I can't take it anymore. I confess. I'm sneaking around.
I'm hiding a big secret from my husband.
I even made my kids swear not to tell on me.
Promise not to tell?
I'm listening to Christmas music. I know, I know, It's not Thanksgiving yet, but I've waited as long as I could. I broke down and pulled out my case of Christmas music. I had to do it.
I've tried to put it off as long as possible. I have been trying to sneak it in by listening to Handel's Messiah (my favorite Christmas music) but I finally broke out the fun stuff this morning.
It's a mixed cd. I love it.
So what sings "Christmas" to you? What song puts you firmly in the Holiday mood? For me it's The Beach Boys. Nothing says Christmas like listening to the harmonies of the Beach Boys. I remember listening to that record every year as we decorated the tree...yeah, record. I don't know if my kids even know what that is. But I listened to it on my Cabbage Patch record player.
Grr. There are a few really horrendous songs on this cd. I can't stand the adults trying to sing like a lispy kid to be "cute" AAAHHHHH! I'm off to put something else on.
So what is your favorite Christmas music?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Did you know?
Did you know that turning right on red is legal?
Did you know that if your tires are past the white line, then you are technically running a red light before you stopped?
Did you know a ticket is $75?
This public service message brought to you by Dana Stone and her (now-lighter) wallet.
Did you know that if your tires are past the white line, then you are technically running a red light before you stopped?
Did you know a ticket is $75?
This public service message brought to you by Dana Stone and her (now-lighter) wallet.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Veterans.
I read a lot of really amazing posts on Veteran's Day. It's a very important day for me. I have a lot of emotion wrapped up in what the day means and what it represents. So I wanted to write a blog about how strongly I feel about the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that serve or have served their country.
I ususally start off by listing who has served in my family. Me, both my parents, both my grandparents, my sister, my brothers AND their wives, my husband, his father, his grandfather, a couple cousins on both sides, an uncle or two and a few great grandfathers.....b
This is also the year when many nations lost the last remaining WWI vet. The ones I grew up thinking of as "veterans". The last of "the Greatest Generation" is leaving us. The USA only has one left now. He is 107 and may not be around next year.
But somehow in the mess of life, I spent more time getting teary eyed over other blogs....and i can't seem to put my thoughts about all of this into words. I wanted to write about the vets of today vrs vets of WWI. I thought about adding up all the years of service in my family. I wanted to write of my pride in our soldiers. But I can't get it out. It doesn't help when my daughter keeps running in the room yelling, "It's popsicle day! We should eat popsicles! Hooray!" She really is distracting.
The Sunday leading up to Veteran's Day was a tough day. At church we were discussing the bonds between a husband and wife. We talked about how to keep a marriage strong when one partner is gone (deployed). But all I could think about was my friend. It breaks my heart that she no longer has that bond here on earth. Yeah, I know that after this life we can be reunited, blah blah blah. But the fact of the matter is, he isn't coming home. He went off to serve his country. He sacrificed time with his family, knowing that he may not return. It's tough having a soldier leave. It's even harder to know that there are so many who will never come home, that they are leaving family behind. A wife who has to be strong and faithful on her own.
I don't know. Being married to a soldier is hard and it takes a strong, trusting bond to hold them together even when apart. I'm not saying this right, but it just hurts to know that someone doesn't have that.
So in addition to all the other things that I was thinking about veterans day....I was grieving for a friend. Grateful for the willingness to support our nation, but hit hard by the loss. I know the names of too many widows, too many soldiers who sacrificed for our nation.
May our country never forget them.
May they be honored and remembered.
May the widows be remembered for their service and support of thier husbands. While they may not have worn the uniform, they sacrificed for the United States as well.
I ususally start off by listing who has served in my family. Me, both my parents, both my grandparents, my sister, my brothers AND their wives, my husband, his father, his grandfather, a couple cousins on both sides, an uncle or two and a few great grandfathers.....b
This is also the year when many nations lost the last remaining WWI vet. The ones I grew up thinking of as "veterans". The last of "the Greatest Generation" is leaving us. The USA only has one left now. He is 107 and may not be around next year.
