- Went to see Fiddler on the Roof with my sister. Topol played the roll of Tevya in his farewell tour. He was the guy in the movie My first thought when I saw the advertisement: That guy is still alive???? Boy is he! He was fantastic. Almost 74 years old and he was kicking up his heels and dancing and singing. The program said that he has performed this roll more than 2500 times. You would never know it. It was a great evening.
- Took a family outing to the discount grocery store today. Not exactly the kids' idea of FUN, but it beats them fighting with each other at home while Brian watches TV and I do it by myself. Joelle helped me get stuff off of the shelf and Brian and Jillise were my human calculators. I would tell them how much to add to our running total and Jillise would add it up in her head while Brian helped keep track of that number in between items. Jaren was actually pretty good.
- School starts in less than two weeks. Crazy. We didn't do 75% of the stuff I had planned to do. Oh, well. There is always next summer. It felt weird today to be shopping for lunch box items. I think I have my piano student schedule about set. This fall will be interesting. Jillise's ballet classes move to twice a week, Joelle goes once. Jillise still has piano lessons and now we have Activity Days for church every other Wednesday, too. I am still mentally adjusting to the fact that Joelle will be in school all day!
- Weight loss is moving right along. I am four weeks down out of 12 and am ahead of schedule a little, so I have some wiggle room if the weight loss slows down a bit in the end. I finally got to remove the first "gold link" from my chain today and rewarded myself with a Deluxe Pedicure. I had a gift certificate that I was saving for just this. It was HEAVEN. Now I have pretty toes. At least until I ram my big toe into something and crack the nail.
- I'm going to see Julie and Julia this week. I'm excited. It will be a fun Girls Night Out.
- The amount of crumbs under my table after every meal. Seriously?? Do my children actually get ANY food into their mouths?? Cuz I'm thinking no. It's when I am sweeping up piles of cold cereal, chips, taco meat, and dried cheese that I really miss Kramer (the dog that now lives with my parents).
- I've been making all of our bread for a few months now. I love it. Sadly, it has done nothing to help curb my desire for carbs. I have been known to eat nothing but protein for breakfast and snack so I can have a PBandJ sandwich for lunch. Heaven. It's the simple things.
- Now that I am craving a sandwich I am going to go make dinner so I can go do my cardio AND weights workout tonight. I slacked yesterday and tomorrow is my rest day so I have to get my burn on beforehand.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday Stuff
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Want To Do It MySEFF!!
We have entered the Age of Independence. That period in every two, three, or four year-olds life when they are CONVINCED that they can do everything for themselves. That period where our family is now perpetually late for everything. It starts first thing in the morning. Not only does he have to GET dressed by himself, it takes him two to three minutes just to choose what design he wants on his pullups/undies. Then he has to get the stool, open the freezer, get the waffles, and put them in the toaster. Then use the tongs to REMOVE them from the toaster. He has to put his own sandals on , buckle himself in his carseat (which is new and which he cannot do very well yet -- and if he feels the car move just a fraction of an inch he screams bloody murder). He wants to choose what he eats every day and what we watch on TV.
In some ways this stage is nice because it does lead to REAL Independence. But in many ways I miss just being able to do it for him (quickly) and being on time for things. Unfortunately Jillise inherited my need to be prompt and Jaren just frustrates her to no end. But any attempt to hurry Jaren up results in one of two things: He will either throw a screaming tantrum all the way to event (resulting in being on time but so disruptive that you have to leave again to discipline him in the hallway), or he will throw a screaming fit until you give in at home and let him START OVER doing it on his own (resulting in being late).
So please excuse Paige's tardiness on _____________ (fill in the date). She is attempting to teach life skills to a three year old headstrong little boy without losing her mind in the process. I would like to state that this will never happen again, but quite frankly, that would be a lie.
Sincerely,
Paige's Conscience
In some ways this stage is nice because it does lead to REAL Independence. But in many ways I miss just being able to do it for him (quickly) and being on time for things. Unfortunately Jillise inherited my need to be prompt and Jaren just frustrates her to no end. But any attempt to hurry Jaren up results in one of two things: He will either throw a screaming tantrum all the way to event (resulting in being on time but so disruptive that you have to leave again to discipline him in the hallway), or he will throw a screaming fit until you give in at home and let him START OVER doing it on his own (resulting in being late).
So please excuse Paige's tardiness on _____________ (fill in the date). She is attempting to teach life skills to a three year old headstrong little boy without losing her mind in the process. I would like to state that this will never happen again, but quite frankly, that would be a lie.
Sincerely,
Paige's Conscience
Friday, August 21, 2009
Joy
I have been doing quite a bit of reflection lately on joy. What is it? What makes us happy? What makes us UNhappy? My friend Candy did a fabulous Relief Society lesson on this a few weeks ago on how PURE joy comes from a full understanding of the atonement and the ability to be worthy enough to take advantage of that gift. This got my wheels turning, but it was watching the events in two friends lives that really made me start to think. I know one of these friends reads my blog, I doubt the other one does. I really don't want to offend ANYONE, this is just my observation of what is shown on the outside and how I perceive things to be.
My first friend grew up in a very active LDS family but quickly went inactive upon leaving home after high school. Married someone with the same background. Both are FABULOUS people. Their wedding was *so* wonderful. I enjoyed keeping in touch with them through the years. Both are very successful at what they do. They built a gorgeous house. They have a beautiful daughter. They are very busy. Both became involved in spiritualism and self mastery. They are the ones who got me hooked on being fit. They are amazingly healthy and beautiful and they work hard to maintain that. I was in awe that they were SO disciplined that they ate 100% clean and structured six days out of the week. No cheating. At all. They were so patient with me when I COULDN'T do that. But they fully believed that I could do ANYTHING I set my mind to do. They are charitable and give to others. They quote the Tao and meditate. They take excursions to other countries to study their spiritual traditions.
For years I was convinced that they were happy, living out their dreams and finding their destiny. Lately I have been working more closely with them as I am on my latest weigh loss push -- communicating with them more frequently. And I started to see things I hadn't seen before. I noticed things. Like that the searching they are doing for a higher "plane" of existence is never ending. One philosophy negates another. And their searches were taking them in different directions. Instead of working together toward one unified goal, they were searching for whatever resonated with them as individuals. I found that even with all of their giving and sharing and working to build up others, their marriage was failing.
When they first told me their philosophy "there is no right and wrong," I found it quite strange and I was interested to see how they taught that concept to their daughter. I knew from my experience with my own kids that they need to be taught and given boundaries. The more I thought about it, I realized that the reason I couldn't wrap my head around it is because it goes against the basic laws of the universe that we are taught in the scriptures. Adam had to eat of the fruit so he COULD know right from wrong. So he could experience Health and Sickness. Pleasure and Pain. JOY and Sorrow. Without one, there isn't the other. So if the world has no right and wrong, then we cease to feel. I came to see that through all of that self mastery and meditation and study, they may be finding knowledge of new things and ideas, and maybe some peace, but not happiness. I would venture to say they are probably more confused than when they started. And the fact that they are now searching alone, without each other, is the very epitome of sadness, if you ask me.
I even started to notice through facebook updates that the strict diet had led them to forget just how much fun eating good food WHEN you want to eat it can be. Or just going out with friends and living life -- even if it doesn't bring you to a higher understanding of the universe. All things in moderation.
My second friend was raised in the gospel. I've known her my whole life. Great LDS family. She married in the temple and has four fantastic kids. They moved into a house with room for the kids to play, but I don't think it was anything new or fancy. She worked hard to live frugally and was even able to save up enough to surprise her husband with a trip to Europe so they could visit where he served his mission. Her husband is a teacher/coach and she stays at home to raise their young children.
A year and a half ago, her husband was diagnosed with stage four cancer in the esophagus. Statistically, the long term outlook for this type of cancer is not good. There were fasts held, and blessings were given. The community rallied around them. Friends redecorated her living room. Teachers gave up their sick leave so he could still receive paychecks while recovering from chemo and radiation. Her blog was ALWAYS optimistic and upbeat. They kept a sense of humor about things. I'm sure that they had moments of sadness and fear, but the prevailing attitude was one of faith. This battle with the cancer has been a roller coaster. Great news, followed by questionable PET scans. Hair growing back in and weight being gained again, only to be told that they have to do another round of chemo. I think it is natural to be on the outside of this situation and wonder how we would fare if we were IN it. I would like to think that I would be a strong as they have been, but I don't know.
What really made me realize the depth of her faith was when I did my blog post about joining the weight loss challenge. On Sunday night she contacted me and let me know that this is JUST what she needed and that she wanted to do it, too. Not a huge deal, until you know that her husband was scheduled to have surgery the very next day to remove another tumor from his neck. A surgery that had many question marks attached to it. They didn't know if the tumor would be connected to any major arteries or veins. Or if they would get in there and find that they cancer had spread to other organs or lymph nodes, requiring more surgery and chemo... or worse.
A weaker person (ie, ME) would have thought, "Gee, I would love to do that type of a contest, but I just can't commit to that right now. Who KNOWS what is going to happen tomorrow during the surgery and I don't want to be out my $50 before I even get started!!" But she didn't. She said, "I need to do this for ME, I have faith that Heavenly Father is in control and I will be able to handle whatever happens and I am going forward with faith." Okay, she didn't really say that, but that is what struck me when she made this commitment. Oh, and by the way -- the surgery was wildly successful. The tumor was connected to the body with fine layers of fat they could cut along (what chemo patient has layers of fat in their neck???) to remove the tumor. Of all 11 lymph nodes biopsied, all 11 came back clear. This is nothing short of amazing.
So... what does all of this mean? Who knows. I guess it was just an informal case study on two people whose life situations started off the same, but who chose different paths. And this is just my perception of their situations. I know that there are lots of things that go on in both of their lives that I DON'T see, but I have to go off of what I noticed as an observer.
I want to move forward with faith. I don't ever want to be stuck treading water in the pool of life (ha!) because I don't have the faith to take those first strokes into the unknown. I don't want to become so wrapped up in being healthy, or rich, or well dressed, or well read, or well travelled that I miss what is important.
