Pulling Curls

The Widow's Mite isn't Romney's Mite

2012-01-29T08:01:00.000-08:00

I read an article referring to "all Mitt Romney has done for the LDS church." I'm not sure exactly what they were talking about, but I think they were referring to his monetary donations, perhaps. I was really bugged by it. First off, I'm not all sure that I love what Mitt Romney's "doing" for our church. Also, we have a LOT of really rich members. When I gave to Prop 8 I took a peek at the list at what everyone gave. Wow. Some people gave a LOT. They are really well off.

But back to tithing. I think the media maybe doesn't get it. The WHOLE church (well, those that choose to, and while I've heard numbers bantered about what percentage of the church gives a full tithing I'm still not sure) pays 10 percent. That means if you're getting a welfare check and it's 200 bucks, you're paying tithing on that. And then you're living on 160 bucks.

For Mitt Romney to give his 4 million, or whatever is great. I know it does a lot of good. But, in reality, how hard is it for Mitt to give that money? Is he worried he's not going to pay his mortgage or won't be able to provide food for his kids? No. He isn't, not even close.

But for those (and I am NOT among these, but I know plenty who are) who give in faith, hoping God will make up the difference, I am here to testify that He does. Will he make you Mitt Romney? No. But, you will have food to eat, and clothes to wear, and shelter. Also, I believe in order to receive fast offers from the church, you need to be a full tithe payer -- but it is at the discretion of the bishop.

Anyway, this whole thing made me think of the Widow's Mite, and how grateful I am for the example and teachings of our Savior. Just also read a really cool article about our bishops storehouse here.

Happy Sabbath everyone, let's keep it holy. :)

Why I Am Going to be Happy Today

2012-01-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our appraisal for our home refi came back at 15% less then the appraisal that we had less then a month ago, which was just about the same as the one we got 7 months ago -- which seems appropriate for market. This appraisal did ALL repossessed properties and one short sale listing. I really think it's unfair and I am now out 460 for it with no lower mortgage payments. We are going to try to fight it, but I don't have high hopes. It seems unfair that the bank gets to pick someone they want that can just pick a low number to make the bank happy and use them again.

And I wanted to rip heads off. Between that and my leaky toilet, and not working (they did want me to work this morning, RIGHT when Drew is gone... nice) I'm just not my chipper self.

But I decided that this is just part of life, and 500 bucks isn't worth a ruined day.

And I made myself be happy.

I mean, I wanted to SCA-REEM at my kids, but I didn't. I held it together, and sang opera when they were tattling so I couldn't hear them (taking a page from Lara). They all thought that was hilarious.

We got through cleaning the house, we even washed the car and we'll be off to the park at some point.

Because we are meant to have joy. Stupid toilets, appraisals and work set totally aside.

New Design

2012-01-27T19:31:00.001-08:00

Hmm... whatcha think of the new design.

No.

Not the OLD new design, the NEW new design.

That's right, get off your google reader and look at it.

too much?

Photo Friday: School

2012-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

P started her own ABC school this week, and her mom volunteered to host it. P's mom has obviously lost her mind, and hasn't worked in weeks. But, these pictures show that we had a really great time.

We did puzzles before our carpet time. Everyone liked it...

We did stickers and coloring and then it was off to play downstairs.

This week's letter was A, and we dressed up as animals. Or, at least the girls did. :)

Aren't we cute?

Honestly, I HATE doing it, but I love it too. I love knowing her friends and getting to be better friends with both the kids and their moms, and I don't have to do it for another 5 weeks.

yay! :)

Happy Friday everyone!

Baptism Invite

2012-01-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

We'd love anyone local to come to Spencer's baptism. I, of course, have blurred out the important details but it's coming up soon. Please message me if you'd like to come and I can send you the real one. :)

Thoughtful Thursdays: Shaking my Fist at Heaven...

2012-01-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

I woke up mad. After the whole home warranty thing, and other stuff in my life (not to mention a 7 year old who's turned insane). I had a dream that I went to work and it was crazy busy, but then I called and they put me on call.

{sigh}

Another day of staying home. I was just mad. As I opened my scriptures I really asked God to change my attitude. This week's lesson was about how Nephi took trials vs how his brothers took trials. Nephi just went with the flow, and figured there was a purpose to everything. The brothers got mad, both at their own brother, but also at God.

And that was me, getting mad.

Booo.... I hate it when I'm exactly like Lamen and Lemuel...

We are going to be fine financially. The tax man will send a lovely check to our bank account next month, thanks, mostly, to the fact that like 80% of what we spent last year was tax deductible. Horray!

Anywho... today I feel like I have somehow come into my own. I recently organized the pantry... and I'm SO happy about it. I was literally excited to put food away. Just to fill in some empty spots. I kind of feel like I've been running around with my head cut-off without all my "systems" in place... but thanks to not working the past few weeks, I've been able to implement some systems. And, if you know me -- you KNOW I love a good system. I'm even couponing again. I think I saved over 10 bucks today at the grocery store, but that's a post for another day. So, today I'm looking for what I was meant to do.

Also, I was still a little bit mad, but I went down to our plants that are NOT coming up in the office and I found two sprouts. It's amazing how much hope a seed can bring, am I right?
What were you meant to do today? Does life ever spoil your plans? Do you realize there was something else you were meant to do?

My Thoughts on Old Republic Home Warranties

2012-01-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

Just a little PSA about home warranties. I've always been really pro-home warranties, but lately I'm just not. I felt like it would protect you from the little things that might crop up around your home, but it won't, and here's why.

We have a toilet, that had a crack in it -- didn't leak, so no big deal. But, lately it's started to be a little damp in the area. I figure we should replace it before it starts getting damp down by the playroom.

So, I call my home warranty. Slam dunk, right? They'll replace the toilet.

Turns out they won't, AND it cost me 55 bucks to find out that they won't. The toilet itself will be under 100 to fix (plus the cost of Drew's back being thrown out as he hauls it up the stairs). The plumber came and said I had to give him the 55$ before he even called them, so I did. They denied it. They said the toilet had been cracked due to an installation error, so they won't cover it.

And that's where I am 55 dollars later.

I have talked to more and more people who have just had their claims denied, or told they won't cover it. So far we've replaced an air conditioning unit, and a water softener of our own pockets. The people they usually send out are just their puppets to make sure they pay as little as possible. I had people to fix our AC at least 6 times before I finally threw in the towel and bought a new one.

Anyway, I'm filing this under the categories that warranties just aren't worth it. Ever. Are they? Am I wrong here?

I got Tagged

2012-01-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hey, Carli Alice over at GG2Life tagged me in a little meme.

The rules:

1. You must post the rules.
2. Post 12 fun facts about yourself in the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create 12 new questions for the people you tagged.
4. Tag 12 people and link them on your post.
5. Let them know you've tagged them. Here's my answers to her great questions:

1. What would you dare to do if you knew you could not fail? Hmm... probably write a book. It's obvious that I love to write. I just worry about it taking my entire life and then being worthless. So, I blog. :)

2. Is money really the answer? Money, in fact -- is never the answer. I have worked full time in my life with kids and it just makes things harder, not easier. But, money is very nice. Very VERY nice. :)

3. What was your first car? I never had my own car. I married into a blue Toyota Corolla that Drew had already rolled once. Finally we bought a white Nissan Sentra together. Man, that was a good car...

4. Who is your favorite cartoon character? Hmmm, I guess little orphan Annie, although I loved the movie so much I wore out the tape when I was little. I am not big on cartoons. I like them when they occupy my kids though. :)

5. If your life was a book, what would it be called? duh. Pulling curls. :)

6. What is the most times you have watched a movie? I have watched both Beaches and Steel Magnolias at least 10 times each. I don't like movies, much.... but those two are the perfect thing when I'm sick or in a mood.

7. What was your childhood nickname? Hilly. Sad, but true.

8. What is the one thing you can not live without? My husband. And my kids. We toyed with the idea of Drew moving and me staying, but I think I would've died.

9. Would you rather be thin or rich? Oh man.... I guess rich. Because it's easier to get thin then rich. I mean, how fat would I be... I need details on this one. :)

10. How many songs have you heard with your name in it? Umm.. None. are there any?

11. What was your most memorable childhood birthday gift? Hmm.... I can't really remember anything big on birthdays. I remember when we turned 18, we got 18 presents, and even though a lot of them were kinda crappy (like spoons and bowls to move out with) it was so fun to open all of them. :)

12. What excites you about 2012? not moving. :)

Thanks Carli, that was fun!

Oh, I was supposed to do 12 random things too....

1. I am starting up couponing again. I am kind of mad at myself for doing it.

2. My phone just rang saying it was time for me to have my snack.

3. I still text my kids teachers from CA.

4. I am really mad at my home warranty company. I feel like I got horn-swangled.

5. I messed with my blog for a good hour today. I still want to mess with it more. i hate myself for doing that.

6. I have been watching Teen Mom 3 lately. Makes me worry about P.

7. I made awful dinner tonight.

8. Man, this is a loser of a post right now....

9. I re-organized my pantry on Saturday. I feel extreme joy every time I see it.

10. I am still thinking about that skinny or rich part. Hmm....

11. Did I mention I hate my home warranty company?

12. The big finish.... umm.... walmarts are much nicer here. :)

Anyway, here's my questions for my tag-ee's. :) I am going to half it though, Carli is just better then me!

1. how do you cope with the yucky season where you live (here it's summer, there maybe it's winter)?

2. Tell me something you like about me or my blog? (I need a little self esteem boost lately)

3. Name a movie you can quote several lines from.

4. Least thing you like about mothering.

5. Favorite thing about being a wife (keep it G rated, people)

6. If you could've majored in anything in college, without thought to what you'd do with it afterwards, what would it have been? (mine would've been humanities).

And I tag....

1. The Amazing Lara at Overstuffed -- Raise your hand if you think I'm weird for never having lived in the same state as my best friend... well, since we've known each other. :)

2. The Amazing Jen at Life is What you Make It -- Jen teaches at my old school. That's right, I have a hard time letting go. :)

3. The Amazing Keri at Laughter and Tears -- she just got off an LDS mission to Guatemala, she is my hero. Keri, feel free to fix those questions for a single gal, as you see fit - -like what you THINK your least favorite part of being a mom will be. I will cackle at your answers... :)

4. The Amazing Maryanne at Making it Up As I Go -- Maryanne was in my CA ward. I miss her. She's snazzy.

5. The Amazing Aubrey at A Mother Heart -- my new BFF here in AZ, even though I've now had 2 of her kids in primary. Poor Aubrey.

6. The Amazing Denise at Six Down, Six to Go -- she just had surgery, what could be more fun then answering some questions while in severe pain.

No pressure though ladies -- I know we're busy people. :) Be sure to post here when you post YOURS. :)

Tell You Tuesday: Fevers

2012-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, I swear I wrote a TMI Tuesday about fevers, but apparently I didin't. Or, I can't find it. And you know what they say in the medical profession, if it isn't written down, and you can read it and find it, it's not done. :)

Anywho, fevers are crazy in little kids. Isn't it funny how you can almost see STEAM coming off their cute little bodies.

And all that is good.

Does it FEEL good? no.

But fevers are great stuff. They show you that their body is fighting the infection. I really don't care unless my kids fevers go over 104. That's right, people -- 104.

Symptoms are a whole other story. Neck, ear, throat pain -- that's a whole other bag of chips... but fevers alone.

P loves to get fevers, and hold onto them for extended periods of time and I've just learned this. A lot of time she has no other symptoms, but she must be fighting something. I keep expecting a rash (a lot of times, kids will get a high fever and then break out in a viral rash the next couple of days later), but nothing appears.

Anyway, it's my advice. My kids are also addicted to tylenol and advil. I mean, if they have a fever, give them something to make them feel better. But, ask your pediatrician about dosing, etc.
In fact, if you have a question, as your pediatrician as I'm just a nurse. :) I mean, nurses run the world -- but I'm JUST a nurse. :)

I will say kids fevers and adult fevers are two different things. Kids are so small their fevers get much higher, but if you -- as an adult were to hit 103 or so I'd probably head in. That's a pretty high one. And if you're pregnant I'd even say 101 I'd call your doctor. But, I rarely get fevers anymore, maybe my kids have just taken the fight out of me. :)

My two cents for the day. Hope it helps someone. :)

ETA: Newborns shouldn't have fevers. Ever. Anything over 100 should be taken to the doctor until they're at least 2 months. Even up til' about 4 months I get nervous. Just FYI. :)

Miracle Monday: Peelies

2012-01-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

I've missed miracle Monday, and perhaps some of my personal unhappiness is because I haven't been looking for all the amazing blessings that god blesses us with.

Anyway, I trudged off to Walmart thinking of our bleak economic situation (seriously, it's not that bleak people, it's especially bleak until Mr. Tax return gets into our bank account -- THAT will be a happy day!). Anyway, just wondering what God had in store for us (later, btw -- P broke out with a giant fever, so I'm glad I didn't pass that onto the babysitter and the other kids that would have been there that day, plus Drew had a REALLY stressful Thursday, in retrospect, it was one of those days I just needed to be home!).

ANYWAY, I get into Walmart and I think that maybe we could use some crackers, and lo and behold there are ONE DOLLAR peelies on the wheat thins (aka, the square crackers, they are always P's favorites). I picked up like 12 boxes of them, because they are her fav's, and we go through crackers pretty heartily lately.

Then, I make my way back to granola bars and there's dollar peelies on those too. I just stopped and thought. I just thought about how much God loves me and he always takes care of me. Chocolate granola bars and all.

Tonight's FHE is about Elder Ballard's last conference talk about waiting upon the Lord. I am mostly taking the spin (for my kids) that I hope they realize how their needs were so miraculously taken care of in our move. I talk a lot about it on this here blog, but I just REALLY want them to realize it, and maybe embed it in their hearts for another ugly day. Because they are sure to come, and we could all use a reminder that waiting upon the Lord brings blessings.

In other news, I'm gonna make this yummy cookie recipe I found online. I was just THINKING about making cookies, but then thinking about how unhealthy they can be, but I could counteract that with some soup. Now I can have soup AND some healthy/ier cookies.

Showing a video today

2012-01-22T08:43:00.001-08:00

Watch "I Am a Child of God" on YouTube
This is one of my very favorite Mormon videos... it really encompasses most things I love about our church.
You are a child of God. And He loves you. Doesn't that feel good?

It's Crazy Being a Mormon

2012-01-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

So, I guess Newt won S.C. -- crazy.

I just don't think I could vote for him. I literally would have to vote for Obama.

Today, Drew opened my eyes to the fact that Newt is JUST as bad as John Edwards -- he had an affair while his wife had cancer. I despise John Edwards. I think he's as low as they get. And yes, I am judging him. Shame on me.

I also think it's insane that the evangelical right can call him their Christian choice because Romney's LDS, although has had a VERY strong family life and so far seems extremely upright and honest.

And honestly, I don't think he'll ever win. I don't know if I want him to. I just don't know.

What I do know is that Drew and I went off to get Spencer's baptism present today. There's a little Mormon row area by the temple that has all your basic LDS shops nearby. We went to the distribution center, and Seagull and Deseret Book and then Food Storage place. It was nice. We even picked up the little AZ LDS paper and I cackled the whole ride home at it (BTW, the DUTTONS have a theater here... hello, the Duttons... get excited, and then giggle).

And then we drove home. To a place where we aren't the norm.

Gilbert and certain parts of Mesa are just like a little Utah. It's like going home, and then coming to our REAL home where I feel just fine. In fact, sometimes when I'm in a space with too many mormons I get Mormon-phobia. Like I don't fit in. I get nervous that I don't have a denim dress on...

And this is a pretty random blog post, but, it's Saturday and we gardened and I'm tired. And it's girls night.

Give it up for girls night, Mormon style. :)

Photo Friday: Religious

2012-01-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Guess who's turning eight. And no, it's not me. I'm practically devastated that Mr Spencer is up for baptism next month. I'm having a harder time with it then I thought. I guess I had imagined it all out in California, but it's here... just like the rest of our life. I had to take him out for a little photo shoot so we could make invitaitons... Wonder if I can find Conner's.... Ahh, yes, here it is -- during my scrapbooking time. Does this mean I need to do something similar for Spencer?

Anyway, we'd LOVE to have a ton of attendance at Spencer's baptism. I haven't gotten Spencer's finished or the final approval, but I'll post it when it's done. We're really excited for our big kid. Here's one of my favorite photos:

BUT, the big finish is our scripture from this week's FHE. Drew and I decided, since we're studying the Book of Mormon this year in church that we'd have a lesson each month about one of the stories in the Book of Mormon, really bring it to life. So, without further adieu. Here is Nephi getting the brass plates. Note: No fathers were harmed in the making of this video presentation.

In All Things: ETA

2012-01-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

You can see the original post here.

As I was reading my journals and seeing what a GREAT year 2010 was for our family. We had a Disney trip and we did all sorts of fun stuff in the Bay Area. We had our visit to Utah and we got a new TV. We just had a great year. I felt like finally, maybe, we were going to stabilize a bit financially. I loved it.

And then came 2011 and our own little financial crash called our move and job hunt.

And looking back, I know God gave us that year of financial prosperity in preparation for 2011. We were careful, it's not like we spent our last dime, but we proportionately built savings, as well as funding some fun things for our family.

And we had the money to endure what we had to, along with having built our family ties with some of our previous spending to withstand what came.

Anyway, just wanted to add that. Our prosperity came at a price later down the road, and I'd rather be poor (or, maybe less rich is a good word, we are by no means poor) and settled. :)

Thoughtful Thursday: In All Things

2012-01-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about how I really know in my heart that God took total care of us in this move. I do. It's just... well, will he take care of us with our finances?

