Uncle Pillow or Auntie ummm Punkin' Princess?

My Sister & My Brother-In-Law

Their Third...

Who do you think he looks more like? His mom or his dad?

Lawyer Lady "tagged" me in her blog to post seven things nobody knows about me on my blog. According to her, the rules are as follows:

Link to your original tagger(s) and list these rules in your post.
Share seven facts about yourself in the post.
Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
Let them know that they have been tagged.

1. My memories of childhood only go back to around 8 or 9 years old and even those are sparse.

2. I am very good at crossword puzzles. My mother was impressed watching me at a doctors office and told the secretary to watch me doing the puzzle. The lady was unimpressed. But I remember my mother pointing out something I did which amazed her.

3. I dreamt of being sexy and sophisticated when I grew up, . I don't think I ever grasped either of those adjectives as an adult!

4. I was the only one in my family to become "Mormon" and I joined the church as a teenager.

5. I love hats on me but don't wear them (besides the winter variety) because I wear glasses a lot now. I don't like hats with glasses on me because I think it ups the geekiness.

6. I french-kissed a Spaniard named Yan while in France. Some creepy Frenchman spiked my water with extacy at a dance club (I thought that water tasted bitter) and - well, it was quite an experience. Thank goodness I had a friend watching over me the rest of the night and she was furious at her friend for drugging me.

7. For further reading of things you may or may not want to know about me, check out this blog entry.

(I will not tag anyone today since I just tagged people a few days ago...and they are linked to the blog entry mentioned above!)

Sunday Sampler 01-25-09

Lift Where You Stand.

It can sometimes be intimidating to comply with the Lord's bidding to go where He wants me to go. I understand I can choose to be a lump on a log or to try to serve so I can be seen. The third option is to move along with my hand in God's and do the things he prompts me to do. It can be something small like opening a door for the person behind me or it can be a big, time consuming event like raising money for a charity. We sing a hymn in our church titled I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go. This song is inspiring and so was the talk we discussed in our Women's group called Relief Society. The talk is entitled Lift Where You Stand by President Uchtdorf.

A particular story from the talk which inspires me (and pains me to read it every time):

The Example of John Rowe Moyle

"Handcart Company"

by C.C.A. Christensen

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Rowe Moyle. John was a convert to the Church who left his home in England and traveled to the Salt Lake Valley as part of a handcart company. He built a home for his family in a small town a valley away from Salt Lake City. John was an accomplished stonecutter and, because of this skill, was asked to work on the Salt Lake Temple.

Every Monday John left home at two o’clock in the morning and walked six hours in order to be at his post on time. On Friday he would leave his work at five o’clock in the evening and walk almost until midnight before arriving home. He did this year after year.

One day, while he was doing his chores at home, a cow kicked him in the leg, causing a compound fracture. With limited medical resources, the only option was to amputate the broken leg. So John’s family and friends strapped him onto a door and, with a bucksaw, cut off his leg a few inches from the knee.

In spite of the crude surgery, the leg started to heal. Once John could sit up in bed, he began carving a wooden leg with an ingenious joint that served as an ankle to an artificial foot. Walking on this device was extremely painful, but John did not give up, building up his endurance until he could make the 22-mile (35-km) journey to the Salt Lake Temple each week, where he continued his work.

His hands carved the words “Holiness to the Lord” that stand today as a golden marker to all who visit the Salt Lake Temple.

John did not do this for the praise of man. Neither did he shirk his duty, even though he had every reason to do so. He knew what the Lord expected him to do.

Years later, John’s grandson Henry D. Moyle was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and, eventually, served in the First Presidency of the Church. President Moyle’s service in these callings was honorable, but his grandfather John’s service, though somewhat less public, is just as pleasing to the Lord. John’s character, his legacy of sacrifice, serves as a banner of faithfulness and an ensign of duty to his family and to the Church. John Rowe Moyle understood the meaning of “lift where you stand.”

I am so grateful to know I have a relationship with My Father in Heaven. I am grateful for the gift Jesus Christ blessed me with. My ability to return to live with Him someday keeps me going and pressing on to become "perfected." I like to think of my hand in His when I am frustrated and vexed with life trials.

Winter Poem

I received this in my e-mail recently and thought I would share!
(My sentiments exactly.)

WINTER Poem

It's winter in Alaska
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.
Oh, how I love Alaska
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Alaska,
I'm frozen to the ground!

