~Sew Altered~

~Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.~

2010-04-04T23:46:00.000-07:00

Last night while hiding Easter baskets I found a the white container of these:

It was really sticky and smelly.

It was near Ratchet's stuff so I assumed it was his. When I opened it, the contents looked like a thick chocolate and chunky. And it was REALLY stinky.

This morning the Bear asked MonaLisa about it. She said it was Ratchet's and she knew what was in it and then fled the scene.

Then we asked Ratchet about it. He said it was a pear. Really? There were NO indications that it was related to a pear. As I was about to lecture him on how gross it was, how unsanitary, how just EEEEWWWW. He told us what it was.

Any guesses?

Trust me you'd be wrong.

Turns out it was an experiment.

What type of experiment you wonder?

He was learning to . . .

COMPOST!!!

For some reason the Bear didn't approve when I cracked up. But seriously, what 9-year-old does that (actually it was old enough he probably started it when he was 8)?

Then he tells us he was reading in the Nonfiction Science section of the library and learned all about composting. He thought it was a great idea and thought he should learn how.

I love that kid.

He's amazing.

And he does my green heart good.

We have since explained that composting should always be done outdoors and next time he goes to gramper's house he can probably even stir theirs.

Many of you know that I'm a "Recycling Nut." (I took my soda can home from the car dealership last week because they didn't have recycling. I gather the paper from baby shower games and make sure it's recycled--if there is no recycling available, I'll take it home. And when I was in New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina, I was tempted to bring all my in-laws recycling home with me--they were lucky to be getting trash pick up at the time.) But if you worked in an environmental engineering firm and edited reports about the remediation of landfills, you'd be one too.

When Ratchet was little he would hold up an item to be discarded and ask, "Is this trash or acycling?"

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

My Best Friend's Wedding, er My Brother-in-Law's Birthday~

2010-03-06T23:04:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law, D, wanted to do something special for her husband's 50th birthday. Today we had a party for him at Azteca. To his dismay we reenacted the restaurant scene from "My Best Friend's Wedding."

My in-laws CAN sing. Every one of them.

D is the one singing the main part. M, her husband, is the one in red next to her (we seated him in a spot where he couldn't run). The parts sung by the "vengeful slut" cousins are our 16-year-old niece, who has an AMAZING voice, and my most endearing husband doing an excellent falsetto. (Oh and videography from our 13-year-old nephew.)

Here is the video from youtube. Enjoy!

~Gratitude~

2009-06-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

Today I saw the doctor who's doing my hysterectomy and finalized the details. I became nervous.

Today I took Ratchet to occupational therapy and we worked on riding his bike; so many sequences. I became excited.

Today I found out why Ratchet hates math so much. I became furious.

Today I was able to chat via Facebook with my friend serving in Iraq. I became excited.

Today I'm safe and free because of people like him. His Facebook posts often talk about combat, barely being missed by snipers, and watching soldiers die. And I ended my day grateful.

~The Best Laid Plans . . .~

2009-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

How my day was scheduled:

8am--Fence people coming to remove fence; get kids ready for school
8:45am--Take kids to school
9am--Shower, eat breakfast, make shopping list
10:30am--Run errands
2pm--Home, put away groceries; clean house
3:30pm--pick up kids from school
4pm--Haircut for Ratchet
5pm--Pick up the Bear from work; go to dinner
6pm or so--Go to Reflections of Christ exhibit (our postponed FHE)
8pm--Kids to bed; finish up day.

How my day happened:

8:15am--doorbell rings and wakes me; remember fence people; walk around yard with them in my pajamas; get mud on stairs from MY shoes.
8:45am--realize fence people are parked behind me and I can't get out of garage; look for Ratchet's jacket while waiting for them.
8:55am--drop kids off as first bell rings; park down street from house and walk home still in my pajamas.
9am--Eat breakfast; start menu.
11am--Finish menu (apparently my brain will not turn on today); shower.
12:55pm--Leave for errands; wonder where the last hour went.
1:10pm--Arrive at Costco.
1:30pm--Leave Costco (I'm serious-I'm a fast Costco shopper).
1:31pm--Realize I locked keys in car, look for spare; realize I've also locked both spares in the car; try to decide if I should laugh or cry.
1:32pm--Call the Bear; I'm at the Costco north of us-closest bus drops off 1.5 miles away; still trying to decide if I should laugh or cry.
1:35pm--Call Julie since she works nearby; she agrees to come get me.
1:40pm--Realize my house key is locked in the car and that on my list of things to buy is battery for the garage key pad; yep, I've also locked myself out of the house; call the Bear, he'll catch the bus but won't be home until 3:15pm.
2pm--Julie picks me up; drives me home; Julie waits for the Bear with me while we try to break into house; the good news: we can't break into my house (we even took the cover off the key pad hoping that my camera batteries would fit--they don't); reschedule Ratchet's haircut.
3:05pm--The Bear arrives home and opens the door for me and DOESN'T mock me at all (I LOVE HIM); we realize I won't be able to get my car and have time to pick up kids; the Bear walks to the school to walk them home, it RAINED on them (I really LOVE him).
3:30pm--Julie decides she doesn't want to work anymore today (I'm not a good influence); we stop and lock up her office, go to Costco to get my car, agree to meet at Target to go shopping.
3:45pm--Get to Target, Julie's not in front so I go to the restroom; get text from Julie as I enter the stall, "I'm here, but I went to the restroom," I say, "Julie," she says, "Oh, hi." That still cracks me up. Get everything from my list at Target including Ratchet's Nintendo DS (we agreed to pay half, he paid the other half).
5pm--Finally home. Still have no groceries. However, I now have three car keys in my purse and have replaced the battery for the garage keypad.

We then changed, picked up Julie, went to dinner and then went to the exhibit. And walked back in the door at 7:59pm. I'm back on track but so very far behind.

What I was reminded of today:

I have the BEST husband in the world, sorry ladies.
Julie ROCKS--I knew that, but you should all know.
If you have two spare car keys, don't leave them both in the car. Duh.
Hide a housekey somewhere nearby. And replace batteries as they die (it's been dead for months, but ironically today was the first day I put it on my list--of course, I then forgot to look at it to see what kind of battery to buy).
Breathe.
The world will not end because I make mistakes.
I have great friends.

So, do I have any volunteers willing to hold onto spare car and/or housekeys for me? Be forewarned, you may be required to pick me up from some random location at a completely inconvenient time.

~Random Conversations with Complete Strangers~

2009-03-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

After Timeout for Women at Benaroya Hall, my friend, Julie, sister-in-law, DeeAnn, and I went down to the Market (that's Pike Place Market for you tourists) to get doughnuts.

Doughnut Guy (DG): Are you a librarian?

Me: No.

DG: What do you do?

Me: I'm a seamstress.

DG: What do you make?

Me: I do alterations and costumes.

DG: Cool.

And then he gave us extra doughnuts.

~Know When to Walk Away, Know When to Run~

2009-03-06T00:43:00.001-08:00

Who knew I would ever be able to quote Kenny Rogers in my blog?

But seriously, at which point should I have walked/ran out the door?

A few weeks ago I took MonaLisa in for her annual eye exam. The good news was that since she started doing the Computer Orthoptics program, she no longer has double vision. Which means she's no longer far-sighted and no longer needs glasses. The bad news was that she failed her glaucoma test, again. She went to a pediatric ophthalmologist (Dr. E) last year who did some tests and said she was fine.

So, this is where my frustration began. Dr. E had sent our optometrist (Dr. G) somebody else's chart notes. That's just my assumption, the notes did have MonaLisa's name on them, but the tests I was supposedly told to come back and get in a month were done at the only appointment I took her too. Granted, I wasn't impressed with Dr. E to begin with, but I never thought he'd send the wrong notes. I didn't want to go back to him, but his partner (Dr. H) and Dr. G's partner were old friends. So, I agreed to see Dr. H.

The next day Dr. H's office called (I could tell by caller ID) and asked for "Rebecca." I said there was no Rebecca there, but there was a Becky. And the receptionist said, "Oh, that must be the OTHER name she goes by." And I said, "No, my name is Becky." And she said, "Well, can I talk to her?" What part of MY name is Becky did she miss?

I set up an appointment with Dr. H. Although she totally discouraged that and was insisting that MonaLisa see Dr. E. After a few minutes of back and forth I convinced her to set up the appointment with Dr. H. Then I ask her to send me the paperwork so I can fill it out in advance. She gives me the website and tells me to do it online. Sounds good, right?

I fill out the paperwork online. It took me OVER AN HOUR!!! The program was horrible.

On the day of the appointment (March 2), I notice there is no suite number on the business card. So, I call the number and get the holiday recording saying when they were going to be out of the office over Christmas and New Years.

We arrive at the building. I can't find the office on the sign in the lobby. Then I notice there is a small typed paper beneath the sign saying they are on the fourth floor. We take the elevator to the fourth floor. We can't find a sign for their office ANYWHERE. Finally I go into a very empty looking office with a woman on the phone. I stand at the desk, not saying a word. She is obviously ON HOLD. She says to me, "Excuse me, but I'm on the phone. I'll help you in a few minutes." And I say, I don't even know if I'm in the right place. She says the name of the practice and I say okay and sit down.

There were eight people in the waiting room and four chairs. MonaLisa sat on my lap.

The lady gets off the phone. She calls me over. I tell her my daughter's name and who I'm there to see. Then I notice she is working out of a handwritten appointment book and that my daughter's name is on a little sticky note at the top of the page. It wasn't written in as an appointment.

She hands me a clipboard and tells me to fill out the forms. I tell her I did it online and it took me over an hour and I wasn't doing it again. She says I must not have sent it. I tell her received an e-mail confirmation and that she needs to find it.

She sends me to another waiting room. Oh, good. More chairs. Nope. It's an open area with boxes of toys and books scattered all over the floor and four more chairs. Eventually there are 13 of us in this waiting area.

At this point I call the Bear. I tell him I'm ready to walk out. He says I should at least meet the doctor and see if I like her. Okay.

50 minutes after MonaLisa's "appointment" time a guy in a lab coat approaches us and asks who we are there to see. I tell him Dr. H. and he takes us back to a room and says he'll go get the chart. He comes back with an EMPTY folder. He starts to treat us as if this were an annual eye exam. I tell him we're there because she failed the glaucoma test. So, completely on my word, he starts the process.

Sidenote: ever since MonaLisa had to have complete eye make-up done at her first dance studio--we're talking liquid eyeliner and full mascara on a three-year-old (yes, we were told, they're supposed to look like hookers)--she's freaked out when you come near her eyes. So, I already knew it would not be a good experience.

First eyedrops. Yeah, that was fun. Then he tries to put a hand held machine on her eyeball. Not gonna happen. Guess, he'll let the doctor do it. Isn't that why we were there?

Finally Dr. H comes in. She doesn't have the "chart." I tell her why we're there and what her assistant has done. Again, she takes my word. She can't get the machine near MonaLisa's eye. She decides to do it a different way. With a bigger machine and a bright light. Because that's better?

She decides she'll just dilate MonaLisa's eyes and look at her nerves and see if there's damage. After more eyedrops I ask her how accurate that is. Well, it's NOT AT ALL.

I start to have a talk with MonaLisa about how she really needs to relax and let her do the test and what can I do to help her get through it. Then Dr. H tells her she's too old too be acting like she is and she is wasting everyone's time. (At this point we're 90 minutes past the time of her appointment--yeah, we're wasting her time.)

After some deep breathing and calming conversation MonaLisa's ready for the test. By now we need new numbing drops. So, after more deep breathing and calming conversation the test is done. 20 is the highest it should be. 33 was her score at Dr. G's office. 9 was her score with Dr. H.
Dr. H leaves the room. She returns 20 minutes later. She looks at MonaLisa's optic nerves. We're told since there was such a discrepancy in the eye pressure tests we need to come back in 6 months. I tell Dr. H it's not going to happen. We'll find a more professional office. She's COMPLETELY surprised. She asks what happened. I tell her the gist. She tells me that it was their first day in that office, the furniture company went bankrupt and took all their money, and that their computers and fax machines weren't set up yet. Although putting a sign on their door would be a great idea.

I tell her that I have a job due in two hours and since I've been in her office for 2 hours and 20 minutes I won't have time to finish it. And she offers to WRITE ME A NOTE.

Um, yeah. The job I have is altering the clothes for a woman who is going to visit her daughter in a religious community and has a specific dress code. She's getting on a plane and a note WILL NOT help. (By this point in the story the Bear is almost in tears, he's laughing so hard. I'm not amused until he points out how funny it would be for Cheryl to hand the note to the person at the gate--at which point St. Peter pops into my head--and explain that it's a note from her seamstress's daughter's ophthalmologist about why she doesn't have the proper attire and after traveling 1500 miles, could she still see her daughter? Yes, I suppose that is pretty funny.)

As I leave the office, there were two women at the front desk and before the door closes I hear one of them say, "That's the bitch I was telling you about." (You all know I have no qualms about getting people fired for extraordinarily bad service, but I figured they were a perfect match.)

