FINALLY!!!!

The Legacy

2010-04-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

I have just returned home from northern Utah. It wasn't a pleasure trip. It wasn't a trip to visit with my sister and her family. This was a journey for my sister-in-law Edith. This was a journey to remember her husband Dave.

Edith buried her sweetheart on Wednesday.

Dave has left behind a wonderful legacy. He left behind his sweetheart of 39 years, 7 beautiful children and 15 grandchildren.

But this is not his only legacy.

Dave loved his family and the Lord above else. He taught his children through example. He had the gift to make each grandchild think that they were his favorite. He was known by his peers as an honest man in an industry where this is not always the norm. This is how he lived.

His quiet, unassuming life affected more people than his family realized.

He will be missed. Yet his legacy has drawn us closer. Shown us the path that we need to be on.

His death brought an extended family together to mourn his passing. A family that has struggled for years because of past hurts. With each gathering the hurting becomes less. The healing can continue.

You never know when your time on this earth will end; when the Lord will call you home.

I don't want to have any regrets.

I have a phone call to make.

I have a relationship of my own to repair.

Lions & Tigers & Bears, OH MY!

2010-03-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

NO.

I haven't been off to see the wizard.

But this past week, I have been to that place in Oz where those infernal flying monkeys buzz around your head and dive bomb you.

I've been visiting that place where just the thought of Munchkins dancing around would cause you to pick one up and toss them head first at Galinda and her irritatingly sweet voice.

This week week I have been visiting the land where the yellow brick road does not reach. The land where the roads aren't paved in gold.

It is the land where you are forbidden to take your thyroid meds for two weeks, and as a result you also forget to take your hormones as well.

In this land for the duration of my stay, I will be donning a bathing suit, in my whiteness and all, humming the tunes of WICKED. The bathing suit will help with the hot flashes, the humming I'm hoping will help me get to a happy place for the sake of my family.

Please pray for them.

I hope they make it out of this land alive.

How long does it take hormones to kick back in? Maybe I'll ask one of the flying monkeys.

So A Lady Walks Into A Doctor's Office....

2010-03-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Why, why, why, must we step on that infernal scale EVERY time we walk into the doctor's office?

WHY?????

I think next time when I am asked to step on the scale I will say...."after you!" And see what happens.

You know your weight is then catalogued and followed with a follow up comment. The comment to me was...."Oh, you seem to have gained a few pounds."

{Gasp} "Really?" <----(sarcasm)

"No wonder my belt has seemed a little tighter." (Looking for whole to crawl into.)

But not to worry! After my two shots of thyrogen and my radioidine pill, I don't feel like eating. So, when I go in to visit the doctor in a few weeks, my belt will fit just fine!

It Happened AGAIN!

2010-02-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

IT HAPPENED AGAIN PEOPLE!!!

I was sitting in a restaurant (I do occasionally eat at home) minding my own business when I spotted the child of famous blogger.

This little one is such a cutie! Oh my goodness! You just want to squeeze her!

And she wasn't even freaked out when I ran over to her and picked her up and swung her around and yelled, "I know your mom! I know your mom!"

Ok, maybe I didn't go that far, but I got a big hug out of her by the end of dinner. She is so adorable and might I add, very mature for her age.

You are welcome Miss D!

Oh, and did I mention that I got to eat dinner with her mother as well? LOVE HER! She is the craziest Nutty Hamster Chick you will ever run across!

There was this other guy at the table that was sporting some hand mustache. Kinda weird, but he paid my bill, so I wasn't about to complain.

Seriously, what are the odds of running into another famous blogger's child? (And the blogger too of course!)

I {heart} Cafe Rio

2010-02-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's not just the food that's amazing, but the people you see.

I've been there twice this week alone for lunch. I'm spoiled, I know. I was there on Wednesday eating lunch with two coworkers when a cute lady just plopped down in the seat beside me. I screamed. We hugged. We laughed.

We made arrangements for a lunch date to celebrate our February birthdays and we thought we better bring along this lady too. Her birthday is in February as well. Weird! Let's set the date ladies!

As I was leaving I walked by a table and recognized a young man sitting there. I knew him when he was this big (pointing to my knee). Fine! He was taller than my knee, but he was very young. I knew him before he was all grown up and had a family of his own. I knew him before my youngest was born. My youngest turns 19 this summer. {SIGH} I am old.

So today when I went to Cafe Rio with my hubby for lunch, I thought the coolest part was standing in line and finding a wad of cash on the ground. But noooooo! Although my hubby would disagree with that!

The coolest part was meeting this lady's daughter.

I'm pretty sure i freaked her out. But she's going to have to get used to being the daughter of a famous Dummy.

I {heart} Cafe Rio. I have to go more often!

When The Answer Is No

2010-02-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

My wish for my sister did not come true.

Tears have been shed.

At times like this they begin to flow freely again.

I know she is hurting.

She has loved this beautiful baby.

We all have.

I know that my sister would not have changed a thing.

She has given this little girl a wonderful start.

Hope.

Love.

Stability.

Belonging.

Boundaries.

Family.

This is what we all desire in life.

My sister is a hero.

My sister is my hero.

The tears will stop ........

My Wish

2010-01-29T14:18:00.000-08:00

I have a wish.

It's a simple wish.

It involves a little girl and an amazing family who love her dearly.

I will know on Tuesday if my wish for them comes true or not.

My prayers are with you Toad.

Christmas Party 70's Style

2009-12-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

Friday was my annual work Christmas party. This year we had a theme. "Christmas Disco Bash." With that in mind I have included pictures for your viewing pleasure......feel free to laugh. I did!

#2 son, Me, Hubby (#1 son had something "better" to do)

There were competitions...

(I missed it by THAT much!)

Hubby & I doing "The Bump" & we won this competition. Best 70's couple!

#2 son (far left) strutting his stuff, came in 2nd like his momma!

We had skits......

Aquatics staff and their hilarious skit!

My coworkers as the Jackson 5

We had fun!

More coworkers that crack me up!

My boss & her hubby (left), Operations Mgr & his wife (right)

We all went home well fed and laughed out! Can't wait to see what next year brings!

What Did You Do?

2009-11-01T22:52:00.000-08:00

This is what we did for Halloween...

What did you do?

Happy Anniversary!

2009-10-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! We were married in Mesa, AZ 23 years ago. In the years since that day on Oct 10th I have marveled at how in all this time, he still loves me. He is quite the catch (as some were quick to point out early on).

So, why would he choose me? Well why not? We make each other laugh. We understand each other's humor. We have similar interests. We compliment each other. He is strong where I am weak and I am strong where he is weak. We love each other. He is HOT! He has an AWESOME smile. Ok, I tease about the smile! But that's what we do, we tease! We joke, we try not to take things too seriously, because frankly our life has been far too serious at times. We have made sacrifices for our boys. And with these trials and sacrifices our love for each other has grown stronger and deeper.

I married my best friend. It doesn't get any better than that!

Dear Me

2009-09-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Me,

(Ummmm, why are you still reading? This is for me...ahem... )

Ok, I think they are gone, so, I have some questions to ask if you don't mind. You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but these questions have been on my mind for a while.

1. Why is it that I have a headache every single Sunday? (Ok, I have a headache every day of the week, but on Sunday they are just out of control.)

2. Why are teeth the first thing I look at when I meet someone?

3. Why is there an otter pop stain on my keyboard when there is no food allowed at the computer?

4. Why do I find it so hard to be motivated to do something on the weekend when I can work my butt off all week long?

5. Who shot the sheriff?

6. How did I end up with such a nice guy as a husband?

7. Why are you still reading this? (Not me, you!)

Love Me.

PS, If you (yes you) figure out some of the answers, please let me in on them! Thanks!

Did I ever mention......

2009-08-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Did I ever mention that I work at the coolest place?

Did I ever mention that they sometimes have these crazy specials?

Did I ever mention that their specials are C.R.A.Z.Y?

Yep, this one is nuts! And I am sharing it with you!

This starts September 1st.

So the deal is........

$333 IS BACK!!!

Bring your family & friends and sign up together and you can receive an Annual Family Pass (up to 6 family members) for $333!!! You must have 3 families signing up at the same time to receive this AWESOME deal!

One Annual Family Pass = $399
Two Annual Family Passes=$749
Three Annual Family Passes= $999*
Don’t delay! This offer ends Oct 31st!

(And of course the disclaimer.......)
*Purchase 3 yrs for $333 or bring in 2 other families with you. Must sign up at the same time in order for offer to apply. Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer.

So if you are interested, gather your friends and head on over to the

WASHINGTON CITY COMMUNITY CENTER

350 North Community Center Drive

Washington, Utah

(435) 656-6360

and while you are there, stop in and say hello!

Forgetfulness

2009-08-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am a forgetful person. It is hard for me to learn new things. It hasn't always been this way for me. When I was younger, I didn't have to study at all. I just remembered things that I had learned. If I didn't think it was important, or if I didn't like a particular subject in school, I just "pushed" the information out of my thoughts.

This "pushing" has come in handy for other things as well. Although, my body would tell you that there are consequences to "pushing" thoughts out of my head.

But now my problem is this.......

How do you retrain your brain to remember things when for 40+ years you have trained it to "forget"?

Lake Powell Bound

2009-08-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

While most of my friends are scurrying around preparing to send their children back to school tomorrow, I am heading to Lake Powell.

My boys are grown.

It's weird to say that, cause to me they are still my babies. That is until they stand in a doorway and take up all the space. Then reality hits. They ARE grown.

So, as you send your babies off to school, think of me basking in the sun playing in the sand and cooling off in the water. (I just made myself jealous!)

Now I am going to pack my next book on my reading list...... I can't wait!

Calling All Judges

2009-08-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

No it's not a new TV show, it is my life.

Apparently if I don't want to be judged, I just shouldn't answer the phone.

Or, if I answer the phone, my answer should be yes, and then I won't have to hear this on the other end of the line........

"Oooohhhhhhhhh......tsk.....(sigh). Alriiiiight then. Goodbye."

After all, no matter how much you may judge me, I am a much harsher judge of myself than you can EVER be. True story.

Teardrops on my Guitar

2009-07-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who missed it, the hubby sang karaoke at my work party Saturday night.

He sang under duress.

He is NOT a singer.

I signed him up to sing the song.

When he complained about me signing him up to sing the song I assured him he would have fun.

What I meant to say was that I would have fun watching him.

I did.

At first it was kind of sad. He really is a mediocre {bad} singer. The tune was so far off that you couldn't recognize the song. He looked forlorn standing up there on the stage. Kind of like he was going to puke, or kill me. But I just couldn't help myself.

I was doubled over in laughter. I had tears in my eyes.

