It's Not Easy Finding Green

I know I said I was taking a break but I had to follow through with my photo challenge. Since today is the last day of March I wanted to get this posted. Honestly, I was a SERIOUS slacker on this one. I had a hard time finding green. I had a hard time finding time or even the desire to pick up the camera.

How then did you come up with this mosaic? These are photos from previous years. Only three of these pictures were ones that I actually took for this photo challenge.

Hey, at least I'm honest. Next month though I will do better. Hopefully.


1. moss, 2. Aspen leaf in the rain, 3. dead dragonfly, 4. the bud of a sunflower, 5. rain on maple leaves, 6. green porch railing , 7. butterfly, 8. aspenleaf, 9. greenhippie, 10. plant, 11. green hen, 12. greendoor, 13. green egg, 14. rain on maple leaves, 15. spring green, 16. green bean, 17. kermit, 18. Lilac leaves, 19. maple leaves, 20. ferns, 21. clover, 22. silverleaf, 23. leafhopper, 24. gilamonster, 25. green eggs

I think I'll be taking a mini vacay for the next couple of days. My heart really flipped out yesterday. It's surprising how crappy you can feel when that little muscle doesn't do it's job correctly. I've been feeling up to reading but not really commenting. So I'll be blurking with maybe a comment here and there, but probably not many.

And although I'm not to thrilled that my heart is doing this. I am grateful that it's happening while I have this King of Hearts on so the dr. can hopefully figure out what's going on. And so I don't feel like it's all in my head. Which is kind of how I was feeling.

Anyhow. I'm going to take my vacay, in a foot of snow that was on my lawn this morning. Oh yeah.

And because I found this yesterday I thought I would share.

Quite possibly, the best, most romantic scene in a movie. At least in my mind.

The Engergies of Love

"The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire."

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

French Paleontologist and Philosopher

Smile

If you chance to meet aDo not let it stay,
Quickly turn it upside down
and
that frown away!

Spring Percussion Concert

My oldest son had his Spring percussion concert Thursday night. I love going to these concerts. He does a great job.

When he was going into seventh grade and told me that he wanted to take percussion I was surprised. You see Jona has mild Autism and with that comes a dislike of loud noises. He had a hard time going to see movies because of the noise level.

I talked with him about that. And asked him if he was sure he wanted to take it because it would most likely get very loud in that class. He assured me that he wanted to take it. We signed him up and he's loved it.

I've loved it because he has good friends in there. His teacher has been awesome and it's built up his self esteem. Anyway, here is a video from last nights concert. He's the one in the yellow tie right up front and center. Enjoy.

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Have you heard this song? Have you heard of this band, The Script? I just watched this video. I love it. I can't embed it but it's a great song. Go, check it.

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

This...

this...

And this...

Playing with the King of Hearts

Knowing it ain't really smart
The joker ain't the only fool
Who'll do anything for you

Song implant....you're welcome.

And for those of you who are too young to remember this song, which is actually "The Queen of Hearts" here is the video for you.




Now to explain my title.

I'm not talking about this....
I'm talking about this....

It's a lovely little heart monitor that I have to wear for two weeks. I've been having issues with heart "palpitations" for a while now. Off and on for months.

With a family history of heart problems I wanted to make sure things in the chest were okay. I know I need to lose some weight that could help. Though I'm a little leery of working out too hard until I get this figured out. Partly because my heart flipped out during a workout about a month back. Not. Fun. A little freaky in fact. That's part of the reason I decided to go and talk to the doctor in the first place.

I've already tried one monitor that I kept on for 48 hours and it did catch a few extra beats but that was it. Unfortunately things have kind of escalated to being short of breath and feeling dizzy and like I'm going to pass out along with the palpitations. I haven't passed out but there are times when I feel like it.

I've had a Echo cardiogram and now I'm on the monitor for a couple of weeks. Whenever I have an episode I push the big round button and it records it. It records for one minute before and one minute after I push the button.

Then I call a number and send the info from the little black box over the phone. I actually had to go out and buy a corded phone. Because sending the info over cordless or cell phones won't work.

