Merry Christmas!!

It's that time of Christmas where you've done all you can do -- All the stores are closed, the mailman has fulfilled his rounds and won't be back to work until the 26th, Santa has already packed his sleigh... Now you just have to sit back and let the rest of the pieces fall where they may.

I think back on all the hectic hustle and bustle of the last couple weeks and reflect on my stress levels and attitudes. I had to cut back on some things: I didn't send out Christmas cards this year (sorry to friends and family who were hoping for the annual letter), I didn't buy gifts for everyone and their dog, I only took neighbor gifts to those I truly care about, I didn't search for that "perfect something," but rather for that "something pretty okay," (and I'm okay with that), we didn't put out all the decorations and over accent our house - in all, I didn't run myself ragged (completely).

But, I did find time to be with the kids more, we watched most of our Christmas movie collection together as a family, I wrapped as I bought, so I wouldn't have an all-out wrap fest, I embraced the all-Christmas-Music-all-the-time on the radio and I enjoyed it... basically, I tried to enjoy the holiday more from the beginning, instead of let it run away with me.

This is the season to focus on the Savior; He was born, He died, He lives and He loves us. He doesn't care whether we sent out cards, or whether we shopped at Dillards or at Pic-N-Save, or whether we took home-baked items to our neighbors or didn't even bake at all, leaving that solely up to them... all He cares about is that we remember Him, and try to be like Him.

We do what we can, and He makes up the rest. Now, if that's not love, I don't know what is.

Holiday Stress

Every year it's the same thing: December comes and stress hits. What is it about the holiest holiday of the year; the time when there is more focus on peace on earth, goodwill to men; the season of giving and love to all, that brings out the ugliness in people? Going to the stores is like taking your life in your own hands! Case in point, I found myself at Wal-Mart on Saturday (I need my head examined!) and I parked in the very back of the parking lot because it was the only spot available. When I got back to my car to leave, it took me at least 5 minutes to just get my car out of my space because nobody would let me out... and then when I did start moving, a lady who was driving up the aisle threw her hands up in the air and gunned her engine. As if I was putting her out trying to get out of my parking place. Luckily I braked, and escaped a fender bender.

There is so much hustle and bustle, places to go/people to see, gifts to get, money to spend... It's easy to forget the reason we are celebrating.

Our Savior came into the world to give us the greatest gift - through Him we receive eternal life; through Him we receive forgiveness; through Him we are never alone. I will make more of an effort to think of Him as I go through the motions of the holiday... even when the stress is enough to make me scream.

Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a wonderful holiday spent surrounded by those you love.

Beware the Doghouse

My poor husband can relate to the above video all too well. Our first Christmas together as a married couple (16 years ago) he got me 3 things: A step-stool, a bathroom scale, and some trashy lingerie. He still hasn't heard the end of that, though he has redeemed himself a time or two.

I post this here as a public service announcement to the men out there who feel a practical gift is a good gift to give. If you want to give your wife a dual-bag vacuum (or a step stool) do so on a Tuesday, out of the blue, and take her to dinner afterwards (preferably someplace they don't serve fries). If you expect brownie points, and a Get Out of the Doghouse Free Card, put at least a modicum of thought into the gift you give on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. You'll be much happier for it.

We women have VERY long memories. Trust me on this one.

There are still 16 shopping days left before Christmas... are you prepared????

Musical Fortune

I didn't have anything special to say today, so I pulled a rabbit out of my hat (translation: I copied a post from another blog) and came up with this. Enjoy.

1. Put Your iTunes/music player/cd player/radio on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. Write that song name down. (don't cheat and shuffle through)

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the music they listen to... This is what my music says about me:

WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR PERSONALITY?
Shine Down - Godsmack
I supposed I have a happy, shiny disposition, spreading my light to all around me. See it? :o)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Argue - Matchbox 20
After the fight comes the makeup... Raawwrrrr!

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Lonely No More - Rob Thomas
It's hard to be lonely when everyone wants my attention... Is it time for the kids to go back to school yet???

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Lady - Styx
To transform this Eliza Doolittle into something more refined... The rain in Spain....

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Underappreciated - Christina Aguilera
Oh man, totally. Nuff said.

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Your Body is a Wonderland - John Mayer
Ummm.... really?

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
1000 Kisses - Will and Jada Smith
Hmmmm, I don't think I've even had that many kisses from them in my entire life.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT FREQUENTLY?
Kiwi - Maroon 5
Well, either I really like fruit, or I can't stop thinking about sex. It's all in the interpretation of the song. :o)

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
2 Late 4 Love - Tesla
Dude, I'm not making this up. That really is the song that came up. Freaky!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Last Beautiful Girl - Matchbox 20
She is beautiful, that's true. Love ya, Les!!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Comin' Home - Lynyrd Skynyrd
I like my husband, and I like it when he's home.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Be Good to Yourself - Journey
That would be a better motto, but, whatever.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
El Beso Final - Christina Aguilera
When I'm old and gray, I'll still be smooching my love; even with my dying breath.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Follow You Home - Nickelback
Anytime, baby!!

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Alcohol - Barenaked Ladies
That's all my dad thinks about, whether it's about me or not. Go figure.

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE AT YOUR WEDDING (ANNIVERSARY)?
Big Fat Money - Van Halen
That better be what my husband spends on the anniversary gift.

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Alive and Kicking - Mr. Big
Wishful thinking on their part?

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Side of a Bullet - Nickelback
Guess I need to take up target practice?

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers - ZZ Top
Shhhhhh, don't tell.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Enter Sandman - Metallica
Maybe I need to get more exciting friends??

So, that's me in a nutshell. Take it for what it's worth. Now go do this on your blog and leave me a comment so I can come and learn all about you through your iPod. :o)

Late Thanksgiving?!?

Retailers are complaining because "Thanksgiving was so late this year" so now there are fewer shopping days until Christmas.

What the heck??

Isn't Christmas ALWAYS on December 25? Last I heard, there are 365 in a year (taking into consideration that we gain ONE day for leap years), which means there are exactly 364 shopping days REGARDLESS of when Thanksgiving is.

It's not as if stores have waited until now to start the Christmas season anyway... they were setting up their displays several days before Halloween! Give us a break already.

The economy is rough right now. Deal with it. It won't matter how many days there are between holidays, nor how early you open your doors on the ungodly Black Friday... sales will be down. Deal with it, I say!

Sheesh!

Two down, one to go...

It happened last night while I was out of the house enjoying the company of my ward sisters. Our ten year old confronted Da Man straight-up and asked, "Daddy, are you Santa Claus?" Like a deer caught in the headlights, and with our 8 year old sitting nearby, he ignored her. Not one to be put off, she asked again, "Daddy, tell me the truth, is Santa Claus real?" Unable to ingore her a second time, he quietly and subtlely took her out of earshot of her little sister and asked her why she was asking.

Bee said that she and some friends had been talking and they had said Santa wasn't real and she wanted to know for sure. So, succumbing to the fact that it was unavoidable, he told her, "Yes." He went on to explain that Squeaker still believed and so it was important to help keep the dream alive for her sake. She agreed. She didn't seem disappointed; only satisfied that her suspicions could finally be put to rest.

The dynamic of Christmas is changing for us around here. Only one of our children will hurry off to bed on Christmas Eve, straining to listen for the sound of hoof prints on the roof, struggling to go to sleep for fear that our house will be passed by, only to arise the next morning to find that Santa had, in fact, made his magical visit. Only one will re-evaluate her behavior when reminded that only good girls and boys get presents, while naughty children get coal. Only one will make a Christmas list with visions of tiny elf hands constructing the item of her desire. Only one will carefully think out what sort of treat to leave, including some carrots for the reindeer, and giggle gleefully when only crumbs are left on the plate the next morning. Only one will see the thank you note left in a hurried, jolly scrawl and know that her treat choice was just what he'd wanted. Only one won't notice that the wrapping paper is the same kind that was on sale at Wal-Mart when we were there a few days ago to get a few groceries....