I've been put on call the last 3 shifts, and that's a fair chunk of change I wasn't earning.

And we're refinancing, and while that isn't going to be that expensive, it takes a little "up front" money to seed the whole thing, {sigh}... just makes me nervous to see those accounts go so low.

It's like they're doing the limbo... each month.

And I worry.

But the truth is, if God could send us to Arizona and find the perfect home, He can make sure that I'm working what I should and being home what I should.

I do have a strong testimony that sometimes I'm just meant to be at home with my kids, instead of at work. I also have a testimony that I've worked a few surprise shifts that helped both financially, but also that I was supposed to be there for THAT woman's labor.

Anyway, once you have a testimony that god loves you and will protect you, how do you keep it as an umbrella over your WHOLE life? I guess that's why I read my scriptures and pray. It's also why I'm grateful I journal/blog. We've been through a lot worse then this. And we'll make it through.

ETA found here.

What I Did Wednesday: Insurance

2012-01-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

Leaving California left us with a lot of empty holes, not just in our heart but in our lives. Drew's prior district provided great full family health benefits, this district, not so much. It was going to be 800 dollars/month for me and the kids to be added, which is a pretty big chunk of his paycheck, so I decided to check out my other options.

I finally decided on an HSA with a high deductible plan. We basically put the money that we would have been spending on our month to month payments, and put that between the HSA and the health plan. I really like it, although I do worry something will happen, but there are a lot of benefits to doing this.

1. This is individual insurance. Me and the kids are fairly healthy (I have to pay a little more because of my history of kidney stones, and P and C each pay more because they're so small -- seriously). If you do have any prior medical history, this may not be the way to go for you, because they do check you out pretty thoroughly. I actually applied with a couple of companies to see who was going to "ding" us for what. Both companies rated some of us up, all for pretty random reasons. BUT, now that we're done with that process, this insurance is transportable. If Drew, heaven forbid, was to lose his job we still have it. It's ours. :)

2. Well checks are free. I kind of held my breath when I took P and C in for theirs, but they paid the whole bill -thanks to Obama care, I think.

3. Immunizations are also free. Sweet.

4. We don't go to the doctor very often. Sure, I thought I tore my rotator cuff in December, but I just hunted around on the Internet for what they'd do and I just made do. I am 99% sure the doctor may have done a useless X-ray and then would've said to take some ibuprofen and apply heat. I told myself to do that, and it seems to have worked. We actually haven't used a cent of our HSA since we started it. If you are a nervous wreck until you see an MD, this may not be the plan for you. BUT, small office visits aren't that much. I'm saving over 300 dollars/month going with this plan. That's a few office visits.

5. HSA money is mine, for any medical expenses. It's great, it grows in there tax free and the money is earned tax-free. It's annoying that there aren't many companies that do this, and more and more are charging a fee, but I'm still making more on interest then I do in their fees, so I'm still good. BUT, if we were to go on Drew's insurance I can still use the HSA money for medical expenses even under the other plan. This means if for some reason it ever gets big enough that I feel like I can get Lasix, guess who will be gettin' her eyeballs burned out. That's right, me.

6. It will be tax deductible, next year. I didn't spend enough on it this year (we still had Drew's insurance up til' September) but next year I will be able to deduct the cost of the insurance on my itemized taxes.

7. Once our HSA grows a bit more, I will increase our deductible, to save us more money in the long run.

At first, I thought we'd go to Drew's plan once he's making more, but I really like this plan. It puts me more in charge of my health care dollar, and that's a good feeling. I will admit that I like the fact that I have Drew's plan as a backup that we can get into during open enrollment if something really bad happens, but with this plan we'd only pay 3k and the plan covers every other cent. Even with Drew's insurance, for something big, I think we'd be out more.

Do any of you have HSA's? Are you paying a ba-jillion dollars for health insurance? I'd encourage you to look into it -- information can't hurt. :)

Bugged

2012-01-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Everything can't be roses, can it?

First off, I'm bugged by Angelina Jolie at the Golden Globes. I saw her and thought immediately of the sweet skeleton I fondled so often in my Freshman Anatomy class. The dress was alright. Mostly all I could think about is that she can't have that big of boobs when you can see her entire arm join structures, and the fact that the white looked like bone. Ew. I guess I'm not bugged at HER per se... but I'm bugged at the "fashion" shows saying how AMAZING she looked. I'm not saying they need to put her on the worst dressed, but maybe not saying anything at all would be best at this point. I don't want my little girl thinking that looking like this is pretty. I'm grateful for my local news network who said she looked lovely, but the girl needs to EAT. Can I get an amen? At first glance I was worried that her calvical had sprung out of her skin and that was what the red spot was. Phewsh, it didn't.

Let's see, what else has my goat....

Trying to refinance my mortgage. Might I just say this is like the 4th time I've done in a mortgage in as many years. First off I had to refi a 5 year interest only (with the same company, so that wasn't a big deal but was still annoying, and shame on me for having an interest only loan), then I refi'd to a 30 year conventional loan, and then we moved and NOW rates are so low I'm doing it again. I do like the money I'm going to save. My loan payment will be under 1000 dollars. I can't even imagine. Did I mention I love our loan lady, because I do. She can do loans in many states. Call her. :)

And what else...

Oh yeah, I'm starting up a little joyshcool type dealio with some friends for our littles. it's always a hassle, but worth it in the end. Honestly, it's some of my favorite memories with my kids and I was always so glad to have gotten to know their little friends. It's also some of my less favorite memories, but I think I forget those parts.

So, what's got your goat?

Happy Birthday Mr E.

2012-01-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

Photo from the amazing Shannon Montez

Happy Birthday to the man in my life! Drew sure puts up with a lot of hulla-baloo from me. I mean, can YOU imagine being married to THIS? No, I didn't think so.

I'm even throwing him a little party tonight, just for a few friends. Just trying to increase our abundance around here.

One of my main goals this year (mostly in my heart, not really written down... although now it's being written down) is to improve my marriage. For anyone who's been through a year like us, you know there comes a moment where you all consider just going separate ways, and Drew and I didn't. But it was hard. Plus, currently we need to be each other's best friends.

That is, until we have an abundance. :)

So, here's to date nights and watching movies together. I'm pretty sure we'll be like newlyweds by the end of the year.

My 7 favorite things about Drew this year...

1. He really took the layoff with class. He was never bitter or showed anger towards the school board, he was a classy guy. Possibly too classy, but I digress.

2. He's jumped into this new job. I think he's really been missing former students this week, but he really likes the new ones and he's tried not to look back at all his work that they told him he was no longer needed for.

3. He's really trying with Conner. I mean, we all are -- but I think it's extra hard on Drew. Honestly, I see a lot of each other in both of them... that can be a cause to butt heads, but Drew is trying really hard.

4. He sure lives Miss P. Drew comes home to sometimes put our little princess down for a nap in the afternoons. They have such a good time. Love how they love each other (but, to be clear she totally prefers me).

5. Our afternoons together. Again, since he's only 80%, now that marching band's over I'm actually seeing him. It's been nice, except for the fact that he doesn't like to watch Teen mom while he eats his lunch. As if he's above teen mom....

6. Worker bee -- Drew worked HARD to get this house all put back together when we moved. The guy can move like nobody's business. Let's just not ever use that trait again, Ok, sweetie?

7. He's always there for me. He's always there to listen or to agree with how crappy our life is, but to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and move on. As I could pull myself up with my bootstraps, I'd obviously need his help. I need to work out more....

Anyway, love you Mr. E, and since I'm pretty sure you're the only one still reading this I give you a great big Internet smooch, before I head off to work on your big day. Happy Birthday!

Photo Friday: Productive

2012-01-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

Anyone remember how my word for the year was "abundant" well, I've got it. Full force. Here's what's up at our house! I've taken to walking, a lot. Just trying to be more active, and get out with friends. Princess P had somehow talked Grandpa into her pushing the stroller when they went on walks over Christmas break. She thought she could talk me into it too, and yes- - she whined enough, she did get to push it the last couple of blocks home. On a totally unrelated note, I love little people in jeans. Just so you know. :)

I'm living an abundant life with my garden. I got cancelled my 2 shifts this week (one more I could maybe work tomorrow). I've taken that time to really get it in. We have 4 4X8 boxes, and then a couple other smaller sections. It's pretty exciting. I had wanted to do raised boxes, just because I hear it saves a lot of headache with it, but after going to the store and pricing them out, we decided it wasn't doable. It's almost 100 bucks/box, not including all the filling materials, plus our drip system. I decided I could do a similar pattern in the ground, so I bought the pavers and I just did those on the sides of my "boxes" so I'd have a place to be when I was working in the garden. I really like how it turned out. I did cover one of the areas with ground cloth because we're mostly just putting tomatoes in there. It just leaves less room to weed around the tomatoes (1 tomato takes up 4 squares in a square foot garden, so it just made sense to me). I felt some sort of real urgency to get this in, not sure why I sure would've rather watched a marathon of Teen Mom but I'm glad it's done. OH, I do fill them with better dirt. I raked off the topsoil from the whole area, and then I added my own rendition of "mel's mix" using 1 bag of vermiculite over the whole thing. About 3 bags of peat moss between all of them, and then each "rectangle" got a bag of compost and some got some manure too. Yum, yum. It worked really well with my first try (you can see the plants in the foreground above). Here's some other views of it.

And finally, WW is going alright. I sometimes am STARVING and I'm not sure what to eat (because I also like to stick to whole foods instead of preservatives) so I made up these oatmeal packets. it's 1/2 C of quick-cook oats, and about 1/2 tsp of milk powder (to make it a little extra creamy) and 1T of brown sugar. This whole thing is 4 points, and sometimes I add some fruit. I like it a lot, and it's filling, and lasts me for a while. I want to always try and have some of these on hand.

Plus, I'm starting a little ABC school for P and her friends (anyone else remember when I SWORE I would never do that again!), heading up the school carnival and starting up girls night, oh and Drew's birthday is this weekend. It's abundant, and it's all mine. :) Happy weekend everyone!

Thoughtful Thursday: The Tree of Life

2012-01-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

Again, today I was reading through the Book of Mormon where Lehi has a dream about people in general.

You can find out more about Lehi's dream here. I love those "picture stories" (aka, cartoon scriptures).

First off, masses of people are in his dream. I mean, it's hard to imagine how many people who have ever lived who are in the search to be happy. Makes me feel very small.

Secondly, people are looking for the rod, but they get distracted. Now, I get distracted really easily. I mean, REALLY easily. I have a hard time focusing on anything, which made it difficult to take tests in college, but I digress.... I think it's easy to get distracted. The rod is small and cold and there are SO many other things out there vying for our attention.

Third, people make it to the tree, and they eat of the fruit but for some reason they are ashamed. Maybe not all their family made it to the tree, or it's the people pointing and laughing (more on them later). It's weird to think that they had THAT much joy and choose to leave, but I know our family will be going along great and smoothly and then I'll get distracted or be ashamed of something we're doing that might be the right thing, but seems a little crazy. Anyway, my personal main thought of this is to NEVER be ashamed of how happy you are or could be. Also, find joy in others and their happiness, don't be the one making fun.

Finally, there is a great and spacious building that represents the pride of the people. People leave the rod (which represents the word of God -- btw, for you Mormons out there, guess who's great- great-great grandpa wrote that song, yup, that's me... pure Mormon royalty, that's me) and walk to the building, just because it seems to look better.

I read a blog the other day about how someone really wasn't happy. I felt really sad for her, because I do, honestly, feel VERY happy. Sure, there are times I want to throw a kid through a wall or behead myself for taking on carnival chair at the school, but all around I am VERY happy. Maybe that's how you know you're at the tree, and that you should stay there. Of course, there's situational unhappiness, and heavens knows I've been there but I knew that there would be an end to that and if I wasn't happy in a few weeks I needed to change my life. Of course, that's easy to say in retrospect. :)

So, what are you leaving the thing that will make you the most happy for to go to something that will give you absolutely no happiness? And, are you staying with that thing that makes you unhappy?

What Would You Do Wednesday: Allowance

2012-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

I'm re-vamping our family bank system right now. I really like it, and I think it's REALLY showing some people responsibility, or it at least is an indicator of a LACK of responsibility, if you know what I mean. :)

Anyway, as a run-down of how our system works, the kids get 5 opportunities to get checkmarks each day for things they need to do, but if they do them without me asking, and happily, they get a check. These include

getting ready and cleaning room
putting school items away after school
get chores done
do homework
and practice

Right now, Spencer only gets 10 cents/check, but his allowance money is used only for "wants" -- I take care of almost everything for him. He has 28 opportunities for check marks, and he usually gets around 21 of them.

Conner gets 30 cents/check, his allowance is used for more of his "needs", but he also earns babysitting money (I pay a dollar per hour but only if Drew and I are going out for fun, if it's for work or church or school he gets nothing). He usually gets about 10 checks (I have a hard time not reminding him that his little brother is getting a LOT more checks then him, but I digress).

We don't have a lot of money for allowance (huge shock, I'm sure you have money coming out your nose), but now that Spencer is going to be 8 {gasp} I am ready to give both of them more responsibility for paying for their own things, with a little extra spending money. Also, as per how the Eyres recommend doing it, if they get a certain % (which will probably be 90%), we will double their money, as an incentive to actually do their stuff, which currently is only happening with one of our children (I'll let you guess who).

So, what's your allowance plan? Tell me more....

BTW, from last week, I LOVED how some of you have your kids pay for their own cell phones. I think that's something I am going to seriously consider. :)

Blossoming Anal-ness

2012-01-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

I have had a hard time wrapping my head around the whole planting season here in AZ, wich is midly problematic because I have really been bit by the garden bug. We're preparing our soil for the new year planting (see, it's confusing here, no?) and at FHE tonight we planted our seeds in cups for transplanting next month.

I made a whole little PDF about when to plant here from some various info around the internet. I thought I'd share it, in case it's helpful to anyone else. A lot of things have 2 planting seasons here, so seeing it all kind of helped. And heavens knows I love a good chart.

Go ahead, mock away... you should see my garden plan if you think this is bad!

Photo Friday

2012-01-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Some people provide brain dumps on their blogs, I'm giving you a photo dump... feel the joy.

My parents came for Christmas, which just happens to be my mom's birthday. HORRAY! Look how thrilled Conner is to be there! We were actually re-creating a photo we did when he was one, but it didn't really work out... life goes on. :)

Someone cute and tiny got a kitchen for her birthday! HORRAY! She adores it. Santa did a bit of a splurge, but I think it's worth it!

We went and saw the lights at the Mesa temple with my parents. It's like temple square on LSD -- SO many colors and excitement. Very fun. :)

Our ward's Christmas party involved snow on our front lawn of the church. The kids had a blast. We really like our new ward!

Someone gets extra photos. I can't imagine who that would be....

The kids all got these little star wars stuffed guys for Christmas in their stockings. Here Yoda and Darth are fighting. I'm fairly sure Yoda is winning.

I made monkey bread Christmas morning from the America's Test kitchen recipe. Yum... that stuff sure doesn't save well though, it wasn't great the next day. I mean, the 3 pieces that were left.

Here's princess P in her adorable Christmas outfit, with her shirt not tucked in. Let's just say we were lucky to get a photo that morning. :)

And, I guess that's it. Happy to be back into the routine after the holidays. We all know how I love a good routine.

Happy new year everyone!

Thoughtful Thursday: the Fine Line

2012-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

I find that there is a fine line between missing CA, and just being glad that we had SO many wonderful experiences there. Truly blessed. It's true.

But, in other news I was reading my scriptures this AM and came across this scripture, it's in 1 Nephi 1:20 -- the last part

But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender ^cmercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of ^ddeliverance.

Chills came over me. For those of you unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon, the first part is about a family who is told to leave Jerusalem, they leave all that they have and head to the wilderness.

Drew and I went to the temple pretty early on in the whole trying to find a job thing. I felt SO strongly, that God blesses those who do what he asks. I just think I haven't allowed myself to become "mighty" if that makes sense. Maybe I've been fighting becoming what God wants me to be from this move. Does that make sense?

Maybe I'm too thoughtful today. P certainly thinks so. :)

What Would You Do Wednesday: Cell Phones

2012-01-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is where you help me with my life. It's been a long year and now I'm just trying to get around to a few things that could use some fixing or updating.

Today's question

There are a few times where I think it would be REALLY helpful for my oldest to have a cell phone, or at least have an "extra" phone that we can hand out in those cases. I just think cell phones have so many negatives to them.... what can I do? Conner is 11, he's in 6th grade and has a moderate amount of "extra" activities.

What have you done, or seen others doe that was smart, or have you seen/done something that didn't work?

Give me the skinny.

oh, and before you don't notice it, and I forget -- I wrote about a good Today Show segment on willpower on my workout blog.

The Abudant Life

2012-01-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

I saw this month in the Ensign they were talking about having an abundant life.

Don't you love that word? I'd love to live as though I had an abundant life. Lots of friends, and love, and hope. Note, I didn't say a lot of money, because i don't think of money when I think of abundance -- I think of things that I really care about.

We had to put a new A/C / heat system into our house over Christmas. Yay! As if we haven't had enough fun this year... But, I hope it will make the summers a bit more tolerable, and cheaper in the long run. I think it showed that it'd save us like 20k in 20 years. Whatever, it's done. BTW our old system was only 4 ton and it should be a 5 ton system... what on earth were they thinking here in AZ?

Our plan was to beg my parents for a loan, or finance it through the heating company, or get a home equity line for it. I just didn't think we'd be able to foot the bill on our own.

