Am I Desperate Housewife????

I got this in an email from a friend today!! And just thought I'd share it here, so that I could remember it. I mean how many times do we hear our little girls saying that they want to be a princess, who wouldn't want to be?? Because let's face it they all seem so PERFECT. ALMOST. Because come on they aren't real, and they just seem to have the same OUTFIT on every time we see them. Nothing changes, EVER!! So I feel confident in knowing that I'm a princess of different sorts, and would hope that my daughters want to be like me when they're older. At least the Like Me part that is GOOD!! and not the parts that aren't so good.
" Hello, Pretty Lady!

THIS IS A TOAST.... 2 US ..

FOR THE MEN WHO HAVE US,

THE LOSERS WHO HAD US,

AND THE LUCKY PEOPLE WHO WILL MEET US!! "

quoted from the email.

If you want the full email so you can pass

it on like it says to do then let me know

and I can get you a copy of it.

I'm taking ROLL !!

So seriously -- who are all the people that visit my blog? Today I noticed that there are 16 different locations on my map. So I'm going to do something rare for me and hope that it works. I know that I have readers, but not everyone comments, which is fine too. But seriously we're pretending this is class and I'm taking roll. So if you read my blog from time to time, or if you're viewing for the first time now, please leave me a comment and tell me how you stumbled upon it, or why you started reading it and where you're visiting from. I notice that I get visitors but with the lack of comments I don't really know who is interested in my boring little life. I've always had a yearning for wanting to write because I seem to have a way with written words than trying to speak it, and then sometimes I just have blond moments a lot -- so I just come across sounding like a 'tard.



So I really am glad that I have a place to keep my memories and ask my questions, and present my problems in hopes of support and feedback from those that have sound advice and a genuine concern for helping. So this is it I'm taking roll starting now. So don't leave here without commenting a few little words -- even if you leave an anonymous comment. I'm so interested to see who thinks this blog is interesting enough to warrant a visit from so many people near and far. So for my sanity's sake if you never do this again on my blog, please just let me know somehow -- of the above information.




My goal is to reach at least 10 comments and 20 -- if I'm pushing it!! So please help me reach my goal!!! I've never had comments in the double digits and I really would like to get it this time.

6 quirks

My friend Wonder Woman tagged me and I really liked it although I had a hard time finding any quirks that would even compare. And I really was entertained by this one. Let's just hope that I can be just as entertaining. But I highly doubt it.





1. I don't always make the bed during the day, and I can't just go to sleep in it unless I actually make it --even if it's just so I can get into bed. I'm getting better at just making it first thing in the morning.

2. When I sleep on my bed, I always like to let my toes hang off the end of the bed, because I'm a tummy sleeper. I don't know why I do it, but it feels relaxing and comfortable.

3. I am a jean's and t-shirt kind of girl and don't keep up on the latest fashions. I'm cheap what can I say.

4. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to get away without brushing my hair if I'm in a huge hurry. Just like showers are optional. :D -- Sometimes I just don't get enough time.

5. I confess, I drink from the jug. Milk, juice, water --- usually it's the last little bit though. And don't worry I don't offer those jugs to the guests that come over. You're safe for now.

6. I don't like talking on the phone to people I don't know really well. I just really like to see body language and facial expressions to know if I'm really "accepted" or not. Crazy, I know!!








So now I think I'm going to tag 6 people : Kari, Amy, Shantil, Lorie, Christina

My Thoughts on Sister in Laws....

I wrote all of this and then kind of went on a tangent, but this is truly what was in my heart and needed to be written as actual proof of these feelings.

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I did it, I finished the darn set of books, that somehow seemed to suck me right in with everyone else that has "read" them already. Now I'm at a loss as to what I'm going to read next. But seeing as how I have been pretty much reading non-stop since before my vacation I think I just might wait till Wednesday to start something new. Only because I have a party that night at my house and I want to focus on getting ready for that.

But seriously I was not liking the first half of Breaking Dawn. But then all of a sudden I was pulled into it again and felt like there was really something to tell of the story. I really enjoyed the ending, and the tight family bond they shared.

I have often wondered what exactly it would be like to have such tight nit bonds that if faced with a difficult trial like the "Cullen's" endured would my childhood family be so close. Geesh !!
I don't quite see us being that close. At least not the younger ones. We're all on so many different levels of life, and spirituality, but I still don't see a family closeness that I'd always hoped would exist. Maybe I just need to give it some more time and let some of them mature some more. But hey, the youngest is already 18 and it isn't like they are kids or anything. Maybe it's just hard, because we don't all see each other very often. But whatever the reason, this is my wish that someday my family will be close and have great bonds with each other that when push comes to shove we can help each other out, and be there for one another.

I grew up in a family with a lot of sarcasm, which I admit, I dish out my own share. But I like to be sincere about things to, and there isn't any letting up coming from any of their directions. We weren't a touchy-feely kind of family ( giving hugs at our comings and goings) and that was hard to realize when I experienced my friends families doing this, and you could hear sincerity in their words they spoke.