Only one. And, for how much longer?

The thought makes me a bit sad. They don't stay little nearly long enough, do they.

Flat on my rear

That's where I am... flat on my rear end; that's where this cold has put me. It is KICKING MY BUTT!

I started feeling a little "off" on Monday night, so I immediately got the Airborne fizzing in a glass and got the OJ out of the freezer. I thought to myself, "I've nipped this one in the bud, no sickie for me!"

That's when the gamboo gremlin decided to prove me wrong. Despite the overload of Vitamin C and lots of fluids, I'm crashing. Hard. I look like hell, and I feel even worse. I am the poster child for the Nyquil commercials... the one *before* the I slept like a baby segment. I'm sniffeling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head-ing and feverish. Can you picture it?

Did I mention that I have a dentist appointment in the morning for a routine cleaning, I have a bajillion errands that need to be ran, I MUST get some housekeeping done around here (because, yaknow, the maid had to call in sick), I have Activity Day girls coming at 4, Webelos will be here at 5, and I'm hosting a Pampered Chef party at 7.

So, I'm going to go drug myself into oblivion. Everything will be so much better in 20 minutes. :)

Facebook: The New Crack

Seriously. Not since I first discovered eBay has anything on the internet called me so persistently...

I signed up for Facebook about a year ago because someone invited me. I didn't really give it much thought, didn't use my "real" name, and only checked when I saw that my friend had added new photos of her little son.

Then, somehow another friend found me, so I added them as well. On a whim I went through their friend list and discovered they were friends with two people I hadn't had contact with for years. So, I changed my name, added my profile picture, and went looking for more friends.

That's when I discovered I was hooked.

Now, I log on to Facebook at least twice a day to see if I have any new friend requests (and find myself disappointed at those times when there are none). It's like Christmas when I get a new friend or a new message. I've joined a few groups, so it is necessary to log on to those as well to see if there are new posts/members. I have to check what each friend is currently doing, and occasionally comment, as well as play a game or two. It amazes me that I've been able to reconnect with friends I had over 20 years ago!

It's not uncommon for me to spend 30-60 minutes "just checking my Facebook." At least with Facebook I'm not logging off lighter in the wallet like I always do with eBay.

It's so easy to get sucked in... and I go willingly.

Happy Halloween

The spooky holiday has come and gone again. Strangely enough, it was sort of a ho-hum year. It used to be that we would plan well in advance and gather supplies to transform our living room into a bone chilling chamber, complete with fog and blacklight. Trick or treaters were invited to come inside (if they dared). It was the highilght of Autumn for me.

But, the holiday has slowly dwindled to practically nothing. The girls were scrambling for costumes as late as Wednesday for our neighborhood party. I told them that if Disney can re-release movies and everyone loves it, then certainly they can wear their costumes from a couple years ago as well -- besides, this is probably the last year they will be together to go trick or treating, so it was the last year I could dress them all alike anyway.

Presenting -- in honor of the re-release of Sleeping Beauty to DVD -- the three Fairies: Flora, Fauna and Merriweather!

These costumes were made by my pal, Lammy, who is a wonder with the sewing machine. I added a bit of artistic ability by making the hats, but all that involved was some spraypaint and cleverly tied tulle. Aren't they adorable??

When it came to carving pumkins, even that was done half-heartedly. There was a time when we'd all gather around the kitchen table, sketching ideas out on paper, laughing (and some gagging) as we scooped out the pumpkin guts, and enjoying the product of our creations emerge from the orange fruits. This year, the pumpkins were attacked and hollowed out in the afternoon and kids came in and haphazardly drew faces on their pumpkin and Da Man carved them out just before dusk to put them out. Sigh.

Halloween night, the two younger girls were out the door by 6, but Skins refused to go with them, and would NOT dress like them. She went instead as a vampire. It sort of doused the effect of the Three Fairies being only two, but at least I got my photo.

I fear that family togetherness is going to become more and more elusive as the teenage years encroach upon us. Everyone has more important places to be, and things that used to be looked forward to and enjoyed have become blasé. It's inevitable.

And, so it goes.

Biden 4 VP....

If we're lucky, this will be the new National Anthem...



Be sure to rock your vote next Tuesday...

We need activities like this

I don't know these people (amazing what you can find on YouTube) but this has to be one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time. You know one of these guys HAS to be their bishop.




I wonder why they don't do Road Shows anymore? I'm going to have to remember this one... I'm sure I could convince a few guys in our ward to do this... he he he

UEA Weekend

How we are spending the long weekend. Yay us.

Drat

Well, today there is good news and there is bad news.

The bad news is Skins didn't get elected to student council. Only 2 spots were available and she didn't get either one.

The good news is that she is very positive about it and says she will still stay involved in school activities. She also says that she will try again for 8th grade.

At least the experience didn't sour her from trying again. That's better than how her dear old mom reacted -- crawling into a hole and vowing off of school government the rest of her life. Sigh.

I can learn a lot from my children, can't I.

Who Wouldn't Vote?

This is Skins' campaign poster for her school's student council elections. Can you tell it's a sky, complete with white, puffy clouds? She was playing off her name and tying it into her slogan, "The Sky's the Limit"... whaddyathink?

She had to videotape her campaign speech, which will be played to all the seventh graders on Thursday. Elections are on Friday.

She told me that 16 people are in the running, but only 2 spots will get filled. Those aren't huge odds, but she's not letting that get her down. She's very optimisting especially after hearing some girls she didn't know comment on her poster hanging in the hall. They said, "This is totally the best poster up here!" That gave her a boost for sure!

Win or lose I'm so proud of her for even going this far... but I hope she does win. I think it will open up a lot of doors to her and give her a more positive experience in junior high. Seventh grade is the best place to do something like this since the cliques and popularity heirarchy really haven't been established yet. Best to get in on the ground floor.

I know that come Friday I'll be waiting anxiously with baited breath....

Lookie What I Did!!

I have been a busy little bee this last week. It is definitely harvest time!

I got 12+ jars of salsa, 10 quarts of grape juice, and 21 quarts of peaches (with half a tree still to go!).

I'm exhausted. Whew!

P.S. Skins sailed through the interview process for student council and will now be campaigning for votes. She's doing great. I'm so proud!

The Past Doesn't Have to Repeat Itself

Today is a happy day for me. Let me explain why.

When I was in jr. high school I had visions of being an SBO, or Studen Body Officer. I never wanted to be a cheerleader, work on the yearbook staff, or play any sports - nope, all I wanted was to be in student government.

The time came for elections and the first thing one had to do to run was get a petition and have 30 or so signatures. Once that was completed, the administration would interview each candidate and narrow the field down. It was so simple.

I eagerly went to the office and got my petition paper and hurried off to the cafeteria to start getting my signatures. And, that's when I overheard someone say: "I saw Angel in the office getting a petition. What is she thinking? Nobody is going to vote for her!"

I'd like to say that I ignored the comment, got my signatures, turned in my paperwork, wowed the administration and won my office. But, that's not what happened. Instead I ripped up my petition paper without one single signature and threw it away. I never tried out again.

And, to this day, that is the biggest regret of my life. Hands down.