"Adam fell that men might be. And men are that they might have JOY." 2 Nephi 2:25
Our Heavenly Father sent us to this earth to gain a body. To have experiences and be tested. But everything about this earth and our bodies just strengthens my testimony that we are here to do more than that. Our bodies can experience excitement, happiness, exuberance, love. This world is SO full of beautiful things. Delicious food. Awe inspiring things to experience. All of these things were put here by a God who wants us to enjoy them. He didn't have to do that. If all we needed was a body and to be tested, it could be done in a much more horrible looking place, with bodies that can't do half of what ours do. But He wants us to have JOY. To feel the happiness that comes from enjoying the blessing we are given, serving others, and living to our full potential. To feel the JOY that comes from being forgiven of our sins. From knowing that we have the chance to start over when we have fallen down. The JOY that comes from knowing that Jesus Christ suffered so that he could be empathetic to all of our pains, sorrows, and sadness -- and that he is ready and willing to take those pains and sadness away from us if we just ask. The JOY that comes from knowing that my family can be together for ETERNITY. The JOY that comes from having the priesthood in my home -- that my husband holds the ability to act in Jesus' name to bless and protect our family. And to speak to us through blessings the words of peace and comfort that only Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost can give.
I want to live a life of JOY. A life full of so much faith and gratitude that there is no room for doubt, fear, or discouragement. A life where maybe someday someone could observe ME from afar and marvel at my faith and happiness despite life experiences the way I observed my friend. Because THAT is why I am here.
My first friend grew up in a very active LDS family but quickly went inactive upon leaving home after high school. Married someone with the same background. Both are FABULOUS people. Their wedding was *so* wonderful. I enjoyed keeping in touch with them through the years. Both are very successful at what they do. They built a gorgeous house. They have a beautiful daughter. They are very busy. Both became involved in spiritualism and self mastery. They are the ones who got me hooked on being fit. They are amazingly healthy and beautiful and they work hard to maintain that. I was in awe that they were SO disciplined that they ate 100% clean and structured six days out of the week. No cheating. At all. They were so patient with me when I COULDN'T do that. But they fully believed that I could do ANYTHING I set my mind to do. They are charitable and give to others. They quote the Tao and meditate. They take excursions to other countries to study their spiritual traditions.
For years I was convinced that they were happy, living out their dreams and finding their destiny. Lately I have been working more closely with them as I am on my latest weigh loss push -- communicating with them more frequently. And I started to see things I hadn't seen before. I noticed things. Like that the searching they are doing for a higher "plane" of existence is never ending. One philosophy negates another. And their searches were taking them in different directions. Instead of working together toward one unified goal, they were searching for whatever resonated with them as individuals. I found that even with all of their giving and sharing and working to build up others, their marriage was failing.
When they first told me their philosophy "there is no right and wrong," I found it quite strange and I was interested to see how they taught that concept to their daughter. I knew from my experience with my own kids that they need to be taught and given boundaries. The more I thought about it, I realized that the reason I couldn't wrap my head around it is because it goes against the basic laws of the universe that we are taught in the scriptures. Adam had to eat of the fruit so he COULD know right from wrong. So he could experience Health and Sickness. Pleasure and Pain. JOY and Sorrow. Without one, there isn't the other. So if the world has no right and wrong, then we cease to feel. I came to see that through all of that self mastery and meditation and study, they may be finding knowledge of new things and ideas, and maybe some peace, but not happiness. I would venture to say they are probably more confused than when they started. And the fact that they are now searching alone, without each other, is the very epitome of sadness, if you ask me.
I even started to notice through facebook updates that the strict diet had led them to forget just how much fun eating good food WHEN you want to eat it can be. Or just going out with friends and living life -- even if it doesn't bring you to a higher understanding of the universe. All things in moderation.
My second friend was raised in the gospel. I've known her my whole life. Great LDS family. She married in the temple and has four fantastic kids. They moved into a house with room for the kids to play, but I don't think it was anything new or fancy. She worked hard to live frugally and was even able to save up enough to surprise her husband with a trip to Europe so they could visit where he served his mission. Her husband is a teacher/coach and she stays at home to raise their young children.
A year and a half ago, her husband was diagnosed with stage four cancer in the esophagus. Statistically, the long term outlook for this type of cancer is not good. There were fasts held, and blessings were given. The community rallied around them. Friends redecorated her living room. Teachers gave up their sick leave so he could still receive paychecks while recovering from chemo and radiation. Her blog was ALWAYS optimistic and upbeat. They kept a sense of humor about things. I'm sure that they had moments of sadness and fear, but the prevailing attitude was one of faith. This battle with the cancer has been a roller coaster. Great news, followed by questionable PET scans. Hair growing back in and weight being gained again, only to be told that they have to do another round of chemo. I think it is natural to be on the outside of this situation and wonder how we would fare if we were IN it. I would like to think that I would be a strong as they have been, but I don't know.
What really made me realize the depth of her faith was when I did my blog post about joining the weight loss challenge. On Sunday night she contacted me and let me know that this is JUST what she needed and that she wanted to do it, too. Not a huge deal, until you know that her husband was scheduled to have surgery the very next day to remove another tumor from his neck. A surgery that had many question marks attached to it. They didn't know if the tumor would be connected to any major arteries or veins. Or if they would get in there and find that they cancer had spread to other organs or lymph nodes, requiring more surgery and chemo... or worse.
A weaker person (ie, ME) would have thought, "Gee, I would love to do that type of a contest, but I just can't commit to that right now. Who KNOWS what is going to happen tomorrow during the surgery and I don't want to be out my $50 before I even get started!!" But she didn't. She said, "I need to do this for ME, I have faith that Heavenly Father is in control and I will be able to handle whatever happens and I am going forward with faith." Okay, she didn't really say that, but that is what struck me when she made this commitment. Oh, and by the way -- the surgery was wildly successful. The tumor was connected to the body with fine layers of fat they could cut along (what chemo patient has layers of fat in their neck???) to remove the tumor. Of all 11 lymph nodes biopsied, all 11 came back clear. This is nothing short of amazing.
So... what does all of this mean? Who knows. I guess it was just an informal case study on two people whose life situations started off the same, but who chose different paths. And this is just my perception of their situations. I know that there are lots of things that go on in both of their lives that I DON'T see, but I have to go off of what I noticed as an observer.
I want to move forward with faith. I don't ever want to be stuck treading water in the pool of life (ha!) because I don't have the faith to take those first strokes into the unknown. I don't want to become so wrapped up in being healthy, or rich, or well dressed, or well read, or well travelled that I miss what is important.
"Adam fell that men might be. And men are that they might have JOY." 2 Nephi 2:25
Our Heavenly Father sent us to this earth to gain a body. To have experiences and be tested. But everything about this earth and our bodies just strengthens my testimony that we are here to do more than that. Our bodies can experience excitement, happiness, exuberance, love. This world is SO full of beautiful things. Delicious food. Awe inspiring things to experience. All of these things were put here by a God who wants us to enjoy them. He didn't have to do that. If all we needed was a body and to be tested, it could be done in a much more horrible looking place, with bodies that can't do half of what ours do. But He wants us to have JOY. To feel the happiness that comes from enjoying the blessing we are given, serving others, and living to our full potential. To feel the JOY that comes from being forgiven of our sins. From knowing that we have the chance to start over when we have fallen down. The JOY that comes from knowing that Jesus Christ suffered so that he could be empathetic to all of our pains, sorrows, and sadness -- and that he is ready and willing to take those pains and sadness away from us if we just ask. The JOY that comes from knowing that my family can be together for ETERNITY. The JOY that comes from having the priesthood in my home -- that my husband holds the ability to act in Jesus' name to bless and protect our family. And to speak to us through blessings the words of peace and comfort that only Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost can give.
I want to live a life of JOY. A life full of so much faith and gratitude that there is no room for doubt, fear, or discouragement. A life where maybe someday someone could observe ME from afar and marvel at my faith and happiness despite life experiences the way I observed my friend. Because THAT is why I am here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday Wanderings
- Last night I wore a swimsuit to water aerobics that I bought last year and didn't fit into. It doesn't look PERFECT yet, but I got it on, there were no horrific "spill overs," so I wore it. I love deep water aerobics. You work at your own pace and you really give your muscles a run for their money, yet there is something really mentally relaxing about the whole thing. And you burn a ton of calories.
- School is starting SOON. This summer has flown by and we haven't don't half the fun things I said we were going to do. The ballet schedule for my girls has been posted, so I have been able to plan my piano schedule. It really doesn't look that bad this year. I have been nervous because Jillise goes to ballet 2x a week now, PLUS has Activity Days at church. Ack!
- Because of all of this, I have had to drop out of my bunco group. Sadness. But I feel good about it. I will hopefully get calls to be a sub and the months when I don't have Young Women meetings out the wazoo and Brian isn't out doing Ward Mission stuff or working late, I can go and enjoy myself.
- I am way excited that Top Chef and Project Runway are starting again. YAY!! I love having shows to watch while I eat my lunch or cool down after exercising. SYTYCD is another one we will add to our queue. I am hopeful for Glee, but I just fear it is going to become another oversexed dramedy that Fox and all of the other networks are so good at pumping out. They take a decent story line with good, interesting characters and after a couple of episodes, the only interactions they are creative enough to come up with involve affairs, or teen pregnancies, or drunken sex. I am optimistic because they seem to be targeting the show towards a younger demographic (teens), but I guess that doesn't mean much anymore.
- Jaren still isn't potty trained. We have been working on it a bit. I learned from the girls to take a "child led" approach. This helps you avoid mental standoffs (which I had many of with the girls). But he doesn't seem to really want to lead. He WILL be out of diapers by the time he goes into Sunbeams. I think.
- I have run a half mile WITHOUT STOPPING for two days in a row. Outside. With little hills. I am not a runner. I don't know if I ever will be a runner. I was a good sprinter when I was little, but the long distance things have never been for me. I don't know how much of that is mental and how much is physical. I am trying to build up my strength and stamina so I can join a little running club in the fall.
