Today's Five

1. My mom comes home tonight or tomorrow! I'm so glad. She's the best!

2. I have a very kind, brave husband.

3. And wonderful sisters.

4. And one sane brother.

5. And the Plan of Salvation for all of us.

And They Lived...

Christmas was full of miracles this year.

My husband's grandmother lived through the holidays. She is old and it's expected, but we love her so much and are glad she could at least make it through Christmas. We'll see what the new year brings.

My daughter's horned lizard lived, too. She about died of thirst. Laying in her empty water container, she didn't move when we put water it. I flicked her with my finger. Still, no movement. I announced to the family that the lizard had indeed passed. Two minutes later, my daughter announced that Lizzy was alive and well, looking around and moving! It was a Christmas miracle.

The most miraculous event of all this Christmas, however, is that my mom is alive. The day after Christmas, she went to the doctor for a pain in her back, which turned out to be a blood clot in her lung. They caught it early, and is expected to make a full recovery. They are making her stay in the hospital for 5 days to monitor her, and it's driving her crazy! I've never known her to sit still (except during her daily 3:00 nap growing up, and during the 10:00 news at night).

Darin's grandma...it would be sad to see her go, and we would miss her, but she's old and wants to go soooo bad. Bryn's horned lizard...I wouldn't miss at all, nor would I miss the live crickets she eats.

But my mom...I wouldn't even know how to live.

It's been a good Christmas...

Secrets

I've been reading The Secret lately (on CD, while I play Solitaire). So far the gist of it is that if we want something, we have to think and act as if we already have it, visualize it,and show enthusiasm and gratitude for it. So here are my Five for Today with The Secret Attitude:

1. I LOVE THAT I WEIGHT 122 POUNDS AND CAN EAT WHATEVER I WANT!!! I'M SO LUCKY!




2. SO GLAD TO MAKE $10,000 A MONTH - TO HAVE NO DEBT, A GINORMOUS SAVINGS, AND CAN STILL BUY CLOTHES WHENEVER I WANT!!!




3. I FEEL SO AT PEACE HAVING MY ONE YEAR FOOD SUPPLY. WE'RE TOTALLY PREPARED!



4. LOVE VISITING THE TEMPLE OFTEN. IT'S THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK!




5. THE SPACE IN MY FRONT ROOM IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR OUR BABY GRAND PIANO! I'M SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO PLAY AND HAVE MY KIDS TAKING LESSONS!




There - that ought to do it. You don't have to say it over and over. My desires are now out in the universe and will come back to me soon with the desires of heart. Thanks, metaphysics!

WHAT ARE YOU GLAD THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE?

Our Christmas Tradition

Every year, at the beginning of the Christmas season, this is the conversation in our house:

Parent A: I hate putting up the Christmas tree. Should we just bag it this year?
Kid A: NOOOOOOooooooo!!!!
Parent B: Ya - it's such a pain and it just collects dust all month long.
Kid B: We neeeeeed a Christmas tree!!!!!!
Parent A: Or we could throw it away and buy a smaller one that folds up or something. Or get a real one this year.
Kid C: Ya! We're getting a tree!
Parent A to Parent B: It's your turn to put it up.
Kids: We'll help!!!
Parent B: But I did it last year.
Kids: We'll help!
Parent A: I know but I haaaaaate putting up the tree.
Kid A: But we neeeeeeed a tree.
Parent B: And it takes up so much space.
Kid B: Put it in my room!
Parent A: That settles it. No tree this year.
Kid C: NOoooooooooooo!
Next Day:

Parent A: Fine, I'll pull out the tree.
Kid A: Yesssssss!!
Parent B: I guess I'll help.
Kid B: I'll help, too!
Parent A: I guess it is really pretty.
Kid C: It's the best tree we've ever had.
Parent B: Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a tree.
Kids: Merry Christmas!

Because I'm Not Pollyana...

Here are three things that bug me:

1. Feeling guilty whenever I eat a treat because I know I'm overweight, or spending money because I know I shouldn't.

2. Four hours worth of meetings today.

3. Stupid sore throat.


Here's what makes me laugh:

Knock-knock
Who's there?
Interrupting Cow.
Interr {MOOOOOO!} upting cow who...

And here's what made my eyes roll(I have no idea who this person is, but their New Moon Cat version is...awesome.

More

Taylor Swift. Solitaire. The quiet hours after bedtime to do homework. Homemade chocolate chip walnut cookies. Water. Getting unstuck this morning on my way to work. Getting published (okay, so it's only a paragraph in a brochure, but still...). Homemade earrings. Stairs on the way to the restroom (gotta get my exercise somehow). My orange kitchen arch (still getting used to the aqua kitchen). Emails from my kids. My son's teacher who emptied out his locker and told him to take all the coats home (there were three or four or five). Horses Gracie, Bo and some other name I can't remember: they keep my daugher happy. Zumiez skateboards. Self help cds.

No numbers this time

Just thankfulness.

My blog is kinda cheesy. Cheese is good, right? Anyway, on to my list:

Speaking of cheese, I tried Havarti for the first time today. Good stuff. I'm thankful for Havarti.

And sisters and my husband and my cats and my kids.

And crunchy leaves and scarves and apples. And movie night, not having overdue books (I have overdue books, but I would be grateful NOT to), hot chocolate, Mimi's Cafe and my newly painted espresso wall.

And finding the seat with the heater on the bus, not having my tights fall all the way off yesterday when the elastic gave out mid-day, no-one making fun of my halloween felt sack that I use as a lunch sack because it's the perfect size, home-made honey mustard salad dressing, going to bed on time, going to bed late and sleeping in, and my kids asking me to "make a list" (of chores - it happened once!).

And I'm glad that New Moon was better than Twilight, that Darin has a big chunk of our Christmas shopping done, that the Bookstore sells "Beat BYU" t-shirts, and canned chicken (the white meat kind).

And kids quoting funny movies ("this has me worried on a number of levels"), smiles, friends, exercise, and itunes. And self-help books, and that Donny won DWTS (even though I've never watched that show). And solitaire.

Hmmm. Speaking of solitaire...

Reconciliation

Today's Five:

1. Reconciliation. I do it every morning at work with applicant's credit card payments. And I did it yesterday with a person I offended a couple of months ago. I'm thankful for people who are willing to understand and move forward.

2. Sweaters. (But not winter.)

3. Honey roasted peanuts.

4. Diet Coke (not that I'm drinking it or anything...)

5. My daughter. She's been a lot of fun lately to hang out with. From playing paper dolls (homemade even) to UNO to playing around on Facebook, she's been my buddy lately and I love it.

