At least that's what they say, lol.
I'm getting ready for our visit down to California. We'll be gone for awhile so I can't guarantee I'll be posting much for a bit. I'll try to get a post or two in when I can though.
I'm excited that we'll be starting our trip in Reno. For one, I love Ryan's brother's family and it is always good to see them. I love watching Acadia with her cousins - she loves them so much! And it's fun to see Ryan with his neices and nephew, especially the youngest neice, Riley. She is so cute and they have lots of fun playing together. I'm sure at some point Ryan will challenge his brother to some sort of wrestling challenge and his brother will win, but Ryan will hopefully feel he has done better than he has in time's past so he'll feel good about himself, lol. I admire Ryan's sister-in-law so much and it's fun to chat with her and try to take notes on all the awesome stuff she does. ;)
But I'm also excited to meet an on-line friend in real life! Sariah will be the first on-line friend for me to meet in person. I already know she's awesome (with a name like Sariah, how can she not be? lol) so it will be fun!
Of course the whole reason for our trip down is to attend my brother's wedding in Oakland. So, after a short visit in Reno we'll be heading down to Sacramento to visit with family. We are so excited that Teresa is joining our family! And we're glad that we'll be able to be there to help celebrate!
There will also be a baby shower which my super sister, Ruth is throwing for me. I'm looking forward to seeing some friends I haven't seen in awhile. And I feel a little guilty that I don't see them very often. :( So, I'm hoping it will be a nice chance to catch up and visit a bit. :)
It will be a fun visit with lots of memories to make, I'm really looking forward to it. But I will miss my blog and even more I will miss the blogs I like to read every day! (Ryan says I'm a blog addict... I wouldn't go THAT far, but he does have a point... lol) Just know I'm thinking about you and I'll be sure we get all caught up when I'm back!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Made Up Memories
Okay, I'm stealing this quick little meme from April Mommy:
If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now, please post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE UP AND FICTIONAL memory of you and me. It can be anything you want BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE. And keep it "clean" please, lol.
I know I get readers... so I better get some comments with some fun, made up memories!
If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now, please post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE UP AND FICTIONAL memory of you and me. It can be anything you want BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE. And keep it "clean" please, lol.
I know I get readers... so I better get some comments with some fun, made up memories!
There is Hope
So many times I read or watch the news and I feel so discouraged at how much evil is in the world. So many stories of people mistreating each other. People hurting, abusing, taking advantage, killing... I find so many times that I just wish the Second Coming would be sooner than later. I just don't want to hear these stories anymore. I could just choose to not watch the news, but that isn't going to change that they are still happening - which is far worse than me hearing about it.
Then you get a story like the one I'll relay to you. It started out like the others, a teenage girl stabbed to death. It was last week, we first learned about it when Ryan came home from work and asked me why a major road in our area was completely blocked off? We watched the news and found out that a 17 year old girl was stabbed while working at McDonalds. The man who stabbed her had no relation to her at all. He was schizophrenic and just randomly selected this girl to kill. There was no warning, no major scene, nothing. He just walked in and when she asked how she could help him, he stabbed her. Then he left. When he saw the police cars approaching, he laid on the ground and waited for them to cuff him. He made bizarre statements like, (paraphrasing) "I should have stayed home with my stuffed animals." He admitted that he did something very bad.
Sad. Tragic even. This was a girl who was a Senior in high school. (A high school where at least one of our YW attends.) She would have graduated next month. She worked at McDonalds to help with the family finances.
Earlier this week I heard about the fundraiser. I wanted to participate but then I completely forgot until after Acadia was in bed last night. So I quickly text paged Ryan, who was on his way home, to tell him what to do.
The McDonalds where she was killed was raising money for the family. All day yesterday for EVERY $1 purchased, that store would donate $2.25 to the family! Did you read that? They were donating the entire purchase PLUS matching it 125%! Have you heard of such a generous offer? I don't know that I have. I've heard of "all proceeds" or "entire purchase" or "we'll match 100%"... But I can't recall ever hearing a company donate so much! The goal was to raise $15,000 for the family.
Ryan came home after I paged him, empty handed. He had gone to the McDonalds. There were so many people that there were police directing traffic. There was no parking. Ryan parked across the street at a KMart. Then he joined the hundreds of people outside, waiting to get in to place an order. After a few minutes, the manager came out and said that they were all out of food, they had nothing left to sell. But the good news was that they had not raised $15,000, they had raised OVER $75,000 for this family.
What began as a truly sad story about one person making an awful choice, taking the life of a young person, affecting so many family members and other loved ones... now takes a turn. It isn't about the one man's actions. It is now a story of an entire community - thousands of people wanting to help. They had twice as many orders at that store than they normally would have - and each order was twice as large as usual. Just like I had sent Ryan to buy us food, hundreds of others did too - not because they wanted to eat it as much as they wanted to participate in helping.
And it's a story about a business that is often made fun of and attacked for the unhealthy fast food it serves and the inexperienced, young "punks" that work the counters. A business that chose to help a community feel united, help a family to have one less thing to worry about in such a difficult time, help people like me to feel like there is still hope.
So, even though I didn't get to make a purchase yesterday, and even though the fundraiser is over, I think I will get something from that McDonald's today. Not because I'm craving any french fries or because I heard the special flavor shake is strawberry banana, but because I want to support the business that would choose to make such a difference and totally change how a community was feeling.
And if you want to support a business like that, I encourage you to make a little purchase today too. (They do serve some things that are not completely unhealthy... salads, bran muffins, parfaits, etc.)
Then you get a story like the one I'll relay to you. It started out like the others, a teenage girl stabbed to death. It was last week, we first learned about it when Ryan came home from work and asked me why a major road in our area was completely blocked off? We watched the news and found out that a 17 year old girl was stabbed while working at McDonalds. The man who stabbed her had no relation to her at all. He was schizophrenic and just randomly selected this girl to kill. There was no warning, no major scene, nothing. He just walked in and when she asked how she could help him, he stabbed her. Then he left. When he saw the police cars approaching, he laid on the ground and waited for them to cuff him. He made bizarre statements like, (paraphrasing) "I should have stayed home with my stuffed animals." He admitted that he did something very bad.
Sad. Tragic even. This was a girl who was a Senior in high school. (A high school where at least one of our YW attends.) She would have graduated next month. She worked at McDonalds to help with the family finances.
Earlier this week I heard about the fundraiser. I wanted to participate but then I completely forgot until after Acadia was in bed last night. So I quickly text paged Ryan, who was on his way home, to tell him what to do.
The McDonalds where she was killed was raising money for the family. All day yesterday for EVERY $1 purchased, that store would donate $2.25 to the family! Did you read that? They were donating the entire purchase PLUS matching it 125%! Have you heard of such a generous offer? I don't know that I have. I've heard of "all proceeds" or "entire purchase" or "we'll match 100%"... But I can't recall ever hearing a company donate so much! The goal was to raise $15,000 for the family.
Ryan came home after I paged him, empty handed. He had gone to the McDonalds. There were so many people that there were police directing traffic. There was no parking. Ryan parked across the street at a KMart. Then he joined the hundreds of people outside, waiting to get in to place an order. After a few minutes, the manager came out and said that they were all out of food, they had nothing left to sell. But the good news was that they had not raised $15,000, they had raised OVER $75,000 for this family.
What began as a truly sad story about one person making an awful choice, taking the life of a young person, affecting so many family members and other loved ones... now takes a turn. It isn't about the one man's actions. It is now a story of an entire community - thousands of people wanting to help. They had twice as many orders at that store than they normally would have - and each order was twice as large as usual. Just like I had sent Ryan to buy us food, hundreds of others did too - not because they wanted to eat it as much as they wanted to participate in helping.
And it's a story about a business that is often made fun of and attacked for the unhealthy fast food it serves and the inexperienced, young "punks" that work the counters. A business that chose to help a community feel united, help a family to have one less thing to worry about in such a difficult time, help people like me to feel like there is still hope.
So, even though I didn't get to make a purchase yesterday, and even though the fundraiser is over, I think I will get something from that McDonald's today. Not because I'm craving any french fries or because I heard the special flavor shake is strawberry banana, but because I want to support the business that would choose to make such a difference and totally change how a community was feeling.
And if you want to support a business like that, I encourage you to make a little purchase today too. (They do serve some things that are not completely unhealthy... salads, bran muffins, parfaits, etc.)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Cadi Cuteness
Today Acadia told me she was going to squeeze me so hard that the baby popped out. I told her that the baby isn't ready to come out yet. Cadi said, "Yeah, she would look wrinkly like an ugly monster."
So, she didn't squeeze me hard enough to pop her out. She just squeezed hard enough for the perfect hug.
So, she didn't squeeze me hard enough to pop her out. She just squeezed hard enough for the perfect hug.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
More Randomness
I hate sleepless nights!!! Last night was pretty bad. I tossed and turned. I ended up laying there awake for half of it, at least. UGH. Not fun... and it made today (at least parts of it) not fun too. :(
And my poor husband - I think it was because of me that he didn't sleep well either. Sorry babe!
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Ryan and I took Simon for a walk this morning in the park behind our house. For (forever it seems) the last several months, I don't really know for sure how long... they have been really working on the marshes/park behind our house. They made a nice, paved trail and they've been improving the marshes themselves too, by planting new trees and cleaning up the area. We hadn't really gone out to check out the new trail yet, but this morning just seemed to be the day to do it.
It is really nice! I wouldn't go alone or let Cadi go with friends, she would have to have an adult with her. There are mostly areas that seem quite secluded, which make it beautiful and peaceful, but makes my paranoid mind think... 'someone could grab a person, pull them into the brush, and no one would know'... So yeah, I'll probably only go with another adult... and my cell phone... and the dog... and maybe some mace... lol. (Did I menton that I'm paranoid?!? Hey - I'd rather be paranoid than dead!)
I still plan on doing most of my workouts at the gym, but maybe once or twice a week I'll walk there instead. (If I can get Ryan or another "adult" to go with me, lol.)
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Beckie thinks if I'm going to "manipulate myself" then I need to add one more thing to my list of goals: Post daily! She says that the only problem she has with my new rules is that I haven't been updating here as much. Yeah, I did miss a couple of days... sorry!
It wasn't because I hadn't cleaned the house yet, honest! Really, it was just busy days! I have been super busy lately for some reason. But I will make an effort... Just for you Beckie... because I love you... :)
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TWO WHEELS!!!
Acadia had Ryan take off her training wheels today. I have been dreading this day (which is why it has taken so long to have her do it). All the crashing, and the crying, and the bleeding... But today the training wheels came off, she got on her bike, and she rode it NO PROBLEM around the corner into the culdesac, going in circles, turning around in driveways... as if she'd been riding without training wheels forever! I guess you could say she was ready!
Isn't it crazy what things we worry and fret over, and then they end up being (literally) NOTHING?!?
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Yet another goal... Ryan thinks I'm crazy, lol, but I've set a goal to memorize The Family: A Proclamation to the World as a YW value project. I've gotten the first three paragraphs down, but that only puts me about 1/3 of the way there. I know I can do it, it will just take alot of time.
I like when I'm trying to memorize something like this. Whenever I have a free or quiet minute, (or even when I'm just folding laundry, doing dishes, or driving in the car) I repeat what I'm memorizing over and over in my head. Really, how many better things can you constantly have running through your head than words from the leaders of our church proclaiming the divine role of families, and reminding me of my important role in mine?
So, who's crazy now? Huh, Ryan?!? lol
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Okay, enough randomness for now... I'm off to bed and for, what I HOPE, is a much better night's sleep than last night's!!!
