OK, this is just one example of how quickly my mood can change...
After posting, only moments ago, my "feeling - very - sorry- for - myself" post, I went to tuck my children into bed. My sweet husband had already done the bulk of the work so I got the easy job of singing to B while rocking her -- a tradition that neither of us ever like to miss.
The last two days I have been singing her a new song she refers to as the "bird song." Some of you may know it better as "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." It's one of the songs our children sing in our church. Just as I finishthe song, she says "again, again" So we sing it again -- and again. She sings right along with me, trying her best to say all the words. Tonight, as I got to the last line of the second verse, "Yes, I know my Heavenly Father loves me," She sang the words out clear and, even though I have never done any actions with her, clasped her hands over her heart and tilted her head to the side with a grin that seemed to say, "remember, mom?"
Yeah, I remember. Heavenly Father does love me. And He sent me such sweet angels like B and each one of my boys to remind me of that. So even when the world doesn't stop. There are these little moments that get me through and remind me that everything is OK. The little sounds coming from my two year old as she tries to belt out a song about how Heavenly Father loves her are definitely what I consider "the magical sound of things."
So yes, today was long. I am looking forward to a break. But I am so grateful for the sweet reminders Heavenly Father gives me that He is watching over me.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The world doesn't stop
How many times have you wished for a break? A little respite from the daily grind. A moment to breathe. A bathroom trip uninterrupted. No matter how many headaches you get, no matter how tired you are and no matter what else is going on; princess's still need to be colored in the coloring books, math problems still need solved, cookie dough needs to be sold, oh -- and did someone mention they were hungry? Dinner still needs to be provided (noticed I didn't say cooked)
After a long day that began at 4:00am and pretty much being completely unproductive, these are the feelings I have tonight. But, I suppose I should put the kids to bed and start another load of laundry.
I am really ready for our vacation next week. No cooking. No cleaning. No expectations.
In the words of my my favorite red head Broadway star, "the sun will come out tomorrow!"
After a long day that began at 4:00am and pretty much being completely unproductive, these are the feelings I have tonight. But, I suppose I should put the kids to bed and start another load of laundry.
I am really ready for our vacation next week. No cooking. No cleaning. No expectations.
In the words of my my favorite red head Broadway star, "the sun will come out tomorrow!"
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Somethings are just too good to pass up...
"PETA wants world-famous Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream to tap nursing moms, rather than cows, for the milk used in its ice cream.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is asking the ice cream maker to begin using breast milk in its products instead of cow's milk, saying it would reduce the suffering of cows and calves and give ice cream lovers a healthier product."
Um, yeah. So, I don't think I would really go for that kind of ice cream. I want cows to be treated right -- but maybe not as badly as PETA. Do you know anyone who would stand in line for a scoop of "mama's" rocky road??? I just don't know what to say!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Choosing Life
I think it is peculiar how supporters of different opinions on abortion are labeled “pro-life” or “pro-choice.” It isn’t as though everyone who supports abortion is running around trying to extinguish every human heartbeat. And, it isn’t likely that you would find someone who disagrees with abortion that is against people making their own choices. I find the definitions of both rather odd. These are my opinions on the subject.
At the very moment of conception, life begins. I could go into a whole biological explanation for more detail, but aside from the fact that I didn’t listen very well in biology, it would also make this a very cumbersome post. Let’s just say the sperm and the egg have a party and start growing into human form. And, as many a mother knows, personality begins to develop. I am always amazed at little bits of personality I discover in my new born infant that were present during his or her time in the womb.
The whole idea of childbirth is quite miraculous. The whole concept of it… I mean how do you organize matter so the fingernails grow in proportion to the fingers? How do you enable the body to grow with its protective skin exactly? I think if it were left up to me, something would be flopping out somewhere. It is just simply a Divine Miracle. This miracle is the very essence of life. It is beautiful and amazing. Then to top it off, you get to hold this adorable little creature with large eyes and even larger lungs. Everything seems to draw you to that being. The sweet little baby’s breath of a newborn. The warm, sleepy smell when your infant wakes up. The begging cries of hunger and gulping sounds of relief. Baby’s first smile, giggle or word. This exquisite development of life does not start my mere accident. Nor, does it start at birth. It starts, in spirit, before we ever arrive here on earth and begins in physical form the moment of conception. It is perfect. It is divine.
Abortion, in whatever phase of pregnancy, smothers the life. Turns it off. I can’t think of anything more heartbreaking than thinking of the sweet personalities of little babies being snuffed out.
Some will argue that the woman has the right to choose. She should be able to choose whether or not to have the baby. To those people I say, you are exactly right. The woman should choose. And then she should take precautions to make that choice happen. If she doesn’t want a baby, she can avoid “certain actions.” (I hear abstinence is a great form of birth control) But if, for some reason, she goofed or the method of birth control failed, then her choice should be that of CHOOSING to have the baby.
Let me break away here for a moment and say this. There are some heartbreaking circumstances that may require abortions. Rape, incest, or a life threatening condition of the mother. To those I would say, your decision is a painful one. One that I would not want to face. To those people, your decision is between you and God. I for one do not hold any judgment for someone in said position. My issue is taken with those who have abortions for reasons of convenience.
I have known only a few people in my life who have adopted or been adopted. So I will not pretend that my knowledge in the matter is sufficient. All I can speak of is what I have seen. I have seen prayers answered, lives changed, hearts healed and sheer joy. Complete joy. Of all of these, what touches me the most, is the mother that gives her baby up for adoption.
I think of the young mother who CHOOSES to bare the baby. She is barely a teenager and yet she is being thrust into the very thralls of womanhood. I think of her selflessness as she lovingly delivers her baby for another couple. I imagine her tender tears freely falling as she signs her parental rights over to another. I wonder how she must want to hold the baby forever but knows its home is somewhere else. This is the kind of hero I honor. Convenience could reign; she could have terminated the pregnancy. But her CHOICE was to give life.
The right answers are often not the easy answers. Sometimes something that is right doesn’t make sense or is difficult beyond all reason. It is true courage that fights through these situations.
Each person is entitled to his or her opinion, and this is mine. I am pro-choice for choosing life. I am against choosing death. I feel that once a nation condones the killing of little babies, we are not better than King Herod himself.
I think that the matter of choice has to come into play long before an embryo takes hold. The choice should be one of life.
So yes, I am Pro-Choice – Choosing Life.
***Cherie Call sings a beautiful song about adoption… it is what started the wheels of my brain tonight. Delivery***
At the very moment of conception, life begins. I could go into a whole biological explanation for more detail, but aside from the fact that I didn’t listen very well in biology, it would also make this a very cumbersome post. Let’s just say the sperm and the egg have a party and start growing into human form. And, as many a mother knows, personality begins to develop. I am always amazed at little bits of personality I discover in my new born infant that were present during his or her time in the womb.
The whole idea of childbirth is quite miraculous. The whole concept of it… I mean how do you organize matter so the fingernails grow in proportion to the fingers? How do you enable the body to grow with its protective skin exactly? I think if it were left up to me, something would be flopping out somewhere. It is just simply a Divine Miracle. This miracle is the very essence of life. It is beautiful and amazing. Then to top it off, you get to hold this adorable little creature with large eyes and even larger lungs. Everything seems to draw you to that being. The sweet little baby’s breath of a newborn. The warm, sleepy smell when your infant wakes up. The begging cries of hunger and gulping sounds of relief. Baby’s first smile, giggle or word. This exquisite development of life does not start my mere accident. Nor, does it start at birth. It starts, in spirit, before we ever arrive here on earth and begins in physical form the moment of conception. It is perfect. It is divine.
Abortion, in whatever phase of pregnancy, smothers the life. Turns it off. I can’t think of anything more heartbreaking than thinking of the sweet personalities of little babies being snuffed out.
Some will argue that the woman has the right to choose. She should be able to choose whether or not to have the baby. To those people I say, you are exactly right. The woman should choose. And then she should take precautions to make that choice happen. If she doesn’t want a baby, she can avoid “certain actions.” (I hear abstinence is a great form of birth control) But if, for some reason, she goofed or the method of birth control failed, then her choice should be that of CHOOSING to have the baby.