Curlers (continued) and cookies

My Five for Today:

1. Team Jacob.

2. My son making chocolate chip cookies this morning.

3. SATURDAY!!!

4. My husband, who is painting a beautiful espresso brown accent wall right now.

5. My sisters. Especially my sisters combined with Olive Garden pumpkin cheesecake, Black Tie Mousse cake and Jacob.

And this is for you, Ange: The purple curlers:

Image found at: i.ehow.com/.../foam-hair-rollers-main_Full.jpg

Curlers, blankets, trainings and such

My Five for Today:

1. Big fat, purple sponge curlers. Not the little, pink sponge curlers my mom MADE me sleep in when I was growing up. I would wake up looking like Shirley Temple. However, because my mom MADE me wear those things, I learned how to put curlers in my hair. And now I'm LOVING the big purple ones to sleep in because I hardly have to do my hair in the morning, but it looks like I spent time on it.

2. Blankets. I wish I had some at work. But I'm glad I have them at home. Currently they are spread all over my front room, but I'm so glad to have them in this freezing cold weather! Every evening when my family gets together for scripture reading, we all bundle up in a blanket. Love it.

3. My job. One day I'll be in a meeting with directors from other offices, another meeting with computer tech people, another holed up in my office solving problems. So much variety! Today I get to train over 100 people on a new electronic process I spearheaded.

4. Mrs. Stewart, my 12th grade AP English instructor. Because of her, I have never needed to take a college writing class, but I know how to write.

5. And finally...DUH....New Moon this Friday! I can't wait!

My Daughter's To-Do List

This is so cute, I had to share, with my daughter's permission, of course!

Bring to school:
Water bottle
Report
Notes
Smile!
Good thoughts

I think it will be my list for tomorrow, too!

Oh ya - she's also an excellent ballroom dancer!

Aaaaah.....

It's Friday.

'nuff said.

Feeling Grateful Again

1. A whole hour for lunch. That's a lot of facebook, blogstalking, and celebrity news. I mean exercising, homework and service.

2. Facebook, blogstalking and celebrity news.

3. Exercising, homework and service.

4. Good friends who care despite my foolish self.

5. Ham and cheese sandwich, apples, and homemade (by Darin) oatmeal cookies.

Friday Five

1. A light in the window. I know that I'm always welcome at my home.

2. A husband who will hold me while I cry. And get up early and make my breakfast and lunch. And fix my tire.

3. The gospel. Isn't it such good news?

4. Sisters. I can't wait to see them tonight!

5. Soup at the Student Union. I've only tried the corn chowder, but it was good. And cheap.

Happy Friday!

Five for Tuesday

1. Gum. I first came to appreciate, really appreciate gum when I was at the hospital, pregnant with triplets, in labor, and couldn't eat or drink anything. For TWO days. You don't tell a pregnant woman not to eat or drink for 2 days. A lady in my ward mailed me a pack of gum, and, after getting special permission from my doctor, I had a stick. H.E.A.V.E.N. I also appreciated it this morning on the bus. I don't want to be the stinky one on the bus.

2. The BIG, HUGE, GINORMOUS project I've been working on at work for the last few months is OVER. Done. Completed THIS MORNING. Such a relief! My next BIG, HUGE, GINORMOUS project? Cleaning off my desk.

3. Running. I love it. It's so freeing. And I love having a healthy body that can do it.

4. An ankle that is 100% healed. Plus some: I got an extra inch of bone growing in there. That means my ankle is REALLY strong now, right?

5. Fresh vegetables. I mourn the end of summer for that reason. But only for that reason.

Five a Day Keeps the Blues Away

1. Work contests. The other day my office had a contest for the best tea cup. My daughter let me borrow her Tinkerbell mini-tea cup. I won third place. What did I win? A Hearty Handshake.

2. Fasting. Yesterday I felt peace again.

3. Voicemail. The vocal group and the telephone benefit.

4. Naps. Especially the kind where you can lay down and not set the alarm. Even better when you know the family is taken care of, the room is cold, the blankets are hot, and dinner's ready when you get up.

5. My husband, who made number 4 possible yesterday.

Our First Family Vacation

I was 17 when we went on our first family vacation. We went to St. George to meet my dad's birth mother and 1/2 brother for the first time. Here's what I wrote:

Sunday, Dec. 30, 1990 5:27 pm

Well, we got home from St. George today! It was so fun! We went to Zion's National Park. It was so fun! I bought a mountain lion poster and a ring. Jeanette bought me a cool rock keychain. We went on many hikes and stuff. It was FUN! Then Saturday we met Grandman and Grandpa Gibson, Uncle Howie and Grandma and Grandpa Walker. They took us out to lunch (expensive). Grandma Winnie (Dad's mom) knit us a bag of sweaters. Uncle Howie is 21 years old and looks just like Dad.

At lunch yesterday, we were at an expensive place. Non of those relatives are LDS, but we prayed. Great Grandma Walker made us hold hands during the prayer. It was quite embarrassing.

The Holiday Inn was so neat. It was $62/night/room. We had 2 rooms. That's expensive. Grandma and Grandpa Gibson's was $35, and there's had a kitchen.

Journal Entry, Again

Editor's Note: I once was an avid journal writer. I wrote everyday throughout high school. So, because I feel like a lazy blogger, I'll take my ambition from former years and insert them here.


Monday, April 10, 1989 7:32 pm

When I was eating dinner, Jeanette was doing dishes with Jessica. Jeanette said my B-day present would be late, but I'd love it. She's giving it to me on Friday, and it'll last 'till Saturday. Last night she asked me who my best friends are. She also said my present was Lisa I's idea.

Turns out it was a surprise party!

Saturday, April 15, 1989 5:27 pm

We stayed up until 2:13 am. I got:
From Lisa K (even though she couldn't come): pink eyeliner, pink lipstick, pink nail polish
Cyndi (even though she couldn't come): pencils (just what I needed!), notebook (Garfield one).
Lisa I: pink eyeshadow, blue eyeshadow, 2 breath freshener sprays (that I've always wanted)
Liz: a ceramic piggybank - a neat one
Amanda: earrings - a lot (about 9 pairs)

Random Journal Entries

Thurs., June 25, 1992, 7:20 pm

Today has been so awesome! I went to the UofU with Liz. I turned in my financial aid and tookt he Writing Placement test. It was pretty easy. They asked my opinion on advertising these days. I said I thought it had a bad influence on society. Then I also broght a registration book. It was fun. Me and Liz also went to the ZCMI Center and the Church Office Building. We rode to the 26th floor on the elevator to see the view from the top. It made me sick. We rode the bus. There is this gorgeous guy that rides the bus.

I can't wait to go to college. it will be so much fun (except for maybe the classes). I'm so excited. It will be so much fun! It's so pretty up there, so big and so lonely. I love it.

Friday, June 26, 1992, 2:46 pm

Today has been okay.

I went to a play this morning (9 am) that Jeanette was in. It was "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Shakespeare. She was "Narrator #1." She did good. It was the 6th grade play.

Gosh!