BUT, I am so proud of Skins, who after just one month in junior high decided that she was going to try out for student government. I encouraged her and she followed through. Today she turned in her petition, loaded with signatures, to the school counselor and now awaits her interview slot. Even if she doesn't make it into student government, she'll never have to go through her life wondering "What if?"

I'm so proud of her. Win or lose, she took the first step... and that's more than her dear old mom dared to do. Vote for Skins!!!

Blech

TGIF - It supposedly means Thank Goodness it's Friday, right?

Well, not for me it's not. At least not today. Let's see... perhaps:

This Gut is Frustrating, or
Tummy Gluttonous: I'm Fat! or
Thighs Grotesque - Infuriating - Fat!

These things may or may not be true... but I just got home from 3 different stores trying on jeans. If you aren't a woman, you can't appreciate the impossible task this is. A guy can just walk up to the rack, look for his approximate size, and head to the checkout -- a trip taking approximately 2.7 minutes.

Not so for the female persuasion.

We approach each rack and scan for color. Next we grab the size we wish we were, the size we might be, the size we probably are, and each size surrounding these sizes (just to be sure) then head for the dressing room. We try on each pair (sometimes squeezing and stuffing ourselves into them), then examine our reflection in the dressing room mirror from every angle, step out of the dressing room to look in the multiple-angled mirror from every angle, then head back to the dressing room, check mirror again, take them off, and proceed with the next pair. By the time we get to the checkout it has been approximately 72 minutes since entering the store.

I found two pair that were a tad tight but I bought them anyway (spending a bit more than I intended). My rationale for that is that if I live off of tomatoes and water for the next 7 months they won't be tight on my anymore. As if.

I'll put them on for Da Man when he gets home from work and let him have the final say. If he likes them, then I'll be happy. If he hates them... well... at least I saved the receipt.

Thank heavens it's not swimsuit season anymore!!

FRUSTRATION!!!

I am coming to you tonight through dial-up. Yep, you heard me correctly D-I-A-L U-P. As in 48kb/sec. Yawn. It took 2 minutes just to load this page so I could draft this post. Kill me!!

For the last 3 years I've been with a local wireless provider whose speeds were rather nice at 2100kb/sec and a price I could live with. They've been fairly reliable for me and I've been pleased with their service.

The antenna for our area is on a home in my neighborhood - Maybe that's why my speeds are good. BUT, last year the couple who own the house where the antenna is located decided to divorce. That wouldn't be a big deal if either spouse was going to stay in the house... but alas, the house is now up for sale and nobody is living in it. If there is nobody living in the house, then there is nobody there to maintain the antenna, the tower, or the powerbill that gives the juice to said tower and antenna. We've had a few outages lately because of that problem, but my local ISP has been good about getting it back up and running within a few hours.

Until today.

We went down and I called to inform them of the problem. They said they were aware and had a technician on the way out here to get us back up and running. We could expect service within 30 minutes.

Four hours later I receive a call from the technician, who, after exchanging niceties over the phone, offers me these 5 little words: "We're taking down the tower." Silence. "Ummm, you're what???"

"We've decided that there have been too many issues with this particular tower, so rather than service it, we're going to take it down. We'll contact you with our DSL pricing options tomorrow."

So, that's it. No warning. No further explanation. No internet service.

I'm livid! Were it not for my "free" dial-up backup, I'd be completely without the internet for an indeterminate period of time.

Shouldn't there be some kind of restitution from this company? Isn't there some kind of law that says they have to give me a warning before disconnecting me? Give me some time to research other providers? I know I'm not the only one in this neighborhood that depends on my internet connection for work.

What the heck!! ::insert fuming emoticon here::

I'm so angry. And, now I'm going to hit "Publish Post" and wait another 45 minutes while it posts it to my blog...

Dial up sucks. Blech.

Missing: Time

I considered putting up LOST posters around town to see if anyone has found my time, because, clearly, I've lost it and I don't know where it has gone. If anyone knows where it is, please return it to me right away. You'll know it's mine because you'll see me with fewer wrinkles and younger-looking skin, much thinner, and I'll be toting around two toddlers and a pre-schooler.

Have you seen it??

I just don't understand how time got away from me. One moment it was there, and the next it was speeding away, not leaving me a chance to catch up. It was just yesterday that I was holding the hand of my preschooler so we could cross the street to go to the playground, but today I sent her off to junior high. I didn't even have a chance to blink!!

My baby started junior high today.

I think I need to say it again while pinching myself just to be sure. "My baby started junior high today." Yep, still true.

Junior high is such a different place from elementary school and there are so many new opportunities facing kids today. I only hope that Da Man and I have given Skins all the tools she needs to succeed, to say No, to make good choices, to make and keep good friends, and to survive all of the all-important teenage moments that we all had to go through.

My baby started junior high today.

If anyone has seen my time and can return it to me ASAP, I'd really appreciate it. I think I'd rather be taking my baby Skins to Kindergarten instead.

I Heart Tivo!

Tivo has been in my life for 8 months now... I don't know how I ever functioned without him. Before Tivo I'd have to either 1) have a blank tape ready for my almost-impossible-to-program VCR, or 2) miss my show.

But, now that Tive has come into my life, I never have to go without my shows again! Not to mention that my Tivo loves me so much, that he (yes, he) actually records shows FOR me, out of the kindness of his tiny little microchip heart.

AND, I don't have to tell him what time to start and stop... he just knows what shows I like and he makes sure to gather them for me. What a sweetie.

Oh, AND, it's all high definition. Bonus when I want to pause and get a better look at my Josh Holloway (Tivo understands my love for Josh and allows me that one indulgence).

Did I mention I heart Tivo?

However, lately I've been noticing a strange phenomenon occuring. Last Sunday at church the instructor said something and I missed it... I actually reached for my Tivo remote to rewind her. I PHYSICALLY reached down. Oy vey! And, tonight, our cats did something totally funny and my husband went to rewind so that we could all watch again.

Obsessed much?

Tivo has spoiled me. Next thing you know, I'm going to try to fast forward through dinners at my inlaws. If only it were that simple. Sigh.

Life in Fast Forward

The last couple week have been a whirlwind of activities... In no particular order we:

* Celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary
* Saw our youngest daughter being baptised (I saw, hubby participated)
* Attended Da Man's 20th high school reunion
* Hosted 2 parties at our house
* Sent the kids back to school (minus the jr. higher)
* Built onto our food storage
* Numerous day-to-day items not really worthy of mention

I'm hoping that the weeks to come will ease up a bit since I haven't even had a free day where I can go get my hair done... and BOY am I in need of a 'do!!

In the middle of all the rushing around I've been doing lately, I snuck into Wal-Mart to pick up the last book in the Twilight series "Breaking Dawn." So, add REALLY late nights onto my schedule because for some reason I just can't seem to stop reading. It's not even that the book is that good (it's not) but I just can't help myself. I'll give a better review once I've finished it....

Signed,
The Girl in a Whirl

Great Book

I just read a fantastic book.

I can't remember where I heard about it, or even when I put it on hold at the library, so when I went to pick up my holds, I was surprised to see this book sitting there. I have a stack of books I need to read and this was on the top so when I found myself unable to sleep Wednesday night, I picked it up and plunged right in. At 4:00 a.m. I'd gone through 2/3rds of the book and I wanted to keep going, but sleepiness was starting to win over and I had to stop.

Thursday was a holiday (Pioneer Day here in Utah) so I had to get up fairly early to get the kids ready for the children's parade and the neighborhood breakfast that followed. Man, was I bushed - like the walking dead. But, I made my appearance and then hurried home to get in some more reading. I just couldn't wait to finish the story.

