A Charmed Life

I have recently been adopted into a book club. Tina (yes, the same Tina who is the "quirky tagger", tall birthday cake and mini maple syrup bringer) assured me that I was welcome and not intruding on their long time book club.

I was unsure about being a host, so Tina and I are doing it together this week. She picked both "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books (btw...laugh out loud must reads!) for the girls to enjoy this month. She is planning on making a yummy dessert and I thought it would be a great idea to have some kind of a cheese fondue or something to honor the "cheese touch" in the book...(see, if you have not read the books you do not know what I am talking about and everyone needs to know about the cheese touch!)

Now, the sad but true fact is that I am a little more preoccupied with the presentation of the cheese than I am the way it tastes...I should be scouring around for recipes, but instead I have been thinking about getting these obscure little wire sign holders from this fun, little downtown shop, to place in front of the cheese dip. My sister-in-law bought the one and only holder they had in the store months ago, so it was a long shot that they would even have it. I have debated in my mind, back and forth whether or not to even go looking for them, because I knew I would be disappointed if I made the trip down there and came home empty handed.

As fate would have it, Tina and I were downtown today, just minutes away from the possibility of these little sign holders. We decided to chance it and as we walked in the store two sign holders practically smacked me in the face. There were several different sizes and colors...I loved them all! I felt a new quirk coming on...collecting sign holders! I limited myself to just buying two of them and as I walked out of the store I related to Tina how my mom always told me that I lead a charmed life...and in that moment, feeling buttery Arizona sunshine, holding my dreamy sign holder purchase, I believed my mom was right!

Ballard on Blogging

I really like that Sara blogs.  I really like seeing our friends and families blogs.  In my opinion - cool stuff.

I remember hearing a discussion about something that Elder Ballard about blogging.  I was curious, so I searched for it and found it.  Below are some excerpts from his address to the graduating class BYU-Hawaii in December 2007: 

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Yours is the world of cyberspace, cell phones that capture video, video downloads and iTunes, social networks like Facebook, text messaging and blogs.

This is your world, the world of the future, with inventions undreamed of that will come in your lifetime as they have in mine. How will you use these marvelous inventions? More to the point, how will you use them to further the work of the Lord?

Words create conversations, and conversations create understanding. There is truth in the old adage that “the pen is mightier than the sword.”  In many cases, it is with words that you will accomplish the great things that you will now set out to do.

Today we have a modern equivalent of the printing press in the Internet and all that it means. The Internet allows everyone to be a publisher, to have their voice heard, and it is revolutionizing society.

Now some of these tools – like any tool in an unpracticed or undisciplined hand – can be dangerous. The Internet can be used to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and can just as easily be used to market the filth and sleaze of pornography.

Now may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet, particularly the New Media, to share the gospel and to explain in simple, clear terms the message of the Restoration.  Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true. 

We are living in a world saturated with all kinds of voices. Perhaps now, more than ever, we have a major responsibility as Latter-day Saints to define ourselves, instead of letting others define us.  Far too many people have a poor understanding of the Church because most of the information they hear about us is from news media reports that are often driven by controversies. Too much attention to controversy has a negative impact on peoples’ perceptions of what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really is.

Use stories and words that they will understand. Talk honestly and sincerely about the impact the gospel has had in your life, how has it helped you overcome weaknesses or challenges, and helped define your values. The audiences for these and other New Media tools may often be small, but the cumulative effect of thousands of such stories can be great.  The combined effort is certainly worth the outcome if but a few are influenced by your words of faith and love of God and His son Jesus Christ.

The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ has no doubt had a powerful impact on your life. It has, in part, shaped who you are and what your future will be. Do not be afraid to share with others your story, your experiences as a follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ. We all have interesting stories that have influenced our identity.  Sharing those stories is a non-threatening way to talk to others. Telling those stories can help demystify the Church. We’ve recently been made aware that the reason many people believe we are secretive is because they think our worship services held in 18,000 plus chapels that we have around the world are closed on Sunday’s to nonmembers. Most think they can only attend if someone invites them. They’ve gained some of that perception from stories in the media about the requirements for entering one of our 126 dedicated temples.  They confuse our temple worship with our Sunday worship. You could help overcome this and other misconceptions through your own sphere of influence, which ought to include the Internet.

There is no need to argue or contend with others regarding our beliefs. There is no need to become defensive or belligerent. Our position is solid; the Church is true. We simply need to have a conversation, as friends in the same room would have.

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Thanks for sharing your conversations.

 

A Good Read

I picked up "Hattie Big Sky" at the bookstore a few weeks back, just on a whim. It's a $6 paperback about a sixteen year old girl trying to "prove up" on her uncle's land in the early 1900's. I found it a good, wholesome story on hard work, friendship, and finding home. Give it a read!

Birthday Wishes

I blew out 35 candles on my birthday cake last night. Technically, it was not a cake though...it was a tower of chocolate mini-cakes, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with red strawberries, served cold, just the way I like my cake. I pretended to make a wish, but truth is, I felt like I could not ask for anything more.

