Marie came into town this weekend. Saturday night her, Lowell, my mom and I got together at IHOP for some good conversation. It definitely wasn't for the food.
We were loud and obnoxious and an embarrassment to my mom. You'd think she'd be used to us by now. Oh hey, maybe that's why she doesn't go out in public with us too much.
We were laughing so loud my mom shushed us and said we were probably disturbing a family eating. Um there was ten or so people at that family and they probably didn't even realize we were there.
Ten minutes later, in the middle of a different topic in conversation, my mom started draining her mucus well out her nose. I looked at her and told her, that if anything, that was bugging the other tables dinner.
We ended up staying at IHOP until they closed at midnight. I've heard of people closing down bars or nightclubs but never an IHOP. We were pretty proud of ourselves.
After leaving IHOP I took Lowell home and we stayed out front of his house until 1 a.m. talking. I love talking with him. He makes me laugh so hard I forget that I was in a bad mood before I met up with everyone.
I love it when my sister comes home to visit. I hope we make her feel missed and loved when she comes home. This is why I love the holidays, I get to see more and more of my family.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Disciplining Other People's Children
I was watching my brother Lowell's two boys the other night so Lowell and Rae could get some Christmas shopping done.
We were all have a great time, the boys more than anyone. I went in the toy room and you could not see the floor, the boys were jumping on the couch, and screaming at the top of their lungs.
I asked the boys not to scream and they all complied with my request, except Lowell Jr. I had to ask him at least two more times until I realized he wasn't going to quit because he wasn't taking me seriously. After the third or fourth scream I picked him up and put him in time-out.
I usually leave a kid in time-out one minute for their age. But since this was not my kid I decided I'd better just leave him there for one minute, I didn't need a full tantrum.
After a minute I sat down on the foot stool in front of Jr. and asked him why he got put in time-out. I like to make sure they understand I'm not trying to be mean there is a reason they have to sit in the chair.
So I asked Jr. if he understood why he was there, he looked at me and said, "Meow". I asked him again and got the same answer, "Meow". I told him I would check back when he was ready to talk.
Every thirty seconds I asked him again, and again I got, "meow". I had a hard time keeping a straight face.
Five or ten minutes later my brother showed up. I got a little panicky because people really don't like it when someone else is disciplining their children and I didn't know if I was going to tick off my brother.
I explained why Jr. was in the chair instead of playing with the boys and when Jr. saw his parents he got excited and tried to jump down from the chair and run to them for a pardon. Lowell stopped his son and told him he wasn't done with his time-out yet. Jr. turned to me and started talking to me.
I was so proud of my brother, and relieved I didn't offend him. I'm pretty sure all my nieces and nephews think I am the mean aunt, and I think I'm fine with that.
We were all have a great time, the boys more than anyone. I went in the toy room and you could not see the floor, the boys were jumping on the couch, and screaming at the top of their lungs.
I asked the boys not to scream and they all complied with my request, except Lowell Jr. I had to ask him at least two more times until I realized he wasn't going to quit because he wasn't taking me seriously. After the third or fourth scream I picked him up and put him in time-out.
I usually leave a kid in time-out one minute for their age. But since this was not my kid I decided I'd better just leave him there for one minute, I didn't need a full tantrum.
After a minute I sat down on the foot stool in front of Jr. and asked him why he got put in time-out. I like to make sure they understand I'm not trying to be mean there is a reason they have to sit in the chair.
So I asked Jr. if he understood why he was there, he looked at me and said, "Meow". I asked him again and got the same answer, "Meow". I told him I would check back when he was ready to talk.
Every thirty seconds I asked him again, and again I got, "meow". I had a hard time keeping a straight face.
Five or ten minutes later my brother showed up. I got a little panicky because people really don't like it when someone else is disciplining their children and I didn't know if I was going to tick off my brother.
I explained why Jr. was in the chair instead of playing with the boys and when Jr. saw his parents he got excited and tried to jump down from the chair and run to them for a pardon. Lowell stopped his son and told him he wasn't done with his time-out yet. Jr. turned to me and started talking to me.
I was so proud of my brother, and relieved I didn't offend him. I'm pretty sure all my nieces and nephews think I am the mean aunt, and I think I'm fine with that.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hot Dogs
I was making some lunch for the kids the other day: hot dogs sliced open with mashed potatoes and melted cheese on top. It's one of our favorites.
The kids were having a nice conversation when I heard my son, Bud, say, "Do you know what hot dogs are made out of?"
I don't know who answered him but they said, "No".
"They are made from wieners," said Bud.
At this point I started laughing and said they were made from cows and pigs.
"Yeah, cows and pigs wieners."
Of course I am laughing so hard at this point that he won't quit repeating himself. I think we have a little comedian on our hands. Like that's all our family needs, more jokesters.
The kids were having a nice conversation when I heard my son, Bud, say, "Do you know what hot dogs are made out of?"
I don't know who answered him but they said, "No".
"They are made from wieners," said Bud.
At this point I started laughing and said they were made from cows and pigs.
"Yeah, cows and pigs wieners."
Of course I am laughing so hard at this point that he won't quit repeating himself. I think we have a little comedian on our hands. Like that's all our family needs, more jokesters.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Husband Brag
I got this from my friend Rosa's blog. She called it Husband Tag but I decided to change the title. Thanks Rosa for the idea!
1. Where did you meet?
We grew up together, he was my brother Brook's best friend.
2. How long did you date before you got married?
We dated for exactly six months to the day.
3. How long have you been married?
We will be married for thirteen years in February
4. What does he do that surprises you?
He loves his family more than anything. Not having a father in the home growing up I didn't have any expectations on what kind stuff father's are suppose to do. He blows me away every day with how great of a husband and father he is.
5. What is your favorite feature of his?
His big strong arms. I love grabbing his arms and squeezing them. They are solid!
6. What is your favorite quality of his?
He is always so calm and logical. He knows just what to do in situations, and if he doesn't he's a really good pretender.