But, after talking to my dad and getting some estimates, it turns out we did have enough cash to pay for it outright. While I get nervous with the thought of less savings in our savings account my dad made me realize it's smarter to get a home equity loan for backup and just have less in our savings. So, that's what we did. But money is now officially tight. Me working more just isn't really an option. I try to sign up for as many shifts as I can, but that comes and goes. Drew is still 80% through the rest of the year (but is on tract to go full time next year -- crossing fingers).

As a side note, I just compiled for our taxes how much the job hunt and move ended up costing us. It was about 10k. Ouch. That doesn't include the money we lost on our house or the "moving" costs -- like needing new shower curtains, etc. Ouch. What a pain!

Anyway, I was thinking how I still want to have an abundant life, without having to feel strapped by cash. Frankly, I think we've gotten pretty good about this. Having a few kids makes it so you'd prefer to just stay home and do something fun, rather then go to a place constrained by manners. Manners, what are those?

So, that's my word for 2012. I told my kids my word is "fun" but I think I'm switching it to abundance. I want to feel like my life has room for a lot of everything. A lot of fun, friends, love and of course laughter. Because what else does a person really need?

Time to Say Goodbye

2012-01-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

This past Christmas has been tough. Mentally tough. I'm constantly thinking about things we used to do or traditions we USED to have. I'm sad when I think about the many friends I'm missing.

Last fall we went to the Bellagio hotel. It was a visit with old friends and SO necessary. We had an amazing time, and I love those friends so much. We ate brunch at the hotel and went to watch the fountains and this song came on. It really hit me that it was time to say goodbye to that other life. We then visited with Arizona friends in Grand Canyon and had SUCH a great time with them. I felt so blessed to have so many good friends.

And then the holidays came. So much of our routine revolved around events that happened there. The creche and Palo Alto Creamery, the dance thing up in Oakland and then Fudruckers, and of course the live nativity at the Local baptist church. My heart would literally break when I saw posts on facebook of these events. Just missed them.

But honestly, it wasn't helping anyone. It's like I was a hoarder of life events. I just couldn't let them go. It's like if I said goodbye to those things it was like telling those people who I love, that I don't love them.

But the truth is, I can't love them the way I did when I saw them all the time.

And so it's time to say goodbye, and hello to this great new life.

At work I keep saying, "I'm new here." But honestly, I'm not new there anymore. New people have come since me, and I'm a regular there. It's my new hospital and the routines there need to become my routines, not get stuck in the old ruts. I honestly am going to write down a list of things that I always forget to do because we didn't do them at the old hospital. The new is the now.

And it's the same here.

We had a goal to invite a family we didn't know very well over to our house once a month in SC and we made SO many great friends that way, but have we done it here? No. Sad news. Have I had a girls night? Well, I did have a little party, but is my whole heart here, or is some of it missing what went on there and instead missing what could be happening here.

Sometimes I wonder a lot if this is what it is like when someone dies. If they are left missing things on earth so much, that it hurts, and and they're not fully able to take in their new "heaven" because they're so attached to other places.

But just like me, I know there's a time that they have to say goodbye to the earth and the people on it and focus on their new reality.

The best part is that both in heaven and here on earth it's not that I'm saying goodbye to those people for good, we'll still have facebook and this blog, but it's time to cut the last strings. Bring myself fully here.

It's time to say goodbye, and hello to 2012.

Have you guys ever had this problem? Am I insane? I know this won't stop the heart strings, but I hope it reminds me that I'm here. And longing to be somewhere else isn't going to change that.

A Year In Review

2011-12-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

I love it when the news shows review all the good stuff that's happened in the last year. I love thinking about how the world is so big and so many amazing things have happened. I think the highs for me (news-wise) was the royal wedding. It wasn't a great time in my life and having that fantasy to think about made me really happy. The low has probably been our political system. I hate that they can't do their jobs and we've hired them. We are all fired.

I think about what was going on in my life last year at this time. I think about all that has happened this year. I know I had resolutions at the beginning of the year, but I'm not sure what they were or if I care.... life gets in the way of goals, and that's OK, although I'm determined to make some personal goals this year.

The hope that I can be better is a pretty big hope. But it's what makes the new year so great. The hope that life goes on.... and improves.

Because it does.

Ok, wait -- I just realized my resolutions are on the side of my blog... how quaint. Let's see how I did. :)

1. Read one book/month -- EPIC FAIL.
2. Go to the temple 6 times -- did pretty good on this. Drew and I try to go every 4 months together and separately the other 3 times/year. It seems to work.
3. Do something crafty weekly -- HUGE FAIL. Although, I do think I was craftier then I was read-y.
4. No yelling -- Giggling.... what's a word that's bigger then epic to put in front of fail?
5. Write a compliment note daily -- I tried to do pretty good on this. It makes me feel happy when I do it though, I should try to do it more often.

Anyway, a bit of time to mull over my resolutions now. Weight loss is going to be on it though, plan on it.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

The stockings are hung on the bookshelf with care
the monkey bread is rising in the warm AZ air

the cards are all sent, if you didn't get one it's sad
but I can't lick another, it makes me feel bad

But horray for blogs
and singing frogs....

For the christmas cheer is all here!
Heartwarming viewing pleasure
So difficult to measure.

Merry Christmas everyone!

The "good" photos are from the amazing Shannon Montez

December 2011

We have truly been the recipients of great education. BYU, great high school and elementary teachers and we have loved our children's school, but this year taught us a lot of lessons. Come, learn with us.

Never think you're out of the woods. Hilary received a layoff notice just before Christmas in 2010. She ultimately re-signed for that same job and felt a small sense of relief. She was sorely mistaken.

Doing a good job doesn't mean anything to the union. Frankly, I think this one is self explanatory, but for any of you who didn't follow this year's drama on Hilary's blog -- Drew was laid off in mid March 2011, the day before he took his band to Ireland. Quite a going away party, no? His job was ultimately given to a Jr. High teacher who refuses to do marching band. Oh unions. You're lucky I've decided to stay off that soapbox during this letter. Really lucky....

Sometimes the hard parts are easy. Sure we're in a recession, but that doesn't stop us from thinking we can get a job within a couple of months of when we receive layoff notice! And the funny part is, we both did. Within 3 months of Drew's layoff notice, we both had jobs that seemed like home.

People are wishy washy. We went through 3 full offers of our home before one finally stuck. I wish the world was like Ebay where we could've given them all poor reviews.

Sometimes the easy parts are the hardest. Sure, Arizona has 4 million billion houses for sale. Did Hilary want any of them in the 2 months she looked for houses? No. We bought the house and signed within 15 days. We like to cut things close. Especially Hilary she LOVES that kind of stuff. Loves it.

Sometimes everything is perfect, even if it's different and it sometimes makes you cry. We love our home, our ward and our schools are great. We can't imagine being more blessed. Well, we could -- but then Demi and Ashton got divorced and well... maybe nothing's perfect. :)

But enough about us. Let's talk about the real trials in our lives, our kids!

Conner, age 11 has started Junior High this year. It's been a serious reality check of responsibility and that perhaps he's not the smartest human that God has ever made. We've lost "our" flash drive at least 20 times, and the fact that he actually needs to put his name on papers, in order for him to receive credit, is slowly sinking in. He's loving being in the jazz band and being a boy scout. He's recently added babysitter to his resume and his parents couldn't be happier (ok, we could be, but what are the chances Conner could be Mr. Clean without shaving his head, and getting his ear pierced?).

Spencer, age 7 was pretty sad to leave his sweet gig in California. He seemed to be the most bothered by the move. He has slowly made his mark on the new school here by announcing quite frequently that he is a genius. Yay. Everyone loves that kid. So glad we could bring him here. He is really liking the new school and the fact that he gets to ride the bus and doesn't have to share a room with Paige anymore.

Paige, age 2 decided to accompany Hilary's layoff with a bout of severe separation anxiety which gave Hilary companionship anxiety. The people of Tempe have already taken a shine to our little curly headed wonder. She love purses, princesses, and cuddling and drinking milk on the couch. She's moderately likeable when not performing a tantrum. We like her alright. Ok, she's downright adorable. I, most of the time, vacillate between wanting to squish and kiss her and wanting to sell her.

Drew and Hilary are both loving the new jobs. Drew was insanely busy during marching band season with the new addition of him getting his masters at ASU, but we're done with that part. Frankly, after the first of the year Hilary has slowly come around to the idea that there are worse things then Drew not being home. We love our new home and it comes complete with a Guest Room! As you're freezing your tukhus off while reading my jaunty little letter, you could be here basking in our 80 degrees backyard completed by winter grass. It's a shame that you're not here, isn't it? We're taking reservations for the winter months already at 1-800-hot-life. Catchy, right?

There are times you realize that god puts people in specific spots to do specific things. In essence, Drew is the Mary Poppins of the band world, and we are just tagalongs. But, God has watched out for each of us and our needs. Our kids have great schools, Hilary has a kitchen in which she and Drew can just make wistful glances at each other across it instead of full body contact while trying to get drinks of water. Which is good, because hydration is key here. :)

So grateful for the blessings we have come bounding our way this year. Many friends have crowded around us with their love, some we miss and some we have welcomed into our hearts. So grateful for the little babe who was born so long ago which will ultimately bring us all together. Here's to hoping that your family is feeling the peace of the season and enjoying being together. We miss you and we hope you'll come visit!

I must admit I get a little sad thinking about all the traditions I've left in California. But, there's new ones here, and I'm trying to keep excited for the new chapters of our life. I hope you're enjoying your new chapters too. :)

Goin' to the temple....

2011-12-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to the temple. We haven't been at all since we moved here. The temple is a place where you are out of human contact for a good 1.5-2 hours (of course, our temple here is only 15-20 minutes away, in CA it was almost an hour, depending on traffic). I just don't trust any of our babysitters to that point yet, so we haven't gone. Shame on us. BUT, my parents are here for Christmas so we took an early morning opportunity to go, go go!

I couldn't help but think of the last times we had gone.

As I saw in my seat or roamed the temple I BEGGED our Heavenly Father to watch out for our family. I pleaded my case that we needed stability and I tried to build my own faith.

I am not sure my faith knew He could fix it. I'm not sure my faith was strong enough.

In the temple there's something called a "witness couple" and we were that yesterday...

As I sat there thinking I knew that we are to do more then just be that in the temple. I knew that our lives are a witness to a lot of people. I've had a lot of peeople in uncertain situations email me wanting to know how I got through last year, and if things will be alright.

And I am here to tell you that God cares so much about you. Your faith doesn't compare to His love. He has angels that are sent to comfort you and He knows what's going to happen, and it is absolutely perfect. Even when you're not sure why to trust or you feel like your friend are failing you, they aren't. He is there. That isn't to say that it won't hurt. That isn't to say that it will always be perfect, or that everything will be perfect (did I mention the heat was 120 the week we moved in here!), but you WILL have your happily ever after.

And what better gift is there? To know that things will always turn out alright, because God is on your side. None. Well, maybe besides good friends. :)

The temple gives us an opportunity to quietly sit with God. To take some time with the "big picture" and even if you're not of my faith I know you know you can do that in other places. You can even go to the LDS temple grounds. They're quiet and beuatiful. I'm grateful for the time I had, before we moved, to "sit with God" to think about how much he loves me, and how much the angels of my ancestors love me.

I do sometimes feel silly about things big "thing" in our loves because it, in a sense, has resolved. No one is dying, there isn't an ongoing illness -- because I think with those you have to learn that the new reality is perfect, which is another journey then I had to take.

Your happily ever after is all God wants for you. :) And me too.

And if you want a little more info about the LDS temple, here's a bit more.

The Best Gift of All

2011-12-17T03:03:00.000-08:00

Last night, I got to thinking. Thinking about all of the AMAZING people that I totally adore in my life. People I genuinely love, people who do so much good in the world. And they know ME!

Sometimes I feel kind of friendless. I was actually surprised at how quickly I felt like I had friends here, but I think most people feel friendless sometimes.

Maybe I should make a list all the amazing people that are in my life, or have gone through my life that I am so blessed by.

People are such an amazing creation, they are truly God's greatest gifts to us.

Photo Fridays: Happy Holidays!

2011-12-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Finally got some pictures of the kids in front of the tree...

Mr. Middle's kind of in the "ugly smile" phase... my apologies, but I really tried to make him smile like a normal person. :) He is much cuter in person, although he is mildly cute here...

Here they all are, a miracle they all looked at the camera....

Princess P, adorable with the Christmas charm bracelet my mom made her that she ADORES. I'm talking ADORES. Awh, my little girly girl. Did I mention that she has 3 Christmas dresses this year. I think I may have to take a photo of the other 2 also... because I love them each. :)

And finally El Presidante whom I adore, but wanted to throw out a winter this morning. Trying to revel in the happy times. :)

And with remorse that I didn't get it edited soon enough, Spencer's first lost tooth photo. He's already lost #2, and is enjoying the influx of money from the tooth fairy.

Is there a brain fairy that comes when I lose my mind. :)

Happy Friday everyone!

What's up Wednesday: Holiday edition

2011-12-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Mr. Middle had his holiday party this morning. Yes, we still have 2 days left of school, but she said that she likes to do it on early out day so she can send them to specials and then home (Specials are our "extra" classes -- library, music, PE and art). It is nice to have it "over" with. I loved this little craft where you use doughnuts to make a snowman. Super easy! And, it doesn't involve frosting. :D Me likey. Mr Middle has also lost his 2 front teeth (bottom, he's lost those first-- is that normal?). However, the other 2 teeth were in at least 1/4 before he finally lost them. It's a pretty big deal around this house.

El Presidante has had a few good days, I must admit. I'm trying to remind myself to REVEL in the good days with him. He and I have started watching One Upon a Time together at night. So far nothing's been too racy, and C really likes fantasy so it's right up his ally. I was thinking of something we could do together, but I'm SO tired after the other 2 go to bed, this one fit the bill perfectly.

Princess P is starting to read! It's pretty minimal, but she can read cat, rat, hat, and sat. Just sounding it out. She's a crazy little thing. She and I just spent some quality time doing "trains" together. I am really enjoying our time together in the mornings, especially as she gets more and more into imaginative play. Love that.

I'm really trying to focus on quality time with each one. I'm trying to read with Spencer and work on times tables together. I really think it makes a difference, and I can slyly slip in a few things I wish they'd work on better. Who knows, but I feel like it's working. Does it happen every day? No. Especially when I work, but 3 or 4 times a week is enough.... I also wore my super festive and awesome holiday shirt to the class party. It's amazing, no? I need to get on the holiday train and get on the wrapping, etc. I'll get right on that.

Drew had some really great concerts last week and is feeling the joy of the semester winding down right now. I think we need to figure out our outside Christmas lights asap. He's ready for that challenge, I think.

Hope everyone's enjoying their family this time of year. I know I am!

Pain the Shoulder

2011-12-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

I've had this crazy shoulder pain for about 3 weeks.

Mostly when I lift my arm, it's not pretty. Sometimes I have to use my other arm to shove it up so I can get dressed, etc.

Of course, we have a high deductible HSA and I really don't want to pay to go to a doctor just to hear to take pain relievers and see how it goes. So, I'm taking some alieve. There's not weird popping, it's not swollen and I don't have a fever..

Anyway, from what I see it looks like a rotator cuff tear. Anyone else had one of those? Do anything that helped? Should I be trying to rest it {snort}... although, if I should I am willing to give some chores to my husband... :)

I know, the nurse is asking questions, but I figure it can't hurt -- and what's going on right now... well, it does hurt. :)

How's that Workin' For Ya'?: Wheat grinder

2011-12-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

Anyone remember way back in the day when I had the inner turmoil on whether to buy a wheat grinder, or NOT to buy a wheat grinder? I've had it for just over 2 years and I now make about 90% of the bread we eat in this house. The other 10% is probably gourmet breads, as I haven't had a lot of luck with the french bread variety... I make 4 loaves at a time from the Deals to Meals recipe. I probably do it every two weeks, or so. We often take a loaf to a friend, when needed. :)

Would I do it again?

Honestly, I think I would. But, I'm probably only at about 80% on this one. I love the bread, it's super yummy and I like that we're saving money now, but it was a lot of money to start with and hauling the wheat with us was less then fun.... negative amounts of fun, in fact. :)

I also would've bought a Bosch mixer instead of a kitchenaid. Well, actually if I still lived in CA I'd still prefer Kitchenaid, as they take up less room on the counter, but now that we actually HAVE counter space I would rather have a Bosch. I have to add about 1/4 white flour as to not spark out my mixer's core, and if I had a bosch, I wouldn't have to do that.

I do love my Nutrimill -- I'm glad I bought that one, as it comes with a lifetime warranty, and I plan on living a LONG time -- and possibly even passing this baby onto my own little baby P. :)

Anyway, if you're on the fence and you have the funds, I say do it. I do think that the flour fresh from the mill is pretty unbeatable.

And heavens knows I love a good carb. :)

What's up Wednesday: Gettin' My Craft On

2011-12-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

First off, guess who got her craft on. I KNOW. It's been totally missing for quite some time, but I really liked this project, and I thought of a few more while I was there. I made a greeting card holder, mostly because I want to see all my friends smiling faces staring at me.... I love them all so much. :)

Anywhere, here it is completed.