I didn't realize until I married my husband, that families could be this close. Okay ( so yes, they might still have their little quirks, as we all do) but they genuinely seem to care about each other and interested in each others lives, their joys and sorrows. They get together fairly often ( which is probably only possible because the majority lives within an hour of each other) and share meals and let the kiddos play together. And when the gathering is over and even when we all arrive their are hugs going around and making sure that everyone feels welcomed. They have always treated me with kindness, and love and I feel like I've gained a few older sisters that I never had and a few newer younger ones too. I can go to them with questions, and my problems and they'll listen and offer comfort when needed, and be honest with me when it's needed. They help me out if at all possible when I'm in a pinch and need childcare for my kids. And they are great to let me just hang out with them. I LOVE IT!!! I can have intelligent conversation with them, and deep spiritual conversations, and feel refreshed after a visit with them. (Of course, my sister in law is included in this too!! Because we married brothers we often have a lot to talk about) I look up to them and the example that they have set before me and I'm thankful that they are a big part of my life now. I've only known them for the last 10 and half years but I feel as if I've known them my whole life. And to them I say "I love you" and "thank you for all your time". You don't know how much you mean to me, and how much I always wished for sisters like you.

That isn't to diminish my own sisters or brothers, but I grew up in a family being the oldest to marrying into a family and being one of the youngest. I'm sure with time, and a few more years there will be some great changes that will take place and might gell my family closer together, but in the meantime, I'm glad I have my new sisters.

I think I got carried away..... in the Spirit.

Once upon a time ago I was able to attend some classes at BYU's Education Week. This was several years ago, like I think I only had two maybe three kids at the time. But I just came across some sayings that I liked from a class that I attended. The presenters name was Angelle Anderson -- at least according to what I wrote, I think that was her name. But the class was titled " A Time To Laugh"



I want to just share my notes because they really just helped me while rereading them again. But, of course, my husband would like to disagree -- I think. But for me, I really like this.

A Clean House or A Happy House ??

A clean house while having children at home is like shoveling the snow while
it's still snowing.

It's better to be happy and messy rather then clean and mean.

Accept stubborness as a way of life with children. Bad mom moments need to be
shared ----- a motherhood heartbeat goes something like this : joy, pain, joy,
sorrow.

Proverbs 17:22 " A
merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones. "

Write down those moments down that allow you to have a merry heart.

I really enjoyed re-reading some of these thoughts. I'm not promoting messy houses by any means but if it makes the difference of the type of Mom, you want to be then maybe some re-evaluations of your self might be needed. Of course, with all things it should be a matter of prayer. Which maybe I'm feeling this way because that is exactly what I need to do. I love having this sounding board, because it helps me find the answers to the problems and questions that I have as I start to really think about them and bring them to the front of my mind. I want to be a GREAT MOM!!! I want to be the MOM, that all the kids think is so COOL & FUN!!! So I really want to evaluate where the priorities need to be, in order to teach my kids to work, but also allow the time to enjoy them being "KIDS" even if that means they're going to be stubborn sometimes and they are going to get mad at me, and hate me. But in the end I hope that they realize that all of this was for their good. Kind of the same way that Heavenly Father does with us. We have trials and things that we need to learn or go through because there is something that will benefit us in the end, even despite our willingness (or rather lack of it).

I really would just like for my girls to make it through their teenage years and not have too many rough and difficult moments, and I pray everyday that peer pressure won't be an issue with them. That they will seriously know the difference between right and wrong. So I want to make sure I have the "safe haven" created here at home that they can feel comfortable in, and welcomed, and can have opinions whether they are right or wrong (within reason, of course).

Heck, I even want my boys to do the same, but be in the mindset that will be required for them to serve missions when the time comes. I think that every mom, tends to want what is best for her children, and there really is nothing wrong with that. As long as I can teach, and encourage without getting myself overly frustrated over things that are out of my control. I'll leave it to my Heavenly Father when those times face me.

************************************
Okay so seriously this wasn't what I wanted to say, but the words were coming and flowing from my thoughts and I just went with it. So in an effort to "write" those things down that make you happy, I think this applies to, for these are the dreams and wishes of my heart for my children and if these things were able to happen, that would bring me some great joy, and help me feel that it has all been worth it.

Friday Ramblings...

My Random Thoughts for this last week.

Okay so I don't have a dishwasher, which I understand would make my life more bearable. But seeing how I don't have one, that means that I'm the dishwasher. Except for rare times when I might actually get my girls to do them, ha ha. So I don't always use the "rubber gloves" because my hands sweat like crazy inside them, and therefore my hands are in the water "au naturale" --- I've been comparing a few dish soaps lately, and I think I've finally decided that Dawn or Palmolive are the best out there.

****************

Toilet Paper:

Well, I found a kind that I liked and Wal*Mart was carrying it for a while, but then they stopped selling it. So then I was disappointed. But after trying just about every kind out there, I have to say that the Kirklands Signature (or whatever that brand name is) that is carried at Costco, and the rolls are individually wrapped is now my new favorite. I'm trying to stockpile on buying it once a month to build up enough for the "year's supply" --- heaven only knows how much I would hate to be caught without the T.P.