7. Does he have a nickname for you?
Not that I can think of. I have a lot for him, it kind of depends on my mood. I usually call him my Sexy Beast, Dr. Jones, or Hunk-a-hunk of burnen love.
8. What is his favorite color?
Purple
9. What is his favorite food?
He loves food, any food that he doesn't have to make himself.
10. What is his favorite sport?
Motocross
11. When and where was your first kiss?
We had our first kiss, on our second date, on the back of a trailer at the go cart track. He didn't remember that I am deaf in my right ear and whispered, "Can I kiss you?" I didn't have a clue as to what he said and I turned my head to ask him to repeat and he planted one on me. After seeing my stunned eyes he asked what was wrong, he'd asked if it was okay. I reminded him that I am deaf. We still have a good laugh about that.
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love to cuddle up on the couch and watch a good movie while he gives me a massage.
13. Do you have any children?
Yes, we have five: Bug, Beaner, Bud, Bear, and Sweeton.
14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He is such a romantic. When we were first married he informed me he doesn't like to do all that romantic stuff:flowers, chocolates, and superfluous garbage. I said that was fine because I'm not one who enjoys that kind of stuff anyway. Come to find out romance means some thing different to everyone and he knows just what makes tick: watching him wrestle with the kids on the front room floor, remembering that I like ice in my milk, calling me a couple times a day just to see how I'm doing, etc etc etc. He is the most romantic man I know.
15. How old is he?
He is a riping 33.
16. Who said I love you first?
I did, we went for a drive and stopped on a road that isn't used much. We'd always go walk that road when we needed to talk. I can't remember what we needed to talk about but I do remember turning too him and asking him if he knew I was in love with him. I think this was a turning point in our relationship because a couple months before we had a big all night fight and I told him I was still in love with my ex-boyfriend, Brian. Brian and I dated for a couple years and almost got engaged before I broke things off. It had been eight months, he was married to someone else, and I was scared to get back in the same situation.
Big D was not happy when I shared how I felt but he was very patient and didn't give up on trying to win my heart. After I'd told him that I loved him it wasn't long before we were engaged.
17. Whats his favorite type of music?
Right now he is really enjoying Church music, a little Afterglow, some Raymond dude.
18.What do you admire most about him?
His ability to talk to people and instantly make them feel at ease. He makes friends so easily everybody loves him.
19. Do you think he will read this?
No, he's way too busy.
I am so truly blessed to be married to a man as sweet and loving as Big D. I am grateful I have all eternity to repay him.
1. Where did you meet?
We grew up together, he was my brother Brook's best friend.
2. How long did you date before you got married?
We dated for exactly six months to the day.
3. How long have you been married?
We will be married for thirteen years in February
4. What does he do that surprises you?
He loves his family more than anything. Not having a father in the home growing up I didn't have any expectations on what kind stuff father's are suppose to do. He blows me away every day with how great of a husband and father he is.
5. What is your favorite feature of his?
His big strong arms. I love grabbing his arms and squeezing them. They are solid!
6. What is your favorite quality of his?
He is always so calm and logical. He knows just what to do in situations, and if he doesn't he's a really good pretender.
7. Does he have a nickname for you?
Not that I can think of. I have a lot for him, it kind of depends on my mood. I usually call him my Sexy Beast, Dr. Jones, or Hunk-a-hunk of burnen love.
8. What is his favorite color?
Purple
9. What is his favorite food?
He loves food, any food that he doesn't have to make himself.
10. What is his favorite sport?
Motocross
11. When and where was your first kiss?
We had our first kiss, on our second date, on the back of a trailer at the go cart track. He didn't remember that I am deaf in my right ear and whispered, "Can I kiss you?" I didn't have a clue as to what he said and I turned my head to ask him to repeat and he planted one on me. After seeing my stunned eyes he asked what was wrong, he'd asked if it was okay. I reminded him that I am deaf. We still have a good laugh about that.
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love to cuddle up on the couch and watch a good movie while he gives me a massage.
13. Do you have any children?
Yes, we have five: Bug, Beaner, Bud, Bear, and Sweeton.
14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He is such a romantic. When we were first married he informed me he doesn't like to do all that romantic stuff:flowers, chocolates, and superfluous garbage. I said that was fine because I'm not one who enjoys that kind of stuff anyway. Come to find out romance means some thing different to everyone and he knows just what makes tick: watching him wrestle with the kids on the front room floor, remembering that I like ice in my milk, calling me a couple times a day just to see how I'm doing, etc etc etc. He is the most romantic man I know.
15. How old is he?
He is a riping 33.
16. Who said I love you first?
I did, we went for a drive and stopped on a road that isn't used much. We'd always go walk that road when we needed to talk. I can't remember what we needed to talk about but I do remember turning too him and asking him if he knew I was in love with him. I think this was a turning point in our relationship because a couple months before we had a big all night fight and I told him I was still in love with my ex-boyfriend, Brian. Brian and I dated for a couple years and almost got engaged before I broke things off. It had been eight months, he was married to someone else, and I was scared to get back in the same situation.
Big D was not happy when I shared how I felt but he was very patient and didn't give up on trying to win my heart. After I'd told him that I loved him it wasn't long before we were engaged.
17. Whats his favorite type of music?
Right now he is really enjoying Church music, a little Afterglow, some Raymond dude.
18.What do you admire most about him?
His ability to talk to people and instantly make them feel at ease. He makes friends so easily everybody loves him.
19. Do you think he will read this?
No, he's way too busy.
I am so truly blessed to be married to a man as sweet and loving as Big D. I am grateful I have all eternity to repay him.
I'd Do Anything For Those Sisters Of Mine
I had a crazy dream last night that really freaked me out.
I was at school and my sister Marie came up to me in a panic. Which is funny because Marie doesn't even live in the same state as me lest alone go to the same school as me. Any who, she came up to me in a panic because she was suppose to find a guinea pig for an experimental surgery her professor wanted to do that day and she never found anyone.
