Here are my thankful fors:
1. Rhubarb.
2. Scripture power.
3. Good clean romance novels.
4. An abundance of clean whites.
5. Water.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Five for Wednesday
1. What made me laugh today: Riding the bus through the Avenues and spotting a house with a "Vote for Kerry" bumper sticker on the front window. Get with the times!
2. Sushi. I made some for the first time yesterday at a meeting I HAD to go to for work. It was vegetable sushi and I LOVED it!
3. Exercise. I know, I know. I'm a believer, though. It's good stuff.
4. Lunch breaks. Except mine's now over, so it's only going to be 4 for today.
2. Sushi. I made some for the first time yesterday at a meeting I HAD to go to for work. It was vegetable sushi and I LOVED it!
3. Exercise. I know, I know. I'm a believer, though. It's good stuff.
4. Lunch breaks. Except mine's now over, so it's only going to be 4 for today.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Happy Anniversary to Me!
My wonderful husband surprised me this last weekend and took me out for our anniversary. We stayed at the Peery hotel downtown and enjoyed Salt Lake City for a night! We ate out, walked to Temple Square and the Gateway, went to the Farmer's Market, and just enjoyed being a tourist downtown.
Now, we haven't stayed in a hotel for a long time. A boat: yes. Tents: definatley. Hotel? Not since the infamous trip to Nauvoo with 3 three year olds (which actually was very fun). And the Peery hotel boasts comfort, elegance, authenticity, and high class.
The hotel room is complete with room temperature bottled water, a TV with cable but no DVD player, and no hottub. However, we got a pedestal sink, Egyptian terry-cloth bathrobes, and imported allergy-free goose feather pillows.
The room really was nice and comfortable, but what do you do with no movies? I mean, besides the obvious? This....
Kidding. Really you do this...
No No No! You do THIS:
Yes! This is what you do. It's no use having an elegant room if you can't jump on the bed!
Here's my Monday Five:
1. A night out with the hubby.
2. Hotel lotion, soap, shampoo and conditioner. Especially if it's from Bath and Body Works.
3. The Farmer's Market downtown. That place is FUN!
4. THIS for breakfast:
5. My husband! Thanks Darin!
Now, we haven't stayed in a hotel for a long time. A boat: yes. Tents: definatley. Hotel? Not since the infamous trip to Nauvoo with 3 three year olds (which actually was very fun). And the Peery hotel boasts comfort, elegance, authenticity, and high class.
The hotel room is complete with room temperature bottled water, a TV with cable but no DVD player, and no hottub. However, we got a pedestal sink, Egyptian terry-cloth bathrobes, and imported allergy-free goose feather pillows.
The room really was nice and comfortable, but what do you do with no movies? I mean, besides the obvious? This....
Kidding. Really you do this...
No No No! You do THIS:
Yes! This is what you do. It's no use having an elegant room if you can't jump on the bed!
Here's my Monday Five:
1. A night out with the hubby.
2. Hotel lotion, soap, shampoo and conditioner. Especially if it's from Bath and Body Works.
3. The Farmer's Market downtown. That place is FUN!
4. THIS for breakfast:
5. My husband! Thanks Darin!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday Five
1. DATE NIGHT! Yay! Thanks to my sister and bro-in-law for watching the kiddos, Darin and I are going to celebrate our anniversary! I just love a good date!
2. My jumbo elastic workout thing-a-ma-bob-do-hicky-thingy. The U sent their employees this awesome elastic workout thing and I HAVE BEEN LOVING IT! The first 15minutes of my lunch I go upstairs to the balcony and do my strength training. I love that it fits in my bag and doesn't take up much space.
3. My boys: they made me new art to hang in my cubicle at work. I love a good change of scenery!
4. That I can hear and see. I saw two blind people and one deaf one on the bus this morning. I'm glad I have all my senses.
5. (Kitties.)
FINE! I'll admit it: I like them! Sometimes I even tell them that! I pet them now, let them lick me, talk to them like they're real people, look forward to seeing them. I NEVER thought that would happen to me and an animal.
I feel so free now, admitting that.
Have a great Friday everone!
