Overexposure!

Overexposure to what you ask? BUTT CRACK! People! It's not okay! Do you remember back in the day when the only butt crack you saw was a baby's and the occasional plumber! There is some cleavage in life that is acceptable and may even be considered attractive but I am here to tell ya that butt cleavage is NOT one of them.

Ladies despite what you may have been told it is not attractive; neither is the whale tail but if I had to see one or the other-yea-no, neither are good. I'm willing to bet, or, I'm at least very hopeful that someone isn't walking by saying, "Dang that's hot!"....It's just a guess.

Just say NO! Just pull'em up. Use a belt perhaps? But please spare the small children in the world who are getting way too much cleavage and missing out on the era where it was NOT okay!

With love,

I get heart palpitations...

Yes I'm quite sure I'm a nerd. My dream job is to work at Banes&Nobel! Oh, I get giddy just thinking about how fun it would be! I light up like a kid in a candy store when I go in there, a library too but often times the books I'm looking for are checked out. A book store is just oh so convenient and beautiful and cozy and smells so good and it's quiet...

How fabulous would it be to be the person saying, "Oh that book, that's written by...and it's in Historical Fiction." And you'd know of all these intriguing books and of phenomenal writers. Although Aundrea was pointing out that I have the worst memory and I'd be more like,"Oh, Oh I know who wrote that hold on it'll come to me. Oh who was it?" as I tap my fore finger to my forehead. I know I forget where my dog is when I've taken him to the groomers and where Thatcher is when I've taken him home from church and then wait for him outside his primary class for him two hours later wondering where he is and about every meeting I have but I'd study, I'd use flash cards or something, I'd exercise my mind, It's just out of shape that's all.

Often times I think about going back to work while the kids are at school or in the evenings to start saving more for missions and college funds. It's no job to retire from so it's hard to make it worth the hours. I did pick up an application though. Just to dream!

Perspective

Random news & updates.

My early mid-life crises is almost at it's end. The orthodontist informed me I may only have another three months with these railroad tracks on my teeth. Note to self: next time you feel like having a mid-life crises find something that takes less than two years to appreciate and may I also suggest something not so visibly awkward.
Last week I noticed an old friend lurking around the yard. We had a stare down, I haven't seen him since. For now crisis averted but I'm worried an attack is imminent.

I've started coupon clipping. It's cut my grocery bill by a third and could be more. I'm loving it! it's addictive when your putting money back in your pocket.

2008 goals should just be copied and pasted into my goals for 2009 but hey a link will do just fine. I know most people try to accomplish their goals within the year they are made well, I'll just make that this years goal and add that to the bottom of last years list.

New Recipes to share,

Holiday Feasts are always my favorite and April 1st is no exception. Tonight's meal was pigs feet and cabbage. If you can stomach the smell of cooked skin you'll find this is a great 15 minute meal and easy on the wallet. You can find 6 quality feet for about $3 dollars at your local grocer.

Start by rinsing the feet and don't be alarmed by the feel a pigs chinny chin chin stubble as they do seem to have that on their feet as well.

Salt and pepper and broil for 15 minutes.

Lay on a bed of chopped cabbage and serve with mustard.

Be prepared for the draining of color from your childrens faces, complaining of the tough skin that is next to impossible to cut,the mention of Wilbur from Charlotte's Web,
some gagging at the dinner table and a back up meal waiting on the side.

Other than that you've got a beautiful festive meal! Enjoy and Happy April Fools Day!

Last years events for April 1st. (I'd say I went easy on them this year.)

IT'S APRIL 1ST!

MMWWAAHAAAHAAA!

For the love of all mankind....

Next time I have a chia pet growing from my chin please feel free to tell me!

I am...

Laughing out loud while watching The Office.

Enjoying breaks of Sunshine.

Cuddling with my kids.

Receiving letters in the mail welcoming my oldest to High School and my youngest to preschool!

Grateful to be going back to the gym and to those who help make it possible.

Constantly reminding myself that my daughter is 14 thus knows everything.

Working on a quilt for my mom.

Making cute book marks I saw online here (go check out her blog and her blog war with her husband).

Battling 30 year old acne.

Loving life!

Quotes to Live By Or Certainly Try

Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt. – William Shakespeare.