Hating to see her that way I offered to be the guinea pig for her so she didn't get in trouble. I was suppose to be an easy not to invasive procedure that took just a little of my time and possibly inflicted a tiny bit of pain.
Another funny point here is Ann is the sister going into the medical field, not Marie.
Apparently the news got broad cast on a breaking news special because half my home town all of a sudden knew about me and this procedure. Beaner's third grade teacher was coming up talking to me about it, as was Emily, a high school friend that I've lost contact with.
They are all asking me if I'm nervous and what exactly the surgery consists of. I'm trying to answer their question but I really don't understand myself what I've gotten myself into. All I know is I was trying to save my sister's hide so she didn't get kicked out of school.
Come to find out is the surgery in down by my Netherlands and I will be exposed for an entire class for observation. Well, it is a medical class it is a given there will be students present.
The next person that came up to me is my professor and he is talking about the procedure like he is going to be present for it, as is my entire journalism class.
It's one thing to let a bunch of strangers, whom I've never met and will never see again, watch my nakedness being cut open and examined. It's an entirely different scenario when it's a group of people I have to attend class with twice a week, plus, none of them are going into the medical field.
One would think that after giving birth to five children I wouldn't be shy about my Netherlands anymore. Especially after one of those births was to twins; I had half the hospital staff in my room.
The closer my journalism professor led me to the operating/class room the more nervous I got. Thank goodness as soon as we reached the doorway I woke up. I wouldn't let myself go back to sleep after that
I think if this dream, or should I say nightmare, has told me one thing it is that I would do anything for my sisters.
I was at school and my sister Marie came up to me in a panic. Which is funny because Marie doesn't even live in the same state as me lest alone go to the same school as me. Any who, she came up to me in a panic because she was suppose to find a guinea pig for an experimental surgery her professor wanted to do that day and she never found anyone.
Hating to see her that way I offered to be the guinea pig for her so she didn't get in trouble. I was suppose to be an easy not to invasive procedure that took just a little of my time and possibly inflicted a tiny bit of pain.
Another funny point here is Ann is the sister going into the medical field, not Marie.
Apparently the news got broad cast on a breaking news special because half my home town all of a sudden knew about me and this procedure. Beaner's third grade teacher was coming up talking to me about it, as was Emily, a high school friend that I've lost contact with.
They are all asking me if I'm nervous and what exactly the surgery consists of. I'm trying to answer their question but I really don't understand myself what I've gotten myself into. All I know is I was trying to save my sister's hide so she didn't get kicked out of school.
Come to find out is the surgery in down by my Netherlands and I will be exposed for an entire class for observation. Well, it is a medical class it is a given there will be students present.
The next person that came up to me is my professor and he is talking about the procedure like he is going to be present for it, as is my entire journalism class.
It's one thing to let a bunch of strangers, whom I've never met and will never see again, watch my nakedness being cut open and examined. It's an entirely different scenario when it's a group of people I have to attend class with twice a week, plus, none of them are going into the medical field.
One would think that after giving birth to five children I wouldn't be shy about my Netherlands anymore. Especially after one of those births was to twins; I had half the hospital staff in my room.
The closer my journalism professor led me to the operating/class room the more nervous I got. Thank goodness as soon as we reached the doorway I woke up. I wouldn't let myself go back to sleep after that
I think if this dream, or should I say nightmare, has told me one thing it is that I would do anything for my sisters.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Lord's Hand In November 2008
11/30/08~ I got to go to Relief Society today. That is the first time in about two years I was so excited. We had a combined Priesthood/Relief Society meeting and we in the Primary usually don't get to go to those because the Primary President doesn't like to let the Young Women cover for the teachers. I don't know if the Bishop said something to the Pres but we were all able to go and I gotta say it was just what I needed. I relished in every minute soaking it all in before I got shipped back to the nursery.
11/29/08~ The kids all went out to Grandma Honey and Papa Guy's house for the night. Big D and I decided to go on a date. We went to Craigo's for dinner and then to the movie The Dark Knight. I really liked the movie, it's probably the best one I've seen in a while. All in all it was just nice to be out with my main squeeze.
11/28/08~ We celebrated Thanksgiving at my in-laws. It was a nice meal but I fell asleep right after. Big D and I got up at 5 a.m. for Black Friday. We got all our shopping done so I think it was worth it. And we weren't idiots about just grabbing crap just because everyone else was, we've done that before. I do feel bad that I didn't spend more time with my in-laws. By the time Big D and I woke up from our nap everyone was gone.
11/27/08~ Today is Itchy's birthday and we are all going over to Brook's house to celebrate, well that and Thanksgiving. I love it when my family gets together I just wish my sister's could've made it up. We will see them around Christmas, Merry Christmas to us.
11/26/08~ Today was payday so Big D and I went out and got almost all our Christmas shopping done. I love getting that out of the way especially this early. I think we get one more pay check before Christmas so that will be nice for last minute gifts I'd forgotten.
11/25/08~ My nephew, Brook Jr., invited us to his school program. He did a great job singing and telling the audience a family tradition: going to Lagoon every year. Which was a bit of a surprise to some of us that that is his families tradition, but I guess it is now. After the program I jogged over to Brook's house to workout. I think it was a little too cold to jog, my lungs were burning for the next two days.
11/23/08~ We celebrated Thanksgiving with my Papa Guy and Grandma Honey. Dinner was delayed a bit due to the turkey taking forever. We decided to just go ahead and eat without the main course. Honey makes such great food known of us really cared there wasn't turkey to go along with our raspberry salad and butter topped rolls. Yummy! We all had a great time visiting and I had to hug and kiss my minions at least ten times each just so they'd know how much I missed them.