2. My jumbo elastic workout thing-a-ma-bob-do-hicky-thingy. The U sent their employees this awesome elastic workout thing and I HAVE BEEN LOVING IT! The first 15minutes of my lunch I go upstairs to the balcony and do my strength training. I love that it fits in my bag and doesn't take up much space.
3. My boys: they made me new art to hang in my cubicle at work. I love a good change of scenery!
4. That I can hear and see. I saw two blind people and one deaf one on the bus this morning. I'm glad I have all my senses.
5. (Kitties.)
FINE! I'll admit it: I like them! Sometimes I even tell them that! I pet them now, let them lick me, talk to them like they're real people, look forward to seeing them. I NEVER thought that would happen to me and an animal.
I feel so free now, admitting that.
Have a great Friday everone!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Remember When?
Dear Darin,
Remember our first date when we played raquetball and I had no idea in the world what that meant and you were soooo patient with me?
Remember our second date when you told me that I would look good in a gunny sack, even though I had horribly cricked teeth?
Remember when both of us went to school full-time and worked full-time and we were so crazy busy and hardly saw each other?
Remember when we recovered our ugly couch and it looked really good?
Remember when our kids were born? I was so nervous and scared and you were there the whole time telling me how great everything was going to be even though you were scared too?
And remember when one of the kids would have a set-back and I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it? You were always there to comfort me and tell me that everything would be okay. I truly believed you. You were the ONLY person in the whole world at that time that truly knew what I was going through.
Remember the job layoffs, the financial struggles, the trial of our faith? I'm so glad that I've had you with me the whole time to bouy me up.
Remember when you wanted to clean and organize the basement and I said no way, basements were meant for junk? I've regretted it ever since, and now you've helped me clean it out - finally!
Remember our trip to Bryce Canyon? Our driving to Nauvoo with three three year olds? The trip to Jackson Hole when child #1 fell off the bench at the cowboy concert and we were so worried? The vacation to Lake Powell that was pure heaven on a boat? Camping and I was worried about bears? Hiking and singing songs the whole time? You teaching me how to swim (5000 times?).
Remember when I would work late and you would follow me home because I was scared to walk to the parking lot in the dark at the U?
I remember, and I'm sooo glad that you have been with me the whole time! Fourteen years we've been married and what a ride it's been! Thank you for your patience, you hard work, your never giving up (or even considering giving up), your attitude, your fun, everything! You are the best person in the world for me and I love you so much.
Happy Anniversary!
Remember our first date when we played raquetball and I had no idea in the world what that meant and you were soooo patient with me?
Remember our second date when you told me that I would look good in a gunny sack, even though I had horribly cricked teeth?
Remember when both of us went to school full-time and worked full-time and we were so crazy busy and hardly saw each other?
Remember when we recovered our ugly couch and it looked really good?
Remember when our kids were born? I was so nervous and scared and you were there the whole time telling me how great everything was going to be even though you were scared too?
And remember when one of the kids would have a set-back and I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it? You were always there to comfort me and tell me that everything would be okay. I truly believed you. You were the ONLY person in the whole world at that time that truly knew what I was going through.
Remember the job layoffs, the financial struggles, the trial of our faith? I'm so glad that I've had you with me the whole time to bouy me up.
Remember when you wanted to clean and organize the basement and I said no way, basements were meant for junk? I've regretted it ever since, and now you've helped me clean it out - finally!
Remember our trip to Bryce Canyon? Our driving to Nauvoo with three three year olds? The trip to Jackson Hole when child #1 fell off the bench at the cowboy concert and we were so worried? The vacation to Lake Powell that was pure heaven on a boat? Camping and I was worried about bears? Hiking and singing songs the whole time? You teaching me how to swim (5000 times?).
Remember when I would work late and you would follow me home because I was scared to walk to the parking lot in the dark at the U?
I remember, and I'm sooo glad that you have been with me the whole time! Fourteen years we've been married and what a ride it's been! Thank you for your patience, you hard work, your never giving up (or even considering giving up), your attitude, your fun, everything! You are the best person in the world for me and I love you so much.
Happy Anniversary!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday Five
1. It's Friday! Need I say more? When I was a stay at home mom, I really didn't care what day of the week it was, because they were mostly the same. But now that I work, I love Fridays! I miss my kids!