"...Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends fo stand by thee... -Jesus the Christ"

— Joseph Smith Jr

Kids remember this one,
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison

"Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today." — Thit Naht Han

“There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all” - ANONYMOUS

This has my name on it,
"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no delay, no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."-- EARL OF CHESTERFIELD

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them"-- MOTHER TERESA

Operator, operator....

Automated operator for a random company and Rochelle trying to have a conversation,

AO: Thank you for calling. If you'd like English please say English for Spanish say Spanish.

R: English

AO: I'm sorry I was unable to hear your request. If you'd like English please say English for Spanish say Spanish.

R: ENGLISH

REPEAT

AO: How can I help you today? You can say anything, pay your bill or change service.

R: I'd like to speak to customer service.

AO: Okay, I can help you with that. You'd like to change your service? Is that correct? If that is correct say yes. If it's not correct say no.

R: NO

AO: I'm sorry let's try this again. You can say anything from pay your bill or change service.

R (very slow with proper pronunciation):I'D LIKE TO SPEAK TO CUSTOMER SERVICE.

AO: Great I can help you with that! You'd like to speak with customer service? Is that correct? If that is correct say yes. If it's not correct say no.

R: YES!

AO: I'm sorry let's try this again. You can say anything from pay your bill or change service.

R(I may possibly be yelling or talking in a very loud voice): Are you freakin serious? I said YES!! I just want to talk to someone! I WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE! PREFERRABLY A HUMAN, H-U-M-A-N, YOU GOT ANY OF THOSE AROUND THERE? COME ON!

AO: I'm sorry, please hold while I try to connect you with someone who may be able to help you. Thank you.

R (thinking outloud): Thank you? Well you should be sorry. That was flipping painful! I said yes! SERIOUSLY!

AO: Thank you for holding, this call may be recorded for quality assurance.

R: (thinking outloud)Well someones going to have a lot of fun with that recording!

Human Operator: Hello, mine name is Laura, how may I help you?

R: Oh Laura! It's so good to hear your voice. Really quick before we start may I just ask a quick question?

HO: Sure

R: You know how sometimes our call is being recorded? Does that start with the AO back there or as of now? And who hears those?

And while I was so so grateful to be talking to Laura from India who was so sweet and helpful, I personally could not understand a word she said due to a language barrier. So all in all the call was finished and my question was answered I just never understood it.

I love this picture, it's straight from my camera. I pulled over along side of the road today to take this photo. I wonder how many times I let a beautiful moment pass me by without a second glance? I need to slow down and take in the beauty around me. I love the sounds of winter, the peaceful sound of snow falling or the crunching under your feet, the rain pounding against the roof and lately the fog horns along the river. In years past I haven't noticed the fog horns. I'm not sure what it is but there is something I love about them.

My world is calm right now, I'm seeing and hearing life around me. I'm finding more moments to stop and soak it all in.

Shows daily!

Have you ever seen WWF? It's live at our house every evening from 4-8pm. I should start selling tickets to these events maybe I could make a little extra dough?

Hmm. WWF World wide ?? Wacko wrestlers federation? Hold on ,I really don't know what WWF stands for. Hold up I'm *Googling* this.... World Wrestling Federation. But this stuff is fake right? I mean it's not really a sport? It's not like you can go to the Olympics with this stuff!? Wrestling however just good old fashion wrestling that I hear is in the Olympics and while I figure the boys would be great at it I have some issues with the unitard thing they got going on.

So for now WWF is at our house daily from 4-8pm, ringside seats are still available, popcorn and drinks are not included!

11-30-2008 through 12-06-2008 Highlights

In no particular order here are some of the beautiful moments worth loving and remembering from the week,

Jeremy and Kelly gave the kids a lesson on break dancing, which included once perfected moves from both of them. The worm was also a big hit! Next week the kids will be spinning on their heads!

Crying for dear friends who have lost jobs and praying for the many who are barely hanging on.

Thatcher and Aundrea's discussion;
A, "Thatcher you shouldn't do that!"
T, "Your mean! I'm gonna tell my mom on you!"
A, "Fine, I'll just tell your mom on you!"
T, thinking and little wheels in his head turning... "Okay, I won't tell on you!"

Rejoicing when we heard our jobs were safe for a little while longer.