*****************

Pots & Pans

Well mine are all OLD!!! I've had most of them since we were married and they are losing their non-stick coating ( well actually they have lost it) and I really need to get them replaced with some decent pots and pans, and not with just one set -- but I need at least 2 -3 of my favorite sizes because I make food in "bulk" and trying to do it without the right size of pan or without the correct number of pans can be quite a process and make a 30 minute ordeal turn into a 3 hour escapade. Maybe this Christmas...?

*****************

It seems like everyone I know is now selling their houses and trying for something bigger, better and newer. I don't blame them, but I sure hope that someday it will get to be MY turn. Trying to fit my family of seven in this house that is only 1100sq ft. is getting quite snug. Not to mention we only have one "commode" ( as I heard my father in law actually call it last week).

I really hope that this isn't something bad that I'm hoping for. ??

***************

Homework???

I HATE IT!!! It was okay when I was the one doing it but being one parent who is home with the kids in the afternoon and having three children that need help with various things, is quite a monumental task. And this happens M-F not to mention all the "reading" minutest that need to be recorded and kept track of. Plus the fact that I only have so much time to get them started with homework, while trying to finish up any tasks that were started before I went to pick them up, and then need to get dinner going right away, if I didn't do anything earlier. There just never seems to be any time to "relax" in the evenings, and my kids are really involved with the extra-curricular yet. I guess these are just some of my "i'm a bad mommy, and don't like the tasks I have to do" thoughts that plague me quite heavily lately.

****************

It's Friday and now it's the weekend. So I feel that we can finally spend some fun time together as a family. It seems to be only on the weekends that we really get to be together. Which isn't so bad, but the time just seems to fly by so fast and never last as long as I want it to, and not only that the kids are just growing at a very fast rate. Not technically, but I swear I feel like it was just yesturday that I first became a mother, and now I'm a mother to 5!! My how the time flies.

Corn Belly's Once Again

I love to wait for this deal and here it is again. I thought I'd share it with those that are close enough to participate if you want to. Every year for the past three years now we've gone to "Thanksgiving Point" where the "Cornbelly's" Corn Maize is every year. Well the radio station that we listen to most, sponsors a couple of days in the beginning so you can get in really cheap!!! So for very large families or for a small family this is a really HOT, SMOKIN deal. Go to this website and follow the directions. KBULL 93 Maybe we'll see you there.

I changed my font at pYzam.com

A kind gesture

I couldn't believe it!! The other night when I went out to the van for my nightly ritual of getting Baby Boy to sleep. I was so "surprised" by what I found in the handle to the driver door. I found a pretty pink rose that was from my rose bush stuck into the handle. I thought for sure that my husband finally was having a "spark" or something "romantic" in him. And so I grabbed the rose and came inside and said, " I sure hope that you are the one who put this in the van door" He just looked at me -- like he was guilty that it wasn't him. And it comes to find out that Smartie Pants decided to put the rose there. And I gave her a huge hug and said that "it had made my day all worth it!!"

To know that a child of mine cared so much and wanted to do something for me. It was great!! I'll never forget that. And I'll be sure to try and recall it when she's at her worst. I love these little gestures like this. It really makes me feel loved when they are moved to do something and not have to be "told" to do it.

So once I realized it wasn't my DH -- I said, " Next time there better be a dozen roses and a note that says you love me!!" -- Of course, I don't expect that to happen. Because as most men might be, he lacks the element of being a romantic. Aagh, sometime maybe. But I'll just "fantasize until then"

Summer Vacation Pictures

I never really posted any of our vacation pictures but here are a few that I really liked. And Chris wants to use one of these for our Christmas cards this year. I said "Sure, go ahead" -- Less stress on me later.

Here we are at Carthage Jail On Monday the 28th, of July. We had just come from visiting in Nauvoo. Which the kids were kind of cranky about already. I think it was the humidity that they aren't used to that help trigger there fits they tended to have.

An old prison near Moundsville, West Virginia that I thought looked really neat and then the only sightseeing we did was basically from the car so of course, it was raining and then you get all the water spots -- but I think it adds to the effect.

My Ultimate Favorite: They would climb up this hill just to get to the top and then turn around and run all the way down. The kids had such fun playing in this yard and having a great time being together.

My Three favorite guys!! Ethan was just excited to be outside of the car and not strapped into the carseat!! Thomas was a little grumpy I think.

We were all waiting around and checking out the site across the Freeway

This was the scene aross the road. I didn't think I'd be able to get the clear enough but I guess I was able to get them enough to see what they were. I love the green pasture all around him and the fact that there are cows in the background, it would have been a lot cuter had I brought some overalls and snapped some with just overalls on, maybe next time.


One of my favorites of Thomas while on vacation -- this was near Elkins, West Virginia at the Rice Family Reunion that we attended. There were little creeks and streams everywhere back there. It was so great.
I was standing up on a bridge that seemed to be very unstable but someone that lived there rode across it with a four wheeler. CRAZY!!!
Sitting on a rock in the middle of the creek that was being played in.