2. New bus drivers. Even though they make me a little nervous, I like it when they go the wrong way: I get to see parts of the Avenues that I don't normally get to see.
3. That I'm not a bus driver.
4. My sister Liz. She always comments. Sometimes I think my self-esteem is directly correlated with the number of comments I get. Kidding...kind of...
5. Horton Hears a Who. Cute movie. My favorite quote? "Gotta go - my brownies are burning!" My kids' favorite quote? "In my world there are nothing but ponies, who eat rainbows and poop butterflies..." Leave it to kids to like the potty jokes...
Happy Friday everyone!
2. New bus drivers. Even though they make me a little nervous, I like it when they go the wrong way: I get to see parts of the Avenues that I don't normally get to see.
3. That I'm not a bus driver.
4. My sister Liz. She always comments. Sometimes I think my self-esteem is directly correlated with the number of comments I get. Kidding...kind of...
5. Horton Hears a Who. Cute movie. My favorite quote? "Gotta go - my brownies are burning!" My kids' favorite quote? "In my world there are nothing but ponies, who eat rainbows and poop butterflies..." Leave it to kids to like the potty jokes...
Happy Friday everyone!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Kiddies and Kitties
It's true: we have a set of twins now. Two cute twin sisters. We were only going to adopt one, but seriously, how can you break up a family? You can't. So we adopted both. And they are truly part of the family.
That's right: Kitties.
Many of you may remember that I HATE pets. Excuse me, HATED, pets. Because I could never hate a family member. I even let one lick me last night. And sometimes I actually pet them. They are kind of growing on me.
Stay tuned to see if this works. So far, so good...
My five for today:
1. A movie tonight. That's the only thing getting me through this day.
2. Kitties. They really ARE cute. I'm glad we have them.
3. Kiddies. I'm REALLY glad we have them! Not only do I love them, but they clean up the litter box. I don't, however, let them lick me.
4. Everybody's blogs. I love to read them.
5. Glad I'm not a director in this office: one is currently getting yelled at my a student's father. And I can hear him perfectly. Wait, now he's laughing. What a good director to diffuse such anger. Still glad I'm not a director.
That's right: Kitties.
Many of you may remember that I HATE pets. Excuse me, HATED, pets. Because I could never hate a family member. I even let one lick me last night. And sometimes I actually pet them. They are kind of growing on me.
Stay tuned to see if this works. So far, so good...
My five for today:
1. A movie tonight. That's the only thing getting me through this day.
2. Kitties. They really ARE cute. I'm glad we have them.
3. Kiddies. I'm REALLY glad we have them! Not only do I love them, but they clean up the litter box. I don't, however, let them lick me.
4. Everybody's blogs. I love to read them.
5. Glad I'm not a director in this office: one is currently getting yelled at my a student's father. And I can hear him perfectly. Wait, now he's laughing. What a good director to diffuse such anger. Still glad I'm not a director.
Monday, June 9, 2008
It's Great to be Eight!
What a great Saturday we had! The kids were baptized, then we had family over for some food and fun. Thanks to everybody that came and supported us!
And how was getting baptized for the kids? In their own words:
"This is the best day of my life!" (My daughter)
"The water felt sooo good I didn't want to get out!" (My second son)
"I was so scared because I couldn't breathe under water. I felt like that girl on Pirates of the Carribean that fell off the cliff and couldn't breathe under the water!" (My first son)
Today's Five:
1. A husband who is worthy to hold the priesthood. He had a busy time baptizing and confirming three kids in one day! I love him and respect him.
2. Three beautiful kids who made the right choice.
3. Family and friends who supported us.
4. Perfect weather just in time for the party. Once everyone left the wind started blowing again.
5. Twins! You'll learn more about the newest members of our family later....
Friday, June 6, 2008
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder...
My sister Liz tagged me with the beauty questions. And I'm really embarrassed to answer. I used to have a complex about my looks. Don't worry - I practically over it. It started because I had horribly cricked teeth growing up and massive pimples. And blah hair. And no eyebrows and eyelashes. And, well, the list could go on and on.