- I have been thinking a lot about happiness lately. This may become a blog post of its own. I think I started it a while back and never finished it. Through watching different people in my life it has just become SO obvious that happiness is not a SOMETHING. It is a way of being. I am learning more and more that true joy comes from knowing and living the plan of happiness. By keeping the course and having faith that we are in the care of a loving God who wants us to reach our full potential and is waiting to help us. And that we can do all of the worldly study, we can give all we have to the poor, we can have beautiful healthy bodies, we can be surrounded by beautiful things... and still not have JOY. We may have periods of satisfaction and happiness, but not full joy. I know that this is a basic concept that we are taught in the Gospel (Man's Search for Happiness, anyone?). But in the past few months I have seen both sides played out in people I love and it has just been a fascinating process to watch. I am not claiming that everyone who has the gospel is happier than those who don't. But I believe that those who embrace it, who do the things they are supposed to be doing, who exercise faith in all things, who have seen the hand of the Lord in everything around them have a kind of eternal joy and perspective that those who don't have a knowledge of the gospel or who don't ACT on that knowledge can never possess. I need to make it my goal to become one of those knowers. I'm working on it. ☺
- Yesterday I made these in honor of National Cupcake Day. They were really fun to to make!! When Jaren didn't finish his I must admit to taking ONE bite. I can say they were yummy, too. And it's an idea I'll have to play around with in the future. Red white and blue for 4th of July. Turkey Feather colors for Thanksgiving. Very fun. :)
- I am wearing capris today and need to shave my legs.
- I learned the sign language last week to Families Can Be Together Forever. What is it about little kids doing sign language that just makes my heart leap for joy??? The look so beautiful doing it. And I think so many of the signs reinforce the meaning of the words and make the kids (and the listener) THINK about what they are singing instead of just thinking "this song AGAIN?????"
- I'm getting tired of eggs for breakfast. Sometimes I just want a HUGE bowl of cereal. But I can't. Throws off my carbs for the whole day. Darn you, sugar and flour.
- I made one of these for a friend yesterday using a scrap of fabric instead of paper. I was thrilled that it worked so well (especially since I am not a scrapbooker (gasp!) and have way more fabric lying around than I do paper.
So that's what's I'm thinking about. Aren't you glad I came out of blog seclusion to post it all?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Just Keep Swimming...
Just a little Jillise brag. She can SWIM!! Both girls have made great strides this summer in swimming lessons, but the technique REALLY clicked with her. A few weeks ago she passed Level 2 in swimming lessons. In that class she learned the basics of the crawl stroke and side breathing. She decided that she wanted to master the crawl stroke on her own, then she taught herself the backstroke. She can now swim the crawl stroke the entire width of the pool, then swim back on her back (I taught her how to spot herself using the beams of the ceiling). She did this three times and it didn't seem to tire her at all. In order to swim in the "deep pool" without an adult with her, she has to be able to do this just one time, and she did it three! I can't believe it. When she was little she was just like me. She cried before every swimming lesson and she clung to us in the pool. Now she is teaching herself strokes (with pretty good form, I might add). She was pretty excited about the prospect of passing Level 5 someday and being a lifeguard when she is sixteen.
Joelle is now swimming underwater and getting things off the bottom of the pool. She loves to jump in and is getting closer to passing Level 2. At the beginning of the summer she still hated putting her face underwater and insisted on using the waterwings.
Jaren is a madman in the pool. You put a pair of water wings on that kid and he is unstoppable. Unfortunately, you take the waterwings OFF of him and he STILL thinks he is unstoppable. As soon as we can get him out of diapers we will have to put him in lessons. He may be one of those kids who is five years old in Level 3!
Joelle is now swimming underwater and getting things off the bottom of the pool. She loves to jump in and is getting closer to passing Level 2. At the beginning of the summer she still hated putting her face underwater and insisted on using the waterwings.
Jaren is a madman in the pool. You put a pair of water wings on that kid and he is unstoppable. Unfortunately, you take the waterwings OFF of him and he STILL thinks he is unstoppable. As soon as we can get him out of diapers we will have to put him in lessons. He may be one of those kids who is five years old in Level 3!
Friday, August 7, 2009
This One's About ME
I was tagged by Shannon.
What is your current obsession? I think the only answer I can put here right now is WEIGHT LOSS. It trumps every other "fun" thing vying for my attention. I spend more time on fitday.com trying to find the perfect combinations of food than I do on facebook, or blogs, or email. That says aLOT.
What do you hate the most that everyone else seems to love? Uh... socialized medicine? Just kidding. I know not EVERYONE loves it, but by the comments of my facebook friends you would think I am the only one not thrilled about having the government involved in my personal medical decisions. Oh, I also don't like American Idol.
What are you wearing today? Black short sleeved tee under a red, deep v-neck 3/4 sleeved Old Navy T. Jeans (that finally fit right), and bare feet. No make up, since we will be leaving for the pool in an hour.
What's for dinner? McDonalds, baby!! Tonight is the Daddy Daughter Campout, so Brian will be taking the girls before they drive to set up camp. I will be taking Jaren a bit later for our "date." It took me 20 minutes last night to figure out what I can eat today to be able to fit in a BURGER for dinner. The answer: scrambled egg/egg whites for breakfast, yoplait yogurt, half a pb&j for lunch with a glass of milk and raw veggies, and two protein shakes for my snacks. This will allow me to eat a Big n' Tasty with NO bun for dinner with veggies on the side and a diet drink. I come in at 1204 calories, with exactly 40% protein, 30% fat, and 30% carbs. Impressive, no?
What would you eat for your last meal? I would start out with crabcakes for an appetizer, followed by a high quality, perfectly cooked medium rare filet mignon, a huge fully loaded baked potato, followed up with tastes from absolutely everything on the dessert cart. It's my last meal. It's all good, right?
What is the last thing you bought? Uhhhh... that wasn't groceries? This is hard. The fountain of piano money runs dry during the summer so I am on a pretty tight financial leash. The last stuff I remember buying that wasn't a necessity was birthday presents for Joelle and Jaren at the coast. Some cute skirt/shirt combos for Joelle, some cool noisy dinosaur toys for Jaren.
What are you listening to right now? Noggin on the TV, Jaren eating a Go-Gurt, and Jillise on her DS.
What do you think of the person who tagged you? I can't say enough nice things about Shannon. I think I first came to admire her creative eye. Her home is beautiful, she always looks impeccable, and she excels at all things crafty. But I have come to love her spirit, her kindness, her sense of humor, and her ability to make things happen. And I love her willingness to be my photoshop go-to gal!
If you could have a house, fully paid for, and totally furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be? Oh gosh. I am going to totally cheat and say that I want one of those mongo bus-sized RVs so we can drive around the country in comfort and style and enjoy all that there is to see. This is something I really want to do with my kids, and a pimped out RV would make it even easier and more enjoyable!
If you could go anywhere for the next hour, where would it be? Just an hour? I'll take a nap.
What is one of your hobbies? Sewing
What are 3 things that annoy you most?
1. The crumbs and dirt that seem to multiply when I have my back turned.
2. High Maintenance People
3. Politics
What is your favorite color? This is always a hard question for me, because it seems to change based on my moods and the seasons. I still love limey green. And orange makes me happy. Robin's Egg Blue with a nice bright orange is divine.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe? This question makes me frustrated because I have a few things in my wardrobe that I love and have yet to wear. I bought them years ago with the thought that they will "fit perfectly in five pounds." But I gained five pounds in the wrong direction, then five more, then five more... So I have this totally cute denim wrap dress from the Gap that I don't think I have ever worn. And this cute brown top with a flirty bow that still has the tags on it. So watch for those to make a debut around Christmas time!
What is your dream job? I would love to be a creative director of something. Some job where I could dream up cool things. Or neat patterns. Or plan great events. Then have a team do all the grunt work for it. ☺
What are you going to do after this? I need to throw some lunch together for the kids and then we are going swimming.
What inspires you? Colors and patterns. The thought of new opportunities. People who believe in me.
Who was the last person you kissed? Jaren. I love that boy.
What are you currently reading? Nothing today. I just finished two more obscure Louisa May Alcott books: Long Fatal Love Chase and The Inheritance. Loved them both. Long Fatal Love Chase was EXCELLENT. Very different from her other books, but I really enjoyed it. The Interitance was her first novel, written when she was 17. It was an easy read that gives you a fun glimpse into the Victorian ideals of the time period.
What delighted you most today? Getting a fanFREAKINGtastic deal on a surprise gift that I am purchasing for a bridal shower.
Tag Eight People:
1. Amy
2. Terica
3. Mandy
4. Rachel (private blog)
5. Amanda (private blog)
6. Michelle
7. Lynn
8. Tanya
What is your current obsession? I think the only answer I can put here right now is WEIGHT LOSS. It trumps every other "fun" thing vying for my attention. I spend more time on fitday.com trying to find the perfect combinations of food than I do on facebook, or blogs, or email. That says aLOT.
What do you hate the most that everyone else seems to love? Uh... socialized medicine? Just kidding. I know not EVERYONE loves it, but by the comments of my facebook friends you would think I am the only one not thrilled about having the government involved in my personal medical decisions. Oh, I also don't like American Idol.
What are you wearing today? Black short sleeved tee under a red, deep v-neck 3/4 sleeved Old Navy T. Jeans (that finally fit right), and bare feet. No make up, since we will be leaving for the pool in an hour.
What's for dinner? McDonalds, baby!! Tonight is the Daddy Daughter Campout, so Brian will be taking the girls before they drive to set up camp. I will be taking Jaren a bit later for our "date." It took me 20 minutes last night to figure out what I can eat today to be able to fit in a BURGER for dinner. The answer: scrambled egg/egg whites for breakfast, yoplait yogurt, half a pb&j for lunch with a glass of milk and raw veggies, and two protein shakes for my snacks. This will allow me to eat a Big n' Tasty with NO bun for dinner with veggies on the side and a diet drink. I come in at 1204 calories, with exactly 40% protein, 30% fat, and 30% carbs. Impressive, no?