Of course I have no photographic evidence.

My coworker however, has a video.

True story.

Flashbacks

2009-07-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

Last week was a week of flashbacks.......then I read Crash's post on driving in a VW van and flashed back again. Only our family didn't have a van we had a VW Beetle.

The flashbacks are fading.

This is good.

This is a new week.

This is even better.

THE REASON FOR MY IRRITATION

2009-07-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

HA! You thought it was because of all the postings about some wonderful lunch some of you got to got to at the OG the other day......didn't cha? HUH????

Ok, I have to admit, I was jealous that I wasn't there to try on Kristina's famous snuggie, or see Pat make her famous face {again}, or see Shelle's cute gap in her teeth, or smell the bread that Val made, or see those ruby red slippers that Barbaloot was wearing.

FINE!

I was irritated that I couldn't be there to see the ultimate dummy, Crash herself and her wayward brother! Who wouldn't be irritated?

But I am over that {almost}.

I have a BIGGER problem on my hands people!!!!

I have been sending messages through my wonderful message center to my not so wonderful mortgage company who I shall name!

Countrywide Mortgage was recently bought out by Bank of America. I am NOT impressed.

We refinanced our little piece of heaven {hell} that we have been fixing up and when we refinanced asked the powers that be to make sure that our HELOC was included in the new loan.

"No problem." "We can do that." "Is there anything else we can do for you Mr. & Mrs. E?"

And why would I think there was anything wrong? Everytime I logged into my account to pay, there was my HELOC. Showing my balance and when I owed my next payment of $0.

We have never used it. But we want to. We want to now! But we can't. Yet no one at the former Countrywide and current Bank of America can tell us why. Why our account shows that we have such and such funds there, but we can't use them.

So, after 5 months of asking nicely, I don't feel so nice any more. After 5 months of, "We'll have an answer for you next week." And then the phone never rings.......I am HOPPING MAD!

I have sent 3 messages over 3 weeks through my personal account to them on the matter. NOTHING.

Yet their message board says they will get to me in 1 to 2 business days. {LIAR}

Now they have wasted far too much of my time and energy. And they have promised me something they have not delivered on.

You don't want me mad Bank of America! Cause I have a blog. Now, I will write about you on my blog. And now I will label you on my blog. And when my friends go to refinance their homes, or purchase a home I know who to tell them NOT to finance through.

What would you do if you were in my situation?

The Things I Carry

2009-06-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

This post is mostly true. It is an account of what I carry throughout a day..........

I am usually grateful when Sunday has passed as it is the hardest day of the week for me. Ever since I was a little girl, Sunday has been far from a day of rest.

I carry my scriptures -2.1 pounds- along with my binder for Young Womens which weighs about eight ounces. I sling my green leather purse-5 pounds- minus my cell phone -4 ounces- over my shoulder and slip on my glasses -4 ounces- as I head out to church.

Sometimes I leave the kitchen sink behind -20 pounds- and other times I tuck it in the corner of my purse because I never know when I will need it. I also take with me to church the guilt of not being a good enough mom-100 pounds-, not being a good enough wife-99 pounds- and being a horrible daughter- 1000 pounds. I carry along with that the worry that someone {anyone} will find out -1000 pounds.

After church is over I head home to take some much needed ibuprofen because I have just learned in class and through the talks given that what I am doing is still not good enough.

I am exhausted.

I don't know how I can carry this load home.

I am ready for Monday.

I am ready for a break.

My First Award!

2009-06-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Raders Out Loud has given the Premio Meme Award to my blog. I met Queen a couple of weeks ago when she was visiting the city I live in. We went out to lunch with Shelle and were instant friends. She is so fun and witty. She is my type of friend!

So, the rules of this award, is that I must tell 7 things about myself and then give this award to 7 people. Well, here goes nothing.....

1. I have lost over 60 pounds over the past 5 years. (Not as much as Queen, but we've seen each other's "before" pictures!)

2. I hate speaking in public (like at church or to large groups). My heart pounds and I feel like I'm going to faint or yak!

3. I am a Twix junkie (but would prefer an Aero Bar or Caramilk). Since I can't get my hands on Canadian chocolate bars, I eat two mini Twix bars every night.

4. I was born in Canada but have now lived in the States for longer than I lived in Canada. The rest of my family except for one sister still lives there. I eventually plan to take the test to become a US citizen....like my younger sister did.

5. I hate cooking. I love food, but I hate cooking, although, since my new kitchen has been finished, I am more apt to cook.

6. I used to own my own gift store.....and loved it! That was my dream, to own my own store. But it ended when we moved to Utah. Maybe again, one day.

7. I have only ever had one speeding ticket since I was 16 yrs old. I got it when I was 18, the day before I was leaving for college. And I do speed. Frequently.

So, I hope this wasn't too sappy for you Queen! :) Now, for who to choose to continue this on....hmmmmm.

I choose:

Serenity Now

The Hamster Wheel

livin' la vida utah

Ramblings of an Islander

The Papa's

Kazzy's Ponderings

You Asked For It

If I didn't hit you this time around....don't worry....I'll get you next time!

MY BEST FRIEND

2009-06-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

My hubby is my best friend. That's why I married him.

He answered all of my premarital questions correctly.

I had a long list of them too! It wouldn't be easy but he passed with flying colors. Some of the questions were......

Will you change diapers? Check
Will you love me if I gain weight? Check
Will you get up with the kids in the night? Check
Will you do dishes? Check
Will you do laundry? Check
Will you love me forever? Check

Seriously, they were some qualifying questions that I had. I had my fair share of dating guys who said they would NEVER touch a diaper. GOOD-BYE.

Some said that dishes were women's work. SEE YA.

Then after a stormy relationship I met Drew. He was calm, quiet, sincere. He served others. He loved God. He honored his parents. He adored his mother. He had a good sense of humor.

He was exactly what I was looking for.

I have been blessed to have him in my life. He is my support. He is my rock. He is my love. He improves my surroundings just by being there.

Happy Father's Day to the father of my boys.

I LOVE YOU!

HUGE GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-06-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Remember how I have been fixing up my kitchen for what seems like FOREVER!!!!

Well guess what I came across today? A HUGE giveaway! It would be PERFECT in my new pantry. I don't know why I am even telling you this......oh ya, because then I get to have another entry!

So head on over to the Shelf Reliance Blog. HURRY! They are giving away their Harvest 72". True story! It holds up to 600 cans and retails out for $459.99.

It will rotate your cans so your canned foods don't spoil! What more can you ask for?

WHAT? You want me to win? You guys are AWESOME!!! ;]

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING.....ERRR PICTURE

2009-06-07T18:04:00.001-07:00

As I wrote on facebook page, I had my picture taken with Sione & Filipe from Season 7 of Biggest Loser. I love these guys! I loved them on the show! I rooted for them and was so sad when they were voted off by he who shall not be named.

Yes, that is me and Filipe! (With Sione in the background)

This pic is a little fuzzy.....camera phone quality can't be beat! Anyways, Sione, me and Filipe! (I can't stop smiling!)

Sione and Filipe made a special appearance at my place of employment on Saturday and are doing a "Boot Camp 4 Life" there on Mon, Tue & Wed.

I am giddy! I am star struck! I even got to see Sione's cute wife and daughter. (I'm starting to sound like Nutty Hamster Chick as she stalks the BYU football team!)

Oh, and did I mention that I had lunch this week with Shelle AND Queen this week? Two superstars in the blogworld!

I'm on a roll!

And Queen, we'll just keep our second lunch date to ourselves, K?

THE GRADUATE

2009-05-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Broc and me before commencement exercises.

Broc with his brother Chase, and with his dad showing a rare smile!

The family after graduation posing for the camera. Drew smiling as usual. :)

THE GRADUATE

(AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ME)

I never thought this day would come. Some days seem to drag on forever. Sometimes bedtime did not come fast enough. I was warned about this day. I was warned by moms who had "been there", "done that".

I am a step away from being an empty nester. I know, I don't look that old. (QUIT LAUGHING! I can hear you!)

Broc graduated from HS last week. We only had one minor incident with him at his graduation. The part where he glided across the stage on his heelies after he got his certificate. Other than that everything went off without a hitch.

Now, in the fall, he will go to the local college for a year. He's only 17. We have to keep him busy until he's 19. We have 14 months to go. Wish me luck. He's a flirt.

After that, Chase (our oldest) will be enrolling in college. He too will be moving away from home. He is working and earning money right now. The job he has right now already takes him away from home during the week and he is home on the weekends. We are almost there.

So, come next summer, my hubby and I will be in our mid to late 40's and have no kids at home. That is weird! The house will be quiet except for the dog freaking out every time we come home. So happy to see us after she has spent a long day napping.

Maybe one of the boys will take her with them. Can dogs go on missions? Hmmmmm.

The Shackles ARE Falling

2009-05-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

As I was sitting at the computer this morning, I heard the following distinct phrase in my head....

the shackles are falling....chains of the bondsmen no longer are bright. (LDS HYMN #237, Do What Is Right)

Yes, it is true. Though the past couple of days have been rough. Some of the things I have been working through have been hard......the shackles are falling.

The puzzle pieces lay on the floor.

I have walked away.

My hands are free.

The shackles are falling.

I am "brightened by hope".

I am pressing onward.

I am worth it.

The shackles ARE falling.

It feels wonderful!

Not for the Weak

2009-05-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Change is not for the weak.

And right now, I am weak.

I am tired of change.

Tired of changing.

I am tired of putting my brain through one change after another.

Now I'm just whining. But you get my point don't you?

Change is hard.

Change for the better is good, but I feel like I've been through the ringer! You know the old ringer washer where you would feed the clothes through the two rollers. As the clothes go through the rollers the excess water is squeezed out.

I feel like a piece of clothing going through the rollers. I am being squeezed. I have nothing left.

I am trying to assimilate what I am learning into my life and trying to eliminate what I don't need. It sounds so simple.

Now picture yourself holding a jigsaw puzzle.

And imagine that puzzle you are holding represents your life.

As you are holding your life in your hands, you are told to drop that puzzle on the ground.

You know that if you do this that it will break into hundreds of pieces. You also know that you can't do anything while you are stuck holding a jigsaw puzzle. If you drop the puzzle, your hands are free. However, if you hold onto it, you are bound. The dropping of that puzzle represents the beginning of your freedom. So, you weigh out your choices.

What kind of life will you have walking around with a puzzle in your hands the rest of your life? Guarding it ever so carefully so that nothing happens to it. What kind of life is that? It is a safe life. It is a life that you may be comfortable with. It is a life that you know. But it is not the best life for you. It is not the best life for me. So out I step. Out of my comfort zone. The comfort zone that has protected me for so many years. Yet this protection has come with a cost. The cost is joy, happiness, friendship, love of self.

