You Just Gotta Laugh

Time to Say Goodbye...Officially

2011-08-30T08:42:00.001-06:00

Well...I am sure that for the 5 people who actually read this blog, this post will come as no surprise. I am officially calling it quits - at least on this blog. I will be keeping up our family's private blog going - I have high hopes of actually blogging there again sometime in the near future. You would think that now that Jewel and Alfredo are both in school I would feel like I have more

If You or Someone You Love...

2011-03-29T14:22:00.000-06:00

As a woman who has struggled/is struggling with infertility I can attest to how hard it is to be a woman who is worried about having children as well as how difficult it is to be in the position of those who love and want to support that person. At this point I don't really feel like I am struggling...I am very grateful for my children and know that they are both miracles! But...I know other

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling...

2011-03-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

I know...I've put that picture up every St. Patrick's Day. But...I love it. It was a picture I took in my backyard in my beloved Arizona...it still makes me happy. Today at my house... *My kids woke up at 6:00 - they were hoping to find that a Leprechaun had been caught in their trap and that he had stolen our gold coins and hidden them, which he does every year. But that sneaky little man

Prayer & Tragedy

2011-03-15T12:07:00.000-06:00

Tragedy - n. an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe. There have been a lot of tragedies unfolding all around lately. The events in Japan are mind-boggling. We don't have access to regular TV channels so my only way to see what has been going on has been on the internet. I have found myself watching YouTube and

A Couple Successes

2011-03-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Can I just say thank you again to those of you who have made such nice comments on the last couple of posts? You are awesome!!! For anyone who is interested, I have updated our Rexburg Readers Blog. We had a great discussion last night and I find myself grateful every month for our little book group. Last night's discussion helped me continue this process of getting back on my feet and moving

Yesterday and Today

2011-03-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks Andrea and Amanda for your comments yesterday. I really needed them. Thank you Thank you!!! As I was thinking about why I was in a funk yesterday I realized a few things. One of the most important being this: Lately in my ward and in other places, I have heard a lot (A LOT) about doing the essentials first and then everything else working out. For me the list of essentials is

Looking for a Little Warmth and Happiness

2011-03-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Has it seriously been nearly a month since my last post? I say that like I've been busy - and truthfully some things have been busy at our home. Dr. D has been traveling a lot working with an orchestra in Southern Idaho and there are always lots of little things to keep me busy. Things like tidying up the house, washing clothes and bed sheets, checking my email and status updates on Facebook,

Monday Thoughts

2011-02-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last week was a long, hard, no good very bad week. I'm glad it's over. But today is a new day and even though the new week begins on Sunday, I always feel like the week really starts on Monday. So, I am going to look forward to a new week and hope it is better than the last one. My grandma used to be somebody pretty famous in our church. She was known by millions in our church around the

Stream of Consciousness Blogging

2011-01-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that I am not really made for blogging anymore. I just don't have time. I have thought of just getting rid of this blog all together and just keeping my private family blog, but I guess I just can't bring myself to do that. So, today there are lots of things just rumbling around in my head and I am just going to spend a few minutes writing. It will be random and it might be a

Confessions of a Worry Wart

2010-12-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things I am good at. But there is one thing I have perfected. That is ... worrying. Yes, I am a worrier. I worry about everything. I don't know if this is genetic or just reflects a lack of faith in my life. I do try not to worry, but it just happens!!! I watched a documentary a couple of weeks ago about how stress ruins your health, shortens your life expectancy and so

Thankful Post - No.3

2010-11-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for giving things up. This week Dr. D and I decided we had to delete a show we both LOVE from our Netflix queue. It doesn't seem like a big thing, but it has been kind of hard for me to do. After a recent church meeting we both came away with the same "feeling" that we should give up watching that particular show. When we leave many of our church meetings, Dr. D and I

Thankful Post - No.2

2010-11-04T10:17:00.000-06:00

found this image at fedwell.wordpress.com This morning my little Jewel had a complete and total melt-down before school. Why? I'll tell you why....because I had a headache last night and didn't make bread - which means that I didn't have anything to make a sandwich with, which means she needed to have school lunch. It is the first time this year that she has had to have school lunch. Why

Thankful Post - No.1

2010-11-01T10:27:00.000-06:00

All of our lovely Halloween decorations are currently sitting on my kitchen table. I do enjoy the fun of Halloween but I am always excited to turn my attention to Thanksgiving. I love just about everything about Thanksgiving - the colors, the food, the family, and on and on. I also love the chance I get to reflect on things for which I feel that amazing sensation and feeling of gratitude. I