Author Unknown

Honest Scrap

I received an award from An Eagles View today. I thank you kindly dear - I now have to list 10 interesting things about me. An award with an assignment. That is one hard earned award.

The Rules for the Honest Scrap Award:

A) First list 10 things about yourself - and make it interesting...:-)

B) Pass the award on to 7 bloggers whom you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.


1. As a teenager I would stare out my window dreaming a knight on a white horse (cute guy in his white Mustang convertible) would come rescue me and sweep me away. The dream came through. I met my handsome prince, the Mustang he too dreams of owning someday! Instead, he swept me away in his pink Ford Aspire..a rollerskate that aspires to be a car.

2. Although they say blondes have more fun, my blonde (yes it's natural) bores me. I have secret thoughts of turning it black for fun...something I am too scared to do.

3. I have this funny dream of owning my own "day spa" as well as a few Alpacas, some chickens, a goat... I am not so sure the two ideas mesh but it sounds glorious to me! (LOL - Well slap my knee and call me lucky ... I just found a replica of my dream at a farm in New Jersey. Click on the Alpaca link and you can peek if would like!) PS: the alpaca link actually works now.

4. I come up with all these fantastic ideas for projects with the kids but fail to either start or actually finish any of them. Poor kids - so neglected. I actually helped my son finish making a cardboard doghouse for his stuffed animal dogs. We will paint it tomorrow - I think! lol

5. I once hiked up one of the many mountains of Alaska and skinny dipped in one of the glacial ponds with my friends (high school). It was foggy. You couldn't see 3 feet in front of you. We were cold. My best friend hid my underwear. Good times...gooood times.

6. I had a huuuuuuge crush on two counselors I worked with at a summer camp. Both of which I so sadly found were gay.

7. I never really dated in high school. Just hung out with friends. I am glad, too! Why date in high school? I knew I would never marry them. If we decide later in life to date, so be it but in high school? Wasn't for me. Although, funny enough, I married someone I went to high school with. Hmmmm.

8. I am very observant when I want to be. I once figured out this man I had just met loved Bruce Springstein because he wore a red bandana out his back pocket. I sat and stared at that bandana and finally asked him, "are you a big fan of Bruce Springstein?" He was very impressed that was all it took for me to guess.

9. I cherish my family and I am willing to die for my children. I was once asked in an interview if I would die for my children and I quickly knew I would. No thought about it. It is engraved into my soul.

10. I am not a big fan of glitzy expensive things just to show off (although I do enjoy the Mustang mentioned above). I just like things that are pretty. They don't have to be expensive to be attractive to me.

7 bloggers I would like to hear some more Honest Scrap from...

T2 Christenson
The Cooley Clan
Roaming Rolfes (Although you just added a long list which will do...:-))
Mean Mommy Musings
Manic Monday Momma
Lawyer Lady
Dekay Family

Very interesting....:-0

You Are a Colon

You are very orderly and fact driven. You aren't concerned much with theories or dreams... only what's true or untrue. You are brilliant and incredibly learned. Anything you know is well researched. You like to make lists and sort through things step by step. You aren't subject to whim or emotions. Your friends see you as a constant source of knowledge and advice. (But they are a little sick of you being right all of the time!) You excel in: Leadership positions You get along best with: The Semi-Colon

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Thursday Three 01-15-09

Items I found helpful now that all of my children are heading out of baby phase..
These are things I found VERY helpful when they were babies.

1 Especially for nursing mothers but comes in handy for any napping or bottle fed in your lap baby:
(I used mine for all three and found it extremely helpful. Especially for those days when I sat in the rocking chair at 4 am nursing half passed out. It helped to keep the baby in my lap instead of baby dropping to the floor with me wakening in a panic (don't ask :-)). I also found it was nice to place in daddy's lap while he sits so I can take care of other things.)

The Boppy

2 For parents with multiple children:
(This helped to free my hands yet allow the babe to sit up and enjoy the show - I only used this with my last baby and he used it only when he could sit up on his own...just a more secure place to put him as I worked in the kitchen, etc.)

The Bumbo (Just don't put it on an elevated surface!)

3 For anyone who wants to take a shower and know your child is reasonably safe:
(I am telling you Baby Einstein was like crack for babies...my older children still enjoy watching it with their baby brother. I would place the baby in the saucer, flip on the BE DVD and know the baby was comfortable, entertained and somewhat safe.)

The saucer (no wheels), Baby Einstein DVD combo!