I drop the puzzle. I drop the life I know so well.

The puzzle pieces now lay on the ground. Some lay face up and some lay face down. When I chose to drop the puzzle and free my hands, I felt that I chose a monumental task for myself. I felt I would have to sift through all of these pieces to see what pieces were still relevant and what pieces were no longer relevant in my life. These pieces I would discard.

Day in and day out I have been racing through my thoughts, looking in the recesses of my mind for areas I may have missed. What if I missed this area? What if I forgot about that? I have been sorting through my mind as if it were the puzzle pieces that fell to the ground. I have been wasting my energies on "what if's" instead of focusing on the here and now. I felt life was getting in the way, instead of the puzzle pieces getting in the way of my life.

The puzzle pieces are on the ground. There they may stay.

I'm tired.

I'm hard on myself.

I don't want to look at any more puzzle pieces......maybe that's why I'm on day 2 of a migraine.

I want my life.

The Rest of the BBFF's Story (Not for the Queasy)

2009-05-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was an AWESOME day! I got to meet up with 3 blog friends! I know you're jealous!

I had already met Nutty Hamster Chick (Pat) last month when she won the WICKED ticket and we went to see it with Serenity Now (Robin -my sister) and my sister-in-law.

On Tuesday I was to meet up with Pat, T (You Asked For It) and Shelle! I was soooooo excited!

So, on Tuesday, I was sitting at my desk at work. It was 11:50am. I was to meet the girls in 40 minutes. My cell phone rings. I don't recognize the number, so I answer it.

Me: Hello?

Man: Hello, Mrs E? This is Mr So & So at Such & Such High School. We have your son Broc in the office. His finger is bleeding pretty badly and he's in a lot of pain. His fingernail is hanging by a thread. He was in ceramics class and a door fell on it. He'll need to be taken to the doctor to have it looked at.

Me: (Thinking to myself) Oh CRAP! I can't go pick him up and take him to the doctor! I have a lunch date in half an hour! He'll have to find another way to the doctor's office. Will he hate me? Oh, I don't care. I have a lunch date with 3 blog friends! The fingernail will have to wait!

Me: (after long pause) Someone, either myself (fat chance) or my husband will be there to pick Broc up in a little bit. I'll try to get hold of my husband.

So, I scrambled!

I called my husband, praying he didn't have any pressing meetings or appointments! After all, I didn't want Broc to have to sit in the Office for a couple of hours in pain, while I had lunch!

WHEW! Drew had no plans!

I gave Broc strict instruction NOT to show his dad his fingernail! My hero doesn't do accidents, blood, needles, hospitals, childbirth or anything that involves trauma.

If he tries to, this is what happens.......

Because Broc was having this removed.........this is your gross photo warning....see above photo as to what could happen to you if you are faint of heart......(there Youngblood and Kazzy...is that better? hehehehehe)

But, then again, I had no idea, because I was too busy laughing at Shelle's space in her teeth, T throwing forks and buns on the floor, and learning how to make Pat's infamous face!

I think I'm in the running for Mother of the Year....what do you think? This face for my picture?

Next time......pedicures! NOT!

My Lost Key

2009-04-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

I found my key the other day. I didn't know it was lost. It isn't a key to any tangible door. I had an "AHA" moment, and then, right before me was the key.

My key.

A key that I had begged for. Cried for. Longed for. Hoped for. Prayed for. There it was, right in front of me.

I have been searching for control in my life. Control over my life. Control of my life. The more things I tried to control the less control I seemed to have. That was THE KEY. I was trying to control THINGS, while still allowing OTHERS to have control over me.

I have found my key. CHOICE.

I choose to take my life back. I choose to be responsible for my life. That means I hold no one else responsible for what happens to me.

I CHOOSE ME.

For those of you who know me, or of my circumstance, THIS IS BIG.

I have allowed others to have too much control over my life. I allow what others think of me to dictate what I will say, how I will act or who I will be.

I am good enough as I am.

I am worthy of love as I am, just because I AM.
I choose to be happy instead of indifferent.
I choose to love not just be loved.
I choose peace instead of anger.
I choose my husband and sons.
I choose joy.

By choosing my own destiny I am taking back my life. The life I have been searching for all these years.

I thank God for small miracles and ask for one more.

(I went to the doctor this week and received some not so great news. I will know more in July. You may get to see me glow again.)

I'm Not THAT Girl.....Or Maybe I Am!

2009-04-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

We're Off To See The Wizard!

Me meeting Pat for the first time......and eating at Rumbi's.....yummy!!!

The show has ended....and far too soon! We have our programs...and I have my T-shirt!

I'm telling Glinda that she should send me more tickets! True story!

Me searching for my lost sister-in-law. She said she was BY the ladies' restroom, not IN the ladies' restroom!

There she is! Found at last!!!

We can't believe it's over!!! How rude!!

Ok, so, I FINALLY figured out how to post pics in the body of my text, so YEAH for me! I'm THAT girl. I just figured it out on my own!

I'm also THAT girl who got to see WICKED for the FIRST time! I was so excited to be able to see it. I have been listening to the music for almost 5 years! I read the book. I HAD to see the play!

And I'm THAT girl who got to meet my first blog friend! I got to meet Nutty Hamster Chick! She is an AMAZING person! We had so much fun, even if it was just for an afternoon and we didn't get to sit by each other in the theater.

I'm THAT girl who has an awesome sister who got us to the Capitol Theater in the nick of time too! WHEW!

I'm THAT girl who wants to see WICKED again!!!! Any takers?

AND THE WINNER IS........

2009-04-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS PAT!!!

Call me or email me and we can make arrangements to have fun at the show on Thursday afternoon!!!

Sorry to Dede and Shelle who also had my birth year correct. Now I will owe you two lunch.....wait....is that right? (I just want everyone to win!)

It came down to drawing a name from a hat……I hope the hat was clean….eeeewwwww!

GIVE AWAY!!!

2009-04-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

IT'S MY FIRST GIVE AWAY!!!!

This week I am going to see WICKED at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City on Thursday afternoon at 2pm. My husband got me the tickets (see this post for the story) and we were supposed to go together.

I say "supposed" to go together on Thursday, just like the remodeling of our house was "supposed" to be done by the time our son got home from his mission. (Not a "dig" just an observation!)

But the walls came tumbling down on Saturday (literally) in our kitchen. The new kitchen cabinets are in, granite countertops are in, the wall texturing has been done. NOW, we need to lay the flooring and finish the landscaping. When I say "we" I am speaking in the Queen's english here. The "we" is my husband and he only has so many hours in a day after his full-time job and after he has filled his calling in the bishopric.......so.....that is where the GIVE AWAY comes in. He can't make it to WICKED. He wants to stay home to work on the house so "we" can have it ready for our son's Homecoming talk.

I am giving away his WICKED TICKET.

The seats are NOT together. We are all on our own once we get to the Theater. They are Mezzanine seats and the ticket can be picked up either at the Theatre the day of the show (right before) or at my sister's house the night before. Either way, the winner can let me know through email.

NOW.....how do you win? EASY! Guess the year I was born without offending me! HAHAHAHA!!! So, if you guess that I am too old! I will be VERY offended and you are out of the running! If you guess that I am too young, then I know you are just sucking up!

Remember the show is in Salt Lake City on Thursday April 9th at 2pm. So, if you can't be there, then, don't try to win the (one) ticket. You are guessing for yourself. There are NO transfers. I want this to be fair to all. The Give Away will close on Tues April 7th at 6pm. I will announce the winner by 10pm. (My sister Robin is the verifier of the year of my birth.)

HAPPY GUESSING!!!!

READY.........GUESS........

AND IN THE END......

2009-04-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

He's home safe and sound. It was a great experience to meet him at the little airport we have here in our little town. The coziness of the airport makes it that much more of an intimate experience for the missionary returning along with his family and friends.

He served honorably and well. He has stories that would make you squirm. His white shirt was not so white. Grey as a matter of fact. But, he was home. Safe and sound.

My boy is home.

He is entering a new phase of his life. I am excited for what the future holds for him. I hopeful in these trying and uncertain times. That's what faith can do for you. That's the brightness that a newly returned missionary brings home with him. I highly recommend it!

AAAHHHHHH!!!!!

2009-04-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS "THE" DAY

2009-04-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's true, this is the day I have been waiting for! Some of you know what I am talking about, others have know clue. For the past two years I have been waiting for this.

2009-04-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

My granite countertops have FINALLY been installed in my new kitchen (which is still under construction).

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!

Did you think I was going to mention that something ELSE was supposed to happen today at 9:02pm at the St George airport????

I have NO idea what you are talking about! hehehehe!!!

ALRIIIIIIGHT!!!

I am not a hard hearted woman! I am absolutely busting to see this adorable face in less than 9 hours!

2009-04-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

HOW STELLA......ERRR....APRIL GOT HER GROOVE BACK

2009-03-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

The rumors are false, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I made it to the edge, but did not fall. Cool huh? Sooooooo............

If you are familiar with the movie starring Angela Bassett, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, then you will be totally disappointed with this post! I am NOT Angela Bassett. True story. I am not a sexy successful stock broker (but who is these days). I am a wife and mom making an effort to make changes in my life. BIG CHANGES. And there is no steamy Taye Diggs in my life who has tried to seduce me. I have Drew!

THIS IS REAL LIFE PEOPLE!!! He snores, he doesn't throw things in the trash, he has to be reminded 9 0r 10 times to do something, and he doesn't clean out the tub. But would I trade him for anyone else? ABSOLUTELY NOT! We have been to hell and back and we still love each other. We still respect each other. (How lucky we are to have come out of everything still in love, still respecting each other, still communicating with each other. There are so many who fall victim to day to day life.)

The only similarity between Stella and I (is that even proper grammar?) is that I too am starting to get my groove back. I am realizing what REALLY is important in life. I knew intellectually what was important. I just wasn't allowing myself to believe that I was worthy to have those things. I am. I deserve it. I am worthy. The sooner I accept it, the sooner my family will be able to have ALL of me and not just part of me. Is this making sense to you?

I am not known to be a fast learner. I have a stubborn streak (or two). I have been known to wear my finger nails down to the quick because of hanging on to the past for dear life. I hang on because this is all I know. This all I have. It is like an old friend. Does that sound familiar? I just needed the tools and the guidance to move forward. I have been searching for this. I knew that when I heard what was right for me I would recognize it. I have heard it. It struck a chord.