Hunger Games Discussion

2010-10-20T09:02:00.000-06:00

Well hello there! I am hoping to get a good discussion going on The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Why? Because I think this is a series that needs to be discussed and not just read. I will say up-front that I am not the biggest fan of this series. I think each book got worse for me. Here were my thoughts when I read the books. Here are my reviews from Goodreads - The Hunger

An Amazing Couple

2010-10-16T08:48:00.000-06:00

Oh boy...this blog has been silent for way too long. I could go into all the boring details of my absence (my 2 months of dizziness during the summer, the family reunions galore, the craziness that has existed in my house since school started, etc.) but I will spare you the details of those things (don't worry I'll get to it on our family blog some day) and get to the here and now. There are

Winner Announced

2010-07-06T15:05:00.000-06:00

Hi All, Sorry it's taken me an extra day to announce the winner. You know how holiday weekends are. Without further ado...the winner of JumpStart Get Moving Family Fitness is: Staci - Comment 2 Staci said... I think using technology to get active is a great idea...in moderation. We love to get out and play when the weather is nice but since we only have nice weather for about three

Getting Active!

2010-07-01T12:57:00.000-06:00

Yes, it has been an age and a half since my last post. But you see, when it is summertime and we don't have school schedules things tend to get busy, crazy maybe even a little out of control. But that is good because it is summer and we should be having some fun. It has finally warmed up enough in Rexburg to feel like summer. This means I'm spending more time doing summer things with my

Teachers Need Our Help

2010-05-27T11:03:00.000-06:00

Howdy Friends! If you live in Rexburg, I hope you know about the negotiations under way right now for teacher salaries for next year. If you don't know what is going on, please go visit Dacia's blog and read her last few posts so you can know what I am talking about. I want to mention a couple of things. We really need to support our teachers. Many are already leaving and finding other

The Joy of Cookbooks

2010-05-24T13:20:00.002-06:00

I have a cupboard full of cookbooks. I used to have many more - when we moved, I decided that there were a couple that I never used at all and felt OK about them finding a new home. I love my cookbooks. I love to look through them to discover a recipe that I hadn't noticed before. Sometimes I can get just as lost in a good cookbook as I can in a good novel. Crazy much? Even though I have a

Quilts By Jess

2010-05-17T10:22:00.001-06:00

OK, I have been uncommonly blessed with amazing Sisters-in-law. They are all awesome, wonderful, talented, beautiful - seriously all 8 of them! Sometimes I think I'm the dandelion among roses, gerber daisies, lilacs, sunflowers...you get the picture...I just feel lucky to be among them. Today, I am excited to be able to introduce you to one of these amazing women - Jessica. This fabulous

Summer Boredom Busters

2010-05-12T11:47:00.001-06:00

It was less than a month ago that our school district announced that it was going to shorten the school year by a week. While I could go on and on about the sad state of education in Idaho (specifically) and the US (in general), I will spare you my ranting today. Instead...I have been trying to make a plan for the upcoming summer. I don't just want summer to be a time of TV and Video Games. I

True Beauty

2010-05-04T11:05:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure how this post is going to turn out. I've been trying to compose it in my mind for a couple of days now and then I saw something this morning that made it even more tricky. Hm... On Sunday, our Bishop (the leader of our local LDS congregation) taught the lesson in Relief Society (the LDS organization for women). His topic was "True Beauty". It made me think. We live in a world

This Blog Break Brought to You By...

2010-05-03T10:17:00.000-06:00

I did not mean to take a break from blogging. It just happened. I know you are curious to know why...right? First of all...Dr. D finished Winter Semester at BYU-I. This always means lots of busyness with final recitals, grading, etc. And when he finished everything, he took me on a romantic overnighter to this awesome place in Island Park. Next, Jewel played in her second piano recital.

MIA: Spring

2010-04-06T08:44:00.005-06:00

I was really ready for Spring. I knew in my mind that it wouldn't really come this soon in Idaho, but when all the massive snow melted off my yard and I could see our baby grass again (we seeded last fall) I let my defenses down and was ready to hope for warmth and playing outside and visits to the park.Mother Nature had other ideas and has not stopped playing her April Fool's joke. Snow, snow,

My Easter Addiction

2010-03-16T11:50:00.003-06:00

I have a problem. A serious problem.Every year when Easter time rolls around and the stores start carrying all the chocolate bunnies, eggs, stuffed chicks and cellophane grass I can't help it. I just can't help it!I go crazy for....Image from: http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj143/chloebootizzy/jellybeans.jpgYes...Jelly Beans.I have a serious weakness for them. Not the nasty "spiced"

Words, Words, Words

2010-03-12T10:32:00.009-07:00

Image from http://www.designtaxi.com/article.php?article_id=100380OK - I know you are going to be jealous of me , but during my days of youth (which means before I graduated from college, or got married), I lived in London, England (I'm specifying England because there are lots of Londons in the world - you know, like London, Ontario - which is wonderful too, but not quite the same as London,

I Would Never!