And my poor husband - I think it was because of me that he didn't sleep well either. Sorry babe!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan and I took Simon for a walk this morning in the park behind our house. For (forever it seems) the last several months, I don't really know for sure how long... they have been really working on the marshes/park behind our house. They made a nice, paved trail and they've been improving the marshes themselves too, by planting new trees and cleaning up the area. We hadn't really gone out to check out the new trail yet, but this morning just seemed to be the day to do it.
It is really nice! I wouldn't go alone or let Cadi go with friends, she would have to have an adult with her. There are mostly areas that seem quite secluded, which make it beautiful and peaceful, but makes my paranoid mind think... 'someone could grab a person, pull them into the brush, and no one would know'... So yeah, I'll probably only go with another adult... and my cell phone... and the dog... and maybe some mace... lol. (Did I menton that I'm paranoid?!? Hey - I'd rather be paranoid than dead!)
I still plan on doing most of my workouts at the gym, but maybe once or twice a week I'll walk there instead. (If I can get Ryan or another "adult" to go with me, lol.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beckie thinks if I'm going to "manipulate myself" then I need to add one more thing to my list of goals: Post daily! She says that the only problem she has with my new rules is that I haven't been updating here as much. Yeah, I did miss a couple of days... sorry!
It wasn't because I hadn't cleaned the house yet, honest! Really, it was just busy days! I have been super busy lately for some reason. But I will make an effort... Just for you Beckie... because I love you... :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWO WHEELS!!!
Acadia had Ryan take off her training wheels today. I have been dreading this day (which is why it has taken so long to have her do it). All the crashing, and the crying, and the bleeding... But today the training wheels came off, she got on her bike, and she rode it NO PROBLEM around the corner into the culdesac, going in circles, turning around in driveways... as if she'd been riding without training wheels forever! I guess you could say she was ready!
Isn't it crazy what things we worry and fret over, and then they end up being (literally) NOTHING?!?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yet another goal... Ryan thinks I'm crazy, lol, but I've set a goal to memorize The Family: A Proclamation to the World as a YW value project. I've gotten the first three paragraphs down, but that only puts me about 1/3 of the way there. I know I can do it, it will just take alot of time.
I like when I'm trying to memorize something like this. Whenever I have a free or quiet minute, (or even when I'm just folding laundry, doing dishes, or driving in the car) I repeat what I'm memorizing over and over in my head. Really, how many better things can you constantly have running through your head than words from the leaders of our church proclaiming the divine role of families, and reminding me of my important role in mine?
So, who's crazy now? Huh, Ryan?!? lol
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, enough randomness for now... I'm off to bed and for, what I HOPE, is a much better night's sleep than last night's!!!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Encore, Encore!
A couple of months ago, Acadia and a friend of hers sang a duet for the Young Women at church. It was her first time performing, except for when the entire primary gets up to sing together. They did great! Well, they were asked to sing again but this time for the entire congregation. They both said yes. And yesterday was the day.
They had practiced, they knew the song. I was accompanying on the piano and the other mom was sitting right in front of them to help mouth the words in case they forgot. As church began, things were fine. Then about 5 minutes before it was time for their song, they both got super nervous! Acadia told me, "I can't do this, I have stage fright!" We (quietly) talked. I told her that she was ready, she had practiced, she knew the song, and that she just had to look at Sister D. and everything would be fine.
"But what if I make a mistake?"
"Then you just smile and keep singing." :)
I could see her friend in front of us starting to squirm too. They were so cute!
And then it was time. We got up, they stood infront of the microphone and I sat at the piano. I started to play and was half expecting not to hear anything when I got through the intro... but they sang! They were nervous and I could tell, but they did well. Many people complimented them afterwards. I was especially proud when our choir director, who I admire for SO MANY reasons - including her many musical talents, told me that she thought Acadia had a great voice. It made me think that I may want to encourage Cadi to develop it a bit more when she's ready. And certainly for now, I will encourage her to keep singing for fun and for little musical numbers like this.
That night was a youth fireside and Acadia and her friend had been asked to sing for it too. After singing for the entire congregation, this was a breeze! They didn't have a mic this time, but they sang strong and loud. And they did even better this time - I think they were less nervous. :)
I'm so proud of her! She faced a real fear that I can totally relate too! I told her I was nervous to play the piano too - which I always am, no matter how well I know the song. Like I said though, she faced her fear and now she has more confidence because of it. Good for her!
It should also be mentioned that Ryan was one of the guest speakers at the fireside last night. They YW had asked him to share his conversion story with them. He did a great job - even though he had been stressing about it for a couple of days. I didn't realize (duh), that this was his first time attending a youth fireside. I KNOW he wasn't a member in his teenage years, but I forget sometimes that it means he didn't participate in those things that the youth get to do. So, it was a neat experience for him.
He was slotted to speak after the musical number by Cadi and her friend and he may kill me for publicly announcing it, but he was "emotional" after her song. (He is a wonderful, loving, sensitive man who on occasion will "tear up" - but it isn't shown often, especially not publicly. So, it was sweet.) He expressed that as he ponders his conversion to the church one of the things he is especially grateful for is being able to raise his children in the gospel. And for him to be thinking about it and then watch as his daughter sings about the Savior, it hit home. In his words, it was a "choice experience" for him to watch her sing that night.
Here is a copy of the song that Acadia sang:
They had practiced, they knew the song. I was accompanying on the piano and the other mom was sitting right in front of them to help mouth the words in case they forgot. As church began, things were fine. Then about 5 minutes before it was time for their song, they both got super nervous! Acadia told me, "I can't do this, I have stage fright!" We (quietly) talked. I told her that she was ready, she had practiced, she knew the song, and that she just had to look at Sister D. and everything would be fine.
"But what if I make a mistake?"
"Then you just smile and keep singing." :)
I could see her friend in front of us starting to squirm too. They were so cute!
And then it was time. We got up, they stood infront of the microphone and I sat at the piano. I started to play and was half expecting not to hear anything when I got through the intro... but they sang! They were nervous and I could tell, but they did well. Many people complimented them afterwards. I was especially proud when our choir director, who I admire for SO MANY reasons - including her many musical talents, told me that she thought Acadia had a great voice. It made me think that I may want to encourage Cadi to develop it a bit more when she's ready. And certainly for now, I will encourage her to keep singing for fun and for little musical numbers like this.
That night was a youth fireside and Acadia and her friend had been asked to sing for it too. After singing for the entire congregation, this was a breeze! They didn't have a mic this time, but they sang strong and loud. And they did even better this time - I think they were less nervous. :)
I'm so proud of her! She faced a real fear that I can totally relate too! I told her I was nervous to play the piano too - which I always am, no matter how well I know the song. Like I said though, she faced her fear and now she has more confidence because of it. Good for her!
It should also be mentioned that Ryan was one of the guest speakers at the fireside last night. They YW had asked him to share his conversion story with them. He did a great job - even though he had been stressing about it for a couple of days. I didn't realize (duh), that this was his first time attending a youth fireside. I KNOW he wasn't a member in his teenage years, but I forget sometimes that it means he didn't participate in those things that the youth get to do. So, it was a neat experience for him.
He was slotted to speak after the musical number by Cadi and her friend and he may kill me for publicly announcing it, but he was "emotional" after her song. (He is a wonderful, loving, sensitive man who on occasion will "tear up" - but it isn't shown often, especially not publicly. So, it was sweet.) He expressed that as he ponders his conversion to the church one of the things he is especially grateful for is being able to raise his children in the gospel. And for him to be thinking about it and then watch as his daughter sings about the Savior, it hit home. In his words, it was a "choice experience" for him to watch her sing that night.
Here is a copy of the song that Acadia sang:
Saturday, April 22, 2006
"Silly"
This week's theme for the photo scavenger hunt is "silly"...
I think we can all agree that Cadi, in this picture, is VERY SILLY! lol
I think we can all agree that Cadi, in this picture, is VERY SILLY! lol
Friday, April 21, 2006
I got my computer time! (And how I did it.)
LOL
So, I am here, I did what I wanted to do and now I can take a little time on the computer without feeling guilty. That's a nice feeling.
Since Mom asked, I will share my perfect house cleaning routine. Actually, I won't share mine, but I will share where I learned how to come up with it and how so you can make one that works for you.
About 2 1/2 years ago, a friend introduced me to FlyLady.com. FlyLady is a homemaking genious! And what's really crazy is that it is all common sense! But somehow she is able to help you realistically schedule your day/week so that you can accomplish more.
The best part about FlyLady is that she believes in constant encouragement. She says to take "baby steps" so you don't get overwhelmed. And be happy with those baby steps! She has tons of tips and advice on how to declutter your home and how to keep it decluttered. She helps you to schedule your time so you can maintain the light cleaning as well as routinely focus on the deep cleaning.
If you are curious, please check out her website. http://www.flylady.com/ There's tons of info on there, but take your time (baby steps) and take what will work for you and start using it.
When I first was learning about FlyLady, I started by taking her daily and weekly schedules and altered them to work with me and my family/house needs. I took her "zone cleaning" schedule/routine and tweaked it to match my home. I don't get her daily e-mails, I don't "polish my sink" every night, I don't "dress to the shoes" all day... but I have found a TON of very helpful info on there and I use what works for me. So, check her out and if you like anything, apply it.
*Disclaimer* Now, I know you're thinking, "If it's so easy and perfect, why haven't YOU been doing this for the last 2 1/2 years?" Well, I'll tell you - Cause I'm dumb! I made up my plans and everything and then I just never "started". But SO MANY TIMES I would look at my house, feel very overwhelmed, and think, "If I would just start up that FlyLady schedule, I know it would be easy."
My biggest hang up was holding onto the idea that I had to declutter everything before I could start implementing the routine. WRONG - and she even says that, but I wasn't listening. The truth is, you can start no matter where you are in your clutter. Do your routine, then set aside some time each day to work on the clutter too. She says to declutter for only 15 minutes a day! (That's how small her baby steps are!) Eventually, you will finish - it may take a long time but that's okay. Don't expect to declutter in a short amount of time what has taken months - or years - to accumulate!
Anyhow - read her story. She has been there, feeling overwhelmed and all. Then she devised this plan, one step at a time, and it worked so well she is sharing it with others. So I'm sharing it with you! Now we can all "fly" together... :)
So, I am here, I did what I wanted to do and now I can take a little time on the computer without feeling guilty. That's a nice feeling.
Since Mom asked, I will share my perfect house cleaning routine. Actually, I won't share mine, but I will share where I learned how to come up with it and how so you can make one that works for you.
About 2 1/2 years ago, a friend introduced me to FlyLady.com. FlyLady is a homemaking genious! And what's really crazy is that it is all common sense! But somehow she is able to help you realistically schedule your day/week so that you can accomplish more.
The best part about FlyLady is that she believes in constant encouragement. She says to take "baby steps" so you don't get overwhelmed. And be happy with those baby steps! She has tons of tips and advice on how to declutter your home and how to keep it decluttered. She helps you to schedule your time so you can maintain the light cleaning as well as routinely focus on the deep cleaning.
If you are curious, please check out her website. http://www.flylady.com/ There's tons of info on there, but take your time (baby steps) and take what will work for you and start using it.
When I first was learning about FlyLady, I started by taking her daily and weekly schedules and altered them to work with me and my family/house needs. I took her "zone cleaning" schedule/routine and tweaked it to match my home. I don't get her daily e-mails, I don't "polish my sink" every night, I don't "dress to the shoes" all day... but I have found a TON of very helpful info on there and I use what works for me. So, check her out and if you like anything, apply it.
*Disclaimer* Now, I know you're thinking, "If it's so easy and perfect, why haven't YOU been doing this for the last 2 1/2 years?" Well, I'll tell you - Cause I'm dumb! I made up my plans and everything and then I just never "started". But SO MANY TIMES I would look at my house, feel very overwhelmed, and think, "If I would just start up that FlyLady schedule, I know it would be easy."