Aundrea changing the stocking hangers on the fire place from SANTA to SATAN to see how long it would take me to notice and enjoy a horrified look on my face! (She was doing and impersonation of the good old days SNL, Dana Carvey and Church Lady!)

Feeling the spirit of Christmas, reading a Christmas Story, scripture and singing a Christmas song almost every night this week with the K family.

Clipping my toenails and finding one had flipped into my soda! (Alright! I could do without that memory)

Thacher and Nalani were so cute playing house, Nalani was mom and Thatcher was the kid, their imaginations kept them busy for hours. Thatcher went up to Nalani and blew into her face "Mom, does my breath smell good?"
I guess he was pretending to brush his teeth before bed and wanted her to smell his clean breath like he does with his real mom and dad every night. To bad for Nalani it was mid-day and he had only pretended to brush his teeth!

Hunting and cutting down the perfect Christmas tree and decorating it! Putting up the Nativity and decorating the house. *Merry Christmas!*

Tresa getting her braces off! WOOHOOO!

All in 3's

3 Joys
My Children
My Husband
Weight loss, a good book, music, my computer...

3 Fears
If I died my children would lose their mother and be separated.
Spiders and all creepy crawlies
What's behind the laundry room door

3 Goals
Each day try to be a little better than the day before.
Stop picking at my lips, nails and face.
Be more Christ like

3 Current Obsessions
Reading
Scentsy
Pictures

3 Regrets
Times I've yelled, Hulked out or had down right out of bodies
Backing into the garage door while it was closed
Poor choices in general

3 Facts about me
I currently don't watch any TV, it's been months!
I'm incredibly blessed.
I'm completely torn in two over the Presidential Election, Obama or McCain?

3 Annoyances (all of which I'm sure I'm guilty of)
Someone texting while I'm talking to them.
People interrupting others when speaking.
Telemarketers

Current Affairs,

Viruses are dreary and exhausting, painful and NO FUN! Good Heavenly Days! Our computer suffered a virus more than two weeks ago and it has completely wiped us out. And I am married to a computer geek so HeLLo! we should be able to get over this!

The computer is currently in pieces in the office and the hard drive is getting an over haul. I have to go through every file, music, pictures, data, everything and make sure I get anything off of the hard drive that I don't want to lose.

I may have to revert back to the good old day's of pencil and paper when all that breaks is the lead. Technology, psh, who needs it? Oh fine! I do, but seriously I could survive without it, for a few more days and then I might just HULK OUT!

Sorry about that. I lost myself in the moment. I've regrouped my legs are criss-crossed applesauced my hands are resting on my knees palms up, thumb and pointer fingers touching and I have completed my ewsaw chanting. My ripped shirt and green skin has been replaced by with a fresh pink tee and a soft olive complexion.

With no e-mail and little computer time I have been busy cleaning house and taking lots of naps, reading the funniest book ever, well okay at least for the moment, and loving the moment.

So to all my fellow blog-aholics who fear I have been admitted to a hospital somewhere and must be on my death bed due to my posting neglect, have no fear I am well (when not hulking out due to withdrawals) it's just my computer who is not.

Six Quirks

I have to eat my skittles two at a time of the same color.
If I'm lying in bed you'll know if I'm awake or not by if my feet are moving. I'm not even consciously aware I'm doing it but I rub my feet together, one massages the other!
My side of the bed has to be the furthest from the door. That way they get Jeremy first!
I can't drink the last little bit in the milk carton.
I read magazines backwards, too, Kylie!!!
I have to feel I've been understood before I'll admit I'm wrong.


Six friends to list their quirks Jodi, Merilee, Gina, Valena, Michelle and Katie

Life in General

Life in general is full of highs and lows, fun and silly times and tough sad times all providing some kind of growth right? I've been reading my great grandmothers journal and have come to really appreciate her sharing the lows as well as the highs. Grandma shared her struggling days of cancer and beautiful days in her garden and the dawg days of grandpa's Alzheimer's. I've been amazed and grateful to be reading grandma's thoughts, feeling her emotions, crying and laughing with her and learning from her.

So in general life is not always a "bowl full of cherries" or "peaches and cream" or "greener on the other side" or even "in the dumps" I guess for me it's knowing that sorrows sure make joys sweet and joys are only joy when we've tasted sorrow and I need and will learn how to love and embrace them both!