But, seriously, at what point should I have walked out?

And do any of you know a good pediatric ophthalmologist? I only have six months to find one.

Help!!! I Need Music

2009-02-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

I got a new MP3 player for Christmas. I know I'm not cool because it's not an iPod, but it works for me and MonaLisa. (Mine's red; we got MonaLisa got the blue one.)

But, it holds 16 times more music than my previous one. So, I need music. What are the must haves on your music lists?

~Just a Date On the Calendar~

2009-02-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

February 14th is just a date on the calendar.

Yes, the COUPLE WHO ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER don't do Valentine's Day.

Because it hasn't been kind to us in the past.

We've had migraines, kids with the flu, been in the hospital, had our car break down, etc.

So, we quit.

{And yet we are still in LOVE!!!}

Then on January 29th a package addressed to the Bear appeared at our front door.

He said I couldn't open it.

After he put the kids to bed . . .

He gave me this:

I opened it to find these:

And through the packaging I saw these:

It was a box filled with love.

And just when I thought my heart was as full as it could ever be, I realized that it understood infinity. And I fell deeper and deeper in love with the most amazing man I have ever known. And again I am reminded how we "just fit."

(And Shannon, when he asked me if I knew which font he used, I did.)

~Go Fish~

2009-01-05T23:16:00.000-08:00

Warning: the image is rated PG-13 but included strictly as a visual aid.

Today Ratchet and I went shopping for calendars during MonaLisa's dance class.

I chose the my usual family organizer, he chose Star Wars: Clone Wars, and then we picked up a High School Musical one for MonaLisa.

I wisely AVOIDED the female model aisle.

And yet, as I'm looking at calendars of the Eiffel Tower I hear Ratchet say, "WOW!"

I turn around to discover him in the female model section ogling.

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

I quickly pull him out of the aisle and say, "Those are not calendars that you should be looking at."

And he says, "But mom, did you see how BIG those FISH were?"

And I beheld the innocence of childhood.

And then I had to agree, those really are BIG FISH.

~2008 In Review~

2009-01-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

What did you do in 2008 you've never done before? Went to the Oregon Coast on family vacation and went on a retreat by myself including a really nice hotel room and a spa.

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2009? I finished my Personal Progress and finished five projects. My only goal this year is to become a morning person (or should it be to not be a night owl).

Did anyone close to you give birth in 2008? My sister-in-law Brenda. And several women in my ward, I'm closer to some than others.

Did anyone close to you die in 2008? This is tough. I had a family member die, but I wasn't close to this person because of the choices they made inflicted MAJOR pain and suffering in so many people. So this person is close only on paper.

What countries did you visit this year? None.

What would you like to have in 2009 you lacked in 2008? Energy.

What day from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory and why? There was a day sometime in May or June where I received some incredible personal revelation that changed my life.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting my YW medallion (again) and cleaning my garage!!!

What was your biggest struggle in 2008? Lack of energy and being overscheduled.

Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2008? I have plantar fasciitis in my right foot (because of the toe I broke in 2007), hurt my back moving the fridge, really struggled with energy levels, and had my first root canal.

What was the best thing you bought this year? My new sewing machine.

Whose behavior merited celebration? Ratchet's. His way of dealing with his dyspraxia has improved so much. There are so many fewer meltdowns due to change.

Whose behavior disappointed you? Anyone who took a dog into a store. (The Health Department prohibits animals in any store that sells food unless it is a sevice animal. There is food at fabric stores. And in malls.)

Where did most of your money go? Gas (and our mortgage).

What did you get really excited about this year? MonaLisa getting a solo in the Nutcracker.

What song(s) will always remind you of 2008? Waitin' on a Woman and Should've Said No.

Compared to this time last year are you: much happier, much nicer, or richer? Probably richer. We paid off a bill we've been working on.

What do you wish you had done more of? Exercise.

What do you wish you had done less of? Rested body parts to heal them (I know I had to, but I wish I wouldn't have had to), which also led to watching too much tv.

Did you fall in love in 2008? I fall more in love with the Bear every day.

What was your favorite TV program in 2008? Lost. I watched all four seasons. I blame it on the writer's strike.

What was the best book you read this year? A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

What was your greatest musical discovery this year? Taylor Swift (stop laughing).

What did you want and get? A new sewing machine.

What was the best movie you saw this year? I honestly can't think of a new standout this year. So, I'm going with some classics like Roman Holiday and While You Were Sleeping.

What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn? We went to dinner as a family on my birthday, but then the Bear and I went to the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera a few weeks later (our birthdays are only 17 days apart). And of course I've stopped aging.

What one thing would have made this year more satisfying? If I had finished the Old Testament. Only 207 pages to go. Ugh.

How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year? Lazy. Very lazy.

What kept you sane this year? My husband.

What celebrity did you fancy the most? Who notices celebrities when you have a hot husband.

Who did you miss this past year? The old me.

Who were the best new people you met this year? Our ward boundaries changed and we had some really amazing people join us. Plus we've had some fabulous people move in.

What is a valuable life lesson you learned this year? There is a reason I was only allowed to have two kids. I was sent high-maintenance ones that need more individual attention. And I love them both with all my heart.

~8 Things~

2008-12-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Amy tagged me:

8 TV shows I enjoy watching:
1. Burn Notice
2. Designed to Sell
3. House
4. Law & Order
5. Lost
6. Numb3rs
7. Project Runway
8. Psych

8 things that happened yesterday:
1. Took the Bear to the ER with a kidney stone
2. Lived with a migraine all day (couldn't take meds and drive)
3. Picked up dinner
4. Sorted laundry
5. Skipped MonaLisa's dance class
6. Didn't work on costumes
7. Went over my Christmas list
8. Finally read magazines that have been piling up.

8 things I'm looking forward to:
1. MonaLisa's performances this weekend
2. Finishing costumes
3. Receiving payment for costumes
4. Finishing Christmas shopping
5. Family Christmas Eve party at my house
6. Finishing painting the upstairs
7. Having time to clean properly
8. My migraine going away.

8 things I love about WINTER:
(This was hard. I'm a spring/fall kind of girl.)
1. I don't have guilt about not mowing my lawn regularly
2. Hot chocolate with hazelnut flavoring from Starbucks--mmmm (had to find someway to use those gift cards from the PTA)
3. Snow days
4. When it snows few people go shopping and I get great parking and no lines
5. Warm blankets
6. Sitting by the fireplace
7. Christmas lights
8. Christmas goodies.

8 things on my wish list:
1. A simpler Christmas (so with you on this one Amy)
2. To be more organized
3. A newer car
4. New kitchen cabinets
5. Self-cleaning house
6. A remodeling budget
7. To become a morning person
8. To become a better person.

8 people I tag:
Anyone who wants to!!!

~Hooked on Phonics~

2008-11-24T23:43:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law sent me this and it cracked me up:

My five-year-old students are learning to read.

Yesterday one of them pointed at a picture in a zoo book and said, "Look at this! It's a frickin' elephant!"

I took a deep breath, then asked. . . "What did you call it?"

"It's a frickin' elephant! It says so on the picture!"

And so it does. . .

A F R I C A N Elephant

~Free Drink~

2008-11-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

Dr Pepper to deliver on its free-soda promise

LOS ANGELES – Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality.

The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday.

"We never thought this day would come," Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "But now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."

Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m. (EST), coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28.

Story found here.

So, if you're interested, since it's Eastern time, it ends at 9pm PST instead of midnight. There are caffeine-free versions, too.

~Christmas Tag~

2008-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I wrap. Mostly because I'm probably the world's most likely person to sneak a peak at a gift and therefore I assume that everyone else does it too. It also looks prettier under the tree.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial. Kids are allergic to real.

3. When do you put up the tree? The past few years the Bear has put it up while MonaLisa and I are at Nutcracker dress rehearsal. (Two years ago he and Ratchet put it up using flashlights during the blackout. My heroes.)

4. When do you take the tree down? When it's convenient. (Sometimes as late as February--stop laughing.)

5. Do you like egg nog? No. Even raw cookie dough grosses me out. It's just wrong to eat/drink raw eggs.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Fashion Plates.

(Tell me that at least one of you had a set.)

7. Hardest person to buy for? The Bear. What do you get for the one who has everything and wants/needs nothing?

8. Easiest person to buy for? Ratchet.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. But, I prefer letters.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Every year my grandma made us shirts and every year mine was too small.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I'd probably go with a classic like "White Christmas" or "Holiday Inn."

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? September/October. If I'm done before Thanksgiving, I buy myself a present. Definitely not getting one this year.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? DeeAnn's chocolate-covered jellies, especially the cherry ones.

16. Lights on the tree? Yes. But, no colored or blinking ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silver Bells.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home. Packing gifts back and forth doesn't appeal to me.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Of course.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star. Why? Cause angels don't have wings.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open the one from the Bear's side of the family at the Christmas Eve party, but all the others wait until morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Traffic gets worse as it gets darker and the weather gets wetter.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and silver.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Chinese. The Bear's mom feels that she had worked so hard to get to Christmas day that she should get the day off. So, she has a big Christmas Eve party and then the kids would have leftovers the next day, while she lays in bed and reads. Isn't she smart? Since we aren't the hosts, we don't have enough leftovers, so we pick up Chinese food the day before and warm it up when we're hungry.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A clean house. Oh, wait that's my every day wish. Then tickets to the Lion King.

26. Who I tag: Alisha, Amy L, Julie, and Maria.

~When Rules Are Meant to be Broken~

2008-10-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big country music fan, but did you know that at 2am, other than infomercials, that is all that's on? So, when I'm having one of those late nights CMT videos are what's playing in the background.

One night (or should I say morning?) I saw this video and was in tears by the end (the embedding has been disabled, so you'll have to follow the link):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-ekSbbTJGo

Did you watch?

Have you finished wiping your tears?

Don't finish reading until you're finished crying.

Okay, so I downloaded it from Itunes (you can't download a version with Andy Griffith in it though, just straight Brad Paisley) and one day we were listening to it in the car.

Ratchet: "That man is so nice."

Me: "Why do you say that?"

Ratchet: "He doesn't mind waiting for his woman."

Me (stifling a laugh): "Do you think you'll mind waiting for your woman?"

Ratchet: "Welllllllll. Is it past my bedtime?"

(For the record, I will not in the future encourage Ratchet using "woman" as he did during this conversation.)

~Running~

2008-10-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

The PE teacher at the kids' school has this great program. Each month they get a blank calendar to fill out. If they exercise three times each week for at least 20 minutes they get a prize and get to put their names on a star on the wall. Then at the end of the year if they've completed at least six calendars they get medals during a ceremony in front of the school. The teacher was new to the school last year, so it just started then. At the end of the year six students got medals and MonaLisa and Ratchet were two of them. And they were amazing medals. Not cheap plastic. But really nice and even engraved on the back with what it was for.

Now, it's really easy for MonaLisa to get hers filled out. She has two days of dance (last year one day was gymnastics), plus Nutcracker rehearsal, physical therapy, and occupational therapy with Ratchet. Ratchet we have to go out of our way to get his. He has OT and walks home from school on Tuesdays. But he usually needs one more day.

So, while doing the VIP questionnaire Ratchet said he loved running. We were really surprised. I'm not a runner and never have been. But, lately I've considered starting and I thought I can keep up with a 7-year-old. So, today during MonaLisa's dance class we went for a "run." I just went at his pace and would run when he wanted to and walk when he wanted to. We went "around the block." According to walkjogrun.net we went 1.05 miles in 19 minutes. And it was so fun to do something like that with him. We had a great conversation.

Somehow during the middle of it I thought that if we continued this we might actually have something in common when he's a teenager. And I really like that idea.

~VIP~

2008-10-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Ratchet was the VIP for his class last week. Here is his Q&A:

Favorites:
Food: French Dip Sandwiches
Season: Winter
Color: Green
Book: Scooby Doo & the Mad Mermaid
Animal: Huskies

Hobbies: Running, Legoes, Computer Games
My Wish: That Star Wars was REAL!!!
What I do well: Bake cookies, play video games, and play
A person I admire: Daddy
What I like most about our school: PE

Here are the photos we sent in:

When Ratchet was about two, he and MonaLisa were fighting over a toy.
He fell on the toy and she landed on him.
He had to have his head glued shut.

Also, when he was about two, he found three bags of shred that Daddy left out.
I found him after he'd emptied all three bags. He was sitting in the middle
of it all, throwing it in the air and yelling, "SURPRISE!"

We were able to tour the carrier the USS Lincoln when it was in port.
Ratchet was fascinated by the mini fire trucks.

Ratchet and MonaLisa were Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia for Halloween last year.
They still wear these costumes weekly.

Here he is playing in the sand on the Gulf of Mexico while
visiting cousins in Texas last Thanksgiving. This beach
received a lot of damage during Hurricane Ike.

I love this picture. He totally was caught by this wave
while we were on vacation on the Oregon Coast this summer.