My biggest hang up was holding onto the idea that I had to declutter everything before I could start implementing the routine. WRONG - and she even says that, but I wasn't listening. The truth is, you can start no matter where you are in your clutter. Do your routine, then set aside some time each day to work on the clutter too. She says to declutter for only 15 minutes a day! (That's how small her baby steps are!) Eventually, you will finish - it may take a long time but that's okay. Don't expect to declutter in a short amount of time what has taken months - or years - to accumulate!
Anyhow - read her story. She has been there, feeling overwhelmed and all. Then she devised this plan, one step at a time, and it worked so well she is sharing it with others. So I'm sharing it with you! Now we can all "fly" together... :)
Thursday, April 20, 2006
How I'm Learning To Manipulate Me
Sometimes I have the very best of intentions and have the perfect game plan, but somehow things just don't happen.
For example, I want to be healthy. I know what to eat and how to exercise to achieve that. But too many times I fall into the habit of eating what's "easy" and I find more and more reasons why NOT to go to the gym. I know better than that! I even WANT better than that! What's my problem?
Need another example? Okay... I want my house to be clean. I know how to clean and I even have the perfect cleaning routine that would make it not very hard to maintain a pretty clean house. But, I'm lazy and that routine never gets followed and pretty much - my house isn't clean. I know better than that! I even WANT better than that! What's my problem?
HOWEVER... What I have learned is this: I AM VERY COMPETITIVE! Maybe it's just my nature, maybe it's because I'm the "oldest child", maybe I'm a perfectionist (except for keeping in shape and keeping my house clean, lol). And if I set a goal, by golly I'm gonna make it or I'll die trying!
Last year, as a Personal Progress goal, I decided to get into shape. I did great! I worked out 4-5 times a week, lost weight, built muscle, increased my endurance level, it was awesome! Then I set the goal to run the 10K on Thanksgiving. I trained hard - and I did it!!! But today? ... I make it to the gym maybe 1 or 2 times a week. There is NO reason why I can't be there 4-5 times a week! Even if it's only walking for 30 minutes (which is about how much I can do before I start to feel it's too much) - I can and SHOULD do that.
So, I guess I need to manipulate me. I need to set goals and challenges for myself. Real ones.
Like, I was getting sloppy in my scripture reading, so I decided to set the goal to read the Book of Mormon again before the baby's born. Well, not only am I reading every day, I've been reading ALOT every day! I'm reading 3 times what I planned on reading daily. I will be done with the Book of Mormon by the end of the month - finishing it in 30 days when I wanted to finish it in 90. So how come I couldn't do it when it wasn't a goal? I don't know.
So, I'm gonna manipulate me a little more... I'm setting some goals.
1) Work out Monday - Friday. (Exceptions being the mornings I work in the classroom and if I have Visiting Teaching scheduled in the morning. But those are only once or twice a month things.)
2) Follow already scheduled cleaning routine. (And here's the kicker...) NO COMPUTER TIME until that day's cleaning is done!!! (You can't see it, but the kid in me is crying and throwing a temper tantrum right now! lol)
3) Just continue with the goal I've already set for reading the scriptures. (I know I've already set that goal and I'm accomplishing it, so I had to add it to help me feel good about myself and how well I'm doing, lol.)
Someone once said, "An unwritten goal is merely a wish."
Maybe that's why I need real, set goals in order to accomplish these things. Well, in any case, the goals have been set. Now I need to kick myself off my computer because I haven't done my cleaning yet. If I'm not back on in a day or two, you'll know how the cleaning is going, lol. *blush*
For example, I want to be healthy. I know what to eat and how to exercise to achieve that. But too many times I fall into the habit of eating what's "easy" and I find more and more reasons why NOT to go to the gym. I know better than that! I even WANT better than that! What's my problem?
Need another example? Okay... I want my house to be clean. I know how to clean and I even have the perfect cleaning routine that would make it not very hard to maintain a pretty clean house. But, I'm lazy and that routine never gets followed and pretty much - my house isn't clean. I know better than that! I even WANT better than that! What's my problem?
HOWEVER... What I have learned is this: I AM VERY COMPETITIVE! Maybe it's just my nature, maybe it's because I'm the "oldest child", maybe I'm a perfectionist (except for keeping in shape and keeping my house clean, lol). And if I set a goal, by golly I'm gonna make it or I'll die trying!
Last year, as a Personal Progress goal, I decided to get into shape. I did great! I worked out 4-5 times a week, lost weight, built muscle, increased my endurance level, it was awesome! Then I set the goal to run the 10K on Thanksgiving. I trained hard - and I did it!!! But today? ... I make it to the gym maybe 1 or 2 times a week. There is NO reason why I can't be there 4-5 times a week! Even if it's only walking for 30 minutes (which is about how much I can do before I start to feel it's too much) - I can and SHOULD do that.
So, I guess I need to manipulate me. I need to set goals and challenges for myself. Real ones.
Like, I was getting sloppy in my scripture reading, so I decided to set the goal to read the Book of Mormon again before the baby's born. Well, not only am I reading every day, I've been reading ALOT every day! I'm reading 3 times what I planned on reading daily. I will be done with the Book of Mormon by the end of the month - finishing it in 30 days when I wanted to finish it in 90. So how come I couldn't do it when it wasn't a goal? I don't know.
So, I'm gonna manipulate me a little more... I'm setting some goals.
1) Work out Monday - Friday. (Exceptions being the mornings I work in the classroom and if I have Visiting Teaching scheduled in the morning. But those are only once or twice a month things.)
2) Follow already scheduled cleaning routine. (And here's the kicker...) NO COMPUTER TIME until that day's cleaning is done!!! (You can't see it, but the kid in me is crying and throwing a temper tantrum right now! lol)
3) Just continue with the goal I've already set for reading the scriptures. (I know I've already set that goal and I'm accomplishing it, so I had to add it to help me feel good about myself and how well I'm doing, lol.)
Someone once said, "An unwritten goal is merely a wish."
Maybe that's why I need real, set goals in order to accomplish these things. Well, in any case, the goals have been set. Now I need to kick myself off my computer because I haven't done my cleaning yet. If I'm not back on in a day or two, you'll know how the cleaning is going, lol. *blush*
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Random Tuesday
This morning I awoke to, "Mom, get me tissue! I have a bloody nose!"
Joy. It was not much, just a little bit and she was fine. But what a way to start your day. (It could have been worse...)
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Yesterday afternoon there was a breaking story all over our news. A little girl had been taken off her bicycle and pulled into a car that sped away. This all took place at a busy intersection in town. The witness said that the car was a newer yellow VW beetle with temporary plates. She described the girl and what she could see of the man in the car. All that was left at the scene was her bicycle. But the witness could not tell which way the car went from that intersection - there was an overpass just past the intersection and the driver could have easily gotten on it in either direction.
Well, of course the police responded immediately! All yellow VWs were checked out, an Amber Alert was issued, the TV and radio stations were broadcasting all the info they had, businesses in the area were contacted to see if they had surveillance tapes that might show something, car dealerships all over were being asked to give the police info of all sales of yellow VW beetles in the last month, etc. There were no other witnesses to the actual kidnapping, though there was at least one person who noticed something going on - but she was looking at another car, not the yellow VW.
I made Ryan take my cell phone to class that evening just in case he saw a yellow VW so he could call it in. As of last night, nobody had found anything.
This morning I checked the news first thing (well, first thing AFTER the nosebleed, lol) - now the police are doubting the witness. For one - it happened at a very busy intersection, right outside of a restaurant and across the street from a police station - yet NO ONE ELSE saw it happen. And two - no one had reported a child missing yet. At first, they assumed the parents just didn't realize their child was missing yet. But by this morning, STILL no reports of a missing 9 - 10 year old girl.
I just hope that the police are right - that this lady made up the kidnapping. I hope that for the sake of the supposed little girl. I would rather learn that some crazy lady made it all up than to think this little girl is in danger somewhere and no one has even missed her. :( If this lady is making it up - she's going to be in tons of trouble! They had cops and helicopters all over town, they had the police in nearby cities looking too. This includes two states that spent time and money to look for the car and missing girl. That's not going to be a cheap bill when they hold her responsible!
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My dog is a cry-baby. Here we have had two glorious days - temps in the mid to upper 60's. Just beautiful! So, when the dog needed to go out earlier, I left him out. I did it yesterday too. Instead of finding a nice warm patch of sun to take a nap in... instead of exploring the yard that he as spent so little time in this winter... instead of just sitting on the deck enjoying the fresh air and spring weather... THE DUMB DOG BARKED and barked and barked, begging to be let in.
Nope.
I left him out there. Fresh air never hurt nobody - including dogs.
Joy. It was not much, just a little bit and she was fine. But what a way to start your day. (It could have been worse...)
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Yesterday afternoon there was a breaking story all over our news. A little girl had been taken off her bicycle and pulled into a car that sped away. This all took place at a busy intersection in town. The witness said that the car was a newer yellow VW beetle with temporary plates. She described the girl and what she could see of the man in the car. All that was left at the scene was her bicycle. But the witness could not tell which way the car went from that intersection - there was an overpass just past the intersection and the driver could have easily gotten on it in either direction.
Well, of course the police responded immediately! All yellow VWs were checked out, an Amber Alert was issued, the TV and radio stations were broadcasting all the info they had, businesses in the area were contacted to see if they had surveillance tapes that might show something, car dealerships all over were being asked to give the police info of all sales of yellow VW beetles in the last month, etc. There were no other witnesses to the actual kidnapping, though there was at least one person who noticed something going on - but she was looking at another car, not the yellow VW.
I made Ryan take my cell phone to class that evening just in case he saw a yellow VW so he could call it in. As of last night, nobody had found anything.
This morning I checked the news first thing (well, first thing AFTER the nosebleed, lol) - now the police are doubting the witness. For one - it happened at a very busy intersection, right outside of a restaurant and across the street from a police station - yet NO ONE ELSE saw it happen. And two - no one had reported a child missing yet. At first, they assumed the parents just didn't realize their child was missing yet. But by this morning, STILL no reports of a missing 9 - 10 year old girl.
I just hope that the police are right - that this lady made up the kidnapping. I hope that for the sake of the supposed little girl. I would rather learn that some crazy lady made it all up than to think this little girl is in danger somewhere and no one has even missed her. :( If this lady is making it up - she's going to be in tons of trouble! They had cops and helicopters all over town, they had the police in nearby cities looking too. This includes two states that spent time and money to look for the car and missing girl. That's not going to be a cheap bill when they hold her responsible!
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My dog is a cry-baby. Here we have had two glorious days - temps in the mid to upper 60's. Just beautiful! So, when the dog needed to go out earlier, I left him out. I did it yesterday too. Instead of finding a nice warm patch of sun to take a nap in... instead of exploring the yard that he as spent so little time in this winter... instead of just sitting on the deck enjoying the fresh air and spring weather... THE DUMB DOG BARKED and barked and barked, begging to be let in.
Nope.
I left him out there. Fresh air never hurt nobody - including dogs.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Word + Wisdom = Crazy Delicious
Saturday was the BIG DAY! The youth in our ward have been working for months on this Road Show and it was finally time for us to put on our performances.
But first... "What is a Road Show?" you may ask... It is a show that is taken on the road - literally. Groups of performers move to different audiences, who are able to stay in one place and let the entertainment come to them. Because of this, all props, scenery, etc need to be very portable. There are no scene changes in a road show - the curtain never closes during the performance. There is, however, an "olio" or an opener that starts each show off. The olio is performed in front of the curtain and has a short time limit - 3 minutes. It's purpose is to allow the props, scenery, and actors time to get into position. It also introduces the show at the end of their own little performance (which usually has nothing to do with the actual show, but is in itself it's own little show). The actual show has a time limit too - 12 minutes.