Sometimes I worry that, thanks to Napolean Dynamite, my kids may never say "quesadilla" right.

Updates and Musings

Hi,

It's been awhile. Here are my thoughts:

Yesterday I accidentally ordered meal #1 from McDonald's. That's the Big Mac. G.R.O.S.S.

My daughter got her ears pierced. Again. The first time around (about 2 years ago) an earring fell out and the hole closed up. As luck would have it, this time her earring fell out again (same ear, even), but she had the courage to let me repoke the hole.

RIP Patrick Swayze. Thanks for Dirty Dancing and "She's Like the Wind."

My friend Elizabeth from high school is my new exercise and eat right inspiration. She is amazing. Always has been, really. But now more so.

Glad I have a job I enjoy, even if my desk is a mess because I have 5000 things to do. Truly. 5000 (maybe I'm exaggerating, who knows).

The library is a great place to study.

We might finish our basement. Or at least get our front door painted (I'm sure the neighbors will appreciate that.)

Have a great Wednesday!

Stolen from another blog who stole it from another blog...

I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.
-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can’t wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that’s not only better, but also more directly involves me.
-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.
-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you’re going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you’re crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
-That’s enough, Nickelback.
-I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the “people you may know” feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?
-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn’t work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ’s. We just figured it out. Today’s kids are soft.
-There is a great need for sarcasm font.
-Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
- How are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
- Was learning cursive really necessary?
- Lol has gone from meaning, “laugh out loud” to “I have nothing else to say”.
- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.
- Whenever someone says “I’m not book smart, but I’m street smart”, all I hear is “I’m not real smart, but I’m imaginary smart”.
- How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear what they said?
- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using ‘as in’ examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss’s last name to an attorney and said “Yes that’s G as in…(10 second lapse)..ummm…Goonies”
-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?
- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it…thanks Mario Kart.
- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood..
- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
- Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
- I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.
- Bad decisions make good stories
- Whenever I’m Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don’t mind if I do!
- If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
- Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I’m from, this shouldn’t be a problem….
- You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you’ve made up your mind that you just aren’t doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
- Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don’t want to have to restart my collection.
- There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
- I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
- “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this ever.
- I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There’s so much pressure. ‘I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren’t watching this. It’s only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?’
- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste..
- When I meet a new girl, I’m terrified of mentioning something she hasn’t already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.
- I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it’s on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
- Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles…
- Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
- Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn’t know what do to with it..
- My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day “Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?” How the heck do I respond to that?
- It really ticks me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.
- I wonder if cops ever get ticked off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
- I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
- The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There’s nothing like being made to feel fat before dinner.

About the Fish...

He died.

:(

My End of the Week Five

1. First and foremost - my brand new nephew! Go here to see him!

2. My husband, who willingly takes on pets, knowing that I don't/can't take care of them. This week we added a goldfish to the animal collection. Fish sound easy, I know, but I have watched 2 die while under my supervision, and had to give 3 others to the pet store in order preserve their lives.

3. The people in my class you helped me clean up the bright red vitamin water that fell off my desk and spilled all over the floor last night during class. I hate the experience (why can't I be remembered for my intellectual skills, not my clumsiness?), but I do appreciate the help. Thanks Juliann and the guy that used to work at Disneyworld as Goofy (sorry I forgot your name)!

4. Pesto Cavatappi.

5. Cheesecake.

6. Darin for giving me both yesterday!

Fabulous Friday Five

1. My office FINALLY has air conditioning! It's been 2 1/2 long weeks of no cool air.

2. Survived the first week of school - both as an employee and as a student.

3. Clean bathrooms.

4. Sisters who came to visit me this week. Some bringing cheeseburgers and Diet Coke, another bringing cute homemade onesies for me to give for gifts.

5. Pancakes with fresh peaches.

Ahoy Thar Lizzy

(No, this is not a post about my sister...)

I'd like to introduce you to the newest addition to our family. My daughter caught Lizzy the Horned Lizard while we were in Bryce Canyon. She promptly had babies all over my daughter's closet. One survived, and now has a happy home with a cousin.

Lizzy lives in our old fishtank by our kitchen window, and Jayke, our cat, stares at her longingly every once in awhile. She likes crickets, sand, and sun. My daughter faithfully takes her out of her cage once a day so she can get her exercise.

The other day Lizzy went boating:



Who knew a horny toad could be so fun...

School

Catchy title, eh?

Anyway, it's the first day of school! Here are my kids, showing their personalities, this morning before heading off to fourth grade!



I'm so excited for them! Good luck today kiddos!

The first day of school prompted memories of third grade. My last born son and I were reminiscing about how eventful it was. Here's my synopsis of third grade:

The first day of school, my teacher, Mr. Wright taught us the meaning of the word "Difficult". Yes, it was a sign.

Theresa ate paper and liked it. She said it was a good substitute for gum.

Merrilee asked to be my friend. I was so glad. To this day I wonder, though, if my mom talked to her mom about this.

Someone wrote my name with a boy's in the "Tunnel of Love." My best friend Cyndi and I ran out after school equipt with erasers and pencils. First we erased, then we scribbled over it. After all, I wasn't even old enough to date.

Lisa pulled the fire alarm. Bad idea. First, Mrs. Russell caught her by the arm, bruising her, then the firemen gave her "the lecture."

Now, on the fourth grade...

U of U Five for the Day

I went on my morning walk around campus and have to share what I saw that I was grateful for:

1. The flowerbed I pass by. I just love looking at the variety. Plus I rarely see a weed. Kind of makes me think it's fake, but it's not....Oh - and every year it's different. Some years it all one color of flower, some years it's a rainbow. This year it's mostly a green leafy flowerbed.


2. The fountain across from the Marriott Library. Today there was a group of kids with towels splashing around.


3. A bunny munching on some clover. So cute! I swear there is a whole bunny community living around my building.


4. I saw kids, older people, someone in a wheelchair and a group of Asians. I love the variety of people on campus.

5. Orson Spencer Hall (OSH). I pass by this old building on my walks and think of my great great great grandfather, who was the first chancellor of the U of U, and who this building is named after. There is a pretty rose garden by it as well.



There you have it: my five favorite things about the U of U campus.

And one I hate:
The cigarette smell. Too bad it's everywhere.

Walkin' on Sunshine

Here's why I'm walking on sunshine today:

1. My shiny yellow shoes. I feel like I'm walking on sunshine!

2. My 4.0. That's right! My first term of graduate school was a success. I think I'll go back after all.

3. My Grandma A. She says she's dying, which I'm sure she is, but her deadline for death was before July 17. I'm glad she missed her deadline. I blame her for my need for cleanliness, plus she's a little crazy, but really, I just love her! She always saved me paper dolls because she knew I loved them, drove all the way from Heber to Layton to bring me Brewer's Yeast when I was pregnant, and loves Little House on the Prairie and Jane Austen - just like me.