Like a jig saw puzzle, the pieces are starting to fall into place. Tender mercies are being shown to me. I am being shown a new way of "being" and living. I have hope for change and a permanent change at that. People are being brought into my life and these people teach me every day! I LOVE IT!!! It is amazing! It is changing my life!

Sounds easy right? I've made changes before. BIG CHANGES. So imagine my utter joy to make some more! (Note the sarcasm.) YEAH!!! Even my sarcasm is returning!!! I thought I had lost it forever!!!

Let's pause for a moment of silence for the return of my sarcasm that I thought was lost.........................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....that felt great!

Now, the bad news......just kidding! A new and improved me is returning....I am trying to get the feel of the new me. So, bear with me just a little longer.

Oh, and did I mention that my son gets home from his mission in 12 DAYS!!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!! I'm about to burst!!!!

What I Learned On My Hiatus

2009-03-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

I am always learning things. (Whether I retain it or not is another thing. My brain hasn't been that good lately. Maybe going to the beach would help.)

Whether it is from people I know in my real world, from my blog friends or from my friends and family, I learn from them.

This past week I learned that--a bad day is just a bad day.

Did anyone else know this? Was I the only one who didn't know this?

I thought that if I had a bad day, that somehow, I was responsible for my bad day. I felt that there was some way I could have made it better. But, I would take it a step further because being the overachiever that I am, if someone else had a bad day, I felt impelled to "fix" it. I thought it was my responsibility to do so.

Oh the RELIEF!!!

I didn't know that sometimes a bad day is JUST a bad day. It may even turn into a bad week. That is ok. (At least that is what I am practicing saying in my head at this point.)

PEOPLE! I have just had a break through here!

I don't have to be funny all of the time!

I don't have to have great days all of the time!

I don't have to hold down two jobs! (Which by the way, kicked my butt and put me in bed because I am still too sick to hold down even one full-time job. --See what I mean about overachieving?--)

OH MY GOSH!!!

My load has just been lightened!!

Ice cream for everyone!

PS-Thanks to all for checking on me! I am improving day by day. You guys ROCK!

My Funny Bone Is Broken

2009-02-18T20:40:00.001-08:00

How do you fix a broken funny bone?

Seriously, I think mine is broken.

Scratch that last line. I'm pretty sure it IS broken.

I can't come up with anything humorous, witty or funny to write about. I've had no funny or witty comments to make in your comment boxes. I'm drawing a blank. BORING!!!!

Is there a doctor in the house?

COME ON! I am in serious need of a shot of something!

Someone, make me laugh, QUICK! This is getting ridiculous!

HAPPY VD!

2009-02-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up and I have compiled a list of things for those who are lacking in the creativity department. (You may have seen some of these around!)

And you don't need a significant other to do them!

Things to Make VD More Memorable:

1. Dance to ABBA.

2. Name a boat after yourself or a loved one.

3. Read about steamy romance in a great novel by Heidi.

4. Visit your local Costco for bathroom etiquette.

5. Don't underestimate the sexiness of a snuggie or shamwow.

6. It's OK to buy things on sale like T.

7. In some instances, giving exercise equipment is acceptable.

8. Look at pictures of other people enjoying themselves on a cruise.

9. Make a homemade card.

10. Remind people you ARE funny and you still "got it".

11. Sing.

12. Show them why they shouldn't leave you home alone.

13. Tell them you heart them.

14. Be grateful for what you have!

Late entry: #15. Wear the right shoes.

Upon Further Review

2009-02-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Upon further review of photos, my son (pictured above) found a "better" picture. And for the record, he is "totally" embarrassed by this post.

My work here is done.

Cliff Notes on Photo

2009-02-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

In This I Do Confess (My Obsession With HSM2)

2009-02-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday, so I have a confession to make. (Besides not going to church today.)

If I see High School Musical 2 on TV, I HAVE to watch it! But I only watch the last ten minutes. In fact, I don't think that I have EVER watched the whole movie.

I have purchased the movie for my son AND for my nephew. (My BIL was NOT impressed with that Christmas present for his son! hehehehe!!!)

What is my obsession with the last ten minutes you ask?

Even if I am in the worst mood, it will bring a smile to my face! It's the swimming pool scene. I LOVE that scene! I LOVE that scene for more than the music, more than the dancing, and singing. It has to do with WHO is on the set.

My #2 son.

He got to be an extra for HSM2. He had a blast. He set everything up himself. I didn't even know about it until he got a call back saying he was accepted.

The reason why I just LOVE the last scene is because you can actually see him over 10 different times on screen. (13 to be exact, but who's counting.) They are mere flashes of him dancing behind the main characters. (He's usually off to the left of the screen for those of you counting.) However, I know he's there, he knows he's there and when we describe what he is wearing, you too will know he is there!

The smart boy decided to wear a bright pink shirt with white and navy stripes across the chest and navy blue swim trunks. He stands out! I also smile when I see this scene because it reminds me that he was able to meet a crush of his at the time, one Miley Cyrus. She had a cameo appearance in the movie. My son was able to say hi to her! How cool is that?

Yes, he missed a couple of days of school in order to participate in this. A chance of a lifetime! And he loved every minute of it! What a great experience to share with his kids when he is older.

I am still smiling from watching the last ten minutes for the twentieth time....at least.

(Note: For those of you looking for him in the above photo, he is hiding behind the guy in the red tank top on the left. True story.)

Rumor Has It....

2009-02-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Rumor has it that it is someone's anniversary today! Happy Anniversary Shelle!!!

But there is ANOTHER rumor out there that I might appear in my Birthday Suit today. Please, take a deep breath. Slowly pull your fingers away from your eyeballs. You do not need to poke them out! Nothing will be scorched on your retinas today! Except if you decide to go and see what my sister has posted about me today....you gotta love sisters right? Thanks Toad!

Other than that it is business as usual!

Sandi, I will get you for this as well....hehehehe!!!!

I just found out that we missed someone's birthday this week! T had her birthday on Monday and did not say a word to anyone! HOW RUDE! So go and wish her a belated birthday here.

And The Prognosis IS.......

2009-02-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

PROGNOSIS NEGATIVE!!! (Any Seinfeld fans?)

I am NOT pregnant!

Err..I mean...I still have thyroid tissue visible on the scan!

And that's a good thing you ask?

I know confusing isn't it?

Which is why I sent the hubby down to Doctor #2's office to ask "What the What???"

Why haven't you called me yet? Doctor #1 is as confused as I am now.

Besides doesn't Doctor #2 know I am silently freaking out? (Well not so silently to the hubby....he'll tell you so!)

But seeing thyroid tissue is a good thing...or so I'm told. YEAH!!!!

But what IS a also a good thing that's ALL that was seen.

NOTHING ELSE!!! YEAH!!!!

So, I go back in a year and that tissue should be gone, and if not, another dose of radiation. That's it. Simple.

Now, off to get my prescription for my sinus infection I've had for 3 weeks. YES!

Then on to work.....sigh....... have fun blogging without me.

Drum Roll Please

2009-02-04T09:40:00.001-08:00

Today is the day that I get the results of my body scan. I am heading to the doctor's office in ten minutes.

My heart is racing. I'm pretty sure the news will be good. But then again I wasn't worried about the lump on my thyroid when I got it biopsied oh so many months ago. Hmmmmm......

If you don't hear from me until tomorrow it is for one of two reasons. The news was bad, or I am tied up doing a happy dance. Sorry you'll just have to wait.

BTW, my hours have been changed at work too, so I now have to go in later in the day and work till later in the evening, I guess there's some economic crisis going on or something. ( I kid!) I know there is!

So, I am back to work this afternoon to see my friends and see how they are doing and catch up on work...work....work. LUCKY! (Said in a Napoleon Dynamite voice.)

Wish me luck!

Freedom Has Its Limits

2009-02-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Sunday was my first day of stepping out into freedom. My first time in two weeks to be FREE! Well most of me was free.

That's the funny part of gaining my freedom. In order to be free to wander about in society, I had to secure two parts of my body. "The girls" we shall call them.

"The girls" had to be secured lest I receive unwanted stares/gawking/glances/head-shaking/chin-dropping. You get the idea. I had to wear a bra.

Yep.

That three letter word that I have been able to avoid these past two weeks. While I have been confined to my home, "the girls" have been unrestrained. But, on Sunday all that came to an end at precisely 12:30pm. Once again "the girls" were secured to their rightful position to venture out into public. They were none too pleased. They complained a little, causing me to tug and pull at my bra, but I'd rather have them complaining than deal with with the looks from people at Church.

Who knows, I might even get sent home to put a bra on! I've heard of odder things happening like kids being made to pray twice in Primary because they prayed for the Steelers to win instead of the Cardinals. (Sorry Crash, I couldn't resist.)

Come to think of it.....why does bra end in ahhhhhh?

Maybe because that's how you feel when you take it off?

AHHHHHHHH!!!!

FREEDOM!

Peyton Place/Madagascar III (Cartoon Not Included)

2009-01-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

Opening scene: Small town, Utah.

Que: Sappy elevator music

April: Sometimes I feel like my life goes from one drama to the next. (Groveling at Drew's ankles) Why? Oh Why????

Drew: I detest drama. (Looking away from the unrecognizable form of his wife at his feet)

April: (startles from sleep) Oh good, it was only a dream! (Looking over to Drew and kicking him-softly of course-to stop the snoring)

Both April and Drew return to their sleep.....and dreams.....

Fade to Antananarivo Madagascar......half way around the world

Close up of oldest son writing letter to family:

hey everyone. i am in a riot. its amazing. but like i said to broc that the riots here are jokes. its freakin hilarious. so yeah other than that everything is going fine. im either walking uphill or down hill all the time. well at least 90 percent of the time. its fun. i have definitely lost wieght since comeing here. so yeah its awesome. but yeah due to the riots we were suppose to buy food and water for our house. just in case so instead of living on seven dollars this week, i took some money out. just in case but dont worry malagasies are children. other than that everything is going well. i am healthy and laughing at how retarded the political leaders are here. haha

but thanks for all the birthday wishes. thanks for the e mails aunt sherri and aunt robin and grandma and poppy. thanks for all the christmas money that was sent that i just found out about from my mommy. haha. but thanks for all that. and i have to go im at the office cuase of the peacful protests and i have a line behind me right now. but i love you all.

chase

Que: More sappy music

Fade to black.

Yep, so, my son and around 59 other missionaries are caught in political unrest and rioting right now and are to remain in their apartments until further notice. Here are my concerns:

1. It's his birthday today and he won't get the package that I sent him! HOW RUDE! (I think the mail carriers should try to wield their way through 40,000 people to deliver the mail.)