Just a few weeks ago MonaLisa was at a friends house. I asked
Ratchet what he wanted to do. He said, "Bake cookies."
So, he did, almost completely by himself.
Look at his face as he was putting them on the pan.

~Book List~

2008-10-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

This list has been making the rounds on blogs.

The Big Read is a National Endowment for the Arts program designed to encourage community reading initiatives and of their top 100 books, they estimate the average adult has read only six.

Here’s what you are supposed to do:
*Look at the list and bold those we have read.
*Italicize those we intend to read.
*Star the books we LOVE.

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte *
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible (about 200 pages left)
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame (read half)
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34. Emma - Jane Austen
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility- Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold *
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding
69. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses - James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal - Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87. Charlotte's Web - EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

~Giveaway Winner~

2008-10-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's time for the drawing, but first of all, here's what people said:

Julie:

1. I love you because you are as annoyed by people's bad grammar as I am.

2. And....because you know how to make all of the things I WISH I could do (like the banner). AND you make it look easy.

3. And because you make me laugh everytime I talk to you.

Shannon:

4. You are SO creative. I know everyone will say this, but the reason I'm so competitive is because I really want all the great stuff you make!

5. I like that you stand up for what you believe in, even if it is not the popular thing to do.

6. I do like that you are a font snob. Whenever I am choosing which font to pick, I always think "now which font did Becky tell me was the very best." I still don't know how to get to that ONE. Be a friend and share the love :)

D (my sister-in-law):

7. I love you because...even though you occassionally annoy the crap out of me, I think you're wonderful and amazing.

8. Even though we disagree poliltically, you don't argue with me about it.

9. Even though you don't like my dog and would have him thrown out of the fabric store in a heartbeat, you have a good heart, a strong testimony, and a love of Jesus Christ that I envy.

Dolls123 (who just has "giveaway" in her search engine and is just trying to win--people actually call most of these people bottom feeders. I deleted some of them, but she at least tried):

10. Because you're so crafty.

Alisa:

11. I have always been impressed with your ability to include everyone!!!

12. You don't know a stranger and I find that a great quality.

13. You're quick to invite all and are ALWAYS willing to serve others.

Melissa (my cousin, her blog is invite only):

14. I love you for your wit.

15. I love your willingness to serve others!

16. I also really love (and envy) your creativity and craftiness. :) I'm always amazed at what you can do.

Maria:

17. I love you because you are so good, no great! at everything that you do. You spend all day and night doing things so that they turn out perfect!

18. I love you because you always want to have fun and laugh a lot.

19. I love that you are not afraid to voice your opinion. You are a strong person. I admire you and am also a little jealous of you. :)

JoAnn (at Pumpkin Petunia):

20. You are very friendly and helpful to strangers on other blogs. : )

21. You make adorable banners!

22. You are very lucky! (Go here to see what I won!!! She's super talented.)

Alisha:

23. You are not afraid to stand up for yourself and make sure that your needs are met, and you stand firm on the things that are important to you.

24. You have equal concern for others. You work hard to include everyone and stand up for them and their needs, too.

25. You are extremely organized and detailed, and go above and beyond on the tasks you take on.

26. You can always be counted on when you commit to something.

27. I have always been impressed by how close to the Spirit you are, and by how you unquestionably follow the promptings you receive.

Julie again:

28. I like how you are so busy and have so much you are always doing but you make it all look easy (or at least like you're having fun).

29. AND that all of the "stuff" you are always doing is for someone else. I wish I could say I was as selfless as you. OK, I could SAY it, but I would be lying :)

Lisa (cousin, sorry, her blog is private):

30. I love that you make me laugh every time I see you!

31. And that you give me all your used clothes for little boys because you have great taste in boy clothes.

32. And because even though I joined the family somewhat later than others, you always make me feel like part of the group.

Shannon again:

33. You make me laugh

Jenny:

34. You are the most considerate person I know when it comes to including everyone in group activities.

35. You are so creative, and its inspiring how you seem to always be working on a new project(which always turns out perfectly).

36. You definitely know how to sit, chat and have fun. I seem to always be laughing about something when we chat.

37. Everything you bake turns out so delicious.

38. I love how you genuinely care for the girls in YW, and seem to always be thinking about them.

So, according to the random integer generator the winner is:

36--Jenny

So, Jenny, I'll bring it over soon.

And now I get to say what I love about each of you!!!

Julie: I love that you were willing to join me in Pink Christmas when no one else did. You are obviously very brave. And you have the best sense of humor. You can see the humor in all situations.

Shannon: I love your ability to love everyone. You are amazing and I'm so excited you get to be one of MonaLisa's Achievement Day Leaders. (I requested you, but was told probably not.)

D: I love what a good mother you are. You have so much patience and love for your children (and mine). I love how super-talented you are. You are an artist, a seamstress, and you can sing. I mean really sing. And I appreciate that you would never take a dog (or goat) into the Fabric Store.

Alisa: You are a great teacher. I loved attending your classes. You truly love each of the YW and have the amazing ability to get each of them to participate. And on a more temporal note, you have great legs.

Melissa: You are one of the most even-keeled people I know. You could totally feel overwhelmed and yet you seem so put together. I know I couldn't have three children under the age of seven and be married to a bishop and have your demeanor.

Maria: You are incredibly humble. I hope that you know how amazing you truly are. And I promise to visit teach this month (now it's in writing, you can call me on it).

JoAnn: You are really talented. I love your new Holiday items.

Alisha: Although you left us with hardly enough time to process; I love how balanced you are. You seem to get it all done and more. And I finally found the perfect reality show for you!!! It's even more perfect now. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team. So it's too late for 2008, but you could totally be ready in 2009. Go here to find out info on tryouts. And we'll all be watching to see you on the field next fall!!! GOOOOO ALISHA!!!!

Lisa: I love your honesty and your intelligence. You're also really organized. And after reading your 100 list, I realized how much of the unique stuff we have in common.

Jenny: I love how open-minded you are. You would be the least shocked of all if I were to tell that I was once the maid-of-honor at a gay wedding, in Idaho, in the early 90s.

Thanks to all who played!!! I am so grateful to have such good friends. And I totally think it's time for a Girls Night Out.

~A Change of Rules~

2008-10-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a week and I only have 26 responses to my giveaway, so there is no longer a limit of three compliments (which means I added your extra one Alisha). So, you all better hurry before Shannon takes the last 12 spots!!!

~Birthday Giveaway~

2008-09-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that you all thought my banner was neutral. Because I made two at the same time so I could give one away to one of you!!! This one has a few different papers than the one I made for my family, but it's still the same color scheme.

Here are the rules:

1. Because it was my birthday and I didn't get the girl's lunch (darn school starting and the month of September being way overbooked), I didn't get the "go around the table and say nice things about me" part. So, your comment needs to include why you love me, because I know you do!

2. There is not a specific ending time. The giveaway ends when the compliments reach 38 (because, unfortunately, that's how young I am).

3. You will be entered for each nice thing (up to three--that's to prevent Shannon from writing 38 and winning automatically because she's THE giveaway competition queen).

4. Once again, I will use the random integer generator to keep things fair.

Lots of luck.

~Top 35~

2008-09-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the Top 35 things I love about the Bear, because today he's 35!!!

He’s H-O-T HOT!!!

He makes me feel important.

He has a strong testimony.

He’s a worthy priesthood holder.

He enjoys serving others.

He supported me in my calling in Young Women for 4.5 years.

He’ll watch chick flicks with me.

He plays with our kids.

He always puts his laundry in the basket (and the basket has a lid).

He loves his family.

He plays with my hair just right.

His favorite gifts are the ones I make for him.

He’s a nerd with social skills.

He is the hottest tech support in town.

He thinks I’m smart.

He comes home early on Tuesdays and walks Ratchet home so Mona Lisa can go to ballet.

He’ll go to the fabric store for me.

He changed my TPN (total parenteral nutrition) bags every day during my extraordinarily horrific pregnancies.

He thinks I’m beautiful.

He thinks I’m most beautiful without makeup.

He makes me want to be better.

He reads to our kids every night.

He has been putting the kids to bed almost every night for years.

He thinks I’m funny.

He knows I don’t like to cook and has been making dinner for the past few years.

He waited so I would be his first kiss.

He likes to kiss me.

He’s very good at it.

Did I mention how HOT he is.

He sang to me on our wedding day.

He will come home from work early on days where I’ve hit 0%.

He makes me happy.

He still loves me after 12 years.

He’s my best friend.

I get to be with him forever.

~Birthday Banner~

2008-09-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am really liking banners lately. So, I attempted my first one for our big birthday month. Here it is:
I started this banner before my birthday in hopes of using it for mine, Mona Lisa's, and the Bear's. However, I finished it in time for the Bear's (which is today). Here's a close-up:
So, the Bear thought made it only for him because he thought it was masculine. I tried to make it neutral. So, comments please. Is it neutral enough to use for both male and female birthdays? If you click on the bottom one you should be able to see the colors better. Plus, I added sparkles. Doesn't that help?

2008-09-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Where I'll be tonight . . .

~Top 10~

2008-09-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

Today my baby girl is 10.

So, in her honor, I'm making a list of ten of the things I love most about her:

1. MonaLisa is sensitive to the spirit.

2. She is a really good friend. She tries to not exclude anyone.

3. She's creative. She can make up stories and games really easily.

4. She loves to dance. Not only is she naturally talented at it, but she also works really hard. She came out of her new jazz class last week and said, "I love that class, it is so hard."

5. She loves Ratchet and is able to teach him things in minutes that we've tried to teach him for weeks.

6. She can see the obvious when the rest of us miss it. One day we were listening to the song "No Air." One of the lines is "Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air" and she commented, "If she can't breathe how can she be singing?"

7. Her favorite subject is math.

8. She is an amazing photographer. We gave her a disposable camera when we went on vacation when she was three. A lot of her photos were better than ours.

9. She loves her dad and gets superexcited when he comes home from work.

10. She likes to learn new things. Like sewing and crafting stuff.

I'm so grateful you chose me to be your mom. I love you!!! Forever and ever.

~My Baby is 10~

2008-09-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Friday was MonaLisa's 10th birthday. As most of you know I am a bit of an overachiever when it comes to parties. So, we started out by making these cute invitations:Since preschool, she's been taking cinnamon rolls for her class. Of course, her preschool class was much smaller and her classes gradually become more populated over the years. I ended up making them by myself because of our crazy week and I had to make two batches. I do make the dough in the breadmaker and that helps, but this time the second batch didn't mix all the flour in and I had to make a third one. Which means I was up until 4am. MonaLisa had an asthma doctor appointment at 8:15 am, so you can imagine my mood that morning.

After the appointment I took the kids and cinnamon rolls to school and then went home for a short nap. By the time the kids came home from school, there was some cleaning left (just don't look in our bedroom) and I had to finish the party favors. (Just a side note: I would rather give one nice thing than a hundred small things for party favors. For example, at her Care Bear party we gave Care Bears. So, I've given myself high expectations for the "goody bag.")

The guests arrived and they played for awhile then we had pizza. I found paper products that matched this napkin on clearance at Target (in June) and we decorated around them.

Then we gave the girls their goody bags. These cute cinch sacks (they're actually from Valentine's Day):

And inside we had put a pair of pajamas. As you can tell, it's all about horses at this age. I made the bottoms and sewed the appliques on the t-shirts. Since we invited less guests she had a higher budget per girl.

Here is MonaLisa modeling hers:
Then we had birthday cake. I almost didn't post this because I didn't have time to finish it. Notice the lack of hair.

And opened presents. She received this beautiful handmade afghan from her best friend:

After that, the girls all curled up in the living room and watched this:

I also found these cute popcorn cups when I found the other paper products. We didn't end up making popcorn, so they just filled them up with movie treats.

Then the girls all piled into MonaLisa's room. One had gone home, so there were three in the bunkbeds and two on an air mattress on the floor. They stayed up until after midnight and still woke up before 7am.

The next morning the Bear made waffles for our guests and they slowly filtered out the door. All of them still wearing their pjs.

Her best friend stayed for the whole day and then we went to the Olive Garden for our family dinner. Here's MonaLisa, Ratchet, and her best friend.
Overall, it was a good birthday, but a lot of work for me. My friend, Amy, told me they decided to do birthday experiences instead of parties. I told MonaLisa this was going to be her last party and from now on we'll be doing experiences. At first she was a bit disappointed then I showed her that if we were going to do it this year we would have had the opportunity to go see the "2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars" and she decided that it would be okay to change to birthday experiences. All I know is that I won't have to stress over house cleaning and party favors. (Amy, thank you, thank you, thank you for the idea.)

Happy Birthday, MonaLisa!!!

~My Wish~

2008-09-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

Every celebration, Mother's Day, Christmas, Birthday, my kids ask me what I want for a present. I always tell them I want a clean house. And when I get the package I'm always pretty sure that I'm not getting what I requested.

But now I think what I really need is a personal assistant. I think if I had the chance to be home I would have time to clean. Although I probably wouldn't since I like a clean house, but not the process.