Of course, I would love a pedicure, new chandeliers and french doors...but my best wishes have already come true. For instance, my husband Brian is perfect for me. I love that he was "this close" to spending $100 (after overnight shipping) on a pair of duck covered footie pajamas to surprise me for my birthday...just to give me something comfy that I wouldn't buy for myself. I also love that I can tease him about the fact that he almost bought footie pajamas for me.

Next wish come true: my children. They woke up early, so they could bring me breakfast in bed. I heard clanking, bustling, and a bit of crying (Keaton fell off the chair) for about an hour. Next came the soft sound of Kate gently playing "Happy Birthday to You" on the piano. Finally, I heard a sweet chorus of the same song, sung by my three eldest, clutching a tray filled with scrambled eggs, oatmeal, corn muffins and grapes. When Weston finally roused from his cuddly slumber (in my bed, of course) he rubbed my arm and in a gravelly, morning voice sang me his version of the birthday song one more time. I experienced a bit of heaven in that corner of my bedroom where the five of us were gathered.

That's enough--I don't need anymore--I've got all my wishes...but more came. My sweet cousin sent me a gift from her heart. Good friends brought me gifts and flowers and another cake(yummy breakfast-thanks Tina!)...and a miniature bottle of real maple syrup! I received thoughtful phone calls and warm hugs. Stephen and Rachel made me Tahitian Chicken for my birthday dinner as well as the stack of cakes--I couldn't wish for anything more...so I closed my eyes before the blazing candles and just smiled.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

I was shopping at Dazzle today (ran in for a minute to get a birthday present)...FUN store! Anyhow, I was just wandering around the store for a minute before making my final purchase when this lady stops me and says those all too familiar words,"Excuse me this might sound strange but..."

Now I am pausing here in the story to emphasize that I have heard words like these countless times over the years and I still continue to believe that something genuine is going to follow...I fall for it every time! The end of the phrase was "...you have the most interesting eye shape!"

I respond, "Thank you".

Once again she reiterates what a unique and interesting eye shape I have then continues on about working for a cosmetic company and would I like to be a face model?

Okay, finally the pieces are coming together for me. I graciously decline, but then I start to wonder how bad I must look if the best she could come up with was eye shape...and it wasn't even a pretty or exotic eye shape...it was interesting. She must have been desperately digging deep for that one. Is it even a compliment? I'm not sure that it is.

Next time, when a stranger stops me with a contrived compliment, instead of saying thank you, I may just pull out my empty wallet and say, "Thanks, but no thanks!"

Hubby "Tag"

What is his name? Brian
How long have you been married? almost 14 years
Who long did you date? our first date was about a year and a half before we were married...but we weren't "dating" that whole time.
How old is he? 38
Who eats more sweets? that is a hard call...I guess he does. he wastes alot of his sweet treats on yucky things though like burned cookies, chips ahoy and toffifay. i eat quality sweets.
Who said I love you first? he did.
Who is taller? he is...who isn't taller than me?
Who can sing better? depends on the song...his voice is really cute when he sings "The Joker" by Steve Miller Band
Who is smarter? i think our smartness is pretty equal, but in different things.
Who does the laundry? me...(he sometimes carries down the laundry hampers for me though)
Who pays the bills? he does...all online. i would still be writing out paper checks and using envelopes and stamps if it were left to me.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? he does (he sleeps to my right...he is my right hand man!)
Who mows the lawn? Manuel Claro and his crew.
Who cooks dinner? me... unless I want "Beans-on-Toast" (did you know a little cumin in the baked beans disguises the fact that they're from a can?)
Who drives? he does.
Who is more stubborn? i don't think either of us are very stubborn.
Who kissed who first? he definately kissed me first, after I taught him the words to Copacabana
Who asked who out first? i asked him out first. girls preference dance. i passed him a note in church, sealed with chewed gum, asking him to go with me. he slid his finger in to open it and ended up with a bad case of gum-finger. he almost said "no" because of it ;)
Who proposed? he did with the ring box stashed in his sock.
Who has more siblings? me...I have 9...he has 1.
Who wears the pants? if the question was who wears the "cuter" pants I know that the answer would definately be me.

Thinking Out of the Box

I realized something about myself today--I have a slight addiction to pretty packaging. Now, I have known for quite some time that I do enjoy making a gift look good. I have a stock of tulle ribbon, organdy ribbon, clear cello bags and white chinese food boxes so I can doll something up at a moments notice. It was not until today, however, that I realized how deep the feeling runs through my soul.

I was at Michael's craft store (I was just going to be in there for a minute to grab plate hangers) when I happened down an aisle filled with assorted sizes of gift boxes, gift bags and patterned chinese food boxes. Literally, my pulse quickened as my eyes scanned the merchandise. I wanted to grab at least two of everything. My mind started creating all sorts of pretty packages with ribbon and tulle and flowers. I felt excited as I stood in that aisle for at least 20 minutes. I could not walk away and leave it all there. I had to buy a box...or maybe two.