The book is called The Art of Racing in the Rain by a man named Garth Stein. It's written from the perspective of Enzo, a dog. I had a dog growing up who I swear was a human in a dog's body, limited by his canine-ness in his ability to speak, but spoke volumes nonetheless. Enzo reminded me of him. Everyone should have a dog for their best friend at least once in life.

I loved this book so much that I've already purchased it to add to my collection (I had to give the library's copy back) and I will be reading it again and again. I recommend it to anyone who has loved a pet, or been loved by a pet, or who just wants a compelling book to read in the middle of the night.

One suggestion though... if you pick up the book, make sure you have a box of tissues nearby too. You'll need them.

Happy reading!

She's Off!

Skins is on her way to Girls Camp even as we speak. She was up bright and early this morning, ate breakfast and gathered her last-minute stuff, and was out the door by 7:00. I saw other moms dropping their daughters off at the pick-up point down the street, lingering while others arrived. But, not me, I just sent her lovingly out the door to walk over on her own.

Mom of the year? Not so much. But at least I made her change into socks that didn't have holes in them. Maybe I'm good for something.

For the past few days Skins has been a bit nervous about being away from home on her own. In the past she's always had her little sisters with her, but this time she's doing it solo. She walked out of the house with much trepidation this morning -- as a first-year Beehive she really doesn't know what to expect -- but I'm sure that she's going to have a great time. There are some great leaders up there with her, and they'll look after her.

Bee is sad that her sister is gone for three days. She's been looking through our scrapbooks with teary eyes ever since Skins left. She's going to miss her big sister. Awwwwww. Squeaker could care less at this point. She'll just be happy to have command of the remote control now that Skins isn't around to horde it.

Three days and counting...

Celebrate our Independence

Friday was the Fourth of July. We had planned to go camping, but Da Man had to go help his brother move early in the morning, so we figured that by the time he got back and we packed the trailer to go it would be too late to get a camping spot. So, we bagged the whole idea.

Instead, I stayed in bed and finished a book I was reading. Then, about 10:00 I got up and made sugar cookie dough with the girls. In order to make cookies, you have to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, so we had two hours to kill before it was time to bake.

I'd made enough dough to get 5 large cookies with my handy-dandy Pampered Chef cookie mold that I bought several years ago to make 4th of July cookies. This is the first year I actually made them. Go me.

So, I baked the cookies. They had to cool before we could frost them... so they had to sit out. The temperature outside was in the high 90s, so the temperature inside was fairly warm as well, especially since I had the oven on to bake cookies. Our sugar hearts had to sit out for quite some time to cool down.

It is now about 3:00, approximately 5 hours since I set out to make 4th of July sugar cookies to commemorate the holiday. Time to make the frosting. I mixed up a batch and then went to get the food coloring out of the cupboard. I found blue... but where is the red?

I got a chair to get a better look, and while I was rummaging, I knocked a bowl of sugar out. I watched as it fell, hit the counter, and tumbled to the floor, where it literally exploded! Sugar and glass went EVERYWHERE. I've never seen a dish break like that. Apparently, it was tempered, causing it to obliterate into a million pieces. Man, what a mess.... and there was no red food coloring to be found. I had to use hot pink. Sorry, Founding Fathers, our great nation's colors are temporarily Hot Pink, White and Blue. Get over it.

I cleaned up the sugar and the glass and went to mix the icing, but the house was too warm and the frosting was runny. So, I had to chill it a bit before I could frost the cookies.

It is now 4:15.

But, take a look... don't they look nummy??

I wouldn't let anyone eat their cookie until we ate some real food first, so I ran to KFC for some dinner. (What? You thought I was going to cook? My kitchen was already hot enough!). We ate too much and nobody wanted a cookie after eating dinner... so we waited.

It's now 9:00; almost 12 hours from when I first started making these cookies and we are finally eating them. Not bad, if I must say so myself. When I asked the girls what they thought of these all-day cookies, Squeaker replies, "Mine is delectable!!" I looked at her and said, "they're what??"

"Mom, they are delectable - that means 'delicious' in my language."

I told her delectable means delicious in my language too. Where the heck did she get that word? Too funny.

Here she is with her DELECTABLE all-day 4th of July sugar cookie.

It will probably be a few more years before I make them again.

Happy Birthday Bee!!

The Bee officially turned 10 last week, and got her ten-year-old birthday party. Originally, she'd planned on having a "late over," but with the weather being so warm and summer-y she changed her mind to a "water party." So, the invitations went out to 8 little girls. The anticipation for the big day about did Bee in!

Saturday arrived... Party day! I was still frantically trying to get things organized and had to run to the store for some last minute items (it's difficult to have rootbeer floats with out the ice cream, or the rootbeer!). The party started at 2:00 and I got home from the store at 1:45, just as the first little girl was arriving.

By 2:30 most everyone had arrived and the party was in full-swing, set to the tunes of the Beach Boys, who really made the summer theme come to life. The girls jumped on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath, they had a water balloon fight, played games with soaking sponges, and -- their favorite -- water hose limbo. I didn't have a lot of structure, allowing them to really just have fun. I only stepped in when I noticed someone feeling left out.

I offered melon wedges as a treat, but nobody wanted any... so I pulled out the Creamies instead. Everyone clambered for those. Duly noted.

The water ran freely for the duration of the party. It was 97 degrees. Good thing I had my bottle of sunscreen also running freely because there were lots of pink cheeks shining towards the end.

About 4:00 I sent The Man in to make the rootbeer floats. He came right back outside and asked me where I put the ice cream. I replied, "I didn't put it anywhere... where did YOU put it??" We both just stared at each other... realizing that nobody brought it in from the car after returning from the store at 1:45. Uh oh.

The girls had rootbeer soup for a treat while Bee opened her presents.

The last activity was breaking the ugliest pinata on earth, and melting their frozen water balloons with a bracelet inside (they had to get through the ice to get the bracelet out).

Everyone was gone by 5:15.

It was a fun party and I think everyone had a good time. I won't have to host another birthday party now for two more years... when Squeak turns 10. I'll start resting up.

Lookie, Mommy!!

I went to Sam's Club today to drop off some film and make some prints from our digital camera. I had The Bee and Squeaker with me since Squeaks had a dentist appointment earlier and Sam's is right next to the dentist's office (gotta try to get as many errands done in one trip as possible to help conserve gasoline).

So, while I was browsing through the prints on the nifty new-fangled print maker, Squeak announced that she desperately needed to go to the bathroom. I inquired as to where the restrooms were then sent the girls off on their own, with the instruction to hurry on back.

A few minutes later they returned. Bee was happily displaying something in her hand, to which she announced: "Lookit what I have, Mommy! It was free! What is it??" I glanced up from the kiosk to see her waving a Kotex box. I replied, "Something you don't need yet." She shrugged and passed the box along to me, slightly disappointed at not receiving some fantastic treasure... for free.

Ah, the disappointments of youth.

I did it!

The book club selection for this month is "Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell." This is the first time I've ever read it - I've never even seen the movie before now. The only thing I knew about the story is that it's about the old South and the line "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

I also knew the famous monologue featuring "With God as my witness, I'll never be hungry again." Finally, it makes sense to me!

I gave myself 2 weeks to read the novel. It is almost 750 pages in very teensy typeface. It started out sluggishly for me at first and I'd note the page number when I felt ready to stop reading and feel discouraged that I had read only 4 pages. As I got more into the story I forgot to notice the page numbers and I'd breeze through 30 pages in a session.