What would you eat for your last meal? I would start out with crabcakes for an appetizer, followed by a high quality, perfectly cooked medium rare filet mignon, a huge fully loaded baked potato, followed up with tastes from absolutely everything on the dessert cart. It's my last meal. It's all good, right?
What is the last thing you bought? Uhhhh... that wasn't groceries? This is hard. The fountain of piano money runs dry during the summer so I am on a pretty tight financial leash. The last stuff I remember buying that wasn't a necessity was birthday presents for Joelle and Jaren at the coast. Some cute skirt/shirt combos for Joelle, some cool noisy dinosaur toys for Jaren.
What are you listening to right now? Noggin on the TV, Jaren eating a Go-Gurt, and Jillise on her DS.
What do you think of the person who tagged you? I can't say enough nice things about Shannon. I think I first came to admire her creative eye. Her home is beautiful, she always looks impeccable, and she excels at all things crafty. But I have come to love her spirit, her kindness, her sense of humor, and her ability to make things happen. And I love her willingness to be my photoshop go-to gal!
If you could have a house, fully paid for, and totally furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be? Oh gosh. I am going to totally cheat and say that I want one of those mongo bus-sized RVs so we can drive around the country in comfort and style and enjoy all that there is to see. This is something I really want to do with my kids, and a pimped out RV would make it even easier and more enjoyable!
If you could go anywhere for the next hour, where would it be? Just an hour? I'll take a nap.
What is one of your hobbies? Sewing
What are 3 things that annoy you most?
1. The crumbs and dirt that seem to multiply when I have my back turned.
2. High Maintenance People
3. Politics
What is your favorite color? This is always a hard question for me, because it seems to change based on my moods and the seasons. I still love limey green. And orange makes me happy. Robin's Egg Blue with a nice bright orange is divine.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe? This question makes me frustrated because I have a few things in my wardrobe that I love and have yet to wear. I bought them years ago with the thought that they will "fit perfectly in five pounds." But I gained five pounds in the wrong direction, then five more, then five more... So I have this totally cute denim wrap dress from the Gap that I don't think I have ever worn. And this cute brown top with a flirty bow that still has the tags on it. So watch for those to make a debut around Christmas time!
What is your dream job? I would love to be a creative director of something. Some job where I could dream up cool things. Or neat patterns. Or plan great events. Then have a team do all the grunt work for it. ☺
What are you going to do after this? I need to throw some lunch together for the kids and then we are going swimming.
What inspires you? Colors and patterns. The thought of new opportunities. People who believe in me.
Who was the last person you kissed? Jaren. I love that boy.
What are you currently reading? Nothing today. I just finished two more obscure Louisa May Alcott books: Long Fatal Love Chase and The Inheritance. Loved them both. Long Fatal Love Chase was EXCELLENT. Very different from her other books, but I really enjoyed it. The Interitance was her first novel, written when she was 17. It was an easy read that gives you a fun glimpse into the Victorian ideals of the time period.
What delighted you most today? Getting a fanFREAKINGtastic deal on a surprise gift that I am purchasing for a bridal shower.
Tag Eight People:
1. Amy
2. Terica
3. Mandy
4. Rachel (private blog)
5. Amanda (private blog)
6. Michelle
7. Lynn
8. Tanya
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Little Comparison
When I did this weightloss thing almost three years ago I started using Alli to kickstart my weightloss and to force me to eat right. If anyone wants any more info on why you are FORCED to eat right, just ask. I am happy to share the unpleasant details because in this case I think it is good to "know before you go."
Anyway, I had debated using Alli this time because I was impressed with how quickly the weight seemed to come off. But for various reasons I decided not to use it and just see what I could do on my own. I kept a food journal last time (as I am this time) where I kept track of everything I ate and my weight for the day (yes, I am an obsessive weigher). To my surprise I found that 17 days in I have lost .2 pounds MORE this time than I had lost 17 days in last time, without any help from medicines. Just good old fashioned exercise and diet. For the record, I am down 5.6 pounds since I started this after getting back from camp, and I am down 2.6 since the contest started. I have a way to go, but I sure enjoy seeing results, especially in the beginning.
Yay me! I really am loving this. I feel good, I feel energetic, and I am feeling happier. And I feel like I am eating TONS of food. So while I may have to pass up most cookies and treats, I am still eating foods I like and allowing myself little rewards every once in a while. Here's to continued success! (And getting my money back in 11 more weeks.)
Anyway, I had debated using Alli this time because I was impressed with how quickly the weight seemed to come off. But for various reasons I decided not to use it and just see what I could do on my own. I kept a food journal last time (as I am this time) where I kept track of everything I ate and my weight for the day (yes, I am an obsessive weigher). To my surprise I found that 17 days in I have lost .2 pounds MORE this time than I had lost 17 days in last time, without any help from medicines. Just good old fashioned exercise and diet. For the record, I am down 5.6 pounds since I started this after getting back from camp, and I am down 2.6 since the contest started. I have a way to go, but I sure enjoy seeing results, especially in the beginning.
Yay me! I really am loving this. I feel good, I feel energetic, and I am feeling happier. And I feel like I am eating TONS of food. So while I may have to pass up most cookies and treats, I am still eating foods I like and allowing myself little rewards every once in a while. Here's to continued success! (And getting my money back in 11 more weeks.)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
What's Your Motivation?
My friend Lara asked me to expand on my weightloss motivation. Three words: Girls' Camp Slideshow.
Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror in the morning and think that you really don't look half bad? Hair is cute, clothes are clean, skin is not looking like that of a teenager in heat. You may know that you have some extra pounds you are carrying around, but all things considered, you look pretty good. Then you see a picture of yourself taken that very day and it sucks the breath of life right out of you.
This was me at camp. I know that camp is camp. I made a concious decision at that at camp I was going to go makeup free. I feel very strongly that our teenagers need to know that while makeup may be used to enhance their beauty, they should never feel ashamed or embarrassed to be seen without it. So I was going to use camp as my opportunity to show that I am not ashamed to go without makeup. I kept my face clean. Due to the hot weather and lack of shower time I usually kept my hair in a pony tail. I made a different cute "bandana" to wear in my hair each day so I wouldn't have to deal with it. Again, my attempt at showing that you don't have to be high maintenance all. the. time. Especially at camp.
Fast forward to the last night of camp when they are showing the slideshow montage of camp. And there is me. Oh. My. Goodness. Not only is my face shiny from the heat and lack of makeup, my pulled back hair just emphasizes my "fuller" cheeks. Put me next to the three skinny minny members of the Stake YW Presidency and you have a collision with reality.
I don't FEEL thirty four. I don't FEEL 30 pounds overweight. But boy do I look it. In that flash of a picture (or four) in the slideshow I saw myself how other people must see me (maybe not friends, but strangers and those I don't know very well, and certainly the YW who see me only a few times a year). I don't look like the cute, funny, understanding leader that you want to be like when you grow up. I look tired. So I am on a quest to make my outside match how I feel on the inside.
So I joined this weightloss challenge. The contest itself doesn't start until tomorrow, but I have been going great guns since last Tuesday. Why wait? I have my weightloss chain on my fridge still. I had to add a few links to it from when I made it in February (Grrrrrrrr....), but I have been able to remove three of them already. In reflecting on my "rut" of the past nine months, I think that much of it stems from my weight. Frustration with myself for letting it get this bad after all the work I did two years ago. Disappointment with my lack of self control. Self esteem issues when I hang out with a group of women and realize that I am "the fat friend." And just general physical malaise because being out of shape makes you feel crappy. It was a horrible downward spiral that I was stuck in. The worst part was knowing what I needed to do to make it better, but not having the willpower or energy to make it happen. I tried a few times and was sidelined a few weeks in by one thing or another. This time I WILL succeed.
I am still all for no makeup at camp. But I think I'll be more careful before going to the store without it. ☺ So, onward and DOWNWARD. As Brian keeps reminding me, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
***And by the way, this post is in NO way looking for ego stroking, should you be feeling so inclined.
Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror in the morning and think that you really don't look half bad? Hair is cute, clothes are clean, skin is not looking like that of a teenager in heat. You may know that you have some extra pounds you are carrying around, but all things considered, you look pretty good. Then you see a picture of yourself taken that very day and it sucks the breath of life right out of you.
This was me at camp. I know that camp is camp. I made a concious decision at that at camp I was going to go makeup free. I feel very strongly that our teenagers need to know that while makeup may be used to enhance their beauty, they should never feel ashamed or embarrassed to be seen without it. So I was going to use camp as my opportunity to show that I am not ashamed to go without makeup. I kept my face clean. Due to the hot weather and lack of shower time I usually kept my hair in a pony tail. I made a different cute "bandana" to wear in my hair each day so I wouldn't have to deal with it. Again, my attempt at showing that you don't have to be high maintenance all. the. time. Especially at camp.
Fast forward to the last night of camp when they are showing the slideshow montage of camp. And there is me. Oh. My. Goodness. Not only is my face shiny from the heat and lack of makeup, my pulled back hair just emphasizes my "fuller" cheeks. Put me next to the three skinny minny members of the Stake YW Presidency and you have a collision with reality.
I don't FEEL thirty four. I don't FEEL 30 pounds overweight. But boy do I look it. In that flash of a picture (or four) in the slideshow I saw myself how other people must see me (maybe not friends, but strangers and those I don't know very well, and certainly the YW who see me only a few times a year). I don't look like the cute, funny, understanding leader that you want to be like when you grow up. I look tired. So I am on a quest to make my outside match how I feel on the inside.
So I joined this weightloss challenge. The contest itself doesn't start until tomorrow, but I have been going great guns since last Tuesday. Why wait? I have my weightloss chain on my fridge still. I had to add a few links to it from when I made it in February (Grrrrrrrr....), but I have been able to remove three of them already. In reflecting on my "rut" of the past nine months, I think that much of it stems from my weight. Frustration with myself for letting it get this bad after all the work I did two years ago. Disappointment with my lack of self control. Self esteem issues when I hang out with a group of women and realize that I am "the fat friend." And just general physical malaise because being out of shape makes you feel crappy. It was a horrible downward spiral that I was stuck in. The worst part was knowing what I needed to do to make it better, but not having the willpower or energy to make it happen. I tried a few times and was sidelined a few weeks in by one thing or another. This time I WILL succeed.