So, if I had a personal assistant I would have him/her do the following this week:

Drive MonaLisa to two dance classes and a rehearsal, the orthodontist, the asthma doctor, and physical therapy
Drive Ratchet to occupational therapy
Go to Costco, Top Foods, and Target
Make lunches each morning
Drop off and pick up kids from school
Drive the Bear to the dentist, pick him up and drop him off at work--because we choose to only have one car
Make my appointments at the physical therapist for my injured shoulder
Bake a cake and cinnamon rolls for MonaLisa's birthday
Chaperon the slumber party

But this is why I can't have a personal assistant do this:

I need to help fit MonaLisa's jazz and ballet shoes, sign all her release forms, and watch parts of her classes for her physical therapist
I need to fit some of the dancers during her rehearsal
I have to sign the payment forms at the orthodontist
I have to be there when the asthma doctor signs off her school forms
I need to know what occupational therapy to work on at home with Ratchet and the same with physical therapy for MonaLisa
Quite a few I have to work around food allergies so, I need to do the shopping and lunch making and cake baking
If I didn't take the Bear to the dentist and then to work, I wouldn't be in the area to play with the dogs at the fabric store
It took me 20 minutes to set up my six physical therapy appointments working around my family's crazy life
Baking cinnamon rolls with MonaLisa is OUR tradition
There's no way I'd miss out on the memories of MonaLisa's first slumber party

Wait, maybe I need a sister wife (just kidding).

Actually all of these are the joys of being a mom and a woman today. And I can't even imagine missing out on the conversations in the car with my kids.

If I hadn't picked MonaLisa up from school for ballet I wouldn't have seen the praise note at the entrance to the school about Ratchet returning money to the teacher that he found on his desk.

I would have missed watching in the rear view mirror as Ratchet sings, dances, and clicks his fingers to Taylor Swift's "You Should Have Said No" and Reba McEntire's "I'm a Survivor." Yes, my kid likes country.

And I would have missed out on the fact that instead of pouting that I wouldn't play her music, MonaLisa was singing all the words to Billy Joel's "Piano Man" and "Only the Good Die Young." I mean she has to learn the classics, right?

I also would have missed the admiration of the other dancers when MonaLisa walked up and they said, "The Doll gets to be in our class this year!" (Which is really cool when you realize some of them are four years older than her.)

Yeah, maybe a personal assistant would be nice, but I think I'll continue to wish for a maid instead. After all, how many of you sit around and talk about the time you cleaned the toilet together with your mom.

One last note: the other day at a family party the Bear's Aunt C. said that a clean house is the sign of a someone who's boring. And my SIL said, "or someone with OCD" (which she has). And then another SIL said, "no, remember it's CDO" (get it, it has to be alphabetical).

That was for you Amy (who I'm going to miss). The bottom birthday card on this post she made for me. Isn't she fabulous and amazingly talented?

So, if you had one wish then it would be _____________ (fill in the blank).

~And My Rant Continues~

2008-09-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the fabric store to pick up some stuff for MonaLisa's birthday party and to make Rachel's totebag/purse (totally excited by the fabric I found).

And guess what?

Yep. Another dog. This one was on a leash (for the record--NOT a service dog). And as the dog is pawing (with paws that had just came in from walking through the dirt-covered parking lot) at everything on the bottom rows of the store at least four employees walked by without a word.

T., (my personal cutting counter gal, no seriously, we're on a first-name basis) called the manager (Karen--I feel no need to protect her identity) and when T. started to talk to her about it, Karen rudely interrupted her and snapped, "I know, I've dealt with HER before."

I called corporate, again, and they told me the regional manager would call me within three days. I told them that I wasn't called the last time I had complained and she was completely surprised. Apparently it's store policy to contact the costumer/complainant within an allotted time. I'm beginning to think store policy means suggested policy and not actual policy.

So be aware that the merchandise you buy from the Crossroads JoAnn Fabrics may not be very clean. Especially if you or anyone in your household has allergies. Unfortunately, it's the most convenient store to my house, otherwise I'd be going to Lynnwood. But, at this point, it may be worth the drive.

For the record, how many of you think I'm overreacting? And how many of you find it an acceptable practice to take non-service animals into stores? (And how many of you find my overuse of parentheses annoying?)

~It's Official~

2008-09-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday I was at my in-laws for a Labor Day BBQ. I heard this incessant pounding and said, "What's that sound?" My 15-year-old niece said, "It's music."

So it's happened. I'm old. I'm beginning to say things that I've mocked "old" people for saying. I knew what the numbers were saying, but since in my mind I hadn't aged past 25, I hadn't noticed that I'm now equal to the numbers of candles on my cake.

So, it's Happy Birthday to me today. I now know I'm officially old.

~Pediatric Dentist~

2008-09-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dawn Woo is our pediatric dentist. And we love her.

Today MonaLisa had two teeth pulled. First they had a big comfy blanket to keep her warm and put a pillow under her knees so she would be comfortable. Then she had a choice of orange or bubblegum "happy air." She chose bubblegum, they gave her some sunglasses, and then she had flavored numbing gel. The dental assistant was awesome. Then Dr. Woo came in and sang a song from The Little Mermaid while she gave the numbing shots. MonaLisa didn't even notice she was getting shots. Then while the shots set in the dental assistant sang a couple silly songs to her. Dr. Woo came back and while pulling the teeth she sang songs from Mulan and Pocahontas. Then they put the teeth in a tooth-shaped container for the Tooth Fairy and we were done. Our bill was ready at the front desk and the instructions were actually personalized with MonaLisa's name throughout.

This is in contrast to MonaLisa's first experiences with dentists. By the time we found Dr. Woo she had been to seven dentists with six horrific experiences. And they ranged from being held down by three assistants while having her mouth forced open (I still can't believe I didn't grab her and walk out) to having a dentist leave in the middle of a filling and say she would "never work on that child again."

We love Dr. Woo and she's worth every minute we travel to see her. (And one time we were caught in a freak snow storm and it took us over three hours to get home.) So, if you're in the Seattle area, check her out here and take your kids in. I promise you won't regret it. From the way her office is set up--she has a playroom by the chairs so you can still see your other kid(s) while staying with the patient--to the way she and her assistants take care of your child(ren).

I honestly cannot say enough good things about her!!!

~I'm Raising a High-Maintenance Gal~

2008-09-02T22:29:00.001-07:00

Last week we had Parent-Teacher conferences before school (best idea ever) to discuss our children and our concerns for their school year.

Which means I have to explain how high-maintenance MonaLisa is to her new teacher. The conversation goes something like this:

"Well, to begin with MonaLisa won't be here the second day of school. She has to have two teeth pulled."

Ms. A: "That won't be a problem. If she's still not feeling well on Thursday, just go ahead and keep her home."

"Ok. She's also going to be late for school on the 9th. She has to get impressions made for her space maintainer at the orthodontist."

Ms. A: "My daughter had braces for 10 years. I understand."

"And she has to leave early on the 4th and 11th for physical therapy. Then on the 12th she's going to be late again because she has to see her asthma doctor. Plus, it's her birthday and she'd like to bring in treats."

Ms. A: (in her mind this is what I'm sure she's thinking) "How many other ways can you disrupt my class and your daughter's education?"

"Then on the 17th she has her well-child appointment with her pediatrician and has to get her space maintainer fit at the orthodontist, so I should be able to get her here by 11:30. And, um, on the 23rd she has her regular dentist appointment at 9am in [insert city 20 miles away] so I should have her here by 11 or so."

Ms. A: (this time aloud) "I'm sure it will be fine, it's not like we're in high school. Is there anything else I need to know about your daughter?"

"Well, she's far-sighted and has to wear her glasses for everything but PE and recess. And she sees double so she has a tendency to get headaches. So, she also will be going to see her optometrist and opthalmologist twice each year. She sees her asthma doctor quarterly and her asthma shows up through coughing so if she's coughing she needs to go to the office and take her albuterol."

Ms. A: "Does she know to go to the office?"

"Actually she's kind of embarrassed by her asthma and so she probably won't speak up."

Ms. A: "So she's timid."

"Yes. That's the perfect word for her. And she's left-handed so you'll need to seat her appropriately."

Ms. A: "By the way does she prefer to go by MonaLisa or just Mona?"

"Actually, she prefers to be called Mona, but she likes it to be written MonaLisa."

I am not making this up. This is her/my life for the month of September. Honestly, how many of your kids have a pediatrician, asthma doctor, pediatric dentist, pediatric oral surgeon, orthodontist, optometrist, pediatric opthalmologist, and physical therapist? (Ratchet only has a pediatrician, asthma doctor, pediatric dentist, pediatric opthalmologist, and an occupational therapist.)

So today I was dreading this conversation:

"Um, MonaLisa's dance teacher has decided to move her up two levels instead of one this year."

Ms. A: "That is so exciting. What a great opportunity for her."

"Actually there's a problem. Her dance teacher actually does the dance schedule knowing that MonaLisa lives the farthest away. But, since she wasn't expecting to move her up to Intermediate (formerly Level 4) she didn't plan the schedule around that. So, her ballet class starts at 3:55 on Tuesdays instead of 7pm on Wednesdays. Will it be a problem to take her out at 3:15?"

Ms. A: "Absolutely. I'd do it if it was my daughter."

(Totally did not expect that answer.) "So, is it okay if she changes into her leotard and tights during the last recess? She'll wear her warm up suit over it. And can I come put her bun in during that same time?"

Ms. A: "Well, I don't like the idea of her changing in the regular restroom, so I'll get her special permission to change in the staff restroom in the front office. It's more private."

Seriously, is this teacher for real. I'm loving her. But, I am scared that this is going to get annoying the further into the school year we get.

Then I had to go to Ratchet's class and ask to take him out early. His teacher was fine with it, but he's actually in music class during that time. When I talk to the music teacher, he's not okay with it. I understand because he only has music for 1 hour per week and this takes it down to 45 minutes per week. 25 percent is pretty high. He asked me to explore other options. I did explain that if it weren't for MonaLisa's dance class Ratchet would be getting out at 3:15 for occupational therapy anyway. Fortunately I was able to change that to Wednesdays after school. So, I think I'll try to look into a playdate exchange for Ratchet so he can stay at school. I know there's an extended day program at his school, but I don't know if he can do it just one day each week.

However, look how cute MonaLisa's birthday invitations turned out. Since it's a sleepover, we decided to go for the sleeping bag effect. I think they turned out cute. And MonaLisa did the sewing by herself. I'm such a proud mommy seamstress.

~I Spy a Winner~

2008-09-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

So the correct answer was UNDER THE FRIDGE!!!

So congratulations to those who guessed correctly:

Alisha
TaNicka
Shannon
Rachel
Lisa
Melissa
Jenny
Jennifer
Cheryl
Maria
Tricia

Now, before I announce the winner, here's a picture of what I found. Doesn't it really look like an I Spy collage?

And can you believe I found all of these under my fridge? How crazy is that? When I started counting I couldn't believe it was that high.

Here's a list of what I found:

1 match
1 partial clothespin
4 lids (3 for water bottles, 1 for an inhaler)
1 star marshmallow (this didn't survive the washing process and therefore isn't in the photo)
4 Singulair (Mona Lisa's asthma medicine which also didn't survive the washing process)
4 reward coins
1 mango candy
1 sharpie marker
1 eraserless pencil
1 thumbtack
3 legoes
6 twixit clips
3 bread closures
8 letters/numbers: CRUELV49
1 green circle magnet
7 Potato head magnets (2 arms, shoes, smile, teeth, ear, nose)
4 random magnets (tooth, bear, flower, woman w/ flowers)
1 mixing spoon
13 farm magnets (tree, tractor, trailer, straw, 2 fences, gate, horse, hens, rooster, pig, barn, weathervane)

Also, not pictured or counted would be the "bunny of sorts," meaning a large dust bunny.

I know you all just want to know who won but as you know, I never do anything the quick and easy way. So to announce the winner, I've written a poem:

"I Spy a Giveaway Poem"

By Becky Reynolds

Because I know with giveaways competition is in the air,

I used a random integer generator to keep the process fair.
The numbers were entered, the button was clicked,
And I waited with anticipation to see who was picked.
The number was chosen, it appeared on the screen,
It was a FOUR and now RACHEL is my giveaway queen.
So, congrats to the one who said "Your clues are pretty cool!"
But keep watching my blog to see next who will rule.
I love you all and thanks so much for playing,
And good luck for the next time that I’m giveawaying!!!

So, how many of you dare clean under your fridge now?

And Rachel, e-mail me your favorite colors and so I can start working on your tote/purse!!!

~One More Clue~

2008-08-29T17:39:00.001-07:00

All right, one more clue:

What the 33 things have in common is a magnet.

So, put together:

1. Where do you rarely clean?
2. That has about 1/2 inch of clearance?
3. Where you use magnets that could fall off and get pushed beneath (The Bear says that's too big of a clue and I shouldn't give it away like that)?

Come on I know you can do it. I want to have a big drawing!!! Okay, maybe not big, since only five people read my blog.