Margaret Mitchell spends a lot of time describing the surroundings, which I found tedious at times, but her descriptions were well-done and at times I could almost smell the damp red soil of Georgia. I also got bored with all the political talk, but since the story is about the Civil War and the politics behind it, it was necessary for the plot.

I finished the book in 16 days. I carried the book around with me everywhere I went so that I could sneak in a few minutes of reading here and there. Of all my children, The B was the most interested and often asked me, "What is Scarlett doing now, Mom?" She's anxious to read it "when she's a little bit older." The huge-ness of the book doesn't phase her at all. She's quite the reader for a 10 year old.

I got the movie from Netflix so I could compare it with the book. I was intrigued to see the film that beat out The Wizard of Oz for the Oscar that year. It's hard to believe it was almost 70 years ago!! It was primitive by todays movie-making standards, but I really enjoyed it. Even my husband watched the entire film with me, without falling asleep!!! Skins and Squeaker gave up after an hour, but Bee made it to the end as well. You gotta hand it to them... the movie is 4 hours long!

The movie was very well-done by book-to-film standards. Of course, no movie can ever be as good as the book, but it held true to the novel's main points and feelings. I felt that Vivien Leigh was EXACTLY how I envisioned Scarlett, and Clark Gable was a great Rhett. However, Ashley Wilkes was NOT how I pictured him... he was neither young, dashing, or handsome. Blech. I picuted him more like Josh Holloway... hubba hubba.

I don't know why I've never read this classic novel before. I'm glad I did.

Summer Vacation

The kids are officially out of school and on "Summer Vacation." It has been a total of 1.5 days and I'm alreadying hearing "I'm bored!"

It's going to be a LONG summer.

Angel's Tunes

You may notice that I've changed my Blog Playlist (above)...

Do you notice a theme?

I'm open to suggestions on what I can add to the list. Got some ideas? Post them in the comments and I'll see what I can do to add them in!!

I'm the Worst Mother!!

I AM the worst mom and I feel horrible today. Mother's Day was just over one week ago and my kids all let me know how much they love me. The Bee, sweetheart that she is, really goes out of her way to make a person feel special and important, and this Mother's Day was no exception. On top of the beautiful cards she made me in school, she also made little hearts that she scattered throughout the house that have chores written on them that she will do for me. For example, one says: "I will make your bed whenever you ask." And, she has held true to that statement and has made my bed for me.

She also made me the cutest sculpture of a duck out of clay. It was very colorful and came complete with a red tail feather. I say "was" because the duck is no more. We are experiencing very warm weather lately and the duck seemed to be getting rather soft and wouldn't stand up like he used to, so I did a Google search for baking Play-Doh to get the directions so that I could make Bee's duck last forever and forever.

I found what I needed, and popped Mr. Duck into a 300 degree oven for an hour or so. When I went to get him out, this is what I found:

I feel just HORRIBLE. I killed him. The Bee is going to be crushed when I tell her.

In my guilt, I went to the store and bought the most expensive pack of Sculpey Clay they had, complete with a 30 color palette. It is guaranteed to harden in the oven, not melt.

No "Mother of the Year" for me.

"Growing Up Beautifully"

Twelve years ago I became a mother. There I sat, in my hospital bed, holding my pink little bundle wondering how I was going to be able to handle this new stage of life. The fears and anxieties were weighing heavily on me and I felt so inadequate and unprepared.

And, here I am, again with many of those same feelings, wondering how I'm going to handle life as she prepares to leave the nest and make a life of her own. Have I taught her enough? Have I given her enough of the tools she'll need to make it in the world? I'm throwing my daughter to the sharks... is she protected enough? Teenage girls can be so mean and unforgiving... which side of the fence will she be on?

She had an interview for advancement with the bishop today. When they were finished he walked out of the office with her and, with a smile, said to me, "She is growing up beautifully." The comment bolstered me up a bit, thinking that maybe I did okay as a mother and that she'll be fine. Though, Ithink I'll always worry. That's my job. I'm a mom.

Happy Birthday, Skins.

The Universe is Out to Get Me!!

It's happened again.

Just like with Lime Pepsi, Queso/Jalepeno Kettle Chips, Bounty Bars (not sold in U.S.) Bernstein's Italian Dressing... and now with the most fabulous, delicious, mintiest little candy ever made... Mint Crisp M&Ms.

http://www.m-ms.com/us/about/products/mint/

I was shopping for a gift for my mom on Mother's Day when I came across a green bag of M&Ms with Indiana Jones on the packaging. Intrigued, I bought a bag. It was love at first taste. I went to get more and stock up and THEY ARE GONE!!

I know the package says: Limited Edition, but I didn't expect it to last a WEEK. Grrrrrrr.

What the heck? Why is the universe out to get me?

I'm fearful of ever saying I love another product ever again because inevitably it will be immediately discontinued. I'm jinxed, I tell ya!! :o(

Harsh Disappointment

On Saturday Squeaker, age 7, had an audition to be in a DVD production that the Foundation I work for is producing. She has practiced her part for weeks and had it down-pat. The audition was at a studio downtown and when we arrived the room was packed with other kids who were also auditioning (some for her part, and some for other parts). I'm sure I was more nervous than Squeaker was, and I asked the producer if I would be able to go into the room with her when she went in. I was told no. I worried that without my presence there that she would freeze up and act shy.

I needn't have worried. She walked in without looking back at me and the door closed. I could hear her voice through the door and with confidence she said her name and jumped right in - exuding all the personality she has (which is quite a lot!) into the lines.

She came out of the room all smiles, confident that she did a good job. I caught the looks of the producers and they too were smiling. I felt that she had the part in the bag.

Earlier this morning I got word that she was in the final 2 for deciding - the other kids auditioning for her part were cut. She was as good as in!!

But, I just got off the phone with the producers. They went with the other kid. They didn't choose Squeaker. I graciously thanked them for the opportunity and hung up the phone.

Because I am doing work for the Foundation who is sponsoring this DVD, I called my boss to talk to him about the audition and to see if he could give me some inside information on why Squeaker wasn't chosen. When he heard the news he was just as disappointed as I am, but he gave me a possible explanation: They needed a boy. The other child was a boy and the DVD needs an equal mix of boys and girls. The boys who auditioned for the older parts weren't very good, meaning that it came down to needing a younger boy. Bam! The Squeak gets bumped.

She is going to be so sad when she gets home from school today and I tell her. Dangit.

We really need some good news around here... anyone got any??

The Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Week

Yeah, that's what I had - a terrible horrible no good very bad week. The kind that can only come with emotional turmoil.

Hopefully, with faith, everything is on the upswing.

Next week will bring smiles and happy blogging. So, until then....

Sigh.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

It's Cinco de Mayo, so in commemoration I decided to make a Mexican dinner. I made chicken enchiliadas, mexican rice and pina coladas (without the rum, of course). I intended to also make churros for dessert, but I'm tuckered out from cooking and then cleaning the kitchen. I'm done for tonight.

In the past, I've always made mexican rice from a box (Rica-A-Roni is decent as a side dish) but tonight I wanted to do it as authentic as I could. My husband served a mission in Mexico, so he holds a special place in his heart for the food (as long as it's not rice and beans 24/7). I am including the rice recipe with my blog tonight because it is just so yummy. Even my kids liked it. My 7-year-old commented that this was "the best dinner ever" and that I'm a "really good cooker." It wasn't THAT good of a meal, but I'll take a compliment when I can. :)

Mexican (Spanish) Rice

2 T vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 cups water (chicken broth is better)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes w/green chilies
2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon salt

1. Heat oil in deep skillet over medium heat. Saute bell pepper, onion, and garlic until tender, add rice and saute until the rice is turning brown.