True confession: I met with my bishop once when I was a teenager (I think I was getting a calling in YW or something) and he asked me what my biggest problem in life was. Of all the things I could've mentioned, I mentioned my looks. Shallow, yes. True, yes.
And now I'm revealing my secrets to you. Because, though I am not confident in my looks, I'm also too cheap to invest in them. So, I dedicate this blog to Wet n' Wild, my staple in high school.
My Foundation: Cover Girl Clean foundation (which makes me look like Christie Brinkley), ELF concealer (which smells like oranges and only costs $1), and Cover Girl powder.
My Blush: I forgot which brand and I can't look because I'm at work. But I do know that the cover has broken off and I hold it together with an elastic band.
My Day Cream: The WalMart version of Oil of Olay. I put it on first thing when I get out the shower.
My Lipstick: Lip Gloss by ELF. I love it because it tastes like grapes. But it never lasts long because I keep licking my lips. It's truly delicious.
My Essential Beauty Product: Mascara. I have blond eyebrows and eyelashes. I have to have mascara or I would look like an alien: pale skin with dark beady eyes.
My favorite Make-up product: I don't know about product. But my favorite brand is ELF. They have great stuff, and it's all a buck. Look them up online.
My Perfume: Oh criminy. It's whatever free lotion from Bath and Body Works I got for Christmas as a neighbor gift. I think the current one is Brown Sugar and Fig.
My Nails: Filed. When I'm ambitious I put on clear nail polish, because then I don't have to worry too much about it when it starts chipping off. As a side note, I didn't go a day in high school without nail polish. Usually, it was some bright color, too. I did my nails faithfully every single day of high school. Because I had a life.
My Feet: I do nothing with my feet but clean them and put on polish once in awhile. And usually by the end of the summer they're cracked. Too much information? Oh well.
My hands: My hands need lotion. And anti-bacterial soap and hand sanitizer. And the lotion I use? Whatever I get for Christmas from a co-worker. I think the current kind is coconut-kiwi.
Three products to bring on a deserted island: Mascara, lotion and chapstick. Same as my sister.
Women I admire for their beauty: I think every woman is beautiful, provided they are not bitter or angry people. Or gossipers. Or immodest.
Women with the best Sense of Style: Ummm. The girl that works in the office next door?
My ultimate dream: Naturally tan skin. I wish for it every single summer. Why was I so cursed? Why? And toned arms. Like Jennifer Aniston's would be fine.
My favorite fashion Publication: What are my choices?
Phew! I'm glad that's over. Nothing like getting grilled over your looks.
I tag: Jeanette (because she REALLY needs to keep up on her blogging) and Shelby.
And my five for Friday:
1. My friend Miranda at work because she bought me 13 Going on 30 because "everyone needs to have a copy in their video library."
2. Chocolate dip and strawberries. I brought some for the office today. I'm really enjoying them.
3. My husband. He truly is such a great guy. I love him to pieces!
4. Lunch breaks, so I can blog and perhaps watch movies that my friends give me.
5. It's Friday! Need I say more?
True confession: I met with my bishop once when I was a teenager (I think I was getting a calling in YW or something) and he asked me what my biggest problem in life was. Of all the things I could've mentioned, I mentioned my looks. Shallow, yes. True, yes.
And now I'm revealing my secrets to you. Because, though I am not confident in my looks, I'm also too cheap to invest in them. So, I dedicate this blog to Wet n' Wild, my staple in high school.
My Foundation: Cover Girl Clean foundation (which makes me look like Christie Brinkley), ELF concealer (which smells like oranges and only costs $1), and Cover Girl powder.
My Blush: I forgot which brand and I can't look because I'm at work. But I do know that the cover has broken off and I hold it together with an elastic band.
My Day Cream: The WalMart version of Oil of Olay. I put it on first thing when I get out the shower.
My Lipstick: Lip Gloss by ELF. I love it because it tastes like grapes. But it never lasts long because I keep licking my lips. It's truly delicious.
My Essential Beauty Product: Mascara. I have blond eyebrows and eyelashes. I have to have mascara or I would look like an alien: pale skin with dark beady eyes.
My favorite Make-up product: I don't know about product. But my favorite brand is ELF. They have great stuff, and it's all a buck. Look them up online.