One of the coolest bridgest that we crossed while headed to Steubenville, Ohio to visit with a distant cousin of my father in law. (And my husband for that matter) Chris wants to use this picture for our Christmas card this year. Of course, I don't think that I'll make a big one to hang on my wall. I still will try and get a nicer one before we do our cards.
Check out the COW!!! I couldn't stop laughing. My husband took this picture because he went to help on a cemetery headstone restoration project while we were there. But that cow, just .... is so worth this picture being taken. (And the cow is why he decided to take the picture)

Some cool SPIDER WEBS!! The dew that collected on these just made them look so mystical

Here is the Columbus Ohio Temple. It was so pretty there.
Our Last West Virginia Sunset --- SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!

The girls loved this little stream right on the Temple grounds for the Columbus Ohio Temple. It was nice and refreshing for them to play in.
There are a few of the high-lights from our Summer Vacation. It was so much fun, and we can hardly wait to go back. Well at least I'm not looking forward to the drive. But the fact that we got away from the normal stuff, to see things we've never seen before was a nice change to my days that I was gone. Now I just need to take a MOMMY VACATION --

I'm so engrossed ...

I've pretty much "WASTED" today away. For more than one reason. Thursday Night or should I say Friday morning, my BABY BOY woke up right before 3am and didn't go back to sleep until around 6:20am -- yeah, when it was almost time for me to get up anyway!! I had started cleaning up my kitchen since I wasn't getting to go back to sleep, and pretty much I had been awake since before 3am. I was quite tired already and the day hadn't really started. I made sure to tell my husband before work that I was pretty tired and then when he came home if sometime after 6pm I "crashed" into a slumber to LEAVE ME BE!!! I didn't get much rest on Friday because we decided to hold Heidi's "belated" birthday party from last month so she could celebrate with some friends. After the party I cleaned up the mess, we ate dinner -- which DH made !! and then I said, after dinner I'm going to hybernate in my room and don't want to be disturbed. I ended up going to sleep around 8pm !! I slept good and didn't hear any of the kids really until about 5am on Saturday morning. I came out to see what was happening and DH was sitting on the couch with BABY BOY in his arms and was trying to get him to go to sleep again. Not to mention that all the kids were asleep here as well (FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT) - Thomas didn't have his "bedtime" pullup on so he had awaken as well because he "wet" himself on my floor, and all DH could say was "oh, I forgot about that" --- my comeback??? "Well, that's why you need to take your turn at this more often so your more 'practiced' " he just laughed.

I was grateful that he did allow me to sleep all that time and not be interupted. I haven't had that since Mid July!! It was great. The other reason I've "wasted" my day was that I didn't feel well for most of it and had no desire to do ANYTHING, except ...... read New Moon. I read it like all day and didn't make meals didn't clean anything --- heck I barely put daytime clothes on even though I wanted to remain in PJ's all day. I have been lucky enough to force myself on a walk mostly for selfish reasons --- to find someone in my neighborhood that had a copy of Eclipse that I could borrow, and luckily I found one ---- so now I'm starting into book number 3!! I don't know why I can't put it down!!! I guess that is when you know it's a good read. Maybe it's the sure thrill of the "danger" without getting too involved physically. Who knows?? For once it's a little after 10pm and all the kiddos are asleep and DH is on his nightly walk the the Amber --- our dog!! Yes, we do have a DOG, we've had her for well a few months longer than we've had Heidi so over 6 years now!!

So it's quiet and I could go read some more, only I need to make some rolls or something to take for a potluck tomorrow. Aghh!! I don't know for sure what I want to bring. But the rolls are tempting especially because I just made a few batches of Jam this last week. It's to die for. Peach Strawberry, and Peach Raspberry. YUM YUM

OKAY ALREADY, I've jumped on board.

Okay already, I've jumped on board,

Or rather I'm being dragged behind because I'm so SLOW and just started reading these books while everyone now is raving about the most recent book released. Honestly I didn't even know that these books existed until earlier this summer when a big craze seemed to hit almost everyone on one big "tidal wave". I've heard so many mixed reviews about the set of books that I'm reading right now, and I contemplated long and hard on whether or not to read them. Well I've taken the plunge!!! But let me back up first and tell you what I just got through reading. Ever hear of Anita Stansfield??? Well I just recently discovered her stuff this last summer say about June. AND I ABSOLUTELY love the books I've read by her so far, that now I just want to start collecting all of them. She is an LDS author who writes about the "human" struggles and temptations that we all have to face at one time or another, and then she so poetically weaves the romance element into the stories as well or maybe it's the other way around. These books that I have read literally sucked me in and they are a portion of the books on in big family saga. So you have the love story emerge from a heap of "trouble" -- and yes, I have to admit that some of the story was a bit predictable but nothing can compare to the way it put me in touch with some of my inner most feelings. I've read NINE of her books so far. Some are out of print and I hope that someday I can happen upon those at a used book store or something.

