It's December Already!

I can't believe another few months has passed since I last blogged. I feel guilty for not getting my thoughts written down. I feel guilty for not reading my friends blogs too! I'm so sorry everyone...

But, it is the end of the year and that means it's time for me to reflect on what has come and gone....

Hunter is in the 4th grade this year. He has a love/hate relationship with school. He hates to go to school and loves to stay home! Hunter is now a blue belt in Kenpo Karate. He loves the class because now he gets to use weapons. I wish we were aloud to video tape Hunter during class. His expressions are priceless. The grin from ear to ear is so Hunter...I know what he's thinking when he's making karate moves..."It's so Jedi!"

Megan, my darling girl is a 3rd grader this year. She loves going to school because she gets to see all of her friends. Megan loves her teacher Miss Burkholder...and especially her art teacher. Megan was approached by her art teacher to take a special art class in an after school program. Unfortuneately we had to pass on the chance as it conflicted with Megan's gymnastics class. Megan loves gymnastics...she loves learning how to tumble and flip and looks forward to the day when she can take the back handspring class. She says the hardest part of gymnastics is the uneven bars.

Patrick...yep...he's our German son....as Hunter would say..."what's up brother from another mother"...Patrick is still our exchange student and we absolutely love him! We can't believe how lucky we are to have such a great kid in our house. He has been so good with Hunter and Megan...he teases the kids just like a real big brother would!

I was reluctant in the beginning to host another exchange student...we have had 3 students before Hunter and Megan came along...it was very difficult for us...actually...for me to share my home with strangers. My expectations must have been too high. I truly believe that having my own children has softened my attitude and my expectations more realistic. It also helps that Patrick is such a good kid. I don't think we'll host after him. It wouldn't be fair to the other student...we would always be saying "Patrick did this and Patrick did that".

This year I started running...thanks to Lyndsie (who is totally awesome!). I ran my first 5k with Nancy on October 31st...and ran another 5k on Thanksgiving morning. I'm slower than molasses frozen in January...but I still have fun. I would like to better my time and actually purchased a couple of running books to give me some hints. I have a goal to run the annual Delta Chicken Festival 5K in July...I hope to win my age division!

Kim is loving his work as an insurance agent for Banker's Life. He loves helping his clients and he has earned many rewards for his hard work. We recently took a trip to Jamaica because of his work. I loved it! The people are so friendly and we did some much needed R&R. Kim is in the running to win a new 42 inch flat screen tv...as if we need another one!

It's time to say HI!

Well...It has been awhile since I made a blog entry. I have sooo many things to tell everyone but don't know where to begin....so I thought I would do bullet points to get everyone all caught up.

• Kids are in school. Hooray! My house stays a little cleaner all day long.
• I have become an exercise fiend. I run...I bike...I walk...you would think I would lose a little more weight faster....but perhaps my chocolate addiction has something to do with that.
• I now have 5 callings at church. I'm a counselor in young women's. I teach primary. I play the organ. I am the website administrator and I am the stake assistant camp director....so if anyone complains to me about church being busy...they can just talk to the hand...my point of view is this...if your busy with church....you're not busy getting into trouble.
• We still have our exchange student, Patrick. We like him....so we keep him...check out my facebook page to view some photos.

I think that's it for now...I have nothing else to say.

Pacifist...

Kids can really say the coolest things sometimes. We were driving home one night and discussing with Hunter his need to "toughen up" a little. In a nutshell he said..."I don't like fighting...I'm a pacifist."

Now, as a mother hearing her child use a big word like pacifist and understand what it means is a proud moment....but then I said..."Wow Hunter you really now what pacifist means....where did you learn that?"

Hunter said..."From tv....see Mom, you can learn anything by watching tv!"

What I'm doing...

School officially started yesterday. I now have three kids. We have an exchange student from Germany for the school year.

Last night I spent 2 hours with Patrick helping him with his English homework. The language barrier was difficult at times...but thankfully the boy is bright and catches on quickly.

The advantage I can see from this situation...I'm brushing up on my English Lit...skills. It is so true...you never really forget! Ask me what metephor, hyperbole, simile and alliteration mean.

I have enjoyed two days of hot humid walking weather with L...and going through and cleaning up those dark hidden places in my house.

Today...scrapbook room. I might be brave and take a before picture...

It's a Boy!

We thought it would be a great opportunity to host an exchange student. Here's a picture of Patrick and below a pic of him with his older brother, 13 year old sister and I think his little niece.

Multi - Tasking

Life for me always seems to be full of activities. And like every other woman...I multi-task...and have a hundred other thoughts running through my head as to what to do next.

So, this morning in the shower I thought to myself...I shampooed yesterday...just condition my hair today...and proceeded to let the water wet my hair. I began to think of my list of to do's for the day as I reached for my facial cleanser...nothing unusual...just routine. Half way through I realized I had applied my facial cleanser to my hair like it was shampoo! Arrgghh.

Note to self...don't think of too many things at the same time.

I hope my hair appreciates the facial.

off the wagon

I've fallen off the wagon. I have gained all my weight that I orginally lost a couple of years ago. I'm so disappointed with myself.

I'm determined to get back on the wagon and lose it all again.