11/22/08~ I spent the day with my sisters Ann, Marie, and Rae along with my brother Lowell. We went shopping and to the movie Twilight. We tend to have way too much fun when we get together. It's hard to leave but my vacation to see my sisters truly makes me a better mother and wife.
11/21/08~ Rae and I were suppose to go to Celine Dion, but she postponed her concert until February. I should be upset but all that means is I get to go visit my sisters in February. We all still decided to visit my sisters inspite of not having a concert to go to. We all went out to a nice dinner at Lone Star and spent the evening laughing and joking around. I love my family.
11/20/08~I had to go to a city council meeting for my reporting class. Oh it was the most boring two hours of my life. I written my paper on the meeting yet and I don't exactly know what to say. When the newspaper covers these meeting it is a short maybe one hundred words unless something big happens and trust me nothing big happened at this meeting.
11/19/08~ Class once again was cake. I had morning class which was a guest speaker, the editor from a local magazine. My professor canceled afternoon lab since we watched the movie on Monday. I so like weeks like this.
11/17/08~ Today was such a nice day school wise. I didn't have morning class but my professor asked if we could come in for afternoon lab to watch the movie "All The President's Men". I had to take Bear with me but he did great. He fell asleep for half the movie.
11/15/08~ My mother-in-law and I went up to my sister-in-law's house to decorater her Christmas tree for her birthday. I know that was a bit complicated but that is exactly what happened. I had a great time having some alone time with them talking and laughing. I have the best in-laws.
11/14/08~ My family has been watching the first seven seasons of Smallville together. I think we are a bit addicted, thanks to Lowell. It's nice because so far the shows are family friendly and it's been nice not having to tell my kids to close their eyes every two seconds.
11/13/08~ Today was the kids portfolio conferences, which is our school's way of saying parent/teacher conferences. Bud is right on track to were he should be, Beaner is progressing nicely, and Bug is exceeding expectation.
11/12/08~ I was severly chastised infront of my whole class for a mistake I made in my article. No one knew it was me when he was chastising but I knew it was me. He looked directly at me and said how disappointed he was and he should've taken 200 points off for it. I am duely noted and I don't think I will be making that mistake again.
11/11/08~ I took the day off. I did as little as possible and then even less than that. It's funny because people with normal jobs get days off and no one asks what's wrong with them, but when I take a day off everyone thinks something is wrong. I was proud of myself though, I still managed to get dinner on the table.
11/10/08~ Apparently I can focus on only one big task at a time. Today Bug had a doctor's appointment right after school. Well, she also has piano lessons right after school. I was so focused on getting piano lessons done and to the doctor on time that everything else left my brain. I showed up fifteen minutes early to pick the kids up from school. I was feeling so good about myself until I realize I was really fifteen minutes late because I was supposed to help out in Bud's classroom. I grabbed Bear and we ran inside to find our job was just about complete by someone else. His teacher confessed she'd been dogged by all the other parent volunteers that day and she didn't want to take any chances that I wouldn't show up either. I felt horrible. However, we made it through piano lessons and to the doctor on time.
11/9/08~ The kids did their primary program in sacrament meeting today. They are so cute up there trying to be all reverent. It is rather entertaining because you know there's always the one who turns green and almost passes out. There's always the one who keeps giving his grandpa the thumbs up every two minutes. And then there is mine who can't quit yawning because their father let them stay up till the wee hours. Bud couldn't stand still and focus on the music. Beaner looked ticked and wouldn't smile for nothing. Bug complained she sang so much she was parched and would probably lose her voice if she didn't receive immediate hydration. I love primary programs.
11/8/08~ We finally have a day off without any plans. Yeah! I might get my house clean. It's funny that I don't make the kids do chores everyday anymore I only ask for their help on Saturdays and I still get whines and gripes.
11/7/08~ I went visiting teaching tonight. I only got to see one of my four ladies but I think that's all I can get this month. One lady doesn't want us to come, one went out of town, and the last lady just had major surgery and is bedridden. I think I am still going to try to make something and take it into the last lady. All the ladies I visiting teach are elderly and at first I was a bit perturbed about that. However, I've been visiting them over a year and I love each and every one of them. I wish I could visit them more often; some of them are so lonely.
11/6/08~ Bear and I went with Bug on her field trip. We went to an old city park that they are trying to revitalize and planted flowers. We had a great time and I got to meet some of Bug's friends from school. I love how hands on and community oriented her school is.
11/5/08~ Today is my brother Lowell's Birthday, I think he's turning 30 :) Actually he's only 28. I love to tease him. We have a bit of a competition in our family to see who can wish the birthday person "Happy Birthday" first. It doesn't count the day before, it has to be the day of. I'm pretty sure I won this one. Not only did I call and leave a voice mail I also emailed him.
11/4/08~ I finished canning the last of my tomatoes. Halleluja! I am so tired of canning, but boy is it worth it. The salsa tastes great. Now we can just sit back and enjoy the friuts of our labor.
11/3/08~ I only have about five or six weeks left of class. I am so excited. I think my writing is getting worse as the semester goes. I need to be done with this class while I'm still getting A's and B's on my papers.
11/2/08~ I have lost all interest in my calling. I know it sounds really bad of me, but I am burnt out. I feel bad because I let my partner do most of the work. She's great with kids and loves to get down and play with them. I don't have chemistry with kids, I'm surprised when they don't scream and run for their parents every time they get dropped off. All week I'm with my kids and then on the weekends I watch other people's kids. I need some adult interaction before I go crazy.
11/1/08~ My sisters came into town, YEAH! I've missed them emensly. We spent the day shopping for after Halloween specials, (Ann and I are huge fans of Halloween). We took the kids to the park. Then we met up at Brook's house for a little dinner and conversation. I love getting together with my family. The only one we were missing was Itchy and his family.
11/29/08~ The kids all went out to Grandma Honey and Papa Guy's house for the night. Big D and I decided to go on a date. We went to Craigo's for dinner and then to the movie The Dark Knight. I really liked the movie, it's probably the best one I've seen in a while. All in all it was just nice to be out with my main squeeze.
