When my mom was in college, she and her roomates had this "deal". Whenever you kissed a guy for the first time you had to buy everyone ice cream. Some of my siblings have kept on the tradition.
No, I do not owe because of a first kiss (Ryan paid that years ago, I believe). But I do owe A., one of my Mia Maids ice cream tomorrow.
Two weeks ago I asked her to come to church with me (like I do every week) and she said no (like she does every week). I had asked her several times why she didn't want to come, she doesn't really have a reason. We've talked about how she doesn't understand alot of what is going on but how if she starts coming, she will start to. But week after week she says she doesn't want to come.
This particular week (2 weeks ago) I decided to start the bribes. I told her if she would come to church I would take her to ice cream the next day. She said she would, but then didn't show (even after I called in the morning to make sure she got up and ready!).
Last night I called again, to see if she would come with me. She said no. Today when Sacrament meeting was over Ryan said to me, "Did you see that L. is here?" (A's mom) I looked back... AND A. WAS WITH HER!!! I practically jumped the pews to get back to her! (Okay, not really. But I got to her as soon as I possibly could.) I gave her a huge hug and told her that she just made my entire week! They told me that they didn't tell me because they wanted to surprise me. It worked!
So to keep my promise, I am taking her to ice cream tomorrow. After church I asked if she will come again next week and she said yes. I hope and pray she does. She is going with the young women to girl's camp this week. It could be a wonderful experience for her.
I know I shouldn't get my hopes up too much, not yet at least. But I am really hoping this is a turning point for her.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Going, Going, Gone
We are back down to 2 cars. Last night we sold the Pontiac Bonneville to our friends/neighbors. We are always nervous about doing "business" with friends. But this time we aren't concerned. The friend is a mechanic and great with cars. He checked it over really well.
Before we bought the Odyssey, we had no real concerns about the Bonnie. It was a very reliable car for us and we didn't have very many problems at all. Though, we were well aware that it is now 10 years old and has LOTS of miles on it. We were still planning on taking it up to Canada next month - at least until we bought the minivan. Now having the Odyssey we are already spoiled to the point where we wouldn't want to drive the Bonnie on anymore road trips. We have already forgotten how much we did trust the Bonnie just a couple of months ago!
So as we've approached selling it, we made sure to emphasize how old that car is! We've told everyone how it has been a great, reliable car for us but we don't know how long that will last. Now that we've sold it and have heard the confidence that our friend has in it (after he drove it and checked it out) we remember, Oh yeah. It was a great car. And it is still pretty reliable.
We also told our friends what we attribute to the success of our vehicles (paying tithing and praying for their good running daily) - I'm serious! We don't doubt that we have been blessed with few car problems because of those two things. Try it, it works.
Before we bought the Odyssey, we had no real concerns about the Bonnie. It was a very reliable car for us and we didn't have very many problems at all. Though, we were well aware that it is now 10 years old and has LOTS of miles on it. We were still planning on taking it up to Canada next month - at least until we bought the minivan. Now having the Odyssey we are already spoiled to the point where we wouldn't want to drive the Bonnie on anymore road trips. We have already forgotten how much we did trust the Bonnie just a couple of months ago!
So as we've approached selling it, we made sure to emphasize how old that car is! We've told everyone how it has been a great, reliable car for us but we don't know how long that will last. Now that we've sold it and have heard the confidence that our friend has in it (after he drove it and checked it out) we remember, Oh yeah. It was a great car. And it is still pretty reliable.
We also told our friends what we attribute to the success of our vehicles (paying tithing and praying for their good running daily) - I'm serious! We don't doubt that we have been blessed with few car problems because of those two things. Try it, it works.
Friday, July 29, 2005
The Price is Right
One half-hour horse riding lesson a week for four weeks: $60
Gas to and from riding lessons: $4.66 (per day)
Bottle of water to drink after riding in the sun: $1.25
Happy Meal for dinner grabbed on the way home: $3.69
Seeing her sit in the saddle and love every minute of it: Priceless
This is Sugar. We don't know if she will get to ride Sugar every week or if it will be a different horse each time. Sugar was a great horse to ride, very gentle, easy to guide, and very soft!
Gas to and from riding lessons: $4.66 (per day)
Bottle of water to drink after riding in the sun: $1.25
Happy Meal for dinner grabbed on the way home: $3.69
Seeing her sit in the saddle and love every minute of it: Priceless
This is Sugar. We don't know if she will get to ride Sugar every week or if it will be a different horse each time. Sugar was a great horse to ride, very gentle, easy to guide, and very soft!
A mother's job is never done.
1. What was your first job?
Besides babysitting and besides cleaning houses for a couple of families at church, my first real taxes-withheld-paying job was working at Brooks Clothing and Outlet Store in Florin Mall. I liked it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount! I didn't like it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount = I didn't really take home much $$$. Took home some really cute outfits though!
2. How much did you make?
I'm sure I started at minimum wage. I think that was about $6.50/hour at that time.
3. Describe your least favorite co-worker of all time.
I have blocked it out of memory! lol, Really I can't think of anyone. The only thing I can think of was when I worked at Gymboree. That is the least favorite job I've ever had and so that is probably why I didn't like the people very much either. They had TONS of role-playing meetings, quotas, scripted sales pitches - it was NOT ME! The manager was constantly telling me to role-play with her using the scripted lines and I hated it!
4. What is your dream job?
Now or then? Well, honestly I guess the answer is the same for either. I have always wanted to be a killer whale and dolphin trainer. Seriously. And I think I would have pursued it if I hadn't chosen to marry and have a family instead. I am glad I made that choice (ie. stay at home while raising Acadia) and wouldn't change it for the world - not even killer whales. But whale training still keeps the title "dream job".
5. What do you currently do and do you like it?
Uh, I think I answered that in the last question.
But to clarify... I stay at home. No, not eating Bon Bons and watching soap operas. Not on the phone gossiping about the neighborhood real life "desperate housewives". Not sleeping in all day. Not even (despite popular belief and apparent evidence otherwise) sitting on the computer "surfing the net" or blogging all day. (Though I do make sure to squeeze it in, usually daily.)
I am a stay at home MOM. And that means I work like a dog all day long. It means I get no sick days, vacation time, or even holidays. There are no breaks, not even for lunch. I get no over-time pay and don't even think about double-time! I work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and my work will never be done until the day I die.
I don't think anyone who isn't a mom can understand that fully. Not until they are one. And guys never will. They think they do when they become dads, but they are only seeing part of it.
That is just they way it is. But I am glad to be a mom, and especially an at-home-mom. While there aren't breaks, OT, or holidays, there ARE amazing benefits. Kisses and snuggles from the cutest girl on the planet. Handmade drawings of just her and I encircled with hearts and "X"s and "O"s. Hearing everyone (even strangers) say, "You look just like your mom!" And even better, hearing her say, "I want to be just like my mom when I grow up." What job could possible be better than mine?
Besides babysitting and besides cleaning houses for a couple of families at church, my first real taxes-withheld-paying job was working at Brooks Clothing and Outlet Store in Florin Mall. I liked it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount! I didn't like it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount = I didn't really take home much $$$. Took home some really cute outfits though!
2. How much did you make?
I'm sure I started at minimum wage. I think that was about $6.50/hour at that time.
3. Describe your least favorite co-worker of all time.
I have blocked it out of memory! lol, Really I can't think of anyone. The only thing I can think of was when I worked at Gymboree. That is the least favorite job I've ever had and so that is probably why I didn't like the people very much either. They had TONS of role-playing meetings, quotas, scripted sales pitches - it was NOT ME! The manager was constantly telling me to role-play with her using the scripted lines and I hated it!
4. What is your dream job?
Now or then? Well, honestly I guess the answer is the same for either. I have always wanted to be a killer whale and dolphin trainer. Seriously. And I think I would have pursued it if I hadn't chosen to marry and have a family instead. I am glad I made that choice (ie. stay at home while raising Acadia) and wouldn't change it for the world - not even killer whales. But whale training still keeps the title "dream job".
5. What do you currently do and do you like it?
Uh, I think I answered that in the last question.
But to clarify... I stay at home. No, not eating Bon Bons and watching soap operas. Not on the phone gossiping about the neighborhood real life "desperate housewives". Not sleeping in all day. Not even (despite popular belief and apparent evidence otherwise) sitting on the computer "surfing the net" or blogging all day. (Though I do make sure to squeeze it in, usually daily.)
I am a stay at home MOM. And that means I work like a dog all day long. It means I get no sick days, vacation time, or even holidays. There are no breaks, not even for lunch. I get no over-time pay and don't even think about double-time! I work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and my work will never be done until the day I die.
I don't think anyone who isn't a mom can understand that fully. Not until they are one. And guys never will. They think they do when they become dads, but they are only seeing part of it.