Let me break away here for a moment and say this. There are some heartbreaking circumstances that may require abortions. Rape, incest, or a life threatening condition of the mother. To those I would say, your decision is a painful one. One that I would not want to face. To those people, your decision is between you and God. I for one do not hold any judgment for someone in said position. My issue is taken with those who have abortions for reasons of convenience.
I have known only a few people in my life who have adopted or been adopted. So I will not pretend that my knowledge in the matter is sufficient. All I can speak of is what I have seen. I have seen prayers answered, lives changed, hearts healed and sheer joy. Complete joy. Of all of these, what touches me the most, is the mother that gives her baby up for adoption.
I think of the young mother who CHOOSES to bare the baby. She is barely a teenager and yet she is being thrust into the very thralls of womanhood. I think of her selflessness as she lovingly delivers her baby for another couple. I imagine her tender tears freely falling as she signs her parental rights over to another. I wonder how she must want to hold the baby forever but knows its home is somewhere else. This is the kind of hero I honor. Convenience could reign; she could have terminated the pregnancy. But her CHOICE was to give life.
The right answers are often not the easy answers. Sometimes something that is right doesn’t make sense or is difficult beyond all reason. It is true courage that fights through these situations.
Each person is entitled to his or her opinion, and this is mine. I am pro-choice for choosing life. I am against choosing death. I feel that once a nation condones the killing of little babies, we are not better than King Herod himself.
I think that the matter of choice has to come into play long before an embryo takes hold. The choice should be one of life.
So yes, I am Pro-Choice – Choosing Life.
***Cherie Call sings a beautiful song about adoption… it is what started the wheels of my brain tonight. Delivery***
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Here's a tip!
I hate tipping. I do it, because I’ve done my time as a restaurant server and know what it is like to get jilted out of a tip. After all, when you make below minimum wage, you really count on those tips to bring you up to a descent income. I am pretty sure the idea behind the tipping theory is to increase the quality of service. But there are some serious flaws in this tipping system.
Now, when it comes to restaurants, I really don’t mind tipping for good service. I don’t have to cook, I don’t have to do the dishes and, I can relax in a calm atmosphere with my sweetie. I see no downside. I figure this is definitely worth an extra 20%. The problem lies in the bad servers. Maybe they are undertrained, maybe they are having an off night, who knows. They are still making below minimum and still need to earn a living. I could leave them a small tip, or none at all, but I highly doubt that person will say “Gee, I really should have done a better job.” More than likely, they will be angry and, if they were like some servers I knew, would remember your face and spit in your food next time you went to eat at that restaurant. You could speak with the manager but is it really THAT big of deal to put someone’s job in jeopardy? If they aren’t fired, then you are back to worrying about them spitting in your food. There is a fine balance when tipping poor service. You have to tip just enough for them to know you appreciate the effort, but not enough that they think they did a good job. If my server fills my water, without it getting empty first and checks with me every few minutes, that server will be left with a good tip. Put a little personality into the service and they will get a great tip.
If restaurant tipping were the whole of it, I wouldn’t have any issues with tipping. But think of all the things you are “supposed” to tip for. I certainly don’t tip for all these things – who could afford it, but I sure feel the guilt from not doing it. Maybe if tipping actually made for better service, but it doesn’t. I think people have just come to expect it. Ridiculous.
You are supposed to tip for haircuts, pedicures, manicures, furniture deliveries, curbside service, nannies and or babysitters, tepanyaki cook, massages, spa treatments, restaurant servers, pizza delivery, newspaper carriers, the “water person” at buffets – I am sure I am missing some – please feel free to add.
18.5 percent seems to be the most common amount to tip, but if you add that percentage to your already large bill at a hair dresser or spa – good gravy! You are talking about another $20 for your hair do, another $80 for your spa day. It all is so maddening.
Then there are those stupid tip cups – EVERYWHERE! C’mon, do I really need to tip at Subway just because they made the sandwich in front of me? Dry Cleaners? Convenience stores? Really, doesn’t it just turn into a fancy form of begging? But the real kicker is the ice cream stores. Do they really expect me to tip them for taking 20 seconds to scoop me some Rocky Road. Cold Stone Employees are actually supposed to start singing when someone adds bills to the tip jar. I am sorry, that just isn’t enough to entice me to give you my money when you already overcharged for the ice cream.
Our family has this great place we go for frozen yogurt. It is as close as you can come to a health food treat and still taste like the real stuff. BUT, it is self serve. YOU get your own dish. YOU dispense your own frozen yogurt. YOU add the toppings. YOU place the treat on the scale. The sales person punches some keys on the register. Then YOU hand them YOUR money. YOU remove your treat from the scale. And, once the treat is finished, YOU throw it away. It is completely self serve. So, what do I see on their counter? You guessed it. A TIP JAR! Honestly, who do these people think they are kidding? Who am I going to tip? The register guy?
I think society should do away with tipping entirely. Pay servers minimum and find another way to reward good service. OK – maybe tip the pedicure people because my feet are really gross. But that’s it. Everyone else will just have to get by.
Now, when it comes to restaurants, I really don’t mind tipping for good service. I don’t have to cook, I don’t have to do the dishes and, I can relax in a calm atmosphere with my sweetie. I see no downside. I figure this is definitely worth an extra 20%. The problem lies in the bad servers. Maybe they are undertrained, maybe they are having an off night, who knows. They are still making below minimum and still need to earn a living. I could leave them a small tip, or none at all, but I highly doubt that person will say “Gee, I really should have done a better job.” More than likely, they will be angry and, if they were like some servers I knew, would remember your face and spit in your food next time you went to eat at that restaurant. You could speak with the manager but is it really THAT big of deal to put someone’s job in jeopardy? If they aren’t fired, then you are back to worrying about them spitting in your food. There is a fine balance when tipping poor service. You have to tip just enough for them to know you appreciate the effort, but not enough that they think they did a good job. If my server fills my water, without it getting empty first and checks with me every few minutes, that server will be left with a good tip. Put a little personality into the service and they will get a great tip.
If restaurant tipping were the whole of it, I wouldn’t have any issues with tipping. But think of all the things you are “supposed” to tip for. I certainly don’t tip for all these things – who could afford it, but I sure feel the guilt from not doing it. Maybe if tipping actually made for better service, but it doesn’t. I think people have just come to expect it. Ridiculous.
You are supposed to tip for haircuts, pedicures, manicures, furniture deliveries, curbside service, nannies and or babysitters, tepanyaki cook, massages, spa treatments, restaurant servers, pizza delivery, newspaper carriers, the “water person” at buffets – I am sure I am missing some – please feel free to add.
18.5 percent seems to be the most common amount to tip, but if you add that percentage to your already large bill at a hair dresser or spa – good gravy! You are talking about another $20 for your hair do, another $80 for your spa day. It all is so maddening.
Then there are those stupid tip cups – EVERYWHERE! C’mon, do I really need to tip at Subway just because they made the sandwich in front of me? Dry Cleaners? Convenience stores? Really, doesn’t it just turn into a fancy form of begging? But the real kicker is the ice cream stores. Do they really expect me to tip them for taking 20 seconds to scoop me some Rocky Road. Cold Stone Employees are actually supposed to start singing when someone adds bills to the tip jar. I am sorry, that just isn’t enough to entice me to give you my money when you already overcharged for the ice cream.
Our family has this great place we go for frozen yogurt. It is as close as you can come to a health food treat and still taste like the real stuff. BUT, it is self serve. YOU get your own dish. YOU dispense your own frozen yogurt. YOU add the toppings. YOU place the treat on the scale. The sales person punches some keys on the register. Then YOU hand them YOUR money. YOU remove your treat from the scale. And, once the treat is finished, YOU throw it away. It is completely self serve. So, what do I see on their counter? You guessed it. A TIP JAR! Honestly, who do these people think they are kidding? Who am I going to tip? The register guy?
I think society should do away with tipping entirely. Pay servers minimum and find another way to reward good service. OK – maybe tip the pedicure people because my feet are really gross. But that’s it. Everyone else will just have to get by.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pearly whites
Our afternoon began normally enough… kids coming home from school, dropping their shoes as far away from the “shoe bench” as possible, raiding the fridge and of course T running into a wall. Now mind you, this wall has been part of this home since before T’s birth. He has grown up with this wall. He knows it’s there. He said he was aiming for the door next to it, but the door was closed, so I don’t get it either way.