11/28/08~ We celebrated Thanksgiving at my in-laws. It was a nice meal but I fell asleep right after. Big D and I got up at 5 a.m. for Black Friday. We got all our shopping done so I think it was worth it. And we weren't idiots about just grabbing crap just because everyone else was, we've done that before. I do feel bad that I didn't spend more time with my in-laws. By the time Big D and I woke up from our nap everyone was gone.
11/27/08~ Today is Itchy's birthday and we are all going over to Brook's house to celebrate, well that and Thanksgiving. I love it when my family gets together I just wish my sister's could've made it up. We will see them around Christmas, Merry Christmas to us.
11/26/08~ Today was payday so Big D and I went out and got almost all our Christmas shopping done. I love getting that out of the way especially this early. I think we get one more pay check before Christmas so that will be nice for last minute gifts I'd forgotten.
11/25/08~ My nephew, Brook Jr., invited us to his school program. He did a great job singing and telling the audience a family tradition: going to Lagoon every year. Which was a bit of a surprise to some of us that that is his families tradition, but I guess it is now. After the program I jogged over to Brook's house to workout. I think it was a little too cold to jog, my lungs were burning for the next two days.
11/23/08~ We celebrated Thanksgiving with my Papa Guy and Grandma Honey. Dinner was delayed a bit due to the turkey taking forever. We decided to just go ahead and eat without the main course. Honey makes such great food known of us really cared there wasn't turkey to go along with our raspberry salad and butter topped rolls. Yummy! We all had a great time visiting and I had to hug and kiss my minions at least ten times each just so they'd know how much I missed them.
11/22/08~ I spent the day with my sisters Ann, Marie, and Rae along with my brother Lowell. We went shopping and to the movie Twilight. We tend to have way too much fun when we get together. It's hard to leave but my vacation to see my sisters truly makes me a better mother and wife.
11/21/08~ Rae and I were suppose to go to Celine Dion, but she postponed her concert until February. I should be upset but all that means is I get to go visit my sisters in February. We all still decided to visit my sisters inspite of not having a concert to go to. We all went out to a nice dinner at Lone Star and spent the evening laughing and joking around. I love my family.
11/20/08~I had to go to a city council meeting for my reporting class. Oh it was the most boring two hours of my life. I written my paper on the meeting yet and I don't exactly know what to say. When the newspaper covers these meeting it is a short maybe one hundred words unless something big happens and trust me nothing big happened at this meeting.
11/19/08~ Class once again was cake. I had morning class which was a guest speaker, the editor from a local magazine. My professor canceled afternoon lab since we watched the movie on Monday. I so like weeks like this.
11/17/08~ Today was such a nice day school wise. I didn't have morning class but my professor asked if we could come in for afternoon lab to watch the movie "All The President's Men". I had to take Bear with me but he did great. He fell asleep for half the movie.
11/15/08~ My mother-in-law and I went up to my sister-in-law's house to decorater her Christmas tree for her birthday. I know that was a bit complicated but that is exactly what happened. I had a great time having some alone time with them talking and laughing. I have the best in-laws.
11/14/08~ My family has been watching the first seven seasons of Smallville together. I think we are a bit addicted, thanks to Lowell. It's nice because so far the shows are family friendly and it's been nice not having to tell my kids to close their eyes every two seconds.
11/13/08~ Today was the kids portfolio conferences, which is our school's way of saying parent/teacher conferences. Bud is right on track to were he should be, Beaner is progressing nicely, and Bug is exceeding expectation.
11/12/08~ I was severly chastised infront of my whole class for a mistake I made in my article. No one knew it was me when he was chastising but I knew it was me. He looked directly at me and said how disappointed he was and he should've taken 200 points off for it. I am duely noted and I don't think I will be making that mistake again.
11/11/08~ I took the day off. I did as little as possible and then even less than that. It's funny because people with normal jobs get days off and no one asks what's wrong with them, but when I take a day off everyone thinks something is wrong. I was proud of myself though, I still managed to get dinner on the table.
11/10/08~ Apparently I can focus on only one big task at a time. Today Bug had a doctor's appointment right after school. Well, she also has piano lessons right after school. I was so focused on getting piano lessons done and to the doctor on time that everything else left my brain. I showed up fifteen minutes early to pick the kids up from school. I was feeling so good about myself until I realize I was really fifteen minutes late because I was supposed to help out in Bud's classroom. I grabbed Bear and we ran inside to find our job was just about complete by someone else. His teacher confessed she'd been dogged by all the other parent volunteers that day and she didn't want to take any chances that I wouldn't show up either. I felt horrible. However, we made it through piano lessons and to the doctor on time.
11/9/08~ The kids did their primary program in sacrament meeting today. They are so cute up there trying to be all reverent. It is rather entertaining because you know there's always the one who turns green and almost passes out. There's always the one who keeps giving his grandpa the thumbs up every two minutes. And then there is mine who can't quit yawning because their father let them stay up till the wee hours. Bud couldn't stand still and focus on the music. Beaner looked ticked and wouldn't smile for nothing. Bug complained she sang so much she was parched and would probably lose her voice if she didn't receive immediate hydration. I love primary programs.
11/8/08~ We finally have a day off without any plans. Yeah! I might get my house clean. It's funny that I don't make the kids do chores everyday anymore I only ask for their help on Saturdays and I still get whines and gripes.
11/7/08~ I went visiting teaching tonight. I only got to see one of my four ladies but I think that's all I can get this month. One lady doesn't want us to come, one went out of town, and the last lady just had major surgery and is bedridden. I think I am still going to try to make something and take it into the last lady. All the ladies I visiting teach are elderly and at first I was a bit perturbed about that. However, I've been visiting them over a year and I love each and every one of them. I wish I could visit them more often; some of them are so lonely.