Current weight...156...

Upset

It's one thing if family members wish to regard Kim and Jenny as the odd ones in the family...but it's another when that regard for our family may come tumbling out in the words and actions of your children.

It is sad thing for a mother to happen upon children belittling her child...again.

Sisters J and N...thank you for being there yesterday when I spoke to you. You were supportive and very gracious. I am grateful.

Snore

I should be able to fall asleep. I spent my day jogging, pulling weeds, planting flowers, taking care of children...spending time with young women from church...visiting HIS relatives and gathering things for my yard sale this weekend. I'm physically worn out. I should be able to fall fast asleep.

1 am.

My husband's snore irritates me. I lie in my bed listening to the garbled sounds emanating from his side of the bed. He fills the room with the awful noise. I have tried my best to gently nudge his pillow to stop the sound. (Although a fleeting thought did run through my head about placing the pillow somewhere else!). I even tapped him lightly on the shoulder encouraging him to move.

But still, the noise! ARRRGGHHH.

So, I lie in my bed thinking about how unfair this situation is. I do the majority of the physical labor at home and I'm bone tired and getting angrier as I think about the injustice. I feel my blood begin to boil and steam come rolling out my ears. I finally yell into the darkness. ROLL OVER!

Doesn't work.

I wonder what it's like to sleep soundly? Night after night of terrible snoring is draining. I'm crying and I'm tired.

Woe is me.

off to camp

We are so excited for this weekend. It kicks off our entire summer of camping activities. I'm really looking forward to the campfire chats and kids playing in the sun. But most important? I get to use my skills!

The Tin Man

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending the day with Hunter and his classmates on the 3rd grade field trip to Sauder Village. Sauder's is an historical village highlighting people's lives and trade back in the early 1800's.

I was certainly fascinated by the craftsmen that work there. To see the exquisite work done by their hands and able to see it live is beyond description. All of the kids in my group were very polite and asked good questions when needed. I was so thankful that none were silly or embarrassing.

Well...we stopped in the Tin shop..the artist Mike Runyon was in residence working on beautiful creations made from tin. It was fascinating to watch him! He was really great with the kids too...one child (not in my group) asked..what things did he make? He chuckled a bit and said..."turn around and look" the kid did so. "Now turn and look over there"..the child turned..."Turn and look there"..as he points...He made the majority of the pieces in the shop and again I can't express how lovely they were. I certainly wanted several pieces.

But then, the artist asked the group what they thought he was creating while he was talking with him. One kid said a pop can...but a grown up (thankfully) said a candle holder. Mike Runyon confirmed this and then asked the group what candles may have been made from back in the 1800's. The usual list was shouted out...like beeswax, parafin..etc etc...

The room became silent for just a second...and then MY son blurted out...Ear Wax!

My kids are so lucky!

School is out! Hooray!

Megan's Baptism photos

Megan was baptized back in April on the 11th. Many family members were there to witness her special day. Grammie and Grandpa Huntington flew in from New Hampshire. This weekend was wonderful as we also celebrated Easter the following day.

Hunter

Here are a few snap shots of Hunter taken in the last few days.

Clowns

I always knew my kids were clowns!

Megan, How Does Your Garden Grow?

Megan loves to be outside digging in the dirt.

She made sure she could help her dad plant the garden this year.

I thought she looked so cute in her pigtails and barefeet!

Megan, will you be all smiles when it's time to weed the garden? I hope so!

What Megan Did

Morning...typical for a school day. The kids were busy gathering their things for the day. I usually do Megan's hair and was grateful for a little extra time to make her hair look cute.

Megan opted for the two ponytail look and I was eager to please. Her hair this morning look like she got in a fight with a windmill so I proceeded to gently brush out the tangles. Megan of course complained that I was pulling her hair.

Well, as I was brushing out her hair I came across something foreign and pink wadded and engulfed by blond tresses.

SILLY PUTTY!!!

Yep...last night Megan was playing with silly putty. Trying not to sound alarmed and wondering where the scissors were I asked..."Megan,...how did silly putty end up in your hair?"
Megan said, "Last night at church I was stretching it out to make it into a jump rope".

Huh.

I got the silly putty out of the hair (a few tears where shed by daughter). Megan went off to school with her chosen hair style and I made her promise to never ever, use silly putty as a jump rope again.

Today I'm NOT Bored

I appreciate all the comments I received on my posts. Some of you are very sympathetic to my writing and others of you offer great insight.

I was surprised at my own post yesterday about being bored. My pathetic whining was pretty annoying. So today I made sure I wasn't so bored!

Well, my bum knee is feeling better...so Lyndsie and I walked a 5k instead of running it...just to be sure nothing scary happened.
We worked up a sweat just the same...it was really warm out today. (Hooray!)

I got real warm and DIRTY mowing the lawn for over two hours today. I weeded the landscaping and planted a few flowers...I was outside all day. Love the sunshine!

I've been doing stuff since 7:30 this morning and the time is slipping away. The kids need help with homework and I need a well deserved shower followed by dinner and church meetings.

Today, I'm NOT bored.