I was outside and came in when I heard the loud bump. Bekah was saying “Tren sad, Tren sad” then she started crying just as T came around the corner with a mouth full of blood. Ewwww! I quickly got him to the bathroom and began rinsing his mouth. I had to pull his swollen lip off of his two bottom teeth – more blood. Then I began to examine the damage. I felt like I was remaining fairly calm. But when saw his teeth I said, “We are going to the dentist!” (So grateful that we have an AWESOME pediatric dentist.) His top front teeth looked like one had dropped down further, the other one seemed to be at a 45 degree angle. The bottom teeth also looked like they were angled all wrong. Of course this was my best view through the constant flow of blood. Again, I thought I was being calm.
Our pediatric dentist is great. He got us right in. On a good traffic day, if I don’t speed it can take me 15 minutes to get there. He is LONG ways away. Today it took me 20 minutes. Bad traffic and hitting every red light is inevitable when you are in a hurry.
Imagine my surprise when the dentist looked in T’s mouth and they weren’t really broken into jack-o-lantern teeth. They weren’t all crooked like I thought. They weren’t pushed in, pulled out or otherwise. You could tell that he had hit his mouth, but it was much less serious than I thought. Thankfully, only his two top teeth were loose, and they are the baby teeth. The x-ray showed no damage to the permanent teeth. And the bottom teeth were no problem at all (thanks to his now fat lip).
On the way home, as we hit all the lights green and made it home in record time, I drew some conclusions. First, I am so glad T is OK and grateful there wasn’t permanent damage. Second, Murphy’s Law is securely in place and I know that I will always hit a red light when I am in a hurry. Third, I am never as calm as I think I am. Finally, I think I might have a problem, once I realized T was OK, I was kicking myself for not getting a picture of the whole thing. Of course, I’m sure my squeamish readers will be just fine that I didn’t grab a picture. I could take one now, but it just wouldn’t be as dramatic – you know, with it really not being as bad as I thought and all.
Dentists and Doctors must really dread dealing with crazy moms. :)
I was outside and came in when I heard the loud bump. Bekah was saying “Tren sad, Tren sad” then she started crying just as T came around the corner with a mouth full of blood. Ewwww! I quickly got him to the bathroom and began rinsing his mouth. I had to pull his swollen lip off of his two bottom teeth – more blood. Then I began to examine the damage. I felt like I was remaining fairly calm. But when saw his teeth I said, “We are going to the dentist!” (So grateful that we have an AWESOME pediatric dentist.) His top front teeth looked like one had dropped down further, the other one seemed to be at a 45 degree angle. The bottom teeth also looked like they were angled all wrong. Of course this was my best view through the constant flow of blood. Again, I thought I was being calm.
Our pediatric dentist is great. He got us right in. On a good traffic day, if I don’t speed it can take me 15 minutes to get there. He is LONG ways away. Today it took me 20 minutes. Bad traffic and hitting every red light is inevitable when you are in a hurry.
Imagine my surprise when the dentist looked in T’s mouth and they weren’t really broken into jack-o-lantern teeth. They weren’t all crooked like I thought. They weren’t pushed in, pulled out or otherwise. You could tell that he had hit his mouth, but it was much less serious than I thought. Thankfully, only his two top teeth were loose, and they are the baby teeth. The x-ray showed no damage to the permanent teeth. And the bottom teeth were no problem at all (thanks to his now fat lip).
On the way home, as we hit all the lights green and made it home in record time, I drew some conclusions. First, I am so glad T is OK and grateful there wasn’t permanent damage. Second, Murphy’s Law is securely in place and I know that I will always hit a red light when I am in a hurry. Third, I am never as calm as I think I am. Finally, I think I might have a problem, once I realized T was OK, I was kicking myself for not getting a picture of the whole thing. Of course, I’m sure my squeamish readers will be just fine that I didn’t grab a picture. I could take one now, but it just wouldn’t be as dramatic – you know, with it really not being as bad as I thought and all.
Dentists and Doctors must really dread dealing with crazy moms. :)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Long-winded thoughts on a Monday night
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, a bishop in our church is a leader placed over a geographical area called a “Ward”. He is responsible to offer spiritual and temporal guidance for the ward area. We believe that Bishops are called of God, through inspiration to our other leaders. The bishop donates his time, never receiving wages for his service. This calling can take up the same amount of time as a full time job, which these men continue to do in addition to their church work. So, when our bishop speaks, I listen. I know he is called of God and if I heed his council, I will find greater happiness. Sometimes the spirit bears witness to my heart immediately that what the bishop is saying is correct. Sometimes, I have to go home, think and ponder about the message, then after prayer, I come to know that his guidance was correct.
Yesterday the Bishop spoke to the congregation. I love when we get to hear from him. There is a spirit that fills the room and speaks to my heart like no other time. There were many things that he asked us to continue doing. Continue gathering food storage, continue to share the message of the gospel, stay out of debt (“no” on the new van for nowJ) and much more. There was one scripture he repeated several times, which stuck in my heart.
It is from the Doctrine & Covenants chapter 82:10. I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
The Lord has given us commandments. These commandments, if followed, will bring us more joy than we can fathom. He has promised us peace, comfort, love. He has promised us, “peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) He promised us we would receive comfort and peace. That means it WILL happen.
“But,” some may ask, “Why am I not receiving peace? Why am I in such turmoil?” The simple answer is that we have to do our part. If we want to receive all the Lord has, including His peace, we have to do His will. Then, we are promised, He is BOUND to keep His promise.
John 7:17 shares a similar principle, “If any man will do my will, He shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.” A person may claim that they have not received a testimony of the existence of a God. But, if I am interpreting this scripture correctly, they must first live the way God would desire them. Then they can receive a confirmation from the spirit that His existence is real. He is BOUND to this promise. He is BOUND to reveal his truth to us. It will happen. We have to believe it will.
In our church, there are many doctrines that some may take issue with. I know some who don’t have anything against the church per se, but they do not believe its doctrine of… such and such.
Here’s the thing, pure and simple, if we want to understand a principle, gain a testimony of something, or receive peace, we HAVE to do what the Lord has outlined for us. And that is when He will be bound to His promise. That is when we will have our answer, our testimony, our peace.
Whether we need to know if our sins are truly washed away through the atonement, whether or not we should follow the council to gather and store food, or that there is a God in Heaven that loves us, the answer is there. He has promised He will not leave us alone. He will not leave us comfortless. But we can not look to the world for our answers, we must trust the Lord will comfort us in His own way. He has promised us and is BOUND as long as we do His will.
Sometimes, it is especially hard for us to see these things. Sometimes, we can think ourselves out of believing because it doesn’t make sense logically. Sometimes, we give up because we figure we have already committed so many sins that there is no hope for us. Sometimes, there is a doctrine that doesn’t set well with us and we let it fester until it extinguishes our flame of testimony. Sometimes, we may feel so alone that we are unable to feel the tender arms of our Savior surround us.
If your heart is aching, if you feel as though you are lost, too far gone… remember He is bound. Our loving Father in Heaven will NEVER turn away a sincere prayer. It isn’t going to happen. What parent would say, “Tough bananas!” when they are approached by a child with a broken heart. For those who say, “I tried, I didn’t get and answer.” I would dare say try again and again.
A gymnast doesn’t make it to the Olympics simply by thinking long and hard then going to a couple practices. Our knees must hit the floor daily, sincerely, over and over again. Our hearts must turn to Him daily. Our minds must be clear of the world. The answer will come.
I know there is a God. I know that His Son is my Savior. He offered himself willingly to help me overcome death and sin. There is an enabling power that comes with this sacrifice. A power to overcome loneliness, a power to overcome sin, a power to KNOW that you are loved beyond measure. He has promised He will not leave us alone. We have to believe that. We have to do our best to live His teachings.
These are the thoughts that have been brewing since hearing our Bishop speak. I hope that I can remember these feelings and what we have been promised.
Yesterday the Bishop spoke to the congregation. I love when we get to hear from him. There is a spirit that fills the room and speaks to my heart like no other time. There were many things that he asked us to continue doing. Continue gathering food storage, continue to share the message of the gospel, stay out of debt (“no” on the new van for nowJ) and much more. There was one scripture he repeated several times, which stuck in my heart.