2. You don't judge me because his lack of grammar, punctuation and spelling. He graduated from HS I promise!

3. He doesn't engage rioters with the words, "C'mon, meow". (Words he uses in the middle of a normal sentence to make me and his friends laugh.)

4. He lets his companion win at least one game of Settlers of Catan

5. If confronted by a looter or rioter he remembers to say please and thank you. Manners are so underrated!

6. He doesn't get an early release. He has no room to come home to yet. Sorry son! We aren't ready for you yet.

7. He knows that I am NOT one of the moms that called the Mission Home. I am however, one of the moms that called the Church Office Building. I'm just saying!!!

8. He knows that they are probably just having a big party for his birthday....LOVE YOU CHASER!!!

Note: Please do not think that I am heartless and do not care for the political strife in Mada. I do. I deal with stress through avoidance and humor. Well at least I HOPE you thought some of it was funny.

BYU and Other Tom Foolery

2009-01-25T21:53:00.001-08:00

As you may have read I was kicked out of BYU. What you didn't read was why. Before I get to the why, I might add that another family member (Robin) later redeemed the family name by being VALEDICTORIAN of her graduating class. (Show off!)

Now what was I.....ohhh yes...... BYU. I am totally a BYU football fan! I always have been! Ever since my first Homecoming date to watch Steve Young quarterback! Did I mention that Sharlene Wells (Hawkes) was my RS Pres my freshman year (and she was dating Steve Young).....how cool is that! I was cool by association......at least that's what I thought. I was a freshman!

Did I mention that there was an undercover cop that lived in the dorms that I lived in? Not the same building because he was a he, and I am a she. But in the same building as my friends from Canada because my friends are hes. My friends were friends with him and didn't know that he was an undercover cop. (They didn't find out until after the bust.) He was there to try to uncover a drug ring on campus. He pretended to be a student but he was really married and had a child. He would sneak home

WHAT?!?!?!?! DRUGS??? At BYU????

YEP!!!!!

But that's not why I was kicked out (or my friends). But that is why a member of the men's swim team from Hawaii was kicked out.

So, other than some guy slipping on the top of 2 flights of icy stairs and taking me down to the bottom with him, my freshman year was pretty cool and lots of fun. (I even got to see Robert Redford at the local Hart's-he's much shorter in person.)

The following September as my friends from my freshman year returned to school for their sophomore year, I remained at home. I had to work. I didn't have the funds to return back to BYU, so I stayed at my waitressing job while everyone returned to school. It was hard. But I really wanted to make it back to new-found love.......the mountains!

Fast forward to the next September. I drive 1900 miles in an unairconditioned car with my friends to get to BYU. IT WAS HOTTTTT!!!! We finally make it into my new place of residence as set up by one of my good friends my freshman year.........and I see a face from home. A guy who served a mission in Canada. I loved this guy....not love, love, but he was cool, you know!
I jump out of the car and yell......JERRY!!!!! (name changed to protect me.) And here I am all haggard looking from being in a car without a/c for so long. He looked around and tried to make sense of it. I was out of place. Then he comes running over and scoops me up, sweaty and all!

We dated.

We kissed.

I'm falling...........

His friend thinks he (Jerry) is too good for me.

UUUUUHHHHHHHHH.................. Jerry forgot to tell me he was still married.

I end it.

NOPE......that didn't get me kicked out! hehehehe!!!

One year later......I meet let's say his name is Chad. Chad is a return missionary. Chad teaches at the MTC. Chad has high self-esteem. April not so much. Chad and April date all summer. Chad's friends don't think April is good enough for Chad (Chad's words). Chad and April continue to date in spite of Chad's friends not liking April. April's roommates don't like Chad. They think that April is settling with Chad (but they don't tell her until after). April can't see it yet. Chad encourages April to make changes to her personality. April encourages Chad to make changes to his personality. He doesn't think there is anything that he needs to change. April and Chad get engaged. April puts the down payment on the ring because Chad just bought himself a new wardrobe. After 1 month of being engaged Chad wants to run off to Vegas to get married. April says no. After 2 months of being engaged, Chad wants to just date again. April says no. April ends the relationship just before Christmas.

The grades suffer and NEVER recover. The next semester is a blur. I am prepared to go home to Canada. I am prepared to begin a life there and leave my beautiful mountains behind.

The letter from BYU Academics just solidifies that I am done. It begins............

Dear April, We are sorry to inform you that you will not be able to return to BYU until you have successfully completed 2 semesters at another accredited college attaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher......yada yada yada.

That is how I got kicked out of BYU. BAD GRADES! My mother's worst nightmare. Probably why I did it! hahahaha!!!

Enter Drew.

And they (Drew and April) had happy times interjected with some sadness ever after. But they loved each other completely.

Seven Things You Didn't Know About Me

2009-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Miss Heidi over at Dunhaven Place. She is one AWESOME lady! She's an author you know! It's true! I read her book Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind. It is romance and comedy all wound into one fantastic novel! Don't take my word for it, check around the blogging community. Others have read it too. And they liked it. A LOT!

Anyhooo, I have to tell you 7 things about myself that you don't know. Some of you will know these things, some of you won't. I have been quite open lately so I'm not sure I have any secrets left.....let me think a minute......OK.....FINE! I've already spilled the beans on myself to this point, so here goes nothin'.

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

1. I am an organizational FREAK! I have two legal size file cabinets to file bills, tax info, articles, decorating ideas, canning ideas, recipes (don't cook), gardening tips (don't garden), quilting tips (not in years)....you get the idea. AND the files are ALL labeled with a label maker. The files can't be written on by hand.

2. I eat a REALLY bland diet. I don't like hot dogs or hamburgers. I like chicken. I detest ham. I will eat some pork. (I know that ham and pork come from a pig!) I LOOOOOVE SUSHI!!!! I like most veggies. I am intolerant to milk products. I don't like spicy foods. Every morning I have a protein shake for breakfast. Most lunches I have an Intajuice (like a Jamba Juice) and dinner, who knows!!! My nickname when I was a child was "the garbage can" because I ate everything.

3. I was kicked out of BYU. Yep, I was. The end of my junior year. True story.

4. I held a water gun up to my 11th grade English teacher who caught me skipping class, and squirted him with it (much to the horror of an onlooking 9th grade math class). My punishment? Nothing. I just had to make sure my homework was complete for the next class. (WHAT???? I warned him first not to come any closer!!!!)

5. I was a Relief Society president in a young married ward in Orem when my youngest was 3 months old and my oldest was 3 yrs old. We had only been in the ward 1 month. Unfortunately, we had to move after only 6 months due to my hubby's employment, but it was one of the best experiences of my life.

6. I owned a Gift Store and also hosted Craft Shows for crafters. (Another awesome experience. I miss those days and the ladies I worked with.)

7. I have NEVER had a pedicure.....but most of you know that by now because my toes/feet are so ugly. I have Fred Flintstone feet. My baby toe (even you would be appalled by this Heidi) has almost no toenail on it. To see the nail you must uncurl the toe from it's permanently tucked position. My big toes have had fought the fight of ingrown toe nails for so long that the nails on them are mangled. The remaining three stubs.....er toes are missing a joint I believe, because they are so short. I have been so self-conscious of my toes that I have just started wearing open toed sandals in the past 2 years.

PS-You thought I was going to say something about dancing didn't you? Well I'm not because I don't dance! I can't dance for the life of me! But my sister Robin sure can!

Just So You Know.....Part II

2009-01-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

I'M BACK!

And thank you's are in order.

THANK YOU.

Thank you for understanding without knowing all of the details.
Thank you for noticing when I am not there.
Thank you for letting me know I am missed.
Thank you for being you and allowing me to be me.

LY!!!!

Just So You Know......

2009-01-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

When you begin to feel again it means that you uncover those tricky creatures called feelings.

That's the good news.

That's also the bad news.

That's also why I am a somewhat reclusive today.

I was going to say that I am hurting more than I should, but then I would just be "shoulding" all over myself.

Some of you will get it. Some of you won't. It is hard for me when some people don't get it. It just intensifies the pain.

Just so you know.....

I hurt. I have been hurt and I am experiencing pain from that hurt. I am not saying this to gain sympathy. I am saying this to let it go. I am giving a voice to the pain I have carried for so long.

So long.

I want to bid so long & farewell to the hurt and pain.

GIVEAWAY....not from me silly!!!

2009-01-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

If you have boys that are tough to find books for then head on over to Swirl's blog. She has great ideas on books for boys! What makes her an expert you ask? She has 4 boys of her own who are a rough crowd when it comes to reading!

Go over and check for yourself. Click here to see what the giveaways are!

I triple dog dare you!

REVELATIONS

2009-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

There has been something quite liberating about the treatment I have undergone this past week:

-No work (who am I kidding, I worked an hour on Saturday answering emails from work)

-No makeup (I look like death warmed over, but hey, I have no one to impress! Not like the hubby and I can do anything for 2 weeks!)

-No bra (Quit looking, you can't see anything anyways, it's cyberspace! DUH!!)

But not only that, I have found myself revealing some of my little (and BIG) life secrets in comment boxes around the blog world. Hmmmmmm.

I also have found myself......wait for it......

FEELING

again.

(GASP)

How could this be? I thought those things were long gone? Stored away in a very, very, very safe place. Not so. Those feelings of mine have emerged from their hiding place.

This time, I am ready for them and you know why? I am (ahem) more mature.

I have learned that feelings are just a gage on my journey through life. They don't define who I am. My feelings gage how close or how far away I am from JOY. (2 Nephi 2:25- "...and men are that they might have joy.")

I wonder if anyone will notice if I don't wear a bra when I go back to work?

SHINE ON!

2009-01-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

I must say that I am disappointed. I was hoping that when I turned out the lights on Friday night that I would glow in the dark.

I didn't.

I tried again on Saturday. Nothing.

I just feel nauseous and want to toss my cookies. (It would be awesome if I could even eat cookies right now.)

As a matter of fact, I am surprised at myself. I am surprised that I am sharing this much info with you. I usually only share this much with my sisters.

I have learned through my own experiences to keep things to myself otherwise I might be hurt. I was tired of being hurt/let down/pushed aside/over looked by others. So, I clammed up. Zipped it. Shut it. Shut down.

I am entering a new phase of my life. I think I am maturing....WEIRD!

I need to mature in some areas. OK, I need to mature in A LOT of areas. Baby steps.

The area that I am maturing in the most right now is choosing to stop playing games. I'm getting off the Merry Go Round of life. Being on that Merry Go Round is nauseating. Besides it gets me nowhere. And frankly I don't have enough Zip Lock bags (that's for you NHC) to catch all the aftermath.

Change isn't easy. It isn't easy on me or the people around me but it is necessary.