Bored

Today I'm bored. I've hurt my leg while running and I'm trying to take it easy. I'm doing the usual household chores. Boring.
I've played a couple rounds of solitare on the computer. Boring.
I've read a bit. My book, was boring.
Stared out the window for awhile. Boring.
I should pull weeds in the landscaping...but that's boring too.
I'm even bored with eating chocolate! - gasp...shocking!

I'm a bit bored.

I think I hurt myself

I think I pulled a muscle behind my knee today while running. It's sore...and I'm limping just a bit. Poor me.

Hunter got his hair cut!

Hunter "strikes a pose"

Notice how round his head is?

I'm not talking about you!

I could be talking about me...maybe...

I have heard many reasons for skipping church...some are good excuses...like....putrid sickness or death.

Others I think are not so good...like....going to see a movie...out to breakfast with the family...too tired...worked all night...shopping...chores....blah...blah...blah.

My own children complain most every Sunday. Hunter hates to wear a tie and Megan doesn't want to wear stiff shoes. The kids are tired or they are fighting. ... My favorite is when they say..."can we stay home?...Church is soooo boring!"

What would I be teaching my children if I allowed them their way?...I would be teaching them that church really isn't that important to me....I would be teaching them that they don't have to fulfill any responsibilities...I would be teaching them that it's okay to break a commandmant to not keep the Sabbath Day Holy....I would be teaching them that it's okay to put selfish desires first.....I would be teaching them a lot of undesirable things.... And yet,... I still wonder if the hassle is worth all the effort?

It is.

Church is where we are reminded to be a little better and try a little harder to be more Christ-like. Can't be more Christ-like if we don't apply the Atonement in our lives weekly. Church is where we learn that families can be together forever. Can't be a forever family if we don't attend church together as a family.

Church is where I learned how important my role of mother is. I cannot allow my children to ever question my testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Together with my husband, we influence our children by example. We try our best to do what is right...we are trying to live the Gospel as a family and attend church together as a family. We have this one life to try and get things right. So.....why waste time sleeping in on Sunday.

Girlie Wisdom! a little something a friend sent to me...I loved it so I had to share it!

• 1. A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills.. she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.


• 2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.


• 3. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.


• 4. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.


• 5. The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.


• 6. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.


• 7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.


• 8. Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.


• 9. I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my knickers'.


• 10. Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!


• 11. Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!


• 12. The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.


• 13.. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

Pie

I spent all day outside and unfortunately got a little sunburned. So, I decided to help myself feel better by making a strawberry pie. ...

The berries were perfect! I enjoyed getting my fingers stained while I hulled and sliced the red juicy fruit. I was careful to add extra berries to compensate for the ones that fell into my mouth.....

The pie crust was perfect too! My pie crust always turns out well. I find it real easy to open the cute red box with the dough boy on the front and unroll perfection every time!.....

So...after making and eating a fine meal of grilled pork chops, watermelon and corn...I ate TWO slices of sweet strawberry pie...I was about ready to go for a third when I realized it wasn't the juicy berries or sugary goo that tickled my taste buds...it was the crust! ....

To stop myself from eating a third slice of pie...I ate a piece of chocolate instead.

Running

I'm not a runner. But lately...I have been jogging with my friend L. She's been helping me build my stamina to run a steady 30 minutes. I would have to say she is very patient with me. Because, well....I'm SLOW.

But I'm grateful that I have someone to walk/run with most everyday...if I were to do it by myself...I would quit.

Thanks L!

A Poem About Mom's

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .

emailed to me from a friend who is a great mom...had to share it here!

Mother's Day

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I'm thankful for my mom...my husband's mom. Without them...where would I be today?

I feel incredibly lucky to have my two kids. My heart melts when they call me 'Mommy'.

3rd Grade and High School

What I over heard Hunter say to his friend Cody..."The best thing about being in high school is you get to chew gum!"

Clouds on the Ground

I had trouble sleeping last night and was relieved to see fog blanketing the earth. That ment school was delayed this morning. That meant I got to sleep in!

diet and exercise

I have been told that a healthy diet and exercise go hand and hand. But what happens to my diet when I have a slice of pizza in my hand?

The salads have lost this nights war. Pizza was victorious.

Don't be a knock-off

Coach...you will find many authentic Coach and other famously named handbags under glass at Macy's. But Coach seems to be the "it" bag amongst a wide range of people. This popularity has caused a flood of knock-offs to hit the market.

I thought I could be "all that" if I carried an "it" bag too. So, a few years ago I attended one of those hush hush purse parties. I bought a bag and thought to myself..."I can fool the world with the look a-like and pinch a penny!"

I carried my new bag for a short while. I didn't care that scratches, tears and stains quickly turned my "status" bag into what it really was...cheap junk...and I tossed it.

Then a new style of bag caught my eye. The whimisical fabric and trademark diamond quilting of Vera Bradley has taken me in. The perfect union of practical design and fashion forward colors has me wishing for a new bag every season. All my Vera bags mean something to me. My recent splurge for my newest Vera will be properly cared for like the others.

The ah-ha moment came recently when I was looking thru an old check book register and found the entry for the purse party. I paid more for my knock-off "status" bag than I did for my latest Vera. So I had to ask myself...why didn't I take better care of that purse? It's because I knew it was a FAKE.

Is there a moral to this story?