I am still all for no makeup at camp. But I think I'll be more careful before going to the store without it. ☺ So, onward and DOWNWARD. As Brian keeps reminding me, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
***And by the way, this post is in NO way looking for ego stroking, should you be feeling so inclined.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hello???
Is this thing on? Is there anybody left out there who checks this thing?
Needless to say, I have been a crappy blogger lately. I don't even know why. I still love reading blogs. I still take pictures of things with the thought that it will make a good blog. I just never actually sit down and do it. Life hasn't even been that busy. Just full.
In the past three months we have had four birthdays. Jillise was baptized. I went to Youth Conference and Girls' Camp. We took a trip to Idaho for Brian's sister's wedding. We had a vacation on the coast. School got out. We got gerbils. The girls passed a level of swimming lessons. Brian got a new calling. Again. We have had a heat wave. I have joined another "lose 10% of your body weight or lose your money" challenge. Brian was on antibiotics for a "very angry toe." Jaren has become a very funny little man. I choral directed a musical. The girls danced in a ballet recital. Brian went golfing with my dad. And all the other "normal" things that go on around here.
Some of these things really do need a blog post. Jillise's baptism and our family trips, for sure. I don't know that Brian's toe needs any more attention than it has received already.
I do hope to get back on here. Maybe now that I have taken the first step there will be more. I keep getting less than subtle hints from Terica that I need to update this thing more often. I think the past few months have been an interesting time for me. Lots of changes. There seem to be a lot more things that demand my time and I have less time to dedicate to "me." My calling has certainly kept me busy since the start of the year. I love love LOVE what I am doing, but it requires quite a bit of time on the computer organizing, typing, emailing, and printing. I am trying to spend more time doing things with the kids this summer, instead of just hanging out around the house. During the school year I teach 16 piano/voice students. There is always something more I should be doing around the house, though I have been doing a good job of keeping the "public" areas clean. I don't know. When I get "free" time I tend to just do NOTHING. I have told a few people that I just feel like I am in a rut. Like I know I am on the brink of big things and big changes. Big possibilities. But I can't bring myself to just go for it. Part of me is just being stubborn and lazy and not doing ANYTHING. I think I am coming out of that. This diet challenge has gotten me exercising and eating better. I am excited about the school year when both girls will be in classes all day and I have six hours with Jaren to play, go on little outings, and go into town. For the past five years our lives during the school year have rotated around SOMEONE being in half day school - whether preschool or kindergarten. It is really hard to get much of anything done when you only have 2.5 hours to do it in. Add Jaren's nap to that and I was practically homebound.
So. How's that for a welcome back blog post? I don't even know if it made any sense. I rarely understand myself, so if any of you see anything in there that resonates with you, feel free to let me know what it is. I can use all the help I can get. :)
Needless to say, I have been a crappy blogger lately. I don't even know why. I still love reading blogs. I still take pictures of things with the thought that it will make a good blog. I just never actually sit down and do it. Life hasn't even been that busy. Just full.
In the past three months we have had four birthdays. Jillise was baptized. I went to Youth Conference and Girls' Camp. We took a trip to Idaho for Brian's sister's wedding. We had a vacation on the coast. School got out. We got gerbils. The girls passed a level of swimming lessons. Brian got a new calling. Again. We have had a heat wave. I have joined another "lose 10% of your body weight or lose your money" challenge. Brian was on antibiotics for a "very angry toe." Jaren has become a very funny little man. I choral directed a musical. The girls danced in a ballet recital. Brian went golfing with my dad. And all the other "normal" things that go on around here.
Some of these things really do need a blog post. Jillise's baptism and our family trips, for sure. I don't know that Brian's toe needs any more attention than it has received already.
I do hope to get back on here. Maybe now that I have taken the first step there will be more. I keep getting less than subtle hints from Terica that I need to update this thing more often. I think the past few months have been an interesting time for me. Lots of changes. There seem to be a lot more things that demand my time and I have less time to dedicate to "me." My calling has certainly kept me busy since the start of the year. I love love LOVE what I am doing, but it requires quite a bit of time on the computer organizing, typing, emailing, and printing. I am trying to spend more time doing things with the kids this summer, instead of just hanging out around the house. During the school year I teach 16 piano/voice students. There is always something more I should be doing around the house, though I have been doing a good job of keeping the "public" areas clean. I don't know. When I get "free" time I tend to just do NOTHING. I have told a few people that I just feel like I am in a rut. Like I know I am on the brink of big things and big changes. Big possibilities. But I can't bring myself to just go for it. Part of me is just being stubborn and lazy and not doing ANYTHING. I think I am coming out of that. This diet challenge has gotten me exercising and eating better. I am excited about the school year when both girls will be in classes all day and I have six hours with Jaren to play, go on little outings, and go into town. For the past five years our lives during the school year have rotated around SOMEONE being in half day school - whether preschool or kindergarten. It is really hard to get much of anything done when you only have 2.5 hours to do it in. Add Jaren's nap to that and I was practically homebound.
So. How's that for a welcome back blog post? I don't even know if it made any sense. I rarely understand myself, so if any of you see anything in there that resonates with you, feel free to let me know what it is. I can use all the help I can get. :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday Stations
Let's see if I can remember how to post from this thing...
My cousin posted this idea on her blog a few months ago, and she got the idea from the Friend. We tried it today and it was a smashing success.
SUNDAY STATIONS!
This was a great way to have an organized, productive Sunday afternoon. Once Jaren went down for a nap, we set up four areas. The girls spent 15 minutes in each area. In one area, they read scriptures or looked at scripture stories or books. In the next area they wrote in journals. Joelle can't write yet, but she drew a picture of things she did this past week, then Brian wrote down the date and what it was a picture of on the back. In the next station the girls got to spend time with me. Joelle practiced her reading by reading a book to me, Jillise and I used the time to pass of a Faith in God activity. For the last station, the kids get one on one time with Brian. It could be used as a Father/Child interview, just to chat, to read a story, work on Faith in God, whatever.
I think that 15 minutes was a bit short. Joelle barely finished her story, and we were a bit rushed with the Faith in God activity. Twenty minutes might be just right. In the future we may add a station or two. But for today this was GREAT. The girls couldn't wait to get started when we got home from school.
After the stations I took a nap. Aaaaaahhhh. Life has been a bit crazy the past month and this was the first Sunday where I felt things got back to normal. I need to blog about Jillise birthday, baptism, Grandma Joy's visit, Katie's baby blessing, Cherise's wedding reception... and who knows what else. Man. I'm behind.
My cousin posted this idea on her blog a few months ago, and she got the idea from the Friend. We tried it today and it was a smashing success.
SUNDAY STATIONS!
This was a great way to have an organized, productive Sunday afternoon. Once Jaren went down for a nap, we set up four areas. The girls spent 15 minutes in each area. In one area, they read scriptures or looked at scripture stories or books. In the next area they wrote in journals. Joelle can't write yet, but she drew a picture of things she did this past week, then Brian wrote down the date and what it was a picture of on the back. In the next station the girls got to spend time with me. Joelle practiced her reading by reading a book to me, Jillise and I used the time to pass of a Faith in God activity. For the last station, the kids get one on one time with Brian. It could be used as a Father/Child interview, just to chat, to read a story, work on Faith in God, whatever.
I think that 15 minutes was a bit short. Joelle barely finished her story, and we were a bit rushed with the Faith in God activity. Twenty minutes might be just right. In the future we may add a station or two. But for today this was GREAT. The girls couldn't wait to get started when we got home from school.
After the stations I took a nap. Aaaaaahhhh. Life has been a bit crazy the past month and this was the first Sunday where I felt things got back to normal. I need to blog about Jillise birthday, baptism, Grandma Joy's visit, Katie's baby blessing, Cherise's wedding reception... and who knows what else. Man. I'm behind.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Miracles Do Happen
Tonight I was teaching a voice lesson when Jillise came RUNNING downstairs hysterically screaming. Jaren had fallen out of the window. The second story toyroom window. The window that I have been nervous about ever since he has been big enough to climb on things. I guess he was standing on something and leaning on the screen and it gave way and he went with it.
I went tearing out the door, trying to prepare myself for what I might see. What I saw was Jaren pushing himself up on his arms, crying that he was poopy. I scooped him up and brought him inside where I could look him over for broken bones or bleeding. He could move all his fingers and toes, he was talking, there was no blood. Brian was home teaching and could not be reached ANYWHERE. (Tomorrow he is having his phone surgically adhered to his hip.) I called his companions wife, who sent over her mother in law, who is a nurse. She did a quick exam, then suggested that we go to the ER just to be safe, but that everything looked good in her opinion. Jaren was in a bit of shock. He was really shaky and couldn't stand up. My voice students mom came over and volunteered to ride to the ER with me to keep Jaren awake. Her daughter stayed with my girls (poor Jillise was in hysterics still). I said a prayer with the girls and with Jaren that everything would be okay. Our home teacher lives around the corner, so he came over and gave Jaren a blessing. He blessed him that all would be well physically and that there would be no lasting emotional or bodily trauma.
We got to the ER and got taken right back to a room. Jaren was more awake by now and was talking and moving around. He was able to walk for the doctor. They pushed and prodded and rubs and looked. He didn't even have a SCRATCH on him. Literally. No broken skin. The doctor ordered a CAT scan to be safe. Jaren was SO good during the scan. He stayed still and we sang Popcorn Popping. The doctor said he gets the best kid of the year award. The scan came back normal and we are back home -- three hours after it all started.