So I'm wired. And hopefully this little black box will help the heart doctor figure out what that little beater is doing in my chest.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Perfume....Yes or No?

If yes what is your favorite?

If no, why?

Etiquette Lesson #12

See these things?
They DO NOT go in the middle of this....
I know that this is a difficult concept for some people to grasp but when you are shopping there are other people around you that are shopping as well. Isn't that strange?

You don't own the aisle that you are going down. And you are not alone in the store.

You need to be aware of others around you who may be trying to get by you. It is proper store etiquette to move your cart to one side of the aisle or the other.

Please remember this next time you grab a cart and go down the isles of Wally World.

Ponderings

Why do guys buy long sleeve shirts and then push them clear up until they are in the short sleeve area? Why not just by short sleeves?

Do "emo" kids ever grow up? And if they do what do they look like? Do they then have little "emo" kids? Because I don't think I've seen an emo baby. And I don't know what I would do if I did.
In what universe would Tripp pants be comfortable? (and I totally can see why they are called Tripp pants. Because if you aren't very careful how you walk in them there is so much fabric you could trip.)

All You Need (to do) Is Love

It matters not

who you love,

where you love,

why you love,

when you love,

or how you love,

It matters only

that You love.


John Lennon

Dinoasaur Birthday

I'm hear to wish my dinosaur husband a happy birthday.No this is not in reference to his age.
Because he's only three months older than me.
It's in reference to his name.

He honestly has the coolest name. Ever. (I have never let on to him that I think this because I haven't wanted him to get a big head ;)

When his dad was young he had thing for dinosaurs. Especially the Tyrannosaurus Rex. He told his mom that when he grew up he was going to name his child after this dinosaur.

Time passed and his dad met his mom they married and had a child. A boy. The moment came when the couple had to decide a name to bestow upon this boy child. His dad still had the wish of passing on the name of his favorite dinosaur. His mom? Not so much.

A compromise was made and my husband received his name.

Tyran Rex

See? I told you. Coolest. Name. Ever.

I keep trying to get him to go by T. Rex but he's not up for it. Yet. Maybe when we are old (or older) and have grandchildren they can call him Grandpa T. Rex. What do you think?

Love you hon! I hope you have a very Happy Birthday!
*And I hope you aren't too upset with me about this post

Grandma Louise

She passed away 6 years ago. It's her birthday today. She was (and is) an amazing woman. Her talents were many.Baby Louise

Sunday evenings of my youth were spent in her back yard. Enjoying her homemade ice cream and cake. Climbing the trees in her yard, playing no bears are out tonight or hide and seek with my many cousins. On Winter evenings playing board games or watching the wonderful world of Disney.

Her cooking was legendary. Especially the aforementioned homemade ice cream and cake. Often we had Sunday dinner with her and Grandpa George. My mouth still waters at the thought of her homemade individual meat pies. She was a "lunch lady" at the local high school for many years at a time before most of the meals came out of can.

The sewing machine or a needle was her brush and fabric was her canvas. Every year she would make each of her grand daughters a new dress for Easter. Oh how I looked forward to that special Sunday when I would slip into her newest creation and feel like a princess.

On Christmas morning her house was the first stop on the list. She had a gift for each grandchild and great-grandchild as the family grew, handmade with love by her. One year it was fabric teddy bears. Another big huge pillows shaped like a foot. And another it was personalized Christmas stockings.

Then there were her quilts. As each grandchild would get married she would make them a quilt. Me, I was doubly blessed. Do you know of, or do you remember the "Puff Quilts"? Well I wanted one. There wasn't even a boyfriend in the picture but she and I went out and picked out fabric. She wasn't even sure how to go about putting it together but that didn't stop her. She took the challenge. We cut and stuffed and sewed. All the while watching the Olympics that being held in Barcelona, Spain. It was beautiful. Colored cream, maroon and deep green

When we finished it up she wanted to put it into a quilt show in town. I agreed. Then she said we had to come up with a name for it. In honor of the time spent watching the Olympics as we put it together we named it the "Barcelona".

This is me and Grandma standing by the Barcelona at the show. (Don't you love my socks and Birq's?)