Trying to be or do what everyone else in the world is doing can cause us to become dented, scratched, torn or even soiled. We trap ourselves into thinking life is cheap and we lose faith...we become a FAKE.

Look inside your heart and remember that you have a divine whimisical pattern to share with this world. Have faith, care for your soul and do your best to keep it clean. And when we try to be our best...the Savior in His mercy, will stitch up those tears and erase the stains.





Don't be a knock off...be genuine. Be a vera....

Sunday Thoughts - May 3rd.

An excerpt from my travel journal I keep in my purse....

This morning the sun was shinning through my bedroom window. A promise that the day would be a wonderful Sabbath Day.

Today is stake conference and we have had the privilege of hearing from our beloved prophet Thomas S. Monson. I listened intently to the messages delivered and my favorite is this...

We learn to love and sacrifice in our own families and that impact of love will enhance and influence the lives of our family members for GENERATIONS to come.

So, like the sun shinning in my window, its beams of light reaching to the farthest corner...I must teach and exemplify love for my family so IT can reach farther than I can ever imagine.

I'm on a diet

boo hoo.

So glad a challenge!

Last night I had the privilage of chaperoning a youth dance. I love to people watch. I'm sure some were watching me too. so,...um....sorry if I embarassed any of my youth with my dancing skills.

It was so great hearing the DJ's play Thriller and the Electric Slide popular when I was a youth. But, I must protest to this Cotton Eye Joe song...it causes me to get up and dance!...and not very well. By the end of Cotton-Eye Joe...my lungs were gasping for air and the hair on the back of my neck was damp...yucky...

When I'm not embarassing myself on the dance floor...I enjoy observing the wonderful young adults...Some gather together in small groups where they find friendships similar to their likes. Some hangout at tables closest to the refreshment stand...(I think I was sitting there!). Others were soloists...dancing to their own beat.

I had a few flashbacks to the days when I was a youth...I remember always wanting to dance to the very first song after the opening prayer...but no one was brave enough to "vogue". And I wasn't brave enough to dance like a soloist.

I'm so glad I got to watch a few special youth that I know personally. Miss S...she has made friends from all over NW Ohio...she won't ever find herself wandering about the halls having no one to hang out with...Thank you to young Mr. N and young Mr. E..he made sure he was dancing with a lovely girl almost every slow song...

I challenge Miss R, Miss J, Miss S, Mr. N, Mr. E, and Mr. E...to continue to make new friends and step outside your comfort zone. Continue to look past your immediate group and make room for more. Those solo people wandering the hall are fanstastic and unique young adults...they need YOU to help them figure that out.

I can't wait to YMCA at the next dance...and see how many new friends you will make. You will be so glad!

Birds and Bees

The men in our household spent a Saturday in March building a little tool shed in the back yard. I think each had a great time working together as father and son. The project did take most of the day so topics of conversation must have varied between Star Wars, guns, bikes..etc..etc...etc.

It wasn't until later that evening when I learned what the converstation was really about...

Kim had talked to his son about how babies were made...I gasped and thought hopefully to myself..."you told him babies were picked from a cabbage patch....or...the toy aisle at wal-mart...or the stork delivered him?..."

Oh...no!....

My dear husband began to relate his conversation. He told the REAL STORY with anatomically correct words in talking with Hunter about how babies were made!...um...I was shocked...a little....so I won't repeat what Kim said here...

To make a short story shorter and to paraphrase Hunter's words.."Dad, you did that to Mom?...eww...two times?...eww!"

Megan's Birthday Party

Just some pictures of the girls at Megan's sleepover. You might want to pause the film during the text slides....if you know me...I like to babble!

P.S...Robyn was at the party...but not pictured...she didn't want her photo taken.

My Megan

This little girl...so special...so wonderful...so MEGAN! Happy 8th Birthday!

Today she brought almost 2 dozen cupcakes to share with her class. (I stayed up really late last night!)

After school...she received a number of phone calls from family (her cousin Joy and Grampa Huntington), a birthday song from the Pratt girls (so cute and thoughtful)...and her Great-Grandmother, Shirley Allen drove out to bring her a wonderful gift and some snacks. (Megan shared her bag o'chips with me!).

MaMa and PaPa stopped in for a visit and brought Megan a new swimsuit that she needed...and a wonderful journal to write her memories in.

We gave Megan her first set of scriptures for church, a box full of beads (8000 of them) and a noisy electronic Littlest Pet Shop game gadget thingy.

Hunter bought her a pink scooter. Which Megan had to play the game hot/cold to find. She got a little bugged by it. Hunter was laughing.

I made her a simple birthday cake. She picked out the candle and helped me decorate it.

This Friday she'll be having a slumber party with all her friends and family too.

Next Saturday (April 11th), she'll be baptized. I'm so happy that Megan is our little girl.

Happy Birthday Megan!

Sunday Thoughts

I spent the week feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and almost angry. And this Sunday has been a good day to reflect and think about what is important.

One Sunday a month is set aside for members of our congregation the opportunity to stand up and testify their beliefs and faith. I really enjoyed listening to their testimonies today. I really felt peaceful inside and happy.