I just took a wreath wire, and bought fabric, ripped it into strips and covered it. Then, I wrapped it with some crystal-y garland I found at the Hobby Lobby. I was going to go all Christmas, but I'd actually like to keep it up year round, so I just bought this black and white stuff. I think it's pretty classy (honestly, I don't know if it fits into the rest of my house). BUT, I also wanted it to be Christmasy, so I tucked in some small picks to make it a bit more festive, which you can see here:

Then, after Valentines (because, frankly -- I think these will be able to stick until then) I will change them out for something more spring-y... if I get around to it. And cover some other clothespins with some more pastel-y colors. :)

Then, for the top I wanted it to be pretty stable, so I used some thick gauged wire, and covered it with the fabric to make a holder for it. Then, I just hot glued a ribbon on top (it's actually just 2 bows hot glued together).

You can see it here:

It's SUPER big so I had better get a lot of cards... people. Here it is with the cards we have received so far.

See, it works for weddings, and graduation announcements too. I hate having all that stuff up on my fridge, but I love remembering all the exciting things going on in the lives of our friends. Adorable, no? Pretty excited to fill it up.

In other news, El Presidante has been less presidential as the winter weather comes. He's not doing so hot in school (just forgetting to turn stuff in, not like not understanding things) and the real cherry came when he left for school yesterday with the door wide open. Normally, I'd come around to fix it afterwards but I was 20 miles away at work. I had a class to attend yesterday (which was fascinating, maybe I'll put some of the info I got from that into a blog entry)... so Drew was greeted with an open door. I'm pretty sure he was thrilled. Needless to say we needed an intervention after that. When Conner got home we made him think the wii, the games and the laptop got stolen (which, frankly would probably be what they would steal first). We even made him tell mr. Middle what'd happened. Let's just say there was a lot of crying, but I'm DONE. I'm done picking up after him. Maybe I have helicopter parented too long, but I'm giving a hands off attitude towards him now (which is surprisingly a lot more hands on, how does that happen?). He needs to do his own life, and I need to stop picking up his pieces. The guny bag is making a triumphant return in the morning, and currently he only has like 2 pair of pants.

Good luck El Presidante, your mom's on your trail.

Mr Middle is chugging along. He had a GREAT weekend and was THRILLED to tell his friends about Legoland, to "make them jealous!" ... nice. Sadly, he is also being affected by my new guny bag standards. I hope it helps both of them.

Princess P had a haircut this AM. It was getting too long and in her face so I chopped it off. Not sure I love it. Are mullets still in? I am hoping this will spur a bit more growth as her scalp is still really visible... maybe I should've gone all Asian on her when she was a month old. Oh well. It's just hair, right (but it is adorably curly hair!).

Drew is finishing his first class tonight for his Masters. Pretty fantastic, if you ask me. We're like 10% done now. Yay.

As for me, I just sit around and look at my cute greeting card holder. :) It's fun.

Miracle Monday

2011-12-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

The miracle for this week happened over the weekend, because Santa reprieved my kids from a weekend of cleaning out grout (and we have a LOT of grout around here) to go to LEGOLAND and stay at the ever-beloved Shipley household.

And there was much rejoicing.

But perhaps the firmer miracle is that we have amazing friends. I'm sure you do too, but I can't imagine having better friends. We haven't ever lived near family so we have always counted on the family that we've chosen to "be" there for us, and now they can still "be" there for us a whole state away.

Wish she was closer though. Love that Becky. She is truly a soul sister.

In other news, while Legoland was crazy fun that place is INSANELY overpriced. I think someone needs to tell them they're not Disneyland, but they think they can change Disney prices for it.

In that same vein the park wasn't crowded at all. The weather was great and the kids had an amazing time. A perfect weekend.

Photo Friday

2011-12-02T13:15:00.001-08:00

P and I just happened to be at the mall this week when I noticed there wasn't a single kid in line to see santa... after letting the girl kno I wasn't planning on purchasing a photo, she relented that we could get in the empty Santa line. P was super excited & waved to him with glee, jumped out of the stroller & sat right on his lap.

I couldn't believe it, but I did need to snap a picture. She had no desires o the jolly old man, but she did chomp happily on her candy cane for the next few minutes. Very cute. Crazy cute.

How's that Workin' For Ya'?: No Cable

2011-12-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

I love when Dr. Phil says, "How's that workin' for ya'?" Because it's the truth. So often we're doing things that aren't working. But, sometimes some changes are amazing.

And cutting cable was one of them. We were paying nearly 75/month when we were in CA, we cut that to about 10 when we cut cable (but kept antennae channels). When we moved here, we cut out cable completely, using just antennae.

Newsflash, these new digital antenna's work, about 98% of the time. I rarely have a signal disruption with it. And, it's free. My antenna's all cost under 10 dollars.

We were using Hulu plus, and then decided it was a waste of money. We now have a laptop that we hook to the TV, so we don't need the hulu plus to stream directly to it.

Honestly, find a cheap laptop with HDMI capability and cut the cable. We're now paying about 8 bucks/month for netflix, and that's it. I figure if we want a movie we can get it it on the Amazon on demand (2.99/video) or we can get it from Redbox.

We just finally got our computer here set up with a TV tuner and antennae so we can record programs (free software with windows 7) and it can act as a DVR for what we can't get on hulu (stupid CBS, and I always forget to go to cbs.com to see the stuff there). Windows 7 also connects to our TV so we can watch what we've recorded on the TV (or you could put it on your network, blah, blah...). It's pretty amazing what technology has done for this process!

I'm really glad we did it, 100% glad, in fact. I do miss a few things, but they're definitely not worth the 75 bucks we were paying (and it's likely to come through Hulu or Netflix at some point).

What's Up Wednesday

2011-11-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome December. I think I went the opposite the movement to write daily in November. I think I'm back into a blogging groove now though.

El Presidante has been having some "issues" (cough,coughlosingthingscough) at school. In fact, at one point I saw a D on his report card. He's pulling it together now and he only gets 1/2 hour of computer every day even if it's school work. I think it's helping him to focus on what he really needs to do. He and Drew are now also doing trumpet lessons, so we're hoping to kick that up a notch too (which, gives me one less kid to teach piano to).

Mr Middle is pretty funny. With our new family bank system he's en massed a ton of money. Seriously, I'm gonna have to take a loan from him one of these days. he's all about his funds. He loves counting it and caressing it gently... :)

Maybe I used November to get my groove on with Princess P. We have lessons almost daily, and she's learned the sounds of about 8 letters. We're going to start putting the sounds together soon. She's also all about colors and shapes and reading library books together. How did my baby get so big? I do notice when I spend that extra time with her I'm rewarded with much less whining. Lucky me! Here she is with the Christmas charm bracelet my mom gave her. She ADORES it. I see more charm bracelets in her future....

The director is gearing up for holiday concerts and did a great job decorating our house for Christmas.

I'm just plugging along and happy to not be working night shift. Trying to reform my workout/eating routines. And that is all. :)

Princess P is currently talking to her bacon, introducing herself before she chews it. She's so proper that way. :)

Christmas Cards

2011-11-29T07:37:00.000-08:00

Last year's card. You don't think I'd spoil this year's card by
putting it on my blog already, do you? :)

I LOVE Chrismas cards. There's just nothing happier then opening that mailbox, only to have an old friend greet you. What a lovely feeling.

Hence, I send out my own. Frankly, I love going through my list of old friends, and thinking happy thoughts about each of them as I go through the list. I feel really blessed to have had SO many friends in my lifetime.

BUT, not all of them are on my list. I categorize them....

1. People who don't send cards. These people will find themselves off my list soon. Sometimes they hang on, if they're related to me... but frankly, if you don't give, you don't get... and my cards are worth sending me one. :)

2. People who just send a photo. Really? No message? I mean, I like it... I just don't LOVE it. Worse then these are people who just send a card and sign their name. Sure, I get a little warm fuzzy. Like wrapping your body in thread instead of yarn. :)

3. People who send a photo and a letter. I like this, it's nice.

4. People who send a photo and a funny letter. :) I REALLY like this. I like funny.

5. And the best group of all, a photo, a letter AND a personalized message. I really try and do these on all my cards. Just seems a waste of a stamp if I don't at least say that I miss you or I hope to get together soon, etc. :) Of course, our Christmas list got a whole lot larger this year, so we'll see how I do on this one.

Anyway, I adore Christmas cards. I wish stamps were cheaper, but I wish a lot of things were cheaper. Off to lick away....

Sister Wives: Kody Becomes a Midwife

2011-11-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

Last night was the season finale of Sister Wives.

And it hit me. Kody really just wants to be an OBGYN. End of story. He just wants to practice his love of women (still one of my favorite clips of ALL TIME).

Admit it, it's really, really funny. No?

After watching the episode I think I realized that I love those ladies. I like each one, just like I like my own friends, but Kody is a piece of work. He's SO into his own personal reproduction and in this show his own personal PROduction it may literally be killing his family. I rarely see dads all "down in the business" when their wife is having a baby. I find it creepy at work and I somehow find it EXTRA creepy with him. It's like he forgets the wife and just wants that little piece of HIM out in the world. Ew.

SPOILERS OF THE SHOW -- read below only if you don't want to be surprised in the show, nothing earth shattering, just thought I'd tell you. :)

So, Robin has little Solomon (didn't Solomon have a lot of wives in the bible?... am I remembering that right?). I also think it's weird that her dad is so "there" for the delivery. I think my dad is pretty pleased that he's a state or two away when that blessed event happens. :) Is he a polyg? Is he Kody? Is Kody going to be this dad when his daughters have babies? Frankly, I find it weird. Rare is the dad that wants to be there at the delivery.

She's bugged that Hunter hasn't embraced her as his mom from day one. HELLO, she needs to think of herself as a "step mom" to a lot of those kids. It's gonna take time.

Not a fan of how she entwined her faith with her decision to have a baby at home. I have nothing personally wrong with home births. I have some women/babies who would've died if they'd chosen that path... so it just doesn't work for me. However, a lot of things at the hospital don't really work for me either, but that's a blog entry for another day (I'm anti pitocin, there, I said it).

Let's see.... what else happened. Oh, Christine (wife #3) was talking about how she hasn't fully embraced Robin, and that's something she's working on. I'm pretty sure it's normal for the last wife to have a hard time when the new wife comes -- seems kinda natural to me. Seems like they should have a support group for them. :)

I do think it's weird how Meri kept saying that she's never had a deep relationship with her other sister wives but she'd found it in Robyn. I thought they were all fairly friendly....

So, in the end Robyn says that she wants to be Meri's surrogate. And honestly, I think this is a time where a sister wife would be perfect for that. Robyn still gets to be the mom, but Meri gets to have it as "hers". I hope she does it. I am normally ANTI-surrogate just because there's SO many emotions... but again, in this situation it just seems perfect!

Anyway, I love the show. Sad that the season is over. I hope they take their hiatus to heal their family. I hope they come back living next to each other and with things on a good course.

Did you watch the last few episodes? Thoughts? Do you think Kody should be an OBGYN? :)

Gratitude

2011-11-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a bit ungrateful, especially with my own personal unwillingness to mention all of my blessings on Facebook. Honestly, Facebook just isn't big enough to hold all the things that I am blessed with.

It would be easy to sit back and look at a year that has ruined us. Our life is so different then it was last Thanksgiving, and yet eerily similar. Just a state away.

Different: New jobs, for both of us. What a blessing. After taking a step back I'm amazed that both of us were able to find employment in such a recession. Huge blessing. Drew laid off on March 15th and we both had jobs within 3 months in a new home.

Same: Friends from church are coming for Thanksgiving tomorrow. We haven't lived by family in years and it's always nice to know that there is "family" wherever you go. Love learning from the different ladies cooking styles...

Different: Drew just killed a scorpion that was on the screen outside. Ew. Blessed to have an amazing husband. Scorpions are just something I'm living with.

Same: I'm working. I always work Thanksgiving. This year I'm working night shift and I'm kind of in a panic about how that will all work out, but I am grateful for a job that I've been able to slip easily into.

Different: Home. Hi, I won't have to balance the turkey on the sink while I try to get it onto a carvings board. Excited about the kitchen. Also the fact that we can house all of us. The house is a huge blessing. The location, the layout, the fact that it's all ours (well, 21% ours and 79% the bank's, but I digress). Lovely. The house.

Same: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I just love how technology makes some things just the same. For instance, my blog hasn't changed location. :)

Different: Weather. I just put holiday music on my phone and was listening to it on a walk today. Hard to get in the festive mood when it's 80 degrees outside, but hey, it's only 80 degrees. :)

Same: We are amazingly blessed. We were blessed last year, and we are this year. Joy overfills our cups and we aren't sure how we got so lucky. Same as every year.

Different: I think this year we just have a little bit more knowledge of how lucky we are. It puts me in a mood to be REALLY thankful. Also different, I've decided not to use a Reynolds Oven Bag, and instead use the Alton Brown turkey recipe. Wish me luck. :)

I hope you ponder how God changes your life for the good this weekend. I know I'll have a lot of quality time to do that as I am working night shift tomorrow. Life goes on, and isn't it grand? I'm so glad I didn't jump off the plane.

Modest is the Hottest

2011-11-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

Ever wish your sleeves were a little longer, or the hemline longer?

Me too.

Maybe you're a sister wife and you can only wear 3/4 length sleeves, but don't want to wear a tank top over all your shirts.

Go shop at Ehsakti. :)

It's the perfect blend of modesty and cute current styles.

If you're looking for a party dress or just something festive it's the place to shop. If you've got a daughter in need of a cute formal, search no more.

Anyway, I did get a free dress sent to me about a year ago, but I love it. I love how I could make it fit ME.

And it does. :)

Plus, here's a code for 20$ off your order FBESHAKTI.

Doing What You Can

2011-11-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

During our whole "mess" I had such a strong feeling that people beyond the veil were with us. Rooting, comforting, coordinating our future life.

Sometimes when people die we think of all the things they didn't do. Maybe how I'd wished they were better to me or to my family.

Last night I was reading the conference talk about the spirit of Elijah. I've never been one to get crazy into genealogy. I am a believer of there being a time and a place for everything, and that's just not my place right now.

But I do believe that the spirit of Elijah can just help to remind you that people are just doing the best they can on this earth. Just like when you're a teenager you just don't get how your parents are, and then you have one of your own, and just realize it's a miracle you're still alive.

My grandpa was kind of a gruff guy. He rubbed some people the wrong way. Yet, on Saturday I had the strongest feeling from him that he's happy and that he hopes that I am happy too. Random, out of the blue. Do you ever get that? Am I crazy? I did vomit about 12 hours later... so it's possible. :)

Anyway, I'm grateful for the spirit of Elijah and how it can help you remember hard things ancestors have been through, or how they still love you just like when they were here on earth. I think it's more then just looking up names, although that's important too...

Just not now. :)

Photo friday

2011-11-11T10:15:00.001-08:00

Happy 11/11/11 at 11:11. We're all super excited, can't you tell? Proud of our veterans.

Fall Fashion

2011-11-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

I just got my live well question:

What are your Fall must-have fashion picks?

Couldn't have been a better day to type this. I went to Kols, with a 30% coupon in hand and 30 bucks of blogher money and I couldn't find a thing. I'm not really sure what I want. I know I still want to lose weight, so pants were out of the picture.

I really want shoes. Although I found a pair at goodwill. I really want some heeled loafers....

That cool wave thing is kinda weird.... but I do love a wedge, makes me feel more supported.

Because our weather is still schizophrenic, I really like cardigans. Like this one from Kohls. I went in search of some at Goodwill the other day and came away with a few. I need to spend a little more time at the Goodwill....

I really think it's classy to do a cardigan with a belt or something. I just can't seem to find anyhing screaming my name.

So, what are your fall fashion must have's? There's lots of great stuff over at the Life Well Lifed link. Check it out!

Honestly, I think my must have is to lose some weight... Too bad I can't buy that at Kohls.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2011-11-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Absolutely nothing to do with the entry, this is Spencer's Thank You
card for us coming to Parent teacher conference. It's amusing, no?

Hold on Tight. I've got a lot of thoughts, especially since P was pretty sick yesterday and I was able to read a lot of news on my phone.

Put your seatbelts on. :)

The Duggars: AHHH, they're having another one! This makes 20. I admire their faith, and I truly believe that her job as a mom is less strenuous as mine, becuase she has those amazing older girls (who can come nanny for me any time). However, I know it took a lot of patience to train those girls up right, so whatever. BUT, if I was a nurse at their hospital I'd be ducking if I saw them walk in. That is a uterine nightmare waiting to happen. She does look really fit and skinny, but that uterus has got to be tired. Methergine, misoprostil, hemabate stat. Good luck to them, I hope it goes great.

Dr Conrad Murry: Ok, I really think the guy was just in it for some good money, and Michael was in it for his personal prescription and administering assistant. Michael wanted sleep. He was willing pressure him to do it. The beauty of a practice is that you usually have a team of people who are willing to stand firm. When it's just you... I can see how it'd happen. I mean, doctors aren't used to being the bad guys, that's nurses! :) I feel bad for him, but I hope it's a lesson to all other personal physicians out there. And I wish Jackson's family wouldn't pretend like none of it was his fault. We need to take personal responsibility for our health decisions. Michael was a sick man. If you need propofol to sleep, most likely you're going to die soon either way. End of the story.

Sister Wives: This week's episode was at least interesting. I think the teenagers might be coming around to the idea of staying in LV. I think it's interesting to learn more about their church, but every time I see "Mormon" stuff at their house (Hymn books, proclamation on the family, Jesus the Christ) I shudder. Yikes. A friend brought up the idea that we think maybe they aren't supposed to show their arms. The women, most times, are all wearing long sleeves. But seriously, the layering, it has to stop. I did see Janelle showing her forearms once though, so, who knows. Anyone have info on that?