4. My sister-in-law who saved me from insanity last weekend. She called out of the blue and asked if my kids could sleep over Friday. Fine, twist my arm...

5. My evening walks. Especially if Darin goes with me.

Dream Job

Earlier this week, this was my dream job:

That's right: stocking shelves. Lettuce with the lettuce. Tomatoes with the tomatoes. Low stress. Easy. Go home and forget about it kind of work.

After weeks of working frantically eight hours a day, then going home and working some more after the kids went to bed, even leaving my vacation in Park City to spend a few hours at my desk on a Saturday, I was ready to give up any career aspirations I had.

But the big project is over. The sigh of relief came today, the figurative pats on the back, and most importantly: time to dust my desk. With my newly shined desk I can conquer the world. I now again have my dream job.

What is your dream job?

Question of the day

How do you find passion?

All I want to do is sleep and read celebrity news.

Sigh...

Phew!

I'm glad that's over!

I think I survived my first term of grad school. I had 3 classes in eight weeks full of reading, papers, reading, presentations, reading, and pizza.

I'm glad I have a month to recover.

Speaking of recovery, my ankle is better! I can now run, hike, walk in pebbly creeks, and all sorts of stuff. It's great to be able to run to catch the train instead of begging someone to hold the door open for me until I hobble to the door.

And speaking of running, I played softball for the first time since high school. I only caught the ball with my stomach once. My stomach is a much better catcher than the mitt I had to borrow.

Speaking of borrowing, we got a new car (like that lead-in? Get it? Borrow money??). Actually it's a used car, but new to us! It's a Ford Escape. Our lovely purple minivan was dying a slow death.

And speaking of death, we went camping (okay, I'm stretching it, I know...) Bryce Canyon was so wonderful and fun. We rode horses, hiked, walked in a really painful rocky creek, and brought home a horny toad.

And speaking of horny toads, it had babies yesterday. 4 out of the 5 died, but so far Lizzy (the mother), and Lily (the baby) are just fine. And alive.

And speaking of alive, I made sourdough starter. I don't care for sourdough bread, but I'm trying it anyway. I've heard it's good for you. It stinks.

Just like school.

But I'll get over it.

Here are my five:
1. Comcast. We saved money by switching.

2. Reading for pleasure.

3. Exercising without pain. Love that ankle!

4. A super supportive husband.

5. Facebook. I'm addicted.

I think...

...with all the writing I do at work and for school, I'm pretty much done when it comes to writing on my blog.

Sorry.

Maybe later.

Tips For Aspiring Power-Pointers

Now that I've completed my first PowerPoint presentation, I think I'm ready to divulge some secrets of success in 5 easy steps:

1. Remember your title page. And your "Questions?" page.

2. When they say to take 15 minutes, it's not really a long time. Don't over-prepare.

3. If you do overprepare, and part of your grade is based on time-management, don't talk so super fast to make your way through to end on time.

4. If you do talk super fast, don't suck your spit in and choke. Making breathing noises and having coughing fits do not make for a great presentation.

5. If you do suck your spit in and choke, gratefully accept ANY water given to you, don't ask in your shaky non-voice if it's been opened cuz you don't want germs. Just swig it down. Move on.

My 5 Grateful Fors:
1. My husband! Today we are celebrating 15 years! FIFTEEN! I can't believe I can be with my best friend forever!

2. Training Table who provided dinner last night.

3. My sister who took my daughter out for a night of fun.

4. Garden fresh lettuce.

5. My son who discovered a new favorite animal: the Tasmanian Wolf. Google it.

Accomplishments Over the Weekend

1. My ankle is 100% healed, per the doctor. Yay!

2. I let my kids use glitter at home for the first time EVER!

3. Made cards.

4. Made my first Powerpoint presentation EVER!

5. Ate jello, an ice cream sandwich, and 3 brownies in one day. Did not exercise. Made new goals.

6. Missed my sisters. Do I even have sisters anymore?! We need to get together!

This is kinda how I feel about school right now...

photo taken from the hilarious Awkward Family Photos website.

Missing The Office

I spent two days at a conference this week, so I wasn't at the office. But that's not what I mean when I say I am missing the office. I am missing The Office! When it not a rerun, I watch it every Friday. It's just close enough to real life that I can sympathize yet at the same time so far out that it makes me feel grateful for my job.

But I haven't watched in weeks. And now my office is the one that seems far out. Sometimes I just need Michael Scott's perspective:

Michael Scott: Toby is in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not a part of our family. Also, he's divorced, so he's really not a part of his family.



Oh well. Here's what I am grateful for:

1. It's Friday. Not Friday-The Office-Day, but Friday-McGrath's Fish House Tonight-Day

2. Canada Dry and Mounds candy bars.

3. Today is National Donut Day. For some reason, this makes me happy. Happy National Donut Day everybody!

4. Rain. I love rain.

5. Flip-flops. Right now they're about the only shoes that my right foot fits in to.

It's Like Riding a Bike

You know what they say about riding bikes: once you learn you can ride one for life. It is my personal goal in this blog to denounce that theory! NOT TRUE FOLKS! I proved it yesterday when I went for ride with my son and totally BIFFED it! As my son pointed out, though, at least I didn't bonk my head (I wasn't wearing a helmet).

My Five:
1. Not only did I not bonk my head, I didn't land on my formally broken ankle.

2. I got to spend time with my kids and husband yesterday - I had half a day off!

3. I can sort of get gossip from facebook. Not that I'm a gossiper silly, but I can get to kind of know the people that I secretly admire.

4. I have a personal trainer for a neighbor. We have a meeting on Saturday.

5. Watching Forever Strong as a family last night. Good movie.

Notes

With school on my mind, I'm getting really good at taking notes. Here are a few from the last few days:

One of my kids likes brussels sprouts. Of course, cover ANYTHING with alfredo sauce and it's good, right?

This weekend I get to write a 5 page summary paper on a four page article. Go figure.

My bro-in-law visited me before his MCAT yesterday. That was nice. Thanks Brad!

Anybody know how to create a Google Site? It's an assignment due in July, and I'm struggling.

IT'S FRIDAY!!!

The Boot Got The Boot

Well folks, I'm on day 3 of wearing two shoes. It true: the walking boot is gone. In it's place is an ankle brace that I can wear with a shoe.

That boot had been my constant companion for 2 months. It had sand on it from the beach in California, I wore it to my first Disneyland trip ever, brought it on a bus, train, car, trax and plane. I've worn it to church and on the trampoline (don't worry, I didn't jump, just sat there and got bounced by my kids). It's been wet with the rain in Virginia, and touched the ground in Washington D.C. when I gave up and walked up the stairs to the Iwo Jima monument.

Good-bye boot.

Hello shoe.