~Written With No Offense Intended~

2008-08-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

I don't like dogs (or cats). And I say this with no apologies. Plus, the Bear is allergic to dogs, well pet dander. He also almost had his ear bit off by a dog when he had a paper route. Mona Lisa is afraid of dogs. Ratchet is afraid of dogs; he was actually bitten on his face by one just a few weeks ago. Dogs just don't work for our family. And I don't feel it necessary to apologize for this.

So, why do SOME (not all) people who own dogs feel as if they need to force their pets on us? In the past few weeks:

Mona Lisa had a friend stop calling when she told her she was afraid of her dog (which wasn't a problem, she didn't really enjoy her company anyway).

While at the park, someone let their dog off their leash and didn't seem to care that it was pawing and licking us.

At a rest area a man tried to force Ratchet to pet his dog.

And this was really weird: we were on the Oregon Coast and parked at a store next to a woman who was sitting in the drivers seat of her car, window down, music blaring, and dancing with the dog in her lap. When I opened my door she asked if she had awakened our sleeping baby. Since we don't have a baby, I said no, and started to walk away. Then she told Ratchet to come over and pet her dog (What?). I told her no he was afraid of dogs and had just been bitten by one. And she told me (in a loud voice now since we were walking away) I needed to bring him over to pet her dog because her son had been bitten by a dog and "Lola" had helped him overcome that fear. I said no and continued to walk and she (yelling by this time) told me she would wait for me to change my mind and bring him back to overcome his fear. (Now I'm not wrong, that is really weird, right?)

While at Multnomah Falls last Saturday a man with a dog on a leash was pushing a double-wide jogging stroller across the rather narrow bridge and bumping into people, with no apologies by the way. As I manuevered my family as flat as possible against the side of the bridge so he could get by, I notice that he doesn't have a child (or children considering it was a double stroller) but a dog sitting on the floor of the stroller. I suppose I should just be happy the animals were being contained. Okay, so he wasn't forcing his dog on us, it was just annoying, yet, once again inconsiderate.

(Okay, so the last paragraph reminded me of the following Dear Abby. Just substitute dog for cat.

DEAR ABBY: I dress my Siamese cat, "Belle," in clothes and pajamas. (Yes, they make apparel for cats.) I also push her around in a stroller. My friends think I'm crazy, but I consider Belle to be my daughter.

One time, a teenager came up to me as I was pushing Belle in her stroller and asked, "Where's the baby?" I told her that Belle was like my baby.

Is it nuts to treat a cat like a child? -- MOM OF A FUR KID IN N.Y.

DEAR "MOM": Nuts? No. A bid for attention ... perhaps.)

Now, most of these I can deal with, but when they invade my personal space . . .

So, today I'm in the fabric store (which we all know is my personal space) and I see a woman holding her small dog and leaning over fabric, therefore rubbing him/her all over the fabric. Bugged, I went to an employee (actually there were two of them) and asked them to have the dog removed from the store. They acted as if it was the oddest request they'd ever heard. I explained that my children were afraid of dogs and that my family had allergies and I didn't think it was acceptable for me to be expected to buy fabric that had dog dander all over it and possibly give my husband an allergy attack. They proceeded to give one another the "roll your eyes this is ridiculous" look. So, I repeated my request and they asked me what they should do. I told them to go to the lady, tell her it was against store policy, and ask her to take the dog out of the store. That's when they decided to go get the manager. Over 10 minutes later (which is 10 minutes of dog dander being rubbed all over the calicos) the manager appears and I point the woman out to her. She tells me that what happens is that people have their dogs groomed next door and then bring them into shop on their way out to their car. I tell her that isn't my problem and repeat that there is fear and allergies involved and that I'm pretty sure it's store policy. So, she goes over to the woman, points me out (did I emphasize enough that she pointed me out?) and explains that another customer has asked for her to take her dog out of the store all the while apologizing profusely to her. There were no apologies to me. So tell me was I in the wrong, because I felt as if I should have felt bad. Which I didn't. But, since I felt as if the situation was handled inappropriately, I did what I do best. I called corporate and lodged a complaint. The woman at corporate apologized for my experience but did tell me she didn't know what store policy is.

So, maybe I'm making assumptions, but don't most stores (not including pet stores) have a no animals except service animals policy?

And doesn't everyone have the right to not have something they like, fear, or are allergic to forced on them? Maybe I'm being insensitive to dog owners, but I feel as if they (once again, not all) are being insensitive to others. I think allergies to pet dander are fairly common. Fear of a specific animal is quite common. And just disliking something is extremely common.

Is it too much to expect others to respect this? Am I asking too much?

Hmm, I'm actually contemplating closing down the comments on this entry because I also fear the hate mail. But, I won't because this is my blog and I'm entitled to my opinion.

~More Clues~

2008-08-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

I've been told my clues are too vague. So here are some more.

1. It's a cleaning job most of us avoid. I've only done it 3 times in the 7 years I've lived here.
2. None of the objects are thicker than 1/2 inch because nothing thicker could fit there.
3. All 65 of the objects fit in a gallon ziploc bag.

Let me know if you need more.

~I Spy a Giveaway~

2008-08-27T19:47:00.001-07:00

Today I undertook a necessary project. While doing this project I uncovered a plethora of items. 65 to be exact. As you know, I make you work for my giveaways. So here's your job--figure out where I found these objects.

I'll give you some clues:

1. We all have this project to do.
2. Some do it more than others.
3. 33 of these objects had one thing in common.
4. And in true I Spy tradition, a poem:

I spy a thumbtack, a spoon, and the start of a flame,
A farm, it’s occupants, and a weathervane.
There’s 3 tops to bottles and 4 coins to reward,
Body parts for a starch and a very CRUEL word.
I found a woman with flowers and a wrapped mango treat,
A bunny of sorts and 9 clips to keep our food sweet.

Now, so you can't use each others answers, you need to send your answer via email to seamstressed at gmail dot com. This is my blog email address, so don't send it to my normal email box. And be sure to label it I Spy. Then I will do a drawing from the correct answers.

Here are the rules:

*The contest will end Monday, September 1st at midnight PST.
*You only get three guesses. If you guess more, only your first three will count.
*If I don't get any correct answers I will extend it and give more clues.

So, what is the prize?

A totebag/purse made by me. (So, Alisha you better think hard, I know you want one.)

~Mona Lisa and the Nutcracker~

2008-08-19T20:18:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, Mona Lisa is a dancer. We found an amazing studio three years ago and she has improved by leaps and bounds. For the past two years she has been dancing in the Nutcracker. She was a Snowflake both years. But, this year she is going to be:

The Doll!!!

She is so excited. I am so nervous. The past few years the doll has been a Level 4 ballerina. This will be Mona Lisa's first year as a Level 3. I thought she had a few years and have been telling her that for the past two years. So, when she got the part she couldn't stop screaming. And I was shocked (in a good way). The doll is pretty much a solo. And did I mention that the doll from last year is Clara this year. Of course as a mom I think she's an amazing dancer, but wasn't sure how biased I was. Apparently I'm not, she is an amazing dancer.

~A Pink Christmas~

2008-07-21T12:17:00.001-07:00

I found this blog a while ago and have been waiting to sign up. If any of you are interested in doing it with me sign up and let me know. We can have a project night to work on gifts.

~I Finished My Goal~

2008-06-22T21:48:00.001-07:00

Remember this post. My goal was to clean my garage by June 15 which was the next Bishop's Youth Discussion. I lucked out that BYD was pushed back one week until today. How crazy was I thinking that I could clean my garage during costume/end-of-school year season. But, on Friday I did it. I paid my kids to help me clean my garage. See the new and improved version:

Shelves for the Bear, canning jars, painting supplies, and some of our camping supplies (rest is under stairs).

I finally put all the stuff I use outside in one place. Mona Lisa and Ratchet both commmented on how they don't have to "try and separate their bikes from everything." And I can actually get to the door to unlock it from the inside.

Another view of the outside stuff.

This is my shelf for items to give to relatives and friends and Goodwill stuff. The top shelves have a few house project items for easier access.

It feels really good to have an organized space. My house is in complete disarray and I was tempted to clean it first, but I realized the problem with the rest of my house is that I really need to purge and I needed a space to purge it to. Now I feel I can really start to declutter and rid myself of the unnecessary items that fill my life.

~My Little Girl Is All Grown Up~

2008-06-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor Mrs. B. is a substitute teacher. Today she substituted in Mona Lisa's class. I asked her if she got any special privileges because she knows her. She said, "I don't think so but, she wants me to babysit for her."

Um, two things. Mrs. B. doesn't have any children at home. And my daughter is only nine.

But apparently Mrs. B. has a meeting every Thursday and one of the attendees has a five-year-old daughter. She wants to pay Mona Lisa to come over and entertain the little girl during the meeting so she isn't a distraction.

Mona Lisa says, "I think I want to try it. (and then she does her scientific, list-making, analysis thing) I could learn how to babysit. It's what I did when with the twins when we went to help out with the triplets. You could just walk me over or I could climb the fence. I don't really care about the money, I just want to learn to be a good babysitter."

Analysis wins. It looks as if my little girl is getting her first job at the ripe old age of nine. Even the Bear was impressed.

~Have and Have Nots~

2008-06-07T00:16:00.000-07:00

Neighbor Jane Payne is blogger who writes a newsletter. In honor of her 200th newsletter she put out this list of 200 things. She invited anyone who wanted to put them in their blog as a way of journaling some things they have or have not done in their life.

All you have to do is copy the list and bold what you have done.

200 Have and Have Nots!

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
(going tomorrow for the first time)
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress perston
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
(I'm getting there)
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

I was hoping for at least half. I only have 97. I think I have some work to do!!!

Do it. It takes less time than you think.

~Always Abounding In Good Works~

2008-06-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

The theme for Young Women this year is: "Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works" (Mosiah 5:15). As a presidency we decided to emphasize the Good Works part of the scripture. We have a poster board with the words Good Works divided into squares. Each week we ask the young women and leaders if they've done any good works during the past week. If they have then they get to color in a square and after it's all filled in we'll have a party.Recently we "upped the ante" and are encouraging them to go out of their way to serve others. I've been very conscious of this and have really looked each week to do something so I can be an example to them.

So, today I had an amazing experience and wanted to tell someone so I decided to blog it.

I was grocery shopping and I was on a time constraint. It seemed that in my errands throughout the day people were just being inconsiderate. For example, parking their cart in the middle of the aisle and walking away or having conversations in front of the item I was trying to get. So, by the time I hit the grocery store I wasn't feeling very charitable at all.

On my list was cereal. In the cereal section they were having a special of buy 3 for $7 and then get a free gallon of milk. Because my family is allergic to dairy, I wasn't going to get the milk. But, as I reached the dairy department, I felt really strongly to get the milk. And I was frustrated because then I knew I would have to go out of my way to get rid of it. But, I thought, I'll just give it to B. (our neighbor) when I pick him and my kids up from school. Then as I was leaving the store I saw a family with three kids. I stopped and explained that it was free and since they had three kids I thought they might be able to use it. They were very surprised, but said yes and took the milk. As I walked out of the store (and even now as I'm writing about it) I started to cry. The spirit has been so strong in regards to this. I don't know the family and I will probably never see them again, but for some reason I know I was supposed to give them the milk.

I am so grateful for experiences like this to remind me that Heavenly Father can see the big picture and knows what people need. I know that I really needed this experience today and am grateful for the promptings of the spirit.

The hymn "Have I Done Any Good?" has been going through my mind so, I'll leave you with the words:

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone's burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying "Sometime I'll try,"
But go and do something today.
'Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love's labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

(Text and music by Will L. Thompson)

~Fun Game~

2008-06-01T22:27:00.001-07:00

I found this fun game. You answer questions and then choose a picture that describes you. This is mine: Comment if you decide to play along so I can see a description of you.

~A Tisket, A Tasket~

2008-05-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

Look at these awesome baskets!!!

I finally finished the handmade item for my giveaway. And here they are.

I love the fabric so much I had to make a set for me too!!

I actually love to make things for other people so I see more giveaways in the future. So, after I'm finished with costumes I'll do another one.

And here's Alisa with them. I'm so excited because she loves them.

Congratulations Alisa.

~Quotable Quote~

2008-05-20T15:06:00.001-07:00

I do not normally watch Desperate Housewives but the other night I was flipping channels and stopped on the funniest line. And just so you know, I don't think the situation was funny, just her answer.

One of the wives was totally ordering her husband around. He said, "I have heard there are wives who actually say 'Please' when asking their husbands to do something." And she said, "Oh, honey, don't you know an urban myth when you hear one?"

I can't wait to use it someday.

~The Goal~

2008-05-19T00:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend Bishop Youth Discussion. Actually I begged Shannon to let me go because there was a special guest speaker.