11/6/08~ Bear and I went with Bug on her field trip. We went to an old city park that they are trying to revitalize and planted flowers. We had a great time and I got to meet some of Bug's friends from school. I love how hands on and community oriented her school is.
11/5/08~ Today is my brother Lowell's Birthday, I think he's turning 30 :) Actually he's only 28. I love to tease him. We have a bit of a competition in our family to see who can wish the birthday person "Happy Birthday" first. It doesn't count the day before, it has to be the day of. I'm pretty sure I won this one. Not only did I call and leave a voice mail I also emailed him.
11/4/08~ I finished canning the last of my tomatoes. Halleluja! I am so tired of canning, but boy is it worth it. The salsa tastes great. Now we can just sit back and enjoy the friuts of our labor.
11/3/08~ I only have about five or six weeks left of class. I am so excited. I think my writing is getting worse as the semester goes. I need to be done with this class while I'm still getting A's and B's on my papers.
11/2/08~ I have lost all interest in my calling. I know it sounds really bad of me, but I am burnt out. I feel bad because I let my partner do most of the work. She's great with kids and loves to get down and play with them. I don't have chemistry with kids, I'm surprised when they don't scream and run for their parents every time they get dropped off. All week I'm with my kids and then on the weekends I watch other people's kids. I need some adult interaction before I go crazy.
11/1/08~ My sisters came into town, YEAH! I've missed them emensly. We spent the day shopping for after Halloween specials, (Ann and I are huge fans of Halloween). We took the kids to the park. Then we met up at Brook's house for a little dinner and conversation. I love getting together with my family. The only one we were missing was Itchy and his family.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday
Today is a special day, not only is it Thanksgiving, but it is also my oldest brother Itchy's Birthday. I feel bad for him having his birthday fall on or around (depending on the year) a major holiday.
For quite awhile Itchy got a pumpkin pie for his birthday cake, which would have been just fine for me, but has now turned him completely off to pumpkin pie.
I guess he could have just told himself all these years that everyone was getting together to celebrate his birthday because he is just that special to us. I tend to do that, make every thing fit nice and neat inside my head.
No worries, we have it all under control this year, Lowell is in charge of making a cake so we have all our bases covered on the birthday front, now for the Thanksgiving part.
I love the holidays! Every holiday brings something special to the festivities. Halloween is more get out and have fun, Christmas is more spiritual and holy, and then there is Thanksgiving which is totally about family and giving thanks for what we've been blessed with.
We have a tradition in our home, that I'm sure many people have, we go around the table as we are eating and say one thing we are grateful for that year. By no means am I a cryer so every year I say something goofy or rehearsed, but in my head I've already gone through this big rendition that would not leave a dry eye in the house if it came out of my mouth.
When I'm eating at my in-laws I would want to say something to the effect off:
My hole life I was subjected to horror stories about in-laws whether it was from family members or on TV. I just thought in-laws were something that were tolerable once a year in small doses. However, then I got married and I've been in ah every since.
I've been so impressed with the awesome job my in-laws have done on raising such a wonderful son who has turned into the best husband and father a woman could want. My in-laws opened their home to us not only every Sunday for dinner but for an entire year as we were transitioning from college to reality.
Everyone kept telling me the best way to ruin a relationship with your in-laws was to move in with them. I was so afraid of that coming to fruition and I'm not saying every thing was peachy all the time but I love and respect my in-laws even more because of that experience.
Then we lost our son and in the midst of trying to see something good come out of his death I realized that we, as a family, were closer. Our relationship had grown into something even more beautiful and I had my precious Sweeton to thank for that.
I have the best in-laws in the world. They are a great example to me of how sweet a marriage can be. Marriage doesn't have to end just because times get tough; if you endure, it only gets sweeter. I am very blessed to be a part of this family.
Now for a Thanksgiving with my family:
We have all been through a rough time at one point or another but only one rough time did we all go through together: our parent's divorce. It's hard to take something as horrible as not being a complete family any more and moving on, but that is just what we all did and we are all stronger and closer for it.
I hear of people who haven't talked to their siblings for years and I am dumb founded on how that could be. I can't go a week without know if all my siblings are okay or if they need help.
Granted some of us are closer than others but I learned an important thing this weekend down visiting Ann and Marie. I was a bit jealous of how close they've grown in the past year living together. I felt like I was being left out. Then Ann said something that stuck with me. She told me that for awhile her and I were really close and then her and Lowell were. It seems that we migrate from person to person because we all offer different things and we gravitate toward the one whom we need something from. Right now Ann and Marie need each other more than I need them and that's true. She wasn't saying that I'm not a part of them anymore but that I am in a good place and I don't need their love and support as much as they need it together.
I am so grateful to be a part of a family that recognizes each others strengths and weaknesses. We have held many family fasts and prayers in hopes that Brook would find his way back to the church and now, Wow, he's come such a long way. This past year was so hard on him to have his family dissolve everything he's worked so hard for now gone. But instead of feeling sorry for himself he's decided to make his life better. He's given up all his bad habits: smoking, drinking, chewing, coffee, and his wife all in one year. For normal human beings that would be impossible but he's not normal, he's Superman.
Itchy has had a tough year with going back to school and having to work nights. He's had to sacrifice a lot of time with his family in order to try and better their lives. His poor wife, Hotty, struggling with her own parent's divorce on top of her health problems just doesn't sound like fun. I often wonder how they are making things work but that is not important, the important part is that they are making it work and hopefully when they get through this struggle they will be even closer.
I could go on and name how in ah I am of each and everyone of my brothers and sisters I am. I love my family they are my most prized possession. I love them far above rubies or diamonds. My mom has worked very hard to keep us close and I feel she has done a phenomenal job. She is my hero and I am truly blessed to have been born into such a phenomenal family.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and Happy Birthday Itchy I hope you know how much we all love you!!!
For quite awhile Itchy got a pumpkin pie for his birthday cake, which would have been just fine for me, but has now turned him completely off to pumpkin pie.