It was probably a good thing that I did not grab a cart on my way in the store so I only ended up with six printed chinese food boxes, one package of cello bags, five spools of ribbon, and one sweet, small white box. I think I might need some professional help!

Happy Birthday Shelby!

Shelby turned 9 years old today. Brian and I took our girl out on a date to celebrate and we watched the clock for the exact minute she was born, nine years ago. She was such a beautiful baby and her beauty has increased, moment by moment. She is sweet and tenderhearted. She nurtures and she gives. She is so dedicated and practices her dream of becoming a teacher everyday in her little classroom under the stairs. She spent her birthday allowance at Lakeshore Learning, a teaching supply store and couldn't wait to set up "class" for her brothers. She always shares what she has to help make others feel happy. She exudes femininity and charm and it is a priviledge to call her daughter. We love you, Shelby!

Toothless

A couple of weeks ago, as Keaton climbed into the car after school, he was bursting with BIG news--he had his first loose tooth!

He asked Brian to pull it out that very night. Bri gave it some good tugs but it just wasn't ready. So, Keaton worked on that tooth and asked his Dad to pull it out almost every night.

Finally, Tuesday night it was ready. Brian gave it a good yank and got it out. Keaton shrieked with excitement and ran to look in the mirror. Wrong move! He got one glimpse of the blood and suddenly felt sick. He went pale and started staggering around. I gathered him in my arms and felt his little heart racing. Brian brought a cool cloth for his forehead. He laid there and weakly mumbled, "I got the wind knocked out of me."

I was trying not to laugh at his plight, but I know this kid is not a wimp! He has fallen out of a tree on his head, got seven stitches in his foot without so much as a wimper, but here he was "man down" at the sight of a teensy bit of blood. A few minutes of soothing and the anticipation of the tooth fairy brought back our excited boy, but I will always remember this face....

Six Quirky Things about Me...

My good friend Tina "tagged" me on her blog and I thought it would be a fun thing to document, so here we go with just a taste of my quirkyness...

1. I do not like to use the heel of a loaf of bread for regular consumption. I believe it is there to keep the rest of the pieces fresh...otherwise referred to as "the freshmaker" and I actually think the words "the freshmaker" everytime I skip over it.
2. I do not like to wash the bottom of my feet in the shower. I fear that it is going to make them extra slippery and I will end up with my feet skyward in the shower. I quickly wash one at a time and rinse it off before I set it down to avoid any injuries and/or bruises.
3. All the pillows in my life (and there are lots) need to stand tall! No slouchy or deeply tilted pillows!
4. Hair, once it leaves the scalp, equals disgusting!
5. When Brian is out of town I save all of his voicemails until he is home, safe with us, so I always have his most recent voice.
6. It is very difficult for me to serve a meal that is all the same color (unless, of course, it is purposely all green for St. Patty's Day). So if I happened to have chicken, rice-a-roni, and corn I would not rest until I rummaged up some orange slices, strawberries, or anything non-yellowish!

There you have it, just a few of my quirks! Rachel, let's hear some of yours...I know you have some! (p.s. Tina, I don't think there is anything quirky about being a Manilow fan!)

Do Unto Others...

Monday was a busy day. Seems like Mondays are often just busy days. So when Brian called from work around 3pm saying he did not know when he was coming home, but don't count on him for dinner, I figured that I wouldn't see him until past bedtime and way past Family Night.

There was no lesson planned and usually on the nights where we are winging it I let Brian take over. He is good off the cuff. But as I was cleaning up the dinner dishes I knew I would need to come up with something.

I looked through this little book on simple lessons and I ended up talking with the kids about The Golden Rule. I talked with them about being kind to your family and friends and even people you don't know. I pointed out kind things that I saw each of them do that day and how nice it is to get along. I concluded by telling them that when I was their age I always liked it when my Mom made chocolate chip cookies for me and so, in return, I made chocolate chip cookies for them.

Excitedly, we finished up Family Night and as I was taking the cookies off the cookie sheet I suggested that after cookies, if they were quick getting ready for bed we could meet back in my big bed to watch a short show together. Keaton happily squealed, wrapped his arms around my waist and exclaimed, "Mommy! Thank you for living the Golden Rule!"

Talkin' Trash

After lunch today, Weston went into the pantry looking for a little something to eat. He emerged from the pantry clutching a Stackers fruit snack (how the manufacturers feel good about calling rainbow color disks stuck to wax paper "fruit" and why I buy them are topics for another day).

He peeled the wrapper off and sort of flung it in my general direction while saying,"Mom, will you put this in the garbage please? Because you are my garbag-er."

Now, that is something I have never been called before...but, truth be told, I am sure that I am responsible for about 97% of the garbage that makes it in to the cans of this house.

So, Weston was telling the truth, even though he was talking trash.