Here is the list of the ones I've read so far:

*First Love and Forever

*First Love, Second Chances

*Now and Forever

Gables of Legacy

*Volume I, The Guardian

*Volume II, A Guiding Star

*Volume III, The Silver Linings

*Volume IV, An Eternal Bond

*Volume V, The Miracle

*Volume VI, Full Circle

They are really good reading and left me with feelings of HOPE, LOVE, and Peace and that with the help of my Heavenly Father all things are possible.

Drum roll please.....

I bet your dying to know what books I'm actually reading now. Well I'm about 350 pages into book 1 of a 4 book series, and the movie is coming out later this year.

Any Guesses???

Well if you've already read the TWILIGHT

Series you are way ahead of me. I just started reading these series of books just a few days ago and I do have to admit that the story is very intriguing -- and usually I can relate to the main character in a book, but this one "Bella" I can't quite picture me in her shoes....hm mm... I wonder why??

Anyone thirsty??

I've seriously got to find out about these books before there considered prehistoric. Any good places to really know what books are good, clean and great reading. Because tell you what, I don't finish a book if it doesn't grab my attention within the first couple of chapters. I don't like to "waiste" my time like that. I mean come on, it's not like I have all the time in the world to just do what I want to do. I only have a few minutes here, and maybe a few minutes there, but with five kids and a house that I'm supposed to keep clean but fail miserably every day, I just simply can't force myself to read a book that doesn't hold my attention.

So tell me when you come across a book that you don't like do you finish reading it, or can you just stop right then and there??

And better yet, how do you know what you're reading next??

I know that I've got the next three books picked out, and that doesn't include reading the book for book group this month that I go to. So I'm trying to line up what I'm going to read next now, any ideas???

She's gone Country ... I mean INTERNATIONAL!!

WOW!!! have you noticed the map that is on my page!!! I check it everyday and am shocked and surprised by how many people from different countries are looking at my blog. Of course, some can stumble upon it by accident and others may have delibrately sought it out, and there are those that are supportive of my endeavors and want to just keep up with what's going on in our life ( or mine) more specifically. And to you all for whatever reason --- Thanks for Hanging out with me on my little chunk of cyberspace.

So I'm not only country wide with my blog but I've gone "INTERNATIONAL" how cool is that!! Well, whoever actually reads this blog, I hope learns a thing or two from what they find here, and that I might be the messenger for someone else, who has a prayer needing to be answered. I know I have my regular commentors but those who take a peek feel free to drop a line, I really won't bite. I find this little nook, quite cozy and inviting. A place to put my happenings, my frustrations, my joys, and my thoughts down to hopefully help someone else out who might be "struggling" with a similar thing. I'm so more motivated to "document" my life now than I was a year and a half ago. Now I just need to get a hard copy of this.

My Sister's Wedding Announcement

So I don't know a whole lot about what I'm doing yet, but someday I hope to know a lot more. I designed this for my sister and her to be husband for the upcoming wedding. And to kind of save my parents some money and do it rather "cheaply" -- this is the one they picked out. I had so much fun creating this -- I can't wait to get more things done. I found a rather inexpensive source online to get these printed and

GO COUGARS!!!

All I have to say is WAY TO GO COUGARS!!!! I was able to watch the game today, which excited me beyond belief!! Because I don't usually get the "Channel" that the BYU games come on. But today I was able to watch the game and what a game it was. Rather lopsided but still amazing!! 6 TD's in the first half!! WOW!!! Did anyone else catch it?? I'm so going to try and catch a few games next season -- in person if I can so arrange it. I'm STOKED!!! I LOVE BYU FOOTBALL!!

HEROES SEASON TIME!!

Okay so I'm addicted to Heroes, and have really missed it being on the air. So the new season starts up on SEPT. 22 !!! And I'm excited!! Of course, that will make me more motivated for getting dinner ready on time, and get FHE going on time, and then get kids off to bed .... yep you guessed it ON TIME!!! Chris and I both like the show and we're hooked. It's one of the few shows that I even ever watch -- I'm only writing about this because I just saw another commercial advertising for it. It gives me something to look forward to.



Which makes me glad that there are some things in life that make us hopeful and get us excited about being alive. This of course, isn't the only thing, but it is something new that will take place and get me out of the "rut" I've slipped into. Just 1 more week to go till the premiere. YEAH!!!

I'm a blogger !!

I just realized that I've been keeping a blog for over a year now!! My first post was August 13th, I've come a long way since then. I'm so excited this is the most "journal keeping" and "memory recording" that I've done consecutively probably since college. Some of the things I don't think I'd ever remember if it weren't for this. I am so glad I decided to jump on the bandwagon and become a blogger. Mostly it's just silly, nonsense and sometimes I legitimately have something that I've learned that I want to remember and share with others. I know that by reading my friends blogs and other posts out there, that I too have learned a great deal. Besides it is FUN!! Heck, I even have people on different continents checking out my blog -- I don't know if that is intentional or they just happen to stumble upon it. I know that today is Patriot Day!! And I sit back and wonder what exactly I was doing that day as the events unfolded. I actually watched the second plane crash into the towers, and just felt ill the rest of the day. I felt horrible for how these innocent 1000's of people died at the hands of evil people. It was a day that I don't want to experience ever again, and one that I had wished didn't take place the first time. I had just returned from my brother in laws wedding in Oakland, CA. They were married Sept 7, 2001 and we returned like two days before I believe.... but see -- if I had actually taken the time before to record these events and memories and thoughts that I've had over the last decade since being married -- I wouldn't have any trouble remembering the important things, the fun things, the things I've done that were STUPID, and other such things. Here's to blogging.