She met my three older kids and got to hold each of them. She passed away in November of 2002. I was pregnant with my last. I believe she got to hold her up in heaven and then sent her one her way down to me.
I've missed her these last few years. A couple of years ago I had a dream. It was a seriously bizarre dream. (And for me to say that is big because my dreams are usually pretty strange.) But in the middle of all the bizarreness I looked to my right and there was my Grandma Louise. Dressed in white and young. She was among friends and she looked at me with a bit of surprise.

Then she said to her friends "Wait! There's my grand daughter. I need to go and say hi!" Then she walked over to me and wrapped me in the most delicious hug. It was wonderful. She went back among the other people I went on my way and my bizarre dream continued. It was amazing. And I will always remember it.

So I'm remembering my Grandma Louise today. My dad is now with her. I wonder if they celebrate birthday's up in heaven? If they do I hope she's having a beautiful day and celebrating it with my Grandpa and my dad. Love you Grandma. Happy Birthday!

Thankful Thursday

• I'm Thankful for this meme. Right now I'm running short of things to come up with so as I was thinking "What am I going to blog about?" I realized it was Thursday so I could do Thankful Thursday.
  

• I'm thankful for chickens and the lovely white ovals that come out of their hineys. Eggs=Yum.

• I'm thankful for this blogging world. To know that other women out there are thinking the same things I'm thinking, or going through the same things I'm going through. And conversely to read other view points from my own, getting to travel vicariously through other blogs and see that maybe my trials aren't all that much to worry about. The blogoshpere offers me all of this from the comfort of my couch. How awesome is that?

• I am thankful for my wrinkles. Yes you read that right. I am earning every single one of them. I look at my mom's face and the face of my grandma and my aunts and see the wrinkles there. They are some of the most beautiful people I know. I hate the fact that in our country we don't revere the elderly. We want them out of site and out of mind. Why? They are the ones who have made it possible to be where we are today. So even though I may try to fight the wrinkles I am thankful for them. Strange I know.

• I'm thankful that my dad's headstone was installed yesterday and it is beautiful.
  

• I'm thankful for the knowledge that my dad isn't in a box under that headstone. His body is but he isn't. I know that will see my dad again someday. And I am so excited for that day. To see him walking tall and strong and be able to feel his arms around me once again. To sit by his side and hold his hands. His big beautiful hands. It will happen. That knowledge makes the days I spend missing him a little bit more bearable. (Miss you dad)

I've got no words so .....

Wordless Wednesday

Happy 16th Engagement Annoucement Anniversary!!

What is this you ask? And why aren't I wishing every one a Happy St. Patty's Day?

Well because St. Patrick's Day to me is the anniversary of when my husband and I announced our engagement to the world or at least to our families.

(it always cracks me up to type or write engagement/engaged because it reminds me of the quote I read years ago that says "Ever notice that the word engaged has the word GAG right in the middle of it?" Ha! So true. )

He actually asked me to marry him on March 8th but it seems like I'm always forgetting that until St. Patty's rolls around. And then everything clicks into place.

I remember sitting on the couch late into the evening of March 8th watching, what else? Sesame Street. He was holding me in his arms and he said "What would you say if I asked you to marry me?" (We had been dating for around three months at this time) I just sat there stunned. I guess I was quiet for too long because he then started in with "I don't mean tomorrow or anything..." I don't remember if I looked at him or not but I said "I would say yes."

We went out looking at rings but didn't say anything to our families because I had a brother who was getting married on March 13th and I didn't want to steal any of the spotlight away from him.

I even had a good friend who I hadn't see for a while call me up and ask me if I wanted to go out during this time. Thankfully I had the excuse of my brother's wedding to fall back on.

So March 17th rolls around. I have a dinner with Ty and my parents all set up so that we can talk to them. And after dinner I have invited all of my family over for ice cream and cake to celebrate St. Patty's day *wink wink*. Which you may think is strange but in my family, not so much.

During dinner before we could tell my parents and talk with them my baby brother came in to visit with mom and dad and he wouldn't leave!! I got so stressed out by that I got my very first cold sore.