2010-03-08T10:38:00.006-07:00

Ah, the hubris of youth. I think back to the days when I thought I knew it all - I seriously laugh, chuckle, gafaw at what I thought life would be like for me. What a funny girl I was. I thought today, I would share this little list (for all you list-lovers, like me, out there).Top 10 things I swore I'd never do - that I have now done:1. I swore I'd never be too tired to clean up the house at

Chaos Reigns

2010-02-25T16:46:00.002-07:00

Seriously...I never thought I would live in such chaos. I like to live in a nice, happy, organized environment. I have a nice house, I have a (mostly) happy family, but organized...no-sir-rie-bob! Friends come to the door and flee in fear that the mess will follow them out the door; door-to-door salesmen happily accept (with a look of deep gratitude) my "not today" response to their request to

The Marriage Equation

2010-02-22T10:56:00.004-07:00

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."- Charlotte LucasPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenImage from http://orion.luc.edu/~avande1/page10.html - taken from the book, The Making of Pride and Prejudice (which I own) by Sue Birtwistle and Susie ConklinI'm not sure how I feel about Charlotte's comical pronouncement, but I do actually recognize that a person can never really know how

Small Town Driving Fun

2010-02-17T09:58:00.003-07:00

Image from FreeFoto.comThings I see and/or experience everyday in this small town:Seeing people run red lights, just because there's nobody coming the other wayWatching people not stop at stop signs - same reason as aboveCollege kids jaywalking when there is a crosswalk 20 feet away (at which crosswalk I just had to stop for someone who wasn't jaywalking)Total and mass confusion at 4 way stops -

Ice

2010-02-11T12:26:00.004-07:00

When you live in Rexburg, Idaho you can pretty much be sure that winter will be long and icy. This winter is no exception. I'm not the worlds biggest fan of snow and ice (which is funny because for most of my life I have lived around lots of it). But I have to admit that it can look quite beautiful. I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago while I was out shoveling the driveway for the

If I Had Three Wishes...

2010-02-03T11:34:00.005-07:00

Image from FlickrI'd wish for...1. A happy, healthy family2. Time and energy to write like I have always wanted to3. Enough money so that I didn't have to worry about money anymoreAt least that's my list right now. And I've already got wish #1 - not too bad.What about you? If you could wish for three things at this moment, what would they be?

Sure as Iron

2010-01-21T09:14:00.003-07:00

Image from SugardoodleI'm not sure what this blog is anymore...I think it's more of a mish-mash of my thoughts than anything else. Maybe that is what it has always been, but it seems even more mish-mashy now than it used to be. Sometimes I need to write about my kids, or my struggles, or the goofy things that happen when you live in a small town, sometimes what I write relates to things I feel

A New Year Begins

2010-01-04T10:37:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine posted something last month that really made me think. She started by posting responses to the thought, "Things I Lost" and then responded to the thought, "Things I Found". The new year is always a time I find my thoughts growing reflective. I think about things that went well during the last year, things I want to do better this year, things that are going well, things that

Another Great JumpStart Game! - And Sweepstakes!

2009-11-05T12:06:00.005-07:00

My good friends at JumpStart hooked me up again! Yes, JumpStart provided me with a copy of Escape from Adventure Island, a brand new Wii game, for me to review here on my blog. It is designed for children ages 5 - 9. If you read my last review about JumpStart.com, you will already know a lot about the educational fun stuff available from JumpStart. *I've included some screen shots, but again

Getting Caught Up

2009-11-02T10:54:00.003-07:00

I can hardly believe Halloween is over! It's crazy to think that in a few weeks we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving and that means that the big C word is close too! Crazy!In an effort to get my life in order before the Post-Thanksgiving rushing-ness begins, I've been trying to get caught up on several things. One of those things is our family blog. If you're a reader of our family blog, please

What Matters Most

2009-10-25T15:01:00.002-06:00

There are lots of ways to get busy and be distracted. It is a continual process for me to remember to do what is important. I loved this message from President Thomas S. Monson, who is the leader of my church. Personally, I think I need to be more patient and loving..to focus on making childhood magical and wonderful for my children. I want my husband and my children to know that I love them

Learning From Some Goood Books

2009-10-20T12:04:00.003-06:00

I always love a good book and I especially love it when I learn something that helps me enjoy my life, or make more of my life.Lately...I have read some great books that have helped me do do both:Book #1 Odds Are, You're Going to Be Exalted: Evidence That the Plan of Salvation Works by Alonzo L. GaskillMy rating: 5 of 5 starsMy Goodreads review:This is a phenomenal book that has changed my

Missed Opportunity

2009-10-15T11:43:00.003-06:00

This morning Jewel and Alfredo both woke up unusually early. I think Alfredo was the one who got everything going...he woke up after having a dream about a Baby Bop camera and he wanted to go to find it. Anywho...I realized after a few minutes that they weren't going to go back to sleep. It felt so early to me. I was exhausted. I just laid there in bed wishing they would go back to sleep.