It is from the Doctrine & Covenants chapter 82:10. I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
The Lord has given us commandments. These commandments, if followed, will bring us more joy than we can fathom. He has promised us peace, comfort, love. He has promised us, “peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) He promised us we would receive comfort and peace. That means it WILL happen.
“But,” some may ask, “Why am I not receiving peace? Why am I in such turmoil?” The simple answer is that we have to do our part. If we want to receive all the Lord has, including His peace, we have to do His will. Then, we are promised, He is BOUND to keep His promise.
John 7:17 shares a similar principle, “If any man will do my will, He shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.” A person may claim that they have not received a testimony of the existence of a God. But, if I am interpreting this scripture correctly, they must first live the way God would desire them. Then they can receive a confirmation from the spirit that His existence is real. He is BOUND to this promise. He is BOUND to reveal his truth to us. It will happen. We have to believe it will.
In our church, there are many doctrines that some may take issue with. I know some who don’t have anything against the church per se, but they do not believe its doctrine of… such and such.
Here’s the thing, pure and simple, if we want to understand a principle, gain a testimony of something, or receive peace, we HAVE to do what the Lord has outlined for us. And that is when He will be bound to His promise. That is when we will have our answer, our testimony, our peace.
Whether we need to know if our sins are truly washed away through the atonement, whether or not we should follow the council to gather and store food, or that there is a God in Heaven that loves us, the answer is there. He has promised He will not leave us alone. He will not leave us comfortless. But we can not look to the world for our answers, we must trust the Lord will comfort us in His own way. He has promised us and is BOUND as long as we do His will.
Sometimes, it is especially hard for us to see these things. Sometimes, we can think ourselves out of believing because it doesn’t make sense logically. Sometimes, we give up because we figure we have already committed so many sins that there is no hope for us. Sometimes, there is a doctrine that doesn’t set well with us and we let it fester until it extinguishes our flame of testimony. Sometimes, we may feel so alone that we are unable to feel the tender arms of our Savior surround us.
If your heart is aching, if you feel as though you are lost, too far gone… remember He is bound. Our loving Father in Heaven will NEVER turn away a sincere prayer. It isn’t going to happen. What parent would say, “Tough bananas!” when they are approached by a child with a broken heart. For those who say, “I tried, I didn’t get and answer.” I would dare say try again and again.
A gymnast doesn’t make it to the Olympics simply by thinking long and hard then going to a couple practices. Our knees must hit the floor daily, sincerely, over and over again. Our hearts must turn to Him daily. Our minds must be clear of the world. The answer will come.
I know there is a God. I know that His Son is my Savior. He offered himself willingly to help me overcome death and sin. There is an enabling power that comes with this sacrifice. A power to overcome loneliness, a power to overcome sin, a power to KNOW that you are loved beyond measure. He has promised He will not leave us alone. We have to believe that. We have to do our best to live His teachings.
These are the thoughts that have been brewing since hearing our Bishop speak. I hope that I can remember these feelings and what we have been promised.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Just a little nibble...
If you were to total all the mosquitoes bites my family has between all of us, I am sure you would reach into the hundreds. I know I have at least a dozen -- as does B. J has at least triple that. His legs look like mini, hairy mine fields. All the family has been hit. But it isn't just us. This whole part of my city is INFESTED. We can't go outside without feeling like we are being the main course at this vermin's feast.
Thankfully, we received a lot of moisture this year. Being in a desert during a drought, there is no complaint from me in that regard. Still, mix 30% humidity, a little standing water and intense sun -- your going to breed a mosquito or two (hundred). I think I have supported Wal-mart just with the purchase of all our anti-itching cream and band-aids. I have learned if you use the Benadryl creme on a band-aid like Neosporin, it really helps reduce the inflammation. But, I haven't figured out how to convince a two year old she needs to keep the band-aids on.
A couple years ago we had mosquitoes SO bad. Maybe even worse than we do now. I decided to do something about it. A few neighbors and myself called and complained. After a myriad of phone calls and too much run around, I finally convinced the city to do something about it. So they tested -- set up one of those cool nets and everything. However, by the time they got around to it, it was near the end of mosquito season and our mosquito count didn't pack enough punch. In addition, they told us the empty field across the street belonged to the utility company, not the city or county, so they were not responsible for taking care of the flying menaces. Of course, the utility company had a different story.
So, here I sit. Scratching at these stupid bites while I try to type, thinking this must be one of those nuisances that came from Eve's little apple bite.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Mommy's Toy
When I was 11 my mom turned her sewing machine over to me and said "knock your self out." I was like an artist in a room of blank canvas. Only I can't paint and I hate sewing canvas. Still, I started sewing and never looked back. I made countless doll cloths, prom dresses even my own wedding dress. All with this little Viking Husqvarna my mom bought a year before I was born. It was a rock. I think I only had it tuned up once in the many years I used it.
Well, a few years ago, I decided it was time to upgrade. After all, we are in the computer age. Somehow, I convinced my DH that the computerized embroidery machine sitting in the Viking showroom was calling my name. I still have my mom's Husqvarna and, at 37 years old, it still sews a strong seam. I am so emotionally attached to it that it will remain with me as long as I am able to keep it. This new machine is -- well, WONDERFUL. It has all the quality and strength of my other Husqvarna... only it does really cool things ( like threading it's own needle). I have also gotten attached to this machine and it holds a place of honor in my sewing room.
For some morbid reason, I have been wanting to take up quilting (like I have the time). So,
I decided I to make one as a trial one to see if I like it. Don't ask me why. But I have begun. Actually, I only cut up a few pieces and laid them out to see if I liked the colors. I had them next to my sewing machine laid out carefully and deliberately.
One of my boys ventures into my little room to chat. This is fine. I always have my door open -- usually, though, I try to have stuff put away. But, because I was testing the colors of this silly quilt, it was all over my table. It only took a couple reaches and a bump for my son to undo what I had spent so much time on... Ok, deep breath. No big deal. I wasn't sure I liked that color pattern anyway.
Only moments later, another boy comes in. As he is telling me about his day, he begins to do gymnastics on my sewing table -- seriously. Well, I had just set a full cup of ice water down by my machine (what dummy does that?) and the WHOLE glass spilled out onto the table and -- you guessed it -- over to my sewing machine. The water travels under my machine and, hold your breath, straight into what's left of my quilt layout. We are talking about 2 cups of water here.
With speed that I only have when my children are seriously injured, I grabbed my machine, ripped off its cover and, while shouting for a towel, held it so the water would run off. At this point, I couldn't be concerned about the quilt. My son quickly grabbed a towel and we were able to wipe up the water. After further examination, I realized the water, thanks to my snake like reflexes, barely got the bottom wet. We tested it and it seemed to work fine, with the exception of a fine line that runs through the display (maybe that has always been there). The quilt will dry, but who knows if I will remember any of those patterns I laid out.
During the whole thing, my mind drifted to stories I have heard of mom's hugging their children when stuff like this happens, and I thought "I am not that mom!" After I calmed down, I realized how incredibly tense I had gotten. Over a sewing machine. That I had set the water by. My son has been doing flips since he was in my womb and I should know better to know he wasn't going to stop just because mommy's toy was in the way.
Just because I put "honey" at the end of a phrase doesn't make shouting it any less ugly. "DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN! Honey!" "HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU NOT TO DO FLIPS ON THE FURNITURE?!!?Honey? You get the idea.
So, tonight ended with an apology to my sweet little monkey and a big hug. I should never let material things get the best of me, but they did tonight.
Well, a few years ago, I decided it was time to upgrade. After all, we are in the computer age. Somehow, I convinced my DH that the computerized embroidery machine sitting in the Viking showroom was calling my name. I still have my mom's Husqvarna and, at 37 years old, it still sews a strong seam. I am so emotionally attached to it that it will remain with me as long as I am able to keep it. This new machine is -- well, WONDERFUL. It has all the quality and strength of my other Husqvarna... only it does really cool things ( like threading it's own needle). I have also gotten attached to this machine and it holds a place of honor in my sewing room.
For some morbid reason, I have been wanting to take up quilting (like I have the time). So,
I decided I to make one as a trial one to see if I like it. Don't ask me why. But I have begun. Actually, I only cut up a few pieces and laid them out to see if I liked the colors. I had them next to my sewing machine laid out carefully and deliberately.