Certifiably Losing It!

I am forever forgetting things. I'm just positive I have the onset of some forgetting disease. But in all seriousness I am a little concerned. I often can't remember what day it is, how old I am or how old Jeremy is. I can get off the phone with someone and start to panic wondering if I even said goodbye or if my phone cut out or if I ever so rudely switched over to the other line and forgot about them. I struggle to remember the topic of discussion but feel it had some significance. I hope I remembered to bring up the topic. Some of my dear friends have been subject to my calling them and asking if I ended the discussion and what we discussed.

Now this is not the only thing to cause concern. I go to bed knowing Brody has an appointment first thing in the morning by sun up it's not even a fleeting thought. Gone. I don't think I have ever remembered Brody's grooming appointments, the day of. I normally get a call after he is 15 minutes late to remind me. I did actually show up last week on time because I was sure of his appointment and I was so proud. I walked in smiling, obviously pleased, only to find his appointment is next week.

Once Brody has been gone for a few hours I've been known to panic. I'll be screaming his name and roaming the streets when someone will say "mom didn't you take him somewhere this morning?" "OH MY GOSH! I LEFT HIM IN THE CAR!" I then run frantically out to the car when it starts to come back to me...oh wait he's at the groomer.

I'm a pro for calling the kids upstairs for something only to forget what it was by the time they arrive, so of course I play it off with some lame question. I will go to the opposite end of the house, outside or out to the car and wander aimlessly until I remember why I am there or until I give up.

I've been asked, did you see that girl last night wearing blah blah blah and her hair was like this and that and she sat next to so and so and did such and such? For real? Are you serious? You can remember all that, and you don't even know the person? I can't remember what I wore yesterday let alone someone else. Awards should be given to people with memories like that.

I am a bit concerned at how many times I've left my groceries at the store or driven 40 minutes to a specific destination only to have forgotten the item at home that I was returning or the times I was supposed to call someone right back didn't or when I've dropped the kids off at school on a NO school day. While I continue to do all of these things that my friends and neighbors and all those in my world have been subjected to this madness can forgive me and judge not. For I have accepted that I have a problem and I hope to have solutions soon!

P.S. Earlier this year I purchased a cute little puppy dog pocket calender. I love it...when I remember where it is... and to carry it... and check it!

HAPPY THOUGHTS...HAPPY THOUGHTS...

I know, I know, I never complain, I mean it's beyond me to do such a thing. I am all positive good juju, happy, happy, joy, joy! Positive thoughts bring positive things. I'm even trying Jeremy's "every day is the best day ever" yada yada yada.

Ya right! Not happening. I can't take it... I hate laundry! Give me toilets baby, give me dishes that haven't been rinsed, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, oh and showers, dirty showers with hard water spots and orange well peach colored slim growing on the inside. All of it, all at the same time Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! But holy schnikies cowboy take my laundry, every bit of it! The picking it up. The finding it under beds, shoved behind toys in closets, in bathrooms, outside. Yes you read right outside. The separating. The washing. The pre-treating. The transferring to the dryer. The piles on my bed waiting to be folded. The piles of clean laundry now on my floor. The folding. The hanging. The ironing. The putting in fifty different drawers and 5 different closets, TAKE IT ! *stamping feet* TAKE IT! *fist shaking* TAKE IT!

Reminiscing...

20 years ago

I was 11 years old and in or had just finished sixth grade at Geneva Elementary in Orem Utah. My best friend was Brandy. I wasn't into boys yet, I didn't play with Barbies instead I climbed trees and played on the monkey bars (two people would swing down from opposite sides and try to lock the other with their legs until they dropped off the bars). My favorite thing was to do cherry bombs (hang upside down bent at the knees on a bar swinging high enough your knees let go and you land on the ground) and the dead man drop (Sit on a high bar without holding on flip back and swing down and around landing on your feet) off the high bar, hand stand wars and all other innocent things. Do you think kids do that any of those things these days?