But somehow in the mess of life, I spent more time getting teary eyed over other blogs....and i can't seem to put my thoughts about all of this into words. I wanted to write about the vets of today vrs vets of WWI. I thought about adding up all the years of service in my family. I wanted to write of my pride in our soldiers. But I can't get it out. It doesn't help when my daughter keeps running in the room yelling, "It's popsicle day! We should eat popsicles! Hooray!" She really is distracting.
The Sunday leading up to Veteran's Day was a tough day. At church we were discussing the bonds between a husband and wife. We talked about how to keep a marriage strong when one partner is gone (deployed). But all I could think about was my friend. It breaks my heart that she no longer has that bond here on earth. Yeah, I know that after this life we can be reunited, blah blah blah. But the fact of the matter is, he isn't coming home. He went off to serve his country. He sacrificed time with his family, knowing that he may not return. It's tough having a soldier leave. It's even harder to know that there are so many who will never come home, that they are leaving family behind. A wife who has to be strong and faithful on her own.
I don't know. Being married to a soldier is hard and it takes a strong, trusting bond to hold them together even when apart. I'm not saying this right, but it just hurts to know that someone doesn't have that.
So in addition to all the other things that I was thinking about veterans day....I was grieving for a friend. Grateful for the willingness to support our nation, but hit hard by the loss. I know the names of too many widows, too many soldiers who sacrificed for our nation.
May our country never forget them.
May they be honored and remembered.
May the widows be remembered for their service and support of thier husbands. While they may not have worn the uniform, they sacrificed for the United States as well.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The economy and your house...what you need to know
Are you concerned about the state of the housing market? Are you confused by what the effects are going to be? Go check this out.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
VOTE
Voting is a privilege!
Less than 90 years ago women were getting jailed for wanting to vote. Less than 140 years ago African Americans were not allowed to cast a ballot, and it wasn't until 1965 that the Voting Rights Act was passed. Curageous people fought for OUR right to vote. If you are a citizen of the US, please exercise this right today.
Announce to the world that you are part of the greatest nation in the world......and that you take an active part in the future!
VOTE!
Less than 90 years ago women were getting jailed for wanting to vote. Less than 140 years ago African Americans were not allowed to cast a ballot, and it wasn't until 1965 that the Voting Rights Act was passed. Curageous people fought for OUR right to vote. If you are a citizen of the US, please exercise this right today.
Announce to the world that you are part of the greatest nation in the world......and that you take an active part in the future!
VOTE!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Halloween
We had a wonderful time at the ward trunk or treat. Connor was one of many Harry Potters, but I think he was the cutest one! Maddy was adorable as Little Red Riding Hood. Mom made an adorable costume and Becky suprised us with a bunch of bright red bows that morning!
My favorite part of the night is when my costume came true! I wore wings and a tag that said, "Need cash? Ask me about my payment plan!" The big pliers were the best part. The kids all realized that I was the Tooth Fairy right away. I kept teasing them...promising a dollar to the first kid to let me pull a tooth...telling them to eat more candy to their teeth would rot! There were a few kids who were tempted but nobody was brave enough...until Chole ran up! She actually lost her tooth on her own a few moments before....but she played along with me and gave me her tooth. She wanted that dollar! All the other kids fell for it and thought that I really was pulling teeth!
We only went to 2 houses for trick or treating, but the first house was 100% decorated and enthusiastially manned by 6 people. The kids had fun and we managed to make it home without too much junk food!
We only went to 2 houses for trick or treating, but the first house was 100% decorated and enthusiastially manned by 6 people. The kids had fun and we managed to make it home without too much junk food!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
In honor of Halloween.....
I love Joss Whedon's work. I think Nathon Fillion is fantastic. Neil Patrick Harris is pretty funny too!
So get ready for Halloween by watching a show about a mad scientist...
Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long blog.
***Edit***
I just watch it again and laughed all over again...hillarious! For the conservative....There is a slightly adult part in scene 2. Captain Hammer is not very good at innuendo.
So get ready for Halloween by watching a show about a mad scientist...
Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long blog.
***Edit***
I just watch it again and laughed all over again...hillarious! For the conservative....There is a slightly adult part in scene 2. Captain Hammer is not very good at innuendo.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Clutter thoughts part 2 (hijacked but good!)