One of my boys ventures into my little room to chat. This is fine. I always have my door open -- usually, though, I try to have stuff put away. But, because I was testing the colors of this silly quilt, it was all over my table. It only took a couple reaches and a bump for my son to undo what I had spent so much time on... Ok, deep breath. No big deal. I wasn't sure I liked that color pattern anyway.
Only moments later, another boy comes in. As he is telling me about his day, he begins to do gymnastics on my sewing table -- seriously. Well, I had just set a full cup of ice water down by my machine (what dummy does that?) and the WHOLE glass spilled out onto the table and -- you guessed it -- over to my sewing machine. The water travels under my machine and, hold your breath, straight into what's left of my quilt layout. We are talking about 2 cups of water here.
With speed that I only have when my children are seriously injured, I grabbed my machine, ripped off its cover and, while shouting for a towel, held it so the water would run off. At this point, I couldn't be concerned about the quilt. My son quickly grabbed a towel and we were able to wipe up the water. After further examination, I realized the water, thanks to my snake like reflexes, barely got the bottom wet. We tested it and it seemed to work fine, with the exception of a fine line that runs through the display (maybe that has always been there). The quilt will dry, but who knows if I will remember any of those patterns I laid out.
During the whole thing, my mind drifted to stories I have heard of mom's hugging their children when stuff like this happens, and I thought "I am not that mom!" After I calmed down, I realized how incredibly tense I had gotten. Over a sewing machine. That I had set the water by. My son has been doing flips since he was in my womb and I should know better to know he wasn't going to stop just because mommy's toy was in the way.
Just because I put "honey" at the end of a phrase doesn't make shouting it any less ugly. "DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN! Honey!" "HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU NOT TO DO FLIPS ON THE FURNITURE?!!?Honey? You get the idea.
So, tonight ended with an apology to my sweet little monkey and a big hug. I should never let material things get the best of me, but they did tonight.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
More than a babysitter
Two little lovers sitting in the tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes, love;
Then comes marriage;
Then comes the baby in the baby carriage.
What is missing from this classic chant is what happens next. See, usually, dad's have to go off to work and earn the money to keep the house running (Thank you!) Moms usually assume the primary role of caring for the home and children (don't inspect either of mine :)) But somehow during that process, a miscommunication develops about caring for children.
You see, there is a worrisome trend I am noticing. Some dads think that when they are left at home with their offspring, that they are babysitting. Seriously, how many dads do you know that have referred to watching their own kids as "babysitting?"
The term "babysit" is defined by Merriam Webster as "to care for children usually during a short absence of the parents."
I hate to break it to you dads, but it IS NOT babysitting to stay home with your OWN CHILDREN. Nope. Not at all. Just because mom steps out of the picture for a moment doesn't mean dads are just babysitting. Lets look at this squarely.
Dad sponsors spawn. Spawn grows up to be adorable-faced, little chubby creature. Dad lives in the home with said creature and refers to it as SON or DAUGHTER. Dad teaches son or daughter about important things. He reads them books. Sings them songs. Dad takes his son or daughter on special outings. He hugs them when they are sad and kisses them when they are hurt. Dad gives little ones priesthood blessings of healing and comfort. He worries for them. He prays for them. He does the difficult things like holding them down for a shot or pulling a tooth. Dads bring comfort to homes - a peace that is only present when the children are safe, protected and cared for. Dads go to work day after day when ,what they would really rather do is stay home and hold their babies.
This is definitely not the work of a "babysitter." This is the work of someone irreplaceable. Someone needed. Someone so important that a family can not be whole without him. This is a dad.
So dad's, next time you have to stay home with the kids while mom is out spending your hard earned money or having a girls night out. Don't reduce yourself to only a "babysitter." You are far more important than that. You are a dad. A father.
And, to the father of my children, thank you. Thank you for being this kind of dad.
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes, love;
Then comes marriage;
Then comes the baby in the baby carriage.
What is missing from this classic chant is what happens next. See, usually, dad's have to go off to work and earn the money to keep the house running (Thank you!) Moms usually assume the primary role of caring for the home and children (don't inspect either of mine :)) But somehow during that process, a miscommunication develops about caring for children.
You see, there is a worrisome trend I am noticing. Some dads think that when they are left at home with their offspring, that they are babysitting. Seriously, how many dads do you know that have referred to watching their own kids as "babysitting?"
The term "babysit" is defined by Merriam Webster as "to care for children usually during a short absence of the parents."
I hate to break it to you dads, but it IS NOT babysitting to stay home with your OWN CHILDREN. Nope. Not at all. Just because mom steps out of the picture for a moment doesn't mean dads are just babysitting. Lets look at this squarely.
Dad sponsors spawn. Spawn grows up to be adorable-faced, little chubby creature. Dad lives in the home with said creature and refers to it as SON or DAUGHTER. Dad teaches son or daughter about important things. He reads them books. Sings them songs. Dad takes his son or daughter on special outings. He hugs them when they are sad and kisses them when they are hurt. Dad gives little ones priesthood blessings of healing and comfort. He worries for them. He prays for them. He does the difficult things like holding them down for a shot or pulling a tooth. Dads bring comfort to homes - a peace that is only present when the children are safe, protected and cared for. Dads go to work day after day when ,what they would really rather do is stay home and hold their babies.
This is definitely not the work of a "babysitter." This is the work of someone irreplaceable. Someone needed. Someone so important that a family can not be whole without him. This is a dad.
So dad's, next time you have to stay home with the kids while mom is out spending your hard earned money or having a girls night out. Don't reduce yourself to only a "babysitter." You are far more important than that. You are a dad. A father.
And, to the father of my children, thank you. Thank you for being this kind of dad.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Finally!
I started on this 4 book series call "Faith of our Fathers" by N.C. Allen. It is an historical fiction based off of the Civil War. I love historical novels -- can't get enough of them. I found this one at Deseret Book and after the 2nd book in the series, found out they had stopped printing the hard bound version of these books. No problem, I would get the softcover. Except, that was all sold out. It would be 6-8 weeks minimum before they were reprinted. Well, time passed and no book. I had the 4th and last book in the series waiting patiently to be read. I scoured the Internet but to no avail. Finally, someone mentioned the Public Library. In this electronic age, I hadn't even thought of going "old school" to find this book. So, yesterday, before the weekly story time, I found this book waiting for me. I know the library is supposed to be quiet, but I briefly lost my senses as a"YES" escaped my mouth. Go Library!!!
Now, off I go to find out what happened to Luke, what started the Irish riots in New York and who was really responsible for the abolitionist's building being burned. Such a good book.
Now, off I go to find out what happened to Luke, what started the Irish riots in New York and who was really responsible for the abolitionist's building being burned. Such a good book.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Mysterious Rash
Tomorrow is B's birthday. I found this adorable little dress for her to wear to church today as her "birthday dress." I was so excited to see my little baby doll all dressed up in it. Even with her rash, she looks so cute (If I can brag a bit)
When we awoke this morning we found this awful rash on B's face. These photos were taken in the afternoon, the swelling had gone way down by then. When she woke up, her left eye was all puffy. It doesn't seem to bother her at all but we can't figure out where it came from.
Our best guesses include: a reaction to the chlorine in the pool. She went swimming yesterday but has been many times this summer with no effects OR going head first on the slide -- maybe burning her face on the slide. But if you look closely, it is on her eyelid and under her chin... both places that wouldn't be affected by a slide burn. However, the left side has a horrible patch which makes it look like a burn. We haven't switched any detergents, soaps or foods. What on earth could this be???
When we awoke this morning we found this awful rash on B's face. These photos were taken in the afternoon, the swelling had gone way down by then. When she woke up, her left eye was all puffy. It doesn't seem to bother her at all but we can't figure out where it came from.
Our best guesses include: a reaction to the chlorine in the pool. She went swimming yesterday but has been many times this summer with no effects OR going head first on the slide -- maybe burning her face on the slide. But if you look closely, it is on her eyelid and under her chin... both places that wouldn't be affected by a slide burn. However, the left side has a horrible patch which makes it look like a burn. We haven't switched any detergents, soaps or foods. What on earth could this be???
Saturday, September 13, 2008
10 things that REALLY bug me!
For the most part, I am a pretty easy going gal. Not too many things ruffle my feathers. At least that is what I would like to believe. If you ask my family, they might give you a different story, but since they are not here, and this is MY blog, I will tell you I am pretty good to go with the flow. However, there are a few things that get me riled up EVERY TIME, again and again. Because I thought it was important for the virtual world to know these things, I am sharing them with you.
