don't bring them in the house...

Christopher had to wear a glove to hold them because he said they tickled his hands.

Eating my words

2009-04-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

I said on a previous post that my children were the ONLY ones with any talent when it came to school performances. Well tonight my boys had a first and second grade musical about bugs. It was the cutest and funniest thing I have ever seen. While clearly my boys WERE the most talented, all the other kids did NOT suck. I actually had a fantastic time. In fact while I was videotaping part of it I got to laughing so hard that the camara was shaking and I'm not sure you could hear anything but my laughing. They were all so awesome. I was so impressed.

Christopher was a caterpillar:

Adam was a Military ant: He would not smile because "Military doesn't smile"

So I think my faith has been restored in school performances...

What do you think of this email sent to me?

2009-04-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

We are getting closer than we think...
This is such an insightful message from David Kat who prepares many of the beautiful spiritual Youtube videos that we have enjoyed - He discovered this insight (he gave permission for this to be shared):

WE ARE GETTING SO CLOSE!! ...a conversation with man that had a Near Death Experience
Last night, I was able to see more of the BIG picture. I just want to share a quick insight. For the past couple of years, it has bothered me that in conference, the Brethren have been relatively silent in warning, giving counsel in preparing for the last days etc. I have prayed and yearned for Samuel the Lamanite-like talks, or President Benson's or Bruce R. McConkie's talks... Yet instead we have been getting talks on Faith, on Hope.. On Charity/Service etc..My thoughts have been.. Here the world is crumbling, disasters are eminent, people are not prepared and need to be. I was very frustrated and wondered WHY ARE WE NOT GETTING THE WARNINGS... I was on the phone with my mother-in-law last night who just talked with a man that had a near-death-experience. He told her many things, but she felt impressed to tell me one thing in particular. He said things are so very close to all of the "prophesied" things to begin happening. He talked about the "cycle" (reaffirmed in the Boyd K Packer's Priesthood Talk in given in conference) and how just before things completely fall apart and collapse with utter destruction, the Lord's annointed stop warning, and start speaking about faith, hope and charity. IT IS THE LAST STAGE IN THE CYCLE.Then it hit me... The Book of Mormon is a template for this as well. Case in point. We read in Ether... We get all the warnings about secret combinations etc and how the wickedness is abounding and that the people will be destroyed if they don't repent.. Then just before the entire civilization gets destroyed we get the 12th chapter on FAITH,HOPE and CHARITY..Another example we find in Moroni chapter 8.. Just before telling us that the people will perish and the prophecies will be fulfulled, Mormon teaches his son Moroni (and us), about Faith, Hope and Charity. Okay... Fast forward to the past two conferences.. What messages are we hearing... FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY!!!!!WOW.. It hit me like a ton of bricks.. It was the answer that I needed to hear about why we aren't receiving the voice of warning like I wanted.Here is how I see the cycle now: AS A PEOPLE WE move from being Humble to Obedient to Blessed to living Righteously to Ease to Laziness to Prideful to Selfishness to Immorality to having the prophets warning us to repent to Wickedness to Ripening to the Point of no return to No more on Warnings, but teaching the humble followers to have Faith, Hope,and Charity -THEN DESTRUCTION, CALAMITIES, etc- compelling us back to being HUMBLE.....So, we probably won't see the prophets speaking to us to warn us.. We are past that time, we are in the final stage. This is the Lord's way, just as He has done with the 2 prior civilizations (Jaredites, and the Nephites).. It is my opinion, the more we hear about HOPE, don't DESPAIR, etc .. THE CLOSER WE ARE!I hope to speak to this man personally who had this near-death experience. He said some amazing things to my mother-in-law. In a nutshell, my mother-in-law now feels that she will be alive to see all of this unfold. Before she thought she wouldn't be around. WE ARE SO VERY CLOSE to things accerelating.Just as a sidenote that just hit me, In one of my last videos, "Great Trials Lie Ahead".. I started out with all of the warnings of McConkie, Benson, Eyring.... And felt very strongly to end the video with the statements of HOPE by Uchtdorf... This is a pattern, it is pattern seen in the Book of Mormon and we are following that same pattern today... NEXT STEP for ALL OF US: The Destruction of the Wicked and the Saints being Humbled.
And by the way....the Book of Mormon is true.