I went back to the side of the house to get a better look. He landed on dirt. It has been raining, so the dirt was very soft. Six inches away from where he landed is a retaining wall made of railroad ties. Six inches to the right is the metal air conditioning unit. He landed in just the right way, in just the right place that everything is fine. He is safe. He is upstairs reading books with Brian (who I'm sure was very shocked to come home to find my voice student and the neighbor sitting on the couch, with hysterical girls, no son, and no wife).
I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who watches out for us. Who not only protected my son, but placed people around me who could help when I was too panicked to know what to do. For a home teacher who was home and worthy to come give him a blessing at the drop of a hat when my husband could not be reached. I know I am blessed. My brain keeps going over what COULD have been and I just want to throw up. I still just might.
Hug your little ones tonight. You never know what could happen in the blink of an eye.
I went tearing out the door, trying to prepare myself for what I might see. What I saw was Jaren pushing himself up on his arms, crying that he was poopy. I scooped him up and brought him inside where I could look him over for broken bones or bleeding. He could move all his fingers and toes, he was talking, there was no blood. Brian was home teaching and could not be reached ANYWHERE. (Tomorrow he is having his phone surgically adhered to his hip.) I called his companions wife, who sent over her mother in law, who is a nurse. She did a quick exam, then suggested that we go to the ER just to be safe, but that everything looked good in her opinion. Jaren was in a bit of shock. He was really shaky and couldn't stand up. My voice students mom came over and volunteered to ride to the ER with me to keep Jaren awake. Her daughter stayed with my girls (poor Jillise was in hysterics still). I said a prayer with the girls and with Jaren that everything would be okay. Our home teacher lives around the corner, so he came over and gave Jaren a blessing. He blessed him that all would be well physically and that there would be no lasting emotional or bodily trauma.
We got to the ER and got taken right back to a room. Jaren was more awake by now and was talking and moving around. He was able to walk for the doctor. They pushed and prodded and rubs and looked. He didn't even have a SCRATCH on him. Literally. No broken skin. The doctor ordered a CAT scan to be safe. Jaren was SO good during the scan. He stayed still and we sang Popcorn Popping. The doctor said he gets the best kid of the year award. The scan came back normal and we are back home -- three hours after it all started.
I went back to the side of the house to get a better look. He landed on dirt. It has been raining, so the dirt was very soft. Six inches away from where he landed is a retaining wall made of railroad ties. Six inches to the right is the metal air conditioning unit. He landed in just the right way, in just the right place that everything is fine. He is safe. He is upstairs reading books with Brian (who I'm sure was very shocked to come home to find my voice student and the neighbor sitting on the couch, with hysterical girls, no son, and no wife).
I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who watches out for us. Who not only protected my son, but placed people around me who could help when I was too panicked to know what to do. For a home teacher who was home and worthy to come give him a blessing at the drop of a hat when my husband could not be reached. I know I am blessed. My brain keeps going over what COULD have been and I just want to throw up. I still just might.
Hug your little ones tonight. You never know what could happen in the blink of an eye.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A New Fun Way...
...to avoid cleaning!! 
My mom got me a really fun set of books for my birthday on making cookie, candy, and fruit bouquets. True to my obsessive, impulsive nature, I went out and bought supplies this week and made these for my visiting teach-ees:
I think only one of them reads this blog, so the rest will be surprised. These were really fun to make and the decorating was much less time consuming than I thought. I went through two different batches of sugar cookies before I found one that didn't rise so much that it obscured all of the nice lines from the cookie cutters. The biggest mess was made by my kids, who were given the left over frosting and the cookies that were too puffy. My dining room table is covered with pastel blobs, crumbs, and sprinkles. Oh well. All in the name of a good time, right?
Be on the lookout for other really cute gifty things. These books just had WAY too many fun ideas in them!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mmmm... Cake...
Is this not the cutest cake EVER??? So sassy!
I found it on this blog that I stalk: http://thegoodapple.blogspot.com/ She has the most AMAZING cookies and cakes on there. And she is relatively new to cake/cookie decorating. She took all the Wilton classes just a few years ago. I tell ya, some people got it. I don't. So I just check out her blog and admire her creativity and patience. My birthday is in a week. Do you think a cake like that would survive the USPS?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mmmmm Mmmmm Good
(Since this is St. Patrick's Day (Happy Birthday, Dad!!) I will use the obligatory green font color.)
I have another product endorsement.
I am back on the weight loss wagon. Again. I'm on week two. It seems that I am all or nothing kind of a gal. If I am eating right, I am exercising. If I am exercising, I am eating well. So the law of physics says that if I am NOT doing one of those things, I am not doing the other, either. One of my biggest problems is that I do not like to deny myself when it comes to food. I have a hard time choosing something small and tasteless when I could have something filling and delicious. That's why I love these:
YUM-O!! And here's a trick: when I make them, I use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil, I use egg substitute instead of whole eggs, so it adds NO FAT. I will often sprinkle some ground flax seed in there too. It adds a trace amount of fat, but it adds all sorts of good stuff, too -- like even more fiber. And the muffins are moist and yummy and they have only 3g of fat, and 5g of fiber per muffin. Yay!!! I can have two for a snack with a big glass of water or fat free milk and I am good until dinner.
Here is my weight loss chain I have hanging in my kitchen:
Every link represents a pound. After I pass the weight on that link, I can tear it off and move on to the next one. Every fifth one is yellow and it means I get a reward. There are seven links in the last set, but that's because I am my mother's daughter and I needed to land on a nice round number. Once I reach that weight I get something BIG.
SO... Bunco gals... if you see me stuffing my face on Thursday, STOP ME. Maybe I will bring some muffins to share...
Monday, March 16, 2009
Too True...
I asked the Lord to tell me
Why my house is such a mess.
He asked if I'd been 'computering',
And I had to answer 'yes.'
He told me to get off my fanny
And tidy up the house.
And so I started cleaning up...
The smudges off my mouse.
I wiped and shined the topside.
That really did the trick...
I was just admiring my work.I didn't mean to 'click.'
Why my house is such a mess.
He asked if I'd been 'computering',
And I had to answer 'yes.'
He told me to get off my fanny
And tidy up the house.
And so I started cleaning up...
The smudges off my mouse.
I wiped and shined the topside.
That really did the trick...
I was just admiring my work.I didn't mean to 'click.'
But click, I did, and oops...
I found
A real absorbing site,
That I got SO way into it...
I was into it all night.
Nothing's changed except my mouse.
It's very, very shiny.
I guess my house will stay a mess...
While I sit here on my hiney.
A real absorbing site,
That I got SO way into it...
I was into it all night.
Nothing's changed except my mouse.
It's very, very shiny.
I guess my house will stay a mess...
While I sit here on my hiney.
I guess my house will stay a mess....
While I sit here on my hiney.
While I sit here on my hiney.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Branching Out
I could have titled this "Taking the Plunge," "Into the Wild Blue Yonder." But I am trying not to psyche myself out by telling myself this is going to be too hard. What am I talking about???
*I* am going to make a quilt.
I am cheating on my beloved aprons. I have been following Oh, Fransson! for a while and I just LOVE her quilts. I appreciate her talent for putting fabrics and colors together. And I love that they don't look really country cottage when she is done (not that there's anything wrong with that...). A few weeks ago she posed the idea to do a Quilt-a-Long. I was on the fence while reading all of her tutorials and I decided this week that I was going to DO IT. I read her post on choosing colors (anyone who has seen my house in it's various half painted stages knows that color paralyzes me) and headed to the fabric store with Michelle. There I ran into a gal who is doing the same Quilt-a-Long. Small world!
Here is what I chose. We needed six pairs of coordinating fabrics -- for a total of 12. The blue is going to be my binding (unless I change my mind after seeing everything together). The off-white is going to be the sashing between the quilt blocks. The back will be a mixture of the solid green and the pink patterned fabric.
SO - my fabric is in the washing machine. I will probably try to start cutting tonight. I still need to finish Jillise's baptism dress and do two more personal progress wraps (with a tutorial). Something tells me both of those will seem like a piece of cake once I am surrounded with dozens of fabric strips. Wish me luck!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Lookie
Last night I went to our ward's Young Women in Excellence program(a once a year evening our church has to welcome the new girls turning 12 and entering the youth program). I watched each of the girls bring up their Personal Progress books, all dog eared, stuffed with papers and notes, and looking like there is no way it will make it until the girl turns 18. In a few weeks they are supposed to get an insert to put in those little books to go with the new value of Virtue. In addition, each Personal Progress book comes with a small journal that the girls are supposed to record their thoughts and feelings in.
I whipped this little packet up in about an hour, start to finish. And I have no doubt that the next one will come together even faster. It isn't perfect, but the concept works. I have a few things to tweak, but they will be easy enough to fix.
Enter inspiration, my love of fabrics, and my strong desire to avoid housework of any kind.
I whipped this little packet up in about an hour, start to finish. And I have no doubt that the next one will come together even faster. It isn't perfect, but the concept works. I have a few things to tweak, but they will be easy enough to fix.Here is the other side of the packet -- personalized, of course. It is called PERSONAL Progress.
As you unroll it there is space for your journal. I couldn't find mine (because I am the most awesomely organized secretary EVER) so I used my True to the Faith booklet (AWESOME, btw) instead.
This is what it looks like unrolled all the way. There is room for the Personal Progress book, For the Strength of the Youth book, and the Journal. And when their Virtue addition comes, it will fit in there too! There is also room for a pen and a pencil.
I don't want to over promise and under perform, so let's just say I PLAN on doing a tutorial for this. I think that it would be a great gift to give to the YW in your ward, and then present to each girl as she turns 12 and enters the program. Since I am in the Stake YW Program (we oversee seven different congregations of YW programs) I don't think I will be making 85 of these. But I plan to make them for the other members of the presidency. They will be my test packets, and probably the ones I use to make the tutorial. What do you think? Is there anything you think would be beneficial to add? Something that aethetically doesn't work? Is this something you think the girls would even USE?
**UPDATE**
When I was younger, we had a family joke that we were the B___r Also-Rans. We were ALWAYS a day late and a dollar short. If there was a contest, we took second. If we went on vacation, something was usually closed. We just laugh about it. Well, the curse has struck again.