That is just they way it is. But I am glad to be a mom, and especially an at-home-mom. While there aren't breaks, OT, or holidays, there ARE amazing benefits. Kisses and snuggles from the cutest girl on the planet. Handmade drawings of just her and I encircled with hearts and "X"s and "O"s. Hearing everyone (even strangers) say, "You look just like your mom!" And even better, hearing her say, "I want to be just like my mom when I grow up." What job could possible be better than mine?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
No Rest For the Weary
And it's over... TA DA!!! And with only one day's rest in between, I was back in YW presidency meeting discussing Girls Camp and our SLC trip. lol I have been assigned to arrange the rides for the girls to and from camp since our YW president is going to be out of town. No biggie, I'm already almost done getting drivers.
With this 99 day challenge, I have had so many thoughts in my mind. I don't know that I could acurately express them. I am watching the youth participate - and some not participate. I see the blessings that are coming to those who are - small, simple things, and I see the difference between them and those who are not reading. Isn't it amazing how much words on a page can affect us and literally change our life? If someone were to say that ink on paper could have that power, it would sound absurd. Yet it is true.
I feel the influence of this challenge in my life. The thing that surprises me is that I've been pretty good about reading - even before the challenge. And we've been good at reading as a family as well as Ryan and I reading together each night. But this challenge is influencing me even more. I can't describe it. All I can say is that my testimony of the scriptures is growing. I am feeling a power come from this actvity/program/challenge - whatever you want to call it. I don't know why this experience is affecting me so much more than my regular readings were before. Maybe because we are doing it as a group, with a common goal and purpose? Maybe because as I pray and read, I am praying that my girls will pray and read too? I suppose it doesn't matter why. All that matter is that I take this experience, take these feelings, take this testimony and continue on reading, feeling, and growing.
With this 99 day challenge, I have had so many thoughts in my mind. I don't know that I could acurately express them. I am watching the youth participate - and some not participate. I see the blessings that are coming to those who are - small, simple things, and I see the difference between them and those who are not reading. Isn't it amazing how much words on a page can affect us and literally change our life? If someone were to say that ink on paper could have that power, it would sound absurd. Yet it is true.
I feel the influence of this challenge in my life. The thing that surprises me is that I've been pretty good about reading - even before the challenge. And we've been good at reading as a family as well as Ryan and I reading together each night. But this challenge is influencing me even more. I can't describe it. All I can say is that my testimony of the scriptures is growing. I am feeling a power come from this actvity/program/challenge - whatever you want to call it. I don't know why this experience is affecting me so much more than my regular readings were before. Maybe because we are doing it as a group, with a common goal and purpose? Maybe because as I pray and read, I am praying that my girls will pray and read too? I suppose it doesn't matter why. All that matter is that I take this experience, take these feelings, take this testimony and continue on reading, feeling, and growing.
Monday, July 25, 2005
The perfect end to a great weekend.
Last night was great. We went to the fireside that concluded the Dance Festival activities.
Before it started, me, our YW president and our YM president went up to talk with Sister Dalton. We introduced ourselves and told her about our 99 day Book of Mormon challenge. We showed her the booklet we made, pointed out where she was quoted in it, and gave it to her. Then we told her that we will be finishing the final chapters in SLC when we take the kids for General Conference. She was so excited to hear that and invited us to take a tour of the Relief Society building when we’re there. She gave us her number and got our YW president’s e-mail address. She told us she will join us in the 99 day challenge and would treasure the booklet! Then we introduced her to some of the youth in our ward who were taking the challenge. She hugged them and spoke with them for a few minutes.
The fireside was awesome! The spirit was very strong. The BYU dance team director talked first, then four of the BYU dancers. They all sincerely expressed how amazed they were with the youth. Here we were, all this weekend just watching these BYU dancers, admiring them and it turns out the whole time, they were doing the same with our youth! The director told us she had been to hundreds of dance festivals, but none had ever impressed and touched her so much as ours! They all told how their testimonies had been strengthened, especially of Joseph Smith as this festival was in celebration of the 200 anniversary of his birth.
Then 8 youth were chosen to bear their testimonies. That was powerful. This festival has changed lives, starting with our own. These youth developed a greater understanding of Joseph Smith during their workshops. They have felt the spirit as they performed, bearing testimony through dance. They have seen the miracle of what was said “could not be done”, done – and done beautifully. And they will treasure this weekend.
We also heard from Sister Dalton. She told the youth she will be returning to SLC a better person than she was when she left – because of this dance festival. Her testimony of the pioneers was strengthened as she watched the performance dedicated to the pioneers. She told the youth that she felt the spirit of those pioneers there during their performance.
One thing I didn’t mention before… We all received wristbands. You know, the ones that are so popular now. Ours are white and say “Choose Light”. When you go in the sun, it turns yellow. Sister Dalton was given one too. She told the youth that she would never forget them and this weekend. She said that she will wear her wristband to help her remember. And she told them that when she speaks in General Conference, not to be surprised if she casually puts her elbow on the podium, bringing her hand towards her face so we could see her wristband still on her wrist. And that would be a sign to us that she was thinking of us.
Afterwards, most of the youth signed a poster (with the logo of our dance festival) which will be given to President Hinckley. As we drove home, I asked the youth what they thought. They really liked the fireside. They especially love those BYU dancers! They love that the dancers called them their friends and seemed to get as much from the youth as the youth had gotten from them. This whole experience has been wonderful, and we're a little sad to see it come to an end. But all good things do.. and before we had gotten home (the drive was about an hour, the fireside was in Longview), they were already starting to talk about Girl's Camp which will be in one week. Ya gotta love teenagers!
Before it started, me, our YW president and our YM president went up to talk with Sister Dalton. We introduced ourselves and told her about our 99 day Book of Mormon challenge. We showed her the booklet we made, pointed out where she was quoted in it, and gave it to her. Then we told her that we will be finishing the final chapters in SLC when we take the kids for General Conference. She was so excited to hear that and invited us to take a tour of the Relief Society building when we’re there. She gave us her number and got our YW president’s e-mail address. She told us she will join us in the 99 day challenge and would treasure the booklet! Then we introduced her to some of the youth in our ward who were taking the challenge. She hugged them and spoke with them for a few minutes.
The fireside was awesome! The spirit was very strong. The BYU dance team director talked first, then four of the BYU dancers. They all sincerely expressed how amazed they were with the youth. Here we were, all this weekend just watching these BYU dancers, admiring them and it turns out the whole time, they were doing the same with our youth! The director told us she had been to hundreds of dance festivals, but none had ever impressed and touched her so much as ours! They all told how their testimonies had been strengthened, especially of Joseph Smith as this festival was in celebration of the 200 anniversary of his birth.
Then 8 youth were chosen to bear their testimonies. That was powerful. This festival has changed lives, starting with our own. These youth developed a greater understanding of Joseph Smith during their workshops. They have felt the spirit as they performed, bearing testimony through dance. They have seen the miracle of what was said “could not be done”, done – and done beautifully. And they will treasure this weekend.
We also heard from Sister Dalton. She told the youth she will be returning to SLC a better person than she was when she left – because of this dance festival. Her testimony of the pioneers was strengthened as she watched the performance dedicated to the pioneers. She told the youth that she felt the spirit of those pioneers there during their performance.
One thing I didn’t mention before… We all received wristbands. You know, the ones that are so popular now. Ours are white and say “Choose Light”. When you go in the sun, it turns yellow. Sister Dalton was given one too. She told the youth that she would never forget them and this weekend. She said that she will wear her wristband to help her remember. And she told them that when she speaks in General Conference, not to be surprised if she casually puts her elbow on the podium, bringing her hand towards her face so we could see her wristband still on her wrist. And that would be a sign to us that she was thinking of us.
Afterwards, most of the youth signed a poster (with the logo of our dance festival) which will be given to President Hinckley. As we drove home, I asked the youth what they thought. They really liked the fireside. They especially love those BYU dancers! They love that the dancers called them their friends and seemed to get as much from the youth as the youth had gotten from them. This whole experience has been wonderful, and we're a little sad to see it come to an end. But all good things do.. and before we had gotten home (the drive was about an hour, the fireside was in Longview), they were already starting to talk about Girl's Camp which will be in one week. Ya gotta love teenagers!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Dance Festival 2005
What an experience!
Dance festival was amazing! And honestly there simply aren't words to describe it. It consisted of a three day conference with the youth, most of which was rehearsals. But there were also workshops with the BYU dancers and some devotionals.
Those youth worked hard! They worked, sweated, danced, played, and it was not easy! I was fortunate to be there all of Thursday, most of Friday and all of Saturday. We are all sunburnt! But it was worth it! And I've got pictures!
Tech Rehearsal, American Tribute:
Cadi with me at the Tech Rehearsal:
The Day of the Performance!!! Waiting to start Dress Rehearsal:
Elder Nash, our area authority gave an opening devotional before the Dress Rehearsal. He talked about what we need to live spiritually.