Winner of the JumpStart Membership

2009-10-12T09:37:00.004-06:00

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this give-away. A special thanks to JumpStart for giving me the opportunity to review JumpStart and offer the give-away!Alfredo also deserves our thanks for drawing the winner. We put all of your names on strips of paper, put them in a basket, had lots of fun tossing them around and then Alfredo picked the winning strip of paper. And the winner is.

FYI

2009-10-11T09:01:00.003-06:00

Thanks to everyone who posted a comment to enter the JumpStart contest. The comments are now closed and I will announce a winner later today or (more likely) tomorrow. Have a wonderful Sabbath day!

Reviewing JumpStart! & A Give-Away!!!

2009-10-06T13:20:00.002-06:00

Before we moved a few months ago, I was lucky enough to get in contact with JumpStart about reviewing their website - a virtual world experience made up of educational games, storybooks, videos and more. Of course, I was thrilled to accept. They have been amazing to work with and have allowed me lots of time to explore and get familiar with their website - not to mention their patience with my

Adios, Arizona ... Howdy, Idaho

2009-09-22T09:21:00.000-06:00

I'm going to try to get more regular with blogging again. Why? I don't know...I just like to write. I know that I can't write as much as I once did and I definitely can't spend the amount of time reading blogs that I used to, but I just feel like doing it. Ok...enough blabbing.So...this has been a crazy, busy summer. We moved at the end of June from my beloved Arizona...back to lovely Idaho.

September 11 Thoughts and a Video

2009-09-11T09:26:00.000-06:00

Dr. D and I had been married a little less than a month when the horrific attacks on our country on September 11, 2001 changed all our lives. I remember feeling like I could finally understand how my grandparents felt on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked.A few years ago Dr. D was in New York for a music convention. He took the time to go to Ground Zero and told me about the sacred feelings he

A Father's Day Post

2009-06-21T13:14:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I posted anything...I'm just busy, busy , busy folks! That's what happens when you move!!!Anywho...I saw this great message for Father's Day. I wanted to share it. I feel so blessed to have an amazing Father. My dad is amazing in every way. There's nothing like a father's love. Thanks Dad...I love you! I also am so blessed to have married an amazing man and feel so

A Quick & Short Post

2009-04-27T10:35:00.000-06:00

Just to answer the question...why are we moving and where...Why?: My husband - who will now be known as Dr. D - is graduating! He has actually been on leave from his job for the last 2 years to pursue his doctorate.Where?: Back to Idaho! Dr. D's position is on the music faculty at BYU-Idaho.We'll be sad to leave our lovely and beloved Arizona but are looking forward to a cooler summer! ;)

The First of the Lasts

2009-04-23T07:43:00.000-06:00

So...at dinner last night, Jewel gave me some food for thought:Jewel: "Did you know that I only have 4 weeks of Kindergarten left?"Me: "Can you believe that?"Jewel: "I don't want to only have 4 weeks left in Kindergarten."Me: "Why not?"Jewel: "I want to have 100 weeks of Kindergarten left. Actually, I want 143 weeks of Kindergarten left."I'm not sure the significance of the number 143, but I

Lunchtime with Alfredo

2009-04-20T13:48:00.000-06:00

So...the other day I was sitting down to a lovely lunch with Alfredo. I realized as we were sitting there having a great time together that I hadn't had the chance to enjoy a child at this stage of life before.See...when Jewel was Alfredo's age, I was pregnant with Alfredo, which for me means that I was totally non-functional. Poor little Jewel was consigned to a life watching Disney movies at

Summer Wedding! :)

2009-04-17T11:09:00.000-06:00

So...my cute SIL got engaged last weekend. She will be the last of my husband's siblings to get married. I was the second to last to get married in my family so no more weddings until my nieces and nephews...which I don't even want to think about but which is totally freaky because 3 of them will be Seniors in high school next year (YIKES!!!). Anywho...my SIL will be getting married in July.

What's in a Name???

2009-04-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

So, for some time, I have been wanting to rename my kids. No, not in real life, but here on my blog...in cyberworld. I think Big Sis and Baby Boy are OK, but they don't tell you anything about my children...so...Please let me introduce you to my two children...Jewel...I choose Jewel because Big Sis (now to be know exclusively as Jewel) loves all things sparkly. When she made her Christmas List

When I Grow Up...