10. Sales people acting like they are your buddy and they really want to know how you are doing. “How is the weather there?” “I know someone with your same name.” And my personal favorite… “I know you are the kind of person who likes to…” C’mon. All they really want is to sell you something and increase their commission.
9. Individuals who ridicule or belittle the way you feel or believe about something. It’s not like we are all marching out of a clone machine. We do have differences. I won’t ridicule your beliefs, you don’t ridicule mine.
8. Parents who don’t believe an airbag will injure their child. Here is proof that babies belong in the BACK seat!
7. And while we are on the subject of vehicle safety… What is up with motorcyclists not wearing helmets? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that a bare head meeting asphalt at 60 mph is going to cause some serious damage.
6. People you love doing really stupid things and, as much as you would like to beat some common sense into them, you can’t do the slightest thing.
5. Those STUPID verification codes that you have to decipher. They are so hard to read; half the time I don’t even get it right. But as if that isn’t enough… there is the button to click if you are visually impaired. Does anyone see the irony here? If you can’t see the code, how are you going to see the “click here” button? If you are visually impaired, does that button speak to you or something? It’s about as useful as a trap door in a canoe!
4. Monkeys, I mean children, hanging from those little hande grips in the car. And when I say hanging, I mean it in every sense of the word: “swinging upside down with feet on the roof” hanging. There is a place for that and it is in the gym, not the car!
3. Anyone who blames another person or situation for his/her problems. Oh – I do it too, but really. We are all big folk and can make our own decisions. Your mom did not cause all your paranoia and the “bomb scare” doesn’t have to dictate how you behave in public. (speaking personally here)
2. Someone who professes to believe one thing and actually lives a different way. What is up with good Mormon girls swearing on their blogs? Why do people hold resentment for a church they CHOOSE to belong to because it “makes” them live differently than they really want to? (see item #3) Really, do you expect to get away with that excuse forever?
1. This makes me madder than mule chewing on bumblebees! I hate when I am scrolling through and innocent site, thinking it is family friendly and suddenly, without warning, something pops up that I had no desire to see. Everywhere I turn, I have to have my “blinders” on. Even bumper stickers and decals can get pretty descriptive. It is the same with TV shows. Prime time, network TV should be a relatively safe place, at least for channel surfing. But I am always surprised at what people can fit into a split second. Good books turn to smut, otherwise great websites get blocked, magazines turned over or requested for removal, songs get deleted. Spyware is installed, spam arrest is fitted in place and filters are secured. AND STILL!!! Obscenities, crudity and pornography seem to be rapping at my door daily. Seriously people! I don’t want to read it! I don’t want to hear it and I definitely don’t want to see it!!! What gives these people the right to put this stuff out there? It’s like blowing smoke in my face!
There you have it… my top ten. Actually, I am thinking I can add more but if I do, I would have to rescind the above comment about not getting too worked up. I think that comment may actually be wishful thinking!
10. Sales people acting like they are your buddy and they really want to know how you are doing. “How is the weather there?” “I know someone with your same name.” And my personal favorite… “I know you are the kind of person who likes to…” C’mon. All they really want is to sell you something and increase their commission.
9. Individuals who ridicule or belittle the way you feel or believe about something. It’s not like we are all marching out of a clone machine. We do have differences. I won’t ridicule your beliefs, you don’t ridicule mine.
8. Parents who don’t believe an airbag will injure their child. Here is proof that babies belong in the BACK seat!
7. And while we are on the subject of vehicle safety… What is up with motorcyclists not wearing helmets? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that a bare head meeting asphalt at 60 mph is going to cause some serious damage.
6. People you love doing really stupid things and, as much as you would like to beat some common sense into them, you can’t do the slightest thing.
5. Those STUPID verification codes that you have to decipher. They are so hard to read; half the time I don’t even get it right. But as if that isn’t enough… there is the button to click if you are visually impaired. Does anyone see the irony here? If you can’t see the code, how are you going to see the “click here” button? If you are visually impaired, does that button speak to you or something? It’s about as useful as a trap door in a canoe!
4. Monkeys, I mean children, hanging from those little hande grips in the car. And when I say hanging, I mean it in every sense of the word: “swinging upside down with feet on the roof” hanging. There is a place for that and it is in the gym, not the car!
3. Anyone who blames another person or situation for his/her problems. Oh – I do it too, but really. We are all big folk and can make our own decisions. Your mom did not cause all your paranoia and the “bomb scare” doesn’t have to dictate how you behave in public. (speaking personally here)
2. Someone who professes to believe one thing and actually lives a different way. What is up with good Mormon girls swearing on their blogs? Why do people hold resentment for a church they CHOOSE to belong to because it “makes” them live differently than they really want to? (see item #3) Really, do you expect to get away with that excuse forever?
1. This makes me madder than mule chewing on bumblebees! I hate when I am scrolling through and innocent site, thinking it is family friendly and suddenly, without warning, something pops up that I had no desire to see. Everywhere I turn, I have to have my “blinders” on. Even bumper stickers and decals can get pretty descriptive. It is the same with TV shows. Prime time, network TV should be a relatively safe place, at least for channel surfing. But I am always surprised at what people can fit into a split second. Good books turn to smut, otherwise great websites get blocked, magazines turned over or requested for removal, songs get deleted. Spyware is installed, spam arrest is fitted in place and filters are secured. AND STILL!!! Obscenities, crudity and pornography seem to be rapping at my door daily. Seriously people! I don’t want to read it! I don’t want to hear it and I definitely don’t want to see it!!! What gives these people the right to put this stuff out there? It’s like blowing smoke in my face!
There you have it… my top ten. Actually, I am thinking I can add more but if I do, I would have to rescind the above comment about not getting too worked up. I think that comment may actually be wishful thinking!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
God Bless America!
I think there have been many of us that have felt the somberness of today's significance in our Country's history. I know that 9/11 burned a loyalty to America and FREEDOM deeper than I ever thought possible. Today we all remember those who died innocently. I am reminded of the people that Alma and Amulek preached to in the Book of Mormon. This story is found here. Alma was a prophet who was preaching with Amulek, a great man, but also a "local" in the city being preached to. Amulek knew these people he was teaching. There were some who didn't like what these men were teaching and decided to "punish" them by casting out and killing all their believers. So, expelled the believing men from the city and created a large pit of fire for the women and children. Then, they made Alma and Amulek (remember he KNEW these people, maybe even his wife and kids) watch them die. All because of someone's belief. Because someone didn't like what another person believed. They were willing to kill these people.
Even though details are different, I can't help seeing the painful comparison. Here we are in America, because we believe in FREEDOM. And someone over in another part of the world doesn’t like it. So, they make us watch as those we know and love, die for their beliefs.
How many times can mankind do this to each other? Throughout history, there have been horrific reminders that the “natural man is an enemy to God.” From Cain to Hitler to bin Laden, Satan will use whoever will do his bidding.
Thankfully, there came good from this day. I remember for the next couple weeks, feeling like every stranger I met was a friend. We shared something in common. I remember the feeling of patriotism that filled just about everyone. People you didn’t know were saying “God Bless,” flags were flown, blood banks were overfilled. In spite of the tragedy, we got to see what America really is; a bunch of great people in this thing together. Thank you to all the unsung heroes.
I know I just posted about a song, but I really love this Alan Jackson one… it sums up my feelings exactly.
God Bless America!
Even though details are different, I can't help seeing the painful comparison. Here we are in America, because we believe in FREEDOM. And someone over in another part of the world doesn’t like it. So, they make us watch as those we know and love, die for their beliefs.
How many times can mankind do this to each other? Throughout history, there have been horrific reminders that the “natural man is an enemy to God.” From Cain to Hitler to bin Laden, Satan will use whoever will do his bidding.Thankfully, there came good from this day. I remember for the next couple weeks, feeling like every stranger I met was a friend. We shared something in common. I remember the feeling of patriotism that filled just about everyone. People you didn’t know were saying “God Bless,” flags were flown, blood banks were overfilled. In spite of the tragedy, we got to see what America really is; a bunch of great people in this thing together. Thank you to all the unsung heroes.
I know I just posted about a song, but I really love this Alan Jackson one… it sums up my feelings exactly.