I realize now that it is the good people around me that make me shine, not any meds I may have to take.

In the meantime, as long as I stock up on the zip lock bags, I should be just fine!

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

2009-01-16T10:16:00.001-08:00

I want to let you know what the rules are (DOCTOR'S ORDERS) if you wish to visit my blog for the next two weeks. You will notice a slight change to the atmosphere here, a glow so to speak will be emanating from my blogspace.

Please note: For your own safety, this blog must be read from a distance of 7 feet.

Ok, with all of that out of the way, here are some other rules that must be adhered to if you are to come and visit me over the next two weeks: DOCTOR'S ORDERS.

1. Stop breast feeding. (Oh wait that's for me not you--sorry)

2. Avoid kissing. (I don't want to see you kiss if I can't kiss for 2 days!)

3. Avoid sharing items that contact the mouth. (That means you all have to come with your own can of whip cream to suck down....you too Crash! No sharesies for 2 weeks.)

4. Drink plenty of fluids. (And bring your own porta-potty because you can't use mine. I have to use a separate bathroom for two weeks. Sorry!)

5. Men should sit down during urination. (Shouldn't they always? Less for me to clean up. This gets posted on my fridge forever! I'll send you a copy for your fridge too if you want!)

6. Wash hands frequently after using toilet. (I am puzzled why washing hands once thoroughly is not enough. All my vital parts are covered and I hope yours are too!)

7. Sleep alone in separate bed. (I must insist, that you do this too, for your own safety of course. Who knows what amount of radiation you have been exposed to here. Bonus: you won't have to listen to your spouse snore for 2 whole weeks!!!!)

8. Delay return to work. (Here is your permission to call in sick and you too can have a copy! (For a nominal fee of course!))

9. Avoid long car trips with others. (If you must go somewhere, go by yourself. And instead of going to your intended destination (if it's boring) make a detour to a spa. Hell-O!!! You are by yourself!!! Do it for me!! Please?)

10. Prevent pregnancy. (You heard me. To prevent "it", you can't do "it". It's ONLY two weeks! C'mon, what kind of friends are you?)

Those are the rules of engagement for you/me for the next two weeks! Any questions?

Why I Wore A Sweatshirt To My "Treatment"

2009-01-16T07:39:00.001-08:00

Well I am off, well not this second, but I have to leave in 7, no, 6 minutes for my "treatment". I wanted to dress more comfortably but my khaki sweats just did NOT go with my black sweatshirt with the white stripes down the arms. I LOVE this sweatshirt. It says "LIFEGUARD" on the chest and on the butt. NO I don't think I have a cute bootay! I am too old and things are too saggy for that! I just like how warm it is, and after all when I were it apparently I can save people.

Maybe, today, I can be saved. In so many ways other than the obvious.

I am going to have TWO WEEKS to sit at home and THINK!!!!!

SCAREY!!!!

Miss Heidi's book will take me the first couple of day (I'm not known to be a fast reader). But I have some big decisions to make about my life and NONE of them include you guys, so take a deep cleansing breath in and out. GOOD!

Alright, me and my sweatshirt are off to be saved or do the saving. Either way. I need to be useful people!

SHHHHHHHH!!!!

2009-01-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

Please be VERY QUIET!

DO NOT DISTURB!

I am reading Miss Heidi's book! I am so excited!!!

You thought I was SHHHH'ing you because of the "other" thing didn't you? NOPE! That is tomorrow (Friday). The special pill is being flown in today. I've had my two shots (and feel like doo-doo), so that must mean I am ready!

Thanks for ALL of your cyber HUGS and LOVE! I wouldn't have made it this far in such good spirits without your support!

Thanks Crash for having that awesome retreat where we stepped in to help carry someone else's bucket for a while. That was freeing in so many ways! Even if some only let it go for an hour. You are only as sick as your secrets you know. I know. I got to meet some new and AMAZING people and feel their lurve!

Before I start reading I just want to give my sister Robbie-Toad a HUGE HUG!! I hope her surgery today went well! I wish I could have been there to help her like she was there for me in the summer. Aren't sisters awesome?

I have another sister who stalks my blog. She never comments in my comment box, she just emails me her comments. I miss her too! I haven't seen her in over a year. Hey Sheri-bear!

Alright, I am off to read Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind....I have peeked at it a few times already, I am REALLY EXCITED!

Speechless......

2009-01-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes saying nothing is the best thing for everyone involved. Take last week for instance. I was sitting in RS and the sweet lady conducting was also in charge of the lesson. Her lesson was a video which she planned to show us on a large screen TV that is to be checked out from the library.

Here's where it gets interesting. This sweet lady didn't get to the library in time to get the large screen TV. The only TV left was a TV the size of a postage stamp (her words). The large screen TV was checked out by the Bishopric.

Rewind to sacrament meeting.

The only member of the Bishopric stands up and excuses the Bishop and Second Councilor as they are both out of town visiting family. The First Councilor is the only member of the Bishopric in the building.

Fast forward to the present.

The sweet RS Councilor who is conducting/teaching/setting up the TV begins a monologue as she sets up said postage stamp (her words) TV.

Her: I'm so sorry sisters that we are stuck with this TV. The Bishopric has the other one. They got to it first. We are stuck with this one. I hope you all can see it because the Bishopric has the large screen TV.

Me (thinking to myself): What the what? (just kidding! I just stole that from Shelle. It will keep me from using bad words....especially in church). Did she just say "the Bishopric"?

Her: I'm so sorry sisters with the delay. I'm so glad we had Bro. X here to help us fix this TV otherwise we would be in trouble because the Bishopric has the other larger TV.

Me (thinking to myself): Seriously, did she just say "the Bishopric" again?!?! My hubby is the only one here today....he IS "the Bishopric" today!

Sister A to Sister B: You know my sister says that women in the Church are repressed.

Me: (Biting my tongue until I tasted blood.)

Her: Ok sisters, I think we got this all figured out. I hope you can all see this because the Bishopric has the other large TV.

ALRIGHT! I was going to investigate "what the what" "the Bishopric" was doing with the large screen TV.

I marched down to the High Priest room. No "Bishopric". I was pointed in the direction of the Priesthood room. I opened the door and through a series of sign language motions managed to get "the Bishopric" to the door.

I asked "the Bishopric" aka the hubby, what the large TV was being used for and was told that the YM/YW were in a joint meeting and were using it.

I returned to my seat to watch the life of Joseph Smith on the postage stamp TV to the sounds of sighs and humphs because Sister A couldn't see the screen. I guess she was feeling repressed today.

During the video on Joseph Smith I visualized myself standing up from my seat and setting the class straight on the whole TV situation.

I knew it was time to leave.

Some things are better left unsaid. Do you hear anyone speaking? I don't!

Something WICKED This Way Comes!

2009-01-08T23:47:00.001-08:00

So remember how I blogged that I never received my tickets to WICKED? AND, remember how ticked off I was about it? AND remember how my credit card was already charged and I hadn't received my tickets? Well, I had received them. I just forgot! I FORGOT!!! If you would have told me that I had received them and that I had just forgotten and misplaced them, I would have called you the "L" word. That's right! LIAR!

Yet, I did receive them, apparently ten days after my wonderful hubby spent 5 HOURS working the phone and the internet to get me those precious tickets. And, to show my appreciation, I hid them in my stack of magazines that I order but never read. I just collect them until the dust builds on them, the pile becomes cumbersome and then I toss them in the trash. (Please don't even start with me about recycling. There are no places around here that recycle magazines and I am not about to start a project that takes in magazines. Although, the dumpster that has been in my front yard for the past 2 years might appear to have something to do with recycling it does not. That is merely there for decoration. J/K!!! It is part of the remodel project that has been dragging on far too long...sigh...but I digress.)

But before tossing the magazines this time, I decided to look at the covers one last time. Kind of like a final farewell. I wanted to see for myself what "Easy Dinner" I wouldn't be preparing for my family. I just wanted to peek at the "You Too Can Organize Your Home" article. Seriously, they pick the nicest home that needs no work to begin with and then they "organize" it. BLAHHH!

Come to my house where the magazines are almost stacked to the ceiling because I order so many for the recipes and the organizational articles. Come to my house where as I wish and pine and toss the magazines in the trash one by one, I stumble across an envelope. A very special envelope. An envelope I forgot existed! AN ENVELOPE WITH FOUR WICKED TICKETS!!!!!

And BTW, the fourth ticket is spoken for. Brenda, you are welcome!

2009-01-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

I have never done this before....but, I have only been doing this for just over a month, I am posting information for a giveaway! It's true! It's for a free blog makeover!! Who wouldn't want that? I would! Pick me!!! So if you want to be picked you need to check out Erin's site (it's really cute). She's being so nice that she's giving THREE MAKEOVERS away! Well, two after I get mine?

Because I Love You.......That's Why!

2009-01-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

It's not easy being the mom of a 17 year old boy. He's cute. He's funny. He's freaking adorable. Therein lies the problem. We have a family rule. Ok, "I" have a family rule: There are to be NO girlfriends/steady dating until the age of 21.

I can hear you laughing! I hear the snickers! You are wondering how I can pull that off! Me too! But I won't admit it out loud! Never. No how. No way.

This is how the rule works: Boy B (my son) likes Girl A. Boy B can like Girl A all he wants. He can flirt with her. Talk to her. Visit with her at school at a friend's home where there are others around. Boy B asks said Girl A out on a date. Date ends. Boy B could have flirted all he wanted with Girl A. I don't care, date is over. Now the rule is in effect.

Boy B must now ask out Girls B-K before he asks Girl A out on a date again. End of story.

My reasoning is two-fold. One, Boy B is introduced to a bunch of different personalities to see what types of personalities he likes or dislikes. Secondly, he does not become too familiar with one single person, namely a girl and then become struck by her beauty and make stupid mistakes.

Women have that effect on men you know. Our beauty in all of its shapes and forms can mesmerize the menfolk. Men can literally become speechless with the smallest of provocations or is it provocativeness?

My hubby pretends not to see all the gorgeous beauties when we are at Lake Powell. He knows what is good for him. Unfortunately, my son hasn't grasped the art of concealment when viewing the bathing beauties, so one glance in his direction, mixed with a strong wind and I am drenched in saliva. He can't help himself. That is why we, I mean I have this house rule!

I won't lie. I have thwarted a couple of liasons Boy B has had here and there. But, like I tell Boy B and his brother.....Mothers ALWAYS find out. Mothers may not find out right away, but we find out eventually. Mothers have a network. We talk to each other. We help each other. If I see my friend's child doing something, you know darn sure that I will let the mom know what is going on. Because I would want that call. I am that mom. My poor boys! They don't stand a chance! Why? Because I love you.....that's why!