My Perfume: Oh criminy. It's whatever free lotion from Bath and Body Works I got for Christmas as a neighbor gift. I think the current one is Brown Sugar and Fig.
My Nails: Filed. When I'm ambitious I put on clear nail polish, because then I don't have to worry too much about it when it starts chipping off. As a side note, I didn't go a day in high school without nail polish. Usually, it was some bright color, too. I did my nails faithfully every single day of high school. Because I had a life.
My Feet: I do nothing with my feet but clean them and put on polish once in awhile. And usually by the end of the summer they're cracked. Too much information? Oh well.
My hands: My hands need lotion. And anti-bacterial soap and hand sanitizer. And the lotion I use? Whatever I get for Christmas from a co-worker. I think the current kind is coconut-kiwi.
Three products to bring on a deserted island: Mascara, lotion and chapstick. Same as my sister.
Women I admire for their beauty: I think every woman is beautiful, provided they are not bitter or angry people. Or gossipers. Or immodest.
Women with the best Sense of Style: Ummm. The girl that works in the office next door?
My ultimate dream: Naturally tan skin. I wish for it every single summer. Why was I so cursed? Why? And toned arms. Like Jennifer Aniston's would be fine.
My favorite fashion Publication: What are my choices?
Phew! I'm glad that's over. Nothing like getting grilled over your looks.
I tag: Jeanette (because she REALLY needs to keep up on her blogging) and Shelby.
And my five for Friday:
1. My friend Miranda at work because she bought me 13 Going on 30 because "everyone needs to have a copy in their video library."
2. Chocolate dip and strawberries. I brought some for the office today. I'm really enjoying them.
3. My husband. He truly is such a great guy. I love him to pieces!
4. Lunch breaks, so I can blog and perhaps watch movies that my friends give me.
5. It's Friday! Need I say more?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Nuther
Pet peeve #17: people making up words and using them on a regular basis.
When I was little, I used to think that when people said "irregardless" that they were really smart. I mean, that's a huge word, and it's not said very often, so people that knew that word were smart. That just ain't true. Then I grew up and learned that "irregardless" is really not a word at all. So now when I hear people say it I want to scream: "that's not a word you know!" But that's a whole nuther blog (me wanting to scream at people). Sometimes I politely point out that it ain't a word, and then silently scream when it's used again by the same person. And sometimes I just laugh to myself and think "that person is not as smart as she/he thinks she/he is." That also (me thinking people are dumb) is a whole nuther blog.
The other day, though, I had an epiphany: I do the same thing!!! I made up the word "nuther" and use it on a regular basis! They say that the things that irritate you in others are the same things you do yourself, and this proves it. I used to believe that "nuther" was an abbreviated form of "another," but the way I use it in a sentence does not support that belief. For example: "That's a whole nuther issue." You can't say "that's a whole another issue" and be grammatically correct.
So people probably scream to themselves that "nuther" ain't a word, or laugh and think that I'm not as smart as I think I am.
And guess what: that's okay. Because I decided that as long as I know it ain't a word, but I use it anyway, I can laugh at myself. And heaven knows I need a reason to laugh these days...
So, make up a word, my friends. And use it proudly. Just don't use a word that ain't a word negligently, irregardless of how smart you are. You'll only come across as a fool.
And I might scream at you.
Five for Wednesday:
1. My mom visiting me at work yesterday and bringing me a smoothie. It made my day! I love my mom.
2. Going dress shopping with my daughter. Except for the time she said in a hushed voice, "Stop holding my hand!" But I loved the part when I sprayed her with a sample perfume and she said, "Now I smell like a woman!"
3. All the people who brought me dinner and goodies while I was sick over the weekend. All of it was delicious!
4. My husband, who tries to make brownies healthy by adding whole wheat and shredded carrots. They are delicious! And health food at its finest!
5. Flowers. I love the look, the smell, the season. I'm glad Heavenly Father made flowers.
When I was little, I used to think that when people said "irregardless" that they were really smart. I mean, that's a huge word, and it's not said very often, so people that knew that word were smart. That just ain't true. Then I grew up and learned that "irregardless" is really not a word at all. So now when I hear people say it I want to scream: "that's not a word you know!" But that's a whole nuther blog (me wanting to scream at people). Sometimes I politely point out that it ain't a word, and then silently scream when it's used again by the same person. And sometimes I just laugh to myself and think "that person is not as smart as she/he thinks she/he is." That also (me thinking people are dumb) is a whole nuther blog.