After dinner and everyone's arrival for said refreshments we waited until the family was all together in the living room. My dad was in his recliner with mom standing close by and the room was packed with probably a good 20 or so people (with 7 siblings and 25 nieces and nephews at the time this was totally normal). My grandma Louise was sitting on the couch across the room from me. Grandma was a great seamstress and she'd made some wedding dresses during her time.

So I looked at grandma and started talking to her. I said "Hey grandma? What would you think about making my wedding dress?' My grandma gasped as did everyone else. I believe that the air was sucked out out of the room. My grandma started laughing and my dad came up out of the recliner with a "What???" And then everyone was laughing and congratulating us.

To my surprise Ty pulled a ring out of his pocket and put it on my hand. A beautiful solitaire diamond with a gold band. We had looked at rings but I didn't know we had bought one. We then had to explain to my mom and dad why we hadn't talked with them before hand (thanks little bro). After hugs and congratulations all around we left to go and break the news to his parents and his younger brothers.

We got engaged (Ha! there's that gag again) on March 8th, announced it on the 17th and were married four months later on July 10th, 1993 in the Jordan River Temple.

So to my hub. Happy 16th Engagement Announcement Day!! I love you!

I Might Be...

just a tich giddy over this.... http://www.usanetwork.com/series/criminalintent/


I have this thing for Jeff Goldblum. Ever since Jurassic Park and Independence Day. His long lanky look and quirkiness. So when I found out he was joining Law and Order CI I was, to put it mildly, slightly pleased and excited. I'm looking forward to see what he will bring to the show.

But then I have kind of have this thing for "geeks". Handsome, funny, quirky geeks.

Bring it on baby! Bring. it. on.

(well except for Sunday)

Why yes, I am wearing these...thankyouverymuch!!

Etiquette Lesson #21

See this?

When you move this something magical happens.

This....A light goes on outside your car and lets people know which way you are going to turn!!

Crazy I know, but it is proper road etiquette to use this magical lever.

You need to use this not only on the road but in parking lots as well. It can be a bit tricky though because sometimes when you use it you can forget to turn it off and that is just as bad as not using it at all.

Try to remember use it but don't abuse it.

A High School Meme

1. Did you date someone from your school?
Yep

2. Did you marry someone from your high school?
Sho'nuff! But I didn't date him in school. I dated him about two years after we graduated.

3. Did you car pool to school?
Yes until I could drive myself....and even then.

4. What kind of car did you have?
A brown Chevy Nova with a velor interior. Yes, I said Velor. We named it "Moose". For the record I wanted a VW Bug but my dad was against it because he didn't feel that they were safe enough. So I ended up dating a guy that drove one when I was a Senior.


5. What kind of car do you have now?
A red Ford station wagon.


6. Its Friday night...where are you now?
Sometimes I'm out to dinner with the hub, maybe playing board games with the Jarvis', but usually I'm sitting at home on the computer or watching tv or both.


7. It is Friday night...where were you then?
Depending on the season. Football games, basketball games, track meets. But if something wasn't going on I was usually at home. Sr. year I was out with my steady either at a movie or just making out.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?
I didn't have a job. My parents didn't want me to.

9. What kind of job do you do now?
I'm a mom, I do pretty much everything.


10. Were you a party animal?
Heavens no.


11. Were you considered a flirt?
I wouldn't think so. There might be some who disagree.


12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
I was in Choir. I loved to sing. Still do.

13. Were you a nerd?
In the strictest sense? No. I wasn't very smart. In a round about way yes. I was probably considered a goody-two shoes.


14. Did you get suspended from school?
Nope. See that goody-two shoes thing in the last question? I was (and still am) a bit of a rule follower not breaker.


15. Can you sing the fight song?
Uh yeah.


16. Who was/were your favorite teacher?
I had an awesome Psych teacher who rocked and my gym teacher was pretty great too.

17. Where did you sit during lunch?
We had an open campus so when I had the chance I left. When I was there I just sat where ever.

18. What was your school's full name?
Pleasant Grove High School.


19. Where did you party the most?
In my mind.
I wasn't invited to many parties. Something to do with my goody-two shoes label.