We were one of 6 wards participating. And we all had two locations to perform at. We were given the same theme - Arise and Shine Forth. Each ward then took that theme and put their own spin on it. And it was all kept secret until it was time to perform. We had no idea what the other wards were doing and they had no idea what we were doing. And that brings us to Saturday...
The day started EARLY. We had dress rehearsal at 7:45 am! We did get about 3-4 hours break after our rehearsal was done though. But at 1 pm we were back at the church having pizza and veggies for lunch and participating in a workshop by a teacher who came from BYU to see our Road Show. Then it was showtime!
We performed that afternoon for the other wards' youth. We were first up, which is always a hard spot. But our youth were ready and they did a great job! After having one performance under our belt, we started to feel a little more confident for the others that we would be doing that night. After we finished our's, we got to sit and relax while we watched the other wards perform.
All of the wards were good. There were two that seemed to stand out as truly exceptional. The greatest part about these Road Shows, is that it is done by the youth. They helped write the scipts, they came up with the ideas, helped get props and costumes ready, etc. This was THEIR Road Show. And they did awesome! It was fun - and impressive!
After the youth performed for each other, we were given our "box dinners" and prepared for the "real" performances that night. Our first show was in another building, so we packed up and headed on out. We ate our dinner, touched up our make up, and before we knew it - it was time to begin.
Again - we were the first up. Again - a hard spot. This was a new building that we had never seen before. The stage was different from ours. It was carpeted and had NO room backstage! But we did pretty good. The only part that was really bad was that the sound system failed us... which really was bad. It made the dance number VERY difficult and seemed to throw off the kids a little. :( But other than that, it went pretty well.
As soon as that performance was done, we packed up again and quickly made it back to our building. They had started at the same time we did, with other wards taking the first slots. And we arrived as their 3rd show was in progress. We were next. We quickly unloaded our props/scenery and waited patiently (and as quietly as 40 + people can wait) in the hall behind the stage until it was time for us to perform once more.
This time we were on our "home stage". This is where we had practiced, it was where we had started. It was infront of our "home crowd" too. It was our families and our friends who were watching. And this time - THEY WERE PERFECT!!! And I mean it - they didn't mess up a thing! Everyone was RIGHT ON!
If there was any one performance to nail, this was it and it felt great to have it happen there. Afterwards, we waited in a room while the other Road Shows finished the night. And then it was time for the "cast party".
I wouldn't exactly call it a "cast party" since there was nothing planned or organized. But there were extra food items to munch and the kids had fun finding friends from other wards and talking about the performances. Our ward had decided to make T-shirts for us all to wear. We handed them out first thing that morning. They had our show's name: "Word + Wisdom = Crazy Delicious" on it and the kids loved it. Anytime they weren't in costume, they were wearing their shirts. And the leaders were too. It was just one more fun part of the experience.
Finally - after a couple of hours, the judges were done crunching numbers and they were ready to hand out the awards. We were thrilled to get three awards: Most Humor, Best Script, and Most Overall Impact!!! All of the wards did well and recieved awards, but we were very pleased with the awards we received. Our focus from the beginning was to have FUN! We were constantly looking for ways to make our Road Show a little funnier... and it was great to get recognized for it. And it was a great surprise to get "Most Overall Impact"! That was a big compliment!
As I said in an earlier post, it was a LONG day! But it was so fun and well worth it! I was too busy backstage to get any pictures of our performance. :( But I understand that there was a DVD taken and will be available for us to possibly purchase - I plan on doing that. :)
I thought about posting the jist of our Road Show on here, like telling the story - but it could NOT do it justice to be typed out. You need to SEE it.
But I will tell you that we chose a "western" theme. Our Road Show took place in a bar... but it was a juice bar. We looked for anything that was "western saloon" like and twisted it to be funny and to fit a juice bar instead. For instance, the wanted posters were of our Stake Presidency. The bathroom key was HUGE and the handle end was shaped like an apple. The name of the juice bar was "Choose the Juice" (CTJ). The boys who played cards all day, were playing Uno and other games like Twister and such. The names of drinks on the menu were "Anti Nephi Keylime" and "And It Came to Passion Fruit", etc. There was a "bathroom guy" (yep, that was his name in the script, lol) who was constantly ordering more apple juice, then constantly needing the bathroom key, lol.
We really did have fun - every step of the way. Our practices were great, we laughed ALOT! And so Saturday's performances and the awards we received were just the perfect ending to our Road Show experience. :)
But first... "What is a Road Show?" you may ask... It is a show that is taken on the road - literally. Groups of performers move to different audiences, who are able to stay in one place and let the entertainment come to them. Because of this, all props, scenery, etc need to be very portable. There are no scene changes in a road show - the curtain never closes during the performance. There is, however, an "olio" or an opener that starts each show off. The olio is performed in front of the curtain and has a short time limit - 3 minutes. It's purpose is to allow the props, scenery, and actors time to get into position. It also introduces the show at the end of their own little performance (which usually has nothing to do with the actual show, but is in itself it's own little show). The actual show has a time limit too - 12 minutes.
We were one of 6 wards participating. And we all had two locations to perform at. We were given the same theme - Arise and Shine Forth. Each ward then took that theme and put their own spin on it. And it was all kept secret until it was time to perform. We had no idea what the other wards were doing and they had no idea what we were doing. And that brings us to Saturday...
The day started EARLY. We had dress rehearsal at 7:45 am! We did get about 3-4 hours break after our rehearsal was done though. But at 1 pm we were back at the church having pizza and veggies for lunch and participating in a workshop by a teacher who came from BYU to see our Road Show. Then it was showtime!
We performed that afternoon for the other wards' youth. We were first up, which is always a hard spot. But our youth were ready and they did a great job! After having one performance under our belt, we started to feel a little more confident for the others that we would be doing that night. After we finished our's, we got to sit and relax while we watched the other wards perform.
All of the wards were good. There were two that seemed to stand out as truly exceptional. The greatest part about these Road Shows, is that it is done by the youth. They helped write the scipts, they came up with the ideas, helped get props and costumes ready, etc. This was THEIR Road Show. And they did awesome! It was fun - and impressive!
After the youth performed for each other, we were given our "box dinners" and prepared for the "real" performances that night. Our first show was in another building, so we packed up and headed on out. We ate our dinner, touched up our make up, and before we knew it - it was time to begin.
Again - we were the first up. Again - a hard spot. This was a new building that we had never seen before. The stage was different from ours. It was carpeted and had NO room backstage! But we did pretty good. The only part that was really bad was that the sound system failed us... which really was bad. It made the dance number VERY difficult and seemed to throw off the kids a little. :( But other than that, it went pretty well.
As soon as that performance was done, we packed up again and quickly made it back to our building. They had started at the same time we did, with other wards taking the first slots. And we arrived as their 3rd show was in progress. We were next. We quickly unloaded our props/scenery and waited patiently (and as quietly as 40 + people can wait) in the hall behind the stage until it was time for us to perform once more.
This time we were on our "home stage". This is where we had practiced, it was where we had started. It was infront of our "home crowd" too. It was our families and our friends who were watching. And this time - THEY WERE PERFECT!!! And I mean it - they didn't mess up a thing! Everyone was RIGHT ON!
If there was any one performance to nail, this was it and it felt great to have it happen there. Afterwards, we waited in a room while the other Road Shows finished the night. And then it was time for the "cast party".
I wouldn't exactly call it a "cast party" since there was nothing planned or organized. But there were extra food items to munch and the kids had fun finding friends from other wards and talking about the performances. Our ward had decided to make T-shirts for us all to wear. We handed them out first thing that morning. They had our show's name: "Word + Wisdom = Crazy Delicious" on it and the kids loved it. Anytime they weren't in costume, they were wearing their shirts. And the leaders were too. It was just one more fun part of the experience.
Finally - after a couple of hours, the judges were done crunching numbers and they were ready to hand out the awards. We were thrilled to get three awards: Most Humor, Best Script, and Most Overall Impact!!! All of the wards did well and recieved awards, but we were very pleased with the awards we received. Our focus from the beginning was to have FUN! We were constantly looking for ways to make our Road Show a little funnier... and it was great to get recognized for it. And it was a great surprise to get "Most Overall Impact"! That was a big compliment!
As I said in an earlier post, it was a LONG day! But it was so fun and well worth it! I was too busy backstage to get any pictures of our performance. :( But I understand that there was a DVD taken and will be available for us to possibly purchase - I plan on doing that. :)
I thought about posting the jist of our Road Show on here, like telling the story - but it could NOT do it justice to be typed out. You need to SEE it.
But I will tell you that we chose a "western" theme. Our Road Show took place in a bar... but it was a juice bar. We looked for anything that was "western saloon" like and twisted it to be funny and to fit a juice bar instead. For instance, the wanted posters were of our Stake Presidency. The bathroom key was HUGE and the handle end was shaped like an apple. The name of the juice bar was "Choose the Juice" (CTJ). The boys who played cards all day, were playing Uno and other games like Twister and such. The names of drinks on the menu were "Anti Nephi Keylime" and "And It Came to Passion Fruit", etc. There was a "bathroom guy" (yep, that was his name in the script, lol) who was constantly ordering more apple juice, then constantly needing the bathroom key, lol.
We really did have fun - every step of the way. Our practices were great, we laughed ALOT! And so Saturday's performances and the awards we received were just the perfect ending to our Road Show experience. :)
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Happy Easter!
Yesterday was a long day - but lots of fun, I will blog about it later. *thumbs*
This morning, Cadi awoke to a fun Easter basket full of neat things (jump rope, small Princess Radio, hair accessories, etc.). The basket also had a note in it: I will be back after church to hide your eggs.
That was okay with her, so we got ready for church. She wore a beautiful pink dress with a white sweater, white hat, a pretty necklace and bracelet, and new shoes. I spent about 30 minutes curling her hair with a curling iron - she looked so pretty. And I forgot to take a picture! UGH - I am so pregnant! (Today I was looking for my keys, starting to panic, then finally realized, I was holding them the whole time... *rolls eyes*)
Church was great, we had some great talks and lessons. Afterwards, Ryan and Cadi went home in one car and I went home in another. They had to run an errand, I just came straight home. I was wearing a really comfy maternity skirt, but I was done with the nylons and heels, so I went straight to my room to change. By the time I was done changing, Cadi and Ryan got home. Acadia was focused - she went straight to the family room and found a basket with a note that said: There are 36 eggs hidden.
Currently, she has found 35 and is searching for the last egg. hehehe ... looks like Easter Bunny was pretty sneaky this year. *evil laughter* I'm sure she'll find it - sooner or later. At least it's just plastic with candy inside - and not a real hard-cooked egg. lol
We'll be leaving soon to go have dinner with my Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. It will be a nice visit. We're bringing dessert - kind of like a Boston Cream Pie, but with strawberry instead of chocolate on top. It looks good - I hope it is!
Easter is often full of candy and eggs, but we are grateful for the knowledge that it is about much more than that. As was mentioned in a talk in church today, we celebrate Christmas with at least a month of activities, traditions, decorations, etc. But in the scriptures Christ says, "To this end was I born." The babe we remember at Christmas time was born for the purpose of why we celebrate Easter. This is the reason for Christmas, yet we don't really celebrate it nearly as much as we celebrate Christmas. I suppose that is okay, but I hope that we at least are remembering it. When it comes down to it, the decorations and activities don't matter. What matters is that we realize what and why we celebrate - and most importantly how we should be living to reflect that.
I am grateful for the gift of Easter. For the gift of the resurrection and the gift of the atonement. Christ was born as a newborn baby, just as we were. He died, just as we will. But then he rose. And we will too. One of the youth speakers today talked about Thomas, who at first couldn't believe that Christ had risen. He said he would believe it when he saw it for himself. The speaker today then said, "Let's not be like Thomas. Let's believe even what we cannot see." And that is my hope, that we will believe that what Christ did and said is real. He lives, he overcame death both physical and spiritual. And because he did that, we can too.