The other day, though, I had an epiphany: I do the same thing!!! I made up the word "nuther" and use it on a regular basis! They say that the things that irritate you in others are the same things you do yourself, and this proves it. I used to believe that "nuther" was an abbreviated form of "another," but the way I use it in a sentence does not support that belief. For example: "That's a whole nuther issue." You can't say "that's a whole another issue" and be grammatically correct.
So people probably scream to themselves that "nuther" ain't a word, or laugh and think that I'm not as smart as I think I am.
And guess what: that's okay. Because I decided that as long as I know it ain't a word, but I use it anyway, I can laugh at myself. And heaven knows I need a reason to laugh these days...
So, make up a word, my friends. And use it proudly. Just don't use a word that ain't a word negligently, irregardless of how smart you are. You'll only come across as a fool.
And I might scream at you.
Five for Wednesday:
1. My mom visiting me at work yesterday and bringing me a smoothie. It made my day! I love my mom.
2. Going dress shopping with my daughter. Except for the time she said in a hushed voice, "Stop holding my hand!" But I loved the part when I sprayed her with a sample perfume and she said, "Now I smell like a woman!"
3. All the people who brought me dinner and goodies while I was sick over the weekend. All of it was delicious!
4. My husband, who tries to make brownies healthy by adding whole wheat and shredded carrots. They are delicious! And health food at its finest!
5. Flowers. I love the look, the smell, the season. I'm glad Heavenly Father made flowers.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Finished
Yes, The Host deserves its own blog.
Mostly because I don't know what else to write about. Oh, sure, I could write about how my kids turned 8, all on the same day. Or how they are getting baptized soon, or how I got whooping cough, then had a HORRIBLE reaction to the antibiotics and had to go to the hospital and get re-hydrated. I could write about how sad I am that it's my first summer away from my kids, or how I've planted half of my garden so far (actually, the whole family planted it, not just me. I did very little, in fact). Or, I could write about how my sister is in Disneyland and I'm jealous, or how the the yard on 11th Avenue and Virginia Street is finished. Maybe I'll write about these things later.
But right now, The Host deserves its own blog. It's that good. How Stephenie Meyer can write about something so weird, like an alien trying to take over a human body, but the human spirit not letting it, and how both the alien and the human are in love with the same guy, and not have it seem too strange, is a talent. After reading Twilight, I thought the world was so boring without vampires, and now I think the same thing about aliens. Sigh.
Another thing that I liked, too, was that the book had a happy ending for everybody. That gives me hope that the Twilight series will end happily ever after, too.
All's well that ends well, right? My kids are great, my health is back, my garden is growing, my sis gets to have fun, and I finished the book. Life is good. Even though there aren't aliens around...yet.
Mostly because I don't know what else to write about. Oh, sure, I could write about how my kids turned 8, all on the same day. Or how they are getting baptized soon, or how I got whooping cough, then had a HORRIBLE reaction to the antibiotics and had to go to the hospital and get re-hydrated. I could write about how sad I am that it's my first summer away from my kids, or how I've planted half of my garden so far (actually, the whole family planted it, not just me. I did very little, in fact). Or, I could write about how my sister is in Disneyland and I'm jealous, or how the the yard on 11th Avenue and Virginia Street is finished. Maybe I'll write about these things later.
But right now, The Host deserves its own blog. It's that good. How Stephenie Meyer can write about something so weird, like an alien trying to take over a human body, but the human spirit not letting it, and how both the alien and the human are in love with the same guy, and not have it seem too strange, is a talent. After reading Twilight, I thought the world was so boring without vampires, and now I think the same thing about aliens. Sigh.
Another thing that I liked, too, was that the book had a happy ending for everybody. That gives me hope that the Twilight series will end happily ever after, too.
All's well that ends well, right? My kids are great, my health is back, my garden is growing, my sis gets to have fun, and I finished the book. Life is good. Even though there aren't aliens around...yet.