WHAT IF......

2009-01-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

What if....

What if..... a sin had an odor associated with it? Would people be more likely or less likely to attend church? Would they be more likely to judge each other harshly or less likely to judge each other harshly? Would the smells would be a constant reminder that others have faults too just like them?

What if..... parents loved their children even if their children did and said stupid things? Would the children be better parents to their own children? Would these children have better self-esteem?

What if......there were "do-overs" in life? What would you do over?

What if.....everyone stopped whining about trivial matters? Would the world go eerily quiet?

What if.....

What I Learned From Watching: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2009-01-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

The hubby and I rarely go to movies. We just don't have the time with the remodel in full swing and all. There were a couple of movies that I just HAD to make room for in our hectic schedules, and one of them was THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.

I was warned beforehand that I had better have an empty bladder before the movie started because there would be no time for a potty break once the movie began rolling.......and she was right! WOW!!! I learned so much from this movie that I just had to share it with you!

THIS IS WHAT I LEARNED:

1. Ugly babies should not be given away, they could grow up to be REALLY cute.

2. There are A LOT of people having A LOT of s.e.x.

3. NEVER sit in a movie beside your son's friends especially if there is going to be A LOT of s.e.x. in the movie. (I had to clarify the last part! hehehehe)

4. Women sometimes refer to their "partners" in a formal manner. Ex. "Mister Weathers".

5. There are A LOT of people having A LOT of s.e.x. (And they aren't even married to each other!!!)

6. NEVER, I repeat NEVER take your child backstage after a dance performance as the dancers tend to run around half naked and the male dancers don't look like they wear any undies either.

7. NEVER sit in a movie theater beside your son's friends especially if there are going to be scenes backstage after a dance performance.

8. There are A LOT of people having A LOT of s.e.x.

9. Some people tend to attract lightning.

10. A tugboat can sink a submarine.

11. Caviar is to be enjoyed with vodka. (I think that is supposed to mean you have class-whatev!)

12. Don't dance in the street.

13. There are A LOT of people having A LOT of s.e.x. (Is my age showing yet?)

14. If we have been hurt by someone, especially someone we love, we have to let it go.

15. I wouldn't give up the life I am living for anything!

It was a great story line. It was totally different from the original short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I would just suggest you not sit beside your son's friends, that's all.

PS- After I read this to my hubby, he said he thought the only people not having s.e.x. were us. I had to assure him that our son's friend wasn't either. I'm not sure about the rest of the patrons in the theater though.

New Year, New Beginnings & Procrastination

2009-01-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

So everyone, well just about everyone, looks to the New Year for a fresh start.

My son who is a senior has given up soda (again) for the tennis team. My missionary's goal is to finish out his mission strongly. Crash is sharing the lurve with all her friends and Kelly Pickler. Shelle says she going to clean before she blogs. Nutty Hamster Chick accomplished her goal!!! WOW!! 366 posts in one year!!! I am not worthy to be your friend!!! Heidi has a goal too, I think. I believe it has something to do with a dog and her desire to own a BB gun. Kazzy seems to have a metaphor for her goal (plus her musical Mondays are AMAZING)! And then there is me. I don't do New Year's Resolutions. They end up being broken in the end. I am a procrastinator at heart.

I have managed to procrastinate something major that I should have done 4 months ago. I don't know how I got away with it, but I did. But, there's no procrastinating it now. Darn it! So the countdown begins, 2 weeks.

Madagascar....It's Not Just a Movie!

2008-12-29T21:48:00.000-08:00

Last year at Christmas we spoke to our son who is serving a mission in Madagscar (yes it's a real country and not just a movie). It was a little awkward because it was the first time we had been able to speak to him since he left the middle of April. I got all excited to get a call from him on Mother's Day, but he was still in the MTC and they can't call from there.....I was soooo sad! So 8 1/2 months later we got to talk to him. He was still struggling with some of the language but loved the areas he had served in.

So, then on Dec 26th I got to speak with Chase again. I was in heaven! He is doing great! I miss him so much. We laughed, made plans for when he comes home on April 3rd!!!! We encouraged him to finish with a bang!

Now I think that I am the trunky one. I have been happy and sad, up and down....like a cheesy

Frank Sinatra song. Nothing against Ol' Blue Eyes! But I have run the gamut of emotions after talking to him. One of the great things about him coming home....no more $200 phone bills for a one hour phone call! YIPPEE!!!

But I tell you what people, I wouldn't have him anywhere else! He has matured and learned a lot about himself. I have learned a lot about him too. I have learned that he is a very patient person even when times are tough. I have learned that he doesn't care what has happened in the past, he just looks to the future and has hope in spite of the challenges he has faced. He is an inspiration to me. That's my boy!

Stupid People, Allergies and a Dose of Reality

2008-12-27T12:21:00.000-08:00

I firmly believe there is a correlation to allergies and stupid people. Well at least in my case there is. I am allergic to stupid people. True story. I haven't actually been tested with one of those "scratch" tests they do on your back, but I get the same symptoms when I am around stupid people.

You know those symptoms, your ears get hot and turn red. Your skin gets red and itchy, you sometimes feel like you are going to vomit. Those kind of feelings. That's how I know I am allergic to stupid people. I have a sister who has the same symptoms when she is around stupid people too.

This same sister was going in for surgery and was asked by a nurse what allergies she had. Sheri started to rhyme off her allergies and ended with her last allergy: stupid people. The nurse, not having a sense of humor, asked what happened when she was around them. My sister's response was, "It's happening right now."

Stupidity comes in all forms, like yesterday when I got a phone call from some organization wanting me to contribute to them for the poor for Christmas. Ummmm.....yesterday was the 26th. Christmas is over! Either this was a scam or they are getting quite the jump start for next year! I explained that I give donations through my church for those in need. He was NOT happy with that explanation and questioned IF the money was really getting to the people who were in need. My rash came up in full force with him, and so did some choice words! He hung up quickly.

Another example was when (now my son will kill me for this) my son had to go to speech therapy for a lisp. He was in second grade and still had a thrust so he did not pronounce his "s" words properly. They came out more like "th". I met with the speech pathologist who had the personality of a wet dishrag. I was trying to lighten the moment when she asked if we were aware of my son's speech problem. So I'm thinking to myself, DUH! I'm not deaf! I can hear that he can't pronounce the letter "s". But what I said with a smile on my face is, "We've tried teasing him and taunting him but it just hasn't worked, he still lisps". (SILENCE) Not a crack of a smile from her. Nothing but a blank stare. I was never called in for another conference again.

I am recovering from the effects of a stupid person now. I take things to heart, and this person is not only a stupid person but a mean person and has attacked my integrity. Sometimes the effects of being exposed to a stupid person are so extreme that I get laid up for a while. That is what has happened this time. It affects not only me but my family.

I am working on it, I have a great husband who loves me in spite of me. I have 2 great sons! They are awesome boys and very supportive. But I want more for them. I want them to have more of me available. I don't want the effects to be so negative in the future....especially from the meanness. There is no reason to be down right mean.

Most blogs I read are so upbeat and happy. We put our best face forward and it does help for the most part when we have a bad day to read uplifting things. But sometimes, it would be nice just to see that other people struggle too. I have struggled. Sometimes I have struggled a lot. Stupid people don't make it any easier. But, they are people too. And sometimes, I am that stupid person. Sorry Drew. Sorry Chase. Sorry Broc. Sorry if I have caused any of you out there to break out in a rash because of something stupid I have done.

The Wizard and I?

2008-12-19T00:06:00.000-08:00

I am a HUGE fan of WICKED the musical. I have read the book, but I just LOOOOVE the music. I have never seen it. But I will be seeing it in April up in Salt Lake City! At least I hope I will be seeing it in April up in Salt Lake City. The problem is, I haven't received my tickets yet. I've paid for them, that is my credit card has been charged for four tickets to the matinee for an obscene amount. I better get my tickets!!! Did I mention that my husband worked the phone and the internet ALL DAY to get me these tickets? When I say ALL DAY...I mean ALL DAY! Five hours of his life was dedicated to get me 4 tickets that are not together to see Wicked! I am soooo excited!!! Now, I know, that my sister Sheri could care less, she's seen it on Broadway a gajillion times! Alright not a gajillion, only a million times. But I get to FINALLY see WICKED!!!! As long as I get my tickets!!!!

So, my other sister who lives up in Salt Lake is going with me. I guess during the show we will just wave to each other or something, since none of the seats are together. The only way I could have had seats together is if I went to a Sunday showing. So, this was the scenario. I drop by my hubby's office to see if he got the tickets yet or not. He's wiping tears from his eyes because he's been on the internet so long waiting in queue to buy tickets as well as being on hold to purchase them. I hand him a tissue and remind him that I have had to be on the computer for eight hours before to get our son into a session of EFY because their was a "problem" with the computer system at BYU and it kept kicking me off. He tells me how expensive it is going to be for four tickets and I remind him how much we just spent on football tickets to attend two BYU games and his mouth stops moving.

So back to the Sunday show. The operator/cashier/scalper of the WICKED tickets comes on the phone while I am in his office (he's on a break of course and this by NO means affected his job performance this day) and asks what day we want to attend...yadda...yadda...yadda. Well we come to find out that the only show that has seats together is the Sunday show. My dear husband looks at me and asks if I want to go to a Sunday show. Bless his huge heart. He is willing to risk his soul to eternal damnation and hellfire for me! How cute is that? Oh wait, no he isn't, he just wants to get out of his bishopric meeting!!! For a split second I actually considered NOT going at all. I would be sitting by myself. Who goes to a show and sits by themselves? Who would I sing to? I have wanted to go since the first time I listened to the soundtrack on one of our trips to Disneyland.

I, April, being of quite an unsound mind, was considering canceling the whole thing! All that effort, all those hours my hubby spent on the computer and on the phone wasted because I can't sit by him or my sister or........oh wait a minute! FOUR TICKETS IT IS!!!!!

I called my sister to tell her the news! She wants one ticket, ok, I have one extra ticket! My son will want to go! After all, his father has spent FIVE WHOLE HOURS on the phone and on the internet (and doing his job) getting these tickets!!! He threw a fit earlier this year when we made plans to see Les Miserables without him for a second time. Of course he would want to see WICKED! Nope. Not interested.

Now it was back to my sister. Was she sure that her husband didn't want to go to Wicked with us?

According to my sister my BIL did NOT want to go and for the life of him, he could not figure out why my husband WOULD go with me! That would be a NO for my BIL!