Happy Easter, everyone! I hope you enjoy this special day and take a moment to remember what and why we are celebrating!
This morning, Cadi awoke to a fun Easter basket full of neat things (jump rope, small Princess Radio, hair accessories, etc.). The basket also had a note in it: I will be back after church to hide your eggs.
That was okay with her, so we got ready for church. She wore a beautiful pink dress with a white sweater, white hat, a pretty necklace and bracelet, and new shoes. I spent about 30 minutes curling her hair with a curling iron - she looked so pretty. And I forgot to take a picture! UGH - I am so pregnant! (Today I was looking for my keys, starting to panic, then finally realized, I was holding them the whole time... *rolls eyes*)
Church was great, we had some great talks and lessons. Afterwards, Ryan and Cadi went home in one car and I went home in another. They had to run an errand, I just came straight home. I was wearing a really comfy maternity skirt, but I was done with the nylons and heels, so I went straight to my room to change. By the time I was done changing, Cadi and Ryan got home. Acadia was focused - she went straight to the family room and found a basket with a note that said: There are 36 eggs hidden.
Currently, she has found 35 and is searching for the last egg. hehehe ... looks like Easter Bunny was pretty sneaky this year. *evil laughter* I'm sure she'll find it - sooner or later. At least it's just plastic with candy inside - and not a real hard-cooked egg. lol
We'll be leaving soon to go have dinner with my Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. It will be a nice visit. We're bringing dessert - kind of like a Boston Cream Pie, but with strawberry instead of chocolate on top. It looks good - I hope it is!
Easter is often full of candy and eggs, but we are grateful for the knowledge that it is about much more than that. As was mentioned in a talk in church today, we celebrate Christmas with at least a month of activities, traditions, decorations, etc. But in the scriptures Christ says, "To this end was I born." The babe we remember at Christmas time was born for the purpose of why we celebrate Easter. This is the reason for Christmas, yet we don't really celebrate it nearly as much as we celebrate Christmas. I suppose that is okay, but I hope that we at least are remembering it. When it comes down to it, the decorations and activities don't matter. What matters is that we realize what and why we celebrate - and most importantly how we should be living to reflect that.
I am grateful for the gift of Easter. For the gift of the resurrection and the gift of the atonement. Christ was born as a newborn baby, just as we were. He died, just as we will. But then he rose. And we will too. One of the youth speakers today talked about Thomas, who at first couldn't believe that Christ had risen. He said he would believe it when he saw it for himself. The speaker today then said, "Let's not be like Thomas. Let's believe even what we cannot see." And that is my hope, that we will believe that what Christ did and said is real. He lives, he overcame death both physical and spiritual. And because he did that, we can too.
Happy Easter, everyone! I hope you enjoy this special day and take a moment to remember what and why we are celebrating!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Betrayed by my own family.
Ryan leaves for work before I get up, so he resets his alarm clock for me before he goes. If it's a school day, it is almost always the same time: 7 am. Sometimes he still asks me what time I want it set for, which is fine. This morning he asked, I told him "Seven". So, he left for work. At 7:15 I woke up and realized that he had not set his alarm! Ugh, thanks.
Last night we opened all the windows and put a window fan in ours to draw in the colder air because today will be HOTTER THAN HOT! (93 degrees - which is HOTTER THAN HOT for around here - especially if you're pregnant!) I got up, took the fan out of the window, closed it up, closed the blinds and headed out to the family room to do the same. I find Acadia already awake WITH THE HEATER ON!!!
UGH! PEOPLE, YOU'RE KILLING ME HERE!!!
I moved the window fan to the family room to cool it down real fast before the temps start rising. It's supposed to warm up real quick today and I want everything closed ASAP! It's a little cooler now, but not as cool as it should be. I just hope that I can keep it from getting so hot in here that I want to hurt someone later today. Thankfully, today will be the hottest this week. Tomorrow goes back down into the 80's, which for me right now is still too warm. But it is at least managable. :)
I had been thinking that tomorrow I'd have Ryan put in our A/C but I've realized that it isn't very realistic. We haven't even begun looking at A/C units. There's no way we'll be able to choose one, cut a hole in our wall, rig up the support it will need, get the power connected, etc. all before he has to leave for class tomorrow afternoon. If he had today to start on it maybe, but he doesn't. Tomorrow will be his only day off this week. :( But like I said earlier, at least the weather will be cooler the rest of the week. And besides, this way I still get my pampering tomorrow for my late "Mother's Day" and we'll just put in the A/C next week.
Until then, we'll keep freezing out the house every night and then closing it up during the day. Providing no one turns on any heaters, it should be okay. I think I'll tape up a piece of paper over the heater control that says, "NO MORE HEATERS!" just to be safe.
Last night we opened all the windows and put a window fan in ours to draw in the colder air because today will be HOTTER THAN HOT! (93 degrees - which is HOTTER THAN HOT for around here - especially if you're pregnant!) I got up, took the fan out of the window, closed it up, closed the blinds and headed out to the family room to do the same. I find Acadia already awake WITH THE HEATER ON!!!
UGH! PEOPLE, YOU'RE KILLING ME HERE!!!
I moved the window fan to the family room to cool it down real fast before the temps start rising. It's supposed to warm up real quick today and I want everything closed ASAP! It's a little cooler now, but not as cool as it should be. I just hope that I can keep it from getting so hot in here that I want to hurt someone later today. Thankfully, today will be the hottest this week. Tomorrow goes back down into the 80's, which for me right now is still too warm. But it is at least managable. :)
I had been thinking that tomorrow I'd have Ryan put in our A/C but I've realized that it isn't very realistic. We haven't even begun looking at A/C units. There's no way we'll be able to choose one, cut a hole in our wall, rig up the support it will need, get the power connected, etc. all before he has to leave for class tomorrow afternoon. If he had today to start on it maybe, but he doesn't. Tomorrow will be his only day off this week. :( But like I said earlier, at least the weather will be cooler the rest of the week. And besides, this way I still get my pampering tomorrow for my late "Mother's Day" and we'll just put in the A/C next week.
Until then, we'll keep freezing out the house every night and then closing it up during the day. Providing no one turns on any heaters, it should be okay. I think I'll tape up a piece of paper over the heater control that says, "NO MORE HEATERS!" just to be safe.
"Feet"
I'm going to cheat this week and have two pictures for this week's photo scavenger hunt theme, "feet":
This one was taken at a portrait studio after my sisters and I had gone to get manicures and pedicures. It was the first picture I thought of when I saw the theme. But with our hands covering our feet, I didn't think it was adequate enough to show alone, lol. (Oh, and eventually I'm gonna doctor up the bottom of the pic with some cute quote or something... when I have some "free time", LOL)
So this is a picture of my sister and her husband's feet while they danced. They were at a 50's dance, my sister had made a "poodle skirt" for herself, as well as one for her daughter - very cute!!! Sis and said husband met through dance while they both performed in the Strauss Festival in Elk Grove, CA one summer. They haven't stopped dancing, their specialty is swing - and they are a BLAST to watch! Mom took this picture, so I can't take credit (I wasn't even at this dance - not even in the state, lol). But I like it, so I'm posting it. :)
This one was taken at a portrait studio after my sisters and I had gone to get manicures and pedicures. It was the first picture I thought of when I saw the theme. But with our hands covering our feet, I didn't think it was adequate enough to show alone, lol. (Oh, and eventually I'm gonna doctor up the bottom of the pic with some cute quote or something... when I have some "free time", LOL)
So this is a picture of my sister and her husband's feet while they danced. They were at a 50's dance, my sister had made a "poodle skirt" for herself, as well as one for her daughter - very cute!!! Sis and said husband met through dance while they both performed in the Strauss Festival in Elk Grove, CA one summer. They haven't stopped dancing, their specialty is swing - and they are a BLAST to watch! Mom took this picture, so I can't take credit (I wasn't even at this dance - not even in the state, lol). But I like it, so I'm posting it. :)
Friday, April 14, 2006
Feel Good
Okay, so I don't know that I have figured out why they titled this set of questions "Feel Good", but here goes...
1. Have you ever ridden a camel?
Yes. Several times in fact. And elephants too. We used to go to Marine World Africa USA alot when I was younger. And WAY back in the day, at their original location, they had elephant and camel rides. At the current location they only had elephant rides, and they were not nearly as good as the original.
The original rides were in an area that was dense with trees. It was nice, cool, fun... but the new location was out in the plain, open, sun. Very uninteresting.
When I was very young, my mom made shirts for us that said, "I rode a camel at Marine World Africa USA". I think she also made shirts that said "elephant".
2. When you are outside, what does the horizon look like?
Well, it depends on WHERE I AM outside. My favorite view from my house, is looking from our back deck, over the back fence. You have the simple park and behind it a nice hill. There are trees, though not a ton. And it is almost always green. My favorite time to view that scene is either 1) when the rain is falling like mist (it makes it look even greener) or 2) when the sun is going down. We get some beautiful sunset colors sometimes.
3. Who is the last person to leave you a message?
What kind of message? Phone... don't remember. E-mail... Ryan from his pager. Comment on my blog... I think my mom.
4. How many hours did you sleep last night?
I'm not sure exactly. I think about 7.
5. Chocolate: take it or leave it?
Well... normally I leave it. I know, I'm not fit to be called a "woman" because I'm not a chocolaholic (or however it's spelled!). I just usually prefer strawberries or other berries or fruit.
HOWEVER... this past week has been WEIRD! I have craved chocolate more this week than I think I have at any other time in my life! I just HAD TO HAVE a Butterfinger a couple days back, lol. And when I went to the store today.. Man was that Easter candy calling to me. I do not usually have this problem! I didn't even have it when I was pregnant with Cadi.
So, right now... Sure, I'll take it! lol
1. Have you ever ridden a camel?
Yes. Several times in fact. And elephants too. We used to go to Marine World Africa USA alot when I was younger. And WAY back in the day, at their original location, they had elephant and camel rides. At the current location they only had elephant rides, and they were not nearly as good as the original.
The original rides were in an area that was dense with trees. It was nice, cool, fun... but the new location was out in the plain, open, sun. Very uninteresting.
When I was very young, my mom made shirts for us that said, "I rode a camel at Marine World Africa USA". I think she also made shirts that said "elephant".
2. When you are outside, what does the horizon look like?
Well, it depends on WHERE I AM outside. My favorite view from my house, is looking from our back deck, over the back fence. You have the simple park and behind it a nice hill. There are trees, though not a ton. And it is almost always green. My favorite time to view that scene is either 1) when the rain is falling like mist (it makes it look even greener) or 2) when the sun is going down. We get some beautiful sunset colors sometimes.
3. Who is the last person to leave you a message?
What kind of message? Phone... don't remember. E-mail... Ryan from his pager. Comment on my blog... I think my mom.
4. How many hours did you sleep last night?
I'm not sure exactly. I think about 7.
5. Chocolate: take it or leave it?
Well... normally I leave it. I know, I'm not fit to be called a "woman" because I'm not a chocolaholic (or however it's spelled!). I just usually prefer strawberries or other berries or fruit.
HOWEVER... this past week has been WEIRD! I have craved chocolate more this week than I think I have at any other time in my life! I just HAD TO HAVE a Butterfinger a couple days back, lol. And when I went to the store today.. Man was that Easter candy calling to me. I do not usually have this problem! I didn't even have it when I was pregnant with Cadi.
So, right now... Sure, I'll take it! lol
Customer Service
It isn't even 10:30 am and I've already dealt with 3 seperate customer service issues today.