My Five:
1. Being able to drive again. (Hint: don't break your right ankle.)
2. Grad school. I feel blessed to be able to go. And stay awake.
3. A productive day at work. I had ten things on my to-do list and am down to one.
4. My kids. I miss them on my school days. Last night I went to their rooms and talked to them and tucked them in and gave them a kiss even though they were already sound asleep. Hopefully they can feel love when they're asleep.
5. My husband. We work really well together. I love being with someone who has the same goals as I do (or I have the same goals as he does. Whatever. It works.)

School

I started graduate school this week.

My first question? What if your professor is also your co-worker and he's helping you with a project you must implement? And you are waiting for him to make a decision on something?
Answer: DON'T bring up work issues, even if he does first. And NEVER ask questions such as "When do you plan on having a decision made on that?" in front of the class. Said professor might come right up to your desk and very FIRMLY tell you that he's NOT telling you when he'll have it done.
Result: You might get on the teacher's bad side on day one. And you still have to work with him. And he grades you.

Second Question: What do you do with the Annoying Know-it-all in the class? Every class has one. Thankfully, my classes have only one.
Answer: I don't know yet. I'm thinking of maybe keeping track of the times he says, "Of Course...", or the times he says, "What I've learned...". Maybe I'll just step on his pizza. Or leave him alone: I've got my own problems.

Third Question: How do you get yourself to read a big, thick booklet printed in the 80's (it's typed on a typewriter) on statistical research? I loved the class (minus the prof. not liking me part), but the reading? Really?
Answer: You start on the train ride to work. Then you fall asleep. So you start again on your lunch break. Or at least have good intentions of starting on your lunch break, but then feel the need to blog. Start again on the train ride home. Ya - that's when you'll do it.

I actually have really enjoyed it, and I was somewhat (but not really) exaggerating on the professor not liking me part (but it's my own fault. Kind of like breaking my ankle was my own fault). If I could just get myself to read that booklet....

Friday Five

It's been awhile since I've had the desire to post a blog. And I still don't want to, so I'll just be thankful.

1. Seeing the monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. last week. I had to go for a work conference, and of course brought along my Awesome Kelly Green Scooter. It was raining and dark, but I loved seeing the monuments! (Notice I'm NOT grateful for the conference part.Or the jet lag part.)

2. Darin. He drops me off and picks me up everyday at the train station. No complaints, ever. Surely he's got to be sick of it. I'll never be sick of him!

3. Watching Taylor Swift videos last night with my daughter. I love that girl.

4. My daughter's former pet bird. She brought home a sick, 1/2 feathered bird the other day, then left to go to a daddy-daughter activity, which left me to care for this bird. I don't particularly enjoy taking care of animals - ask my kitties if I've ever cleaned out their litter box. But that cute birdy and I bonded over 2 worms, a centipede and an ant. I watched the kitties to make sure Birdy was protected (yes it even had a name). Sadly, Birdy left this earthly existence during the night. I really liked that bird.

5. My son who doesn't seem to be allergic to peanut butter anymore. He's been eating PB&H sandwiches and PB cookies and is still alive!

Breaking News - Celebrity Swine Flu Fatality

And we all know who did it to him...

Adventures in Being Disabled

Last night I got to go to my Graduate School Orientation. I was very excited. It was held in the Education building on the second floor. I left work early, scooted across campus in my awesome kelly green scooter, went up the ramp like any respectable disabled person, and used the elevator to get up to the second floor, where the orientation was. I found a chair and made myself comfortable.

And then the power went out.

"Phew!" I thought. Boy was I glad I had already taken the elevator and was where I needed to be.

The orientation began. Introductions were made, pizza was served. And then they announced where I needed to go for my break-out session: one floor up.

Panic! How would I get up the stairs without an elevator! Thankfully roughly 20 people(I'm exaggerating, but not that much) offered to help. I waited until most of the people had gone up the stairs, then I scooted (without my scooter) backwards up the stairs on my butt.

Did I mention I was wearing a knee length dress?

So I had someone at the bottom of the stairs shewing people away so they wouldn't get an eyeful if they saw the stairs, another person hide my scooter in a room so it wouldn't get stolen (cuz who wouldn't want an awesome kelly green knee scooter?), someone held my plate of pizza, another held my purse.

And I scooted. I kept wondering what on earth I was going to do once I made it to the top - hop down the hallway until I found the classroom I was supposed to be in? Finally, I made it to the top and yelled down for the person watching that she could let people through now: I was decent.

Then I saw it: a chair with wheels! At the top of the stairs! Waiting for me! Put there by Heavenly Father! He's so nice. So I sat down, and asked someone else to push me (I couldn've pushed myself with my one good leg, but really, how fun is that? If someone else pushed me, I could go faster!). And I made it. Safe, sound, dirty (from scooting around on the stairs), and late.

Thankfully, the power was on by the time it was over.

And so begins my adventures in grad school....

One of My Most Favorite Things

Having the sun in my face. Feeling the warmth on my skin.

Aaaahhhh.....

Empty Nest Practice

My daughter decided to move out today. Thankfully, she moved close by (under the trampoline), and came back for dinner.

It all began when she spit her lunch out in the bathroom garbage, so it looked like she had finished her plate. When we noticed black beans in the garbage, she fessed up. However, in order to have a brownie, she needed to finish her lunch. Poor girl. I'll spare you the details on the tantrum that followed, but let's just say she ended up in her bedroom. She then escaped through her window (I thought that wasn't supposed to happen until teenage years...). She came back to pack her bags and get her stuffed animals and such, and said she'd still eat her meals here.

I hope when she really moves out she comes home for dinner once in awhile.




My Five:

1. The daughter, even if she doesn't like black beans.

2. I'm FINALLY feeling better after surgery, infection, allergic reaction to antibiotics...Today I felt human again. AND went to church!

3. The sacrament. I've missed it.

4. Erda's Ballpark Brownies. And my husband and visiting teacher making them for me.

5. Our trampoline. My kids actually play with each other now. AND exercise at the same time. My son did his first back flip today! Any my other son ALMOST did one!

FYI - Darin has a new blog - check it out by following my link!

Hang Tight...

I'm reading a book that I got for my b-day (thanks Jeanetter!), and I have two choices: read or blog.

Reading won.

I Stand Corrected

So, about my ramblings the other day....

I guess my sister Jess doesn't have a smoker voice. I got mixed up with her version of a fat lady laugh, which is truly awesome if you've never heard it. For some reason sometimes when she does that laugh it reminds me of a smoker.

No offense intended, and sorry for all of you who thought you could hear a great smoker voice from my sis. Apparently she's not THAT talented. And that's not a bad thing. Her sewing skills make up for that.

Anyway, here's my five:

1. Pride and Prejudice. What a great movie!

2. Naps. And Saturdays! I'm glad to get a day off work.

3. My boys. They're standing at my side right now watching me post. How could I not mention them? They're such great kids.