I guess he could have just told himself all these years that everyone was getting together to celebrate his birthday because he is just that special to us. I tend to do that, make every thing fit nice and neat inside my head.
No worries, we have it all under control this year, Lowell is in charge of making a cake so we have all our bases covered on the birthday front, now for the Thanksgiving part.
I love the holidays! Every holiday brings something special to the festivities. Halloween is more get out and have fun, Christmas is more spiritual and holy, and then there is Thanksgiving which is totally about family and giving thanks for what we've been blessed with.
We have a tradition in our home, that I'm sure many people have, we go around the table as we are eating and say one thing we are grateful for that year. By no means am I a cryer so every year I say something goofy or rehearsed, but in my head I've already gone through this big rendition that would not leave a dry eye in the house if it came out of my mouth.
When I'm eating at my in-laws I would want to say something to the effect off:
My hole life I was subjected to horror stories about in-laws whether it was from family members or on TV. I just thought in-laws were something that were tolerable once a year in small doses. However, then I got married and I've been in ah every since.
I've been so impressed with the awesome job my in-laws have done on raising such a wonderful son who has turned into the best husband and father a woman could want. My in-laws opened their home to us not only every Sunday for dinner but for an entire year as we were transitioning from college to reality.
Everyone kept telling me the best way to ruin a relationship with your in-laws was to move in with them. I was so afraid of that coming to fruition and I'm not saying every thing was peachy all the time but I love and respect my in-laws even more because of that experience.
Then we lost our son and in the midst of trying to see something good come out of his death I realized that we, as a family, were closer. Our relationship had grown into something even more beautiful and I had my precious Sweeton to thank for that.
I have the best in-laws in the world. They are a great example to me of how sweet a marriage can be. Marriage doesn't have to end just because times get tough; if you endure, it only gets sweeter. I am very blessed to be a part of this family.
Now for a Thanksgiving with my family:
We have all been through a rough time at one point or another but only one rough time did we all go through together: our parent's divorce. It's hard to take something as horrible as not being a complete family any more and moving on, but that is just what we all did and we are all stronger and closer for it.
I hear of people who haven't talked to their siblings for years and I am dumb founded on how that could be. I can't go a week without know if all my siblings are okay or if they need help.
Granted some of us are closer than others but I learned an important thing this weekend down visiting Ann and Marie. I was a bit jealous of how close they've grown in the past year living together. I felt like I was being left out. Then Ann said something that stuck with me. She told me that for awhile her and I were really close and then her and Lowell were. It seems that we migrate from person to person because we all offer different things and we gravitate toward the one whom we need something from. Right now Ann and Marie need each other more than I need them and that's true. She wasn't saying that I'm not a part of them anymore but that I am in a good place and I don't need their love and support as much as they need it together.
I am so grateful to be a part of a family that recognizes each others strengths and weaknesses. We have held many family fasts and prayers in hopes that Brook would find his way back to the church and now, Wow, he's come such a long way. This past year was so hard on him to have his family dissolve everything he's worked so hard for now gone. But instead of feeling sorry for himself he's decided to make his life better. He's given up all his bad habits: smoking, drinking, chewing, coffee, and his wife all in one year. For normal human beings that would be impossible but he's not normal, he's Superman.
Itchy has had a tough year with going back to school and having to work nights. He's had to sacrifice a lot of time with his family in order to try and better their lives. His poor wife, Hotty, struggling with her own parent's divorce on top of her health problems just doesn't sound like fun. I often wonder how they are making things work but that is not important, the important part is that they are making it work and hopefully when they get through this struggle they will be even closer.
I could go on and name how in ah I am of each and everyone of my brothers and sisters I am. I love my family they are my most prized possession. I love them far above rubies or diamonds. My mom has worked very hard to keep us close and I feel she has done a phenomenal job. She is my hero and I am truly blessed to have been born into such a phenomenal family.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and Happy Birthday Itchy I hope you know how much we all love you!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Movie Review: Twilight
Where do I start? I feel bad for Stephanie Meyers, all that hard work she did on the book and that was the best the film makers could do. I was so looking forward to the passion that was suppose to come across. It peaked it's head a couple times but then it disappeared.
The most disturbing part was the graceful fluid movement that vampires are supposedly known for. In the movie they moved like giant clumsy cats and it just looked awkward. It looked like the characters were running in place and they just pushed fast forward. I don't know if the cinematographer just graduated from high school, but they definitely needed someone with a bit more experience.
I felt Kristen Stewart did okay as Bella's character and they didn't develop Edward's character at all.
I know it's hard to take a book that is loved by many and try to create an outcome that will appease the masses, but they seem to be getting something right with the Harry Potter movies.
Watching Carlisle turn Edward into a vampire was probably the most intimate and unsettling part of the entire show.
If Robert Pattinson would have kept his accent it would have added to his character and made him more eloquent.
I do have so good things to say about the movie, I liked Edward's driving after rescuing Bella from the hoodlums. I thought Edward was good looking. Ummm that's pretty much it.
Maybe I set myself up for the disappointment because I was looking forward to this movie too much. Maybe it's Stephanie Meyer's fault for writing a book that was just so good the film makers couldn't transpire everyone's expectations on to the big screen.
I think they could have solved a lot of problems if they would have just made the movie a bit longer to give themselves more room to develop the story and characters. Trust me the devoted fans would not have minded sitting in their seats for a bit longer.
The most disturbing part was the graceful fluid movement that vampires are supposedly known for. In the movie they moved like giant clumsy cats and it just looked awkward. It looked like the characters were running in place and they just pushed fast forward. I don't know if the cinematographer just graduated from high school, but they definitely needed someone with a bit more experience.
I felt Kristen Stewart did okay as Bella's character and they didn't develop Edward's character at all.
I know it's hard to take a book that is loved by many and try to create an outcome that will appease the masses, but they seem to be getting something right with the Harry Potter movies.