I blog because I enjoy it, it's therapeutic, and a great way to be motivated to record my life and the life of those I care about.



Why do you like blogging, or keeping a journal (if you don't blog)?

I Couldn't Agree More

I read a friends blog post just today and really loved what she had to say. I don't think that I could sum up the meaning behind her words any better. And of course, it comes at a time when I NEEDED TO HEAR it again. I often forget how caught up in life I can become, and then things get "unbearable" and "tough" and I wonder WHY ON EARTH am I doing this. So to my friend Christina -- you've just answered one of my prayers!!!

No, Seriously -- I've been "battling" with a few of my challenges lately and wonder how am I ever going to get through this, and can't help but think that so many other women might think that it's nothing, but to me --it's a huge make it or break it moment, and I just have to sit and remember that our Heavenly Father is there and like with all struggles, or difficulty that comes our way there is something to be learned. So even though there are many of my friends who have said, " how do you do it" well the honest simple truth is " I don't"

I by myself can't do it, I need extra strength, patience, knowledge, love .... and the list goes on and on. I don't keep everything together. I had someone say to me the other night while leaving the state fair after the Rodeo that I was BRAVE with TWO little ones ( I was carrying Baby Boy, and T-Man was right beside me, while my husband and other children were several paces in front of me) It doesn't seem all that brave to me to have five kids or do things with a few little ones, but I forget to others it might seem that way. But I can assure you that I don't come without my own struggles and trials that keep life on an ongoing rollercoaster ride for me.

So my house isn't clean all the time, I sometimes do the "quick fix" and gather all the out of place items from the main room and if I can quickly put it away before someone comes over I do, otherwise ( Okay I'm now giving away my secret!! shhh don't tell anyone else) and then I go and dump the things (mostly laundry) into my room on my bed and close the door on my way out. Out of Sight out of mind right???? Well it is until I need to go to bed and then you guessed it -- back to the living room!! So it's mostly clothes that are the culprit here. But the point is -- I'm busy with my kids!! Trying to teach them things about the gospel, about life, watching little shows with them and talking about it, or I'm trying to do my church callings, I'm helping my kids with their homework, I'm trying to soothe the cryind and screaming child, settling fights between my kids, cleaning up the spilled liquid messes in my house or fishing out the non-trash items that have been mysteriously placed in the garbage can, YUCK, I'm changing the dirty diapers or the child that had an "accident" and needs clean clothes, I'm fixing the ouchies that the child got while riding their bike, I'm trying to fix dinner, I'm trying, I'm TRYing, I'm TRYING!! The list of course, goes on. It is said, that a mother's main purpose is to "nurture" her children. And as another friend pointed out, sometimes in the early years of a childs life more time is spent on the nurturing then the house cleaning. And not many people, especially HUSBANDS can really see the nurturing that takes place.

So for any husbands that are reading this, the worst thing you can ask your wife when you come home from work is " What did you do today?"

I just have to realize that they won't be this "young" forever and it will be gone all TOO QUICKLY, so I want to enjoy it while I can and let the housework be, because the housework will never end, but my baby won't stay a baby. Which is even more sad, seeing how he just might be our last. But no matter what I do, as long as I'm doing the BEST that I can -- I'm AMAZING, just like my friend Christina said. And just as she said it, you are all amazing too!! No matter what your circumstances are. But I just go back to the scripture that says that we won't be tested beyond what we can bare, the Lord is mindful of us and our strengths and weaknesses ... and even if we think it's more than we can bare, he knows otherwise. So I just need to press forward and stay close to the Spirit, and my Heavenly Father and I can overcome anything. OF course, the great encouraging words from friends and family help too!!

SLEEP ISSUES

Talk about listening to the promptings you get. I've been looking for regular twin size mattresses that are CHEAP!! for the boys to sleep on. Granted I know that they might not be in great condition but hey, I can always buy the mattress covers and then it's not a big deal. So I was in the process of cleaning out Thomas and Ethan's bedroom of all the "CLOTHES" and "CRAP" that has seemed to "COLLECT" in there and while sorting some of the dirty clothes so that I could get them washed, the thought popped into my head to go and check craigslist for mattresses. So I instantly got up and checked and found an entry that said that they had a single size bed for $15.00 so I emailed the person and asked if they still had it and if so I was intereseted and .....

well I found one even better. They had more than one twin mattress and they were selling them for only $10.00 a piece. I called the number and a lady answered the phone and well we can come by tonight and get them. So now I'll be able to go and buy some "boy" types of sheets and be able to really start making the room look like it belongs to a couple of boys !!! I'm so excited. Because now we can actually use the bunk bed how it was intended to be used. I'll have to have DH check to see if all the bolts are tight enough for the upper level. But I'm excited!! I love when things just "WORK" out. And I know that it wasn't 'PURE LUCK' . These kind of moments really make me HAPPY!!