Ruby: Ok, I've had a little spare time lately to watch this show. I'm just not sure how I feel about it. I'm bugged by how little she thinks she can do herself. I remember being like that though. I finally decided that I was going to have to do a lot of the household work (aka, putting in the drip system) etc. I think when I was fat I just thought I couldn't do stuff... but once I started doing more I wanted to lose more weight. I think she's heavily assisted in being so heavy, and I'm bugged when she's not following the diet, but wonders why she's not losing. I'm not sure how much more I can watch. How judgemental am I? :)

Life at Fertilization: Some state is trying to pass a law that starts life at fertilization. I'm just not sure how I feel about this one. Honestly, I'm not sure that life does start at fertilization. I mean, the uterus is really what gives it life.... {sigh}. I just think there's too many weird ramifications. I mean, if I do something to harm a fetus but to save a mom, could I be liable? It's a whole other bag of chips.

In other news, my lettuce is growing like gangbusters, I need to get out there and trim it. Anyone have any favorite arugula recipes? Our family really likes arugula, so I hope we can eat it all (anyone local want a bag of it?).

A Christmas Gift to YOU!

2011-11-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

The LDS church went ALL OUT creating a big ol' set to film these amazing videos about Christ.
It's their Christmas gift to all of us!
Loving this one about the nativity this time of year.

If you believe in Christ, I think you'll find these videos perfect for what you'd like to share with your family about the true meaning of Christmas this year.

LOVE them. :)

Conner's PTC

2011-11-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

I think that Conner has Laverne and Shirley for teachers. That's all I'm going to say about that. But one's totally the level headed even-keel one, and ones the artsy fartsy love your guts kind of a one. I find it amusing.

And that is all.

It's the same conference every year. He's super bright (I'm talking crazy bright here... I don't talk much about it, but Conner tested REALLY REALLY high here.... I'm talking REALLY high, cough and choke on your gum while you're reading the results high), but he rushes to get through stuff and he's obsessed with the laptops. Oh, and he's chatty. He can still learn while chatting with a friend, but most people can't. So, he needs to shut it.

Sometimes I feel like I'm living with Rain Man.

It doesn't help that P is Rain Toddler.

Anyway, after I came home I really need him to focus. We came up with 5 goals that we're going to assess daily. They are:
1. Be organized -- No missing assignments and not lose our stuff (huge problem for him)
2. Be a listener-- No talking when the teacher's talking -- they get detention if they do it too much so I put in there NO detention.
3. Be Industrious -- 1/2 hour of table homework and then 1/2 hour of computer (and that is all, for playing or homework, I'm stickin' to my guns on this one, a least for the next month)
4. Be Smart -- Raise math grade to an A (he has a B, mostly because he sometimes forgets to do the back. Seriously. Also, he rushes through tests to get to play on the laptops)
5. Be Focused -- Conner recently added some less then appropriate artwork to a power point presentation he was doing, it had nothing to do with it. He also sometimes likes to add Justin Beiber. Either way, no extra "stuff"

Anyway, I really need him to learn to buckle down. I figure Jr High is a time to practice and learn to be on the ball. He can do this. I know he can. I also think candy can be a good bribe. :)

Thoughtful Thursdays

2011-11-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Kim Kardashian. I shake my head at you. I really have no idea how someone of your age can make such a huge mistake and then pretend like it's not for money. I boycott you. Not like I watched you before, but now I REALLY won't.

Sister wives. Your kids hate you, and this show is going to end soon if you don't figure out it. It's depressing. I'm sorry for your sore lot. It sure doesn't look fun.

Herman Cain. Not sure what I think about you, but I do think that sexual harassment has many forms. You seem like this presidential thing took you by surprise... not a fan of the 9-9-9.

Occupy protesters. Raise you're hand if you're surprised the Oakland protests got out of hand? Huh, what a shocker. I don't really get this movement. Take my job. We all, essentially do the same thing. But, the techs get less then me, I make less then the doctors. It seems fair because we all have different liability and different educational levels. Frankly, I think they need to get jobs and stop camping out. It's people like them that's killing us. So what if some people are really rich. Focus on YOU and YOUR problems. Which, if you have time to camp, are probably numerous.

Michael Jackson's Doctor. I think Michael did it, and this guy's an idiot.

Full of thoughts, aren't I?

What's Up Wednesday: Post Star Wars

2011-11-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Halloween is over, and somehow my kids are insane? I mean, I'm ready to throw the candy away. I think that somehow, I didn't really notice it before, but it's pretty darn apparent now. Crazy kidlets.

Anyway, P is still poopin' in the pants. I went the crazy Medusa mom route, and it didn't work out so well. So now I'm just playing it cool and having her clean it up. I know, how did I get so Zen? I have also offered a Halloween candy of choice when she poops. Make that, if she poops. Again, totally zen about it. Can you tell?

Mr Middle had a talent show at school today. He did his magic show. I wish i could magically make this video flip on its side but it's pretty well for the grandparents anyway. Don't hurt yourself, it's not that exciting. :) He just did a book report on who else, but Harry Potter. What a surprise. :) I do love that the school does talent shows. I'm a fan of getting up and showing off. Can you tell?

Conner's parent teacher conference is today. A little worried as to what I'll hear, since I'm not there to bug the teacher/spy all the time. I hope for good things, and his grades were good, so cross your fingers.

Mr. E is still killing scorpions in his spare time. Just like once a week now. Our neighbors told us we should get a blow torch, that's how all the cool kids do it. I figure we can get one of those creme brule ones and kill two birds.... and their scorpions....

I'm back on the weight watchers wagon. I'll be updating my weight loss blog more frequently now, I think. Turns out counting points is harder then not counting points. Hoping to do it for at least a month. Just to reset myself.

Anyone have a reset button handy that I could just use instead? My measuring cups and scale are sure getting a workout. :)

Happy November everyone!

How Much Fun We Had: The Star Wars Edition, take 2.

2011-11-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Oh man, do I love Halloween. I just love how silly you can be, and pretend to be someone else. There were lots of time this year that I wanted to BE someone else, but this time I got to be Princess Leia. I was pretty distraught when I asked in my Primary class if anyone knew who she was, and they all had blank stares. Maybe next year I should be Barbie. :)

So, here we are, ala my tripod in our front yard.

That one's the best shot, but Conner's eyes are closed. I may see a little photoshop in my future... He looks obviously thrilled in both of them. Somehow I am soothing my mother feelings (being that his was the only costume I made this year) by him trying to be the stern teacher Obiwann.... right?

Our smallest Jedi sure raked in the candy. She was adored by our neighbors (she's the smallest kid in our neighborhood right now, so it's great to be tiny, right?).

I must admit her enthusiasm only added to the effect.

Ok, just in case someone wants to copy me, although I wouldn't recommend it it. Especially on this one, this sucker was hard. I made her headpiece from a "cat" hood pattern. I just elongated the ears, adding pipe cleaners so they'd stand out (but not hurt her if she fell). It is lined, and I added a layer of really thick (may have used 2 layers) batting between so that I could sew in some wrinkles. It's amazing. No? Her robe is just a basic kids bathrobe. Easy peasy.

Luke couldn't wipe his happy little face off. At all.... I tried.

Spencer's outfit was a karate ghee (sp?) which I sewed. I REALLY Wish I'd just gone to savers and gotten one, I see them there all the time, but live and learn (btw, all of these costumes, except for Conner's were sewn back in 2006, I think). His leg wraps (which you can't really see in the photo above) are just strips of faux sued sewn together with a Velcro closure in the back and a boot cover on the bottom -- I have gotten very good at boot covers).

Ahh, Master Obiwan, you have us under your spell.... your grumpy little spell....

Conner's costume is a child's hooded robe pattern (it's a quick simplicity one) made out of a crushed velvet type material. That material has a name, but I can't remember it. I probably would've done something heavier, except we live in AZ... I think you could easily mistake him for a wizard with this fabric, but c'est la vie. I made his tunic just by sewing a "sac" together, leaving holes for the arms, neck and legs and then cutting it to wrap in the front. It was super easy and with the faux sued, it doesn't ravel so you don't have to worry about sewing hems. Easy peasy!

Turns out, Leia just isn't a costume to look skinny in....

What is behind me? How did my butt get so big? Sorry for my use of butt, we don't say that at our house, but I thought it was necessary for this photo.... I lost 50 pounds since the last time I wore it. Curses. It's just a pattern. I made it out of cotton. Mistake. That sucker wrinkles like nobody's business. But it was cool. Whats' done is done.

Drew could barely walk around without scaring the be-jeepers out of P. It was kind of sad, and kind of funny. I'd even watched a bunch of youtube clips about Darth Vader yesterday, to try to de-sensitize her.

We already had a Darth Vader voice changer, and then I made him a black cape. I think this one's out of polyester, so I did have to hem it all. Bother.

So, here's the yearly comparison.

2006

2011

Is it possible I look fatter now? Anyway, it is amazing how the kids look like each other. Fun how we cloned Drew like that.

Hope you all had a great Halloween! We did, we had a great ward party, which took me almost away from the sadness of the old truck or treat and the Halloween Happening. Life goes on, and I do believe it may get better. :)

May the force be with you. :)

A Funny

2011-10-31T11:58:00.001-07:00

Ok, while I was busy posting that I had footage of Drew at school, there was ACTUAL footage of Conner at school.
Seriously.

You can see him at about 1:39 and 2:05. He has a light blue shirt and a wig. He looks confused. :)

Student Flash Mob : MyFoxPHOENIX.com

Darth Vader....

2011-10-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

I got some video footage of Drew at school today... :D

Miracle Monday: Traditions

2011-10-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Erickson Halloween Circa 2010... no, this isn't what we're doing this year.

I know when this all started. I really do. I was picking out stuff for Yoda's hat in Joann's (in 2006, mind you) and it just hit me -- I should be Leia, I mean, how hard could it be?

How hard could it be?

5 years later.

As shown here.

Truth be told, I'm really glad that I thought that. Sometimes I don't really feel like our family has any traditions. But, hello. A whole theme every Halloween? INsanity. It's true.

Sometimes those little thought turn into big things, like this one has. It's taken a LOT of time and thought.

We have some pretty specific rules as to how we pick.

1) Nothing gross or creepy (that is rule #1, I abhor the creepiness that has "crept" into the holiday -- I have, in fact, started to boycott the Spirit store -- I just can't give my money to stores like that, end of story).

2) We prefer good guys. Although, there always seems to be a bad guy that creeps in... and come to think of it, that is often Drew....

3) Literary characters are what we hope for, but we tend to do movies/tv.

4) How easy it is (this may be #1, but I'd prefer to think it's not).

Anyway, here's a preview. It's a repeat, but I did have to make C a new costume (the other two just got handed down). I will also mention that there was a good 4 or 5 inches taken off my belt. Go me. :D Pretty well as cute, 5 years later. :)

I hope to have more photos sometime this week. I also hope this is giving my kid lots of memories. Fingers crossed. :)

Get Ready to Cry

2011-10-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Might be allergies, might be an amazing story of a family who got help and a transplant.

Just a little plug for transplants. What an amazing gift a family gave this little girl. I hope they realize what kind of a gift she is. My drivers lisence says donor, I've talked to all of the important family members about it. I hope you'll talk with yours. It's not an easy decision to make in the moment, but if it's something you've decided ahead of time, it makes it so much easier.

And to those who have fasted or prayer for our family during our times of need, I say thank you. We have been the recipents of large amounts of service this year, and we feel so very blessed.

God loves us, and he has a plan for each of us. Especially little Miss Annie.

Memory Lane: Haunted Houses

2011-10-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

I hate haunted houses. It's true. I hate them. I also hate scary movies and I hate being scared. Honestly, I think the truth is that I am scared often enough in my life, and I often see awful scary things at work that I'd prefer to just live life as blissfully as possible.

I can remember watching The Mummy -- not even that scary of a show, maybe even "suspenseful" is a better word. I just remember thinking "I hate this, I hate feeling like this. I hate being here, I hate this show."

And frankly, I haven't watched many movies like that for a long time. Silly, but true.

BUT, once upon a time I participated in a haunted houses - when I volunteered at the Utah State Mental facility. We were required to volunteer there when I took an abnormal psych class. And wow, was it an eye opener. Me and my friend Melanie worked in the beauty shop. Mostly we just did old lady's hair in curlers, etc. It was kind of sad and ridiculous as I think about it now. We had no idea what we were doing, but we did show them love, and I guess that's all that counts.

But, back to haunted houses. While I wasn't thrilled about it, we were able to earn a TON of volunteer hours in one night if we went and helped out with it, so go we did.

Yes, I did spell that wrong, and yes I have
scrapbooked since college. I am amazing.
It is official.

Here's the best thing about that haunted house -- besides the fact that it was outside in this creepy castle-type atmosphere, which was really cool. The mental patients were involved. No, it wasn't the ones that were in there for murdering people, but you don't know that -- Joe Schmo who just walks through. Is it Hilary, BYU co-ed, or is it Dan Lafferty, accused of killing his own sister in law and baby niece?

Plus, they had a bunch of really great makeup and hair people so you really wouldn't know.

I loved screaming people's names as they came through, they'd get so freaked out. Good times.

Ok, turns out maybe I like to be the scare-er, not the scare-eee.

I had to do a rotation in the same hospital about 2 years later. And boy, were those people glum. The state had decided that it didn't portray the right image for the hospital. It wasn't fair to mock mental people in that way, so they shut it down.

{sad face}

The patients were SO sad. They loved doing it. They loved having something that was theirs that they could work on and contribute. They knew that it was a REALLY scary haunted house and that they could do something that cool. The really sad part is that this brought in a LOT of money to the state mental, and all of the money was earmarked for them to do fun things outside the facility, which takes a lot of money to do. You have to have the staff to help go, you have to have vans and of course the price of places to go. It's expensive. And now they weren't going, at least not going very often.

Do you think the state looked at that, do you think they thought about how sad they'd be or how it would hurt their lives. Unlikely. They just felt like they weren't being PC enough.

And so maybe the scariest thing is politics. Maybe the scariest thing is not thinking about how decisions affect people.

Ok, no, haunted houses are scarier, but only momentary.

Anyway, anyone else remember the state mental haunted house? Did you go? Did you wet your pants?

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-10-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am still surprised what catches me when I just feel like I miss California SO MUCH.

One of my very favorite missionaries is coming home soon. I'm so sad about the fact that I can't make her homecoming. At least, I am pretty sure I can't. I need to email her mom.

I was at the church and they were doing a stake youth halloween activity. Just thought about all my good times in the YW presidency.

It does make me wonder when people die, what they miss about earth. It would be interesting to know, but I do think I've had a sneak peek....

In other news, I am starting to really like Spencer's school and his teacher. Time heals many wounds, no? :) We'll see if I can make it through their halloween activity without crying. :)

What's Up Wednesday

2011-10-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

We are busy little bees around here lately.

Drew qualified for state with his marching band. While this is great news, it does mean more time for band. But, what's a little more widow-hood, right? I'm glad he's successful. Just one more thing putting him on the track to full time next year. He's had a big project for his class also. Let's just say it's been super fun around here. :)

Conner took a foray into babysitting recently, just our own kids. He did alright. Not sure we'd ask him back if he was not related to us, but I think we'll give him another shot. :) He's also doing a flashmob for Halloween at school. {sigh}

I just had Mr S's parent teacher conference. Glowing remarks. He's such a great kid, who sometimes gets sucked into his older brother's vortex of laziness. His teacher adores him. Go S. :)

P is growing up far too fast. This week she's turning 2.5 years old, so it's time to start on letter sounds, she's doing well so far with M and T. She's really getting far too old for me and I'm trying to suck the last little bits of baby out of her. She likes that too. She's always asking to sit and watch TV and have a cuddle. She's too cute for words. OH, and Miss P rode a HORSE last week at playgroup. And promptly got some hives. Silly girl. She loved it, we'll just bring benedryl next time. :) I guess when she got on, and they started she said, "I'm RIDING A HORSE!!!!" Did I mention she's cute, because she is. 100%. Except when she's not.

Guess who got to adjust our sprinkler system and then aerate the lawn today. We're getting ready to winter seed. Yay. Thanks Arizona. :) I'm also trying to finish Halloween costumes so we're ready for the big day. I sometimes think I have too much on my plate. But I still have time for an hour of trash TV most days, so I guess it's not too bad. I also had my 90 day review at work. Besides her saying that she can't show me preferential treatment because I'm Mormon (I guess some people were saying that she was, which she isn't), they love me. Makes me want to shove it in the face of everyone who's said I was no good. Namely MJJ, CAD and CON. Screw you. :D There was, in fact, a conference with me at BYU saying that I might just not be nurse material. I just wasn't cut out to do it.

Turns out I was.

Sister Wives: Today's Thoughts

2011-10-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Just got done watching the weight loss sister wives (my mom allowed me into her comcast account, and I can see the new ones from there... YAY, THANK YOU MOM!!!!).

Here's what I have to say, I identify with these women.

Do I want to become polyg? No. But here are my thoughts.

1. They're overweight, many women are overweight, and they're working to change it. I love that. :) Poor, poor Janelle, you could see that first day was a doozy!

2. I really like how reality TV shows us different choices people choose and how that affects their whole life. Jon and & Kate was a good one for that, but this one's an extreme example. I love reality tv. I'm a junkie. I also love biographies, and just peeks into real life. Once they start going on cruises, less real - less fun.

3. These are women of faith. I have faith, I do things that seem crazy to people sometimes. I'm glad that they're showing people who make decisions based on faith. We don't see that much anymore. It's happy thing.