First of all, the Bishop discussed goals that the youth set last month and how they did on them. He gave a discussion on how you have to have a plan or you probably won't ever do it. He had us each write down a goal and then ten steps to accomplish it. (I actually thought that since Shannon would be the one going next month that Lorna and I could come up with some great goals for her--luckily for her, the Bishop wouldn't let us get away with it. And I had some great ones: Bake Becky cookies, clean Becky's house, do all Becky's errands for a week. . . well you can see where this is going.)

Then our special guest speaker came in straight from the airport. We were so blessed to have Bishop Lindeman come and talk to us. And even more perfect, since we were discussing goals, he had run his first marathon ever yesterday. He said the best way to keep a goal is to tell everyone about it. And then you have support and people enjoy checking up on you.

So, my first thought was to finish my Personal Progress. But since, I only have 1.5 weeks left before I'm finished I decided to choose a loftier goal. So this is my goal. I'm actually putting it out there. I'm telling you all (the six of you who read my blog that is) and not just copying it to my next to do list.

By June 15 (the next BYD) I am going to CLEAN MY GARAGE.

Here are the steps I wrote down:
1. Set aside a whole day.
2. Decide which systems are working and which ones aren't working.
3. Sort everything into categories.
4. Purge, purge, purge.
5. Sweep and scrub floor.
6. Remove cobwebs from walls.
7. Designate zones.
8. Decide if any new organizing tools are needed.
9. Replace items into designated zones.
10. Decide how much of it will go into garage sale with several women from my ward.
11. Take remainder to Goodwill, Cousin's (Ratchet's old clothes), SIL's (Mona Lisa's old clothes), and Jenny's (rest of Mona Lisa's clothes).

And just so you know how bad it really is, I took pictures:

~Isn't Ballet All About Discipline~

2008-05-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

This is a topic that has been bothering me for a few weeks and I just need to get it out.

My daughter, Mona Lisa, is a dancer. At her studio they have a dress code. She is required to wear a specific color of leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers. Another requirement is to wear their hair in a bun. The first day of class parents are allowed to watch. We all sat there as the teacher explained the dress code and showed them the variety of ways to pull their hair back. Because I think it's important for my daughter to show respect to her teachers, I have always enforced the dress code and she's never fought it. However, most of the girls in class don't even pull their hair back at all.

A few weeks ago a mom approached me and asked how I convinced my daughter to put her hair into a bun. I told her that I just told Mona Lisa that it was part of the dress code. The mom then said she could barely convince her daughter to wear a ponytail and that it was ridiculous to fight it. Is she kidding? Who's in charge? If my daughter refused to wear a bun or follow any other part of the dress code, I would refuse to pay for her class and I would definitely not drive her there.

This reminded me of a blog entry I read a few months ago. The author was frustrated about a situation and her husband made the comment that "it's because parents try to avoid confrontation with their kids." Then she goes on to write, "Seriously? Seriously? They are PARENTS! There is SUPPOSED to be confrontation."

I know there is a lot of emphasis placed on "choosing your battles." And maybe some people will feel that whether or not your child wears a bun to dance class is not worth the "controversy" it would cause. But, I feel that the bun signifies respect for the teacher and the rules. If you don't teach your children respect for the rules then what else are you teaching or not teaching them.

I know I'm not a perfect parent. I have definitely made my fair share of mistakes. What I have learned through these mistakes is that part of loving your child is to give them discipline and to teach them respect by having rules and guidelines. And then by enforcing them.

So, I leave you with this quote by King Edward VIII: "The thing that impresses me the most about America is the way parents obey their children."

~Seeing Double~

2008-04-29T23:28:00.000-07:00

I took Ratchet to a pediatric opthamologist today. He is slightly far-sighted (not enough for glasses) and seeing double.

When Mona Lisa was in first grade, we also found out she was far-sighted (enough to need glasses and cause constant headeaches) and sees double.

Apparently it's not very common, but they do find about once a month at the pediatric opthamologists office. Fortunately there is a software that retrains their eye muscles to fix the problem. Ratchet actually cheered when he found out he was required to "play" on the computer fifteen minutes each day.

But, really what are the chances. They're also both left-handed (Bear and I are both right-handed).

Double vision, far-sightedness, and left-handedness are all in the less than 10 percent category. Apparently we have a plethora of "unique" genes in our family.

~Laugh of the Day~

2008-04-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you need a good laugh-out-loud, read-it-to-your-husband blog entry, you have to read this one.

I can totally see this happening at one of our mutual nights. And I know you're all thinking I would be the one to do what Tammy did.

~Emergency Room~

2008-04-16T01:57:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the ER with Ratchet. And since I've had a migraine most of the day I'm still hopped up on caffeine and the adrenaline from the stress of having an ill child, so I thought I'd blog until my body comes down.

When Ratchet was six months old and Mona Lisa was three years old, they were both diagnosed with asthma. Mona Lisa had had it for all three years of her life and it had been misdiagnosed. Because of this she's on constant maintenance medicine for it and can have some pretty horrific attacks several times each year. Ratchet, on the other hand, seemed to have been diagnosed early enough to not have many problems. Maybe once or twice a year he'll have a cold that will bother it enough to give him a few treatments, but definitely nothing full-time.

Quick disclaimer: I am not for or against vaccines. I believe in following the spirit in regards to immunizations and support whatever a parent feels is best for their child. I refuse the MMR and flu shots for Ratchet because the spirit has been very strong in that regard. Mona Lisa, on the other hand, has had all her immunizations and gets a flu shot each year.

Yesterday I took him in for a well-child check and he received the chicken pox booster. So, at about 11:30 pm I hear him crying, coughing, and gasping. I go to check on him and he was trying so hard to breathe he looked and sounded as if he were trying to throw up. This is actually common for my childrens' asthma attacks. Bear and I treat it as asthma and quickly gave him albuterol which did help. But then I was prompted to look at the informational sheet about the vaccine. Under moderate to severe reactions it listed trouble breathing and that I needed to get him to a doctor. I said a quick prayer and decided to call the nurses hotline. The nurse told us to give him benadryl and take him to the emergency room. Apparently reactions to the vaccine can come as late as four weeks after the shot. And if there's been one reaction they can have a more severe reaction within the next eight hours so it's best to have him seen.

I get to the hospital and each nurse listens to his cough/breathing and tells me it's just croup and treats me as if I am overreacting. I do not think I'm an overreactive parent in regards to medical care. There usually has to be a lot of blood or a misshapen limb before I'll go to the emergency room. Otherwise they can wait until the office opens the next day. I've never taken Mona Lisa to the ER for her asthma so although I was getting a bit annoyed I didn't ever feel I was wrong for being there. (Fortunately, Mona Lisa does have an asthma plan and is under an asthma doctors care and we have the supplies to have her treated at home over the phone.)

Finally I see the doctor who gives him a nebulizer treatment and before he releases Ratchet tells me it was a high possibility that it was a reaction to the vaccine since it is a live vaccine and has different binding agents than other vaccines.

I am glad I took him to the ER, but I also don't feel I made a mistake to have him vaccinated for chicken pox. I actually had chicken pox twice as a child.

Mostly I'm feeling very blessed that the spirit has always been there to advise me in times such as this and that Heavenly Father knows my childrens' bodies and special needs. I'm also feeling very blessed for the insurance plan we have. As I checked out in accounting they had the amount owed written in red on each of the forms and I saw copays for $100, $200, and even $500. And it is always such a blessing to hear them say that I'm free to go because my insurance will take care of it.

So, it looks as if I'll have a buddy tomorrow. I told him he could help me do laundry and he said and maybe some shopping. I asked if he really wanted to go shopping and he said, "If there's a toy store there." Gotta love his sense of humor even when he's not feeling so well.

2:56am and finally starting to crash. My ramblings are about to come to a close.

So, until next time . . .

~And The Winner Is. . .~

2008-04-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Alisa!!!!!

So, e-mail me with what you desire or let me know if you want me to surprise you! I already have a few ideas in mind.

The overall consensus for a reality show for me was Project Runway. Which Mona Lisa also votes for but Bear says it's too high stress for me. (For the record, the Bear's very quick answer was Beauty and the Geek. Which of course I immediately thought, "He thinks I'm hot." Then I thought again and realized that the Beauties are stereotypically self-centered. . . ) And I do thank all of you for not saying Supernanny. Although it wouldn't be too far off.

And now, just for fun and because I do know each of you, I'm going to give each of you a reality show:

Shannon: I almost disqualified you for the Biggest Loser answer--I second Alisha's whatever. So, I'm going to place you on "I Want To Look Like a High School Cheerleader Again." I checked the application and it requires a current bikini shot. ROFL.

Alisha: I see you on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" because with your research skills I feel you are full of useless bits of information that would help you kick butt!!! Jenny: I would love to watch you on an episode of "Wife Swap" although I'd never wish that on anyone. But, hey, controversy sells. LOL.

Alisa: I actually do see you on the Amazing Race, but that's not fair. So, I see you on CMT's The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search. Singing and dancing on a bar while refusing to serve alcohol. Rock On.

Tricia: Without a doubt, HGTV Design Star. And I'd want you to practice on my house first!
You ladies are awesome. Thanks for playing.

On another note, I still don't know what all the answers will be for my high school reunion questionnaire. Last time for my achievements my answer was "I moved away. If you're born there you die there." So, I'm thinking that for "How many miles will you travel to attend our reunion?" my answer will be "5 miles is all I'm willing to travel to attend our reunion." Because I'm just not interested in attending. In the last memory book less than ten of us lived outside of Idaho or Utah. And none of the approximately 50 percent who still lived in my hometown had any education past high school. I'm not sure I would have enough enjoyment to qualify the time and expense of it all.

What experiences have any of you had at high school reunions. See if you can convince me it's worth it.

~High School Reunion and Give-away~

2008-04-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

Today I received a letter regarding my high school reunion this summer. In it was a questionnaire to fill out for a "Memory Book." I have to admit some of the questions surprised me.

For a bit of background, I grew up in a predominantly Mormon town. Out of 140 graduates, only two were not members.

Here are the questions:
1. Are you married or single? If married, what is your spouses' name? (Notice that the apostrophe on spouses indicate more that one spouse.)

2. Do you have any children? If so, what are their name(s) and age(s)? (There was a lot of room left for this answer.)

3. What is the furthest you have lived from our hometown?

4. Did you attend college? Where? How many years did you attend? Major?

5. What kind of work do you do? Where do you work?

6. What was your favorite song in high school? Movie?

7. Do you have any tattoos? If so, how many?

8. If you could be on any reality TV show, which one suits you best?

9. Have you ever had a brush with fame? If so, tell us about it briefly? (They put the question mark, not me.)

10. How many miles will you travel to attend our reunion?

Why would they ask about tattoos? I wouldn't be so surprised if there were only two Mormons in my high school. But then again, would a school with only two Mormons even care about tattoos? Should I tell them about the time I almost had a CTR sign tattooed on my ankle? (Which I didn't do because I realized I was only doing it for shock value and not because I wanted a tattoo. Oh yeah, and the pain it would cause was also a factor.)

But, here are questions for all of you:

1. If you could be on any reality TV show, which one suits you best?

2. Which reality TV show do you think suits me best?

And because I really want answers, I'm going to do a drawing for something handmade (by me) for those of you who answer. I'll even let you ask for something specific -within reason- if you win or if you prefer, I'll surprise you. The drawing will end Sunday, April 13 at midnight.

~Idiosyncracies~

2008-03-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

Everytime I do laundry, I think about how it was the first idiosyncrasy the Bear and I found out about one another.

For me it was the first time I did laundry after the Bear and I got married I could not figure out how his drawers were organized. He had three drawers and the top one had underwear, socks, and shirts. The second drawer had socks, shirts, shorts, pants, and pjs. The third drawer also had socks, shirts, shorts, pants, and pjs. And none of the socks were matched and most weren't folded. So, I called him at work to ask about his method of organizing his drawers. The answer, "Whites in the top drawer, medium colors in the middle drawer, and dark colors in the bottom drawer." What? "It's obvious when you finish each batch you can just open one drawer and dump it in." Okay, I get that, but, since I usually put away his laundry I have it organized so like goes with like. And his socks are matched and the rest is put away in nice, organized piles. Whenever I complain about folding laundry he always says I don't have to fold his. I can just dump it in his drawers by color.

For him, within a few weeks of being married, the Bear was helping me sort our laundry. He couldn't figure out my method for sorting. So, I tell him, "It goes in a circle. The piles, in this order, are: whites that can be bleached, whites/offwhites that can't be bleached, light-colored towels, pastels, mediums, jeans, darks, dark-colored towels, and reds." What? "Well honey, it's so obvious. When you wash like colors together they don't fade as quickly. So, I start by washing the whites that can be bleached, but if the load isn't full I add from the whites that can't be bleached and don't bleach that week. And I just go around the circle in the same manner; adding from the next pile to make a full batch." Once I explained it he understood and he agrees it's a sensible way of doing laundry. Not that he follows it when he sorts the laundry. I wonder if he realizes that when I change over the laundry after he's sorted that I resort my way? (I know it sounds a bit OCD, but it's one of the only things I have complete control over in my life. Somedays it's the only consistency I have in my life.)