Boys will be boys

2009-04-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

There is nothing I enjoy more than watching boys do boy things. Last summer I bought two shovels at a garage sale. They are small. Perfect for my kids. We don't have our backyard put in yet so my boys enjoy digging in the dirt. They haven't done a whole lot since last summer but today they got out the shovels and went in the back yard. I didn't hear from them in two hours. Mind you, I was keeping an eye on them. I'm not stupid. I know the kind of trouble boys get into especially when you don't hear from them. I had to take pictures. They dug a big hole and buried some treasure. I asked them what they buried but they told me I couldn't know. Well, I am looking at the cat and dog, so I guess we're good. I just love watching them using their imaginations. Next time I'll have to wet the dirt and see what they build me out of mud. Maybe they will build a pirate ship to go with the buried treasure.

Had to laugh

2009-04-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last night when I was tucking in Sarah, I asked her about her day. I wanted to know what she learned about in church. She usually tells me all kinds of things about church. What she learned. What her friends said or did. Who was there, who wasn't. Who is cute and who is gross. Anyway, I asked her what she learned in Primary and she was thoughtful for a moment and then said. "I don't know." So, I asked her some probing questions. "Were you talking about Joseph Smith today and the Angel Moroni visiting him?" (I knew that's what the lesson was on). She said "I don't think so." I said, "were you chatty today and didn't pay attention?" She said, "no, I didn't talk at all today". So I proceeded to ask her what songs they sang in Primary, she said she didn't know. "What did you hear about in Sacrament meeting?" I asked. "I don't know" she said. So, after a few more minutes of picking her brain trying to find out even one thing about her time at church, and her saying I don't know to everything I asked, I started to laugh because it dawned on me that I have done that on many occasions. I come home and my husband will talk to me about church and I have no idea what happened in that three hours. I couldn't tell you who was there and who wasn't. What were the topics. Any of them. It's almost like I'm not there at all on those days. So Sarah and I laughed and laughed. Have you ever had days like that?

Band Concert

2009-04-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or are children's programs at school excruciating? Last night, Sarah had a band concert. She is in beginning band. The concert band also performed and the 3rd and 4th grades put on a play. Now, we all know that when we hear our own children perform in anything, they sound absolutely wonderful. In fact, they are the only kids with any talent. But everyone else is terrible. I don't know how other parents can stand to listen to their own kids. Now, my daughters performance was wonderful. I could pick out her trumpet over the other ones and she sounded wonderful. Beginning band played maybe 10 short songs and then they were done. The concert band was a little longer. After that, I just couldn't take any more. We left before the 3rd and 4th grade play. I just couldn't stand the idea of sitting in that hot gym for another hour, listening to the chaos and horrible acting and singing of other kids. Some of you may be offended at this. I apologize if your child was in the performance, but like I said, my child is wonderfully talented, no other children are, with the exception of the extremely gifted like I would see on America's got Talent or something. I'm sure you all feel the same way about your own kids. Just had to get that out today.

Different Parenting Technique

2009-04-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

I tend to be a bit on the grouchy side when it comes to my kids and them not minding. Yesterday I went in to Christopher's room while he was outside playing. I saw a big pile of clothes on the floor. They were clothes that I had just folded and sent him up to put away. He told me he put them away. He dumped them on the floor. Now, normally I would scream at him to get inside then scold him the whole time he was putting them away. This time for some reason, I just wasn't that upset. I gently called him in and directed him in putting them away. Then had him pick up all the dirty clothes and sort them in the laundry. When he was finished, I took his face in my hand and calmly told him that he didn't mind and that he lied to me. I said, please don't do that again. He looked at me and said "ok". Then he proceeded to hug me and tell me he loves me. It was so sweet. I think, he is much more likely to do what he is supposed to next time. He definitely does not respond to the yelling. I don't know why I'm so quick to anger with them. I sure love my kids.