In other news, Kody is an idiot. He doesn't get how hard transitions are on women. I mean, Christine's still post-partum, he's knockin' up #4 and poor Janelle went to a new town and being a full time stay at home mom. I can't imagine all the angst that's around them. Makes for great TV. I have a real problem with how he just made this decision. I get the sense that Christine is tired of decisions being made without her input.

I really wish they'd stop the Utah layers though. Really, there are plenty of shirts that don't need a tank top over them. PLENTY of them. TLC, take them to a real store. :)

I love sister wives. I know a lot of people think I'm supporting polygamy, or Mormon stereo-types when I watch it. But I really don't think I am. I think I'm understanding them a little bit more, and I think I understand a little bit more about what some of my pioneer ancestors went through. I think they show that women NEED other women. Solid women who are there to help. I'm glad Drew just didn't marry any of those friends of mine. :)

Miracle Monday

2011-10-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

We are heading into month four here in Arizona. I know, you're all thinking how did that go so fast? Me too? But, just like when you have a baby you look at them and feel like they're so brand new, but you can hardly remember life before them. That's how I feel.

I must admit that I can't imagine a more perfect ward for us. I spoke in church yesterday (if you're lucky, I'll get around to posting my talk). As I looked out in the audience I thought of all the nice people we've met already, and how lucky we are. We also had a ward new member dinner last night and I felt the same thing. Thing is, we hadn't looked at hardly any houses in this ward -- until this one. Just feel so lucky to land where we did.

And I'll remind you that I bought this house over the internet. I'd never seen it, or really thought of this area.

But it's absolutely perfect.

Still working on loving our school. We have parent teacher conferences coming up. I bet that will help.

What are the miracles in your life? Blog about them!

Taking a Break from Polygamy to ask a question....

2011-10-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Admit it. She's crazy cute, even 2 years ago.

Time for my annual Christmas query, as I'm a mom who likes top quality toys that the kids will find fun and enjoyable for a long time. So, here's this year's question.

I'd like to get an MP3 player that may or may not allow game downloads but I don't want him to have willy nilly access to the Internet. Is that possible? Not sure, I may just get him a regular ol' Sanza Fuze like the rest of the cool kids have.

And finally, being that we have almost every boy toy ever created I'm venturing into the land of solid girl toys. P got a baby doll last Christmas, she has a stroller and she got one that wets when we potty trained. What does an almost 3 year old girl need? I've seen the swing/carseat/ etc... and that seems to be a bit overload.... What were your favorite toys for a 2-3 year old girl.

Besides a muzzle. I've ruled that out.

What's Up Wednesday

2011-10-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well, after our trip, it's back to reality and our regular life.

Drew had his first concert. Sounds like it was a success. He has a marching competition almost weekly and everyone seems to be enjoying themeslves. Not that I would know. I remember the days where I'd show up to his stuff.... I think those are things you can do when you only have one child. Although, frankly he's never come to one of my deliveries. To be quite frank. :)

El Presidante is trying to show me he's worthy to babysit sometimes. I had started allowing it, but took a big step back during the lying spree. I am going to pay him 1$/hour if Drew and I are out for fun. I'm having a hard time imagining Drew and I being out for fun.... but a girl can dream.... We recently went for flu shots, and he only had a mild panic attack before allowing the nurse to do it while visualizing the candy isle.

Mr Middle had his own lying fest a couple of weeks ago. He decided to read the ENTIRE Harry Potter series (that's right, ALL of them) in one week. Seriously. I was wondering how he did this, and then I found out he took a vacay' from homework, and then lied to both me and his teacher about doing it. In other news, he loves Harry Potter. Yay.

Darling P poops in her pullup EVERY nap. I don't know what to do. We try and sit on the potty for a VERY long time before naps, but frankly that loses its savor. And then she just does it. Not sure what to do. Thoughts?

I'm wishing I could still have a life of fun and frivolity, but it turns out I don't. I am, however, loving how fertile our garden is. Sadly, I think the lettuce seeds kinda blew all over so I'm picking a lot of lettuce out, but either way I think we're going to have a good crop. I'm back on my modified weight watchers plan and I've lost a pound a day. Go me.

Things are cooling down here in the dessert, but frankly not fast enough. :)

Sister Wives: Let's Move

2011-10-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Uh.

This episode is where I started having panic attacks for these ladies.

Seriously.

And their kids. Especially the kids.

The fact that they decide they're moving, but they don't need to tell the little ones, they'll just tell the older ones, and expect them to be SUPER HAPPY. Of course that will all work out.

Turns out, they're bitter.

But, they did have a lovely Christmas, and I did like that part. I wonder if they took these types of vacations before TLC took them over, or if TLC is turning them all Jon and Kate.

I do think it must be fun to have so many options as siblings. Always someone to play with, or watch your mom sled down the hill with.

Mostly, I don't get why they're moving. I mean, it's not like the law can't get them in Las Vegas -- is it? It's still illegal in Vegas, isn't it? Plus, what are the chances that the law is going to put restraining orders against all the wives so they can't see each other, even after he's gone to jail.

Which seems to be what they're afraid of.

Oh sister wives, the drama. I know it's going to get more juicy, stay tuned.

Sister Wives: Regular ol' Folks

2011-10-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

The next few season 2 episodes we see the family havin' a grand ol' thanksgiving, and then he takes Christine and her kids to Las Vegas.

Turns out all is not love and roses with Christine.

Turns out that getting a woman pregnant and then gettin' a "newer model" may not have been his brightest plan. I mean, imagine being CRAZY hormonal and then cute Robin shows up and he's frothin' at the mouth to get HER pregnant.

Ew.

So, he takes Christine and her kids to Las Vegas. And I like this. I like that he's getting one on one time with the kids. Because, as with gay marriage, the main problem I have with it is the kids. I honestly don't think that the kids can get enough "father" time when he's got SO many of them, plus all those wives that need attention too. Anyway, good by him having the one on one time...

But picture that you're home being one of the other people's kids, wouldn't you be a little steamed up that you weren't gettin' one on one time, in the city of sin? Again, I just don't think there's enough of him to go around. Kids NEED a dad, and they need that dad to be intimately involved in their life. I just don't see how he can.

I know that lots of parents have lots of kids, but he not only has all those kids, but he also has all those wives. Anyway, I'm just saying, that for me it's a pretty big downfall of their little plan.

I don't see the Christine situation getting any better though. I think the timing was REALLY rotten (aka, postpartum) and I'm sure that getting a new wife after ALL those years isn't something that's easily tolerated. And then, in a few episodes they move.

More on that later.

Anyway, do you think he can be a proper parent to all those kids? Do you think I'm crazy for loving that it's on netflix now?

Thoughtful Tuesday: Celebrity Divorce

2011-10-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, I currently live in a bit of a cave. My main source of news was about 10 minutes of the Today show I'd watch while I put my shoes on (and no, it doesn't take me 10 minutes to put my shoes on, but you know....) and now that Spencer leaves so early I don't even get that.

So when I somehow found out that Ashton and Demi and J Lo and whoever she's married to are getting divorced.

And I just get so sad.

I really like it when celbrities get married. I like it when anyone takes the pluge. It takes hope to get married, and that's always a good thing in my book.

And it's a lack of hope that splits you apart.

That, and being unable to keep your pants zipped.

So, do you like celebrity weddings? Do you just figure they'll get divorced after a while? Who's your favorite clebrity couple?

If Tom Hanks and his wife ever split up I'll be pretty sad. I don't even like him all that much anyomre (thanks Prop 8, you ruined a lot of celebrities for me), but I just like that they're married. :)

Run, Don't Walk -- Sister Wives is on Netflix!!!!!

2011-10-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Sister Wives is on Netflix, seasons 1 and 2. I guess Netflix and discovery channel (aka, TLC) have some new deal where they're getting their stuff quicker.

YAY! TLC is my most-missed channel, by far!

Anywho, I couldn't be happier.

But, I think this calls for a week of sister wives posts.

Get excited.

So, season two opens with them being all out in the open and the kids going to regular high school (except for Meri's who is still allowed to go to private school -- btw, sometimes I see a bit of the first wife mentality there, but it could be that Meri only has one child, so maybe there's perks to that, who knows... I really like Meri, I think she's a tough cookie).

They go on the Today show, and things are just peachy keen.

Then, they start getting investigated, and they're shocked that any of that is happening.

I just have to say that it IS against the law in Utah. How could they have not figured that they'd be investigated?

But, I will have to say that I think it's a dumb law. I have to think that there are about 20 million other things the police department could use their time with instead of investigating a guy who seems to care about his kids and his wives and doesn't seem to be cheating the government out of anything.

Personally, I think they need to get rid of the law. Sure, you can't be married to more then one woman, but if you want to be spiritually married and actually take care of them, that's your choice in my mind. Once you break other laws, like marrying an under-aged child or welfare fraud, then that's a horse of another color.

Do I think it's right? Not really. I don't think that a polygamist household is great for kids to grow-up in, but c'est la vie. It certainly doesn't work for me.

So, what do you think about the Brown investigation? Do you think they were naive to think they wouldn't be investigated?

Are you frothing at the mouth for my other accounts of the show? It's must see TV in my book and things are just starting to get juicy....

It's Doubtful that I'm Christian

2011-10-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

You know, more and more I am doubtful that I AM a Christian.

True, I believe and love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe He walked on this earth, healing the sick and promoting a better life, that -- if we live faithful, we are able to return and live with God someday along with our families.

I follow the teachings that he taught in the bible. I have read the New Testament, cover to cover a few times. I'm profoundly impacted by the way that Jesus helped the poor and the needy. I'm always left feeling incompetant with my own reactions to those who are truly in need.

I have pictures of the Savior in my home. I believe that just having his remembrance in our house brings peace into it. We speak often about how He would act and what we think He might do in certain situations.

I do all this. I truly believe HE is my savior, and that he knew the trials we went through this year and He sent us angels to comfort us. I believe all of that with my heart.

I think a particularly favorite argument of mine is that true Christians believe that a belief will be enough to get to you to heaven. And those darn Mormons think you need to DO something to get to heaven. As if Christ did things.... as if....

But I don't care what you think I am. I do think that Jesus wouldn't go around saying in "duck, duck goose" fashion -- Christian, Christian, not Christian (insuing a run around the circle). I think that if the Jeffrey-Pharasees were to ask "Who amongst these people is Christian" Jesus would say who would help this beggar, or who would follow me and listen to my teachings? Or, he'd have an awesome parable to leave them in the dust, most likely confused.

So, more and more I just want to say, "I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints." End of story. Honestly, it says more then enough.

A Late Photo Friday, but the quantity will make up for it. :)

2011-10-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

People. We went on vacation. And it was awesome, and I broke out the nice camera. I also brought the small camera. Life's a balance, no? :)

Anyway, we went to Vegas, baby! We were all set to see old friends, and I just couldn't wait to tear off this nice exterior that I've been painting on here in Arizona to be my real self. :)

We went to the Bellagio, it was amazing. The kids LOVED the fountains, and the garden room. They had a talking tree. Big hit.

Look, P looks like an angel. Weird....

Right across the street is Paris, how convenient. There's even a photo of Drew and I together. Odd, but true.

Did I tell you the kids loved the fountains, because they loved, loved, loved them. I actually think they were a highlight of the trip. They're so imaginative. So pure, so un-las vegas. I do think that Bellagio is the one hotel that looks just as nice inside as it does outside. The last fountain show we caught was Appalachian Spring by Copeland. Probably my favorite song of all time.

Some of the hotels look great on the outside, and less so inside.... :) For instance....

We went up to the mountains with our friends. We chucked some rocks together. Good times.

We had hotdogs and smores. Yumm.... I'll have s'more smores.

Drew and I were SO happy to be on vacation! :)

But wait, a photo where we are all looking at the camera. And Spencer turns into a men's underwear model.

Do they make children cuter then this? Doubtful.

Here's me, my BFF's and my 12 chins. I prefer to look at them.

We really had a great time that night.

But, then the lure of the city brought us back. Really, our kids would get such high hopes at each casino, thinking it'd be as cool on the inside as it was outside. Hopes dashed, each time. Especially in this one. But honestly, what better lesson then the fact that a LOT of things (especially in Vegas) look cooler on the outside then they really are.

Luxuor did have a little bit more coolness on the inside. I still think it's cool that the rooms are in the pyramid shape. Casino, less fancy.

Then it was off to the Grand Canyon, by way of Hoover Dam.

And finally, to some natural beauty, that's just as good on the inside then the outside.

Spencer some time walkin' around like the Maid on Movin' on Up. :)

Look, I was even there. :)

We just walked around on the rim, and enjoyed the shuttle busses they have. We only spend one night there, but we're excited to go back sometime.

We actually met up with friends later that night in Grand Canyon from here. I just had the strongest feelings that while I ADORE my friends from Santa Clara, that this is the place I'm supposed to be, with the people I need to be with now. Things are good. and I am SO glad I had a break.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, some outtakes on my phone. :)

Guess who got her first pedicure in LV. I'm fancy. I know.

Have you SEEN such cute kids?

BTW, we stayed at the circus circus. Amazing how my kids love that place.

Me and my BFF's ate at the Wicked Spoon. A-mazing. :)

I guess, when you have a blog, what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas....

We fancily ate at the Bellagio buffet as a family. Yum.

Anyway, that's our week in a nutshell. Hope you had a good one too!

Hello from the southwest

2011-10-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am sure you've all been dying from a lack of posts from me... but even mommy bloggers need breaks, and this was mine.

We spent five days seeing friends in Las Vegas, & then it was a quick trip the the grand Canyon.

Just what the doctor ordered. I can't help but mention that this trip seemed really full circle for me. I will have to talk about that later, though, since I have my own grand canyon o' laundry.

Yay.

Just Sayin'

2011-10-11T08:47:00.001-07:00

Things you don't want to hear in Las vegas:
"Mom, do you know what I just saw in the stall in the bathroom?"
While my eyes got really big he told me the a/c vent had fallen off and it was just blowing cold air on him.
Pha-uesh.

What's up Wednesday: Moo-ha-ha

2011-10-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

Just so everyone knows, we're not re-doing Peter Pan. That was just a nibble of things to come. That thing isn't Peter Pan. :D

Anywho...

Time marches on, especially time at our house {hardy, har, har -- get it, Marching?}

Anyway. I have a new "punishment" in my arsenal. I've been just RACKING my brain about what to do when kids don't clean to my specifications. And I know I sound awful, but I really try to lower my standards when my kids are cleaning. No really, I do. BUT, this morning, no one even made an effort in their room.

So, I had "cleaning lessons:. I taught them the way that I would clean a room, full of tips and techniques and things I think they're missing. They just LOVED every minute of it. By the end they were all REALLY WISHING they had cleaned it up this morning. JUST WHAT I WANTED. But don't tell them I told you so. :)

I hope it helps.

P hasn't had a tantrum in 2 days, but thanks to facebook I have lots of ideas. I have actually made her a little tantrum spot at the bottom of the stairs. She kind of does the break-dance worm when she freaks out, so I don't want to be somewhere that she could hit her head.... She's getting a little too attached to her thumb lately. Sometimes I wonder if it's going to fall off.

Drew is really NEVER home. It's hard not to feel like his maid/cook/nanny/tiresome wench, but I am doing the best I can considering the circumstances. I plan on moving out over Christmas, just so he gets the FULL WRATH of these kids.

All in all I'm doing alright this week. Not working has helped a lot. Grateful for the small break.

Center Yourself: Ensign

2011-10-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

My church publishes a magazine called the Ensign (they also have one for young adults and one for kids) each month. I am a magazine whore. I love the short articles and the thoughts and ideas in them. Just perfect for the 3 minutes before I'm dead asleep.
There's no way I could read my scriptures at night. I can barely speak little loan comprehend writing.

So, an article in the Ensign is a great way to wind down, and maybe think of a few ways that I can be better tomorrow.

Do you have anything you like to read before bed to center yourself?

Halloween. Finalized. And a serious flaw.

2011-10-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the good news. Halloween costumes have been finalized. Don't get too excited. It is a repeat, but I do have one more costume to make (which shows you that the costumes were made prior to P being born). It's nice to have it all set. I know, I'm a freak but I feel major stress about these costumes, each year.
The bad news, I now lack the ability to buy cheap store-bought costumes. I went to Party City. I tried, I even thought of ways I could easily modify it, but I found myself trekking back to Joann's.

It wasn't even cheaper to do it this way.

It was probably a couple of bucks more.

But I only have one to sew, and I just like knowing they're good stuff. They're not going to fall apart on my kids. The pattern looks pretty easy, and the other part I'm just gonna wing it.

I've been taken to the dark side. Stupid Singer....

Centering Yourself: Scriptures

2011-10-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

I get up, I work out, I get a giant glass of water, I pray, and then I set a timer for 10 minutes and I read my scriptures. That's right, I have just shared how precise my life is. :) Sometimes I skip the workout part, but without the prayer and scriptures I am SO miserable!

I don't know how much of it is the ritual of the day, and how much of it s the actual scripture reading.

If you REALLY want to know how anal I am, I have a reading policy. Mon I read my lesson for primary and the scriptures I need for that, Tue-Wed I read for the Sunday school lesson, Thur I read for the RS lesson and Friday I read the Book of Mormon.

But I just have to say that I am really trying to think of an issue i have in my life before I start. I always find the answer, and I have a little notebook I write down my tidbits of inspiration in. This has been key for me.

Again, my mind is homeless. It wanders at will and without aim. I need to focus it if I want to to work for me.

The notebook and the thoughts help to do that.

So, do you ever read the scriptures? Do you find answers in them? For me that's been the answer, but I know a lot of other people who have other books they read to center themselves.