Two of my girls they were lining up to start the Dress Rehearsal:
Beehives and Mia Maid in their costumes waiting in bleachers behind the field while the Laurels/Priests dance:
Dress Rehearsal Grand Finale:
Sister Elaine Dalton of the General YW Presidency giving a devotional at the end of their Dress Rehearsal. She had just come from being with the prophet the night before during his birthday celebration. She bore witness that he is a prophet of God. She was so very impressed with the youth and their performance in the dress rehearsal! She immediately called President Hinckley and spoke to him about them and what they are doing. She told him that there is a DVD being made and he asked her to show him a copy of it. He said he wanted to see these kids dance! We told the youth this right before their first performance. We told them that when they dance out there, it wasn't going to just be for the people in the stands. They would be dancing for the prophet too! They errupted into huge cheers and applause!!!
I watched the first performance in the stands, here is the Israeli dance (my girls!):
BYU dancers:
Grand Finale:
We were all so tired!!! This was a common sight after the first performance, during lunch:
During the second performance, I took my turn backstage. We had so much to do! We had to make sure flags and ribbons were given out and collected, got kids in costumes, helped them get lined up for the next number, touched up hair and make up, even mended costumes! When we were finally on the Grane Finale, "Get Your Shine On", all we had to do was wait for them to finish! Here are some of the leaders dancing along with the kids backstage:
We wanted a picture of all the kids in our stake, but lots of them were already changing. We still got a large group and a good picture:
More pictures on my Photo Bucket album.
Here's an article from Friday, announcing the festival and also an article in today's paper, reporting on it. They are two different papers, they each had pictures too, but they aren't on the websites. Watch the Church News too, it should be in one of the issues coming up.
Dance festival was amazing! And honestly there simply aren't words to describe it. It consisted of a three day conference with the youth, most of which was rehearsals. But there were also workshops with the BYU dancers and some devotionals.
Those youth worked hard! They worked, sweated, danced, played, and it was not easy! I was fortunate to be there all of Thursday, most of Friday and all of Saturday. We are all sunburnt! But it was worth it! And I've got pictures!
Tech Rehearsal, American Tribute:
Cadi with me at the Tech Rehearsal:
The Day of the Performance!!! Waiting to start Dress Rehearsal:
Elder Nash, our area authority gave an opening devotional before the Dress Rehearsal. He talked about what we need to live spiritually.
Two of my girls they were lining up to start the Dress Rehearsal:
Beehives and Mia Maid in their costumes waiting in bleachers behind the field while the Laurels/Priests dance:
Dress Rehearsal Grand Finale:
Sister Elaine Dalton of the General YW Presidency giving a devotional at the end of their Dress Rehearsal. She had just come from being with the prophet the night before during his birthday celebration. She bore witness that he is a prophet of God. She was so very impressed with the youth and their performance in the dress rehearsal! She immediately called President Hinckley and spoke to him about them and what they are doing. She told him that there is a DVD being made and he asked her to show him a copy of it. He said he wanted to see these kids dance! We told the youth this right before their first performance. We told them that when they dance out there, it wasn't going to just be for the people in the stands. They would be dancing for the prophet too! They errupted into huge cheers and applause!!!
I watched the first performance in the stands, here is the Israeli dance (my girls!):
BYU dancers:
Grand Finale:
We were all so tired!!! This was a common sight after the first performance, during lunch:
During the second performance, I took my turn backstage. We had so much to do! We had to make sure flags and ribbons were given out and collected, got kids in costumes, helped them get lined up for the next number, touched up hair and make up, even mended costumes! When we were finally on the Grane Finale, "Get Your Shine On", all we had to do was wait for them to finish! Here are some of the leaders dancing along with the kids backstage:
We wanted a picture of all the kids in our stake, but lots of them were already changing. We still got a large group and a good picture:
More pictures on my Photo Bucket album.
Here's an article from Friday, announcing the festival and also an article in today's paper, reporting on it. They are two different papers, they each had pictures too, but they aren't on the websites. Watch the Church News too, it should be in one of the issues coming up.
I have a testimony of Visiting Teaching!
When I first moved here and was assigned a visiting teaching route, I learned that I had a less-active sister. My new companion had been her visiting teacher for awhile and fortunately, we were able to set up a time for us to have a visit right away. The day of that first visit, my companion was sick. I felt very uncomfortable going to the less-active woman's house, who I had never met before, alone. But I did. We visited for about an hour, getting to know eachother. I was never able to "get back in" - not for 2 years!
I started to wonder if I had maybe said something wrong and she didn't want me to visit her. We repeatedly called sometimes reaching her and sometimes not. When we set up times to visit, always she would not be there when we arrived. We quickly learned not to make appointments, we started to just "come by". I actually caught her once and talked for a couple of minutes on her doorstep. All other times she was either not there or hiding.
Several months ago my companion was switched but I kept the route and continued trying to reach her. During the last two years, each time we didn't see her, I left a card on her door just letting her know we were thinking of her and always including our names and numbers. Early this year, after months of leaving these cards, I got a call from her! Still, though I set a time to visit her (with my new companion) when we went, she wasn't there. But after a couple of months - she was!
We had a great visit, she told us about many of the things she has had to struggle with lately. I asked if she would come to church with us and told her I knew it would help her with her trials. She said yes! I told her I would pick her up. The following Sunday she called me to say she was sick. Shortly after that, her phone was disconnected. We had a hard time reaching eachother.
After a couple more weeks of me going to get her and something coming up, she still hadn't come to church. Today I wondered if I should even go to her house. But I did because I will NOT give up on her! Imagine my surprise when her son answered the door and said, "She's almost ready"!!! She had just worked a graveyard shift but instead of going to bed she got dressed for church and was ready to come with me!
I cannot tell you how grateful I am that she came today! I cannot tell you how glad I am that I never gave up. When she needed help, she knew who she could call. Not because I am the greatest visiting teacher. But more because I made sure she knew I had not forgotten her and I truly cared.
I know that sometimes people don't have great experiences with visiting teaching. Maybe they don't have good visiting teachers, maybe they don't see the results of their efforts to reach the sisters on their lists. I have always loved visiting teaching. And my testimony of it has grown immensely this week. Don't give up, you never know when your small acts of service are touching someone without your knowing it.
I started to wonder if I had maybe said something wrong and she didn't want me to visit her. We repeatedly called sometimes reaching her and sometimes not. When we set up times to visit, always she would not be there when we arrived. We quickly learned not to make appointments, we started to just "come by". I actually caught her once and talked for a couple of minutes on her doorstep. All other times she was either not there or hiding.
Several months ago my companion was switched but I kept the route and continued trying to reach her. During the last two years, each time we didn't see her, I left a card on her door just letting her know we were thinking of her and always including our names and numbers. Early this year, after months of leaving these cards, I got a call from her! Still, though I set a time to visit her (with my new companion) when we went, she wasn't there. But after a couple of months - she was!
We had a great visit, she told us about many of the things she has had to struggle with lately. I asked if she would come to church with us and told her I knew it would help her with her trials. She said yes! I told her I would pick her up. The following Sunday she called me to say she was sick. Shortly after that, her phone was disconnected. We had a hard time reaching eachother.
After a couple more weeks of me going to get her and something coming up, she still hadn't come to church. Today I wondered if I should even go to her house. But I did because I will NOT give up on her! Imagine my surprise when her son answered the door and said, "She's almost ready"!!! She had just worked a graveyard shift but instead of going to bed she got dressed for church and was ready to come with me!
I cannot tell you how grateful I am that she came today! I cannot tell you how glad I am that I never gave up. When she needed help, she knew who she could call. Not because I am the greatest visiting teacher. But more because I made sure she knew I had not forgotten her and I truly cared.
I know that sometimes people don't have great experiences with visiting teaching. Maybe they don't have good visiting teachers, maybe they don't see the results of their efforts to reach the sisters on their lists. I have always loved visiting teaching. And my testimony of it has grown immensely this week. Don't give up, you never know when your small acts of service are touching someone without your knowing it.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
It's worth saying again...
The youth are doing GREAT!!!
Yesterday Cadi and I spent half the day with the youth at dance festival. I didn't get to be there for most of the worshops they did with the BYU dancers, but I was there for a YW general meeting. Sister Elaine Dalton of the General YW Presidency was supposed to talk to the girls, but she couldn't get here til today. But she will be at our performances. Our area authority (can't remember his name right now) is here too and addressing the youth first thing this morning. We'll also have the mission president here.
Last night was a Tech Rehearsal - it looks AWESOME! This morning is dress rehearsal, lunch, and then SHOWTIME!!! I preordered a DVD that is being professionally made of the whole thing. They will have several different camera angles and are also including some pictures from some of the practices. I'm glad, this will relieve the pressure of taping it myself! (I'm still taking pictures of my girls though!)