Tumbleweeds

2009-02-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

As I was driving to work this morning heading east on I-76, the wind started blowing really hard. I start noticing all these tumbleweeds blowing across the highway. First one, then another, then a whole bunch. I was careful to dodge them because they reminded me of small animals and I didn't want to hit any of them. The further east I went the more tumbleweeds there were. I suddenly got so excited. They were sooo cute. I don't know what made me feel that way, but I loved them! By the time I arrived at work I was giddy!! They made my day!

I love tumbleweeds!!!

Simple Pleasures

2009-01-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to John's sister's house for birthday celebrations for various family members. She lives in Castle Rock. It's a really beautiful place, surrounded by trees and huge houses. We had a great time. After it got dark, we drove down the street a little ways because the town was having a winter celebration with fireworks. We drove to a park, which was an awesome playground. They don't have anything like that around here. Anyway, the fireworks started and I watched all the kids sitting on the grass wiggling excitedly. Listening to their responses was such a pleasure. Adam was screaming "why are you trying to kill us?!" hehe and Christopher was exclaiming "whoa, cool, awesome!". Sarah enjoyed in silence. It reminded me how much we take for granted. Fireworks really are glorious things to watch. I'm always amazed how they can get one firework to explode with multiple colors and several things shooting out in different directions doing different things. My favorite part is the loud boom they make. It was so nice to just enjoy the simple things in life. Today's lesson in Gospel Doctrine was a wonderful addition to what I was already feeling. Hope. Let's look at life in a positive way and full of hope. For the first time in a long time, I feel full of hope. I thank the Lord for the simplicity of His way and the opportunity we have to enjoy the countless things He has given us to enjoy.

For Rosa

2009-01-02T23:16:00.000-08:00

I find that the older I get, the more self-centered I get. I'm realizing that I miss the 'giving' part of me. So this blog is a new start at rediscovering my charity. This is for Rosa. She wanted it.

In those quiet moments, listening to the hum of the computer, I think of her
Waiting for the message that pops up saying she has poked me for sure
I can't hit the button fast enough...you know I will be the one to win
Of course I would never rub it in 'cause that would be a sin

She challenges me to be more...I have to compete
You're welcome to view the show - have a seat
This could be good - or bad depending on who you're rooting for
Don't worry, It'll be fair. You see...I'm keeping score. hehe

Deer

2008-11-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Every where you go in Utah, you are surrounded by mountains! It's awesome. We took a drive up to a local park the other day. There was a pond there and a bunch of geese and ducks. It was fun watching them chase each other when one got a big chunk of bread. On the drive home, we had to stop in the middle of the road to let the deer cross. There were two of them, then three, then four. They were so elegant and graceful! I wanted so badly to reach out and touch them. I'm sure that if I had had something to feed them, they would have come up to the car. Then we saw four more just standing there in the grass looking at us. We stared at each other for a while before they all left. 20 feet from me!! What an incredible creature the Lord has created! I love it here! I may have to find a way to move out this way!

The Gift

2008-11-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

The following is a letter my daughter Sarah (age 10) wrote to me and my husband:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I can't wait until Thanksgiving! Thank you for letting us go to Utah over the week. I am exited! Thank you for everything you have done for me. You did such a good job raising me so far. Thank you for taking me to the hotel on my tenth birthday. You've taught me to be a good kid. Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Your Daughter
Sarah

What a wonderful gift, not only that she gave us, but that the Lord gave her to us. He must put a lot of trust in us to raise such a wonderful girl!! Thank you Heavenly Father!