2. Stir in water (broth) and tomatoes. Season with chili powder and salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

It's better than what you buy in a box, and you can make a lot more. I wish I would have doubled this recipe so that I would have some for lunch tomorrow!! Mmmmmm.

Sabrosa!

Just One of Those Days

Have you ever had one of those days when everything you do seems to fall apart? Well, if you have, then you can certainly have sympathy for me.

I should have known it would be one of those days for me because it started going downhill from the start. We've been having such nice weather lately that I decided to get my toesies ready for sandals by painting my toenails. So, I get out of the shower, get halfway dressed and sit on my bedroom floor to create some foot art. I picked a pretty color and started shaking the bottle. Suddenly, I feel something wet but I disregard it as I give the bottle a few more good shakes. That's when I look down and see my hand completely covered in nail polish. Somehow, the little shaker ball inside the bottle caused the glass to break, thus leaking polish everywhere: all over my hand, my arm, the floor, my clothes (brand new, first time worn, btw) and in my hair. I uttered a few choice words and went to the bathroom to clean up. An hour later, I have most of it off of my body, but my clothes are toast, and the carpet will have the pretty nail color spots for the rest of eternity (or until we get new carpet, whichever comes first).

Incidentally, my entire house now smells of polish and acetone, not a pretty combination. AND the weather decided to get all cold and gloomy so I can't even open my windows to help air the smell out. AND because of the cold weather, I couldn't wear sandals today anyway. Sheesh!

I made bread in my bread machine... the same recipe I've always used and it always comes out perfectly. I don't think I did anything different, but halfway through the first knead cycle I could hear the motor in the machine really straining. I checked the dough and it was a tough little ball, not smooth and elastic like usual. So, either I suck at bread making, or my machine is toast (no pun intended).

Frankly, I'm afraid to touch anything else. Maybe I'll just go to bed early. Nothing bad can happen to me there. If you need anything from me, it's probably best if you wait until tomorrow.

Be Ye Prepared

Just listening to the news these days is enough to send anyone under their covers never to resurface again. Each segment contains some form of doom and gloom... If you haven't heard already, there is a wheat and rice shortage here in the United States - the breadbasket of the world. For the first time ever we have to import those products, and other countries are keeping it for themselves, which leaves us empty-handed. I have to laugh a bit when the newscaster relates these messages with severe gravity only to follow it up with "don't hoard and don't panic." If that's not a contradiction in messages, I don't know what is!

I've never been great with food storage, even though we've been counselled to have a year's supply for as long as I can remember. I try to have a few cases of Mac-N-Cheese on hand, and a crate or two of Top Ramen, but that's about the extent of my supply. I think the whole "50 lbs of wheat" is intimidating to me. I mean, you have to USE what you store, right? What the heck do I do with wheat?

And, now, I couldn't even get any if I wanted to!!

My family is clearly not prepared, despite the fact that President Hinckley passionately urged us to get our affairs in order and BE PREPARED. We didn't listen. He knew what is to come, and we ignored it thinking that we have more time.

Time is clearly up. Unless the economy recovers in a big way, and fuel prices drop considerably, this is the way it's going to be. Scary thought, isn't it! You can believe I'll be doubling up on my Mac-N-Cheese/Top Ramen purchases... I still don't know what to do with wheat anyway.

How's your food storage situation?

RIP

It is a sad day in our home... We lost a member of the household today. We knew it was coming, but when it finally happens, you find you can never truly prepare. It was a typical Sunday where we woke up, had breakfast, attended church, came home and had lunch, and that's when we realized the inevitable.

Please pause a moment with me in silence.

:: sniff sniff ::

Our 12-year old GE Profile refridgerator has gone the way that appliances must go - the big kitchen in the sky. It has been with us since we purchased our first home in 1996. I was pregnant with our first child at the time and I was so excited to be getting my own brand new refridgerator, with ice and water in the door (I made sure that it had crushed ice, since I couldn't get enough ice munching through my pregnancy). We loved it so much we took it with us when we moved to our new home in 2001. But, today, it gave up the ghost and we will have to say goodbye.

My husband suggested we go out and get a new one tonight, but I reminded him that this is not a case of the "ox in the mire" since we have a spare refridgerator in the basement which will hold our dairy and frozen meats until we can have a new fridge delivered.

The girls weren't disappointed, however, since they got to slurp all the melted ice cream they wanted - nothing like drinking a milkshake straight from the carton.

Thank goodness we got a tax refund this year. Sheesh!!

We're Back!

We are back from our week-long adventure to Disneyland!! We had a fantastic time. My husband and I didn't tell the kidlets about the trip until we were getting ready to get in the car to head to the airport. Let me tell you, that's the ONLY way to go. Since they didn't know we were going, they couldn't bombard us with questions on how many days were left, or talk nonstop about what they were going to do. It was difficult living with such a big secret, but it was fun pulling off such a fun surprise.

We spent five glorious days in the Happiest Place on Earth and it was a great time of bonding as a family. I'm so glad we went, and feel that it was money well spent. Thanks, Mr. Bush... I hope this was along your line of thinking for economic stimulus!!

The only downside was the crowds. Disney was definitely filled to capacity. With easter being so early, it threw off everyone's spring break scheduling. Thank heavens for the Fast Pass!!

Our kids are already talking about what they want to do next time we go, but unless an extra check comes from the government on a regular basis, they may be parents by then, and able to pay for their trip themselves. Yay them.

Now, I just need to take a week off to recover from our vacation. I'm beat!!

Conference Weekend

I love LDS General Conference. I love it for many reasons, including (but not limited to) the fact that we don't have to get up and get ready for church, and the fact that we get to have an abundance of the Spirit in our home as we listen to the messages delivered as a family. I love hunkering down on the couch cuddled up with my husband and kids, snacking and discussing what we are hearing.

This year, I found a packet of activities for children to do while they listen to Conference. It has really helped them to listen and try to figure out what the main topic is for each speaker and pay closer attention to the actual message being given and not merely listening for words to cross off on a Bingo game.

It is such a special time for Latter-day Saints, and especially this Conference since we were able to participate in a solemn assembly - the first time for our kids, and the first time when I really had a testimony strong enough to care. It's such a beautiful thing!!

My testimony has been strengthened, and there's nothing better than that.

Merry Unbirthday to Me!!

April Fools Day in our home means it's A Very Merry Unbirthday to Me!! We have had this tradition for many years and it's been very nice. Because my actual birthday falls so close to Christmas, and we are partied out and have no money to spend, we found a day later in the year where we don't have any other birthdays and when we usually have our tax returns back... Thus April 1st became MY day.




But, my husband - sweet man that he is - said we wouldn't be celebrating this year since he acknowledged my actual birthday. I reminded him about the four very special three-word-phrases and that I got to pick and choose the day, he doesn't get to UN-choose for me. So, hopefully, he'll get his act together before getting home from work tonight. Fingers crossed.

Now, all I have to do to complete the day is find something to trick the girls with, and all will be well!!

Rite of Passage

A significant event happened in the life of my 11-soon-to-be-12 year old daughter over the weekend... She babysat for the very first time. She's the oldest of three girls, so technically she's been our designated sitter for several years already, but this Saturday she was "hired" to watch other people's children.

She received the call on Friday and would be doing the job Saturday afternoon. In that short 24-some-odd-hour time period she repeatedly quizzed me on the children's names, running scenarios of activities past me for approval, and basically all-around obsessing over it. It was rather endearing.