So, today's the day! If you are in the Vancouver, Washington area - COME!!! McKenzie Football stadium (138th Ave near 18th street - right next to Cascade Junior High School) 1:30 or 6:30. Come early to get good seats, performances will begin ON TIME!
Yesterday Cadi and I spent half the day with the youth at dance festival. I didn't get to be there for most of the worshops they did with the BYU dancers, but I was there for a YW general meeting. Sister Elaine Dalton of the General YW Presidency was supposed to talk to the girls, but she couldn't get here til today. But she will be at our performances. Our area authority (can't remember his name right now) is here too and addressing the youth first thing this morning. We'll also have the mission president here.
Last night was a Tech Rehearsal - it looks AWESOME! This morning is dress rehearsal, lunch, and then SHOWTIME!!! I preordered a DVD that is being professionally made of the whole thing. They will have several different camera angles and are also including some pictures from some of the practices. I'm glad, this will relieve the pressure of taping it myself! (I'm still taking pictures of my girls though!)
So, today's the day! If you are in the Vancouver, Washington area - COME!!! McKenzie Football stadium (138th Ave near 18th street - right next to Cascade Junior High School) 1:30 or 6:30. Come early to get good seats, performances will begin ON TIME!
Friday, July 22, 2005
WHAT CAN I SAY... I WAS UNDER A SPELL!
Have you felt neglected? Probably not, but you should. And to make me feel good, I am going to pretend that you did notice my lack of blogging over the last 48 hours. (Yes, I had a post on Wednesday, but that was in the morning.)
It happened... I got my hands on the new Harry Potter book. I asked one of my young women to babysit for me while I did some errands. She needed "mary jane" shoes for the dance festival, but couldn't buy them, so that was her payment. During my 2 hours of freedom, I went down to Portland to visit the Beehive Clothing store and Deseret Books.
*Insert "plug" for Deseret Books here*
My heart was torn between doing these errands or going to Costco just to buy HP. Clearly in the end, I went with my "errands" and I found that I was immediately "blessed"! As I entered Deseret Books, I realized... (duh) THEY SELL BOOKS! And they had HP for 30% off. I knew that this wasn't as good as Costco's price, but I asked the lady at the counter how much it would be after the discount anyway. She said something like $20.99. I thought for a moment, (and decided to share my thoughts outloud, saying) "Hmmmm, do I buy it now or save $5 by waiting to get it from Costco? Hmmm... I'll have to keep looking and think about it."
So when I was done shopping and decided to save the Costco trip by purchasing it here at Deseret Books, the lady said, "Since you actually said 'Costco', I can price match it for you." Deseret Books price matches?!? Hallelujah!!! So I was able to do my errands AND get my book - and it was tax free, less than $16, AND counted toward my Deseret Book points. Yeah, me!
So as soon as I took home my young woman (who had been babysitting) I started to read, that was late Wednesday afternoon (around 4). I finished the book yesterday while sitting in the bleachers as the youth in 4 surrounding stakes practiced for this weekend's Dance Festival.
1) I TOTALLY recommend this book - I loved it!!!
However,
2) I TOTALLY do not recommend reading the last 100 pages or so in public!!! That is all I will say.
Also worthy of noting - As we began the official start to our "Dance Festival Weekend" yesterday, I am speechless! (Well, not really, but almost!) It was absolutely amazing and the kids are doing great! We had them all down on the field last night and to see them cover that whole field and do their dances and sing the hymns - it is actually coming together, we felt the Spirit strongly while we watched them practice. Saturday is going to be amazing!
Anyone living in the Portland/Vancouver area should try to make it - Saturday 1:30 or 6:30 at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver - its FREE!
It happened... I got my hands on the new Harry Potter book. I asked one of my young women to babysit for me while I did some errands. She needed "mary jane" shoes for the dance festival, but couldn't buy them, so that was her payment. During my 2 hours of freedom, I went down to Portland to visit the Beehive Clothing store and Deseret Books.
*Insert "plug" for Deseret Books here*
My heart was torn between doing these errands or going to Costco just to buy HP. Clearly in the end, I went with my "errands" and I found that I was immediately "blessed"! As I entered Deseret Books, I realized... (duh) THEY SELL BOOKS! And they had HP for 30% off. I knew that this wasn't as good as Costco's price, but I asked the lady at the counter how much it would be after the discount anyway. She said something like $20.99. I thought for a moment, (and decided to share my thoughts outloud, saying) "Hmmmm, do I buy it now or save $5 by waiting to get it from Costco? Hmmm... I'll have to keep looking and think about it."
So when I was done shopping and decided to save the Costco trip by purchasing it here at Deseret Books, the lady said, "Since you actually said 'Costco', I can price match it for you." Deseret Books price matches?!? Hallelujah!!! So I was able to do my errands AND get my book - and it was tax free, less than $16, AND counted toward my Deseret Book points. Yeah, me!
So as soon as I took home my young woman (who had been babysitting) I started to read, that was late Wednesday afternoon (around 4). I finished the book yesterday while sitting in the bleachers as the youth in 4 surrounding stakes practiced for this weekend's Dance Festival.
1) I TOTALLY recommend this book - I loved it!!!
However,
2) I TOTALLY do not recommend reading the last 100 pages or so in public!!! That is all I will say.
Also worthy of noting - As we began the official start to our "Dance Festival Weekend" yesterday, I am speechless! (Well, not really, but almost!) It was absolutely amazing and the kids are doing great! We had them all down on the field last night and to see them cover that whole field and do their dances and sing the hymns - it is actually coming together, we felt the Spirit strongly while we watched them practice. Saturday is going to be amazing!
Anyone living in the Portland/Vancouver area should try to make it - Saturday 1:30 or 6:30 at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver - its FREE!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Oops
Last night we had a great time - but I had such a good time, I forgot to take any pictures!!! Oops.
We had two families over for a barbeque. Why have I never thought of this before??? We often have people over for "dinner" - that involves lots of cleaning, preparing, cooking, entertaining, then tons of clean up afterwards. What was I thinking???
Last night was great! There wasn't a lot to prepare for. (We had each family bring a salad so all I did before anyone came was prepare "the works" for the burgers (slicing onions, tomatoes, prepping lettuce, etc). Then when they got here, we spent the entire time outside. The kids mostly played in the wading pool and later went through the gate to the park and us "grown-ups" sat around talking. SO EASY! Dessert was ice cream cones - again... EASY!
Clean up was even easy! We used mostly paper so it was done in less than 10 minutes! And even though we had 7 kids here under the age of 7, my house is still clean!
That's it! From now on, BBQ is the way to go.
Again, sorry there aren't any pictures. :(
We had two families over for a barbeque. Why have I never thought of this before??? We often have people over for "dinner" - that involves lots of cleaning, preparing, cooking, entertaining, then tons of clean up afterwards. What was I thinking???
Last night was great! There wasn't a lot to prepare for. (We had each family bring a salad so all I did before anyone came was prepare "the works" for the burgers (slicing onions, tomatoes, prepping lettuce, etc). Then when they got here, we spent the entire time outside. The kids mostly played in the wading pool and later went through the gate to the park and us "grown-ups" sat around talking. SO EASY! Dessert was ice cream cones - again... EASY!
Clean up was even easy! We used mostly paper so it was done in less than 10 minutes! And even though we had 7 kids here under the age of 7, my house is still clean!
That's it! From now on, BBQ is the way to go.
Again, sorry there aren't any pictures. :(
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Cadi Quote
"Today I learned to be a cannibal!" ~ Acadia
Translation: "Today I learned to be accountable" lol
That's up there with "I don't want to see the old fossils at conference." ~Acadia
Translation: "I don't want to see the apostles at conference."
Translation: "Today I learned to be accountable" lol
That's up there with "I don't want to see the old fossils at conference." ~Acadia
Translation: "I don't want to see the apostles at conference."
Acadia's Talk
Acadia did a GREAT JOB on her talk today in Primary. There was a little boy giving his talk before her and (though he was REALLY CUTE) I couldn't hear him at all. But when Acadia was up, she spoke loudly and clearly.
So, Good Job Cadi!
So, Good Job Cadi!
As the Ward Turns
Today is going to be interesting.
I love going to church. The reason why I love going to church only slightly has to do with seeing people I associate with there. The real reason why I love church is because I feel the Spririt there. I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know my testimony is strengthened when I attend my church meetings. I learn more about my Heavenly Father and His plan for me. I learn how to deal with everyday trials so that I can be a better person. I just love going to church!
But due to "recent events" I admit that I am curious to go to church today partly just to see what happens. Who will be there? Will there be any sign of the situation that has taken place this week? I hope that everyone will be there and that no one will say or do anything to give any indication of what happened. It just wouldn't be rght. But, I would have also hoped that the people involved wouldn't have done what they did in the first place , which also was NOT RIGHT! So clearly, with some people, you just never know. And at this point, I wouldn't put it past them.