I had to make a return at Target, but didn't have a receipt. Usually I keep my receipts if there is any chance I'll be returning something - but this time I didn't. :( Although, I didn't have it, they were able to go through my entire wallet and find the method of payment (by scanning a checking deposit slip, and my credit cards one by one, until they found the item purchased using that method. ... okay... I thought it was a rather odd policy, I've never had to do it before and I've never heard of it before from any other store. But fortunately, I DID pay with a credit card that purchase, and not just cash (which I usually do, so I'm super lucky!). To sum it up... it was an easy return for the most part, and I found the exchange that I needed.
(If you're being technical, I dealt with 4 customer services because I went to the store to buy groceries, but there really were no issues there so I don't think it counts.)
After my shopping was done, I stopped by McD's for some breakfast - HEY, I'm preggers and I haven't had fast food in well over a week - so it isn't like I'm being completely unhealthy. I've been craving their Sausage Egg McMuffin sandwich and hashbrowns for a few days and this was my chance to finally get them! Anyhow, I placed my order. I'll admit it on the world-wide-web... I order an extra hashbrown when I get the meal! There, I said it... so deal with it. I like their hashbrowns! On my way home, I notice that they didn't give me my extra hashbrown. BUMMER! I consider going back, but I decide it wasn't worth it. So I got home, put away groceries and sat down to eat my Sausage Egg McMuffin - that I've been craving this whole week... What the heck?!? It's a Bacon Biscuit instead! I don't like bacon - and I don't really like their biscuits either. UGH, so I decided I WOULD go back. I was concerned that I might get grief but they were awesome and exchanged the sandwich plus gave me both hashbrowns (even though I had eaten the one they gave me already, lol) and I was a happy camper.
Upon arriving home, I discovered that my furniture had been delivered! HOORAY!!! But I quickly notice that something is wrong. I should have received two pieces, there is only one. Hmmm. So I call fed ex, expecting them to have gotten the delivery right, but for the company I had ordered it from to have not filled the order correctly. The customer service was very helpful and even though the tracking number I had was only for one of the packages, they found that I indeed DID have two packages and the other one was on another truck. (Why, I don't know... maybe because it was significantly larger and heavier and the one truck couldn't handle it? I don't know.) So, I was happy to hear that I would still be getting the second piece today. YAY!
Now, hopefully when I get said second piece it will be the right thing. And when I put them both together - it will be wonderfully perfect!
So.. what could have been a very unpleasant morning dealing with various customer service departments, turned into a very satisfying series of experiences.
Oh, but for the record... if you are so kind as to buy me any baby gifts (which is totally not necessary and not expected, lol) from Target - PLEASE include a gift receipt. That way if I do need to make an exchange (say for instance the doctor is wrong and Eärendil's a boy instead of a girl), I will have what I need. Otherwise, I'm kind of stuck. Thanks!
I had to make a return at Target, but didn't have a receipt. Usually I keep my receipts if there is any chance I'll be returning something - but this time I didn't. :( Although, I didn't have it, they were able to go through my entire wallet and find the method of payment (by scanning a checking deposit slip, and my credit cards one by one, until they found the item purchased using that method. ... okay... I thought it was a rather odd policy, I've never had to do it before and I've never heard of it before from any other store. But fortunately, I DID pay with a credit card that purchase, and not just cash (which I usually do, so I'm super lucky!). To sum it up... it was an easy return for the most part, and I found the exchange that I needed.
(If you're being technical, I dealt with 4 customer services because I went to the store to buy groceries, but there really were no issues there so I don't think it counts.)
After my shopping was done, I stopped by McD's for some breakfast - HEY, I'm preggers and I haven't had fast food in well over a week - so it isn't like I'm being completely unhealthy. I've been craving their Sausage Egg McMuffin sandwich and hashbrowns for a few days and this was my chance to finally get them! Anyhow, I placed my order. I'll admit it on the world-wide-web... I order an extra hashbrown when I get the meal! There, I said it... so deal with it. I like their hashbrowns! On my way home, I notice that they didn't give me my extra hashbrown. BUMMER! I consider going back, but I decide it wasn't worth it. So I got home, put away groceries and sat down to eat my Sausage Egg McMuffin - that I've been craving this whole week... What the heck?!? It's a Bacon Biscuit instead! I don't like bacon - and I don't really like their biscuits either. UGH, so I decided I WOULD go back. I was concerned that I might get grief but they were awesome and exchanged the sandwich plus gave me both hashbrowns (even though I had eaten the one they gave me already, lol) and I was a happy camper.
Upon arriving home, I discovered that my furniture had been delivered! HOORAY!!! But I quickly notice that something is wrong. I should have received two pieces, there is only one. Hmmm. So I call fed ex, expecting them to have gotten the delivery right, but for the company I had ordered it from to have not filled the order correctly. The customer service was very helpful and even though the tracking number I had was only for one of the packages, they found that I indeed DID have two packages and the other one was on another truck. (Why, I don't know... maybe because it was significantly larger and heavier and the one truck couldn't handle it? I don't know.) So, I was happy to hear that I would still be getting the second piece today. YAY!
Now, hopefully when I get said second piece it will be the right thing. And when I put them both together - it will be wonderfully perfect!
So.. what could have been a very unpleasant morning dealing with various customer service departments, turned into a very satisfying series of experiences.
Oh, but for the record... if you are so kind as to buy me any baby gifts (which is totally not necessary and not expected, lol) from Target - PLEASE include a gift receipt. That way if I do need to make an exchange (say for instance the doctor is wrong and Eärendil's a boy instead of a girl), I will have what I need. Otherwise, I'm kind of stuck. Thanks!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
The Thrill of the Hunt
Today was my day in Cadi's classroom., but I was hardly there this morning. Instead I was in a shared space between the three 1st grade class rooms.
Today the kids brought in 2 hard cooked eggs and colored them for an Easter Egg hunt. I think they wanted a couple of parents... they got just me. It was fun though, I had the kids come to the table 4 or 5 at a time. (I think they said there were about 63 kids total.) Each child colored 2 eggs. I think a few of them somehow snuck an extra in under my nose somehow but whatever, lol. They were all very good sports. The boys didn't even mind when the red really was pink! Of course, they knew that the eggs they colored may not be the exact eggs they find when their hunt took place, so it was easy to shrug it off and say, "Hey, it's not gonna be MY egg." lol
Oh, and I learned that if someone brings brown eggs instead of white - they can turn out to be quite popular! Dye them in the green dye - it ends up like an "army green" color! Since there were only 4 of the brown eggs, there were some who didn't get to make the "cool" green. But there will be lots of 1st graders asking their moms to get brown eggs for them to decorate now, lol. FYI - none of the other colors really worked very well for the brown eggs, though they never tried the pink.
This afternoon the 5th graders are hiding all 132 eggs and about 30 minutes before it's time to go home, the 1st graders will have their Easter Egg hunt! Part of me wishes that I could go back and help with the hunt - it will be fun, I'm sure. But the rest of me is tired from standing and bending over a table for 2 1/2 hours this morning! So, home I stay.
Today the kids brought in 2 hard cooked eggs and colored them for an Easter Egg hunt. I think they wanted a couple of parents... they got just me. It was fun though, I had the kids come to the table 4 or 5 at a time. (I think they said there were about 63 kids total.) Each child colored 2 eggs. I think a few of them somehow snuck an extra in under my nose somehow but whatever, lol. They were all very good sports. The boys didn't even mind when the red really was pink! Of course, they knew that the eggs they colored may not be the exact eggs they find when their hunt took place, so it was easy to shrug it off and say, "Hey, it's not gonna be MY egg." lol
Oh, and I learned that if someone brings brown eggs instead of white - they can turn out to be quite popular! Dye them in the green dye - it ends up like an "army green" color! Since there were only 4 of the brown eggs, there were some who didn't get to make the "cool" green. But there will be lots of 1st graders asking their moms to get brown eggs for them to decorate now, lol. FYI - none of the other colors really worked very well for the brown eggs, though they never tried the pink.
This afternoon the 5th graders are hiding all 132 eggs and about 30 minutes before it's time to go home, the 1st graders will have their Easter Egg hunt! Part of me wishes that I could go back and help with the hunt - it will be fun, I'm sure. But the rest of me is tired from standing and bending over a table for 2 1/2 hours this morning! So, home I stay.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Can't take the heat?
So, last night we got a call...
caller: "Sister Roser? This is Elder _____."
me: "Oh no! Dinner tomorrow!"
We have been trying for MONTHS to get the missionaries over for dinner. I never see the sign-ups since I am in Young Womens and even if I did, they fill up SO FAST! So several weeks ago, I finally got my name down for today. Well, then a couple of weeks ago, Ryan agreed to cover someone's shift - it included today. UGH!
me: "I am so sorry! Yes, I will still feed you - but it turns out my husband can't be here, can I bring you your dinner instead?"
Of course they said yes and when I asked, they said that they had no requests - or allergies - so I could make whatever I wanted.
I made my favorite... Spaghetti Diablo. Haven't you heard about it? I'm nearly famous for it. Seriously! People in other countries (okay, just one person in one other country) RAVE about it and when they find out I've made it, they are insanely jealous. (To Landon: *Sticks tongue out* I made the missionaries Spaghetti Diablo today, neener, neener! lol)
As I was serving a *healthy* portion into some containers to take to them, a piece of chicken fell on the floor. Now, my dog does not eat people food. However, if it falls on the floor I usually let him (more like WANT him to) "clean" it up. He quickly obliged. After about a minute he made a bee-line for his water dish and drank that puppy dry! LOL What's wrong Simon? Can't take the heat? (Did I mention that I kind of accidentally put in TWICE the cayenne pepper? lol But that's okay - I actually like it that way! And it wasn't exactly "twice" - it was only 50 - 75% more, lol.)
Because this is my VERY FAVORITE food to make, I will now share my recipe with you. (This is my version. Well, one of them. I tend to be "flexible" with some of the details from time to time, lol. It is altered from it's original version to suit my personal preferences. The original comes from a cookbook that Ryan's parents own.)
Spaghetti Diablo
3 cups cooked, cubed chicken breasts
1 lb. vermicilli (or spaghetti - I often use whole wheat spaghetti)
1 onion, chopped
2 mushrooms, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
Olive Oil
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
8 oz can tomato sauce
2 t. Italian seasonings
1 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt
Sprinkle of black pepper
1 t. cayenne pepper (I almost always add more, cause I like it hot, hot, HOT!)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta, drain, set aside. Saute onions, mushrooms, and garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add all spices and seasonings. When heated through and well blended, combine with cooked chicken and pasta. Transfer to casserole or baking dish, sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
You can easily alter the cayenne pepper to suit you and your families taste. But you should at least try it this way once - it's so good! And besides, the above amount isn't really THAT spicy at all.
Oh, and it's a great recipe to freeze. I like to make a BIG batch and then freeze some for another night when I don't have time or am not in the mood to cook. Just defrost completely and bake for maybe an extra 5 minutes or so.
caller: "Sister Roser? This is Elder _____."
me: "Oh no! Dinner tomorrow!"
We have been trying for MONTHS to get the missionaries over for dinner. I never see the sign-ups since I am in Young Womens and even if I did, they fill up SO FAST! So several weeks ago, I finally got my name down for today. Well, then a couple of weeks ago, Ryan agreed to cover someone's shift - it included today. UGH!
me: "I am so sorry! Yes, I will still feed you - but it turns out my husband can't be here, can I bring you your dinner instead?"
Of course they said yes and when I asked, they said that they had no requests - or allergies - so I could make whatever I wanted.