Wow…that was fun. So, I guess it’s more of a law than a theory—other people’s clutter in our home really is way more annoying than our own.
So now that we know this, what do we do about it?
Well, first off, we need to recognize how universally true this concept is. Virtually everyone agreed with it.
So guess what this means: Your clutter is way more annoying to those you share your home with than it is to you! Ouch.
Now, I realize your kids may not care, but your spouse probably does. And even if he isn’t bothered by your clutter (or wouldn’t admit it), by making our own clutter acceptable, we set the rules of engagement for our entire family. Our actions say “piles are OK” or “shoes in the middle of the floor is how we do it around here” or “clothes almost hitting the hamper is the way to go” and so on.
But that really isn’t what we want, is it? So if we don’t want clutter, we have to start with ourselves and fix our own clutter. Our biggest point of control (possibly our only point of true control, actually) is ourselves. So we have to start with our own clutter first.
In the original blog post, I said that if my own shoes are out it doesn't bother me; but if my kids are out it does. This was true to an extent. When I find my kids' shoes are out, I look around and say...what clues are in place from me, right now, that give my kids the idea that this is acceptable? Are my own shoes out? Is there other stuff out and about that makes it seem as if clutter is the status quo around here? If I look around and see no clutter except for their shoes, then I call them on it and ask them to put their shoes away. They do it and often even say "sorry."
By shifting your focus to yourself and your own clutter, you do a number of things. First, you are now focusing on something you can control—you! And this is very empowering. Second, by clearing up your own clutter you lead by example. You create the rules of engagement for your household and your family.
Once you have your own clutter under control, it is very valid to then ask your family members to get in on the game and follow suit. And if your stuff is all in its designated spot, how can they say no? You've taken away their best excuse.
So now that we know this, what do we do about it?
Well, first off, we need to recognize how universally true this concept is. Virtually everyone agreed with it.
So guess what this means: Your clutter is way more annoying to those you share your home with than it is to you! Ouch.
Now, I realize your kids may not care, but your spouse probably does. And even if he isn’t bothered by your clutter (or wouldn’t admit it), by making our own clutter acceptable, we set the rules of engagement for our entire family. Our actions say “piles are OK” or “shoes in the middle of the floor is how we do it around here” or “clothes almost hitting the hamper is the way to go” and so on.
But that really isn’t what we want, is it? So if we don’t want clutter, we have to start with ourselves and fix our own clutter. Our biggest point of control (possibly our only point of true control, actually) is ourselves. So we have to start with our own clutter first.
In the original blog post, I said that if my own shoes are out it doesn't bother me; but if my kids are out it does. This was true to an extent. When I find my kids' shoes are out, I look around and say...what clues are in place from me, right now, that give my kids the idea that this is acceptable? Are my own shoes out? Is there other stuff out and about that makes it seem as if clutter is the status quo around here? If I look around and see no clutter except for their shoes, then I call them on it and ask them to put their shoes away. They do it and often even say "sorry."
By shifting your focus to yourself and your own clutter, you do a number of things. First, you are now focusing on something you can control—you! And this is very empowering. Second, by clearing up your own clutter you lead by example. You create the rules of engagement for your household and your family.
Once you have your own clutter under control, it is very valid to then ask your family members to get in on the game and follow suit. And if your stuff is all in its designated spot, how can they say no? You've taken away their best excuse.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
FAIRYTALE
My daughter wanted to wear her flowergirl dress yesterday (for a wedding-but not as THE flowergirl) and we took a few minutes to get a picture of her with her Little Red Riding Hood cape for halloween. SHe actually let me take pictures for a whole 2 minutes!
Thanks to my mother in law for the amazing sewing on both projects!
Thanks to my mother in law for the amazing sewing on both projects!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!
GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!
Once again, she has created something really cute and fantastic. (I figure if I keep entering, I'll win something one day!)
Once again, she has created something really cute and fantastic. (I figure if I keep entering, I'll win something one day!)
7 am
7 am. That's all I ask for. I just want to sleep in till 7 am.
PLEASE!