As an added side comment: I wish I could figure out how to use one of these things better...I just didn't take the time that I should have. I am still trying to figure out how to use it with my 19 month bdbbboy. This wrap is called Storchenwiege!

Wordless Wednesday 01-14-09

Again, *sigh*

Tree-hugging Tuesday 01-13-09

I am so excited to own a house...I keep a list of ideas I can use at my own home but not so in a townhouse or apartment...

A rain barrel during non-freezing months.

I like the aesthetics of this one:

at Aaron's Rain Barrels & More

(but I am not willing to pay $300 for one)

Some information on why to use a rain barrel (taken from healthy landscapes):

Why Use Rain Barrels?

Rain barrels conserve water and help lower costs (a rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months).
Rain barrels reduce water pollution by reducing storm water runoff, which can contain pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria and nutrients.
Rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to build and install.
A rain barrel can be used to save water for plants during dry periods. Rain barrels can also be arranged to slowly release the collected rain fall to areas that can soak up the water, reducing storm water runoff and increasing groundwater recharge.

Another outdoor item of interest for me is a compost bin.

I find all sorts of bins and how to make them. I am still not sure which is the one for me with most of the year here being frozen. I have a list of how to's on hand when I am ready! I got it at StopWaste.org.

I also have a listing of troubleshoots just in case the bin starts to smell a bit too funky. It is at heartgardenfriends.

One last idea from/for me is organic weed and pest control. I found all sorts of ideas to use instead (or before as I am still pretty much no where near a green thumb) of pesticides and chemicals.

This site called The-Organic-Gardener lists many ideas including how to recognize a weed. Again, still not a green thumb.

Here is a beautiful thought for those of us still living in a winter wonderland...

*Sigh*

Beautiful Garden taken from photobucket.

Menu-Planning Monday 01-02-09

Due to not wanting to freeze my tuckus off with my two children coming in and out of the store, I used what we had in the cupboards last week and didn't bother with grocery shopping... so some menu ideas are repeated from last week...

Monday: B-man's school is feeding us dinner!
Tuesday: Tacos, beans, rice, apple juice
Wednesday: Boboli Pizza, fruit salad (yummy, yummy :-))
Thursday: Chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli, milk
Friday: Cheesy chicken quesadillas, veggie mix,
Saturday: Potato "bar" with broccoli, cheese and hamburger, salad
Sunday: Apple Butter Pork Loin, rice, veggie mix

Sunday Sampler 01-11-09

Leadership. What makes a great leader? A successful leader for good that is? There are many leaders this world experienced such as...

Reputed Mafia Godfather Botti

or Hitler

and countless others.

I am speaking of a person with a good heart seeking to lead a people toward good and a positive influence to the world.

A good leader leads through example, service, willingness to be a part of what (s)he leads. A good leader is humble and not prideful. Seeks not for fame but to help guide in the right direction. A good leader helps keep the people productive and commends the people for their efforts while quietly and individually chastising those who stray.

I hold a few positions of leadership right now. One of which I consider the most important and which brings the most impact on the world. I am a mother. I lead my children in the direction they go. While I lead and guide, they have the ability to govern their own choices. This is called free agency. While I appreciate free agency, it can be hard to see my children make the wrong choice and be hurt by it but they need to be able to prove they can be good people seeking to bring good to the world. They need to learn to repent from their mistakes and forgive others for theirs. It is my hope and prayer my children receive the guidance they need and become benevolent people who are adored and cherished by others as I cherish and adore them. I only hope I am the person my own mother wanted me to be as she guided and directed me through my early years.

Here are some of our Christmas pics: We spent half the day at Jesse's parents and the other half at mine. We feel fortunate to have both families so near us.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Regis and Kelly Live Contest Entry

I finally entered my little bugga's to Regis and Kelly Live Beautiful Baby Contest to see if we can score him a wonderful scholarship?!?!?!

Cross your fingers and toes...

Mine are getting cramped in this cold weather!

Oops! I am so glad my friend Andrea made a comment about the date mix-up because I submitted Tyler to last years contest on accident! Now I linked to the current contest and the due date is Feb 13, 2009!!! Thanks Andrea. You are a lifesaver!

Thursday Three 01-08-09

Realizations I have come to lately:

1) I need to "detensify" my neck muscles every once in a while. My neck is so tight, I think if it gets any tighter I won't be able to function. I miss yoga! Speaking of...a site about yoga positions. The cow face pose is nice for the neck!(Thank you Bethany for the site.)