I feel like I've been following a soap opera and am about to see a live taping.
I love going to church. The reason why I love going to church only slightly has to do with seeing people I associate with there. The real reason why I love church is because I feel the Spririt there. I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know my testimony is strengthened when I attend my church meetings. I learn more about my Heavenly Father and His plan for me. I learn how to deal with everyday trials so that I can be a better person. I just love going to church!
But due to "recent events" I admit that I am curious to go to church today partly just to see what happens. Who will be there? Will there be any sign of the situation that has taken place this week? I hope that everyone will be there and that no one will say or do anything to give any indication of what happened. It just wouldn't be rght. But, I would have also hoped that the people involved wouldn't have done what they did in the first place , which also was NOT RIGHT! So clearly, with some people, you just never know. And at this point, I wouldn't put it past them.
I feel like I've been following a soap opera and am about to see a live taping.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Better late than never.
Here's another set of Friday Five questions (one day late):
Who was your first best friend?
My first best friend was Hannah Duch. She lived across the street when I was growing up. One day I told my mom I had nothing to do, so she sent me over there to ask if I could play. We were fast friends even though she was a couple of years younger than me. And even after we "grew up" and had new best friends of our own, we remained very good friends. Nowadays she is happily married and still lives in Sacramento. Her children are adorable and she is a great mom and homemaker. I haven't been too good at keeping in touch but its always great to see her when we visit Sacramento!
Who have been some of the most influential people in your life?
I think first off, my parents for sure. Even though I pretended not to, I really was listening most of the time they talked to me. I remember some specific situations where what they said really changed my way of thinking. Years later as an adult I was paid a compliment by someone. The attribute that they complimented was one that I had decided to develop after being "talked to" by my mom about a weakness of mine. I'm glad I listened to her.
I was also very much influenced by my best friend, Barbie when we were teenagers. Before Barbie and I became such close friends, I had very low self-esteem. I always admired Barbie and when I learned that she considered me one of her best friends, I was shocked! After that, I did everything I could to be a good friend to her. As we went through high school, dances, dating, girls camp, etc I developed confidence in myself because she encouraged me, defended me, supported me, and loved me.
Of course Ryan has also influenced me. As my husband and the patriarch of our home, he often provides counsel, love and support in the things I do. Sometimes I think I act like I did when I was young and listening to my parents; I act defensive while he advises me, but secretly I listen, take notes and make an effort to change.
Do you usually have one best friend or a lot of close friends?
I usually have a couple best friends, then several friends that I like, but just don't end up spending a whole lot of time with or get that close to.
Do you believe people of the opposite sex can be best friends and not lovers?
Yes, but you do have to be careful. When I was in high school, one of my best friends was a guy. I think the friendship lasted longer than it should have. By the time we were dating (other people) we probably would have been better as more casual friends. But you live and learn.
Now one of my best friends is a guy. I think its different this time because we met after I was married and Ryan is friends with him too. He has helped me during some very difficult times and I love him for it. I don't worry too much about things being inappropriate because we all know where we stand. I think its still important not to be stupid - I wouldn't spend alot of time with him alone.
Have you ever fallen in love with a friend?Well, duh! I am married to my bestest friend of all! Well, I guess we weren't exactly "friends first". I mean, we dated and became friends all at the same time. But our courtship was longer than most and that gave us time to build a real strong foundation to start our marriage with. And that has been a great help during times of trial.
I love Ryan with all my heart. He knows me better than anyone else and I trust him better than anyone else. Here's a couple of my favorite pictures...
Who was your first best friend?
My first best friend was Hannah Duch. She lived across the street when I was growing up. One day I told my mom I had nothing to do, so she sent me over there to ask if I could play. We were fast friends even though she was a couple of years younger than me. And even after we "grew up" and had new best friends of our own, we remained very good friends. Nowadays she is happily married and still lives in Sacramento. Her children are adorable and she is a great mom and homemaker. I haven't been too good at keeping in touch but its always great to see her when we visit Sacramento!
Who have been some of the most influential people in your life?
I think first off, my parents for sure. Even though I pretended not to, I really was listening most of the time they talked to me. I remember some specific situations where what they said really changed my way of thinking. Years later as an adult I was paid a compliment by someone. The attribute that they complimented was one that I had decided to develop after being "talked to" by my mom about a weakness of mine. I'm glad I listened to her.
I was also very much influenced by my best friend, Barbie when we were teenagers. Before Barbie and I became such close friends, I had very low self-esteem. I always admired Barbie and when I learned that she considered me one of her best friends, I was shocked! After that, I did everything I could to be a good friend to her. As we went through high school, dances, dating, girls camp, etc I developed confidence in myself because she encouraged me, defended me, supported me, and loved me.
Of course Ryan has also influenced me. As my husband and the patriarch of our home, he often provides counsel, love and support in the things I do. Sometimes I think I act like I did when I was young and listening to my parents; I act defensive while he advises me, but secretly I listen, take notes and make an effort to change.
Do you usually have one best friend or a lot of close friends?
I usually have a couple best friends, then several friends that I like, but just don't end up spending a whole lot of time with or get that close to.
Do you believe people of the opposite sex can be best friends and not lovers?
Yes, but you do have to be careful. When I was in high school, one of my best friends was a guy. I think the friendship lasted longer than it should have. By the time we were dating (other people) we probably would have been better as more casual friends. But you live and learn.
Now one of my best friends is a guy. I think its different this time because we met after I was married and Ryan is friends with him too. He has helped me during some very difficult times and I love him for it. I don't worry too much about things being inappropriate because we all know where we stand. I think its still important not to be stupid - I wouldn't spend alot of time with him alone.
Have you ever fallen in love with a friend?Well, duh! I am married to my bestest friend of all! Well, I guess we weren't exactly "friends first". I mean, we dated and became friends all at the same time. But our courtship was longer than most and that gave us time to build a real strong foundation to start our marriage with. And that has been a great help during times of trial.
I love Ryan with all my heart. He knows me better than anyone else and I trust him better than anyone else. Here's a couple of my favorite pictures...
Friday, July 15, 2005
I feel I must vent!
But I cannot do it publicly!!!
Honestly, I do not know how some people can look at themselves in the mirror! I wasn't the victim but my blood is boiling!
I am so proud of my friend who is taking the higher road. Good people will be rewarded for moments like this; when they choose to turn the other cheek while not-so-good people abuse friendships, lie, and cheat, then attempt to spread false rumors about the good people so they can "save face". Do you not know that we all know you both and if there are two different stories, yours is NOT the one we will believe?!?
Let this be a lesson to all you losers: If you're going to cheat someone big time, don't do it to someone who is so loved and respected because of their unconditional love, kindness and service to others. You may get away with the initial cheating but you are shooting yourself in the foot. You didn't have many friends to start with and what you had, you just lost. And really, that should be the least of your worries because someday you'll have to answer to someone else for what you've done and no amount of deceitfulness will help you then.
Now to take my wonderful friend out for ice cream!
Honestly, I do not know how some people can look at themselves in the mirror! I wasn't the victim but my blood is boiling!
I am so proud of my friend who is taking the higher road. Good people will be rewarded for moments like this; when they choose to turn the other cheek while not-so-good people abuse friendships, lie, and cheat, then attempt to spread false rumors about the good people so they can "save face". Do you not know that we all know you both and if there are two different stories, yours is NOT the one we will believe?!?
Let this be a lesson to all you losers: If you're going to cheat someone big time, don't do it to someone who is so loved and respected because of their unconditional love, kindness and service to others. You may get away with the initial cheating but you are shooting yourself in the foot. You didn't have many friends to start with and what you had, you just lost. And really, that should be the least of your worries because someday you'll have to answer to someone else for what you've done and no amount of deceitfulness will help you then.
Now to take my wonderful friend out for ice cream!
I couldn't resist
This week's Friday Five is called "The New Kids On The Block". Hehehe So I had to do it!
1. Are you more comfortable being the new kid or the experienced one? I usually like to be the experienced one, but it doesn't always work out that way. I don't really mind being "the new kid", I'm used to feeling stupid and like I don't know what the heck I'm doing.
2. When is the last time you were the new kid? When I was called to serve in the YW presidency. Now, 6 months later I'm finally not the "new kid" anymore and I think I am doing okay.
3. If we met face to face, right now, what would my first impression be of you? Shlumpy (how the heck do you spell that?) I am in my PJ's and need to hurry up to take a shower and get dressed.
4. Who is the last person you said goodbye to? I just said "bye" to Ryan (we were IMing). Does that count?
5. Joey, Jordan, Donnie, Danny or Jon? Oh my goodness, did I have a crush on Joey and Jordan!!! And I couldn't possibly choose between the two!