But once again, on the one morning that I even have a chance of reaching that distant goal....I'm woken up.
It's always something new.
Today a little girl stood at my bed at 6 am...."Mommy, I threw up on the couch."
Can I please get a break? Please?
At least she isn't "really" sick. She did this last year too. She gets a runny nose when the weather changes...refuses dinner one night and then spends all night sniffling....perfect recipie for upset stomach. I think she threw up on the couch that time too. Sigh.
PLEASE!
But once again, on the one morning that I even have a chance of reaching that distant goal....I'm woken up.
It's always something new.
Today a little girl stood at my bed at 6 am...."Mommy, I threw up on the couch."
Can I please get a break? Please?
At least she isn't "really" sick. She did this last year too. She gets a runny nose when the weather changes...refuses dinner one night and then spends all night sniffling....perfect recipie for upset stomach. I think she threw up on the couch that time too. Sigh.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Got Bling?
I have a GREAT idea for a contest (see below)....but I need some BLING. I'm offering a free print as a thank you to whomever volunteers to let me photograph their wedding/engagement ring AND their husband's dog tags (I have a simple band if you only have one ring). I will take 2 pictures; one with your husband's dog tags for your print and one with a generic name and social to protect your identity.
Anyone interested? I'd have to shoot this picture next week sometime.
CONTEST 1: THE RING SHOT- PHOTO CHALLENGE
First step is to re-invent the Ring Shot. We've all seen the cliche shot, now is a chance to do something different! There is no restrictions on this, the only thing that you must have in the shot is 2 rings!
Anyone interested? I'd have to shoot this picture next week sometime.
CONTEST 1: THE RING SHOT- PHOTO CHALLENGE
First step is to re-invent the Ring Shot. We've all seen the cliche shot, now is a chance to do something different! There is no restrictions on this, the only thing that you must have in the shot is 2 rings!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Unexpected Consequenses.
Use it up.
Use it out.
Make do.
Do without.
Something to consider.
In our quest to buy less (cause we are broke) or live simpler lives, we (as a consumer driven nation) have been purchasing less. That' s a good thing, right? We create less waste and live more frugal lives.
Apparently due to the decreased demand, 1/2 of the companies in China that make US toys, such as Barbies, Blocks etc. That means 7000 Chinese workers have been laid off in the past month or so.
Maybe we should buy more toys.
Use it out.
Make do.
Do without.
Something to consider.
In our quest to buy less (cause we are broke) or live simpler lives, we (as a consumer driven nation) have been purchasing less. That' s a good thing, right? We create less waste and live more frugal lives.
Apparently due to the decreased demand, 1/2 of the companies in China that make US toys, such as Barbies, Blocks etc. That means 7000 Chinese workers have been laid off in the past month or so.
Maybe we should buy more toys.
Sometimes I wish I was rich.
I saw these shoes on a blog....I LOVE them! Aren't they cute?
So i went to the Fluevog website and looked them up. The "Zaza" shoes are my food budget....
plus some.
I wish I was rich enough that I didn't almost have a heart attack when I saw the price tag!
So i went to the Fluevog website and looked them up. The "Zaza" shoes are my food budget....
plus some.
I wish I was rich enough that I didn't almost have a heart attack when I saw the price tag!
Fess up.
I read this on a great blog and it really hit home! Maybe I should be more sympethetic about my families' clutter.
When it comes to clutter in our own home, every one else's clutter is way more annoying than our own.
If my shoes, for example, aren't exactly in my closet, it doesn't really bother me. After all, I know I'll get them back to where they belong...when I get around to it.
BUT, if my kid's shoes are our out, that’s a whole other story! That’s pretty darn annoying. I mean, the shoe bin is RIGHT there. ;)
EEEEK! I guess I'm so guilty of this! How about you?
When it comes to clutter in our own home, every one else's clutter is way more annoying than our own.
If my shoes, for example, aren't exactly in my closet, it doesn't really bother me. After all, I know I'll get them back to where they belong...when I get around to it.
BUT, if my kid's shoes are our out, that’s a whole other story! That’s pretty darn annoying. I mean, the shoe bin is RIGHT there. ;)
EEEEK! I guess I'm so guilty of this! How about you?
Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
OH MY GOSH! So so cute! I have admired her stuff for a long time...and this one takes the cake!
OH MY GOSH! So so cute! I have admired her stuff for a long time...and this one takes the cake!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hide your Teenage boys before reading this.....
So consider yourself warned. I DID say hide the boys. (That's for all my friends with boys who do NOT need to stare at her-see? I love you!)
Yup. That bra is the 2008 Victoria's Secret Diamond Bra.
Boys will only stare at her chest. (Even though it's a tiny image.)
Girls may wish they had cleavage or hair or a figure like her.
Smart Girls will point out that someone is going to pay 5 MILLION dollars for a USED bra.
Now how about that?
Yup. That bra is the 2008 Victoria's Secret Diamond Bra.
Boys will only stare at her chest. (Even though it's a tiny image.)
Girls may wish they had cleavage or hair or a figure like her.
Smart Girls will point out that someone is going to pay 5 MILLION dollars for a USED bra.
Now how about that?
GratiTuesday
In an effort to maintain my blogging and organizing steam....May I present:
GratiTuesday
It's a simple idea and I only saw the graphic and I loved the idea. So I'm going to try and post something that I'm grateful for. Kind of a public statement of appreciation for the blessings in my life.
1-I'm grateful for my kids love of learning....even if it involves dissecting burglars and reading the same story 6 times.
2-I'm grateful for a computer and the internet.
3-I'm grateful for the numerous patient family and friends who answer my stupid computer questions and reexplain them the next time I call. Shopping for a computer is stressful, but with my friends and family confusing me even more, I feel confident that I have no clue....but that it will probably work out just fine.
So what are 3 things that you are grateful for this instant? Right now? (Not big huge stuff that we constantly express gratitude for, but little things that may not seem "important") Why don't you go blog them! (or comment here!)
GratiTuesday
It's a simple idea and I only saw the graphic and I loved the idea. So I'm going to try and post something that I'm grateful for. Kind of a public statement of appreciation for the blessings in my life.
1-I'm grateful for my kids love of learning....even if it involves dissecting burglars and reading the same story 6 times.
2-I'm grateful for a computer and the internet.
3-I'm grateful for the numerous patient family and friends who answer my stupid computer questions and reexplain them the next time I call. Shopping for a computer is stressful, but with my friends and family confusing me even more, I feel confident that I have no clue....but that it will probably work out just fine.
So what are 3 things that you are grateful for this instant? Right now? (Not big huge stuff that we constantly express gratitude for, but little things that may not seem "important") Why don't you go blog them! (or comment here!)
The Reader
I keep catching her reading. She is really grooving on the fact she can figure out what the words say!
Makeover Monday.
The challenge: Makeover one (small) area of your home that needs a little TLC.
My goal: The bathroom drawer! My makeup is a disaster and needs some organizing! It looks more like a junk drawer than a place for girly stuff.
Join me! Post what your Mini-Makeover is. (No fair reorganizing the attic or garage! Keep it simple!)
Pictures to follow!
My goal: The bathroom drawer! My makeup is a disaster and needs some organizing! It looks more like a junk drawer than a place for girly stuff.
Join me! Post what your Mini-Makeover is. (No fair reorganizing the attic or garage! Keep it simple!)
Pictures to follow!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
How can it look so easy?
I have been accused of being a little bit crazy sometimes. I confess, it's true.
But when I saw this picture I was hooked. What a crazy fun idea!
Imagine opening your lunchbox and seeing your lunch staring back at you?! How fun is that?
The pictures on the site make it look oh so easy. She has perfectly lined up little candy eyeballs and says, "A whole month of fun for LESS than an hour of work."
So of course, I HAVE to try it. But I'm not a frosting/decorating type of person. I don't have a frosting decorator thingy-I just use a plastic bag with the corner cut out. I did want to do this "right" so I bought a cheap one (mistake #1) and some merengue powder.
It is tricky. If it's too thick, your hands get tired really fast. If it's too thick, your cheap decorating bag thing will split and break....getting quick drying frosting all over your hands.
I followed the directions, but 3 cups of frosting is a LOT. I finally quit and said that I had enough. If you try it....and you are like me, a non-cake decorating type of person....beware.