My 9 year old son had the desire to share his testimony. He was brave and confident as he walked to the front of the congregation to speak in the microphone. He shared his testimony on something he had learned in a Sunday school class and liked. Hunter's words were important to him. And his desire to share his testimony was wonderful! I feel really blessed that my child at the tender age of 9 wants to be close to God and our Savior Jesus Christ and share that desire with others...Hunter inspired me to share my testimony today too.

I was sitting in the pew thinking about what I wanted to say in the microphone...but a thought came to me...if I'm trying to think of something to say...then I'm preparing a speech...and not sharing my testimony. As soon as the thought entered my mind, I got up right away.

My tummy did a couple of flips and the blood rushed from my face to my feet while I walked to the stand. I grasped the podium in fear and felt my knees turn to jelly. As I pulled the microphone to my face I began to look out at the congregation. What was I going to say? What was I going to testify about? I had no plan...I prepared no speech.

But then a feeling rushed over me...swept me from head to toe...the feeling was peace. My eyes became moist and my voice trembled a bit. I stuttered trying to explain this feeling warm in my heart. That peaceful feeling whispered to my soul the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ and the awesome love our Father in Heaven has for all his children. I truly believe that living gospel principles and keeping the commandments that the Lord has set has brought me such happiness and has given me a sure path to walk. That knowledge has not shielded me from experiencing sorrow or pain. However, my faith has lifted me when I needed it most.

Today has been a wonderful day. I realized that my faith is really important to me. When I change my attitude and allow the influence of the Lord into my life...my burden has been lightened.

Time just flies....

I remember sitting in third grade watching the clock tick slowly. It seemed like the day would never end.... And now,... it seems like the minutes are gone before I can catch my breath.

My responsibilities seem heavy lately. The moment I get my head above water another wave comes crashing, pushing...leaving me confused and frustrated.

I am SO grateful for friends who help me see beyond the little things that get in the way. Thanks for listening L.A....

Middle of the Night - Rant

Okay...I'm tired...and this not sleeping thing is getting really old.

The thing is...I really don't have trouble sleeping...unless my dear husband is snoring really bad.

And he has been horrible lately! I'm complaining...I'm grumpy...and I'm mad! I can't tell you how many times I hit his pillow tonight trying to get him to stop snoring. I yelled out (ROLL OVER) at least a half dozen times before writing this.

And you know what's going to bug me even more? He'll wake up in the morning...all fresh as a daisy...thinking he slept really good. I on the other hand will wake up looking like death warmed over.

Such is my life! Time check: 2:25am

My New Favorite Cereal

Yummy-O! This cereal is the best of both worlds for me. I absolutely LOVE chocolate, and it says right on the box whole grain and fiber in it! Soooo....it's healthy too!....Right?

Warm Weather

The whole winter was shrouded in cold and frost...so I knew this day was long in coming. I didn't waste it, I enjoyed it! I pray it lasts a little longer....

I am so grateful for the weather today. The sun shining through the kitchen, warming the house with it's rays. There was an extra zip in my step as I puttered about with my everyday things....ahhh....warm weather....I pray it lasts just a little bit longer.

What Hunter Said,.

Sunday morning...I was suffering from a severe bloody nose (gross!). Any way...I was leaning back in my easy chair waiting for the gush to stop. And Hunter says...



"You know Mom, if your nose is bleeding we should stay home from church."



I had to laugh at that....we piled in the car with tissues jammed up my nose. We still went to church.

NyQuil

NyQuil® Sinus LiquiCaps relieves your worst nighttime sinus symptoms—congestion, head and face pain, and pressure—so you can get the sleep you need.

What it doesn't relieve is me hearing husband snoring next to me! Time check....2:15am.

How Jenny Likes to Exercise

Dear Linda,

I'm so sorry....I ran over your cat...


Jenny

How Dumb are We?

Okay...it's March...and typical weather for this time of year is rain or snow...oh yeah...and WIND!

So my little family went to visit our friends Aaron and Shannon...we were just sitting in their living room chatting when we heard the town siren go off...

..."that's weird we said to our selves"....and ignored it....

When we got home we turned the tv on to check if our favorite shows were recording for future use...and the news was on....SPECIAL WEATHER REPORT...funnel clouds were sighted in our neck of the woods! And a tornado warnining/watch was in effect.

So the siren we heard was a warning for us to take cover! Duh!!!

Still Crazy

I'm still awake...that's because my dear husband (I love that guy!)...has a cold...and snoring really bad. Well, he always snores...but tonight it's horrible.

Check time: 1:50am....it's no wonder I have dark circles under my eyes. I think I'll eat a piece of chocolate....;)

The Mirror Lies!

I have seen several pictures of myself lately and realize my mirror lies! I had viewed myself a little thinner than I actually am. I don't really like my Ruben-esque figure. So...I would like to change that. I feel if I keep a daily journal...I am making a commitment...and will succeed. But, I need your help and inspiration too. Take this journey with me and commit too! Record your progress on my workout blog...Thanks.

Rationalizing

I couldn't find any chocolate ready to eat...so I opened a bag of chocolate chips and ate a handful. I guess it's okay for me to eat as much as I want...since I MIGHT excercise today.