So, what are the quirks you didn't realize you had until you got married?

~The Notebook~

2008-03-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

I love notebooks. I love lists. I love making lists. I love making lists in notebooks. I love crossing things off my list. In a cool notebook.

However, I think I would probably keep a journal if I had this notebook. Or I'd at least strongly consider it. It's described as "a detailed examination of what's going on in my head and my heart." Find it here.

~Year of Seeds~

2008-03-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

I love this idea for a gift. You purchase it here.

Each month you plant a new seed for your window sill. And I love the design of the pots which are included. They are so simple and classic. Plus the illustration on each is the flower included in that pot.

I think it's a reasonable price at around $4 per month and it's currently on sale.

~Font Snob~

2008-03-05T22:17:00.000-08:00

Today I stumbled across this which led me to this. How pathetic am I that I totally want to watch a film about the "way type affects our lives?" How even more pathetic is it that I'm interested because some blogger I don't know wrote that she and her husband: "got such a kick out of all the font people just geeking out over their love or hate of the font Helvitca [sic]."

And now I'm wondering if others get a kick out of me "geeking out" over my dislike (or in my opinion boredom) of the fonts arial and times new roman.

And I wonder if they have it at Blockbuster. . .

~Priorities~

2008-02-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

I don't want it to sound as if I think Ratchet is more amusing to me than Mona Lisa. But, the two of them amuse me in different ways. This is the way Mona Lisa amuses me:

When I picked Mona Lisa up from school last week she was so excited to tell me she had her highest score yet on her timed math worksheet.

After that I took her to the orthodontist where she found out she was getting her braces off next week.

When the Bear came home I told him Mona Lisa had some exciting news for him. When he went to her room to ask her she told him about the math worksheet. I sent him back saying she had more news. He came back and told me she had no idea what I was talking about.

I guess I should be pleased that she chose brains over beauty.

~Sense of Direction~

2008-02-20T22:20:00.001-08:00

We have one of those computers in our minivan that tells the temperature, mileage, direction, etc. It is one of the priorities in all of our cars from now on. However, it apparently does have a disadvantage.

Today I took Bear's parents to the airport (as we're closest to the airport, we've become the family park-and-ride). Since the kids are out of school they came with me. As we were approaching the airport I asked Mom which airline. She said, "Southwest." I asked Ratchet if he could find the sign. And then asked if he thought he could spell it. He said, "SW, duh." Mom tried to explain that there were other letters in between and he pointed at the computer, which read SE, and said, "Grandma, it's SW just like that says southeast." Dad was still laughing when we parked.

~Nicknames~

2008-02-18T00:26:00.001-08:00

The husband read my blog and we have decided to cut down on some of the information that we put on the web. So I'm going through and renaming the family.

Husband = Mr. Bear or The Bear or just Bear (apparently he was a grouchy child)
Kid 1 = Mona Lisa (she chose it)
Kid 2 = Ratchet (he chose it himself)

And I'll be deleting or minimizing some of the other info also.

~How do you like my new banner?~

2008-02-17T23:35:00.000-08:00

The Bear and I spent the afternoon trying to come up with a new name for my blog.

And then I created the banner.

And then he had to fix the html for the banner to fit. I love having my own personal tech support.

Any opinions on the new name or banner?

~Would You Like Fries With That?~

2008-02-15T22:33:00.000-08:00

On the way to dance class I had a discussion with Ratchet about something we heard on the radio. I had apparently misunderstood and when he corrected me he said, "It's true. I heard it with my own ears." Which for some reason I found rather amusing, so I said, "I'm so glad you heard it with your ears and not your nose." He asked, "Why?" So I say, "Wouldn't it be weird to hear things go up your nose?" And he says, "It couldn't. There are burgers in there."

What can I say, the kid cracks me up.

~New Beginnings~

2008-02-13T23:42:00.000-08:00

This year for New Beginnings our young women chose a Wizard of Oz theme. I wrote a skit for it and it seemed to go over really well with the adults and youth alike. I sent it to Sugardoodle.net which has a lot of ideas for Young Women (and other church auxiliaries). They posted it today. It's currently only on the "Here's what's new" area, but will be posted under Young Women New Beginnings when she gets her new website finished.

Here is a photo of the cast.

These are the invitations.

The program was really fun. Our second counselor, Lorna, made the most amazing decorations. Then the food all related to themes from the Wizard of Oz such as animal crackers and rainbows.

The girls did an amazing job and our president, Shannon, even willed her baby to be overdue so she could attend!!!

This is my fifth straight year of New Beginnings with these amazing Young Women and what can I say but they ROCK!!!!

~Menu Plans~

2008-02-12T23:35:00.000-08:00

Right after the Bear and I were married I created a menu and shopping list. I print them out double-sided so I don't waste paper (showing my OCD for recycling and saving paper). This is what the front side looked like.

It has worked well for 11 years with a few adjustments after having kids.

And this is what the back looks like.

After I'm finished shopping I put it on the fridge and there are no questions about what there is to eat.

I also have a list of menu ideas. They are separated into a variety of categories, including: beef, chicken, pork, fish, sandwiches, soups, etc. Even with all this in place I was still struggling with what to put on the menu each week. It seemed that the menu ideas got old really fast.

So recently I decided to try something new. Now we have each day of the week assigned to a category. And now our menu looks like this. The back has stayed the same.

The kids love it. I was surprised at how well they went for it. And my kids do not like change. They love the idea of pizza Saturday. We each choose the toppings we want and add those to the grocery list. Then we mix the dough in the bread maker (Mona Lisa's hoping to be able to do that all by herself soon) and each of us works on toppings. If we have a busy Saturday, we just pick up Papa Murphy's. And Breakfast Monday. Huge hit. Within the first week they had the days memorized. It's pretty easy since we have an after school activity almost every day of the week.

Another thing we do that works really well is having a white board on the fridge that has the headings: Groceries, Target, Costco, and Other. Whenever we run out or come close to running out it gets written on the white board. And it really does about 95% of the time. [It's Mona Lisa's big thing right now. She loves that she can write down what she (and Ratchet) want picked up at the store. I love finding items such as favrit crakrs and choklt.] It's a system that works for us and has been great.

I thought the way we were doing it was working great. But, as we all learn quickly, nothing is perfect, the same thing doesn't work for everyone, and there is always a way to improve.

~Lent~

2008-02-07T00:34:00.000-08:00

When I was in college many of my friends were Catholic. Every year on Ash Wednesday they would discuss what they would give up that year. Even though I wasn't Catholic, I saw it as a great idea and would also give something up. Over the course of my college years I gave up skipping classes, watching R-rated movies, swearing, and caffeine in addition to other "bad" habits that conflicted with my values. And I was good at it. I usually was able to follow through better than my Catholic friends. Of course, they'd been doing it longer than I had and I think it was easier for me because it was a new idea. (Okay, I'm also very competitive.) After the first few years I recognized it as having had a big influence in my life. The year I gave up skipping classes was the best semester I had. I've only seen one R-rated movie since the year I chose to give up those (and it made me feel ugly inside). And I definitely have cleaner speech. Caffeine was gone for years until we found that, for me, it prevents migraines.

I'd forgotten about how much I enjoyed Lent until I read that yesterday was Ash Wednesday. So, I've decided to relive old times and give up something for Lent.

So, this year for Lent, I'm giving up staying up late. This is probably my worst habit. And definitely the one I need to work on the most.

Not only does this work well for Lent, it is one of my New Year's Resolutions, it is a commandment, it is an "order" from my doctor, and it works as a Personal Progress experience (which is also a New Year's Resolution). Plus, the Bear is always asking, "Are you coming to bed soon?" And I really need to mean it when I say, "Yes."

The Personal Progress experience is Choice and Accountability #1. A daughter of God can make wise decisions and solve problems. Read 1 Nephi 15:8, 2 Nephi 32:3, Alma 34:19-27, Ehter 2-3, and Doctrine & Covenants 9:7-9. Follow a pattern of regular scripture study and prayer to receive help in making personal decisions such as choosing good friends, being kind to others, getting up on time, or other decisions. Discuss with a parent or Young Women leader how this helped you. (When it says to discuss with a parent or YW leader, I just talk about it with the Bear. I also always write about it in my journal.)

So hopefully when Easter Sunday roles around, I will be able to report that I have replaced an old habit with a fabulous new one.

~Exhaustion~

2008-01-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

Since September I've been sick. Actually it started with my broken toe and then continued on from there. I've had multiple sinus infections, the flu, and a coldsore in my eye. Yes, you can get coldsores in your eye. The odds are crazy. It's one in 4.5 million people who get one. I'm a statistic. Apparently you get coldsores when your body gets run down. So I spoke to my health care provider.

She says the reason I've been so ill lately is because I'm suffering from exhaustion. She says my immune system can't keep up to the stress I'm putting on my body and that my adrenal glands have slowed its production of adrenaline which is why I am both tired and ill. The course is to sleep more and to cut out the stress in my life. She says I need to cut back on everything except family stuff. Hiring a housekeeper was actually mentioned.

So the first thing I did was tell the PTA I can't do the Talent Show. Wow. The guilt almost outweighed the relief. Fortunately, Cathy, the volunteer coordinator suffers from an autoimmune hepatitis. She says it's set off by stress and totally understood.

Now I'm just practicing saying no. I feel so selfish. I have heard numerous times that when you're feeling down or tired you just need to throw yourself into service and everything will resolve itself. I no longer believe that.

I'm supposed to look into some specific sleep books and learn mindful meditation. There are numerous books out there and my doctor recommended getting them from the library to see which ones are right for me. So I go to the King County Library System website to put them on hold. Each of these books have about four copies and about 32 holds. So Amazon.com here I come.

I suddenly feel like one of those celebrities who checked themselves into a hospital to rest. I can't say I totally relate but I understand.

So if anyone out there actually happens upon my blog, hopefully you'll understand if I tell you no. But since I'm still practicing please be easy on me.

~Time and All Eternity~

2008-01-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

My niece called to tell me President Hinckley passed away last night. When we told the kids, Ratchet asked if his wife was sad. When we told him she passed away a few years ago, he said, "He must be so excited to see his wife and Heavenly Father." He always has the best insight into things.

I know I should be in mourning, but I'm really not sad. I am so excited that he is reunited with his wife. I think that's what is important. Families really are forever. I am so grateful for that knowledge. I can't imagine how lonely I would be without my husband and I've only been married for 11.5 years. President Hinckley lived an amazing life. He was a great prophet; a great leader; a worthy priesthood holder; an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He exemplified all that was good in this world. He gave us hope, love, perspective, and guidance. I am grateful for the spirituality he helped add to my life.

President Hinckley always strengthened my testimony. So as a tribute to a great, great man, prophet, and priesthood holder, I would like to bear my testimony.

I know without a doubt that I am a daughter of Heavenly parents who love me and want me to be my very best so I can return to them. I know that the gospel is here on earth. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to live in this dispensation. I know Christ lives. I know He died for my sins. And I know He wanted to because He loves me. He loves me, Becky Reynolds. He knows who I am and He knows what I need. He gives me strength and guidance and so many other traits I need as a mother, wife, and friend. I know that President Hinckley was a prophet of God. And I know the next prophet will also be a prophet of God. He will continue the work that President Hinckley left. He will be there to guide me, to inspire me, and to strengthen my testimony. I am so grateful for a loving God who cares for us enough to give us such amazing leaders. I love my family. Even when they drive me crazy. And I hope that I can be as incredible as they are so that I can be with them in the Celestial Kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

~Call Me Morbid~

2008-01-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

I couldn't stop laughing. Check out this site for more Calvin and his snowmen here.

~One Word~

2008-01-07T03:39:00.000-08:00

On Ali Edwards blog she has encouraged everyone to choose ONE WORD for the year.

My choices are:

balance--because I have a difficult time balancing all the aspects of my life.
discipline--because I think that is why I can't balance my life.
prioritize--because I need to so I can balance my life.
simplify--because if I did that then maybe I wouldn't have so many aspects in my life to balance.

However:

I'm not sure I can simplify because I'm not sure I have anything I can cut out. I could stop overdoing things, but I think that's who I am.
In order to balance my life I obviously need to have more discipline and better priorities.
But, I think I do prioritize I just don't have the discipline to follow through.

Therefore the word I choose is:

~DISCIPLINE~

So, I must discipline myself in a variety of areas:

Self~I resolve to go to bed earlier and get up earlier; floss daily; take my medication consistently; actually get dressed each day; and learn the Mindful Meditation techniques recommended by my doctor.
Spiritual~I resolve to spend more time praying on my knees instead of in bed; to finish the Old Testament; to finish my Personal Progress; and attend the Temple monthly.
Health~I resolve to exercise at least three times each week; eat healthier meals; and especially eat breakfast.
Family~I resolve to play with my kids; keep up with their Accountable Kids boards; have weekly Family Home Evening; have prayer and scripture study with Mr. Bear; and go on more dates with him.
Mind~I resolve to read one book each month; finish the Old Testament; and watch less TV.
Home/Yard~I resolve to be better at maintaining a house of order so the Spirit will feel more welcome and to take better care of my yard.
Projects~I resolve to finish five by the end of the year.