4. The new cheer my boss taught me: Make a plus sign with your arms and shout "Be positive positive" and then make a negative sign by making your elbow move sideways and shout "Not negative negative!" I've taught the family and it's a very contagious thing to do.

5. My sisters. Thanks for the call today Jean! It made my day!

A Dream Come True, Sort Of

It's always been a secret dream of mine to become a reporter/writer. In Junior High, when we had to take all those aptitude tests and then decide what we were going to be when we grew up, I always wrote that I would be a poet or a magazine editor. They said once that I should be a taxidermist. Those tests aren't always right.

Anyhow, I'm now (as you know) the Women's Sports Director of my ward. Like many wards, we have a Relief Society blog, and I officially have my own space! It's kind of like my own column!

All of my wildest dreams are coming true!

So, if you are in my ward, or just want to read my articles, check out the Weaver Lane Relief Society blog (it's in my list of blogs to the right).

Eight Ramblings and Five Thankful Fors

Ramblings one:It's been one week exactly since my ankle surgery (where they inserted two plates and 8-9 screws) and I want my foot back!

Ramblings two: What do you do if a blind man is staring at you? It's a little uncomfortable.

Ramblings three: I have my first and so far only job performance evaluation this afternoon.

Ramblings four: Looks like I'm going to Washington, D.C. next month for work. I hope I can walk by then.

Ramblings five: Rain in the valleys, snow in the mountains. Perfecto.

Ramblings six: My bus driver this morning has the best (or worst?) smoker voice ever. She even beats my sister Jess, who is not a smoker, but has a great (or terrible?) smoker voice. The bus driver also had claw nails.

Ramblings seven: I had claw nails in high school: long, real, long, discolored, long, and always painted a bright color. Always.

Ramblings eight: My kids grew up somehow. How?

Thankful for one: mu husband, who has dutifully made me breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and driven me to and from train stops (or work) for an entire week without complaining once. In fact, he usually says things like, "you're worth it."

Thankful for two: the plug. Darin unplugged the TV yesterday. Peace and quiet and non-vegetable-like kids are a great thing. My boys wrote chapter books on Bolt: Part II.

Thankful for three: I've never been back east. I'm kind of excited to see it.

Thankful for four: The get well cards and posters my kids and husband drew for me.

Thankful for five: There are still nice people in the world, who help temporarily disabled women jump off train landings and blind men from falling off trains.

He's Baaaaack!

Hi, it's me again, my mom's first-born son!

I went to Disneyland on Space Mountain. I said, "Dad, I think I'm gonna be sick." Three days later I threw up!


We got a trampoline before we went to Disneyland. Disneyland was funner than the tramp. I was like SCREAMIN' when we got the tramp, and THEN, space mountain was so fun I just wanted to go on it again! But my sister, she just didn't want to go on it again.



Until next time, I'm signing off.....

The Benefits of Ankle Surgery

So my surgery is over. It ended up being worse than the doctor suspected: I actually had broke my ankle in two places. So I got two plates and 8 or 9 screws in my ankle. And it hurts!

BUT....I ended up with this baby....


(Mine's green, though)

I LOVE it! I can cruise anywhere and carry things if I want to. I feel so independent, and don't need armpit-hurting crutches!

Life is good...

My Time to Whine

Yesterday I saw a Physician's Assistant, an Orthopaedic Surgeon that specializes in ankles, and a Podiatrist that specializes in ankles (and yes - it was a lot of co-pays for one day). They all agreed on one thing: I need surgery. This Thursday. Then crutches for 4 to 6 weeks after that. CRUTCHES!!! (My kids are jealous about the crutches part, btw.)

On a side note, I've been reading the Old Testament (forever), and I'm on the Book of Job. I couldn't bring myself to read it last night.I know my problems aren't as bad as his, but still.

I can whine anyway.

My Five:
1. My husband is incredibly supportive.

2. So are my in-laws.

3. So are my kids (but they might want to borrow the crutches...)

4. Maple and Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts. They make you feel better when you get bad news.

5. It's Conference weekend, so I was going to lay around all weekend anyway. Now I'll just do it with my ankle higher than heart level.

The Last Week and a Half

In no particular order....

broke my ankle
broke my watch

for the first time went to disneyland
and the cheesecake factory

had my breath taken away when i saw the ocean
and again when my kids told me about their first day at disneyland

shook hands with old friends and business acquaintances
shook hands with goofy

listened to my kids wish they could go around disneyland in a wheelchair
while i wished i could walk

watched my husband clean up kitty throw-up
and kid throw-up

almost cried with insecurity my first day at the conference
but left ready to take on the world of PeopleSoft

ate doughnuts every. single. day.
realized my husbands pancakes are the best

missed having two bathrooms
missed my two kitties

scriptures travel well
drunk people outside your hotel make for good teaching moments

couldn't travel without portable DVD player
or my husband who drove the entire way there and back

travelled through four states
learned home is the best

Why oh Why

Do I think it's Friday?

My "Friday" Five:

1. I saw this in the parking lot the other day:

That means one thing: spring is on its way!

2. I'm grateful to be going here tonight:


3. It's St. Patrick's Day, which means this in the break room:

and



4. I have these:


5. And I believe in Him:



But seriously, why is it only Tuesday?!?

Calorie Counting

I'm on day four of counting calories and keeping a food diary. It's been a real eye opening experience. I swear EVERYTHING has calories in it! Except mustard. It's crazy. Anyway, with the help of The Daily Plate it hasn't been too bad.

Until this morning. I decided to have Mint Oreos for lunch. So I checked the package to see how many I could have and still not blow my calorie count out of proportion.



Two. TWO! I don't think I've ever "just" had two Oreos in my life!

Wish me luck....

My 5:

1. At least I can have 2.

2. Found a ref for B-Ball on Thursday night.

3. Found a free download of As a Man Thinketh on the internet. I listen to that book about twice a week; it's so good! It only takes an hour to listen to, by the way. I usually play solitaire while I listen.

4. It's light when I get home from work.

5. I'm glad my dreams don't come true. I had a dream last night that we adopted a 9 year old (when my kids were 9) named Carlos. I had 4 nine year olds! Darin said I moaned all night....

Home Sweet Home

Lately (okay, all the time for forever now) I've wanted an awesome house. I love my house, but you know, I always wish it was classier looking, richer looking, finished, upgraded - you get the idea.

Until I found this beauty. Introducing my new dream house.....






Anybody wanna move next door?


My Five (in 5 minutes or less cuz I have to go home soon):

1. I got to work early.

2. I got paid today.

3. It's Friday.

4. Which means it's The Office at lunch time.

5. My husband's delicious peanut butter coconut brownies.

On a side note, has anyone ever tried that Acai berry diet thing? (Yes, this IS related to the brownie I'm thankful for...)