Just Me and My Hair

I thought I would put together a still shot video of me and my hair at different stages. Needless to say...I had too much to do today and decided to make this instead.

Wind Poem by Jenny

Today the wind is blowing
More than I can bear.
I see the clouds move quickly
Flying through the air.
Howling, rushing, whirling...
The sound of wind has left me freezing.

What a kid says when mom's not around

This is what Megan said at her Aunt and Uncle's house.

-"We have a rule that we don't watch tv or play video games on Sunday 'cause sometimes it makes us grumpy...and sometimes we get spankings."....

Pantyhose

Today is Sunday...and I confess....

The first thing I did when I got up this morning was eat a piece of chocoate!....gasp....I know...shame on me!

A moment on the lips, a life time on the hips. That's why I wear pantyhose...

Assistant Principal

Hunter woke up Wednesday morning confessing that he had a hard time sleeping because he was excited to be Mr. LaFevre's assistant principal.

He spent his morning doing extra things to be prepared. He brushed his teeth twice and let ME comb his hair. I even noticed a whiff of cologne. He wore one of his best shirts and opted not to wear his usual sweatpants to school.

I asked Hunter what he thought an assistant principal does all day...he shrugged his shoulders and said..."give people detentions?"....I giggled....

Then we really had a conversation...we talked about what he noticed about Mr. LaFevre...and this is what he said...."Mr. LaFevre is really nice and he always talks to me"

A mother tends to see the "something special" about their child. Three of my favorite Hunter traits is his comedic flair, gentle nature and the ability to be a leader. Hunter came home from school that day just beaming from his opportunity as assistant principal. Thank you Mr. LaFevre!

I Ate All but One

I don't know what it is about cute little girls who sell cookies. I promise myself every year that if asked to buy, I would purchase just one box.....I was approached by two moms....(oh, yeah...and their girl scout daughters), to buy this years batch of cookies....Apparently, I have a problem with keeping promises...How the heck did I end up buying 12 boxes of cookies?!!....It's no wonder I wear stretchy pants all the time.

I'm a Mom.

It's really late....and I can't sleep. AGAIN! What am I doing?...

I have always considered myself a stay at home mom. I only worked in my store during school hours and the kids would come to work with me if it was necessary. But then, I lost the store.

I put on a smile and promised myself that since the store closed I would have no excuse for a messy house. I was going to organize all the nooks and crannies. Make healthy breakfast every morning and cook delicious meals for dinner. I swore never to leave dirty clothing piled in heaps on the floor. I was to remove all the junk stacked in corners and become a neat, orderly wife and mother.....

I'm a failure...I haven't done any of that.

Sometimes the never ending monotony of it all is more than I can bear. When I hear my child ask "Mom, when are you going to get a real job"...I want to scream! Doesn't my child get that my job being a mother is a 24 hour roller coaster of highs and lows? NO! Despite my failure of keeping a perfect house and lack of gourmet meals, I think about the little successes. I count my blessings.

Watching my children grow and mature is a marvel and my two greatest blessings. I love seeing my daughter discover the joy of cooking and writing her own recipes...it leaves me in awe. I taught her to cook! Hearing my son reading artfully to his sister adding great sound effects...amazes me. He learned that from me!

I'm responsible for two of Heaven's choice spirits. That is the biggest job I know of. I'm glad to be a mom.

Dessert Fairy

The dessert fairy surprised me tonight!

I was on the phone talking with my sister when heard Megan ask...."Mom, what do you like to eat all the time besides chocolate?"

Hm mm....besides chocolate? I had to think for a moment....besides chocolate....what do I like to eat besides chocolate?.....

I gave Megan a few random answers not really giving it much thought...Megan began clanking around in the kitchen and she brought me my favorite treat! (other than chocolate)

Fruit in a bowl. Megan had cut and prepared the strawberries, blueberries and bananas all by herself. My seven year old, the cutest little dessert fairy.

Today's Kid Quote

My kids have a way of making me feel old.

Today, Hunter asked..."Mom, when you were a kid did you have to make your own toys out of sticks?"

I said..."um...actually....you should ask your dad that question because he's a lot older than me".

It's Fun to Get Something New

I confess, I'm not a shopaholic. But, I do like to get new things every now and then. It is fun to find a fabulous pair of expensive shoes at a great price....but....only I can enjoy them.

Opening a new package of chocolates purchased just for me (thanks Carolyn!) and eating them all gone before anyone catches me...is pure delight.

Buying new furniture is exciting too! Why is it fun? Because.... then all my friends can visit and sit on it! I don't have to share my chocolate or my shoes.

Hooray to the new couch!

Come on over and have a seat...

The Wishes, What Ifs and other Dreams

I know a lot of people who have a favorite hobby. Some might enjoy cooking or sewing and others might like to scrapbook or fish. But, my favorite hobby requires no special tool or place. I like to dream.

So I was thinking about my hobby today and was trying to figure out why I like to day dream so much...I'm not the type of person to have reformation dreams like Dr. King...nor do I like to think of scary dreams like Nightmare on Elm Street (shiver). I day dream about situations, what ifs and wishes.

I wish I could be a Dr. Doolittle and talk to animals.....maybe I could convince my dumb dog to stay off the furniture.