Hmmm. Maybe I should look more into simplify. But, as I look at my list it is things I am supposed to be doing. Only a few are out of the ordinary. So many of them work together(i.e., if I read scriptures daily I will finish the Old Testament; if I watch less tv I will have more time to do other stuff; if I exercise I will have more energy). So, if I just discipline myself and set a better routine for the big stuff then my priorities should fall into place and my life can be better balanced. Yes, I think it's all about my discipline.

I'll check in later.

~Tagged~

2007-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

A- Attached or single: Very happily attached.
B- Best Friend: My husband.
C- Cake or Pie: Cheesecake or Black Forest Cake.
D- Day of choice: Thursday--It's the day I set aside each week to be for me.
E- Essential Item: My sewing machine.
F- Favorite Color: Red.
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: Neither--I prefer cinnamon bears or gummy-o's.
H- Hometown:
I- Indulgence(s): 7-11 Monterrey Jack Chicken taquitos, ice cream, adding lime to my diet pepsi.
J- January or July: January. It's the only time of year I don't have a huge obligation.
K- Kids: Mona Lisa, Ratchet
L- Life is Incomplete Without: Feeling the Spirit.
M- Marriage Date: 1996.
N- Number of Siblings: 2 sisters, 4 brothers.
O- Oranges or Apples: yes.
P- Phobias or Fears: heights.
Q- Quote(s): I just found my quote for the year: The great strength of a good woman-a Saint, if you will-is her personal testimony of the Savior and her faith in his spokesmen, the prophet and the Apostles of Jesus Christ. If she follows them, she will have the countenance of Christ for her beauty, the peace of Christ to support her emotionally, the Savior's example as a means to solve her problems and to strengthen her, and the love of Christ as the source of love for herself, her family, and those about her. She can be sure of herself as a wife and mother and find joy and fulfillment in her role in the home. Ezra Taft Benson.
R- Reason To Smile: I am taking the month of January off and taking care of myself.
S- Season: Spring. I love the colors, the weather, and the feeling of new.
T- Tag others: whoever sees this.
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I'm a survivor.
V- Vegetarian or Meat Eater: I grew up on a cattle ranch. Meat and fresh garden vegetables. W- Worst Habit: Not taking care of myself.
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: X-rays on both arms (twice), my elbow, my toe (3X), and my ankle(3X). Ultrasounds with TNT (8X), with Ratchet (4X), and then with my laparoscopy (3X).
Y- Your Favorite Food: Gyros and cheese.
Z- Zodiac: Virgo.

~A 12-Question Meme~

2007-11-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

What I was doing 10 years ago: November 1997 I was working for a geoenvironmental engineering firm and enjoying the second year of my marriage to my amazing husband.
Five years ago: November 2002 I had become a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) and moved into our first house. TNT had started dancing and was about to start preschool.
One year ago: November 2006 I had just returned home from helping my in-laws with their 4-year-old twins and newborn triplets. I was working on Nutcracker costumes all hours of the day and night.
Yesterday: I went to hand therapy, the fabric store, lunch with the Bear, two more fabric stores, picked up the kids, and then worked on costumes and laundry until I fell asleep on the couch.
5 snacks I enjoy: Monterrey Jack Chicken Taquitos from 7-11, Kettle Corn, Butterfingers, homemade chocolate chip cookies, and cinnamon rolls.
5 things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million: Pay off all our bills, either move to a bigger house or remodel the one we have, buy a summer home, and then use the rest to create a charity to help foster and abuse children.
5 locations I would like to run away to: Italy, my new summer home (see #6), anyplace with my husband, Belgium, and the East Coast.
5 bad habits I have: falling asleep on the couch, procrastinating, watching too much tv, not reading my scriptures, and caring too much about what people think about me.
5 things I like doing: sewing, crossing something off my list, decorating, exercising (I don't do it often but I really do like it), and making out with my husband.
5 TV shows I like: CSI:Miami, Numb3rs, L&O, Reba, and Alias.
5 things I hate doing: dealing with conflict, hearing gossip, being overscheduled, listening to my kids fight, and cleaning house.
5 biggest joys of the moment: watching Mona Lisa dance, listening to Ratchet's funnies, crossing something off my list, knowing I'm going on vacation in 10 days, and being appreciated.

~101 Things About Me~

2007-11-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

This should be interesting.

My name is Becky.
No, it's not Rebecca.
My parents gave me a nickname.
And I don't have a middle name.
I'm from Idaho.
I grew up on the same plot of land my father was born on. He still lives there.
It's the hometown of Napoleon Dynamite.
I've only seen the movie once.
I haven't been there for three years.
I left as soon as I could.
Most of my childhood friends still live there.
I live about 800 miles away. It's almost far enough.
When I got engaged I made my husband promise we'd never have to live in Utah or Idaho. He agreed. We call it our pre-nup.
We call my husband Bear (because he was grouchy as a child).
We weren't dating when we got engaged.
I'm three years older than him.
I graduated from the University of Idaho.
I have a degree in communications and a minor in English.
I took social dance classes and weightlifting for fun.
I'm now a professional seamstress.
The second part of our pre-nup is that he would get a college degree.
His degree is in Computing and Software Systems.
He took math classes for fun.
He's a software engineer.
We've been married for 11.5 years. I fall more in love with him everyday. He's amazing. I don't deserve him.
We were married in the Seattle LDS Temple.
My husband met my parents on our wedding day and still married me.
I have four brothers and two sisters. I'm #3.
I'm the white sheep of the family. My older sister has recently joined me.
There were 15 kids in my mom's family. Three set of twins. My mom is #10.
My mom had an affair and I'm the result. I have three brothers and two sisters in my "biological father's" family.
I found out when I was 13.
Over the next year my parents gave me anything I wanted.
I went to Europe with my high school.
I was too young and didn't appreciate it.
Fortunately, my in-laws are normal.
I love my in-laws. They have taught me what a typical family is. Not perfect, but exceptional in their own right.
We have a 9-year-old daughter.
She's one of the top three science students in the third grade.
And can do math in her head.
She's been dancing for six years. Apparently she's really good.
She loves to attend "Street of Dreams" and tour homes with me. After she gives her opinion on their mistakes. I usually agree. She's one of those people who can take all the best aspects of six different houses and combine them together in one. It's a gift. I admire her.
Our son is six.
He can match pitches.
He's also one of the top science students in his class.
He has a large vocabulary.
They're studying weather. This morning he announced that it was overcast and the cumulous clouds weren't quite dark enough for it to rain. It didn't rain today.
My first pregnancy cost our insurance company $43,000.
My doctor told me he thought I was going to die.
The second was more than $100,000.
My doctor said he couldn't guarantee he could save me if I got pregnant again.
I had a tubal ligation. I'm still sad.
I broke both my arms on Friday the 13th when I was 11. No one believed me. When they finally x-rayed my arms they were broken in seven places. At least that's what I heard.
This year I had my arms x-rayed again. We could see the break scars. My doctor counted "at least eleven." I think they might have said several.
I stubbed my toe in September. It really hurt. I finally went to the ER at 1am.
After my x-ray, the doctor's exact words were: "You have a toe fracture. Actually I'm using the term very liberally. You're toe is SO broken." The third bone in my little toe was split from top to bottom and separated 1/4 inch.
I didn't cry until I got home.
When I was 14 I was thrown from a horse on a gravel road.
I had six stitches and a concussion. One of the scars is in the shape of a horseshoe.
I don't remember anything for about six hours before.
When I was 15 I cut my thumb while opening a can of tomato soup at a church activity.
When I saw the bone I went into hysterics.
My leader (who had taught first aid at camp) asked me what the first thing you should do for an incision wound. I said, "Don't panic!"
When I was 24 I fell and hit the back of my head while ice skating. I had a major concussion.
I still have the bump.
I was one of the top five spellers in my 5th and 6th grade classes. Because of that I'm a bit arrogant. I don't always use spell check. I really should.
I've been sewing for 29 years.
I like to sew. It's my only talent.
I have panic attacks. I used to think it was the Spirit telling me I was doing something wrong. It's good to know that I'm not a total sinner.
I've been serving as the Young Women Secretary in my ward for 3.75 years. It's my favorite calling ever. I probably shouldn't say it aloud. That's usually when they release you and give you a new challenge.
I have very little tact. Which is good since I didn't used to have any.
I'm a huge advocate for education. My parents aren't high school graduates.
I've learned that the more I know the less I know.
I love the quote: Small minds discuss people, medium minds discuss events, large minds discuss ideas. I'm working on having a large mind.
Nerd is a term of endearment in my house.
My husband is a nerd. I love him.
I had braces as an adult. At the same time as my husband. We still made out. There's no way for braces to get caught on each other.
Bruce Willis once winked at me. He's much better looking in person.
I was ice skating at the same time as Arnold Schwarznegger and he fell down in front of me. He asked me to help him up and I said I thought he would pull me down and didn't help him. I commented that he must not do his own stunts. His wife and daughters laughed. He was only slightly amused. He's much shorter than he claims.
I met Clint Eastwood at the Jazz Festival at the UofI. He's much taller than he seems. He was the tallest person backstage by far.
When I was eight I rode a horse that competed in the Kentucky Derby. On the way home from the race the train had to stop quickly and Little Town broke one leg. They kept him to use as a sire. My uncle worked on the ranch in Wyoming with the horse's owner. They had a weight and age restriction. I was the only cousin old enough who was small enough to ride.
I started cooking meals for my family when I was seven.
They called my food burnt offerings.
I don't enjoy cooking.
People think I'm creative. I really just steal ideas from online and make them my own.
I have a hard time trusting people.
I also despise gossip. Anyone who spreads gossip loses my trust instantly.
Breaking my trust is a complete deal breaker for friendship.
I don't have many close friends because of it. I wish I had more.
I feel like a fraud most of the time. I just know if people knew who I really am they wouldn't like me.
I've been reading the Old Testament for two years.
I've never read it all the way through before.
I didn't graduate from seminary. I went my freshman year but was kicked out due to tardies. (I was in the furthest building from the seminary building and truly could not make it in time without leaving my other class early.)
The teacher said I could come back when I changed my attitude. I never did.
I did however graduate from Institute at the University of Idaho.
I didn't have a testimony until I was in college.
I am prone to migraines. All the medications stopped working. Caffeine prevents them. Therefore, I drink a Diet Pepsi everyday. I only get about two migraines a year now. Before it was about two per month.
I have anxiety depression. I'm on medication but, the medication works better when I exercise. Unfortunately I lack the motivation and organization to exercise like I need.
I'm taking January 2008 off to take care of myself. I have two spa gift certificates I plan on using.
I hope to set some good habits to follow that will sustain me through the rest of the year.
I'm relieved to finish this list.

~Four Things~

2007-10-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

We've all seen the "Four Things" email. Here are my "Four Things:"

Four jobs I’ve had in my life
1. Picked green beans and did tests on them for Del Monte
2. Worked in a bowling alley
3. Catering
4. Technical Editor

Four movies I can watch over and over
1. While You Were Sleeping
2. Sabrina
3. How to Steal a Million
4. My Best Friends Wedding

Four TV shows I love to watch
1. House
2. Numb3rs
3. Alias
4. Law & Order

Four Songs I Can Hear Again And Again
1. Almost anything by Billy Joel
2. Because of You – Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson version
3. Now & Forever – Richard Marx
4. Girl From Ipanema – Stan Getz

Four places I have lived
1. Small Town, Idaho
2. Medium Town, Idaho
3. Bigger Town, Washington
4. Current Town, Washington

Four places I have been
1. Europe: Germany, Luxembourg, France, Belgium
2. New Orleans
3. San Francisco
4. Boston

Four foods I love most
1. Gyros
2. Taco Salad
3. Pizza
4. French Dip Sandwiches

Four websites I visit daily
1. Google
2. Yahoo
3. Isomedia
4. Splitcoaststampers

Four places I would rather be right now
1. Shower
2. Spa
3. Hotel
4. Gym

Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Going to Texas
2. My broken toe healing
3. My wrist tendonitis going away
4. Finishing the interior painting in my house

~Perfectionism or Insecurity~

2007-10-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

I've had this blog for several months now and I haven't made any posts because I couldn't decide on the layout. Pathetic, right?

My husband calls me a font snob. I download new fonts on a weekly basis. I can't remember the last time I used Times New Roman or Arial. Of course, these are 1/3 of the fonts I seem to have available. Now I'm contemplating taking an HTML course just so I can change the font.

I had a friend in college who always said he wasn't materialistic, he just like nice things. I would change it to "I'm not a perfectionist, I just like quality things." But, is that really true? I've viewed a number of blogs and don't recall thinking nice format or great font. So, what is wrong with me? Am I so willing to impress or please that I have become a font or layout snob? Or am I a perfectionist? Or in reality . . . just incredibly insecure?

Thoughts to sleep on.