Walking,

On a never-ending dirt trail by my house, with nothing but fields and fields and cows surrounding me, with the sun soaking into my face, is now my favorite pastime.

I love where I live.

It's Hard to be a Perfectionist...

When you're not perfect.

And somehow, life has a way of bluntly telling you that you're not perfect.

So earlier this week I decided to look at face lifts that had gone awry. You know, to minimize my imperfections. I realized it doesn't help to look at disfigured faces to make you happy.

It also doesn't help to play Solitaire for hours.

And it doesn't help to replay all your imperfections in your mind.

Even Dan Fogelberg songs don't work.

So, if I've offended anybody lately, I'm sorry. And if I've gotten a little pudgy lately, it's cuz I'm not perfect but brownies are.

And from here on out I'm seeking for anything that is "virtuous lovely or of good report or praiseworthy." Which means I'll be reading Nie Nie's blog more.

But I'm still not perfect.

Friday Five:
1. Nie Nie's home.

2. Date night tonight!

3. I didn't yell at the lady that just called me from another department. I just talked to her "strictly."

4. Sister's who share their drama.

5. Dan Fogelberg Pandora.

Break Time!

I'm taking a break today!

Yesterday, after staring at my computer for an entire 9 hours straight, I came home with a big bad headache after a big bad day.

So today I'm going outside for lunch, eating my sandwich and reading some chic lit.

My computer won't know what to do without me....


My Five:
1. My non-tainted peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

2. Beautiful weather to enjoy.

3. My daughter's fever broke. And my son is better.

4. Visiting teaching done.

5. Zig Ziglar. Just kidding. But not really.

Motivation

Yesterday I had Darin take a picture of me in my swimsuit. It's my little (or big) way of reminding myself why I need to exercise.

Do any of you have tips on how to stay motivated to be healthy?

My Monday Five:

1. The smell of rain. It's so clean and refreshing.

2. Zig Ziglar. He makes me want to be positive. At least until something negative happens...

3. My lunch hour. I can do my 10 minute Bu-thigh workout and blog. Oh, and eat.

4. Ice cold water! Without the ice, though.

5. The square foot garden my husband is building. Our weed patch may actually look nice this year

The Lamest 6th Challenge Ever

First of all, I want to thank Ange for exposing my lameness in my pictures. Here are the rules:

1. Go to the photo folder in your computer
2. Go to the 6th folder of photos.
3. Go to the sixth picture.
4. Put the picture on your blog and description of it.
5. Invite six friends to join the challenge.

Here is the picture. That's right: an old record from the thrift store. Wowie.



Here's the explanation: I wanted to document a really cool craft project. You get an old record (this was mine - 50 cents at the DI).

What the picture doesn't show is that you then put the record over a bowl or cup in the oven over low heat until it melts. It makes a cool-looking bowl:



And then you can fill the cool bowl with a movie and candy for a unique gift:


And there you have it.

I tag: Liz, Jess, Jeanette, Brad, Becca, Nancy and Shannon. If you've already done this, you're off the hook!

Good News Minute

I GOT ACCEPTED TO GRADUATE SCHOOL!

Thanks for letting me brag.

My Five:

1. A very supportive husband. I couldn't do without him!

2. Vitamin D, B12 and Ribose. I'm finally starting to feel happy and energetic again.

3. Spring. I just know it's coming! I could ALMOST smell it this morning!

4. My sisters, because we get to have a movie afternoon tomorrow (has anyone seen New in Town?).

5. My sisters, because they made my day when I called them and they were "busy" watching Britney Spears music videos. They really are over 12 years old, really. (But they don't look it! Just ask the cop who pulled my sister over and told her to drive safe for the kids and looked at my other two sisters....)

Coincidence?

Generally, I don't believe in coincidences. Most things happen for a reason. Yesterday, however, almost changed my mind.

Right before I left work to go home for the day, I decided to hurry and grab "just one more" conversation heart. You know those sugary little candies that say cute things like "Marry me" or "Text me." My co-worker has a bunch at her desk to share. I ran to grab one before I left, reaching for a white one because everybody knows that the white ones are the best. Before I popped it into my mouth, I read it.










It said "MISTAKE."









I ate it anyway.


My Friday the 13th Five:

1. My new favorite song: Be Okay by Ingrid Michaelson. I just love her anyway.

2. People doing their best at their callings. Last night the Blue and Gold Banquet was very fun. I thought the leaders did a great job and the boys for sure LOVED it!

3. Treats at work.

4. Sweaters. Especially cuz the heater in my building doesn't work. Neither does the air conditioning for that matter.

5. PMS week is over. Boy am I glad. I'm sure Darin will be, too.

Best Day EVER!

In our Stake's Women's Conference, our keynote speaker (Sister Menlove) encouraged us to wake up every morning and say "Best Day Ever!"

I woke up 2 1/2 hours ago and am finally remembering. BEST DAY EVER!

My Thankful Fors:

1. Getting to work early. I can catch up on my blogging and facebook.

2. Being an indoor worker. I could never do construction in the winter. Brrrr!

3. My husband is substitute teaching in my daughter's class. I'm so jealous! She's so excited!

4. 2 nights in a row of completed homework. You don't know how monumental that is.

5. Blue and Gold Banquet tonight. I have no idea what that is, but my boys promise a great night with just parents and scouts. (Thanks Ange for watching my girl! She's so excited!)

So...

Last night reading scriptures, we read about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and how they covenanted not to shed blood once they were converted.

And then people came to fight them. If I were in this situation, I would be thinking about my family (isn't it right to protect them?), the economy (surely loosing a war or having the Nephites fight it for you cost a lot - in time, resources, strength...). I WOULD BE STRESSING OUT! And depressed.

So what did they do? They thanked God for all their blesssings and the knowledge they had. And what came of it? Some death, yes, but also HUGE success - in spirituality and strength.

Let that be my lesson. Be grateful.

Now, off my high horse and onto my "Grateful Fors" (Wow - how's that for practicing what I preach? Or maybe what the Lord preaches...):

1. Scriptures. They put it all in perspective, don't they?

2. Tuna fish. Thanks Jeanette for a delicious sandwich yesterday and Darin for a delicious salad today.

3. All children completed their homework last night with NO WHINING. THEN, they sat around the table and wrote stories. SERIOUSLY.

4. Facebook. Except it's kind of addicting. But it's fun to get to know old friends again.

5. The ocean. I get to see it again next month! Wahoo!

Smiles

It is easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.

For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth,
Is the smile that shines through the tears.
(Ella Wheeler Wilcox)

I just love smiley people. I'm sure I've done similar post to this, but really, I really like smiley people.

So thanks, lady every morning that I pass by in the middle of road. You always walk past me, wear a black skirt, black tights and white tennis shoes. And you always smile and say "Hello young lady" when you pass me. Sometimes you even point at me. I think we're the same age.