I wish I could just speak any foreign language at will...no studying required....I always imagine myself waiting somewhere and hear foreigners talk ill about people in line. I boldly chastise them in their own tongue, like a mother to a child...

What if I never went to college but continued on with a Naval career instead....what kind of person would I be today?....would I still be strong in my faith?...would I have married?....would I have had children?....would I have died in the line of duty?....so many what ifs.

What if I could I be a famous chef? Does it matter that I'm one of the pickiest eaters I know?... Fish bad.....Chicken good....chocolate better....I do love to cook.

Many of my dreams are frivolous and silly. It's fun for me to think about dumb things like talking to animals. But some of my day dreams are not just dreaming. I like to sit...contemplate and think. It's during those quiet moments that I learn and my mind enlightened....helping me remember that I can make some dreams come true.

10 Things I love

I love a lot of things. Sometimes putting words to what we love is hard to do. I'm attempting to write just a few points...I fear if I go into much detail, I might become a little weepy. Tears would fall from my eyes...dropping to my laptop and causing electrocution ....So...here's a sample of my list.

1. Chocolate. I'm an addict. My hips love chocolate too...boo hoo.

2. Fuzzy and cute animals. Dumb dog Duke is included.

3. Listening to kids talk. They say the most amazing things sometimes and the funniest! Read my pickle story...

4. Beautiful shoes. I'm sassy when I wear heels.

5. Listening to music. Music takes me away and allows my mind to day dream.

6. Day dreaming. I'm always thinking about what ifs and what I would do. I even day dream about having super hero powers. (okay...so I'm crazy....)

7. Home. I love being home when it's just me. The house is quiet, and I can think. I also love being home when all my family and friends are around me. The house is noisy, and I can't think.

8. Family. I love family, they encourage me to be my best...and still love me when I'm at my worst.

9. Chocolate....yes...I love it! Have you tried the new Chocolate Frosted Mini-Wheats! My new favorite cereal...and its made from wheat...so the chocolate is healthy....right?

10. Reading and writing. I love to read my friends and family blogs. I feel like I understand them a bit more. I love to write my feelings too....I feel like I understand myself a bit more too.

What is on your list? I hope CHOCOLATE is on it!

The Dress...part one

Yesterday, I was talking with my niece Rudi, and she was describing what her dream wedding dress would be. It was really fun to hear her thoughts and her jests about wedding dresses. It was a great evening...but then I got to thinking about my wedding dress...

My life as a nineteen year old "grown-up" began with a wedding dress. At the time, my thoughts about the dress my mother wore before me were immature and naive. If you asked me then to describe the dress I wouldn't have been able to speak. I felt heartbroken that I couldn't have my dream. I felt cheated that I had to settle for an old dress. Nearly sixteen years later I look back and say to myself..."Shame on you Jenny!"

The wedding dress I wore then looks different to me now. I remember a beautiful new satin sash was added to accentuate the tiny waist of the dress. Dozens of delicate pearl beads and lace swept gently across the gown. A stylish veil was borrowed and a friend altered the dress to bustle neatly for dancing and fitted it perfectly. So much was done to make my wedding dress special.

I feel gratitude........ My heart......humbled. The dress is more than satin and lace, it was my mother's keepsake handed to me. I was married for time and all eternity to my husband in that white dress. I wore the gown at the beginning of my wonderful married life and its beautiful design a fabric reminder of the commitment I made at the alter.

I cherish my new thoughts about my wedding gown. I love the dress! It has since been stored in a beautiful box. One day my daughter will announce her intent to marry. She will begin looking for her dream dress too. Will she have a desire to wear an old dress worn twice before? I secretly hope so. Only time will tell.

Today's Kid Quip

Kids sometimes say very poignant things. On our way home from school the sun rays were shining through the clouds...Megan said..."look Mom, I see heaven"....

Pickles...

Pickles. Not the most exciting topic to discuss, but when you add children to the mix you get more than just a sweet pickle., you get a sweet story.

We were eating dinner at the table and the kids were busy crunching on some dill pickles. I thought I would impress them with my mom knowledge and said; "hey, did you know pickles are made from cucumbers?" Hunter looked at me and said "A cucumber is a cucumber and a pickle is a pickle."

"It's not a cucumber?" I asked simply. "Then how do we get pickles?"

Hunter answered like I should have known better..."From THE pickle tree."

"A pickle tree?" I asked quietly, trying not to smirk...

"Yeah, pickles grow on trees."...okay...so Hunter's answer was priceless...but this pickle story gets a little better...

I catch my husband's eye and he winks at me and asks, "Hunter...how does a farmer farm pickles?"

Hunter placed his little chin in his hand and thinks a moment..."That's easy, the farmer walks down each pickle row and puts jars around the best pickles. The farm then picks the jars, and pickle trucks take them to the store."

Hurry!

Michelle and Andrew posted this on their blog and I am very curious to see what will happen, so I posted it on my blog. Here are the rules: The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year (hopefully sooner than later.)

4. You will have no clue what it is going to be.

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.The catch? Oh the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me you did will win a marvelous homemade gift by me! Let the games begin!!