1. Are you more comfortable being the new kid or the experienced one? I usually like to be the experienced one, but it doesn't always work out that way. I don't really mind being "the new kid", I'm used to feeling stupid and like I don't know what the heck I'm doing.
2. When is the last time you were the new kid? When I was called to serve in the YW presidency. Now, 6 months later I'm finally not the "new kid" anymore and I think I am doing okay.
3. If we met face to face, right now, what would my first impression be of you? Shlumpy (how the heck do you spell that?) I am in my PJ's and need to hurry up to take a shower and get dressed.
4. Who is the last person you said goodbye to? I just said "bye" to Ryan (we were IMing). Does that count?
5. Joey, Jordan, Donnie, Danny or Jon? Oh my goodness, did I have a crush on Joey and Jordan!!! And I couldn't possibly choose between the two!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Park Play
Yesterday I took Acadia and Simon for a walk up the hill to a nice little park. It is shaded with large trees so it's pretty and the equipment doesn't get hot like the playground behind our house does. Also, walking up the hill counts as exercise! *thumbs up*
We had fun, here are some pictures. And yes, next time we're gonna make sure she's not wearing a dress - even if it is a "play dress"...
The very first thing she wanted to do was math!!! She started moving around these rings, making patterns, counting, etc. (My baby is so smart! lol)
Then she wanted to go down the slide. I was curious what would happen, so I let her take Simon with her...
Acadia is a little monkey! She is getting so big, I remember when I wouldn'tl et her climb these things because I was afraid she would fall!
She can also swing by herself. Before Kindergarten we tried to teach her how to "pump" when she was swinging, but she never got it - till she started school. After playing at recess with her friends everyday, she's got it down. She does like a little push to start, but she takes it from there...
We had fun, here are some pictures. And yes, next time we're gonna make sure she's not wearing a dress - even if it is a "play dress"...
The very first thing she wanted to do was math!!! She started moving around these rings, making patterns, counting, etc. (My baby is so smart! lol)
Then she wanted to go down the slide. I was curious what would happen, so I let her take Simon with her...
Acadia is a little monkey! She is getting so big, I remember when I wouldn'tl et her climb these things because I was afraid she would fall!
She can also swing by herself. Before Kindergarten we tried to teach her how to "pump" when she was swinging, but she never got it - till she started school. After playing at recess with her friends everyday, she's got it down. She does like a little push to start, but she takes it from there...
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Just Between Us Girls
Just a warning - this post really is just for girls. And I mean it, so if you aren't a girl and you choose to read on, you are doing so at your own risk!
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Okay ladies, I finally took my friend, Oprah's advice and went shopping today. Several weeks ago she had a show all about how 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. I don't normally watch her show (don't normally watch any TV anymore) but I saw the commercial for it and made sure to watch that day. I know that I have had this problem most (if not all) of my bra-wearing life.
What I learned: Yes, I was wearing the wrong bra size - I was WAY off! So I went to the mall today and actually got fitted for a bra. I always thought this would be embarressing. To be honest, when it came down to it, I didn't care. I am so miserable with my larger-than-life boobs that I was desperate to find a good fitting bra - at all costs. (Literally)
Get this - I was wearing a 40 D. Wanna know what my real bra size is??? 36 DDD (or 36 F). That is a HUGE difference! How did I go so long in the wrong bra? Because it really is tricky business finding the right size. And plus, different brands will fit a little differently, so in other brands I may be a slightly different size.
How do you find your size? The first thing you need is a friend and a measuring tape. You can be measured while wearing your clothes, but if you are wearing a shirt thicker than a T-shirt, you should take it off. Hold your "bossoms" up so your friend can get the measuring tape around your rib cage, just under your boobs. The inches is your # size. From there you need to find out the cup size. I believe what you do is measure around the largest part of your boobs. The number difference will help you find the cup size. Each inch in difference is one letter. This at least gives you a place to start.
The important part is to start with the right number. I actually measure 35, so I tried on 34 and 36, the 36 is what fits me best. From there you just try cups close to your "calculations" til you find the right one. Remember, each brand fits a little different.
While discovering my actual size and finding bras that actually fit is wonderful, it is also a depressing thing for me. My size is not exactly easily found. And I need support, so that makes it even harder. I will pretty much be buying my bras solely from Nordstrom now and they are not cheap. I did look around a little at other stores, but they just don't go higher than D (occasionally a DD). Frustration!
The brand I'm loving right now is Wacoal. It feels wonderful! Great for full-figure.
Another tip I picked up from the lingerie lady... Do not wear the same bra two days in a row. You don't have to wash each time, but give them at least a day's rest inbetween wearings. This will help them last longer.
Plus a tip I already practice: Use a garment bag when washing bras (fasten the strap and fold in half) and use Cold Gentle cycle. Hang to dry, but hang them over a bar or hanger at the middle of the bra (in between the cups)
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Okay ladies, I finally took my friend, Oprah's advice and went shopping today. Several weeks ago she had a show all about how 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. I don't normally watch her show (don't normally watch any TV anymore) but I saw the commercial for it and made sure to watch that day. I know that I have had this problem most (if not all) of my bra-wearing life.
What I learned: Yes, I was wearing the wrong bra size - I was WAY off! So I went to the mall today and actually got fitted for a bra. I always thought this would be embarressing. To be honest, when it came down to it, I didn't care. I am so miserable with my larger-than-life boobs that I was desperate to find a good fitting bra - at all costs. (Literally)
Get this - I was wearing a 40 D. Wanna know what my real bra size is??? 36 DDD (or 36 F). That is a HUGE difference! How did I go so long in the wrong bra? Because it really is tricky business finding the right size. And plus, different brands will fit a little differently, so in other brands I may be a slightly different size.
How do you find your size? The first thing you need is a friend and a measuring tape. You can be measured while wearing your clothes, but if you are wearing a shirt thicker than a T-shirt, you should take it off. Hold your "bossoms" up so your friend can get the measuring tape around your rib cage, just under your boobs. The inches is your # size. From there you need to find out the cup size. I believe what you do is measure around the largest part of your boobs. The number difference will help you find the cup size. Each inch in difference is one letter. This at least gives you a place to start.
The important part is to start with the right number. I actually measure 35, so I tried on 34 and 36, the 36 is what fits me best. From there you just try cups close to your "calculations" til you find the right one. Remember, each brand fits a little different.
While discovering my actual size and finding bras that actually fit is wonderful, it is also a depressing thing for me. My size is not exactly easily found. And I need support, so that makes it even harder. I will pretty much be buying my bras solely from Nordstrom now and they are not cheap. I did look around a little at other stores, but they just don't go higher than D (occasionally a DD). Frustration!
The brand I'm loving right now is Wacoal. It feels wonderful! Great for full-figure.
Another tip I picked up from the lingerie lady... Do not wear the same bra two days in a row. You don't have to wash each time, but give them at least a day's rest inbetween wearings. This will help them last longer.
Plus a tip I already practice: Use a garment bag when washing bras (fasten the strap and fold in half) and use Cold Gentle cycle. Hang to dry, but hang them over a bar or hanger at the middle of the bra (in between the cups)
It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life! - Bilbo Baggins
I started my day early, got up to make dinner and finish cleaning the house. I had a presidency meeting at 9 and when I arrived, there was donuts, muffins and fruit for breakfast. They also gave me a gift - a Pomegranate and Wildberry foot care set: scrub, lotion, fizzies, pumice stone, etc. It was very nice. Plus they gave me a pretty journal.
At 10:00 I left them (they continued on for a little while, but I had warned them that I could only stay one hour) and came rushing home. I found flowers that Acadia had chosen, out in a vase on the dining room table and Ryan making me my favorite breakfast (he didn't know about the goodies at the meeting) - which I had some of and let him finish because I was full!
Beckie and Jack arrived and Beckie admitted to me that she hadn't really wanted to come, but she was doing it for me. I was so anxious when we started. I wanted her to at least enjoy the movies. In the past she has said that she just doesn't like fantasy and sci-fi because it's "not real". Well, duh! Of course it's not real - it's a story! So I prefaced the movies with "Use your imagination", to which she exclaimed "I don't have one". I told her she better get one because we were starting...
We watched The Fellowship of the Rings and had to pause it a couple of times to do some brief explaining. Of course Jack and Ryan kind of kept going way too deep in the explanations and then argued a bit about the details of things that were not really important for this part of the story. But for the most part, it went smoothly. At the end of the first movie, I was so happy to hear Beckie say, "I'm actually finding this entertaining."
HOORAY!!! Beckie is one of the neatest ladies you'd ever meet. She is so nice, very fun, and really the only flaw I've found in her is that she didn't like LOTR. I could not understand how one of my best friends could not like LOTR. Well, it turned out she had never read the books or seen the movies! How could she really know whether or not she liked them? This is what instigated our little LOTR marathon for my birthday. At one point, awhile back I mentioned that someday I wanted her to watch them with me and as my birthday approached, I proclaimed that the only thing I wanted was to watch them with her. So, she said she would.