Happy reading and centering. :)

Centering Yourself: Prayer

2011-10-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

So, I have helped a lot of women push out babies. Sure, 3 pushes, counts to ten, the whole jazz. A lot of doctors hardly want them to breathe at all between pushes, but I always tell them to take that time to gather themselves and then push again.

"center yourself"

Because if you're always crazy working, it just isn't as effective. And heavens knows the only person besides you and your visitors who would prefer you don't push 3 hours, is me. :)

So, I'd like to share some thoughts about centering yourself, in perhaps the only reason it will help is to help me. Things have been INSANE, but I am ready for a week of no work where I can really concentrate on finding out who I am again. I'm no longer needing to spend countless hours looking for jobs or houses. I mean, what did I even do before all that?

So, my first thing, that I do every morning and evening is prayer.

And frankly, I'm not the best at it. Mostly because I'm not the best at conversing with ANYONE anymore. My mind's going 12 million places and I'm hardly listening, I'm just saying stuff (note, if I've talked to you recently, you can rest assured that THAT conversation was totally normal... it' just some of the other ones). So, I've tried some things to help me to focus. Of course, sometimes I have an outside thing that I'm praying for. Friends who are sick or are going through a tough time. I really try to take a minute to think of all the people in my life who NEED prayers. Then, I go through each of my in-house family members and what I hope for them. P has been throwing tantrums like nobody's business, so that is on my mind for her. Mr Middle is turning whining into an olympic sport, and as I read through his journal last night I realized it's a life-long problem for him, and I really want to help him change. El Presidante can't stop himself from lying and breaking rules, right after I say them to him. I never see Mr. E and somehow we need to create a relationship with the 3 minutes we see each other each day.

I should also pray for my paint, because P is sure kickin' the crap out of the wall by the stairs right now. She's so fun.

And then there's the evening prayers. Our last stake president had some interesting words on this one. He said his evening prayers were just bad. He was tired, and could barely get through them without falling asleep on his knees (sound familiar?). So, he started having thankful prayers. Which has been a life changer for me. I just try to think of at least 5 things that I'm thankful for -- and they need to be things that I'm REALLY thankful for. Not just stuff I'm always thankful for (aka, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.). It tends to be really random things, but as I reflect on the day I find those small miracles that I NEED to see to make it through the next day. It also puts my head in a nice mind frame to fall asleep in.

Anyway, I know a lot of people save prayer for those hale Mary moment when all is lost, but by talking with God daily, you are forced to think about the higher being who loves you so very much, and wants to give you all the things you need. I highly recommend it.

Does praying help you to center yourself? Are you very good at it? Sometimes I wish God took email.....

Menu Plan Monday, and a plea for help

2011-10-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Her's what's on tap:

Korean Meatballs -- from Cooking light, if you like Korean bbq flavors, this one does them nicely in a mealball flavor. Everyone likes these, and we have them with pickled cucumbers -- and bountiful baskets gave us a bunch of those last time)
Burritos -- hamburger, refried beans, and some of that pre-done burrito packet mix from the seasoning isle, throw it in a tortilla with some cheese, microwave for like 5 minutes.
Pesto Chicken Pizza -- I just mix a can of Costco chicken with 2 or 3 heaping tablespoons of pre-prepared pesto, and then I do about 4 T of it on the crust and smooth it all out, add the chicken top with cheese and pinenuts and basil, if I have it on hand... sometimes tomatoes too...
Lady's Cheesey Mac (I usually make Chuck's mac and cheese, but I don't have any cottage cheese)-- homemade mac and cheese. If you want the recipe, email me. I'll make the full recipe of this, but I will freeze 1/2 of it for another day and put it with a big salad. Yum.

So, my begging for help is family friendly meals that are easy to prepare. Drew is only one home one night this week, and I need to make stuff that my kids will enjoy that get on with a minimal fuss. So, do you have standbys that you go to? I think we may be doing some breakfasts for dinner, and things like that. I know there's lots of ideas, but lately I'm just out of them. And Drew won't be home til' around Thanksgiving (much).

Have a great week!

Six Months Later

2011-10-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it's easy to measure your life in 6 month marks -- October to April and vice versa. We have our church-wide General conference at these points. I like to compare it to our Rosh Hashanna. :)

In general, it is about family and food for us. And pajamas. A beautiful weekend, a true blessing from God.

But last April I had SO many questions and wondering how life was going to turn out for us. I hung on EVERY word from the Lord's servants.

And this year I can't echo the sentiment that God loves EACH of us, He has a plan for us and he wants us to be happy. And we we will be happy if we do what he wants of us. I truly have a testimony of all of this. And if you are at the point where you really want to know what God wants of you, I can only say that sometimes you just need to take the steps, you need to have faith, even when the thoughts in your head seem ludicrous. Things like:

Picking a job with an insanely low salary
Thinking you can just nab a job, wherever your husband finds one
Buying a house on the Internet
Thinking you can just get a loan, even though you're switching jobs
Selling your house during a GIANT housing recession, and hoping to come out on top
Moving to a town that you had only driven through once on band tour.

God expects you to have faith, and he will unlock the doors of heaven for you.

And sometimes they have cinnamon rolls in heaven. Or, so I am would infer since what would heaven be without cinnamon rolls?

In other news, I distinctly remember thinking that would be my last time to make cinnamon rolls in that house, balancing pans on the sink. And it was. I had them on the island, and it was pure bliss.

Thank you so much for my abundant blessings, Heavenly Father, I do see how richly blessed I am.

**P.S. Spencer Drew this picture this AM. I do think we sent out a bat signal to God last year, and he totally paved the way. :)

What's Up Wednesday

2011-09-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

How do the weeks just fly by? Each 29th'ish of the month we go out to dinner at one of the first restaurants we ate at in lovely Arizona and talk about how the month's gone and if we want to go back ... living our dreams. :) Anyway this was our third trip. Three months here, who knew? I'm slowly starting to feel like I've lived here forever.

Anyway, what's up with ME is an obsession over our garden. For a while I really wanted raised boxes, but when we realized it'd be like 600 bucks to build all the boxes we want we decided to go with something else.

I came up with the idea for pavers as rows and then just make the soil really good with amending it with a modified Mel's mix. Right now I'm concerned about the drip system. I think they did some REALLY funky stuff with it (like, that it travels under the sidwalk... of course). Anyway, trying to figure out how to feed our plants best. It'll happen. I guess here in AZ we plant a lot in the fall and then again in January'ish. I'm only going to put row's in about 1/2 of the garden, as of now. Excited to get stuff growing. :) We have a lot more room then we did in CA. You can't really tell from this photo but we have red pavers and red/purple lava rock and I'm alternating that with some white rock -- just to make it snazzy (and we have about a million white rocks already in that plot of land). Snazzy, that's me.

P has been sick, but is on the mend. We went to the park today, it's covered, which is really cool. {get it, cool?} Anyway, she won't leave my side and I am getting tired of my little shadow. I think we need to branch out more often.

El Presidante is actually doing better in the mornings. I've mostly left it to him (as it's a great time to garden, so he's on his own and P is asleep at that point anyway). Maybe I just needed to pull back a bit... imagine.

Mr Middle is reading Harry Potter. He read book #2 in about a day. And then he re-read both 1 and 2 because I wouldn't let him take #3 to school. It's nice to know my obsessive personality is carrying on without me. :)

Mr. E is busy, busy, busy. Now we're adding field shop competitions to our already packed schedule. I'm off all next week because of all that he has going on. So. So. Fun. :D At least it will give me plenty of time to work in the garden, right?

Quote At the Top of the Stairs

2011-09-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I LOVE my little quote board at the top of the stairs. I have time to reminice about it each time I "scamper" up them. :)

Wow, this is a really bad picture. Here's last week's quote:

Not for that we have dominion over yor faith but are helpers of your joy: For by faith ye stand -- 2 Corinthians 1:26

And this week's is

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~William James

We made the little quote boards last year at Super Saturday -- it's just a picture frame with fabric behind it. But it hopefully makes my kids think, and I know it makes me think too.

Thoughtful Tuesday: Bullying

2011-09-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

This morning while cuddling my healing 2 year old (I hate it when they have high fevers, even though I know it's not a big deal... I still know they're so uncomfortable -- but I do think she's on the mend now). I saw this story on the today show. It is an awful story, and any story that ends in someone taking their own life is always an unhappy thing, but i had SO many thoughts whizzing through my head when I was watching it. Let me see if I can enumerate:

1. Kids shouldn't bully. That's the truth. But, newsflash -- I got bullied. Did you? Wasn't it a part of growing up? Sure, no one called me a fag, but they were mean about my hair, my glasses, the clothes I wore. They were mean. And my mom told me that there are mean girls and it's a part of life to learn how to stand up to people like that around you. And I think it made me a stronger person. 2nd newflash, I still get kind of bullied today. The night shift girls at the new job are less then, well, nice. Ok, only a few of them, But SHEESH I'm bending over backward to be nice to these ladies. And I get flack and crap from them. Again, it's part of life and you learn to accommodate.

2. Where are the parents of these awful kids? I am NOT OK with my kids bullying. When/if my kids have facebook accounts, I will have their password and I will also be their friend. I will check it frequently. I will also talk to them, about their day and things they're doing. I do it now. Yeesh. I'm just tired of kids cyber lives being private from their parents. My kids have no privacy. Deal with it youngsters. :)

3. It's our job to set our kids up with good friends and with self esteem to carry them through certain moments. It's our job to surround them with adults that they can talk to if they can't talk to us -- teachers, people from church, family friends. Lots of involvement. Just like my mom said, it's part of life -- girls are mean.

4. We need to stop talking so much about the sexuality of our kids. You're in high school, concentrate on math and science and not who lights your fire. And parents need to make it clear that if it's a boy or a girl that doesn't need to be your focus -- school and making FRIENDSHIPS needs to be your focus. Keep your pants zipped.

I think it all boils down to the fact that parents need to be involved. I love how Lady GaGa went to the president to talk about how we should make a law against bullying. Can't we make it a law that stupid people can't have kids? Of course, I'd be out of a job...

I'm just saying.

I will also say that I think raising your kids with some religious faith in a God who loves them and has put them here with a purpose can really help out. On both ends.

Really sorry for his family though, that is a hard, hard thing that will be with them forever.

Miracle Monday

2011-09-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today's miracle is again one of the heart.

My calling is in primary (in the LDS church, you receive a "calling" -- an area that you are asked to serve in for whatever period they see fit). Frankly, I'm not all that jazzed. I have 3 small children, and I'm constantly with them and then I go to church and WOW I get to be with other people's kids. Yay. It just makes me tired. I'm with the 4 year olds. I'm just having a hard time with it as I am no longer meeting people, or having a moment to breathe on Sundays. It's all kids. All the time.

I'm wondering what on earth this could be for me. Why on earth would they give me this calling.

And as I sat yesterday during the primary program, God smacked me over the head and reminded me that life isn't all about me. Maybe this calling is for them. It's no secret that I'm good with learning the skills you need to go to school. These kids are just starting kindergarten. Maybe they need something from ME. Already they think they're all readers because they can all read I and A and a few other short words. :)

Anyway, it's something I needed. Life isn't about me. It's been about me for a few months, but it's time to share myself. Time to be the giver.

Also, does anyone remember this day that I had my very own theme song. Funky coincidence that I had to give the fourth article of faith yesterday in the primary program? I doubt it. I'd call it a miracle. God bringing me full circle. That if I just have faith, things WILL turn out.

This was all good, because I had a really hard weekend. Just missed my peeps so much and the fun things we used to do after women's conference. Sometimes I think this move is harder then I ever thought it would be... at least emotionally. :)

Happy Monday everyone, hope you have some miracles in your own life!

Sharing my love of being anal...

2011-09-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

I have a post up at Power of Moms with my cleaning routine condensed.
Check it out. :)

My Second Thoughts on Vaccines

2011-09-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Just some further thoughts about vaccines.

I think my post was a little rash, but I'm tired of people making ignorant comments about vaccines and sex, so both of those things just got me riled up.

First off. I am fine with parents who are making their informed choice about vaccines. I'm fine with it, as long as they're doing their own research, etc. BUT, they can't expect for the general population to applaud it, or pediatricians to open their doors to them. I made a decision to vaccinate for the health of my kids. Kids who aren't vaccinated put newborns at risk, because they can not be vaccinated. They put immune-compromised kids at risk. End of story. Everyone makes their own choices. Don't be ignorant. Blah, blah. :)

The same thing with the HPV vaccine though, and I do think that much of the hoopla is the fact that "Christians" plan for their children to stay virtuous up until marriage. And that's great, that's what I want for my kids too. There's just SO many ways for your mucous membranes to get messed up by someone else's.... to put it lightly. I just think if THAT is your reason for not doing it, I would re-think it. Just like women who don't get tested for STD's at pregnancy because they're in a monogamous relationship. It's a health thing, not a trust thing at that point.

Sorry if I was offensive. I was bugged. :) Keep up the good work parents. :)

Photo Friday: Fantastic.

2011-09-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have vowed to take more pictures.
Problem is, our life is insanely boring around here. It's me on the couch, or me cleaning, or P, ok -- she is adorable. But, yeah.

Anyway, here's what I have to offer. :)

Look at the adorable little face that greets me every morning. I love her curly bedhead.

And something less adorable. Someone's hair is not liking the hot AZ sun, and had decided to turn into a nest for wayward birds. I, however, am not a fan of wayward birds... so I tried a Yogurt/Mayo/Olive oil conditioning treatment for my hair. And, voila. did it work? No. Now I'm using black women's hair care. Yo, sista'... whatup.

P is LOVING her lessons lately. Not a fan that her mom doesn't often have time for them, but when we do sometimes we get extra perks like adorable puffy stickers.

CONFESSION: I think I may have given my love for stickers onto another generation. Man, that girl loves her stickers. And I, perhaps, find a little too much joy in buying them for her.

P likes this particular look when we go to football games at the high school. Maybe she needs some black women's hair care. She's all gangsta with her baggy pants (aka, easy to get on and off to go potty) pants.

And someone got a haircut when Grandma was here. Just a trim. This was seriously only her second, ever. I lopped off a bit on the top right as we were moving because it was ridiculous. She LOVED getting her hair cut (which is a HUGE change from the boys, S cried until he was 5, at least!). We just sat her cross legged on my vanity. My mom though it'd never work, but she sat there like a dream!

While my parents were here, we did a little shopping. P wouldn't stand next to the Indian if we paid her. Maybe if the Indian offered to cut her hair....

I must admit one of my favorite times is walking S to the school bus int he morning. Look how lovely it is. Less lovely at pickup when it's still over 100! HELLO FALL SOLSTICE. We WELCOME YOU TO ARIZONA WITH OPEN ARMS. :)

S wanted in on the gangsta' look. They think the marimba feet are their own personal benches. Who knew?

S did some amazing artwork at school. Love him.

Anyway, that's our week in a nutshell. A boring, and tasteless nut shell. But, boring is good. Heavens knows I like boring. :) Happy Friday everyone, I hope you have a GREAT weekend!

A Belated What's Up Wednesday

2011-09-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Seriously, have to stop working so much. Have to stop doing night and then days. Ruining me. Luckily, I'm off for a few days. Horray!

I know, you're all dying to know how potty training is going and I'm happy to report we're back on track. I'm now giving jelly beans out when she goes potty by herself and that's been an incentive to not just stand in front of me and pee because she doesn't want to pull her pants down. We are nowhere near dry on most naps and not at night, but I'm happy with the progress she's making. She daily asks to go to her 2 babysitters who watch her when I go to work. Sadly, I am nowhere near as fun. Bad news. :)

Mr Middle is slowly being taken to the dark side by his brother. For most of the year he gets up and is super responsible on his own, but Conner is bugging him to NO end in the mornings. Maybe I need to make Conner stay in bed longer... of course, he also broke his clock.... In other news, I spied in S's class this week and he is doing absolutely great. All is well in the land of S. :)

El Presidante has a Star Wars film festival this week at school. It's like Christmas for him. He is thoroughly forming great bonds with friends and I like that. His Jr. High is also all about being in a club or extra-curricular activity. Conner's in some sort of engineering thing-a-ma-jig. He's problem solving the world's problems for his extracurricular activity. His accountability is getting better... slowly....

Poor Drew. His work schedule is insanity. He left this AM at like 5:30, he may come home for a lunch hour but then it's back to school and he may get home at like midnight tonight. He also has something tomorrow. And while I also feel extraordinarily sorry for myself, he has got to be tired from being worked like a dog. Funny how he's part time, no? :)

I'm just plugging along. I have yet to get crafty besides a little jar I made for family home evening. I was inspired by a friends little girl bows though, I think I need to get out my box of ribbon one of these days. I also have some scout patches screaming at me. Man, those patches are loud little buggers.... :)

Thoughtful Tuesday: HPV

2011-09-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here I dive into the world of current events.

Take a deep breath.

I have so many thoughts on this story about Michelle Bauchman and HPV. Let me try and organize them.

1. First off. HPV. Li'l Miss P will be getting it, I guess there's even a chance my boys might get it, although that seems a bit overboard. You just never know, and if your daughter makes one mistake and then dies of cervical cancer... I mean, just get it. HPV's really real, there's lots of good Christian women out there wtih it. It's an STD and it can kill you, and at best it can make you get biopsies of your cervix which can cause a c-section.