2) I need to laugh way more. Especially with the children. Poor kids. Some days recently I had my "angry eyes" on from morning to night. "Geesh girl loosen up a little?!" I say to myself. Here is something that made me chuckle recently:

3) I am nowhere near the person I want to be but am way better than the person I used to be. Does that make sense? It does to me! Here is something I read yesterday that doesn't make any sense:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/06/AR2009010603370.html

Wordless Wednesday 01-07-08

Anticipation.

Tree-hugging Tuesday 01-06-09

Something I struggle with at times:

Using canvas bags at the grocery store...

I use them whenever I can remember to grab them. Now, I put them close to where I keep my purse. That way, when I know I am going to to get groceries, I will have them right next to my purse to grab as I head into the store. I find myslef leaving them at home or in the car quite a bit. Kids in haul, I choose not to head out to the car to grab them...instead I then opt for plastic bags. The plastic bags are horrible for the environment no matter how convient they are. Another bonus to buying canvas: Kroger/Fred Meyer gives me 5 cents back every canvas bag that is put to use every time I grocery shop there!

Another complication: The produce. I am seeking to find a way not to use those flimsy bags they have to use in the produce section. I have thought of reusing the mesh bags I get with my fruit mix sometimes..but I think it would be too cumbersome for everyone involved. I think I will just set up a bag or two for the produce and put them in the canvas bags then go through the checkout and take the produce out..although somebody handling the naked produce bothers me as does the naked produce touching the belt and scanning scale. Hmmm.. any ideas out there?

Menu Planning Monday 01-05-09

Monday: Crockpot soup(broth, instant rice/noodles, vegetables, meat/beans, etc),bread,apples
Tuesday: Chicken & veggie skewers on our new stove top grill (:-))
Wednesday: Tasty Lentil Tacos, spanish rice, refried beans, apple juice
Thursday: Soup, potatoes with broccoli and cheese, chocolate milk
Friday: Cheesy chicken quesadillas, leftover spanish rice/beans, lemonade slushies
Saturday: Boboli pizza (one canadian bacon pineapple, one sausage and bell peppers), root beer
Sunday: Apple Butter Pork Loin, rice, veggie mix

Sunday Sampler 01-04-09

Goal making. Why do we make goals? To focus on a purpose. My main purpose in life is to become perfect. Perhaps I will never quite get there. Jesus makes up for what I cannot. As long as I try to do the right thing, educate myself and forgive myself for my shortcomings while keeping God in the center, I will turn out okay.

My main thought is in keeping the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life daily while observing Sabbath once a week. I have many pinpoint goals I make - not all of spiritual concern. I am following the advice and example of a friend and am listing my goals in a separate blog: Charmed Goals

I know following a guideline helps me to perfect my talents and interests. It gives me further purpose. A scripture was read in church today I fully appreciate. Jesus Christ was concerned with perfecting himself and the understanding to what His goals are is only stated once in the scriptures:

St Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Therefore, the four goals of the Saviour are:

An increase in physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social perfection.

I am so grateful for His example and for the gospel in my life. I am grateful for a purpose and ever more so for the knowledge of that purpose.

Family Friday 01-02-09 The face I grew up with...

I am not able to tell you who this is... but this is the face of someone with whom I am related. Let's just say this is what I would see if I did something bad...really bad like refused to do my chores... :-) (Notice: I am about to be scorned for life for showing this.) (Yes - of course, the face is distorted!)

Family Friday 01-02-09

Our New Year's Celebration...

Grapes, soda and a movie at midnight...

Lots of games and noise....

Watching crazy neighbors set off fireworks next to the neighborhood gas station and power lines....

A Happy New Year for all...including sleeping toddlers...shhhh!

Thursday Three 01-01-09

This is a New Year...fresh off the block..three goals I look forward to completion this year:

1. Lose at least 40 pounds. (My honey says once I meet my goal weight we are going on a cruise - yeehaw!)
2. Keep my paperwork organized. This entails lots of patience and fighting off the great urge I have to ignore all paperwork...along with lots of shredding now that I have ousted the old stuff. Anyone who doesn't visit me at my physical address can refer to this craziness: The black hole in my house.
3. Spend more time (at least an hour on non-hazerdous days) outside.

Funny - these are so close to my last goals I posted in 2007...hmmm I am seeing a trend here!

Somewhat boring to you I am sure, but oh so exciting to me!

Oh, yes, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!