10 Things that Bug Me

I'm bugged! Maybe I feel bugged because today is Monday. Maybe I'm bothered because I haven't had my daily dose of chocolate...whatever the case here is a few of my least favorite things.
1. Kids with stinky breath. Why is it that when I say your breath stinks...my kids have to blow in my face to make sure it stinks....YUCK!

2. Dumb dogs. Our dog Duke is dumb and lazy! All the snow has melted from our back deck to reveal how lazy Duke the dumb dog is. Piles of poop everywhere on the deck. "Kids!!! Get the pooper scooper, NOW!!!"

3. Junk Mail. It bugs me...piles of it every week! I shred, tear and burn most of it...but I still can't keep up with it.

4. Laundry. It never ends!


5. Dishes. I'm always doing dishes. I wish that my hubby would go ahead and place his dirty dish in the empty dishwasher instead of leaving on the counter for me to put away.


6. Time. Time is always ticking away...it seems like I have plenty of it until I run out of it.


7. Video games. Complete waste of time. I admit the Wii Fit is fun.


8. Extended family members who gossip...but think they are just trying to understand anothers situation by verbalizing it to another. It's still gossip. However, I excuse myself from my bug list because I admit I'm not perfect.


9. Politics. Its nice to know that the stimulus package up for vote has included a healthy pay raise to the overly paid congress and senate. What about the millions out of work?

10. Unions. Okay ... I may get some flack on this one. But I think unions have outlived their usufulness and should be done away with.



What is on your bug list? No profanity please.

What Did Megan Say?!

Okay, Megan is a girly girl. Loves pink, fluffy animals and bling. So what I overheard Megan yelling to her brother shocked me!

• Hunter was outside playing with an unloaded bb gun.



• Megan watching through the window.



• Black neighbor's cat comes tip-toeing to the front porch.



• Megan yells..."Hunter! Hunter! When that cat gets to the porch...SHOOT IT!"

Megan...she's my girly girl.

Sam

Have you ever felt uncomfortable around someone who was considered different? Not weird like me... but different in features, physical capabilities or mental capacities. Sometimes I do, and I'm reluctant to admit it. However, I felt myself change the moment I held my nephew Sam. But, his story first...

Sam Wesley Allen, was born really early! He weighed only 2lbs 4oz. He was in NICU for a long time too! But he grew and came home to house full of brothers and sisters (3 sisters and 2 brothers). All of Sam's family adore him; aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents and cousins. Sam is a miracle and blessing in one cute package.

About a year ago Sam began having infantile spasms, seizures. He had several exams and tests done to determine where in the brain the seizures were happening. But the test also showed that Sam was born with cebreal palsy. So today, Sam is on very strong medication to surpress the seizures and attends several thearpy sessions weekly to help strengthen his weak left side. He just turned 2 this past January.

Okay, if you are like me and just happened upon my blog...you may say...oh poor kid. Yes, that can be a true statement...but here's the wonder of it...Sam is an angel. His presence has changed all of us. Sam is determind to get where he wants to go. His communication with his beautiful eyes and ready giggles brings joy to me and all who see.

So how did I change? Sam may be in a crippled body. But I learned his spirit is strong, pure and perfect. I feel closer to God when I see Sam. I love that little boy!

My, My! Time Flies!

What was that noise?!
Oh, dang it! The bird clock on my wall just twittered 11am. What have I been doing all morning?
I blame all you bloggers out there! You write such good stuff that I have to read it. Shame on you.
I need to do some laundry before the dang bird hoots 12!.

p.s. I enjoyed every word! Keep up the good work.

The Pillow

We love our pillows...from the firm and fluffy pillows filling a sham to the small feather flat ones we use to cuddle with. I myself have a small feather pillow to push, fluff and cradle my head at night. I would lose hours of beauty sleep if I didn't have my pillow.

My daughter Megan has a flat useless pillow. There is no volume. It doesn't fill out a pillow case or stand up in a decorative sham. To me, the pillow was nothing. I discovered last night that Megan had left her pillow in a lonely hotel room in Indiana.

The emotional outburst was unlike anything I had seen. The tears!, the sobs! I wasn't aware that my little girl had a crush on her pillow. We tried to reason with her...we could find another pillow for her to love...what about the fluffy bouncy one from the guest room? NO! How about one of your brother's extra pillows? NO! Would you like a brand new one? NO! No suggestion seemed to sooth Megan.

It was so sad to see Megan's eyes swell with tears and the sobs breaking from her...but then I remembered! We had put into storage an older pillow, one flat with age. One without any fluff or feathers. A useless pillow. We placed a new case on the pillow and presented it to Megan. She first scoffed at it! It didn't smell like her pillow or feel like her pillow. But it was almost like her lost one. I dried Megan's tears and gave her a hug. Soon she was sleeping.

So, when the lights were out in my bedroom I was grateful that I didn't lose my favorite pillow. I snuggled into it. I sniffed my pillow and drifted off to sleep!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Room i.e. the Piano Room

Okay, since I have "retired" from the scrapbook store, I've taken the time to paint a few walls in my home. This is the latest change. The kids call this room color peanut butter and jelly. I'm showcasing the new mirror I found for a steal at Hobby Lobby.

Now, the next thing on my list...Lamps, furniture, carpet...oh wait...I ran out of money...