2009-04-15T10:35:00.000-06:00

It's so fun to have a Kindergartener. I am amazed at the way Big Sis is growing and learning. I have loved watching her learn to read and write, to draw actual characters and to watch her developing abilities to draw concrete objects. I love watching her mind expand and grasp difficult concepts. Seeing her grow in her ability to problem solve has been similarly wonderful.Yesterday, Big Sis

Another Easter Centered Video

2009-04-10T21:41:00.000-06:00

Mormon Messages is a YouTube Channel that is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You will see that at the bottom of my blog page, I have added a little widget that shows previews of messages that are found at that Channel. I love this Message which proclaims that Jesus Christ is at the center of Mormon Theology. Elder Holland (a modern-day apostle) says it so

The Bread of Life

2009-04-08T21:36:00.000-06:00

You can find this video clip and other great clips that will give you insight into what Mormon's believe at Mormon.orgEnjoy!

Snuggle Up to Some Sweet Smelling Clothes

2009-04-08T11:39:00.001-06:00

Taking a quick side track from the Easter theme...I have been contacted by the people at Snuggle who are offering readers of this lovely blog $2 off the newest Snuggle creation! From the newsrelease:Are you in need of a little 'me' time? Pamper your senses with the luxurious texture and delicate fragrance of new Snuggle Crème. It leaves your clothes feeling smooth, soft

Easter Video

2009-04-06T21:19:00.001-06:00

I know I've been silent on the blog front for a while. It isn't because I haven't wanted to blog. I'm just one busy mama lately! Life is just crazy as my husband has been writing, editing, submitting, revising, and defending his dissertation. If you are or have been the spouse of a doctoral student, you will appreciate that these events are a team effort. And when you graduated with a degree

Time for a Change

2009-02-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

So...if you're looking at my page and not reading with a fabulous reader service...you'll see I've made a little bit of a change to my blog template. I decided it was time for a little more color in my life.I've loved the header that Summer designed for me a few months ago, but decided that I wanted to try a little something different. I'm also trying out a 3-column format for kicks. I found a

My Cheerleader

2009-01-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

There's just something wonderful about a grandparent. Most grandparents I know just enjoy their grandchildren. They love them unconditionally, they give treats and hugs freely, see the good and not the bad and just make life good for a child. I sort of thing of grandparents as great cheerleaders.At least that's how all of my grandparents have been for me.I was 25 before I "lost" a grandparent.

System Failure

2009-01-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick here...I have a love-hate relationship with my computer.Right now...the hate side of the relationship is stronger. I have been putting off reformatting my computer for months, but I think that I have finally reached the point where I know it's time. She's just getting so unruly - she won't take orders, she double clicks when I only clicked once, and she is just so slow at getting

Random Stuff Buzzing Around in My Head

2009-01-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the last semester of my husband's doctoral pursuit. I'm very excited that the end of school is close at hand, but also a little bit sad to be leaving this part of our lives behind. Is that crazy or what?Today is the first day of the presidency of Barack Obama. I have to admit, I didn't watch the inaugural address...I was busy "babysitting" for a friend, so I'll have

If You're Interested

2009-01-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

Are we related? Have we known each other for years? Do I see your face regularly?If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you are most likely:1) Wishing I would post something on my family blog so you can see pictures of my kids.2) Reading this blog hoping that I will tell you I have posted to my family blog.3) Aware of my love of my family and friends.So...if any of this describes

For Best Results

2009-01-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought you could find wisdom at Bath & Body Works?So...I love Bath & Body Works. I love just walking in the doors, I love the smells, and the sales...it's just a good place. Living here in lovely Arizona, I actually live fairly close to a Bath & Body Works outlet. Whenever I am AZ Mills, I make it a point to go into the B&BW outlet to see what's there. One fine day, I found a

In Over My Head

2008-12-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

To all of you who have been wondering where I am...I'm right here! It's been a long time since I had such gaps between posts. Unfortunatley...I think more are in the works. While I want to be blogging every day, I just can't do it at the moment.We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with 18 here at my house. It was awesome!!!Now the Christmas season is in full swing. This means extra busyness and

Tupperware Tuesday: Black Friday!