When the time finally came I drove her over to the house about 7 minutes early (it was a compromise since she wanted to be 25 minutes early so that the mom didn't think she was irresponsible). There were two children, ages 4 and 2 (boy and girl respectively). Thankfully, it was only going to be for about 90 minutes because she hasn't quite mastered the art of changing a diaper...

When I picked her up later that afternoon she couldn't stop talking about her experience. She really enjoyed playing with the little girl and she was rather proud of herself for getting the little 2 year old boy to go down for a nap. Even the mom was impressed by that. All-in-all it was a good experience for her.

Her only worry is that she won't get asked to do it again since there are approximately 8 girls in our neighborhood who are slightly older and more experienced in the art of babytending who get all the calls. Hopefully, for her, that won't be the case.

My baby is growing up so quickly... First stop babysitting, next stop dating. AAAAGGGGGG!!!

84 words

Speedtest

With just one mistake. Not bad.

Kids Say...

Today I took my 9 year old daughter in to have an eye exam and get new glasses. This is only the third time in her short life that she's been to see an optometrist, but she's easy-going and takes everything in stride and treats it like an adventure.

When she was called in for the actual exam, my husband and I followed to sit in the back of the room. She climbed up into the big chair and the optometrist slid the eye contraption up to her face. He then proceeded to carry on a conversation with her about how she is probably chasing all the ugly boys around at recess because her prescription is so old... he was going to make sure that she could see well enough to chase all the good looking ones from now on. She blushed and giggled and said she was much too young to be chasing boys. My husband and I exchanged glances and smiled.

The exam proceeded, with the doc asking "Better, or Worse?" and "Number One or Number Two?" until a satisfactory prescription was found. He then asked our girl to read the bottom line of the chart.

She paused for a moment (long enough for me to think that she wasn't seeing clearly through the contraption) and then said, "Apneo." Clearly taken off guard, the optometrist was speechless. I wanted to clarify to my daughter that he meant to read out the LETTERS on the chart, not make a word out of them, but I was laughing so hard I couldn't form the words to speak. I looked over at my husband who had tears streaming down his cheeks from laughing as hard as I was. I admire the doc for not breaking composure and keeling over in giggles as well... ever the professional he asked her again to say the line, but just the letters this time.

My husband and I continued to giggle silently for the next 5 minutes - just long enough for the doc and our girl to finish up, at which time we were escorted out of the exam room, straight faced and semi-serious....

It was definitely a blogging moment!!

Best version ever

This is a fabulous "condensed" version of Star Wars... and you can't help but want to pinch the reviewers cheeks. She's adorable.

Underappreciated

Is it every woman's plight in life to go through stages of being loved and cherished by her family, to simply being the live-in maid?

It seems I've regressed from being the Cinderella at the ball to just plain scullery maid... bottom of the totem pole.

Christina says it best when she sings:

I feel underappreciated
Now girls help me out
'Cause you know what I'm talking about,
I sayI'm feeling underappreciated
For all the time and effort
I have put in this commitment

Those Three Little Words

Every woman loves to hear those three little words from her man. Nothing can melt a heart faster... So, what are they? Let's say them together girls...


"You Are Right"


Awwww, you men out there thought I was going to say "I Love You" weren't you... sweet spirits. Nope, while we love hearing "I Love You," there are other phrases we love to hear more.

So, guys, when you are floundering for just the right words to say, you know you can always fall back on... Memorize them:

I Love You
You Are Right
Let's Go Out
Here's a Present

Use them alone or together. Either way, you'll come out on top!! Trust me.

Things I Love

You know what I hate? I hate it when I fall in love with a product only to have the manufacturer discontinue said product....

For example, I may fall in love with a particular shade of eyeshadow only to use it all up and go to the store to get a new one only to have it NOT THERE. Thus, a quest across my city to several stores in hopes of finding said shade ensues, only to come home empty handed. It's gone.

Now, in the case of makeup, I'll admit that I have resorted to Ebay and have been fairly lucky in finding items there (though I have had to pay a premium for it). I've also been able to find perfumes, candles, and clothes on Ebay when my local stores no longer carry what I want.

Unfortunately, I have recently encountered a discontinuance that cannot be Ebay'ed away....

Pepsi Lime has been removed from the manufacturer's lineup and is no longer being sold. ::insert sad face here:: A few years ago I fell in love with an obscure product called Vanilla Coke only to have it yanked from my life when Coke felt it no longer served their bottom line. So, I turned to Pepsi for comfort. Their Vanilla version was rather putrid (IMHO) but I was intrigued by the Pepsi product on the shelf below the vanilla that came in a green can... I bought the product and was pleasantly surprised by the lime-y goodness of it. It has been a love affair ever since.

Well, until now.

It's gone. Gone, I tell ya!!

I've scoured the internet for information, but Pepsi.com still shows it in their product information. However, EVERY store I've been to no longer has it in stock. I've got some calls in to people who may know for sure, but I have yet to hear back. Until that time, I'm holding out hope that the shelves will once again --soon-- be stocking the beautiful green Pepsi cans.

Until then, I'll treasure the two I have left in the fridge, only to be consumed on a VERY special occasion...

And, no, squeezing lime juice into a regular Pepsi doesn't cut it...

Indecision

My day has been very much like song by The Clash: "Should I Stay or Should I Go." Such a question of indecision... like someone standing at a crossroads.

Yesterday was the orientation meeting for the 2008 Mrs. Utah Pageant. I didn't go. I've kept the idea of competing again in the back of my mind but never really gave it serious attention. Then, last night I get an email from my friend who is directing the pageant this year telling me that she really wants to see me compete and feels that I stand a good chance at winning. She offered me coaching and wardrobe if I just say "Yes."

What would compel me to try again in a competition I didn't even come close to winning last time? Is it maybe the possibility of doing better (the competitive side of my personality says I can get a better score)?... Is it that I get to glam myself up and feel like a princess for a day (even if I don't get to take the crown home)?... Is it that I enjoy stressing myself to the hilt and living in a state of constant anxiety? What is it?

Actually, I can't believe I even gave her email a second thought. I'd be crazy to compete again.

Wouldn't I?

Hinckley Challenge

Our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley always showed great love for the scriptures. He encouraged members of the Church to read the Book of Mormon often. I'll admit that I'm not the strongest scriptorian, nor do I claim to even be very knowlegable when it comes to the scriptures, but I have taken a BoM challenge once or twice in my lifetime.

The first time I ever actually read the book all the way through was during a 30-day challenge. It was rough, but let me tell you that I came to an understanding of the Book of Mormon like never before. I discovered there is a story there and it reads like a novel. I came to love Nephi and his people and received a better knowledge of the gospel.

The second time I took the BoM challenge was when President Hinckley encouraged us to finish by Joseph Smith's birthday (was that 2005 or 2006?). I believe I started in August and finished just one week late, on December 30. Again, a great experience.

So, now I am taking the 97-day challenge. As is typical for me, I'm jumping on the bandwagon a day late, but I'm determined to catch up and finish on time. I will chart my progress here in my blog, which should help keep me motivated since all of Blogosphere will be able to see if I'm slacking off.

I really hope you will all join me. It is a great book, and a great tribute to a man we all love.

Such a loss....

Photo by Meridian Magazine

Our earth lost a great and marvelous man last night.

Sunday, January 27, was a typical sabbath day for our family. We woke up, got ready for church, attended our meetings and then came home to spend family time together and relax. That evening W and I took our youngest daughter back to the church for the Primary's Eight is Great program. Our baby, Tiny, who really isn't a baby anymore, was so excited to go becuase she'd learn about her pending baptism and get more information about attending Activity Days. Her excitement was contagious and we had a fun evening watching her interact with her CTR-8 pals.