And thanks, lady who makes me smile every morning. You never look at me, because you are afraid that you might trip. You wear a breathing mask over your mouth and nose, carry a mini lantern and walk with a cool three pronged cane with rubber stoppers on the bottom. You wear a heavy coat and a couple of scarves. You make me smile because I love your confidence. You may be afraid of the air or the elements or falling, but you are not afraid to do your own thing.

So, my fellow bloggers, smile at someone today, even perfect strangers. But not perfect strangers who are standing outside a bar drunk and smoking.

Friday Five:
1. My "snack" lunch: Diet Dr. Pepper, popcorn, and waxy donuts. I did through in some celery sticks for nutrition.

2. My husband and kids, who picked me up from work yesterday. Best ride home ever!

3. My last born son, who is in the top 10% in the nation for his grade. Good job!

4. My first two kids, who didn't make the top 10%. I love you just as much!

4. My ten-key adding machine. I can type FAST on that thing, and I always feel so cool doing it. Lame, I know. But everyone has their talents.

Wordless Wednesday

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Friday Five

1. Ramen Noodles. They come in handy when you eat your lunch at 10:00 in the morning and are hungry again by 1:00.

2. Junior High is over. I had a dream (nightmare really) last night about going back to gym class, except the teacher was my HORRIBLE home ec teacher with the nasally voice that listened to FM 100 - such a nerd! (Except now I don't think FM 100is so bad - but sewing still is.)

3. Friday Fun Night with my sister and her kids.

4. Superbowl! I'm excited that the Steelers are playing. Mostly I'm excited for my husband because he's excited. Did I mention that I love him?\

5. My kids when they say thank you.

Thursday Five

1. The Draper Temple open house yesterday. The temple was so beautiful, clean and peaceful, and I was slightly jealous that my house isn't. However, I was pleased that my boys didn't burp or fart for two whole hours. I think that qualifies as beautiful, clean and peaceful!

2. Barry Manilow. He writes the songs he writes the songs...

3. My new-found dedication to take my morning break and exercise again (I kind of gave up once winter set in. And as a result, I've had two people insinuate that I was pregnant - one of them being my own child no less).

4. My husband, who is not as hard on me and I am on myself.

5. And finally, no basketball tonight! I shouldn't be grateful, since it's my calling and all, but they've postponed basketball until the end of February because we don't have enough room in our stake until then. This gives me time to learn the rules and practice. My first step: learn how to dribble. My son is going to teach me on Saturday.

Have a Good Day!

This morning I was telling my boys to have a good day today (they were the only kids up at the time). My last-born child said, "I always try to have a good day, Mom, but sometimes it just gets messed up!"

So to everyone out there, and especially my son, I hope you don't have a messed up day!

My Five:
1. No more meetings for the day!

2. BYU Radio. I can listen to talks while I work (depending on the work I'm doing).

3. Tomorrow we get to take the kids to the Draper Temple open house!

4. The internet. I love it!

5. My office isn't freezing today. Yesterday I had to bundle up in a blanket. (Robin, it was the baby quilt you made for my kids. I LOVE it!)

The Call to Play Ball

Actually, my new calling doesn't REQUIRE me to play ball, but I am the Women's Sports Director of our ward. I really just have to organize and inform.

HOWEVER, in my attempt to magnify my calling, I decided to be on the team. Last night was our first basketball game. My team, who was nice enough not to tell me that I stunk to my face, convinced me to play "just two minutes." I ended up playing about two minutes AND thirty seconds, but it seemed like 10 minutes. They even passed me the ball twice. I even tried to shoot a basket. It hit the rim and everything (which is practically a point!).

I learned a lot: that people are very nice, that not all refs call the fouls, and that there's this thing called the "3 Second Rule" that involves not standing in this thing called "the key" for more than 3 seconds at a time when your team has the ball.

I hope to learn what positions 1, 2, and 3 mean as well as "are you up or down?"

Any basketball fanatics out there?

Here are Friday Five:
1. It's Friday! Boy do I need it, too. I swear this four day work week was a six day one (my sense of time is way off...)

2. My hubby went grocery shopping. I love a stocked fridge!

3. Free Ute gymnastics tonight for everyone that wears pink! (We're not going, but I'm glad for it, anyway).

4. Rain. I love rainy days.

5. Free newspaper at the Bookstore.

Wear Flats or Be Flat

There were always two reasons why I didn't wear heels. The first being that my very own handsome prince is about 1/2 inch taller than me, but if you include the fact that I have hair and he doesn't, we look about the same height. It never bothered him if I wore heels and was taller than him, but it always bothered me.

Not anymore, though. I'm over it. A lot of couples, I've since noticed, don't let the same issue bother them, either.




Let me point out that I've been married longer than any of these celebrity couples. Did Darin and I start a trend? We hip, you know.

I only have one obstacle left to be able to wear heels:


Can anybody teach me how to WALK in them?

No, I haven't forgotten the Trip of 2008, where I flip-flopped in the middle of a downtown intersection during morning traffice. And I wasn't wearing flip-flops.

Any tips would be appreciated.

(And speaking of "falling", I have my first basketball game tonight. Wish me luck. Or fast and pray for me, that might be of more help...)

Regret

"If you can't be a good example, you'll have to be a horrible warning."
_____________

Summer 2008: In one of our FHEs a long time ago, we read a talk in The Friend about regret. In essence, we read that we should try to live our life so that we wouldn't have any regrets. Even though we taught this for the kids' benefit, I haven't forgotten it.

November 2008: Our ward did a 40 day fast for missionary work. Our ward mission leader challenged everyone to pray for a person. I fasted and prayed, and got my answer.

Last night: Enrichment Night. I'm going, I even invited my sister. On the way home from work, I think to ask my friend that I've been praying for. TERROR washes over me. This lady is extremely nice and absolutely WOULD NOT be offended if I asked her. Why was I scared?

I got home, and was so "busy" that I didn't have time to call her before I left. Enrichment was great, and I know my friend would have loved it.

Fast forward to right now: REGRET.

Aaaaaahhh!

Learn from me, folks. Learn.

My Five:
1. Second chances?

2. Cooking.

3. Gloves.

4. Hugs from my kids and husband every morning before I leave.

5. Friends.

Happy Inauguration Day!

In honor of the event, I no longer have the flu.

Seriously, though. What a great occasion!

My Five:
1. I was well enough to go ice skating last night for FHE. It was my kid's first time, and IT WAS SO FUN! We had a blast!

2. Enrichment tonight: it's Nifty to be Thrifty!

3. My husband holding the fort down (and sanitizing it) while I slept for a day and a half.

4. America. I feel so patriotic today.

5. My sister is doing a giveaway on her blog. She is SO talented, and anyone would be lucky to win her handmade cards. Remember, cheap is good - GIVEAWAYS are better!