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On a side note:

Anyone who reads this is probably going to think I'm such a terrible MOM, or on the other extreme completly die laughing. WHY?? ?

Well I've had a lot of trouble getting BABY BOY to go to sleep lately, and I've exhausted every possible avenue of tricks to get him to sleep. Many of which probably --BREAK THE RULES OF GETTING YOUR KID TO SLEEP -- but guess what I don't care!! I tried rocking him, and that worked a few nights, then all of a sudden it didn't work anymore, the child just cried, and screamed and was basically fighting me. Then I tried rubbing his back which also worked a few nights -- I think BABY BOY finally caught on to what I was doing and, of course, it didn't last very long. He was kicking, and screaming -- NO SERIOUSLY HE WAS!!! I even got hit a few times because this kid got MAD!! So I've had such a difficult time when bedtime comes around, I can't just put him in the room and close the doors because T-Man is in the room too, so I can't let Baby Boy just cry and disturb his brother. Although, I guess I could try and put him in there sooner but I kind of tried that once and he just cried and screamed for nearly an hour before I "Gave UP" and took him out. So after about dealing with this craziness especially since the crib came down, I've resorted to going on a car drive -- but I don't like to do that. I know he needs to get used to sleeping in his bed and falling asleep in there. But seriously, I'm going INSANE!! So ....


Bet your wondering what I did that is working STILL!!

I take him out to the van buckle him into his seat and give him his bottle and then I sit in the front of the car and READ while he falls to sleep -- I stay in there long enough (about 45 minutes) for him to get good and asleep and then carry him in and lay him on the toddler bed (which is a crib mattress) and he always wakes up at night and doesn't like it. So I lay him down on the living room floor and he sleeps the rest of the night. I've actually kind of enjoyed the time in the car. I have mostly peace and quiet but I also get to READ!! YEAH!! I'm addicted to reading lately and find every spare moment I can to read.

But at least I'm staying somewhat more level headed and not going crazy because he's throwing a fit and I can't seem to interpret or decipher what the heck is wrong with him or why he's acting in such a way. It can be rather FRUSTRATING at times. So I do have to say that every kid has been slightly different than the rest, but once I can figure out what makes them tick -- it gets a little easier. Okay well sometimes I get lucky and it's easier. It seriously is a TRIAL and ERROR issue and without the power of prayer I think I'd be a complete NUT. Heck who knows maybe I already am. I just hope that every stage of Baby Boys life isn't this DIFFICULT.

(Shantil -- do you want another one?? Baby Boy will fit in with your boys for sure)

HELP ME!! I need a better Blog TITLE!!

So as you can tell I'm trying to come up with a better title for my blog. Since I created it, I haven't really liked what I've come up with, so I have a poll going on and if you have a different suggestion please leave me a comment.

Back to school musings ...

After reading a blog that my friend Christina posted -- I thought it would be somewhat therapeutic for me to do.

Some of my thoughts on going back to school ( sorry for stealing your idea -- but boy oh boy!!)

• I am so NOT a MORNING person!! NEVER HAVE BEEN, and I only get out of bed grudgingly -- but I've set a great goal for myself this school year and really hope to achieve it. Simply put -- Get my kids to school before the bell rings and not allow them to be tardy. If you know me and the habits the last few years -- saying it was a bit of a challenge would be the understatement of the year!!! So they have been early the last 2 and half weeks.
• The amount of "things" that each child seems to need just gets CRAZY!! I don't mind supplying my child with things that he/she will solely use -- and maybe donating $20.00 for the school year but WOW!! Having to buy all these items for more than one kid -- of which I don't usually just "have on hand" because if I do have it on hand it quickly gets used .... like crayons, or markers, or .....
• I do like that the kids get to make friends and meet new people and are really excited about school, but all these new friends may live all over Utah County so actually being able to set up a "play time" is almost impossible, especially since there isn't any time.
• Once my kids get home from school ( which means I drive over and pick them up) it's usually 3:45pm and in just an hour from then my DH comes home from work and we try to have dinner by 5:30 at the latest. Well -- trying to oversee that homework is getting done and getting dinner ready at the same time --- and having a crying 17 month old lingering near me at all hours of the day makes it quite hard to "multi-task" so dinner usually gets done late because I haven't yet learned how to get it started SOONER!! What a concept I know -- but I just can't get it to click in my own head just yet. So we try and get homework done right after school and then we try and have dinner all in the midst of listening to the kids whine and complain about how they don't have time to "play" almost makes me want to "CRY" -- but hey -- do I really get to PLAY?? Not quite!!
• And trying to make sure that all kids have done their required "READING minutes" is so exhausting -- the older two is not so bad but with the 1st grader it can be quite a challenge. She reads a little on her own but really when do I have that much time that I don't already feel like I'm going to fall asleep if I finally sit down for just a "FEW minutes?" So after dinner I try to get the dishes washed up but now always, so then we're almost off to start the bedtime thing which takes WAY TOO LONG!!! Sometimes I think I need a FREE live in NANNY!! I think it would be such a great help --- especially when I feel strapped for time!!
• MATH HOMEWORK!!! NEED I SAY MORE ??? Especially as parents we're required to check every page and sign the darn paper. Yes, I like to be involved but let me do it on my OWN time and in my OWN WAY and not on their terms. I hate signing all the "PAPERS" that they need signed. Simply I FORGET!! And why can't they just send out emails for heaven's sake -- they'd get it back almost immediately that way. COME ON!!
• And how come homework can't be explained a little more clearly?? My girls come home with things that they need to do and then they have no concept of how to do it and there isn't any instructions. What am I supposed to do -- So I send it back with a note that says we didn't know what to do could you please explain. Sorry teachers Contrary to what my kids say, I CAN'T read Minds.