20. What was your school mascot?
A Viking.


21. Would you do it again?
It would depend. Would I have to do it ALL over or could I just go back for a day or a week...knowing what I know now? I enjoyed High School but I wouldn't want to go back and redo the whole thing.

22. Did you have fun at Prom?
I did at Jr. Prom. I was in heaven because the guy that I had stalked for months had finally noticed me and asked me out. We ended up going steady my Senior year. I broke it off with him just before my Sr. prom. Therefore I didn't go to my Senior prom.


23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with?
No. I haven't seen him for years. He was a good guy. I wouldn't mind having a conversation with him just to see how he is and what he's been up to.


24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?
Yup. 20 years this year. Looking forward to it. Crazy.


25. Do you still talk to people from school?
Everyday. I even sleep with one. ;)


26. What are/were your school's colors?
Blue and White.

Thought for a Sunday Morning (or afternoon or whenever)

Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.

-------------Sarah Ban Breathnach

Etiquette Lesson #1

When someone does this to you?

It's generally good etiquette to return the smile and not look at them like they have three heads or scowl at them. I do realize that we all have our bad days and sometimes do NOT feel like smiling back. But when someone smiles at you at least give a half-hearted attempt at a smile back.

Stay tuned for more etiquette lessons.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Do you have anyone that you secretly hope reads your blog? Or maybe not so secretly?

Do you have anyone that you desperately hope doesn't read your blog?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am Thankful for...

• Prayer. It is always amazing to me that my Heavenly Father actually listens to my problems and cares about them. But it amazes me the most when I can see or feel definitive answers to my prayers. I know that sometimes I don't get the answers I want or the answer is "Wait. Be patient." Those answers are never easy. But He does answer. He hears me. He loves me and cares about me enough to listen no matter how big or small my problems. He hears me.
• Scriptures. Especially modern day scriptures. Especially these that I read just this morning. 2 Nephi 4:28-30. These scriptures were meant for me. Especially giving up the anger part.
  

"Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. "

• The Temple: I was able to attend the temple with my older sister on Tuesday. She called me and asked me if I wanted to go with her. That phone call, in and of itself, was an answer to one of my prayers. To be in the temple, the house of the Lord here on the earth. To be so close and feel His spirit. I am so Thankful for this blessing in my life.
• My mom: I'm thankful for her faith and her love and her example.
• My husband: For his listening ear and his strong shoulder that he lets me lean on frequently.

Those are the things I am thankful for today. What about you? Feel free to take the banner if you would like to use it.

Seriously?

Someone warned me these things always come in threes but....come on!

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Is there ever a time when anger is justified?

Can continued forgiveness in the face of absolutely no change constitute enabling?

Does "Tough Love" jive with the teaching of the gospel/Jesus Christ?

The post in which I rant about the time change

Photo by Patrick Gateley

rant: Rant, rant not able to go to sleep until after midnight last night rant rant rant rant! Rant rant rant ran, either Spring forward or Fall back but choose ONE rant rant, rant rant rant rant. Freaking, rant feel like I'm running late for everything and I'm just running to catch up rant rant rant. Rant rant it takes me about a month, sometimes two to finally feel like I'm back into the swing of things. Rant rant rant rant rant rant. AND rant rant rant rant! Rant rant rant rant rant rant!!!< /rant >

That said I do enjoy the longer evenings especially in the Summer. And I will mostly likely do a post about how wonderful those evenings are.

And thank you for the input on my header. I am working on making it more legible.

Just another...

Just another d-a-a-ay!

First all thanks for all of the compliments on my blog! I love the color. I have a question for you all though. Can you read what my header says? If you didn't know what the blog was called would you know what it says or is it too hard to read?

Today the kids are out of school and we are waiting for a snow storm to hit. I need to get groceries. And make my bed. And do laundry. And dishes. And I should probably get in the shower and brush my teeth.

Yeah, it's just another day.

Scripted Sundays

Brought to you by

Blog Stalkers UniteWhat's your Theme Song?

I love songs and music . Pretty much any music. I do have to be in the mood for the different genre's that are out there. As I've thought on this topic I didn't think that I would be able to pick just one.