Watching Carlisle turn Edward into a vampire was probably the most intimate and unsettling part of the entire show.
If Robert Pattinson would have kept his accent it would have added to his character and made him more eloquent.
I do have so good things to say about the movie, I liked Edward's driving after rescuing Bella from the hoodlums. I thought Edward was good looking. Ummm that's pretty much it.
Maybe I set myself up for the disappointment because I was looking forward to this movie too much. Maybe it's Stephanie Meyer's fault for writing a book that was just so good the film makers couldn't transpire everyone's expectations on to the big screen.
I think they could have solved a lot of problems if they would have just made the movie a bit longer to give themselves more room to develop the story and characters. Trust me the devoted fans would not have minded sitting in their seats for a bit longer.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Smallville
Lowell has my family hooked on Smallville. I don't know what my problem is but I never used to like Sci-Fi and now it's all I've been reading or watching.
I think it helps when I have the entire series to watch at my convienence. I have a hard time getting attached to a show if I have to wait a week or so to watch another episode.
I am a huge Tom Welling fan. Not only is he hot but I also think he's a good actor. Watching him from the first season to the seventh he's really come into his own. At first he was just kind of goofy on screen but he's developed into a talented actor.
And his smile Ooh la la he has the most beautiful smile. That is one thing I miss, he used to smile a lot in the first couple seasons and now he doesn't anymore, unless it's a fake half hearted one. I understand the story is getting a little darker and more serious but I think they should bring back his smile.
I've been very impressed with how private Welling is in real life. He doesn't do many interviews and he never talks about his personal life. I think that's great, hopefully it gives him and his wife a fighting chance as a couple in Hollywood. They already have a long marriage by Hollywood standards.
I heard that when you reach the level of fame that Welling's reached, he likes to surround himself with straight guys or lesbians because they don't "want" him, I can see that. It would get old everyone around you have a vision of what you're really like in and really only seeing what they want to see. I don't know how people handle having their lives under a microscope like that. I guess that's why we hear of so many celebs going off the deep end. I think I'm fine tucked into my little corner of the world and no one knowing my name.
I do hope they keep Smallville on TV. I've really enjoyed the escape from reality it allots me.
I think it helps when I have the entire series to watch at my convienence. I have a hard time getting attached to a show if I have to wait a week or so to watch another episode.
I am a huge Tom Welling fan. Not only is he hot but I also think he's a good actor. Watching him from the first season to the seventh he's really come into his own. At first he was just kind of goofy on screen but he's developed into a talented actor.
And his smile Ooh la la he has the most beautiful smile. That is one thing I miss, he used to smile a lot in the first couple seasons and now he doesn't anymore, unless it's a fake half hearted one. I understand the story is getting a little darker and more serious but I think they should bring back his smile.
I've been very impressed with how private Welling is in real life. He doesn't do many interviews and he never talks about his personal life. I think that's great, hopefully it gives him and his wife a fighting chance as a couple in Hollywood. They already have a long marriage by Hollywood standards.
I heard that when you reach the level of fame that Welling's reached, he likes to surround himself with straight guys or lesbians because they don't "want" him, I can see that. It would get old everyone around you have a vision of what you're really like in and really only seeing what they want to see. I don't know how people handle having their lives under a microscope like that. I guess that's why we hear of so many celebs going off the deep end. I think I'm fine tucked into my little corner of the world and no one knowing my name.
I do hope they keep Smallville on TV. I've really enjoyed the escape from reality it allots me.
I'm Gone
I know this really isn't that exciting for anyone but me, but I'm not home. YEAH! I am visiting my sisters for the weekend. We have so much planned that I doubt we will do any of it.
We were supposed to go to a Celine Dion concert but she postponed the concert until February. I'm okay with that it just means more time to spend with my sisters.
We are going to go to the movie "Twilight" tomorrow. I am so totally stocked for that (you can tell I grew up in the 80's).
We are suppose to go to a writing class, because November is Write a Novel month. Ann doesn't seem too excited about the class so I doubt we'll go. Writing is more Marie and I thing. We actually have a contest going right now to see who can write the most in a novel. I think Marie is winning that one, Ann and I are both in school and we use that as our excuse.
Ann wants to take me to Barnes and Noble but that place is evil for my check book.
I am just so excited to be out of town and away from kids I don't care what we do. I think Big D was more excited for me to leave than I was. He practically pushed me out the door. He got all the kids lined up so I could leave town as early as possible. I'm pretty sure that me almost biting everyone's head off last night had nothing to do with it. He just knew I needed to get the heck out of Dodge.
I sure love him.
There are so many things I want to do; I want to visit C, I want to visit D and heck while I'm at it XY and Z.
Too much to do so little time to cram it all in. I guess I will just sit back and enjoy as much as I can.
We were supposed to go to a Celine Dion concert but she postponed the concert until February. I'm okay with that it just means more time to spend with my sisters.
We are going to go to the movie "Twilight" tomorrow. I am so totally stocked for that (you can tell I grew up in the 80's).
We are suppose to go to a writing class, because November is Write a Novel month. Ann doesn't seem too excited about the class so I doubt we'll go. Writing is more Marie and I thing. We actually have a contest going right now to see who can write the most in a novel. I think Marie is winning that one, Ann and I are both in school and we use that as our excuse.
Ann wants to take me to Barnes and Noble but that place is evil for my check book.
I am just so excited to be out of town and away from kids I don't care what we do. I think Big D was more excited for me to leave than I was. He practically pushed me out the door. He got all the kids lined up so I could leave town as early as possible. I'm pretty sure that me almost biting everyone's head off last night had nothing to do with it. He just knew I needed to get the heck out of Dodge.
I sure love him.
There are so many things I want to do; I want to visit C, I want to visit D and heck while I'm at it XY and Z.
Too much to do so little time to cram it all in. I guess I will just sit back and enjoy as much as I can.
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