When we got home from that it was just after 8:00 and we were getting into our jammies to begin our nighttime ritual when the phone rang. I saw on the caller ID that it was my mom so I answered it. She said that she was calling to say she was sorry. Confused, I asked her why... She said she is so sorry about President Hinckley. My mom is not a member of the Church, so her statement startled me a bit. I asked her what happened?

She proceeded to tearfully tell me that she'd seen on the news that President Gordon B. Hinckley had passed away. All I could say is, "Oh no, I didn't know!" and I started to cry. I don't really know why the news was so unexpected to me, since he is 97 years old and has been looking a bit worn lately, but it really took me by surprise and I burst into tears and said goodbye to her.

My husband was instantly by my side asking me what was wrong and I was crying so much I had to breathe deeply to even get the words out. I think I scared the children with my reaction because they really didn't know how to handle the news. My husband choked up a bit and we went to the television to see what the news was saying.

I admit that I did overreact to the news. While I am sad that we have lost a very dear prophet, I know that he is now reunited with his dear wife and that he is surrounded by the love of God in paradise. I am happy for him. It just seemed as though he would go on forever and forever as our prophet and mouthpiece for Heavenly Father...

I know that the church will go on because it is the Lord's church. I will accept whomever is called to serve as President with all my heart because I know he will be called of God. All is well and as it should be.

I've still shed a tear or two over the loss, but happy for the progression.

Have a giggle!

This video never ceases to make me happy... how can you NOT giggle at a baby's belly laugh??

The Importance of Friends

Do you have one of those people in your life that make you laugh until your sides ache over dumb little things? A person that when you spend time with them, the time just flies by in a blink? A person who makes you feel good about yourself just by being with them? A person who would do anything for you at the drop of a hat and not expect anything in return?

I have one of those people... and I thank Heavenly Father for her every single day.

I don't know where I'd be without my pal. She is absolutely incredible and I'm sad that I haven't known her my entire life (though I know I chose her in the Pre-Existence), it just took us a while to find each other here on earth. I've never met a more generous, loving soul. Ever. I totally want to be her when I grow up.

My buddy and I had lunch together today. We sat down at the restaurant and it was literally 3:30 by the time we got up to leave. It didn't seem like we'd been sitting there for 3 hours. We talked and giggled the whole time... I'm sure I burned off a few calories from laughing so hard (bonus!). Afterwards we stopped at the grocery store because we each needed a few things and I wasn't ready to take her home. Again, total giggles up and down the aisles. Even mundane things become fun when you have a friend to share it with (although, she can go to her gynecologist by herself...).

They say that you can't take anything with you when you die... but I know that our friends are the most prized posssessions we can have on this earth and we will get to be with the really good ones up in heaven. I'm hoping that our plots are right next door to each other. Every Wilma needs a Betty!

I love you, pal. Thanks for the day. See you next week!!

What a loss.....

Heath Ledger, who starred in one of my all-time favorite movies (shown below) died today of an apparent drug overdose. There are many facets of this news that is sad, not the least of which is that he was only 28 and that he has a young daughter who will now never know her daddy.

Reports are still unconclusive as to whether the overdose was intentional or not. He was in an apartment awaiting a massage and when an assistant came to tell him the masseuse had arrived, he was found naked and dead with pills nearby.

What a shame. He's such a beautiful man with so much promise in his career. It just goes to prove that it doesn't matter how famous you are, money will NOT buy you happiness. It's too bad that he didn't reach out for help before he got so low that this was the only way out for him. Owen Wilson felt the same way last year and had it not been for good friends and timely intervention, he would be in the same boat.

I will mourn this loss. How very sad.

Don't What?

This is posted on my 7 year old's bedroom door.

I promise to not disterd. I swear.

A picture is worth.....

Here I am, Before:




Here I am, After:



Please don't notice there is also a significant weight difference between the two photos. Fifteen extra pounds followed me home one day and decided to stay. I'm working on finding a good home for them soon.....

Still Brunette

Yep, I'm still brunette. Most of the reaction I've received has been positive, but I'm still not sure if they are being sincere or if they are just trying to be nice. I still double-take when I pass by a mirror and at one point my oldest daughter, upon seeing me from behind, wasn't sure who I was. The change is definitely drastic.

My husband wasn't able to see the fruits of my derangement until Tuesday night about 9:30. I came home from book club and he was in the kitchen so I just walked in and stood there. He looked up at me, paused for a brief second, and said, "Wow, your hair is dark." That's it. I think I expected something more... something like in the old Tom & Jerry cartoons where the characters' eyes pop out of their head with an "aaahhhhooooogggggaaaaa" sound... but, I just get "wow, your hair is dark."

After he'd had a day to have the change grow on him a bit I asked him what he truly thought when he first saw my hair. He said, "Just what I said... wow, your hair is dark." He did say that he likes it, it's just different.

Hmmm, "different."

On a whim, I called my hairdress to see what could be done to tone it down a bit and she said we could do some highlights to bring the color down but that would cost $36 - way more than I can spend on a hairdo I already paid for. Anything else requires bleach and could turn my hair a lovely shade of pink. Grrrrrr. I'm essentially stuck being a brunette for a while. Guess I better get friendly with the girl in the mirror.

I'll post pictures soon.

I think I made a boo-boo

Uh oh... I may have made a major mistake today, but I really won't know for sure until this evening when I bring others in on my moment of insanity.

What did I do?

Well, after months of looking at myself in a mirror and trying hard not to gag at the reflection, I stormed calmly walked into my hairdresser's salon and demanded requested a change. She smiled, sat me in her swiveling chair, draped me in the cape and pulled out her little swatches of hair to choose from. I pointed to one and she went to mix the solution. Hair color is a bit deceiving since it looks harmless in a nice white-colored cream, which she generously slathered all over my head. I happily skipped over to the dryer to sit and process all the while trying to read lips as she talked to me and I (hopefully) responded in the right places at the right times.

:: as an aside, why in the world do people like hairdressers and dentists try to carry on coversations with their clients/patients when it's abundantly clear that they are unable to hear/speak back?? Why??? ::

After the dryer it was over to the sink to be shampooed and conditioned. I happily carried on a conversation with my energetic hairdresser where we giggled and chatted over the antics of children and the frustrations of lunatic siblings... and that's when she spun the chair around so I was face to face with myself in the mirror.

GASP!

I now have the same color hair as my hairdresser, though she admitted that she had never in her life been a blonde as I had been just 45 minutes earlier. My hair is now the color of a dark devils-food chocolate bon-bon where it used to be the color of frosting you'd see on a maple donut. A difference of about 8 shades.

I've had a good part of the day to let the change grow on me, but I still double-take when I pass by a mirror. My husband is going to flip out when he sees it. And, when I say flip out, I'm not sure if that's in a good way or not. I also have book club tonight, where I'll be gathered with several of my closest friends, who all have no idea I've made any changes to my appearance. Their reactions will dictate whether I find myself back in the hairdressers swivel chair tomorrow or not...

So, here I sit... waiting to exhale.....

Hello?

Hello... Hello... Hello...

Is there anybody out there?

Can anyone hear me?

The lights are on, but I don't think anyone is home.

Why do I even keep this blog account open? Maybe I think that someday I'll get hit with a literary stick and I'll begin to spout amazing posts and become a world famous blogger where people will flock from the four corners of the earth to hang on my every word, where even the little black school children from Africa who don't own computers will know me by name because I am THAT amazing.

Not possible, you say?

Yeah, I know. But, it was a good visual for the moment.

Sigh.