Although with the start of school means that BYU FOOTBALL IS GOING STRONG AGAIN!! YEAH!!! Plus it's time to watch the COLTS play as well heck I just enjoy watching football period!!!

UTAH STATE FAIR TIME!!!

So we've made a family tradition of going to the Utah State Fair every year. It's been really nice the last few years now, because my kids earn their tickets to get in for FREE!! And then I go and 'prepurchase' the tickets for DH and I to get in and I save us a few more bucks. So not counting what it costs to drive up to SALT LAKE for the fair -- I've spent $12.00 for the tickets for DH and I to get in and then we have to pay $5 for parking. All the kids will get in for FREE basically and we're bringing an ice chest with us this year and making sandwiches for "dinner - time" - which ends up being about the same time as the "PRCA RODEO" because it's included with our gate admission and it is the only rodeo that we can ever afford to go with the entire family. The kids love it, we love it, and yes -- we do get home kind of late -- but I think it is SO worth it. So we're off to get everything together and (heck, I still need to get a shower - YIKES) head up to the state fair and I hope that everyone behave themselves.

I've been really CRANKY and/or TIRED lately. So I've tried to figure out the reason why:

• Baby boy doesn't like to sleep at night.


• Baby boy likes to throw fits left and right.


• Baby boy is full of "ENERGY" ( I feel for Shantil now!)


• School is back in session and the girls have to be there by 8:15am


• School is back in session and the girls come home so that they can do their homework, which I have to make sure they do.


• School is in session and that requires me to make sure that their READING is done every evening.


• After being home for just a few short minutes it is then time to "get dinner started" if I haven't had a chance before then to do it. So that it will be ready in time for Chris coming home from work at 5pm.


• After dinner - I like to try and wash up the dishes but for the last week and half, I haven't been able to get to the dishes (LIKE AT ALL!!) I only wash the dish I need to use if it's dirty. Actually on Sunday at the begining of the week I did have all the dishes washed, but it was short lived due to BABY BOY!!


• Baby boy doesn't like to sleep, we took down the crib so I can't just leave him in his room and know that he will stay, so it takes major cuddling, rocking, back rubbing, or if I'm completely desperate and have $$ to "WASTE" I'll put him in the car and take him on a car ride to "KNOCK" him out. ( IT WORKED THE LAST TWO NIGHTS!! -- WHO CARES IF GAS IS $$$$$ -- I NEED SOME SANITY!) Of course, I don't resort to it until the last thing and by then it is already 10pm agghhh.


• The laundry is piled up because I can't keep up with it, or I go on a marathon washing day and then I have to do a marathon folding it and putting it away but because of BABY BOY I don't get too much done while he's awake. EVER!! I try but get interrupted at every turn. So I do take advantage of the few minutes I might get in a day for the top priority things like get a shower/take a bath, get dressed, eat. I fit the rest in as I can.


• I've had a "hoarse" voice for over 7 weeks now, which I need to be taking some RX for but haven't gotten the medication for it because it too costs $$ I don't want to spend. OR better yet don't have it to spend.
• I've also been having some major "cramping" that feel really close to the cyst pain I experienced back in February and I don't know whether to go in or not. Because there isn't much they really can do about them. I just know it doesn't feel very good.
• I have so many things on my agenda and I don't really get any of them accomplished. Because I'M SO TIRED.

So maybe now that I've worked this out a little and both of my boys are asleep on the livingroom floor and I have to pick up my girls from school in a little over an hour and half, maybe now I can go fold some of this MOUNTAIN of LAUNDRY that HAUNTS me WHILE I SLEEP. So after going down this list I'm not sure I can really say WHAT is causing me to feel this way. But I do feel slightly more energetic (NOT A LOT, JUST SLIGHTLY) after typing this. As my husband says, " I'll do it, but I'm doing it grudgingly!" at least for the moment while I'm bitter and in a FOUL mood. Really I'm not going to HURT anyone, I'm just going to get really annoyed if they push my buttons, and yes, I have buttons and my HUSBAND knows every WRONG one to push.