But with all of this said, being a HUGE fan of the music, wanting to see the play, reading the book and the sequel Son of a Witch, I just don't think that I should look like a witch. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened to me at my brother's wedding almost 2 years ago. True story. My brother married a wonderful girl that he met over the internet. At the time she lived in the Philippines. They communicated back and forth for a while and he visited her a couple of times. Their relationship became more serious over the years and they married almost two years ago and in a couple of months I will be an Auntie again! YEAH!!! Anyways, there was a casualty just before the wedding.....ME! I have proof. The make-up artist must have heard that I was a huge fan of WICKED. Just because I LOVE WICKED doesn't mean I want to go to a wedding looking like Elphaba. I wanted to stand up and sing....

Did that really just happen?

Did he actually paint them green?

These eyes I've tried

To suppress or hide

Is a tragedy that could

Help me meet the Wizard

If I close them tight

Will he scream with fright?

I know I wanted to....my sisters just laughed. Isn't that what sisters are for? Oh and they are for mocking as well. They mocked me and then they asked the man who did my makeup to fix it.

So when I see WICKED, (my tickets better get here quickly--it's been over a month) I won't look like Elphaba. I won't sing in the ear of the person sitting next to me whoever it may be. I will wave to my husband, my sister and to whoever is the lucky fourth person to accompany us and sit alone. But, whoever it is, they will have fun on the ride over! Rider beware. We do mock!

A Sailor's Life For Me

2008-12-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

No matter how hard I try, no matter what techniques I have put into practise, I still manage at the end of the day to come off sounding like a sailor. No offense to the navy or to those who have served our country. I'm looking more like the pirate......AAARRRRRGGGGG!!!!

This week was a VERY stressful week at work. I was on a committee that had been planning the Christmas party for the entire city staff and a guest. We estimated that we would have over 400 people at this dinner/program. The "powers that be" did not want a choir singin Christmas carols as part of the program....not at this Christmas party. They didn't want to spend any more money than they spent for the last Christmas party, when they staff was half of what it is this year. Yet, "they" wanted it bigger and better. So, our committee met weekly to pound out the details, find a caterer, figure out how to fit these people in one gymnasium of our Community Center, and decorate. SIGH......all without one cuss word.....I think not.

So, this week was not a good week in my vocabulary. I have tried to stop using naughty words. I have thought of my favorite scripture, I have hummed my favorite tune, I have tried to replace the naughty words with less naughty words. But to no avail. Just give me one bad driver, one spilled cup of soda on the bills, an uncooperative computer or printer, or an encounter with a stupid person and LOOK OUT! The explicatives will fly!!

I have been dealing with this problem since the 6th grade! What hope do I have especially when sometimes it just feels good to let loose. Now don't get me wrong. I don't cuss out people. I don't swear at my husband or boys......out loud. But the dog, she has had an earful a time or two! What is a person to do? More importantly, what am I to do? Honestly, I won't do anything. When I was faced with my own mortality a few months back, and had to discuss the "what if's", I decided then to be true to who I really am. This is who I am. I was not going to make changes just because my life may be unexpectedly shortened. In a way, I felt that was being dishonest to myself and also I felt it was being insincere. I would just stay who I was, the good, the bad, and the cursed.

When I am under stress, it is not pretty, but I say words that aren't appropriate. Should I stop saying them? Probably. But I should be doing things a lot more important than not using naughty words. So to all my friends who get this......AHOY MATEY!!!

SERIOUSLY!

2008-12-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I love this time of the year! The lights on the homes, the trees seen from the windows, the decorations all around. Unfortunately, our home will be the scrooge home. Yes, it is so! We have no room for a tree. No room for a tree you say? Everyone has room for a tree! Nope, we don't! We live in a construction zone. It is true. Our home has been under re-construction for 26 months now. At one point we moved out for 15 months and stayed with friends the disrepair of the house was so bad. To put it nicely, we bought a lemon. It would have been easier to level the house and start from scratch, but we didn't have the money to do that! We are just doing what we can. Little by little. Room by room. Day by day. When friends or coworkers ask, "When will 'they' be done working on the house"? I respond by saying, " 'They' is Drew and he works on the house in his spare time". So, at this point, we are back in our home and have been for 11 months now. We have 4 1/2 months left to get this house done before our son returns home from his mission and needs a room to sleep in. (The room that everything is stored in right now.) I am sad that there will be no tree in our home this year, so I will enjoy looking at the beautifully decorated trees of my friends. I may not have a tree in my home this year but I will have two wonderful men (my hubby and 17 year old son) to share the Christmas season with, tree or no tree. And, on Christmas day, I will get to hear the sound of the third man in my life who is serving a mission in Madagascar. Although, the Christmas tree adds to the festivities and is a reminder to us of the season it is not the true meaning of Christmas. I will look forward to next year when I will have a whole and safe house to live in thanks to my awesome husband and his hard work. We will have a tree up next year, as a reminder of what the spirit of Christmas is about. But seriously, even without a tree, our Christmas will be great because we have a family that loves each other and respects each other and we as a family love the Lord with all of our hearts. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? Seriously?

Friends, Festival of Trees and Keys?

2008-12-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

I have been absent from my new love......of blogging. It is has been fun to keep up with friends and meet new people.

I have posted a picture and a recipe for pumpkin roll....YUMMY!!! For all you who have no idea what it is....I thought everyone in Utah new what a pumpkin roll was. Isn't that a prerequisite taught at every Relief Society Homemaking....or whatever it is they are calling it these days! (My brain is sugared out from too much pumpkin roll....sorry! =) )

So.....yesterday morning I readied myself for the 4 hour trip to the Salt Lake Area from my home. My sister was taking me to the Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees has been going on for 38 years and this program raises money for Primary Children's Medical Center by auctioning off Christmas trees that have been donated for auction. This year there were over 300 regular trees and I'm sure that many center pieces and wreaths combined.

But, before beginning my journey to my sister's home, I had to interrupt my husband's day at work. Oh yes, blonde me, left my only set of car keys in the car that my husband drove to work! And just as a side note.....this is NOT the first time I've done this to him either! This is probably the third call he has received from me while he is at work because I forgot my keys in his car. Poor Drew!!! But he is so patient, he doesn't get his panties in a knot! He excuses himself from work and drives 20 miles back home, smiles as he enters our home and helps me load the car. No harsh words, no "that was stupid", nothing about how "put out" he is because he has to drive back and forth twice now! WOW!!! I better lay off Mr. 2 Pie Man!!! hee hee hee!!!

The drive was pretty uneventful, I of course was on the lookout for cool road signs.....run down and ready for the burn pile....YES! Cool, not so much! I will post what I have later. I got this idea from Crash's site (I think).....she was had mentioned in her writing or a comment that she thought there would be cool road side signs from St George to SLC....not so much! Apparently that thoroughfare needs a "sprucing up" committee. It's pretty pathetic in some spots.

Back to the reason why I am here in SLC......for the Festival of Trees. Everyone needs a reason to oooohhh and aaaahhhh. My sister and I got to do that a couple of times last night at some of the over 300 trees we saw. A few of the trees or groupings got more of a gasp. (As my sister pointed out, one got a shudder of horror.....picture to be posted later). One tree made of blown glass went for $26,000. The lights flashed to the sound of the music that it played. Another tree I saw was also very touching as it was a tribute to the father of a dear friend of mine. Her father passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. All in all I'm sure they raised a lot of money for Primary Children's Medical Center last night, even though the stockings and stocking stuffers that my sister made didn't go in the first bidding process. (And they were NOT shudder worthy!)

I have said my good-byes to my nephews, they are off to school, and now I must get dressed and ready myself for my trip home.....I have work tomorrow....SHOOT!!! WHERE ARE MY KEYS?!?!?!?!?!?

THANKSGIVING WITH US

2008-11-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

WOW! What an ordeal! Who would have thought that cooking for 3 people could take ALL day. Well, if you know me, you know how much I just LOVE to cook AND bake (note the sarcasm). But, what is Thanksgiving without turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls and a veggie (for good measure), not to mention the desserts!!!!

So, first thing this morning the preparations began! Drew began slicing and dicing the celery, apples and onions for the stuffing. I began clearing counter space for all of the food that would be donning it (I found my camera charger!). Broc's duties included sweeping and mopping.

In this age of technology, Thanksgiving wishes started coming in the form of text messages from friends. The turkey was in the oven cooking and the aroma spreading through the house. AHHHH......the anticipation!

Earlier this week, seeing that I am not a baker, it's not that I can't do it, it's that I choose not to do it. It's a looooong story! Anyhoooo, a coworker said that she was making and selling pumpkin rolls. WHAT?!?!?!? Could this be? Real homemade treats for Thanksgiving without having to prepare them? "I'll take three!", I told her. "But they are this big," she said holding her hands out to a length that made no sense to me since apparently I have no concept of length. And three. My coworker cut them in half making 6 total. They filled a very large rotisserie pan. This pan would have dwarfed my 14 pound turkey had I roasted the turkey in it! When she brought the 3 pumpkin rolls (cut in half) to me I though someone else had ordered some as well. These couldn't ALL be mine!!!! Yep, they were. How were we going to eat all of these for Thanksgiving?

The next day I sent Drew to get the "odds and ends" for our Thanksgiving dinner. You know, the celery, apples, onions, cranberries, potatoes......I get home to find not one but TWO pies from Costco on the kitchen counter. Did I mention there are only three of us at home? So now we have 5 1/2 pumpkin rolls (I opened one at work and shared!) and TWO pies to eat after dinner!!! What was he thinking?????

Back to the dinner......I may not like to cook, but I can cook. Give me a simple recipe and I can pull it off. I just don't like to cook. An even loooooonger story! hahahaha!!! So, imagine my joy when, I have everything timed out, to the minute, and the rolls decide not to rise.....ok, we can live without rolls....we've got TWO pies!!! Then, the mashed potatoes are done too early. I overstuffed the turkey, so it's taking longer. Now, the mashed potatoes are dry...NICE! Lastly, the gravy, although nice and tasty, is runny......sigh......at least we have TWO pies!!!! I wonder if anyone at work will care if the potatoes are dry or the rolls are burned on the bottom? Tomorrow will tell!

Needless to say we have tons of leftovers!!! How blessed we are!!! Next year I will be cooking in my new kitchen and enjoying Thanksgiving with our returned missionary and listening to all of his capers from his mission! How truly blessed we are!!!!

FINALLY!!!

2008-11-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

It is here! I have been asked many times by many people (ok, 4 or 5) what's your blog address? "What's a blog?" I ask. So, over the months I have received various invites to family members' blogs and friends' blogs and voila! Here is my blog. Simple, yes. But, I'm sure once I am more comfortable with it, it will grow. Thanks to all who encouraged me to start a blog....one more thing to do on the computer =)