2. WHAT THE HECK? She talked to ONE woman who said her daughter became retarded AFTER getting the vaccine. I mean, you don't get it til' you're like a tween.! The girl was perfectly normal and then whamo, she was retarded? Plus, it's one person, and then she decides to spew it in a debate? I'm just so tired of this. I can't tell you how many phone calls I got from worried moms thinking their kids were going to get Autism since they got the MMR. And now to find out it was all really poorly done and not true in the SLIGHTEST? Grrr.... and to think of the kids that have died because they didn't get it. Plus, that whole pertussis outbreak. I don't think people get the whole heard immunity thing. Anyway, I just get really bugged when people talk about vaccines with absolutely no knowledge. I'm interested in these doctors offices that say if your child isn't getting shots you'll need to find a new pediatrician. Hmm, I can't find a link to it. But some pediatric offices are saying that if your child isn't immunized, you'll need to find a new provider. It truly does put the rest of the population (especially newborns) at risk. Also, if you strongly believe your child shouldn't get shots, you probably do need to find a pediatrician that agrees with you. And those are getting more and more rare....

Soapbox done. :)

Miracle Monday

2011-09-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

The only miracle is that I made it through last week. :)

Sometimes you have to take what you can get. Also, my patients on Saturday were SO insane it did make me very grateful for my own life.

It takes a lot to shock me anymore.

They worked their magic. :)

Anyway, it's another week around here, and I'm not working the weekend so I feel like maybe I can make it through. I'm also really trying to focus on getting into a routine here.

I need to focus on some things that I really like to do. I like to be crafty, and I like designing things. I just need to do something that makes ME happy each day.

So, some things I'm hoping to add to my plate this week:

I have some adorable bows to make Miss P, and her hair is getting longer and it'd be fun to put something in it. I got these cute buttons I'm going to make into clips.
I would like to scrapbook up through 2010. I think starting with 2011 I plan to do digital books. Scrapbooks have a place, but as the kids are getting bigger, it's time to make the transition. Plus, it'll be easy to make a copy for the grandparents. Anyone have a digital book service they like (and is well-priced).
I still have a bunch of fabric to make some cute bags out of. I love a bag. I also enjoy sewing. Not a huge fan of cutting out, but I do like seeing how the little stitches can make a big thing. It is a bit of a miracle.
I'd like to take at least one picture every day. I know, it sounds sad that I NEVER have the good camera out, but I love documenting what's going on. I need to be better about it.
I was going to make square foot garden boxes, but I've decided that's too expensive for us right now, and we'd have to fill them with soil anyway. SO, I'm going to just use the plot of land we were going to use and just amend the soil to make it more willing to have plants in it. I need to do another post on this, but I also need to do some research about what grows when here. Stupid new climate. :)
I would also like to set up a playdate every week. Just some time to see another adult. I like adults, they tend to not whine as much and speak in terms that I can almost always understand.

Anyway, just wanting to put something fun on my plate every day. The dessert of life, if you will. What do you do that you enjoy?

The One Where I Whine.

2011-09-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Uh.

Every time I think about this blog all I want to do is whine.

I'm REALLY trying to put myself in a place where I am happy.

I just can't do it.

Most of it is the fact that I signed up for about 50% more shifts then I actually wanted to work because I heard they cancelled a lot, but then they don't cancel.... so I'm working like a crazy woman.

Three shifts this week, almost 30 hours. Plus, I'm grocery shopping, making bread, and all my usual stuff.

I'm expecting a little much out of myself.

Plus, my cigarette lighter in the Subaru stopped working, and that bugs me, and our water softener is filling up too much, and that's bugging me.

I wish the weekend was time for some rest, but I work a 12 hour shift tomorrow, and then it's the primary program practice in Sunday in which I may see some kids eyeballs roll on to the ground if they have to sit nicely much longer.

I need to put myself into the happy place. Maybe I need a crane....

Stretched

2011-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

My kids span 8 years. Somehow I didn't think that would be that big of a deal. I didn't pick it (we took a while to get pregnant with Spencer, and a REALLY long while to get pregnant with P, not by choice -- I actually wanted her and S to be about 2 years apart, in my mind)... but it is what it is.

I often talk to moms about this at work. There are so many pros and cons from both areas. I see them...

The con's of having kids spread out:

I will be in elementary school forever
I feel like a bipolar mom dealing with tween angst and potty training
We have toys for all ages, it makes for a LOT of toys
Sometimes I look at the other moms with kids the same age as P and I don't feel like I really fit in. Sometimes I have too much of the big picture...
My "career" is getting held off for a LONG time. Not sure what/if I want to do when my kids are all in school, but it's not something I have to worry about in a while.

The pro's of having kids spread out:

The older ones are SUPER helpful
Each child has had a TON of one on one time with me, I don't think Spencer felt too slighted when I had P because he was already old enough to have his "own" thing. It's like he had Kindergarten, and I had a baby.
We have toys of all ages, and sometimes each age enjoys the other age.
I can relate to moms with kids of a lot of ages.

Sometimes I just want to SCREAM because I feel like I'm going to be a mom of littles forever. Mostly it's the things lately where Conner has those hormones changing who he is, and P deciding to break me on the potty training.

But I know God gave us each child at the point that we needed them. and that's always a good feeling. :)

What's Up Wednesday

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, first, the bad news. I went from a fully potty trained little girl, to one that won't even go to the bathroom herself. I know she's workin' me hard, but I'm not having it. I remember that Spencer did this same thing. I'm just staying firm with her cleaning it up and potty practice, but I'm losing my mind. I'm sure other people have had this problem? Thoughts? anyone? {help me....}

I worked til' 2 am yesterday. It probably wasn't my smartest move. It was also with night shift so I hardly know any of them, it made me tired.

Conner did this cool cave art thing at school. His teacher covered an entire room with paper and drew on it. Pretty need.

Spencer is so self sufficient. I could kiss him, and I do.

Drew and I never see each other. I have no idea what's up with him. Sometimes I get a text. I've told him to come home early today so I can nap.

We shall see. I hope I remember what he looks like.

Ok, back to potty training. Advice?

A Late Miracle Monday: Mindframe

2011-09-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Things just haven't been peachy lately. I am overwhelmed by my children, one in particular... although, the little Miss has forgotten how to be potty trained, and that isn't my favorite thing in the world. I felt depressed that my life was spiraling downward. Last night as I wrote in the kids journals, and thought about how things were going I was feeling the giant weight of parenthood as I am shaping these little lives into what I want them to be.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about how people depend on someone else to change their life. Or someTHING else. They'll win the lottery, or they presidential change will mix it up for them. The reality that YOU are in charge of your OWN life is a harsh reality that I think some people just can't accept.

And, as I was thinking about the both of these things they slowly congealed into my mind. It's up to me to change my life. I can't be upset that my husband isn't home. I can't be upset that we live in a new place and I feel VERY alone a lot of the time. I can't just wallow in it -- in the same way I couldn't wallow in the fact that he lost his job. I needed to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

And then it clicked.

I need to make myself happy. I had this same brain shift last year.

Also, I need to tackle this problem with el Presidante in the same way that I tackled having to get a new job/sell my house. Etc. I'm a smart girl that can change my life.

I was really hoping my husband could be my more helpful, and that would change my life. But I can't plan on that. You'll notice that the brain shift has to be in the fall, often. The man is never home and him going to graduate school has just made things SO much more fun. Plus, him only working 80%, although it seems like he's definitely doing full time... but either way it's my job to make up the difference with adding shifts like a french whore. :)

Anyway, back to the problem at hand. It's my job to change it -- not anyone else's.

So, I'm reading my standby parenting books, but I'm up for some more teenager-y type ones if anyone has a favorite.

Do you have a problem you're just hoping the problem fairy will come along and fix? :)

Faith as Life

2011-09-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Here I sit, 10 years later. In an obviously similar situation. I've moved to a new town, I have a new job and things are very much in flux. It's the same place I sat as I fed Conner a bottle (and yes, Conner did drink a bottle til he was like 18 months old) on the couch and watched the 2nd tower fall just minutes after rubbing the sleep out of my eyes (I'd worked til' 11 pm the night before, of course).

I wonder how my life is different since that day. I'm not really sure that it is. I still strongly believe that God loves us and he loves our country, my friends, my neighbors. I believe that those terrorists were also sons of God. I can only imagine the disappointment that Heavenly Father has in his children sometimes.

Perhaps, even in me.

But I know that happiness isn't a job, or a town or a friend. It's found through Christ. I think a lot of people realized it that day. I hope they'll realize it again today.

Happy patriot day. I hope we all remember what's really important today.

Ventalicious Thursdays

2011-09-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

I'm really not complaining and being judgemental enough on this blog.
It's true.

So, today is the day where it all spills out.

Has everyone heard about how Kate's show has been cancelled? I have been the author of a few snarky tales about Kate prior to now, but this one has left me dumbfounded. Did she literally think that her kids would be on TV until they went to college? She had no idea that the public would tire of them? She had no fall-back plan. WHAT KIND OF A NURSE IS SHE? I am interested to see what she makes of herself. Maybe she'll realize how posh those kids have had it, and maybe that TV really isn't the hardest job in life. Once the nannies, and the trips, and the fabulous lifestyle are gone, I'd like a little peek into her life. Of course, I don't have cable... so what do I care? :)

Good luck to Kate, she has a lot of people riding on her decisions. It's interesting when reality hits reality stars, no?

What's Up Wednesday

2011-09-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

I had to giggle as I read all the people sending their kids off to school this week on Facebook. We've been in school for a MONTH already (and I'd have to say, I'm GLAD we are). And life rolls on!

Labor day brought our very first visitors, and I must say, that having visitors in a 2400 square foot house is easier then in a 1200 square foot one. In case you couldn't figure that on your own previously. My parents are here for the week... yay!

Drew continues the march of marching band. The band is doing really well, and since we start so early they have lots of time to get ready for their competitions, starting in October. Too bad it's still like 110, daily. I see promises of cooler temperatures on the news. He continues bi-nightly scorpion hunts. He's not a fan of my scorpion fears. That's just a shame....

Conner started jazz band before school this week. I'm jazzed that he has a friend who can help us carpool to it. He's really getting into the trumpet. Not so into the family bank and the things that he needs to do. He's also getting very empty pockets. We've had a LOT of trials in the early morning. Not sure how to fix it, but I'm slowly fading. He just procrastinates. Everything. Did I mention I'm his mom? The anti-procrastinator? It makes for a lovely early morning mix....

I spend a few hours ~~spying~~, I mean helping, in Spencer's class this week. I was glad to see that things are VERY similar to our last school. While his teacher may be best compared to Barbie, I think she has more brains then a plastic doll, make that MUCH more brains. She seems really sweet and on top of discipline and challenging him. What more do I want? :)

P has had a bit of regression on potty training. I believe there were 5 wet pants yesterday and so far just one today. I was expecting this though, and I'm just trying to take it in stride, and continue with potty practice when she makes no obvious efforts to even go. Oh, to be 2. She has tantrums and mixing emotions down to a science. The little dear.

I have ACLS this week, and I'm super jazzed about taking tests on things I've never done/probably won't do. It's the one where you learn to shock people. Uh huh.... tell me when the baby's coming out, people. It's my fifth time, and I am sad to say I'm not sure I'm much better now. Thanks to my parents for coming out to help facilitate it this time.

Life goes on. Our hot little life. :)

Tragic Tuesday: Acceptance

2011-09-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

{Sigh of relief}

This one sure is the point where you say, "it is what it is."

Isn't it?

I really could spend a LOT of time wallowing. I could think about all the friends I don't have anymore, all the support that is lacking, the weather {UH the weather}, how I miss our old school, my old job, all the things that used to be.

I could miss it a lot.

But I wouldn't be happy. Each time I dwell on any of those things, it's like picking at a healing scab. And it just doesn't heal anything. You have to accept the new reality.

That isn't to say that it's not great to reminisce and realize what a GREAT part of your life that is, but I know that there are some videos I can't watch right now. There are some photo albums I just can't flip through. Or I flip back into the other stages.

I also know that if by some weird time change continuum I could go back to the old life, it wouldn't be the same.

Things just never are.

So, you have to accept it.

I guess last week's post sounded like I'm still really depressed about the move. And while I do have my moments (and I think right now I need to realize the scab is still healing, and it's not time to pull out old movies or think about all the happenings at the other school right now), I am very happy here. There were a lot of perks to this move, not the least of which is the fact that God wanted this to happen. We were supposed to move here, and Drew getting laid off just lit a fire under us.

Sadly, that fire is in Arizona. :) I wish he'd put an ice cube under us some days (although, I think I'd rather be hot then cold).

And life goes on, and it's great and we rebuild here. Because THIS is our life. {uh, that sounded too much like Kate from Jon and Kate.... }

Photo Friday: Scout it Out.

2011-09-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Is there anything scarier then a cub scout with a live arrow in his hands? No. I think it would make a great thriller. The cub murders. Ouch.

BUT, Conner is moving on to boy scouts. After much issue with the whole moving ward thing and our last ward being less then involved in the whole scout thing, Conner got his Arrow of Light this week. We're super proud of him.

This ward's scout leader is ON the ball, and the primary presidency really backs him up (many of them were there, I was impressed). Each time a scout advances they'd get to drink blood, or wrestle a bear. It was really cool, and it kept the kids entertained in just the way that little boys love to be entertained.

BUT, it was a lot of work for El Presidante, and we are very proud. Excited for the next chapter of scouting (and by excited I mean a little nervous, I remember all too well all the stupid things my brother did in scouting).

Happy Friday everyone. Let's hope there's lots of reason to bring out the camera next week!

What's Up Wednesday

2011-08-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

Besides the scorpions and the heat, we've got lots going on around here.

Drew started ASU. He said he's one of the older people in the class. Apparently he is surprised by that. I think he thinks he is a high schooler, most of the time. I think his few grey hairs (made more plentiful, thanks to SCUSD) tell the story otherwise. He is a dutiful scorpion killer, going out nightly. If only we could cook them or something....

Conner is loving school. His teachers have a lot of great projects and a lot of it involves using technology, which Conner is ALL. OVER. He's making good friends, and learning that sometimes our friends don't mix well. It's a good lesson to learn. I will have to say that martial law is helping. Honestly, I'm not sure if it's just the extra attention he's getting or what, but it's working well for both of us. We got his gifted testing results back. I'm not sharing them with him, but let's just say he did really well. I'm fairly sure Einstein was a big liar in his youth, am I right?

Spencer is still a mystery. I will say that his high annoying voice is losing some of its power. Thanks, most likely, to peer pressure. I'm excited to go volunteer in his class next week. I did finally find another family in our ward that goes to our school, so that's good news!

P is doing great with the potty training. I will have to take a picture of her dry pants chart, because it's going to be about 12 years before she gets her Dora underpants.... but then it will REALLY be exciting then, won't it? She is learning to play on her own really well. And coming into her own little person. A little person who can not be left alone because of her penchant to play in the toilet. Yes, that much fun.

I am bouncing along. I finally feel like I have things under control. Somewhat. I really want to get more involved in the kids schools, but I'm not sure how... exactly. I am going to the next PTO meeting, so hopefully that will help out. I really need to start finding some things that I'm enjoying. I do enjoy my early morning walks. Just me and my tunes, it's nice to get out. I need to get a hobby though. Or re-start one, as the case is. However, guess whose parents are coming this weekend. Give it up for extra troops!

Drew and I did get callings. yay. Drew is the 2nd counselor in the Elders Quorum (the arm of the church for younger men -- usually under 50'ish). This means he's helping out with moves, and going to meetings in the spare 3 minutes we have in the evenings (btw, how is it that we have moved COUNTLESS people, but have yet to have more then 1 elder ever show up for our own moves?). It's nice to have him really involved in the ward though... because I got a calling in Primary. I am teaching the 4 and 5 year olds. Which, while it is pretty well "my zone" didn't thrill me to my toes. I'm really feeling stifled here at home with kids, kids, kids. However, I'm grinning and bearing it. I do the kids are SO adorable. Last week they were all saying, "Sister Erickson, you are so funny!".... maybe I have found my friends. :)

But never fear, the scorpions AND the heat are continuing. Wanna come visit?

With His Pants On Fire

2011-08-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

The lying has crept back into our house, mostly from el Presidante. I'm not sure if he just didn't do it for a while, because he could tell how entirely overwhelmed I was, or if he was doing it and I was just brushing it aside.

But he's done it a LOT lately. And I'm done.

I'm done, and I have some free time and we're nipin' this one in the bottom.

So, yesterday after telling me the laundry was totally folded, and then me finding it in his room, not folded in the basket I said, fine. Talk to me in the morning.

I went to think in my room about the natural consequence of lying, and why I don't lie all the time. I mean, it can get you out of some consequences....

But for me it's trust. I want people to trust my word.

And honestly, I don't believe a single word that comes out of his mouth lately.

So, he now has 3 areas of anti-trust (is that even a word, in this instance). If he doesn't lie to me for a week, I will repeal one, and if he does lie to me again, he will add to his "sentence"

Current areas of anti-trust:
1. He has to do his homework in my view, most likely in the kitchen.
2. He has to go to bed at 8 pm -- he usually goes to bed at 8:30 and reads for a while, but staying up late is pure privilege which requires trust because I can't stay on top of him all night. What a shame...
3. All jobs have to be checked off with me after they are done. If possible, I will stand there and watch him do them.

He is SO not a fan of these. Hooray. :)

I do have other things in my mind to do if he lies again. Things he will hate, but things that also show I can't trust him. Things like password protecting the computers, or making him practice with me.

I just hope we don't get there.

I'm tired of the lying, and I WANT to trust him. I just can't.

Honestly, I think he thinks that he is smarter then I am. I think he thinks he can get away with anything, because he is the dubious mastermind.

And it's my job to show him he can't.

Martial law, if you will. Game on.