Differences

2008-11-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

I was eating lunch with my kids down at the school today. It was a Thanksgiving lunch, you know, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, hot roll etc. I love to observe my children eating. Christopher puts huge chunks of the roll in his mouth while furrowing his brow and crinkling his nose. (that's his latest tick). Inbetween each bite, he takes a big swig of his strawberry milk. Next is a huge bite of turkey with potatoes on it. Of course, then he has to show me what is in his mouth, laughs and then tries to make sure none of it comes out his nose. He never touches his fruit or vegetables and usually throws away half of his food.
Adam on the other hand is very clumsy with his fork. He flings it in the potatoes, flicks it up, which of course sends potatoes flying and takes very small bites. He often uses his fingers to eat with, and picks the bread apart in these little tiny bites. As I'm watching him, I notice that his hands are black with dirt and he is happily licking the food off them. In between bites he is guzzling chocolate milk and needs a second one before he is even half way done with his lunch. He usually finishes everything on his tray except the fruit and vegetable. (unless it's mandarin oranges or corn, in which case, he scarfs first) When he sees gravy on his fork between bites, he wipes it off with his shirt, then proceeds to get a bite (with gravy). Hmmm.
Then of course there is Sarah. Always polite, always tries to use her manners. She takes small bites carefully avoiding any contact with her lips because she doesn't like the feel of food on them. She takes one bite of turkey, one bite of potatoes with gravy (which is all mixed in) and then one bite of roll. The next bite, she piles each thing on her fork in order and eats a bite that way. She always eats her vegetables, not fruit though. She takes a tiny sip of chocolate milk once in a while, never drinking more than half and she promptly stops eating as soon as she feels satisfied. She uses a napkin between each bite and often arranges the things on the tray so the lefovers are in the exact same spot as they were dished up. She puts her lid on her milk and then proceeds to ask me if I would like any of it. She wipes her mouth one last time before she dumps her tray, asks if she has any food on her teeth, tells me she loves me and heads off to wash her hands.
I love my kids and all their differences!!!

Questions

2008-11-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, when we all sat down for dinner (chicken tacos, yumm), I noticed the kids didn't seem to be saying anything unless it was in the form of a question. I quickly picked up the game and joined in. Of course, I'm much better at it than they are and they got really annoyed! haha, it was fun. Then when I wouldn't stop, Sarah started to cry. She said it scared her because I guess she once had a dream that she was asking me for something and I just wouldn't listen and didn't seem to care about her feelings and when I wouldn't stop with the questions game, it reminded her of that. Interestingly, I had a dream last night that I was trying to get Sarah to get ready so I could take her to band practice. She just kept ho humming and wouldn't eat or put her shoes on. I yelled at her and told her to get in the damn car. She didn't care, wouldn't get ready. So I picked her up and put her in the car and told her she was grounded for a week. She still didn't care. I was so mad and frustrated. I hate those kinds of dreams. So I understand why she got upset last night. It was a fun game though.

Friends

2008-11-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

I find it amazingly wonderful to have such awesome friends. Friends that love you for who you were, who you are, and who you will become. Totally accepting, sometimes even if it's mere tolerance. The comfort they give you when you and they both know you're being a complete b****. That's true love. That's true friendship. I hope that I offer the same kind of acceptance to my friends. I certainly try.