She came with an "open mind" and even though she wasn't looking forward to it, she found herself enjoying it! So we put in The Two Towers... I love that movie... By the end of this one, she admitted that she found The Two Towers even more entertaining (of course, who couldn't?) and that she did want to see the third one! However, it was already getting late and we were just going to have to do it another day. So Friday they are coming back to see the final movie.
Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles! Beckie liked LOTR. Now, she isn't going to want to watch them repeatedly, and I can live with that. I'm just so glad she didn't hate them and find today extremely painful!
We had some ice cream cake (that Cadi had chosen) and opened a couple presents before they left. Ryan's big gift for me was a Foot Soother Elite, a robotic foot massage. 1) It is sooo cool! And it feels very good! But 2) when I found out how much he spent I decided that I didn't think it was that cool or felt that good. Ryan half expected that, but he figured if the massager was "heaven" then it would be worth it. It was an incredibly thoughtful gift, but the massager we have already feels just as good when I use it on my feet. So we're going to return it and get the stereo we want for the minivan instead. I just couldn't see spending that much money on something when there were other things I'd rather spend that much money on more. Especially when money is a little tight.
Oh, btw... Acadia went to swimming lessons with the neighbor, then stayed and played at their house most of the day. When she came home, there was less than an hour left of The Two Towers and Ryan and I took turns (well, it was mostly Ryan) with her in our bedroom letting her watch some shows in there. Then she came out when the movie was done. She was giving out great cuddles to the birthday girl, which was very sweet. She isn't usually very cuddly anymore, now that she's older. So that was a super nice bonus!
So the end of my first day "down hill" (as everyone kept telling me), was pretty fun! I always LOVE watching LOTR, and I got to see my best friend enjoy it too! Who could ask for more?
At 10:00 I left them (they continued on for a little while, but I had warned them that I could only stay one hour) and came rushing home. I found flowers that Acadia had chosen, out in a vase on the dining room table and Ryan making me my favorite breakfast (he didn't know about the goodies at the meeting) - which I had some of and let him finish because I was full!
Beckie and Jack arrived and Beckie admitted to me that she hadn't really wanted to come, but she was doing it for me. I was so anxious when we started. I wanted her to at least enjoy the movies. In the past she has said that she just doesn't like fantasy and sci-fi because it's "not real". Well, duh! Of course it's not real - it's a story! So I prefaced the movies with "Use your imagination", to which she exclaimed "I don't have one". I told her she better get one because we were starting...
We watched The Fellowship of the Rings and had to pause it a couple of times to do some brief explaining. Of course Jack and Ryan kind of kept going way too deep in the explanations and then argued a bit about the details of things that were not really important for this part of the story. But for the most part, it went smoothly. At the end of the first movie, I was so happy to hear Beckie say, "I'm actually finding this entertaining."
HOORAY!!! Beckie is one of the neatest ladies you'd ever meet. She is so nice, very fun, and really the only flaw I've found in her is that she didn't like LOTR. I could not understand how one of my best friends could not like LOTR. Well, it turned out she had never read the books or seen the movies! How could she really know whether or not she liked them? This is what instigated our little LOTR marathon for my birthday. At one point, awhile back I mentioned that someday I wanted her to watch them with me and as my birthday approached, I proclaimed that the only thing I wanted was to watch them with her. So, she said she would.
She came with an "open mind" and even though she wasn't looking forward to it, she found herself enjoying it! So we put in The Two Towers... I love that movie... By the end of this one, she admitted that she found The Two Towers even more entertaining (of course, who couldn't?) and that she did want to see the third one! However, it was already getting late and we were just going to have to do it another day. So Friday they are coming back to see the final movie.
Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles! Beckie liked LOTR. Now, she isn't going to want to watch them repeatedly, and I can live with that. I'm just so glad she didn't hate them and find today extremely painful!
We had some ice cream cake (that Cadi had chosen) and opened a couple presents before they left. Ryan's big gift for me was a Foot Soother Elite, a robotic foot massage. 1) It is sooo cool! And it feels very good! But 2) when I found out how much he spent I decided that I didn't think it was that cool or felt that good. Ryan half expected that, but he figured if the massager was "heaven" then it would be worth it. It was an incredibly thoughtful gift, but the massager we have already feels just as good when I use it on my feet. So we're going to return it and get the stereo we want for the minivan instead. I just couldn't see spending that much money on something when there were other things I'd rather spend that much money on more. Especially when money is a little tight.
Oh, btw... Acadia went to swimming lessons with the neighbor, then stayed and played at their house most of the day. When she came home, there was less than an hour left of The Two Towers and Ryan and I took turns (well, it was mostly Ryan) with her in our bedroom letting her watch some shows in there. Then she came out when the movie was done. She was giving out great cuddles to the birthday girl, which was very sweet. She isn't usually very cuddly anymore, now that she's older. So that was a super nice bonus!
So the end of my first day "down hill" (as everyone kept telling me), was pretty fun! I always LOVE watching LOTR, and I got to see my best friend enjoy it too! Who could ask for more?
Monday, July 11, 2005
My last day as "Twenty-Something".
This morning Ryan and I took 14 young women on a 5 mile hike to fulfill a Girl's Camp requirement. We had fun and so did most of the girls. We had only one injury. Ashley fell on our way back to the car and twisted her ankle. So, Ryan carried her about 2 miles back down to the car. I am so glad he was with us!!!
The hike itself was beautiful! Here are some pictures. One of the mothers came with us, to help with rides and give her a reason to skip her class that day. *wink*
I'm bummed this picture turned out blurry!
I am cleaning my house now while Cadi and Ryan are out shopping for our "big day" tomorrow. I am tired and sore from the hike, but I can't complain since I wasn't the one who had to carry someone most of the way back to the car! But I think I will still ask for a foot spa - and then share it!
The hike itself was beautiful! Here are some pictures. One of the mothers came with us, to help with rides and give her a reason to skip her class that day. *wink*
I'm bummed this picture turned out blurry!
I am cleaning my house now while Cadi and Ryan are out shopping for our "big day" tomorrow. I am tired and sore from the hike, but I can't complain since I wasn't the one who had to carry someone most of the way back to the car! But I think I will still ask for a foot spa - and then share it!
Saturday, July 9, 2005
It really pays
Wow, so I just finished selling lots more stuff on e-bay. Mostly extra candle holders that I don't want to hang on to anymore. But also the last of the stamps that I started selling last year (I held on to some of the unmounted retired sets I had to see if I could get a little more $.). It worked, I made enough money to pay for the whale watching we'll be doing next month! Yeah!
The neighborhood had yard sales today and yesterday. It wasn't planned as a neighborhood sale, but it turned into one. A couple of people individually chose to have theirs this weekend, so a few others decided to join in. Us included. We didn't have much to sell, we usually donate to thrift stores and we've recently taken a few loads, but we did find some stuff to put out. Not everything sold, which is okay since I didn't really care if they did or didn't. But we got rid of a few things and that's nice.
Acadia wanted to have a lemonade stand. It was a great idea. However, she called it quits when it started raining (yesterday) and today she didn't feel like it would be fun enough. It was funny though, while she did have her stand, she asked me for money so she could buy a lemonade from herself! Cute. Ryan had me buy one from her for him and put it in the fridge. Aww, cute too.
The neighborhood had yard sales today and yesterday. It wasn't planned as a neighborhood sale, but it turned into one. A couple of people individually chose to have theirs this weekend, so a few others decided to join in. Us included. We didn't have much to sell, we usually donate to thrift stores and we've recently taken a few loads, but we did find some stuff to put out. Not everything sold, which is okay since I didn't really care if they did or didn't. But we got rid of a few things and that's nice.
Acadia wanted to have a lemonade stand. It was a great idea. However, she called it quits when it started raining (yesterday) and today she didn't feel like it would be fun enough. It was funny though, while she did have her stand, she asked me for money so she could buy a lemonade from herself! Cute. Ryan had me buy one from her for him and put it in the fridge. Aww, cute too.
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
It's great to be an American!
We had a blast yesterday! Here's the low down...
Well, it didn't start great. First, earlier in the day, Acadia played in the water at a friends and here's the result...
But the rest was great! We had a good old fashioned barbeque – there were three big grills going.
We had hotdogs, barbequed chicken, garlic and herb marinated chicken, steaks, kabobs, and ribs. Plus a ton of salads – pasta, macaroni, potato, jello (lol), and two different fruit salads. Plus chips, veggies, corn on the cob, relish plates, cookies, popsicles, and watermelon… It was so yummy!