2008-11-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

So...have you ever thought...I'd really like to buy some Tupperware from Leslie's Website but the shipping charge makes you stop and rethink. Well...time to rethink your rethink...From November 28th to December 1st you can get free shipping on orders over $99.Don't want to spend $100 - get in touch with your mom and sisters and combine an order!This is just in time for you to get some of my

99 Things - A Meme

2008-11-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Guess this is going around because of NaBloPoMo (yes...I'm not participating...what a slacker!!!). I don't think this is a taggedy-tag thing ... But I found this over at Amanda D's Blog, the Little Things and thought it was fun. The things I've done are bolded.1.Started my own blog2. Slept under the stars3. Played in a band4. Visited Hawaii5. Watched a meteor shower6. Given more than I can

A Hodge-Podgey Post...Yep...Another One

2008-11-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Woah...where did this week go? I have about 50 blog posts swimming around in my head...but not enough time to write them all. This post is going to be one of those hodge-podgey posts about everything....First off...thanks to all of you for your comments on my last post. It's nice to know that I have awesome friends (both real and cyber) who think there's something worth reading here. You all

Ahem, Ahem...

2008-11-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for my blogging voice. Have any of you seen it out there?For awhile now, I have been trying to figure out just what I want my blog to be here in the blogosphere. And...I'll just say that...I still don't really know what I want to do with this here blog.I'd love to start working on doing product reviews (and yes...if you are asking...I'd love to do one for you)...but I don't

For the Broken Soul

2008-11-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I post something on a Sunday. If I post on a Sunday, you can pretty much guess that it's going to be religious in nature. This week, a friend of mine - Candice, who I met on an amazing Study Abroad to Jerusalem when I was in college, posted this on her blog. This is something her husband put together and I thought it was really beautiful. For anyone who might come

Friends Share...At Least That's What I Hear From the Care Bears...

2008-11-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just gotta share the love right? If you haven't seen my own post today...PLEASE scroll down, read it, leave me a comment and then come back up here and read on. I just read two posts that had me in stitches and I just had to share them with all of my delightful and blogorific friends. That means - YOU!!!Ready to laugh?Click here and here.Oh...you're welcome!

30 Minutes to Perfect Hair - A Tutorial

2008-11-14T12:04:00.001-07:00

I spent more than 30 minutes working on my hair today. It looks amazing...it looks stunning. I wish you could all be here to see it. My creativity is astounding!!! What did I do? I'd be happy to explain with the step-by-step process so that you can replicate this fabulous do yourselves.Step 1: Pull hair through your hands several times. If you have a little product use it to tame those

Focus on the Man I Love

2008-11-13T16:08:00.001-07:00

No...I'm not done grading papers...but I needed a break. So...I thought I'd post some pictures that my husband took last night. I really think we need to find a better place to take pictures of these amazing sunsets, but at least you get to see what we are enjoying.Speaking of my amazingly talented, stunningly gorgeous, totally magnificent husband. Did I mention it was his birthday last week?

So...I Forgot a Title the First Time I Published This Post...Let's Just Call This One...Mama Warbucks, OK?

2008-11-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...you are all missing me and wondering why you aren't seeing tons of comments from me on your blogs. Right? You are missing me? Right?So...I'm currently working on grading papers for a High School English teacher and I have to focus on it so she can get her grades in on time. Thus...I have less time to blog here and less time to comment on other blogs. I'm still reading...just

By Popular Demand...The Twilight Review

2008-11-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

Wow...the voting was close on that poll. I wonder what the exit poll strategists are thinking right now!?So...you want to know what I think about Twilight? OK...you asked for it! (Pictures courtesy of the Stephenie Meyers website.)I began reading Twilight because my sister asked me if this series would be appropriate reading for her 13 year old daughter. Naturally, my feelings about the series

Where to Begin

2008-11-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

Ok...so...I'm very behind in blogging this week. There are quite a few things I have to write about, but I just can't figure out where to start.So...I'm asking for your help. You will see I have added a poll to my side bar. Tell me what you most want to hear about first.1. My Twilight Series Review2. My feelings about the election results (cuz...I know you are all dying to know)3. My

Happy + Busy = Happy Busy

2008-11-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

So...from now until the end of the year...things get super crazy for me. It seems like I'm racing from one thing to the next for the next few months. My husband's birthday is this week and I am trying to finish up a picture slide show DVD for him. (No...I'm not worried he'll find this out...I think he's read my blog about...once...maybe...) But I also wanted to get a couple of other things for

Vent N Serve Winner Announced

2008-11-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

So...if you're a reader of my blog...you will know that I almost never post on Sundays. Why? Because I just want to leave this day to the Lord and to worship. If I do post on Sunday, it is usually something that I feel is worthy of a Sunday post...a spiritual thought or something like that. But today...I am breaking tradition to announce the winner of my fab giveaway! So...here's how it

It's Time For Tricks and Treats

2008-10-31T09:39:00.000-06:00

Hopefully I'll get some time to come back and edit this post a bit to do a little Halloween talking...but if this day gets crazy, at least all ya'll out there in Bloggyland will know that I sent you my best Halloween wishes! Have a good one everybody!