Check out what I found on Sugardoodle.net:
Even the PEN holder is in the same place. There are differences -- mine has interfacing so it's a bit more sturdy. And the closures are different. I just made a second one without the bias tape and a loop and button closure. I thought it would be easier than using the bias tape, but it took about the same amount of time. This second one is also a little longer. I like the way it wraps around more and there is space for a small notebook or to put handouts in. I think I will still do a tutorial, since the one on sugardoodle is more than a little confusing. Most of you who sew probably don't need the tutorial, but I think just having the dimentions would be helpful. Here is the other one I made:
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Warning -- I am Climbing on a Soapbox
I really don't like politics. I dislike economics even more. I am just not hardwired for it. I am horrible at saving money, I hate to balance my checkbook, and I am not very good at sticking to a budget. I think there is just way too much right brained creativeness in me to stick to rigid schedules and plans.
That said, I know how much money we make each month. I know how much goes out each month to bills. I know how much we pay a month on our mortgage. Before Brian and I bought this house we crunched numbers again and again and again to make sure that we were not getting in over our heads. We bought this house with an interest only loan. And we refinanced in a year to a 30 year fixed. Easy peasy. We are not mortgaged to our eyeballs and even in this crappy economy if we HAD to sell our house we still owe less than we could sell it for.
Where am I going with all of this?? It makes me SO MAD that the government is going to take MY money that I have been faithfully paying on time for the past four years of being a homeowner and giving it to the people who thought they could afford a house twice the price of mine while making half as much money.
I am not frustrated with people who have lost their jobs in this crappy economy and therefore can't make payments. I am talking about Joe Jones who drives the brand new car, took a Hawaiian AND Park City Vacation last year, has HDTV, gets a new wardrobe every year, and is now facing foreclosure. Why the heck should he receive my help?????? Make the guy sell all his toys, let him take the bus, and then maybe he will learn that he doesn't need an 3000 square foot home for him and his wife! I'm talking about Suzie Spendsalot who works as a nail tech and was told by the Bank of Pipe Dreams that on her $30K a year job she could afford a $2000/month mortgage payment and said, "Really?? I can??? Sign me up!" Even with my limited math skills I know that if I have $1000 coming in a month, I can't afford $2000 going out. Even if someone at a lending company tells me I can.
I'm sorry people. If you bought more than you can afford, your gig is up. It's time for you to rent a 900 square foot apartment with your two kids, survive 95 degree days with no a/c, be surrounded by chain smokers and people who cook stinky food, and drive 10 year old cars so you can reassess how much you really CAN afford. You don't deserve to be rewarded with bailout cash paid with MY taxes so you can continue living in homes that are nicer than mine, enjoying a lifestyle that I don't allow myself to have.
Can you tell I also struggle with the Parable of the Prodigal Son? I'm all for mercy. Heaven knows I need it in my life. But I still have a hard time when people who have done things the RIGHT way are given a nice pat on the back and the people who broke the rules, inconvenienced others, and screwed up are given swag bags. At least the Prodigal Son was repentant. I fear that most people who will be getting bailout funds are only mad that it didn't come sooner.
That said, I know how much money we make each month. I know how much goes out each month to bills. I know how much we pay a month on our mortgage. Before Brian and I bought this house we crunched numbers again and again and again to make sure that we were not getting in over our heads. We bought this house with an interest only loan. And we refinanced in a year to a 30 year fixed. Easy peasy. We are not mortgaged to our eyeballs and even in this crappy economy if we HAD to sell our house we still owe less than we could sell it for.
Where am I going with all of this?? It makes me SO MAD that the government is going to take MY money that I have been faithfully paying on time for the past four years of being a homeowner and giving it to the people who thought they could afford a house twice the price of mine while making half as much money.
I am not frustrated with people who have lost their jobs in this crappy economy and therefore can't make payments. I am talking about Joe Jones who drives the brand new car, took a Hawaiian AND Park City Vacation last year, has HDTV, gets a new wardrobe every year, and is now facing foreclosure. Why the heck should he receive my help?????? Make the guy sell all his toys, let him take the bus, and then maybe he will learn that he doesn't need an 3000 square foot home for him and his wife! I'm talking about Suzie Spendsalot who works as a nail tech and was told by the Bank of Pipe Dreams that on her $30K a year job she could afford a $2000/month mortgage payment and said, "Really?? I can??? Sign me up!" Even with my limited math skills I know that if I have $1000 coming in a month, I can't afford $2000 going out. Even if someone at a lending company tells me I can.
I'm sorry people. If you bought more than you can afford, your gig is up. It's time for you to rent a 900 square foot apartment with your two kids, survive 95 degree days with no a/c, be surrounded by chain smokers and people who cook stinky food, and drive 10 year old cars so you can reassess how much you really CAN afford. You don't deserve to be rewarded with bailout cash paid with MY taxes so you can continue living in homes that are nicer than mine, enjoying a lifestyle that I don't allow myself to have.
Can you tell I also struggle with the Parable of the Prodigal Son? I'm all for mercy. Heaven knows I need it in my life. But I still have a hard time when people who have done things the RIGHT way are given a nice pat on the back and the people who broke the rules, inconvenienced others, and screwed up are given swag bags. At least the Prodigal Son was repentant. I fear that most people who will be getting bailout funds are only mad that it didn't come sooner.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sweets for the Sweet
I had a very yummy Valentines Day...
We went into town to get Brian some new suits and we took a little detour to a bakery that specializes in cupcakes. They had eight different flavors out for Valentines Day, and with their cute little size I was able to try all eight. Not all at once, but one here and there... it was great. :) I obviously couldn't wait to take a picture until we had all had one. Missing are all of the chocolate ones and some red velvet. I highly recommend the toasted coconut one. It tastes like a macaroon with cream cheese frosting. Heaven.
After our return from town we fed the kids some very romantic Hamburger Helper (Jillise and Jaren ate only the noodles, Joelle ate only the meat. Reminds me of Jack Sprat and his wife), we got them bathed and put them to bed. Brian and I enjoyed some New York Strip steaks, potato skins, corn, french bread, and Martinellis. Then strawberry cheese cake and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Gotta love the Safeway bakery department where I can just get one slice of each. Then we watched No Reservations and called it a night!
I fully intended to make candy for Valentines Day. But with all of the Valentines Day projects, travelling to town the past two Saturdays, and driving 1 1/2 and 2 hours respectively the past two Sundays for ward conferences, it didn't happen. Maybe for St. Patty's day.
And finally, since we are talking about sweets, does this handsome fella not give you a toothache?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Special Meal
Need a special dinner to make for Valentines Day tonight? Or just something yummy that doesn't involve cream of chicken soup? Then make this. Now.
Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa:
1 pound tomatillos, husked
1 white onion, peeled, sliced, quartered or whole
4 garlic cloves
2 jalapenos
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 lime, juiced
Enchiladas:
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock, storebought
Chopped cilantro leaves
1 deli roasted chicken (about 3 pounds), boned, meat shredded
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
10 large flour tortillas
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Sour cream, Chopped tomatoes and cilantro leaves, for garnish
Guacamole, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
For the salsa:
On a baking tray, roast tomatillos, onion, garlic and jalapenos for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices on the bottom of the tray to a food processor. Add the cumin, salt, cilantro, and lime juice and pulse mixture until well combined but still chunky.
Enchiladas:
Meanwhile heat a 2 count of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and caramelized - this should take 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin then cook for a further minute. Sprinkle on the flour and stir to ensure the flour doesn't burn then gradually add the chicken stock to make a veloute. Continue stirring over a low simmer until the flour cooks and the liquid thickens. Turn off the heat, add half of the roasted tomatillo chile salsa, some additional fresh chopped cilantro and fold in the shredded chicken meat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Change the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F and begin assembling the dish. Take a large baking dish and smear the bottom with some of the reserved tomatillo salsa. Now take the flour tortillas and briefly flash them over the stove-top flame (or put them briefly under the broiler if using an electric stove). Using a shallow bowl, coat each tortilla lightly with the reserved salsa mix. Put a scoop of the shredded chicken-enchilada mix on top of the tortilla followed by a sprinkle of the shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling and roll like a cigar to enclose it. Using a spatula place the tortillas in the baking dish and continue to do the same with all the tortillas. Finally pour over some more of the salsa and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and cracked on top. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro and tomato.
These were SO GOOD. I made the roasted tomatillo salsa the day before and just kept it in the blender jar in the fridge. Here are some recipe notes that I think you will want if you are going to try this at home.
Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa:
1 pound tomatillos, husked
1 white onion, peeled, sliced, quartered or whole
4 garlic cloves
2 jalapenos
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 lime, juiced
Enchiladas:
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock, storebought
Chopped cilantro leaves
1 deli roasted chicken (about 3 pounds), boned, meat shredded
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
10 large flour tortillas
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Sour cream, Chopped tomatoes and cilantro leaves, for garnish
Guacamole, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
For the salsa:
On a baking tray, roast tomatillos, onion, garlic and jalapenos for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices on the bottom of the tray to a food processor. Add the cumin, salt, cilantro, and lime juice and pulse mixture until well combined but still chunky.
Enchiladas:
Meanwhile heat a 2 count of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and caramelized - this should take 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin then cook for a further minute. Sprinkle on the flour and stir to ensure the flour doesn't burn then gradually add the chicken stock to make a veloute. Continue stirring over a low simmer until the flour cooks and the liquid thickens. Turn off the heat, add half of the roasted tomatillo chile salsa, some additional fresh chopped cilantro and fold in the shredded chicken meat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Change the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F and begin assembling the dish. Take a large baking dish and smear the bottom with some of the reserved tomatillo salsa. Now take the flour tortillas and briefly flash them over the stove-top flame (or put them briefly under the broiler if using an electric stove). Using a shallow bowl, coat each tortilla lightly with the reserved salsa mix. Put a scoop of the shredded chicken-enchilada mix on top of the tortilla followed by a sprinkle of the shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling and roll like a cigar to enclose it. Using a spatula place the tortillas in the baking dish and continue to do the same with all the tortillas. Finally pour over some more of the salsa and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and cracked on top. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro and tomato.