Twinge

2008-11-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

I was standing at the mirror, looking at my reflection after my shower. The glass was still a little fogged and my hair was dripping on my shirt. I noticed my face was dry and beginning to flake. It's that time of season here in Colorado. A twinge of gratitude came over me as I remembered my teenage years and how my skin was always oily and prone to acne. I'll take the dry skin any day. I was looking very closely today. The 'laugh lines' around my eyes, the freckles on my nose and the three holes I have in my left ear. All I could see was this shell of a person that people think I am. That I think I am. I don't recognize myself. This is not who I am. This is not who I want to be. Yet, the vision I have of myself is uncomfortable. It's not what I know. The energy is gone from me. The care-freeness is gone from me. The joy is gone from me. The strength is gone from me. Where am I? The emptiness envelopes me much of the time and filling that emptiness if fruitless. (unless you count the banana I ate earlier. ha) As I'm looking at myself, I'm wondering how I break free from this prison I've built for myself. Times were so much harder as a young girl, yet I had so much more strength then. Could I have allowed myself to be broken? Where is my strength? I long to sail away to find it as if it is floating around in the vast ocean of life. Perhaps it is in me and I just don't have the key to unlock it yet...

Intoxicating

2008-11-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been able to completely let go? You know, just be who you are? Recently I have been able to do that and it is completely intoxicating. I had forgotten who I was. I think everyone has parts of them that they hide away and there are times when ALL of a person is probably not appropriate but sometimes we just need to let go. It's ok for me to be me. I'm not perfect and not really trying to be. I try to improve in areas that I think need improvement and sometimes I let the Lord tell me what those things are, but I like me. Sometimes I'm a bit unruly, sarcastic, perhaps even rude. I try not to offend others and try not to take offense, but darn it all. I just want to be free to be me!

If it ain't...

2008-11-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

If it ain't Puffs Plus, it ain't good enough for me.
Is it just me, or does everyone have to blow their nose at least once a day? You know, just to clear yourself out in the morning? Well, I always do and I can't stand other tissues. They are either too thin, too rough or they smell funny. If I use the kind that is thin, then I have to use two of them and fold them in half or else there will be a blowout. If it's too rough, then my nose turns red and it hurts, and the smelly kind is just gross. I already have to smell my own boogers, but it's worse when it's mixed with the smell of the tissue. Eeeww.
It's got to be Puffs Plus. It doesn't matter what my bank account says, I will beg for the money if I have to. I will not do without my Puffs Plus.

Desire

2008-11-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever eaten anything that is so wonderfully delicious that your mouth waters when you think about it? Lately I have had a new favorite food. Are you ready for it?

Cheddar Jalepeno Cheetos and Big Red soda!! mmmmmm good! Now I'm going to have to get some...

Listening

2008-11-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here with my laptop on my (of course) lap, listening to the sound of the air compressor. John decided to blow the sprinkler system lines out tonight so they don't freeze. I'm so thankful that he is handy that way. I'm a very independent person, I can do most things myself, but it is really nice to have him doing those kinds of things.
I'm also listening to the sound of my obnoxious boys laughing. I say obnoxious, because the laughter is such that nothing I say or do is going to stop them from what they are doing. If you have 2 or more boys, you know what I'm talking about. They laugh at everything, throw things, destroy things, and sometimes, really gross things, like peeing on the wall, or pulling their pants down and laughing at each other...
Then there is my daughter in the shower, singing her heart out. She's quite good. She sings various songs from High School Musical and other popular songs she hears on the radio. She loves music.
I'm also listening to the answering machine. Mindy is calling and asking if I can work tomorrow at the Lochbuie Elementary school. I'm excited. I want to work at my kids' school.
I can't remember the last time I listened to the silence. I'll have to try that...

Gratitude

2008-11-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I hate to copy, but I, too, like the idea of writing the things I am thankful for. Fitting month, don't you think? Who doesn't need to be more grateful?

I am very thankful for a bishop who knows exactly what I need to hear. I was talking to him yesterday about how stressed and frustrated I was about where I was in life and he said to me (I'm paraphrasing) -
If your marriage is better than it was last year, if you are closer to God than you were last year, then you are right where you should be. Be grateful that you struggle because it is the struggles we have that get us where we need to be.
Profound don't you think? Of all the things that have happened in my life, terrigle things that I wish had not happened, how can I not be grateful. They have led me to this point, and for once I feel like I have a friend in the Lord. Thank you Heavenly Father