That's Not Santa

2008-10-30T17:14:00.000-06:00

That's Not Santa story and pictures by Leonard KesslerMy reviewrating: 3 of 5 starsage group: preschool - 2nd gradethemes: Christmas, Santa, Comfort in the FamiliarWhen Santa can't find his red suit, he tries new looks but none of them seem to be quite right.This is a cute book with fun illustrations. It's certainly not amazing reading, but it is designed for young readers with simple words

It Was a Slow Motion Kind of Day...

2008-10-29T14:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a slow-motion day. Not that it was a slow day...no, no, no...there was lots going on...lots of stuff to do, etc. Whenever one of my kids is about to get hurt from, let's say a fall or something similar, or is about to make a huge mess that I will have to clean up - time slows down...I can see exactly what is about to happen and the screaming, crying and band-aid breaking out that

Tupperware Tuesday: Vent N Serve & Bloggy Giveaway

2008-10-28T10:38:00.000-06:00

What is Tupperware Tuesday?Tupperware Tuesday is a blog post devoted to a product review of a specific Tupperware product.Today's Product:Vent 'N Serve ContainersCurrent Sales Flyer(click to enlarge)What is Vent 'N Serve?These extremely handy containers can go any where from the freezer, to the fridge, to the microwave and to the table. They are uber durable - made from the same material that

One Word Answer

2008-10-27T12:51:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my SIL, Richelle...you get to hear my brilliant answers (in one word) to this delightful list of getting-to-know-the-woman-that-is-me questions. I think I also got this in email from from my neighbor...hopefully this will count for both! :)Yes...this is a meme...and I was tagged.Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I

Another Button for your Blog

2008-10-25T11:00:00.000-06:00

Yes...another Saturday post...well actually I wrote this yesterday and scheduled it to be posted today because I wanted to give my fantastic awards their moment in the sun! :)Another reason to write this to be posted on Saturday? Cuz...it's not the usual for my blog. I'm actually going to ask you for something!!!Sure you say? Ask away you say?Well...thank you very much, I will.So...ya'll know

Roll Out the Red Carpet...I'm Getting An Award (or 2)

2008-10-24T11:16:00.000-06:00

One of my oldest (when I say old...I just mean that I've known her for a while now...she's not old...she is younger than I am and that means she is very, very young) blogging buddies, Cheryl, gave me an award this week. And...what can I say...the feeling is very mutual Cheryl...I love this woman's scribbilngs! If you don't read Cheryl's blog...stop by sometime. She feels very passionately

Hey There Hun

2008-10-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

I have a new neighbor.Actually they live a couple of doors down. I don't really know too much about the family. But this much I do know:They have a little boy who is in kindergarten (although a different class than Big Sis). They also have a 3 year old who is only 2 inches shorter than his 5 y/o brother. They just got a cute little shitzu puppy that is very cute. Recently the mom has been

Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash

2008-10-21T11:00:00.000-06:00

Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash by Sarah WeeksIllustrated by Nadine Bernard WestcottMy reviewrating: 4 of 5 starsage: Preschool & upthemes: gardening, harvest, humor, rhyme, making doWhen Mrs. McNosh plants a squash she gets more than she bargained for! With rhyming prose, this story is sure to delight young readers with every turn of the page. My daughter (5) giggled throughout the book

It's One of Those 'I Don't Know What to Write' Kind of Days...

2008-10-20T16:40:00.001-06:00

I don't really know what to write about today. I don't have any clever and witty insights to share, I'm sick of the political scene at the moment, and for some reason the normal ho-hum just isn't getting me excited about writing today. Add that to the fact that Baby Boy didn't take his nap today leaving me without my normal time to blog...So...here are some random things for your

The Legend of Spookley The Square Pumpkin

2008-10-20T10:02:00.000-06:00

The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe TroianoIllustrated by Susan BantaMy reviewrating: 4 of 5 starsages: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade (Early Grade School)themes: Fall, Halloween, Ugly Duckling, IndividualityThis is the fun story of Spookley - a pumpkin who is square. The other pumpkins tease him for his strange shape until one night when he saves the rest of the pumpkins from blowing

Pete's a Pizza

2008-10-19T09:40:00.000-06:00

Pete's a Pizza by William SteigMy reviewrating: 5 of 5 starsage range: preschool & upthemes: childhood, boredom busters, making do, family playMy Kindergartener brought home this delightful book as a homework project. I was very happy for the introduction to and discovery of this fun and wonderful book by William Steig!Pete is sad because he can't go outside to play. Pete's dad makes the best

An Unusual Saturday Post...Because I feel I Need to Say Something

2008-10-18T11:00:00.000-06:00

I guess I'm following the political theme from yesterday's post...All joking aside...there are some really big issues being decided in this historic election.I know that not everybody is all that interested in politics and that sometimes it can be uncomfortable to post or read about certain political issues.I have not said much about an issue that is on the ballot in both Arizona and California

Does Anybody Else Think This Has Been Going On Too Long???