Then I remembered the song.

The song that played on the radio just after my husband proposed and I accepted. It's what I would consider a pretty good theme song. My theme song.

Here Comes the Sun
by
The Beatles

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

In my life there have been many winters. Some actual seasonal Winters others proverbial and still others spiritual. Sometimes those winters have been long and cold and lonely like in the song. Other have been short...days...hours even. And yet. The sun always comes back. Always. And because of those winters the sun always feels warmer shines brighter and glows stronger.

So I choose this song as my Theme song. Even in my darkest times I know the sun will be coming.

In fact it's shining outside my window right now.

Faith and Doubt

Doubt sees the obstacles

Faith sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night
Faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step
Faith soars on high.
Doubt questions 'who believes?'
Faith answers, 'I.'

---Anonymous

Random Record Meme

1 - Go to Wikipedia. Hit “random”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to Quotations Page and select "random quotations"
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote on the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to Flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use Photoshop or similar to put it all together.

I don't know if I would buy this. And I obviously do not have a future in album art.

Pay It Forward

* Thanks to Shauna for the banner.

Okay I said it was coming! Here it is. My pay it forward post.

For those of you who don't know how this works.

The first three people to comment will receive a handmade gift from me to be delivered to your door sometime through out the year. Those of you who do make the first three comments then must "Pay It Forward" themselves and put this their blogs and continue sending out the love. (They must also be willing to give me a snail mail address so that the goodies can get to them.)

I am a HUGE believer in Karma or in other words if you send out good into the Universe, good will come back to you. Or in more mainstream religious terms "You reap what you sew." I think that P.I.F. is an awesome way to send good out into the Universe and keep it going.

Ready. Set. Comment!

Oh No She Di'int!

Things I have absolutely have NOT done in the last little while.

• I did not go to my son's Jr. high with no make up and hair undone for his SEOP where we would meet with a counselor and see other parents. I always look fab before going out the door.
• I did not almost cry upon hearing that there would be a 20 degree drop in temperature from one day to another. Spring can be so cruel. And yet I love it so much.
  
• I did not go ballistic on my son for eating some cinnamon toast before dinner. I am a cool, calm and collected mom.
• I did not watch the All American Rejects "Give You Hell" video an insane amount of times and I didn't enjoy it every. single. time.
• I did not leave a big pot of chicken chili out on the stove, forgetting to put it in the refrigerator after dinner was over. And I was not exceptionally sad about the fact that I wouldn't be able to have leftovers.
  
• I did not become giddy over a 6 word email from Tara Whitney in response to one of my comments on her blog. And I definitely will not be saving said email because that would just be kind of stalkerish? shall we say?
• I did not shed tears over the fact that this Sunday we lose an hours worth of sleep.
• I did not play Scramble on Facebook obsessively until I reached the 200 point mark.
  

Is there anything you have haven't done that you'd like to share. Confession is good for the soul. At least that's what I hear.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am Thankful for...

• Thankful Thursday. That's right. I'm thankful for this little meme that gives me something to blog about when I don't feel that I have much to blog about. I mean I did blog about the death of my radio but that's a downer post and I didn't want to end with that.
• I'm Thankful for the drama that I have in my life, which is really very minimal. I know this sounds strange but when I hear how other people's lives are filled with drama serious, serious drama. I'm talking murder and baby daddy type drama it makes me ultra grateful for the minimality of mine.
  
• Furniture sliders. Yes the do work. I can move my tall six shelf bookcase full of books without emptying it. These suckers are miracles for me because I am an obsessive furniture rearranger. It used to be once a month now it's closer to quarterly.
• I'm thankful for my husband and his willingness to take care of our family and make it so I can be a sahm. I'm also thankful for his job security. Need I say more?
  
• I'm thankful for my bed. Yep. I sure am. I had a conversation with my kids last night about this very thing. I think I'll save the details for another post though.
• And I'm thankful for in-laws, who upon hearing of the death in our family, sent me home with a boom box with a radio and cd player!
  

Those are the things that I am Thankful for this day. What are you Thankful for? The banner is free for the taking.