I made my favorite... Spaghetti Diablo. Haven't you heard about it? I'm nearly famous for it. Seriously! People in other countries (okay, just one person in one other country) RAVE about it and when they find out I've made it, they are insanely jealous. (To Landon: *Sticks tongue out* I made the missionaries Spaghetti Diablo today, neener, neener! lol)
As I was serving a *healthy* portion into some containers to take to them, a piece of chicken fell on the floor. Now, my dog does not eat people food. However, if it falls on the floor I usually let him (more like WANT him to) "clean" it up. He quickly obliged. After about a minute he made a bee-line for his water dish and drank that puppy dry! LOL What's wrong Simon? Can't take the heat? (Did I mention that I kind of accidentally put in TWICE the cayenne pepper? lol But that's okay - I actually like it that way! And it wasn't exactly "twice" - it was only 50 - 75% more, lol.)
Because this is my VERY FAVORITE food to make, I will now share my recipe with you. (This is my version. Well, one of them. I tend to be "flexible" with some of the details from time to time, lol. It is altered from it's original version to suit my personal preferences. The original comes from a cookbook that Ryan's parents own.)
Spaghetti Diablo
3 cups cooked, cubed chicken breasts
1 lb. vermicilli (or spaghetti - I often use whole wheat spaghetti)
1 onion, chopped
2 mushrooms, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
Olive Oil
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
8 oz can tomato sauce
2 t. Italian seasonings
1 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt
Sprinkle of black pepper
1 t. cayenne pepper (I almost always add more, cause I like it hot, hot, HOT!)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta, drain, set aside. Saute onions, mushrooms, and garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add all spices and seasonings. When heated through and well blended, combine with cooked chicken and pasta. Transfer to casserole or baking dish, sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
You can easily alter the cayenne pepper to suit you and your families taste. But you should at least try it this way once - it's so good! And besides, the above amount isn't really THAT spicy at all.
Oh, and it's a great recipe to freeze. I like to make a BIG batch and then freeze some for another night when I don't have time or am not in the mood to cook. Just defrost completely and bake for maybe an extra 5 minutes or so.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Resurrection Cookies
If you're looking for a great Easter tradition to do with your family, especially one that will help remind you of why were REALLY celebrate Easter... try this one:
Resurrection Cookies
The cookies are really delicious, and making them as a
family is a great way to experience the Easter
message. Read the whole recipe before beginning…try
to do together Saturday night before Easter Sunday.
Preheat oven 300 degrees.
Ingredients: You need:
1 cup whole pecans Mixing bowl
3 egg whites Wooden spoon
1 cup sugar Bible
1 tsp. Vinegar Zipper baggie
1 pinch of salt Waxed paper
Cookie sheet
Tape
Place the pecans in zipper baggie and let the children
beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small
pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was
beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3
Let children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. into
mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on
the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John
19:28-30
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let
them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by
Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add
1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the
story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He
wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8
and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes
until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color
white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those
whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah
1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by tsp. onto waxed
paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound
represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt 27:59-60
Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn
the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and
seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was
sealed. Read Matt 27:65-66
GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in
the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair
when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22
On Resurrection Morning open the oven and give
everyone a cookie! Notice the cracked surface and
take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first
Resurrection Day, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find
the tomb open and empty. Read Matt 28:1-9
HE HAS RISEN! HALLELUJAH!
Resurrection Cookies
The cookies are really delicious, and making them as a
family is a great way to experience the Easter
message. Read the whole recipe before beginning…try
to do together Saturday night before Easter Sunday.
Preheat oven 300 degrees.
Ingredients: You need:
1 cup whole pecans Mixing bowl
3 egg whites Wooden spoon
1 cup sugar Bible
1 tsp. Vinegar Zipper baggie
1 pinch of salt Waxed paper
Cookie sheet
Tape
Place the pecans in zipper baggie and let the children
beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small
pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was
beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3
Let children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. into
mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on
the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John
19:28-30
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let
them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by
Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add
1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the
story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He
wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8
and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes
until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color
white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those
whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah
1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by tsp. onto waxed
paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound
represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt 27:59-60
Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn
the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and
seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was
sealed. Read Matt 27:65-66
GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in
the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair
when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22
On Resurrection Morning open the oven and give
everyone a cookie! Notice the cracked surface and
take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first
Resurrection Day, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find
the tomb open and empty. Read Matt 28:1-9
HE HAS RISEN! HALLELUJAH!
Red and Yellow and Pink and Green...
Have you ever heard that song? "I can sing a rainbow...." I think I used to know it in sign language too - WAY BACK WHEN, lol.
Last night, Acadia and I colored Easter Eggs! Way fun! I love hard cooked eggs and it's fun to color them pretty colors. I love to mix colors, like I'll dye an egg green, then dip it in blue a few times to make the color richer. Last night I put an egg in three different colors but only partially, at different angles, so it looks really cool.
Well, I took a few pics... Here they are...
Last night, Acadia and I colored Easter Eggs! Way fun! I love hard cooked eggs and it's fun to color them pretty colors. I love to mix colors, like I'll dye an egg green, then dip it in blue a few times to make the color richer. Last night I put an egg in three different colors but only partially, at different angles, so it looks really cool.
Well, I took a few pics... Here they are...
Monday, April 10, 2006
Scared to death!
Acadia's bus came by on time and I waited for her to come through the door. And I waited... looked outside and didn't see her. I called our neighbor since she often walks their kids home first then comes here. They said that she wasn't there but that they thought she had gotten off the bus. So I looked again... and went to the other neighbor's to see if she was there.
My first thoughts were, "If she is fooling around - she's grounded!" But when she wasn't anywhere to be found - but the kids said she was definitely on the bus - I just started praying she was okay and that I would find her!
I called the school and they got the transportation department on the line. They were able to contact her bus. Turns out she had been talking to a friend and completely missed the stop! The driver brought her back around when she was done with the other stops.
Man, oh man! I was so scared! When she got off the bus I was crying and I hugged her... she thought she was going to get grounded or be in trouble. No, I'm just glad she's okay!
But I did ask her to try to pay closer attention to the bus stops next time!
My first thoughts were, "If she is fooling around - she's grounded!" But when she wasn't anywhere to be found - but the kids said she was definitely on the bus - I just started praying she was okay and that I would find her!
I called the school and they got the transportation department on the line. They were able to contact her bus. Turns out she had been talking to a friend and completely missed the stop! The driver brought her back around when she was done with the other stops.
Man, oh man! I was so scared! When she got off the bus I was crying and I hugged her... she thought she was going to get grounded or be in trouble. No, I'm just glad she's okay!
But I did ask her to try to pay closer attention to the bus stops next time!
It's all in the voice.
"In my defense, the kid wasn't all that bright before the dodgeball hit him." - Kronk, The Emperor's New School
Acadia was watching the cartoon (if you haven't seen it, you aren't missing much... It's nothing like the movie - which was so funny... Now, if you haven't seen THAT - then you SHOULD!)... Yeah, so Cadi was watching the show and I heard that line, oh man it just sounded funny and made me laugh!
I love Kronk! He's the best in the original, The Emperor's New Groove (he's does his own theme music... lol). I wasn't impressed with Kronk's New Groove, which totally bummed me out because Kronk is the best part about Emperor's New Groove - so I had been hoping for it to be better. :( But yeah, Kronk... his voice - it's so funny! There are two actors whose voices just "make" their characters, no matter who they are playing... Obviously Patrick Warburton (Kronk) and Owen Wilson!
Now, Owen annoyed me the first time I saw him. But by the time the movie was over, I loved him!!! And now I like watching almost anything he's in - just to hear his voice! He is so funny!
Oh man... just thinking about either of them make me chuckle... lol.
Acadia was watching the cartoon (if you haven't seen it, you aren't missing much... It's nothing like the movie - which was so funny... Now, if you haven't seen THAT - then you SHOULD!)... Yeah, so Cadi was watching the show and I heard that line, oh man it just sounded funny and made me laugh!
I love Kronk! He's the best in the original, The Emperor's New Groove (he's does his own theme music... lol). I wasn't impressed with Kronk's New Groove, which totally bummed me out because Kronk is the best part about Emperor's New Groove - so I had been hoping for it to be better. :( But yeah, Kronk... his voice - it's so funny! There are two actors whose voices just "make" their characters, no matter who they are playing... Obviously Patrick Warburton (Kronk) and Owen Wilson!
Now, Owen annoyed me the first time I saw him. But by the time the movie was over, I loved him!!! And now I like watching almost anything he's in - just to hear his voice! He is so funny!
Oh man... just thinking about either of them make me chuckle... lol.
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Round
Okay, before you start saying, "Dang Girl! You're HUGE already!!! How on earth will you make it to 9 months?!?"...
This was a picture taken a little over 7 years ago, when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with Acadia. It was June 7, 1999 and I was trying to "induce" labor myself, so we went bowling. Then a day or two later we went golfing, then bowling again, and again... While I never induced labor myself, I did "prep" my body and when I was induced on June 17th, I was already dilated to 4 cm and I was 75% effaced! So, I guess it DID work, in a way.
Now, the truly depressing part of this picture is not that I actually still have those maternity clothes, 7 years later (and wear them, lol) but that I am frightfully closer to that size than I should be, given that I am only in my fifth month! I hope I don't get too big!!!
Thursday, April 6, 2006
I can't remember doing this with Cadi...
hehehe... I just ate some chocolate candy and now all of a sudden, my belly is a movin' and a shakin'! lol
I've heard ladies talk about doing it on purpose. Eating a candy bar and then waiting a few minutes for the sugar high to hit the baby. But I don't really remember ever doing it when I was pregant with Acadia.
... it's kind of fun, lol.
I've heard ladies talk about doing it on purpose. Eating a candy bar and then waiting a few minutes for the sugar high to hit the baby. But I don't really remember ever doing it when I was pregant with Acadia.
... it's kind of fun, lol.
It's starting to look like a nursery!
Last night, Ryan and I set up the crib. Then today, Acadia and I set up the rocker/glider. I do have one bookcase still in there, but other than that (and the new crib and rocker)... the room is empty. And once that bookcase is gone, it will no longer have anything in it that had any ties to the "craft room", it will finally be the nursery - and only the nursery.
I've finished ordering all the furniture items. Now we wait for them to get delivered. I'm anxious to start decorating. I kind of want to go buy the crib bedding so I can match colors and stuff... but I'm being good and waiting for the baby showers. Ugh! You have NO IDEA how hard it is to wait!!! lol
When I'm done with the whole room, I'll definitely post pics!
I've finished ordering all the furniture items. Now we wait for them to get delivered. I'm anxious to start decorating. I kind of want to go buy the crib bedding so I can match colors and stuff... but I'm being good and waiting for the baby showers. Ugh! You have NO IDEA how hard it is to wait!!! lol
When I'm done with the whole room, I'll definitely post pics!
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Big Spender
Today Cadi and I ran down into Portland to do some shopping. We bought a crib and a rocker/glider for the baby's room. I also ordered a changing table. Now all that's left for the furniture are the dressers, which I plan to order tomorrow.
But the real big news is that we picked up our copy of Narnia today! Acadia was very excited because we didn't let her see it in the theater - too intense, dark, loud, etc. But she has seen the old version and read the books, so I let her watch the DVD at home - during the day, with the lights on, lol.
It was very cute because she knew there would be some parts that were a little scary. So she took her two favorite stuffed animals and had them "bury" their heads in the corners of the couch. Their little stuffed butts just stickin up in the air, lol.
(Yes, she does buckle in her toys when they ride in the car with us... lol)
But the real big news is that we picked up our copy of Narnia today! Acadia was very excited because we didn't let her see it in the theater - too intense, dark, loud, etc. But she has seen the old version and read the books, so I let her watch the DVD at home - during the day, with the lights on, lol.
It was very cute because she knew there would be some parts that were a little scary. So she took her two favorite stuffed animals and had them "bury" their heads in the corners of the couch. Their little stuffed butts just stickin up in the air, lol.