2008-10-17T18:00:00.000-06:00

I caught a few minutes of Letterman last night. You know...the part where he had John McCain in the hot seat.I must admit that, while I am very interested and have been pretty excited about the presidential campaign this time around, this presidential campaign is just dragging on way too long. I think there need to be a few changes in the presidential campaigning policies because...let's just

One Beautiful Sunset

2008-10-16T17:18:00.000-06:00

I posted this on my family blog...but thought I'd share it here too because I just loved this beautiful sunset.Sept. 30th was the official end of the Monsoon season here in Arizona. Some of the early October days were actually pretty cloudy with some rain showers here and there. The temps were still quite hot, but the clouds made for some beautiful sunsets. I though I'd share some of the

Playing Tag

2008-10-16T14:45:00.000-06:00

To everyone who reads this on a reader and is frustrated...sorry...I had to go back to fix things a couple of times...forgive me?If you are a reader of my family blog...Just so you know...I've been updating. Feel free to check it out! ****************Last week...during my self-imposed Blog Sabbatical, my good friend of many years, Stephi K tagged me with this meme. Seriously, I've known Steph

Is it Feeling a Little Crowded in Here?

2008-10-15T14:50:00.000-06:00

My little sister gave birth to her 4th child yesterday morning! Yes...she is my younger sister and she has 4 kids and I have 2...Hey...my baby brother has 3 kids - and I have 2 ... get over it!!! (If you are curious about why I don't have 10 children...take a look at this old post)I'm quite tall...I'm about 5'10" my little sister is more like 5'3". When I am at the end of a pregnancy (or at

Tupperware Tuesday: BOGO Bowls!

2008-10-14T06:22:00.000-06:00

What is Tupperware Tuesday?Tupperware Tuesday is a blog post devoted to a product review of a specific Tupperware product. Why am I doing this?Because it's my blog and I want to....And because I think you might like to know! :)As most of you know (or can at least guess), I am an Independent Tupperware Consultant. I love being involved with Tupperware for several reasons!1. I can still do some

Introduction

2008-10-13T14:30:00.000-06:00

I love the smell of books. Bookstores and libraries produce olfactory sensations that delight my whole being! The smell is intoxicating, prompting the mind to consider and imagine what delights await behind the delicious smell of the covers and pages.I well remember many delightful adventures to the library in my elementary school. The library was located conveniently in the center of the

Hello Bloggyland!

2008-10-13T07:32:00.001-06:00

Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and encouragement after my last post. I don't think I really ever thought of not blogging, but really just needed to take some time to think about how to approach it again. Now I've done that and I feel like I can come back to the table and feel better knowing that there are a few people out there in Bloggyland who think this is a blog worth reading.If you

Taking A Breather

2008-10-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hey everybody...sometimes I feel like an idiot blogger.That's where I am right now.I'm going to be taking a little break from blogging right now. I need to evaluate myself and my blog a bit.What do you think? Is this a blog worth reading...or is it a chore? Am I a descent writer...or do I just stink? I guess I'll leave that open for discussion while I take a little break and think for a few

Following the Leader

2008-10-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all of the lovely Blogger bloggers who have added the nifty "Followers" thingy-ma-do-dee to your side bars!Why do I love this?Because now when I visit a blog I like (oh, yeah Baby...yours could be next)...I only have to click on "Follow this Blog" (usually found, handily enough on the side bar & preferably close to the top so I don't have to scroll down to find it)and it's added to

See...I Have a Sense of Humor

2008-10-06T15:32:00.001-06:00

I found this today and just had to post it...Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this is "laugh-so-hard-I-cry" funny!

Simplification - Maybe...

2008-10-06T14:38:00.000-06:00

Inspired by some feelings I had during General Conference (a semi-annual meeting in which we get to hear beautiful, inspiring messages from leaders of our Church), I have decided that I really need to simplify some things in my life. I know...I know...My life is already pretty simple:I wake up to the melodious strains of Baby Boy screeching at the top of his lungs to be rescued from him prison (

On the Lighter Side...

2008-10-03T12:42:00.000-06:00

Just in case my other post for today doesn't suit your fancy...I'm posting another delightful post for your posty pleasure.2 posts in 1 little day = lucky you!!! I'm sure you will agree. Right? RIGHT?Moving on....I heard something truly delightful on the news last night. The weather dude said that yesterday is most likely the last we will see of 100 degree temperatures for the year!!!If you