Another untimely demise

If you remember just a couple of days ago we said a sorrowful farewell to our waffle iron.

Yesterday we lost another small appliance. Our stereo in our front room gave it up after fifteen years. Yes fifteen years of music and magic. It was getting old. You couldn't turn it up using the actual volume knob on it any more because doing that would only turn it down. Thankfully there was a remote and the remote would make the volume work.

Unfortunately yesterday as I was in the midst of moving the front room around I caused the stereo to meet and early death. I was trying to put it back in the bookcase and in doing so it fell out of my hands and onto the floor. I did try to resuscitate it. Took all the screws out and took the back panel off even though it told me not to do so because of a risk of electric shock. But I did. I took my life into my hands to see if I could bring back life into my stereo.

It was not to be. It was getting power to it but when you tried to turn it on nothing happened. So I sadly, I had to pull the plug.

Farewell fine stereo who played many hours of enjoyable music. You served us well. (except for the times in this last little while when you've played that darn Katy Perry "Hot n' Cold" song FAR too often, but then nothings perfect.)

May your tuner find many new and wonderful stations free of static and Green Tea Lady and SuperDell commercials.

I bid you adieu.

My Newest Guilty Pleasure

I LOVE this song and this video. I do enjoy me some good AAR. I know I shouldn't like this because it doesn't have the best message or the best words but.... Oh how I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! (I may or may not dance like Elaine Benes while listening to it )

Ewww

Sorry. I heard this on the radio this morning and had to share my disgust.

Wal-Mart customer in Mass. finds teeth in wallet

5 hours ago

FALMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A customer shopping at a Wal-Mart for a wallet claims he found something that definitely didn't fit the bill: human teeth.

Police say the man found 10 human teeth Saturday when he unzipped a compartment in the wallet. One tooth had a filling.

The customer turned the wallet and the teeth over to employees at the Falmouth store but left without giving his name.

Police investigating the incident told The Cape Cod Times that the teeth belong to an adult, but since there was no blood or gum tissue on the teeth, they would be unable to perform DNA tests.

A Walmart spokeswoman said the company believes it was an "isolated incident," but will investigate.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

*I added the picture

Oil Slick and Cow Tipping

What is the deal?? Yesterday my face decided that it would be the site of an oil slick. I washed my face with soap and water last night and this morning the oil slick is back.

SEE!

BLECH!

It's seriously like I've taken baby oil or turkey grease or something and rubbed it all over my face. Isn't that gross? I did go and wash my face after I documented the oiliness of it all.

And I wanted to share the shirt I'm sporting today. It's one of my favorites.

Doesn't it ROCK!?

I found this shirt at the local thrift store. I actually had someone come up and ask me if it was a serious shirt. Excuse me? Can you see the DATE on the shirt? 1977. Just how old do I look???? I was SIX in 1977.

Welcome Home

The other day I had a good friend, ward member and former bishop come home from Afghanistan. He'd been serving there for about a year. It was good to see him and welcome him home. He and his wife are two of my most favorite people in the world. Here are some pictures.

The house all decked out for his welcome.

Here are the people waiting to meet him.
You can kind of see the police escort coming down the road.

The escort was for his car with his wife in it. He was dropped off at the end
of the street and walked up the street greeting friends that lined the way.
Here he is coming down the road. He's shaking hands with our
current bishop, who happens to be my older brother.
Getting a warm welcome from some of his former students. He was a sixth grade
teacher for a while and had obviously made an impact on these kids.
Chatting with the crowd
Two of my favorite people together again!
Here he is hugging another one of my favorite people, my mom.
He gave my mom an American flag that was flown over where he was stationed on
November 11th, in honor of my mom and dad. He said that there was fighting that day.
I tear up even thinking about it.
The obligatory arms length picture.
Here his going to get a big welcome home hug from one of his sons.
Here they are in front of their home.
Of course I asked for a kissing shot. What's a welcome home without a big kiss??
And a hug.

Welcome home Joel! Thank you so much for being willing to go forward and serve this country. I am very grateful. It's so good to have you back home safe and sound.