These were SO GOOD. I made the roasted tomatillo salsa the day before and just kept it in the blender jar in the fridge. Here are some recipe notes that I think you will want if you are going to try this at home.
- Make one and a half batches of the salsa. It is really good and you will probably want some more to garnish your enchiladas with or to dip chips in. I think that the one batch would probably BARELY give you enough.
- I don't have a gas stove, so I did has he suggests and just stuck them two at a time under the broiler until they just barely started to color. I don't know that it affected the flavor much, but it does give them some more color instead of just pale white.
- I used two rotisserie chickens. I figure that since I am not very good at getting every last peice of meat off of the carcass and the ones at Safeway are only 2 lbs, I would average the right amount of meat. I also shredded the chicken earlier in the day and kept it covered in the fridge so I wouldn't have so much to do in the evening.
- If you don't like things super spicey, take the seeds out of the jalapenos before you roast them. Since I did a batch and a half I roasted two jalapenos whole and I removed the seeds out of the last one.
- If you use the large tortillas like he suggests then bake them in your roasting pan. A 9x13 will not be big enough.
- A half pound of cheese is NOT enough. I used a full pound. Some people on the website used Pepper Jack because they REALLY like spice.
I filled my first two tortillas a little too full and I only ended up with nine enchiladas. But even feeding myself, Brian, two missionaries (with very good appetities), and giving a half of one to Joelle we had two and a half left over. They are HUGE. And really really really really good. I served these with Rice-A-Roni Mexican Rice. Real traditional, I know. But it's good. And is a nice compliment to these enchiladas.
I had come across several blogs where people had raved over the black beans on that same recipe page. I was all excited to make them and I followed the directions to a "t," But they just didn't turn out like I was hoping. Even after simmering for two hours (30 minutes longer than suggested) they still were a bit too firm for my taste. I guess I am just too accustomed to the mushy ones from the can. Oh, well.
Hope everyone has a fabulous Valentines Day! No super fancy meal for us tonight. I am doing steak and potato skins and french bread. And my potato skins are from the freezer aisle. Why reinvent the wheel?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Another Product Endorsement
This stuff works well. Really well. Really.
I have been walking around with it upstairs all day today "erasing" old grease and mystery spots that 401 Carpet and mulitple steam cleanings COULDN'T get rid of. I got a new vacuum today, too. My old one decided to die. Finally. Now I have a cool one with a dirt canister so I can be totally grossed out by what comes out of my carpet. Nice.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
One More
I had to do one more apron post before I get off the computer and tackle the house.
First, I received my apron from Frieda for the Sassy Flirty Apron Swap (the one I made the pink apron for down below). I LOVE IT. I love the pink and black, and I love the pattern. And Frieda is much better at working with bias tape than I am. I found myself looking closely at the corners trying to figure out how she got them looking so perfect. She also included some goodies for me and even some Valentines treats for the kids.
First, I received my apron from Frieda for the Sassy Flirty Apron Swap (the one I made the pink apron for down below). I LOVE IT. I love the pink and black, and I love the pattern. And Frieda is much better at working with bias tape than I am. I found myself looking closely at the corners trying to figure out how she got them looking so perfect. She also included some goodies for me and even some Valentines treats for the kids.
I loved the apron pattern that Frieda used so much that I broke down a paper bag to try to duplicate it (thanks for the tip, Candy). I have a former student that I taught in Jr High that I have reconnected with on Facebook that has been handed some pretty rough challenges. So I made her a little pick-me-up package. She loves cherries, so I have been collecting different cherry fat quarters, not really knowing how I was going to make them work together. I had thought of attempting a patchwork/quilted type apron, but I could see myself just ruining a whole pile of fabric that way. So I used the pattern from Freida's apron and extended the bottom a little so I could add four different flouncy layers, and put a pocket in the front to bring in one more cherry fabric. I really think this is my favorite new apron pattern. It's just so sassy. I need to make one for myself. The package is going out today. I hope it cheers her up and that she loves it as much as I do! Now I'm off to sweep up more thread.
And just one more of my cute boy with his "pikey" hair -- becuase he's just so cute.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Mom Funnies
I "borrowed" these from my cousin's blog. They were too good not to share. This is Hillary Weeks. :)
Sew Crazy
I decided to haul out the sewing machine a few weeks ago to try to tap into my creative side again. I have been in a bit of a funk lately. I think it is most weather related, so I figured that sewing with some nice bright colors might help lift me out of it.
I forgot how much I miss MAKING things. I enjoy sewing because it involves so many things that I enjoy. I get to choose fabrics (which usually involves shopping), I get to make something with my hands (which gives me a nice sense of accomplishment), it usually involves problem solving due to my lack of technical skills, and most of my aprons go to other people, so I get the warm fuzzies for that. Unfortunately, the sewing maching, cutting mat, ironing board, and tools take up the entire kitchen table, so it isn't something I can really do all the time.
The first apron was for a cupcake themed apron swap on swap-bot. I made up this pattern myself. It looks really cute on, but I wasn't about to model it for the camera and I don't have a dress form. I sewed on little beads to look like sprinkles. I think it turned out well.
The next apron is for another swap. It had a Sugar and Spice theme and I was going to do a different cupcake apron, but after looking at all the pictures I realized that most people interpreted the theme to be more of a Valentines Day thing, so I switched gears. This is a new pattern that I really like. It wasn't HARD, but it was labor intensive. I learned a few things and the apron wasn't perfect (which really bugs me), but after all the time and expense I put into it I hope she will realize it was made with love. Besides, the reason I like sewing aprons so much is that due to their purpose, they don't HAVE to be perfect.
The last one is for a friend and I just love these fabrics. It looks like chic Victorian wallpaper. Now I am going to go pack up the sewing machine for at least a few days and try to sweep up all of the threads and scraps under the table.
Monday, January 19, 2009
♫ It's a Perfect Daaaaay...
Nothin' Standin' in my Waaaaaay...♪
For reasons soon to be explained, I have had this song going through my head all day. I don't know who sings it, but since I don't listen to much pop music, I am assuming it is in some Disney movie. But anyway...
Yesterday for my stake YW calling I got to attend a ward out on the beach. When Denise (the YW President) and I got out of the car at the chapel we realized how BEAUTIFUL it was out there. It has been so cold lately and so dreary and we were a little shocked to be hit with WARM SUNLIGHT. So after the meetings were over we stripped off our nylons (as ladylike as we could in the car) and went for a little walk on the beach. The sand (and later our feet) were cold, but it was just so *nice*. So I resolved that I was going to take the kids to the coast today. I am not the most spontaneous person so I was really proud of myself for being willing to (and following through with) this trip. Brian had to work (and get a root canal), so I messaged my friend Tanya (who has four beautiful girls -- two of whom are some of my girls' BFFs) and asked if she was interested in coming. After convincing her that it wouldn't be FREEZING, she agreed.
We left at about 10:30 this morning to give it some time to warm up and we stopped first at Pig 'N Pancake for lunch. I love places like this where you can get breakfast all day. Yum!! Then we went to see the sealions on the pier, then off to the beach!! We went where we could just drive our cars down onto the sand. MUCH easier than hauling all our stuff over the dunes. The thermometer on my car said 62 degrees. It was cool enough for sweatshirts and jeans, but the kids had a blast with bare feet and the few sand toys I was able to throw together. Tanya brought little baggies and the girls had fun filling them with all of the little broken sand dollars and shells that they found. It was low tide, so there was lots of sand to run around on, and they had fun digging big holes and then splashing in the water that would come up from the sand to fill it.
When we went to the beach this summer Jaren really seemed to hate it. I was curious to see how he would act today. He just ran around with his ladle and whack at all the shells he saw. SUCH a boy. Since we don't have any sandals that fit him, I just kept him in his tennis shoes and socks. Until I saw him standing in the girls water filled hole -- shoes and all. So he got to wear his sister's Crocs for the rest of the day.
We hung out on the sand for about two hours, then we headed to Dairy Queen for some icecream and a potty break, then we headed for home. Thanks to the DVD player and each girl having her own Nintendo DS, the trip was flawless. The kids were so well behaved and it has me thinking that we need to do this again SOON. Thanks for the fun, Tanya! It was PERFECT DAY
Sunday, January 4, 2009
And Open Letter to M. Nature
Dear Ms. Mother Nature,
You are SO not my favorite person right now. The 17" of snow you chose to grace us with the weeks before Christmas was bad enough. I was a fairly good sport when school was cancelled four of the five days the week leading up to Christmas Break. I didn't even mind the freezing rain we got earlier this week that made my driveway an inclined skating rink.
But now school is all set to start tomorrow and the kids (and parents) are MORE than ready. And you decide to send MORE SNOW. Please cease and desist all precipitation RIGHT NOW. I think I may just burst into tears if I get another 5:40 am call that school has been cancelled. We are in desperate need of a return to structure and a schedule. I need to get back to the gym and I need a chance to clean the house without three little "helpers" undoing everything I have done.
So please. PUH-LEEZE!!! Stop toying with me! Send the clouds to the Southwest or some place where they need the precipitation. I'm DONE.
Sincerely,
Paige
You are SO not my favorite person right now. The 17" of snow you chose to grace us with the weeks before Christmas was bad enough. I was a fairly good sport when school was cancelled four of the five days the week leading up to Christmas Break. I didn't even mind the freezing rain we got earlier this week that made my driveway an inclined skating rink.
But now school is all set to start tomorrow and the kids (and parents) are MORE than ready. And you decide to send MORE SNOW. Please cease and desist all precipitation RIGHT NOW. I think I may just burst into tears if I get another 5:40 am call that school has been cancelled. We are in desperate need of a return to structure and a schedule. I need to get back to the gym and I need a chance to clean the house without three little "helpers" undoing everything I have done.
So please. PUH-LEEZE!!! Stop toying with me! Send the clouds to the Southwest or some place where they need the precipitation. I'm DONE.
Sincerely,
Paige
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