10 years ago

I was a single mother of two, working for a Pediatric Opthamologist at clinic and in the operating room. I had just started dating Jeremy while still dating another boy also (they both new of each other). I was head over heels with my fairy tale boy friend who played drums for Faith Hill. It was quite the surreal life. My friends and mom kept saying how much more they liked Jeremy and I was letting him slip by. So I made my choice and went with a handsome hunk and started a real fairy tale with... Jeremy! We were married later that year!

5 years ago

We lived in Oregon and having left friends in Utah provided us with opportunities of making new lasting friendships that have continued to grow . I was struggling to get pregnant. How could three children come so easily and then have to try so hard for one more? It took 4 years before we had Thatcher (looking back I can see how hard it would've been to have a baby while experiencing so much with Tyler). Tyler was 4 and weighed 20lbs. He was constantly in and out of Dorenbecher Childrens Hospital, we had no insurance and were struggling to get doctors to see us. Tyler had an emergency kidney surgery almost exactly five years ago and has been healthy ever since. Talon was in Kindergarten and Tresa in second grade both in the Spanish program. Tresa had been baptised earlier that year and tons of family came from all over to help celebrate.

3 years ago

We had so much fun watching our home be built, we were so excited to be buying our first home. Thatcher was 10 months old and in a cast from having his third thumb chopped off. All children were healthy and strong. Talon had been baptised earlier in the year and Tyler was getting ready for kindergarten. Tresa was busy being a great big sister. Jeremy was with the same company and continually growing. Lay-offs hit hard and more than 80 people lost their jobs, Jeremy made it though while many of his friends were let go. I had finished some courses in my continual education plan and started working as a Bookkeeper. This job offered work from home which I was so grateful for. Of the ebbs and flows of life we were on a flow!

1 year ago

I was in a muck, but beginning to pull out of it. Jeremy took care of everything, the kids suffered in school and were looking forward to summer break.

So far this year

Of the ebbs and flows back on a flow and loving it. Loving our home, neighbors, friends, church and family. Waking up in the morning, smiling, laughing and living. Trips to the beach, camping and fun concerts, because music soothes my soul and brings a huge smile to my face. The kids did fantastic in school. Tresa was on the honor roll and Tyler would be if they graded that way, Talon is brilliant and an extreme adrenaline junkie. Half the family is in braces and ready for them to come off.

Yesterday

Hmm... I know it was just yesterday but I don't remember. Must have been easy going and not too exciting. I know I had daycare kids. I'm sure I read and ate all of the real important things got done I'm sure. You know funny how that is, ask me what I did last Saturday and I could probably tell ya minute for minute what I did but yesterday heck I don't know. I guess you'll have to ask me next week how yesterday was!

Today

Now today was a great day, the sun is shining, it's almost warm! Today we went to the Library and watched a magic show. We checked out books on magic from the library. We then went to McDonald's ordered bad foods and ate them at the park and the kids played while I enjoyed the company of two delightful friends who make me feel sane when I don't feel so sane! Thanks ladies! Then off to the gas station for my soda fix, yes I have an addiction and yes I know I need help. Off to home, diapers changed (daycare) in bed with em! I now sit chillin' to music and blogging my little heart out. Later I will be joined by 15 of some of my favorite ladies as we roll the dice in our ever so risky game of BUNCO! Yep that's right soda and BUNCO!

Tomorrow

I only live in today. Okay so I try to only live in today. I can't think about tomorrow. But that could be why I am always forgetting things, appointments and such. If I must give it some thought I'd say, eat, shower, dress, you know the basics and I don't know check back with me tomorrow! Oh wait, I thought of something... I will continue working on my talk.

In the next year

I do know I'd love to go on a big vacation, visit my friends and family in Utah, see the beach at least a dozen times and continue to tell myself I'm going to lose 30lbs but not really do it. I'm sure I'll frequent some more concerts. Tresa will have an amazing experience on the Trek. Talon will receive the priesthood. The kids will do stellar in school and so will Jeremy as he starts a cert program next month. Tresa is on her way to 8th grade, Talon 6th, Tyler 3rd and holy schnikies Thatch is off to preschool in the fall. Maybe we'll landscape the backyard and who knows maybe I will lose that 30lbs! I'll vote, make more cup cakes and aprons and whatever else I fancy. I'll scream really loud in the bleachers at the kids sporting events.

I tag Jodi, Shannon B, Shannon P, and Katie.