My lumpy eyeballs are not nearly as cool looking but I'm sure the kids won't mind.
But when I saw this picture I was hooked. What a crazy fun idea!
Imagine opening your lunchbox and seeing your lunch staring back at you?! How fun is that?
The pictures on the site make it look oh so easy. She has perfectly lined up little candy eyeballs and says, "A whole month of fun for LESS than an hour of work."
So of course, I HAVE to try it. But I'm not a frosting/decorating type of person. I don't have a frosting decorator thingy-I just use a plastic bag with the corner cut out. I did want to do this "right" so I bought a cheap one (mistake #1) and some merengue powder.
It is tricky. If it's too thick, your hands get tired really fast. If it's too thick, your cheap decorating bag thing will split and break....getting quick drying frosting all over your hands.
I followed the directions, but 3 cups of frosting is a LOT. I finally quit and said that I had enough. If you try it....and you are like me, a non-cake decorating type of person....beware.
My lumpy eyeballs are not nearly as cool looking but I'm sure the kids won't mind.
Friday, October 17, 2008
For Crying Out Loud
I know many of those who actually read this blog saw my insane son at the Birthday party. He was running around and crazy as can be expected....the sugar hit him hard and he was running around.
He came home happy and tired. After prayer, I gave him a hug and could not believe how hot he was. 103.5! I checked in both ears several times to be sure. For CRYING OUT LOUD. I am so sick of this fever.
It's not strep. It's not an ear infection. He says he feels fine. So why the heck won't this fever go away? Every time I think he is better.....it comes back.
Sigh.
He came home happy and tired. After prayer, I gave him a hug and could not believe how hot he was. 103.5! I checked in both ears several times to be sure. For CRYING OUT LOUD. I am so sick of this fever.
It's not strep. It's not an ear infection. He says he feels fine. So why the heck won't this fever go away? Every time I think he is better.....it comes back.
Sigh.
Productive Me.
Last night I finally overcame my prediliction for procrastination and fixed the electrical problems. There has been no power to the attic, master bath, kids bath OR the garage for a MONTH. I am such a procrastinator. The freezer has been connected to an extention cord that's plugged into the laundry room. So pathetic.
So I had to replace the GFCI outlet that was bad so the rest of the outlets on the same circut would work again. That meant moving the freezer and replacing that outlet.
After a few stressful moments I realized the GFCI outlet I bought was defective! Grrrr. A quick trip to the store and a new outlet solved the problem. I only broke one wire, so I only had to mess with stripping one.
The hardest part was getting all the heavy duty wires back into the box. I really had to work for that! But now I have power...Horray!
Yesterday I made muffins and chicken stock, now my house smells so yummy that I want to bake all day! But this morning, Maddy and I were very productive. We planted flowers, cleaned her room, made Cranberry-Pumpkin Muffins together,
washed the dishes together, worked on pictures. I edited a photo of Matt to make a Daddy Doll for Super Saturday. I'll run to Target to return a blender that just didn't cut it and today will be full. Maddy is currently writing letters to her Dad. Every few minutes I hear.."How do you spell LOVE? I can spell cake "K-A-K"!"
So I had to replace the GFCI outlet that was bad so the rest of the outlets on the same circut would work again. That meant moving the freezer and replacing that outlet.
After a few stressful moments I realized the GFCI outlet I bought was defective! Grrrr. A quick trip to the store and a new outlet solved the problem. I only broke one wire, so I only had to mess with stripping one.
The hardest part was getting all the heavy duty wires back into the box. I really had to work for that! But now I have power...Horray!
Yesterday I made muffins and chicken stock, now my house smells so yummy that I want to bake all day! But this morning, Maddy and I were very productive. We planted flowers, cleaned her room, made Cranberry-Pumpkin Muffins together,
washed the dishes together, worked on pictures. I edited a photo of Matt to make a Daddy Doll for Super Saturday. I'll run to Target to return a blender that just didn't cut it and today will be full. Maddy is currently writing letters to her Dad. Every few minutes I hear.."How do you spell LOVE? I can spell cake "K-A-K"!"
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