(Yes, she does buckle in her toys when they ride in the car with us... lol)
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
What a difference a day makes.
Yesterday was a really nice day. It was pleasant much of the day, then had a great rainshower, which was followed by some bright sun shining through the gray clouds. I thought it was just beautiful so I took this picture which also shows the budding apple/pear tree in our backyard...
But then today came! And this was the same view this afternoon...
So beautiful!!! So, we decided to head into the Gorge to enjoy the lovely weather. We didn't go all the way in like we normally do. Instead, we stopped at some of the viewpoints that come right before you enter. Here are some pics...
Oh, yes... Acadia had her hair put in curlers after her bath last night, so today she was curly-locks. Very cute!
But then today came! And this was the same view this afternoon...
So beautiful!!! So, we decided to head into the Gorge to enjoy the lovely weather. We didn't go all the way in like we normally do. Instead, we stopped at some of the viewpoints that come right before you enter. Here are some pics...
Oh, yes... Acadia had her hair put in curlers after her bath last night, so today she was curly-locks. Very cute!
Stinkin' Homeowners!
Anytime we try to do anything to our house, we find one more thing that makes us say, "Stinkin' Homeowners!!!"
The people who owned our house before us were... weird to say the least. They did "odd" things to the house. Today I was ripping out the old closet organizer in the craft/nursery room. I did the same thing to Cadi's closet awhile ago and sure, it was a pain but it wasn't really a big problem. I was ready to get out hubby's drill and unscrew all of the little brackets, but lo and behold - they nailed those puppies in! So, I tried to pry them off, and lo and behold - they nailed them into anchors!!!
So, most of the little brackets will stay, lol. But I did rip out the three large ones. And I mean that I literally ripped them out. So, I'll be patching those holes soon... lol
The people who owned our house before us were... weird to say the least. They did "odd" things to the house. Today I was ripping out the old closet organizer in the craft/nursery room. I did the same thing to Cadi's closet awhile ago and sure, it was a pain but it wasn't really a big problem. I was ready to get out hubby's drill and unscrew all of the little brackets, but lo and behold - they nailed those puppies in! So, I tried to pry them off, and lo and behold - they nailed them into anchors!!!
So, most of the little brackets will stay, lol. But I did rip out the three large ones. And I mean that I literally ripped them out. So, I'll be patching those holes soon... lol
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Amen
Today's sessions of General Conference were awesome! I just loved all of the talks, they were GREAT! Ryan felt the same way, we are thinking about getting them on DVD when they are available. It was just that good.
The only part that I'm a little bummed about is that we didn't get to hear very much from President Hinckley. He is getting old and is still recovering from his recent surgery for stomach cancer. It is sad that he may not have much time left with us. He says that he looks forward to addressing us in October - I hope that is true! But, at the same time I feel guilty and selfish for wanting him to stay with us. Even though he has always been extremely healthy, he IS getting old - his body is tired. And he misses Sister Hinckley so much! Sooner or later, he is going to leave us and be reunited with her - and it may be sooner than any of us want. That will be a sad day for us, but a happy day for them.
But, I did appreciate what we did hear from him. It was amazing to realize all that he has been able to do! And I felt the spirit strongly when he said that he wanted all of us to hear him bear witness on this Sabbath day of the Gospel - that it is God's work.
And so ends this conference. To be continued in 6 more months.
The only part that I'm a little bummed about is that we didn't get to hear very much from President Hinckley. He is getting old and is still recovering from his recent surgery for stomach cancer. It is sad that he may not have much time left with us. He says that he looks forward to addressing us in October - I hope that is true! But, at the same time I feel guilty and selfish for wanting him to stay with us. Even though he has always been extremely healthy, he IS getting old - his body is tired. And he misses Sister Hinckley so much! Sooner or later, he is going to leave us and be reunited with her - and it may be sooner than any of us want. That will be a sad day for us, but a happy day for them.
But, I did appreciate what we did hear from him. It was amazing to realize all that he has been able to do! And I felt the spirit strongly when he said that he wanted all of us to hear him bear witness on this Sabbath day of the Gospel - that it is God's work.
And so ends this conference. To be continued in 6 more months.
Saturday, April 1, 2006
Random Saturday
Okay, so I'm copying Reno Sariah's idea. (Except hers is "Random Friday".) But I just have tons of stuff that is non-related and I don't want to make a million posts today...
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First and foremost... Happy Birthday to my sister, Ruth!!! I would call her a fool, but that got old a long time ago! Besides, I'm trying to be extra nice to her since she is graciously throwing me a baby shower when I go down to Sacramento for my brother's wedding. And she insists it be a luncheon! Wait... maybe she IS a fool?!? No - she is just super sweet and generous! Have a great birthday, Ruth!!!
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Last night Acadia kissed my belly (not uncommon these days) and I told her that Eärendil is probably able to start hearing her now. So, she spoke into my belly (did I tell you the story about her trying to talk to her baby sister threw my ear??? Yeah, she screamed into my ear "so the baby could hear" her... lol) and said, "I'm going to kiss you now" and kissed my belly again. Awww.
Then later last night, Ryan was kissing my belly (also not uncommon these days... he likes to kiss the belly and speak loudly into it, "Eärendil, I am your father") and low and behold he got a swift kick in the kisser! I had been kidding him that one of these days that would happen, lol. It was the first "kick" he has felt with this one.
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I like Tim McGraw. I haven't been listening to as much country as I used to. I listen to a little bit of everything nowadays. But yesterday Tim was on The Today Show. He sang a couple of my favorites of his and then I found another reason why I like him so much... Matt Lauer pointed out that he (Tim) and Faith had decided before they got married that they would do everything they could to try not to ever spend more than 3 days apart at a time. Which is hard, since they are both HUGE musicians and are both very involved in it. But for the most part, they have managed to do that. I think that it's great that 1) they are so focused on their marriage, 2) they were smart enough to make that kind of a goal early on to help keep focused on their marriage, 3) they have kept to it while both being very successful in the music industry AND raising their kids. Kudos to them!
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Conference today was great! I liked the talks and music alot. So far the two talks that I enjoyed the most are Elder Hale's and Elder Nelson's. I'm looking forward to tomorrow too.
Related - I was happy to see that today the cable company had a "free viewing" of the BYU channel (I'm sure it was mainly arranged by the BYU channel) so that even those of us without digital cable or satellite could still watch conference on our TV at home. I was going to watch it on the BYU TV website, which is a nice alternative. But the screen is smaller and our sound is having static problems on our computer.
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Cadi and I continued our tradition today. It began with my family (which they are still doing) and I've carried it on to do with mine. We go out for ice cream in between the afternoon and Priesthood sessions. Of course, Ryan works so it just ends up being Cadi and I usually. But we brought him home some. :)
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So, now for the more serious part... This weekend is the one year anniversary of my last miscarriage. :( I distinctly remember hanging on to EVERY word spoken in each session that conference. I was desperate to hear the Lord talk to me that weekend. And He did. It was very comforting, even though it was still difficult to experience what I was going through.
The anniversaries and would-be-birthdays of the babies I lost are always hard. But they are odd in a way too. It isn't like I get super depressed and feel miserable. (Though, subconsciously I think I do get a little moody without realizing it. I usually realize it afterwards.) Mostly, I just remember. I think about my experiences. And I just wonder what it would have been like if things had been different.
And today I found myself doing that. But at the same time, I could feel my little baby moving inside of me. And I just know that this was the way it was meant to be. And I somehow know that I wouldn't want it any other way.
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So this week is Spring Break! And we have no plans, lol.
Ryan starts classes on Monday (and Tuesday) then he works Wed-Sat. So... so much for lots of family time. But at least we have Monday and Tuesday during the day before class starts. And I'm sure Cadi will have fun playing with friends a little more. Maybe she and I can do more baby stuff too. She likes to be involved with that.
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Alright - so was that enough randomness? lol
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First and foremost... Happy Birthday to my sister, Ruth!!! I would call her a fool, but that got old a long time ago! Besides, I'm trying to be extra nice to her since she is graciously throwing me a baby shower when I go down to Sacramento for my brother's wedding. And she insists it be a luncheon! Wait... maybe she IS a fool?!? No - she is just super sweet and generous! Have a great birthday, Ruth!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night Acadia kissed my belly (not uncommon these days) and I told her that Eärendil is probably able to start hearing her now. So, she spoke into my belly (did I tell you the story about her trying to talk to her baby sister threw my ear??? Yeah, she screamed into my ear "so the baby could hear" her... lol) and said, "I'm going to kiss you now" and kissed my belly again. Awww.
Then later last night, Ryan was kissing my belly (also not uncommon these days... he likes to kiss the belly and speak loudly into it, "Eärendil, I am your father") and low and behold he got a swift kick in the kisser! I had been kidding him that one of these days that would happen, lol. It was the first "kick" he has felt with this one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like Tim McGraw. I haven't been listening to as much country as I used to. I listen to a little bit of everything nowadays. But yesterday Tim was on The Today Show. He sang a couple of my favorites of his and then I found another reason why I like him so much... Matt Lauer pointed out that he (Tim) and Faith had decided before they got married that they would do everything they could to try not to ever spend more than 3 days apart at a time. Which is hard, since they are both HUGE musicians and are both very involved in it. But for the most part, they have managed to do that. I think that it's great that 1) they are so focused on their marriage, 2) they were smart enough to make that kind of a goal early on to help keep focused on their marriage, 3) they have kept to it while both being very successful in the music industry AND raising their kids. Kudos to them!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conference today was great! I liked the talks and music alot. So far the two talks that I enjoyed the most are Elder Hale's and Elder Nelson's. I'm looking forward to tomorrow too.
Related - I was happy to see that today the cable company had a "free viewing" of the BYU channel (I'm sure it was mainly arranged by the BYU channel) so that even those of us without digital cable or satellite could still watch conference on our TV at home. I was going to watch it on the BYU TV website, which is a nice alternative. But the screen is smaller and our sound is having static problems on our computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cadi and I continued our tradition today. It began with my family (which they are still doing) and I've carried it on to do with mine. We go out for ice cream in between the afternoon and Priesthood sessions. Of course, Ryan works so it just ends up being Cadi and I usually. But we brought him home some. :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, now for the more serious part... This weekend is the one year anniversary of my last miscarriage. :( I distinctly remember hanging on to EVERY word spoken in each session that conference. I was desperate to hear the Lord talk to me that weekend. And He did. It was very comforting, even though it was still difficult to experience what I was going through.
The anniversaries and would-be-birthdays of the babies I lost are always hard. But they are odd in a way too. It isn't like I get super depressed and feel miserable. (Though, subconsciously I think I do get a little moody without realizing it. I usually realize it afterwards.) Mostly, I just remember. I think about my experiences. And I just wonder what it would have been like if things had been different.
And today I found myself doing that. But at the same time, I could feel my little baby moving inside of me. And I just know that this was the way it was meant to be. And I somehow know that I wouldn't want it any other way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So this week is Spring Break! And we have no plans, lol.
Ryan starts classes on Monday (and Tuesday) then he works Wed-Sat. So... so much for lots of family time. But at least we have Monday and Tuesday during the day before class starts. And I'm sure Cadi will have fun playing with friends a little more. Maybe she and I can do more baby stuff too. She likes to be involved with that.
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Alright - so was that enough randomness? lol
Acadia's Letter
This morning, Acadia and I watched the first session of General Conference. While we were watching, she asked if she could write a letter to President Hinckley, our beloved prophet. I scanned the letter to save and share with you...
Now I just need to know where to mail it to... anyone know? I'm guessing the church office building, but I don't know the address. If anyone does, let me know! Thanks!
Now I just need to know where to mail it to... anyone know? I'm guessing the church office building, but I don't know the address. If anyone does, let me know! Thanks!
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