After we ate, we started “Super Dolly”. There is no way to steer except for leaning one way or another. Jack would push the person and send them off down the street. Then the road bends…lol. The idea is to hit the curb and fly off onto the grass. The trick is to dodge the trees, street signs and bushes (but that’s just a suggestion…lol). To help you dodge those objects, there are two “bumpers” who give you a little nudge to keep you on track to land at the right spot. This often spins the person around before they hit the curb. It is real fun to watch and rather painful to try. Ryan did it twice. I didn’t do it at all – the guy before Ryan wrapped himself around one of the street signs and couldn’t walk normal for hours. No thanks!
When we were tired of Super Dolly, we started launching water balloons. They made a huge sling shot with long rubber hoses connected to a large funnel. Then we launched water balloons down the street at “targets”. Anyone who wanted could be a target, but mostly it was the teenagers. They were the only ones crazy enough to do it. The balloons came at them fast and most who got hit ended up with huge bruises. Acadia hung out with the “targets” for awhile til Ryan launched one that happened to go right towards her. One of the girls tried to block it but the force of the balloon hitting her arm, threw her hand back into Acadia’s chest – it hit her hard enough to hurt and from then on, Cadi was just a spectator.
And then the fireworks!
We had a ton. Then there was the family across the street and their friends, who had some too. It ended up being a really good show. This is the last year that Washington is allowing us to shoot up mortars. Which is too bad. But we sure had a nice display this year.
To finish it all off, we gathered round an outdoor fire and roasted marshmallows and made S’mores. What fun!
Well, it didn't start great. First, earlier in the day, Acadia played in the water at a friends and here's the result...
But the rest was great! We had a good old fashioned barbeque – there were three big grills going.
We had hotdogs, barbequed chicken, garlic and herb marinated chicken, steaks, kabobs, and ribs. Plus a ton of salads – pasta, macaroni, potato, jello (lol), and two different fruit salads. Plus chips, veggies, corn on the cob, relish plates, cookies, popsicles, and watermelon… It was so yummy!
After we ate, we started “Super Dolly”. There is no way to steer except for leaning one way or another. Jack would push the person and send them off down the street. Then the road bends…lol. The idea is to hit the curb and fly off onto the grass. The trick is to dodge the trees, street signs and bushes (but that’s just a suggestion…lol). To help you dodge those objects, there are two “bumpers” who give you a little nudge to keep you on track to land at the right spot. This often spins the person around before they hit the curb. It is real fun to watch and rather painful to try. Ryan did it twice. I didn’t do it at all – the guy before Ryan wrapped himself around one of the street signs and couldn’t walk normal for hours. No thanks!
When we were tired of Super Dolly, we started launching water balloons. They made a huge sling shot with long rubber hoses connected to a large funnel. Then we launched water balloons down the street at “targets”. Anyone who wanted could be a target, but mostly it was the teenagers. They were the only ones crazy enough to do it. The balloons came at them fast and most who got hit ended up with huge bruises. Acadia hung out with the “targets” for awhile til Ryan launched one that happened to go right towards her. One of the girls tried to block it but the force of the balloon hitting her arm, threw her hand back into Acadia’s chest – it hit her hard enough to hurt and from then on, Cadi was just a spectator.
And then the fireworks!
We had a ton. Then there was the family across the street and their friends, who had some too. It ended up being a really good show. This is the last year that Washington is allowing us to shoot up mortars. Which is too bad. But we sure had a nice display this year.
To finish it all off, we gathered round an outdoor fire and roasted marshmallows and made S’mores. What fun!
Sunday, July 3, 2005
Officer Cadi
Sunday night we made a bunch of cookies to give to police officers who were going to be working on Fourth of July. So this time instead of going to the police station and finding the doors locked, we went to the home of an officer in our ward (who we knew was going to work the next day). They were so nice to let us stay and visit for awhile. While we were visiting, Cadi got to play "Officer Cadi"...
(She had a K-9 Unit)
We had a great time and we were glad to know our cookies were going to go to the officers on the Fourth!
(She had a K-9 Unit)
We had a great time and we were glad to know our cookies were going to go to the officers on the Fourth!
A - Z About Me
Yes, I copied this from Erin. But I haven't actually done this kind before so I'm doing it. If you don't like it, don't read.
A - Age you got your first kiss: 14
B - Band listening to right now: Acadia cheerfully playing in the kitchen
C - Crush: Don't really have one. And I know what you're all thinking... No, even though I talk like I do, I really do not have a crush on Aragorn!... Okay, maybe a little one! lol
D- Dad's name: Glen
E - Easiest person [people] to talk to: My husband
F - Favorite band at the moment: Umm... don't have one right now.
G-gummy worms: I'm not sure what the question is but... Yes I like them
H - Hometown: Born in Sacramento, CA... Live in Vancouver, WA. When I was little I used to sing, "Heaven is my hometown"!
I - Instruments: Piano
K - Kids: Two: Acadia, age 6 ; Ryan, age 31
L - Longest car ride ever: Not sure. Probably about 13 hours or so, somewhere here on the West Coast. Yeah I know, real descriptive.
M - Mom's name: Barbara
N - Nicknames: Stamper, Rye, Mom, Wonderful Wife
O - One wish: It's hard to think of one wish... I wish we had a world full of peace and acceptance.
P - Phobia[s]: Hmmm... No real phobias. I don't like spiders or snakes or heights, but they aren't really phobias (I don't think). My biggest fear is not having my family for eternity, but that's not really a phobia either.
Q - Quote: Heard a good one today: Education is what you get when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get when you don't!
R - Reason to smile: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored and we have a living prophet on the earth today! And my wonderful husband and daughter who, through the blessings of the Gospel, I can be with forever!
S - Song you sang last: America the Beautiful
T - Time you woke up [today]: 7:00
U - Unknown fact about me: I just got another cavity!!! Yeah, a super, teeny, tiny one on the side of a tooth. They said it was one from flossing (or not flossing, really). The crazy thing is - I'm usually a very good flosser! So if you aren't, you better start!!!
V - Vegetable you hate: Spinach, Broccoli, Squash - and I really wish I liked all three!
W - Worst habit(s): I'm a Control Freak, but I'm working on that. As a result of being a control freak, I tend to be a stress magnet. But I'm learning as I make progress on the whole control issue, the stress is not as big of a problem.
X - X-rays you've had: teeth. I don't know if I've had any others. Not even when I broke my toe when I was 16.
Y - Yummy food: Ice cream. French Fries. All that stuff I shouldn't be eating!
Z - Zodiac sign: Cancer. But I have no idea what that means really. I don't know what personality I'm supposed to have and I never read horoscopes.
A - Age you got your first kiss: 14
B - Band listening to right now: Acadia cheerfully playing in the kitchen
C - Crush: Don't really have one. And I know what you're all thinking... No, even though I talk like I do, I really do not have a crush on Aragorn!... Okay, maybe a little one! lol
D- Dad's name: Glen
E - Easiest person [people] to talk to: My husband
F - Favorite band at the moment: Umm... don't have one right now.
G-gummy worms: I'm not sure what the question is but... Yes I like them
H - Hometown: Born in Sacramento, CA... Live in Vancouver, WA. When I was little I used to sing, "Heaven is my hometown"!
I - Instruments: Piano
K - Kids: Two: Acadia, age 6 ; Ryan, age 31
L - Longest car ride ever: Not sure. Probably about 13 hours or so, somewhere here on the West Coast. Yeah I know, real descriptive.
M - Mom's name: Barbara
N - Nicknames: Stamper, Rye, Mom, Wonderful Wife
O - One wish: It's hard to think of one wish... I wish we had a world full of peace and acceptance.
P - Phobia[s]: Hmmm... No real phobias. I don't like spiders or snakes or heights, but they aren't really phobias (I don't think). My biggest fear is not having my family for eternity, but that's not really a phobia either.
Q - Quote: Heard a good one today: Education is what you get when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get when you don't!
R - Reason to smile: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored and we have a living prophet on the earth today! And my wonderful husband and daughter who, through the blessings of the Gospel, I can be with forever!
S - Song you sang last: America the Beautiful
T - Time you woke up [today]: 7:00
U - Unknown fact about me: I just got another cavity!!! Yeah, a super, teeny, tiny one on the side of a tooth. They said it was one from flossing (or not flossing, really). The crazy thing is - I'm usually a very good flosser! So if you aren't, you better start!!!
V - Vegetable you hate: Spinach, Broccoli, Squash - and I really wish I liked all three!
W - Worst habit(s): I'm a Control Freak, but I'm working on that. As a result of being a control freak, I tend to be a stress magnet. But I'm learning as I make progress on the whole control issue, the stress is not as big of a problem.
X - X-rays you've had: teeth. I don't know if I've had any others. Not even when I broke my toe when I was 16.
Y - Yummy food: Ice cream. French Fries. All that stuff I shouldn't be eating!
Z - Zodiac sign: Cancer. But I have no idea what that means really. I don't know what personality I'm supposed to have and I never read horoscopes.
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