God Bless America!
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
HE DID IT!!! MY EAGLE SCOUT!!!
S turned 13 in May. By June, he had finished his Eagle Project. Shortly thereafter, he had his paperwork in and tonight, he officially earned the rank of EAGLE SCOUT!!!
I am so proud of him! S saw a need in the community and his soft heart reached out to the children at Sunshine Acres. He collected much needed hygiene items for this "donation run" organization. He has been motivated since he started Boy Scouts and has set such a great example for those around him!! Way to GO!!!!
Confessions of a Slacker
Somehow in my effort to help my family eat healthy, a king size Milky Way bar made it's way into my fridge. I didn't buy it, so I knew it must be for one of the kids. Maybe a reward for something.
But there it was, staring me in the face every time I opened the fridge. I did what any good mother would do. I got rid of it. After all, I couldn't have my kids eating that. How would that help them? How could they break bad habits and get healthy with that chocolate temptation right there in the fridge.
So, I carefully took the offending bar upstairs and unwrapped its delicious chocolateness. Then I went back down stairs. I figured if I had to climb the stairs to eat the candy bar, it wouldn't be so bad, right? Suddenly I was going upstairs more than ever and quickly polished off the treat.
As it turns out, it was actually part of S's homework. Yeah -- I ate my sons homework.
But there it was, staring me in the face every time I opened the fridge. I did what any good mother would do. I got rid of it. After all, I couldn't have my kids eating that. How would that help them? How could they break bad habits and get healthy with that chocolate temptation right there in the fridge.So, I carefully took the offending bar upstairs and unwrapped its delicious chocolateness. Then I went back down stairs. I figured if I had to climb the stairs to eat the candy bar, it wouldn't be so bad, right? Suddenly I was going upstairs more than ever and quickly polished off the treat.
As it turns out, it was actually part of S's homework. Yeah -- I ate my sons homework.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Get your "Squeak" on!
Each of my children has a current obsession, if you read through my posts enough, you will figure them out. Right now, J's is Alvin and the Chipmunks. Nevermind that he is 11!!!! When it came time to paint his room, I had to anticipe that he might adjust his current fixation sooner than later: say, when he starts liking girls. I really attempted to paint his room in a versatile scheme. The idea was to find vinyl sticker chipmunks to place around the room that we would be able to remove later. See, this was my conniving mothering ways… he just thought it was cool. I thought, “I won’t have to look at these crazy rodents forever.” This is as far as we got. His room has been painted for a month now. But as it turns out NO ONE has vinyl sticker chipmunks – ugggh. So in spite of my vigilant effort to finish this room, I am afraid I may have to actually paint them on. And that could take – well – forever. Of course, when Alvin and his posse turn out looking more like the Adams Family, J may wished we had left it this way.
Monday, September 8, 2008
New Favortie Song
My sister sent me this song because she thought of me and my husband. I love it!!! So, after a sappy day, I had to post it. It is just a great "feel good" song by Jason Mraz.
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Saturday, September 6, 2008
Not an exact science...
Alright, I have to post about this because it is SOOO insane and can only happen on TV -- or in my family. Warning: it might gross you out.
My FIL recently experienced some chest pain and went into the DR for it. After the DR did much persuading of insurance and other doctors, he did some fancy new test that determined my FIL had about 70% blockage. However, the test must have been difficult to read because some interpreted it to be 50% or 60%. It was determined that my FIL needed an angiogram to determine the extent of the blockage. The angio was set for ONE WEEK away. Umm, heart. Beating. In Crisis. DO IT NOW!
In the meant time, my FIL started experiencing more chest pain and shortness of breath. Being the strong, determined individual he is, he wasn't going to go into the doctor. Afterall, it was no different than before and they sent him home. Being the pigheaded, "always-willing-to-stick-my-nose-in-other's-business" type of person that I am, I threatened to carry him to the doctor myself if he didn't go in. Remember that for later.
Well, my MIL was also very worried and had called the doctor who said bring him right in. So my FIL went to the clinic-type doctors office and was monitored for most of the day. Of course he didn't have anything to eat because they were waiting to see if he needed an angiogram, in which case he wouldn't be able to eat. His nurse tried to "sneak" him some chocolate so he wouldn't be hungry. Thankfully, my FIL refused and later we found out that little bit of chocolate would have interacted negatively on a test they administered.
The medical staff decided to transport my FIL via ambulance to the ER in order to "fast track" him into the heart hospital. Just before he left the doctor's office, the nurse gave him Heparin. This is a blood thinner they use in heart patients for one reason or another. The problem was they OVERDOSED him 10x too much. Yup... TEN TIMES. As in they moved the decimal over one space. As in they could have KILLED him.
Well, he gets to the ER and the ER nurse (a different one from the overdosing one) runs an IV on him and begins to administer Morphine. Even though my FIL was complaining of it hurting, the nurse isn't aware that she totally missed my FIL's vein. She put the needle under his skin like on a TB test and began filling up his arm with morphine. About the time his arm became 3 times its size, they figured it out. Well, with the over dose of Heparin, he just kept bleeding and bleeding. So, now his arm is black and blue. Even a week later, his arm is so bruised it looks like a semi ran over it. He can't move it and it is constantly sore. They had to do an ultrasound on his arm to make sure he didn't have a life threatening infection in it and were worried for a while that he might loose his arm.
OK, once his bleeding from the Heparin stopped, 24 hours later, they could start on the heart tests. They decided to do a chemical stress test. This is where they stress out your heart with chemicals to see how it reacts. It requires a radiologist there to read the results as they are happening. So the cardiologist and nurses say they are ready and begin the test. Right as they are getting to the end of the test, the cardiologist says "where's the radiologist?" They had done the test without all the proper medical staff there. So, what do they do? Do it again, of course. Five minutes after the first one. My FIL was in so much pain that my MIL was in tears. The test concluded that he actually DIDN'T have 70% blockage. If they had done this old standby test in the first place, he could have avoided the whole thing. But, this particular doctor they used, really wanted to do this other test. It was a test the insurance said was not reliable.
As if that wasn't enough, the day he was supposed to be released, he got a fever. So they ran some blood work and determined my FIL had contracted E-Coli. Hmmm, since he didn't have it going into the hospital, he could have only gotten it FROM the hospital. Oh yeah -- and they also mistakenly diagnosed him with acute renal failure.
So, after about 4 or 5 days in the hospital. My FIL comes home. All he needs for his heart is medicine. He could have avoided all of this if they had done the right test in the first place. But can you imagine the guilt I feel! I told him he had to go and if he didn't then I would make him. But if he didn't go in, he would have had an unnecessary angiogram --and his arm would have been of use.
Can you believe this? No, I don't think there is going to be any legal action. But seriously!!!
My FIL recently experienced some chest pain and went into the DR for it. After the DR did much persuading of insurance and other doctors, he did some fancy new test that determined my FIL had about 70% blockage. However, the test must have been difficult to read because some interpreted it to be 50% or 60%. It was determined that my FIL needed an angiogram to determine the extent of the blockage. The angio was set for ONE WEEK away. Umm, heart. Beating. In Crisis. DO IT NOW!
In the meant time, my FIL started experiencing more chest pain and shortness of breath. Being the strong, determined individual he is, he wasn't going to go into the doctor. Afterall, it was no different than before and they sent him home. Being the pigheaded, "always-willing-to-stick-my-nose-in-other's-business" type of person that I am, I threatened to carry him to the doctor myself if he didn't go in. Remember that for later.
Well, my MIL was also very worried and had called the doctor who said bring him right in. So my FIL went to the clinic-type doctors office and was monitored for most of the day. Of course he didn't have anything to eat because they were waiting to see if he needed an angiogram, in which case he wouldn't be able to eat. His nurse tried to "sneak" him some chocolate so he wouldn't be hungry. Thankfully, my FIL refused and later we found out that little bit of chocolate would have interacted negatively on a test they administered.
The medical staff decided to transport my FIL via ambulance to the ER in order to "fast track" him into the heart hospital. Just before he left the doctor's office, the nurse gave him Heparin. This is a blood thinner they use in heart patients for one reason or another. The problem was they OVERDOSED him 10x too much. Yup... TEN TIMES. As in they moved the decimal over one space. As in they could have KILLED him.
Well, he gets to the ER and the ER nurse (a different one from the overdosing one) runs an IV on him and begins to administer Morphine. Even though my FIL was complaining of it hurting, the nurse isn't aware that she totally missed my FIL's vein. She put the needle under his skin like on a TB test and began filling up his arm with morphine. About the time his arm became 3 times its size, they figured it out. Well, with the over dose of Heparin, he just kept bleeding and bleeding. So, now his arm is black and blue. Even a week later, his arm is so bruised it looks like a semi ran over it. He can't move it and it is constantly sore. They had to do an ultrasound on his arm to make sure he didn't have a life threatening infection in it and were worried for a while that he might loose his arm.
OK, once his bleeding from the Heparin stopped, 24 hours later, they could start on the heart tests. They decided to do a chemical stress test. This is where they stress out your heart with chemicals to see how it reacts. It requires a radiologist there to read the results as they are happening. So the cardiologist and nurses say they are ready and begin the test. Right as they are getting to the end of the test, the cardiologist says "where's the radiologist?" They had done the test without all the proper medical staff there. So, what do they do? Do it again, of course. Five minutes after the first one. My FIL was in so much pain that my MIL was in tears. The test concluded that he actually DIDN'T have 70% blockage. If they had done this old standby test in the first place, he could have avoided the whole thing. But, this particular doctor they used, really wanted to do this other test. It was a test the insurance said was not reliable.
As if that wasn't enough, the day he was supposed to be released, he got a fever. So they ran some blood work and determined my FIL had contracted E-Coli. Hmmm, since he didn't have it going into the hospital, he could have only gotten it FROM the hospital. Oh yeah -- and they also mistakenly diagnosed him with acute renal failure.
So, after about 4 or 5 days in the hospital. My FIL comes home. All he needs for his heart is medicine. He could have avoided all of this if they had done the right test in the first place. But can you imagine the guilt I feel! I told him he had to go and if he didn't then I would make him. But if he didn't go in, he would have had an unnecessary angiogram --and his arm would have been of use.
Can you believe this? No, I don't think there is going to be any legal action. But seriously!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
100% PROFIT
My little boys, R and T, got the great idea to sell rocks. Truthfully, the little boy down the street had the idea, and my boys wanted to give him some competition. So, they got a little container for the rocks and made their sign. Look at how much they were charging! The sign says " $1.00 or more ROCKS"
Well, a good friend was kind enough to stop and bargain with the boys. After talking them down to $0.25 a rock, he bought 6 rocks. The boys were pretty excited.
At dinner, the older boys were baffled that their brothers would try to sell rocks. S asked, "who is going to buy rocks?" When I told him that his scout leader did, he asked incredulously,"So you just go get free rocks from our backyard and sell them?"
R answered, "No, we got them from the neighbor's yard." Oh dear.
Trying to make the point that you can't just take people things, even rocks, and sell them, my husband asked, teasing, "Why didn't you just get their TV and sell that?"
T answered in all the sincerity of innocence, "Because we couldn't carry it."
So, to my neighbors. We owe you 6 rocks and you had better bolt down your TV.
Oh, My Beautiful Bosch!
Today I really wanted homemade bread. B was in a good mood and I justified putting everything else off until later. I was going to make bread today. I have a good friend who gave me a no-fail recipe for whole wheat bread (email me if you want it). I have made it a number of times with success. Well, today didn't go as well as usual.
I had added everything to my Bosch and was turning around to get warm water for the bread. I was literally 2 feet away from the mixer and, like I always do, left it mixing while I got the water to add to it. Imagine my surprise when I turned back to the mixer and see it plunging to the floor. Of course not all the water was mixed in, so I got this combination of "bread mud" and water all over. It took forever to clean up and I know I will still be finding hardened bread dough for weeks.
Thankfully, my Bosch wasn't damaged. Not even the prongs on the plug were bent from being ripped out of the wall. And, just in case you were worried, I didn't use this batch. I threw it all out and started over. UGGG!
I had added everything to my Bosch and was turning around to get warm water for the bread. I was literally 2 feet away from the mixer and, like I always do, left it mixing while I got the water to add to it. Imagine my surprise when I turned back to the mixer and see it plunging to the floor. Of course not all the water was mixed in, so I got this combination of "bread mud" and water all over. It took forever to clean up and I know I will still be finding hardened bread dough for weeks.
Thankfully, my Bosch wasn't damaged. Not even the prongs on the plug were bent from being ripped out of the wall. And, just in case you were worried, I didn't use this batch. I threw it all out and started over. UGGG!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Politics -- not as usual
OK -- So where did this Sarah Palin come from. Holy Cow! Can she sell a used car or what? I am sitting here watching her speech for a SECOND time. I am very impressed.
When I found out about her nomination, I remember I called my sister and said, "Is he trying to loose this election or what?" I figured McCain was just trying to sway women voters -- or something to that effect.
I struggled with the idea of a women in the White House. I know we women can do great things, but I have very well established conservative, stereotypical ideas of who should run the country.
I didn't think a woman who had young children should even begin to consider this VP job. But now I find myself hoping McCain kicks the bucket (not really) and she becomes President.
I know its still early, but right now, I am totally loving Sarah Palin! I understand her, I like her sense of humor. She seems like someone I would sit down with at lunch and swap stories about our kids. I like her no-nonsense attitude and her "mother bear", patriotic instincts. I love that she isn't a "polished" politician. She comes from a regular life, a life like mine. She is easy to believe.
I was not prepared for Sarah Palin... but I find her very refreshing. I hope she is all that she seems to be. I think she will help maintain the America I love so much. Today I say, "MOMS OF THE WORLD UNITE!" Way to go!!
When I found out about her nomination, I remember I called my sister and said, "Is he trying to loose this election or what?" I figured McCain was just trying to sway women voters -- or something to that effect.
I struggled with the idea of a women in the White House. I know we women can do great things, but I have very well established conservative, stereotypical ideas of who should run the country.
I didn't think a woman who had young children should even begin to consider this VP job. But now I find myself hoping McCain kicks the bucket (not really) and she becomes President.
I know its still early, but right now, I am totally loving Sarah Palin! I understand her, I like her sense of humor. She seems like someone I would sit down with at lunch and swap stories about our kids. I like her no-nonsense attitude and her "mother bear", patriotic instincts. I love that she isn't a "polished" politician. She comes from a regular life, a life like mine. She is easy to believe.
I was not prepared for Sarah Palin... but I find her very refreshing. I hope she is all that she seems to be. I think she will help maintain the America I love so much. Today I say, "MOMS OF THE WORLD UNITE!" Way to go!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Family in Crisis
I don't know this family, but for some reason this story has touched me. This is a local family here who survived a terrible plane crash. I found out about them through other blogs. Take a look at the story and the links. There are many ways to help them.
This blog is kept by the victims sister. There is a link here for donations.
This site will give you updates and specific ways to help through auctions.
It's hard enough raising a family without adding major injuries to the mix. There is always something we can do.
This blog is kept by the victims sister. There is a link here for donations.
This site will give you updates and specific ways to help through auctions.
It's hard enough raising a family without adding major injuries to the mix. There is always something we can do.
Cucamonga
No, I am not talking about the city in California... I am talking about a hideous little creature that has plagued our life for the last 10 or so years. Seriously, Cucamonga is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. You have to click on the thumbnail to get a decent idea of his grotesqueness.
You see, hubby's sister thought it would be so funny to start this tradition. she hides a ugly creature somewhere in our house, it takes us months to find it, then we have to hide it in her house. It has been fun, I had last sent Cucamonga to my SIL's work place by UPS. I thought it was pretty great. Well, somehow, he ended up back at our house. I found him the other day cleaning out some cupboards.
Ok - so here is the kicker. I posted a while ago about B loving her little "friends." She goes through phases. Well, she has taken to this beast like it was the cutest thing in the world. She talks to it, sings to it, pushes it on the swing. Has she even taken time to LOOK at it? I mean really -- can't she see how terribly frightening it is?
I don't know how I am going to get Cucamonga away from her to hide it for my SIL. Once B adds "friends" to her collection, there is no way to get them away from her. You should see her little family she has created... Maybe that will have to be another picture, another day.
So here she is, ready for bed (ponytail hair and all)... loving her new little friend. Along with a couple other members of her gang. (the pink blankie bear in the middle is her old standby)
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